~*~ I'm back! Hi!!! *waves furiously* Ok! So, I'm hyper and in the
*@ZONE@* (hehe) for writing, and now I must go go go!!!! Whoooooo!!!!! Wow,
I should NEVER have sugar........ok!!! Chapter 3 time!!!! I'm sooooo sorry
this took so ling, my life has been so hectic lately, I couldn't even go to
bed for 2 days straight cuz I was doing WORK!!! AHH!!! Ok, so I FINALLY got
out this chapter!!!! Yeah!! Ok, so here it is!! Yay!!! ~*~
+*+ On my life I try today, There's so much I felt I should say but, Even if your heart would listen, I doubt I could explain.+*+
- - -Jimmy Eat World - - -
Robin bobbed his head back and forth rhythmically as the music deluged into his ears. 2 headphones were fit snugly over his ears as the serenade of Good Charlotte rang out with power chords and impacting lyrics. Robin enjoyed listening to the punk band, and had a tiny spring in his step as he walked back to his room. Currently, he was humming along to track number 6, 'Girls and Boys' as he made his way back to his room, not paying much attention to his surroundings. That was, until he accidentally bumped into someone else. Robin opened his eyes to apologize, only to have them widen greatly. "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!" he screamed, and leapt backwards about 20 feet before drawing his bo staff and holding it outward to protect himself. The frightening figure raised a bushy eyebrow. "Dude, what's with you?" it asked. Robin stared at it quizzically, and his gaze began to shift rapidly back and forth between the back of his cd and the.......thing. "BEAST Boy?!" he asked finally, retracting his weapon and taking a step forward. The boy nodded, confused. "What's wrong, dude?" he questioned, taking a step in, but Robin reflexively took a step back. "Have you SEEN yourself lately?" Robin asked curtly.
Beast Boy's naturally green face was perfectly white; it had been covered with some type of foundation which gave him the appearance of being very pale. His dark eyes were encased in heavy layers of black eyeliner, and small streams of the stuff glided down his cheeks, stopping short around his upper lip and giving him the appearance that he had been crying. His lime, messy hair had been pulled away from his face in what seemed like dozens of hard gelled spikes defying the laws of gravity and standing straight up in every which way. Several silver piercings had cut through his pointy elfish ears as had one through his lower lip, and his fingers were embedded with oddly designed silver rings. He wore a simple NOFX t- shirt beneath an unzipped MADE sweatshirt. A pair of large, black cargo pants with an infinite number of pockets concealed his legs and even his feet. Robin could have sworn he bore a striking resemblance to a certain member of the band blasting in his ears. He slowly removed the headphones and stepped in, warily eyeing the shape shifter up and down.
When Beast Boy did not respond, Robin angrily held up his cd, exposing the picture of the members, including Beast Boy's look-alike, Benji Madden. Beast Boy snatched the case out of his hand and surveyed it, smiling. "What? I thought I did a pretty good job! I look just like Benji!" He gloated, beaming. Robin had regained his stature and sighed, stealing his music back. "But WHY are you dressed like him? You barely even LIKE Good Charlotte!" he cried, flailing his arms in the air. Beast Boy looked offended, but suddenly confident. "I took your advice." he said with a grin. "What advice was THAT?! When did I tell you to become a crazed punk- ass..............PUNK!!!!" he screamed louder then he had before, shaking the walls a bit with his voice. Beast Boy glared at him and drummed his heavily ringed fingers together, creating a faint clanging sound. "You said to impress Raven. Well, I did a little snooping, and my suspicions have confirmed that our little Princess of Darkness has a celebrity crush on Mr. Madden himself! So, I thought if I dressed like him, she'll like ME!" He beamed, and Robin face faulted as he delivered a hard slap to his own forehead.
"Beast Boy, you have to be SUBTLE!!!! SUB-TLE!!! As in slightly change, not a complete 180!!!" Beast Boy scratched the scalp between the elaborate spikes, and by this action Robin knew he had no idea what he was doing. He sighed lightly and shook his head. "Look, I'll make you a deal. You get that stuff off you, and I'LL help you find out what Raven wants." he offered, cringing again slightly at the appearance of his normally green friend. Beast Boy scoffed. "And what makes you so sure this isn't the greatest plan ever?" he skeptically questioned. Robin sighed, whirled Beast Boy around, and shoved him in the direction of the ambling Cyborg. "Yo, what up BB-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! WAHHHHH HAAA HAA HAA HAAAA HAAAA!!!!" with that last cry the robot fled the scene screaming with his arms flapping wildly behind him. Beast Boy blinked and turned back to his leader.
"You illustrate your point quite vividly. Benji Madden=cool, me dressed like him=scary beyond all reason." he said, gingerly wiping the black lines off his cheek with his palm. Robin nodded and gave him a good hearted push towards his room. "Meet me at Raven's room in 20 minutes." he said, casually pulling his headphones back over. Beast Boy froze, his teeth clenched in apprehensiveness. Slowly he gyrated back to Robin. "Her ROOM?! You mean, we go INSIDE?! Uh-uh, no way, not a chance Robin!" But Robin had strolled off in the opposite direction, happily humming along to his cd, and when he disappeared down the hall Beast Boy had no choice but to comply with his command.
Beast Boy, all make-up removed and dressed in his normal attire, nervously paced back and forth chewing on his thumbnail in fright. He had been waiting a full 6 seconds, which he thought seemed long enough, and inconspicuously tried to sneak away to his own quarters. The keyword, boys and girls, being TRIED, because the second his foot took one step away from the premises a green gloved hand snatched his shoulder and held him back. Beast Boy shuddered visibly and glanced over at the door. "Rob, do we REALLY have to do this? I mean, the last time I went snooping around Rae's room I ended up getting sucked into some alternate reality with WAY too much perky-ness and scary little birds. NOT cool!" he chided softly. Robin rolled his eyes and continued for the door. "Look, you wanna impress her or not? If yes, then you've gotta get down and dirty, find the hard stuff, get the skivvy our Little Miss Darkness." he said, reaching for the knob, but the shape shifter's arm lashed out and restrained him. "You sure you know what you're doing?" he questioned, anxiousness etched in his voice. Robin offered him a warm yet cocky smile. "Beast Boy, your talking with the former sidekick of the greatest detective this side of Gothem. I THINK I have a general idea."
With that, he ripped his wrist away and opened the door. The room was solemn, with an eerie silence hung warily far over the boys heads. Robin did not hesitate and entered the room, while Beast Boy lingered at the doorway, uneasily poking a head in. "I don't know about this, Rob....." he whined. Robin stealthily crept about the room, running his fingers over various objects to get a better understanding. "BB, ya want the girl, ya want the baggage. Now get out of the rain, step into the lobby, and carry her's up to her room!" Beast Boy stared at him for a moment, confused by his previous statement. Robin turned to him with a twisted mouth. "The analogy sounded good in my head, I thought I was being clever........" he paused for a second, before lashed his hand out and dragging a reluctant Beast Boy into the room, letting the door shut with a 'click' behind him. He then continued milling about the room, fumbling through drawers and plundering through elaborate chests. He did so with the most delicate ease and replaced everything exactly where he originally found it.
