Little One, Little Danger
(The Revision)
Chapter 18:
"Serenity"
Part II
In the early hours of the morning, both Robin and Cyborg were nearly done with their packing for the trip. Beastboy was still sound asleep along with the girls. After filling the last few items into his suitcase, Robin closed it and sat on his bed right beside it. Bruce was right…he really does need a vacation.
Raven stood right outside his room door, nervous to knock and go in to talk to him. As she lifted her hand she immediately asked herself what she was doing. The thought lowered her resolve and confidence so she decided it was best to just go back to her room. Suddenly Robin's door opened just as Raven entered her own with the door closing. He walked out into the hall with his suitcase in hand though something told him to look down the hall over to the girl's room. "Hey man."
Robin turned startled, "Cyborg…*sigh*…how many times do I have to tell you to—"
"Yeah yeah, not to sneak up on you." His friend chuckled. "Think we can sneak out of here without being found out by the girls?"
That's right…they didn't tell the girls about their plans. "Yeah, not a problem."
"Beastboy's not with you?" Cyborg looked around, "Don't tell me he's still asleep?"
Robin shrugged, "Would you really be that surprised?"
Cyborg groaned as he made his way to the green boy's room. Suddenly the sound of a screaming Beastboy filled the silenced air that caused sweat to fall down the back of Robin's neck. So much for leaving without causing a commotion. He then turned to look back down the hall at Raven's door. Was she awake? Robin lightly clenched his fists as he remembered what took place the morning before.
"Richard…"
"Rachel, no matter what your decision was you didn't—"
"Robin?"
"I'll see you two at breakfast."
Robin slowly unclenched his fist and sighed, "Damnit…it was a misunderstanding."
"You okay man?" Cyborg returned, this time dragging Beastboy whose neck was locked within his arm.
Robin gave a nod, "I'm fine. We should go load our stuff in the jet."
"That would be the plan if this fool here was finished packing." Cyborg knocked on Beastboy's head.
"So I dozed off in the middle of packing, no biggie." Their green friend chuckled nervously.
Robin shook his head, "Why am I not surprised." He focused on Beastboy, "You have one hour to finish before the others get here and we leave."
"Sweet! Now if Cyborg would just let me go." Beastboy had been attempting to free his head.
Cyborg dropped him with a grin, "Just hurry it up." The green boy gave them a nod as he rubbed his neck and ran off back to his room. Cyborg turned to Robin, remembering that their leader had been deep in thought moments before he came back with Beastboy. "Robin, what's up man?"
"What do you mean?" Robin turned to him.
"You have that look again. Like something's weighing on that mind of yours."
Robin leaned against the hall's wall, "Something like that. Too many things happening all at once."
"Aside from the fact that you're a seventeen year old that seems to be stuck in a twenty-six year old's body?" Cyborg smirked.
Robin couldn't help but let out a single chuckle, "Right. Aside from THAT."
"Is it the Raven and Starfire thing again?"
"Okay guys! I'm packed and ready to go!" Beastboy practically yelled in excitement with a big smile.
Both Cyborg and Robin nearly fell over startled by his outburst, "Beastboy would you shut it! You're gonna wake-!" The two's simultaneous response was just as loud without their realization.
"What's going on?" Raiden exited the guest room with a yawn as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Next Starfire entered the hall from her room with a yawn wondering about the reason for all the noise. Last but not least, Raven phased through her door a little agitated as she told the boys to keep the noise down.
Sweat dripped down the side of their faces as the guys looked at the girls nervously until Starfire noticed the suitcases, "Are those not traveling cases for clothing?"
Raiden took a few steps towards Robin, "Are you going somewhere?"
"Well I uh…" A nervous blush spread upon the man's cheeks.
Cyborg sighed while folding his arms across his chest, "Might as well tell them."
{ }
The guys were gathered on the roof in wait for Speedy and Aqualad. After fessing up to the girls about their plans, Starfire, Raiden and Raven retreated back to their rooms to get some more sleep. However, the dark-natured woman attempts to do so were futile so she decided to brew a pot of tea. Raven was seated on the couch with a mug full of herbal tea in hand, her gaze out the lookout window. Why did the guys feel that they had to keep their plans a secret? No doubt it was Robin's doing. She shook the thought out before sighing and taking a sip of her tea.
[The Roof]
"Dude…*yawn*…where are they?" Beastboy was growing lazily impatient.
Robin grinned, "You're one to talk."
"Chill." Cyborg smiled, "There's still five minutes left on the clock. They'll be here."
