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 6 – Late Night Visit

Derek was pissed. The night had not been what he was planning. If he could just get Starfire alone, he would be able to make it not completely in vain, but Robin wouldn't leave her side. And she didn't seem to object to that. Derek had to put an end to this. The more she hung out with Robin, the less of a chance he had to get to her. The house was growing late, and Starfire was yawning. That wasn't a good sign. If she went to bed, it would be another day of possible progression lost. There would be no way for him to spend time with her.

Or was there?

Starfire retired to her bedroom after what she was sure was the best night of her life. She and Robin had spent some intimate time together during the movie, and when she was scared out of her wits, he comforted her. That was one of the things she loved about him. She always felt safe and secure around him and he always knew how to make her happy. She changed out of her clothes and into the traditional Tamaran nightclothes: a tight, midriff-baring top that resembled a sports bra, and a long, sheer, light purple skirt. She settled into her comfy pink bed, thinking of Robin and how she wished that it were him that had asked her out on a date, not Derek. She fell asleep almost immediately, and of course she dreamed of him. She dreamed that they were on the roof of the tower, sitting together, his arms around her. They were leaning into each other, and Starfire was sure that she was about to experience her very first kiss....when Robin reached up and knocked on her forehead.

What?

Knock knock.

Starfire's eyes opened and she was filled with disappointment to discover it was only a dream. A good dream, but a dream all the same.

Knock knock.

Starfire realized that someone was at her door. She looked at the clock and saw that it was one in the morning. Who would be at her door at this hour?

"Come in," she called quietly, not wishing to disturb Cyborg, whose room was next to hers. The door opened, and Derek entered. Starfire couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that it wasn't Robin. But then, what had she expected?

"I'm so sorry," he said. "I hope I didn't wake you." Starfire, not the angry type, didn't tell him that he had interrupted the best dream of her life. Instead, she smiled.

"No, it is fine. What are you doing up?" Derek shifted, looking uncomfortable. "Would you wish to come in?" Even in the dim lighting that filtered in through her slightly open door, she could see his face light up at the invitation. It made her feel flattered, then uneasy.

"Yeah, thanks," he said, and moved closer to her bed. Starfire threw off her covers and stood up. Derek stared, spellbound by her beauty. The way her Tamaranian nightclothes fit her made it hard for him not to sweep her up in his arms and carry her home with him. He cleared his throat, then boldly stepped up to her and took her hand, caressing it gently. A little gasp escaped her, but it went unnoticed by Derek.

"Derek," she said, her voice small and unsure. Derek looked into her bright green eyes soulfully.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice hoarse. "I just....I got so lonely out on that couch in the dark. I hate to be alone." He looked away, as if ashamed. "I'm sorry, I know you don't understand how it is to be alone...."

"No," Starfire interrupted. "I do. I really do." Her confession surprised herself; she had never admitted it to anyone before, and no one would ever guess it. Derek looked back up at her. Starfire gazed into his chocolate eyes and felt as if she were melting. She felt like he could be the first person to really, truly understand her. And so, sitting on her bed, she decided to open up.

"Back on my home planet, I was not surrounded by such loving friends as I am now," she began as Derek sat down next to her. "Tamaran is different from Earth. Family binds Tamaran, and when you are royalty, you do not have time for friends. Family is importance, and that is that. But when you are royalty, family doesn't have much time for the second in line to the throne. My father is busy being king, and my mother is busy being queen. When Blackfire, my eldest sister, was not busy learning how to take over the empire of Tamaran when the crown is passed on, she was fighting, and I was not a very good fighter. I was very alone, with only my nanny to keep me company, but my family also had other things for him to do. I was mostly left alone to my room without any companionship at all. I know that here it is different, as I am most certainly not lacking in friends, but at night I remember how it was and am always in fear." Starfire looked down at her feet, and Derek noticed a tear drop from her cheek onto her shoe. "I never wish to be alone again."

Derek tilted her face up to meet him, and he looked at her tenderly, wiping away her tears with his thumb.

"I too know loneliness," he said, and began to tell his own story. "My parents died in a car crash when I was young, leaving me with no family nor relations. There was no one to take care of me, but my future master saved me from the adoption agency. He said he could see great things coming from me. But as your family was busy so was my master. He's very important and has many things to do. At times I was merely in the way. And I've always longed for someone my own age. And someone who understands. You, Starfire, I think you understand."

"I am so sorry," she whispered. "I am sorry about your parents and I am sorry that you are lonely and I am sorry that you never had someone."

Derek took her hand again, and stared into her, as if he could see everything that she kept hidden. She took a shuddering breath.

"So what do two lonely people do when they have each other?" His suggestive voice was deep and rough, and made Starfire tremble. She had never really had someone who could understand her. A tumult of feelings ripped through her, and she couldn't really separate out what they were. Was Derek hitting on her, or was he genuine? Starfire was innocent, there was no doubt about that, and so she didn't doubt the sincerity of his feelings. She believed him to be a truthfully lonely person whose life hadn't gone too well for him and he just needed someone.

But what if she was wrong?

Hah, I love making you guess!

Sneak Peak: When Beast Boy and Raven get into a fight, they take it too far.

Blair