LivingstoneBramble: allow me to crush your evil heart a bit more then...xD
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Happy reading! xD
River Deep, Mountain High
Their dynamic didn't really change that much, but it sure felt nice to go official. Gar wasn't clingy or needy anymore – at least not on harmful levels – because he wasn't insecure anymore. He didn't get jealous as easily either, because this time around he truly, deeply trusted her and how much she claimed to love him. And she found herself more drawn to him than ever for it.
There was this one thing he was slightly worried about, because when you have that much trauma, they will eventually creep back in. Raven had found a coven recently. She hadn't joined them per say, but she did meet up with them sometimes, to work on more complex spells or try new things. She never asked him to go with her. They didn't do everything together, obviously, but they usually asked each other if they wanted to tag along for whatever it was they were doing. Except for this.
"Hey, love?"
Raven didn't look up from the pages of her book. "Mmm?"
"This, uh…this coven thing. Are you going tonight?"
"I told you I am. What about it?"
"Is it…I mean, it's your thing, I know that. But is it…like, it's probably restricted, right? I mean, no outsiders and all that."
He's nervous. Raven looked up at that. "No…I mean, not really. I took Karen once."
"You did?"
She frowned. Why is he hurt? "Well, yeah, she was curious. Why? What's wrong?"
Now he was truly concerned, because that could mean she didn't want him there because there was some devilish handsome warlock she connected with or because she thought he would embarrass her. Okay, we need to be honest. "I guess I just…I'm just wondering why you never asked me to go. I mean, I don't want to intrude or anything. I just, I'd like to get to know your interests more and…well, I guess I'm a little worried you didn't ask me because you're ashamed of me or something."
The empath closed her book and stared at him with an incredulous look on her face. "You…want to go…to coven meetings with me?"
"You're right, that's dumb and invasive. Forget I asked."
"No, Gar. It's just…" She smiled softly. "I never asked you because I didn't want you to feel pressured. I mean, you're not a fan of…it does get a bit spooky."
The shapeshifter furrowed his brows. She thought I wouldn't be comfortable with it. She thought I'd judge her?
"I mean, you never offered to go with me to the poetry caffe or my nightly walks before, so I just assumed you wouldn't want to go." The empath concluded.
Oh, shit. He realized that was true, she'd never asked him to tag along, but he also never volunteered. And it really was because he used to be creeped out. But things were different now. "Rae, I'm sorry. I'm not put off by anything you're involved in, I promise. I mean, I'd love to see every part of you you'll let me."
Raven's smile widened significantly. Her heart fluttered in the most delicious way. "Really?"
"Definitely."
"I'd love that, Gar."
He beamed at her. She wants me there. She just didn't think I'd want to be there. But she wants me there.
"Why don't you go with me tonight? If there's no trouble, of course."
Cyborg was officially in charge since Dick and Kory had finally gone on their honeymoon in Paris – in spite of Richard's constant protests and doubts about how irresponsible of him it was to just leave. But Garfield and Raven were also highly required by the younger heroes – who had obviously overstayed their one month deadline – and had a lot more responsibility for the moment. They'd all made mental notes to acknowledge how challenging the leadership role is to Nightwing when he was back.
The Changeling nodded eagerly. "Yeah I'd love that! Ohhh, what should I wear!?"
"Your uniform."
"Oh, right." He grinned sheepishly. "Duh. But like, isn't there a dress code? Shouldn't I wear black or something? Do I need to use eyeliner?"
She chuckled. "You need to relax, love. Just be yourself."
Garfield frowned skeptically. "Raven, really?"
"Yes, really. Be your goofy, dorky self. If I'm taking the man I love to meet my other friends, I don't want him trying to act like someone else."
That tugged at his heartstrings. An idiotic grin spread across the Changeling's face. "What's that? The man you what now?"
Raven rolled her eyes cutely. "The man I love."
He dramatically brought a hand to his chest. "Ah, she loves me! I can die happy!"
"So cheesy." She shook her head, watching him fondly. "Also, no you can't. Not yet."
"Right, I wouldn't dream of dying without your permission." Gar said cheekily.
"Good."
They went to the cemetery at midnight to attempt perfecting a spell that stablished telepathy between an entire group for a period of time. It wasn't quite there yet, though. Garfield and Raven exchanged a meaningful look, because it could really come in hand in a fight if it worked. But he also had a surprising amount of fun. He was extremely proud of her the whole time, because she was clearly a big deal with this crowd, but that wasn't unexpected. What was a little more unexpected to him was the fact that not only was she not embarrassed, but she seemed rather proud of him too.