~o~
Within the tower…
The doorbell rang, gaining Raven's attention as she wondered who it could be. She got up and answered the door only to see two familiar faces she wasn't expecting, though shouldn't have been too surprised to see. "What's up Raven?" Speedy grinned.
"I would ask what you two are doing here but I think I can figure it out for myself." She stepped to the side to let them enter.
Speedy walked into the living room, "Found out about our little trip huh."
"Yeah." Raven closed the door behind Aqualad, "Those three are horrible at keeping things to themselves."
Aqualad chuckled, "Now that I can believe."
"Whoa, two minutes till. Beat you to the roof!" Speedy headed for the elevator.
Aqualad shook his head, "Why does it always have to be a competition with you?"
"There's one in every group." Raven folded her arms beneath her chest.
"So, how's things going for you this morning?" Aqualad turned to her.
Raven walked back over to the couch and took her seat as he trailed behind, "Fine. Couldn't go back to sleep after the ruckus those three caused trying to sneak out but…the tea is good."
Aqualad gave her a soft smile, "Glad to hear it."
"And you?"
"Me?" He shoved his hands into the pockets of his cargo shorts, "I'm great. A little on edge because I'm not sure what to expect on this trip. But that all comes with living life right."
Raven fought the urge to grin as she lowered her gaze to her mug that rested on the coffee table, "Sure."
"I guess I better head up before they leave without me."
"We wouldn't want that." She picked up her mug and took a sip.
"See you when we get back."
As he walked pass the couch, "Hey…" Raven's voice stopped him, "…have fun and thanks…for checking up on me."
Aqualad grinned, "Sure thing." Before she knew it, the boy leaned over from behind the couch and planted a small kiss on her right temple. "See you when we get back." Raven became slightly flustered as she heard his footsteps drift towards the direction of the stairs that led to the roof.
~o~
Back on the roof…
"Speedy, I thought you said Aqualad was right behind you?" Robin raised a brow.
"He was." Speedy shrugged.
Beastboy was already sitting within the jet, "It's seven right now, let's go!"
"Beastboy does have a point." Cyborg grinned, "We did say seven o'clock would be the departure time."
Robin smirked, "That's true."
"Not funny you guys." Speedy narrowed his eyes at them, "He's here, just give him another minute."
Robin and Cyborg hopped into the jet, "Another minute? I'm not sure we can swing that, so you might just want to get in Speedy and cut your losses."
"Seriously?" The archer threw his bag into the back of the jet, "The guy just stopped to talk with Raven."
Robin's grin immediately faded, "Raven? She was up?"
Speedy sat beside Beastboy, "Yeah, she's the one that opened the door for us."
The thought of Aqualad being along with Raven made Robin nervous and he hopped out of the jet, Cyborg calling out to him where he was going. However, before he could make it halfway across the roof, the door that led inside the tower opened with Aqualad stepping through. Robin came to a stop as Speedy waved his teammate over with a grin, though the water-teen noticed Robin almost immediately. "Hey Robin."
"I almost thought we had to leave without you." He tried his best to mask the annoyance in his tone.
"Nope, I'm here and ready to go. Just got a little held up." Aqualad grinned as he walked pass him and to the jet in wait.
Robin's gaze followed, "Yeah, I bet."
{ }
They would arrive at their destination in roughly fifteen minutes and the ride was mostly a quiet one. Though Beastboy and Speedy did have more to say that the others. "So, where are we going anyway?" Beastboy yawned.
Robin grinned, "You'll find out when we get there."
"Oh surprise destination, sweet." Speedy relaxed in his seat, positioning his arms behind his head.
"Is he always this optimistic?" Cyborg turned to Aqualad.
The water-teen chuckled, "He wasn't before, but something has changed that part of him."
"Yeah? Something like what?" Beastboy asked.
Speedy exchanged a look with Aqualad before rubbing the back of his neck a blush across his cheeks as he begun to chuckle nervously, "N-Nothing worth talking about really. Just figured that life's too short to worry about every little thing."
Cyborg grinned, "I'm sure someone else would think otherwise."
"Wha…?" Speedy could feel his heart drop, "Don't tell me you-?"
"Don't worry, she explained and I respect you guys' decision."
Robin's ears perked up, "What are you guys talking about?"
"Yeah, because I'm lost." Beastboy shook his head.
"Don't worry about it you two." Cyborg gave Speedy a thumbs up, "Just nonsense between buddies." The young archer returned the gesture with a grin.
"Well, buddies, we're coming up to our destination." Robin informed as he navigated the jet.
