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Chapter 2
Undercover
"So she just blasted him?"-BB asked with a squeaky voice
The next morning at Titans Tower, Raven, BB and Cyborg had breakfast on the kitchen table while they discussed the events that took place the day before. Cyborg had walked Starfire to Robin's room to make sure nothing happened on the way there. He then had left them and had gone to meet Raven at the training room. Cyborg explained the situation to Raven who, even though did not show any expression on her face, had a bad feeling about what had occurred at the kitchen with Starfire and Robin. Apparently, Starfire had spent the night at Robin's room and did not come out of it at all. The Titans believed she was still there since her room was neat and clean (more than usual) and they had not seen Robin yet since yesterday. Two things were terribly wrong: Robin had not been the first one to wake up and Starfire had not talked to any of them since yesterday afternoon. Raven had just filled BB in with the details.
"She said that she saw someone else"-Cyborg said
"Who?"-BB asked
"We still don't know. But the important fact here is that she attacked him. Starfire attacked Robin"-Raven answered
"I can't believe it! Starfire is not the type of person that will attack without reason. Starfire would not ever hurt any of us willingly, especially Robin"-BB said
"Our point exactly; if she was able to hurt him, she is more than capable of attacking us"-Raven said
The Titans hung their heads and fell into an uncomfortable silence. The situation did not look good. Their leader was not able to tell them what to do or how to react at the moment. Robin sure had many responsibilities as a leader of the team; many of which the Titans had taken for granted until this moment. BB finally broke the silence with a question that was on all of the Titans heads, including the ones not present at the kitchen table at the moment. The tone of his voice only confirmed the pain and sadness of his face.
"What are we gonna do?"
Raven closed her eyes, trying to concentrate and find an answer for BB's question. Was it possible that such an easy question had such a difficult answer? Cyborg sighed deeply and spoke in an even tone.
"We have to wait and see what they resolve by themselves, and from that we decide what our part in this will be. Maybe going to the doctor was not such a good idea"
Raven opened her eyes after hearing Cyborg's last statement. She stared at Cyborg and then at BB. Taking her hood off, she stated her thoughts.
"I think it is a good idea. Starfire's reaction yesterday was undeniable proof that she needs the help and that she is tired of carrying that burden of the past. It is time for her to leave it all behind"-Raven said
The Titans deducted that Starfire would probably act in the same strange behavior while this "cleaning" occurred. They just had to be extremely careful with her and watch over Robin from a very close range, and the rest of them for that matter. Even though Starfire was not a person to be afraid of, the fact that she had attacked Robin made them think twice about this statement being absolutely true.
Meanwhile, Starfire slept on the same chair she had been sitting for almost 20 hours even though the soreness on her foot had been present all the time. Starfire had witnessed Robin's struggle to have a good night's sleep. She had been woken up several times by his mumbling while he was still slumbering.
Sometimes his mumbling related to punishing BB and Cyborg for something that had occurred only in Robin's dream, yet most of the time, Robin repeated that dreaded name: Slade. Even just imagining what Robin had been dreaming about made her feel uneasy. Starfire was worried about Robin's health. Maybe he was also as traumatized as she was about the ordeal of their past. Maybe Robin would be able to understand her after all.
Starfire had left out some details of the past adventure to prevent Robin from being hurt. However, leaving these details behind was eating her inside. Starfire thought that Robin would never understand what she went through, the decision she made, and her current state. But now that she had seen that maybe Robin also suffered from the same nightmares, there was a slight chance that Robin would see her side of the story and she could begin talking about that unmentionable topic with him.
Starfire remembered that Jones had told her that the best way to deal with her problems was to share them with someone else, preferably if this person had gone through a similar situation. She had felt better after she told Jones the beginnings of the story to him but she knew that the real person she needed to talk to was Robin. Her Boy of Wonder urged her to hear the whole story and being the leader of the Titans and owner of her heart, he also deserved to know everything.
Robin mumbled something unintelligible and slightly growled. He slowly opened his eyes and took his hand to his forehead to rub it. His head hurt.
"What the hell?"-Robin thought
Robin looked at his curtain. It was closed. He then saw the birdarang attached to it. Memories came back to his head. He remembered closing the curtain and then getting up from bed because of his hunger. After taking a shower he had smelled food. Starfire had been cooking.
"Starfire, in the kitchen"-Robin thought
He then recalled coming back from the hospital and talking to Cyborg. They were talking about the Tower's Security system when he heard Starfire gasp for air, as if she was chocking. He had run to her and she felt awfully stiff in his arms.
"Starfire, talk to me. What's wrong? Starfire, snap out if it!" Robin remembered saying this to Starfire. He then recalled Starfire acting like she was defending herself. She looked scared and looked at him like if he was threatening her. He heard Starfire saying "Let me go! Robin!" or was it "Let me go Robin!"? He could not tell if she was calling his name for help of if she was asking him to let go of her.
Robin then remembered Starfire closing her eyes. He thought Starfire had finally come back to him but he was terrible wrong. He made the mistake of putting his guard down and he became open to the attack, her attack. He saw a green light and then everything became black. Did she attack him?
"She would never do that to me"-Robin thought
Robin turned to his other side and gasped when he saw Starfire sitting on a chair, next to his bed. How long has she been there?
"How long have I been here?"-Robin thought
Robin used his arm to push himself up and sat on his bed, staring at Starfire. She was still asleep or was she unconscious? He sat on the edge of his bed, his feet touching the cold floor. He tilted his head as he examined her from a distance. She did look asleep. Robin stood up and kneeled to be at eye level with Starfire, who was still on the chair. He supported his body with his left arm on the chair and with his other had he cupped Starfire's left cheek. Starfire's head was tilted to the left, her breathing steady and slow.
"So beautiful"-Robin thought
Robin felt scared when he saw Starfire attacking him at the kitchen, yet now, staring at her, he could not force himself to be afraid. He knew that Starfire would never hurt him willingly and that something must have had happened with her that made her do what she did. He looked at his alarm clock and saw the "12:00" mark blink. Starfire had disconnected the alarm during the night to prevent Robin from having a rude awakening. Robin sighed and after removing his hand from Starfire's cheek, he rubbed his face with his hands. He then realized that his mask was off.
