Robin sat in the dark of his room thinking of ways to get Starfire to stay. He ran through every scenario and conversation twice before groaning in exasperation and throwing himself on his bed.
What do I do? He thought. Richard Greyson was never one for emotions and absolutely not the type to beg. He learned from his adoptive father that hero work is solitary work. Anyone close to you could be used against you. The people you love will die because of you. The Bat's lessons echoed in his mind.
But…I can't lose her. Starfire means more to me than anyone. She's my best friend. I need her here with me. Robin noticed how selfish his thoughts sounded. How could he ask her to stay for him if he wasn't willing to give into her needs. He pulled his knees to his chest. He hadn't felt this lost since before he started his training with Bruce. Even if his mentor was a wise man, there was no way he could talk to him about this. In fact, Robin was sure he already knew what the man would say. Instead he lay there in silence, numbing himself to the thought of losing her.
3 days before departure
Starfire pulled a small backpack from her closet and packed little trinkets to take with her. Since she will be moving into the Grand Ruler suite, she needed nothing from her home on Earth. The only things she packed were pictures, the communicator Cyborg had rigged for her, an old book Raven had given her for her birthday one year, a stuffed rhino Beat Boy had won for her at a fair, and a thoroughly worn shirt Robin had given her during their one and only pool party. She held the garment in her hands, running her fingers across the softened fabric. You could tell it had been worn and washed many times. It was a plain black shirt with a yellow "R" on the left breast. She clearly remembered the day he gave it to her.
"We will be hosting a party of pools?" Startfire was confused as she had seen the private pool within the tower and was unsure how many of them would fit in one room.
"It's a pool party Star and yes, we are." Robin answered glaring at Cyborg and Beat Boy who pretended not to notice. The boys invited all Titans and honorary Titans to the tower as a form of bonding. Since they all live so far away, Cyborg thought meeting at least once or twice a year would improve communications throughout their little organization.
"Everyone is coming! Speedy, Aqualad, Bumble Bee, Jericho, Wildebeest, even Cole and Gnarrk. This is gonna be the biggest and bestest all-Titan meeting ever!" Beast Boy could barely contain his excitement. The team continued to decorate for the event and not long after, the Titan extended family started to arrive.
"Friends, welcome! Please excuse me. I shall go change into the suit for swimming now." Starfire bolted to her room. She didn't want to miss a single second with all of her friends. She quickly stripped down and pulled on her brand new white two piece. She quickly tied all the strings together and flew straight back.
When she returned to the pool room, everyone had joined the celebration. She spied Raven in a corner reading her book while listening intently to the various conversations. Cyborg was by the grill showing Speedy how to properly cook burgers. Beast Boy was in the pool shifting between various marine animals. Starfire continued to scan the room but could not find the boy she was actually looking for.
"Hey Star, wanna go for a swim?" The alien turned around to see her missing friend. He had gone to change into his yellow swim trunks, an old black shirt Starfire knew was a favorite of his, and, as always, his mask. He offered her his hand which she took with a small blush, she had never felt his bare skin before. Robin removed his shirt and threw it near the edge of the pool before getting in. The water was a little cold, but their bodies adjusted. It wasn't long until challenges ensued.
"Robin and Starfire, we challenge you to a game of chicken." Bumble Bee declared from atop Cyborgs shoulders. After several others tried and failed to topple the couple, no one came close. A wicked smile crept onto Robin's face, his competitive side beginning to take over.
"Let's go Star." The girl nodded and jumped onto his shoulders. For a split second Robin realized their position and heat krept to his ears. He regained focus, the need for victory overwhelming him, and walked towards the opposing couple, gripping his partner to keep her balanced.
"First one down loses! Ready, set, go!" Beast Boy refereed, but there was no chance for the challengers when Starfire's inhuman strength came into play. Bee tried her hardest, but one push with the palm of her hand and the Tameranean had them staggering. As Bumble Bee began to lose her balance, she tightened her grip with her thighs and slapped her hands across Cyborg's eyes causing him to fall backwards into the water with her.
"And we have a winner folks! Undefeated duo Robin and Staaaaarfiiiiireeee!" Beast Boy used his wrestling referee voice to declare the winners. Starfire threw her fists up in victory as Robin watched from below her, a satisfied smile taking over him.
"That's not fair, Star is insanely strong." Aqualad commented as he watched the two defeated Titans come up for air.
"Then maybe don't challenge them." Speedy replied with a chuckle. "No one would want to be your partner anyway." He teased, earning a glare from his fishy friend.
"Hey Rae, wanna be my partner?" Raven didn't look up from her book before rejecting the changeling's offer. Beast Boy turned away faking hurt. Robin squeezed Starfire where he was gripping her thighs to keep her steady. She squeaked in embarrassment and quickly climbed down, her whole face as red as her hair.
