Starfire had, as the Terrans said, had enough.

For the last week, following the assault on Slade's base, she had been on what Cyborg had called 'healing leave'- she was forbidden from taking part in the Titans heroic activities until such time as the wound on her arm had healed. She had not objected to this, much, as the injury was quite painful and she was happy enough to let it heal properly. If she were forced to be truly honest, she had actually found it quite restful, at first, as Robin let her skip training even allowing her to 'sleep out' (as the Terran saying went). For the first time in what seemed like months, the princess of Tamaran did not feel tired or sore the whole day long! It was glorious! At first.

The problem came on the third day of her enforced rest. That morning, after training was completed, Cyborg pronounced her injury healed and Starfire prepared to return to duty. He had been somewhat surprised, saying that a human would have required weeks if not months to recover from such a wound. She had cheekily attributed her healing to Robin's care, citing his frequent use of 'the kiss to make it better' as a factor in her recovery. This had caused Robin to blush and stutter in a fashion most adorable. However, when the Titans alarm next blared (a fire in Southern Jump that was quickly spreading), Robin ordered her and Terra to remain behind. She had not taken it too much to heart, at first- it was true that the Tower needed to be defended and that her skills were not best suited to battling flames. But, over the next few days, she saw a disturbing pattern emerge, one that angered her greatly. Whenever there was an emergency or an alert- be it a fire, a robbery, or a drill- Robin would order her to the periphery. Oh, there was always a reason: to watch the Titans flank, to guard a back door, to act as crowd control. At first, she had accepted these reasons, but as the days went on she realized that Robin was trying to keep her from danger by keeping her on the sidelines.

She was of two minds on how to react to this knowledge. On the one hand, she was a proud royal of Tamaran- the warrior princess of a warrior people. She did not need PROTECTION, nor to be kept SAFE! She was a strong and fearless fighter, and deserved to be treated as such! For Robin to believe that she was not, that she was ru'utha, was a grave insult. Indeed, that part of her was so insulted, she seriously considered ending their relationship over it- for how could she make a future with a mate who thought so little of her?
Fortunately, Starfire chose to listen to the other side of her mind. That part had been on Earth long enough to understand how differently humans viewed war and death compared to Tamaranians. Tamaranians did not truly fear death in battle, not for themselves nor for those they loved. Humans, she had seen were different- they seemed to care not at all for the glory of death in battle, and focused only on the loss of those they held dear. Thus, Robin placed her on the "line of side" not as a deliberate statement that she was weak, but because he thought her too precious to endanger. The insult was merely incidental.

Nevertheless, Starfire could not let this stand. No matter what Robin's intention had been, the fact remained that she was a warrior with a warrior's pride. She would confront Robin and force him to allow her to take her normal place in battle. With that decided, the alien princess rose from her bed and left her room to search for her boyfriend.

She found Robin in the evidence room, going over some of the papers captured from Slade's base. As she entered the room, he looked up and greeted her with a weary smile. "Oh, Star! I'm glad you came by. There's something that I need…"

"I am afraid it must wait" Starfire declared, her tone even but firm, taking a seat on the desk. "I am here to discuss the way you have kept me from battle."

"How I've- what?" Robin said, bewildered. "What are you talking about, Starfire? You've been on every mission we've had, same as everyone else."

"Yes, and on each mission I have been assigned duties that keep me away from any fighting or danger. On our last mission, you told me to stand guard over the back door to the criminals' hideout. On the mission before that, I was told to act as crowd control and keep civilians away from the area while you and Terra battled bank robbers. On the mission before THAT you posted me high above the battle to watch your flank while you and the other Titans broke up a riot. Need I go on? You have been keeping me on the line of sides for every mission, and I am growing insulted by such treatment."

"I… I didn't realize I'd been doing that." Robin replied slowly, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "I suppose I got worried after seeing you get hurt and have to heal the slow way. Subconsciously, I guess I was keeping you out of the action to try to keep you safe. Wow. I can't believe I did that. I mean, it's not just insulting to you Star, but it could have been really dangerous- you're one of our best fighters and I just kept you on the bench. We're really lucky none of our enemies noticed and took advantage of that."

