Fan Fiction ❯ Just One Night Out ❯ Return to me, Salvation ( Chapter 7 )

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

Chapter 7.) Return to me, Salvation

d/c: I do not own Teen Titans. I never have. I never will. Evanescence's Tourniquet is not mine either. R & R. Enjoy.



Introduction:

Starfire sets her plans into motion; now is not the time to wait! Tis a time for action! Or maybe not...This story is set in a different way; everyone is doing something, sometimes at the same time.

Key:

' '=Thoughts

" "=Spoken words

"" ""=Music

Day: Number 10

Point Of View: Starfire

Location: Warren Burgers! (In Metro Plaza)

Setting: Outdoor fastfood restuarant

Time: 1:00 P.M.-10:30 P.M.

"Those guys have no idea what they are missing," Robin commented, a juicy Warren Burger right in front of him. He licked his lips meaningfully, and then let the animal within loose. 'Yes, they sure do not know.' She mused to herself, watching him from the corner of her eyes while sipping her soda. 'Ah...this is what I have always wanted...but now that I have achieved this moment, what will I do?' Starfire was not just nervous; she was quaking inside.

She had to admit she was doing a good job of hiding it. 'Guess I better enjoy this while it lasts,' Her eyes turned into upside down u-shapes, clearly displaying her pleasure. 'When will I get my chance? No, I should see what he feels, first. But how do I approach this situation correctly?' She began to fret with impatience. Her conscience chided her softly. 'Now, now...remember, do not blow your cover! Act natural, and do not panic!' Starfire rolled her eyes at the sky, hoping some divine force would aid her plight.

'Oooh! I never thought waiting would very well be so difficult! Please, wish me luck, and give me strength!' Despite it all, she was extremely happy to be alone...with him. She hid her smile behind her drink, blushing softly as Robin's feet accidentally crossed with her own. He paused to smile apologetically, scratchign the back of his head. "My bad. Sorry, Star." Starfire shook her head, her green eyes beaming. "No harm done, Robin."

She took a bite from her burger, and then took in the surroundings. "It is a pleasant day today, is it not?" Robin nodded agreement. "Sure is. Too bad B.B. and Cyborg chose to play video games instead. Nice day to take a walk in the park...," He trailed off, his thoughts straying elsewhere. 'Too bad Raven isn't here, either...I'm sure she would have loved to be out in this weather.'

He smiled distantly, his eyes focusing on nothing in particular, as if he were in a dream world of his own. The smile was bitter and rueful, but loving nonetheless. 'I'll invite her out some time; just us two...like before.' Starfire noticed Robin's half happy, half saddened expression. She held a hand out and over his, catching his attention. She had a bittersweet look that shocked Robin. "You are thinking about Raven...how you would love having her here...am I correct?"

Robin flushed slightly, and nodded slowly. He grinned with embarassment at her. "Is it that obvious...?" Starfire's smile fell away as she released her hand from his. Her voice was deceptively calm, but her expression couldn't stay straight. Starfire spoke, but could not look him in the eyes. "I know how it feels to love someone...and fantasize being with them...just wanting to have some time with the one you like...or love...Only for me, I will not be never be recieving that. Not from him, anyway." She bit her lip suddenly, effectively cutting short the flow of treacherous words. 'No...my emotions are really getting out of hand! I want this to stop...but the more I resist, the more I...need this.'

Tourniquet

"""I tried to kill the pain,

But only brought more.

(So much more)

I lay dying,

And I'm pouring, crimson regret, and betrayal."""

Robin stared at her, his hamburger forgotten in front of him. "Starfire...you are in love? Why didn't you say anything? With who? Is that why...?" Starfire looked up at him and smiled softly. "Yes...I like someone. He just...will not notice me." She paused to toy with her long flowing hair. "It feels quite lonely." 'What are you doing?! This was not how this day was supposed to go! You are supposed to start slow, remember?' Starfire disregarded the thought. She looked up, only to meet Robin's concerned gaze. She sighed softly, loving this moment at the same time hating it. 'When he looks at me like this...I can not help it. I want to be truthful to him...even if it will be my end. Let's face it...I'm lost with him.'

