Lifeline
~~~^~~~^~~~^~
"Starfire!"
"No!"
"C'mon!"
"No!"
"But Star!"
"No" She kept her arms crossed as he desperately tried to get her to come inside.
"You have to, it's cold!"
"No"
"Can you say anything else beside no?"
"No"
"Are you going to stay here all afternoon?"
"N...."
"Gotcha!" He grabbed her arm gently, trying to get her to talk to him.
"Robin!! I do not want to go inside."
"It's cold!"
"No it is not. I am tired of having to stay indoors all the time. I am sick, not paralysed"
"But what if you get sicker?"
"Robin just drop it, she's not going to move any time soon" Said Raven from behind him.
"Which side are you on anyways?"
"On the reasonable side"
"Reasonable! She could get sicker!" He yelled.
"If anything it'll do her good to be outside, the sun rays may help her blood cells"
"I feel so much better when I am outside" Said Star who had finally stood up on her feet and tried helping the 'stay outside' cause.
"Fine" Agreed Robin angrily, he was just trying to do what was best for Star but Raven was right. She got her powers from the sun maybe it could give her energy.
"Hey why don't we go to the park!" Offered Cyborg who had just entered the roof.
"Yeah! Lets go play outside!" Said Beast Boy standing beside Cyborg.
"Yes let us go to the park, oh please Robin could we?" The red haired gazed into her love's eyes as she gave him 'the puppy look' her best weapon against Robin. She had gotten him to do a lot of things with that look over the past few months.
"You are in no condition to play" He reminded her.
"Oh please Robin! I promise I will not overwork myself. I just need some fresh air and sun Pleeeeaaassseee" She begged.
She really was outdoing her puppy-eye look today. The masked titan just smirked at her there was no way he could say no to her, it was a lost cause anyways.
"Fine, we'll go to the park....only for a little while" Star flung herself into his arms hugging him tightly as she whispered a set of thank you's into his ear.
"Let's get going then!" yelled Cyborg exited before he ran downstairs, Beast Boy behind him.
~^~~^~~~^beep~~~^~~^beep~~~^~~~^~~
"So what do you want to do?" Asked Robin looking around the half empty park. It was nice sunny day, but it was long weekend so half the city was out to nice relaxing places so they had the park to themselves.
"How bout we play some FOOL-ball!"
"YEAH!" Yelled the green titan who quickly grabbed the ball before Cyborg. The two friends ran to an open field. Raven sat, her legs crossed and a serene look in her face. Robin just looked at his two friends fighting over who was getting the ball his eyes showing his desire to go for the ball.
"Go and play Robin" Commanded Starfire in a soft voice while signalling him to stand up.
"But you..."
"I'll stay with her," Offered the sorceress.
"No, you will go play with the boys" Raven met her friend's eyes, surprise and wonder all mixed into one. Had Starfire just ordered her to do something?
"But I..."
"No buts Raven. You will go play, I will....umm Referee?" She caught Robin's smile as if telling her it was the right word.
Raven was lost, she didn't know whether to obey her best friend or dismiss her. She gazed into Star's eyes, they were encouraging silently telling her to go. Before she knew it her legs had pulled her up and she was walking toward a somewhat shocked Beast boy and Cyborg. Before they left to go play Robin gave Star's pale cheek a kiss before running off.
Starfire laughed as she watched the ball land on raven's hands, she must have panicked after seeing three men running full speed to her for she had thrown the ball to the air. And she enjoyed greatly when she got to give Robin a foul for the ball not been in when it actually was, been referee was very fun at least for her.
~~~^beep~~~^~~beep~~~^~~~^~~
Cyborg walked to the kitchen, surprised to find Raven and Beast boy on the couch pretty close to each other. They were awfully still, he though they could be sleeping. An evil idea occurred to him but Raven turning her head to look at him made him dismisses it.
"What are you doing here?" The sorceress snapped, her dark purple eyes fixed on him. She had felt his eyes on her back hopefully he was far enough to not have noticed how close Beast boy actually was, he was almost half on top of her. They had been watching a movie then he started talking to her about life and death, next thing she knew he had fallen asleep using her as his pillow. How they had actually gotten in that position whatsoever was a mystery to her.
"Getting a glass of water, that's all geeez" He reached for a glass and poured some of the liquid into it, his eye caught a glimpse of the metal teapot on the stove. He remembered it was Starfire's tea she was suppose to drink at least 4 cups of the stuff everyday. He wondered if she had drink a cup yet.
He knew Robin was out, he'd said something about meeting someone and a cure but he had mumbled it quickly enough for him to miss half of it.
'If Beast Boy and Raven are here then that means Star is by herself. I'll go check on her' He poured Star a cup of her grey looking tea, he hated to admit it but the stuff looked worse than Raven's herbal tea. He wondered if it tasted as awful.
~^^^~~^^~~^^
Cyborg gently knocked on Star's door. He hoped she wasn't asleep he knew how little sleep she had been having...Correction, how much sleep she HADN'T been having. Every minute of sleep was precious for her.
"Come in" Called Star, the door slipped open. He found Starfire doing something on her desk, she smiled warmly at him. "Cyborg, please come in"
He returned the smile; she stood up to greet him. He studied the room carefully, he had never been to Star's room before, well not long enough to look around. The first time had been weeks ago when he had to carry her to her room after she lost all that blood. The memory that followed his thoughts caused him to remember her delicate condition. His eyes fell upon a small collection of fluffy stuffed animals in a corner. The room was mostly purple, Star's favourite colour.
"I brought you your tea. I didn't think you'd had your daily dose yet" He walked closer to her not wanting her to stand up and get dizzy.
Star took it from his hands gratefully. "Thank you Cyborg. You are correct I have not yet had my second cup"
"Second cup? Star you'd suppose to be in your third cup by now" She frowned as a response. She gazed down at the grey liquid.
"It does not taste very good," She sounded like a five year old complaining about her medicine.
"I can imagine...umm I didn't know how you drink it so I just poured it cold, is that ok?"
"Oh yes, it is wonderful. I dislike it hot, the taste becomes too strong"
"Then I'm glad I guessed right. Why are you all by yourself?"
"I went to the living room but found Beast boy and Raven umm... sleeping. And I did not wish to disturb them"
"Yeah I was caught in that same predicament a few minutes ago."
There was a comfortable silence between the two as they drank their liquids.
"So how ya feeling?"
"I am all right, somewhat sleepy though"
"Still can't sleep eh"
"I am afraid not. I have gotten used to it though."
"Nice collection you have there" He said while pointing at the stuffed animals.
"Thank you. I seem to have an impulse to buy one every time I see one I like. Raven says it is a "childish obsession"
"Naww, she's just messing with ya. It's...cute." Star giggled softly.
"So what you have there?" Asked Cyborg pointing to the pen and pencil on her desk.
"I am writing some letters"
"To your family?"
"Yes, to all my family" He nodded not getting what she really meant.
"Well I'll let you finish" Cyborg smiled at the girl. But before leaving he gently patted Star on the top of her head. It was simple gesture, childish if you will but at the same time so sweet it made her feel special, even missed. She gave him a comforting smile before he walked out of her door.
