Chapter 33

The door to the bathroom clicked open.

Raven looked up from her book as Starfire entered the common room and frowned slightly. She wandered into the room, smiling briefly at Raven before heading to the balcony. Raven reached out with her senses and studied her friend before sighing.

Nothing had changed within her; she was still very unhappy and very lost. Raven wished for the umpteenth time for a way to find their Starfire again. Nothing they had been trying was working. She smiled for them, but it never reached her eyes, she might giggle ever now and then, but never the laugh they loved so much. She talked to them, but there was a certain vagueness and sadness in her voice that Raven couldn't put her finger on. Something had changed within Starfire, something had broken, and Raven wasn't sure her friend would ever be the same again.

Beast Boy came out of her room, his hair sticking out every which way and yawned tiredly. "Morning Rae," he said before giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Raven placed her bookmark in her book to look up at him. "Morning Gar, sleep well?"

He shrugged. "No nightmares last night, so yeah I guess so. Did you actually get some sleep?"

Raven nodded. "About six hours. Dozed a lot."

He chuckled and messed up her hair. "Let me guess, you're still going to blame it on me snoring, aren't you? Well, at least you got some sleep. Anyone in the bathroom?"

"No," she replied, casting him a playfully dark glance as she fixed her hair. "Nightwing's in Cyborg's room with him and Starfire's on the balcony."

Beast Boy frowned, his hand lingering on Raven's shoulder. "How's she doing today?"

Raven shrugged and allowed her gaze to shift back out onto the balcony at Starfire. "Don't know. Haven't spoken to her yet."

Beast Boy sighed and squeezed her shoulder. "I'll go take a quick shower and then head down for some food. Have you eaten yet?"

"No, was waiting for you. I'll see if Starfire wants to come, see if we can't get her to eat something substantial today."

Beast Boy nodded and disappeared into his room to gather some clothes. "Okay, won't be long."

Raven sighed and placed her book on the sofa beside her. She got to her feet and stretched before heading over to Cyborg's room. "Guys," she called softly through the open door.

Cyborg and Nightwing turned from the computer to look at her. "Morning, baby doll," Cyborg called cheerfully.

"Morning," she replied, raising her eyebrows at the endearment. "Beast Boy's having a shower and then we're heading down for breakfast. You in?"

"Yeah sure," Cyborg said with a swift nod.

Nightwing nodded too. "Sounds good. I'll see if Star's awake-"

"She's on the balcony," Raven said, interrupting him with a wave of her hand. He blinked at her in surprise, obviously he hadn't known she was awake. "I'll go and talk to her. You keep doing whatever you're doing."

Raven paused on the edge of the common room to look at Starfire before sighing. She was losing weight and was starting to have this frail, sunken appearance. She was standing with her back to Raven, her face lifted toward the sun. Her arms were limp by her side but her fingers were spread as wide as they could go.

Raven drifted silently up to float beside her friend, watching in interest. Starfire's eyes were closed and her hair was waving softly in the morning breeze.

"Morning Starfire," Raven said softly.

Starfire jumped, her eyes snapping open in fright and she reeled towards Raven, her hand held before her to ward of a blow. She blinked and seemed to come to her senses, dropping her hands. "Greetings Raven, you startled me."

"So it would seem," Raven said. "Sorry. What were you doing?"

Starfire scuffed her boot on the ground. "The green energy we have inside is gathered from the sun. I depleted my supply and have been attempting to restore it." She sighed. "It is normally a very quick process but I have been having difficulties in recharging."

Raven nodded. "Some things take time. Maybe your body is not ready to gather the energy again. It could still be trying to heal from that release."

She shook her head. "I simply cannot feel the energy inside me anymore." She sighed. "Perhaps you are right and it will take time. Bumblebee is coming today, is she not?"

Raven raised an eyebrow at the topic change. "Yeah, she and Silkie should be arriving after lunch. It should be fun."

"I am looking forward to it as well," Starfire replied.

Raven narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure? Cause we can postpone it if you like."

Starfire shook her head. "I am fine."

Raven stifled a sigh. "We're all heading down to breakfast soon. Will you join us today?"

