I Want You to Want Me

Chapter 13: You Should Let Me Love You

An hour or two after his strenuous workout routine Robin decided to take a shower. He made his way down the darkened hallways expecting to find Speedy and Starfire on their tour, since he never found them while in the gym, but neither one was anywhere to be found.

Finally he entered the kitchen and living room to find it the way he left it after breakfast.

"Hey, Raven."

"No, I haven't seen Star recently."

"What about Speedy?"

"You mean Roy?"

"YES, Roy! Where is ROY?"

"Temper, temper boy wonder."

"What are you talking about Raven? I'm perfectly calm."

"Right."

"Anyway, when did you last see them?"

"At breakfast. Why?"

"No reason. I just was wondering why I hadn't seen them in a while. That's all."

"Uh huh."

"So, how goes the party?"

"It goes very well, as a matter of fact."

"Speedy a guest?"

"Yeah. Why do you ask?"

"Just checking."

"Uh huh. I thought you'd enjoy his company?"

"Of course."

"Is that sarcasm I detect?"

"No."

"Is that anger and annoyance I hear in your voice?"

"Yes."

" I see."

"You see what?"

"You're so paranoid."

"What do you see?"

" I see you're becoming a pain in my butt, so can you just go so I can finish reading my book?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Thank you. And don't worry."

"About what? Why would I be worried?"

"Forget it." And so Robin began to check the corridors for his friends, just to make sure that they were okay or to see if they wanted lunch or something. Not for any real reason. Raven's words were still ringing through his head for some reason. He wanted to know what she meant. And as he searched the gym for the seventh time the phone rang.

"Hello? Speedy?"

"No, its Summer."

"Oh, hi."

"Yeah. So, I'll come by tomorrow, I have a guest so try not to miss me lots. I've got to go. Lots of love and I'll call you before you go to bed. Later."

"Whatever. Bye." Normally, when someone said whatever with a let down tone a caring girlfriend would ask if something was wrong, but since Summer was currently getting ready for a date with some guy named Steve she didn't really care what he said. Plus, there was the fact that Summer just wasn't a caring girlfriend.

As soon as he put down the phone he decided that it was time for lunch. He made his way to the kitchen and enjoyed a sandwich followed by a few rounds of game station with Beastboy and Cyborg, both of which he defeated, and then he began to type up some new strategies for defeating baddies. And after yet another hour Robin began to grow impatient and decided it be best to pace the living room floor. And after twenty seven times of pacing back and forth Raven was becoming rather annoyed.

There was a knock at her door and she simply told the person knocking to come in.

"Oh, hello, Roy."

"Hey."

"Have a seat," she said motioning to the bed. He sat down and watched her put her hair into a ponytail. She was mesmerizing. Her every move captivated him. And he didn't know why.

"Ready to eat?" She asked while spinning in her seat to face him.

"Sure."

Sure it was funny to see BB, her cute little green boyfriend who she had spent some alone time with while Robin and Cyborg played video games, try to defeat Cyborg, while they were both confused by her plan. And yes, it was great to see Robin's frustration. And it was fantastic that Starfire wasn't moping around. And most importantly it was absolutely extraordinary that Summer was gone and completely oblivious. But right now Robin was really starting to tick her off. One reason being that he was so stupid that he didn't realize that he was becoming frustrated, and even if he did realize it she knew he wouldn't know why he was so frustrated.

Yes he did deserve it on some level. He had been a complete jerk to Starfire. And she hated him for the way he had treated her, but she did feel a little sorry for him. And now he was pacing about the room and he didn't even know why. And he was driving her nuts.

"Robin, what are you doing?"

"Thinking."

"Think you could think without pacing back and forth across the room?"

"Uh huh..."

"Hello. Robin! Wake up! I'm talking to you."

"What?"

"Sit down."

"Where are they?"

"What? Where's who?"

"Star and Speedy. They've been missing for a while now." And right on cue the twosome entered the living room, saving the boy wonder's life, because Raven was seriously about to kill him.

"Hello friends. We are back and ready for dinner."

"Where have you two been?"

"Chill, Robin. We went to lunch."

