Third Degree through the Clothes

[Deleted]

Rain poured down in sheets as lightning danced around the night sky.  But, in the interior of the ballroom, it was luxury everywhere.  Gold on the walls, ceiling, and furniture.  Tables filled with various foods and desserts.  Waiters walking around with trays of various refreshments.  The ballet had ended thirty minutes prior, and the guests began to file into the ballroom.  Lines of umbrellas were held outside to keep the guests from getting wet in the storm.  As the band settled into their respective seats, President Putin took the stand. 

"Friends, today, we celebrate Russia's victory in the War of the White Rose.  A war that saw the loss of hundreds of thousands of Russian lives.  But, thanks to the brave men and women in our military, and the courageous efforts of our very own Red Star, the death toll was saved from going into the millions.  Potentially billions had Russia fell, leaving the rest of the world prime for invasion.  But, the Fatherland did not fall.  We stood together and fought back the extraterrestrial threat.  One people.  One beautiful cry of defiance and victory that will ring throughout the Galaxy for generations."

Applause filled the room as the President awaited for silence to once more fall over the crowd.  "And the rest of the world heard our cry and have sent relief in order to help our country rebuild the destruction we saw during those dark days.  In that, we celebrate the bond we all share on this world.  In this small corner of the Milky Way, we stand tall and proud.  And, it is with great pride that I welcome the Teen Titans to Moscow.  I hope that your stay has been most beautiful, and that you will return.  For, as long as you stand for the defense of humankind, you will always find a friend here in Russia."

Once more, the room was filled with applause.  The President once more waited, lifting up his glass of champagne.  "So, tonight.  We mourn the losses we faced.  Celebrate the heroes that arose to the challenge.  And toast to new and old friends alike.  Enjoy your evening, my friends.  This is all for you.  Cheers."  A celebratory cheers was made as the President left the stand, and the band struck up.  Many couples began to dance in the open floor.

Red Star stood off in the corner, wearing a black tuxedo with a ruffled shirt underneath.  On his chest, there was an assortment of military badges.  One hand holding a flute of champagne, the other fiddling in his jacket pocket, fingers running along the jewelry box.  He mentally scolding himself for not giving the gift to Starfire sooner.  Now, he was surrounded by a gathering of military vets and people who wished to ask him various questions.  He was polite, shaking hands in between fiddling with the box.  Answering questions as respectably as he could.  But, the whole time, green eyes searched the room for the young Princess.

[Audrey]

"I really shouldn't be here,"

It was all Terra could think at all. She felt just absolutely out of place here in the presidential building of Russia. Ironically, she was one of two princesses in attendance, and the only one of the two from Earth. She'd been raised a country girl though. As royal as her blood was, she couldn't fight her upbringing. It didn't help that she was wearing a dress that wouldn't even be acceptable for prom, let alone meeting the president of a major country.

She clapped with everyone else as Putin toasted the Titans, settled in the corner with the plants. She'd been lingering back there, put off by the fabulousness in the room. She took a sip of punch from the cup in her hands and fiddled with her curled hair, just sticking to be awkward. As her drink was emptied, she sighed and accepted that she needed to at least be a little social. She went over to fill up her drink as she watched a crowd form and subsequently disperse around Red Star. She had a vague curiosity with the Red Son. Her experiences were mixed, but she was willing to give everyone a chance.

She took a chance through a lull in the crowd and slipped near the fellow blonde holding her punch with two hands. She took a sip and addressed him, sliding in from the side. "Well you're certainly Mr. Popular. You'd think with how many times you've saved the country, everyone would have your autograph by now," she spoke, trying to be funny. She realized it might be a bit wrong to acknowledge how many times the country's been put in danger though so she followed up with another quip, "Believe it or not, I'm actually the princess of my home country of Markovia. With the unstable politics there though, it's somewhat of a null title. "

[Deleted]

Among the throng of people, Penumbra stared from behind his mask made for this event. It was smaller, revealing his hair and mouth, but the rest of his face and eyes were hidden. Of course, he couldn't show up without his mask. Some of these people were his family's business partners in some way. Alphonse Carey could never show up here. This, fortunately, didn't mean he couldn't wear one of his tailcoat tuxedos. It harkened back to the 1940s. Black pants and jacket, contrasted by a metallic red accented, black vest and matching bow-tie. His broach sat in the middle of his chest. Long ago, his family taught him to maintain an air of elegance among adults by drinking ginger ale instead of champagne.

