Heyo, I'm back again. Sorry I posted so late in the day, I was busy earlier. Anyways, I should mention there is mention of suicidal thoughts in this chapter, so if that is triggering to anyone, be careful reading this chapter. Besides that though, hope y'all enjoy.
Chapter Seven: Interrogation
"Let's go over this one more time," Robin said.
"Dude, we've already been over this several times," Beast Boy complained.
"Four, to be exact," Robin said. "But that's not the point. I need info, and you're holding something back. The sooner you tell me, the sooner you can go."
Beast Boy groaned. He had already been in the medbay for seventeen hours. He was so sick of these white walls and beeping machinery. Beast Boy ground his teeth, resisting the urge to tear the room apart. "I already told you everything."
"Tell me again."
Beast Boy sighed. "Alright, fine. We got to the entrance of the miners cave and went down. I knew something was off about the cave. Slade blinded us, and when I could see there were slade bots everywhere. You made your way towards Slade. I tried to fight the slade bots, but they kept ignoring me. Even when I managed to hit one, it wouldn't attack me. Somehow, I got behind Slade, and when he turned to run, I followed behind him as a cockroach. I followed him for a while before he suddenly stopped. He called out to me like he knew I was there but didn't know where. He tried to get me to join him–"
"What did he say?" Robin demanded.
"He said that I was the Titan's weakest link and he would train me to be stronger."
"What else?"
"He said that he didn't consider me a threat because I'm the jokester of the Titans."
"What else?"
"He somehow knew that I was able to smell his bombs and was impressed, I think."
"What else?"
"He said that you didn't know him or your team as well as you think and he doesn't want to conquer the world."
"He said that?"
"Well, he implied it."
"What did he say, exactly?"
"He said, uh, 'when did I ever say my goal was world domination' or something like that."
"Something like that, or that exactly?"
"I don't know dude, my head still hurts."
"You can rest when we're done."
"Should've had Cy stay," Beast Boy grumbled. "Those words exactly, I think."
"You think?"
"They're close enough, what do you want from me!" Beast Boy shouted. Robin glared at him, and Beast Boy shrunk back into the bed.
"Continue," Robin said.
"When he finished his little lecture, I told him I wasn't going to join him and he attacked me. He threw a flashbang to blind and deafen me, then hit me on the side of my head. He flung me into the wall, and I hit my head on a rock sticking out. I heard him run away, then a little later–"
"Lie."
"What?"
"Last time, you told me you interrupted Slade. Now you said he finished his speech. You lied to me about your confrontation with Slade."
"Wha–No I didn't! Look, so I got a little confused–"
"So which is it? Did he finish his talk or did you interrupt him?"
"I-he finished. He finished his speech."
Robin glanced at him. "No, he didn't. You interrupted him, but you didn't say no. What did you tell him?"
"What're you talking about? Of course I said no! I'm not gonna join up with a monster like him! Who do you think I am?"
"Beast Boy, calm–"
"You think I'm like Terra! You don't trust me and think I'm a traitor and you're going to lock me up! I won't go to jail, I'm not–"
"Beast Boy!" Robin yelled, cutting the changeling off. "I don't think you accepted his offer, and I'm not mad at you. I just need to know what happened."
Beast Boy sighed. "I told him I turned into a tick and bit him, and that he was going to be paralyzed."
Robin blinked. "And did you?"
"No! I'm not a monster."
"So you lied to Slade?"
"Yeah."
"And he believed you."
"...Yeah."
"And that's why he ran away?"
"Yeah."
Beast Boy looked anywhere but at Robin. Even this terrible, awful hospital was better than seeing his face. The white walls seemed to mock him, closing in from every possible angle. There was no way out of this room, out of Robin's wrath. He was trapped here. Why couldn't he leave? Why couldn't he get out? Beast Boy gripped the sheets of the bed. He wanted to be out of this room, out of this situation, away from Robin and the terrible things he did. Where were they when he needed them?
"Why did you lie to me?"
Beast Boy flinched at Robin's tone. It wasn't angry or disappointed. It was worse than that. It was concerned.
"If you're worried about what Slade said, you don't have to be. You know none of us see you as the weak link or just the 'funny one'-"
"I'm leaving," Beast Boy said, hopping off the bed.
"Beast Boy!" Robin called. Beast Boy didn't answer.
