Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans.

The Healer 4

Chapter 4: In Dreams

"Oh, happy day, happy day!" Starfire exclaimed as she skipped down the hallway.

Beast Boy was right behind her smiling, amused at the girl's energy.

"Whoa, easy there, Star," he said chuckling. "We'll see him soon enough."

Starfire then started to float and began to twirl in the air. Her excitement was getting harder to contain and it was getting harder to ignore. After two days of helping with the city cleanup efforts, Starfire and Beast Boy finally found a day off. It was now their turn to visit the injured bird. The day is young, a little too early for Beast Boy and even for Starfire but their excitement has pulled them out of the clutches of their beds and gave them the push they needed to head straight into the day. They made their way down the hall, Beast Boy taking leisure steps and Starfire bouncing up and down. When they reached the infirmary door, Beast Boy could see Starfire about to erupt. The shapeshifter's expression, however, conveyed that he wanted her to hold her excitement in a bit longer. Starfire was about to knock when Beast Boy reached out and stopped her hand.

"Instead of knocking, why don't we just go in and surprise him?" he suggested.

Starfire nodded and gave the green boy a large smile.

"That would be most fun," she whispered.

Beast Boy held out his hand and started a count down with his three fingers. He started to mouth 3-2-1. The door opened and they shot through the door:

"SURPRISE!"

And sure enough, Robin was very much surprised. The sudden barging of the two cheerful titans nearly made Robin jumped out of bed. Starfire and Beast Boy seemed satisfied since they got the reaction they wanted. But then they saw Robin flailing his arms and putting his finger up to his lips saying "Shhh." His visitors appeared puzzled at his actions. Then they saw why. Robin was pointing to his side and doing the hush signal again. Starfire and Beast Boy looked to the side and found Raven asleep in a chair. They turned to Robin and he was smiling and motioning them to come closer. And so they went to his side and exchanged smiles and greetings.

"Thanks for stopping by," whispered Robin. "I finally got to see you guys."

"Yeah, sorry we didn't get to visit," answered Beast Boy.

"I understand."

He shook Beast Boy's hand and turned to Starfire who was quite jittery.

"Hey, Star. How are you?"

Starfire was speechless for a moment and simply leaned forward to give her teammate a warm embrace. Then she spoke.

"I am fine now that I got to see you."

Robin blushed at her statement. He returned the hug, holding her just as tight.

"I'm glad."

"Ahem," sounded Beast Boy.

At that, Robin and Starfire released their embrace. Beast Boy just smiled to himself.

"So," began Robin, "how's the city?"

"You don't have to worry, dude. The whole city is pretty much spotless," answered Beast Boy.

"Yes, it is less of spots," added Starfire. "The city appears to be all right."

"Yeah. There are still some mess here and there, but they told me and Star that they could handle it and that we should get the day off."

"That's greatl," returned Robin. "Good work, guys."

"No sweat."

"It was no problem at all."

Beast Boy looked over to the side again scratching his head.

"By the way, why's Raven here?"

"Oh, she was keeping me company last night and fell asleep."

Starfire flew over to the sleeping girl. She leaned in to take a better look at Raven's resting expression.

"She looks (how do you say it) screen."

Robin and Beast Boy exchanged glances.

"Uh, Starfire? Don't you mean 'serene'?" corrected Robin.

Starfire faced him and gave him a confused smile.

"Yes?"

Beast Boy tip-toed towards Raven and observed her for a second. Then he turned to his teammates with a sly smile.

"Hey, how 'bout we play a little prank?"

"Don't even think about it," said the girl in the chair.

Beast Boy jumped back shrieking.

"R-Raven!"

"Good morning, Raven," greeted Starfire.

"Morning."

"Hey Raven. You're awake. Sorry, did we wake you?"

Raven got to her feet. She then looked over to Robin.

"Yes, actually, you did."

This put everyone else in an awkward position. The three exchanged glances and together they said,

"We're sorry."

Raven had on a blank expression. She simply turned to the door.

"It's fine," she said as she was leaving.

"How long have you been awake?" asked Beast Boy.

Raven stopped and glanced at him.

"When you two came barging in yelling. I mean, it was kinda hard to sleep through that."

"Then why didn't you just get up then?"

"I just wanted to see if you weren't gonna try anything while I was sleeping."

Beast Boy's face turned red and he started scratching the back of his head.

"Whoops," he said followed by a weak chuckle.

"I was wrong," said Raven.

She left without another word. Beast Boy looked at the other two and smiled.

"I made her mad again."

Robin and Starfire laughed.

"I guess you have to stay away from her for a while," Robin joked.

