Hey yo, author here! Really trying to commit to getting one more chapter out before Christmas. Once again, I intended to have this be the swing back into action but hey ho, one more chapter of character development but for sure the last for a while. When I started this, I did intend to have a chapter set at Christmas, but I never actually planned for it to release at Christmas, so I guess enjoy the Christmas chapter :). As usual, much love for the follows/favs/review. Broke fifty follows and favorites the other day and honestly, it means the world. FF still has a messed up read count, so it's the only way I know people are interested. Anyway, I'm rambling. Enjoy the chapter!
As always, much love - Seadavid41
Ch. 24 Impulses
As dawn broke over Jump City, the rising sun revealed, what most onlookers would consider, a Winter Wonderland. The first light of the day danced across delicate snowflake as the last traces of an overnight flurry gently fell into the bay and the city streets. The city itself was cast in a peaceful silence as citizens opted to spend their Christmas mornings inside their warm homes amongst loved ones. The air was crisp, but refreshing, almost as if the snow had brought a certain amount of purity to the Jump City air. Overall, the tranquil state that Jump City was currently in seemed to truly capture the spirit of the festive season.
None of this meant anything to Raven, who rolled over in her bed, bringing her pillow over her head to block out the sun poking through her curtains. She had been having the best sleep she had had in weeks, uninterrupted, peaceful, quiet…and then, her eyes had been hit by a harsh beam of light that had dared to interrupt her slumber. Originally, she had cracked an eye open, before immediately narrowing it at the small gap in her curtains through which the sun was currently shining through like its sole purpose was to disturb her slumber. She had briefly toyed with the idea of getting out of bed to adjust her curtains, but her initial foray outside of her sheets with her foot, which immediately met air that she deemed was far too cold in comparison to the warmth her sheets provided, resulted in her withdrawing the appendage back under her sheets almost immediately. She had no idea how much time had passed, but she was now in what seemed to be an unending cycle of falling back asleep until she rolled over only to be awoken by the sun again. She only wanted five more minutes…
Raven groaned in frustration. Well it was good while it lasted. Raven dragged herself into an upright position, pushing her hair out of her eyes as she glanced at the clock she kept on her bedside table. She looked at it confused for a moment before rubbing her eyes and looking at it again. Nope, she wasn't wrong…it really was nearly eleven.
"Azar…I haven't slept in like this since…I've never slept in like this."
Raven swung her sheets off of herself and had to borderline resist hissing as the cold air enveloped her. She was wearing relatively simple pajamas, consisting of a pair of dark pajama bottoms and an band t-shirt that she rarely wore outside of her room. Beast Boy had gotten it for her for Christmas a few years back because he thought they were "her kind of vibe". Raven was not a massive music listener, but she had looked up a few songs by the band on the front and to give credit to Beast Boy…Blue Öyster Cult were…tolerable. She'd never say that to him though. However, her mild appreciation for the band didn't stop her from being annoyed at them for selling such thin t-shirts.
After a quick shower and rummage through her closet, Raven emerged from her room feeling the best she had in weeks. Instead of her typical uniform, Raven had opted for the outfit she typically reserved for when the Titans were engaging in missions in snowy terrains. Her cloak and hood were lined with fur and rather than leave her legs bare, they were now adorned with black leggings. Rather than her normal boots, she had put on her fur-lined ones. If she had already slept in, everyone would already have noticed. She may as well fully embrace her inclination for warmth. Raven began walking towards Main Ops, her mind set on a hot cup of her morning tea. However, her thoughts were interrupted, for once not by someone's emotions being too loud, but by someone just being too loud…in general. Raven unconsciously raised an eyebrow in curiosity at the sound of Starfire's animated voice in Main Ops. Having just arrived, Raven allowed the door to slide open in front of her and even she couldn't have tried to hide the amusement on her face if she tried.
Starfire was floating at the gas hob where Cyborg usually did the cooking, except she was handling two different pans at the same time, chattering happily to Cyborg who looked like he was about to have a stroke as he fussed over the pans and how close Starfire kept getting to the open flames. On her head, Starfire wore a classic style chef's hat. Written in big letters on the front, the hat read "Tamaran's Greatest Chef". Nightwing was sat on one of the tall chairs at the kitchen counter, half staring at Starfire with concern, half focusing on what looked like a Rubik's cube in his hands. Meanwhile, Melvin, Timmy and Teether were sat on the carpet in front of the tv playing with a multitude of action figures.
Raven had no idea what had sparked such a spectacle this morning, but she couldn't help but watch the scene with a smile. Her smile faltered just the slightest bit though when she realised that there was one person missing from the scene in front of her. Raven glided from the door towards Nightwing, who spotted her as she flew over.
"Merry Christmas Raven! I don't think I've ever seen you sleep in this late before."
Raven paused. Was it really Christmas Day? She had never really cared much for the holiday before, even though she always went along with whatever activities the Titans had decided to partake in during previous years so it wasn't too surprising to her that she'd lost track of the date.
"Merry Christmas Nightwing and in all honesty…I don't know the last time I did, but I think I needed it…so…what in the name of Azar has inspired…all of this?"
Raven gestured at the scene happening at the stovetop and Nightwing glanced over as well, his face caught somewhere between amusement and concern. "Well, all of us kind of put Christmas on the back burner with everything that's been going on, but Beast Boy, being Beast Boy, had already bought some presents for people before well…everything. He was in here this morning already saying that they shouldn't go to waste and that it was still the spirit of the season."
Nightwing motioned towards the three youngest Titans across the room. "Then, when they came in all excited for Christmas, Beast Boy went and got a collection of old action figures from his room and said they could keep them. I don't think they've ever really had a Christmas before, let alone presents so they've been obsessing over them ever since."
Starfire, having finally noticed Raven, flew over, dropping both, of the pans she was holding, causing Cyborg to give a shrill scream as he launched himself at the pair of them, catching them both before they hit the ground.
"Oh yes Raven! Beast Boy has gotten us the most thoughtful gifts! He got me the hat I'm currently wearing and a cookbook by a "Gordon Ramsay"! He's supposed to be a very good cook of earthly foods, but he made a special book for foods that are both quick and delicious! Also, he got Nightwing the "Rubik's cube", but it is more complicated than a normal one. He has been trying to solve it all morning, but hasn't gotten close!"
Nightwing scowled, but there was no actual anger in it. "I'll get there! Also, it's not a cube Star, it's technically a dodecahedron, but the puzzle is the same concept as a Rubik's cube and I…will figure it out eventually."
