Before I begin I had to send a heartfelt and most appreciative shout out to Crystalzap and Leaf Ranger for being so kind to leave reviews for me. I also want to thank all the people that decided to follow this story. Now I feel much better about updating more chapters!
Thank you all so much! Here is another chapter for The Truth hope you like it! Please R&R :) :) :)
Chapter 9: A Night Out
The cool night air blew in the friends' faces. Although most of them still didn't know where they were going. Raven and Terra couldn't help fiddling with their outfits. Raven was in a dark gray long skirt completed with her violet blouse and a matching choker that almost looked like a necklace. Terra's gown was mid-length; a mix of summer apricot and a shimmery gold; her high heel shoes matched as well. Once again the boys had to distract themselves from how the girls were dressed.
Everyone's suspense increased as Robin pulled up to a classy looking restaurant. The aroma of delicious foods drifted on a cool breeze; making everyone's mouths water. Outside small crowds of eager couples and friends stood ready for a good time. With Robin, Cyborg, and Beast boy escorting Star and her sister, Raven and Terra inside the restaurant a waiter took them to a booth and a table and chairs. Terra was surprised to see the waiter remove a reserved sign from the front. The boys held out chairs for the girls. Another waiter walked up a big smile on his face. The second waiter handed out menus and placed five more on the table.
"Would like to start off with some drinks ladies and gentlemen?"
"Well what do you think?" Robin asks glancing at his friends. Starfire and Terra blush, Raven gave a quick nod; Blackfire gives a wide grin, while Cyborg and Beast boy stare at the menu for a few seconds in awe. All the Titans bob their heads up and down. "Well I would like a diet Pepsi."
"Can I have a glass of…um do you have any soy milk? Or I guess I can have a glass of water?"
"Beast boy sir, we do have milk substitutes and a full range of vegetarian dishes. So to answer your question yes we have soy milk. And we've been told that Miss Raven prefers herbal tea? We can give you both separate menus to suite your needs. Our deepest wish is that you will return soon; no need to worry about the tab- this meal is compliments of the mayor of Jump City and our own local chef. Does this answer any questions you may have?"
Cyborg and Beast boy gasped with delight as they had a chance to see the menu. Raven picked up her menu and gave a small smile. Terra squealed for a second making Blackfire blush. Robin held Starfire's hand under the table making her blush as well. The sound of high heels and padded shoes heading in their direction made them all turn.
"It's great to see you guys again! I was hoping we would get the chance to see you before the next Ice Age. Mind if we join you; we brought our appetites."
The girl had her usual hair puffs on the side of her head; hanging down and in curls for once. Her outfit was a golden yellow swirling blouse with a black skirt halfway down her knees. Her black and silver high heels matched her dangling crystal earrings and bracelet. A slender boy in a deep sea blue suit and brown shoes walked up behind her, a wide grin on his face. Another slender boy who looked almost like Robin's twin had a tan-red shirt, with a surprising orange-brown jacket and pants. The last two boys were in matching red and white suits; unfortunate but they were unable to find suites so they were left with their hero outfits.
"I don't believe we've met. My name is Terra. Who are you?"
"I'm Bumblebee," the Black girl said with a big smile. "This is Aqua lad, Menos and Mas, and last but not least Speedy. We are Titans East. Robin invited us to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and we couldn't resist. By the way we heard about…your accident. I'm really sorry and I wish there was something we could do. Perhaps the best thing to do is just be your friend Terra. Do you mind introducing us to the dark beauty sitting next to you? She's also a new face in town."
Blackfire was not sure what to do with an intro like that. It seems Robin and the rest of the Titans didn't mind telling friends what happened with them and vice versa. Beast boy gave Speedy a stern glare, while Cyborg and the Twins chit-chatted thanks to a translator shaped in the clever disguise of a bow tie. Raven and Robin seemed to be catching up on Atlantis with Aqua lad. Bumblebee was still waiting on an answer from her so she cleared her throat, "I'm Blackfire and I'm Starfire's older sister. Our previous relationship was on the rocks but thanks to a certain blonde I'd like to hope it is at the least on the mend?"
"Oh sister our relationship has seen the bad weathering in the sky but I believe we will be closer than ever. Please friends may we join you in this buffet of the feast?"
"Bad weather in the sky? Star what are you talking about?" Terra and Aqua lad ask in unison. Beast boy chuckles saying, she means 'stormy relationship' but it's getting better. Now can we go eat? I'm anxious to hit the salad bar."
"Well our waiter left to get drinks and he'll have to take yours too, so how about we catch up and then hit the buffet? I hope Raven will be willing to get more than just tea tonight. It's one of the reasons why I wanted to come, to give us the chance to see old friends and try something new." The waiter happened to just finish talking with another couple before coming over pen in hand ready to write down drinks. Everyone got something simple and then mouths began to water.
Once the drinks were passed around Menos and Mas offer to take the girls, meaning Star; her sister, and Terra to the buffet. Robin looked a little annoyed that the Spanish speed twins had beat him to the punch but Star waited for him. Beast boy went with Terra, Bumblebee with Cyborg; the twins with Blackfire, and Raven with Aqua lad and Speedy.
All in all the night was great. Beast boy avoided the meat and Cyborg and Bee had a hearty plate of soul food goodness. Robin and Star started off light with a salad topped with fresh fruit although Star's salad got weird with the mustard, pickles, mushrooms, and a drizzle of boysenberry jam. Terra tried a little and she didn't like it. Aqua lad got a variety of fish and sushi which was one of his favorites. Raven couldn't help but notice the intense stares Speedy gave Terra whenever she wasn't looking at him. She also noticed Beast boy's disapproving stare that grew more and more suspicious. Menos and Mas were delighted with home comforts of a wide range of Hispanic dishes from a little bit of everywhere.
Conversations flowed in and out of each other. No one was in a rush. There was nothing to worry about tonight. Treasure the time to enjoy the company of good friends and great food. Before they knew it; time for dessert. The head chef came out in person to suggest some of her best desserts like: an assorted assembly line of cheesecakes, dozens of pies, and of course the crowd favorite all kinds of homemade cakes; not to mention ice cream.
"So Terra I heard that you've lost your memory. I feel for you I really do. A real shame you don't remember all the good times we had. Considering your track record with villains do you think it wise to…endanger your "new so-called" friends just because of a little long-term memory lost? I mean it would break your heart if you got them back only for an evil to befall them, especially Blackfire. People like you don't change your colors over night. The way I see it once a villain always a villain right Terra."
Raven and Bumblebee's conversation was cut short when a loud growl and a shocked gasp filled the circle of friends. Beast boy had just shoved the cream off a Boston cream pie right in Speedy's face. Robin had a piece of blueberry cobbler stuck in his mouth and Star had cherry cheesecake all over her mouth and nose. Cyborg and Aqua lad both had chocolate on their faces while Menos and Mas enjoyed a nice traditional Mexican cake. Other couples and families looked on in shock and horror. It was clear something was wrong; very, very, wrong.
"Take that back," Beast boy growled his fangs exposed. Terra looked to Blackfire desperate for reassurance. All she could do was shrug. She had no idea what set B.B. off like this; Speedy had been whispering after all. Speedy wiped off his face and flicked some of his dessert- a hot fudge sundae in Beast boy's face. This started a food fight but there was little funny about this fight. Robin realized almost too late this was too serious. These boys were close to blows and Terra and Blackfire were in the middle. Why did Speedy have to ruin the evening like this? What could make him so angry; when no one had done anything wrong…?