Starfire went rigid and Raven knew why. She was having difficulties with crowds of people, especially Tamaranians who wouldn't leave her alone the minute they saw her. She was a huge hero now to her people and they were constantly badgering her for stories about the Citadel. The Titans had been able to shield her from them so far, as one look from Nightwing usually sent them running.

"It would be really nice if you would. There's hardly anyone in the Communal Hall anymore; they're all too busy. Please Starfire."

"Dudes!" Beast Boy called from the middle of the common room. "Who's up for breakfast?"

Raven turned to look at him as he walked onto the balcony to join her. "That was quick."

"Yeah, well, guys don't take very long to get ready," he said cheekily, draping his arm around her. "It's you girls that hog the shower."

Raven rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

"Up for breakfast?"

Starfire swallowed. "I-"

Both Beast Boy and Raven narrowed their eyes at her waiting for whatever excuse she could come up with today to not eat.

"Morning Star," Nightwing said as he walked up to them and gave Starfire a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Greetings Richard," she said softly, smiling at him and Raven saw her eyes light up for the first time that day.

"How about some breakfast? I'm starved," he said with a smile and Raven felt a sudden surge of relief. Starfire hadn't turned Nightwing down yet. He didn't play his lover card too many times, in case she did start declining him, but when he did Starfire went along with whatever he wanted, as long as he made it seem that she was doing him a favor.

Beast Boy tugged Raven by the waist, leading her off toward the Communal Hall for some breakfast. Raven glanced over her shoulder just in time to see Nightwing move closer to Starfire and pull her in for a hug.

TTTTT

Nightwing tightened his grip around Starfire's waist as they approached the Communal Hall, hearing the clattering of plates of food beyond the door. Cyborg surged ahead and Nightwing knew he was checking out how many people were present within the hall.

Cyborg paused briefly, peering through the slit in the door before swinging it open and Nightwing sighed in relief. There obviously weren't too many people in there at present and he hoped they could be in and out before word got out that Starfire was out of their rooms.

The chatter of the few Tamaranians in the room ceased the instant Starfire entered.

Starfire stiffened in his arm and Nightwing squeezed her waist reassuringly. She looked at him and gave him a wobbly smile.

Cyborg trotted off to the buffet of jiggling Tamaranian delicacies that stood against the wall and quickly began loading up three trays of food. Nightwing led Starfire over to where Raven and Beast Boy were already seated in a secluded corner.

"Glad you could join us," Beast Boy said with a huge smile on his face. "They've got some stuff with zorkaberries in it today. It must be the season for them."

"Zorkaberries do not have season, Beast Boy," Starfire quietly said, sitting down on the bench opposite him.

He shrugged and took a bite of the jelly like substance.

Cyborg planted a heaped tray of food in front of Starfire. "Here you go, little lady. Dig in," he announced before passing another tray to Nightwing.

She picked up a fork and prodded the food carefully and Nightwing found himself holding his breath until she ate a bite. Breakfast was conducted in relative silence, no one wanting to disturb Starfire as she ate in case she stopped and all of them knew how much she needed the food.

Whisperings begun around them and Nightwing looked around, his fork poised above his tray. There seemed to be more Tamaranians in the room now, all of them looking in their direction. He cast a worried glance at his friends; each of them, besides Starfire, was also glancing around the room nervously.

The rush started without warning. Tamaranians with their hands outstretched seeking to touch their hero, the savior of Tamaran. She who had taken on the Citadel and survived to tell the tale.

Cyborg surged to his feet, his arms outstretched as he tried to stem the tide of Tamaranians blustering toward Starfire, but he wasn't fast enough. Several hands got through, grabbing at her shoulders, pulling at her hair. A shudder rippled through Starfire and she cried out in terror, her hands flinging up to her head to protect herself as she curled into a ball on the seat.

Nightwing threw his arm over her, drawing her head under his chest to shield her, one hand reaching across the table toward Raven. He felt Raven grab on and they were enveloped in her raven form and deposited back in their common room.

He could feel Starfire shaking beneath his hands as they exited Raven's cloak.

