Current Events > Teen Titans CYOA: Romance Resurrected Part 21

(+) Yeah! (+)

A.

A)

bump, will get this after dinner

A

"We'll just make something simple, that can feed a lot of people, and pack it up to take to the Tower."

"I guess that's fine," Raven says.

You go to the kitchen, check what you have, and also taking everyone's diets into consideration, such as Beast Boy being a vegetarian and Aqualad being against seafood, you decide to make stir-fried water spinach and the karaage style chicken nuggets.

You carefully put your scarf aside, as you haven't prepared it with Enchantments to protect against stains, and you whip up the marinade for the karaage. You put together soy sauce, applesauce, onions, ginger, garlic, nutmeg, black pepper and Allspice while the chicken meat cooks.

You coat a pan with cooking oil before you throw the spinach and Sichuan peppers onto it. You of course stir-fry those, simple as that. You fill a couple containers and seal those up, then finish the karaage.

You package two containers worth of the karaage to match the two with spinach, and you put the bundt cake in a box.

"I'll call Cyborg," Raven says. "He'll help drive the Todder Titans back, and we can even transport the food for you."

"Thank you, Raven," you say. "This is quite a bit, actually."

While Raven makes the call, you continue with gifts. Your parents' gift for you is a wide rectangle, with some heft to it as you lift it. You unwrap it and reveal a framed painting of the Null family home.

"This is lovely," you say. "Thank you. Perhaps we can hang this up..."

A) In the living room
B) In the dining room
C) In the hallway

C

C

C

"In the hallway. There is plenty of room on the walls there, and we'll always see it."

"Even so, that seems a bit out of the way," your mother says.

"It's fine, dear," your father says. "The living room should be for pictures of their lives here."

"Okay, Cyborg's on his way," Raven says. "Do you wanna finish dressing?"

You're a touch confused but then you look at yourself and remember you had this casual shirt on so you can cook without worry.

"Right, okay," you say. "I'll be right back."

You go to your room and put on that black button-up and white tie you picked out earlier. You then return to the others as Raven makes sure the Toddler Titans, mostly Timmy and Teether, are clean and tidy.

*honk honk*

You look outside to see the T-Car, and you gather the food.

"Alright," you say to your family, "we will be back for dinner. You can all stay here and relax, just lock up if you decide to go anywhere."

"See you later," Grandfather Sixth says.

You accompany Raven and the Toddler Titans out while you also have the garage door open.

"Morning, everybody," Cyborg says. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas," everyone else says back.

"Well, if I'm having Bobby ride on Shadowfax with me," you say to Raven, "I can't hold onto any of these."

"That's fine, I'll hold some," Raven says.

The Toddlers get in the backseat and Raven is shotgun. You hand her everything, but that's still a lot even for her.

"Are you going to be alright with all that?" you ask.

"Y-Yeah, sure," she says, sounding a little unsure.

A) Hold onto something after all
B) Trust the Toddlers to hold onto something

B

A

bump, got busy again

A

"No, that's going to be too much," you say. "I'll hold onto something. I'll hold onto something."

"Are you sure?" Raven asks.

"Yes, I'll just take the bundt cake," you say. "If something happens, it's just the dessert."

"Alright," Raven says as she hands over the box.

"You go on ahead to get the lunch there," you tell Cyborg. "Bobby and I will follow behind."

"Okay, see you there," Cyborg says.

The T-Car drives off, Shadowfax wheels hismelf out, and both you and Bobby hop on. The bundt cake stays secure in your lap while Bobby holds onto you. You ride off and make your way to Titans Tower.

"Bobby, relax," you say. "We did this yesterday, you'll be fine."

Bobby still holds onto you rather tightly as you make your way west.

Traffic is fairly non-existent since it's Christmas, but the wind is the real problem. Bobby is very big and soft so the wind coming in off the water is pushing his big head back, which brings the rest of him with it, which cause him to hold onto you tighter to stay on the bike.

"Careful, please, Bobby," you say as you help him sit back up.

As you're helping Bobby, you're having to turn your body, and that makes things unlevel with the cake box. You quickly secure the box with the same hand you were helping Bobby with but that means Bobby starts to fall back again.

