Robin had hoped that kissing Starfire would have quelled his doubts, but as the Titans were flying home from Tokyo, he was more confused than ever.

It would have been nice for him and Starfire to have some time to themselves so he could sort out the questions that were flying through his head, but there had been no chance for them to do so. The rest of the team had certainly meant well. Cyborg and Beast Boy had given him enough high fives and cheers to make their support obvious, and even Raven had voiced her approval in her usual quiet, understated way. Starfire herself glowed radiantly with happiness, seeming to be a lot more secure than he was feeling at the moment.

But there had been no time to stop and think about what happened after they had kissed. They had been whisked off to the medal ceremony, then the celebratory parade, and then they had packed up the T-Sub and headed for home. All Robin had wanted was some time alone with Starfire to talk about where their newfound relationship would go from here, and that alone time was the one thing he hadn't had a chance to ask for.

Sitting on the ship as they flew East for home, all Robin could do was brood about his confusing thoughts. He'd been so laser-focused on leading his team and being a hero that he had not considered that his fantasies about Starfire could ever come true. There had been moments when something could have happened, but he had always shied away from them. He thought back to the date he'd had with Kitten, the time where he'd had the strongest indication that Starfire reciprocated his feelings, whatever they were, and even then he hadn't been able to make a move. He was kicking himself now for how dense he had been. Of course, hindsight was 20-20, but he was still upset about all the time he'd wasted.

As Robin lingered on his thoughts, the rest of his team was speaking about the big moment.

"I saw it coming from the very beginning," Cyborg said. "Once you planted that kiss on him when you first met, Star, I knew he wanted more."

"I have already explained why that had to happen," Starfire said. "Our people are capable of learning languages through this exchange of mouth-to-mouth contact."

"Maybe that's all it meant for you at the time, but you should've seen his face after it happened. To this day I've never seen Robin's cheeks so red."

"Dudes, even I could tell you two had a thing," Beast Boy said, "and usually I have to get hit in the head with a brick to notice this stuff. I mean, Star, how long were you waiting for Robin to make a move?"

Robin perked up and began paying closer attention to the discussion.

"Honestly, it was confusing for me," Starfire said. "It can be hard for people of two different cultures to understand these feelings. I had no idea that the exchange of kissing had such a different meaning here on Earth than on Tamaran. It did not concern me until I kissed that Japanese boy and noticed Robin's reaction. Only then did I understand what that exchange meant on this planet."

"It sure threw me for a loop," Beast Boy said. "How'd it feel for you, Robin? Looked like your eyes were gonna pop right through your mask when it happened."

"Uh..." Robin said, caught off guard after suddenly being addressed."Yeah, you could say I was pretty confused. Made sense in hindsight when Star first kissed me before being able to speak English."

"I do wish to apologize for the confusion that exchange caused," Starfire said. "I did not mean to take you off your guard."

"It's fine," Robin said. "It all fits into place now. No harm no foul."

"I'm still pretty confused about something," Beast Boy said. "How come you still kind of have some issues understanding some stuff? I remember the first time I said something was 'sick' and you asked me if I was feeling okay."

Starfire giggled and blushed slightly. "I am unsure about why I still sometimes struggle with the figures of speech like this one. I know not the way this power of mine works."

"Maybe it takes a couple more kisses to really get the hang of it," Beast Boy said with a smirk on his face. "I guess we'll have to see how much better your English gets now that you and Robin are gonna keep 'practicing.'"

Robin cleared his throat a bit louder than intended while Beast Boy chortled at his own joke.

"How very mature of you," Raven said. "I would have expected an eight year old to make that joke."

"Aw, come on, Raven, I'm just playing around," Beast Boy said. "Robin and Star are cool with it, right guys?"

"Your attempt at humor was well-received," Starfire said with a giggle.

"Yep," Robin added, "pretty funny." He let out a slight giggle that he imagined wouldn't fool anybody. No one seemed to notice, not until he heard a voice in his head.

"You've been moody since we started this flight home," Raven's voice said in Robin's head. "Everything okay?"

Robin felt taken aback, but managed to hide his surprise enough not to draw attention from the other Titans. "Warn me next time you're going to do that."

"Sorry. I was sensing some uneasiness about you, so I thought I'd check in."

"I appreciate you looking out for me, but I promise you I'm okay."

"Robin, I'm literally in your head. You can stop putting on an act."

"Fine, you have a point there. It's just that Star and I haven't had any time to ourselves to process what happened in Tokyo. Everything happened so fast, and now that things have died down, I'm feeling confused. I thought things would start to fall into place now that we're 'official,' for lack of a better word, but now I'm more unsure than ever."

"Well, I can't give you much advice on this kind of thing. I don't allow myself much of a chance to get into these kinds of relationships in case my feelings become too much to handle. You've seen how disastrous that can get. However, I can at least help you on a more practical matter. I can keep Cyborg and Beast Boy occupied when we get home so you and Starfire can have some time to talk things through."

