"…and he left? Just like that?" asked Corax as he stood facing the painting on the wall of his office. Haruka stood at attention behind him.

"In his defense sir, he did come to us first to tell us the news; even got a punch from Shay for that."

"Heh heh, yeah well I suppose it should be normal…what he's doing I mean," said the man as he finally turned to face the girl with a sigh.

"With all due respect sir, but you seem to take all of this very well. Garfield…left."

"And he'll come back Haruka. I trust him that he will."

"Why's that, sir?" asked Haruka.

"He came here by his own free will didn't he? He'll come back to us sooner or later. Trust me."

Haruka was silent for a moment as if to contemplate something.

"What do I tell Val and Sky? I've noticed that the two have been behaving very strangely since Garfield's arrival. They seem…more upbeat; more agitated than normal especially whenever Garfield is brought up."

Corax chuckled.

"It's not only them Haruka. The others have been acting up too…including you."

The girl blushed.

"M-Me, I did not…I mean, I'm uh…"

"Haha. Relax, it is normal to be feeling these kind of emotions. You are a beautiful 18 year old girl. Trust me; a lot of boys would be chasing you around asking for your number if you happen to walk down a street right now."

"Um, thank you sir," said Haruka as her face turned a deeper crimson.

"Tell Valerie and Skyler the truth. It's no big deal. Our lives are one filled with duty and sacrifice. As much as I would enjoy a more subdued lifestyle, the Reapers exist for a reason more than just being mercenaries."

"I know, sir. And I understand."

"Good. Assemble the team, we will begin training shortly. After that, I will inform you all of our latest assignment."


Beast Boy twiddled his thumbs nervously. Walking up the pathway towards the tower, he wondered what was going to be in store for him by Robin. The changeling had chosen to walk instead of flying. Somehow he felt that using his powers to accomplish simple tasks was one of the many reasons that contributed to the Titans' low perception of him.

Maybe if I pump some iron. Grow some muscles and stuff. Maybe the guys won't think I'm a scrawny failure. He thought bitterly to himself.

When he finally reached the Common Room, Beast Boy saw both Robin and Cyborg waiting for him. Their looks were stern and their arms crossed.

"So guys, what's up?" asked Beast Boy as he gave them a wide grin.

"Beast Boy, what were you…" Robin started to speak when he was quickly interrupted by Cyborg.

"Rob, I got this," said the metal man quietly before turning his head to face the changeling. "WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING, BOY?! RUNNING OFF LIKE THAT! MAN, YOU ALMOST GAVE ME A FREAKIN' HEART ATTACK AND I'VE GOT TWO! WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU? I SWEAR IF YOU SOMEHOW DIED, I'D FIND A WAY TO WAKE YOU UP AND KILL YOU AGAIN! ALSO…"

"Cyborg, calm down! You're not helping!" yelled the Boy Wonder as he tried to get the ranting cyborg's attention.

If it was a normal situation like a tofu-meat debate or something, Beast Boy would have found the scene somewhat humourous; Cyborg shouting loudly to no one in particular and his arms waving about and Robin struggling to calm their berserking friend. Heck, steam was literally shooting out Cyborg's ears! Beast Boy had half the mind to help Robin calm their metal friend down.

Oh screw it! This is some funny stuff! I just wish I had a camera!

Beast Boy sat sown on a couch watching in amusement the spectacle that was unfolding before him. By then, Cyborg was too caught up in his ranting to actually rant at Beast Boy and Robin was getting tired trying to pacify the increasingly emotional cyborg. Finally, he gave up and sat adjacent to the changeling and the two continued to watch Cyborg wear himself out.

"…and to think *sniff* that I *sniffle* wake up every day in the early morning to fix the team breakfast *snort*. For over 4 looong years I've slogged *sniff* and toiled *sniff* and what are the thanks I get? SOME GREEN PUNK CAN'T EVEN HAVE THE DECENCY TO TELL ME WHERE HE'S GOING! Man, I'm rusting myself with this tears…I gotta go Rob. *sniff* I can't face this right now," sobbed Cyborg as he walked out of the Common Room.

There was silence between the two Titans as tried to process what had just happened. Seeing Cyborg cry was bizarre in itself; they didn't think thank that he had any tear ducts left. To see him bawl his eyes out was so…

"…disturbing," said Robin to himself aloud.

"Ditto dude," said Beast Boy.

Facing each other now, Robin decided now was a good time as any to begin the talk.