~~~^~~beep~~~^~~~~~~^~beep~~~^^~~~~ Weeks later:::::::::::::::::::::
Starfire laid on the couch, her head resting on a pillow as she watched TV with her friends. Her skin didn't have that healthy amberish glow anymore, it had disappeared long ago. Leaving in its place a pale amber, her eyes were exhausted. Her body looked tired beaten and thin, that fire that had once been obvious just by looking at her figure had slowly disappeared. But every time you looked into her amber eyes you could see it burning with all its might. Her eyes were the exact opposite of her body, her eyes shone with the burning desire of life, love, friendship and fear.
And even though she grew weaker and weaker everyday she always managed to stand up and keep going. The titans hadn't left the tower in weeks, aside from the small one-hour 'kick out' where Starfire would practically push then out the door. Two days ago the thin skin covering her wrists had snapped causing another though much smaller than the first one blood stream. Since then everyone made sure she was resting at ALL times.
"I do not understand why is he adding more pepper? The dish is covered on it"
"It's to add more flavour I guess"
"I think he's just trying to make time"
"His chicken is burning"
Everyone kept looking at the so-called "professional chef" cooking while the chicken in the oven burned. They themselves didn't know why they were watching this, the only excuse was that they were really bored...really, really bored. Looking at her half awake friends Star thought it was time for one of her 'naps.' She had found that during her so-called naps, where she supposedly 'slept' was the only time her friends would willingly get out of the tower.
But not while she was actually awake, as much as she thanked them for their sacrifice of wanting to be with her and not leave her alone she knew they grew restless if they didn't get some fresh air. She was tired of been confined to the tower herself but she really didn't have a choice, however they did, and she tried to take as many 'naps' as possible in order for them to go out.
Of course she never actually slept, she hardly slept during the night let alone in the day. Robin seemed to be the only one getting suspicious, the first few times she had done her 'I am going to take nap' routine Robin had left the tower for a couple of hours but after four days he had gotten very suspicious. She knew of course he had to get suspicious eventually; after all they did share a bed almost every night. And she loved waking up to his face, however nothing * more* had happened even since that first time.
"I am feeling very sleepy. If you will excuse me I think I will go take a nap"
Her friends smiled supportably at her. Raven stood up to help her friend to her room but Robin held Star by her shoulders, gesturing to Raven that he would take her. Beast boy decided to change the channel, a channel up he found the local news, and a big red frame appeared on the TV, making the titans divert their attention from Star to the screen.
"A very important last minute news has come in! It has just been reported that Starfire, one of the members of the Teen Titans is gravely ill. There is fear of death in her condition... in the name of Jump City we wish her a speedy and painless recovery. Starfire, we wish you the best. And that concludes the six o'clock news please stay tune to the...."
Beast Boy turned off the TV. There was a dead silence between the friends no one spoke a word. Star smiled sadly her eyes still fixed on the TV. It wasn't like she had expected her condition to stay secret for long. She knew that wasn't possible but somehow she felt sadder, more hopeless. She fought back the tears building in her eyes, she couldn't cry in front of her friends. Her feet floated a few inches from the floor, but Robin kept a strong hold on her shoulders, supporting her.
"Star..."
"How did they...?"
"I don't know"
"It is all right friends, it could not be kept a secret for long. After all I have not been fighting alongside you for so long....it was natural they would know" She concluded, heaviness to her voice.
"It's not your fault you can't fight" Assured Robin.
"I know... I am sorry"
"Don't be. Just get better" Star looked at Beast Boy, from all her friends he was probably the only one who truly still believed she had true hope of getting better. She smiled sweetly at him.
"Thank you...all of you. Now if you will excuse me I will retire to my room"
"I'll take you" Said Robin, she opened her mouth to oppose but was quieted by Robin's strong stare.
~~~~^~~~~^beep~~~^~~~~^~~~^beep~~~^
"You do not need to stay Robin"
"But I want to" Starfire walked to her bed, she sat on it her eyes fixed on the floor. Robin knelt down in front of her; he held her hands in his.
"I am so scared Robin" She shut her eyes, she had finally confessed it, it was the first time in months she had spoken it out loud.
"Me too." He caressed her cheek and she leaned into his touch.
"I do not know what to do anymore" Tears began to stream down her face. Robin felt his heart breaking into a million pieces. He never thought it could pain him so much to see her suffering like this. It just wasn't fair; it wasn't fair at all that she had to go through all this because of a stupid disease. It wasn't fair he was going to loose her after finally finding happiness.
"You need to sleep...really sleep"
She looked guilty for a moment understanding what he meant. "You have all been so worried about me...I thought you deserved a break from the tower"
"You're my break... Star" She smiled sweetly using her right hand to hold his hand to her cheek.
"Taking care of a sick person is a break?"
"No, taking care of YOU is my break"
"Will you stay?" He kissed her lips lightly she needed him there, always there.
"Not planning on leaving" He gently laid Star on the circular bed. It wasn't exactly his favourite room, the bed was a circle it was hard to fit two people in there but they managed just fine most of the time, at least it allowed them to cuddle. Robin watched the woman who had taken his heart with loving eyes, she laid her head where the feet were suppose to go causing Robin to grin. She always did that, sleeping the opposite way. She placed a hand on her bandaged stomach, the remembered the red circular spot.
"Star, I should take off the bandages" She looked at him curiously before understanding what he meant. Slowly she sat up on the bed allowing Robin's strong arms to slide around her and take off the bindings on her stomach. Layer by layer he unwrapped the cloth, revealing the reddish circle in her upper stomach.
The bindings weren't truly necessary, she only did it because she didn't want her friends looking at it all the time. She said she did it to protect them but she knew it was to protect herself more from the worried and painful gazes. She was surprised when Robin simply laced the bandages on the floor and continued by removing her neck brace, and her boots.
He removed his own cape, boots and gloves. Once he was done he gladly crawled to the awaiting arms of Star. Who had him wrapped in a protective and loving embrace as soon as he was close enough to reach he was surprised to find himself pressed against her neck, her cuddling him instead of the other way around. He looked at her as if she was the best thing he'd even seen or wanted to see, melting her heart on the spot. His hands reached her face, the face he cherished so completely it sometimes scared him.
"What are you thinking?" She asked him.
"About you"
Star smiled before kissing his right eye. She did that sometimes, just kiss his face, and he did the same to her. It was still so strange to Robin every time she did that, once he had asked her why she did it. He remembered her answer so well.
((((Flashback))))))))))))~~~~~~~
Starfire and Robin laid together in the lounge's couch. It had been one of those incredible situations where they were actually alone in the tower. Beast boy, Raven and Cyborg had gone to the mall, they had invited them but they had both declined. It was rare when they actually got some alone time by themselves.
The three titans had left an hour ago but Starfire and Robin where still in the same position they had been 45 minutes ago. Star laid by her side, Robin facing her. They would sometimes exchange sweet kisses but they were mostly just talking. Suddenly Star kissed Robin's eyes through his mask.
"Star why did you do that?"
"I am sorry, I will not doing anymore if you wish"
"No, it's not that Star. I like it, I really do, I just find it a bit strange that's all"
Star smiled sweetly, her right hand finding Robin's left cheek.
"When I was little, my nana told me all people hurt because of their past. Everyone is hunted by ghosts but they do not know it, so they hide themselves in hopes that someday it will stop hurting. Your mask hides something, and in my planet there is an old saying that says kisses and love cure anything. I suppose it is a somewhat childish act on my part"
"You do it to make it stop hurting" Realized Robin.
