Guess whose back!? OH MY GLOB this took way to long to write! I am so sorry! Luckily, the next chapter is the last, and I hope I end it all the way you would most like me to. :) This chapter has a lot of scripture in it, so I posted the references at the end. I put a little but of drama, romance AND comedy into this one, so I hope you all will forgive me. Without any further adieu, the next chapter!

Robin was determined to make a come back. Even though his leg was still healing, he still walked the tower, trying to build up strength. Even though he tried, Star didn't like to see him working himself so hard and would pick him up mid stride. He didn't fight her though. One late night, he walked the halls. His mind was processing and he couldn't sleep. The rhythmic click of his crutches hitting the floor kept him focused. He no longer cared about himself and what he had been through. But instead, he decided to look to the future. What happens next? Do I just resume my role? I can't just jump right back in. Where do I begin?...I guess...at the beginning.

He had an idea and swung his way down to Raven's room and knocked. "Raven, it's Robin."

She opened the door just enough. "Yes?"

"Do you have a bible?"

"Why would I have a bible?"

"Well...you have a lot of books, I just thought there was a possibility..."

"NIV, KJV, or ESV?"

"Uh...ESV?"

"Good choice. It's the most accurate translation while being modern vernacular." She ghosted away and returned and dropped a leather bound book into his hands. "Sorry for the notes in the margins. Goodnight." Then she shut the door.

He smirked. I'll go to the roof, I need some fresh air.

The night air was crisp and cool. He sat cross legged in the moonlight. The thin pages of the book danced in the wind as he flipped through the passages. "Okay...God...um...I don't know how to do this stuff...but I'm going to trust in you, and see how this goes. Show me what you want me to learn."

He flipped the pages through his fingers and landed on a random passage and began to read. " 'But let me do this one thing: let me go up and roam in the hills and weep with my friends for two months, because I will die a virgin.' " He paused a moment. "Maybe I didn't turn to the right page..."

He flipped again. " 'Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance will grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.' " He sighed. "Right. Well..."

He flipped to another passage. " 'Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us'...hmm."

Again, he flipped through the pages. " 'No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it'... 'Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer'... 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me'..." With every verse he became more and more encouraged. The words consumed him, and soon he was lost of the world.

"Robin?" A sweet voice called to him.

He turned around, momentarily remembering where he was. "Oh, hey Star."

"What are you doing up here? Why are you not sleeping?"

"I was reading. I have a lot on my mind."

"You seem to be very consumed in your thoughts lately."

He simpered, "Believe me, if I could stop thinking, I would. But reading this has helped."

"What is that?"

"It's a Bible."

"Oh, the book that the pastor was speaking of at the hospital! Is it very good?"

"Very. It has verses on just about everything."

She sat down next to him. "Really?" he handed the book to her and she fingered the thin pages. "That is a lot of words."

He chuckled. "Yes it is."

"What does it say about friends?"

"Friends?...well...I read this verse earlier...'Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.' "

"Then I guess we all truly love each other."

He smiled. "And there's also, 'For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up.' "

"I like this book." A brief silence passed between them. "Would you like to fly with me?"

"What?"

"Every night, before I go to bed, and every morning when I wake up, I go flying. The wind that flows through my hair as I soar over the bay...it refreshes me. No matter my troubles, I find peace and can smile despite my pain." She smiled tenderly at him. "Would you join me tonight?"

"I would love to."

"Bring the book with you, I wish to read more."

"While we fly?"

"No, at the place we are going."

"And where is that?"

"I wish to keep it a secret."

He tucked the book into the waistband of his pants and held his arms out to her, unsure of how to hold her. Instead, she levitated out over the edge.

"Jump"

"What? Are you insane?!"

"For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow." She smiled.

He gulped and took a leap of faith. For a moment, he felt like he was flying on his own, before his stomach began to rise into his throat. But Starfire's arms wrapped around him before he fell very far.

"I told you I would catch you."

