Author's Note: Hi! It's me again…I am so delighted to hear from you guys! Now…let's get started with the fic…

Disclaimer: I never have, I never am, and I never will own Teen Titans. Well, maybe in the future…just kidding!

Dedication: Still to you, of course!


Chapter One

Confessions, Compressions


"Starfire, it was a mistake."

The sun was slowly dipping into the mountains of the horizon. It was giving its last rays of the day, and it truly amazes Starfire on how this phenomenon is done perfectly. On Tamaran, they did not have this magical scene, and she wishes that it had. She sat on the roof, chin on her knees. She was letting the cool breeze touch her bare skin and blow her scarlet hair. Closing her eyes, she thought of Robin again.

"I'm so sorry, but, you have to accept the truth. I…" Robin braced himself for the next words that shall come out from his mouth. "I…Starfire, I do not…love…you…that way. We are just…friends, the way we are in the past. And I don't… I don't want expectations."

Starfire had noticed that he gave a strong emphasis on the word 'friends'. How she hated him to be that way! What is he trying to tell her, that he doesn't ever want to spend all eternity with her after all the feelings she gave him? Starfire thought that it is highly possible that he could be lying, and there's a good reason for him to, and that is to protect her from harm. But she feels that she doesn't need to be guarded nor be saved from any danger because she's a matured person now, not a mindless, innocent kid. But didn't he just say that honesty is the key for successful relationships, and doesn't Robin struggle hard to achieve it? He would overly feel guilty for saying such things for scolding Starfire that he, himself, is being a total liar. But he didn't show signs of it, either he was a very good actor, or he didn't feel guilt at all. The thought made Starfire shudder.

"You are not being truthful with me. You are not being truthful with me, and I know it. Please, Robin, I know you are just petrified of-"

"I'm not scared of anything." He turned his back to Starfire, for the reason that he has no other choice, and because he doesn't want her to see his guileful face. Starfire was right. He felt horrible doing this to her. Starfire... I'm so sorry. "You know nothing about me, Starfire. Nothing. I'm scared of nothing."

"Yes, you are," she fired back. "You are afraid of unlocking your feelings to me. After all I have done to you, after all the feelings I've given you. You even think of doing this to me?"

"Starfire. I didn't take you on this roof to argue with your and my feelings. I brought you here to confess. To make my way out of this puzzle. I'm confused, and I don't like that feeling a bit. I want this conversation short; I have got not an interest to listen to your words."

With that, he balled his fists. Am I even doing the right thing? He asked himself. He heard Starfire cry. He felt self-conscious.

"Starfire," he turned to her, "I am not Robin, the boyfriend. You are not Starfire, the girlfriend. You and I? Friends. Titans. Heroes. And it will remain that way. I command you to take part in maintaining it to remain that way."

He faced the door leading downstairs behind him. He reached for the doorknob, and before he shut the door, Starfire spoke at the nick of time, saying "Robin, why are you doing this?" She sobbed. "What have I done wrong? What is this reason on why you hate me? I…demand an answer, please." She crumpled on the floor, still tearing-up on her knees. "Please."

"Goodbye," he ignored her question, causing her heart to disintegrate. "Starfire."

And he left. He did nothing to comfort her; he just left her sobbing on the cold floor of the Tower. No sweet words, no patting on the back. His voice was firm and business-like. The thought that he is already becoming like Bruce Wayne crossed his mind, but he disregarded it. He did not like it one bit.

Starfire opened her eyes, and observed the sky turn from red-orange to dark blue. She realized just now that she was exhausted from their homecoming, and that she had been spacing-out for five hours since the tear-jerking argument. She sighed. After a minute or two, someone's hand touched her shoulder. She jumped for she was alarmed of the fact that she was not alone. She hoped for a second that it was Robin, but took it back after remembering what he has done to her. Providentially, it was only Beastboy.

"Oh, friend Beastboy!" Her tensed muscles relaxed, Beastboy noticed. "You startled me!"

