Jade frowned at herself in the mirror of her guest bedroom. This was truly the most hideous dress in the world – yellow floral pattern with spaghetti straps. The dress went down to her knees and she had a matching flower clip in her hair.
A soft knock came to her door followed by a chuckle. "What is that?"
Jade glanced into the mirror to see Beast Boy's reflection standing in her doorway. "It's a dress."
"It doesn't suit you," Beast Boy said. "It just doesn't seem like something you'd wear."
"I know," Jade replied. "It's probably the ugliest dress ever made."
"Why are you wearing it?" Beast Boy asked.
"I wanted to look a little fancier than usual," Jade replied. She watched Beast Boy raise a suspicious eyebrow.
Beast Boy took the hairclip out of her hair. "I don't know who you're trying to impress, but whoever he is, he has to like you for who you are. And – honestly – if he likes that dress, he has terrible taste and I would avoid him at all costs. And possibly pay for him to get mental help. No offense to the dress."
Jade laughed. "It is a disgusting dress."
"Be yourself," Beast Boy told her. "Trying to be everyone else gets so boring."
"I just … I want him to like me," Jade admitted.
Beast Boy frowned. "That's his problem. There are so many people in the world, one person's opinion really shouldn't mean too much to you."
"It's complicated," Jade replied.
"Everything's complicated. Smile, and change that dress, and then there is nothing not to like," Beast Boy said. He patted her doorway as a form of goodbye.
Jade changed into a black shirt and black pants. It was semi-formal but still casual. She packed the clothes up into her bag and put on her soccer uniform. Melvin was already waiting for her downstairs with the team.
"Jade, I honestly don't like this sneaking," Melvin said.
"I'm sorry, I won't make a habit out of it," Jade replied. "Thank you so much though, you're the best."
/\\\/\\\/\\\
"Are you ready for this, sir?" Wintergreen asked.
"Of course," Slade replied. "I can't wait to meet my daughter."
"She is a very sweet girl," Wintergreen said. "I strongly advise against hurting her. She is innocent."
"Hurting her?" Slade casually sipped a glass of wine. "I just want to connect with my daughter. Maybe I won't screw this one up, I hear the third time is a charm."
"Don't get her involved with forgotten wars," Wintergreen warned.
/\\\/\\\/\\\
Jade and Melvin repeated the same steps from the day before, running down to the bakery where Jade changed in the bathroom. "I'll be back soon," Jade promised, heading across the street. Her hands were shaking as she reached for the doorbell.
Wintergreen pulled open the door, a warm and welcoming smile as she showed her into the already familiar living room.
"Jade,' Slade said. His voice was soft, caring. He held out a hand to Jade, which she took, and he led her to sit down. "I don't understand though, your mother and I were only together eight years ago. Are you sure? You do have my smile though, I can see that."
Jade explained her story, growing up on Azarath. Slade listened, nodding occasionally. When she finished, he replied, "So your mother is technically in her thirties now?"
Jade shook her head. "No, she's only twenty four. She wasn't on Azarath most of the time."
"She wasn't with you?" Slade said in shock.
"It's no big deal," Jade said. "I mean, she was busy."
"Right – busy hiding you from me," Slade pushed bitterness into his voice. "I apologize, I just don't understand why she couldn't have told me about you herself."
The two talked until Jade's soccer practice was coming near an end. Slade made several other bitter remarks about Raven and Jade had to agree with him on most. Her lack of honesty and secrets were the highlights of their conversations. When Jade left Slade kissed the top of her forehead lovingly, inviting her to come back whenever she wanted.
A/N
Probably my least favorite of the chapters but it had to be done.
