As the night came to an end, the crowd diminished and one by one the attendees returned to their rooms. Ryand'r gave his older sister a strong hug before leaving her. Galfore placed a hand on her head before turning to leave. He stopped and placed a heavy hand on Nightwings shoulder, silently speaking to him in a way the boy couldn't decipher. Raven said her quiet goodbye before exiting through a dark portal. Beast Boy wiped away stray tears before hugging his friend, one he saw as an older sister. Cyborg pat Starfire's head, offering her a kind of comfort only he could offer before leaving too. All that remained was Nightwing, unsure of what to do next. He slowly made his way to her side, offering her a hug before following the other out. As he turned towards the door he was stopped by a tug at his hand.
"Will you stay with me tonight?" The desperate tone in her voice tugged at his heart. She was aware that they would be leaving soon and that meant she wouldn't see them for a long time or maybe ever.
"Star," His voice came out hoarse. "Galfore told me he was aware of us spending nights together." She bit her lip and stepped back. "I know nothing has really happened between us, but I don't want to cause you any problems among your people. I know you're supposed to be with Karras." He took a step towards her, taking her into his arms. She felt so small at that moment.
"I am aware of my loyalty to Karras," She spoke into his chest, muffled by their closeness. "But I do not wish to let you go yet." She wrapped her arms around him firmly. "Nothing can happen between us, but I desire the comfort of my closest friend before he leaves me." He couldn't fight her on this. He sighed and relented.
"Okay, but I want to change first." He gestured to his uniform. She giggled and allowed him to leave. As he left her room he was faced with a small crowd. The Titan boys were smiling smugly at him with Galfore and Ryand'r at their side. Nightwing made an annoyed face and led the gathering to his room, choosing to ignore the snickers coming from his friends. "Don't you guys need to get some sleep?" He shot at the men tagging along.
"Galfore said it's tradition for the entire nation to sleep in tomorrow since we were up all night." Beast Boy pointed out.
"That is correct, most of the people will be celebrating independently for the rest of the night so no one in the palace will be up before 2 pm and the prince has already left to return to the Southern States. He will not return for several days." Ryand'r agreed. The last of his statements earned an interest from the dark haired hero. They finally reached the man's room. Beast Boy and Cyborg said their good nights. They had only waited to see the look on their leader's face when he found them all waiting.
"She asked me to stay with her tonight. Is that alright with you?" His tone indicated that he would not take no for an answer.
"That is fine. Cyborg informed me you would be staying for an additional two weeks. However," Nightwing jerked his head up at Galfore's words. "I would like to address the Karras issue with her the day after tomorrow." The two boys agreed. "I am assigning you to Koriand'r's personal guard at all times. You are not to leave her side at any moment during your time here, even at night." The dark haired man looked over, slightly confused and appreciative. "This will be less concerning to anyone who may see you and the Princess together."
"Thank you." He clenched his fist. The more time they spent together the harder it would be for him to leave. Although he truly appreciated Galfore and Ryand'r's seeming approval of his closeness with Starfire, it would still be hard on them to separate.
"There is one other thing I wanted to discuss with you." Ryand'r interrupted his thoughts. "If my sister decides to cast aside Karras, what is to happen then?" Galfore smiled and assured the young men.
"Koriand'r will have the option to rule alone. Although the council will have opposing thoughts, there is nothing they can do since you children are the rightful rulers. She will get to choose her groom." A funny feeling dropped in Nightwings stomach. Galfore placed a large hand on his shoulder, once again communicating silently to him. "For now, we must focus on the issue at hand. Please excuse us, Nightwing. We shall leave you for the night. The staff will be informed of your security permissions immediately. See yourself to the Grand Ruler's suite as soon as possible. Tomorrow, you will be moved into the adjoining room in the event the Lady has any need of you at night." As he walked away, nightwing could've sworn he saw a mischievous grin on the older man's face. After he heard the soft click of the door closing, Nightwing breathed, unaware he was holding his breath for some time. He quickly changed into a pair of sleeping pants and shirt, and folded his uniform neatly to take with him. He quietly and quickly made his way back to his best friend.
