Little One, Little Danger
(The Revision)
Chapter 14:
Tears of Honey
Raven sat up in her bed, covers and blankets up to her neck; the heaviness of her heart hadn't lifted since her talk with Robin. It was the early hours of the morning and she didn't believe she slept at all throughout the night. Her eyes were slightly puffy from the tears she had shed when she got back to her room. There was no going back…she turned her head, hearing the wind hit her bedroom window. This aching feeling…could she ever put them into words of understanding…
"This awful longing determination of certainty, which screams for the answers to the questions of life…"
Raven turned back around to see a picture frame on her bedside dresser.
"Why must we believe with our ears before seeing with our eyes…why must we use our tongues before we touch the hearts?"
The picture was the one that Cyborg had taken at the beach of her, Robin and Raiden.
"People listen to others thus becoming just like the rest…not realizing as individuals we all play different roles."
A single tear ran down her cheek as Robin's smiling face transitioned within her thoughts.
"Though we betray each other even when we don't mean to…but we are there helping them through pain and strife."
*knock knock knock*
"Raven?! Emergency!" Beastboy yelled disrupting her thoughts.
"Coming."
{ }
[Jump City Outskirts]
The titans traveled to the outskirts of town to handle an intoxication problem, monsters. Raiden was left behind at the tower. "So what's the plan?" Cyborg asked as they exited the T-car, but there was no response from their leader. His teammate folded his arms across his chest, "Yo, Robin, you in there?"
"Huh? Yeah…give me a moment."
Cyborg raised a brow, "You alright man?"
It was like his question went in one ear and out the other, "The plan is simple…find and pursue." Robin begun to walk gaining a concerned look from Starfire who looked at the other three titans before they followed behind him.
"Dude, what's his problem?" Beastboy snickered.
Raven knew…they didn't…but she did unfortunately. She couldn't even bring herself to look his way as she tried to ease the words of her thoughts.
"What's the reason for all this calamity and uncertainty…smothering and suffocating all through the path within?"
The team walked in silence until a sudden noise caused them to stop in their tracks. Robin scanned their surroundings, "Time to get to work."
Three giant radioactive monsters had risen from the ground one after the other. They stood 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide with slime running down and out their mouths. Arms and hands were in the shape of crab claws while their heads were masked by a sphere of green glowing light. The distance between the 3 monstrosities wasn't great but enough room could be calculated to defeat each in pairs. "Finally, some action." Cyborg pounded his fist in the palm of the opposite hand.
Robin cracked his knuckles, "Alright, I'm not sure where these things came from, but we'll put a stop to them. Cyborg, you and Beastboy are in charge of handling the one on the far left. Star and I will make intercept the one on the far right." Their leader only gave Raven a brief glance before assigning her, "Raven, head straight up the middle."
"Wait wait…" Cyborg raised a brow, "…you're not seriously making her handle that thing alone?"
Robin double checked a few of his gadgets, not turning to anyone before continuing on, "She'll be fine. Once the rest of us are done, we'll give her aid…if she needs it."
"But—" Cyborg tried to reason with him.
"Titans, let's head out!"
Raven resisted the urge to grit her teeth as her gaze lowered…heart aching all over again.
"Does it not deserve the trust instead of being in love with the lies…does it not deserve the happiness instead of the hurt of sadness?"
~o~
The titans had split up and intercepted their assigned monster per Robin's plan. Cyborg and Beastboy soon ran into the enemy to the left that begun attacking a café. Robin and Starfire's monster on the right was destroying streetlights and the two charged it head on. Raven walked alone until she caught sight of the abomination that seemed to hate a very particular water fountain. She stopped several feet from it and stared it down…she didn't know what it was and clearly…she didn't care. Robin's words echoed through her thoughts, causing the feeling of irritation to rise within her. Raven's eye begun to glow white.
"Human beings are cruel, foul creatures of this world…but it's those who stand out that carry the goodness and mild-hearted."
Beastboy turned into a bull and rammed their monster within its chest. Cyborg ran behind and landed a sonic blast upon its back. These things were a lot easier than they looked. "What's the deal? These freaks aren't a challenge at all." Beastboy grinned.
Starfire threw a punch at what was supposed to be the monster's face and got burned; a slight singe across her knuckles. Robin whipped out a combo of kicks before taking out his metal staff and unleashing a maneuver of skilled hits upon the monster's torso. "You're right Beastboy." Robin agreed.
