A/N: Starfire's and Danny's relationship.

* = Notes at the end of the chapter.

If Danny had to use one word to describe Starfire he would choose the word friendly. Immediately after joining the Titans, Starfire welcomed him with open arms, quite literally. It was surprising really, after all the time he spent dealing with people who usually opted to scream at him in fear before running away.

The truth was Starfire was one of the kindest people he knew, and for all the strength she had, it would never compare to her gently heart.

When Starfire didn't understand a particular word or phrase she went to Danny. He was always very patient to explain to her what they meant, and for that she was grateful. He would never hesitate to help her with anything that she needed and it was true she had come to him more than once in a vulnerable state. Never once had he taken advantage of the words she confessed to him, and only continued to act as a confidant and brother.

It was no secret Starfire was naïve to a lot of things. Sure she was learning at a rate faster than the average human but there were many subtle social cues she did not yet comprehend, so whenever they went out Danny would always stay somewhere near by to act as a protector of sorts.

Which is exactly what he was doing at this moment, as they walked through the many stores of the mall. It was their day off, and everyone had plans. Starfire had personally asked Danny to 'journey' with her, and although Danny loathed nothing more than shopping he agreed. It was a silent agreement between all of the members, not to let Starfire travel somewhere on her own. Not that she wasn't capable, (the villains could most definitely attest to that) but Starfire was…sensitive, and not very many people understood her the way her family did.

So Danny forced himself to be patient as Starfire fluttered around from store to store, him following shortly behind, and even managed a smile when she turned back if only to ensure he was still there. At that time he would give some gesture of encouragement, and she would smile brightly before turning and happily make her way towards the next object that had captured her attention. Danny was content to watch her, even if he was just invited to hold all of her bags.

After awhile of shopping they made their way over to the food court and Danny immediately spotted the group of teens snickering in the corner. They pointed directly at them and they shoved one teen outwards in their direction. Danny's eyes narrowed as Starfire remained oblivious.

"The food smells glorious Danny but perhaps we should travel back to our home where we can eat with our friends?" She questioned, looking back at Danny with shining eyes. He didn't look at her, and continued to watch the boys who had decided to walk closer to them.

"Sure Star, whatever you want to do." He replied distractedly and Starfire followed his gaze to the group who were now goading a few young men to approach the two.

"It seems that we may have company, shall we walk over to them?" She asked innocently enough and began to walk over. Danny grabbed her arm, stopping her progress and she turned back to look at him, her face tilted in confusion.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea Star." He told her, not wanting to explain the situation to her while the boys were still watching them. He tensed as some of them finally got the courage to make their way over towards them, their stride arrogant. Starfire noticed and smiled to them in greeting.

"Hello new friends I am Starfire, what is your-"

"We know who you are babe. Hey we were wondering if you wanted to get some food, get outta here and maybe hook up somewhere." The guys smirked and Starfire's eye brow's furrowed in confusion,

"I am not sure what you mean by 'hook up.' Surely you are saying you wish to catch fish through the form of a hook and a rod yes?"

The two guys snickered and Danny's eyes flashed green. They ignored him,

"Are you stupid or something?" One of them asked and Starfire's eyes lowered in hurt, not sure what to say. Danny had enough and stepped protectively in front of her.

"No she isn't. In fact her intelligence surpasses yours by a long shot and she's not interested. Obviously she's too good for either one of you." Danny coolly told the two boys who opened their mouths in shock, too offended to say anything further. Danny pulled Starfire away from the court when the other guys began to walk away, sufficiently put in their place. Together they walked in silence out to the parking lot before Starfire turned away.

"I apologize Danny, for I am not able to fly at this moment." *

"Hey Star, it's alright." He talked to her soothingly and she sniffed.

"Listen to me." He touched her arm and finally she turned to look at him.

"Those guys were being mean on purpose. They're not worth being upset over, and you're not stupid. They were taking advantage of your kindness, and they thought it would be funny to mess with you in front of their buddies."

Starfire managed a small smile though it was sad and through watery eyes,

"I am afraid there are many sayings that I will never be able to understand."

Danny took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly, trying to undo the hurt those guys caused her,

"You'll get it Star I know it. You already know so much more than them, and your heart is so kind. People see that and they appreciate who you are. I know I do."

Already Starfire had begun to perk up slightly from Danny's statement, for everyone on the team knew if he wasn't anything else he was honest. She enveloped him in a hug and although Danny could see that she was still sad, she at least knew that she could count on him and her friends.

"I still cannot fly back home." Starfire sobered and Danny offered a smile which she returned,

"It's okay Star, I don't mind walking. And that gives us plenty of time to talk about anything you want."

Starfire may not know as much as she'd like to when it comes to earth knowledge, but she did know that no matter what Danny would always be there to cheer her up when she was down. They laughed the entire way back to the tower, the incident soon long gone from both of their minds.

* Starfire's powers only work when she has happy thoughts.

Next: Danny and Cyborg