Fan Fiction ❯ Just One Night Out ❯ Emotions Resurfacing ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Chapter 1.) Emotions Resurfacing

d/c: I do not own Teen Titans. I never have. I never will. R & R. Enjoy.



Introduction:

Let's see...which pairing should be used...? Basically, this story takes place after all those idiotic badguys are put away, giving Robin something else to think about...if you know what I mean, heh heh. Come on, the pairing should be obvious as soon as you read this one. Sorry BBXR fans! Personally, I'd love to Powerbomb that little Imp's head into the turn buckle, knock some sense into him...or maybe out. Hmph. On with the show. First Teen Titans fic I wrote. Watched only one episode of Teen Titans. Positive and negative reviews welcome. Need to learn more about writing stories; not good enough yet.

Key:

' '=Thoughts

" "=Spoken words

Day: Number 1

Point Of View: Raven

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: "Living Room" (What a joke.)

Sitting on couch, reading/writing poetry

Time: 12:10 P.M.

"Yeah! Wahoo! Who's your daddy? I said who's your daddy?" Beast Boy grumbled unintelligably as Cyborg leapt up for joy, having beaten the previous record in his favorite racing game. On the screen Cyborg's futuristic vehicle had crossed the finishing line, followed by replays of his car gracefully passing the finishing line for the win, not to mention the ruin of Beast Boy's vehicle as it struck the center divider and erupted into flames. Beast Boy was glowering at Cyborg. "What? I won, you lost! Say it! Who's your daddy? Whoa! Easy there...yah!" Immediately Cyborg began to run away as a semi-outraged Beast Boy transformed into a lion and chased him around the couch. The two were making quite a commotion today, more than before. Raven slowly looked up from her book and raised an eyebrow at the two miscreants.

"You two need to do something more creative with your life. Seriously, do you believe anyone is actually impressed with your silly little high scores?" Cyborg stopped dancing and glared at the dapper sorceress. "Well excuse me, little miss priss. Robin and Starfire think its quite a feat, don't you think?" Robin and Starfire were sitting in between Beast Boy and Cyborg. Everyone was seated on the same couch...save for Raven, isolated on the sidelines, on her own space. Robin simply smiled at the the two game pros while Starfire clapped her hands excitedly. Raven rolled her eyes with disdain.

"Oh, joy." She ignored them and went back to her book, a new horror thriller she'd bought at the mall weeks ago. She was only skimming through the pages, feigning interest. She was bored out of her mind, but unwilling to take comfort with the other members of the team. After a few minutes of reading she quietly placed the volume on the table in front of her and glanced at her team mates. Beast Boy was currently trash talking to Cyborg while attempting to regain his "crowning achievement." Cyborg was taunting ceaselessly, trying to distract him in any way possible. Starfire was cheering on the action, nearly leaping off her seat. Robin was simply kicking back, relaxing his day off. Enjoying themselves as usual...without her. "Not that its anything new to me." Raven muttered under her breath.

"Hmph." They were all having fun...save for herself. 'Wouldn't it be nice to join the others? See and feel what its like?' Raven ignored the nagging voice in her head. It was a bit of a surprise to have it pop out of no where, but she did not react too much to it. She simply snorted. "Must be my conscience talking. Not that I care." She didn't mind sitting at the back, unnoticed by everyone. She was naturally a loner; she did not allow herself any friends. And she definitely could not love anyone. 'Yet', returned the small voice in her head. 'Shut up.' She sniffed airilly to no one in particular and got up. "Besides, I'm through with all of that. I'm over it." The inner voice was silent for the moment, as if giving a skeptical pause of consideration. She stretched a bit, releasing any tension from her back and limbs.

