SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS CHAPTER: It was Starfire's Birthday and the Titans took her to different places and they ended up in a club where, while dancing, Robin declared his love to Starfire but he does not know if she heard him because she fainted in his arms. The Titans went back to the Tower and Robin kissed Starfire while she was sleeping and then left her room. While the Titans discussed whether they should or should not call a doctor to see Starfire, an intruder makes his way inside Starfire's room and after seeing her, goes to the main room only to surprise the Titans by his reappearance. Red X is back!
DISCLAIMER: Do not have possession of the Titans.
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Chapter 2Revelations
The living room at Titans Tower was filled with tension as BB, Raven, Cyborg and Robin stared at the returning "friend" with confusion. Red X was there in front of them, with no sign of damage and with no sign of astonishment on his face. He had slightly changed his uniform: he was wearing black boots, black cargo pants and a tight long sleeve black shirt. He was still using a mask but it was smaller than Robin's, it barely covered his eyes.
-"What the hell are you doing here?"-Robin asked
-"You know, it's pretty annoying to have someone walk around looking like me wearing that uniform"-Red X said
Robin growled and prepared to attack Red X but Cyborg stopped him.
-"How come you aren't..."-BB asked
-"Dead?"—Red X answered
-"Well, if you put it that way"-BB said
-"I told you I was stronger...didn't I kill Slade?"-Red X said
-"Apparently not. You just said he's back"-Raven said
-"Well, I did kill one Slade"-Red X said
-"What do you mean?"-Robin asked
-"Think about it...he created me, what makes you think he did not clone himself, just to be safe"-Red X answered
-"Makes sense. Slade is a person that thinks about all possible outcomes and prepares for every single one of them"-Raven said
-"Yes, he knew what I would do to him if he hurt my Starfire"-Red X said
-"She's NOT your Starfire"-Robin said
-"She's not your girlfriend"-Red X said
-"How do you know?"-Robin said
-"I've been watching you since I...left"-Red X said
-"You haven't done a good job then"-Robin said
-"You think that what you did to her right now makes her yours?"-Red X asked
Robin blushed remembering the kiss he had gave Starfire while she was asleep. The other Titans looked at Robin like if he had raped her and Robin ignored their looks.
-"We may look the same but I can express my feelings for her freely"-Red X said
-"And Robin..."-BB said
-"Why have you come back?"-Raven asked
-"I thought you would never ask"-Red X answered
-"You are not taking her away this time...you touch her and I'll..."-Robin said
-"Calm down! I'm not going to take her...unless she decides to leave with me"-Red X said
Again Robin tried to kick Red X but Raven stopped him this time.
-"You need to control you temper"-Red X said
-"I don't need a copy to be telling me what to do!"-Robin said
-"How do ya know Slade's back?"-Cyborg asked
-"Because I found out he was alive, the real Slade. He found out that I knew he was alive and tried to kill me. If he has waited so long to show himself he must have something big going on"-Red X said
-"He probably does. And why did ya come here to tell us? How do we know you ain't workin' for him anymore?"-Cyborg asked
-"He tried to kill Starfire. I'll never forget him for that and would never work for him again"-Red X answered
-"How can we trust you?"-BB asked
-"Just do"-Red X said
-"I don't"-Robin said
-"I don't care about you"-Red X said
-"I've had it!"-Robin said
-"Come closer, let me kick you're a..."-Red X said
Robin anger was at max. He did not only hated Red X but he hated his guts and his facility to talk about his love for Starfire. Robin was afraid that this time, Starfire would pick Red X over him. Robin clenched his fists but quickly let his guard down. Red X grinned at Robin's reaction.
-"So, where am I staying?"-Red X asked
-"WHAT?!"-Robin yelled
-"We need to talk about this"-Cyborg said
The Titans walked outside the living room and had a meeting at the hallway.
-"I don't want him here or near Star!"-Robin said
-"I think he should stay here"-Cyborg said
-"Yes, this way we can keep an eye on him"-Raven said
-"Maybe we can use tracking thingies on his clothes so we can...Uhm...track him?"-BB asked
-"I don't want him here!"-Robin answered
-"Dude, he did kill Slade and protect Starfire at all costs and I bet he is here to protect here again"-BB said
-"Starfire doesn't need his protection...that's why I 'm here"-Robin said
-"We have no clue what Slade is planning, we could use some help"-Cyborg said
-"I can take care of her. She only needs me"-Robin insisted
-"Man, would you get over it? He ain't going to take her away from you!"-Cyborg said
Robin thought about it and looked at Starfire's door.
-"Fine. But as soon as he gets near her I'm going to..."-Robin said
-"Do nothing"-Raven said
-"There's nothing else you can do but to trust Starfire"-BB said
Robin crossed his arms and did not say anything else. The Titans returned to the living room where Red X had made himself at home and was playing video games. BB looked at the screen and he was in level 30 already.
-"Dude! You can play?"-BB asked
-"Yes, wanna play?"-Red X asked
-"We have decided that you can stay but you are only a guest. You are not part of the team"-Robin said
-"Whatever. BB, Cyborg wanna play?"-Red X asked
BB and Cyborg looked at each other and smiled.
-"Sure"-BB and Cyborg answered
Robin frowned and looked at BB and Cyborg like traitors and turned back to go to his room.
-"We kind of have to trust him. He's the only link between Slade and us. He tried to killed us but he was just protecting Starfire...besides, he is...you, after all"-Raven said
-"He is not me"-Robin said
Robin took some steps and opened the main door when Red X stopped him with a comment he made.
-"Oh, and Robin...I hope you are thankful that I didn't charge you for the breakfast...did Starfire like the cake?"-Red X asked
Robin glared at him, walked away and slammed the door shut.
-"What's his deal?"-Red X asked
The Titans shrugged and continued playing video games with Red X while Raven meditated to check Red X's vibes.
-'I am being honest, Rae. I wont let you all down again. I know Robin wouldn't'-Red X told Raven telepathically.
-'I know'-Raven said
Robin had walked to his room and punched the wall until he got tired. He hated the fact that he had to live under the same roof as Red X, and that Red X would be around Starfire all day, trying to take his place, again.
-"Just when I was so close"-Robin whispered
Robin went to his desk and opened one of the drawers. He stretched his arm all the way to the back and got all his favorite pictures out. They were all of Starfire and while looking at them he noticed something that disturbed him: one of his pictures was missing.
