Camping felt like the safest way to gather a group of teen superheroes while limiting property damage. Some Titans volunteered to stay such as Raven, Cyborg, Bee, Aqualad, and Wilderbeast, but practically everyone else was arriving to a campsite deep in a national forest.
It had gotten everyone pumped up when the clearance from the League went through, it was a much needed vacation and chance for training on the side. Robin was excited himself since while his life had mostly taken place in cities for the past 9 years, there was something rewarding about getting away from it all.
He had loaded up what he was able on his Bike and left an entire day early just so he could take the scenic route and potentially set up early. He needed a little solo time as well, it was going to be a social weekend with all the honorary Titans being invited along. The company was appreciated, but he just wanted to have a little time not being team leader or fix every problem. He had sent out a camping supply checklist and loaded his own and a few extras onto his bike ready to enjoy the sights. He wanted to see the trees and melting snow patches, maybe hit some good truck stop diners.
The road gave him some free time to think, he was debating a transfer. Jump city had great things, worthy villains, and great public relations, but he wanted to keep progressing and challenging himself. Though the main thing that was keeping him back was how wonderful it was to work on a diverse team that did offer instantaneous back up and allowance to take on bigger threats than he could solo. It was just something he was thinking about and considering the best way to find that balance. He didn't want to side kick back in Gotham especially with a new Robin I training that way, but he wanted to weigh his options before committing.
So he spent the 12 hour drive over thinking, eating tall burgers, and enjoying the fresh air of the country side. It was much needed. He found a good camping site that was told to him by Flash and set out the beacon so everyone else would have an easy time finding it as well.
He laid back and enjoyed the peace and quiet while it remained, taking out his hammock to catch up on sleep while there was still some daylight.
Titans East were the first to show up which made sense from Mas y Menos being early risers and quick packers. Argent and Hotspot were next as they had traveled together, Kole and Gnark were covering for them saying camping wasn't what they needed more time doing. Titans West came next with Starfire and Beast Boy flying in with Starfire seeming to carry the bulk of supplies. She waved warmly at everyone almost dropping a duffle bag in her hands.
Though it was enough people to start building up a campsite. Mas y Menos cleared out the brush and branches to create a clearing for the tents and a fire pit. Speedy set up a cooking station and a spot to practice archery. Beast Boy went around and communicated to the local fauna to stay away and safe. Starfire went to work setting up the tents since she had brought them. Kid Flash arrived just in time to kick up some dust and be sent on water duty to help. Red Star was picking up Pantha before arriving which would be a bit of a setback so they weren't expected until later in the evening.
"Good idea, Boy Wonder." Kid Flash said appearing and placing a hand on his shoulder, the creek was a very short hike away from the site. "It sure is pur-tey out here." He said emphasis on the mispronunciation.
"Yeah, it looks nice everything put together." Robin responded enjoying that everyone was working independently.
"The creek sure is nice, it has little waterfalls and fish and a few little lake like areas it runs through up stream. Think it might be worthy to go for a swim?" He offered gave him an elbow nudge indicating Starfire. Robin sighed at his subtlety. Yes he had a crush on Starfire, yes it seemed that crush had some returned feelings, but his life was messy enough without adding to it with a work place romance. They were great friends and great teammates…who occasionally got jealous and beat up flirty villains on their behalf. Who occasionally had hugs that went on longer than others, and who went to get dinner alone once a week.
"It's snow run off, so help yourself, I'm doing just fine." Robin responded not really in need of a wingman at the moment. Wally put it on a little thick in his own flirting which was not the agenda for this trip. It was relaxation and maybe some team building strategies so they can justify that deep in the budget to the league.
"Just fine huh?" he asked as Speedy had made his way over and said something that made Starfire laugh as she secured the final stake for the storage tent.
"Dude, just friends." He said though his desire to give Speedy a new job was on the tip of his tongue. Though he moved on to check out a space for a potential sparing zone. He would appreciate getting a chance to practice with some of the honorary Titans. Though he found a space to the south he found something else. A perfect little cliff that had a great view of the valley beneath where it was green and perfect, though quite a drop, but likely a fun place for fliers.
It was here he saw Pantha and Red Star approach the site with it looking like Pantha was clinging for dear life on Red Star. He waved them down to the site and when they landed at that cliff side Pantha immediately sprawled on the ground her fingers digging into the dirt while she muttered in Spanish likely prayers.
"Hello friend, thank you for inviting us. She got a little air sick so give her a moment." Red Star said and gave Pantha his canteen to take a comforting sip.
"It's okay, we can make sure she takes a different way home. Glad you both made it." Robin said as Pantha sat up and dusted herself off.
"Much thanks, Robin." She said much more composed. "Do you know where I should put my snacks?" She said and Red Star took off a backpack that was most likely hers by the design.
"Yeah we have a food space set up at the campsite." He said and walked them over where they were greeted with a much more complete campsite with a small fire going likely by means of Hot Spot. A seating area had also been set up with a table and little logs had been moved for seats. Targets were arranged by the archery range and there was a table over there with other supplies. It looked professional except for the volleyball net that had just gone up, but that was all part of entertainment.
"Yo!" Beast Boy said and morphed into a black bear to give Red Star a real bear hug where Mas y Menos were fast to cling to Pantha. Other greetings were exchanged and he went to check out all the training area that had been set up.
There was a large amount of weapons he did not recognize sitting on the table there with a manner of sizes in knives and spears. He tried to think who would fight with these when I caught the sight of a green jewel embedded I the hilt of a pair of dueling swords. It matched Starfire's which was enough of a connection. Made sense she had brought a bag of weapons with everything else she had. Though he hoped people would be responsible and not take or damage them. They all looked incredibly sharp so hopefully no one would damage themselves.
"No way!" He heard from behind him and turned back around to see that everyone was crowded over the snacks Pantha had brought. Not wanting to miss out on the excitement he went over and was instantly handed some fresh fruit and a bag of spicy chips by Pantha wanting to share the wealth around. Who was he to complain, he quickly understood the need for the fruit as soon as he tasted the chips. They blended wonderfully with the heat, but still made him go for the water jugs. Though laughter and similar reactions from surprisingly Hot Spot made everyone laugh as Argent rushed to share her soda. There seemed to be different levels as the bags were different colors. Red Star also suffered and Starfire grabbed his bag so it would not go to waste both having concern and delight on her face.
"These would be excellent with chocolate." She said and handed the bag down to Mas. He seemed quite happy and handed his spare candy to Menos.
"I think we are saving our chocolate for S'mores, Stargirl. Though good idea." Speedy said lowkey fanning himself and sucking deeply on the peach he had been given.
"Pantha, I don't know if you enjoy these or you enjoy the reactions more." Hotspot said as it was noticed she had not eaten the chips herself.
"Both, if I was truly mean I would not have brought the fruit." She said though her laugh was straight maniacal.
"Hey guys there is a little lake nearby if you actually need to cool down." Kid Flash offered to those who were suffering. Many seemed to think this idea was a good idea, but some seemed hesitant.
"We could just wear spare clothes and I'm sure they can dry by the fire." Argent offered as it became obvious that she and others had not brought a swimsuit. "Hotspot mind starting the fire so it's nice and easy."
"Sure." He said and went to the constructed fire pit area.
