Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans, but it's a nice show anyway.
Review Responses:
Christina: Glad you liked the story! Starfire seems like she'd be fun to hang around with, but I can't imagine her being serious about much of anything for long. Plus, that would make this a BB/Star fic, and ew. Anyway, glad you liked it.
Change-Of-Heart2: Thanks! In the comic books, Raven can't turn that ability off, and she is constantly aware of everyone's mental and physical state around her. What an awful ability. In the show, it hasn't mentioned it yet. Not sure what powers the show gives her, but it's a good fanfic plot device anyway.
The Big Fisch: Well, I dunno how good this story will be yet, but I am glad that it's started off well. Glad you look forward to future chapters.
Psyduck054: Glad you enjoyed it. I'll be updating soon.
spAybaraSimonslit: I think Raven is a nice person at heart, she just puts up a cold front. Glad you liked it.
Cradle-Robber Speedo-kun: Terra is a strange character in the show. She doesn't have as much of a iconic personality as the rest of the Titans, so it's hard to write her. Glad you like the fic though.
Happy-Raven: Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad that I can keep them in character, it takes a lot of time sometimes to get it right. Beastboy needs to be sad about Terra, he'd be a real jerk if he just forgot about her right away. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.
Slayergirl1362: Glad you like the fic. Yep, her empathic powers make things more interesting, and give her even more reason to like Beastboy as a friend, and perhaps as more. I usually post at least one chapter a day, though from time to time I slip up a day.
Regrem Erutaerc: Telekinesis and Telepathy are two very different powers, and I'm aware of that. In the comic books, Raven has telepathy, and she almost never fights, due to her extremely pacifist upbringing. My fics use a weird amalgam of comic book and animated show lore, so Raven often ends up with a lot of abilities. She doesn't use telepathy a lot in this fic, so don't worry about it too much. Glad you're enjoying it though, and thanks for the luck.
.................................................................
An Empath's Burden
.................................................................
Raven woke early the next morning. She had slept well after the talk with Beastboy, and she felt well rested for the upcoming day. Group training was not something that she looked forward to. Robin enjoyed making sure that the team worked together as one unit, so he designed elaborate training course routines that focused on the team working to save each member that was in danger, while still fighting an offensive battle. It was tiring, and Raven knew for a fact that only Robin enjoyed it.
She got out of bed, showered, and brushed her hair, getting ready for the day. Everything was still normal, despite the weird change of talking to Beastboy in the middle of the night. Raven's mind instinctively reached outward, her concern for Beastboy causing her to search for him, to find out how he was feeling. He was in the hallway between the common room and her room, nervous about something. She was happy that at least he wasn't still grieving. She released his mind, then returned to her own mind, as she dressed herself for the day.
She had just finished putting on her black leather costume when a knock came at the door. Leaving her cloak on the bed, she walked over and pressed the switch to open it. Beastboy once again greeted her eyes, looking less nervous than last night, but still not exactly his confident self. "Thought you might be up. Want to come out and get some breakfast before everyone else gets up?"
Raven's face remained deadpan. "I'm surprised you are awake so early, Beastboy. Still couldn't sleep?"
Beastboy shook his head. "I just woke up early, don't know why. Anyway, breakfast? We only have twenty minutes before Cyborg wakes up and starts cooking meat for everyone."
Raven nodded, walking out into the hallway and following Beastboy. She didn't normally eat tofu, but if joining him would help stay happy for a while, she didn't mind. Besides, she rarely got the chance to eat breakfast without constant arguing in the kitchen.
"So, what's up with you not wearing a cape today?" Beastboy looked back over his shoulder at Raven as they walked towards the common room.
She looked down at herself, clad only in her black leather leotard, she'd left her cloak in her room. "It was an accident. I'll put it on before training."
Beastboy looked at her, still walking. "I wasn't complaining. You really have a nice figure without that cloak covering you up."
Raven rolled her eyes. "Beastboy, you shouldn't be looking at my figure."
Beastboy grinned. "Hey, I was just noticing! I wasn't hitting on you or--" Beastboy's voice stopped as he walked into the door to the common room. Raven caught him as he fell down from surprise.
"I meant that you should watch where you are walking." Raven's voice was calm and even, but Beastboy could detect a hint of amusement in it.
Beastboy stood up again, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Heh. Yeah, sorry. Anyway," he said, pressing the switch to open the door, "what do you want for breakfast?"
"Whatever you cook will be fine. Do you want tea?" Raven walked with Beastboy across the room to the small kitchen area in the corner. Beastboy began getting out tofu chunks and a frying pan, preparing to make tofu eggs. Raven took out a single-serving tea bag, already anticipating his answer.