Raven's poorly concealed smirk only sent Nightwing grumbling as he turned his attention back to the complicated puzzle in his hands. At the point, Cyborg had managed to gain control of everything that was currently cooking and had come to join the others, a bead of sweat on his forehead, as he was still recovering from having to save whatever concoctions Starfire had been trying to create. "I'm gonna kill Beast Boy. Giving Star a recipe book and then leaving her to me when she starts experimenting is cruel and unusual."
Raven raised an eyebrow. "Did he not get you anything?"
Cyborg's face morphed from one of annoyance to something slightly happier. "Yea, yea…"
He reached over to the edge of the counter and pulled over a thin sheet of plastic. Raven eyed the contents. Inside it, was a car bumper sticker, that was similar to ones Raven had seen before which said "Baby On Board", except this one had been personalized, so it read, "Don't touch my baby". Beneath the caption was a cartoon sketch that bore an incredible similarity to the T-car. Raven looked up at Cyborg with a half-smile.
"You love it, don't you."
"…yea, I do."
Raven was about to laugh when she faltered, once again remembering that the giver of these gifts wasn't with them and that she seemed to have been left out of the party.
"Where is Beast Boy now then?"
Starfire, animated as ever and not noticing the slight strain in Raven's voice, didn't hesitate. "Oh! Beast Boy is currently up on the roof! The Herald came looking for him earlier and they went off to have some kind of discussion! Also, we asked him earlier. He said he has something for you but that he didn't want to disturb you! Also, he said that he'd rather give it you separately anyway, so he didn't mind!"
Raven felt a mixture of relief and nervousness at Starfire's proclamation. Relief because she hadn't been left out…nervousness at the idea that Beast Boy wanted to give her a present away from the others. She shook her head gently. No use thinking about it right now.
"Thanks Star, I'll go find him when he's finished speaking with the Herald."
Raven was expecting the subject to change with that declaration, but Starfire was having none of it.
"Oh no Raven, the Herald said he would only need him for a moment or two and that he wouldn't keep him. You should head up to the roof and speak with him at once!"
Raven raised an eyebrow at the Tamaranean. "Beast Boy isn't going anywhere Star, I don't mind waiting for him to come ba-"
Raven was cut off as Starfire grabbed her by the arm and practically dragged her across the room towards the main door, much to the confusion of Nightwing and Cyborg. Raven could only stumble after her or else her legs would have slipped out from underneath her.
"Starfire, what in the name of Azar are you do-"
Starfire only stopped once she successfully pulled Raven out of the room, the main ops door slowly closing behind the pair of them. Once closed, Starfire finally released Raven's arm, which Raven yanked back, rubbing her wrist while looking at Starfire with a mixture of confusion and anger.
"Explain what that was all about. Now."
Starfire looked sheepish for a moment before an excited look crossed her face. "Raven, I don't think you understand the nature of what Beast Boy is trying to do."
Raven's confusion only increased. "It's a present Star and I wasn't awake. It's not that com-"
Starfire held up a hand, silencing the empath. "Friend Beast Boy wished to give you your present separately and despite us asking several times, he refused to say what he got you. I know that he is hoping that you will go and find him!"
"Why would he want me to come find him? He could simply come and find me when he's ready?"
Starfire looked like she wanted to facepalm. "Raven…friend, you are incredibly wise but I still fear you sometimes miss the things that preside directly in front of your face. Giving someone a Christmas present…with a pretty view…just the two of you…it could be quite the romantic, no?"
Raven suddenly felt her blood run cold. "Star, that's a big jump to ma-"
Starfire was having none of it. "Is it really? Because when I spoke to Beast Boy before fighting Malchior months ago, I spoke of how the Beast only seemed to appear when you were involved. Beast Boy, shall we say, was…less subtle about his feelings than you were. I know things have become more…complicated, but this itself is not. If you are still serious about how you feel, then please Raven, I implore you to go up to the roof. I am most confident you will not be disappointed."
All of a sudden, Raven found her mouth to be incredibly dry. She had just had this debate in Nevermore. But, like most things, it was always easier in theory. Now, she had just been presented with something potentially very real.
"I'll…I'll go find Beast Boy."
Starfire's eyes lit up and she enveloped the empath in a bone-crushing hug. "I know you have to control your emotions, but in this instance…I'd recommend doing what we Tamaraneans do and let them flow through you…embrace them. I feel it will bring you much happiness."
The two separated and Raven looked at her with unsure eyes. "I'll try Star…."
With that, Raven turned away to heads towards the roof. She half-turned around when Starfire called out to her. "I will save you and Beast Boy some off the eggs of benedict that I was making from the cookbook!"
Raven looked back at her with smile before turning back around and making for the stairs, a grimace on her face. She had seen both the pans and there was nothing in either of those that looked like eggs benedict…Raven wasn't even sure if either of them contained eggs…
Beast Boy hadn't been able to sleep. He didn't know if Nightwing had actually given him regular coffee, or if the events from the last few days were still having an effect or whether he was just psyching himself out about his present for Raven, but he had essentially stared at the ceiling of his room for the entire night outside of a few pockets of sleep he had managed to get. But still, he'd trudged out of bed early and made his way to Main Ops, a small trove of presents in his arms and one securely tucked away in his uniform pocket. Despite what he had told Nightwing the night before, Beast Boy made a pot of coffee and poured himself a steaming mug of the stuff. He was too tired to be hyperactive.
Nightwing had been the first to arrive, as expected, a look of confusion on his face at Beast Boy being the first up. He'd explained that he'd bought presents for everyone months ago and that they might as well have them. Nightwing had given him a smile before he noted the drink in Beast Boy's hand. He had simply said it was necessary. Nightwing didn't question it. Soon after, Cyborg and Starfire trickled in he gave them each their present. Starfire squeezed the life out of him while Cyborg seemed to hesitate for a second before giving him a smile and a fist bump. He had to improvise when the Melvin, Timmy and Teether had rushed in, but a quick trip back to his room for some action figures he didn't use anymore seemed to do the trick.