Star looked down, trying to hide her face. "Correct" She whispered, it sounded so strange once it was actually spoken out loud. He couldn't help but press small kisses over her cheeks.
"Well you're right, it does make it better" She giggled softly, nuzzling her face against his neck. (((((((((((((((End Flashback))))))))
'I can't loose her. I can't loose her just like I lost my parents, not again'
"What if I told you there might be a cure?"
"Robin please we agreed not to talk any more of that nonsense."
"Starfire please listen to me...what if there was a way. You wouldn't need medication" Star's gaze was fixed on the roof.
"Please" He begged, she met his masked eyes. Even though his eyes were covered she could still see the pain and unaltered hope in his expression. He was holding himself above her she brought her hand to hold his cheek.
"I truly wish there was a way my love."
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes"
"Will you let me try at least?"
"Rob__"
"Please"
"Fine"
"Will you let me do it MY way?" Now Starfire was really confused. She was in the endings of phase five, she considered it a little too late for him to try and do anything. But at the same time he sounded so sure of himself, so confident and sure she just couldn't say no. She frowned a little.
"Yes, your way. As long as it does not involve eating a lizard"
Robin's laughter rang through the room, shortly accompanied by Star's own laughter. The boy wonder collapsed beside her, laughing each time louder until Star bent over him, her dark red and orange hair framing her face as it fell around him. She had a huge grin on her face as she carefully placed herself on him, kissing him with all the love and emotion she could manage.
Their lips crashed against the others. Loving every second of it, Robin made sure she was on a comfortable position on top of him before putting more force into it. Slowly he brought the kiss down hoping to convince the girl of how much she needed to sleep.
"As much as I'm enjoying this I have to say this is turning out to be more of a make-out session than a nap. And you need the nap more"
"Aww, but Robin I like 'making out better" She pouted cutely making sure he couldn't resist it.
"You are evil"
"How am I evil?"
"You keep convincing me to go against my better judgement"
"I though you liked that"
"Ohhh, who said I didn't?"
"Please, I wish to spend as much time as possible with you..." Doubt began to cloud her mind, perhaps he was finding her disgusting because of how pale she was, or maybe she was too weak, perhaps she shouldn't push him. "But if you do not wish to I will completely understand after all I know it..."
She was silenced by Robin's warm lips on hers. "I have told you a thousand times already and you still ask?" She looked guilty, his voice sounded so obvious.
"I am sorry, I... do not know why I ask anymore" He pushed a strand of hair back.
"I know, but you listen to me. I love you, I really do and I want to spend every waking moment with you, understood?"
She smiled, managing to peck him on he lips before answering. "Understood"
"Good. Now you will sleep"
"But Robin!" She started, she felt like a six year old not wanting to take a nap.
"But nothing. Come 'ere" He opened his arms inviting her into his arms, and invitation she was just too happy to accept. She rested her head on his chest hugging his waist. He hid his face in her hair, he had become so used to sleeping with her in his arms, so used to the warmth, the smell, the feeling of his face on her skin. He doubted he would ever sleep again without her.
~~^~~~~^beep~~~~^~~beep~~^ Two days later::::::::::
"I am not sure it is wise of us to do this"
"You said it yourself, there might be a cure"
"She could die...it is so dangerous" The blonde boy warned. He was having doubts about the whole thing.
"Kai, Starfire is dying and I'm not going to stand here while I see her getting worse everyday!"
"I wish to save her just as much as you... I understand how you are feeling but..."
"Just bring her here. I'll take care of the rest"
"But I promised Kori..."
"Do you either visit her grave?" Robin's voice was as cold as ice. Filled with unspoken anger.
"I will bring her to earth. She may be the only one who can help her"
"I'll contact you in two days, be sure to have talked to her by then"
"Very well Robin. Malekai away" With that the wide screen shut off leaving Robin in the complete darkness.
"Robin?" He turned around the see Cyborg behind him.
~~~^^~~~ Meanwhile In Raven's Room (I'm sorry I couldn't resist):
"Rae?"
"What?"
"Are you sure?"
"Am I sure I want you to come in?"
"Yes"
"I told you it's fine. As long as you don't touch anything...but you're too afraid"
"Of course not!" He choked, hurt that she thought he would be afraid of going into a dark somewhat creepy room where he had gotten sucked into a mirror the last time he was there.
"Then come in" The green titan stepped into the room carefully. As if afraid that a small black bird like the one in her mirror would come crawling from under the bed and attack him.
"Relax, nothing's going to attack you, at least not if I don't want it to"
"Jeez, that's comforting" His sarcasm was answered with a 'look' from Raven. Beast boy looked around the room and was surprised to see two new things added. One was a chair hidden in a corner; the other was that the curtains were halfway open and they were... pink!! Some sun light was actually coming into the dark room. "You fixed the place" His eyes never left the pink curtains.
"Starfire's idea" That was becoming her favourite excuse. But it also raised another question, why was she letting Star change so many little things? She stood in front of Beast Boy, blocking his view of the curtains, knowing fully well why he was staring.
'Because she just wants to make sure you're all right before she dies' answered her own cautiousness.
"You have a chair in here, and the curtains..."
"Well, she sorta has to sit somewhere. She hasn't come in for a while, so it's just sitting in the corner. And the curtains are NONE of your business"
"So it's true? Pink IS your favourite colour?" Raven sat on her bed, black strands of hair falling on her face. Beast Boy took the chair from the corner and arranged it to face Raven before he sat on it.
"Tell anyone and you won't be eating tofu for a long time"
He gulped, the image of him toothless clouding his mind so he tried to change the subject. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"Us actually...."
"Us?"
"Just let me finish" She warned. He nodded, letting her continue.
"You've been there for me a lot since we found out that Star was sick. I just, wanted to say thanks and... well thanks"
'Idiot, moron, you know that wasn't what you wanted to tell him!"
"You're welcome, but you've been there for me more Rae, I mean I dunno what I would have done without.... You" Beast Boy locked eyes with Raven, their brains shut down for a moment as they just stared into the other's face. He couldn't believe he had just said what he thought he'd said.
"Beast Boy"
"Yeah?"
"I...really like y...you"
"I really like you too Raven"
"Really?" That she wasn't quite expecting.
"No" She felt a sharp pain on her chest she was ready to put her walls up when she heard him speak again. "No, I don't like you. I ...love you"
"What did you say?"
"I love you... I never really thought. All this time, but now, I mean I've always like you, but now it's like... I love you Rae," He was babbling on and on but all she could hear was the I love you at the end, and it was all she actually wanted. He looked down at the floor. He stood up quickly, wanting to get away from the room as soon as possible.
'What was I thinking? At least before I had her friendship, now I'm all alone. She must thing I'm so stupid, probably disgusted...'
"Beast Boy"
He stopped thinking when he heard her voice. He turned around slowly fearfully.
"I love you"
"You mean it?"
"Yes"
"You're not joking are you, cause it isn't funny" Raven gave her a 'look' causing the green titan to smile widely.
He quickly minimised the space between them, he looked deep into her dark purple eyes. With shaky arms he grabbed her arm prepared to take it away if she motioned him to do so. But instead she remained still; he took a chance and pulled her closer toward his chest. His other arm went around her back, and he just held her. With shaky arms she wrapped her arms around him waist, afraid of what she was doing. Afraid of all that was going on.
