She was sitting on the roof. Alone. The bitter cold stung her face as it whipped her gorgeous red hair around her small frame. She hugged herself, trying to warm her arms. She felt something warm drape over her shoulders. Looking up, her eyes met two white barricades, staring back at her.

"You are sure you are not in need of warmth?" she asked, gently tugging the cape that was wrapped around her.

He laughed. "Star, I'm positive. You shouldn't be up here in this weather. You'll get sick. Besides, you should be down watching the movie with the rest of us," his voice drifted off as he studied her delicate face.

"What's wrong?"

She looked at him in amazement and wonder. He always seemed to know when she was upset. "Robin…why must you hide yourself?" If he was surprised by her question he didn't show it.

"I don't want people to know who I really am. If I showed you, you wouldn't want me as your leader."

"Robin, you are my best friend! I would never abandon you." While they had been talking, Starfire had moved closer to him, snuggling into the warmth he provided. "Besides, you are the Boy of Wonder, or as Cyborg says, Boy of Blunder." She blushed prettily as he wrapped his arms around her. He grabbed her hand and let it travel up to his face, gently grasping the white and black mask that made him so mysterious. He let her peel the cloth off, his eyes closed tight. She gasped in horror as his identity was finally revealed. Robin was Slade.

Starfire sat up, panting. 'No! Robin cannot be Slade!' Wrapping her blanket around herself, she raced out of her room, running until she reached the door that said 'ROBIN', and knocked cautiously. Moments later, Starfire heard muffled sounds coming from inside the room, and a drowsy Robin, in only his boxers, was standing in the doorway.

"Starfire? What's wrong? Are you okay?" He gently grasped her arms and looked into her eyes, searching for an answer. She leaned forward, laying her head on his shoulder and placing a hand on his bare chest.

"I am fine, Robin. I merely had a mare of the night, but I am alright now. I am sorry to have awoken you. Goodnight." With that said, she flew off. Robin stared after her in amusement. Chuckling to himself, he went back into his room.

Starfire, meanwhile, had flown to the roof. She couldn't forget the look on the dream Robin's face. His eyes were so cold and resentful. She was foolish to think Robin, her Robin, could ever truly be that way…but she had to check, just to be sure. When she saw him, she felt so foolish. He was so gentle and caring. A cool breeze blew around her, and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She felt almost as if someone was watching her. Lightning cracked through the haze with Thunder booming seconds later. Slowly turning around, she glanced behind. She caught a glimpse of a tall figure lurking in the shadows. As the Lightning flashed, she saw the face of the man she feared most. It was Slade.

Shaking in fear, she flew to the door that led back inside the Tower. She raced to Robin's room, crying hysterically. Robin was shocked to open his door only to find a soaked and crying Starfire sitting on the floor outside his room.

"Starfire? What happened?" he asked, dropping down next to her and hugging her to him comfortingly. "Star, why are you all wet? And why are you crying? Did you have another nightmare?" He gently stroked her hair.

Starfire, now starting to calm down, buried her face in his chest. "Robin. I – I am sorry. I could not find slumber, so I merely went to the roof, and it is storming, and…" her voice broke off as she remembered what she had seen. She knew how crazy Robin got whenever Slade was mentioned. 'I do not want him to worry again.' She yawned. "I am very tired, but I cannot seem to stop recalling the mare that has visited me tonight. It was terrifying, and…"

"And…you can't sleep." Robin interrupted. He gently picked her up and carried her into his room. After laying her down on his bed, he tucked her in.

"Robin…" He silenced her with a stern look. "Star, you're sleeping here tonight. That way if you have another dream I'll be right here, and you can just wake me up." He walked over to his desk and sat down. "I'll be right over here, alright?"

"No, Robin. It is not alright. I feel guilt that you are worrying about me. And that you cannot have a peaceful slumber in your own personal sleeping facility." She sighed and started to get up.

"Star, no. Stay here. I'll be fine; you aren't any trouble at all." He came over and sat down on the bed beside her. "What could I do to make you feel better?" he asked her, staring at her intently.

"I would feel much relieved if you were to also slumber in your sleeping facility." She stared right back at him. They stared at each other until Starfire gave in, letting out a giggle. Robin started to laugh and lay down next to her. Immediately, Starfire moved up beside him, curling up to him. Robin blushed and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Her breathing started to become heavier and started to put him to sleep.

He whispered, almost to himself, "I love you, Starfire." Then sleep overtook him.