K, so I have my laptop, a batch of Krispy Kreme donuts from Maui, and a load of free time…I'm ready to finish this!
Aliases, for the last time: Robin=Richard Grayson, Starfire=Kori Anders, Beast Boy=Garfield Logan, Cyborg=Victor Stone, Raven=Raven (lol..that wasn't necessary), Bumblee=Karen Beecher, Speedy=Roy Harper, Aqualad=Garth, Kid Flash=Wally West
I almost forgot about Babs (Batgirl/Oracle=Barbara "Babs" Gordon) I included her a little in this chapter, just 'cause I thought it'd be fun to put her in, too. And I think I mention Kole (Kole Weathers), Jericho (Joseph Wilson...Slade's son, something I wish they had put in the show XD), and The Herald (Mal Duncan) in here somewhere as well…
This chapter is dedicated to DeathIsOnlyTheBeginin…thanks for being the first to review chapter 5 and for always giving me great advice and suggestions! And thanks to "Sheryl" for…procrastinating on your homework last year (haha) and reading this…I appreciate it…I guess? (lol don't shoot me XD)
Disclaimer: The fact that I'm not a millionaire right now is enough proof that I don't own the Teen Titans.
You say you're lookin' for someone who'll pick you up each time you fall
To gather flowers constantly and to come each time you call
A lover for your life and nothing more
But it ain't me, babe, no, no, no, it ain't me, babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe
-Bob Dylan, It Ain't Me, Babe
"Seriously, hun," Karen looked around at all the fancy décor. "You really didn't need to do any of this…I would've been fine with a simple dinner at home and-"
Victor put up a hand, interrupting her. "No," he said, shaking his head. "You deserve this, Bee. It's your birthday, and I want you, even if it's just for a day, to feel like…well, like a princess."
"But Vic, it's too much, and how-"
"It's okay, babe…I got it. It's taken care of. Don't worry about a thing…" He trailed off as he saw another guest entering the room, slowly, in a wheelchair. He smiled.
"Hey Babs," he knelt down, giving her one of his signature bear hugs. Pulling back, the woman brushed her red head bangs out of her glasses, sitting back in her chair.
"It's been too long," she said, smiling.
"Amen to that," said Karen as she bent over, kissing her on the cheek and enveloping her in another hug.
"Happy Birthday, Care Bear." She handed her a small gift wrapped in periwinkle.
"Aww…thanks, hun," she said. "So, how've you been? You look great!"
"Heheh, thanks…"
As the two women chatted, Vic turned around, scanning the room. "I wonder where the hell Rich is…I know he'll be happy to see you, Babs."
"Hmm…actually, I don't think I've seen him for awhile, either. He must've ran off somewhere…" Karen looked around the room. "Hey, Roy!" The ex-archer looked up from where he was talking to a flirtatious blonde. He excused himself as he came over to the three.
"…What's up?"
"Do you know where Rich is? Babs just got here."
"Ah, Ms. Gordon," He got down on one knee, taking her left hand and kissing her on the knuckles as the woman rolled her eyes but smiled at his playfulness. "It is a pleasure to see you again."
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Mr. Harper," she said, playing along. "But since when did you become such a gentleman? So different from the bad little playboy I knew you to be…"
"Oh, those days are behind me," he said, nonchalantly. "As you can see, I'm much more mature now…"
"Hah…that's the funniest thing I've heard all day," Victor said as Roy threw him a glare and Babs laughed.
"So have you seen him or not, Roy?" Karen asked again.
"Who?"
She slapped her forehead. "Richard."
"Smooth, Roy," Barbara said with a smirk.
"Heh…well, I slip up sometimes, but at least my attention span isn't as short Wally's," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Um, I haven't seen boy wonder for a while, actually…the last time I talked to him was like," he glanced at the clock on the wall. "Twenty minutes ago, at least."
"Sorry, he's a bit…preoccupied at the moment." They all turned to see Raven walk over. "He's taking care of some…personal business."