His shapeshifting skills were a huge hit and everyone wanted to see it, especially when he turned into some hellish creature, but his jokes didn't always land. Still, she kept that loving gaze on him the whole time and made sure he felt included and at ease. He didn't fail to notice there were some devilish handsome warlocks there, but that didn't worry him because she didn't look at any of them the way she looked at him.
"So are we all getting naked to dance under moonlight?" Garfield joked, getting a proper well-humored response for once.
Raven rolled her eyes. "It's not that kind of party, love."
"What!? That's like, the whole reason I came!" He squeaked, beaming at the whole-hearted laughs that followed.
"Well we could definitely discuss including that."
"I'm game."
"Why not?"
Raven raised an eyebrow at him and enjoyed his toothy, carefree smile and the waves of contentment pouring out of him. She hadn't expected to bring him into this part of her life. She hadn't expected him to fully embrace it, truly try to understand it, or even take a genuine interest. And she didn't need him to. But she loved that he did. It made her all warm and fuzzy inside in the mushiest possible way.
Once Starfire and Nightwing came back from their honeymoon and there wasn't so much on their shoulders anymore, Raven decided it was time to discuss something with Gar; something she'd had in mind since Kory's bachelorette party. So she momentarily stopped reading The Lord of the Rings out loud and turned her head slightly to address the shapeshifter embracing her tenderly. "Hey, Gar?"
"Yeah, love?"
"Do you want to play Witch Hunter tonight?"
Garfield's breath caught in his throat and his heart skipped a beat. "Really? I mean, we…we haven't done that since before we broke up…" He knew why, too. It took an insane amount of trust because that was the most submissive she'd ever gotten in their sex games. He really didn't expect her to ever give him that level of power over her again. "We really don't have to, love."
"I want to."
"You do!?"
"Why not? You give me control all the time."
He shot her a cheeky, flirty grin. "That's cause I'm your willing slave."
"Well, I'm yours too." She said plainly before chuckling at the shocked look on his face. "Remember when Terra left and I did your bidding like a loser? Yeah, that was devotion. And love. I just didn't know it yet." She gestured between the two of them as she watched his eyes get even wider. "This was never one-sided. So, let's just share power, okay?"
Garfield wasn't sure of what he was feeling but he wasn't breathing properly and his eyes were probably enormous and he could hear his accelerated heartbeat in his ears. His mind was a bit of a blur. Say something. Say something witty. Now!
"Why are you so shocked?" Raven asked, thoroughly amused. "I know it doesn't come naturally for me…"
He chuckled, regaining control of himself. "Yeah, you don't really have a submissive nature."
"Right." She cleared her throat and looked at him in a way that can only be described as naughty. "I can still submit to you."
Okay, chill. She's probably saying this to please you. Don't let her. "Rae, I'm way happier than I deserve. Please don't think you have to do anything just to-"
"I'm not." The empath rolled her eyes. "I want to, okay? It feels nice. I miss it too."
Oh, shit. He couldn't fight back a greedy grin anymore. "You do?!"
"Mmhm." She nodded. "I'm safe with you, right?"
Garfield beamed at her. "Completely."
"Cool."
"Wanna go to the beach first?"
"Only if you turn into a whale so I can sunbathe on your back."
His grin got impossibly wider. "What are we waiting for?!"
Later that day, after a lovely beach day with plenty of peaceful rest on an enormous green whale's back, Raven felt a bit weak in the knees as Gar slowly walked around her naked body, looking her up and down. He ran a light finger up her thigh and grabbed her hips from behind, holding them in place before leaning in to whisper in her ear.
"Make yourself powerless for me."
She took a deep breath first, because his tone sent shivers down her spine. Then she did as she was told while he slid a hand up her stomach.
"Well, aren't you the sexiest witch I've ever captured? I think I'm keeping you all to myself."
Raven took an intake of air to steady her breaths and smirked. "Is this the part where I'm supposed to be intimidated?"
Garfield's heart skipped a beat at her playful tone and inside reference to their fight from when the Beast first came out. "No." He spun her around and pulled her close, pressing her hips to his and grabbing her hair with his free hand, leaning it back so she was looking up at him. She was clearly struggling to stay in character and not give away how excited she was and he thought it was the cutest thing he'd ever seen. "This is."
