Fan Fiction ❯ Just One Night Out ❯ Just One Dance ( Chapter 2 )

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

Chapter 2.) Just One Dance

d/c: I do not own Teen Titans. I never have. I never will. Don't own Savage Garden's music 'Crash and Burn.' R & R. Enjoy.



Introduction:

Raven's first night out started out with a good start...and Robin is getting anxious to make this a day she won't forget. Sorry BBXR fans! Still watched only one episode of Teen Titans. Positive and negative reviews welcome. Need to learn more about writing stories; almost good enough.

Key:

' '=Thoughts

" "=Spoken words

"" ""=Background Music

Day: Number 1

Points Of View intertwined: Raven and Robin

Location: Metro Plaza

Setting: Promenade, then

to the Metropolitan Dance Club

Time: 6:40 P.M.

'Sure is quite a night,' Raven thought to herself. The night sure was cool and calm as she liked it. Well, the plaza was noisy and buzzing with commotion, but she didn't let it bother her. Her friends had led her around, shown her the sights and sounds of the area. At first she was a bit scared, but after a few minutes she began to ease into the atmosphere. She was surprised to feel awed by everything around her, from the decorated lamp lights, all the way down to populous having a good time out in this plaza. Robin stayed by her side, glancing at her from time to time, taking in every reaction Raven gave to all these new experiences around her. Raven knew he was looking at her; she could feel his eyes on her. She resisted the urge to read his mind or look back, just so she could have more fun without knowing too much of what was to come.

'Hmm. I guess it is quite obvious his hormones have jump started dramatically since last we met; he's extremely nervous...wonder what Robin's planning to do?' Cyborg and Beast Boy, despite having complained earlier about this place, were thoroughly enjoying themselves; they had gone away for a while to press their luck with the female population. Starfire was going about from place to place, window shopping for anything that attracted her...and leaving a trail of young men, who she was completely oblivious of. And that left Robin, who was constantly at her side, quiet but never straying off. He was unusually silent, unsure of what to say. 'Guess I'll start something,' she thought with a gleeful glint in her eye. "So...," Raven began, catching Robin offguard for a moment. 'Yipe!' Robin couldn't stop himself from instinctively jumping up. "Uh! Yes, Raven? What's up?"

She sat down on a wooden bench, patting a space next to her, indicating for him to sit. He obeyed with a nervous grin, before resuming their conversation. "How do you like it out here, Raven?" She gave him a half smile, and cocked her head to face him. "Well, I see this place has improved tremendously since I last showed up. It is quite a sight." Robin kicked back on the bench, putting his arms behind his head, sighing contentedly. "I knew you'd like it over here. There's so much to do...so much to see. I hope you'll consider coming along with us next time." Raven gave him a sly look. "What do you think?" Robin chuckled softly. "I think you can get used to this. I mean, it'd sure brighten the atmosphere, having you around, Raven."

They sat in silence for a minute, just taking in the atmosphere. 'Should I ask him outright? No, don't. I'll take it slow, see how far we'll go.' Once again Raven broke the silence. "Robin?" He turned to her with a nod. "Yep, that's my name. Don't wear it out!" Robin played around, and stopped joking when he saw her serious expression. 'Did I say something wrong?' He wondered, but she did not appear angry, or anything. It was...different expression, something he'd never seen from her. 'Hope?' She looked him directly in the eyes. "Why do you like hanging out with me? You know I rarely hang out with anyone, let alone you. I'm just asking."

Robin's eyes grew a bit wide, and once again he felt his vocal cords clench tightly. He began to quake a little. 'That wasn't what I expected to hear! What should I say? What should I say? What should I say? Okay, stop. Be cool. Tell her because we're a team.'He looked panicky for a second, but regained his cool attitude. He gave her his biggest smile. "Because you are one of us. You're a part of the team. Can't let you be the only one stuck in our cage. Besides, that is what friends do. Well, at least I do." Raven nodded slowly, thinking, 'Oh. I see. Maybe I was wrong? Maybe he doesn't like me like that. Oh well. We are only friends, anyway.' She gave him a strained smile. "Okay. Thank you for your concern."

