Current Events > Teen Titans CYOA: Romance Resurrected Part 12

(+) Yeah! (+)

D Caribbean Food
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Cartridge88 posted...

C) Barbecue

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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

C) Barbecue

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C

"Barbecue. Something grilled and smokey, tender and meaty."

You look Raven up and down a moment.

"Hmm, I wonder why I've been craving that," you smirk.

"Oh stop," she giggles as she cuts into a pancake.

"But you're okay with that?" you ask. "Steaks, maybe ribs."

"Yeah, yeah," she says. "We'll get a bit messy with all that steak sauce and seasoning before we splash around in the ocean."

"That's precisely the plan," you chuckle.

You eat your fill of the pancakes, bacon, sausage, and some eggs. While you rest, you and Raven...

A) Play a game
B) Watch television
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Cartridge88 posted...

B) Watch television

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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

B) Watch television

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scubasteve42 posted...

Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

B) Watch television

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B

With it being Sunday, you find plenty of sports to watch. There's a lot of American Football so you give that a look.

"Interception!" the commentator shouts. "Nashville has the ball! The Chords have the ball back and the Austin Stars have no more timeouts!"

You can tell just from the crowd reaction, Nashville is the home team. The fans cheer as Nashville's coaches celebrate denying the other team the rest of their possession. Nashville's team lines up for offense with the Austin defense, and they kneel down rather than run another play. The clock runs down, and Nashville wins, 24 to 21.

"A close game that Nashville manages to survive," commentary says. "They'll have to be a bit tougher with Washington next week if they want to make to the Playoffs."

"That's very true, Mike," another commentator says. "The Patriots have a much stronger offense than Austin, and Nashville still let Austin get even this close. Their defense needs a lot of work."

"Up next," Mike says. "The Steel City Hammers are home again against the El Paso Bandidos, both teams wanting to stay on top of their respective divisions."

"I really look forward to the match-up between the Hammers' defense and the Bandidos' running game," the second commentator says. "If any team can bust through Steel City's Iron Curtain, it's The Borderland."

"Is that a not good statement?" Raven asks.

"I'm not sure," you say, "I'm British so I don't bother with American politics and political correctness."

A) Stay tuned to this game
B) Find a different game
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B
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A)
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B.
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bump of life. will do this tomorrow.
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B

"Let's see what other teams are playing instead."

You go back to the guide and only go a couple channels up for another football game.

"We're about to begin here in Jump City," commentary says. "The Jump City Waves look to play spoiler for the Metropolis Express, who still want to be a Wild Card in the Playoffs."

"With only a couple weeks left and a competitive West Division, Jump City is of course out of the running at 5 and 9," another commentator says. "But with the stronger East Division the Express is in, not even a 10 and 4 is going to get them something. Express needs to win this week and next week or they are done."

"Well c'mon, Jump City," you say with light applause. "I wonder if the others are watching."

"Actually..." Raven says as she leans in.

The cameras pan the crowd, and somewhere in the middle, Cyborg and Beast Boy are holding up big signs that each say "JUMP" while Robin is cheering and waving a towel and Starfire... is smiling while sipping a bottle of mustard... But she is looking at the field and must be enjoying herself, as well.

A) Call them
B) Don't call them
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A
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A.
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A
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A

"We should call them," you say, "let them know we spotted them."

"Oh, yeah, that'd be great," Raven says as she takes her communicator out from her bag. "Who should I call?"

"Call Robin, he might pay attention."

Raven uses her communicator to contact Robin's and waits as it makes the call.

"Raven?" Robin says on his end. "What's up? Do you and Rorek need help?"

"No, no," Raven says. "We just saw you guys on TV. We're watching the football game, Jump City."

"Really? Hey, guys, Raven and Rorek spotted us on television!"

"Should we wave?" Beast Boy asks.

"Hello, friends~!" Starfire cheers; her hand goes in and out of frame so she must be waving.

"No, the camera's already cut to the field," Raven says. "Just keep watching like normal."

"Did you see our signs?" Beast Boy asks.

