Chapter 1

God, help me

I've come undone, out of the light

of the sun

The sky dulled. Vacant, inert, drained of all color as the clouds gathered over the city, obscuring the setting sun and appearing stars; a dark grey vast of nothing. The autumn air was warm against the ice that coursed through his body, numbing him long enough to make it back to the tower, up to the roof, away from them, because they kept him from her.

He always found her up here, floating peacefully as the wind danced with that long red inferno of hers. He would quietly approach so as not to disturb the beauty as she bathed in the sun. Her crimson hair enchanted him as it curled and waved around her face and shoulders. He always longed to lose himself in her silky mane and promised himself to do so the second they were alone. His promise was broken… ripped away from his hands.

Gone.

Nightwing stumbled through the door and numbly stared at the deserted roof top before staggering forward, clutching his chest for dear life as the pain from his wounds became sharper and seeped deeper than they should have, right into his heart. The pain spread side by side with the ice and blood covering his torso and thighs. He couldn't bring himself to think of her blood on him, the stabbing sensation far too agonizing. He clutched his arms tighter.

His legs shook and he had to grab hold of the giant air conditioning unit to prevent himself from collapsing. Blood smudged against the metal and he pushed himself away, stumbling to the edge.

What was he doing? Nothing was here, nor will there ever be, not after today. So why was he so desperate to reach the roof, why did his eyes automatically scan the fading horizon for something he knew wouldn't be there? His heart faltered as hollowness settled in. How dare he allow hope, even the smallest fracture, fest inside. His falsified faith caused him to release a broken, pain-filled wail.

Gone.

Air left his body in ragged pants, his knees shaking dangerously. His whole body quivered, fighting the horrible pain that continued to slice at him, each cut deeper than the previous. Agony's blade twisted in his heart, tearing it apart as his soul screamed in denial.

Her blood was cold.

"Ah," he brokenly moaned, his legs finally giving out and dropping on his knees. Breathing became impossible and his vision blurred. He gripped the edge hard and his knuckles became white as the cuts on his hands opened a little more. The strangest sound escaped from his lips, a loud incomprehensible yelp that cracked and caused his shoulders to shake as he sucked in another ragged breath. Nightwing's eyes fell on his torn black gloved hands, seeing the red tint on his palms and fingers. He held her with these hands, hands that will never again have the honor of feeling her skin or hold her hand or play with her hair. Hands that will never again love her… cherish.

These same hands that had loved her just last night and this morning had furiously tried to stop the bleeding from the gaping hole in her stomach. He had whispered words of comfort and love to her as Raven poured everything she had into healing the girl they both loved so very much. But she continued to shiver and grew cold beneath him. And then the corners of her lips turned up the smallest fraction of a centimeter, offering up her last smile to him before those divine emerald eyes became glassy, empty, soulless...

Air wheezed in and out of Nightwing as he hunched forward, another heart wrenching sob escaping. His shoulders gave another lurch and his lip quivered, making his breathing sound even more pitiful and heartbreaking.

Nightwing had held her, staring uncomprehendingly at the sleeping angel. He did not move, or speak, vacantly staring into those lifeless eyes and gently closing her lids. Her body was limp in his arms. He hadn't seen the people of Jump gathering around, keeping a distance away from the five teenagers in the street. He hadn't heard their sudden cries of anguish, realizing something before him because he simply didn't want to believe. He hadn't noticed Cyborg, Beast boy and Raven drop to their knees, tears streaming down their face as their muffled cries rang out. The news reporter and camera on his face didn't even register nor did the sirens of an ambulance. After a while someone told Nightwing to remove himself from the body so they can take her away and so that he can discuss arrangements. He did not reply nor move. Finally, a deadened Cyborg and Beast boy walked over to him, reaching for her and Nightwing broke out of the ice. He covered her with his body, his arms vice tight around her until Raven had enough and pried him away with her energy. The second he lost contact with her he lost it, shouting and fighting viciously against Raven and Cyborg as Beast boy gathered the dead girl in his arms. They held his convulsing body down as he shrieked her name over and over in boiling rage. The people of Jump remained quiet, listening to the devastated, rueful cries of one of the strongest leaders to ever live.

The titans held Nightwing until the paramedics took her away and that strange numbness surfaced. They let him free and he ran to the tower. And for what?