"Oh, I was not on a bench." Starfire said cheerily. "I am pleased that this has been resolved. Now, what did you wish to speak to me about?"

"Well, actually, it's not just you. I need to tell this to ALL the Titans. Meet me in the Common Room in five minutes." Robin rose from his seat and headed to the door. Just as he was about to step outside, he turned his head to look at her once more. "REALLY every mission?"

"I am afraid it is so."

"Wow." Robin shook his head as he walked away. Behind his back, Starfire giggled.

Once the Titans were all assembled, Robin addressed them. "In two days, the Wickersham family will be holding its annual society ball" he said "As always we've been invited."

"And as always, you've cooked up with some barely-believable reason for us not to attend, right?" Cyborg broke in, rubbing his hands with glee. "What is it this time? Mutant rats in the sewers? Tamaranian Ear Pox? Oh! I know! You'll tell 'em we got a hot tip that Brainiac's been spotted at the bowling alley and we gotta stake the place out that night! That one worked so well last year"

"Wait, seriously?" Terra said incredulously "Why'd you use such a lame story? For that matter, wasn't the Joker at large around this time last year? Why not just tell these Wackerham's the truth?"

"Because, Blondie, the Wickersham family are the worst kinda snobs." Cyborg answered "They made their fortune a hundred years ago investing in the city's industry and not a one of 'em's worked since. They won't speak to ANYONE who doesn't have at least a million bucks to their name. Heck, the only reason we're invited every year is 'cause they think having the Teen Titans attend their little shindig'd be the perfect way to score points over the other rich folks. That's why Rob always gives 'em a ridiculous excuse even when he has a real one. He wants 'em to KNOW they're bein' snubbed without actually saying it and getting us in trouble."

"Not this year." Robin said with finality. "This year we're attending."

"Say what?" Cyborg asked, bewildered.

"Boyfriend Robin, I am most confused. Why are we attending this ball filled with people who are the- the snubs?" Starfire asked. "Should we not remain on our guard against Slade and the others?"

"The word's snobs, Star, and we will be." Robin replied, passing out the elegantly written invitations. "This party is going to be attended by every major player in Jump City high society. Politicians, high level administrators, businesspeople and local celebrities are all going to be there- which makes the whole event a really tempting target. Especially given the story Slade told the others about the city conspiring against us- if he DIDN'T take the opportunity to strike, it'd be suspicious. So we're going to be there, we're going to mingle, but we're going to remain on our toes."

"One problem." Terra said. "I don't have anything to wear to the ball- heck, I don't have ANY clothes other than the uniforms you gave me and the clothes I was wearing when Slade… when you found me."

"Oh! I can be of assistance, Friend Terra!" Starfire cried, floating off of the couch in her excitement. "I shall ensure that you are ready for the ball?"

"Yeah? Are you gonna be my fairy godmother, Star? If so, I take a size four glass slipper" Terra joked. Seeing the alien girls look of incomprehension, she sighed. "Just a joke, Star, just a joke. What do you have in mind?"

"We shall go to the mall of shopping and procure you suitable clothing!" Starfire said excitedly. She was positively vibrating with joy as she went on "Not merely clothing for this event, but a variety of garments! It is not right that you are without clothing of your own."

"I guess that could work?" Terra said. In truth, Starfire's wild enthusiasm was making her a little nervous, as though there were something going on here that she didn't understand.

"Glorious! We shall leave immediately!" Starfire said, seizing the geomancer's hand and pulling her towards the door. Almost as an afterthought, she turned back to her boyfriend. "Is there any further news, Boyfriend Robin?"

"Uh, no, not – not really." Robin stammered. "Just make sure that whatever you buy isn't too tight- remember we may have a battle on our hands that night, so whatever Terra wears she has to be able to fight it. Or at least, hide her uniform underneath her clothes."

"I shall bear this in mind! Come friend! We must make haste to the mall!" Starfire cried, pulling the bewildered blonde into the air and flying from the room.

Behind her, Robin and Cyborg stared blankly at the door, trying to process what had just happened. Eventually Robin shook his head, and cracked a weak grin at his friend. "Well" he said "At least we know for sure that Starfire's feeling better. I'm sure Terra will get through this just fine. She's a tough girl, much tougher than I remember."

