Chapter 2
I'll be your dream I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy, I'll be your hope I'll be your love, Be everything that you need
The little girl ran. She could feel her legs start to ache from her quickening pace but she couldn't afford to slow down or rest. The man that had kidnapped her earlier today was still after her; it was a miracle she was even able to escape his house that he locked her up in, but the dark, empty streets were of no comfort either. She needed help, needed a hero, she needed-
Footsteps pounded behind her. His rough, sweaty hand swung out and knocked her down, her knees skidding against the gravel in the street as she cried out and screamed. His heavy weight prevented her from breathing and she screamed again in pain as he connected his fist with her face.
Blood started to trickle from where she had bitten her lip and he cut it open. Her vision started to blur and she knew that in a couple of seconds she'll surely lose consciousness. Then the weight was gone and she could breathe. A loud thud and a howl of pain later, the girl was in the arms of an orange skinned, blood-colored haired beauty. "Shh, dear one. You are safe now."
The little girl threw her arms around Starfire and cried into her neck while the alien gently smoothed down her hair. She pressed something in her ear, "Nightwing, I found her... no... he is bleeding at the temple and mouth, bruises appearing." She nodded, "Very well." She looked at the young one and smiled softly, her dazzling eyes shining. Kissing the girl's cheek, she said, "Your mother contacted us. I will take you to her and my friend Raven will heal your wounds, okay little one?"
"Victoria," she sniffled.
Starfire hugged the girl, "Victoria. Do not cry. Did this man violate you in any way? I will personally see to it that you receive justice."
At that Victoria cried a little more. Starfire gathered her in one arm, supporting her on her hips and grabbed the unconscious man by the shirt with the other. When she lifted off the ground and flew in the direction she came, she said, "I too, suffered at the hands of an evil being and my innocence was taken from me. I was young, like you. I understand. Believe me when I say that there is a man out there that will never hurt you and he will love you unconditionally and friends who will protect you from others. You mustn't let this night hinder you, dear Victoria. You are strong. You can overcome this."
The blonde eleven year old with wide green eyes smiled and hugged her hero tightly as the wind blew past them, listen to the alien's comforting words that floated around the little girl in a beautiful lullaby. Sirens and crying reached her ears as Starfire landed and dumped the man with the police. Immediantly, three males and one female surrounded them and Victoria shrunk back, but at Starfire's soothing hand and voice, she relaxed and allowed Raven to heal her before running to her mother.
Nightwing looked at the crying mother and back at Starfire, "I hope this didn't surface memories."
"Oh it did." She cocked her head when he blanched. "And do you know what I remember? Feeling alone and scared, thinking that I will never again smile or laugh, or feel love. Feeling so violated that I never wanted to be touched again," Star smiled and touched his cheek, "Then I met you. And I cannot let Victoria feel as I did. I want to visit her."
He stepped closer, "Can I come?"
"I had hoped you would."
A tug on his arm drew his attention away from Star and he turned to see Victoria looking at him with understanding.
Nightwing bent at the knees, coming to her level, "Starfire and I would like to come see you, is that okay?"
The little girl smiled with happiness and hugged him tightly and the rest of the titans, kissing Starfire on the cheek, before going with her mother and the police. Nightwing grabbed Star's hand and turned toward the team. "You guys go on home; I and Star will patrol tonight." Ignoring their cheers and hollers, he reached for his love's waist as she grinned widely before lifting them both in the air, pressing him against her body as she soared through the sky over the city.
He loved flying with her with the freedom and space and rush of the wind that came when she dropped him, but mainly because it was her blessing him with this feeling. His inner acrobat that was born in the circus always came out when she dropped him in the air and he entertained her with his flips and spins, laughing whenever she caught him. Flying always made him feel one with Star, something that only he got to experience. Sure she carries Cyborg, catches Beast boy, takes people away like today, but she never flew with them. No, she gave that solely to him just like he only gave her his blue eyes. The night he revealed them to her had been the night he confessed his love, stating those three little words with so much emotion he was in tears. And it was also the night of their first love making.
Being like this with her was a dream come true.
Starfire flew onto the roof of the Beldera Hotel that looked over the city. Music drifted out of the top floor and Nightwing peeked in to see a wedding reception in progress, the rented hall covered in white and blue. The bride twirled in her gown, her husband beaming at her as he brought her toward him. Nightwing smiled at the scene as his imagination started to create a similar scenario, but with different characters; someday that will be him in a tux, friends and family smiling at them, Star in a beautiful white gown, his ring on her finger, his last name hers, Mrs. Richard Grayson...
"Richard?"
"Hmm," he said absently, his complete focus on the newlyweds.
