beastboy's perspective
Raven and I finally finished cleaning my room after a couple of days. My teammate would help, take a meditation or reading break, resume cleaning, take another break, and when it was time, she went to bed. The next morning, Raven was ready to continue her task. I was more than grateful for her dedication into making sure I lived in better space.
Not once did Raven complain about how disorganized my room was, or how pungent it smelled. The gum that stuck to the floor, the chips crumbs and half-opened candies between crevices were all thrown out. Old, moldy food that stuck to some dishes elsewhere in my room, were taken care of as well.
All of my dirty clothes and bed linen were put to wash, and Raven was even kind enough to buy me two new bed sets. My mirrors were squeaky clean, as well as the furnitures in my room. Everything was placed in its own designated area, and I hoped I would be able to maintain the tidiness of my bedroom.
The renovation of my room made me feel lighter.
I was able to smell the crisp, morning air when it brushed through my windows, instead of dust and grime. Having my room clean gave me a sense of control and confidence. I didn't feel like everything was scattered and difficult to handle.
I was even able to see the pictures of my parents again, which were on my dressing table.
Now, I was in the workout room with Cyborg, doing some morning routines.
"Woo, I haven't worked out like this in a minute. I've been a certified couch potato for the longest." I pronounced with a faint smile.
I had both hands on a metal bar, pulling myself up and down with my upper body strength. Sweat traced down either sides of my face, down my back, and a bit budded on my hands. Cyborg was lifting barbell weights, rapping along with the music that came out of his speaker.
"It happens. Before you know it, you'll get back in the swing of things."
"Yeah, of course." I sighed, already anticipating my next mental crash.
"How you been, B?"
I recognized I hadn't talked with Cyborg in a while. The last time we sat down and had a conversation, was before the outburst I had in front of the team.
"I'm good, how are you?"
Cyborg dropped the weights to the ground, then turned off the speaker. He folded his arms across his chest, and faced me.
"You think after all these years of being my best friend, that I'm gonna sit down and believe a lie?" he quizzed firmly.
"Cy, I'm not lying. Okay maybe I am, but it's fine. You've got nothing to worry about." my feet landed on the floor.
"Sure, I do. You're my bro, B.B. Bro's always worry about each other, and got each other's back."
I sighed, brushing my hair back with my hand.
"I can't remember the last time I yelled at you for losing the TV remote, or told you that tofu is fake, or crushed you in some video games. You're not ya self, B. You haven't been for months."
"You got me there, Cy. You got me there. It's just a rough patch, I'll get over it. Hopefully." a bleak expression washed over my face.
"Hey, I'm not rushing' ya to feel better or anything. Of course, I want you to. But, I just want you to know, I'm here for you. Always have been, always will be." the half robot lifted his hand to mine.
I hit the palm of his hand twice, the back of our hands hit three times, his pinky grabbed mine, then my index finger grabbed his, we slid our hands a small distance on each other's forearms, made our hands meet again, brushed of each other's left shoulder, and finished the handshake with a hug.
"Thanks, dude. I haven't done our handshake in so long, I almost forgot it." I chuckled, glancing up at my best friend.
Cyborg laughed, "Understandable. But hey, you're decent at it. You'd expect a wiz like Robin to be good at handshakes, but the only thing his coordination serves him justice for, is for hero duty."
A faint knock sounded on the door.
Raven was at the entrance. She was wearing thigh-high, leather, black boots, a black miniskirt, and a white graphic tee. Her purple hair hung above her shoulders in the usual neat, triangular-cut bob. The girl had a picnic basket at hand.
"Ready?" she questioned, smiling gently.
"Ready? Oh, right... hehe. Um..." I played with my hair nervously.
Three.
Two.
One.
"Aw, shucks, Grass Stain's got himself a date! Man, I'm gettin' old, the Green Man's all grown up." Cyborg chanted.
"Cy! Will you quit it? We aren't going on a date." I hissed through clenched teeth.
He teased, "Y'all are, you just don't want to admit it."
"Dude," I rolled my eyes, turning to Raven, "I'm almost ready, let me freshen up a bit. I smell like a locker room. Cy, adios." I saluted my friend.
"Latah." he saluted back, nodding at me.
About a half hour later, Raven and I arrived at our destination: Menville Park. Grass spread across the area, providing an open space. Some kids ran around playing tag, or some played frisbee. Adults sat in their chairs and read books, conversed with their loved ones, or played along with their children.
It was safe to say that everyone at the park was having a great time.
The weather was friendly, as the sunshine hugged the citizens. A tender gust swept through the area, ruffling tree leaves, and people's hair and clothes. The soft sky was freckled with several white clouds, which crept slowly across the blue atmosphere.
