A/N: Thank you guys SO very much for the reviews. I'm elated that you like the start of my sequel. Sorry about the long wait for the next part. I've been working a lot and it's been so crazy it's exhausting. I haven't had time to write. Anyway I hope you like this part. Please continue to review, it builds up my confidence. Take care and stay safe. Love, Ellivia22
Disclaimer: If I owned Teen Titans, we would've seen more Blackfire. She's my favorite female villain
Trust Me
Part II
Beast Boy
I wake up the next morning feeling much better than I did last night. I don't hurt nearly as bad in my head and I feel very energetic. Unlike most nights, I didn't dream, which is rather disappointing. I was hoping that I would dream about something that would jog my memory. No such luck. My mind is still fuzzy and I still remember nothing besides the battle with the strange robot suited man last night and the rousing season premier of Clash of the Planets.
With my eyes closed I strain to remember something, anything that I've forgotten. Nothing but a black void. I had no idea that I could lose so much time because of a single incident. I hope that I remember something soon, otherwise not knowing what I've forgotten will drive me crazy.
I rise slowly in bed, stretching. Everyone was acting so strange last night. It's been a long time since I've seen the team this serious-especially Starfire. It's nice knowing that the team cares about me so much to be worried about my well being. At the same time I have a feeling that I must've forgotten something really big fro them to act this way. If that's the case, then why hasn't anyone told me anything?
Have we ever hurt you?
Even hours later I'm still utterly confused by Cyborg's question. The Titans might not always appreciate my jokes or take me seriously when they should, but they are my family. I trust them with my life. No terrible memory that I could have forgotten will ever change that.
Knock Knock
The door opens revealing Robin and Starfire. I brighten up slightly seeing my two friends. They enter the room cautiously, serious expressions still on their faces. Starfire is clutching yellow flowers in a vase. "Hey guys!" I greet them cheerfully. "I hope you slept better than I did. I kept dreaming that my eyes kept changing colors, but now I know that was just a pigment of my imagination," I finish, chortling at my own joke.
The pair stare at me. Unlike the other times it's because of annoyance-or confusion on Starfire's part-their expression is of utter shock. After a minute they let out a laugh. I can tell they are trying to sound sincere, but it's obvious that their laugh is forced. Starfire's reaction surprises me, though Robin's doesn't. Usually she loves my jokes. Perhaps she doesn't understand it. I'll have to remember to tell simpler jokes next time.
"It's nice to see you in a good mood," Robin comments as they enter the room. "How's your head?"
"It doesn't hurt as much now, but my mind is still really fuzzy."
"We are pleased that you are not hurting any longer, Friend," Starfire says. "You are still not able to recall anything?"
I rub my temple in an attempt to jog something. "No I-." I stop in mid sentence.
"What's wrong?" Robin asks in concern.
I stare long and hard at my left arm. The sleeve of the hospital nightgown I am wearing has ridden up enough for me to see a long, thin scar across my green forearm. It looks like it was a deep cut. I wonder why I didn't notice that last night. "That's strange. I don't remember getting this injury."
I jump out of my skin when Starfire lets out an anguished sob. She drops the vase, glass shattering all over the floor. She covers her face, muffling her cries. "Star, what's wrong?" Robin asks in alarm. I stare at the alien princess. Did I say something wrong? I don't understand.
"I-I'm sorry, Beast Boy," she cries through her hands. Her entire body is trembling. "I-I didn't mean-I'm sorry!" Before I am able to ask her what she's talking about she flies out of the room.
Robin lets out a sigh. He leaves the room. At first I think he ran off to comfort Starfire. He returns a moment later with a broom and dust pain. Silently he begins to clean the mess that Starfire left behind. My heart is still pounding in shock and my stomach clenches from the confusion. What just happened?
"I-I'm sorry," I apologize in a small voice to Robin. "I-I didn't meant to upset her."
After getting all the broken vase pieces in the dust pan, Robin stands up. "It's not your fault, Beast Boy," he says kindly. He's never spoken to me like that before. I'm surprised he's not upset. Usually he's very protective of Starfire. "Starfire is just really upset that you got hurt, that's all. I'll go check on her." I am about to ask Robin about the injury on my arm, but he speaks again before I can. "I'll have Cyborg examine you again. In the meantime, I think you should take a day or two off from training just to be safe."
