》》《《

So, this is not the party chapter you were expecting... BUT... it is full of fun BBRae moments. Hope you enjoy! Please leave lots of fun comments! I love to read them and it lets me know you are enjoying the story.

And if you are enjoying - please give it a like!

》》《《

The next week passed rather uneventfully. On Tueday night, Control Freak attempted to commandeer a radio tower, unsuccessfully of course. And in the early hours of Wednesday morning Dr. Light gave the Titans an annoying firework show on the docks. Besides being potentially dangerous to the public, it was a very rude awakening. Overall, it was an average week, but the Titans were excited for it to be almost done and to be one step closer to celebrating Karen's (BumbleBee) 21st birthday.

Friday morning, after Robin's mandatory morning workout, the Team gathered in the common room for breakfast and to split up the tasks that needed to be done in preparation of the party. Everyone was coming over Saturday night for the party and Robin and Cyborg wanted to get everything bought Friday afternoon to make sure they were prepared. Cyborg's list went as follows:

1. Food and Booze - Boys
2. Decorations - Girls

Robin decided this was too generic, however and broke it down further:

1. Booze (1 keg cheap beer, restock beer and fruity drinks/liquor cabinet) - Cyborg since he's 21
2. Groceries and Cake - Robin and Beast Boy. Cy can help after Booze run.
3. Decorations (balloons/streamers, party lights, photo booth props?) - Raven and Starfire

Raven also learned via text that Jinx was bored and wanted to tag along so she was added to the decorations committee. Then last minute, Star decided she wanted to help pick out the cake because she had a great idea for one. Robin agreed and changed the plan for a third time.

1. Booze - still Cyborg. Beast Boy can help load.
2. Cake - Robin and Starfire.
3. Groceries - Beast Boy and Cyborg. Robin and Starfire will help after cake.
4. Decorations - Raven and Jinx

Satisfied, the team disbanded to go about their day. Raven made plans to meet Jinx at the mall and Cyborg offered to drop her off there when he and Beast Boy left to do their shopping. This seemed to be an acceptable arrangement as Raven could get a ride back with Jinx (or teleport, of course). The trio decided to leave around 1, so Jinx would have time to drive into town. Robin and Starfire left to do their task just a little bit before them.

Jinx was waiting for Raven by a large fountain at the front of the mall, dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a gray and black plaid shirt over a black cropped tank top. Her vibrant pink hair was thrown up into a messy bun. The sun was shining making the October weather a little less chilly. Raven still opted for an over-sized sweater, though, choosing to be comfy rather than cute. 

Upon seeing her friend, Jinx kicked off the fountain and walked closer to sling an arm around Raven's shoulder. "So, where to first?" She asked excitedly. The party decoration store they were assigned to visit was on one end of the mall, but of course Jinx had planned to stop by some additional stores on the way there. She still needed to find a signature piece for her outfit for the party. And when she learned that Raven was planning on wearing a t-shirt and jeans, she knew she needed to intervene and find an outfit for Raven as well. There was no deterring her friend, so Raven agreed and pointed a direction for them to start with. Jinx took her heading and dragged Raven to their first store.

It was a little strange to be shopping without Starfire. It was part of the girls' night tradition. Even if she had a questionable fashion sense and got way more excited than necessary sometimes, she was still Raven's friend. And a good buffer between Raven and Jinx. Since confessing to her about the arrangement with Beast Boy, all Jinx wanted to talk about was their "relationship". Raven was relieved to no longer have secrets with her friend, but she also was growing tired of talking about it, especially since nothing had changed since their conversation on Saturday.

The two girls bounced between stores, looking for enticing sales and promising clearance sections. Jinx had picked up several new items for her closet, but claimed she still hadn't found what she was looking for. Raven had also found a few tops that were cute, comfy and just marked down enough to justify purchasing. None of her items met Jinx's vision for the party either. So they moved on to the next store.

They headed toward the back, where the clearance racks sat, and began sifting through the newly discounted clothes. Raven pulled out a green jacket for a better look and, upon seeing it, Jinx squealed in excitement.

