Chapter 8: Memories and Musings

Standing in front of him was a muck monster, brown goo dripping down its face and onto the kitchen floor. Wiping at its face, two green eyes were revealed only to be covered again by a curtain of cake batter.

He tried to hold it in. He really did. Coughing to hold back his chuckles until they became full-blown belly laughs. Robin's stomach hurt so bad, he thought he might be sick.

He had never laughed so hard in his life.

"I think you're supposed to keep the batter in the bowl," he got out between laughs, teasing her as he stole some of the uncooked sweet, finger sweeping down her nose to place in his mouth.

Starfire, also pretending not to be amused, flicked her hands downward as she tried to rid herself of the goop. Her shocked expression started to wear off and turned into a mischievous one.

He didn't even try to move away as she smothered him, catching him in an embrace he couldn't and didn't want to escape. She pressed her cheek to his, the hug seemingly airtight.

Their laughter filled the room, him thinking that her giggle was the best sound in the world as she took some of the batter and smooshed it into his hair.

"Oh, you're going to pay for that."

Food flew through the air all afternoon, the pair lost in their battle.

Raven entered the common room but immediately turned around as a projectile splat near the door, rolling her eyes as she did so.


The vehicle vibrated underneath him, exhaust filling the air as he took turns too fast and hard. The streetlights above illuminated the highway they were on, signs bright with advertisements for law firms, restaurants, and various what have you rushing past.

The girl behind him let out a joyous squeal that he could hear over the roar of his motorcycle as he took an exit suddenly. Her arms wound around him, squeezing his ribs a little too hard (though he would never complain), and her helmeted head pressed into his shoulder.

"You alright?" he called back, gunning it just as he asked her, almost popping a wheelie.

She gripped him back harder, only leaning back when his speed had evened out, and smacked him playfully on the shoulder.

"You did that on purpose," she chastised, returning to cuddle him as they swerved to miss a bump.

"Guilty as charged," he said playfully, finally slowing down as they reached the end of the exit ramp. He clicked his blinker right, taking it slow as they entered the city.

Finally reaching their designation, their old pizza place and favorite haunt, he mounted his bike and shook out his locks, for once free of gel and his signature spikes. She did the same, her long mane flowing free, it a duller shade of red and her skin a natural tan.

Placing their helmets in the side compartment, and her hologram ring in place, Dick turned to Kori.

"Come here," he said boldly, and she stared into his unmasked eyes. She still sat on the bike as he cupped her face, placing a fierce and somewhat long kiss on her lips. He released her, kissing her neck and whispering, "Did I ever tell you how beautiful you look tonight?"

She blushed and radiated happiness. "I believe you have. Many times, though, saying it once more could not hurt." She giggled at him, holding her violet sundress down as she slid down from the bike.

She looped her arm with his as they went to enter the restaurant, them free to do as they wished and be whoever they wanted to be for just one night.


Blood poured from his hands as he shakily unwrapped them. Going to the sink, he stood stoned faced as the cold water rushed over them. Inspecting the wounds on his knuckles, he dressed them accordingly and rewrapped them tight, somewhat enjoying the searing pain that accompanied the action.

Hair thick with sweat dripped in front of his eyes as he was about to place his gloves back on. He stopped momentarily when he heard a meek voice behind him.

"Robin?"

He froze, staying with his back turned. Her voice was the last one he wanted to hear right now.

He remained silent, trying to slip on his gloves on as quickly and stealthily as possible but was stopped when a gentle hand was placed on his, lifting it up for inspection.

He looked up at her, her eyebrows furrowed when understanding came into her eyes.

"Robin," she said again, this time in worry, almost in a chastising tone.

"I'm fine. You should see the other guy," he gruffly joked but realized his mistake when a look of horror came on her face. He turned to face her fully then, taking the hand that she held and put it on her shoulder. "I'm kidding, Star. Me and the punching bag got into it."

He watched as relief swept over her features only to be overpowered by more concern.

"I am deeply troubled by what is occurring," she stated, stepping out of his grasp. "You do not talk to me for days and now you are hurting yourself. This is not normal."

"Normal?" he shot back, quite angry now. "He was my brother, Starfire. What do you expect me to do? I can't pretend like nothing's wrong and be happy like you all the time."

The words stung her, but she continued.

"I understand but if you only let me in, I could ease your burden. You do not have to go through this alone."

"How could you possibly understand anything that I'm going through?" he said, now in the thick of his tirade. He tried to walk past her, but his girlfriend floated in front of him, eyes glowing a livid green.

"Do not assume to know my past or the things I have lived through. This is not a contest, Robin." She landed and her eyes dimmed, the anger disappearing as he stood before her. "Please, I just want to know in which ways I can aid you."

He wanted so badly to bridge the gap between them. To find solstice in her embrace, in her love. But he swept that feeling aside, instead turning back to his old ways of stubbornness and self-reliance.

"You can help by letting me be," he said, a little softer this time. "I don't even know what I need right now, to be completely honest. I need space to figure it out. Please just give me that."

He walked briskly by her then, her reaching out but he ignored it. He exited the med bay with a click of the door, not sparing a glance back.

He then made a left to return to the gym, his hands aching, wanting to start once again.


Robin yawned, stretching his arms above his head. Turning his body to face the other side of the bed, he was greeted with the loveliest sight.