"No thanks, that stuff is way to bitter for me. Do we have any orange juice?" Beastboy mashed up the tofu, trying to make it look more like eggs than gelatinous blocks of soy. Raven looked in the fridge.
"It seems we're out of almost everything. Someone will need to go shopping for food today. It's either water or tea to drink, Beastboy."
Beastboy shrugged. "Then I'll take tea, I guess. Better than nothing." The tofu sizzled in the quickly heating frying pan, smelling like frying soy. Raven tried her best to keep some type of appetite. She began preparing the tea for the two of them.
It didn't take long for the eggs and tea to be ready, and the two teenagers sat oppisite eachother at the table, food and drinks in front of them. Raven tried her best to stomach the unflavored tofu, and Beastboy downed the eggs nearly immediately, then struggled with the tea.
After the breakfast had been sufficiently picked through, the two teens sat across from one another silently, sipping tea to make themselves feel less awkward. A few more minutes passed, without anything being said. Raven felt strange, sitting here with this boy she'd known for years now, but still feeling like anything she said would be the wrong thing. Why was she so nervous?
Beastboy leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, and balancing a fork upright on his nose. Raven raised an eyebrow. He was such an odd person. She watched as he intently moved his head back and forth, keeping the fork pointed at the ceiling. She felt that he was trying to look casual, though inwardly he was as bothered by the weird situation as she was. The door to the room suddenly hissed open, and Beastboy lost his balance, falling backwards out of his leaning chair. Raven waved her hand lightly, encasing the fork in a black aura, and placing it back on the table, saving Beastboy from a possible puncture wound.
Cyborg stepped into the room, yawning slightly. "Hey guys. Y'all just woke up early this mornin'?" Cyborg shuffled his way across the room, towards the kitchen, obviously half asleep.
Beastboy got up, stunned from the fall, but still glad to see his friend. "Yeah, better eat up! Robin's got us training today, remember?"
Cyborg nodded, pulling some rather old-looking bacon out of the fridge. "Man, looks like someone needs to go shopping today. Who's turn is it?"
Raven cut in, her voice laced with irritation. "It's my turn. Think of a list, I'll get whatever we need."
Cyborg grinned. "Yeah, sure, Rae. You can take the T-Car if it'll help."
Raven nodded absentmindedly. She was still focused on the training today. She wondered when Robin would show up, trying to get the team ready for the long simulated battles that always accompanied this sort of training. She didn't really benefit from this sort of thing, a day of meditation and looking inward serviced her powers much more than frenzied combat training.
The bacon started sizzling in the pork fat, filling the room with an intoxicating smell of meat. Raven, accustomed to bacon in the mornings, found the smell delectable, especially with Cyborg's own blend of spices thrown in. Beastboy, however, politely excused himself to go shower. Raven watched him as he left the room, remembering the long, awkward silence they had shared. She sensed an aura of suspicion behind her.
"So, what's up with you and B? He never wakes up this early." Cyborg grinned at her mischeivously, as the bacon popped and sizzled.
"Nothing. He simply woke up early today." Raven looked at Cyborg with her normal, dispassionate face.
"Nothing." Cyborg imitated Raven's deadpan voice. "If it's nothing, then why were you staring like that when he left?"
Raven stood, gathering her plates as well as Beastboy's. She took them to the sink, scowling slightly. "There is nothing new between us. I simply helped him get over Terra's death, by talking to him about it. He was grieving, and I dislike seeing anyone depressed."
Cyborg nodded, still grinning. "Well, good luck to you, Raven." Cyborg took his over-crisp bacon to the table, laughing as he went. Raven tried to ignore the gentle ribbing, and walked past the table to the exit.
"I will be in my room. Send someone to come get me when the training is supposed to begin." She left, saying nothing more. Cyborg was irritating her this morning. She didn't stare at Beastboy, she was watching to see if he was still sad. Nothing was strange between them. Why would anything be strange? Consoling someone shouldn't change a friendship.
.................................................................
Raven was reading leisurely when the knock came at her door. She had been expecting it, so she'd postponed her meditation for today. She stood, laying the book down on the bed, and walked over to the door. Her cloak was on now, and she felt much more comfortable with her entire costume on. The door opened, revealing Beastboy yet again.
"Hey Raven. Just came to tell you that-"
"-training has begun." Raven finished his sentence, stepping through the doorway and past Beastboy.
"uh.. Actually yes, but we're exempt." Beastboy laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "I told Robin that we needed groceries, and he sent me to tell you to just do that rather than train."
Raven looked at him dispassionately. "That doesn't explain your exemption."
He sighed. "I spent too much time alone, got to thinking about Terra again. Robin actually noticed that I wasn't in the best of moods, and told me to take as much time as I needed to move on, that he would just train with Star and Cyborg."