"Shadowfax, auto-pilot," you say.

Shadowfax directs himself as you go down main street, and you use your left hand to hold the cake box while your right hand gets Bobby to sit up.

"Wait, Shadowfax, the signal," you say quickly. "Stop, stop!"

Shadowfax slams on the brakes, if you will, and avoids crossing into the intersection. You and Bobby move forward with the momentum, and you immediately worry about the cake! Momentum stops, things settle, and you check the box.

"Well, a little bent up," you say.

You open the box and see the cake is a little smushed on one side.

"Not so bad," you say.

You secure the box again, switch back to manual and get going as soon as the green light returns.

"Sorry we're a little late," you say once you and Bobby are finally back at the Tower. "The wind has been wild out there."

"Don't worry," Raven says. "We weren't going to start without you."

"No, you all could've made plates," you say. "Well, anyway, the cake made it through the trip in one piece."

The karaage and water spinach are reheated magically, everyone gets glasses of lemonade and figures out where to sit.

"C'mon, let's not watch sports on Christmas," Jinx says.

"Are you saying that because it's Christmas or because it'd be sports?" Speedy asks.

"Both?" Jinx shrugs.

A) Watch sports
B) Watch Christmas things

B

bump

B

B

"Let's watch Christmas things on Christmas, please," you say. "We can check in with sports a little later."

"Thank you, Rorek," Jinx says.

You notice Raven roll her eyes while she puts the containers aside.

Cyborg channel surfs and finds plenty of channels playing Christmas movies.

"Oh, The Nightmare Before Christmas!" both Raven and Jinx say.

"Should've figured the goth girls like the spooky Christmas movie," Speedy says.

"If we're watching something Christmas related," Pantha says, "can it at least be something we can all enjoy?"

"What's not to like about The Nightmare Before Christmas?" both Raven and Jinx ask.

"Uh, the 'nightmare' part?" Bumblebee says.

"Oh, please," Beast Boy says. "There's way creepier stuff than this."

"It's not even that creepy," Raven says.

"Well, it kinda is," Jinx says. "Sally is like a Frankenstein person. But she's also pretty, so..."

"Is she really that pretty?" Red Star asks.

"It doesn't matter if she's actually pretty," Raven says. "Jack Skellington and a lot of the other characters think she's pretty, so we have to accept that in universe, she's pretty."

"Exactly," Jinx says.

"Weird how you two are on the same page for once," Argent teases. "And over a kids movie."

Jinx and Raven look at each other with a bit of a side-eye.

"Let's just see what part is on," Raven says.

Cyborg goes to the channel, and it's a musical number.

Boys and girls of every age
Wouldn't you like to see something strange?
Come with us and you will see
This, our town of Halloween

"Oh, it just started," Jinx says.

Jinx and Raven both have excited smiles as they watch the shadows and ghosts fly around and sing.

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins scream in the dead of night
This is Halloween, everybody make a scene
Trick or treat 'til the neighbors gonna die of fright
It's our town~! Everybody scream~!
In this town of Halloween

I am the one hiding under your bed,
Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red!

I am the one hiding under your stairs,
Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair!

This is Halloween! This is Halloween!
Halloween, Halloween,
Halloween, Halloween!

"Okay, be honest," Hot Spot asks in hushed tone as he leans closer to you. "How do you feel about it?"

"About what?" you ask. "The movie?"

A) You also like it
B) You don't mind it
C) You're not really into it

A

bump

A

A

"Yeah, I like it. It's a fun story about discovering new things, but also about discovering where you belong. And if we're talking about it being 'creepy,' it's still only in a fun way. It isn't trying to gross anyone out.

I am the clown with the tear-away face!
Here in a flash and gone without a trace!

"... necessarily," you add.

The musical number finishes, and "The Pumpkin King," Jack Skellington is rather bored. He is tired of the same thing every year and wants something new. The morning after Halloween, Jack is wandering in the woods outside Halloween Town, he comes across seven trees. On each tree is a symbol representing a major holiday. There is one for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, American Independence Day, Valentines Day, and even St. Patricks Day.