Hmm... 'Got to get this voice out of my head. Better go and meditate in my own room.' She gave her team mates one last look before making her exit. "Too noisy, too much commotion. I'm out of here." Raven slipped away unnoticed, no voices calling her back. 'Not that I care'. She wasn't exactly wanted around, anyway. Sure, she was a powerful sorceress, an adept at the use of magic and mind manipulation. But as a personality she was admittedly an ice queen; coldly polite, blunt, and harsh. It didn't take much for her to notice; she could read the minds of her acquaintances. Almost all thought the same as she did. She didn't have to look at anyone's expression to know what they thought. 'Not that I care.' She walked through her door and into the dark confines of her abode.

The room contained a blue bed, a black rimmed mirror, a small desk with a lamp light, and little else. Not that it needed much furnishings, anyway. No one else was allowed in here; serious repercusions to any who dared. "At last, a measure of complete peace and tranquility." Raven floated above her bed and sat on the air above her sleeping quarters. She concentrated her mind, and within minutes felt herself enter a trance. She welcomed the dark, bleak peace her trance offered. Besides, it helped her focus her energy for battle.

With a twinge of surprise she realized that the little voice in her mind had returned. 'Doesn't it bother you that it seems fighting is the only thing you live for?' The same voice questioned in concern. The revelation had occurred to her, but she thought she had buried that thought a long time ago. She bit her lip as the voice continued its tirade.'Raven, you can't seriously believe that you're in this team for the fight?! Certainly you have more purpose than simply just that!'

She continued to ignore the voice as she closed her eyes completely. 'Don't you want even one friend in this world?' Raven replied weakly, "Not after that incident with Trigon..." The voice persisted with even more fervor. In Raven's mind, it was almost shouting. 'You can't let him be the reason you are like this! It is done! Finished! Why can't you just let it go? It'll only hinder your progress... You have to learn to trust again...even you need someone...someone who cares...You can't close yourself to the world...not forever.'

Now the voice seemed to be speaking too loudly, too sadly. It struck home, but with too much force for her to take. Raven felt a small twinge of hurt. The voice probably spoke the truth...but she hadn't asked for its oppinion. Raven was far from pleased at this unwanted feeling of guilt and sorrow. "Thought I got rid of those feelings." She frowned unconsciously, scowling. "Just shut up. Please, shut up. Get out of my head. I don't care. Leave me alone." Raven was unaware of a single tear rolling down the side of her face. The voice sighed deeply, and then spoke one last sentence before staying quiet, leaving her at peace. 'Fine. Not that I care.'

Day: Number 1

Point Of View: Robin

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Living Room, heading to Raven's room

Time: 1:30 P.M.

Robin was starting to feel bored. Cyborg and Beast Boy could go on concievably hours on this game; they were complete junkies for this sort of activity. Starfire was oblivious to the meaning of tedium; she was almost as glued to the television set as the two other guys. 'Oh, boy. Better start moving before I become a couch potato.' Robin stood up and excused himself, to do what, he did not know. As he passed the couch Raven had sat on he noticed she had left her book behind. 'Guess I ought to return this back to her. Besides, I haven't talked to Raven recently. She's been so quiet as of late, and no one seems to realize it...or care.' Robin sighed quietly. That girl sure was independent, but it certainly couldn't hurt to have somebody to talk to. Sure she kept telling everyone to leave her alone...unfortunately, that was almost exactly what everyone did.

Every human outside of this place, anyway. Beast Boy didn't ignore her, but he was attached to his God, the oh-so-mighty outlet of media known as the tv set, and Robin could do nothing about that. Starfire was nice to her...but her oblivious nature brought the ire of the quiet storm that was Raven; she'd often do things with good intentions...only they would do the exact opposite of the desired effect.

Cyborg...he wasn't exactly the sympathetic type. Besides, he admired the tv set more than anything else in this world. He was more apt to care for the damned set than most people around here. That couldn't be helped. But the one thing Robin could not accept was the fact that Raven just wouldn't talk to anyone...let alone join in anything marginally fun. He was quite sure a quiet, lone existence was a life style no person deserved. He would at least try to talk to her...what had he to lose? "Even if she tells me to go away I'll at least get her to talk."

