Raven and Jinx stood face to face in the training area outside, their expressions focused and determined. It was an unlikely pairing, given their contrasting personalities, but they were united by a common goal—to hone Jinx's newfound powers and strengthen her resistance against Trigon's influence."This is soooo dumb!" Jinx lamented, her frustration evident in her tone.
Raven, maintaining her calm demeanor, responded firmly, "You have to focus, Jinx."
The tension between them continued to escalate as Jinx retorted, "It's dumb! I already know how to use my powers!" With a determined look on her face, she aimed at every target on the field and unleashed a barrage of energy, hitting each one with pinpoint accuracy. Her aim was flawless.
Raven, however, attempted to interject, "It's not just about aiming—"
Before Raven could finish her sentence, a sudden surge of energy disrupted the scene. The little pink gem on Jinx's forehead began to glow, emitting an uncontrollable aura of power. Alarmed, Raven swiftly enclosed Jinx within her own protective black energy field, trying to contain the overflowing energy.
"It's about controlling the excess power," Raven explained, her voice filled with concern.
Jinx, consumed by frustration and anger, snapped back, "Stop saying that! I know!" Her eyes glowed fiercely once again, and without warning, a surge of pink electricity jolted through Raven's body, propelling her backward. Jinx, realizing the unintended consequences of her actions, gasped and immediately started apologizing repeatedly.
She looked at Raven's hands, noticing the lingering soreness that hadn't fully healed since the last incident. The memory flashed in her mind—it happened when Raven had grasped the Trigon's fashion stone, as Beast Boy amusingly referred to it. The stone had caused a deep wound, and now, to her dismay, she witnessed it reopening, blood beginning to trickle down Raven's fingers.
Jinx's heart sank as guilt washed over her. She couldn't bear the thought of causing Raven any more pain or harm. She hurriedly approached Raven, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Raven, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. Are you okay? Can I help?"
Raven winced, her face etched with discomfort, but she managed a reassuring smile despite the pain. "It's alright, Jinx. It's not your fault," she replied, trying to downplay the severity of the situation. Deep down, though, she understood the urgency of teaching Jinx to harness her powers effectively.
Jinx, still filled with remorse, gingerly reached out to inspect Raven's wounded hands.
Robin had been observing the interaction between Jinx and Raven from a distance, but now he approached them cautiously, sensing the tension in the air. Concern laced his voice as he asked, "Is everything okay?"
Raven responded, carefully hidding her injured hands, "Yes, everything's fine. It's just a matter of time for Jinx to understand her newfound powers. Besides," she shifted her gaze towards Jinx, "I need to teach her how to meditate."
Jinx's expression twisted with boredom. "Meditate? Why?"
Raven let out a resigned sigh, fully aware of the daunting task that lay ahead. "Because we control our powers through emotions and feelings. You need to find inner calmness in order to harness them effectively..."
Suddenly, an explosion erupted from behind them, catching both Raven and Robin off guard. Robin raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and amusement evident on his face.
Jinx, in a desperate attempt to defend herself, protested, "I am calm!"
Robin couldn't help but inject a touch of sarcasm. "Yeah, I can see that."
Jinx, feeling a pang of guilt for her inability to control her powers, retorted, "Well, I'm doing just fine! It's just Miss Goth Girl over here who's always trying to boss me around!"
"Boss you around?" Raven asked in a tone of desperation. "You never listen to anything!"
"What?! I've followed every order for the past two weeks! I've been like the perfect student. You just suck at teaching!"
Raven's calm demeanor was beginning to crumble as frustration welled up within her. "Perfect student? You practically play all day!"
Robin observed their heated argument, silently taking in the exchange between the two. Breaking the tension, he decided to change the subject, hoping to shift their focus to something positive. "So, we were all hoping that both of you would agree to join us in celebrating the fact that Trigon is no longer a threat to humanity. It's a moment worth commemorating, don't you think?"
Raven, with a hint of skepticism, replied, "I don't think so."
Jinx, feeling offended by Raven's response, questioned, "What? Why not?"
Raven maintained her stance, firm in her opinion. "It's just not a good idea."
The argument between the two resumed, and Robin found himself as nothing more than an amused observer, watching the verbal sparring between the girls.
"C'mon, Rae, it doesn't have to be anything big. Just something simple to cheer us up," Robin suggested, trying to persuade her
Raven contemplated Jinx's plea, her brows furrowed in deep thought.
jinx grabbed Raven's shoulders and shook her, putting on an exaggerated display of childlike begging. "Oh, Raven, please!" Jinx pleaded, adopting a playful, almost whimsical tone. "Please, we haven't left this tower in decades!"
