Chapter 1: Moonlight Talks

"Friend Robin?" Starfire's angelic voice pervaded his clouded mind. He jerked his head her way.

"Star! What are you doing up?" He asked concern evident in his voice. She sighed and floated over to the edge of the tower and sat, her legs dangling over the edge. She gave a tiny motion for him to sit by her. Robin complied and sat comfortably by his best friend.

"I have come to relieve myself of thoughts about the mare of night that visited me," she said. Robin took it to mean she had a nightmare. He smiled and squeezed her shoulder gently. "Robin, you must be here for other reasons, no? I doubt you ever have a mare of night visit you…" she gave a delicate little sigh and tugged at the hem of her skirt. She briefly smoothed out her hair and then continued. "Robin, you have been pondering Slade, have you not?" she inquired. He hung his head and nodded.

"I shouldn't be, but I am. Star, you just don't understand how hard it is for me to know that until I get him behind bars, you and the others are all in danger. Star, I can't let history repeat itself." He sighed, and placed his head in his hands. She tilted her head, knowing all to well of what he was talking about. Robin was still upset about the brief apprenticeship that had been forced on him. It had been many months but still he brooded in anger and fear.

"Robin, please, you do realize we are endangered everyday by every criminal?" she inquired. "Why is it so different with Slade?" Robin gritted his teeth.

"I can beat the other criminals. Slade took over our city with Terra's help and I couldn't stop him. Terra had to stop him by sacrificing herself."

"And he has not been heard of since… Robin perhaps it is time you put such things as Slade in the past and admit he might be gone for good," she looked at him with wide, pleading eyes. He sighed. Maybe Starfire was right. He looked at his friend and gave a little smile. They simply sat for a moment, enjoying one another's company and Robin found himself lost in her beauty. Was it just him or did her thin frame look even more spectacularly shapely and gorgeous in the cool moonlight. Her hair was picked up ever so gently by the breeze and carried the sent of strawberries over to him. He scolded himself for such thoughts. He couldn't think that way about her; she was his best friend and nothing more. The beautiful goddess next to him could never have feelings like that for him.

Starfire gently laid her head on his shoulder and clung to his side. If only Robin understood the deep love she had for him. If he only knew she would die for him. "You are troubled," she said softly. Robin, who had been momentarily in shock by the gesture, sighed. This display of affection had been just like the rest, meant to comfort and nothing more.

"I just can't deal with the fact Slade could still be out there, he could hurt you, Starry, and I couldn't live with that," She lifted her head to face him, her head tilted with obvious confusion.

"Starry?" she asked. Robin blushed crimson at the realization of what he'd said.

"Um… I uh, meant Starfire, it just, came out wrong?" he offered. She smiled and nodded, accepting his answer without question, but he saw what appeared like a hint of disappointment flicker across her features. If it had been there it was completely unnoticeable now. She hugged him with an uncommon tenderness before getting up to leave. Starfire was known for her rib-crushing hugs and yet what they had just shared had been much different… more… intimate? He shook his head. 'Robin you can't think of her like that!' he scolded himself yet again.

"I believe the mare of night is gone now… I shall see you in the morning, friend Robin." She floated to the door that lead back into the tower. "Robin, please try to get some sleep yourself," she added softly as she floated down stairs. As the remnants of her sweet voice drifted over him, Raven stepped out of the shadows.

"You should have told her then. You miss so many opportunities to admit your true feelings for her," Raven stated apathetically, although a hint of annoyance could be perceived. Robin glared at Raven, his eyes narrowed into slits.

"What true feelings?" he growled in reply, thoroughly peeved that Raven had been eves dropping. Raven gave him an innocent look.

"Oh, I must have read things wrong, but in this case I suppose her date with Aqualad tomorrow doesn't bother you any," she replied. Robin's eyes widened.

"Her DATE with WHO?!" he cried.

"Her date with Aqualad tomorrow, you didn't know?" Raven responded bluntly.

"MY Star's going on a date?!" he squealed.

"Your Star?" Raven questioned with a lift of her eyebrow. "I think I hear a hint of jealousy," Raven prodded. Robin snarled.

"I am NOT jealous of Aqualad. Starfire can date whoever she wants…" his stomach plummeted as he said it. "I was just surprised." He mumbled.

Raven smirked. "Of course she can date who she wants to, but I don't buy that you're not jealous of Aqualad,"

"I'm not jealous!" he roared, his arms waving wildly at his sides.

"Sure, just like you weren't jealous of the green blob she was engaged to," Raven stated dryly before sweeping loftily off the roof, her argument won. Robin simply glared at the retreating Goth girl before stalking off to his room. Truth was, Robin was VERY jealous.

Author's Notes: I hope you like this story. PLEASE R and R!!!! Questions? Comments? I want to hear from you.