I Want You to Want Me

Chapter 17: I Need You to Need Me

"Alright, man, we've been waiting for those two to come down to dinner long enough. I'm ready to eat! Where are they?"

"Yeah, Cy's right! That cheese pizza isn't gonna stay warm for ever, dude."

"Alright now, calm down. I'm sure their still sparring in the gym."

"Robin, dude, are you kidding?"

"Yeah man, do you really think they're sparring?"

"Dude, I'll tell you what they're doing, They're probably-"and with that Raven used her powers to hit him in his stomach. "Ouch. What was that-," then he looked at Robin, saw his face. His sad face. Robin knew they weren't in the gym. "-Oh…yeah, they're probably in the gym."

Raven, under the table took this time to hold Beastboy's hand to thank him for trying to be respectful of Robin's feelings and the situation at hand.

And at that moment Starfire entered the kitchen wiping her face with the back of her hand. Tears streaming down her cheeks. This got Robin's attention immediately.

"Starfire, is everything-"

"Please Raven. I am fine. I just needed a tissue."

"You sure."

"Positive."

"Well where's Speedy?"

"Yeah, I can barely keep Cy away from this pizza."

"Um, I am sure he will come to eat soon enough. I, however, will not be joining you. I will just take a slice to bed after I get some soda from the refrigerator." As she rummaged through the fridge, Robin was fuming.

"If he hurt her I swear," he said in a whisper towards Cyborg.

"Chill man. I'm sure she's okay. Probably watching some sappy romance movie on TV. I mean, you know Star, she's really sensitive."

"Yeah. I guess that's it," he said hesitantly.

"Okay. Well, goodnight everyone."

"Night Star."

"No wonder Robin never got anywhere with her," he said while combing his hair in place. It was time to grace the rest of the team with his presence. Yup, Speedy knew that the sight of him alone could brighten anyone's day. Although at the moment I seriously doubt that he could brighten Starfire or Robin's day even a little. Regardless of what I think he finished freshening up after his nearly successful make out session with Starfire.

"Well, she seemed a little upset. I'll just act nice again for a while until she's calmed down. But better wait till morning, when she cools off.I mean, sheslapped my face."

So he made his way to the dinner table to find everyone eating their pizza and laughing, everyone except for Starfire.

"Hey team."

Silence.

"Right. So any pizza left?"

"Don't know. I think Starfire took the last slice. You know. You're girlfriend. The one who came in here crying a little while ago."

"Robin, calm down and sit. This argument is pointless."

"Really Raven? Cause I don't think it is. So tell me, what did you do to her?"

"Nothing she didn't want me to do."

"Why you sick son of a bitch." And with that Robin lunged at Speedy to be stopped Cyborg.

"Can you two chill out or am I going to have to make you?"

"Better ask the boy blunder here."

"No, we're fine."

"Good."

"So you two sit down and eat."

Things were okay at first. Obviously the tension was there but they were getting past it. They were eating their pizza in silence. Then Beastboy started cracking jokes again and Raven was back to making her witty remarks. And although everything seemed to be in order, it wasn't. Robin and Speedy couldn't stop looking at each other with disgust while eating their meal.

"So, Robin, you and Starfire okay after what happened earlier. I mean I would hate for your friendship to be ruined over something so trivial."

Robin simply looked up at him while chewing his pizza.

"Wait a sec. We…we're cool? Right man?"

"Frosty."

"Great. Well, you two talked since then?"

"No."

"Plan on talking to her."

"No."

"Too bad," he said with a smirk. His obviously fake tone and smirks here and there were really pissing Robin off and taking him all of his control to not jump across the table and beat the crap out of him. Raven and Cyborg were picking up on Speedy's "odd" behavior as well. Beastboy was a little lost. He thought that everything was sincere, but hey, that's Beastboy for you.

"Yeah."

"So, no chances of patching things up."

"Doesn't look that way."

"Think she'd talk to you?"

"Well you're her boyfriend, why don't you tell me if you think she wants to see me."

"There's that sense of humor of yours again."

"Ha-ha."

"Yeah, I wouldn't know, we uh haven't really talked that much today."

"But dude," Beastboy cut in, "you guys were hanging with each other all day, what were possibly doing if not-Oh." Speedy smirked. Suddenly Robin stood up.

"I've got work to do."

"Later dude."

She had dreamed about this day for some time now. The sun would be shinning. The birds singing. Everyone would be happy, with a smile on his or her face, even Raven. Galifore would be there and all the titans east.

