The blows just kept on coming. Nightwing actually found himself challenged. But he still had the edge, years of practice and training at his side. But even without her using her metapowers, Luna was a force to be reckoned with. The others tried to step in, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Luna and Nightwing were in a brutal fight. Nightwing found himself holding back nothing. No punch was too hard, no kick too low. Luna fought with a new found zest, blocking and countering Nightwing's every move. She could read his body language like a book.
"Stop!" screamed a shrill voice.
Everyone turned towards an awakened and angry Starfire. Her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her face was flushed and her eyes brimmed with fury.
"¿Luna, cuáles eran usted que hacía, sparring con él?" she cried, her Spanish not hiding her anger. "¿Tengo que mirarle tengo gusto de un niño? ¡Usted tuvo que provocarlo y embromar! ¿No usted? ¿No puede usted controlar sus emociones? ¡Piense que Luna piensa! ¿Él realmente merece esto? ¿El desacato de un adolescente? ¡Va el interior que trataré de usted más adelante!"
Luna ran inside, not bothering to put up a word protest, knowing resistance was futile. Before Starfire turned to follow, she gave Nightwing a look that made his heart drop. It was a look of frustration and disappointment, but one of hurt. Nightwing away, shame rushing through him.
The other stared, wondering what had just gone down. Slowly and carefully they went to their business, leaving Nightwing watching the waves sadly.
Cyborg sniffed, puzzled.
"What is that SMELL?" he asked.
"Smells like something burning" Bee replied distractedly.
"SOMETHING BURNING!" screamed Beast Boy, Cyborg and Aqualad.
They rushed the grill, which had been forgotten in light of recent events, to find it a raging bonfire, which had burned up the surrounding deck railing and threatening the house.
"My GRILL!" exclaimed Beast Boy.
"My Bar-B-Q RIBS!" yelled Cyborg.
"My deck…" Aqualad remarked testily. He called upon a wave to smother the flames and once it was extinguished, he regarded Cyborg and BB with crossed arms and sharp glare.
"You were supposed to watch it."
Cyborg scratched his neck nervously. "Well…"
"Tomorrow BB, you, and I gonna have fun with a have fun with a hammer and nails…"
Cyborg and BB's faces drained, replaced with looks of fear and disbelief.
"…. And no, I am not going to kill you, I'm going to make you rebuild the deck."
"Ahhhh, man that's even worse." shouted Cy.
"Oh you prefer the alternative?"
Cy and BB exchanged glances. Rebuilding the deck with Drill Sergeant Aqualad. Greeeaaaatttt.
Inside Raven ordered pizza and tried to calm the frenzy around her. Nightwing was sulking, BB and Terra were hitting, Aqualad was moaning over his beloved deck, Bee was trying to please a hungry Tyson, Cy was complaining about how Aqualad was being mean, Laura was jumping on the couch with Eric, Luna was grumpily watching MTV and Star was no where to be found.
After what seemed like ages, the pizza was delivered.
"Come get your pizza pie!" shouted Raven.
"Sorry, I'm on a diet" said Terra, leaving the room.
"I shouldn't eat that; it'll give me heartburn" remarked Cyborg, retiring to his room.
"I want Mickey D's!" screamed Tyson.
"Ya know what baby, I'm craving some too." Said Bee to her crying son. In a flash they were in the T-Car, off to McDonalds."
"That pizza is gross!" sung Eric and Luara, who were already on there way to stargaze with BB.
"I would say so." Agreed BB, joining the kids.
"I've lost my appetite…" mumbled Nightwing, going upstairs.
Luna just turned up the TV.
Pizza alone, thought Raven putting the boxes down, Yippee.
Meanwhile Nightwing wandered down the hall to his room. He passed a slighty ajar door, and entered upon hearing quiet sobs.
Star sat on the window seat, head in hands, leaning against one side of the window, crying. Nightwing approached her carefully and took a seat opposite her. It was awhile until she realized his presence. A bit startled, she shivered, sorrow echoing through her.
"Why did you do that?" she whispered, "You let her get to you."
Nightwing looked away.
"Seeing people you love fight, meaning bodily harm," she continued, "It's horrible."
Nightwing felt guilt smother him. "I am sorry Star. I really am."
"I wish that was enough."
"What do you want from me Star!" His voice rising, "I don't understand."
"I want you to be there Nightwing! I want you to love me! I want you to love Luna! I know if you knew you wouldn't have fought her."
Silence.
"Knew what?"
"Can't you see it Nightwing? The jet black hair? The blue eyes? The natural acrobatic and atheletic ability? The stubbornness? The love of a good fight? My god she's almost a carbon copy of you!" Starfire slowed. "You. Her father."