Beast Boy, meanwhile, stood huddled in the corner shuddering, his eyes darting rapidly back and forth. "I'm gonna die in here, and I never tasted grapefruit!!!" he wailed melodramatically. "Eh, you didn't miss much. Now papaya, THAT'S the money melon!" (A/N: RANDOM SIMPSONS QUOTE ALERT!!) Then Robin smirked victoriously as he slowly lifted a book from a shelf and casually pet it. "Bingo." he said simply. Beast Boy, suddenly brave for one reason or another, blundered over to Robin and peeked a head over his shoulder. "What is it?" he asked in awe. "It's a book, Beast Boy. You know, those things with the funny squiggles that form stuff? Maybe you've heard of them?" Robin asked with a slight smirk. Beast Boy glared. "WHICH book IS it?" he irately questioned, his patience running thin. Robin smiled again and tossed the book into the shape shifter's direction. He, however, had not been prepared, and the paperback smacked him hard in the head, dropping to the floor. Beast Boy yelped, but Robin leapt to his side and clamped a hand over his mouth. "SHHHH-HH!!! For all we know Raven could be right outside! Lord knows Star can only occupy her for so long." he harshly whispered, slowly pulling his hand away.
Beast Boy nodded and bent to pick up the item. On the front cover was a black and white picture of 2 men, perhaps from the 1930's era, with one drastically larger and stronger looking that the other. Above it was a neat scripture spiraling into 4 perfectly crafter words.
"Of Mice and Men."
Beast Boy read the title aloud, then lifted his head to view Robin with a raised eyebrow. "Soooo, what's this supposed to do for me?" He questioned, and the leader sighed and shook his head. "It's one of Raven's favorite books." he replied, but Beast Boy looked skeptical. "How do you know?" "Because it was slightly pulled away from the rest of the books, like it had just been put away. Plus, the covers are both bent back and creased, like it had been open a number of times to read again and again. Also note the extensive tearstains smudging the words on the pages towards the end." Beast Boy examined each of the things directed, then glanced back at Robin. He was GOOD.
"So how do you know she's not reading it now, IF this indeed such a good book?" the green lad asked, feeling he outwitted the master. Robin remained unfazed as he casually picked out another paperback. "Because, if she was, the pages would be folded down to mark the page. The corners are bent, but not folded down. Plus, the book on the 4th shelf 2nd from the left has a small, red mark." Beast Boy raised his eyebrows in shock. He was REALLY good. Mental note: Stay on Robin's good side.
Beast Boy casually began to flip through it, skimming over a few selected words. "It's short enough. If you dedicate yourself I'll bet you can finish in a good 2 hours, granted you're a slow reader. This can lead to a nice little discussion topic with Raven. Now, get that pad of stationary on the desk." Beast Boy did as he was told and snatched it off the wooden board. He listened for his leader's instructions. "Write these down; Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens, Homer, Harper Lee, Edith Wharton, William Shakespeare, Ernest Hemingway........"
"D.........I..........C..........K.........wait, that spells dick!! HA HA!! HIS NAME IS DICK!!!!" Beast Boy laughed vociferously, and Robin groaned as he ripped the pad out of his companion's green fingers. "Honestly, it's like I'm talking to a monkey!" he mumbled as he finished scribbling a long list of names on the sheet and thrust it into his chest. "Would you like me to DATE Raven for you, too?!" he asked huffily. Beast Boy scowled and raised an accusing finger. "Dude, hands off! You've got your own little slice of heaven and I want mine! NO TOUCHY RAVEY!!!" Robin gave him an odd look as if to say, 'I was joking you idiotic moron. Get a grip' He shook his brunette head, sighing once again. "Look," he said softly, changing the subject, "That's a long list of authors Raven seems to like. Read some of their work. It'll help you out." Robin was going to continue about the importance of staying discrete when he was interrupted by a slamming door outside. Beast Boy and Robin both froze as 2 very soft, very familiar VERY feminine voices arose from the living room.
"Raven, I deeply apologize for inviting you on an excursion to supermarket! Had we not gone those boys' actions would not have commenced! Please do not be angered with me!"
"I'm not mad at you, Starfire; it's not your fault. I'm just mad that any boy that sees a couple of girls walking down the street find it their obligation to tell them how hot they are. I'm glad we went out. Honestly. I'm just annoyed is all."
Beast Boy squeaked in terror, biting hard down on his lip. Robin remained impassive, and silently slipped towards the door. Beast Boy followed, pressing his body against the wall and sliding along it. Robin pantomimed locking up his mouth and tossing away the key to Beast Boy, who responded with an 'A-OK,' sign. Robin pressed his ear to the door in an effort to hear the conversation better. Beast Boy, beneath him, did the same.
"Perhaps together we can watch the movie of horrors of your choice. Most certainly the one that 'shines' and the words spelled backwards will definitely sooth your nerves."
"Nice suggestion, Starfire, but I don't think I'm up for it. I think I'll just prepare some tea and return to my room and read a little. I need to relax."
Beast Boy and Robin exchanged frightful glances, but Robin's seemed to vanish much quicker than Beast Boy's did. "Ok, ok," he murmured reassuringly. "Raven said she wanted tea, right? Can't make hot tea without hot water! It's gotta boil, so that can buy us some time."
It was then the boys heard from the kitchen a loud, high pitched whistle.
"And then Robin exploded." Robin said sarcastically, frantically searching his mind for a plan. Quickly, he removed a small, blazing yellow item from his utility belt. He held down the flashing red button and waited until a faint static answered him. "Yo, Cy here. What's the dillyo?" a crackled voice replied. Robin breathed a soft sigh of relief at the response and brought the communicator close to his lips.
"Cyborg? It's Robin. Listen I need you to do me a HUGE favor."
"Shoot, man."
"Me and Beast Boy are holed up in Raven's room and she's on her way back. I need you to stall her any ways necessary. Do NOT by any means let them leave that room!"
There was a pause, as if the metallic man were contemplating his decision.
"What's in it for me?"
Robin gritted his teeth as Beast Boy toppled backwards, letting his legs still tangle awkwardly in the air.
"Cyborg!! Don't act like a weenie! Your teammates need you and now is not the time to be selfish!"
"Fine, then I'm not coming. Have fun when Raven gets back! And don't worry, I'll take GOOD care of the girls, if ya know what I mean."
Cyborg's taunts ended with a fit of loud, mocking laughter, and Robin's cheeks burned in his anger. He tightened his grip on the communicator, growling, then sighed exasperated and spoke once again.
"Fine. You know that autographed Sublime poster I've got in my room?"
"Yeah."
".....It's yours."
"SWEET! Knew ya'd come around, buddy! Wait there, I'll keep 'em busy!!!"