It had gone perfectly up until then. Everyone had their presents and now all he had had to do was wait for a moment when he could get Raven alone. But then Starfire and Cyborg had started snooping, asking what he'd gotten her and then getting even more suspicious when he wouldn't tell them. That was why he could have kissed the Herald under the mistletoe when he had popped his head in looking for him and asked him if he had time to catch up. Beast Boy had acted quickly and told him he'd meet him on the roof in a few minutes and quickly asked Starfire to let Raven know where he was if she woke up. He left before she could ask any more questions. That's how Beast Boy found himself emerging onto the roof of Titans Tower on Christmas Day. In fairness, he needed to speak to the Herald…he'd done so much for him and he hadn't had a chance to say a word to him since he had come back to the Tower. But also, at any moment, he knew that Raven could come up to the roof looking for him…and he was gonna have to put up or shut up.
Beast Boy looked out from the door for the Herald but stopped when he heard it. Music, jazz, filtering through the air. He felt his ears twitch as he tried to locate the sound and eventually his eyes locked onto the figure of the Herald sitting on the edge of the roof, playing his horn like…well…a horn. He approached the figure, who still hadn't realised he had been joined by another. Beast Boy folded his arms and gave a half-smile.
"Is that a Christmas song?"
The Herald jumped ever so slightly, turning around with a grin. "It's called the Fairytale of New York. It's about a couple who come to America to try and make their mark and because it's a Christmas song, you think it's gonna work out…but it doesn't. They just fight the whole way through. It's a pretty different take on a Christmas song and one of my favorite's."
Beast Boy balked at the description as he walked over to take a seat next to the Herald, his feet dangling over the edge beside the trumpet players. "I'm more of a Winter Wonderland kind of guy, I'm not gonna lie."
The Herald chuckled. "Yea, that sounds about right…It's good to see you Gar."
"Yea, you too Mal."
There was a brief moment of silence, but it was comfortable. Two friends, sitting in the Winter sun, looking out over the city…it was more peace then either of them had seen in weeks. Eventually, the Herald broken the quiet.
"So…been a while. All I know is that you went to Alaska and at one stage, Deathstroke beat you to within an inch of your life…besides from that…how was it?"
Beast Boy laughed out loud at the Herald's bluntness. Strangely enough, since all of the conversation with the Titans had so far been about pretty much only his absence, he hadn't actually discussed too much of what he had actually got up too. He wasn't even quite sure where to start.
"It was…interesting. I haven't said it to any of the others yet but I'm pretty sure being in the wilderness like that was good for me. I was really able to give the other side of me a chance to breathe. I'll have to talk to Nightwing about vacation days. I mean…I lived like a wild animal would. I foraged, hunted, slept under the stars…the whole shebang. Pretty much spent half my days honing my own skills and the other half trying to understand the Beast. I mean…it worked, so I'd count it as a succe-…hmmm…maybe not that…but it was necessary."
The Herald tilted his head. "Why not a success?"
Beast Boy looked down at the Bay, suddenly not willing to make eye contact. "Ehm…I did it wrong…disappearing without talking to the others…I was confused…and scared…of myself not them…not once during any of this had I ever been really mad at them…I don't know if I could be if I wanted to…but I convinced myself that it was the way it had to be…I mean, you saw it at the time as well...I was stupid."
"You weren't stupid…you did what you thought was right. At the minimum, that ain't stupid. Sure, I thought you should have gone back to them first and now you think it too, but hey man, hindsight is twenty-twenty."
"Yea but…all your points from then still stand. Part of me can't believe that I just…left. I didn't have a timeline for when I'd come back…I didn't give them a way to find me, I…left them behind…just like that."
"But you came back too, don't forget that. If it wasn't for you, Nightwing might be dead and Raven captured for Deathstroke's ritual."
"I know, bu-"
"No Beast Boy. There's no point dwelling on what you could have done differently. You're here now. You came back of your own free will because you found what you thought was worth fighting for. On top of that, the people that you left behind are still here. Sure, it might take time, but tell me, how do you feel about being in Jump City…in the Tower again?"
"…It feels like home."
"Then run with that…focus on the present and look to the future."
Beast Boy fingered the small, wrapped box in his pocket. "Yea, I think I will."
The Herald slapped Beast Boy on the back, laughing at the same time. "Man, and all I wanted was a catch-up."
Beast Boy couldn't help but chuckle as well. "I suppose I have been a bit…dramatic recently. I can't help it though, it's all because of my old acting days!"
The Herald laughed and soon the conversation turned into something far more normal. Beast Boy asked about how his relationship with Argent was going and what he'd been up too, the Herald asked Beast Boy what else he'd gotten up too while he was away. It was the type of conversation that friends who hadn't seen each other in a while were supposed to have. It was a welcome break from how serious things had been recently, for both of them. Eventually, the conversation petered out a little bit and Beast Boy caught the Herald with his forehead creased, like he was tentative to say something.
"What's up man?"
The Herald looked up at Beast Boy, looking unsure of himself. "So…just wondering…you and Raven seem…close since you came back?"
Beast Boy felt his blood run cold, suddenly incredibly aware of who would be joining the two of them at any moment. He knew his face had frozen, something the Herald had undoubtedly noticed as well.
"Well…she was the one who found me in the city…so we've had to spend a lot of time together…cause there was a fight and she was hurt…couldn't just move on, ya'know?"
The Herald, who seemed to have gained some confidence on the subject, much to Beast Boy's chagrin, raised an eyebrow beneath his mask.
"Right…that's why the two of you were down on the rocks for so long…"
"She was helping me with the Cyborg situation, we di-"
"And your little trip through fire for her during Deathstroke's attack…you didn't even hesitate."
"…she was in danger…anyone would have do-"
"But no one did but you."
"…."
"You're actions attracted quite the crowd."
Beast Boy groaned and as he put his head in his hand. "…It's complicated."
The Herald looked at changeling with some sympathy, making an effort to select his next words carefully. "Garfield…months ago, I tried to convince you to stay because of what you would be leaving behind…who you'd be leaving behind…you knew who I was talking about then and you're lucky enough that that ship hasn't sailed. There's been a lot of complicated things over the last few months…this one's actually pretty simple."
Beast Boy listened to the Herald, his head still in his hands. However, his sensitive hearing latched onto something else. The slightest of sounds, only barely noticeable between the gentle breeze at the height they were at and the Herald's words…the gentle click of a handle as the door to the roof opened gently. He didn't even have a chance to turn around before her voice came through.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Starfire informed that Beast Boy would be up here, I didn't think you would still be in the middle of something."
The Herald didn't even hesitate. "No worries at all Raven! We actually just finished up. Anyway, Argent and I will still be around the Tower in case of anymore Deathstroke appearances. I'll take my leave."
