Fan Fiction ❯ Just One Night Out ❯ Just This Once ( Chapter 3 )

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

Chapter 3.) Just This Once

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



Introduction:

Robin is getting antsy. Real antsy. He knows what he must do. But how can he perform when his private play has some unwanted audience members? Sorry BBXR fans! This one (if you haven't noticed I'll kick you) is a RXR fic! Long live Robin and Raven! Still watched only one episode of Teen Titans. Positive and negative reviews welcome. Last chapter in this short story.

Key:

' '=Thoughts

" "=Spoken words

"" ""=Music

Day: Number 2

Point Of View: Robin

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Robin's room, decorated with

his colors as the theme

Time: 9:40 A.M.



Robin was wide awake, but unwilling to leave the comforting embrace of his sleeping chambers. Last night had almost been a dream...almost too good to be true...and unfortunately, in a sense, it was. Robin couldn't help but feel a flash of anger at Beast Boy and Cyborg for ruining his moment. 'Idiots, who do they think they are? I am so going to enjoy venting my rage on those two once I get up to speed...' He stretched his limbs, and then fell flat on his bed. His thoughts slowly strayed back to what mattered most to him.

A girl, pale skinned, purple hair, matching eyes...an enigma within an enigma. "Raven...," He closed his eyes, reliving the hug they had shared the night before. He could almost feel the fabric of her dress against his body, the silky touch of her beautiful hair...and most of all, the skyrocketing of hormones and emotions when she gave him that special look. "God, you drive me crazy. I've never been so head over heels for anyone...I can't wait much longer!" He sat up and jumped out of his bed. He quickly changed out of his pajamas and put on his uniform once more. "If I don't say anything soon, she might think I've lost interest...can't let that happen. But how can I get everyone else out of the picture? I don't want a repeat perfermance of the other night."

'This is going to be like Mission Impossible; we never do anything alone, well, save for Raven...Hmm...where is the most likely place I could find where we can be alone?' The answer was almost immediately obvious. 'Uh...maybe her own room? No one else is allowed in there.' Robin frowned thoughtfully. 'True, but it isn't a very romantic spot, now is it? Sure, she'll be comfortable there...but I think I can do better than that...Wait!' Robin had an idea. 'It maybe a long shot, maybe not.' He had a phone mounted next to his bed. It never rang, and he never used it. He could vaguely recall having a conversation about having installed this almost useless hunk of machinery. It had involved him and Cyborg, when the Tower was first being constructed, but almost complete.

Day: Number ??? (A while ago)

Point Of View: Robin

Location: Titan Tower(Construction in Progress)

Setting: Robin's room, nearly complete

Time: ???

FLASHBACK BEGINS

"Why do you need a phone, anyway?" Robin turned patiently to Cyborg. "Why does it concern you, Cyborg?" Cyborg began ticking off reasons one by one. "Let's see now...one, you don't seem vaguely interested in calling up girls, two, you never use the phone, since we don't seem to have any other contacts asides from ourselves, and three, that is the ugliest damn piece of junk I've ever seen. Makes me feel ashamed to call myself a machine."

Robin smiled playfully. "Yeah? Take a look in the mirror. I'm sure you'll find the most hideous and most annoying hunk of junk ever convieved." Cyborg caught the message immediately. He glared at Robin with a highly displeased frown. "Hah hah. Very funny, flyboy. I wasn't made yesterday, you know." Robin kept talking as he arranged his room according to his tastes.

"Besides, it may be useful for emergencies. Bruce always said it always paid to be prepared for anything." Cyborg began to over act again. He reeled his head back and dramatically put an arm over his face. "Oh, emergencies, huh? We're the Titans, Robin. We don't need to call for back up! Who we gonna call? The police? The army? The FBI? Oh, I get it! Ooh, woe is me! The H.I.V.E. agents are kicking our butts! Wah, wah! I'm gonna call mommy!"

