It's been a while, no? Sorry about that, but with school coming to an end, teachers think it necessary to give you as much work as they possibly can. I had a speech due for Speech Class, a 40-45 minute presentation over the Holocaust and the effects of WWII in Japan in History, a 100-question packet in Biology, and got homework every night in Geometry. That, and my cousin is having a baby soon, but is having heart problems that has everyone in the family is on pins and needles, so I have to baby-sit her daughter, since she can't pick her up. So, sorry, but schoolwork, unfortunately, comes first. But with summer here, you'll never get rid of me! I already plan on writing two Teen Titan one-shots, two Naruto one-shots, and starting on either another TT chapter story, or a Naruto chapter story over the summer. Also, all the stories I have put on hiatus (The Beast Within) will be finished.
Bumblebee blinked rapidly as she watched her fiancée pace before her, large hands clasped behind him as his one human eye narrowed in annoyance. It had been over five hours since Robin had left, and thirty minutes since Cyborg decided it was a necessity to pace restlessly for reasons unknown to her.
The toddler in her arms had his head titled, big gray eyes following every movement Cy made. It was rather adorable, actually, and Bumblebee couldn't help but smile.
"Sparky, something bothering you?" She asked, amused.
His only answer was a grunt as his stride lengthened and he disappeared from sight before popping back up again to repeat the process.
"You could always talk to me, you know. I'm a very good listener."
He snorted again, causing her to scowl. The next time he passed before her, she slipped out a foot, causing him to tumble foreword with a curse and giggle from the two year old.
"Bee," he said dangerously, but she was never one to be intimidated by any man, no matter how many tons he could lift with one hand.
The dark-haired female smirked, sitting Christian beside her as she loosened the two buns atop her head; running longs fingers through the short, curly mass. "Come now, Cyborg. Stop wearing a hole in the floor and tell me what's got you so uptight. Besides," she added, her fingers slipping from her hair to rub her temples, "you're making my eyes cross."
Cyborg grumbled and plopped down beside her. "Why didn't they ask me to help them? I mean, Starfire and Raven are my teammates, too—"
"You're not in love with them."
"—and you know that I would be hurt if they ended up dead—"
"Beast Boy and Robin are romantically involved."
"—and if I could please say something without you interrupting—"
"Whatever you say, Sparky."
"Bee," he muttered darkly.
"Don't say my name like that."
"Damn. Could you please listen so I can get my point across and," he added quickly when she opened her mouth, "not interrupt me while I do?"
She scowled, picking up the toddler beside her and sitting him in her lap. Christian glanced at her with big, tired eyes, and leaned back against her chest, half glancing at the large metal hand that was resting against Bee's knee. Sleepily, he reached over and picked up a long finger, marveling at how heavy it was, before letting it drop again. He did this over and over again; smiling softly, while Cyborg watched his tiny hand curl around his finger before dropping it.
He was momentarily distracted, but shook his head and sighed. "I know that they're romantically involved, but you would think that would get in the way instead of helping. I mean these White Rose Killers are devious. I'm aware of them having Twain and Beast Boy and the rest with them, but what if they planned this? What if they can't save them? I can't just sit around here while there's a chance I'm losing my entire team."
Christian had abandoned his previous actions, and instead held Cyborg's finger in his hands while his eyes slowly closed. Bumblebee smiled softly, wondering for the umpteenth time since she met Cyborg what it would be like to have his child. Of course, there was still a chance that Cyborg was completely infertile and would never be able to have a child that shared his blood, but she could still hope, right? Besides, when all this chaos and drama settled down, she planned on taking him to the doctors who had actually experimented on him and made him who he was. Cyborg wouldn't be pleased, but dammit, she wanted a kid by him! And…anyway, he was capable of lovemaking (thankfully, for her sake, he was still human from the waist to his knee, but all was covered in metal to protect the skin. It was strange how it worked out, really. She still didn't understand why Cyborg was still uneasy about the topic and how he came to be, but that was fine with her. She loved him anyway)…but she so didn't want to get into that. She was still too new at the whole concept and she really didn't want to look like a tomato when Cyborg looked at her…
"Why are you so red?" He asked suddenly, leaning forward to study her eyes. Bumblebee swatted him away. "It's just hot in here…" She snapped, shifting slightly.
