Early the next morning, there was a figure up and about in the manor. Robin stirred under his covers as he heard noises. He glanced at his clock groggily. It read, '6:02am'
He rubbed his still masked eyes and sat up. He was shirtless but was wearing blue checked pyjama bottoms. He threw back his covers and looked out of the window; the sun was only just beginning to rise so he was only certain of who would be walking around the mansion.
He started to also waddle around in the early atmosphere.
He opened the door and walked out of his room. He could hear people breathing in deep sleep. He strolled carefully through the manor, finding the stairs leading to the roof.
He opened the roof door and saw what he had been figuring.
Starfire.
She sat on the ledge of the building and looked out into the streets of Gotham,
"You know," He began, startling her and causing her to turn around, "I was wondering who was walking around at this time."
"Oh, Robin. You frightened me for a moment. I apologise if I was too loud; I simply love seeing the sun say hello to the citizens." She said, dreamily.
"Well, sunrise in Gotham isn't always a usual thing," He replied, voice deepening as he took a seat beside her,
"Why's that?" She asked, sweetly.
"Isn't it obvious? You've seen Gotham. Its weather is mostly rain and mist, including the mornings; summer and winter." He explained,
"Oh I see now. That is a shame, is it not?" She said, looking at the quiet world.
Robin raised an eyebrow,
"Well, if you can not see the sun, it must make a person feel most miserable." Starfire rambled, "I know weather takes an offense to my emotions."
"Hm, I suppose you're right," He replied, thinking about it now.
"It is still very hard to believe you were raised,"
"Not always raised here." Robin felt a cold chill.
"Forgive me; I was led to believe you were raised by Mr Bruce Wayne, here in Gotham?"
Robin didn't feel like sharing his past, "Yeah, I was. I don't know what I was talking about the first time," He chuckled, hoping she'd forget.
She stared at him for a moment but then looked back out to the horizon,
"Star I don't think the sun will-"
"Oh look!"
Strangely enough, the sun was rising and it was bright too. Robin indulged in this random weather predicament; not being used to it.
"Huh. Fancy that." He breathed,
"Please, what is fancy?" Starfire asked, naively.
Robin sighed and facepalmed, "Never mind Star. Come on, I think its time for breakfast."
Just as he helped Starfire swing her legs back around, he heard Alfred ring the bell for breakfast.
He winked at Starfire.
"Psychic, perhaps?" Starfire giggled. Robin also began to laugh.
They head inside to participate in the morning ritual.
The first week went by amazingly and it was full of different activites from walks in parks, shopping and film viewing to funfairs, late nights and quiet evenings.
On the second week; Wednesday, they were deciding to have a 'quiet movie night'
Beastboy was obviously in charge of picking out the film as he picked, "School night horror 4"
"Aw man, this movie is supposed to be way scary!" Beastboy chimed, cuddling the case.
"You say that about every movie," Raven sighed, leaning on her palm and elbow.
Beastboy made a face.
The movie was around halfway through and they were all very into it; following each little detail of the whole thing.
Suddenly, Alfred appeared and the five teens screamed,
"I am sorry to of frightened you, young ones." He said, "But Master Robin?"
"Yes Alfred?" He replied, curious.
"Might I have a word?"
"Of course," Robin replied, getting up from his seat and following Alfred into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter, "Whats up, Alfred?" He asked,
"Well, master Robin, it appears that the bat signal had been going for the last half an hour."
"But, Batman's away?" He said,
"Yes and they know that. However, I fear they are in need of some type of hero...or heroes?"
"Alfred..."
"I am just suggesting, sir."
"I know. But, that would raise too many questions. Like why am I with a different team, blah, blah, blah."
"Master Robin..." Alfred stalled, "You really have not see Gotham news over the past few months have you?"
Robin paused,
"Well. The batman believed he would be weaker without Robin so his adopted son..."
"Tim?"
"Yes...He directed him as a 'stand in' Robin whilst you were away. You never said if you were coming back or not."
"Yeah, I understand. I would of done the same."
"So, it should be okay for you to pursue this?"
Robin sighed, "I suppose. If the others are fine with it."
Robin turned to leave, "Oh master Robin?"
"Yes Alfred?"
"I forgot to mention. Miss Batgirl will be joining you on this."
"Batgirl? Didn't she go with Batman?"
"No, he found it best she stay here."
Robin chuckled, "I bet that rattled her cage. Tim goes with Batman while she stays here. Aha."
Alfred smirked and ducked away.
Robin sighed and continued walking into the lounge, "Robin?" he heard Starfire say.
He knew they were all thinking the same as they were all staring at him.
"How'd you guys feel about patrolling the city tonight and stopping any bad guys that come our way?" Robin sighed,
"OH MY GOSHHHHHH." Beastboy cried. Robin made a face.
"What am I even dating?" Raven deadpanned.
"Ok. Usual costume and meet here in the foyer."
They all nodded and went their separate ways.