And then he kissed her urgently, guiding her towards his bed. The shapeshifter sat down and pulled her to his lap. Once she was straddling him, he wrapped his hands around her arms and pushed them together making two L-shapes behind her back, wrapping a single hand to hold them securely in place, which was rather easy since she put up no resistance. Then he brought his free hand to the back of her neck to deepen the kiss even more. She was moaning against his lips already.
Raven whispered between shaky breaths. "What are you going to do wi-"
"Quiet." Gar ordered firmly. He smiled when she immediately went silent and he kissed down her neck, making her shiver and murmuring against her silky skin. "You're mine now, pretty witch."
Her short breaths got heavier with anticipation, the delicious fog in her mind making her barely aware of her surroundings. She opened her mouth to speak, but he raised an eyebrow at her and she immediately closed it again and just nodded instead.
"Good girl." The shapeshifter said mischievously, loving the way her chest rose and fell, her pupils dilated, her scent became intoxicated with lust and her hips moved pleadingly on his lap. "Eager, are we?"
He brought his hand that wasn't holding her arms down to tease her between her legs and Raven tilted her head back and helplessly arched her back. "Please."
"Ah, still speaking without permission?" He said teasingly. He loved playing with her. He thought he'd never get to do this again and struggled to keep his face's playful severity from being completely replaced by puppy-love affection. "Do I need to gag you?"
"S-sorry." She whispered, moving her hips a bit faster because his hand was still mercilessly caressing between her thighs.
The Changeling smiled hungrily and held back from doing everything he wanted to do and ending things too fast. "You're lucky you're so sexy. You'll still be punished, of course, but I'll go easy on you."
Raven moaned loudly and nodded again; her eyelids fluttering. She yelped slightly when he swiftly laid her on the bed, getting on top of her with a greedy grin. The empath grabbed onto the sheets to avoid touching him without permission.
"I'll command you tonight, my pretty little witch." Garfield sucked lightly on her left breast while squeezing her right thigh. "Got it?" He looked up when he didn't hear a response and saw her nodding again while squirming around and moaning quietly. He smirked and moved so his face was hovering over hers then placed his hand under her chin to keep her head from moving around so much. "Open your eyes." Once her clouded, violet eyes were staring back at him, he suppressed a huge grin. "When I ask you a question, I want to hear your answer. So let's try this again. I command you tonight. Got it?"
"Y-yes."
"Yes, what?"
"Yes, master."
Fuck. I don't think I've ever been this horny in my life. "How are you feeling, love?"
Her shaky breaths got louder. "Claimed."
He ignored the primal instinct telling him to fulfill his every desire and analyzed her body language for a few seconds instead. His whole being ached with lust, but he'd never taken it too far before and he wasn't planning to start today. "Are you comfortable?"
"Y-yes, master."
Gar smiled and brought a hand down to tease her again; massaging her breasts with his other hand and making her moan louder. "Good girl."
Meanwhile, Miss Martian had been fighting both Starfire and Cyborg at the same time in the training room. They held back at first, but it quickly became clear that wasn't necessary, so they kicked it up a notch. She was flying, turning invisible, hitting them with flying objects, and going inside their minds to confuse them. Besides, much like Kory, she didn't get hurt easily. Nightwing noticed lack of confidence was the only thing holding her back and smiled widely at the prospect of having another person with such a large range of powers on the team.
"Okay, guys, that's enough." He instructed. It was a pointless match. She didn't defeat them, but they were barely making her break a sweat. I might have to put her up against Rae, actually. "Good job, M'gann. Go rest."
Miss Martian blushed slightly at the praises that followed – and under Superboy's intense gaze – and hurriedly joined the younger people by the long bench, sitting with Static Shock, Blue Beetle, Robin and Ravager.
Little did she know she would soon come to regret that decision.
"Changeling, good to see you." Nightwing greeted him as he stepped inside the training room looking breezy, confident, rested and eager. "Where's Raven?"
"Oh, she's a bit tied up right now." The shapeshifter fought back the urge to giggle childishly. He also felt a rush of relief when Conner didn't react, as it confirmed he hadn't heard them. Lately, he and Raven would wait until Superboy was in the training room, because the loud blasts and shouts – not to mention the music Cyborg always put on during training sessions now, because Karen liked it – would keep his distracted ears from capturing sweet whispers and moans. He knew Conner was grateful for it too.
Dick frowned. "With what?"
