Chapter 9: The One with the Party

As the members of Titans East exited the elevator, drained from evacuating an entire apartment complex from a fire, they were greeted by the many faces of the entire Titans network standing in their ops room. They paused, confused, and stared back at the crowd that had gathered.

Kid Flash called to them, saying, "Now the party's officially here!"

It clicked instantly for Bee.

"Oh, no," she let out, exasperated. "No, no, no. It can't be that time already."

"It's the last Saturday of the month," Aqualad confirmed, already looking at his communicator. He clicked it closed, sighing, and said, "Time to play gracious hosts."

Bee about to respond was interrupted as Kid Flash zoomed up to them, inspecting their appearance. "You guys look like you have been through the wringer."

And they did. Covered in soot from the building they had just come from, they were an eyesore. Not to mention the smell of smoke that wafted through the air.

But Starfire didn't care much about her appearance at that moment. As Bee explained to Kid Flash the day they had been having, she spotted her old teammates in the crowd. She flew over, encasing them in a group hug immediately.

"Friends! It is glorious to see you!" she exclaimed, spinning them all in a circle. They all took a large breath as she finally released them, smiling up at her as she floated upwards in happiness.

"Hey, fly girl. Long time no see," Cyborg said.

"Yeah, I haven't talked to you since you called about Control Freak," Beast Boy chimed in. "It's good seeing ya face."

"Quit giving her a hard time," Raven chastised the boys. "I think what they are trying to say is that we've missed you."

"Oh, and I have missed you all as well. Please, we must do the catching up. I want to hear every detail since my departure."

They talked idly about some of the missions they had currently completed, but most of the conversation focused on Cyborg and Beast Boy explaining their new rivalry in the game Mutant Ninja Monkeys 4. Starfire was enthralled and giddy as she felt like a missing piece of her was restored.

"And that's how I beat BB," Cyborg finished, Beast Boy already waiting to protest.

"Dude, that is so not how it happened."

As they got swept up in their feud, Raven spoke to Starfire on the side, rolling her eyes briefly before voicing a concern she had since Starfire had stepped into the room.

"Is something wrong? Your emotions are screaming at me right now," she asked, concerned.

Starfire, hesitating, asked the one thing that had been on her mind since seeing her old team. "Where is Robin?"

Raven nodded, now understanding. "He's around here somewhere. Either mingling or sleuthing about I'm sure."

Scanning the room once more, Starfire finally laid eyes on him.

Her heart ached. Whether in longing or loathing, it did not matter. She looked at him now and he looked intently back, he a stoic statue that she could not interpret. Her heart went to ice as he turned away, being approached by Kid Flash as he whispered in Robin's ear across the room by the kitchen counter. Heat flashed across her face, thinking herself foolish. She had no right to feel this way after everything.

Raven followed Starfire's gaze and looked back at the alien. "He just needs some time, Starfire. He'll be alright."

She nodded, not sure if she believed her.

"I am sorry, Raven, but I must go change and shower. I am most unpleasant right now."

"Do what you got to do," she replied. "I'll be in a dark corner somewhere when the music starts."

Starfire hurriedly left to gussy up, running into Bee in the showers. Starfire did as she suggested, putting a swimsuit under her uniform for later use. As she reentered, a group was starting to form as chairs, tables, and couches were moved to the side. On the wall near the TV screen, Cyborg stood underneath, fiddling with cables and plugs. He then turned to finish setting up the DJ booth. Seemingly putting the last component in place, he rubbed his hands together, a proud look on his face.

"Hey, everyone! Gather round!" he bellowed.

The group that formed around Cyborg started to murmur as anticipation for his announcement spread.

Robin stayed put, arms crossed as he leaned against the counter. Starfire was always aware of him, her gaze inadvertently going to him when her vision was blocked by Speedy.

"Hey, Red," Speedy said, matching her pace as they walked over. He had a toothpick hanging precariously out of his mouth, one corner of his mouth lifting. "Ready for the show?"

Her anxiety was quelled for the moment, his familiar, friendly face giving her something to hold on to. She gifted him a smile back, shaking her thoughts of another man.