"Relax, Star," he said, holding up his hands as if he was caught kissing the butt of a cat. "It's just me."

"I see your lag of jets has left you. I am most delighted for you." Starfire posted a fake smile on her face. She enormously hoped that it wasn't too obvious. Alas, she failed.

"Hey, Star," he sat down beside her. "You don't have to keep secrets from me. I'm one of your friends." Starfire's expression changed, and was transformed to show her original feelings. "What's he done to you this time?"

"Oh, Beastboy," she buried her face to her hands. She was too busy to realize how Beastboy had known about Robin's and her misunderstanding. "I don't know what to do with him. I am most confused with my very own feelings too, now that he has told me his own. I just thought that everything's going to be fine now, after his confession on Tokyo. I'm so the idiot! Why have I not seen his true affections then?" She started crying all over again. "Why is this happening to me? To…me and him?" She avoided the use of the word 'us', since there's no 'us' between them. They're not an item now. He broke up with her. He broke up with her, on unknown reasons.

"Starfire," he started firmly. "You are anything, and an idiot isn't one of those." He patted her shoulder. "We'll get you through this. All of us will. I mean, it's what friends do, right? No matter what happens, the Titans can bring down every evil bugging you-I mean, we do that to each other when one needs it-and that strictly includes Robin, old-school."

Starfire was very thankful to have friends like him. "I thank X'hal for providing me friends like you. Your supportiveness means much to me, Beastboy, I appreciate it very much."

"Aw, Star, ya don't have to thank me." He stood up, preparing to leave. "Anyhow, I actually came up here to, you know, check on you. You have not eaten anything yet. Ya hungry?"

"Um, no thank you, Beastboy, I am not very hungry. I would very much prefer to stay here and do the spacing out. I will eat when I'm hungry, I am a grown up now, don't put your worries to me, thank you very much."

"Roger-dodger that, Starfire!"

As he reached for the knob to head downstairs, Starfire called him.

"Friend Beastboy?"

"Yeah?"

"I…would you do me a favor?"

"Uh-huh?"

"Please tell our other teammates that I will have to fly around the city. I just need to enlighten myself from…from our homecoming." She stood up, expecting Beastboy to approve with what she's saying.

"Sure thing…but, are you positive you don't want to have any company? I'm available…that is, after I finish eatin' my tofu salad Cyborg miraculously did for me. It took me a hundred years to bug him. But you could join if you want! I mean, you've been stayin' out here on the cold for five hours – I'm freezing." He cuddled himself.

"Beastboy, I…" she sighed, thinking that she doesn't need to tell him about not having to be protected. "Thank you for the generous offer, but, as I have said, I'm not hungry, and I would rather go out alone, all by myself."

"Oooo-kay, but be careful, alright? Oh, and one more thing. Don't come home late, or Robin'll-"

"And would you keep my Titan communicator?" She cut him short on the mention of Robin's name. A small yellow circle with a touch of black was held on her uniquely tanned hands towards Beastboy. "I would wish to have no disturbance while I'm working with my mind and for my location not to be known…and that's because… I am afraid that he'll…"

Beastboy noticed that Starfire had a hard time choosing for words, and she was. But he could understand her though; Robin might stalk her or something, if he knew that she's gone out alone. Especially after their kiss on Tokyo. No. He should NOT allow her to wander around without her communicator. Robin would definitely not approve of it.

No, I should not. I'm her friend, so I should protect her, not just let her leave for the unsafe world. No, tell her to take her communicator with her, so at least I have done something to make her glad. Right. But she would be angry; she might not talk to me just like Rob. So, invite her to eat with me? No, she already said she doesn't wanna. Be strict with her? Besides, it's for her own good; she might even thank me for that. Robin would like it that way. So. I won't let her. Right. Tell her to just go inside, or call Raven if she wouldn't budge. Yup, just the most perfect plan. Robin would totally kill me if I would. Go on, what are you waiting for? Look at her pleading face, she's waiting. Oh, she's as cute as a kitty that way-

"Absolutely, Star." He took her communicator from her hands as Starfire offered him. Realizing what he's doing, he's almost ready to smack his forehead so hard that he would never ever wake up again in the history of time. Almost. But he let her, because he just wants to make people happy - especially in his friends. And not because he saw her adorable face.

