Fan Fiction ❯ Just One Night Out ❯ You Can't Escape ( Chapter 8 )

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

Chapter 8.) You Can't Escape

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



Introduction:

Raven awaits Robin's return, worrying about the intentions of Starfire. At the same time, Beast Boy sleeps the night away, waiting for a chance...one he cannot refuse nor escape from...

Key:

' '=Thoughts

" "=Spoken words

""" """=Music

Day: Number 11

Point Of View: Raven

Location: Teen Tower

Setting: Living Room

Time: 11:00 P.M.

Raven paced back and forth, her thoughts zipping by like two way traffic. 'She wouldn't dare! That is so unlike Starfire!' Currently, the sorceress was having an argument with her conscience. 'Oh, really? Do you know her that well?' Her conscience questioned her. 'Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.' Raven snapped back, anger beginning to set in. She hated these doubts, especially since she wished to trust Robin...but could not, not when starfire was involved.

'Oh, yes...You did read her mind. And you know what she was going through, as well.' "Shut...up." Raven said aloud, unaware she'd said that clear enough for anyone to hear. 'You just can't stand the thought of your Robin and Starfire together, can you?' Raven stopped pacing and remained silent. "Of course I can not. I know how Starfire feels for him, but I don't know how far she'll go. That is what bothers me."

'Hm. So I see. Well, you aren't going to feel any better worrying over this...maybe you should confront Starfire of her feelings?' Raven blanched at the idea. "I...don't think that will be a pretty affair." Raven shook her head, raising her arms over her head in exasperation. " I mean, what am I supposed to do...tell her to back off? First off, I cannot force her to change her decision. And that's asking for a fight! I am most certainly not going to resort to force."

Her conscience tsked at her, and was silent for a moment. When it returned, it asked one not so simple question. "So you would risk losing Robin if he changes he has a change of heart?" Raven placed her head in her hands, and sighed softly. "If that is what fate wants, then I can only accept it."'What?! You would disregard your own desires, just like that?! Impossible.'

Raven laid herself down on the couch. "I don't know why I even bother answering." 'Just answer the question.' Raven stared up at the cieling, never saying anything, but knowing all the same. 'If my feelings are hurt, I can at least live with my own pain. But if I am the cause of his misery...and if I disregard his happiness to accomodate mine...then I didn't deserve him in the first place.'

'Besides, love is not about having power over someone, or owning them; Robin is not my possession, or a prize to be obtained. He is a person with his own feelings, and I must respect that. Love isn't all about being with someone, either. It is however, about concerning...respecting another as an equal...or even your own superior; someone you can trust to be yourself with. Is that too much to ask for...?' The inner voice fell silent, seeming to be satisfied by her answer. 'At least, that is my own honest answer.' She smiled wryly, and stretched herself out. 'I am starting to feel dizzy...uh,' She yawned, and settled herself down. "Hm...I guess I'll just take a little nap...G'night, Robbie...I just hope you won't forget me...," And with that, sleep overtook the worried sorceress, drowning out her sorrows in its dark embrace.

Day: Number 11

Point Of View: Robin

Location: Teen Tower

Setting: Living Room, then Robin's Room

Time: 11:10 P.M.- 2:30 A.M.

"Well, we're here." Robin opened the door, allowing Starfire to go ahead. "Thank you, Robin. You are always the gentleman." She made a beeline for her room, stopping to turn and face him. She put a hand to her heart and bowed low to him. "Thank you, Robin. That was an enjoyable experience. I will cherish the moment forever. See you!" Robin did his own low bow, and Starfire, satisfied with herself, headed the rest of the way to her bed. Robin closed the door quietly, and began to whistle softly to himself. 'Aw, Raven's not here...I was kind of hoping...,' Robin placed the take out bag of Warren Burgers on a side table, having hoped that Raven would still be up when he got back here.