"Think fast!" Robin yelled out. Cyborg ducked fast enough to avoid the launched ice disk aimed for his torso. Robin chuckled, and then turned serious. He did not look like he was joking anymore. "Bruce instructed me to do this in the first place, you know." Cyborg put his hands up in defeat before he tread on even more sore spots. "Hey, I was just playing, sheesh! Its your room, anyway." Cyborg had stomped to pester Beast Boy or Starfire. And so, the phone had stayed put, unused but at the ready.

FLASHBACK ENDS



Day: Number 2

Point Of View: Robin

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Robin's room, decorated with

his colors as the theme

Time: 9:45 A.M.

Robin smiled at that memory. "Hmph. Who could forget. How ironic that this phone is about to be one of the most important pieces of my little plan. Certainly paid to keep it. Just hope the old man is home. Here goes!" He began to punch in numbers, and then waited for someone to answer from the other line. After two rings passed he heard the click of someone picking up. A dapper elderly voice greeted him. "Hello, Wayne Manor. How may I help you." Robin grinned. Who could't remember Wayne's friendly senior butler? "Hey, Alfred. How's everyting over there?"

"Master Dick! I never expected you'd be making a house call, especially this early in the day. Everything is ship shape, thank you. Master Bruce is home, but he's busy configuring his schedule for Wayne Industries. I'm sure you called to talk with him, correct? I'll put him through. He'll be thrilled to hear from you again; it feels like ages! Just a moment, please." Robin leaned against the wall, playing with the phone cord, wrapping it about his fingers as he set his plan into motion. The phone clicked once more, and a dapper, stoic but friendly voice spoke up. "Hey Dick. It's been a long time since." Robin brightened. Wayne sounded jovial enough. "Hey Old man. How's it hanging?"

"Don't 'Old Man' me, Dick. I may be older, but I am more than a match for you! Oh, right, it's been busy out here in Gotham as of late, but nothing I couldn't handle. I have some spare time. Apparently you have some important matter to discuss." Robin began to sweat nervously. "Um, yeah...," He chuckled softly. He was so giddy and excited. "Listen, Wayne. I have to ask you a big favor...and don't make fun of me for this either, or I swear I won't talk to you again." Wayne's soft laughter came off as amused and interested. "I see. Go on, then. I will listen and consider your proposal." Robin suddenly fell silent.

'Yeah, good time to give the silent treatment, Robin. Spit out, man!' He gulped before continuing. He spoke rapidly, without even pausing for breath. "Well, y'see, yesterday I invited this girl out to her first 'date,' and we were having a good time and all but the guys just happened to jump in at the wrong moment and spoil the moment for the both of us and now I feel sorry for her, and I wish to impress her and at the same time be alone with her, without the other Titans in the way." he said it in such a stream that it took Wayne a few seconds to register what he just said.

Wayne's tone of voice became teasing. "I understand perfectly. Quite a tall order, but not impossible. So who is your lucky date? Starfire, perhaps? Need some pointers, to go along with that?" Robin sweatdropped and almost fell down. "No, not Starfire...actually, its Raven, and please, no pointers. I can handle myself." Now Bruce Wayne was silent. He sounded awed and geniunely happy. 'Raven, eh?'

Robin could almost imagine Wayne's grin spreading on his handsome features. "Well...she certianly is going to be a lucky one, all right. I should congradulate her later." Wayne's tone returned to its business like manner. "Now, where were we? Oh yes. I must assume this'll mean you'll be requiring my assistance...," Here his voice returned to its teasing tone, "For your dream date?" Robin could feel himself flush a deep red.

"Bruce? Do that one more time...," He cautioned warningly. Wayne chuckled heartilly. Now his voice was disarming. "Hey! I'm helping trying to help you here! Don't go ahead and beat up your back up!" Robin had to admit he needed Wayne's help, and badly. "okay, okay. I need a plan for the perfect date, without Beast Boy and Cyborg interfering, at the very least!" Wayne consented immediately. "All right. Just this once. I'll help you along with the planning. This way, only we'll know the ploy...and maybe Alfred." Robin rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "Right! Sounds good to me! Now here is what we must do..."

