Chapter Two: Together

Morning dawned clear and bright on Titans Tower. Starfire woke up, excitedly as ever to greet the late morning sun on the roof (the Titan's late hours, by consequence, made them late sleepers).

Cyborg was next to wake, with thoughts of making breakfast on his mind. After a quick visit to the washroom, he proceeded to the kitchen to prepare their morning meal.

Raven had been lying awake in her bed for nearly an hour, dreading the day's possibilities. She somewhat regretted her agreement to Starfire's plan of hanging out with Beast Boy and Cyborg so she and Robin could have a day to themselves.

Despite being friendly with them, she didn't always appreciate their mannerisms, particularly Beast Boy's. She hoped he wouldn't get the mind to shop for her, as he always seemed clueless to her tastes in fashion. She really hoped for him to try and hit on some of the other girls he might encounter. At least that would keep him out of her hair.

As for Cyborg, he usually looked for stuff for himself when out in the mall, although he also attracted a fair number of females. Rare were the times Raven herself was approached. She did enjoy the company of one guy, who she first met at that dance club that Blackfire took them to. She saw him once in a while, and enjoyed his mannerisms. She hoped he would be out and about. Not that she'd try and pursue a relationship. Just a friendly conversation. Of course, she had to make sure the other two Titans didn't run off back to the tower without her knowledge. Otherwise, Robin and Starfire would find themselves in a rather precarious situation.

Sighing, Raven dressed, combed her hair and went to breakfast.

Cyborg had made his trademark waffles for breakfast, this time using various berries to add interest to them. Starfire in particular found them an enjoyable dish. Raven stuck to herbal tea and some fruit. In addition to the waffles, Beast Boy had tofu eggs, which Cyborg steered well clear of. Robin chanced it and shared some of Beast Boy's eggs. They were bland, but a bit of salt took care of that.

After eating, Starfire volunteered to do the dishes, while Beast Boy mused over how to spend the day, if no villains threatened it, that is. 'Might as well start things rolling.' thought Raven, who felt a knot in her stomach. She sometimes worried that by age 20, she'd have an ulcer.

"Say, why don't Beast Boy, Cy, and myself go to the mall today?" she said, in midst of the changeling's musings.

The other Titans, except for Starfire, stared at her in awe.

"You want to spend a day at the mall with us?" Beast Boy asked her, bemused.

"Yeah." she replied, awkwardly. "Get some quality time together, you know?"

Cyborg smiled. "Well, it would be nice to have you with us by your own will rather than us dragging you along, kicking and screaming!" he said, chuckling. "Sure, we'll go!"

Raven sighed, feeling relaxed.

"How about Star and myself come with you?" said Robin.

'Oh shit!' thought Raven. 'Gotta think fast! What do I tell him?'

"Actually, Robin," Starfire began, covering for Raven. "I would like to enjoy your company here."

Robin stared at her. "But you love going to the mall!" he said, surprised.

"I know, but today, I wish to have some quiet time. And having you with me is soothing."

Robin stared at her for a moment, and then realized what it was she had in mind. This must be her plan!

"Well, okay then." he said. "The rest of you have some fun!"

"Oh, we will!" Beast Boy replied, deviously.

Raven rolled her eyes. 'So it begins.' she thought. The boys all left to freshen up and change, while Raven remained with Starfire for a talk.

"You're gonna owe me big time for this one, you know?" she told her.

"I know." Starfire replied. "I will try to think of some dark and depressing gifts for you!"

"Um, that's not quite what I was thinking of. More along the lines of me being alone."

"But you are often alone!"

"Not often enough. When I meditate or read, I get interrupted often by either one of you guys or by an emergency."

"Oh, I see. Well, I shall manage it."

"Thanks." She made her way to the door. "Oh, and Star?"

"Yes?"

"I actually wouldn't mind a book or two. Remember, something from 'Horror' or 'Fantasy'."

"I'll try to remember that, Raven!" She wiped her hands clear of the foam from the dish soap.

