I4.6

Chapter 11: Boundaries

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Adult themes. DO NOT read if you are underage or dislike controversial things.

Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews! They help fuel the fire.

The smell of a fresh pot of coffee helps to ease Richard's frayed nerves on Tuesday morning. He wasn't as well rested as he thought he would be given all of the sour details that he learned from Starfire yesterday. He had hoped that Rachel would have been the one to tuck him in bed and stay with him as he falls asleep. Instead, it was Starfire recounting the events that happened during Saturday night's house party like it was a scene from a horror movie. She had been particularly gleeful when she was describing the way that Beastboy and Bryce had their hands all over Rachel on the dance floor. He was so livid that he practically chased the poor woman out of the door when he got all the information he needed from her.

It had taken a lot of self control to not go after Beastboy right then and there. His mind and body demanding action; instead he settled for plotting. Right now, he is not physically well enough to go toe to toe with the green beast, so Richard had spent the rest of the day in his room thinking about what his next steps are. He didn't want to cause unnecessary friction in the group's dynamic by attempting to beat one of its members bloody. Questions would be asked. Questions that he is not sure how to answer given everything that he has been feeling. He, himself, still hasn't fully analyzed and evaluated his complex mix of emotions when it comes to his Rachel. He understands that he loves her. He understands that he finds her attractive. He understands that his impulse to be in control is partly where these darker urges are coming from. If she finds herself new friends and, potentially, a new lover then where does that leave Richard? What does that leave for him when she has spoilt him with her attention for years? There was a point in her life where she would drop everything and everyone if he told her to because she trusted his judgement that much. It clearly is not like that anymore.

He wants her to depend on him like she used to. When he had brought her back from hell, she had clung to him in more ways than one. At first, he just assumed that it was separation anxiety. Little Rachel had spent a long time all alone in that lava filled cave believing that she was dangerous and unlovable. That belief had twisted her understanding of her own worth throughout much of her childhood and teenage years. When he had brought her back, she was practically glued to his side and he allowed it because he saw what she had been through. Lost and scared, she reminded him of himself when he had lost his own parents, except she never really had parents to begin with. She grew up with care takers. Care takers who always interacted with her as though she would go feral any minute. Unlike Rachel, Richard was fortunate enough to land in Bruce's lap. The same way that he had followed Bruce around was the same way she seemed to follow him around, although she was more standoffish about it.

That thought brought a brief smile to his lips. He remembered how she stood before her father, cloaked in white and banished him with the self confidence of a goddess. Most people didn't realize that that moment was fleeting. Not long after that triumphant event, Rachel found herself dwelling in her darker thoughts again. She may be powerful. She may be able to go blow for blow with Trigon, but her powers are dark and demonic. Doesn't that also make her the same? When she sits in that darkness for too long, she unconsciously seeks him out for assurance. It appeared as though she was keeping her distance, but she had a way of finding him in her moments of need. Chance encounters in the hallways or training rooms that weren't entirely accidental. It was around that time that he started noticing her willingness to touch him more. Was that where he learned to crave her heat? When his muscles learned to relax under her soothing touch? He had never realized how physically tense he was until she started pointing it out. He was almost always wound up, as though he is on edge and ready for the next attack. Even when he's just sitting on the couch. She was the one who mentioned it because, at that time, she was paying as much attention to him as he was to her. Were his feelings really as one sided as he thought they were? Is there possibly a chance for them?

Is this what Rachel wants from me? Richard wonders to himself as he stirs his coffee. He had spent a long time agonizing over what her motives were. There was no way that she just cared for him for the sake of caring. Just about everyone in his life is using him to fill some type of void, was this hers? Was he just the friend who is there to provide comfort? If so, then why is she pulling away and seeking that comfort in others? Didn't he provide enough attention? Was he not enough? Richard couldn't wrap his head around the thought of Rachel just using him until she found a replacement that could be both lover and friend. She wouldn't knowingly be so cruel...would she? And to replace him with the likes of Beastboy was just lunacy. He was not on the same level as Richard. He was not on the same level as Rachel. They didn't even have that many things in common!