Concern spread on Karen's face. "Is Rich okay-?"
"He's fine," she cut in quickly. "Nothing to worry about…something just came up, is all. But depending on how long it takes, he may not be back for a while."
"Oh, it's alright," Barbara said. "I'll probably see him later on, anyway-"
"Babs! Awesome, you made it!" Garfield called, waving from across the room.
She smiled, waving back. "Wow…I didn't think it was possible, but Gar really grew."
"Height-wise." She laughed at Raven's comment.
"Well, I'll see you guys later then," Barbara said as Victor wheeled her towards their green friend, Karen following at their side.
When they were finally alone, Roy pulled her aside. "So…is he finally doing what I hope he's doing?"
Raven nodded. "I had to play a little trick, but yes, he's finally confronting Kori."
"Hallelujah," Roy sighed, looking towards the ceiling. "I was beginning to think it was a lost cause."
"Let's just hope that Richard uses this opportunity and finally comes clean. For both our sakes."
"Yeah. If not, I'm going to plan B: stealing his old bo staff and literally beating some sense into him."
"...I'd actually consider joining you on that one."
TT
Never in his whole life had Richard Grayson felt more awkward than he did now. Despite what others may think, he was always a clumsy mess when it came to relationships and feelings, not at all like the suave, cool playboy the public assumed him to be, as Robin the Boy Wonder and separately as Richard Grayson, adopted son of Bruce Wayne. He had learned for years to keep his emotions locked away, to never let them be used against him by any villain he faced. And so, whenever faced with situations like this, he was clueless about what in the world to do.
All that could be heard was the night breeze as it swept over the two on the balcony, and the occasional sound of a cricket or other insect in the garden below. Richard watched the wind rustle the leaves of the trees, unable to bring himself to look at the face of the woman in front of him. All he would see was pain and sadness, hurt that he knew he was the cause of.
'…What have I done?' The guilt on his shoulders felt so heavy that he could barely stand. He shook his head, reaching out a hand to grip the balustrade. He had felt guilt, many times before, when he had failed to defeat a criminal, and caused others to suffer. But this was different. Knowing that it was his fault, his fault, for hurting someone dear to him, someone he treated not just as a friend, but as family…he would never forgive himself for this. And yet…he could not bring himself to fix it. He could not bring himself to do a single damn thing. His fist clenched. 'What's wrong with me?'
"…I am…sorry." He looked up. Her emerald eyes looked back at him, full of heavy sorrow. He gulped, but made himself speak.
"…Why, Kori? You….you don't have anything to apologize for."
"But I do, Richard. I…I am sorry for the way I have been acting towards you. I was just…very upset. But I have spoken to Raven about this, and I think I am ready to…to tell you how I feel."
Intrigued, he listened on. "Things are not okay between us, Richard. I have tried to deny it for as long as I could, but…I fear I am no longer able to go on pretending." She wrapped her arms around herself, turning to the scenery before them. "Richard, we are friends, are we not?"
"Of course, Star…that will never change."
"And if we are friends, then…you could speak to me about anything? And I to you?"
He nodded slowly. "Then…may I ask you one thing? And please, tell me what you truly feel." He nodded again, hesitant. She closed her eyes and breathed in, slowly letting it out. "…Are you happy, Richard?"
He bit his lip. He knew this was coming, but now that he had to face it…
He shook his head. No. Enough running, enough excuses, enough wimping out, enough of everything he purposefully put in his own way. He would do this, now. It was time to face the truth.
"…You're right. Things haven't been…so well between us. And I'm just as much to blame for pretending it's not as you are. Probably even more." He sighed, running a hand through his hair, trying to choose his words carefully. "I'm…sorry, Starfire. I really am…but…I'm not. I'm…not happy…"
He watched as her shoulders sank. She had hoped. Against such unbelievable odds, against what everything, even her heart, had been telling her…she had still clung onto the hope that maybe it was all wrong. She had always been that way since she was a child. No matter what was taken from her, she was able to lose it all…except hope. But no. Her worst fear had come true.