"Ah…" Think fast. "She's sick. And too tired to heal herself. She's resting."
"Oh, does she need anything?" Nightwing asked in a concerned voice.
"Don't worry, I'm taking care of her." He held back laughter again. "She's sleeping now, though. So, I'm here."
"You ready?"
Garfield stretched out and grinned smugly. "For anything."
Dick folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"
He really was ready for anything. He broke the record in the obstacle course, easily took care of all hostile simulations, and even held his own battling a rather surprised – and impressed – Conner, switching forms intelligently between defensive and offensive creatures and not giving Superboy a break. The others cheered loudly and Nightwing nodded approvingly. Conner grinned, because he appreciated the challenge.
I'll bet you ten bucks Raven's tied to his bed right now Rose texted her companions on the bench, because she wasn't sure Superboy and Changeling were distracted enough by their sparring not to hear that if she whispered. And this was just easy money.
"There's no way!" Blue Beetle gasped. "I'll take that bet."
Static Shock shook his head. "Yeah, you're insane. You're on."
Damian had his eyes narrowed at Rose. "I mean…maybe."
They all turned to Miss Martian, who frowned uncomfortably. "I'm not participating."
She shrugged apologetically when they sighed and rolled their eyes in return.
"How would we know?" Static Shock asked.
"M'gann can read minds, right?" Damian tilted his head towards the Changeling and lowered his whisper even more. "I'm sure he's thinking about it."
The Martian grimaced at their expectant grins. "Ah…yeah I'm not doing that."
Ravager grunted in frustration. "Why not?"
"Yeah, don't be a coward." Robin teased. "What are you, scared? She won't find out."
"I'm not being a- look, I'm just not giving her a reason to hate me, okay? She still likes me." M'gann realized they were shooting her quizzical looks and frowned. "What?"
"Raven likes you?" Damian asked skeptically. "She doesn't like anyone that fast."
"Yeah, where did you get that idea?" Ravager raised an eyebrow.
Miss Martian shrank a little. "I…well, I heard her thinking it. Yesterday."
There was a round of small, shocked gasps.
"Wait, are you listening to all our thoughts all the time?" Static Shock asked in outrage.
It was M'gann's turn to gasp. "Of course not! I just…I got curious. It's difficult to know what she thinks without telepathy." She bit her lip regretfully.
Damian rolled his eyes. "Don't we know it? So you get to know what Doomsday's thinking and she still likes you, huh?"
Blue Beetle huffed quietly. "Man, what makes you so special?"
Static Shock narrowed his eyes. "Did you make her think she likes you?"
M'gann felt utterly offended. "Excuse me?"
Rose turned to Damian. "Could she even do that? With Raven's mind powers?"
Robin grinned. "I don't know but that'd be a pretty epic match."
Miss Martian nervously looked around as if Raven would show up out of nowhere and hear them talking about her. She preferred staying on the sorcerer's good side.
Blue Beetle nodded. "So, about that thing…I have gadgets to eavesdrop on-"
"No." Damian said pointedly while Rose adamantly shook her head. "No eavesdropping. Never a good idea." He elaborated as Ravager now nodded emphatically in agreement, with wide eyes. "Trust us."
The boys practically giggled in understanding, but Miss Martian just blushed and wondered what on Earth and Mars she was doing here.
"You know what? I think we can just ask and figure it out by his reaction." Robin chuckled.
Ravager grinned mischievously. "Sounds like a plan."
A few minutes later, they were hanging out by the corridor near the Changeling's room, waiting for him to pass by so they could find out who was right, but the shapeshifter wasn't alone when he turned the corner.
Cyborg came after his friend. "So I'm just gonna do a quick scan and run diagnoses and-"
"Cy, seriously, she's not that sick. She just wanted to rest."
"But what if this is some mysterious magical flu or something?"
The younger heroes discreetly pretended to be uninterested and involved in their own conversation. They listened even more intently when Garfield stopped by his door, staring at the half-robot and anxiously shifting his weight between his feet.
"Vic, trust me. She's fine." He shot him a reassuring smile. Why won't he leave?!
Cyborg frowned at his best friend's closed door. "I still wanna check on her."
Fuck. The Changeling bit his lip. "Yeah that's not gonna happen."
"What? Why not?" The half-robot tried to reach the door, slightly concerned, but the shapeshifter swiftly blocked his way.
"Because she doesn't want to be disturbed." Gar tried to push his metallic friend away from the door, but he didn't move. "You know Rae."
