Teen Titans Fan Fiction ❯ Dreams And Destinies ❯ Robin's Feelings And Raven's Problem ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter 3

Robin's Feelings and Raven's Problem

 

Lyllandra couldn't help but smile at the strange group of people around her. She was still feeling quite frightened about her situation but it was comforting to know she had a group of superheroes on her side strange as that sounded. She felt her strength and reasoning returning and decided that, whatever was happening and however it turned out; she was going to see it out to the end, not that she figured she had much choice in the matter.

“I don't know what to say except thank you.” Lyllandra looked at everyone in turn. “I wish I could tell you more about what happened but I can promise I won't be a pain in the butt.”

“Good.” Cyborg answered with a twinkle in his eye. “Cuz we already have a resident pain in the butt and I think he'd be pretty put out if you tried to take the position.”

As Beast Boy flew in Cyborg's face and Robin tried to step in between, Lyllandra looked over to where the most silent Titan had been sitting, only to find that she wasn't there anymore! Starfire saw where Lyllandra was looking and said, “Raven has a habit of doing that. She is a very private person and has trouble making new friends.” Lyllandra felt troubled for a moment but put it out of her head and turned to Starfire smiling.

“That's not a problem for you though I can see.”

Starfire grinned and said, “Oh but we must see about getting you some new clothes! The ones you are wearing are most unsuitable!”

“Star!” Robin exclaimed walking over after giving up on breaking Beast Boy and Cyborg up where they were duking it out on the floor. “That's really not a nice thing to say.” He spoke to Lyllandra. “Sorry, Star doesn't always have the greatest grip on Earth etiquette.” Starfire looked down shamefaced but Lyllandra spoke up.

“Hey that's okay.” Lyllandra was surprised that Robin would be so bold as to correct Starfire in front of another person and she got the feeling that there must be some sort of history between the two. She felt her stomach turn slightly but ignored it. She continued. “I have the feeling that Starfire is the type who wears her feelings on her sleeve and speaks her mind. And that's cool. Besides, she's right. These clothes are definitely not me.”

“Then why are you wearing them?” A voice suddenly spoke behind her causing her to jump.

“Raven where did you come from?” Robin asked.

“Answer the question.” Raven's tone was threatening but before Robin or Starfire could cut in, Lyllandra answered.

“They're just bum clothes. You know. The type you wear when your intention is sitting around the house and having a lazy day.” Lyllandra felt she answered the question well but couldn't shake the feeling that Raven was looking right through her. “That was my plan before…this happened.”

“That's a perfectly logical explanation.” Robin said looking right at Raven. Turning to Starfire he said, “If Lyllandra's up to it Starfire why don't you take her to the mall for some new clothes and stuff like that.” He anticipated Lyllandra's look and said, “Don't worry about money or anything. It's pretty obvious you're a long way from your bank. And believe it or not, being a superhero pays pretty good.” He smiled at her before turning back to Raven, the smile disappearing. “Can I see you for a minute alone?”

He turned and walked down the hall towards the bedrooms. Raven's expression remained unchanged but she followed.

Lyllandra felt uncomfortable. What had she done to make Raven so angry? Starfire must have seen the expression on her face because she said, “Do not worry about Raven. She is suspicious about every new person. She actually cares about us very much.”

It didn't make Lyllandra feel any better but she forced herself to smile at Starfire. “If it's okay with you Starfire, I think I'd like some down time before we go anywhere. It's been a heck of a morning and I could use a nap.”

Starfire nodded in understanding. “Of course. I can imagine you need some time to recover from the shock of what's happened. I shall show you to your room where you may rest. We can go to the mall of shopping later.” She floated up and over the still squabbling Beast Boy and Cyborg and Lyllandra followed, giving the fighting titans a wide berth.

They reached the spare bedroom and Starfire pressed a button on the side of the door. It opened with a quiet hiss and the two entered. It was a simple room with a bed, desk and chair, dresser with a large mirror and clock radio. The colour on the walls was a sage green, which Lyllandra found very comforting. She gave the room a once over and heard Starfire behind her. “Will this suffice?”