He was breaking, every part of his being shattering into a million pieces. Loud, agonizing sobs filled the air around him and tears flowed down his face, dropping hard onto the cold concrete. Everything was ice now; no warmth existed. His tears mixed with his howls and his whole body shook with the memory of her falling from the sky and he wasn't there to catch her... just like...

Pain everywhere, blood dripping, tears, so cold, alone, she's gone, she's really gone, his love, his everything, all gone, his future, his soul's mate, his children's mother, his partner, his right hand, a sister, a god-daughter, a friend and dear teammate, a future wife, gone gone gone... And he couldn't save her.

Just like Mom and Dad.

"No. No, please God, no! Please!" He shouted, "NO!" Nightwing slammed his fist against the edge with each cry. He didn't feel his hands start to bleed from the pounding, didn't see that his nonstop river of tears had rid him of his mask, didn't hear his friends pull up, exiting the car and freezing in place. There was just pain. So much pain. How does he get rid of this? It didn't stop. Wouldn't. There's nothing left. Gulp in air, release the pain. Release.

His body convulsed as his thick, sore throat ached, his voice hoarse and he stared into the sky, his blue eyes bloodshot.

Blood.

Richard Grayson clenched his fist, the wind carrying a single tear over the edge of the tower.

"STARFIRE!"

xxx

Two months ago…

Dick moaned in annoyance as a stray beam of light escaped the dark drapes that hung over the wall length window shone right in his face. He flipped over in an attempt to escape the rays of morning and his naked body pressed against another. Reaching out his arm to pull the body closer, he entwined their legs and rested his head on her shoulder. A soft sweet giggle roused him and trailing fingers on his bare back gave him chills. "Haven't you slept in enough?"

Oh, crap, what time was it? Wait... is that her boob next to his mouth. He tilted his head slightly. Yup, that's a boob. She giggled again when his kisses started and playfully smacked him, "Oh, no. You had your fun last night, which is the reason why we are still in bed at noon."

He mumbled into her breast, shifting for more access.

"I would very much enjoy spending the remainder of the day in bed with you, but I would like to shower and you did not give me a chance to greet our friends last night. Seeing as you kidnapped me the second I walked in the door." Her chest rose with her laughing. Dick felt her fingers travel to the back of his neck, playing with his black hair. Instantly, all the loneliness he felt the past four days without her were gone and he marveled at the magic her fingers contained. When Starfire ran her fingers through your hair, it was as if no problems existed. After nearly two years together as a couple, Dick learned pretty fast that the best stress reliever was Star's fingers.

Of course he hasn't told anyone because if Beast boy and Cyborg found out they'd never let him live it down.

Wow, two years... in about four weeks. Dick had been planning this for the past two months, being so sly about it even Raven didn't know what he was going to do, or maybe she did and she's giving him the benefit of doubt. Which he didn't mind, so long as Star doesn't find out.

She wiggled from beneath him, rubbing places that made him groan out loud and she smirked. He grabbed her wrist and moved on top of her, aligning their bodies and began devouring her neck with kisses. Star's laugh was his second favorite sound in the world; first place belonged to her moan of pleasure that sent tingles down his spine which she just made as his morning wood nudged her. He watched her carefully as he pushed against her again, harder this time, and shivered when her hips went up to meet him.

He kissed his way down her neck, over her breast and back up, inwardly applauding himself as goose bumps rose on her skin. "Did you not get enough of the sex last night?" She breathed as his member nudged her again, slipping inside for the briefest time.

"It's never enough. I can never get enough of you. I want you, always."

Starfire smiled and rotated her hips against him, placing his hand against her right breast. "If this is your reaction to my being gone, then I shall make plans to be absent more often."

He stopped and glared at her, "You wouldn't."

"Oh, I would." Her voice dropped, becoming sultry. "Since you cannot get the enough."

Dick moved his hand between them, slipping his thumb to rub against her soft flesh. She gasped, arching her back. He smirked at her already wet entrance and played her a little more before pushing himself inside her. Star's mouth dropped open, a long throaty moan echoing around them. "And from what I'm hearing- and feeling -you didn't get enough either."

"Four hours of lovemaking isn't enough?" Her words ended with a lustful cry when he pulled back, leaving the tip inside, before thrusting back in. "Where did... you develop such... stamina-ahh..."