"It is going to rain, I just saw lightening and-" she jumped at the crack of thunder, her eyes widening while she stiffened after the shock. Nightwing reached for her hands and tucked her in his arms.
"Star, do you think you'll ever get over thunder?"
"I do not believe so."
"Good, because I like being your safe haven." He held her, the music becoming slow and romantic. She turned her head at the whistles and coos.
"I have heard that song." She smiled, "Yes! Beast boy and Cyborg do the making fun of it all the time. Richard, dance with me!"
He laughed as she took a step back and did a single twirl in the air. When he heard the lyrics, he couldn't help but groan and winced when she swatted him on the shoulder, but when she started to sing along, her body swaying under his hands and her emerald eyes sparkling at him with so much love, the song held more meaning than he ever believed. She had him in a trance and her voice was his bind.
"...I'll love you more with every breath; truly, madly, deeply do. I will be strong, I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on a new beginning, a reason for living, a deeper meaning..." she leaned in, singing softly in his ear as he gently swayed with her, breathing her in, "I want to stand with you on a mountain. I want to bathe with you in the sea. I want to lie like this forever. Until the sky falls down on me..."
"And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky, I'll make a wish, send it to heaven. Then make you want to cry," Star gasped and look at him wide-eyed to which he only smirked and continued singing, "the tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty that we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of the highest powers, in lonely hours. The tears devour you..." He looked her in the eye and she smiled, singing along with him.
"I want to stand with you on a mountain. I want to bathe with you in the sea. I want to lie like this forever. Until the sky falls down on me..."
They danced into the next song, and the next, becoming oblivious to the music and focusing on each other. The music paused and Nightwing could hear the families' eager calls for cake. Star floated next to the skylight, gazing in. "That is the human wedding, yes?"
"Yes. It's beautiful huh?" He whispered, dazed from their dance. She really didn't know her hold over him as she nodded, not noticing his love-sick gaze.
"It is beautiful. I've never seen such decorations or heard so much laughter in a wedding."
"Is it different from Tamaran?" He doesn't really know anything about Tamaranian weddings, the vows they took or what they did after the ceremony. He hoped she would take care of that, after he asked of course.
Three weeks...
"Very. Your weddings are so... joyful. I can feel their love, even from here. My people unfortunately do not act this way at weddings, nor do we... love. We care and hold affection, but love is unthinkable. I did not understand why I felt so strongly about you, more than anyone I have ever met. On Tamaran, we have arranged marriages; there is no room for... love." She gazed at the bride with a deep longing and sorrow that immediantly made Nightwing move to comfort her, but something was bugging him that prevented his arms from moving.
"Um, Star? What are your thoughts about... marriage? I know your culture's ideas and conceptions, but I want to know yours."
"It is a political obligation to ensure the protection and peace of my people. I am a princess, I've been asked for my hand since I was born. I do not think of marriage on any other terms."
"Not even," he took a deep breath, "for us?"
His insides turned when she became as still as stone, setting his nerves on edge when her face became perfectly blank as she looked away, hiding her expression. It was a long second before she removed herself from his arms, giving him a stern look, "Richard, you are not..."
He sheepishly smiled, "Maybe. Of course not right now, but, someday I would... Star, I love you and I-"
"No."
Dick froze.
…No…?
Did… did he hear her right?
Wait, that can't be… he's… she didn't just… "What?"
"No," she repeated, not meeting his eyes. "I can't... I will not marry you."
He couldn't move.
Starfire stepped away from him, hugging her chest. "Marriage is not the same for me. I marry for political reasons; I cannot partake in an Earthly wedding."
"You don't want to marry me," he breathed.
"Richard, please. It is not what you're thinking. Marriage on my planet is very different. I am royal, if I marry you… so much responsibility of a planet that does not concern you will fall on your shoulders. I will not burden you. There are laws and the council and some will be outraged. I cannot bring you into a mess that does not concern you and possibly put Earth in a dangerous position. And also... I-I am alre-"
"Burden?" She flinched at his harsh tone, "Marriage isn't a burden, Star. And neither is your planet. You think I didn't think it through, that I somehow forgot you're a goddamn princess? I didn't forget about your rules and council and all that other shit; I had thought we could work through them. I know what I want and that's all of you, Star, including your responsibilities. I don't care about 'the burden.' I'll help you through it."
"You don't understand-"
"What the hell don't I understand?"
She glared, "The laws of Tamaran. I am not sure if we can even get married. It would do no good to keep it a secret, either. There are others who are asking for my hand."
"Tell them to fuck off."
"It's not that simple; there are treaties and political truces on the balance of any marriage of mine. I cannot just turn my back on the consequences that are sure to come out of marring you."
