"So," Xanadoth stared down her nose at Klarion, "your thoughts?"

"No need to rub it in," Klarion glowered at the two Lords of Chaos. It had taken him just about a week to escape Doctor Fate's tower…which was an improvement. The first time he'd been stuck for 16 days, the second time 13 days; and the third time, 10 days. "I had her," he whined.

"Meow," Teekl argued.

"I did to have her!" Klarion yelled at Teekl. "Stupid cat," Klarion muttered, "what do you know?"

"Are you still throwing your tantrum?" Mordru asked condescendingly. "Or can we begin?" Klarion stuck his tongue out at Mordru. "Immature," Mordru said.

"Contact Tannak," Xanadoth ordered coolly, "let's begin."

"Let Operation Keep Heroes Occupied commence," Klarion smirked.

"Like I said," Mordru sneered at Klarion, "immature."

"Shut up."

Raven walked down the hallway with a neutral look on her face. The chains on her black miniskirt clanged against each other with every step she took. Students subconsciously moved out of her way. Raven didn't know if it was her natural aura or the fact that she was the only person with a goth aesthetic at the prep school. (She loved casual Fridays.) What she didn't love was the color pink. It was everywhere. Dark pink, light pink, hot pink, rose pink, blush, fuchsia, salmon, and coral pink—all shades of pink. Raven hated it. But it was Valentine's Day, hence the hearts, pinks, reds, and candies.

She aggressively opened her locker and threw her books inside. She also hated the emotions in the air; they made her stomach churn. I hate this day in every universe. The longer she was surrounded by pink hearts, the more she thought about the kiss she and Tim had recently shared. He wanted to talk about it, but Raven had been avoiding the subject. She didn't want to—"Would you like a Valentine?" a high-pitched, squeaky voice asked. Raven nearly sent the pixie in her face to a different dimension. [Difference #575–Rich people can hire metahumans to provide services… like sending a bunch of pixies to a school to hand out cute little Valentine's Day cards.] "No," Raven answered for what felt like the umpteenth time that day.

"Are you sure?" the cute pixie pressed. Raven looked right and left before facing the pixie and allowing a second pair of eyes to appear on her face. "Eek!" the pixie squealed before flying off. Raven relaxed and smirked. Hopefully, I won't be bothered for the rest of the day.

"You shouldn't do that in public," a familiar voice said playfully from behind her. She stiffened. She didn't want to turn around. "Someone could see you." Raven didn't have to turn around; Tim came and stood directly in front of her. She timidly raised her gaze to meet his. He returned her gaze with kind, blue eyes that sparked warmth inside her.

"What are you doing here?" Raven asked, putting space between her and Tim. She could feel and sense the other students' stares and curiosity, especially those of Courtney, Kourtnee, and Ckortnée, who had been relentless ever since the school found out about Tim tutoring her. They also happened to be walking by her locker. The waves of jealousy and anger they emitted made Raven dizzy. The stares from practically everyone else in the hallway didn't seem to deter Tim, who continued to answer her question.

"Your calculus teacher wanted a progress report," Tim smiled, his voice light and teasing.

"Shouldn't my improved grades be progress report enough?" Raven raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms.

"Maybe I wanted to get ahead of next month's lesson," he countered, giving a sweet smile and a one-shoulder shrug. "Or maybe I wanted an excuse to see you."

Raven felt her heart flutter at his words, but she maintained her composure. "I don't need powers to know you're lying," she said lightly, a slight smirk on her lips, as she grabbed books from her locker.

"Partly lying." Tim took a big step closer to her, almost backing her into her locker. Almost. He reached out a hand and tenderly removed a piece of hair from her face, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I really did want to see you."

Raven's mouth dried as the voices in the hallway seemed to float away, leaving just the two of them in their little bubble. "Tim, I—" she began, but the words caught in her throat as Tim's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"You've canceled on our last two study sessions," he said, cocking his head, looking at her in amusement. "And you've suddenly disappeared to Azarath for the last couple of team trainings. I thought maybe I'd need to put a tracking device on you to hunt you down."