Robin stood up and glanced at his nightstand to confirm that his mask was on top it and it was. Starfire always took special care of him; there was no reason to think that Starfire had hurt him on purpose. This was the second day since Starfire left the team and things were already getting real ugly. Robin did not even want to think what would have happened if Starfire's reaction had been in battle. Then it struck him, what if Starfire had already tried to blast the hell out of him?
"The docks"-Robin thought
Robin remembered how two days ago he thought she wanted to blast him but at the end it turned to be that she had saved his life. Or did she?
Robin shook his head to erase these thoughts and decided to talk to her when she woke up. He did not want to jump into conclusions until she gave him her side of the story. With the current situation there was no room for assuming anything negative, not this time around. Robin sat on the floor, in front of Starfire's feet and carefully removed her shoes. He planned on laying her on the bed and leave her to rest. Knowing her, she must have stayed all night taking her of him and sleeping on a chair did not seem very comfortable.
Robin removed her left shoe and put it under his bed. He then proceeded to remove her right shoe and it felt like it was being unglued from her sock. Starfire flinched while still asleep and a small whimper was heard. Robin stopped moving and held his breath. He waited a few seconds and he was glad to see that she had not woken up.
Robin examined the shoe in his hand and saw red spots on it. Whatever it was, the liquid had dried up and got stuck on the fabric. Robin touched it and smelled it. He then reached for Starfire's foot and saw more red stains on the sock. He carefully removed the sock, trying not to hurt Starfire again. Robin then remembered what had happened: Starfire had dropped the glass she was holding when she saw him. She looked scared. After struggling with her, she had closed her eyes and then took a step forwards before blasting him with her eye's laser. She had stepped on the broken glass and it had punctuated the shoes, reaching her foot.
Robin felt guilty after he realized what had happened. Starfire completely ignored her pain to take care of him first. That was Starfire's style alright: putting everything else and everyone else before her well-being.
"Just like Red X"-Robin thought
However, if Red X was part of Robin, did this not mean that Robin too was able to put everything and everyone before him? Maybe, maybe not.
"Slade"-Robin thought
Yes, it was true that he had left his obsession with Slade get the best of him and had pushed his friends away. He had pushed Starfire away and even then, she never gave up on him. She put up his attitude and tried to open his eyes. Robin felt his stomach flip. Starfire was too much for him.
"I don't deserve you, Star"-Robin thought
Robin carried Starfire to his bed and slowly laid her on it. He then walked to his nightstand and grabbed his utility belt. He went back to his bed and sat on the floor, in front of the end of the bed. He opened one of the many cases of his utility belt and took out a tiny bottle that contained rubbing alcohol and a tiny gauze. He began cleaning Starfire's wound.
"I need to watch over you closely. I don't want you to get hurt anymore"-Robin thought
Meanwhile, the Titans had finished their breakfast and returned to their assigned tasks. BB washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. Cyborg continued to update the Tower's system and Raven excused herself saying that she was going to meditate. Her special task had been interrupted yesterday when Cyborg beeped her to tell her the situation with Robin and Starfire. She had to get back to work before Robin woke up and found out that she had stopped halfway her job.
Raven arrived to the Evidence Room and after making sure no one was following her, she got in and locked the door. Raven began examining Red X's clothes as carefully as she had done yesterday. Such a meticulous job made her extremely tired, her mind having to be focused on the current task while the events from yesterday occupied her mind as well, made her job even more difficult. Raven could not help to let her mind wander and think about her point of view about the existing obstacle that the Titans were encountering.
"I can't believe Robin wants this guy back, don't we have enough trouble with Starfire's trauma?"-Raven thought
Raven sighed desperately and increased the lens's capacity of the microscope to have a more accurate view of the piece of garment she was examining.
"Maybe we do need two Robin's to stop Starfire next time she attacks…or maybe she will attack twice as often with two Robins around"-Raven thought
Raven heard footsteps approaching the Evidence Room's door and her instinct was to stop her movement. Who was it? Was it Robin? Was it Starfire? What was she supposed to do if someone else than Robin caught her red-handed? Raven heard the footsteps stop and someone began talking. It was BB.
"Now I have to be the Tower's maid? Beast Boy clean this…Beast Boy clean that…who am I? Mother May-Eye?" BB said while putting the bucket of water on the floor and wetting the mop. BB turned to face the door and turn the knob. Raven held her breath.
"Why is the door locked?" BB asked himself, again trying to open the door. "Maybe I can turn into a mouse and open the door from inside…"
"Since when did Beast Boy become so smart?"-Raven thought
"…or, I could just say the door was locked and save myself the work of having to clean more rooms than I am supposed to. Beast Boy, you are a genius!"-BB said
BB lifted the bucket of water and made his way to the restroom. The Evidence Room was barely used; he did not think that it even got dirty. Besides, it was not like Robin was going to see the difference, right?
"He has better things to worry about"-BB thought
With this, he began his moping of the restroom, far away from the Evidence Room. Raven continued to do her job, trying not to make as much noise as before.
"Maybe I should complain less and work more"-Raven thought
Robin finished making sure Starfire was comfortable and after taking a shower and getting back on his uniform, he left his room.
"Now to straight things with the rest of the Titans"-Robin thought
Robin made his way to the main room where he knew he would find Cyborg working on the Tower's system and he was right. Cyborg turned to see who had come in and was glad to see Robin.
"Hey, man! How are you feeling?"
Robin grinned and walked towards Cyborg. He took a peak at the laptop's screen and saw that Cyborg was almost done with the updating of the Tower's computer.
"Been better, thanks. What percent of the system's update have you finished?"-Robin asked
"80 percent; almost done, champ"-Cyborg answered
"Good, you can stop now"-Robin said
"Why? You are giving a break?"-Cyborg said
"No. I promised you and BB an extra amount of training, remember? Do you seriously think I would forget?"-Robin asked
"After the doctor's appointment, the attack from Starfire and the almost one-day coma you had, well…yes"-Cyborg answered
"Tough luck, now go find Beast Boy. I'll meet you outside at the Training Area"-Robin said
"Ok. One question, though"-Cyborg said
"What is that?"-Robin asked
"How is Star doing? Are you guys ok?"-Cyborg asked
Robin sighed, knowing this question was going to be asked soon. What was he supposed to say?