For the first time in her life she actually let two tears slide down her pale cheeks. It was so much to handle, her best friend dying, the boy she had just shortly realized she loved hugging her, comforting her. Somehow the hug was all they needed, all they'd wanted. Beast Boy tightened his hold on her, wishing for all the pain to go away.
~~~~^~~~~^~beep~~^~~ Back at the lounge:::::::::::::
"Cy, I didn't see you there. How long have you been here?"
"Long enough to know who you were talking to"
"There is a way to save her"
"I thought we'd thought of everything"
"Yes, but now we have an option"
"Robin you're playing with fire ...man, does Star know about this?"
"She doesn't know what but I told her I had an idea"
"Which is?"
"You'll know soon enough"
"Is Kai coming?"
"Yeah, soon. Sorry I can't tell you anything else"
"Why?"
"You'll just have to wait!" He snapped. Cyborg's human eye turned cold, Starfire was his friend too and for the past few weeks he had acted like he was the only one suffering. He had no right to be keeping secrets from them. It was as if he thought he was the only one who cared whether she lived or died and he was tired of it.
"Starfire is our friend too Robin! It doesn't make a frigging difference that you love her. We're as much her friends as you are and we care just as much so don't you start with the 'it's my secret' crap. It's getting old" The masked titan turned away. Couldn't he understand in how much pain he was in? What a nightmare it was to watch the life drain out of the only person you cared more than life about. He felt like he was dying too.
"You have no idea what's it like! Life will go on for you, you will eventually forget...Raven will move on and Beast Boy will be sad for a while but everything will eventually be fine for all of you, but not for me dammit! I can't imagine a day without her anymore and it HURTS! I'm trying as hard as I can to save her but no matter where I turn there in another obstacle!!" He was yelling on the top of his lungs, he covered his eyes. He wanted to cry, he thought the tears were coming but it turned out he had better self control than he'd thought.
The tears never came, instead a heavy silence rested in the room. Neither of them noticed the sorceress and shape shifter walk through the door.
"You should both shut up" Ordered Raven harshly, afraid the yelling would disturb her friend's sleep, but her worry was momentarily pushed away when she saw her friend's faces. Robin looked tormented, and Cyborg looked guilty to no end. It was as if the entire tower had become sick.
"What's going on?" Beast Boy walked closer, they'd heard screams coming from the lounge. It had forced them to break their hug. Thankfully Raven's room was closer to the lounge than Star's, so it was unlikely she would have heard.
Robin and Cyborg remained silent.
"Nothing's wrong, just the fact that bird-boy here thinks he's the only one freaking hurting" Robin's jaw tightened, ready to defend his ground.
"I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO'S GONNA KEEP HURTING FOREVER! Don't you see? She's become so important"
"Don't you think we'll be hurting as well? DON'T YOU THINK WE'RE ALSO GONNA HURT?"
"Stop talking about her as if she was already dead!" Ordered Beast boy.
"She will be!" Snapped Cyborg coldly.
Hidden in the dark corner Starfire collapsed on the ground as lightly as she could. She'd heard the yelling and had come out; she'd heard what they were about... her. She didn't have the courage to go out there so she just collapsed on the floor listening to her friends. Maybe if she had left like she'd wanted in the first place they would be arguing right now. Perhaps they would be suffering because of her. One single tear ran down her cheek, she closed her eyes as she allowed the darkness on the corner cover her like a blanket.
"Shut up. All of you" Raven's eyes were glowing purple.
"WHY?"
"We're talking non sense, we shouldn't be fighting"
"WHY NOT RAVEN? BECAUSE EMOTIONS ARE 'POINTLESS'?"
"NO! Dammit! I'll HURT AS MUCH AS YOU WILL, SHE'S MY BEST FRIEND!! "
'People come people go, it's pointless to be upset' the thought hit Raven like a bucket of cold water. More than a year ago she had said those same words to Starfire when Cyborg had left. But people didn't come and go, no they were suppose to stay. Stay with you forever.
"STOP IT! All of you, we're all hurting. Can't you see we all hate to see her sick? We're all going to miss her. But you know what? She's not gone yet; she's in her room sleeping while we're here arguing. Robin you're wrong, you may be in love with her but we love her too. She's... always there for us. We should stop arguing and just...just calm down."
All three titans looked at Beast Boy surprised, the green titan wasn't one to snap talk sense like this. Robin looked down at the ground guiltily. He had hated the words that had come out of his own mouth, they were months of pain and tension all waiting to come out and show their ugly face.
"I'm sorry...I just... it's all closing in so quickly ya know. And I can't stop it" The masked titan ran a hand down his hair.
"We know" Raven walked closer to Robin and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We know" She repeated. In the corner of her eye she caught the glimpse of a figure hiding in the darkness.
'Starfire' She watched as the figure quickly floated off the ground and into the hallway.
~~~~^~~~~^~~~~~beep~~~~~~~~~~^~~~
"I know it was you"
"Raven?"
"Last night...watching us" The red haired girl chuckled but she didn't divert her gaze from the small beads in her hands.
"I knew you saw me"
"How much did you hear?"
She sighed before answering. "Enough"
"We all got worried. I guess it just hit us how soon you'll leave"
"I understand... I am worried about Robin. He does not want to accept my condition."
"He'll have to deal with it soon enough"
"So Raven I am your best friend?" Starfire smiled as she pumped shoulders with the sorceress in a friendly manner. Wanting to ease the mood, the purple-eyes girl blushed lightly.
"Why are you so surprised, you already knew that"
"Umm... I suspected so. Oh, I saw Beast Boy 'accidentally' brush hands with you and you seemed quite pleased about it"
Now Raven was really blushing.
"Umm..."
"Oh come on Raven! Please I am anxious to hear what happened... because I know something happened. Please?"
Raven looked at Star with a doubtful look. Finally she sighed, sat herself in a more comfortable position and began surrendering the details to the red head.
~~~~~~~~~^~~~~~^~~beep~~~^
A small shuttle landed on the roof of titan's tower. Robin and Cyborg waited patiently as the shuttle descended and the doors opened. Revealing a blonde boy and a woman walking toward them. Kai greeted the two with familiarity while the woman inspected the two as hunters inspect their prey.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hi Everyone! Wow it's been so long but hey look at how long the chapter is! I hope you enjoyed it. I am happy to announce next chapter is the last of my series. If you're planning on reviewing please do it before the end, if not just as long as you read the story I'm happy.
Confession: I tried making this chapter as sweet and bond like as possible. Man, writing Beast Boy and Raven romance was HARD! I kept contradicting myself, you could hear me saying "No they wouldn't do this, no they wouldn't do that either". Please tell me how you think I did. Since next chapter is going to be about Star's cure and things like that. Expect it to be pretty long as well, maybe longer than this.
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!! IMPORTANT!!! I HAVE ADDED A NEW SCENE TO CHAPTER "RED WARMTH" IT'S WITH STARFIRE, BLACKFIRE AND MALEKAI. IT'S FUNNY AND I HOPE IT GIVES YOU AN IDEA OF THE FAMILY LIKE RELATIONSHIP. I JUST FELT LIKE THERE WAS SOMETHING MISSING THERE. WELL PLEASE READ IT. THANKS
~~~^~~~^~~~^~
"Starfire!"
