A/N: Alas we have reached the end of Just The Way You Are. I'm so sad to see it end, but I have to say I'm very happy for the way it turned out. I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read my story. And I would especially like to thank my wonderful reviewers, especially: G-T. Azar, Allen Blaster, Raizen53, and legoboyaz1. Anyway, I really hope you guys enjoy the epilogue. Let me know what you think and I hope to see you guys in my next work :) Love, Ellivia22

Disclaimer: If I owned Teen Titans Beast Boy and Raven would've gotten together in the original series. I also do not own The Fault in Our Stars. That belongs to John Green.

Just The Way You Are

Epilogue

Nearly a year later

Garfield

Times flies when so many positive changes happen in your life. Then when something you've been dreading finally comes, your life stops at a screeching halt. And that's exactly what happened to me.

Life with Raven has been everything I've ever dreamed of-and more. We complete each other in so many ways and our relationship grows stronger each day. I love her with all my heart and know that she loves me. It has taken her time to express herself more, but I have been patient and it has paid off. Now she shows her love to me freely without causing an uproar in the tower. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her.

This week, however, we've been arguing a lot. The argument revolves around on one topic: going to the Doom Patrol and paying my respects to Rita. You see, today marks the one year anniversary of her death. I so badly want to go to her grave, to tell her that I'm okay. But I'm so afraid. I'm afraid of what Mento will do when he sees me. Does he still blame me for Rita's death? Does he still consider me a failure? If so, then how am I going to prove to him that he's wrong? I'm not ready for this confrontation and don't know if I ever will be.

I stare at the door of my bedroom. I feel like it's taunting me, even though it's an inanimate object. How in the hell am I going to go through my normal routine today? Even better question, how can I avoid arguing with Raven? I've worked so hard to be better, yet the same hero that I've always been. If I go back to the Doom Patrol, I might completely fall apart. Then all my hard work will be for nothing.

Taking a deep breath, I turn into a tiny beetle and scurry under the door. All I have to do is make it down the hall and into the kitchen to join the others for breakfast. Maybe I can convince Cyborg to go to the movies with me or something. Anything to get me out of the tower.

"You can't run from me, Garfield," a monotone voice says from behind me, stopping me in my tracks. "We need to talk about this."

I let out a deep sigh and turn back into myself. Reluctantly I turn to face my girlfriend. "We have talked about it and I've made up my mind. I'm not going!"

Raven folds her arms, her white cloak covering her black leotard. "Why not? I can feel your emotions and I know how badly you want to go visit Rita's grave. Is your fear of facing Mento what's stopping you?"

I remain silent and turn my head so that I don't have to look at her penetrating stare. The only thing that bothers me about our relationship is that she knows me too well. Sometimes it's like she feels my emotions before I do. It's impossible to hide anything from her.

"You don't need to be afraid," she tells me gently, her voice breaking into the strained silence. "You've stood up to him before. I know that you can do it again."

"That was different," I say in a low voice. "My team was in peril. I-I didn't have time to think about what I was saying."

"Which proves what a great hero you are, Gar," Raven says, placing a hand on my cheek. Her hand is ice cold. Reluctantly I look at her. Even though it's been a year since we've begun dating, it still is an amazing feeling seeing such passionate emotions behind her violet eyes. "You can take charge when you need to without hesitation. I know you can do this."

Her arms wrap around my neck. I pull her close to me. My breathing becomes heavy having her so close to me. I close my eyes as she lays her head on my chest. As usual, I can't stay mad at her for long. Maybe she's right. I know that if I don't do this I will regret it. "You're still willing to come with me, right?"

Her lips meet mine in a short, but tender kiss. Chills run down my back. I feel so good, forgetting all my worries for a wonderful, but brief moment. "Yes. Everything will be okay. I promise." I nod, trying my best to calm my nerves. It isn't easy. Raven pulls away slightly, her arms still wrapped around my neck. "Are you ready?"

I let out a stressed sigh. "Yes. First we need to stop and get some flowers."

BBRae

I shiver once we arrived at the Doom Patrol headquarters an hour later. The trip would normally take eight hours since the headquarters is in Michigan, but thanks to Raven's magic it only takes a matter of seconds. The weather is cold and rainy- weather I'm not used to since I've been in Jump City for so long. We're standing in front of the huge mansion that I know so well. The building looks the same as I remember, but is definitely showing its age. The red shingles on the roof are cracked and chipping away. From a distance I can see the cobwebs on the windows. Unlike the homey feeling the headquarters used to give me, the place has a a gloomy feel to it, which saddens me greatly. It would seem that the Doom Patrol hasn't done well since Rita died. I can't help but chuckle lightly, however, as I see the large hole in one of the lower windows. Even after ten years they still haven't repaired it.

