Disclaimer TEEN TITANS and all other related characters and material are the property of DC comics and Cartoon Network, I claim no ownership.

Chapter 13: Mitigating Circumstances

By: Ansa

Painful lyrics of lost love and lessons learned accompanied by rapid guitar riffs echoed through the seemingly empty garage of WAYNE ENTERPRISES. I look around, sometimes I get down, 'cause I don't know which way to go… this was the poetry that spat from the stereo speakers, as a solitary mechanic worked hard through the night. He normally didn't really care for anything this heavy, but the lyrics were strong and meaningful so he could tolerate it. Besides, right now he needed something loud, just so he wouldn't fall asleep as he lay under yet another service truck.

Beast Boy checked his watch, being careful not to smudge grease and oil on the face as he pulled back his sleeve. It was almost 10 o'clock now, five hours of overtime, and his second night in a row this week. He sighed, thinking about Raven and Starfire at home. At least his fiancé had some company, so he didn't feel too badly about this. Unfortunately it was necessary, tomorrow he had the reunion party and food for five wouldn't fit in their normal budget without these long nights. Besides, he had to get used to overtime if he was going to start making payments on the reception…not to mention the ceremony…and the tux…and the wedding bands…and…well…everything. He sighed, he hated money.

Looking up at the mangled break lines above him he estimated another hour or so, if he decided to try and finish tonight. He was already so tired, and the closest thing he'd had to a dinner tonight was an extra tomato sandwich he had packed for himself. But anything he didn't finish now he would have to finish later, not that that mattered much as he planned on working more overtime hours anyway. Pushing himself out from under the car frame he decided to call it a night, this particular truck wasn't exactly a rush job anyways. Sitting up on the roller he stretched out his back, groaning at a few satisfying cracks as the tension started to leave him, fatigue taking over.

His tired eyes jerked open when the sharp ringing of the phone bellowed over the music. As quickly as his body would allow him in this current state, Beast Boy jumped up and shut off the stereo in mid song grabbing the phone off the wall.

"Wayne Enterprises Garage…"

"How's work going?" Beast Boy smiled, his day instantly improving as soon as his fiancé's voice came on the line. She spoke quietly, most likely from the bedroom as she waited for him. She would have him think that she didn't bother to wait for him, when he arrived at home she made an effort to appear asleep, but he knew better.

"I'm packing things up now. I won't be much longer, go ahead and get some sleep."

"Just make sure you take your shower before you climb in bed, I don't want grease all over the sheets again."

"Hehe, ok." A sweatdrop formed on his head, she'd never let him forget that one time where he forgot to shower. When he woke up, he was found himself suspended in mid-air somewhere near the ceiling. "I'll see you soon. Love you."

"Love you too, bye."

Beast Boy hung up the phone and yawned, wiping the grease off with a paper towel before heading to the sink. His footsteps echoed eerily, cut out only by the rush of warm, running water. He caught his own image in the mirror while he scrubbed his grubby hands. Just by looking at his eyes he noticed just how tired he was, much more so than he realized. The amount of luggage under them suggested the entire US military was about to go on vacation, a rather long one. Again he yawned, they were coming more often now and growing in length and depth, he just hoped he could make it home. The last time he was this tired he ended up falling asleep on the subway. By the time he woke up, he was four stops past his own and what little money he had was missing out of his wallet.

Only when he shut off the water did he realize the futility of using the garage sink to wash his hands. Once his hands moved to close the knobs they were once again covered in grease. He let out a groan, he didn't really care, he was going to have to take a shower at home anyways so it didn't make much difference to him. It was then that a something caught his attention…footsteps. Looking down, unsure in his exhausted state, he checked to make sure that it wasn't his own feet making the noise. There they sat, flat upon the cement floor, never flinching as if bolted down. It wasn't him; it was something else, someone else.

At first he didn't think much of it, he was only a garage mechanic and he was quite sure that other, more important personnel were working even later than he. But then he wondered, what would they be doing down here? Still not putting much concern to the matter he decided to discover the source of the footsteps, perhaps he could get them to give him a hand in cleaning up. Surely if they were bored enough to hang around down here in the "dungeon" they had enough time to spare a few minutes putting away tools.

Casually he strolled on through the halls and empty holds, passing the occasional service truck and limo. Slowly but surely he could hear the more than just footsteps, but at least two distinct voices conversing. About what exactly he could not tell just yet. Getting closer he finally started thinking differently about the situation. Now, no matter how much closer he got the voices never seemed to get any louder, instead they remained as constant whispers. Anyone who was there for a legitimate reason, whether taking a break after working a long night, or the night guards making their rounds, would not bother to whisper…not unless something else was going on.

"Come on man, hurry up."

"I'm going as fast as I can, what are you worried about?"

Beast Boy carefully pressed himself against the wall and peeked around the corner. His eyes caught three men, all dressed in black and wearing ski-masks. Two of which were crouched down near the keypad for the security door that lead directly into the main offices in the basement. The third stood over them, arms crossed and standing lookout.

