Thanks to cuteknight101, RavenSis, ArtemisMagic, kjesStar, WillowLeaf2560, XxNightfirexX, Amara-chan, TooAwesomeToRequireAName, Daniella, tennisgal456, writergirl712, cartoonfire, and BerryDrops for reviewing and for the advice! I've decided to keep Bruce/Batman as just Batman's personality, since there really is no Batman or Robin in my story. So it's dark-ish Bruce and...well...Dick.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans.

"Dick, watch yourself!" Koriand'r yelled, diving in front of him to take the blow of the massive arm swinging in his direction. She needn't have bothered to do so, Raven had captured their attacker in a black prison. It took a lot of effort to keep him there, obviously, the strain was showing. He did NOT enjoy being held captive. He changed back into a human so he could scream at them.

"LET ME GO, YOU STUPID ALIENS! I'LL KILL YOU! I SWEAR I WILL!"

"Hey! Maybe all of us AREN'T aliens, genius! We aren't here to hurt you!" Dick yelled at him.

"Stop moving!" Raven screeched.

So much yelling...and no one saw the problem. Even through the black, Koriand'r could see the terrible fear in the morphing man's eyes. He wasn't angry at them, he was afraid out of his mind. "Raven! Stop! Let him go! Leave him!"

"Are you crazy, Koriand'r? He'll try to kill us!"

"Please!"

Raven stared at her for one more second, but obviously couldn't hold the man anymore. She dropped him roughly, ready to imprison him again at a moment's notice. He stood up again, growling at the three of them. "I'm not falling for your nice-alien act for one second! I know why you're here! I know what you're after! Don't think for one minute I don't know what you're up to!"

Raven stared at him, unimpressed. "Hmm. You're right. We're up to whatever you think we're up to, and we're going to get away with it, too."

"Don't play mind games with me!" he snarled at her.

"Hey. Don't listen to her, she's always in a bad mood. I'm Dick Grayson...you know, the guy who's been missing. I swear Kory and Raven are completely safe. They won't do anything. We just want to get home, I'm sure you know Bruce Wayne--"

"I don't know anything," he said bitterly. "I've been an animal for years...all because of aliens like you!"

"Please," Koriand'r said, reaching out her hand to help him up. "We are also in a conflict with aliens, different ones, and are running for our lives. But I promise we wish you--and humankind in general--no harm. If you would come with us, we should be able to get help for you. We only wish to be friends." Koriand'r gave him her most imploring, puppy dog gaze. He sized her up, and for a long moment, no one moved. Koriand'r was sure he was about to morph again and strike her, but she held her ground. Then he took her hand.

"I'm Gar Logan...and I'm trusting you for now."

They stood in front of Bruce Wayne's huge mansion, the four of them, the strangest group Dick had ever brought back to the Manor. They marveled at the perfectly manicured lawns, the masterful architecture, and just the plain size of the place.

"Holy crap, it's as big as a country! Like Hawaii!" Gar whispered.

"You really have been out of it, haven't you?" Raven asked, rolling her eyes.

"It is like...the palace on Tamaran," Kory breathed, her eyes filling with tears from the memory. Dick laced his fingers with hers.

"Well...home sweet home, huh?"

"Master Dick!" His usually calm and composed butler's surprise was evident. "Welcome back."

"Thanks, Alfred. Uh, these are my friends...Kory, Raven, and Gar."

If Alfred was weirded out by them, he didn't let it show. "I trust you've had quite an adventure. Master Bruce is waiting, unless you would rather rest up first. He will understand."

"I think we'll make it through a quick talk." Everyone else was too awed by the inside to care. "C'mon, you guys. This way."

Bruce was waiting for them in his study, stoic as ever. "Evening, Dick. Long time no see."

"I'll say. Did you miss me?"

Bruce said nothing, his eyes scanning the three other people. Kory, bright and much more cheerful now that things were looking up; Raven, sizing him up right back; and Gar...who was green. Very green. And marveling at the shiny wood on the desk, making funny faces into it. Bruce didn't like them, Dick realized. They were aliens...most of them. They were all the same to Bruce, as they had once been to Dick. However much faith Dick had put in him, Bruce didn't know as much as his ward believed.

They were in serious trouble.

"Listen, how about Kory and Raven and Gar get some rest and food and you and I can talk about this in private?" Dick suggested. This was going to be a hard enough sell without having three other people interrupting. Bruce called for Alfred and everyone was taken to separate rooms, Kory leaving Dick's side rather reluctantly. "I'll meet up with you in a little bit, don't worry."

