"It's a shame.."
CHAPTER TWO
"It's a shame.."
The day was mundane. People were going about their lives unaware of how others were existing in the same space as them. Beast Boy walked through the city without a destination. Has it really been two months already? The young teen couldn't believe it. It honestly felt like time had been dragging its heels. How could two months have gone by?
Every day the shapeshifting changeling would walk through Jump City, aimlessly. He would go to random locations but always would end up at the same place by the end, mostly without even thinking about it. Murakami High School. He would stop and stare at its daunting metal fence casting a shadow over him. When he realized this was happening every time he went out for walks, he'd run away with his tail between his legs. Now, he vacantly gazed through the bars.
Beast Boy had come to a low middle ground about Terra. He was at the point where he didn’t want to feel anything about the subject anymore. He just wanted to be normal again. He had to push his guilt, regret, and heartbreak down deep. He made a silent vow to be happy and accept this fate if not for his own sake, but for the other Titans, and for Terra. Maybe this was for the best, he would tell himself, maybe she will be happier here living a life far away from her past and putting her best foot forward.
As Beast Boy stood there slouched over with his hands stuffed in his pockets, he heard the school bells toll powerfully through the courtyard, almost seeming to laugh at him. It sent the young man leaping in his place from shock as the sudden realization that he was looking like some kind of stalker again got him moving. He ducked his head hurriedly and threw his arm over his face as he ran by the school gates. His eyes couldn't stop themselves from noticing that cornsilk hair, however. It made him slow down his sprint into a light jog.
‘She's smiling. She’s happy, happier than I’ve seen her since we first met.’ his loud thoughts barrage him as he ducked his head once again sensing her eyes suddenly cast themselves upon him. He crouched down behind a boy with dark, viridescent hair, much like himself, then transformed himself into a hawk to quickly escape.
He was going to head back for the tower when a tumultuous blast shook the ground and he lowered his beak to look. People were screaming bloody murder as they ran for their lives whilst the villain, Cinderblock, began to wreck everything he saw. This was typical of the blindly, violent beast, but usually, he was working with a more capable villain as muscle. To the youngest hero, there didn’t seem to be anyone but him. Regardless, Beast Boy descended from the air and landed as a human running toward the danger while others thoughtless bustled by in terror.
“Beast Boy to Robin! Cinderblock is attacking downtown near the high school. Sending location now!” shouting into the yellow communication device, Beast Boy pressed a button to send his corrodents to the team.
‘Got it! We’re on our way, be careful!’ Robin replied. The communication was ended once Beast Boy flipped the top half of the communicator back into place and barreled into the fight as a rhinoceros.
With a roar, the green rhino went headfirst, trying to trip the rock beast with his horn. Cinderblock was ready for this, however, and snatched his horn, spinning them around twice before sending the young hero spiraling into what was left of the brick office building.
Rubble toppled onto the rhino before it started expanding, transforming into an elephant. It let out a gurgling honk before trying to charge again. This time was more successful as his trunk grabbed Cinderblock’s wrist and flipped him down to the floor. The ground beneath him cracked from the pressure but it didn't stop him from grabbing the beast boy's trunk with his free hand, pulling him forward, and then kicking him square in the face with horrific force.
Once again Beast Boy was sent flying into the building. This time, he tumbled into the street from a hole he made through the wall. He was forced to transform back to his human state as his body recovered from the beating. He didn't have enough time to move when Cinderblock charged him with a massive piece of brick and rubble. Luck was on the Titan’s side, however. A car, engulfed in a black aura, collided with the monster making him drop the rubble to catch the vehicle. The force of the impact was enough to move him several feet away which bought Starfire time to fly in and help Beast Boy to his feet.
"Beast Boy! Does any pain plague you?" She asked in her own goofy way.
Beast Boy, who was used to her talking like this, only smiled sheepishly and held a shaky thumbs-up. "Just fine, Star. Thanks for coming so fast!"