"The truth"-Robin thought
"She is doing ok. She hurt her foot with the glass but I took care of that, she's sleeping at my room now. I haven't talked to her so I can't tell you more than that. All I know is that she didn't mean to attack me, I don't have to ask her to know that she didn't do it on purpose"-Robin answered
Cyborg nodded and gave Robin's shoulder a little squeeze as in saying "Hold on there, friend. We have your back" and left the room to look for BB. Robin got himself a glass of water to make time and allow Cyborg to be as far away from the Evidence Room as possible. He had to go see Raven's report of her task.
Robin waited a couple of minutes and got out of the main room, making his way to the Evidence Room. On the other side of the Tower, Cyborg had found BB and was telling him about Robin's orders to meet outside to train.
"I can't believe he didn't forget about the whole thing!"-BB said
"Did you really think he would forget?"-Cyborg asked
"After the doc's appointment, the attack from Star and the almost one-day not-waking-up thingy he had, well…yeah!"-BB answered
Cyborg chuckled at BB's response; it was funny how they both thought alike sometimes.
"Come on, we better not keep Robin waiting. He'll double our extra trainings"-Cyborg said
"Yeah, yeah"-BB said
Cyborg and BB made their way outside the Tower. Robin was already inside the Evidence Room.
"As I told you before, I haven't finished examining him but results so far don't look good, at all"-Raven said
"Keep looking Raven. There must be something we can use"-Robin said
"I will, don't worry. You take care of Starfire"-Raven said
"I will, don't worry. Right now I want you to keep an eye on Star. I have to train Beast Boy and Cyborg outside the Tower. She's in my room, the door is unlocked"-Robin said
"You didn't forget the punishment?"-Raven asked
Robin shook his head.
"Ok, I'm on my way. Don't want to be on your bad side"-Raven said
Robin grinned and Raven left the room. Robin stared at Red X's attire and felt afraid that he might not be able to come back. Red X deserved the chance and Robin would do anything to give it to him. His dead had been Robin's fault anyway, he remembered it all.
Robin growled, feeling the anger climb up to his face. He thought he would never hate anyone else more than he hated Slade. He was wrong. He could not stand the presence of this man, this copy that was standing in front of him. It did not matter how sick everyone said he was, he had hurt what Robin protected the most and Robin was not going to let him get away with it.
-"What angers you the most? That you couldn't have her or that I did?"-Red X asked
-"This ends now"-Robin answered
-"You can't touch me"-Red X said
-"Watch me"-Robin said
Robin gathered all his fears, all his hate and all his anger and aimed it at the person in front of him. This person that had ruined his life, almost made his team disappear and had took advantage, full advantage, of his best friend. He had done enough. Robin twirled his retractable staff and ran towards Red X who was standing there, making no movements.
Red X closed his eyes and was ready to receive his fate, with no fear in his heart. Robin jumped and used his retractable staff to push Red X towards a tree. The hit made Red X's lung empty. That had hurt.
Red X fell on the floor, face down. He slowly stood up only to see Robin approach him with an incredible speed. He had never seen Robin so mad. Red X faked a fighting stance but Robin had not trouble breaking it. Robin punched Red X on his solar-plexus and then used a low kick to swipe Red X from his feet. Red X fell on his back and curled up to try to diminish the soreness of his stomach. Robin pulled one of his feet and twirled him around only to release him when he reached enough speed to cause some damage.
Red X flew across the field and broke a couple of branches on his way. He ended on the floor, his face up, some of his bones cracked. Robin ran towards him and lifted him from his shirt. Red X did not make an effort to release himself from Robin's grip.
-"No one hurts Starfire. No one. I knew you were a fake from the day we knew of your existence. You took advantage of her, you used her and she never saw who you really were. She died because of you; I lost her because of you. I can't believe you thought you could get away with it. You killed part of me…and now it's your turn to suffer"-Robin said
"Bring it own, shorty"-Red X said
Robin threw Red X on the air, only to receive him with a flying kick that sent him to the center of the field. The rain was worse; there were puddles of mud everywhere. Their uniforms were covered by mud. The only difference between them was that Robin was still standing and Red X was on his back on the ground.
Red X used his last strength to shoot a laser disc towards Robin. Robin was not expecting this and it took him by surprise. Robin's eyes were blinded for seconds and Red X took this time to stand up. Robin opened his eyes halfway and saw Red X approaching him. Robin needed to react fast. It was now or never.
"This ends now"-Robin thought
Robin ran towards Red X and without thinking, he delivered a complicated series of punches and kicks alternating with hits from his retractable staff until Red X fell on the ground. Robin swore he was able to hear the bones cracking. Robin fell on his knees and panted. He was tired.
Robin lifted his head and saw the still body on the ground. Robin had won but at what cost?
"What did I do?"-Robin whispered
Robin opened his eyes, which he did not realize he had closed during his remembering. His anger had blinded him. The worse part being that Red X had tricked him. He had lied about hurting Starfire. He had put Starfire's life before his. Robin had a lot to learn yet.
"I better go train"-Robin said
Robin left the Evidence Room as fast as he could, trying to run away from his memories. He ran without stopping until he reached the exit. He took a second to relax himself and regain composure. He could not allow the others to see him in his current state.
He massaged his head and rubbed his face with his hands. He breathed deeply and exhaled as deeply as he had inhaled.
"Concentrate, you have work to do"-Robin thought
Robin straightened himself and began walking towards the Training Area. Cyborg and BB were already there, waiting for Robin to come and put them through hell. They knew he was going to be even more strict about their training so next time they would think before speaking. This was the way Robin kept order in the Tower. He never insulted them or hit them. He rather put them under training worse than boot camp for several days.
"He wanted for us to be here on time and he just got here"-BB whispered
"If I were you I wouldn't say anything. You want to make matters worse?"-Cyborg whispered
BB gulped. He remembered the last time they had being under Robin's punishment. He was very strict when it came to keeping discipline. That time even Starfire had to deal with his training.
"Didn't think so"-Cyborg said
Robin walked towards them and started to explain what their training was going to be. They had to go over the obstacle course 25 times in 30 minutes. Normally, completing the entire obstacle course would take them approximately 2 minutes. They had to be fast. If they were not able to do so, they would have to do all over again until they accomplished the time with the number of times he had requested.
