Fan Fiction ❯ Just One Night Out ❯ Just Be Honest ( Chapter 6 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Chapter 6.) Just Be Honest

d/c: I do not own Teen Titans. I never have. I never will. R & R. Enjoy.



Introduction:

Raven, in order to focus her energy from going berserk, must from time to time meditate to control it. Today, it is in her schedule for her to do so. This is the moment Starfire has been waiting for! She decides it is time to set a little motion into her plans for today...and looks like Cyborg has taken upon himself to play Cupid for an unsuspecting Beast Boy! How will this smorgasbord of couples end up? And so the tempest begins...

Key:

' '=Thoughts

" "=Spoken words

"" ""=Music

Day: Number 10

Point Of View: Robin

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Living Room

Time: 11:35 A.M.

Robin sat leisurely on the couch, whistling softly and contentedly. Today, Raven was at her room, meditating, in order to maintain the level of her magic and psychic powers from going below or above normal expectancy. It was a slight damper, but he saw her every day; and she did need the time out. He smiled and laid himself back. 'Things are going so perfectly between the two of us,' He thought with a content smile. "Hmm...maybe I'll be getting married sooner than even Mr. Wayne, heh heh...Too bad he can't find the same happiness and intimacy that me and Raven share. Ah, Raven...," Robin allowed himself to muse over his intimate moments with his beloved.

'Ahhh...Maybe Raven was right about fate and destiny; maybe some people are meant for one another," Here he grinned boyishly, "And I guess we're the perfect examples, heh heh."Beast Boy had approached him after Raven had told Robin she required time to meditate. Normally, Robin would have been happy to chat with him. But today, Beast Boy had gone...well, ballistic was not the word, but he seemed far from pleased. He pondered about this incident, which took place not more than six minutes ago. It had jolted him, considerably...

FLASHBACK

"Okay, see ya soon, Raven." Robin and Raven kissed, held hands for a few seconds, and departed ways. He waved and watched as Raven went out the room towards her own, not noticing Beast Boy approaching from his other side, until he spoke up. "Robin. We need to talk." Robin smiled at him, but faltered when he caught the serious glance in Beast Boy's eyes. "Uh, hey Beast Boy. What's the matter? I can see something is bothering you." Beast Boy sat across from him, looking anywhere but at Robin. "Yes, there is. I hate to say it, but it concerns you." Robin gawked at him. 'Did do something I wasn't supposed to? Was it the last piece of pizza I'd eaten this morning that he'd said was reserved for him?'Robin gulped.

"Um, if it is about the pizza, then I am terribly sorry." Beast Boy stared at him incredulously. "Huh? What are you talking about?!" Then Beast Boy seemed to remember something, and Robin cringed. 'Should have kept your mouth shut,' He thought to himself. Beast Boy began yelling down at Robin, who's hair was being blown away by Beast Boy's outburst. "Wait! You were the one who ate my last slice of pizza?! That what you are talking about!?" Beast Boy glowered for a moment, and calmed down. "No, I did not come here to talk about a slice of pizza. I'll pretend I did not hear that last bit. I have another thing to discuss. Something more important...," Robin was confused. "I'm officially lost, here."

Beast Boy sighed. "Look, Rob. I'm glad that you and Raven have gone all lovey dovey and all, but I must say...," Robin interrupted him, arms crossed. "You like Raven." Beast Boy stared at him, a horrified look on his face. He shook his head vigorously, backing off for emphasis. "No, no, no! That was not my subject matter! Most definitely not! I was here to talk about your...," Beast Boy hesitated, trying to find the right words, "Lack of involvement with your friends." Robin frowned at him. "Garfield, you don't have to lie to me. Bruce taught me well enough for me to discern," Beast Boy interrupted him hastilly. "That is not my point. My point is-!" Robin did not look bothered...much. "It's okay, Logan."