Cyborg was waiting for him in the hallway. He jumped as Beast Boy stormed out and fell into step beside him.
"That bad huh," Cy said.
"You know how he is," Beast Boy replied.
Cyborg offered him an empathetic grin. "Yeah, I hate it when he goes all detective mode."
"Tell me about it. Man, I could really go for a tofu burger, some soda and an afternoon playing video games."
"Sorry B, but you can't play video games."
"What!?"
"Yeah, sorry, but you got a nasty concussion. Luckily, you didn't get any serious damage, not that I think Slade could mess you up any more," Cyborg laughed. Beast Boy grinned and elbowed his best friend.
"Don't worry, thanks to your old pal Cy and his medicinal mastery, along with a little help from Raven, you'll be back to normal in no time," Cy said. "I estimate by this time next week you'll be totally in the clear. Oh don't look at me like that, it's just a week. Most people would've been out for months. You're lucky Raven already healed most of the damage or you probably wouldn't be walking right now."
"Man, that means I owe her another," Beast Boy said.
Cyborg chuckled. "Oh yeah, real shame she's the healer and you're the close combat guy."
Beast Boy tilted his head. "What?"
"Nothing. You're just always in her debt 'cause of your powers," Cyborg said.
"Yeah, I'm not following," Beast Boy said.
"I'm just saying, if it hadn't been all up to superpowers, you woulda broke even a long time ago."
"What are you kidding? Even without powers, I'd be so far in the red my grandchildren would need a shovel to dig their way outta my debt."
"Eh, I'd give your kids till they pay off their student loans," Cyborg said. "Oh, and you gotta see her once a day so she can work her magic."
"She can't just do it all in one go?"
"Nah, I asked and she said that she had to be careful. Doesn't want to heal anything wrong or something."
"I guess even she has limits, eh?"
"I think you found the limits to her patience the first day we met."
"Hey! No fair! She totally laughed at one of my jokes."
"Sure she did, buddy. I'll add delusional to the list of symptoms."
"Gah!"
Cyborg just laughed. "Don't worry, since I can't beat you at video games for a week, I'll make you a burger. But since you don't like beef, and I don't like tofu, we'll compromise and I'll make you a beef burger."
Beast Boy guffawed and Cyborg laughed, the two friends bickering all the way to the kitchen.
"Raven," Robin called. Raven looked up from her book to see the Titan's leader enter the lounge. Cyborg and Beast Boy had come in a few minutes ago and gone into the kitchen. She could hear them bickering over dietary choices.
"Beast Boy was acting odd during his debriefing," Robin continued.
"Beast Boy practically defines odd, that's nothing new," Raven said, returning to her book.
"He lied to me," Robin said.
"And this surprises you?" Raven asked.
"He lied about his confrontation with Slade," Robin said.
Raven looked up from her book. "What exactly did he lie about?"
"He bluffed Slade into retreating, but for some reason wanted to keep it from me," Robin said.
"That's odd, normally he'd love to brag about that," Raven said, once more returning to her pages.
"I was just wondering if you might know any reason he would act like that," Robin inquired.
"Why come to me?" Raven asked. "Why not just ask Cyborg?"
"I was hoping you could tell me what he's feeling," Robin said.
Raven glared at him. "You want me to use my empathy on him."
Robin met her gaze. "Yes."
"Despite that not only being a severe violation of the trust of my friends and the rules of Azar, my empathy can't tell you what he's thinking," Raven said.
"Raven, something's bothering him and I need to know what," Robin said.
"He's Beast Boy, could be anything," Raven said, eager to be done with this conversation.
"That's exactly what I'm worried about," Robin said. "He won't talk to me about it, but maybe if I know what he's feeling I can put together why he lied."
"Drop it Robin. I'm not reading his emotions for you," Raven said, forcing herself to look at her book, signaling she was done talking.
"Fine. I just figured after everything he's done for you, you'd want to help him out too," Robin said, turning to leave. His receding footsteps were loud, too loud for Batman's sidekick. It was a trap. Raven knew it was a trap and she would not be lured by petty–
Her book slammed shut. "What do you mean after everything he's done for me?"
"I mean, just look at you," Robin said. But he made no more moves to leave.
"Excuse me?" Raven asked.
"You're sitting here, in the common room, while Beast Boy and Cyborg are in the kitchen arguing over some pointless thing," Robin said.
