Things Just Got Complicated

Teyashi: After a long period of slumduggery (Whatever the hell that means), I have returned. For those of you who were offended by the waiting time, I apologize but I was without computer access for quite some time. In other news, the response to my poll was unanimous. All of the one votes went for Speedy, therefore he will be appearing in the story. In addition, I'm having him do the disclaimers. But as for the turnout in voting, I am disappoint. In addition, this story takes place prior to the final episode, while breaking the canon soundly over its knee.

Speedy: Teyashi does not own Teen Titans, because if he did I would have a better name.

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Beast Boy sat on the couch and smiled as Terra was welcomed with open arms, (And in Starfire's case, a crushing hug and fifty questions in rapid succession,) by most of the team. His shoulders slumped a little when he thought about the current situation with Robin. Their relationship would never be the same after this, but he wasn't about to simply give up and lose another friend of his. Not again. He was soon snapped out of his thoughts by Cyborg. "Hard to believe she's finally back," Cyborg remarked, watching Terra answer Starfire's questions in groups of ten.

"Yeah, but I'm still worried about Robin though," Beast Boy said.

"He'll come around eventually," Cyborg replied, "It's scary to think about that suit Slade had Terra in, you know. Once she was in that armor, I can't say how much was Terra and how much was Slade." The reunion was suddenly interrupted by a loud siren. While most would think that this signaled trouble in jump city, this one was of a slightly lower tone than that. It meant that there was a call on the Emergency Titan Distress Line. Cyborg ran over to a consol in the back of the room and brought up the call on the main screen, (Which, thanks to a few modifications), now swiftly descended from the ceiling. An image of a mildly injured Speedy with a lot of smoke in the background appeared onscreen. "Speedy, what the hell happened?" Cyborg asked, shocked at the state of things there.

"You remember our last status report about that Explosivo girl?" Speedy asked.

"Yeah," Cyborg replied, "That crazy chick that could explode and pull herself back together at will. The report said she had been apprehended."

"Please don't tell me they put her in a cell that she could just blow up," Raven said, shaking her head.

"Then I won't tell you. None the less, she then attacked our base for revenge," Speedy continued, "As difficult as it was to stop her the first time, it seemed near impossible now. That is until she made a huge mistake. Her last explosion was close to the AC and the powerful fans blew her particles miles away in twelve different directions. The chances of her being able to pull herself together are really slim, but she did destroy most of our base in the process. Would it be alright if we stayed with you guys until our base gets fixed?"

"We'll have to ask Robin but I'm sure it'll be alright. We'll be expecting you soon," Cyborg replied, and then the television ascended back into the ceiling. He then turned to the rest of the team and said "I'm going to go see about Robin. I'll see you guys soon." With that he headed off to see their estranged leader.

"Well," Beast Boy commented "It looks like we're going to have a lot of company. C'mon Terra, let's get you settled in your room before Mas E Manos take it."

"Who?" Terra asked, now thoroughly confused.

"Teen Titans opened a branch office in Steel City. You'll get a chance to meet them soon. A lot of things have changed since you left," Beast Boy replied, "But don't worry; we'll have time to get you up to speed." With that the remaining Titans in the room left for the living quarters.

"And that's how the world almost ended. Again" BB concluded as they walked down the hallway of rooms. This was when they started past the Titans' individual rooms. "We left your room just as it was, Terra."

"You did?" Terra replied, touched at the gesture.

"Of course. You're one of the team," BB said as he entered Terra's room. As he said, it had remained unchanged since Terra had last seen it. She walked to the center of the room and turned to Beast Boy. "So," he remarked, "Do you like it?" Terra simply smiled and, on what appeared to be the verge of tears, threw her arms around Beast Boy. His face immediately lit up bright red. "W-w-w-what are you doing?"

"Thanking you, for not giving up on me." Raven simply stood by and watched, currently feeling mixed emotions. Part of her was glad for Terra's return, but another part of her felt that the hug was lasting a bit long for a simply grateful friend. Five minute passed and still no change from the two of them.