It was a showdown between Raven and her monster who finally picked up on her presence. The girl flew this way and that, picking up nearby debris which consisted of some pipes and hurling them at it.
"Money makes the world go 'round; since when did money replace love? There are fools of money now just as there were fools back then."
Cyborg and Beastboy both landed the final blow on their enemy and it fell defeated, soon disintegrating before their eyes. "Oh yeah!"
"Booya baby!" Cyborg high-fived his green friend.
"Starfire the back!" Robin shouted out as he launched one of his bombs into the monster's mouth. Starfire took the given opportunity to attack its back with much force, causing the monster to swallow the bomb. "Three, two, one…" Robin counted down and soon their foe exploded.
Raven could feel the sweat on her brow as she threw continuous punches at her enemy. Its exterior was a lot tougher than she thought realizing that cuts had started to develop on her knuckles and fists. She could feel that her focus was a bit off as last night's conversation begun to reply in her thoughts. Why was it affecting her? She's the one that put things to a stop but he could've…what? What did she want him to do? How did she want him to react? Raven didn't know and it hurt and infuriated her.
"Come on Raven! You got this!" Cyborg cheered her ceased her punches and switched over to kick combos, the illumination in her eyes growing brighter.
"You got him now Raven!" Beastboy whistled.
Starfire cheered her on as well while their leader stood in silence, his arms folded across his chest. Raven stopped to catch her breath briefly giving the monster the opportunity to swing its arm and knock her off her feet. "Do not take such brutality!" cheered Starfire.
Raven got to her feet and stared her foe down, the glow in her eyes changing from a white tint to a red, "You are NOT going to beat me."A black aura had then begun to surround her as she started to chant those oh so familiar three words. "Azrath…" Raven slowly walked the monster's way, "…metrion…" Her walk became a sprint as she charged manipulating the dark aura to take the form of a large fist that rested on her right along with a black raven. "…zent-!" Before she could initiate her finishing attack, the monster in her path exploded. Raven stopped a bit surprised and confused. The black aura forms had disappeared and the glow in her eyes ceased.
"What happened?" Cyborg looked around them.
Once the smoke cleared, Robin came into his team's view, "Time is of the essence."
"Dude are you serious!" Beastboy threw his hands in the air, "Her annihilation was gonna be epic! Fine time to step in, oh man."
"We don't protect the city to show off Beastboy." Robin stretched before walking their way, "Let's go."
Raven lowered her gaze letting the hood of her cloak mask it as she clenched her fists. The silence that fell over their team wasn't subtle as she heard Robin's footsteps upon the pavement. Once he passed her, Raven took it upon herself to just teleport to the car.
As their fearless leader made his way past Cyborg, his friend grabbed him by his forearm, "What the hell was that? And don't give me no lame excuse of 'showing off' because we both know that's the furthest thing from who Raven is."
Robin continued to face forward, "I'm the leader so I make the call." He then shifted his eyes to briefly meet Cyborg's, "Let's leave it at that." In one gesture, Robin removed his arms from Cyborg's grip and continued on. His friend simply turned around and shook his head as Starfire and Beastboy made their way on each side of him.
{ }
[East Tower]
Bumblebee rolled over asleep in Speedy's bed as the archer reentered the room with a tray filled with breakfast dishes. He had gotten up a little over an hour ago and stealthily made his way out of the room and to the kitchen. As he approached the bed, he couldn't help but smile at the sleeping girl who was surprisingly still knocked out. Though he guessed that it worked out to his advantage.
Speedy carefully placed the tray at the bottom end of the bed before deciding to wake her. He reached out and brushed her hair from the cheek of her face and then leaned down to place a kiss upon her cheek. The kiss got a stir out of her which made him grin. "Come on Bee, rise and shine."
"Mm…why?" She whined with her eyes still very much shut.
"Because I made us breakfast, that's why."
Her eyes immediately opened and she sat herself up, "Are you serious?"
"Why are you so surprised?" He chuckled.
Her face softened with a smile, "Not at all." She leaned into him and planted a kiss upon his lips, "Thank you, Roy."
"No thanks needed, Honeybee."
{ }
[Titans' Tower]
As the team entered the tower, Raiden jumped from the couch ready to greet them, "You're back! How'd it go?"
Raven approached her with a faint smile, "Have you been watching TV this whole time?"
"Come on." Raiden sighed, "Don't get on my case alrea—" The girl looked down and noticed something, "What happened to your hands mom?"
