Raven and the Titans Vol. 1

"Different Tastes, Similar Pasts" (1/4)

Chapter 2: "Different Tastes, Similar Pasts" Part 1/4

Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep...

Ugh... what is that noise? What happened to my long deserved sleep? Ugh... Why won't it stop?

The noise continues, and I am unable to return to my nap. I slowly open my eyes and glance towards the window. The sunlight shines strongly into my room illuminating my surroundings. Irritated, I search for the awful beeping as I dislodge myself from the warmth of my blankets. I find it deeply buried within my cloak, which I left on the chair.

Oh... it's the communicator. What might they need?

I quickly glance at the clock near the bedside, and I rub my eyes in puzzlement.

It's three in the afternoon? I slept until three?! Why then do I feel so tired?

Shocked, I press the button on the top right of the communicator to answer the call. A mischievous, cheery voice floats through the small speaker.

He asks, "Hey Raven, are you there? Robin and the others need to speak with you. Uh... There's another problem."

As he chuckles lightly, his voice causes my stomach to flutter, and I roll my eyes in response. I raise my right hand to my forehead and gently rub my right temple. With my left hand, I press and hold the communicator's button to reply.

"What's occurred?" I ask.

"Well, they say my room is a mess, but they haven't seen the main street at Jump City. Ha," Beast Boy jokes.

Hehehe, oh, that's the problem. I'll go help out.

I give a small giggle and tell him, "I'll meet you and the rest at the pizza joint. Well, what's left of it."

"Ha! Good one. I can't wait until you get here to tell you more jokes," Beast Boy exclaims excitedly.

I feel warmth spread over my cheeks as if someone has gently laid their palms on my cheeks. My stomach swirls in response to his anticipation to see me, even if it's just to tell me jokes.

I'm going to have to stay away from his humor if I want to keep my sanity intact. He has my emotions running amok, and he's not physically present. Oh Azar, lend me strength and wisdom. The feelings he creates within me are confusing...

"I'll be there as soon as I can. Over and out," I reply briefly.

Using the small hook behind the communicator, I attach the round yellow radio onto my gold-colored belt with circular dark red gems. As I grab my indigo cloak, I wrap it around my shoulders and clasp the red brooch ensuring my cloak won't slip off my body. I walk towards the bathroom to wash my face, and as I brush my teeth with a blue toothbrush and cool, minty toothpaste, I check my appearance. My skin has returned to its usual pale complexion while the bags underneath my eyes are slightly unnoticeable.

If I have slept almost a day and a half, why do I still appear tired? Ugh, no matter.

After freshening up, I head towards the door to check if it's locked. I collect a ten dollar bill from a small, purple bag I had purchased a few days ago from a shop; however, because I am unaccustomed to carrying bags, I leave it at the apartment. I slip the money into my right boot.

Note to self: Add pockets to the inner side of cloak.

I teleport into the alley and place my hoodie onto my head concealing my face except for my mouth and chin. I head off towards the dilapidated pizza joint quickly to escape the foul smell of the alley, but I take a tiny detour as I quickly stop at "The Spooky Cookie." Once inside, I hear only a piano being played as background music through hidden speakers while I patiently wait in line as an elderly woman wearing a light green sweater orders. As she heads toward a table, I take her place at the register counter already knowing what I will order.