Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN THE TEEN TITANS!

The Tin Man's Heart

Chapter 4:

Nightwing yawned widely and checked the clock as he tumbled into bed. 3:30am. He moaned tiredly and pulled up his covers. They had all stayed up into the wee hours of the morning, tossing around ideas as to how to take back Titans East. Suddenly there was a soft knock at his door.

"Whadayawant?" He groaned.

"Dick?" She said softly. He was immediately awake.

"Star?" He got up and went to the door, opening it to reveal a disheveled Starfire, looking up at him with wide eyes. "What's wrong?" She looked down, fidgeting with her dress.

"I am sorry to bother you Dick but…" She bit her lip.

"What is it Star?" He tilted her chin up. "You know you can tell me anything." Star nodded.

"I-I had a marenight." She whispered pitifully. Dick bit back chuckles and pulled her to him.

"A nightmare?" He asked gently. She nodded, burying her face into his chest. He held her close. "Tell me about it." He closed his door and brought her over to the bed, letting her lay on top of him, never letting her go.

"I couldn't find you!" She cried, clutching him as if to make sure he was really there. "I kept calling and calling but you couldn't hear me and you just disappeared!"

"Shhh… shhhh" Dick tightened his hold on her. "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." He held her until her sobs died down, thinking the entire time. She marveled him. She could be a worthy opponent one moment and so fragile the next. A tower of strength on the battle field, but so delicate at home. He kissed her forehead. A marvel. She looked up at him.

"I'm so sorry boyfriend Dick." She sniffled. "I am being… 'silly'." She made to get up, but he pulled her back down.

"What, no goodbye kiss?" He asked innocently. Star grinned and kissed him chastely. Dick frowned.

"Oh you know you can do better than that!" He chided. She giggled.

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" She said sweetly, getting up and making to leave. Dick leapt up and grabbed her by the waist, swinging her around and plopping her on the bed.

"Oh yes you do!" He chuckled. Star blinked wide eyes at him.

"Why Dick! I'm shocked that you would think I lied to you!" She said dramatically and feigned a sniffle. Dick grinned at her wickedly.

"Well we'll see, won't we?" He started tickling her mercilessly. She gave off a highpitched squeal and struggled, then started to tickle him back. He gasped and wrenched away. Starfire's eyes gleamed.

"Oh boyfriend Dick," She said slyly, "you seem to be ticklish too." Dick backed away, his eyes going wide.

Uh oh… he thought, looking around frantically for a hiding spot, but it was too late, Star tackled him to the ground and began to tickle him. He laughed and laughed.

"Star! –laugh- Stop! –laugh- PLEASE! –snort, laugh-" he gasped. Star smiled at him sweetly.

"Oh, -laugh- that's it!" He grabbed her wrists and flipped her over so he was on top, pinning her to the floor. She smiled happily up at him.

"Much better." He said huskily, capturing her lips. Fire spread through her body and she slipped her hands from his, wrapping her arms around his neck. Dick used one arm to prop them up and the other was firmly placed around her back, pushing her to him. They stayed that way for several minutes before breaking off for air. Star snuggled into his chest and he picked her up bridal style, carrying her to the bed and laying down, arranging her so she had her back against his chest. He hugged her body close to his and leaned his head against her shoulder, sighing happily.

"I love you Star."

"I love you too Dick." She said groggily, before falling asleep in his arms. He smiled again and closed his eyes. How did I get along before this?

Author's Comments: I'm sorry this came late but one of my stories was removed so I couldn't update. What has happened to all my reviewers? –sigh- that's what I get for leaving it so long. For those of you who want problem(s) in the love birds lives, don't worry, it's coming. They HAVE to have a problem other wise it would bug me. Nonetheless, I love this chapter. I'm such a complete romantic. Well PLEASE REVIEW!