Another Russian giving a speech... Penumbra sighed, remembering how much he hated speeches. Men who gave speeches sometimes turned out to be monsters. Afterwards, he stood around, awkwardly. He was silent, sipping his drink and looking in the crowd for anyone suspicious. No date, no mingling. The boredom finally got to him, and he started to walk towards Terra and Red Star. Oddly, he noticed later, he put on a host-like tone like his grandfather would in one of his nightclubs, "Are you two enjoying yourselves? I'm not sure who's attending today, but I recognize the political leaders."

Standing up straight and holding his hand out, he introduced himself properly, "I don't believe we've talked much. I'm Penumbra." With a slight bow, he waited to shake either of their hands. He knew Terra from missions, but Red Star was the unknown. Unknowns are dangerous.

[Deleted]

Terra's approach was welcomed as he flashed her the "save me" look.  He turned to the people he was talking with.  "Excuse me, gentlemen.  Enjoy your evening." he said, raising his champagne flute.  Taking a sip, he walked a few feet to meet up with the geomancer.  "It's statistics, really.  Russia is the largest country as the world, in terms of volume of land.  And I am their first superhero.  Naturally, every disaster that falls on the Fatherland is going to be my responsibility.  Though, now that I'm located in Jump City, that responsibility once more falls on the military."

She looked good in a dress, even if it wasn't the most regal outfit in the ballroom this evening.  The fact of the matter she was here, and it showed on his face as his demeanor changed just being around her and the other Titans.  "I was unaware you were of royal blood.  Be it a title of respect or not.  But, you look nice.  I'm glad you came." he said, his hand leaving the jewelry box in his pocket as he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. 

Green eyes fell on the masked Titan as he approached the duo.  Releasing Terra's hand, his grip soon fell onto Penumbra's hand as he gave him a firm handshake.  "Enjoying myself just fine.  Red Star.  It's a pleasure, comrade." he said with a smile.  After a brief shake, the hand was released as his fingers made their way back to the jewelry box.  "I'm glad a lot of the Titans were able to come.  I hope the flight and rooms provided by President Putin were to your liking.  Did you like the ballet?"

[Gaunt]

This was kind of overwhelming. Kaie hadn't done much jet-setting, for obvious reasons. In fact, they'd had to send a cargo plane to pick her up for this event. But here she was, in Russia for a black tie event. Or was it a white tie event? What even was the difference? Whichever one was fancier, this was it. Lesser-tie events didn't have presidents speaking at them. She wasn't too sure about this Putin guy, though. Kaie didn't pay much attention to politics, but she seemed to remember hearing he was kind of a dink. She'd have to keep a watchful eye out.

Pretty soon, Kaie's watchful eye was distracted by a gathering of her fellow supers. She recognized Terra and Red Star, but wasn't too sure about the masked young man in the tuxedo. She was just going to think of him as Tuxedo Mask for now. The giantess wasn't sure what to think about Terra. The girl had been a face-heel revolving door for a while there, and Kaie didn't entirely trust her yet. Red Star, though, was a hero through and through from what she'd heard. And rather handsome, too. The floor trembled slightly as she approached, smiling and waving to the trio.

"Hey erryone!" Kaie was all smiles as usual. It wasn't often she got to wear a dress. It was a simple blue evening gown, made to withstand her strength and movements. She wouldn't be able to sit, custom chairs weren't really too common, but she'd at least get to wear a dress for once. It was nice. "Congrats on the honors, Red Star!" Kaie noticed he had a glass of champagne. Maybe if she was lucky she could get some too. What was the drinking age in Russia anyway? Well, drinks or no, this was her preferred part of the evening. Sitting to watch the ballet at her size had been uncomfortable, and she wasn't much for ballet anyway. As far as high culture went, pro wrestling was more Kaie's speed.