"Sure is" Cyborg drawled "But you're overlooking the key point in this."

"Which is?"

"Better Terra than us."

Terra collapsed into a chair at the mall's food court, worn out from several hours of shopping and with feet so sore she was amazed they didn't just fall right off. But it was a good kind of exhaustion she felt, the kind you feel after a long day at the fair or a fun party. There was no sugarcoating the pain in her feet, of course, but given how she felt emotionally she was prepared to overlook a certain amount of physical pain. It had felt good to spend an afternoon at the mall, no matter how hectic a shopper Starfire was. It was the kind of thing she'd done with her friends after school, going from shop to shop and looking at different outfits. Granted, she hadn't been browsing through Jump City's premier fashion mall- 'Jessie Crandall' hadn't had a car and so was stuck with the local shopping center with its collection of department and chain stores.

With a loud clatter, Starfire set two trays of food down on the table as she sat down. "I hope you are hungry, Friend, for I have obtained a feast for us! For myself, I have a selection of raw fish and rice which Robin introduced me to. For you, the wrapped meat and vegetable concoction known as a 'burrito'. Eat well, for we have many other stores to see!"

"Thanks, Star" Terra said, taking a big bite of her burrito. "Wait, what do you mean, we have other stores to see? We settled on a gown for me- it took us three hours and more fittings than I thought possible, but it will be ready by tomorrow afternoon. I'll even be able to wear my uniform underneath it. So what else do we need to buy?"

"Surely you are not serious?" Starfire exclaimed "True we have obtained a suitable gown for you, but not for me. Then we will need shoes, makeup, the accessories… we have much to do before we are ready for the ball. Oh, it is so exciting."

Terra took another bite of her burrito, and chewed slowly while she thought that over. Starfire had been just like this during Terra's first stint with the Titans. The alien princess would take almost any excuse to venture to the mall, and would return filled with joy and energy. It seemed that shopping was one of the orange girl's absolute favorite activities. "Hey, Star?" Terra asked "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question."

Now it was Starfire's turn to think while she chewed. Eventually, she swallowed and nodded. "Ask, Friend, though I do not promise to answer."

"Fair enough. Why do you like the mall so much? I mean, you were the princess of a super-advanced planet, right?" Terra asked. "You can't be that amazed by the stuff on sale here, right? You probably had tons of fancy clothes and cool stuff at home, so why's shopping such an adventure for you?"

"Tamaran is…very different from Earth in many, many ways." Starfire said with a sigh, setting her chopsticks (which she'd been using like a native) to one side. "You must understand, we have been at war for a VERY long time. Battle and warfare have become the center of our entire culture- and of our economy as well. Few non-military goods are made, and those are kept as simple as possible to avoid wasting resources on things my people think of as frivolous. Civilian clothing is kept plain, save only for ritual garments which have remained the same for untold generations. There is no such thing as fashion, or personal style on Tamaran- no malls of shopping, nor boutiques."

"That's…wow." Terra breathed, leaning back in her chair. "I guess that explains why the mall is so important to you."

"Indeed. When I am here, I can sample to the variety and diversity that Terrans permit themselves. It is so different from the world I was raised in- different, and in many ways better." Starfire said. There was a brief pause, and when she spoke again, it was in a much more somber tone. "I sometimes wonder what my people will do when the war with the Gordanians finally comes to an end. What will a race of warriors do when there is no war to fight? Will we return to our former, peaceful culture- rediscover the arts and freedoms we once enjoyed? Or will we turn our aggression outwards, and become tyrants and conquerors no different from our foes?"

"That's not gonna happen, Star. D'you know why?" Terra said firmly. When Starfire shook her head, the geomancer continued. "Because you're gonna g o back with, like, five tons of clothes and knickknacks from Earth to show your people what they've been missing. They'll be so dazzled by our stuff, that they'll never want to fight again, unless its over a sale. Peace through Shopping!"

Starfire giggled. "We shall defeat them with discounts!"

