Ch 5

Robin had instantly gotten on the computer to try and find out where these villains were as Starfire elected to help him with his search. Cyborg just sat down on the couch as Bumblebee tried to console him. Mas and Menos helped clean up the mess the party had left while Aqualad and Speedy joined Raven and Beast boy in the kitchen.

"Whatever you need Beast boy, we'll be there. You're not alone in this fight," said Speedy.

"Thanks Speedy," said BB as he managed to smile.

"Who would have thought that three super villains would be after you?" said Aqualad.

"You're not helping," said Raven.

"Oh come on Beast boy, you cant tell me you're not the least bit flattered," said Aqualad.

"Oh yes I'm thrilled that three villains want me dead. It's all I ever dreamed about," said BB sarcastically. "Are you serious right now? We're all in danger!" he yelled, "and it's because of me."

"We knew what we were getting into when we all chose to live this life Beast boy. There's nothing for you to feel guilty about," said Raven.

"I didn't tell any of you about my life span. I feel guilty about that," said BB.

"No one in this room hates you for that," said Raven.

"Yeah, we just don't want you to die," said Speedy as he looked over to Cyborg and his leader. "I think Cyborg is taking it pretty hard. You should talk to him."

Beast boy left his girlfriend in the kitchen and came over to his best friend, who was being held by Bumblebee. She let go of him once BB came over and gave them the space they needed to talk as she made her way to the kitchen. "Cyborg, I—

"There's go to be a way to change it," said Cyborg.

"I can only slow the process down by not shape shifting, but—

"It settled then, no more shape shifting. I'm sure Robin can teach you how to fight without your powers, and—

"That won't be necessary. I know how to fight without my powers. I learned from Mento and from the guardian who raised me after my parents died. I've been keeping up with my training alone while I've been in the tower."

"But why did you hide this from us? Dude can you really kick Robin's butt?" Cyborg asked as BB smiled.

"Maybe, but it's not about that. Sure, I could have used these skills to help the team better but I just wanted to erase everything my past. I was so deep in the façade that I had created, that I couldn't even bring myself to use those skills."

"Wow, I'm sorry you felt that way but now's your chance to be who you are," said Cyborg sighed, "with the time you have left."

"Raven's not giving up," said BB.

"And why should she? She loves you and if she's not giving up, then neither am I."

"And neither are we," said Robin and Starfire at the same time. The couple blushed and all the Titans could do was laugh. It was all they could do in a situation so dark and uncertain.

The Titans East had been given rooms for the night. Sleep did not come easy for most but some managed to shut their eyes. It was especially hard for the young, green changeling, who was tossing and turning on the top bunk of his bed.

Fed up with this nightly routine, BB rose from bed, left his room, and stood in the long, dark hall. His feet carried him, but his brain was not aware of where they were going until they stopped in front of Raven's door. It was then that he remembered Robin's rule about sleeping in the same room as the opposite sex, but he didn't care. He needed to be with her right now.

As BB was about to knock on the door, Raven's door slid open to reveal a surprised Raven staring back at him. He couldn't help but blush in embarrassment. "Hey Rae I couldn't sleep and I thought I could stay with you for a while."

She took his hand tenderly in hers and led him to the kitchen, where she let go of his hand and made some tea as he sat down and watched her tea routine. It surprisingly calmed him. It was a normal occurrence in Titan Tower, and he started to wonder how long he would be around to see it. Placing a cup before Beast boy's eyes. "Drink," she said as she sat across from him, blew her tea, and sipped it carefully.

Beast boy copied her mannerisms and drink the tea. When he put it down on the table, he suddenly felt calm for the first time. His thoughts had been so chaotic earlier and now he felt a strange sense of peace. "Woah," he said. "What is in this tea?"

"Mandarin and a few other ingredients to create a sense of calm," said Raven.

"Thanks Raven," he smiled, "this is just what I needed. My mind's been all over the place lately."

"I've noticed. I can sense emotions remember."

"So, this wasn't just for me but for you to Raven," he sighed, "I'm sorry for creating such chaos in your mind."

"Oh Garfield," she laughed, "you've been doing that from the very beginning."

"Um you're laughing. How can that be good for you?" he asked as she took her hand in his once again.

"It's what I need sometimes. You made me realize I wasn't just an emotionless half-demon who needed to be left alone. You brought me into the light."

"And that's where I want to keep you," said BB as he leaned into her and kissed her on the lips, and she kissed back.

After tea, Raven invited him into her room for the night. BB could feel his heart pound as Raven made her way over to her bed and lied down. Raven smiled at his nervousness. She was to, but they weren't going to do anything 'innappriopate,' as Robin called sex. "Come on Garfield, I don't bite," she said as she watched him approach the bed.

"I think I should sleep on the floor Raven. If Robin finds out, I—He was interrupted by Raven's powers carrying him onto the bed, laying him down.

"I don't care. I need you right here," said Raven as she held him tightly.

He could tell she was scared. He knew she wouldn't admit it. All he could do was hold her tight in her bed and hope he wouldn't disappear. With her arms around him, he could feel her love and care for him. He kissed her temple. "I love you Rae," he said as tears fell from his eyes.

"I love you to Gar. You're never alone. I will protect you until the end of the world."