"Very funny," Raven replied, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. "I know you have a tracking device somewhere on me."

"On your uniform," Tim corrected, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Right," Raven said. "I've been busy since…"

"Since we kissed?"

"Since Klarion attacked," Raven said, her voice firm but with a hint of vulnerability.

"I see," he said, taking a step back, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Will you be alright for tonight's mission? I know it's last minute."

"Last minute?" Raven scoffed, feeling the weight of her task ahead. "I found out about it from Richard this morning before first period." She sighed. "But that's not the cause of my ire."

"Then what is?"

"Valentine's Day," Raven crinkled her nose. "All this pink fluff and actual pixies in the hall." She gestured at the decorations lining the hallway and the twinkle of the multiple pixies. "I feel like it's trying to suck me in. I don't like it."

"It's a holiday, not an enemy combatant," Tim chuckled. "I mean, it's just fluff. It can't hurt you." His smile remained genuine, and Raven couldn't help but chuckle.

"You make it sound so appealing," she replied, feeling a small flicker of hope.

"I try," he said with a wink. "But really, Raven, it's okay to want something nice for yourself. You deserve it."

She looked up at him, his sincerity striking a chord in her chest. "Nice is not really in my wheelhouse."

"Maybe it should be," Tim replied, stepping even closer, their proximity making Raven acutely aware of the electricity crackling in the air between them. Please, don't let us kiss in the hallway, she prayed to every deity she could think of. "How about tonight? You could let me treat you to something that doesn't involve pixies and pinks—after the mission, of course," Tim suggested.

Raven's heart raced at the suggestion, caught between excitement and apprehension. "Tim, I—"

"Just think about it," he interrupted gently, the warmth in his voice making it harder for her to think straight. "You could use a break. And… I want to take you out," he added almost shyly.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the passing period, Raven took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. Tim stepped back, giving her space but keeping that supportive smile on his face. "Let me know," he said, dragging his hand down her arm before giving her hand a squeeze. "I'll see you later."

"Yes. Later," Raven smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through her as she watched him walk away, feeling a little lighter despite the looming chaos of the day.

Raven sat at the lunch table, engrossed in her book as Richard and Barbara chatted energetically nearby. She sensed an excited presence approaching and looked up just as Harper Row bounced over and slid into the seat next to Barbara. "So," Harper beamed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "There's a rumor going around that Tim Drake-Wayne, your brother," she pointed at Richard, "had a hot, steamy make-out session with our Rachel!"

Raven felt her face flush and her body freeze at the mention of Tim. She glanced at Dick, who wore a smug, know-it-all grin, while Barbara's expression shifted from confusion to surprise, and Harper looked eager for details. "You kissed Tim?" Barbara asked, incredulity lacing her voice.

"Uh… no," Raven stammered. "No, that did not happen."

"There's a video circulating," Harper chimed in, pulling out her phone. With a few taps, she played a clip that lasted only five seconds. From the angle the video was taken, it certainly looked like Tim was kissing her. "And the Courtneys have been spreading rumors that Rachel's mom is a private immigrant maid to Bruce Wayne who provides… other services. And that Rachel's real father is a drunk," Harper continued, her excitement palpable.

Raven rolled her eyes. She recalled how John had shown up to her parent-teacher meeting drunk last week, only to magically sober up before the meeting began. The damage, however, had already been done. As for her mother…they left that open to interpretation. "That video misrepresents what happened," Raven said firmly. "Tim wasn't kissing me."

"It really looks like he's kissing you," Barbara countered skeptically.

"You're mistaken," Raven insisted. "He's just my tutor."

"Everyone knows he's tutoring you," Harper smirked, raising an eyebrow. "However," she pointed to her phone, "that does not look like the stance of someone who's just a tutor."

In frustration, Raven covered her face with her hands and stood up, grabbing her book. "I think I'll spend the rest of lunch in the library." As she walked away, she heard Harper's voice trailing behind her: "They're totally kissing."