"Yes, it's perfect!" She declared, snatching the jacket for a closer look. It was jade green, slightly military style with gold buttons on the front for an extra pop. It was the only one in the store that Raven could see but luckily it fit Jinx's slender frame perfectly as she pulled it on and admired herself in the mirror. "What do you think? Put it with some destroyed jeans and a white tank? Combat boots?"

Raven regarded her friend's appearance, picturing the outfit in her mind. "Maybe just heels or regular booties. Combat boots might be a little too themed." She said. Jinx agreed and slipped out of the jacket, adding it to her 'buy' pile. Then she moved on to a table that had some lace lingerie-inspired pieces on it. Raven had dismissed it upon entering, knowing there was nothing for her there, but was not surprised it interested Jinx. It was much more her style.

As Raven went back to her rack of sweaters, Jinx sifted through a pile of bodysuits, finding one that was particularly cute. It was black and lacy, a little see-through, but just covered enough for Raven to consider it. "How about this?" She asked proudly. Raven raised an eyebrow at the bodysuit.

"It's cute, but don't you own 5 just like it?" She joked.

"I meant for you, stupid." Jinx said dryly. Raven scrunched up her nose. 

"Not my thing."

"You literally wear a bodysuit every single day." Jinx reasoned.

"Yes, a long-sleeved, high collared, very opaque bodysuit. With a robe." Raven pointed out.

"Well, I think you'd look good in it." Jinx pouted. Then added, with a sly smile, "I think Beast Boy would like it too." Raven glared at her friend, annoyed.

"You really have to go there?"

"What? It's true. Guys like this kinda thing." Raven shook her head.

"Maybe some do. But we don't really do... that." She said, gesturing to the table of lingerie pieces in front of Jinx.

"Seriously? You never wear something special for him?" Jinx asked, genuinely confused. Raven shrugged. "You just do it in your ordinary, everyday knickers?"

"Yeah, pretty much." Raven nodded. "I don't see why it matters. What's the point?"

"Because it's fun. And you feel sexy, he likes it. It just kinda makes it more special." Jinx explained. 

"Well, maybe for you. But it's different for Beast Boy and I. It's just sex... we don't need to make it special with a sexy outfit he's going to look at for 2 seconds before ripping off to get to the main event. But you guys actually like each other so the dynamic is different. Besides, he should care about the package itself, not just the wrapping paper." Raven said wisely, a sense of finality in her words. Jinx bit her lip.

"Maybe." She muttered quietly. She knew her friend had a point, but she was still anxious to believe it. For years she had hid behind her over-sexualized wardrobe. It built her confidence and she was afraid of what she would be without it. What if that's all Kid was interested in? Her insecurities wondered.

Raven noticed her friend's shift in mood and knew she needed to help cheer her up. "But, I suppose I can at least try the thing on." Raven said with a small smile, taking the bodysuit from Jinx. The pink haired girl brightened at the suggestion. Then they both gathered their things and moved over to the changing rooms to try on the pieces they had found. Jinx coaxed Raven into modeling the bodysuit for her, wanting to make sure it fit her vision, and Raven didn't want to upset her so she agreed, despite her discomfort.

The v-neck bodice was low-cut and showed a little more cleavage than Raven was used to. And even though the lace design was thick enough over her breasts to cover them adequately, it still felt risque. But Jinx saw the potential.

"Okay, vision: black skinny jeans and those lace-up heeled booties you like to wear. And, if you really feel self-conscious and because it's gonna be freaking cold tomorrow, you could put a leather jacket or cardigan over it." Raven examined her reflection in the mirror, trying to picture the same outfit as Jinx. It would be cute, she decided. And yeah, Jinx was right, Beast Boy would probably find it sexy too (not that it mattered). She checked the price tag and decided it was cheap enough to justify purchasing for the party.

Raven and Jinx finished trying on their items and making their selections to actually purchase then headed for the check-out counter. Of course as they excited the changing rooms, they ran into two of their teammates.

"What are you doing here?" Jinx asked her non-boyfriend, annoyed by his presence, placing a hand on her hip (her other was a bit occupied with holding her shopping bags and clothing items).

"What a guy can't surprise his girl?" Kid asked in feigned hurt, placing a hand over his heart. As Jinx was beginning to explain how she's not his girl, Beast Boy cut in.