"Why…could you not tell me? Why did you not say anything?"
He laughed coldly, inside his head. The one question that came back to him so many times in the past few days. Why…why couldn't you, the fearless Robin…just tell her?
"…I didn't want to hurt you Kori. You…you're one of my dearest friends, almost like a sister to me…and I felt that if I told you, it would…I would lose your friendship. That you would hate me. I was…such a coward," his voice became hard. "But please believe me, Kori…I'm not lying when I say that all I wanted to do was not hurt you, nothing else."
'But you have…' She felt her heart begin to break. Sighing, she spoke again. "…All I desire to know now, Richard…" She opened her eyes and faced him. "…is why. Why are you…why have come to be…so unhappy? Because if I have…done something wrong…"
His head shot up. Taking a step forward, he put an arm on her shoulder. "No. Kori, no, it's not your fault, don't you ever think that."
"But…how can I not? All this time…you were happy, Richard. But then…you would come home, and it would change…you would change. I never saw your smile anymore and never felt the joy I used to feel from you when were together before…" Her lips began to tremble. "It is as if…you don't want to be with me. Do you…" Her hands shook as she finally spoke the words that she thought she'd never say. "…do you not love me anymore, Richard?"
It hit him like a tidal wave. She knew…all this time, she knew, she felt it…she felt that what they once shared…had burned away. "…I'm…I'm so sorry, Kori."
Her heart shattered. Before coming here, she had prepared herself for things to come to this, but still…the feeling that her world was falling apart overwhelmed her. Kori had always been the kind of person to act on her instincts, on what she felt immediately. And the first thing that came to mind, the strongest desire she had at that moment was… to fall to her knees. To beg Richard not to leave her…to apologize for everything she did or may have done to hurt him, to hold on to him…to hold on to the hope that they would be…could still be…happy…
Her eyes widened. Happy…Richard…was not happy. She stumbled slightly, and Richard, surprised, leapt forward to catch her in his arms. "Kori, are you ok…?"
But she did not hear him as she came to another sharp realization. 'He…he isn't happy…' Kori loved Richard. She loved him more than anyone in this world, in this universe. And she wanted him…since the day they met, she wanted to be with him, forever. But as the years went by, and Kori began to know him better, to learn about his past and the pain that he carried with him...she had another desire. A desire that grew stronger and stronger each day…from the experiences with Red-X, to Slade forcing Robin to become his apprentice, to facing Raven's demonic father and the end of the world, to the fight against the Brotherhood of Evil…this became the greatest desire she held in her heart. She wanted, above all else, for Richard to be happy. And, though she wished it wouldn't happen, if he could not be happy with her…then…she would accept it. Because she loved him.
Tears came to her eyes, and a sad smile spread on her face as she knew what she had to do. Richard stared at her, confused. "Kori…what-?"
"I…I love you, Richard. You know this, yes?" He nodded slowly. "And this is why…I have to let you go…" Hearing the words felt strange to her…but she knew it was right.
He was taken aback. "…I-I don't understand."
She continued to smile sadly as their eyes met. "It is clear to me…it has been, although it took me so long to see it, that this is not what you want. I had hoped-" Her voice cracked, but she swallowed the pain. "It was…selfish of me to think that things would become different, as long as I waited. I know who you really are, Richard…and this is not it. For this…please, forgive me."
"Kori-"
She put a hand up. "You no longer have the love for me that you once did…perhaps because someone else has, as you say here, 'stolen your heart'?" He swallowed, and began to apologize, but she shook her head, smiling. "It is ok…just, please promise me…that you will be happy, Richard?" She looked at him deep in his blue eyes. He stared for a moment…and then smiled, embracing her. "Thank you, Kori."
She sighed as the tears fell from her face. "Please," she whispered, so softly that he barely heard. "Please, be happy…"
TT
"So…" Roy sat at a table with Wally, Garth, and Raven, yet another drink in hand. "What did you finally end up getting Karen, Unitard Guy?"