The communicator switched off, and the only reassurance the boys had that Cyborg kept his word were the thundering footsteps outside the door and the faint humming of something that sounded vaguely like 'Date Rape.' Robin sullenly stuffed the yellow item back into his belt, grumbling a few choice obscenities under his breath. Beast Boy sighed, scratching the back of his head. "So.....can we go now?" he asked, but the ebony haired teen shook his head. "We gotta wait a bit, so it doesn't seem suspicious." There were a few minutes of silence, before Beast Boy awkwardly cleared his throat and scratched his chin. "You're not giving him that poster, are you?" "HELL no!" Robin replied, crossing his arms to emphasize his point. They sat in the still darkness for a few moments more, stubbornly waiting for something unknown. Beast Boy twiddled his thumbs, with nothing better to do, until he noticed something gleaming on one of his fingers. He brought his hand closer to his eye to examine it, and realized it was one of his many rings from his previous game of 'dress up.' "Hmm, musta missed that one when I got changed." he thought, and removed it and stuffed it in his pocket. Finally, Robin stretched and crossed slowly to the door, cautiously pressing his hands against the door and slowly sliding it open. Poking his head out, he confirmed that the coast was clear, and he slipped out the door quietly and motioned Beast Boy to do the same.
Beast Boy nervously stuck out his foot and after tapping the ground several times, he stepped into the light and breathed a sigh of relief, thanking God he was still alive. Robin smiled somewhat tauntingly, arms akimbo. "See? That wasn't so hard. Now we've got some key evidence to unlock Raven's inner psyche, it'll be easier for you to spark conversation with her." Beast Boy beamed as he thought of the possibilities, glancing down at the list of authors he clutched in his green fist, then casually shook the book he held in the other. "This is great! Im'a get a head start on this book!" he cheerily cried, and Robin nodded. "Good job, man. I'm gonna go take a shower, I reek of darkness and teenage angst." he said with a laugh, and turned on his heal to his room. Beast Boy started in the opposite direction to go to his, but stopped mid-step and turned back to face the disappearing leader. "But, Rob! What about Cy and the girls?" Robin stopped and brought a hand to his chin, pondering for a moment, but then waved his hand a resumed walking. "Eh, they'll be fine, I'm sure. What could happen?" he smirked, and vanished down the corridor. Beast Boy waved in his direction and started back to his room leafing through the book, thankful his ordeal in his secret lover's room was over. However, in his excitement, Beast Boy overlooked something, something that could lead to dire consequences.
Beast Boy had a hole in his pocket.
15 minutes later, Robin entered the main hall, vigorously rubbing a bright red towel over his head, using it to snatch up any missed water droplets that clung to his charcoal hair. He stopped, draping the towel lazily across his neck, his raven black hair hanging loosely into his eyes. He readjusted his golden belt, making sure it was perfectly straight, and smiled, holding back a laugh. Apparently, Cyborg's distraction was wearing on the girls; Starfire sat cross legged on the floor, her elbow propped up on the coffee table and he chin resting in her palm while Raven glared at the wall, gritting her teeth as she desperately tried to keep her vexation pent up. Cyborg was oblivious to them, and continued jabbering about his topic.
"So if you take THAT bottle down and pass it around......."
"ALRIGHT!!! ALRIGHT!!!! I GET IT!!!! THEY'LL BE 46 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL!!! Now will you PLEASE shut your incredibly large trap before I shut it FOR you?!?!" The window parallel to Raven's seat cracked slightly, on the brink of shattering. Raven inhaled deeply, keeping her emotions in check, and rose to go to the kitchen. Cyborg chased after her. "But wait! You'll never know what happens after 46!!!" he called, and Raven groaned in frustration as a pillow on the couch exploded, scattering several feathers all about the room. Star, despite jumping a little from the sound, yawned in boredom, scanning the room until her eyes laid of Robin. He smiled at her, and her face lit up like a little kid on Christmas day. She leapt into his arms and he gently pressed his lips to hers as she brushed his dark hair out of his eyes. "Thank you Robin." she whispered, tightening her hold on his waist. "I feared that if I were to hear another bottle's plight......well, I could not be held accountable for my actions." She smiled, and he giggled nervously, feeling a twinge of guilt for having to subject her to that.
Cyborg noticed Robin's presence and scooted away from the telepath, grinning victoriously as he flopped down on the couch. Robin rolled his eyes, but joined him with Starfire in tow. "So dude, I kept up my end of the deal, you've gotta keep up yours." he harshly whispered, smirking. Starfire looked at him quizzically. "Deal? What is this deal he speaks of, Robin?" she questioned. Robin nervously tugged at his collar, stammering as he tried to think of the best possible way to tell his girlfriend that he bribed his friend to annoy her and her best friend for his own benefits. Luckily, his mumbling was broken by the toneless voice of Raven from the kitchen. "Ugh, Cyborg, your incessant babbling has caused my tea to grow cold. And since the water has ceased boiling, I must brew another pot." She shot a look at the robot that could kill, and he sunk deeper into the cushions to avoid it. The 3 watched Raven as she refilled the silver pot with water and placed it on the stove, switching the dial until the heat rose and warmed the frigid liquid. She paced back to the sink to dump out her now-cold drink, only to be taken aback when she was met with a mountain size pile of dishes. She groaned and turned to her teammates.
"Who's the imbecile who forgot to do the dishes?" she irately questioned, tapping her foot. The Titans exchanged glances, each calculating the chore calendar in their heads, and looked back at her each with an innocent smile. "You." they all replied in unison, and Raven parted her grey lips slightly in shock, raising her eyebrows. Squinting, she recalled the chart the Titans assembled to keep order in the tower.......today was Wednesday.........meaning she had kitchen duty. Her cheeks flushed crimson in embarrassment. "Oh." she said simply, turning her back to her friends so they would not see she vibrant red face, and silently began her task. Starfire giggled, and faced her male counterparts that had sat on either side of her. "Since Raven is busy, it would be a perfect time for a conversation. Tell me, where is Beast Boy?" As if on cue, Beast Boy entered the room, grinning from ear to ear and clutching a small paperback under his arm.
Cyborg chuckled and pointed to the kitchen, where Raven's hands were lost under a sea of foamy, shimmering bubbles, occasionally appeared to place a glass item on the side to dry. Beast Boy's confidence visibly deteriorated as the color ran away from his face, audibly gulping. Apparently actually seeing the girl and having to perform the task was easier said then done. It took a literal good hearted push in the right direction (delivered by Cyborg) to get his feet rooted out from the ground. After nearly toppling head over heals, Beast Boy stopped a few feet behind Raven, watching her silently work in awe. Her hands worked tirelessly beneath the never ending pool of suds, and gradually the pile began to decrease in size. She sighed, lifting her hands from the water and shaking off the moisture on them. Some of it splashed on Beast Boy, causing him to blush and shy away. As Raven drained the sink, letting the bubbles spiral downward in an infinite puddle of glimmering green and blue, she lifted a dishtowel and casually began to dry the glass. Beast Boy inhaled deeply, preparing himself for his moment. Raven had finished a small pile of plates, and turned to place them in the cabinet when she was met face to face with her green admirer.