"I have been to these parties before, Speedy. I believe myself prepared," she replied.

"Oh, I don't think you're prepared for this," he said evasively. She gave him a questioning look but was interrupted as Cyborg quieted the crowd.

"I present to you," Cyborg said with a flourish, walking over to the wall where a switch Starfire had never seen before was placed. "Cyborg's Dance Party Extravaganza!"

Flipping the switch, the disco ball retracted from the ceiling, light glittering as the lights dimmed. Lasers bounced off the walls in vibrant greens and reds, ricocheting when they interacted with the disco ball. Psychedelic images and swirls of shapes and colors played on the big screen. Finally, the newest and most impressive of the spectacles, the floor transformed as the tiles began to glow with multicolored squares. A rainbow pulsed in time with the music as oldies blasted from the speakers.

The crowd cheered and 'oohed' as Bee made her way to the front of the group.

"Tell me you didn't, Sparky," Bee remarked as she turned towards him.

"What? I had some time on my hands." He took her hand. "Come on now, let's dance."

She shook her head, trying to be disapproving but she let him lead her onto the floor, others following suit.

The song "Take a Chance On Me" started to play and it was the first time Starfire had heard the song, she in wonder as the lights flickered on the ground. Speedy, with his smirk firmly in place, threw his toothpick over his shoulder and led her to the dance floor, she more than happy to oblige. They did a two-step, Starfire rocking to the music while he led her around the kaleidoscope floor.

He was being silly, mouthing the words to her as they fed off each other's energy. She raised her eyebrow at the lyric meaning, but he just continued to put his heart into the chorus.

"How did you know about the floor? And who is this singing?" she yelled over the music, their hands now joined as they twisted together and apart, him throwing her into the occasional spin.

"I was playing with the switches one day and found out Cyborg's little secret. And this is ABBA, one of the best bands from the 70s," he replied. He dipped her back and then pulled her back just as suddenly.

"Glorious," is all she said as their bodies were pressed tightly against one another, one of her hands at his shoulder while the other was raised in his grasp.

Their playful dance changed.

He took the lead, feet quick across the floor, twirls and spins incorporated quickly, making her feel dizzy. Dancing like this, to an upbeat disco song, it was as if time did not exist. It seemed as if this space only existed for this moment.

She focused on the too bright lights that whirled under their feet. The sweat that clung to her and him where they touched. The way he led her as if showing her off, spinning her so that her back was to him. Hands that barely brushed on hips and touching that she was about to protest until she was spun back forward into his embrace. Face to face, she was close enough to peek at the color of his eyes. Green on green.

The warming of her cheeks signaled her to pull away slightly, but they were still too close to be considered just friendly. He gave her a serious look, one uncommon on his face, before it was gone as quickly as it came, she spun away. His playfulness returning, he continued to fake serenade her as one upbeat song morphed into the next. Finally, a slower song started to play, he holding out his hand to her.

Being that Speedy only had eyes for her, what he didn't notice was that across the room was Robin. His look right now with the ability to cut steel, even with a mask on, as he lurked in the background of Speedy's line of sight.

She reached out, them coming together momentarily before a wild Aqualad appeared, leaning heavily on Speedy.

"Hey, man. It's my turn. You can't hog her all night. Wouldn't be fair to the rest of us," he joked. He then cut in front of Speedy, already leading her.

"Hey!" Speedy, exclaimed. "You gotta wait your turn, man."

"You've gotten, like, 20 turns. Back of the line with you," he said, shooing him.

Speedy pouted as Starfire giggled at him, giving him a sympathizing look.

"Fine then. I need a smoke anyway. You know where to find me if you need me."

They watched as he wandered through the crowd, him finding Hot Spot and the two of them making their way to the elevators.

As the night progressed, the music gradually shifted from oldies to current pop and rap. More and more heroes decided to join the floor, some of the couples pairing up to cuddle up or bump and grind.