"So Beast Boy, what happened? Why didn't you answer your communicator?"

This is it.

Taking a deep breath, Beast Boy started to speak.

"Well, you see I was asked by the leader of the group that beat the crap out of us yesterday to join him. So I thought, 'yeah, why not?' so he brought me to this place where I met the rest of the team. Unfortunately, the place doesn't allow my communicator's signal to be sent so I had no way of contacting you guys. Furthermore, the alarm system somehow did not work so I had no idea you called. When I finally found the message, I got out of the place first chance i got but that was 4 hours later. So...here I am."

Robin stared with a raised eyebrow.

There was silence. For a moment.

"Okay-okay, I hang out with friends. Didn't realize you called. Happy now?" asked Beast Boy.

"Alright that's better," said Robin with a relieved sigh.

Beast Boy had to roll his eyes at the reaction.

So much for Boy Wonder.

"Beast Boy, I don't need to tell you that what you did was irresponsible and it could have jeopardized the safety of the entire city. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Um, sorry?"

"Just 'sorry'? What are the five words Beast Boy?"

Beast Boy sighed.

"Fine; I'll. Never. Do. That. Again," said the changeling with deliberate slowness. Robin had came up with this ridiculous routine just for him in response to the changeling's near uncontrollable urge to do something spontaneous which sometimes resulted with explosive effects. Even though he had meant it as a joke, Beast Boy could not help but feel patronized.

"Are we done here, Rob? I gotta meet up with my friends. Me leaving was kinda sudden."

"I guess, where will you be Beast Boy and who are these people? You never mentioned them before."

"That's because I just met them. C'mon, just because I'm a superhero doesn't mean I can't live a normal life, right?"

Robin grew quiet as he pondered his next decision.

"You're right. You're 18. You should be allowed a bit more freedom anyway. Just...don't do anything stupid okay?"

Beast Boy was annoyed at that last comment. Everyone seemed to think that he was some bumbling idiot. Well, they were right but it is all going to change. Pretty soon, Beast Boy would be gone from their lives and the Titans can finally function without some fool hindering them.

"Alright Robin. I'll try to keep out of trouble. I guess I'll be leaving now. Tell the guys okay? I'm not leaving town anytime soon if you're that worried," said the changeling with a little smirk.

The Boy Wonder smiled faintly back. Just as Beast Boy's back was turned, the leader's voice sounded, "Beast Boy, wait."

"Yeah."

"Just so you know, we don't think of you as just the funny man in the team. We…I appreciate everything you've done and the city so far. I know the rest feel the same way too."

Robin saw the changeling grow rigid for a moment before offering an easy smile.

"Thank you Robin," said Beast Boy before making his way out of the Common Room.

Walking along the corridor, Beast Boy headed to his room. His thoughts were a muck with confusion. What did Robin mean? Did the Titans really feel that way about him? Then why was he treated like some permanent rookie? The only time where Beast Boy really felt like the Titans view him as an equal was when he took down the Brotherhood but that was only under extreme duress; Robin had been captured. The changeling wondered whether things would have been different if he wasn't. That was probable. Who needed him when they got Robin.


"So Rob, how'd it go? Sorry for freaking out there. I dunno what got into me," said Cyborg as he appeared again a few minutes after Beast Boy left.

"Surprisingly well, Cy. But somehow, I feel that it could have gone better…" said Robin as he stared out the window.

"What do you mean, man?" asked Cyborg again.

"The way he reacted when I told him that we really appreciate his effort in the team; he…became as still as a statue."

"Maybe the grass stain's just not used to praises."

Robin rolled his eyes.

"No, he wasn't Cy. I just wished I knew what he was thinking. Oh and by the way, he made some new friends. That's why he didn't answer my call," said Robin as he tried to change the subject.

"New friends? What's wrong with us?" asked Cyborg incredulously.

"Let it be Cy, he's old enough to decide whose friends with him. Besides we can't be the only friends he has," chided Robin.

Cyborg just grumbled.

"Well, I'm gonna go talk to him. I have something to say to the green bean myself."

"Sure thing Cy…and Cyborg?" called out Robin as his friend was just leaving the Common Room.

"Yeah?"

"I dunno, it's just a gut feeling but I suggest laying low on the jibes for the moment? I don't think Beast Boy's in the mood for any poking to his self-esteem even if they are just jokes."