-"That copy..."-Robin said
Robin took a quick look at the pictures, put them back inside the drawer and closed it.
-"He may have the picture but I have the real Starfire here with me"-Robin said
Robin walked out of his room and went to Starfire's room. He knew that the override code was for emergencies only and that he should not go on and abuse his power with it for personal reasons.
-'I am only checking on her...that's an emergency, right?'-Robin thought
He typed the override code and went inside her room. He walked to her bed and got on his knees while grabbing her arm and hugged it with both of his hands. He let his head fall on her arm without letting her go and closed his eyes.
-"Star, if I could only tell you that I love you more than he would ever love you in his life"-Robin whispered
Robin caressed her arm with his hand and sighed.
-"Star, trust me. I won't let anything stand between us...not even...me"-Robin said
Robin stayed inside Starfire's room for a while. He kept hugging Starfire's arm and caressing her hand with his cheek until he got tired and lost hope of her waking up anytime soon. He kissed her hand and then her forehead and after looking at her for a long time, he left to his room. He was very tired because of everything that they had done in just one day. He needed to rest since tomorrow was going to be a long and stressing day for all. After a long time of playing video games, BB, Cyborg and Red X got tired and decided to call it for the day. BB and Cyborg got out of the living room first and got inside their rooms. Red X walked outside the living room and went to the restroom before going to look for Raven and ask her where was he going to spend the night...nights, he hoped. Red X went to the restroom and washed his face and while doing this he saw the bottle of hair gel that Robin used. He took it and opened it to smell its odor.
-"I wonder why Star loves this smell?"-Red X asked himself
Red X remembered that one of the times he was checking on them after they thought he was dead, he saw Starfire and Robin inside the restroom. Starfire had asked Robin about his gel and how he used it on his hair and after Robin had told her she took a small amount and started to mold Robin's hair in funny ways.
-"This is so much fun Robin!"-Starfire said
-"At least you're having fun!"-Robin said
-"I apologize, I did not mean any harm"-Starfire said
Red X heard the way Robin had talked to Starfire and just wanted to jump inside and punch him on the face for this but he could not. He remembered that Starfire washed her hands and flew towards the door after Robin had told her this but Robin grabbed her hand and stopped her.
-"Starfire, I'm sorry...I was joking"-Robin said
-"I understand your disgust, friend. You do not need to lie to me"-Starfire said
-"No, Star, please. I didn't mean it to sound like it did"-Robin said
-"Do not worry, Robin. I will be ok"-Starfire said
Starfire walked away from the bathroom and went to her room. Robin never mentioned the issue anymore and Red X hated him for how bad he had made her feel. However, now he was back; he had the opportunity to be with Starfire and be himself and nothing else. He was not going to take anybody's place; he was going to earn it. Red X closed the bottle of gel and went to Raven's door. He stood in front of the door and was ready to knock on it when the door opened.
-"I knew you were coming"-Raven said
-"Hahaha! You sounded like those people at the psychic lines"-Red X said
-"Really? How do you how they sound?"-Raven asked
-"Uhm...never mind. Can you take me to my room?"-Red X answered
-"Sure, but first I need to talk to you"-Raven asked
-"What about?"-Red X answered
-"Robin and Starfire"-Raven said
-"What's there to talk about? Robin is a jerk and I love Starfire, end of story"-Red X said
-"I didn't mean as them being apart but as them being together"-Raven said
-"What? There's nothing between them!"-Red X said
-"Let's talk inside"-Raven said
-"Your room freaks me out"-Red X said
-"How do you what my room looks like?"-Raven asked
-"So...what about them?"-Red X said and walked inside Raven's room
The next morning BB and Cyborg could be heard arguing in the kitchen about what should be cooked for breakfast. Raven was as always, reading her book and somewhat feeling relieved that some things never changed.
-"When are ya gonna get tired of that tofu stuff?"-Cyborg asked
-"The day you become a vegetarian!"-BB answered
-"Don't you ever say that...again"-Cyborg said
After a while, Cyborg decided to do his own breakfast and BB had convinced Raven to eat whatever he made. In her room, Starfire perceived the smell of food and slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes took some time to adjust to the light that came thru her window.
-"I do not remember opening my window"-Starfire whispered
-"I did"-Robin said
-"Oh! Robin? What are you doing here?"-Starfire asked
-'She doesn't remember what happened last night'-Robin thought
-"What do you mean what am I doing here? I've been taking care of you. I was...worried"-Robin answered
Starfire looked at Robin and Robin stared back. Robin hoped Starfire remembered what had happened last night and as he got lost in her green eyes, he walked towards her and sat on her bed.
-"Starfire, you don't remember what happened?"-Robin asked
-"I remember that you all took me to wonderful places to celebrate my birthday"-Starfire answered
-"Do you remember the last place we took you?"-Robin asked
-"The carnival...the club..."-Starfire answered
-"What do you remember about the club?"-Robin asked
-"There was loud music, our friends never arrived, I believe. And you..."-Starfire said
-"I...what? Starfire I..."-Robin said
-"No, Robin. Please allow me to speak first"-Starfire said
Robin gulped and his eyes widened.
-'She remembers. She knows that I love her. What do I do know?'-Robin thought
Starfire leaned towards Robin and hugged him for a while.
-"That was the best night of my life. I never thought you would do that for me..."-Starfire said
-"I would do it again, Star"-Robin said
-'Like, right now!'-Robin thought remembering last night's kiss
Starfire broke the hug and leaned close to Robin's face. Robin felt his heartbeat raising and he was feeling nervous and happy and anxious and scared, all at the same time.
-'This is it'-Robin thought and closed his eyes
Starfire finally was close enough to Robin and kissed...his cheek. Robin was expecting something else to happen after this but nothing did.
-"Robin? Why do you not move? Is there something wrong?"-Starfire asked
Robin thanked his mask that had prevented him from a very embarrassing moment and rapidly stood up.
