Title: Hey Jealousy

Author: Blair Lebeau, SocialButterfli

Summary: When a stranger named Derek appears at the door of Titans Tower seeking refuge, it leads to friendship, romance, and not to mention trouble. It seems to follow Derek everywhere he goes, and when he gets the Teen Titans sucked into it, Robin begins to believe that maybe Derek isn't what he seems. Is Robin onto something, or is it just the result of a little thing called jealousy? RobStar BBRae

Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans, which you already knew, but I can't afford to be sued so I'll just say it anyway.

Chapter 1 – One Dark and Stormy Night

Thunder rumbled throughout the sturdy T, home to the famous superheroes, the Teen Titans. It went unnoticed by most, as it was late in the night and everyone was asleep. Everyone except a certain crimson-haired alien. Starfire was still not used to storms, and they still made her uneasy and unable to sleep. Normally when she had insomnia she would retire to the roof, her favorite thinking spot, but considering the circumstances it didn't really seem like such a great idea. All she could do was sit, huddled on her bed, begging for the end of the storm to be near.

A flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed by a louder boom of thunder that shook Starfire to the core. She wished one of the other Titans were awake, preferably Robin. Being alone affected her differently than it did others; Starfire depended on company to make her feel worth something. It was no secret that she didn't like to be left alone, but it was one as to why. Her home life on Tamaran wasn't talked about, therefore no one could know how her family had caused her to become so vulnerable and so, well, love-needy. That was the thing about the Teen Titans. Raven wasn't the only one with secrets. Each Teen Titan had a past that was unknown to the rest. Don't ask, don't tell, that was pretty much the policy. After all, it didn't matter, did it? The past was over, as Raven liked to say. This was the present.

Crackling thunder caused Starfire to jump. Thinking about her past and all the secrets the others had made the storm seem even scarier. It just reminded her of how alone she really was. Yes, she may live with four other people who are her friends and partners in heroism, but none of them knew her, not really. They didn't know her constant fear of being left behind. They would never expect it.

No, she thought. I will not think these thoughts. I will think peace, happiness, and tranquility. She took a deep, shuddering breath as lightning fell over her shivering form. Peace, happiness, and tranquility.

There was another rumbling, but this time it came from her stomach. She giggled in delight, the fleeting fear gone as if it had never been. She rose from her bed and made her way to the kitchen, knowing that without anyone else to stop her, she could have all the mustard she wanted. She didn't understand why everyone insisted on forbidding her from her favorite treat. They insisted that it was wrong, but how could something that tasted so good be wrong? They probably just didn't want her hogging it all to herself.

Humming happily, she sipped her 'drink', unbothered by the storm with the lights on. But the next noise that reached her ears was much softer than thunder but much more unnerving. It was the sound of knocking on the door of Titans Tower. She paused, unsure of what to do. Starfire wasn't really the take-charge type; if Robin were to step down from leadership, she'd be the last to take his place. After the knocking sounded a second time and it was apparent that no one had heard it, she reluctantly made her way to the door. She opened it cautiously, unsure of what she would find on the other side. And what met her eyes shocked her. It was boy, on the verge of becoming a man, who was about Starfire's height with mussed brown hair and deep chocolate eyes that were staring into her own soulfully. He was breathing heavily, and Starfire could guess why: the gigantic bump and purplish bruise that spread from his left brow up indicated that he'd be in a fight and the way he was favoring his right leg said that maybe he hadn't done so well. He was soaked, and suddenly stumbled forward into her.

"Please....help...." he gasped out, as if breathing itself were painful. "My master....sent me....he said the Teen Titans would help." His legs gave way and the stranger collapsed into Starfire's arms. If she had been a normal girl she probably would have collapsed too under his weight, but she wasn't, and her heart went out to the poor boy. Her compassion overruled her confusion and wariness, so she flew him over to the couch and laid him down gently.

"Who are you?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of you. "And why do you need our help?"

"My name is Derek.....Santrine." His voice was gravelly and deep and it captivated her. "I'm in trouble. I was sent....away. Told.....you could help. Need....sleep." Compassion overruled again.

"Oh, of course!" she said. "I am sorry, you must rest, you are so damaged. Let me get some aid for your wound." She left for a second then returned with an ice pack that Robin kept stocked in the freezer. She gave it to Derek and he put it against his face, wincing.

"Thank you, angel," he said. "My angel." She was surprised at this comment, but felt undeniably pleased. "Would you mind....staying with me tonight?" He grimaced as he rearranged himself to make room for her. "I have given....you no reason to trust me.....so it would be better for your conscience probably." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "And I so despise being alone."

She sat down next to him, feeling a sense of gratitude at possible understanding of how she felt.

"So do I," she whispered back.

"Good night angel," he said, and promptly fell asleep. Starfire watched him breathe heavily for a while before she noticed that the storm had died down. Her fear of being alone and of the storm both calmed, she found herself also able to drift off to sleep.

There's the first chapter of my new fic! Hi guys, missed me? Not that it's been all that long.... I hope to see my old readers as well as new ones reviewing! If you haven't heard of me then I suggest you go read my first fic, "Heart's Desire", which is complete and seemingly loved by many, so I guess that means it's good!

Oh, and did you guys see last night's episode? That is officially my new favorite. But, hello, a little kiss on Robin's cheek from Starfire wouldn't have hurt anyone, would it? Sigh. Oh well.

Sneak Peak of next chapter: Robin meets Derek, and he tells his story.

Dun dun dun dun! Okay that's all for me now. Remember to REVIEW!!!

Blair