Ch 18

A few days later Raven's mating season had finally ended. She was relieved to finally feel like herself again. A calm came over her as she walked into the kitchen, made her tea, and saw a tall stack of waffles waiting for just the way she liked it with blueberries, strawberries, and whip cream. She smiled as she sat down and eagerly dug into her breakfast.

"Thanks Cyborg," said Raven after she sipped her tea.

"No problem little lady," he smiled.

"So, where's Robin and Starfire?" she asked.

"Hello friends!" said Starfire as she came in the room with Silkie. She watched as Cyborg placed her pancakes and mustard bottle before her. "Oh most thanks Cyborg."

"No problem. Anyway Starfire do you happen to know where your boyfriend's at?" asked Cy.

Before she could answer, Robin came into the room with a big yellow envelope in his hands. He joined his team at the table. He sighed. "I guess Beast boy's not up yet," he said.

"Nope, and I'm guessing the Justice League has made their decision about BB," said Cy.

"Yeah, I haven't opened it yet. I thought we could do this together, but Beast boy's not—

"I'm here," he said as he took his seat at the table next to Raven, who's arm found its' way to his shoulder.

"Beast boy I just want you to know that whatever is said in these documents that you're a great member of this team. I hope we have many more years together fighting crime. Anyway I want to say that I didn't react the best way I could have about your past. I think I'm starting to understand why you've done things you've done in your life."

"Thanks Rob," he smiled.

"I am also the sorry. It's just hard to wrap my head around, but I accept you no matter what. We all have pasts. We all do what we must. Your are a great friend and teammate, and I hope that will continue as well."

"Thanks Star," he smiled.

"You have some big balls B I can tell you that. I hope you'll be there, so I can bust them. You're my best friend man, my brother. I love you man," he said as he hugged BB.

"Love you to buddy."

"You're a hero. No matter what it says on those pages. I love you Garfield," she said as she squeezed his hand as he leaned in and kissed her cheek, causing her to blush as Starfire's mustard went splattering everywhere. "Uh I'll clean that up," said BB, wiping the counter.

Robin opened the envelope and took the documents out, and he smiled, feeling everyone of his teammate's eyes on him. "Looks like you're still a member of this team Beast boy," said Robin as the other Titans cheered.

"Oh this is the most happiest news!" exclaimed Starfire excitedly.

"Looks like my brother's staying!"

BB sighed in relief. "I—I can't believe it. I thought for sure—

"Something you said must have convinced them," said Raven as she smiled.

"There are some conditions Beast boy," said Robin as he read further. "You're getting a second chance here. If you kill again, you will be kicked off this team for good. If you promise not to do it again, you sign at the bottom of this document and send it back to the headquarter's address."

"Ok," said BB as Robin handed him the forms. BB read them over carefully and signed the bottom of the last page. Putting them back in the envelope, he handed it back to Robin, who got up from his seat.

"I'll get these out right away," said Robin.

"Oh I wish to go with you Robin!" Starfire said excitedly as she floated by his side.

"Sure," he smiled as the couple left the room.

"Man can they be more obvious," said Cy, "but in all seriousness I'm glad you're staying B."

"Me to."

"I have to tell the good news to Karen. She's been eagerly waiting by her communicator."

"Sure dude any excuse to talk to your girlfriend," BB smiled. "Tell her I said hi."

"Will do green bean!" he said as he left the room.

Getting up from the table, he made his way to the couch with Raven by his side. Sitting down, he smiled as Raven lied her head on his shoulder.

"Looks like I'm still a Titan. I really dodged a bullet this time Rae."

"You're afraid you won't be able to keep your promise."

"A part of me is an animal, will always be an animal. That instinct to kill doesn't just disappear because I signed a form. Everyday's a battle, and I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure I never kill again as long as I'm on the team."

"You're strong Garfield. I know you can do it, and I'm here for you to as well as our friends," she said as he kissed her forehead.

Before they could have any kind of romantic moment, BB's communicator rang. "Huh? I wonder who—?"

"Beast boy I'm very disappointed in you."

"Hey Mento I guess you heard."

"From the Justice League no less. I thought you would have the decency to—

"I don't need a lecture from you."