Jack is intrigued by the literal Christmas tree, and he stumbles inside of it! He is transported to the world of Christmas Town, and as he sees what's going on here, he has his own song.

Whats this? Whats this?
Theres color everywhere!
Whats this?
Theres white things in the air!
Whats this?
I cant believe my eyes
I must be dreaming. Wake up, Jack! This isnt fair! Whats this?

Whats this? Whats this?
Theres something very wrong
Whats this?
Theres people singing songs
Whats this?
The streets are lined with little creatures laughing
Everybody seems so happy. Have I possibly gone daffy? What is this?
Whats this?

Theres children throwing snowballs instead of throwing heads
Theyre busy building toys. And absolutely, no ones dead!

Jack continues to learn about Christmas, and he finds his way home to share all this with the people. They don't understand Christmas the holiday, and simply compare things on a superficial level. But one thing that everyone understands is that Christmas Town has its own leader in "Sandy Claws."

Jack decides to "study" Christmas to find a way to explain it. But nothing comes of it, so Jack's next move is to "improve" Christmas by having Halloween Town take over it! Jack hands out Christmas roles to the Halloween Town citizens, such as singing carols, making presents, and building a sleigh that will be pulled by skeletal reindeer.

It is at this moment, Sally, daughter/creation of mad-scientist Dr. Finkelstein, has a vision. She foresees this Christmas takeover going disastrously. Despite her warnings, and her feelings for Jack, Jack does not stop, and he has Sally make a Santa suit for him. After all, she's a wonderful seamstress given all her own stitches she takes care of.

But what's perhaps not a good move is Jack having Lock, Shock and Barrel, the troublemaking trick-or-treat trio, abduct Santa and bring him to Halloween Town! This move actually gets a few laughs out of the group because of how absurd it is.

Jack tells Santa he will be handling Christmas in his place this year, and orders the trio to keep Santa safe. However, the trio are secretly loyal to Jack's rival, Oogie Boogie the raggedy boogeyman who loves gambling. And Oogie also has his own song.

You're joking, you're joking,
I can't believe my eyes.
You're joking me, you gotta be,
This can't be the right guy!

He's ancient, he's ugly.
I don't know which is worse!
I might just split a seam now
If I don't die laughing first!

As the song goes on, Santa tells Oogie to let him go or else, but Oogie says Santa's the one in trouble. With Oogie's love of gambling and games of chance, he prepares to play a roulette game with Santa's life!

"Oh no!" the Toddler Titans say.

"Don't worry, don't worry," Raven says to calm them down.

Sally sneaks in and tries to save Santa, only to be caught by Oogie and the troublemakers, too!

"You just said not to worry!" Timmy says.

Lunch is winding down as some have even gone for seconds.

A) Cut the cake now
B) Wait until the movie is over

A.

A.

bump

another bump

A)

A

"Alright, let's have some Bundt cake," you say.

"Hooray!" the Toddler Titans say.

"Wait, already?" Raven says. "The movie's still going."

You go to the kitchen counter, open the cake box, and carefully take out the cake. You do the math, and with Raven and the OG Titans, Jinx and Titans North, Titans East, Titans South, Bushido and the Toddler Titans, as well as yourself, that's 26 slices. That makes for just under 14 degrees a slice.

"Um, Cyborg," you say. "Could you help me with this? We need 26 precise slices and I'm not sure I can do that."

"I gotcha," Cyborg says.

Cyborg steps up with the cake knife and his cybernetic eye looks at the cake. With great precision and speed, Cyborg makes 26 perfect slices in the Bundt cake.

https://i.imgur.com/BzRt94A.png

"Perfect," you say. "Thank you."

You plate the slices and Cyborg gets the first one since he's right there. Everyone lines up to get their slices, but Raven and Jinx are last because they are glued to the television. You chuckle and bring over the last three slices yourself.

"Raven," you say. "Here's your cake."

"Oh, thank you," she says as you hand her a plate.

"And Jinx," you say.

"Thank you," she smiles as you hand her a plate.

You sit with your cake and watch as the movie nears the end.

The citizens of Halloween Town think Jack Skellington has died in the retaliation of American military against his far too spooky take on Christmas. But he survived, and feels awful for having ruined the holiday. But that also makes him appreciate what he had in being a creature of Halloween. And then he realizes he needs to fix things.

