I Want You To Want Me

Chapter 7: Stay

The last time we saw our heroes their day was one filled with pain and helplessness. Raven had broken Beastboy's heart in an attempt to stop him from ever entertaining ideas of the two of them together again, Starfire was about to beat Summer to a bloody pulp, Summer was trying to sabotage Starfire and Robin's friendship, Cyborg was caught in the middle of everything, and we were waiting to hear what the boy wonder had to say about his girlfriend's request.

Robin was flabbergasted. He had no idea what to say. Starfire was his best friend he needed her like he needed air. She was what kept him sane. He liked, no, loved her and yet at the same time she did not return his feelings. She was in love with someone else. But that was no reason for him to have to stop being her friend. After all, he had decided that if she begins to date someone else, he'd have Summer to preoccupy him, and when he could, he'd hang out with Star. He needed to hang out with her. Even as just friends and never anything more. What Summer was asking was out of the question.

Unless his attempts to conceal his feelings for Starfire had all been in vein. Unless, it was that obvious to everyone, even his own girlfriend, who he had only minutes ago said 'I Love You,' to. But he quickly disregarded this thought. It was impossible. He was a master of camouflaging emotions, only second to Batman himself.

Then he considered what Summer's last words had been. She said she was jealous of his "girlfriend." 'OF COURSE!' he thought to himself. Summer is jealous of Starfire. And why wouldn't she be? Starfire's, well, perfect. Who wouldn't feel obsolete when someone so amazing is standing next to them? Summer is just feeling insecure. Well, as her boyfriend, he assumed it'd only be common courtesy to comfort her and tell her that there was no reason to be jealous of Starfire, although there were obviously many reasons for her to be jealous of Starfire.

"Summer," he started, "Look. There's no reason to be jealous of Starfire. She's not my girlfriend, you are." Unfortunately for him.

"Baby, I know that, it's just, you two share so much and I feel left out a little." 'Wow,' she thought to herself, 'I am really getting so good at acting. I should live in Hollywood or something.'

"Summer, you never have to feel left out. You come first."

"Then prove it to me babe," she said tearing up a little and tightening her grasp on him. "Robin, I don't want you to completely stop hanging out with Starfire" 'Well, actually I do,' she thought. Then she continued after two sniffles, "I just want you to spend your free time with me, not her. I mean I'm really trying to look out for Starfire."

"How is me not seeing her, helping her, Summer?" He asked in a tone that was angrier than expected or intended.

"Because, babe, when you and I are together we might be doing things that might be considered inappropriate in the presence of others, and I don't want Starfrea- I mean, StarFIRE, to, um, feel like a third wheel. Besides, she's a little mean and full of herself."

Robin was so mixed up. His emotions were going crazy. He was lulling someone he really didn't care about into a false sense of security, and for what? He had lost his chance with the girl of his dreams. Now he was being forced to end any interaction with her, no matter how platonic. The girl was pretending to love just said that the girl he did love was mean and full of herself. And he was sure that he had heard Summer call Starfire, 'Starfreak.' He didn't know what to do. He felt like he needed some way to let out his emotions. He needed to break something or hit someone or something. He decided the only way to let out his pent up frustration was by arguing with Summer and if he was lucky maybe she'd break up with him. Well, just as he was going to argue with Summer about her last statement, he was interrupted by her grabbing the box in his hand, which held Starfire's birthday present (since her birthday was within the next week), and throwing it onto the ground. Then she pulled down his face and started kissing him.

Robin hated Summer. He didn't want to do this, it was bad timing as well, and he wanted Starfire. He was fuming. But at the same time he couldn't stop her like he knew he should. It wasn't really enjoyable, but it was comforting. She was taking away all of that frustration. It was exactly what he needed. And Summer knew that. She knew that she had to do something to stop him from thinking so much or from yelling at her. So, she figured this would be just the distraction he needed. And she was correct, sadly.

Robin was getting carried away and wrapped his arms around Summer and started to carry her towards the bed, but stopped suddenly when he opened his eyes and saw whom he was kissing. He was surprised to find that it wasn't Starfire like he had been thinking in his head. It was Summer. He pulled away causing Summer to ask what wasI Want Y. He was still frustrated, but now he couldn't remember what his argument against Summer was going to be.

"So, babe, I take it that you agree that it'd be best if you cut back on your time with Starfire?"