“Are you kidding?” Lyllandra said incredulously. “This is perfect. I love green!” Feeling suddenly humbled she whispered. “Thank you. This is incredibly generous. I appreciate it.”

Starfire put her hand on Lyllandra's shoulder and smiled her warm smile. “Do not worry Lyllandra. All will be well. We will find a way to return you to your world and until then, know that you have a least one friend among the Teen Titans.” Lyllandra looked at Starfire but she crossed the room and just before leaving said, “Please enjoy your `down time'. Let me know when you are ready to go shopping.” And she left.

Lyllandra was now alone in her room. She immediately crossed to the dresser and looked in the mirror. It was just as she had suspected. No dark circles under her eyes, no blotchy skin, no sallow cheeks or double chin. Her eyes were clear and bright and, as she took in both her appearance and the conclusion that came from it, they filled with tears. “I can't believe it.” She whispered to her reflection. “It's really gone. I'm….healthy.” She saw a brush on the dresser and, acting as though it was a sacred object, picked it up gingerly and ran it through her now bright and full head of hair. She looked at the brush but there were no strands of hair in it. It was as if the chemo had never happened. Lyllandra put the brush down and, taking the chair from the desk, sat down in front of the window. Her chin in her hands, she looked out upon the sea that surrounded Titan Tower and began the impossible task of wrapping her head around what had happened to her. The clock on the dresser had said 1:00 pm. If time worked the same way here then that would mean that four hours had passed since she had gotten out of bed this morning. It felt like a lifetime ago. She thought about how her mother would be home in a few hours and discover her missing. Thinking about her only daughter's condition, she would likely panic and have the whole neighbourhood looking for her. Lyllandra could feel tears welling up again. Her poor mother would have no idea that she was safe, however briefly and that for some strange reason, in this world she had no cancer and was as healthy as she had always been. Perhaps healthier! Lyllandra put her face in her hands but before the tears could overwhelm her completely, there was a knock at her door.

She sat up straight and choked the tears back. She answered only when she was sure that she would sound normal. “Yes?”

“Lyllandra? It's Robin.” His voice sounded muffled from the other side of the door. “Is it okay if I talk to you?”

Lyllandra's heart made a pronounced thump in her chest but she stood up and said, “Of course. Come in.” The door hissed open and the masked and caped boy stood in her doorway. Probably more hesitantly than necessary, he crossed the threshold into her room. She motioned for him to sit in the chair she had just gotten out of. He took the seat and she sat on the bed.

He looked like he was having some trouble finding words but finally said, “Starfire told me that you needed some rest. I hope I'm not interrupting. I just wanted to see how you were doing.”

Lyllandra got up and walked away from Robin to hide the tears that were still threatening. “I'm okay considering. I just needed some time to let this all sink in. I'm still not entirely convinced that this isn't some feverish delusion.” She bit her tongue.

Fortunately Robin didn't notice her slip. “I'm afraid it's all very real but I'm sure with a little time you'll get used to it.” Lyllandra couldn't help but notice the tone with which he said that. It sounded like he was trying to encourage her to stay!

“Yeah I suppose.” Was the only thing she could think of in response.

Sitting on the chair Robin was glad at the moment that Lyllandra was not looking at him because he was busy internally yelling at himself for what he just said. Of course she wouldn't be getting used to this! She wanted to go home and who could blame her? Why on earth would she want to stay in some world that wasn't her own with a bunch of teenage superheroes that did little except freak her out? Robin shook his head but before he say anything more Lyllandra asked, “How's Raven?”

Robin was surprised she would ask but was grateful for a change of topic. “Raven? She's fine. She didn't mean to be rude but she's just….”

“Very suspicious of everyone new right?” Lyllandra finished the sentence for him. Robin nodded to her but inside he was still angry that Raven had behaved the way that she did. He thought back to a little earlier to the conversation they'd had.

