The weary teens made their way back to Titans Tower, worn out from the early morning mayhem. As Robin and Raven retired to their respective rooms to rest, and Cyborg went to his room to repair and recharge. Beast Boy and Starfire were left in the expansive living room and kitchen area. Starfire pulled a cherry soda out of the refrigerator and cracked it open as Beast Boy settled in before the television and pressed the power button on the gamestation. Starfire watched him start up a racing game and then joined him on the couch.
"Beast Boy, I have a question," said Starfire.
"Sure thing, Star, what's up?" replied Beast Boy, not really looking up from the game.
"After such a victory, would it be appropriate for us to attend festivities in the city tonight?" Starfire asked. Beast Boy immediately paused the game.
"A party?" he squealed happily. "All right! I am so there!"
"Wonderful! I shall inform the others!" Starfire declared as she stood and left Beast Boy to his game. Walking softly down the hall, Starfire stopped and listened at the door of the gym. She could easily hear that Cyborg was inside working out. Opening the door, Cyborg stopped and replaced the 400 pound weights he was lifting back on the rack.
"What's shakin', Star?" asked Cyborg, wiping his brow with a towel.
"Nothing is shaking that I know of!" Starfire replied, somewhat alarmed. Cyborg laughed, shaking his head at Starfire's ineptitude with figures of speech. "I merely came into inform you that there is a party in the city tonight and Beast Boy and I are planning to attend. Would you care to join us?"
"Sure! I could use a good party after the rough housing we took this morning. That sounds great, Star," replied Cyborg.
"Wonderful! I will invite the others as well," said Starfire, leaving the gym in search of Raven and Robin.
Expecting to hear the sounds of Raven meditating in her room, Starfire was surprised to find it quiet. Peeking inside, Starfire walked on tiptoe to the side of Raven's bed. She was fast asleep. Muttering her well-known incantation in her sleep, Raven rolled over as Starfire approached. When she didn't awaken, Starfire came all the way to the edge of the bed, located a warm-looking black fleece blanket and covered Raven up. As she turned to leave, Starfire saw that Raven was smiling as she slept. Smiling herself, Starfire quietly left the room.
Starfire knew that Robin was also asleep, but she went in anyway. She knew that he wouldn't mind. She crept into the room, admiring the neatness of the place. Robin was very picky about his bedroom. He had to be able to find everything exactly when he needed it. Sitting gingerly on the edge of the bed, Starfire lightly played with his hair, lifting a stray section of his hair out of his eyes. Starfire softly gasped when a smile crept across his face.
"Hi, Star," he murmured without opening his eyes.
"How did you know it was me? I had no idea you were awake!" Starfire exclaimed. Robin grinned and opened his eyes. There was a pause between them before Starfire spoke again.
"I almost lost you today, Robin," Starfire said softly. "I owe Raven a debt of gratitude for saving you." Robin's eyes softened. "But you didn't lose me, Star. I'm right here," Robin replied, lifting a hand to stroke her cheek. She leaned into the touch, savoring the warmth of his hand. Robin sat up and once again, looked into the green-tinted eyes of the girl before him. There was so little about this world that she understood, but some things went without saying. This was one of them. Tilting his head just a little to one side, Robin pressed his lips to hers. Starfire indulged this for a moment and then pulled back.
"Robin, what is this—" Starfire began, but Robin stopped her with a finger lightly over her lips.
"It's called a kiss. When you want someone to know you really care about them in a...well...special kind of way...you give them a kiss," Robin stumbled to explain. Starfire nodded slowly.
"I have seen movies where people have done this kissing. But it was not like what you just did. It was...different," Starfire murmured. "How different?" Robin replied with a small gulp. Starfire leaned forward and kissed her best friend, sending shockwaves down his spine.
"I care about you in a special way, Robin," Starfire said softly. "Would you like to accompany me to a party in the city with the others tonight?" She had almost forgotten to ask. Robin nodded and let Starfire cover him up again as he dozed off to sleep.
Starfire let the door hiss shut and gasped in shock as she turned and came face to face with Raven. Composing herself quickly, she smiled radiantly at her friend.
"Raven, you are awake!" Starfire exclaimed. Raven's expression remained unchanged. "Cyborg says there's a party tonight," Raven remarked.
"Yes!" Starfire replied. "Please join us, Raven. It will be fun!" Raven rolled her eyes as she replied, "Okay. But only because the rest of the team is going." Starfire fought the urge to hug Raven. The dark Titan usually tolerated the occasional embrace from her friends, but if Starfire got carried away, Raven was liable to not be so patient. Instead, Starfire offered a hand on Raven's shoulder. Raven smiled appreciatively and both girls continued in opposite directions. Raven to the kitchen for tea, and Starfire back to her room for a clean uniform and a shower. The one she was wearing was covered in concrete dust and mud from that morning.