Author's Note: Meant to post yesterday but with family over this week, it seems I am destined to never get things done. This whole week; whilst I had hoped to get more done, I haven't done much thanks to those around me. Sigh. I love them but just... I want a few days just to chill out and write and do what I want.

Anyway, here's the next chapter. I hope you like it.

Oh and to answer your question, WeasleyIsMyKing540, I hope the BBRae content in this one satisfies you for now, my friend.

Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans.

He inhaled a deep breath and ran his fingers through his dark hair for probably the millionth time in only the space of an hour. Robin kept casting glances to the door, wondering when someone was going to emerge with news.

Frustrated, his leg jiggled up and down as his patience was beginning to wear thin. His heart was pounding and it had been that way since they returned to the tower.

Starfire had slipped back into an unconscious state almost immediately after waking up back at the factory. She hadn't made any sign of waking again but with her breathing clear and her pulse strong, Raven had ordered them to get home as quickly as possible.

When they reached the infirmary, Robin had reluctantly released Starfire, gently placing her on one of the medical beds so that Raven could start tending to her wounds. There was still the grim reminder that she could still die if something wasn't done to stabilise her soon.

Emotions rushed through Robin the longer he was made to wait outside with Beast Boy quietly watching him.

Raven had set to work instantly, getting a drip set up, changing Starfire into a hospital gown before she frowned and explained that the boys couldn't remain in the room. She needed space and she needed to concentrate and having the Boy Wonder's eyes fixed on her the entire time was more than enough to put her off.

He'd tried to argue of course; tried to throw out his leader card and be this intimidating figure that he sometimes managed to be. But, Raven's glare outweighed his own before she carefully promised him that she wouldn't give up with Starfire.

That had been enough to convince him to get out. The rational part of his brain knew she was right but his heart told him he should be in there beside his girl. He'd given her forehead a kiss and stalked out of the room, alongside Beast Boy who gave Raven a reassuring squeeze of the waist and a chaste kiss to the cheek.

She'd only allowed Cyborg to stay and that was simply due to his knowledge of the medical equipment and technology which Raven wasn't as educated on. His scanners and monitoring systems were more accurate than most of the infirmary apparatus.

Robin had been standing in the hallway outside of the infirmary for just over an hour now. He hadn't gone anywhere during that time; he hadn't even allowed himself to sit down, something Beast Boy had given into.

The changeling sat with his knees drawn up and his arms draped over them, simply watching as Robin moved around the hallway like a lost puppy.

Robin sighed and glanced at the clock on his communicator once more, continuing to wear down the carpet with his constant pacing. He hadn't let up once and Beast Boy had to inwardly applaud his durability. He'd grown tired after the first 20 minutes of waiting outside.

But, he believed in Raven. It was a lot for her to bear right now; she was taking the burden and stress of keeping Starfire alive but he had faith in her. There was no one better to look after their teammate and friend.

Shifting his forest green eyes to Robin, he withheld a sigh, wishing Robin would calm but Beast Boy knew if the positions were reversed and it was Raven in there holding on by a thread, he'd be going out of his mind with worry as well.

"Dude, why don't you sit down? Who knows how long they're gonna be." Beast Boy suggested offhandedly.

Robin turned his head, throwing his friend a scowl which Beast Boy had seen enough times that he just brushed it off. Rolling his eyes, he patted the space on the floor beside him.

"C'mon. Sit. It's not gonna do anything pacing hasn't already." He told him, half jokingly.

His leader paused before he gave into a sigh and trudged across to him, slumping down the wall beside the changeling. He brought his knees up and copied Beast Boy's position, except he was tapping his foot.

"So..." Beast Boy began, aiming to lighten the extremely tense mood,

He could see Robin's jaw flex out of the corner of his eye before Robin murmured, "Please. Don't, Beast Boy."

The jokester sobered and was a little surprised not to hear any anger or frustration in his voice. He'd expected Robin to snap and bite out at him for even talking but his voice simply sounded broken and helpless.

He supposed that was likely considering there wasn't a whole lot else for him to do besides wait and see what happened. Beast Boy guessed that'd be a difficult notion for Robin; they all knew how he loved to be in control of things going on around him and to have it taken from him would clearly leave him floundering.

Beast Boy watched Robin for a long moment before he too exhaled, "You know..." He paused, "She is going to be okay, Robin."

Robin inclined his head to meet his eyes, "You saw how badly injured she was."

The changeling smiled sadly, "Yeah and I really wish I hadn't. That's pretty much burnt into my brain which sucks..." He tilted his head, "But this is Starfire we're talking about."

Shaking his head a little, Robin shrugged, "I just wish I could do something; anything to help the situation."

"You did. When Raven did that little psychic link thing between the two of you... she didn't wake up after just because she felt like it. She knew how much she was still needed."