Raven casted her eyes down from above meeting Beast Boy's. She gave him a subtle smile before turning her attention back to the now bellowing villain as he ripped the car apart with his pure strength.
"We aren't done yet!" Raven stated abruptly. She levitated a large piece of rubble near her and threw it as hard as she could.
Cinderblock roared as the debris collided with him head-on. When the dust cleared, the stone being was unphased, if not even more enraged. Beast Boy gulped.
“I think you only managed to make him mad!” he sputtered.
“You think he’s mad now? Wait till he gets a load of this!” a cocky voice came from behind the three teens.
Beast Boy turned excitedly, “Cyborg!” he called, seeing his buddy galloping full force to the fight with Robin following closely after him.
“Beast Boy, sorry we’re late!” Robin stated not looking too sorry at all as he whipped out three batarangs between his fingers then flung them at Cinderblock.
They each hit their target with perfect accuracy and exploded making a huge cloud around him. The villain bellowed, covering his red eyes, now blinded, he began to swing randomly. Robin and Cyborg nodded at each other, then bolted into the cloud with Raven to follow after them.
“Star! Beast Boy! We got this, go make sure there isn’t anyone that needs help!”
“Understood!” Starfire replied with a soft salute. She blasted perfectly upward from where she hovered until she was looking from a bird's-eye-view.
Beast Boy glanced back and forth between the dust cloud and the streets. He softly clenched his fist and turned sharply on his heels mid-transformation into a bloodhound. The dog whined as he ran as fast as he could, sniffing the air for anyone trapped under pieces of the broken building. By now the ambulances and police had arrived but were unable to do much as their heroes went to work. For now, they stood by ready when needed.
As the hound sniffed around his keen nose caught a whiff of something faint, yet unforgettable. His ears perked up and he glanced around hurriedly. He then breathed deeply, sifting through all smells other than the one he wanted, locking on. His snout planted on the asphalt as he hastily sniffed. It wasn't long before his nose brought him to a disregarded bag and books. He swiftly reverted back to human form as his hands scoured the contents of the bag fearing the voices in his head
‘Please don’t let it be her! She had to have gotten away! She had to, she had--’
He found it. A plastic card with identification. A picture of a beautifully grinning blonde girl with blue eyes was gazing back at him. His heart sank like a lead brick in the sea as his hand started shaking.
“No.. No!” he bounded to his feet, almost tripping as he slid the card into his belt, then falling to his hands, running on all fours. His desperate cries turned into frightening roars as he morphed into a cheetah chasing the trail of her scent.
‘Fresh.. Nearby.. Must find…’ he was so worried his thoughts crammed into the other. His mind was a haze, unable to think of anything but one thing. ‘I have to find her!’
Starfire lifted a large piece of a wall, that was probably five times more than her own bodyweight, with ease as three people scurried out from beneath it and paramedics rushed to the scene helping them up. She turned her head at just the right time to see her teammate dashing away from the scene with lightning speed. She was about to call out to him but she heard more people screaming for help. Beast Boy would have to wait.
As the beautiful princess lifted another piece of wall to save more civilians, Cinderblock sent a car flying towards her. Robin hurriedly tried to reach her in time screaming her name desperately.
“Starfire!!”
The Tamaranian girl turned but could only gasp before the car smashed into her, sending her plummeting to the ground. The asphalt cracked as the force of impact dragged her along the road until the inertia was lost. Robin cried out gritting his teeth as he leaped into the air with his staff raised above his head to swat the monster to no avail. With his clouded mind full of revenge Cinderblock was easily able to counter as his hand grabbed the staff and slammed him to the ground. Robin shakily sat up on his arms with a gurgling growl.
“Fascinating. After all this time I figured the Titans would be more competent in their fighting ability. But Cinderblock seems to be a bit of a challenge for them. Especially our young friend.” a sinister voice brewed within the depths of his secret bunker as he watched several screens from security cameras he had hacked into.
