Orpus owns none of these characters, which you already knew.

Chapter Six: And He Is Noticed



Sitting bored on the couch, Beastboy feels like a fool for revealing his most closely guarded secret to Cyborg. Of course he is Beastboy's closest friend, but he has learned not to trust Cyborg with Extremely sensitive information.

So, B, what are ya gonna do? asked Cyborg as he dealt a crushing blow to the couch by flopping down on it. I don't mean about cleaning... ah, you know what I mean. Robin and Star are still doing laundry...

Flashing to the laundry room, Robin and Starfire are gazing deeply into each other's eyes; this happens to be one of those rare occasions at which he takes off his stupid little mask.





What are we to do now?

Well, I'm not sure... I guess we'll think about it for a while, he answered, and awkwardly continued folding laundry.

Seeing how nervous Robin was to become involved with someone in this fashion, Starfire simply smiled and nodded, then returned to sorting the dirty laundry into piles.

Returning to the common romm: ... by the way B, what was Starfire yelling at you for just a while ago?

Huh? Oh! That... said Beastboy, as if coming out of deep thought. That's because I tossed my skiffies at her, and she was all like, Beastboy! Do not fling your ferocious pantaloons of underneath at my person! I have no desire to reek of your butt!' he answered, mocking Starfire with his eyes crossed and hands in the air.

After a long fit of laughter, Cyborg finally regained his composure. Well, what're you gonna do about Raven?

Come on, dude! It's none of your business!

Aww, widdy-biddy Beasty-boy is gwowin' up! Cyborg said in a frighteningly squeaky voice as he reached out and pinched Beastboy's cheeks. Seriously, man. You've got to think bigger if you want her to be impressed.

Slapping Cyborg's hands away from his swollen cheeks, Beastboy asked, Bigger? Like what?

I dunno... get her a diamond-encrusted cape from the seventh level of hell? he asked sarcastically.

Jeez, quit being such a bitch, dude! cried an angered Beastboy. Can't you tell I'm serious about this!?

Sorry, B! I'm just trying to lighten the mood!

Well, don't, said Beastboy, as he once again slipped into deep thought. Maybe... maybe if I make her... tea? No, no, no! That's stupid!' he thought. I can make her... cupcakes? No! That's stupider! Oh, man, what CAN I do? She'll never notice me!'

B, where ya going?

I'm going to my room. To think.

Later that day, all were assembled in the common room, save for Beastboy, who was digging himself into a pit of gloom as he consistently critisized himself too harshly on how to grab Raven's attention.

Where is Beastboy? asked Starfire. I hope I did not scold him too harshly earlier...

Nah, B's used to that sort of thing, replied Cyborg.

It's... quiet, said Raven as she pondered where Beastboy could possibly be, favoring that topic over the countless possible things he would believe to be more pressing than teasing the living heck out of his teammates.

Well, we've got nothing else to do now, and since the big plan's creator is off somewhere else doing god-knows-what, stated Robin, I guess we should just do our own thing.

Oh! I would like very much to prepare dinner for everyone! shouted Starfire. Seeing what could only be described as PUDDING!' in her eyes, Robin quickly suggested an alternate plan:

How about Macaroni?

OHH YEAH! MACARONI TIME!!! Cyborg was apparently too enthusiastic about this plan, but both Robin and Starfire also had a soft spot for the cheesy noodles (though nowhere near the size of Cyborg's).

As soon as the food was ready, Cyborg began to plow through his serving like a rabid wombat.

Cyborg, isn't Beastboy going to join us? Starfire asked worriedly. Does he not like the noodles of cheese?

Taking a moment to swallow, Cyborg answered, He's fine, he just wanted some time to think.

Judging by the amount of water missing from his sponge, concluded Robin, he's been off thinking for about five and a half hours. I'm no doctor, but he's got to be caving in on himself by now.

How do you figure that? asked Raven, as she decided to finally join the conversation.

You've all seen him. He's skinny as hell, and by the looks of the kitchen, he probably didn't have lunch either.

Well, what must we do about this? asked Starfire. Shall I take some food to him?

said Cyborg, as he came up with a plan. You've done enough today...

Then what are we to do? He is our friend, and we simply can not allow him to starve!

Having finally formed his plan, Cyborg prepared to begin his genius' operation.

she asked, looking up from her plate.

Take some food to Beastboy. You've not done much today, so I think it should be you.

she said, taking a dish of the holy substance down the hall to Beastboy's room. Knocking on the door, she waited for him to answer.

demanded a quiet voice from inside.

Um, food? answered Raven, and was then startled by the door instantly opening. Beastboy was a wreck, eyes red from either crying slightly or staring into space a little too often; his hair was messy, as was his fur, but he just stared at Raven with eyes that seemed to be looking upon a sacred idol.
Beastboy said nothing, but without moving his gaze, he accepted the food. Raven thought she saw small tears forming at the corners of his eyes, and quickly walked away, trying to come up with any possible reason Beastboy could have for falling into such a depression.

End of chapter six