Beast Boy had somehow gotten Raven to join, they intertwined during a slow song. Bee and Cyborg were the pros of the group, jiving and gyrating to the music with the most rhythm. Pantha and Wildebeest were erratic in their movement, wild and carefree, while Kole and Argent spun one another in silly dips and whirls. People had to shield their eyes from Kid Flash and Jinx, it too graphic to be described. The singles mingled in between, finding partners as the night dragged on.

Starfire was very popular that night. Aqualad and her swayed a respectable distance apart to slow songs. Beast Boy and her did the shopping cart and the sprinkler. Cyborg pulled her around the room as she floated. Mas y Menos stood on top of one another to reach her height. Kid Flash then Thunder then Lighting then Red Star then…


Robin internally sulked and seethed simultaneously as he wallflowered. He sat, dejected, as Starfire seemed to dance without a care in the world with all and any of the guys within the confines of the room.

A mild scowl on his face, he heard Cyborg's presence before he saw him, Beast Boy in tow as they exited the dance floor.

"Alright there, boss?" Beast Boy asked.

Receiving a long silence in return, Beast Boy and Cyborg looked at each other with concern.

Cyborg, trying a second time, said, "You said you would loosen up. This is the opposite of that. You need to get out there and shake your groove thing."

Robin huffed as Cyborg and Beast Boy poured themselves a glass of punch each, looking at him expectantly. "Don't want to. I don't like dancing."

"Suit yourself. I'm not going to make you do anything, but, man, you look miserable as hell."

They let him be then, returning to dance with their respective ladies as Robin pondered what Cyborg had said.

He was beyond miserable. He felt as though everything was out of his control, that he was falling with no way to stop it or an escape plan. He wanted two things simultaneously: he wanted to disappear, leaving this night behind with no drama, but also wanting more than anything to talk to Starfire. Knowing the path to make this right in his heart and mind, he steeled himself and chose, consequences damned. It was time to loosen up. It was time to man up.

Letting out a breath, he released some tension and got up to prepare himself mentally. He strode across the dance floor and then…


"Can I cut in?"

In Starfire's mind, it seemed as if the music had suddenly quieted as Red Star released her from their slow dance and walked away awkwardly as Robin stepped in. She was uncertain as he took one hand and held it up, her other naturally finding his shoulder.

"Hi," he said simply and softly, as if them dancing was the most natural thing in the world, as if they had not been avoiding each other for weeks. He gave a tentative smile, his version of a peace offering.

"Greetings," she replied, time seeming to stop. Her heart thudded at the smile she had dreamed about so often, anxious and cautious as to why it was being bestowed upon her now. She gave a hesitant smile back and then bit her lip, about to say more when he spoke.

"How are you?" he said lamely, though he truly wanted to know. She looked as radiant as ever to him and recovered by confessing, "I've missed talking to you."

He stated it casually, but Starfire felt there was more meaning behind his words. "Robin," she said cautiously, loosening her grip as he tightened his. A flutter in her chest told her to hear him out.

"As friends. I've missed talking to you as friends," he clarified.

She didn't know if she believed him but visibly relaxed as she answered him saying, "Things here have been well. I believe we have been making an impact on the city as we have been quite busy. I trust everything has been well in Jump?"

He nodded, wishing she would go on about her new life and home. The one she had chosen instead of him. He swallowed at the thought.

"Yeah, just the same old same old. Plasmas and Overload escaping occasionally. Red X stealing Zynothium. All the same stuff. Though we did have a run with Killer Moth recently. He was growing mutant beetles this time."

He chuckled as she scrunched up her face, remembering their encounter with him and his daughter.

"Remember prom fondly, huh?"

"The ending and dancing were quite enjoyable. The hideous mutant they call Kitten? I would rather forget," she answered honestly. She changed the subject when he looked at her earnestly, happy that she looked at some of their memories fondly. "Were the beetles at least cute?"

"No, not as cute as Silkie is. And no, I don't think they would have made very good pets," he said knowingly and teasing her. "How is the little guy, anyway?"

"The twins adore him. He is given the sugar candies and all the pets he requires, though Bee and the boys have not grown accustomed to him yet."

"Aww, poor guy," he said.