Raven looked at the back of her hands and then back at Raiden, "I'm fine. Just a few minor scratches."
"You should've seen her today, Raiden." Cyborg grinned as he approached them, placing an arm around Raven's shoulder.
"Yeah!" Beastboy barged in the middle of them, "She was all glowy right and just as she was about the lay down her finishing move…!"
"What? What happened?" Raiden looked between him and Cyborg as sweat ran down the back of Raven's neck.
"Robin stepped in and blew that slimy monster right up!" The two boys responded in sync.
"Awesome!" Raiden squealed in excitement.
Beastboy grinned, "Say Raiden, how about a campaign on 'Monster Scream IV', I can teach you some of the cheat codes I came across."
"Count me in." The girl turned to Cyborg, "Want to help me customize a new avatar uncle Cy?"
Cyborg straightened himself with a smile, "Sorry Raiden, maybe next time. I have plans of my own."
"Suit yourself dude." Beastboy and Raiden headed towards the couch and the green boy switched out the disc of the GameStation.
"Robin?" Starfire referred to their leader as they were the only two still close by the entrance door.
Robin turned to her, "Yeah Star?"
The alien princess began to blush, "I know we have just come back from a mission a-and it's only been twenty-four hours since—"
"Starfire." Robin chuckled at her obvious nervousness, "Slow down and take a breather." Cyborg was eavesdropping along with Raven who couldn't bring herself to move either.
"Right." Starfire took exhaled lightly and cleared her throat, "Tonight…would you like to join me on the beach…for dinner by the candle of light?"
Cyborg nearly choked by her question while Robin's smile slowly faded away. He could see Raven's silhouette in his peripheral vision but he was trying so hard not to look at her. "A candlelight dinner on the beach?"
"Hey, there's no need for you two to go running off by yourselves. We can prepare dinner right here." Cyborg turned around and walked over to them with a forced smile.
Starfire blushed, not knowing that he had been listening, "Oh uh…actually friend Cyborg, I would like to spend time only wi—"
"Sure Star." Robin's response came out after he thought about the conversation he had with Raven last night.
Cyborg chuckled nervously, "Wha…you can't be serious right?" Raven could feel the aching in her heart starting up again, but this shouldn't surprise her…right?
Robin shrugged, "Why shouldn't I be serious?" He turned to Starfire, "Just let me know what time this evening."
The girl smiled, "Will eight be appropriate?"
"I don't see why not." Robin grinned.
Cyborg stepped in between him and Starfire and whispered over to him, "Seriously man, what has gotten into you?"
Robin shifted his gaze over to look at the back of Raven's head that was covered by the hood of her cloak. "It was a mistake."
"She can love you in a way that I can't."
He could feel some slight agitation within himself, "It's nothing Cyborg. I won't be just some MISTAKE to Starfire."
Those words cut Raven deep to her core…she teleported to her room and screamed into one of her pillows. Why did she feel this way…she was the only one to blame for her situation. But that didn't mean he had to rub it in! She could hear the mirror of her vanity beginning to crack…calm down Raven…she had to calm down.
"Why is it harder to cry yet easier to smile when there's pain? Is there any need to sympathize for those who don't want it?"
There were those words again…
"Things don't reside upon the want rather it resides upon the need…like or dislike, all need the empathy or sympathy of each other."
Raven retrieved her phone and scrolled through her contacts.
"Whether it's the intellectual feel of those emotions or feelings…it still grasps that dependent factor taking it even further."
She came across Aqualad's contact picture and stopped.
"Letting the knowledge of love flow through every aspect of the body…as if reaching out for the heart of that one who is definite."
Raven hit the call button.
{ }
[East Tower]
Bumblebee stood in front of the bathroom mirror as she finished fixing her hair and Speedy propped in the doorway. "Looking good."
She rolled her eyes with a smirk, "Oh please, I'm just going to the park."
"So you said Cyborg wanted to talk to you about something?" Speedy thought to himself and the girl nodded in response. "And you sure you don't have ANY clue as to what that is?"
The girl shrugged, "None. But like I said before, it could be about some new mission starters or tech. Those are always on Sparky's mind."
"Yeah I highly doubt that."
"What?" She turned to him.
"Nothing." Speedy then playfully hit one of her hips, "When you get done in here, meet me in the living room. I have something for you."
"Oh?" Bumblebee grinned slyly, "You're just full of surprises today aren't you."