'Wow, Starfire sure was friendly today...I hope she doesn't...nah, Starfire wouldn't. She would never get in between me and Raven. In speaking of which, I must see how Rave-,' Robin had walked into the room, and spied Raven on the couch, sleeping fitfully, curled up with her hands under her head. Robin experience a slight feel of flattery. 'Awww...how cute! She stayed up...waiting for me! Sure nows how to make someone feel wanted!' He quietly stood by her side, and stroked her face. "Hey, Rave...how's it going? I know you can't hear me right now...but I had one hell of a day...," Robin smiled softly at his beloved, who moaned softly as his hands came in contact with her face.

She smiled dreamilly, and began to snuggle even deeper into the rough couch surface. "Mmmm...Robbie...," She murmured, causing Robin's cheeks to redden. 'Hmmm...,' He scratched his head, debating with himself. 'I don't think the couch is as accomodating as the bed...but she looks so natural resting like this! Should I move her, risk waking her up, or leave her here?' He slapped his face at that last thought. "Of course I am not just leaving her here like this! Okay, my minds made up. Here we go!" Robin began rubbing his palms together, and carefully began to pick the sleeping Raven, putting one arm behind her legs and the other arm supporting the back of her shoulders.

"This should be a piece of...whoa!" He began to lift her up...and almost fell on her as her weight brought him back down. "Okay...strike one. Must not fail, must not fail." He took a few quick breaths, and repeated the procedure. It took all of his strength to lift her up. 'I could use her for my weights...,' He thought with amusement. Perspiration began to form on his forehead. "Urgh...Raven, you're heavier than you look...no offense...Hnnngh!" Robin attempted to retain his balance as he tried to walk a straight line towards Raven's room. He was not doing a great job, teetering from left to right, almost bumping into walls...but unable to avoid the clutter on the hall way floors.



"Ow! Forgot about that coffee table...Eep! Yuck! Ooh, Beast Boy, watch where you leave your leftover tofu burrito! Damn football, almost tripped on that...," Bong! The sound of foot striking metal resounded in the quiet halls of the tower. A jolt of pain burst into Robin's mind. 'EEOOOYYYOOOWWW!' He curled his lips, trying to restrain a shout of pain, as his foot came in contact with a hard metal object on the floor.

"Ooh! Ooh! Ow! Shoot!" Expletives began to form themselves in his mind, but he said nothing for fear Raven would hear his potty mouth. Surprisingly, he had not released Raven...and that had to be a miracle! 'Thank my lucky stars Raven hasn't woken after this catastrophe! What is THAT on the floor?!' He glared down at the object. Robin stared with perplexity at the stubborn object before him.

"WHAT is a waffle iron doing in the middle of the hallway, anyway?! Cyborg, I'm going to...," Robin began to list punishments as he hobbled his way...'To Raven's room?' The hallway, he realized, was going to be quite a daunting obstacle course for him to move through. 'Nah, my rooms is closer.' So he headed for his room, rather than to hers. Raven's room was all the way in the back, too far for Robin's tastes or concerns. 'Hell, I think getting her to my room is a safer choice than going through this obstacle course...geez, I really must enforce a rule for clean hallways...this is not making my day any easier!"



He booted the door open, and nudged it all the way with his head. 'Okay, easy does it...urgh!" Robin grunted with effort as he made his way steadilly and silently through his safe haven. "There...now, home free." He gently laid Raven down on the bed, and placed the blankets over her form. He sat by the bedside, and held her hand gently. He allowed himself a relieved smile of pleasure as he watched her sleep. "Good night, my love. There...that's much better, isn't it, Raven?"

Raven's eyes shot open, and she grinned up at his shocked face. "Sure is, Robin. Thank you for carrying me over here. That really was sweet of you." She began to giggle as Robin began to splutter. "But-! You-! I-! Are you telling me you were awake the whole time I was...?" Raven sat up and beckoned him closer. Robin's shock and embarassment was replaced with contentment. 'Well, it was worth it, I suppose.' He obeyed, sitting by the side of the bed, staring straight back at her. "I woke up when you struck the waffle iron...," Robin rolled his eyes up at the heavens.

"I just knew it. And you still pretended to be asleep?" Raven smiled teasingly, shrugging her shoulders. "What? And ruin your little misadventure?" Robin shook his head, chuckling softly. "Yes, that was quite a moment. Now here's another one for you." Here, he opened his arms wide, and embraced her, placing his arms about her waist. Raven allowed herself to be drawn in, placing her slim arms around the back of his neck. "You miss me?" Robin kissed the bridge of her nose. "Of course...I'm sorry about today...I got carried away, helping Starfire with her emotions. She's in love with someone, you see."

