Trust

by Miss Starfire

An old friend returns to Titans Tower and when Robin confronts Starfire about her close friendship with the newcomer, Starfire leaves the Tower and the team in company of her new friend. Sequel to Secrets of a Traitor. COMPLETE

6. Thoughts

SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS CHAPTER: Robin reads the letter that Starfire left for him and he is determined that Red X is manipulating her to not be found, so he looks for her after all. Robin looks for Starfire around the Tower only to find that she was left her communicator and the gift he gave her for her birthday. Robin finds the missing fist aid kit almost empty indicating that Starfire is very ill. The Titans are called to stop Dr Light from blowing a bank but Dr Light's plans are far more evil than that. He has hostages inside the bank and threatens the police to kill each one of them unless Robin gives himself up. Robin goes inside the building while the Titans look for ways to help their leader, eventually getting the hostages to safety. Dr Light is accompanied by Atlas and they torture the Titans with electric shocks until Starfire and Red X appear to save them. Starfire is now wearing Blackfire's clothes. Raven gets the Titans out of the bank before it blows and Starfire and Red X make sure that Atlas and Dr Light are inside the bank. Robin does not know if they made it out alive but hopes she is still alive. Robin locks Starfire room up as a sign of letting his jealousy aside and his renew determination to stop Slade to save her.

No, I don't own the Titans

EDITED FOR SOME GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUTATION MISTAKES. Story remains the same

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Chapter 6

Thoughts

The screen at Titans Tower displayed the countdown to New Year, live from New York. It had been two weeks since the bank incident and, mysteriously, the crime rate had decreased. BB said it was the Christmas spirit but Robin knew it was the calm before the storm. The Titans had gathered around in the main room, surrounded by pizza, tofu, lasagna, soft drinks and a lonely cup of herbal tea. BB and Cyborg screamed as the countdown began at 10 and made its way to 1. Raven was surprised that BB could count backwards.

Midnight had struck Jump City and the New Year had arrived. Raven was not the one to display any emotion but she had to admit she was glad to begin a new year surrounded by the only people that cared for her and for whom she cared. BB and Cyborg began singing the New Year song and swung around at the song's melody, pulling Raven in between them while BB adorned Raven's head with a party hat. Robin was also glad that the nasty year had finally ended but he was also sad that a new one had begun. Even though he was surrounded by his friends he still felt alone. This was the first Christmas, and New Year's Eve he had spent without Starfire's company since they met.

-'I miss you'-Robin thought

Robin watched as BB and Cyborg danced around Raven. BB moved Raven's arms up and down while Cyborg put his hands on her shoulders and moved her from side to side, trying to simulate a dancing Raven.

-'What would I do without them?'-Raven thought

Robin smiled at the scene and then turned his gaze to his side. There was nobody there. Starfire would have been next to him, with her party hat on, giggling and pulling Robin's arms to dance with her. He would smile at her and stand up to dance with her. She would make him twirl around so fast that he would become dizzy and ask her to stop and after she did, she would hug him hard and for a long time, telling him how happy she was of having such 'wonderful friends'. He would hug her back and stay like this with her until BB would yell 'group hug' and the rest of the Titans would join them in the same hug. That was how New Year with his family, the Titans, should be.

On the other side of the city, people had gathered at the park to see the fireworks for New Year Celebration. Families and couples sat on the grass, or on top of their cars or on benches and admired the view. Lost in the crowd was a new couple, one that had not come to the park every year like the rest of the visitors. She was wearing all-black clothes; black boots, black pants, black turtle-neck with a black coat on. He was wearing almost all-black; black shoes, black pants, a black shirt, a black jacket and a black and white mask on his face. People thought it was Robin, but Starfire knew he was not Robin but Red X.

Starfire remembered the first time had seen fireworks; it had been with Robin at the amusement park, while they rode the Ferris wheel. Now, she was sitting on the grass, hugging her legs and resting her chin on her knees. Red X was also sitting on the grass, next to her. One of his legs was bent and the other was stretched, his arms supported his weight behind him. Starfire wondered what her friends were doing at that exact moment at the Tower.

The countdown had ended so she imagined that they were dancing around the main room. BB and Cyborg would be forcing Raven to dance and Robin…she did not know what he would be doing right now. Robin was not the type of person that would be the spirit of the party, so she would be the one to get him in the spirit of the occasion.

-'I miss you, Robin'-Starfire thought

Red X looked at Starfire from the corner of his eye and saw Starfire's sad face. He knew she was thinking about her friends, about Robin. He turned to see her and raised his arm to caress her cheek with the back oh his hand. Starfire was so lost in her thoughts that she was surprised by Red X's touch.

-"What's going on, Star?"-Red X asked

-"I was thinking about how things have changed in such a short period of time"-Starfire answered

Red X held Starfire's hand with his other hand and looked at her straight into her eyes.

-"I know you miss him, but it will all be over soon…very soon"-Red X said

Starfire closed her eyes to fight the tears back. She missed Robin and felt sad for Red X's fate as well.

-"I try not to think about it"-Starfire said

Starfire opened her eyes and realized that the fireworks were over and that people had begun to leave the park; it was time to go home.