"That's it?"-Cyborg asked
"Not exactly"-Robin answered
"You had to ask"-BB said
"I will be changing the obstacles from the main control. You will not go thru the same course twice"-Robin said
BB raised his hand. "Uhm, what if we don't finish today?"
Robin looked at him and crossed his arms in disapproval. He did not like members of his team doubting themselves.
"Then you will have to stay here until you are done"-Robin said
"Do we get bathroom breaks?"-BB asked
"No"-Robin said
Cyborg pointed and made fun of BB's worried face. He did not have to worry about it. He did not have to use a restroom. He was never more grateful about being a room in his entire life. Robin saw Cyborg's easiness and decided to give him something to worry about as well.
"And no food until you finish"-Robin said
"SAY WHAT?"-Cyborg asked
"What you heard. Now get ready while I prepare the first round. Beast Boy you will start and as soon as you finish your 20 times, Cyborg will begin his rounds"-Robin said
BB and Cyborg nodded and began doing stretches while prepared their obstacle courses. He was too concentrated on his task that he did not notice that Raven was standing behind him. Robin took his gaze from the monitor and looked that BB was waiving at someone. He turned back and saw Raven.
"Aren't you supposed to be taking care of Starfire?"-Robin asked
"I went to see her; she won't be up for an hour or so. She is very tired. She seemed to be having bad dreams"-Raven answered
"She's not the only one"-Robin thought
Robin returned his gaze to the monitor and made a sign to BB to get ready. He initiated the course and BB ran as fast as he could. Robin had already programmed half of the courses and the other half he let them to be randomized by the computer. After he saw that BB was concentrating in completing the course and that Cyborg was cheering for him, he turned back to face Raven.
"Did you sense anything weird in her?"-Robin asked
Raven was surprised by Robin's question. Was he implying that something was indeed wrong with her or was he only asking to see if Raven's powers could explain her behavior?
"I only sensed her having bad dreams. We all have bad dreams, I don't think it's a big deal"-Raven answered
"Some of us more than others"-Robin thought
"Is there something you haven't told us?"-Raven asked
"No. I am just trying to find an explanation for her behavior. I want to ask her what happened but I thought that maybe you had sensed something that would have helped that coming conversation"-Robin answered
"Are you that afraid of her answer"-Raven asked
At that moment, BB screamed and fell on one of the holes that Robin had placed in the obstacles.
"We never had holes before!"-BB screamed from inside the hole.
"You are wasting time, B! Hurry up!"-Cyborg screamed
"Aw, man! I'll have to do it again!"-BB said
"Better luck next time"-Cyborg said
Robin shook his head and continued his conversation with Raven.
"I just can't think of a reason for her to attack me as she did. I know she has an answer but I don't know if I want to hear it"-Robin answered
"Do you have an option?"-Raven asked
"Not really"-Robin answered
Raven shrugged and Robin sighed. She was right; facing Starfire was the only correct thing to do.
Almost two hours passed and neither Cyborg nor BB had being able to complete the course in 30 minutes. Raven had been meditating next to Robin at the control panel. She was secretly enjoying BB and Cyborg's butt whopping. Robin prepared the next 40 sequences of course for the other male Titans. Cyborg and BB were on the floor, unable to stand up.
Robin approached them and crossed his arms while he looked down at them.
"The next sequence is ready. Get up"-Robin said
Both fallen Titans were hyperventilating like there was no tomorrow. They swore they would never ever not follow Robin's instructions and orders.
"Dude, I am…tired…I can't…please…no more"-BB said
"What he said"-Cyborg said
Robin arched an eyebrow and put his hands on his hips. He had been very strict with them. He was sure they had learned their lesson. He even felt guilty for putting them under such a strenuous physical workout.
"Ok, but Beast Boy, you are still I charge of the cleaning of the Tower, Starfire hurt her foot yesterday and even though she can fly I don't want her doing anything that she doesn't have to. Cyborg, you know what you are supposed to do, don't ask Starfire to lift anything heavy. You both got it?"-Robin asked
"Yes"-They answered
BB sat on the ground and massaged his feet. Cyborg stood up and cracked his neck. Suddenly, both Titans turned to the control panel and smiled widely. Robin furrowed his eyebrows.
"Hey, champ. Your lady is up"-Cyborg said
Robin turned to back to see what Cyborg was talking about. He saw Starfire standing a few feet from Raven, who was still meditating. Robin smiled and was never gladder to see her. She seemed fine and she was in her fighting outfit. He would have to convince her to wear more comfortable clothes in the Tower after they had talked about yesterday.
Starfire smiled at him and he began walking towards her.
"And you would think Robin couldn't feel the luv"-BB joked
Robin turned back to glare at BB who only put his hands on his mouth and muttered something. What was Robin supposed to do? Starfire did have that effect on him. Robin returned his gaze to the control panel only to see Starfire…unconscious on Slade's arms.
Robin froze.
"Slade"-Robin thought
His heart raced and his mind became bombarded with a ridiculous amount of thoughts. What the hell was Slade doing there? How the hell was he alive? Was Starfire still alive? Was it a dream?
"This is real"-Robin thought
Robin's mind screamed at his legs to move as fast they could but they would not respond.
"Starfire…is she? I can't loose her. Not again"-Robin thought
Robin used all his might to get a pair of laser discs and threw them to Slade. After doing this, Robin began running towards Starfire, getting his retractable staff ready for use.
"Robin!"-Cyborg screamed
"Stop!" BB yelled while trying to run but his legs betrayed him. He could not move freely after the training he had just gone through.
Robin did not listen to them. He kept his stare focused on Slade. He then looked at Starfire, still limp on his embrace. Slade took Starfire on his arms and jumped to the ground to evade Robin's laser discs.
Robin ran even faster and twirled his staff. Being a few feet away from Slade, he felt an external force stop him. He desperately tried to free himself but he could not. Raven had used her powers to stop him.
"Why Raven?"-Robin said
"That's exactly what I want to know. Why did you attack Starfire?"-Raven asked
"WHAT?"-Robin answered
Robin moved his gaze towards Slade and he was gone. In his place was a standing Starfire, her hands clasped together on her chest and her eyes filled with tears.
