Last Rites by UndyingShadows
Chapter five
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Teen Titans or any of the characters locations or objects herein.
Raven
I didn't sleep last night.
How could I? My emotions wouldn't be quiet and for once I can't blame them.
I just walked into the main room, which is usually empty at five am.
Not today. Beast Boy is curled into a ball on the couch, a little drool coming from the corner of his mouth.
If he isn't asleep, then that's pretty disgusting.
As he is, I can forgive him.
He looks cold, though, and every time he moves he winces...
I'd make him breakfast but...
It'd probably do a lot more harm than good, huh?
You sound...less happy than usual.
Riddle me this: What have we got to be happy 'bout? BB's...
Dying?
...mmm...that.
I know. But we have to stay happy for him, alright?
Guess so, Rae.
I almost want to put a blanket over him, but I think i'd better wake him up.
If Robin sees him, he'll start asking questions.
Usually i'd just push him off the couch. Today, I think a nicer approach is more appropriate.
I sit down beside him.
"Beast Boy."
He just mumbles something about space earwax.
This may not be as easy as I thought.
I reach over and shake him gently. I hope it doesn't hurt him.
"Beast Boy - wake up."
His eyes open, and he mutters something incoherent.
"What was that?"
He groans and speaks again.
"What are you doin' in my room, Rae?"
I have to chuckle at that one.
Beast Boy
It only took five minutes for me to realise I wasn't in my room.
I slept out here 'cause I couldn't move much after Star's hug.
Now Raven's hugging me - a hug from Rae isn't something that happens every day.
It'd be nice, but she's crying.
I rub her back, trying my best not to upset her further.
"What is it, Rae?"
She stops crying, and pulls away, looking at me. She looks surprised.
"What do you think, you idiot? You're..."
I shush her, then, and smile.
"Yeah...I know. It's okay, though. I've lived a lot longer than I should've. It's just my time."
She glares at me. The effect is ruined by how red she is and how puffy her eyes are.
"Don't say that." She whispers angrily. "You aren't allowed to be so calm about this."
I'd laugh, but I don't think it'd be very clever.
"I wasn't." I say instead. "I fought it as hard as I could, but...I just can't cry anymore."
She doesn't say anything for a minute, then she looks down.
"Beast Boy...I'm sorry."
She's...what?
"I shouldn't treat you the way I do. It's not fair.
Ah. How I hate pity.
"It's okay. You may say some harsh things sometimes, but we're friends."
She shakes her head.
"It's not okay. I treat you like dirt and you have to smile and take it. That isn't right."
I'm about to interrupt again, but she glares.
"Let me finish. I'm trying to tell you...that you're my best friend. If you ever need me, just ask and i'll be there, alright?"
If I wasn't hearing it, I wouldn't believe it.
This time, I hug her.
"Thanks, Rae."
And then the alarm goes off.
She gets up, and spares me a small smile.
"You ever notice how the alarm always interrupts something important?"
End of chapter five.