-"I'm ok, Star"-Robin answered
-"I am very grateful that you took the time to teach me how to dance. Perhaps we shall dance again, in another occasion? I enjoyed it very much"-Starfire said
-"I did too, Star. You are welcomed"-Robin said
-'You have no idea how much I did'-Robin thought
-"I do not recall coming back to our home. What happened?"-Starfire asked
-"You got tired, Star. You...fell asleep and I brought you here"-Robin answered
-"Oh! Well, thank you again, Robin"-Starfire said
Robin's smile faded rather quickly when he remembered his guest. He wanted to be the first one to tell Starfire about Red X and this was one of the reasons he had woken up early. If she needed to know that Red X was back, it wanted to be him to tell her, not Red X. The less interaction that Red X and Starfire needed to have the better for Starfire and for Robin himself. Robin sat on her bed again.
-"Robin, I see your face has changed. Is there something wrong?"-Starfire asked
-'You bet there is something wrong'-Robin thought
-"Star, I don't know how to tell you this. I don't know what to expect from you, from us, after I tell you what is going on"-Robin answered
Starfire tilted her head and stood up from her bed. She sat next to Robin and held his hand while smiling at him. Robin faked a smile and then lowered his head. Starfire's face filled with concern and lifted her hand to touch Robin's cheek and made him look at her. Robin could not help to sigh deeply.
-"Robin, what can be so wrong that you doubt what we have between us?"-Starfire asked
-"Starfire, last night a visitor arrived. He will be staying here for a while, whether I like it or not"-Robin answered
-"A visitor? Whom are you talking about?"-Starfire asked
Robin turned himself completely to face Starfire and put his hand on Starfire's hand that still was on his check while Starfire was still holding his other hand.
-"I need you to stay as calm as possible"-Robin said
-"You are frighten me, Robin. Please, just tell me who is our visitor. Have I meet this visitor before?"-Starfire asked
-"Yes, Star. Last night, out of nowhere, Red X appeared in our living room"-Robin answered
Starfire's face went from surprised to scared. She tighten her grip and Robin felt the tension on her hand. She slowly removed her hand from Robin's face and tried to move her other hand from Robin's, but he held on to her.
-'She hasn't even seen him and she already doesn't want me to touch her anymore'-Robin thought
Neither of them spoke for a while. Robin knew that Red X reappearance was a big deal but he never expected to be such a great deal to make Starfire stay quiet for such a long time, make her face look blank and her eyes vague and lost in memories. Robin hated Red X more than ever, he was jealous that he did not have the same "power" over Starfire as Red X did.
-"Are you sure this is the same Red X we faced a year ago?"-Starfire asked
-"Yes, Star. He said that he knew it was better for us to believe he was dead. But now that Slade is back he has come to warn us about him"-Robin answered
-"Slade is back? I thought Red X killed Slade when he tried to...How does he know Slade is back?"-Starfire asked
-"He said that Slade had also cloned himself and that the Slade he killed was only a clone. The real Slade was long gone before Red X attacked us here at the Tower"-Robin answered
Starfire did not say anything for a while and suddenly her eyes showed anger. She flew away from Robin and got in a fighting stance, her eyes and fists glowed a bright green.
-"If this is true, how do I know you are not Red X instead of Robin"-Starfire asked
Robin stood up and walked to her, her glowing just got brighter. He did not care if a Tamaran fighter kicked his butt, he walked until he was close to her and leaned his head to meet hers.
-"Would Red X kiss you right now?"-Robin asked
Starfire stared at Robin and lowered her head. Robin did not know what she meant by her reaction.
-"Red X would try. Robin would never kiss me, he is just my...friend"-Starfire answered
Robin did not like Starfire's answer at all. What did she mean by "Red X would try'?. Has he kissed her before? He had not been the first one? Robin was angry and wanted to go straight to Red X and beat the crap out of him.
-"What do you mean by I wouldn't?"-Robin asked
-"Only Red X would"-Starfire answered
-"So, that's what you think about me?"-Robin asked
-"Whomever you are, Red X or Robin, I wish for you to leave my bedroom at this moment"-Starfire said
-"Fine, Star"-Robin said
Starfire lowered her head again and closed her eyes. She was about to walk to her bed when something stopped her cold. Robin had walked towards her, grabbed her waist with one hand and her cheek with the other and was now kissing her. Starfire did not move for a second, trying to figure out what was happening and when she did, she put her hands on Robin's chest and kissed back. They kissed for a long time and then they both broke the kiss in the need for air.
-"You said he would try, is this why you allowed me to do it?"-Robin asked
-"I did say he would try, I never said I would allow him. I would only allow Robin to kiss me"-Starfire answered
-"How do you know I am Robin"-Robin asked
-"Because Robin would not let Red X be in my room without him being present at all times. You said you will take care of me"-Starfire answered
Robin remembered that yesterday when they were skating he had whispered "I'll take care of you" to Starfire's ear when she was afraid of skating. Starfire remembered that she had giggled and told him that she already knew. Robin smiled and Starfire did too. They hugged each other for while not saying anything, this was too good to be true, but it was true. Finally Robin broke the hug and rested his forehead on Starfire's.
-"We have to go to the living room. You need to eat something and we need to start discussing what Slade's plan might be, I don't want any of you to get hurt"-Robin said
-"Ok, Robin. But first I wish to take a shower. I will meet you shortly"-Starfire said
-"No problem, Star"-Robin said
Starfire turned and walked to her closet and Robin stared at her dumbly.
-'Go you idiot, kiss her again. You know you want to'-Robin thought
Starfire grabbed her clothes and wrapped them inside a towel. She walked to Robin and kissed him again. Robin kissed back and smiled. Starfire walked to the door and before leaving looked at Robin who was still standing there, with a big smile on his face. Starfire giggled and left her room. Robin sighed and ran outside to catch up with her but she was already gone.
-'She wanted it too'-Robin thought
Robin could not help but smile and feel happy for what had just happened. Everything was fine, or so he thought, when suddenly he started to hear someone calling his name.
-"Robin?...Robin, are you ok?"-The distant voice asked
-'That voice...'-Robin thought
-"Oh! Robin. Please, wake up"-The voice said
-'Wake up?!'-Robin thought
Robin opened his eyes and realized he had been dreaming. He was sitting on a chair but half of his body was on Starfire's bed. He was still holding her hand and she was awake now.
-'Too good to be true'-Robin thought
-"Robin, are you ok? I have been calling your name for a while now. You must be extremely tired, yes?"-Starfire asked
Robin frowned at his disappointment. He had not kissed Starfire, she did not know that he loved her and worst of all, he had not told her that Red X was back.
