"Starfire..."

"Robin..."

Two pairs of eyes met on the moonlit rooftop of Titan's Tower. One pair of sky blue, partially hidden by a dark black mask. The other a pair of brilliant emerald, shining like the central Lantern battery on Oa. For a while both were quiet, the cool night air rustling between them as they regarded one another quietly. And thoughtfully.

"I'm sorry," he said then, breaking the silence that seemed oppressive. Starfire, however, was stunned by his sudden words. She tilted her head quizzically, puzzled.

"Why?" she asked.

"I've been selfish," he replied. "I... I was so scared to try and remember my life I didn't see how... how I've been hurting you. You've done your best to help me and I pushed you away and... and I'm sorry. If... if you want to stop helping me... I'll understand. I don't want to be a burden to you."

He lowered his head shamefully, yet at the same time he was glad he'd finally gotten the words out. He fully expected her to leave then, and it would be best. He didn't want to be a burden to her. Instead he was surprised when bright violet clothes and golden tanned skin entered his vision, and he tilted his head up to behold Starfire, floating right in front of him, nearly eye-to-eye. He decided he should take back then and there what he'd said about her picture in the photo album.

-Now- she looked beautiful.

"You are never a burden to me, Robin. Nor was I ever one to you when we first met. You've been at my side always throughout my time here on Earth. I only wish to return the favor," she said softly.

"Thank you," he said, reaching out to hold her, to hold her to him. To cling to her. With his life in shambles, his mind a tortured maze of chaotic images and memories, she was his anchor. Something he could hold on to. And he did so. She held him close, comforting him as best she was able.

"Starfire... I think I found another memory... can you help me remember more?"

"Of course," she replied, gently disentangling herself from his arms... though with great hesitation. "What do you remember?"

He described his most recent memory to her, the one he'd just been going over when she'd arrived on the rooftop. The one about them dancing.

"Prom," she replied. "Junior Prom... I remember. We'd gone there on a mission to save the city..."

"To a dance?" he asked in disbelief.

She nodded, utterly serious. "You'd been forced to escort a royal zarbnarf of a girl name Kitten there... and I'd come along to save you in case she hurt you... and... and we fought her and the Fang who was with her, and they were taken away to jail... and then... and then..." she stammered, blushingly lightly.

"... we danced," he finished. His memory must've started just after this encounter with "Kitten" and "the Fang" of whom Starfire spoke.

"Yes."

He sighed softly, making his way to the rooftop's edge... but then stopped, turning back to her and smiled. Unlike before, when he was upset, he beckoned her to join him. They sat down on the edge, peering out at the city of Jump, still black and quiet from Overload's rampage.

"I wish I could remember," he said again.

"I too... but we've not yet found a way to restore your memories..." she said, then reluctantly added, "Well... there might be one way."

"What is it?" he asked, his interest suddenly piqued.

"A..." Starfire hesitated, unsure of what to tell Robin. Already he was having enough trouble with simple things like aliens and magic, introducing the concept of extra-dimensional imps might not be the best way to tell him things. "... a friend told me that in order to bring back your memories we must... must find some way to shock you. Surprise you, really," she added.

"... I see," he replied after a moment. "How?"

"I am not knowing," replied Starfire. "R'dn... er... my friend did not know herself exactly. And I would not wish to do anything that would possibly hurt you," she said suddenly, trying to relax him. He seemed... incredibly tense. It was hard to tell, but only Batman himself had known Robin longer than Starfire, and she could read him very well.

"No," he agreed with her. "But... but if there's a chance. I want to take it. I want to remember Star. I want to remember -you-. Okay?"

"OK," she replied solemnly, resting her hands in her lap as she gazed out at the sky and the moon. Thinking. She had no real fear she'd fall, she could fly after all. Like Robin had earlier, she focused all her concentration on thinking of a suitable way to shock Robin. A way to restore his memories. And while not as bright as Robin himself, or Raven with her mysticism, or Cyborg with his mechanics, or even Beastboy with his surprisingly large number of facts on animal anatomy, Starfire had always been a bright girl. Because of her unique look on life she often viewed a problem and could come to the most startling insightful conclusions.

And so it was that a flash of insight hit her like a bolt of lightning (which had happened once, an incident involving a broken TV antennae and a failed rock-paper-scissors with Beastboy) and she realized, in that instant, what she had to do. R'dnairok had been very subtle in paving the way for her, but now that she had, she was very grateful.

Though her cheek suddenly burned crimson at the very thought of it.

"Starfire?" asked Robin, glancing over at her in surprise. She'd been intense in concentration before, now it looked like something was on her mind. "You okay?"

"Fine," she managed to squeak out, still blushing deeply. Hesitantly she took his hand, helping him to stand. "I... er... I believe I've thought of a... a rather good way to shock you," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. Her eyes were wet with tears, and she seemed on the verge of loosing them. "But you may not like what I am about to do," she added softly.

Gently he placed one hand on her shoulder, the other coming up to tenderly dry her tears. "Even without my memories I can tell you care a lot about me, Starfire... and I care a lot about you. Whatever you do, I know it's only in my best interest... so go ahead. I'm not afraid of you. I trust you."