"Thank you, Beastboy!" She imprisoned him in a hug, and squeezed him so hard that he's lost capability to breathe.

"Star…stop…hugging…I can't…breathe…"

"Oh! I'm truly sorry!" She let him escape, and a smile formed on her face. The first ever one in hours. Beastboy was glad to see that nerve-relaxing smile, and he was the one who made her do it. And it's because he ignored Robin's will. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

But it was comforting, and he didn't think about Robin for his own benefit. So he beamed back, and said, "I don't want to end our conversation but, I'd better go eat my salad before it gets cold." He pointed on the door behind him.

"Of course you could, Beastboy. I would go now. Enjoy your hearty meal!"

Ooooh… Beastboy thought. She agreed that tofu's healthy. Way to go, Star, keep bein' on my side.

"Ciao! Oh, and be home early!"

Unfortunately, Starfire flew very quickly that she didn't hear Beastboy's last sentence… And also because she was busy thinking what 'ciao' means - if she ever even heard of it. The language of Earthlings…


The door of the common room automatically opened in front of him. The two other Titans looked up, and seeing he's alone, Raven said, "You haven't got her down?" She was holding a book-as usual-and she was rereading one of Stephen King's novels. "She's been up there for, like, five hours." She stood up. "Let me try to-"

"No, I've taken care of it already. She's cool, she even smiled at me - and I bet that's the only one she made for hours - but she wouldn't budge. Only, she asked me a small favor, she wants to go outside and wander around Jump. And, oh, Raven. "

She looked up at him.

"Are you worried?" Beastboy's face was filled with fake affection. "I think you're worried."

"I'm not."

"Yeah you are. Then why are you looking at the clock just lately? I saw your eyes sparkle with fear when you saw its 7pm."

"Looking at the clock is not a sign of anxie – wait. It is a sign of anxiety. Most of the time. And correction: you must use the word 'were', not 'are', you little munchkin."

"Munchkin?" Cyborg asked her after he placed the plate of sandwiches on the kitchen table. "What's a-?"

"It's a creature created fictionally on the story titled-"

Beastboy and Cyborg were grinning. How they enjoyed teasing Raven this way. Oh, look at that li'l blush form on her cheeks. The two were thinking the same thing. Raven sensed it. It was disgusting. It was just then that she realizes what she's been dribbling about. Wizard of Oz? She thought. I'm actually letting my friends know I'm reading 'Wizard of Oz'? Stupid, stupid, stupid.

"The story titled what?" Cyborg went forward to the now-standing Raven.

"Oh, I know!" Beastboy mocked. "It's somewhat similar to 'Hello, I'm A Grown-Up Now but Am Still Reading Books of Baby Types', right Raven?"

Raven stared at them. Get the lead out, stupid mind .Yeah, I know, I should be staying away in ill-company. That's right. Me and my big mouth. Why wouldn't you think of something clever when I need it? I'm practically passing out right now. Quick, think, think, think. Come on; make yourself embarrassed for a year if you don't think for something witty. Go and act a la Jimmy Neutron - hey, where did that name come from?

She looked up the two smirking buddies. She smiled in thought because she felt that it was hurting them already. But for a second, she wondered, Is 'Wizard of Oz' that baby-like? I knew that every kind of literature is made of art. And she really appreciated art.

"Go on, Raven. We're waiting." Cyborg and Beastboy held their hands toward Raven, whose face was getting a bit shade of bright pink.

Now here's something for you to be humiliated for the rest of the week.

"Why are you asking me the meaning of the word 'munchkin'?" The duo didn't get what she's saying. The minds of low-types…

"Should you be teasing me if you know the description - and source - of that word? Munchkins."

The changeling slapped Cyborg's mechanical chest. He was laughing hysterically. "She got you in there!"