Raven nodded. She did sense that behind his facade of cheerfulness, he was still saddened. Time alone was bad for people trying to forget their pain. She started walking towards the elevator. "Do you want to come with me?"
Beastboy turned, then hurried to catch up with her. "To go shopping? Why? You don't need the help."
Raven didn't turn towards him. Her voice was as monotone and even as ever. "It would help keep your mind off of her."
Beastboy nodded. "Oh yeah, we made up this list of things to buy." He dug around in his pocket for a moment, then handed her a fairly long list of items. She scanned it quickly, it looked like the normal things that everyone wanted.
The elevator doors slid open noiselessly, and they both stepped inside. Raven pressed the button for the garage floor, and the tunnel leading to the city streets. Being on an island presents it's own problems for car owners. She walked over to the T-car, grabbing the keys off the rack on the wall as she went. Beastboy made a lunge for the keys, though she noticed and kept them out of reach.
"Hey, c'mon Raven, I never get to drive!"
Raven sighed, still holding on to the keys. "The last time you drove, you scraped against a guardrail on the highway for two hundred feet. Cyborg spent a week replacing side panels and fixing doors."
Beastboy pouted, then walked to the passenger door. Raven got into the driver's seat and started the car.
.................................................................
Raven sighed as she entered the grocery store. She hated the flourescent lighting, the soft, shallow music playing in the background, and the crowds of gawking civilians. Beastboy didn't seem to mind, however, as he walked on through the doors, whistling to himself. She followed, trying to avoid the stares of the populace.
"So what's first on the list, Raven?" Beastboy looked idly through the produce, selecting a few tomatoes that looked about right. Raven pulled out the list as Beastboy bagged the tomatoes.
"The first is... tofu." Raven's voice showed a bit of irritation, since Beastboy obviously knew what was first.
"Oh, that's a few aisles away. Any more produce?" Beastboy sniffed at a potato that looked a little off, then put it down with a look of distaste.
Raven sighed. "Lettuce, onions, carrots, potatoes, the usual." Raven looked up with irritation. "Looks like one of your fans is coming."
A little boy of maybe eight years came over to Beastboy, with stars in his eyes and nervousness in his steps. Raven tried to find some vegetables while Beastboy spoke to the child. She'd never been good with children, they tended to fear her if they knew about her, and she tended to fear them if they didn't.
"Wow! It's really you! You're Beastboy from the Titans!" The little kid was clutching a small pad of paper, and smiling brightly.
Beastboy grinned, kneeling . "Yep! The one and only! What's up?" Raven looked at Beastboy with envy. She had always felt bad about her inability to deal with children, but it seemed to come so easily to Beastboy.
The kid's eyes were as wide as his smile. "You're my favorite! Mom said to ask you for an autograph, so here!" He handed the small notepad to Beastboy, who grinned and flipped it open. The child handed him a pen as well, and Beastboy signed the paper with a flourish.
Raven looked at Beastboy changed into a dog, running around the store for a moment with the small child, and she smiled. It seemed that playing with the boy had made Beastboy forget his sorrows for a while. The boy's mother was awkwardly patting Beastboy's head, obviously unsure of how to treat a green dog that was also a human. The little boy had already handed his mom the notebook, and was simply grinning as Beastboy changed back into a human, talking and laughing with his mother.
Raven selected a few vegetables and fruits, including a few mangoes for Starfire. Starfire had recently fallen in love with tropical fruit, and had been preparing it as often as possible. She looked up when she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Beastboy.
"Sorry about that, he wanted an autograph and for me to meet his mom." Beastboy grinned at the empath. She nodded, her face once again expressionless.
"You are very good with children. I'm impressed." She turned, walking towards the dairy section. She didn't know why she was complimenting Beastboy, but she just needed something to talk about. She still wasn't used to being alone with him.
He looked at her strangely. "I am? I just talk to them like anyone else."
Raven nodded, face still deadpan. "I can't deal with kids. They tend to shy away from me anyway."
Beastboy grinned. "It's 'cause you're scary. Take off the cloak and smile more, kids like that stuff."
Raven put a gallon of milk and a few pounds of cheese into the cart, then kept moving down the aisle, looking for more items from the list. Beastboy followed along, as they shopped in relative silence.
.................................................................
Beastboy pushed the cart into the cart return, after they'd finished loading all the groceries into the trunk and back seats of the T-Car. Raven once again took the driver's seat, and Beastboy got back to the car a few moments later, getting in on the passenger's seat. Raven started the car, and began driving back towards the Tower.
Beastboy sighed, looking out the window as they passed a closed street, with a large boulder sitting in the middle of it. Raven felt the change in emotional atmosphere, and sighed as well. "You're thinking about her again."