He then he stopped and took it into consideration. Perhaps Summer was onto something. Perhaps Star might feel like a third wheel. It might be uncomfortable for her. It would most defiantly be uncomfortable for him to watch her and her boyfriend make out. That was another thing. Maybe Starfire would win the heart of whomever she loved, okay, well, knowing Starfire she was surely going to win that someone's heart. And what if it was sooner rather than later. She probably wouldn't have anytime to hang out with him anyway. That significant other wouldn't want to be away from someone as wonderful as Starfire for long. She'd be busy. Robin wouldn't have to time to hang out with her anyway. And further more, being the generous and benevolent being that Starfire was, she surely wouldn't want to impose on Robin and Summer's alone time.

"Okay Summer. I'll ...spend less time with Star if that makes you happy."

'I can't believe he actually fell for the old kiss him so he can't remember what he was going to say trick. I'm so proud of me. I'll finally be rid of that little wrinkle Starjerk. That horrible waste of air will be gone and Robin will be mine.' "Yes, Robin, that would make me really happy. Now, I have to go. I have a hair appointment. Later baby."

"Bye Summer."

"Well, aren't you going to walk the love of your life out of the door?"

"Yeah, whatever."

After Starfire's delightful conversation with Summer she was a wreck. Starfire was near tears because she had never had anyone be so rude to her. She felt like she was going to explode. Robin had come into the room just when she was going to cry or hit Summer, whichever came first. He had her birthday present waiting for her. He had told her the day before that he couldn't wait for her birthday to come, so he wanted to give it to her early. She had had no intention of opening it early, but now she was considering the possibility of walking into his room, interrupting whatever was occurring, taking the present, opening it in front of that evil home wrecker, and thanking him with a kiss. She just wanted to see Summer's face. She wanted Summer to feel her pain and her envy.

"Starfire, you can't do that."

"But, Raven," Starfire said as she folded her tissue and blew her nose for what seemed like the hundredth time, "she is terrible. She does not deserve Robin's time, let alone his love."

"Star, while I agree with you on both counts, you can't just go in there and start slapping her around."

"Why not?"

"Star, you...just can't okay. You can't let your emotions go crazy. You have to control yourself. You can't let your emotions control you," Raven said in a shaky voice. As soon as she finished her statement a lamp in her room exploded. She didn't turn her head to see it. She knew that she was getting emotional with her last statement because she wasn't just trying to convince Starfire to manage her feelings, but she was also trying to convince herself.

Ever since her fiasco with Beastboy, she was afraid to admit it, but she felt terrible. She wanted him to stop tempting her, but she never wanted to hurt him like she did. Even she wasn't that heartless. She knew that she should go apologize, but she couldn't. Seeing him might cause damage, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. She was better off being by herself, but thanks to that evil little piece of person, Summer, Starfire needed her help. She wanted to turn Star away as soon as she heard the knock on the door, but she could sense that something wasn't right. When she opened the door and saw Starfire's lost expression, she knew that she had to let her in.

"Raven, is everything okay? You seem distant and angered. Have I angered you friend Raven in any way?"

"No, Starfire. I'm fine"

"Are you certain because I could try to comfort you."

"Pass. Now, back to your problem."

"Raven she is evil. I must do something."

"Look, Starfire. I agree, Summer is pure evil. Okay? However, you can't just beat her down. I think you have to come to terms with the fact that Robin has found someone. And he'll have to find out what kind of a person she is on his on. He has to make his own mistakes. I know, it will be hard to see. But Star, you cannot interfere. You must control yourself. He will see her for the hell spawn she is and break up with her. It's sad since you and I both know that he can do much better. And we both would assume that someone as smart as he would see her for her true colors, I know I did. However, the boy wonder is still just a boy. That means that he's not using his head."

"Then what is he using?"

"Something else. Okay? But seriously, Star, just let them be with each other for now and he'll leave her soon enough." 'Besides, its not like he keeps ANY girl around longer than 36 hours anyway.'

"Raven is that what you would do?"

Raven thought about it for a second. What would she do? She would give up. She knew that fighting for a boy was pointless. It was just a waste of time. Besides, a boy who couldn't see that the girl he was dating was evil was too stupid to waste her time on. She figured that she should tell Starfire what she would really do. But then she looked at Starfire. She was hungry for an answer of any sort. Raven could see that. She could see Starfire's desperation. She could see that Starfire needed Robin like she needed water. She couldn't be without him. Raven was confused and disturbed. Why does She insist on hurting herself like this? Why doesn't she just forget about him? She didn't know the answer. The pain wasn't worth in Raven's personal opinion. And she figured that anyone in his or her right mind would be able to see that as well. But, she looked at Starfire and could see that she was oblivious to that fact and willing to risk her own well being. Raven then continued her original train of thought.