Robin carefully picked up the book, making sure not to wrinkle any pages, lest he incur Raven's wrath. He studied the cover and shook his head with a slight smile. "Well, her taste in books is...interesting, at best. I don't see how anyone could find so much fun in this stuff...Oh well. She likes it, so i'll just accept." Robin walked out of the room and headed for Raven's abode. He was at the doorway and stopped. Wait, didn't Raven warn against anyone entering her room? As he was pondering this dilemma he heard a voice coming from inside the room. "Just shut up. Please, shut up. Get out of my head. I don't care. Leave me alone." Who was she talking to?



Robin made up his mind. "Guess I better check to see if she's okay." He opened the door, tensing himself to find any other person in the room besides Raven. Nope, only Raven was here, meditating. She was probably unaware she was talking to herself. He relaxed a little and marched in. "She wouldn't know I was here, not if she's deep in her trance. Guess I'll have to wait for that little chat, though." He felt disappointed, but shrugged it off. "Oh well. Just got to be glad everything's normal." He placed the book on her desk, and then turned to leave. Wait...what was that on Raven's face?

He paused and then turned to face Raven. He couldn't help but admire the independant and strict sorceress. Raven was pale skinned, with purple eyes and matching hair. Her hair was flat but smooth, cut neatly up to her neck. A red diamond shaped jewel was embedded in her forehead, adding a little more to her appearance. She was pretty, and he knew that she turned heads out among the populous. Unfortunately, her biggest turnoff was her cold attitude and serious nature. She seemed to care less, but Robin personally felt sorry for her. Somewhere in that cold shell had to be a warm spirit; it was almost impossible for even the coldest person not to have one...unless they were psychotic. Raven was most definitely not a psycho.



She had almost never smiled ('Does she ever?') when ever anyone was around her, and always excused herself from excursions out to "fun places." He was certain her smile could easily light a lot of guys hearts...if only she would. Right now, she was not frowning. Her expression almost seemed peaceful; void of strictness, sadness, or anger. Only a marginal smile seemed to play on her lips. "Probably the closest I'll probably see of her smiling. So pretty. Yet so harsh."

He grinned wryly at her, and then noticed a glistening line leading from under her left eye down to the bed sheet below. Robin stared at the long wet line.

Apparently, some memory of hers had triggered this. He didn't know all the details of her past, just enough to know it was the only thing she ever cried over. "So much pain for one so young. Poor Raven." He removed one glove to make his task easier to complete. Taking a tissue from Raven's desk, he softly wiped away the line of tears. He smiled with pleasure and blushed a bit. "I'm quite certain even you have a heart and soul...it'll take a while to find it, but I think I can." His fingers brushed against her face by accident, making his cheeks turn hot and red. He chuckled nervously to himself.

"Well, this is new...feels nice, if I don't say so myself. God, I'd melt if she-" He paused. Where did that thought come from? "Wait, what am I thinking?" At that very moment Raven's left arm shot up and grabbed his wrist. Raven's eyes shot open. She glared rather angrilly at him. "Yes. What were you thinking?" Robin's eyes grew big. "Eep." Raven still held onto his arm as she interrogated him. "What are you doing in my room? You had better have a credible explanation for this intrusion of privacy." Robin stammered unintelligably before replying.

He pointed a trembling finger at her desk. "I...uh, brought your book back?" Raven stared at him long and hard. If looks could kill...Robin gulped visibly. Raven frowned as she tapped into his mind. He was telling the truth...wait. 'What is that?' There was something else underlying this excuse...something unexpected. Could it be? One eyebrow raised up quizically before returning to its normal position. "Hmph. I see. You are telling the truth. Carry on." She let go of his hand, ready to medidate once more. Robin stood there silently, toying with his gloves.