"Nice job Star!" He helped her out of the pool and they sat on the edge with their legs dangling in the pool.
"That was very fun! I do enjoy playing the pool games with our friends." A bright smile spread across her face. Now that they were out of the pool a chill struck her causing goosebumps. She deliberately edged closer and closer to him, hoping to find warmth in the form of his embrace.
"Here, don't get too cold." Robin offered her his shirt with a smile. She slipped it on and thanked him, slightly disappointed but pleased with the alternative. She could smell his scent coming from the garment, it made her a little dizzy. It was intoxicating.
"Thank you, friend Robin. I shall wash and return this to you when I am done with it." She looked down at the yellow "R" on the left side and traced it with her fingers.
"Don't worry about it. It looks much better on you anyway." He smirked at her which made her blush and bit her lip. He playfully nudged her shoulder with his own causing her to giggle.
"Thank you." For some reason she couldn't face him at that moment, but she was sure he was smiling. She rose from her spot on the edge and went towards the food. Robin watched intently as she walked away. His shirt stopped just above her bikini and began to cling to her body due to the water. He swallowed hard and found it hard to look away. She tied her hair back in a messy ponytail that left strands to frame her face and fall down her neck. She turned to beckon him towards the group fighting for food. It was then he noticed the yellow "R" on the shirt. It gave him a strange feeling seeing her wear something that was marked as his. That letter screamed 'Robin' so everyone knew who it belonged to…who she belonged to. Robin shook his head to get rid of those thoughts and quickly followed his best friend towards the food. It was a strange day for him as Starfire wore that shirt for the remainder of the party.
Starfire stuffed the shirt into her bag and cinched it closed, placing it in the corner by the window. She placed her hand against the cold glass as she watched the sun set across the water. Gently, she pushed the window open and flew out up to the roof. Starfire lay on the roof looking towards her home planet. Although she missed her home, there were still feelings of guilt and sadness filling her when she thought of leaving her friends behind.
Robin paced around his room. The red glow of his alarm clock warned him of the hours passing quickly, his anxiety growing as time kept moving forward no matter how hard he commanded it to stop. He had been avoiding a certain alien princess since her announcement last week. Even in battle, he made it a point not to partner with her or ride with her in flight or on the R-cycle. His list of excuses was running low, but there were only 3 days remaining before she left. Panic was beginning to set in as his mind failed in coming up with a way to make her stay. Avoiding her seemed like the best idea, a clean cut, but it was agonizing. Watching her from a distance in his peripherals just wasn't enough. Robin bit his lip and contemplated his options. He growled in frustration. stomped out of his room, and went 2 doors down, stopping in front of her door. His breath hitched in his throat and his mouth ran dry. Would she be mad about seeing him now after he deliberately ignored her and chose not to work with her? He raised his hand to the door ready to knock but stopped. His insecurity getting the best of him, he turned back towards his room.
"Just do it." Raven's voice made him jump. She came out of the shadows down the hall motioning for Robin to turn around.
"You shouldn't spy on people." Robin glared at her but was thankful nonetheless.
"You shouldn't let your emotions scream so loudly." She teased. She gave him an encouraging look before opening a portal back into her room. After he was sure he was alone, Robin turned and lightly knocked on Starfire's door. After a minute of no answer he tried again a little louder.
"Starfire? It's me, Robin. Can we talk?" His plea went unheard. Growing impatient, Robin knocked again even louder and called out.
"Star, please." He knew she wouldn't be asleep at this hour and it wasn't her night to be on patrol. He hesitantly input his entry code into her door, a code she had provided to him out of trust, and entered her room. Her room was dark and dimly lit by the starlight filtering in through her windows. Her bed was neatly made and her pillows were expertly fluffed. He noticed Silkie snoozing on his little bed and pat the creature on his head. Robin suddenly noticed how empty the room was. Her twinkle lights that hung above her bed, meticulously laid out to resemble the constellations of her home planet, were gone. The pictures that decorated her walls, polaroids of each Titan she had ever met, were taken down. All of her uniforms were no longer hanging in her closet. Her dresser was empty and her personal belongings were gone. It was then he noticed the open window. A sharp pain stabbed his heart frantically looking around for any sign she was still here.
She wouldn't just leave, right? Robin opened every drawer, checked her bathroom, and even looked under her bed. The only thing he found was a large box in her closet with all of her personal things she would not be taking back to Tameran. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He walked over to the open window but tripped over something. He looked down and saw the coral pink backpack she had packed earlier that day. Some of the items had fallen out across his feet.