With his hands behind his back, he turned his attention to the image of Beast Boy hustling down the streets. He silently watched as he turned his prying eye onto a camera that held the image of the girl he and Beast Boy were after.
“Ah, there she is. Now, Terra, let’s see just how much you remember.” he placed his large hand on his belt and grasped a small device, touching a button on it, then speaking into it. “Cinderblock, I want you to throw the largest piece of rock you can to the left of you. And please, throw it as far as possible.”
Attached to the large monster, a small piece of tech was there over where an ear might be. From it, the villain heard the orders from his master. He grunted in acknowledgment as the Titans regrouped in front of him. He turned to face them in the direction he needed to throw.
He suddenly dug his hands into the ground until his elbows were buried. The Titans gasped aloud as the monster tore out a gargantuan slab of asphalt. The piece rose above his head as he hoisted it with ease. Specks of dirt and leftover rubble fell from the bottom of the piece as the Titans stood frozen.
“Titans-!!” Robin was about to call for orders, but Cinderblock abruptly cut him off with a startling growl as the asphalt was expelled from his grasp.
The Titans gasped out startled, it was in vain as the bolder was thrown high over their heads. They turned their attention behind them as they saw the rock soaring through the air with a harsh whistling.
Beast Boy, who was nearing the park at this point, continued to run with all his strength. As he did, he heard the whistling above him and he skidded to a stop watching the bolder fly over his head toward the central park area.
‘That's where Terra’s scent is leading me..’ his blood turned to ice as he trembled. Thoughts he didn’t want swirled his mind and he had to shake his head before bolting again with quicker speed.
Slade watched with minor anticipation as the boulder came hurtling down to where Terra was sitting catching her breath. When she noticed the rock she lifted her hands defensively and, instantly, the bolder was colored yellow. A gust of violent wind made the girl's hair flutter upward then back down and the boulder was stopped. Behind his duo colored mask, a sinister smile spread over his face. He watched elated as Terra seemed totally oblivious to how the rock had stopped just short of hitting her. He watched as she looked away for a moment and the rock fell to the ground from where it hovered, startling her.
“Perfect,” he whispered to himself. He pressed the button on his communicator again. “Cinderblock, go to where you threw the boulder just now. Capture the blonde girl there and bring her to me, at any cost.”
Meanwhile, the other Titans were staring behind them bewildered.
“Did he really just miss us? We were like two feet away!” Cyborg flailed his arm around totally confused.
Before they could make sense of what was happening, Cinderblock began to charge forward. His thundering foot-falls snapped the attention of Robin, Raven, and Cyborg.
“We’re in trouble.” Raven quipped as she lifted her hands that glowed white in the darkness surrounding them. She levitated off the ground and lifted with her a lamp post. She positioned her hands like holding a bat and swung at Cinderblock.
At first, the creature was stopped by the hit and the Titans looked hopeful, but before they could do anything else, Cinderblock grabbed the lamp and swung it, hitting Raven out of the air and into a car setting the alarm off. During this commotion, Cinderblock had taken the opportunity to escape down the street all the while sending minor tremors as his feet touched the ground.
“Raven!” Cyborg called. He leaped to check on her as she pulled herself out of the dented vehicle. “You okay?” he asked, helping her up. She faintly nodded, holding her head. She glanced around noticing something.
“Where’s Beast Boy?”
“That’s what I’d like to know.” Robin bitterly said through his teeth.
Meanwhile, the green Titan in question had finally arrived at the park. He skidded to a halt transforming to his human form once his eyes fell upon the boulder of asphalt. He went to it, noticing something strange about it. He gently ran his hands over the dirt and glanced around it seeing a tree and bench beside it untouched by the rock.
“Why are there no skid marks? Wouldn't it have collided with something here?” as he contemplated it, he was abruptly sent flying in the air with tumultuous force from beneath.
He flipped mid-air and collided to the ground unceremoniously with a loud thud. Lifting his heavy body on his forearms he twisted himself seeing the cause of this. Rocks had shot up beneath the earth from a sonic punch Cinderblock had sent into the ground. He left in his wake a trail of stalagmites from the road, into the park where he was standing, and the piece of massive asphalt had been destroyed into tiny bits from the rock’s impact.
