I4.6

Chapter 4: Charms

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

Author's Note: I do not believe in DC or Marvel supremacy. I enjoy them both. This chapter is split between flashback and the present so I hope it's not too confusing.

2...3...4...5...deep exhale of air through his nose. Nightly stretches are necessary to refocus the mind before bed. This is the time for Richard to reflect on the events of the day. Who said this. Who did that. Contemplating motives. Assessing changing dynamics within his team and determining whether those changes could prove dangerous to the group. This is what makes him a good leader. Vigilant observation...and he has observed some interesting things this evening.

Richard breaths in deeply as he stretches muscular arms above his head. He ignores the throbbing in his shoulder as he bends his arms as far back as he can to release the tension in his upper back. There is a soft crack as something gives, follow by a sudden rush of relief. This brings a small smile to his lips as he bends to the right at his waist and feels the pull on his left. He holds this position until the count of ten before bending in the opposite direction. He is alone in this particular training room and feels safe enough to allow his thoughts to wander and emotion to flow across his face. His teammates know not to disturb him during his pre-bedtime ritual. Their leader is a very high maintenance man.

What did Richard observe after dinner? The budding of a "friendship" that makes him queasy. It was clear as day that Beastboy has ulterior motives for getting closer to Raven. He is a curious creature by nature and wants to know more about the mysteries of the team's violet hair beauty. Yes, beauty. Richard can willingly and readily admit that to himself when alone. Rachel is beautiful in an exotic, gothic sort of way. Natural violet hair and eyes aside, her appeal shines through in the melancholic way that she conducts herself. Without saying a word, it appears as though she is carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders. Within her heart. When she slips into her grim thoughts, there is a slight downturn to her lips and sadness that twinkles in her eyes. As though she is an abandoned princess, trapped in an invisible castle and patiently waiting from a prince to come save her. A man who can break down those thick stone walls surrounding her heart and show her that being loved and cared for is something that she deserves. But, it's almost as though she doesn't believe he exists. It appeals to the part of men who want to be her savior and Richard feels compelled to save her from these predators.

As much as Beastboy proclaims the importance of life and being a vegetarian, his underlying nature is that of a predator. His default shift is not a bunny rabbit, but a tiger. Beastboy does not qualify for the position of savior. He is not built for it and will easily crumble under the pressure. Richard knows this for a fact. He is not strong enough to face her demons. To look her father in the eye and tell him to fuck off. He wouldn't even begin to understand how to save her from herself. He has never felt her inner child quiver in his arms. Or held her close when Slade ripped her leotard and shamed her beyond belief. He has not been deep inside of her mind. Seen the horrors, self doubt and fear that reside there. The monks of Azarath cared for her as much as they feared her and were more concerned with teaching her ways to control her powers instead of instilling self confidence. They prepared her for the doom and gloom of her prophesied fate instead of helping her work towards building a future of her choice. Richard has guided his beloved back to the light on more than one occasion. Beastboy could never stand beside this powerful and capable woman as a her equal, much less do right by her heart. His Rachel is stronger than she looks, but much more fragile than she seems. That fool would damage her with his carelessness and dirty her with his fingerprints.

Richard could not think of a man who would be worthy enough of all she has to give at her highest and capable enough to handle her at her lowest. Therefore, he must protect her at all cost.

Keeping his Rachel safe and happy is all Richard can think about as he dips down into a crouch. Extending one toned leg to the side and stretching out his hip. He can feel the pull of muscle and joints as he shifts to the other leg. One hand on the floor for balance and the other on his thigh…

Smooth pale thighs were barely covered by a pair of dark shorts. She sat cross legged on the sofa as Cyborg and Starfire try to decide which movie the team should watch tonight. She doesn't realize that her position has exposed so much of her legs to his hungry gaze because she was too busy educating Beastboy on Greek mythology. A copy of Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief in one hand and in the other is an old copy of Metamorphoses by Ovid. Both teammates are sitting dangerously close to one another. Knees touching and heads bowing over both books. Comparing notes. The new tales vs the old tales. The Percy Jackson & the Olympians series is one the few series Beastboy has ever read. He took their story at face value, but never knew that the older tales were darker and more disturbing. What is presented in Metamorphose is much more than an adventure. It is a commentary on the human condition.

Beastboy is excited about this impromptu crash course and finding a topic to talk about with Raven. It is evident on his face and in his body language, but he isn't who Richard is focusing on. His eyes are trained on Rachel and mentally documenting her response to their teammate. She is allowing him to invade her space in a way that she has never done before. There is skin to skin contact. They are holding each other's gazes as they speak. Sharing the same air as they share ideas. Her eyes are bright as concepts and connections flow through her mind. She smiles with joy as her full lips form probing questions about Riordan's books. She gently clasps her chin in deep thought about the evolution of myths, legends and tales. How much truth is there in them if they are constantly changing over time?

Richard had thought to himself, there was a time when you only looked at me like that, Rachel. This is making me uncomfortable. You are making me uncomfortable.