[Silv]

Robin had been in Russia for the past few days, and he was fairly certain that he was going to forget he was supposed to speak English around the Titans whenever he managed to get away from the diplomats and other officials who demanded his time. Being the team leader wasn't easy, but that didn't really deter Robin. Batman had made sure to expand upon the language base that circus living had already given him. His Russian was an odd blend of too formal, and waaaay too informal given that he had learned most of it from tutors, and the rest from fellow circus performers back at Haley's.

He and Red Star had hit the ground running when they landed in Russia, so to speak. Red Star had gone off to speak with his people, and Robin had been charged with making sure that the accommodations in place would actually accommodate the Titans. Special considerations had been made for people like Rumble, and Kid Flash who had a peculiar need set.

Getting a thirteen foot long bed had been something of a challenge.

But everything was in place now. He had not acclimatized to the crippling jet lag on the way here, and could finally relax after the Titans had arrived and everything had fallen into place. Which was probably why he had fallen asleep during the Russian ballet's performance. He hoped no one had noticed. The mask covering his eyes had probably helped, but he had no idea if he'd slumped against Kid Flash, or made any noises. They hadn't woken him up, so he assumed not.


The Boy Wonder had been slightly bleary eyed during Putin's speech. It was hard to tell through the mask, of course, but the way he stood marked an air of uncertainty as more english then he'd heard in the past few days was spouted at him all at once. Still muzzy from his nap during the ballet Robin barely managed to grasp what the man was saying.

“Foarte bine spus,“ the boy managed in a mumble, slipping into the most comfortable language without realizing it while he joined in the cheering with sullen clapping. He had a smile plastered on his face, but he really didn't want to be here in his mask and tux when he could be....tranquilizing whales, or fighting polar bears, or setting off nuclear bombs in Siberia just to see what they'd do. Almost anything was better than this.

At least Kitten wasn't here forcing him to dance or making kissy faces at him.

Robin decided he was going to attempt to catch some of his teammates. He hadn't had much time to talk with them since they'd arrived. He was still in charge of planning how things went, and there had been a snag in acquiring a chair that could handle Kaie's considerable bulk. In the end they had procured one, but not without a lot of effort. He could only manage to get three or so feet before people began asking him questions. Often the questions were about working with Red Star and Robin was always quick to praise his fellow Titan.

It felt like it had taken forever but finally Robin managed to stride up to his follow Titans with a grin. “Zdrávstvujte,“ he greeted cheerfully, “Ponravilas' li vam balet?” It was then that he realized he'd been speaking the wrong language still in Russian-mode after dealing with so many of the officials and reporters. Not that it mattered, since he was unknowingly echoing a question Red Star himself had already asked. The Boy Wonder felt his face flush under his mask. “Err. Sorry. Hey guys,” he came to a stop besides Kaie, sufficiently dwarfed by both her mass and his own absentmindedness.

[Deleted]

When Mimic learned that the Titans were going to Russia to celebrate Red Star’s victory against invading aliens he jumped up and down wanting nothing more than to go just so he’d get a chance to exchange alien fighting stories with Red Star and also he had never been to Russia, so it would definitely be a learning experience for him. The young shifter upon getting permission to tag along packed up everything he could into one suitcase and one carry on.

The flight there though was anything but exciting and it did not take Mimic very long to get bored. He spent most of the flight finding ways to entertain himself. Unfortunately for the other Titans this involved him pestering them with questions like, “how much longer?” and “Are we there yet?”

“What’s a ballet anyway? Is it like this arena where you watch two combatants clobber each other with giant mallets?” he then asked since he had no clue what a ballet even was having never attended one only to get a very large and definite, “NO!” before they explained that it was a sort of dance with music in the background.

And when not playing twenty annoying questions he spent some duration of the flight pranking his fellow Titans in the form of an inanimate object. Some laughed, others groaned and still others shrieked in surprise. In the end Mimic was made to stay still.

Once they arrived it was so late there was only time for sleep. Early next day they attended a fancy ballet; which forced Mimic to dress up. It was a good thing some of the Titans pestered him into bringing along dress clothes not that he really owned any to begin with, but he made do with what he had. He put on his best red top with black vest and his best looking black jeans. Sadly the only thing that looked fancy on him was his high tech Euremian watch, but seeing as how the thing was fused to his wrist Mimic didn’t see the big deal of it since he wore it since the day the Euremians forced it onto him.