"They're getting more aggressive," Raven muttered darkly. "I don't think we should risk that again. Is she ok?"

Starfire bolted from under his arms and dashed into the bathroom. A heart wrenching moment later he heard her throwing up. He placed a hand over his eyes. "You're right. It's not worth the risk. She'll eat in here now," he said as he followed her into the bathroom, gently closing the door behind him.

TTTTT

The computer blipped as Cyborg deliberately lost control of his car, crashing it in the most hilarious way possible. Starfire giggled for him, but it somehow seemed forced.

Cyborg glanced sideways at Starfire, who was sitting companionably beside him on the bed. "Are you sure you don't want to have a go Star?" he asked. "I could use the practice. BB seems to be kicking my butt a lot lately, especially since he had all that time to practice when his leg was mending."

She smiled for him. "I am sorry, Cyborg, perhaps Nightwing would be a better gaming partner for you."

He slung his arm around her shoulder and hugged her. "Nah. I like to spend some time with you, even if you just want to sit there. We can watch a video if you want."

"I am enjoying watching you practice," she replied, resting her head on his shoulder briefly.

Cyborg chewed his lip thoughtfully before returning his attention to the game console.

TTTTT

Nightwing looked up from the computer he'd set up on the table in the common room as Blackfire dropped down to the balcony, looking rather exhausted. There was a bandage covering her left eye and a slice on her cheek. It had been a week since the Citadel incident and this was the first time Blackfire had come back to visit. She'd been so engrossed in the war effort that she and Galfore had no spare time.

Nightwing got to his feet to greet her as she limped into the room. "You okay?" he asked as she approached.

Blackfire nodded. "Yeah," she muttered and flopped down on the sofa, propping her leg up on the small table in front of it. "Hard battle. Galfore's being tended to by Fyria so I thought I'd come and see how Kori was doing."

"Gar, don't forget that Bumblebee is arriving soon. Let me just check on Starfire, then we can-" Raven said as she came out of her room with a book in one hand and a ball of yarn in the other. She stopped suddenly at the doorway when she saw Blackfire and Nightwing, quickly hiding the yarn behind her back. "Nightwing. Blackfire. Hi. Um... would you like me to heal you?"

Blackfire blinked at her in surprise. "Would you?"

"Sure." Raven gave her a small smile as her green kitten bounded around her feet. Beast Boy suddenly noticed they had company and shifted back looking rather sheepish.

Nightwing raised an eyebrow. Yarn?

Raven turned and quickly tossed the book and ball of yarn back into her room, closing the door behind her and looked at Nightwing warily before crossing the room to Blackfire. "How goes the war effort?" she asked as she removed the bandage from Blackfire's eye.

Blackfire shrugged. "Difficult to say. Kori certainly did a lot of damage to the Citadel; it's making things easier for us. There are several other planets in the Vegan system that have joined our forces and we're having difficulties coordinating everything. Nightwing, you coordinated that attack on the Citadel really well, I don't suppose that you-"

"No."

"We could really use-"

"Not interested."

Raven finished healing Blackfire's eye and moved to the cut on her cheek. "We need to be with Starfire."

Blackfire gave a sharp nod before she looked around the room. "Where is Kori?"

"In with Cyborg playing games," Beast Boy said, heading that direction. "I'll get her."

Blackfire blinked. "She plays games?"

"Watches more than anything else," Nightwing muttered with a heavy heart. She used to do more than watch.

"Anywhere else that needs healing?" Raven asked quietly.

Blackfire pointed to the leg propped up on the table. "Ankle. I think I sprained it."

Raven nodded and shifted her hands to Blackfire's ankle.

"Sister," Starfire said softly in greeting, her voice dull as she walked into the common room, while Beast Boy quietly closed the door behind her, remaining in Cyborg's room. "Are you well?"

"I'm fine, sweetie," Blackfire said, turning her head. "How are you doing? Sorry I haven't been to see you, troubles of war and all that."

"I'm done," Raven said, getting to her feet. "Just be careful with the ankle for a while."

"Thank you, Raven," Blackfire said. "I appreciate it."