"Awesome!" Beastboy fist-pumped before looking out the window to see several mountains come into view. After another few moments, not too far from a cliff and in-between those mountains emerged a cottage. "Spotted it!"
Robin smiled, "One of Bruce's private getaways."
Cyborg grinned, "The location definitely screams billionaire of solitude."
"I'll say." Speedy high-fived Beastboy. Once the jet got a few miles away from reaching the lodge, Robin navigated around the back to locate the landing mark.
"Hey, someone's there." Cyborg informed.
"It's probably Bruce." Robin turned the jet before bringing it down slowly to land.
"Ah man, don't tell me he's here to chaperon." Beastboy whined.
Robin cut the engine of the jet while Bruce approached with a wave and the guys begun to file out of the vehicle grabbing their things. "What's up Bruce?" Cyborg was the first to greet him with a smile.
"Things are fine Victor, how was the trip?"
"Smooth sailing." Cyborg shook the man's hand.
Beastboy approached them, "No disrespect Mr. Wayne but you're not here to chaperone or anything like that are you?"
Bruce raised a brow, "I'm not sure. A question like that makes me wonder if I indeed should."
"Oh no! It's not that we'd trash the place or go wild or-!" The green boy stopped his babbling as he saw that both Bruce's and Cyborg's faces held an unconvincing look; he gulped.
Bruce sighed, "Unfortunately I am not here for that purpose but to make sure you all got here safely and to lay down some ground rules." Speedy and Aqualad made their way over and exchanged greetings with Bruce who asked them about their wellbeing.
Last but not least, Robin finally approached with his bag in hand, "Alright Bruce, tell us what we need to know."
"Hello to you too Dick."
"He's so rude sometimes." Speedy teased.
Bruce folded his arms across his chest, "Try living with him." Beastboy and Cyborg turned to the other two and nodded.
"Really?" Robin's eye begun to twitch out of annoyance.
"Alright, first thing's first…" Bruce begun, "…the place is fully stocked with food and essentials so feel free to indulge yourselves." He then looked at Beastboy, "But not too much, so no behaving like a bunch of wild animals. Though no offense to you Beastboy."
The green boy gave him a thumbs up, "None taken."
Bruce continued, "In case of an emergency, there are 3 exits that can be easily located. Do NOT break anything. I can't stress that enough. You break it, you buy it understand. The cottage has three floors and includes an attic and basement." Bruce went on to inform them of what they could expect on each floor. The first being the living room equipped with eighty-inch flat screen TV and surround sound system. There was a library of the latest movies made available to them. Also on the first floor was the fully stocked kitchen. The second floor held six bedrooms so each guy would have no problem in claiming one for themselves. The rooms had personal bathrooms which consisted of jacuzzi tubs and walk-in showers. As for the third floor…a gaming entertainment room.
"Sweet!" Cyborg and Beastboy high-fived.
Bruce grinned, "I thought you might enjoy that. There's also an indoor pool and bar."
"You don't say?" Speedy and Robin exchanged grinning looks.
"Don't get too excited." Bruce grinned, "All the alcohol has been replaced with water, soda and juice."
Their faces dropped, "Right."
"Well, that's everything. You enjoy yourselves and we'll touch bases later." Just as Bruce was finishing his statement, a helicopter emerged from behind a few trees.
"What the-?" The sound of the air transport drowned out Cyborg's statement.
"Is that Alfred?" Beastboy shouted over the noise.
Bruce nodded, "Right on time." The helicopter landed gently as the man headed over and soon entered in. "You kids make the most out of this trip. Who's to say how soon you'll have another." His final words to them as he closed the air transport's door and the guys waved him off.
"This is what he does with all his money?" Aqualad asked as they watched the helicopter ascend and head back over the trees.
Robin grinned, "That's Bruce Wayne for you."
{ }
[Titans' Tower]
Raven sat on the roof that night in a new pair of pajamas that she was convinced to buy when the girls took a trip to the mall. Made of silk and white in color, long sleeved and pants. She was trying to meditate.
"Rachel…"
Her thoughts were still breaking her concentration…she could only sigh and let herself fall upon her back to look at the starry sky above. What was her problem?
"Rachel…it's so hard…"
She knew that…the thought alone formed a saddened lump in her throat. Things were never easy.
"No matter what your decision was you didn't—"
What? She didn't deserve the way he's been treating her or going about things? He was hurt…so maybe she did. "Mama?"
Raven sat herself up and turned towards the door that led inside the tower to see Raiden. The girl had a look of concern on her face. "Raiden, what are you doing out here?"