As Raven excited the mad common room filled with the cackling of a green human, the last words she heard was from Cyborg's. "Shut up, grass stain! I'll never ever cook you a tofu pancake ever again!"

And that miraculously got him.


Starfire flew around the city, and if usually she enjoys the sight of the colorful city lights, now she doesn't. She is taking pity on herself. And the question Robin didn't answer ('What is this reason on why you hate me?') was still bothering her. What was there to keep from her?

It seemed like the gigantic cumulo-nimbus was following her. It was dark, and she hasn't seen one small star. It was just around seven-thirty, and the town was still in its good spirits. One strong and cold breeze blew from the west and Starfire felt the inability to fly. After all the struggling she made to keep up, the alien fell on her back. She hit the hard ground of the grassed park.

She was on the Jump City Public Park.

Starfire found a swing nearby and positioned herself for comfort. She pushed it slowly back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. After a minute or so, her mind relaxed after the surrounding city quieted for a little bit. Time was flying a bit of a snail's pace for her. Gradually, an hour passed. Another hour had gone by. She was still swaying, thinking about nothing subconsciously. Nothing. Not the hero thing, not about Robin, or the Titans or herself - just, nothing.

Only one question floats around her head.

Why was she destined to be here on Earth on the first place?

The city was now almost empty of civilians. Boy, she thought she never remembered what the definition of the word 'quiet' is. Raven was right – peace and tranquility is good to control your emotions and it helps you think of a more positive solution to your-

Wait. What was that? Starfire thought she heard something.

"Is…is someone there?"

Quiet. Stillness. They were the only things that answered her back.

"H-hello?"

Still nothing. The wind blew, causing the leaves on the ground to rustle. She was certain that she heard something…..

She figured it was only the wind, but, the silence that surrounded her – it was almost terrifying. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to make her return home immediately.

Time-unconscious, she continued to sway and refresh her mind from the whole day's excursions. After a couple of minutes, she heard it again. She was absolute that it was not the leaves or her mind playing illusions on her. Footsteps. She heard footsteps. And not just any squirrel, it was human footsteps. Loud and clear.

Alerted, she stood from her swing with trembling knees. Oh no. I do hope I will not put myself into trouble, Robin will be furious.

"Who's there?" She used a voice similar to Robin's firm and commanding ones, since she wants to threaten the enemy. "Who are you? Show yourself!"

The sounds of the antagonist's approach became louder and crystal-clear. He stepped into the light, and she saw him clearly. She has no doubt; he is the Titans' greatest enemy. No one has ever been able to defeat him, let alone match his accuracy, speed, and strategic skills. He's-

Slade.

Her voice weakening, she said, "Wh-what are you doing here? I have thought…"

Starfire thought she saw a menacing smile behind that orange and black mask. "It's been a long time." He said with a voice of something Starfire couldn't describe. "Don't I even get to say hello?"

"I will not say to you greetings of welcome. I do not do that to evil ones like you!" She shot a starbolt at his chest. Is it late in the night now? Robin will surely scold me.

Slade easily regained his composure, although being thrown to a building wall hurts pretty much. He clenched his fists determinedly and ran to Starfire. She obviously hasn't seen that coming, thus she was hit on her right upper arm. It didn't leave a bruise but it stung. She was now holding the injured arm trying to soothe it, but nothing worked.

What is his reason for attacking me? I haven't done anything wrong, have I? Usually his only gain is if he will get to Robin, but why me? What does he want with me?

Starfire shot him a volley of starbolts after flying high up in the air. He got an A on defending himself. He clearly had planned this all along, and knew her fighting strategy.

Slade hid on the bushes around the park, confusing Starfire. When she didn't see the enemy anymore, she placed her feet on the ground.

"Show yourself, coward," she grumbled.

A shadow from behind her spoke and said, "What coward are you referring to? I'm not afraid to fight you."

"Don't be alarmed." Lightning-quick, she dashed to him with a shout. She punched him on the abdomen, Slade releasing a small cry of pain. In return, he held Starfire's hair and pushed it downward, just as he did to Robin when he was still his apprentice.