Beast Boy looked up at the Herald as the trumpet player gave his shoulder a firm squeeze, a knowing look in his eyes. He knew he was right…that didn't make it easier. With that, the Herald stepped away from the edge of the roof and walked past Raven towards the door to the lower floors of the tower. Beast Boy turned around to watch the Herald slowly disappear behind some of the Tower vents as he walked towards the door before his eyes shifted to Raven. He felt his ears twitch as he took in her appearance. Raven was usually the image of composed and yet, here she was, looking…nervous? Beast Boy swallowed.
"Hey Raven."
That seemed to break Raven out of the stupor she had been in. Almost as if she had just remembered how cold it was outside, Raven pulled her fur-lined cloak around herself tightly and for a second, looked like she was going to put her hood up, before opting against it and walking over to take the seat the Herald had vacated.
"Hello Beast Boy."
Far from how he normally liked his Christmas mornings, Cyborg was enjoying the moment of silence he had been granted in Main Ops. After Starfire's enthusiastic approach to her new cookbook and the stress that had brought for the metal titan, in all honesty, he needed some time to breathe. Starfire and Nightwing had gone outside, at Starfire's insistence to enjoy the snow, a rare sight in California, even in the Winter months. That left Cyborg alone cleaning up Starfire's breakfast shenanigans with the only noise being the occasional raised voice from one of Melvin, Timmy or Teether playing with Beast Boy's toys, or from the digital crackling fireplace that Cyborg had put up onto the main screen. He thought it gave the room a better atmosphere. He was midway through washing the pots Starfire had left behind when he heard the main door slide open. Not turning around, he called over his shoulder.
"If you're looking to use the kitchen, just give me a minute…I'm cleaning up a war zone."
"Take your time Sparky. I'll let you know if you missed a spot."
Cyborg let out a quiet chuckle. "Yea, yea just because your living with some men who actually clean up after themselves for once."
Bumblebee laughed, hopping up onto the counter beside Cyborg so she could better survey his work. "You betcha, so I'm going to enjoy it while I can. Also, Merry Christmas ya big lummox."
Cyborg finished drying the last pan and placed it into a cupboard beneath the oven. "Merry Christmas Bee. So whatcha get me? Hmmmm? Cause I'll be honest, I've been banking on someone getting me some oil for the T-car, but so far I've been left out in the cold."
Bee gave a shrug. "Sorry honey, like everyone else, I've been a bit too swamped to go Christmas shopping. Saving the world really clogs up your schedule."
Cyborg looked at her in mock horror. "Oh woe is me! Won't anyone think of Cyborg during this holiday season!"
Bumblebee raised an eyebrow at Cyborg's antics. "Hey now, I don't see you giving out presents like Santa to everyone in the tower."
Cyborg raised his hands in surrender. "Fair, fair, I didn't get presents for everyone in the tower…"
Bumblebee dawned a triumphant smirk. "Now who isn't thinking of others during the festi-"
"Just you."
Bumblebee stopped in her tracks and looked at Cyborg in confusion, almost like she thought she had misheard him.
"Pardon?"
Cyborg looked smug as anything as he dried his hands with a tea towel. "I said I have one for you...but if you don't want it, don't worry, I'm sure I can find someone else who would wa-"
"Alright, alright, you got me, but…when did you get the time t-…why me?"
Now it was Cyborg's turn to look confused. "What do you mean why you? I had some time and I wanted too?"
Bumblebee was about to explain that what she really meant was why he had gotten her a present over the members of his full-time team, but before she could, Cyborg had noticed the troubled look on her face. "Look, I, like pretty much of all us, didn't exactly get time to go shopping. So I…here, one sec."
Bumblebee watched with interest as Cyborg opened up a compartment is his arm and withdrew what looked like a ball made up of some form of smooth metal. He examined it for a minute, appraising the item before walking up to Bee. He looked at her and back to the item and extended it to leader of Titans East.
"Merry Christmas Bee."
Bumblebee took the object from Cyborg and held it out in her palm. Up close, she still couldn't distinguish what it was. The metal had a glossy finish and there were some flecks of gold visible but none of that was helping her figure out what she had been given. Cyborg must have noticed the apprehension on her face.
"Say hi to it…its name is Barry."
Bumblebee looked up at Cyborg incredulously but there was no mischief in his eyes. If anything, he was watching her with a certain warmth that she couldn't quite place. He nodded at her as if she should go on.
"Trust me Karen."
Bumblebee looked back at the ball and with a sigh, spoke to the little item in her hand. "Hello Barry…I'm Bumblebee."
As soon as Bumblebee had finished her sentence, the honorary titan felt the ball start to vibrate in her hand. A surprisingly loud voice echoed from it as it began shifting. "Bumblebee identified. Hello Bumblebee. I am Barry."
With that, the ball began rearranging itself in her palm, revealing inner mechanisms, gears and wires that slowly rearranged themselves until everything came together again into a coherent shape that she almost needed two hands to hold. The small amount of gold she had seen before, rather than being placed randomly was now in an alternating pattern with the plated silver. Rather than lying on it's side, the machine was now supported by six legs and on top of it's body, a small pair of mechanical wings had appeared. Bumblebee stared at the little robot in her hand in wonder before looking up at Cyborg with a smile.
"A robot bee…it's adorable Cy…when did you even get the time to build this?"
Cyborg laughed, a noise which for some reason, Bee found herself enjoying slightly more. "Not gonna lie, I've been working on it for a little while…only needed to put the finishing touches on it over the last few days. Here, I haven't even shown you everything yet. I linked it with your voice an Titans ID, so all you have to do is speak too it to turn it on and off, tell it to fly somewhere and so on. But also, tell it to engage reading mode."
Bumblebee turned her attention back to the little mechanical insect in her hands. She cleared her throat. "Okay Barry. Engage reading mode!"
As soon as the command was registered, the wings of the insect began to move until the creature took the air, hovering higher until it was about three feet about Bee's head. Bee couldn't help but marvel at how silent the machine was, despite the rapid movement of it's wings. Once it was stationary, Bumblebee watched in awe as a small light emerged from the Bee's chest cavity casting a small glow on the two Titans. Cyborg looked on proudly at his work.
"I know you're an avid reader, so Barry here is intended to be the ultimate reading lamp. You can choose the strength of the lamp just by telling it to reduce or increase it. Also, if you don't want him hovering, you can just tell it to mount and it will latch onto something instead. He's got other uses too but…I'll leave some things to you to figure out."
Bumblebee was genuinely at a loss for words. Not only had Cyborg got here an incredibly thoughtful gift, but he'd made it by hand from scratch. She couldn't think of a time where someone had done something so selfless for her.
