We parted, each of us gasping for breath.
"Wha—Robin... what…?"
My cheeks grew hot.
Why did I have to be so irrational? Why didn't I think about the consequences?
"St-Starfire… I…"
What could I say? 'I love you'? Out of nowhere? What could I say?
"Robin?" she whispered. The moon had risen; it made her eyes sparkle just so, and those green emeralds just swallowed me whole.
"Robin? What… what was that?"
"I… it was… well… when…"
I could tell she was scared. No, she was panicked. Her leader kissed her out of nowhere and he didn't have the courage to tell her three little words. Three little words.
"Robin…"
My name. I heard my name again, but I couldn't respond. I just didn't know how.
Maybe a manual would help?
"Well… then… do earth boys come with a manual?" she had asked me.
"No, but that would make things a lot easier!" I remember laughing.
How about a manual for Tamaranian girls? Or maybe just 'girls'?
My vision cleared up a little, and I could see Starfire reaching behind her, searching for the door handle.
"Starfire! Wait!" I managed to gasp, seizing her hand in both of mine.
Just say it. Three little words.
"I- I love you."
"What?" she asked me, her eyes growing wider than I'd ever seen them.
"I love you." I repeated. My breath was completely gone.
"Robin… I--"
Here it comes. I knew she couldn't possibly feel the same way. She's an alien princess, and what am I? Some earth boy.
I gritted my teeth and closed my eyes. I didn't want to see her gaze of pity. I didn't need it. I was the leader. …Well if I'm the leader, why does my heart feel like it's been replaced with a piece of shattered glass?
But she didn't say anything more.
I opened my eyes. Maybe she had just gone? But no, she was still there, in all of her astounding beauty. Her face was frozen, as if she was at a loss for words.
But then, words weren't of any use in a situation like this.
All of the sudden, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders, and, as corny as this is, my heart leapt.
As her lips enfolded mine, I realized that she was as intoxicated as I.