Chapter 11- Reflecting my Antagonist
Robin stood in front of his mirror looking himself over and readjusted his bowtie before finally deciding everything on him was properly aligned. This was it, Saturday, the big day. Robin and Starfire were going out on their first date to dinner and The 9th Annual Jump City Ball; this could either make or break their relationship. He leaned forward again and starred at himself inches away from the mirror and fiddled with the sides of his mask, making sure that too would be perfectly straight during the night. Robin backed away and scanned himself from head to toe. He wore a black suit jacket and pants along with a matching pair of shoes, which made him an inch taller, that he and Cyborg had picked out the day before. He also wore a matching bowtie and vest underneath his jacket with a white long sleeved button-up shirt. Everything seemed perfect, almost…too perfect. Friday brought no crime what-so-ever, not even a small-town bank robber or jewel thief. This struck Robin as interesting because it did not follow the crime cycle he had anticipated a few nights before. Robin decided it didn't matter, at least, not tonight. Tonight, he wasn't going to let things get in the way and he wasn't going to be a superhero. Tonight, he would be Robin "The Boy Wonder" who was going out on a date with the girl of his dreams.
"How's the man of the hour doin,'" a cheerful voice from behind him said. "You just about ready man?"
He turned to face Cyborg who was leaning against the doorframe of the entrance with his arms crossed. "Yeah I think I'm all set," said Robin as he faced the mirror and looked himself over once more.
Cyborg grinned as he watched Robin readjust his bowtie again, for he knew his friend had been anticipating this night all week and wanted to make sure everything was perfect.
"Well, when you're ready," he said. "We'll be waiting for you in the living room."
"Alright then." said Robin. Cyborg began leaving but just before he had gone, he called back to him, "Hey Cyborg."
He turned quickly around, "Yeah?"
"Is, Starfire out there yet," Robin asked trying to hide his anxiety.
A grin came across Cyborg's face and he answered, "Don't know man, I'll check up on her for ya though."
"Thanks," said Robin as his friend left.
He took in a deep breath, looked himself over one more time, and slowly made his way out of his quarters and towards the living-room.
-
"Oh, if only this strand would relocate elsewhere," said Starfire toying with her hair in the mirror. "Err," she moaned as the long strands of hair kept falling over her eye.
"Ya know Star," a voice from behind her said. "No matter what you do with your hair you'll always look beautiful."
In her mirror, Starfire glanced over at the person standing in the doorway of her room, and turned to face him. "Beast Boy," she said blushing slightly. "You are most kind."
"Come on Star what's the hold up? Robin's waiting for you," he said making his way towards her.
"Nothing is holding the up," she said turning around and looking at her reflection again. "I merely wish to relocate these 'loose ends' as Raven so called them earlier today."
"Here let me see," said Beast Boy as she turned to face him. He looked at her hair and thought for a moment on how he could fix the situation. He snapped his fingers and a light bulb went on and off above his head. "I KNOW JUST THE THING, WAIT RIGHT HERE!"
He sat Starfire in the chair next to her and dashed out the door in a heart beat. Less than two seconds later, he returned with a can of industrial strength hairspray and a smile across his face. He stood behind Starfire and over her hair and began working his "magic" in the reflection of the mirror. He gently pulled out a few more strands of hair from the bundle on top of her head and let them hang to the side of her right eye. Beast Boy placed the loose ends in between his two fingers, like a barber, and ran them down the length of the hairs. He picked her brush up on the table and combed them all in a straight line. He told Starfire to close her eyes, then sprayed the bundled hairs and stepped back, admiring his work.
"And viola," Beast Boy cheered at his accomplishment.
Starfire's eyes lit up and she now wore a huge smile across her face. The aggravating loose ends that stuck out like soar thumbs were now formed into a long bang that ended just above her chin and curled slightly at the end.
"Oh Beast Boy," she exclaimed. "It is most gorgeous, thank you!" She rose from her chair and engulfed him in an enormous hug.
"No…sweat," he squeaked gasping for air.