If her bag is here that must mean she is around somewhere. He thought as his mind eased slightly. He began to gather the things that fell when he felt a familiar fabric. Even through his gloved hands he could feel the familiarity of his worn out shirt. He brought the garment closer to observe, catching a whiff of violets and jasmine. Her scent invaded his senses making him want to curl up and completely surrender to her.
"Robin?" Starfire's gentle voice nudged him from his thoughts. She was floating in her window looking down on him, confusion written all over her face.
"What are you doing with my belongings?" Her bag was hanging on his arm and the shirt he had given her was in his hands pressed to his face. Embarrassed, Robin quickly shoved the items back in her bag and dropped it into its original place next to the window
"I was looking for you and I accidentally tripped over your bag." He realized how ridiculous the story sounded even if it was true.
"I see." She didn't sound like she believed him but he didn't care to be right in this moment.
"Star, can we talk?" The hope in his voice shone through, making her more inclined to listen.
"Of course." She flew inside and sat on her bed, patting the open spot next to her. He smiled and sat a polite distance from her.
"I have received communication from Galfore. My coronation will take place as planned." She smiled and kept explaining her departure as if it was okay.
"I am also to meet my groom upon my arrival. I hear he is very-"
"Starfire!" Robin sounded much more angry and loud than he intended. The girl jumped at his sudden outburst. He had moved from next to her and was now infront of her, kneeling on the floor.
"You can't go Star." She had never heard him sound quite this sad or lonely before. "You belong here, on Earth, with the Titans."
You belong with me. He thought, hoping she could somehow hear him.
"Oh, Robin." She wasn't sure how to proceed. She took his hand and gently held it with both of her own. "I must go. We have already had this conversation. There is nothing here for me on Earth. The Titans are capable of kicking the butt without me. Jump City has been more peaceful than ever with barely any alarms. The next generation of heroes will be taking our place as the Teen Titans and they need only one leader. You will be the one to lead the new Teen Titans, as you have led us until a new leader is established. We will all be going our separate ways sooner or later, it just happened that I will be leaving first." There was no way to break her logic, at least none that Robin could think of. He had already been in contact with a few new heroes in need of training and he would be going through some changes himself soon. Raven would need to leave to finish her own quests. Cyborg had been in contact with some big names. It was just Robin and Beast Boy left with questionable paths.
"But Starfire-" He contemplated saying his next words. The words that made him feel needy and vulnerable, a side he would never show anyone else. "I always thought that even if everyone were to split up, me and you would always be together." Those words broke her heart. She had always believed so too.
"Robin-" Her courage was waning by the second along with her resolve. "If we can be no more than heroes, I do not wish to be by your side any longer." Tears filled her eyes, making them sparkle like emeralds in the starlight. Robin removed his gloves, needing to feel closer to her.
"Starfire I l-" He couldn't finish. Instead he did the unthinkable. His body took control. He placed his hands on either side of her face and crashed his lips onto hers and held her there. His hope was that all of his emotions would be transferred to her. What he couldn't say out of fear, he could make her feel through this. Starfire sat shocked and in disbelief. She felt Robin's lips locked with hers in a greedy, possessive kiss. She felt him move to the corner of her mouth, down her jaw, to her neck. She forcibly pushed him off her before he went any further. With her alien strength he managed to hit the wall behind him with a grunt. He looked up at her confused and a little hurt. He saw the same emotions reflected back at him through her glassy eyes. He stood to face her and reached out to take her hands. She flinched away.
"Robin, what are you doing?" The boy grew annoyed. His actions didn't reflect what he had hoped.
"You can't leave Starfire. You belong here." He said once again, firmly and agitated. He didn't see what she couldn't understand about his statement.
"Robin, once again, I will be returning to Tameran and I will be wed to Ka-"
"God damn it Starfire! You're not going anywhere, you are mine!" He shouted at her. Really shouted in her face. Robin had never spoken to her in this way and he instantly regretted his words. "Wait I didn't mean to-" The initial shock wore off and the princess grew angry. Her eyes blazed to life as energy hummed off her form.
"I belong to no one. I will be returning to my home planet tonight." Her words dipped venom and it was the only time Robin felt small compared to her. She pushed past him and went to grab her backpack. Angrily, she shrugged it on and pushed the window so hard it burst.
"Wait, Star." He begged, but his plea fell on deaf ears. Blood was rushing through her so violently she could barely hear a thing. She jumped from the window, taking flight, stopping 50 feet from the window to look back at her friend.
"Goodbye Robin. Please tell the others that I will be awaiting them on Tameran for my coronation." The last thing Robin saw was the painfully sad look in her glowing eyes before she turned away and shot into the sky. He ran to the window and reached his arms out as if he could grab her.
"Starfire!" He grit his teeth and lowered his hands. A weak whisper escaped him,"please come back."