Beast Boy had arrived on the roof at the tallest building in the city. He had flown around for an hour or so before deciding to cool down for a moment and relax. He was leaning up against the railing around the edge of the building, looking over the bright lights of the night time city life. His mind was going back to the press conference and he couldn't help but think at how foolish it was to have hoped that he would be left alone during the damn thing.

He knew that people had noticed his change and demeanor after the fight. Most of them just chalked it up to him finally maturing and recognizing that when you're a hero, you can't act like a petulant child all the time. Other people, and probably the smarter ones, theorized that something had happened and that he was starting to get fed up with being looked at as the goofball and the weak link. While both sides held some truth, he and a very small group knew the real reason behind the change.

He was brought out of his thoughts by a certain smell. Vanilla and lavender. The corner of his mouth twitched up slightly in a brief smile before he schooled his features back to the look that now seemed to adorn his face constantly. He heard her soft footsteps approach him and out of the corner of his eye, saw her lean against the railing. She didn't look to him yet, as she too was watching the city life at night. After a decent amount of time passed by in just silence between the two, she finally spoke.

"I must say, that press conference seemed to go south pretty quickly."

He smirked at her comment and dipped his head to hide it. She looked over and could briefly see it, smiling to herself in amusement.

"I can't blame you though. That reporter seemed to have it coming."

He finally picked his head up, keeping his gaze focused on the street below.

"I never liked reporters. They always seem to try to twist your words to fit their motives."

She kept her eyes on him, looking over his face to see if there were any signs to give away any turmoil that was going on inside him.

"But this one, he just seemed to stick his head into places where it shouldn't be. I can take a lot, I've had to for years. But this guy should thank his lucky stars we're not allowed to harm anyone besides criminals."

His face changed into a slight glare. Whether it be distaste for said reporter, or if he was just in his thoughts she wasn't sure. As attractive as it might make him, she much rather prefer the warm look in his eyes and the kind smile that had adorned his face when they had first met.

Changing the topic, she cleared her throat and decided to ask a question.

"Any idea when you'll be leaving."

He shrugged is shoulders in a casual way before reaching a hand up to fiddle with a chain that was hanging around his neck.

"Soon."

She titled her head, as if expecting him to elaborate. When he didn't she decided to push a little further.

"How soon?"

Keeping his gaze locked on the city, he gave her his answer.

"One more screw up from them, and I'll be out of here."

She nodded, although not sure who he was talking about. Curiosity got the better of her, so she asked to get better clarification on just who exactly was "them".

"Your team, or the media?"

He finally looked towards her. While his face held a look of nonchalance, his eyes seemed to light up at taking in her beautiful sight.

"Both."

She nodded her head and reached a hand out to play with the diamond that was currently in his right ear lobe. After fiddling with it for some time, she moved her hand over to his face, cupping his jaw and running her thumb against his smooth skin.

They held an intimate gaze with each other for a while, before she leaned in to give him a kiss. He met her lips and for a brief moment, it had relaxed him. He removed his hand from his necklace and placed it around her back to pull her closer to him. Once they realized they needed air, they reluctantly broke apart. Taking a look at his face, she was delighted to see what she had wanted to. A small smile now greeted her, along with a relaxed and contented look on his face. She smiled at him and leaned her head onto his chest. She was surprised that him being so lean, he also felt like granite. He ran a hand over her back and she sighed in contentment. Resting his chin on the top of her head, he closed his eyes for a brief second, enjoying the moment.

The silence carried on for a few seconds before he picked his head up and took a look down at her and asked her a question.

"How's it going with putting together a team?"

She picked her head up off his chest and gave him a playful smile.

"Why don't you meet them for yourself?"

She reached her wrist up and pressed a button on her wrist. The button glowed for a brief second before flashing, indicating that some sort of message had been received. She turned her head away from him and stepped aside as a portal opened up, with 7 people stepping out.

Beast Boy had recognized the first person that had stepped out. Even after years of not seeing him, he would recognize that mask anywhere. The two locked gazes, and for once, they weren't about to be launching themselves at each other in a fierce and brutal battle. Slade addressed him first.

"I see you've taken a liking to my daughter Beast Boy."

He gave a nod, glancing at her before speaking to Slade.

"She is beautiful. Never knew someone like yourself could produce something like her."

Slade tilted his head and looked at him curiously before speaking again.

"What exactly does that mean?"

It had no malice behind it. It was asked like he genuinely wanted to know what he had meant by it.

"She's sweet, where you're more along the lines of a hardass."

This brought a hearty chuckle out of Slade. Before, if he heard Slade laughing, he would've thought there was some evil plan that was up his sleeve or someone was about to be in a world of pain. Oddly enough, it wasn't all that distressing hearing it from him now.

"Well I'm sure she has told you that I've decided to quit being the bad guy. Still a hardass, but I've gotten better at being calmer about it."

Beast Boy smirked before speaking in a playful tone.

"I'll believe it when I see it."