Raven gasped in surprise, nearly dropping the stack, but managed to secure them with her knee. "Beast Boy....you startled me. I didn't know you were there." she said monotonously, tucking a strand of violet hair behind her ear. Beast Boy hid his hands behind his back so as she would not see them trembling. "HI.....ahem.....Raven." he said, his cheeks crimson for his statement. His voice cracked involuntarily on his first word, then in an attempt to compensate, he cleared his throat and spoke his second word with a deep, rich voice. Raven cocked an eyebrow suspiciously and shook her head at the boy, stepping around him and placing the plates on the tops shelf.
Beast Boy glanced helplessly over towards the remaining teens, but Robin merely motioned for him to press on. Beast Boy whimpered slightly, stepping towards the purple haired telepath, who was now vigorously scrubbing a particular teacup. "So.....uh.......how've ya been?" he asked softly, trying to make conversation. The clatter of the bowls against one another voiced Raven's mood quite vividly, and she did not give him a second glance as she maneuvered around him with the stack in her hands. Neatly, she dispersed them in the cabinet before whirling back to the sink without breathing a word to the shape shifter. The hem of her cloak fluttered against Beast Boy's black clad legs, and he blushed with the thought of touching her. He cleared his throat and tried again.
"So....uh.....wanna know something interesting? My dad's name was John."
For the first time, Raven glanced over at him, slowly gyrating until she faced him. One eye was slight squinted, and the small layer of skin between her shapely eyebrows was furrowed. "Fascinating." she murmured with no interest whatsoever, and then returned to her work. Beast Boy coughed and went on. "Well, I mean, I thought it was kinda funny......since I just started reading a book by John STEINBECK."
Raven stopped what she was doing, staring forward. Slowly, she set the fork she was polishing down on the countertop and faced him, no expression of emotion plaguing her face. "You.......read John Steinbeck?" she asked innocently, not letting on how interested she really was. Beast Boy beamed and nodded. "Yeah, I just started 'Of Mice and Men.'" A spark lit up deep in the pools of Raven's amethyst eyes and both her eyebrows jerked up slightly, intrigued. "Really? That's.....one of my favorite books. Where are you?" she questioned, unconsciously moving in closer to the boy. The others were encouraged by this turn of events, and all automatically slid to the end of the couch for a better view, Robin and Starfire poking a head over each of Cyborg's immense shoulders.
"They just got to the farm and met.....uh......the old guy......who lost his hand? I can't remember his name......something edible.....Carrot? Celery?"
"Candy?" she asked, repressing a giggle.
*Wait, since when do I giggle?*
Beast Boy slapped his forehead in his own stupidity. "THAT'S it! Man, I was WAY off!" he sent her a lopsided smile and she did her best not to smile back; something about that toothy grin of his made her want to forget about staying in check and just burst out into laughter, not caring what blew up in her wake.
*Ok, this is weird. Beast Boy? Having an intelligent conversation? Did I get sucked in the Twilight Zone and nobody told me?*
Beast Boy rocked back and forth on his heals, smiling like a Cheshire Cat as he waited for a response. "Yeah.....well, it's a really good book. Very well written. You should like it."
"I already do." Beast Boy nearly whispered, beaming with his dark olive eyes shimmering. Robin silently cheered, squeezing Star's hand happily and bumping his clenched fist with Cyborg's awaiting one. "Nothing can possibly go wrong!." he muttered. Little did he know how wrong he was.
"Yeah, it's really funny!" Beast Boy said with a laugh. Raven lowered her eyebrows, letting her grey lips part slightly from eachother. The spark in her eyes seemed to die out, and instead was replaced with something entirely different. Something not good. "What?" she curtly questioned. Beast Boy laughed again. "The book! I mean, Lenny's such a funny character!" The pot on the stove began to steam. "How so?" Raven inquired, keeping her rage in check. "Well, he's always like 'I wanna tend the rabbits, George! I ain't got no mouse, George!' I mean, he's got no other thought then those rabbits!!" Beast Boy was now lost in a fit of giggles, as Star cringed and Cyborg slapped his forehead, moaning. "Is he really as STUPID as I think he is?" he asked rhetorically.
At this point, the pot was barely visible, as it was enwrapped in a puff of white smoke erupting from the spout. Beast Boy took no notice to these signs and pressed on. "Yeah! I mean, every time that guy speaks, it's hilarious! All he wanted was some ketchup with his beans, and suddenly that's his number one priority! Rabbits and ketchup, man, if I had a nickel for every time I laughed in that story, I'd sure have a lot of nickels!" The pot whistled so high it was a wonder the titans could hear it. It trembled on the heater, and with a vociferous 'BAM!' the lid exploded from the top, traveling with such force it flew through the ceiling. Behind it trailed a large glob of piping hot water, which splashing dangerously close to where Beast Boy stood.
"You idiot!!! Lenny is slow because he has a mental illness!!! He thinks like a child!!! How dare you say those horrible things about him!! You have the gall, the utmost audacity to mock one of the greatest contributions to American Literature?! I can't BELIEVE you!! To think I would actually be able to carry an intelligent conversation with you....you........IMBECILE!!!"
Raven shrieked her last choice words, causing the cracked window from before to shatter into a thousand pieces. Beast Boy cowered away in fear, huddled in a fetal position on the kitchen floor. The others stared in shock and terror, sliding back down the couch and as far away from the girl as possible. Raven inhaled a deep, quick breath, pulling her cloak over her shoulders and swiftly floated to the pot. She lifted the silver remains with a trembling hand, pouring out all that was left into her awaiting tea cup. The spout clanged several times against the cup's brim as she could not control her shaking hands. After quickly adding a spoonful of sugar, Raven spun and with a grunt of frustration, exited the room to enter her own. Beast Boy gazed pathetically at his friends, who each sent him their own individual 'you-are-an-idiot' look. "Soooo.....guess I blew that one, huh?" The teens toppled over in exasperation.
Raven let her door close with a slam and angrily crossed to her bed, sighing as she sank into it. She took an innocent swig of her brew, and gagged. Bitter. In her rage she had not given herself enough time to add the proper sweeteners. She pushed the cup away on the bedside table. What a waste. Raven scoffed, fiddling with a strand of her hair as she thought. "Beast Boy........he has no appreciation for literature.........ugh, I hate that stupid green doofus." She scowled at the mere thought of him, but suddenly softened as something else dawned on her. "But.....then why did it feel so good when he was talking to me before?" She paused, before letting her mind register a solution. "Maybe.......maybe I don't give him enough credit. Maybe he deserves another chance.....perhaps....." Her muses ended there, as a small, shimmering object caught her eye from across the room. She squinted, trying to get a better look, before slowly rising and approaching it. When she reached it, she dropping to one knee, lifted it, and brought it to her eye for further examination. It was a small, silver ring. She glared, closing it in her fist, and not before long a trail of hot, silver liquid trailed from her clenched fingers.