There would be no crimes on this day, no baddies running amuck. Everyone would have a song to sing and the day would be filled with presents and cakes and fun and laughter and at the end of the day, as the sun set and the stars began to shine brightly, Robin would take her to a secluded region and gently kiss her in the moonlight.

Too bad this is all a dream, because in reality, none of these things would come to pass.

Starfire rose smiling brightly, ready to greet the day, which was no ordinary day, but her birthday.

"Good morning sunshine," she said before opening her eyes. And when she did open her eyes there was no sunshine to greet. It was raining. It was dark and cloudy. It was a tad bit chilly, which wasn't completely odd for this time of year, it was just unexpected.

"No matter. I am sure it will still be a glorious and happy day." Poor optimistic Starfire. Her cheery nature alone would not be able to brighten up this gloomy day.

She made her way to the kitchen after getting dressed and fixing her hair and practicing her perfect smile. She could hardly wait to see her friends pretending to not make a big deal over her birthday. She knew that they would be practically bursting with excitement for her "surprise" party that would come later this evening.

"Good morning friends!" She exclaimed with the single biggest and brightest smile that she could conjure up. But her friends weren't there. Just…Speedy.

"Morning beautiful."

"Hello Roy. Where are my friends?"

"Now is that any way to greet your boyfriend?"

"I'm sorry, it's just…I was expecting all of my friends here. It is after all my birthday."

"I know," he said while moving towards her. Starfire didn't know why, but she just didn't want him to come anywhere near her. So she moved backwards slightly.

"Roy, where is Raven?"

"Hanging out with her boyfriend in her room."

"Oh," was all she could say as she continued backing up with a fake smile on her face.

"And Cyborg?"

"He said he had to go in town for something."

"Oh," she said while assuming that he was doing some last minute stuff for her birthday party. That is until she realized that she was now up against the counter of the kitchen.

"Is everything okay?"

"No. I…last night you…you scared me."

"I know. And I'm sorry Starfire. I didn't mean to push you. It was an accident."

"I know, I guess that I was just... taken aback by it is all."

"I know. And I'm sorry," and with that he kissed her softly on the lips.

"You are so beautiful."

She still looked scared. He touched her face and asked, "So, you forgive me? Cause, I haven't been able to forgive myslef."

"Yes, you are forgiven," she said in a whisper.

"Star, can I kiss you?" She thought about it. But figured that there was no reason to be afraid. After all he did say he was sorry. And he was her boyfriend. And he just asked her for permission. Besides, he wanted her to be happy. He wouldn't try anything on her special day.

"Okay." And with that he leaned against her as she leaned against the counter, with each of his arms holding her waist. Perfect it was. That is, perfect timing for Robin to walk in.

"Raven, I was just on the phone with Summer, when did you guys decide to change the date for-"

It was disgusting. The most disgusting thing he had ever seen. Starfire pushed up against the counter making out with Speedy. That scumbag kissing her. Touching her. He should be doing that. Not him. It was sickening. He felt like he was going to puke right here. Right now. But he couldn't. He wanted to walk away, but he couldn't. He could just stand there with clipboard in hand. Shocked. Disgusted. Sad.

"Oh, hey Robin," Speedy said with a smirk. Starfire could only gasp. This was not how she wanted to be seen by the boy that she secretly wanted to be with.

"Robin, we were, just, um"

"No! It's cool. I should've knocked…or something."

"But"

"No, it's fine. You guys are an item. It happens. I should go."

"Later man."

"But-"

And with that Speedy was walking towards the TV and Starfire was left looking at the sliding doors close.

The day went by pretty uneventfully, if you don't count Speedy trying to get into Starfire's pants with compliments and Beastboy and Raven making out. Starfire just couldn't stop thinking about how even after she thoroughly embarrassed him, broke him down, wished bad things upon him, made out with someone in front of him, he still left without a fuss. That was caring Robin for you.

"So…"

"So, where is everyone?"

"Stop worrying about everyone Star."

"I'm gonna kick your can man."

"Oh you wish."

"Oh, hey Star. Speeds."

"Hey."

"Hello Beastboy. Hello Cyborg. Do you…have anything to say?"

"Nope. Not really."

"Yeah I do."

"What would that be?"

"Y'all mind moving so I can kick Beastboy's butt in Custard Cannons 6? We just got it !"

"Yeah. A little present to ourselves on this uh special day." Now. Beastboy and Cyborg know that Star's party is Friday and that her birthday is today. And they know that they are to pretend that they forgot her birthday and not to bring it up in any way, but Raven didn't say anything about teasing her. It was too much fun anyway. So they chuckled to themselves and continued to annoy Star.

"And what special day might that be?"

