This chapter has my favorite dialogue so far. Again, thanks all for responding, and, true to my word, I am working hard to get more updated. I have been working on it during classes (shh, don't tell! ;) haha) and I think I did a pretty good job of it, too. This chapter is a bit short, though, sorry about that. I have all the chapters planned out, I just need to type them up and edit them, so I know what I'm saying when I reassure everybody that it gets longer and more interesting. So, have at it and don't be afraid to tell me how bad it is:)

Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans, or any related material, although the story idea is mine.

Chapter 11

It was both a joyful and depressing feeling to see her again. While he was amazed that she had found him, he was saddened that he could not help her in his current state. He knew she only wanted to help him and to save him from this life, but with the probes still there, he was helpless to do anything. Inwardly, he had hoped against hope that he could have done something.

Still, it was a wonderful thing to see those beautiful green eyes filled with joy instead of depression. Even as he heard someone enter, he could not get the picture of her face out of his mind, and he was aware that he bore a wide smile, probably confusing whoever it was that had entered. He wasn't sure who it was yet, he couldn't see anything from his position on the floor.

Thankfully, it was only Wintergreen. The kindly old man offered him a leg up, and he soon found himself hobbling down the hallway, leaning on the kindly butler for support until he reached his room. He then collapsed onto the bed, but not before giving Wintergreen an appreciative smile. This flimsy cot was so much better than that hard ground he had been face-flat on for the past half hour.

He let his thoughts drift again. His mind clouded over with questions. How did she find him? When did she find out about the probes? Why did she come alone? Would the Titans accept him back? Frustrated, he blew out his breath and tried to clear his mind. All he could think about were those deep pools of green that had held so much concern and hope for his sake.

Obviously, she cared for him a great deal. As soon as this was over, he would make sure to tell her everything. As soon as he had the strength, he would fight by her side to conquer Slade. Together they would vanquish this foe. He could already picutre the scene in his mind's eye: he and Starfire would attack without mercy, giving Slade no chance to retaliate. Soon they would be together permanently.

There was always the question of when, of course. He knew that he would have to heal before there was any possibilty for him to fight, or even to defend himself for that matter. With a great sigh, he closed his eyes and tried to get some sleep. For the next few days, it would be essential for him to regain his health and his composure. After today's beating, he was sure that he wouldn't be the same for some time to come.

Unfortunately, he was still tormented with the day's events and his mind was too filled to allow him to drift into even the most uneasy sleep. Whenever he closed his eyes, he could see glowing red eyes and steel boots. Of course, he could also see green eyes filled with love and hope and he could see the hopeful way that she flew through the air. Either way, it took him several hours to fall asleep.

He awoke with a start the next morning. At first there was elation. She had come for him at last! Then, there was depression and sorrow. As much as he wanted to believe that it had happened, there was always a sneaking suspicion that it was a dream, a mere figment of his imagination. Oh, but he wanted so badly to know that it was real! She had said that she'd come back, so he would just have to wait until then.

He ate as much as he could that morning and began to stretch his limbs. His breathing had almost returned to normal; the sleep must have strengthened them. Thus he had no problems with endurance in his exercises as he tested each muscle to be certain that it would move. He wished that his body would hurry up and heal so that he could be ready for her return.

Wintergreen had obviously noticed the difference in his manner and appearance. He kept his hair neat and clean, but still in his trademark spikes the way he liked it. He bore a smile on his face most of the time, except when he moved a sore muscle or when a new round of pain racked his body. Doubtless, the old butler wondered what was going through his mind, and he kind of enjoyed the looks of confusion that Wintergreen kept shooting his way. Maybe after everything was said and done the old butler would understand why he was so happy.

He spent the entire day exercising and stretching and...smiling! His day seemed to go by more quickly than he needed. Even while fighting some of Slade's robots, he still managed to keep a joyful demeanor, though he chose not to show it around Slade, surely that would bring unnecessary attention and suspicion his way. By the time his day was through, he had never once lost his happiness.

"Pardon me, young master, may I venture a question?"

His head shot up. He'd never heard that voice before, or for that matter, ever expected to hear that voice-ever. It was Wintergreen, standing in the doorway, holding a dinner plate and wearing a very confused expression. After a moment of hesitation, he replied nonchalantly. "Ask away."

"Perhaps I am mistaken, but your demeanor seems to have changed. What is the cause of this sudden optimism?"

He shook his head. Wintergreen must have been really curious. These were the first words he had ever heard the old butler speak. After thinking it through and deciding what he could trust the old butler with, he replied, "If I were to go throughout this life in a constant state of depression, it would deteriorate my health and I would never be able to get out of here."

Wintergreen shrugged, taking this as an acceptable answer, but he could tell behind those wise eyes that the butler knew there was something more to it. He sighed inwardly. Of all the people to have to keep secrets from! He watched as Wintergreen exited, then sat down to enjoy his food, scarfing absolutely everything down. Oddly enough, he wondered if the butler would miss him when he was gone.