Lets get some more POV's in here! Thank YOU for reading! Also Ultrimatrix Bearer I have another fic in mind that included some of your curiosities. I have a few in mind after this wraps up in anywhere than 5-10 chapters.
X Raven X
I was pleased Starfire had chosen to listen about the robe. She had a lovely body, but I had no need to see it on full display. Her definition of modesty was nonexistent, but I figured the gift of a robe due to her gift giving traditions would mean she would wear it around me. I had hacked the system as Beast Boy would say with the Matrix kick he had been on.
When she opened the door and she gave me a little wave of greeting. I flipped on the light and immediately saw what had gotten Robin so adamant about waking me up. He was usually respectful of my need to recover especially after all the portal crafting. Starfire looked like she had murdered, by the bruises on her throat. Her face looked like she had dipped it in purple eyeshadow with the discoloration of bruising around her eye. I knew there was more under the robe, but her neck was the most horrifying to look at.
"I am sorry Robin woke you, friend Raven. We can do this another time if you still need rest. I can't imagine the mission to break into the Batcave was an easy task." She said as she placed her discarded armor in a bin to sort through later. It had some of her blood on it. Her voice had a raspy edge that was likely due to whatever damage she incurred while being strangled.
"It's fine, I am up, and you do seem like you have reason. Though do me a favor and distract Robin for the next 12 hours so I can actually sleep." I had her sit down on her bed and hovered my hand over her bruises and let my magic brush her skin taking her pain. I absorbed less thoughts and feelings without true contact, but I still picked up a whirl wind of giddiness and romantic love. Well whatever way she was going to distract Robin was not my business. Her breathing got noticeably smoother so I moved on to her face since I knew that would be a big distraction to her and everyone in the Tower. We didn't normally talk much so not to break my concentration, but I had a pressing question for her.
"Do you know why Red X was there?" I didn't think Robin had noticed, but I knew she had noticed that I had help avoiding the laser eyes. She tensed up and I was glad I had healed up her neck.
"He just showed up and tried to help me with some goop X's. I don't know what he was truly trying to do, but I am glad he prevented you from being hurt." She answered a little strained at the start, though mellowed out. I could have dug deeper, but I wanted to just heal her as much as I could.
"Are you okay? Beyond your bruises, you feel like there is some turmoil swirling." I decided to see if she would offer up some information. She was hiding something, and her walls instantly shot up blocking any thoughts from entering my head from hers. I had taught her how to do that when they gave me a headache.
" I feel anger still and he brought up some memories I have unresolved. I shall be the okay, but I may meditate on the roof for clarity. Do not worry friend." She grabbed my hand and gave it a light squeeze.
"Alright though know if you need to talk about it we are here for you." I offered though I knew from the look on her face she was a little hesitant.
"Thank you, Raven. I am grateful to have you in my life. You look tired, go back to bed. I will get some sunlight to help with the rest." She closed her robe and gave me a very sincere hug. " I will make sure Robin or Beast boy do not disturb your sweet dreams."
"Goodnight, Star." I said getting out of her hug and exiting the door. She was acting very off, but I was too tired to let it be my main focus. I would talk to her more after I could keep my eyes open.
X Robin X
I hadn't moved out of the common room when I got a call on the main intercom. I had expected Batman to reach out to me begrudgingly upset I had stolen his kryptonite. Luckily he had yet to reach out and the call was from Bumble Bee. They had been forming a Titan group on the other coast a call voicing an update would make complete sense. I tucked the Kryptonite out of sight and answered the call.
"Hey Robin, just checking in I heard your girl took out a Kryptonian by herself."
"Hi, Bumble Bee. Word traveled faster than I thought it would. Yeah that's our Starfire, I didn't see all of it, but we are happy she's on our side. Not 100% herself we did bring some Kryptonite at the end."
"I think that might be worthy of celebrating! I have been wanting to get together and have a nice night since that disaster of house sitting."
"I mean, a nice team building activity would be beneficial, Starfire would definitely be happy to see you guys again and celebrate. She's been wanting to hang out with more friends."
"Awesome how about tomorrow night? We can bring some snacks and drinks. Have a nice little potluck and chill? Your Tower still intact for that?"
"Yeah minimal damage luckily. All about those precautionary measures. I'll say yes, see you then?" I said and she gave a little fist bump before nodding and hanging up.
A party might not be exactly how I had planned to spend my Friday night, but a good morale boost would be good for the Titans. Starfire had been disappearing a bit. Raven and Beast Boy were getting closer. Cyborg had reconnected with some friends from his life before being a hero online and were kinda keeping him updated. Though it was clear everyone wanted some normal teen activities. I wasn't excluded, but I could hold off as long as we were on the same page. A little release was nice once in a while.