"Yes, Beast Boy, we saw the signs," you say. "They look nice."

"We're back in the States, by the way," Raven says. "We'll be taking a road trip on the way home to California, not sure how long it'll take. We'll make sure to keep you guys posted."

"Alright, sounds good," Robin says. "Talk to you later."

"Okay, bye," Raven says before she hangs up.

In the game, Jump City has the ball first. You're pretty sure it's Jump City, with the yellow on blue color scheme of the fans and the scoreboard graphic matching the team uniforms. They line up on the 25 yard line and hike the ball.

"Zweibel drops back," commentary says. "He looks downfield. There's the pass, a screen to Loza. Papacosta misses the block, OH that's a good hit from McChesney!"

"McChesney is an animal of a linebacker," the other commentator says. "He just blows past anything in his way."

"It is now 2nd and 8 for Jump City," the first commentator says.

Another hike, and a hand-off from Zweibel to the running back yields much better results.

"Maindonald gets a great 12 yard run to get that first down," the first commentator says. "Jump City now starts from the 37 yard line. The line is ready, there's the snap. The Waves' front four is still strongly keeping Zweibel safe, he's going to have all day to throw. Zweibel does and it's a long one!"

"Byron and Hunt both jumping for it!" the second commentator says. "Oh, what a close one! Hunt gets right in there, nice and clean, to keep Byron from getting that ball."

"That'll bring up 2nd and 10, maybe they'll try Maindonald again," the first commentator says.

The teams line up again, and Maindonald moves to one side but then back the other way. The ball is snapped while Maindonald's in motion and the hand-off is more a toss. Maindonald moving at that speed collides with the defense and knocks the linebacker over. But McChesney comes in and gets the slowed Maindonald down by jumping on him.

"Another great stop from McChesney, but that fall still helps Maindonald cover a few extra yards. It will be 3rd and 4 from the 43."

"I'm going to go shower," Raven says. "Could you choose what barbecue place we're going to go to?"

"Of course," you say as you fetch your phone.

Raven goes to the bathroom and you start searching online for places in Orlando.

Considering Orlando is a big city, but Daytona Beach is your destination, you go for a place...

A) In Orlando
B) At Daytona
C) Somewhere along the way
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Cartridge88 posted...

C) Somewhere along the way

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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

C) Somewhere along the way

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Alakazamtrainer posted...

Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

C) Somewhere along the way

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C

You check the map between here and Daytona and find a couple towns along the way.

Sanford is closest to Daytona, so that makes for a better choice for a stop along the way. You see what "BBQ" places there are, and you find quite a good selection.

Sonny's BBQ describes itself as "fast-food chain for slow-smoked meats," and it is the first one off the highway. Fuel BBQ is by Lake Monroe, offering a lovely view, but it doesn't have a description so you just go by its 4.4 out of 5 star rating to consider it a good restaurant. Speaking of star ratings, Wavey's Bar-B-Que is a 4.9! But it's so far into Sanford that it's practically on the way out.

A) Go with Sonny's
B) Go with Fuel BBQ
C) Go with Wavey's
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B
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B.
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B
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B

You'll go with Fuel BBQ, that's the best of everything to you. You make sure to put a marker on it so you can find it later.

Raven is in the shower by now so you watch the game.

Jump City makes a big run to get from their 43 to the Metropolis 30, a net of 27 yards. The teams hurry to the lines, and Jump City catches Metropolis off guard with the snap. A flag is thrown to call the foul.

"Offsides," the head referee says. "Defense, number 90. Five yard penalty, repeat first down."

"Metropolis looks to have taken Jump City too easy early on," the first commentator says. "They're already back up to their 25 with this."

"Looks like they've got both Maindonald and Duke-Cohan out there," the second commentator says. "They're keeping Metropolis on their toes."

The snap goes to Zweibel, and he moves to give it to Maindonald. Maindonald and Duke-Cohan cross paths, and start running parallel paths. Metropolis guesses the ball is with Duke-Cohan, expecting some trickery, but the ball stayed with Maindonald!