"No note. No phones calls. Nothing." Speedy looked at Starfire and could see the pain on her face. He could see that Robin was making her feel guilty. She was so beautiful. He just wanted to hold her. He wanted to kiss her soft lips. So he decided he let Robin know that he couldn't push Starfire around.

"Sorry, we didn't think that we needed to get permission to eat lunch." Starfire's head shot up at Speedy. She was amazed that he just said that.

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying that I think you're over reacting."

"Over reacting?"

"Yeah."

"Please. I was just worried that you might have gotten hurt or something."

"Yeah, right."

"I was. I didn't think I needed a lie detector test every time I spoke in my own home." The two just eyed each other for a moment. The room was silent except for the constant sounds of buttons being pushed, courtesy of Cyborg and Beastboy. Robin ended the stare contest.

"Besides, I need to talk to Starfire for a second." He looked at Starfire. She looked at Speedy, who was pleading to her with his eyes to ignore Robin, but she couldn't. She still cared for him. She walked to him.

"Let's go somewhere else, k?" She nodded as he turned around and began to walk, taking one last glance at Speedy. Starfire too looked back and shrugged her shoulders to Speedy, attempting to lighten the mood. Finally Robin had taken her to the evidence room and turned to face her.

" So, um, I never got to finish talking to you earlier today."

"Oh, yes."

"I wanted to let you know again that I was really sorry."

"Okay."

Pause.

"Okay? That's all you have to say?"

"What are you talking about Robin? I already forgave you. Is that not enough?"

"What about you."

"What about me?"

"Aren't you going to apologize?"

"For what?"

"Well, for leaving the tower with him and not telling anyone."

"I do not need your permission to leave the tower."

"No, you, you don't. I didn't mean it like that."

"Then how did you mean it?"

"I…I…this isn't coming out right at all."

"No it is not."

"What I meant was, things are dangerous with Slade and Brother Blood and all those psychos and you could have been hurt and no one would have even known you left the tower."

"That's very admirable Robin, but in case you have not noticed, I can take care of myself. Besides, Roy was there to protect me."

"But Roy can't protect you!"

"Why not!"

"Because!"

Silence.

"Because why?"

"Because," he had to think of something to say, he was about to slip up and say something he would regret. And he really didn't want to say those three words.

"Because, Star, he was Roy. Not Speedy. He didn't have his weapons or anything. If something had happened there would have been nothing he could have done, that's why you can never let your guard down."

"Just because he is able to decide when to be a hero and when not to be does not mean it is dangerous. Robin, I thank you for your concern, but it is not necessary."

"I just…"

"It is okay. I can take care of myself."

Awkward Silence.

"I'm sorry I yelled just now."

"I am sorry as well."

Yet again, uncomfortable silence.

"Friends again?" She looked at him unsure. Friends before hadn't worked out too well.

"Star, I know things didn't go so well with you and me being friends and I know I ignored you for Summer, but you were my friend first and I care about you."

After thinking about his answer she stated, "Okay. Friends."

They walked back to the living room, rather closely, and Speedy noticed this, immediately becoming angry.

"So Star, what do you want for dinner," Robin asked.

"I do not really care. Whatever you make is fine."

"So, what's up you two," Speedy asked while trying to not look concerned or jealous.

"Nothing," they said in unison. Things went on like that for the next few hours. The team had dinner. Then they decided to enjoy some TV together and they gathered in front of the gargantuan television. Raven on one end. Then Beastboy. Then Cyborg. Then Speedy. Then Starfire. Then Robin.

Robin and Speedy fought for Starfire's attention throughout the movie. Whether asking her to pass some chips or asking if she understood the movie. Speedy knew he was doing it because he liked her and didn't like that she had feelings for Robin.

But Robin. He didn't have any idea whatsoever what was coming over him. He was just not enjoying watching Speedy trying to get closer to Starfire.

