I laid a kiss on Jay's shoulder since I noticed a deep purple bruise. I had not bothered to get dressed again and had trapped him with my legs when he had reached for his shirt. I wasn't ready for this to be done. Though I was worried that he had gotten a little injuried since I had last seen his body. Though it was a lovely body and I was enraptured by how his skin looked next to mine.
"Where did this come from?" I asked and lightly poked the purple flower beat into his skin.
"A bullet that luckily did not make it past the suits armor. Hurt more than a bee sting though." He said and lifted my wrists that were bare without my guantlets. "Though I am not the only one banged up? I thought you couldn't get bruises."
"They are a parting gift from my sister." I said and the ache in my leg from her gripping hold announced itself once again. "I bruise, just not easily."
" I'm sorry family drama is always the worst. What happened?" he was being very sweet, but I was hesitating at retelling my sister's betrayal it was still fresh.
"May I tell the story at a different time? What matters is that I am home and that I did not start a war." I said and trailed my hands up his back feeling the knots that had formed.
"Not sparking a war is always a goal, Princess. Can I call you that now or do you still not really like it."
"I admit it is not my favorite name you have called me. Cutie is more preferred, though I will accept beautiful and gorgeous." I joked and shifted so I could start working out the muscles in his back.
"Ooh Beautiful I have definitely missed that." He leaned into my hands and I started humming an old tune Galfore used to sing. Home had brought out old scars, but nostalgia still filled me. I loved earth more now, it was my home, but I would never cease to be part of Tamaran.
"Thank you for helping while I was away." I said and when he didn't respond I assumed he had fallen asleep. I stopped my motions and went for my discarded clothes. I had never had a strong enough connection to lay with a man, but I had decided that I wanted to and could not find a shred of regret in my actions. I felt affection and connection, that was powerful yet I knew we had mystery on both sides. I trusted the good heart I felt beating in his chest. It was..fun. I would like to have many more attempts and it did get a little awkward when he put a rubber sleeve on his parts. I did not understand the practice, but knew that it must be a cultural thing done by earthlings. I hoped we could do that soon again. I had the feelings of love within my heart, but they could be shown more than voiced for the moment. I left the belt on the table.
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It was still daylight when I returned to the Tower. I had said I needed space to welcome myself back to earth and no one had argued since there was much to discuss with Bumble Bee and the rest of the new Titans. It was nice not having to directly lie about my location, since I was not talented at being convincing. Lies were not natural to me, that talent went to Blackfire. It had been too many believable lies that caused her selfishness to rise. I was sad that I had fell for some many. I was mad my friends had been dragged into that mess. I was feeling sore from a battle that I likely should not have won. Though I was tired, my homecoming surprise that Jay had returned to Red X had sparked a need to keep him mine. I did not need to fight against another person I loved.
My return to earth was a glorious occasion that I decided deseverd some photos. I had made a sweet post on my Instagram saying goodbye. I needed to send a sweet post showing my favorite things on earth that drew me back. I could have ruled, but I truly did not feel like it was my current place in my destiny. It was often decided a childs' future was dependent on what constellation their eyes first focused on. Mine had locked on our mighty goddess X'hal the second I had been brought outside. This foretold I would bring greatness and strength to those who fought beside me. I needed to bring strength to my team before I would be able to truly be a proper ruler of Tamaran. I was young and had truly not felt connected with my people since being traded for peace the first time. It was always a matter of duty and when there is no relationship between ruler and subject peace is hard to achieve. Neither me nor Blackfire was the best thing for Tamaran at the moment. I might never be the best thing for Tamaran, but I needed to grow as a hero first.
I quickly snapped shots of parks and trees along with all the people who would wave and smile at me. It would be hard choicing my 10 favorite photos. I felt like it was important to share my love of the city and earth in general. Earth was my home and in it I would share my destiny.
When I reentered the Tower Cyborg crushed me in a hug that I hadn't realized I needed. I gave him a good squeeze and picked him up. He was the closest thing I had to a sibling now and I was grateful he read what I needed without me needing to ask. He was so special to me, especially now.