Quickly Beast Boy pulled back and held his spot on the wall. His instinct was the round the corner and take them out…old habits. As an employee, his first thought was to get to the phone and call the police. That of course didn't sit too well with him. Having been a part of justice for a better part of his life, calling the cops would be…humiliating. He knew what he wanted to do, he knew what he had to do, but unfortunately what that was, was the same thing he was strictly forbidden from.

Ever since he and Raven left the tower the two had decided to keep to themselves as far as crime went. They decided that they had too much to lose now…each other. Besides, with a steady job and college, they couldn't afford to go gallivanting off at the first sign of a robbery, or anything else of the sort. Still, he couldn't just walk away from this. Even if he did get to the phone, the cops wouldn't be able to get there on time. The building was large with as many offices as there was floors, and anyone who didn't know the layout could get lost easily…or lose someone they didn't want following them. But more importantly, in his mind, he owed it to Mr. Wayne. This man had the chance to fire the lot of them, save the expenses and hire his own men, but he didn't. Instead he welcomed them with open arms and gave them a steady job with a more than decent salary and benefits. In a way, Mr. Wayne had given Beast Boy and Raven a chance at making things work, a chance at making their lives easier as they journeyed towards the future.

He took a deep breath, his mind was made up. In a few moments he would round the corner and confront them. First, however, he had to take the time and not only ask Raven to forgive him, but to get back into that state of mind. He had to get back into "hero mode."

"I don't suppose you boys would have some kind of ID now would you?" Not bad, a calm and confident tone of voice and a good strong stature. At the same time he wasn't too threatening but he also let them know he meant business if they didn't care to cooperate.

"It's none of your concern 'Sprout.'"

"What?" Beast Boy blinked.

"You know 'Sprout?'"

Again, he blinked.

"Little green guy, hung out with the jolly green giant?"

"Ohhhhhhhhhhh…that's not funny."

"It would have been if I didn't have to explain it, now scram!"

"'Scram?' Who says that anymore?"

"Listen are you going to get out of here or are we going to have to make you?" The third man was clearly getting annoyed, the two by the door standing up to show their support, trying to intimidate. Beast Boy wasn't easily swayed, not by three normal street thugs at least. He stood firm, eyes locking with theirs.

"If you can, be my guest." Without hesitation one of the men that was working at the door sprinted forward and sent a hard fist directly across his face. The knock took Beast Boy by surprise and sent him wheeling back a few steps, holding his bruised eye with one hand. Very soon he found that his opposite arm would have to be used to block the next attack that came just as quickly as the first. He had been out of the game for a while, but he wasn't about to get thrown down by a couple of common criminals.

All three of them were now converging on him, fists flying every which way. Beast Boy managed to dodge them rather easily and finally threw his own, connecting with the hard stomach of the third man. This left him open to a strike from the second door man, hitting him square in the jaw and making him bit his lip hard. He backpedaled, escaping the brawl and leaving the three men in front of him. Three against one, not the best of odds, but three against one large green gorilla…now those odds were much better.

Sure enough the thugs fell back in horror as the thin green mechanic before them suddenly morphed into a large green, silverback gorilla. It stood back on his hind legs, beating his chest with his massive fists and let out a feral roar. If the fact that he turned into this beast didn't scare them off, surely that would. The three men scrambled in their crumpled state on the floor, desperately trying to get back on their feet and run. Beast Boy grinned and decided to have a little fun, slowly starting to advance on them, bearing his massive teeth and letting saliva drip gruesomely. The first of them finally reached his feet and scrambled off into the distance, leaving via a jacked up garage door. Soon the second screamed and followed the first, rolling under the door after tripping on his way there. At last the third man rose to his feet and made his escape, leaving the large gorilla with a rather satisfied look about his face.

Beast Boy hummed quietly to himself, feeling quite proud as he made his way out of the shower. He had made it back much later than he had hoped to. After the men had fled he was questioned by both security and then the cops, that having taken a little more than an hour. He told his story, leaving out certain details, about how he discovered the three trying to break in and fending them off on his own. The cops seemed quite impressed, if not skeptical, as to how he alone was able to take on three fairly strong men by himself. In the end, they didn't really seem to care. The statements were taken, descriptions were given, and no considerable damage was sustained. After thanking him for his cooperation they finally let him go home, tired, bruised, and quite pleased with how he handled the situation.

It had been so long since he had done anything of the kind and it took him back. He swore he could hear his teammates fighting next to him when it happened. He felt satisfied, although he didn't care to do it again anytime soon. He already had a black eye and a bloody lip to explain to Raven, that in itself would prove to be a challenge.

Beast Boy sat down on his side of the bed carefully. Although he knew very well she was not asleep yet, he didn't want to let on that he knew so. Then, very slowly he released as sigh as he eased himself down on the mattress. It felt so good, compared to the cement floor in the garage anything would. He closed his eyes and relaxed for a bit, not bothering to pull the covers over him yet. It felt so good just to lay there. His lip throbbed slightly, opening his eyes he brought up his fingers to brush against it. Even though he couldn't see it, he knew it was still bleeding. He could feel the liquid against his fingers, and he had the distinct taste of copper after having just brushed his teeth.