"""I'm dying,

Praying,

Bleeding,

Screaming.

Am I too lost to be saved ?

Am I too lost ?"""

Robin gestured to the public around him. "How can he not notice? You are popular among the populous; all the guys out there flock to see you...like that bunch over there." He sweatdropped as he pointed at the group of fanboys behind them, no more than twenty feet away. Starfire looked in that direction, and was rewarded by a multitude of pleasant greetings. She would have smiled, but she did not. She turned away, back to Robin, ignoring the fan boys without a second look. "Augh!" This caused the crowd of men to fall over like a house of cards. Starfire continued as if nothing had happened. "They like me, all right...but...it is not...," She shrugged drearilly, leaving out the last word. 'Not the same thing as what I have for you.'

"""My God! My Tourniquet,

Return to me salvation.

My God! My Tourniquet,

Return to me salvation."""

"They are not who I wish to be with. It is not the same thing as loving and being loved. I do not doubt that they are handsome, nor do I doubt that they are nice guys...but they like me for...what? My appearance, and nothing more? And I...do not love, like, or even care about them. You understand, do you not?" Robin thought for a moment, and had to admit she was correct. "Very true. They do like you because you are pretty and popular...not because they know you personally, not for who you are underneath." Her determination only grew as she continued the conversation. 'Forgive me, Raven...I can't help it.'

"""Do you remember me ?

Lost for so long.

Will you be on the other side ?

Will you forgive me ?"""

Starfire smiled ruefully up at the sky. She closed her eyes, not noticing a tear streaking slowly from her face. 'That is absolutely correct...It is nice to be liked by many...I must admit that much, Robin. But all that is useless if my loved one is blind to my feelings, and cannot feel the same way. I think you see it to a certain extent, but you are already in a prior engagement with Raven...,' Starfire wiped away the tear angrilly. 'Must be strong, must not allow anything more to show.' She did not hear Robin standing up from his position.

"""I'm dying,

Praying,

Bleeding,

Screaming."""

Starfire felt hands on her shoulders. Without her notice, Robin had moved directly in front of her. He gave her arms a reassuring squeeze. "Have you told him yet?" Just feeling him this close...Starfire resisted the impulse to cling to his strong frame. If she allowed herself that luxury, she was not sure if the loss afterward would be worth it. She shook her head, eyes still averted. "I can not. I do not wish to make things worse for him. For his sake...I will remain silent." Robin frowned at this.

"""Am I too lost to be saved ?

Am I too lost ?"""

He stared incredulously at her. "'For his sake?' What of your own? You can't disregard yourself! It is obvious you are hurting badly...at least, you could talk it over with a friend...," Here he whispered into her ears, "Like me! I'm open 24/7! Well, maybe not from 11:00 P.M. to 10:25 A.M., anyway...but still!" Robin sat level to her again, his eyes never leaving her own. 'This is a big mistake, you know that.' Starfire's conscience alerted her. 'I know,' She replied back, calmly. 'And you can't stop me.'

"""My God! My Tourniquet,

Return to me salvation.

My God! My Tourniquet,

Return to me salvation."""

'Just give it up, right here and now. At least you'll spare Robin and Raven the trouble...,' Starfire shook her head inwardly. 'Who should I listen to? Maybe I should just back off...,' She surmised. The treacherous voice spoke up at this point. 'What?! And give it all over, just like that? You have come much too far-!' "Stop it! Just...stop." Robin backed off from her. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean to badger you..." She sighed as she began playing with her food. "No, no...I am flattered by your concern...you have done nothing wrong. I mean, if he is happy with another...it would be wrong to intrude...correct?"

"""(Return to me salvation)

(I want to DIE!)"""