Beastboy looked at Raven. "Yeah, there's just too many things around the city to remind me. Still, it's easier now that I have someone to talk to."
Raven stared forward, her face still expressionless. Inwardly, however, she felt warm. Hearing that she was making it easier on him made her feel happy inside, though she didn't allow herself to feel it much before suppressing it came almost instinctually.
"I'm glad I could help." Raven was terse, but not hostile.
"What do you think of her? I mean, I know you hated her when we first found out she was working with Slade, but what about now, after what she did?" Beastboy was staring at the ceiling of the T-Car, seemingly worried about Raven's response.
Raven was also worried about her response. She didn't want to be cruel, but she honestly still hated Terra. There was no room in Raven's heart for traitors, and Terra's last-minute conversion hadn't moved her towards friendship. Raven suddenly realized that she had hesitated too long.
"I don't hate her, but I could never trust her again, Beastboy. She not only betrayed us, but she then betrayed Slade. There is no loyalty to her at all." Raven tried to stare forward, afraid that she had offended Beastboy. She didn't know why she suddenly needed his approval, but for some reason she actually feared that he'd be angry. She didn't sense any anger from him, however. She glanced over at him, and he was simply staring out the window again.
"Yeah. I guess I know what you mean. I'm not sure what I think about her. I'm..." Beastboy's voice faltered.
"I'm not even sure I loved her."
Raven smiled, despite the seriousness of the situation. He'd finally realized that she wasn't anything but a crush. She fought the smile, finally regaining her normal monotone and deadpan face. "She was a crush, though she was your first crush. You'll find someone else to love eventually."
Beastboy looked at her incredulously. "She was not my first crush, just the first one to notice. Did you honestly not know that I had a crush before her?"
Raven looked at him briefly, then back to the road as she entered the tunnel to Titan's Tower. "No. Who else would you have a crush on? Starfire?"
Beastboy laughed. He looked back at Raven, smiling. "Geez, for an empath you sure are out of it. Don't worry about it, Raven, the crush wouldn't have worked out. She didn't like me much."
Raven sighed, still not sure of what he meant, but not going to probe for it. They were back at the garage anyway. They got out of the car, and Raven levitated the entire bunch of groceries, concentrating hard as she moved them into the elevator. She and Beastboy squeezed into the elevator as well, and it began it's long trip to the top of the tower.
They were silent as the elevator rose, Beastboy was still grinning, probably about whoever his previous crush was, and Raven was still irritated by his playfulness. For some reason, learning that he had a previous crush made his grieving over Terra seem less legitimate, and it annoyed Raven.
The elevator stopped, and they were greeted by the sweaty but smiling faces of their friends, all sitting in the common room resting from the apparently exhaustive training. Raven moved the groceries to the kitchen area, then spoke out with an irritated voice. "Beastboy and I bought them, so the three of you should put them away. I'll be in my room."
The Titans grinned at their irritable teammate, happy that she was still the same Raven, despite Terra's betrayal. Robin, Cyborg, and Starfire began to put the groceries in the proper places, their previous exhaustion forgotten. Beastboy followed Raven out of the common room and down the hallway.
"Raven, wait up a second! Don't storm off all mad." Beastboy's voice made Raven stop, her anger fading despite herself. She waited for him to catch up, then continued walking, waiting for him to say what he wanted to say.
"C'mon, I was just joking around in the car, you don't have to be all mad at me." Beastboy sounded almost hurt. As much as Raven wanted to keep up her cold front, she couldn't take his voice sounding like that.
"I'm not mad. It just seemed like you were focusing on Terra so much because you hadn't been attracted to a girl before her. You don't talk to anyone besides Starfire and I." Raven stood at her door, not entering until Beastboy was finished talking to her. The green boy stood in front of her, grinning, but still looking nervous.
"Try to guess then. It was a superhero, I'll give you that." Beastboy was still grinning.
Raven thought back, to the last meeting with Justice League. Wondergirl had been there, as had Arrowette. Both were blonde, which would explain Beastboy's immediate crush on Terra, but he had hardly spoken to them. Raven shrugged. "I don't know. Wondergirl?"
Beastboy made a face. "What? I hardly even spoke to her. I know what you're thinking. It wasn't Cissie either."
Raven rolled her eyes. "Starfire? I don't know, Beastboy."
"I'll give you one last hint. It was a Titan, and it wasn't Starfire."
Raven's eyes widened. He couldn't mean....
Beastboy smiled at her, though he radiated nervousness. Raven stammered, unsure of what to say.
.................................................................
A/N: Woo, I left the chapter ending at an awkward moment. Beastboy had one of those moments when you have a sudden burst of confidence that leaves you feeling stupid afterwards. I like to put superheroes in common situations, like a trip to the supermarket. Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter. See you tomorrow!