"I'm Nightwing."

She laughed, "That you are, but you are also my Richard."

"Say that again."

"My Richard."

"Again."

She laughed against his lips, "My Rich-Agh! Ohh, ahh…" she moaned as he pumped into her. She started to float and Dick seized the opportunity to angle her hips, taking her breast in his mouth. Her hands tugged at his black hair, her hips meeting his thrusts and he rejoiced in her singing of his name.

Oh, yeah, he was never going to get enough of this.

Dick will always want more; more of her kisses, more of her touches, more Starfire hugs, her kindness and caring soul, her patience and fire, her innocence and naughtiness, more of her smiles and laughter, her love, heart, he wanted all of it. He wanted Starfire, the heroic titan and Koriand'r, the Tamaranian warrior princess. All of it.

After all, he does love her.

As he lay limp in her arms, coming down from his climax, their anniversary popped back into his mind and his plans. Their bodies glistened with sweat, both panting lightly and he smirked at her bed head as she pushed him away, "That wasn't how I planned to start my day!"

"Would you have it any other way?"

"Yes! A shower first would have been pleasant." He rolled off her and laughed heartily when he saw her legs shaking and she wobbly walked into the bathroom.

"Okay there, Star?"

She glared at him, "I am feeling the jell-o like limbs."

"Wanna come back to bed?"

The door closing with a bang caused another laugh to erupt from Dick, Star's grumbling heard over the sound of the shower. "You are devious, Richard. I'm locking the door."

"Yeah like that can stop me," he answered. She started yelling in Tamaranian, trying to hold back a hysterical giggle when he yelled gibberish back at her.

"Have I told you I love you this morning?"

"No," he smiled, reaching over to the nightstand and opening the drawer. It was his nightstand and she didn't go through it, just as he didn't hers which made it a safe place to hide his gift. He pulled out the small blue box as she called out, "I love you, Richard!"

His smile widened and he opened the box, a sparkling diamond shining up at him, "I love you too, Star."

Xxx

What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change
Maybe it's hopeless

"Star!" Cyborg called out happily as he released a grumpy looking (or pretending to be grumpy) Raven and turned toward the alien princess who had just flown in. "Finally you show! Dick's being a dick and keeping you to himself, isn't he?" Star laughed and flew into his arms and he spun her in place. Beast boy jumped over the couch, quickly planting a kiss on Raven before jumping into Star's arms in puppy form. She giggled in delight and Cyborg smirked at Raven who rolled her eyes, floating back in for another hug.

The common door swished open and Nightwing walked in, running a hand through his damp hair. No matter what Star saw in the future, no way in hell was he letting it grow. He walked passed his team, ruffling Raven's hair and glaring at Beast boy when he licked Star's cheek. He reached for his coffee, turning to survey the room and smiled quietly to himself at the reuniting friends. The girls were only gone for four days for Bumblebee's engagement party and as soon as they left the tower felt lonely, sad even. That made the guys feel pathetic; they were men, they didn't get sad that their girls were gone without them...right? They ventured out, intent on a 'guy night' but the amount of female attention they received didn't sit well. Even Cyborg felt awkward. They ended up just going home and playing video games, Nightwing and Beast boy constantly checking their phones and Cyborg berating them.

It amazed Nightwing how close they've all grown to each other over the course of four years, how this strange little family meant everything to them. He couldn't believe he almost gave it all up.

Making the switch to Nightwing had been harder than he had initially believed. When he neared seventeen the idea started becoming more prominent. He had talked with Star for hours over the decision-they weren't a couple yet-and she always made sure he knew that she supported him in taking this step. His father, however, was not as supporting. Dick wondered if it was because Bruce still saw him as a kid, or maybe that he wasn't ready to let go of Robin. Either way, Bruce's words hurt:

How could he want to become Nightwing, a hero in his own right, out of Batman's 'shadow' and still remain in Robin's place as leader of the titans? For days that bugged him, echoing in his head till it started to make sense. He had to leave.

But how? Whether he liked it or not, he had grown close to his friends and so that little part in him that was solely Bruce started to devise a plan; if he distanced himself, it wouldn't hurt as much. If he became cold and separated toward the team they would want him out and he could go. Preparedness is what he called it. He hadn't really planned all the arguments and fights between him and his soon-to-be-ex team as they fought against his decision, but after a couple of weeks they gave up and he was glad. Until he started noticing something.

