I'm going away soon on a vacation to rome, so I don't know how it will be with the updates but I will do my best! Thank you people who reviewed, it really added to my enthusiasm for this story! My goal is to be able to finish it, and perhaps I will even do a second part... I already have some ideas but we will see.
Please, enjoy!
The Bird and The Firefly
Chapter 02 - Nothing will ever be the same again
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Hotaru neatly placed her new clothes in a pile and sat down on Robins bed. She didn't mind to be in his room, not at all. A part of her was really enjoying it, a little too much for her taste. She was a bit worried, that she had to admit. The more she had come to know them, the more she would be cry when she left them. They had accepted her so quickly (except for Starfire, there was still something with her), she had never felt so at home anywhere. She could relax and be herself, and she didn't have a duty to anyone. Only to herself. I am really beginning to like it here. Maybe, I don't have to go back. No… I know that I have to. I can't fall for Robin, despite that he is so… damn. Why must my life be so miserable? It feels so right here… Like a part of me always belonged here from the start.
A few days had passed since the shopping trip, and she couldn't believe how the time had went by so fast. She went thru her memories and smiled when she remembered the movie the whole group had been to. Except that Starfire had been very moody for some reason, they had all had a good time. But she had barley registered the movie, since she had been sitting next to Robin.
She shook her head and got up. She put on her boots and glanced at herself as she passed the mirror. Black tights and a black tight shirt, a leather belt and a simple silver necklace with a blood red stone. Simple and clean, just as she liked it. Heading out of the room, she decided that she had to talk to Robin. As much as she liked to be sleeping in his room, it was his room and only the gods knew how long she would have to stay.
But first, she would find Raven. And, if she guessed right, she would be in her room meditating now. When she arrived, she knocked on the door.
"Raven it's me."
The demon girl opened the door, peeking out.
"Come in."
There it was again, the same monotone voice. She liked Raven, but had been very puzzled with why the girl always sounded and acted so emotionless even when she wasn't facing an enemy. Hotaru had adapted the same behaviour but only when she was fighting, since it benefited her.
"Raven, I have certain suspicions concerning the way you act and have wanted to ask you this for a long time. But I wanted us to get to know each other first. It's a very personal question, and I am only asking out of curiosity and concern. Why do you keep your emotions in such stern control?"
Raven nodded, apparently not surprised by the question and motioned for her to sit down on her bed. She closed the door and they both sat down. Hotaru is really caring and understanding, she is like a different person when she fights…
"We have told each other of our pasts, and it has to do with the fact that my father is Trigon. I am his offspring and half demon and possess powers beyond that of him. If I do not control my emotions, the power goes off uncontrolled."
Hotaru smiled in relief. She had felt her honesty and was glad that it wasn't psychological. This she perhaps could help her with.
"You never had a teacher or something?"
Raven shook her head.
"Remember that I told you about Malchior? He only taught me dark magic. I have learned almost everything on my own."
"I am also very powerful, but I can control it. My problem is that I have not yet reached my potential power. You on the other hand, have. But you cannot control it. At least to a degree. I separate myself from it in my mind. Have you tried that? Before I tried it my power where all over my mind and I had a really hard time."
Ravens eyes widened. Could it really be that simple? She considered it for a moment. It was true, she felt like the power was all over her mind. It had always been her, and she had always been it. She tried to separate it and keep it in a part of her mind. Steadying it, she sighed.
"I will try it Hotaru. The worst thing that could happen would be that the microwave explodes."
Hotaru smiled and she saw the book lying on the bed. Raven followed her gaze.
"It's just a book I'm currently reading…."
Both girls jumped as the alarm set off. They hurried out of Ravens room and ran into the living room. Beast Boy and Cyborg where already there, not surprising. Starfire came flying into the room and landed beside Raven.
"It's Slade!"
Hotaru shivered. Robin was standing behind her, and she could feel the heat from his body. It was distracting to say the least. She tried to think of home, getting her thoughts away from him. She couldn't love him.
"Hotaru, maybe you should stay here until we come back?"
She turned and gave Robin a glare.
"I'm not waiting here. You have all done so much for me, and somehow I have to return the favour. Besides, I'm not exactly defenceless."
