Chapter 6: Reunion

Since Starfire got sick, I've been trying real hard to mend my relationship with the other titans. I was obedient and did whatever they asked me without acting rebellious or ignoring their requests. A few more days pass and I didn't have any accidents on the floor. I refrained myself from the trashcan and I didn't even think about chewing the couch. Raven has been nicer to me lately and allowed me in her lap a few times. One night, Cyborg even offered me a huge slice of pizza! Yep, that's right, an ENTIRE slice!

The week continues to fly by and Beast boy has been more responsible about taking me outside. Unfortunately, He'll occasionally forget to feed me, despite the numerous times the others reminded him. There have been times where I was tempted to knock the trashcan over, fill my empty stomach instead of starving. I didn't do it; I didn't want to cause any more trouble.

As of right now, I was chilling on the couch, watching the titans come and go. Raven watched something for about 30 minutes before leaving and about an hour later, Beast boy and Cyborg came in and started flipping through the channels. I just sat there and watched whatever played on the screen. The only time they spoke was when Beast boy hogged the remote.

Nightfall came, and Cyborg left for his shift to take care of Star. Beast boy turned the television off and looked over at me.

"Come on dude." He said "we should head up to bed..."

I stood up, yawned, and stretched out my chubby body. I really didn't feel like walking but I sucked it up and did so anyway. He slogs to his bedroom in silence and I follow him down the hallway. Outside his door, lies an old dirty sock...just laying there...for no reason. He picks it up and gives it a good whiff, exhaling as if he had smelt a sweet summer rose.

"ahhh good old foot fungus!" He shouted "Just the way I like it!"

Don't be surprised, that's definitely the Beast boy I know and love. He opens the door and I brace myself, knowing that it's going to be foul before wandering in. Immediately, the stench penetrates my nostrils and I feel like I'm about to throw up.

He changed into his pajamas and crawled into bed, inviting me to join him but I don't think I can survive another night in here. I don't know how I did it the first time, let alone the months I've spent here before he gave me to Starfire. Beast boy fell asleep instantly; his snoring indicated that he was out like a light. Thankfully he let the door of his bedroom wide open! I was able to sneak out without him noticing.

I went back into the main room and sat back on the couch. I was about to fall asleep when I heard someone come in. I looked up and noticed Robin in the kitchen. He opened the pantry and pulled something out. I got up to see what he was making hoping he would share some with me.

"Hey buddy, how have you been?" He asked

He knelt down and stroked my back. I come closer to him, and licked his hand. I notice that he was already in his pajamas but it was getting awfully late. I wonder why he is making food at this hour.

The microwave beeped, indicating that it was finished cooking and he pulled the food out. I could smell it. It was some kind of soup. My mouth watered as I starred at it. I already begin to wonder if he would be willing to share. I am so tempted to jump on the counter and start eating it right away!

He arranges everything on a tray, and then I begin to realize this wasn't for him. I think he's going to take it to Starfire and feed it to her. I watch him pick it up and carry it to the doorway. He noticed me watching him and laughed.

"I bet you thought that you were going to get some of this, weren't ya?" He said with a wink.

He seemed like he just read my mind. I just smiled and gurgled softly in response.

"Come on" He said "do you want to see Starfire?"

My whole face lightened up like a newly lit Christmas tree. Those were the magic words I've been waiting to hear all week! I quickly stood and made my way towards the door, it was finally happening, they're actually going to let me see her!

The walk to the infirmary wasn't long, but I had some trouble keeping up as we walked down the stairs. With my stubby legs, it's a challenge walking down these huge steps…but I didn't care, I was going to see Starfire!

We made it to the door, and with a press of a button, it slid open. I almost knocked Robin over running inside. I was so excited. I couldn't wait to see her! I was just desperate to be in her presence.

I rushed over to the bed. From that moment, my cheerful attitude went away. I was expecting to see her better…but no. She looked weaker than the last time I saw her. What the heck? I thought she would be better by now! I just don't understand.

Robin placed the food on the nightstand and passionately kissed her forehead. With all my might, I jumped on the mattress. I meticulously made my way towards her, careful not to pull any wires or tubes. Robin shook Starfire's shoulder, awakening the sleeping princess.

"Star" He whispered "Come on, wake up..."

She moaned and slowly lifted her head. It still looked like she was asleep but she was awake, with her eyes squeezed shut.

"Hey there sleepy head" Robin whispered softly, stroking her fever-stricken face. "Are you feeling alright?"