"Well…you've been up here for a few hours and I was starting to worry. Are you okay?" Raiden slowly made her way across the roof.
Raven smiled softly as the girl approached and took a seat beside her, "Yes. You have nothing to be worried about. My meditation sessions tend to run a little longer that I'd like at times…surprisingly."
The leaned towards her to rest her head on Raven's shoulder and link an arm within hers, "What about you and daddy?"
Raven's heart nearly dropped, "What…what are you talking about?"
"You two have been avoiding each other lately." Raiden could feel the uneasiness rising within her, "I don't know how to describe it but…I feel like something bad is about to happen to our family."
Raven's heart ached as she stroked the girl's hair in a comforting manner, "You know…sometimes I get feelings like that at times."
"You do?" Raiden felt the woman nod, "What do you do about it?"
"Well, I'll tell you what my friends would tell me…" The faces of her teammates came to mind, "That there's nothing to worry about and everything will be fine. I'm here."
Raiden held back her tears as she turned to lock gazes with Raven, "You promise?" The woman remained silent for a brief while as she thought things over. It's not that she didn't think things were going to be okay they were just…complicated currently. "Mama?" Raiden's voice broke her of her thoughts, "Mama you have to promise me."
"I…I promise." Raven's reply got a smile out of the girl as she turned her head to rest it on Raven's shoulder once again. Raven shifted her gaze to look down on her head…
"What are you doing Raven?"
Raiden kicked her feet, "I started this new show today, we should watch an episode together."
"You're just doing what is right, Rachel."
Raven smiled softly, "So long as it's not a cartoon."
The girl groaned, "But it's so good!"
"You are not a mother Raven."
Raven nodded, "Alright fine, but we watch one of my shows after."
"Deal!" Raiden grinned.
"She is your responsibility, Rachel."
The two got to their feet and stood, dusting themselves off before heading in the direction of the entrance door. Raiden was several steps ahead of her so she reached it first, opening the door for the both of them with a smile. "What do you want, Raven?"
"What do you want, Rachel.?"
Raiden lifted a hand, "Don't take too long or time's gonna get away from us."
{ }
[Wayne Cottage]
Aqualad soaked himself in the Jacuzzi of his room gazing out the window of the balcony's door at the moon. He was feeling well relaxed and ready for bed while the rest of the guys were on the third floor playing video games. He sunk himself further into the warm water noticing that he felt a little weaker than usual. "Yo Aqualad?!" someone banged on his room door startling him to the point where he became submerged completely. The room door swung open as Speedy poked his head inside, "Aqualad?" Almost instantly, the water teen resurfaced in a gasp as he spat water across the way startling Speedy who held his hand over his heart. "Don't do that!"
"Really…*cough*…you're one to talk." Aqualad wiped some of the water from upon his face, "Banging on the door like some kind of maniac."
Speedy took a few more deep breaths before sighing, "Okay fine, that's my bad."
Aqualad shook his head and stood as he grabbed a towel, "What did you want?"
"Well we were about to pop in a horror movie after everyone showered—" He looked Aqualad over who just stepped out of a jacuzzi tub.
"What?" Aqualad raised a brow.
"Were you just taking a bubble bath?"
"Yeah, so?"
Speedy shook his head, "Anyway, after we all took our SHOWERS, like REAL men, we're gonna head downstairs and watch a horror movie. You in?"
Aqualad sat on his bed, "Tempting but I think I'll pass and call it a night. I've just felt really weak and tired for some reason."
"Jeez man, you haven't seen her for only a few hours, get it under control." Speedy teased.
"What? Who—?" It finally dawned on Aqualad and he couldn't help but grin and let out a small chuckle, "Shut up, that's not it."
"That's what I told myself when it first came to Bee." Speedy took a seat next to him, "Though whatever it is, if it IS concerning Raven, watch yourself around Robin."
Aqualad sighed, "How many times will you say that?"
"Well, before we left the titans' tower he was joking around with the others about leaving you behind. That is, until I mentioned that you had stopped to talk with Raven."
"So?"
Speedy shook his head, "The guy nearly ran across the roof to go and get you."
Aqualad simply grinned, "Yeah well, I'll keep your advice in mind. See you in the morning."
"Alright, do what you want." Speedy stood and walked back to the room door, opening it only to see Beastboy run pass dressed in cheetah-print pajamas.
"Beat you downstairs!" The green boy shouted out without looking back.
"Oh no you don't!" Speedy ran off in the direction of the room he was staying in to quickly shower.