Garth glared as Raven rolled her eyes and Wally just sat, confused. "Well, Robin," Roy frowned, to which the fish boy smirked at. "I remembered how, when were still together as Titans East, she lost her copy of her favorite movie. It was even signed by one of the actors from the film. So, even though it was kind of difficult, I managed to get her another copy, autographed and all." He sat back, arms crossed, satisfied with his gift.
"So who signed it? Tom Hanks?" Roy asked.
"…huh?" Garth looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
"You know, from Cast Away? Karen's favorite movie?"
Garth's jaw dropped. "…what?"
Wally looked back and forth between them. "I'm confused, too…I thought Titanic was her favorite movie, I even helped him look for a copy signed by Leonardo di Caprio…"
Roy's face fell. He shook his head. "Oh man…you're in trouble. Karen hates Titanic, she never watches it…says its way too sappy and dramatic." Garth looked as if he was about to faint. The ex-archer put a hand on his shoulder. "Well, she hasn't opened any of her gifts yet…maybe you still have some time to find where Vic put them all and get rid of it before she opens it and…"
"Kills me?" Garth groaned, clenching his obsidian eyes shut. He stood, running a hand through his hair as he left. The three watched, one with pity, one frowning, and one amused.
Raven threw Roy a look. "Will you ever grow up?"
Roy smirked. "It's just fun to mess with him."
"Darn…I could have sworn Titanic was her favorite…" Wally mused, forehead burrowed.
Raven sweatdropped as Roy laughed. "Wally…Titanic is Karen's favorite movie."
"…So…" His eyes widened in realization. The speedster threw Roy a grin. "Wow…you are terrible."
"I'm flattered." He took a sip from his drink. "But I don't think I'm the only one here who's pulled some naughty pranks."
"Yeah…" Wally stopped, getting the hint that Roy wasn't talking about him. "Hey, Raven…"
"Hmm?"
"Do you think you could tell me what this thing on the menu says? It's in French and I have no idea how to read it."
She reached out her hand to take the menu from him. Squinting her eyes to read the small print, she read the dish description in French and then translated it to English.
"Hah!" He pointed a finger accusingly. "So you were lying all along, weren't you?"
She looked at him, eyebrow raised. "What are you on about now?"
"Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is whenever I go out somewhere and forget to put my phone on silent, and then it goes off with 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun?' huh?"
She stared…and then laughed, remembering what he was talking about. "Are you serious, Wally? You still haven't fixed that yet?"
"Do you think I know French, Rae?"
"Hey." Roy cut in, completely serious. The two stopped, and looked in the direction his green eyes were focused. Raven frowned as the three stood. Richard and Kori walked back in from the balcony, his arm around a teary-eyed Kori. In a flash, Wally stood by her, handing her a handkerchief.
"Kori, what's wrong?" he asked, concerned.
She sniffed as she thanked him, dabbing at her eyes. "Do not worry…I am…fine. They are…the 'tears of joy.'"
Roy and Raven walked over to them. "You're sure you're okay?" Wally asked as she nodded.
"I think Kole is waving you over, Wally." Richard said, looking at the crystal-spinner waving at them from across the room.
"Ah, ok…" He turned back. "You're sure-"
"Just go, Wally." Raven said, shooing him away, while Kori nodded, smiling.
After he left, Raven and Roy turned to the two.
"So is…everything okay between you?" Roy asked, eyeing them. "No hard feelings?"
Richard nodded while Starfire looked at him, surprised. "You knew, Roy?"
"Oh, um…yeah, Rich kinda told me about it at my house the other day…" He suddenly turned serious again, rounding on Richard. "You did tell her the truth, right? Not being a total wuss as usual-"
She giggled as he hit the redhead on the shoulder. "Yes, he did tell me, thankfully."
"And…?" Raven asked.
