Howdy...I'm very excited about posting this one...and I hope I didn't make my readers wait to long...
I'd like to give an extra special thnx to secondrate for not only helping with my spelling and grammar mistakes but also spicing up my fighting scene...THANK YOU...I loved your improvements...I often have trouble phrasing those kind of things...I'm more of a dialoge person (?) I think.
Anywho... enough rambling...Time to get to the story. Squeels
-gets into serious mode-
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Combat practice was perhaps one of the most uninteresting parts of the day, at least if you're Beastboy. Robin, however, actually found it to be enjoyable, for whatever reason, Beastboy could only guess. As the boy wonder beamed with anticipation upon entering the room, Beastboy sighed. What probably bothered him the most was that they had to practice inside rather then outside because of recent temperature changes. He never really liked the cold and he understood Robin's argument that training outdoors at this time would be dangerous to the team's health, but he simply hated being confined to this one room. Though most would find that it had plenty of space suitable for exercise, Beastboy couldn't help but feel somewhat constricted by the four walls and the silence that seemed to linger upon them.
Beastboy sighed and stretched lazily, the other titans also beginning to warm up for their daily workout.
He paused suddenly as his eyes caught sight of Raven.
'Training does have its perks,' he thought.
It had been exactly a week since they had kissed, and each day had added to his feelings of excitement and nervousness. The last week had been somewhat awkward between them anyway- Passing each other in the hall, only to have their hands brush up against each other, both blushing and pretending not to have noticed. Beastboy wasn't sure how much longer he could stand to avoid it, and he only hoped that he'd have worked up the courgae to ask her out soon.
But how would he do it?
'Hey Raven, what's up? Wanna catch a movie Friday?'
Beastboy shook his head at the thought, certain that he would be anything but smooth when the moment arrived.
He smiled, completely forgetting that he was suppose to be stretching, and instead, just stood there as he stared over at Raven.
Raven looked up, almost sensing his gaze, and their eyes met. Beastboy gave a sheepish grin as he hesitantly let one of his hands rub the back of his neck. He gave her a small nervous wave with his other hand, blushing lightly and looking down to continue his stretching.
Raven smiled some and fought off a blush.
'He was watching us,' Love said in excitement.
'He's so funny when he's embarrassed,' Happy giggled.
The two emotions had soon become good friends.
Despite this, Raven was more confused than anything else. She was certain that Beastboy had feelings for her,- aside from just enjoying the kiss they had shared- but he had yet to make a single move toward her since. Beastboy wasn't the most patient of people either, so she couldn't help but wonder if his hesitation was her own fault. She had been a little distant at first, but only because she had needed time to sort through some of her own emotions; she didn't want them to cloud her judgment.
She knew that the feelings she had for Beastboy were not going away anytime soon though, so what else could she do, but wait?
'Why don't you just try talking to him,' Love advised, 'Maybe it would be easier for him to ask us out.'
'I don't know what to say.'
'Tell him how cute he is!' Happy giggled, 'Then give him a big hug.'
'Not exactly my style.' Raven mused dryly.
''Put him in a head lock,' Bravery smirked, 'And don't let him out until he agrees on a date'
'We want him to like us, not fear us.' knowledge sighed.
'Maybe I should meditate some more' Raven thought, exhausted.
"Friend Raven...?"
Raven jumped, startled, but then looked calmly over at her friend.
"Yes Starfire?" she asked.
"I am wondering..." Starfire said, pausing for a moment. "Perhaps when we are finished with training we might venture to the mall of shopping?"
Raven stared for a moment and inwardly groaned. Shopping with Starfire, though no longer unbearable, still wasn't exactly her idea of fun. She would much rather spend her free time reading or meditating or...
'Looking at Beastboy,' Love finished.
Raven studied Starfire's hopeful expression and remembered the numerous times she had declined the offer. She and Starfire were very different people, but they were still friends. Raven was grateful for the moments when they shared, what Starfire called, 'The sisterly bonding', even if she never admitted to it. Raven inwardly sighed, and remembered that she had promised herself to be more open, and that didn't mean just towards Beastboy, but her other friends as well.