Cyborg frowned. "Sure. Whatever." He stood up, forgetting about Christian's hold on his finger. Strangely, the little boy's grip never lessened, and Cyborg ended up face to face with his blushing wife-to-be.
"Kid's got a strong grip," he said gleefully, always pleased with a strong human. He glanced up with a grin.
"Cyborg," Bumblebee said softly, "what do you plan on doing?"
Cyborg's smile disappeared. He was quiet for a while, gray eye unfocused. But suddenly, the corners of his mouth lifted. "Mind watching the kid for awhile?"
Bumblebee smiled. "Sure thing, Sparky."
He grinned, leaning down swiftly to kiss her before bounding off in search of his toys. "I shall be back with my team in tow!"
She eyes softened. "Promise me you'll come home in one piece."
"I might lose a few bolts here and there—"
"Cyborg."
She heard him laugh and smiled. "I swear I'll come back to you in one piece, Bee. Can't have you marrying someone other than me, now can we?"
"No, I guess not."
"So…here, take this." Cyborg popped back into the room, arms loaded with all types of armory. She caught the communicator he threw at her easily, a dark eyebrow raised. "Can't I just use the main communicator in here?"
"I haven't unlocked security, and it would take too much time to get you online, so I figured this would help." He slid a tiny disk into his arm while Bee scooped up the sleeping Christian.
"'Kay, now, I'll keep in touch with the communicator, and when I give the signal, I'll need you to call the police. I'll send the coordinates to the location whenever I can."
"Do you know where they are exactly?"
Cyborg grinned. "Nope. But what kind of superhero techno geek would I be if I couldn't track them?"
Mallory's scream pierced the air as Marty cut through her cast, slicing the already torn flesh. The bastard had decided that Mallory had not gained enough attention from them, so while Lance proceeded to torture Waylin's daughter, Marty had slithered up to Mallory.
Starfire flinched when another horrid sound escaped from her friend. She needed to do something soon; for she knew that time was slowly dwindling. If she waited too long, Mallory and Harley would not survive.
She glanced beside her, careful to not bring much attention to her movements. She was supposed to be paralyzed after all. The mayor was watching both White Rose Killers with a sick gleam in his eye, causing Starfire's lip to curl in disgust. His gaze then moved to Hannah. He pushed his obese body off the wall, reaching down to grab something from the floor. Starfire could not tell what it was and did not want to bring attention to her, fearing that they would inject her once again, leaving her unable to protect them. Not that she was doing much now, but she couldn't just pop up and attack. This needed a well drawn out plan.
Beside her, Raven was deep in thought, her violet eyes closed as she concentrated on the surrounding area. She could detect other humans near, but they were far away. Eyebrows drawn, she focused more energy onto the far-off bodies.
Her heart jolted in her chest when she recognized the emotional pull that only Beast Boy managed. But he was so far away…she had to concentrate to reach him. Quietly, she took a deep, calming breath, and as softly as possible, murmured her chant.
Okay, Raven, just concentrate on him and you'll be able to talk. You've done this before, though never this far away, but it'll work. They do say that once you're emotionally attached to one person, it's so much easier to feel to their emotions…right? Or was that just one of those stupid little quotes that really have no meaning and are corny? Damn, stop thinking of that and focus.
Raven blocked away all thoughts, shutting out the metallic smell of blood and the screams of pain that filled the small cave, concentrating only on the feel of Beast Boy's presence.
Beast Boy? Can you hear me? Where are you?
She panicked slightly when nothing happened. No response, no tug, no nothing. Pushing down despair, Raven tried again, this time imaging Beast Boy's face in her head.
Beast Boy, can you hear me?
Raven? She sighed in relief at the baritone sound of his voice. Where are you, are you hurt? Have they done anything to hurt you? Oh, I swear when I get there I'll pulverize them.
Calm down, Beast Boy. They haven't touched me yet. How are your wounds?
