What hurts the Most Chapter 7

7. Goodbyes

Beast Boy sat in Raven's room, having been invited there once they both recovered from their ordeal.  Raven sat next to him, gathering herself for what would be the hardest things she would ever have to say.

"Beast Boy...we need to talk."

"It's...anout what I said back in the cave, isn't it?"

Raven nodded.

"Well, it was true, every word of it.  I can understand if you don't feel the same-" Raven interrupted his starting self-pity diatribe with a kiss on the lips.  Beast Boy's eyes widened, and he tried to catch his breath when she pulled away.

"I know...and I feel the same."

"Raven..."  Beast Boy was stunned.  In his mind, fireworks and other celebrations were going off.  Not only had he managed to confess to Raven, but she felt the same way, AND she kissed him!

"You're probably wondering why I haven't told you before this..."

"...maybe a little..."

Raven sighed.  "It's because I'm dying."

"WHAT!"

"Beast Boy, don't freak out-"

"Raven, you just told me you love me, and now you tell me you're dying!  This is like, 10 times the heart twist Star did to RObin day one!  And now you tell me not to freak out!"

"Beast Boy, nothing can be done."

"What do you mean nothing can be done?"

Raven stared himdown, and he quieted.  Then she thought for a time.  "You know that old saw about Death having an hourglass for every person that measures the sands of their lives?"

Beast Boy nodded.

"Well, my demonic nature means that I go through my sand a lot quicker...and whenever I use my magic, I burn up more."

"You mean...fighting crime the way you do...you're burning up your life?"

Raven nodded.

"...WHY?"

"Because...at least that way my death would mean something.  Before my father tried to come through, I tried to burn up enough of my life force so I would die before he could use me as his portal...but he kept sending more energy into me.  After...I knew I wouldn't live a full life, so I tried to go out a hero, and not leave anyone behind me brokenhearted."

Beast Boy was quiet for a while, then pulled her into his arms.  "Raven...how...how much time have you got left?"

"...at most a year..."

"Then I'm going to make sure it's the best year of your life."

"...Beast Boy?"

"Not anymore.  RAven...I'm going to make sure that this last year of your life...is worth every moment, or my name isn't Garfield Mark Logan."

"...Gar..."  She couldn't take it anymore.  She cried into his chest.

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The next morning, she awone to find two suitcases packed and waiting to go.  Garfield had laid out some casual clothes for her, and she changed into them.  When she opened her door, he was there, smiling.  He pulled her into a quick embrace, and a quick kiss.  "Let's not waste a moment."  He picked up the suitcases.

Down in the garage, the others were waiting for them.  Everyone embraced Raven tearfully.

"Friend Raven...I...I hope your last year is one bountiful with love and joy."  Starfire couldn't hold back her tears.

"Rae...don't leave anything for regrets, ya here me, sis?"  Tears poured from Cyborg's one human eye.

Robin was silent as he embraced Raven.  Then he turned and handed something to Garfield.  "Here."  It was a debit card with the name "G.M. Logan" on it.  "Funds for your trip.  Go nuts, okay?"

"...thanks Robin."  Gardield's voice was thick with emotion.

"Come on you guys," Cyborg said.  "I got you guys a going away present."  He pressed a button on his wrist, and a panel opened up, revealing a supped up Mustang convertible.  "It's got all the latest Titan tech, and it'll get you anywhere you wanna go faster than anything else on Earth, sea, or sky."  He held out his hand, and gave Gar the keys.  On the ring were two tags, each in the shape of an airplane ticket.  Both read, "Paradise."