"Hey, Friend Beast Boy," Starfire interjected, "Isn't it earth tradition to celebrate the return of a loved one with the consumption of carbonated beverages and pizza?" With this Beast Boy and Terra suddenly snapped out of their trance like state and pulled away from each other, with BB bashfully scratching the back of his head.

"That's a good point Starfire," he replied, "I should go order some. What does everyone want? Anyone want to split my vegetarian?"

"I might as well," Raven stated.

"I'm in for it," Terra added, looking sideways at the dark empathy, "You can get something else, Raven."

"No, I want to see if Beast Boy's hype for it has any grounding," She replied.

"How about in the style of Hawaii for me?" Starfire commented.

"Ok, I'll get two veg, a Hawaiian, and a…" Beast Boy then gave a dramatic shudder, "Meat-lover's for Cy and Robin. Back in ten." With that, he headed out of the room and down the hall. After he left, Terra and Raven turned to each other.

"I didn't think you were into the whole vegetarian thing," the blond geomancer commented. Raven glared at her.

"A lot of things changed since you left. Maybe you should see what's around you before jumping in."

"I've gone nowhere I'm not welcomed to."

"Oh," Starfire suddenly said, "You two are in competition for the right to be dating Friend Beast Boy!" The two other girls blushed a little at that remark. "There is no need to be ashamed. He is a more than reasonable choice."

"Ok," Terra began, "So it's established we both want Beast Boy and as things stand, we are both on even terms."

"He is attracted to both of us," Raven continued, "but we have also both broken his heart and tried to kill him before." She had quite a twinge of guilt on the last statement. Terra was also ashamed at the last comment, mostly because of how true it was.

"Even so, Friend Beast Boy doesn't seem to hold it against either of you. I think he understands the inherent dangers and complications of the life we live as superheroes. Isn't this kind of acceptance and forgiveness that drew you to him originally?" Starfire asked. Raven nodded sagely and turned back to Terra.

"Alright, let's have an agreement right now. I don't want our competition to cause problems for the team. This is about Beast Boy's happiness, to causing suffering to each other. Civility and respect will be maintained at all times, and we won't try to undermine the other's work." Raven held out her hand to Terra. With minimal hesitation, they shook on the deal and left for the common room with Starfire in tow.

Beast Boy swiftly returned with the pizzas in a stack and was having trouble seeing past them. He stumbled past the large couch towards the kitchen, where he set his cheesy payload on the countertop. He spun around with his hands cupped around his mouth, ready to call everyone down, when he saw the crew sans Robin was already sitting on the couch. "Where's our 'intrepid leader'? It's not like him to miss pizza."

"He's on another one of his obsessive investigations. Apparently Mumbo ALREADY escaped custody and Robin really wants to avoid another fiasco. He should be down later. On a more pressing matter, what will it take to get you to at least TRY meat?" Cyborg asked, heading to the deposited boxes.

"Eat your left arm then we'll talk. I've been every animal you've ever eaten at some point or another," BB replied. With that aside, the feasting began with gusto. Raven was actually surprised. Vegetarian pizza wasn't half bad. Mid-meal, Cyborg had a revelation. This was particularly jarring as it takes quite a bit to pull his mind from the solid happiness that is meat. Raven was making small talk with Beast Boy and Terra. He knew Raven was starting to make progress in the whole 'Social interaction' thing, but the amount of progress she made the last sixteen hours was nothing short of astounding. This line of thought brought him to a second conclusion. Raven, Terra and Beast Boy only seemed interested in chatting with Raven, Terra, and Beast Boy. Sure, his green friend would swing the occasional question or comment his way, but it would inevitably lead back to the three of them. His next thought was simply 'Whatever's going on can wait until later' before returning to his tasty mistress. He figured the Titans east would be showing up tomorrow morning, which could only mean one thing: He gets to see Bee again!

Meanwhile, Robin was once again stooped over his desk in deep contemplation. Not over any villain, but over his green ally. He seemed to be at the epicenter of a lot of strangeness lately, and would deserve a little more observation.

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Teyashi: Yes! It has finally arrived! An update! I told you I wasn't dead! If you have any suggestions, comments, or complaints, review. I don't know what else to say, my telepathy license expired. So, reviews are my only way of knowing what you think of it. Titans East will show up in the next chapter, so stay tuned.