#taostory

[titansandothers]

Cat Outta The Bag

(This is a brief sequel to Kitten Kaboodle, taking place not long before Osmosis Woes.) The five Titans watched with bated breath as their newest adversary took on their greatest challenge yet. A giant mutant approached, multiple pairs of legs carrying the creature towards its target. Its antennae poked at the team’s newest member, detecting vital information about her. She held her stance, braced for a fight. This wasn’t her first time with such a creature, so she was mostly able to keep her cool. Still, the Titans worried for their newest friend. The creature finished its examination and gurgled its approval. Beast Boy let out a breath he’d been holding and managed a smile. “Haahh… Phew! Good boy, Silkie!” Raven proceeded to toss a yarn ball between the two, watching as her kitten batted at it, Silkie following suit. “Guess your shape shifting really did help them adjust,” Cyborg grinned, patting the changeling on his shoulder. “Yeah, Silkie’s seen me as a cat all the time and I turned into Silkie a bunch for Cinder,” Beast Boy beamed. “I am glad they are getting along,” Starfire announced. “One less worry for the Tower,” Robin nodded. “I’d still keep an eye on them when they’re together,” Beast Boy recommended. “Just until they reeeeally get used to each other. And Cinder grows some more.” The other Titans nodded in agreement. Beast Boy really did know best with this sort of thing, after all. “Are you guys hungry yet?” Cyborg asked for the third time that day. Robin let out a slight chuckle. “Yeah. I can probably eat now. Let’s go see this world famous barbecue place of yours.” “All right!” Cyborg shouted. “You sure you don’t wanna come, BB? They might have salad or somethin’.” “Who goes to a barbecue place for the salad?” Beast Boy scoffed. “I’m hangin’ back and making my own veggie B-B-Q!” “Raven?” Cyborg looked over. “Maybe after the excitement surrounding the place calms down,” Raven mused. “I’ll see you guys later.” “Suit yourself,” Cyborg shrugged. “More for us!” With one more cheer, Cyborg had essentially dragged Robin and Starfire to the exit. Beast Boy watched as the three left before turning his gaze back to the animals. “I had a feeling you were gonna go with no,” the changeling began, giving Silkie a few playful pats. “So I went ahead and planned some non-tofu stuff, if you want some. I know how you feel about fake meat.” “That sounds good, actually,” Raven replied with a slight smirk. “As long as it’s not tofu, your stuff is usually edible.” Beast Boy stopped what he was doing to look up at Raven with wide eyes. Did she realize what she had just said? Did she really just give him this opportunity? Whatever the case, he was taking it! A toothy smile practically devoured his face as he replied with, “Why, thank you, Miss Pancake.” Raven’s eyes widened, remembering too late that she couldn’t cook and her attempt at pancakes that year or so ago resulted in lumpy inedible sludge only Starfire could stomach. Beast Boy was cackling now, rolling onto his back. “You walked right into that so hard!” he wheezed. “That never happens! Why did the others have to leave before you gave me that opening!” “Don’t worry about it,” Raven’s brow twitched. “It’s not that funny.” “Aw, c’mon,” the changeling sat up. “Can’t you let me have this one? How often do I get to have a smart response?” “You’d have more opportunities for a smart response if your brain wasn’t the consistency of my pancake batter.” Raven rolled her eyes. “Ha! Good one,” Beast Boy grinned, despite having a sore spot hit with her response. “Alright, I’ll let it go now. Just remember that my offer for cooking lessons still stands.” Raven opted to play with Cinder instead of replying. “Right. You’re not a big veggie person…” Beast Boy trailed off. “I’m not a big imitation person,” Raven corrected. “I like vegetables just fine. It used to be just about all I ate.” Beast Boy blinked a few times, brow furrowing in confusion as he stared at her. “...Food on Azarath was all vegetarian,” Raven clarified. “Ooooohhh… Hey, wait! You were a vegetarian?!” the changeling squawked. “Why’d you stop?!” The magus was quiet a moment, wondering if she should tell him the truth. Making her decision, she let out a sigh. “Remember when we first got pizza as a team?” “Yeah?” Beast Boy cocked his head. “You remember how Cyborg teased you for not eating meat?” “Oh, right. Yeah, I remember that. I still don’t get what his obsession with meat is about…” “Well,” she averted her gaze. “I was really self conscious back then. I didn’t want to make a fuss, so I just… tried it.” “But I could’a had a veggie buddy,” Beast Boy whined, shoulders slumping. “You can still have one, you know. Just cut out the tofu and I’d eat a vegetarian meal no problem,” she shrugged. “I just don’t like tofu.” “I can do that,” he smiled widely at her. “Maybe we could make something together sometime so you can make sure I don’t add anything you don’t want.” “Maybe someday,” Raven replied simply. “Whoa. You’re actually considering it,” Beast Boy asked in awe. “Don’t make me reconsider.” “Heh. Got it,” he smiled nervously and returned his attention to their pets. “Atta girl, Cinder. Big ol’ Silkie won’t scare you.” “You sure like talking to animals…” Raven remarked. “Especially since you did it when I was sleeping.” Beast Boy blinked. “Wait. How did you know that if you were asleep?” “I woke up early once and tried to go back to sleep. I stayed quiet so you could leave sooner and we could go back to sleep.” “Oh.” A hint of a blush painted Raven’s features at the memory. This didn’t go unnoticed by Beast Boy, whose ears drooped nervously. “...What did I say?” Raven scoffed, trying to play it off. “You were saying you were proud of me for taking care of Cinder.” The changeling chuckled a bit awkwardly. “Well, I am. I never thought I’d see you caring for an animal.” A brief pause before he continued. “Now that I think about it, I never thought I’d see you good with kids either. Melvin, Timmy, and Teether love you though!” Love. There it was again. “Reminds me of something else you said…” Raven trailed off. “What else did I say?” he asked, cocking his head to the side. Raven thought a moment, looking down at her now dozing kitten. “I should get her to bed,” she promptly changed the subject, scooping the kitten into her arms and heading for her room. “Wh- Hey!” Beast Boy exclaimed, following after her and stopping just outside her door. “What did I say?” Raven looked down with a quiet sigh before meeting his gaze. “I’ll give you a hint… I love you lots too.” With that, her door slid closed, hiding both teens’ flushing faces from each other.