I just happen to be the most dangerous senshi there is. Destroying a planet is nothing. However, they can never know that I am the senshi of destruction, silence and rebirth. Then they will fear me and turn me away like everyone else has.
Robin could se it in her eyes. It would not matter what he said, she would follow them and fight. They were so deep; it was easy to get lost in violet orbs. He nodded.
"Titans, go!"
Hotaru transformed and spread her wings and was mildly surprised when Robin motioned for her to pick him up. Raven slapped Beast Boy when he tried to convince Raven to fly him and Starfire grabbed Cyborg since she was exceptionally strong. She glared at Hotaru, but she didn't notice it. As they flew towards the city, she tried not to let her thoughts linger on the boy wonder beneath her. He looked up at her.
"You ok?"
She smirked at him.
"I'm a warrior, don't you think I can handle a little weight?"
He looked insulted, but quickly regained himself and smirked. It's been a long time since any girl tried to outwit me…
"Well, I only asked since you look like you would drop a shrimp."
She tilted her head and he immediately regretted his words. Suddenly, she skydived.
"Whaaa!"
He screamed in surprise and she turned upwards just in the right time before they both would hit the surface. It took a while before he had calmed himself and he screamed with joy. The adrenaline pumping in him, the dive, it was fantastic!
"Wooohhooo! Hotaru, you better warn me next time…"
"Or else what?"
"I might, by accident, sneak into my room at night and slip something nasty into my bed."
Hotaru blushed and they both became quiet. The arrived at the place, an old warehouse and Robin looked around.
"What the hell would Slade want from this place? The building looks like it's going to collapse any minute!"
The group headed closer and Hotaru recalled Slade in her mind. Maybe he knew something useful… She had to talk to him, alone. Even though she really didn't want to. If he was the one who had teleported her, he might even overpower and hurt her.
"How about we split up? You all have radios right?"
Robin looked slightly bothered by it but his instincts kicked in and he couldn't resist the idea of beating Slade.
"Alright. Push the button on the side on the little com I gave you if you're in trouble and we will come right away. Let's go. Beast Boy, you should turn into a rat or something…"
Hotaru headed inside with Robin and Starfire. She gave her a slight glare when she took off into the dark. She reached out her senses and quietly moved forward. Of what she had been told about this man, he didn't seem to be the guy that fancied a place such as this. But what did she know? She had never met him. A tingle alarmed her of two presences straight ahead.
Well, that didn't take long. This is… weird.
Wouldn't Slade know that he would cause an alarm? Robin had described him as highly intelligent, often sending someone else to do his dirty work and working out complicated plans. She stopped as she saw two shadows in the now half dark. One was lying on the ground; the other one standing had to be Slade.
"Slade is it?"
He turned and the mask gleamed vaguely. It was definitely him. She calmly stood there, their gazes locked on each other.
"Go away girl. Unless you would like to experience a little pain."
She almost laughed aloud. He had mistaken her for an ordinary girl, not surprisingly considering the half dark warehouse.
"I'm not going anywhere."
If he was surprised, he sure didn't show it. The confidence in himself was clearly given away by his posture and athletic body. He was totally motionless, which indicated his almost perfect control of his body.
"You don't know what you're getting yourself into girl. I'm only giving you this one warning."
"Oh, but I do know what I'm getting myself into. The question is, do you?"
He didn't answer and for a moment, the tension built up. Hotarus eyes thinned, she was sure she had heard a chuckle escape his throat. Then, with a speed only acquired by years of experience, Hotaru called her glaive and swung it. Slade felt the sharp tip of the weapon under his chin. The cold steel was freezing, but he didn't move.
"I see you're not an ordinary girl. My loss."
She put some slight pressure on her glaive and she heard a small gasp.
"I have some questions, and you can guess the rest. Do you know anything about dimensional travel?"
"No…"
She applied some more pressure.
"Again, do you know anything about dimensional travel?"
"No… It's not possible!"
She could sense his honesty, despite his dark nature. A slight tone of desperation had tinted his voice, and she smiled evilly.
"Then, I assume you know of no one capable of such things?"
"Perhaps… There was once a demon called Trigon… But he was destroyed!"
