Plastic Jungle
A Raven and Robin Alternate Universe Fan-Fiction

Prologue

)O(

"Now I see just what you mean
It hurts too much to breathe
All alone in this plastic jungle
Sometimes I wanna get slain."
- Plastic Jungle, Miike Snow

The party was boring the hell of Richard Grayson, and he was sure that he'd drifted off to sleep in a standing position more than once. He couldn't blame it entirely on himself, he was on his second glass of wine and was standing in a puddle of warm sunlight. That was asking for trouble at that point. He looked out the far window, wondering if he could jump down the drain pipe the full thirty stories to the street below. Probably not. Besides, if he even tried he would have embarrassed the hell out of his benefactor, and that would have been signing his own death certificate.

Richard yawned and stared down into his half-empty glass of wine. Although he had lost count somewhere around three, he was almost positive it was the fifth or sixth party commemorating the "Coming Out" of Miss Kori Anders and her induction into high society. Bruce was draging him to every single one of her stupid parties, claiming "she's a good person, her father is a good business man, her family is well respected." Richard didn't think his benefactor could have been more obvious if he tried.

A storm of giggles erupted from the other side of the room and Richard turned to stare at the source. Kori was near the punch bowl surrounded by a bunch of her friends. A petite tomboy with hair the color of wheat was talking animatedly, throwing her hands up as she talked about some movie she had seen last night. Kori nodded and giggled in response. Richard watched her with mild curiosity. Sure, the girl was pretty, she had a sweet disposition, and she was very smart and talented. But, she wasn't the kind of girl he had an attraction to. Further more, Richard was... well, he was kind of the black sheep here. He wasn't born into money, but adopted into it. Bruce Wayne had witnessed his parents death and took him under his wing.

The gesture was nice, and there were plenty of perks, but this party... was not one of them. Oh, and the stigmata that came with being considered "common." That was probably the worst part.

"You've met Karen before." Richard jumped and turned around to face his benefactor, who was pointing out a tall, strong-looking girl dressed in gold. Richard had to admit she was beautiful, and the color of her dress made her warm, brown skin look like finely polished wood. Bruce then pointed to the blonde tomboy, who was still waving her hands loudly. "And Tara is Garfield's girlfriend."

Richard glared and ran a hand through his hair. "Are you trying to make me guilty by association?" He saw Kori meet his eyes, smile shyly and wave, then returned to her friends' conversation. He turned back to Bruce, who was frowning. "I've been to every one of these silly parties, Bruce. It's obvious that whatever you're trying isn't working on me. Can we go home now?"

"We have left nearly every party early, Richard. And I am bound and determined to mold you into some semblance of a gentleman. With that being said, no, we can't leave early. And you are going to dance with her if it kills you." Richard opened his mouth to protest, but Bruce had already stalked off, grumbling curses under his breath. Richard was seriously considering the drain pipe at this point.

He sighed and searched the crowd for a familiar face. Garfield and Victor were two of his closest friends by default. They were the only people his age that didn't consider him "beneath them" because Richard wasn't blue-blooded. Unfortunately neither one of them seemed to be at this party. They probably thought it was ridiculous too. Richard sighed again and gulped the last of his wine. Just one dance and a few more hours left to go, he could make it. At least, he thought he could have until Kori Anders broke away from her pack of friends and started walking towards him.

"Mr. Grayson." Kori smiled as she approached him. Damnit. Pinned by a redheaded princess. Richard bit back a growl as he plastered on a fake smile and kissed her outstretched hand. Kori giggled. "I'm so glad you've been able to come to all of my parties. You've been such a wonderful guest."

"Miss Anders. It's been a lovely party and you are a wonderful hostess." Ugh, all this "society talk" was making him sick to his stomach. If had to keep this up for an extended amount of time his brain would probably implode from the emptiness of the conversation. "Thank you so much for inviting me."

"Oh! It was my pleasure." She took a sip of the punch in her hands before looking back at him, a coy look shining in her eyes. "You know, Mr. Grayson, you've been to every single one of my parties and yet you've never talked with me before. I'm concerned you might have eyes for one of my friends."

Nope. Just forced here by his benefactor. Richard forced a small smile. "I just enjoy your company, Miss Anders."

