Guess I lied.
DarkBird1345: Guess you win.
Witch01: Agreed.
Chico De Los Ojos Cafe: You win also. Sorry about Raven, but she's better now.
LittleCreature: Guess I'm doing my job pretty well then. Rightious.
Cherry Jade: I appreciate you saying all those things. Good to know it's liked. The wait is over then.
robinstar: NOT THE LAWYERS! Hate those guys. Not a waste of time really, it's cool and all to get suggestions, I love reading what you guys think should happen.
Cygnus de hielo: Good to hear you had a good day. Fears of Raven being emotionless again eh? Well read this chapter. Yeah. Poor Robin. Life is hard for him. lol. I object to the great writer part. I'm just some guy. Only reason I do so good is because I write these chapters whenever I feel like crap. Can't write unless something's wrong with you. Damn straight I'm right about the ring. lol. Yeah... time isn't exactly something I have a good concept of. Jokes are always great to end with. Especially in a sad chapter like the last one. I was being kind of sarcastic with the predictability. I know a lot of things surprise people, but the overall direction I'm heading seems to catch on. Damn straight I'm right about literature too. lol.
darkraven1989: Why don't I have Nightmare Before Christmas socks? Looks like you get your fix of my writing sooner than expected.
la feiasta in me pantalonies: Good to hear that you like it.
Lightning728: I am honored to know that my story was the first that you reviewed. I am very glad you were able to identify with Robin. That's great to know that the characters are realistic enough to do that. You're not a kissass, I'm too humble to have an ego. I just like kidding with you readers. It's fun. Criticism rocks btw. Robin's garden. Interesting point. He is very much portrayed in one way, and one that would make the garden highly unlikely. I however believe that first off there's a side that we don't get to see. And secondly, he cannot be that serious all the time. Otherwise he would have some sort of mental breakdown (like what happened). I use the garden as something he would do to let off steam, for something to help relax him. Now he has meditation though. Raven's reaction: My opinion, and why that happened, was because Raven seems to lack a lot of confidence in her dealings with other people, apologizing for things that are not her fault, etc. Plus it seems likely to me that when something good is going for her (Robin) that when something threatens it, that she thinks it'll be taken away. Because thinking about her past, not much good stuff has happened to her. Her mother's gone, father's a demon, that sort of thing. It seems likely that she doesn't expect a good thing to last. Missing chars: Good point on Terra and the others. I never really pinned down a time for when this story takes place, but in my mind I figured after Terra had been turned to stone. The storm is why there are no criminals. Plus it has only been about 5 days or so. Got to remember, this is one nasty ass storm. The kind where if you go out you'll get pneumonia, or some other disease, really quick. Hurricane weather really. Not as long as this.
whitewolf33: Wtf does Speedy have to do with this? lol. There might be something in here that addresses those concerns.
Story time.
The Power Of A Storm
Chapter 10: Insight
(Day 5)
It was like the past was repeating itself. It was morning and only Cyborg and Beastboy were out in the kitchen making breakfast. Cyborg knew where Robin and Raven were, but neither of the two had seen Starfire since the night before, when she just disappeared at some point after dinner. Beastboy was sitting at the island that separated the kitchen and the living room, a plate of tofu in front of him. Cyborg was next to him, his plate full of ham and eggs. Beastboy turned to Cyborg and spoke.
"Dude, this is not cool. This is the second time this week that we're the only ones out here. I am so sick of being inside! It's bad enough we have to be cooped up in here for another two days, but does the same thing have to keep happening? It just makes it seem longer and more horrible!" While he talked he gestured wildly with his fork, adding emphasis to his words.
"Calm down BB. It's ok, Robin is off with Raven, they're meditating somewhere. As for Star, she probably just slept in again."
"Yeah right! That's what you said last time about her, and then I found her in a closet!"
"What was she doing in there anyways?"
"Don't know, had something to do with a gift she left for Robin. Speaking of which, I saw him outside Star's room last night. He had a weird look on his face and was just standing outside her door thinking or something. I thought he was gonna tell her."
Cyborg shot the milk he was drinking out his nose. "SAY WHAT!"
Beastboy gave him a funny look. "Relax, I told him not too. I'd hate having the two of them being all lovey-dovey while we're trapped in here." Beastboy twisted his face into a grimace at the thought of Robin and Starfire being trapped inside, alone after confessing love for one another.
Cyborg wiped the milk off of his face. "Damn BB, don't do that to me." Robin must have something to do with this then. Hope he didn't tell Star about him and Raven. "I'm gonna go check on Star, make sure she's just sleeping in, okay?"
Beastboy nodded and resumed eating his tofu. He muttered something to himself about how "the poor guy don't stand a chance."