Review Responses:
Christina: Glad you liked the story! Starfire seems like she'd be fun to hang around with, but I can't imagine her being serious about much of anything for long. Plus, that would make this a BB/Star fic, and ew. Anyway, glad you liked it.
Change-Of-Heart2: Thanks! In the comic books, Raven can't turn that ability off, and she is constantly aware of everyone's mental and physical state around her. What an awful ability. In the show, it hasn't mentioned it yet. Not sure what powers the show gives her, but it's a good fanfic plot device anyway.
The Big Fisch: Well, I dunno how good this story will be yet, but I am glad that it's started off well. Glad you look forward to future chapters.
Psyduck054: Glad you enjoyed it. I'll be updating soon.
spAybaraSimonslit: I think Raven is a nice person at heart, she just puts up a cold front. Glad you liked it.
Cradle-Robber Speedo-kun: Terra is a strange character in the show. She doesn't have as much of a iconic personality as the rest of the Titans, so it's hard to write her. Glad you like the fic though.
Happy-Raven: Thanks for the compliment! I'm glad that I can keep them in character, it takes a lot of time sometimes to get it right. Beastboy needs to be sad about Terra, he'd be a real jerk if he just forgot about her right away. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.
Slayergirl1362: Glad you like the fic. Yep, her empathic powers make things more interesting, and give her even more reason to like Beastboy as a friend, and perhaps as more. I usually post at least one chapter a day, though from time to time I slip up a day.
Regrem Erutaerc: Telekinesis and Telepathy are two very different powers, and I'm aware of that. In the comic books, Raven has telepathy, and she almost never fights, due to her extremely pacifist upbringing. My fics use a weird amalgam of comic book and animated show lore, so Raven often ends up with a lot of abilities. She doesn't use telepathy a lot in this fic, so don't worry about it too much. Glad you're enjoying it though, and thanks for the luck.
.................................................................
An Empath's Burden
.................................................................
Raven woke early the next morning. She had slept well after the talk with Beastboy, and she felt well rested for the upcoming day. Group training was not something that she looked forward to. Robin enjoyed making sure that the team worked together as one unit, so he designed elaborate training course routines that focused on the team working to save each member that was in danger, while still fighting an offensive battle. It was tiring, and Raven knew for a fact that only Robin enjoyed it.
She got out of bed, showered, and brushed her hair, getting ready for the day. Everything was still normal, despite the weird change of talking to Beastboy in the middle of the night. Raven's mind instinctively reached outward, her concern for Beastboy causing her to search for him, to find out how he was feeling. He was in the hallway between the common room and her room, nervous about something. She was happy that at least he wasn't still grieving. She released his mind, then returned to her own mind, as she dressed herself for the day.
She had just finished putting on her black leather costume when a knock came at the door. Leaving her cloak on the bed, she walked over and pressed the switch to open it. Beastboy once again greeted her eyes, looking less nervous than last night, but still not exactly his confident self. "Thought you might be up. Want to come out and get some breakfast before everyone else gets up?"
Raven's face remained deadpan. "I'm surprised you are awake so early, Beastboy. Still couldn't sleep?"
Beastboy shook his head. "I just woke up early, don't know why. Anyway, breakfast? We only have twenty minutes before Cyborg wakes up and starts cooking meat for everyone."
Raven nodded, walking out into the hallway and following Beastboy. She didn't normally eat tofu, but if joining him would help stay happy for a while, she didn't mind. Besides, she rarely got the chance to eat breakfast without constant arguing in the kitchen.
"So, what's up with you not wearing a cape today?" Beastboy looked back over his shoulder at Raven as they walked towards the common room.
She looked down at herself, clad only in her black leather leotard, she'd left her cloak in her room. "It was an accident. I'll put it on before training."
Beastboy looked at her, still walking. "I wasn't complaining. You really have a nice figure without that cloak covering you up."
Raven rolled her eyes. "Beastboy, you shouldn't be looking at my figure."
Beastboy grinned. "Hey, I was just noticing! I wasn't hitting on you or--" Beastboy's voice stopped as he walked into the door to the common room. Raven caught him as he fell down from surprise.
"I meant that you should watch where you are walking." Raven's voice was calm and even, but Beastboy could detect a hint of amusement in it.
Beastboy stood up again, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Heh. Yeah, sorry. Anyway," he said, pressing the switch to open the door, "what do you want for breakfast?"
"Whatever you cook will be fine. Do you want tea?" Raven walked with Beastboy across the room to the small kitchen area in the corner. Beastboy began getting out tofu chunks and a frying pan, preparing to make tofu eggs. Raven took out a single-serving tea bag, already anticipating his answer.