"Kori."

He nodded. "Richard."

Kori then fell into almost rehearsed conversation about the weather and whatever else was considered "polite" conversation. Yawn. Richard stopped listening about fifteen seconds in, and gave small, appropriate responses when his mind came up for air. He looked over at the door, wondering if he could bolt through it without being seen. And then time seemed to stop.

The most beautiful, petite, slender woman he had ever seen strolled through the front doors. Her hair was a vibrant shade of violet and cut in a very modern style, showing off her angular face. Her black dress was tight, but high-necked and there was a slit all the way to her hip, showing smooth, pale skin underneath. Somewhere in the back of his head, he knew Kori had stopped talking. But his mind was a little more preoccupied.

"Ah... have you not met Raven before?"

Richard jerked and looked down at Kori, who was smiling knowingly. "Who?"

"That's my best friend, Richard. Miss Raven Roth. Well, Raven is her nick-name. Her real name is Rachel, but she just despises it. Come on." Kori grabbed his hand and started to pull. Richard let himself be dragged across the floor, feeling as if his mind was in a haze. "I'll introduce you. She's really quite sweet." Sweet was not the first word that came to Richard's mind when he looked at her.

Raven stopped on the stairs as she saw Kori and Richard coming toward her. They met eyes for a brief moment, and a light blush covered her face, but she didn't move. "Kori... sorry I'm late, I just got back from Miami and rushed right over."

Richard didn't think she looked like a sun-worshiper, but then again what did he know about her?

"Oh, I understand! Your dad keeps you busy." Kori waved her off. "I wanted to introduce you to my friend Richard. Richard, this is Raven. Raven, this is Richard."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Richard took her hand and kissed it, probably lingering a little longer than what was deemed "appropriate" but what did he care? Raven's blush grew a little darker and she took a step back. "I don't think I've ever seen you at any of Kori's parties."

"I've got a lot going on with my father's business." She smiled, but it looked forced and awkward. "He keeps me busy and I rarely get that chance for socialization." There was a small pause and she looked around. "If you'll excuse me, I need some water." She slid past the couple and found an empty table in the darkest, most deserted corner. Richard looked at Kori who just shrugged.

"Try not to take it personally. She has a tendency to shy away from company, and she especially doesn't like to come to any of these parties." Good. At least they had something in common, that was a start. Kori nudged him gently, still smiling as if she knew something he didn't. Why did it seem that all girls were up to something? And furthermore, why did everyone (including strangers) want to hook him up with someone else? "Go talk to her. She'd appreciate the conversation." Richard tried to point out that it was a bad idea to disturb her, but Kori just pushed him toward the darkened corner.

Raven seemed to sense is presence and looked up. In a split second, her eyes seemed filled with panic as he approached her table. She looked around, undoubtedly trying to find an escape route, but there was no where to run. Richard might as well indulge in a little conversation. It had been a while since anyone really talked to him, and she seemed intelligent enough. "Everything okay, Miss Raven?"

"Fine." She frowned and started digging around in her small purse, pretending to look for something. "I've just got a lot on my mind." She paused and glanced up at him, her expression deadpan. "And I'm tired."

"Anything I can help with?"

Raven sighed and glared. "Richard, was it?" He nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. She was starting to look dangerous. Kori must have been playing a very funny joke on him. "I'm not the kind of society lady that someone like you should be talking to. Perhaps it would be best if you spent the rest of the party with Kori."

The lump disappeared and Richard sighed in relief. Finally, someone he didn't have to pretend to be important around. He pulled out the chair opposite of her and plopped down in it. "Good, I'm not exactly high society material either." He watched the confusion and other emotions fly across her face before rolling her eyes and leaning back into her chair.

" Really? Is that so? Are you just a billionaire bad-boy? Drive a fancy motorcycle? Do whatever you want whenever you want and damn the consequences? Because mommy and daddy will take care of everything for you?" Raven rolled her eyes again and crossed her arms over her chest. "Quite frankly, I'm sick of your type and I would appreciate it if you found someone else to annoy."