-"I believe the festivities are over. Shall we go back home?"-Starfire asked

The word "home" echoed in Starfire's mind. "Home" for her meant Titans Tower; however, "home" now meant Slade's old lair. Red X had lived there all this time they thought he was dead, so it was not messy at all. The night Starfire had decided to leave Titans Tower, Red X had asked her to wait in her room while he went to his home and cleaned the place. He did not want to take Starfire to a filthy place. She deserved the best and he would give her the best. He spent three hours cleaning the place, preparing Starfire her own room and buying groceries.

Starfire used this time to write the letters that she later gave to the Titans and to Robin. Red X was a person full of life; and he devoted his life to her. He had so much to do, so much to live for and so much to give. However, his decision had been made and there was no power on earth to make him change his mind. Not even Starfire's pleads. Red X had been calling her name but she had lost herself in her thoughts again.

-"I apologize. What were you saying?"-Starfire asked

-"You seem lost today. Didn't we agree to forget about our problems for today?"-Red X asked

-"Indeed, yet there is something that troubles me"-Starfire answered

-"Hit me"-Red X said

-"You want me to hit you? Why would I want to harm you?"-Starfire asked

-"No, Star, I meant to ask you to tell me whatever it is that you want to tell me"-Red X answered

-"I see"-Starfire said

Starfire sighed and faced Red X. She wished they would be alone so he would take his mask off and she could see the truth in his eyes.

-"Why would you sacrifice yourself for Robin?"-Starfire asked

Red X was not expecting this question but he did not need to think about the answer. He knew his reasons quite well.

-"It's for you and only you"-Red X answered

Starfire hugged him, wishing things could be different but they were not. She could only hope for a miracle to happen that would save his life. Red X hugged Starfire back with the same intensity she was hugging him. Then of all was getting close. Red X caressed Starfire's hair and took the opportunity to whisper in her ear.

-"You know what I always wanted to do and never got the chance?"-Red X asked

-"What would this be?"-Starfire asked

-"I always wanted to ask you out on a date"-Red X answered

-"Perhaps we should 'go out' one of these days"-Starfire said

-"How about now?"-Red X asked

Red X broke the hug only to see Starfire's face. She smiled at him and he smiled back. Did she really want to go out on a date with him? Actually, she did. Red X stood up and offered Starfire a hand to help her stand up as well. She accepted it and stood up.

-"Where do you wish to go?"-Starfire asked

-"Wherever as long as you go with me"-Red X answered

Red X looked around to make sure no one was staring at them and began flying, pulling Starfire's arm with both of his. Starfire began flying too and left with Red X to what would be their first, and maybe their only, date.

Robin decided to leave for his room but when he passed next to Starfire's room he felt even worse than he had felt at the main room. He did not stop at his room and went straight to the roof. He needed time and loneliness to think. Robin was not using his usual uniform. He was wearing black pants with a white turtle neck. The night was kind of cold but he did not care about the wind. Maybe the cold weather would shiver his worries out of him.

Robin thought he was alone and for a while he was. Raven had seen him leave the main room and knew why he was leaving and where he was heading to. He needed some company, even though he thought he did not. Raven opened the door and watched Robin. He was looking at the nothingness with both hands inside his pockets. Robin noticed she was there.

-"You know, every year today, Starfire and I would come here while you guys were arguing downstairs and we will talk for a long time"-Robin said

-"Robin, I'm sorry for making this situation even harder for you with my sarcastic comments"-Raven said

-"We would talk of what we learned during the year and what we wanted to do in the beginning year"-Robin said

-"You guys were so close to each other and I never realized how much you were hurting inside with her leave that I thought you didn't care about the rest of us"-Raven said

-"Did you ever tell her that I was joking that time I told her how I felt?"-Robin asked

-"No, I knew it wasn't true"-Raven answered

-"I wish she were here"-Robin said

-"She is, in your mind, your heart and your soul"-Raven said

-"I will find her Raven, and when I do, I'm not letting her go"-Robin said

-"I better go downstairs and keep BB and Cyborg out of your presence while you are up here"-Raven said

-"Thanks, I would appreciate that"-Robin said

-"No problem"-Raven said

Raven left the roof and headed downstairs. It was obvious to her that Robin would not stand this situation for long. With the knowledge she had she could only hope that Starfire and Red X would do what they had to do sometime soon or Robin would go crazy in desperation. She could only wait and see. She went inside the main room and BB and Cyborg were already playing video games.

-"Raven, Wanna play the first video game of the year with us?"-BB asked

-"No, thanks"-Raven answered

-"Come on, Raven! Are you afraid?"-Cyborg asked

Raven's eyes glowed and she glared at BB and Cyborg.

-"Do you want to feel afraid?"-Raven asked

-"No"-BB and Cyborg answered

-'Always works'-Raven thought

Raven closed her eyes and began meditating. This was going to be a long night. Robin walked to the edge of the roof and sat on it, just like Starfire did when she was feeling sad. Robin was the one to comfort her all those sad times and she would comfort him at all times but who would comfort him now? There was no one he wanted to comfort him but her. Maybe Raven was right, maybe Starfire would hear him out wherever she was. Maybe this was the best that Robin could do now.