But that didn’t stop people from asking about it. Like this annoying little blonde girl who looked no older than six who somehow knew English well enough to ask him, “excuse me mister, but where did you get that rad looking watch?” while they stood outside the ballet waiting to get inside. Looking at her Mimic just sighed as he thought up a reasonable lie. “Tokyo,” he replied shortly. Her eyes then lit up and she giggled. “Cool!” Mimic now leaning coolly against the wall merely nodded. “Yeah, cool,” he muttered dryly in response. At that moment the doors opened allowing everybody inside. The little girl merrily skipped over to her mother while Mimic followed behind his fellow Titans.

Having never attended a ballet before Mimic did not know what he should expect. But from the previous explanation the girls gave it sounded like something that could either bore him to death or entertain him since in truth many famous fighting techniques resembled dancing.

Normally the young shifter had trouble sitting still for long periods of time, but he couldn’t help feeling drawn into this ballet. The main character, Macbeth was absolutely insane and so was his wife. He longed to sleep since he still felt sleepy from the long trip, but admittedly found this ballet too interesting to fall asleep on. He didn’t get all of it, but got the general gist. At the bit when Lady Macbeth consumed with guilt at all the murders she and her husband committed got up in the middle of the night in an attempt to cleanse herself by washing the imaginary blood off her hands Mimic found himself leaning forward in anticipation.

Then arguably the best part of all came: the very end when Macbeth finally loses his head. Mimic practically leaped to his feet and shouted, “YES!” albeit a bit too loudly. Feeling everyone was now staring at him Mimic slid back down to his seat looking very much embarrassed.

To Mimic the ballet was awesome though he really wanted to wait for the reactions of his fellow Titans first to avoid further embarrassment. Truly the young Titan could not believe he had said, ‘yes’ as loudly as he did. As a guest of this country he was supposed to be on his best behavior to give not only the Teen Titans a good name, but America as a whole as well.

After that they were then escorted to what appeared to be a large ballroom filled already with guests. Mimic arrived just in time to hear the Russian president’s speech reminding them all as to why they were there. Mimic politely clapped at the end of his speech. Stomach growling Mimic hurried over to the buffet table to get some food. He didn’t want to look like a pig, but the truth of the matter was he was starving. At the buffet table Mimic just stared at the strange looking food before him. It was a damn good thing he wasn’t picky like most teens his age, so grabbing a plate he loaded it up with a little bit of everything. He then poured himself some fresh cold lemonade.

Finding a free table he plopped down and started munching on his food and took sips of his drink. “Mmm…no idea what this stuff is, but it’s great!” Glancing behind him he spotted some of his fellow Titans all talking to Red Star. He recognized all of them except for the masked guy wearing a tuxedo. Mentally he decided to refer to him as the ‘Amazing Masked Tuxedo!’ because that to the young super sounded like a pretty awesome superhero name.

Wanting to be friendly he waved over at them. “Hey there guys just enjoying some of Russia’s fiddles! Say Red Star while he are on the subject, what are these white fortune cookie shaped dohikies called? It’s delicious!” he asked the Russian Titan pointing at his plate. Little did the young shifter know that this delicacy was simply called, Pelmeni.

[Deleted]

Sarah wasn't used to parties to say the least. She wasn't dressed up like the others.... only wearing her typical clothing, well it was her only outfit after all, was it bad of her? Perhaps she should have asked one of the other girls for a dress.... no she had already been given plenty....asking more would be rude.

A lot of people were dancing, others simply stood about and chatted but Sarah? She simply sat in the background, her vision going back and forth between the parties attendies and her communicator. This was her lifeline.... it was a gift that tied her to people, gave her friends......

Sarah just had no idea what to do here. She didn't have a partner, so should she dance by herself? What moves should she go for....? Was their a certain way she should follow the beat?

