Title: Green w/ Red Jealousy
Rated: K+
Synopsis: Now an honorary Titan with control of his powers, Red Star is now able to go forth and see the world that he previously only knew through postcards and the Internet. The Russian powerhouse owes it all to his new friend Starfire, so he decides to make his first visit abroad to Jump City to pay a visit to the Tamaranian beauty. But when the former Soviet Union's ultimate soldier begins to crush on Star, Robin is finally forced to deal with his own feelings for her. But has the Boy Wonder waited too long?
CHAPTER ONE
Daybreak came early as it always did this time of year in Siberia. In summers, it wasn't unusual for the sun to rise around 5am. Red Star had trained himself to rise before the sun did. Not uncommon for soldiers to rise before the sun...even in mother Russia. The young soldier went about his morning routine just as he always did. But now, things were different. He now had control of his power, and was no longer forced to live a life of isolation, away from people.
It had been a few months since he helped the Titans defeat the Brotherhood of Evil and their cronies. Getting out of Siberia and into action...defeating evil...it was everything he had ever wanted to do since enlisting in the Russian army. But still, years of isolation took its toll on him. He was so used to being by himself that he had forgotten what it was like to be in the company of people, much less have friends his own age. It felt awkward, being at the Tower for the victory celebration afterwards.
But thankfully, there was someone there to help him overcome his awkwardness. The same person who had convinced him not to hide from people.
"I am not like you Starfire, mine is a power I cannot keep inside..."
"Then do not. The greater the struggle against your power the more it resists. Embrace what you have inside. Let it become you...and you will find what you are meant to be."
Starfire had taught him there was no reason to hide anymore. No reason to live a life of isolation. Before he had left the Tower to return home, he recalled that conversation he had with her.
"Must you leave so soon? It seems like you have only just arrived here!"
"I am sorry Starfire, but General Raskov is anxious for me to return to the homeland. We are going to rebuild the village, but once that is finished I will have much of the free time I once had."
"Oh, then please do return once you have the free time again. You are welcome here any time! Promise that it will not be long before we see you again."
"I promise, Starfire. And thank you again for everything you have done for me. It is appreciated more than you will ever know."
"I welcome you. Do not become a stranger, please visit when you can."
The memory brought a smile to Red Star's face. The young man finished his breakfast of pokhlebka and went back to his bedroom. On his dresser, there were photos of his friends in the army, a group photo of the Titans, and a postcard of the beach. Ever since he was a boy, going to the beach had been a dream of his. But growing up poor, living in a landlocked country like Russia, and being from such a cold environment had put that dream well out of reach. Up until now.
"I shall take Starfire up on her offer." he told himself. The young man packed a bag of clothes, enough for a few days, walked outside, and took off into the night sky, anxious to go back to Jump City, and see his new friends.
"DUDE, NO FAIR YOU CAN'T DO THAT!"
Beast Boy stared at the screen intently as he was locked in a cyberspace battle with his girlfriend.
"What's the matter BB, is your pride getting stomped because you're getting stomped by a girl!"
"Oh, that's it! You're going down!"
"If I had a dollar for every time I heard that..."
Terra had been back on the team for only a couple of months, ever since her amnesia had worn off. The Titans determined it must have been a side effect from having been in a state of suspended animation for so long. But Beast Boy didn't care, all he knew was that Terra was back, and that was good enough for him.
"Yo! I've got winner!" said Cyborg as he walked into ops, coming up behind the sofa as Beast Boy and Terra continued playing. "Who's winning?"
"That would be me," said Terra as she continued pressing on buttons in rapid succession.
"What? Man, are you letting her kick your butt again? C'mon dawg,"
"Drop it Cyborg..." said Beast Boy as he too was furiously punching away on his controller.
This only prompted laughter out Cyborg. Over in the dining area Raven was busy reading away on her latest novel as Robin read the daily paper. The door to ops swung open and Starfire flew in, in a bubbly mood as she always was.
"Robin?"
At first there was no response, Robin continued to read his article.
"Robin? Please forgive my interruption, are you occupied?"
Raven looked over her book and saw that Starfire was looking right at the paper that Robin was using to cover himself. She rolled her eyes, and continued reading her book.
"Just a second Star, let me finish this story."
After another minute Robin dropped the page, "What is it Star?"
"Robin, I am wondering...are you busy this coming end of week?"
Suddenly, all of the Titans had stopped what they were doing to look around at the dining area of the common room.
"Uh, I don't think so Star, why?"
"Oh! Robin there is this activity within the city occuring and I am anxious to see it! I am informed that-"
"I'm sorry Star, I've got other plans."
"But...you just said that-"
"I'm sorry, but I forgot that I've gotta update some training files this weekend. Maybe some other time, ok?"
Starfire lowered her eyes and tried to hide her disappointment, "Very well,"
"Yo, Star! What's going on? Maybe I can go with you instead..."
"No, it is not important, Cyborg, thank you very much, though." she said, as she flew out of the room without another word.
Robin had resumed reading his paper, until he felt four sets of eyes burning holes into his very soul. He dropped the paper to see everyone staring at him.
"What!"
Terra and Beast Boy said nothing, resuming their game. But Cyborg and Raven were not as quick to let him off the hook.
"...training files?"
"Just drop it, Raven. Okay?"
"Y'know Robin..."
"What Cyborg!" said the boy wonder, dropping his paper and staring at the half robot.
"Forget it, it's not worth arguing with you anymore...but one of these days..."
"Yeah, yeah, look just drop it okay?"
"OH YEAH, making my comeback!" said Beast Boy as he had Terra's player pinned against the wall...
"Just one more move and-"
But Beast Boy's victory was not to be fulfilled as the Gamestation was overridden by a communication signal coming in to the Titan mainframe.
"What! Nooooooooo!"
"Looks like I'm still undefeated! WOOT!"
"That's enough guys," said Robin. "There's a signal coming in from one of the communicators, coming from...Red Star? Onscreen."
"Hello, my comrades!"
"Red Star. Good to hear from you. Is there a problem?"
"No, there is no problem my friends. I am only calling to inform-"
"RED STAR!" said Starfire as she entered the room. "It is wonderous to hear from you! Is something wrong?"
"No Starfire, as I was saying before, I am calling to inform you that I am going to be in Jump City tomorrow. Is it acceptable for me to come visit?"
"You betcha, Red..." said Cyborg, "we'll get the guest room ready for ya!"
"This is wonderous news!" added Starfire, "we look forward to your visit!"
Robin couldn't help but notice Starfire's excitement, but didn't pay it much mind.
"We'll expect to see you tomorrow Red Star,"
"Affirmative, Red Star...out."
"Um, who's that?" asked Terra.
"Red Star, he's this Russian dude who helped us beat the Brotherhood of Evil."
Terra giggled slightly, "He's kinda cute..."
"Oh, we must prepare for Red Star's arrival! We must make him feel at home for he does not get away from his own home so often! Perhaps if we make some of the home stew that he is accustomed to and if we make the snow that exists in his environment and if we were to-"
"Starfire!"
"Oh, I am sorry Robin, It is just that I am very excited that our friend is coming to visit! I will help prepare the guest room so that he will be comfortable!"
Starfire flew out of the room quickly, generating a curious stare from Robin.
"I've never seen her get this excited before..." he said, walking out of ops.
"Gee, I wonder why..." added Cyborg, following shortly thereafter.
Open to any and all comments and constructive criticism...thanks!