(Starfire's Room)
She had finally fallen asleep. The night had been long and unforgiving upon her body and spirit. She was on top of the bed, lying on her stomach. In her hand she held a photograph that had been torn down the middle. She rolled over, swinging her arm of her body. Her palm was now face up and the image in the picture was now visible. It was the picture of Robin she had found the night before, the tear going directly down the middle, stopping at his chest where the rip had drifted to his heart.
A knocking at her door woke her up, and she slowly stumbled over to it, still clutching the torn photo. She opened the door and looked into the face of Cyborg.
"Cyborg? What are you doing here so late at night?" She made no effort to be cheery, her voice echoed fatigue and sorrow.
"Star, we've already had breakfast. Me and BB didn't see you this morning, and the last time that happened…well…"
Starfire nodded slowly, she knew what he was talking about.
"I just thought I'd come check on you. You know, make sure we weren't having a repeat of last time. You ok? You look pretty tired, sound tired too."
She closed her eyes slowly and nodded, all her movements were slow, like she was struggling to stay awake.
"I am…fine."
Cyborg paused a minute, unsure of whether or not now was a good time to ask her. No time like the present I guess.
"Star, BB told me Robin came by here last night. Did you talk to him?"
Immediately Starfire's eyes widened and she seemed to wake up completely.
"Thought so. Did he tell you…anything important?"
Tears welled up her eyes, thinking about the previous evening made her heart ache like it was in a vice.
"No, no… don't do that."
Cyborg moved towards her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't cry Star, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I brought that up."
Her tears broke free from her eyes and ran down her cheek, falling off her face and onto the floor. She dropped the photo and it fluttered to the ground. Cyborg pulled her to his chest, placing a hand on the back of her head. Gently he rubbed her head, muttering calming things.
"Shhh…it's ok. There, there…it'll be ok."
"I am…sorry."
"Shh… it's ok. Just go ahead and let it out. Let it all out."
Cyborg looked out her window, staring off into the storm, watching the rain fall down the windows like the tears on her face.
(Robin's Room)
Robin's stomach grumbled, crying out for food. He had been sitting on his bed for the last couple of hours, unable to leave his room. He was afraid of facing Starfire, and he was tired of dealing with Raven. Half his own team would most likely be unwilling to speak to him. So he remained, sitting on the bed, staring at the floor. The noise from his stomach finally made him move his eyes from the spot on the floor. He now looked down at his own stomach. He was hungry, and wanted food, but was unwilling to leave. A number of times he thought about leaving, but his body would not obey him. It remained rooted to that spot. So he sat in silence and misery, his mind shifting through the memories of the previous night, trying to figure out what to do. His stomach grumbled its outrage again, but he still remained in that one spot.
(Raven's Room)
The room was empty. Raven had long since departed for her mirror, for Nevermore. Inside she had been dealing with her feelings for Robin. Sorrow was her strongest emotion now, Courage was the weakest. Fear too, held much power. Her confidence had been shattered. She feared Robin would leave her, no. She didn't fear this, she knew it. She feared its coming. The mirror on her desk rattle slightly, and soon Raven appeared back in her room. She heaved a sigh. That didn't help at all. Worthless emotions. She went over to her bed and sat down, staring at the floor. She mirrored Robin, unwilling to get up, unwilling to move. She too feared Starfire now. She was the source of all her misery, and all her future misery. She sighed again, and let her eyes roam around her room. Her gaze stopped on the vase that held the roses. "It's not her that I love." Words. Sweet, sweet words. They mean nothing. Raven stood up and walked over to the roses, fingering them gently. Star will be very happy with him.
(Common Room)
Beastboy had long since finished his breakfast and was finishing up the dishes. Cyborg had not yet returned. Placing the last plate in its proper place Beastboy turned to the windows. He too yearned to be outside and free again. He wanted to once again be able to soar among the clouds as an eagle, free of the lives of man, free of the problems and fears and doubts that went with being human. Even if it was only while he was out, he loved that feeling. It couldn't be compared to anything else. Beastboy inhaled deeply, then slowly let it out. Just a few more days.
(Robin's Room)
He had finally forced himself to stand up. I can't just stay in here forever. I have to leave some time. Robin finally made his way over to the door, and taking a deep breath, left his room to go deal with the onslaught of his teammates.
(Common Room)
Robin entered the room, expecting to find either Starfire or Raven, but Beastboy was the only one there. He was staring out the window into the rain, a detached look on his face.
"Morning Beastboy."
Beastboy turned around and looked at Robin. "Hey."
He turned back around and resumed looking out the window.
"What're you looking at? There's nothing out there."
"Nothing really, just thinking."
Robin nodded to himself, deciding not to press it. He headed over to the kitchen and made himself something to eat. All throughout his meal Beastboy just stood there, staring out the window.
"Beastboy, are you okay? You seem kind of out of it."
"…I'm fine. Just waiting for the storm to be over, that's all."
"We're all waiting for that. Only today and tomorrow, then the storm should break."
"Yeah…"
"Just try and stay cool until then, okay?"
