BEASTLY || CHASE STEIN (EDITING)

chapter two

“Jesus kid, are you even alive today?”

Garfield snapped awake, having accidentally fallen asleep in the backroom as his boss, Wally Jacobs, looked over at him in amusement. After rushing home and changing into some overalls for work, Garfield was initially sweeping while Wally was working on one of his clients' cars before the boy had fallen asleep when business slowed down.

“Sorry, Walls…don’t know what happened!” Garfield blurted out lamely, still flustered from being caught sleeping on the job. Seeing the boy’s flushed expression, Wally arched his eyebrows, unsure how to respond. Having known Garfield since he was a carefree fourteen year old who was eager to learn, Wally knew that the boy was closed-off and avoided confrontation. But who could blame the kid, especially living with a PRIDE member of all people?

“You know..for a usually energetic teenager, I think you could really use some coffee,” he teased, as Garfield rolled his eyes, trying to shake off the drowsiness.

Wally slid a freshly brewed espresso across the table to him, However, Garfield wrinkled his nose at the potent smell of the coffee beans.

“I thought I was banned from drinking on the job?” he added with a playful tone, propting Wally to roll his eyes and tousle Garfield’s curly locks.

"I thought I could trust you just this once, seeing as you're clearly too exhausted to function," the teenager chuckles in reply, taking a sip from the drink. He sighs, gratefully gulping down a long sip, clearly in need of it.

“You look like shit. Do you need to go home?” Wally offered with concern.

"I'm fine, dude... Just a bit tired. Don't worry about me too much," Garfield sighed, though Wally raised an eyebrow, clearly sceptical. "Seriously, I'm okay!"

"I don't know. Sometimes I worry about you. And how many times do I have to tell you not to call me 'dude'? Do I look like a hippie?" Wally asks, deciding to change the subject, pleased to see Garfield's eyes light up.

"Come on, I'm teaching you the new slang," Garfield laughed heartily, wiggling his eyebrows as Wally grinned.

"I'm too old for that stuff... It's almost six, you can leave now if you want. Don't worry, there's only one more client and then I'll close up shop... Go and enjoy life, you're a teenager for Christ's sake," Wally ordered kindly. Garfield smiled warmly, giving him a quick hug before wiping grease off his hands with a cloth.

●□◇□●

Word spread quickly within Garfield’s social circle about the house party, and being someone who never liked to miss out on such events, he naturally decides to attend. Garfield swaps his overalls for something more fitting for a party, not wanting anyone to complain about his lack of effort, although he couldn't care less about appearances.

Parking was a nuisance in itself, dampens the excitement of the event. Driving up and down the same streets in search of a parking spot or constantly switching streets is enough to put a damper on anyone's mood. Fortunately for Garfield, he doesn't own a car, although he would later regret not having one considering the string of unfortunate events that always seem to occur around him. Some might call it bad luck—like accidentally stepping on something questionable, having alcohol spilled on him, or finding no decent snacks at the party. Growing dudes gotta eat, after all.

After ensuring the coast is clear, Garfield cautiously crosses the street, making his way towards the two-story white house where loud music blares, doors wide open, and people were, predictably, being assholes.

As Garfield approaches the house, a voice calls out, causing him to halt and turn around. One of his track mates stands there, holding a red solo cup with an arm wrapped around a girl's torso. "Beast boy! I didn't know you were coming."