"Vic…honestly…it's amazing…thank you. I just wish I'd gotten you something now."
Cyborg suddenly looked a little nervous, which Bumblebee noticed immediately. Stepping forward, she gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "What's up big guy?"
Cyborg seemed to relax when Bumblebee placed her hand on him and he brought one of his large hands up to cup the back of her small, petite one. He looked at her with a smile, some of the nervousness disappearing. "I mean…there is something you could do with me if you wanted to make up for the whole no Christmas oil for Cyborg's baby."
Bee met his eyes, noting the slight hint of mirth hidden there, but she was taken back by the far more prominent jitters he was clearly trying to keep control of.
"What did you have in mind Vic?"
Cyborg paused for second before looking down at the smaller Titan. "Dinner...just you and me…once this whole end of the world thing has blown over…there's a new Italian I've been wanting to try out in the Upper City…unless Italian isn't your thing, in which ca-"
"I'd love too."
Cyborg's mouth stopped moving entirely at Bumblebee's declaration before it abruptly closed before he sprouted the largest smile he'd flashed all day. "Well alright…it's a date."
Bee hovered into the air so that her eyes were level with Cyborg's. "Yea…it is. Looking forward to seeing you dressed up all fancy."
Cyborg rolled his eyes. "Oh I tidy up incredibly well. But be warned…some people have called me high maintenance in the past."
Bee couldn't help but laugh before she glanced down at her communicator. She looked up at Cyborg with a sad expression. "Hey, I've got to go check in on the troops in Titans East. I said I'd ring them on Christmas morning…not that I want to cut this short."
Cyborg waved her worries off. "It's okay…sure I've got you booked in the future anyway."
Bee laughed before looking up at him, uncharacteristically shyly. "Yea, you do."
With that, before Cyborg could even register her movement, Bee had leaned in an placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, before pulling away and heading for the main ops door. "Try not to stay frozen for too long. Barry, follow me!"
Cyborg didn't even register the little mechanical insect flying out of Main Ops after Bumblebee, or the door sliding closed, or three youngest Titans who were now speaking in hushed whispers about what they had just seen. All he had registered was the faint tingling sensation on his cheek that he really didn't want to end.
Beast Boy had fought the villains all over the planet, battled his best friend when he thought he had turned against them, took on Trigon the Terrible alongside the Titans and lived in the wild alone for months on end. He'd seen pretty much everything there was to see, clashed with every villain he'd had to deal with and had come to terms with who he was as a person. Yet, after all of that, he still wasn't ready for the simple act of giving a teammate a present on Christmas Day…it should be easy…right?
"Beast Boy?"
Beast Boy snapped back to reality as he finally registered Raven's voice beside him. From her tone, it clearly hadn't been the first time she said his name. He shot her a small, reassuring smile. "Sorry, just lost in thought…you know me…I struggle with the whole staying attentive thing."
Raven nodded, although kept her face neutral, not giving away anything about what she was thinking. "I was just saying it's rare to get snow like this in California…even on Christmas."
Beast Boy looked out at the Bay towards the city and couldn't help but find himself marveling at the sight. Despite being surrounded by snow for much of the last few months, it was a completely different experience to see it in the city he called home. While it wasn't cold enough for the bay to freeze over, the waters were incredibly peaceful, allowing for the falling snow to create a gentle, sparkling effect across the waters surface. In the distance, with his enhanced sight, he could make out snow ploughs clearing the coastal streets of Jump City. The tops of buildings were capped nicely with snow. All in all, it looked like a scene straight of a festive snow globe. Beast Boy couldn't help but grin at the scene.
"Would it surprise you to know I've always dreamed of a white Christmas?"
Beast Boy turned to look at her and although it took a second, his grin broadened when he saw the an almost unnoticeable smile on the empath's face.
"Never would have guessed."
The two fell into companionable silence for a second before Raven looked over at Beast Boy, a certain degree of mirth in her eyes. "Giving Starfire a cookbook and disappearing, leaving the havoc to come to Cyborg…little cruel for a Christmas morning, no?"
Beast Boy rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Hehehe…well the Herald wanted to talk to me and I already had other things on my mind…and I mean…I didn't ask for an escape route…doesn't mean I didn't want one."
"I believe Cyborg will most likely want to have a word about your vanishing act at some point."
"….eh…I probably deserve it."
Raven smirked at him before her features softened ever so slightly. "That was nice of you though…I mean, having presents for people this morning…you must have been holding onto them for a while."
Beast Boy smiled at her, his lone fang glinting as it poked out of his mouth. "Thanks…Christmas is just my favourite time of the year. When I was running with the Doom Patrol, it was the one time of year where Mento wouldn't be such a….he wouldn't be as difficult as he usually was. We'd usually pitch up somewhere with a proper kitchen, because god forbid Negative Man didn't get to make his ginger robotmen. Clint used to always complain that the only reason he called them that was because he couldn't lay them out on the parchment paper right and they always ended up looking too fat."
Raven glanced at Beast Boy, a warmth in her eyes, as the changeling rambled on about his old team. For everything she'd heard from him about the Doom Patrol, it was so very rare that he told her a story about them with such fondness. Beast Boy had a slightly faraway look in his eyes, but the smile on his face was unmistakable.
"Rita was always adamant that we watch Christmas movies on Christmas Eve, but she used to work in Hollywood back in the day, so we never watched the modern stuff. We were always watching the classics like Meet Me in St. Louis or It's a Wonderful Life. I got to pick one every year, so I have seen Elf, The Grinch and a few others, and Mento was always insistent that Die Hard was a Christmas movie, much to Rita's dismay. Gotta be honest though…I'm with Rita in general. Nothing beats the classics…Miracle on 34th Street…the old one not the remake…damn, you can't beat it."
Raven listened to him, contentedly. "Sounds like you guys had some nice holiday traditions…so you're perpetually thinking about what you're going to get people then?"
Beast Boy looked thoughtful for a moment. "Hmmmm…I never really thought about it…I think it's just like once September hits…if I see something that I think someone would like I just grab it and put it away. I'm all for being giving loads of cool stuff, don't get me wrong, but there's something different about giving someone the perfect gift on Christmas…maybe I'm just sentimental though."
Raven did her best to hide the slight blush that was rising to her cheeks. "I think it's…sweet…it shows you care."
Beast Boy shot her a trademark grin. "I'm very sweet…it's all the sugar I normally eat."