"Sure Star," Raven replied in a slightly lower, but still monotone, voice.
Starfire's eyes lit up and she squealed in delight before engulfing Raven in a tight hug.
"Okay.. Starfire," Raven grunted. "That's enough."
"Oh, I apologize friend," Starfire replied, stepping back. "I am just so excited that we will be spending the day of shopping together."
"Day?" Raven asked raising an eyebrow. "Starfire, I never agreed to spend the whole day there."
Starfire's bright smile became smaller.
"Perhaps then, a few hours or so?"
Raven inwardly grinned.
"Sure." Raven nodded, "But I'm not trying on anything pink."
"Agreed," Starfire nodded, still looking very excited as she went back to continue stretching.
'It might not be so bad,' her mind reasoned.
'Maybe we could benifit from one of Starfire's girl talks.' Knowledge mused.
Raven sighed, some outside advise might be nice -for a change.
"Okay team, Warm ups are over," Robin called. "Time to get to work."
Each of the titans nodded, about to take to their usual training activities.
Beastboy decided that he would do some running first, but, before he could make his way over to the machine, Robin stopped him.
"Uh, Robin," Beastboy said, looking at his friend questioningly. "I can't exactly start training if you're in my way, Dude."
"Actually, Beastboy," Robin replied, a strange sort of smile on his face. "I was thinking of letting you do something a little different today."
"Like what?" Beastboy asked perplexed.
"I think some hand to hand combat would be good." Robin told him.
Beastboy blinked for a few moments, not believeing he had heard Robin right.
"You mean with you?" He asked.
"You haven't sparred with anyone in quite some time," Robin reminded him.
"Uh.."
Beastboy gave a weak smile as he nervously began to fidget with his hands. He remembered the last time the two had tried hand-to-hand combat and he was still embarrassed.
When Robin had first told Beastboy about sparring, he had advised him not to use his powers. Of course, Beastboy didn't really see the point; knowing that his powers were the root of his strength to begin with. Robin had explained to him that a time might occur when he would unable to use them, and would then need to use basic self defense. It was also true that training his human form would help improve the speed and duration of his transformations.
At the time, Beastboy had been excited by the thought of sparring against his leader, but during the fight he had barely blocked any of Robin's attacks and hadn't landed a single punch of his own.
After that, knowing how disappointed Beastboy was with his preformance, Robin had told him to continue improving on the skills that he already possessed before trying something new. Beastboy, however, figured it was just his way of saying that he had done an awful job and Robin wasn't interested in sparing with him again.
Either way, here they were.
"I dunno..." Beastboy said. "I'm still kinda sore from the last time."
Robin shook his head as Beastboy smiled nervously.
"That was a long time ago," Robin replied meeting Beastboy's gaze. "You've come a long way since then, and I think you're ready to try it again."
"You do?" Beastboy asked, somewhat disbelievingly, "Really?"
Robin nodded.
'He really thinks I can do this'
"If you say so," Beastboy replied still a little unsure.
"Good." Robin said. "You remember the rules, don't you?"
"Yeah," Beastboy nodded. "No weapons, no powers, fight fair, but don't..um.."
"Don't hold back," Robin finished taking off his utility belt and smiling up at the changeling. "I want your best Beastboy."
Beastboy smiled some and gave a resounding nod as the two took their spots in the center of the room. He looked around to notice that the others had temporarily disregarded their activities to watch. Beastboy looked over towards Raven whose expression was calm and observant.
"You ready?" Robin asked and Beastboy looked up at him slightly startled.
"Uh...yeah," He replied, sliding his left foot forwards, balancing himself and raising his fists. "Lets go."
And so the match began.
Robin ran forward, throwing a right-handed punch at the changeling. Beastboy let out a startled yelp as he backpedaled, the blow passing centimeters in front of his nose. It was very difficult for Beastboy to stop himself from transforming - that alone took concentration and self-restraint. Robin tried a kick and once again Beastboy barely managed to avoid the hit. All the while, Robin's expression had not changed in the slightest. A blow to Beastboy's shoulder sent him staggering backwards and, briefly, out of Robin's range.