-"Star, now it's my turn to miss you"-Robin said

-'What am I doing? This is ridiculous'-Robin thought

Robin was about to leave the roof but decided that he had nowhere to go.

-"I thought we were friends, Star. Why didn't you trust me? Was it easier for you to leave with him than to explain the situation to me? Maybe I didn't do what I was supposed to. Maybe I did screw things up. You know how I am; you know the way I am. I sometimes overreact and I know it is bad but I can't help it sometimes; especially when it's about you. Now that you are gone I can see all the bad things I did and the bad friend I was to you. I guess I'm not as patient as you are, I wish I were. No matter what I said or what I did, you never gave up on me, and I did. I miss you so much. But I would not give up; I will find you even if it takes forever. I will not let you down and I would not abandon you now when you need me the most. I won't let you fall, Star, I just won't"-Robin said

Robin sighed and felt the wind getting colder. It was time to go back to the Tower. Robin stood up and gave a last look at the water.

-'I have to go now, Star. I'll be back, soon'-Robin thought

Robin turned back and left the roof. He went to his room and locked the door. He was tired of everything, he was tired of himself. Tomorrow he will do something about Starfire. Tomorrow he will do something else than feel sorry for himself. Tomorrow he will prepare to face Slade and bring Starfire back to his life again. Tonight, dreaming about Starfire would have to do. Robin closed his eyes and immediately fell asleep. The rest of the Titans were as tired as he was and fell asleep soon after their leader did; Titans Tower was quiet and in peace.

Starfire and Red X arrived at the pizza parlor. Red X did not think the place would be open, given that it was 3 in the morning; however, the pizza parlor was open. Red X opened the door and allowed Starfire to go in first. She grinned and went inside the pizzeria. The night was getting colder and they were both hungry. The pizzeria provided the two most needed things for now: a warm place to go in and hot food to eat. They sat on one of the booths, a window to their left. The waitress arrived at Red X and Starfire's table. She gave them the menus and asked them what kind of drink they would like. Starfire and Red X answered and the waitress quickly left to get the drinks for them.

-"Red X, remember my birthday when you portrayed yourself as a waiter at the restaurant of breakfast?"-Starfire asked

-"Yes, it was fun to make Robin jealous"-Red X answered

Starfire could not help to smile at the memory of having Robin being jealous about her.

-"Yes it was. However, I wonder how did you know my friends had decided to take me to that place"-Starfire said

-"I kept a close watch on you after I 'died'"-Red X said

-"Why did we never see you before?"-Starfire asked

-"Because I didn't want to be seen"-Red X answered

-"Where you waiting for a special moment to appear?"-Starfire asked

-"Not really. I didn't even think about showing myself to you, to any of you. I had settled for seeing you from far away and take care of you from wherever I was"-Red X answered

The waitress went back to the table and left the tea and soda that the couple had asked for. They then ordered a large pizza with pepperoni, meat and ham and the waitress again left to get their order. Starfire took a sip of her tea and then spoke.

-"I knew you had not died that day"-Starfire said

Red X looked at her while he grabbed his soda and drank a big amount of its contents. The revelation was a big surprise for Red X.

-"Really? How did you know? Was it my super strength?"-Red X asked

Red X took another sip of his drink. Starfire played with her straw.

-"Actually it was my non existent super strength in the last attack"-Starfire answered

Red X could not help to spit his soda to the side where the window was. Starfire grabbed a napkin and gave it to Red X. He accepted the napkin and began cleaning himself, Starfire giggled.

-'Is she kidding? That last attack did hurt me, a lot'-Red X thought

Starfire tilted her head and waited for Red X's response. He looked surprised.

-"Are you saying that you didn't attack me with everything you've got?"-Red X asked

-"No. I knew that by what you had 'told' me those last seconds before I attacked you, you did not mean any real harm. You were just a good boy with a bad parent"-Starfire answered

-"Then how did you know I was going to fake my own death?"-Red X asked

-"I am able to read between the lines. There is much you still do not know about me"-Starfire answered

-"I wish I had the opportunity to know you more"-Red X said

Starfire lowered her gaze. She hated when he talked about his fate like that.

-"Sorry, I won't say that again. Anyway, I don't think I need to get to know you more. I like what I see and I like what I know about you. Nothing else you can say or do will make me change my mind about how I feel about you"-Red X said

Starfire faked a smile, his words of not being together still echoed in her head. The pizza arrived at their table and they began eating. The next hour, Starfire and Red X spent it talking about whom could eat more pizza and the different ways they could eat their pizza. This was the last time that Starfire and Red X would have peace. This was the last time they would have time to enjoy life and themselves. There was nothing bad going on in their lives or in Jump City. No crimes had been reported, and Slade had not made any appearance. This did not mean that his plan had been cancelled or that he had stopped playing with his lives because he had not.