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When I told Cyborg and Beast Boy about the party they both argued over the position of DJ and I started to regret this whole idea. I had retreated to my room to avoid their bickering and maybe try to put the Kryptonite weapons in a more secure location. I decided to bite the bullet and sent him a message saying: Weapons secure and available to be reclaimed whenever convenient.
He immediately sent back a response saying: Was unavailable. Adequate damage control in your city. Send your personal file on the Tamaranian along with the materials. Sending Alfred.
I mean that was as warm as one could expect out of Batman. I instantly started printing out my records on Starfire which had been greatly updated since our visit to Tamaran. I felt like I should include a side note of proficient with a bow staff, but I had not wanted to clutter my notes. It would go on an updated copy once I had the details worked out myself. I would have to talk to her about what happened maybe check some security footage as back up.
Though as I was pulling up footage in the assumed time, a knock hit against my door in five consecutive hits which signaled it was Starfire. I stayed in my desk chair and rolled over to the door release to let her come in. I am aware she was not trying to act seductive, but her leaning on the door frame in a purple satin robe could lead a teenage boy to believe otherwise.
"I have come to assure that; you will not disturb Raven's slumber she was feeling the crankiness while healing me." She said and I was transfixed on her still bruised neck.
"Sorry, I won't bother her. I just hate seeing you hurt, Star. Why isn't your neck better?"
"It feels better, but the bruises will fade with a bit of time. I try and not bother her with the superficial things, but she did fix my face without me asking so I am grateful."
"Are you free to go over the report now? It sounds like Batman would like to see that considering we broke in and stole his Kryptonite for no reason." I asked and rolled backwards as a sign she should enter. She did and peered around at my walls. An invite into my room wasn't something I handed out often since it was my sanctuary. She didn't immediately sit down, since I had papers spread on every surface. She ended up leaning against my desk.
"The handcuffs were helpful. It should help with the transport." She said and I realized right beside her was her entire file of data I had gathered on her just printing right beside her. I had a feeling she would not appreciate my blunt take on her personality so I hoped she wouldn't notice.
"Yeah, though can I ask something?"
"Yes, you just did?"
"Ah Beast Boy has been rubbing off on you. I wanted to know why you never sparred with me with your bow staff. I mean you are obviously highly trained, and you knew it was my weapon of choice."
"I made the decision to not apply my weapon abilities to earthen battles, since the Warlords trained me to fight to… completion in battle. In unarmed combat it is much easier to hold back, but with weapons or certain fighting forms muscle memory takes over. My main priority is to not hurt you, or any of the Titans by accident."
"So, you are afraid you'll kill us by accident?" That was certainly something Batman should not hear about.
"Yes… In a way, I would never intentionally cause harm, but I fear my reflexes do not fit the Terran card's standard for subduing. I would be able to stop myself against hurting you guys, but I fear in actual combat my restraint may be compromised. It is better to always maintain restraint in order to not have up slips."
"Slip ups." I corrected. "I would like to spar with you still, I haven't had a challenge in a while, and I would like to keep my skills sharp."
"I can provide that, but I ask that we have the others present in case."
"If it would make you feel better, sure. Speaking of which, Bumble Bee feels like we should have a party here tomorrow night in your honor."
"That's wonderous! I shall be so happy to see everyone again!" she got up and her fabric started to get more revealing as her excitement grew.
"Ugh Star?" I made a motion to mimic adjusting a shirt.
"Oh, thank you, I have trouble remembering that. My joy took me away."
"It's okay, totally fine." I shifted some files into my lap and found a clip board to start filling out the details. She sat down on my bed in a patch without files. "Let's get down to business, can you help me with some details."
"Yes, would you like the battle itself or more about the criminal?"
"How about you approach this chronologically?"
She went through the entire recap though there were a few parts that I felt were a little edited. She mentioned Red X portaling Raven and using the goop bomb, but she didn't go into the same detail. I think she was concerned I was going to be obsessive yet again. I had gained some more self awareness, but I knew that I would likely be scanning the cameras all night looking for signs of what direction he went. When she finished I was left with a few external questions about her past.
"How common is slavery in space?"
"Extremely, I am fortunate no longer to be in such a position or else I would be included. It is not impossible that Kour Vol at one point had owned a Tamaranian, we are highly desirable across the galaxy."
" I don't mean to be offensive, Star. Can you tell me why?"
"We are good protection, labor, or pleasure slaves or a combination of all of said tasks. I would rather we move to a different topic, please.."