The dull ache in Richard's right thumb brings him out of his tumultuous thoughts. He is bending the spoon that he used to stir his coffee with his fist and thumb. No, he shouldn't allow his emotions to get the best of him without talking to Rachel first. He is sure...hoping really...that what Starfire shared with him yesterday was just her imagination getting the best of her. She loves to over embellish the stories that she tells. It's just part of her exuberant personality. He will take what she said with a grain of salt because if he didn't there is not telling what he would do to the culprits. Yes, culprits. Plural. He knows Beastboy well enough to know that he would only do what Rachel allows him to do. He is not the type to violate a person's space without permission. This means his Rachel has loosen the boundaries that she had set between herself and the mutt. This thought has Richard breathing deep in frustration. He needs to check her before he confronts Beastboy. The changeling might not have teeth if he dares to make some smart ass remark about Rachel wanting him and there's nothing their leader can do about it.

Richard's thoughts are interrupted once again when he hears voices in the hallway. Rachel's drawling voice catches his ear. She is providing a heated response to what someone else is saying. Sure enough, that someone else just happens to be green and Richard finds himself grinding his teeth in annoyance. Why is it that he is always buzzing after his beloved lately? She showed this man a crumble of attention and he follows her around like a stray dog. Does he just wait for her behind every corner? Doesn't he know that Rachel doesn't like being crowded and borderline stalked?

"...honestly. You are over reacting," replies a deep feminine voice.

"I'm not Raven! Hear me out, would ya?" is Beastboy's adamant reply.

"Fine. I'm listening…" she says and Richard picks up his cup of coffee and moves to the corner of the kitchen's door frame. They would have to completely enter the room in order to see him.

There is a brief pause. Beastboy is probably checking the hallway to make sure that there is no one around. Richard idly wonders if he couldn't smell his scent since they are so close. "I don't think Robin is as sick as ya think he is. He…"

"You saw him yesterday. He could barely stand by himself. I had to help him get to his room," comes Rachel's reply. Cutting off what Beastboy is trying to say.

"Don't ya find that strange? Somehow, he managed to drive himself back to the Titan Tower, pack his things away and got some work done before we found him?" asks the changeling.

There is a slight pause before Rachel's response. As though thinking over the answers to questions that she doesn't really want asked. "Sometimes...sometimes people don't feel the effects of being sick right away. Maybe he was feeling okay until we found him…"

"I dunno Raven. Something about this isn't adding up, but I can't put my finger on it."

"If Richard is really faking his illness, then what's his motive? What does he possibly gain from acting?" is Rachel's rational question.

"I dunno...sympathy, maybe? Both of ya girls were fallin' all ova him yesterday when ya found out he was sick," supplies Beastboy. Oh yes, he had thoroughly enjoyed yesterday morning before two nuisances almost ripped his bedroom door off it's hinges. He hadn't realized that one of the perks of the after effects of I4.6 was all of the extra attention Rachel gave him. He had savored the feel of her soft palms in his hair, healing his hurts, brushing against his bare thighs as she struggled to take his pants off. She had looked so delicious on her knees. Shyly averting her gaze from the swelling bulge in his briefs, even though it was practically in her face. Did she think he hadn't notice her glances of curiosity while balancing on her knees? He was pretty sure that he could get her back on those knees before the day is over.

"What would he need with our sympathy? It's not like we don't know he works hard. If he wanted to take a break and go on vacation I don't think anyone would stop him. He deserves it," Rachel supplies. She can be such a sweetheart underneath all that dry humor and sarcasm.

"Would ya go with him?" Beastboy asks. Now, that's an interesting question.

"Huh?"

"If he were to leave on vacation tomorrow and he asked ya to go with him, would ya go with him?" the green man clarifies. Richard can tell by the inflection in his tone that there is a specific answer that he wants to hear.

