Teen Titans in Crete Part 2

The hot air struck them full in the face like the air of a furnace as they stepped out of the plane onto the tarmac of the Heraklion Airport. Raven squinted into the light, narrowing her eyes in the glare of the sun. Beast Boy put his arm round her, smiling broadly, "Here at last!" he said enthusiastically. Robin and Starfire were the first to walk towards the terminal, followed close behind by Cyborg and finally Beast Boy and Raven. With relief they walked into the terminal and made their way to the baggage reclaim. The large room was packed. The conveyor belt wound its way around the room like a large black snake. Unsure of what to do, Starfire walked over to stand next to Robin, "What do we have to do here?" she asked.
"This is where we collect our bags," replied Robin. Just as he said this, the bell rung, signalling the start of the conveyor belt and making Starfire jump. The flaps at the far end of the room parted and bags and briefcases of all sizes started to move along the conveyor belt.
Ten minutes later, only Beast Boy's briefcase had appeared and now stood by his foot. Raven sat down on the bench and watched the conveyor belt like a cat searching for its prey. At long last her midnight blue case made its way around the conveyor belt. She got up and pulled it off and stowed it under the bench. She pulled out her book and continued to read as first Starfire's and then Robin's case appeared.
After what seemed like an eternity Cyborg's case finally emerged and they walked outside into the bright sunlight. Raven put on her sunglasses, looking every bit the part as they climbed onto the coach. Starfire sat next to Robin while Beast Boy sat next to Raven who had stowed her book away, unwilling to throw up for the second time that day. Cyborg sat down behind Robin and Starfire.
"Long day, huh?" asked Beast Boy.
"Yeah," replied Raven, "Ya think this place we're going will be peaceful?"
"You bet!" said Beast Boy confidently, "where we're staying is just outside the town on a hill."
"Sounds great," sighed Raven, sinking back into the chair, "How long do you reckon before we get there?"
"About an hour," replied Beast Boy. Raven put a hand to her forehead and yawned. "Tired?" asked Beast Boy. Raven shook her head, "Nah, I'll be alright. You up for a game of Draw the Well Dry?" she asked, drawing a pack of cards from her bag. "Sure!" replied Beast Boy, smiling. Raven shuffled and dealt the cards. "Hah!" said Beast Boy triumphantly, "an ace, you're going down!"
"I don't think so," she countered, putting down a jack on top of Beast Boy's ace. She laughed. Perhaps this holiday wasn't going to be so bad. She picked up the stack of cards. Beast Boy was down to his last ten cards. However, within ten minutes he had won back all his cards and had forced Raven into a corner. She gazed in surprise as Beast Boy picked up another five of her cards. "Easy come, easy go!" he said jovially. She smiled a wicked smile. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch," she said, drawing a queen.
The battle of cards went on for over half an hour. First one seemed to have the advantage and then the other. They laughed, carefree in each other's company. Finally Beast Boy picked up the last of Raven's cards, smiling. "Hah, won!" he said, "great game." Raven smiled. She hadn't enjoyed herself like that for so long. Beast Boy's optimistic personality was infectious. The coach slowed outside a small hotel complex on the outskirts of Piskopiano, stopping to let off several passengers toting heavy rucksacks. "Not far now," Beast Boy told Raven who was nodding off beside him. He put a hand under her chin and lifted her violet eyes to meet his green ones. He kissed her on the forehead, causing her to blush. She held his hand in her's, feeling his pulse, strong and regular, beneath the skin of his wrist. A few minutes later the coach stopped outside a beautiful block of apartments built on a ledge, overlooking the town of Hersonissos.
The noon sun shone high over the hotel, although Raven's watch said midnight. She tottered slightly as she made to get off the coach. Beast Boy caught hold of her arm and, shouldering his own bag, helped her off the coach. Normally she would have objected but she was too tired. As they got off the coach Raven looked over at Starfire who was leaning against Robin's shoulder, looking sandy-eyed and tousle-haired. She blinked in the bright sunlight, barely taking in her surroundings. In large letters above the gates the words, 'Aphrodite Apartments,' were clearly discernible. Palm trees swayed in the slight breeze and a ginger cat lay quietly in the shade, surveying them with its emerald green eyes. A woman came forward to greet them. "Hello, welcome to Aphrodite Apartments, what name are you booked under?" she asked.