Raven blanched mentally at this, "She was so sad...It took me a while to cheer her up...Funny, she never told me who it was. She always tells me everything...anyway, she says he'll never notice her...hope she'll find him, or he her, so that she can be happy...like us." Robin planted a quick one on Raven's lips, and withdrew to touch foreheads with her. He finally noticed Raven looking a bit saddened, as if he had said something that reminded her of some tragic event. 'Did I say something wrong?' Robin gazed at her with concern evident on his gentle face. "Uh, Rave? Something the matter?"

Raven bit her lip, looking down at her hands. 'So he's unaware...I guess I should tell him? I think its best to be honest...but I should see what he feels first...,' She gently placed Robin's hands in hers, and looked up into his eyes. 'Wow...I am always amazed at how she catches my attention...every time.' Robin found himself once more captivated by her pretty eyes, the look in them of desire. It shocked him to see this, but he did not dare look away from her. After a pause, Raven spoke up.

"Robin...do you really love me?" She asked timidly. Robin gave her an incredulous look. 'What?! Of course I do!'He was about to answer immediately but Raven put a hand to his lips to silence him. "Wait...I want you to think it over, first...don't just rush in and say it because it is what I want to hear...but because it truly is how you feel." Raven silently began to rub his hands, her eyes never straying far from his own. She smiled shyly at him, her eyes averting for a single moment. "I'm sorry for asking, but I just want to hear from you...how you feel, that is."

Robin cocked his head at her, watching her watch him. 'But this is how I feel...not because I want you to hear me say it...but because I want this...,' He took her hands, and placed them so they were cupping the sides of his face. He closed his eyes, and began to kiss the back of her hands tenderly. Raven couldn't help but feel a soft flutter of her heart at his actions. 'Robbie...you just know how to make someone feel wanted...namely me...,' Robin opened his eyes, and winked roguishly at her. "But of course, Raven. Who else?"

Raven felt a flush coming on. 'She looks so pretty when she does that,' Robin mused silently. Raven caught that open thought and in response covered her face with her hands as she squeaked in embarrassed dismay. "I said that out loud?" Robin's eyes turned to upside down u-shapes as he nodded vigorously. "Yep, and you know what it takes to flatter me, so now we're even!" The two tittered softly for a minute or so, until Robin held her face to him. "Raven, you are my world, my rainbow, my everything. What do you call that feeling? Of course I love you, my sweet. Ah! Wait! I just remembered something!"

Robin quickly dashed out of the room, and returned promptly with a familiar bag of take out burgers. Raven rolled her eyes skyward, shaking her head but nonetheless accepting the bag with a smile. "Well, thank you, Robin. You did not forget my request. But isn't it early for breakfast in bed?" Robin's rougish grin returned. He put an arm about Raven's shoulder and placed his head by hers. "I'll help you finish it." Raven tapped the tip of his nose, causing Robin to wrinkle his nose cutely at her. "Of course, Mr. Famine Fetcher, you can have a bit of my 'breakfast.' Wouldn't want you to starve. Is it really all right to eat on your bed?"

Robin bowed graciously, jesting and yet still keeping a serious tone. "Whatever pleases you, my dear Sorceress. I am at your behest." Raven smirked at him. "Hmm. Flowery phrases alone won't get you anywhere, Robin." Robin pouted at her. "Wait! I know! I'll do an impression of you!" He began to crawl slinkilly against her, making Raven blush. "Oh, stop it!" She murmured, but enjoying herself all the same. Robin winked at her and licked the side of her face, shades of the day when Robin and Raven had professed their emotions to one another. Raven giggled, wiping off his saliva. "Hey, you call that flattering? What do I look like to you, a salt lick?"