The alien princess slept with her bare back turned to him, hair trailing at her curves and showcasing her dimples near her rear. He could hear her sigh as she turned over, not quite awake as the sheet slipped further down her body. Hand now on her pillow and placed next to her face, her eyes lazily blinked open until they focused on blue eyes and black hair.

"Greetings," she breathed, unabashedly naked and perfect and gorgeous.

"Hi," he said simply back, his eyes wandering her every line and his hand finding the jut of her hip. "Did you sleep well?"

"I have never felt more rested," she said, a knowing smile on her features.

"Reallllly?" He wagged his eyebrows, emphasizing the word. His hand stroked from her hip up her side, up and down. He moved closer, nipping at her ear.

"I would like to try again," she stated earnestly, running her hands down his stomach in kind.

He stopped, murmuring in her ear, "I think we can arrange that."

And then he kissed her, continuing where they left off from the night before.


The Titans had gathered at the roof of the Tower, saying their farewells to Starfire. While her belongings had already been packed and shipped to her new home, she had opted to make the flight there instead of taking Cyborg up on a ride in the T car.

She needed a fresh start and drinking in the sunlight seemed like the perfect way to send her on her journey.

She went and hugged Beast Boy first.

He transformed into a literal, cuddly bear, squeezing with all his might as she giggled. He released her, transforming back, and saying, "I'll be here if you ever need a pick me up. You're the only one who ever laughs at my jokes."

She gifted him with one more short hug and then it was Cyborg's turn.

"Come here, girl," he said affectionately, lifting her off the ground, her arms around his neck. "Imma miss you, little sister. Don't be a stranger now, ya hear?"

Setting her down, Raven swooped in right after.

Surprising everyone, she pulled Starfire in for the briefest of hugs, pulling her cowl up once she moved back. "I can't believe you're leaving me here with these dingleberries," she said, kidding. She became somber and a sad smile tugged on her lips. "I want a call every week. Promise?"

Starfire promised, giving her hands one last squeeze.

Robin had been hanging in the background as she had said goodbye to the others. Now front and center, Starfire was unsure what to do. Scuffing the toe of her boot on the ground, she waited as he made his way over, cape closed around his body. She gave him a meaningful look, still unable to read him when he quickly pulled her to him. She didn't have time to think, just react, tears pooling at her eyes.

Not unlike the hug they shared when the end of the world had occurred, his hands were on her back and she clung to his shoulders, always her anchor. It felt similar and different. This was time, this goodbye felt lasting.

"I'm going to miss you," he said shakily and for only her to hear. Her tears that threatened to spill did so, staining his shirt.

"Oh, Robin," she breathed. "You are my very best friend. Nothing could ever change that." She pulled back, giving him a knowing look. "But I must do this."

She stepped back, shooting to the sky before she could change her mind. She waved at her friends in one last farewell, the group now huddled together down below.

Robin gazed up at the dot that was Starfire as she hit the sound barrier, gone in a blink of an eye.

The others left quietly, him standing there as his eyes remained on the sky long after the trail that chased after her had vanished.

A hot breeze swept some of his hair into vision as he walked to the Tower's edge. Sitting down, the sun's beams reflected gold around him, and he decided to watch as the day faded away.


"Ready to go?" Cyborg asked. He was just a hulking shadow in the doorway of Robin's office, one of the only sources of light being a single desk lamp lit from within.

His question shook Robin from his current thoughts, bringing him back to the present. He sat at his desk, newspaper clippings strewn about and the computer screen illuminating his face.

"I'm coming," he said grudgingly, clicking the laptop closed. He stood up, walking to the door, which Cyborg now fully blocked to prevent him from leaving.

Robin raised an eyebrow at the half robot.

"You sure you can handle tonight?" he asked Robin honestly. Robin, about to protest, was stopped as Cyborg held up a hand. "I'm just making sure you're all right. We know how rough it's been and want to make sure you know we're there for you. For the both of you."

"Thanks, but I'm fine. I can handle myself," he said, quite irritated, sneaking past him.

Cyborg strode to keep up with him in the hallway, which was difficult with Robin's fast pace. "Aw, man don't be like that. Just have fun and have no expectations. Loosen up for once."

"I am loose," Robin muttered sternly. He then stopped and turned to Cyborg. "I really don't expect anything to happen." Which was true. Robin didn't think anything would happen, but at the possibility of even being in the same room as her…well, let's say his heart skipped a beat. "And you guys really need to stop acting like I'm going to go off halfcocked. We're adults now, Cyborg. She made her decision and I'm respecting it."

"Glad to hear it," he nodded, expecting more of a fight. They continued walking, slower this time as they finally found Raven and Beast Boy in the common area waiting.

"Finally," Beast Boy stated exasperatedly, several bags in his hands. "I thought you guys would never show up."

Raven's eyes glowed as a black disc emerged. "We are going to be late," she also chimed in. "Step on or be left behind."

The boys did what she commanded, huddling on the disc as the half demon whisked them away through the dimensions. As their destination materialized, the anxious pit in Robin's stomach grew and grew, though one could not tell from looking at him.

Taking a breath, he stepped forward, entering the fray of merry Titans, plastering a pleasant expression on his face.


Author's Note:

For all of you who are Team RobStar 😊.

I am anticipating the next chapter to be the longest (and the most drama filled) yet so it might be a bit until the next update. Again, thank you all who have stuck with me this far!