"Let's head over." Kid Flash said leading the group over with a few lingering like Robin, Hot Spot, Mas, Menos, and Starfire. It was surprising that Starfire was not already in the water since she loved the ocean and probably was a person who packed one. She seemed to be staring off into the woods in a different direction.
"You okay?" He decided to ask as she was separated from the group. She didn't respond immediately.
"Sorry, I am getting used to the different noises. There are different bird calls here than Jump, would not want to be surprised by native species." She said and turned to look at him. "Are you going to swim?"
"Nah, I don't really feel like it right now, I might lay down in the tent for a little bit." He responded since he was a little tired and not really wanting to swim in snow run off.
"Are you feeling sick?" She asked and put a hand on his forehead, finger tips going into his hair. "You do feel a little warmer than humans should, maybe a swim would help."
"No, I'm sure it is just the chips." And proximity to you like this.
"If you are so sure, feel better, Robin." She said and put some space in to remove her shirt in fact wearing a bikini top underneath. "You look a little red, make sure you put on the sunscreen too." She added at the sight of his face.
"I will, have fun." He said and she waved at his retreat back to the tent. He heard her continuing to rustle and change.
Dinner was a pleasant affair of veggie or normal hot dogs. They had returned from the lake tired and happy with a funny story about Argent and a big fish that had been lured by her piercings. She was not pleased, but laughed at her expense as well. She was humble and had obvious plans for revenge on Kid Flash who told everyone.
The food was good as everyone cooked their own and had plenty in the ice chest for seconds. People broke off into groups and were able to catch up. Beast Boy, Pantha, Kid Flash, and Speedy Formed one group, Argent, Starfire, Hot Spot and Red Star formed the other, Robin sat in the middle listening while Mas y Menos were play wrestling around camp.
"We could always start a band…" I heard from Beast Boys group.
"I think that it is a factor of recent regulations…" Hot Spot was explaining completely different atmospheres, completely different topics.
"Yo Rob, wanna join in proper?" Kid Flash asked probably catching on to the fact he had been spacy.
"Yeah sure." He said not wanting to let his overthinking ruin this trip for everyone else.
"I think we could split the volleyball teams pretty easily." Speedy was saying.
"Straws?" Pantha guessed.
"No team daddy issues versus non-daddy issues." He continued and Robin resisted face palming. "It makes it a more even split."
"I'm not denying that as a valid option, but who are the teams then?" Beast Boy asked.
"Easy Daddy Issues: Argent, Robin, myself, Mas y Menos. Non-Daddy Issues: Pantha, Red Star, Beast Boy, Kid Flash, Hot Spot." He went into.
"What about Starfire?" Robin asked since she was not named.
"I don't know where she falls on the scale. Plus it could be nice to have her be a ref considering the fact we only brought two balls." Speedy said looking a little uncomfortable. "I assume yes, but I don't know. Rob?"
"What?" He asked a little in disbelief and offended by this whole idea. It was undeniable, but still insanely rude.
"Where she falls on the scale?" he whispered which turned out to be unnecessary as someone had heard him as water fell over his head like a freak rain storm. Robin didn't know, Starfire had mentioned her mother, sister and brother briefly, but the topic of her father never came up. Was that an easy yes?
"I'm sorry friend Speedy, Argent told me that was necessary." Starfire who had apparently launched the water came to offer a spare shirt to dry off.
"It wasn't, but sorry I said something I should not of…so loud." He said and did take the shirt to dry his hair.
"Star would you mind starting to get the stuff for s'mores out?" Beast Boy asked giving her a new task since she couldn't help with cooking wells he could help with prep.
"Of course." She said and gave him a smile before floating up to where the food was stashed away at.
"Careful, I don't know that answer either, but family is touchy." Beast Boy advised and Robin nodded.
"She doesn't talk about it since she doesn't want to ruin the mood. We should just draw straws." Robin put in.
"Mas, Menos, careful!" Argent said as their fight got a little too close to the fire. Fortunately Starfire was close enough to grab them and put one on each of her hips to stall the fighting. She had set the supplies on the table and seemed to be talking to them in Spanish quietly walking around like it was completely normal to carry two kids on her hips like a mom. The matched hair helped.
"So what's on the agenda for tomorrow boss man?" Speedy asked wanting to know what they had to accomplish before he had free range to practice on his firing range.
"I think we will have to fit in a team hike, sparring session, and perhaps a group game maybe capture the flag or powers hide and seek. I am happy to let that one go up for a vote." Robin responded not really needing every moment to be planned on his vacation as long as things still got done.
"Sounds great." Pantha said as it was obvious she was on board with the sparring.
"Wow who had a revolution and made this a democracy?" Kid Flash joked.
"I want a nice weekend too, no injuries, no madness, no drama." He said and instantly wanted to retract what he said since he had jinxed everything.
"Easier said than done, my man." Beast Boy said and went up to start up s'mores. Starfire had taken Mas y Menos on a flight and disappeared from view. Everyone went up to start their own marshmallows for smores. Though Argent showed a magic trick of using ice cream cones instead of graham crackers. It was nice as the conversation started flowing to recent battles and some League rumors.
"Did anyone interview for the open spot?" A member of the League was going on leave so there had been interviews for that fill in. Robin had which had increased his indecisiveness, but no call back.
"I did." Speedy said with some confidence in his posture. "It's only a matter of time before they start scouting us."
"I didn't, but I know Barry put I a good word in case I changed my mind." Kid Flash said which was likely true since Flash was always looking after him.
"I didn't even know this was going on." Hot Spot said which made sense since not everyone was kept on the loop.
"I think it was more sidekick encouraged man." Speedy said though it was an open interview. Cyborg had, Bee had, and Beast Boy had chickened out of his interview last second.
"It would take you away from home too often, love." Argent said justifying it was a good thing he hadn't applied. They were holding hands tucked under the same blanket and the air was divided by those who already knew and those who didn't know they were a thing.
"What does elevation to the League do?" Red Star asked clearly curious.
"More shifts in the Watch Tower, on call for travel, and a bit of a pay and PR increase. Though the added respect is certainly a selling point for those of us that started out under a big guy." Kid Flash explained and went to refill everyone's water. He was a good host.
"So… how are you and Starfire?" Argent asked out of the blue to him. He had purposely not had lots of interaction with her this trip since he knew this would happen.
"We're good." He answered not really going into details that she wanted. She seemed unhappy with his answer.
"No changes or progress?" She continued and the group looked over at him as this was the perfect time to discuss while she was no where in sight.
"We are great friends and teammates, but I don't think both of us are in the right place for that." He gestured to her linked hands.
"I guess that is a fair answer. I just know she was a little sad and confused after you two got stranded in space." It was a fair point since he had kinda dodged and avoided a straight answer.
"She's great and I'm glad I spend so much time with her on my team, but she is not my girlfriend like that." He said and hoped that would be enough of an answer for everyone who was watching him.
"So she is available?" Speedy asked a little playfulness in his tone.
"No….I mean yes." The no was a reflex since she wasn't available for him. There was a mix of laughter and eyes diverting. "She can and does whatever she wants, I'm her teammate not her boyfriend." His tone came out sharp.
