Little One, Little Danger
(The Revision)
Chapter 6:
"Wayne's Ball"
The T-car was driven through the front gates of Wayne Manor and came to a steadied stop on the circular driveway that led to the front door. The Titans exited the vehicle and retrieved their belongings from the trunk. Raiden fell asleep shortly after their departure and was laid out on the backseat. Trying her best not to wake the child, Raven took it upon herself to teleport the small girl into her arms. "How is she?" Robin approached.
"She's fine. Out like a light…figures." Raven followed behind the others as they all made their way towards the front doors. Robin stepped forward to ring the doorbell and after a few moments, one of the doors opened away from them. Standing in the entrance was Alfred Pennyworth, the renowned butler to the Wayne family.
"Hello children!" He smiled at them.
"Hello Alfred!" They all greeted at once before exchanging hugs and entering the house.
Alfred closed the door behind them and then noticed a little one being held in Raven's arms, "And who might this be?"
Raven looked down at the child, "This would be Raiden."
"She looks too young to be a titan." He chuckled.
Robin approached the older man, "She's not…just a special guest of ours."
"Special as in, she's Robin's daughter." Beastboy let the words come out without thinking and Cyborg was too slow in covering the boy's mouth with his hand.
Alfred could not help but chuckle again, "Oh good one young Garfield, for I know Master Dick could not have a child as of yet."
"Alfred, please don't call me Master Dick while I'm here. Robin is fine, okay." Robin sighed a bit embarrassed.
"Of course Master Dick, oops…I mean, Robin." Alfred gave him a friendly nod with a smile, but then took another look at the child. "Now that I look at her closely…there is a slight resemblance in facial features to Master Robin's." He began to think to himself as he rubbed his chin, "And someone else as well but I just can't put my finger on it."
Robin swallowed a lump in his throat and decided it was time to change the subject, "Resemblance? No way haha, you must've using that strong wood polisher again Alfred." He chuckled nervously, "Where's uh…where's Bruce?"
"I got it!" Alfred snapped his fingers, "She also shares some features of young Lady Roth here."
"Alfred, who was as the door?" Bruce Wayne finally made his presence know as he walked down the staircase.
Alfred turned to him, "Our stayover guests for the evening Sir. The Titans and a plus one."
"You guys finally made it. I was getting worried that you wouldn't show." He approached their group and let his eyes fall on the child in Raven's arms, "And who is this 'plus one' you've brought along?"
"Apparently Master Dic…erm…Master Robin's daughter." Alfred grinned.
Bruce raised a brow, "Robin's a kid himself, he doesn't have a daughter."
"That's not what she's saying." Beastboy let loose again and Cyborg was too slow, again.
"She who? This little girl?" Bruce folded his arms across his chest.
Raven approached Bruce, "I'm assuming lunch and room accommodations are prepared for our brief stay Mr. Wayne."
"Heh…forward as always Raven." Bruce grinned, "Just follow Alfred, he'll lead the way." Before the team moved out, "Dick…you can follow me."
Robin knew that tone and he rather not be lectured right now. He looked in the direction of his team that began to follow Alfred up the stairs. "You know, I'd rather take my own bags and not leave Alfred with all the—"
"Don't worry about it." Raven's telekinetic aura surround his things and they began to lift in the air.
Sweat dripped down the side of Robin's face, "Aren't your hands full with Raiden?"
"I know you see the powers Robin." She was nonchalant as the bags began to levitate behind the group. Robin's eye twitched.
Bruce smirked, "Looks like she has it under control. Let's go." Robin sighed while groaning beneath his breath as he followed his mentor.
"Please do not keep him too long Mr. Wayne." Starfire lifted a hand to wave at them, "I want him to be the first to see my dress."
{ }
Bruce led Robin to the bat cave and the two sat on the available chairs. "So, tell me Robin, how's things been with the team?"
Robin faced Bruce, "Things have been good actually. Had a recent run in with Mumbo that got weird but we dealt with that no problem."
"That's relief. Congrats on your victory." Bruce interlaced his fingers and rested his hands upon his lap. "Now, what's the story behind this child who claims that she's your daughter?"
Robin suddenly began to choked on the question before lightly beating on his chest. Bruce narrowed his eyes at him. "Uh, come again? I didn't catch that."
"The girl Robin?"
"What girl?"
"The one who's claiming to be your daughter."
"Pfft, what? I don't know what you—"
Bruce sighed, "I swear if you drag this out…"
"Drag what out?"
"Robin?!" Bruce quickly stood frustrated.
