Alright, second chapter, this time in Beast Boy's point of view. I still don't own Teen Titans

Note: I wrote this before 'Things Change' aired, so I have no intention of changing it due to events that occurred in said episode. Please don't flame me because of this.

All his life, Beast Boy had never been taken seriously. That was the way he liked it, to not dwell on the serious, on the past. Especially his past. None of the Titans knew about his life before them, except for the fact that he had at one time been a member of the legendary Doom Patrol. And the only reason they knew that was because of Robins detective skills.

But his real past, of how he got his powers, of his life before the Titans, was a mystery to anyone but himself. Beast Boy knew the second the others found out, they would feel sorry for him, and that was the thing he hated most. He wasn't a hero because he wanted pity, he was a hero because he thrived on helping people.

Beast Boys latest helping mission, however, was of a more personal nature. Although Cyborg told him it was impossible and pointless to even attempt it, plus it had a good chance of getting him killed...or at least surely hurt. Beast Boys latest mission was to get Raven to express herself, now that she had defeated Trigon. So far all his mission has earned him were some death glares and a few bruises. Yet he refused to give up until he got Raven to smile, maybe even laugh.

At times even he wondered why he should even bother to try, but then she would smirk, or he would catch a glimpse of something in her eyes. It was that something, like an elusive promise that kept Beast Boy going, striving to find that perfect joke, or that excellent gag that would show the Raven he knew was inside. Of course, afterwards, Cyborg would question why he wanted to make Raven smile, why was it so important that she laughed at his jokes?

"It just is. I mean, it isn't right that she went most of her life without emotion, and now that she can express herself a little, shes not." was Beast Boys only reply. He knew that if he told Cyborg the real reason, he would never live it down.

Part of it was to sedate his raging insecurity, knowing that his jokes were what first drew people to him. Even if they were just a way to mask any inner turmoil and self consciousness. But Raven had never laughed or smiled at a single one of his jokes, except for that time he went into her mind...It was the admission Happy Raven made to him that fuelled his incessant joke-telling. "I always thought you were funny..."

The other reason, the more private reason of why Beast Boy constantly bugged Raven to show what she was feeling...was how he felt about her. Raven had been there when Terra betrayed him, and the team. She had defended him when he went primal. She had trusted him enough to hug him after the incident with Malchior. Beast Boy knew that what he felt for Raven was a whole lot more than friendship.

True, he had at one time, cared very deeply for Terra, but her betrayal closed his heart to any thoughts of another chance at romance. If there were any way to bring her back, Beast Boy knew he would jump for joy. But Terra herself had said that he was her best friend, and he knew then that it could never be anything more. Although, truthfully, Beast Boy realized that what he had felt for Terra was in no way comparable for what he felt for Raven. Even though he wasn't quite sure what that was. When the two of them were alone, they actually managed to talk, even about serious things, though never about the past, each respecting the others need for privacy... although to come to that level of trust took some time.

FLASHBACK

"Come on Raven, why wont you tell me about your home? I mean, it wasn't in your file, and we don't know anything about each other! How are we supposed to be friends if you wont even share with me?" Beast Boy was pleading, and he knew it. He also knew he was pushing Ravens buttons, never a smart thing. But he figured he could get away with it while the others were out.

Raven glared, but sighed resignedly. "First off, I do not see how it is any of your business Beast Boy. And you, of all people should know that dwelling on the past is never healthy. We cannot change the past, so why remember it?"

Looking disheartened, Beast Boy slumped his shoulders in defeat. "I know that Raven. I just wanted to know more about you, that's all..."He knew he had lost, and it stung, as it seemed he could never win with Raven. Yet he understood her reasoning. He wouldn't really want to go into detail about Africa, or anything that happened there. So why would she want to talk about wherever she had come from? Beast Boy then realized he didn't even know where it was, or even the name of Ravens home.

"Can you at least tell me where you're from? Cant I at least have that? Please Raven, just one word, and it'll be dropped faster than you can say tofu." He could see that Raven was restraining herself, but Beast Boy also knew that she was ready to hurt him if he didn't stop. Yet he had never backed down before, and he wouldn't do it now. The worst Raven would do is flick him against a wall, maybe bruise him a little. She never actually hurt him, and something inside him told him that shed apologize and heal him immediately afterwards if she ever did.

"Beast Boy..." Raven started. "If you are going to beg and plead in such a manner, it seems only fair that you give me your history as well. Even if it is only one word as to where you are from." Raven seemed almost smug in this declaration, confident that this would shut him up.

At her statement, Beast Boy almost backed down. Even bringing up that one word would send him flashes of monkeys, snakes and rivers that he didn't want to remember. His childhood home had been where his life fell apart. Where he lost everything. Saying that one word would put him in a sour mood for the rest of the day, making him a bit quieter, his smile a bit faker. Yet it was only fair that if he was bugging Raven that he allow her to have this small piece of himself.

"Africa. I spent most of my childhood all over Africa, travelling with my parents." The images started, making him almost wish he didn't care for Raven so much. If he didn't...feel this way, he wouldn't be so willing to do anything for her, wouldn't subject himself to this depression and guilt to make her happy.

The look on his face said so many things. To not push the subject, the sheer force of pretending everything was fine showing in his eyes. The look Raven sent him almost mimicked concern, but Beast Boy could see that she did appreciate his forthcoming.

"Okay Raven." he said, looking somewhat more cheerful, even if it was strained. "Fair is fair. I gave you what you asked for, so now you have to do the same. One word is all I ask."

"You swear that you will drop it afterwards?" she asked, and he nodded in ascent. "And you'll leave me alone for the rest of the day?" The look he sent her said something along the lines of in her dreams. "Okay, I knew I was reaching too far with that one."