Beast Boy (Garfield Logan) was on the verge of yelling. He began to dance with frustration. "I didn't ask if it is okay! Now will you listen?! This has nothing to do with me, nor Raven, nor Cy or any of...," Garfield blinked twice, and continued forth. "Okay, maybe it does involve everyone, for that matter. What I am getting at, is that ever since you two got involved with one another...you've been less than companiable to the others...," Beast Boy sighed and slumped. "Namely Starfire. I know it is your choice how you treat your friends, but bear with me, okay?" Robin nodded.

"You have my full attention." Beast Boy began anew. "Starfire has...been feeling kind of down as of late. You don't even have the time to ask how her day was, how she is feeling, or any of that stuff you used to do. She feels kind of...isolated. She didn't want to tell you that because she thought it was selfish of her to think of that...she didn't want to get in the way...but she trusts you alot, Robin. She went up to me for comfort...well, rather, I came up to her, actually. I've noticed her down mood for a while, you see. But she did confide in me what she was feeling...and normally, she goes to you directly."

"I am not going to tell you what to do...you can go ahead, and continue as is. At least I'll be there for Starfire. If it is okay with you, then this matter is over. I just wanted you to know what she feels. That is all. Thanks for your time. Bye." With that, Logan had left the room at a brisk pace, leaving no time for Robin to react. Robin blinked, unsure what to make of this situation. 'I don't see...,' He thought, confused. 'Okay, maybe I haven't been there for Star these past days...," He cringed mentally at this, "And I have not noticed her at all. I guess Beast Boy has a point...but why did he care so much as to talk to me like that?"

FLASHBACK END

"Uh, too much to think." Robin stretched his neck, as well as his limbs. 'While Raven is doing her mental training I ought to do my own work out...it had been almost a week since I'd last done any form of excercise.' He scratched his head with a smile. "Wayne would have definitely done something to encourage me to achieve more, at that rate. Well, off to the gym, I suppose! Hopefully I'll Raven will be done after I'm through with all this...Hmm, yeah. That sounds like a plan to me!" He stood up from the couch, and made his way for the gym room, two rooms past this one. He began to shadow box as he neared the doorway to his favorite training ground. "Looks like it is another bout between Robin and the punching bag! Who will win? Let's find out!" As he entered the room he made one last mental note. "P.S. Go meet Starfire later in the day. Seriously, though, I guess I miss her company. Must not disappoint!"

Day: Number 10

Point Of View: Starfire

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Starfire's Room

Time: 12:05 A.M.

"Oh, God, I can't do this." Starfire went straight back to her room, clearing her doubts and screwing up the courage to meet with Robin. "I am fully aware that Raven will spend a significant portion of this day meditating...just how long is a matter I am unaware of. Hmm...I guess I should set my plans right now; better now than never, I suppose." She stood before a mirror, checking herself out for a moment, to make sure she did not require any sort adjustments to her clothes or hair. He conscience chided her softly, attempting to boost her morale. 'Star, this is absolutely ridiculous; I am quite certain you do not look much more different than these days before! You should simply quit stalling and make your move! It is not like you have got all day, and neither does he."

Starfire sighed softly, and looked herself at the mirror. She smiled ruefully back at herself. "Well, its all or nothing from here. I think it'd be wise to play it safe and not throw myself at him like I sometimes have done in the past. I'll just ask him if he wishes to just hang out with me...if he does not wish to do so, I will simply consider it as a rejection and it will all be over...," Here she sighed and shook her head, "And then the process of getting over Robin will begin." Her conscience began to sound annoyed. "Enough! Why are you telling me what you are going to do?! Do not just say it...do it! Besides, the sooner you handle this, the better. And no one can say you did not try. You have to be honest to yourself, anyhow. Good luck! You can do this." The voice sounded encouraging at that last part.

"Yes, I certainly will need luck." Starfire straightened herself up, smiled, and left her room to find Robin. All the while, she had one hand behind herself, fingers crossed for luck. 'Must not think of Raven, must think happy thoughts...,' She entered the living room..."Hey, Robin, I...," She realized no one but Beast Boy and Cyborg were there, playing games...again. Beast Boy looked up and waved. He stood up and paused the game. "Hey! What are you doing?!" Cyborg exclaimed at him. Beast Boy rolled his eyes. "It's called talking to a friend, something you should be doing more often."