She stopped and stared questioningly at a fumbling Robin. "Is there something else I can help you with?" Robin picked his next words...not so carefully. "I, uh...actually...well...what I mean...want to talk?" Raven stared flatly at him before giving her reply. "No. What is there to talk about?" Robin tried in vain to think of something but failed. Raven gave him a serious look and spoke. "If there is nothing meaningful to talk about, then it is better to say nothing. Isn't that right?" He hung his head in defeat. Robin sighed as he backed out of the room.

"Okay, okay. I'm leaving right now." Her expression softened a bit as he left in a somewhat dejected state. She felt a little sorry for him, actually. She knew why he had done what he did; he had only meant to try what everyone else did not; he was trying to chat with her, make her feel comfortable...and welcome. She wasn't ready for this, of course. It confused her so much; why would he want to talk to her, of all people? Of course he knew everyone else was more willing to converse with him? It was unnecessary...but kind of him. She was oddly touched. As he closed the door he heard her whisper one last thing; "Thanks." He paused. "Huh?" A giant question mark formed above his head. "Did I hear right, or was that my imagination?" He thought hard, but not long. "Nah." It wasn't Raven's style to say thanks to anyone, anyway. Right?

Robin walked down the hallway back to the living room. He caught himself humming happily and suddenly stopped. His eyes widened. Wait a minute...why did he do what he just did? It couldn't be-"No. No way. She is my friend, nothing more. Just a friend." Starfire was coming this way. She was searching for him. She beamed at finding him and took him by his arm. "Hey Robin! I was getting worried when you left. And who's just a friend?" Robin coughed uncomfortably. "Um, uh, no one in particular." Starfire gave him a confused look and shrugged. "Oh well. Hey! Beast Boy beat Cyborg's score! Cyborg looks like he's having an epileptic siezure. We must help him."

Robin smiled thinly. "I'm sure he is okay." He was quite sure Cyborg wasn't having an epileptic siezure; just a tantrum. He could hear the big guy bawling from here. No way that guy was in in pain, yelling his head off like that. "Why? Oh why, did this happen?" Robin let Starfire lead him back into the living room. Beast Boy was doing...the chicken dance, literally, on Cyborg's back. Cyborg was down on the floor, indeed having a tantrum. It was too funny not to laugh at. Robin chuckled at Cyborg's expense. The big guy stopped bawling and glared at Robin. "What's so funny, flyboy?" Robin helped Cyborg back to his feet. "Don't be silly. You'll beat him back sometime...soon, I bet."

They all sat back down on the couch, conversing excitedly about nothing much at all. Robin paid little actual attention to their banter. His thoughts were elsewhere. Why exactly had he gone so far as to do something like wiping her tear stained face? And why didn't she go ballistic on him? Um, luck? "I wonder...am I getting through?" Cyborg stopped talking to Beast Boy to turn to Robin. "Say something, Robin?" Robin shook his head. "No, nothing." He lied. "Nothing at all." The rest of the day they spent lounging about, resting their day off. No one heard from Raven for the rest of the day, and the night, for that matter. She never left her room after that episode. Robin kept himself from going back and checking up on her again. She wanted to be alone, so he'd let her. He had at least tried..."And failed." Robin sighed and looked in the direction of Raven's room. "If only I knew what you were thinking."

Day: Number 2

Point Of View: No one in particular

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Living Room

Time: 4:30 P.M.

Starfire was still her cheerful perky self, not tired in the least of watching the television set. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for her two game freaks. Cyborg and Beast Boy lay collapsed on the floor, dizzy for once, their eyes glazing over, as if dead. Cyborg was the first to recover from his stupor. "I seriously need a time out from video games. If I do that again I'll probably crash my hard drive...or worse. I know! Let's go out!" Starfire leapt up for joy. "Good idea! Um, but where?" Beast Boy stretched his neck from side to side, listening to his neck make cracking noises. "Anywhere but here, that's where. I need to do something other than sit in front of the t.v." Cyborg feigned fainting. "Tell me about it." Starfire had an idea. "I know! Let's go down to the Plaza area." The two guys groaned in protest. Beast Boy spoke ahead of Cyborg.