'She looks disappointed, you know.' Robin restrained himself from slapping himself. 'Okay, that was only a half truth you just told her. okay, but not good enough. I gotta do better than that.' He paused in his thoughts. 'But what if she doesn't feel that same way? Ah, hell. What do I got to lose?' Before he could say anymore Starfire and the others chose that moment to band back together. Beast Boy and Cyborg looked smug; apparently they had been successful in obtaining some phone numbers. Starfire was carrying bags of odds and ends, too many to count. She was just gushing happiness.

Raven sweat dropped at all three of them. 'Whom should I address first?' Starfire was the likeliest candidate. "Uh, Star, where'd you get all that stuff?" Starfire grinned and pointed at the crowd of adolescent males swooning behind her. "All those nice guys bought me this stuff. They said it was free and all. And its everything I like! It was so nice of them." She turned back to face them. "Thank you so much for your graceful charity, guys!" She blew them a kiss. Robin and Raven sweatdropped together as half the guys fainted while the other half held one another for support. "I see...,"



Raven turned her attention to Beast Boy and Cyborg. "And what are you two smiling about?" Cyborg span around once before bowing graciously. "We, Madam Raven, have been courting the better part of the female population." Beast Boy was holding a new notebook, apparently bought recently for this very purpose. "Yeah, and we got so many phone numbers, we can't even match any girls with a name and number! Safe to say they are all attractive." Robin arched an eyebrow as Beast Boy and Cyborg were mobbed once again by swooning ladies.

"This is the life! We're headed for the Metropolitan, the dance club up ahead! Meet you guys there! We're going to p-a-r-t-y!" They strode off to the dance floor, followed by the women. "I'll go with you! Come on, guys!" Starfire also headed in that direction, closely followed by her male followers. "Welcome to the Player's club," Robin muttered jokingly to Raven. " Uh huh." 'When is my turn?' She enviously eyed the retreating trio. She was surprised at the jealous reaction she felt about their popularity with others. Apparently, that voice in her head was absolutely correct about having others who cared... 'This is new,' She thought glumly.

"I see they've got quite a following." Raven commented dryly. Robin shrugged, saying, "Well, it isn't always so great to be popular. Don't get me wrong, it is quite a feeling...but its just not for me." Raven let herself rest back on the bench like Robin had. She kept talking without looking directly at him, analyzing his words all the way. "You know, I'm quite certain you've got fans of your own...how come you don't join in with them?" Robin smiled carelessly. Raven could almost feel herself melt with that award winning smile. " Why? I have no need for that much attention. Besides, everything I want is here, with me." He winked meaningfully at her. Raven finally looked at him, wondering. 'What does that mean? Is it a double meaning? Is he trying to hint something?'

Robin knew he had caught her attention; her face had lit up like Christmas lights. 'Just like I wanted. Now it is time to play...' He smirked at her gleefully. He grinned broadly at her hopeful expression. He hopped off the bench, and faced her with a mock "come hither" gesture. "Race you to the dance floor! Come, if you dare, Raven." With that, he sped off like a red rocket to the Metropolitan. Raven smiled to herself. She was fully aware that this would be a game. She normally disliked playing games, but this was sure to be different. And she never backed out of a challenge. Especially not this one.

'Here I come, Wonder Boy!' She leapt off the bench and took off in pursuit, all the while letting herself go free. For once, she truly forgot her pain and sorrow. Her mind was focused on only one thing; having fun, and enjoying it with...him. 'Is this love yet?' She wondered. 'No,' Her inner voice returned, 'But it is a start!' "Hey! Wait up! Here I come!" Robin, upon hearing this, did a turn and followed it with a somersault in place. He waved, and jumped into the dance floor. 'Sure is quite a night.' Raven ran in to join him, giddy with anticipation.

Day: Number 1

Points Of View intertwined: Raven and Robin

Location: Metro Plaza

Setting: Metropolitan, a Dance Club

Time: 8:40 P.M.