"Tell me," Bruce demanded, his attention focused completely on Dick. The entire story spilled out, every little detail. Dick was parched by the end, but he managed to at least get out their sneaky entrance into the city, that he would be able to talk to Bruce without papparazzi banging on their windows. He fell silent, waiting for his guardian to say something.

"These Gordanians are still after you?"

"I think we lost them in Oklahoma."

"Better safe than sorry."

"What do you think we should do?"

"Be ready. Alert. Maybe have some sort of protection. I'll think on it." Dick knew he was dismissed, and got up to have one of Alfred's much-missed meals. "Dick."

"Yeah?"

"Stay away from that girl."

"Kory? What's it to you?"

"She's an alien. She's dangerous. Watch yourself."

Dick scowled and left him.

"I've made up a cover story," Bruce told them later, after they had all eaten and had a nice, long nap. "Dick, you were shipwrecked on that cruise you went on in California--"

Dick paled. That hadn't exactly been business related. "How did you know about that?"

"You were lost at sea. Enough said. These people picked you up and escorted you home. You were held up by those flight delays all around the country."

"When is this going on the air?"

"Tomorrow night. We're having a welcome back party for you. The press will be there. Just so you can prepare yourself."

"So what's the actual story? You guys haven't even told me yet!" Gar exclaimed.

Kory started to brief him, but as soon as she described the Gordanians, Gar stiffened. "Them? I know those aliens."

"From what?" Bruce asked him, his eyes narrowing. Even though Gar had witnessed the greatness of this man from the minute he'd stepped on Wayne Manor's grounds, he couldn't bring himself to answer. "They're that bad, are they?"

"Not all aliens are, Bruce," Dick reminded him. Bruce's eyes were mere slits now.

"Of course. Finish, Princess."

Dick nodded as Bruce walked away. After Kory was done, Gar thought about it for a little while.

"So, wouldn't you have some sort of tracker on you, too?" he asked Dick.

"No. The Gordanians never had the time to come anywhere near me." Gar nodded in understanding while Dick summarized their position. "Listen, we don't have a lot right now. Bruce says it's better to keep thinking as if the Gordanians are still after us. That way, we won't be taken by surprise again. He's thinking about giving us something--I don't know what, but probably something small so we can wear it everyday without suspicion--to protect ourselves with if we ever come across a Gordanian. Obviously, you three have a lot firepower against them, but I don't, in case you haven't noticed."

Raven was about to make a sarcastic comment, but Gar cut in first. "You mean like a pen laser or something? Like, spy stuff that we put in our socks?"

"Sure."

"Cool! I've always wanted to be just like Mr. Smith!"

Raven rolled her eyes. "I thought you didn't know anything about that?"

"Have you ever seen a movie through fly vision?"

"How many different animals have you transformed into, Gar?" Dick asked in awe.

"I can do whatever," he answered proudly, kicking his legs up onto the table.

"I truly thought your 'kitten' was adorable," Kory giggled. Gar grinned at her.

"That's not even the whole package. I've got animal instincts, too. That's how I knew you weren't lying when I first met you guys, Kory. Animals're smart like that. I could sniff out a watch if you lost it, and--" His chair, teetering on two legs, lost balance, but he caught himself on the table just in time and resumed his previous position. "--And I'm quick as a cat!"

"Have you got nine lives, too? You might need them," muttered Raven.

"That is truly astounding!" Kory complimented.

"Oh please, I don't think he needs a swollen head. So you're human, right? How is this possible? If I'm right, most humans can't really rearrange their DNA at will," Raven pointed out. Gar's smile faded and he pulled his feet down.

"I don't like to talk about it."

"You need not. I am sure we all have things we would much rather not voice," Kory said, throwing a meaningful look at Raven. The dark girl nodded, sinking back into her chair. "However, Dick's father mentioned a party, yes? This requires special attire, does it not?"

"Yeah," Dick said, vaguely sure of where this was going.

"We must journey to the mall of shopping, then! Come, Raven! Perhaps we may be lucky enough to smell the cologne again!"

"You know what's funny? I think I saw the same bottle in Dick's room after the tour of the house he gave us..." Raven smirked before being whirled away. Dick jumped up.

"Kory! Take the car, don't fly--Kory!"

"This is so beautiful, is it not, Raven?"

