(A/N)- Semi-sequel or at the very least in-continuity to the PTSD prompt from 2016, making mention of Starfire's issues with thunderstorms. Because I like callbacks, sue me.

Disclaimer: Let's keep this train going shall we? I don't own Teen Titans.

RobStar Week 2017, Day 4 - Rain/Thunderstorm

Robin shielded his eyes with his hand, squinting through the heavy wet drops and the water trails running down his mask, into the murky darkness of the trees. The sodden woods yielded no glimpse of their quarry. He could barely even see the damp red flush of Starfire's hair through the thick rainfall.

He shivered, his left hand grabbing at his cape and tugging it tighter around his shoulders. The titanium cloth was soaked and heavy and almost useless, but it was better than nothing. Starfire must've been freezing in her bare shoulder crop top.

The Boy Wonder walked over to join her, boots squelching in the mud, sloshing unpleasantly warm water around his feet, and his clothes clinging and sticking to his skin in wet clumps as he moved.

Starfire resembled a drowned kitten, expression miserable, hair flush around her face and back. She desperately kept pushing her bangs out of her eyes, only for them to droop right back.

Robin caught a wet strand sticking to his own forehead and scratched it free. The rain poured down in relentless pounding waves upon their heads, beating on their shoulders, trickling down their skin.

"I don't think we're going to find him," Robin said, yelling slightly over the sound of the downpour. "Not in this," he continued, gripping both edges of his cape now, huddling inside its meager warmth.

The Tamaranian sighed. "I think you are right," she admitted, gazing out through the forest one last time.

A bright flash lit the treetops above their heads, followed by a clap of loud thunder, and Starfire flinched, shrinking into herself.

"The Johnny Rancid has escaped once more," Robin heard her mumble.

He touched her shoulder, bringing her out of her familiar self-protective cower. "Come on," he said. "Let's just go home."

She nodded vigorously. "Yes please," she agreed.

Robin grabbed up her wrist, leading her off towards the clearing, away from the dripping trees. The rain lashed them in an ever-present rhythm, like a blanket made of wet and cold, goosebumping their skin.

The lightning lit their way, illuminating the rushing rivulets and puddles at their soaked, tired feet.

-TT-

Soon, they were back at the Tower. Robin changed out of his uniform immediately, leaving the damp clothes on top of the dryer to be washed later.

He returned to the common room where Starfire was warming up, rubbing a towel through his hair vigorously. The rain had washed out nearly all the gel, leaving the feathery black locks soft and limp, falling more naturally.

Starfire had curled up inside a thick wool blanket, sitting on the couch with her feet pulled up. She was still in uniform.

"Don't you want to change?" he asked her, coming around to sit.

She shook her head. "I will dry soon enough," she told him. "Are you well? You were shivering before we got in."

He smiled. "I'm fine," he assured her. "Don't worry, we'll catch him tomorrow. He's not gonna stop his rampage just 'cause we interrupted him today."

"Yes," chuckled Starfire. "He is nothing if not predictable."

Lightning suddenly blazed around the Tower. Thunder rumbled through the walls, shaking things up before subsiding.

Starfire inhaled sharply through her teeth, squeezing her eyes shut, face ashen.

Robin watched her in concern. "You okay?" he asked, leaning in.

Her shoulders relaxed and she exhaled slowly as she opened her eyes again.

"I am all right."

Her voice was a little thin, but otherwise steady, and Robin leaned back, satisfied she was okay. "Still not a fan of thunderstorms, huh?" he joked, to lighten the mood.

She gave a faint smile. "It is getting… easier," she said, "to keep myself from disassociating but…" She shook her head again. "I still do not like it."

"I understand."

"Robin?"

"Yeah?"

"Why does it not frighten you?" she asked.

Robin shifted in his seat. "Well… it did actually, when I was little. My uh…" He coughed and cleared his throat, lowering his face. "My dad told me it was just noise though, and wasn't anything to be afraid of. I guess I got used to it eventually."

Starfire shuddered. "I do not think I ever will," she mumbled.

"You will," Robin promised. "Just remember; it's loud, but it's harmless. Just noise."

"I… will try."

They sat together in silence for a moment, listening to the rain washing over the windows.

Starfire suddenly giggled.

"What?" Robin said, turning to look at her.

She was grinning at him and gestured with a hand underneath the blanket. "Your hair. It looks very cute like that." She folded the blanket over her chest. "Would you ever consider wearing it down more often?" she inquired innocently.

Robin's brain had ground to a halt the moment Starfire had brought the word "cute" into the conversation, and he was suddenly aware of the fact that he was in his pajamas—in front of a girl, alone, at night—and how hideously inappropriate that was.

Even if she was his roommate.

He coughed awkwardly, sliding up to his feet in a quick move as he backpedaled. "Uh, anyway—" he stammered. "I should… wash up and get to bed soon. Just pile your clothes on top of mine if you need to wash them. I'll get it in the morning."

Oh but now his teenage mind had twisted the implication of his words and his imagination had already removed Starfire's clothes for her and now he really needed to get out of there before he said something stupid.

She was oblivious. "Thank you, Robin," she said. "I believe I will retire shortly. You need not worry about me."

Ohhh, yes I do, Robin thought, turning swiftly and making a hasty exit, glad the darkness hid his flustered expression and red face.

The pounding of his heart rivaled the thunder outside as he hurried off.

(A/N)- The Boy Dorkwad is a dork. XD