Hello readers.
No I am not dead and Yes I'm planning on continuing with this...er...story? I'm gonna call it a story. I think it quit being a series of one-shots when I started forshadowing. silly me...I can never just keep things simple.
I would like to apologize for any mistakes. I did not have anyone else revise this for me like so many of my other chapters before it. If I do get it revised (Which is possible) I will repost it.
NOTE: This chapter was absoloutly necessary in order for me to continue. It's a bump in the road, I admit, but I might be able to actually get stuff done now.
BLAH! okay...I've rambled enough and you guys have waited too long already. So go ahead and enjoy.
Beastboy opened his eyes and squinted against the light shining through his window. Adjusting slightly, he sat up, and stretching his arms above his head he leaped out of bed to put on his shoes. He hummed happily to himself as his door opened and he headed towards the main room smiling as if he hadn't a care in the world. Today was going to be a good day, in fact, Beastboy couldn't remember the last time he had woken up in such a happy and energetic mood.
He quickened his pace as he reached the door, eager to greet his friends and more importantly to see Raven. He had gone to bed before she had arrived home from the mall and hadn't talked to her since, something that surprised him considering Raven wasn't normally one to spend hours shopping.
The doors swooshed open and he hopped inside with much more energy than actually necessary.
He scanned the room for her presence but found only Cyborg, who was currently seated in front of the TV engrossed in an episode of Pimp My Ride.
Slightly disappointed but still unable to shake off his feeling of excitement Beastboy walked over towards the couch.
"Hey Cy!"
Cyborg jumped slightly and then looked back at him, his shocked expression turning into a friendly smile.
"It's about time you woke up, B," Cyborg said. "For a second there I thought you'd lapsed into a coma."
Beastboy gave Cyborg a questioning look.
"Why? What time is it?" he asked.
"Almost 3," Cyborg reported glancing at the digital clock on the wall.
Beastboy's eyes widened. Had he really been asleep that long?
"Dude, why didn't anyone wake me up!?"
Cyborg shrugged.
"We don't have practice today," he replied, "And there hasn't been any emergencies."
Beastboy frowned.
"Oh, so there has to be an emergency for anyone to want me around?" He asked in a slightly angry tone.
"Hey, that's not what I said man," Cyborg calmly replied. "I would have woken you up, but Raven said to leave you alone and let you sleep."
Beastboy stared for a moment, the look of annoyance quickly sliding off his face.
"Oh," he replied, finding it slightly strange at how defensive he had just gotten with his friend.
He shook the thought off and smiled.
"I guess that explains why I have so much energy then," he mused out loud.
He paused for a moment and looked around the room again.
"So...where is everyone?" Beastboy asked, not wanting to sound as if he was looking for anyone specific.
"I think Starfire said she was going to the store," Cyborg replied. "Something about needing the ingredients for her ...glorg."
"Glorg?" Beastboy asked.
"Yeah," Cyborg nodded grimly. "Apparently tomorrows some sort of national tameranian holiday of feasting."
Beastboy paled slightly. "Gee...that's...great."
Cyborg snorted slightly.
"Glad you think so," he grinned slyly. "Especially since I told her you'd be the first to try it."
"DUDE, no way! Y-you...you didn't," Beastboy replied sounding terrified.
Cyborg laughed some and then turned back around to face the TV.
"Relax man, I didn't."
Beastboy sighed, leaning forward and resting his arms on the top of the couch casually. He cleared his throat loudly in one of his hands.
"So um...wheres ..?"
"Robin's room I think," Cyborg replied flipping through the channels.
Beastboy blinked for a moment and then gave the back of Cyborg's head a questioning look. Had he just heard him right? Maybe he hadn't understood the question.
"Both of them?" He asked again, "As in, Robin and Raven?"
"Yep."
Beastboy felt confused and then upset...what was Raven doing with Robin, and in his room. What was Robin up to...didn't he like Starfire?