"Someone's been in my room........."
~*~YAY!!! FINALLY DID CAPTER 3!!! WHOO!!! Again, I am SO sorry this took so long, what with school and volleyball and whatnot......I really hope you like it!! I made it extra long just for you! Enjoy, and please review! Thanks! Bye! ~*~
+*+ On my life I try today, There's so much I felt I should say but, Even if your heart would listen, I doubt I could explain.+*+
- - -Jimmy Eat World - - -
Robin bobbed his head back and forth rhythmically as the music deluged into his ears. 2 headphones were fit snugly over his ears as the serenade of Good Charlotte rang out with power chords and impacting lyrics. Robin enjoyed listening to the punk band, and had a tiny spring in his step as he walked back to his room. Currently, he was humming along to track number 6, 'Girls and Boys' as he made his way back to his room, not paying much attention to his surroundings. That was, until he accidentally bumped into someone else. Robin opened his eyes to apologize, only to have them widen greatly. "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!" he screamed, and leapt backwards about 20 feet before drawing his bo staff and holding it outward to protect himself. The frightening figure raised a bushy eyebrow. "Dude, what's with you?" it asked. Robin stared at it quizzically, and his gaze began to shift rapidly back and forth between the back of his cd and the.......thing. "BEAST Boy?!" he asked finally, retracting his weapon and taking a step forward. The boy nodded, confused. "What's wrong, dude?" he questioned, taking a step in, but Robin reflexively took a step back. "Have you SEEN yourself lately?" Robin asked curtly.
Beast Boy's naturally green face was perfectly white; it had been covered with some type of foundation which gave him the appearance of being very pale. His dark eyes were encased in heavy layers of black eyeliner, and small streams of the stuff glided down his cheeks, stopping short around his upper lip and giving him the appearance that he had been crying. His lime, messy hair had been pulled away from his face in what seemed like dozens of hard gelled spikes defying the laws of gravity and standing straight up in every which way. Several silver piercings had cut through his pointy elfish ears as had one through his lower lip, and his fingers were embedded with oddly designed silver rings. He wore a simple NOFX t- shirt beneath an unzipped MADE sweatshirt. A pair of large, black cargo pants with an infinite number of pockets concealed his legs and even his feet. Robin could have sworn he bore a striking resemblance to a certain member of the band blasting in his ears. He slowly removed the headphones and stepped in, warily eyeing the shape shifter up and down.
When Beast Boy did not respond, Robin angrily held up his cd, exposing the picture of the members, including Beast Boy's look-alike, Benji Madden. Beast Boy snatched the case out of his hand and surveyed it, smiling. "What? I thought I did a pretty good job! I look just like Benji!" He gloated, beaming. Robin had regained his stature and sighed, stealing his music back. "But WHY are you dressed like him? You barely even LIKE Good Charlotte!" he cried, flailing his arms in the air. Beast Boy looked offended, but suddenly confident. "I took your advice." he said with a grin. "What advice was THAT?! When did I tell you to become a crazed punk- ass..............PUNK!!!!" he screamed louder then he had before, shaking the walls a bit with his voice. Beast Boy glared at him and drummed his heavily ringed fingers together, creating a faint clanging sound. "You said to impress Raven. Well, I did a little snooping, and my suspicions have confirmed that our little Princess of Darkness has a celebrity crush on Mr. Madden himself! So, I thought if I dressed like him, she'll like ME!" He beamed, and Robin face faulted as he delivered a hard slap to his own forehead.
"Beast Boy, you have to be SUBTLE!!!! SUB-TLE!!! As in slightly change, not a complete 180!!!" Beast Boy scratched the scalp between the elaborate spikes, and by this action Robin knew he had no idea what he was doing. He sighed lightly and shook his head. "Look, I'll make you a deal. You get that stuff off you, and I'LL help you find out what Raven wants." he offered, cringing again slightly at the appearance of his normally green friend. Beast Boy scoffed. "And what makes you so sure this isn't the greatest plan ever?" he skeptically questioned. Robin sighed, whirled Beast Boy around, and shoved him in the direction of the ambling Cyborg. "Yo, what up BB-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! WAHHHHH HAAA HAA HAA HAAAA HAAAA!!!!" with that last cry the robot fled the scene screaming with his arms flapping wildly behind him. Beast Boy blinked and turned back to his leader.
"You illustrate your point quite vividly. Benji Madden=cool, me dressed like him=scary beyond all reason." he said, gingerly wiping the black lines off his cheek with his palm. Robin nodded and gave him a good hearted push towards his room. "Meet me at Raven's room in 20 minutes." he said, casually pulling his headphones back over. Beast Boy froze, his teeth clenched in apprehensiveness. Slowly he gyrated back to Robin. "Her ROOM?! You mean, we go INSIDE?! Uh-uh, no way, not a chance Robin!" But Robin had strolled off in the opposite direction, happily humming along to his cd, and when he disappeared down the hall Beast Boy had no choice but to comply with his command.
Beast Boy, all make-up removed and dressed in his normal attire, nervously paced back and forth chewing on his thumbnail in fright. He had been waiting a full 6 seconds, which he thought seemed long enough, and inconspicuously tried to sneak away to his own quarters. The keyword, boys and girls, being TRIED, because the second his foot took one step away from the premises a green gloved hand snatched his shoulder and held him back. Beast Boy shuddered visibly and glanced over at the door. "Rob, do we REALLY have to do this? I mean, the last time I went snooping around Rae's room I ended up getting sucked into some alternate reality with WAY too much perky-ness and scary little birds. NOT cool!" he chided softly. Robin rolled his eyes and continued for the door. "Look, you wanna impress her or not? If yes, then you've gotta get down and dirty, find the hard stuff, get the skivvy our Little Miss Darkness." he said, reaching for the knob, but the shape shifter's arm lashed out and restrained him. "You sure you know what you're doing?" he questioned, anxiousness etched in his voice. Robin offered him a warm yet cocky smile. "Beast Boy, your talking with the former sidekick of the greatest detective this side of Gothem. I THINK I have a general idea."
With that, he ripped his wrist away and opened the door. The room was solemn, with an eerie silence hung warily far over the boys heads. Robin did not hesitate and entered the room, while Beast Boy lingered at the doorway, uneasily poking a head in. "I don't know about this, Rob....." he whined. Robin stealthily crept about the room, running his fingers over various objects to get a better understanding. "BB, ya want the girl, ya want the baggage. Now get out of the rain, step into the lobby, and carry her's up to her room!" Beast Boy stared at him for a moment, confused by his previous statement. Robin turned to him with a twisted mouth. "The analogy sounded good in my head, I thought I was being clever........" he paused for a second, before lashed his hand out and dragging a reluctant Beast Boy into the room, letting the door shut with a 'click' behind him. He then continued milling about the room, fumbling through drawers and plundering through elaborate chests. He did so with the most delicate ease and replaced everything exactly where he originally found it.
