● WOW, I haven't updated this since June... I am so sorry. Life has been... interesting. And I promise to never be gone for so long again... Or at least I'll give it my best shot! :) ●

Chapter 20: Just Desserts

Beast Boy's Point of View

I watched her walk away, wanting nothing more than to grab her arm and pull her back, or out of this damn restaurant and far away from the monster sitting beside me. But I knew my place, and when to give her space. That, however did not quell my anger for the one responsible for my fiancee's outburst. 

"What the hell was that about?" I demanded, eyeing Trigon viciously. He threw his hands up in a surrender and shook his head. 

"We were only talking about her mother. It's not my fault she won't believe me when I'm telling the truth." 

"As the guy who's never really been completely honest with her in the first place... it is your fault." I seethed. But the argument was pointless and I quickly resigned with a deep sigh. "I ordered the Tiramisu. It's one of Rae's favorites. You can wait here for it, while I go calm my fiancée down, and convince her to come back." 

"You're forgetting the fact that I need nothing from you two. In fact, if you want my support in the contract..."

"You're forgetting that I hate you. And you are a known terrorist in enemy territory without sanction. Piss me off, and I will alert the troops." With that I left him, baffled, briskly making my way towards the powder room where Raven had said she was heading. Now let's just hope she hasn't made any rash detours...

•°•°•

Raven

The powder room was overwhelmingly occupied. By that I mean there was one other person in there and I was very much in the mood to brood alone somewhere, therefore the powder room was a no-go. I headed to the bar instead. 

My glass had been emptied (and sadly left behind), and all of this stress needed something cold and strong to wash it down. There was something haunting about my father's insistence that he had delivered my mother to me as promised. Because if he had upheld his end of the bargain, like he claims he did, then where was my mother? Who took my mother? 

The more I thought about it, the more it just did not make sense. Surely if Trigon had done something with my mother, he would be bragging about it, using it as some sort of incentive for me to help him. The fact that he never stooped to the level of bringing her up, must mean that he truly had nothing to do with her disappearance. 

So, where did she go?

I stumbled upon the bar and quickly placed an order to the bartender before situating myself in a darker corner where it would be clear I was not there to socialize. Being in a skimpy dress and heels was enough of an invitation to half-drunk guys, and I was not in the mood to fraternize. Plus I'm pretty sure Beast Boy would have a raging fit and go all Beast Mode on the poor suckers. Not how I wanted this night to go.

About 3 drinks later I was starting to feel the effects. I wasn't yet tipsy or anywhere close to drunk, but the world felt a little lighter and I was feeling a lot more relaxed. I was almost ready to face my father again - almost. I don't think I'll ever really be ready to face that monster.

Just as I was about to pick up my fourth (and self-promised last) drink, it was rudely ripped away from me. Angry, I swung round in my chair to get at the perpetrator who had stolen my drink. But as soon as my eyes met his stony glare, my own faltered and I shrunk back in my barstool. Beast Boy was pissed.

"Uh, hi," I mumbled weakly, instantly sobered. 

"What the hell are you doing?" he snarled.

"Chill, it's just a drink." I pushed aside his anger to regain my cool composure, refusing to show how bothered I was by his disappointment. 

"And how many have you had before this?" He asked pointedly, not really caring about the exact number and already knowing that I had had too much regardless of my answer. 

"Hm, I lost count after four... and then there was that one from that guy..." I was lying, or joking, but Beast Boy was the furthest thing from amused. 

"You're done." He barked, grabbing my wrist tightly and tugging me from the stool. I had barely landed on my feet but he hardly seemed to care as he pulled me out of the crowded bar and toward the less populated hall and, eventually, the dining room where my father was probably still waiting for us, sipping down some expensive wine. I don't care about his claims of sobriety. He's a stress drinker, and I can't think of a more deserving situation of a drink than tonight. 

Meanwhile I was left to follow the green bean out there, a little bit tipsy, and in no mood to reconnect with that man. I had had enough socializing and I really just wanted to go home, maybe make-out with Beast Boy, and then go to sleep. Ah, what a perfect way to spend the night. 

But I am here. 

Before we got to the dining room, Beast Boy pulled me aside, wrapped an arm around my waist and held me flush against him. Confused with the sudden change of events, I looked up into his emerald eyes for an answer. His anger had mostly subsided, still lingering but very much subdued, and instead he was regarding me with a look of caring concern. 

"Look, Rae," he began carefully. "I know this is hard and I'm sorry I kind of lost it back there. You have every right to be stressed and upset right now. After all he's done to you, I can't imagine how you feel right now. And honestly, I do not blame you in the least if you want to just go home and forget this whole night. But this agreement, Jump City and Azarath, your rulership--it all hinges on that demon. And I love you too much to let you give up on this." 