"No!"
"C'mon!"
"No!"
"But Star!"
"No" She kept her arms crossed as he desperately tried to get her to come inside.
"You have to, it's cold!"
"No"
"Can you say anything else beside no?"
"No"
"Are you going to stay here all afternoon?"
"N...."
"Gotcha!" He grabbed her arm gently, trying to get her to talk to him.
"Robin!! I do not want to go inside."
"It's cold!"
"No it is not. I am tired of having to stay indoors all the time. I am sick, not paralysed"
"But what if you get sicker?"
"Robin just drop it, she's not going to move any time soon" Said Raven from behind him.
"Which side are you on anyways?"
"On the reasonable side"
"Reasonable! She could get sicker!" He yelled.
"If anything it'll do her good to be outside, the sun rays may help her blood cells"
"I feel so much better when I am outside" Said Star who had finally stood up on her feet and tried helping the 'stay outside' cause.
"Fine" Agreed Robin angrily, he was just trying to do what was best for Star but Raven was right. She got her powers from the sun maybe it could give her energy.
"Hey why don't we go to the park!" Offered Cyborg who had just entered the roof.
"Yeah! Lets go play outside!" Said Beast Boy standing beside Cyborg.
"Yes let us go to the park, oh please Robin could we?" The red haired gazed into her love's eyes as she gave him 'the puppy look' her best weapon against Robin. She had gotten him to do a lot of things with that look over the past few months.
"You are in no condition to play" He reminded her.
"Oh please Robin! I promise I will not overwork myself. I just need some fresh air and sun Pleeeeaaassseee" She begged.
She really was outdoing her puppy-eye look today. The masked titan just smirked at her there was no way he could say no to her, it was a lost cause anyways.
"Fine, we'll go to the park....only for a little while" Star flung herself into his arms hugging him tightly as she whispered a set of thank you's into his ear.
"Let's get going then!" yelled Cyborg exited before he ran downstairs, Beast Boy behind him.
~^~~^~~~^beep~~~^~~^beep~~~^~~~^~~
"So what do you want to do?" Asked Robin looking around the half empty park. It was nice sunny day, but it was long weekend so half the city was out to nice relaxing places so they had the park to themselves.
"How bout we play some FOOL-ball!"
"YEAH!" Yelled the green titan who quickly grabbed the ball before Cyborg. The two friends ran to an open field. Raven sat, her legs crossed and a serene look in her face. Robin just looked at his two friends fighting over who was getting the ball his eyes showing his desire to go for the ball.
"Go and play Robin" Commanded Starfire in a soft voice while signalling him to stand up.
"But you..."
"I'll stay with her," Offered the sorceress.
"No, you will go play with the boys" Raven met her friend's eyes, surprise and wonder all mixed into one. Had Starfire just ordered her to do something?
"But I..."
"No buts Raven. You will go play, I will....umm Referee?" She caught Robin's smile as if telling her it was the right word.
Raven was lost, she didn't know whether to obey her best friend or dismiss her. She gazed into Star's eyes, they were encouraging silently telling her to go. Before she knew it her legs had pulled her up and she was walking toward a somewhat shocked Beast boy and Cyborg. Before they left to go play Robin gave Star's pale cheek a kiss before running off.
Starfire laughed as she watched the ball land on raven's hands, she must have panicked after seeing three men running full speed to her for she had thrown the ball to the air. And she enjoyed greatly when she got to give Robin a foul for the ball not been in when it actually was, been referee was very fun at least for her.
~~~^beep~~~^~~beep~~~^~~~^~~
Cyborg walked to the kitchen, surprised to find Raven and Beast boy on the couch pretty close to each other. They were awfully still, he though they could be sleeping. An evil idea occurred to him but Raven turning her head to look at him made him dismisses it.
"What are you doing here?" The sorceress snapped, her dark purple eyes fixed on him. She had felt his eyes on her back hopefully he was far enough to not have noticed how close Beast boy actually was, he was almost half on top of her. They had been watching a movie then he started talking to her about life and death, next thing she knew he had fallen asleep using her as his pillow. How they had actually gotten in that position whatsoever was a mystery to her.
"Getting a glass of water, that's all geeez" He reached for a glass and poured some of the liquid into it, his eye caught a glimpse of the metal teapot on the stove. He remembered it was Starfire's tea she was suppose to drink at least 4 cups of the stuff everyday. He wondered if she had drink a cup yet.
He knew Robin was out, he'd said something about meeting someone and a cure but he had mumbled it quickly enough for him to miss half of it.
'If Beast Boy and Raven are here then that means Star is by herself. I'll go check on her' He poured Star a cup of her grey looking tea, he hated to admit it but the stuff looked worse than Raven's herbal tea. He wondered if it tasted as awful.
~^^^~~^^~~^^
Cyborg gently knocked on Star's door. He hoped she wasn't asleep he knew how little sleep she had been having...Correction, how much sleep she HADN'T been having. Every minute of sleep was precious for her.
"Come in" Called Star, the door slipped open. He found Starfire doing something on her desk, she smiled warmly at him. "Cyborg, please come in"
He returned the smile; she stood up to greet him. He studied the room carefully, he had never been to Star's room before, well not long enough to look around. The first time had been weeks ago when he had to carry her to her room after she lost all that blood. The memory that followed his thoughts caused him to remember her delicate condition. His eyes fell upon a small collection of fluffy stuffed animals in a corner. The room was mostly purple, Star's favourite colour.
"I brought you your tea. I didn't think you'd had your daily dose yet" He walked closer to her not wanting her to stand up and get dizzy.
Star took it from his hands gratefully. "Thank you Cyborg. You are correct I have not yet had my second cup"
"Second cup? Star you'd suppose to be in your third cup by now" She frowned as a response. She gazed down at the grey liquid.
"It does not taste very good," She sounded like a five year old complaining about her medicine.
"I can imagine...umm I didn't know how you drink it so I just poured it cold, is that ok?"
"Oh yes, it is wonderful. I dislike it hot, the taste becomes too strong"
"Then I'm glad I guessed right. Why are you all by yourself?"
"I went to the living room but found Beast boy and Raven umm... sleeping. And I did not wish to disturb them"
"Yeah I was caught in that same predicament a few minutes ago."
There was a comfortable silence between the two as they drank their liquids.
"So how ya feeling?"
"I am all right, somewhat sleepy though"
"Still can't sleep eh"
"I am afraid not. I have gotten used to it though."
"Nice collection you have there" He said while pointing at the stuffed animals.
"Thank you. I seem to have an impulse to buy one every time I see one I like. Raven says it is a "childish obsession"
"Naww, she's just messing with ya. It's...cute." Star giggled softly.
"So what you have there?" Asked Cyborg pointing to the pen and pencil on her desk.
"I am writing some letters"
"To your family?"
"Yes, to all my family" He nodded not getting what she really meant.
"Well I'll let you finish" Cyborg smiled at the girl. But before leaving he gently patted Star on the top of her head. It was simple gesture, childish if you will but at the same time so sweet it made her feel special, even missed. She gave him a comforting smile before he walked out of her door.