Robin looked at her long and hard, an expression of uncertainty stamped on his face. He shrugged his shouders. "Maybe, maybe not. That isn't for me to say. What is right and wrong in love, anyway? How would you define the two?" Starfire held herself like a child needing comfort. "I do not know, either. I wish I did. There are too many points of view...your earthly philosophies are so conflicting and differing." Robin cocked his head at her. "What is your feelings about being in love?" The cold voice spoke up at Starfire. 'Do not dare say anythin-!' Starfire shut out the voice without thinking.

"""My God! My Tourniquet,

Return to me salvation.

My God! My Tourniquet,

Return to me salvation."""

She spoke with no hesitation what so ever; "Be true to yourself. The only wrong you can do yourself is..to lie to yourself, and to your significant other." Robin's smile returned with full force, making Star smile back. "That sounds solid enough. I can agree with that, Starfire. Why don't you listen to that? Some lucky guy out there is not aware of your feelings; why can't you tell him, and brighten his world? I know I would if I were in his boots." He quickly amended his words. "Well, not now, anyway. I am more than content with Raven...but if I were single..." Starfire looked up at that, her sadness seeming to alleviate, if just for a moment.

"""My wounds cry for the grave.

My soul cries, for deliverance.

Will I be denied ?"""

Starfire's smile softened, and she chuckled humorlessly. "You cannot be serious, Robin...," She stated it like a fact. Starfire felt flattered, but did not dare hope. It was nice feeling to believe she was being led on...but she also knew the disappointment that he was not playing hard to get would finally break her. 'Yes, he cannot be. Only Raven matters to him, now.' "You are just saying that to make me feel better. But thank you, anyway. I am feeling much more better!" 'Choose now. Will you continue pursuing Robin, or will you release yourself?' Starfire knew it was decision time; cut her losses, or keep going? Starfire took one look at her beloved before her. At that instant, she knew her emotions would consume her...whether she gave it up, or continued. If she was to be damned at both ends, then there really was only one answer. With that, her decision was made up. 'I most certainly will not give up.'

"""Christ! Tourniquet! My suicide."""

Her smile was there...but her eyes...they were still sorrowful. Robin could see from her expression that the statement she'd made was only half true. He brought her face to his, not letting her look away. "What are you...?" Starfire stopped as she felt his touch on her chin. She was shocked to see the seriousness of his expression, as well as his next words. 'Is he gooing to...?' Starfire shook herself mentally. 'Do not be foolish, he is not about to kiss you! Just listen.' So she waited for his next move. He whispered softly, almost inaudibly, but she caught every last word. "Look in my eyes, hear what I have to say, and tell me if I am lying to you."

Here, he stripped off the black mask he was always wearing...revealing the windows to his soul. "Robin! You should not do tha-!" His constant stare silenced her, as she looked deeply into his eyes, no longer hidden underneath the mask. She tried to look away from him...but he had a spell over her. "Whoa...I have never seen your eyes before...not like this...," She murmured, feeling herself beginning to drift. Robin smiled, and then turned serious.

His words would forever burn themselves into memory, as if etched into stone. "Starfire, I have a skeleton in my closet I wish to reveal to you. Before I loved Raven," Here his face flushed deeply, "I liked you. Alot, actually. You were my constant companion, my most trusted confidante. You were always my butterfly in the sky; flitting around, making a dreary day...feel like it was not so bad after all. Your cheery nature and complete honesty was some of the things that made you so endearing; every word you say, you meant it. Too bad this world does not have many people like you...but then again, that is what makes you so special, Star."

He paused to chuckle softly at her wondering eyes. "Everything in the world is good to you, even if others are there to try to make it an unpleasant place to live; you trust anyone who doesn't give you reason to doubt them, and I have never doubted your judgment...except when you felt your sister Blackfire was better than you, which she most definitely was not true." Robin paused, touched to see another tear stream its way down her face. He smiled softly into her emerald orbs. "Hey...don't cry. Don't be sad, Starfire. You're here with your buddy, Robin. If anyone makes you sad, I'll propel his ass to the moon!" He smiled at his own jest...as did she. 'Well, she certainly is feeling better. Glad I could be of help.'