When they finished planning Wayne and Robin began chatting about how things were doing out here, changes and other formal conversation material. It was almost 10:30 A.M. when their conversation was about to end. Before Robin could say good bye, Wayne decided to give him one piece of advice. "Dick? One serious piece of advice for you." Robin raised an eye brow. "What is that?" Robin couldn't resist a chuckle at Wayne's next statement:

"Don't do what I did... I'm quite certain Raven is a keeper. Don't blow it; you really have only one good chance. Seriously." Robin had no intentions of messing this date up. "I'll be sure to impress, Wayne. Don't worry too much about it; that's my job to do. Thanks alot, Bruce. I owe you." Wayne countered teasingly, "What are you talking about? You owe me alot as it is, but who's counting? As long as you and Raven are happy, you owe me nothing! Anyway, have fun. Good bye."

Robin carefully placed the phone back in its cradle. 'Yes! Yesyesyesyesyes! Whoohoo!' His mind screamed out. He was barely able to restrain his emotions. "Got to act normal, got to be calm. This should be a surprise...One she won't forget...," He rubbed his hands elatedly. "And neither will they!" He whistled cheerfully as he evacuated the premises.



At the same time...

Day: Number 2

Point Of View: Raven

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Raven's Room

Time: 9:45 A.M.

Raven sat on her bed, legs tucked underneath her, her arms wrapped around herself. She closed her eyes and rocked back and forth, recalling the events of the previous night. The dance...their hug...her last words, promising for more. She had never been more intimate, never allowed herself to get close...until that night. 'Its just too bad,' She thought to herself. 'I almost thought that night was the night. My dream...so close and yet so far...' She'd have to wait some time later for that magic moment to return.

'How long can I wait, even?' Not long, that was for sure. She was happy that Robin cared so much for her...had tried everything possible to make it an enjoyable experience...she even knew now what he was absolutely crazy for her...'So how come fate won't allow us to be together?' She was afraid to dream about their next date together; what would happen if the same thing occurred all over again? 'I just don't think I'll be able to take it anymore.'

She stood up, and started to dress change. 'Moping about it would not change anything, Raven. Self pity is for the weak.' She would just have to accept that harsh fact. She put on her old attire, a blue cape and cowl plus a black leotard, coupled with a yellow ornamental belt placed diagonally from her right hip ending at the upper section of her left leg.

"Back to normal." Raven began to put all her things back in order. She put her extra clothes in the closet, pencils and books back on her desk...and as she straightened her bed her hands touched familiar cloth. She stopped as she picked up it up. It was the dress she'd worn yesterday, to the almost perfect dance party. She stared at it longingly, and hugged it close to her. 'Well, as long as I have something to remember the moment by, I guess I can wait a little longer.' Feeling much better, she put it on a clothes hanger and set it in front of her closet door. She allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction.

Day: Number 2

Point Of View: Raven

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Raven's Room

Time: 10:01 A.M.

"That's perfect. Now, on to the kitchen, on with breakfast, and on with the show." Raven trudged through the door and out into the hall. She quietly floated down the stairs, past the living room, and into the kitchen. There, the other Titans sat, eating/cooking breakfast...escept Robin. 'Hmm? He's usually down here early...must have overslept. Oh well. Guess I can make him breakfast, then.' Her conscious, though mostly supportive, seemed to have suddenly developed doubts. 'Uh, Raven, do you really know how to cook?' She thought for a moment. "Well, compared to everyone else, I'm as good as a gourmet cook.' The inner voice returned with a sweatdrop. 'How come I don't feel reassured?' 'You'll see,' She countered back.

