10. Stubborn

"Raven, you can't."

Beast Boy stood in her room, watching as she clasped her cloak around her shoulders.

"I have to," she said, not meeting his eyes. She let the fabric close around her, hiding her body from view before moving towards the door.

Beast Boy was faster. He threw up an arm, blocking her exit. "No." His voice was firm, his eyes hard.

"Garfield." Her monotone hid her feelings but he refused to compromise. Not now.

"You're not going," he ground out, shoulders taut. If it was any other moment she would have silently admired the strength in his stance and how handsomely broad he stood before her. But right now…she couldn't.

"You're wasting time!" she said, pushing forward as the door automatically slid open.

"Raven, you can't," Beast Boy repeated, grabbing hold of her arm and gently pulling her back into the room. He slammed his hand down on the button and the door immediately closed behind them. "Will you stop!" he said in exasperation as she struggled to release herself from his grip. "You'll hurt yourself-"

"You'll hurt yourself!" she exclaimed, voice slipping with emotion as she used both hands to push him away. She stood before him, trembling under her hood and he almost gave in.

Almost.

"Raven…"

"Last time Cyborg came back with both his legs crushed. Starfire had the nastiest bruise on her head. Starfire. A girl who can lift a house without breaking a sweat. Robin was lucky enough to only sport a broken rib or two. And you. You came back with your arm cracked in half and with your face covered in blood and-"

"It wasn't mine-"

"I don't care!" Raven shouted, something shattering in her room. "I'm going."

"NO!" There was something feral and panicked in his eyes and even Raven was forced to pause in her tirade. They stared at each other for a few moments before he closed his eyes, taking deep breathes and uncurling his fist. "You're not coming," he said adamantly through clenched teeth.

This time Raven hesitated, feeling the helplessness and anguish that poured off of him. "I…" And still she said, "I am."

"Raven!"

"I healed you," she said, her voice cracking. "I healed all of you the best I could with what power I had. But soon I won't be able to. And then what? What happens if you're the one that comes back with crushed legs and shattered bones? My powers are weakening and maybe in a few more months or even weeks I won't be able to help at all-"

"Exactly!" he said, closing the distance between them to grab hold of her. "You can't fight right now Raven! Your powers aren't like they used to be-"

"And whose fault is that?" she hissed, eyes narrowed in the shadows of her hood.

Beast Boy furrowed his brows, his mouth tightening into a frown. Raven felt his fingers tense and the hurt he felt was palpable.

Guilt overrode her anger and she closed her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I'm just… I'm scared, okay?"

"Rae…"

"I hate having to stay holed up in the tower while you guys go out to fight," she admitted. "And this new villain is strong. If I don't help you guys defeat him now I definitely won't be able to in a few weeks," she said, her hand shifting inside her cloak.

"I get that," Beast Boy said soothingly, moving his hands to cup her face and drop her hood back. "But you have to take care of yourself right now. We're the Titans, Rae. We'll defeat this new villain. But…I would be of no use to the team if you were out in the field with us right now," he confessed. "I wouldn't leave your side. Nothing would touch you. I'd make sure of it. And…that could be a liability for the rest of the team. I need you to be safe right now." His thumb stroked her cheek and he leaned forward to press his lips against hers, softly at first- unsure if she would accept him after this fight. She responded immediately, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck while pressing the length of her body against his.

"Gar," she breathed his name against his lips, finally relenting. "I hate this…but you should get going. They'll need your help."

Beast Boy leaned back after stealing one more kiss. "For the record, I didn't realize you're powers would weaken if this happened," he teased.

"Shut up," she said, the corners of her mouth twitching. "As if you'd want me fighting even if I had them."

Beast Boy nodded resolutely. "Yeah. Very true." He kissed her once more before inhaling deeply to quickly take in her scent. "Okay, I'll be back before you know it." He winked and headed towards the windows, sliding one open.

"Gar."

Beast Boy stopped, one foot already on the windowsill, ready to jump into action. He heard her unclasp her brooch and turned his head to see her cloak rustle to the floor.

"Come back safely," she said, rubbing her hand across the shirt that stretched taut around her rounded belly. "I won't be able to do this without you."

Beast Boy smiled softly. "Anything for my family, Rae."

Author's Note:

Hello friends. I apologize for the delay. The last week or so has been hard honestly. I've been having issues with my housing/moving situation and well... it's just been stressful. Hopefully you guys enjoy this. I'll try to get the next one out as soon as I can. I could use some cheering up so I'd appreciate if you guys left a review. You don't have to of course, but it's always nice to hear what you guys have to say.

Until then, take care!