Birds of a Feather

30

"Richard I'm not supposed to be seen using my powers you know that!" I yell as searches through all of the doors of my apartment.

"Where do you keep your damn uniform, I know you didn't get rid of it." He mumbled as he started looking through the kitchen cabinets.

I rolled my eyes and with a bit of my powers slammed the door shut. "Would you stop. I can't go out there and risk my expulsion. What part of that isn't going through your head?" I say as he just smirks at me, or rather behind me. I peak back at what he's looking at behind me and realize that he's seen the framed team photo that's on the wall in my bedroom.

"The mighty Raven getting sentimental?" He smirked as he walked over the wooden paneling that was on the wall. I tried my best to stay calm and to block all of my feelings in my own mind. Of course I couldn't invite one of the world's greatest detectives into my home and expect him not to find my only secret.

He carefully removed the picture frame and revealed that behind it there was in fact a small latch with a keypad on it. I smirked, knowing that he'd never get the password right.

"Now let's see here. We've got the Joker downtown and Raven's going to make me guess the password to the secret in the wall. What would make her more of a hero in the League's eyes. Holding back Batman or helping him and saving the day?" He smirked and I crossed my arms over my chest in annoyance.

"This is manipulation, and it will not work on me. Get your Robin to help you and go. I will not be going with you." I said sternly, hoping that he would get my point.

"I bet it's a birthday." He said while squinting his eyes at me, testing me. My composure cracked if only for a brief moment and it was all it took for Richard to turn around and start typing in numbers. I waited in agony as the keypad beeped at him with every wrong answer. Soon enough there was a small click and a hiss as the wood paneling shifted to reveal my uniform.

"Cyborg's birthday? Really? I'm offended it wasn't mine. You have five minutes to get dressed while I call Oracle for more information." He said suddenly in leader mode again. I stood still as he walked from my bedroom to the couch and when I didn't move, he let out a frustrated sigh.

"Raven, please. I need the help and you know you want a chance to prove to the League that you're good. Well now is the best chance you'll get" He said. I stared at him for a moment and could almost hear his mind begging me to agree. With an exaggerated sigh I walked toward my bedroom and slammed the door.

I hadn't put this costume on in two years. Pulling on the spandex one piece was a bit difficult at first but eventually I reached back and got the zipper closed. It still fit, as I hadn't really changed in height or weight but as I looked across the room at the full-length mirror something was off. I was almost twenty-eight now and the girl in the mirror looked sixteen. I knew that if I made it out of tonight with a good review from the League that a costume change would be in order. For now though, I rummage through my closet and find the knee-high pair of black boots I had bought a while back for a charity event. I had never worn them again, but they would be a welcome change from my normal attire.

"Okay I'm dressed are you happy now?" I say angrily as I walk back out the door. He turned from his spot on the couch and stared at me with wide eyes.

"Didn't know you were such a fashionista?" He laughed but I could almost hear his thoughts running through his head, none of them clean. I shake off the dirty images of myself and move start turning on my usual set of lights in the apartment.