Beastboy managed a fleeting glance in Raven's direction as he resisted the urge to rub his sore upper arm. She still looked calm and uninterested, and before Beastboy could study her expression any further, Robin came at him again.
Something inside Beastboy growled at this, and he decided it was time to try and land some hits of his own. He pivoted to his right, avoiding the blow and bringing his left knee up in an attempt to get Robin in the gut. Somehow, The Boy Wonder managed to anticipate Beastboy's move, performing a front flip over the changeling's leg. Robin landed, then swept his leg around, knocking Beastboy's legs out from underneath him.
As he rolled to his feet, Beastboy frowned in annoyance. 'Is he trying to make me look bad?' he asked himself.
"Come on Beastboy, you can do better than that," Robin stated, actually waiting for the changeling to make the next move.
Though Robin's words were meant to encourage him, Beastboy couldn't help but feel a strong urge to yell at The Boy Wonder.
'Raven's watching,' Beastboy reminded himself.
'She'll think you're weak,' The Voice growled.
Beastboy balled his hands into fists as a feeling of tension and anxiety stirred inside him, begging to be released.
Beastboy charged forwards, bringing his fist backwards in preparation for his attack. Robin, surprised only by Beastboy's sudden glare, dodged out of the way of the changeling's blow, ducked behind the younger boy and shoved him to the floor.
Beastboy panted slightly, down on his hands and knees as he stared at the ground. The room was silent and it further added to the overwhelming feeling of pressure within him.
Raven had seen him; she had watched him fail - yet for some reason his thoughts would not stay focused on just her. No, Robin had done this; he had claimed a fair fight with no powers or weapons, knowing that Beastboy could be easily beaten.
Another side to Beastboy shook his head at the thought, 'Robin wouldn't do that. He's my friend, he's trying to help me improve - I shouldn't be thinking like this.'
That side of him, however, was distant and weak, replaced by humiliation and anger. How could Robin tell him not to hold back if he couldn't use his powers? It took everything in him not to just transform into a gorilla and hit The Boy Wonder.
'This isn't fair,' Beastboy thought.
'He thinks you're weak,' The other voice egged him on. 'They all do...'
Robin's shadow loomed over him and he could sense how off guard and at ease the leader was.
"That was a good try, Beastboy." Robin said. "You've definitely improved."
'He thinks it's over.'
Beastboy clenched his fists again and growled.
He spun his body around to kick Robin's feet out from beneath him, but his leader had jumped back at just the last second.
Robin looked up, surprised that Beastboy would use a sneak attack, and in one swift motion the changeling was to his feet. Beastboy's hands were down firmly by his sides as he looked up at his leader.
"I'm not finished." Beastboy spoke in a firm and determined voice.
Robin studied his expression for a moment, noting for the first time just how much taller the changeling had gotten, and that now they were at even heights. Robin gave a small smile of admiration at Beastboy's persistence and stepped forward.
"Good." He replied and the fight continued.
Robin moved forward, throwing his fist at the changeling only, this time, to be blocked. Beastboy threw a punch back, but Robin did the same. The two kept going...punches being thrown and hits exchanged, but no solid contact was made...neither could seem to get the other to fall.
The other titans had taken much more interest in the fight by now, and they were all astonished at how Beastboy was suddenly holding his own against Robin.
They were even.
Raven looked between the two and tried to hide the feelings that were rushing inside her. Bravery and Happy were both cheering, while Timid worried over her friends safety, Knowledge couldn't seem to understand the sudden change in Beastboy's behavior, and Love was oddly silent, caught somewhere in the middle of the other emotions.
Finally, accompanied by an angry growl, Beastboy's fist made contact with Robin's face, sending him stumbling back a few feet. Robin looked up rubbing his now bruised cheek and breathing heavily.
Suddenly everyone else in the room didn't matter, it wasn't about impressing Raven or proving to Robin that he was strong, now it was just about fighting.
Beastboy slid into a defensive stance, waiting for Robin's next move, whatever it may be.