Cyborg glared at him. "What is that supposed to mean? Are you insinuating something?" Beast Boy shrugged. "You tell me." With that, he left the fuming Cyborg and headed over to Starfire, who was lingering at the hallway entrance. He smiled broadly at the sight of a happy Starfire. 'Looks like she's having a good day, already!' This warmed Beast Boy to no end. He paused slightly, confused. 'Why?' He shrugged mentally. 'She is your new confidant. What makes her happy, makes you happy! That is all.' His conscience reasoned. "I guess." He murmured softly.

"Hi!" Starfire greeted him with upside down u-shaped eyes, as well as a wide smile that revealed all of her shiny clean and perfect teeth to the world. "Ah! Close your mouth, Star, before you blind me with your devine dentures!" Cyborg covered his eyes jokingly. Beast Boy retorted without even looking at him. "You are just jealous she's got perfect teeth, Cy. What you got there in your mouth? Chiclets?" Cy let out a angry bellow. "Hey! That was so not nice! I'm going to get you for that, shorty! You hear?" Beast Boy grinned as Starfire chuckled, a hand over her face.

'She looks so much better when she laughs.' Beast Boy decided more put downs were in order, just to brighten Starfire's day. "Blah, blah, blah. All bark and no bite, Cy. You just talkin' out of your ass!" Cyborg began to do a dance of rage. "You're lucky there are too many witnesses here! Cause if there weren't, I was gonna...," This brought even more gales of laughter from Starfire. Beast Boy smiled ruefully as he watched the amused Starfire. 'If only Raven would enjoy my jokes as much as Starfire does. Sigh...I guess that is one of the best things about Star; anything is fun and amusing to her. That's so sweet."

Day: Number 10

Point Of View: Beast Boy

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Living Room

Time: 10:58 A.M.

"Hey there, Starfire. How's it hanging?" Starfire stared questioningly at him. "How is what hanging?" Beast Boy sweat-dropped slightly. 'Oh, yeah. Note to self, must remember not to use slang terms that confuse Starfire. Not nice.' "Well, I meant to say...how are you? You seem to have brightened quite alot, I think." Starfire nodded, a genuine grin on her face. "Is it because of...Robin?" He ventured teasingly. Starfire seemed to look distant, as if her mind was focused on something else...perhaps...him? Beast Boy snapped his fingers twice to snap her out of her reverie. "Huh? I, uh, um...," She stammered, and blushed deeply as she made her reply. "Yes...," She murmured quietly. Beast Boy patted her shoulder. "That's good. See? Everything worked out just great! Want to talk about it?" She smiled softly, shaking her head. "I will tell you later. Is that all right with you?"

Beast Boy bowed like an gracious gentleman, causing Starfire to titter. Cyborg was watching these proceedings, and slapped his face in slight disgust. "I am always at your service, madame Starfire." He said jokingly...'Then why do I feel like I mean it?' Starfire blushed slightly, and bowed back. "Thank you, Beast Boy. That is very kind of you. Well, see you later! And thanks again!" Beast Boy called after her as she left. "Just remember! Be honest to yourself! We'll be rooting for ya!" He watched her go down the hall, and smiled. "It's nice to see Star so happy." 'Hmm...maybe Starfire won't need my guidance? For some reason, he almost felt disappointed. Almost, anyway. He dusted his hands off, pretending he had finished some grueling task.

"Well, looks like that is one less worry-!" He paused for a moment. "Wait...is she happy because...?" 'Because she is planning a heinous plot to take Robin away from Raven, making her the villainous witch?' Beast Boy thought for a moment, and shook his head. "Nah, she ain't like that. Probably she and Robbie are hanging out once more. That's cool." He went back to his spot right next to Cyborg. "Let's continue or duel, shall we?" Cyborg didn't even look up. "Took you long enough, flirtin' 'round with Star." Beast Boy gave him an indignant look. "Say what?! I am not like that with Star." Cyborg stood up and imitated Beast Boy's low bow, accompanying it with a girlish whine.