Beastboy is practically basking in the glow of her attention while Richard is quietly seething in a corner. This is a new development that he is not happy about. A working relationship is necessary for the good of the team, but this is the budding of a new friendship that might lead to something...undesirable. Romantic relationships within a work environment is dangerous. There is too much potential for things to go wrong, especially when Richard knows that it won't end well. Beastboy doesn't possess the character that it would take to keep her happy and safe.

Richard aggressively punches the air at the thought of what he saw. She used to be so shy, quiet and timid around her teammates. Keeping to herself. Only sharing what she had to, when she had to. It took some work for Richard to draw her out of her shell. To get her to open up to him. To share that expression of joy with him. That lovely, stoic face would soften as her bright eyes would come alive when they discuss ways to accomplish a goal or devise a strategy for a particularly troublesome foe. He thought that countenance was just reserved for his viewing pleasure, but here comes Beastboy. Swooping out of left field and capitalizing on his hard work. She has been sharing smiles with him and intimidate embraces with Cyborg. So, what does that leave for Richard? She is becoming increasingly familiar and comfortable with the unworthy members of their team. He would need to check that before it becomes even more irksome.

Irk was the adjective to describe his mood when Starfire and Cyborg finally decide on Avengers: Infinity War. A Marvel movie? Really? They couldn't have chosen something more...realistic? That Ironman character is clearly a rip off of Batman. Besides, that movie is damn near 3 hours long. Richard was ready to run away from all of his teammates.

Starfire is looking at him with puppy eyes because she wants to cuddle.

Cyborg is looking mighty pleased with himself because he's convinced he's the real life Ironman.

Beastboy is looking like he's floating on cloud nine because Raven has promised to teach him the difference between the Grimm's version of famous fairytales vs Disney's. (Just read the fucking books for yourself, asshat.)

Raven is looking at ease in another man's presence while taunting him with her soft, pale thighs resting so invitingly on the couch. Would it really be so wrong to bury his face in her lap and take a nap while the rest of them watch this absurd movie? In this moment, there are only three things that Richard knows for certain. 1) He is annoyed. 2) He is sexually frustrated. 3) He must separate Beastboy and Rachel at all cost. There was no way in hell that he would allow the two of them to spend 3 hours together, snuggled up on the sofa, sharing snacks while he has to fend off Starfire's wandering hands and heavy expectations.

"Beastboy, I thought you were on snack duty. What do we have to munch on?" was the only thing he could think of to say.

"Oh yea. You're right! I almost forgot the snacks," was the green beast's reply before standing and turning to his Rachel. "I'll be right back Raven."

Oh no the fuck you won't, is Richard's thoughts as he watches his subordinate make his way into the kitchen. He is barely out the living room for 5 seconds before Richard plops himself right next to Rachel. She looks at him as though she is going to say something, but decides not to. It is the wisest choice. Who knows how he would have reacted at that rejection. He feels as though he is teetering on the edge of a dark abyss that would swallow him whole if he stumbles. But...he can't seem to help himself. Before he could think better of it, he islightly brushing his hand over the knee that came into contact with Beastboy. The only thing he wanted her to feel was him.

Richard balances his body as he enters a controlled handstand. He feels the blood rush to his head as he contemplates the strange look Rachel gave him after that. He has touched her in the past, but it was usually on her shoulders and arms. Or straightening a stray piece of clothing. Safe. Comforting. Something you would do with a sibling or friend. It was his first time touching her in a more intimate location and it made her stiffen in surprise, but she didn't exactly pull away. Maybe she was questioning why he was next to her instead of Starfire? Or was she disappointed that she couldn't spend more time with Beastboy? She should consider herself lucky. He would have talked throughout the whole movie. Richard has deeper issues to worry about than Thanos.

He has always been mindful of Rachel, but that evening he is hyper aware of her. Since he is sitting beside her, he can feel the heat radiating off her skin. Can hear her steady breathing. Feel her shifting in her seat. Tensing in moments of action and excitement. Practically melting during heartfelt dialogue. Slowly blinking as her intelligent mind analyzes the plot. There were small smiles. Soft gasps. Sharp intakes of breath. Groans and moans at embarrassing or cringe worthy lines that could only be found in action movies that feature superheroes. Whoever says that Rachel is emotionless is obviously oblivious. She reacts in subtle ways.

Richard can't help but to wonder to himself about how different this experience would be if they were alone. Without the team holding him back from touching her more freely. Would she squirm away from the contact if he had left his hand on her knee? Or would she have allowed it to rest there with his thumb gently caressing the sensitive area? He wants to know what it would feel like to have her body react to him instead of this movie. Would she shiver gently in in his arms with excitement and anticipation? Richard imagines that she would be a quiet lover. Soft moans, stifle groans, panting lips that will repeat his name like a mantra. Instead of "Azarath Metrion Zinthos" it would be "Dick." He covers his lap with a pillow as he feels his cock twitch at the thought of her whispering his name like a prayer. Whimpering it like a plea. Begging him to let her cum as she clings to him like her life depends on it. Would she bite his neck? Scratch his back? Pull his hair? Richard was racking his brain trying to figure out what kind of lover she would be.