Jack returns to Halloween Town, finds and infiltrates Oogie Boogie's lair, and rescues both Santa and Sally. Then he confronts Oogie Boogie himself. They fight, and Jack wins by unraveling Oogie's burlap sack body, letting all the bugs and critters inside to spill out.

"Is the boogeyman dead?" Melvin asks in disbelief.

"Kinda..." Raven says. "I mean... Those were basically his guts..."

Melvin has a wide-eyed look for a moment, but then gets over it and returns to eating cake.

Jack apologizes to Santa for everything he's done. Santa is upset, but he does say Christmas can be saved. Santa hurries to replace all the creepy presents with proper ones, and to show he forgives Jack, he makes it snow in Halloween Town. Jack and the Halloween Town citizens realize the true meaning of Christmas. And in the end, Jack and Sally finally declare their love for each other.

"Yay~!" Jinx says as she and Raven, and even the Toddler Titans, applaud. "See? That wasn't so bad."

"It was kinda fun," Blue Beetle says.

"Lots of nice songs," Herald says.

A) Watch another Christmas movie
B) Check in on sports

A.

bump

another bump

B

B

"Now to sports," you say.

Many of the boys cheer, and even Pantha is excited as the TV flips to a Christmas basketball game.

"And a BIG dunk from Fenn!" the commentator says as the fans cheer. "The Beans are back on top, 51-50!"

"Ian Fenn is just dominating the paint for Boston," the second commentator says. "He is blowing right through the Metropolis defense. The team might be the Giants, but they don't have anyone big enough to box Fenn out."

"The Giants taking their time setting something up," the first commentator says. "Two minutes to the half, they can have the last say. Guerra signals to the others, in motion. Guerra making a move, pass to Shibata! Shibata shoots...! And score! Shibata for three, the Giants take the lead right back!"

"Shibata was really cold last game," the second commentator says, "but this could be his Christmas present from Santa."

The commentators chuckle and even some of the Titans chuckle.

"The Beans are on the move," the first commentator says. "They're putting pressure on the Giants. Glenshaw gets the ball back to Fenn, Fenn goes up again, fowl called! It's on number four, Andy Wager. The Giants have been good about fouls, but Fenn will still go to the free throw line."

Fenn dribbles at the free thrown line, shoots, and fans applaud as he shinks the shot. Fenn gets another shot, and he makes another shot. That ties the game at 53-53, and the Giants get ready to inbound, but then there's a whistle.

"The Giants call a timeout," the first commentator says. "We'll be back after these messages."

The game goes picture in picture with the commercials.

A) Get to the presents now
B) Wait until halftime

B.

A

B)

bump, got busy, and will be real busy this whole weekend, actually.

bump cuz yep, was busy today.

B

You sit put, and will wait for halftime to get the presents.

"How do you think the playoffs are gonna turn out?" Hot Spot asks the group.

"Well, the Beans and the Giants are doing great right now," Speedy says. "The Beans have been doing a bit better in the season, they could take the East."

"The East is always strong, though," Bumblebee says. "They're gonna have to fight like they are right now."

"What about the West?" Cyborg says. "I think the Vegas Kings are looking good."

"The Phoenix Flames have been doing really well, too," Hot Spot says. "I couldn't believe they beat the Lakers."

"Well, it's not like the Lakers of today are as good as the Lakers of before," Blue Beetle says.

"Uh, they do have Anthony Grassini now," Hot Spot says.

"Why does everyone act like Grassini is some kinda basketball king?" Speedy says. "He's moved around from team to team, after promising dynasties. What's that say about him?"

"He still got rings, didn't he?" Hot Spot says.

"I do get where Speedy's coming from, though," Cyborg says. "A dream team in the pros isn't really a dream team when it falls apart the next season."

"Yeah, man," Hot Spot says. "A dynasty is a dynasty when the team sticks together. Grassini's just building himself up."

"It is sad that there are so many egos in team sports," you add. "Bat Bloomstein wouldn't have been like that."

"You know Bat Bloomstein?" Hot Spot says. "That's a deep cut. Mostly because Bloomstein never won a ring."