Starfire never said a word, having not spoken since he announced his resignation. She didn't smile, or laugh or even look his way. The second he walked in a room she would leave without acknowledging his presence at all. During battle she would help him if he needed it, but she was always so cold and blunt. Dick found himself seeking her out just to get her to speak to him. He couldn't stand the distance; it didn't feel right. When he finally had enough and confronted her about it she had practically slapped him with her words: "You are trying to weaken bonds so you can leave without struggle and I am helping you. I do not understand why you are trying to reconnect with me. I will not cry over you or argue; this is your choice to leave this family."

It had been the first time the word 'family' had been used to describe them.

The rest of the titans quickly followed her example and Robin found himself alone quite often. Even in battle, he would be alone for the majority of the time. They stopped talking to him along with the playing and joking and he hated it; every second he felt alone. He wasn't Bruce. He couldn't leave his family, but he had no idea how to mend the bonds.

Then one day a storm passed through, ugly and fierce and relentless for three days. No titan alarms sounded and the teens stayed indoors. The power went out, but even that wasn't enough to get the titans out of their rooms. Until a peculiar sound drifted throughout the silent tower, soft and low, absolutely mesmerizing. Robin, Cyborg, Beast boy and Raven met in the hall and looked at each other awkwardly till that noise sounded again.

They followed it into the common room, surprised to find Starfire sitting in front of the window, staring longingly at the rain and humming to herself. They all had been unnerved to see that she change into her ki'la uniform, a coming-of-age royal uniform for worthy warriors; it was a gift from Galfore for her sixteenth birthday, but she never wore it because, well, she didn't feel ready for the uniform, but seeing her in it made the titans feel sorrowful as its presence meant something they weren't ready for; she was maturing, her innocence not as innocent as they had originally were made to believe and… she was growing up. They all were.

It was a leotard, like Raven, a radiant violet and tight, showing off the curvaceous body that she had developed. The front of her neckline dipped in a low V-shape, the bottom curve off her breast and cleavage exposed as well as the top part of her stomach. It stopped as it connected with a silver belt, also V-shaped, which hugged her waist and the top of her hips. A single green jewel was in the center of her belt and it sparkled majestically. Her metal gorget and arm bands were the same -except for the green jewel sitting in the center of her gorget- but her gloves and boots were sharper looking, silver and the heels in her boots were undeniably sexy. Actually, everything about her new outfit oozed sexiness. But that didn't stop the sorrow that accompanied the new uniform.

They entered quietly as her song came to a close and she turned to them. Silence. Then Beast boy stepped forward and asked her to sing again.

Before they knew it, they were laughing, joking and telling stories, reliving fun memories and taunting each other. They sat in a circle, eating all the junk food they could find with music playing in the background. When they fell asleep they did so connected; Beast boy in puppy form curled into Raven's stomach between her and Cyborg, her hand in his fur, her head next to Cyborg's arm. Starfire curled in on herself on the other side, holding Cyborg's hand, her long lashes casting shadows under her eyes and her crimson hair behind her. Robin had watched them quietly for a long moment before scooting next to Star and hugging her from behind.

He couldn't leave. He couldn't let go of his family.

Dick wasn't sure exactly what Bruce thought about that, though it couldn't have been bad because after Dick informed him, Bruce offered to help with the design of the suit and gear. Even Superman stopped by to give his word of advice and telling Dick of Nightwing, the Kryptonian warrior long ago.

When he returned from Gotham he was greeted by the entire network, smiles and laughter filling the tower as the Titans welcomed Nightwing as their leader. And when asked what his first mission as Nightwing was, Dick had grinned, strode over to Starfire and kissed her passionately. "Mission complete," he had whispered and leaned in for another kiss.

On his seventeenth birthday three weeks after, Jump City officially welcomed Nightwing.

Beast boy had made his move on Raven a few months after; he was recovering from a burn wound on his back and Raven had fretted nonstop. He woke up and planted one on her without a word and only mumbled for water afterwards before falling back to sleep. They had all been surprise to see her lying next to him as he slept and thought it was adorably funny.

Except Cyborg; he needed a girl.