"You always do." He placed his arms at her waist and held her tightly, while her arms draped across his neck.

"Shall we?"

He nodded.

Through the skies, dancing through the clouds, sailing across the water. The duo soared. No words shared between them, nothing needed to be said. They were just content to be in each other's arms. Star's hair swirled in the wind, brushing against his cheek, causing him to blush. She tucked her head under his chin and hooked her ankles with his. She was right, he was at peace, and not even the frantic beating of his heart could drown it out.

A few moments later, they touched down on a cliff face, somewhere looking out over the ocean. He used her as a support as they sat on a rock.

"I come out here when I am sick for my home. I look out over the ocean, as it is dark as night. And on certain nights, when there are no clouds and the moon is not visible, I can see Tamaran." She looked at him. "What about your home?" she asked delicately.

"Well...Gotham was my home...but I think of the tower as where I belong."

"What about before Gotham?"

He swallowed. "Before Gotham...a circus train car was my home. I lived there with my mom and dad. The car ahead of us was the clown car. Three brothers lived there. And the car behind us had the lion tamer and his wife. We were always traveling. Only stopping in one town for no longer than a week. When I wasn't in practice, I spent my time with the elephants."

"Elephants?"

"Yeah...not every kid can say he had a pet elephant."

"What was it's name?"

He chuckled. "Tiny."

"That's a...fitting name. What else was there?" she was enthralled.

"We had a giraffe. My mom told me that when I was really little, one of the clown brothers placed me on top of it's head."

"Did you cry of fear?"

"No, I enjoyed it. I had a love of heights."

"Had?"

"I don't particularly enjoy them now...since the accident."

"When your parents died?"

"Yeah...that one."

"If you don't mind me asking..."

"Slade hit the nail on the head. A psychopath cut the line and sent them to their death. I was taken away soon afterwards and then adopted by Bruce a year later."

"And then you became a hero and later met us."

"Yeah...that's the gist of it."

"Will you tell me stories of your time with Mr. Batman?"

He sighed. "I would...but I don't think I can handle bringing up those things. At least not right now. I promise that I will someday. Someday when it doesn't hurt so much."

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I understand. It took me a long time to tell you about my past."

"I'm glad you did." He replied, resting his own head against hers.

She took the bible from his side and placed it in her lap. "Do we start at the beginning?"

"No, you actually don't have to." He flipped through the pages.

"Oh, my I?" She ran the pages through her fingers without waiting for a answer.

"I wouldn't..."

She stopped on a page and read. " 'And the name of his house shall be called in Israel, 'The house of him who had his sandal pulled off.'...um...how is this helpful?"

"It probably makes more sense in context."

"Probably."

"Here, I have a passage I want to read to you." He slipped the book from her fingers. "'Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

"That is most beautiful."

"Isn't it?" He smiled. He set the book off to the side and brought her closer to him. "I've been thinking a lot...about the future and what I want to do..."

"Yes?"

"And I've come to the conclusion that I need work."

"Work? But-"

He put a finger to her lips. "Please let me finish. Right now, I'm not the person I want to be. I could be so much more. I want to become strong...I don't want to be like Slade."

She nodded in understanding.

"I love you more then life itself." He confessed. "But I don't deserve you."

She threw her arms around his neck. "Please do not do the 'breaking up' with me! I like you the way you are and wish you not to change!"

"Calm down, Star! I'm not breaking up with you...well, we couldn't break up anyways because I never officially asked you out." He cleared his throat. "What I meant to ask was...even though I'm not good enough, would you stay by my side and help me grow into the man you deserve?"

She stared at him in awe.

"And then...would you...um...marry that man?"

Tears began to form in her eyes.

"I'm sorry! I know you've met me in the future and so you know what I'll be like..."

She shook her head quickly and pressed her lips to his.

An intense feeling of Déjà vu hit him. His eyes closed against his will. He would had rather stared at the beautiful girl with her arms folded about his neck. But he turned into the kiss and let her scent consume him. His fingers danced through her hair as his other hand glided against her cheek. Her eyelashes dusted against his cheek and tickled. He felt her moving upward and smiled.

