Chapter Nine

Beast Boy arrived at Titans Tower without incident. He already pushed his anger toward Terra aside in his mind, and so didn't look at all hostile.

After entering the building, he took the elevator to the floor with the living quarters. He met Robin there.

"What's up, Beast Boy?" he asked him.

"Oh, hi Robin. Just came back from the mall."

"So I see. That's were you got the flowers?"

"Yeah. Aren't they nice?"

"Yeah. Who are they for?"

"Ummm, a friend!"

"I see!" he laughed. "I'll have to remember to get some flowers for Starfire some day." He sighed. "So, how is that new mall, anyway?"

"It's really great! Lot's of stuff for everyone, including Raven. Also, it's not too far from the park, either."

"Sounds nice. Listen, Beast Boy, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"Sure, what is it?"

"I feel we haven't been as supportive as we could've been since that incident with you and Terra. I know you were really sad."

"Yeah, I was. But now I'm better."

"I know. But if there's anything you need to talk about, I'm here for you, okay?"

"Sure, Robin. But I'm fine, really."

Robin stared at him. "Well, you do look happier now. Has something happened?"

"Uh, I'd rather not talk about it."

"Well, have it your way. Don't forget, though, we're here for you."

"Thanks."

They parted ways.

Beast Boy made his way to Raven's room and knocked. A few seconds later, it opened slightly.

"Who is it?" a voice said.

"Umm, it's me, Beast Boy?"

"Beast Boy? I don't know any Beast Boy."

"Raven, quit playing around."

"Raven? There is no Raven here. Just call me...Lady of the Dance!"

The door opened all the way. Beast Boy saw Raven standing in her room, smiling. She was in uniform, sans her boots and cloak. Smiling, the changeling entered. The door closed behind him.

"I brought you flowers, Raven." Beast Boy said, holding them up.

Raven eyed them closely, sniffing at them. She then smiled. "Thanks! I'll find a spot."

She found a piece of artwork that she figured could suffice as a vase. She took the flowers from Beast Boy and laid them on her dresser.

"Wait! Do you have water?" she asked

"Right here!" he replied, holding up the bag.

Raven smiled at him and took the bag. She filled the vase with water, and then added the fertilizer. Next, she took a small knife and cut off a few inches off the ends of the flowers and set them in the vase. She placed it on a stand near the window.

"Perfect!" she said. "Adds a bit of color."

Beast Boy smiled as he cleaned up the mess. 'I guessed it right!' he thought. 'I know her tastes! Dude, this is awesome!'

Raven sat on her bed and invited Beast Boy to join her. He did so.

"Guess who I saw today?" he asked.

"Who?"

"The queen bitch herself; Terra."

"Terra? What'd she want?"

"We talked about how she came back to life and all and where she's been living."

"How'd she say she came back to life?"

"Says it was when you fixed everything after you kicked Trigon's ass."

"I thought so! I had a feeling that would've restored her, but I thought it was too ridiculous. Damn it, if only I went to check!"

"Hey, it's not your fault. Besides, she wanted to be away from us." He chuckled.

"You're gonna love this! Remember that Slade robot that attacked me? The one I told you all about?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, turns out she sent it! Can you believe that shit?"

Raven was aghast. "Well, I guess old habits die hard, huh?"

"Yeah. Too bad, huh?"

"Yep, really too bad."

They stared at each other. "So, should I go?" Beast Boy asked.

In response, Raven embraced him tightly.

It was late at night when Terra returned to her "home". She spent most of the day walking around the city, wondering every store she saw. She then had a leisurely dinner at a nondescript restaurant. After that, she decided to have dessert at the place she and Beast Boy once shared pie. That brought back a sting of memories from times she wished to forget. After eating, she walked home.

Once she arrived, she sat on her bed and kicked her shoes off.

"Great move today, you idiot!" she said to herself. She had a habit of talking to herself when she was alone.

She cursed herself for letting her feelings get in the way of what was right for herself. And now, she had once again instilled hate in Beast Boy.

"Maybe he was right that first time." she said. "Maybe I don't have any friends."

'Nonsense!' her mind told her. 'You have friends at school that care about you! You have a new life now. Forget Beast Boy and the Titans!'

"Yeah, maybe I should." She stood up and stretched.

She felt unclean for some reason, possibly because of the dirty deeds she felt she did. In any case, she felt a need to shower. She went to her small dresser and got out a change of clothes. From a makeshift closet, she got her showering supplies, a towel and a bath robe.

She took off her socks and had just dropped her pants when there was a commotion at the door! Someone had broken in! Terra screamed in surprise.

Then, a figure walked in; it was one she had seen a few days ago. But that was fake; this was real!

"Hello my dear apprentice. How are we today?"