"Thank you," she whispered, touched by his faith in her. Then, without warning grabbed his head with both hands and pulled him forward, at the same time moving herself towards him until their lips suddenly met, pressing against one another's in a powerful kiss.

To say Robin was shocked was a dreadful understatement. He was flat out stunned, amazed, astonished, bewildered, blown away, bowled over, flabbergasted, floored, knocked, overcome, overwhelmed, startled, stumped, surprised, taken aback, thrown, thunderstruck and much more than any number of English adjectives could describe. He almost started to struggle, caught completely off guard... but then relaxed into the kiss, letting his lips mold against Starfire's softly. Tentatively exploring the texture of her tiny mouth.

It would've surprised both of them to know it was their very first kiss.

Robin had never had time for frivolous pursuits before joining the Titans, he'd been wholly consumed by his work as the sidekick of Batman, training and fighting and learning so he could be a better crime-fighter. Consequently his alter ego, Dick Greyson, had never gone out much. And even those few dates had never ended with anything more than a friendly hug or simple good-bye, and even more rarely a second date. At the time, he hadn't cared. He told himself he'd been saving his first kiss for the right girl... that he'd wanted the moment to be special...

Starfire too, had never been kissed before. As royalty on Tamaran, it had been forbidden for any to get so truly close to her. She was kept pure and innocent for the man she was to marry when she came of age. But now that she was no longer technically the Princess of Tamaran, she could choose whomever she wished... to do whatever she pleased. However, like Robin, she'd wanted to save herself for the right person and make it special...

... and was it ever. A casual observer (had one been present) would not have been surprised it sparks not unlike fireworks were to surround the young couple at any moment.

Starfire quickly broke the kiss, far too soon for both of them, it seemed, and beheld Robin, hoping her plan had worked. She'd given everything she had to try and surprise him, tried to startle him. She hoped it worked. She silently prayed to X'Hal it worked.

"... Robin?" she whispered quietly. She could still feel a tingle on her lips where they'd kiss, and it sent shivers throughout her body that had nothing to do with the cold air.

For a moment Robin stumbled backwards, and Starfire gasped, reaching out to catch him. He fell backwards, his eyes rolling back into his head. She realized he'd fainted again, and she gently lay him down on the rooftop, tapping his cheek. "Robin...? Robin...?"

A very, very long while passed, and he did not stir, his only motions the slow and steady intake and outtake of breath showing her that he was alright, if unconscious. Still, she was beside herself with worry. She was terrified perhaps she had shocked him too deeply, that her surprise had instead further fragmented his damaged mind. That perhaps he would remember even less than before.

Finally, Robin stirred, his eyes fluttering behind his black mask as the world came into focus. And of course, the first thing he saw was Starfire's pretty face looking down at him with concern. And now a little relief, that he was awake again.

"Robin... are you alright?" she asked softly.

And, to her vast relief, he smiled up at her, reaching up a hand. "... yeah," he replied, as she took his hand and helped him to his feet. And, to her vast surprise (and equally vast pleasure) she saw his body language has changed. No longer shy... but confident.

His next words confirmed her greatest hope.

"I'm back... Koriand'r," he said tenderly. Her real name. None of the other Titans knew it, only Robin, he was the only one she'd ever told it to, and she'd never been able to tell him during his blackout. It had never come up, but in another sense she'd been keeping it as a test. And he'd passed. He was cured! His memories were restored!

"Robin!" she cried out joyfully, leaping forward and crushing him in a bear-hug. It was fortunate for him that she'd managed to restrain herself. Otherwise he'd be back in the medical bay in no time, and with physical injuries this time instead of mental ones.

But he didn't think about that right now. Right now he gently wrapped his arms around Starfire and held her close to him. "It's good to be back," he whispered softly. "I'm sorry I worried you Star."

"I am simply very very very glad to have the real Robin back... you remember everything?" she asked, a sudden fear clutching at her heart once more.

"More or less," he replied. "I think I forgot what teachers I had in second grade..." he added teasingly.

"Oh... I am sorry Robin," she said, lifting her head back up to meet his eyes. She actually looked worried before she spotted his expression. He wasn't sad, he was... smirking.

"It was a joke, Starfire," he explained to her patiently. Still smiling, even. And she suddenly felt weak to her knees. She'd missed this. She'd missed being corrected by Robin. She'd missed... she'd missed him. He'd been at her side all night, but he hadn't been with her. Not really. But now her Robin was back. All was well again.

"Glorious!" she said, still clinging to him, her hands resting on his shoulders. "I simply must recite the Poem of Gratitude for the safe recovery of your memories. All six thousand verses!"

"I'll trade you all six thousand for another kiss," he said jokingly. And Starfire could tell it was a joke this time, and they both shared a good laugh over that. That is, until their eyes met... and their laughs subsided. And they realized just how close they truly were... physically and emotionally.