He rolled his eyes jokingly, "Yeah yeah, just don't take too long." The young man then turned and let her finish get ready for her friendly outing.
~o~
Bee finally emerged out of her room ready to go with her purse in hand, however she placed it down once she entered the living room and saw Speedy sitting on the couch.
"Alright, I'm here and ready."
Speedy grinned as he turned his head to look back at her, "Come take a seat next to me for a moment."
"Okay, but just for a moment." She made her way around the furniture, "You know I like to keep to my schedule."
The girl plopped down next to him, "Yeah I know, but you can give your boyfriend a little leeway."
"I guess so, since you're so cute."
Speedy grinned, "Well lucky me. Now…close your eyes."
"What? Now you know I don't play that."
He had to prevent himself from laughing, "Would you just…just close your eyes pollen-picker."
"Ugh, fine." Bee did as he asked.
Speedy waved his hand in front of her face a few times just to make sure that she wasn't cheating. He then pulled something out of one of the coffee table compartments and got out of his seat, taking a deep breath. "Okay…open your eyes."
The girl did so only to see him bent down on one knee in front of her, holding a silver box in his hand. Her heart nearly exploded in her chest, "W-What are you-?"
"Before you get ahead of yourself, this isn't what you think it is." He smiled though his cheeks were as red as autumn leaves.
Bee sighed in relief internally though there might've been a hint of disappointment behind it as well. "S-So…what is it then?"
Speedy opened the box revealing a silver ring inside with the word "love" engraved across the simple band. "Karen…I know how I feel about you and…how you feel about me…at least I hope I do hehe. So, I…want you to accept this ring as a promise to stay—"
"Speedy, I'm not going anywhere soon so—"
"…with me."
Her heart nearly stopped, "Stay…with you?"
Speedy could feel the butterfly knots in his stomach as he turned his head away from her, "Yeah…I…I love you, Karen."
Bumblebee's eyes widened and almost instantly teared up. He's never told her that before, "You…you LOVE me?"
He chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of his head, "Yeah. I've known for a while now just…didn't know how to just come out and say it you know." His chuckles died down and a soft smile remained on his face, "This might not be a real proposal now because we clearly have some more growing to do but…who knows…maybe in the future we can—" As he turned around he saw tears streaming down the girls face and immediately panicked. "Oh, crap I'm sorry! I didn't mean to speak nonsense I just—!"
Bumblebee pulled him towards her into a kiss that caught him off guard. After several moments, they parted, "Nothing you said, sounded like nonsense to me."
"So you mean…?"
"You don't have to ask me twice archer. I'll gladly accept and promise to stay by your side for as long as you'll have me."
He grinned as he rested his forehead upon her, "Let's hope you don't regret that in the long run." Bee simply chuckled as he pressed his lips against hers once again and the two shared another kiss.
{ }
[The Park]
Cyborg sat on one of the available park benches while waiting for Bumblebee who was running a few minutes late. He had a bouquet of honeysuckles in his possession and he decided to check the time on his phone. There was no way that he was going to let doubt set in. Sometimes girls just took a little extra time to get ready and if that were the case, maybe it meant that she was looking forward to spending time with-
"Hey Sparky!" Cyborg turned to see the girl heading his way as she crossed the track path.
He raised his freehand to wave with a smile, "Fashionably late I see."
"Sorry about that." Bee soon approached the bench, "Something held me up for a brief moment."
"No problem." Cyborg got to his feet.
The girl noticed the flowers in his hand, "Are those for me?"
He blushed slightly with a chuckle, "Y-Yeah, they are actually." Cyborg handed the bouquet over to her.
"Well what do you know, you can be thoughtful." She chuckled before burying her nose into the flower bunch and taking a whiff, "Mm, those smell good. Thanks Cyborg."
"No big deal." He grinned feeling a bit giddy, "I just remembered that they were your favorite."
Bee grinned, "I wouldn't say that that's 'no big deal' haha, but I'm impressed you remembered." She playfully punched him in his arm.
"I got a memory like a computer." He chuckled though realized that that was probably the corniest thing he could say. "Anyway…*ahem*…want to take a walk with me down by the pond?"
"Sure, sounds good to me." Bee nodded and the two headed towards their destination in brief silence. "Are the ducks out yet?"
Cyborg pulled out a loaf of bread with a grin, "Yep, brought this along to feed the little guys."
