At long last, the three other Titans return! So sorry if the BB/Rae moments were getting old, a lot of stuff was supposed to happen to them in this story. But as promised, this chapter finally has a much-needed Rob/Star moment! Ah, fluff warning, so be prepared.

Author's note: some chapters in this story have been re-written. Nothing big, mostly just small mistakes corrected here and there. As Iron Raven pointed out, some of the characters seemed a little off (especially Starfire and her use of contractions, where'd the heck that come from?), so I decided to fix that up a little. I was so bent on capturing the book that it actually intruded on the aspects of TT and the characters. Hopefully it's a lot better now.
Chapter 14: Moonlight

Robin groaned slightly and stretched as he got to his feet. He was trying to catch some sleep, but with everything going on in his mind he figured it would be useless to try. So after trying unsuccessfully to fall asleep for over an hour, he gave up and decided to do something else. Maybe talk to one of the other Titans, maybe take a walk, who knows. The first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was Cyborg fiddling with his communicator.

They were in a cave, which they had guessed once belonged to a bear or something. It was abandoned now, and provided some much-needed shelter since there wasn't a house nearby. By sheer dumb luck earlier that day, the team had come across an overturned, abandoned supply truck. Among the items it contained were food and water, something the Titans had gone without for ages. It seemed they still had some luck in this, after all.

The boy wonder glanced around the cave. He noticed right away that Starfire wasn't there, and he decided to find out where she was. Slowly, he got to his feet.

Cyborg gave Robin an acknowledging glance at seeing him get up. As soon as he did, he got back to examining the communicator. "Can't sleep?" he finally asked.

"Yeah," the boy wonder replied. "Where's Star?" he asked. Upon noticing what Cyborg was doing, he blurted out another question. "What are you doing?"

Cyborg briefly looked up from what he was doing and held up the small device. "Trying to get our communicators working again. I figured at least if one of us gets separated again, we'll be able to keep in touch."

Robin nodded distantly. Half his mind was listening to Cyborg while the other half was focusing on other things. He heard his metallic friend give a moan.

"Man, and if these things hadn't gotten disabled by that EMP back in Jump City, we probably wouldn't be missing Beast Boy and Raven right now." Cyborg noticed Robin flinch uncomfortably at the mention of their names. Ever since they'd been forced to abandon their two teammates, brining them up had been a touchy subject.

"I know," was all Robin said in response. The cybernetic teen took a break from the communicator to examine his metallic arm quickly. Robin could hear him mumble something under his breath that sounded like a swear word.

"What's up?" Robin asked, curious as to what was bugging him.

Cyborg looked up at him. "The power cells on my sonic cannons are starting to run low. It's been a while since they've been recharged. I'm not sure how much more use I can get out of them, but I can tell you it won't be much unless we find a power source. Not to mention I'm on my last charged power cell. I've had to shut down every night just cause I can't charge anymore."

Peachy. Robin knew to well that they might run into another tripod at any time, and having one less weapon at their disposal meant one more advantage for the invaders. Even still, Robin could tell something else was bothering his metallic friend. Not having much else to do, he decided to find out what.

"Something else bothering you? Not to pry, but you look like something else is on you're mind."

Cyborg shrug and sighed. "I was just thinking about that ship we saw the other day. That flying machine."

"The one the Martians built, right?" As if that question even needed to be asked.

Cyborg nodded. "Yup. Just the other day, we talked about how the Martians had these powerful tripods but no air force. It didn't seem very, well, logical. Then not two days later we see that thing flying overhead."

"It wasn't in the air for very long," Robin noted, remembering the experience that day. "Do you think they were just testing it?"

"Probably," Cyborg said, nodding. "But even still, it can't be good. It shows they're already starting a new phase. I mean, if they build an air force-"

"-Then the last advantage we have over them will be gone," a chilling voice finished for him. Both teens turned to see Slade standing in the cave's entrance. Without saying a word, the masked villain approached and leaned against the stony wall, his fighting staff still in hand.

"Um, yeah," Cyborg grunted. Needless to say, Slade's presence did nothing to brighten the mood. The only reason the Titans agreed to ally with him in the first place was pure desperation.

"Yes, I was just thinking about that too, as a matter of fact," the masked criminal said without a hint of emotion. "It seems they've always intended to use the tripods only up to a point, after all. I must say, it makes perfect sense. After all, if we know a tripod isn't the best way to move around, so should they."

"And?" Robin asked while glaring at him from beneath his own mask. "You say that as if we don't know that already."

"I'm sure you did," Slade continued as monotone as ever. "I just hope you realize that this has implications far beyond them simply being more mobile. If they do perfect a flying device, which I fully expect they shall, then their destructive capabilities will be multiplied much greater than they are now. They will be able to wage war on a much broader scale, and nothing, I tell you, will be able to stop them. There will be no hiding from them this time."

