Chapter 6

That evening Starfire and Robin went into town. This was mainly for two reasons.

The first reason was that Starfire was eager to see the people in town carol-singing, see the decorated houses and do other Christmas-y things.

The second was that Robin had agreed to turn on the lights for the main Christmas Tree in the town centre.

"It's kinda embarrassing. But you know, the mayor asked and I couldn't exactly say no." Robin explained as they made their way to the centre of Jump City. Starfire smiled.

"It is no trouble! I am quite happy to watch this ceremony." Robin smiled.

Starfire was looking particularly adorable today. Wrapped in a green coat, with mittens and scarf, her cheeks where flushed pink and her nose was turning a delightful shade of red. Robin, wearing a black coat and gloves, couldn't help admiring her beauty. She looked around excitedly as they entered the centre.

"Oh! Is that the tree corpse?"

"Uh, yeah. But don't call it that." Robin advised. Robin took her hand and led her through the large crowd to the stage at the front. The mayor smiled jovially.

"Robin! And Starfire! It's a pleasure. Come, take a seat and I'll introduce you."

They sat on the rickety chairs at the back of the platform. The mayor went to the microphone.

"Residents of Jump City! It is an absolute pleasure to welcome you here this evening. As you know Christmas is only the day after tomorrow and we're all looking forward to it. And here to turn on the Christmas Lights of the City Square are a pair of young people who have done so much for our community and continue to do so. Ladies, Gentlemen, Children of all ages… Let's have a round of applause for Robin and Starfire of the Teen Titans!"

The pair rose to warm applause and cheers. Robin put his hand on the switch and then took Starfire's, placing it on there too. As they pulled it down together, the lights turned on. Beautiful colours flooded the darkened city. The crowd cheered in delight as the lights on the tree shone blazingly and twinkled. Starfire clapped her hands together and spun around lightly, admiring the shining lights. Robin smiled.

"Like them?"

"They are truly wondrous! We have nothing as beautiful as this on my planet!" Starfire said wistfully. Robin said, without thinking,

"I wouldn't say that."

"What?" Starfire said, looking at him. He jumped as he realised what he had said.

"Nothing! Come on, let's go and see the carol singers!"

Outside the City Hall, a group of Carol Singers pelted sweet melodies into the night. Starfire and Robin stood nearby, listening. Starfire was smiling, eyes closed as she listened.

"That is lovely…" She whispered. The tune changed and quiet chords sounded. She opened her eyes.

"What is this song?"

"It's called 'Silent Night'." Robin said.

Silent Night

Holy Night

All is calm

All is bright

"Oh…" Starfire sighed, clasping her hands in amazement.

'Round yon virgin mother

And child

Holy Infant

So tender and mild

Robin moved closer to Starfire, putting an arm around her shoulders to keep her warm.

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Starfire leant against Robin, watching the carol singers with peaceful eyes. They listened in silence to the rest of the song. Robin leant his cheek against the top of Starfire's head. Her red hair was warm and soft. He closed his eyes, breathing in the scent of her.

He couldn't describe how much he loved her at that moment.

As they walked through the streets in comfortable silence, Robin reached out and took Starfire's hand in his own. As they walked past a small café, he paused.

"Do you want to get a hot drink?"

"That would be nice." Starfire smiled. She sat down at a table as Robin fetched two hot chocolates. Robin smiled as they drank.

"Having fun?"

"Oh yes. I have never had such a wonderful night." Starfire nodded. Robin smiled again.

"I'm glad."

Starfire smiled down at her hot chocolate. Robin looked out of the window at the dark street.

"I wonder if it'll snow."

"Snow? The tiny pieces of frozen water that fall from the sky?"

"Yeah. Have you ever been in it?" Robin asked.

"Only once. But it was not enjoyable. Do you remember when I was sent to the future? The whole city was covered in snow. It was cold and hard." Starfire said sadly. Robin shook his head.

"No, it's just because you haven't seen fresh snow. It's great! You can build snowmen and make snow angels and have snowball fights and go sledging or ice-skating…"

"That sounds much more fun… yes; I think I would like to do that!" Starfire said decisively.

"If it snows this Christmas I'll take you tobogganing. That's the best part. When you're sliding down a hill really fast and you don't think you're going to stop… it's amazing!"

"I absolutely must experience this to…tobo…"

"Tobogganing. We will. It's cold enough to snow." Robin told her. Starfire clapped her hands in delight.

"Yes! We must!"

Robin walked Starfire to her room. It was nearly midnight and they'd just got back to the tower. They paused outside the door. Starfire smiled.

"Thank you so very much for this lovely night."

"It's nothing…"

"No, it is! I have enjoyed myself greatly. Thank you for showing me the wonderful lights and the beautiful singing of carols and for the promise of tobogganing." She looked shy for a moment, "I have enjoyed being with you tonight."

Robin couldn't help the smile from spreading across his mouth. Starfire returned it shyly and slid the door to her room open. But, before she went in, she turned and kissed his cheek. And then she quickly ran into her room.

For several moments Robin stared at the door. A helpless grin spread across his face as he turned and walked dazedly towards his own bedroom.