Live and Love

Author's Note: This is collaboration between Rraz45 and myself. We hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: We claim nothing that you recognize! If you don't recognize it, it's original. Simple as that.

Chapter 4: Reunite

The trip back was a little less difficult than the trip there. For Robin, it was almost enjoyable. He sat on his motorcycle with Beast Boy while Aqualad was in the T-care with Cyborg, Speedy, and Más y Menos. Kid Flash had sped ahead, deeming the vehicles too slow. The twins felt the same way, but decided to stay with their team. However, as not to ruin the surprise, Kid Flash promised not to surface until the others contacted him. Cyborg guessed that he would use his alter ego.

It surprised Robin that Aqualad had been the one to suggest outing the two-week break short to visit the girls. Perhaps he was telling the truth about Robyn and the guys took it out of proportion? That was extremely possible.

The sight of Titans Tower brought a huge relief to Cyborg's mind. It wasn't that he didn't trust the girls with the Tower, but seeing it in one piece was a good sign. He messaged Kid Flash, who sped to meet them on the island.

Surprise gripped Starfire as she heard the garage door creak as it started to open. She had often spent time in that part of the Tower when Robin was gone. His motorcycle had gone with him, but Beast Boy's mo-ped sat in its place. However, two things could cause the door to open, Starfire had concluded: the boys were back or there was a glitch in the system. The alien couldn't see the boys coming back so early, so she decided to seek Raven for technological advice. She left, but not before Robin saw her red hair in the doorway. He smiled, hoping she would turn around when the garage door closed to find him standing there, awaiting her enormous, back-breaking hug.

To his disappointment, she did not. Cyborg grinned at him, but Robin ignored his robotic friend. Beast Boy checked on his mo-ped. Kid Flash heard Jinx in the hall, leading Starfire there. Raven was in the back.

Jinx laughed when she entered the garage and saw the guys unpacking the T-car and motorcycle. Starfire gasped and gave Robin the back-breaking, tackle hug he had wished for. Raven greeted them with a cool expression, but her surprised was recognized by a little, green Titan.

"You guys couldn't stay away for two weeks, could you?" Jinx teased as Kid Flash embraced her.

"Oh! Our new friends and Argent will be so happy to see you are back!" exclaimed Starfire. The alien dragged Robin up the stairs.

"Wait! Star! Aaahh!" protested Robin before he could do anything. The guys broke out into laughter at the sight.

"Oh, yeah, and he's not whipped," Speedy sarcastically remarked.

"Oh and Argent doesn't have a tight rope around your neck," Jinx commented.

Speedy shrugged. "Please, I'm anything but whipped. If anything, she is stuck on me."

Jinx smiled smugly. "I bet Argent would love to hear that."

Speedy's superior expression fell as a look of horror took its place. "You wouldn't dare."

"Watch me," Jinx replied before running out of the garage.

Speedy blinked a few times before chasing after the pink-haired trouble maker. Jinx notice the archer was right behind her. A grin formed on her lips she used her powers to slow her chase her down. Speedy's foot fell through the floor.

"No fair!" Speedy yelled at Jinx's retreating figure.

When Jinx turned a corner, she ran into the person she was looking for. Argent had a confused expression on her face. "What's with all the yelling?" she asked.

Jinx took a deep breath. "I just wanted to tell you something before Speedy decided to be rude and interrupt." The pale teen eyed her curiously. The boys were back? That was news. She knew her boyfriend wouldn't be able to stay away for long.

A few moments later, a panting Speedy caught up. "No fair! You cheated!"

"Really, now," Jinx teased.

Speedy glared at her and then noticed his girlfriend standing there. His face softened and he smiled at the girl he missed. "Argent! I've missed you," Speedy stated happily.

"Really?" Argent spoke as she crossed her arms. Speedy didn't like that tone.

"Whatever she told you, she's lying!" he informed her. "She used to be a criminal before Kid Flash!"

"What? That you didn't think about me at all when you were gone because Jinx told me that you thought about me a lot," Argent responded.

Jinx grinned. This was way much more fun.

"What? No! I couldn't stop thinking about you! You were in my mind and heart all the time," Speedy pleaded. How dare Jinx trick him like that!