-"I'm ok Star. I was worried, that's all"-Robin answered
-"Do not feel worry, friend. I am felling better now"-Starfire said
-"I'm glad to hear that. Anyway, Star, there is something I need to tell you"-Robin said
-"What is it, Robin?"-Starfire asked
Robin moved himself from the chair to Starfire's bed. She quickly moved to allow Robin to sit next to her and faced each other. When Robin switched places, he let Starfire's hand go; he did not want to feel her hand move away from his when he told her what was happening.
-"Starfire, I have shocking news. Please try to take this as calm as possible"-Robin answered
-"I will try"-Starfire said
Robin stared at her, trying to tell her straight out, that Red X had come back out of nowhere and that he was going to stay with them for who knew how long and that Slade was not dead and that he was probably seeking revenge. How could he tell her that the man that had tried to kill her before was alive? How could she not feel threaten by his reappearance and how could she not feel the need to thank her savoir Red X? Where was Robin's place going to be now? He needed to let her know, she needed to be informed, even if this meant for them to be tested...again.
-"Robin, I see that whatever you have to say is hard for you. Is it that bad?"-Starfire asked
-"I don't know how to tell you Star. This is really difficult"-Robin answered
Robin could not see her at the eye and tell her the news. He lowered his head and opted to look at the floor instead of her face. It was now or never.
-"Starfire, last night after you passed out, a visitor came by"-Robin said
-"A visitor? I cannot imagine who came by that has made the 'boy of wonder' so upset"-Starfire said
-"We didn't imagine he would be back again. Not after a year we thought he was...dead"-Robin said
Starfire gasped and Robin knew that she had understood the cue. It was a matter of moments for Starfire to go crazy and run around the Tower to see Red X with her own eyes. At least that was what Robin thought, instead, Starfire grabbed Robin's hand and Robin could not force himself to keep staring at the floor. His eyes moved from the floor to his hand to her face. She did not look scared, but she definitely did not look surprised either.
-"Robin, whatever reason that Red X has to return it is not enough for us to end our friendship, is it not?"-Starfire asked
-"Starfire, I..."-Robin answered
-"Allow me to speak first"-Starfire said
-'This sounds so familiar'-Robin thought
-"Red X fooled us in the past, but if he has shown himself as he is and not disguised as you, he might have a very good reason to do so. However, his reappearance does not surprise me at all for I knew that he was stronger than I and that my attack could not have eliminated him. But, above all, I want you to know that whatever situation we may have to encounter, I will do what is best ...for us"-Starfire said
Robin could not help to tighten Starfire's hand. This was not what he had dreamt about but it was still ok. Robin could read between the lines and now knew that Starfire was letting him now that Red X had no place in her heart, and that he should not worry about her feelings or Red X's presence in the Tower.
-"You're right. The reason he has come back is a very powerful one. Slade is back, the real Slade"-Robin said
-"What do you mean by the real Slade?"-Starfire asked
-"Red X said that Slade cloned himself and that the Slade he killed was the clone. And now the real Slade is back and we have no idea what he is planning to do but what we do know is that Slade knows that Red X is alive"-Robin answered
-"I suggest that we must not believe everything that Red X has said. He has betrayed us in the past, and even though I do not think his intentions are evil this time, we shall keep an eye on him"-Starfire said
-'That's what the other Titans said...I must be loosing it'-Robin thought
-"I agree, Star. It took me a while to see it this way, but the other Titans agreed to have him here as a guest. I didn't want him here at all. I didn't want him to be around you...us, all day"-Robin said
Starfire stood up, not letting go of Robin's hand and lifted him up from her bed. With her other hand he reached for Robin's shoulder and placed her hand on it.
-"Robin, I understand your concern. Do not be afraid, we shall not let our guard down"-Starfire said
-"I won't either"-Robin said
Robin smiled at Starfire and remembered what had happened in his dream. Would she react the same if he tried to kiss her? He decided not to complicate the situation even more and forced himself not to jump to Starfire and press her against him, for now at least.
-"So, I suppose you would want to take a shower. I'll go to the main room and wait for you, we need to discuss what we have to do about Slade and Red X"-Robin said
-"I was about to tell you that I wished to take a shower. How did you know?"-Starfire asked
-"I guess I know you more than you think"-Robin answered
Robin let Starfire go, turned back and made his way to the main room, staring at her while he left her room. The other Titans were there at the room, doing their usual chores. Raven was meditating and the TV showed a video game being played, the only difference was that there were three people playing it instead of two; Red X had joined the game.
-"Where have you been, man?"-BB asked
-"Is Starfire ok?"-Raven asked
-"Don't tell me you were still spying on her?"-Cyborg asked
-"I wasn't spying on her. I was just making sure she was ok, and she is by the way"-Robin answered
-"Where is she?"-Red X asked
-'Wouldn't you want to know?'-Robin thought
-"She's taking a shower, she'll be here in a few minutes. When she's here we will discuss what to do about Slade. We definitely don't want to be taken by surprise"-Robin answered
-"I agree"-Raven said
-"Ok, but while we wait for Star to come back, let's play Crash Bros"-BB said'
-"Hey! BB, guess what I have here?"-Red X asked
-"What?"-BB asked
Red X raised for his pocket and Robin was ready to fight back. Robin was more than sure that Red X would try to pull a fast one on BB, and he was not going to allow him. Red X got something out of his pocket and threw it to BB. Robin threw a birdarang at it and the thin box ended being attached to the wall. Everyone stared at Robin.
-"What did you do that for?"-Red X asked
-"That's exactly what I want to know!"-Robin answered
-"What? Is not like I want to attack him or something"-Red X said
-"Then what did you do?"-Robin asked
Red X walked to the wall and took the box out of the wall. He also grabbed Robin's birdarang and threw it to the floor. Red X opened the box that revealed a CD. Red X took the CD out and put it in the game station. Immediately, a familiar song echoed in the living room.