Cyborg came to Starfire's door and knocked gently on it taking extra precaution not to startle her. "Hey Star," he called from behind the door. "I'm just checkin' to see if you're ready cause Robin's waiting for you in the living-room, so…we'll all be in there."
Starfire put her friend down then called back to him. "I will be there shortly, just one moment more please!"
Beast Boy looked up at her and asked, "So…ya ready?"
Starfire smile at him. "I am," she said. "Please, let us join Robin and the others in the room that is living."
The two left her quarters and made their way down the long hallway and headed for the living-room.
-
Robin sat on the couch across from Raven reading her book, and flipped through channels on the T.V. as he nervously waited for Starfire. It was almost five till six now and their dinner reservations were in an hour; they'd have to leave soon if they were going to make it to the restaurant on time. A door slid open behind him and he spun his head immediately around to see who it was, but to his dismay, it was only Cyborg.
"She'll be out in a sec," Cyborg said as he entered and headed for the kitchen.
Robin sighed in disappointment then went back to flipping channels. A few minutes later, Robin heard the familiar sound of the door sliding open and jerked his head around anxious to see Starfire. It was only Beast Boy.
"Where's Star," he asked.
"She had to go to the bathroom, she'll be out in a minute," said Beast Boy as he made his way over and sat near Robin on the couch.
Another disappointed look came across his face and he got up and went into the kitchen. He scooted around Cyborg cooking dinner and went to the sink and poured himself a glass of water and began chugging it.
"Ya nervous," Cyborg asked mischievously.
Robin leaned against the kitchen counter with his back turned to his friend and did not answer.
"It's okay if you are Rob," Cyborg said trying to comfort him now.
"I'm not nervous, I'm just—"
"OH LOOK SHE'S FINALLY READY," Beast Boy yelled from across the room happy to see Starfire.
"Bout time you showed up Star," Cyborg said glancing briefly at her then going back to his cooking. "Robin here was starting to get worried."
"Please forgive me," the angelic voice behind Robin said. "I did not mean to take so long."
Robin's heart skipped a beat as goose bumps formed up and down his body and his eyes widened. He gasped quietly under his breath then slowly turned around and immediately landed his eyes on his date. Robin slowly walked over towards Starfire and his mouth dropped open as he gazed in awe at the beautiful girl standing shyly in the room with her hands behind her back. Starfire did the same, and her eyes jumped from the floor to Robin standing in front of her with his hands at his side and his mouth propped slightly open. The two stood there in utter silence starring at one another in disbelief at who they were to be going out with tonight.
"Check her out," Beast Boy boasted as he made his way next to Starfire. "I helped pick out the dress and everything!" He had her twirl around to show everyone her new outfit.
As Robin watched Starfire spin around like a fashion model, he did indeed check her out as Beast Boy instructed; from head to toe. She wore a black dress that hugged tightly to every contour of her body and ended just above her knees. It had a long slit on the side that went quite far up her thigh and a lone strap that tied at the end and went around the back of her neck; holding the entire dress up. The back of the dress left her shoulders and back completely exposed and Robin watched every muscle flex and relax as she twirled around for him in a dazzling display of her beauty. Robin was accustomed to seeing Starfire with long let-down hair, but tonight, she wore it as most girls do to Prom with it bundled on top of her head. He took note of the long red bang that came down the right side of her face and crossed over her eye that made her look all the more "sexy" in Robin's opinion. At her feet, she wore a pair of short high heals with straps that wrapped 1/4 of the way up her calf and left her feet mostly bare. Robin's nervousness and anxiety were taken over and replaced by a warm fuzzy feeling that went over his entire body as his eyes remained fixed on Starfire.
"ROBIN," Beast Boy yelled waving a hand in front of his face. "EARTH TO ROBIN, COME IN PLEASE! I SAID—WHAT DO YOU THINK OF STARFIRE'S DRESS!"
Robin snapped out of his trance and rejoined his friend back in reality. "Huh, What!" Robin briefly looked at Beast Boy, then back at Starfire. "It looks…nice," he said with a warm smile on his face.
Starfire's head fell slightly and she began to blush. "Thank you Robin," she said. "You too look most handsome."
