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WARNING: this chapter is much longer than normal, but I didn't want to break it into two chapters because it would only drag along. Plus it just flowed as one. So, bear with me and enjoy!
Starfire stood in front of the full length mirror by her dresser. She was currently getting ready for her date with Dick. Her hands came up to her ear, securing the ruby red earring in her ear lobe. She stood back when she was finished, looking over her outfit again. She wore a sleek red sleeveless dress with a pair of black heels. She'd pulled her hair up into a bun, the front strands left out to frame her face. She rubbed her arm nervously, shifting in the black heels. She'd done her makeup similar to the night of the Ball, but simpler and her lips were a dark red.
She felt the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. It was about 6 o'clock only 45 minutes before she was meeting Dick at a restaurant for dinner. She fussed with her dress again, the thought of changing appearing in her uneasy mind for the third time. Grimacing with uncertainty, she reached over, grabbing the silver bracelet she'd gotten from the mall, and fastened it around her wrist.
She sat down at her vanity. A pink brush, a variety of makeup products, and some hair products littered across the surface. Placing her elbows on the wood, she rested her jaw in her hands, staring into the mirror, thinking back to the events of the day.
She'd woken up that morning feeling excited for her plans, but still unsure whether they were the right thing to do. After she'd made the announcement, Robin had distanced himself from her. She thought it was simply the annoyed jealousy Raven had told her about, but she hadn't actually held a conversation with him since then. Of course they saw each other during training sessions, and when they were called to go take down Doctor Light, but that was strictly hero business. It concerned her, a lot, his reaction to the 'date'. She feared her plan was an accident waiting to happen and she was ruining whatever chance she had with the Boy Wonder. After all, Robin didn't really open up about his feelings, ever. It was rare for him to offer any 'affection' towards her, especially in front of their friends. He was simply not the 'open book' she was. That's not to say he didn't get angry when she got hurt or insanely jealous when other guys caught her attention, but this time it was different.
Starfire sat up, turning away from the mirror to face her vast room. Her bed was made, her clothes in the closet, and everything was put back exactly where it should be; nerves demanded an outlet. She stood, feeling the fabric of the dress settle against her legs again. She decided it would be helpful to go speak with Raven before her date. Perhaps she'd have some helpful advice. Grabbing the purse and black coat hanging on the back of the chair, Starfire headed towards her door. The keypad beeped as she input the unlock code and stepped into the hallway.
The click of her heels resounded on the hallway walls as she made her way to Raven's room. Once she'd reached her destination, she knocked impatienty, glancing around her anxiously. Her eyes shot back to the doorway when she heard it swoosh open. Anxious green met quizzical violet.
"Starfire, are you okay?" Raven asked, eyeing her with uncertainty. She flinched away, wind blowing her cape out behind her. She lowered her arm from the defensive state and opened her eyes, looking behind her. Starfire was now standing, hands wringing together, staring at the floor by Raven's bed. Raven's shock quickly subsided and she closed her door once again.
Star stood there looking like she might break into a full anxiety attack any second. Raven walked over to her, watching her carefully. "Star?" when she didn't get an answer, she sighed and sat down on her bed. She lightly patted the bed for Star to sit.
Starfire heard Raven's hand gently patting a spot next to her. She sighed and sunk down onto the bed, arms wrapping around her subconsciously. Raven watched her friend, waiting patiently for her to speak. Finally, after what looked like quite the duel with her own thoughts, Starfire spoke. "Raven, I...am unsure of this plan," her voice small, "Ever since I announced my date with Mr. Grayson, Robin has...avoided me completely." Star looked like a wounded animal.
Raven sympathized with the girl. "Look, Star. I never said this plan wasn't flawed. Nor did I say it was going to be like a movie. I never expected Robin would simply declare his love right then and there. It's going to take time and possibly a breaking point." Raven told her, trying to offer some form of comfort. Starfire looked over at her skeptically. Her eyes roamed over the empath's face, trying to detect and doubt or sarcasm. She found none.
"I trust you, friend. I will go on the date," Star said, feeling slightly more confident about the situation. She wasn't completely convinced of the turn out, but she was willing to at least give it a try.
Raven smiled at Star's decision. She glanced over at the clock on her desk, it read 6:30. Star was going to be late if she didn't head out now. Raven stood, offering a hand to Starfire. Star looked at her hand with a confused expression and took it tentatively. Raven quickly straightened the girl's dress, checked her hair and makeup, then took a step back. "Alright, you look great. Now go. It's 6:30 and if you show up late it'll reflect badly on you."
At these words, Starfire suddenly looked pannicked. Her eyes grew wide and she frantically reached for her coat and purse. Once she'd pulled her arms threw the sleeves and zipped up the coat she turned to Raven, purse swinging on her shoulder. Raven smiled encouragingly at her, gesturing towards her window. Starfire glanced over then smiled at Raven. The two girls walked over to the window, Raven opened it wide enought that Starfire could fly through it easily.