Both Starfire and Red X had learned to bear with the pain and hide it from one another. Starfire did not want Red X to see her suffer and Red X did not want Starfire to see him suffer. They had become so close to each other in so little time. Starfire felt that he had known him for such a long time and in a way she had. Regardless of what Red X said, he was very similar to Robin. They thought alike, acted alike and talked alike; they even had the same feelings for her. The only main difference was that Robin was not able to express his feelings and Red X was able to express them all.

However, regardless of how similar they were, her heart belonged to Robin and nothing that Red X would do will change her mind. Even though she liked the details that Red X had with her, which were many wonderful details, she preferred Robin's shyness. He did not show his emotions on a daily basis but when he did, that day was the best day that Starfire could ask for.

While the Titans slept and Starfire and Red X ate, on distant place, far away from the city, the Titan's biggest enemy prepared for his revenge. The time for the final showdown was arriving. As his old lair, Slade had chosen a dark place. This time his lair was underground. He had built a six story basement at the deepest part of the forest that was near the volcano where Terra had been turned into stone. Slade had been preparing for his revenge for a long time now, a little bit more than a year. He had taken care of every single detail regarding his plans. Every move he took, every word he spoke had been planned to serve his only purpose: destroy the Titans.

He did not care if he could not take over the city, he could not care less of someone else did. Slade was full of hate and his solely goal in life was to bring death to those who made his life miserable. Robin's clone, Red X, had been a very good idea and proved to be an excellent weapon. He could sneak in Titans Tower better than any of his henchmen could and after a while, he did not have to sneak in; he could go inside the Tower using the main door.

He got involved in the Titans' lives. He talked to them, he sometimes ate with them, and he fooled them. Slade did not ever think that his plans would prove to be so successful. He had the Titans' life in his hands and he could end them whenever he pleased. Then it happened. Slade had carefully designed Red X to have the best qualities of Robin: strength, stamina, decisiveness, loyalty and seriousness. Red X was the perfect machine. Little did Slade thought about Robin's feelings for the little Tamaran girl that lived with him.

Slade did not know many things about the Titans until Terra worked for him as a spy. It was until then that he realized the close bonding that the Titans had. After Terra's betrayal he had sworn to get back at the Titans where they would hurt the most: the trust between them. He had examined every single detail to find the weakest link among them; the object without which the Titans' bonding would break. After a very long time he created Red X. His purpose was to infiltrate inside the Titans, portrayed as Robin to destroy them from the inside out. The only difference between Terra and Red X was that Red X would not be a new member of the team, but a new version of the leader of the Titans.

Red X weakened Raven, befriended Cyborg and BB and manipulated Starfire. Slade just needed to get rid of Robin and force him to see how Red X destroyed his friends one by one. Plans did not turn to be as Slade wanted and he realized that when his hidden cameras and henchmen discovered that Red X had a great weakness; a weakness that had not been planned to exist. The same weakness that the fearless leader of the Titans had: his love for Starfire.

Slade first thought that this was a strategy to break the Tamaran's stride. He later realized that Red X planned to take Starfire with him when he recommended Slade to turn the Titans into the evil side. This was just a cover up to justify Red X's idea of keeping Starfire for himself. It was then when Slade decided that his plan was ruined, yet he did not allow Red X to acknowledge that Slade had figured Red X's plan quite well a long time ago. Even thought Red X and Slade were similar, especially for having the same blood, Slade had something that Red X did not have: experience.

On the outside, Slade seemed to keep his plans with no changes at all but deep inside, his plans had changed a lot. He had a new enemy; the very person he had created months ago was now in the verge of betraying not only the Titans but his creator as well. Red X was so emotionally unstable that any little threat could spark the fire that he had inside and make him blow. Slade found out what Red X could do when he burned Titans Tower. He also found out that Red X would do anything for Starfire when he saved her from the Tower's fate and brought her to Slade's old lair.

He had not asked for permission, he had not told Slade anything. He just did what he wanted to do and went back to Slade's lair with company. Slade realized that he needed to act quickly and prepare for what Red X had planned. He cloned himself. He knew that Red X would find out what he was planning and if he did not, Slade would make sure that Red X came back at the exact moment that Slade was about to kill Starfire, as all this was part of his plan.

The conversation Red X and Slade had when Red X came back from the fallen Tower with Starfire in his arms was destined to be the last spark to make Red X betray Slade. Slade knew that there was no way that he was getting his weapon back now that Starfire had control over him. His last resort was to wait and plan a revenge that would either end or mark the lives of the Titans forever. The conversation's purpose was achieved when Red X came back and ended Slade's life for trying to end Starfire's. Slade knew that Starfire was the trigger that would make Red X do what he never thought he would do: kill someone. The best part was that if Red X was Robin's clone, then Robin would do the same. Just exactly what Slade needed from Robin.

Now Slade sat on his chair, staring at his incompetent allies. Neither of them had wanted to join Slade but he had ways to make them change their mind. They joined Slade for fear of what he could do and then they stayed for what he did to Mumbo. It was no accident that Mumbo had had a heart attack. He had failed Slade and the only pay he could offer to Slade was his own life. Slade's next victims were Atlas and Dr Light. The only allies left were now standing in front of Slade's chair.