"He was there…I saw him"-Robin thought
"Raven, let me go"-Robin said
"I don't think it's safe"-Raven said
"I'm not asking you what you think, I am ordering you to let me go"-Robin said
Raven looked at Cyborg and BB. She then looked at Starfire with a look that asked her what to do. Starfire nodded. Raven released Robin and he ran towards Starfire. He extended his arms towards her and her only response was to flinch and close her eyes.
"Starfire…I'm sorry…I don't know what happened to me…I saw you were in danger"-Robin said
Starfire sobbed and did not reply. Robin looked at the control panel and saw that his disks had destroyed it completely. He now had to ask Cyborg to fix it and he was sure they he would not be able to ask him or BB to continue the punishment. What had happened?
"I think we should leave you two alone"-Raven said
Cyborg and BB nodded and before the couple could reply, the Titans had disappeared, leaving them alone to discuss their unresolved issues. Robin looked at Starfire and could not help to feel his heart being crushed. Starfire had a face of fear that he had never seen on her and the worst part was that he had provoked it.
"Do you wish to harm me?"-Starfire asked
Robin's eyes widened at Starfire question. Why would she think that? He loved her with all his life, and more than he loved his own life.
"Maybe because you almost hurt her bad?"-Robin thought
Robin walked closer to her and put his hands on her shoulder. He had an urge to hold her so badly. He could not believe what he had almost done.
"Don't say that, Star. I am…so sorry…forgive me"-Robin said
Starfire hugged Robin and he hugged her back. They stayed like this for a long time and Starfire cried on his shoulder for a while. Robin caressed her hair and whispered to her that everything would be ok. That they would work things out and more importantly: the he did not hate her.
Starfire's sobs lessened as she heard Robin's words. Robin kissed her neck and held her even tighter.
"You saw him too?"-Starfire whispered.
Robin's mouth dropped. What did she mean by him…and too? Had Slade truly been there? Did she see him as well? Were they both going crazy? No, he was not going crazy. He had to convince himself that he was not losing it. Starfire did not need a useless crazy guy with hallucinations. She needed a strong, non-delirious man by her side.
"Who?"-Robin asked
"Him! I heard you dreaming about him. Do you see him in your dreams?"-Starfire asked
"I…don't know what you are talking about"-Robin said
Robin was not ready to accept that he was suffering the same problems as Starfire. He had to be strong. He had to be a man. Even if his concept of a man was different from the one Starfire had.
"It is ok to be afraid"-Starfire said
"I'm not afraid"-Robin said
Starfire broke the hug and Robin regretted his last sentence. He had blown it…again.
"What happened yesterday, at the kitchen?"-Robin asked
"I am afraid I cannot answer your question, Robin. You will not be able to understand why I did what I did and I saw if you cannot feel fear"-Starfire answered
Robin knew that to get the information he wanted from her he had to tell her the truth. Tell her that he saw Slade just seconds ago. That he had nightmares about him and that his memories would not let him be. However, his pride was greater than his curiosity. He had to let it go, at least for now and use alternative methods to gather information from her.
"I can't help you if you don't tell me what happens to you. Please tell me, trust me"-Robin said
"I trust you. But I do not think there is anything you can do to help me. Dr. Jones said that if I wanted to cure myself I shall have to talk to someone that was suffering the same situation that I am. I thought you were in the same state that I am but I was wrong"-Starfire said
"But Starfire…" Robin began saying but was interrupted by Starfire. "I shall retire now; I must prepare for the New Year festivities. Since last year I was not able to enjoy this holiday with all of you, my friends, I shall make sure that this time we make up for the last time"-Starfire said
Starfire began flying away from Robin. She was not able to walk, making it obvious that her foot still hurt. Robin did not want her to leave. He wanted to hold her and be with her but his mind did not work as fast as he wanted. He had to say something to keep the conversation going; he had to make her want to stay.
"Do you need any help? I don't want you to tire yourself. Beast Boy and Cyborg have strict orders to follow your every command"-Robin said
Starfire stopped and without even looking back, he replied to Robin.
"They are my friends. I do not need to give them orders, I am sure that they will offer their assistance without me having to ask"-Starfire said
"Ouch!"-Robin thought
Starfire resumed her path and went inside the Tower. Robin kicked one of the obstacles that was next to him.
"Even dead you screw us up, Slade"-Robin mumbled
Robin made his way to the Tower. Starfire, BB and Cyborg were on the main room, already planning what to do for New Year's Eve. The date was only two days from now and they had little time to arrange a big party.
"We may invite the Titans East, yes?"-Starfire asked
"That would be awesome!"-BB answered
"You know what this means? We need lots and lots of food!"-Cyborg said
"Yeah, we need veggie food for me…and no fish for Aqualad and herbal tea for Raven…"-BB rambled
"This will be so much fun!"-Starfire said
The Titans began making a list of what they wanted to buy and to do during New Year's Eve while they waited for the New Year to arrive. Robin entered the main room from outside the Tower but none the Titans notice his presence. They were too busy coming up with ideas for their party. Robin left the room as quiet as he arrived and made his way to his room. He needed some peace to think. He also needed to catch up on his investigation about the new enemy on town, he still did not know if it even was a new enemy or the return of a forgotten one.
The late afternoon arrived and Robin was still locked up in his room. Raven was still in the Evidence Room and the rest of the Titans were still preparing the party.
"We are almost done with the planning of the festivity. When shall we buy the required objects and food?"-Starfire asked
"I guess tomorrow morning. Right now I am way tired"-BB answered
Cyborg made a face while looking at the list. There were sure many things that they had to buy. Starfire and BB noticed his change in attitude and asked him what was wrong with him.
"Guys…what if the Titans East can't come? I know we are almost done with the planning and all but don't you think we should see if they already have plans before we go all crazy buying this stuff?"-Cyborg asked
Starfire and BB looked at each other. Cyborg was right. There they were making plans that included the Titans East and they had not even told them with anticipation. The excitement of having a big party had made them forget about that little yet important detail.
"You are right, Cyborg. Perhaps we should call them right now before the night comes?"-Starfire asked
"Yeah, Star's right"-BB answered
"Let's call'em"-Cyborg said
Cyborg walked to the big screen and after typing several codes on the keyboard, the screen displayed the main room of Titans East Tower.
