Author's Note:

Shh, antisocial moment.

Chapter 10

I was a little disorientated, but in no pain.

Dick was lying in the bed beside me, above the covers and fully clothed as he slept, or napped, I am not sure. There were rings under his eyes and a few scratches on his arms.

Glancing around, the room seemed... more pristine, if that was possible. My flowers had had every dead or dying one removed, then rearranged and there were a new bunch of tulips sitting beside them. My clothes were all hanging up in the wardrobe, something I had not done, the door only open a crack but I could see them. The dirty dishes were gone, the empty pizza boxes gone. There was a bright red throw-rug strewn across the bed, folded down the bottom of the white blankets where my feet were. The air smelt of lilacs.

A glance at the clock told me it was five thirty, judging by Dick's attire, that would be afternoon.

An overpowering need to use the facilities filled me, like it normally does after I have been in one of my healing sleeps, so I eased myself out of bed as quietly as I could.

After doing my business, I studied myself. I was dressed in Dick's shirt and there was a slice on my leg, healing well, another on my arm beneath the sleeve. My face was a little bruised. Sighing, I reached for my brush, then did my teeth as well. Then, I just decided to shower.

The water was lovely and warm, I do have the soft spot for having overly hot showers. I turned my back to the spray and tilted my head back. After a few minutes, I decided just to sit down in the bath and let the water wash over me.

It was lovely and relaxing. I tilted my head and rested my cheek on my knee. Closing my eyes, I let the water soothe me.

"Hey," Dick said over the sound of the shower. "You okay?"

I blinked open my eyes to see him squatting down beside the bath and I smiled. "Greetings." He went wary, eyeing me with trepidation and I lifted my head. "What is wrong?" I asked, concerned.

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, it is you. For a moment there I thought I had sex crazed Starfire back."

I blinked. "What?"

"You took a hard hit to the head, went a little crazy on me there for a while. Wanting sex and wanting it right then. You had me worried."

"I did not," I said, aghast.

He nodded. "You did. Apparently, you like my eyes, you find my abundant limb strength and flexibility arousing and-" he flushed and grinned sheepishly, "-my penis is 'most friendly' in appearance."

I covered my mouth and nose with my hands. "No."

"Yes. I'm not even going to ask about the friendliness."

Oh, how embarrassing, for him and me. "Oh... Dick... I... my sincere apologies."

He chuckled and shrugged. "It's fine. Nice to know that you want me. Nothing happened, beside you getting frisky, just so you know."

"I did not doubt you."

"How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine. My apologies for sleeping so long."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you didn't wake up while I wasn't here. Alfred came to sit with you for a while because I had to go back to the Manor and spar with Jason."

"Ahh. That would explain the smell of lilacs."

Dick chuckled. "Yeah, he might have done some cleaning while he was here. We've got the night off, by the way."

"Truly? Why?"

"Even criminals have to have a rest, although I think it's Bruce's attempt to mollify you, he was a little concerned. I told him he just got a lucky kick in, he's injured me worse when we've sparred. He's very impressed with your skills, Star, well done."

"Truly?"

He bopped me on the nose. "Yes, truly. He said 'her knowledge of fighting techniques is extensive, as is her ability to adapt'. Which is about as much of a good job you'll get from him."

"Oh."

"We're going to lay low tonight, give Robin, Batgirl and Batman a chance to sweep for other crimes. So, we can do anything you like. Movies. Chinatown. British style 'fish and chips' in the park for dinner, Alfred always makes us do that when I'm in town, we could try it. Whatever you want. We'll have to cover you up, but we can still go."

I smiled. "That sounds like fun."

"Raven wants you to call and there's a message from Tessanbol for you, when you're ready."

I nodded.

He reached into the shower and placed a hand on my shoulder. He ducked his head a little, looking at my side and I glanced down at the bruise caused by the bullet.

"Do you wish to join me?" I asked, smiling at him. "You can check me thoroughly then."

He grinned. "You just want me naked so you can seduce me again."

I smiled and shook my head. "Head injury aside, we did say we would slow down."

He sighed and it sounded like he regretted saying that. "That we did. Still, it was interesting to see you putting your moves on me."

I flushed. "Oh?"

