TT: ASBEA: Parents Day Pt 3

BEFORE YOU READ THIS STORY PLEASE CHECK OUT THE DESCRIPTION BOX! I HAVE POSTED A LINK FOR A SONG THAT HELPED INSPIRED ME TO WRITE THIS STORY! I DO NOT OWN THE VIDEO, IT BELONGS TO ITS RIGHTFUL CREATOR!

Now watch the story come to life!

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Everyone gathered on the couch, respectively listening as Starfire had offered to share hers first. It was very brief, basically repeating the story she told Robin days ago, but it wasn't as emotional nor was it in depth as she had told Robin. The boy wonder put one hand on Starfire's shoulder and occasionally squeezed it as if sending her comfort signals.

Throughout her story, the girl didn't even shed a single tear. She smiled for the most, although at times, it faltered. She shared her reasons about how she was able to keep smiling, before she had ever encountered them. The team realized that Starfire was stronger than they had given her credit for. It was really unbelievable to see their most sensitive teammate keep a smile on her face although she had the perfect reason to frown.

Robin and Beast Boy felt the closest to her since their parents, like hers, died at the same time. Beast Boy wanted to go next after hearing Starfire's story. He wanted to get the story off his chest for sometime. And now was the perfect time to tell his tale. He shared an encouraging nod from Starfire before starting.

"My parents were geneticists and loved to travel every jungle in the world for wildlife. They took me everywhere during the trip and it was pretty cool." Beast Boy sighed, his ears flopping down. "On one of our trips we came across a rare species of green monkeys." Beast Boy stood up and walked toward the windows, his back facing towards his friends. He peered at himself through the reflection before continuing.

"During one of their observations, we tried to approach them but kept our distance so the monkeys wouldn't freak over our presence. But I stepped closer, hoping that maybe I could have a better look. I guess I stepped into their bubble, because I heard my parents calling me to come back. But it was too late. One of the monkeys jumped on me and bit my neck." He paused to rub his right hand over the right part of his neck out of habit.

"Turns out that the green monkeys were exposed to Kryptonian meteors that made them green. And when they bit you, they pass a life threatening illness called Sakutia. I could have died back there… But I was lucky that my parents were there. They had this new serum and injected it into me, hoping to save my life. It worked, but the side effect took place right away. I became green and my DNA was unstable."

Beast Boy choked back a sob. "My parents died during a boating accident weeks later. Even up to now, I still blame myself for not doing anything." Beast Boy had his arms in fists and his head droop downwards. He started to shake and cry. "I hate myself for not saving them. Even in this form! I could have done anything to save them! Maybe they'd still be here right now… If only I could have done something."

Cyborg stared at his best friend's back then looked back down at his hands. He wished that he could have done anything to make him better, but right now he can't seem to find any words to comfort him. He knew it wasn't his place to comfort him.

Raven stared bewildered. She never realized how a carefree guy like him could have such a dreadful past and yet still find his ways to smile. Or even let alone, try to make the people around him smile, like herself. She silently felt sorry for the green boy, at the same time she gained a little respect for him. Raven thought of the times that she had treated him before. Sure she was harsh to him, but that was because he was annoying her. But the boy who stood before her now was fragile. She felt guilty about her actions, but she would never admit it to him. She knew that someone dark and gloomy as she would never make Beast Boy feel better. But she did wish that she could have said something to make him feel better. Honestly, she preferred that his sad past happened to her instead.

Ironically, Starfire was tearing up. She cried over Beast Boy's story rather than her own. Suddenly, she had the urge to hug him, but she felt that it was not a suitable time. All she could do was cry along with the boy silently.

Robin on the other hand, stood up and approached Beast Boy's. The boy wonder clasped his left hand on the changeling's left shoulder as if to mentally tell him that he isn't alone. Beast Boy glanced over his shoulder and at his leader. Robin knew that the gesture was insignificant but he hoped that the changeling got the message. Beast Boy had his opposite hand over his right shoulder and thanked the boy wonder's comfort. They walked back to the sofa to rejoin the others.

Beast Boy took his spot in between Starfire and Raven while Robin sat on the opposite end of Starfire.

"After my parents died, I couldn't return to my normal life. That and being green made me stand out. I could have joined a circus. I'd be the perfect candidate for the freak show department," he joked. "At the same time, I kicked myself over for being so weak. I wanted to prove to myself that I can be stronger. So I decided to join the Doom Patrol. Actually, I broke in, to be more exact."

"That sounds like the BB we know," Cyborg smirked.

"Yeah," Beast Boy agreed, slightly blushing from the memory. "You should have seen their faces… They were so surprised," he laughed softly. Beast Boy rubbed his arm before continuing.

"They treated me like an intruder. When I tried to tell them that I wanted to join the Doom Patrol, they accused me of being a spy for the Brotherhood of Evil, except for Rita. She seemed to believe me but Mento stopped her from coming close to me. He actually believed that I was a dangerous threat. They tried to trap me and keep me as a prisoner, but I avoided their attacks. I think that was the first time I became an animal. They were so impressed with my abilities that they took me in. Mento had admitted to me that he knew I wasn't a threat because he had read my mind. It was his way of getting his enemies super mad. For some time, they were like a family to me. I fought the Brotherhood of Evil alongside with them," he grinned happily at the memory, then faltered.

"What made you quit?" Robin asked.

"Mento never failed to make me feel like an alien, no offense, Star," Beast Boy quickly added.

"I believe the term is none taken?" Starfire offered a light smile, assuring him that she was not offended.

"He was a great leader, but he was pretty harsh. The objective was always to stop the Brotherhood of Evil at all costs. To always continue moving forward with or without teammates. It's as if he didn't care about the others although he said he does."

"He does sound like a great leader," Robin commented, "It's good that he's focused on the mission, but the key rule to accomplish a mission is to always work smarter, not harder."

"He is Rob, and so are you." Robin nodded his head as a thank you, and Beast Boy smiled back.

"There was one mission that made me reach my limit. Mento punished me harshly, to the point that I got his message. I realized that Mento wasn't just punishing me just to improve. He was punishing me harshly to the point that he wanted me to leave. So I left. I tried the going solo thing, but it didn't exactly work out… then I met you guys."

Beast Boy looked at Starfire before abruptly pulling her into a hug. Starfire was surprised by the changeling's action, but quickly recovered before hugging him back.

"You were right, Star. I guess bad things don't always lead to a bad future." One tear trickled down Beast Boy's eyes as he said this to her.

"Thanks for listening guys," he thanked after breaking the hug.

Cyborg patted his best friend on the back.

"I suppose I'll go next," the half mechanic said, "can't have this grass stain get all the glory."