"Oh you mean the kid Raven was holding!" Robin leaned back in his chair; hands raised in defeat. "She's not mine I swear, she just says she is."
"Why is she making such accusations?" Bruce sat back down.
Robin shrugged, "Beats me."
"Has she mentioned a mother?"
His protégé's uncontrolled cough returned, "Come—"
"You pull that 'come again' stunt one more time and I'll leave Bruce in this chair and go Batman all up and down your ass." His voice was stern.
"Raven! She says Raven!" Robin quickly stood and retreated behind his chair as he peeked around it, keeping an eye on the man.
"Raven?" Bruce raised a brow.
Robin sighed with a nod, "Yeah, that's what Raiden said…the kid, her name is Raiden." He slowly walked around from behind his chair and took his seat again. "Apparently I'm her dad and Raven's her mom, go figure."
Bruce sighed, "Didn't we have a talk about sex Robin?"
The boy's face flushed, "W-Wha…I'm not sleeping with Raven! You're missing the point here Bruce!"
"Calm down Dick." Bruce grinned, "Just poking a bit of fun, but in reality that is the only way you two could conceive a child."
Robin's eye twitched, "I'm aware of that, but the kid looks like me and Raven." He ran his fingers through his hair, "Not to mention the wedding portrait and recorded ceremony."
"Hold on…a portrait and recording?"
"It's gets even weirder, you don't want to know."
Bruce leaned back, "Ah, this must be one of those future encounter situations. Finally revealing your suppressed feelings for Raven."
"Suppressed…what are you going on about?! Raven's just my friend!"
"Hm…sounds like she's not tending to your needs."
"Of course she is! I-I mean no she's not! No, I mean…stop confusing me!"
Bruce grinned, "Who would've thought she'd given you the time of day."
"I don't even know what that's supposed to mean." Robin shook his head feeling drained.
"My money was on Starfire because she can be a bit forward and aggressive. But landing someone that's quite reserved like Raven…that takes talent."
"I can't believe we're discussing this." Robin groaned.
Bruce stood, "We've discussed worse so quit whining. Now go on and head up to your room so you can rest before this evening's event."
"Thank god." Robin stood, ready to make his leave.
"Oh and Dick…" Bruce's voice stopped him, "…refrain from sneaking off to Raven's room while under my roof." Robin groaned again as he strolled out of the cave. When he was out of sight, Bruce's grin faded as he pondered the predicament the boy was in. Who was this kid and where exactly did she come from? It was Robin's matter to handle but…he would be lying if were to say that he wasn't intrigued by the possible events that were soon to unravel.
{ }
That evening…
After enjoying a delicious lunch Alfred prepared and getting in some extra rest, the time came for the Titans to ready themselves for the ball. Starfire sat upon the bed within her guest room and looked at the dress that was hanging on the closet door. The color was perfect and the material was more than she could ask for. Her eyes sparkled a bit as she hoped that tonight would be the night that Robin actually took notice of her. Not that he didn't know she existed or was there haha…the sparkle in her eyes dimmed as her expression softened with a delicate smile…but to be able to spend some time with him outside the tower and just connect. The girl exhaled before bending down to retrieve a box that held the matching heels she brought along. "Here's to an evening of great festivities!" Her thoughts made her giddy inside as she placed the shoebox beside her before standing to head to the shower.
{ }
[Raven's Quarters]
The dark-natured girl stepped out of her guestroom's bathroom after showering. Her hair was dripping wet though she used her dark telekinesis to wrap a hand towel around it. She took a seat at the vanity that was situated in the room and looked in its mirror. "Alright Raven, you don't like dresses but who cares. Let's make Beastboy eat his words shall we." She began to retrieve her things and couldn't help but remember her thoughts from when she was in the middle of purchasing the dress. Robin's approval on it…heh, yeah right. Sure, he was the team leader but still-
"Did you pick out something that would make my jaw drop?"
Raven could feel her cheeks flush with warmth. Nope. She shook the thought out. Those words never came out of his mouth and neither did that horrid response come out of hers. She took a deep breath and exhaled, "Let's try to stay focused."
{ }
The guys, along with Bruce, were in wait at the bottom of the staircase due to Alfred's idea as a form of etiquette to introduce the young ladies formally; the ball would be starting shortly. Beastboy was growing impatient as always, "Dude, not to be rude but could they take any longer."
"That's just women man, there's a few extra things they have to do to look good haha." Cyborg chuckled, "Though, you'd know that if you had any experience with any."
"Hey! I do have experience alright!" Their green friend became defensive, before crossing his arms over his chest. "I get Star, but Raven simply had to slip on her wicked witch from the west costume and call it a day."