"We finished grocery shopping with Cy and thought we'd help you two with the party supplies--but it looks like you took a detour first." He joked, eyeing the two girls and their shopping bags. "What'd you get Rae-Rae?" He teased again. Raven was glad she had hidden the bodysuit underneath another shirt.

"Nothing of your concern." She huffed. Jinx giggled thinking about the bodysuit and their earlier conversation. This only piqued Beast Boy's curiosity more, but the girls brushed him off as they headed to the counter to check out. The boys waited patiently at the exit, scrolling on their phones and discussing among themselves. The girls both knew they were here just to be annoying.

The girls rejoined the boys once they had paid for their items. "So, PartyTime?" Beast Boy asked to confirm the next destination. Surely they were done shopping by now?

"Nuh-uh." Jinx chimed. "You've interrupted our shopping day. And we still have sales to visit." Even though they had both found what they had come for, Jinx was excited to torture the boys with more shopping. And on cue, they both groaned in protest. Even Raven had to stifle an amused grin.

"Seriously Rae? You hate shopping!" Beast Boy whined.

"Who said that?" She said, cocking her head.

"You! Like a million times."

"Huh, weird." She shrugged, just to annoy him further. Two could play at this game, after all. And truthfully, she was having a good time shopping with Jinx. They had a similar enough style to like the same stores and be able to give solid fashion advice. Starfire tried, but she had a hard time avoiding bright, colorful stores for too long.

Jinx grabbed Kid's hand and began dragging him in the direction of the next store: a vintage shop that was advertising 60% off on select items. It was a favorite of Jinx's and Raven would admit she liked some of their pieces too. Jinx breezed inside and went straight for a rack of screen-printed crop tops. Raven followed, a little less enthusiastic, and started sifting through one of the sale racks nearby. Beast Boy took the other side of the rack and held up items he thought were interesting, cute, or would get a reaction out of Rae. Surprisingly, she actually agreed to try on some of the items he had picked up. A few racks over, Jinx and Kid were also finding things to try on--well, Jinx was, anyway. She had just discovered another jacket and was rushing to try it on, dropping her bags and shoving her flannel shirt and pile of clothes onto Kid, who had no choice but to accept it awkwardly.

"What do you think?" Jinx asked no one in particular, modeling the jacket in front of a mirror. Raven glanced over. The jacket was denim with colorful patches and stylish rips.

"It's cute." Raven shrugged. Jinx went back to admiring herself as the boys didn't have much to add. After a moment she decided she was happy with the jacket (and its price tag) and slipped it off. Kid fumbled with his newly acquired pile of clothes to find Jinx's flannel shirt for her. As he passed it over, he noticed the tag.

"Wait--is this my shirt?" He asked, almost amused.

"No, it was your shirt. Now it's mine." Jinx said happily, snatching it from him and tugging it on.

"How does that happen?" Kid complained. Beast Boy clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"See, this is why you don't leave things over at their place. You never see it again--except on them." He laughed.

"Not all of us are like that." Raven argued. Beast Boy snorted.

"You're not innocent, Rae. You steal my sweatshirts all the time."

"You giving them to me and then forgetting to take them back is not the same as stealing." Raven disagreed calmly. Jinx smirked, amused by the argument. Beast Boy just rolled his eyes and let it go. The group moved over to the changing rooms so the girls could try on their items. Several minutes later they finished and moved over to the checkout area with their final selections. Beast Boy was happy to see that a gray sweater he had picked out had made it into Raven's 'buy' pile.

After paying they left for their next, and hopefully last, store. Raven was getting tired of staring at herself in mirrors and spending money--two things that didn't seem to bother Jinx. "Wanna check out Francine's?" The witch asked, a little too chipper.

"Um, I don't think I need anything from there. Plus, you know..." Raven trailed off, side-eyeing the boys. She was comfortable doing a lot of things with Beast Boy but lingerie shopping was not one of them. Sure Francine's sold a variety of clothes, but they were known for their quality lingerie. What would the boys do in a store like that? Nothing good, probably.

"Oh come on. I just want to look at their dresses and maybe some shoes." Jinx practically begged. Reluctantly, Raven agreed. Jinx grinned wickedly and gave the news to the boys. "Just one last store and then we can go to PartyTime." She promised them.