They were all dressed and ready and awaiting to go down to the foyer.
Robin knocked on Starfire's door once he was dressed, "Star?"
"Enter." She replied, softly.
"Hey." He said, looking at her as she stared out of her big window. She had a tear in her eye as she replied, "Greetings."
"Star, what's wrong?" He asked, quietly.
"Nothing is wrong; everything is wonderful." She lied, Robin made a face, so Starfire sighed, "I just got to the thinking and asked myself, what are we going to do, once we have left the institute? There is only a year left until we leave after all." She lost her voice at the end a little.
"Star, are you worried you'll have to leave us?"
She nodded sadly.
"Star, don't worry about the future. I'll figure something out." He replied, smiling and patting her shoulder delicately.
She looked up at him with hopeful eyes.
He returned to the familiar gaze that seemed to ravish them all to much. He didn't waste his time this time. He leaned in closer, holding her cheek in his palm and brought her chin up and closer and he gently and slowly crushed her lips beneath his own.
Starfire, surprised at first, quickly related to the kiss and deepened it. She ran a hand through his hair until they both heard a door bang loudly and the fell from bliss.
They pushed away from each other and although they were happy about what had happened, they were now unsure where they stood with one another.
Robin restyled his hair and walked out quickly, leaving the door open for Starfire to follow closely behind. She straightened out her uniform and watched as he left. She had no smile upon her lips but her eyes whispered insecurity.
They scanned from the tall building.
"Okay. Raven and Beastboy, scan from north Gotham; no couple stuff; we're on a mission." He rolled his eyes from behind his mask. Raven glared at him for such an accusation.
"Cyborg, central. Me and Star with head down south." Robin said, seriously, "Everyone. You know your positions; move out."
Cyborg lowered himself to the ground below to survey the grounds. Raven flew away to her destination with Beastboy close behind in the form of a pigeon.
Robin turned and in honesty the serious expression Robin had plastered upon his face was without a doubt scary.
They were watching out for odd goings on for around 10 minutes before a figure swooped in behind them and a voice sprung from its lungs'
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my little partner." A feminine voice rang, catching Starfires more so than Robins.
"Batgirl!" Robin exclaimed excitedly. He got up from his crouched position and threw his arms around her, lovingly.
'He's never been that excited to hug me..' a thought echoed the air.
"How've you been Shorty?" She giggled, returning the hug.
"Haha." He deadpanned but smiled, "Life's been better, how about you?"
'He said he liked the institute for many different reasons and said he was glad to of arrived...' another thought.
Her face saddened but she tried her best not to let it show. 'I would not want to do the annoying to Robin.' Her mind was icy.
"Who's your beautiful friend?" Batgirl asked, nicely, smiling at Starfire,
"Who? Oh!" Robin said, not even realising his mistake but then again, only Starfire noticed,
'Who? He has forgotten me...already?' She felt a lump form in her throat.
"This is my friend Starfire. Starfire, this is Batgirl. I've been friends with her since I was like 12," Robin laughed,
"Hello there, Starfire." Batgirl replied, shaking her hand politely.
"Greetings, Batgirl." Starfire obliged the action.
"Oh, Robin, we definitely have a lot to catch up on!" Batgirl squeaked,
"Starfire, now that Batgirl is here, you should go and join Cyborg so that he isn't alone." Robin suggested,
"Oh...Of course. Farewell for now." Starfire whispered as she lifted from the ground. She let a tear fall as she was out of range and when she couldn't hear there voices or laughter anymore.
Starfire's mind raced. 'Did the lip contact mean absolutely nothing to him? Did he not feel the butterflies in which I did? Why is he acting so differently around he-'
She understood now. Well, if Robin wanted Batgirl, he could go for it as far as Starfire was concerned.
"Hey Star." Cyborg greeted, noticing her arrival.
"Greetings, friend." She replied as sweetly as she could.
"Aren't you supposed to be with Robin?"
She looked down, "Not at all. He told me to come to you because Batgirl had arrived." She forced a fake smile but Cyborg could tell this had effected her as she watched out onto the city.
"Don't worry Star. Remember, back home tomorrow." Cyborg tried to cheer her up,
"But a week until we return to the institute." She whispered, although Cyborg heard. He felt sorry for her. He and Raven and Beastboy were well aware of her feelings for Robin so for her being forgotten for Batgirl must have been a thorn in her side.
She sighed and turned to Cyborg, "Friend, I am going to search from the sky for a short while. I shall return to you momentarily." She informed him, not waiting for an answer and dashing off into the sky.
Mid-flight, Robin's voice buzzed through their walkie talkies.
"Guys, huddle near the Opashe' building. There are some thugs with weapons so watch yourselves." He warned,
All titans headed over and when they arrived, Robin and Batgirl were already on the scene. Robin threw an electric disk at one of the 5 men. The man yelled but fell into unconsciousness. Robin threw another electric disk at another man but he dodged it. When he stood up, he shot at Robin who slid onto the floor but Batgirl was behind him so she was wounded instead. She coughed and spluttered and fell backwards, slipping off the edge of the building, woozy.