Eh, I've felt better, but they won't interfere. Raven, where are you?
She sighed. All I know is that it is some sort of cave, like you would find on the side of a mountain or near a sea or something…other than that, I don't know.
I can smell your scent vaguely. Raven, are you bleeding? Because I can smell it over Starfire's now.
She ran her tongue delicately over her busted lip with a grimace. It's not bad. Nothing to worry about. How can mine be so strong when Harley and Mallory are getting sliced and diced?
What? What do you mean, getting sliced and diced? Are they still alive? How bad are they hurt? How's Mallory? Starfire? Raven, give me some details, here!
Their getting hurt pretty badly, but I can't move, and Starfire knows she can't do anything right now without risking killing someone. With Marty and Lance having weapons in their hands, she can't risk the chance of them killing them. I mean, think about it. If she does something without warning and surprises them, who's to know that he won't get severely pissed and slice their throats just because he can? It's a slight chance, I know, but we haven't come this far just to end up losing because we jumped in to soon. I know I can use my telekinesis and throw them against the wall, but what are we going to do when they get up? I can't move, Starfire's hurt, and you're too far away. It's…complicating.
Damn…I wish I could morph.
…Why can't you?
She heard him sigh mentally. I still have a bullet in my chest. I morph and my muscles shift over the bullet, causing immeasurable pain and one very useless shape shifter. Hell, I swear, if I live through this—
--You will, Beast Boy. Don't be so pessimistic. That's my job, not yours.
Things change, Raven. I'm not the same as I used to be.
I know that, idiot. But it still doesn't give you the right to be so damn gloomy. Again, that's my forte and not yours. So gut it up and be the happy-go-lucky jokester that—
—Annoyed you to no end?
…Yes.
Beast Boy's chuckle filled her mind, warming her aching body. Your saying you want my annoying, corny self back instead of the brooding hunk I am now? You're strange to please, you know. I would have thought that you would love the darker side than the bright one.
Beast Boy…
All right, so the darker side of me creeps you out, and the corny side annoys you…so…should I just be sexy?
Raven couldn't help but roll her eyes. Fond of yourself, huh?
Considering I won the heart of you, I'm pretty confident in myself.
Raven couldn't think of a coherent reply that didn't include the words 'Uh' and 'Oh'.
Beast Boy laughed softly. Panicking yet? Figures. Don't worry, Rae, I know you don't love me, but it's still fun to mess with you.
His words were carefree, but the hint of pain was weaved throughout his words. Beast Boy could never seem to hide anything from her when she poked around in his mind. She was too good at reading emotions, especially when they were inside someone's head.
Beast Boy…
Dude, I hate it when you say my name like that. It's like…I-don't-want-to-hurt-you-because-you're-so-pathetic tone. Could you refrain from saying my name in such an I-feel-sorry-for-you way?
I don't feel sorry for you and if you are pathetic, I'll tell you, not make you feel better. In fact, that's the opposite of what I would do.
He chuckled softly. Guess I know not to come to you when I'm hurt.
You know you will.
I know. That's mostly because I love you.
Raven breathed in sharply. You're too easy, Raven. One word of love, and you stiffen.
It's just…strange to hear someone tell me they love me…that's all. I'm…no one…I mean…not even my mother told me she loved me…
Well, Rae, I do love you, so deal with it. You don't have to feel the same way, and I'm perfectly fine if you want things to remain platonic—
In case you forgot, things so far have been far from platonic. I didn't sleep with you so we could just be friends with benefits. I don't play that way. As you are perfectly aware, I don't just sleep with anyone. In fact, if I were handed the chance to take back what we had, I would tell them to shove off and leave me alone. I am proud of what we had, and I still am. Nothing changes that. Until we got into this, yes, we had a nonsexual relationship, but now…how can you say it's platonic? I gave my virginity to you, not because you were my friend, but because I trusted you more than I have ever trusted anyone in my life. If you truly think things are platonic between us, you're an idiot.
It didn't take a genius to know that she had shocked him. He was probably debating on how to go about saying anything without sounding stupid, and, for reason unknown to her, she found it adorable.