"Oh, right." Cyborg nodded and relaxed, unknowingly making Beast Boy exhale heavily and relax as well. "Are you sure everything's okay?"
"Yes, yes, you can go." Garfield said eagerly. He really wanted to step inside his room at this point. Now that he was this close, the thought of her spread out on his bed was making it harder to not get…well, hard.
"Okay, I'll just say hi and wish her well then!" Cyborg went for the door again.
The Changeling yelped and jumped in front of him with his arms open wide, protecting the entrance to his room. "You can't!"
Victor folded his arms and frowned. "Dude, what's your problem?"
"My problem is my girlfriend's in a compromising position on the other side of this door and I really, really want to get back to that right now but my so called best friend won't let me." Garfield hissed hurriedly, then sighed in frustration when the half-robot still seemed confused. "She's not sick, dude. She's…waitingfor me. Can you please leave?!"
Victor Stone couldn't remember ever blushing this fast. He didn't know whether he was more shocked or embarrassed, so he just awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "Oh. That…oh. Right. Of course." He looked at his friend and saw him in agony, eyes pleading him to walk away, so he cleared his throat and spun on his heels, yelling his last words as he hurried off to the ops room. "Have fun!"
M'gann had blushed deeply as well. Truthfully, she hadn't meant to read his thoughts, but they got so impossibly loud at that interaction it was impossible not to. The others noticed her flustering and raised expectant eyebrows at her. She just nodded silently in shock to let them know Raven was, indeed, tied up to the shapeshifter's bed.
Garfield took an intake of breath, straightened up, smiled widely and walked inside his room. "Sorry it took so long. If anyone asks, you've been sick."
Those were the last words the small group heard before he shut the door and they let out loud gasps and fought back unattractive giggles and squeals. Except for Rose Wilson, who just smirked, and for M'gann, who didn't make any sounds because she was still wondering what on Earth and Mars she was doing here.
"Pay up." Ravager extended a hand, with a smug grin on her face.
Blue Beetle and Static Shock paid her with incredulous looks on their faces.
"Good one, babe." Robin stated, smiling at his girlfriend.
Rose smirked again. "C'mon, let's go before they get loud."
Pranks and inappropriate bets aside, the Titans rather liked having these so called interns around. They were eager and ready, so the original Titans hardly had to do anything but counselling for a few weeks for a change. Static Shock singlehandedly took down Killer Moth, Blue Beetle stopped every robbery in town and Miss Martian unraveled Mad Mod's illusions with relative ease. The Titans actually had time to focus on other things.
"Oh, just so you know, we're doing something special on your birthday. Other than the Halloween patrol, that is." Gar said casually as he sat across from Raven with his legs crossed, getting ready to access the Red again. He raised a hand when she opened her mouth to argue. "You'll like it, I promise."
The empath narrowed her eyes. "Right…"
"Oh, by the way, do you happen to know why Blue Beetle and Static Shock suddenly worship me? I mean, they watched me go up against Conner, but still. Don't get me wrong, not complaining, but they keep getting me tofu and asking for advice on asking girls out? I don't know what to tell them, I'm still not sure how I got you. It's a bit much."
She tilted her head to the side and frowned. "I don't know, they're not different around me, they're awkward and avoid looking me in the eyes, but that's most people's initial response to me. M'gann blushes every time she looks at either of us, though."
The Changeling narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin. "Really? Interesting..."
Raven shrugged. "Oh, well. Who cares? They're efficient; they can be weird."
He beamed, taking in her silky hair, her soulful eyes and her peaceful expression. "Yeah. As long as they keep getting me more time with you, they can be as weird as they get."
By Halloween, however, all the weirdness and awkwardness had finally vanished. They all got dressed up to patrol the streets and have fun together, since this was the end of the younger heroes' extended stay in Titan Tower.
The Changeling was ecstatic, because for the first time ever, he and Raven were wearing matching couple costumes, as the Hotel Transylvania main characters. She told him to just go as a green version of Johnny, but he insisted on wearing his incognito ring to make it more accurate. Once people saw them together, it was easy to figure out who he was. They were a hit too, especially with the kids. The world had gone back to loving Raven after Nightwing and Starfire's wedding and Garfield was extremely grateful for it.
"You look really cute." He whispered to her when they finally took a break from taking pictures with adorable little fans, pulling her closer and admiring her in the stripped long stockings and little black dress.