[titansandothers]

Story Snippets (Young Beast Boy)

The door to their newest home-away-from-home had barely opened when the five year old burst through, feet pitter-pattering as he sprinted from room to room, window to window. “There’s trees here! … There’s trees here! … This one has trees!” his voice could be heard trailing off in assorted directions as he darted around. “There’s trees in this one too!” the blond beamed as he stuck his face against the glass. Deep blue eyes seemed to sparkle as he took in the scenery just outside. There were luscious shades of greens and blues from the abundance of trees and water and assorted plant life that surrounded their dwelling in every direction. The boy’s parents couldn’t help but chuckle at his excitement. Not every child would appreciate the beautiful locale of Lumumba, Africa. Many would likely complain about being dragged outdoors and away from their toys. Garfield Logan was not one of those children. --- While Garfield had been cowering in fear moments before, fingernails digging into the bark of the tree branch he was crouched upon, knuckles turning white from the tightness of his grip, with a pounding heart and quick shallow breaths, something in him had ignited. It was something primal, something that emanated from his very core and poured into his veins, surging through every fiber of his being. His mother was in danger. Deep green eyes snapped open, pupils shrinking as he felt his legs launching him from his perch and towards the ground. Upon landing, he was no longer a human child, but a mongoose. It had happened in an instant, but he still felt every motion his body went through; bones reshaping and organs slipping into new positions as fur and whiskers sprouted from beneath his skin. There was no pain, merely a surge of heat throughout his whole form. This heat burned hotter within him as his four paws carried him out of his clothes to rapidly circle the black mamba threatening his mother.

[titansandothers]

Kitten Kaboodle (15/?)