Starfire watched Nightwing leave her room. Now that he was gone she was free to undress and prepare for bed. The exhaustion and weight of the day hit her all at once. She shed her clothes and went for the bath, running the hottest water she could manage. The steam called to her while the bubbles danced around in the air and tub. As she stepped into the water she felt all the stress melt away. Fully submerged she allowed her mind to wander.
What shall I do when my friends return to Earth in the coming days? She blew into the water causing bubbles to surface in front of her. She couldn't go back to her home on Earth, nor could she bear to watch her friends leave. As she was lost in her thoughts the water grew cold. She quickly removed herself from the freezing depths and rushed to her closet. She heard the door open and close indicating Richard had returned from his room. She dressed herself in loose pants and her favorite Robin shirt. When she returned he was waiting for her, sitting on a stool looking out the balcony into the stars. The faint purple glow of the moons reflected in his eyes, causing them to light up like stars glittering across the ocean. His uniform was folded neatly in a nearby chair with his mask laying on top. Now that Starfire knew this piece of him, he hated wearing his mask around her. It was slow, but his opening up to her had begun.
"Did you have a nice bath?" He asked, walking over to her. He took her hand, playing with her delicate fingertips.
"I did, indeed." She smiled, taking his hand into hers and interlocking their fingers. His hands were rough from battle but gentle all the same. She led them over to the bed, ready for sleep.
"Star," Her sleepy gaze turned to him, already glazing over. "Galfore knows that we've been sleeping together." She jumped slightly at his words. "He assigned me to your security detail. I am supposed to be at your side at all times while I'm here. He said that if we were to continue, this should lessen any concerns anyone may have." A slight blush appeared on his cheeks. He hated that everyone knew his transgressions.
"But you will be leaving in a few days, will you not?" She threw herself onto the bed.
"Actually, we decided to stay for another two weeks." Her head shot up immediately. A wide smile spread across her face and her eyes lit up.
"How wonderful!" With that final stress lifted from her shoulders, her eyelids grew heavy. "Can we please discuss this in the morning? I feel as though I may fall asleep at any moment." He chuckled and met her at the bed.
"Sure." He held open the covers for her to climb underneath. As she snuggled into her blankets he tucked her in. She grabbed his forearm and pulled him over her and onto the other side of the bed. He blinked in confusion for a minute before turning to collect her in his arms. She cuddled closely into his chest, taking in the familiar scent of spice that clung to him when he was out of uniform. She wrapped her arms around him and scrunched his shirt between her fingers.
"I am going to steal this shirt from you too." Her sleepy voice was almost a whisper. He doubted she knew what she was saying anyway. He looked down at her, noticing her eyes were closed and he was sure she was already asleep. Her forehead rested in the middle of the bird symbol of his new shirt.
She can have this one. She can have whatever she wants from me. He stroked her hair, a soft powdery lavender scent emanated from her lulling him to sleep. His eyes softly closed as her rhythmic breathing calmed him into a sweet dream.
To his surprise, Nightwing began waking up when the sun was high in the sky. He estimated it was around noon. The bright white light coming from Vega just outside the window demanded he open his eyes. He groaned and turned over, elongating his arm to envelope the woman he expected to be in the bed, but he flopped down on a pile of sheets and pillows. He immediately shot up from the bed, eyes wandering and senses sharp searching for her. After the blood rushing in his ears quieted, he was able to relax when he picked up the dull vibration of her sweet hums coming from the closet.
She must be changing. He relaxed back into the bed, arms folded behind his head, waiting for her to finish. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the soft sounds of her humming, going into a melody he didn't recognize. Probably something she learned in her childhood. As he focused she became the only thing in his world. As he listened, his mind wandered back to the past and far into the future. She lulled him back to sleep.
Nightwing's Dream
It was dark. The smell of hay and fried foods suffocated anyone in the vicinity. Suddenly, the spotlights lit the enclosed space of the circus tent and focused on the couple atop the high trapeze towers opposite of each other.
"Now for our main event," drums beat down in anticipation "The Flying Graysons!" The crowd erupted into cheers, stinging his ears. "They will be doing their signature routine…without a net!"