It was quiet for a moment. The beat had picked up the pace again somewhere in their conversation, but he held her fast, continuing to slow dance. He was aware of the whispers and rumblings just outside his peripheral but resolutely ignored them, instead focusing on her eyes that sparkled with amusement.

She laughed as she regaled him with an account of Silkie eating uniforms of the various members of the Titans East when she had first arrived, not making the best first impression. How they now had to lock their rooms but also the kitchen cabinets and fridge when not in use.

As she kept going, talking about some of the other shenanigans that had occurred and their recent run in with another old face, Control Freak, he got lost in her words. As a natural pause in the conversation occurred, he spoke the one thing that was on his mind the entire time.

"Do you think it can ever be the same between us?" he asked, breaking the spell. He spoke quickly again before she could react. "Do you think we could be proper friends again? No hiding. No avoiding. Just us. Just like we've been talking now."

She looked at him intensely, deep in thought. She finally responded, saying "Robin, I told you nothing but the truth on the day I left. You are my very best friend. I…," she trailed off, taking a breath. Knowing this was a defining moment for them, she had to make a decision. She let down her guard and let the worries slide from her for the moment. "I would like nothing in the world than to try to rebuild our friendship again," she said hesitantly.

He beamed, a rare occurrence she had only seen a handful of times before.

Here it was. A chance. An opening. That was all he needed, he thought as he said, "I would like that, too."

Awkwardness subsiding, it felt like the air had reentered the room. Smiling at one another, the moment still lingered as shouting was heard over by the mezzanine's ledge.

"Cannonball!" Beast Boy yelled. He stood on the other side of the platform's railing, hanging precariously over the edge. He had changed into the swimsuit he had brought and leaped downward, transforming into a hippo to make the ultimate splash.

Other Titans were quick to leave the dancefloor and shed their clothes to follow suit. Yells could be heard as they let gravity take them down, Beast Boy giving them a score based on how they entered the water.

Robin and Starfire hesitantly released each other, heading over to the railing as well.

They watched as Cyborg cannonballed, making the biggest splash, while Jinx dived gracefully, Kid Flash whistling from the wings as she hit the water. He and Aqualad were perched on the railings down a ways from Starfire and Robin.

Spotting Robin, Kid Flash called, "Hey, Rob!" He accompanied the words with a wave, signaling him to come over.

Torn, wanting to give Kid Flash the finger and ignore him, Robin sighed, looking at Starfire while she gave him a knowing look.

"Duty calls," she said. She then lifted up in the air, preparing to make the flight down. "Besides, I think I will partake in the swimming."

"I'll catch up with you later," he promised, gifting her a hopeful smile before leaving, heading over to the group of boys.

"What was that about?" Kid Flash asked, pouncing on him the moment he reached the group. "Inquiring minds want to know."

"Nothing," Robin said evasively.

While Kid Flash wagged his eyebrow at Robin, Aqualad had a worried look on his face as Speedy and Hot Spot stepped off the elevators to reenter the room. They spotted the group, continuing to laugh at some unknown joke as they made their way over.

"Bullshit," Kid Flash exclaimed, loud and obnoxious in his claim.

"What's bullshit?" asked Hot Spot, as they finally reached them. He and Speedy entered the circle of boys, cheery and clueless of the conversation that was occurring.

"Oh, you know. Just Robin and Starfire were making goo-goo eyes on the dance floor for everyone to see."

"Like I said, nothing happened. We're just friends," Robin reiterated, but this time he was unable to hide a smirk.

"I told you that she would come around, man," Kid Flash said, clapping him on the back.

Speedy's face was frozen, not giving anything away and not sure he believed it. But when he looked at Aqualad and he returned a nervous glance, he knew it to be true.

As they continued to chatter about Robin's smooth moves and what the pair had talked about, Speedy looked over the railing, trying to drown out the noise. He gazed down, watching as Starfire stripped off her uniform to reveal a red bikini. She then went to the ledge, sitting down and swinging her legs in the water next to where all the girls were gathered as they also gossiped.

Aqualad nudged him, bringing him back to the group conversation.

"Oh, you should have seen it Speedy and Hot Spot," Kid Flash said, gloating.