“I can play with her now?” Starfire gasped excitedly, immediately zipping into Raven’s room the moment Beast Boy closed his mouth. “Hey, wait for me!” he laughed, following her back to Raven and the kitten. By the time he made it back, Beast Boy could see Raven handing over the feather toy to Starfire. “Oh, this is most exciting!” Starfire squealed, jiggling the toy above the growing kitty. “You are not hissing at me. That is good, yes?” “She’s having too much fun to hiss,” the changeling laughed. “I think you visited enough times that she got used to you. When she’s done playing, do you want to try petting her?” “Oh, yes!” Starfire exclaimed. “I want to enjoy her company as much as I can before she must be re-homed.” “About that,” Raven began, “I’ve been looking into it and I know someone who can take her.” “Oh…” The changeling and Tamaranean uttered simultaneously, shoulders slumping. “I had just begun playing with her,” Starfire lamented. “It’s okay, Star. You’ve still got some time before we have to hand her over,” Beast Boy attempted to comfort her, hand on her shoulder. “Plus, I can turn into a kitten whenever you want!” “You’ll both be fine,” Raven assured. “Once I get the owner’s collar on her, I’m sure you’ll adjust.” “Makes sense, I guess? It’s like her wearing the collar will hammer it in that she’s someone’s pet.” Beast Boy nodded. “I’m glad you think so.” Raven reached into a drawer and pulled out a shiny deep purple kitten collar. “Because I have it ready.” “Aw man, already?” Beast Boy breathed through his teeth. “Alright. We had to do this eventually…” The changeling picked up the kitten, allowing Starfire to pet her a few times, before handing the feline over to Raven. “Goodbye, little one,” Starfire sighed. In one try, the magus clicked the collar onto the kitten, as though this had been previously practiced and adjusted. “Goodbye, little one,” Raven repeated. “Hello, Cinder.” Taking Cinder from the magus, Beast Boy looked at the collar quizzically. His ears twitched at the sound of the bell and a small tag clinking against it. Holding it between his fingers, he read the tag’s engraving aloud. “Cinder. If lost call… our phone number?!” the changeling squawked before smiling so wide it almost hurt. “Dude! No way!” “Are you being truthful?” Starfire beamed. Raven nodded. “But, what about Robin?” Beast Boy asked. “What about him?” Raven shrugged. “If we were able to keep her three weeks without him noticing, what does he have to complain about?” “Huh.” the changeling blinked a few times. “...Good point.” “And do you really think Robin can tell me what to do?” the magus added with a smirk. “Dude, I don’t think anyone can tell you what to do!” he laughed, as did Starfire. “Wonderful!” Starfire clasped her hands together. “When will we tell our friends of the Tower’s new animal companion?” “No real point in hiding it now,” Raven shrugged. “Whenever, I guess.” “Why don’t we just tell ‘em now?” Beast Boy suggested. “I’m kinda getting tired of being sneaky.” Raven looked between her two teammates before shrugging. “May as well.” “Joyous!” Starfire took to the air and flew off to retrieve the last two of their team.

[titansandothers]

Kitten Kaboodle (6/?)

Raven preferred to meditate in the mornings, but the kitten needed her attention… Perhaps she could do both? After all, it could be up to two hours before Beast Boy wakes up. With the kitten cupped in her hands, Raven crossed her legs and hovered in the air. She preferred to meditate with her eyes closed, but she would just have to try something new today. “Azarath Metrion Zinthos.” She was highly skilled in meditation. She could do this. “Azarath Metrion Zinthos.” Her eyes stayed trained on the kitten, its little back rising up and down with its breaths. “Azarath Metrion Zinthos.” It was pretty consistent. “Azarath Metrion Zinthos.” Almost soothing. “Azarath Metrion Zinthos.” Like a metronome. “Azarath Metrion Zinthos. Azarath Metrion Zinthos. Azarath Metrion Zin-” A quiet tentative knock at her door. “Beast Boy?” the magus guessed. The green teen poked his head just through the sliver between the door and wall, ears down in caution and an apologetic smile on his face. “Sorry. I heard you meditating, but-” The changeling paused, noticing the little kitten in Raven’s hands. “-the kitten needs fed…” “Then come feed it,” Raven replied simply, descending back onto her bed, then walking towards Beast Boy. “Is it okay?” he asked. “If you’re holding it willingly, something must be up.” “I think it’s fine,” she assured. “It started crying and I wasn’t sure what to do.” Upon handing the kitten over, it began to cry once more, not pleased with being moved from its cozy spot. “Huh. That’s new. Animals usually cry when I leave them alone,” Beast Boy chuckled. “It must be warming up to you. Shame we have to give it away.” “Don’t get any ideas otherwise,” Raven warned. “I know, I know,” Beast Boy sat down and brought the bottle to the kitten’s mouth. “It’s no big deal. I can see animals whenever I want at the shelter. I just thought it was neat to see an animal you tolerated enough to hold.” “You weren’t here and it was crying,” she reminded, trying to imply she was doing so out of necessity and not desire. “Oh. Heh. Right. Well, I guess that’s for the best. We gotta get this little kitty to the shelter. Besides, we already have Silkie.” Raven nodded. “And you need a full night’s sleep.” “Right,” the changeling yawned. “You know we have training today, right?” “If I’m lucky, I can get little kitty to the shelter and back in time.” “I don’t think you’ll do well if you’re half asleep.” “Oh, right,” Beast Boy yawned again. Raven looked down a moment, thinking quietly to herself. “...I could cover for you.” “What?” “I heard you coughing last night. You need to rest today.” “You heard m-? Oh. Ohhhhh!” Beast Boy perked up. “You’ll lie to save my butt!” Raven let out a hint of a laugh and nodded. “Thanks, Rae! I owe ya one!” he voiced his gratitude with a wide toothy grin. “I’ll hold you to it,” she smirked.