Robin released his hold on her. He backed off, and grinned mischieviously at her, one eye brow arching upwards meaningfully. "So...who is this guy?" Starfire stood up and fretfully shook her head, a genuine good natured chuckle welling up from within her. 'I most certainly will not give up.' "Oh, Robin! Do not ask me that question! Do not fret. I will tell you...in time." Robin simply nodded in satisfaction. He put his hand over hers comfortingly, and squeezed softly. "You know I meant everything I have told you...it is all true, Starfire." Starfire put an arm behind her head and stuck her tongue out with pleased embarrassment. "Of course I know, Robin. Now, let us finish our meal!" Robin blinked, and then remembered he'd forgotten all about it. "Oh, right! Let's!"

As they ate, Starfire's fears began to slowly drain away, replaced by the simple joy of having an enjoyable day with her best friend. "At the very least, I still have this bond with him...and I am more than grateful for that.' She watched him gobble up his meal. 'Hmm...he is quite messy!' Starfire tittered at Robin's feeding frenzy. He paused to look at her. "What's so funny, Star?" Starfire couldn't stop her tittering, so she simply pointed at him. She managed to say one sentence. "I am sorry to say this, but you look like the world's dirtiest baby!" Robin grinned mock villainously as he brandished some ketchep bags in his fists. Starfire kept on laughing, but began to keep her distance from him.

"Dirtiest baby, am I? I'll show you how that looks like! Allow me to demonstrate...," Robin pretended to scan the crowds for a target. "Now, where can I find a willing victim?" Starfire stood up and kept the table between herself and Robin. "Oh no, you are not going to do that to me, Robin." Robin began to creep forward. "Ah! There is my victim! Here's Johnny!" Starfire's grieviances were forgotten as she began her teasing play with her beloved.

She began to bolt around, followed closely by a cackling Robin, zipping backwards, forwards, sideways, weaving through the paths of passerbys, bringing constant cries of "Watch it!" and "Quit it!" Starfire would have obeyed...but right now...'I can care less what anyone ese says,' She thought dreamily. 'No one can take this moment away from me...this is all for us, and us alone.'

She turned around to see Robin some distance back. She stuck her tongue out at him, her hands at the sides of her face, thumbs in her ears. Starfire could see Robin was enjoying this immensely. "I'm going to get you, Starfire! Be a good girl and stay still! I promise I won't hurt you!" He yelled out, laughing his head off like nothing else mattered in the world. 'Is this what it feels to be accepted? I am not certain if he will love me...but I think he still likes me.'

With that, Starfire turned her back to him. She kissed the palm of her hand, and pretended to slap her rear; a taunting gesture crudely stating, "Kiss my ass!" Robin's mouth dropped with shock, but his smile never faltered. It was obvious he could not believe she had actually done that. 'Neither can I!' Starfire thought excitedly.

Robin yelled out to her once more, mock-threatening her. "Ooh, bad girl! You must be cleansed of your sins! Here, since we don't have Holy water, let's try for a ketchup and mustard bath!" Starfire dodged away from him, staying just a bit within range, tempting him at every close call. He paused to catch his breath, while Starfire stood almost ten feet away. He grinned lopsidedly at her. "You suck, Starfire, you know that?" She winked at him with a beckoning gesture. "And you swallow, my dear Robin. Try and catch me now!" Robin felt he was up to the challenge. He straightened up, stretching out his limbs. "With pleasure!"

The two friends spent the rest of the afternoon playing an odd game of hide and seek with tag thrown in for the fun of it, unaware of the time passing by them...even as the day slowly drew to a close. "My, what a day...," She thought aloud, as she lay in the middle of a park they had run into. Next to her, Robin was on his back, regaining his breath...again. She smiled at him from where she was, and he winked back at her.