Slade glanced to the side and cursed. Hotaru dared to do the same, which was a mistake. Quickly, Slade hit the glaive and got out of her way, cursing.
"Damn it! He got away…"
She noticed that the other man was gone. Was that why he had showed up at this warehouse? For the other one…Slade threw a chair at her way and she didn't have time to block it. She flew into the wall and sank down. Slade looked down at her, and something gleamed in his eye.
"I'm pretty sure you're not a Titan. I sense something other from you. Who are you?"
She glared at him and tried to focus.
"For you, it's Saturn."
He smirked and taped his chin.
"The planet of destruction eh? There is something more to you than meets the eye, that is clear girl."
Suddenly, Slade turned around. Robin was standing there, glaring at him.
"My my, took you long enough. I'm just having a chat with this… intriguing girl. I take it you have met before?"
Robin didn't answer and charged. Slade deflected his blow.
"I would love to continue this little get together, but I have urgent business to attend to."
He managed to punch Robin away and quickly disappear into the dark. Robin wanted to follow, but he knew he had to take care of Hotaru. He blinked when he saw that she already stood up and gazed out into the dark where Slade had been. Her face was serious and her eyes hard.
"Where are the others?"
"Somewhere… Are you all right?"
Hotaru smiled but the hardness in her eyes remained.
"I'm perfectly fine. What bothers me however is that I still don't have a clue as how to get back. If earth is destroyed, I can never forgive myself."
Robin moved closer and gently touched her arm. She flinched, and not from pain. He could understand that, the endless feeling of a duty assigned for oneself. Her skin was soft and creamy and he almost lost himself in the sensation for a while. The red blood brought him out of it into a storm of sudden concern.
"You're bleeding."
She closed her eyes.
"Remove your hand."
With a hurt expression, he did so but it quickly changed into that of astonishment. She held her hand over the place and when it glowed, she had healed herself. Opening her eyes, she began to walk out. Robin followed, and walked up beside her. Hotaru concentrated on her space pocket and her glaive disappeared. You are doing to much to me…
"Ordinary people call me a freak when I heal people. If that really makes me a freak, then I sure as hell won't mind being one."
"To us, you will never be a freak Hotaru. The only freak ever in the T-tower would be Beast Boy."
She smiled at his attempt to joke, feeling a bit comforted.
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The titans continued to encounter Slade in various places, and the odd thing was that he never did anything and always got away. Robin was confused and angry, due to his growing feelings for Hotaru and as to what Slade was up to. Starfire was as moody as ever, one moment she was shining with happiness and next she was depressed or angry. The game duo seemed to be avoiding the others a little more often than they used to, and Raven found herself happier than ever.
Hotaru had taken the opportunity to read with Raven, searching her books. Slade had told her that he believed that Trigon had known something about dimensional travel, so she decided to take up that lead. It was at least something. As the days passed, she began to feel a growing guilt that she was beginning to like the titans more and more. Especially one of the titans.
Hotaru went into the living room and found Raven floating in the air, reading a big green book. Cyborg was zapping the tv and Beast Boy was eating a tofu sandwich also watching. Starfire and Robin where nowhere to be seen. She walked up to Cyborg and sat beside him.
"I need to talk to Robin, where is he?"
"Have you checked the roof? If he's not there, I bet he's probably in the garage now."
She nodded and got up. Cyborg had been like a big brother, he really had a sense of humour she could compare to Minako and Makoto. It made her miss them a bit less. He had even given her some lecturing in how to hack a computer. Quickly heading up onto the roof, she only saw Starfire taking a swim. The alien had not been in a good mood lately when Hotaru had been around so she sneaked back down and headed for the garage. She had tried a few times to get to know Starfire but it had all been in vain, she seemed to avoid her. Robin was there, fixing with his motorcycle. She stopped a few meters from him, and waited for him to acknowledge her presence.
"What? I'm busy…"
His tone stunned her, and she found herself unable to utter a word. Robin turned, looking slightly annoyed but his expression quickly changed to that of surprise.
"Hotaru? Have something happened?"
She avoided his gaze and felt slightly uncomfortable. His way had disarmed her, and she felt like an idiot.