"Your name is 'Hot Spot' but that was cold," you chuckle.

The commercial break is over and the game resumes.

The Giants inbound, Fred Giampa to Ron Gorski. The players move around, Gorski passes to Shibata who sends it back. Gorski shoots, it bricks off the rim, but Guerra rebounds and gets it back out to Shibata. Shibata makes a move, gets caught in traffic but sends it out to Gorski. Gorski shoots again, but for another brick! The Beans rebound, Horwood sends it out to Fenn who is already moving fast! SLAM DUNK!

The crowd cheers, as do the sports fans in the living room. The Giants have to hurry over so they can inbound again. Time is running out on the half but they're still being very plotting. Shibata sends it to Gorski, who gets it quickly to Giampa. Giampa makes a move into the interior, he spins around Hanke and lays it up! The ball dances on the edge, but creeps into the hoop! The game is tied again, 55-55!

Another timeout is called, but by the Beans this time. No going to commercial, though, and the cameras watch the two teams talk strategy for what could be the last possession of the half.

The timeout finishes and the teams set up. Hanke inbounds to Keeton, and Keeton stares down Giampa while dribbling. Keeton tries some fancy dribbling, there's a lot of motion behind Giampa, and Keeton fakes a step to throw the ball up! Fenn goes up for it but so does Shibata! The basketball gets volleyball'd around, the ball ends up back with a Bean and he sends it out to Timmons. Timmons shoots, but Giampa blocks it! Gorski rebounds, hurries to half court and shoots! The buzzer goes and... HE MAKES IT!!!

Everyone in the crowd, and even everyone in the living room is surprised.

"Incredible!" the first commentator says while the other commentator is laughing in surprise.

"That wasn't even half court," the second commentator says. "That was almost two thirds away!"

"And with that," the first commentator says, "the Boston Beans are up 58-55 at the half!"

"Not the highest scoring game at half," the second commentator says, "but what a way to get to there!"

"Stay tuned for the ABA on CBC Halftime Show," the first commentator says while the music plays them off to another commercial break.

"Alright," Robin says. "Time for presents."

Everyone cheers that idea, and all sorts of gift boxes are brought out.

A) Open the Titans' gifts for you first
B) Have the Titans open your gifts for them first

A.

A.

A

bump, got busy again, sry

bump, will try to get this tonight

bump, rly sry, just busier than I thought I'd be.

A

You open the Titans' gifts for you first, starting with Cyborg's. He wrapped it in shining silver paper that makes you feel a bit bad about opening it. But you still do, and the box alone tells you what it is.

"Wow, really?" you say with excitement. "A Playcation 5?"

"Yeah, man!" Cyborg says. "Now you can play Celebrity Toon Slam Extreme at your place now."

"Wait, is that in here with it?" you say.

You look the box over and see that Celebrity Toon Slam Extreme IS with the console!

"Oh, nice!" you say. "I'll wait to set this up after the holidays."

"You're not going to let your sisters play?" Raven asks.

"I don't think they're going to care about a video game where classic cartoon characters fight each other."

Starfire's gift is next, in a circular box. You take the lid off and see a rather... oddly shaped item. You bring it out with levitation magic because of all the edges and bumps on it. Something about it looks like gelatin erupted but then froze in this shape.

"Wow," you say, doing your best to be amazed and not confused. "This is lovely, thank you."

"Oh, you are very welcome," Starfire says with a beaming smile. "And it is technically a gift for both you and Raven."

"Really?" Raven says. "Then, thank you. What is it?"

"Well, as your nuptials are approaching," Starfire says, her smile still beaming, "Christmas was the perfect time to present you with a traditional Tamaranian gift, the K'tequaf."

"Oh, Star, you could've given us this as part of the wedding presents," Raven says.

"No, it had to be at a time before the wedding," Starfire says. "When the K'tequaf is presented to the future husband, it blesses the home."

So just crystal based spiritualism? That's not so bad.

"The K'tequaf brings the husband good health, positive energy, and virility," Starfire continues.

Raven's eyes widen much like yours do. You hear stifled laughter from the others in the room.