Nightwing shook his head, feeling anger, "Sounds to me like you're trying to find an excuse."
Her mouth dropped open in aghast, "How can you say that!?"
"Why else would you reject me? You love me, don't you? Or am I your plaything to fuck whenever you're in the mood?"
Star got in his face, her eyes glowing. "How dare you question my love."
"You just said Tamaranians don't know love; so how could you? Maybe this whole time this was just your way of relieving yourself from royal duties." He shook his head, throwing his hand up, "You're not there, Star. You're here, on Earth and that," he pointed toward the wedding, "is a symbol of love. Not a fucking burden. Unlike your planet's fucked up culture. When you're in love, you want to get married."
Her glare intensified, the space around them reflecting her green energy, "I do not know love, Nightwing," she spat sarcastically. "You are just a playing that I like to do the fucking with." Star span on her heel and stalked away from him, throwing her hair over her shoulder as she did and Nightwing's eyes fell on her feet; when did she stop floating? The use of his hero name only served to aggravate him more which, honestly, didn't make any sense. He was mad at her, right, and she him? He shouldn't expect her to use his full name, especially after what he said about her. Then again…
Nightwing sighed and rubbed his face. "Star, wait."
She ignored him as she walked across the roof top, her arms crossing. He ran up to her and grabbed her hand which she just snatched away, "Star, please. I'm sorry. It's just that marriage is a big thing here and I hadn't expected you to say no. I thought, well I already... I..." He hung his head, thinking back to the blue box. What the hell was he going to do?
"What." She snapped.
"I…" Shaking his head, he took a breath and tried to find words, "I had… I…" Fuck.
She didn't want to marry him.
Starfire said no.
To him.
What the hell was he going to do? What can he do?
I love you… I want to marry you… why won't- how could you-?
The pressure of her hand on his chest made him look up and meet her cautious eyes. She searched his face for a long moment, biting her lip before she blinked back tears, her face an expression of sorrow and guilt, "You were going to ask me." She concentrated, a lone tear falling out of the corner of her eye, "Our anniversary..."
He couldn't look at the guilt in her face and tried to turn away, but her lips on his prevented movement, "I am so sorry," she cried. "I long to marry you and be your wife, but I cannot. It is dangerous and I will not chance ruining our relationship. Please understand that I will not bring the wrath of my people upon you. I love you, Richard and I could not bear hurting you."
"Star," he whispered, rubbing her back, "how would you hurt me? And Tamaran isn't a problem, really."
She shook her head, kissing his neck, "You don't understand... Richard, I'm-"
Screaming. Nightwing swiveled and Star's bolts sparked to life as they both quickly scanned the area around them, their bodies dropping into attack position. There was no one on the roofs of the buildings around them or on theirs. It came from the street. Nightwing jumped on the edge, peering down, one hand behind his back filled with birdarangs ready to fire.
It was a view he didn't expect. Dogs, cats, birds- and rats? Komodo dragons? Wait, are those snakes?-ran down the street, barking, hissing, snapping and clawing. The animals were everywhere and the dogs' vicious growls and barks echoed the loudest. The few people in the street screamed and ran, and the dogs took off, their teeth bearing.
Star sprang into action, grabbing his arm and leaping over the building and Nightwing's heart stopped for a second; her flight-
A foot away from the ground, she twisted her body, shooting off horizontally, leaving a green trail of energy behind her. She scooped up an escaping couple, Nightwing grabbing their son and shot up toward the nearest building before taking off for the others on the street.
Once they gathered everyone on the roof Nightwing told her the plan; they couldn't let the animals leave this street. A German shepherd already took a bite out of his ankle and Star sported three scratches from a cat on her forearm. He quickly sent a signal to the tower as Starfire dropped him off at the corner and started circling the animals.
Her trail of green energy was enough to scare the bigger animals, keeping them in place while Nightwing and Animal Control, who just showed up, were keeping the smaller animals and reptiles from running off. The rest of the titans stepped out of the raven that materialized next to him, Beast boy already alert. He shifted into a lion and roared, freezing the dogs and cats while Raven separated them and placed them in their cages.
"What the hell happened?" Cyborg asked, picking up a wounded cat that hissed at him and swiped at his arm. He stepped back. "It's like the animals went ballistic."
"I told you," was all Beast Boy said when he shifted back, but his eyes and fangs were still animal looking. Starfire approached him, but within a few feet she became still once more. None of them noticed the shiver that ran through both the titans as she floated closer to him expressionless, her head cocking to the side nor did they see that Beast boy hunched over, his fingers digging into the ground.
Raven nodded her understanding, staring at the animals being locked up, "They were acting strange a few days ago, when we were here. Beast boy sensed an up roar before you sent the signal."
