Chapter Six
Early the next morning, Robin and Starfire had gotten dressed and left the resort.
Robin wore shorts and a T-shirt, but still had his mask on. Starfire wore her usual costume.
Robin led Star to the beach, which was only a few hundred yards away. As a consequence of living on the west coast, the sun rose from the direction of land. Starfire, nevertheless, found it quite beautiful. It was as Robin had hoped.
They talked to each other, joked, and shared stories from months past that they never really had time to share. After they finished sharing some various stories, Starfire was silent.
"Is something wrong, Star?" Robin asked her.
"Oh, nothing." she replied.
"Come on, I know when you're feeling sad."
She heaved a sigh. "You are correct Robin, I do feel somewhat sad."
"What about? We're here alone, with time together."
"I was just thinking of the time we were away from home."
"How does that make you sad at a time like this?"
"The time we were away and had to battle the Evil Brotherhood, you and I could not be together."
"How do you mean?"
"While we fought side by side, we could not share feelings with each other. Our deepest feelings."
Robin nodded. "I see what you mean. I think our time away left me out of practice of being intimate with someone."
"And that also makes me sad. I am afraid that I must repeat my work with you."
"Your work?"
"The task of showing you that you can be more open in feelings with me, so that we can be very close."
Robin considered his next words. "You don't have to feel that way, Star." he told her. "I can still be open with my feelings, just as we were that one day we had to ourselves."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive! How else do you think I managed to get us time here at this place?"
Starfire pondered this for a moment. "I see your point, Robin. I shall have to see more evidence of your sincerity, though."
"You will Star, you will!"
Starfire was intrigued by Robin's mannerisms. A growing feeling of hope came into her mind. Perhaps Robin could still please her as before!
Meanwhile, at Titans Tower, the day had just started. Raven was in the kitchen, boiling water for her tea. Cyborg joined her there a few minutes later.
"Couldn't sleep?" the mystic asked.
"No." he replied. "Besides, it's a nice day. Might as well enjoy it."
"I see."
She took the pot and filled her cup. She let the tea bag soak in the hot water.
"So, Raven." Cyborg began. "Mind if I ask you something?"
"Besides the question you just asked?"
"Yes."
"Not at all, go ahead."
"Okay." He heaved a sigh. "Whatever made you decide to help Robin and Starfire in their relationship?"
Raven felt a wave of exasperation. "Does it really matter?"
"Not really. I was just curious."
Raven took her tea to the lounge and sat down, rubbing her temples with her free hand.
"I guess I did it as a friend, that's all. A simple act of friendship."
"But this kind of thing has consequences."
"Like what?"
"Well, what if Star is emotionally hurt or something?"
"Do you remember when I had to share a bond with Robin?"
"When he thought he was fighting Slade, right?"
"Yes. Well, I know him enough to know that he wouldn't hurt Star like that in any way."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
"Okay. Another question: did you ever feel jealousy?"
"Over what?"
"That Starfire has a boyfriend and you don't?"
"Jealousy wouldn't be the word. More like 'envy'. And no, I didn't. Envy is pointless."
"Uh huh." Cyborg paced in a circle. "You're about to remind me that emotional control is the basis of your life, eh?"
"I would not remind you of that which you know so well."
Cyborg glared at her. "Well, if you say it's just an act of good will, then I won't presume to debate you."
"That is wise." She then picked up her book.
"What is that you're reading?" He looked over her shoulder, but she held the book to her chest.
"A really good book. Now, if you don't mind." She began to read again.
"You keep up reading as much as you do, and you'll need granny glasses soon."
"That's a myth." she replied without looking up.
Sighing, Cyborg began to cook breakfast.