Raven brought the hood over her face as she passed by Beast Boy and Cyborg. For once, those two did not appear to be hungry. They were eating, all right; just they were doing it with the enthusiasm of a doomed convict, taking slow and automatic bites, just to stall for time. She was not exactly thrilled to see them...but she also knew that Robin would probably give them more than his normal disciplinary measures. Maybe even er on overkill. 'Not that I care.' Starfire greeted her with a wave, which Raven acknowledged with a curt nod. Star handed her something wrapped in blue tissues.

Raven accepted it and looked quizically at it. She arched an eyebrow at a beaming Star. "Go ahead. Open it! Don't worry...I bought that as a gift myself." Raven was unsure what it was...but it would be rude to simply disregard it. "Um, thanks...," With that, she carefully took the wrapping off and opened the box. 'Oh! My...,' Raven let out a gasp. She stared up at Starfire's emerald eyes. "You shouldn't have. This is too much..."

She tried to offer it back. Starfire wouldn't have it. "Nope, its yours! Glad you like it." Raven took it out of the box. It was a beautifully hand crafted necklace made from silver, with multiple ridges and complex swirl designs adorning it. At the middle was a pendant shaped in an elaborate cross, decorated with both onxy, sapphires...and diamonds! It was almost mind blowing to suddenly own an expensive attire such as this!

"Thank you...its so pretty." Starfire was pleased that her choice was good. She chuckled and put her arms over her face to hide her embarassment. "Don't mention it, Raven. A pretty necklace, for a pretty flower. I'm sure Robin would like to see you dressed with that." Raven said nothing, but blushed underneath her cloak. Then she remembered why she had come down here. 'Oh! I ought to hurry. Robin should be coming down any time now.'

Star returned her attention to the grilled cheese sandwich she had made for herself, while Raven went to the fridge. Raven thought for a moment. "What would Robin eat?" In truth, Raven rarely ate along with the Titan's, so she really had no clue as to what Robin liked. 'Definitely not THAT.' She willed a group of blue furry food towards a nearby trash bin and dumped the rotten food in.

'Oh well. I guess I'll try the stereotypical approach to breakfast.' Raven willed the bacon and sausage from the safety of the meat bin, which thankfully had not had any interactions with the infamous blue furry food. She drew out milk, orange juice, along with assorted ingredients for pancakes and scrambled eggs. 'Good, good...yes, that should do. He's gonna love this!' She placed all the items on the counter, and began methodically choosing pots and pans, oiling the insides to ensure nothing stuck onto them. Without looking she placed the pan on the oven, and began the task of cooking.

Soon, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of sweet maple syrup, fresh pancakes, and perfect scramble eggs. Beast Boy and Cyborg were tempted to walk in and sample around, but considering last night they didn't dare. Starfire walked in without reproach. "Smells good, Raven. Looks like you're cooking quite a large meal. Mind if I help?" Raven knew Starfire wasn't an expert at cooking, but she was good at table setting. 'How nice of Starfire.' "Sure, could you set the table for everyone?" Starfire smiled, happy to be of service. "Of course I shall."

When everything was ready, the table having been set and all the breakfast entries completed, the two girls began serving out the meals. Beast Boy and Cyborg were surprised to see so much on the table. They blinked at one another. "Uh...," They began dumbly. Raven gave them an annoyed glance. "What are you waiting for? It is not poisoned; trust me." With that everyone else began to dig in. Raven could feel her stomach twinge on itself. She was hungry as well, but she decided to wait for Robin. 'This is the least I can do for him.' She smiled, and awaited his arrival.

Day: Number 2

Points Of View Intertwined: Robin and Raven

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Kitchen

Time: 10:31 A.M.

Robin popped out of his room two minutes later, looking grave at first. His expression brightened at the sight of food. "Wow. For once we have a meal, minus blue furry food. Excellent!" Then he gave them a quizical glance. "Uh...who did the cooking? Compliments to the chef." Raven shyly raised up an arm while looking down at her feet, simultaneously pointing at Starfire. "She helped," She murmured quietly. Starfire put an arm around Raven and smiled a ten thousand watt smile. "But Raven here did almost all the work! I just set the table." Cyborg and Beast Boy were busy looking elsewhere, trying not to meet the gaze of their leader.

