A/N This is set about 6 months after Decisions and Regrets.

Chapter 1

Robin looked up as his door opened. After almost two years of marriage, he still wasn't used to Starfire simply walking into what was now their room.

"I do not wish to interrupt you while you are working, Robin, but what I must tell you is most important."

Robin closed the file he had open on his computer, then pushed back away from it to give Starfire his complete attention. "Something wrong with Liand'r?"

"No, she is in her playpen, or should I say her cyberplaypen," she replied. "Cyborg was most pleased when his 'dirty didy' alarm went off."

"Oh I bet he was. That is, until you walked off," Robin chuckled.

Starfire also chuckled, remembering the look on Cyborg's face when she informed him that since he was the only one watching her, that his was the honor of changing his adoptive niece. "I have received a transmission from Galfore. Nie'l is on his way here for a visit."

Robin frowned over that for a moment. "I'll be glad to see him, but why do I get the feeling that you think there's more behind this than him wanting to see us?"

Starfire sighed, realizing that she couldn't keep anything from him. "Probably because you know me so well, and can hear it in the tone of my voice," she said. "To be honest, I am most likely worrying for no reason, but it is not in what Galfore has told me, but in the manner in which he has told me what he has." She gave a small sigh of frustration as she could tell from Robin's raised eyebrow that she had only confused him. "Nie'l is our adopted son, yes, and as such would be allowed to pay us visits as his training schedule would allow, but he is also the Grand Ruler of Tamaran. His going to one of our colony worlds is to be expected, but to come here, so far from the Vega system, is cause for concern."

"Even to see us?"

"Even so, Robin. I know that he is still young; however, he realizes his position as Grand Ruler does not allow him the freedoms of his peers."

Robin shrugged. "Maybe you're right, and you're worrying for nothing. Why don't we just wait until they get here? Are there any special arrangements that we need to make?"

"I do not believe so," Starfire replied. "I have already taken the liberty of notifying Kal-El on the Watchtower."

Robin simply nodded at that tidbit of news, and smiled at her referring to Superman as Kal-El. He remembered when she had first called the Man of Steel that, and her explanation that even on Tamaran the civilization of Krypton was well known and that the house of El had produced great scientists and members of the Kryptonian council. Robin also remembered the soft smile on Superman's face when Starfire said that Jor-El had been both a fine scientist and a revered member of the council.

He also remembered the last time the Tamaraneans had shown up without prior warning. It hadn't really been a problem, but Batman had been very . . .displeased. He sighed softly when he looked at the time and saw that it was far later than he thought. "Star, I'm sorry," he said. "I was supposed to take you out for dinner tonight."

Starfire gave him a look. "Are you saying that you are calling our date tonight off? That it will take us too long to change and go to Rudolfo's?"

Hearing the slightly angry tone in her voice, Robin held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Okay. Okay. You're right. I just thought you'd like better company. All I've got going through my head right now are those files I've been reading about what all Slade has been doing since we locked him up."

While Robin talked, Starfire walked toward the closet. She paused and gave him a sultry look over her shoulder. "I am confident that I will be able to provide you with a distraction from that, my husband, and I can think of no one's company that I would prefer."

Robin swallowed nervously as Starfire picked an outfit from the closet, then walked into the bathroom. He wasn't certain, but he could have sworn that she was swinging her hips more then usual.

Robin whistled softly when Starfire emerged from the bathroom. She hadn't applied any makeup, but had changed into a satin, emerald green dress with spaghetti straps and a scooped neckline. The garment wasn't tight, but flattered her figure and ended with a ragged hem that brushed her knees. He also noticed that her feet were encased in a matching pair of pumps.

"I see you approve," she said softly.

Robin saw the glimmer in her eyes as she looked him over as well. He was wearing a pale blue shirt and a dark blue suit coat and pants with a white tie. His dress shoes had been buffed to a mirror finish, and, of course he wore his mask.

"May I have the honor, Highness?" he asked, proffering his arm.

Starfire tried to keep a straight face, but giggled as she linked her arm with his. "You may, Highness."

Arm in arm they headed for the door, but came up short when they found the other Titans waiting for them in the corridor.

"Yo, girl, you're lookin' fine," Cyborg said, giving Starfire an appraising look, then shifted his gaze to Robin. He made a show of straightening Robin's tie and brushing flat the lapels of his suit coat. "You treat her right, Boy Wonder, ya hear."

Starfire giggled, as she got the distinct impression that Robin was rolling his eyes behind his mask. She was surprised when Robin put his arm around her shoulders.

"Nothing to worry about there, Cyborg. We should be back by ten. It'll depend on when the movie lets out."

Starfire was puzzled when Beast Boy nudged Cyborg with his elbow. "Come on, Cy, tell 'em."

"Well seeing as your all dressed up and all. . .well. . .here," the big Titan stuttered then held out the keys to the T-car. "You're a married couple now, and we can't have you riding around on a motorcycle, now can we?"

