Chapter 7: A Team in Snapshots Part II

Heavy Lifting

Speedy whistled cheerfully as he entered the training room, him being quite chipper for it being early in the morning. He had a towel slung around his neck, his hand holding one end and the other holding a water bottle. He stopped in his tracks as he spotted a certain alien in the weightlifting area.

Having been specially made for her, Starfire was using a device in which weights measuring in the tons were placed in a crate-like device. It currently held 14 tons as stated on the wall and she lifted the crate above her head up and down with one arm. She did about 20 reps before switching to the other arm.

Speedy continued to watch as she lifted the sets of weights with ease, not breaking a sweat. He gave a low whistle from across the room and Starfire turned her head. He ambled over as she began to lower the weights, pausing when he spoke.

"Don't stop on account of me, Red," he said. "I'm just enjoying the view." He leaned against the wall, taking a sip from out of his bottle.

She raised her eyebrow, then continued to let down the load until it sat on the floor. "I have completed my sets. Besides, the prospect of you shamelessly observing me gives me a perfect reason to stop."

"Awe, you're no fun," he teased but then became more serious as he got off the wall to walk next to her. "Want to be my workout buddy today? We can go over some archery or another weapon later if you want."

Starfire pretended to be thinking it over, going to the wall to log her workout and reset the machine. A mechanical hiss started as it sorted the weights to their correct storage locations.

"If you must insist," she said as if it was a big burden. He pretended he was hurt, placing his hands on his heart in a 'you wound me' sort of gesture, a giggle escaping her before they both headed over to the bench press.

Speedy stretched and warmed up while Starfire prepared the bar with weights according to Speedy's preferences. They chatted idly about the goings-on in the Tower and some of the missions they had been on in the last week or two. Speedy then picked up some dumbbells to complete some rows, single-leg deadlifts, and squats, which Starfire joined as they talked.

"Isn't this sort of pointless for you?" Speedy said, eyeing the dumbbells she had chosen as she completed the movements next to him.

She shrugged. "It is akin to a cool-down stretch for me."

He grunted back in effort, as he completed another rep as he squatted. "Rub it in why don't you."

She continued to complete her reps effortlessly, pushing Speedy to try and do the same, though he was huffing a bit as they completed the workout.

"Alright, now you get to see me make an ass out of myself on the bench press," he complained. He sat down on the bench, leaning back to situate himself under the bar while Starfire automatically went to spot.

"I have faith in you," she smiled down at him. "Just let me know if you need me to lessen the weight."

He pulled a face at her as he lifted the bar off its holder. He brought the bar to his chest then extended the furthest he could go. Starfire watched intently to see if he needed the extra help, but also not admitting that she was admiring his toned arms as they flexed with effort. While she reprimanded herself for such thoughts, he got to about a few dozen reps before hoisting the weight back into its cradle. He sat up, yanking the towel from where it sat underneath him and dried himself off, sweat glistening off his muscles.

Starfire turned away at that moment for the briefest of seconds, strange that she found guilt hot within her. Like a flash, everything felt like it was too much and too soon, an irrational fear sweeping in to take over her senses. She had not felt like this for a couple of weeks and, though not sure what was triggering it now, felt an overwhelming sense of dread that spread throughout her entire body.

Taking a shaky breath, she turned back and walked over so she could sit beside him, hoping that she could repress it but also afraid that her legs would give out underneath her at the same time.

Head buried in the towel and hair dried thoroughly, Speedy resurfaced, having felt someone sit next to him. Looking to his right, the smile he had on his lips died as a pale and tense-looking Starfire clutched onto the seat for dear life.

"Hey, you alright, Red? You look like you've seen a ghost," he joked, hesitantly turning to face her and trying to lift the tension. It did the opposite, her crumpling in front of him, head in hands as she breathed shallowly.

"Hey, no. It's ok." He was immediately there, hand patting on her shoulder as she shook, unsure in his actions as he'd ever been. She sobbed openly now, not knowing how to stop as her mind spun with thoughts she could not control and her heart pounding. She absent-mindedly leaned into him, seeking any sort of comfort or a way to make it stop.

"You're having a panic attack," he said, trying to keep everything factual as he put his arm around the top of her shoulders. "Let it out. I'm here for you. Do you want to try breathing?" he hesitantly suggested in a soothing tone, going to pull back the curtain of hair and placing it behind her ear. She peaked up at him, slightly nodding.