I smile in appreciation. "Thanks dude."
Without another word, Robin exits the room, leaving me alone again.
Thirty minutes later I'm still upset and confused by Starfire's reaction to the strange scar on my arm. Is this what Robin meant last night when he said they accidentally hurt me during a mission? If so and Star caused the injury, I'm sure it was an accident. Starfire is the kindest person I've ever met. There is no way she'd hurt me on purpose. I hope she knows that I didn't mean to make her cry. She is my friend and I care about her.
To ease my worries I try to think about something else. Since I'm still unable to recall any memories, I think about the beautiful empath in the tower. Her short violet hair, indigo eyes; her stoic demeanor, masking the care she has for her friends. I love her so much. I wish that I had the courage to tell her how I feel, but I'm so afraid of her rejection. I hope that she comes to visit me next. I want the opportunity to at least make her smile, like always. It's my favorite mission in my life so far.
The door to the medical ward opens again. A delicious smell of tofu bacon and eggs fill my nostrils. I close my eyes, my mouth watering. I didn't realize how hungry I am until this moment. Mmmm it smells so good.
"Good morning BB," Cyborg says cheerfully. "I hope you slept well. I have breakfast for you."
My eyes snap open. I stare at the half robot in shock. "You made me breakfast?"
"Don't get used to it," Cyborg says with a light chuckle. "The last thing I wanted to do was touch your yucky tofu, but I figured I'd do something nice for you for a change."
Cyborg's kind gesture makes me feel good all over. I smile gratefully, accepting the warm plate from his hands and the glass of soy milk. "Thanks dude."
"How are you feeling?" Cyborg asks. "Have any memories come back to you yet?"
"The headache and nausea are gone for the most part. Unfortunately I still don't remember anything."
I am taken aback to see the relief on Cyborg's face. The expression is gone almost as soon as it appears. Does he not want me to regain my memories? Why? What have I forgotten? "If it's okay, I'd like to check you over while you eat."
I nod mutely in approval. I hesitate for a second before plunging my fork into the eggs. Cyborg has never cooked for me before. This could all just be a prank. Judging from the serious expression on his face, I'm guessing it isn't. I can trust him. Before I chicken out I plunge a forkful in my mouth. I immediately relax as I consume the familiar taste. He made it perfectly.
"Wow Cy," I say in between bites. "I'm impressed. This is really good for a meal being cooked for the first time."
"This wasn't the first-," Cyborg stops in mid sentence. "I mean, you're welcome."
"What do you mean this isn't the first time?" I ask in curiosity. "You made this meal for me before?"
I notice sweat appearing on Cyborg's face. "Yeah a couple of times after you got out of the hospital."
"Hospital? I was in the hospital?"
Cyborg's face loses a pigment of color. He lets out a sigh. "Look, BB, I'll be straight with you. Last month you were hurt during the battle with Slade and spent time in the hospital. After you got home, I starting making you breakfast until you started feeling better."
Hospital? Slade? I'm so confused. I think about what Cyborg said. All this information explains the scar on my arm that Starfire freaked out about and why the team is being so concerned about me. I must've really gotten injured when we battled the masked villain. A part of me feels really good and cared for by my friends, but I can't help but feel like they are hiding something from me. Why would they do this?
Cyborg speaks before I have the chance to ask him what happened. "Well, besides the memory loss, everything looks good. The swelling has gone down considerably. Unfortunately, only time can tell if and when you'll get your memory back."
I sigh. "That's just great."
"Don't worry, BB. I have faith that you'll remember everything soon." I can't help but notice that he's not meeting my eyes as he takes my now empty plate and cup from me. "Now, how about you get dressed and we'll play some video games. That ought to make you feel better."
I brighten up instantly, putting my worries and doubts aside. I've known my teammates for a few years now. I trust them. They would never hurt me on purpose. Whatever they aren't telling me, they must have a good reason. When the time is right I'm sure they will tell me everything.
I grin at my best friend. "Sounds like a plan!"
I leave the medical ward, feeling much better. He always know how to cheer me up. That's why he'll always be my best friend.
Raven
When I wake up the next morning I have a massive migraine. My head feels as though a heavy hammer is being smashed against my skull. The world is blurry. It takes me a few minutes to remember why. Beast Boy.