"But if you want to skip and meet us at the food court, that is okay too." Raven offered, hoping they would take the save. Of course, it didn't work.

"Trying to get rid of us, Rae-Rae?" Beast Boy chided.

"No, I just thought you might be tired of shopping with us." She shrugged casually. Kid looked like he was ready to take the offer of going to the food court but Beast Boy wasn't so quick to.

"Nah, never." He smirked. "Besides, I'm pretty curious about what you girls will find in Francine's." Of course he had heard about the store. It was pretty much every teenage boy's fantasy.

"Jinx just wants to look at their dresses--"

"--and shoes!" Jinx added.

"And shoes." Raven corrected. "I probably won't even go in." Beast Boy didn't listen to her excuses as he followed Jinx into the boutique, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Raven cursed under her breath and trudged after them. Kid lazily took up the rear.

True to her word, Jinx stayed in the dress and shoe sections. Raven joined her while Beast Boy explored the front racks. Kid hung around Jinx, patiently waiting for her to finish her shopping and providing opinions when prompted. Why couldn't Beast Boy be more normal like that? Raven wondered.

"Hey Rae, check this out!" The green nuisance interrupted her thoughts. He held up a silky emerald green slip dress that was honestly pretty conservative considering some of the other pieces he could have picked up instead. But that was not something Raven was going to admit to him. She just shook her head in disapproval and returned to the rack she was currently pretending to browse.

"Aw, don't be like that." Beast Boy teased, striding closer, dress still in hand. "I know you like green things." He winked for added measure and Raven could feel a blush starting to spread across her cheeks.

"I tolerate green things." She seethed, growing irritated. It certainly didn't help that Jinx and Kid were within earshot. Even though they knew each other's secrets, it was still weird to show them this side of their relationship. Especially when Jinx ignores boundaries and leans in to tease Raven, "See, I told you boys like lingerie." Which was something the dark Titan did not need to hear. And eagerly Beast Boy agreed as his smirk grew wider. Kid wisely stayed silent, not wanting to contradict Jinx, but also offering no help to Raven. She glared at all of her friends and moved over to another part of the store. Jinx shrugged it off and dragged Kid to look at another group of racks. Beast Boy took his chances approaching Raven again. 

"Do you really hate it?" He asked, a bit softer this time. He held the dress up so Raven could see it clearly. Raven took a moment to properly look at the dress.

"It's just not me." She decided, hoping that would sufficient for him as well.

"How do you know? You've never worn anything like it." He pointed out. Then, before Raven could argue, he added, "please just try it on--for me." And when Beast Boy looks at her with those big, green eyes and uses words like "please" and "for me", Raven finds herself incapable of saying no. So, with a heavy sigh, she took the dress and headed towards one of the private changing rooms, Beast Boy gleefully following behind her. 

Francine's featured private dressing room "suites" that allowed friends and couples to try on some of their more risque items in privacy. Each room is labelled with a classy black door and is sectioned into two parts. The first has an elegant black couch for guests to sit on and a 360° mirror in one corner with a faux fur rug on the floor for added luxury. A floor to ceiling curtain separated off the actual changing area which was a little simpler with a chair and some hooks for belongings and hangers.

Beast Boy made himself comfortable on the couch while Raven slipped into the changing room. She quickly changed into the silk dress, wanting to get this show and tell over with as quickly as possible. Sure, once on, the dress was not that bad. It was actually kind of pretty. It was a little shorter than she would have preferred, but it covered her undergarments adequately and revealed a tasteful amount of cleavage. Still, Raven wasn't used to wearing things like this and that made her uncomfortable. Was this what Beast Boy liked? She asked herself, even though it didn't matter. Not really.

She swallowed her doubt and turned to show Beast Boy before she could chicken out. "There it's on." She announced, shoving the curtain aside. Beast Boy couldn't help but stare. Sure, he got to see her in much less on a more than weekly basis. But he liked the way the silk dress clung to her curves and accentuated her assets. "What?" Raven asked, growing uncomfortable under his stare.

"I can't admire you for 5 minutes?" He teased. "I like it. You should get it."

"No. I tried it on and let you see. I didn't say anything about actually buying it." Raven argued, placing a hand on her hip. Beast Boy stood and stepped closer.