Robin hid among the dancers, watching Raven as she walked into the crowd in search of him. He slowly crept behind, trying to catch her off guard. 'Heh heh...wait...wait...now!' Raven immediately sensed this thought. She disappeared from the spot, leaving Robin to catch dust. "Huh? Where-?" She popped up next to him, without his notice. She poked his stomach teasingly. He jumped up, and then turned to face her "Hey. Looking for me?" Robin felt relief and embarrassment come over him. "Who else would I be looking for?" They both shared smiles and chuckled. Raven took him by the hand. "Let's find a place to sit, away from everyone else," Indicating Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Starfire, all occupied with their fan followers. Starfire was dancing with three guys at once, while Beast Boy was trying his best to impress four girls with his morphing abilities, hitting the jackpot once he turned into a little green kitten. Cyborg was simply laying about, talking from one girl to the other.

Robin nodded his agreement. "Sure thing. Let's take the booth at the corner." They rushed to it before anyone else could claim the spot. As soon as they were comfortably seated, they turned to face the sea of dancers. Currently, a speedy dance song was playing, drowning out all other sounds. The room lights were moving along with the rhythm, illuminating the room with constantly changing lights of every color. Some people were just sitting at the tables, chilling out or drinking the non-alcoholic drinks from the buffet area. Most of the attendees were dancing away the night, enjoying their days the best way they could. Robin knew very little about dancing; he knew a bit, but it wasn't so skilled that he'd be able to fit with this current beat.

He returned his attention to Raven. How was she feeling about this? Their eyes met at that moment. Robin winked, and she rewarded him with a side glance smile. "Hey, check this out," Robin began, and almost an hour the couple spent the time chatting about what they thought about the current state of the world, what they felt, what they liked...but never touching the subject they most wanted to reach. Neither were brave enough to break the ice. 'Well, at least I'm going the distance,' Robin thought to himself. This was the furthest he had gotten her to talk freely. Eventually Robin picked up some drinks and handed Raven one. She nodded thanks and began to savor the sweet taste of the fruit cocktail.

She was not smiling nor frowning, but she looked content, just as she had the day Robin met her in a trance. "So beautiful," She mouthed. "I know." He replied back. By now, a new song was beginning. Robin recognized it as a Savage Garden piece. It wasn't slow, but not too fast that he'd lose his rythm. He grinned expectantly at Raven. "Want to dance?" Raven shook her head vigorously. "You know I can't dance." Robin held out his hand. She smiled but still refused his offer. She tried to inject a note of authority as she told him, "No means no, Robin. Sorry."

Robin gave her puppy eyes and a slight pout. "Please? Pretty Please? Just one dance?" He batted his eyes at her. 'I wonder if she'll do it?' Raven kept a straight face at his impression. At first, Robin thought she wasn't going to do anything. She was relishing this moment highly. She softly punched his arm and nodded assent. "Sure. I think I can survive one round. You gotta teach me how to do this right, Robin, or I'm going to have to kill you." His wink brought an attack of the giggles to the almost always stoic Raven. "I'll take that risk. Come on, Raven. Show me what you got!" The music continued to play as the two tried their best to meld with the rythmic beat.

Robin blushed as he put his arms around her slim waist, while she put hers behind his neck. They smiled crookedly at their first lesson in dancing. 'At least this won't be too much of a catastrophe. I think I'm gonna like this.' Raven thought, looking into Robin's eyes once more. He kept the gaze steady, smiling boyishly to hide his own nervousness. He was thrilled with the fact that he was sharing this moment with her; Raven was thrilled with her first dance with someone she was beginning to like. Despite their lack of experience, the two slowly got used to the beat, and forgot about everything else but each other.

Crash and Burn

"" When you feel all alone...And the world has turned its back on you...

Give me a moment, please...to tame your wild wild heart...

I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you...

Its hard to find relief...and people can be so cold...

When darkness is upon your door and...you feel like you can't take anymore...""

Raven was still trying to adjust herself, but she was doing surprisingly well. 'This isn't as easy as I thought, but this sure beats staying back at the tower!' Her hand strayed a little too low. It brushed something...nice. Her eyes widened in embarrassment.'Oh, shoot. Hope he didn't notice that. I'm glad he can't read minds; that was one dirty thought.' She hastily brought it back higher, to the small of his back. Robin was unable to see the uncontrollable blush that covered her normally taciturn face.

""Let me be the one you call...if you jump I'll break your fall...

Lift you up and fly away with you into the night...

If you need to fall apart, I can mend a broken heart...

If you need to crash, then crash and burn you're not alone!""