"Good luck," Raven said, turned to look at Starfire. Star smiled gratefully at her and then flung herself forward, pulling Raven into a tight embrace.
"Thank you, Raven. For everything you have done," Starfire said sweetly. Raven gasped uncomfortably in reply due Star's tight hold. Starfire released Raven, who began fading from blue to light gray again, then sailed out the window headed for Jump City.
Raven watched as Star disappeared into the skyline of the city, wishing her all the luck in the world. She pulled the window shut and sealed it again. As she was heading back to the book resting on her bed, she heard another knock on her door. Irritated she walked over and opened it. It revealed an empty hallway. She blinked completely confusedly. Thinking Beast Boy or Cyborg were playing a joke, she turned to go back into her room when her eyes caught something red. She looked down towards the floor. A single red rose sat in a simple glass vase with a piece of twine wrapped around the neck. She felt a blush creep up her neck as she bent to pick up the vase. Holding the beautiful gift in her hands she noticed a small note rolled up and tied to the twine on the back of the vase. She pulled it free of the string and unrolled it with her fingers.
'Raven, please join me on the roof for a little surprise. Yours, BB'
Raven gasped, a warm smile spreading across her face. So, he did pick up on Starfire's example after all. She turned, her door sliding shut behind her, to clean up a bit before she headed to the roof.
Starfire landed softly on the concrete sidewalk. She peered around, taking in the people walking by. She spotted the restaurant Dick had suggested and started towards it. She reached the front doors, where a man stood in a full black suit and tie. He smiled at her and bow slightly as he pulled the door open for her. She smiled nervously at him, walking into the building. Another man greeted her just inside. He wore black dress pants and bow tie around the collar of a crisp white button down. He welcomed her with a flourish of his arm, "Welcome, Madam. Reservation?" he asked expectantly. Starfire looked at him a little confused, spotting a list of names on the podium in front of him. She quickly looked back up at him, " Um, Grayson?" she offered, hoping that would help. His eyes lit up immediately and his posture suddenly improved. He looked nervous.
"Ah, yes. Mr. Grayson is expecting you. Please, this way, Madam," he said, offering his arm. Starfire took it and was escorted through the restaraunt to the back where more private rooms were located. He brought Starfire to the doorway of one of them. Placing his hand on the tan curtain covering the doorway, he pushed it aside, bringing Starfire into the room.
It wasn't big but comfortable for two. There were plants in the corners, fairy lights along the walls, and a small square table in the center with two chairs; one of which was already occupied. Dick Grayson sat there in a crisp black suit. He looked absolutely dashing. He stood when the two entered, walking over to greet the girl. Starfire smiled at him, watching as he took her hand in his and kissed it. She blushed shyly at him feeling her heart flutter.
"Starfire," Dick said with a soft smirk. He brought her to the table, releasing her hand to pull out her chair. Starfire removed her coat, which the Host took and hung on a hook by the door frame. She noticed, Dick's coat was already hung there. She sat down in the chair, allowing Dick to scoot it forward. He then took his seat across from her, smiling across the table. The Host walked back out the door, as a waitress made her way in. She smiled at the pair, asking what they wanted to drink.
"I'll have a lemonade," Dick said, a charming smile on his face. The waitress nodded, then turned her attention to Starfire.
"And for you, Madam?" she asked pleasantly. Starfire was about to reply with her favorite drink, but Raven's advice popped into her head and she decided tea would be better than mustard. "The Iced Tea, please?"
"Alright. I will be right back with your drinks. Here are our menu's. Please take your time to look over your options." The waitress smiled, then turned and left the two alone.
Starfire looked down at the menu in front of her. It had several options to choose from. She truly wasn't sure what she wanted. She had no idea what half of these things were.
"So, what are you thinking?" She heard Dick ask. She peered over her menu to look at him. Their eyes met and she felt her stomach do a flip. "I...do not know," She said honestly, turning her gaze back to the menu.
"Hmm, well have you tried Chicken Cordon Bleu before?" he asked her, obviously knowing the answer. The Titans rarely had anything fancy when it came to food. Cyborg and Beast Boy made sure they're diet remained very teenager esque.
Starfire shook her head ast his question. "No I do not believe I have. Is it good?" she asked, truly intrigued.
Dick grinned back at her, "Well I think so. It's one of my favorites to be honest. Grilled chicken, mozarella, ham and home made dijon mustard," He said guaged her reaction. He knew full well that the mention of mustard would capture her attention. And just as he expected, her eyes seemed to shine at his words.
"I believe that is what I shall eat then, " Starfire replied, placing her menu down on the table. Just then the waitress returned with their drinks on a tray. She set the lemonade down infront of Dick and the tea infront of Starfire.