"Either you're buying it or I am. Because I'm not leaving without it." He slid a hand beneath the skirt of the dress to cup her backside and pull her into him. She could feel his attraction growing against her and she wondered how a dress could do that. He leaned in to trail hot kisses along the sensitive part of her neck and collarbone. Raven squirmed in his hold, trying to keep her wits.

"We're in public," she complained, resting her hands on his chest and pushing slightly. He didn't budge. 

"Hm, that's what makes it so fun." He hummed into her neck, teasing a particularly sensitive spot with his tongue. And as Raven melted a little more into his hold, Beast Boy knew he had won. 

Swiftly, he backed up to the couch and pulled her onto his lap as he sat down. She straddled him, running her fingers through his hair as he peppered kisses across any part of exposed skin he could find--and there was a lot of it. His hands wandered her milky thighs, reveling in how soft and smooth her skin was beneath his rough palms. He slid them up to trace the lace edging of her underwear hidden beneath the dress as she fingered the collar of his chambray shirt, yearning to tug it off of him. Greedily, they kissed, stealing what they could from the other. Hands and lips explored charted territory as Raven ground her hips into him a little harder and leaned in for another kiss. 

"Hey, lovebirds. Are you ready to leave yet?" Jinx suddenly yelled from the other side of the door. The pair pulled apart, embarrassed and frustrated. 

"Yeah, we'll be right out." Raven huffed. Beast Boy stifled a laugh as Raven blushed furiously and stood up so she could change. Beast Boy pulled his gray chambray shirt back on and straightened it out in the mirror, fixing up his hair too. Moments later, Raven emerged dressed and ready to go. Beast Boy snagged the green dress and its hanger from Raven. 

"We are definitely getting this." He declared, striding out of the changing room. Jinx was waiting outside, an excited grin on her face. 

"Did you find a winner?" She smirked knowingly. 

"Fuck off," Raven said quietly as Beast Boy strode over to the checkout counter to purchase the dress. Jinx slung an arm around her friend and they exited the store together. When Beast Boy had rejoined, they finally headed for PartyTime. 

》》《《

Saturday morning began with a large brunch buffet prepared by Cyborg. The Titans took turns eating and decorating. They had started prepping some of the food for the party last night but there was still much to be done. Raven used her powers to levitate banners and streamers while Beast Boy and Kid went around with tape to secure them. Starfire flew around the common room to hang up fun colorful lights. They also put silver streamers above the elevator doors and set up a cute photo spot in one corner of the common room. The girls had picked up a bunch of balloons, including rose gold '21' balloons for Karen, and a helium tank. Robin was starting to work on blowing them all up while Cyborg finished some things for dinner.

Then, they moved to the rooftop where they set up a large length of tables for dinner and a bar area. The weather was going to be in the 60's, warm for October in Jump City, and they wanted to take advantage of that. A few months back, the Team had decided to install a fire pit in one area of the large rooftop. A few Titans were tasked with hanging a string of bulb lights around the fire pit so it would be lit up for the party.

The Titans from East Tower were going to arrive around 4 to help with the last bit of set up. Everyone else was told to come around 5. Karen was instructed to arrive at no earlier than 5:30. She was of course aware of a party happening, but the Titans wanted to surprise her with how big of a party it will be. She was expecting a small dinner with her team from Titans East and with Cy's team in Jump City.

Yet even though they were expecting a pretty large crowd, it was still going to be a little more tame than the last party, or so Robin promised anyway. Raven wasn't entirely sure who all was invited but she was hopeful about it all the same. Maybe she would have fun, make new friends?

Wait, was that allowed? Would it be violating the agreement if she did find someone at the party? Given how Beast Boy had reacted to Greg, she thought it might. But at the same time, the agreement is supposed to be temporary. At one point or another, one of them is going to meet someone else and end the agreement. What better opportunity is there for that other than a party?

Raven decided to confirm with Beast Boy when they were finished decorating. She wanted to make sure they were on the same page before she started flirting with someone else. Or to save her the humiliation from waiting for him while he flirts with someone else.

