Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans or the characters.
Warnings: Self-mutilation, mentioned rape, language
A/N: For future reference, I promise there won't be any random couples. Thank you to everyone who reviewed.
---Chapter Two: Confused
Why?
Isn't it amazing how one word can become such a complex question?
Tears streamed down Starfire's cheeks as she watched Robin. It broke her heart to see him this way. His skin was almost as pale as Raven's. Several wires and tubes were connecting his arms to devices Starfire didn't recognize. A clear, plastic mask covered the lower half of the Boy Wonder's face to help him breathe. The rise and fall of Robin's chest and the beeping machine that was monitoring his heartbeat were the alien's only comfort. These things reminded her that he was alive.
"The fact that Robin harmed himself is not what upsets me most," she whispered, not looking at Cyborg. "Though such a thing is strange to me, I am more concerned about why he has done this."
"I wish I could tell you, Star," Cyborg shook his head. "I guess this means you've never seen a suicide attempt before?"
"Not on Tamaran, no, but Raven and I once encountered a woman who tried to jump from the roof of a building."
Cyborg glanced at Robin. "He's recovering okay."
"Robin is strong. I do not doubt he will be fine physically, but…" A fresh stream of tears made their way down her beautiful face. "What if something is wrong…mentally?"
"You mean what if he's crazy?"
Starfire cringed slightly, but nodded nonetheless. She neatly folded her hands into her lap and went back to watching Robin, silently praying that he would open his masked eyes soon. She knew he probably wouldn't tell them anything right away…the boy had a bad habit of bottling things up until it all exploded into fiery rage. But still, she wanted nothing more than to see him stir and tell her everything would be all right. She needs to hear him say this, because she knew he wouldn't lie to her.
…At least, he wouldn't lie to her again.
Red X.
The named angered and saddened Starfire at the same time. It hurt her to think that Robin hadn't trusted them, but knowing that Slade caused him such torment…now that really made her mad.
"You should get some sleep, Star."
"I do not wish to leave him."
"Will you at least let me set up one of the other beds next to it? You can stay by him and still get some shuteye."
"Yes, thank you."
Cyborg moved one of the beds closer to Robin and gave Starfire a stern look that left no room for arguments. She hopped into it and lay down on her side so she still had a view of her injured friend.
"Night."
"Goodnight," she yawned, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.
---
"I have a good idea of what happened." Cyborg paused, unsure if he wanted to continue or not. "Most of the blood he lost was from the cut on his left arm, but…"
"Slade raped him, didn't he?"
"Yeah."
Darkness suddenly swallowed Raven's mug and it exploded, spraying glass and tea all over the table. Cyborg almost thought he saw her eyes glow red for a second, but they returned to their natural colour before he could take a closer look. There was an awkward moment of silence before the half demon muttered a soft, "Sorry."
"Don't be."
"Starfire and Beast Boy don't know."
"No, they don't," he sighed heavily. "I'm not going to say anything. If Robin wants them to find out, he'll tell them himself."
Raven nodded and stood up. "I should mediate before I hurt someone."
"Go ahead. I'll clean this up."
She quickly left the room, leaving the other Titan to throw away the glass shards and wipe up the tea. He didn't mind; he knew how dangerous Raven was when she lost her temper.
"Sick bastard," Cyborg grumbled under his breath. "How could you do that to him?"
He checked to make sure the security system was on before turning off the lights and going to bed.
---
A/N: I'm sorry this chapter is so short. This would have been longer, but I was afraid I'd end up rushing things. I'm trying really hard to make this better than the original. I've been busy with school and homework, so it's probably going to be about another week or so before I update. My apologies for the wait.