She smiled softly and ran her fingers through his strawberry-blond hair. "Thanks. You look adorable, but I still miss the green."
Garfield shot her a huge, toothy grin and removed the ring, going back to his usual unusual features. "Is this better?"
Her eyes immediately gained a playful, flirty spark. "There he is."
He leaned in for a kiss, but realized there were children watching them and giggling cheekily, so he stopped and chuckled awkwardly. "Hey there, kids! Do you guys want a pic or something signed?"
"Kiss her!"
After the first eager kid shouted it, it was hopeless. They chanted in unison, pushing them to kiss while the shapeshifter tried to explain why he wasn't going to. And then Raven pulled his face towards hers and gave him a tender, quick peck on the lips. The children giggled uncontrollably and quickly dispersed to resume their trick-or-treating.
Gar stared at his girlfriend in awe. "How did you know that would be enough?"
"They're children, they're easily impressed." She shrugged.
He chuckled, putting his ring back on so his costume would make sense again.
"Oh."
They turned their heads to see M'gann watching them curiously.
"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt." She muttered, but then she realized they were both smiling fondly and relaxed. "I just, why the ring? Can't you change your skin?"
Miss Martian showed him what she meant by making her own skin change from green to regular human skin.
"That's so cool!" He grinned excitedly. "But no, I mean, I guess technically humans are animals, but…I don't do sapient creatures, that could be a disaster! Besides, green's the one thing I can't change. No matter what I turn into, it'll always be green."
M'gann smiled in understanding and nodded, changing her skin back. "But you shapeshift on a genetic level, right? I can only look different. You actually mimic the abilities of what you change into, right?"
"Yes, he does." Raven answered before Garfield could find some way to make it sound less impressive than it was.
"That is much cooler than human skin!" Miss Martian stated truthfully.
He grinned widely. She's right, it IS cooler. "Thanks."
The Martian gave them a shy smile and left, because she didn't want to impose on them, but before the Changeling could properly kiss his girlfriend, someone else – who didn't mind imposing on people as much – approached them.
"So what's she supposed to be?" Conner asked them, watching M'gann as she talked to children and told them battle stories. "Some ragdoll?"
Both Raven and Garfield frowned at him. The empath spoke first. "You've never seen Nightmare Before Christmas?"
Superboy was even more confused. "Am I supposed to know what that is?"
"Dude, obviously!" The shapeshifter squeaked. "You can't even appreciate how perfect her Sally costume is."
"You should watch it." Raven agreed.
"I wouldn't take you for a fan of Christmas movies, destroyer of worlds."
"This one's different. It's a Halloween movie, too."
Gar smiled at her. "Yeah. It's Halloween meets Christmas. You'd think it shouldn't work, but it totally does."
Raven knew from his tone that he was staring at her and turned to him too. She rolled her eyes fondly when she met the stupid, passionate grin on his face. "It does."
"You're not talking about the movie anymore, are you?" Conner sighed when he realized they were too busy staring into each other's eyes. "Okay, weirdos. See you later."
Superboy went to Miss Martian's side to tell her he'd been meaning to watch that movie forever now, hoping she would offer to watch it with him later, which she did. He hadn't been hitting on her like he normally would, and he wasn't even sure why. He liked just talking to her. And for some reason, the idea of being rejected by her affected him in a way no actual rejection ever did. He wasn't sure what was going on yet, but it didn't take too long for him to start figuring it out. In fact, it happened the very next day.
"Guys, can we not be ridiculous about this?" Raven folded her arms as she was blindfolded by Bumblebee.
Kory giggled, picking up Salem from the floor where he was rubbing against his owner's legs. It would be too cold for him where they were going. "Not a chance! It is your birthday surprise, friend!"
The empath sighed tiredly. "Okay, well, what is it?"
The Changeling had already cooked for her, given her a blissful backrub and gotten her a new crystal ball to replace the one she cracked while they were making out. She didn't need anything else.
"Jinx and I are opening a portal so you don't have to teleport people on your birthday." Garfield said cheerfully. "It's your day, love! Just lay back and chill!"
Raven frowned. Wait, what? Portal?! "I don't chill. I think I'd rather do this mysel-"
"Too late!" Jinx shouted before proceeding to work on a portal with a green demon.
The empath felt magical energy twisting next to her and bit her lip in concern. "Guys? Can't we just see a movie or something?"
"Relax, girl." Cyborg said, gently pushing her forward. She was stiff as wood, so he chuckled. "Seriously, Rae. The portal is stable and everything, I promise."