"I know I said anywhere but here, but that's just ridiculous. We've been there a gazillion times!" Cyborg leapt up and seemed to do a dance of rage in front of everybody. He was shouting at the top of his lungs, a hand placed dramatically over his eyes, his other hand clenched at his side. "No! Not THAT place again! Now way, no how, are any of you getting me to return to that miserable excuse of a-" Robin popped his head into the room at that very moment. "Hey, it can't be that bad. There's always something new at the plaza." Cyborg stood up and stared down at him. "Oh yeah? Name one thing!" Cyborg and Robin began arguing noisilly, Beast Boy joining in from time to time to emphasize Cyborg's words. Starfire was unsuccessfully trying to calm everyone down. Cyborg was adamant that they not go to that area again. "That plaza is b-o-r-e-i-n-g! What do you see in that dump?" Beast Boy piped up. "Yeah!" Robin retorted back at Cyborg.

"The plaza is not boring! It isn't a dump, and boring doesn't have an 'e' in it! You are so d-u-m-b, tin man!" Cyborg stared down at Robin. He was flexing his muscles and cracking his knuckles meaningfully. "Why you...Don't mock me! I can spell out words perfectly. okay, maybe I can't spell for crap, but I sure can squash you flatter than a r-o-a-c-h! What are you gonna do about that, chicken boy?!" Starfire got in between the fueding teens. "Please, we should resolve our differences in another form. Can't we settle this over blue furry food?"

The others shouted in unison. "No! Absolutely not!" Starfire sniffed. "Hmph. Just asking." Raven was secretly overhearing all of this. Seemed Robin wished to go to the plaza area...again. Hmm...might as well do something different... 'And why would you want to do that? Is it because...?' Raven did not mind the voice asking at all. Of course, it already knew why she wanted to go. There was something she had to test out. Besides, it would be just one night out. Sure, it wasn't her usual pattern of activity, but she was admittedly bored...and she wanted something else...she hid her smile as she walked in silently.

"I'll be going." Everyone stared at Raven, who seemed to have popped out of no where. Cyborg gawked in disbelief. "Um...well...that's new." Robin began to dance crazilly, hopskipping and doing somersaults like a gymnast on speed. "Three against two! We win!" Cyborg and Beast Boy were left speechless. Cyborg scowled at Raven. Raven in turn cocked her head at him. "What are you staring at? Is there something the matter?" Cyborg regained his composure immediately. "Nothing. There is nothing wrong." He folded his arms in front of himself, pretending to be nonplussed. He couldn't keep the composure straight. "I don't believe this...losing to a mousey girl...," he muttered. Raven pointed at the romote control and flicked it at Cyborg's head. He ducked down, and it bounced of the wall, out of sight once again.

Here he raised a skeptical, irate eyebrow at her. "But why do you want to go out? We are going to the fun places...the places you don't like? I mean, you told us the last time you hated the plaza! You whined all day, saying it was too bright and happy! Why don't you wallow away in your little mouse hole like you always do?" He blurted out in frustration. Raven sped up to Cyborg and they glared angrilly at each other. "I am not a mouse, and I will do what I please." She and Cyborg were at the verge of more than verbal confrontation. Robin intervened before further altercations could ensue. Robin faced Cyborg and talked him down cooly.

"That's enough, Cyborg. If she wants to go with us, then that's perfectly fine with us all. Right, we are going to the plaza." Starfire cheered wildly, while Beast Boy and Cyborg seemed to wither and collapse in defeat. Raven smirked at their discomfort. Robin smiled at Raven, beaming. He was not aware her heart skipped a beat at this. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I'm absolutely sure you won't regret this."