"You're doing great, Raven...just follow my lead!" She nodded back, and both became perfectly synched. When he twirled, she followed. As he held her and bowed forward, she leaned back, supported by his arms. All the while they never let their eyes stray away from each other. Robin placed his forehead against hers, and she followed suit willingly. For a few minutes they said nothing, basking in each others warmth.

""When you feel all alone...And a loyal friend is hard to find...

You're caught in a one way street...With the monsters in your head...

When hopes and dreams are far away and...you feel like you can't face the day...

Let me be the one you call...if you jump I'll break your fall...

Lift you up and fly away with you into the night...

If you need to fall apart, I can mend a broken heart...

If you need to crash, then crash and burn you're not alone!""

"Raven." They were still forehead to forehead, his eyes shut. "Yes, Robin?" She watched him carefully, his eyes still closed, a smile playing on his lips. "I was only telling you a half truth when I told you I like hanging around with you because I'm just a friend." His eyes opened, and his face turned solemn. "I think it is obvious to you, but...recently, I've been feeling...strange. I...think...I'm...," Here he blushed deeply and faltered. Even with the dark lights Raven could see his cheeks redden. 'Should I?' Raven's heart started to race even faster, but she kept a straight face.

""Cause there'll always be heart ache and pain...and when its over you'll breath again...You'll breath again...

When you feel all alone...And the world has turned its back on you...

Give me a moment, please...to tame your wild wild heart...

Let me be the one you call...if you jump I'll break your fall...

Lift you up and fly away with you into the night...

If you need to fall apart, I can mend a broken heart...

If you need to crash, then crash and burn you're not alone!""

'Is he going to...? God, I hope he is...He is so cute...Please, let it be.' "Go on." Her tense but expectant expression encouraged hi further. Robin chuckled uncomfortably, but he knew the time was just right. "I mean to say...," The couple's noses were touching...this moment was theirs to own...'So perfect,' The couple thought in unison, as if they were one and the same. They were nearly breathless, their hearts beating furiously, waiting for the inevitable release...

""Let me be the one you call...if you jump I'll break your fall...

Lift you up and fly away with you into the night...

If you need to fall apart, I can mend a broken heart...

If you need to crash, then crash and burn you're not alone!""

"Way to go Robin!" Robin and Raven gave a start as Beast Boy and Cyborg ran up to them, along with their escorts. They were grinning broadly and in a knowing fashion; it was quite obvious that they had been watching the couple for a while and decided to barge in at that special moment. They were simply teasing in good fun...unfortunately, their timing couldn't have been timed worse. 'They had to do it at a critical moment. It's almost like fate doesn't want this to happen. And I wanted this so much to be true...' Raven sighed. She felt no embarassment at all, surprisingly. Instead, she felt incredibly hollow; jarred that the moment she'd been waiting for so long had been interrupted.

She looked down at the floor sadly. Cyborg misinterpretted her reaction to be embarassment. He grinned teasingly at Raven. "Didn't know you had that many moves, Rave. Never knew you had it in you." Beast Boy clapped his hands together. "I give it a ten!" Those were supposed to be compliments, but Raven just didn't care. Besides, what did it matter? The moment had passed; the time jst wasn't now.'Guess everyone else sees me the same way no matter how I change. Proof you cannot change fate no matter how much you dislike it,' She thought hopelessly.

She gave Robin a crooked smile, and then her face returned to its normal stoic self. "I gotta go." She gave his hand one last squeeze before she sat back down at their corner, dejected. "Hey Raven, wait! I-," Robin tried to call her back, but she simply slumped into her seat. He saw the look of disappointment on her face, and that feeling was starting to sink into him as well. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists angrilly.

He was shaking visibly, but with unrelinquished rage. 'Our private moment has been ruined! How dare those two miscreants...! This was supposed to be a night to remember, not a night to wallow! Poor Raven...' When he turned back to face Beast Boy and Cyborg he almost looked ready to get into a fist fight. Beast Boy and Cyborg started to back pedal as Robin advanced on them, his eyes shadowed by the darkness.

"Uh...Robin? You okay, buddy? We didn't mean-!" Robin stopped in front of them, holding a hand out for silence. His voice was incredibly icy. "Talk to the hand...You two...have ruined an especially memorable day for me and more importantly, Raven. This calls for punishment! Therefore, as of today, you two...have been volunteered...for clean up duties...," Here he raised his voice, "For the entire year!" Robin grinned evilly at their stares of dismay.