BB and Starfire stood up and found a place next to Cyborg. The Titans East were, as usual, arguing about dinner. They had not noticed that the screen was turned on.
"Greetings friends! Are we interrupting?" Starfire said while she flew closer to the screen. The Titans did not hear her salute.
"It seems they have more problems than us when it comes to food"-BB said
"We were liked that too…they'll get over it"-Cyborg said
More rambling was heard coming from the screen. Bumblebee was asking them to shut up while Aqualad and Speedy argued about fish and Mas y Menos stated that they were hungry.
"How are we to gain their attention?"-Starfire asked
"Like this"-Cyborg said
Cyborg pressed a button on the keyboard and a compartment opened. A microphone came out of the compartment and he took it to his mouth.
"You guys may wanna cover your ears"-Cyborg said
BB turned into a turtle and hid inside its shell while Starfire grabbed a pair of oven mitts and used them to cover her ears by plugging them in.
Cyborg exhaled as much air as he could and without hesitation he yelled at the microphone.
"CUT IT OUT!"
The screen displayed the Titans East getting scared to death. How long had the screen being on?
"Mmhh, Hi?"-Bumblebee said
"Señor Cyborg!"-Mas y Menos said
"Hi, kids…having some trouble?"-Cyborg asked
"Not really, what is up?"-Aqualad asked
At that moment, Starfire and BB came on the screen and waved their hands frantically.
"Hello, fellow Titans of the East! We wish to make an invitation"-Starfire said
"Invitation? Where to?"-Speedy asked
"To our Tower, for New Year's Eve"-BB answered
"What do you guys say?"-Cyborg asked
The Titans East looked at each other and then at the screen once again.
"Are you saying that you are inviting us to you Tower to a party and to spend New Year's Eve with you?"-Bumblebee asked
"Yeah"-BB answered
The Eastern Titans called a time out and formed a circle on a corner of the main room. Cyborg and the others were only able to hear some whispering. Finally, the Titans came back to the front of the screen with wide smiles on their faces.
"OK"-Bumblebee said
"Wondrous!"-Starfire said
"Sweet!"-BB said
"Oh, yeah!"-Cyborg said
"What time do we meet?"-Speedy asked
"Come around 6pm. We should be ready by then"-Cyborg answered
"Does Robin know about this? We don't want to be a sour surprise to anyone"-Aqualad asked
"Are you kidding? Robin will be more than ok with it!"-BB answered
"I'll take your word for it"-Bumblebee said
"Tendremos una fiesta!"-Mas y Menos said
"We'll see you tomorrow then"-Speedy said
"K, see ya!"-Cyborg said
The screen became dark again and the Titans continued to apply the finishing touches to their plans and made sure that tomorrow morning they would buy anything and everything that they needed. It was about time the Titans sat back, relaxed and enjoyed life. All of them needed the time out.
Cyborg and BB prepared dinner and after stuffing their mouths and playing some game station, they decided to call it quits for the day. Robin's training had tired them very much and then they had helped Starfire plan the party. Both BB and Cyborg retired to their rooms, not before cleaning the kitchen that is, and making sure Starfire did not do anything that she was not "allowed" to.
Starfire, on the other hand, retired to her room and after taking a shower and applying new bandages to her forehead and foot, she jumped on her bed and closed her eyes. Unfortunately, night had arrived and Starfire tried to avoid such dreaded time of the day. It was time to sleep or, to try to sleep, in her case. Raven had also called it quits for the day and had gone back to her room. She was almost done with her examination and she was sure that she would finish by tomorrow. The most important thing in her list now was to sleep.
Meanwhile, Robin's room was a total mess. He was sitting on his desk and the only light that illuminated his room was his desk lamp. Papers were scattered on the floor and on his desk along with plenty of photographs and profiles of every single one of his enemies, whether they were dead or alive. He also had some artifacts used by their enemies in old battles and videos of old fights. His laptop displayed his screensaver, consisting of pictures of him and Starfire, which covered the main page of Jump City's Police Department.
He had being investigating the source of the new henchmen since he had returned from the training. Even though the attacks of the henchmen had been daily, he still had found no connection between the sites attacked and the purpose of the henchmen. The henchmen never stole anything or attacked innocent bystanders. The only purpose that Robin found for the appearance of these mysterious henchmen was to keep the Titans busy and awake until late hours of the night.
Robin had tried to collect parts of the henchmen but once they were destroyed, they became dust and disappeared completely. It was as if the creators of these robots did not want anyone to learn the technology used for this state-of-the-art machinery, and for Robin's misfortune, they had done a great job.
"Those bastards leave nothing behind"-Robin thought
Robin stretched himself and grabbed the bunch of profiles from the floor for the 20th time. He began reading the name of the criminal and decided to separate them in different groups.
"Mumbo, dead; Control Freak, mental hospital; the HIVE, jail; Atlas, dead; Brother Blood, jail; Dr. Light, dead; Rancid, jail; Killer Moth, jail; Malchior, trapped in a book; Mother Mae-Eye, trapped in a pie," Robin could not help to shiver at the memories of being treated as a baby by a clorbag witch. "Mad Mod, jail…Slade…hell?"-Robin said
Robin sighed. When he discarded the enemies that were dead, the enemies left were either in jail or other place and even though they would have gained access to henchmen, it was definitely not their style.
A second observation that bothered Robin was the fact that the everyday midnight disturbances had ended that night that Starfire had left the team. Maybe the purpose of the henchmen was to scare the hell out of Starfire so that she would have to leave the team and stay in the Tower by herself when a mission came along.
"This is were Cyborg's security comes in"-Robin thought
Robin had to take time to check the accuracy and reliability of the Tower's security system. He was not going to allow leaving Starfire alone by herself if he was not entirely sure that she would be alright and that she would not encounter any danger while they were not present. He made a mental note to talk to the Titans about his theories and order Starfire not to leave the Tower by herself or to expose herself to any kind of danger.
Robin crossed his arms and turned his gaze to the screensaver of his laptop. At that exact moment, a picture of the team sitting on the couch appeared. BB had a big smile on his face and made the victory sign with his left hand. Raven's eyes were rolled and Cyborg poked Raven's cheek. Robin's left hand was slapping his face and his right hand held Starfire's hand. Starfire pointed at Raven and giggled. Robin smiled at the memory of that day. They had just arrived from their adventure at the Space Station and had spent the whole night talking about their adventures. For some reason, Raven had not wanted to tell them about the horrible situations she had to encounter in that "hostile" planet.