"I.... should have read more manuals on dance"

She shook her head with a sigh her first social event and she was already failing at it..... she hoped robin wouldn't be irritated..... their was a reason she ran from his glare before after all

[Elenaphant]

Even with all the people in attendance the ballroom did not lack in size nor grandeur. The space was filled up with many strangers dressed their best, speaking in a murmur of English but mostly the native language, which still remained a mystery to the omniglot despite being surrounded by many potential teachers, one of which was surprisingly Robin. Perhaps that was why she almost faintly recognized something, like it was just on the tip of her tongue. Some words would randomly jump out at her and she'd be surprised. It was a funny word that Robin had said to someone when he confused which language he out to be using, one that was unlike the tone he used with the press. He must have taken her confusion for something else when he didn't elaborate, and she didn't have the nerve to bring it up. It would require calling attention back to how she gained the knowledge in the first place. 

It wasn't necessary to have a refresher course when she stayed by Red Star as much as circumstance would allow. Staying at the hotels with the Titans was as informal as it got once the rooms were sorted out and it felt like one extended slumber party. The ballet however, was her favourite part and she had remained hooked from start to finish, all the while leaning in toward her gracious friend who made this all possible to whisper her questions and quite frequently, her delight. It was a beautiful performance. That they didn't speak spoke to something universal. Tamaraneans performed art in the air, working in defiance of gravity. These dancers worked with it to create an illusion of weightlessness in a grace she hadn't seen often before. It was an entirely novel experience to her, whose never had the pleasure to watch something of its nature before. 

Now it was her turn to be a dancer in a lavish setting; the dance floor being her stage and her costume a deep emerald dress that was left sleeveless by a lovely dropped-off the shoulder ruched flower collar. It went a-line to the floor in lovely taffeta fabric. Starfire had a developed a certain appreciation for fashion or at least the concept of dressing up, so in preparation for the event she had scoured both online and print resources for that perfect match. When she saw it, she fell in love with the design and colour and perhaps to the benefit of alien naivety it's hefty pricetag did not discourage her from gushing and pleading for an order. That, and for the shoes once she found them--from the same provider too! 

Her hair was curled for once, and goodness did the curls manage to make the hair look twice its size in volume. It suited her so well it was almost like she was a born curly-haired space princess. She had done her research into what make-up would suit her look, and for the first time in forever she looked the part of royalty. Armed with only smile and natural charm, she was turning heads. It was how she got separated from the rest of her Titans. Young men and old were quick to come and greet her and offer her a dance, a drink, and most certainly a compliment. She was whisked away to join the throngs of dancers and was dancing up until Putin called attention for his speech. 

"Lady Titan, do you want a drink? You must be thirsty," her admirer asked as she held her hand as a true gentleman would and walked her from the dancefloor closer toward the tables. 

"You're too eager to get the young thing drunk," another admonished and raised his hand. "Официант , иди сюда!" he called for the waiter and waved him over. "You should have something to eat--try these. They're yummy-yummy, that's how you say in America, yes?"

That was the first time Starfire was ever consulted on something American, and between all the men (and one particularly keen young lady watching her from the sidelines as she bit into her meze) the alien-American could do little but agree and indulge in the offers. She was indeed thirsty, though the bubbly drink didn't quite quench it as it ought to, and the appearance food was much appreciated. Though she was crowded, she stood out easily and her merry laughter could be heard above the baritones and tenors of her company.

Still, if someone didn't cut in it would only be a matter of time before she was whisked away out of sight by an eager suitor once more. Off to the side, women spoke among themselves about her, clearly not fans of her popularity. Since they spoke in Russian they didn't feel the need to conceal what they thought, which was that the alien had a 'strangeness' to her that they couldn't figure what men saw in, oh and that she seemed quite stupid if she could be amused by those hound dogs. Yet, she remained oblivious to it, and all for the better. Starfire was smiling bright as the very name and she was nothing if not happy to be there. 

[Deleted]

He smirked as he saw, and felt, Kaie approaching.  He bowed his head, taking her land to gently place a kiss on her knuckle.  "Thank you.  I'm glad you could make it.  I hope the accommodations have been pleasant.  Robin and I made the trip out here to make sure everyone's individual needs were handled before the group made their way out here."  And, as if on cue, the Boy Wonder approached the group.