Raven shook her head, doing her best to ignore the other stares directed her way. "Great," she muttered to herself. She hated being the center of attention. "Just great."

Cassie stood with her arms folded, staring through the glass window at the unconscious young man lying on the hospital bed below. Diana stood tall and regal beside her, exuding calm strength. "His name is Lar Gand," Diana said, her voice steady. "He was a captive on Apokolips. He showed tremendous bravery, helping us break into Darkseid's headquarters."

"Is he Kryptonian?" Cassie asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Close," Diana replied. "He's from Daxam. They are closely related to Kryptonians. Daxam was one of the first planets Darkseid enslaved. He used the Daxamites as soldiers, working them mercilessly. Their planet is now uninhabitable, and fewer than 5% of Daxamites are alive."

"Wow," Cassie breathed, taking in the weight of Diana's words. "What's wrong with him?"

He led a charge with the other prisoners and suffered severe injuries. I didn't think he would survive, but he is recovering. Superman and the League doctors believe he should wake up any day now."

Cassie shifted her weight, glancing back at Lar. "Okay, but why am I here?"

"When he wakes up, it may help if he sees someone his own age," Diana explained, her gaze softening. "He's wary of adults."

"Got it," Cassie nodded, her expression turning serious. She understood the importance of being a friendly face in a world filled with overwhelming challenges. And, if she were honest with herself, he was kind of cute—which was an added bonus.

Raven felt a wave of relief wash over her as the final bell rang. She had weathered stares and whispers all day. Boys who had never spoken to her were now interested in the foreign goth immigrant student. One even had the audacity to ask her to the Senior Valentine's Day dance—a dance that was happening in less than five hours. Girls who had once treated her with indifference were now inviting her to parties and shopping trips, their forced smiles barely masking the eagerness to bring her down a peg or two. Courtney, Kourtnee, and Ckortnée regarded her with the same bitter disdain as always, all the while spreading rumors behind her back.

Raven pressed her hand to her forehead, overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions directed at her. So many eyes, so many whispers. It felt like she was suffocating under the weight of their judgment. A migraine pulsed at her temples as she thought, I don't know how much help I'll be tonight. She trudged out of the school. I need a nap. "Rachel!" Dick called out, pulling her from her spiraling thoughts. She looked down the line of limousines to see Richard waving wildly beside a stoic, elderly gentleman. "Alfred," Raven muttered, recognizing the distinguished figure.

"Rachel!" Richard called again, his voice bright and inviting.

Raven's senses heightened as everyone's attention shifted back to her. She approached Richard with a reluctant sigh. "Richard," she said wearily, feeling the weight of everyone's stares. She loathed being the center of attention.

"Come on," he urged excitedly. "You're riding with us today!"

"Um… what?" Raven glanced between Richard and Alfred, confusion etched on her face. "I usually teleport to the mountain or to Constantine's house. Why is today any different?"

"Uh… because you're Tim's date," Richard replied, his tone a mixture of enthusiasm and mischief.

Raven bristled at the word "date." "I am not Tim's date," she stated firmly.

"If you say so," Richard said, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"I do say so," Raven shot back. "I'm helping you guys with a mission at Bruce's behest. That's it."

"Well, it'll be easier if you ride with us," Richard insisted, waving her protestations away. "We have a lot of prep work to do." He looked Raven up and down. "For one, your nails."

"What's wrong with my nails?" Raven asked, shooting a cautious glance at her neatly trimmed fingers.

"You're going to need a manicure," Richard said. "And your hair needs more volume."

"Excuse me?" Raven raised an eyebrow.

"I believe what Master Richard means to say is that we would be honored if you let us assist you in preparing for tonight's soiree," Alfred interjected soothingly.

"Yeah," Richard chimed in, "what he said."

"Okay," Raven sighed heavily as thought back. "It's not like I know what I'm doing."