His expression became wistful. "Very sexy. You're so hard to resist when you want something."

"You managed to."

"Only because I knew you'd hate me if I let anything happen while you were in that state. I'd rather you remember it. And be coherent enough to actually know what was going on."

I smiled at him.

He grinned at me and winked. "If it makes you feel better, you can seduce me after the date you owe me."

"I shall keep that in mind."

"Are you hungry? Alfred left us some stew, I can heat it up for you."

I smiled and nodded.

He lifted his hand to the back of my neck, pulling my head out of the water so he could kiss my forehead, then released me. "Don't use up all the hot water, beautiful," he teased as he stood up. "There are other people in this motel."

I giggled. Standing, I washed and conditioned my hair and then turned off the shower. Feeling cheeky, I walked out of the bathroom with just a matching lacy bra and thong and my hair tied up in a towel to dry, ignoring Dick's 'double take' followed by an unblinking stare as I sat down to inhale the stew. I quite enjoyed his attentions while I ate.

"You'll be the death of me," he murmured as I finally went to dress.

"If you do not like seeing me unclothed," I said mildly, slipping on a pair of jeans.

"I didn't say I didn't like it."

"Then stop complaining." A white t-shirt and a wooly blue sweater, I would have to wear my coat over the top and black gloves, my scarf hiding my face, but that was okay. Sitting down on the bed with my cell, I dialed Raven's number.

"Hey," she said after a few moments.

"Greetings," I replied, tugging one of the ankle boots Alfred had purchased for me on.

"Still having fun?"

"Assuredly. Yesterday we rescued a Tybaltian who had been taken against her will and forced to reproduce technology. Today, Robin and I are going on a date."

I could hear the smile in her voice. "Sounds fun. Gar and I are supposed to be going out, but I think he's forgotten."

"Oh? Where to?"

"Dinner before Wicked Scary three," she said, sounding resigned. "We're even going in civvies."

"Are you dressing up?"

"I have 'look at my ass' jeans on."

I giggled. "He will not be able to keep his hands off you."

"He doesn't anyway. What about you? Where are you going?"

"Chinatown. Robin promised me something called a luksa."

"You just ate," Dick protested.

"Nine stomachs," I replied.

"If you're going to Chinatown, can you see if they have any catnip incense sticks? Our shop has conveniently run out and... well... you can guess."

I laughed. "Of course."

"Thanks." Raven's voice brightened. "Oh, there he is now. Have fun!"

I smiled as I hung up, placing the phone beside me as I pulled on my other boot.

"So, Chinatown?"

"You made it sound so interesting."

"It is."

"May we stop at the ATM so I may retrieve some cash?"

"My treat, Star."

I frowned. "I do not like that you are paying for everything. Please, I would prefer-"

"I'm the one that asked you to stay, it's only fair. Besides, most of your money comes via Wayne Funding anyway, what's wrong with getting it straight from the source?"

I swiveled to look at him. "What?"

"What?" he returned, startled.

"Our funding comes from the City," I clarified. "They give us an allowance because we protect them."

"Well, sort of. They do give us an allowance, but that barely covers the cost of insurance and damages. The funding we get from Wayne Enterprises covers any upgrades to systems, general expenses like food and power, training, equipment, practice drones. Cyborg and Beast Boy, they have their own incomes, as do I. You and Raven, not so much. I mean, she's from another dimension, you're from another planet, how are you supposed to get money? It's not like you could get a job at a supermarket or something. I've always made sure you had spending money to get the things you need."

It was like the ground had suddenly vanished from beneath my feet and I had lost my happiness to fly. I always prided myself that I never used the money my father left for me, that I could support myself on my own, that I did not need his last minute attempt to pacify and apologise for giving away his children. I had my own funds, Earthen funds, that I worked hard to get on my own.

But they were not mine. They were given to me, siphoned of from Dick's fortune to make up the difference.

Dick was still talking, oblivious to my inner turmoil. "I mean, its not just us, of course. Wayne Enterprises and Queen Foundation gives funding to all the hero ventures. Justice League, Titans, Outsiders. Superman, you wouldn't believe the amount of insurance premiums he has to pay, can't afford that on his salary alone. All of them to use as they see fit. It's hard to get a day job when your running off to save the world all the time. The Titans don't take as much money as you might think, way less than the Justice League. I'm very good at budgeting. Titans East blows out all the time with two monster speeders to feed, and North... wow... What's wrong?" he asked. "You've gone pale."