Robin ignored them for now and instead addressed Raven with his trademark grin. "Hiya, Raven. It is so nice of you to cook us all breakfast...," Here he glared holes at the two cowering males. Cyborg cringed and Beast Boy momentarilly turned into a tiny ant. Robin's expression turned back to normal as he focused himself on Raven. "Thank you, Raven. We really appreciate it." His eye brows raised up. 'Did she do this for...?' 'Maybe...'

Raven's expression conflicted between her normal dapper self and her intimate self. 'Should I, or shouldn't I? Nah. Not now. Sorry to disappoint you, Robin...,' Her eyes flashed once, but returned to their cold glare. Her normal self won out. "Don't mention it. Really." Her voice, though monotone, held an undertone of depression. At this Robin gave a more meaningful glance at Cyborg and Beast Boy. His eyes narrowed into thin slits, until they just seemed to shrink into his face. The two took a hint and made a run for it.

Robin promptly sat down with Raven and Starfire, taking what ever they wished to eat. Starfire struck a conversation with Robin, and from time to time Raven joined in to make a comment or impart some bit of knowledge. Otherwise, the meal was mostly a quiet and straight forward affair. Starfire and Robin offered to help clean the dishes; Raven refused their help. "I can take care of it myself. Trust me." Starfire nodded and left for the living room, where Beast Boy and Cyborg were drowning out their sorrows playing video games again. Robin lingered for a while longer, wondering exactly what to do.

He stood up and placed his dishes into the sink. Raven did not look up as she began to thoroughly scrub the stack of flatware and silverware. Robin stood there by her side, just watching her doing her chores in silence. "May I help you?" Her face was rigid, but her tone was soft. 'Hmmm...got to say something! Can't just leave her to work the day away.' Robin cleared his throat. "Uh...That was a great breakfast...and I don't have anything to do right now. May I help you with those dishes? It is the least I can do." Raven did not look up even now, but she at least gave him a reply. "If you wish." She gave him some space right next to herself. Robin proceeded to take a dry towel out from a bin, wiping and drying out each utensil as she handed them to him.

Robin was quite aware she was not in the mood to talk, so he simply did his work in silence, admiring her as she automatically completed her chores. He smiled wyrly at her. 'She hides her emotions even now, when we are alone and there is no one to get in the way...hell, even I'm just as quiet. Then again, this isn't the most romantic spot to make confessions, so I guess it is safe to say the time isn't now.' Unbeknowest to Robin, Raven was thinking the exact same of him. She allowed a small smile to momentarilly brighten her face. When Robin wasn't looking she gave him a sidelong glance. 'Hmm. He really is a sweet boy. Great companion, too.'

Raven finished the last plate, which Robin accepted and dried out. Surprisingly, the chore hadn't taken so long to complete, considering Cyborg's appetite. She finally turned to face Robin in full. "Well, that's it for now. Thank you for accompanying me. It wasn't so dull after all." Robin bowed jokingly, making an elegant leg. "Anything for thou, my queen. I am at your service anytime." Raven rolled her eyes and pushed him playfully.

"Oh, go off, with you. I'm going to meditate. See you." Robin grinned at her receding figure. Without thinking, he flicked some of the soupy suds at her back. "Ah!" Raven felt the sudden cold spots connect with her neck. She turned to face a mischievious Robin, his fingers still dripping suds. He made a beckoning gesture at her. "Come one Raven...I know you want to play...," He couldn't stop a fit of giggles from erupting forth.

This time, she was unable to hid her emotions. 'So, little boy wants to play, eh?' She tried to act serious, but her composure cracked, ruined by laughter. "Why you...I'll fix you!" She ran after him all over the kitchen, over and under tables, chairs, and assorted obstacles. "Can't fix me if ya can't catch me!" He yelled out from under a chair. He promptly evacuated as Raven followed suit.