Placing the tray under her arm she asked, "And what will we be having for dinner this evening?"
Starfire looked over at Dick who gestured for her to start. "Oh, um the Chicken Cordon Bleu?" she said hestiantly, hoping she said it correctly. The waitress simply nodded at her then looked over at her date.
Dick smiled, glancing down at the menu before answering, "I'll have a steak, medium, house barbeque." The waitress nodded again, took their menus and left.
Starfire looked over at Dick, feeling the nervousness arise again. His eyes seemed to be peering right through her; piercing blue.
"So, I have to admit. I was, very surprised to recieve such a request. Especially, after our little heart to heart about your Boy Wonder," he said, figuring if they were to discuss anything, obvious confusion would work to possibly see if she had alterior motives.
Starfire looked down at her plate, thinking of how to respond. "Well, I decided to...explore my...options," she said carefully, glancing up at him.
Well, now he was confused. Why the hell would she want to 'explore options?' She'd told him, well she'd told Dick, that she was in love with Robin. He felt uneasy all of a sudden. Keeping his identities seperate meant they were two very different people yet the same. He wondered what she would think of him if she found out who she was on a date with right now. "I see."
Starfire wasn't sure if she should feel guilty or not. It didn't appear her answer was satisfactory to him. She felt the truth would possibly hurt him though; using him to make the boy she really liked jealous. It was petty but according to Raven, necessary. She felt the awkward silence bearing down on her. She needed to move this conversation onto more positive topics.
"So, you are conducting business here in Jump?" she asked, trying to ease the atmosphere a bit.
Dick looked over at her. He hadn't expected her to break the silence, but was greatful for it. "Yes. My father sent me over to procur some investments for him here in Jump while he's busy in Gotham."
"That sounds interesting. What sort of investments are you to...procur?" she asked, not sure of the words meanings but needing to keep their conversation rolling.
"Just some smaller companies who are developing technologies Wayne industries could use in the future." Talking business always bored him, so he decided to change the topic, "Why don't we talk about more interesting things. Tell me a bit about you." He hoped his tone was playful.
Starfire smiled happily, " Oh. Well I come from the planet, Tamaran. What do you wish to know?"
"What are your favorite things?" he offered. Her face lit up.
"I love the color pink. It is my favorite. I also very much enjoy the taste of yellow mustard, though my friends think it odd. I have a pet named Silkie, whom I love very dearly," she said happily," May I ask your favorite things?"
Smirking he started a list similar to hers, random. "Hmm, my favorite color is Red. I think my favorite drink is probably coca cola. I don't have any pets, but I do love animals. I'd love to have a dog one day."
Starfire was about to reply when the waitress walked back in holding a tray with two plates. She set a wood frame with two straps on the floor, then placed the tray on the stand. "Here you are, " she said, setting one plate infront of Starfire, then one in front of Dick. "Do you require anything else?"
"No. Thank you," Dick told her.
She grabbed the empty tray and wooden stand, "Please enjoy and ring the bell if you need anything at all." She then turned and made her way out, leaving the two to their meal.
Dick grabbed his glass and held it out towards Starfire who looked at him confused. "To us," he said, glancing down at her glass, waiting. Starfire picked up her cup, extending her arm towards his. She watched as he clinked their glasses and took a drink, smiling with amusement. She followed suit, then placed her drink back on the table. They began their meal, making small talk in between bites of food.
Raven opened the door to the roof top, stepping onto the landing. She gently closed the door, looking around. Her eyes caught the corner of something red. She walked around the edge of door to see a picnic blanket laid out, basket sitting on top with a candle and rose beside it. Her heart beat loudly in her chest at the romantic gesture. Who knew Beast Boy coudl even do romance. She began walking over to the blanket and spotted the green boy sitting on the edge of the tower, watching the sun set. She smiled to herself. Sun set, a picnic, candle light, a rose. What happened to the immature shape shifter she knew?
Beast Boy smelled her scent and turned to see Raven standing there watching him. He smiled playfully, standing up from his perch. "Glad you agreed to come," he said softly.
Raven merely looked down shyly. She felt like a little girl facing her first crush. Beast Boy walked over to her, offering his hand. She hesitated, but then took it. He lead her over to the blanket and they sat down. He opened the basket and produced two plates of food. One with chicken and veggies for Raven and one with fruit and veggies for Beast Boy.
Raven looked at down at the plate. She was touched. He'd actually cooked her dinner, and it even had meat. That was unheard of for Beast Boy. They ate in silence, letting the sound of the bay below become their romantic music. After they'd finished their meal, the two sat there on the blanket, watching at the sun melted away.
Beast Boy leaned over and pulled out a lighter and a few more candles. He set the candles by the other one and then lit them. Raven watched him carefully, mixed unknown feelings surfacing in her. She couldn't quite determine what they were, but she knew that one of them was very strong but not at full capacity yet. She wasn't really sure what it was but it scared her how powerful it felt, even though it wasn't fully developed yet.