"Forward for Mercy's" Terra declared, standing up in her seat. "In this Credit Card shall we Conquer!"

Both girls collapsed into giggles, even as security arrived to ask them to please behave quietly. Once the guard had gone, Terra turned back to her friend. "Seriously, though, Starfire. If you're that worried about what your people will do when the war is over, why not start teaching them about Earth's ways now? I mean, I know Earth isn't exactly the most peaceful place in the universe, but the way you talk about Tameran it seems like war's pretty much the only thing you guys think about."

"That is not..quite... true." Starfire said, taking another bite of her sushi. "But it is close to the truth. I had thought to begin sending things back home, to show my people that there are other worthwhile pursuits besides warfare, but I was not sure where to start."

"How 'bout this?" Terra proposed "Once we've finished with our current problem, you and I will figure out a plan. After defeating Slade and rescuing three brainwashed superheroes, I'm sure reforming a whole alien culture will be a snap!"

Starfire giggled again, and finished the last of her sushi. "I hope it is so, my friend. Shall we complete our shopping?"

"Well, since we're gonna be using it to save the universe, I guess we'd better" Terra quipped, rising from her chair for another endurance round through the mall.

Two nights later, the Titans arrived at Wickersham Hall for the party. Robin had on the same tuxedo he'd worn on his abortive "date" with Kitten- he'd had to make a few minor alterations due to growth but not many. Starfire had, after much debate, chosen a sea-green gown, with a special detachable hem that would allow her to enter combat smoothly and easily. The two young heroes entered the mansion arm-in-arm, heading to the center of the grounds to greet their hostess.

could find.

"Ah, Robin!" cooed Cynthia Wickersham as she made her way towards her most famous guests. "So GOOD of you to FINALLY attend one of my little soirees. No emergencies this time, I trust? No Plutonian Hair crabs or, what was it last time, Brainiac Bowling League?"

Robin steadfastly refused to blush. "Not this year, I guess. We're all yours for the night"

"Splendid! This will make MY party the event of the season! Oh, DO tell me you'll save me at least one dance." The older woman exclaimed, bringing a hand up to pat the silver bun of her hair. "But where is the rest of your team? I was so hoping the green boy would be here- the young people do so love his shapechanging trick."

"Sorry, all my dances belong to Starfire. Three of our team mates are… not coming, as I think you know." Robin ground out between a rigid smile. "The other two should be right behind us"

As he spoke he gestured frantically for Terra and Cyborg to enter. Slowly, the pair made their way inside. Terra wore an off-white dress which had been specially made for her. It was two sizes larger than what she normally wore, to allow her to wear her new uniform underneath. She was actually very impressed by the designer's skill- although the dress was much too large for her, it was designed in such a way that it didn't hang off of her or bunch up anywhere. Really, it was only a shame that she was so miserably hot in it, since no amount of tailoring could change the fact that she was wearing multiple layers in the middle of the California summer. 'Just have to hope my deodorant is up to the challenge' she thought to herself as she made her introductions, 'or this is going to be one awkward night'.
Finally, trailing along at the back of the group, came Cyborg. The half-metal man had, somehow, found a tuxedo that fit his enormous frame. In all honesty, it looked good on him but the effect was ruined by the way he slouched and refused to make eye contact with anyone. As soon as he'd handed the butler his invitation, Cyborg abandoned the group and made a beeline for the darkest, most isolated corner he could find.

An hour later, he was joined by Terra. The blonde was visibly sweating, and Cyborg wordlessly handed her the cup of punch he'd nursed, untouched, all evening. Terra gave him a nod before gulping down the entire glass in one go.

"Ahhh" she breathed "Watery, vaguely fruity punch- I love you so. You have no idea how badly I needed that, Cy. I feel like I've spent the last hour in a sauna."

"Been dancing pretty hard, I guess, huh?" Cyborg murmured. In truth, Cyborg had spent the last hour lost in his own thoughts and hadn't paid much attention to what the other Titans had been doing. Still, he'd felt safe guessing that Terra'd been tearing up the dance floor- she'd always seemed like a high-energy kinda girl.

"Uh, not really." Terra said, her eyes dropping to the floor. "Not really in a dancing mood, lately. What with all that's been happening to me."