"What kind of question...it's a vacation, Beastboy. Why would I turn it down? Who would turn it down?" she asks. She doesn't outright answer the question. Maybe because she thinks it's a stupid one and Richard is inclined to agree. He also thinks the hidden meaning behind that question also flew over her head. What Richard heard, however, is that she would be willing to leave the Titan Tower with him if there is a good enough reason. Could he possibly whisk her away from this place and make her his? That would require that he relinquish his role of leader and he wasn't sure he is willing to go that far.

There is a deep sigh of defeat from his subordinate as he says, "Just be careful, Raven. Robin isn't a saint and he's been acting weird lately."

"You know that there's a lot on his plate. Besides, he's someone that I trust the most, Beastboy. I have nothing to fear or worry about," Rachel says with conviction. She is sure in her words and Richard finds himself loving her a little more for it.

"Are ya sure bout that? He's still a man. Ya might not realize it, but he looks at ya like a man does to a woman," is the changeling's quiet reply. So quiet that, Richard could barely hear.

There is a pause before she responds with "We don't have that kind of relationship. We're good friends. Besides, you know how Starfire feels about him."

Christ! What does Starfire have to do with any of this? She is in a one way, imaginary relationship with herself and a fake Robin. Richard can hear that Beastboy is whispering, but can't make out what he's saying. He just knows that Rachel responds with "Don't mention Saturday night. You're heavier than you look."

Ah, Saturday. A night that will live forever in infamy. I wonder what he said, Richard thinks as Rachel whizzes right pass him without realizing that he was standing next to the door frame. He turns his head to the side and comes face to face with Beastboy. There is a knowing look in his eyes when he says, "Ya've been standing there for so long, ya coffee's gotten cold."

Richard looks down to his half consumed cup of liquid. How did Beastboy know that? Unless he knew that Richard was standing there during that whole conversation. Was that why he asked Rachel if she would leave with him if he asked? Well, the jokes on him because he definitely didn't get the answer he wanted to hear. Richard was sure that the changeling wanted her to say that she would stay away from him, instead he received a declaration of trust which is stronger than any "yes" he could have hoped for. She had spent that brief encounter defending her leader and friend. Richard was certain that he could convince the team's empath to fly anywhere with him. The knowledge that she would chose him helps to calm some of his raging emotions. "It's alright. I can always make another one."

Rachel whirls around at hearing his voice and her eyes are bouncing between Richard and Beastboy. She is probably wondering how much of their hallway conversation he overheard. Then, she takes a closer look at him. Violet eyes zooming in on his dark circles and tired expression. He is still feeling a little sluggish from the after effects of the drug, but his mind is clear a day. A worried look ghosts over her face as she glances at his coffee cup. She asks, "Did you have breakfast, yet?"

Richard shakes his head. He was originally standing in front of the fridge trying to figure out what to make for himself. His appetite hasn't fully recovered, but he knows that he needs to eat something to regain his strength. She nods her head in return and replies with, "How about some scrambled eggs and waffles? Did you eat anything else yesterday?"

"No. I didn't really have much of an appetite so I slept most of the day," came Richard's reply, "but I'll eat anything you make."

This wasn't completely true. The story of Saturday Night completely turned his stomach sour and he didn't want to eat. He wasn't asleep all that time, either. He was attempting to reach out to the other Titan teams in the East and South. He is still waiting on their response. But, neither Rachel or Beastboy knows this and Richard watches her back as she begins working on breakfast. He side eyes his green companion and revels in the fact that she doesn't ask him what he wants to eat. That's right. Even after all of this, I'm still her main priority, is what his smug expression says. Beastboy just huffs as how immature their esteemed leader is acting. He can be so childish when it comes to his relationship with Raven. Like that night when he stole Beastboy's spot next her on the couch.

Richard takes a seat and patiently waits on breakfast as Beastboy makes his way over to the fridge. He pulls out a soy protein drink and begins shaking it to mix all of the sediments inside. "Ah man! Where did the rest of my shakes go? I had like 4 in here. Did ya drink them, Robin?"