Robin shook his head, "Haven't you learned your lesson from earlier, Beastboy. Besides, Raven might surprise you."
"I'm glad to see you've grown some Dick." Bruce grinned, "Sticking up for the future Mrs. Grayson is a very mature move."
The boy turned to him slowly with narrowed eyes, "Would you keep your commentary to yourself."
"Yeah Bruce." Cyborg smiled, "Don't forget that Star is still in the running for that role too."
Robin groaned, "Not you too? Ugh, can we drop the subject please. Both of them are just friends of mine like you and Beastboy."
"But we're hotter." Beastboy winked while Cyborg agreed and laughed while putting him in a headlock for a noogie. Alfred finally entered and made his way down the stairs. He turned while placing a hand behind his back, ready to present both girls one by one. "Finally!"
"Gentlemen, I present to you, Lady Starfire." Alfred directed their attention to the upper left of the staircase.
"Now presenting candidate number one in the running for future Mrs. Grayson." Cyborg joked in a whisper to Beastboy. Robin rolled his eyes as Bruce grinned.
Starfire descended the staircase wearing a strapless emerald green dress with a flared hem. Through the bottom's making was a floral design of sorts made out of light sequins. Emerald gems dangled from each of her earlobes as a matching necklace was worn around her neck. A pair of two-inch, close-toed, heels were on her feet, silver in color. Her hair had been fixed within two ponytails that were worn over each shoulder, her fiery hair hanging beautifully in place by two green scrunchies; two stranded hair bangs curved her face. The boys broke out into applause and whistles, Cyborg and Beastboy. Bruce gave a nod of approval and the girl couldn't help but blush by their reaction.
Upon making it to the bottom of the stairs, Starfire did a curtsey and each of them gave her a bow before taking one of her hands to place a kiss upon the back of it. Robin was last and her blush grew more intense as she tried to restrain herself from embracing him. When the boy lifted his gaze, it immediately locked with hers and for the first time in a while, he could see a sparkle in them…as mesmerizing as the jewels that hung from her ears. "Star…you look beautiful." Robin smiled softly.
"Thank you Robin, so do you." Starfire returned the compliment and stepped aside to stand beside him. He boy shifted his gaze slightly to see Beastboy and Cyborg mimicking the two's compliments, but overexaggerating on the moment. Sweat dripped down the back of his neck in annoyance.
Alfred directed their attention back to the staircase, though this time to the upper right, "Last but not least gentlemen, I present to you Lady Raven."
"Candidate number two." Bruce nodded and got chuckles out of Cyborg and Beastboy. Star raised a brow not sure if she missed a good joke or not.
Before she could ask about it, Robin held up a hand to her, "You don't want to know Star, trust m—" His eyes fell on the girl that begun to descend the staircase. Somehow he lost the words he was going to say and he could feel the slight widening of his eyes behind his mask. Taking notice of their leader's sudden stall, Beastboy and Cyborg turned their attention to Raven and the green boy's mouth dropped in disbelief; Bruce simply smiled in approval.
Raven walked confidently down the stairs wearing a black dress whose design had its material crisscross over the back. There was a v-cut down the bust in a tasteful manner and the entire length stopped a little pass her knees with a ruffled hem. Upon her feet were a pair of black, 3-inch stiletto open-toed heels while a silver bracelet fell delicately around her right ankle. Her hair was crinkled and evenly separated on both sides. Onyx studded earrings and a simple silver chain around her neck while clear lip-gloss decorated her lips.
It wasn't hard to tell that the guys were in awe and Star was the first to start the applause. The sounds of her claps snapped them back to reality and they did the same with Cyborg letting out a whistle. Raven shifted her gaze away from them a bit embarrassed as her pale cheeks presented a faint pink blush. Once she reached the bottom of the stairs, just like with Starfire, the guys gave her a bow and small kiss to the back of her hand. Raven, however, did not curtsy. Yet again, Robin was last and he had a difficult time looking elsewhere instead of on her. Raven felt her embarrassment growing along with the intensity of the blush on her face. What was he staring at? Suddenly Cyborg gave him a nudge which got him to shake his head of his trance and follow suit by placing a kiss on the back of the girl's hand. Robin lifted himself and forgot to let go of her hand. "Raven…you uh…you look uh…" He stumbled over his words.
"You all clean up agreeably." Raven complimented, "I guess the word 'handsome' should come to mind."