"Oh," Beastboy replied trying to seem unconcerned. "That's...um...what are they doing?"
He hoped he didn't sound as suspicious as he felt.
"Sorting through villain's files," Cyborg replied as if it were obvious. "Who else would Robin get to help him with that stuff."
"Starfire," Beastboy immediately replied.
"Are you kidding," Cyborg said. "You know how crazy Robin gets about that kind of stuff, and Starfire would insist on him taking a break, which would only cause an argument."
"Oh ...yeah."
Beastboy found himself relaxing again and he smiled at his own stupidity. Did he really think that Robin was trying to steal Raven away from him.
'Heh...maybe I should have gotten more sleep after all' he thought
"Okay, nothings on," Cyborg announced. "It's time to get down to some serious business."
Cyborg tossed the remote aside and eagerly grabbed one of the game station controllers.
"Grab ya some of that tofu junk and let's get started," he said looking back at Beastboy.
Beastboy glanced towards the kitchen with disinterest...he wasn't hungry.
"Nah...I'm good."
"You sure?" Cyborg asked.
"Yep," Beastboy smiled, turning toward his friend.
"Fine with me, but don't use hunger as an excuse for when I beat ya," Cyborg warned turning around in his seat to face the television, fully expecting Beastboy to jump in the spot next to him accepting the challenge.
"Actually, I've got a better idea," Beastboy replied.
"Better?" Cyborg asked looking over his shoulder at Beastboy as though he were crazy. "Dude...what could be better than playing video games?"
"Uh..Hello! I've been sleeping the whole day away," Beastboy announced waving his arms to emphasize his point. "I don't wanna spend the rest of it sitting on my butt."
"You don't?" Cyborg asked in bewilderment and Beastboy sighed briefly before gesturing towards the door.
"How can you just sit there when it's the perfect day for...," Beastboy paused for effect and grinning he lifted up a..."FOOTBALL!"
Cyborg gave him a funny look.
"Come on Cy, you know you're just dying to play," Beastboy continued, "Or are you to afraid to face my mad skills?"
Beastboy then attempted to spin the ball on his finger only for it to loose balance and fumble slightly before falling.
Cyborg laughed some.
"You can keep the skills man," he replied, "Cause there's no way I'm going out there."
"Awe...," Beastboy whined his shoulders slumping forward in disappointment. "Why not?"
"Because it's 30 degrees outside," Cyborg answered, "And in case you don't know...that's really cold."
Beastboy's eyes widened.
"Dude...how long did you say I was asleep?" Beastboy asked, "How'd it get so cold so fast?"
"Can't questioned mother nature man," Cyborg replied.
Beastboy looked towards the window for the first time and could see the frost already invading his view of the outside.
"I hope it warms up by tomorrow," he said distractedly.
"Why? What's tomorrow?"
Beastboy jumped and looked nervously at his friend.
"Uh...oh..ya know..," he replied with uncertainty. "That thingy?"
Cyborg raised his eyebrow in question.
"Which reminds me," Beastboy replied, "I gotta go..er...do my laundry..See ya!"
Beastboy dashed out of the room, slowing down his pace once he was out of Cyborg's range and letting out a deep breath. His happy and excited feeling had turned to anxiety in less than an hour and now it was digging itself deep into his belly. He stopped when he reached the work out room and then looked inside.
'Why not?' he found himself asking as he took another step towards the door.
He didn't have anything else planned for the day and for the moment he thought it best to avoid a conversation with Cyborg. He was happy about his date with Raven, but didn't want to say anything to anyone just yet. He would need to talk with Raven about it the next time he saw her, after all, she was very secretive when it came to certain things.
He walked inside and decided to lift some weights, which seemed like the perfect outlet for his extra energy. He laid down on the board and grabbed the weight bar with both hands.
'Gotta stay in shape for the ladies' he thought with a wary grin. 'Well...for Raven'
Taking in a deep breath he lifted it off it's perch and felt it come down towards his chest. Apparently, a lot heavier than he had anticipated, he began to push, lifting it up.