Robin almost told Slade to be quiet right then and there. Realizing how pointless it was and how childish it would be, he refrained. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Slade was speaking the truth. The cold, hard truth. He just couldn't believe Slade could talk about humanity's fate without even the faintest hint of emotion. Then again, Slade was not an ordinary person.

Robin paused for a minute, thinking of what to say. Finally, in a firm, resolute voice, he replied, "Then we'll find another way to fight them." Even Cyborg couldn't help but give a slight smirk. A fearless leader to the end.

It wasn't possible to tell Slade's reaction because of the mask he wore, but Robin suspected his expression hadn't changed the slightest. "By the way," the villain continued. "I'm sure you know this, but we'll be coming upon another populated area very soon if we continue the way we're going. And unless things have changed, we'll more likely than not be encountering more of them." By "more of them", he undoubtedly referred to the Martians.

"I did it!" Cyborg exclaimed out of the blue.

"What?" Robin asked curiously.

"I got my communicator to work," he replied. The cybernetic Titan held up the device to show Robin.

"Great job, Cy. We'll probably be needing them soon," Robin said as he leaned closer to get a look at the now-working communicator.

"Hey, why don't you give me yours, so I can try to fix it?" Cyborg suggested. "And see if Starfire'll give me hers."

Starfire. Robin paused when he mentioned her name. That had been the main reason Robin had gotten up in the first place. "Where is Starfire, anyway?" he asked as he handed Robin his communicator.

"Your friend is waiting outside near the ledge," Slade replied. "Just go out the cave's entrance and go off to the right. You'll find her soon. That is, if she hasn't moved."

Robin merely gave an almost undetectable nod in response. "Later Cy," he called as he left the cave. Finally he stepped out into the night air. It was pretty dark out, the sun having set hours ago. It was kind of warm, but a cool, refreshing breeze kept the heat away. Following Slade's advice, he turned right and headed in the direction. Surely enough, he soon saw Starfire's slender form standing next to the cliff's ledge, looking out into the night sky. Her back was turned to him, and she didn't see him coming.

Robin approached her cautiously. She hadn't hear him coming, or at least she didn't respond to his footsteps. He stopped when he was only a few feet behind her. Finally, after a moment of awkward silence, he spoke.

"Hey."

The alien princess turned around to face him. Her expression was a little shocked at seeing him suddenly appear without warning. Even in the dark, he could still see the brilliant green of her eyes.

"Friend Robin," she acknowledged shyly. "Hello. Is there something you wish to ask of me?"

Robin just shrugged and took another couple steps toward her. "Just wanted to see what you were up to. What are you doing?"

She briefly turned back toward the sky. "I have just been taking the moment to admire your planet's beauty. There has been little time to do so since they came."

Robin winced slightly at hearing the hurt in her voice. There was no denying that she was still very upset. "I know," he replied softly.

"There are no more stars, friend Robin," she whispered sadly. Robin looked up. In fact, there were no stars. A solid, purple layer of clouds blocked them all out. "I can no longer see the moon. It is so dark."

He could hear the fear in her voice as she spoke. Instinctively, Robin approached her so he was right at her side.

"Star," he said softly to get her attention. The Tameran turned so to face him so her eyes were looking directly into his. She looked at him with her usual timid stare he'd gotten used to and had grown to love.

To be honest, Robin wasn't sure what to say next. What could he possibly say at a time like this? He never really was that great with words. He finally decided to let his heart guide whatever he was going to say. "Star, is there something you want to talk about?" he asked.

The alien girl hesitated for a moment. "I have been thinking about where this all shall end up. I cannot help but think about what might happen to us." She looked down. "I have wondered many times about friends Raven and Beast Boy. Even with all that is happening, I cannot stop thinking of them."

"And you have every reason to," Robin answered. "They're your friends. They're our friends."

"Yes. They are friends, as you and Cyborg are to me." She folded her hands nervously behind her back. "I do not wish to lose either of you, too. Yet, I cannot help but think I will." Small tears started glistening in her eyes.

"You're not going to lose me, Star," he whispered.

"Oh Robin, I do not wish for that to happen, but I do not believe you can promise me that! We have already lost two of our own. I do not think I will be able to move on if I lose you!" Without warning, Starfire hugged him tightly and wept in his shoulder. Robin was a little stunned by the sudden outburst of affection, but nevertheless returned her hug. "You are the one who is always there for me!" she sobbed. "You are the one who is always helping me whenever I am in need! You are truly my dearest friend. If you are gone, I do not think I shall have the strength to go on without you."

Robin found himself at a loss for words. "I…I don't want to lose you either," he choked. He found himself gradually transforming from the fearless leader into just…Robin. Truth be told, the thought of losing her scared him to death. Or Cyborg, for that matter. He was still a friend.

Raven and Beast Boy's disappearance had haunted him ever since it first happened. Despite Cyborg and Starfire's repeated insistence that it wasn't his fault, he still deep down blamed himself. If he faced the loss of another team member, he knew it would hurt him too much, both as a leader and a person. These past few days, he'd had a lot to think about. He'd went over everything that had happened since day one – the invaders' arrival, being forced out of Jump City, Raven and Beast Boy's separation, and now allying with the likes of Slade… Everything led him to question himself. Was he making the right decisions? Was it his fault Raven and Beast Boy were gone? Was he still fit to be their leader?