"Thanks," he said as he began blushing as well.
Beast Boy and Cyborg were standing a few feet away from them and started chuckling like school boys while they watched Robin and Starfire flirt. Hearing their childish laughter, Robin shot them an angry glare and they immediately stopped as guilty looks came across their faces. They paused as their eyes met Robin's, then they quickly minded their own business and went back to doing whatever.
Robin looked back at Starfire and said, "So…you ready?"
"Indeed," said Starfire with a smile. "Let us depart now."
"Have fun guys," Cyborg yelled to them as they left.
"Yeah, Bye," called Beast Boy.
"See ya later," Raven said lazily turning a page in her book.
"Farewell friends," shouted Starfire back to them. "We shall return at a later time this evening."
Robin and Starfire headed out the door and stepped into the elevator and descended to the lower levels of the tower.
-
"Come on Star," Robin said smiling at her as he mounted his motorcycle and handed Starfire another one of his red helmets. "Jump on."
She looked at him strangely. "Robin, I do not believe I can 'jump' on your cycle of motors wearing these shoes and dress," she said gazing down at her outfit with a disappointed look on her face.
Robin paused and starred at her for a moment. "Star," he chuckled. "It's just an expression for you to get on the back of my bike."
"Oh," she said turning red. "I shall join you on your 'bike' then."
She put the helmet on over her head, careful not to mess up her hair, and pulled her leg over and sat on the back seat of Robin's motorcycle. Robin felt her warm body press up against him and his heart began beating even faster as she adjusted herself on his bike.
"Ready," Robin turned to ask her.
"I am," Starfire answered.
"Alright then," he turned the keys to the ignition and the R-cycle shook a few times then began to purr. "Let's go…"
Starfire let out a startled cry as the two were jerked forward slightly and began slowly descending under ground. A few moments later, the elevator that harbored the couple on the motorcycle came to a halt inside a very large dimly lit tunnel that seemed to expand several miles.
Robin turned his head around and smiled back at Starfire.
VROOM…VROOM…VROOM. Robin firmly grasped the front breaks and let the back tired screech against the pavement as it began creating smoke clouds behind them. Starfire immediately wrapped her arms around his stomach and clenched her legs firmly against his hips, making sure she would not fall off once they had taken off.
"HANG ON!"
Robin released his hand on the break, and the bike shot forward like a bullet quickly gaining speed as they sped down the long tunnel. To Starfire, this ride on this "motorcycle" was a treat since she always had to fly to the scene of a crime, and couldn't ride along with Robin. She squealed with delight as the motorcycle picked up more speed and made its' way further down the tunnel.
"Alright Star," said Robin over the helmet radios. "There's a big jump up ahead. I want you to hold on to me as tight as you can."
The road gradually became steeper and Robin sped up to compensate for the incline so they could successfully make the jump without crashing. "HERE IT COMES," he yelled in a playful voice.
Starfire tightened her grip around him and squeezed her eyes shut anticipating the jump then suddenly felt weightlessness. The warm evening breeze swept over her body in an exhilarating rush as the bike leapt through the air and out of the tunnel somewhere in the city like a bat out of hell. Her stomach rose inside her chest and her heart almost seemed to skip a beat as they glided through the air and onto the hard cement. The motorcycle bounced and screeched a few times as it made contact with the pavement causing Starfire to hit her butt hard on the seat.
"Glorious Robin," Starfire Cheered. "Your cycle of motors is most enjoyable.
"Heh heh," he chucked, "Thanks."
"So where are we to locate to," Starfire asked giddily over the intercom.
"There's a restaurant on the East side of town I'd like to take you to," said Robin. "But first, there's something I'd like you to see."
The motorcycle picked up speed and they road off into the low-rising evening sun.
-
The bike came to a stop and Robin turned off the ignition, "Alright Star," he said. "You can open your eyes now."
Starfire giggled then gasped at the magnificent view she had opened her eyes to. "Wow…"she said under her breath.