Argent smiled and let about an "aww!" before she embraced him and told him she missed him, too. Their lips locked in a lingering kiss. Speedy glanced toward Jinx as he held his girlfriend tighter. The pink-haired teen pointed to herself and mouthed "you owe me one" as she tip-toed away. She didn't get too far before she was cornered by her very own boyfriend.

"I think somebody missed me," Kid Flash whispered in his girlfriend's ear.

Jinx rolled her eyes. "And why should I miss you? You're only my boyfriend."

"Is that what I am?" he laughed, his eyes more sensuous than teasing. The young man's eyes changed to laughter. "And here I thought you missed my handsome looks and hot body."

Jinx mocked laughter. "Oh, sure, that bottomless pit is extremely handsome."

Kid Flash, quick as light, grabbed her and held her tight in his embrace. "Want me to prove you wrong?" he asked, staring into her eyes and melting her mind with his hypnotic gaze. He had that over her, but she held the other half. Jinx led him out of the hall, daring him to try. And he was one to never shy away from a dare…

Back at the garage, Beast Boy and Raven were left alone. Cyborg left to unpack, and Más y Menos went to the common room to play video games. The green teenager glanced at the goth. There was no emotion in her face.

"So, did you gave fun this week?" Beast Boy asked, fidgeting as he tried to start a conversation.

Raven closed her eyes slowly and opened them. "It was fine."

The short answer hurt, but Beast Boy knew that was just Raven. Putting on a broad smile, he said, "Bet you missed me."

The goth rolled her eyes and walked away. "Beyond words," she said dryly in as sarcastic a tone as she could muster.

Beast Boy nodded in satisfaction. "Oh, yeah, she missed me."

Cyborg finished putting his things away when there was a knock at his door. Cyborg looked at this door and blinked. "Come on in. Door's open," he called.

The tapping of heels told him it was one of the girls. He finished checking his charger and turned to find Bumblebee standing there. His heart pounded. She was in his room. Rational thought brought him out of his brief fantasy.

"Uh…Het," he greeted.

"Hey. How's it going, Sparky?"

"Fine,"

"Why're you guys back so early?"

Because we missed the girls that bad, he thought. Especially me. "You know Robin and Speedy. Can't spend too long without their girls. Add Kid Flash to the mix, you got a full army of whipped guys."

"Oh, so it was all them, huh?" she teased, although Cyborg detected a slight disappointment in her eyes.

"Yep. But it's great to be back." Because of you. "So, what did you guys do?"

"Girl stuff. And you?"

"Guy stuff."

On that note, Bumblebee sighed inwardly. "Fight any other criminals?"

"No. You?"

"Quiet as a mouse."

"I see."

The awkwardness between them was unbearable. Bumblebee smiled. "Come one, Sparky. It's my turn to make lunch."

"No, I'm gonna make my famous three-meat chili!" Cyborg declared.

"Whoever gets to the kitchen first cooks," challenged Bumblebee.

"You're on."

Meanwhile, Aqualad looked longingly at the ocean. It had been weeks since he had spoken to anyone from the sea. His team liked fish, and he had to endure it as Beast Boy did. It was difficult, but he respected his friends enough not to say anything. They didn't bother him about not eating fish.

Footsteps behind him back to land. He glanced around and paled when he saw Robyn. "Hey there," she acknowledged.

"H-hi." Aqualad swallowed. He had to get a grip on himself. He shook his head and decided to play it cool. "Sorry. I wasn't expecting anybody out here."

"That's okay. I wasn't either. I just needed some fresh air. Starfire's catching up with Robin in the living room and the two little boys are playing the Game Station," she said with a sigh. "There was really nothing to do."

Aqualad smiled. "Wanna go for a swim? It's pretty refreshing."

The pleasant surprise on her face brightened his day. "Sure. That sounds like a great idea!"

They both dived in. Robyn came up for air shortly after and swam in a small circle and looked about for Aqualad. Fear gripped her when she didn't see him. What happened? Robyn dived down. She couldn't see him. She started to panic. He hadn't drowned, could he?