Once again those three words made my heart skip: the way it seemed to be such a natural confession to him, a simple fact. Like we had said it a million times before.

"Besides, I ordered the tiramisu, and it really would be a shame to leave without eating it." Beast Boy added with a light smile when I failed to respond to his 'I love you'. I sighed in resignation. 

"Fine. We'll get through dessert. But if he makes one more comment about how much he 'misses' my time with him, I'm leaving." I seethed. 

"Okay. Fair enough." Beast Boy agreed, squeezing me tightly before pulling back and resuming our walk to the table from hell, his hand entwined with mine offering some amount of comfort. When we got there, my father was not, in fact, downing a bottle of wine like I had predicted. He was still sipping from his fancy sparkling water and scrolling through his phone to keep him busy as he waited for our return. He looked up when we neared, a pleasant smile on his face as if we had not just been arguing a half hour or so ago. 

"Ah, I see you two have found your way back." He said happily. 

"I came only for cake." I said sharply, plopping myself down in my chair and pulling the plate of heavenly goodness closer, fork in hand. 

"A valid reason." He agreed, a smile shining even in his eyes and a soft chuckle escaping his slightly parted lips. It was so normal it hurt as I reminded myself how fake it all was, it all had to be. 

Beast Boy seated himself too and picked up his own fork when he saw that I was content with my cake. The tiramisu was honestly delicious, even despite my companion for the night, and we fell into silence as we all enjoyed the dessert. But as the plates were cleared, it was clear there was still much to be discussed. 

Trigon cleared his throat, set his fork down on his clean plate, and folded his hands on the table in a business-like manner. Beast Boy and I looked up curiously. 

"Before we let this night come to a close and depart," my father began calmly. "I would like to tell you of my second request."

"Of course, what else could you want?" I muttered, but Trigon pretended he had not heard. 

"I was rather impressed to have already received this in my mail." He continued, producing a manila envelope that I immediately recognized as the one containing our treaty agreement--the one in which he agrees to call back his Skyffers and release Terra in exchange for the South Tower and a permanent place in my life. "I've read it too. It's good. Not perfect, but you're young and new at this. You'll improve." He commented, as if I cared for his opinion. "Covered your bases well, though. That was very well done." He had taken the document out of the envelope and was now thumbing through it appreciatively, like he was looking over a paper I had typed for school. 

"What do you want, Trigon?" I asked tiredly. 

"To be called 'daddy', like you used to call me." He quipped. 

"Daddy" I deadpanned. 

"No! You're doing it wrong. It's dah-dee. Slower." He corrected me, then turning to Beast Boy he explained, "She used to always trip over her words as kid. So cute.", nostalgic over the memory of little Raven's speaking troubles. To my horror, Beast Boy actually was amused by the little tidbit of information. 

"Well, if we're done with the little trip down memory lane," I interjected, "what do you want with the contract? Surely you must want something." 

"I want to sign it. I will call my Skyffers back from attacking your precious city and leave your traitorous friend alone. I will even endorse this little relationship between you two, as well as your crowning as Queen, permanently. To be perfectly honest, I have always wanted to see you on the throne. It's what we raised you to be..." He broke off into another wistful gaze and rolled my eyes at what could only be an act. 

"And what do you want in return?" 

"Why would I need anything in return?" I gave him my 'are you crazy?' look, that previously had been reserved for a certain green changeling, but I suppose Trigon was rather deserving of it. 

"You did mention a second request." Beast Boy chimed in awkwardly. 

"Ah, so I did." Trigon laughed, as if it was a mistake he had forgotten that. 

"Well?" I pressed impatiently. Trigon sobered to meet my gaze, his red irises burning mine with their fire. 

"I heard that you are throwing a ball on Saturday. As your father and a new resident of Azarath, I would like an invitation." 

"No. You're not a 'new' resident and I don't want you at my ball." I replied quickly. 

"Then I guess my endorsement is not that important to you after all." 

I glanced at Beast Boy for help, but he had a defeated look. We really did not have that much power here. We needed him to sign that contract and endorse our marriage. Even if we could get a majority of the council to agree with our engagement, Trigon could still deny it and our efforts would be for nothing. He is my father. 

"Fine. You can come. I'll have Ezra send an invitation." I conceded. Trigon smiled once again. 

"Excellent." He said, and I almost thought we were done when he continued. "Also, I'll need a place to stay for a few days. I'm calling for some renovations on my newly acquired Tower and it really would be a pain to come all the way from my current castle." 

"I'll book a hotel for you." I suggested sweetly, but Trigon turned up his nose at the idea. 