He thought about the night before and still couldn't believe his luck. A date with Raven! It seemed so impossible, but then again he was a green super powered shape-shifter; Impossible wasn't exactly the right word for the occasion. Perhaps the word was...amazing.
He wondered if it was possible that he had found someone that he could be with, someone that he trusted and who accepted him for he was. Beastboy had once thought he had found that person in Terra, he had wanted it so badly and she had seemed so perfect. Of course, things aren't always what they seem. Terra had brought more sorrow into his life than she did happiness, and he had never quiet been the same since her betrayal. Thinking about it now, no longer made him sad though, if anything he was angry at himself.
'You were a fool.'
"Not...any...more," Beastboy grunted as he lifted the weights.
He wouldn't make the same mistake again. Raven wasn't Terra; she would never lie to him, she would never turn her back on him, and Raven wouldn't break his heart.
Then as quickly as those thoughts came to mind, doubt settled in.
Maybe the reason Raven had told Cyborg to let him sleep in was because she was avoiding him. Maybe she had changed her mind about their date, or rather, just came to her senses. Could it even be possible that he had just dreamed it all.
'Why would she want to go out with someone so weak?' the voice inside his head asked.
Beastboy narrowed his eyes in concentration as he lifted the weight.
'You're not good enough for her'
Beastboy's arms forced the weights up again, then back down to his chest.
'You've never been good enough'
His arms shook slightly as he pushed the weight up, only to stop half way and feel it begin to fall back on him. He closed his eyes and strained to lift it the rest of the way without morphing, but his arms felt like they were crumbling under the pressure.
He felt his breathing get heavy, he wouldn't give up, he wasn't weak.
'Prove it'
Suddenly he felt the weight come off him with great ease, in fact, it was too easy.
"Ya know you shouldn't lift weights without a spotter."
He quickly opened his eyes and found himself looking up at an upside down Cyborg, who had grabbed both sides of the bar and was placing it back on it's perch.
Beastboy let out a startled yell and fell off the mat, hitting his head on the bar,
"Ow..." he groaned rubbing his head. "Dude, don't sneak up on me like that."
"Hey, don't look at me," Cyborg said with a half smile. "I thought you were off doing laundry."
Beastboy pulled himself up, still rubbing his soar head. "Yeah...sorta got side tracked."
"So let me get this straight," Cyborg replied. "You would rather skip breakfast and video games to come in here, on our day off, and work out?"
Beastboy looked up with a nervous smile. "Uh...well..."
"Okay man what's up?" Cyborg asked with an accusing tone.
"Nothing!" Beastboy quickly and loudly replied and Cyborg lifted his eyebrow.
"I mean...ya know, just trying to keep in shape." Beastboy grinned flexing his arms.
Cyborg folded his arms and looked down a him with a small sly smile.
"I have to admit, B, I'm surprised."
"Surprised?" Beastboy asked his confident demeanor slipping, and his arms falling limp at his sides.
Cyborg nodded. "I half expected to find you standing outside Robin's door."
Beastboy panicked. "Why? What would I be doing there?"
"Oh, I don't know," Cyborg replied. "Eaves dropping, spying, waiting for Raven to come out. Basic things like that."
Beastboy began to sweat. Did Cyborg somehow know about his feelings toward Raven? How?
"Why would I care if Ravens in there or not?" Beastboy asked, eyes darting to and from Cyborg's face. 'That's right' he told himself. 'Just play dumb'
"I just figured since you've been spending so much time with her lately," he replied, "That you might be a little jealous."
"What? Me? Jealous? No way," He replied folding and then unfolding his arms. "It's not like I'm Raven's only friend or something."
"Yeah, but you're her best friend, right?" Cyborg asked.
"S..so?" Beastboy stuttered. "I'm your best friend too."
Cyborg leaned back casually against the weight bar.
"Yep," he replied. "Nothin' strange about that."