Aqualad swam directly behind her so she couldn't see him. When she came up for air, he went down. Finally, he stopped toying with her and tickled her feet. A strong kick surprised him and he surfaced.

"Aqualad! Are you okay?" Robyn asked frantically. He smiled at her. "You're not hurt?" He shook his head. Suddenly, he began laughing and it finally clicked in her mind. "You idiotic egghead! You had me so worried. I bet you were on shore the whole time!"

"No, I was underwater," he stated. "I'm Atlantean. In a way, I'm half fish."

Robyn gaped at him. "That's so cool! Can you talk to fish?"

"Yeah," he said proudly.

"Cool! I can talk to animals on land. I take on their traits at will, mostly when I fight."

"So that's how you hit Red X so hard he took a few steps back!" Robyn beamed. She really like this guy. How had she not noticed him before? Perhaps it was her small crush on Robin that got her to ignore him. Now that her hopes of Robin were gone completely, along with the confusion of having the same sounding stage name, she would see how this went.

Faren just put away the last of her ingredients. The potion had been ruined and she was not going to try again today. She emerged to find the boys back. She blinked in confusion. Weren't they due next week? How long was she in her room?

She found Raven meditating, trying to drown out Beast Boy's constant chatter. Faren decided to save her new friend from annoyance. "Hey, Beast Boy."

"Oh, hey, Faren. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just confused. Did two weeks go by that fast?"

Beast Boy laughed. "Nah. We came back early."

Faren shook her head. "are you guys seriously that whipped?"

"No, just the ones in relationships…and Cyborg." The green Titan looked a little embarrassed.

Raven opened her eyes. "What was that?"

"Oh, now you want to talk to me?" Beast Boy teased.

"Beast Boy, just answer the question!" Raven snapped.

"Cyborg's whipped, too. He just doesn't want to admit it."

"I knew it." The goth smiled.

Faren shook her head. "Bet I know who the lucky girl is. Bumblebee couldn't stop talking about their past adventures."

Beast Boy's mouth dropped and caught Faren's gaze. "I have an idea," they said at once. They turned to Raven. The girl stared at them and shook her head. "Leave me out of this," she ordered.

"Come on, Rae. You know you want to," Faren wheedled. "Think of Bumblebee not talking about her adventures so much and only saying stuff when it's solicited."

Raven frowned deeper. "Yeah," Beast Boy added. "Besides, they both like each other already. We're just speeding up the inevitable."

The gothic teen rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Fine," she caved.

Beast Boy grinned. "Alright, Raven!" he exclaimed.

Faren couldn't help but notice the unspoken bond shared between the two. She decided to look into it before she came to the same conclusion they did with Cyborg and Bumblebee. It would be interesting if she could pull it off. She hoped she could. Raven was stubborn, even more so than Cyborg and Bumblebee.

All of a sudden, the alarm went off. Beast Boy groaned loudly. "Can't even put my stuff away? And there's trouble!"

Raven eyed him oddly. "Put away? You dump it in your room!"

"What's your point?"

The scene was normal for a crime. The red light of the alarm lit at each sound. Whoever the criminal was knew their way around a high security research center. Cyborg sighed. This was a pattern with on one or two bad guys, both of whom were well acquainted with Robin. Why did it have to be when they just got back?

Soon enough, they caught up with the man. It was no surprise to Cyborg to find Red X. He hated that guy. He was cool and then he wasn't. He was good and then bad. He wasn't consistent. It drove him crazy. He wanted to scream "Pick a side!"

"What'd you steal this time, X?" asked Cyborg in a menacing tone.

"Try and find out, Bot," Red X said mockingly. "I'm right here." Cyborg sneered at him.

"Are you going to be a coward and disappear again, or are you going to fight?" Faren inquired.

"Aren't you guys being the cowards?" Red X mocked. "I'm alone. You have fourteen people!"

Faren looked around and considered it. He was right, but their odds were better if they remained as they were. Not to mention it was his fault for being on the wrong side of the coin. She glanced at Robin, who was grinding his teeth. Something was seriously wrong.

Red X looked directly at Robin. "Didn't take you for a coward, Robin."