"Titan," replied Robin.
"Ah yes, the Teen Titans, you're prowess is known all over the world, welcome. I will show you to your room," said the woman before bustling off in the direction of a flight of stairs that led to a wooden door that stood out against the whitewashed walls. They lugged their suitcases up the stairs and took the key from the woman. "Thank you," they said before entering their room.
The air in the room was fresh and cool. A sofa bed stood against the wall to their right and beside it was a polished wooden table and chairs. Behind a counter near the opposite wall was a small kitchen complete with refrigerator and stove. Two doors led off into two bedrooms while another door led out onto the balcony. "There must be some mistake," said Robin, walking into each of the bedrooms in turn, "I asked for all single beds." He blushed bright red, as did Starfire. Raven and Beast Boy just looked at each other, unable to speak. Beast Boy's cheeks turned scarlet, "You don't mean-," he began and left the sentence hanging. Raven said nothing. "Well I'm getting the single bed," said Cyborg, flopping down on the bed. Robin and Starfire walked into one room while Beast Boy and Raven walked into the other.
Starfire sat down on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor, her cheeks burning as she studied the grain of the wooden floor. Robin feigned a look of obliviousness and lay on the bed with his arms behind his head, gazing at the ceiling. Starfire decided to do the same and swung her long legs onto the bed, resting her head against the cool wall. Things were a lot more awkward for Beast Boy and Raven. Although they had both secretly wanted this, neither had told the other and neither had expected it to happen. Raven sat on the bed, absent-mindedly swinging her legs while Beast Boy just stood there unsure of what to do next. Raven patted the bed beside her, giving Beast Boy a look that clearly said, 'We're both mature and know how to behave properly. Relax.' Beast Boy sat down and took off his shoes before lying back on the bed. Raven leaned back. 'This holiday just gets better and better,' she thought before closing her eyes. A few minutes later the whole apartment was filled with snores.
Beast Boy woke up and yawned. He glanced over at the clock. 5:30. Resting on one elbow, he gazed at Raven as she slept with her hands under her head, a smile adorning her features. Beast Boy leaned over and stroked her hair, gazing into her sleeping face. He tapped her elbow gently. She opened one violet eye and looked at him. "What time is it?" she asked groggily.
"Half past five," replied Beast Boy, "We'd better head down to Hersonissos and grab some dinner." In response, Raven turned over onto her back. She rubbed her face tiredly. "I just need sleep," she said, "you go on ahead. I'll stay here."
Beast Boy shook his head, "Nah, you'd better come with us. You haven't eaten since last night."
"I think I can look after myself," retorted Raven, pulling the pillow over her head. Beast Boy sighed and sat down on the bed, pulling on his trainers. He got up. Raven sighed pulling the pillow further under her head and closed her eyes.
Suddenly she felt strong arms grab her as she was lifted bodily from the bed by Beast Boy. He carried her out of the room, ignoring her flailing arms and shouts of protest. He put her down in the centre of the room. She gave him a burning look as Starfire and Robin came running out of her room. "What the heck is going on?" asked Starfire, "I thought you were being attacked."
"I was," scowled Raven, throwing a look of disgust at the shape-shifter who looked back unashamedly, a grin of undisguised glee covering his face.
They walked down the hill towards the bustling town of Hersonissos. Raven tottered slightly, leaning sleepily against Beast Boy's shoulder, her previous annoyance with him forgotten as they walked down the hill.
Tourists moved down the streets talking and gesturing excitedly and restaurateurs waited at the entrance of the restaurants trying to invite passers-by to come in. Many coloured cars zoomed by on the road next to them. Starfire pulled out her camera, "Come on guys," she said gesturing for them all to stand together. Raven stayed a little way from the group. "Come on Rae!" said Starfire, gesturing for Raven to join the others, "It isn't a photo without you!" Raven gave Starfire a shy smile before walking over and standing next to Beast Boy.
"Hey Star!" said Raven, gathering her energy together, "You need to be in the picture too!" She levitated the camera out of Starfire's hands where it hovered at shoulder height above the ground. Starfire floated over to the rest of the group and stood beside Robin. Raven concentrated her energy on the shutter and took the picture. Starfire floated back over to the camera and Raven released her energy. Starfire held the camera and pressed the gallery button. "Wow!" she said, "It came out great!" She ran over to Raven and pulled her into a hug, "Thanks friend Raven!"