They did counted breathing, him doing it along with her for about 5 minutes as she visibly got calmer and calmer.

"Breathe in," he said, holding for 8 seconds. "Now out."

She let out a huge breath, finding her center once more, though not as steady in it as she usually was.

She nodded at him, letting him know she was ok and now able to speak. "I apologize," she said sheepishly, rubbing her eyes.

"Don't apologize, Star. It's not a big deal," he said.

He sighed, then spoke as if talking to just himself.

"He really did a number on you, didn't he?" he whispered.

Silence for several seconds.

She wanted to be angry with him. She wanted to deny his claim but found she could not find the energy. She was hurting and she sent him a meaningful and embarrassed look as he continued to rub a circle into her shoulder.

"I am uncertain why I am reacting like this. It has been weeks. Why would I feel such a way when I did the breaking up with him?" she confessed, a rush of words tumbling out of her. She hiccupped, covering her mouth to try and compose herself, not wanting to give too much of herself away.

He raised his eyebrows at the new information but didn't bring notice to it, instead saying, "Grief is a complicated thing. Not knowing the specifics, it would be difficult for anyone to lose a love and a good friend. Not to mention pack up and start a whole new life." He looked thoughtful, giving her a smile and a squeeze to go along with it.

She nodded, still weepy as the waterworks started anew. He pulled her into a proper hug, her folding into him naturally.

"I'm always here if you want to talk," he said, now idly running his hand up and down her back. "You don't have to hold everything inside all the time. Contrary to popular belief, I am able to shut up and listen occasionally."

She couldn't help but smile into his shoulder and breathed once heavily, taking in the smell of him. She now noticed for the first time where her hands were, wound in his shirt above his waist. She loosened her grip but couldn't release him just yet. She decided to take him up on his offer, right then and there. Lifting slightly from him, she began to speak.

He listened intently as she spoke about how her and Robin's relationship was the best and worst thing she had ever experienced, which hurt his heart to hear. She smiled as she reminisced about their good times. How he was her protector, a valiant hero yet had a goofiness and humor that only she got to see. How he was both brave and handsome. How he was her very best friend and teacher when it came to Earthen culture. How their contrasting natures within the confines of their relationship worked until it didn't. She explained how his obsession with Slade had almost driven them apart before they were even together. How duty was always the priority, even over matters of the heart, and how a death in his family, though she wouldn't elaborate on who, was the thing that had finally undone them as he pushed her away. How he put himself in emotional isolation and that he had started to thrive in the dark, somewhere she was not allowed or willing to go.

The complexity of their relationship hung in the air as she quieted, a silence now filling in around them.

It was a lot for Speedy to process. On one hand, he could not help but loathe Robin whose actions had brought so much pain to Starfire. On the other, jealously hung over him before creeping in and settled in his chest, a feeling like no other that burned him up inside.

So many things to say, so he just said what he felt.

"You're brave, Star. Not a lot of people would have the courage to walk away," he said kindly. She looked up at him, eyes bright. He gave her one final pat on her knee, having untangled himself from her fully. "You're a good person and you deserve better than what you were given."

She sniffled, finally able to pull away in kind from him. The weight that threatened to pull her down for so long had been lifted momentarily.

"Thank you. You have been most kind. I do not deserve a friend like you."

She looked him in his mask, a sad smile on her face as he looked back into her tear-stained eyes. He cleared his throat, the moment dissipating as they both looked away.

"Ahh, Red, I think that's enough emotions talk for one day. It's about as much as my cold heart can handle," he said as he moved to stand up, pulling her up with him. "Say, why don't you and me do something fun? Let's raincheck the archery lesson and go get some pizza."

"I think I would be very agreeable to that suggestion," she replied, most grateful for the distraction and the chance to spend more time with the man in front of her.

Starfire floated next to him as they exited the room, feeling lighter than before as she drifted upwards.


One of the Girls

When Speedy stepped into the ops room, returning from his afternoon nap, he wasn't sure what he was looking at.

Perched on the living room couch were Bee and Starfire, giggling as they leaned over the coffee table.

Curious to see what the fuss was about, he tiptoed over, finally seeing the twins settled on either side of them, them being too short and concealed by the couch before.