"Sorry for asking, I just was being nosy I guess. Seems like I will have to wait for another couple to form before we have double date partners. My money is on Beast Boy and Raven." Argent said and put the hot seat back on Beast Boy who spit out marshmallow in shock. Robin zoned out for part of the teasing thinking about how obvious they were to others, did their foes see it?
"I hope you left us some marshmallow, friends." Starfire said as she finally returned with Mas y Menos. They were held in her arms and seemed much calmer than before.
"We have two more bags if that one is empty." Pantha said and got up from her seat to help her set up.
"Hey do you want your shirt back?" Speedy asked as he still had it. She was wearing her swim suit top and Robin had also immediately noticed.
" Thank you, though I do not need it, I believe I am going to swim again in a Lake we discovered in on our flight. It has a waterfall and seems to have a small cavern. I just wanted a fire marshmallow." She said and put marshmallows on sticks handing them off to Mas y Menos while Pantha set up the cracker and chocolate. She did take her shirt back and put it on the line.
"Are you going alone?" Red Star asked not liking the idea of anyone wandering in the woods alone.
"It is a little cold and dark for a swim." Robin voiced also not liking she was disobeying Horror movie 101. Beast Boy had made them watch a marathon before the trip and while there was plenty of nonsense, but not wandering off alone was a good idea always.
"Do not worry, I just want to float and stargaze since the sky is never this clear in the city." She said as she purposely caught a marshmallow on fire and ate it still lit.
"You're right." Beast Boy said and gave her a thumbs up.
"Take a communicator and send up a starbolt if you need anything." Robin said and she tapped her side that had her communicator hooked onto her denim shorts.
"Okay, feel free to join. Goodnight everyone if I do not return before you sleep." She said and floated off with a true s'more in her hand. Her invitation to join had her looking directly at Robin and everyone caught it. There were faint whispers.
"Okay who would be final girl in a horror movie?" Beast Boy said wanting to get on a new tangent while flexing his horror movie knowledge.
"Me." Argent said and flexed a little. She had strong abilities and a level head in addition to not being an easy target.
"No, being in a couple makes you more vulnerable." He went on to explain.
Robin debated joining Starfire just to get a chance to talk to her before anyone else did about what was discussed. He wanted to make sure they were on the same page if they talked to her. Though he could not get his legs to move as his mind filled with the potential sing song teasing if he went off to meet her in the woods. He didn't want to hear the comments, he didn't want that part of his life to be on display. Though he found himself excusing himself to go to the storage tent for a jacket and use his communicator. It was getting colder by the minute.
"Starfire report." He said after he sent the intro clicks.
"All clear." She responded like protocol, he could hear the waterfall in the background. "It is beautiful out here."
"I agree." He responded since it was a part of the world with a different beauty than Jump.
"You should come here in the daylight." She offered. "I could fly you down."
"Maybe, we have some training to do tomorrow." Robin said not wanting to reject her, but not sure if he should take the invitation.
"I look forward to it." He heard splashing and laughter.
"What's so funny?" He asked.
"I am just remembering something Cyborg said."
"What?" he asked curious.
"It does not matter, oh hi there. Robin I will call you back, I do not want to scare them off." She said in a whisper.
"What?" He repeated and felt dread in whatever she had found. Though she had left the call. He left the tent to see if there was a green flare of a starbolt. No signs of distress, but it almost made him want to rush out there, but he had no idea where she was. Instead he went to Beast Boy to see what animals he made contact with earlier in the day.
"Oh, a lot of deer, a bear who was passing through, though I didn't see them there was tracks of a mountain lion, but far away." He said and it clicked that she had either ran across a bear or mountain lion from her delighted tone.
"Sounds like one of those found Starfire." He said and Beast Boy gave a shrug.
"She's fine dude. She is the biggest predator wherever she goes they'll leave her alone." He said since there were times he felt that warning instinct in his gut when Starfire was mad.
"Hmm." He said and was resigned to wait by the fire with the others. Red Star, Mas y Menos, Pantha, and the couple had retreated to bed with Beast Boy getting ready himself.
"I kinda wish Bee gets the position." Speedy said out of nowhere. Though the remaining boys knew what he was talking about. "She deserves it with all her hard work, but I still hope I get it."
"Do you know if Oliver gave you a recommendation?" Kid Flash asked.
"Yeah, but you know how much weight that holds. I should of asked Dinah for one." He sighed and drew on the ground with an abandoned marshmallow stick.
"If Bats gave you one, you would be a shoo in." Kid Flash said to Robin.
"I didn't ask for one. I want my work to be enough, plus he would hold it over my head." He replied and they nodded getting the dynamic.
"Are you getting along better?"
"Being out of Gotham helps, but it is a little weird knowing he is replacing me. Two Robins doesn't feel right."
"I bet." Speedy said as his other peers had entirely different names.
"Have you met him yet?" Kid Flash asked. He nodded.
"It wasn't a great first impression, but it's not his fault." He answered and sighed. "I don't know if he's right, but I can't remove my bias."
"Fair dude." Speedy said and put a hand on his shoulder. "Just do what you want to do, that gives you a little more freedom."
"Maybe, I just think I need to make a change as well."
"Like leave the Titans?" Wally asked a little louder than he should have.
"I don't know yet, but I need some sort of change. I feel like I'm trapped in a holding pattern."
"We support you in whatever you feel like you need dude." Kid Flash said confidently.
"It goes both ways." He responded and yawned. He was getting tired, but didn't want to fall asleep while Starfire was still out there. It seemed contagious. He sat close to the fire, but the warmth was comforting. He let his eyes close briefly and did not open them until he was being carried. He knew who it was before his sight returned. They were so warm and gentle when carrying him that it had to be Starfire.
"What did you see?" he whispered to her as she unzipped the tent he had been intending to sleep in.
"Big cats." She said and it made sense she didn't know the word mountain lion.
"You get hurt?" He asked though he was barely hanging on to consciousness as he took off his own shoes.
"No, they were sweet." She whispered. "You're sweet." She said as he unconsciously hugged her a little tighter in relief.
"I wish I would have went with you." He muttered sleepily as she zipped him up in his bag and got his pillow right.
"Tomorrow you can." She replied and he didn't hear anything else.
The next morning was a contest to see who would wake up first. Whoever did would have to start breakfast so most Titans feigned sleep and waited for someone else to do it. That was until they heard Starfire say good morning and start to get up. Speedy was quick to jump out of bed to try and step in before she started her kitchen duties. Everyone else who had been faking also rose.
"Crisis averted." Beast Boy whispered as he went back to his tent to fall back asleep a little more, he liked to sleep in with the chance.
"Don't sleep too long I would like to start our hike after breakfast." Robin told him. He wanted to find the lake Starfire had been at in case she went there again and he needed to find her. He wished he had seen her come back, but he at least knew she was safe.
"Cool story bro." He responded and made it back in to his tent.
Pancakes were on the agenda for breakfast with eggs that turned out quite nicely. Argent with the help of Hot Spot prepared tea and hot chocolate to help defeat the chill. Red Star seemed most appreciative and went over to watch Speedy cook to learn how to replicate them. Starfire recounted her adventures with the mountain lions who apparently had let her pet their chin.
"You remind me of Snow White." Speedy told her as he flipped a pancake onto her plate over hearing her story.
"Who? Thank you." She said in response.