Nightwing snagged Raven's arm before she could disappear back into her room. "Go and check on Galfore for me, would you?" he whispered quickly and she gave a sharp nod before disappearing into her room. He heard the cry of her raven form screech from behind the closed door.

Starfire sat on the sofa opposite Blackfire. Nightwing ran a hand through his hair, wondering if he should leave them alone to speak. He didn't really want to leave Starfire alone, but he didn't want to intrude either.

Blackfire leaned forward on the sofa and said something rapidly to Starfire in Tamaranian.

"Please use English, sister," Starfire said, glancing at Nightwing with those sad eyes of hers before patting the seat next to her. He stifled a sigh of relief and crossed to her side.

Blackfire spoke again in Tamaranian as Nightwing sat beside Starfire and he recognised his name. He raised his eyebrow at her but decided to remain silent.

Starfire took his hand and pulled it onto her lap, playing with his fingers as Blackfire spoke. When she had finished, Starfire raised her eyes to Blackfire. "Because I will tell him everything you say whether you wish me to or not. I truly do not wish to speak of him. I have forgiven you. Cannot that be enough?"

Nightwing dropped his eyes when he realised exactly who Blackfire wanted to talk about.

Blackfire was insistent. "You really need to deal with what he did to you, Kori."

Starfire's hand clenched around his painfully. "I already have, sister. I have known for years what you have only just discovered." She looked at Nightwing and his heart broke at the weariness in her eyes. "The actions of our father may have brought me much pain but it has brought me the greatest happiness in my life. I would never have gone to Earth and met Nightwing if it was not for him." She sighed and looked back at Blackfire. "It is not me that must deal with his actions but you. Your hatred of me ran very deep and you cannot understand how I can forgive so easily. But I do forgive you. Please leave it at that."

Starfire released Nightwing's hand and stood, walking towards their room and closed the door behind her.

"Nightwing, what's wrong with her?" asked Blackfire softly, her eyes on the closed bedroom door.

Nightwing sighed. "She's not coping very well with what happened at the Citadel, that's all. She's not sleeping; she's not eating. She's sad all the time; I haven't heard her laugh in ages. She barely speaks and when she does she sounds so drained. What she said to you was the most I've hear her say all day. She needs space and time to heal and you dredging up the past isn't going to help. She really has forgiven you." He glanced sadly over his shoulder at their door. She just has to forgive herself now.

"Sorry, I'm glad you're okay and all but I really need to check on her," he said as he got to his feet to follow her and was surprised to find the door locked. Star?

Please leave me alone.

I can't do that, sweetheart. He flicked his finger, pulling out the lock pick from his glove, quickly unlocking the door and entered their bedroom. Seeing her standing by the window looking out into the world he quietly closed the door and crossed the room to stand behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and placed his chin on her shoulder. "Star?"

"I truly would like to be alone, Richard."

"I know," he replied softly. "But I'm the meddling sort. Won't take no for an answer."

She sighed sadly and relaxed in his arms. "I am weary."

"Of what?" he asked quietly.

She shrugged. "Just weary. Tired. Drained. It is very hard to remain present. I am just finding it difficult."

"I know, baby," he said, placing a small kiss on her neck. "I know. I can see. Would you like me to contact Bumblebee and ask her to come tomorrow instead?"

She shook her head. "Raven has been looking forward to this and I would like to see my Silkie."

"If you're not ready, Star-"

"Richard, please stop worrying about me."

"I like to worry about you. Besides, I happen to think I'm cute when I'm worrying." He tickled her stomach, trying to entice a giggle from her.

She smiled at him before sighing. "I know you are just trying to assist me. You are all just trying to assist me. And you are all trying so hard that sometimes I feel I am letting you all down."

"You're not letting anyone down, Star. We love you. We'll always be here for you when you need us. These things just take time that's all."

She nodded sadly. "Perhaps I should try to sleep until Bumblebee arrives."

"That would probably be a good idea."

"Will you stay with me?" she asked timidly.

"Always."

TTTTT

A portal opened in the middle of the common room and Bumblebee burst through, a happy smile on her face. She carried an assortment of bags in her arms, which she proceeded to dump on the sofa in the common area and dashed back through the portal provided by Herald. She reappeared a few seconds later carrying Silkie and a stack load of pizzas.