"No problem," said Raven, unsure of what to do.
They stopped outside a restaurant. Several tables and chairs stood outside and a neon sign hung over the bar inside. There was no door and the restaurant lay open to the air. Food was piled high in a glass display against the wall.
"How about here?" said Cyborg. Raven agreed fervently, eager to sit down. They walked into the restaurant and sat at a table near the bar. A lean man with spiky black hair and a cheerful expression walked over to them, carrying a notepad. "Are you ready to order?" he asked.
"Yes," replied Robin, "I'll have a beer please. What about you Star?"
Starfire looked up from the menu she was reading, "An ouzo please," she said. Everyone at the table's jaw dropped. "Seems like Starfire likes it strong," murmured Raven. Starfire seemed oblivious to the rest of he teams' reactions. "And you sir?" asked the waiter, turning to Beast Boy, "I'll have a shandy thanks!" replied Beast Boy, rapidly getting over the shock, "What about you Raven?"
"I'll have a pina colada please," said Raven.
"Excellent choice ma'am," replied the waiter before turning to Cyborg.
"I'll have a Cider please," said Cyborg.
"Ok," said the waiter, jotting down the orders before walking away. All eyes turned to Starfire. No one was sure exactly what to say. "Something wrong friends?" she asked cheerfully, unaware of their discomfort.
"Just be careful how much you drink," said Raven. Starfire gave her a quizzical look, "Why?" she asked.
"Erm, ouzo is quite a strong drink," said Beast Boy, "Just don't drink too much." Starfire still looked puzzled. Just then the waiter returned carrying a tray of drinks. He set down a small bottle and glass in front of Starfire, a frothing glass of beer in front of Robin, a small intricately cut glass in front of Raven, a fizzing glass of shandy in front of Beast Boy and a fizzing glass of cider in front of Cyborg.
"Are you ready to order?" asked the waiter.
"I'll have the moussaka please" said Robin.
"I'll have the mezze please," said Starfire.
"A plate of haloumi for starters and a Greek salad please," said Raven, putting down her menu.
"A Greek salad for me too please," said Beast Boy, smiling at Raven. She smiled back.
"And a stifado for me please," said Cyborg. They passed their menus to the waiter who then turned and walked back to the kitchen. The titans leaned back in their chairs. Raven stifled a yawn. The sun had begun to sink towards the waves on the horizon in between the whitewashed houses. Starfire sat with one hand on the table, the other supported her head as she thought dreamily about the day. The setting sun warmed the back of her neck as she gazed out towards the sea, the bustling city sounds dying away. She sighed.
Suddenly she felt a hand on hers. She looked up to see Robin caressing her hand with his own as he looked out towards the sea, "Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked, his eyes following her gaze.
"Yeah, it sure is," replied Starfire. Robin leant forward so Starfire could hear his breath in her ear, smooth and steady, "But not as beautiful as you," he whispered. She smiled turning towards him, her eyes sparkling. She leaned forward and kissed him lightly.
Just then the waiter came over carrying a plate of white grilled cheese. He set the plate down in front of Raven before walking away again. Starfire sipped her ouzo, shivering slightly as the powerful drink made its way down her throat. "Mmm..." she said before taking another sip. Raven picked up her fork and started to eat the haloumi. "What is that?" asked Beast Boy, his ears twitching with curiosity.
"Haloumi cheese," replied Raven, "Would you like to try some? It's nice." She picked up a fork of haloumi and held it to Beast Boy's lips, an uncharacteristically dreamy look on her face. Beast Boy ate the cheese, "Mmm, you're right," said Beast Boy, grinning at Raven's unusual sign of affection. Meanwhile Starfire had already drunk about a quarter of the ouzo. She seemed to be enjoying the aniseed-tasting beverage immensely. The waiter returned with several plates piled high with food. They all ate their food with enthusiasm, not having eaten since last night.