Starfire held her hand and Raven took a deep breath and let them guide her through it. She immediately understood the winter clothes. It was freezing.
"Is this some prank?" The empath asked. "Cause it's not funny."
Gar chuckled, right in front of her, and saw all her muscles relax at once. After everyone crossed the portal, he whispered as he removed her blindfold. "Happy birthday, love."
Raven's eyes immediately widened and shimmered as she marveled at the spectacle of ethereal lights dancing in the night sky in a spiritual, colorful, inspiring work of art by nature. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in all that beauty.
The Changeling beamed at her reaction. "I thought you'd like to see the Northern Lights."
Her lips spread into an awed grin and she forced herself to look away from the sky for a minute to address him. "I don't know what to say."
"Do you totally love it? Cause if you don't, I'll find something you totally love."
Her smile became softer and more affectionate. "It's perfect." She took a moment to acknowledge everyone else with a grateful look. "Thank you."
She wasn't the only one mesmerized. It was an undeniably wonderful sight and they were all inspired and hypnotized by it. Ravager reached out and grabbed Robin's hand. Starfire and Terra were nearly crying. Garfield's heart skipped a beat when Raven pulled him by the arm to go admire the lights with her. And altogether she was absolutely sure she'd never had a better birthday. Cyborg put on music and the Titans gazed at the skies, danced, laughed, and eventually, Raven conjured hot chocolate for everyone.
At some point, Blue Beetle and Cyborg were bonding while Static Shock and Nightwing exchanged battle stories, so M'gann went to sit by herself for a bit and enjoy the lightshow. And then she noticed someone sitting next to her and turned her head to smile softly at him. "Hi, Conner."
"Hey." There were several seconds of silence before he decided on what to say next. It wasn't uncomfortable silence, though. It was nice. "So did you enjoy your internship?"
"I don't think I've ever felt this accepted this fast anywhere."
He chuckled. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Their standards are really low." He watched her frown – though she seemed a little amused – and mentally slapped himself. "No, I don't mean because of you! I was talking about me. Sorry."
She tilted her head to the side. "But…you're Superboy."
"Yeah, but I've kinda been a jerk to these people." Conner chuckled again. "I can get a little…you know. With my…" Don't talk about that. It's depressing.
"You can tell me. It's okay."
"Are you reading my mind?" M'gann just shook her head and he instantly knew he believed her. "Well, I mean, with my history. I was sort of created to be a weapon."
"But then you chose to be a hero." She smiled softly. "That's what counts."
"Yeah, I hope so."
"It is. I know it. You're a good person, Conner."
He smiled at her, but then realized she suddenly seemed a little sad. "What's wrong?"
Miss Martian bit her lip. "I just…I really did like it here. I mean, not here." She chuckled slightly. "Though this is nice too. But I meant Titan Tower."
"You don't need to leave."
She frowned. "But I…"
"Just tell them you want to stay." Conner elbowed her lightly when he noticed her hesitation. "What are you so scared of?"
"I mean…what if they don't want me?"
Superboy laughed breezily. "They'll want you. You're great, what's not to want?" He saw her blushing and cleared his throat. "I mean, you know, your powers are amazing."
"Oh." Right. Of course that's what he meant. She resisted the urge to pry into his mind and smiled again. "I don't know…"
"Trust me."
M'gann looked into his eyes and realized she did trust him. She wasn't even sure why, but she did. So she stood up and cleared her throat, but no one noticed. "Uh…guys? I'd like to say something…"
Again, no one heard her, so she decided to speak inside their heads.
I have something to say.
That immediately got everyone's attention. Raven came in riding a green polar bear and then snuggled up to him to warm up in his fur. Terra, Bumblebee, Jinx and Rose ran to do the same, because it was really cold and he was really cozy. Starfire wasn't as cold, but she joined in just for fun. M'gann smiled absentmindedly at the sight.
"Yes?" Nightwing asked, pulling her out of her trance.
Raven frowned and tilted her head to the side. Why is she nervous?
Miss Martian shook her head to get back on track. "Ah- yes! I, um…I was just wondering…if maybe- and it's totally okay if you say no, obviously, but…" She tucked her hair behind her ear and gathered up her courage. "I was wondering if maybe I could stay a while longer."
Their faces immediately switched from confusion to happiness and approval. Raven's face lit up. Nightwing grinned and cleared his throat. "Well, I don't see a problem with that at all." He turned to the rest of his team. "What do you think?"