I sit up quickly once the world stops spinning. I don't waste any time. I fall into a quick trance. I have to check on the changeling-to see if he remembers anything. If his memory is restored, I'll immediately rush to his side. I'll be so happy, yet cautious at the same time-just in case he freaks out.
My heart sinks in major disappointment when I feel Beast Boy's emotions. His physical pain is gone, but I can feel his intense confusion. I also notice that he's really upset about something. His memory might still be gone, but maybe he's remembered something small and that's why he's so confused. Maybe I should check on him.
Why would you do that Rude says bluntly in my mind. He thinks we hate him, remember?
Well, we know how he feels about us Love says in my mind. We could just tell him how we feel and start a new relationship.
But we'd be living a lie Timid says sorrowfully. We would be keeping secrets from him.
"Timid is right," I tell my emotions in my mind. "If we start a relationship with Beast Boy and he finds out we're keeping things from him, he might not forgive us once he gets his memory back." A tear falls down my cheek. "As painful as it will be, the best thing to do is for me to act normal. I have to stay as far away from him as possible. Beast Boy can't know anything about what happened between us."
But- Love begins.
"No buts," I tell my emotions firmly. "Beast Boy will not know how we feel about him and that's final. Now let's get some breakfast and try to act normal."
My emotions finally settle down. I struggle to stay strong. It's going to be nearly impossible to act normal around Beast Boy, but I have to manage it-even if I have to hurt him to do so. I'll just grab a quick bite then retreat back to my room. I have a feeling that's going to be easier said than done.
I don't make it far down the hall when I start hearing a commotion. It sounds like pounding on a door. It's not until I get close to the kitchen that I find Robin outside Starfire's room, knocking sharply on her door.
"Star! Come out and talk to me! Please!"
"No! Please leave me be, Robin. I wish to be alone!" Starfire says from the other side of the door.
"But I don't understand! Why are you so upset?!"
I sigh, rubbing my temples. It's too early for drama. Since I'm already here, might as well find out what's happening. "What's going on?" I ask once I get closer.
Robin turns to face me. His masked face is full of anxiety and confusion. "Oh, hey Raven."
"What's going on?" I ask again.
"We were just visiting Beast Boy in the medical ward."
I can't help but feel hopeful. "Did he remember something?"
"Well, no," Robin admits. "In fact, I think he's more confused than ever now because of an injury on his arm that he doesn't remember getting. A long scar on his forearm."
My blood turns into ice. I had forgotten about that injury and didn't hide it when I visited Beast Boy in the medical ward last night. That explains why Starfire is so upset. Beast Boy cut himself there intentionally days before his suicide attempt. I didn't find out why until later that it was because Starfire shunned him. Once I learned how much she and the others were responsible for causing Beast Boy to attempt suicide, I made damn sure they knew they were to blame. Obviously the memory is still haunting Starfire. My emotions are mixed of guilt for hurting Starfire, and satisfaction that Starfire still feels guilty for what she had done. Hesitantly, I knock on her door.
"Starfire, it's me, Raven. I'm sorry that Beast Boy saw that. I had forgotten about that injury."
After a full minute Starfire opens the door. Her eyes are red and puffy, tears streaming down her cheeks. "It is not your fault, Raven," she whispers sorrowfully. "It is mine. I was the one who hurt our friend. My actions caused him to do this. I am to blame."
Robin still looks confused. Obviously Starfire never told him about the memory I sent her to. Instead of asking more questions, he attempts to comfort the girl he has a crush on. Hesitantly he places a hand on her shoulder. "Starfire, it will be all right. He doesn't remember what happened. You have time to make up for it. All you have to do is be his friend." I nod, not sure what else to say. I want to make her feel better, but can't bring myself to. I know that it's because deep down I'm still angry. "I'm going to tell Cyborg to check on Beast Boy. Why don't you cook in the kitchen for a while? That'll cheer you up."
The alien brightens up slightly, the tears slowly stop falling from her green eyes. "Yes! That is a splendid idea! I shall make Beast Boy a "Get Well" cake! Thank you Robin!"
Once Starfire is out of sight, Robin turns to me, his mask narrowing. "It was an accident, right?"
"Excuse me?!"