"I think you should get your room back… I mean, it's your room after all… Isn't there a free room that nobody uses? Couldn't I take that room?"
Robin seemed to consider it for a moment before he spoke.
"The room you speak of belonged to Terra. She was a former Titan and Beast Boys love. It's a long story, but to make it short, we don't use it for Beast Boys sake. But, I guess I can look into it if you really want to."
Hotaru blushed. It's not what I really want to but…There is no choice…
"Well, I really like to be in your room… I mean… You have a nice room, it's just, it is your room!"
He smiled and put a hand on her slender shoulder. She looked into his masked eyes and froze.
"We will fix it. Aren't we the titans after all?"
The silence fell over the two, who were mesmerized by each other. So close, yet so far away. Hotaru couldn't take it anymore and fell into his arms. Robin held her in his comforting arms, feeling a rush of excitement and warmth from the feeling of her body against his.
"Thank you…"
Suddenly she broke away from his arms and hurried out. Robin blinked and tried to figure out just what happened a moment ago. He didn't have much time as the alarm went off. The titans meet up in the living room, Hotaru had transformed and stood beside Raven. Cyborg pointed at the screen.
"I couldn't identify the target Robin. Whoever it is either camouflaged himself or if we are unlucky, we got a new player in town. Wouldn't surprise me if it's Controlfreak…"
"Then we better get going. Come on!"
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A figure in a black cloak was standing before a burning building. He was holding a black staff, firmly starring at the fire not moving an inch. The Titans were standing on a nearby building, looking down at the destruction at hand. Beast Boy turned to Robin.
"Why aren't we kicking his but? He set the building on fire dude!"
Robin sighed in annoyance. He was used to his lack of understanding, but it still irritated him. Beast Boy would always rush into the heat without comprehending the situation. Cyborg was at least analyzing his opponents, which he had tried to hint to Beast Boy.
"We don't know that for sure. I say we wait and se what happens before we make a risky move."
Cyborg nodded. Starfire glanced at Robin, then at Hotaru. She was standing beside Raven, looking down on the ground seemingly deep in thought. Star found herself a bit happier at the sullen look on Hotarus face and glanced at Robin again.
"Look! Someone's coming out of the building!"
All eyes focused on the man emerging from the building. Beast Boy pointed towards the man, but he didn't have to. Robin stated the obvious.
"It's Slade!"
He gripped the edge on the building and glared angrily at his nemesis. His eyes widened slightly as Slade charged towards the man in the cloak. They were suddenly engaged in a battle and the Titans were glued to the spot.
"Dude, this is weird."
Robin never took his eyes off the two, ignoring Beast Boys remark and followed their every move. The unknown man was skilled, no doubt about it. He was fighting evenly with Slade, but he got the impression that the man was actually toying with Slade! And that technique… It gave the feeling that he had practised it for years and years… To many years for a lifetime… Excitement flowed thru his veins, and body itched. The mans moves made him even more eager to fight.
"Cyborg, run a diagnostic of that building!"
"I'm on it."
He held up his arm and translated the readings coming from his scan. Oh, the man were good. If Robin was excited from just watching, he knew the man was high-quality. Noting it his eyes thinned.
"There's a huge room beneath the building, and it seems to be filled with some advanced high tech gear…"
"It must have been Slades new hideout! Who is that guy? Titans, I think it's time to make a move! Go!"
Robin jumped of the building, the Titans quickly following their leader. Hotaru flew after them, landing gracefully beside them. She had remained quiet the whole time, contemplating the situation she was currently in. I cant think about that now… I have to help the titans for everything they have done for me, I need to fight…
"Slade! What the hell are you up to now?"
The two combats paused their fighting, jumping away a few metres from each other. Slade gave Robin a confident look behind his mask. Hotaru tensed up, knowing his speed all to well.
"On the contrary Robin, it is not I who am up to something. Maybe you should ask this man just what he did to this little building?"
The hood covered the mans face, as he turned to watch the Titans. He snickered as he sensed their leaders confusion. But then, suddenly he stopped. He seemed to stiffen which Slade noticed. He tried to follow the mans gaze and then it hit him. A plan began to form in his mind and he no longer felt like the prey he had been seconds ago.