Raven gave him a playful shove on the shoulder before settling back down. "Still…I saw that you gave some your old stuff to Melvin and her brothers…that wasn't pre-meditated…and you didn't have to do that."
Beast Boy's face, which had been all smiles, morphed into something slightly more serious. "Yea, well…let's be real, they can't have had the…easiest time growing up. I mean, I've never really sat down and talked with them but, if I had to guess, they probably don't have many festive memories…it was only a small thing I could do, but if they got a kick out of it, then I'm all the happier for doing it."
Raven glanced at Beast Boy, her eyes reflecting something slightly heavier as she tried to compose her thoughts. "I'm glad you did…those three have been through a lot…I hope they have a few more moments like the one you were able to give them this morning."
Beast Boy looked back over at her and paused when he saw the expression on her face. "You really care for those three don't you?"
Raven sighed, lowering her gaze as she took a moment to think on Beast Boy's question. When she spoke again, she tried to keep her voice steady, but Beast Boy couldn't help but detect the slightest tremble…a hint of vulnerability. "I've been trying to…guide them. They've been through so much and they haven't had anyway to help them…with their powers…or with anything…yes…I do care for them."
"You see yourself in them."
Raven's eyes shot to Beast Boy who was looking at her with a completely serious face. She could almost curse him for his ability to be so insightful when he wanted to be. She looked away again, but couldn't help but jump when she felt Beast Boy's rough and calloused hand land on top of her own. She risked a glance up at him and locked eyes with the shapeshifter, who looked at her with encouraging eyes. Raven had never been with someone who she found could disarm her so quickly. Over the years, Raven had mastered the art of raising walls to hide her emotions an thoughts. But, more and more recently with Beast Boy, those walls were brought crashing down time and time again.
"I guess I do…I just…I want them to have someone they can rely on…who can be there for them."
Beast Boy gave her hand a squeeze. "You know…you'd think I'd be used to it by now, but you still amaze me all the time."
Raven's brow furrowed as her pale cheeks once again took on the slightest rosy hue. "What? How so?"
Beast Boy pulled his hand and Raven found herself wishing it was still there, a feeling of cold emerging where his hand had rested on top of hers. Beast Boy didn't notice her disappointment as he gestured with his hands.
"Like…you've been fighting against the odds your entire life…having to control your emotions, dealing with villains, literally defying fate…it would've been so easy for you to just…give in…but you keep fighting…and now, when you're once again the target because of who you are, something you never asked for…you still find time to focus on helping others…honestly it blows my mind."
Raven desperately wanted to pull her hood up because there was no way that her blush wasn't incredibly prominent on her face. She knew she had good friends that would do anything for her but she couldn't think of the last time someone had ever said such things about her, outside of the one who had used her for his own advantage. The image of Malchior briefly flashed across her mind as Lazy's concerns rang out in her head, sitting there and festering like a disease. Just as quickly as the words entered her head though, she heard another voice ring out.
"It is okay to feel cautious…you are human…but don't let it control you."
Raven closer her eyes and took a deep breath, before exhaling slowly, her warm breath condensing upon making contact with the crisp air on the top of Titans Tower. She looked towards Beast Boy, uncharacteristically shy, but also with a certain determination that had not been there before.
"I never set out with those kinds of intentions. I just think when you feel like you don't have control…you still have to do what you can. I'm in a position where I can help those kids, so I will."
"It's brave, that's what it is."
Raven smirked and whispered to herself under her breath. "...carrying the fire."
Beast Boy's ears twitched. "What was that, sorry?"
Raven looked over with a shy smile. "Nothing…just something I read a while ago…I didn't get the meaning of it at first but…I'm getting there."
Beast Boy, sensing that Raven was happy with not sharing anything more than that, simply nodded with a gentle smile himself and turned his attention back to the Bay. Raven glanced over at him, prepping a question that she wanted to see his reaction for.
"So…everyone got a present downstairs…Starfire mentioned that you had something for me too?"
She noticed when Beast Boy froze immediately. He had never been the most subtle but the change of expression on his face from calm to nervous was enough to almost elicit a giggle from the empath if she wasn't so interested in the reason for his nervousness. Beast Boy suddenly couldn't find a way to stay still as he rubbed his hands together, before rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well yea, obviously I picked you something up as well…although yours was a little more…pre-meditated."
Raven raised an eyebrow but kept her face calm, if only to hide her own increased curiosity. "I thought you said you bought things on an impulse?"
Beast Boy gave a nervous laugh. "Well…I thought of this impulsively…so that should count."
The changeling reached into the pocket of his uniform and Raven watched as he withdrew a small box that fit comfortably in his hand. Raven stared at in surprise. Not that Beast Boy had ever been bad at wrapping, but you could always tell if a gift was from him. He always used too much tape and inevitably, some of the white underside of the wrapping paper would be showing. The gift itself looked flawless. Raven looked up at him in interest.
"And you wrapped this?"
Beast Boy looked at her in mock offense. "Hey! I can wrap well when I try!"
"And why haven't you tried before then."
"…different circumstances."
Raven raised an eyebrow at his vague response, but to Beast Boy's credit, he managed to pull on the semblance of a poker face as he handed the wrapped box over to Raven.
"Merry Christmas Raven."
Raven took the box gently from his hand and was a little surprised at how light it was. Raven had never been a fan of shredding wrapping paper, regardless of the occasion. She gently peeled away the tape at one of the box and slid the box, leaving the wrapping paper intact. The box inside was a plain white, not giving her any clue as to the contents.
"If you don't like it, it's okay. I know the place I got it from pretty well and I'm sure they wouldn't mind ta-"
Beast Boy fell silent as Raven gently took the lid off the top of the box. Raven could feel her heartbeat increase as she stared at the item within the confines of the present. Resting on a small, white cushion, a silver necklace that had been delicately crafted into the shape of a raven sat. The detail on the silhouette was incredible. However, her attention was drawn to the Raven's eye. It was the only piece of the necklace that wasn't made of silver. Nestled within the Raven's gaze, sat a blue gemstone. Sat amongst the silver, it truly stuck out. Raven took a breath.
Beast Boy stared at Raven nervously as she surveyed the contents of the box, finding it almost impossible to stay still. She hadn't said anything for like thirty seconds. He'd thought that getting a Raven would be too on the nose.
"Raven, honestly, you don't have to like it. I just th-"
Raven looked up from the necklace for the first time, her eyes on the verge of tearing up. "Gar…it's beautiful."