-"Mega Monkeys IV!"-BB yelled
-"I can't believe you almost destroy a copy of 'Mega Monkeys IV'!!"-Cyborg yelled
-"Yeah, man! What's you deal?"-BB said
-"How would I know he would have that in his pocket and not a weapon?"-Robin asked
-"I already told you that I'm not here to hurt you!"-Red X answered
-"That doesn't mean I have to trust you!"-Robin said
-"And it doesn't mean that you have to attack him either!"-Red X said
-"Would you stop it?"-Raven said
-"You ain't gonna fight for a game, are ya?"-Cyborg asked
-"It's not only a game! It's the best game ever!"-BB said
-"It's not about the game"-Robin said
-"It's more than that"-Red X said
-"Don't make me hurt you!"-Raven said
-"Let me play my game!"-BB said
-"Shut up, BB!"-Cyborg said
-"Come on! Wanna take this outside?"-Red X asked
-"No need. I can take you out right here, right now"-Robin answered
-"Take it outside! You'll wreck my game!"-BB said
-"Nobody's taking anything, anywhere"-Raven said
-"Rae's right"-Cyborg said
-"Stay out of this!"-Red X said
-"Don't you give orders to my team"-Robin said
-"I said..."-Raven said
-"Stay out of this!"-Robin said
-"Hello! My game!"-BB said
-"Nobody cares about your game!"-Cyborg said
This situation was getting out of hand. BB was holding the controller and was trying to look at the screen in between the argument that was taking place. Cyborg was trying to separate Red X and Robin, and Raven was having a hard time not using her powers to blow the arguing "twins" out of the Tower. Finally, a voice broke the argument.
-"I believe it is enough"-Starfire said
Everyone looked at Starfire, standing in the door. Raven, Cyborg and BB grinned, knowing what was coming. Raven walked and sat on a chair next to the kitchen while BB and Cyborg played the newly acquired video game. Red X and Robin stared at each other and then at Starfire.
-"This is not the way to treat a visitor, Robin"-Starfire said
-"Ha! See?"-Red X said
-"And it is not the way to treat the leader of the Titans. You are putting yourself in a position in which I may have to, how do you say? 'Kick your butt'?"-Starfire said
-"See what?"-Robin asked
-"And if both of you do not control yourselves I would have to take charge of the situation"-Starfire said
Both Robin and Red X said nothing and just nodded their heads. Starfire smiled and walked to where Robin was standing.
-"Do you wish to help me prepare lunch feast?"-Starfire asked
-"I don't want you to be cooking, Star"-Red X said
-"Why don't we buy pizza?"-Robin asked
-"Sweet! Veggie Style!"-BB said
-"Meat Lovers!"-Cyborg said
-"You know nobody delivers here"-Raven said
-"That's fine, I will go pick them up. Star want to join me?"-Robin asked
-"Sure, Robin"-Starfire answered
-"What am I supposed to do? I also want to help"-Red X said
-"You could...set the table?"-Robin joked
-"Why you little..."-Red X said
-"Remember what I said"-Starfire said
-"Sorry"-Red X and Robin said
-"Back in 40 minutes"-Robin said
Robin and Starfire went downstairs and got on the R-Cycle. During all the spare time they had had, Cyborg and Robin had made some improvements on the T-sub/ship, the T-Car and the R-Cycle. The new addition to the R-Cycle was the ability to use "rockets" and make it "fly". Starfire grabbed Robin and he started the R-Cycle.
-'In your face, Red X'-Robin thought
Robin and Starfire made their way out of the Tower and the island while Red X looked at them from the window.
-'So this is what Raven meant by them being together'-Red X thought
-'This is exactly what I meant. Don't get your hopes up...they like each other...a lot'-Raven thought
Red X growled and went back to the couch and began playing with BB and Cyborg. Raven left to her room and who knows what she did inside it. She just wanted the pizzas to come soon, she was very hungry. In the pizza parlor, Robin and Starfire had already place their order and were waiting for the pizzas. They had sat on one of the tables and began talking about Red X and what it meant to have him in Titans' Tower.
-"Robin, you must not loose your temper with Red X"-Starfire said
-"I know, Star. But you know me, it's hard!"-Robin said
-"I do know you, this is why I make this request"-Starfire said
-"I can't promise you I won't do it again, but I can promise you that I will think longer before I try anything"-Robin said
-"I believe you, Robin. Let us change the subject. I am curious about how did I end up in my room. I do not recall coming back to the Tower after the club"-Starfire said
-'What do I tell her?'-Robin thought
-"Well, I'm not sure, Star. We were dancing and you just collapsed in my arms. I took you out of the club and we all decided to go back to the Tower. We figured it had been a long day for you"-Robin said
-"As a matter of fact, I have something that I wanted to tell you. Something that happened while we were dancing"-Starfire said
-"What is it, Star?"-Robin asked
-"Well, I remember you were saying something about not stepping on my feet and then..."-Starfire said
-"Pizza's ready"-The clerk said
A guy was standing in front of them with five pizza boxes on his hands. Robin noticed how the guy looked at Starfire and he immediately stepped in between them. Starfire stood up and placed her hand on his shoulder to wake him up from his jealous trance. Robin reacted and limited himself to take the pizzas and glare at the deliveryman. Robin put the pizzas in the new compartment that had been also added to his motorcycle and after this task had been done, both Robin and Starfire got on the R-Cycle and headed home. Back at the Tower, Raven was back at the living room and watched the Titans and the guest play video games. She could not believe why they had not moved from where they were since she left, almost and hour ago.
-"When are they getting back? I'm so hungry"-BB said
-"Let me see"-Cyborg said
Cyborg got his communicator out and traced them. He smiled when he saw that their signals indicated that they had just arrived at the Tower and where in the elevator.
-"They're here!"-Cyborg said
Like if by command, Robin and Starfire entered the room with the stack of pizzas and put them on the table. Starfire opened them all up and Robin went to the kitchen and brought napkins and sodas for all. Raven grabbed some slices and went back to her room. BB and Cyborg grabbed their slices and went back to the couch to continue playing. Red X grabbed his own sliced and drink and decided to join Starfire and talk with her while they ate. He did not expect for Starfire to be long gone when he stared back at the couch; and not only Starfire was gone, Robin was not there either. Red X made a face and scanned the room one last time.
-"If you're looking for them, they went to the roof"-Cyborg said
-"Yeah, we don't disturb them. Robin would kill you if you would"-BB said
-"I see"-Red X said
Red X accepted defeat for now and joined the game. It was still early, he could sneak up into her room late at night and finally have that long talk that he wanted and needed to have with her. Robin and Starfire watched the spectacular view that could be seen from their Tower, while they ate their pizza.