Robin had directed Raven into his bedroom and after closing the door rounded on her. “Raven what on earth is your problem? Can't you tell Lyllandra is frightened and uncomfortable enough already?” Robin checked himself. Even he was surprised he was so angry. But every time he thought about the fear and pain he had seen in Lyllandra's eyes, he wanted nothing more than to take it away. And he still couldn't get that stupid dream out of his head.

“She's lying to us.” Raven said matter of factly.

“Lying? About what?” Robin snapped his mind away from his dream.

“I don't know. All I do know is that she is lying. And if she's lying she can't be trusted.” Raven crossed her arms and scowled. “Something you seem to have done pretty quickly. Don't you remember what happened with Terra? We trusted her too.”

“I don't think I have to remind you that this situation is totally different.” Robin interjected. “Lyllandra is just a normal human. She doesn't have any powers she can't control like Terra did. She's just a girl lost in a world that isn't her own. She needs our help.”

“What on earth is wrong with YOU Robin?” Raven countered. “You're always suspicious of new people, especially ones who appear out of nowhere and yet this girl appears out of `nowhere' and not only do you automatically trust her but you allow her access to the tower and all of us, no questions asked. This isn't like you.” Raven looked like she wanted to say more but the look on Robin's face told her she was dangerously close to crossing a line. In any case, Robin was a smart guy and he had a pretty good idea what she was getting at. It made him angry not only that she would insinuate it, but also because he had thought about it a couple of times during the past couple of hours and he couldn't stop the strange feelings that had invaded him. He tried to shrug it off.

“This has nothing to do with that stupid dream Raven.” He didn't even sound convincing to himself. “I know it seems strange but Cyborg's scans showed nothing out of the ordinary about her. And you saw her reaction to us, she had no idea who or what we were. She was scared to death. Or are you saying that was fake too?”

“No” Raven had to concede. “Her fear was definitely real. But there's something she's hiding from us. Something important.”

“Well it's not like she has a whole lot of reason to trust us either right? She appears here suddenly and the only help she finds are a bunch of teenage superheroes the likes of which she's never seen before in her life. If she is hiding something she has her reasons and perhaps given some time she'll feel more comfortable telling us. But think honestly Raven. Do you really feel that she's a threat?”

Raven and Robin had looked at each other for a long moment. “No.” She finally admitted. “I don't sense any hostility at all in her. Just fear and confusion. And maybe that's what I'm feeling too.” Raven opened her eyes wide in shock. Did she just tell Robin what she was feeling? She never did that. Her emotions were perfectly fine-tuned. She suddenly needed to get out of there. “I'm sorry Robin. I didn't mean to snap at the girl and you're probably right. She'll tell us what she's hiding when she's ready. Now…” she said heading towards the door. “If you'll excuse me, the morning's events have disrupted my centre. I have to meditate.”

“Raven are you okay?”

“I'm fine!” She had snapped and left.

Robin brought his head back to the present when he realized that Lyllandra was finally looking at him. The huge brown eyes that had so captured his attention when he first saw them (but where was the first time really? In the common room or in the forest?) were at the moment filled with uncertainty and…were those tears? He stood up from the chair and walked over to her. The closer he got, the more he could see the hard time she was having keeping herself from crying. He suddenly wanted to hold her close to him and wipe the tears from her face. He wanted to comfort her and make her smile again. The feeling was so strong that he purposely stopped a few feet away from her lest his compulsion get the better of him.

Lyllandra could see in Robin's face that he knew she was trying not to cry but thankfully, he did not bring attention to it. He stopped a few feet away from her but said nothing. She found herself looking at his eyes, or what she could see of them from behind the mask. She surprised herself by wondering what colour his eyes were.