"Apparently you do Beast boy. Has my training taught you nothing?"

"You can train me until my body gives out, but I'm still an animal. I know what I did and now I'm accepting the consequences, and I'm going to work harder to control myself. I promise nothing like this well happen again."

"Maybe you can accept the consequences but are you ready to face them? There are people who will look at you differently now. They'll wonder if they can trust you to protect your city."

"I know Mento. I'm going to prove myself to them."

"I hope so Beast boy for all our sakes," he said as he hung up.

"He's charming."

BB laughed. "Eh I'm use to his behavior by now. He'll grow on you."

"I doubt that. I don't like the way he treats you."

"Well he's stuck in his ways. It's not like anything he says hurts me anymore. I know who I am."

They smiled at each other and before they could lean into kiss, Cyborg's voice filled the room. "Well I'm going to grocery store. We're celebrating!"

"I'm not sure Robin will he happy with—

"Yeah yeah I know Raven but it's not everyday you almost lose a team member. I'll deal with Rob later and don't worry BB I'll get what you like. Today's an exception."

"Thanks Cy, you're the best man."

"Yeah I know. See you two lovebirds later," he said as he made his way to the garage.

"Robin's going to kill him."

"Yep and it will be so fun to watch," he smiled.

"Only you would think so," she smiled as she held his head in her hands and kissed him.

Beast boy had enjoyed a celebration feast with his friends and girlfriend and was now getting ready for bed in his room. He laughed thinking about how Robin and Starfire had come into the kitchen to see the table filled with all sorts of expensive food. Robin's face had been priceless, and he knew Cyborg would have a lecture from their team leader in the morning.

They had watched a bunch of horror movies after the feast on the couch. During the scary parts, he turned into a cat and curled up against Raven's side. He smiled just thinking about how her soft and delicate hands moved through his fur. It sent warm tingles throughout his body. He just wanted to stay in that moment forever but when the movies were over, they left the room, they had kissed goodnight and went to their separate rooms. It just didn't sit well with him, but he knew if Robin had discovered they had slept in each other's rooms, they would get a lecture on how in appropriate it was.

Climbing onto his adult sized bunk bed, he sighed, looking at the ceiling. He had gotten so use to being with her in bed. It just felt empty without her. He had noticed changes since Raven's mating season was over. She wouldn't come to his room anymore, and she never asked for him to come to hers. The affection was limited because her powers were back at full force again.

He was happy she wasn't struggling anymore with her urges, but he missed the closeness. He missed holding her while she slept, kissing her, and being intimate with her. More than anything he missed her smell, which still lingered in his room from her self pleasuring episodes.

He groaned. "Great how am I suppose to get any sleep."

He knew tomorrow evening would be important for his buddy Cyborg. He had announced at the feast that he and Karen were going to have dinner at his family's home in Jump City, and Karen had insisted that his friends come as well. Naturally Starfire was most excited about going, which made Robin happy. He was excited to. He liked meeting new people, but he knew Raven was less than thrilled but agreed to go because it was so important to Cyborg.

Sleep was not coming so easily for the young changeling, but he tried as he closed his eyes. Every few minutes he would change positions, causing him to become frustrated. His thoughts were plaguing him and all he wanted was some sleep. He knew he would have to tire himself out before sleep was even a consideration.

Inside the gym he ran the treadmill, lifted weights, and did a series of cardio exercises. Looking around the room, he knew he was alone as he practiced karate moves Mento had taught him throughout his time on the Doom Patrol. He had never told any of his teammates about this because it brought back memories that were painful. He thought about how Mento's tough love had gone too far a couple of times, ending him up in a hospital bed. He had said that was how his father had taught him how to fight.

Sweaty and tired BB removed his shirt and wiped off the sweat on his face. He was finally tired and smiled as he hit the showers in the gym. While he was in the shower, he had a feeling he was being watched. Pulling back the curtain, he saw no one but he smelled the scent. It had been Raven, but he wondered why she was hiding from him. He knew he would have to confront her at some point but now wasn't the time.

Fresh and fully dressed he slid under the covers and sighed. Finally he could sleep.