Chapter 3

A few days passed. Robin and the others had been unable to get anything out of Starfire, and she was adamant that she had flown into a telephone pole. Robin still was not convinced, but there was nothing he could do if Starfire didn't want to tell him, and he felt too uncomfortable to go and talk to her alone. He wasn't sure if she was still mad at him for what had happened. For what was essentially their breakup. But he did know he didn't want to go and find out.

Starfire's bruised thigh had turned a sickly yellow, but was healing and she was walking a lot better. But Starfire seemed distant. Everything she did made Robin feel like something was bothering her, and that there was something she really wasn't telling him. And to top it all off, Starfire was avoiding everyone. Not just Robin.

Today was no different. Everyone was in the Command Centre. Cyborg, Beast Boy and Robin were all playing a video game, their shouting echoing throughout the room. Raven was sat at the kitchen counter, reading as per usual. Starfire, was not there. She was in her room, just laid on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind was filled with Slade. She couldn't deny that she knew that one day, the others would know. Robin would know. And everything she had tried to prevent would happen anyway.

Then, the alarm sounded, and the red lights began flashing. Starfire felt her heart speed up and her stomach sink. "Please do not let this be Slade." And she flew out to the others, to find out what was going on. She entered the room as a video came up on the screen of Red X running into a warehouse on the docks. Never had she been so relieved to see an enemy. She flew over and took her place in the group.

"He's breaking into a lot of warehouses; he must be looking for something." Robin looked back at the group and nodded. "Let's go!" and they left.

They arrived at the docks less than five minutes later. "Split up, and if you find him, give us a call." Raven, Cyborg and Beast Boy ran and entered the nearest three warehouses. Robin watched as Starfire flew off into one at the end. When she was out of sight, he ran into the closest warehouse he could find. It was pretty empty, a few boxes here and there, but there was no sign of Red X. Suddenly, there was a crash, and Robin ran back outside.

Raven was on the floor, rubbing her head. Broken wood and brick around her. She looked at Robin. "I found him." Robin helped her up, just as Beast Boy, Starfire and Cyborg came to join them. Red X stood in the broken doorway. Leaning cockily against the wall, his arms crossed.

"Oh hey cutie… ouch! What happened there?!" Red X pointed to Starfire's leg, as she lowered herself behind Robin, so he could not see.

"Nothing that concerns you."

"Robin been rough with you?"

"You do not accuse my friends of such things!" Starfire's eyes glowed as she floated to the front of the group. Red X noticed how big the bruise was, how far is spread around her thigh.

"Someone else been rough with you?" He watched as Starfire's eyes went back to normal. The flash of memory running past her eyes as she remembered Slade kicking her. Red X took his moment and threw some X's at the group. They hit all but Starfire who had flown up and towards him. She heard Robin shout her name as she tackled Red X and they tumbled into the building. They both landed on their feet facing each other. "There's nothing better than a fiery girl. Especially one who's as good looking as you."

He heard it, she was sure of it because he looked around as she did. Unsure of where the sound was coming from, the two circled around until they were back to back. It wasn't loud. But it was noticeable, and it was creepy. An eerie walking sound, in a dark, almost abandoned warehouse. Starfire lit her hands and tried to illuminate the dark but there was too much of it. "Do you know anything about this?" Red X glanced at her over his shoulder.

"I have a strong feeling that I may." They turned around together, so that no one could sneak up behind them. A few bats were disturbed and flew about, startling the two. Red X was hit, and he flew into the wall. Starfire looked around but couldn't see anyone or anything. Suddenly the room was illuminated by a white light. Cyborg had used his shoulder light to brighten the room. Starfire looked round, but could not see anyone, except Red X sat groaning on the floor. Robin went to him and tied his hands behind his back. Raven and Beast Boy led him outside.

"Nice going Star!" Cyborg put his hand up to high-five her, but put it down again as he realised that she wasn't paying him any attention. She was just looking round, as if looking for something. "Come on Star, there's nothing in here." Cyborg followed Robin out the door and gestured that Starfire should do the same. As she reached the door she looked back. One more glance around the room, and she still could not see anything.

"You will not frighten me." She spoke into the darkness, knowing he was watching. Slade was the one who attacked Red X. Why, she did not know. But she was certain she didn't wish to. Starfire re-joined the group, all the while keeping an eye over her shoulder. Robin put a hand on her shoulder and she was startled into looking at him.

"Raven is going to take Red X to the authorities. You coming home?"

"I… Actually I think I will fly, I do so wish to return home." Before Robin could object Beast Boy hopped out of the T-Car and pulled at Starfire's hand.

"Please can I come with you?! I seriously need to use the bathroom, you'll be quicker and I'm scared that I'll pee myself if I change!" He danced about a little. Starfire couldn't help but giggle at her friend.

"Of course friend Beast Boy!" Without another word, the two took off. Within a few minutes they had arrived at the roof of the tower, and Beast Boy shot Starfire a quick 'thanks' before running full speed to the bathroom. She giggled again before following his path. Reaching her room, she walked inside and noticed it was dark. It was still light outside, but her blinds had been closed. She was sure she opened them that morning. Frowning, she tried to turn on the light, but it wouldn't come on.

"I thought I told you to give my message to Robin?" The door shut behind Starfire and she jumped, illuminating a starbolt out of fear. Slade was stood in the corner, just out of sight.