"I do not see why not. I greatly enjoy riding behind Robin," Starfire said, and Raven raised an eyebrow when she saw the mischievous gleam in Starfire's eye. "It is one of the few times that I can put my arms around him in public."

All except Robin chuckled at that, and at how he blushed.

"Now, Starfire, you know he's been getting better at that," Raven admonished softly.

"Well, we can't deprive Starfire of one of her pleasures," Robin said, then handed the keys back to Cyborg. "But I do appreciate the offer."

A few minutes later and Robin and Starfire were in the garage of the Tower, and Robin rolled his R-cycle to a position where Starfire could climb on behind him. As they rolled down tunnel toward the city, Robin did have to admit that just as Starfire enjoyed having her arms around him, he liked the feel of her pressing against his back.

A short time later, Robin stopped and switched off the R-cycle, and he felt Starfire dismount. He deployed the kickstand then turned to take Starfire's helmet. As he attached their helmets to the bike, he noticed that Starfire ran her fingers through her hair for a moment, restoring it to it's normal appearance. As they started to walk toward the restaurant, they both looked to their right when they heard a woman's scream.

"Help! That man stole my purse!"

"Just once, I'd like to take you somewhere and not get interrupted," Robin muttered as he turned and took a few steps in the direction of the scream. A second later he realized that he wouldn't have to go far as he spotted the thief.

Seeing young children on bicycles was rare enough in this section of Jump City, but seeing a man about twenty years old on one was even rarer, especially a man carrying a woman's diamond studded purse.

Pedaling hard down the sidewalk, the thief was looking back over his shoulder as he built up speed.

"Hey!" Robin shouted, and the thief look forward just in time to catch a glimpse of Robin's arm just before it struck him across the chest, just below his shoulders. With a grunt, the thief was unseated as the bike kept going, but he came to an instant stop. Before the thief had a chance to recover, Robin had his hands cuffed behind his back. He looked back and saw that Starfire had grabbed the bike and stopped it from running into anybody. A short time later, a police car showed up, and Robin gave the officer his statement and received his thanks from the owner of the purse.

"Shall we go in?" he asked Starfire as he took her arm and led her to the entrance.

"Ah, Robin, it is good to see you, eh?" a man in a chef's uniform asked in heavily accented English, as they walked through the door, "Especially when you're with your lovely wife, no?"

"It's good to see you too, Rudolfo," Robin said shaking the proffered hand. "I know we're a little late for our reservation. . ." he began but trailed off when Rudolfo held up his hands.

"I understand. You were busy, yes? That hoodlum has taken the purses from three women this week. Order what you wish, it is on the house," he told them as he guided them to a table. "It is not because you are Titans, but the ones who stopped that thug from bothering my clients, I insist."

Robin sighed softly, then nodded as Rudolfo held Starfire's chair out for her. Without even looking at the menu he placed their order. "To start with, a basket of your calamari rings with your garlic marinara sauce, then two orders of your three meat lasagna."

"An excellent choice," Rudolfo said, kissing the tips of his fingers. "I will see to it myself."

"Robin, I know what lasagna is, but what is this three meat?"

"Instead of having only ground beef in the layers, there's also Italian sausage, and sliced ham," he explained.

"And what is this?" she asked as a red plastic basket was placed between them, mounded high with rings of fried golden batter over something, with a bowl of red sauce.

Robin took one of the rings. "You take them like this and dip them into the sauce," he instructed as he showed her, then took a bite. He hummed with delight as the tomato based sauce was heavy with garlic.

"Oh, Robin, that is simply delicious!" Starfire gushed. "What is this calamari?"

"It's from an animal that lives in the ocean, called squid," he replied. "It's cleaned and sliced into rings like this then battered and fried."

Starfire nodded her understanding as she popped another piece of the food into her mouth, her eyes closing as she savored the taste. "So, do you look forward to seeing our son again?"

"Very much. Who will take his oath of acceptance next month?"

"That is part of what troubles me about this visit now," Starfire replied daintily wiping her lips with her napkin. "You and I will be making the trip to Tamaran to take the oaths of Nie'l and the members of his cadre. He would simply wait for us to visit him then instead of the Grand Ruler coming here to us."

Robin nodded, realizing why Starfire had been anxious about the message she had gotten from Galfore, especially if it had been as vague as she had said it was. He looked up when he realized that Starfire was leaning over the table toward him.

"You have some sauce," she said softly and wiped away a bit of sauce from the corner of his mouth.

"Better?" he asked softly as he looked into her eyes.

"Almost," she whispered back then brushed his lips with hers. She was surprised when instead of pulling back, Robin raised his hand to stroke the back of her neck with his fingers, then gently touched his forehead to hers.

"Have I succeeded in diverting your thoughts from those files?" she asked when she pulled away and resumed her seat.