"Are you sure you didn't leave that scar on purpose so that Beast Boy would remember? Because if so, then that was a cruel thing to do to Starfire!"
"Oh like you guys weren't cruel to Beast Boy," I shoot back. Robin flinches. I don't care. "No, I didn't leave that scar on purpose to hurt Starfire. I would never stoop that low. Besides, that is not the way I want Beast Boy to regain his memory!"
I notice that the lights above us are flickering. I need to calm down. It looks like breakfast is going to have to wait. Without another word I go back to my room. I slam the door behind me and prepare for another long meditation session.
It's nearly noon when I'm calm enough to leave my bedroom. I had to constantly battle with my emotions about telling Beast Boy everything. Love and Timid kept arguing back and forth (which is strange for Timid to be so outspoken). Eventually hunger took over and I told them to both cool it before I send Rage after them. That immediately shut them up.
When I enter the common room it appears that everything is back to normal. Starfire is cooking in the kitchen. I'm not sure what ingredients she's using to make the "cake" for Beast Boy, but whatever it is, it definitely doesn't smell appetizing. Robin is sitting at the table, reading the newspaper and Beast Boy and Cyborg are deeply engrossed in a video game. Seeing normalcy in the tower makes me relax slightly. I've been longing for things to go back to normal for weeks, and now it finally has.
My eyes linger on Beast Boy from under my hood. The green boy is staring intently at the massive TV screen, the gaming controller tightly in his gloved hands. There is no hint of the serious teen that I've seen the past month. Quite the contrary, he has the biggest grin on his face, his fang sticking out adorably. His green eyes, which usually showed pain and hurt, are bright and energetic. Even though I'm elated that he's back to his old self, I still feel the excruciating pain in my heart from the loss of our relationship. Just being in the same room as him is causing my darker emotions to rattle. I need to get out of here-fast. Preferably before he sees me. As quickly as I can I brew my herbal tea and make some toast, my hands shaking.
"I WON!" Beast Boy yells happily, causing me to jump. I spill my hot tea in the process. "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! I FINALLY BEAT YOU!"
A smile spreads across my face seeing Beast Boy doing a victory dance on the couch. He is so cute. I had forgotten how his happy vibes make me feel. They make me feel warm on the inside as if he's covering me with a warm blanket. Oh how I miss him!
"Beast Boy be careful," Robin scolds halfheartedly, looking up from his paper. "You might hurt yourself!"
"I DON'T CARE! I WON! TAKE THAT METAL MAN!"
I glance at Cyborg. For once he doesn't look upset at all bout losing. Instead he's grinning at the green boy beside him. I don't need to use my powers to know that Cyborg let him win. "Great job, BB, but next game your green butt is mine!"
I shake my head, taking a sip of my tea. Boys.
All my positive emotions evaporate instantly when Beast Boy bounds off the couch and towards my direction. My heart clinches in fear. Oh no. Please don't come this way!
"Good morning, Raven," he says cheerfully.
"Good morning Beast Boy," I struggle to say in my usual monotone. It isn't easy. I can smell his scent mixed with tofu having him so close to me. It's intoxicating. My heart pounds in my chest and I struggle to breathe properly. Oh how I wish that I could throw my arms around him and kiss him, but I can't.
Beast Boy subconsciously rubs the back of his neck. "I, uh, hope you slept well." He blushes slightly.
I raise my eyebrow. Was he always this nervous around me before and I never noticed? "I slept fine, thanks. How are you feeling?" I hope he didn't detect the lie in my voice. I didn't sleep well at all.
"I still don't remember anything, but I'm not hurting anymore."
"I'm glad," I say shortly, the answer for both of his statements. Beast Boy looks at me oddly. I feel my resolve slipping. I turn my back on him to go back to my room.
"Where are you going?" Beast Boy protests. "I haven't told you my joke of the day yet."
"I have told you numerous times, Beast Boy. I don't find your jokes amusing." I feel Guilt waver in me. I just lied to the one I secretly love.
"C'mon Raven, give me a chance! I promise that this one will make you smile. You look really pretty when you smile."
I stop walking, but don't turn around. His compliment makes me feel so good. How romantic! Love swoons in my mind. I struggle to keep the tears back. Why oh why is this happening to me? It's as if fate is mocking my pain. I want more than anything to listen to his jokes, to laugh with him and tell him I truly think his amusing. I can't I HAVE to act normal-even if it hurts him.