Beast Boy, meanwhile, stood huddled in the corner shuddering, his eyes darting rapidly back and forth. "I'm gonna die in here, and I never tasted grapefruit!!!" he wailed melodramatically. "Eh, you didn't miss much. Now papaya, THAT'S the money melon!" (A/N: RANDOM SIMPSONS QUOTE ALERT!!) Then Robin smirked victoriously as he slowly lifted a book from a shelf and casually pet it. "Bingo." he said simply. Beast Boy, suddenly brave for one reason or another, blundered over to Robin and peeked a head over his shoulder. "What is it?" he asked in awe. "It's a book, Beast Boy. You know, those things with the funny squiggles that form stuff? Maybe you've heard of them?" Robin asked with a slight smirk. Beast Boy glared. "WHICH book IS it?" he irately questioned, his patience running thin. Robin smiled again and tossed the book into the shape shifter's direction. He, however, had not been prepared, and the paperback smacked him hard in the head, dropping to the floor. Beast Boy yelped, but Robin leapt to his side and clamped a hand over his mouth. "SHHHH-HH!!! For all we know Raven could be right outside! Lord knows Star can only occupy her for so long." he harshly whispered, slowly pulling his hand away.
Beast Boy nodded and bent to pick up the item. On the front cover was a black and white picture of 2 men, perhaps from the 1930's era, with one drastically larger and stronger looking that the other. Above it was a neat scripture spiraling into 4 perfectly crafter words.
"Of Mice and Men."
Beast Boy read the title aloud, then lifted his head to view Robin with a raised eyebrow. "Soooo, what's this supposed to do for me?" He questioned, and the leader sighed and shook his head. "It's one of Raven's favorite books." he replied, but Beast Boy looked skeptical. "How do you know?" "Because it was slightly pulled away from the rest of the books, like it had just been put away. Plus, the covers are both bent back and creased, like it had been open a number of times to read again and again. Also note the extensive tearstains smudging the words on the pages towards the end." Beast Boy examined each of the things directed, then glanced back at Robin. He was GOOD.
"So how do you know she's not reading it now, IF this indeed such a good book?" the green lad asked, feeling he outwitted the master. Robin remained unfazed as he casually picked out another paperback. "Because, if she was, the pages would be folded down to mark the page. The corners are bent, but not folded down. Plus, the book on the 4th shelf 2nd from the left has a small, red mark." Beast Boy raised his eyebrows in shock. He was REALLY good. Mental note: Stay on Robin's good side.
Beast Boy casually began to flip through it, skimming over a few selected words. "It's short enough. If you dedicate yourself I'll bet you can finish in a good 2 hours, granted you're a slow reader. This can lead to a nice little discussion topic with Raven. Now, get that pad of stationary on the desk." Beast Boy did as he was told and snatched it off the wooden board. He listened for his leader's instructions. "Write these down; Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens, Homer, Harper Lee, Edith Wharton, William Shakespeare, Ernest Hemingway........"
"D.........I..........C..........K.........wait, that spells dick!! HA HA!! HIS NAME IS DICK!!!!" Beast Boy laughed vociferously, and Robin groaned as he ripped the pad out of his companion's green fingers. "Honestly, it's like I'm talking to a monkey!" he mumbled as he finished scribbling a long list of names on the sheet and thrust it into his chest. "Would you like me to DATE Raven for you, too?!" he asked huffily. Beast Boy scowled and raised an accusing finger. "Dude, hands off! You've got your own little slice of heaven and I want mine! NO TOUCHY RAVEY!!!" Robin gave him an odd look as if to say, 'I was joking you idiotic moron. Get a grip' He shook his brunette head, sighing once again. "Look," he said softly, changing the subject, "That's a long list of authors Raven seems to like. Read some of their work. It'll help you out." Robin was going to continue about the importance of staying discrete when he was interrupted by a slamming door outside. Beast Boy and Robin both froze as 2 very soft, very familiar VERY feminine voices arose from the living room.
"Raven, I deeply apologize for inviting you on an excursion to supermarket! Had we not gone those boys' actions would not have commenced! Please do not be angered with me!"
"I'm not mad at you, Starfire; it's not your fault. I'm just mad that any boy that sees a couple of girls walking down the street find it their obligation to tell them how hot they are. I'm glad we went out. Honestly. I'm just annoyed is all."
Beast Boy squeaked in terror, biting hard down on his lip. Robin remained impassive, and silently slipped towards the door. Beast Boy followed, pressing his body against the wall and sliding along it. Robin pantomimed locking up his mouth and tossing away the key to Beast Boy, who responded with an 'A-OK,' sign. Robin pressed his ear to the door in an effort to hear the conversation better. Beast Boy, beneath him, did the same.
"Perhaps together we can watch the movie of horrors of your choice. Most certainly the one that 'shines' and the words spelled backwards will definitely sooth your nerves."
"Nice suggestion, Starfire, but I don't think I'm up for it. I think I'll just prepare some tea and return to my room and read a little. I need to relax."
Beast Boy and Robin exchanged frightful glances, but Robin's seemed to vanish much quicker than Beast Boy's did. "Ok, ok," he murmured reassuringly. "Raven said she wanted tea, right? Can't make hot tea without hot water! It's gotta boil, so that can buy us some time."
It was then the boys heard from the kitchen a loud, high pitched whistle.
"And then Robin exploded." Robin said sarcastically, frantically searching his mind for a plan. Quickly, he removed a small, blazing yellow item from his utility belt. He held down the flashing red button and waited until a faint static answered him. "Yo, Cy here. What's the dillyo?" a crackled voice replied. Robin breathed a soft sigh of relief at the response and brought the communicator close to his lips.
"Cyborg? It's Robin. Listen I need you to do me a HUGE favor."
"Shoot, man."
"Me and Beast Boy are holed up in Raven's room and she's on her way back. I need you to stall her any ways necessary. Do NOT by any means let them leave that room!"
There was a pause, as if the metallic man were contemplating his decision.
"What's in it for me?"
Robin gritted his teeth as Beast Boy toppled backwards, letting his legs still tangle awkwardly in the air.
"Cyborg!! Don't act like a weenie! Your teammates need you and now is not the time to be selfish!"
"Fine, then I'm not coming. Have fun when Raven gets back! And don't worry, I'll take GOOD care of the girls, if ya know what I mean."
Cyborg's taunts ended with a fit of loud, mocking laughter, and Robin's cheeks burned in his anger. He tightened his grip on the communicator, growling, then sighed exasperated and spoke once again.
"Fine. You know that autographed Sublime poster I've got in my room?"
"Yeah."
".....It's yours."
"SWEET! Knew ya'd come around, buddy! Wait there, I'll keep 'em busy!!!"