"Well, maybe- whoa!" Cyborg yelled when a green lion jumped next to him, teeth bared and roared at the sky. Starfire floated above him, her hands clawed and her green eyes furious. They growled at each other, their faces hostile.
Nightwing latched onto Star's ankle and jerked her away from the lion when his giant paw lifted. It clawed at a black wall of magic and he turned on Raven, furious. The shock on her face was enough to deter him and he coward slightly, a low rumble in his chest. He shifted back, but was flat on his back against the street in the next second.
"What the fuck is wrong with you!?" Nightwing yelled at him, "You were about to attack Starfire!"
The changeling looked startled and scared, shaking his head, "I didn't mean to, I got carried away. The animals- their instincts were too strong, I-I'm sorry!"
"Let him go, it was an accident." Raven said in monotone and raised her hand.
"Let him go? Did you see him!?"
Beast boy shivered and a low menacing growl rumbled from within. At the same moment the cats in the cages started to yowl and hiss. Raven's hand glowed. "Let. Him. Go."
He scowled in her direction before getting in Beast boy's face, "Do that again and I will attack you." He pushed him into the ground and got up. The changeling was slightly shaking, breathing harder than usual as Nightwing turned and saw Star watching him passively, her face blank. "And you. You were going to take it. What's going on?"
She said nothing, her face perfectly blank.
"Starfire?" he said with clear frustration. "Answer me."
Well, she didn't disobey him, but it wasn't an answer he was expecting at all; actually, none of the titans could have predicted what she did next.
Starfire's face twisted cruelly, looking at Nightwing with such anger he froze. Suddenly, a burst of green energy shot from her hand at Beast boy. He jumped out of the way, his shivering intensifying while his fangs grew and his eyes became pure black. Nightwing grabbed her arms, "What the hell are you doing!?"
"Beast boy, stand down!" At Cyborg's yell the two flinched. Starfire fell from her float, stumbling on her legs, that same confused expression on her face matching Beast boy's. They both locked eyes for a split second and gasped in a breath at the same time. The other three titans looked worriedly at each other before Nightwing stepped forward to touch her shoulder.
"Star?"
Her eyes glazed and she stepped away from them in confusion. She turned almost frantically, as if she didn't recognize where she was or who they were. Beast boy made the strangest sound, a cross between pain and anger, and Star started to breathe heavily, the two of them swaying dangerously on their feet before Beast boy moaned painfully. Without warning both breathed out harshly, their eyes rolling in the back of their head as they blacked out, falling on the floor and as the three conscious titans frantically checked their fallen teammates they failed to notice the trail of purple and green energy shoot off in the opposite direction.
xxx
No longer the lost , No longer the same
And I can see you starting to break
I'll keep you alive, If you show me the way
Forever - and ever
the scars will remain, I'm falling apart
Leave me here forever in the dark
Starfire woke with a headache. The lamp light burned her eyes and the sound of her own heart beat in her ears made her cringe in pain. How could her head hurt so much?
"Do you want painkillers?"
She turned at the voice, seeing Dick at the foot of the bed, in his uniform, mask off. She slowly shook her head, "What time is it?"
"Three."
"...in the morning?"
"Afternoon."
Her eyes went wide and she sat up. The hastiness of it sent her blood rushing and she fell back into the pillows with a gasp. Dick was still for a moment before crawling on the bed toward her.
"What happened?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
She concentrated and sighed, defeated. "I cannot remember."
"Anything?"
"...I remember pizza, and Victor spitting out his piece it was a veggie slice."
He frowned, "Star, that was two days ago."
"Two!? What happened to yesterday?"
"That's what we're trying to find out." He sighed, rubbing his hand against his face and thought for a moment. She waited patiently, feeling strangely guilty. Finally, he sighed again and spoke, "Well, every animal in Jump went berserk. It took us about three hours to get the all under control. They were fighting each other and trying to attack owners and children."
"That's horrible," she said, but regretted it as he casted a worried glance. "Where were we?"
"Me and you were dancing," he murmured. The smile she felt forming faltered when the guilt doubled at the sadness in his eyes. "Then we heard the animals and you flew us in. But, something happened, I guess, and you and Beast boy... remember?"
"I believe I am starting to; animals growling and I was scratched. That is all."
He nodded, "You and Beast boy started acting strange again. Out of nowhere you two became hostile and then the next it was like you didn't know who we were. Then you two passed out. Gar hasn't woken yet."
Star was shocked and afraid; what happened to her? "Have you found the cause?"