Sweat ran down the back of Aqualad's head, "What's their problem?"
"First one downstairs gets to pick the movie." The water teen shifted his gaze to find Robin standing some feet down the hall. He was wearing a white tee shirt and a pair of black shorts.
"Figures." Aqualad grinned.
"Though it sucks for them." Robin lifted his hand to reveal something within his possession, "I have the remote."
"DUDE! WHERE'S THE REMOTE?!" Beastboy's shouts of panic echoed from the lower floor getting a laugh out of both Robin and Aqualad.
{ }
[Titans' Tower – 10AM]
The girls were in the middle of eating breakfast when a knock came from the front door. Raiden immediately jumped out of her seat and flew off towards its direction with a yell that she would answer it. Raven could only sigh, blaming Beastboy for passing on the habit of shouting out without the concern for others. Raiden opened the door only to be met with a delightful smile that she returned, "Hey Auntie Bee."
"Hey there Raiden." Bumblebee entered with the girl closing the door behind her. "Is Raven and Star home?"
"Yeah, we were just eating breakfast." Raiden flew back towards the dining area while Bee followed.
"Oh, something smells good." Bee took in the aroma of breakfast food trying not to drool.
Starfire stood immediately upon seeing her, "Friend Bumblebee!" She brought the young woman into a tight embrace, "You have come to visit us this morning."
"Yep, that's why I'm here." She smiled.
"You're alone and bored aren't you.' Raven commented while taking a bite out of her waffle.
Bee's brow twitched as she tried to hold her smile, "I uh…well I…" She sighed, "You didn't have to say it so bluntly." Raiden couldn't help but laugh as she offered their guest a plate which she gladly accepted. Bumblebee then took one of the free seats while Starfire gave her a smile and decided to ask her opinion of the guys getting away for a few days.
{ }
[Wayne Cottage – 10AM]
Breakfast was served to the individual likings of the guys that the girls probably wouldn't really approve of. Beastboy was eating a bowl of nacho cheese tortilla chips as he gulped down an energy drink while he was engaged in a video game session on the third floor. Speedy had leftover pizza from the previous night with a glass of orange juice as he lounged in the pool.
"Don't eat all of it man." Cyborg was relaxing in one of chairs next to the pool stuffing his face with a tub of butter-pecan ice cream. To the side of him rested a tray of chocolate cupcakes decorated with rainbow sprinkles.
Speedy chuckled, "You're one to talk. Save me a cupcake will you."
Robin was down on the first floor blasting rock music while he munched on cheese crackers and a box of honeybun cakes with a glass of milk. Aqualad joined the rest of the guys on the third floor as he did laps in the pool. He finished a plate of hot wings and two cheeseburgers several minutes prior.
"Dude, is this great or what?" Beastboy widely grinned after belching.
"I second that." Cyborg raised a cupcake to the air.
"Is Robin still in the living room?" Speedy asked.
Cyborg nodded, "Yep, speakers on full blast."
"Darn." Speedy sighed, "And I wanted some more orange juice."
"Just go get more man." Cyborg chuckled.
"Would one of you mind?" Speedy gave his best genuine smile, "I just warmed up in here and stepping out will be cold."
The other three burst into laughter, "Dude, you're old enough to go and get your own juice."
"Yeah." Cyborg grinned, "If you run fast enough you won't feel cold."
"And here I almost go out to go get popcorn." Aqualad floated by his teammate on his back.
Speedy turned to him, "Now there's an idea."
"Emphasis on the word ALMOST." Aqualad continued on his floaty way.
"Aw come on Aqua, be a pal. The water doesn't affect you like the rest of us." Speedy whined.
"Look Speedy, I—" Aqualad's stomach growled mid-sentence which only made Speedy grin.
Beastboy chuckled as he shoved more chips in his mouth, "Dude didn't you just eat some wings and stuff."
"Yeah I did, but-"
"Aqualad, my friend, my buddy." Speedy lifted his empty glass still grinning.
The water-teen sighed, "Fine." Speedy fist pumped as he thanked his teammate who got out of the pool and took his empty glass. Cyborg and Beastboy laughed at his expense, "You owe me another one, 'archer'." He headed towards the stairs where Robin was dozing off on the couch.
{ }
[Titans' Tower]
Per Bumblebee's treat, the girls headed to the spa where Starfire chose an all-inclusive package while Bee and Raven settled for aromatherapy massages with mani/pedis. Raiden had to stay home due to the facility's age policy of 16 years and older. Raven and Bee relaxed in the available sauna, "Oh this feels great."