"I thought it was mine."

He frowned. "The money? It is yours. You've earned it."

"But you gave it to me."

"Of course I did. I'm your leader. I should pay you for helping me protect the city, shouldn't I?"

That sounded so much better than what I had been thinking.

"Star?"

I gave a hysterical giggle. "I am sorry. I was being silly and I thought... it does not matter. Excuse me." I bolted for the bathroom and locked the door. Idiot alien, of course he does not see you as a prize or trophy to be purchased or won. Why would you even think that about him? He has been nothing but kind and nice. He is your best friend and you are terrible for having such thoughts.

"Starfire?" Dick called through the door, knocking politely. "Look, if its that big of a deal, I don't mind going dutch, I just wanted to treat you, that's all."

I sighed and opened the door, leaning on the frame. "It is not that," I said, looking at the floor.

"What then?"

"When I decided to stay on this planet I promised myself I would be able to do it on my own. I would not need assistance or my father's money to survive. I did not need to be a princess or a prize and have everything just given to me. I wanted to earn it. To be worth something. Finding out the money I thought I earned came from you... unsettled me more than it should have. I should have realised you would have reason as to why you would do that and not reach my own conclusions."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "You thought I thought of you as some prize which needed to be looked after?"

I was ashamed of my thoughts as I nodded.

"If that was the case, I'd have a whole harem going, Star. It's not just you. Raven, Jinx, Bumblebee, Aqualad because Atlatean doubloons don't translate across very well. Cyborg's enhancements come from funding to STARR from Wayne Tech. Kole and Gnarrk. Thunder and Lightning. They all benefit from the funding."

"I realise that now."

"Raven's on a Wayne Scholarship for medicine. Cyborg's on one too. If you ever wanted to do a College degree, I'm sure we could find something to suit you. Sure, I have money, and it'll make things easier for me in the long run, but I don't flaunt it. I hope I've never made you feel like a prize." I did not answer and he sighed. "C'mere," he murmured, reaching for me to hug me tight. "You okay?"

"Yes," I mumbled into his neck. "My apologies."

"Don't bottle your feelings, Star. What I love about you is your willingness to share them so openly. I brood enough for the both of us."

I have a half hearted giggle.

He pulled back and kissed my nose. "Let's go have some fun, huh? I think we both need it."

I smiled for him. "Yes. Please."

Chinatown was a lot different than I expected, although, I am not certain exactly what I expected. It reminded me of the atmosphere on several of the space stations in the Vegan system. A crush of people, so many different stalls and things to look at, a frantic paced market. Music and food and so many sounds crashing together. Bright baubles and jewelry, people talking in different languages, some of it I understood, others I did not. And although I was intrigued, I do not think Dick would have liked it if I went gathering languages.

So many different shades of skin, there were even people with orange tinged skin, Dick mumbling something about Jersey Shore wannabes, but it meant that my skin colour would not be noticed. Perhaps not even my eyes, no one seemed to look at faces. People wore leather, people wore kimonos, people wore brightly coloured, rainbow swirled shawls. People in costumes, faces painted white. People dancing in long paper dragons. Skin painted green or blue or red, people on stilts, people with various animals painted on their faces, it was like a carnival.

Maybe that was why he did not seem to care about being seen in public with me out of uniform. We were anonymous among the varied cultures present. Dick even removed my scarf from my face, so he could see my smile as he held my hand tightly so we would not be separated.

"Is it always like this?" I asked, leaning close to him so I could be heard over the sound of the music.

He put his mouth up close to my ear. "No, I guess there's some sort of festival this week."

We moved out of the way of a glorious golden dragon as it danced down the cobblestoned street. The man in his mouth shook its massive head at me, extending and then lowering it. Dick laughed as the dragon appeared to ask for a pat, one which I obliged and then it and its many legs danced off down the street.

I was so excited and happy, looking everywhere with starry eyes. The Chinatown in Jump was not like this at all, it was amazing.