"I didn't mean to shake you up so badly, Star. I'm sorry." I said and went over to offer her comfort which she took as a gentle hand squeeze.
"It is an unpleasant fact, that I am happy is not my reality on earth. I just was reminded of how other races see me as an object to be taken. It was a pleasure to put him in his place."
"If you are so strong how could he have taken you?"
"He was stronger than I in brute strength, but he was far stupider in strategy. If he had been a warrior, I would not have defeated him."
"Are you trained in any other weapons besides the bow staff?"
"Many, but not all of them have an earthen equivalent."
"Would you like to talk about them over going out to eat?" I asked wanting to hear more about her weapon abilities.
"I actually have a need to catch the last rays of sun. I am grateful to Raven, but I am still very much sore and tender. "
"Oh okay, another time then."
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I was not excited to have the Tower turn into whatever madness; Beast Boy had designed. He had given up the role of DJ in exchange for control of decoration and our contribution to the snacks. I was looking forward to getting to see everyone again and spend some time without a villain controlling the narrative. I had honored Raven's sleep and had seen her lurk off with her mug around noon. Starfire was sunbathing for most of the day she had gone down to beach by the shore. The waves had resolved themselves and she definitely needed the time to heal. I had walked her down and a larger extent of her injuries had been revealed in her very truly flattering white bikini. She had bruises down her ribs and a number of burn marks that had blistered. She was battered, but she had assured me a little sun and happiness would speed up her healing process. The party would be good for her overall. I had secured a promise that we would spar after she was all healed up.
I think we were making good progress in our friendship. She had lost that sad look when she looked at me and did not seem to need my attention when I was busy, she had found things that kept her busy as well I guess. It was weird not having her always at the Tower when I looked, but she was better at keeping her communicator on her, so I chose to not voice my complaints. I had left her to go finish up the package Alfred would be coming to collect and not let myself come off creepy if I stayed down just to stare at her. My mind had already wandered too far, I was able to reign it in at looking at her bruises reminding me of the respect I had for this warrior woman. It didn't stop me from checking in on her from the window though. She amazed me, maybe a little more after knowing she could probably take out a Kryptonian single handedly, but there was an air around her that made me want to be in her company.
"Robin?" the voice belonging to the person I was thinking about sounded from the window entrance of the main room. "A mustached man has requested to see you." I turned around and she held Alfred bridal style in her arms. He seemed a little discombobulated, but I would be surprised if it was the first time he had been carried that way be a meta or alien. It required high security clearance to access our island, so it made sense she was trusting of anyone who appeared on it. She did not immediately set him, down and that is where I saw she was waiting for my order. She would happily remove him if he was not a welcome guest.
" Thank you, Star. Feel free to set Alfred down. He's here to pick up the borrowed Kryptonite." I said with a hand motion. She did so and gave him a nod in acknowledgement. He gave her a little bow.
"Thank you for that quite literal lift, Miss Starfire." He said and his eyes stayed quite fixed upon her face.
"Happy to do so Mister Alfred. Robin, I shall get ready for tonight unless you need any of my assistance?" My eyes were not quite as fixed, and my reply took a second longer than I meant to utter it.
"Go ahead and get ready Star. I am sure we will be fine. Alfred is an old friend." I said and she waved goodbye to Alfred before floating off to her room. I started leading him to my bedroom.
"Well Master Robin I can see why you prefer the weather and sunshine of Jump. I assume she is the one who took out the Kryptonian and not the one who assisted you breaking through a plethora of anti-magic wards and security systems. Master Batman has expressed some admiration for both your female teammates." He was more chatty than normal, but I could chalk this up to Alfred wanting some fresh gossip now that I was rarely around the house.
"Enough admiration to request my personal files now, I guess. She's very dedicated to upholding the terms of her Terran card and staying on earth so I do not see his concern as needed. You can pass that assessment back to him. I have faith in my team, because they have repeatedly provided me reason to trust them." I said a little more annoyed that Bruce was going to get back into my business. "You can also pass along that removing me from the approved prints only slows down solutions instead of actually doing what he intends."
"You have known him long enough to understand his reasoning. Though I can see where he is worried about your judgement being clouded, you are still a teenager living without rules." He said as I unlocked my room.
"I assure you his teachings and rules have stuck, though they aren't always as efficient as he'd like to believe." I said and placed the begrudgingly updated file of Starfire on top of the leaded Kryptonite box.
"You might be right, throwing a fantastic party and not enjoying a second of it might be one of his lessons that should not have stuck. It is nice to see that you are not a true copy of him, but please consider your safety surrounded by so many metas. Master Bruce seems to forget that he's only human more often than he should."