With only a minimal of hesitation, and nearly on a simultaneous cue, the two of them leaned forward, slowly this time, and softly kissed once more. This kiss lingered, lasting for what seemed like an eternity to both of them, as they tentatively explored one another's lips. Starfire's arms slid around Robin's neck to press him more deeply into the kiss, and at the same time his arms wrapped around her slender waist to draw her in more closely to his embrace. Neither had any real clue what they were doing. They were letting their teenaged hormones guide them. And something else. Something deep and magical they shared in their hearts. A bond not easily put into words. Only a single one in the English language came close.

Love.

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For how long the two of them stood like that, wrapped in one another's arms, neither could say. Nor did they particularly care. However, a sudden chill on the back of her neck made Starfire gasp, and their kiss ended. Robin looked at her in surprise, before he felt a similar chill on his bare arm. They both looked up.

It was snowing.

Perfect globes of cool white snow fell from the skies above them, flowing down in a soft flurry. The rain from earlier in the night must have decided to return when the temperature had dropped... but now it was a simple and beautiful display and both of them enjoyed it, their gaze traveling from one another to the beautiful ebon skies of night to the floating snowflakes as they descended. It looked almost as if the stars were drifting down to Earth. And, as they both watched, they saw that, throughout the night, someone had been working to repair the damage Overload had been doing. Not just Starfire. She had cured the blackout in Robin's head. And now someone had 'cured' the blackout in Jump City. As they watched, it lit up with the bright white, green and red lights, all the Christmas lights coming back to illuminate the city and the landscape.

In their entire lifetimes, Robin and Starfire had only ever seen one thing more beautiful than the sight before them now. And it was right beside them. And they still had one arm wrapped around the other's sides as they stared out at the beautiful snowfall on their equally beautiful city.

Robin reached up with his free hand, unclasping his cape and gently draping it over Starfire's bare shoulders to help keep her warm. And though she appreciated the gesture, she did not feel in the least bit cold. She felt an inner fire inside of her, and it burned as brightly as the yellow sun of Earth.

"Merry X-Mas, Robin," she murmured contently, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Merry Christmas, Starfire," he replied, his arm still wrapped around her shoulders, his head resting atop of hers tenderly.

They were like that... for a very, very long time. Almost until the sun had risen on Titan's Tower.

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Author's Notes:

Comic Starfire pulled a similar move on Robin, though it had been to learn English (absorbed through physical contact with a native speaker) rather than shock him. However, as shocks go, I think that's got to have been the biggest he's ever received. The Poem of Gratitude (and all of its six thousand verses) was mentioned but (thankfully) not recited early on in 'Sisters.' Next time: Christmas morning, presents exchanged. Good-bye angst, hello giddy warm feelings all around. And time to find out what the Titan's gifts (not just Starfire's and Robin's) are to one another. Still taking last minute guesses. Or any kinda guesses for that matter.

Yomiori-wolfdemon: Websites don't post well, I couldn't see it. However, I think I've seen websites to the effect of which you're describing more times than I care to recount. But I'll take a look.

ShadowSage2: I know, tough stuff, isn't it? Meanie teachers. With the grammar you'll have to thank my beta, Katergator, I still missed plenty that Word didn't catch. I'm glad you enjoyed the Batman and R'dnairok appearances. I checked out the story you mentioned, Tara Logan was referring to Terra. Her real name was Tara Markov. Obviously the fan was Beastboy/Terra not Beastboy/Raven. Raven is her real name.

Todd fan: Starfire angrily pushes Toddfan away Mine! Get your own!

Clueless90: Glad you're enjoying it.

Heome Lover: Like totally huh? Wow that's high praise. Hope you enjoyed the update, one more to go and it's coming sooner than you'd think.

Dragonblond: Wow, a super-extra-mega-long review, I haven't received one of those since Annihilation. I am unworthy! You do make a good point, I suppose. Raven Roth… I like it! 'course if I have my way with her she'll be Raven Logan before too long. Glad I am that I could relieve the suffering that is college from you, and even help you do well on your exam. Stubbornness works, but I think what you're going for is dedication. This chapter I hope you enjoyed, next one's tomorrow, so watch for it. As for your own stories well, genius cannot be rushed. Your loyal fans will wait.

Tigress419: Reviews tend to cut out letters and numbers if they're repeated more than twice. Go figure why. Glad you enjoyed the Man-Bat cameo and the appearance of Larry's "girlfriend." But come on, you saw how he melted in 'Fractured.' We all know exactly how he, and his DNA buddy, feel about their counterparts.

Jadedea: Wow, another rabid fan. I must be on to something. Don't worry, you don't have to wait as long for the next update.

InuKurama: I'd probably like a Nevar too. But we all know Raven darn well wouldn't. Glad you're enjoying the story, InuKurama-san.

Titansfan: Robin's past ain't pretty. None of the Titans really are, but for now I'm focusing on him. Lucky he's got a pretty Tamaranian Princess to help him through it though, isn't he? I agree, I enjoyed Date with Destiny too. Then again there are few Titan episodes I truly don't like.

Ray1: Well Batman you've seen, what on earth gives you the idea I'm involving Batgirl though? Your spider-senses must be off. Get 'em fixed.

Renayum04: Thank you. Work hard, I will. Next chapter soon.