"So do you…clean up nice hehe, but not handsome…I mean, b-but beautiful hehe. You look very beautiful, that is." Robin spoke rapidly and with some poorly masked nervousness; Bruce sighed a little disappointed. Raven and Robin continued to stand, unknowingly locked into the other's gaze for several moments until Star made a move to bring the dark-natured girl into a hug. This caused their leader to release the hold he had on Raven's hand and he blushed at the realization that he had still been holding it all this time.
"Friend Raven you look most glorious tonight!"
Raven smiled sheepishly, "Thanks Star." Not too long after the words left her mouth, the doorbell to the manor chimed. The other invited guests had finally arrived.
~o~
As the ball commenced, the titans mingled and Bruce introduced Robin to some "important" people despite his objection. Their team leader was finally able to break away from his mentor and ran into Starfire who was heading his way. "Robin, are you free?"
He scoped his surroundings making sure he didn't see Bruce anywhere, "Yeah, in the clear for now."
The girl grinned, "That is good news. Would you mind sharing a dance together, with me?"
"Dance?" Robin looked over at the dance floor and then back at a smiling and eager Starfire; he couldn't help but smile as well. "Sure Star, we can dance."
She clasped her hands together in excitement before linking an arm through his and leading them off to the dancefloor. The current melody the live band was playing was a nice slow and smooth groove. Robin positioned them in the manner he was taught, from Bruce the times he spent in the manor and had to attend such functions. This impressed Starfire and she enjoyed every moment of moving in unison with him to the sounds of the band. A few times she had to apologize for letting her feet collide with his own and he only chuckled, reassuring her that he was okay.
The song soon faded out to its end before the band shifted to a new one. Starfire asked the young man if he'd like to continue but he felt the need of wanting something to drink. Though a bit disappointed, the alien princess understood and they separated. As she went on her way, Star was stopped by another young man who asked her to dance. She was a bit surprised by the offer but became overjoyed at the thought of another dance. However, she did warn him that she wasn't very good.
Robin stood by one of the bars that was setup for the event and sipped on a serving of some tropical punch. His eyes skimmed over the guests and soon fell on Raven and Cyborg, aka Victor, sharing a dance. The girl was grinning at something their friend must've said which had to be a joke because the guy was laughing a lot. Must've been one of his own jokes. Robin smiled slightly to himself as he focused on Raven's all too rare one. Since their run-in with Trigon, she's been able to smile a bit more, though still rare…he enjoyed seeing it when he could.
Suddenly, that usual feeling of growth came over him and as always, he looked down at himself. He then lifted his gaze and saw that Raven had done the same…it happened to her too. Would this be another thing that would connect them? He simply grinned and finished his drink before placing the empty glass down and heading in the direction of his dancing teammates. "May I cut in?" Robin approached in a playfully smooth manner. Raven rolled her eyes with a grin.
"Sure man, I need a break anyway. Just don't step on my sister's feet." Cyborg chuckled as he handed him Raven's hand and made his leave.
Robin began to reposition them while Raven shook her head, "I didn't plan on dancing at all but the one time since Cyborg promised me something in return."
"Oh?" Robin raised a brow as he swayed them from side to side, "Does that mean I have to make the same offer?"
"Not really." Raven shifted her gaze from him. After several moments, the young man decided to give her a single spin that caught her off guard and then pulled her back into him. They remained silent for half the song but it wasn't uncomfortable. Raven's heels made her slightly taller as the top of her head came to Robin's jawline. They continued to sway in silence and she got a faint whiff of a fragrance that came off of him…it was calming. It reminded her of something she wanted to ask him but, it was a bit embarrassing. "Robin?"
"Yeah Raven?" He never stopped their movement.
She dropped her gaze a bit, "Why am I…w-why did you say that I was…beautiful?" Raven could feel her cheeks feel with warmth from a blush.
Robin raised a brow a little confused, "What do you mean?"
"Just…" She shrugged slightly, "…why do you think I'm…beautiful…t-tonight that is."
"Raven." Robin pulled her slightly away from him and noticed that she was avoiding eye contact as always. "You're not just beautiful tonight, you always are because you're who you are and don't care what people think of you. You're straightforward…" He spun them around, "…and even though you think overwise…" Robin dipped her slightly, holding her beneath him, "…you DO have a big heart."
The girl couldn't help but focus her gaze on his, almost as if trying to look through his mask, "Does this mean you care about me then?"
"Raven…you have NO idea." He smiled softly and just as the corner of her mouth began to curl, a scream echoed through the room in the direction of the stairs. Robin lifted Raven and the two, along with most of the other guests turned to see a crying Raiden.
"Raiden?" Raven hurried over to her with Robin in tow. The child continued to wail with tears streaming down her face. "Raiden what's wrong?"