"I just..." Robin trailed off, not really knowing what to say,

"Dude, trust in Raven. Starfire is her best friend; she's going to do everything she can."

Robin nodded, "I know. I don't doubt Raven... I just... she was so hurt..."

Beast Boy chewed his bottom lip, "Starfire is gonna be okay, Dick. I just know it. She has to be."

The dark haired man lifted his head to look at his friend, ready to throw more of his inner doubts out there but he paused. He could see it in Beast Boy's eyes; the desperation to believe what he was saying. Beast Boy was being reassuring, for both of their sakes.

It was one of the rare moments where Beast Boy showed his serious side and withheld the jokes and humour. He was like the lesser of Starfire; trying to stay positive for other people even in the situations where positivity was scarce. Robin could sense that.

He pushed back the thoughts plaguing his mind and gave Beast Boy a small, appreciative smile, reaching across to grasp the changeling's shoulder in a show of thanks for his comfort.

They dipped into silence again, albeit less tense than before. They sat there, just waiting.

Wait for her to live; wait for her to die.

Wait for an elucidation.

Time stretched on, feeling longer and longer as they continued to sit there. Robin continuously checked the time on his communicator, always keep note of how long Raven had been in there with Starfire.

His foot was still tapping at the floor, his impatience growing and he bit down hard on his bottom lip; enough to draw a tiny bit of blood. He was on the verge of barging into the infirmary, demanding an update on Starfire when suddenly, the door slid open.

Robin was stood in front of the room before Beast Boy could even blink. The changeling followed suit as he noticed Raven emerge and stand at the threshold.

Raven looked exhausted; most likely from expelling so much magic to heal Starfire as best she could. There was blood on her cloak, enough to worry Robin but it was not too much.

"R-Raven... is she...?" He left the sentence hanging, unable to think of either option.

"There was a lot of damage... internally, there was some bleeding... from the fall of the burns, I'm not sure. She had a pretty nasty head injury too." Raven told him, the darkness under eyes giving her a haunted look,

"But?"

Raven shook her head a little, "She lost a lot of blood, Robin."

Robin's face crumpled and his chest heaved as his breathing became more rapid, "God, no..."

He tried to angle himself around her to see into the room but the empath pressed her fingertips against his shoulders, stalling him from doing what he wanted.

"Her burns... the ones on her stomach and her neck... they took the most energy to heal and I'm not even finished with them yet." She took a breath, her eyes searching his face, "She's stable and she is alive but... she won't be awake for a while."

There was a pang of relief that was quickly refilled with concern, "Wh-What? Why?"

"Her Tamaranian physiology allows similar to my own healing trance. Tamaranians can heal at a much quicker rate than humans but only when in a comatose state. The body shuts down so it can focus on healing the wounds."

He slowly nodded; Starfire had mentioned that before as well as pointing out numerous times how resilient her people were.

"But... she is alive?" Robin checked,

Raven nodded, "She's made of sturdy stuff... if she were human..." She shook her head, "She'd be long dead."

Robin swallowed the mountain in his throat, eyes shifting back and forth behind his mask into the infirmary.

"Can... can I see her?"

She nodded but tilted her head at him, "Just... be aware that she is pretty badly hurt. It-It's really hard to see her how she is at the moment. It'll get better over the next few days but..."

"I don't care... I just want to see her."

Raven stared at him, "I think Slade caught us all off guard this time." She told him this with the hope he understood that it wasn't his fault and that Slade's odd pattern of crimes wasn't obvious.

Robin's jaw clenched and his shoulders stiffened, "I should work on finding him after I check on her. I just let him go; let him slip away without even thinking about it."

Narrowing her eyes, Raven looked at him, "We will work on finding Slade. We'll try tracking what we can. Take a guess at what you need to do."

He was sheepish under Raven's gaze and sarcastic tone.

"Stay with Starfire." Robin told her adamantly.

She nodded, "You'll be the one she looks for first when she wakes up."

"She... is going to wake up then?"

Raven breathed out in exasperation, "Yes. Do you really think I would be standing here talking to you if I hadn't stabilised her?"

"Thank you, Raven." Robin murmured, taking her hand and squeezing.

"She's my best friend too, Dick." Raven reminded him in a soft voice,

"I know... it's just... before... I know I was harsh with you-"

She nodded, "I understand."

Taking her hand back from his, she eyed his shoulder and torso. She ran her fingers against both places, probing and testing, earning a sudden wince and grunt from Robin.

"I need to heal your shoulder and ribs. I bet they're bruised black and blue by now."

Robin shook his head, "They can wait."

"Robin-"

"Later. You need to rest first, Raven. You're exhausted."

She gave him a scowl but he simply patted her hand, dismissing her in that brotherly way of his. He inhaled deeply before stepping past her and into the infirmary.

Raven stared after him for a long moment before she turned and ushered Beast Boy and Cyborg away to give Robin some time alone with Starfire.