"Nah. They taste gross. You're the only one that likes them. You'd swear that your tastebuds would be more sensitive," is Richard's reply as he decides to stride across the kitchen to the coffee machine. He needs another cup to get him through this encounter. Being in the same room with both culprits makes him want to throw his fist at Beastboy's face and pin Rachel to the floor.

"What bout you, Raven?" he asks. "They're kinda pricey, but they're a good vegan protein supplement. Gotta save the animals, ya know?"

"I, most definitely, didn't drink them," Rachel says while scrunching up her face. Those things really did taste bad. Beastboy was the only one who could stomach them. He is frowning because all of his favorite flavors are gone and the only one left was vanilla.

"What are your plans for today?" Richard asks after of few minutes of communal silence. Everyone was trapped up in their own musings this morning. The question is directed to both of his subordinates. He wants to make sure that they don't have plans together. The amount of time they have been spending together is not healthy for Rachel. He would hate for the changeling's stupidity to rub off on her.

Her sweet voice cuts through the air as she begins plating his food. It was a simple breakfast, but he knew that he would enjoy it because she made it. "No real plans. There are a couple of spell casting books that I want to peruse and maybe finish reading the novel that I started last night. Why?"

"Just curious," Richard says as he carries his plate and fresh cup of coffee to the kitchen table and takes a seat.

"That sounds so boring, Raven! Ya needa step out of ya comfort zone. You should join me and the boys for a session of Mortal Kombat. ya never know, ya might like it!" Beastboy excitedly comments as he takes another deep gulp of his vegan protein shake. Yuck.

"Isn't it kind of early in the morning to play video games? It's not even 9am, yet," the empath retorts. She is not a social character like Starfire and Beastboy so the thought of spending the morning interacting with multiple people while playing a video game was already making her tired. Richard couldn't help but smile a little to himself at how little the green beast really knows and understands about their resident empath. He couldn't hope to be in a long lasting relationship with her if he didn't respect her boundaries. Ah, yes, boundaries. The thing she hasn't be enforcing like she should. Well, she was going to pay the price for it today. One way or another, Richard thinks to himself as he slowly chews his scrambled eggs and ready-made waffles.

Beastboy's excited voice rips him out of his revelries with "It can't be helped. Some of the players are international and this is the only time that works for everyone. Jean is teaching me how to curse in French!"

"What about you, Dick?" Rachel asks, "Maybe you should take another day off to rest. You still don't look like you're at 100%."

He takes a moment to watch her chew her food. The soft curve of her jaw working as she watches him. Her slender neck contracts as she swallows her mouth full of food. He allows his eyes to trail further down and take in the open neckline of her shirt. It's a lighter shade of purple than she would have traditionally went with, but thankfully doesn't clash with her hair or eyes. Eyes that are staring at him with concern. If you were truly concerned about me, then you wouldn't have done what you did. Any of it.

"On the contrary. I feel better than I did yesterday and the day before. I think some light exercise would do me some good," is Richard's reply. There is a slight frown on her face at the thought of him over exerting himself and possibly collapsing. "Why don't you spar with me? I might be sick, but I'm sure I can take you. It'll be live action Mortal Kombat. No powers. No weapons. Just form and perfecting techniques."

She thinks it over for a second, "You're on. Loser buys the winner the new anthology collection she's been wanting."

"But Rachel...I don't want an anthology. I want something else," is Richard's reply with a slight smirk and quirked eyebrow.

"...what is it? Can I afford it?" she asks.

"I'll tell you when I win. It won't cost you much," he comments. Just your mind, body and soul.

"Why not spar with me? We'd be a much better match," interjects Beastboy. Richard had almost forgotten that he was there. His observant green eyes taking in the body language of the pair sitting at the kitchen table. His ears twitching at the hidden meanings in their leader's words. The hairs on the back of his neck are standing on end and he is suddenly feeling hot under the collar.

