Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans
The Road to Freedom
Cyborg and Robin entered the common room, carrying bags of groceries in their hands. They set down the bags at the kitchen counter and sorted through the various items. Robin nodded a greeting at Beast Boy, who was hanging upside down from the ceiling, looking bored out of his mind. Beast Boy waved, returning the greeting.
The two of them had finally managed to fix their friendship. Robin had given Beast Boy a heart-felt apology and promised he would never, ever send Beast Boy, or anyone else for that matter, to a Mental Institute ever again. Although Beast Boy had said it didn't matter, Robin felt relieved that he got this out of his conscience. Later, Robin taught Beast Boy some basic stretches to loosen his muscles. Beast Boy had felt even better from that exercise and from meditating. He now made it his priority to do some meditating and stretching everyday.
Robin walked over to the girls on the couch, where Starfire was explaining to Raven how the Tamaranean foot fungus could affect other parts of the body.
"Raven, Starfire, I need you to help me sort out some case files." Robin said.
Raven immediately shot up, relief clear on her face as she was freed from the imprisonment of listening to the revolting stories of foot fungus. Starfire looked disappointed that she didn't get to finish her explanation on foot fungus, but followed her teammates out of the room.
Cyborg watched as Robin led Raven and Starfire out of the common room. Thanks Rob. Robin has been more cooperative since he sorted things out with Beast Boy. But then again, maybe he just wants to have more time with Starfire.
"Yo, BB! Get down from there and help me prepare lunch!" Cyborg called, looking up at Beast Boy.
"Ugh, fine. It's not like I have anything better to do." Beast Boy mumbled, flipping in the air and landing on the floor in a crouch. He straightened up and joined Cyborg at the kitchen counter. "So, what are we having for lunch?"
"For once, we are going to have a healthy and nutritious meal. With all the junk we eat, I'm surprised none of us fell sick yet." Cyborg said.
Beast Boy looked surprised. "Really? I never took you for a dude to eat healthy food."
Cyborg shrugged and took out a chopping board. "Okay, so we need some chicken, minced pork, onion, lettuce, garlic and some Tamaranean spices." Cyborg took out each ingredient as he said them.
"What about my tofu?! And how can you eat chicken?! Do you know how many times I turned into a chicken and saved your life?!" Beast Boy shouted.
Cyborg waved his hand in dismissal. "You can turn into something else. And you shouldn't eat so much tofu. Now, what else do we need? Oh, yeah, can't use sunflower oil because Starfire is allergic to them for some reason, so palm oil will have to do."
Beast Boy was dumbfounded by Cyborg's behavior. If this was any other day, Cyborg would yell back at him that tofu is nasty and that eating meat is so much better. He tried again. "Hey, I'm not helping until you add tofu and take out that nasty meat out of that dish!"
Cyborg shot Beast Boy an incredulous look. "Are you kidding? Tofu would ruin the taste of the dish. And chicken is the main ingredient of this dish, I can't take it out. You can cook the tofu in a separate dish if you want, but it'd be better if you didn't."
Beast Boy had never felt more confused in his life. What's going on? Is this some sort of prank? "Tofu goes well with anything! It can even fix that nasty dish you are going to make!"
Cyborg sighed. "You know, BB, you don't have to eat tofu all the time. You're too short and skinny. While I do agree that tofu is healthy, it can't provide you with the nutrients other foods will give you. You should try to eat meat. I mean, have you ever tried it before, man? How do you know that it is bad if you never tried it?"
Beast Boy was once again at a loss for words. Here, he was presented with a chance to change, to prove that he was capable of more than just Beast Boy. He wanted to take that chance, as this was an opportunity that could only be given once in a lifetime. However, another part of him was afraid to change, afraid to lose the identity of Beast Boy. He shouldn't even be contemplating this, he should have just given Cyborg an answer he would expect from him.
Cyborg was looking at him hopefully, awaiting his response.
"Cy, why would you think I would even try meat? I mean, if the stench is anything to go by, I'll bet it tastes nasty." Beast Boy said, turning away from Cyborg and ignoring his friend's crestfallen expression. "Besides, it's not like you've tried tofu. If you tried it, maybe, maybe I just might try to eat meat."
There. He said it. He would try. It wasn't much, but at least it was something. Maybe he could keep up the persona of Beast Boy, but change a few things. After all, being Beast Boy used to be enjoyable. Perhaps if he just let himself go, let his true personality and character show through Beast Boy it would be easier. He could try. No, he willtry. He will do it when the other Titans come down later. He just hoped they wouldn't ask too many questions.