Beastboy sighed in relief.
"So...what have the two of you been up too?" Cyborg asked in a calm almost uninterested tone. "I mean, you obviously found something you have in common, right?"
Beastboy made sure he didn't panic and just glanced away.
"Yeah...we're more alike than I thought," he replied with a casual shrug.
"See man...I told ya when we first started out that she'd warm up to you."
Beastboy grinned. "Yeah...," he replied.
"And now the two of you are really good friends."
Beastboy nodded with a content and far away look in his eyes. "We are..."
"Just goes to show ya, you never know," Cyborg continued noticing Beastboy's distracted gaze.
"Uh huh...life's full of surprises," Beastboy replied.
Cyborg grinned and seized the opportunity.
"So...when are you two going out?"
"Tomorrow," Beastboy replied without thinking.
He instantly realized his mistake and jumped, just as Cyborg pointed his finger at him.
"HA! I knew something was up with you two!"
Beastboy waved his arms in an effort to reverse what he had just done.
"No.Wait!" he exclaimed. "You've got it all wrong!"
"OH? So you and Raven aren't going on a date tomorrow?" Cyborg asked with a knowing grin.
"Uh..well...technically..." Beastboy rubbed the back of his neck and blushed. "We...um...yeah."
"Well alright Man" Cyborg grinned. "It's about time something interesting happened around here."
"You're...not surprised?" Beastboy asked.
"Well, maybe a little" Cyborg admitted. "I mean, who would of ever thought that'd happen."
Suddenly something inside Beastboy sparked and he glared over at his friend.
"And what's that suppose to mean?" He asked.
"Huh?" Cyborg blinked at Beastboy's sudden mood change.
"What? You think I'm not good enough for Raven?" He asked stepping closer. "You think she'd never go for someone like me, that she couldn't possibly have feelings for me?"
"Uh...no...that's not it," Cyborg replied looking at him strangely. "I just never thought you'd pluck up the courage to ask her out."
Beastboy's anger melted away.
"Are you okay, B?" Cyborg asked. "You've been actin' kinda weird."
Beastboy sighed.
"Sorry Cy...I guess I'm just a little worked up," he replied. "About this whole date thing."
He knew that he wasn't being entirely honest, but what else could he say.
"Nervous huh?" Cyborg replied. "Well...where are you taking her?"
Beastboy looked up. "Taking her?"
"On your date?" Cyborg explained slowly.
"Uh...well..."
"Dude, don't tell me you have no idea," Cyborg replied. "This is your guys first date, it has to be special."
Beastboy eyes widened in panic. How could he have over looked something so important?!
"Oh man, oh man, oh man,...what am I going to do? Where will I go? What will I wear? How can I-"
"-Yo, Bb. Calm down," Cyborg said grabbing his friend's shoulders. "You can do this."
"Do what?" Came a voice from the door.
The two looked over to see Robin standing at the door- looking confused and curious.
"NOTHING!" Beastboy yelled. "There's nothing going on!"
Robin raised an eyebrow, not at all convinced, and stepped in. Cyborg smiled knowingly over at Beastboy who seemed determined to avoid eye contact.
"Is there some kind of problem I should know about?" Robin asked.
"Come on B, you can tell him," Cyborg replied, nudging the younger titan with his elbow. "It's no big deal."
Robin looked over at Beastboy. "What's not a big deal?"
Beastboy groaned slightly and looking down he mumbled. "I...have a date with Raven tomorrow."
Robin blinked, then laughed slightly.
"Sorry, for a second there I thought you said you had a date with..."
A warning glare from Cyborg caused him to halt, surprised.
"You have a date with Raven?" Robin asked in shock.
Beastboy nodded.
"Wow..."
"Yeah, tell me about it," Cyborg commented. "Who would of thought he'd ask Raven out before you asked Star."
Robin looked over. "What do you mean?"
"Dude, don't even," Beastboy replied, smirking as he looked up. "It's way obvious you've been crushing on her since forever."