"Aww yeah!" Cyborg cried when he spotted the pizza.

She frowned at him. "Who said these were for you, Sparky?"

"Aww man, that's totally unfair. You can't bring all that stuff here and not have some for us guys too!"

Raven rolled her eyes. "Maybe you should have asked her to bring some."

Beast Boy's eyes went all starry. "You're gonna share some with me aren't you, Rae?"

"Says who?" she asked dryly, before raising her voice. "Starfire! Bumblebee and Silkie are here!"

The door to Starfire and Nightwing's room swung open and Starfire walked out. "Bumblebee," she said quietly while Silkie wiggled in Bumblebee's arms trying to get it its master. "It is glorious to see you."

Bumblebee smiled. "Yeah, sure. Take your pet before I drop it."

Starfire scooped up the worm, rubbing its stomach affectionately and somewhat sadly. "Greetings, my little bungorf."

The worm warbled at her affectionately.

"So, we doing this or what?" Bumblebee asked as she held the pizzas above her head so Beast Boy couldn't reach.

"Oh, just give them their share, Bee," Raven muttered as she picked up the numerous bags on the sofa with her powers and floated them into Starfire's room.

"Yes!" Beast Boy and Cyborg cried happily as Bumblebee handed them half of the stack.

"That's so you'll leave us alone," Raven said. "No spying. We'll know."

"Yeah sure, whatever," Cyborg said, already stuffing his face. "Not like Nightwing ain't gonna share what's happenin' in there anyway."

"What?" Bumblebee exclaimed as she entered the room behind Starfire. Nightwing was lounging in the corner of the room in an armchair with his back to the bed; his knees hooked over the one arm of the chair, quietly reading a book. "What's he doing here?"

"You'll see," Raven said, pushing Bumblebee into the room and closing the door. She grabbed an old Robin cloak and stuffed it in the crack underneath the door.

Bumblebee grinned wickedly. "We getting a strip tease?"

"Not likely," Nightwing muttered as he turned the page.

"Nightwing has promised to sit in the corner and not say a thing, or we'll do his hair and paint his nails too. He's not even going to listen to what we're saying, are you, Nightwing?"

"Yes, mom," he muttered quietly.

Raven huffed at him before floating Bumblebee's bags to the center of the room, placing them next to the bed.

Starfire took a pizza box from Bumblebee and went over to Nightwing. He smiled at her, marking his place in the book with a finger and touched her lightly on the hip. He lifted his hand from her hip to scratch Silkie affectionately. She passed him the box and leaned in for a quick kiss before she walked back to Raven and Bumblebee.

Bumblebee placed the remaining pizza boxes on the bed before rummaging around inside one of her bags. "Okay," she said, holding up a thermos and a bottle of mustard. "Herbal tea for Raven, mustard for Star and soda for me."

"I thank you, Bumblebee," Starfire said quietly, getting onto the bed and placing Silkie beside her before taking the offered bottle.

"And," Bumblebee continued, pulling out three small bottles of nail polish and passing them out. "I also have a whole bunch of mud packs for later and some hair styling stuff."

"Glorious," Raven droned quietly, taking a bite of pizza.

"So, how you doing, Star?" Bumblebee said quietly.

Starfire exchanged a glance with Raven. "I am… recovering," she replied slowly.

"Good to hear. So tell me about this xhandal. Any cute Tamaranian guys you could coax back to Earth?"

Starfire cocked her head in thought. "None as cute as my Nightwing," she said, her voice soft. "But there were several that would be deemed as attractive by Earth girls."

Raven snorted. "Yeah, like Plyzn."

Starfire actually giggled. "I would not wish Plyzn on any woman."

Bumblebee raised her eyebrows.

"Think, sumo wrestler in tights. Not attractive," Raven muttered .

"Eww," Bumblebee said with a shudder. "Thanks for the mental picture."

"And he would not stop eating, not even in battle. It was very disturbing," Starfire included, pulling off her boots and placing them beside the bed. She opened the pink nail polish bottle and began painting her toes.