"Yes, it was quite the day. That was fun." Robin sat up and seemed to brighten once more. "Let's do it again!" Starfire rolled her eyes, as she sat up and shoved him back down playfully. "No more chasing me, please. I think it is safe to say we got quite a workout toda, so let us have a nice and energy retaining rest." They lay in silence for a few minutes, looking up at the starlit sky above.

"We should be getting back soon, you know. Everyone must be worried by now...I mean, we were supposed to bring back lunch, remember?" Robin suddenly sat up and slapped his face. "Oh no! I completely forgot! Stupid, stupid, stupid!" He got up so quickly from his rest that he felt slightly dizzy. Robin fell back to the floor. "Wow...I'm bushed! Looks like our little workout was a little too big for me! I hope we get back soon...Raven's going to be worried." Starfire cringed inwardly. 'Raven is definitely not going to like this!' Her conscience muttered.

Starfire bowed low to Robin. "I am sorry for distracting you from your main objective, Robin." Robin simply shook his head, still smiling. "Well, it was fun while it lasted...and don't be sorry. It was not your fault. It is quite all right...though Raven may say otherwise." 'Yes, she most certainly will,' Starfire gulped mentally. 'Oh well. I cannot change the past...so let us face the present.'

She held her hand out to him. He grasped it tightly, and vaulted himself to standing position. "We must hurry back." Robin began to make his way back to the Tower, with Starfire trailing behind. 'Want to say something?' Her conscience asked her. "Umm...Robin?" He cocked his head at her, turning to look at her. "Yes, Starfire?" Starfire approached him, looking undecided. "I....," Instead of saying anything, she got closer to him. Robin was unsure what to make of this. "Uh...Star...?" She stood before him, holding her arms together. Robin resisted the urge to back away; he knew that would hurt her sensitive feelings.

She slowly spread them out, standing on tiptoe. 'My heart is pounding so fast...hope he does not notice it!' She placed her arms around his back. 'Well, here goes.' She hugged him close to her, placing her head on his shoulder. Robin was quite surprised by this reaction, but relaxed in her hold. 'Good ol' Starfire.' He patted her back soothingly. She positioned her head from the shoulder to his chest, where she felt more comfortable. She began to murmur quietly into his chest. Robin almost did not catch the words, but they became clear to him soon enough. "Thank you. I really enjoyed this day. It was great hanging out with a friend like you. May we hang out again later?"

Robin nodded silent assent as he looked into her eyes. "Of course, Starfire. I promise." She nodded back, satisfied. 'Now is not the time to say what I feel...but I will say it mentally...I love you, Robbie.' "Now, it is time to face Raven!" Robin smiled and shook his head at this. "Yes, it is. Come on, let's go. Here comes the pain! Oh, yes. Star...You are the best friend any one can have."

Starfire put her arm about his waist, and poked his nose. "Same to you, Fly boy." They headed back home, his arm about her shoulders, hers around his waist, just like the best of buddies that they were, after one long and carefree day. Starfire leaned her head against Robin, and closed her eyes. 'Well, this was more than I could ask for...let us hope that Raven will not make this a day we will regret.'

Day: Number 10

Points Of View Intertwined: Beast Boy and Cyborg

Location: Teen Tower

Setting: Living Room

Time: 9:23 A.M.-2:20 P.M.

Beast Boy's smile was still lingering even as his vehicle struck the center divider, allowing Cyborg's car to zip past the finishing line. 'Oh well. Nothing to it. Wonder if Starfire's enjoying her day just a much?' His smile remained content even as his vehicle did an unruly 360 degree spin, and then did a roll over, ending up with a burning vehicle and one flaming pixalated driver. Cyborg's mouth dropped at the inept manner Beast Boy was handling his car. Winning so much like this was really beginning to leech out the fun. He looked at Beast Boy quizically. 'What's up with him?' Finally, he just had to ask. He snapped his fingers to catch the trickster's attention. "Dude! That was, what? Like the 112th time you've struck out in this racing game?! What's wrong with you? It ain't fun if there is absolutely no challenge! Get with the program!" Beast Boy simply kept smiling and returned his attention to the "Game Over" screen flashing in front of him.