"Sorry I missed it," Speedy said semi sarcastically. His tone was missed by most of the group, but Robin narrowed his eyes at him, as if seeing him truly for the first time. Speedy stepped forward, clapping a hand on Robin's shoulder. "Congrats, man. The friendzone is better than nothing, am I right?"

"Right," Robin said warily. He gave Speedy a hard look, shrugging his hand off. "Well, guys, I think we should join the others. Last one in the pool has to do extra laps at training?"

Kid Flash teased, "You only wanted to go swimming so you can talk to Starfire some more. And you're on!"

The boys taunted and ribbed one another as they rid themselves of their shoes and shirts, most opting to just keep their uniform pants on. Speedy unenthusiastically followed suit, his clothing being thrown to the side as they all hastily climbed the railing.

Kid Flash pushed off first, somersaulting wildly until diving straight down at the last moment.

Hot Spot opted out, as he and water did not exactly mix, while Aqualad, Robin, and Speedy went almost at the same time. Completing much simpler movements, they swan dived effortlessly. Hitting the water, Speedy was immediately covered in cold, the water knocking the breath out of him momentarily. He resurfaced, the other boys bobbing up next to him and hearing cheering and whistles from the side.

"Too close to call," Kid Flash announced. He backstroked to the edge of the pool where some of the girls were floating. "Hey ladies."

"Hey, Flash," they replied.

Speedy involuntarily looked for a certain redhead. While Titans were either chatting on the side, others had made their way to the deep end, testing out the waves.

Speedy hung back once he spotted her, surfing all on her own as she took on a medium sized wave. She was so sure of herself, balance just right as she was now able to swerve the board to guide its direction, hand on the swell. He smiled in pride as she reached the shallow end, with all her effort, stepping off into the water.

Before he could even attempt to swim over, Robin was already passing him, him trudging up to her as he also reached the shallow end.

Treading water, Speedy watched as her face lit up and a genuine, surprised smile appearing on her features. She floated up in the air with her legs tucked up behind her, beaming so bright it that it caused a burning in his chest that hurt something awful. As they talked, her intent look softened, a look that he had hoped one day she would bestow upon him.

He had seen enough. Turning to paddle away, he ran into Aqualad, swimming in the opposite direction.

"Where you going?" he asked Speedy, eyebrows raised as he paused mid-stroke. "I'd thought you'd want to show off some of your surfing skills."

"I need a smoke," Speedy said curtly, using his arms to pull himself onto the ledge. Feet underneath him, he rose out of the water.

Aqualad called out, "But I thought you just did that?"

Speedy continued to ignore him and everyone he passed. Dripping wet, he swiftly made his way to anywhere that wasn't here.


Robin and Starfire sat side by side straddling their boards as others took turns on the waves. Now that Aqualad was present, most of the Network had gathered to witness his abilities and try their hand at the larger waves he could cast. They laughed as Beast Boy tried to change into as many animals as he could on the board before crashing spectacularly as water squirted up his nose.

"Your really good you know. Better at surfing than Beast Boy at least," Robin joked to her. They watched as he almost drowned, Raven reaching in with her powers to drag him out.

"I thank you. I had a good teacher," she said, saying the last part absentmindedly. Speaking of Speedy, she did a brief look around, scanning the area for him but came up empty-handed as she looked to the shallows and back.

"Yeah, Aqualad would probably be the best to go to," he acknowledged. He then looked at her, asking, "Something the matter?"

She didn't correct him as she looked back at him then, not looking into his eyes. "No, nothing is wrong," she fibbed. She continued talking, saying, "It is not just surfing. I have also become more proficient in archery as well."

She wasn't sure why she said it and there was a too long pause as Robin took time to answer.

They got distracted as Argent was up next, Aqualad and her riding tandem as she got a feel for the board. Gracefully they glided to the end of the pool, Robin with a weird expression on his face.

"Oh?" was all he managed to come up with.

She nodded. "They have the most up-to-date facilities here. You would not believe it, Robin."

"Uh-huh," he said, he now distracted as she spoke, things clicking into place for him. "And Speedy is quite the archer. I'm sure he'd have some moves that would be useful."