Raven groaned, obviously bored beyond belief. "You aren't even from Earth, Koriand'r, how do you love shopping?"

"It is very enjoyable, Raven! Come, you must show me how the 'fitting rooms' are put to use. You are able to wear the clothes without spending money for them?" Kory asked curiously. Dick finally showed up, completely out of breath and eyeing the large pile of clothes in Kory's hands.

"Uh, Bruce is rich and everything, Kory, but isn't that a bit much?"

"Do not worry, friend, I do not intend to buy any of them! That is what 'shopping' consists of, yes? Trying clothes for three hours and only purchasing one item?"

Dick sighed good naturedly. "Somehow, Kory, I think you'll fit in here just fine."

True to her word, Kory spent a grand total of five hours in the mall, with a stumbling Dick, Gar, and Raven behind her, and only purchased one thing for herself and one for Raven (though Raven had never verbally given her consent.) Unfortunately, the blue-clad alien had little choice in the matter the next night, as going to a formal party in a leotard and cape wouldn't cut it.

"I've been practicing on the story," Dick murmured to his guardian before the older man could ask. "I've gone over it with Gar and Raven and Kory, they've got it, too. At least, I hope Gar does. He seems kind of forgetful."

"He's probably more trustworthy."

"What's with you?" Dick growled at him. "It's not like you to be so stereotypical! Kory and Raven are friends. They've been through a lot, and they've saved my life more times than I can count. The two of them don't deserve to be put down all the time." Bruce said nothing, and Dick knew he wasn't convinced. "You think you know so much...but you've met up with a different alien species one time and you hate everything about them."

"The guests are arriving," Bruce muttered, avoiding Dick's glare to go greet them.

The huge, elaborate hall of Wayne Manor filled up quickly with important guests from all around the United States, even a few from different countries who had appeared--key word there, 'appeared'--concerned about Dick's disappearance. Kory and Raven had made no appearance, though Gar was a big hit, disgusting most of the older guests with his terrible manners and making hoardes of blonde, preppy, not-yet-twenty-years-old girls who thought he was a 'bad' rich boy fawn all over him. He'd even thought up--what he believed was, and what everyone else went along with--a practical lie for his abnormal skin color.

It was better than the lie he'd come up for Raven's jewel (or chakra, as she constantly reminded him). Raven did not get in a fight with Queen Victoria I and get a piece of the queen's crown stuck in her forehead.

And Kory did not spend three days in a tanning booth for her skin to get that orange. But that one was actually a pretty decent idea.

Dick was getting sick of repeating the same story over and over again, and really wouldn't have minded talking to Kory for a little while, or even hearing a biting comment from Raven. "So, the little green man is one of your rescuers?"

"Yes. He's part of a branch off the Blue Man Group, you know, the percussionists, but his group is green, don't ask me why. He just got back from a show, actually, he might play something later."

"Ah," said the CEO of Shlif Corp, his distaste showing. "I heard there were two others."

"Yeah, they aren't here yet. I guess they're still...getting...humnuhglhuf."

"I suppose he's rubbed off on you." Dick barely even heard the criticism. He didn't care about the guy anyway. What he did care about was the goddess coming down from Kory's room, who's face lit up when she saw him. "Is she one of them, too?"

He didn't answer, instead gliding effortlessly to the base of the stairs, waiting for her. "Hey."

"Good evening. There are so many people here!"

"Yeah. Bruce tends to--"

"Mr. Grayson! Who is that? Are you together? Are you planning to make your relationship official tonight?"

"Uh...I..."

Bruce appeared out of nowhere, the very atmosphere around him icy. "They are most certainly--"

"Dating," Dick interrupted, finding his tongue.

Time out. What the heck am I thinking?

You're not.

Oh. Right.

"We were going to make our relationship official, thanks for asking. And if you don't mind, I think my girlfriend wants a dance." He caught Bruce's eye, trying not to shudder at the anger he saw there. He knew he would pay for this later, but right now, he didn't care. Dick held out his hand to Kory, who took it, about to ask what was going on, but he silenced her with a kiss. With cameras flashing, they made their way to the dance floor, Kory's eyes wide with wonder. "Do you know how to dance?"

"If you will lead, I will follow."

His hand slipped on to her hip and he entwined his other with hers. The rest of the world just disappeared, he didn't even see Raven arrive on the scene (not that he would have recognized her). Dick never actually remembered enjoying dancing, but here he was, stepping in complete time. His eyes never wavered from Kory's, but he was almost sure everyone was watching them.