What would she do? She had already answered that, but Starfire needed something more. Raven continued her thoughts when she realized that it doesn't matter what she would do. All that was important is what Starfire should do. So she finally spoke.

"Starfire that is certainly what I would do. He might not take well to your telling him how evil Summer is. Unless she harms anyone physically, or causes harm to Robin, let them be. He'll figure it out. Maybe that'll be your birthday present, you know," she said in a much lighter tone than anyone was accustomed to. She was trying to be optimistic for Starfire. "After all, he's not that dumb," Raven said with a playful smile. Something that startled Starfire at first until she realized that Raven was just trying to comfort her and make things a little less serious.

"Thank you very much, Raven. I don't know what I would do without you. You are a true friend, Raven." With that Starfire rose from the bed and started towards the door. She wasn't happy, but she was no longer in distress. She knew that Raven was right, after all she had been right about everything else up to this point. Starfire knew that Raven was correct in saying that Robin was a complicated being. She could only hope that Summer would be gone by next week. She certainly didn't want to see her on her birthday. But she remembered what Raven said. She had to have faith in Robin. She had to trust him. So, she decided to let him figure things out on his own.

Raven watched Starfire's retreating form making its way out of her room and was still confused. Why was Starfire willing to submit herself to the pain of liking someone? Especially someone who did not return her feelings? Why was Starfire trusting Robin with her heart? She just didn't understand. Love was too dangerous. Raven didn't understand how she was willing to take the risk.

"Starfire," she called right before she was completely out of the room.

"Yes, Raven?"

"I need to ask you a personal question. I'm not understanding something."

"What is it that you do not understand?"

"Why are you risking your own happiness for..for him? Don't you feel like it's a waste of your time? Or aren't you afraid of the pain it can cause? Why...why do you do this?"

"Because I need him. I want him. I love him. Love is never a waste of time. I do believe you are correct in saying that we must control our emotions, but we must not hide them. Doing so will only cause more pain. I love him and it is frightening at times, but it is fulfilling as well. I am afraid. I will not lie. But you know better than anyone, you must face your fears, for out of them come bliss and splendor." And with that she smiled at Raven, turned around and left her alone in her room.

Raven felt foolish. She felt lost and confused. She knew that what Starfire was saying was correct and she didn't want to believe that she, herself, was wrong. She was the one who was wise and gave advice. Why now had the roles been reversed? She sat in her room, alone, the darkness her only comfort, too afraid to ask another for help and counsel.

Beastboy had felt empty earlier. Cyborg was lost. Both of these emotions were ones that almost everyone in the tower had experienced today. You would think that these feelings would be tired and hackneyed by now, but no. They were as fresh and potent as ever.

FLASHBACK

Beastboy had nearly kissed the girl of his dreams and then she pushed away. At first, he was a complete mess. He lacked his humor and playful ways. He was alone. He was getting better and starting to believe that there might be a chance still, after having listened to everything Cyborg was saying.

Then that little piece of compost, Summer, came prancing down the hallway and had said that it wasn't his fault that no girls liked him. He knew that he hated her at that moment. She had looked hot before, but now she was an ugly old hag. She had hurt him. She was the second girl to do that in a matter of fifteen minutes. And although, inside, he knew that she probably didn't remember or care or think anything of it, he couldn't stop himself from thinking about it. Maybe she was right. Maybe girls did hate him. Maybe Raven was one of those girls.

He felt like bad tofu. He stood there, sweeping up pieces of glass without resolve, and Cyborg tried to comfort him, saying, "Hey man, what does she know?"

"Maybe more than we think." Cyborg was shocked by Beastboy's serious tone. By the fact that he was really pained. By the fact that he let an insult really hurt him.

"Please man," Cyborg said while sweeping up the broken glass, "She's just got her little panties in a bunch cause she found out she's just a temp, until Robin can get Starfire to fill in the position of his girlfriend permanently." He chuckled a bit and continued to sweep.

"No, maybe she's right," he said. "Maybe girls don't like me." His friend needed help. So he tried to mend his broken self esteem. That was a first step. He knew that Beastboy was never going to get Raven back if something that girl said hurt him. He needed to be confident, like he had been before.

"Not every girl is going to like everybody. Every girl's different, man. They've all got their preferences for everything."

"In that case, every girl that I've met has had a preference for someone other than me."