-"Where is Red X now?"-Slade asked

-"He's with the red-haired girl. Apparently they are out on a date…yuck!"-Gizmo answered

-"A date you say? I thought she was Robin's girl"-Jinx said

-"That's how women are, you can't trust them"-Mammoth said

Jinx used her powers and threw a rock to Mammoth's face.

-"I guess you can't"-Rancid said

-"Enough! What about the rest of the Titans?"-Slade asked

-"After their party they went to sleep. They suspect nothing, not even Robin"-Control Freak answered

-"I wouldn't be so sure about that"-Slade said

-"We should go and surprise them"-Rancid said

Cinderblock and Overload yelled in agreement to Rancid's idea.

-"It is not the time yet"-Slade said

-"Come on! Robin's stride is on the floor. He won't do nothing to us now that he is…lonely"-Rancid said

-"Are you questioning my orders?"-Slade asked

Rancid's smile faded and he walked back with evident fear in his eyes.

-"No, sir. I was just making a stupid comment"-Rancid answered

-"That's what I thought"-Slade said

-"So what are you planning next?"-Control Freak asked

-"We will strike in a few more days. The time for revenge has arrived. I have waited so long to destroy them all and now I shall have the chance"-Slade answered

-"What are you going to do to stop Robin? If you take the leader down, the rest of the Titans will easily fall behind him"-Rancid said

-"If we destroy Red X, we destroy Robin. Up to this point Red X is weaker than the green freak"-Slade said

-What about the girl?"-Jinx asked

-"I took care of her a long time ago"-Slade said

-"She's under the same spell as us, isn't she?"-Gizmo asked

-"Indeed, but she won't get so lucky. There is nothing she can do to save her life as you are. She will be gone for good"-Slade answered

The allies looked at themselves, felling sorry for Starfire's fate. Slade had not been nice to them, even now that they were his "allies". Starfire did not have any choice but accept the truth that her life was going to end pretty soon. This said, Slade returned to his room and left his allies to do whatever they pleased. Slade had things to take care of. Slade thought of ruining Red X and Starfire's date but then decided to let them enjoy their moments together as they would be their last. Slade would make sure of this.

Red X and Starfire had finally finished eating and were now headed to their home on his bike. It was close to sunrise and Red X, knowing how much Starfire loved sunsets and sunrises, decided to end their date a different way. He stopped the bike and took his helmet off. Starfire did the same as he.

-"What is the matter? What have you stopped? Do you feel sick again?"-Starfire asked

-"Star, it's almost morning you know?"-Red X asked

-"Yes it is. We did not get any sleep tonight. That is very bad for our health"-Starfire answered

-"Sure, anyway, I was thinking that maybe we could go somewhere else before calling it quits"-Red X said

-"What do you propose?"-Starfire asked

-"What if we go to the beach?"-Red X asked

-"To the beach? In this cold weather? That is rather uncommon"-Starfire said

-"Of course we aren't gonna get inside the water, I just want to show you something"-Red X said

-"I guess it will be alright as long as we do not take long to go back home. I am somewhat tired"-Starfire said

-"Don't worry. It won't take that much"-Red X said

Red X put Starfire's helmet back on and the he put his on as well. He then made his way to the beach. It was a long drive and since they had time to waste, Red X would take his time to get to the beach. He enjoyed Starfire's hug.

Back at the Tower, Robin had already woken up. He had a good night sleep and even though it was not late morning yet, he felt like going to the training room and break a sweat this early. He first went to the restroom and washed his face and brushed his teeth. He then went to the kitchen and got himself a glass of milk. After this he realized that the main room was a mess. The party hats were on the floor, the dishes had not been washed, and the trash had not been taken out either. BB and Cyborg would have plenty or work to do when they woke up. In fact, all of them would have a lot of work when they woke up. Robin was determined to begin the New Year with the right foot and this included a massive clean-up of the Tower followed by another massive adjusting of the T-Car and R-Cycle as well as any other electrical or mechanic component in the Tower.

There was nothing better than to begin a new year with everything ready to work properly when needed. Actually, there was nothing better than have the feeling that they were getting ready for Slade's attack; whenever he decided to strike, they would be ready. Last night Robin had decided that he will do something for Starfire and to help Red X. He was now determined to do whatever was in his hands to protect the one he loved and the one who helped the one he loved.

Robin walked outside the living room and made his way to the training room. He walked by Starfire's room and stopped. All the other times he had walked next to Starfire's door he had felt even lonelier than he thought he was. Memories had attacked his brain and crushed his heart even more and he would end up sad and angry of what had happened in the past. Not today. Today he felt that Starfire's presence in his mind and in his heart gave him new strength; strength that he had no felt in a long time. Raven was right; Starfire had been with him all along. He just did not realize it until now.

-'I'm getting you back. You hear me? I'm fighting for you and only you'-Robin thought

Robin smiled at the thought of having Starfire back at the Tower; about having her smile bright up his days and his nights. About listening to her calm voice and seeing her lovely eyes again. No one, not even Slade would take his joy of life away from him.