Beast Boy gasped trying to lift himself up. Before he could get stable on his feet, Cinderblock was already in front of him. He attacked, landing a punch to Beast Boy’s leftcheek. He felt time itself slow to a turtle’s crawl as Cinderblock sent yet another punch; this time to his gut. He was sent a few inches in the air before the final blow struck him in the middle of his back with Cinderblock’s fist.
Beast Boy wheezed a choked scream of pain as he hit the ground floor. He felt a warm liquid stream from his nose and he coughed up the same vile stuff as he trembled. His body felt like he was glued to the ground unable to move. He had taken beatings before, but usually he was able to bounce back. This time; as he lay all alone, he had the sinking inclination that this might be the end.
Fate didn’t seem fit to have that be his last hour, however, instead, Slade had stopped the raging beast in his tracks inches before he sent his massive, stone foot stomping the young teen in the head. A soft rush of air hit Beast Boy over his hair tussling them slightly to the side.
“That’s enough. I want the girl. Don’t get distracted now.”
Cinderblock only lifted his body and started to sprint away leaving the beast boy there. Beast boy coughed again as his eyes grew heavy. He lifted his trembling arm out as his blurred vision watched Cinderblock getting further from his reach. His arm lost all feeling and plummeted to the ground with a meger thump. He was slipping out of consciousness as the ringing in his ears overpowered anything else until it was silent and dark.
That was until..
“Ahh!”
His emerald eyes shot open. He lifted his head shakily as he strained to listen. Though his head was swimming he could hear it. Screaming. A female and perhaps a little kid.
“Te..Terra!” he growled fiercely through bared teeth. He lifted himself up, pushing the limits of what he was going through. “Get up, damn it!!” he shouted hoarsely.
Finally, he stood to his feet hunched over holding his chest with one arm and using the other to prop himself upon his knee. With his face scrunched up in pure rage, he sharply breathed and let out a threatening scream as hard as his lungs would allow him. He considered it a battle cry as he allowed his adrenaline to help his body begin to run. His legs picked up speed as he heaved in and out fiercely snarling with each breath. He slowly let his body fall doing a mini somersault onto all fours.
He could see it all. That beautiful cornsilk hair flowing in the wind as the girl who owned it screamed in terror cradling a child in her arms. He watched as Cinderblock lifted what looked to him to be a playset with swings and a slide above his head as he roared at them. He saw as Terra turned her back to the creature trying to protect the child. She intended to take any hits he threw to save it. It only pissed Beast Boy off even more.
“Terra!!” his yell turned into a screeching roar and he once again flipped on the ground, leaping in the air, then transforming into a charging T-Rex.
Everything was a blur. All Beast Boy could think was protecting Terra and the kid. He was willing to destroy anything and anyone to obtain that goal. He had collided with the villain pushing him into the grove of trees with his massive head. Much after that became darkness.
When he came to, the first thing he saw was a child's face. A little girl with dark brown hair and eyes to match. She looked over the green Titan with tears streaming down her face as she called out to him between sobs.
“Mister? Please, wake up!” she shook the Titan to full consciousness.
With a sudden breath, he shot erect and hurriedly glanced around. Cinderblock was down, even slightly shattered. His arms and a piece of his foot had been ripped clean off his body. Beast Boy gaped at the sight before being snapped out of the trance by the girl tugging at his sleeve.
“Uh!” he turned his attention to her as she clung desperately to him.
“Please! Y-You have to hewp h-hur!” choking on the cries she pointed to Tara laying on the ground unmoving.
Beast Boy grunted, hastily crawling to the young woman. He reached her side, lifting her up in his arms. Desperation took over as he held her limp body against him. He felt like his heart was being ripped from his chest as his body went cold with terror.
“Terra? … Terra!?” he gently traced her cheek with his thumb. Tears were forming in his eyes.