"Hey, maybe green isn't their favorite color," he said trying to get him to crack a smile. It didn't work. He still stood there, hunched over, head down, holding a dustpan and brush in his hands. Cyborg didn't know what to do.

"BB, ignore her. She's just mean. Don't put yourself down. You're awesome, man. I don't know any girl who doesn't love a guy in spandex, who eats tofu, and loves animals."

"Really, I do. And I don't know one who likes green. There isn't even one who likes green," he said dragging the trash can back towards the living room door.

"Hey, BB." Beastboy stopped in his tracks and turned around before entering the room.

"What?"

"Remember that time we got lost in Raven's mirror mind thingy?"

"Yeah," he said. Raven was who he was trying to forget about. What was Cyborg doing?

"You remember she had lots of different sides that each represented a part of her, you know things she liked, and felt?"

"Yeah, Cy. So?"

" Well, each side had a different color hood, like each side of Raven had their own preference."

"And?"

"Well, as I recall, there was one side of Raven, the one that kicked butt big time, that liked green just fine." Beastboy looked at Cyborg He remembered the marine version of Raven. She was so similar to himself, screaming, 'BOOYA!' Wearing her green robe. He weakly smiled at the thought. He suddenly didn't feel so bad anymore. Then Cy continued.

"Well, personally, I think green really suited Raven. I guess you could say it was her color." Beastboy turned around and began to walk towards the door when Cyborg said, "Hey, man, I guess you were wrong, huh?"

"About what?"

"That's one who liked green just fine." Cyborg smiled at his friend, causing BB to smile too. He turned and went into the room while Cyborg continued cleaning up the hallway. Beastboy didn't feel like bad tofu anymore. He felt okay. He wasn't happy, he wasn't sad; I guess you could call it content.

END FLASHBACK

Since Cyborg's attempts at cheering him up, Beastboy wasn't moping about any longer. He was somewhat his normal self again. That is taking into consideration the fact that he had loved and lost within a three-minute time frame. They had cleaned up all the broken glass; Cyborg used his scanners to be sure. They had discussed what they were going to buy Star for her birthday. They had even begun to get the living room ready for movie night. However, when Cyborg looked at Beastboy after one of them at cracked a joke, he could tell, BB wasn't back to normal yet. It was like he wasn't really there. If his body was a house and you knocked on the door, you'd find that nobody was home.

He was just a shell. 'He's like the living dead,' Cyborg thought to himself.

"So, dude, what movie should we watch?"

"Huh? O, um, the one with the zombies who come back from the dead."

"Yeah, I think everyone will go for that one. I doubt that they'll want to see Giant Silkworms from Space part 5 again, huh?"

"Yeah. Maybe we could watch Wicked Scary again, that was pretty go-"

"- Nah. I don't wanna." And with that their discussion ended. Silence engulfed the room and the two titans felt awkward. That is until a few people entered the room.

Starfire was hopeful. She knew that it was definitely going to be a difficult task to ignore that Summer girl with Robin, but if Raven was right, and if Robin was as amazing as she knew he was, he would see her for who she really was and she would be gone before dessert.

Unfortunately, she didn't see Summer coming down the hallway, screaming something like, "Come kiss the love of your life goodbye, babe," or some nonsense.

Then Summer caught sight of Starfire. She moved in for the kill.

"Hi, Star. How are things? They're great for me, and by the way, Robin's kissing better than ever," she said with a dreamy look on her face. Star wanted to throw up and then strangle Summer, but she had to let things be as long as Summer didn't do her any physical harm. "What's the matter, loser, cat got your tongue?"

"Not at all. I was just amazed by the fact that for someone who talks so much, you say nothing of importance."

"How dare you! Every word out of my mouth is importance, especially since its out of my mouth, so...so...there. And I don't talk lots. So, shut up, freak." Summer threw on her sweater and smirked at Starfire. That is, until she saw how Starfire was staring at her wide-eyed, causing Summer some alarm. Summer couldn't take it anymore; she had to know what was going on.

"What now Starfreak?"

"Nothing. It just scares me how stupid you are." Summer looked at her with her mouth open wide, full of disgust. She had never been insulted like that and never expected Starfire to insult her like that.

"Why, you little sh-"

"Okay, Summer, sorry I took so long." Robin said while coming up to her side. He looked at her face and was concerned.

"Everything okay?"

"Yes, Robin," Starfire cut in, "everything is fine. Summer and I were attempting a friendly, intelligent conversation. Is that not correct Summer?"