A glint of silver caught his eye as she shifts on the couch beside him. She uncurls her shapely legs from sitting Indian style and stretches them before her. His eyes stray to the bracelet wrapped around her delicate left ankle. It was a charm anklet that he had gifted to her after her birthday that was ruined by the Slade incident. He knew she did not like celebrating her birthday, but that gift was in celebration of her. She was important to the team and especially to him. He made sure she understood that when he gave it to her. She was a little uncomfortable with receiving a gift like this, but she accepted it. As far as he knew, she hasn't taken it off since then. It compliments any aesthetic she decides to wear with feathered charms dangling from a silver chain. Each charm has a different colored precious gem embedded into it. He idly imagines how those charms will shake in time with each of his thrusts. Would they jingle in his ear as he rests her feet on his shoulder and lifts her hips for better leverage?

Richard slowly lowers his own feet to the floor and crouches there. One hand holds the bridge of his nose as he sorts through his myriad of emotions. Feeling her body readjusting next to him made that situation all too real. He wasn't just envisioning these things in the privacy of his own bathroom, but in a room full of people. There is a part of him that feels like a creepy pervert for objectifying his beautiful friend, but there is a much larger part of him that didn't care. He had too many erotic questions that were demanding answers that he couldn't logically supply. Rachel is not as easy to read and predict as Starfire. Her responses are always restrained and Richard so badly wants to test that level of control. He wants to make her flustered under his attention. Make her actively seek out his touch. Make her dream about it. Pleasure herself to it. Force her to realize that the only man she is truly safe with is him. Not Beastboy. Not Cyborg. Not Malchior. No one else. He is the only one worthy enough to see her at her most vulnerable. To run his fingertips across places she never knew were sensitive. To be the reason she wakes up sore, achy and utterly satisfied the next morning.

"Friend Robin?" came a soft voice that made him almost jump out of his skin. He looks up to see Starfire looking at his crouched figure in concern. He stands up to greet her and hopes that she doesn't notice his bulge. He really needs to control these thoughts and fantasies.

"Hey Starfire! What's up?" Robin supplies with a self conscious chuckle.

She looks everywhere but at him and he knew that this was not going to be a comfortable conversation, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure. Shoot!" he says with his most reassuring smile.

She fidgets with the hem of her shirt and Robin spies her defined abs beneath the slightly raised fabric. "I...I'm not sure how to say it…" There was a long pause, but Robin is patient as she puts her words together, "Why do you touch friend Raven so much?"

That was the last question Robin wants to ponder much less answer. How does he even begin to provide a response that will appease an insecure princess? She has no reason to be insecure. She was beautiful, kind and powerful. But here she was, seeking reassurance from her leader.

"I'm not sure what you mean. I don't think I touch her more than anyone else on this team. You and I touch all the time," was the half truth Robin could muster in response. He watches as her smooth brow creases in confusion followed by a small shake of her head.

"These touches are different, Robin. They feel more...intimate somehow. I'm not sure how to say it. Besides, I am the one who is always touching you. You don't touch me back," came a soft reply that is accompanied by two green eyes that are full of hope. Robin has to suppress the shiver running down his spine from all that barely concealed expectations for things that will never be.

"Star. Raven is one of my closest friends. She's also the most isolated out of all of us. I think she just needs a hug from time to time and just doesn't realize it," is Robin's response. "It's not what you think. You know I'm against work place romances. They never end well. Besides, Raven is like a sister to me. She's had such a rough life that I feel like a big brother who needs to protect his baby bird."

Starfire shakes her head again. "Then why do you look at her like that?"

"...like what?"

"Like...you're only happy when she's...focusing on you…" was her shaky reply. "Like you want to consume her…"

Because I do, but he couldn't tell her that he's tempted to touch Rachel in the most unholy ways. But why does he think that his more explicit fantasies are a sin when they center around his beloved but not Starfire? What is the real difference between these two women? He needs more time to rationally think about this.

"I think you're reading too much into this, Star. Raven and I are just friends. You and I are just friends. Nothing more and nothing less," were the words that make Starfire's eyes drop to the ground. He has effectively friendzoned her and hopes that she understands what he is trying to tell her. "I'm tired and wanna go to bed now. If you want to talk more later then we can do that."

He doesn't really give her enough time to reply as he walks out the training room. He just wants to go to bed and hopefully sleep this confusing day away. He needs to stop sexualizing both of these women and focus on being the best leader he can be for their team.

But, that's easier said than done when all he can hear is the faint tinkle of feather shaped charms in his ear.

Whoa! It took 4 chapters to make it through a half a day in this story. I hope the pacing isn't too slow for you, but I want to make sure that I adequately develop relationships between these characters.