Raven kept up her serious expression while smiling inside. "I'm sure I won't." Here Robin turned amd gave a mock villainous grin at Beast Boy and Cyborg. "And no whining from you two. Anyone who complains will gain automatic clean up duties for a week. I'm serious." Beast Boy and Cyborg resigned themselves to their fate. Starfire clapped her hands together excitedly. "Well, let's get dressed. Not like we are going crime fighting today, right?"

Robin noticed Raven pale a bit. "What's wrong, Raven? Not feeling well?" Raven shook her head. "Er, no...just that I don't have much of a wardrobe asides from my usual wear." Robin looked a bit crestfallen, and then grinned. "Don't worry. There is a fashion store at the plaza. We'll get you a nice outfit, all on our expense." Beast Boy grinned. "It'll be the least we can do for you." Cyborg didn't look too pleased, but then shrugged."Well, seeing you in new threads wouldn't hurt." Raven kept her poker face. "Sure, whatever."

She tried to stay serious but couldn't help feel a twinge of excitement. "I'll just wait here." Everyone nodded assent and then headed to their respective rooms. Raven quickly rushed back to her room. She produced a brush and started methodically brushing her hair, attempting to do anything to brighten her appearance. The effect was unnecessary, but compulsive. Raven was unsure why she wanted to do this, but oh well. 'Maybe you do know, just you won't say it.' The hidden voice seemed to state, in a teasing tone. She ignored it, rushed back out, and waited in the living room as everyone else sorted through their wardrobe and chose appropriate clothes.

Starfire chose a short, pink spaghetti strap top, coupled with tight black jeans and thick heeled sandals. Beast Boy had put on a purple t-shirt with an odd silver logo in the middle, complimented by dark blue bell bottoms and matching sneakers. Robin had chosen to put on a bright red shirt with silver lining, along with blue jeans and black sneakers. Cyborg chose to dress in style...or so he thought. He wore a red sequined shirt that flashed brightly in the light, as well as a matching jacket, pants, and shoes. All glittered brightly in the lights. As if that weren't enough, he had also put on black sunglasses, Gargoyle brand. Raven couldn't help but make a crack at the proudly smiling Cyborg. "You look like a christmas tree ornament." Cybrog's grin faltered at that.

"Hey! Say what? I'm going to help you get fitted out for tonight, and this is the thanks I get?" Everyone else started laughing. Raven just looked the other direction. Cyborg grumbled under his breath as he led the group outside. "Some evening this is turning out to be. You'd better pick out a nice outfit, Raven, or I'm gonna stick that insult right up-," Robin interrupted him. "Hmm...complaining, I see. Well, Titans, someone just volunteered for clean up duty." Cyborg whirled around so quickly he almost tripped. "What! You're kidding me?!" Robin smiled. "Of course I am. Enjoy this day like the rest of us, Cy." Cyborg didn't complain out loud from then on, but his thoughts were rather loud. Especially to Raven, who relished every minute of his displeasure. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad after all.

Day: Number 1

Point Of View: Raven

Location: Metro Plaza

Setting: Shopping area

Time: 5:30 P.M.

As they headed to their destination Raven gave one confused glance at Robin. 'Why do you stand up for me? Why are you so nice to me? And why do you welcome me where ever I go? Am I not a cold person, the one who shuns having fun?' Robin caught her glance and smiled back. She returned it half-heartedly, before turning to look all around herself. His defense were up, so she had been unable to read his mind and see what he was thinking. 'Why do you care for me? It is really kind of you...but it isn't necessary. Then again, what am I doing here? All this is happening and it all started over a little incident of returning one horror novel. I can't believe it. Must be my damn hormones.' She sighed softly as she looked down at the floor. 'So confusing. I just don't get it. Remember; just one night out.'