"No thanks, that stuff is way to bitter for me. Do we have any orange juice?" Beastboy mashed up the tofu, trying to make it look more like eggs than gelatinous blocks of soy. Raven looked in the fridge.
"It seems we're out of almost everything. Someone will need to go shopping for food today. It's either water or tea to drink, Beastboy."
Beastboy shrugged. "Then I'll take tea, I guess. Better than nothing." The tofu sizzled in the quickly heating frying pan, smelling like frying soy. Raven tried her best to keep some type of appetite. She began preparing the tea for the two of them.
It didn't take long for the eggs and tea to be ready, and the two teenagers sat oppisite eachother at the table, food and drinks in front of them. Raven tried her best to stomach the unflavored tofu, and Beastboy downed the eggs nearly immediately, then struggled with the tea.
After the breakfast had been sufficiently picked through, the two teens sat across from one another silently, sipping tea to make themselves feel less awkward. A few more minutes passed, without anything being said. Raven felt strange, sitting here with this boy she'd known for years now, but still feeling like anything she said would be the wrong thing. Why was she so nervous?
Beastboy leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, and balancing a fork upright on his nose. Raven raised an eyebrow. He was such an odd person. She watched as he intently moved his head back and forth, keeping the fork pointed at the ceiling. She felt that he was trying to look casual, though inwardly he was as bothered by the weird situation as she was. The door to the room suddenly hissed open, and Beastboy lost his balance, falling backwards out of his leaning chair. Raven waved her hand lightly, encasing the fork in a black aura, and placing it back on the table, saving Beastboy from a possible puncture wound.
Cyborg stepped into the room, yawning slightly. "Hey guys. Y'all just woke up early this mornin'?" Cyborg shuffled his way across the room, towards the kitchen, obviously half asleep.
Beastboy got up, stunned from the fall, but still glad to see his friend. "Yeah, better eat up! Robin's got us training today, remember?"
Cyborg nodded, pulling some rather old-looking bacon out of the fridge. "Man, looks like someone needs to go shopping today. Who's turn is it?"
Raven cut in, her voice laced with irritation. "It's my turn. Think of a list, I'll get whatever we need."
Cyborg grinned. "Yeah, sure, Rae. You can take the T-Car if it'll help."
Raven nodded absentmindedly. She was still focused on the training today. She wondered when Robin would show up, trying to get the team ready for the long simulated battles that always accompanied this sort of training. She didn't really benefit from this sort of thing, a day of meditation and looking inward serviced her powers much more than frenzied combat training.
The bacon started sizzling in the pork fat, filling the room with an intoxicating smell of meat. Raven, accustomed to bacon in the mornings, found the smell delectable, especially with Cyborg's own blend of spices thrown in. Beastboy, however, politely excused himself to go shower. Raven watched him as he left the room, remembering the long, awkward silence they had shared. She sensed an aura of suspicion behind her.
"So, what's up with you and B? He never wakes up this early." Cyborg grinned at her mischeivously, as the bacon popped and sizzled.
"Nothing. He simply woke up early today." Raven looked at Cyborg with her normal, dispassionate face.
"Nothing." Cyborg imitated Raven's deadpan voice. "If it's nothing, then why were you staring like that when he left?"
Raven stood, gathering her plates as well as Beastboy's. She took them to the sink, scowling slightly. "There is nothing new between us. I simply helped him get over Terra's death, by talking to him about it. He was grieving, and I dislike seeing anyone depressed."
Cyborg nodded, still grinning. "Well, good luck to you, Raven." Cyborg took his over-crisp bacon to the table, laughing as he went. Raven tried to ignore the gentle ribbing, and walked past the table to the exit.
"I will be in my room. Send someone to come get me when the training is supposed to begin." She left, saying nothing more. Cyborg was irritating her this morning. She didn't stare at Beastboy, she was watching to see if he was still sad. Nothing was strange between them. Why would anything be strange? Consoling someone shouldn't change a friendship.
.................................................................
Raven was reading leisurely when the knock came at her door. She had been expecting it, so she'd postponed her meditation for today. She stood, laying the book down on the bed, and walked over to the door. Her cloak was on now, and she felt much more comfortable with her entire costume on. The door opened, revealing Beastboy yet again.
"Hey Raven. Just came to tell you that-"
"-training has begun." Raven finished his sentence, stepping through the doorway and past Beastboy.
"uh.. Actually yes, but we're exempt." Beastboy laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "I told Robin that we needed groceries, and he sent me to tell you to just do that rather than train."
Raven looked at him dispassionately. "That doesn't explain your exemption."
He sighed. "I spent too much time alone, got to thinking about Terra again. Robin actually noticed that I wasn't in the best of moods, and told me to take as much time as I needed to move on, that he would just train with Star and Cyborg."