Raven couldn't help but roll her eyes at Jinx's overly dramatic performance. "It's only been two weeks, Jinx," she reminded her, her voice carrying a tinge of mild exasperation. "I don't think it's a good idea to take you out with so many people around."Undeterred, Jinx continued her persuasive efforts, acting like an eager child seeking permission. "Please, I'll behave, I promise! Let us go to a mall, a coffe shop a bar, oh yes please a bar please! Pretty please, I beg you!"
Raven sighed, knowing that Jinx's mischievous nature could lead to unexpected consequences. She had to prioritize the safety of both Jinx and those around them. "You think alcohol is going to calm you down?" she questioned skeptically.
Jinx responded with unwavering confidence, as if stating the obvious. "Alcohol will calm me down!" Her conviction was unwavering, leaving no room for argument.
Raven shook her head, firm in her decision. "No."
Just then, Robin interjected with a playful smile "Hey, Rae, maybe a drink isn't such a bad idea. We can have a small gathering here at the tower. What do you think?" He made sure Jinx didn't catch sight of him and leaned closer to Raven, whispering, "You owe her."
Raven shot Robin a glare that could freeze time itself, her frustration evident. She begrudgingly considered his suggestion, knowing that a small celebration within the safety of the tower might appease Jinx's yearning for adventure. Reluctantly, she nodded in agreement.
"Just a few drinks, here at the tower, but you have to promise me—no, swear to me—that tomorrow you will start meditating," Raven insisted, looking at Jinx with a mix of sternness and hope.
Jinx crossed her heart dramatically, giving Raven a big hug and a peck on the cheek. "Cross my heart!" she declared, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, thanks! This is going to be a blast!" Another explosion unexpectedly rocked the training field, prompting Jinx to quickly defend herself. "I didn't do it!"
Raven sighed, motioning for Jinx to go ahead towards the tower. "Just go. I need to talk to Robin," she requested, her tone conveying a sense of urgency.
As Jinx excitedly made her way towards the tower, Raven turned her attention to Robin. Frustration and concern filled her voice as she addressed him, "Really, Robin? A gathering?"
Robin met her gaze, a knowing expression on his face. "Raven, you owe her more than just after what you told me," he reminded her gently.
Raven rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of her past actions. "You don't have to remind me," she replied, "I'm trying, Robin. I'm really trying to help her gain control over those powers. But it's not easy."
Robin's eyes softened as he reached out to comfort her. "I know, Raven. But you can do it. You have the strength and knowledge. Besides, it looks like you're actually having fun," he teased, a playful smile playing on his lips.
Raven raised an eyebrow, disbelief evident in her expression as she showed him her injured hands. "Fun?" she retorted, almost incredulously.
Robin shrugged, his smile unwavering. "Come on, Rae. You've endured far worse than a few burns. Admit it, you can't help but smile when Jinx is around."
"Do not play with fire, Richard," she warned, using his real name to emphasize her seriousness.
Robin chuckled, his gaze unwavering. "Fine. Still, you have to admit that Jinx having that gem is our best option for now. While we find a way to keep Trigon far from both of you, we need to be kind to her. Understood?"
After that night, the six of them, along with Cyborg's current girlfriend, Bumblebee, began pouring themselves small amounts of vodka into their drinks. They indulged in a moderate amount, aware of their responsibilities as heroes. Being of legal drinking age, they were allowed to partake in the festivities.
Laughter filled the air as they gathered, enjoying the music, engaging in lively conversations, and sharing stories. It was a typical gathering, filled with camaraderie and the joy of spending time together.
Bumblebee observed Jinx and Raven from a distance, standing alongside Cyborg. She couldn't help but notice the intriguing dynamics between the two girls. "What's going on with those two?" she asked Cyborg, her curiosity piqued.
Cyborg glanced in their direction, observing Jinx and Raven conversing. "What do you mean?"
Bumblebee gestured towards them, a knowing smile on her face. "Look at them," she suggested, her eyes focused on the interaction. "Jinx is behaving like a decent person, and Raven...well, Raven is actually here, not locked away in her room as usual."
Cyborg's expression softened as he observed the unlikely companionship forming between Jinx and Raven. He had noticed the change as well.
"Come on, Rae, just one drink," Jinx persisted, trying to persuade Raven.
Raven remained resolute, shaking her head. "No, Jinx, no."
Bumblebee intervened, her tone playful yet firm. "Hey, are you trying to get her drunk?" she teased, addressing Jinx. Bumblebee and Cyborg sat near from the magical duo, observing the interaction.
Jinx chuckled, assuring Bumblebee, "Nah, I promised her I'll be good. But she promised me she would have fun."
Raven quickly interjected, denying the claim. "I did not," she stated, attempting to deflect the conversation with a touch of humor. "I don't do fun," she added, mustering a smile.