Yes, this family meant everything to them. Even Batman saw it and respected them for it which was more than they could ever ask for from the Dark Knight. Nightwing leaned against the counter, listening as Star and Raven recalled the party to the guys. They laughed over an embarrassing picture of Kid Flash that Jinx took, their sabotage on Speedy's date, and the sexy lingerie Bee got, giggling as Nightwing, BB and Cyborg blushed.

Bee's engagement was the topic of gossip and girly giggles throughout the network. Everyone was excited, but it wasn't hard to see how nervous the guys were. Kid Flash purposely avoided Jinx the second marriage comes up as did Hot Spot to Argent and even Beast boy to Raven.

But Nightwing felt no apprehension whatsoever.

A smile formed on his lips as he thought back to the box.

"Why are you smiling?" Raven asked as she stirred her tea. BB and Cy were fighting over a game, Star ignoring them as she read a magazine with Silky sleeping on her stomach. "It wouldn't have something to do with a ring would it?"

Nightwing gaped at her and she smugly stared back, "Thought you could hide it from me, didn't you? Don't worry, I didn't read your mind. I saw you admiring it when you first brought it home. I'm guessing you had it specially made?"

He hung his head; and he wanted it to be a surprise, ha, funny. "Had to, her bolts will burn any other ring. My father helped me make it, created a new metal that will withstand them."

"Batman helped? Why does that sound so strange? I doubt he approves right now."

Nightwing nodded, "I know, he said we're too young. Eighteen isn't a right age to marry, but that doesn't mean I can't get engaged."

"Are you sure you want this?"

At that moment Star laughed, holding her stomach as Beast boy yelped. Cyborg had pulled his pants down and pointed at his Green Lantern boxers, joining Star in laughter. Nightwing felt that familiar look fall upon his face, full of love and commitment and by the twinkle in Raven's eyes he knew she saw it too. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I love her. Then, now and forever."

Her soft hand cupped his cheek and she gave him one of her rarest smiles; sweet, loving and happy. At the sound of scuffling, Nightwing sighed and called out, "Hey, you guys want to go to the park?"

xxx

Maybe I'm a dreamer
Maybe I'm misunderstood
Maybe you're not seeing the side of me you should
Maybe I'm crazy
Maybe I'm the only one
Maybe I'm just out of touch
Maybe I've just had enough

Children ran around in the playground, their laughter blending into one chorus of innocence and joy. Parents watched them, talking amongst themselves and playing with the kids and guys ran up and down the park, throwing a football or kicking a soccer ball. Dogs joined in the fun, adding to the mirth.

It was rare to have some down time and any chance the titans got they took it. Besides, it was nice being out together and mingling with the city.

The people of Jump were used to seeing the teens stroll around and it always made them prideful when their titans humbled themselves that way, waving to children and playing with them, engaging in everyday conversation with adults and relaxing.

Beast boy chased the children in different animal forms, their giggling fueling his inner child. Raven conversed with mothers, Cyborg played football with the guys and Nightwing was teaching a group of young boys and girls self defense. He made a mental note of where everyone was and checked for Starfire who was laughing with a group of teenagers, mostly male. Nightwing sighed at their expressions. He couldn't exactly go over and be possessive; they haven't made their relationship public, but rumors have been circulating for years and it's not like it's a big secret either. Just because they don't come out and say 'We're dating' doesn't mean she's not his.

He looked at her one more time and saw her waving bye at the deflated teens, walking in Raven's direction. If he hadn't known her better he wouldn't have noticed the slight confusion on her face. Maybe someone said something she didn't understand? Minutes turned into an hour and then two. Nightwing was just praising the kids at their progress when Raven grabbed his shoulder, "Where's Starfire?"

He frowned, "I thought she was with you."

"She was never with me," Raven floated, sitting in an Indian position and concentrated. When she opened her eyes, her brothers were watching her, concerned. "Two blocks down. Pet store."

They quickly headed into the direction Raven pointed to, but as soon as they turned the corner of the street that Starfire was in Beast boy jolted to a stop and Cyborg bumped into him, "Yo, man, watch it!"

He didn't say a word.

"BB?" Raven snapped to attention and quickly turned to her boyfriend. He looked to be in deep concentration and thought and that alone was scary. But something about his face seemed out of place, but her searching eyes found nothing. Wait- did his fang get longer?

"Beast boy," Nightwing said firmly.