Was he too late? Did he fail her.. Again?
“It’s okay, Terra! I’m here! You’re going to be okay!... Say something!”
“Belle!” a woman yelped as she ran into the park in a panic. The little girl sobbing onto Beast Boy’s arm glanced up with an elated gasp. She jumped up and ran to her mother’s outstretched arms. “Oh thank God! I thought you were lost forever!” She held her daughter close.
Beast Boy watched, feeling relief for the little girl, but his attention was immediately stolen by the soft touch of a hand over his cheek. He gasped, snapping his eyes back to the girl stirring in his arms. Her eyes twitched as she moaned softly. Blood from her temple dripped onto her silk blouse as he threaded his fingers through hers excitedly
“Terra!” he barked. He held her closer and tried gently shaking her awake. Slowly, Tara’s eyes began to flutter open. She hazily glanced around her, then to him. She blinked a few more times before a faint smile crossed her lips.
“..B-Bea..st.. Bo..y..” she struggled. “You.. Saved .. me.”
“Shh, you’re okay. Don’t move, okay? You’re safe.” he lifted her in his arms as he stood up. He ignored the throbbing pain in his cheek and back as he began booking it to the ambulance up the road.
“Wait! Th- The little girl! Sh- She needs h-help!” Tara struggled to point where the girl had gone but Beast Boy only smiled, glancing down at her.
“Don’t worry, She’s reunited with her mom now.”
Feeling relief wash over her, Tara felt her body grow limp. She fully relaxed against Beast boy with a grin over her features. “Thank goodness.. She's… alright..” with that, Tara lost consciousness in his arms.
He lost his smile as he glanced at her worriedly. “You’ll be okay.. You’ll be okay.”
I won’t lose you again.
…
Once Beast Boy reached the streets a police van and ambulance screeched to a halt in front of the park entrance. Beast Boy halted as the people poured from the cars. The police came to surround him, berating him with questions. He pushed by them and apologized along the way telling them hurriedly where they could find the villain. The police nodded to each other as they went to investigate as Beast Boy met up with the paramedics.
“Please! You have to help her!! I-I don't know what’s wrong! She..” he felt light-headed. He stumbled back a little bit and caught himself.
One of the women on the team softly placed a hand on his back helping him stand as a young male paramedic took Terra from him. The green Titan eyed what they did carefully as he was held back by the lady.
“Please, be careful with her. She-she’s my friend.” he weakly said before falling to his knees. His head was pounding wildly.
“Are you alright? Let me see.” the woman forced him to look at her with her motherly touch pushing his chin up. She carefully looked at his injury and went right away to clean it.
Beast Boy protested as he meekly tried to push himself away but she held firm. She finished cleaning the wound and had begun to bandage the teen when the others placed Tara in the ambulance to be taken to the hospital.
“Liz! This girl needs serious attention! We have to move.” the leader of the team called from inside the vehicle.
“On my way!” the other doctor called. She smiled warmly at the green Titan. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine in a couple of weeks!” with that vote of confidence she jumped up and hopped into the ambulance slamming the door behind her.
Beast Boy watched helplessly as the van drove away with Tara. He sat on the sidewalk with his newly bandaged injuries unsure of what to do. That was until he was jerked up from where he sat and spun around to face three very perturbed faces.
“Oh, hey guys,” he said nervously.
“If you weren't already hurt I would have knocked the green off of you already.” Raven scowled with crossed arms.
“Where were you! You were supposed to be helping Starfire find the wounded! Because of you, she got hurt!” Robin lashed his fist around Beast Boy’s caller and yanked him forward with a growl.
Cyborg stepped in and shoved the two of them apart. He kept the two of them at arm's length shaking his head. “Stop it! Nothing good will come from fighting.” he sharply glanced between the two who were sharing daggers with their eyes.
“Excuse me, but I took that hunk-of-junk down!” Beast Boy stomped his foot pushing against Cyborg's arm to no avail.
