AN: Hi everyone! Ok, here's another chapter for ya! Let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own 'em. Just the idea for the story.
Beast Boy had been quite pleased that Raven's late night visits had continued over the course of a week. The two had actually come to do more talking than fighting, discovering that there was indeed a middle ground for them. He wasn't sure why he'd started to feel so comfortable around Raven or even when, but Gar wasn't complaining. It was definitely more refreshing to be talking instead of fending off insults and similar barbs to his self-esteem or ego.
"So Starfire decided that she's going to set me up with some random guy," Raven said in an annoyed tone.
An emerald brow rose in a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Wait, what do you mean 'some random guy'? As in she's going to pick a stranger off the street and ask them if they want to go out with you?"
Raven nodded. "Yes, that's exactly what I mean. She's says that it's time that I stopped with the moping around and came to know the joyous feelings attached with having the boyfriend."
He let out a laugh, shaking his head lightly. "Star sure can be crazy sometimes."
"Yeah. And besides, no one would want to go out with me."
Gar met Raven's gaze. "Sure they would."
"No they wouldn't…and even if someone did I don't have room in my life for such a thing. I'm not even supposed to feel emotions and certainly not love."
He sighed, "You know, Rae, you remind me of this poem I read once…"
"You read? And a poem no less? Impressive," she said.
His brow furrowed as he thought. "How'd it go? Oh yeah!
'For shame, deny that thou bear'st love to any
Who for thyself art so unprovident.
Grant if thou wilt, thou art beloved of many,
But that thou non lov'st is most evident;
For thou art so possessed with murd'rous hate,
That 'gainst thyself thou stick'st not to conspire,
Seeking that beauteous roof ruinate,
Which to repair should be they chief desire.
O, change thy thought, that I may change my mind.
Shall hate be fairer lodged than gentle love?
Be as thy presence is, gracious and kind,
Or to thyself as least kind-hearted prove.
Make thee another self for love of me,
That beauty still may live in thine or thee.'"
Raven's eyes had gone wide as she listened to her teammate recite the poem. Her mouth agape, for he had struck her speechless. He flashed her a smile and it was quickly fading as he realized that perhaps he'd managed to stick his foot in his mouth.
"Uh, Raven? What's wrong?"
"Gar…do-do you know what you just recited?" Raven asked, finally finding her voice.
"A poem…?"
"You just recited one of William Shakespeare's Sonnets. They're poems of love." A quizzical look formed on her face. "Since when do you read Shakespeare?"
Gar offered her a sheepish smile. "Well, I, uh, I've been reading more and more. You know all that time I was spending in my room before this whole accident happened? Well, I've been reading the classics and poetry. I like Shakespeare's stuff."
She continued to watch him, stunned. She suddenly found herself having a newfound respect for Beast Boy.
"What else have you been reading?"
He let out a sigh. "That's a long list."
"It's a long night," she replied.