"Yes, I am aware of the environment I reside in," Raven said.
"You realize without Beast Boy you never would have been here," Robin said.
Raven raised an eyebrow. "You think Beast Boy made me feel comfortable about living in my own home."
The idea was laughable at best. If anything, Beast Boy had been nothing but a bother from the very start. He was loud and abrasive. Always trying to force her to do things she didn't want to do. Like play volleyball, or watch a movie, or get pizza with the team.
"Anyways, if you're not going to help me, I'm sure he'll talk about it eventually. He's always so open with his emotions, it's not like he can hide it for long," Robin said, leaving the room.
Raven frowned, letting her book fall onto her lap. Despite the truth of Robin's words, they felt like a jab of some kind. It looked like Robin expected her to figure out Beast Boy's supposed issue and fix it. Fine. She'll play Robin's little game. She'd find out what was troubling the little gremlin if only to rub it in Robin's nose. And she'd do it without using her powers.
But first she'd need a plan. She couldn't simply walk up to Beast Boy and demand answers. That wouldn't work. He was surprisingly good at weaseling his way out of things. Fortunately, there were others that weren't as slippery.
Beast Boy and Cyborg exited the kitchen. "Dude, just admit that you're scared to lose and that'll be it."
"I so am not!" Cyborg retorted.
"Then let's play!" Beast Boy urged.
"No, Beast Boy, video games will only worsen your concussion," Cyborg said.
"So you're scared," Beast Boy concluded.
"No!" Cyborg exclaimed.
"Cyborg's super scared, Cyborg's super scared!" Beast Boy taunted.
"Beast Boy," Cyborg threatened.
"Beast Boy is the king of games!" Beast Boy whooped.
"Oh that's it! Get over here you rascal!" Cyborg said, lunging for Beast Boy. Beast Boy let out an "eep!" and turned into an armadillo to roll away. Cyborg chased after him, but Beast Boy turned into an ant and crawled into a ventilation shaft.
"I'm gonna find you Beast Boy! And when I do you're gonna get the wettest willy you've ever had!" Cyborg shouted. A terrified "squeak!" echoed out and Cyborg chuckled. "The things I do for this kid."
Seeing this as a good opportunity, Raven rose and glided behind Cyborg. "Cyborg."
"Gah! Oh, hey Raven, didn't see ya there," Cyborg said.
"I wanted to ask you something," Raven said.
"Uh, yeah, sure, what's up?"
"Robin claimed that Beast Boy was acting odd during his debriefing. Apparently he lied about how his confrontation with Slade occurred. Explain."
"Explain what?" Cyborg chuckled. "Beastie got shaken up by his encounter and didn't want to talk about it. It happens."
"I expressed this to Robin, but he seemed sure there was something else."
"Hm. I dunno. Except for letting his brain get smashed, he seemed pretty normal to me. He's probably still a little bruised. Luckily, we're here to help, right?" Cyborg said.
"Right," Raven frowned.
"Alright spill, what's really the issue here," Cyborg said.
"I don't know what you mean," Raven scowled.
"You got that look. Oh boy, is it something Robin said? He's getting on everyone's nerves today," Cyborg said.
"Yes," Raven said. Cyborg just stared at her, waiting for her to elaborate. Raven sighed. "He claimed that Beast Boy is partially responsible for my personal growth during my time with the Titans."
"Oh. I mean, well duh," Cyborg said.
"I will not argue the fact that he aided in my growth, however Robin put an emphasis on his part as if it was more integral than yours or Starfire, which I do disagree with," Raven said.
"Oh, I see, you were out there reading and Robin must've said you weren't bothered by us anymore," Cyborg said.
"Precisely," Raven said. "It's been six years since our founding, if I had not grown accustomed to your daily routines I would have gone mad."
"I think what Robin was referring to was when the Titans first began," Cyborg said. "You remember how we all were. Young and awkward. You barely came out of your room except for missions. Hell, none of us even knew if you were eating. When Robin started up regular training sessions, and we had movie nights or went out to eat, do you remember who was always knocking at your door?"
"That still doesn't prove–"
"At-da-da-dah. I'm not done. Who was the first person to get you to come eat dinner with us? Who left food at your door when you refused? Who convinced you to come to the carnival? Who found your favorite tea shop?"