"Come on Robin," Beastboy echoed, smirking. He was panting just as hard as Robin, "You can do better than that."
Robin returned the smirk, having not gotten a good fight like this in a long time, and charged back in.
Beastboy couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom as he fought, not needing to rely on his powers to win, just him and nothing else.
The room no longer seemed so small to him and the sound of his and Robin's colliding fists and heaving breathing was louder than any orchestra, he felt like he had been holding his head under water for hours and had finally come up for air.
'Beastboy,'
His name echoed in his head for a moment filled with several intense emotions that seemed to struggle against each other, but it wasn't his voice that spoke it...no...it was...
'Raven?'
Being caught slightly off guard, Robin's foot made contact with Beastboy's side and the changeling grunted a moment, before folding over.
Starfire gasped and Cyborg and Raven looked ready to run over towards him at any moment.
Robin stopped and looked worried...perhaps he had gotten carried away in all the excitement.
He reached a hand out towards his teammate to make sure he was okay, but Beastboy's hand came up unexpectedly to grab Robin's shirt.
He stood and raised Robin off the ground slightly...He could feel the adrenalin rushing through him.
'Finish him off' The Voice demanded.
That thought sent a feeling of fear and shock throughout Beastboy's body. He became aware of his surroundings and the situation once again and realized just how far he was taking things.
In Beastboy's hesitation Robin managed to push away, his expression a mix of confusion...and maybe even concern for Beastboy's sudden rash behavior. Beastboy stepped back with wide and fearful eyes that refused to meet Robin's gaze.
He couldn't seem to catch his breath fast enough, his legs wobbled beneath him and he fell to his knees. Whatever had been fueling him before was gone. His heart was pounding rapidly in his chest, and he felt that at any moment he would lose consciousness.
Robin let his guard down, and him and the other titans quickly approached Beastboy.
"You okay, BB?" Cyborg asked, crouching down next to him.
Beastboy closed his eyes tightly and shook his head 'no', still struggling for a full breath of air.
"Give him some room," Raven said, glaring at the others to back off.
Cyborg stood up and stepped back a few feet with the others, watching as Beastboy's arms shook slightly from the effort to hold himself up.
Raven looked back at Beastboy and her expression softened into concern as she bent down in front of him and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. She could sense not just his physical exhaustion but also the emotional stress within him.
"It's okay Beastboy," Raven told him in a calm voice.
Despite the sound of his heart beating loudly in his head, Beastboy could hear Raven's soft and calming voice.
He opened his eyes once his breathing was steady again and looked up at her.
He wasn't sure if he understood what had just happened, but for moment he had actually wanted to hurt Robin- and that alone terrified him.
He tried to remember another time he had felt so angry or been so eager to fight, though there was an incredible sense of freedom and power as well and he was certain he had felt this before...
That feeling...
"Yo, Beastboy, you okay man?" Cyborg asked, no longer able to just watch the two titans stare at each other.
Beastboy jumped slightly and looked over towards him, managing a weak nod.
Raven slowly retracted her hand as Starfire and Robin stepped forward.
"You had us very worried friend," Starfire said. "Are you injured much?"
"Um, no, not really," Beastboy replied glancing at Raven as she stood up.
"He's fine," Raven reported. "Just got a little..over exerted."
Robin took a step forward, accepting Raven's explanation and helping Beastboy to his feet.
"I gotta say, Bb, that was pretty cool," Cyborg commented with a slight laugh. "For a second there I actually thought I'd have to break you two up."
"You were most impressive," Starfire exclaimed.
"Probably the best fight I've had in a long time," Robin added with a friendly smile. "You really gave it your all today."
"Heh..." Beastboy smiled weakly.
'You have no idea' He thought.
"Thanks Rob, but if you don't mind..." he said, staring down at the ground. "I'd like to stick to my regular training exercises from now on."
"You sure?" Robin asked with slight surprise. "You did a great job."
Raven glared slightly at Robin, though it went unnoticed. She knew that he would probably try and spar again with Beastboy, simply because he had enjoyed the challenge.
"Yeah...I'm sure," Beastboy replied. "It's not really my thing."