"Aw man, you worry too much! Don't worry, Beast Boy an' I are like two peas in a pod. We're tight, ya dig! He knows I'm joking all the time," said Cyborg as he waved his hand dismissively before leaving.

"I hope you're right Cy," whispered the Boy Wonder to himself.

Beast Boy sat on the top of his bunk bed. Technically, the top bunk was his real bed while the lower compartment served as extra storage space. Thinking quietly to himself, he pondered his next course of action. He was going back to the Enclave of course, but permanently? For that he himself was not too sure about it.

A knock on his door knocked him from his reverie. Cyborg's voice called from the other side.

"Yo BB, you in there? It's Cy, mind if I come in?"

"Yeah, sure dude."

The door opened and Cyborg entered.

"Man, at least clear a path to your bed or something!" yelled the cyborg in mock anger as he waded across the piles of stuff towards the changeling's bed.

Beast Boy grinned widely.

"What? And get rid of my own personal obstacle course? Never!"

"Whatever dude," said Cyborg as he returned with a wry smile. Finally reaching it after some difficulty, he made himself comfortable beside his green friend.

"So…why're you here?" asked Beast Boy.

"Nothing much, just wanna find out how you've been. I mean after all that has happened."

"I'm…good Cy. Just peachy," muttered the changeling. His eyes downcast.

"Dude, you're starting to talk like Raven. That's beyond disturbing."

"Haha…yeah, I guess I do," said the changeling as he smiled in spite of himself. Cyborg noticed the change and grinned evilly.

"Ho ho. Did I strike a nerve there?" teased the metal man causing his green friend to look up with a blush covering his face.

"What the…c'mon Cy. Not now. I ain't in the mood," chided Beast Boy.

"What? Okay, who are you and what have you done to Beast Boy?"

Grabbing him by the neck in a chokehold, Cyborg proceeded to give Beast Boy a series of 'noogies'.

"Ow! Stop that, you metal moron! Yeeow!" yelled Beast Boy as he received a particularly hard noogie.

"And that's for calling me a moron!"

After a few minutes of head abuse on Beast Boy's, the onslaught ended with the two on opposite ends of Beast Boy's bed out of breath.

"You're a jerk, you know that?" said Beast Boy, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Hehe, well I try to do the best in everything I do…"

"You sure do Bolt Brains! But…thanks anyway. I needed that."

"Anytime bro."

The two shared a quiet interlude for a few moments until Cyborg spoke, "So dude, what really is going on between you and Raven?"

Beast Boy gave a start.

"W-what?"

"Don't you 'what' me. I know what I'm talking about. Now that I think about it, I think you do too."

"Aw, can it metal man. I don't wanna talk about it."

"C'mon dude. You gotta let it out one day. Who better to tell it to than me, besides HER of course."

"Cyborg, I'm warning you…"

"And we'll all be okay with it. God knows both of you need each other. You the happy one and Raven being all depressed. You guys balance each other out…"

"VICTOR, SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Whoa, this is some serious stuff. Beast Boy never calls me by my real name. Thought Cyborg in shock.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to rile you up. I came here to make you feel better that's all," said Cyborg, holding up his hands protectively.

"No, I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blow up like that," said Beast Boy in an almost ashamed manner. "Look I know I haven't been acting like normal but just bear with me okay?"

"Is there anything any of us can do to help?"

"No. This is my problem to bear. I have to do this alone."

"C'mon you don't mean that."

"I said it's fine! Leave me alone!"

"Beast Boy, I…"

"I MEAN IT!"

"WHAT'S YOUR GODDAMN PROBLEM?!"

"YOU ARE MY GODDAMN PROBLEM! YOU ALL ARE! AND THE WORST SHIT IS; I'M THE BIGGEST ONE OF ALL!" roared Beast Boy. As his rage reached its apex, the changeling's eyes flashed red for a moment. "Damn it, Cy, don't you see? I'm the problem man. I AM the problem…"

"Beast Boy…"

"I have to go bro. I have to go right now. I'll be back later, I think."

"Please man, you don't…"

"No Cy, I have to. See you later."

With that, Beast Boy leapt off his bed and ran out leaving an upset and thoroughly confused Cyborg.

Man, this sucks. But what in the world's the matter with him? Cyborg thought to himself as he propped his chin on his hands.

"Robin's gonna kill me."