"You have a digital date with some dude named Jean. I have a real sparing date with Rachel," is Richard's clipped reply. The underlining message of you are not invited was read loud and clear between the two males in the room but was lost on the young woman finishing up her morning cup of tea.

"I agree to your terms, Dick. I'm going to change and I'll meet you at the training room in 5 minutes," she says as she places her dishes in the dishwasher. Richard knew it would take her closer to 10 minutes because...women. Both men watch the young woman open a small portal in the kitchen floor and just step through. Ah, that must be really convenient, Richard thinks. He's seen her do it a hundred plus times, but he still finds amazement in it. She's hung up on the dark side of her powers, while he is enraptured by the practicality of what she can do.

"What's ya goal, Robin," is Beastboy's serious question when Rachel leaves the room. This is the most serious Richard has seen him about anything since Terra.

"What do you mean? I intend to win our sparring match," is Richard's reply.

"Ya know damn well that's not what I mean. I saw the way ya just looked at her. Like ya wanna sink ya teeth in her neck," the changeling says with a deep frown on his face. "I don't like what I'm seeing and I don't think Raven is safe with you."

"...I'm not you, Beastboy. I don't follow her around like a loss puppy looking for attention. She's a pretty girl and I have working eyes. Just like you. Besides, you have no right to talk. I heard about your behavior on Saturday from Starfire," is Richard's retort. He can feel the anger and aggression simmering just below the surface. The tension in his shoulders and arms are making him shake a bit, but he must remain calm. Now is not the time or the place to use violence because there are so many better ways to deal with this nuisance. Beastboy will get what's coming to him sooner or later. Richard had managed to keep his raging emotions at bay until he was left alone in the kitchen with this idiot and he would be damned if he gave into his passions instead of remaining rational.

"Ah yes...Saturday was a good night. It took a while and a couple of drinks to loosen her up and get her to come out of her shell. Did ya know that she snorts when she laughs? It's the most adorable thing to hear. She snorted right in my ear" says Beastboy as he tugs lightly on his right ear with a stupid grin on his face. He was clearly trying to get under his leader's skin. Richard knows what Rachel's laughter sounds like. He's heard it more times than this mongrel. He also knows, thanks to Starfire's recounting, that they were practically pasted together that night. According to the team's alien princess, these two fools even shared a kiss. The thought on Beastboy's thin green lips on any part of Rachel's body makes Richard grind his teeth in rage. A little laugh hits his ears and his head snaps to full attention. He's eyes and all of his attention is trained on the changeling before him.

"I can feel ya anger and smell ya rage. Raven doesn't belong to you. You're just her leader and a friend. She doesn't see ya as anything else. She doesn't want to either," is Beastboy's smug reply. He follows that with "Know ya place."

Richard is seeing red and can feel his empty mug cracking in his grip. The fact that Beastboy has this level of audacity speaks to how comfortable he feels with his and Rachel's developing friendship. Every fiber of Richard's being wants to drag this fool across the kitchen floor and teach him a lesson, but being Bruce's son has taught him that violence isn't the only way to put someone in their place. He has had to teach other corporate clowns their position without coming to blows, but he knows that in order to do that, he's needs to calm his nerves. He finds that calmness in remembering that the bond he and Rachel share goes deeper than just a fun Saturday night and it will not be broken by one green man's jives. She already defended him in the hallway and she whole heartedly believes what he tells her. She is willing to leave her comfort zone to change his clothes when he is sick and willingly cradles him in her arms without hesitation. He is sure that she would not extend that level of graciousness to the green beast grinning before him.

That cocky grin slowly begins to fade when Beastboy realizes that he's not getting the enraged response that he wanted. Instead, he is met with a measured and controlled Richard who is standing from the table with his cracked coffee mug in hand. His breathing is even. His facial features are neutral. His movements are fluid as he walks over to the trash can and throws away the broken mug. This a much more frightening version of his leader that he's never had to face before. Reading what he is thinking and feeling is no longer as easy for Beastboy when Richard turns around and meets his eyes. Richard makes a show of glancing at the clock. He mumbles to himself, "It's been 7 minutes. She must be waiting for me."