“And that excuses you from allowing Starfire to take the hit because you weren't there?!” Robin snapped.
His words stung Beast Boy. His face twisted with many different emotions. He tossed his head to the side with clenched fists. When he spoke his voice was quiet but as he continued his words grew sharper. “What was I supposed to do? I had to save her! I-I didn’t think it would be a problem if I left it to you guys--"
“Her?” Raven interjected. She snapped her attention to Beast Boy sternly. “What do you mean, “her”?”
Beast Boy felt the force of her eyes staring him down. He felt ashamed as he faltered. His ears lowered and he wrung his hands together timidly. “I.. It was that girl.. The one that I thought was Terra. I found her stuff and I thought she had been hurt, so I had to check on her!”
“You went off on your own, abandoned the team, and allowed Starfire to get hurt because you were going after her!?” Raven shouted, pushing through both Cyborg and Robin as she poked him on the chest.
“But she was hurt! Cinderblock had gone after her! She's at the hospital right now!!” he pushed Raven back. She stumbled and almost fell over her cape but she was caught by two gentle hands.
“You do the yelling too often. That is not how friends should behave.” a weak Starfire had entered the fray. The other Titans softened, relieved to see her.
Robin hastily went to her side placing his arm around her. “You sure you should be up?”
“The doctors say I am well enough. But I should go home to rest.” Starfire replied with a smile. Robin sighed feeling relief wash out from his chest.
“That’s a relief. Then let's head back and--” he turned to where Beast Boy was supposed to be but found the spot to be vacant.
“Beast Boy?” he called. “Beast Boy!”
...
“Hm. How troublesome. No matter, I still got what I needed.” Slade gazed at the screen replaying over and over again the moment where Terra had used her powers to stop Cinderblock's attack. He ran his fingers over the glass with a satisfied look in his eye. He coldly turned his body to a large figure behind him, trapped in a cage. This creature was shrouded in the darkness of this dankly lit cavern beneath the ground, but Slade continued to stare at it as if he could see it besides that. "While I might not be able to intercept Terra at this point in time, I know you and our other 'friend' will be able to. After all," Slade placed his hand on the bar and gripped it, placing his mask against the metal, "The fun has only just begun..."
Meanwhile, Beast Boy took the opportunity to slip away and make a beeline for the hospital. He had morphed into a small insect to take flight away from the other Titans. He had other priorities to take care of, like making sure Terra was alright. He prayed to whatever god he thought could hear him would allow her to be okay. If she wasn’t he didn't know what he’d do.
Arriving at the hospital the ambulance belonged to, he dropped from the air and bolted to its glass doors. He almost barreled through them before they slid open upon motion sensors. He caught his balance before his already injured face slapped against the porcelain floor. With a breath to calm himself, his eyes hastily darted around looking for the receptionist desk.
“I need to see a patient!” he heaved out once he tripped over to the desk. His look of desperation caught the nurse off guard. She hastily nodded.
“Of course. Who is the patient?” She asked softly.
“Her name--” He paused mid-sentence realizing something.
He didn’t actually know her name. At least not the one she went by now. He faltered, his lips slowly opening and closing before defeat washed over his green eyes casting shadows over his face.
“Yes?” she hesitantly asked.
“Uhm..” he reflexively ran his hand over his pants trying to calm his heartbeat, but then felt something poke his hand. His ears twitched. He shoved his hand in his pocket and pulled out a plastic card. He nearly gasped. He slammed the plastic card down and pushed it forward to the nurse. “Tara Markov.” He said with strength returning in his voice.
The lady took the ID and gazed over the contents. She then typed something on her computer. Her expression changing and the scrolling of the mouse over several seconds made Beast Boy feel uneasy. He started dancing from one foot to the other impatiently until her sudden voice made him flinch.
“There she is.” she began with soft relief. “Apparently they didn't know what her name was since she was unresponsive and didn’t have her ID with her. Now that I know who she is I can correct this and contact her family.” she quickly typed in the information and then printed out a sticker with the phrase VISITOR in bold lettering handing it to Beast Boy. “Here, she's in room 220 on the second floor.”