Robin smirked teasingly at her. "Maybe a lollipop. At least you are sweet...tasty!" He grinned as Raven acted as if she were about to throw a pillow at him. She put the pillow down, and sat up straight. "Well, you going to join in my feast, lover boy?" All thoughts of Starfire were forgotten for the moment; 'Right now, all that matters, is us,' Robin and Raven thought, as the dug in. The couple spent the rest of the night and a portion of the morning eating, teasing, and playing, before collapsing in exhaustion in bed, on each other. And that was how Raven's doubts were quelled, and her bond with Robin reinforced, into something that would last the test of time...

Day: Number 12

Points Of View Intertwined: Beast Boy and Starfire

Location: Teen Tower

Setting: B.B.'s Room, then Starfire's Room

Time: 10:00 A.M.

Beast Boy groaned softly. 'No, not yet...no wakey wakey!' He rolled about restlessly, trying to catch more z's. It took five minutes for him to decide it was a fruitless excercise, so he sat himself up. He began to rub the sleep out of his eyes, and stretched himself to his full hieght. "Wow...even though I slept early, I still feel bushed...Hmmm...looks like I'm going to need an extra helping of tofued eggs and my leftover tofu burrito. Well, today's my day!" Beast Boy stood up, and then fell back down. He glowered up at the ceiling, sighing loudly. 'Whoo. I'm not even sure if I want to go through with this. Shoot, damn you Cyborg!' B.B. got back up and ministrated to dressing himself up, at the same time clearing his mind. 'Am I really...starting to like Star? I didn't even know it until Cyborg pushed me in that direction...must have been obvious to him.'

'You can't escape.' Beast Boy smiled wanly at no one in particular. "You know it. Even though Cy did force this on me, I guess he really did do me a favor; I've never really had the guts to ask any girl out...wish it could have been under my own decision, though." B.B. paused, and sighed softly, closing his eyes. 'Is this really something that is tangible? Do I have a chance with Star?' Beast Boy questioned himself, hoping but not daring to be certain. 'I mean, she has no idea of my feelings..I know what I have for Star is simply a crush...but I want to expand on this feeling.' Beast Boy did not care that he was simply infatuated with Star...he would at least give it a try... "More than I have been able to accomplish on the dating scene, and that says little for me."

He clearly remembered the first time he had begun to talk to Starfire, the day he'd had comforted her from her pent up feelings. Her rage...her release of emotions...and her undying hopes and dreams; she'd revelealed all to him. B.B. knew he could not dislike her for her feelings; he respected them on face value. He also could not turn himself away from his emotions, nor deny himself. 'Even when she went...crazy on me, I still can't stop this emotion...I like Starfire for her cheerfulness...as well as for the bitter emotions she's locked inside. She was able to entrust those feelings to me, and no one else. She trusted me enough to be herself...That says alot to me.' Beast Boy put on a white shirt with blue sleeves, along with blue bell bottom pants. 'Not bad.' He inspected himself in the mirror for a minute, turning from left to right to study his profile. 'Does this pants fit the occassion? Oh, I wish I'd ironed out this shirt...,' He mused.

Where Will You Go?

"""You’re too important for anyone,

There’s something wrong with everything you see,

But I, I know who you really are,

You’re the one who cries when you’re alone..."""

He winked at himself, and automatically slapped his face. "Don't be silly! Just get out!" Satisfied, he made his way down the hall, and towards Starfire's room. He stopped in front of the doorway, and steeled himself. 'Okay, step one: Take deep breath. Step two: Act smooth, forget your doubts. Step three: Go for it!' Beast Boy timidly knocked on the door. A cheery and muffled voice issued forth. "who is it?" Starfire opened the door a crack to peek out. 'My, she's got pretty emerald eyes...,' Beast Boy paused, mesmerized by those twin emerald orbs. He shook himself mentally, and timidly waved at her. "Hey, Star. May we hang out?" Starfire grinned widely and swung it open upon finding her favorite animorph. 'Well, what do you know...it is Beast Boy! Sure glad to see him...we have alot to talk about!' Beast Boy could feel his heart pounding in his chest cavity, as if a heart attack was coming on.

"""But where will you go,

With no one left to save you from yourself,

You can’t escape,

You can’t escape..."""