"Great." Bee chuckled.
As they approached the pond, the girl took a few bread slices from Cyborg and begun to separate them into pieces. There were indeed several ducks present so she stopped at the edge of the pond and threw a few of her pieces in. Cyborg stopped several steps behind her with the bouquet that she handed off to him and smiled as he watched her…Bumblebee, she was just so-
"So, Cyborg?"
Her voice interrupted his thought, "Y-Yeah, what's up?"
"What was it that you wanted to talk about? It sounded urgent."
"It did?" He raised a brow confused.
She shrugged, "To me it did." She soon finished using the pieces of bread in her position and dusted off her hands before taking a seat on the grass.
Cyborg joined her, "Are you sure? Or was is that head of yours overthinking again?"
"What?" Bee laughed while playfully nudging him, "Maybe but don't try to put this on me Sparky."
He chuckled but he could feel himself growing nervous, "Believe me, I wasn't trying that at all hehe."
"No, of course not." She grinned while lifting her left hand to block the sun out of her eyes.
Cyborg noticed a shining reflection that bounced off of something around her middle finger, "What's blinding me?"
"What?" Bee turned to him.
He laughed while grabbing her hand, "This thing."
"Oh that…" She blushed.
"Nice ring, the sun's blocking the engraving on it though." Cyborg tilted her hand a few times trying to make the letters out.
"You know…" Bee grinned, "…if you just wanted to hang out, you could've said so."
Cyborg blushed as he let go of her hand and rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Right. Sorry."
"It's okay." Bee began to twist the ring on her finger while Cyborg took the time to admire her face, the sun beaming on it almost like it was giving her a natural glow. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest; he had to turn away from her and she noticed. "What?"
"N-Nothing."
She playfully nudged him, "Aw come on."
"Well…heh…can I uh, ask you something?"
"Yeah."
"When you care about someone…I mean…REALLY care about them..." Cyborg could feel himself growing nervous again, "…and you want to let them know how you feel but…but there's this fear about how their reaction is going to be and—"
"You like someone don't you?" Bee smirked.
Cyborg's face turned red, "I uh…well that is…"
She laughed, "Don't be shy about it. Caring for someone in that way is a beautiful thing."
"Yeah, but it's definitely not easy."
"No, I guess sometimes it's not." Bumblebee's face softened as someone special to her entered her thoughts; she lowered her gaze, "Hey Cyborg…you mind if I share a secret of my own with you?"
His eyes widened a bit; was she going to really share something personal with him? This would strengthen their relationship in a way that…he shook his head of his thoughts so he could respond. "Yeah sure. Go ahead."
"It's about this ring…" Bee could feel her stomach filling with butterflies, "…Speedy, gave it to me."
Cyborg raised a brow, "Really? The guy doesn't seem much like a jewelry person. Not to mention I never thought of him as one to just gift his friends up out of the blue."
"Well, Speedy is…" A soft smile presented itself across her lips, "…more, than that."
"More?"
"Our hearts are full of mystery sometimes Cyborg. Masking who we hold dear, not realizing how close to home that individual is."
Cyborg took another look at the ring, the sun finally not shining upon it and was able to make out the engraving that read "love". He could feel his chest tighten a bit because his head started to put her words together along with the ring. "I might have the wrong impression here but, it sounds like you have feelings for…" The girl turned to him with such a smile filled with emotion that he had never seen before. "…Speedy?"
"Our secret okay." Their secret…Cyborg felt his heart slowly breaking as he didn't know what to say. He turned away from her and tried to gather the words but…what could he say? Bumblebee noticed his steadied silence and grew concerned, "Sparky?"
He cleared his throat, "I uh…h-how long?"
"It'll be a year come next week."
"Wow." He nodded, "And you guys just…kept it secret?"
Bee smiled nervously, "Yeah, we thought it would be for the best. But coming out and telling you…feels really good…it warms my heart actually."
It does huh? Cyborg couldn't help the thought; it could've been literally anyone else she could've told but she chose him. He turned to her to see that she was still smiling and it made him feel good. Darn it. "So he…really makes you happy huh?"
"Surprising I know." Bee chuckled, "But yeah…he does."
If he makes her happy, "I'm happy."
She turned to him, "Huh?"
"I'm happy for you, and your secret's safe with me."
Bumblebee leaned over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck for an embrace, "Thanks, Sparky."
Cyborg was caught off guard by the gesture, but soon relaxed into the hug, "Don't mention it Bee."