I think…that is the most you have ever said to me in one sentence before.
That's all you have to say?
...Raven, that was as close I will get to have you say you love me. Sorry if I'm a bit bemused right now. I never thought that would happen, especially so quickly.
Do you think I'm incapable of loving someone, Beast Boy? Do you think that I so damn unfeeling that I can't or don't know how?
Raven, that's not what I—
Then why the hell do you keep saying that you know I'll never love you? Raven was beyond insulted, but mostly, she was hurt. Really hurt. Her heart constricted with pain at the thought that Beast Boy thought her unfeeling. Okay, so she wasn't Miss Personality, but she wasn't an empty shell, either. She was more of an...I-have-emotions-but-it's-too-troublesome-to-deal-with type. And with her emotions being closely linked with her powers, she couldn't really bring forth happiness and such without toppling buildings and ruining Cyborg's Gamestation. It was just who she was. And besides, with her past, she didn't know how to even if she could. Her father hated her, her mother only saw her as an effect of rape, and everyone always saw her as a half-breed. She belonged nowhere and had learned early to steel herself against the world. But for Beast Boy to openly say she was unfeeling was taking things a bit too far. Her barrier couldn't withstand such a blow.
Raven, I didn't mean—
I'm sorry that you think that I'm a clod-hearted bitch, like you said before—
I told you it was my way of getting back at you, Raven. His voice was edged with anger, but being Beast Boy, he tried to conceal it. When would he learn that she was a damn mind reader? Her specialty, other than manipulating matter, was to read emotions. Stupid.
I happen to think that you meant every word you said. I am so tired of you constantly saying that I'll never be able to love you. I might not be able to show emotions, but I sure as hell can feel them, jackass.
Stop insulting me, Raven.
Stupid! You're insulting me! Here's a newsflash for you, Sherlock. Telling me I'm incapable of emotions is a serious blow to my ego. It's an insult, pure and simple. So I have every right to call you a stupid jackass, because you are one.
Stop putting words in my mouth!
I'm not. It's so damn obvious what you're saying. Look, I might not be to keen on emotions and such, but I'm not so naive to know that your saying I'm inept of loving you!
I'm saying that I'm not the loving type! This has nothing to do with you and your damn emotions, Raven! This has to do with the fact that I am not someone that someone like you can love! That's what I meant. I can't do anything right. I'm not smart, or funny, or attractive. I have nothing to love. That's all I was saying, Raven. His voice was softening now, voided of all anger. I know you can feel, Raven. In fact, you probably feel as much as Starfire does, but you just don't show it. You loved before. Remember Malchoir? And I know you were attracted to Robin during our younger years. I'm sorry I led you to think that I was saying you're unable to love. I didn't mean to let you think that. I really am sorry, Raven.
Beast Boy… What was she supposed to say to that? She had always known that Beast Boy had self-esteem problems, but had no idea that they reached to such a high extent. It never occurred to her that Beast Boy was in real pain, and thought so lowly of him. It made sense why he tried so hard to win the affection of his team with lame jokes and annoying pranks. He just wanted to be seen. And she never noticed.
She was supposed to be his teammate, his friend, hell, she was his lover, yet she was so wrapped up in her own problems that she never noticed him. His eyes had always been lonely, and though she had noticed, she brushed it off, because she thought her own pain to be more important. It was why he became so attached to Terra, because she showed him that she cared. Could Raven do that? Could she change how she acted to make him feel loved?
Hell yes.
Raven realized now that she was head-over-heels in love with Beast Boy, had probably been for years now, but had never let herself believe it. He was so damn adorable, and had been the only one who made her feel like she was important. He had been the only one to put her before everything else, and had never really given up on her. She realized that after years of being alone, she was entitled to be naive, but this took things a bit too far. How could she not love Beast Boy?
He was everything that she needed. Wanted, maybe not, but she need him. She needed his lame humor, and his soft words of comfort. She needed to wake up every morning next to him and know that she was the only woman that he loved. She needed him.