"Beast Boy, every time I listen to you talk, I lose brain cells. I'd like to keep them, thank you. So PLEASE just leave me alone!"
A stunned silence fills the room. Tears spill down my cheek as I feel the hurt building up in Beast Boy. I just hurt him badly, and the worst part is I did it intentionally this time. Before I get the chance to turn around and beg him for forgiveness I retreat to my room, shutting the door behind me. I lean against it, closing my eyes.
"Forgive me, Beast Boy."
Beast Boy
Where in the hell did I put that thing?
I check the drawer of my desk for the twentieth time. Nope not there either. That's strange. I always keep my journal there-away from prying eyes. It's got to be around here somewhere.
Once again I search the various piles of clothes, comic books, and other miscellaneous piles for my brown leather-bound book. My room seems messier than usual. There is no sense of organization, like there usually is. I can't seem to find anything. I know this is my doing. Perhaps I should clean up after myself once in a while. Finally after two hours of frantic searching I give up. It's not here. I pace back and forth, trying my hardest not to panic. I have to find my journal. If I don't I think I might literally go crazy.
I've been writing in my journal every night before bed for as long as I can remember. In my journal I am able to express everything I'm feeling at that moment. I can let go of the pain and guilt from my past. That way it's easier to be the goofy, cheerful jester I pretend to be. Without my journal, I'm an emotional mess. I especially need it today. I need to write about all the events so far: my accident, my memory loss, and the fact that the other Titans are acting extra nice to me-except Raven. She's the only one who treats me the same. In fact, she's being more cruel than usual.
I collapse on the bottom bunk of my bed, my hands covering my face. My chest is extremely tight from the anxiety. That's just great. I can't believe I lost my journal. Since I can't remember the past six months, who knows when I lost it. Not only did the book hold all my personal secrets and my true self, it was a way I could've jogged my memory. I could find out what happened during our battle with Slade, or why my friends are acting so strange. I know something major happened. I wish with all my being that I knew what. For the millionth time I strain my brain in an attempt to remember something, anything. Nothing. My mind is nothing but a black hole. Barren. Involuntary tears fall down my face. I feel so lost, so confused. I wish with all my heart that everything would just go back to normal.
Eventually I run out of tears and exhaustion takes over. I fall into an uneasy sleep, hoping with every inch of my being that I remember everything in the morning.
I wake up in the middle of the night drenched in a cold sweat. The dream I had was really weird. It wasn't exactly a good dream, nor was it a nightmare. All I remember is seeing silhouettes of four figures and a sharp pain in my side-as if I was stabbed.
I sit up, my hand subconsciously touching my side. I feel an indent. I look down to see an ugly looking scar from a knife wound. What in the hell happened to me? Is this what my friends are trying to keep from me? Is someone out to get me and my friends are trying to protect me? My first thought is maybe my former guardian, Nicholas Galtry, is out to get me again. Perhaps he and Slade are working together. But what would Slade gain from it? I plan to ask my friends in the morning.
My mouth feels really dry. I need some water. I pull on my uniform then leave my room. I'll just grab a quick drink, then go back to sleep. I stop walking when I hear the sounds of sobbing echoing down the hall. Is someone hurt? I forget about my water. I follow the crying sounds until it takes me in front of Raven's room. The sounds are loudest here. Is she the one who's crying? I have to find out if she's okay. I softly knock on the door.
Knock Knock
"Raven? Are you okay?"
The crying stops abruptly. "I'm fine, Beast Boy," she responds in a choked voice. "G-go back to sleep."
Her answer doesn't fool me one bit. I can hear the anguish in her tone. I long to be persistent in hopes of helping her, but her harsh words from earlier ring in my head.
Beast Boy, every time I listen to you talk I lose brain cells
I swallow the lump in my throat, forcing my tears back. "Goodnight Raven."
I sigh, wiping my damp face. I wish that Raven trusted me enough to open up to me. I love her with all my heart. I want more than anything to make her happy. It's clear to me now that I never will. Right as I walk away I could've sworn I heard her voice whisper through the door.
"I love you."
I shake my head. I must still be half asleep. Only in my dreams would Raven say such sweet words to me. I wish with all my heart that this dream was real.
To be continued...