Raven nodded. She did sense that behind his facade of cheerfulness, he was still saddened. Time alone was bad for people trying to forget their pain. She started walking towards the elevator. "Do you want to come with me?"
Beastboy turned, then hurried to catch up with her. "To go shopping? Why? You don't need the help."
Raven didn't turn towards him. Her voice was as monotone and even as ever. "It would help keep your mind off of her."
Beastboy nodded. "Oh yeah, we made up this list of things to buy." He dug around in his pocket for a moment, then handed her a fairly long list of items. She scanned it quickly, it looked like the normal things that everyone wanted.
The elevator doors slid open noiselessly, and they both stepped inside. Raven pressed the button for the garage floor, and the tunnel leading to the city streets. Being on an island presents it's own problems for car owners. She walked over to the T-car, grabbing the keys off the rack on the wall as she went. Beastboy made a lunge for the keys, though she noticed and kept them out of reach.
"Hey, c'mon Raven, I never get to drive!"
Raven sighed, still holding on to the keys. "The last time you drove, you scraped against a guardrail on the highway for two hundred feet. Cyborg spent a week replacing side panels and fixing doors."
Beastboy pouted, then walked to the passenger door. Raven got into the driver's seat and started the car.
.................................................................
Raven sighed as she entered the grocery store. She hated the flourescent lighting, the soft, shallow music playing in the background, and the crowds of gawking civilians. Beastboy didn't seem to mind, however, as he walked on through the doors, whistling to himself. She followed, trying to avoid the stares of the populace.
"So what's first on the list, Raven?" Beastboy looked idly through the produce, selecting a few tomatoes that looked about right. Raven pulled out the list as Beastboy bagged the tomatoes.
"The first is... tofu." Raven's voice showed a bit of irritation, since Beastboy obviously knew what was first.
"Oh, that's a few aisles away. Any more produce?" Beastboy sniffed at a potato that looked a little off, then put it down with a look of distaste.
Raven sighed. "Lettuce, onions, carrots, potatoes, the usual." Raven looked up with irritation. "Looks like one of your fans is coming."
A little boy of maybe eight years came over to Beastboy, with stars in his eyes and nervousness in his steps. Raven tried to find some vegetables while Beastboy spoke to the child. She'd never been good with children, they tended to fear her if they knew about her, and she tended to fear them if they didn't.
"Wow! It's really you! You're Beastboy from the Titans!" The little kid was clutching a small pad of paper, and smiling brightly.
Beastboy grinned, kneeling . "Yep! The one and only! What's up?" Raven looked at Beastboy with envy. She had always felt bad about her inability to deal with children, but it seemed to come so easily to Beastboy.
The kid's eyes were as wide as his smile. "You're my favorite! Mom said to ask you for an autograph, so here!" He handed the small notepad to Beastboy, who grinned and flipped it open. The child handed him a pen as well, and Beastboy signed the paper with a flourish.
Raven looked at Beastboy changed into a dog, running around the store for a moment with the small child, and she smiled. It seemed that playing with the boy had made Beastboy forget his sorrows for a while. The boy's mother was awkwardly patting Beastboy's head, obviously unsure of how to treat a green dog that was also a human. The little boy had already handed his mom the notebook, and was simply grinning as Beastboy changed back into a human, talking and laughing with his mother.
Raven selected a few vegetables and fruits, including a few mangoes for Starfire. Starfire had recently fallen in love with tropical fruit, and had been preparing it as often as possible. She looked up when she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Beastboy.
"Sorry about that, he wanted an autograph and for me to meet his mom." Beastboy grinned at the empath. She nodded, her face once again expressionless.
"You are very good with children. I'm impressed." She turned, walking towards the dairy section. She didn't know why she was complimenting Beastboy, but she just needed something to talk about. She still wasn't used to being alone with him.
He looked at her strangely. "I am? I just talk to them like anyone else."
Raven nodded, face still deadpan. "I can't deal with kids. They tend to shy away from me anyway."
Beastboy grinned. "It's 'cause you're scary. Take off the cloak and smile more, kids like that stuff."
Raven put a gallon of milk and a few pounds of cheese into the cart, then kept moving down the aisle, looking for more items from the list. Beastboy followed along, as they shopped in relative silence.
.................................................................
Beastboy pushed the cart into the cart return, after they'd finished loading all the groceries into the trunk and back seats of the T-Car. Raven once again took the driver's seat, and Beastboy got back to the car a few moments later, getting in on the passenger's seat. Raven started the car, and began driving back towards the Tower.
Beastboy sighed, looking out the window as they passed a closed street, with a large boulder sitting in the middle of it. Raven felt the change in emotional atmosphere, and sighed as well. "You're thinking about her again."