Although he was wearing mask, he could tell Slade wore a similar expression as he was. Slade turned to the figures behind him and spoke again.

"These are the other six that will be on our team. It's bigger than yours, but we'll be in charge of keeping the entire Middle East and Africa safe. They're are more coming, but you'll be part of the main team."

Beast Boy nodded and walked over to the group. He took a look around and noticed two more faces he had seen before.

"Jaime? Cassandra?"

The two mentioned nodded. Jaime gave him a smile and a wave, while Cassandra just gave him a tentative smile.

"How did you two get talked into joining?"

Jaime spoke first.

"I left my team after our leader had gone on to join the League. We were all in disarray and before the situation got worse, I left. Slade found me when I went back to El Paso and offered me a spot. I accepted it obviously and now we're hear."

Beast Boy nodded at him before giving him a handshake and pulling him into a brief, but manly, mind you, hug. Once he pulled away he gave Jaime a smile.

"It's good to see you man. Sorry to hear about all of that."

Jaime shook his head and gave him a smile.

"It's no problem. Joining him actually has been quite nice. Wait til you finally come to our headquarters, the place is massive."

Beast Boy smiled at him and nodded, before turning his gaze to the girl formerly known as Batgirl.

"What happened between you and Bats?"

The shy girl dipped her head slightly in a manner that reflected pain before picking it up and speaking.

"Batman became cold. He spent more time at tower than helping me. When I asked for him to help train, he would say he got bigger things to do. Slade found me and offered to help me out. After thinking, I accepted and he took me to where we are located now."

Beast Boy had noticed her English had improved a lot. Still broken, it was easier to understand what she was saying. He nodded at her and felt a bit of pity. Deciding to lighten the mood, he decided to make a joke for the first time in a very long time.

"Sounds like Batman rubbed off on Robin. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?"

He gave her a small smile and allowed it to grow slightly when he noticed her face begin to light up. She smiled and nodded her head.

"They both can be assholes."

Beast Boy threw his head back and laughed. He was not expecting that to come out of her and it took him by surprise, be it a good one. He gave her a hug as well, telling her it was good to see her as well. He then looked over at the other four who he had never met before. There were two guys and two girls.

The girls although shorter, held a look that read calm, but could definitely kill you if you pushed the wrong button. Both looked of some sort of Asian decent, Filipino perhaps, and of something else. He took a step over to one that looked to be the older of the two and stuck out his hand.

"Beast Boy, or you can call me Gar."

She stuck out her hand and shook it before speaking.

"Angel, Rachel if you prefer."

He gave her a look, confused at how a girl that looked so dangerous could be named after something so heavenly and peaceful.

"Not to be rude, but with that name, I would be expecting someone to look differently than what you do."

She smirked at him and raised an eyebrow. She had expected it to be fair so she decided to inform him of her powers.

"I'm a healer and a telepath. I can also use my powers to use objects and cast spells. But mostly, they're used to shoot lasers and put up shields."

He gave her an "ah" and nodded his head. It felt good to know if one of them does get hurt, they'd be in good hands at least. Unless it was her who got hurt.

"That's interesting, I'm sure you know my powers so I won't bore you with that story. Nice to meet you though, you seem to be nicer than you look."

She gave him a smile and a nod before speaking.

"I can be, but don't get too comfortable. I can still make you disappear without any trace."

He smiled and went to move on.

"I'll keep that in mind."

He turned to the next girl. This one was younger and even shorter than the other one. She wore a smile and he felt himself relax. Unlike Angel, this one didn't seem to be as dangerous.

"Hello, who might you be?"

He stuck out his hand for her to shake and she did so, giving him her name.

"Shae, better known as Element."

He gave another confused look at her, as he did the other girl.

"What do you do?"

She gave a smirk and answered.

"I can control all four of the elements. Water, fire, earth, and wind."

Understanding then dawned on him.

"Ahh, I guess the name makes sense now."

She smiled and gave him a nod.

"Smart one aren't we?"

He chuckled before speaking.

"I have my moments. Far and few between, but I can surprise ya."

With a polite ending to the conversation, he moved on to the last two. The guy standing in front of him looked like the only one who was from where they'd be centered at. He was tanned and had a long flowing head of hair. He looked tough and held a gaze that seemed friendly. Beast Boy stuck his hand out.

"What's up man?"

The guy stuck his hand out and shook it.

"What's your name?"

They ended their handshake and Beast Boy was given his answer.

"Shadow, you can call me Muhammad."

Beast Boy nodded.

"Quite a common name from that side of the world."

Muhammad smiled and gave him a joke.

"Makes it easier to remember."

He was met with an amused grin and returned it.

"What are your powers?"

"Similar to Angel's. Can't heal, but I have a better sense of stealth than she does."

Another nod from Beast Boy.

"So I guess when we start invading terrorist camps, you'll be our go to guy?"

This time Muhammad nodded and gave a smirk.