[titansandothers]

Kitten Kaboodle (14/?)

Ordinarily, the more people knowing about a secret makes it harder to keep. In the case of Beast Boy, Raven, and Starfire, however, it made keeping the young kitten a secret much easier. They were able to cover for each other much easier and, as the kitten aged, she needed less frequent feedings (even if it required more formula and ultimately wet food). “She’s gotten so big,” Raven remarked. “She used to fit in your glove.” “She still might,” Beast Boy shrugged. “She just wouldn’t be happy about it.” That earned a small chuckle from Raven. Or perhaps it was from watching the kitten playing with the little feather toy he dangled above the kitten. “Hard to believe she could barely open her eyes when you brought her home.” “Yeah. I’ve taken care of lots of animals at the shelter, but it still gets me every time. Like, wow…” “Yeah. It’s been kind of neat to watch her grow up,” Raven admitted. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were growing attached,” Beast Boy teased. Raven gave him a look, retorting with, “And you’re not?” So she really was getting attached… The changeling smiled softly. “I am. Can’t blame ya there.” “Right,” Raven took the toy from Beast Boy to have a turn from herself. “I can see how you can like animals. It’ll never be my thing, but, I have to admit, I’ve had a little bit of fun with this.” “Do I still owe you then?” the changeling smirked. “Oh, yeah. Definitely. I’m never getting that sleep back,” Raven deadpanned. “Aw… Fair enough,” he shrugged. “Do you know what I owe you yet?” “I’ll figure something out,” Raven assured. “Right. Oh, yeah! We should go get Star.” Beast Boy perked up. “Why?” the magus raised a brow. “Kitty’s old enough to socialize now! We wanna get her used to other people and animals. I can take care of the animal part easy. Plus, she’ll recognize my scent on each one and adjust easier!” “Makes sense,” Raven nodded. “You can get Starfire. I’m busy.” Beast Boy watched her play with the kitten and let out a chuckle. “I can see that. On it.” He gave her a mock salute and a wink.

[titansandothers]

Osmosis Woes (7/?)

Too hot… or too cold; the teen had no idea. His insides were on fire and awash with pain while his skin was sticky and damp with sweat, freezing him and drenching his covers. He attempted to throw his covers off, only for the slightest movement to shoot pain throughout his entire form. He wasn’t sure what hurt more; his muscles or what he was certain must be some serious injuries. He had to check the damage… Beast Boy slowly and painfully lifted his covers to see his side, only to scream out at what he saw. The scream barely made noise, coming out as more of a weak screech that devolved into coughing. Each cough wracked his body with pain, lungs burning and throat itching as his injuries screamed with the motions. When the coughing ceased, he simply looked at his shaking hand. With most of his uniform removed for the sake of tending to his injuries, he could see his own skin… his own pale skin. The bruising and stitches meant nothing compared to this. As much as it pained him, he needed to see all of it. Fighting against the sheer agony of the act, he sat up and got out of bed, staggering as he headed for his bathroom. Barely bracing himself against the sink, Beast Boy took in the sight before him. Exhausted blue eyes stared at him from the mirror before flicking upwards at the blond hair damp with sweat clinging to his scalp. Lifting a hand up, he brought a finger to his lower lip and brought it down. He still had the tooth that jutted out, but it was no longer large or sharp. Shaking, he took a step back to see more of his body. Pale… very pale… bruises… stitches… This was bad. Turning, he forced one foot in front of the other, painfully making his way out of his room and down the hallway. Bracing himself against the wall, he entered the Main Ops room to see the other Titans. “Guys…” he practically whispered, unable to speak fully. “Something’s… wrong…” The group was barely able to take in the sight of the deathly pale teen before he collapsed to the floor. “Beast Boy!” the team yelped in unison, all approaching to help the teen up and back to the med bay.

[titansandothers]

Osmosis Woes (6/?)