Bumblebee snorted, kicking off her own shoes and picking up the yellow nail polish. "Any cute ones?"

Starfire pointed her nail polish brush at Raven. "Beast Boy competed and he is cute."

"Really?" Bumblebee asked, swinging her head to Raven. "What happened?"

Raven pulled off her boots and reaching for the black nail polish with her powers. "There was a contender called Rundn, who took a creepy interest to me. There was a confrontation in the halls and he basically called Beast Boy out."

"Beast Boy did the kicking of the butt," Starfire said. "He was magnificent."

Raven gave a small sigh of contentment, her eyes glassy as she remembered. "He really was very good, wasn't he."

"So, have you done the dirty with Beast Boy yet?" Bumblebee asked with a grin.

"Done the dirty?" Starfire asked curiously while Raven went bright red.

"Yeah," Bumblebee replied cheekily. "You know, bumped uglies, burying the bone, stuff the-"

"Enough Bumblebee," Raven said sharply. "Don't corrupt Starfire."

Across the room Nightwing began to choke. "Oh my god," he called after he'd hacked up the piece of pizza he'd been eating. He craned his neck to see them. "What the hell are you guys talking about?"

Bumblebee scowled at him. "What's he got, some sort of listening device on us or something?"

Raven frowned at Starfire who blinked mildly back at her.

Bumblebee huffed and stood. "Come on, let's go into Raven's room. We can chat in peace."

"It's fine, Bee," Raven said with a sharp look over at Nightwing. "He's going to be really, really quiet if he wants to stay in here isn't he?"

Nightwing nodded, returning to his book. "Mouse-like."

"Girl talk is meant to be kept between girls," Raven said quietly to Starfire, while Bumblebee frowned in confusion.

"But I do not understand-"

"She's talking about sex."

Starfire cocked her head and studied Raven and Bumblebee for a moment. "Is it customary on your planet to speak of the private actions between a couple?"

"Aww come on, Star, don't be a prude," Bumblebee said gleefully, sitting back down. "You and Nightwing must have done it loads of times. Spill, inquiring minds want to know."

Starfire frowned and inspected the nail polish on her toenails, before putting the nail polish away for the moment. "I do not believe that it is any of your business."

Bumblebee sulked. "That's the whole point of girl talk. Swap stories and stuff. You tell me yours and I'll tell you mine."

Raven raised an eyebrow. "So, obviously there's something to tell about Herald, or you wouldn't be asking us about our love lives. I hadn't realised you two were that serious yet, haven't you guys just started dating?"

"Indeed," Starfire added. "Last 'girl talk' session you said you were still at the 'crush' stage and Herald did not know of your feelings for him."

"Hey, how'd this turn around to me? I asked first."

Raven sighed. "Okay, fine. Tit for tat. You ask a question, then you'll have to answer one of ours, okay?"

Bumblebee grinned again. "Fine with me. I'll go first."

Raven rolled her eyes. "Why am I not surprised. Shoot."

"How far have you and Beast Boy gotten?"

Raven shrugged. "We've made out a bunch of times. He's slept in my bed, nothing more."

"Really?" Bumblebee asked in surprise. "When was that?"

"You've had your question. My turn, what's going on between you and Herald?"

Bumblebee's eyes twinkled. "He takes me places I've never been before. He's really very handsome underneath that cowl of his. I just feel special when I'm around him, you know? It just seems like it's going a little quick that's all."

"Quick how?" Raven asked.

Bumblebee tisked. "That was one question. My turn again. When did Beast Boy sleep in your bed?"

"He slept on my bed in cat form on the night of Nightwing's injury and he's shared my bed in human form since… um…" She glanced at Starfire, who paled and hung her head.

Bumblebee looked between the two, frowning. "Wait a sec, Nightwing got injured?"

Raven nodded, keeping her concerned eyes on Starfire. "One of the contestants cheated and stabbed him in the back. Wasn't a fun day." She reached over and took Starfire's hand. "Starfire, it wasn't anything you did, okay? Remember that. We just don't want to be alone."

Starfire took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded. "I am fine," she said.