Raven had decided that she needed to go to the roof. Her room functioned as her sanctuary of course but sometimes even she found it a bit too depressing. Levitating slightly off the ground in a lotus position, Raven faced the horizon; a serene expression etched on her pale features. The sight of the bay, lit by the sun, was so beautiful. Furthermore, the sun had begun to dip making the sight even more picturesque.

I wish Beast Boy is here to share this with me right now…

The sound of the roof door opening brought the empath out of her meditative state. Landing daintily onto the floor, she turned around to see who it was only to have her eyes widened at the sight of none other than the object of her affection stepping out into the light.

Raven felt her heart in her throat.

"B-Beast Boy…?" she whispered. No sooner had she said his name, Raven remembered the control she had to maintain and tried to suppress it; but it was too late.

If Beast Boy had not noticed that he was not the only one on the roof, the sound of the concrete floor cracking with black energy was a clear indication of the others presence. Looking in Raven's direction, the changeling could only stop and stare.

The seconds ticked by with the two doing nothing but look at each other until finally, Beast Boy decided to take the initiative.

"Hey, there."

"Hello."

An awkward silence followed until the changeling decided that he really had to go. For him, just being in the presence of the violet-haired girl was intoxicating. He had to go before he did anything stupid.

"Um, I guess I'd better get going," said the changeling as he prepared to step off the roof.

"Beast Boy, wait. Please."

Raven did not plan on sounding so pleading but right now, she just didn't care.

Turning around, Beast Boy looked at her with a blank expression.

"What is it?"

The empath winced. To think that those eyes used to stare at her with so much life behind them brought tears to her eyes. Raven longed for it to come back. She would do anything to make that happen.

"Beast Boy, I-I don't know where you're going or why, b-but I know that I don't want you to. I know that you…hate me right now. I don't blame you the slightest bit but please…please don't leave."

Having said those words, Raven knelt and bowed her head as she gave in to her sorrow. All those hours of meditation were wasted as her dominant emotion caused her powers to rip the roof door off its hinges and made cracks to appear on the walls and floor.

Sobbing quietly, Raven did not notice as Beast Boy walked slowly towards her. Kneeling down, he enveloped the girl in his arms. Holding her body protectively as if to shield it from the elements, he gently rocked her back and forth to calm the tempest raging in her mind.

Blissfully aware of where she was and who was holding her, Raven buried herself in Beast Boy's chest as she remained in his embrace.

"I don't hate you."

Hearing his voice, Raven looked up. She saw emerald eyes looking down kindly at her.

"B-Beast Boy…?"

Beast Boy gently hushed her as he held her tighter causing her to smile.

"I don't hate you Raven," said Beast Boy again as he returned her smile with one of his own, "I can never hate you. Frustrated. Maybe. Scared. Heh, all the time."

Raven couldn't help but giggle at that remark causing Beast Boy's smile to grow wider. Strangely, her powers did not act up. Raven decided she would look into the matter later. For now, Beast Boy had her undivided attention.

"Why do you think I hate you, Raven?" asked the changeling.

"Why wouldn't you? I've been a bitch and a half towards you for so long. Yet you come back. You always come back. No one deserves such devotion. Especially the likes of me," whispered the half-demon. A tear ran down her left cheek as she wallowed in her self-pity.

The changeling's features turned stern causing Raven to grow nervous. Had she upset him again? It would kill her if she did just that.

"Raven, don't ever say that about yourself. You are not your father. Always remember that. You are you; the kind, loyal, smart and beautiful Raven that I know. In fact, I can't think of anyone who deserves to be happy as much as you do."

He said I'm...beautiful?

"How can you say that? After the way I treated you. I was…"

"…you were doing that to protect me. To protect everyone else," interrupted Beast Boy in a kindly manner. "As much as many people would like to imply, Raven, I'm not that dense. I do know a bit of how your powers work. I know that you cannot show much emotion. But that's partly why I do what I do."

"W-What do you mean?"

"You couldn't show emotion. Not much anyway. But you sure as hell can still feel them. I try to make you feel that little bit of what it's like to be normal so that you will never feel alone. I know I sometimes go overboard with my…behaviour but if flying out the window is what it takes to help you feel, I'd do it again and again."

Raven felt her face burning and a flutter in the pits of her stomach at hearing those words. She had never imagined that Beast Boy. Her Beast Boy was capable of such devotion. She promised that she would smile for him. Oh Azar, she would smile for him forever.