Cyborg glowered, and grinned evilly. 'Wait, he must be thinking about a certain red head. Hmmm....I've got a fabulous idea...,' His grin turned even more devious. He nudged Beast Boy in the stomach. "Hey, Beastie! I got a proposition to make. I think you are going to like this!" 'Maybe not, but I sure am going to!' He snickered for an instant, and then returned to his normal self. Beast Boy glared at him suspiciously as he moved a little ways from his "friend." 'Hmmm...I don't like that smile he's giving me. He is up to something. Let's just see what it is." Beast Boy kept a poker face. "Go on."

Cyborg clapped his hands together in glee. "Okay, check this out. We are going to have a match. Me, versus you, in this racing game. You are going to do your best at it, or esle pay the consequences. What are the prizes? The winner gets to make the loser do one dare...and the dare can be anything you desire. Anything. What the dare will be, the winner shall decide once the match is over. Is that a deal?" Beast Boy seemed very uncertain...and cautious. 'What is that jerk planning for me? Must be something I'm going to regret. Hmm...Maybe I should not take this risk.' Beast Boy had made up his mind. "Two words! No way."

Cyborg's smile turned upside down in a flash, but then the grin returned. 'Oh, this is too good to pass up! B.B. just needs a little push in the right direction...maybe then he'll know what he's feeling! All I got to do is sweeten the pot!' "I'll throw in $600 if you do...and you won't have to pay me if I win! How is that?" Beast Boy paused for a moment. 'That is a good deal...but should I? Hmm...$600 can buy me quite a bit of stuff. Should I...?' Beast Boy turned to Cyborg with a cocky grin. "You are on, tin can man." Cyborg resumed his position, as did Beast Boy.

"You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into, little man! Here is where I make you pay for earlier insults!" Beast boy waved off the taunt. "Blah, blah. Talkin' out of your ass again. Let's go!" Cyborg started a new game. "Ready?" B.B. nodded profusely. "Okay. It's your funeral." Five, four, three, two, one...And they were off! "Oh yeah! You're gonna lose, you're gonna lose!" B.B. taunted loudly as his vehicle got a head start. "Hey! No fair!" Cyborg protested, but let it go. 'He is going to pay...nicely!'

Ten minutes later...

Beast Boy looked comatose, his jaw slack, his eyes staring ahead. All he could see was one sentence on the television screen: "You lose!" For three minutes straight he remained like this, until Cyborg broke his reverie. Cyborg began his victory dance, jumping up and down with sheer joy. "Oh yeah! Who's the man! What was that? What? What?" B.B. glared at the bigger Cyborg with a needle sharp gaze. "You are." He said grudgingly, sulking silently as he watched Cyborg shaking his booty all over the place. 'An ass,' He added, but he did not dare say that to Cyborg. "shake shake shake! Shake shake shake! Shake your booty!" Cyborg began to sing aloud. 'This is just revolting,' Beast Boy shook his head, slapping his face with his hand. "Would you mind not shaking your behind so much? I don't care much for that view."

Cyborg stopped and twirled once, before doing a Kurt Angle pose on the floor. Beast Boy endured the abuse, even as his temper began to go beyond the brim. "Yes! I did it! Ha! In your face, monkey boy! Whoo!" Beast Boy stood up, pulling his sleeves up to his elbows. "You're pissing me off." Cyborg quickly ended his gyrations. Beast Boy crossed his arms, a vein beginning to pop on his forehead. "So, what sort of torture are you going to put me through? No doubt this is going to hurt immensely." Cyborg pretended to look wounded by B.B.'s words. "Beast Boy, I am injured by your words! Don't you have faith in me?" Beast Boy grumbled back at him. "Can the act, tin man, I know you are enjoying yourself. And no, I have no faith in the likes of you!"