{ }
[The Beach-8pm]
Robin and Starfire had walked across the sandy terrain towards the candlelight dinner the girl had set up for them on the shoreline. As they approached the table, Robin couldn't help but notice how nice it was decorated. "Wow Starfire, you really outdone yourself." He pulled out her chair for her to sit.
She smiled, "Thank you." Robin sat across from her and she removed the silver lids from upon the platters revealing the main Tamaranian dish along with a slice of chocolate cake for dessert. To his surprise, it was probably one of the most normal looking dishes from her planet that she's ever made which was a relief. "I am so happy you're joining me."
Robin smiled, "So am I Star." The two begun their meals.
{ }
[Titans' Tower]
Raven sat on the living room couch alongside Aqualad who had been invited over. A movie was inserted into the DVD player and there was a bowl of popcorn that lay between them. Beastboy had taken Raiden to the skating rink and Cyborg had returned about several hours ago but was held up in the garage busying himself with something. "Thanks for coming Aqualad."
"No problem. Anything for a friend." He grabbed a handful of popcorn and shoved it in his mouth.
Raven gave a slight smile, "You must like popcorn a lot."
"Raven…" He finished his mouthful snack, "…what's wrong?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"I mean…" Aqualad shrugged, "…you called me. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you did, but ME."
She sighed, "Sorry I…just didn't know who else to turn to. Cyborg had plans and Beastboy can be immature at times."
"And Robin?"
"He's the problem." The words just came out and she wished she could take them back.
Aqualad paused the movie, "What happened?"
"I uh…" Raven wanted to kick herself, "…there's no need to stop the movie, it's nothing."
"Hey." He grabbed her hand, "You wouldn't feel like you need to talk to someone if it was nothing."
"Aqualad—"
"Garth." She turned to him and he gave her a reassuring smile, "Raven it's okay, you can talk to me."
"I shouldn't burden anyone with my problems."
"Believe me, I don't find it burdensome at all."
"This intoxicating point of view that breaks down and deceives…resulting in a flawless poisoning of its mind."
{ }
[The Beach]
Robin and Starfire walked barefoot along the tide holding a humorous conversation. They had finished dinner and dessert about an hour ago and Robin had to admit, the dish was quite delicious. "You know, this water has me a bit chilled."
Star smiled, "But it is fun to have running over your feet yes."
"Yeah, when the wind's not blowing." He chuckled.
The girl took his hand and begun to lead them out into the ocean. "How about a swim?"
"What, now?" He laughed, but let her continue pulling him along, "After I told you that I was getting cold." Starfire nodded before she stopped them once the tide was up to their thighs. Robin chuckled, "Fine, but if I get sick, I'm blaming you."
The girl smiled widely before grabbing the end of the dress she wore and pulling it up over her head. Robin didn't mean to stare at her matching purple underwear set and how nicely it fit her form. He shook the thought out as he loosened his necktie before removing his button-down shirt. Starfire turned away from him and dove beneath the surface to swim a few feet out with Robin right behind her.
{ }
[Titans' Tower]
Aqualad nodded his head, "I guess what Cyborg said wasn't too far off."
"Cyborg?" Raven raised a brow, "What did he say?"
"Nothing that would make the situation better." He sighed, "I'm sorry Raven."
She turned from him, "Don't be…it was my call."
"And you chose your friend's happiness over your own."
"Where everything is killed off with nothing to fulfill…for even science knows that all is coming to an end."
Raven cupped her hands together, "Yes. But I don't know why I feel so…"
"Torn up about it?"
She nodded, "It can't be regret…could it?"
Aqualad shrugged, "Only you can answer that question, Raven."
"I don't know what to think or do now."
"Just move forward and live."
Raven snickered, "Easier said than done, especially for someone like me."
"You can do it." He gave her a smile that made her feel capable, "You're a lot tougher than you let on, so there's no doubt in my mind that you got this." His words actually begun to ease her mind…to give her the reassurance that she possibly needed.
{ }
[The Beach-10pm]
Robin splashed Starfire who retaliated with a splash of her own. The time was getting late and the night air cooler by the minute. Robin got ahold of her and lifted her in the air to toss her a few more feet out. "Robin do not!" Starfire giggled as she playfully kicked her feet.
"It's too late to negotiate Star." He chuckled as he threw her.
The girl submerged and several seconds later she resurfaced and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Surprise attack!"