Sure, his jokes were annoying, and he was too damn attractive for his own good, but everyone had flaws. Hell, hers outweighed his by a good ton or two. But his imperfections were simple. She was demon, for crying out loud. She actually had a personality that could kill…literally. Jeez, she should be the one worried about him not loving her, instead of the other way around.
Beast Boy, we really need to talk, but I would rather do this when I'm talking to you in person, and not in your head.
There's nothing left to say.
Yes, there is.
You seem to forget the predicament were in, here, sweetheart. I'm bleeding to death and you're in the hands of a rapist. I don't know if there will be another time to talk.
Damn…okay, here goes nothing…I…I'm in love with you. No, I'm not in love with you. I—
Jeez, Raven, either you're in love with me or your not.
I'm not.
Raven could actually feel his pain and disappointment from here. It killed her, but she had to say this.
See? Nothing to say.
Let me finish before you jump to conclusions. I'm not in love with you. Where I in love you with, I could easily fall out of it.
Raven, if your going somewhere with this, I suggest you get to it. You're killing me, here. He tried to laugh it off, but he couldn't hide the heavy anguish in his voice. It amazed her how much he truly cared about her.
But what I feel for you is something that will never change. I can't fall out of love with you, because I love you. There is no in love. This is serious; I want to be with you in the forever kind of love. As in...you have everything that I am able to give. Ready for the corniness and clichés? You have my heart and soul, Beast Boy. Oh God, that was so not a Raven comment. But it's true. I refuse to let you get away from me now, no matter how much you want to. You say you love me, right?
...Yeah.
Then I hope you're ready for an eternity with me, because I am not going to spend the rest of my life without you. Scared yet?
Uh… Poor Beast Boy: He sound like he was completely bewildered at her outburst.
What I'm talking about is marriage, five or six kids, at least a dozen grandkids, and growing old together until we're both nothing but wrinkles. Hell, maybe even living long enough for great-grandchildren. Since I'm feeling generous, I'm giving you one chance to get out while you still can. Of course, you still have to save me, but when we get out of this, you can hightail it out of here as fast as you can. So, what's it going to be?
Beast Boy's response was a string of incoherent words that had a beginning, but no ending. After the fifth or sixth uh, Raven figured it was time to intercept. Come, now, Beast Boy. You're acting as if I just told you I was in love with you.
S-sarcasm? At a time like this? Dude, this is…wow. You did say you…wow. Uh…give me a minute…Okay, wow, uh; you want to be with me, huh?
No, I just want to grow old with you. At times like these, sarcasm was her greatest playing card, and Raven planned on using it until the opportunity ran out.
Again with the sarcasm. Okay, now my brain seems to be functioning again.
When did it ever work?Ha ha ha. You're freaking hilarious. Okay…okay, I think I have things under control and don't you even start with the insults 'cause I won't be too thrilled.
Nice run-on, Beast Boy.
Raven! Beast Boy's tone was beyond aggravated, and despite the situation, Raven smirked.
This is a serious topic, Raven, so start acting like an adult who happens to be head-over-heels in love with my sexiness.
Raven rolled her eyes. She loved the man, she truly did, but it didn't change the fact that he was an idiot. A conceited idiot, to be more specific.
All right, I'll stop. You just make it so easy.
Bite me.
Already have.
Had Raven been an emotional type, she would have laughed out loud at his sputtering.
Stop! Okay, you love me, I love you, and you want to be with me till the end, as do I, so does this mean that after this, we're going to be together? As in couple boyfriend/girlfriend and all that jazz? Oh, wait, you don't like the sound of boyfriend/girlfriend. So…hey, if we are going to be together, do we date for awhile, then get married, or just go ahead and do the whole "till death do us part" thing? I mean, we've pretty much passed the boundaries of dating, but do you want to try that? I mean, we haven't really ever been on a date—
Beast Boy.
—And the whole dance thing doesn't really count, does it? I mean, it sort of was a date, but we were undercover and—
Shut up, Beast Boy, and listen to me. He quieted instantly. I don't care what we're classified as. Marriage is nothing but a piece of paper that states that you belong to each other. Dating is also overrated. Truthfully, I don't care about dating. Or marriage, at that. Besides, we can work all that out later, when our lives aren't in danger. I just want to be with you. That's it. You're making this more complicating than it needs to be.