We looked at the stalls, people trying to barter and offer us things as we looked at their wares. We travelled into incense shops, looking at all the curiosities they contained, we went into herbal shops, Dick laughing at some of the ancient remedies they had. Dick hurried me out of the book shop when he saw me looking at a Kama Sutra book. Which was a real shame, some of those positions looked interesting.

We looked at those shops that were obviously designed for tourists, Dick teasing me with some of the masks depicting wide mouthed men, pretending to stalk me with them before we were chased out of the shop by an irate shopkeeper.

I dragged him into a ceremonial weapons shop, Dick's protests only half hearted and we spent a lot of time in there analysing the various weapons in the store, their design and usability ratios. I think he was pleasantly surprised at how much I knew about the various Earth weapons, although I remarked that perhaps he should not be, I am warrior after all.

He laughed at that. "Remind me to do weapons training with you more often."

I giggled as I studied the shuriken on the wall. So many different styles, from the rounded blades, to the long knives that could be hidden in a sleeve. "Galfore would love this," I said.

Dick chuckled. "We could send him some."

I picked up one of the kama, a wooden handled weapon with a blade like a scythe. "He would consider most of these weapons flimsy, weak and made from poor quality material. He would most enjoy talking to the weaponsmiths and instructing them on how to make their weapons better."

Dick laughed as he inspected the bo staves. "That would be fun to watch."

"They are so light," I said, bouncing the handle of the kama in my palm.

"They have to be," Dick said. "So we can wield them. Not like your sorrals. But I guess when you're as strong as your people, you don't need to create lightweight materials so you can wield weapons."

I nodded. "Some of the strength and honour is changed in the metal if you alloy it."

"Okay, our next date is going to be in the weapons vault. You'll have a blast."

I giggled.

"Do you want to see a samurai sword?" Dick asked. "There's a traditionally made one in the glass box over there."

I put the kama down. "Why would there be a japanese sword in a chinese weapons shop?"

"Because... well, Westerners tend to lump all Asian ethnicities together. The shopkeeper was probably asked about the swords so many times by uneducated tourists that they brought a few." He stretched his hand for me and took me over to the glass container so we could view the sword. "They used to fold the metal to make these swords. A very ancient tradition, there's not many people that still know how to do that."

"They are a most elegant weapon," I said as I examined the line of the blade.

"Very nice to use," Dick agreed. "Imagine... well, I suppose you don't have to. A weapon that is an extension of yourself. It moves with you like silk, your body flows from one movement to the next with grace and deadly beauty. That's the katana. If a weapon can be sexy, this is it."

I smiled at him. "Why, Mr Grayson, I do believe you are in love."

He chuckled at me, embarrassed. "When your like me, weapons become a part of you. You, my lovely, are a weapon on your own." He lifted my hand and kissed my finger tips. "C'mon, before I embarrass myself and start reciting poetry, let's go grab something to eat."

We strolled back out into the party on the street, holding hands, and Dick pushed his way through the throng of people on the hunt for that luksa he promised me.

I was truly enjoying myself, I had never seen Dick so carefree. When we went on dates as Robin and Starfire, he maintained this air of professionalism. Even though he would hold my hand and smile at me, he was still detached. Always the hero. Noticing everything and everyone, being who others thought he should be. I never really saw that until today. Now he was out of uniform, it was like he could devote his entire being to me and having fun. He still saw everything, noticed everything happening around him, but he relaxed. He hugged me in public, kissed my lips, he put his hand on my rear to proclaim I was his. He laughed more, was less serious and willing to be silly, like before with the masks. He was willing to take time to talk to people and shopkeepers and ask questions about various items. He was willing to mingle, instead of having this 'get in and out as fast as possible' attitude.

I wondered if I was different too. I felt different, I felt more relaxed and wonderful than ever before, but I wondered if he saw me differently now.

We passed someone swallowing swords, Dick stopping for a minute so we could watch. I wondered how that was even possible, but Dick explained it was an art. The neck and throat could be extended as straight as possible to allow the sword passage. I gripped his arm, my eyes wide. The same man then started juggling burning sticks, tossing them high in the air to entertain the crowd. Dick smiled at my expression and said, "Now, that I can do."