"Are you kidding? She'll forget about that instantly. Before you know it, she'll be laughing at my jokes again. Er, she'll be listening. I don't know about laughing—or smiling."

Beast Boy went for the chair Raven was sitting in. Once he was comfortable, he looked around and picked up the magazine Raven was reading. He scanned the book, flipping page after page, stopping only to look at the colorful pictures. As he did so, it left some time for Robin and Starfire to talk. The Tamaranian girl sat at the edge of the bed, her hand covering Robin's hand. They gazed at each other smiling, happy for simply having each other's company.

"How are you feeling?" inquired Starfire.

"I'm better now. Thanks for asking."

"That is very wonderful news."

"So, how are you? How was the city cleanup?"

"Oh, I do not think you would favor hearing it."

"But I want to."

"And it is a rather lengthy story."

"I have time."

Starfire gave him a warm smile.

"Then, I shall start..."

"I can't believe that happened!" Robin said laughing.

"Believe it for it is the truth," Starfire returned giggling.

Robin leaned back onto his pillows. He took a deep breath when he finished his laughter.

"Oh, man, too much. Poor Beast Boy."

"Yes, but he was fine in the end."

Robin looked up and saw the clock read 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

"Whoa, look at the time."

Starfire turned to see the clock and then reciprocated Robin's surprise.

"My, I have not noticed how long our conversation was."

"Me neither. It feels like only a few minutes passed."

Starfire stood up.

"I guess I should be on my way."

Robin sat up.

"Oh, you don't have to go."

Starfire smiled at him and started for the door.

"I wish I could stay, but I have things to do. See you later."

"Then catch ya later."

Robin waved goodbye at his exiting companion. The door closed leaving Robin alone with the silence. In the big expanse of the room, his sigh echoed emphasizing the emptiness of the chamber. He laid back into his pillows, a bored expression overcoming his disposition.

"Well, all alone again."

He leaned back his head and he stared at the blank ceiling.

"She just left."

He closed his eyes feeling his body relaxing. His drowsiness was cut short, however. The door suddenly opened to welcome another visitor. Robin's eyes shot open and he leaned forward.

"Starfire?"

But his visitor looked and dressed differently.

"Wow, excited aren't we?" Raven said.

"Raven, it's you."

Robin blushed a little as he rested back into his bed.

"Yep, it's me. But you don't have to look so disappointed."

"N-No. I didn't mean—I wasn't—I—"

"Don't worry. It was a joke."

"A joke? I thought you don't do jokes."

"Gotta keep myself amused sometimes."

Robin chuckled as he closed his eyes.

"That was good."

"I try."

Raven walked over to the monitors to check up on Robin's status once again. Robin turned to her and watched her work.

"Must be annoying to keep on checking that," he commented.

"Not really. But if you don't want to be a bother, then get better already."

She put her clipboard down and approached Robin.

"Let me see your leg," she ordered.

Robin nodded and pulled his sheets off. As he did so, it revealed his white cast with the words "Beast Boy was here" in big bold (and decorated) letters. Raven gave Robin a quick glance. Robin could only chuckle in response.

"He insisted on signing it."

"I'm not saying anything."

She ran her right hand slightly above the cast scanning it with her powers. Once the dark aura that surrounded her hand dissipated, she returned her hand to her side.

"Your leg is healing nicely," she concluded.

"Can't you use your powers to—"

"You know I can't. I could, but I might mess with the natural healing process. It's better to let nature take its course. Besides, you get a vacation. Aren't you happy with that?"

"I guess you're right. But the thought of criminals running amuck in the streets and I'm not there to stop them bothers me—a lot."

Raven sat in the chair. She leaned back, and crossed her arms and legs.

"I understand. However, you have to learn to trust in us—your teammates—to get the job done. We can handle it; you have to believe that."

Robin listened intently at her words. He drew a sigh shaking his head. He sat in silence for a few moments, churning and processing Raven's words. For an instance he smiled to himself. At length, he picked up his head and faced Raven.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I should trust my team more."

"It's fine. It's natural for you to worry."

Suddenly, Robin's faced brightened. He had on a grin that communicated his thoughts. He has an idea and Raven knows it.

"What are you thinking?" she asked.

"Why don't you be the leader until I can get out there again?"

Raven shook her head. Then she looked straight at Robin.

"No."

"Why not?"

"I'm not leadership material."

"What? Of course you are. You can—"

"I said no and I mean no."

"Are you sure? Because I know you could do it."

"I'm sure it's a no."

"All right, then. If that's the case, then when you leave, can you tell Cyborg to come here?"

"Sure. Actually, I'll do that right now."