"One-by-one," he stated.

The Titans turned to face his. "What?" they all questioned in unison, Más y Menos in Spanish.

"We'll fight him one-by-one."

Cyborg groaned. "I don't think that's a good idea, man."

Robin didn't blink. He and Red X only stared each other down. Bother were too prideful to do anything but go ahead with it. Red X could not pass up this opportunity and Robin could not allow Red X to taunt him and call him a coward.

"Well, Bird Boy. You're first," he said. "Think you can handle it?" Robin recognized the taunt. He couldn't let it get to him. His eyes narrowed. "Alright, Robin, I'll play," Red X agreed. "Game on."

Robin attacked. Kick, jab, kick, punch, disk, punch. Soon, Red X hit him with an x that turned into a straight jacket. Starfire reacted next. Starbolts fled her fingertips and anger poured from her body. Red X dodged them as fast as he could before disappearing and appearing behind her. Another straight jacket x shot out of his hand.

Red X fought Beast Boy, Argent, Bumblebee, and Kid Flash. Faren shook her head. Those damn x's! What else could he have in that suit! By the time they had gotten through Kid Flash, they were just outside the subway. The others were busy getting the x stuff off. Faren followed the thief.

"I guess it's just you and me, Spacegirl," he stated. "I couldn't be happier." Red X chuckled. "I'll say it again, we don't have to fight. Our challenge can be done…elsewhere."

Faren scowled at him. "You are impossible."

The skull mask failed to hide a smug grin. "That's what they tell me."

"Who? Your mother? I'm sure she had a difficult time you into the world, with that big head of yours," Faren threw.

"You best remember, Spacegirl," warned the thief, "That I just bested six of the fourteen, three of whom I have never faced before."

"Anyone can read information about them on the Internet," Faren reasoned. "For all we know, you could have looked up their styles and watched them on youtube to see how to beat them." A grin leaked onto her face. "I bet under that mask, there's a sad little man, full of insecurity and grief, isn't there?"

Red X's eyes widened. The thief was in so much shock, he barely noticed the blue magic from her fingers in a bolt headed straight towards him. Just in time, he dodged out of the way. She had goaded him! Faren let out a relieved sigh. This guy did have weaknesses. For a moment, she had almost thought him invincible.

Recovering, Red X jumped on the beams above her. Faren sent a familiar sword after him. Dematerializing, he appeared behind her again. She almost got out of being restrained, but the man was too fast for her. He managed to grab her hands, but she faced him this time. His large hands gripped hers. He held them with one hand and moved his other to the small of her back.

Faren was stunned. He was not just keeping her restrained, but embracing her! Her eyes flared blue as she blasted her magic out of her body through her mouth. Red X staggered back. Another bolt of energy hit him. She had him cornered between a newspaper dispenser and a bench . Just as she neared him, he threw an x at her. It was a net. Faren was pinned to the ground in a net.

Red X neared her. "You should have taken the other challenge," he teased. "As fun as this was, it could have been so much more."

Faren glared at him. "You're an arrogant fool," she growled. Her eyes glowed again and she turned into a blue orb. The bright light blinded Red X for a few moments. He watched the orb curiously. The net dropped uselessly to the ground as it went through the material. Right by the edge of the subway tracks, the orb stopped and the girl returned. "You know nothing about me, Red X," she informed him. "You don't even know my name." Without another word, she attacked, this time hand to hand. It shocked him for only a moment. She was not skilled in martial arts, but that didn't seem to hinder her. She knew how to punch and kick and block.

Red X caught one of her hands. "You're right, I don't know anything about you. But that can go both ways." He caught her other hand. "So, babe, what's your name?" Faren tried to kick him in the crotch. He dodged and threw her into the beam above the tracks. She hit it hard and fell to the tracks below, the wind knocked out of her.

"I'll take that as you won't answer presently," he stated in a gentlemanly tone.

A noise down the tunnel sent a chill down her spine as she started struggling to her knees. Slowly, her head turned towards the tunnel. It felt as if it was in slow motion as lights started getting closer and closer. Faren couldn't get her mind to tell her body to move. She could only sit on her knees, awaiting something very large to hit her.

