I don't own Teen Titans.
[Comments and reviews are highly appreciated, and if I get enough, I'll continue the story].
Chapter 1: Vanishing Act
The solid metal door slams shut as Speedy raises his arm to shield off the early morning burst of sunlight from hitting his eyes. Making his way to the edge of the roof, he looks off in the distance at the approaching sunrise just beginning to peek over the Steel City skyline.
Man he loved the mornings. Pastel streaks of the burning star casting their warmth over a dazed city, and the sense of a fresh start were some of things he's always loved about the sunrise. He lowers his arm to take in the full effect.
Scanning the horizon for signs of life, he spots cars racing down the highway off to who knows where, to do who knows what. He could care less. Probably off to spend time with their families, and waste the whole day with them. On their way to some park in the middle of the city, setting up for a whole day affair. A picnic beneath a shady oak tree, blankets nestled beside the pond, couples reminiscing on a secluded bench chattering about their futures—all bleakly pointless.
The archer draws in an effortless breath and slowly releases with an accompanied sigh. Pulling his left elbow above his head, he stretches his muscles with his remaining hand. His bones creak with satisfied sounds as he takes in the last remaining rays of the morning sunrise.
"I'm going to miss this city," Speedy whispers to himself as he exits the roof by the same door he entered minutes ago.
----------------
Making his way into Titan's East's common room, he already regrets leaving the peace and quiet of his rooftop sanctuary. Mas y Menos are fighting over whose turn it is to play on the Gamesation. They race across the open space from one corner to another trying to not let the other have the controller. Aqualad comes in front the north hallway and shakes his head at the scene unfolding. He reaches out both hands as the two speed towards each other, and grabs the twins by their shirt collars; leaving their legs furiously dangling in the air.
"Have you guys forgot that it's mine turn to play today?" Aqualad sighs as he places the two energetic boys back on solid ground and quickly vaults the couch and grabs the controller.
"Hmph!" A mutual agreement from the disappointed twins, as they quickly race out of the common room—and presumably to their rooms.
Speedy, standing by the roof access door, sees the whole thing and makes his way over the fridge in hopes to find edible food. Pushing aside moldy-looking pizza slices, and half eaten containers of Chinese takeout he closes the refrigerator.
"Is there any actual food in this place, or am I just asking for too much?" He sighs to himself.
"There could be…if you bother to buy some once in a while," A woman says in a monotone voice—Bumblebee. "But since you never bother to, you're stuck with you see."
"Since when is that my job?"
Aqualad is so immersed in his game; he has no clue what's going on—let alone the interest to give Speedy a response. Bumblebee just shakes her head and heads off to join Aqualad on the couch. Speedy rubs his temple, trying to prevent an oncoming migraine.
"Fine," He takes that as his queue to leave the scene, and he exits the room.
Since when has be been the one with all the responsibilities around here, since when did everyone else think so too? He didn't care. That was the last straw he needed. Everyone around here doesn't give a damn about him, so why should he? Maybe he didn't deserve to be a part of Titans East; maybe he wasn't that great a hero as he thought. Whatever the case was, he was sure he couldn't stay here for much longer.
----------------
Making his way around the first corner of the hallway he makes it to his room, and opens the automatic switch and lets himself in. Sunlight peeks through the fine slits in the half drawn blinds, and the smell of must and disorder fills the air.
Taking down a small duffle bag from the top shelf of his closet, he sets it down on the bed. Socks, shoes, pants, deodorant—literally anything and everything—made it's way into that bag. He had no clue what he'd need, nor anything that he wouldn't need. A blur of clothing made it past his eyes, as every possible idea in his mind went straight into the luggage.
A knock came from the door, "Speedy?" It was Bumblebee, why was she even at my door?
"Speedy, why are you acting like this?"
He stops mid fold and sets the messy shirt on the bed sheets, "Acting like what?"
"You know what I mean!" Her voice elevated.
The words stopped at his throat, he wanted to say everything he's been feeling for the past month—to say it right to her face. But he couldn't. Instead he turned away from the closed door and began his furious packing.
A heavy sigh is heard from the opposite side of the door, "Roy…"
Roy? How the hell did she know my real name, I never told anyone that before. Practically everyone I know calls me "Speedy".
"If there's something bothering you—anything at all, you know we're here for you." She takes a breath. "We may not be the team…hell, family you wanted, but it's the best you got going for you."
Roy—Speedy, stares off at the blank wall above his bed listening to his leader's words. His mind goes into overdrive trying to process what he's listening to, and what his heart is screaming in his chest. Remembering the urge to blink he refocuses his attention towards the window and draws up the remaining half of the window.
His city, this new place he has begun to call home, stared back at him. A city bustling with people, culture—life—he loved everything about it. Was he willing to just leave it all, to pack up and go. Where did he expect to go?
Just then his eyes raced across the now brighten room to his dresser on the far side of the room. They transfixed themselves on something in particular—his Titan's communicator. His mind flashed back to the moment in which he got it, he was with Robin.
Robin. Pictures and memories of their first encounter blurred across his vision. The thoughts drowned out Bumblebee's voice outside, which in turn, began to sound more harsh and hateful. He remembered back when the two of them first met, and how blown away he was by the amount of experience and skill he had, for such a young guy. He was in awe.
Reality set back in, and the world around him came back into focus. Bumblebee's fists pounded against the metal sliding door, "Speedy! Open this door!" Her fists make contact a second time.
Moving towards the dresser, he swipes the black and yellow communicator and slips it into his pocket. Grabbing his bow and arrows off the hook next to it, he slings the pouch of projectiles over his head and onto his left shoulder.
Double-checking his bag again, he brings it over to the window and sets it down. Grabbing a coil of rope from the front pocket, he opens the door and lets the air mix with the stale atmosphere of his room.
Tossing the end out of the window and down alongside the building, he ties the top end to the sill and checks it for tension. With a quick nod, and a grunt of approval he slings both his bow and arrows, and duffle bag over his shoulder and climbs out the window.
"Catch you later, BB" Speedy quips as he salutes his door and rappels himself down his team's headquarters.