-"I can't believe you are trying Beast Boy's vegetarian pizza"-Robin said
-"He asked me to do so. It is not that bad, maybe you should try it"-Starfire said
-"Yuck! Starfire, that pizza looks green!"-Robin said
-"But its taste is not bad at all"-Starfire said
-"No offense, Star, but after trying what you eat at your planet, I doubt I can trust your taste"-Robin said
Robin regretted what he had said but felt relieved when Starfire laughed. It was so easy to hurt her, not that he wanted to but he could not be checking his words all the time. It surprised him how such a physically strong person could be so sentimentally fragile, it was up to him to take care of her, as he had promised her yesterday.
-"So, did you like my present? I see you are not wearing it today"-Robin asked
-"Do you really wish to know?"-Starfire answered
-"Of course I do!"-Robin said
-"I shall tell you after you have tasted Beast Boy's pizza"-Starfire said
-'I knew it!'-Robin thought
-"Ok, Star"-Robin said
Starfire smiled and took the slice of BB's pizza in her hands. Robin tried to take it from her but she refused to let it go.
-"If I allow you to touch the pizza, I know you will not taste it. I will make sure that you chew it by putting it on your mouth"-Starfire said
-'There goes my chance for faking'-Robin thought
Starfire put the slice of pizza in Robin's mouth and then pushed it all the way inside. Robin had no option but to chew it and then eat it. Immediately after he did this, he grabbed his drink and drank as much and as fast as he could. Starfire enjoyed the scene.
-"For your courage I shall acknowledge you that I loved your present and that the reason that I am not wearing it today is because I did not want our friends to question it"-Starfire said
-"I'm so happy that you liked it. I didn't know if BB's gift had been better than mine because..."-Robin said
-"Robin, do not be silly. I loved all of my presents, but anything that comes from you is what I cherish the most"-Starfire said
Robin blushed and realized how close he was to Starfire.
-'Just like my dream'-Robin thought
As if both have had the same thought about been so close, they stared at each other, no words needed to be said. Robin's hand found Starfire's hand and they both tighten the grip. The way in which the sun reflected on her face was something that Robin could not resist. Robin leaned to her and she did not move back. They both started to tilt their heads and close their eyes. Starfire's hand reached up to grab Robin's neck when the communicator went off.
-'Darn it! Talking about deja-vú'-Robin thought
Robin got his communicator out and opened it. Raven appeared on the screen.
-"We have trouble downtown. You wouldn't believe who is back"-Raven said
-"Who?"-Robin asked
-"Johnny Rancid"-Raven answered
-"We are on our way"-Robin said
As soon as Robin closed the communicator, Starfire and him ran downstairs and made their way to the living room; the rest of the Titans were waiting for them.
-"Cyborg, Beast boy and Raven, take the T-Car. Starfire and I will take the R-Cycle"-Robin said
-"And with who do I go?"-Red X asked
-"Who said you were going?"-Robin answered
-"Here we go again"-Raven said
-"I may not be part of the team but I am stronger than all of you together. I'm sure you can use my help"-Red X said
Robin was about to complain when he remembered what Starfire had told him.
-"You can fly, you can go on your own"-Robin said
-"I don't feel like flying, I'll take my motorcycle"-Red X said
-"You have a motorcycle like Robin?"-Starfire asked
Robin did not like the way Starfire asked Red X this question.
-"Yeah, but mine's better"-Red X answered
-"Whatever"-Robin mumbled
The Titans and Red X got out of the Tower and got on their respective vehicles. Raven got in the passenger seat of the T-Car while Cyborg turned the engine on and BB got on the back. Starfire and Robin got on the R-Cycle and could not help to be curious about Red X's motorcycle. Red X finally got out of the garage and was on a black motorcycle with red stripes. It was smaller than Robin's but it sounded more powerful. Once they were all ready, they headed for the city's downtown to stop their forgotten enemy: Johnny Rancid. It took them only a few minutes to get to the crime scene. Johnny had been blasting cars out, scaring citizens to death and wreaking havoc in the city. They saw no purpose for Rancid to be doing this random crimes but he had to be stopped anyway.
-"Not that I care much about it but, Rancid looks...different"-Raven said
-"We all know you like him, Rae. No need to hide it"-BB said
-"I don't like him. Look at him! He looks like a zombie!"-Raven said
-"You are right. He does look different"-Robin said
-"Perhaps our last encounter was too much for him to take"-Starfire said
-'I know that look'-Red X thought
-"Who cares how the guy looks, let's stop him and go home"-Cyborg said
Robin told Starfire to fly of his bike so he could chase Rancid. Starfire did as told after whispering something on Robin's ear.
-"Be careful, Robin"-Starfire said
-"I will"-Robin said
Starfire flew back and joined the rest of the Titans. Red X followed Robin and the T-Car followed Starfire.
-"Robin, be careful. That's not Johnny Rancid"-Red X said
-"I don't need you to be telling me what to do"-Robin said
-"No, I'm serious. He doesn't know what he's doing"-Red X said
-"What? Hell, he does know what he's doing!"-Robin said
-"No, he doesn't. Take a look at his jacket"-Red X said
Robin did not know what Red X was talking about but just to be safe, he looked at Rancid's jacket and saw an emblem that he had not seen in a long time.
-"Slade"-Robin said
-"Yeah, and that's not only an insignia. Slade's controlling Rancid's mind"-Red X said
-"How do you know?"-Robin asked
-"I just know, trust me"-Red X answered
There was no time to question Red X's accuracy. Robin remembered how Slade had took control of Plasmus, Cinderblock and Overload when Terra betrayed them. Slade had been also capable of cloning Robin without him noticing. At this point, Robin did not know what Slade would be able to do to take his revenge.
-"Titans, you heard X?"-Robin asked
-"Indeed. Does this alter our capturing procedure?"-Starfire asked
-"No, we just have to be more careful. There is no telling how far Rancid would go, now that Slade is controlling him"-Robin answered
-"Rancid is probably the bait of a bigger menace"-Raven said
-"Ya beat!"-Cyborg said
-"Stay together"-Robin ordered
-"Agree"-Starfire said
-"I'll go with you. We have to stop him before he makes his way deep downtown and hurt innocent people"-Red X said
-"Ok"-Robin said
Red X and Robin drove their bikes, following Rancid. The rest of the Titans tried to catch up with them but they were gong extremely fast.