"It's a fairytale, Star. Just another princess story, we can watch it at home." Robin responded. She was not always fond of the princess comparisons.
"I see." She responded. She seemed a little distant this trip and he wanted to get to the bottom of it, but there had not been the right moment. Red Star began talking to her about something in Russian and she quickly responded in the same. He had not known she had learned Russian. When ? Was it from Red Star?
"Dude turn off the lazer eyes." Kid Flash whispered. Though it was hard to turn off the unsettling in his stomach as she laughed and he smirked his eyes getting narrow as the smile took over his face.
"Everyone finish up! We are going to take off in half an hour. No powers on the hike." Robin sent out the order needing an immediate shift. He went off to put his dishes in the bucket and get the hiking pack.
The hike itself was more of an exploration. Pantha walked point with Beast Boy, since they couldn't turn off their instincts. Everyone else was doing well with the no powers rule with everyone following behind quietly chatting and taking photos. Starfire was giving somewhat directions since she had walked back instead of flown. Robin was still a bit peeved by her knowing Russian that he didn't look at the full implications of that.
Over the course of the hike, Kid Flash twisted his ankle. He would heal quickly with his abilities, but he could not move forward. He immediately went into playful dramatics putting in requests for his funeral until Starfire simply picked him up and bridal carried him the rest of the way. It was rather expected to need to be carried by a teammate at one point or another, but Wally had no had the privilege of being carried to safety by Starfire and realized it was a much more pleasant experience than Barry, Dick, Speedy, or Donna a few times. She was incredibly careful about making sure he didn't hit any of the trees or obstacles along the 'trail' and showed no signs of exertion or faltering in carrying him.
"Do I weigh anything to you?" He asked as she maneuvered him gently through a narrow passage of a rock and tree.
"It is not a concern." She answered as she lead them moving more towards the front. "Though you have something in your pocket that is doing the poking of me." Everyone paused a step behind her taking in the implications.
"Sorry, I had to pack snacks." He said removing a full banana from his pocket and eating it to remove the clutter. There was laughter and snickers with both the banana revelation and the relief that Robin would not have to murder his oldest friend.
"It should be in sight after this hill." She told the group and made a motion to continue.
"Yay!" Beast Boy muttered since walking as a human was in his bottom tier list of activities. She ended up being right as they saw the lake with a 10 foot waterfall coming from the side.
"Gorgeous." Argent said and then turned back. "Hike over powers up." She said and began to fly taking Hot Spot with her.
"Is your ankle better?" Starfire asked Wally who knew he had advanced healing abilities.
"Not all the way, but much." He answered honestly as there was some pain, but nothing as bad.
"I'll set you down a little bit closer then." She offered and floated down to a good out cropping of rocks. The rest of the nonfliers and Red Star found a safe path down through the rocks. The water was warm on the sun touched surface and cold beneath. It was a little colder than Robin's preference, but the water was tempting after the hike. He found a good place to tuck his supplies by Wally who was happily snacking on other things.
"I see why you let her carry you around everywhere, definitely is nicer than when Donna would." It was true in their earlier days, Donna was a little less mindful of bumping into other objects.
"We both take turns." He responded as he did catch her and carry when necessary she was light for how tall and muscular she was.
"Mhmm well now is your turn to take a dip." He responded and gestured to the group that was already in the water. It seemed like everyone was able to mix well as Argent was launching Beast Boy, Mas y Menos into the air with help from her green lantern like powers. Speedy and Pantha seemed to be looking for something in the water. Hot Spot and Red Star were splashing each other trying to create the most water moving upwards. He didn't see Starfire right away, but suspected she had likely hidden within the waterfall.
"Alright, alright. You get the buzz kill duties while you're benched." He said to Wally wanting to truly enjoy this moment with peers. This is why they came so everyone could have fun and not worry. He took off his shirt and shoes and found a good spot to jump in since he knew that cold water would be worse if he tried to ease in. It was still cold and he sputtered a second before he got his bearings of up and air straight. He started to swim towards the others, but decided to take a moment to just float and look at the sky. It was beautiful, the sky was a clear blue with trees lining the picture. Bald eagles were flying around the lake swooping at random. Serene was not a word Robin could use often, but it certainly fit here.
He decided to float a little while, until he heard a splash nearby of Menos landing. It appeared that he had drifted close to all the activities. He swam a little bit farther away from the splash zone and saw all the groups he could join. Then he saw something miraculous, Speedy was walking across water step by step like a certain religious figure until he lost his balance and fell belly up into the water.
"Well that was cool until it wasn't." He said once he rose up and then assumed the floating position.
"Nice trick." Robin responded curious how he managed.
"Well you are the resident expert on cool tricks." He said knowing of his circus background.
"How'd you pull that one off?"
"A little help from a beautiful assistant." He made a hand to gesture, but no one came up. "Mysterious beautiful assistant."
"Sure." He said with a laugh which was met with a splash. Then the splashes continued until it was enough of a war that others had become casualties. Though it was all in good fun. They both ended up panting floating and being exhausted.
"Truce."
"Truce." Though it was short lived as they felt a definite shift underneath the water. They would suspect Aqualad if he was here, but it was a clear movement that was big. The water was mostly visible, but they lost it around their toes. They sensed it coming back as a flash of red appeared in the water and vanished. Then Starfire emerged out of the water hair flipping out in a crescent shape, the movement must have been her moving much deeper in the lake.
"Found it?" She said holding up what had to be Pantha's earring. That must have been what they were looking for before and she had been looking for it the entire time. Pantha shouted praises her way as it must have been more than just an earring. She swam straight for Starfire and wrapped her in ne of her big signature hugs that Starfire returned laughing.
"Damn girl where are you keeping all those lungs?" Speedy asked amazed, she must of carried him to the spot Pantha jumped in and lost it to get a better sight of it. She laughed him off.
"I do believe Aqualad still has me beat." She responded a little more modest. Though she swam closer to Robin. "Can I show you something?" She asked him.
"Just him what ab-" Pantha shoved Speedy back under the water before he could finish his statement and went under herself.
"Sure." Robin responded since he was curious what she had found last night. She had him take her hand and moved with him at his pace to where she wanted. It ended up being beyond the waterfall with it falling as a noisy water curtain behind him. There was arches and a little cavern it was like the bat cave, but more open and wonderous with little rock ledges and the light getting in from outside.
"This is nice." Robin said following her to a rock where they could sit and relax. She tilted her head as if she was unsure of what he said, though the waterfall was loud so Robin suspected she could not hear him. He got closer. "This is nice."
"I am glad you like it." She said and pointed to a point of the cave that had a cool skylight. He shivered since without the sunlight to help, the water he was drenched in was really cold. She caught on quickly and moved him to snuggle into her side as she was bone dry likely due to her powers. "Cold?" She asked before moving a little closer.
"A little." He admitted appreciating she had gotten them alone for a short stretch of time if she was needing extra affection. It was part of her to need extra affection than most people in his life. He appreciated being her first choice. "You doing okay?"
"I am worried." She openly admitted and when he shivered once again she pulled him to her. Face tucked in her neck and her fingers spreading out on his back her heat balancing him back.
"What about?" He asked trying to keep talking fluid between them.
"I fear I am about to make a bad choice." She said and her hands on his back turned to fingertips lightly dragging her nails in. Her voice was a whisper in the white noise of the fall.