"Oh, I am always at your service, madame Starfire. May I kiss your hand, my lady?" Beast Boy flushed and glared daggers at the bigger teen. "Why you! I never said it like that! I never said, 'May I kiss your hand, my lady?' I'm not that much of an ape like you!" Cyborg crossed his shoulders with a smirk. "You were going to. I could tell." Beast Boy's blood began to boil. Cyborg backed up as his smaller friend began to grow an unhealthy looking red tinge to his skin. "Uh, Beastie? You okay? I was only-!" Beast Boy slowly turned into a gnashing T-rex. Cyborg sweatdropped and cowered as Beast Boy approached him. "I'm going to make you eat those words!" He roared down at the bewildered and frightened Cyborg. Cy immediately fell to his knees, arms on the floor, head down. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He chanted, almost like a mantra.

Beast Boy changed back to his normal form, smirking. "You are pathetic. I was just joking. Though I can't believe you said that! Now, behave." Cyborg nodded slowly, brushing off the cold sweat beading across his forehead. 'Joking?! I could not possibly take that as a joke! Why the hell do I get stuck up in these situations all the time? Does the gods disfavor me that much?!' Beast Boy sat down as if nothing had happened and resumed the game. "Let's go!" Beast Boy seemed to be his normal cheerful self again, but Cyborg was very suspicious. He looked at him from the corner of his eye. 'Hm...Interesting reaction. He overreacted to my words! Maybe he isn't even aware...? Is it possible?!' Cyborg was unsure, but he had a good hunch.

'I'll wait a while...and see how this turns out. Lately everyone's been going off the deep end...is this what love does to people?' Beast Boy was smiling as usual...but there was a slight twinkle in his eyes. Cyborg shook his head. "If love makes people go gaga, then I want no part in it." Beast Boy gave a start at this statement. He whipped around to face Cyborg, and what Cy saw made him gulp. His eyes had widened considerably, and his mouth had dropped wide open. It was not a look of anger; it was an extremely shocked look, as if he had told a most embarassing secret out to the world; it looked almost betrayed.

Beast Boy's mind was racing faster than Indie 500 racecars at fullpower.'That's not how I feel for-! What did he say?!' Cyborg put a hand to his mouth. 'Think fast, think fast, think fast, or this is gonna be your funeral, Cy!' "Oh, shi...sorry, Beast. I was just thinking about how Robin and Raven are so crazy for one another...and that I am not ready for that kind of intimate treatment. You know?' Beast Boy nodded, and Cy noticed that Beastie seemed greatly relieved. He resumed his position, and went on like nothing had happened.

'Hmm. I don't think he really is aware of it at all. That, or he is pretending not to know, but I doubt it. I've known him much too long. He thinks he feels like a trusted friend to Starfire, but his emotions are too exaggerated to be just that. Maybe he needs a little push?' The answer came swiftly to him. 'Now is not a GOOD time, Cy. Think about.' Cyborg sighed, and then he grinned mischieviously. 'Hmm...maybe I can pull some strings...,' Cyborg's mind began to make calculated (or so he thought) plans...plans Beast Boy would never have approved.

Day: Number 10

Point Of View: Starfire

Location: Titan Tower

Setting: Hallway

Time: 12:30 A.M.

"Where could he be? Robin? Robin...? I seek your companionship!" Starfire sighed softly. "Not here...or maybe he is at Raven's room already...?" She flinched inwardly. 'I hope not...,' She crept towards the room in question and listened in. 'No, Raven is still meditating; her breathing is slow and calculated, almost sounds like she is taking a rest...technically, she is.' Starfire moved off...and then heard familiar grunts coming from the gym room. She smiled and chuckled to herself, relieved.

"Of course! He loves going to the gym room! Well, like they say, you always find what your looking for in the most obvious place, as well as the last place you will look!" She walked confidentally to the door...and stopped as she gripped the door handle. She felt her resolve begin to waver again, nervousness creating butterflies within her belly. Starfire bit her lip, using the pain to blot out her mind of all its troubles. 'Must believe, must not doubt, must believe, must notdoubt...,' She thought silently, repeating this over and over in her mind.