"Could have fooled me man." Cyborg commented.
Beastboy forced another weak smile, knowing that if it had been any other time he would have been boasting and gloating in triumph.
Today, however, the victory was tainted for him - how could he except their praise for what he had done, how could they be proud.
He had lost control.
"Robin?" Beastboy asked getting the leaders attention. "I'm a little worn out and, well, I know I haven't trained the full time but..."
"It's okay Beastboy," Robin interjected. "I'm a little winded too. If you want you can go."
Beastboy looked somewhat surprised, but gave him a grateful smile before turning to leave.
"As for the rest of you..." Robin said turning towards the others with a slight smirk, "The shows over, time to get to work."
Raven looked towards the door Beastboy had exited and frowned.
'Something was wrong'
"Maybe Raven should check in on Beastboy," Cyborg suddenly suggested.
Raven looked up; obviously she wasn't the only one who was concerned.
Robin nodded.
"It couldn't hurt to make sure," he agreed turning towards her, "But come right back after you're done."
Raven nodded, and exchanged looks with Cyborg before leaving.
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Beastboy shivered as he looked up into the sky, leaning against the rock near the shore - his rock.
'Man...it's freezing' he thought rubbing his left arm.
He tried to ignore the cold, hoping to clear his head...or, at least, sort out his thoughts. The fight replayed in his head again and again, but he couldn't seem to remember why it had gotten so serious. He was angry, at least, at first, but that didn't explain the feelings he had felt afterward.
'Why did I...' he let his question fade and he sighed.
Was something wrong?
"You're going to catch a cold."
Beastboy jumped and looked back at Raven, surprised he hadn't heard her coming. Her voice was as calm as ever, and her features were illuminated by the afternoon sun.
"Why'd you come out here?" Raven asked taking a few steps forward.
Beastboy gave her a halfhearted smile and shrugged.
"Ah...just needed some fresh air that's all," He said. "I swear Robin puts way too much hair gel on."
Raven raised a disbelieving eyebrow. "How about you try telling me the truth this time."
Beastboy blinked.
"But I...How'd you..." He paused then laughed slightly at himself. "I forget sometimes that you're an empath."
"True," Raven said, "But that's not how I know you're lying."
"Then...how?" Beastboy asked with a curious expression.
"Because..." Raven stated stepping beside him, "I'm your best friend. I know you better than that."
Beastboy couldn't help but smile.
"Okay, you got me," He replied with a small chuckle. "I...I just came out here to think."
"About what happened during your fight," Raven assumed.
"Yeah." Beastboy nodded looking surprised. "Are you sure you're not reading my mind right now?"
Raven smirked.
"If I could, then why would I bother asking?"
"Uh, 'cause you like to hear me talk." Beastboy shot back with a sneaky grin.
Raven raised an eyebrow, but smiled despite herself.
Beastboy looked down, letting a few moments of silence linger between them before frowning.
"I...I really wanted to hurt him, Rae." Beastboy whispered and she could sense the shame in his voice
"But you didn't," Raven replied.
"But I would have," Beastboy stated looking up. "I was so angry and...I'm not even sure why anymore."
Raven looked into his eyes - sometimes they were dark and intense, the pupils small, and other times they were simply a beautiful dark green, kind and hopeful, they changed with him - told all his secrets.
"When you think about it..." Raven began as she looked out onto the water, "Your emotions are driven by your powers, just as much as my powers are driven by my emotions."
"Huh?" Beastboy asked tilting his head to the side in confusion.
Raven inwardly smiled.
"It's instinct," she stated.
Beastboy nodded slowly and stepped closer beside her.
"You think so?" He asked, needing whatever assurance he could get.
"Your powers are growing," Raven stated. "You just need time to adjust."
'Where have I heard that before?' Beastboy wondered
"Hey! You stole that line from me," Beastboy smirked crossing his arms over his chest as a faint smile made its way to Raven's face.
A gust of wind flew by and Beastboy watched as Raven shuddered slightly, though for some reason just being near her was enough to keep him warm.