"Another first down for Jump City!" the first commentator says. "They've got 57 yards already, and... Yes, Metropolis is calling a timeout to cool things down."

The cameras cut to commercial and you give Fuel BBQ a closer look on their website.

The website has the full menu availabe right on the front page, that's very smart of them. The lunch specials are unfortunately not for weekends so you just stick to the basics.

Beef Brisket
Burnt Ends **
Pulled Pork
"High Octane" PP
Pulled Chicken

**WHEN AVAILABLE**

St. Louis Ribs
Smoked Half Chicken
"The Bus Stop", Kaiser roll loaded w/ our signature brisket, pulled pork and slaw

You like the sound of a lot of those. You already plan on ordering...

A) Beef Brisket
B) Pulled Pork
C) St. Louis Ribs
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Cartridge88 posted...

C) St. Louis Ribs

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B)
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A
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RANDOMIZE

B

The pulled pork on a bun sounds really nice, very filling if you go with the apparent six ounce serving size.

Seeing the side dishes available, you definitely will get French fries, maybe some corn bread since it's only 50 cents. You'll plan on plenty of both for you and Raven.

Back in the football game, the Jump City Waves are lined up on the 18.

"There's the snap," the first commentator says. "Zweibel steps back but quick with the pass! Just over Gilson's head."

"I like that they came out from the break ready to go," the second commentator says. "Metropolis' Dearborn didn't see it coming, so the whole team is lucky Zweibel put too much pep into the pass."

"Second and 10 now," the first commentator says as the teams reset. "Zweibel's now under center with Duke-Cohan. The snap and the hand-off, and Duke-Cohan goes up the middle! He pushes the pile, but that looks to be only 5 yards."

"DC's very strong," the second commentator says, "but I'm not sure that was the right move."

"That makes it 3rd and 5 then," the first commentator says. "Duke-Cohan and Maindonald are both back out there."

"They can't be using the criss-cross again," the second commentator says, "they just did that."

The snap and Zweibel pitches it to Maindonald, and Maindonald follows behind Duke-Cohan. Duke-Cohan uses his power to block for Maindonald, and Maindonald not just gets the first down, he gets the touchdown!

"Yes," you say with light applause.

"Did we score?" Raven asks as she walks out of the bathroom.

"Just now," you say.

You look at her clutching her towel closed as she walks over. She notices you looking her up and down and gives you a playful squinting smirk.

"Get yourself going," she says as she checks her luggage. "If we're going to have lunch and then go to the beach, we should do it now."

"Alright, alright," you say. "Go ahead and check this menu for where we're going."

You grab your towel and clothes then go to the bathroom. You shower quickly and dry off before dressing in the bathroom. You rejoin Raven and see she is fully dressed.

"What happened in the game while I was in the bath?" you ask.

"Huh? Oh, I wasn't really paying attention. But I think we're doing okay."

You look at the television.

"No we're not," you say. "Metropolis is already halfway down the field."

"Oh. Well, at least they didn't score yet."

"Do you have your swimsuit ready?" you ask as you pick up your knapsack.

"I'm wearing it underneath all this," she says as she motions to her jeans and T-shirt.

"Ah, very nice," you say.

You turn off the television and Raven leads the way out of the hotel room. You two ride the elevator down and go to Shadowfax in the parking lot. With the help of your phone's map, you ride from Orlando to Sanford, and then to the lake where Fuel BBQ sits. It isn't quite on the lake like you thought, but you can still see the lake from here.

A) Take a window seat
B) Take a table in the middle
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A
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A)
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Cartridge88 posted...

B) Take a table in the middle

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A

You lead Raven to a table by the windows, and help her to her seat. You then take your seat across from her, and look out to see a bit of the shimmering lake visible past the other buildings.

The waitress comes by and gives you menus, though you already know most of this from the website.

"What would you like to drink?" she asks.

"Two medium sodas, please," you say. "I'll have... Cola. Raven?"

"Um, Cola's fine, too," she says.

"Alright," the waitress says. "I'll get those now, unless you're ready to order?"

You look to Raven since you made your decision.