Robin made himself look away from Lyllandra's eyes. He was beginning to get angry with himself for his lack of control. It was time to leave. “Lyllandra,” He began, keeping his gaze from hers. “I want you to know that for as long as you're here, Titan Tower is your home. You can come and go as you please and if you need anything you can ask any of us. Perhaps when you're ready to go out with Starfire, she could give you a tour of the city.”

“Couldn't you do it?” Lyllandra immediately turned red and kicked herself. “What a stupid thing to say!” She screamed internally. “He's going to think you're a complete tart!”

But in fact, Robin thought no such thing and actually felt himself stand up a little taller. “If you want I can probably take you around later. After dinner maybe?”

Lyllandra's inner voice heaved a huge sigh of relief. She actually managed a smile and said, “Okay. That sounds like fun.”

“Alright.” Robin's smile was wider than Lyllandra had seen it. “I'll let you get some rest now.” He walked to the door but stopped short of opening it. He turned back to her. “Lyllandra I…..”

“Yes?”

“……….Nothing.” And he was out the door.

Lyllandra practically collapsed on the bed. Her mind was swimming with a million thoughts at once. Foremost however was what had just happened. “What the hell `did' just happen?” She asked herself out loud. The way Robin had acted just now. She barely knew him yet the feeling she was getting around him was one of familiarity. Like she'd known him for an eternity and yet…why did she feel so nervous at the same time? She was extremely tired but sleep would not overtake her. Not only would her mind not let go of the image of Robin standing in front of her but in an intensely irrational way, she was also afraid that if she fell asleep here, that she would wake up in her world, a sick and likely dying mess again. Without thinking, she began to scratch the back of her right hand.

Robin had intended to return to the common room, break up Cyborg and Beast Boy if they hadn't stopped fighting and send everyone downtown to do some scans of the area where they had found Lyllandra. But this last encounter with her left him with an enormous amount of energy so instead he made his way down to the gym. As he laid his feet and hands into the punching bag, so too he laid his mind to the recurring dream he had every night in an effort to dropkick it right out of his head. He was surprised to find, however, that he was having trouble concentrating on the dream. His thoughts kept returning to the moment when he had first looked into Lyllandra's eyes.

Her eyes were brown and impossibly large and as he looked into them he saw all the feelings she had been hiding.

“Argghh!” He yelled as he expertly landed a kick right in the centre of the punching bag. Why on earth did thinking about his dream make him think of Lyllandra? The two had nothing to do with each other. “It's only a dream for crying out loud!” He yelled as he continued to punch and kick.

A few hours later Starfire was sitting and watching Cyborg and Beast Boy. They had finally decided that fisticuffs weren't going to solve anything so instead they had turned their energy into kicking each other's butts at gamestation. Actually it was more Cyborg kicking butt and Beast Boy yelling and dancing around hoping futilely that moving the actual controller would make a difference in what was happening on the screen. At first Starfire had been happy to watch the two duke it out on the racing game. The bright lights and sounds were very entertaining to her. But after a while she began to feel a little bored. Raven was supposedly meditating and she hadn't seen hide nor hair of Robin since he went to talk to Raven. She looked at the clock, which read 4:30 pm. She stood up from the couch and decided that Lyllandra had been given enough time to rest. Leaving Beast Boy and Cyborg to their devices, she floated down the hallway to Lyllandra's door. She was about to knock when the door opened and Lyllandra stood there.

Lyllandra had not been able to sleep or think her way around her problems and so had decided that it was time to take Starfire up on the offer to go shopping. It had been such a long time since she had reason to visit a mall. And felt enough like a normal human being to do so. When she opened up the door, Starfire was standing there with a hand raised into a fist, presumably ready to knock on the door. Lyllandra smiled. “Good timing Starfire. I was just coming to find you.”

“Then you are feeling up to visiting the mall of shopping with me?”

“Yeah I think so. It's been a long time since I've done a good mall trall. I've missed it.” Starfire looked as if she would just burst with happiness. Finally someone who enjoyed shopping! She grabbed Lyllandra's hand and, forgetting in her joy her super strength, practically dragged her through the hallway, past the battling Beast Boy and Cyborg, and out the door.