"It's not horrible." Raven nodded.
Silence fell over the two briefly before Bee shifted her gaze to the woman across, "So Raven…about you and Robin-"
"There is no me and Robin so there's nothing to talk about."
Bee grinned, "Is that so…" Her smile soon softened as she lowered her gaze, "You know…there's still a lot about you that I don't know or understand Raven. But Aqualad seems to care about you a lot." That last statement made Raven feel a bit uncomfortable. "How about we do this, I'll tell you a personal fact about myself and vice versa. That way we can get to know one another better. Sounds good?"
"Are you sure you're not just trying to find out my secrets to gossip about?" Raven smirked.
Bee shook her head, "Wow, is that how you view me? Sure, I like to talk but you have to give me more credit than that. We haven't been that close and I think what better time to try and fix that than the present."
"Look, it's nothing personal but I'm not that easy of a person to get close to." Raven rested her back against the stone wall with a sigh as she thought the idea over. "But if there's one thing I learned from the others…it's to not completely shut others out." She glanced Bee's way briefly, "So…okay."
Bee gave her a soft smile, "Okay." The young woman lifted her head to give some thought to her first personal fact. "Well, for starters, I'm not as strong a person as I put on to be. I can be a little overly sensitive and a softie on the inside."
"That's not too surprising."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"
Ignoring her question Raven took her turn, "Believe it or not, I sometimes get afraid of the dark."
"What? Really? But you basically live in the dark."
"It's called irony." The two continued their game of sorts with Bumblebee revealing that she used to hate feeling emotion because some just hurt too much. Raven expressed that she thought she was the only one that felt that way, but Bee reassured her that she's never the only one. Raven admitted that life currently had gotten confusing for her and it was the same with Bumblebee admitting that things had gotten so hard. However, Bee made a comment in saying that being in love makes it worth it. The statement took Raven by surprise, not realizing that her heartbeat increased. "Are we talking about me or you?"
Bumblebee chuckled, "ME, Raven."
"Is that so? I would've never guessed." Raven's nerves begun to calm in relief.
"Just finding that special someone that completes you…cares for you more than they do themselves…it's surreal you know. Something to get used to but…it's a beautiful thing that makes it worth it in the end."
Raven nodded, "So I guess Cyborg finally told you huh."
"Sparky?" Bee raised a brow confused.
"The day you two went to the park, he finally told you how he felt about you right?"
"How he felt…about ME?"
Raven's left eye twitched, "H-he didn't tell you, did he?"
"No I mean, w-we just hung out that day. I was actually talking about Speedy and I just now."
"S-Speedy?" Raven couldn't help the slight widening of her eyes a bit surprised.
Bee rested the back of her head against the wall as she lifted her gaze, "I told Cyborg about our relationship without a clue about how he felt. How awful could I be."
"Just forget that I said anything."
"It all makes sense now…why he wanted to spend time with me. I didn't even give him a chance to open up because I was swooning over an earlier talk I had with Roy."
"Well, what was Cyborg's reaction when you told him?"
Bee shook her head, "Nothing dramatic, just that he was happy for us and that he'd keep our secret to himself."
"Look…*sigh*…don't worry too much about Victor. He'll be alright, and the way he handled the situation says that. But I'm curious…if you are in love with Speedy and vice versa…why keep it a secret? I can guess why but, shouldn't people in your situation feel blessed? There's no need to be ashamed of what you have."
Their sauna session came to its end as the two headed towards the exit, "Don't misinterpret our keeping it a secret as us being ashamed of what we have." Bee smiled softly to herself, "I do feel blessed and your words only make me confirm that within myself."
"I see."
Bee stopped her tracks a few steps behind Raven, "Raven?" The dark-natured girl stopped herself and turned to look back at her, "If I can offer some words of advice of my own…don't lead Garth on if you have feelings for Robin."
The statement tugged at Raven's heart, "What are you-?"
"He's like a brother to me and I don't want to see him get hurt."
"Look, Aqualad and I have only been hanging out, nothing more has been going on."
Bumblebee folded her arms beneath her towel-covered chest, "That's exactly my point. You two have been spending ALOT of time together which might not mean too much to you but it means the world to him." Raven opened her mouth to say something but no words would come out. Her companion begun to walk again, this time pass her, "I'm not aware of the entire situation with either one of them concerning you but, just be careful around them and let them know what you want." Raven watched as the girl walked down the hall and into one of the massage parlors.
{ }
[Wayne Cottage]
The guys split off that evening with Robin and Cyborg taking the living room while Aqualad and Speedy relaxed outside on the back patio. Beastboy remained on the third floor still engulfed in his videogame session.