~~~^~~beep~~~^~~~~~~^~beep~~~^^~~~~ Weeks later:::::::::::::::::::::
Starfire laid on the couch, her head resting on a pillow as she watched TV with her friends. Her skin didn't have that healthy amberish glow anymore, it had disappeared long ago. Leaving in its place a pale amber, her eyes were exhausted. Her body looked tired beaten and thin, that fire that had once been obvious just by looking at her figure had slowly disappeared. But every time you looked into her amber eyes you could see it burning with all its might. Her eyes were the exact opposite of her body, her eyes shone with the burning desire of life, love, friendship and fear.
And even though she grew weaker and weaker everyday she always managed to stand up and keep going. The titans hadn't left the tower in weeks, aside from the small one-hour 'kick out' where Starfire would practically push then out the door. Two days ago the thin skin covering her wrists had snapped causing another though much smaller than the first one blood stream. Since then everyone made sure she was resting at ALL times.
"I do not understand why is he adding more pepper? The dish is covered on it"
"It's to add more flavour I guess"
"I think he's just trying to make time"
"His chicken is burning"
Everyone kept looking at the so-called "professional chef" cooking while the chicken in the oven burned. They themselves didn't know why they were watching this, the only excuse was that they were really bored...really, really bored. Looking at her half awake friends Star thought it was time for one of her 'naps.' She had found that during her so-called naps, where she supposedly 'slept' was the only time her friends would willingly get out of the tower.
But not while she was actually awake, as much as she thanked them for their sacrifice of wanting to be with her and not leave her alone she knew they grew restless if they didn't get some fresh air. She was tired of been confined to the tower herself but she really didn't have a choice, however they did, and she tried to take as many 'naps' as possible in order for them to go out.
Of course she never actually slept, she hardly slept during the night let alone in the day. Robin seemed to be the only one getting suspicious, the first few times she had done her 'I am going to take nap' routine Robin had left the tower for a couple of hours but after four days he had gotten very suspicious. She knew of course he had to get suspicious eventually; after all they did share a bed almost every night. And she loved waking up to his face, however nothing * more* had happened even since that first time.
"I am feeling very sleepy. If you will excuse me I think I will go take a nap"
Her friends smiled supportably at her. Raven stood up to help her friend to her room but Robin held Star by her shoulders, gesturing to Raven that he would take her. Beast boy decided to change the channel, a channel up he found the local news, and a big red frame appeared on the TV, making the titans divert their attention from Star to the screen.
"A very important last minute news has come in! It has just been reported that Starfire, one of the members of the Teen Titans is gravely ill. There is fear of death in her condition... in the name of Jump City we wish her a speedy and painless recovery. Starfire, we wish you the best. And that concludes the six o'clock news please stay tune to the...."
Beast Boy turned off the TV. There was a dead silence between the friends no one spoke a word. Star smiled sadly her eyes still fixed on the TV. It wasn't like she had expected her condition to stay secret for long. She knew that wasn't possible but somehow she felt sadder, more hopeless. She fought back the tears building in her eyes, she couldn't cry in front of her friends. Her feet floated a few inches from the floor, but Robin kept a strong hold on her shoulders, supporting her.
"Star..."
"How did they...?"
"I don't know"
"It is all right friends, it could not be kept a secret for long. After all I have not been fighting alongside you for so long....it was natural they would know" She concluded, heaviness to her voice.
"It's not your fault you can't fight" Assured Robin.
"I know... I am sorry"
"Don't be. Just get better" Star looked at Beast Boy, from all her friends he was probably the only one who truly still believed she had true hope of getting better. She smiled sweetly at him.
"Thank you...all of you. Now if you will excuse me I will retire to my room"
"I'll take you" Said Robin, she opened her mouth to oppose but was quieted by Robin's strong stare.
~~~~^~~~~^beep~~~^~~~~^~~~^beep~~~^
"You do not need to stay Robin"
"But I want to" Starfire walked to her bed, she sat on it her eyes fixed on the floor. Robin knelt down in front of her; he held her hands in his.
"I am so scared Robin" She shut her eyes, she had finally confessed it, it was the first time in months she had spoken it out loud.
"Me too." He caressed her cheek and she leaned into his touch.
"I do not know what to do anymore" Tears began to stream down her face. Robin felt his heart breaking into a million pieces. He never thought it could pain him so much to see her suffering like this. It just wasn't fair; it wasn't fair at all that she had to go through all this because of a stupid disease. It wasn't fair he was going to loose her after finally finding happiness.
"You need to sleep...really sleep"
She looked guilty for a moment understanding what he meant. "You have all been so worried about me...I thought you deserved a break from the tower"
"You're my break... Star" She smiled sweetly using her right hand to hold his hand to her cheek.
"Taking care of a sick person is a break?"
"No, taking care of YOU is my break"
"Will you stay?" He kissed her lips lightly she needed him there, always there.
"Not planning on leaving" He gently laid Star on the circular bed. It wasn't exactly his favourite room, the bed was a circle it was hard to fit two people in there but they managed just fine most of the time, at least it allowed them to cuddle. Robin watched the woman who had taken his heart with loving eyes, she laid her head where the feet were suppose to go causing Robin to grin. She always did that, sleeping the opposite way. She placed a hand on her bandaged stomach, the remembered the red circular spot.
"Star, I should take off the bandages" She looked at him curiously before understanding what he meant. Slowly she sat up on the bed allowing Robin's strong arms to slide around her and take off the bindings on her stomach. Layer by layer he unwrapped the cloth, revealing the reddish circle in her upper stomach.
The bindings weren't truly necessary, she only did it because she didn't want her friends looking at it all the time. She said she did it to protect them but she knew it was to protect herself more from the worried and painful gazes. She was surprised when Robin simply laced the bandages on the floor and continued by removing her neck brace, and her boots.
He removed his own cape, boots and gloves. Once he was done he gladly crawled to the awaiting arms of Star. Who had him wrapped in a protective and loving embrace as soon as he was close enough to reach he was surprised to find himself pressed against her neck, her cuddling him instead of the other way around. He looked at her as if she was the best thing he'd even seen or wanted to see, melting her heart on the spot. His hands reached her face, the face he cherished so completely it sometimes scared him.
"What are you thinking?" She asked him.
"About you"
Star smiled before kissing his right eye. She did that sometimes, just kiss his face, and he did the same to her. It was still so strange to Robin every time she did that, once he had asked her why she did it. He remembered her answer so well.
((((Flashback))))))))))))~~~~~~~
Starfire and Robin laid together in the lounge's couch. It had been one of those incredible situations where they were actually alone in the tower. Beast boy, Raven and Cyborg had gone to the mall, they had invited them but they had both declined. It was rare when they actually got some alone time by themselves.
The three titans had left an hour ago but Starfire and Robin where still in the same position they had been 45 minutes ago. Star laid by her side, Robin facing her. They would sometimes exchange sweet kisses but they were mostly just talking. Suddenly Star kissed Robin's eyes through his mask.
"Star why did you do that?"
"I am sorry, I will not doing anymore if you wish"
"No, it's not that Star. I like it, I really do, I just find it a bit strange that's all"
Star smiled sweetly, her right hand finding Robin's left cheek.
"When I was little, my nana told me all people hurt because of their past. Everyone is hunted by ghosts but they do not know it, so they hide themselves in hopes that someday it will stop hurting. Your mask hides something, and in my planet there is an old saying that says kisses and love cure anything. I suppose it is a somewhat childish act on my part"
"You do it to make it stop hurting" Realized Robin.