"Hiya, Beast Boy! And good morning to you! We most certainly can!" She squealed in pleasure, bringing Beast Boy's confidence up a huge notch. 'Well, things are going smooth so far...huh?' Starfire grabbed him by an arm and pulled him unceremoniously inside. "Whoa!" Beast Boy was zipped into the room, and Starfire quickly closed the door behind her. She clapped her hands in delight as B.B. took in the surroundings. 'Pink, pink, everywhere...this is gonna sti-,' B.B. cut short the taunting rhyme and gave a mental slap to his conscience for its insolence. 'I must compose myself.'

"""You think that I can’t see right through your eyes,

Scared to death to face reality,

No one seems to hear your hidden cries,

You’re left to face yourself alone..."""

"So, Beast Boy, what brings you out so early?" B.B. gave her a sly look. 'Let's turn up the charm, B.B.!' "Don't you worry your pretty little head, star. I just stopped by to say hello to the prettiest member of the team, that's all." B.B. berated himself subconsciously. 'Yeah, very smooth, very debonair, B.B.' Starfire stared at him with wide eyes for a moment, making B.B. sweat buckets, or so he felt. 'uh oh...,' Instead of getting offended as he had expected Starfire giggled cheerily. Beast Boy felt immense relief well up within himself. Starfire began to play with her hands, intertwining them together, as a light shade of red blessed her cheeks. 'Aww...hee hee hee...wow...my first compliment...Too bad he's only joking with me...it isn't his style,' She cocked her face at him.

"""But where will you go,

With no one left to save you from yourself,

You can’t escape,

You can’t escape..."""

"Thank you for the compliment, B.B. I know you are simply jesting, but it is nice to have someone who notices." B.B. kept smiling, feeling slightly stung that Starfire could not tell the difference between a joke and the real deal. 'I meant that! But I suppose it is beter for me to start slow and not to rush in, guns blazing. Besides, she still likes Robin; she'll freak if I rush this!'Starfire motioned for him to sit by her side, on her bed. Beast Boy hesitated, and shrugged. 'Why not? She offered.' B.B. sat down, enjoying the comfort of the bed...'Perhaps your proximity with Star is also affecting you?'

"""I realize you’re afraid,

But you can’t abandon everyone,

You can’t escape,

You don’t want to escape..."""

B.B. offhandedly ignored the last thought and turned his attention to Starfire. Their eyes met briefly; B.B. felt an icy bolt run down his spine, a mixture of fear and anticipation running through his veins. He couldn't keep his gaze with Starfire's eyes; he was afraid it would reveal all too much. 'Well, now that you are here, there's only one way to go.' He began to twiddle his fingers aimlessly in his nervousness. 'How do I begin this...?' Starfire did not notice his uncertainty; she mistook it for boredom. 'Oops...think fast, think fast.'

"""I’m so sick of speaking words that no one understands,

Is it clear enough that you can’t live your whole life all alone,

I can hear you in a whisper,

But you can’t even hear me screaming..."""

Starfire began to fret, she did not wish to displease anyone, least of all Robin...or Beast Boy, her confidante. 'Uh...how do I begin? Oh, I know!' Starfire cleared her throught and began the conversation. "So...how has life treated you?" Beast Boy pondered whether or not to mention Cyborg's bet with him. he thought for a moment, but decided to be discreet. 'Nah, let's not.' B.B. laid himself down, and turned his face up to Starfire. "More or less, it's thrown me a few curves, nothing a big boy like me can't handle."

"""But where will you go,

With no one left to save you from yourself,

You can’t escape,

You can’t escape..."""

Starfire followed his example, and let out a soft dreamy sigh. "I had a great day yesterday...," She related the previous day to B.B., who listened to her all the way, even when the words stung at his pride. He smiled, even as he felt his heart and hopes begin to sink. 'How will I have a chance if all she sees is Robin?! Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.' Starfire paused her narrative suddenly. 'Hm? What is it?' B.B. looked at her questioningly. "What's up? Why'd you stop talking? Go on, 'm listening." Starfire was looking at him strangely. 'He's smiling...but his eyes...seem to portray a different emotion,' She realized. Star was looking straight into his eyes, and then B.B. realized his mistake. 'Oh, shoot.' She spoke up ahead of B.B., before he could say anything.

