Different

Chapter Three

This entire morning I've been going out of my way to avoid Beast Boy. I knew I needed to talk to him. I needed to apologize for being so rude. I needed to make sure he was okay. By noon I had made my way to Beast Boy's room.

I knocked on the door.

No answer.

I tried again, quitely calling out to Beast Boy.

I heard movement on the other side of the door.

"Yea, Rae?" Beast Boy's voice was raspy.

'He's been crying,' Knowledge commented.

'Shh! I'm trying to listen!' Brave commanded.

I sighed.

"Beast Boy? Can I come in?"

More movement. There were soft thuds, like he was creating a pile. A hushed scratching noise followed. The squeaking of a door, and a forced slam. I laughed internally when I realized he was shoving his mess into his closet.

His door slid open, revealing a rather distrought Beast Boy.

"Um, hey..." he forced a smile. He stepped aside so I could walk in.  His eyes followed me as I watched, making me feel anxious under his gaze. I made my way to his desk and leaned against it.

"Are you okay?"

I mentally slapped myself for the stupid question. Of course he wasn't okay. I had forcefully shot him down only hours ago. I didn't even give him a chance. I-

"I'm fine," he answered.

"Are you sure?"

"I didn't really expect you to go with me in the first place..." he admitted.

He must've noticed I was confused, because he explained, "It's not like you've wanted to hang out before, Rae. I'm used to it."

He lowered his eyes away from mine. Despite what he was saying, he clearly didn't mean it. His ears tilted down, giving him the appearance of a cowering puppy.

"But..." I hesitated. "I didn't really mean to say no."

Beast Boy looked up at me, puzzled. He took in what I was saying, eyeing me over for signs of a joke. I blushed. Instinctively I reached for my hood, only to remember I wasn't wearing my costume today.

"I'd...I'd really like to check out that books store...if the offer is still available."

"Dude!" He wrapped his arms around me in a quick hug.

All my emotions took flight within me. Happy was fangirling with intensity. Brave was shouting encouraging comments. Knowledge was offering tidbits of dating advice.

Oh, great. What have I gotten myself into?