Normally, seeing the girls doing their nails and painting their toes would not be anything out of the ordinary; however, what he wasn't prepared for was that the Spanish speakers were also participating. Más had his gloves removed, rocking a sparkly pink manicure while Menos had kicked off his boots, Starfire concentrating as she applied a purple shade.

"Um, should I even ask what's going on here?"

The girls barely batted an eye at his interruption, still working at the task at hand.

"¿Somos muy guapos, no?" the twins asked him, showing off their finished limbs to the masked man.

He gave them a questioning look while Bee asked teasingly, "Want to join? You know you want to."

Before he could protest and stake his claim on his manliness, Starfire perked up and turned to look at him properly.

"Oh, yes. Please, you must join us. It is quite enjoyable!" She looked at him eagerly, bouncing up and down in her seat, her childlike wonder infectious.

Bee had a wicked gleam in her eye as he reluctantly moved around the couch to sit by Starfire, him huffing and hawing all the way as he ran a hand down his face.

He slumped into the seat, Starfire beaming with joy.

"Fine, but I get to choose the color."


Stupid Cupid

The archery range located within Titans East Tower was as high-tech as Cyborg could make it. Having drones that held targets that flew around expertly, clay birds that shot from the walls of the room, and humanoid hologram targets that leaped out and dodged, it was an immersive experience that only the most skilled archers could handle.

Speedy was currently running it through its paces. Notching three arrows on his bow, he let them fly as they each found their intended targets, the drones going to retrieve more bull's eyes as the damaged ones clattered to the ground. He then swung around, drawing another set of arrows at his back lightning-quick and hit the menacing hologram that threatened to bludgeon him from behind.

Starfire watched in awe as he worked, precision, power, and swiftness his ultimate strengths as he then went on a charge. Multiple projections collapsed in on him, he momentarily overpowered, when he shot one single electric shock arrow straight up into the air. At its peak, lightning sprang out, reaching all the figures and they dissipated, Speedy untouched at the center. He then steadied his bow in front of him, arrow after arrow flying from his string as they embedded themselves perfectly in the center of the clay targets whizzing around several yards away. He froze with the bow outstretched and hand empty as the last arrow was fired, the target exploding in the air.

"Marvelous!" Starfire cheered, her voice echoing around the room. "Your prowess is truly exceptional."

Speedy turned to her as she flew over and he held a cocky stance. "I know, right?" he said half-jokingly, half not. "Want to give it a go?"

She nodded as he fiddled with the cuff on his wrist which acted as a remote to control the room. Robots wheeled out from the walls to sweep up the fallen targets while the wall to their left opened to reveal stationary targets.

Standing at the line etched into the ground, he got her prepared. Another bow and quiver retrieved, she slid the strap around her and held the bow in her left hand. He was about to go through the stance and the whole shebang, but he watched as she naturally did it on her own, pulling an arrow from her back. She notched the arrow and then cocked the bow back with experience, the string biting into her cheek as she took aim. She released. A whooshing followed until the arrow connected with the target.

It hit almost dead center.

Speedy picked his jaw off the ground. "You've been holding out on me," he said, gobsmacked.

She played up her innocence, acting meek. "I may have misrepresented my abilities unintendedly. I am somewhat versed in archery, though nowhere near your capabilities."

"'Somewhat versed' she says. You hit a bullseye right out the gate," he scoffed, amazed. "Let me guess, you know how to craft a bow and arrow too?"

He had meant it in jest but as she remained silent, he got a surprising answer.

"You've got to be kidding. Red, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

She shrugged, embarrassed. "On my planet, every Tamaranian is knowledgeable in the ways of many weapons, including the bow and arrow. I did not think it the 'big deal' as my skills are quite basic. I was hoping you would teach me more of your advanced methods."

Still stunned, he agreed and said, "Ok, let me see what you got first."

He assessed her abilities and found that she had greatly understated her skills. She was a sure and accurate shot as they continued with the stationary targets, them working quickly to the drone-held ones. He adjusted her feet, positioning them by using his own as an example and then stood behind her, guiding her stance by touching her on the arms, hands, and shoulder so she was in the most efficient position. They continued like this for what seemed like hours until all the targets were exhausted.

"You're pretty damn good," he conceded. They sat on the floor of the room now, watching as the robots clean up the mess they had created. "Only thing that needs some work would be your quickness when it comes to reaching for the quiver and precision when it comes to smaller targets, but that only comes with lots of practice."