Star looked down, trying to hide her face. "Correct" She whispered, it sounded so strange once it was actually spoken out loud. He couldn't help but press small kisses over her cheeks.
"Well you're right, it does make it better" She giggled softly, nuzzling her face against his neck. (((((((((((((((End Flashback))))))))
'I can't loose her. I can't loose her just like I lost my parents, not again'
"What if I told you there might be a cure?"
"Robin please we agreed not to talk any more of that nonsense."
"Starfire please listen to me...what if there was a way. You wouldn't need medication" Star's gaze was fixed on the roof.
"Please" He begged, she met his masked eyes. Even though his eyes were covered she could still see the pain and unaltered hope in his expression. He was holding himself above her she brought her hand to hold his cheek.
"I truly wish there was a way my love."
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes"
"Will you let me try at least?"
"Rob__"
"Please"
"Fine"
"Will you let me do it MY way?" Now Starfire was really confused. She was in the endings of phase five, she considered it a little too late for him to try and do anything. But at the same time he sounded so sure of himself, so confident and sure she just couldn't say no. She frowned a little.
"Yes, your way. As long as it does not involve eating a lizard"
Robin's laughter rang through the room, shortly accompanied by Star's own laughter. The boy wonder collapsed beside her, laughing each time louder until Star bent over him, her dark red and orange hair framing her face as it fell around him. She had a huge grin on her face as she carefully placed herself on him, kissing him with all the love and emotion she could manage.
Their lips crashed against the others. Loving every second of it, Robin made sure she was on a comfortable position on top of him before putting more force into it. Slowly he brought the kiss down hoping to convince the girl of how much she needed to sleep.
"As much as I'm enjoying this I have to say this is turning out to be more of a make-out session than a nap. And you need the nap more"
"Aww, but Robin I like 'making out better" She pouted cutely making sure he couldn't resist it.
"You are evil"
"How am I evil?"
"You keep convincing me to go against my better judgement"
"I though you liked that"
"Ohhh, who said I didn't?"
"Please, I wish to spend as much time as possible with you..." Doubt began to cloud her mind, perhaps he was finding her disgusting because of how pale she was, or maybe she was too weak, perhaps she shouldn't push him. "But if you do not wish to I will completely understand after all I know it..."
She was silenced by Robin's warm lips on hers. "I have told you a thousand times already and you still ask?" She looked guilty, his voice sounded so obvious.
"I am sorry, I... do not know why I ask anymore" He pushed a strand of hair back.
"I know, but you listen to me. I love you, I really do and I want to spend every waking moment with you, understood?"
She smiled, managing to peck him on he lips before answering. "Understood"
"Good. Now you will sleep"
"But Robin!" She started, she felt like a six year old not wanting to take a nap.
"But nothing. Come 'ere" He opened his arms inviting her into his arms, and invitation she was just too happy to accept. She rested her head on his chest hugging his waist. He hid his face in her hair, he had become so used to sleeping with her in his arms, so used to the warmth, the smell, the feeling of his face on her skin. He doubted he would ever sleep again without her.
~~^~~~~^beep~~~~^~~beep~~^ Two days later::::::::::
"I am not sure it is wise of us to do this"
"You said it yourself, there might be a cure"
"She could die...it is so dangerous" The blonde boy warned. He was having doubts about the whole thing.
"Kai, Starfire is dying and I'm not going to stand here while I see her getting worse everyday!"
"I wish to save her just as much as you... I understand how you are feeling but..."
"Just bring her here. I'll take care of the rest"
"But I promised Kori..."
"Do you either visit her grave?" Robin's voice was as cold as ice. Filled with unspoken anger.
"I will bring her to earth. She may be the only one who can help her"
"I'll contact you in two days, be sure to have talked to her by then"
"Very well Robin. Malekai away" With that the wide screen shut off leaving Robin in the complete darkness.
"Robin?" He turned around the see Cyborg behind him.
~~~^^~~~ Meanwhile In Raven's Room (I'm sorry I couldn't resist):
"Rae?"
"What?"
"Are you sure?"
"Am I sure I want you to come in?"
"Yes"
"I told you it's fine. As long as you don't touch anything...but you're too afraid"
"Of course not!" He choked, hurt that she thought he would be afraid of going into a dark somewhat creepy room where he had gotten sucked into a mirror the last time he was there.
"Then come in" The green titan stepped into the room carefully. As if afraid that a small black bird like the one in her mirror would come crawling from under the bed and attack him.
"Relax, nothing's going to attack you, at least not if I don't want it to"
"Jeez, that's comforting" His sarcasm was answered with a 'look' from Raven. Beast boy looked around the room and was surprised to see two new things added. One was a chair hidden in a corner; the other was that the curtains were halfway open and they were... pink!! Some sun light was actually coming into the dark room. "You fixed the place" His eyes never left the pink curtains.
"Starfire's idea" That was becoming her favourite excuse. But it also raised another question, why was she letting Star change so many little things? She stood in front of Beast Boy, blocking his view of the curtains, knowing fully well why he was staring.
'Because she just wants to make sure you're all right before she dies' answered her own cautiousness.
"You have a chair in here, and the curtains..."
"Well, she sorta has to sit somewhere. She hasn't come in for a while, so it's just sitting in the corner. And the curtains are NONE of your business"
"So it's true? Pink IS your favourite colour?" Raven sat on her bed, black strands of hair falling on her face. Beast Boy took the chair from the corner and arranged it to face Raven before he sat on it.
"Tell anyone and you won't be eating tofu for a long time"
He gulped, the image of him toothless clouding his mind so he tried to change the subject. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"Us actually...."
"Us?"
"Just let me finish" She warned. He nodded, letting her continue.
"You've been there for me a lot since we found out that Star was sick. I just, wanted to say thanks and... well thanks"
'Idiot, moron, you know that wasn't what you wanted to tell him!"
"You're welcome, but you've been there for me more Rae, I mean I dunno what I would have done without.... You" Beast Boy locked eyes with Raven, their brains shut down for a moment as they just stared into the other's face. He couldn't believe he had just said what he thought he'd said.
"Beast Boy"
"Yeah?"
"I...really like y...you"
"I really like you too Raven"
"Really?" That she wasn't quite expecting.
"No" She felt a sharp pain on her chest she was ready to put her walls up when she heard him speak again. "No, I don't like you. I ...love you"
"What did you say?"
"I love you... I never really thought. All this time, but now, I mean I've always like you, but now it's like... I love you Rae," He was babbling on and on but all she could hear was the I love you at the end, and it was all she actually wanted. He looked down at the floor. He stood up quickly, wanting to get away from the room as soon as possible.
'What was I thinking? At least before I had her friendship, now I'm all alone. She must thing I'm so stupid, probably disgusted...'
"Beast Boy"
He stopped thinking when he heard her voice. He turned around slowly fearfully.
"I love you"
"You mean it?"
"Yes"
"You're not joking are you, cause it isn't funny" Raven gave her a 'look' causing the green titan to smile widely.
He quickly minimised the space between them, he looked deep into her dark purple eyes. With shaky arms he grabbed her arm prepared to take it away if she motioned him to do so. But instead she remained still; he took a chance and pulled her closer toward his chest. His other arm went around her back, and he just held her. With shaky arms she wrapped her arms around him waist, afraid of what she was doing. Afraid of all that was going on.