Cyborg brightened up. "Sure! I'll try your stinky tofu and you try the nice and delicious chicken. Deal?"
"Deal." Beast Boy answered, shaking Cyborg's outstretched hand.
"Good. Now come on, BB, it's almost twelve. If we're going to have lunch on time, we'll have to start cooking now." Cyborg said, adding some of the ingredients in a bowl and mixing them. "Hey, BB! Can you pass me the salt?"
"Sure, dude!" Beast Boy replied, tossing the salt bottle to Cyborg.
Beast Boy felt at ease hanging out with Cyborg. Cyborg was so easygoing and fun to be around. And when they chat or argue about stuff, it helps him forget about his problems.
Half an hour later, all of the Titans were at the kitchen table ready for their meal.
"Okay guys, dig in!" Cyborg yelled cheerfully.
"Mmm…this tastes most delicious, Friend Cyborg!" Starfire exclaimed after taking a bite.
There were murmurs of assent from Robin and Raven.
"So, BB, what do you think? Does it taste good?" Cyborg asked.
"I dunno. Does the tofu taste good?" Beast Boy shot back, cutting a piece of tofu and putting it on Cyborg's plate.
"Okay, okay, man! I'll try this white stuff." Cyborg poked the tofu cautiously and wrinkled his nose when it wriggled. Relax, Cy. It's just jelly. Just got to stomach this disgusting white jelly. It's for Beast Boy. It's all for Beast Boy. Ugh, if I don't die from this 'thing', I will thank and praise every meat I see or smell for existing for the rest of my life. Cyborg forked the tofu into his mouth and chewed it quickly before swallowing. "Hey…you know what? It's actually not that bad! It's just a bit bland. I think if you add some fried onion, coriander and some sauce, it would actually taste nice!"
Beast Boy stared at Cyborg in shock. Did he just….?
"Okay, BB, your turn!" Cyborg said, looking quite triumphant that he managed to overcome the not-quite monstrosity of tofu.
Beast Boy looked at his plate. The piece of chicken meat sat there innocently, giving off an alluring smell. It was so tempting. He had been resisting the urge to just gulp it down ever since the dish was laid on the table. This is it. But will he do it?
It was so long since the last time he ate meat. When he joined the Doom Patrol, Mento forced him to be a vegan as he had the idea that Beast Boy's more animalistic side might surface if he continued to eat meat. Beast Boy still had no idea why he continued to be a vegan when he joined the Titans. He knew that eating meat didn't affect his powers or anything because he had been eating meat and whatever stuff he could find in the years before he joined the Doom Patrol.
Beast Boy took a small bite of the chicken and the flavors immediately exploded in his mouth. He savored the taste of the meat, rolling his tongue behind his teeth.
Beast Boy looked up. Cyborg was staring at him expectantly, looking hopeful and worried at the same time. "Well?"
Beast Boy took his time answering. "It's…good."
"Alright, man! See? I told you meat was good!" Cyborg exclaimed.
"It's okay. Uh, tofu is still better than meat though!" Beast Boy said quickly.
"Yeah, who knew your nasty tofu wasn't so nasty? I think you must have added something to the tofu to make it smell bad."
"Whatever, dude." Beast Boy said, rolling his eyes and continued eating. He never thought he would ever eat meat again. Hmm…maybe he should have put up more of a fight when Cyborg tried to convince him to eat meat. Oh, darn! He forgot to mention that eating a chicken was like basically eating himself. Stupid mistake! But that is not the main problem. No, the problem is Cyborg. He was acting rather fishy.
Actually, now that he thought about it, all the Titans were acting fishy. First Raven offered to teach him how to meditate, and they actually held a decent conversation without arguing. Then Robin apologized, really apologized to him, and taught him some stretches. Now Cyborg doesn't react to tofu and even eats it! Starfire has always been nice to him, but she was now nicer to him than normal. This is very good and all, but he now have a very big question: What on earth is going on?! Beast Boy had no idea what game they were playing, but he'd go along with it. It's a nice change, but he's still weirded out.
After lunch, the Titans lazed on the couch and chatted about normal teenage stuff. Beast Boy felt warm and comfortable after the meal. He did not pretend at all during the conversation. He spoke his mind and asserted himself when necessary. He did not do the typical Beast Boy thing and crack lame jokes or make lousy puns. He felt free. He felt as if he had rid himself of a great burden. It was a great feeling.
Maybe taking off the mask was easier than he thought. And his teammates, his friends, his family were helping him do that, though they were unaware of that fact. Someday, Beast Boy won't need the mask anymore. He would be strong and confident enough to stand on his own two feet and face the world without hiding who he truly is. Someday…