"Ha!  Look at this guy.  I love him.  Come here." he exclaimed, pulling Robin in for a big hug.  Green eyes searched the party, once more looking for Starfire as they landed on Mana.  She looked very alone and out of place.  "I believe one of our newest members is in need of a hero." he said, as he released his grasp on Robin, nodding in the direction of Mana.  "But, you look great, my friend.  Oh.  Don't forget the President is sending a driver over to pick us up at 10 AM sharp."  He stepped back, reforming the circle.

"We're joining him and a team of scientists as they tag some whales in the Arctic Ocean.  Should be a great time."  He chuckled as he watched Mimic approach.  Shaking his head as the boy was completely not used to the choice of food.  "Pelmeni, my friend." he answered.  "You're lucky you don't have food allergies.  Just walking around grabbing things unsure as to what they are." he said, giving the young Titan a firm pat on the back.

By chance, as one of Starfire's admirers moved, he caught a glimpse of her face.  So that's where she had gone off to.  "I'll be right back, comrades.  There is a dance I must steal back." he said, raising his champagne flute to his fellow Titans as he walked to the young alien.  Finishing the contents of the flute, he put it on a passing tray full of empty glasses.  Grabbing another flute on his way there, he paused.  Taking a sip, he stepped up to the group of potential suitors.

"Excuse me, gentlemen.  I believe you're suffocating the poor lady."  They didn't even bother turning around to respond.  "Nonsense, she's fine."  He cleared his throat as one of the men turned around.  "Oh...  Red Star.  My apologies.  We'll leave the lady be."  And, they scattered like cockroaches when one turned on the light.  "Грязных животных." he growled.  Approaching her, he bowed respectively.  As he looked up, he gave her a slight wink.  With that, he pulled the jewelry box out of his pocket.  Setting the flute down, he opened the box, revealing it's contents. 

"I've been wanting to get you this.  As both a token of my appreciation for coming here with me and to say that you're the most beautiful creation to journey to the Fatherland since the very first sunrise."  He blushed a little, but cleared his throat in an attempt to play it off.  "May I have the honour of placing it on you?  Then, I was hoping we could have a dance.  My father should be here somewhere.  I'm hoping I can get to introduce all of the Titans to him..."

[Deleted]

As an avid reader of the works of fiction, Penumbra somehow likened this whole event to part of The Devils by Dostoyevsky. By that, he meant that the swarming people reminded him of a mob. Oh, parties were for the more social of people, but Penumbra wasn't meant to be all that social. Alphonse Carey would have no problem mingling, gleaning information off of people, finding holes in their stories, and laughing about it later. Penumbra silently sipped from his glass as everyone, and everything, seemed to walk up, and happen, all at once. He nodded in response to the conversation going on about the flight, the ballet, and all the other things going on, but his eyes were still scanning the room.

"Kaie," Penumbra nodded at her presence, "I like your dress, blue is one of my favorite colors." Then, the unsocial butterfly Robin appeared. He was wearing something a little less accented than Penumbra was. Subdued, yes, but it doesn't mean his vest couldn't have been red. In fact, it would've worked fine considering his regular, fire-hydrant costume. That wasn't the issue at hand, since Alphonse wasn't a fashion critic. He shook his head and smirked, "Honestly, I expected something more utilitarian on you, Robin." His eyes scanned the room and caught on something interesting.

Someone was out of place among the throng of tuxedoes and ball gowns, and it was someone who he recognized running around Jump City. They were alone, and he didn't know exactly who they were, but they must've come with them. A tad bit of Alphonse Carey shone through Penumbra's silent exterior, and he turned to the rest of the group, "Hey, don't you think we should hang out with... actually, if you'll all excuse me for a moment." Hopefully, they would recognize, from his voice now, that he was Penumbra and not tuxedo mask. No shame this time, Penumbra wasn't Alphonse Carey, but he couldn't stand to see someone who had friends left out. With his broach, powers, what have you, he vanished into thin air.

After gracefully navigating through the floor, he reappeared near the individual. He approached... Sarah (he wasn't quite sure), held out his hand, and smiled under his mask, "Would you like to come and hang out with us, alternatively, may I have this dance?" A look of playful surprise crossed his face, which was slowly replaced by abject terror, "Oh no, I'm not sure if I know how to dance." His champagne flute full of ginger-ale made it to the table as he stood there, arm outstretched, trying to socialize. No one should be alone here, he thought, it's a ball, after all.