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 2 – Not So Noble
As the sun began peeking up on the horizon, Robin awoke with a gasp, drenched in sweat. He had been dreaming; the Titans were in battle against a faceless enemy, and Starfire had gone to attack him, and he had knocked her out and pushed her off a cliff, and she was falling, falling, and Robin couldn't get to her....Starfire....no....
He needed to get her off his brain. He had loved her ever since he could remember, but lately she plagued him, occupied his thoughts, made him zone out every now and then. This was not how the Boy Wonder could behave. He had to always be alert. Just because Slade's mask had been shown melting in the lava, didn't mean that he hadn't escaped. And there were many others just waiting for their opportunity to wreak havoc on the city or get the best of the Teen Titans. It was no secret that the enemy who could destroy the Titans once and for all would be highly revered by villains everywhere. Terra had almost succeeded, but she wasn't really an enemy, was she? She was just misled, confused, manipulated....in the end she had turned out all right. Which was a relief. Her betrayal had led the Titans to almost their breaking point. And Starfire....the look on her face....she couldn't understand how her friend could hurt her like that. It was inconceivable to Robin himself how anyone could hurt the innocent, loving, beautiful Starfire.....wait, stop.
If he couldn't stop thinking about her now, how ever would he be able to concentrate on anything else if he asked her out? Not that it would matter because she only viewed him as a best friend. Still, there was no way he could ever even begin to think of asking her. He was a Teen Titan, the leader, even. He needed to be completely focused and strong. He had no weaknesses. If Starfire became one....
Who was he kidding? She was already his weakness.
Robin stretched and walked over to the mirror. He looked at himself, looked at his mask-less eyes, then shook his head and tied the thin black strip at the back of his head. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, he decided he might go out and get some breakfast before a famous Teen Titan "NOBODY WANTS YOUR DISGUSTING TOFU WAFFLES, DUDE I'VE BEEN WHAT YOU'RE EATING" all-out breakfast extravaganza food fight. That, or be forced to eat another scary concoction of Starfire's. Much as he loved her, it was incredibly hard on his digestion and he wasn't sure how much more he could take.
As he walked out towards the kitchen, he heard someone humming. Who could be up at this hour? It certainly wasn't Beast Boy, because Robin could smell sausage and the changeling had this weird obsession with getting beauty sleep. He claimed that he needed to look his best for all his girl fanatics. Uh huh. Sure. The sausage actually smelled good, so it couldn't be Starfire, and the voice was deeper, which also eliminated Raven, not that she would ever cook sausage. That left Cyborg, but he didn't really know Cyborg to be much of a hummer....
Who Robin found was most certainly not anyone he could have possibly expected. It was a stranger, and when he turned around to face Robin, he could see that his face was slightly discolored with a nasty bruise that was swelling a bit. But even with that, it was undeniable that this guy was attractive. Robin found himself worrying what would happen if Starfire saw him. Would see notice his attractiveness? He hoped not. Robin decided that he'd rather not take any chances. This guy needed to go, and fast.
"Um, who are you? And what are you doing in my kitchen?" Robin asked. The stranger smiled.
"Robin. It is such an honor to meet you. I've heard so much about you. My master told me that of all the people in the world, there was none so suited for the leader of the great Teen Titans than the Boy Wonder." The stranger bowed. "My name is Derek Santrine, from the humble city of Nagem. Please, won't you have some sausage? I'm sure you are wondering what my story is, and I would be glad to tell it, but I'm sure you are hungry." Robin nodded unsurely. He would accept the food to appease this Derek, but wouldn't eat it for obvious reasons. After all, this guy could be such a great villain that he discovered how to hack into Cyborg's intricate security systems. The two teens sat at the table across from each other. Robin sat back, waiting.
"As I said, my name is Derek Santrine from the city of Nagem. I am....in trouble. The enemy of my city, Niltiac, heard a prophecy that I am to be his downfall. Outraged, he began to attack the innocent people of my city. My master was ashamed, as it was my fault. And so I was made to leave, told the Teen Titans could help. I traveled with only the words of 'Look for the giant T upon the horizon.' And finally, I reached Gotham City, and a citizen told me that the T was not far away. Last night, through the heavy, dangerous storm, I finally came upon your door. But not before some hit men of Niltiac's found me. As you can see, I took a beating before I escaped. And last night I was received with such hospitality that I believe what my master said was true. You Teen Titans are the greatest heroes of all, and you must be able to help." Robin took a moment to process all the information.
"Wait," he said, looking at Derek with great scrutiny. "You said last night you were received with great hospitality?"
"Yes," Derek said, smiling at the memory. "My angel saved me." His angel? What? Robin heard a yawn. He turned around, facing the living room, and saw Starfire sitting up from the couch, stretching. Had she slept there? He turned back to face Derek and saw the stranger's gaze also directed at the beautiful angel. He stood, and bowed.
"Good morning, my angel," he said, and Robin's jaw dropped. Starfire? His angel? What? He felt a sudden animosity for Derek when he saw Starfire blush.
"I see you are well rested and you are walking better. Have you healed?" Starfire asked, floating over. "Good morning, friend Robin!" she said when she saw him.
"I am recovered, thanks to you," Derek said, straightening himself from the bow. "I cannot express my gratitude."
"Starfire, who is this guy?" Robin asked, dumbfounded. "What's going on?"
"Last night he came to our door in the storm. He was damaged and exhausted, seeking help. I could not leave him out there. So I let him in to rest. He needs us."
"So I've heard," Robin said, voice close to a growl. The Teen Titans always helped those in need. So naturally, Robin should be welcoming as Starfire was....right?
Then why was he feeling such great distrust and hostility?
Welp, there's chapter two! That one was pretty long, so be appreciative, people! So far not much has happened that big, which I'm sorry about, but, you know, every story needs a beginning and I gotta get out the introduction before the action comes along. Take my word for it, this will be fun. Reviews are NECESSARY people! They inspire me to write better and faster! So review already!
Sneak Peak: Beast Boy and Cyborg meet Derek, and the intensity builds as a love triangle is formed.
Blair