"Maybe you should go in, Rae," Beastboy suggested. "You might catch a cold or somethin'."
"Oh, and I suppose you're immune," Raven quipped looking over at him.
Beastboy smiled. Just Raven, being herself, seemed to make him happy.
'Here's your chance' He decided looking nervously down at his feet. 'It's now or never'
"Um...Raven..." he began. "I was wondering if maybe..."
He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the anxiety that was surfacing in the pit of his stomach.
"After practice we could..."
'So close...keep going' he encouraged himself.
"Maybe go out for pizza or, ya know, go see a movie or something."
He waited only a few seconds for her reply though for him it felt like hours.
"I...I can't," she replied in a sad sort of tone.
Beastboy felt a slight stab at his heart and his face fell; he'd been rejected.
"...Oh," He managed in a shaky voice.
Raven frowned.
"It's not that I don't want to..."
"-No, it's okay, I understand," Beastboy replied looking up at her and trying to force the sadness from his voice.
"Beastboy..."
"-I mean, you probably have a million other things you'd rather do," he continued.
Raven tried to interject again. "Beastboy I..."
"-Man I feel like an idiot...you probably don't even.."
But before Beastboy could finish, Raven got his attention in the only way she knew how, by capturing his lips in her own. The kiss was short and sweet - lips pressed against lips and nothing more. It still managed to send a slight shock through both of their bodies and Beastboy's eyes widened in surprise as she pulled away.
"Uh...what...was I...saying?" Beastboy asked slowly.
"Something about you being an idiot, I think," Raven replied with a smirk.
Beastboy shook his head to bring himself back to reality and looked at Raven questioningly.
Raven sighed.
"I promised Starfire I'd go shopping with her today," She explained.
"Really?" Beastboy asked raising an eyebrow with a small smile. "You're going shopping?"
"Is it really that hard to imagine?"
Beastboy chuckled.
"No, it's just...good," he replied. "Ya know, that you're doing stuff like that."
"I could use some new clothes anyway," Raven stated rubbing her arm absentmindedly. "Something warmer."
Beastboy smiled shyly over at her and hesitantly grabbed her hands in his. She didn't seem to notice, or maybe she just didn't mind, and they stayed like that for a minute or two.
"Unless there's an emergency, I'm not busy Friday," Raven said, her voice quiet and her eyes refusing to look at him. "Maybe we could go somewhere then?"
Beastboy couldn't believe it...she really wanted to go out with him. HIM.
"Y..yeah.." Beastboy nodded hardly able to keep himself calm.
Raven smiled...another cold gust of wind blowing by.
"You wanna go inside?" Beastboy asked. "I could make you some hot tea."
'Oh that's so sweet' Love cooed.
"Tempting," Raven replied looking up at him, "But I need to get back to the training room."
Their hands parted as Raven turned and walked back towards the Tower, Beastboy followed shortly after.
"So...Friday?" He asked.
Raven looked over her shoulder at him and nodded.
Beastboy slowed down, then stopped altogether. "Friday..." He whispered almost still in shock as Raven disappeared from view.
A huge grin spread across his face and he looked up towards the sky in excitement. All his previous thoughts about his fight with Robin forgotten.
He took a deep breath to calm himself but that feeling of overwhelming joy erupted once again...yes...this feeling was much better.
"I'VE GOT A DATE WITH RACHEL ROTH!" He screamed.
From inside titans tower Raven blushed, wondering if the others had heard him...it was unlikely that they had...and even so...would they know he was talking about her?
'WE'VE GOT A DATE WITH GARFIELD LOGAN' Her emotions shouted and she had to cover he mouth to keep from yelling it as well.
'A date'
She stopped and flushed.
'Oh no, a date'
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YAH...yes ...a date!
Can you believe it?...do you think i rushed it in the chapter? Was it horrible? How about the fight?...Why am I asking all these questions?
Please Review...and I'll try and get another chapter up...though the next one is going to be difficult...I'm dangerously close to being OOC...I hope not...let me know.
THANK YOU secondrate...I really appreciate it!
And once again...REVIEW...it makes me feel like I've accomplished something.