"Well, the Titans isn't it? I shall make your job a little bit easier in two ways. Firstly, I'm going to kill Slade. Secondly, I'm going to kill you."
Starfires eyes blazed as she spoke up.
"You shall do no such thing! I will see to that!"
He snickered again.
"You and what army? You are of no match to me dear. It is unwisely to challenge a man which has defeated greater warriors than yourself."
He said it as a matter of fact, with no intention whatsoever to impress or frighten them. Slade had to admit that he felt a slight liking for this man, even though he knew this mans intention was to get rid of him. For what purpose, he wasn't entirely sure but he had a slight suspicion that he somehow was a threat to this man. Beast Boy scowled at him, and Cyborg held his sonic cannon ready. Raven was in a slight fighting stance, but Hotaru remained passive.
For several minutes she had tried to study the man and found herself feeling goose bumps. It was something odd with him, a feeling that he was emitting. It couldn't quite be described as familiar, but almost. A feeling of déjà vu, but not. The tension was rising in the air, and a few minutes in silence passed. Suddenly, Slade made a quick movement. The man reacted instantly, deflecting the sharp star Slade threw at him. Robin and the Titans jumped out of the way as he threw a device at them and smoke exploded and clouded the area.
Hotaru, who were so deep in thought was surprised and caught off guard by two strong arms wrapping around her frail body. Holding her in an iron grip, she struggled and screamed in surprise.
"Robin!"
Slade chuckled as he sailed up in the air with her.
"I'm sorry my dear, but he won't save you now. Besides, I'm not letting go of the messiah of silence that easily."
She stopped and starred at him, completely paralyzed for a moment.
"You are mentioned in the old books my dear. I know of your powers."
Her eyes suddenly thinned.
"But that's not why I am here now. I'm your lifeline aren't I?"
He chuckled as he let go of the line and fetched it.
"Clever, and yes, that you are. At least for now. What the future brings we will have to see now won't we?"
0 0 0 0 0
Robin spun around as soon as he heard her scream.
"Hotaru!"
He ran in the direction of the scream, and as he ran out thru the smoke he saw her. In the arms of Slade. They sailed upwards towards a building, with the help of a line. Without hesitation, he brought out his own and fired. When it was stuck, he pushed the button and flew upwards after them. His heart was beating like a hammer in his chest, and all he could focus on was saving her. I can' lose you now Hotaru…
As the smoke cleared, Beast Boy, Cyborg and Starfire found themselves alone. The mysterious man, Slade, Robin and Hotaru were gone. Cyborg threw his arms up in the air with frustration.
"Aw, man! I hate it when he does that!"
Starfire flew up in the sky, her mind racing. She frantically looked around, trying to spot Robin. He could be hurt, or worse, dead! And Hotaru… She almost felt like she was going to break down crying, but something stronger made her remain somewhat focused. I wont cry! She had to find Robin. Starfire flew down and landed beside the guys, giving them a serious look.
"We must find Robin. Please, you can locate him can you not?"
Cyborg nodded. He felt happiness when he saw the determination in Starfires eyes. They had been clouded with doubt, fear and anger for a time now but that was all gone.
"Let's take the T-car."
Beast Boys eyes widened and Cyborg shook his head.
"No, you're not driving my car so don't even consider it. EVER! Let's go."
0 0 0 0 0
Hotaru decided that she wouldn't struggle at all. She found this Slade intriguing, in a sort of way. Secondly, she was sure that he knew something important that she needed to know. And what kind of lifeline was she anyway? She probably could try and summon her powers to get free… But that would only lead to more questions and confusion.
Slade was thankful that she was so petite even though he was strong and probably could handle ten times the weight. He suddenly jumped down from a building, surprising Hotaru again. She yelped but was held firmly in Slades iron grip. She looked up at him, studying him. Slade was surprised when he couldn't perceive any emotion whatsoever of either hatred, vengeance or anger. A curious gleam in her eyes was all he could detect.
"Tell me what you know."
Her tone were serious. Slade looked at her for a moment, considering his options. This girl certainly were different than he expected. It's almost like she wanted to be here…
"Perhaps."
A flash of anger was all he was awarded, and he couldn't help but smirk. Hotaru felt the answer slip through her hands and she almost gave in to the anger but calmed herself. She could wait, at least for a short while.