Jinx smirked "You don't? Then why am I here?"
Raven suggested, half-jokingly, "No idea. Please go hang out with Beast Boy. You always seem to have a laugh with him, or maybe spend time with Starfire."
Jinx raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't tempt me. You know you can't live without me."
Raven's expression softened, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Try me."
Their banter caught the attention of Cyborg and Bumblebee, who exchanged knowing glances. They found the dynamic between Raven and Jinx endearing, recognizing the underlying affection and connection between them. However, when Raven and Jinx noticed the duo's focused stares, both of them asked simultaneously, "What?"
Cyborg and Bumblebee chuckled, their amusement evident. "Nothing," Bumblebee replied, shaking her head.
Raven's patience wore thin, worn down by Jinx's persistent pestering. "Fine! Bring me a glass of red wine," she relented, finally giving in to Jinx's constant harassment. Jinx's face lit up with an evil grin, and she happily made her way to fulfill Raven's request. "Malbec, if you bring me something else..."
Jinx playfully shouted back from a distance, "What, send me to hell? Been there, done that!"
Meanwhile, Robin and Starfire stood close, wrapped in an affectionate hug. They had been a couple for four months now, and Starfire couldn't contain her joy. "Isn't it adorable?" she exclaimed, nudging Robin.
Raven's attention was momentarily diverted. "What?" she asked, slightly bewildered.
Robin, with the uninhibited confidence that came with a few beers, grinned broadly. "Oh, come on, Rae! You two are totally a couple!"
Raven's face turned as red as her gem, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Excuse me?" she stammered, caught off guard by the suggestion.
Bumblebee chimed in, agreeing with Robin's observation. "Yeah, I've never witnessed the 'opposites attract' phenomenon as clearly as I have today."
Raven remained stuck in a state of confusion, unable to fully comprehend the intentions of her friends. The embarrassment she felt made her calm voice tremble slightly.
Cyborg swiftly came to her defense. "Hey, leave her alone," he asserted, his protective nature shining through.
Bumblebee, realizing her mistake, expressed sincere remorse. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just thought... well, you looked happy."
Raven continued to repeat her question, caught in a loop of disbelief. "What?" she asked, her mind struggling to process the situation.
It was Starfire, known for her tender nature and close friendship with Raven, who reached out and took Raven's hands gently in her own. She spoke softly, with genuine concern in her voice. "Friend Raven, deep within your heart, what do you feel when you look at Jinx?"
Raven's mind raced, the question echoing within her. She couldn't find an immediate answer, still caught up in her confusion.
thanks to perfect timing, jinx arrived with a beer for herself and a glass of red wine.
"Here," Jinx handed the glass of wine to the half-demon. "Malbec from Argentina," she added, playfully feigning a Spanish accent, "2002."
Raven took the glass, her skepticism evident. "Don't act wise, Jinx. I know you read it from the bottle..." Her words trailed off as she locked eyes with Jinx. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Raven's gaze drifted to the small, pink gemstone embedded in Jinx's forehead. A surge of emotion welled up within her as she realized the depth of sacrifice Jinx had made for her.
No one in Raven's entire life had ever gone to such lengths for her. Jinx had willingly chosen to bear the burden of Trigon in her own mind, sparing Raven from descending into madness. The mere intention behind Jinx's selfless act struck a chord within Raven, resonating deep within her heart.
"Thanks,"
"What are you all looking at?" Jinx interrupted the intense emotional atmosphere, oblivious to the weight of the conversation that had just taken place. The Titans swiftly shifted their focus, pretending as if nothing had happened.
"Weirdos," Jinx muttered under her breath as she took a seat next to her. Raven smiled and nodded in agreement.
"They are. That's why we fit in," Raven whispered back, her voice filled with affection. She took a sip of her wine, causing Jinx to make a fun face. "What?"
"It smells awful," Jinx remarked, scrunching up her nose.
"Wanna taste?" Raven offered, extending her glass. Jinx hesitated for a moment. "Coward."
"Excuse me?" jinx raised an eyebrow, playfully offended.
"This glass contains much more alcohol than that," Raven explained calmly taking another sip and pointing at Jinx's beer.
"Oh, so you think you're better than me?" Jinx retorted, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Thinking is much less than knowing," Raven replied, a smile tugging at her lips.
Unable to resist the challenge, Jinx swiftly grabbed the glass from Raven's hand and took a sip, letting out a satisfied sound. "Hum, not bad. Here," she said, passing her beer to Raven.
"Hey!" Raven protested, feigning offense.
The other Titans couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the adorable interaction between the magical and demonic duo. They were captivated by the evolving friendship that bloomed between Jinx and Raven, witnessing the genuine moments of connection that transcended their differences.