"Yeah, yeah." Cyborg replied, cursing himself. The girl had lost her family not even two weeks ago- of course she wouldn't be partying! "I can see how you, uh, you wouldn't be."

There was a long awkward pause, finally Cyborg decided to address the awkwardness head on. "Listen, I'm sorry we made you come out here. You've been putting up a real good front, but we should've remembered what you've been through the last little while. This party's probably the last place you wanna be right now."

"Yeah, I'll admit that I'm not thrilled with things." Terra said "But Robin's right- this whole shebang is a big target for… the others. I can't put all these people at risk just because I'm still mourning- I've gotta woman up, put on my party face and smile. Right?"

"Yeah, but don't push yourself too hard." Cyborg cautioned. "You gotta be here, sure, but don't force yourself to do anything you aren't ready for. Like I told you before, it's okay for you to do things at your own pace."

"Thanks." Terra smiled "But enough about me. What's the Titans most eligible bachelor doing hanging out all alone in the corner?"

Cyborg frowned. He'd hoped to avoid this conversation. "I always keep to myself at these kindsa things. Nobody wants to dance with the half-metal freak, after all, even if they pretend otherwise to be polite. Best to just keep to one side, enjoy the food, an' wait for it to be time to leave."

"What? That's stupid!" Terra cried "Look, when I was out there doing the mingling thing, I heard a bunch of girls asking why the Titans wouldn't dance with them. Given that Robin and Starfire haven't let go of one another since we got here, and I'm the wrong gender, that leaves you."

"Look, Terra" the taller youth said, trying to keep his composure. "I get that we weren't exactly super close before… before. So you probably don't know how uncomfortable I am bein' in public with my cybernetics- I feel like a freak. I'm just more comfortable staying out of the spotlight, where I won't scare nobody. It's like I said to you, I'm gonna do things at my own pace."

"Yeah, but that kinda requires you to, y'know, DO THINGS." Terra protested. "You had your accident more than five years ago- you gotta get past it, Cy. When was the last time you went out in public to have fun as you are- no disguises and no other Titans to take the attention off you?"

Cyborg actually had to think about that. It HAD been a while… "I guess it was at the start of the year. A little after we'd beaten Joker, but before BB got taken again. All the other Titans were out on dates- matter of fact that was Rob and Star's FIRST official date, now that I think of it. Anyway, I figured that rather than sit around the Tower feelin' sorry for myself, I'd go out and explore the city's nightlife. Find out which clubs were fun and which were not, y'know? I also figured it'd be a good way to get myself out there, maybe check out the dating scene. So, I went to the BlueZone part of town- y'know, the club district? Picked a place pretty much at random called the Red Room."

"Red Room?" Terra interrupted, furrowing her brow. "I've heard of that someplace, think I read about it in the paper… wait, isn't that, like, the biggest gay bar in town?"

"More of a nightclub than a bar, but yeah." Cyborg chuckled.

"Oh, man" Terra laughed. "Here you are, a handsome young man, going out on your own for the first time in who knows how long and the place you go to check out the girls is a gay club. That must have been PRETTY awkward."

"It was, at first. Once I realized what the place was, I ain't proud to say I kinda freaked." Cyborg admitted. "But the regulars calmed me down, and I wound up having a pretty good time. I mean, one guy did keep hittin' on me even when I made it clear I wasn't interested, but the others told me he did that to everyone."

"But you haven't tried since?" Terra asked. "What, were you THAT traumatized?"

"No! But, y'know, it wasn't long after that that BB got kidnapped an' there wasn't a whole lot of time to go out. Plus, y'know, I still didn't really feel ready to… hey, where are you goin'?" Cyborg asked as Terra walked away without a backward glance.

She returned a moment later, leading another girl by the hand. The newcomer had short blonde hair, tanned skin and a pink gown. She was also very tall, Cyborg noticed as she came close, over six feet. Coming to a halt beside her team mate, Terra grabbed his hand and entwined it with the girls.

"Cyborg, meet Sharon. We met at the punch bowl a little while ago." Terra said in a cheerful voice. "She loves to dance, but she feels a little self-conscious thanks to her height. I figure, since you're the biggest guy here, you can help her enjoy herself on the dance floor."