Half an hour later their plates stood empty as they leant back, their stomachs full. Starfire leaned back in her chair, looking up into the sky with slightly unfocused eyes. She had now drunk three quarters of the ouzo. She leaned forward and gulped down the last of the ouzo in one go. She hiccupped before turning her gaze to Raven. "You know, y-you're my besh friend inna whole world," she said, blinking owlishly at her friend and smiling inanely. Raven looked at her friend, shocked by her friend's drunkenness. 'How much did she drink?' she thought. She looked at the now empty glass on the table, 'Oh dear,' she thought. Starfire leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Raven, pulling her to her and planted a kiss on her cheek. Raven flinched. She was not used to this kind of contact, least of all from Starfire. Smiling nervously, afraid of what might happen next, she patted her grinning friend on the shoulder before pushing her gently back onto her seat, "Maybe you should rest a bit," she suggested.
"Wha for?" asked Starfire, clumsily trying to pick up her glass and missing, "Ish ere any more ousho?" she asked.
"Heh heh, I think you've had quite enough for one night Star!" replied Robin.
"I'll go pay the bill," said Cyborg, "then we can get Starfire home."
"Speaking of Starfire, where is she?" Beast Boy turned to see Starfire floating slowly towards the edge of the road. Leaping into action Beast Boy transformed into a wolf and covered the distance in seconds before resuming his own form and catching hold of Starfire's arm and pulling her back from the road. "Wha you doin'?" she asked drunkenly.
"Saving your life," said Beast Boy. Cyborg returned, having paid the bill. Robin put his arm round Starfire and supported her back towards the hill, 'No more ouzo for you,' he thought ruefully. "Let's get her home to bed," he called to the others. They nodded in agreement.
The sun had set and the moon shone brightly above the olive groves and towering cypress trees and the stars twinkled like glass beads catching the light in the velvet darkness of the night sky. The pulsing chirp of crickets and the shrieks of bats were almost drowned out by Starfire singing a Tamaranean song that sounded strangely bawdy. Raven was glad she couldn't understand the lyrics. Clumps of cacti grew amongst the brown rough grass and cracked sun-baked ground. Loose pebbles clacked under Raven's sandals as she leant sleepily against Beast Boy's shoulders hardly able to keep her eyes open. Raven stumbled and clutched at Beast Boy's shirt. Beast Boy stopped and led Raven over to a nearby rock. He turned his back to her and invited her to climb on. She was too tired to object and clung to Beast Boy's back like a koala. She laid her head on his back with her arms wrapped around his neck and felt her eyes close, finally giving up the struggle and started to doze. "Sweet dreams," murmured Beast Boy over his shoulder. They walked past tumble down fences and several houses with green shutters. Creepers snaked their way around the porch. Once many coloured, the flowers now glowed with a silver luminescence in the moonlight as they sat in the window boxes.
Raven snored softly against Beast Boy's shoulder and Starfire gave a loud hiccup. They finally reached the gates leading into the apartment complex. The outdoor bar was lit with many coloured lights as the barmaid served up brightly coloured drinks to several men in football shirts. The light of the moon reflected off the swimming pool, throwing strange reflections onto the surrounding walls. The resounding clack of acrylic on acrylic could be heard emanating from the pool table situated amongst the tables and chairs. The titans paid little heed as they plodded on up the steps to their apartment. As soon as they got in Cyborg collapsed onto the sofa while Beast Boy walked into the bedroom, Raven still clinging to his back. Raven awoke as he closed the door behind them and flicked on the light. She opened her eyes and looked drowsily about the room. She got down slowly from Beast Boy's back and sat on the bed, pulling off her sandals.
"I'll go get changed in the bathroom," said Beast Boy sheepishly and headed for the door, tucking his washcloth and toothbrush under one arm. Raven started pulling off her clothes and slipped into her pyjamas. With a grateful sigh she slipped under the covers and waited for Beast Boy to return.
Beast Boy slipped back into the bedroom, wearing a pair of pyjama shorts. He turned off the light before crossing over to the bed and getting into bed beside Raven.
Meanwhile, Robin was pulling off the sandals of a very confused and tired-looking Starfire. He then hoisted her into the bed still fully clothed before going to change in the bathroom. He hoped that she would soon fall asleep. He returned to the bedroom to find his prayers had been answered. Starfire was snoring quietly. Robin got in beside her before turning off the lamp and falling asleep.
A few minutes later snores emanated from every corner of the house.