The communicator switched off, and the only reassurance the boys had that Cyborg kept his word were the thundering footsteps outside the door and the faint humming of something that sounded vaguely like 'Date Rape.' Robin sullenly stuffed the yellow item back into his belt, grumbling a few choice obscenities under his breath. Beast Boy sighed, scratching the back of his head. "So.....can we go now?" he asked, but the ebony haired teen shook his head. "We gotta wait a bit, so it doesn't seem suspicious." There were a few minutes of silence, before Beast Boy awkwardly cleared his throat and scratched his chin. "You're not giving him that poster, are you?" "HELL no!" Robin replied, crossing his arms to emphasize his point. They sat in the still darkness for a few moments more, stubbornly waiting for something unknown. Beast Boy twiddled his thumbs, with nothing better to do, until he noticed something gleaming on one of his fingers. He brought his hand closer to his eye to examine it, and realized it was one of his many rings from his previous game of 'dress up.' "Hmm, musta missed that one when I got changed." he thought, and removed it and stuffed it in his pocket. Finally, Robin stretched and crossed slowly to the door, cautiously pressing his hands against the door and slowly sliding it open. Poking his head out, he confirmed that the coast was clear, and he slipped out the door quietly and motioned Beast Boy to do the same.
Beast Boy nervously stuck out his foot and after tapping the ground several times, he stepped into the light and breathed a sigh of relief, thanking God he was still alive. Robin smiled somewhat tauntingly, arms akimbo. "See? That wasn't so hard. Now we've got some key evidence to unlock Raven's inner psyche, it'll be easier for you to spark conversation with her." Beast Boy beamed as he thought of the possibilities, glancing down at the list of authors he clutched in his green fist, then casually shook the book he held in the other. "This is great! Im'a get a head start on this book!" he cheerily cried, and Robin nodded. "Good job, man. I'm gonna go take a shower, I reek of darkness and teenage angst." he said with a laugh, and turned on his heal to his room. Beast Boy started in the opposite direction to go to his, but stopped mid-step and turned back to face the disappearing leader. "But, Rob! What about Cy and the girls?" Robin stopped and brought a hand to his chin, pondering for a moment, but then waved his hand a resumed walking. "Eh, they'll be fine, I'm sure. What could happen?" he smirked, and vanished down the corridor. Beast Boy waved in his direction and started back to his room leafing through the book, thankful his ordeal in his secret lover's room was over. However, in his excitement, Beast Boy overlooked something, something that could lead to dire consequences.
Beast Boy had a hole in his pocket.
15 minutes later, Robin entered the main hall, vigorously rubbing a bright red towel over his head, using it to snatch up any missed water droplets that clung to his charcoal hair. He stopped, draping the towel lazily across his neck, his raven black hair hanging loosely into his eyes. He readjusted his golden belt, making sure it was perfectly straight, and smiled, holding back a laugh. Apparently, Cyborg's distraction was wearing on the girls; Starfire sat cross legged on the floor, her elbow propped up on the coffee table and he chin resting in her palm while Raven glared at the wall, gritting her teeth as she desperately tried to keep her vexation pent up. Cyborg was oblivious to them, and continued jabbering about his topic.
"So if you take THAT bottle down and pass it around......."
"ALRIGHT!!! ALRIGHT!!!! I GET IT!!!! THEY'LL BE 46 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL!!! Now will you PLEASE shut your incredibly large trap before I shut it FOR you?!?!" The window parallel to Raven's seat cracked slightly, on the brink of shattering. Raven inhaled deeply, keeping her emotions in check, and rose to go to the kitchen. Cyborg chased after her. "But wait! You'll never know what happens after 46!!!" he called, and Raven groaned in frustration as a pillow on the couch exploded, scattering several feathers all about the room. Star, despite jumping a little from the sound, yawned in boredom, scanning the room until her eyes laid of Robin. He smiled at her, and her face lit up like a little kid on Christmas day. She leapt into his arms and he gently pressed his lips to hers as she brushed his dark hair out of his eyes. "Thank you Robin." she whispered, tightening her hold on his waist. "I feared that if I were to hear another bottle's plight......well, I could not be held accountable for my actions." She smiled, and he giggled nervously, feeling a twinge of guilt for having to subject her to that.
Cyborg noticed Robin's presence and scooted away from the telepath, grinning victoriously as he flopped down on the couch. Robin rolled his eyes, but joined him with Starfire in tow. "So dude, I kept up my end of the deal, you've gotta keep up yours." he harshly whispered, smirking. Starfire looked at him quizzically. "Deal? What is this deal he speaks of, Robin?" she questioned. Robin nervously tugged at his collar, stammering as he tried to think of the best possible way to tell his girlfriend that he bribed his friend to annoy her and her best friend for his own benefits. Luckily, his mumbling was broken by the toneless voice of Raven from the kitchen. "Ugh, Cyborg, your incessant babbling has caused my tea to grow cold. And since the water has ceased boiling, I must brew another pot." She shot a look at the robot that could kill, and he sunk deeper into the cushions to avoid it. The 3 watched Raven as she refilled the silver pot with water and placed it on the stove, switching the dial until the heat rose and warmed the frigid liquid. She paced back to the sink to dump out her now-cold drink, only to be taken aback when she was met with a mountain size pile of dishes. She groaned and turned to her teammates.
"Who's the imbecile who forgot to do the dishes?" she irately questioned, tapping her foot. The Titans exchanged glances, each calculating the chore calendar in their heads, and looked back at her each with an innocent smile. "You." they all replied in unison, and Raven parted her grey lips slightly in shock, raising her eyebrows. Squinting, she recalled the chart the Titans assembled to keep order in the tower.......today was Wednesday.........meaning she had kitchen duty. Her cheeks flushed crimson in embarrassment. "Oh." she said simply, turning her back to her friends so they would not see she vibrant red face, and silently began her task. Starfire giggled, and faced her male counterparts that had sat on either side of her. "Since Raven is busy, it would be a perfect time for a conversation. Tell me, where is Beast Boy?" As if on cue, Beast Boy entered the room, grinning from ear to ear and clutching a small paperback under his arm.
Cyborg chuckled and pointed to the kitchen, where Raven's hands were lost under a sea of foamy, shimmering bubbles, occasionally appeared to place a glass item on the side to dry. Beast Boy's confidence visibly deteriorated as the color ran away from his face, audibly gulping. Apparently actually seeing the girl and having to perform the task was easier said then done. It took a literal good hearted push in the right direction (delivered by Cyborg) to get his feet rooted out from the ground. After nearly toppling head over heals, Beast Boy stopped a few feet behind Raven, watching her silently work in awe. Her hands worked tirelessly beneath the never ending pool of suds, and gradually the pile began to decrease in size. She sighed, lifting her hands from the water and shaking off the moisture on them. Some of it splashed on Beast Boy, causing him to blush and shy away. As Raven drained the sink, letting the bubbles spiral downward in an infinite puddle of glimmering green and blue, she lifted a dishtowel and casually began to dry the glass. Beast Boy inhaled deeply, preparing himself for his moment. Raven had finished a small pile of plates, and turned to place them in the cabinet when she was met face to face with her green admirer.