"What's so funny?" Raven asks from beside me.

"Before I joined the Doom Patrol I would break in through a hole in the window and vandalize the headquarters."

"Really?" Raven asks in surprise.

"Yeah. I was trying to get their attention in hopes that they would let me join their team," I let out a sigh, my smile fading. "It wasn't until Mento and Rita saved my life that they would take me in."

My heart starts pounding wildly in my chest as all the memories come flooding at me fast, memories of developing my powers, memories of having an actual family and how they make me feel safe and protected. I take a step back as I remember all the times I failed, every time I disappointed Mento or the team. And the worst memory of all: quitting the Doom Patrol because I couldn't take Mento's harsh criticism anymore.

"I-I can't do this," I say fearfully, taking another step back.

Raven grabs my arm gently. She pulls her hood down, the wind blowing through her now short hair. "Yes you can. Just stay strong. I'll be right with you."

It takes a full minute before I can calm my racing heart. I nod mutely. Raven locks her fingers with mine. She gives it a gentle squeeze. Together we walk to the large double doors to gain entrance.

Before I can punch in the secret code that I surprisingly still remember, the dark doors swing open. A tan robot stands in the doorway. "Beast Boy! It's so good to see you! Wow, you must be taller than Negative Man now."

"Hey Robot Man," I say, giving the robot a hug. "It definitely has been a while. I go by Changeling now. You remember Raven?"

"Hi," Raven says in her usual monotone.

"Changeling, huh?" Negative man says, coming up next to the robot. He gives me a quick hug, which I return. He looks the same, except a little more worn. "You'll always be Beast Boy to us. Thanks for coming to visit." He nods in his head in acknowledgment to Raven. "Nice seeing you again, Raven."

"Yeah, sorry that I didn't come sooner," I tell them apologetically. "I had to take care of myself first."

"Don't be sorry," Robot Man says. "It was probably for the best."

My heart sinks, though I shouldn't be surprised. "Mento still blames me?"

Negative Man and Robot Man exchange worried glances with each other, then look at me. "We think that deep down he knows that you are not to blame. But you know how he is," Robot Man says with a heavy sigh.

"Yeah I do. I've always been the scapegoat when something goes wrong. Not anymore. It's time that I finally stood up to him. Besides, I'm long overdue for paying my respects to Rita."

"This way," Negative Man says, motioning us to follow him.

More memories flood me instantly as we walk through the mansion. I feel disheartened when I notice that the inside is much worse than the outside. I cough as the dust enters my lungs. It would seem that it hasn't been cleaned in a while. When we pass by the training room I see the cobwebs on the training equipment. Seeing my former team in such a depressing state saddens me greatly.

"As you can see everything fell apart after Rita died," Robot man says sadly. "The Doom Patrol is no longer the team it once was."

My former teammates lead me to the backyard. Rita's flower garden is nothing like I remember. Most of her flowers are gone. Instead in the middle of the grassy backyard there is a large patch of dirt, rocks forming a border around it. To the side is a black bench, and arch the same color above it. Grey stones lead the way to a large headstone of the same color. Purple orchids are in front of the stone-Rita's favorite flower. I swallow hard, reading the cursive writing on the stone:

In loving memory of Rita Farr Dayton

Elasti Girl

"M-Mom," I choke out. I can't take my eyes off the sight. Even though Rita visited me while I was asleep, seeing her memorial makes everything become too real too fast.

"We'll give you some time alone," Robot Man says.

I almost beg them to stay, but at the same time I want to pay my respects by myself. Raven senses my hesitation. "It's okay," she say softly. When I finally gather my courage I traipse to the memorial. Raven doesn't follow. I almost wish she would.

"HEY!" a harsh voice yells from behind me. "You are not welcome here!"

I turn around, even though I really don't need to. I'd recognize that voice anywhere. I force myself to stay strong. It isn't easy. Mento always had the gift of making me feel intimidated without even trying.

Nothing on this Earth can prepare me for what I see when I completely turn around. Mento looks nothing like the man I've known since I was eight years old. He's not wearing his Doom Patrol uniform, but a simple jeans and T-shirt. The clothing almost looks like its too big for him. Even at a distance I can see how worn down he is. His blue eyes have heavy bags under them. Apparently he's taking Rita's death just as hard as I did. The only thing that remains the same since I saw him last is the angry expression on his face. Anger he always directed towards me.

I force myself to stay strong, despite having the hidden desire to run as far away from his wrath as possible. "She's my mother. I have every right to come here and pay my respects."

"RIGHT?! You lost that right when the Brotherhood of Evil escaped from prison! Because of you I lost the most important person in my life. You failed me!"