The girl hopped into Raven's arms, burying her face within her chest. "I…*sniff*…I had a nightmare." Her body trembled as her wails died down into sobs.
Robin sighed in relief, "Oh, is that all."
"Seems so." Raven gently stroked the girl's head.
"Perhaps Alfred can keep the child company until she falls back asleep." Bruce suggested as he approached, arm linked with Dianna's.
Raiden shook her head rapidly, "No! I want my mommy a-and daddy…with me."
"Who's your mommy and daddy sweetheart?" Dianna leaned towards the little girl
Raiden looked at her confused and pointed at Robin and Raven, "They are."
"Oh that is precious, Bruce." Dianna chuckled.
Raven sighed, "Yeah yeah." She then ascended the stairs, Raiden still in her arms.
"Wait! Don't forget daddy." Raiden squirmed.
Raven rolled her eyes, "Fine. I got it." She quarter-turned to look back at Robin, "Come on DAD." The boy didn't miss the sarcasm in her voice but he made a move to follow behind them.
{ }
12:00 midnight…
The ball had come to its close and Alfred had gotten assistance from the other available Titans with cleanup. Dianna was the last guest to leave as Bruce walked her out, giving her a kiss goodnight before heading back inside the manor. "Master Bruce?" Alfred met him at the front doors, "Do you think Master Robin and Lady Raven are alright up there by themselves? It's been quite some time since they've left with little Raiden."
Bruce placed a hand on the older man's shoulder, "I'm sure they're alright Alfred, no need to worry."
"Dude, I can't believe Raven actually turned to be a knockout in an actual dress." Beastboy shook his head as he swept, Cyborg standing not too far off.
"We keep telling you to not underestimate her man. I even had to block some jerks from spitting some tired game at her haha, though I guess it was more so out of their well-being than hers." Cyborg chuckled.
"Now I would've liked to see the end result of that." Beastboy laughed, "No one can sweep Raven off her feet."
Cyborg nodded, "Apparently Robin did…or does…?" He thought to himself, "However that works."
"Don't let them hear you say that."
Starfire had stopped what she was doing as Cyborg's words rung in her ears. Was he starting to by into little Raiden's story? No. She shook the thought out and decided to head towards the stairs. "I am going to check on the well-being of our friends."
"I think you got her riled up dude." Beastboy grinned.
Cyborg raised a brow, "What I say?"
~o~
Starfire got to the top of the stairs and during the trek up, she had taken out the scrunchies that were holding her ponytails. Her thoughts were filled with what could be possibly taking place behind closed doors while Raven and Robin were alone. She then became slightly frustrated with herself because she never liked to feel anything negative about her friends. It had to be Cyborg's words that were getting to her. She sighed as he made her way down the hall thinking about the evening and how nice it was to dance with Robin, even if was only once. They were close and there was something there between them that they'd never really…discussed. The others knew that, even Raven. Star soon found herself standing at the door of the guest room little Raiden was staying; she knocked gently. There was no answer and after a few moments, she decided to enter the room and her eyes immediately were drawn to the small dimly lit lamp that was resting on the bedside table. Her gaze then shifted to see her teammates, along with little Raiden in the center, laid within the queen-sized bed. Raven and Robin had this look about them, a maturity that made them appear a bit older? Their team leader was situated on the left and her dark-natured friend on the right, her head resting on his shoulder, both asleep. In Raiden's hands happened to be an opened book while she too, was passed out dead asleep.
Starfire's heart ached at the image before her…it was like…they belonged together. The thought changed that ache to a pain…she didn't like the feeling; she wanted to rid herself of it. She then moved quietly through the room to turn the lamp off, though before she did, she stared down at Robin's sleeping face. What would happen if she were to just wake him up? Would it give her some sort of peace of mind to know that he'd retreat to his own room, leaving the other two behind? No. She couldn't have those thoughts…she couldn't bring herself to do it. Starfire exhaled and made her leave, closing the door gently behind her. She took a few moments to gather her thoughts while she held herself. What was going on with her? She remembered this feeling…when Kitten tried to take Robin away, jealousy. There was no way that this was because of Raven…no way. Star began to levitate before flying off further down the hall to her guest room.
Bruce caught sight of her just as he rounded the corner and raised a brow. He then headed over and entered Raiden's room, flipping the light switch on only to behold the same sight Star had moments prior. He smiled, "Well done Mr. and Mrs. Grayson."
As he flipped the switch again to turn the lights off, "Give it a rest already." Robin's words came out faintly as he was half-asleep, eyes still closed. Bruce simply chuckled to himself before exiting and closing the door behind him.