Beast Boy smiled. Raven knew him so well. But he also knew Raven and the chances that she would tell him were very slim. So he had to assure her that she could trust him, at least enough to confide this in him. "Rae, you know whatever is said here stays between us right?" With this, he sent her a look, blatantly telling her that he was trusting her with a secret, and he wanted her to do the same. "You can trust me Rae. I am actually capable of keeping a secret. I mean, I never told anyone about what happened in your mind, or about that hug you gave me after the whole dragon/wizard thing. Please know that I meant what I said then Raven. You're not alone, you don't have to keep secrets, especially not from me."

With a small, almost invisible smile, Raven turned to him. He could see that he may have actually gotten through to her. "Azarath. I was born and lived most of my life in a place called Azarath." Her part of the bargain now complete , Raven yanked up her hood and left the common room, a small smile still on her lips.

"Azarath huh? Ill have to go do some research on that." Beast Boy smirked, and went off to access the Titans computer for some investigation.

END FLASHBACK

Since that day, Beast Boy had tried to find out as much as he could about Azarath to no avail. Raven had double encrypted her file on the Titans computer, making it nearly impossible for anyone to access any information on her, aside from the basics, after the incident with her birthday.

So, here he was, bugging Cyborg to give him a hand with the elusive puzzle that was Raven. "Pleeeeeeeeeeease Cy! All you need to do is help me by running the word 'Azarath' through your scanners. Use your search engines, all those chips have to be able to help me somehow!" By this time, Beast Boy was on his knees, and Cyborg was looking at him, an amused smile on his face, but his eyes spelled trouble.

"Okay BB, first off, those chips are keeping me alive, and secondly, my search engine is for crime only. Besides, don't you remember what happened last time you tried to learn more about Raven? We got sucked into her MIND! Personally, Id rather not go through that again. Plus, if Raven really wanted you to know more about this 'Azarath' thing, shed tell you. Stay out of her business otherwise man."

Beast Boy looking very crestfallen, knew that Cyborg was right. If Raven really wanted him yo know, she would have said so. But then again, how many times had she been grateful for his interference? So the margin wasn't very big, but the mere fact that she trusted him with this... Maybe she did want him to know, wanted him to ask...

At this point, Cyborg had to interrupt his thinking. "Why do you care so much anyway? I mean, Raven trusts you with this secret, so shes obviously your friend B. But by now, you should know not to pry. Why is this so important? What is it about...you like her, don't you?"

"Of course I like her Cy, shes my friend. I like all my friends." Beast Boy knew that he had to think quickly, because he knew Cyborg would never stop teasing him if the truth came out.

"Man, you know what I meant. You like her like her, don't you? You cant deny it, I've seen the way you look at her, and believe me, no man stares at a girl that way without having more than friendly feelings." Cyborg knew he had trapped Beast Boy with this logic. Besides, he also knew that Raven might return his best buddy's feelings. And they both deserved to be happy.

"I don't know where you get such crazy ideas man. I totally do not like like Raven. That's insane, me liking Raven. Where do you come up with this stuff?" Beast Boy knew he was babbling, and was definitely not fooling his best friend. Yet he continued to talk, now taking a much more sombre tone. "Besides, even if I did like Raven-which I'm not saying I do, cuz I don't, she would never care about me that way. She would much rather be with someone serious and smart and more mature, like Robin or that dragon dude or even Aqualad than with me, the stupid joker of the group. And its probably better to pine away than to get hurt again..." This last part was said in such a low tone, Cyborgs robotic ears could barely pick it up.

At this, Cyborgs look softened. Beast Boy may act like he was made of hot air, but he actually had very little self esteem. Which was understandable, but it was the last part that Cyborgs attention. "B look, I know Terra hurt you, and bad, but Raven is not Terra. She would never do that to anyone, especially not to you. And really, Raven does not need anymore seriousness in her life. She needs someone to help her loosen up, relax and forget her troubles. Besides, Raven didn't tell Robin her secrets...she told you, man. Take that as a sign. She trusts you, enough to open herself up, something she never does. Anyway, she looks at you the same way."

With this, Cyborg got up to fix himself a snack. But before he left, he had one question. "So what is the meaning behind Azarath anyway? I mean, I think I should know what you want me looking up. I know Raven says it all the time, but I figure you know why, and that's why you're asking."

"Sorry Cy, I cant tell you. Its Ravens secret top tell, not mine. Thanks anyways dude." Beast Boy replied as Cyborg exited the room for kitchen. So what was he supposed to do now? Beast Boy was no closer to discovering anything about Azarath, and was sure asking Raven would get him smashed into yet another wall. Yet he wondered why he cared so much. Maybe Cyborg was right, maybe he did like Raven. Okay, he knew he liked Raven, was willing to do anything for her, even die for her. But how far did this feeling reach? Beast Boy thought about what Cyborg had said...could he be right? Was he...in love with Raven?

As soon as Beast Boy thought the words, he went a bright red...and who should walk into the room but Raven? He couldn't face her now! Beast Boy scrambled up off the couch, intent on getting himself away from the violet haired empath before she sensed what he was feeling... because if he wanted her to know, he wanted to tell her himself. And he would... someday.

"Hello Beast Boy." said Raven. "Cyborg said you wanted to talk to me about something important. So here I am, and if this important thing is a new joke, please tell me now so I can go back to my book."

Beast Boy knew he'd have to get Cyborg back for this later. Maybe he could replace all the meat with tofu...But Raven obviously wanted an answer, so maybe he should grab this chance to talk to her, while they were alone. So he flicked off her hood, looked her in the eyes and took a deep breath. "Hey Raven, can you tell me more about Azarath?"