I squeeze my eyes shut so tight it's painful. Not as painful as the sharp words Mento is throwing at me. I feel as though he's literally stabbing me in the heart. Only when his words fully register in my mind do I finally realize the truth: no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, I'll never make Mento proud. I'll never be the son he wants me to be. Why can't I be who he wants me to be? What's wrong with me?

I glance at Raven out of the corner of my eye. She gives me a nod of encouragement, her eyes glowing white in case there is a fight. As I continue to look at her I realize who my true family is. The Titans. They are proud of who I have become in the past year. They care about me for me. It's time for me to finally let go of the past and move forward with my real family.

"I did the very best I could at the time," I whisper, my voice growing louder with every word. "I know that you want me to be perfect, but I can't. I can only be who I am meant to be-and that is a hero who tries his very best." Mento opens his mouth. I continue talking before he can utter a word. "I will always be grateful to you and Rita for taking me off the streets. Rita is my family; Robot man and Negative man are my family; The Titans are my family. They have supported me from the very beginning and continue to support me-even when I was dealing with Rita's death the wrong way. They don't blame me for what happened to her and neither should you. And until you can accept the real me, you are not family to me. I'm going to visit Rita's memorial and there's nothing you can do to stop me!"

Mento's face hardens, his blue eyes blazing. I've never seen him so angry. My body falls into a ready stance, ready to fight if necessary. Instead Mento straightens up, gives me one last glare, then storms back into the house.

I let out a huge sigh of relief. My shoulders and chest feel so light- as if boulders of stress have finally been lifted off them. It's an amazing feeling. Yet I feel a small amount of loss. Even though I no longer want him in my life, Mento will always be my father. I make a promise to myself that I will at least be there for Robot Man and Negative Man if they should need me. And if Mento ever wants to repair our bond, I will leave a part of my heart open and give him that opportunity.

I turn my attention back to Rita's memorial. I put Mento out of my mind and give complete attention to my adoptive mother. It's time for me to pay my respects to her at last.

Raven

I observe silently as Garfield slowly approaches the headstone. For the first time in almost a year I'm struggling to control my emotions, only because there are so many of them I'm not sure which one to show. I long to show Garfield how proud I am for finally facing his fears and standing up for himself; how in love with him am at this moment. Yet I also feel sadness, for I can feel his pain-not just from losing Rita, but cutting Mento out of his life. I want to show him comfort, but decide that it's best for him to say his goodbye alone.

Garfield falls to his knees in front of the headstone. His gloved hand slowly traces the words etched in it. "I-I'm here, Mother," he says so softly I barely hear him. "I've come."

Gently he places his bouquet of purple orchids in front of the grave. His shoulders are shaking. "I really miss you. I-I want you to know that I'm okay. In fact, I'm better than okay. I'm truly happy." He turns slightly towards my direction, extending his hand. I hesitate for a moment, then take it, kneeling beside him in front of the memorial. "Raven is my girlfriend now. She's helped me through my grief and has made me realize how great love can be. I'm so grateful for the both of you for giving me the strength to conquer my demons at last."

I struggle to find the right words to say. Words that express my sympathy, yet happiness that she's at peace. "I-I'm glad that you are at peace. I'll be good to him. I promise."

Garfield looks at me, his emerald eyes shining with love. "You already are."

I smile back softly. My arms wrap around his shoulders, pulling him close. He leans into me, shutting his eyes. I continue to hold him as he mourns, giving him the love and comfort that he needs. After all, that's what good girlfriends do.

BBRae

After dinner the tower has become quiet. Nightwing and Starfire are out bowling, while Cyborg is out on a date with a pretty blonde named Sara. This just leaves Garfield and I alone at the tower. Normally we'd take advantage of being alone together, but today's events have been so emotionally exhausting for the both of us that all we've been doing is sitting on the sofa, sipping tea and enjoying each other's company.

I turn the page of my latest book The Fault in Our Stars. I'm close to the end and am finding the novel quite enjoyable, despite its sad themes. It may sound strange that I'm reading a romance novel, but I've been getting into the genre since Garfield and I started dating. Probably because of my Love emotion.

"Rae," Garfield says tiredly from beside me.

"Hmmm," I respond, tearing my eyes away from my book to look at him. His eyes are halfway open and his expression is sluggish. It looks like he's going to fall asleep any minute.

"Thank you for being with me today. It means the world to me."

I give him a small smile. "Of course. I'll always be there for you, Gar. No matter what."

"I'll always be there for you, too," he kisses my cheek gently, making me feel warm all over. "I love you."

"I love you too."

He settles on the couch, his head resting on my legs, using them as a pillow. I continue to read, my hand running through his emerald hair. I feel completely content. Garfield and I have been through a lot of ups and downs, but I know in my heart that as long as we are together we can conquer anything.

The End