"Starfire, what is your choice about?" He asked trying not to be too enraptured by the sensations and the fact he could feel her heart beat.
"You." She said and pulled back a little. "Though we should talk about it after this trip. We should be trying to have fun with our friends. " She said and decided he was warm enough.
"What kind of fun are we supposed to be having huh?" He asked feeling rejected by her which was not a common experience.
"I do not know what you mean, Robin." She said and he realized that he was being vague.
"When did you learn Russian?" He asked point blank. She seemed to understand with the exact cue given and shook her head.
"When Red Star kissed my cheek months ago. The lip contact does not have to be a kiss, he was curious if I could use my power on him. He is not anyone you need to be…" She cut off and shifted them so she was pinning him gently to the rock.
"What?" he asked as she was staring at him with her glowing eyes and really challenging his hormones.
"Worried about." She finished and kissed his cheek. She then put her forehead on his and shook it back and forth lightly. "You are different to me, Robin. Though I wish our situation was different…"
"What would you want to change?" His brain was flooded with hormones and happiness he had been lacking in his brain chemistry.
"I wish we could be like this.." She said and a hand of hers locked in the hair at his nape and she rolled so he was free partially on top of her. "more. I like being alone with you."
"Starfire… I feel like I would promise you anything right now, but I want this to be real." He said finding a little more control in himself. She pouted and he wished he wasn't the cause of her disappointment.
" I want it to be real." She agreed, but then she blew air in a huff that caressed his face. The nerves in his body were working over time.
"I just am not there with myself, it's not you, it's me. I wish I could just…You know I care about you, right?" Robin asked wanting to have it be an easier statement to say and define.
"Yes." She said and brought him down for a hug. "I care for you, too. Even if I am unsure what would bring me greater joy right now, kissing you or throwing you back in the water." He knew she was frustrated by the situation, but there was no give at the moment in his mind. He could not cross that line even for her.
"Starfire.." He began, but was stunned to stop when she turned her face away trying to hide the pain in her face.
"I'm okay, you actually helped. Can you just hug me for a minute?" She said not looking at him, but having her arms open.
"Whatever you need." He responded and she muttered something in a language he didn't know, but put a kiss on her forehead when he felt a drop pf water that was warmer than the lake roll across his skin.
There were fortunately no injuries on the hike back to camp and everyone seemed to have a renewed spirit at the trip. Starfire had needed a moment, but she was able to join back in with the group easily, participating in a trick dive contest with the others.
Though now there was a mystery that he had to wait to solve and it involved him. Maybe it had been a bad idea to be alone with her. He would have to put it off until they were back in the Tower and could have a good discussion.
Once they made it back to their site they decided to set up for independent training before going back together. Each person had a different skill set they were working on, Archery was Speedy's, Kid Flash, Mas y Menos were setting up a race track around the forest. Hot Spot was working on heat control with marshmallows being his tell when he flared too greatly. Pantha and Red Star seemed to be practicing wrestling with a circle drawn and them talking while circling. Beast Boy had went back to bed claiming he had a headache, Robin let it slide and would have him make it up later. Argent and Starfire were at her table of weapons which Argent was practicing mimicking the array of shapes with her own abilities while Starfire spoke of their use. That suddenly made sense to him, she did have a supply of weapons she was unable to use due to Earth rules, but their use and her knowledge had not diminished with her time here.
He went on to check out each of the stations as Starfire set up a new target area adjacent to Speedy to demonstrate. At first it was spear throwing which quickly turned the target into a porcupine. It was hard not to watch her form as she gave a verbal explanation then with ease and obvious practice sailed the spear through the air piercing the target. She removed the spears and brought them back to the table all except one that she strapped to her back and went over to the section of throwing knives.
At this point a small group had developed around him watching Starfire send off an array of weapons. Red Star and Pantha were taking a break. Hot Spot was supporting his girlfriend when her copy was close. Beast Boy had taken a break from his nap to take form of a cat and bask in the sun watching. Her precision reminded him of the magicians who were able to throw knives with similar ease. He had never been an assistant, but he knew that it required intense precision.
"On Tamaran we practice with partners, my sister was my least favorite on to get." He heard her tell Argent and cringed since he imagined that it was the truth. Blackfire would purposely strike her if she had the chance now, was it that different back then?
"What is your favorite of all these?" Argent asked probably getting weapon overloaded.
"This." She held out a blade that was sleek and black in color. It had an obviously serrated side and simple point. "It can be used to everything and is small enough to be smuggled in civilian clothes. I used it to…." She broke off as she heard someone cough. "cut melon this morning." She said likely altering her recount of a kill for the benefit of the group.
"Nice." Argent said as she made a copy. "Do you ever get to use any of this in Jump?" Starfire shook her head.
"I believe if I did I would no longer be invited to these trips. My training is to finish my fights." She said and moved on to more obscure things like sling shots, flails, and others he did not recognize. "Maybe…" she cut off and pulled out a bow with a quiver full of arrows.
"Wait where have you been hiding that bow?" Speedy asked as he had joined the weapon live documentary. "Can you use it?" Her smile widened and she took that challenge.
"Would you like to see how I can use it?" She asked him and he grinned back ready to have a training partner. "We could make a game out of it?"
"Careful dude, don't make any bets she's a hustler in disguise." Beast Boy warned and a small starbolt appeared in the dirt spooking him.
"Beast Boy, just because I was not born on Earth does not mean I do not know how to gamble." She said as she put some weapons away. "How about we just have fun?" She offered and attached her favorite knife to her belt and put on the quiver.
"I don't know a bet could be fun too. If you have some training let's spice it up. " He said wholly confident in his abilities. "Trick shot contest? We have to match their trick shot in 5 tries or else."
"Prizes?" She asked as she walked over to his range.
"Loser has to sacrifice their s'more rations for tonight? I don't really have much to lose." He said sheepishly.
"On Tamaran we play for pieces of clothing or weapons." She said and looked him up and down.
"Wait so strip archery is real?" He asked astonished and vindicated for an argument he had in the past.
"It's usually only one piece." She qualified. "I like your shirt." She said gesturing to his red plaid flannel over his black T shirt.
"Don't do it." Beast Boy muttered. "She still hasn't given me back my sun glasses." Robin remembered that incident and knew Raven had put Starfire up to that. He was just interested in what Speedy would say back to that request.
"Uh I can't really make the same request without being a total perv…. Maybe I can just take one of your fancy arrows or the s'mores thing." There was a nod of approval from the group. He had found the right thing to say in a bad situation.
"Deal." She said and held out her arm where she clasped his forearm in a Tamaranian agreement.
"Ladies first. Maybe take some warm up shots." He said and let her decide on the first trick shot she wanted. He then walked over to Robin "How likely am I going to keep this shirt?" He whispered.
"I've only seen her use a bow she made from scratch, so it could go either way, but she won't go easy on you." He said and watched as her first shot was a little too left of the bullseye. Her next one was too right and her third was dead on.
"How about you go first friend Speedy? Just so I know what you mean by trick shot." She said as she moved to fire a bullseye into another set up.
"Sure, it's something out of the ordinary. Like this." He switched hands and shot an arrow with his non-dominant hand. It wasn't dead center, but a strong hit. "and you get 5 tries to match. Sound fair."