I'm back at the circus. Richard peered down to his hands, noticing how small and soft they were. I'm 8 years old again. He looked towards the stage, seeing his mother and father swinging freely above the crowd's heads. Richard watched closely, eyeing the ropes. As he expected, one was frayed just above his father's bar. As he swung from the tower, legs wrapped around the bar allowing him to hang upside down, he reached towards his wife, grasping her forearms firmly and bringing her from her own swing to hang freely only held by his arms.
"Wait, stop!" Young Richard fought his way through the crowd to reach them, but as his mother's full weight was added to the already fraying rope, it snapped and they began to fall. "Mom! Dad!" The young boy screamed, closing his eyes to avoid seeing the tragedy once again.
"Richard?" A sweet voice called to him. He slowly opened his eyes to soft sunlight filtering in through thin white curtains filling a room in which he had ever been. "Are you alright?" He turned towards the alluring voice so close to him. There she was. She was wearing Earth clothes. A soft pink tank top that hugged her loosely and gray sweatpants that hung on her hips and cinched around her ankles. She was barefoot and her hair was messily done up in a loose bun. Her alien green eyes sparkled even though she looked a little tired.
"Starfire" He was breathless. She looked a little older, but still beautiful. She gave him a concerned look and cupped his cheek. He took in his surroundings, admiring the space. From the noise outside he assumed they were in a city, most likely an apartment high up from the look of the view from the window. The decor was simple and modern with personal things scattered about. A photo caught his eye, a wedding. Out of the silence a cry came. A small child from the next room demanded attention from its guardian.
"Oh goodness." Starfire made a face before removing her hand and going towards the child's room. "She's as needy as her father." She shot him a teasing look before disappearing into the room.
Father? Starfire had a child? He followed her into the room noting the pale pink decorations and toys. She was holding a tiny bundle in her arms, cooing up at her. She's so small. He stared in wonder at the pair as she bounced the child lightly. He creeped closer to them, feeling a need to look directly at the girl hidden in the cocoon.
"Do you want to hold her? I'd like to get dinner started." She placed the small thing into his arms and swiftly made her way into the kitchen. Richard panicked internally, never having been left alone with a baby before. He looked down at the infant, taking in her features. Her cheeks were slightly chubby with a pink tinge to them from crying no doubt. She opened her eyes to stare back at him.
She has her eyes. He gazed into the large green orbs mimicking the child's mother exactly. I bet she has the same hair too. He mused in his head, letting a small smile take over his features. The child smiled back at him, gurgling delighted noises through her cheeks. He maneuvered the child in his arms to free one of his hands and remove the cover of her head. He was shocked to find dense curls of midnight black. He replaced the tiny cap onto her head and turned to follow Starfire into the kitchen. He stopped short of the door to observe a few framed pictures hung near the changing table. Next to a picture of the child he saw a display of her birth stats. He deciphered the elegant script of the display board.
Hello, I'm new here!
Name: Mariand'r Grayson
Date: September 6
Weight: 8 lbs 15 oz
Time: 3:33 am
Richard stood frozen solid. He stiffly moved his head to inspect the remaining pictures. There, next to the photo of the infant, was a larger framed picture of a family. It looked to be the arrival photo of the girl coming home. Starfire sat peacefully in a chair that was currently set up in the corner near the crib. She held the child in her arms gazing lovingly down at her. Next to her kneeled on the floor was a large man with the beginnings of gray at his temples. He held a soft look on his face as he lightly touched the bundle in the mothers arms. He has his other hand interlocked with Starfire's as they both admired their offspring.
That's me… The realization struck him harshly. He quickly turned towards the mirror hung above Mariand'r's dresser to see the same man in the mirror. Same dark hair as the girl in his arms. Same striking blue eyes as the boy from the past. He clutched the girl in his arms tighter, fighting back the building emotions in his throat. He swallowed thickly and blinked back the forming tears. This is…my new family.
Koriand'r gently woke Richard, trailing her fingertips up and down his arms, alerting his nerves that someone was near but they were not a threat. He began to stir, mumbling things from his dreams. She chuckled and laid herself on top of him ready to watch those ocean eyes open, pulling him out of sleep. His thick lashes finally parted, revealing the deep blues of his soul. He looked down at her and smiled, bringing an arm around her to hold her in place. Her hair was wild, curling around her face and invading his clothes. Her scent seeped into his system, clouding his mind.
This is it. This is where I want to be.