"We'd probably be tasked with that together. From what Slade told me, your quite the stealth master yourself."

Beast Boy turned to Slade.

"Why Slade, I didn't take you as a flatterer."

Slade shrugged and smirked behind his mask.

"My kids didn't come about without some."

Beast Boy laughed and turned back to Muhammad.

"Nice to meet you man. I'll be looking forward to being in the trenches with ya."

With a nod from Muhammad, Beast Boy moved on to the final member he had yet to meet. He was the tallest, standing at about 6'2 give or take, and had a dangerous demeanor. The man stood in a way that looked ready to attack at any moment if need be. Beast Boy however wasn't at all intimidated. If it were the old Beast Boy, he might have been. But the new one had changed and feared very little.

"Beast Boy."

He stuck out his hand and the unnamed hero shook it with a firmer grip than everyone else had.

"Ravager, or Grant Wilson."

Beast Boy's eyes widened a bit and looked at Rose, then Slade, then back to Grant. Once he put two and two together he sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Oh boy, here comes the talk."

Grant just chuckled at him and patted him on the shoulder.

"Just don't hurt her. You don't seem like the type that will so I won't give you any more warnings than that."

Beast Boy nodded before feigning to wipe sweat from his brow.

"That was better than expected. Thought I'd have to change my pants after this."

Rose walked up to Beast Boy and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Grant actually gave me the go ahead to come to you after talking things over with my dad. Once he was informed about you, he agreed that you should be given the invite to join. He might look intimidating, but he's got a good heart under all that front he puts up."

Beast Boy gave her a warm smile before nodding and turning back to Grant.

"Seems like it runs in the family. Nice to meet you Grant. And I promise you won't have to worry about anything involving me and your sister."

Grant nodded and smiled before turning to Slade.

"I like this guy. Seems to be a lot better than the other shmucks who'd try to hit on Rose."

Slade gave a nod.

"I figured you would. Only the best for my children."

He then turned to face the entire group.

"You all can head back to the base. I'll speak with Gar a bit and I'll be back."

With a collective nod, they turned to go back to where they came from. Muhammad opened a portal and stepped inside, followed by the rest of the group. Grant gave a pat to Gar's shoulder before leaving him and his sister to walk through the portal. Once they were all gone, the remaining three of the group began a discussion similar to what Beast Boy and Rose had earlier.

"Have you got a time frame for when you'll be leaving Gar?"

Beast Boy nodded his head and spoke to Slade.

"It'll be soon. As I told Rose earlier before, I'm just waiting on one more slip up from someone, whether it be the team or media, and I'll be ready to go."

Slade gave an understanding nod.

"I know it's tough to leave a place where you have grown up and been for a while. But I'm sure after the treatment you've been receiving, you're ready to move on to bigger and better things. Watching that press conference today showed that."

Beast Boy nodded and asked a question that he had been meaning to ask.

"How were you guys able to watch that exactly? It wasn't live and it probably won't be released until later tonight."

Slade turned to look at the boy before giving him his answer.

"Jaime."

He ahh'd and it dawned on him. Jaime was an excellent hacker. Slade probably had him hack into the cameras to watch everything that was going on. He knew he was right when he saw Slade give him a nod, as if to confirm his theory.

"I suspect it won't be long. When it does, inform Rose and we'll be there to help move you out."

With a nod from the boy, Slade turned to make his leave. He walked up to Beast Boy and stuck out his hand.

"I look forward to you joining us Gar. You'll be very valuable to have on the team. And I'm sure Rose would like it to not have to travel so far to come see you."

They gave each other a nod before Slade walked over to a portal that appeared out of nowhere and stepped through. Gar turned to Rose and spoke to her briefly.

"I need to head back to the tower. I don't really want to get locked out and have to sleep on the rocks."

She chuckled before nodding. She gave him a hug and a quick kiss before stepping away from him.

"I'll leave you to it. I'll be waiting for you, my love."

He smiled and winked at her, watching as she stepped through the portal and it disappearing. He stared briefly at where it had just been before sighing and morphing to make his way back to the tower. He had felt better after speaking to her and meeting everyone. It had even been nice to talk to Slade and not having to fight.

The team had seemed like a great group of people to be around. Sure it was only introductions, but they gave off an aura that he felt comfortable around. It had also helped that he knew two of the other members he'd be fighting with. His only concern now was waiting for the opportunity to present itself for him to leave. He knew he had to keep a close eye on it, while also hiding himself from any suspicion that the team might have. That part could be tough but he knew he could do it. After all, he was great at adapting to any situation that presented itself.

As he reached the tower, he morphed back as he landed on the roof. Silently thanking all higher powers above that he made it before the security program had locked the tower down, he made his way inside. Once in his room, he went to his bathroom to shower quickly before heading to bed. As he fell asleep, he reveled in the fact that he was now relaxed and calm. He thought of Rose and the awaiting opportunity that was there for him and couldn't help the smile that graced his face as he fell asleep.