Robin had brought her to the top of a high ridge somewhere on the outskirts of town that overlooked the entire city. The sky held a gorgeous array of light blues, purples, reds, and warm oranges created by the sun as it began setting behind the city. Building lights had come on, and the moon lingered very dimly, high above the city as the day slowly gave way to night.
"So," he said turning his head to face her. "What do you think?"
"It is…most…beautiful," she finally said never taking her eyes of the scenery.
"I thought you'd like it. This is where I come to think sometimes and remind myself of what I've been fighting to save for so long."
Starfire's eyes fell on the city park far below them that fostered laughing children, flirting couples, and families having evening picnics in the park. She stopped on a couple about their age who were holding hands and sitting under a tree as they watched the sun set behind the city. The boy turned his head and looked deeply into his girlfriend's eyes; then slowly, they leaned in and kissed each other softly on the lips. A faint smile came across Starfire's face and she looked at Robin who also gazed upon the kissing couple sitting under the tree. Robin turned to face her, and the two sat there looking into each other's eyes. Suddenly, both of their stomachs growled and startled looks came across their faces as they began laughing at each other.
"Ya hungry," Robin chuckled.
"Indeed I am," Starfire giggled. "Please, where are we to be going out tonight?"
Robin smiled at her. "Well you'll have to find out when we get there. It's a surprise."
"I cannot wait."
Robin turned the ignition key and the bike purred like a lion. He hit the throttle and they sped down the long winding road and back into the city.
-
"CYBORG THAT'S CHEATING," Beast Boy yelled.
"No it's not. You're just jealous cause you can't touch this," said Cyborg taunting his friend.
The two began furiously pressing buttons on their controllers as they battle each other in a game of Slayer on a Halo 2. Beast Boy snuck behind Cyborg's character and landed a perfect 3-shot burst from the assault rifle in the back of Cyborg's head.
"HEAD SHOT, HAHAHAHAHAHA! BOO…YAH," he yelled pointing his finger in Cyborg's face.
"AW YOU'RE GOIN' DOWN YA LITTLE GRASS STAIN!"
Raven, mediating on the other side of the room, rolled her eyes and looked back at them. "Could you two be just a little louder," she asked sarcastically. "I can still hear myself think."
Beast Boy nor Cyborg answered, but instead continued vigorously playing their game.
Raven sighed then went back to her meditation. "Azerath, Metrion, Zinthose… Azerath, Metrion, Zinthose…"
-
The R-cycle pulled into a parking space in front of a large five-story building that looked as though it may have been an old hotel from the early 1900's. Considering Starfire had never been to this side of town, this area had a reputation for its' low crime rate and having some of the finest restaurants in the city. Starfire looked at the sign on the second floor of the building that had a strange dialect on it that she did not understand. "La Piccola Italia," it read, which Robin explained to her meant, "The Little Italy." They dismounted the motorcycle and placed their helmets in a compartment under Starfire's seat, then made their way into the restaurant. Robin held the door open for Starfire and she thanked him for his gentlemen-like act as they entered the restaurant. When they came through the doorway Starfire was awestruck by the stunning atmosphere that almost seemed to mimic an old city in Italy. There were a total of five floors, all of which had nothing but tables that overlooked a small cityscape replica of Venice, Italy in the middle of the restaurant. The walls were a dark maroon color and were decorated with elegant mirrors, as well as pictures and paintings of places in Italy that Starfire found all the more fascinating. The entire place was dimly lit, for the only light sources were table candles and an enormous chandelier that came almost a hundred feet down from the ceiling in the middle of the restaurant.
"Ciao il benvenuto alla piccola Italia," the hostess standing in front of them said. "Hello, and welcome to The Little Italy. Name please."
Robin smiled at her and said, "Robin, we a have a reservations for seven o'clock."
The woman opened a book in front of her and skimmed through the pages until finally coming to the right one. "Ah yes, Robin party of two, right this way please."
She picked up two menus and walked them to an old-fashioned elevator with a metal sliding door. The elevator stopped at the third floor and their hostess led them through a maze of other tables and to theirs. They were seated at a table next to an elegant mirror with gold trim that reflected Robin and Starfire's smiling faces as they sat down.