As soon as the pass was in his hand he jerked away from the receptionist desk and bolted to the elevator shouting a thank you along the way. Once he made it inside and pushed the button he realized he stood alone as the doors closed and the elevator began its ascent. The beast boy could really feel his heart pounding. His fist clenched with the sticker wrinkling inside his palm. Suddenly he was left with an uncomfortable thought..
“What will I say to her..?” he found it hard to breathe.
Finally, the elevator halted, and the ding on arrival snapped him out of his thoughts. It didn’t matter what he would say! He just had to make sure she was okay. With more resolve built up, he exited the lift and glanced left to right.
“Room 220...220..” he nervously navigated the disorientingly identical halls before accidentally bumping into someone as he traversed backward. “Gah! Oh, my bad!” he twirled on his toes and apologized.
A young man wearing black glasses and a white coat that came down to his ankles softly gaped, looking Beast Boy over as if not believing what he was seeing. He smiled after a moment and softly talked into his phone, "I'll have to call you back," with a hint of apprehension in his voice he continued, "I have a guest." He shook his head, placing a clipboard he had been carrying in the other hand under his arm and the other hand in his pocket with his phone.
“Quite alright, I wasn’t looking where I was going. Say, aren’t you Beast Boy from the Teen Titans?” he asked. His head tilted slightly shifting the man’s vibrant auburn locks.
Beast Boy smiled sheepishly.
“Yeah, that’s me. Listen I hate to cut this short but I’m looking for someone, so..” he trailed off pushing his way past the other male only to be grabbed by the shoulder.
“Let me help. You’re looking for a patient, yes?” Beast Boy stiffened from the contact. He didn’t want to waste time. If the person could help, maybe he should allow it. “Let me introduce myself. My name is Doctor Peterson. I work in this hospital.” with a friendly smile, he released Beast Boy and stood beside him. “So, what room?”
“Oh, 220.” Beast Boy mumbled a reply.
“Ah, the complete opposite direction. You must have been in a hurry.” with a chuckle Dr. Peterson began to lead the way. “So..” the young man tousled his fingers through his red hair fidgeting with the tip of his bangs. “This specific ward is for our John Does. May I ask if you know this person?”
“Her name’s Ter-- Tara. She was brought in earlier today from a villain attack. I just wanted to make sure she was alright. I found her ID card from the high school she attends in a discarded bag so they didn’t know who she was when she was brought in.”
“How sad. Well she came to a very capable hospital so I have every confidence she’ll be just fine.” The duo stopped antecedent of the door. The number 220 was in bold letters. Beast Boy froze standing there wringing his hands together. “Ah! Here we are. Go ahead and scan your pass to be let in.”
“..I appreciate your help doctor.” Beast Boy spoke in a hushed tone as a dark color-tinted his features. The young doctor blinked a few times as he studied the shorter one’s expression.
“..Would you perhaps be nervous?” he asked out of concern. He then grunted and nervously shook his hand. “Eh- nevermind! That was rude of me.”
Beast Boy sighed, disheartened, “It’s fine. You’re right. I’m being pathetic though.” he slapped his cheeks twice.
Peterson glanced between the younger and the door. He smiled and placed a hand on his head ruffling his hair. “I’ll go in with you if you like.”
Beast Boy shot his viridescent eyes up into Dr. Perterson’s dark chocolate ones with bewilderment. “Don’t you, like, have patients to see?”
“I was actually on my way home when you bumped into me. I don’t have anywhere to be.” His smile was so bright it could illuminate the darkest cave. It blew Beast Boy away.
“But it’s like four in the evening..oh!” he gasped in realization. “Shouldn’t you like-- sleep?? Are you like some kind of robot that just recharges or something??”
Man, who was he to talk to? He hardly slept at all these days, yet it made the older man laugh into the back of his hand.