"We did test all night, we couldn't find anything. We scanned the streets up and down, even the animals and nothing, but whatever it is, we'll stop it. What worries me the most is the effect it has on you two." He waved his hand at her, "And the apparent fact that you can't remember several hours afterwards. What we do know is that it affects animals too and when you're around them it triggers something."
"Effects on me?" She squeaked. "What do you mean?"
Dick turned thoughtful, reminding her of a school teacher explaining the simplest thing to a student, "You're hostile. You snarl and glare and your eyes don't stop glowing. You don't let me touch you and your bolts sizzle more than your normal ones. Beast boy is the same."
"I'm sorry," she whispered and sat up. She wasn't wearing her uniform and instead grey warm ups and a white tank top covered her. Unwrapping the gauze on her forearm, she was surprised at the deep scratches and Dick caught her look, "The animals were vicious. That was from a cat."
Star traced the deep cuts; no way did such an animal make them. "How do you plan on finding the culprit?"
"I was hoping you and Gar could give us some insight, we're at a loss. There's no trace anything."
"I have no information."
They stayed quiet for a long moment. The silence around them thickened and she was painfully aware of the small distance between them and how they weren't touching. They always touched, even when they were mad they still shared brushes of physical contact. She lived off touch and he loved the contact. So why was he so far away? Did she disappoint him with her lack of memory, or was it more serious? Did she commit something so detestable while in this weird state that he couldn't be near her?
Starfire couldn't ask even though she was practically dying to. Whatever she probably did, it would come out later.
… Apparently now, "You... really don't remember last night?" He asked cautiously, fingering the cover with a nervousness that she didn't know he was capable of. She shook her head wearily as she watched this unnerving side of her love make its presence known. Dick took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his head, "Okay. We need to talk about something."
At her nod, he spoke again, "Star, what do you think about marriage?"
She froze. Oh, how that word sent shivers of anger and fear down her spine. Why would he ask this? Did it have something to do with last night? His face fell slightly at her reaction, "Star..."
"Marriage is a partnership, a binding," she said carefully."Because of my royal standing, marriage holds more of a political hold than anything; there is no love. An And'r marriage ensures the protection and stability of my people."
"What do you mean? Is Tamaran being threatened? Do you have to marry a prince? Are your people in danger?"
"No, Tamaran is strong; it does not have any foes that are too great. It is more for peace between the people of Tamaran, much like your human kings and queens of different countries. And I would be given to a general; Kom would be given to a prince since she is the oldest, but I was given the throne so…" Starfire frowned.
Dick turned and stared into her eyes, their sapphire intensity clouding her brain and she found herself leaning in, but the sadness in his face made her pause, "Kori... what would you say if I... asked you to marry... me?"
At those words, the whole night came crashing back, scenes flashing at her as fast as lightening. The dancing, the arguing, their words, his sorrow, the animals, sudden anger... intense, boiling rage... hate...
Before she knew it hot tears streamed down her face as she shielded herself behind the red veil of her hair, "I remember."
"Star, please, why don't you want-"
"Of course I want it," she whispered, "I would want nothing more than to be yours more than I already am. But... Richard, do you promise to do the hearing of me?" She looked at him, "Promise that you will let me finish explaining before you leave."
Dick fought not to scoff at her words, "I'm not going to leave, Kori."
Giving him a disbelieving glance she settled back into the head board and folded her hands in her lap. "Royal marriages are much like your royal marriages here on Earth; they are done as an action of peace between countries and kingdoms, ensure treaties and to keep bloodlines pure. When I was born, my father immediantly started looking for a suitor once they saw my red hair and green eyes. I am considered a pureblood And'r, of course Kom was not, and so because I was going to take the throne I would be given to a prince. I spent much of my younger years before the Citadel mingling with young princes and children of nobles.
"When I turned nine of your years tension began between my father's kingdom and a sister one. I was then promised to Prince Karras to seal a peace treaty, but because I had not yet gone through transformation the wedding was to be post-pone until then."
Wait-
Dick stiffened.
Did he hear her right? Those emeralds looked at him with worry and fright and he knew he heard her words clearly, only serving to numb him further.
"You're engaged." How was he able to speak? How was he able to think at all at this moment?
"Was," she said sadly. "The Citadel took me soon after that. Tamaran believed me dead. The engagement was off and I think Kom was to be given to him if I had not escaped and rushed home. My marriage did not come up between the time of returning and getting taken again, but now that they know I am alive and here, I do not doubt that the engagement is still in existence."
"So you're basically cheating on your fiancé with me?" He laughed sarcastically. "That's great, Star. I feel the love."
She glared at her hands, "I asked you to let me finish."
"How do you expect me to stay quiet after hearing this? You're engaged to someone else!"
