The Gift

By Misty Fortner

A Robin/Raven story

I don't own Teen Titans, just borrowing the characters.

Chapter 1: Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

"Now I think Ill leave to you what to give the rest,

Choose for me, dear Santa Claus; you will know the best"

Raven looked at her watch. It had been over an hour since Starfire had left her at the bookstore to go shopping in the lingerie store. "How can she spend that long shopping for a little bitty piece of overpriced fabric?" Raven wondered. "I've read the back of every gothic novel on the shelves. I even found a cookbook for Beast Boy, but she's still not done!" Wondering around the bookstore aimlessly she eventually wound up reading the back of romance novels.

"Who would want to spend their time reading this stuff," she wondered. To, Raven, they all seemed to have the same plotline. Girl meets boy, girl hates boy, girl loves boy. She thought the stories would be way too predictable. She finally picked one up that had a different plot, only after reading a dozen backs. In this book the girl had more guy friends than females. The heroine was in love with her best friend, but he didn't know it. The girl also had to deal with the fact that one another of her friends had a crush on her.

After looking at books for another 45 minutes, Raven finally gave up on Starfire. She went and purchased her books, then went to find Star. Raven still had to find something for Robin and wanted Star's help. After all, Starfire was Robin's girlfriend so she would know what he wanted. Unfortunately, Raven had to pull Star out of the lingerie shop first.

Walking through the mall to the lingerie store, Raven stopped for a moment. A beautiful dark haired girl had just run up to Santa. An older man stood back watching. A person in an elf costume walked from the older man to Santa and whispered something in his ear. Santa then asked the child, "So little, Winter, what do you want for Christmas?"

"Well Santa, I have a special wish. I can't be with my mommy for Christmas. She's all alone, too. Could you please send mommy someone to make her Christmas special?"

"Is that your only wish?"

"Yes"

The Santa Clause smiled at child. "If that is your only thing you wish for, than you shall have it. Maybe you can even be with your family for the holiday"

Raven wanted to scream. How mean could that man be to the child. There is no such thing as Santa Clause and there was no way that man could grant the child's wish. Raven hurried on before she lost control of her powers and blew up the mall. When she finally arrived at the lingerie shop, Raven, made her way through all the gaudy satin and lace garments hanging up. Starfire held up a red velvet fur trimmed sexy Santa outfit and a see through green teddy garter belt with fishnet stockings. "Oh friend Raven, I am so glad you are here. Which do you think Robin would like me to wrap myself in?

Raven closed her mind trying to block the idea of Starfire in either one of the outfits. "Buy them both Star, that way we can finish shopping and get back to the tower." While waiting on Star to make her purchases, Raven spotted a deep blue negligee. It was done in satin with triangles covered in a matching sheer fabric. It was simple, but elegant. She fingered the soft fabric, wondering would something like this make her beautiful. Raven saw no reason why she shouldn't try wearing one. Star loved to wear this stuff; maybe it would make Raven feel more desirable. She took the gown up to the counter and bought it with a small grin on her face.

"Friend Raven, you too have found a gown of sexy sleeping. How wonderful, who do you wish to see you in it?"

Raven frowned, "I am buying it for myself, and no one will see me in it. Come on we need to finish shopping before the mall closes. Who do you have left to buy for, Star?

"I have bought gifts for under the tree of ornaments for you, Cyborg, and my Robin. I still need a gift for Beast Boy."

"Good, I only have Robin left. Once we find something for them we can return home." Raven was ready to go home. Shopping with all the cheerful Christmas music and merry people was not her thing. "Who should we shop for first Star? BB or Robin?"

"I have no idea what to get for Beast Boy. What did you purchase for him?"

"I bought him a vegetarian cookbook."

"I will give him a set of clean pans to cook the recipes of non meat in"

"Now we only have to figure out what I shall get your boyfriend."

"I agree, for I do not want Robin unwrapping you from your gown of sexy sleeping."

Raven did not respond to Star's comment. Even if for some reason she did want Robin to undress her, which she didn't; he only had eyes for Starfire. Raven shook the thought off; it was pointless to think about. She needed to figure out what to get Robin for Christmas so they could go home. She really needed to go meditate.

After they had bought Beast Boy's pots they passed the Santa. Raven was still angry and didn't know why that man would lie to that little girl. Unfortunately for Raven, Starfire noticed the Santa and insisted on getting a picture with him. Star drug Raven along too. The whispering elf took a picture, and Star ran over to the computer to see the results. As Raven got up from his knee she began to walk away.

"Raven, aren't you going to tell me what you would like under the tree?"

Raven looked at the Santa, "Who are you, how did you know my name?"

"I am Santa Clause, and there is much I know about you Raven. I know when you were young, you longed to feel your mother hug you, and tuck you in at night. You wanted a real family. I really wanted to find you one, but I was unable to do it for you. I am sorry for that. I want to make it up to you" Raven shook her head; she was more than a little freaked out. Raven started to quickly back up towards Star.

The Santa continued to speak. "Raven, wait! Things are not always black and white. I know you are all alone, and need someone special to spend the Christmas with. If you have a little faith and believe, you can find happiness… and maybe love"

At that Raven grabbed Starfire and teleported them both home. She went straight to her room not saying a word to anyone.