"Hey, Raven!" she said before the cynic walked out the door.

"Star, I gotta get changed, now what is it?"

"I just want to say how much this means to me! You are such a special friend!"

"Thanks, Star." Raven blushed.

Then, before she could protest, Starfire embraced her, rubbing her back as she did so.

"You are like a sister to me, Raven!" she told her. "I love having you around!"

Raven swallowed her annoyance at this unusual show of affection toward her from Starfire.

"Um, thanks." That was all she could manage.

Then, she was just as flustered when Starfire kissed her cheek.

"I thought I told you to not do that!" she exclaimed.

Starfire giggled at her. "Sorry! I am just so happy!"

With that, she returned to the kitchen to put away the dishes.

As Raven left, Starfire looked at the door longingly. She wished her friend was more outgoing. She loved Raven's company. In fact, she just plain loved her, for she was like the sister she never had. At that thought, Starfire sighed. She wished her real sister wouldn't have turned out to be a criminal, an enemy of her and her friends. But there was little she could do to make her sister see the wrong of her ways. Sometimes, Starfire wanted to cry at such thoughts.

But now, being closer to Robin had helped ease her pain. She had told him her thoughts about her sister. He listened intently, and had told her that her fellow Titans were like a family to her. She agreed with that wholeheartedly. She was unsure what role Robin was in her surrogate family. Now, though, she was certain. They were no longer brother and sister, but lovers. Real lovers like the ones in her romance novels. The feeling of pain went away at that thought as she finished with the dishes.

She left the kitchen to freshen up when she met the other Titans in the hallway. Beast Boy wore jeans and a collared t-shirt, while Cyborg had polished his metal frame and had on a large leather vest. It somehow made him seem more imposing. And Raven wore a black short sleeve t-shirt and dark blue jeans.

"You three have fun out in town, okay?" Starfire said to them.

"Don't worry about that!" Beast Boy said. "Remember, I'm a party animal!"

Raven rolled her eyes. "Get out of hand, though, and you'll be a neutered party animal."

Cyborg roared with laughter while Beast Boy stared slack jawed at Raven, who allowed herself a smile.

"Come on, let's go." she said, getting in the elevator.

"Later, Star!" Cyborg called out just before the doors close.

She waved at them, and then went to her room. Once their, she applied deodorant and perfume and put moisturizer on her hands. She then checked herself in her mirror, ensuring the goods were good. She then bounded back to the lounge.

Robin was already there, sitting on the couch. He was out of uniform, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. He still had his mask on.

"I figured we ought to really relax." he said.

Starfire nodded, and sat down next to him. She could smell the body spray he used earlier. Combined with his looks, she found herself already getting a number of urges toward him. But she contained herself.

"So, why are you still wearing the mask if you want to really relax?" she asked him.

"Well," he began, "If a call does come up, I'll be able to keep my identity secret. Besides, it makes me feel cool. You knew that, didn't you?"

She smiled at him. "That is right, I forgot." She sighed. "It is so relaxing, just being here with only you around. I feel nothing is between us!"

She turned toward him, a dreamy expression in her eyes. Robin returned her gaze.

"I'll never let anything or anyone come between us, Star." he said.

Breathing heavily, Starfire flung herself at Robin, pinning him down on the sofa. She kissed him hard on the mouth, and then worked her way all over his face. He tried to return her affection, but she was just so strong and fast, that he couldn't get a chance! She smothered him with kisses, and had a powerful grip on him. Occasionally, she clawed her hands on his back, admiring the feel of his shoulders and muscles. After about a minute, she let up, simply staring at him with a lustful gaze.

Seeing his chance, Robin encircled Starfire with his arms, holding her tightly. He then tried to roll her underneath him. Unfortunately, he ran out of couch, and the two of them fell on the floor with a loud "thud!" They were dazed for a moment before sitting up.

"Sorry." Robin said self-consciously.

Starfire glared at him for a moment and then laughed.