-'We will be together again, Star. I promise'-Robin thought

Robin ran to the training room and began his almost forgotten daily routine of morning training. His heart was filled with joy and his mind was ready for anything. Nothing would stand in the way of his happiness. He will bring his team back together, he will devote himself to the love of his life and he will learn to live with the fact that Red X was his friend and not his enemy, since Red X wanted the same thing that Robin wanted: Starfire's well-being.

Red X and Starfire arrived at the beach. They were the only ones there and this did not come as a surprise to Starfire. Who would come to such a cold place in such a colder weather? Red X was happy to see that they had arrived just in time to get a nice spot and enjoy the view of a perfect sunrise. He turned back to face Starfire and removed her helmet. He then removed his and sighed deeply. He was happier than he had ever been in his entire life.

-"We're here"-Red X said

-"What is it that you want to show me?"-Starfire asked

-"Come, we have to hurry or we are gonna miss it"-Red X answered

Red X got down from his motorcycle and helped Starfire get down a well. He held her hand and walked her to the beach. Close enough to feel the breeze but far enough to not get wet by the freezing water.

-"Maybe we should sit down, this may take a couple of more minutes"-Red X said

Starfire nodded. Red X took his jacket off and extended it on the sand. After he did this he helped Starfire sat on the jacket and then he sat next to her. He saw that Starfire was shivering a little and hugged her. She did not mind being hugged. First of all, his embrace was very warm and the weather was pretty darn cold. Secondly, she did not have the heart to put him down. She knew that, regardless of whether she liked it or not, this date would probably be the only good memory that Red X would take with him.

-"Look at the horizon, Star. The sun is about to come up"-Red X said

Starfire opened her eyes and the sun began to show itself from "under" the water. Starfire now knew why Red X wanted to bring her here. The sun was bright red and yellow. This was, up to that moment, the most beautiful sunrise she had ever seen. The clouds stretched from side to side and were adorned by mixing colors that came from the sun and its reflection on the sea. The sea reflected the sunrise in such way that for an instant, Starfire could swear that the Earth had two suns and that they were both showing themselves to the world at the same time. The clean, blue sky contrasted the stunning scene and the sound of the waves breaking made the moment even more special. Starfire could not help to gasp at the wonderful scene that was taking place right in front of them. Red X was pleased with her amusement.

-"This is beautiful"-Starfire said

-"This is why I wanted you to see it. I could have tried to describe it but there aren't enough words to fully detail it"-Red X said

-"Have you ever been here before?"-Starfire asked

-"Sure, many times. It made me think about you"-Red X answered

-"Earth never fails to amaze me"-Starfire said

-"You never fail to amaze me either"-Red X said

Red X felt the need to make Starfire lose herself in his arms. He felt the urge to kiss her and show her how much he enjoyed her company and how much he meant for her. He wanted to hold her in his arms and make her feel what he was feeling. He wanted to shout at her to love him as much as he loved her. He wanted to get inside her head and swipe any memory of Robin and then go inside her heart and take over it. He knew none of these things were possible. He knew that it did not matter what he did, her heart will always belong to Robin and no one else.

-"I am very much grateful that you have allowed me to see this wonder of nature"-Starfire said

-"And I am very grateful that you allowed me to share it with you"-Red X said

The rays of the sun helped the couple decide to stay a little bit longer than they had planned. The warmth that the sun laid on them allowed them to forget about their journey and their mission for a while. Their only current goal was to have fun while they could, for later there will be no time.

-"Did you know that this yellow dust-like object has a delightful taste?"-Starfire asked

-"You mean the sand?"-Red X answered

-"Yes, there is no sand in my home planet and when my friends brought me here I was curious of what the yellow dust was"-Starfire said

Red X chuckled and Starfire grabbed a small amount of sand in her hand.

-"I tried the one that had been wet by the water but it did not taste very good. Yet, the one that is dry is relatively appetizing"-Starfire said

-"Are you serious? Did you really eat sand?"-Red X asked

-"I did. Some people were building castles with it and I tried to build one myself. It was then when I realized that it was tasty"-Starfire answered

-"Star, I love you and all but, eating sand is not good, you know?"-Red X asked

-"Why not? I think that Earthlings are quite wrong about the purpose of the sand. Why would they play with their food by making castles?"-Starfire asked

-"Star, sand is not food. We don't eat sand, sure we make castles out of it and we take some home inside our underwear after we stay a long time at the beach but sand is not for eating but for playing"-Red X answered

-"Why would you want to take sand in you underwear?"-Starfire asked

-"Forget about it, Star. I guess you guys didn't stay long right?"-Red X asked

-"No, we did not. Robin kept telling me not to eat the sand for it will cause me stomach pain"-Starfire answered

-"Did it?"-Red X asked

-"No, but Robin was upset that I did not follow his orders and we went back home a couple of hours after we had arrived"-Starfire answered

-"Were you mad at Robin?"-Red X asked

-"It was very rude of him to did not allow me to eat the sand and it was also very rude of him to punish every one else for my behavior by cutting our vacation short. I believe that the only person that did not dislike Robin's decision was Raven, she seemed to not like the idea of a trip to the beach in the first place"-Starfire answered

-"So why did she come?"-Red X asked

-"Because Beast Boy and Cyborg forced her to come"-Starfire answered

-"Raven's pretty strong. I don't think she really didn't want to come after all. She could have just kicked their butts and stay at the Tower alone"-Red X said

-"I believe that deep inside, our friend Raven dislikes being alone, but she will not show it"-Starfire said

-"You're probably right"-Red X said

Starfire looked at the sand that was in her hand and then looked at Red X. He immediately understood what she wanted him to do.