"The day that the new game stop opened up, duh," Beastboy quickly responded while chuckling inside and looking at a knowing Cyborg, who was holding in his laughter.

"Oh."

"Yup, so can we play?"

"Sure."

"Great."

After their encounter with Cyborg and Beastboy, Speedy and Star made their way down the hall that is until Speedy said he had to go down town to buy "something." She knew he was talking about her present and gladly obliged.

"Raven, are you there?"

"Unfortunately."

"Good. May I come in?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I am tired Star."

"Oh, well will I see you later?"

"Most likely."

"Okay. Well did you have anything else to say?"

"Oh yes, bye." Starfire assumed that Raven was getting ready for her surprise party. Although she had to admit, everyone was doing a great job of pretending that they had forgotten about her birthday so far.

So, she went to her room and decided to take a nap. She needed to relax. To think about things. So she drifted off to sleep.

"So how have things been going so far?"

"Totally awesome. She thinks we forgot her birthday."

"Yup. We are great actors."
"Okay. I was just a little worried."

"Why?"

"No reason, she just, sounded a little worried or upset or something when she came to my room earlier. Asking me what day it was."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. So, tonight we'll say we have a surprise, that we're gonna watch a movie you got and then just let the night play out. Last time, movie night was pretty successful for the two of them. Let's hope it is again."

"What about Summer?"

"Taken care of. She called again. I told her that Robin and Starfire still hated each other and that he was working tonight. Didn't want to be bothered. She told me to tell him she'd call tomorrow."

"And Speedy?"

"Well, I told Speedy about the party thing. He's going along with it."

"And?"

"And that's it."

"How are we gonna get rid of him?"

"I don't know. He'll be here; we'll just have to make sure he really likes the movie. I doubt he'll try and make a move on her while we're all here."

"Alright."

"Okay. So that just leaves Robin."

"Right. How are we gonna get him to sit through a stupid movie with us?"

"Yeah. He rarely even comes to movie night."

"I know. We'll have to tell him that it would be great for our plan or something. So?"

"Sounds good."

"Let's do it."

"Alright then. You know your jobs. Operation get them together before I injure them is now in progress."

"I love it when she takes charge."

"Eww man! Over share!"

She woke up for the second time that day. Ready to enter a room full of people and a cake. She changed her clothes. Dressed in a purple dress that came just below her knees and her normal boots, chandelier earrings, and a necklace to match.

But when she entered the living room with a smile the only thing going on was Speedy sleeping on the couch, Robin typing something on his laptop, Raven and Beastboy arguing, and Cyborg on his phone.

"Oh, hey Star," Cyborg said.

"Where is everyone?"

"What are you talking about Star?"

"Yeah."

"I was just…expecting…I don't know."

"Hey, babe, you look nice," Speedy, said while coming up to her and holding her by her hips.

And Robin couldn't help but agree. She looked great. The only thing that could make her look better was himself standing next to her instead of Speedy holding her by her waist.

"Oh, thank you."

"What's the occasion?"

"Nothing, I just felt like dressing nice." Robin ducked his head and went back to work after hearing this. It hurt him to see her so upset. Just because she figured that everyone had forgotten her birthday.

"So tonight, I've got a surprise!"

"Really?" Star asked, astonished.

"Yup. Movie Night's come early this week! I bought Super Space Demons 13 today and ordered some pizzas! Who's in?"

"Whatever."

"Yeah man."

"Sure."

"I guess."

"Star? You in," Beastboy queried. She couldn't believe it. They had forgotten her birthday. Her best friends. Even her boyfriend hadn't said happy birthday. Did they not care about her? Did they not love her? She didn't know what to think. Regardless she shook her head and took a seat. The only available seat. The Seat between Speedy and Robin.

So the movie began and the team watched. Beastboy and Raven whispering at the end of the couch. Cyborg text messaging, someone. Speedy explaining things to Starfire and Robin…fuming.

It was driving him crazy. When Speedy wasn't putting his hand in her lap or kissing her cheek he was being asked questions regarding culture references and answering them through whispers in her ear.

It was nauseating. It was gross. It was agonizing. He tried to watch the movie. But he couldn't. It was way too stupid and lacked any plot. He really couldn't understand why he never noticed how bad the movies at movie night were. Oh yeah. He never watched them. He watched Starfire and answered questions. Back when she needed him. Back when she wanted him. Back when they were friends.

He really missed those days. But they were gone. And he really was getting tired of this. He tried again to ignore the couple at his side. That is until…

"So when he said just like in American Pie, he was referring to the movie I just told you about where the other joke comes from," Speedy said while inching towards her.