He didn't care.

Dick rested his forehead on hers, and she smiled as his lips brushed hers again. "Did you truly mean what you had said?"

"About being my girlfriend? Well, I normally would have asked you first..."

Her smile made him melt. "And I believe I would have said yes. It is understandable you did not, in the middle of such a crisis," she whispered in his ear. Dick agreed with that wholeheartedly. He hadn't had time to think about anything at all...one day, he ran her over; two weeks later, he was having the time of his life dancing with her, of all things. "On my planet, such courtship does not exist for royals. I would have been married off to a faraway prince to keep peace."

"Then stay here."

She didn't respond. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she pulled herself closer to him. "This is so wonderful." He knew what she meant. After all the terror and shock, it was so nice to relax with each other, knowing they were safer than they had been for a long time.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you looked tonight?" Dick asked. Bruce's successful party was over, and the guests were finally gone (much to Gar's disappointment.) Dick was exhausted, but it was the first time he and Kory were alone (and not panicked) since his rash declaration, and he wasn't about to pass it up. At about two o'clock in the morning, after the movie Dick had picked out to watch in his room, he still didn't feel like letting go of her.

Kory blushed. "Many times."

"And how glad I am that--somehow--I met you?"

She found a spot on his cheek that hadn't been covered by her lipstick yet and pecked him there. "Of course. But mere galaxies could not keep us apart," she joked. "I could not have returned these affections for anyone else."

Dick kissed her again, deep and passionate, only surfacing to breathe. His hands went everywhere, suddenly hating the green silk dress he'd been ogling an hour before. Kory's fingers raked through his hair, her lips soft and dominating at the same time.

Thank goodness it was Alfred who walked by, then, and not anyone else. He dropped his gaze, closed Dick's door, and went on his merry way.

Bruce was even more quiet than before, making his anger evident. However, even he couldn't put off the fact that it was time to get down to business about the alien problem. Mostly because, that morning, strange disappearances were reported around Gotham. They were mostly black-haired, blue-eyed men who couldn't remember anything about their absence once they were returned to their homes. Dick was pretty sure the only reason no redheads or purple-haired Goths were taken was because the Gordanians would know them once they saw them for real. The three of them were only safe inside the house.

"I know you're mad. And it was stupid of me to yell it to the world back there, I'm sorry. But it would've happened one way or another. You couldn't have kept me from Kory."

Bruce was silent for a long while, poring over files and acting like Dick had never existed. Then he said, "I was only looking out for you. There are more consequences than you think, dating a fugitive alien princess you know next to nothing about. But you don't need my help." He went back to pretending he was the only person in the room.

Dick was about to lash out at Bruce, but it wouldn't have done any good. Bruce had raised him, had paid for his every need, had been like a second father to him. Now, on a matter that he thought so important, Dick had blantantly disobeyed him. It was amazing how he could say all this and more without saying anything at all.

"I'm sorry you're angry, Bruce. But I'll never regret this relationship."

As soon as he'd walked out, looking for his new girlfriend, Gar bumped into him. The green man was trying hard not to panic, but he was so jittery, he could barely get his thoughts straight. "Get Bruce. Get outside. They're waiting."

"What are you--"

"Get Bruce!"

Dick did as he was told, convincing his miffed bodyguard to come outside the mansion. There, the sight that greeted them left the two nearly petrified. A Gordanian ship was hovering above the city, and right below it, some kind of hologram projector was buried in the ground. A fifty-story tall hologram Gordanian towered over a few of the office buildings in the city, smirking when Dick came out of the mansion.

"So, insolent fool. You have finally decided to show yourself, after we have memory-wiped all of your clones," it boomed. "You and our prisoners have avoided capture with too much luck. We have no choice but to give you these odds. If you do not return the Troq and the Azarathian within one of your Earth weeks to the Citadel, your planet will be completely destroyed. That week begins now."

The hologram fizzled out of existance, and the ship pulled up the projector, racing back to its home planet. Dick was pretty sure the entire city of Gotham was staring out their windows, frozen in their spots from sheer terror.

"Good job, Dick. Your girlfriend's put all of Earth in danger," Bruce commented. Kory, standing safely out of sight (though not out of earshot) ran to her room with tears in her eyes.

I'm not sure how many action-writing Fanfictors are reading this, but don't you find it hard to create a character (like Gar) when they're in the middle of a problem bigger than a World War? Just wondering...