-"Maybe if you tasted the sand you would agree with me that Robin was overreacting about me eating it"-Starfire said

-"I don't need to eat the sand, I already agree with you?"-Red X said

-"You do?"-Starfire asked

-"Actually I don't. I agree with Robin, he was just worried about your health"-Red X answered

Starfire made a pout and Red X laughed. She looked pretty when she pouted.

-"My health is the last of my worries now"-Starfire said

Red X smile faded. He knew she was right. Starfire's health was not the best the last couple of months. Starfire's health had been in decline the last few weeks and he had taken extra special care of her and her well-being, this was until Starfire got tired of his babysitting and asked him to stop being so careful for her. They both knew that Starfire's health decline was not natural, so there was not really a medicine to cure her disease. The only cure was to defeat Slade.

-"Will you taste the sand, please?"-Starfire asked

-"Will that make you happy?"-Red X asked

-"Of course it will"-Starfire answered

-"OK"-Red X said

Red X opened his mouth and Starfire took the cue. She extended her hand and poured the sand inside Red X's mouth. He closed it and slowly tried to chew it. The sand melted in his mouth and he shivered.

-"It is delicious, yes?"-Starfire asked

Red X gulped and ate the last remaining of sand that was in his mouth. Good thing his stomach was still strong.

-"It's not that bad"-Red X answered

-"Marvelous! I shall make sure that Robin acknowledges your taste for sand"-Starfire said

-"He'll probably taste it too"-Red X said

-"No he would not. He will state that we are both crazy"-Starfire said

-"No, he won't. I am positive that he will taste it too"-Red X said

-"I am afraid you are wrong. Robin does not do such things"-Starfire said

-"He would do everything for you…as I would do anything for you as well"-Red X said

-"I now believe it; you have eaten sand for me. Thank you"-Starfire said

-"You are more than welcomed"-Red X said

-"Red X, I know that you have made up your mind. But if you truly would do anything for me, would you alter your decision?"-Starfire asked

Red X knew this was coming sooner or later. Starfire knew how to play her cards very well.

-"Star, I can't change my decision because it is currently in your favor. I took that decision thinking about you"-Red X answered

-"Perhaps there is something that we have not uncovered. Another route that we might take in order to prevent that you…leave again"-Starfire said

-"There is no other way, Star. We already talked about this"-Red X said

-"NO! There must be other way, our plan is far to risky"-Starfire said

-"It's the only way and we will stick to it, regardless of the consequences"-Red X said

-"But, but…it is not fair. It is not fair at all"-Starfire said

-"It is fair, Star. Robin was right about me. None of this have had happened if I hadn't showed up and screwed your lives over"-Red X said

-"Robin was upset, nothing that came out of his mouth at that moment was thought. It was not your decision to appear in our lives. Slade took the decision for you. You know have to power to decide whether or not you stay with us and I think you are not making the right decision"-Starfire said

-"After we fix this problem there will be no more need for me to stay. It is better this way"-Red X said

-"What if Slade comes back?"-Starfire asked

-"After I'm done with him, he won't come back"-Red X answered

-"You have made so many sacrifices for us and yet you do not ask for anything in return"-Starfire said

-"You just paid me, Star. I always wanted to date you and I just did. This is enough pay for me"-Red X said

-"I know Raven suspects what is happening. Cyborg and Beast Boy do not have any other feelings for you but of great friendship, they like you a lot. And I am so thankful for everything you have done but Robin, he should be the one who should thank you the most and he has not treated you with any respect"-Starfire said

-"Robin's trust is hard to earn. I am not surprised he hates me after I thrashed your Tower and almost destroyed them and, if that wasn't enough, after I took his girl away and put her in danger"-Red X said

-"If we explained the situation after what has happened I am sure that he would understand"-Starfire said

-"Starfire, believe me that if Robin knew the consequences of your trip to Slade's lair back then when I kidnapped you he would hate me even more"-Red X said

-"If he knew ALL the consequences of Slade's plan I am sure he will understand"-Starfire said

-"We can't take the risk of Robin showing up at Slade's new lair"-Red X said

-"Why did he select that place to live? It is so creepy"-Starfire said

-"Well, remember our surprise when we found it?"-Red X asked

-"Yes"-Starfire answered

-"Well, that's why. We never thought he would build that underground lair in the middle of nowhere forest"-Red X said

-"If we told the others the truth we will have more chance to defeat Slade"-Starfire said

-"Slade is stronger now. I'm not even sure I will be able to defeat him"-Red X said

-"This is why we should involve our friends"-Starfire said

-"I don't think you want Robin's life in danger"-Red X said

-"I can defeat him"-Starfire said

-"What?"-Red X asked

-"I said that I can defeat Slade"-Starfire answered

Red X stared at Starfire. She was determined. She was not lying; she would do what it took to save his life.