"Love you, Star." He said when I put him back on the ground.
"Love you too." I said and felt fresh tears fall from my eyes.
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The week passed like normal with only minor calls. I was back towards serving every battle which was nice. I made a few more visits to Jay during nights, though it was limiting to only see him when I could be easily concealed. So many things were closed by the time the sun properly set and plenty of things had too many people fpr him to feel comfortable taking me. I had come to the decision that I needed a way to have a true alternative identity so I did not have to hide in the shadows to be with him. I had come up with a plan that if Cyborg could help I would be able to take a true civilian form. I wanted him to modify me a holographic ring like he had used to infiltrate the HIVE Academy. I had spent all day helping him in the garage waiting for the perfect moment to ask. When I lifted the T-car above my head as he changed the axle it seemed like a good point.
"Cyborg I need your help with something." I said once he had successfully removed the old part.
"Sure thing, Star whatever you need." He said and I knew he was likely expecting me to ask a question about an earthen topic.
"I need you to make me a holographic ring." He paused for a second from grabbing the new part and turned to look at me.
"Why?" he asked with a sincere question.
"I want to take a class on earthern history, but I cannot truly interact successfully in a classroom if I am so distracting. I want to experience earth as much as I can, but being a hero can get in the way." I spoke the truth, mirroring Robin's sentiments that heroes had to rise above such things as having a normal life. We weren't normal why should we crave to be less than heroes. I knew there were days Cyborg wanted to just be normal again, playing sports on a team and having that high school experience.
"I can do it for you, Star. I get it, I do, but you need tell me the real reason." I had not expected him to prod me deeper, but it made sense that he could tell there was more to my reason. I hesitated to find the right words. "It's okay if you're lonely Star. I know it'd be nice if Robin came to his senses and asked you out, but I understand if you aren't gonna wait for that." That was a breath of relief for me as I nodded.
"I would like to be able to go on dates without putting him in danger." I said honestly since there was no way I could do anything else without Cyborg seeing the through me. This seemed to be the answer he was looking for and he gave me a big grin of encouragement.
"Good for you, Star! Where did you two meet?" He seemed genuinely happy with this knowledge.
"I evacuated him from a battle sight." I said keeping close to the truth as possible. "We have been on a few dates, but I worry about going out in daylight where I am recognizable."
"That makes sense, I was getting curious where you were going so often. What's his name?" This is when I panicked.
"He asked me not to say, I think he doesn't want Robin to find him and up beat him. He is kind and good to me, but I also would like to keep him a secret from the other Titans until I feel like sharing. It is hard to hold secrets from you and the team, but I do not want to ruin what we have. I care for him."
He installed the new parts before he said anything. It was a little worrying to not have a confirmed yes, but I knew even if he said no, Cyborg would respect my privacy. He had yet to hack my Instagram.
"I'll make you the Holoring, and I'll keep this from the team for now. I just need you to promise me that you'll be safe." I benched the car after he mentioned me being safe to show that I was strong.
"There are other ways to be unsafe, Star. Your heart can hurt you more than most people. And… there is another way of being unsafe, but I feel like you might want to take a class for that." He scratche the back of his neck and I could almost see his skin turning a deeper shade.
"I do also intend to take a class or two. It was his idea." I put the finished T-Car down and rolled my shoulders.
"He seems nice, will I get to meet him?" he asked and opened the passenger side door for me. It was a tradition to get ice cream once we had fixed up his car.
" I think you would like him." I said simply and looked out my window so he couldn't read my face. "Though he is a bit intimidated by everyone." He burst out laughing.
"Ah he's smart then. Knows that if he hurts our girl, we'll rearrange his face."
"But I like his face."
"You're so cute, Star. It's nice to see you happy."
"So you'll help me?"
"We can do some preliminary designs when we get back. Though for now salted carmel gelato?"
"Yes please."