"I like this idea." She said in response. She instantly changed her own hands and made a comparable shot. "Though I am having a hard time thinking about the trick aspect." She admitted.
"Well maybe that was too easy. Lets try not looking." He said and demonstrated that on the target next to it hitting the target better with his dominant hand.
"I think I get the idea." She said and copied his stance and head position. It missed, too high. Which gave everyone a little gasp and Speedy a little bit of relief, until her next attempt was dead on.
"I know this may need some help, but this is my first idea." She said and then flew up about 40 feet. Went into a head first freefall hitting the target upside down and then landed just in time, her hair making a wild arc as she landed on her feet. "Does that count, if I help you manage it?" She said now twisting her hair into a pony tail.
"Sure... so upside down, free fall. How would you help? I kinda don't want a broken neck." He asked and Starfire explained she was fast enough to drop and catch him gently. They did a practice without the arrows and he gave a thumbs up to the plan. His first 3 attempts were bust, the second hit the target barely, but his fifth attempt was on the money. There were cheers as the entire group had joined to watch. Even Starfire seemed happy for him.
"What is your move?" She asked as the celebration died down. Speedy decided that this one would be shooting an arrow before you landed mid-flip. It was something that made his arrow a little off, but managed it on the first shot. She put her hair up in a bun and practiced the flip movement with the bow once before firing true her first shot.
"Two at once?" She asked checking if it was a trick shot. He nodded and she fired and so did he with ease.
"William Tell." He said and with Starfire's confused look he explained it was shooting an apple off someone's head. She nodded and Speedy looked for a volunteer. While anyone was down for being a target since they trusted them, Robin was selected since he was the best balancer. An apple was placed on his head and he waited. Speedy got it first try while he closed his eye so he wouldn't subconsciously flinch.
"I am not so sure this is a good idea." Starfire said and she did not have an arrow drawn. She must have been worried about hurting him.
"It's okay, Star I trust you." He said opening his eyes and saw that she was biting her lip and seeming to want to retreat.
"Okay, friend Robin." She said and raised up her bow arrow sailing through the air and hitting the apple a hair above his actual head. He gulped and moved away with the apple firmly in the arrow and board. She was smiling, but she still seemed nervous. "I was not expecting that to be a trick shot on Earth. It has different meaning on Tamaran."
"What does it mean?" Robin asked now curious since she had such a reaction.
"It is used as a part of marriage ceremonies. It is a show of utmost trust, it is with arrow, knife, or spear so it is not always arrow. Though the apple is instead a jar of sand where each grain that falls is a day lost." It made sense why she sent the arrow so low.
"Does this mean we are both married to Rob now?" Speedy asked a little jest and panicky about a cultural snafu.
"No, vows would need to be said first ad no one was engaged prior. Humans are so funny." She said and tried to think of a trick move herself.
"Mind grabbing the arrows while you are done there buddy?" Speedy asked of Robin who seemed a little shell shocked still.
"Sure." He said and started to pluck the arrows as they had run out. He noticed a few of Starfire's were especially hard o pull out due to barbs. He certainly would no like to be struck by those. Though it was fun to see her going toe to toe with Speedy. He brough the arrows back separated by owner as Starfire was taking off her shoes. She sent a wink to Robin before going into a handstand with her feet and knee supporting the bow, before one was shifted so she could fire her arrow. It looked exactly like something that should be in the circus from his childhood, but wasn't there. Wow.
The arrow hit and Speedy started to argue that she had to be using her alien genetics. She argued that human feet could clutch things just fine compared to hers. He got on a hand stand toppled. Tried again with her offering to support, but he didn't even get to position it before he fell forward.
"Where did you even learn that?" Robin asked as Speedy considered his options.
"My brother wanted to learn how To fire arrows without your hands, he was a funny kid, so I learned so I could teach him…" There was more to her story she was leaving out.
"Well I guess that's fair. Here's the shirt, just don't come for my job okay." He said dusting himself off and surprisingly giving her a hug before gifting her his shirt like a cape. "Rematch someday in Steele, cool?" He went back to shooting bullseyes most likely to restore his pride.
"Cool." She said and put on the shirt with pride. She looked back at Robin with a smile and asked if he would like to take a break with her. He said no, but when she shrugged and went off to ask Red Star he wished he hadn't.
Training continued and Wally was nice enough to be the sparring partner letting him focus on his technique to counteract a faster opponent with agility. It was fun, but devolved quick enough as soon as Wally made a comment about being carful about his ankle so he wouldn't have to be carried all day by his girlfriend.
"She's not my girlfriend." He said as he felt like he already said it enough.
"C'mon I'm just teasing you. I know, it just is easy to forget when you two act like it." He explained and dodged a kick.
"It doesn't change anything if I trust her. And we have already discussed the differences in Earth relationships and Tamaranian relationships. She gets it." He said and considered which combo to try next in his attack.
"Sure, Friend Robin." He said in a high pitched voice. "I'm just saying, if I had a nice girl into me like that, I wouldn't be blowing her off to get my gut kicked." He said and punctuated the words with action. It would have landed if he didn't block, but he got a good punch to the sternum in. Then a return of the gut punch. Robin backed up to take some room, when a strange up burst of breeze caught his and Wally's attention.
"Where is that coming from?" He asked and ran off to the ledge with Robin catching up behind to track the source.
They saw Red Star, Argent, and Starfire all in a sort of head dive and then pulling up after barely touching the bottom of the valley before repeating. A small group had gathered there at the cliff as well. Hot Spot seemed to be keeping score, with Mas y Menos and Pantha being spectators.
"What's going on?" Robin asked as the free fell again, he saw Beast Boy underneath in armadillo gear.
"Sky chicken." Pantha answered which made no sense to his immediate brain.
"It's Argent's favorite training exercise, she dives from a great height touches the ground with one hand and then does it again. If a hand doesn't touch you're out, if both touch you are out, and if you wipe out you're out. She's so pumped she can play this with others." Hot Spot answered and wrote something down.
"It's like bungee jumping without the cord." Wally said, "Though wouldn't you get elevation sick?"
"Argent doesn't. Everyone else, probably a little bit. They're playing for the last bag of hot chips." He explained and held out the bag as Pantha smirked.
"Red Star, just wants to play." Pantha explained as he was not great at handling the heat yesterday.
"Makes sense." Wally said and took a seat. "You know this would make a great reality show."
" I think we are on T.V. enough." Robin answered, but did join him to watch. The breeze felt strange, but nice in a way. They were all in sync, it was just a matter of who would crash or fall short first. It took a few minutes, but Red Star was the first out after completely missing the ground. He joined Beast Boy in being ref laying on the ground looking a little worse for wear. He definitely was feeling motion sick.
The girls seeing one opponent go down seemed to in sync decided to go faster and faster. The wind current changed with them as they went down and up in blurs until their was a victor. It was Argent with Starfire crashing hard into the Earth, making a small quake ripple through the valley where they felt tremors from their seat. She had used both her hands to stop and that force was too much for the rock to handle cracking underneath her. Though her immediate response once she freed her hands from the newly created crater was to wave at her friends and give a thumbs up to show she hadn't been hurt.
Pantha held up her hand and Mas handed her a 5$ bill. They had been betting. Figures.