"To be honest Star," he finally said, regaining his voice, "This whole thing's been ripping me apart, too. Not just Raven and Beast Boy, but where this whole thing is headed." He let out a deep sigh. "The more I think about it, Star, the more questions I have. But I've learned a couple things ever since this whole thing began."

"And what have you learned, friend Robin?"

Robin glanced first at the sky, then back at the alien princess. "We sometimes would like to think we're completely in control of everything around us. That we can always make the ultimate difference in the end. Being a superhero especially can get one like that." Starfire merely nodded shyly, taking in everything he said.

"But it's not like that," he continued. "Sometimes things happen that we just can't do much about. Sometimes, there are times that we can't stop something from happening. There are some things that are just beyond our control, and we have to accept that. I hate to think that there's nothing we can do to stop the inevitable. But as much as I hate it, I have to face it. Sometimes things will happen, and we'll wish those things have never happened to us. That we never had to face whatever we are faced with. But in the end, that's not up for us to decide. The only thing we can decide…is what to do with whatever time is given to us. And in times like these, the best thing one can hope for is to be with the ones we love." His words seemed to have some deep affect on her, for fresh tears started rolling down her cheeks. Robin smiled softly as he took both of Starfire's hands in his. At this she seemed to freeze and stared at him.

"We may not be able to do much about this whole thing in the end. But the thing that matters most is that we can do what we can, and that we know we don't have to go through this alone. As long as we have each other, then we can carry on. As long as we're together, there will always be hope." He paused to gather his thoughts again.

"Starfire," he said, looking straight in her eyes. "I can't promise you that we'll win this war. Or that we'll make it through alive. I wish I could, but I just can't." He took one of her hands and delicately kissed it. "I can only promise you one thing, Starfire: I'll always be your friend to the end. I promise you that I'll see this thing through to the finish, and I'll do it by your side."

Starfire's mouth opened as she tried to find her voice. "You…you promise, friend Robin?"

"I swear that as long as I'm breathing, I'll never leave you, Star. No matter what, I'll never abandon you as long as I live. And if by some chance we are separated, I'd never give up until I was with you again. I swear, I'd fight through an entire army of tripods if it meant I'd see you again."

Starfire's warm tears still flowed, but she smiled gratefully. "You would do such things…for me?"

He nodded sincerely. "I would, and nothing less, Star. You mean too much to me."

She sniffled at his words, but her smile widened. "I had no idea you cared so much for me, dear Robin."

"Of course I do, Starfire," he said softly. "You're everything to me." He paused. "You're my star. Pun intended." To his relief, a small giggle escaped her.

"Friend Robin," she said sweetly while looking at him with glistening eyes. "I cannot express how much I am glad to have a friend like you. I do not believe even the Tamaren poem of gratitude can begin to describe it." Robin smirked. "And I must tell you, Robin, you mean very much to me, as well. I have never met anyone, on my planet and yours, quite like you. There is no one who makes me feel as you do. There is no one who could ever replace you, as a friend and as a leader. Just like you could never leave me, I could never leave you, dear Robin. No matter what. As long as I live. Being with you for so long has made me see that. And I believe you with all my heart when you say you would never leave me."

"Or course I wouldn't, Star," he said just loud enough for her to hear. He paused briefly, wondering if he could actually say what he was about to say next. But after everything that had happened... "Oh what the hell," he thought, and completed his sentence.

"I love you too much."

He could hear the redheaded alien give a small gasp. At that moment, a break in the clouds came over and the moonlight poured out, and momentarily banished the blackness of the scene. It must have been full, because it was pretty bright. Robin could finally see her face clearly. Her tears had stopped, and she smiled as wide and sweetly as he had seen her in a while. The moonlight reflected magnificently off her large, beautiful green eyes. Robin stood there, captivated by her beauty, and was helpless to resist as their faces drew closer and closer together, until their lips finally met.

From the darkness behind them, a certain metallic teen watched in satisfaction at the scene. He had come out to see if things were okay, and had found them like this. He couldn't stop a grin from spreading across his face. The scene was unbelievably Kodak: the two of them kissing there at the ledge, both of them silhouetted against the brilliant moonlight. It was perfect. And needless to say, this was something Cyborg had waited to see since the two of them met. At last, not wanting to get caught and knowing it'd be best to give them privacy anyway, he swiftly ducked back inside the cave.


Ta da! This chapter is shorter than the rest, I know. But I hope the Rob/Star scene was enough. And yes, I did steal a line off Gandalf from LoTR (one of the greatest movies ever) during that scene. Please review as always. More messages, happier author. There's not much left now, only a couple chapters. I definitely will be able to get this finished by the end of summer. Thanks to everyone who's been reviewing so far.