Raven!
Raven blinked at the sudden invasion. It wasn't Beast Boy calling her name, but Starfire. Quickly, Raven told Beast Boy she had to go before concentrating on Starfire.
What is it, Starfire?
He's coming!
What? Raven suddenly realized that the cave was silent. There were no whimpers of fear, or cries of agony. It was deathly quiet, but before she could ponder on what had happened during her conversation with Beast Boy, a searing pain shot through her lower stomach, right across the left side of her pelvic bone. Raven hissed as blood seeped from the wound. She could see the top of someone's head, but had no idea who it was, or what they had done. All she knew was that the warm stickiness of blood was coasting her side, and that it wasn't too deep.
"I realize that it would be useless to rape you now," Marty cooed, leaning down so his face was level with hers. "We waited too long, and now your men are on their way. It would be nice to be able to bury myself in you right now, but I think torture would please me more. I can live comfortably with the fact that you suffered. So, how would you prefer to do? Bleeding to death? Suffocation? Truthfully, I would prefer fire or drowning, but both are out of the question. The color and texture of blood pleases me, so I think that will be our answer."
Marty swooped down and kissed her gently, as if he feared hurting her, before slicing her skin again, this time, nicking her right side. Raven growled and was seconds away from biting him when he pulled back. He smiled like a pleased little boy as he watched the blood flow.
He glanced once more at her face. "It's a pity I couldn't enjoy you more." He sighed softly before placing the tip of his weapon (Raven was sure it was a knife) at the top of her right thigh. "But I'm not too disappointed."
Marty's face contorted in a sick grin as he shoved the blade deeply into her flesh, slicing through muscle before slowly, oh so slowly, carving downward, no once pulling the blade from her thigh. Raven screamed in agony, a high-pitched shriek that bounced off the hollow walls of the cave. The pain was so intense that Raven wept and could do nothing to stop it.
Her mind seemed to break away from all rational thoughts, concentrating only upon the terrible pain. Even Starfire's words were jumbled inside her head. Her emotions were in turmoil, feeling everything she did. Rage, her strongest and most powerful weapon, was driven to her knees and was howling, a deathly sound that was more demon than human.
Beneath her, her blood was pooling, hot and thick, and ran down the sides of the stone slab to gather at the base before sinking into the dirt packed ground. Raven's throat was raw from screaming, but the sounds of pain still flowed from her mouth. Marty seemed to get off on her pain, for he was giggling wickedly. When he reached the side of her knee, Marty stopped, and yanked the steel from her skin. The action sent Raven tumbling over the edge of unconsciousness.
Marty smiled, a slow lift of his lips. He lifted the knife to eye level, watching the droplets of blood drip from the sharp edge of the blade. "I could die a happy man now," he murmured to himself, tilting his head slightly to gauge how deep he had gone. He guessed it was about a few scant centimeters from the thighbone…
He was so engrossed in his tortured pleasure to notice the empty slab next to Raven's.
"I think we might be able to arrange that."
Marty's eyes snapped up just to see a bloodied hand hurling towards him. The bones in her already injured hand shattered as she hit Marty with all the power she had, but she was never aware of the pain. She felt, with sickening pleasure, his ribs cave in as she plowed her fist into his gut. Marty dropped to the ground like deadweight, blood pouring from his slack mouth.
Starfire glanced up to see Lance and the mayor looking at her with horrified expressions. She smiled, her once bright, innocent bottle-green eyes dark with bloodlust.
Starfire's full mouth turned up in a deadly smirk. "Who's next?"
School's out for summer! Yes! Life is good! No more papers, or speeches, tests, or worksheets for an entire 2 ½ months! Now, late updating will be a thing of the past!
But now to more important things: Sorry if I confused you, and if Raven was too OOC (which she tends to be when I write). But hey, at least Starfire finally took some action. That should make ya'll happy. Sorry again for the long wait, but some things can't be helped. Oh yeah, and sorry if this chapter is too short. Wow, I'm apologizing a lot...