"Enjoy your meals, your server will be out shortly," said the hostess as she placed their menus in front of them.
"Thanks," said Robin before she left then turning to Starfire. "So, what do you think of this place?"
"It is wonderful," said Starfire. "The dim lights and strange wall ornaments are most enjoyable."
"I thought you'd like it," said Robin with a smile as he opened up his menu and looked inside of it.
"Good evening sir; ma'am," said a man standing over them wearing a tuxedo similar to Robin's with a tie. "I will be your waiter tonight," he said in a welcoming but respectful voice. "Can I start you off with something to drink?"
"I'll have a—"Robin skimmed down the list of drinks they had. "A Dr. Pepper please"
"Fine choice sir," said their waiter, "and for you madam?"
Starfire thought for a moment about what she would have to drink. "Um…I shall have water please, and…perhaps…a mustard?"
The waiter looked at her as though she were crazy. "I'm sorry madam, you said a water and a what?"
"And mustard…please," said Starfire sinking in her chair.
"Alright…then…I'll be back with your 'drinks' shortly." The waiter shook off his confusion and went to fetch their drinks.
"So Star," Robin said looking up from his menu. "I see Beast Boy helped you pick out that dress. It looks very nice."
Starfire giggled with delight. "Indeed he did. We ventured far into the mall of shopping and came across many of the enjoyable stores."
"Oh really," said Robin looking back down at his menu.
"Yes, one was most peculiar and I think we were not permitted to enter."
"Why's that," Robin asked unfolding his silverware from his napkin on the table.
"Well, the Victoria who keeps a secret was most interesting for I did not know this Victoria, or why she was keeping a secret that she did not wish for anyone to know."
Robin nearly stabbed himself at Starfire remark as she continued with what she was saying.
"But Beast Boy had us enter and 'look for a few things' as he so put it. The bright colors and soft textured clothing were most enjoyable. Tell me Robin; is it normal for women on your planet to wear such revealing undergarments?"
Robin was now crimson red, and a sweat drop went down the side of his face as he said, "Um…well ah…just on…special occasions…"
Starfire giggled. "I see then, would it be appropriate for an occasion such as this one," she asked innocently.
"Uh…sure," he said still blushing with embarrassment. "Uh, Star…did you…get something from…Victoria's Secret," he asked, his heart now racing.
She giggled with delight. "Indeed," she confirmed. "Beast Boy thought you would most enjoy it tonight if I were to wear the thon—"
"Your drinks sir," came the waiter before Starfire could finish her sentence.
"Ah yes," Robin said now turning back to his normal colors.
"A Dr. Pepper for you sir," he said handing Robin his drink. "And a water and…mustard for you ma'am."
"Thank you," said Starfire as she eagerly took the top of her bottle of mustard and began sipping away at it.
"Are you ready to order or do you need more time," asked the waiter.
"We'll need another minute please," said Robin. "Thanks."
The waiter left and they both buried their heads back in their menus.
"Robin," said Starfire looking up from her menu. "I see that you and Cyborg ventured to the mall of shopping as well to retrieve a new outfit for out date."
Robin looked up from his menu and answered, "Yeah, but we didn't—"before he could finish his sentence something in the mirror caught his attention. He turned his head slightly and glanced over at the shinning glass next to him as a look of terror came across his face.
His eyes widened, and he gasped in horror at the person being reflected in the mirror next to them. "Slade…"he said under his breath.
Robin kept his eyes fixed on his reflection as Slade stood over their table with his arms behind his back and glared at Robin with his one evil eye that seemed to pierce the very reaches of his soul. Robin swiftly turned his head to face his now undead adversary, but as he came to where he was supposed to be standing, no one was there.
"Robin," said Starfire in her comforting voice as she placed her hand on top of his. "Is everything okay?"
With a shocked look still on his face, Robin turned to Starfire and was met by her warm welcoming eyes. He caught his breath and sighed as he noticed her hand holding his.
"Yeah…yeah everything's alright Star," he lied. "Why don't we just order now?"