As soon as she felt up to it, she cleared her throat, primping her dress one last time. 'Well, here I go.' She pulled the door open, and was assualted with sounds of a boom box playing loudly in the back of the room. She covered her ears to blot out the sound, and entered, scanning left and right for Robin. He was to the right, sparring with a boxing back. 'Can he really concentrate with this loud pounding music? I am not aware that it was good for the ears, either. I do not believe so. Oh well. Time to make my appearance.' She paused at the door to admire him from the distance. Robin was not wearing his usual suit; it was in a coat hanger, on top of Robin's locker. He was wearing a white tank top, grey sweatpants, and red boxing gloves; his feet were totally bare.

From his fighting style, Starfire guessed he was going for a bout of kickboxing. He moved so fluidly, his trim muscles relaxing and contracting with each strike. His breathing was even, as if this excercise was no sweat to him. 'It almost looks like he is dancing.' She thought to herself, as he whirled to perform a blind spin kick at the punching bag, causing it to swing backwards, then back forwards. Robin immediately dodged away, and then let out a flurry of rapid punches. Right jab, left jab, right hook, overhead left hook, left elbow strike, right elbow strike...each move was comboed in a chain of strikes, making for an elaborate and graceful display of physical prowess. 'Wow...,' She watched him dreamilly, his toned muscles working at their peak. 'Hmm...Robin, Robin...have not changed one bit. Still as persistent to your routine,' Here she grinned, 'As am I.'

Starfire decided it was time to announce her arrival. She walked towards the boom box, and switched it off. Click! 'Huh? What gives?' Robin paused his routine to see why the music had cut off at midbeat. The boxing bag swung right into him at that instant, clubbing him in the stomach. "Oof! Oh...hey there, Star." He greeted her with a muffled voice, as he held his stomach, tottering back and forth from the unexpected blow. Starfire winced visibly, sympathetic as to his health. "Oops, I am so sorry, Robin. I just wanted to get your attention...," She smiled uneasily as she approached his staggering form and helped him up. Even though the wind was knocked out of him, he grinned enthusiastically. "Well, you got my attention! How are ya, Star? Been a while since we talked...sorry about that. Everything all right?"

Starfire put a hand behind her head and smiled contentedly. She hid the blush that was coming on just that moment as she looked into his eyes. "Everything is just perfect now." Robin straightened himself out and took a towel from his gym bag. He gave her a teasing smile. "Hmm...you seem quite happy today...What happened now? Found a boyfriend?" Starfire shook her head. "No, no boyfriend." 'Yet.' She mused with an exhilirated smile. "Just happy to be hanging out with you again. Here, allow me." be She took the towel from Robin and began to wipe the sweat off his face...his arms...and his torso. 'Mmm...this is so...nice....,' Starfire began to day dream again. Robin sweatdropped as he watched her eyes soften considerably at this task. 'Whoa...is she...this is...not what I...?' "Uh, Starfire? You could stop drying me out now...you've done an extra thorough job, there." Starfire quickly ceased her activity. "Oh! I lost my concentration. Silly me!" An embarrassed flush graced her face.

"That's okay, really. Thank you." 'Good ol' Starfire...looks like nothing has changed...but that's good. It's nice of her to always want to help someone out.' Robin packed away his stuff into his locker. His stomach rumbled, reminding Robin that he had missed breakfast this morning. 'Oh...Guess it's time to chow. But Beast Boy forgot to buy the groceries yesterday! And all we got left is 'blue furry food'...blech!' With clean up done for he began to leave.He turned and faced Starfire. "I'm going to go out to eat. Want to come along? My treat." Starfire's smile grew considerably bigger. "I am only too happy to oblige!"