Cyborg shrugged carelessly. "Fine. Be like that, Beast Boy! I have decided upon the dare!" B.B. nodded understandingly. "You had this all planned out, didn't you?" Cyborg fiegned innocence. He pointed directly at himself with a questioning look. "Moi?" Beast Boy turned himself into a tiger, and roared. "Get on with it!" Cyborg looked nonplussed. "Okay, okay. Your dare will take place tommorow...whether you are ready for it or not." B.B. paced around the room restlessly. "yes, yes, move on. I'm sure there is more to it, you hunk of trash." Cyborg ignored the jibe; 'This is going to get good!' Cyborg drew out an instant film camera. He placed B.B. in the viewfinder, and then readjusted until only Beast Boy's face could be seen. B.B. regarded the item with suspicion. "What...is that...for?! Point that thing somewhere else!"

"Stand still, knucklehead. Just smile as I take the picture. It'll be over in a flash!" 'He has no idea what he's in for,' Cyborg murmured under his breath. B.B. obeyed, hoping this was all the punition he would recieve. He smiled broadly at the camera, thinking, 'Go do your thing, jerk! I can't wait till this is over.' Before Cyborg pressed down the shutter, he spoke out in a clear, concise voice. "Smile and say, 'I'm dating Starfire!'" Beast Boy did not catch on at first, so relieved was he that this was over. He spoke automatically.

"I'm dating Star-WHAT!" 'He wouldn't dare!!!' Beast Boy's mind screamed. He stared at his friend with a slack jaw, eyes wide as saucers, a look of horror mixed with shock stamped all over his face. Cyborg simply winked at him. 'Just the reaction I wanted,' Cyborg took the picture of B.B.'s shocked and gawking expression. "By the way, I am not joking. My dare is for you to take Starfire out tommorow! No exceptions." Beast Boy shrank away in horror. 'I can't go out with her! I do not like being with...," He paused in mid-thought. For some reason, his heart was racing...but he was not horrified, he realized. Not about the date, anyway. 'Wait...how come I'm scared of Starfire?' Beast Boy was confused; his emotions were conflicting madly! 'And why do I feel so...cheery? No, this cannot be! I can't...'

A voice spoke up from deep within. ' I hate to break it ya Beastie, but maybe...you are...you just haven't noticed it yet.' 'That can't be true!' Cyborg did not notice the fretful nature of B.B.'s state. He looked fondly at the photograph. "Aw, this'll be a Kodak moment, a beginning of a new, and wonderful-!" 'He just can't stop rubbing it in,' Beast Boy felt the vein pulsing on his forehead snap. 'That's it!' He turned himself into a chimpanzee and leapt at Cyborg's face, scratching and pounding away at his chrome top. "Rargh! Eat this!" Cyborg ran about, trying to lodge an outraged Beast Boy off of him. "Ow, ow! Take it easy! What are you hitting me-ow!-For? I've just done you a favor!"



Day: Number 10

Point Of View: Raven

Location: Teen Tower

Setting: Raven's Room

Time: 2:25 P.M.-3:10 P.M.

Raven brought herself out of her trance, feeling quite confident that she had done enough. 'I have to admit, that was harder than before...I couldn't concentrate that well!' And she knew the main reason for her preoccupation. Raven glowered a bit as she sat on her bed, thinking. "The fates certainly have the worst sense of humor imaginable. I can't believe Starfire...ugh!" The pillow behind her position burst into a cloud of feathers, due to the uncontrolled burst of energy her anger had provided. She sat in the middle of the cloud, blinking rapidly, as feathers settled onto her head and shoulders. 'Great. Now you have another job to take care of. This is turning out to be a good day,' She thought humorlessly.