Something grabbed her suddenly. Faren let out a startled scream. The train had nearly hit her in that brief moment. Landing hard on the concrete, Faren let out a relieved breath she had been holding. She saw her savior lying atop her. It was Red X.

"Well, this is cozy," he voice calmly. Before she could yell at him, he got up, and brought her to her feet. Suddenly, he grabbed her, pulled her to him, pecked her lips with the briefest kiss, and was gone.

The other Titans appeared after the train passed. Faren was still in shock, her hand on her lips. They asked her what happened and she left out the flirtation and the kiss that still had her mind swimming. How ridiculous! It wasn't even a real kiss! It was just a peck…

Cyborg saw her troubled expression. He led her to the workout room. The surprised Faren glanced at him curiously. He shrugged as he said, "Figured you could use some time away from people. Something's bother you."

"It's that obvious?"

"Just a little." Faren groaned. She knew she was an open book. Before she could scold herself, Cyborg put a hand on her shoulder. "You want to talk about it?"

Sighing, Faren nodded. "You remember how Red X was flirting with me the first fight in Steel City?" Cyborg nodded his head. "Well, he kissed me tonight. It was only a peck." She frowned at Cyborg's surprised face. "He's done that before, hasn't he? Maybe if she wasn't the only one, she would forget it.

Cyborg shook his head. Surprisingly, Faren wasn't disappointed. Instead, it made her excited. "Nah, he usually just flirts very lightly with Starfire. I think he did it just to get on Robin's nerves." He paused. "I don't know, Fae, but he may be doing it just to get on your nerves, or any boyfriend you may have."

Faren shook her head. "I don't have one. I'm not exactly looking, either."

Bumblebee walked towards the workout room. She had to find Cyborg. She finally got the courage to ask him about something as simple as helping her in a training exercise and putting updates on the Tower. The dark teen stopped when she saw the shadows of Cyborg and Faren. They were hugging. Bumblebee's heart fell and she fled.

"Thanks," Faren said.

"For what?"

"For listening without joking and teasing me about it."

"Anytime."

Meanwhile, Starfire was busy catching up with Tamaran's ruler, Galfor, her old nanny. Robin was slightly disappointed, but knew she would do the same thing for him when he spoke to Batman. To pass the time, he set up the training ground outside. Splashing took his mind off his practice, and cost him a punch in the face from a dummy.

Robin turned the training session off with the click of a button and viewed the ocean. A playful scream sounded. Curiously, Robin walked towards the water. He saw Robyn in the air, Aqualad controlling a wave that seemed to have just launched the girl.

He smiled. The two made a good couple, he thought. She reminded him of Starfire in some ways, but the major reason he wouldn't be attracted to her was that she didn't strike him as completely innocent where Starfire did, even if she wasn't. She also didn't stir any real reaction in her other than the initial "she's pretty."

Robyn hit the water hard and soon came up for air. "No fair!" she yelled. She was close to the shore where Robin stood. As if feeling his curious eyes on them, Robyn turned. She smiled at him, but the look was a little different than before. He wondered what had changed. "Hey, Robin. Want to join us?" She headed his way and stepped onto the shore.

"No, thanks," he answered. It looked like fun, but he needed to train. At least, that was his excuse.

"Oh, come on," the girl faked a whine. "Lighten up. It's refreshing!" Robin still shook his head. The girl frowned at him, and suddenly gave him a wicked smile. Robin was about to run when suddenly Robyn was behind him and pushed him into the water. He heard Aqualad laugh and a splash to indicate she had jumped in after him.

Breathing heavily, Robin surfaced and glared at the female before realizing she was right. She swam towards Aqualad. The Atlantean used the waves to get the two of them to go faster. Robin and Aqualad shared a mischievous grin and swam towards the girl. She dived down. The two of them followed suit. Aqualad grabbed her around the waist and brought her to the surface.

Robyn struggled and got out of his arms, only to fall into her male counterpart's grasp. He threw her into the air and she landed right by Aqualad. The three of them laughed and splashed each other.

Author's Note: Wow, Red X again. No shocker there, he's a thief.

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