"So how did you convince Bruce in letting us hang out in this cottage?" Cyborg sipped on a cola as he and Robin sat on the available couch.
Robin shrugged, "I didn't, he offered. Thought it would be good for us to get away for a while."
"Right. You mean he thought it would be good for YOU to get away."
"Something like that." Robin grinned.
Cyborg belched, "Got a chance to talk to Raven?"
"Thanks man, I'm supposed to be relaxing and you just had to open a can of stress." Robin shook his head, "No…I hadn't."
"I thought you had more than enough time to-"
"Starfire she…kind of interrupted."
"Ouch, that sucks, but you kind of gotten yourself in this mess."
Robin sighed, "I know I just…I know she didn't mean to but…it was irritating. Let me tell you what happened."
~o~
Back patio…
Speedy sighed, "I wonder what Bee is up to."
"No doubt wondering the same thing about you." Aqualad grinned.
"You think so? Hehe, I hate to admit it but…it feels good to be able to speak about us you know. With a close friend."
Aqualad's grin softened, "Never thought I'd see the day when you'd get sentimental on me. But I'm glad you're happy." His gaze lifted towards the sunset hued sky, "Happiness can come from where we least expect it."
"Was that statement for me or Raven?" Speedy grinned.
"Seriously?" Aqualad shook his head with a grin, "Why do you think that everything that comes out of my mouth is concerning her?"
"Because just like me, your feelings can't help but be reflected within your speech and actions."
Aqualad turned to him a bit dumbfounded, "Have you been reading Bee's magazines again?"
"So what if I have." Speedy chuckled, "People do weirdly awesome things when they're in love."
"Heh, believe it or not but I'm starting to understand that more now than ever."
Speedy nudged him, "Was that a confession of how deep those feelings of yours go?"
"No comment." Aqualad smirked.
~o~
Living room…
"Like I said before…that sucks. But I'm sure she'll hear you out if you try again when we get back."
Robin ran his fingers through his hair, "Maybe…but Raven can be set in her decisions and ways." He propped his feet up on the coffee table.
Speedy and Aqualad entered back into the cottage and headed to the kitchen only to slightly overhear the other two guys' voices. "What are those two talking about?"
Aqualad shrugged as he grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge, "Who knows? Past missions maybe?"
"Yeah, but you two are close…Raven will hear you out." Cyborg tried to reassure his team leader.
"And Star?"
Cyborg shook his head, "Look I don't know about that but you can't keep doing this to them. You have to choose man."
"There's no choice to be made I just…" Robin sighed, "Starfire's my friend and I don't want to hurt her feelings but Raven…she's my friend too. However, something's changed or maybe it was something that was always there and just surfaced I don't know…but it's different."
"Starfire and Raven huh?" Speedy grinned getting Aqualad's ears to perk up in interest.
"Then tell her that." Cyborg sighed.
Robin sighed, "I want to, I really do but after the decision she made on where we stand…not to mention how much time she's been spending with Aqualad."
Speedy nudged Aqualad, "Didn't I tell you."
"You know why that is right?" Cyborg snickered as he shook his head.
Robin looked at the ceiling above, "Yeah…I get it, but it doesn't make me feel any better. You have ANY idea how it feels to not know whether or not someone you care about is just up and thinking about someone else?"
"Actually, yeah." The two turned towards the direction of the kitchen to see Aqualad standing, his arms folded across his chest. Speedy had his head poking out from the other room, a bit surprised that his comrade said anything and made their presence known.
"Excuse me?" Robin raised a brow.
Cyborg motioned his head in their direction, "How long have you two been there?"
"Long enough." Aqualad replied.
Speedy decided to step out as he chuckled nervously, "We weren't eavesdropping or anything if that's what you're thinking."
"Then what were you doing?" Robin got to his feet.
Aqualad shook his head with a grin, "You know, you are something else Robin."
"What are you talking about?"
"Toying with both Starfire and Raven's hearts but making it out like you're the victim. That's a level of low I never thought you'd stoop to."
Robin gritted his teeth while taking a step around the couch, "What did you say?"
"Hold on you guys." Cyborg extended his hands out towards each of them as sweat dripped down the back of his neck. "There seems to be a misunderstanding."
"Oh I'm sure you heard me well enough." Aqualad took a step forward.
"Hey now, I agree with Cyborg you guys." Speedy walked up on the side of Aqualad.
"Don't act as if you know what's really going on." Robin scoffed.