The changeling shook his head, sneezing. "Oh, sorry."

"What's wrong?"

Beast boy sneezed again, his eyes watering, "Just smelled something strange."

He was immediantly on high alert, "Strange how?"

"I don't know, just strange, like, like... how a room full of animals would smell."

"Maybe because there is a pet shop right over there?" Raven deadpanned and received a glare from her boyfriend.

"No. I mean wild animals, in the wild. For a second I thought I was in Africa or something. Memories, I guess."

Nightwing stayed quiet for a moment and then nodded, seeing the obvious awkwardness in the changeling's face. None of them liked to talk of their past, though they did once, to get secrets out of the way and gain trust. Starfire's was by far the worst and they all practically cried over her afterwards and wanted to bow to her every whim, but Beast boy's past always made Dick feel extra protective over the titan. What's an older brother to do?

Starfire was stock still when they found her, staring off into space. She didn't turn when they called her and it wasn't till Nightwing touched her arm did she blink and look up, swaying.

Nightwing quickly grabbed her, "Whoa, are you okay?"

"I am... dizzy. Richard," she frowned, "how did I end up here? Were we not in the park?"

"We were, but not you. I didn't even see you leave."

"But I didn't, I mean, I... I was just..."

He searched her face, "Cyborg."

"On it," he said, scanning away. They waited patiently and Star blinked a few more times, in time with the whining from the pups inside the store. They scratched at the glass, pressing their nose against the window as if trying to get to her. Beast boy put his hand on the glass, "Poor things. They're all worked up. Huh, all the animals are. I can feel them, they're all excited."

"Nothing's coming out unusual or unknown. She's fine."

Nightwing nodded, "They keep them locked up, B; they just have build up energy. C'mon Star, let's go home. Maybe you're just tired."

Raven waited for Beast boy to fall in place beside her and when he didn't she paused and turned back around. He stood in front of the shop, staring at nothing much like Star was. "Gar?"

"They're scared," he whispered, looking at the pups. "And... alert."

"Maybe Star scared them."

"No…" he shook his head. The pups whined and laid on their stomachs, reminding Raven of the pack bowing to alpha. So it was surprising when one of the bigger pups suddenly growled and jumped toward the window, his tiny claws slashing at Beast boy.

She grabbed his sleeve and tugged him toward her, "C'mon."

It was obvious that his mind was on something else. She looked at him sideways and sighed, "I didn't know you could sense them. Can you feel their energy, or is it more physical, like where they are?"

"My instincts sense them. Sometimes theirs overpower mine, and it's hard to remain… sane."

She slowly turned her head toward him, taking in his words. "I didn't know."

"Why do you think sometimes I stay by myself in my room? I have to take a breather. Star has to reign in, also. Did you know she's feline descent?" He grinned.

"Gar…do you want me to help? Keep the beast caged?"

He shook his head, "Nah, its fine. I'm still 'the boy' in my mind. But it's hard, really hard, to fight against your own instincts. It takes all my concentration not to give in to the animal. That's why I don't call on the beast; it's the strongest one against my mind."

"What would you happen if you gave into the... animal?"

Beast boy's eyes twinkled, "Then I would hunt my prey. I am part animal. I can't change who I am inside."

She didn't know what to make of that and opted to just nod and continue on their way. The walk home was... forced somewhat. Nightwing tried to press Starfire about what happened; it was suspicious and worrisome. But when she snapped at him and Beast boy also defended her, practically yelling at Dick that it was probably his fault by keeping her up so late, Nightwing left it alone. Because he was mad or hurt, Raven didn't know, but she did know that Starfire hardly ever snapped at any of them, Nightwing especially.

But she did, and the whole way home she glared at the ground. Beast boy flanked her, turning his hard stare on their leader whenever he tried to get close to Star.

The day only got weirder at home when the two titans behaving unusually started to become playful. They both laughed at everything and Beast boy changed into a puppy and tried to play with all of them. Raven humored him, tossing the ball back and forth while Nightwing and Cyborg watched a singing and dancing alien in the kitchen.

When the three titans came back from picking up take-out for dinner, groceries in their hands they were surprised to find the alien and changeling in deep sleep, curled around each other.

The next morning they were both complaining of a headache.

The day after that they were quiet.

Then they were back to normal, and acted as if nothing happened.

But… what did happen?