-"Starfire, we'll track ya! Go help them out!"-Cyborg said
-"Ok, Cyborg"-Starfire said
Starfire flew as fast as she could, leaving the T-Car and her friends behind. When Starfire was out of sight, Cyborg asked Raven if she would use her powers to make them go faster. Raven agreed and began concentrating. On the other side of the chase, Red X and Robin were performing maneuvers to stop Johnny Rancid. Rancid was laughing maniacally and shooting anything that was on his way, he definitely looked like if he had no control over himself, if he even had it before. Finally, one of Red X's "X's" was able to make a hole in Rancid's wheel and he was forced to stop. Robin stopped his R-Cycle behind Rancid and Red X stopped his bike in front of Rancid. Rancid stood up and took two guns out and pointed each one of them to Robin and Red X. Robin was waiting for the right moment to take a birdarang out and Red X was also waiting for the right moment to use his powers to break the gun, when suddenly, two green bolts made the guns explode. All three of them raised their heads and saw Starfire flying above Rancid, she was charging her starbolts again while her eyes glowed an intense green.
-"Starfire, don't come down"-Robin said
-"I will if I have to, Robin"-Starfire said
Robin got distracted with Starfire's reply and Rancid use this distraction for his advantage. He went to his fallen bike and got another weapon out. This weapon looked different than the one he had used before; it was smaller and had and "S" on one of the sides. Robin was still looking at Starfire and he noticed that someone was behind her while Starfire also saw somebody approaching Robin.
-"Behind you"-All three of them shouted
Raven was using her powers to make the T-Car go faster and Cyborg was using all his driving skills to not cause any accidents. BB opted to buckle up and stay behind.
-"So, have you done this before?"-BB asked
-"Yes, when Gizmo stole Cyborg's car"-Raven answered
-"Raven...stop!"-Cyborg yelled
Raven opened her eyes and saw the reason why Cyborg had sounded so frighten. An old enemy was in front of them, actually, they used to be three enemies but they were now fused as one. It was Cinderblock, Overload and Plasmus fused together.
-"At least they are not separated"-BB said
And as if on cue, Plasmus, Cinderblock and Overload "defused" from each other and were ready to attack.
-"You had to open your mouth"-Raven said
-"We need back up"-Cyborg said
After Starfire, Robin and Red X had yelled at each other to watch their backs, blasts, punches and screams had been heard. Once the dust was settled and the smoke had lessened, Robin analyzed the scene. Rancid had been shoot by Red X, and Atlas had hit Red X on the back. Robin had shoot a birdarang at whomever was behind Starfire who turned out to be Fang and Robin had been hit by Mammoth.
-'What the hell are Fang and Mammoth doing together?'-Robin thought
Red X opened his eyes and found Robin on top of him.
-"Robin, get the hell off me!"-Red X said
-What?"-Robin said
Robin had not noticed that he had landed on top of Red X after Mammoth embraced him. Robin quickly stood up and Red X did the same.
-"Where's Starfire?"-Red X asked
Robin and Red X searched the sky and saw no sign of her being there. They also searched around them and found out that Rancid was gone. Robin kneeled down to look for Rancid's weapon while Red X found Starfire hanging from what appeared to be a giant strand of spider web.
-"There she is!"-Red X said
Robin turned and saw Starfire. She was regaining consciousness and used her eyes to blast the spider web out of her feet. She then flew to where Robin and Red X were.
-"Are you unharmed?"-Starfire asked
-"Yes"-Red X and Robin answered
-"I am almost certain that I saw Mammoth hurt you Robin"-Starfire said
-"Yes, Star. And I saw Fang hit you"-Robin said
-"And Rancid got away when this big metallic guy hit me from behind"-Red X said
-"What big metallic guy?"-Robin asked
-"He was red with yellow, big robot"-Red X answered
-"Atlas!"-Starfire said
-"Why would Atlas want to hurt us?"-Robin asked
-"Probably the same reason why Rancid was acting strange"-Red X answered
-"Are you implying that Slade has taken control over them also, and that now..."-Starfire said
Starfire was interrupted by a blast that made them separate each other. They all turned to see the direction in which the blast had come and saw Atlas, steam still coming from his cannon. Fang and Mammoth next to him.
-"We will need back up"-Robin said
-"No you won't. I'm here, remember?"-Red X said
Robin glared at Red X who grinned back as a response. They both got in fighting stance and Starfire flew above them and stayed in between also getting into fighting stance.
-"Titans...GO!"-Robin yelled
Raven, Cyborg and BB had gotten out of the car and Plasmus had used this opportunity to crash the T-Car onto a building, wrecking it completely.
-"Not my baby!"-Cyborg yelled
-"Dude! Forget about your baby! Watch out!"-BB said
Cinderblock had ran towards Cyborg and hit him on the face. Cyborg flew back and ended up on top of another car.
-"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!"-Raven chanted
Raven used her powers to throw Cinderblock back and take Overload on his way. Plasmus reacted immediately and stretch his arm to grab Raven and slam her on both buildings and then drop her off from a very high altitude.
-"Raven!"-BB shouted
BB ran towards Raven and turned himself into a pterodactyl to catch Raven. Once he was on the ground, he turned back into a human and gently laid Raven on the floor.
-"Rae, are you ok?"-BB asked
Raven did not answer.
-"Yo, man! Get Rae out of here! We have to retreat, Robin just told me that they have their hands full!"-Cyborg said
-"Ok, what about you?"-BB said
-"I'll catch up in a moment"-Cyborg said
BB picked up Raven and put her on his back, he then turned into a pterodactyl again and flew away from where Cyborg was, and headed for the Tower. The last thing he saw was Cyborg using his cannon and yelling "Boo-yah" to Overload.
-'I have to get Raven to the Tower and come back to help Cyborg'-BB thought
-"Ya'll gonna pay for messing with my baby!"-Cyborg said
The blast from Atlas had blew Rancid's bike and was now on fire. Fang was fighting Robin, Red X was fighting Atlas and Starfire was dealing with Mammoth. Fang was trying his old trick of paralyzing Robin with his venom but Robin was not dumb enough to be fooled twice. Robin got his Bo staff out and hit all Fang's legs and made him fall. Once on the floor, Robin used his rope to tighten Fang and go help Red X with Atlas but Fang broke loose and kicked Robin so far that he ended up breaking the window of a store nearby. Fang did not waste time and crawled his way to the store, picking Robin up and pressing him against the wall. Outside, Starfire had already defeated Mammoth and was helping Red X out when she noticed that Robin was not with them anymore.