Robin blushed but recovered instantly.
"Okay...so you're going out with Raven," he stated.
"I think we've pretty much covered that already," Cyborg replied before turning and smiling at Beastboy.
"I figured somethin' was up, ever since that argument you two had a while back." He said. "The whole Tea making thing and Raven apologizing to you should have been a dead give away."
"Was it that obvious?" Beastboy asked. "Even I didn't know then."
"Well, I always thought you kinda liked her," Cyborg replied, "But then yesterday after your fight with Robin.."
At the mention of that, Beastboy felt like someone had punched him in the stomach.
"I mean, the look on Ravens face," he said. "I could just tell there was somethin' between you guys."
"That's what Starfire said," Robin commented thoughtfully. "She mentioned that the two of them were close."
"Dude, did everyone in the Tower know!" Beastboy yelled, the uneasiness inside him subsiding.
"Well...I didn't," Robin replied looking disappointed. "I guess I should start paying more attention."
"We already know what was distracting you," Cyborg teased. "She has long red hair, a short skirt, loves mustard..."
"Okay I get it," Robin replied in an annoyed tone. "Aren't we suppose to be talking about Raven and Beastboy? What's the problem?"
"Beastboy's clueless," Cyborg simply told him. "Him and Raven are going out tomorrow and he has no plan."
"Well...I thought I might talk to Raven about it," Beastboy replied thoughtfully.
Robin and Cyborg exchanged looks. "Nah" they said.
"It has to be romantic," Cyborg told him.
"And well thought out," Robin added.
"Something special," Cyborg said.
"And somewhere nice," Robin continued.
Beastboy looked frantically between the two. "Well...uh...there's..um.."
He stopped himself and sighed as he looked down, shoulders slumping and ears drooping.
"Who am I kidding?" he asked himself dejectedly. "I've got nothing. Raven will never want to go out with me again."
Robin and Cyborg looked taken back by their friends negative attitude.
"Hey man...it's no big deal," Cyborg tried to comfort him. "Raven did say yes when you asked her out, so she must like you."
"Cyborgs right," Robin nodded. "It won't matter where you go."
"But you both just said that the first date's the most important," Beastboy replied looking up at them expectantly.
Cyborg and Robin instantly regretted what they had said, having not meant to get Beastboy so worked up.
"I ... have an idea," Robin told him.
"You do?" Beastboy asked hopefully.
"I could call in a favor," He replied cautiously. "Get you reservations at that new french restaurant down town."
"Are you talking about 'lumière de l'ange'?" Cyborg asked looking over at the boy wonder.
"Is it any good?" Beastboy asked, lost.
"Are you kiddin', it's the best," Cyborg replied. "It's nearly impossible to get into. Real fancy and romantic too."
"I don't know guys," Beastboy said doubtfully. "It doesn't sound like my kind of place."
"That's the point man," Cyborg replied. "Raven will probably love it."
Beastboy looked thoughtful, wondering if he should take what was just said as an insult, but deciding against it.
"You think so?" He asked.
"Without a doubt," Cyborg answered.
"Okay then," Beastboy smiled and turned to Robin. "Could you do that?"
"It's kind of short notice, but if I start making calls now, I could pull it off," Robin answered looking thoughtful.
Beastboy felt the pressure inside him vanish, and overcome with extreme gratitude he jumped forward and began vigorously shaking Robin arm.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," he replied releasing Robin arm at last and holding his fists up in front of him in tense excitement. "Dude, I so owe you one!"
Robin smiled slightly as he rubbed his sore shoulder, which Beastboy had nearly dislodged.
"Uh...you're welcome?" he replied, turning to leave and shaking his head at Beastboy's behavior.
"Still nervous?" Cyborg asked once Robin had left.
Beastboy grinned back at him. "You bet I am," he said. "I've gotta go find Raven."
Cyborg gave a small smile. "Before you go, I ...kinda have something important to say to ya, Bb."