"Oh, the strange movie with the obnoxious and hormonal boys."

"Yeah," he said while leaning closer to her.

"I see."

"Good," and with that he kissed her full on the lips.

"That's it," Robin said while rising, which grabbed everyone's attention, and started to walk out the darkened room.

"What? Was it something I said," Speedy asked.

"No, it wasn't something you said, it was something you did."

"Robin, why are you acting like this?"

"Forget it happened. I'm sure Speedy would love to explain it."

"Robin, what are you saying man. I thought we were cool."

"Nothing." And right as he reached the door he turned and said, "Oh, Star, by the way, Happy Birthday."

She didn't know what to do. Even after all the ways she humiliated him, ignored him, hurt him, he gave her her first happy birthday wish of the day. He had hurt her, true. And he was just acting like a jerk, but he said it nonetheless.

"I will be right back."

"Maybe I should talk to him."

"No. Speedy, man, you should let Star talk to him. They were like best friends. She probably knows what to say."

"Yeah dude."

"I guess," he said hesitantly while sitting back in his seat.

"Robin? Robin, is everything alright?"

"Yeah, it's…it's fine." He was heading for the gym. He had left and paced the hall for a moment deciding what his next actions should be. Should he sit and cry? Should he go in there and beat the crap out of Speedy? Should he go in there and kiss Star? He didn't know. He played each scenario in his head and while the last two really made him happy, he decided that it would be best to just go to the gym. Hit the punching bag a few times. Lift some weights. Release some stress.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"Wait. Please." He obliged.

"I'm listening."

"I know that I hurt you the other day, really I do, but you hurt me. More than you know."

"Starfire, I'm sorry. Really I am."

"I'm sorry too. It's just. I still wish to be your friend, but I don't think we can be."

"What?"

"It is too difficult and Speedy and you hate each other so much. I just don't…"

"Starfire. We've gone this route before with Summer and you hated that I couldn't hang out with you and I'm sorry I listened to her for even a minute, but please don't do that to me too. I know I just acted like a jerk, but it's only because I…I"

"You what?"

"Forget it. I just…please don't do that Star."

"Robin, I…"

"Please. If it hurt you as much as you say it did, it'll just kill me."

"But Robin…"

"Please," he said while taking her hand and holding it to his face. She was at first taken aback by this, but his touch, it felt so right.

"I need this Star. Please. I…I need this…and I'm sorry. I won't hurt you again…just please, don't leave me." She then took him in her arms and pulled him to her into a hug.

"I won't leave you." They stayed like that for a while, just enjoying the heat that the other's body was giving off and the way they fit together.

And so the birthday surprise went on. Raven, Cyborg, and Beastboy all hoping that they could buy more time for Starfire and Robin by distracting Speedy; Speedy wishing that he could see what was going on out there in the hallway; Summer unexpectedly walking into the tower to surprise Robin; and Robin and Starfire hugging each other.

"Star," Robin said, bringing her out of the daze he put her in only moments ago. He stepped away from her, making her instantaneously long for his touch.

"Yes?"

"Did that just feel right to you?"

"I…"

"Because it felt right to me." After a long pause she began to speak.

"Robin, Speedy and Summer…"

"Star you once said that we weren't meant to be because it was too difficult to get together, but things aren't supposed to be easy. I didn't know that before, but now I do. If everything came easy then what would be the fun in earning it?"

"Robin…"

"Star, I didn't realize it till only moments ago. And I should have seen it all along. But Starfire, I love you. I love everything about you. Your touch, your smell, your eyes, your voice, the list could go on and on." She looked down and blushed. He took her face in his hands and lifted her chin so she would look at him.

"Starfire I would give anything to have you. And I know this isn't exactly perfect timing, but its true. You mean more to me than anything. Anything. And it kills me to see you with Speedy."

"You mean Roy."

"Whatever. Look, the point is I just love you. And I hate seeing him replace me. Seeing you need him. Seeing you not needing me. Star, don't you see? I need you. I need you to need me."

Hey everybody! That is sort of a cliffy. Well, okay, not really. But the ending was good right? Yeah? No? Let me know.

I'll admit that while writing it the beginning was fun and the end was fun, but the middle was killing me. Oh well. It's over now.

Also, worry not those who were concerned about Starfire at the end of last chapter, she slapped Speedy good and stopped him before anything happened. Kicked out the room ,onto the floor, and he went back to his room gripping his face. Good times.

Next chapter will be mostly Starfire's happiness, and Robin and her and some...stuff. Next chapter has lots of kissing. And it shall be named, "Oh!" Please Review! Later!

Lovin' It,

LILY