"Sure," Raven says. "I'll have a... quarter St. Louis Ribs."

"Okay," the waitress says as she writes notes. "And for you?"

"Let's get some sides," you say. "French fries and four pieces of corn bread. And then for my main dish, I'll have the six ounce pulled pork on a Kaiser roll."

"Okay," the waitress says. "Would you like ketchup for your fries?"

A) Yes
B) No
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Cartridge88 posted...

A) Yes

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A
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Malcrasternus posted...

Cartridge88 posted...

A) Yes

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A

"Yes, please," you say.

"I'll bring you a bottle," the waitress says. "Anything else?"

"No that should be everything," you say.

"Alright," the waitress says. "I'll be right back with drinks, and then your meals as they're ready."

"Thank you."

The waitress walks away and you sit quietly looking out the window again.

"How long do you want to hang out at the beach?" Raven asks. "We're going to be getting there a bit later in the afternoon than I thought."

A) An hour
B) A couple hours
C) To sundown
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B
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B
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scubasteve42 posted...

B

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B

"Just for a couple hours," you say. "We don't need to be out all day."

"That's fine by me," she says. "Just a bit of splashing around and soaking up the sun is all we need."

"I wouldn't mind quite a bit of splashing myself," you smirk.

She smirks but rolls her eyes, able to read what your smirk means.

The waitress returns with the drinks and straws. You thank her as she heads back, and you take a few sips before taking a look around.

Being that it is a Sunday, there aren't as many people here for lunch. There does seem to be one big group on the other side, they're rather rowdy on and off. It seems there are televisions in the middle of the restaurant, and they seem to be reacting to what they're watching.

"Can you tell what is on TV?" you ask as you lean in and crane your neck.

"Not really," Raven says as she leans back and looks over. "It sounds like a sport, though. Maybe football, like we were watching in the hotel."

A) Take a peek
B) Move tables
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A.
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A
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A
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A

"I'll go take a peek," you say.

You use a bit of Sound magic to deafen your steps as you walk over to where the other tables are. You stare at the television to see what is on. It is definitely American football, but you can't quite tell what teams are playing. The colors are not the blue-and-yellow of Jump City or the red and silver of Metropolis. Instead, you see a green and white team chasing a black and yellow team.

"The Star City Archers are just no match for the Gotham Knights," commentary says. "They run similar offensive and defensive schemes, but Gotham just makes it work better."

"Historically, the Archers have always followed behind the Knights," another person on commentary says. "They've had success, but when it comes to matching the Knights, the Archers always end up second."

You walk back to your table and undo the Sound magic.

"Well it's not the game we were watching," you say. "It's the Archers and the Knights."

"That's okay," Raven says. "We can just ask the others how that game is going."

A) Do that now
B) Do that during your meal
C) Do that after your meal
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C.
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C
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C
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C

"We can check in after eating," you say. "The Jump City game and this game should be parallels as far as time."

The waitress returns and serves your meals. The French fries and corn bread look alright, about as good as you'd expect them to look. But the main dishes look even better. Raven's quarter rack of ribs gives her three individual ribs, and they all glisten with the marinade and seasoning. Your pulled pork is heaped up high on the Kaiser roll for only being six ounces, and it also shines with the sauce. The roll itself looks very soft and rich, soaking up that sauce into the nooks and crannies.

"Mmm~," you say as you pick up the pork sandwich.

Raven peels apart the ribs while still being careful not to get her hands too messy. You take a big bite of the sandwich and enjoy the warm bun and hot meat. Raven takes a bite of the rib, and it is plenty meaty for her to have something to chew on.

"Mmm?" you "ask."

"Mm-hmm!" she responds with a nod and a smile.

You also smile, and pour out ketchup from the bottle on the side of the fries' plate. You dip fries in ketchup and take big bites. That classic combo of salty, flaky fry and sweet-sour ketchup is a great chaser for the pulled pork and its sauce.

"Do you want one of my ribs?" Raven asks. "I was expecting two with my quarter order."

A) Sure
B) No thanks
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Cartridge88 posted...

A) Sure

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