As the Titans approached the fallen Beast Boy, the more damage could be seen. He was barely moving, body merely shaking slightly as he attempted to use his muscles. His uniform was bloody, body having been cut up from the jagged metal he was thrown into. His face was against the ground, leaving only his hair the only part of his body truly visible. His blond hair… Cyborg carefully leaned down, dread in his stomach as he shifted his friend onto his back. The team gasped at the sight, leaving the barely conscious teen confused. “Do I look that bad?” Beast Boy croaked out. “I feel that bad…” Before the Titans could answer, the teen’s eyelids fluttered and closed. In the brief time his eyes were open, however, they could be seen as a bright blue. As his lips parted in his sleep, no fangs were seen. His ears were small and rounded. He looked normal… and it felt wrong. “We need to get this guy…” Cyborg muttered, still looking down at his friend in his arms. “We will,” Robin assured. “But we need a plan. We need to go back to the Tower and figure this out...” The team agreed and made their way back to the Tower, where they got Beast Boy settled into the med bay. “I’m not lookin’ forward to being here when he wakes up…” Cyborg shook his head as he cleaned the teen’s wounds. “I don’t think he’ll like being more boy than beast.” “Perhaps we can solve the issue before Beast Boy awakes?” Starfire offered. “If we’re gonna do that, we need to hurry,” Robin replied. “You got him all wrapped up?” “Yeah, but he’s not lookin’ so good,” Cyborg informed. “That whole process must have taken a lot out of him.” “He should be getting the rest,” Starfire pointed out, gently lifting the former changeling. “I shall take him to his room." “Sounds good,” Robin nodded. “The rest of us will head to the main ops room. We need to figure this out.” Starfire nodded and carefully flew through the doorway and towards the bedrooms. Despite how gently she attempted to settle the teen in his bed, he still seemed to groan in pain when moved. It would seem his injuries were more sore than previously thought, she reasoned. “I am sorry, friend,” Starfire spoke softly. “I am hoping you will feel better soon.”

[titansandothers]

Kitten Kaboodle (16/16)

“You… want us to meet our new friend in Raven’s room?” Cyborg asked with a raised finger, standing next to Robin in front of the magus’ door. “Uhh… I know you’re allowed in there,” Robin started, “but I think we need permission first.” “You have my permission,” Raven droned from behind the door, causing the boys to jump. “Just this one time.” Robin and Cyborg looked quizzically at each other while Starfire simply smiled. “Uh, sure,” Robin started, opening the door. “Who’s this new-?” Robin stopped in his tracks as he spotted Raven. The magus sat cross legged on her bed, calmly stroking a fuzzy black kitten in her lap. “...friend…” Robin finished. “Her name is Cinder,” Raven stated simply, not even looking up at him. “She’s my new cat.” Robin’s eye twitched while Cyborg simply let out an, “Uhhh…” “I found her on patrol,” Beast Boy decided to explain. “She wasn’t even a week old… and the mama cat and other kittens… It was just too cold for them… I couldn’t just leave her alone. She wouldn’t have survived!” “Why didn’t you just take her to the shelter?” Robin asked, a little irritated with having such a secret under his nose. “They weren’t open. And when they did open, there was no one to take her!” the changeling informed. “And I called every animal shelter in the area. No one of them could take care of a newborn,” Raven added. “Sooooo, I guess she’s just ours now,” Beast Boy shrugged. “Mine,” the magus corrected. “And I don’t think you would want to take away something that is mine, would you?” she gave Robin a pointed look. “Well, no, but… She’s still a baby!” Robin argued. “She’ll take up too much time!” “And won’t Silkie eat her?” Cyborg asked, completely serious. “We’ve kept her alive and under your nose for over three weeks. I think we’re fine,” Raven rolled her eyes. “Three weeks?!” Robin and Cyborg squawked. “Man, how’d you guys do it?” Cyborg laughed. “And how’d you rope Raven into this?!” “I still don’t know,” Beast Boy laughed as well. “Oh, right. I owe her something. Don’t know what yet though.” “Ahh. I get it,” Cyborg nodded. Another sigh from Robin. “Well, I guess she can’t be that much of a nuisance then. And it’s not like I can tell you what to do anyway.” “Right,” Raven agreed. “Joyous!” Starfire exclaimed. “You now have your own pet!” “Guess so,” Robin admitted, removing his gloves. “What are you doing?” Cyborg asked. “What? Did you all forget my childhood was spent surrounded by animals?” Robin replied with a smirk, approaching Raven and Cinder. “I only dislike them when they’re a threat to the team. I want to pet her. Can I?” Raven let out a slight laugh and held the kitten up for Robin to pet. “Knock yourself out.”