She dunked her hands into the soap suds and began to return fire. "Hey you oversized baby, looks like you've gotten dirty playing under the table...here, let me give you a bath!" The two were blissfully unaware of the mess they were making in the kitchen; all they wanted was simply an old fashioned bubble fight! 'Hee hee hee, I'll teach you to flick bubbles at me!' By now they were quite soaked, dripping from head to foot, all the while laughing without a care in the world. Raven disappeared and reappeared next to Robin.

He automatically blocked the incoming suds from landing on his face, only to be tackled to the floor, with Raven on top. "You like this, don't you Robin? Huh? Yeah, I bet you just love this!" Raven taunted playfully. She began to furiously tickle his arm pits with her soaking hands, making him titter uncontrollably. "Say my name, bird boy! Come one! Say it! I know you want it!" She pinned him down with her weight, forcing him to stay where he was.

Her crude references only made Robin want her more...she was driving him nuts! This was quite a wild side he'd never seen...and he was the only one who knew about it! 'I died and went to heaven!' He continued to struggle...but thought better of succeding. 'I want to prolong this moment! Just a little longer...' Raven could feel his strong body against hers, trying its best to free itself. She could also feel his beating heart. 'Mmm...strong as he is attractive...and he's mine, all mine! Heh heh heh.'

He attempted to tickle her back. "Oh no you don't!" She was careful to close up her senstive regions up tight. 'Must not lose! Must not lose! Must...submit!' Robin began to slap the floor in submission. "Wait! Wait Stop! Desist! I give up! I give!" Raven stopped tickling him. She kissed the tip of her fingers, and then touched them on his forehead. Robin was panting, for once. She gave him a cocky look. "Guess what, Robin? Today, I was the man!"

Raven couldn't stop chuckling at her crude reference of bodily positions in bed. She slowly got off of him, and allowed him to stand. "Later. Can't wait till next we meet." She began to stalk off to her room. Robin smirked. "Good things come to those who wait." He blurted out loud. Raven stopped and cocked her head at him, giving him a questioning look. 'What is he hinting at now?' He gave a teasing smile, twirled around once, and bowed graciously.

"See you soon!" With that, Robin dashed off, before anymore questions could be asked. Raven couldn't help feel a smirk coming on. 'Typical. He is up to something. Yes, I'll wait.' She giggled quietly, and then resumed her silent tread for her room. "Heh heh. I think we'll be seeing each other sooner than expected, no?" She'd wait a little longer. Just this once.

Day: Number 2

Point Of View: Robin

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Living Room

Time: 3:04 P.M.

Robin wasn't exactly medidating as he sat on his bed, eyes closed and arms crossed. he was simply biding his time, doing exactly what Wayne had instructed him to do; wait for a call. "Come on...how long do I have to wait?!" He had been waiting for the better part of an hour. Apparently, Wayne was testing his patience. 'Good things come to those who wait...almost sounds like famous last words to me. But if Wayne says I should, then I will trust his judgment call." The phone began to ring just a that thought ended.

He took the phone of the hook and lay back. "Dick Grayson here." Wayne's dapper voice answered back. "Of course I knew that. The preparations are ready. Alfred sends his best wishes, as shall I. Everything is set. It is time." Robin grinned. "Thanks, Wayne. See you soon! Bye." He hang up and leapt off his bed. "Time for a little announcing work! Hee hee hee! Raven's gonna love this!" He sped off to summon everyone for a special broadcast.

Day: Number 2

Point Of View: Robin

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Conference Room

Time: 3:04 P.M.

"And why, may I ask, has Robin summoned us all to the conference room?" Cyborg whine out loud. "I was on my way to kicking your sorry butt, and he just had to interrupt just then!" Beast Boy smirked. "YOu're just complaining because I still have the high score! Yes, I am the champion!" Starfire sat by Cyborg. "Please calm yourself, Cyborg. We'll just see what Robin has in store for us." Cyborg glared at her. She was still smiling, unaware of Cyborg's unhappiness.