The farthest thing from Raven and Beastboy's minds was Starfire. They were only thinking of each other. The movie they were watching was Scary Movie 3. Well, the movie everyone else was watching was Scary Movie 3. The two of them were busy talking to each other mentally and holding hands under a blanket. They had been "officially" going out since the night before, but no one knew that. They were all preoccupied with their own affairs. Everyone except for Cyborg who had noticed the occasional Freudian slip from Beastboy during conversation. Or Raven's occasional smiles towards the green one. And he could see that the two were not acting like themselves right now either. Raven was smiling. While Beastboy was dazed, not watching the movie, one of his favorites, and inching closer and closer to a Raven who from time to time lost her smile and suddenly wore an expression of complete concentration, as if she were trying very much not to have an emotional outburst.

He couldn't take it anymore. He had to know.

"Hey BB."

"Yeah."

"Um, you'd tell me if you were seeing somebody right? Cause you and I we go to the club every Wednesday and find hotties, but if you were seeing somebody well-"

"-Yeah, I'd tell you man."

'You do what every Wednesday?'

'Nothing, Raven. I just hang with Cyborg.'

'And pick up hotties? And were you planning to do so this week and pretend like nothing was wrong with that?'

'If I say yes, do I still get to kiss you or is that gonna hurt my chances?'

"BB, are you awake, man?"

"Oh, yeah, um what did you say?"

'It will definitely hurt your chances green boy. So take my advice, don't go.'

'Sorry, Rae, I can't hear you, its uh, too hard to think and talk at the same time. My brain's too puny to complete such a difficult task.'

'You have a brain?'

"I said man, I needed to ask you a serious question."

"Oh. Okay, what was that?"

"Are you and Raven, um, maybe, dating or something? You've been acting really weird, both of you."

"Um…"

'Oh, but you hear him…'

'Rae, babe, I'm sorry, but what do I do?'

'I don't know, maybe you should ask a hot nightclub whore.'

'Rae…'

'I don't know BB. You say what you want; I'm not in charge of you. I'm getting better with controlling my emotions, so if you feel that you can handle it, so can I.'

"So?"

'Tell him…whatever you want.'

"No. Dude, we aren't."

"Really? Cause you could tell me."

"We aren't man. Why would I want to date Raven?"

"I can think of a few reasons, but thanks for telling me. I'm gonna go back to the movie."

"Okay, dude."

'So, honey bunny, maybe I could take you out on Wednesday instead?'

'Why would you want to do that? That'd involve you dating me.'

'What?'

'You heard me. Besides, you and I aren't together. Don't you remember or is your brain to small to comprehend that as well?'

"Raven…" And with that she was up and walking away from everyone, causing a few stares, saying simply, "What? Am I not allowed in the bathroom?" Everyone thought this acceptable and she continued. Beastboy wanted to stop her more than anything, but then that would reveal to Cyborg, his best friend, that he had just lied to his face, and it would also let everyone know that he was "with" Raven. So she went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her looking into the mirror at her reflection trying to find what's wrong with her. Why wouldn't he want to date her? And with that thought the mirror cracked. Meanwhile, Beastboy tried to ignore her as she left and sat slouched in his seat watching Anthony Anderson say, "Told you man, the hood's always got your back."

Starfire did not find this movie enjoyable, but she was very happy that she and Robin were friends again and that he had apologized. As she began to drift off to sleep she laid her head on his shoulder and he did not complain. She closed her eyes and as they fluttered Robin simply looked at an angry Speedy and smirked. He then rested his arm on her shoulder.

Why he did that, he didn't know. He was just happy that his friend leaned on him and not Speedy instead. After all she just met Speedy. She didn't even know him and he was taking advantage of her. He knew Speedy better than she did and knew what Speedy was interested in from pretty girls. And Starfire was pretty. There was no doubt about that. So he needed to protect. That's what friends do. Besides he had promised her. He promised that no one would come between them.

Things were becoming good again for Robin and Star and then it happened the phone rang. At first it was ignored, but then Cy picked it up.

"Hello…oh…yeah, let me see…hey Robin, Summer's on the phone, she wants to know if you're here, so," he said while looking at Starfire nuzzled into Robin's neck, "are you here?"

Hmmm, what a good question. Was he there right now? Summer had many times before ignored his calls or said she was busy, but should he? Right now he was really comfortable, and Starfire, but did he want to lose his girlfriend? No.