A couple hours later, Starfire and Lyllandra had returned from the mall and Lyllandra had to admit that she felt a lot better. She had gotten rid of the mushroom clothes and was now wearing a pair of blue jeans and a plain turquoise top. She had gotten several new outfits as well as some shoes and she had also gotten her hair cut, which was a novel experience to be sure. She almost hadn't wanted to get it cut, she was so happy to have it at all but now that it was shoulder length and layered just like she used to wear it, despite the fact that she still wasn't quite sure where she was or how she was going to get home, she was in the best mood she'd been in in months. And she'd had fun shopping with Starfire, even though she knew much less about Jump City than she had let on. Lyllandra had ended up educating her in many concepts like window-shopping, accessorizing, and why food court food was considered a modern day delicacy.

When they reached the common room of the tower, they found it empty. A quick click on Starfire's communicator revealed that the boys had finally gone downtown to search the area where Lyllandra had been found. Starfire helped Lyllandra take her purchases to her room and left to join them. Lyllandra began putting her new clothes away in the closet when there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

“Do you have a minute to talk?” Raven was standing at the door.

“Um sure Raven come on in.” Lyllandra wasn't sure she wanted to talk to Raven at all. The look she had on her face was positively dangerous. But this could be the opportune time to find out what was going through her mind.

Raven crossed the threshold and stood in the centre of the room. Looking at the numerous bags on the floor she said. “Did you have fun shopping with Starfire?”

Lyllandra was a little confused. Was Raven trying to be nice? “Um yeah I did actually. Starfire is a very energetic shopper and I'm glad to be wearing something that fits now.”

“You cut your hair.” Raven stated with more suspicion in her voice than there was blue in her outfit.

Lyllandra looked hard at her. “Okay.” She thought to herself. “I guess being nice had nothing to do with it.” Out loud she said, “Yeah I had been meaning to do it for a while but never got around to it and today presented the perfect opportunity so…” she trailed off wincing internally. She sucked at lying and she could tell that Raven saw right through it.

“Listen to me.” Raven said closing the distance between her and Lyllandra. “I don't know who you are or why you're here but I want to make one thing perfectly clear alright?”

“I'm listening.” Lyllandra said coldly.

“They trust you. I don't. If you hurt them I will hurt you back do you understand?” Raven's eyes were practically glowing. Lyllandra was very afraid but refused to show it.

“I understand you perfectly but you're going to understand something as well.” Lyllandra spoke with just as much force. “I am not here by choice. I know just as much as you do about why I'm here or what's going on. My intention is not to hurt anyone, just to find a way back home. I'm very grateful for being allowed to stay here and I understand your desire to protect your friends but I'm not the enemy and I won't sit here and be accused of trying to hurt anyone. You don't trust me? The feeling is mutual believe me. You don't want me here? Then perhaps you should be helping the others figure out a way to get me home rather than threatening me for no reason.”

Raven looked shocked at Lyllandra's forceful tone. Usually when she threatened someone, well let's just say her friends knew not to mess with her. But she could see now that Lyllandra wasn't one to be messed with either. She could see a fire in her eyes and sense the determination in her. Raven's expression softened a bit as a tiny bud of respect started to grow inside her for this girl. She kept her eyes intense though as she turned and walked towards the door. “We understand each other then. That's good.” She said without looking back. “Just remember. I'm watching you.” And with that, Raven walked out the door.

Lyllandra stood by her closet not moving. Her heart was slamming in her chest from the encounter and she was angry not only at Raven's boldness but at her own initial reaction of fear. It seemed that she had an enemy among the Teen Titans. “And I haven't even been here for a day yet.” She looked at the dress in her hands that she had been in the process of hanging up when Raven knocked. She stared at it for a long moment then threw it across the room, ran to her bed and cried, letting loose all of the pent up fear and uncertainty. After a while she fell into a fitful sleep.