"Alright, right here," Raven stopped near a tree, "We have some shade, but we aren't too far from the sun either."
"Sounds good." I smiled, then we proceeded to set up.
We spread a blue, pastel-colored picnic blanket on the grass, and then Raven set out the items in the picnic basket.
"I had no clue this is what you had in mind." I spoke.
"Hmm?"
"Like, I didn't know we were going out for a picnic. All you said was that we'd be going out."
"Ah. Well, I figured you needed some fresh air... and it would also be nice to spend some more time together. So, this is where we're at."
The empath organized plastic plates, forks, spoons, knives, food items, fruits, and drinks.
"I couldn't help it, I tried to keep the menu as healthy as possible." Raven placed bags of M and M's, Cheetos, Kit Kats, and Funyuns on the picnic blanket.
I grinned warmly, "It's cool, indulgences are always welcome."
"I wasn't sure what exactly you like to eat. I know you don't like meat and most diary products, so I tried looking up some vegetarian meals to make. I just didn't know your preference."
"You could have asked."
"Nah, I wanted to keep the plan a surprise. Anyway, I've got salad, Barbecue Tofu Stuffed Pita Pockets, and some Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches."
"Wow, thanks. What are Pee-tee Pockets? I've never heard of them."
"Pee-tah Pockets," Raven giggled, "Pita is a yeast-leavened flatbread made from wheat flour. Then you put in tofu, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, some sprouts, and you've got it." she put one on my plate.
"Creative." I stared at the food in front of me, reluctant to pick it up.
Raven already started eating her own sandwich.
She beamed softly, "Mmm-mm, this tastes half as good as waffles."
"I'm surprised you didn't bring yourself something non-vegetarian to eat."
I felt my eyes started to lose shine.
"No reason to. Hey, you're not gonna eat? These are really good, trust me."
"I want to eat, I do. It's just... I can't."
"What do you mean?"
"Eating's been hard for me. I'm hungry, but my body won't allow me to eat. Absolute torture."
"Oh, Azarath. Maybe, you can start with something light. There's some assorted fruits here if you'd like."
Raven handed me a plastic cup with watermelon, pineapple chunks, apple slices, and red grapes. I held the cup in my hand, reluctant to eat.
"Try. It's better to have something in your system instead of nothing, even if it's a little bit. But, don't force yourself to eat either."
I poked the plastic fork into a pineapple chunk, putting it in my mouth. Usually, I was able to taste the lively flavor that settled in between a tart and sweet taste.
However, my tongue seemed to ignore the taste. My jaw felt heavy as I chewed the fruit. The pineapple slid down my throat, and into my digestive system.
Still, I felt as if I hadn't eaten anything.
I slowly ate some more of the fruit, hoping I could actually enjoy it.
"You alright?" Raven quizzed.
"Trying to be."
A bee flew around my face, then landed on my nose.
Raven gasped sharply, "You're gonna let that thing sit there and not do anything?"
"Yah."
"What if it stings you?"
I laughed softly, "I'll be alright. I've had tons of bites, scratches, and stings from Africa. What's one little bee from Jump City gonna do to me?"
"I'd squash it with magic without a second thought."
"Duuuuuude, you can't do that. Animal lives matter." I watched the bee crawl further up my nose.
"Tshhhh, you're right. I expected a response like that from an animal lover like you." Raven stated softly in her monotone.
"Bees don't mean any harm. I mean, they do sting, which is kinda mean."
"Aha, "mean"." the dark Titan giggled.
"Yeah, but they help the world a lot. They pollinate plants and flowers, which helps balance the ecosystem and stuff. Oh, yeah... they help with makin' honey, too. Most times, they're just roaming around looking for another flower, or partner."
The bee left my nose in a buzz, traveling elsewhere.
"Wow, it didn't even sting you." Raven finished her sandwich, then sipped on some water.
"The animalistic charms come in handy more often than not." I flexed my arm.
My friend scoffed sarcastically, "Forget I said anything."
"Whaaaat? It's true. By the way..." I paused, gathering my thoughts.
"Thank you for this. I'm not really good at expressing myself, which you know. Despite that, I'm grateful for what you did. Piecing this picnic together, and taking time out of the day to spend with me. Also, helping me clean my room, talking to me, listening to me... and just being there. It means everything."
Raven delicately touched my hand.
My eyes connected with hers, and nearly got lost. The amethyst in Raven's eyes was enchanting, yet mysterious. I noticed a small twinkle sneak across her eyes, which made my heart soften. Raven's lips bent into a pure smile, then I returned the favor.
"No need to thank me, Beastboy. I don't mind a bit."
"Cyborg really thinks we're out on a date." I shook my head.
"We aren't?" Raven teased with a smirk.
"If anyone asks: we didn't go on a date. Just between you and me... we did."