Raven narrowed her eyes before turning back to Bumblebee. "Quick how?"

Bumblebee shrugged. "I'm not sure. It just seems quick, y'know. We're already making out and groping above the clothes. I guess I just wondered how long it took you guys to do that."

"I'm not sure we're the best ones to ask, Bee," Raven said carefully. "I'm new to emotions, Beast Boy and I have been going really slowly. And Starfire's a Tamaranian. They do things differently."

"But Nightwing's human. Star, you guys have been going out for years, how long did it take the two of you to do anything?" Bumblebee frowned, seeing the vacant look in Starfire's eyes. "Star?"

Raven snapped her eyes to Starfire, before clicking her fingers in front of the alien girl's face. "Nightwing," she called. "She's gone again."

Nightwing carefully marked his page in the book before crossing the room to scoop Starfire off the bed. "Excuse us, ladies," he said as he took her back to his corner and settled her on his lap.

Raven looked back at Bumblebee. "That's why he's here. He brings her out of these the fastest."

"What's wrong with her? She sounds so sad. I though she was recovering."

"She is," Raven said, glancing at the corner once more. "It's just going to take a while that's all. She retreats into her own mind for a while and comes back when she's feeling stronger. She gets a little panicky if she comes out and he's not there. I don't think they've been out of each other's sight for long since… well… It won't last; she'll be back soon. How long have you and Herald been a couple? We've only been gone a couple of weeks and the two of you were getting cozy last time you were here."

"I sort of blurted out my feelings for him in the heat of battle. He came to help us with a criminal that was capable of teleporting. Was quite embarrassing, Speedy and Aqualad won't let me hear the end of it." She sighed. "It's really difficult being the only girl in a team of boys."

Raven snorted. "You should try living with Cyborg. His favorite pastime is to spy on Nightwing and Starfire so he could interrupt them when they start to kiss. Consequently, they don't do it where he can catch them any more. He tried moving to Beast Boy and I, never worked like he wanted."

Bumblebee chuckled. "He really is the overbearing older brother type isn't he. Maybe we should start inviting the other girls in the Titans along to these things. You know, solidarity in numbers."

Raven cracked a smile. "You'd probably get better answers about sex out of Jinx anyway."

Bumblebee laughed. "I'm sure Kid Flash is the fastest boy alive."

Both girls exploded in giggles.

"I apologise," Starfire said quietly, sitting back on the bed. Nightwing quietly picked up his book and began to read again.

"That's ok ayStar," Bumblebee said as she contained her laughter. "I think it was your turn to answer a question."

"Oh?" she answered with her eyebrows raised.

"Yeah, you and Nightwing have been together for years, how long did it take you to do anything besides kiss?"

Starfire blinked in surprise. "Years? Nightwing and I have only been a couple for ten months."

Now it was Bumblebee's turn to be surprised. "Really? Wow, I always thought you'd been together longer than that, the two of you always seemed so close."

"Nightwing's thick that's all," Raven muttered.

Starfire frowned at her.

"Well, he is," she said defensively. "We could all see it, Titans East could see it. The only one that couldn't was him."

"Perhaps it was not Nightwing who was the thick one," Starfire said quietly. "Perhaps if I had understood Earth ways better, or had explained Tamaranian ways to him. Tamaranians do not kiss."

Both Raven and Bumblebee looked at her in surprise. "What?"

"My people have the ability to learn any language through lip contact. We do not kiss to display affection."

"Really?" Bumblebee asked. "What do you do instead?"

"We touch," Starfire replied with a faint blush.

"Ahh," Raven said thoughtfully. "That's why there was that rule, no offworlders could touch you. And that's why you told me to… er…"

Starfire nodded.

"Oh my god," Bumblebee said with a cheeky grin. "You've been flirtin' with us all these years! Starfire, the big tease!" She fell back on the bed, erupting in laughter.

"What?" Starfire blurted, her eyes widening.

Raven smiled. "She's having a go at you Star. You're the most touchy-feely person we know."

Starfire huffed and picked up the pillow and clobbered it over Bumblebee's head.