I blinked at him. "Truly?"

"Grew up in the circus. Not only can I do that, I can do it one handed while balancing on a chair on my other hand."

"I would like to see that."

He chuckled. "Maybe one day."

"Why not now?" I asked, pouting.

"I don't want to show up these performers, thats why," he said and tugged me walking again.

We finally reached this little shop hidden in an alleyway off the main street. Small wooden tables and chairs sat around a whole in the wall that served as galley. There were only a few people sitting around, enjoying the relative piece of the alleyway and Dick told me to sit down at table while he got us some food. I chose one that seemed relatively quiet but where I could still see the bright lights of the main street and watch the dancers and the dragons.

Dick sat down in the chair beside me instead of the one opposite. I believe he chose that chair so his back to a wall, where he could see everything that happened around us. Placing his hand on my knee, he asked, "So, are you having fun?"

"Oh, yes. This place is most glorious. It is exciting, so many different things all happening at once. I am most glad you suggested we come here."

He grinned. "Good. I didn't expect the festival, that was a pleasant surprise. The cook said there'll be some fireworks later, if you want to watch? Promise there won't be any Gordanians attacking."

I had to giggle at that.

"There's a nice spot down by the river we could go to watch... or we could go for a walk."

"Is there not more of this place to view?"

"We're about as deep as the general public are allowed to go, it starts getting into traditional housing from here on in. We're probably better off heading back out. Did you see anything you wanted to buy?"

There was something shrewd about the way he asked that question, I could not place why. "Do you mean other than the Kama Sutra book?"

He laughed. "If you really, really want to read it, I have a copy at the Manor."

I brightened. "Truly?"

"Joke gift from Bruce," he explained. "But come on, Star, we're not even having sex yet, why would we need to look at a book like that?"

"Conceivably it could be fun."

He shook his head, smiling at me. "Other than the book, did you see anything you wanted?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Why?"

"No reason," he said evasively.

"Did you see anything you wanted?"

"I... might've seen something I wanted to buy for you," he said, sounding even more evasive than before.

I frowned, a little concerned.

"As a gift," he said. "Because... it reminded me of you."

"A gift?"

"If I gave you a gift because I felt like it, it wouldn't have some other meaning on Tamaran, would it?"

What a confusing question. "It would depend on the gift. Meaningful gifts for couples usually consist of food or weapons."

He chuckled. "So, I should've brought you that sword before, huh? What about jewelry?"

"Adornments are not usually standard gifts..." I watched him closely, trying to judge why he was asking. "But I have heard they are for humans."

"Yeah." He was bashful, what did that mean?

"So... you wish to buy me some jewelry?" I asked, vying for more information.

"Maybe. I just... I never see you wear any."

"Of course I do. My armband is jewelry, as are the gems on my uniform."

He looked surprised. "Oh, they are?"

"I believe we have different concepts of jewelry. They do not serve as a weapon or perform armoury function, so they are jewelry."

"Ahh..." He scratched the back of his neck with one hand.

"Dick?"

He dropped his eyes from mine and reached into the pocket of his coat, drawing out a little, colourfully printed paper bag. "I... ahh..." He flushed and held out the bag to me. "Brought you something."

I took the bag only because it looked like he might drop it. "I... do not have anything for you," I said, concerned.

He gave me brief smile. "It's a 'because it reminded me of you' gift. I wanted you to have it. You don't have to reciprocate. Open it."

It was a silver, three quarter ring of metal, the width about as long as my finger. It looked much like my armband did, except there was a large green gem, mounted in the middle of the metal and surrounded by carvings of stars. I ran my fingers over it. "It is very pretty."

"It's a bracelet," Dick explained.

"Oh," I said. Moving the sleeve of my coat up, I slotted my wrist through the gap in the metal band and positioned the gem on the outside of my wrist. I was unsure how to react, I had never received a gift before which had not been for the Christmas. It felt, and seemed judging by Dick's wary expression, like a much more personalised present. A girlfriend present, not a friend one. I was expected to react, I was certain. "I adore it."

A relieved grin erupted on Dick's face. "Really?"

Not knowing any better way to thank him, I kissed him. And kept on kissing him until our food arrived.