"Easy for you to say. You mean what he has in store for me and Beast Boy here! I bet he's going to hand us our sentence right here, and it won't be pretty!" Raven rolled her eyes at him. "Please, Robin is not going to have you two executed for last night...," Here her eyes flashed dangerously at the two, "But I may not be so forgiving, if you aren't silent." Cyborg sat straight up. "Shutting up," He squeaked.

Robin walked into the room, smiling broadly at everyone. "Sorry for interrupting your prior activities. I have an important announcement to make. Starting today, we shall be training ourselves at Wayne Manor." Beast Boy and Cyborg booed and hissed, while Starfire clapped her hands together. Raven said nothing, but sweatdropped at the sight of Starfire. 'Just about any decision to her is a good decision. Guess it can't be helped, though.' Robin continued his narrative. "Wayne has fixed up rooms for all of us...so we won't have to be bunked together like last time."

"That is a relief. The Bunk Bed incident was a catastrophe." Raven replied in a dapper tone. Beast Boy took that as an insult. He glared indignantly at her. "Hey, it wasn't my fault I fell off the top bunk, and down at you!" Raven frowned deeply. "You were sleeping on your elbows, Beast Boy. When you landed on me, you effectively gave me an elbow drop from eight feet up, into my gut. You don't think I'm still going to begrudge you for that?"

The two stared one another down as Robin sweatdropped from his podium. Starfire looked from one Titan to another, confused. She got in between the two. "I enjoyed it, personally. It was so fun when I fell off my bunk, and landed next to Robin. The next morning, we found each other's arms wrapped around one another. It was so nice and cozy. Right Robin?" Starfire was grinning broadly, unaware of the shocked looks of al the Titans. Robin fell off the podium and crashed to the floor with embarassment. He recovered quickly, but not fast enough. Raven gave a semi-jealous glare at Starfire and Robin, who were sweatdropping and blushing deeply. Robin scratched the back of his head. "Yes. How could I forget that?" Robin remembered his plan. "Hey! That's not the point!"

Robin restored order with this last ourburst. He coughed and began anew. "Anyway, she shall be leaving tonight, via the 'T' jet. Be at the docking bay in fifteen minutes. That is all. Any questions?" Cyborg raised a hand. "Yeah...how long we gonna stay in that dump?" Robin did not let a grin play on his face. "You have no idea how much you are gonna regret this trip, tinman." Robin answered heartilly, "Oh, for as long as needed. All right, let's go." Robin proceeded to pack his necessary items. He paused as he passed Raven. He leaned forward to her ear and whispered, "Pack light. Trust me." He winked secretively before heading out. "Hmmm....?" 'What are you up to, really?'



Day: Number 2

Point Of View: Raven

Location: The 'T' Jet

Setting: Middle/End Cabin

Time: 3:44 P.M.

Raven had indeed packed light. Not that she took many things with her on these trips, anyway. She brought along a book, an extra leotard...as well as her new dress and the necklace. The latter two she hid inside the leotard, so as not to rouse suspicions. 'Maybe they'll come in useful later on,' She thought. Her seat on this jet was usually way at the back, where she was always at peace. Today was no different; she chose that seat once more. Cyborg and Starfire were piloting the jet in the front cabin.

At the same time, Robin and Beast Boy were betting money on a card game. Beast Boy was winning; a huge pile of miney rested at his side. Robin's defenses were oddly up tight this day, so she was absolutely unable to read his mind. That explained why he was doing badly at Poker this day; he was concentrating on something else other than the game. Raven grinned to herself. 'I bet I know who it involves.' She closed her book and stood up.