Around 3:30, the girls were relieved so they could start getting ready. The boys were able to finish the last few touches and Aqualad, Mas, Menos, and Speedy were going to be arriving soon to help as well. Before slipping out, though, Raven asked Beast Boy to meet up with her when he got free so they could talk.

After a quick shower, Raven started to lay out some outfit options on her bed. She had the bodysuit as an option. With high waisted jeans and a cardigan, it wouldn't be that risque. But she was a little hesitant to go for it. She also had a gray sweater that Beast Boy had picked out at the mall. It had a twisted open-back style that would be cute with a lace racerback bralette. Plus, it would be comfy and would make Beast Boy happy.

Beast Boy's signature knock sounded on her metal door before he let himself in. "Hey." He greeted. "I'm not here for fashion advice, am I?" He joked, eyeing the clothes on the bed and additional options still being weighed in Raven's hands.

"No, you are not." Raven reassured him, setting the clothes aside. She realized she was still wearing the blue silk robe she had put on after her shower and felt a little self-conscious despite the number of times he has seen her in much less. Somehow it didn't seem to be the appropriate attire to wear when asking someone if they wanted to see other people tonight. But he was already here and it would be weirder to change, so she plowed on with her plan.

"I was thinking that we should talk about tonight. About us, and what the plan is." Raven explained. Beast Boy leaned casually against the wall, his brows drawn together as though he were considering the options and trying to gauge what her answer to that would be.

"Yeah, that's probably something we should figure out." He agreed.

"Right, I just don't want to flirt with someone if you're planning on waiting up. Or vice versa, I guess." The faintest blush graced Raven's cheeks as she dug her hole.

"Is that what you want? To flirt with someone tonight?" He asked, almost sounding curious. His eyes searched her face, as if the answer could be found there. 

But truthfully, she didn't have a person in mind. She wasn't in the mood to flirt with someone new and she wasn't even sure if it was worth trying to find Aqualad or Herald. She figured he would be the one looking to score tonight--and not with her. If that's what he wanted, this would be a good chance to get back into the dating scene.

Raven shrugged her shoulders. "It is a party. I would understand if you wanted to try to meet someone new. Eventually it has to happen, right?"

Something about that statement seemed to upset Beast Boy. She could see it flicker in his green eyes. But she thought it was a fact he was aware of. Their little agreement was temporary and eventually they would both meet someone new and the agreement would end. It was inevitable.

"Yeah, right. Fine." He agreed a little too sharply. Raven raised an eyebrow to his sudden shift in mood.

"Are you sure?" She prodded. "I don't--"

"It's fine, Rae. In fact, it's great. If you meet someone, great! Go for it. I need to take a shower." Before Raven could stop him, he turned on his heel and headed for their shared bathroom. The door closed loudly behind him.

Raven let out an annoyed sigh and collapsed on the bed. She ran their conversation over in her head, trying to figure out what had caused him to be so upset. She had tried to tell him she'd wait up for him if that's what he wanted, but he didn't give her the chance. Maybe she should text him that?

No, she didn't want to be fighting over text messages all night. He's stubborn and wouldn't admit to being wrong and insist that it's fine for her to meet other people (even though it clearly isn't).

It's probably best she just skip the party. Maybe go to dinner and then slip out? At least then she won't have to watch him try to flirt with some blonde. That was the best plan, right?

》》《《

Oh, hi. Is that me uploading two parts within a single month? Heck, yeah it is!

I know that doesn't seem like a very big accomplishment but for me it is. Also, please do not expect this to be a regular thing. My life is a bit of a mess juggling a full-time job and other adult responsibilities. I have the next chapter planned out so hopefully that will be coming soon - and, yes it will be a fun Titan party chapter featuring our lord and savior, Drunk Raven!

Until then, I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and handling all the changes in work/school life due to this corona-virus situation. What's been the biggest change/challenge for you?

For me, it's been remembering to put on my mask every time I leave my desk to get water, check the printer or ask a co-worker a quick question. Also, coordinating different safety precautions with clients since everyone has a different comfort level and different rules/procedures in their workplace. It's a little crazy how normal it's already becoming though. Part of me wants everything to be "normal" again but I try to keep remembering the benefits of wearing masks, staying home, and all the other health recommendations.

One last thing: LIKE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW for updates!

Love you guys!
♡Rain

》》《《