Someone tapped her shoulder softly. "Hey." She turned to see Robin...again. "I know this is kind of new to you...but I can almost guarantee this'll be much better than just sitting around all day. Besides, there is alot to explore outside, than there is in our 'Tower of Power!'" Raven nodded understandingly. "I'm aware of that." She said quietly. Robin arched an eyebrow."You do? So that isn't bothering you?" Raven turned to face him, her expression serious. Her eyes thinned out as she replied darkly,"No, that is not bothering me. It is none of your business." She was immediately sorry for having spoken so harshly.

Robin backed off a bit. Raven hastilly amended, "Sorry. I'm just on an edge. Maybe later I'll tell you." Robin bobbed his head and his smile returned. "Its cool. Come on, this is why we love going out." Raven stared questioningly at him. "And why is this so enjoyable?" Robin ticked off reasons one by one. "One: we are doing something more worthy than playing video games," Raven interrupted here, "That's for sure." Robin continued as if never interrupted. "Two: we can be ourselves, do what we want, with people other than one another. Three: we can get away for this moment, forget our troubles, and be just like everyone else, with everyone else. And most importantly, four: we can learn from our experiences."

"And I thought you people were only wasting time." Robin shrugged. "Well, in a sense that is true. But no one can spend their lives simply working their lives away, with no fun or play!" Now Raven began to shrug. "I can deal without fun and games." Robin fell over sideways, but quickly recovered himself. "You've missed the point. Sure, people can get along without fun and games...but they just won't be the kind of person people would hang around with." Raven smirked. "That's me, the one person everyone avoids hanging around."

Robin gave her a look. "Do you always have to put down yourself? Really, now. It doesn't hurt to have a high self-esteem, no matter what anyone thinks. And it isn't true that everyone wants to avoid hanging out with you. I like it." Raven whirled around to face him, the confusion plain on her face. Robin sheepishly looked away. Before she could say anything else Cyborg grinned and pointed. "We're here!" Her attention was momentarilly diverted as they approached the fashion store. The store looked reasonably classy; it would do. The five friends entered the building without pause.

Starfire led the way, beaming. "This is where we procure our fashion ware. Isn't this nice?" Raven sweatdropped slightly as she looked at some bizarre designer ware. "Yes. Just peachy." She stared all around the room. "Don't they sell anything remotely dark colored in here?" Cyborg rolled his eyes in despair. "Puhlease! Can't you dress up in any other fashion besides Gothic?!" Robin intervened. "Its her choice, Cy. Let it go."

Beast Boy popped up holding a dress. "Hey, Raven. Look at this. I got it from the left side of the store. I think you'll like this." Raven stared at it and lifted it up to inspect it. It was a dark dress and not very normal.The pants were long, black, tight-fitting leather bell bottoms. The upper section was a dark purple corset, with frilly, black lace sleeves. Gothic, but classy at the same time. Raven looked at it appraisingly. "It does look nice. I'll try it on." She walked off with it, and paused as she spied a pair of black gloves. Raven added this to her attire and went off to dress change. 'Wonder how I'll look in this?'

The other Titans waited by the entrance. starfire, as clueless as she was with most social interactions, was more than adept in the safekeeping of money; she paid off the dress already. Robin especially seemed giddy. Cyborg and beast Boy glanced at him curiously. "You okay, Robin? You look like you're gonna blow a gasket." Beast Boy commented as he poked Robin's stomach. Robin had not realized he was shaking all over with anticipation. He put on a poker face and stood up straight. A smile began to play on Cyborg's face. He winked knowingly at Robin.



"I get it...," Robin immediately turned on him. He did not look like he was in a joking mood. Cyborg took an involuntary step back. "Another word, and I'll shut you down for a month. I promise." The smile faltered at the threat. "Easy, man. I was just joking. Geez." Robin mentally berated himself. 'What are you acting up for?! This is Raven we are talking about! Sure you like her, but take it easy! It isn't like she's your prom queen girlfriend! Oh, stop overreacting!' Robin knew his inner voice was right. Rush too quick, and it would all be over in a flash. He calmed himself down enough to act cooly. He'd play it safe and just be smooth...or so he thought.