"Raven?" Her eyes widened as she looked over at him. He looked concerned. Did he say something?
"Uh, yes?" she asked confused.
"I asked if dinner was alright," he told her, the look of concern still evident. "Are you ok?"
"Oh. Sorry, yes. Dinner was great. Thank you, Beast Boy," She told him, sincerely meaning every word.
He smiled back at her. "So, um I was wondering...if it's not to...uh, forward...would you...be interested...will you..." he stammered out, his face becoming increasingly red. Raven watched him struggle.
"Yes," she said simply. He was still rubbing the back of his neck, looking like he might start sweating any second, when his hand froze.
His eyes met hers, "What?" he asked, genuinely confused now. Yes, what? What was she agreeing to?
"Yes. I will be your girlfriend," she said nonchalantly, feeling the smirk creep on to her face. Her eyes glistened with mirth as she watched his expression change from confusion, to shock, to overwhelming joy.
He suddenly jumped up onto his knees, taking her hand in his, his eyes hopeful, "Really? You will? You're not being sarcastic are you?" he asked worried.
Raven smiled, reveling in his emotional distress. She gently pulled her hand from his and placed it on his cheek. His eyes stared her down, watching as she shifted towards him. Every so gently, he felt her hand pull his face towards her. Just before their lips met, she whispered, "yes."
That was all the confirmation he needed. He pressed his lips to hers, caressing her face.
"This has been an enjoyable evening. Thank you for agreeing to accompany me,"Starfire said happily. Her hand was swinging back in forth, fingers locked with Dick's, as they walked through the park.
"My pleasure," Dick replied. Inside he was a war with his two identities. Did he tell her and risk hurting her? Did he leave it be and then she chose him over Robin? If she did choose him, how was he going to keep the fact that he and Robin were one in the same from her?
They reached the waterfront, facing the bay. The tower sat in the middle of the water, dark, only a few lights visible.
Dick stopped and looked over at Starfire. She was absolutely beautiful. The moonlight shone down on them. making her hair shimmer. She turned to look at him, the light making her eyes glow. He was enraptured by her. She was the only real thing to him right now. Her eyes watched him, searching; for what, he had no clue.
Before he knew what was happening, she surged forward and kissed him. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her against his chest. She brought her hands up to grip the nape of his neck. He kissed her passionately, emotions running wild inside him.
Starfire reveled in the feel of his kiss. She couldn't help herself, and needed to test the waters. Her thoughts strayed to Robin, alone in his room. Her head screamed at her. She knew she had to leave. Now.
Without warning, Starfire pulled away, slipping out of Dick's hold. She then shot off towards Titan's Tower without another word. Dick stared after her, confused and a bit disappointed. He had been enjoying himself. Suddenly something hit him, what if she wanted to go talk to Robin? His stomach dropped at the thought and he sprinted back towards the Wayne building. He knew that even if she didn't find him in his room, she'd search the rest of the tower. If she couldn't find him there she'd guess he went on patrol. Which would be fine, except his appearance was not of Robin.
He darted past a car, making it to the front sidewalk of the Wayne building. He followed the sidewalk to the back of the building where a dark alley way was. He walked down the alley way to the dumpsters. Bending down he pulled out a plastic bag and opened it.
In no time flat, Robin was standing there, suit and tie gone. He walked over to a large mass covered with a tarp. Underneath the R cycle and helmet sat waiting for him. He pulled the tarp off and straddled the bike. He was about to take off when his communicator went off. Sure enough it was Starfire's face that appeared. She had taken her hair down, but she was still wearing the makeup.
"Robin? Where have you gone?" Star asked. She sounded very worried.
He grimaced, trying his best to look stiff and grumpy. Honestly wasn't that hard. What could be more frustrating than fighting yourself for the affections of the girl you love. "I'm on patrol. I'll be back soon," he told her.
"Oh. Be careful," she said. Her tone sounded sad now. He simply nodded, then closed the communicator. Placing it back on his belt, he donned the helmet and took off down the alley.
Starfire sighed, flopping backwards onto her bed. She feared her plan may have worked too well. Raven had said it would take time, though she didn't know how patient she could truly be. She stared up at the ceiling feeling the turmoil building in her heart. What was she going to do now? What if Robin felt betrayed and lost interest in her? What if Dick called for a second date? Her life had just gotten much more complicated. She rolled onto her side, wishing desperately for the days when all she had to worry about was kicking the villain's butt.
So, I'm thinking there will be only two more chapters after this. It's been great fun writing this. I'm really happy with how it turned out and I'm grateful you all liked it! I'm totally open to hear any suggestions for any other story ideas you have! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Again, thank you so much for all the feedback my lovelies!