"Yeah, definitely," he said jumping up from his current position and reaching for the phone, ignoring Starfire as she toppled over onto Speedy's lap. She was confused. She had been asleep and comfortable. Maybe there was an emergency, a robbery down town or something. Then she knew that Robin had just let her down again. He let her fall right out of his hands and into Speedy's lap, literally.

"Hello? Oh, hi Summer…Yeah…. Nothing…. Yeah I miss you…. of course…uh huh…. no…yeah…. cool…. you really are great, amazing is more like it…" Starfire looked at Robin as he walked back and forth past the couch holding the phone in his hands, smiling at Summer's every word, completely ignoring her, as she lay slumped over on the couch.

Speedy looked at her and couldn't help but see the pain on her face. See how Robin had just built her up and let her down. How he had filled her with thoughts of love in her head and erased them for a phone call. A phone call from a girl who was only a poor imitation of the girl was lying on his shoulder a moment ago.

Starfire looked at Cyborg, who was staring, but noticed her gaze and quickly returned to eating his chips, pretending nothing had happened. She then looked at Beastboy who was in his own world, and then to Speedy, the last person in the room, who was looking at her with a look that said, "I told you so."

"Excuse me for a moment," she said while standing quickly and moving out of the room and into the hallway, heading for her sanctuary, her bedroom. Robin turned when, and only when, she began to run and began to feel like scum, but this feeling only became worst once Speedy got up and said to him, "I think I'll take it from here, thanks."

"Robin? Robin? Robin? ARE YOU THERE BABY?"

"Huh? Oh yeah...Summer, I uh gotta go. Call me later, bye."

Speedy ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He finally reached her floating figure and grabbed her arm, bringing her back to earth. She turned and looked at him teary eyed. Oh she looked more beautiful now than she had ever before.

"I was being stupid, to think, I don't know," she said as he embraced her and held her slender sobbing figure into his chest.

"I suppose he didn't mean anything by it, I…I'm just being silly. I should go explain."

"No, you shouldn't. You don't have anything to explain. He does."

"But, he. He was just…"

"Starfire I don't get it."

"Get what?"

"Starfire, I don't see why you're trying to cover for him. Why you're trying to explain why he hurt you. I don't know what he told you earlier, and I don't know a lot about your history, but its obvious that you like the guy and he said he liked you. But Star, whatever he said today, it was just a story; every word was just a lie. And you believed him. I mean, do enjoy being hurt Star?" She looked at him, pulling away slightly, looking at him shocked and confused.

"Starfire, you are so beautiful, so amazing. Every guy wishes they could be with you. He's an idiot if he can't realize what he had. I mean, don't you see? Don't you even know how incredible you are?" She looked at him, seeing him in a whole new light.

"Starfire, you deserve better. So much better," he said while pulling her into another hug. She at first was taken aback by his emotional outburst, but melted into his arms as he stroked her back. She would have preferred Robin to be the one to hold her, but right now she needed someone, anyone. She was vulnerable. And she hadn't had anyone to hold her in so long.

And the evening gave way to night as Beastboy sulked on the couch; Cyborg watched Robin pace; Robin thought for a second, trying to decide if he should go after Starfire, finally coming to a yes and exiting the room; Raven, locked in the bathroom, struggles with her emotions, trying not to cry, wondering why he doesn't want her; Starfire hugs Speedy as he comforts her. He pulls away and looks at her. He leans down and softly brushes his lips against hers, just as Robin comes down the hallway. And as Starfire looks at Speedy in shock, and the boy wonder hides in the shadows, Speedy says, "You should let me love you."

Hey everybody! Told You I'd update real soon to make up for the long wait! So, I hope you liked it. The next chapter is expected to be mostly Robin's POV and it might be short, but that's because I've decided how I'm going to get Robin and Starfire together. Many more Chapters expected so enjoy. Plus, I've figured out how to get rid of Summer! Yea!!!!!! So, please review. Next chappie coming up! Happy Holidays Everybody!

Lovin It'

LILY