Richard turns his attention back to Beastboy as he calmly walks pass him on his way out the kitchen door. He pauses and says, "Your friendship with Rachel is newer and entertaining to her. But you forget that while your head was suck up your immature ass, I was the one who was there for her. While you were simping over Terra, I was pulling back all of Rachel's protective layers. I've laid her bare in more ways than one and I've seen parts of her you never will. The novelty of your weak ass friendship will fizzle out, but our relationship has been forged in the fire of Trigon's hell, tried and tested many times. We are not the same in her eyes. She will come to me when I call."

It is Beastboy's turn to wear an expression of anger and annoyance because what Richard is saying is not entirely wrong. But, before he can comment, Richard cuts him off again, "Besides, she may have been whispering in your ear the other night, but in a few minutes I'll have her body pinned beneath me while you play games with strangers online. By the way, I think you're late for your digital date."

Richard leaves Beastboy fuming in the kitchen, but the green beast doesn't chase after him. He is holding on to the kitchen counter and looks like he is having trouble standing with unfocused eyes, but Richard couldn't find it in himself to care. If he thought he was so big and bad then he can take care of himself. Right now, the only person he is concerned about is Rachel. He is angry at her for putting him in this situation where he would need to defend their relationship. He has partially dealt with the first culprit, now he needs to deal with the other.

He is pleased to see that she is already in the training room when he gets there. She is going through basic stretches to warm up her muscles before this spar. Richard takes a moment to admire her form in motion. She could have been a dancer in another life. She is limber and flexible. Her movements are slow and controlled because is she trying to stretch out her kinks, but no amount of stretching will save her from this. From him. She has been stepping out of bounds lately and now it is time to put her back in her place.

Richard stalks into the training room like a quiet predator but she notices his presence. She turns to him with a playful smile on her face. Completely oblivious to his thoughts and the reasons why he asked for this spar. Her voice cuts through the air, "Don't worry, I'll take it easy on you. I know you're still not well."

He huffs a little and nods his head with a "Remember our agreement. When I win, you have to give me what I want."

"It can't be that bad," she says as she drops her body lower. She knows that she is already shorter than him and by lowering herself even more she would be throwing him off balance when he attacks. "Come on Boy Wonder."

He takes a moment to look at her. It looks like she wants to box? She doesn't have the arm strength for that so this isn't intimidating at all, but he also knows better than to underestimate her. So, he drops his own body even lower in a crouch. He will make this a wrestling match. He is taller, stronger and at least 40 pounds heavier than her. All he needs to do is get her on the ground beneath him. He lazily uses his right arm to swipe for her legs. Checking the distance and assessing how quickly she will respond. She backs up and tries to figure out how to deal with this particular style. Richard hasn't done this in any of their previous spars.

In an effort to distract her and ferret out more information Richard says, "I heard you had fun Saturday night."

"It was alright. There were too many people for my liking and the music was a little too loud, but Starfire and Beastboy liked it," she replies while she side steps another swipe of Ricard's arm.

"I heard you kissed him," Richard says between gritted teeth. He was tired of beating around the bush and acting like nothing was wrong. She pauses for a bit because she was not expecting that topic to come up in the middle of a friendly spar. That leads to the opening he was looking for. His hand lashes out and his long fingers firmly wrap themselves around her left ankle and yanks hard. There was a satisfying yelp of pain when her back slams against the training room's metal floors. Before she has a chance to scramble away, Richard is hauling her closer to his body by her foot. His thumb looped in the anklet he had given her for her birthday all those years ago. You can't get away from me, beloved.

She is violently twisting her body and attempting to kick him with her right foot, but he catches it and forces it down to the floor. Now that he has control of both of her legs, he uses them to pull her closer to him. Making sure that both of her legs are on either side of his body so she can't kick him in the crotch. She is face down and hustling to get her knees under her so that she can get away. The urgency to put space between them has her hips bucking wildly and Richard's mouth is watering as he watches them move. He firmly grabs her by those very same hips and lifts them as he pulls her backward. His muscles are contracting and struggling under the strain of moving her weight and keeping her in place. He thinks to himself, I guess the muscle weakness from I4.6 isn't completely gone, yet.