"So that's why you still are in his arms. I must admit I began to wonder…"
Slade stiffened and turned to face the man again. Hotaru hated to admit it, but she actually felt safe in Slades arms when the man looked at her. She couldn't se his face but felt his eyes burn upon her. He snickered lightly. She looks really beautiful in his arms, makes you want it even more, heh…
"I didn't think you would sink so low Slade, using a living shield like that, and not just any girl… You choose the messiah of silence."
Hotaru summoned her powers and let a jolt of power surge through Slade. He was totally unprepared and let her go. She summoned her glaive and stood beside him. She gave him a glare as her mind was racing. If both he and Slade knew, there definitely was something more to this than she could figure out now.
"How wonderful. Now it's going to be much easier to kill you."
She stepped in front of Slade, the glaive ready in her hands. She couldn't let him kill Slade even though he was a bad guy. He could even be of use to her.
"Who are you?"
The man brought out his staff, and chuckled. So thirsty for information, I like that.
"Now that would be a spoiler. But since it is you who is asking, I will give you my name."
He swung his staff and Slade were knocked into the wall. Hotaru didn't dare to turn around, she clearly remembered the last time she had done that.
"Tristan."
Suddenly, he jumped back. An object was stuck in the ground, and Hotaru recognised it as one of Robins bombs! She darted out as the explosion went of and found herself in Robins arms. She blinked and he pulled her away and didn't stop until they were safe and far away. She placed her glaive in her subspace pocket and took a moment to calm her mind.
"Are you okay?"
The concern was evident in his voice and she couldn't help but blush slightly. She gave him a innocent smile.
"Yeah…"
It wasn't only because he was standing so close, she was feeling a bit guilty too. Tristan had been right, she could have gotten away from Slade if she had wanted…. Her eagerness to learn or find the answer had blinded her, she couldn't afford to make mistakes such as these. Not anymore. She flinched when she felt his hand on her arm. He was standing very close.
"I… was afraid he'd hurt you."
Her body responded to his, and they both inched closer until they held each other. Hotaru felt like she would melt, her heart was beating like crazy and her head spun lightly.
"Robin… I'm sorry…"
He smiled at her faint whisper.
"Don't be."
He leaned closer and she closed her eyes, aching for the feel of his lips against her own. It was not meant to be, for a voice abruptly broke them apart.
"Robin! Robin!"
Hotaru felt a strange feeling of both relief and envy when the green eyed alien threw herself in Robins arms. She turned her head as the T-car drove up to them and Cyborg looked out thru the window.
"Hotaru, Robin! Get your asses in the car!"
Hotaru quickly did what she was told and sat down in the back next to Raven in the middle. Robin wriggled out of Starfires grip and sat in the back beside Hotaru. Raven glanced at Hotaru. She tried to avoid Robin and concentrated on the empath.
"What happened?"
She sent a mental image of the incident, glad she didn't have to talk about it. Raven made a small nod.
"His name is Tristan."
"I will search my books and see if I can find anything. You think it's him don't you? "
Hotaru closed her eyes and chose not to answer. For the moment, everything felt to overwhelming and when they got back she retreated to Robins room. Sinking down on the bed, she sat there for a while, deep in thought.
0 0 0 0 0
The following week was awkward to say the least. Hotaru mostly kept to herself, Raven searched her books, Beast Boy tried to lighten himself up, Cyborg spent the days training or working on his new weapons, Starfire struggled with herself and her feelings and Robin was just upset. Hotarus small depression was driving him mad because he was so worried and he tried to concentrate on finding info about Tristan and Slade. But he found nothing and could not drive the thoughts about Hotaru out of his head.
Looking out over the city as he made his moves like he used to, a nagging feeling made him stop several times. The training couldn't help him, the frustration was eating him up from the inside! There was something he needed to do, but was totally clueless as what to it could be. He had already thought about everything and yet he must have missed something. He sat down in defeat. When Robin heard soft steps, he turned around and was surprised to se Starfire.
The girl was staring out into nothingness as she walked over and stood gazing out over the city. Something had really been bothering the alien the last weeks, perhaps that was the reason?