"What! No fair!" He chuckled as he, by reflex, wrapped his arms around her waist to pry her off. They ended up bumping heads that caused some slight dizziness but they soon laughed it off. "I forgot how strong your grip is."
"I am holding back." Star grinned.
"Oh that really makes me feel better." Robin chuckled until his gaze locked with her emerald green eyes that reflected the moon's light. She could only see into the mask that rested upon his face. "Star—"
"Robin, I wish…to never let you go."
He lowered his gaze from hers and smiled to himself. However, when he lifted his gaze once again, it wasn't Starfire's face that he saw, but Raven's. His heart begun to ache…remembering their last conversation that still didn't make sense to him. Now he was out here with…what was he doing? He should've just listened to Cyborg and-
"Robin, promise…promise we'll have more moments like this. Just the two of us."
As she spoke, Raven's face melted away to reveal the one who he was really in company with. More moments like this with Starfire…could he make such a promise?
"Star…about Raven…" He sighed, "Star, you and I…we just can't-" Robin suddenly felt the girl place her lips upon his, kissing him. His eyes widened a bit from shock, though after several moments, he found them slowly closing as he gave in and kissed her back.
{ }
[Titans' Tower]
"Your words are bold and you don't sugarcoat anything. I appreciate that, Garth."
Aqualad smiled, "Hey, it's because I care."
"Thank you, for listening."
"No problem." He stood and stretched, "I guess I should head on back to my team. Didn't get a chance to stop by the place on my way back from Atlantis."
Raven raised a brow, "You were in Atlantis this entire time?" She decided to stand as well.
"Yep for a few days now." He yawned.
"Now I feel guilty for making you come here."
Aqualad chuckled, "Don't, sometimes being there for a friend is more important than taking a rest you know."
"Take note of the future and even the past has that need…negativity does not have to play a role and fear to apprehend."
Raven felt some slight warmth within her being, "Thanks."
"And don't worry about Robin…you'll make it out on top." He then approached her, "Once you do, I hope you'll let me be there for you…just like today…" Aqualad brushed the back of his hand against her cheek, moving her hair and situating it behind her ear. "…to pick up the pieces and help you move on."
Raven didn't even notice the faint blush across her pale cheeks, "You must be really fond of me."
He smiled softly, "Goodnight, dark princess."
"Goodni-" She froze as she felt the boy's soft lips hit her cheek; her heart begun to race.
As Aqualad pulled back he spoke softly in her ear, "Fondness can't even begin to describe it."
Raven swallowed the lump that had instantly formed within her throat as he now was pulled back enough to lock gazes with her; a smile on his face. He searched her amethyst eyes for some sort of response and she couldn't bring herself to look away from his onyx ones. Aqualad's smile begun to slowly fade as he drew his face closer to hers which made her nervous but she didn't move. "Man I'm starving!" Cyborg barged through the living room from the hallway. His sudden presence caused the two to slowly back away from the other, a blush across Raven's cheeks. Cyborg noticed them, though was confused about Aqualad's being there. "Hey Aqualad."
"How's it going Cyborg?" He replied.
"Chillin'. What uh…what were you two doing?"
"Movie." Raven answered.
"Yeah." Aqualad turned to Raven with a smile, "Guess I better get going."
"See you later." Raven avoided eye contact with the boy but he didn't take offense. He simply waved the two titans off before heading to the front door and making his leave.
"Did I miss something?" Cyborg sat himself on the couch.
"Just friends hanging out."
"You know he likes you right?"
Raven's heart skipped a beat, "I don't know what you mean." She then started to head off to her room.
"I'm just saying…don't let whatever's going on between you and Robin cloud your judgment. Playing with someone's feelings won't end well."
That's not what she was doing…that's not who she was. Raven had stopped within her tracks briefly to contemplate Cyborg's words. She wouldn't do that to Aqualad…she brought up her arms to hold herself before teleporting to her room.
"Life has always been confusing and will continue to be as time pass…but down the line there will be a connection that cannot be unbounded."
{ }
[The Skating Rink]
"Someone help! I need some help!" Beastboy held an unconscious Raiden in the middle of the skating rink as a crowd begun to form. Things were fine but for some reason the girl collapsed unexpectantly.
"Call 911!" Someone within the crowd shouted out as they ran over to check on Raiden and Beastboy. Within 15 minutes, the sound of an ambulance's sirens could be heard in the distance.