"Hey!" Bumblebee cried, rather loudly and cast an evil grin in Nightwing's direction. "You ripped my shirt! I thought we were saving the naked pillow fight for later!"

Nightwing's shoulders hunched over.

Bumblebee continued laughing, while Starfire frowned at her.

"That was not nice," she said, glancing over at Nightwing, who relaxed his shoulders and returned to his book.

Bumblebee's laughter subsided to a chuckle. "Planning on giving him a private screening later, hmm?"

"If that was my plan, I certainly would not be speaking of it with you."

"Get your mind out of the gutter, Bee. It's not healthy."

"Aww, you two ain't no fun."

TTTTT

"Did you have fun today Star?" Nightwing asked as they prepared for bed after Bumblebee had returned home. He peeled off his black shirt and dumped it on the pile of dirty clothes in the corner, pausing to scratch idly at the scar on his back.

"It was enjoyable," she said, running a brush through her hair. "It was truly wonderful to see Bumblebee again. Even I found it very difficult to remain present, I am very glad that I was able to have the fun with my friends."

Nightwing stifled a sigh. He'd known that. He'd heard the tremble in her laughter the one time she'd laughed. He'd heard the dullness in her voice even though he hadn't listened to the words. He'd seen the vagueness in her eyes every time he'd glanced over his shoulder to check on her. She was painstakingly erecting this fake persona to cover up what she was going through and presented it to their friends. But he could see it. He could see how hard she was trying to appear normal even though she was still hurting. That part of the old Starfire remained dominant, the one that would protect her friends, even at great cost to herself. But he knew that this facade couldn't last long, it would come tumbling down.

He was just glad that she hadn't tried to do the same thing to him.

Her arms wrapped themselves around him from behind, running her fingers over his bare chest. She kissed the back of his shoulder before kissing her way up to nibble his ear. He sighed and closed his eyes, leaning into her embrace. She hadn't been this open with her affection toward him since before the Citadel, not including that drug induced romp in the bathroom. She must have had a good time with Bumblebee and Raven and he was glad. Perhaps his Starfire was beginning to return.

Her lips brushed his ear and he shuddered in delight. "I am sorry that Bumblebee teased you so much."

Nightwing stilled. "Do girls really have naked pillow fights?"

"Oh, yes," she replied, cheekiness creeping into her voice. "All the time. We even practice the kissing on each other."

Nightwing swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. "Really?"

Starfire giggled, slowly running her fingers along his chest as she removed her arms from around him. "No. Bumblebee asked me to relay that if you asked."

A puff of breath escaped his mouth although his heart warmed at the sound of her giggle. "That wasn't nice."

She ran her fingers over his bare back as she headed for the bed. "I believe you did the asking for it."

He snorted and kicked off his boots before placing his mask on the cupboard. "Whatever."

"Richard?"

"Hmm?" he replied looking over at her only to be hit in the face with a pillow. He peeled the pillow off his face and looked at her. His jaw dropped.

Starfire was kneeling on the center of the bed with another pillow in her hands, completely naked, with a small alluring smile dancing on her lips. "I do believe I owe you a 'private screening' as Bumblebee did say."

A hopeful grin leapt onto Nightwing's face. "Oh yeah," he drawled, launching himself at her.

It wasn't until she was moving above him, with him deep inside her and his hands on her breasts, that he saw the same vagueness in her eyes that he'd seen her give their friends.

She was making all the right noises, all the right movements, but she wasn't there. She was giving him what she'd thought he needed and that wasn't what he needed at all. He'd been quite content to wait until she was ready and now she was trying to pull the wool over his eyes too, offering up this fake Starfire. This was not what he wanted; this was never what he wanted. She'd said no more sacrifices and now she was sacrificing her body to him.

He wanted to tell her to stop; he wanted to tell her this wasn't right. But he could already feel his pulse quickening as his body responded to her fake little moans and the fake way she pushed down upon him to pull him deeper. He was trapped beneath her and there was nothing he could do. A surge of anger and self-loathing flowed through him as his body betrayed him.

Afterward she had curled up on her side and gone to sleep, as though nothing was different and he'd headed to the shower to allow the water to wash away his pain.