"Oh yeah. You've done that quite well."

They were shaken from staring at each other when Rudolfo cleared his throat from beside the table. He smiled warmly at the young couple. "Ah, amore," he sighed, then seemed to shake himself as he placed their plates in front of them. "Enjoy," he said then walked away.

Seeming to have a sixth sense, Rudolfo returned just as they finished their main course. "Now I bring you an especial treat for dessert," he announced placing a covered dish in front of each of them. "My especiale tiramisu. I will leave you in peace now, mangia"

The couple finished their meal in peace, talking softly to each other until they both noticed that the candle in the bottle on their table had burned low.

"I hope you are not upset that we missed the movie?" Starfire asked when she noticed that they were the last two in the restaurant.

Robin smiled softly. "Nah, we can catch it another time. How does a walk sound to you?"

"Very nice. It has been some time since I have done the shopping of windows."

At first glance, the young couple looked like any other walking along the shopping district of Jump City. Holding hands, and walking close enough to each other that their shoulders would occasionally brush together. It wasn't until one got a closer look that they realized that they were looking at two of the city's heroes.

Starfire was surprised at how, once they were recognized, peoples faces would brighten and she and Robin would get a nod in greeting, especially from the older folks. Starfire sighed softly as she found her thoughts drifting back to Galfore's message.

"What's the matter, Star?"

In reply, the redhead slid her arm around his waist and snuggled closer to him. She smiled softly as he put his arm around her shoulders, but soon realized that she had not distracted him.

"Star?" he prompted.

"It is. . ." she began, but trailed off realizing that he would recognize her telling him it was nothing for the lie it would be. "It is just that you were the one concerned with not being able to keep your mind on me, but it is I who is having trouble keeping my mind on you," she admitted.

"That message from Galfore?"

"Yes," she sighed as she lay her head on his shoulder. "It is not only what was in the message, but that it was a message, not a live transmission. After I placed Galfore on the throne, a series of communication relays was put in place to permit instantaneous communications between Tamaran and Earth." Feeling Robin's curiosity, she led him over to a bench. "I believe I should have done this before."

Robin looked as she took out her communicator and opened it. He was going to protest, in case there was personal things in the message, but Galfore's face filled the small screen.

"Rivan, pe vat. . ." he began.

"This will be better," Starfire said as she pressed a button on the device. The screen blurred for a moment then Galfore began again.

"Highness, I am sending this transmission to inform you that Emperor Nie'l will be visiting you on the thirteenth day of Rekvar. This will be an informal visit, so no special preparations are necessary."

Robin expected more, but the screen faded to black, and Starfire closed the communicator and put it away. "That was pretty. . .no, very formal and dry," he said. "I can understand why you're nervous. There was no other message, a more personal one attached to this?"

"No, there was not. It is that which has me worried. As my old k'norfka, Galfore is the only one outside my family who can speak freely to me. This is the first time I have seen him so formal with me."

Robin stood, pulling her with him and he gave her a reassuring hug. "I'm sure he has his reasons."

Starfire hummed her agreement, and they started walking again. "It is what reasons I can think of that cause me to worry."

Robin opened his mouth to say something, but his communicator sounding cut him off. Seeing who was calling, he quickly stepped into an alley, pulling Starfire with him. He flipped the device open. "What?" He asked none to happily.

"Are you alone?" an all to familiar voice asked.

"I'm with Starfire," he replied. "Why do you want to. . .know?" His last word was almost whispered as he and Starfire suddenly found themselves on the transporter pad on the Watchtower. They were jolted from their disorientation by a voice off to their left.

"Hey, Robin. Does Starfire know you're. . .never mind. I almost didn't recognize you, Star."

"Kid Flash!" Starfire cried happily as she flew over to the speedster and gave him one of her signature hugs. "Friend, it is very good to see you!"

"Breathing would be good too, Star," Kid Flash managed to gasp out, then he chuckled as she let him go and blushed.

"Hey, Kid Flash. How's it going?"

Kid Flash shook the hand Robin offered. "Not bad. Flash has me up here getting used to the place. I guess he wants me to take his place when he retires. Jinx says hello too."

"If you're through with this reunion," Batman said as he walked up, stifling any further conversation. "Come with me."

Robin and Starfire fell in behind Batman as he went down the steps from the platform, and followed him to a door in the central section area of the Watchtower's bridge.

The Dark Knight raised his right hand up to his ear, activating his commlink. "Batman."

"Identity confirmed," A computerized voice said. "User zero, zero, three. Batman." With that announcement the door slid open and the two Titans found themselves led into a room with a round table. Robin's curiosity grew when he saw Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, The Martian Manhunter, and Superman seated at the table.

"You didn't tell us they were on a date, Bruce," Superman said.

"I didn't know, and I didn't ask. Time may be critical." Batman replied.