"I do not know if it is still intact, Dick, I am only trying to tell you-"
"Then shouldn't you have told me this before," he angrily replied, "before I went out of my way to fucking buy a ring and plan everything and spend hours worrying about what I was going to say and your response. Dammit, Star, why would you keep this from me?"
"And how was I to know?" She growled, her hands clawing in her lap, "We never spoke of this topic; you never mentioned wanting to take this step nor did you ask me what I thought of all this beforehand." Her voice rose, "I do not know if Karras lives or not, but either way I am bound by Tamaranian law and it would start uproar if I were to marry you."
"So you care more about your planet than me?"
"No!" She shouted and Dick withheld the urge to gape at her ferocity, "No, of course not! It is not them that will be endangered, it is you! It is always you! Tamaran does not trust off worlders, it is a crime to touch me, punishable by death, and they cannot stand the fact that the only And'r left is spending her days with another race in another star system! They will deny our marriage, do everything to ensure you do not live to become my husband or prevent you from reproducing with me. They will kill you. They will force me back, threaten with war, demand pure And'r heirs to rule, demand my hand be given to a Tamaranian. You do not understand the lengths I have gone just to hide my affection for you. Galfore constantly checks, and I have to renew my stay, giving excuses just to remain here. Why do you think I stay in my room for hours on end when I am contacted? They want an heir and constantly persist on my return and I have to come up with the excuses to stay." Her eyes began to glow the lightest glow as she snarled; "I do all of this for you! YOU!"
"Well I want to marry you!"
"And I do not!" Her body shook. "I despise marriage! So many times have I been forced upon by suitors, constantly asking for me, stripping away my childhood, ensuring my sister's hate for me and limiting my freedom! I hate it! I don't want it!"
"You don't want me?"
She sneered at his twisted smirk, his blue eyes ice, "You are ridiculous; selfish, conniving and egotistical."
"It would be a horror to marry me, wouldn't it? Maybe you should go back to Karras, since you already said yes to him. As a matter of fact, what the fuck are you still doing here!?"
"Maybe you should go to that Barbara you always visit while in Gotham. Perhaps she will give you what you want."
"I know she would."
Dick was flung up from the bed and into the ceiling before he could take a next breath. His legs dangled feebly in surprise and his chest started to ache from the fist pressing into him. His hands were holding her wrist, trying to relieve her pressure but she only pushed further as the blood rushed to his feet. Green glowing eyes dared him to fight.
"Gyluka x'ham, de tuzh e'cha! If that is how you feel, then perhaps I should leave. X'hal forbid I should continue to 'cheat' and remain here." Her fist retreated and he fell back to the bed with a loud thump and a gasp and he watched her dumbly as she set her feet on the floor and walked to the door, pausing when she got there. She spared him a glance, her eyes angry and hurt as her hair fell slightly in her face. "I laugh at the Earth princesses and fairytales. They're perfect lives and happiness is far from the truth. I thought you would understand that." Her hand reached for the door.
He was silent as she left him without another word.
xxx
Daylight dies
Blackout the sky
Does anyone care?
Is anybody there?
Take this life
Empty inside
I'm already dead
I'll rise to fall again
I can feel you falling away
It had been hours since he'd seen her. The alarm sounded once and Cyborg quickly dismissed it as a whole-team mission and only sent Raven and Beast boy, himself included. As the three titans left, they gave Nightwing an accusing glance and he knew they already caught whiff of his and Starfire's fight; hell, they probably heard every word that they yelled at each other. He wasn't angry at them for their pointed looks and the annoyed huffs in his direction; he was the one that started this.
But why would she keep this from him? Who cares if her entire planet threatened him, didn't she see that he only cared for her? Didn't she realize that learning of her engagement to someone who wasn't him hurt in ways he never thought possible?
No, of course she didn't. All her worry was directed toward him, wanting to keep him safe. That made him feel somewhat pathetic; he could take care of himself, he didn't need his girlfriend doing it for him.
But even that wasn't true; Raven would do the same for Beast boy without a second thought, out of love. Star did it because she loved him.
God, he was an idiot.
Slowly making his way to the roof top he took a moment to go over the words said and felt a punch in the gut. The sensation doubled when he reached the top and saw his crimson angel sitting at the edge. She didn't turn as he approached and stayed quiet when he sat next to her.
Silence. The sun slowly retreated into the horizon, casting shades of red, orange and yellow across the land and water. He watched for a moment before shifting his eyes to her and waited as she tried to ignore and failed.
No words were spoken. Instead they traveled through the silence, their eyes expressing everything their words could not. Such hurtful things they said earlier, more words now could not redeem them.