Beastboy nodded, then he turned to face Robin.
"You're lucky you know that?"
Robin blinked. "What do you mean?"
"I mean Star. She loves you, you know. You're lucky to be able to have someone to love you."
Robin was speechless. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know whether to tell him about his feelings for Raven, and their relationship, or how he doesn't love Starfire, or how he broke her heart.
"Sometimes I wish there was someone like that for me, someone alive."
Robin stayed silent.
"Kind of funny isn't it? After all this time, the first girl that has interest in me, turns out to be working for Slade. And then she gets turned to stone. Wonder what that says about my future."
Beastboy chuckled slightly, but it was forced. He knew there was nothing funny about it.
"Beastboy… I'm sorry about Terra. We all are. We will bring her back. If for nothing else than for you, so that you can be happy."
"Don't be sorry for me Robin. Be sorry for yourself. After all, you're the one in love with a girl that loves you too, but you're both in too much denial to tell each other."
Robin was amazed, behind all the jokes and goofy antics, Beastboy was remarkably perceptive, even if he did have the wrong girl.
"Go be with her dude. If only for a little bit, but a little bit is better than never. As long as you have that one moment, then you'll always have the memory of it. And that's a memory that will always be with you, even if she isn't. Sometimes the memories are the best part, you know?"
"Beastboy…"
Beastboy waved his hand in Robin's direction.
"Just go deal with it. Go be happy."
Robin grinned and walked away. Pausing at the door to give his characteristic last words, he turned to Beastboy.
"Thanks."
Beastboy again gestured for Robin to take off, and the boy wonder left. Beastboy turned back to the windows one last time.
"God knows some of us should be happy."
He then turned and headed for his room, to go look through his book that held his memories with her.
(Outside Raven's Room)
How many times now have I stood here? The number escaped him, it seemed like he spent most of his time here, outside her room, waiting to go in, or to speak to her. No time like the present.
(Raven's Room)
She heard a knocking at her door, and set down the book she had. She had not been reading it, merely staring at the words. Her mind was filled with other things, she had no focus for reading. She walked over to the door, and paused for a moment before opening it.
"Robin."
"May I… come in?"
Raven stepped to the side, allowing him to enter. Closing the door she turned to face him. She said nothing, only stood and waited for his words.
"I wanted to talk to you about last night."
Feel free, I know what you'll say.
"I think you have this whole thing wrong. Even after what I said, I'm not sure that you believed me."
"What's there to believe? I told you, go to Star." She turned her back to him. "Go ahead. I don't care. Just don't torture me like you keep doing."
"Raven…"
He moved towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders. He spun her around so she was looking at him.
"Why don't you get it? Why do you lack confidence in yourself?"
She lowered her head to avoid his gaze.
"What makes you think I'd leave any chance of being with you for Starfire?"
"It's because…"
She still wasn't looking at him. He curled his index finger and placed it under her chin, pushing her face up gently. She kept her eyes down, still not looking at him.
"Raven…"
She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again she was gazing at him with her sapphire eyes.
"It's because I'm…afraid. Afraid that you'll leave me like everyone else I loved."
She paused for a moment, her cheeks hot with embarrassment. "It's silly I know…"
"No it's not. You aren't the only one that has had loved ones leave. My parents died, and left me alone. But the thing is, I won't leave you Raven. Not now, not ever."
She smiled briefly at him, wanting so much to believe his words.
"What about Starfire?"
He visibly stiffened. It was coming, she knew it.
"I told her last night, how I felt about you. And how I can't return her love."
Raven's eyes grew wide. "You did that? But, why?"
"Because it's not her that I love, remember?"
Raven smiled a full smile for the second time in her life.
"I wish you'd do that more often. You're smile is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen."
Raven blushed and gently shoved his shoulder.
"Get out of here you."
Robin smiled as he left. "See you at dinner Rae." He flinched for a moment, remembering her words from last night. "Sorry."
She shook her head. "It's ok. I kind of like it." Her face still held that same smile that set Robin's heart aflame.
Robin finally left the room, for the first time he didn't have anything else to say to her on the way out. He smiled to himself as he walked down the halls, and hummed a tune to himself. Lockdown worked out pretty good in the long run.
Conflict resolved. And hey, how about that Cyborg/Starfire scene? Who saw that coming? That ought to teach you people to guess my plots.
Beastboy has depth! Holy crap!
Turns out, reading back some of those other chapters, I've mostly covered everything. Which rocks. If you guys know something I'm missing, that has never been resolved (aside from the obvious RobRae relationship, and Cyborg) then let me know.
Think that might be it.
Oh right. Knocking your socks off. I have a feeling I may end up eating those words. Or not. Matter of opinion. Ending will definitely be liked. And if it don't knock your socks off, then dammit I'm gonna find you and do it myself.
Later readers.
False update alarm, fixing spelling errors. Thanks Cygnus. Those things bother me.