"You're late; I thought you said you'd be right home."

"I had some last minute things to take care of." Beast Boy smiled, "so much for pretending you're asleep huh?"

Raven turned, wrapping her arms around him and snuggling up close. She was tired, and was quite ready to go to sleep an hour ago. She would have too…only she couldn't. Not until he was lying next to her she couldn't.

"Well, are you going to kiss me goodnight or what?"

Beast Boy returned her embrace, leaning in slightly as she moved to kiss him. However it didn't last very long. As soon as their lips met Raven's eyes popped open, tasting something different on the lips she had become so very familiar with. It was bitter, and tasted distinctly like it would if she were sucking on a penny.

"What…is that blood?"

Beast Boy thought for a moment, he had rather hoped he didn't have to come up with an excuse until tomorrow morning. At least then he had some time to think about it if he got up early enough. Now he had to do it on the fly, and he had to do it fast before she caught on to things.

"What? What are you talking about?" He chickened out. Or rather, he couldn't think of anything else to do but deny it. He wasn't very good at lying anyways.

"Your lip," Before he could stop her she took her fingers and brushed against his bottom lip, feeling a rather large mound that separated itself from the rest of his smooth flesh. "What? It's swollen…what happened?" Her tone started to sway from concern to accusation, sitting up as she left the embrace, trying to stare him down in the darkness.

"Huh…oh…I…uh…must've bit my lip or something." Not exactly a lie, but not the whole truth either, he had been doing that a lot lately.

"Don't lie to me." A quick click sounded in a flood of light into the room as Raven leaned over and to the nightstand and the lamp that sat there. It took her a moment to let her eyes adjust to the light, she had been laying in wait in the dark for an hour now and the sudden brightness stung them. When she turned back she gasped, and it was clear that he was caught. His left eye was outlined with a thick black and purple bruising, his lip swollen slightly and still exuding a small amount of blood, and the right cheek also held a large bruise.

"Raven I…"

"My god…what happened?" Her fingers gently brushed up against his bruises, feeling them out and making sure those weren't his only injuries. "You weren't…" Her eyebrows formed a scowl as she gave him a push to the shoulder, "you didn't get into a fight did you?"

"Raven I can explain…"

"Let me guess…breaking and entering, a mugging, a car chase? What was it?"

"It…"

"You idiot!" She didn't let him finish, instead she gave him another hard push to the shoulders. "What did you think you were doing huh? Going to relive the old days?"

"You know that's not it."

"Than what was it?"

"Well, I was…"

"I can't believe you!" Another hard push cut him off once again.

"Are you going to let me explain or are you just going to keep pushing me?"

To this Raven only gave him a heavy scowl, crossing her arms in front of her tightly. She decided to hear him out, but that didn't mean he had a good excuse.

"I was working in the garage and some guys were trying to break into the building ok? All I did was stop them from getting inside."

"Alright…" Raven nodded calmly, taking a deep breath. Shouting wasn't going to get her anywhere, besides she didn't want to wake up poor Starfire in the living room. "So why didn't you call the cops?"

"Because, by the time they got there the guys would have been inside already."

"And…you decided to stop them by…fighting?"

"No, no, no, no, no, no, they came after me. I was just trying to fend them off."

There was a moment of silence as Raven took this in, considered it, checking to make sure it registered as a valid excuse before continuing.

"Ok…so I'm assuming you used your powers."

"Well yeah, there were three of them."

"So now there are three goons that know a super hero works at Wayne Enterprises?" Neither of them could really appreciate the irony in this statement, thus, the conversation moved on.

"Well come on Hun, how many green, elf-looking kids do you think there are? I think people can put two and two together."

"That's not the point!"

"Well what is the point?" Raven blinked a loss for words. Other than the fact that he broke their promise, she really didn't have much reason to be upset with him…other than the obvious. She sat back and let out a sigh of defeat, turning out the light beside her before lying back down. Slowly she returned to her spot next to him, resting her head on his chest, draping an arm over him and whispering softly.

"…You got hurt, that's the point."

Ok guys, just so you don't get too anxious waiting for the wedding I'm going to give you the 411 on what has to come before it. Just so you get a relative idea of when it's going to be. To put it simply, the wedding will be the end of this part of the series. Right now I've got a lot of things to get to, setting things up for later and such. For example, right now I've got the reunion to do (next two chapters most likely), a side story with Nightwing, the days preparing for the wedding (dress shopping and such), the bachelor/bachelorette parties (most likely one chapter), and then finally the wedding ceremony and reception. These two things will last a couple of chapters guaranteed. But do not fret, for the end of this portion of the series does not mean the end itself. After I finish with this there is one more part to get through…the events of the honeymoon. Well, that's it for now I guess. Later Days!

ANSA