She closed her eyes, a peaceful smile on her face. "I understand. We…have decided it is best that we 'go our separate ways'…" Richard's arm tightened around her. Roy nodded slowly while Raven stood, silent. She turned her gaze to Richard.
"And how about you? Are you…okay?" The concern was evident in her voice. He smiled, putting a hand over hers. "Yeah…I'm fine. I think that now, for once…I feel at peace." Raven returned his smile.
Starfire watched the two carefully. What amazed her the most was the smile she saw Richard give Raven…a smile he only used to give her. A smile that she had not seen for a very long time. She knew that he would be okay…and knowing that it was Raven who now held his heart…instead of feeling bitter jealousy or hate, Starfire felt…relief. And pure joy. She stepped forward and hugged Raven tightly.
Raven stood, puzzled. Kori whispered in her ear, "Please take care of him, Raven. I wish you two happiness…and love." She blushed as the alien princess stepped back. "I think I shall…join the rest of our friends." She walked over to where Gar was sitting with Joey and Mal, who had just arrived.
Richard gave Roy a look. "Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Aren't you gonna chase after her? Work your 'magic'?" He asked as Raven snorted.
"I feel sorry for Starfire…" Roy glared at her as Richard chuckled.
"Go, Roy," he pushed him forward. "Hurry before Garth beats you to it." He said, jokingly.
He stumbled. "…Wh-What?"
"Oh, you know…" Raven stepped in. "I heard he had his eye on Star, too, when we were younger…and now that she's single, well…"
His eyes widened as he jogged after Kori. Raven laughed to herself while Richard looked at her, confused.
"I was joking…"
"So was I. Just thought I'd help Garth get back at Roy for his little 'birthday gift trick'." Richard shook his head, having no idea what she meant but not bothering to prod further.
"So…" He took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. "What about us?"
"What about us?"
"Are we…ok? If you'll still have me, of course."
She smirked, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked over to an empty table. "Glad to see you know who's in charge in this relationship."
He scoffed. "I hope you're not talking about yourself."
"And so what if I was? You better watch it, or maybe I will consider 'having you' anymore, as you say."
He chuckled as they sat down. Putting an arm around her, he mumbled into her hair, "You're lucky I love you so much."
"Ditto." He smiled. His gaze moved to the other tables, where some of their friends were beginning to notice how cozy the two looked.
"Hmm…it seems we've attracted some onlookers." Raven said, following his gaze.
"Let them look. Frankly, I'm tired of having to pretend and hide anymore." He tilted her chin towards him. "I want them to know that now…I'm finally happy." He leaned down and their lips met.
Whistles and shouts sounded, and several people began clapping, including Kori. But Gar and Wally stood, together, mouths open in complete shock. "…What the hell is going on?"
Tadaa! I can finally say that It Ain't Me, Babe, is finally done! Victory dance! (haha)…ah, man, I can't believe it took this long for me to finish…what was meant to be complete in a week has taken two years. T.T
And ah jeez, I'm still not completely happy with how this chapter came out…I've never been good with endings, to be honest XD I was really dreading having to write the huge confrontation between Richard and Kori…and the way it turned out felt like an ending to some bad chick flick But ah, I'm just happy that I was able to finish the story! Hopefully with practice my writing will improve…a hundred times better than how it is right now, haha.
Well, shoot me a review, por favor! Any helpful comments and critiques are welcome :)
Thank you to everyone who has read this story! It's been fun to take a break from the Caged Bird for a while, and write a story with the actual Titans in it, haha. Writing this has actually made me realize how much I liked writing Roy in this…he was the last person I thought I would enjoy writing, haha…maybe inspiration for writing a Roy Harper story? ;) haha, we'll see…tell me your thoughts on that, too! Do you think me making a Speedy story would be a good idea? I'm a devoted Rae/Rob shipper (as you can tell XD), but I've been interested in the Rae/Speedy pairing as well…what do you think? Should I go for it?
Thanks again, and now that this is done, I will definitely get back to the Caged Bird!