Beast Boy froze mid-sentence before letting out a breath he didn't realise he had been holding.
"Oh…I'm glad you like it."
Raven gently traced the outline of the bird. "Could you help me put it on?"
Beast Boy had to still his wracked nerves. "Sure…no problem."
With that, Raven handed Beast Boy back the box and turned away from him, pulling her hair to one side as she did so. Beast Boy delicately took the necklace out of the box and undid the silver clasp. He slowly reached around Raven with both arms before taking one side of the necklace in each hand and bringing them together, gently gracing against the back of Raven's neck as he did so, causing the empath to shiver underneath his touch. Finally, with an audible click, Beast Boy withdrew his hands and Raven turned to face him. The necklace rested against her collarbone, just above the clasp of her cloak. Raven gently grasped it and titled it so she could look at it again.
"The eye…is that tanzanite?"
Beast Boy's eyes widened.
"Yea, it is…man, is there anything you don't know?"
Raven looked at it for a second more, before turning her gaze to Beast Boy, a depth to the look she was giving him that he didn't he had seen before.
"Why tanzanite?"
Beast Boy swallowed. "It reminded me of you…I hope blue is still your favorite colour."
The second the words left Beast Boy's mouth, Raven's face shifted entirely. The night she got through to Beast Boy crept into her mind, if only for a second, the meaning behind those words washing over her in waves. Beast Boy almost felt like he should squirm under her gaze. It was like she was staring past his exterior into his very soul.
"It…is still your favorite colour…right?"
Raven gently let the necklace fall back down to her collarbone before looking at the changeling again and when their eyes met again, Beast Boy realised something had changed. The atmosphere suddenly felt thick. Beast Boy who had only been in his uniform when he had come up to the roof, suddenly couldn't feel the cold anymore. Raven gave him a soft smile.
"Yep…I'm still me."
Beast Boy felt his heart soar. He smiled back at her, his fang glinting in the emerging Winter sun as the snow slowly started to stop falling. Beast Boy reached out and grabbed her hands and this time, with no hesitation, Raven squeezed his back.
"Raven…I-"
Beast Boy could have cursed the god of every single religion and plane of existence as both his and Raven's communicator went off at the same time. He was fully set on ignoring it but unfortunately, Raven wasn't on the same wavelength and although she did looked pained as well, she reached down and withdrew her communicator and glanced at the screen. She looked back at Beast Boy, the frustration evident on her face. Beast Boy sighed.
"…it can't wait…can it?"
Raven nodded her head in acknowledgement and Beast Boy felt his ears droop. Raven pulled her hands away after Beast Boy reluctantly let hers go. She looked up at him with a smile, although it was somewhat forced.
"Hey…we can talk after we deal with this…I suppose it's just the way things are with us."
"Yea…I guess so…"
After a few seconds, Raven was the first to rise from her seat and with one last look at Beast Boy, she turned to walk towards the door. Beast Boy looked after her and he couldn't help wondering if he'd just missed the moment to do something impulsive. As he looked after though, he became aware of a presence in his head. It was barely noticeable, to the point a normal person could've mistaken it for nothing. But Beast Boy was used to things like this and he recognized the Beast's presence when it made itself known. He closed his eyes and tried to lean his mind into the Beasts and his eyes widened. The reason for his appearance was obvious. It was as disappointed to have that moment interrupted as he was, but he didn't want to settle for talking later…he wanted Beast Boy to take action.
Beast Boy opened his eyes and stared at Raven as she left. No…he wasn't taking the easy way out anymore…he was done letting opportunities pass him by.
Beast Boy sprang up from his seat on the edge and jogged after Raven, a fire in his eyes.
"Raven! Wait!"
Raven turned to him, confusion evident on her face, as Beast Boy came to a halt before her.
"Beast Boy, we have to go? Everyo-"
Raven froze as Beast Boy grabbed both her hands and pulled her close. Raven, caught off by their sudden close proximity, glanced up at Beast Boy, who had already been looking directly at her. The two locked eyes immediately and Raven noted a depth she had never seen before and couldn't help but feel herself lean just a little closer. Beast Boy gently brought one hand to her face and brushed her hair to the side, before cupping her right cheek. Raven's breath hitched in her throat as she felt Beast Boy's warm breath on her face. She felt him tilt her chin upwards ever so slightly. Her eyes closed.
The communicators didn't ring again. Nobody came storming out onto the roof. The cool breeze whipped around the pair but neither of them noticed or cared. Their lips brushed against each other in a tender dance, their surroundings ceasing to exist as they experienced a moment that felt like it was frozen in time. Despite Beast Boy not letting the moment pass, it was Raven who eventually closed the distance between the two of them fully, deepening the kiss that up until that point had only been fleeting. Beast Boy didn't slow down, leaning into Raven's advances as his hand moved from her own to wrapping around her back, pulling her close. The kissing was gentle and restrained, but with a hunger exhibited by both of them that clearly let the other know that they had both wanted this for some time. Neither of them wanted it to end, but two communicators going off again gave the pair the reminder they needed.
They parted at the same time, with each of them holding the other just within arm's length. Raven's face was flushed and she was looking at Beast Boy, almost shyly. Beast Boy himself almost seemed to be in a state of shock, like he couldn't believe he had just gone for it like he did. He numbly reached for his communicator and quickly sent a message saying they were on the way down before putting it away and turning his attention back to Raven. He looked at her with a warm smile.
"We should probably still talk about this later…but I've always been a bit more about actions being louder than words."
Raven crossed her arms, but her warm smile kept him at ease. God, he loved seeing Raven smile.
"Let me guess…living in the now?"
Beast Boy flashed a grin. "There ain't a better way to be…speaking of which, right now, we should be downstairs so we should probably go or else Nightwing's gonna throw a fit."
Raven nodded in agreement, still wearing a smile that she couldn't quite get to go away. The two turned to walk towards the doorway to bring them back downstairs. Raven looked up at Beasty Boy with a raised eyebrow. "And who's fault is it that we're going to be late?"
Beast Boy merely shrugged. "I'm not sure, you held that kiss for a pretty long time."
Raven's eyebrow raised even higher. "You may be cute Beast Boy…you're not that cute."
"You think I'm cute!?...Is it the ears?"
Raven groaned as the door to the roof closed behind the pair.
