It was New Year's Eve.
The Titans East had to come to Jump City to ring in the New Year, and the party in the Tower living room was going strong into the night, pulsing with heavy bass and flashing strobe lights. Far below her, Raven could hear superheroes toasting, and hoots and cheers from a break dance competition between Beastboy and Speedy.
She sat on the roof, legs crossed, feeling the chilled wind whip through her loose hair.
Raven had initially made an appearance at the party, attempting to smile and say hello to some of their guests. She had managed for a few draining hours, standing in her corner, watching the revelers from a disinterested distance. Someone had dared to approach her and asked to dance, but she had declined, giving the poor soul a blunt "No".
Eventually though, all the high-running emotions and celebration left her feeling mentally exhausted, and she made a silent exit to head to her quiet sanctuary up here on the roof.
A new year, Raven thought to herself.
Another year gone, and here the world is. The lights still sparkle, Beastboy still smells, and the earth has kept on turning.
She smiled slightly to herself. That's not too bad, all things considered. I can only hope the year to come will be the same. Maybe even enough for me to leave the nightmare of my past behind.
An unwelcome metallic voice cut into her thoughts.
"Hey there, kid. Party too wild for you?"
Raven spun around, caught off guard. She backed up, raising her hands in front of her defensively, dark magic rippling around them.
"Woah, woah. Hold up," Red-X cautioned, holding up his own hands in a surrendering movement. "I didn't come here to fight."
"Then what did you come for?" Raven demanded harshly, hands still raised and ready to deflect an attack.
Red-X gave a light chuckle, but he didn't seem to be laughing at her. "I just wanted to talk."
Now it was Raven's turn to snort. "Yeah, right. And I want to throw myself off this building into the freezing water below."
Despite his mask, the sorceress could sense the thief raise an eyebrow. "You really do, huh?"
Raven rolled her eyes. "No, but if you don't leave I might."
Now she could sense him smile.
"Now, I wouldn't want you to do that. I think Bird Brain would crucify me to the side of this Tower if you did."
Raven couldn't help chuckling slightly at that, at the truth in his statement.
"Well look at that!" Red-X declared, smirking at her. "The dark birdie can actually laugh!"
He shook his head to himself. "This is turning out to be quite a night of firsts."
Raven scowled back at him. "I can laugh. Just not with insufferable kleptomaniacs."
Red-X laughed, taking a few steps toward her. Without realizing it, Raven had lowered her hands, dark energy no longer sparking out. She had begun to relax, feeling less apprehensive as each moment passed.
"So, Raven," Red-X said her name seriously, and Raven realized with a sudden jolt that he had turned his synthesizer off, allowing a husky, warm voice to replace it. He drew closer, standing two feet away from her. The change in voice caused Raven's heartbeat to leap into her throat, leaving her speechless for a moment.
"What I wanted to talk about was you."
How could that smooth, reassuring voice actually belong to Red-X? It didn't make sense.
Raven opened her mouth, tried to say something along the lines of "What about me?" but nothing came out. Red-X continued speaking.
"I came to tell you that I respect you as the strongest of the titans. I came to tell you I admire your stubbornness, that your intelligence is enviable, and that I'm convinced I've never met anyone more beautiful than you. And I'm sorry I hit you so hard, weeks ago."
Before Raven could move a muscle to respond, Red-X pulled off his mask and grabbed Raven's chin, pulling her closer. Raven was staring into grey-green eyes before soft lips pressed against hers, caressing her mouth in a way she never thought possible.
The thought to fight it never crossed her mind as he kissed her so sweetly. All thought left her mind entirely, and she only felt a warm bliss rushing throughout her.
A crimson red blush spread across her cheeks like wildfire, and her whole body had become unseasonably warm in the biting winter air. The thief pulled back, a half-tender, half-triumphant look in his eyes as he saw her red face. He gave her his signature half-smile before backing away, preparing to make his exit off the roof. His eyes sparkled merrily.
"Happy New Year, Sunshine".
Guys, reviews feed this happy little soul of mine. So be nice and share your feelings if you read this. :D Also, although I do have a fairly well-roughed out plot in my mind, if anyone has any potential scenarios they want to see Raven/Red X in, I'll consider incorporating them into the story.