"Is that why he was MIA when I called?" I asked and tried to know that the advice Alfred was giving me came from a good place. When he did not respond I knew I was correct. "I am always careful Alfred, often too careful, but I get the job done. Jump city is safe and my team is strong and growing."
"I shall pass that along. It was nice to visit; I might request to stay for a longer period at a more convenient time period." He said as we walked back down the hallway. He kind of just stood there for a moment looking at me with a small smile.
"I am sure the team would like to have you around. The elevator is to your left or I can ask Starfire to carry you back down."
"Tempting Master Robin, but the elevator shall suit me just fine." He said appreciating my humor with his dry tone. He left with a swish of the doors and I felt a little weight off my shoulders.
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Titans East as they had dubbed themselves arrived in waves (a little literal on Aqualads part). He and Mas y Menos arrived very close to the same time. Speedy and Bumble Bee arrived shortly after with their food. Aqualad had brought some sort of seaweed dish, but it did not have the same appeal of the wings and waffle fries Bumble Bee had brought take out style. She said she had tried to cook, but it hadn't turned out. Cyborg had a good mix going and Raven had made an appearance in a nicer black sweater dress, that I felt had been thrown at her by Starfire since the sleeves went beyond her hands. She and Aqualad seemed to be in a good point of mingling on the couch.
"Hey Robin, where is the guest of honor? I know Speedy was looking forward to getting to know her?" Bumble said and threw a shoulder punch at him as we congregated around the snack table. He threw one back but paused and shifted up to make sure he actually hit shoulder.
"What? I just haven't gotten to know her since she was in such a rush to see earth again after her wedding bombed out." He said and went for some of the Doritos. "Who puts tofu in nachos?"
"That is our wonderfully vegan Beast Boy, he lost the fight for DJ and this was the compromise. He tortures our taste buds in revenge" Cyborg said cutting and grabbing some wings and settling down. Mas y Menos had led Beast Boy somewhere out of ear shot so at least another fight would not break out.
"There is some Siracha in the fridge, it helps." I said as experience had taught me it was better to add a distraction from the texture with some Beast Boy meals. Though he had not paid attention to a word I had said since Starfire walked in wearing a very pretty green dress that fit her very well from neck to midcalf and had a cut out in the shape of a tear drop at her chest. It covered her bruises, which I appreciated, but was still very Starfire with her hair flowing down and a smile on her face.
"Greeting Friends!" she said and immediately launched into a series of hugs with everyone as Beast boy finally made his return a little out of breath. I had moved around the dishes, so it looked like someone had eaten a few just to spare his feelings. Speedy lingered on Starfire and Mas y Menos managed more than one a piece.
" Guys give her some space!" Bumble Bee said and pulled Star away for some much-needed girl talk. Which Star seemed to appreciate as she floated to the other side of the couch.
"As much as I would like to get some one on one time, I'm happy someone can chill Bee off. It's been tight quarters as the Tower is being built." Speedy said and pulled out a bottle of vodka and rum out of a brown bag that had been forgotten about. I had a voice that immediately sprung to my head ready to shut this down since you can only be a hero sober. I decided to not kill the vibe as Star erupted out into laughter.
"I see you've found a way to take the edge off." I said a little dryly, I wouldn't drink, but I wasn't gonna stop him unless he tried to give it to Mas y Menos since they were a little too young in my eyes. I also was afraid of what that would create in the enclosed space.
"It helps, I can't say it doesn't, but I doubted you guys partake often so I thought I'd hook you up." He poured a rum and coke and handed it off to Cyborg. He took a large gulp before I could comment so I gave him a nod when he looked after. Speedy started pouring a variety of drinks and it wasn't long until most people had a glass besides Raven, Aqualad, and Starfire plus Bee since they were still talking. Bee caught sight of Speedy before motioning a number two. She said something else to Star and she exploded with more laughter. He made his way over there and inserted himself between them with two cups. Once they had taken each, he put an arm at the back around Starfire. She made a face as she took a sip. My heart kinda soared for a second thinking she's also be on team sober. Unfortunately, she caught my eye and mouthed "Soy Sauce". Her taste buds made little sense to me It had been on the table for the vegan spring rolls, so I tossed it over with a little aim at Speedy's head. She caught it of course and shot me a wink. I had no clue where she had picked that body language up.
"Hey dude, you good ?" Cyborg asked. He saw my throw.