Raven gasped in surprise, nearly dropping the stack, but managed to secure them with her knee. "Beast Boy....you startled me. I didn't know you were there." she said monotonously, tucking a strand of violet hair behind her ear. Beast Boy hid his hands behind his back so as she would not see them trembling. "HI.....ahem.....Raven." he said, his cheeks crimson for his statement. His voice cracked involuntarily on his first word, then in an attempt to compensate, he cleared his throat and spoke his second word with a deep, rich voice. Raven cocked an eyebrow suspiciously and shook her head at the boy, stepping around him and placing the plates on the tops shelf.
Beast Boy glanced helplessly over towards the remaining teens, but Robin merely motioned for him to press on. Beast Boy whimpered slightly, stepping towards the purple haired telepath, who was now vigorously scrubbing a particular teacup. "So.....uh.......how've ya been?" he asked softly, trying to make conversation. The clatter of the bowls against one another voiced Raven's mood quite vividly, and she did not give him a second glance as she maneuvered around him with the stack in her hands. Neatly, she dispersed them in the cabinet before whirling back to the sink without breathing a word to the shape shifter. The hem of her cloak fluttered against Beast Boy's black clad legs, and he blushed with the thought of touching her. He cleared his throat and tried again.
"So....uh.....wanna know something interesting? My dad's name was John."
For the first time, Raven glanced over at him, slowly gyrating until she faced him. One eye was slight squinted, and the small layer of skin between her shapely eyebrows was furrowed. "Fascinating." she murmured with no interest whatsoever, and then returned to her work. Beast Boy coughed and went on. "Well, I mean, I thought it was kinda funny......since I just started reading a book by John STEINBECK."
Raven stopped what she was doing, staring forward. Slowly, she set the fork she was polishing down on the countertop and faced him, no expression of emotion plaguing her face. "You.......read John Steinbeck?" she asked innocently, not letting on how interested she really was. Beast Boy beamed and nodded. "Yeah, I just started 'Of Mice and Men.'" A spark lit up deep in the pools of Raven's amethyst eyes and both her eyebrows jerked up slightly, intrigued. "Really? That's.....one of my favorite books. Where are you?" she questioned, unconsciously moving in closer to the boy. The others were encouraged by this turn of events, and all automatically slid to the end of the couch for a better view, Robin and Starfire poking a head over each of Cyborg's immense shoulders.
"They just got to the farm and met.....uh......the old guy......who lost his hand? I can't remember his name......something edible.....Carrot? Celery?"
"Candy?" she asked, repressing a giggle.
*Wait, since when do I giggle?*
Beast Boy slapped his forehead in his own stupidity. "THAT'S it! Man, I was WAY off!" he sent her a lopsided smile and she did her best not to smile back; something about that toothy grin of his made her want to forget about staying in check and just burst out into laughter, not caring what blew up in her wake.
*Ok, this is weird. Beast Boy? Having an intelligent conversation? Did I get sucked in the Twilight Zone and nobody told me?*
Beast Boy rocked back and forth on his heals, smiling like a Cheshire Cat as he waited for a response. "Yeah.....well, it's a really good book. Very well written. You should like it."
"I already do." Beast Boy nearly whispered, beaming with his dark olive eyes shimmering. Robin silently cheered, squeezing Star's hand happily and bumping his clenched fist with Cyborg's awaiting one. "Nothing can possibly go wrong!." he muttered. Little did he know how wrong he was.
"Yeah, it's really funny!" Beast Boy said with a laugh. Raven lowered her eyebrows, letting her grey lips part slightly from eachother. The spark in her eyes seemed to die out, and instead was replaced with something entirely different. Something not good. "What?" she curtly questioned. Beast Boy laughed again. "The book! I mean, Lenny's such a funny character!" The pot on the stove began to steam. "How so?" Raven inquired, keeping her rage in check. "Well, he's always like 'I wanna tend the rabbits, George! I ain't got no mouse, George!' I mean, he's got no other thought then those rabbits!!" Beast Boy was now lost in a fit of giggles, as Star cringed and Cyborg slapped his forehead, moaning. "Is he really as STUPID as I think he is?" he asked rhetorically.
At this point, the pot was barely visible, as it was enwrapped in a puff of white smoke erupting from the spout. Beast Boy took no notice to these signs and pressed on. "Yeah! I mean, every time that guy speaks, it's hilarious! All he wanted was some ketchup with his beans, and suddenly that's his number one priority! Rabbits and ketchup, man, if I had a nickel for every time I laughed in that story, I'd sure have a lot of nickels!" The pot whistled so high it was a wonder the titans could hear it. It trembled on the heater, and with a vociferous 'BAM!' the lid exploded from the top, traveling with such force it flew through the ceiling. Behind it trailed a large glob of piping hot water, which splashing dangerously close to where Beast Boy stood.
"You idiot!!! Lenny is slow because he has a mental illness!!! He thinks like a child!!! How dare you say those horrible things about him!! You have the gall, the utmost audacity to mock one of the greatest contributions to American Literature?! I can't BELIEVE you!! To think I would actually be able to carry an intelligent conversation with you....you........IMBECILE!!!"
Raven shrieked her last choice words, causing the cracked window from before to shatter into a thousand pieces. Beast Boy cowered away in fear, huddled in a fetal position on the kitchen floor. The others stared in shock and terror, sliding back down the couch and as far away from the girl as possible. Raven inhaled a deep, quick breath, pulling her cloak over her shoulders and swiftly floated to the pot. She lifted the silver remains with a trembling hand, pouring out all that was left into her awaiting tea cup. The spout clanged several times against the cup's brim as she could not control her shaking hands. After quickly adding a spoonful of sugar, Raven spun and with a grunt of frustration, exited the room to enter her own. Beast Boy gazed pathetically at his friends, who each sent him their own individual 'you-are-an-idiot' look. "Soooo.....guess I blew that one, huh?" The teens toppled over in exasperation.
Raven let her door close with a slam and angrily crossed to her bed, sighing as she sank into it. She took an innocent swig of her brew, and gagged. Bitter. In her rage she had not given herself enough time to add the proper sweeteners. She pushed the cup away on the bedside table. What a waste. Raven scoffed, fiddling with a strand of her hair as she thought. "Beast Boy........he has no appreciation for literature.........ugh, I hate that stupid green doofus." She scowled at the mere thought of him, but suddenly softened as something else dawned on her. "But.....then why did it feel so good when he was talking to me before?" She paused, before letting her mind register a solution. "Maybe.......maybe I don't give him enough credit. Maybe he deserves another chance.....perhaps....." Her muses ended there, as a small, shimmering object caught her eye from across the room. She squinted, trying to get a better look, before slowly rising and approaching it. When she reached it, she dropping to one knee, lifted it, and brought it to her eye for further examination. It was a small, silver ring. She glared, closing it in her fist, and not before long a trail of hot, silver liquid trailed from her clenched fingers.
"Someone's been in my room........."
~*~YAY!!! FINALLY DID CAPTER 3!!! WHOO!!! Again, I am SO sorry this took so long, what with school and volleyball and whatnot......I really hope you like it!! I made it extra long just for you! Enjoy, and please review! Thanks! Bye! ~*~