For the first time in her life she actually let two tears slide down her pale cheeks. It was so much to handle, her best friend dying, the boy she had just shortly realized she loved hugging her, comforting her. Somehow the hug was all they needed, all they'd wanted. Beast Boy tightened his hold on her, wishing for all the pain to go away.
~~~~^~~~~^~beep~~^~~ Back at the lounge:::::::::::::
"Cy, I didn't see you there. How long have you been here?"
"Long enough to know who you were talking to"
"There is a way to save her"
"I thought we'd thought of everything"
"Yes, but now we have an option"
"Robin you're playing with fire ...man, does Star know about this?"
"She doesn't know what but I told her I had an idea"
"Which is?"
"You'll know soon enough"
"Is Kai coming?"
"Yeah, soon. Sorry I can't tell you anything else"
"Why?"
"You'll just have to wait!" He snapped. Cyborg's human eye turned cold, Starfire was his friend too and for the past few weeks he had acted like he was the only one suffering. He had no right to be keeping secrets from them. It was as if he thought he was the only one who cared whether she lived or died and he was tired of it.
"Starfire is our friend too Robin! It doesn't make a frigging difference that you love her. We're as much her friends as you are and we care just as much so don't you start with the 'it's my secret' crap. It's getting old" The masked titan turned away. Couldn't he understand in how much pain he was in? What a nightmare it was to watch the life drain out of the only person you cared more than life about. He felt like he was dying too.
"You have no idea what's it like! Life will go on for you, you will eventually forget...Raven will move on and Beast Boy will be sad for a while but everything will eventually be fine for all of you, but not for me dammit! I can't imagine a day without her anymore and it HURTS! I'm trying as hard as I can to save her but no matter where I turn there in another obstacle!!" He was yelling on the top of his lungs, he covered his eyes. He wanted to cry, he thought the tears were coming but it turned out he had better self control than he'd thought.
The tears never came, instead a heavy silence rested in the room. Neither of them noticed the sorceress and shape shifter walk through the door.
"You should both shut up" Ordered Raven harshly, afraid the yelling would disturb her friend's sleep, but her worry was momentarily pushed away when she saw her friend's faces. Robin looked tormented, and Cyborg looked guilty to no end. It was as if the entire tower had become sick.
"What's going on?" Beast Boy walked closer, they'd heard screams coming from the lounge. It had forced them to break their hug. Thankfully Raven's room was closer to the lounge than Star's, so it was unlikely she would have heard.
Robin and Cyborg remained silent.
"Nothing's wrong, just the fact that bird-boy here thinks he's the only one freaking hurting" Robin's jaw tightened, ready to defend his ground.
"I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO'S GONNA KEEP HURTING FOREVER! Don't you see? She's become so important"
"Don't you think we'll be hurting as well? DON'T YOU THINK WE'RE ALSO GONNA HURT?"
"Stop talking about her as if she was already dead!" Ordered Beast boy.
"She will be!" Snapped Cyborg coldly.
Hidden in the dark corner Starfire collapsed on the ground as lightly as she could. She'd heard the yelling and had come out; she'd heard what they were about... her. She didn't have the courage to go out there so she just collapsed on the floor listening to her friends. Maybe if she had left like she'd wanted in the first place they would be arguing right now. Perhaps they would be suffering because of her. One single tear ran down her cheek, she closed her eyes as she allowed the darkness on the corner cover her like a blanket.
"Shut up. All of you" Raven's eyes were glowing purple.
"WHY?"
"We're talking non sense, we shouldn't be fighting"
"WHY NOT RAVEN? BECAUSE EMOTIONS ARE 'POINTLESS'?"
"NO! Dammit! I'll HURT AS MUCH AS YOU WILL, SHE'S MY BEST FRIEND!! "
'People come people go, it's pointless to be upset' the thought hit Raven like a bucket of cold water. More than a year ago she had said those same words to Starfire when Cyborg had left. But people didn't come and go, no they were suppose to stay. Stay with you forever.
"STOP IT! All of you, we're all hurting. Can't you see we all hate to see her sick? We're all going to miss her. But you know what? She's not gone yet; she's in her room sleeping while we're here arguing. Robin you're wrong, you may be in love with her but we love her too. She's... always there for us. We should stop arguing and just...just calm down."
All three titans looked at Beast Boy surprised, the green titan wasn't one to snap talk sense like this. Robin looked down at the ground guiltily. He had hated the words that had come out of his own mouth, they were months of pain and tension all waiting to come out and show their ugly face.
"I'm sorry...I just... it's all closing in so quickly ya know. And I can't stop it" The masked titan ran a hand down his hair.
"We know" Raven walked closer to Robin and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We know" She repeated. In the corner of her eye she caught the glimpse of a figure hiding in the darkness.
'Starfire' She watched as the figure quickly floated off the ground and into the hallway.
~~~~^~~~~^~~~~~beep~~~~~~~~~~^~~~
"I know it was you"
"Raven?"
"Last night...watching us" The red haired girl chuckled but she didn't divert her gaze from the small beads in her hands.
"I knew you saw me"
"How much did you hear?"
She sighed before answering. "Enough"
"We all got worried. I guess it just hit us how soon you'll leave"
"I understand... I am worried about Robin. He does not want to accept my condition."
"He'll have to deal with it soon enough"
"So Raven I am your best friend?" Starfire smiled as she pumped shoulders with the sorceress in a friendly manner. Wanting to ease the mood, the purple-eyes girl blushed lightly.
"Why are you so surprised, you already knew that"
"Umm... I suspected so. Oh, I saw Beast Boy 'accidentally' brush hands with you and you seemed quite pleased about it"
Now Raven was really blushing.
"Umm..."
"Oh come on Raven! Please I am anxious to hear what happened... because I know something happened. Please?"
Raven looked at Star with a doubtful look. Finally she sighed, sat herself in a more comfortable position and began surrendering the details to the red head.
~~~~~~~~~^~~~~~^~~beep~~~^
A small shuttle landed on the roof of titan's tower. Robin and Cyborg waited patiently as the shuttle descended and the doors opened. Revealing a blonde boy and a woman walking toward them. Kai greeted the two with familiarity while the woman inspected the two as hunters inspect their prey.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hi Everyone! Wow it's been so long but hey look at how long the chapter is! I hope you enjoyed it. I am happy to announce next chapter is the last of my series. If you're planning on reviewing please do it before the end, if not just as long as you read the story I'm happy.
Confession: I tried making this chapter as sweet and bond like as possible. Man, writing Beast Boy and Raven romance was HARD! I kept contradicting myself, you could hear me saying "No they wouldn't do this, no they wouldn't do that either". Please tell me how you think I did. Since next chapter is going to be about Star's cure and things like that. Expect it to be pretty long as well, maybe longer than this.
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!! IMPORTANT!!! I HAVE ADDED A NEW SCENE TO CHAPTER "RED WARMTH" IT'S WITH STARFIRE, BLACKFIRE AND MALEKAI. IT'S FUNNY AND I HOPE IT GIVES YOU AN IDEA OF THE FAMILY LIKE RELATIONSHIP. I JUST FELT LIKE THERE WAS SOMETHING MISSING THERE. WELL PLEASE READ IT. THANKS