The game ended up being hide and seek with three seekers, they once again raised the stakes where whoever was not found after an hour were free from dish duty for the night. Robin and Mas y Menos were the lucky seekers with communicators and a 15 minute rotate rule. Kid Flash and Beast Boy were going to be the hardest to find though the last 15 minutes was no powers. He had Mas y Menos go around the perimeter of the boundaries and start circling in. They found Red Star in a tree, Pantha hidden in a cave, and surprisingly Wally in a rope trap.
"Setting traps isn't cool, dude." Wally accused when he had to come help free him. He didn't want to land on his face.
"This wasn't me dude." He defended and got on the communicator. "Did someone set up a rope trap?"
"Sorry dude it was you or me." Speedy confessed and toned out.
"Traps are allowed?" Starfire's voice came out intrigued.
"No! Speedy you're out." He said quickly because he knew Starfire had experience setting traps herself. He had no desire to fall in a Tiger pit.
"Buzz kill." Speedy replied.
"Alright everyone who has been found start seeking." Robin organized and broke off with Wally and Red Star staying on his half and the rest to the other.
"Any ideas?" he asked the two he was left with.
"Beast boy won't be found until it's no power time." Wally guessed as well.
"Starfire is likely hiding in water." Red Star said and looked up. "Argent will likely be flying out of sight."
"Hot Spot will likely be hiding low, he can't climb well." Flash added.
"Great ideas let's fan out." He said and started thinking about if there was any water in the boundaries since with her lung capacity it would be an easy win. Though she had answered her call fast.
He found Argent in a shadow of a tree when it was time to switch spots, where she seemed miffed, but agreed to help. Wally found Hot Spot. He had everyone come to a pond when it was almost no powers time.
"No powers. Human status." He added since Starfire was still left. This would signal she needed to come up for air. Wally with Mas y Menos were tasked to look for Beast Boy. Though it proved unnecessary as a green fish became their missing friend.
"All that time with gills for nothing." He whined but turned into a dog to shake off.
"We were expecting Starfire." Red Star admitted.
"Alright everyone split up." Robin said and they did for the most part.
"I feel like prey." Beast boy said and looked around. "Sometimes my instincts pick up on Starfire being a threat, I think she's close still." He said and looked around.
"Follow, your feeling," Robin said and decided to go back to way they came.
"Sure thing 7 minutes left." He said and disappeared. He was starting to get what he was saying. The birds were quiet and there seemed to be a tingle on the back of his neck.
"Star, are you out here?" He asked seeing what it would do. Then he heard a sound that was like a whine, was she hurt?
"Don't take another step." A voice whispered and arms went round his torso floating him back.
"Starfire. What's wrong." He asked unsure why she was stealing him away in the middle of their game.
"You were just about to get to close to a Mountain Lion and her babies. I was hiding with her, but I doubt she'd tolerate you." She said and floated them both up to an easy to rest tree as she watched the mom come into sight.
"Thanks." He said because she was right to not put him in that situation if it could be avoided. "Though I am still counting this."
"Fair." She said though she seemed a little mischievous. "Where is everyone else?" She asked.
"Looking for you. You did follow the rules right?" He asked.
"Yes, well until your life was in danger. There are so many places to hide, here." She said and he saw another wink.
"Are you okay? You seem to be doing a lot today and that crash earlier looked like it could hurt." He was wondering what was making her act a little extra.
"I am uninjured. I have been thrown through worse. I just want to have a really good trip with all of the Titans." She said and he could echo her thoughts especially if he was going to move up in the League.
"I get what you mean." He said and was a little surprised when she ran her hand through the crown of his head fingers gently tugging hair. "Whatca doing?"
"Making sure I didn't ruin your hair from that arrow earlier. It looks good, like always." She said and he blushed at the sensation and compliment.
"We aren't actually married or engaged right? It just reminded me that some things are different for you." He asked since it was good to know now.
"We are not married or engaged, but we do things that they would do. On Tamaran we would be labeled as paired, but I know on Earth that is not the case."
"What would make us paired on Tamaran?" He asked curious the dynamics.
"Mutual feelings, but that is a very loose term for anything under engaged." She explained and kept stroking his hair until he was lulled to rest on her shoulder.
"Should I have you stop doing this because we aren't dating on Earth?" He asked needing lines again.
"Not right now." She said and hugged him tight with her other arm. "I like this." She breathed, but ut ended it soon enough.
"I'm sorry." He said since he knew he was the problem in this circumstance.
"Don't apologize unless you are actually going to change. You are fine, I just need to.."
"Robin and Starfire sitting in a tree K-I" The starbolt that hit Beast Boy was earned as in shock Robin had fallen out of said tree and she had to scramble to catch him.
"Maybe we can fish a little before dinner? Aqualads not here to food shame me." Speedy suggested as it got closer to dinner time.
"Yo, I was a fish this morning. No way!" Beast Boy put in to the conversation which was met with a sigh.
"We can finish up the sandwiches and snacks." Wally said as he was already going for his sandwich.
"Fine." Was the general agreement, though the day had worn everyone out.
"Can someone bring back more firewood." Hot Spot requested which Wally raced out to do.
Dinner was a pretty mild affair though the most interesting change to the dynamic is that Starfire sat right next to Beast Boy who was much more quiet than usual. Though that changed as soon as she left to get seconds.
"Dudes I am getting really tired of this will they or won't they stuff." He said not caring that Robin was almost in earshot talking to Cyborg on the communicator.
"I've lost too much money, I have given up on them." Pantha chimed in as well as the bet was infamous.
"It's him who has the blockers up." Argent complained and Hot Spot patted her back.
"She's a lot, remember that. Dating Starfire is not like dating anyone else." Hot Spot defended Robin.
"Yeah, but it's not like Robin is on the right side of normal." Speedy interjected. "It's just kind of sad at this point."
"I am tired of seeing her sad, because of him." Red Star chimed in.
"I think they both just have to get together or move on." Pantha said. "Maybe knocking their heads together would help."
"Maybe, or maybe not. How about an old classic?.. Truth or Dare." Beast Boy offered and was met with groans.
"No." Hot Spot complained.
"I know what you're thinking, but..but we just frame it so we get some closure for them. Goodness knows Raven will be suffering if they come home like this, worse than before." Beast Boy argued.
"It's a lame plan, but why not. This might help get honest answers." He said and pulled an untouched metal water bottle.
"Is that even legal in this country?" Argent asked and Speedy just smiled.
Dinner finished well and everyone was once again seated around the fire. Wally was the selected introducer of Truth or Dare since he had the highest likelihood of convincing Robin to play along. He did and they started passing around the alcohol with a secondary option if you didn't like your option. Robin didn't police it with all the international Titans around.
"Red Star, truth or dare?" Hotspot asked getting ready for their strategy to take place.
"Dare." He said already knowing that he was going to be a pawn.
"Switch seats with the girl you find the prettiest." This was a two part plan since he was seated next to Robin and it would get his jealousy going as he ushered Starfire out of her seat.
"Kid Flash, truth or dare?" He asked as this was part of the plan.
"Truth."
"Which person here would you beat in a fight?" Red Star asked since his job was just to give control to Wally.
"Speedy, sorry dude. I have evidence." He said with a laugh and drink. "Robin truth or dare?"