Star didn't look thrilled that her slumber was disturbed. I edged up to her face, expecting her to wrap me in her arms. From that moment, I knew that something was terribly wrong. The Starfire I know would squeeze me real hard, up to the point where I can't breathe. Right now she didn't even notice me. She just lay there, unresponsive, as if a wall was built around her.

Robin placed the food on her bed, and tucked a napkin inside her shirt. From what I heard she hasn't been eating all week, and Raven even said that she had already lost 15 pounds. Robin got closer to her and lifted her head up. She whimpered softly and my heart broke.

"I want you to try and eat some of this for me" Robin said "I made it special just for you"

She slightly opens her eyes and starred at the food. The look on her face says that she wasn't in the mood to try any of it. Robin wasn't going to let her have her way this time. He spooned the soup and held it to her lips but her nose wrinkled at it and she turned her head away.

"I know it's not good looking" Robin said "but this will fix you up good!"

Starfire was stubborn. At this rate, getting the soup in her would take Robin several minutes of begging, coaxing, and bribing. Even after all that, she was still willing to do anything to avoid eating it. The delicious aroma made me wonder how she could turn down something this good! I would be happy to eat it if she won't.

After about five minutes, Robin gave up on the soup and tried to persuade her into eating the breadsticks, she refused to eat them too. Robin started to look frustrated.

"Starfire, you're starting to make me real angry" He said "You are going to eat whether you like it or not."

I know what it's like to be sick, when the sight of food makes you want to vomit. Starfire really tried to avoid whatever Robin was giving her, but she finally gave up her fight, and slightly opened her mouth so that he could feed her.

"See?" He said "that wasn't so hard was it?"

He put the food tray on the nightstand and wiped her face with a napkin. She didn't hesitate to drink the juice. She had guzzled it down within 5 seconds. I jumped off the bed and looked up at the untouched soup. If she wasn't going to eat it, I think I should at least get a taste. I try to look obedient, sitting up straight like I was trained to do. Once I got Robin's attention I cried and occasionally eyed the bowl.

"To bad Silkie" Robin said "you're still not getting any of this."

Bummer.

Starfire was fighting to stay awake when Robin gave her the medicine. The capsules were mostly written in Tamaranean and I wonder what each of them does. After she took the meds, she dozed off and I snuggled up against her chest. Her heartbeat was stronger than ever. Oh how I missed listening to it! Her sweet scent filled my nostrils and I pressed myself against her soft skin. This was probably the most calming moment I had ever since she got sick.

Hours pass and the sound of pair of heavy footsteps caught my attention. As I predicted, they belonged to Cyborg. I started to hear a conversation between him and Robin. I lifted my face and watched them.

"That's so cute" The robotic titan said, noticing me in the bed.

"I know" Robin said "he's been wanting to see her for a long time"

"He's been a good boy too" Cyborg said "For once he's not chewing up my stuff"

Robin laughed "Yeah" He said "we're thankful to have him around"

Awww. That was the sweetest thing he ever said about me! I happily gurgled and jumped into his lap, only to realize how exhausted he looked.

He closed his masked eyes and hung his head briefly. A tap from Cyborg's finger quickly woke him back up.

"You really need to get some sleep." He said "I'll be willing to watch her tonight"

"No" Robin said "I want to stay here with her!"

"Look man, I'm part robot" Cyborg said "I was built to pull all-nighters."

"You guys have done so much for her today" the stubborn leader replied "I want to repay the favor"

The Half robot sighed and looked over at Starfire. He checked her vitals, making sure everything was normal. We both know that Robin's too tired to watch her but Cyborg refused to argue about it.

"Alright" He finally said "but promise me you'll get some rest tomorrow, we don't want you getting sick too."

"Don't worry" Robin said with a yawn "that's not going to happen."

Cyborg smiled and patted the leader's back. Then he turned and left the room without saying another word. Robin stood up and stretched his limbs. I tumbled off his lap and plopped on the floor.

Once I recovered, I jumped back on the bed and continued to snuggle with my princess. Robin left the room briefly and came back with a cup of coffee. I thought he didn't like coffee, I guess he's only drinking it for the caffeine. He took one whiff of it and wrinkled his nose in disgust. The boy wonder braced himself before taking small sips from the cup.

For the rest of the night, Star remained asleep but Robin did more for her than I thought he would. Every few hours he refilled the IV bags and every once in a while he checked her vitals. I even witnessed him cleaning her bedpan a few times. Starfire is just so lucky to have a boyfriend who really loves her.

I lay on the bed, dozing on and off throughout the night. I'm never awake between 1 and 6 but I was just so excited to be in her presence. I listened to the rhythm of her heartbeat and became lost in my own thoughts. I couldn't wait for her to get well again…

…but I also hope that she'll be okay.