Raven sighed. "Beast Boy. But that doesn't mean his actions alone are responsible for the person I am now. A lot has happened over the last few years that contributed to my growth. I think it impudent to give all the credit to Beast Boy."
Cyborg shrugged. "You think I give him too much credit, I think you give him too little. You used to terrify me. Still do sometimes. But not Beast Boy. Even if he was risking life and limb, he still tried to help. Point remains, he did and is still doing the same thing he did for me."
"And that is?" Raven asked.
"Try to make you feel included," Cyborg answered.
Raven scoffed. "I have never not felt not included. In fact, I think Beast Boy includes me more than I ask for."
"I wouldn't say that," Cyborg argued.
"He once glued my hands to a playstation controller to try and make me play a video game with him," Raven replied.
Cyborg snickered. "I remember that. It was hilarious."
"For some," Raven grumbled. "However, I believe it proves my point. He does many deeds that I am grateful for, but he is a constant source of irritation and chaos in my life. My emotions are dangerous, and fickle things. What I need is not chaos, but stability. I do not understand why Beast Boy refuses to accept this notion."
"I don't think that's fair," Cyborg started. "Beast Boy's just trying to help–"
"And yet every time he tries he only ends up making things worse," Raven interjected. "I have tried being patient with him, but clearly he doesn't understand the word 'no'. I have tried explaining this to him but he refuses to listen. I understand that he is trying to help but he. Is. Not."
The air in the common room suddenly felt like stone. Both Raven and Cyborg stared at each other unflinchingly, breathing heavily. In the tense silence, neither heard the sound of four tiny feet, scuttling away from his friends.
"Raven," Cyborg said tentatively. "That little guy saved my life. You may not know it, but when we all first met, I was in a bad spot. I had just watched my mom die, my dad had turned me into a freak and my life was ruined. My girlfriend couldn't even look at me, my football career was done for and I had nothing left. I felt like a monster, a freak. I was days, maybe, from ending it all. I knew my dad kept a gun in his safe, and I knew it couldn't stop me. I was just mustering up the courage to pull the trigger. Then he appeared in front of me and looked at me with such wonder in his eyes. It was the first time since the accident that anyone looked at me with anything other than fear and disgust. That whole first month, he wouldn't leave me alone. He was always banging on my door, asking me to play video games or do this or that. He refused to let me sit in my room and mope, and let all the dark thoughts fill my head. He kept telling me I was so cool, and after a while, I started believing it too. Beast Boy made me feel alive again. Like I had something worth living for. Like I deserved to keep living. I know I like to rag on him, but I would do anything for the little grass stain."
Cyborg inhaled sharply, then let out a deep, shaky breath. "I know he can be annoying at times. He has a big personality, and it can be a lot to take in. He's loud, excitable, and he gets in your face, but he's the most compassionate, loyal, caring person I've ever met. Beast Boy isn't trying to mess you up. He's trying to help you the only way he knows how. He's reminding you you're not alone. And every time I get fed up with him, or he gives me a virus or breaks my stuff, I remind myself that I wouldn't be here if not for him. And I thank my lucky stars that he found his way into my life. So maybe next time he tries to talk to you, listen to what he's saying."
And with that, Cyborg walked out, leaving Raven to clean up the shattered perception of her life.
Beast Boy was all smiles and jokes when he came to see her for his first healing session later that day. Even a major concussion couldn't dampen his spirit. But he never met her eyes. Raven wanted to say something, say anything, but couldn't muster the strength. And then he was gone.
Raven wrapped her cloak around her as she sat on her bed. What was wrong with her? What had prompted her to say those things about Beast Boy? She was a terrible person, and a horrible friend. He didn't deserve any of that. It wasn't even true, not really. Sure, he got on her nerves a lot, and he was incredibly persistent, but that was who he was. Yeah it bothered her when he dragged her into things she didn't want to do, but more often than not she didn't hate it as much as she let on. Except when he glued that game controller to her hand. That was very irritating.
And it's not like Beast Boy made her angry. Annoyed, definitely, irritated sometimes. But she never was mad at him. Truthfully, she was glad that Beast Boy did make an effort to include her in the team's antics. She wasn't sure she'd have the courage to do so without him.
Raven sighed, pulling her knees to her chest and hugging them. So Robin and Cyborg did have a point. She had been taking the green Titan for granted. He deserved an apology.
