It had been six long years since the Titans left Tameran. Nightwing, now 25, had left the Titans some time ago appointing his adoptive younger brother, who now wore the Robin symbol in his place, the new leader. Cyborg found success within the Justice League and has become the leader in technological advancements every hero wishes to receive gear from. Raven returned to the other dimension, set on righting all of her fathers wrongs and preserving the ancient Azerathian tomes. Beast Boy found his way back to the Doom Patrol and has taken steps to become it's leader some day. The original Titans are all in different parts of the universe, working to bring pride to their names and legacy.
In Bludhaven, a city not far from Gotham, Nightwing sits on the roof of his apartment building. On clear nights such as this, he does not need to strain his eyes to see the soft purple glow of the Vega system. The light pollution from the city made it difficult but not impossible to seek her out. Not once had he heard from her and he had confirmed that none of the others had either. He sat quiet and still until the late November chill urged him to move. He rushed himself into the sanctuary of his small home through the unlocked window. There he peeled off his black uniform and mask, relishing in the comfy sweatpants and soft shirt he laid to the side earlier that day. He picked up an old book Raven had lent to him not long ago and took root in his favorite chair by the window. He opened the book where the faded team photo saved his place and began reading the thirteenth chapter of battle strategies for long-range fighters. After some time, an annoying knock came at his door. Nightwing looked towards his clock that read 11:56 pm.
Who could possibly be at my door at this hour? He thought as he reached for one of his many weapon caches hidden within his living space. He pulled a knife from the pouch and moved towards the door in careful, light steps. He slipped on a spare mask he kept hanging near the door that fit somewhat uncomfortably as it was one he used in his younger days. He carefully looked through the peephole and saw a small bird fluttering around his hallway. Hesitantly, he opened the door and was immediately pinned down by an oversized Mastiff dog, drooling and licking. Alarms blared in his head to defend himself but his instincts were lagging. After releasing himself from the dog's paws, he flipped back into a crouch a small distance from the animal, except when he fixed his gaze to where the dog sat, there was Beast Boy sitting in a dog-like position smiling at him.
"Hey man!" His voice had changed, now deeper and mature. The green individual was even taller than before and leader-in-traning of a formidable hero group, but still a foolish prankster. His big bright smile almost blinded the older man.
"You should really look into erecting a barrier." Raven appeared through a black portal from his bookcase. She looked through his small collection before plucking one and taking his favorite spot for herself, leafing through the pages.
"And consider a reinforced security system. Really, anyone could get in here. I know you got money, why don't you build another base like the tower. I'll do your security if you do me a favor." Wriggling his eyebrows, Cyborg strolled in through the front door with a small box in his large arms, not minding the younger green man on the floor. He lightly kicked the door closed behind him and beamed down at his old captain. Nightwing looked up at them all, eyes wide with surprise.
"What are you guys doing here?" He rose to his feet, his heart filling to the brim at seeing his old friends.
"What do ya mean?" Beast Boy took the package from Cyborg and placed it on the counter in his kitchen. "We were told to meet here, remember?" Confused, he looked around. He didn't remember setting up a meeting with his old team. The digital clock on a shelf in the living room began to beep quietly, indicating midnight.
"I told them to come." Her voice rang like a bell in his mind. He turned and saw her floating just above him, face too close to his but too stunned to care. She was horizontal to him in the air with her legs floating above her head, like she was reaching for him from the heavens. Her fiery hair fell in beautifully placed waves around her, much longer than he remembered. Her jade eyes glimmered in the lowlight of his apartment, penetrating his mask. She placed her hands on both sides of his face making his skin burn where she touched. "Happy birthday Richard." She whispered, barely audible to him, let alone the others in the room. Before he could process what was happening, her lips were on his, soft and mesmerizing. The feelings he pushed down all these years bubbled in his chest and threatened to explode. Everything crashed upon him, filling him and emptying all at once. "I'm home." Tears threatened to escape from the edges of her eyes as she smiled at him, big and true. She planted her feet on Earth for the first time in six years, throwing her arms around him in a powerful embrace. The others crowded around them, placing their arms around each other as they all relished the sense of togetherness they had lost years ago. Before he knew it he was trembling, thankful for the long road that led him here.
"You're home." He repeated almost breathless from the tight hug his friends gave him. He entangled his fingers in her hair, ensuring she was real and actually here. Her scent, violets and jasmine, invaded his senses and reassured him. Her body, flush against his, warmed him to the core. He was complete. He was whole.
"Can we have cake now?" Beast Boy spoke up, eyeing the box abandoned on the counter. Everyone laughed, separating from their embrace, except for Nightwing and Starfire. He held onto her hand tightly, memorizing the way her soft skin felt against his. The others made their way to the small kitchen, opening up the box and readying the candles that indicated his 26th birthday. The couple stood back and watched as their old team bickered about placement and cake cutting. The full meaning of the moment sunk into Nightwing's mind as he tried desperately to engrain the scene to memory. A soft smile made its way to his lips as he looked to his side at the woman he waited for. Her eyes were bright and shining at him, full of love. He gave her hand a quick squeeze before bringing her delicate knuckles to his lips and placing a long kiss there, silently claiming her for himself. She giggled, sending a sweet melody through his ears, and urged him into the kitchen. He allowed himself to be dragged along behind her, completely content with being hypnotized by her.
This is exactly where I'm meant to be.