"Hey Star, how are you?"
She flinched and turned her head in surprise. She did her best to smile, but he could se that she really struggled to hide something.
"I'm splendid friend Robin! Just… tired, yes!"
He shook his head. She was just to bad at lying.
"Somehow I don't buy that Star."
Her eyes widened and she blushed. He always saw through it, she didn't know why she had even tried.
"I… No, I'm fine really…"
He walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. Starifre felt her heart beat quicken and was suddenly very aware that Robin was so close. She loved his smell, it always soothed her senses and made her feel safe.
"I think you should tell me what´s bothering you. I can se it's something."
It was electrifying. In that moment, she finally decided. She would tell him her feelings.
"I will show you."
She took a deep breath and kissed him. Robin was stunned and froze in his place. Starfires blood raced thru her body and she blushed again.
"I love you, Robin."
It was in that moment the realisation hit him and all the pieces fell in place. A great relief washed over him and a heavy weight was lifted from his shoulders. He grabbed Starfire and hugged her.
0 0 0 0 0
Raven sighed as she let the books down on the floor again. The search so far had been fruitless, and she was really getting annoyed at the green monster outside her door right now.
"Come on Raven! Just one game? Huh?"
She snapped.
"Cut it Beast boy! Geez, do you have a crush on me or something!? I'm trying to help Hotaru so leave me alone!"
She waited for the reply, but none came. She shrugged and sat down on her bed. Tristan… So far she had only checked her magical books… Mythology perhaps? She rose and walked over to the right section and chose a few scripts and began her work again. Raven felt a need to somehow make up for all that Hotaru had done for her. It was not often she came across someone that could even remotely understand her, and they had almost shared the same fate.
They had also exchanged experiences and learned much from each other. Raven had, gradually, thanks to Hotarus support began to control her demonic side… She really owes her a lot.
Beast Boy was so startled by Ravens answer that he froze for a moment. I still love Terra… Or do I? He jumped when Cyborgs voice brought him out of his thoughts.
"Got a brain freeze or did Raven just terrify you or something?"
He glared at Cyborg.
"Neither. I'm off playing some game."
Cyborgs eyes thinned and then he laughed and followed Beast Boy.
"Oh I get it. I get it. It hurts to be rejected."
He used a falsetto and was only intending to joke with Beast Boy, and was actually very unaware that he hit a nerve. Beast Boy threw his hands up.
"I didn't ask her out! I don't li… I don't… Shut up!"
Cyborg also stopped and just starred at Beast Boy. He was just about to say something when Robin hurried past them with a distant look on his face. He headed straight down the corridor and Cyborg forgot about Beast Boy for a moment.
"What's up with him? He looked all… yah know… dreamy?"
Robin didn't hear them but was heading straight for his room. He was determined and didn't knock on the door. He found her in the darkness, sitting on his bed with her back against him. She had a short thin grey dress and her bare shoulders looked very inviting. He walked up to her, not saying a word. She didn't turn or acknowledge his presence.
"Hotaru we need to talk."
Her sad eyes had a melancholic feeling to them and he almost flinched but just sat down next to her. He didn't know where to start and an awkward silence followed. Hell, this is going to be hard…
"I know you really miss your home… And we will do everything we can to help… But I won't put my heart in it."
She looked him into his eyes, confusion clearly visible in her violet orbs. He reached out and took her hand. A fire erupted as they both touched and both Hotaru and Robin shivered in pleasure.
"I love you Hotaru. I want to be with you and if I have to come with you I will."
Her eyes widened.
"You really…. You would do that for me?"
He smiled in relief.
"Yes… I would."
She blushed and whispered:
"I… love you too… But I was afraid to… I didn't want to get hurt…"
She looked up and gasped when he was only inches away. So close…
"I will never hurt you."
Robin couldn't take it anymore and kissed her. An ecstatic rush surged thru the two new lovers as their kiss deepened and they pressed against each other. Clinging on to the passion the world soon faded and all that existed was them and the bed.
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This time I want to recommend: Sonata Arctica. Escpecially their songs "Peacemaker" and "The boy who wanted to be a real puppet"
All their songs are so good... So fucking good...!
Hang on for the next chapter!