On the Outside
Chapter 1: Lean Green Machine
A sleek emerald car frantically tore across a narrow highway, ignoring any and all safety precautions. Buildings and neon lights flashed by in a blur, and the sound of a roaring engine intensified as an equally reckless car followed in hot pursuit.
No license, no seatbelt…no fear; just a need for speed.
The driver leaned forward anxiously in his seat, gritting his teeth. He was so close. Just a few more seconds, and…
Suddenly, a mighty explosion rocked his entire vehicle, sending it hurtling off the road mercilessly in a fiery blaze.
"Player Two, winner!"
"NOOOOOO! No fair!" Beast Boy cried. Not again!
"BOOYAH!" his mechanical friend exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. "That's right, baby! Who's the boss? Who is the BOSS?" Grinning, Cyborg turned to Beast Boy. "And you thought you actually had a chance this time, didn't you?" he smirked, pointing at the green changeling. "But guess what, B? Never count out the all-time racing CHAMP!"
Beast Boy in turn pointed an accusing finger at him. "No way, dude! I totally had that! You cheated! I want a rematch!"
Cyborg chuckled, ruffling Beast Boy's hair good-naturedly. "Sorry, green bean. But I'm gonna go do some work on the T-Car now. Gotta be ready for some real high-speed chases." He stood up to leave, stretching out his arms with a yawn. But before walking away, Cyborg turned around one more time. "Oh, and by the way? That was all skill, baby!"
Beast Boy fumed as Cyborg's laughter echoed down the hallway. He totally cheated! There was no way he could've won that without cheating! Chips-for-brains probably hacked the game using one of his fancy techno-whatchamacallits. He growled angrily, clenching his fists. Why, that dirty, good for nothing…
Smack! "Beast Boy. Knock it off."
Surprised, he turned around to see a familiar violet-haired girl, arms crossed, with a disapproving glare on her face. "Huh?"
"It's just a video game. There is absolutely no reason to be so upset over something so trivial." Raven placed a hand over her forehead, wincing. "And frankly, all of your frustration is giving me a headache. So cut it out."
"But Cyborg totally cheated! I should've won!" he replied indignantly, crossing his arms as well. It was Cyborg's fault that he was mad!
"Beast Boy," she commanded, her tone hardening. "I don't care what the reason is, stop throwing such a needless tantrum about it." Her eyes began to glow dangerously white. "Or, I will force you to stop."
He shrunk backwards, eyes widening in fear. Oh crud. Maybe he'd better listen to her now. Aggravating a half-demon with supernatural powers tended to result in various forms of punishment and pain. Usually with a certain green repeat-offender in mind. He grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Hehe, sorry Raven. I'll stop it."
Her eyes returned to their normal amethyst hue. "Good. There may be signs of intelligent life after all." She then strode over to the kitchen, preparing to make some tea.
Unsure of what to do next, Beast Boy simply watched her work. Playing his game didn't seem like such a good idea, especially since it was part of the reason why he got in trouble with her. Plus, it was kinda boring to play alone. Unless…
"Hey Raven, wanna race against me?" he asked with a hopeful smile.
She looked at him incredulously. "And just what makes you think I'll actually say yes?"
"Cuz it's fun!" He waved a controller at her. "C'mon, try it! I'll teach you how to play! You'll like it!"
She rolled her eyes. "Well, as tempting as that sounds," she droned, "the answer is no." She took a small sip of her fresh cup of tea. "Besides, I'm leaving in a few minutes."
"Oh really?" This was interesting; he hardly ever saw Raven leave the tower, unless it was with the team. "Where ya goin'?"
"The bookstore. To replace a perfectly good book that you caused to me destroy yesterday," she added, pointedly looking at him.
"Pff," he dismissed with a wave of his hand, remembering why she had gotten so mad in the first place. "We both know that I'm totally right." Beast Boy smiled to himself. While Raven was still a big mystery to him, shrouded in deadpan deliveries and her signature cloak, it was nice to know that she was still normal on the inside.
And she thought he was funny, too!
"Whatever." Setting down her cup, she headed for the exit.
"Wait! Raven!" he called out, running after her. Seeing as how she kept walking, he continued. "Can I come with you?"
That stopped her in her tracks. "Why?" she asked, slowly turning around, suspicious. "Just so you can annoy me with some more of your stupid jokes? I already told you Beast Boy, you're not funny."
"No, I promise! It's not that!" he replied quickly, waving his arms. "But," he continued, looking down at his feet, "It's always kinda boring just sitting here, playing by myself…and Cyborg never lets me help while he's working on his 'baby'…and…" He clasped his hands together, begging. "Please, can I come with you? I'll even help pay for your book!"
She crossed her arms, silently considering him for a moment. He continued to stare back, a hopeful look in his eyes. What was she gonna say? Would she...actually say yes?
"Beast Boy," she finally answered. "You don't even have any money." His heart sank, ears drooping. "But," she relented with a sigh, "I suppose…there is no harm in letting you come too."
He perked up. "Really?" Seeing Raven nod in confirmation, he jumped up excitedly, pumping his fist. "All right!"
"However," she added emphatically, making sure he was listening, "We are only going out to buy my book. No distractions, no additional stops. Just to the bookstore, and back home. Got it?"
"Got it, Rae," he smiled, holding two thumbs up.
"Good." She started to walk away, with Beast Boy eagerly following behind her.
"Oh, and Beast Boy?" she added, looking over her shoulder. "No. Jokes. Or I will punt you into orbit."
He grinned. "Don't worry Raven, I promise! No jokes!"
He followed her out of the common room, still smiling deviously. Just because he promised not to tell any jokes didn't mean he was going to stop trying to make her smile...