"Have fun." Robin briskly turned away from the two and headed straight for Raven. 'Is that all?' His mind told him. Robin thought for a moment. 'Nope, not enough! I must make an example of those two!' He stopped and faced them once more. "Oh yeah. I'm not through with your list of punishments just yet. I'll think of something, once we reach back home. Enjoy your lives while you still can!"

With that, he concluded his business with the groaning victims of his ire. He forgot about them and focused his attention to Raven, who was simply staring into space. He tapped her shoulder softly to gain her attention. She met his gaze, but no smile played on her face. Raven was back to her usual self. "Yes?" Robin felt a bit stung. She didn't sound like the intimate, sweet Raven he had danced with just minutes ago; she was back to her strict and diligent self.

Robin gave her a wan smile and sat across from her, trying to cheer her up, or at least bring back a smile from her. "I'm truly sorry that this night didn't turn out the way you'd hoped. For what its worth, this night was most enjoyable with you around." She sighed almost nonchallantly, as if nothing had happened. "Hmph. Wasn't your fault. Cant stop fate from happening, anyway."

Raven did not allow her emotions to play freely. She kept her straight face and did not look directly at Robin. She eyed a large clock mounted on the left wall and noticed it was getting extremely late. "It is time past. We must return home." She stood up and walked past a crestfallen Robin. 'Was this just a dream? Did this really happen? This can't be the end...' Robin shook his head in despair and confusion. Raven looked down at the floor as she brushed past him, and sighed deeply. She wanted to hold him, to keep him in her arms...but the time was past.

'You try too hard, dear Robin. You should be happy with someone else...not me...' She kept going, stopping only when she felt Robin's hand on her shoulder. She did not turn around, but she did listen closely. "Thank you for coming with us, Raven. I hope we can do this again some time soon...Please say you'll join us again?"

The last sentence came out as a noticeable squeak, on the verge of tears. His mind was open, but we was fully aware of it. Robin's mind still iradiated hope, hope that he could be more than a friend to her. Raven smiled but didn't let it show. She turned her head a bit so she could glance at him without actually facing him. He deserved an answer... "Maybe one day, Robin. Thanks." The look of relief and glee in his face at that moment reminded her how much he wanted her...and how much she wanted him. It was just too much not to ignore, anymore.

She couldn't help her next action. She just couldn't resist the urge, nor ignore her emotions any further. Raven about faced and looked him directly in the eyes. Her eyes weren't the huanted, taciturn eyes of the Raven who loved meditating and making sniping comments at the expense of others. They were once again the eyes of the care free Raven that Robin had almost freed this night. Those eyes seemed to bore into him, as if she were looking into his very soul. Somehow, those eyes held an enrgy he himself could not deny.

Without thinking she stepped forward, until there was no room left between them. Raven wrapped her arms around his waist tightly, burying her face in his chest. She was trembling slighlty, he noticed. Robin was at first shocked, but allowed himself to smile as he embraced her with just as much fervor. He slowly began stroking her hair, savoring the violet scent that was Raven. They remained this way for a long time, forgetting that it was time to leave.

'I'm so sorry it had to end like this,' She thought with a bitter smile. 'I just wish this day would never end,' He thought with a weak smile. She broke the hug and looked him in the eyes. They were back to their old self once more, but the strong gaze seemed to hypnotize Robin, forcing him not to look away. She leaned forward, right by his ear, and whispered a message so low he almost could not hear it.

Raven turned away without looking back and left the Metropolitan, leaving Robin to contemplate her last words. The sentence would remain with him, for the rest of this night and the next, and for a long to come. Even if this night hadn't ended as they had wished, the last sentence was their promise that this was not the end of this relationship. Robin put a hand to heart and smiled contentedly. He repeated her last words, loving the sound of it all: "Birds of a feather, now and forever."

Authors Note: My muse must have gotten a growth spurt. Whoa. What a record. Done in less than one day. Way less...Oh well. It's a start I suppose. So! How did you like this? Where to next? Need suggestions for scene of the last chapter, coming up next. I'll take my time...or maybe not. R @nd R. See what you think.