"No not now. You don't have to now. I said when you're done here."

"I am done. I did everything I came in for. Unless, do you need something?"

"No, nothing in mind."

"I'll be off then."

Raven left her seat and exited the infirmary. Robin began thinking to himself.

"If I stayed leader, it would be hard to coordinate the team from here. Someone has to take charge on the ground."

He groaned loud in frustration.

"Ugh. If this didn't happen, I wouldn't be troubling everyone so much. How could I let Cinderblock get me like that? He was fast and I—"

His eyes sharpened as he began to go deep into thought. He placed his hand on his chin. A plethora of information started to move around in his mind. His expression intensified as he thoroughly investigated and scrutinized every minute detail he could think of. One fact remained that bothered Robin.

"He was fast. Quick. Agile," he muttered. "When did Cinderblock gain that speed and power? And where?"

His mind would have lingered much deeper and longer if it were not for Cyborg coming into the room.

"Hey hey hey! What up?"

"Hey Cyborg."

But Robin was still preoccupied. He was quiet still in his own world. Cyborg came closer and waved his hand in front of Robin's face.

"Robin?"

At last, his trance was broken.

"What? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about... Never mind."

"So, why'd you call for me?"

Cyborg took a seat.

"I want you to take charge of the team while I'm out."

"Whoa, really? Are you sure?"

Robin smiled at his friend.

"Of course I am. I know that you are more than capable."

"Then I won't disappoint."

"Good. I can rest easy then."

"I guess I better get out there and do my leader duties."

Robin laughed saying, "Just go. But run anything by me after missions and such."

"Gotcha. Later."

"See ya."

"Leader! I like the sound of that," Cyborg exclaimed as he exited.

A happy Cyborg left the room and a satisfied Robin remained. The boy wonder started to relax sinking deep into his bed. Robin started looking around the room, from wall to wall, to the ceiling and at the hospital equipment next to his bed. His attention soon fell on the monitors on the far end. All of his current conditions were recorded on each screen. Watching these monitors eventually led his thoughts to Raven. An image began to form in his mind. He imagined Raven standing there busying herself with the clipboard and the beeping of the monitors. She said that it did not bother her but his conviction towards the opposite created an expression in her face that said otherwise. The form began to look troubled—she was just troubling herself with the whole thing. Robin saw this so vividly for he saw her frequently by those data screens standing motionless and so observant. Anyone could do it: Cyborg (of course), Starfire, and even Beast Boy. Yet, Robin only saw Raven, so attentive and professional. Does it not bother you? he would ask in thought. But it is real. If the door opened, he knew who it was going to be; that when he awoke from sleep, when he looks to his side, he would see that person.

"Raven," Robin mumbled as he slipped into slumber.

Later that afternoon, Raven found herself on the way to the infirmary room once more. She was on her scheduled check up on Robin when she walked into the room and saw him napping. She could only smile to herself seeing him so peaceful. As her routine dictates, she went to the monitors to record new information. Her pen was moving smoothly until it was disrupted by something she heard. As she wrote, Robin began talking in his sleep. Just at the thought of Robin sleep-talking made Raven laugh a little. It was one of those things she never expected from Robin. To her, it seemed more of Beast Boy's style. She resumed her work but Robin's mumbling drew her away from her job. Not only that, it invited her to listen. The idea of hearing what he was dreaming about interested her. So she placed the paperwork down and moved on over to the chair. She made herself comfortable and prepared to listen to whatever Robin will say. The show began with a mumble and soft laughter. It was obvious that he was having a wonderful dream. He had on a smile and kept fidgeting in his sheets. Raven shook her head laughing quietly to herself.

"Hello Starfire," Robin mumbled.

"I thought so," Raven said.

She continued to listen, but Robin did not speak for a while. Raven kept him company as he slept. She started reading the magazine again when Robin got to sleep-talking once more. This time, his tone was different.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

His expression was getting serious and tense.

"Don't go, please, Starfire."

Raven put the magazine down and turned all her attention to Robin. Frankly, she was interested as to how such a dream as earlier could turn into this. Robin was in discomfort and only by waking him could he be calmed down. Raven doubted if that would help since Robin needed to rest. Then again, how much rest could he be getting if he is having a dream like that, wondered Raven. She reached out about to shake Robin awake when it suddenly became quiet. Raven stopped as she saw him still. Once the dust seems to have settled, Raven leaned back into her chair. It was silent until Robin spoke again.

"Hello..."

Raven got back to reading.

"...Raven."

She paused and peeked over the magazine. Robin was still asleep and was still dreaming.

Chapter 4 End