As the three of them wandered down the hallway, Cyborg rubbed a hand over his face,

"It's been one heck of a day." He pointed out,

Raven nodded and she felt Beast Boy slip his hand into hers, intertwining their fingers. She offered him a tiny smile to which he returned.

"I think I'll order some pizza or something. Now that the little lady's stable, we can relax... a little."

"One vegetarian, please." Beast Boy whined,

"Grass stain, what is the point in pizza without meat?"

"You don't know what you're missing, Tin Man."

Cyborg smirked and shook his head, walking ahead towards OPS and the couple could hear him faintly calling their local pizza parlour.

"How are you feeling?" Beast Boy asked,

"Tired." Raven sighed, "But food will probably help."

"You should rest, Rae."

She rolled her eyes, "Not you as well. I'm fine."

"Raven-"

Sighing, she looked at him meaningfully, "I will after I've eaten. I promise, Gar."

He nodded and beamed; happy she was going to take care of herself.

"How are you?" Raven paused, her eyes sweeping over her boyfriend, "I've been a little out of sorts with everything that happened. But, I have felt everyone's emotions. You're not good."

His small smile faltered, "I was really scared."

Raven stopped walking and stared at his face, her eyebrows furrowed with worry.

"I thought she was going to die... and... I don't know what I would have done. Star's practically my sister..." His voice caught in his throat so Raven gently touched his cheek,

"I know... I was scared too."

Beast Boy nodded and cleared his throat several times, "I'm... better now that she's breathing at least."

"She's a strong woman. She'll be okay."

"And she has you to help her recover."

"I didn't do much."

Beast Boy tugged on her hand to make her look at him, "More than any of the rest of us could have done."

"Thank you." Raven said, blushing.

"You're more caring than you let on, Rae. It's one of the things that I love you for."

Raven smiled slightly before her eyes widened and her heart raced, realising what he just uttered. He turned to walk again but she jerked her head up and stopped him,

"You... you do know what you just said, right?" She asked, her voice wavering,

Neither of them had said it yet and to hear it aloud was overwhelming.

Beast Boy merely smiled, "I know and I'm not taking it back..." He shook his head, "Seeing Robin today with Star... it made me realise how much I need you and that actually... I do love you, Rae."

She blinked a few times before a small, shy smile grew on her face.

"And you love me too, dontcha, Rae?" He teased, wriggling his eyebrows at her, "C'mon, you can say it."

Raven fixed her expression back into a blank one, "Idiot." She mumbled before cheekily releasing his hand and hurrying ahead of him.

"Raeee!" He called, chasing after her, determined to get her to admit it to him.

She quietly laughed as he followed behind and Beast Boy did eventually, get what he wanted, of course.

Robin's footsteps were quiet and careful as he moved inside the infirmary. He reached out and gently pushed the curtain surrounding Starfire aside.

He didn't really know what he expected. He knew how hurt she was; had seen it first hand and whilst her wounds were at their rawest. Even when she had the tiniest of cuts though, his heart clenched at seeing her in physical pain.

Walking around the end of the bed, he caught a glimpse of her and his heart dropped. She was so unlike her normal radiant self and it hurt him to see her like this.

The bruises and scratches were what he notice first, small ones dotted over her beautiful face; they had been there before they'd reached her during what he only imagined was a scuffle between her and Slade. His girl didn't go down without a fight.

He hurried to the side of her bed, ripping off his mask and setting it on the bedside table. He gently reached out and ran his fingertips over the gauze wrapped around her stomach. He trailed them over to the bandages wrapped around her arms before tentatively touched the gauze around her throat and he tried hard to ignore the spots of dark blood that had seeped through.

There was a burning that flared in his chest; an anger that couldn't be ignored nor replaced. He clenched his fists by his sides. Slade wouldn't get away with this. He wouldn't do it alone of course and Robin knew that it might take some time to find Slade again but he vowed to himself that he would pay and he would bring the madman to justice for all the crimes he had committed in the past years.

Robin stood still, watching her for a long time with only the beep of her heart monitor sounding within the room. He cleared his throat, feeling a little choked up at seeing her in such a state.

He grabbed the chair near her bedside table and dragged it over to the edge of her bed so he could sit with her.

Taking a seat in the chair, he slowly took her hand with one of his own, feeling a flutter of happiness at the warmth of her skin. He used his free hand to brush her hair out of her face and stroked her cheek with his knuckles.

He exhaled and shut his eyes, shaking his head.

"I'm so sorry I let this happen to you, Star."

He peered at her and reached into a compartment of his belt, wrapping something around his free hand.

"Please... wake up soon." He whispered, clasping at the object retrieved from his belt. He shifted in his seat and the light glistened over it as he clutched at his mother's locket, hoping it would give him luck and hope now more than ever.

Author's Note: There's only 5 chapters left of this story. How weird, right?

Please leave me a comment, my lovelies!