"Don't cry, Raven," said the young man as he used his thumb to wipe away the tears from her eyes. "Whatever it is you think you did, I forgive you."

That was it. Raven could not hold back anymore. In a burst of movement, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him for all its worth as her tears cascaded anew.

"Thank you, Beast Boy. Thank you, friend. Thank you," whispered the girl as she wept in happiness and relief.

Beast Boy gave a chuckle.

"Please…when it's just the two of us, call me Gar."

Pulling herself away, Raven gave a faint smirk as she looked into his eyes.

"And you can call me Rae."

"I thought you hated 'Rae'?" asked Garfield.

"I thought you hated 'Gar'?" retorted Raven playfully.

"Touché," laughed the changeling as they embraced once more.


Beast Boy never wanted this moment to end. He finally had Raven in his arms. True, she still did not know his feelings for her but right now, it did not matter. She needed a friend aright now and Beast Boy was not going to make himself a liar by forsaking his self-declared oath; to be there for his friends no matter what. Especially Raven.

But all good times needed to end sometime and the changeling released himself from Raven's warm embrace albeit reluctantly.

"Gar, what's wrong?" asked Raven.

"Rae, I have to go but I promise you that I'll come back. You believe me don't you?"

The girl gave him a warm smile.

"Of course I do. With my life."

"Thank you, Rae," said Beast Boy as he returned her smile.

"When will you come back?"

"I'll be back soon, don't worry. You won't even know I'm gone."

"Okay, Gar."

Standing up, the two walked to the edge of the roof. Beast Boy turned around to face Raven. Propping her chin upwards, he slowly leaned down and kissed her chakra gemstone. Smiling at her one last time, the changeling returned his gaze back to the horizon, morphed into a raven and flew away.

Raven stood for awhile in a daze; blushing profusely from all that had happened, especially from the kiss Garfield had given her. She did not get the chance to confess her feelings but this was a good start. Looking around, Raven realized that throughout the whole time, nothing was damaged nor affected by her powers in any way.

Time to pay a visit to Nevermore.

Sighing happily to herself, Raven walked towards the roof entrance.

And get a new roof door.


Walking into the warehouse, Beast Boy took out the Reapers' communicator. Pressing a button as demonstrated by Haruka, he activated the device.

"This is Garfield. Anyone there?" asked Beast Boy as he brought the watch-like device close to his mouth. Immediately, a small hologram projected itself from the communicator, startling him, and Corax's face appeared.

"Hello there Garfield, you've been out awhile. Anything wrong?"

"I'm good sir. Everything's fine. Can I get back to the Enclave?"

"Of course you can; the communicator is more than just that. It's also a portal activator. The hologram interface can be changed to anything with the push of the same button. Just continue pressing it until you see a holo with the word 'activate' on it."

"Okay."

Doing as he was told, Beast Boy finally got to the desired hologram.

"Okay Corax, I got it."

"Good. Now touch the word."

Is he serious?

"Um, what?"

"Trust me, Garfield. Touch the word."

"O-Okay. Here goes."

Touching the holographic image, Garfield saw it depress as if it was a real button being pushed. At first nothing happened. Then Garfield heard a faint hum that got increasingly louder and saw himself being surrounded by a bright blue light before finding himself in a huge room. Feeling nausea overcoming him, the changeling couldn't help but throw up onto the floor. After a few agonizing minutes, he retched one last time before collapsing.

In his daze, Garfield made out several blurry figures surrounding him.

"Now that was 'eeew' with a capital 'E',"

"Quiet Andy, he's sick can't you see that?"

"C'mon we gotta help him. Val, help me get him up."

"Shay. Andy. Kindly clean up the mess please."

"But sir, we cleaned up Snowy already."

"No 'buts'. Haruka make sure they do a good job. Felise run ahead and set up the medical bay, will you?"

"On it, sir."

Beast Boy realized that his trip was a success.

Well, mostly that is. Thought the changeling before he finally passed out.


Chapter 7! I know I say this all the time but yeah, i hope you guys enjoy it. i feel that i sound quite impersonal with messages like these. do you guys think so? if you do, please don't. i really appreciate you guys kay? ppl like wolvbm, shininspire and many more. i could make a list:) so please dun stop reviewing. G login, some of your ideas are excellent. dun be surprised if i use them in my later chapters. dun worry ill give u a special mention!

So all in all. i thank you readers so much. and for those who just read my work, contribute your opinions kay? thank you all very much. until the next update!

spartan585