-"Where is Robin?"-Starfire asked
-"Spider-freak tossed him inside a store"-Red X said
-"Oh, no! Robin, he must be hurt"-Starfire said
Red X did not like Starfire's concern for Robin. He could not believe that she still loved him that much. Robin was so lucky, he did not deserve her.
-"He's alright. He's a big boy now"-Red X said
Starfire ignored Red X's comment and flew to the store. This infuriated Red X and in a moment of pure anger, hit Atlas with all he had, making Atlas fly out of the crime scene and ended up on the ground unconscious. Red X was about to go after Starfire when a blast from behind forced him to stop.
-"Don't forget about me"-Rancid said
-"How could I?"-Red X said
Starfire saw Fang pressing Robin against the wall and immediately used her starbolts to force Fang to retreat; and it worked. Fang forgot about Robin and focused on Starfire.
-"Starfire, get out of here. He's stronger than last time"-Robin said
-"Robin, I can handle it"-Starfire said
-"No, Star"-Robin said
But Robin's answer was too late. Starfire had already lured Fang away from him and was fighting against Fang on the roof of the front building. When Robin ran outside the store, he saw Rancid fighting against Red X.
-"He can take it"-Robin said
Robin was about to climb the building when he saw someone fall from the roof. It was Starfire.
-"Starfire!!!"-Robin yelled
Robin's scream made Red X look back and also saw Starfire coming down from the building. Red X reacted faster than Robin could and began flying, reaching up for Starfire and caught her on his arms. For the first time, in all times that Starfire and Robin had fought together, he had not saved her; Red X had, and it killed Robin. He had failed her and Red X had another good deed in his list. Robin observed how Red X kicked Fang and made him fall from the building before landing next to the unconscious spider with Starfire in his arms.
-"Are you ok, Star?"-Red X asked
Starfire did not answer.
-"Starfire, please answer me"-Red X said
Starfire opened her eyes and moaned in pain while she touched her head.
-"Robin?"-Starfire asked
-"No, it's me, Red X"-Red X answered
-"Oh! Thank you, Red X"-Starfire said
-"You are more than welcome, my Star"-Red X said
-"She is not your..."-Robin said
Atlas had stood up and used his cannon against Robin who was not able to react after seeing Red X's heroic scene. Red X saw atlas and yelled at Robin. Robin sighed deeply and use one of his birdarangs to climb on a wall. Atlas began moving his cannon towards Red X and Starfire, who were still on the ground.
-"Starfire, Red X, the cannon!"-Robin yelled
Red X was giving his back to Atlas to protect Starfire but Starfire could see the anger in Atlas's eyes. She held Red X by his waist and flew up, Red X grabbed Robin's hand and they all headed back to the Tower. Robin did not like defeat. Back at the Tower all the Titans and Red X were in the main room. Nobody liked the outcome of the mission and they were not reluctant to let everybody else know what they thought.
-"Dude! Raven got hurt! We needed you guys!"-BB said
BB had brought Raven back to the Tower and after making sure she was ok, he went back to help Cyborg. He arrived just in time to lift him up and get both of their butts out of there before Overload drained Cyborg to death.
-"Overload nearly killed me! If it wasn't for BB I would've died there!"-Cyborg said
Raven had woken up and found BB taking care of her bruises. She had cured herself and was now curing BB's scratched from the fight.
-"What was I supposed to do? We had a fight of our own!"-Robin said
-"Well, you said we shouldn't split up and you followed Rancid!"-Cyborg said
-"Perhaps, next time we shall stay together, including you Robin"-Starfire said
-"What are you complaining about? You didn't get hurt did you?"-Robin said
-"Robin, I am not complaining and do not wish to initiate an argument"-Starfire said
-"Sure, what would you care! You have Red X here to save you!"-Robin said
-"Don't talk to her like that! It's not her fault that you failed her!"-Red X said
That hurt Robin. He was not mad that they had to retreat, and he was glad that his friends were alright, but the fact that Red X had been the one who saved Starfire was killing him inside.
-"For all I know you can keep saving each other, I don't care"-Robin said
-"But Robin..."-Starfire said
Starfire grabbed Robin's shoulder but he pushed her hand away. Everyone looked at Robin. He had never ever rejected any of Starfire's touches. Red X wanted to kick him for it, but he knew that it was not going to be necessary. Robin was making his job easier by rejecting Starfire this way. Robin glared at Red X and walked to his room. Cyborg also went to his room without saying a word and BB and Raven followed him. BB stopped next to Starfire and put a hand on her shoulder.
-"Don't worry, Star. It wasn't you fault. You know how Robin gets when he can't help you"-BB said
Starfire did not reply back but she faked a smile. BB smiled back and ran towards the door to caught up with Raven on his way to his room. The main door closed and the room was left with an uncomfortable silence. Red X walked to Starfire and put his arm around her.
-"Are you ok, Star? Did Fang hurt you?"-Red X asked
-"No. I felt dizzy and this is why I fell"-Starfire answered
-"Dizzy? You mean that thing didn't throw you from the building?"-Red X asked
-"He did not. I think I am exhausted and lost physical condition given the lack of challenging missions in the past year"-Starfire answered
-"Actually, it's more than that"-Red X said
Starfire looked at Red X. His faced showed he was being serious and also shown a deep concern.
-"What do you mean?"-Starfire asked
-"Starfire, I haven't come back to only tell you about Slade. I know what Slade is planning but I don't think your friends can handle it. I don't think Robin can handle it"-Red X answered
-"What is Slade planning?"-Starfire asked
-"I can't tell you here, but let's get out of here and find a more private place. This is going to take long, it's a long story"-Red X answered
Starfire hesitated for a second. She did not want to be alone with Red X on the streets. She wanted to go talk to Robin and tell him that he should not be worried about Red X saving her. It did not mean the same thing for her as when Robin saved her. However, she was also very curios to know what Slade was planning and why did Red X mean by saying that Robin could not handle it.
-'The boy of wonder can handle anything'-Starfire thought
-"Alright, I shall go with you to someplace that offers more privacy"-Starfire said
-"Let's go. I won't hurt you, I promise"-Red X said
-"I know"-Starfire said
And with this said, Starfire and Red X left Titans Tower together and by themselves.
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