"Humph!" That was all Summer could say as she glared at Starfire. If looks could kill, Star would have been six feet under by now. Summer began to stomp down the hall towards the elevator. Robin, confused, looked at the girl of his affections with confusion. She merely shrugged her shoulders and looked as innocent as possible. 'After all,' Starfire thought, 'She is not the only actress. Two can play that game.'

Robin smiled at Starfire and not until he heard Summer 'Humph' again, did he break out of his trance and race down the hall towards her.

"You okay, Summer?"

"Dandy. Just, stop hanging out with her okay?"

"I...I'll try."

"Good. Why don't you tell her tonight, while you give her her birthday present?"

"But, isn't that a bit harsh? Besides, maybe you two could just become-"

"- No! I...I mean, look at the time! Jean Claude can't wait forever! Besides, if I don't leave now then I can't look as beautiful as possible for you. K?"

"Yeah. Bye."

"Bye," Summer said as she looked down the hall at Starfire, who was watching intensely. She wanted to pay Star back for her last comment, so she tried to kiss Robin. Unfortunately for her, Robin turned his cheek and said, "Summer, please, not in front of team members."

Starfire couldn't help but smile. Summer had been beaten at her game, at least for the moment, and Starfire had never felt better.

"Right," Summer said with a cheesy smile. "Well kiss, kiss, bye, bye now!" And with that the evil that had darkened their hallways for the last few hours was finally gone. As soon as she stepped out the door everyone suddenly felt a little more cheerful. The room got brighter. And everyone breathed out a sigh of relief. Metaphorically of course.

Robin was trying to contemplate at the moment how he was going tell Starfire that he couldn't hang out with her. It was impossible. Cutting off contact with her would be like cutting off his arm. It was too painful. He decided however, that he had to do what he had to do. He took a deep breath and was prepared to turn around and face a smiling Starfire, right by his side, but when he turned there was no Starfire. 'That's Strange,' he thought. There was Cyborg and Beastboy, picking the movie, but no Starfire. Although deeply puzzled Robin simply assumed that she had gone to her room. So that's where he went.

Meanwhile, Star was in her room pacing trying to resist the urge to talk to him. It was difficult to say the least. That's when she heard a knock at her door and a familiar voice.

"Salutations! Who is there?"

'What,' Robin thought to himself. Since when did she ask who was at her door. She always said to come in. He was puzzled, but answered nonetheless.

"Yeah, uh, hey Star, it's Robin." She didn't know what to do. She was supposed to avoid him, but she couldn't deny him all conversation, could she?

"Come in."

"Hey Star," he said after entering the room. "Um, I was going to give you your birthday gift early, remember?"

"Yes, well I am...busy. Perhaps you could try to be patient and I shall receive your gift on my birthday, just as I will receive everyone else's."

"Well, okay, I guess. Um...I didn't realize you were busy."

"Yes well, I have things to do. Important things."

"Yeah, I've been spending lots of time with Summer, not much time to talk either." As soon as he said that he shuddered at the thought. Could Summer be doing something to him? He pondered this. But as soon as the thought entered his mind, it disappeared.

"Yes, well, I shall see you around."

"Yeah."

"Yeah."

Awkward silence.

Shuffling in place and becoming interested in shoes.

"Well, Later, Star."

"Goodbye."

It was done. They both knew this as soon as he began to turn towards the door. He was walking out of her room and in a way it felt like he was walking out of her life. It was beginning. The denying of feelings. The Ignoring of thoughts. The complete and utter silence. They knew it wouldn't be easy. They knew that the other was going to tempt them to no end, but it had to be done.

And so movie night approaches. Raven sits alone in the darkness, the thought that she's protecting him her only ease of the pain; Cyborg worried for his friend, hoping that he becomes more than a shell of the person once there in the next few hours; Beastboy, content to the world and lost and alone in his mind; Summer on the way to see Jean Claude; And Robin and Starfire beginning their campaign to keep themselves from hurting anymore, already falling into temptation, longing for the other, saying in their minds at the in chorus as Robin walks out of the room, 'Stay.'

Hey everybody! Let me apologize for the time it took me to get this chapter up. I was away on vacation, then school (which equals death), then laziness. As I read all the great reviews I felt guilty. Soâ€sorry. Let me also say thank you for ALL reviews! I got some plot ideas from people and just a little pep in my step from others. Thanks everybody. KEEP REVIEWING! Next Chapter shouldn't be any longer than a week away (Sorry, but because of school, I need time!)!

Lovin It,

LILY