"Let…me...go…you-"

"Starfire, I have expected much from you, considering that Tamaranian abilities are much higher to a human's."

"What?" How did he know about that? He knows nothing about me.

"Let's make this fair, shall we?"

"How will you make it fair if you're currently grabbing a hold of my hair? Let go of me, you twisted glermpork."

Glermpork? What the hell did that mean?

He freed her, and Starfire immediately got into her fighting stance, knuckles turning a bit pale surrounded by an orb of poisonous green energy.

"What do you want from me?"

"It's not that I want from you. It's that I want with you." He replied like it was the most evident thing in the world. "Let's have a duel."

"Agreed. If I win, you'll have to make yourself disappear on the face of the Earth, and if you can't, I will make it happen myself." Her starbolts grew brighter.

Slade chuckled, like he was trying to tell her that she has no chance of ever defeating him. Starfire? She didn't like it. He was sickening.

"If I win," he started, voice satisfied. His plan was going to be too easy as he expected. "You'll do me a favor, whether you like it or not."

You're not ever going to be the boss of me…

"Once you don't survive thirty seconds in battle with me, you'll do what I have to say to you."

That pissed her off.

"Stop looking down at me."

"Why?" Another smile behind that mask. "Is it because that reminds you of Robin? Does he look down on you too?"

Like a furious fighter, she shot a starbolt at him. Then another. And another. But then again, Slade avoided it with ease. He knows my weakness….

When she stopped to gulp big amounts of air, heavy raindrops started to fall.

"What now, Starfire? At your limit already? Are you used to being protected by your leader?"

That infuriated her again. What is he doing?

Finding out that she couldn't use her starbolts anymore, she showered Slade with her compact blows. Slade backed out a bit to avoid it, but Starfire punched him on the face. She slightly broke his mask, in evidence of the crack running down from the eye up to the middle of his disguise. He covered it with his left hand.

After stroking it for a while, he said, "Now that's the spirit I've been waiting for."

Twenty seconds have passed. I should defeat him in this duel. Ten more seconds left…

"Don't smile conceitedly. The battle's not over yet." He said knowingly.

Nine seconds.

He rushed towards Starfire with a staff on his hand. Starfire had not got a time to react, he was a swift person.

Eight seconds.

Slade hit her left upper arm, and it was more excruciating than the first one. It is going to leave a mark, I'm certain.

Seven seconds.

She replied his hit with a kick, not bothering to feel sympathy for herself.

Six seconds.

Slade didn't feel anything despite her reflex, for what she had hit was his armor.

Five seconds.

He used Starfire's kick as an advantage, grabbing the foot that she used.

Four seconds. I could not possibly survive this…

He threw her to the ground.

Three seconds.

Starfire was unable to control her composure because of the stinging pain on her back. He sure knows how to slaughter a Tamaranian.

Two seconds.

He kneeled beside Starfire and held her neck, and she let out a small inaudible whimper.

One second.

He grasped her up and said, "Time's up."

Starfire had her eyes closed, but Slade knows she can hear him.

He whispered right on her ear, murmuring: "Tell Robin that I have come back. That I have returned. Or you'll receive the rightful consequences."

He let her fall to the ground, and sprinted away.


Notes from the Authoress:

Note #1: I'm gonna update only during Saturdays or Sundays. That's very important.

Note #2: I'm a very frustrated writer, I know. You don't need to rub it in my face.

Note #3: I'm not very good at making jokes. So if you didn't get my joke about the word 'Munchkins' just lately, don't bother to understand. You'll only have a headache.

Note #4: I don't know ALL Teen Titan facts. So if I get somethin' wrong, please tell. Don't be selfish.

Note #5: THIS IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT—I didn't know this feeling of happiness that pierced through my cold and unfeeling body when I have read your reviews! I was so overwhelmed…OHMYGOSH, thank you all so much!

Always yours,

TiTaN-kINd-Of-GaL