“I wouldn’t leave anyone behind who made that expression you did just a minute ago. My life has been dedicated to healing people and helping in any way I can. Even if it’s off the clock.” whispering the last bit while placing his hand to the side of his mouth like telling secrets, he winked behind his glasses.
Beast Boy stood in awe. He had forgotten the kindness of others. After a moment he let his lids fall over his orbs and he breathed in deeply. Sounding much calmer now, he smiled gratefully. “Thanks. For real, you’re a cool dude.”
Peterson blinked sharply and faltered back. He placed his hand over his mouth and cleared his throat. “Su-Sure thing! Now you.. Should probably open that door.”
“Open the door..” the teen repeated under bated breath. Opening the door he closed would be the most difficult he’d ever done, but..
Clamping his eyes shut and holding his breath, the little changeling swiped the pass over the scanner attached to the door. Three beeps resounded and the light on the pad illuminated green. Beast Boy clamped his hand around the handle and timidly opened the door. It soundlessly parted and bright outdoor light from a large window in the room illuminated him. He stepped inside followed by the doctor.
Once inside, Beast Boy placed his eyes on the sleeping figure on the hospital bed. Her arm was hooked to an IV bag and a heart monitor checking her vittles was the lone sound in the room. The teen crept up softly to her bedside and looked her over with worry.
A few minor aberrations that had been cleaned and bandaged were all he could see on her. He then glanced at her leg which had been wrapped in a cast.
“Looks like she twisted her ankle pretty good.” The young man took a look at the chart hanging from the foot of the bed. “She’ll be fine though.”
Beast Boy let his relief show as he fell to his knees, his arms lazily hanging on his sides as he let his head lower slightly. “That's a relief.” he relayed on his way down.
“H-Hey!'' The frantic male sputtered trying to catch Beast Boy before he went down, but all he managed to do was drop both his clipboards. Sighing he knelt down and placed an arm around the Titan. “Are you alright, lad?” he asked. His British voice lowered in concern.
“I almost thought.. I thought I’d lose her all over again.” holding back a sob, Beast Boy slapped his hand over his mouth to stop himself.
The doctor gaped at the younger male with his mouth slightly ajar. He didn’t understand much about the context of this relationship between the two, but he didn’t need to. Just seeing how worried Beast Boy had made himself to the point of tears made him want to help. He smoothly rubbed his back and helped the hero to his feet.
“And she’s safe because of you and your team. I’m sure she’s very grateful to have a friend such as yourself.”
Beast Boy sniffled, rubbing his hand over his nose. How he wished it were true they were friends. The truth was, “I don't know what we are, to be honest.” saying that, Beast Boy turned on his heels, breaking away from Peterson’s grip.
“Uh?” the inexperienced doctor stayed motionless with his arms still open. He watched Beast Boy make it to the door. He was halfway to shutting it before he suddenly stopped. He turned his profile to the doctor who now stood on his feet. “Beast Boy, where are you--?”
“Thanks, Doc. Sorry, but I have to split. As you said, she's in capable hands. I leave her to you.”
“But don't you want to talk to her?'' Before he could get his sentence out the door was quietly shut as Beast Boy left.
Peterson stood there in bewilderment as questions flurried his brain. He sighed after a moment and removed his glasses with both hands. He gently took a towelette from his deep pocket and glided it over the liens about to put them back on his face.
The air around the young doctor seemed to darken as his crimson bangs fell over his eyes, hiding his sour and bitter expression. He tightly clenched his glasses, his hand shaking before he softly breathed a sigh, pushing them back over his nose. "It's a shame..” his honeycombed eyes rested on the blonde for a moment.
He felt his pocket vibrating. He stiffened, feeling it ring twice before slowly taking the phone in his hand and hesitantly placing it over his ear. The voice on the other end was silent as Peterson listened intensely. With a reluctant breath, he hung his head, "Yes." he said, his hand falling to his side with the call ending.
A troubled look crossed his eyes before curtly turning away. "A shame indeed.."