"""I realize you’re afraid,

But you can’t reject the whole world,

You can’t escape,

You won’t escape,

You can’t escape..."""

"Something is bothering you; your eyes looked almost...disappointed. Is there something you wish to tell me? I will assist you any way I can, Beast Boy. And I promise not to tell a soul." 'Well, lying won't aid me, but the truth may hinder me as well...urgh...,' B.B. thought about it for a moment, and decided the least he could do was not deny it. "Well, yeah, I guess you can say something is bugging me...but it concerns something that I...something that may or may not happen, I mean. Maybe I'll explain it to you in detail...but only after the event occurs." Beast Boy sat himself up, and began to fidget in place. "Umm...Starfire...I want to ask you something...," Starfire arched an eyebrow at him; now he was acting nervous. "Ask away, Beast Boy." B.B. began to sweat in his shoes; 'Now that my moment is open, will I take it? Will she accept?' He closed his eyes for a moment, and let his past memories of Star flow within him. 'Want to escape now, or stay?' His conscience asked him. The answer was only too obvious.

"""You don’t want to escape."""

When he opened his eyes, Beast Boy's doubts and emotions were in order; 'No matter what I think, I can't let it stop me from starting what I began. Either I finish what I came for, or bury it.' He was still nervous, but he shook it off and allowed his cocky side to show. "I'm going to invite someone to Selevence Carnival...it's about an hours drive from here...mere minutes with our ride. Nothing special about it, really; it is your typical county fair, complete with all the fix ins you'd expect from any festival...you know, like the one we went to...the day your crazy ass sister decided to drop by...sorry, bad reference. Any way, I wish I could invite everyone but I have only enough dough to bring myself and one other...," B.B. let the sentence trail off. Starfire smiled with pleasure. "No need to apologize, dear friend. So...you are inviting me...?" Beast Boy nodded modestly. 'Wow...Of all the people...he invited me! I feel so special!' Starfire stood up and embraced a decidedly uncomfortable Beast Boy.

"Thank you, Beast Boy. You are such a sweet friend." Starfire closed her eyes and leaned herself against his chest. Beast Boy's eyes grew wide, his hair stood at end, and a deep red beginning to tinge his normally smiling face. 'Eep.' He gulped audibly, but Starfire was too happy to notice. 'Starfire, Starfire...so easily pleased...,' B.B. slowly began to pat her back, and allowed himself to admire the girl in his arms. He was embarrassed...but also highly flattered. 'Well, this was not what I was expecting...but I can get used to this.' The sensations Starfire was giving him were really getting to him. 'Whoo...I feel so good...Mmm...Oh, snap out of it!' B.B. quickly brought himself back to attention. He grinned impishly at Starfire, knowing his chance was now.

"So...can I take that as a yes?" Starfire nodded profusely. "Certainly. I am honored to hang out with you at the carnival...," Here she paused and gave him a questioning look. "But why invite me? You could have invited someone else...like Raven." Starfire began to study his face, analyzing his answer carefully. 'Why? What is it about me...?' B.B. felt a slight twinge of hurt at the mention of the name, but it passed as fast as soon as it came. He allowed a soft smile to grace his face. "I know...but you're my special friend...you trusted me with your emotions...and I simply wanted to have fun at the carnival...with someone who will enjoy it just as much as I do. And you," Here he poked at her nose playfully, "Are the perfect candidate. So there you have it, Star. I'm ready at any time."

"So am I! What are we waiting for, let us hurry along!" Beast Boy offered his arm, and Starfire placed hers in his. B.B. could not describe his joy at her acceptance. 'And so my quest begins...,' B.B. looked towards the heavens. "Wish me luck," He whispered silently. The two teens walked out of the room, past the living room, and out the front door. As they headed for their transportation, Beast Boy had only one thought in mind. 'Cyborg, I never said this to you...but thank you for the push...I owe you for this...I will not disappoint you nor will I let Starfire down.' He smiled up at the Tower, and then turned to Starfire. "Ready to have some fun, Starfire?" Starfire winked at him sweetly. "You bet, B.B. Count me in!"