"Batgirl!" Robin yelled, jumping off the edge after her.
The others who remained on the building rooftop proceeded to pursue the other goons.
Meanwhile, Robin held out his arms for Batgirl and grabbed her around the waist. He turned over so his back was facing the fall and he shot a grappling hook up and it locked. He zipped up and rolled onto the roof where the others glanced at him. Batgirl remained closely in his arms, "You've gotta watch out Batgirl." He said, smiling in relief.
"Alright dad, I'll be sure to next time." She joked, laughing too. They held a look between them which Starfire noticed. She held back unshed tears, not wanting to give in. Raven could feel and hear all the thoughts in Starfires head and wanted to cry for her. Starfires mind flashed back to their kiss and Raven gasped aloud, not that anyone heard. Starfire turned to her, biting her lip, knowing she'd shown her what was wrong. Raven made a sympathetic look.
'I guess I am not 'special' to him as I once thought. I was foolish to believe such a thing...' She thought, a lump forming in her throat.
"Friends, I believe I shall head back to catch the shut eye." Starfire quietly said. Most of them nodded at her and she flew away quickly, knowing Robin was not even watching her leave.
She let out a yelp as loud as she wanted as soon as she was away from them. She landed outside of the manor and quietly let herself in, holding her wrist, realising one of the goons had slit her skin.
Alfred was lifting trays from the lounge and widened his eyes as she came in, "Miss Starfire, are you alright?" He asked, politely.
"Oh Alfred. I am...the alright, thank you." She lied,
He looked down at her small wrist and raised an eyebrow while getting closer to her.
"Please, let me attend to your wound." He offered,
"...Thank you." She replied, giving in.
He led her into the infirmary where he cleaned the wound and dressed it thoroughly,
"Better?" He asked, with a polite smile,
"Much. Thank you Alfred." She returned the smile,
There was a pause,
"Alfred? Although I would enjoy the talking to you further, may I go up to my chamber? I believe I am in need of it." She half laughed at the end.
"Of course miss Starfire." He replied, standing away from her.
She nodded at him and then proceeded to go up to her room. Once in, she threw her clothes onto the ground and changed into her pink pyjamas. She stood in the middle of the room and wobbled slight to the end of her bed and suddenly, she burst out crying and sat in on the floor in the pitch black room. She curled herself close. She hugged her knees and let the tears fall and stain her bottoms. She struggled breathing and choked on a lot of tears.
She let herself slide into a lying position and continued to cry into the carpet. She eventually stopped after around 30 minutes when she could no longer shed tears.
She sighed and looked out at the moon while she clambered under the covers. She sniffed, sighed and closed her eyes and let herself fall into a deep, much needed slumber.
Around an hour later, the others returned as they had to deliver the thugs to the police and also fill out reports. Batgirl had separated from them before they arrived back at the manor. Robin and Raven yawned as they sipped at some tea while Cyborg and Beastboy headed up to bed.
Raven and Robin stood in the kitchen, "Rough night in my eyes," He began,
"Mhm," Raven agreed, not wanting to talk with him.
"Lucky we had Batgirl as extra help, eh?" He said,
"Lucky? She nearly fell to her death."
"But it was ok in the end?"
"I just find it strange how when its Batgirl, it is forgiven momentarily, but with us, we get a talking to. You cant treat people differently Robin. It plays on peoples' emotions. You of all people should know. Anyway, Im going to bed. Goodnight, see you in the morning before we leave." Raven said, leaving for her room before Robin could even protest.
After a while, Robin shrugged and placed his mug in the sink. He dragged himself up to his room. Before entering, he looked over at Starfire's door and smiled at the door. He believed everything was fine with her since the kiss. It was amazing how wrong he was.
The next morning, it was raining heavily like usual in Gotham.
They all rose from sleep pretty early and were all called down to breakfast at 8am. There was so much food set out on the table. They were all so amazed at Alfreds ability to cook for so many teenagers.
"This all looks amazing, thanks Alfred." Robin said,
They all dug into their food like hungry wolves. All except Starfire who slowly ate and poked her food with her fork. Once they were all 'done' they went to their rooms to continue packing. Starfire excused herself first and made her way up the stairs. Robin watched her carefully wondering what was on her mind.
The others followed in suit. When Robin was alone downstairs, Alfred began packing up the dirty dishes.
"Alfred?"
"Yes Master Robin?" He returned, using Robin instead of Dick or Richard due to his attire.
"Did Starfire seem alright when she got home last night?" He asked,
Alfred thought for a moment, more so for Starfire herself, "As far as I know, Miss Starfire was absolutely fine when she arrived although she said of being very tired but that was all," He lied.
"Hm, okay. Thanks." Robin replied, pushing himself up from the table and heading upstairs.
He sighed and took a deep breath in as he hovered outside of Starfires room, wondering if he should knock, or not...