[THEN]

Raven watched as her teammates prepared for a girls' night out. Donna, Karen, Kori, and Lilith crowded around the mirror in Donna's room, applying makeup and adjusting their hair. "We'll choose a quieter place next time, I promise," Karen said, glancing at Raven, who sat alone on Donna's bed.

"It's fine," Raven replied softly, forcing a smile. "Nightclubs will never be my thing." Ever since she destroyed her father, Raven had spent more time with the Titan females, taking part in their girls' nights. Yet, the closer they became, the more she felt like an outsider, a shadow in their vibrant world.

The girls didn't frequent clubs often; however, they had gone out four weeks in a row to a new upscale venue buzzing with the elite of society. With villains attacking more frequently, a Friday night at a club felt well-deserved, but Raven felt disconnected, watching from the periphery as they thrived in a world she felt she could never fully belong. "Still," Karen frowned. "We've gone four times this month."

Donna plopped down next to Raven, concern etched across her features. "Want me to stay with you?" she offered.

"Firstly, I'm 24; I don't need a babysitter," Raven replied, a hint of irritation creeping into her voice. "Secondly, this club is right next to the beach. I know you're hoping that a certain someone will come out of the ocean and make an appearance." Donna blushed. "Thirdly, I have a date," Raven admitted slowly, the admission drawing all eyes to her.

All activity ceased. The girls turned to her in shock. "You accepted a date from somebody? You?" Karen exclaimed, her eyes wide.

"Who?" Lilith asked eagerly, while Kori nodded enthusiastically.

"Um… Eric," Raven answered shyly, the warmth of their surprise and shock mingled unpleasantly with her anxiety.

"Eric?" they all gasped in unison.

"You said yes to that wannabe gigolo?" Karen asked incredulously.

"He's such a stalker," Kori added, her concern evident.

"His powers… I don't know," Lilith interjected, uncertainty in her voice.

"Maybe you could reconsider?" Donna suggested, and the other girls nodded in agreement.

"I wasn't asking for your permission," Raven frowned, feeling defensive. "And I can take care of myself, you know? I may not have the physical strength of Hercules, but I have other talents."

"Sweetie, we know," Donna said, patting her hand comfortingly.

"There were no protests when Garfield let him in the tower," Raven said, her frown deepening. "And you guys have no problem accepting gifts from him, like VIP passes to elite nightclubs."

"You're right," Donna conceded. "It's just…"

"You've never dated before," Kori said kindly. "And Eric is…" Her voice trailed off as she searched for the right words.

"A lot," Karen finished for her. "He's a lot, but, as previously stated, you are an adult. And you can definitely take care of yourself should he try anything."

"We didn't mean to upset you," Lilith added, concern in her eyes.

"We just want you to be safe," Donna insisted.

"I know," Raven sighed, "And I appreciate it." She paused. "I haven't used my powers on him or reached out with my senses to feel his motives. I'm playing this one completely human."

"Well, I hope you have a great date," Donna said, brightening the mood. "I want lots of details."

"What do you mean?"

"Like… is he a good kisser? Does he use tongue?" Donna joked, eliciting a chuckle from Raven as she hit her with a pillow.

"Anyway, can you maybe help me get ready? It's not like I know what I'm doing."

[NOW]

"It's not like I know what I'm doing," Raven muttered quietly, staring at her nails forlornly.

"Raven?"

Raven returned to the present, shaken from her thoughts. Alfred stood holding her car door open, while Richard looked at her with concern. "Oh," she shook her head, trying to push the heaviness away as she entered the car. "Yeah. Let's do this. Thank you," she said to Alfred.

"We used the same measurements from your uniform," Richard said as he slid in next to her. "Also, we've prepared a dossier on everyone who will be in attendance, including the staff. But Artemis is going undercover as one of the servers, so we don't have to worry about them."

"Master Richard, allow the young lady to relax," Alfred interjected, looking into the rearview mirror. "You can do all of this prepping when we get home."

"True," Richard nodded, "and that's where all the files are, so…" He smiled mischievously. "What did Tim want?"

Raven groaned. Her nap would have to wait.