"Well,...how do I look?" All the Titans turned and gave out admiring reactions. Robin stared and swallowed hard. Wow. Didn't expect this to happen; his heart fluttered and seemed to stop dead. Yes, she was wearing Gothic threads; but the style fit her very well. It fit her perfectly; it looked nice, but did not look in any way inappropriate. And yet, it was eye catching. Raven was trying hard to act nonplussed with their reactions. She offhandedly thanked Beast Boy. "You have a nice eye for these things, Beast Boy." Beast Boy blushed and grinned cutely. He transformed into a kitten. Raven proceeded to stroke its back and stomach.

Robin felt a slight twinge of jealousy. He stared at this, turned away and harumphed. Cyborg noticed his behavior but thought better of saying anything. "Its beautiful!" Starfire fawned over Raven, who was starting to go red in the cheeks. "Really, it is so...you!" Cyborg replied, pleased. Raven nodded automatically at all the compliments, and turned to face Robin. She hadn't heard him say a word.'Wonder how Wonder Boy here will react?' She ferverently hoped his reaction would reveal more about himself. Just for a little teasing fun, Raven spun around once, and then bowed in front of Robin. She cocked her face to the side, looking innocently at him. She batted her eyes jokingly.

"What do you think?" 'She looks like my dream Goddess! I am yours to command! I am unworthy!' His mind instructed hm to say. Robin tried to speak, but nothing came out. He was quite aware he looked foolish and silly, no where near as smooth as he had intended. He was painfully aware that his jaw had dropped down. His mental defenses had also collapsed, and his mind was wide open. Confused and excited thoughts were jumbled together. Raven couldn't discern anything clearly, but she knew exactly what caused this on rush of thoughts and emotions. 'Hmm. Such happy thoughts...and wild notions! Is this the effect I have on him?' It was scary for her to feel through his emotions...but also quite...thrilling.

Raven smirked as she pushed his mouth closed. "I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you, Robin." Robin blinked and found his mouth worked perfectly again. He was bewildered...but pleased as well. 'Wow, this is certainly a night to remember,' he thought to himself. Raven caught that thought and hid an oncoming blush. Robin stammered out a reply."Don't...don't mention it." She nodded and walked past them, not letting them see her grin. She quickly hid it with her poker face, and turned to face her friends. "Well? Let's go, while we're young." They all replied in unison. "Okay! Let's party!" Cyborg lead the way out, and the others followed. Raven straggled behind, but only to hide her embarrassment. Robin still had not fully recovered, but his mind was more at ease. Now everything was clear in his mind.

"Hmm...looks like he forgot that I'm psychic...let's see what we can dredge up." The inner voice chided her briskly. 'Now, now. That isn't nice! What did he do to warrant you searching through his mind?' "Plenty." Still, Raven had to admit she was a bit shameful that she was intruding on his privacy...it would be like finding out what someone got for your birthday present. "Well...I suppose it would be more fun to just let things run their course and see where it leads us. I wouldn't want to spoil my fun...nor his."

At that moment Raven realized something; she had felt an odd sensation about Robin for quite some time. She had never acknowledged it before; she had constantly ignored it, disregarded it without thought...but now it was really starting to surface. What did he do to incur this, she was not certain. Was it his actions? His words? Or something read from his mind? All she knew was that she was doing so many uncharacteristic behaviors every time Robin was around. Even she almost couldn't believe the things she had done as of recent. But she had done so, that was the point. Was this what people meant by love drives a person crazy? She frowned slightly and shook her head. "Wait. Its not love that I am feeling." The inner voice seemed to be smiling. 'Yet.' Raven did not deny this last allegation. She hid her face in the shadows and let out a dreamy sigh. "Nope, not yet."

Authors Note: Before I start revising this document for who knows how many times (I completed this days ago, but still am adding little touches), I'm going to post it up. Argh! I did it again! Oh well. It's a start I suppose. R @nd R. See what you think