"My parents are dead." Richard was fighting the anger building in his chest, determined to prove his integrity to her. What right did she have to judge him? What right did she have to throw out accusations simply because he was thrown into this world that he didn't want? "I drive a beat-up Harley that I rebuilt myself. And I was adopted into this... whatever you want to call it. And just so you know, I'm pretty cautious about my life." He moved to get up, but Raven grabbed his hand. He stopped and stared at her pale fingers intertwining with his tan ones. Something in his heart turned over and he looked into her eyes to see an expression of genuine concern and guilt.

"I'm sorry... I... didn't know." Raven pulled her hand away and sighed. "I... get so used to boys pretending they're all James Dean, and anything with two legs and a vagina is just going to fawn over them." Her dark lashes swept up and Richard swore his heart fell into his stomach at the sight. "I really am sorry."

"I understand." He smiled and returned to his seat, feeling the last threads of tension disappear. "I can see how everyone here would want to play 'Rebel Without a Cause'."

Raven laughed, and the sound was delightfully melancholy. "I think you're the first person I've ever met who's gotten the reference."

"My parents loved old movies... I'm pretty sure my mother had the biggest crush on James Dean." He laughed. "I've probably seen 'Rebel Without a Cause' a hundred times at least."

"It's a good movie." Raven fidgeted with her purse as her gaze wandered behind him. Her lips turned into a frown and she shook her head. "I think we're being watched." Richard turned and saw Kori, Karen, and Tara all next to the staircase, giggling like little school girls. Rave snorted inelegantly. "Kori is bound and determined to set me up with someone."

Richard laughed. "I'm pretty sure Bruce is the same way. He's always makes it a point to let me know how good a person's family is."

"Wait." Raven looked up at him, her look of ease melting into terror. Richard watched as the color left her face suddenly and her lips trembled. Had he said something to offend her? Again? "Richard... Grayson? The son of Bruce Wayne?"

Richard nodded slowly, his eyebrows knitting together. What did it matter who his benefactor was? "Unfortunately. I belong to the angry grizzly standing in the corner." He turned and looked at Bruce, who was talking with Kori's father. He turned, starting to raise his hand to wave at Richard, but he stopped and his smile immediately turned into a stern frown. Richard turned back to Raven, who was frozen. "Is everything okay?"

"I have to go, Richard." Raven picked up her purse and started for the door. Richard chased after her, feeling the burning sensation of Bruce's stare follow him through the room. Raven pushed through a small crowd, hoping to lose him, but he kept close on her tail. The girl was crafty, for sure. She managed to find the exit and threw open the door, making her escape out into the hallway. The sound of her footsteps echoed eerily in the marble corridor, but Richard didn't slow down.

Raven turned her head slightly and snapped at him. "Leave me alone!"

Richard stopped in the hallway, sense coming back to him. Why was he chasing her? She was just a psychotic weirdo who had insulted him and apologized in one breath. So, why did he care if she ran off or not. It shouldn't have been any of his concern. But it was. Richard ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. "Jeez, I just wanted to make sure you were okay! I'm sorry if I upset you, but you don't have to snap at me! What is your problem?"

"I..." Raven had slowed to a stop about fifteen feet in front of him and turned around. Her lips were trembling and Richard had the strongest urge to soothe her. She looked like she needed to just be held and protected, like his father had always done with his mother... Raven shook her head, sighing. "I think it's probably best that we do our best to avoid each other as much as possible, Richard. We wouldn't want to start any rumors."

"What does that mean?"

"I already told you." Raven started toward the elevator, this time at a slower pace. "I'm not the kind of society lady you want to be around." And she disappeared behind the metal doors. Richard sighed and turned around, only to come face-to-face with his benefactor, who looked about as forgiving as an angry grizzly.

"I will only tell you this once, Dick." He pressed a finger into his chest, and Richard took a small step back. "She is someone you must avoid at all costs."

Richard, not for the first time since being dragged into this society, felt a bubble of rebellion rise into his chest.

)O(

Okay, be mad at me. I know I shouldn't have started another story as I already have... five on my plate. But I will try to keep them all updated as quickly as possible! I am almost done with the next chapter of Wide Awake. So expect to see it soon. And then I will be updating Switched, Swapped, and Flip-Flopped.

Thank you EVERYONE! This is my first AU, so please leave a review and let me know what you think! Be brutally honest with me. I need it. :)

With Love Always: Xaph!