"Dare." He said not wanting to have any embarrassing secrets come out.
"I dare you to take an article or clothing off" he was already struggling out of his shoes "of Starfire." Starfire had put away her fairly won shirt and was in a sundress over her swim suit ready for another midnight swim. Though Robin was probably less aware of that.
"I don't know if Starfire is comfortable with that." He tried to reason, but she offered him the hem of her dress.
"It is nothing people have not already seen, I do not mind, to keep playing." She answered that with a shrug. They locked eyes and she wrapped his fingers around the fabric, as consent. He did careful and briefed a clear sigh of relief that she had on her swim suit. Though Robin was quick to shed his own sweatshirt so she was more covered up.
"Loophole." He said as he gave it to her to put on. Though it left her legs and would not zip up all the way. "Speedy, truth or dare?"
"Dare." He also did not want an embarrassing truth to come out from their past.
"Go jump in a lake."
"That's a long walk." Speedy complained.
"Well you better start." He snapped not thrilled by the game anymore.
"Ask your question before you go." Argent said not wanting to wait.
"oh sure, Starfire truth or dare?"
"Truth." She said likely not wanting to see what he would chose as a dare.
"Do you have daddy issues? Catch me up when I get back y'all." He said and started running towards the lake.
"I do not understand the question." Starfire remarked and Argent sighed.
"That normally would disqualify you, but I think it's a language barrier here. Do you hate or have issue with your father for something they did? Totally valid if you do." Argent explained probably the best definition that could be given. Starfire seemed to shrink and think about her answer.
"You can drink if you do not wish to answer." Red Star offered with the pause stretching out and her clutching Robin's hoodie turning into a bit of a turtle.
"The last time I saw my father he was selling me into slavery. I have not thought of him much since. He's dead, but he has been dead to me for longer." She finally spoke, but did take an offered shot after. It was out of sight hidden by her hair, but Robin did hold her hand for comfort.
"I'll tell Speedy yes and he's an ass." Pantha offered.
"I am sorry I made the game less fun." Starfire apologized, but she seemed a little frayed by the question.
"It's okay, sweetheart. Just ask someone truth or dare?" Argent told her in a comforting tone.
"Pantha truth or dare?" She ended up asking.
"Dare." Pantha said confidently.
"I dare you to make me a s'more." She responded and the truths are dares got simpler and more fun, but with an edge of pushing Starfire and Robin together still on the down low. Though it was obvious that Robin was a little shell shocked by Starfire's story. There was still so much he didn't know. What missing piece of information was making her troubled on this trip. He decided to ask her a little bit more about it when his next turn came, so after a macarena with his shirt on backward he took the chance when she was laughing mood brightened.
"Starfire truth or dare?" He asked as he fixed his shirt and returned back to his place next to her.
"Dare." She said which was the first time she had accepted one. Which meant she didn't really want to share.
"I dare you…" He hadn't really thought of a dare. "to.." still nothing was going well in his brain as she perched in the fire light ready to do his request. " throw Beast Boy into the lake." Was it a repeat of his last dare, yes, but it was better than nothing. She smiled at him and brushed her hand up his arm standing up.
"You'll have to catch me first." He said and turned into a cheetah to run away.
"No problem." She responded and took off Robin's hoodie giving it back to him. She took off without asking her question.
"Welp I guess you get a two for one." Speedy said, already a damp victim of his style of dares.
"Red Star truth or dare?" he asked trying to just keep this chance moving forward.
"Truth since I do not desire to be wet." He responded which made the group laugh.
"Why does Starfire know Russian?" he asked which had been a question gnawing at him even past her explanation, he was a fact checker by nature after all.
"She has powers to absorb language through mouth contact." He said and when all eyes were on him with suspicion and mean looks, he furthered the explanation. "I was curious if it would work in truth and she let me test, it was a kiss on the cheek which is weird Americans get strong about." He defended himself well and the stories matched up.
"Just curious." Robin said trying to act casual.
"Argent, truth or dare?"
The night went back to less group games as people realized just how useless their goal was. People split up into smaller groups to chat as some went to bed. Starfire, Red Star, and Speedy were in a very intense card game, Robin watched behind Starfire as she managed to play poker well. Cyborg had taught her well and they were playing for pine cones/pride. Speedy knew how to bluff and it seemed like Red Star was just happy to be included. He must have spent so much time alone that any social interaction was better.
"All in." Starfire said as she looked confident in her cards. Three of a kind was good, but it was 7s with a lot that could beat it in perspective to be going all in. She played true most of the time.
"Nah I ain't falling for that." Speedy said and folded likely tired of losing.
"I'm calling." Red Star said and it could go either way. He was new to the game maybe he understood the rules, maybe he just wanted to try his hand. In the end he did seem to have beginners luck as he had three of a kind in terms of Queens which beat her. She took defeat well and Speedy looked pleased. She decided to take a break from the games and retreat back to the hammock Robin had set up day one. He lingered a little longer until he felted tired himself and was thinking about going to bed. Though he paused when he saw her tossing and catching a starbolt.
She did this when she had a lot of pent up energy.
"Starfire, you sure you don't want to talk about it?" He asked giving her one last chance to talk about it before he retreated to bed. She stopped her tossing and patted the side of the hammock for him to join.
"I believe I am not very good at hiding things." She muttered when he sat down, but did not lay next to her.
"Not really. At least not emotions." He responded a little light in tone. "It makes it easy to know what you feel."
"How would you feel if I was not at the Tower as often?" She asked trying to get a gauge of him. Though he felt his heart sink a little at that suggestion.
"Where else would you be?" He answered not really giving her an answer. He would miss her, maybe a little more than his other teammates. It would make missions that much harder.
"I applied for the open position in the Justice League." She said and it clicked in his head she was hiding that she had applied from him. They had been worrying about the same thing this whole trip.
"I applied too." He offered though she nodded since she must have known. Ifshe was worried it made sense why she was doing so much with the rest of the Titans."It could be any of us, so no reason to worry."
"I was offered the position, J'onn was my recommendation, he wants me to help with our system alert adaptations." She clarifies and there is a dark turn in his heart and gut. There is fleeting rejection, but beyond that is the fact that she could be leaving him soon.
"You know I support whatever you want to do, Starfire." He said in a controlled tone though he was consumed with emotions on how he would adjust.
"Is that all you are going to say?" She asked when he didn't say anything else. He couldn't find the words. He couldn't find it in him to look at her. "I love being a Titan, Robin. I love working on this team. I love you, but…" she paused and noticed how tense his shoulder had gotten.
"It's not enough." He finished after a moment. "Something is missing." He said what he had been feeling through this trip.
"I want to better earn my place on Earth, and it feels wrong for me to say no." She clarified and he was reminded she felt a certain debt to the League and Titans he did not have hovering over him except when it came to Batman that he had paid over in droves.
"You don't have to take it if you don't want it." He said with a little more force.
"Robin." She said and put her hand on his shoulder. "If I go I will miss you."
"I will miss you too." He said finding his throat tight. She must have caught his tone since he was wrapped up in a hug by her.
"Thank you." She said and held him tight. She knew it was a return of her feelings and that he was giving her permission to move forward. Love wasn't always keeping that person near you, it was letting them do what was best for themselves.