"If you so wish for Robin to know of your return, then why do you not just do so yourself. I will not be controlled by you." She expected a retaliation from Slade, and was surprised when he stepped into her view, his hand on his chin, contemplating.

"You know, you have such a stronger will than Robin. More of a need to protect, than a need for knowledge. Perhaps there is another way I can go about this. I like you girl. Do keep an eye out for me won't you." He walked over to the corner again, and Starfire shot a starbolt at his back. But when the smoke cleared, there was a hole in the wall and no sign of Slade. The lights came back on. Starfire wasted no time in running to the window and opening the blinds, letting the light flood in. She was not enjoying this. Despite her objections, Slade was frightening her, much more so than he, or anyone, had done in the past. And it seemed that scaring her was his goal.

Never had Starfire been so unsure of what to do. Other times, even if it were a friend who had been her trouble, she would always have her other friends to be there to help her. This time, she was on her own, because she didn't wish to involve anyone in what was happening. If she could contain Slade, then Robin wouldn't have to find out. She would just have to act normal, as if nothing had happened.

She heard Robin, Cyborg and Raven arrive back. She went out to greet them, before Robin had a chance to come into her room and speak to her alone. He would want to know about what happened with Red X in detail, where as if the group were there, she could skirt around it. And there was nothing she could think of that would be more painful than being alone with Robin at this moment. She entered the room and smiled.

"Yo Star! Nice going with X!" He got his high-five from her this time!

"Thank you Cyborg! I am glad I could be of assistance!"

Before Robin could talk to Starfire, Raven stepped forward. "So what's for dinner? I'm hungry."

"Oh I'll cook something up!" Cyborg moved over to the kitchen to start preparing something. Robin thought about trying to ask Starfire again, but decided against it. She wouldn't tell him anything if he kept bugging her anyway. So he went and sat down next to Beast Boy on the sofa, trying his best to forget.

A couple of hours later, dinner was over and everyone was relaxing into the evening. Starfire was washing dishes, and the other four were watching television. Beast Boy looked over to Starfire. "Star, are you sure you don't want help? It is my night to do the dishes after all."

"Oh no, this task is helping my mind to wander. It is almost enjoyable." Truth was, Starfire wanted to do anything to keep her mind from Slade, even doing the dishes. Robin shot her a sceptical look, but she missed it as she scrubbed at a plate.

A beeping sound filled the room. "A transmission? Who could that be?" Cyborg moved over to the computer. Starfire was drying the plate and was reaching up to put it in the cupboard.

"Hello Titans." That voice entered the room. A gasp was heard from all the Titans, a growl from Robin. And a smash was heard from the kitchen as Starfire dropped the plate and it shattered on the floor. Despite his anger and shock, Robin noticed, but kept his eyes fixed on the screen where Slade was stood, arms crossed. Starfire gingerly walked into the open room, and took in what she was seeing. It wasn't supposed to happen this way. He wanted her to tell them! "Hello Starfire."

Robin balled his fists. Why was Slade singling her out? "What do you want Slade?!" But he was ignored. It was as if Slade hadn't even heard him, he was just staring at Starfire.

"That bruise not healed yet? I have to admit, it was a nasty kick. I'd apologise if I hadn't have thought it would get my message across…" All but Robin had turned to look at her. "Oh! They don't know do they? About our little rendezvous in the park?" He was toying with her; of course he already knew they didn't know. He was trying to get her in trouble with her friends. "I'm hurt Starfire. I kept you company whilst you were alone."

"You attacked me and left me lying on the ground!" Starfire wanted to punch the screen, to get rid of his voice.

"Well Robin really should keep a better eye on his teammates. You were alone, and vulnerable." An awkward silence filled the room. Slade and Starfire just glaring at each other. Cyborg, Raven and Beast Boy were glancing between the two. Robin had not moved.

"What is it that you require from me? You wanted Robin to know of your presence and now he knows. Surely now you can leave me alone!"

"No my dear, I can't. I won't. You're a part of it now. I'll be in touch again soon, my damage here is done. For today." The screen went black. Silence filled the room once again.

"Star?" Beast Boy stepped forward but Raven pulled him back with black energy. They knew better. Starfire was looking at the floor. She didn't know what to say. They knew now, Slade had told them. She realised now that this way he could do what he wanted, and exploit Robin's feelings for her, if he still had any, and his obsession with Slade. But Starfire was certain that his Slade obsession would take over whatever feelings Robin had for her, because she had lied to him. Slowly her eyes met Robin's. He was furious.

Starfire was frightened. She could feel him glaring down on her, ready to scream at her. She started to panic, and without warning she took off through the door. Robin growled and ran after her, jumping over the sofa and leaving Cyborg, Raven and Beast boy. They did not follow. Robin wouldn't want them to. He followed Starfire through the building and up to the roof. Throwing the door open he heard her gasp and looked over in her direction. She jumped, and tried to take off into the darkening sky, but Robin was quicker. He fired a grappling hook at her and it wrapped around her, pinning her arms to her side. Not caring, Robin pulled and Starfire was brought down with a harsh thud onto the roof. She groaned and opened her eyes. Robin was stood over her, glaring. She met his gaze once and then looked away. He bent down and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. His grip firm. Starfire had tears in her eyes. Again she was scared. But this time, she was scared of Robin.

I do hope you are all enjoying this. :) please review if you have time! Midge.