Raven got up and went to the common room, searching for the green titan. He wasn't on the couch playing video games, nor was he in the kitchen cooking up some tofu. Raven frowned. Where could he be?
Just then, Starfire entered the common room, humming to herself. When her alien friend spied her, Starfire's smile widened. "Greetings Friend Raven! What brings you here?"
"I was just looking for Beast Boy. Do you know where he is?" Raven asked.
Starfire put her hand on her chin. "I believe he and Friend Cyborg went to the store of pharmaceuticals to obtain medications for the injury of his head."
"Ah. I see," Raven said, turning to leave.
"What did you need him for?" Starfire asked, eyes wide with innocence.
"It's nothing," Raven said. She took a few steps towards the door before stopping. She sighed. Goddamnit. "Hey Star?"
"Yes Raven?" Starfire asked.
"I…I could use your…help," Raven said, deflating on the word.
"Help? Are you in the trouble?" Starfire asked, concern in her voice.
"No, I…I messed up. I need to apologize," Raven said.
"Ah, I see," Starfire said. "Come! I believe it is time for the talk of girls!"
Starfire grabbed Raven and flew her to her room. Raven winced at all the pink. No matter how many times she was in here, it always seemed like there was more pink every time. Starfire sat them both down on her massive bed.
"So, why do you need to apologize to Beast Boy?" Starfire asked.
"I have not been very appreciative of him," Raven explained. "He has always been kind to me, and I feel that I have been taking his kindness for granted."
To her surprise, Starfire just nodded. "I think we all have. I have also been trying to think of a way to make it up to Friend Beast Boy. I was thinking of getting him a gift, to show my appreciation."
Raven blinked. "Oh. Um, what gift were you thinking about getting him?"
"I was thinking of purchasing a book on the various plant life native to California," Starfire said.
"Why? I don't think Beast Boy would be very interested in something like that," Raven said.
Starfire tilted her head. "You don't think so?"
"I don't think anything besides video games and movies will hold his interest for more than a few minutes," Raven said.
"Raven," Starfire wondered. "How many languages does Beast Boy speak?"
"What? What does that have to do with anything?" Raven asked. Starfire just waited. Raven sighed. "If his fake video game language he and Cyborg communicate in counts, then two."
"Where was Beast Boy raised?" Starfire asked.
"Michigan, probably," Raven said.
"Why did Beast Boy leave the Doom Patrol?" Starfire asked.
"I…I don't know," Raven said.
"Who does Beast Boy admire most of all the Titans?" Starfire asked.
"Cyborg. They're practically attached at the hip," Raven said.
Starfire just shook her head. "Perhaps you must learn more about Friend Beast Boy before you apologize to him."
"What? Star, what does that mean?" Raven asked.
"You answered none of my questions correctly. Once you know the answers to all of them, then you can apologize to Beast Boy," Star said.
"Well then tell me," Raven said.
Starfire just shook her head. "I cannot."
"Why not?" Raven demanded.
"They are not my secrets to tell," Star asserted.
"Why not? What's so significant about where Beast Boy was born?" Raven asked.
Starfire gave Raven a small glare. "Raven, when we have the girl talks, there is the understanding that I will not share what you tell me. I do not speak about how your mother met your father. I do not speak about how you do not cry tears but blood. I do not speak about how Azar forced you to fracture your own mind. These are your secrets to share. If you want to learn about our Friend Beast Boy, you must speak with him."
"I don't know how," Raven admitted, pulling her knees up to her chest and hugging them.
Starfire offered her a small smile. "I did not know how to speak with Friend Beast Boy either. He does not share easily or quickly. He fears rejection, almost as much as you do. You must build his trust. I had to share several anecdotes from my days on Tamaran before he opened up to me about his own home."
Raven nodded shyly. "Ok."
Starfire smiled at her. "Good. If you're lucky, they should be returning shortly."
"I wouldn't consider it lucky," Raven muttered. She sighed. "Alright. I'll try."
"That is all you can do. Now, I believe it is time for the Silkie's bath! My little bumgorf is all dirty, he needs a cleaning," Starfire said, humming to herself as she flew out of Raven's room. Raven could only watch as she left. She was always astonished by how quickly her friend's moods could switch.
Steadying herself, Raven rose and left Starfire's room. She went to the common room and sat on the couch, waiting for the boys to return.