The next picture appeared. This one only showed Starfire and Robin. Starfire was giving him a kiss on his cheek and he was blushing. The idea of the picture was to take a picture of themselves by themselves. Robin extended the camera to take the picture and seconds before he pressed the flash button, Starfire had kissed him. He could not help to blush at Starfire's action. The picture was taken during the first weeks they were going out and he was still a little shy about the whole relationship. Robin chuckled.
"Starfire"
Robin stood up from his chair and jumped over the paper that were on the floor. Even though the room looked messy, the papers were organized in a certain order and he did not want to mix them up. Robin looked back to look at the time at his alarm clock but it still had the 12:00 mark blinking. Robin jumped his way to his door and opened it before opening his T-Com and taking a quick look at the time. The watch read "12:58am". He was sure the Titans would be asleep by now.
Robin made his way to the kitchen to get a glass of water. He arrived to the kitchen and was glad to see that everything was cleaned and on its place. He hoped Starfire had nothing to do with the cleaning and that BB had cleaned everything himself. Robin remembered the last time he had been at the kitchen and its presence included a glass of water. Only that this time, he was the one drinking the water and he was by himself.
Robin took his gloves off and washed the glass and placed it back in its place. He dried his hands and put his gloves back on. He then began his ay back to his room, only that this time he took a different route; the route that involved walking next to Starfire's door. He had not come by to say goodnight and she probably was still upset at him since she had not gone to his room to say goodnight either.
As he approached Starfire's door he heard Starfire talking.
"Is she still awake?"
Robin walked faster and stop in front of Starfire's door.
"No, stop! Release me at once!"-Starfire said
Robin did not like what he was hearing. He quickly typed the override code to open her door and he jumped inside it, three discs on one hand and his retractable staff ready to be used on his other hand.
"Please, let me go"-Starfire said
Robin moved his head sideways, trying to find an intruder in Starfire's room.
"Why the hell didn't the alarm go off?"-Robin thought
"Stop right there!"-Robin said
No sound was heard.
"Get away from her!"-Robin said
"Robin!"-Starfire said
Robin used his retractable staff to turn the lights on and, after the few seconds his eyes took to adjust the brightness of the light, he was able to see that the room was empty and the only person inside it besides him was Starfire. Robin put his disks and his staff back in their place and walked to Starfire. She was crying and she held onto the covers as if they were the only thing that prevented her from falling into a never ending abyss.
"Star, are you ok?"-Robin asked
Starfire blinked and the tears that had stayed in her eyes gave way to new ones. She sobbed and stayed still without saying a word. Robin walked to her and sat next to her on her bed. He placed his hands on hers and felt that she was shivering and sweating.
"Starfire, who did this to you? Who was here?"-Robin asked
Starfire removed her hands from under his and hugged him very tight. Robin returned the hug and examined her room for any signs of an intrusion or a fight. There was no sign of anything unusual. Robin kissed Starfire's cheek.
"There was no one here, I had a terrible and realistic-feeling nightmare"-Starfire answered
"Nightmare? What kind of nightmare makes you scream at the middle of the night? Do you want to talk about it?"-Robin asked
"Please say yes this time"-Robin thought
"No"-Starfire answered
"There it goes"-Robin thought
Robin decided to give it a rest. He had to wait for Starfire to want to tell him what was going on with her. He could only show her that he cared for her and that he truly wanted to know what was going on in that mind of hers. He hoped one day, sooner than later, she would finally come out and tell him the truth.
"Is there anything I can do for you?"-Robin asked
Starfire broke the hug and kissed Robin on the lips. Robin was not expecting this from Starfire at the moment but he did not complain. He enjoyed it and kissed her back. After a few seconds, Starfire stopped the kiss and cupped Robin's face with her hands.
"Can you stay with me the rest of the night?"-Starfire asked
Robin held one of her hands and kissed the back of it. He then looked at Starfire who still looked frightened and smiled.
"Of course"-Robin answered
Robin gave Starfire a goodnight kiss and after grabbing a pillow he jumped off the bed and found a spot on the floor that seemed comfortable. Starfire gave him a questioning look.
"Why are you on the floor?"-Starfire asked
Robin turned to see her and furrowed his eyebrows.
"I thought you had asked me to stay for the night"-Robin answered
"I did, but do you expect me to leave you to sleep on the floor"-Starfire asked
"Uhm, yeah"-Robin answered
Starfire giggled and Robin arched and eyebrow while he also cocked a smile.
"What's so funny, Star?"-Robin asked
"Earth boys are very strange. Are you afraid of sleeping with me in the same bed?"-Starfire asked
"Uhm, yeah"-Robin answered
"Why is that?"-Starfire asked
"I just don't want you to think anything bad about me"-Robin answered
Starfire bent and in a quick movement, pulled Robin and the pillow on her bed. Robin gasped in surprise.
"Do not be silly, Robin. I cannot have bad thoughts about you. Now turn the lights off and hold me while I sleep"-Starfire said
Robin smiled and pulled a birdarang out.
"Yes ma'am!"-Robin said
Robin threw the birdarang to the light switch and the lights went off after sparkles came out of the socket.
"I believe you have broken the light switch"-Starfire said while giggling
"I was gonna get you a new one, anyway"-Robin said
"You were?"-Starfire asked
"Not really, but now I will"-Robin answered
Starfire giggled slightly and Robin held her by her waist from behind. Starfire held his arms and snuggled to him until she became comfortable. Robin buried his face on her neck and gave it a long kiss. Starfire shivered and got even closer to him.
"Goodnight, Robin"
"Goodnight, Star"
Robin opened his eyes and felt strangely comfortable on his bed. When did his mattress get so fluffy? He then realized that he was not on his bed but on Starfire's. He moved his gaze down and saw Starfire halfway on top of him, her arm surrounding his waist and her head on his chest. His arm was around her back and his other hand was holding Starfire's hand.