Beastboy blinked and turning back around he stood up straight.
"Yeah...what?"
Cyborg stepped in front of him. "You know you're like my little brother right?"
Beastboy hesitated for a moment and then nodded.
"Well Raven's like my little sister," he replied leaning down closer to Beastboy's face. "And no one messes with my sister, not even my brother, got it?"
Beastboy stepped back. "Uh...I think so."
"Just don't break her heart man," Cyborg replied in a serious and slightly sad tone. "It may seem like an impossible thing to do, but if she really cares about you..."
"I won't," Beastboy replied in a dead serious tone. He knew what that was like, and he knew that Raven had also gotten her heart broken before. He would never to that her...never.
Cyborg grinned.
"Yeah...I didn't think so, just had to do the big brother thing, " he replied. "good luck bro."
Beastboy grinned, turning and running out of the room.
Cyborg sighed, hoping that everything would work out for the two, and then Beastboy popped his head back in the door.
"Hey Cy?" He called out
"Yeah man?"
Beastboy smiled.
"Thanks," he replied, his voice genuine and sincere. "You're the best big brother a guy could have."
With those parting words he was gone, leaving Cyborg smiling slightly to himself.
Beastboy walked back into the main room, the door swooshing open. He immediately noticed the pot of tea cooling on the stove and smiled.
He walked over towards the kitchen and looked around.
"Friend Beastboy, you have awakened from your slumber," Came Starfire's polite voice from behind him.
He turned to face her.
"Hey Star, Back from the store already?" he asked, before she could smother him in a hug.
"Oh yes," She replied excitedly, "And tomorrow shall be a day of great feasting!"
Beastboy gave a weary smile. "Uh..yeah," he said. "Have you seen Raven?"
Starfire's grin became even bigger, which seemed almost impossible.
"Oh yes, I had just passed her," She replied, "I am understanding that the two of you may be missing the feasting tomorrow."
Beastboy tensed slightly.
"So...Raven told you?" he asked, making sure he wasn't getting the wrong idea.
"I could not help but notice she was distracted on our trip to the mall of shopping," Starfire replied, "She confided in me about your date and I am most happy for the both of you."
"Um...thanks Star," Beastboy smiled. "Guess the words gotten out."
"The word?" Starfire blinked in confusion.
"I mean that everyone knows now," Beastboy explained.
"I do not think friend Raven wishes for the word to be getting out," Starfire said after a moments thought. "She has asked me not to tell the others of your date."
Beastboy looked nervous.
"So...she doesn't want anyone else to know?"
"I believe she is feeling the nervousness," Starfire replied. "Perhaps she is wanting to speak with you first."
Beastboy looked down, would Raven be mad when she found out he had told? Did she really want to keep it a secret? Was she ashamed of Him? His thoughts seemed to be jumping from one conclusion to another, none of them good.
"Oh." he said.
Starfire floated forward and he felt her hand rest on his shoulder.
"Friend, is there something troubling you?" She asked.
Beastboy looked up.
"No I'm fine," He replied with a small smile. "Did you see where Raven went?"
"Yes...she was heading in the direction of her room," Starfire replied her hand falling down to her side again.
"Thanks Star...I'll see ya later," he said walking past her, his heart feeling strangely heavy.
Don't yell at me!!! I already know!
There was no BB/Rae in this chapter at all. Raven didn't even get a line in this...BUT...I needed to set a chapter aside where all the characters found out. I mean you can't just have Beastboy say "Later guys, me and Raven are going on date"
Okay I could have done that...but it wouldn't have seemed right.
I still hope that my readers were satisfied that I continued (I almost wanted to quit, really!). And yes I do keep putting off the whole 'date thing' but...but...I HAVE ISSUES!! (glances around nervously).
Note: the name of the resturaunt was a last minute thing and roughly translated it mean 'Angel's light'.
The next chapter will...uh...be a while longer. Your patience means the world to me.EEEEEPPPPPP!Please review.