Sharon's face lit up. "Could you? It's so hard finding guys who aren't intimidated by my height- or who don't look ridiculous dancing with me. Oh! They're playing my favorite song, c'mon!" With that, she began to move towards the dance floor, still holding Cyborg's hand. The metal man allowed himself to be lead away, but turned back to give Terra an angry glance.

"You have to leave the nest sometime, and since you weren't doing it on your own, I decided to give you a push." Terra called back "So spread your wings and fly you beautiful bird! Fly!"

It was then that Terra discovered a flaw in her scheme. With her friend out dancing and (hopefully!) enjoying himself, there was no one to distract her from thoughts of her lost foster family. Naomi Crandall had always wanted to be invited to a high-society ball like this, to dance the night away in a fancy gown all while networking with Jump City's movers and shakers. Steve, her husband, had always just chuckled whenever she brought it up. "Honey" he'd always say "Can you imagine me spending the night in a fancy tuxedo? Nah, the neighborhood barbecue is about as fancy as I like to get. But if you want to dance, we've got music right here." Terra sighed at the memory. The Crandalls had been very much in love, even after more than fifteen years of marriage- and they'd been happy to share that love with their adopted daughter. The geokine felt tears welling in her eyes, and moved back into the corner to avoid being seen.

Some time later, her sorrow was interrupted by Cyborg stomping back to her side. There was a glare on his face which turned into a look of concern when he looked at her. "Terra, you been crying?"

"What? Me? Pft. No." she bluffed. "Why would you think that, ya nut?"

"Uh, your makeups kinda ruined by tears." Cyborg pointed out, pulling a small mirror out of his jacket pocket. "Here, why doncha touch it up a bit? Wouldn't want all of Star's hard work to go to waste, right?"

"Oh, yeah." Terra said, taking a small makeup kit out of her handbag. "So how was Sharon? Did you enjoy dancing with her?"

"Oh yeah, Sharon. She was a good dancer." Cyborg said, a touch nervously. "So was, uh, Helen. Tracy was a little clumsy, but she seemed to have fun."

"Oh ho! So Sharon decided to share you out with her friends huh?" Terra said with a smirk.

"More like they… insisted. Said they wanted a chance to dance with a 'hunky hero' like me." Cyborg admitted.

"So… not a freak then?" Terra asked smugly.

"No, guess not. I brought it up, actually, when I was dancin' with Helen. She said that if I was a freak, then so was her brother who lost his legs in a car crash. Said I was a real inspiration to him, since it showed that havin' prosthetics doesn't mean he can't lead a normal life." Cyborg replied, finally looking his friend in the eye. "Thanks, Terra. I guess I really needed that push."

Whatever Terra said in reply was drowned out by the sound of breaking glass, as a green rhinoceros dropped through the skylight.

"Guess the party's over." Cyborg quipped, shrugging off his suit jacket and tearing off his shirt. "You ready to dance, Terra?"

"Well, they ARE playing my song" Terra said, pulling off her gown to reveal her new uniform. It resembled the outfit Slade had given her, only instead of a red gem in the center of her chest there was a large black T. "It'd be rude to ignore them."

A/N
Cyborg's adventure in the Red Room was actually something I intended to use during Recovery. Unfortunately, I couldn't write the scene so that it was funny without being offensive. So, I let it go. I'm glad I finally got a chance to use it, even if it is in a somewhat shorter form.

This version of Tamaranian culture is based on a couple of things. First, Starfire's wardrobe. No matter how often she goes shopping, she rarely wears anything besides her signature outfit. Plus, when Blackfire came to visit, she was wearing a very similar set of clothes. Finally, in human history, warrior societies tend to be pretty light on civilian goods and civilian interests. So, it seemed logical that a race like the Tamaranians would be kinda similar- and that, when exposed to a more consumer-oriented culture, Starfire would want to explore it as much as possible.
I also see Terra as being a good shopping buddy for Starfire. Given her fun-loving personality (pre-betrayal, anyway) it seemed to make sense.

Read and review, folks!