"That sounds great. Thanks."

"Don't mention it. I could tell right away that's what you wanted, even before linking with your mind. Unlike the other two boys on our team, I tend to notice these things."

"Understood. Um...by the way, how much of my mind are you able to access?"

"I only have access to the bare minimum of what I need. I'm well-versed in being discreet about these mental connections. Be grateful it's not Beast Boy poking around in your head."

Robin nearly laughed at that final comment, but held it in to avoid any suspicion from his other teammates. Raven gave him a small smile after withdrawing from his mind.

Feeling more at ease now that there was a game plan in place, Robin looked over at Starfire, which he had been avoiding since boarding the ship and departing from Tokyo. He had stolen glances here and there in the past, but felt like he had always had to hide it from her. Knowing now that his affection would be welcomed, he was able to gaze at her for much longer.

Her long red hair, dazzling green eyes, and trim body were a sight for him to behold, but what he was beginning to notice for the first time was the radiance of her golden skin. She seemed to radiate a warm glow that he didn't remember noticing before.

Perhaps it was her unfettered joy that caused this radiance, or perhaps he was imagining it. That would have to be something for him to ask about her when they got a chance to be alone. Robin then checked the map on the console in front of him to find out where they were over the Pacific Ocean. It would still be hours before the team would return to Titans Tower. Robin sat back and tried to relax, understanding that good things would come to those who waited.

Robin hadn't realized he had drifted to sleep until he was awoken. He realized he had been dreaming, but the dream's contents slipped away like sand through a sieve. The team had arrived home at Titans Tower. The Titans East came out of the tower to greet the main team home.

"Thanks for keeping an eye on Jump City again," Robin said to Bumblebee.

"And nice job on the repairs," Cyborg added with a big smile. "She looks good as new."

"It was nothing," Bumblebee said. "Things have been pretty quiet now that the bad guys know there's a few dozen good guys on call at any time."

"Yeah, it was actually pretty boring," Aqualad said. "We'd better get back to Steel City. Pantha's been dying to head home, so we shouldn't keep her waiting."

"We really appreciate it," Robin said. "Call us if you need anything."

"Thanks," said Bumblebee. "Also, congratulations to you and Starfire for making it official."

Robin felt his heart skip a beat. "How did you—?"

"Sparky told us a few hours ago when he called to tell us you were coming home," Bumblebee said.

Robin gave Cyborg a curious glance. All Cyborg could do was grin. "They asked how the trip went," he said. "Figured you'd want to share the good news."

Robin had to grin in spite of himself. "No worries," he said.

After a final exchange of goodbyes, the Titans East boarded their ship to fly home, and the main team went into Titans Tower to look over the repairs.

"Dude, they really cleaned the place up," Beast Boy said.

"It is glorious to see that our home is of the shipped shape."

"Uh...I think you mean 'shipshape,'" Raven said.

"Forgive me," Starfire said. "Some of your Earthly turns of phrase are still difficult for me to grasp."

"I'm sure Robin will help you practice," Beast Boy said with a smirk. Starfire giggled, but Robin felt his stomach squirm. He gave Raven a quick glance, which she returned with a small nod.

"Cyborg, Beast Boy," she said. "I heard Más y Menos installed the new GameStation while we were gone. You might want to—" She didn't have to say another word, because Cyborg and Beast Boy ran off, eager to try out the new console.

"Thanks, Raven," Robin said.

"You two should go find a place to talk," Raven said. "I'll keep an eye on the two toddlers up there."

Starfire had a look of concern on her face. She turned to Robin, who gave her a nervous smile.

"Is...everything okay?" she asked.

"It's fine," Robin said. "I just wanted us to have some time to ourselves so we can, you know, figure things out."

"I am not certain I understand. What needs to be figured out?"

"Let's go to your room," Robin said. "We'll have more privacy there."

Robin took Starfire's hand as the two made their way to her room. Robin noticed that her skin, which had been radiant on the flight home, was looking a bit more dull. He wasn't sure if it was a trick of the dimmer inner lighting of the tower or if it was somehow being triggered by her emotion. It reminded him that there were still things about Tamaraneans that he didn't understand.

When the two arrived at Starfire's room and the door shut behind them, Robin's stomach started to squirm more.

"Robin, I sense something is the matter with you," Starfire said. "Did I do something to upset you?"

"Not at all," Robin said. "You haven't done anything like that. Quite the opposite, in fact. I just...I don't know, it's been a struggle for me to have all these feelings."

"What is causing this struggle?" Starfire asked.

At that point, since Starfire's room had very little light coming in, Robin definitely noticed that her skin was glowing less. He quickly tried to reverse the trend.

"Please, let me try to explain," Robin said. "When I was growing up in Gotham City, I was part of a circus act with my parents. They...well, they had a terrible accident, and they died."