Aqualad shook his head, "Save it, because all this just makes me see you for who you really are. Batman's washed up sidekick who's ego outweighs any care a real leader should have for his team."
"You water sucking son of a bit-"
"Watch it you two!" Cyborg and Speedy yelled simultaneously.
Aqualad shifted his gaze to them, "Watch what? He might play like he's not enjoying the situation…" His gaze went back to Robin, "…but he knows exactly what he's doing."
"Care to say that to my face?" Robin finally made his way around the couch to approach Aqualad.
The water teen made a move in his direction until Speedy grabbed his arm to pull him back, "Chill out man."
"You and I both know he doesn't deserve her…he doesn't deserve Raven!"
"And you think you do?!" Robin was stopped by Cyborg who had grabbed him.
"Yeah…at least more than you that's for sure."
Robin could feel his frustration rising before he lowered his head and chuckled slightly, "You know what…this is a waste of time. No reason for me to get worked up when you don't know the full story about MY life. So why don't you take your little accusations and shove it where the sun don't shine water pixie."
"Kiss my ass." Aqualad shoved himself out of Speedy's grip.
"Looks like you already do that yourself."
Aqualad grew more agitated as he clenched his fists, "I can see why she's fed up with you and why she made the decision she did." Robin turned away from him but had ceased walking. "To think that she could even cry over someone like you who's not even worth it. You don't care about her or how she feels."
"That's enough Aqualad." Speedy tried to stop him.
Cyborg begun to grow agitated as well, "Now that's a lie. Robin cares about her too."
"Does he?"
"Shut up." The words were faint on Robin's lips.
Aqualad's gaze shifted back to the fearless leader, "Because his most recent actions has told me otherwise. Not to mention weighing out both her and Starfire like they were items in the grocery store…the idea of it all just makes me sick to my stomach."
"I said shut up."
"No you know what, you need to hear this! You're supposed to be the glue that keeps your team together, to make them feel safe and accepted but I guess all that went out the window when you decided to make out with both of those teammates. Best friends at that. You can't get sleezier than that. But it's fine because unlike you I'M going to show Raven what it means to have someone truly make you happy."
"You're crossing the line now." Cyborg gritted through his teeth.
Speedy grabbed ahold of his friend's arm again, "That's enough."
Aqualad shook him off again and approached Robin from behind, "You don't deserve her and I wouldn't be surprised if you and Starfire didn't do a little more than kiss on your romantic beach date."
"Shut up!" Robin suddenly turned around; fist pulled back that instantly came into contact with Aqualad's jaw. The water teen fell backwards onto the floor with Robin jumping on him to give him another two punches to the face. Aqualad then turned the tables, flipping Robin over and doing the same to him. In a panic, Cyborg and Speedy ran over to them to try and stop the fight. Robin punched Aqualad in the stomach that got him to tumble to his right. Before the titans' leader could hit the water teen again, Cyborg grabbed him and dragged him away. "Let me go!"
Aqualad hurried to his feet and charged after the two, tackling them both to the ground. Speedy took it upon himself to pull his comrade by his neck to drag him away in the other direction. "Stay out of this Speedy!"
Cyborg got he and Robin to their feet but held the young man back by his arms, "Would you cool it!"
"He has no idea!" Robin tried to get out of his grip.
"You don't deserve her!" Aqualad spat out.
Robin could feel himself needing to get control over his breathing, "You…have no idea…"
"Would you chill out!" Speedy was trying to calm down the water teen.
"Robin?" Cyborg became worried.
"Not even a clue…" Robin could feel the lump forming in his throat.
"Then fill us in why don't you!" Aqualad's emotions were running high.
"You're right!" Robin's outburst had the other three fall silent; he could feel the moisture of tears welling up in the corners of his eyes. "I don't deserve her and maybe she doesn't give a damn about me right now but…I know that I love her and I'll be damned if I'm going to just up and lose her!"
Silence commenced throughout the room and Cyborg looked at his team leader a bit saddened, "Robin."
"Let me go Cyborg. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
Robin nodded and Cyborg slowly let go of his arms. Speedy and Aqualad became cautious and watched him as he walked towards the stairs. Robin quarter-turned his head slightly, "Don't you EVER accuse me of doing something so cruel to my team again. Stay out of my business especially if you're only fueling a fraction of the facts." Aqualad gritted his teeth as they watched Robin continue up the stairs and out of sight.
"I guess we'll be cutting our vacation short." The remaining three turned to the opposite end of the room to see Beastboy leaning up against the wall, arms folded across his chest.