There is a desperate cry of "Dick!" as he forcefully pulls her hips onto his lap. He softly hisses as her warm weight lands on his erection. Everything about this situation is exciting him to the point that he wasn't sure if this was even real. But, her sweat soaked back bracing against his chest, the feel of her thighs working hard to lift her off his body and his firm grip on her flesh that's keeping her in place is better than any fantasy he has had to date. Rachel is breathing hard and doesn't realize that all of her grunting and squirming is only fueling her leader's perversion.

He was so lost in the sensation of it all that he didn't notice the elbow aimed at his face until it already connected with his cheek. That strike brought him back to the present and he focuses on the young woman attempting to launch a fist at his face. He narrowly avoids it but catches her second punch in the palm of his hand. Her small fists were almost childlike in his larger hand. He uses his grip on her hand to twist her arm behind her back with his other hand wrapped snuggly around the back of her neck. He skillfully maneuvers Rachel onto all fours with her legs tucked beneath her, right arm twisted behind her back, left arm trying to support her weight and push against the force that Richard is applying to base of her neck. Her leader has positioned his body directly behind her and is bearing some of his weight down on her as he nestles his erection in the base of her spine. He knows she can feel it and he doesn't care. Even grinds it against her as she continues to struggle in his hold. She is the reason they are in this situation in the first place. Richard forces more weight on her as he leans forward to whisper in her ear.

"I also heard you were glued to Beastboy on Saturday night. Did you enjoy his heat?" he hisses between clenched teeth. "Did you enjoy locking lips with that mutt?"

Rachel turns her head to face him and looks him dead in his eyes before colliding her head with his. He was not expecting that and even though he is seeing stars, his grip on her does not falter. They tighten. Her voice cuts through the dull ache, "I never kissed Beastboy. Where did you hear that from? And so what if I do?"

"Huh?" is all Richard can think to say.

"Why would I kiss Beastboy. I don't even like him like that," she says.

"That's not what Starfire said. She told me that you spent most of the night glued to him. She said she saw you kissing him," Richard accuses her as he as continues to apply pressure on her neck. You better not be lying to me.

"Well yea," Rachel grunts, "He's one of the few people I knew there. He had too much to drink and started throwing up. I stayed with him. Why would I want to kiss someone who smells like vomit?"

Richard's mind is racing to process this new information. None of this was in Starfire's recounting of events. Someone was lying to him and that thought didn't sit well with him. He doubt his Rachel would lie to his face. She's always been honest with him. He would have to assess this later because he can feel the air in the training room becoming heavy. Rachel is calling on her powers. "Nah-ah, Rachel. Once you use your powers you forfeit this sparring match or are you yielding?"

"This wasn't the type of match I thought I was getting into," she says, clearly alluding to their suggestive positions on the floor. Richard chuckles a little. Slightly relieved that she is recalling her powers and not blasting him through a wall. Giddy at the thought that maybe Saturday night was all a misunderstanding. Excited by the feel of Rachel's body and scent pinned beneath him. She has stopped struggling. Before Richard can think better of it, there is the resounding sound of flesh on thinly clothed flesh bouncing off the walls as his hand connects with her ass cheek. "DICK!"

Ah, music to his ears.

"Do you really think none of the criminals we deal with are perverts? That they wouldn't do this to you if they had the chance?" Richard asks. They will never have that chance. "Especially when you run around in a leotard? We need to get you a new costume."

He releases her from his hold and throws himself down on the floor beside her. This sparring session is clearly over and Richard is the victor in more ways than one. But, before Rachel can straighten herself and respond, Starfire bursts through the training room doors and yells "ROBIN! Come quickly! Beastboy has collapsed!"

...I know.

Who's lying? And more importantly, what does Richard know?