She gripped his arm and zipped out the door, half flying and half dragging a hapless Robin through the air with her. 'Okay, calm down, Star, just start slow...do not rush this.' It took all of her will to calm down her excited state. Robin, on the other hand, blinked twice, unsure of what to make of his situation. Before he knew it, the two were in front of Raven's room. Starfire knew she wanted to be alone with Robin, but it wouldn't be nice to just not invite Robin's girlfriend to this outting. Starfire gently rapped on the door. "Raven? We're going out to eat a decent meal of unhealthy fast foods. Want to come join us?" The door slowly opened, and Raven peered out. She smiled at Robin, who was waving cheerilly at her, before turning her attention to Starfire.

"Hmm...I would like to join you guys, but I am in serious need of my meditation practices. Just pick something out for me...just make sure I get a decent meal, when you return. But thank you very much." She ventured out of her room and motioned Robin to come closer. He grinned and did as she bid him forth. The two hugged one another, driving a spike of jealousy and sorrow in Starfire's emotions. Raven broke the hug, but continued to look him in the eye with a flirtatious smile. "See you soon?" Robin kissed her forehead, and then lightly on her lips. "Of course, Raven. I can't wait, either." Raven went back to her room, closing the door while peering out with a soft look in her eyes. "Later, lover boy." Robin blew a kiss in her direction as a response. Starfire couldn't help but look away at these proceedings. 'Must not react, must not react,' She thought over and over again in her head. Robin turned back to Starfire, who quickly recovered...but not quite fast enough. Robin looked at her with concern. "Starfire, what is bothering you? Just now you looked kind of...sad."

Starfire pasted a smile on her face, clasping her hands together. "Oh, nothing is wrong, Robin! As I have said before, everything is just perfect!" Robin looked uncertainly at her. "Uh, Star, I hate to say this...but I think something is still bothering you. Maybe I'm wrong...but Star?" Starfire looked up at him. Robin placed a hand under her chin and set himself level to her. "If anything is bothering you, let me know. I'll do my best to help your situation. I mean, you do not have to tell me either if that is what you wish; no one is forcing you."



" Just know that we're here for ya. None of your decisions will be questioned. Just be honest to yourself." He gave her a lopsided smile. She returned the gesture with interest. 'Hmm...looks like everything has been going smooth, as of late. Let us hope my luck remains that way.' Her fingers were still crossed for luck behind her back. "Now, let's go and ask Beast Boy and Cy if they want to come, shall we?" Starfire nodded with enthusiasm. "Sure. Sounds good to me!" Robin put an arm around her shoulder, and she put hers about his waist.

The two friends chatted animatedly like best friends as they left to invite Beast Boy and Cyborg...not noticing Raven's door open a crack, revealing two peering eyes, staring at the receding Starfires's back. The tower began to shake as Raven's anger and jealousy began to meld with physic abbilities. She hastilly controlled her emotions, and the tremors ceased. Raven scowled darkly. 'Her mind was so open! I read every single emotion she'd had! How could she...? She knows I-!' "Hmmm...I see someone else has a thing for Wonder Boy...I must be cautious...," Raven closed the door silently behind her, and from then on silence reigned in the tower.

Authors Note: My philosophy of love is very conflicting; I am not certain what is correct. My ideals as of late seem to be that the only shame in falling for someone is not even trying...even if they like someone else. You may say it is selfish; but when there is someone you truly care for, someone you would like to marry in the future, then damn all the rivals and bury them in your closet. Love is pleasant...but it is also quite harsh, as well. I only wrote the story before this one because it reminded me of a similar situation that I fell into, involving a girl I liked and knew she already had a prior interest (bf, you know). Even when she was actively dating him, I still from time to time...I ain't going to dignify you with details of what I did, or I'll spoil this story. Anyway, I did give up after a year...only to realize later she had a conflict of interest, and that I really was succeeding where I thought I had failed. Some things we believe to be impossible...just are not as out of reach as it seems. It really is your choice to do what ever you wish...but I suggest you choose something that disregards the feelings of your rivals...but still sets in focus your true interest, what she wants. Does that make me a bad person? I really don't know. My friend doesn't think so. Answer at least this last question in your review.