Chapter 9: Wayne Manor
The ride was silent other than the occasional needs of stopping or asking a question and giving an answer. The four Titans wondered about their Tamerian friend, who as quiet and wouldn't answer the communicator, only staring out the window, a look of light fear resting in her eyes. They stopped only a few miles away from the Wayne mansion to take a much needed restroom break. It was then Nightwing talked to her.
"Wanna explain the sudden silence?" He asked, leaning against a tree, eyes trained on the beauty before him.
Her gaze flickered to him and back to the ground. "I am just tired that's all…"
"Star…"
"You have nothing to fear Richard…all is well."
She lightly floated up to her section of the ship and shut the hatch, locking it in place. Nightwing shook his head as the team got in and the ship headed to Wayne Manor.
* * *
The ship landed slowly onto the loading dock as Alfred appeared.
"Nice to see you again in person Al." Nightwing said, giving the elderly man a hug.
"As it is too see you again Master Dick."
The group turned to see Cyborg and Beastboy holding back laughter. Before anything could be said however, Raven sighed as black squares of her power covered the two boy's mouths. Alfred's brow rose.
"Well, shall I show you around?" He asked turning and leading the five into the house.
"Master Bruce is dealing with some troubles. He shall be home soon."
Alfred led them to a hallway and gestured to doors, letting each person know whose room was whose.
"I shall call when dinner is ready."
Thank yous were sent back as Alfred left. The five ventured into their rooms and silence once again rained supreme throughout the house.
* * *
Nightwing sighed before knocking on the door. Raven appeared in the doorway, her body hid behind the door.
"Everything's ok. We'll see you at supper." She said.
He sighed once more and nodded before turning to leave, the door shutting softly behind her. He headed to Cyborg's room and flopped down onto the couch.
"Everything alright?" The robotic man asked.
"Yah, Rae's with her."
"She's probably just tired like she told you…" Beast said, adjusting his tie once again.
"Relax man…she'll be fine." Cyborg stated.
"Yah…once she eats she'll be good." Beastboy added, only for Cyborg to slap him upside the head.
"What'd I do?"
* * *
"Bruce…long time no see…"
The man smiled, turning to face Nightwing and shook the outstretched hand.
"Richard…I see you've changed…"
"As have you…"
Barking arose as a dark Doberman jumped onto Nightwing and began licking his face. Nightwing chuckled and began to push the dog off.
"Alright! Easy Ace easy!!"
Ace sat back on his haunches, tongue wagging.
"I guess that would be my que to leave…" Raven said.
"Why?" Bruce asked.
Raven raised a brow, looking from Beastboy to Ace and back to Bruce.
Bruce nodded with a chuckle. "Understood."
Alfred appeared next to him. "The guests are arriving sir."
"Thanks…please let them in."
The butler nodded and headed toward the doors.
"My party is tonight." Bruce explained.
Nightwing nodded as Raven sighed. "I'll go change."
* * *
"Somehow I do not think this will help."
"Relax Starfire and let me help you…"
"I thank you Barbara but I do not feel like wearing a formal…"
The blonde gave a small smile and turned to Raven. "Can you hand me that comb with the flower?"
The purple comb appeared in her hands as she placed it into Star's hair.
"There…that should do the trick…"
Barbara fluffed her strapless black dress back into place and ushered the two girls out. The blonde got the attention of the large crowd as she headed down the grand stairway. Raven flowed in a knee-length white strapless dress. The white heels flashed against the light with her short hair pulled back into a tight bun and her bangs handing over one eye.
The beauty following behind caused everyone to turn her direction. The tight fitting green dress hugged every curve and flowed out from her waist. The strappy heels rested snuggly around her feet, making her four inches taller, only a few inches shorter than her boyfriend. The jewelry shone against her wrists, neck, and ears, matching her eyes and dress. Her hair had been curled to tight curls and rested in a high ponytail-like bun, curls framing her face and the comb sitting against the bun.
She smiled at the man at the staircase and, when she met him at the end, took his arm and music once again started.
"So…this is the lovely woman you've told me about…" Bruce said with a smirk.
"I have been told much about you as well…" She cocked her head to the side, her curls following.
Bruce raised a brow. "…you and Richard look alike in many ways…"
The two men in question looked at each other coal black peering with steel blue. The two then laughed, the dates on their arms looking in question at each other.
"Richard, you remember Andrea Beaumont?"
The red head looked at Richard with a smile.
"One of those common is red head it seems."
Starfire hid a laugh behind her hand. "Since we are going by the names of birth, I am known as Koriander, or Kori for the short."
"Kori…Star…and 'Ander is fire correct?"
Starfire nodded with a smile.
"It's beautiful. Come…I want you and Raven to meet some friends of mine." The woman said, pulling the two girls away to a large group of woman laughing.
"She's something else Richard." Bruce said, taking a sip of his drink.
The younger raised a brow. "You're one to speak…about time you asked Andrea to marry you."
Bruce chuckled.
"So…tell me what has happened since you left."
So, this is Barbara's dress. Raven's dress is your pick. This is Starfire's dress.
This is Andrea "Andi" Beaumont. She's from the movie Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.