"Yeah fine, just not wanting to be a buzz kill." I said and went to the bathroom to get a little space. I took a bit longer to fix my hair and put all my anger out of my immediate body. When I came back, Starfire was on top of the Island with a full bottle of Vodka between her lips and it was pointed towards the sky. Raven seemed a little panicked and ready to catch her if she went down, where nearly everyone else was cheering her on. It appeared someone had dared her to do so, but Cyborg turning on Pour some sugar on me seemed very unnecessary. Beast Boy and Aqualad were arm wresting beside her and it had clearly escalated since I left. Though it was kinda incredible see how quickly that bottle's worth of vodka flowed down the bottle. It had gotten so loud, but she seemed to love the excitement since she did a little spin before completely draining the bottle. I quickly moved to be ready to catch her in case she fell, but she lifted the bottle up and cheered. The room erupted with her and Aqualad was distracted enough Beast Boy won and he exploded into an even louder array of victory animal sounds. He quickly downed a cup himself. Starfire jumped and landed perfectly on her feet before Speedy pulled her away to dance in the space.
I felt very much so I did not fit in, so I decided to take up a cup of my own I trusted Raven and Aqualad with the twins if something went down. She shot me a very dirty look, before Beast Boy with unearned confidence started twirling her around mimicking speedy. I apparently had picked up something much more rum than coke, it wasn't the best thing ever, but tolerable. I made my own a few more times.
"He spent more time in the mirror than I did and has a bigger than necessary bank of pick up lines, but if it truly bothered you he would lay off her." Bee said coming from behind me, she had shifted over to a bottle of water, which made me feel a little ashamed. I decided to answer the only way I could.
"She's not my girlfriend."
"Yeah, but she has hella heart eyes. I saw it when she walked in, someone is making her happy."
The twins stole Starfire away immediately as soon as she responded to one of their questions in Spanish. They danced with her in a faster way than swaying in circles which she very quickly caught on. She should be passed out( Likely alcohol poisoning)with all she drank, but that timber moment never came. She charmed the twins with their own language, and they were very clingy when Speedy stole her back.
"Has she always spoken Spanish? I thought she didn't understand last time they were over." Bee said as she handed me a better cup ratio of rum to coke.
"Well considering I don't speak Spanish, she wouldn't have. She learns language through lip contact. One of the twins must have laid one on her while I was gone." I said and kinda felt something bitter twist in me.
"Huh maybe though I didn't see it. Don't let Speedy overhear that I really don't want to hear his terrible attempts at learning French." She said this and I was suddenly hit with a wave of altered consciousness.
"You are less drunk than I expected." I said and realized that came off quite rude.
"Meta Metabolism, I burn it quicker and I always drink very watered-down things. I am still team leader, and someone has to keep lighters away from him." In a sudden moment of clarity, I realized that Starfire wasn't acting drunk, because her biology was so incredibly different. The question was what would it do? I was about to have that question answered for me since she set Speedy down on the couch to rest. He seemed a little green so that was actually a smart plan on her part. She came over to me though and just wrapped me in a big hug where I couldn't resist just wrapping my arms around her. I wasn't aware she had picked me up until I felt the air of the roof. She had taken me up to the roof. She didn't immediately let me go.
"Raven told me I was making you sad, I don't want to make you sad, Robin." She said and I realized she had taken me up for privacy and the fresh air. I was a light weight and I knew that from previous champagne experiences and other times with Speedy.
"Star, I just…." Words weren't really coming to me, "I just don't want you and Speedy…"
"I am just friends with friend Speedy, he is entertaining, but I do not have the feelings for him. "
"I just also feel bad….since.. I… you're so awesome Star, but I still.. can't be what you want. What you want to have." Fuck when did tears start leaking out of my eyes. She wiped my eyes with her sleeve.
" You are a good man, Robin. A good friend and I know you feel the flustered, but I understand. It is the okay. It is the okay." She said and I swear she looked past my mask to my soul when she said it a third time.
"I'm an idiot Star." I said as she helped me pull myself together. She nodded which made me laugh uncontrollably for a moment. "How are you so normal right now?"
"Ethanol does not affect me in such small quantities, if I truly wished to join in the inebriation I would drink ammonia, but I would hate for someone to accidentally take a sip. I drank the big bottle so Speedy would not attempt to do so in my stead."
"You are very pretty Star." I said actually finding words I meant.
"Thank you, I am glad you think so, I think I should take you to bed." I mumbled some words against her neck that I didn't think I would ever say to a human being. "You look like you would be better not saying things like this. I care for you, Robin. I don't want to hurt you, so let's get you to bed." She very gently carried me to bed, and I knew I kept speaking, but it got fuzzy.