Garfield changed back to human form, making the girls slightly lose balance, because he was simply too excited. "Are you kidding me!?" He squeaked, walking up to M'gann. "This is so cool! Let's do Hercules and Pegasus!"
M'gann giggled and shapeshifted into a muscled Greek man and struck a pose as he turned into a green winged horse and neighed, then they turned back and laughed at their own bit. Raven and Superboy both smiled fondly at them, and the empath shot Conner a knowing look. Krypto flew to M'gann and happily licked her face.
Richard chuckled. "Well, I guess that settles it. You're a Titan now, Miss Martian."
"Okay that's really great and everything, but can you stop hogging all the overpowered ones?" Speedy asked Nightwing. "You already got Miss Tamaran and Miss Azarath there." He gestured towards Starfire and Raven. "Now you get Miss Martian too?"
"I mean, you hogged all the speedsters." Dick playfully folded his arms.
"Would be a good point if it wasn't for Superboy." Roy rolled his eyes, matching Dick's playful attitude. He heard Krypto barking and chuckled. "Oh, that's right! Krypto's fast too. AND Garfield, if he turns into him. Also, BB's freaking dragon. I rest my case."
Nightwing laughed whole-heartedly. "All true, but they're not as fast as Wally."
"Yeah, dude." Kid Flash said smugly, making his body vibrate to stay warm. "I could definitely even time-travel."
"Let's not mess with time, please." Raven said worriedly.
"I wouldn't!" The redhead speedster assured her. "BUT I totally could!"
"Okay, fair enough, but-" Speedy immediately stopped talking when he turned slightly and caught a glimpse of Terra and Jinx glaring daggers at him. He cleared his throat. "You know what? Forget I said anything. We're good."
As everyone shared light-hearted laughter again, Blue Beetle turned to the archer. "I mean…I know you're all set, but…if you could use some help…"
Speedy immediately grinned at him. "Is that the offer I think it is?" He realized the rest of his team seemed excited about it too and Blue Beetle had a hopeful look on his face. "Could we use a living, breathing, legendary weapon in the East?! Damn straight!"
They shook hands and there was another round of celebratory cheers. Garfield had gone back to Raven's side, put his arms around her and started merrily planting quick kisses on her cold cheeks and ears, enjoying the way it made her face contort in endearment.
"Well I actually have to head back to Dakota." Static Shock chuckled. "It kinda needs me. But you guys can always reach out if you need me. I'll be there."
Nightwing tossed him a T-communicator. "Yeah, I figured. So I brought you this. You're an honorary Titan now." He nodded at the other boy's grateful grin and turned to Raven. "Also, I have a birthday gift for you."
The empath straightened up. "Oh?"
Richard smiled and gestured towards her and the Changeling. "You two can take a vacation together. I promise I won't call you unless there's an apocalypse."
Garfield's face lit up in excitement as his grin got so big it nearly split his face in two. Raven's was a bit more suspicious though, because this wasn't like Nightwing.
Dick laughed. "I'm serious. Kory and I got to go, so…consider it an unofficial honeymoon. As a thank you for everything. You deserve it."
Raven relaxed and allowed a grateful smile on her face, then she glanced at Gar and had to fight back laughter, because he looked so freakishly happy. She loved the tower, but it was always a bit crowded. To go away with him for a while would be blissful. And she didn't want to be married, so they would never have an actual honeymoon. Dick knew that, of course. It was a really nice offer. She turned to him again. "Thanks, boss."
Raven and Changeling spent the rest of the night trying to decide where they wanted to go, because she wanted somewhere like Prague or Transylvania for the ghost stories or like Agra or Tibet for spirituality while he suggested Hawaii, Mexico and Australia. Eventually, she said they'd figure it out later and leaned on him, enjoying the Northern Lights above them and listening to the music. Secrets (OneRepublic) was playing while their friends had fun and she felt absolutely peaceful for a moment. He noticed and fully appreciated how beautiful she looked and how content she seemed before going back to watching the natural phenomenon himself.
"Gar?" She whispered, tenderly rubbing his arm across her chest.
"Mmm?"
She looked up at him. "Best birthday of my life."
Geez, we get it, you two. You're stronger than ever and ready for whatever life throws at you, right? Well, forgive me, but we gotta start putting that theory to the test xD
River Deep Mountain High (Ike & Tina Turner)