He watched as a faint blush spread on her cheeks, his suspicions confirmed.

"Do you ever think about coming home?" he asked suddenly, her not prepared for this line of questioning. He was hopeful in tone as he continued on, saying, "Things are good between us now and the team misses you. We need you. We could just call this a vacation and move on if you wanted."

She gave him a fierce look, having heard something similar before.

"Robin, please do not ruin this. We are having a good time, but one good night does not make up for everything. This is my home now," she said, imploring him to understand.

"Star, it's been a month. And I'm not ruining anything. You're the one who decided to leave."

He immediately regretted his choice of words as she winced, greatly hurt.

"I did not know you truly felt that way." She made to paddle away but he was right there with her, speeding up so he could pull the nose of her board towards his.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. That was a clorbag thing to do," he said, letting go of her board once he was certain she wouldn't run away again. "I just want you to think about it. If you need more time, then take it. But I also want you to know that we will always be waiting if want to come back to Jump."

She remained in silence, conflicting emotions running through her as Robin had given her a lot to think about.

As they wandered back into the comfort of safer topics, the subject of her returning did not come up again as the party wound down. The clock struck into the early AM and wrinkled bodies exited the pool as guests made to leave and Herald trumpeted portals for several of the members of the Network, many of them wrapped in towels as they stepped through.

As Raven's disc appeared once more, she hugged them each tightly, Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg shooting each other looks when Robin stepped up to her to receive one.

"Just think about it," he whispered once more in her ear as they briefly connected. He gave her a tight squeeze and then he backed off, stepping onto the disc as they disappeared.

As she watched them leave, something was pulling a string in the back of her mind and heart. Knowing where she needed to go, she steadied her heart and made her way to the roof.


"Speedy?" she called as she peered out from the door. It had been ajar when she had flown up, the cold seeping inside.

She landed, walking around the staircase structure, stopping when she saw the familiar glow of a cigarette and his outline leaning against the wall.

"Hey," he said brusquely from the darkness.

"I have not seen you all night," she said. She went to approach him, seeing the unresponsive look on his face where usually some emotion lay. She stopped a few steps beside him.

"I'm surprised you even noticed. You seemed pretty busy," he stated, getting straight to the point and averting her eyes. He flicked his cigarette, bringing it back up to his lips for another drag.

"Speedy—"

He exhaled quickly, smoking emitting from his lips. He looked her full on then, turning his head, irritation seeping into his words. "After everything thing that happened with him, you still want to be friends with him? How can that be possible?"

"Speedy," she said again, gently, trying to get him to understand. "It is complicated. Robin and I were entangled for such a long time and—"

"Uncomplicate it. You're so caught up in what everybody else wants or thinks have you stopped to think about what you want?" He stated it like a rhetorical question, but Starfire could tell he really wanted an answer.

"I do not know what I want," she finally answered honestly, tears stinging her eyes.

He gave her a look that bore into her, stepping out of the dark and into the moonlight so they were face to face.

"Well, you know what I want?" He paused momentarily, only to say the one thing that mattered. "I want to be your guy," he said, more softly as he studied her face. "That's what I want. That's what I have wanted since I've basically met you. And I want everyone to know that I'm your guy."

Stunned, Starfire stayed silent for an awkward amount of time, trying to sort through her thoughts. She retraced her memories with him, not finding a single one that she regretted.

Speedy, quickly backtracking, said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. Ah, look forget I—"

But before he could continue babbling and back away, she fisted the fabric of his shirt and pulled him forward, her lips crashing on his.

He tasted of smoke, but she didn't care. It has all him as she could smell his musk. She could feel his shock and she could also feel his hands as they immediately went a little lower on her back than appropriate. He was a good kisser, moving with her and parting her lips for a taste. Butterflies sat in her stomachs, rising and falling with his every action. The kiss was short but fierce as she pulled away and her hand remained gripped in the silky fabric of his shirt.

"Woah," he said, speechless. He immediately threw his cigarette off the side but then replaced his hand back on her waist.

"Woah is right."

They both turned at the voice behind them, frozen as they saw Kid Flash at the entrance to the roof.