-
A/N:
Bum bum BUM! SLADE! AT THE RESTAURANT! NO, IT CAN'T BE! Hehehehehehehehhehehe, oh I love a good shocking moment in an otherwise giddy and romantic chapter. So what did you guys think huh? A lot longer than usual but you may need to get used to it if you don't like it, this next one may especially be a lot longer I'm not sure yet. So what do you all think of the date so far, like with Robin taking Starfire to the top of a ridge and showing her a "breathtaking view" of the entire city and the nice fancy restaurant and everything? I bet you're all hoping Slade doesn't drop in and ruin things for them but then again…who says Slade is still around at all? I really appreciated all the ass-kissing with my last chapter from everyone, but honestly…it sucked. It was more of a filler but I really enjoyed writing this chapter and I hope you equally enjoyed reading it. It gave me a chance to express my more…humble and sweeter side, and if you're wondering…Yes ladies…I AM SINGLE, hehehehehehehe J/K. But anyway, I need to hurry up with these individual reviews so I can get to the gym, I didn't go last night and I've been diein' for a workout. The HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CHAPTER that I've had brewing since the very beginning is coming up next so I hope you guys are excited. IT'S TIME TO TENGO! Next Chapter: "A Face Amongst The Crowd"
Infamous One- Yes blinks several times Raven…took a bubble bath blinks again Raven… blinks Bubble Bath. LOL, sorry I got a kick out of that when I read it. What's so bad about Raven taking a bubble bath? She drinks herbal tea, so why wouldn't she do something…health-ish like that? Thanks for the review, hope you liked this chapter better than the last.
Amoeba2- Thanks for checkin' out my fanfic and leaving me a review, I'm very pleased that you liked it and I hope you'll keep up with the story as it goes along. Don't worry about not knowing the name of those shoes, I based most of Starfire's outfit on the outfit my Homecoming date wore this year with a few things added and taken off here and there. Thanks for reviewin' and come back soon.
KaliAnn- Well I'm glad you thought my last chapter rocked…I actually kinda thought it sucked, but as long as I made at least you happy then I'm satisfied. So what do you think of the date so far though? Isn't it so romantic and sweet? (rolls eyes) But about making it end "happily ever after,"…hhmmm…to be honest…I wanna say yes, and I wanna say no. There are a series of events that will happen throughout the story that will…definitely open some eyes, that's for sure. But anyway, thanks for the review and I'm eager to know what you thought about this chapter.
Aeris-Raven- About your comment on Beast Boy taking Starfire shopping, I was considering it but…someone's already come up with something like that and I didn't want to be accused of taking someone else's idea. But I was considering it though, and I thought maybe just putting in a few details here n' there about their shopping trip would make it more interesting and comical. I got the Victoria's Secret idea, which hopefully everyone caught on to, after going to the mall over the weekend myself and coming across that store. Hope you like the date so far, and it's still a long way from over, I'll probably end up needing another chapter just to talk about what happens at the end of it. Thanks for the review.
Shadow Avenger- You only read 2 chapters, you need to read more…and come to think of it…you probably haven't even read this one yet if you're only on chapter two! But if you do read this, thanks for droppin' in and the reviewin.'
Van Gordan- That's cool you'll be getting those new episodes in a few weeks, and you should tell me what chu think of em' when ya all see all of em.' Sorry about your leg though man, that really sucks, but I guess you have to be a real DORK to fall down your own stairs, hehehehe, J/K. I've actually fallen down my stairs before too, so I'm a dork myself nn. For your knee though, consider sitting in a hot-tub or bath, that'll help with some of the pain and make sure you drug up on Ibuprofen and don't forget to ice it up all the time. Being a football player for four years has taught me how to treat my own wounds so try it out and see how it works. It's gonna suck if you take forever to review cause I look mostly forward to yours since you've been reading this since the very beginning. I'm glad you kinda thought my last chapter was good, but I thought it sucked. So what did you think of Slade standing over their table in the mirror and then suddenly wasn't there? Huh, good stuff huh? Well anyway, hope you're knee gets better and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reviewin.'