"I can get use to this"-Robin thought
Robin remembered the reason why he was on Starfire's room and if he was smart enough to walk around in the middle of the night close to Starfire's room, he might end up like this with her in more occasions.
"Not bad at all"-Robin thought
Even though Robin was very comfortable, he knew he had to get up and make sure he prepared a report to present to the Titans about what he had investigated the day before. He wanted to do it before Cyborg, BB and Starfire left the Tower to buy food for tomorrow's party. He had overheard that they were making a big party and that they had a list of things they were going to buy today. As much as he wanted to go with her, he had to stay with Raven and check what she had to say about Red X's coming back plan.
Robin looked at Starfire's clock. It read "7:00am".
"I still have time to enjoy this"-Robin thought
Robin held Starfire closer to him and closed his eyes, falling into a deepest sleep that the one he had just woken up from.
Robin opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. He had the best night sleep since…a long time. Even though he bed was still comfy, there was something missing. He looked down and saw that Starfire was gone. He then turned to the clock and it read "10:00am". He closes his eyes and cursed under his breath.
"Better check on Raven before I talk to the Titans about my findings and Red X"-Robin said
He rolled over from the bed and had began making his way to the door when he realized that he had something else to do at this room before he could leave.
"The bed"-Robin said
Robin returned to the bed and made sure it was nice and clean before he left. He made a mental note to change Starfire's light switch before the night came. Robin got outside Starfire's room and after washing his face he contacted Raven.
"Raven, come in. Are you busy?"-Robin asked
"Always"-Raven answered
Robin chuckled.
"Ha-ha, funny. Meet me at the Evidence Room; I assume you have your final report ready?"-Robin asked
"You know what assume means?"-Raven asked
"Funny again Raven. Don't you think you are spending too much time around Beast Boy?"-Robin answered
"Whatever, I'm on my way"-Raven said
Robin made his way to the Evidence Room and Raven was arriving to the door as well.
"Good morning, sunshine"-Robin said
Raven glared at Robin and proceeded to open the door.
"If you want the report stop mocking me"-Raven said
"Ok" Robin said and raised his hands in defeat. He knew that it was not a good idea to make Raven upset. He always remembered to stay in her good side.
Raven and Robin walked inside the Evidence Room and closed the door behind them.
"Are you sure no one knows what you are doing here?"-Robin asked
"Positive. Beast Boy almost found out but he is easy to fool"-Raven answered
Robin reached for the examination table and saw the different methods that Raven had used to inspect the attire. He hoped she had found something that could be of use.
"Did you finish examining Red X's clothes?"-Robin asked
"Yes, every inch of it"-Raven answered
"Did you find anything to bring him back?"-Robin asked
Raven shook her head.
"I'm afraid not. Remember that he turned into that dust? There was absolutely nothing left"-Raven answered
Robin's eyebrows furrowed and his hands made fists.
"Dammit! Are you sure? No hairs? Nothing?"-Robin asked desperately
Raven nodded and rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Nothing. I'm sorry Robin. I know your intentions are good and all but there was not useful I could find. Maybe this is a sign, you know. Maybe this only proves that things should be left as they are. Maybe bringing him back is not a good idea"-Raven answered
Robin arched an eyebrow and looked at Raven carefully, trying to read her face.
"You wouldn't lie to me, right Raven?"-Robin asked
"And compromise my job position as a Titan? Never!"-Raven answered
Robin did not know if she was trying to ease up the moment, or if she was being sarcastic or if she was telling him the truth. He was sure of one thing, thought, Raven never lied.
"Leave everything as it is, I'll examine it later today before Starfire comes and looks for it to pay her respects to it"-Robin said
Raven removed her hand from his shoulder and placed it on her hips, resting her weight on one leg.
"You haven't told Starfire?"-Raven asked
"No. I don't want to give her false hopes. She has enough problems to deal with already"-Robin answered
"It's not nice to lie to your girlfriend"-Raven said
Robin flinched.
"I am not lying to her; I am just not telling her what I am planning to do"-Robin said
"Same thing"-Raven said
Robin crossed his arms and gave his back to Raven.
"Let's get out of here, it's late. Right after I see that Starfire and the rest are asleep, I'll come back here and start working"-Robin said
Raven began walking towards the door and Robin looked at Red X's clothes.
"Whatever. I've doing this for two days, I need the rest"-Raven said
Robin walked behind Raven and before they opened the door he grabbed Raven's wrist. She stopped and looked back at him.
"Thanks anyway, Raven"-Robin said
Robin let go of Raven's wrist and the door opened. In seconds, both of the Titans had abandoned the room and the dark again filled the room. Suddenly, a tall figure stood up from the floor and held something on her hand. Her eyes lit a bright green and her fists lit the place she was standing.
It was Starfire.
She was holding Red X's communicator on her hand. She had woken up early and had gone to the Evidence Room to see what she needed to prepare the tribute to Red X's memory and found that his clothes were out of his case. She had wondered why were so many objects surrounding his attire and what was his attire doing out of its case. She had bent to take a closer look at the table but when she did, she bumped her knee on the table and Red X's communicator fell to the floor and slid under one of the cabinets. She bent down to pick it up when she heard the door being opened. She heard Robin and Raven's voices and was about to salute her friends when he heard Robin's question.
"Are you sure no one knows what you are doing here?"
Starfire did not like the way he had asked the question and moreover, she knew that if she wanted to find out the reason why Red X's attire was being examined, she had to hide herself from them.
She hid behind the cabinets and made no noise at all. She heard Robin and Raven's conversation.
"He wants to bring him back"-Starfire thought
Starfire felt the anger build up inside her. She could not believe that Robin would keep something so important to her a secret. Did he not trust her enough? Did he not trust her at all? Starfire's anger rose held tighter to her communicator. She was not going to allow Robin to play with Red X's clothes anymore.
"He now rests in peace and this is the wayhe must stay"-Starfire whispered
Starfire used her will to not storm out of the room and confront Robin right on the spot. She decided that it was not the time to fight with him; she would come back at night and confront him here. He had many things to explain and whether he liked it or not, he was going to tell Starfire everything tonight; she would make sure of this.
Starfire sighed and began cleaning the examining table. She had enough time before she had to leave with Cyborg and BB to clean the place up and return Red X's uniform back to where it belonged: the clear case on the corner of the room.
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