The Titans that were left in the tower were already assembled by the time Raven and Beast Boy joined them in Main Ops. Raven scanned the room to see if anyone was annoyed at their late arrival and was pleased that no one had seemed to take any real notice. That was until Raven locked eyes with Starfire across the room. Starfire had a questioning look on her face before her eyes drifted to the new and prominent necklace resting against Raven's collarbone. Raven saw her mouth form into a little circle before recognition filled her eyes. Raven sent her a pleading look that hopefully screamed, "later, just not now, for the love of Azar". Thankfully, Starfire seemed to get the message, although she still wasn't able to remove the smile from her face.
The Titans that currently made up the group in the tower consisted of the original Titans, Bumblebee, The Herald, Kid Flash, Jinx, Argent, Ravager, Melvin, Timmy and Teether, all of which were present. Nightwing stood at the front of the group, in front of a news report that was being shown on the main screen.
"Perfect, now that we're all here. Reports have been coming in like this all morning."
Nightwing allowed the clip to roll, which was from one of Jump City's local stations. Grainy cell phone footage was accompanied by a voiceover from an anchor woman, but the content of the video was what was disturbing. Groups of people in white cloaks, red symbols adorned on the bare skin that was visible seemed to have descended on Jump City. So far, the most any of them had engaged with was arson but Raven felt her blood run cold. She recognized the symbols…the uniforms…arson was just the start. The report continued on, saying that they seemed to be headed for Jump City National Park.
Nightwing allowed the clip to play until completion, before he turned off the monitor. "Now, we don't know who these people are, bu-"
Raven cut him off. "They're followers of the Cult of Trigon…if they're here, Deathstroke is consolidating power. He's preparing for something…making sure he's at his full strength."
Everyone turned to look at Raven, a few faces turning slightly paler at her words. Nightwing, never one for being put off by vague dangers, stayed on topic. "Okay, Raven, any idea of what they're next move will be."
Raven thought for a moment, thinking back on what she had read on the cult, as much as it was an unpleasant topic for her to have to learn about. "In theory, they should take a similar approach to what Deathstroke did while he was in Trigon's service. I would expect them to attempt to create the Mark of Skath somewhere, but after that…I'm not quite sure. It's hard to know their role when Trigon isn't who they are serving. I know they seem to give Deathstroke strength at this stage but…outside of that I'm unsure."
Nightwing seemed to be absorbing Raven's insights when Beast Boy suddenly froze.
"Didn't Deathstroke create the Mark of Skath with fire in downtown the last time? Those guys are headed for the National Park! We can't let them start a wildfire!"
With a potential threat in the air, Nightwing sprang into action. "Okay, we keep this quick and clean. Starfire, Beast Boy, Argent and Kid Flash. I want you guys to head to investigate these cultists and if they start engaging in pyrotechnics, don't be afraid to take them down."
The four of them nodded while Ravager cleared her throat. "Eh…and the rest of us?"
Nightwing grimaced. "As much as I want to send everyone…Raven is still Deathstroke's main target…we can't leave the tower defenseless or risk running an operation where Raven could be exposed, especially if we don't know how these followers being in Jump affect Deathstroke's abilities."
Ravager was about to dispute Nightwing's rebuttal when Raven cut her off. "As much as I hate it…he's right. There's too much at stake…and I am what he's after."
Ravager looked between the two of them before seemingly giving up, slumping back down into her chair as she grumbled underneath her breath. Nightwing turned to Beast Boy.
"Okay Gar, you have the best connection to nature out of anyone here. If you think you need to escalate the situation…I trust you to make the right call."
Beast Boy looked at Nightwing wide-eyed as an unspoken message seemed to pass between the two men. Nightwing trusted Beast Boy, but Beast Boy needed to show that he was up to the task.
"…I won't let you down."
"I know you won't…now get going, all of you."
As the group started to splinter apart, with those tasked with dealing with the recent developments preparing to head out and exchanging a last few words, Raven stood and approached Beast Boy, who was limbering up, knowing that he had a flight ahead of him. When she saw him approaching, he smiled at her.
"Nice to know Nightwing trusts me enough to give me some responsibility first job back."
Raven smiled back, although it was slightly forced, something which Beast Boy picked up on, his ears twitching. Raven pulled her hood up, feeling slightly safer within its confines.
"Look…I don't know how the cult is different with Deathstroke at the helm…or how it affects him so…just be careful…please."
Beast Boy gave her a reassuring smile and reached out to give her hand a subtle squeeze. "I know Rae…I'm a little more cautious than I was a few months ago…or at least I think things through a bit better."
Raven smirked. "You dove headfirst into a flaming tornado a few days ago."
Beast Boy smirked right back at her. "That's because that was for you."
Raven was glad she had put up her hood. No one knew about her and Beast Boy, except for potentially Starfire, and she had no interest in explaining how or why Beast Boy just made her blush.
"Just…come home safe."
"I will Rae…I promise."
With that, Beast Boy let go of Raven's hand and headed for the main door with everyone else. Raven felt herself release a breath she didn't realise she had been holding when the doors finally slid closed. Raven looked approached the main window of Main Ops and gazed out at the city. After only a few moments, Raven's eyes were drawn downwards as a bolt of yellow indicated Kid Flash had left the building. A few seconds later and the shapes of Starfire, Argent and a large green albatross were visible in the sky flying towards the city. She couldn't help but be worried. Leave it to Beast Boy to have to do a mission without her only a few minutes after they finally became something more. If he didn't come back well…Raven was going to kill him.
Raven's attention was grabbed by a loud beeping emanating from somewhere in the room. Turning around, she traced the noise to Cyborg, who had begun tapping furiously at a screen on his arm. He looked at it confused before standing up and jogging over to Raven, gazing out the window. Raven could see his cybernetic eye zooming in and out.
"What's wrong Cy?"
Cyborg frowned. "My sensors detected an unauthorized entrant to the island, but I'm following it here and I can't…"
Raven noticed Cyborg trail off and looking over, couldn't help but feel concerned when she noticed that he had visibly stiffened, his jaw had dropping ever so slightly at what he'd seen. "Cyborg? Cyborg, what is it?"
Cyborg couldn't believe his eyes. She was stood in the middle of the wreckage from the battle a few days ago, not making any attempt to hide, her hands out by her side in an obvious way as if too show she was unarmed. What he couldn't figure out why was why in god's name would she even think about returning here.
"She's just standing there…like she wanted us to see her…I don't understand…"
Raven, slightly more alarmed now, gave Cyborg's shoulder a shake. "Cyborg…who's just standing there?"
Without taking her eyes off of her, he answered Raven's question.
"It's…Phobia."