So Dick did the only thing that could. Keeping their eyes locked, he leaned in till their lips met in the softest brush. The feel of her warm lips sent a jolt of electricity through him and he placed pressure again her mouth to reassure himself that she was still here with him and allowing him to kiss her which was a miracle in itself.
But the closed-mouth kisses weren't enough. Their mouths became hungrier as he grazed her bottom lip with the tip of his tongue. She opened her mouth and their tongues locked in a battle. His hands found her hair and waist and he pulled her closer to him and she responded by sitting on his lap, her hands in his hair as he ran his thumb over the exposed part of her stomach. Star's hands gently pushed him down and wrapped the back of her ankles, around his legs.
They didn't make love, but merely touched and kissed, silently apologizing with their affection, until words became enough.
Starfire sighed and rolled off, lying on her side, Dick's arm around her, "I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry, too." He whispered back.
"I don't want to leave."
"I never want that."
"You are not a toy."
"I love you more than anything."
"...I only want to keep you safe."
"I will fight to the death of that's what it takes to make you mine." He said with conviction.
"I know you will which is exactly why...I will not marry you." She whispered, fear creeping in her voice, "Death will result of this. Marriage is tainted for me, Richard. I am so sorry I cannot give you what you want. I want nothing more...than to be yours...but I cannot...I-"
Dick kissed her hair, rubbing her arm soothingly. "I understand. It just hurt, you know? I mean, I was so sure."
She turned her head toward him, those beautiful, clear emerald eyes filled with so much guilt and sorrow that it made Dick's heart catch. How could the universe be so cruel and taint such a beautiful thing for this gorgeous girl? "Did you really get a ring?"
"Yeah. Specially designed by Bruce and myself so that it will withstand your bolts."
If she was surprised about hearing of his father helping she didn't show it, "We do not exchange rings."
"No?"
She shook her head and smiled sadly, "We do not exchange anything. I would have probably been confused before realizing what you were doing."
"I don't understand." He murmured more to himself, "How could your planet keep you from being happy? Couldn't Galfore say anything?"
"You cannot change tradition that has been engraved in for thousands of years. Galfore is the one who advised me to keep low and refrain from communicating with Tamaran as little as possible." Star looked up at the sky, a thin piece of hair catching the breeze. "If we are found out then your life and possibly mine would be on the line. Not to mention Earth put in danger. I will not put you in that position."
"So what about your fiancé? Or fiancés?"
She almost smiled, "Only my kingdom know that I am still alive and here on Earth. And only Blackfire knows the exact location. If they do want to come for me then at least I will have time to prepare to reject them."
That gave him a thought, "So...we can't get married because of your laws...so what do you say about a promise?" At her confused look he turned on his side, resting his head in his hand, "A promise that our hearts belong to no one else. We are solely each other's and no other will come between us. I am yours and you are mine."
Her smile was small and shy, "I would say...that sounds glorious."
"Good because...I really want you to wear that ring. I made it for you, and it's a dream of mine to have it on your finger.
She fidgeted and thought. Dick felt cautious and on edge as if he was preparing himself to be rejected once more, "Would it be alright if I wore it as an n'zhe?"
A what? She giggled at his face and took off her gorget, "Do you have the ring?"
"Uh, hang on," he jumped up and ran to the room. He rummaged through the drawer and hastily made his way back. When he opened the door though, he crashed into Starfire and laughed, "Hi."
"Greetings," she smiled and her eyes locked on the box. He shifted his weight on his feet and looked sheepishly at her until her hands snaked out and grabbed the box, this insane nervousness aggravating him as he didn't know what to do next.
"This wasn't at all how I wanted to this," she said sadly, echoing his thoughts and opened it. Her gasp of wonder made his battered heart soar and tears sprang in her eyes as she gazed lovingly at the ring, "Oh Richard... it's beautiful..."
"It had to be, to be worthy of you… but I don't think that's possible," he chuckled.
She blessed him with a one of her brighter-than-the-sun smiles, her hand reaching up to her neck, catching his eye. Her smooth skin demanded to be covered in kisses as she removed the green jewel in the center of her gorget and, with great care, she made a thin laser with her energy and pointer finger and carved into the jewel. Once she was satisfied with the small trench in the jewel she placed the ring in, diamond facing up and molded the jewel around it to keep it in place. Dick was awed by the sparkling diamond surrounded by emerald. She snapped her gorget back on and closed her fist around the green jewel she cut out. Her fist glowed as she stuck her finger of her other hand in, twisting it one-hundred eighty degrees in her fisted hand.
When she opened her hand, the jewel had molded, resting as a small glistening ring in her palm. She grabbed his hand and placed it on his ring finger and Dick's heart leaped in joy. "You are mine, and I am yours." She said softly.