She nodded, finishing her drink of water. "Agreed. You are a good teacher. Perhaps, with your guidance, I could be as good as you one day."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I need some sort of job security," he bantered back.

He leaned back, him almost laying fully down now with elbows behind him. She looked down at Speedy, an amused smile gracing her lips.

"I think they would have a hard time replacing you. I mean, who would do the telling of all the inappropriate jokes or anger Bumblebee if you were not present? I believe you are truly one of a kind."

Reaffirming her words, she reached over, giving his hand a friendly pat. Before she could withdraw her hand, though, and before his actions could catch up with his brain, he caught it and held her firmly in his grasp. He playfully tugged her forward, causing her to fall on top of him and her to squeal as he tickled her sides.

Between the laughter, she stiffened, not sure why she enjoyed the feeling of his bare fingers on her sides, the tingles it set aflame in her stomachs strange but not entirely foreign to her. She looked up at him as she gasped for breath and saw what she thought was longing peeking out from his amused expression.

Speedy, caught up in his own laughter, only paused when he caught her eye and felt her hesitation. In the few seconds that he had, he gauged her questioning reaction in return. Thinking he had made a mistake, he played it off as best he could, immediately releasing her. He sat up, a blush creeping up his face.

"Um, sorry, I just…," he said, struggling to find words for once as he scratched the back of his head. He then went to clear his throat, a hand fisted to cover his mouth. "I think I'm just going to hit the showers," he said self-consciously, getting up. "This was fun. We should do it again. I mean the archery, not the—" He cut himself off, feeling like he was digging himself a bigger hole. "You know what I mean. See ya around, Red."

He turned and left as quickly as he could without full out running. He flexed the hand that she had held as he did so, burned.

Starfire looked after him as went, surprised by his sudden departure. She wanted to stop him, wanted to say anything but he was gone, the doors swishing close.

She lingered on the floor for a while, mourning the empty spot beside her and deep in thought. Everything that had transpired felt small and big at the same time, something that she pondered for the rest of the evening as she eventually made her way back to her room.


Rest and Relaxation

It had been a rather tiring day.

The team had responded to not one, not two, but three calls, all of which had been successful but draining. Now, most of the team lounged, the day finally ending with leisure.

Starfire sat, bare feet swung up on the coffee table as she had changed into yoga pants and a comfortable tank top. Nuzzled up against her were Mas y Menos on her one side, sound asleep. She sighed in contentment, observing Speedy with interest who was on the other side of the twins.

He was watching TV, engrossed with the program that was on when he gazed back and returned her polite smile. He decided he liked seeing her this way. Relaxed and beautiful.

His thoughts were interrupted as Bee sauntered over.

"Aww look at the parents and their redheaded children," she teased in hushed tones as she swung over the back of the couch to sit next to Starfire. "Now that I mention it, I never realized how many redheads we have on the team now. We should rebrand to Team Fire Crotch."

Speedy yawned, sinking further into the couch and arms crossed at his chest. "Not a bad idea. Better than the previous name. Team Bee-otch didn't have the same ring." Bee scowled at him and Speedy only smirked back. "Get it? Bee-otch?"

"We got it, Speedy," Aqualad answered before Bee could strangle him. He seemingly appeared from nowhere, now plopping next to the archer and removing the remote from his hand as Speedy protested. "Anyone want to watch a movie?"

But before anyone could answer, the ever-familiar alarm rang out for the fourth time.

Several things happened at once: the twins sprang up and fell from the couch with their bedhead fully intact, Speedy and Aqualad groaned in sync, and Starfire raced to her room to change.

"Please, just go without me," Speedy begged. He leaned his head back on the couch, eyes closed.

"Oh, no you don't."

Bee was already behind him, dragging him by his ear to the door, him complaining the whole way there. She released him and he rubbed the side of his head.

Starfire then reappeared in full uniform in record time as the twins stepped toward the entranceway, yawning, and Aqualad ran up from behind.

Bee led the charge, yelling, "Titans, go!"


Authors Note:

Fun fact: In the episode Stranded, when Robin is attacked by the alien monster when they first crash land, Starfire is seen using a bow and arrow to defend him, so her being an archer and able to make a bow and arrows is canon! I thought it would be a fun thing to explore in this chapter.

Also, thank you so much to everyone that has read and/or reviewed so far. I always look forward to the comments and feedback. Now, on to the next one!