A/N There's quite a bit more torment in this chapter, even if it is a bit shorter. No worries; the next chapter will be longer, I promise.

Disclaimer

Robin: Seriously? This is what you would do if you owned Teen Titans?

Me: It would be fun!

Starfire: Fun? You broke him!

Me: Exactly! It's fun!

...This is why I don't own Teen Titans (yet...)

-Aiva

Starfire had closed herself off again with Robin. After she claimed she had heard him speak, she had refused to leave his side for even one second, insisting she needed to be there for him. It was getting to the point where Cyborg was beginning to wonder if she had imagined it. He wanted it to be true, of course, and the fact that Robin had moved previously was wonderful. But it had been weeks since then, and once again, nothing.

Cyborg couldn't help but think that maybe Robin's condition was having a much bigger effect on Starfire than it was before. Nothing had happened to prove he was getting better. He still only moved to breathe, or mutter incoherently under his breath. Starfire wasn't looking too good either. Though she had started eating enough again after claiming Robin had said her name, his returned unresponsive nature caused her to become too focused on worrying about him, not about herself.

Cyborg filled a cup with some orange juice, and carrying that in one hand, a plate of food in the other, walked up to where Robin was. Apparently a quick healer, his wounds had basically disappeared. The only sign that he had been injured was the occasional scar that hadn't quite faded yet. Nudging the door open, he walked inside quietly, glancing in.

Starfire had apparently fallen asleep with Robin, most likely without meaning too. He noticed that her hand was still clutching his, as if afraid to let it go. She seemed so much more relaxed like this; asleep, free of the worries and fears that plagued her when she was awake. Unwilling to disturb her, Cyborg gently set the food and drink down on the bedside table next to Starfire, then walked out of the room, shutting the door carefully behind him.

Starfire stirred slightly when the door closed, making a small clicking noise. She slowly opened her green eyes, obviously tired. Stifling a yawn, she glanced at Robin. She knew Cyborg believed her to be hallucinating, but she also knew that Robin had truly spoken. "Robin. The team has started to give up on you. Please show us – show me – that there still is hope." Starfire often said things such as this, struggling to prompt him into saying something, reacting in anyway.

This time it wasn't a good reaction.

Robin suddenly stiffened, glazed eyes shooting wide open. His face became twisted with what was mainly fear, which was probably the scariest thing of all; the fact that Robin was afraid of something. His hands clenched into fists, and his whole body seemed as taut as a drawn bow string, ready to snap at any second. He began to mutter again, though it was way more panicked now, more tormented.

He shied away from Starfire's touch as if it burned, then started to jerk, looking almost as if he were having a seizure. She could barely make out a few words; "Dark…stop…hurts…" Those barely audible, forced out mumblings broke Starfire's heart. "Robin!" she practically sobbed, hating to see her friend like this.

She grabbed his hand, forcing it, at least, to be still. "Robin, you are safe. I am here. Please, Robin." She spoke calmly, though it was obviously forced, as her expression was desperate and fearful. Robin suddenly jerked upright, eyes opened wide, glancing around the room wildly. "NO!" he shouted, tensing again and almost leaping out of the bed.

Starfire held him back, struggling to calm him. "Robin, it is me. Starfire. You are safe now," she repeated. Robin stared wildly at her. For a panicked moment, Starfire feared he wouldn't recognize her. Eventually, something clicked, and he stopped pulling, though he remained rigid, tense and wary. "…Starfire?" he repeated hesitantly.

"Yes!" Starfire said, somewhat relieved. "It is me." Her relief soon evaporated as Robin fell back on the bed, shaking badly. He still remained somewhat alert, but his violent shaking and wide eyes were a bad sign. Slowly, a small tear slid silently down Robin's cheek.

Starfire stared at it in shock. Robin…she had never seen him cry. Not so much as one hint of a tear. He was always so strong, in charge, keeping it together no matter the situation, trusting that things would work out. He had never, ever cried before. Starfire embraced him, holding him gently as tears fell down Robin's cheeks.

A/N Yeah, it's now official; I broke Robin. Sorry about that...

Reviews are greatly appreciated!