He had her on the bed in seconds and made love to her, slow and sensual, kissing every part of her glorious body and thanked God for giving him one of his angels. Dick sent her up to the stars several times, filling her deeply and completely as their voices harmonized. Afterwards they had lay in each other's arms and kissed for a while more as the stars appeared out the window.
She listened to his heart beat, "Do you think...maybe the reactions of the animals and mine and Garfield's are... mental?"
He tensed and tightened his arms, "We'll find out what it is, I promise you." After a few more minutes of silence, he had a question of his own, "Star? What would happen if your fiancé still wanted you?"
"I would fight to remain with you."
"You would?"
Her smile was hauntingly determined, "To my dying breath."
xxx
I've become so numb, I can't feel you there
Become so tired, so much more aware… Can't you see that you're smothering me, holding too tightly, afraid to lose control? 'Cause everything that you thought I would be has fallen apart right in front of you.
It would be nice to say the next few days were peaceful and calm, that his promise to Star and hers in return was enough to lift the tension, but then he'd be lying to himself, and the team.
For the past few days the titans have been keeping tabs on the animals in Jump. Occasionally, there would be an attack from a group of dogs or cats, each case more and more gruesome. Once the animals were apprehended they had to be put down and their blood was extracted for testing. What shocked them all was finding an unknown compound in their blood, only to completely lose it within a two hour range. Then the strangest thing happened: the animals were changing.
Dogs had longer and sharper teeth, their bodies getting bigger and bigger while cats became miniature lions, but after those four hours they changed again to normal, weak and tired, the unknown compound completely vanishing from their bloodstream. Then they would slip into sleep and died.
Nothing the doctors could do could save them.
Beast boy and Starfire couldn't get near the animals. Every time they tried, they would start to sneeze, shake and snarl. Cyborg concluded that whatever it was, it was carried through scent and the two titans were forced to stay home and away from the infected animals. Nightwing and Cyborg attended many of the testing, unnerved by the way the time range slipped to five, then seven and now eight. The animals grew more and more vicious as their state lasted longer, their strength increasing as well as their sight and smell.
Two weeks passed and they still couldn't get a hook on the compound. So far they defined it as an anabolic steroid for the effect it had on muscle and bone growth and hormones released. The drug also seemed to make the animals mindless, solely instinctive and deadly. They were able to discover that it was released through the pores, changing the scent into something unknown and enhancing the instinctive, primitive side of animals while triggering it in Starfire and Beast boy who both had their own animal deep inside.
But where did it come from? What were these unknown compounds that created it? They weren't from Earth that was for sure. Dick went as far as contacting his father and asking for Poison Ivy's aroma composition. He sent Bruce the compound they discovered and he was promised to be contacted the second Bruce found something. He mentioned asking Clark about it, since it was definitely not from here. So that led to another question:
Who brought it?
Beast boy and Starfire rejected all testing on them, more for personal reasons than simply objection. When doctors kept pestering them though, they felt the wrath of Starfire, who hands Nightwing had to pry off a poor doctor's twisting wrist. The two had random moments of vagueness and attitude changes, their temper easily tampered with. It didn't help that they would find the two walking around aimlessly in the middle of the night and have no memory of it in the morning. They were rough during training and agitated when not kept busy.
One day, Beast boy was sitting behind the couch, having one of those moments when Star walked in. He had watched her and something in his face made Dick huff in anger. He started to follow Star around, never touching or speaking and once even growled at Dick when he grabbed her hand.
So when Bruce called for him to come into Gotham for a charity event, Dick was overly relieved. Getting Star away from all this had to be a blessing in disguise.
They already had clothes at the mansion so there was no need for that. Changing Star's image with her hologram ring, he smiles kindly, "It's been a while since we've been in Gotham. Are you excited?"
She blinked and focused on his, "Oh… yes. I have missed Alfred."
"You miss Alfred or Alfred's cooking?" He smirked at her blush and she swatted his shoulder playfully. Putting his dark sunglasses and helmet on, he got on his black motorcycle and opened the underground tunnel. His communicator beeped. "Hey, 'Wing. Be careful and take care of her."
"Always," he murmured to Cyborg as Star tucked her hair away under her black helmet and sat behind him, not noticing him closing his eyes at the warmth of being between her legs. "Ready?"
"Richard… I feel strange."
Dick stiffened and looked back at her, "…Like what Star? We don't have to go; we could stay."
"No," she tightened her arms. "It's just… the air feels… heavy."
He looked at the sky. The dark clouds rumbled and a thick fog obscured his view. At the sight of the fog his hands clenched, his body automatically alert.
Why did that fog give him such bad vibes?
"Don't worry, Star. I'm with you. Always."