-"No, Star; I won't let you do this"-Red X said

-"I am the superhero here. Why would I allow you to take all the credit?"-Starfire said

Red X chuckled and Starfire smiled a little. This was not the true reason why Starfire wanted to take on Slade. She knew that he was not going to change his mind, not even for her.

-"Sorry, Star, but my decision is final. We will take on Slade a week from now after I have found a cure for your disease, ok?"-Red X asked

Starfire nodded and wished there was something she could do to change his mind. She knew there was nothing left to say and decided to change the subject. She could at least make him feel that he was wanted.

-"I shall miss you very much"-Starfire said

Red X was not expecting this from Starfire. He thought he would be the first one to say it but he was wrong.

-"I will miss you very much too, Star"-Red X said

-"I wish to let you know that I had a great time with you tonight. The park, the pizza and this were wonderful ideas"-Starfire said

-"Well, I am a wonderful person, what can I say?"-Red X said

-"Yes, you are. And I happy that I had the opportunity to know you"-Starfire said

-"I am happy that I had the chance to know you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, Star"-Red X said

-"You are the most trustworthy friend I have ever had"-Starfire said

Starfire gave Red X a kiss on his cheek and Red X immediately touched the spot where Starfire had kissed him. He knew he was not getting the kind of kiss he wanted but he was glad that she was there with him.

-'You are so beautiful'-Red X thought

-"Shall we return home?"-Starfire asked

Red X looked at his watch. It was six in the morning.

-"Yes, we shall, my lady"-Red X answered

Red X stood up and helped Starfire stand up. He then grabbed his jacket that was now full of sand and he shook it a little, trying to get as much sand out of it as he could. He grabbed Starfire's hand and made their way to his bike. Once there he opened the back compartment of his bike and threw the jacket in. He got the helmets and after his custom of putting the helmet on Starfire, he put his on. Red X got on the bike after he helped Starfire get on it as well and then turned it on. Red X revved the motor and began their way home.

Robin got out of the shower after a long training and got in his usual uniform. Raven had already woken up and she was waiting for him to get out of the shower to shower herself.

-"I'm glad you are up! Are Beast Boy and Cyborg up already?"-Robin asked

Raven felt the change in Robin's aura. He was full of live, revived if you must say. There was something different about the Robin she had talked to last night. This Robin was ready to face the world.

-"No, they are still asleep"-Raven answered

-"Maybe breakfast will wake them up. We are having an early morning meeting"-Robin said

-"I'll be out of the shower in no time"-Raven said

-"K"-Robin said

Robin left the bathroom and made his way to the living room. He got a box of trash bags out and other cleaning tools. Cleaning was starting early at Titans Tower.

Red X and Starfire arrived home. They would have gotten there faster by flying but Red X was not able to fly anymore, he had just found out. The place was a little bit cold and Red X turned the heater on. Starfire offered Red X that she would make chocolate and he agreed. While Red X turned the heater on, Starfire got the two cups and the two bags of instant chocolate. She heated the water up and by the time Red X came back to the kitchen, the chocolate was ready.

-"Here, it shall warm you up"-Starfire said

-"Just in time to go to bed"-Red X said

-"Enjoy"-Starfire said

Starfire and Red X sat on the couch and talked while they drank the chocolate. Red X laid himself on the couch and used Starfire's lap as a pillow. Starfire played with his hair and his ear and a few minutes later, Red X was in the verge of falling asleep.

-"I love you, Star"-Red X whispered

Starfire moved the cup from Red X's hand and she placed both hers and his on the side.

-'The sedative worked very quickly'-Starfire thought

Starfire delicately flew away from the couch, making sure Red X's head comfortable rested on a cushion. After this was done, she walked to her room and changed clothes. She put her new black uniform on (Blackfire type) and then went to his room and took some devices that Red X had on his desk. There were some maps on his desk and she grabbed them as well. She went to the heater and burned the maps and put the devices inside her pockets. These were the only instrument she would need. After she had arranged everything she grabbed a blanket and put it on Red X. She got down on her knees and faced Red X. He was deeply asleep. She did not if it was because he was very tired or because of the sedatives he put in the chocolate but he was not going to wake up anytime soon.

She caressed his face with her hand and combed his hair with her fingers. She took his mask away and put it under the couch so he would have a hard time leaving the place. She held his hand and kissed his forehead.

-"There is another way, and I shall find it"-Starfire whispered

She took a last look at Red X before she sighed and made her way to the exit. She was not going to allow any more sacrifices. She was going to take the situation in her hands. She was not going to stand there and wait to be rescued; it was her turn to rescue someone as well.

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A/N: I am working hard to finish this story in the next to two to three days. This story is only 9 chapters long and I am currently working on the last two. Thank you for waiting and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you have a more wonderful New Year.