At that very moment someone began knocking at her door. She frowned slightly. 'Now, should I answer the door, or clean up this mess first?' As she debated, Beast Boy's voice piped up from the other side. "Yo, Raven! Got a minute?" Raven rolled her eyes. 'My, is this my lucky day.' "Yes and no. Hold on for a minute. I must attend to my clean up duties." She hastilly cast a spell, reversing the damage done, without even looking at it. Raven went to her door and opened it a crack. She peered out at him with her distant lavender eyes. "How my I help you?" The first thing she noticed was the fact he was...twitchy; he could not stand in place without squirming a little. She arched an eyebrow at his strange behavior.

"Are you simply going to stand there, wasting my time, or are you going to say something?" Beast Boy cringed slightly, and then began. "I lost a bet to Cyborg...," Raven rolled her eyes to the heavens. "Oh, like that's new." Beast Boy hesitated, and then finished his sentence. "And now he is making me...go on a date...with...," 'What is taking him so long?! Really, do I have to use my abilities to read minds?!' Raven searched his mind...'What? He's going to...?' Her frown slowly turned into a smile. "Oh, I see. So, Cyborg is making you go out with Star." Raven feigned thinking hard on the subject. "Hmm... I wonder why he picked her?" She looked teasingly at B.B. "Do you wish to explain how you are feeling?" Beast Boy glared at her. "Hey, don't rub it in. He practically did a dance number all over the living room in celebration of his win...at my expense."

Raven leaned back against the bed, thinking. 'It is quite cruel for me to feel this way...I mean, Starfire has no idea this is going on! Is this actually the civil thing to do?' Raven knew the answer right away; 'No, it is not fair...but who said love had any set rules, anyway?' She turned her attention to Beast Boy, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor. "So...what are you planning to do?" Beast Boy looked at his hands. Though his face was even, Raven could read his emotions were in turmoil...he was thrilled and repulsed at the same time...happy and sad as well. "I...don't know, really. I mean, I won't tell Starfire that it is a date...I do not want her to freak out...I guess I'll just call it hanging out." Raven cocked her eyes at him. "You don't sound like you dislike Cyborg's bet. In fact, I think you are afraid of being alone with Starfire!" Beast Boy slapped his face, asking in his mind for this day to end.

"I-!" Beast Boy stopped his protest before he could say anymore. 'Stop lying to yourself, Beastie. Besides, Raven can read minds; she'll know if you are lying or not. He sighed softly, and gave Raven a serious look. "Just don't say anything to anyone else, please? I just...don't want Starfire to think I'm a freak for this." He looked ashamed, unable to look Raven in the eyes. 'He's aware of his feelings...he's just unsure what to make of it. That's sweet!'

Raven's smile softened, and she patted his hand gently. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." Beast Boy grinned wryly at the sorceress. "Thanks. I just don't know what I'd do if I had to keep that in without telling anybody." Raven nodded sagely. "Don't mention it, Beast Boy. Just one little piece of advice." Beast Boy looked up. "What would that be?" Raven winked at him, causing B.B. to blush brightly. "Wow her. Now, get yourself prepared." Beast Boy left the room, still uncertain. 'I'm still not sure if I should be feeling this...emotion for Star...is it real?' 'Only you can answer that. And you do know the answer, Beastie.' "Hmmm...okay. Let's see what tommorow has in store for me!"

Authors Note: Argh! Write critiques about the story, not the characters! I cannot tell whether this story is good if you only focus on a character! And please stop insulting Starfire...the emotions she feels was the same emotions going through my mind at one point...one moment, anyway. Anyway, critiquing characters helps me in no manner that is concievable. Oh, yes. I apologize for this short chapter...I am in a dire hurry...reasons even I am unsure of. Maybe because I felt an emotional outburst that'd fade in the morning? Hmph...Do not fret; this story will continue, and most certainly, it shall end; I promise you that.