"I'd much prefer a room at the palace. You have so many." He whined, looking off to the distance innocently. 

"I could get you a penthouse suite?" I proposed instead, hoping he'd take it. 

"But it would be such a trek after a long night of dancing..." he complained again. 

"You have a car." I pointed out, but Trigon was insistent on staying at the palace. He tapped the document still in his hands, innocently drawing my attention back to it. The implication was clear: if I denied him lodging at the palace, he would deny me everything I needed from him, including the treaty he had already agreed to sign. 

"Alright, fine." I caved, my voice harsh. "But only for the weekend. You can come tomorrow and I want you gone on Sunday. You can stay at your own castle while your 'renovations' are finished."

"Good. I'm glad you see things my way, and I very much look forward to spending more time together. You'll see that I've changed." Trigon said cheerily, as if he hadn't just blackmailed my into the decision, and picked up a pen to sign the treaty in his large, rolling handwriting. 

"I'll be very busy with preparations." I lied swiftly, watching his hand animatedly. As a child I had always loved watching him sign his name, the way he curved his letters, the slight slant they carried. It was the same now, but mostly because it had not changed. It was still the same signature. And still the same man, I reminded myself sharply. 

"Well, I'm sure we can sneak in a lunch or two. A Queen needs to eat." Trigon replied good-naturedly as he set the pen back down and admired his signature. There was a twinkle in his eyes that seemed almost friendly, but I quickly reminded myself once again that this was Trigon, a not nice man who had done many not nice things to me and my mother. No matter how much he claims to have changed, he is still evil. Evil does not change. 

"Perhaps. It is late, we should get back." I replied, skirting around his attempt to make a plan to meet again. Beast Boy agreed beside me and stood as Trigon did. 

"Of course." He said, extending a hand for Beast Boy to shake, which he did quite normally as if he was not shaking the hand of a very evil person. "It was so good to meet you again, Mr. Logan," my father complimented him. 

"Likewise," Beast Boy said with a slight smile, glad we could end things on a positive-ish note. We had gotten our way, for the most part. Sure, we are allowing him to come to our ball, but could we honestly have stopped him from coming? At least now we have the heads up. And it might not be awful having him at the palace. It will be easier to keep an eye on him, at least. 

"Raven it was lovely to see you again. Do I get a hug, or am I still too scary?" It was supposed to be a joke, I think, but the humor was lost on me. 

"Maybe another time," I declined, gracefully standing from my chair to leave, barely missing the pained streak in his eyes from my rejection. But it didn't matter. He is a demon. He can't care. 

"Well, I shall see you both tomorrow, then." Trigon said with a forced cheeriness. He passed the manila envelope containing the now-signed treaty off to Beast Boy, adding, "Drive safely." with another sincere look that almost made me believe he truly cared as he shifted his gaze to give me the same look. 

We nodded to his well-wishes and turned to leave, Beast Boy placing an arm around my waist and holding the envelope tight to his chest. A worker returned our jackets to us at the exit while we waited for our driver to pull up with the car. And behind us, Trigon was still at the table, now seated. But he raised his glass of sparkling water to us in a final salute before we finally left for our car. 

"We survived." Beast Boy said when we were in the backseat of the car. 

"So we did." I agreed wearily as the car began to pull away from the curb and merge into the city traffic. 

"Are you okay?" He asked, concern etched across his face. 

"Yeah, I think so. Just a little tired is all." I managed to say with a small smile. Beast Boy sidled close to me, wrapped me in his arms, and pulled me close, his lips brushing my hairline.

"Well, it's a good twenty minute drive home and traffic doesn't look good. You're more than welcome to nap on my shoulder." He whispered into my ear. And I was so swept by his statement of 'home', and our position was so comfortable, that I had no desire to argue. 

"I love you." I mumbled tiredly into his shoulder, the words muffled by his jacket, but he still heard them as he replied, very sincerely:

"I love you too." and squeezed me just a little bit closer, letting the soft music from the car stereo and the distant whoosh of passing cars lull us both to sleep.

•°•°•

Not the longest chapter. Probs not my best work. And really super late.

Sorry, guys. Don't hate me?

VOTES and COMMENTS greatly appreciated. I love hearing from all of my fans and you amazing BBRae shippers out there.

And also I really am very sorry for taking so long to update and going on sabbatical like that. Life happens. I'll try to be better. Hopefully this update will help to set things in motion again as I sort of have a plan for what is to happen next.

Now to just make the words for it... Ah a writers greatest dilemma. 😂

LOVE ALL OF YOU GUYS TO PIECES!!

Until next time,

Much Love,

Rain ♡