Starfire gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. "I am so sorry, Robin. I had no idea."

"It's okay. I never told anyone about it. Raven found out when she accessed my mind a while back, but I told her not to mention it to anyone else.

"Anyway, after that accident, I was taken in by Batman. He taught me everything I know about fighting criminals, which I am grateful for, but he had a hard time trusting others, especially women. That attitude kinda rubbed off on me, so I always put my duty as a hero over dating.

"When I met you, and you gave me that kiss, it took me a long time to accept how I felt about you. I wasn't sure you felt the same way, and every time I wanted to talk to you about it, I always told myself that the mission came first, and I always tried to keep the idea of you—of us—out of my head."

"Oh, Robin, I wish you had said something," Starfire said. "When I first crash landed on your planet and met you all, I was not sure what to make of you. Our Tamaranean customs for dating and romance, especially in royal families like mine, is completely different to how these customs work on Earth. I was not certain of how I felt until the girl Kitten asked you to her prom. Even then, I was sure you did not see me the same way that I saw you." Starfire's eyes began to well, and she sat on the edge of her bed. Robin took a seat next to her and wrapped his arm around her.

"We wasted so much time dancing around the issue," Robin said. "I wish I had been more upfront. It would have saved us so much trouble."

"Likewise," Starfire said. She rested her head on Robin's chest and let out a sigh. Robin rested his head delicately on hers.

"You know," Robin said, "I'm glad we finally got this out in the open. We may be able to make up for some of this lost time."

Starfire glanced up at him. "How do you propose we do that?"

Robin looked into Starfire's eyes and smiled. He went in for a kiss, which she gladly reciprocated. They kissed softly at first, then wrapped their arms around each other and laid themselves on Starfire's bed. It felt to Robin like the room was warming up, but he knew who was to blame for that. When they broke away from their embrace, Robin could tell that Starfire's skin was glowing strongly again.

"Are you aware your skin has been glowing off and on since that kiss in Tokyo?" Robin asked.

Starfire giggled and her cheeks flushed. "It is an involuntary reaction to physical affection. I had hoped it was not too obvious."

"I didn't really notice it until now," Robin said. "To think I was trained by the world's greatest detective and I still missed the obvious signs right in front of me."

"Please do not blame yourself too harshly," Starfire said. "I failed to see the signs, too."

"At least all that is behind us," Robin said, leaning in for another kiss. This one was gentler, more tender, and when it broke away they looked at each other and smiled. However, as Starfire gazed at Robin, her brow furrowed a bit and her smile dissipated.

"I have never really seen your eyes behind that mask," she said. "Why do you insist on wearing it? I have always wondered this but was not sure how to ask."

"Batman taught me to protect my identity at all costs. He wanted to make sure no one I cared about could be hurt by a villain looking for retribution. I guess old habits die hard."

"That is understandable," Starfire said. "However, I am your girlfriend now, and I am not afraid of any of our foes going after you for this retribution of which you speak. Might I get a chance to see them just this once?"

Robin smiled and let out a small laugh. "I guess at this point I have no real reason to say no anymore." With that said, he removed the mask to reveal eyes as deep blue as the sky.

Starfire smiled widely. "They are even more perfect than I could have dreamed of."

"I can easily say the same about yours," Robin said. "I love how deeply green every part of your eyes are."

Starfire beamed with pride. Suddenly, the two of them heard noise approaching the room from the hall. Robin quickly replaced his mask. There was a knock on the door.

"Please enter," Starfire said. The door opened to show an eager Cyborg and Beast Boy and an apologetic Raven.

"I'm sorry," Raven said. "I thought the new GameStation would keep these two a little more occupied."

"Cy and I are just so psyched to see you two together," Beast Boy said. "I think he wants your advice, Robin. He wants to ask Jinx out."

"I never said that," Cyborg said, a bit too quickly and emphatically to be fully believed. "Besides, I think BB here is still hung up on Terra."

"Not cool, dude," Beast Boy said. "We had way more of a relationship than you and Jinx. We're not on an even playing field here."

"As you can tell," Raven said to Robin and Starfire before Cyborg could retort, "these two are hopeless."

"Oh yeah?" Beast Boy said. "At least the two of us have a shot. Have you ever liked anybody?"

"I don't think you want to go there," Raven said with a hint of ominousness.

Before Beast Boy could respond, the alarm in the tower sounded and the lights started flashing red.

"Looks like this conversation's on hold," Robin said. "We've got trouble."

"Okay," Beast Boy said, "but don't think this gets you off the hook, Raven."

"Pick your battles carefully," Raven replied, "very carefully."

As the team prepared to take on their next threat, Robin couldn't help but smile. He had convinced himself so thoroughly that he could never get the girl, that he had abandoned all hope. The trip to Tokyo, the kiss, and everything that happened after had been a dream come true.

Little did he know that this dream would soon turn into a nightmare.