She floated silently over to the table. "I'll join in, if you don't mind." Beast Boy didn't even look up. "Sure. More the merrier. Remember, this is a man's game. You're going to have lots of trouble beating the champ!" Raven turned to Robin. "Hello there, Robin! We meet again!" His heart did a couple leap frogs in his chest. Raven sensed that much.

"Oh, crap, she's here! Must not think about that little secret, must not think about that little secret, wait, I am thinking about it! Shoot!" Then his mind went fuzzy. She arched an eyebrow. 'So, he's hiding something from me. Guess I better go fishing.' Raven was handed an array of cards from the shuffled deck. She began to chat conversationally. Though her tone was jovial enough, it was quite obvious she was psyching both guys out.

"So...what are you thinking, Robin?" He almost dropped his cards. 'Does she know about it? No, damn it, stop thinking about-agh!' Robin's mind closed quickly before she could find anymore. "Nothing much." She glanced at him again. His mind had drifted...but nothing in it held anything of value. Except for the fact that it confirmed that he was not going out with anyone else. 'So his secret isn't a girl...then what is it?' She turned to Beast Boy. "Know anything I don't already know?" His reply was immediate: "No way!"

She tried another ploy. Now she began acting brazen again. "Robin, you can tell me anything, you know," She purred in a seductive voice, rubbing her head against his shoulder. She began to bat her eyes at him as well. Robin felt himself flush. He also began to sweat. Glancing at Beast Boy, he could see he was starting to feel the same way. As much as he wanted to beat Beast Boy back for his losses, he wanted to quit playing cards...

'And play with someone else. No! Get that dirty thought out of your head!' 'Is she trying to make me lose, or is she trying to read my mind again?' Raven pouted at his stubborness. "His mind is barricaded too well. Oh well. I'll just enjoy the game, instead." She gave up reading his mind for the moment. "So...who's turn is it?

After a few minutes of this continued performance both Beast Boy and Robin ended on the same boat. Raven had all the earnings right by her side, currently being sorted mentally by Raven. Beast Boy slumped down, deeated. "I've never been cleaned out my whole life!" Beast Boy muttered. Raven batted her eyes at him now. "What was that you said about a man's game, Beast Boy? What have you got to say for yourself, oh champ?" Beast Boy got up, throwing down his cards in frustration. "Cards are for wusses." He stomped off to one of the back seats to rest and wallow in self-pity.

Robin laid himself back casually. "Thank you. I feel much better now." Raven was still acting bold and teasing. "Even though I'm holding all the cash?" Robin shrugged nonchallantly. "It was worth seeing Beast Boy getting thwarted, and lose his allowance in the process." Here he smiled and blushed a light hue. "I enjoyed the company, most of all. Nice to see you having fun." He placed his hand out and put it over hers. Raven looked down at it, and blushed.

She put her own hand over his, giving it reassuring squeeze. "I've got a surprise for you...," He admitted finally, looking down, a dreamy smile plastered on his face. Raven cocked her face at him. Now she looked coquetish. 'That is too cute!' Robin could almost feel himself melt into a puddle. "Will I like it?" He didn't answer. Raven noticed his dreamy eyes and chuckled.

The sound brought Robin out of his trance. "Uh, what! Oh, yes, I think you will." Raven arched an eyebrow knowingly. "So this trip is just a blind, is that it? You arranged this specifically for reasons other than training, am I right?" Robin scratched the back of his head while grinning broadly. "Sure is!" Raven rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You are so predictable." Robin placed his head against her shoulder. "Isn't that nice?" Raven leaned her own head on his. "Of course it is, Robin."

They remained like this, sleeping off the rest of the day, until the jet landed at their destination. "Awww, how cute!" Starfire giggled at the sleeping duo. She took out a Polaroid camera and took a quick snap shot of the scene. "Wait'll everyone else sees this!" She fawned over the unaware couple. Beast Boy and Cyborg shrugged, groaning. "Women!"

Authors Note: Too damn long! I couldn't finish it today! Must send one more chapter after this one to finish! So! How did you like this? R @nd R. See what you think.