Chapter 10: Clearing the Mind of Troubles
It was surprising that they both were able to agree on one movie. Raven took a seat in the darkened cinema while Beast Boy paid a visit to the concession stand.
She didn't bother to go through her new wardrobe for an outfit, since she felt more comfortable in her usual wear. She felt more like herself, and not like her façade Rachel.
Beast Boy returned with a tub of popcorn and drinks just before the theatre grew dark and the screen active. He rejoined her, handing her a drink and setting the popcorn between them so she could reach it.
"Now this is a great way to relax and lose some of that stress," Beast Boy whispered to her. She looked to him, nodding in agreement. "It sure beats the angst of our missions," he added.
"Among other things," Raven added. He didn't look at her to question what she meant by that, or ask her about it for that matter. He instead concentrated his attention on the screen as the previews played.
The worries and traumas from earlier that day and the previous just melted away as the movie progressed; she felt oddly comfortable just being herself—while being out with someone who let her be herself, and she wouldn't have to worry about being startled with any actions she wasn't prepared for or expecting.
Neither really spoke throughout the whole viewing, but it wasn't like they were expected to—it was in the middle of a movie, after all. No talking please—it's appreciated.
When it was over, they left, disposing of the empty popcorn carton and drink cups on their way out.
"That was fun," Beast Boy stated as they entered the lobby. "Not the best movie I've ever seen—but definitely not the worst."
"It was—enjoyable," Raven replied. "I think I enjoyed it more because I was able to relax and be out at the same time."
"Haven't your recent trips out to the library lately been enjoyable?" Beast Boy asked her. "Cuz—you are the one who's usually more interested in looking at books than seeing movies."
"I—haven't really been able to feel relaxed at the library all that much lately," Raven told him. He stopped, looking at her particularly.
"Why—was there something that's happened lately while you're at the library that's got you more tense there than usual?" Beast Boy asked her. She stood there under his watchful eye, remaining silent for several long moments.
"Well—I've been a little more tense there since I spotted Terra there that one time," Raven told him. "I guess…I keep thinking I'll end up running into her again every time I go there. It wasn't like I was expecting to see her there the time I actually did. And with how you've been lately—" She let it hang.
"Rae—are you worried about me?" Beast Boy exclaimed. She nodded in response.
"Yes, I am," Raven, said. "I have been since the day you lashed out that robber and almost killed him. I know you—and I know you don't normally get aggressive quite like that unless you're under deep pressure."
"Rae—I really appreciate that fact," Beast Boy replied. "Hearing that from you helps me feel a little less miserable at the very least."
Raven didn't respond; instead she just smiled.
"Up to doing something else—or do you just want to call it a day and head back to the tower?" Beast Boy asked her.
""If we did something else while we're out—what would you be interested in doing?" Raven said.
"I don't know—just go get some pizza?" Beast Boy suggested.
"I think I could be up to doing that," Raven told him.
"Okay—let's go get a pizza before the place gets too crowded with people then," Beast Boy suggested.
As the two started to make their way out of the theatre, Raven caught something out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head only slightly so it wouldn't be noticeable that she was trying to look at something in particular to Beast Boy.
Raven realized what had caught her eye in the first place; she had to prevent herself from outwardly reacting and alerting Beast Boy all the while to what she saw.
On the other side of the busy street, blending in with the busy crowd—stood the girl Raven had identified as Terra at the library earlier on, observing the two of them from where she stood. She was very sure that the girl was very aware of who the two of them were.
What Raven didn't understand was—why was she even watching them in the first place?
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The two of them returned to the tower fairly late; Raven and Beast Boy had made a stop by the shore to eat instead of staying at the overly crowded parlor. After they were finished, they just stayed by the shore side, just enjoying the peace and quiet—and the opportunity to lodge more stones into the depths.
When Raven finally got settled into her room, she had almost forgotten about the issues she'd had over the past couple of days. She was actually glad the changeling had shown up when he did; she needed that kind of break to set her mind at ease.
She regrettably knew she'd have to walk right back into that same old tension the following day when she would have to go attend classes yet again. But she wasn't going to let that ruin her night. Instead, she just got herself prepared for bed, and then peacefully fell asleep.