Beastboy looked at Raven. "Yeah, there's just too many things around the city to remind me. Still, it's easier now that I have someone to talk to."
Raven stared forward, her face still expressionless. Inwardly, however, she felt warm. Hearing that she was making it easier on him made her feel happy inside, though she didn't allow herself to feel it much before suppressing it came almost instinctually.
"I'm glad I could help." Raven was terse, but not hostile.
"What do you think of her? I mean, I know you hated her when we first found out she was working with Slade, but what about now, after what she did?" Beastboy was staring at the ceiling of the T-Car, seemingly worried about Raven's response.
Raven was also worried about her response. She didn't want to be cruel, but she honestly still hated Terra. There was no room in Raven's heart for traitors, and Terra's last-minute conversion hadn't moved her towards friendship. Raven suddenly realized that she had hesitated too long.
"I don't hate her, but I could never trust her again, Beastboy. She not only betrayed us, but she then betrayed Slade. There is no loyalty to her at all." Raven tried to stare forward, afraid that she had offended Beastboy. She didn't know why she suddenly needed his approval, but for some reason she actually feared that he'd be angry. She didn't sense any anger from him, however. She glanced over at him, and he was simply staring out the window again.
"Yeah. I guess I know what you mean. I'm not sure what I think about her. I'm..." Beastboy's voice faltered.
"I'm not even sure I loved her."
Raven smiled, despite the seriousness of the situation. He'd finally realized that she wasn't anything but a crush. She fought the smile, finally regaining her normal monotone and deadpan face. "She was a crush, though she was your first crush. You'll find someone else to love eventually."
Beastboy looked at her incredulously. "She was not my first crush, just the first one to notice. Did you honestly not know that I had a crush before her?"
Raven looked at him briefly, then back to the road as she entered the tunnel to Titan's Tower. "No. Who else would you have a crush on? Starfire?"
Beastboy laughed. He looked back at Raven, smiling. "Geez, for an empath you sure are out of it. Don't worry about it, Raven, the crush wouldn't have worked out. She didn't like me much."
Raven sighed, still not sure of what he meant, but not going to probe for it. They were back at the garage anyway. They got out of the car, and Raven levitated the entire bunch of groceries, concentrating hard as she moved them into the elevator. She and Beastboy squeezed into the elevator as well, and it began it's long trip to the top of the tower.
They were silent as the elevator rose, Beastboy was still grinning, probably about whoever his previous crush was, and Raven was still irritated by his playfulness. For some reason, learning that he had a previous crush made his grieving over Terra seem less legitimate, and it annoyed Raven.
The elevator stopped, and they were greeted by the sweaty but smiling faces of their friends, all sitting in the common room resting from the apparently exhaustive training. Raven moved the groceries to the kitchen area, then spoke out with an irritated voice. "Beastboy and I bought them, so the three of you should put them away. I'll be in my room."
The Titans grinned at their irritable teammate, happy that she was still the same Raven, despite Terra's betrayal. Robin, Cyborg, and Starfire began to put the groceries in the proper places, their previous exhaustion forgotten. Beastboy followed Raven out of the common room and down the hallway.
"Raven, wait up a second! Don't storm off all mad." Beastboy's voice made Raven stop, her anger fading despite herself. She waited for him to catch up, then continued walking, waiting for him to say what he wanted to say.
"C'mon, I was just joking around in the car, you don't have to be all mad at me." Beastboy sounded almost hurt. As much as Raven wanted to keep up her cold front, she couldn't take his voice sounding like that.
"I'm not mad. It just seemed like you were focusing on Terra so much because you hadn't been attracted to a girl before her. You don't talk to anyone besides Starfire and I." Raven stood at her door, not entering until Beastboy was finished talking to her. The green boy stood in front of her, grinning, but still looking nervous.
"Try to guess then. It was a superhero, I'll give you that." Beastboy was still grinning.
Raven thought back, to the last meeting with Justice League. Wondergirl had been there, as had Arrowette. Both were blonde, which would explain Beastboy's immediate crush on Terra, but he had hardly spoken to them. Raven shrugged. "I don't know. Wondergirl?"
Beastboy made a face. "What? I hardly even spoke to her. I know what you're thinking. It wasn't Cissie either."
Raven rolled her eyes. "Starfire? I don't know, Beastboy."
"I'll give you one last hint. It was a Titan, and it wasn't Starfire."
Raven's eyes widened. He couldn't mean....
Beastboy smiled at her, though he radiated nervousness. Raven stammered, unsure of what to say.
.................................................................
A/N: Woo, I left the chapter ending at an awkward moment. Beastboy had one of those moments when you have a sudden burst of confidence that leaves you feeling stupid afterwards. I like to put superheroes in common situations, like a trip to the supermarket. Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter. See you tomorrow!