"Um, S-Star," Raven says with nervous laughter as she moves closer to her. "I don't think we really need to worry about that."

"But it will increase the chances of preg-"

"Don't say it!" Raven blurts as she clamps a hand on Starfire's mouth!

"Preg...?" the Toddler Titans repeat, heads tilted to one side.

"Don't worry about it," Raven tells them quickly. "What'd you all get? Ooh, look at that! That's so cool!"

Beast Boy's gift is third, and is the third in size. You take off the reindeer pattern paper and reveal three identical boxes, like a DVD would be in. But instead of DVDs, they're video games!

"Wow!" you say. "Spectral Samurai EX, American Mall Battle, and Impossible City, the 25th Anniversary Edition. All for the Playcation."

"That's right," Beast Boy says. "In case you get bored of Celebrity Toon Slam."

"Well, thank you. These will definitely keep me entertained."

Robin's gift is rather simple. Inside a tiny gift bag is...

"A Titans communicator?" you say. "Really?

"Of course," Robin says. "You're one of us."

Now you have a beaming smile as you look at the circular yellow device with the big white T on it.

"Alright, now for my gifts," you say.

The Titans open their gifts from you all at once. They all see the mandala cards first.

"Ooooh~!" Starfire says as she marvels at the swirling pattern. "It has the optical illusion of vibration!"

"This is trippy," Robin says looking at his red and yellow swirls.

"It's like a flower, but also a vortex," Cyborg says.

"Mine is like planets, but also grapes," Beast Boy says. "Grape planets!"

Then they move to the gifts themselves.

"For Cyborg's gift," you say, "Raven helped me understand that you are practical and efficient. To help in the kitchen, this is a self-heating drying rack, perfect for items that can't go in the dishwasher."

"Whoa..." Cyborg says. "So like, magic technology?"

"Yes indeed," you say. "And I tested it. Even at its highest level, it will not warp itself or the items you put on it, provided those items aren't made of too soft a plastic."

"Sweet...!" Cyborg says as he goes to set it up on the counter.

"What adorable sweaters!" Starfire says. "Silkie shall now be warm all winter long!"

"Yes, I hope he'll find it very comfortable," you say.

"I got blocks?" Beast Boy says.

"And I got a pipe?" Robin says.

"Ah, but they're enchanted, just like the self-heating drying rack," you explain. "In the case of the pipe, it is a moldable, adjustable weight."

You take the pipe to demonstrate by stretching it out to a few feet long and use the dial to make it about 20 pounds.

"Whoa...!" Robin says. "So it's an all-in-one weight set!"

"And as for the blocks," you say. "Let me just..."

You tap the blocks a couple times, then tap Beast Boy on the shoulder.

"Alright, Beast Boy," you say. "Transform into whatever animal you want."

"Uh... Okay."

Beast Boy becomes a goat, and then the blocks shuffle around to become a goat, making Beast Boy's jaw drop. He then turns into a cat, and the blocks form a cat.

"Dude!" Beast Boy says as he turns back into human; the blocks revert to a big square. "That's so cool!"

"Thank you," you say. "And thank you all again for these gifts."

"Now hold on!" Jinx says. "There's still another gift!"

"And it needs all the ladies," Argent says.

"What?" Raven says. "This is the first I've heard about this."

"Come along, Cuerva," Pantha says as she picks Raven up off the couch.

"Hey~!" Raven says, feebly kicking her legs in the air as Pantha carries her on one shoulder.

"You, too, Melvin," Starfire says. "Oh, and Bobby, too."

"Yay~!" Melvin says as she and the giant teddy bear exit the room with the rest of the ladies.

"We'll be back in a moment, boys," Argent says with a big smile before the door closes.

"What do you think they're up to?" Aqualad asks.

"When did they come up with something as a group?" Herald asks.

"It had to have been last night," Robin says. "They had group bedrooms just like you guys, they could've talked then."

A communicator goes off and everyone looks to theirs. It turns out to be yours.

"Rorek~," Argent says in a playful tone. "Put on some Christmas music. Something we can dance to."

"Um, alright," you say.

Cyborg helps you with the big screen and the playlist.

A) Jingle Bell Rock
B) Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
C) All I Want For Christmas is You