They pulled apart. Both out of breath, they rested their foreheads together. He had a tiny fear that her glowing eyes would shoot lasers, but the more he stared at the beauty, the more drawn he was. She was floating a couple inches off of the ground.

"Yes." She whispered.

"Yes what?" He replied, dazed.

"I will marry you."

"Oh! Right!" He chuckled in embarrassment.

"I love you very much Richard."

"And I love you." He didn't realize that this is what she did to him. Melted him like butter and turned his brain to mush. He simply kissed her again before he did something stupid.

Back in the tower, Starfire escorted the boy wonder back to his room. Of course he didn't object, every moment he could spend in her arms was heaven. She left him for the night, giving a quick peck to the lips. He smiled as the door slid shut.

He decided to take a shower. A honest to goodness, hot shower. He hadn't had a real one in weeks, only bed baths. They work, but his wounds were closed enough that he didn't have to wear bandages, at least for a short period of time. He hopped into the bathroom and removed his clothes and bandages. All motion stopped when he saw his reflection. For a moment, he didn't recognize himself. His face was mostly red, scars decorated his cheeks. A bruise, almost green in color, spread over his eyes and part of a cheek. His lower lip was slightly swollen. His hair was growing back, but was complete mess and stuck up in every direction.

Frankly, he looked awful. I kissed Starfire when I looked like this?! Oh great! He hung his head. I look like I got hit by a truck. With a sigh, he hopped into the shower, and leaned against the wall. The water poured on his scalp and the steam soothed his sore muscles. He rolled his head to stretch. He winced as the hot water raced against the burns on his feet and back of his leg. After the pain subsided, he rinsed in cold water, numbing his skin.

He got out and used the wall for support to get to his towel. After drying off, he put on his sweatpants, draped his towel over his shoulder, and stepped into his room. He froze. Starfire was sitting on his bed, Indian style.

"S-S-Star?"

"Hello dear Richard. How was your shower?"

"Uh...fine." Suddenly he realized she was looking at him. He pulled his towel up to hide his scarlet face. "W-What are you doing here?" He tried to be casual.

She saw right through his ruse and floated over to him. She took the towel away and forced him to look her in the eyes. She said nothing, but cupped his cheek. He swallowed deeply. Her fingers lightly touched his bruises, and ran over his stitches. He became more and more embarrassed. He knew he looked hideous, but here she was, closely examining him.

"Do not worry, I still think you are very handsome."

He turned even more red. "Thanks."

She smiled and hugged him, resting her head on his bare chest. She gave a small sigh. "I was doing the wondering if I may join you while you slumber?"

"You want to sleep with me?"

"Yes, if that is how you say it."

He turned purple. "O-okay..."

She gave an excited cheer and tugged him after her.

The next day, Robin sat in his office working, when Cyborg came in with a message.

"Titans East are coming later today to say hi. Is that okay?"

Robin caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection of his screen. He sighed. "Yeah, it's fine." He gave a short smile.

"Cool, I'll tell the others to clean up."

"Where's Bruce?"

"I think he went on a run."

"Good, he's a total slob. Alfred always had to clean up after him."

Cyborg looked around the room. "And you're not a slob?"

"I've gotten better."

"Yikes." He cringed and left.

Robin looked at his attire. Pajamas probably wouldn't be the best thing to wear to meet with his team. Then again, tights wouldn't be the most comfortable thing to wear with a giant cast on his leg.

He put on his tunic, but wore a slightly baggy pair of black pants. He stuck his mask to his face and grabbed his crutches.

Swinging out into the hallway, he only made it a few steps before two hands grasped his rib cage and lifted him off the floor.

"Hey Star."

"Hello Robin." She turned and took him down the other end of the hall, away from the commons.

"Where are we going?"

"To my room."

"We have to get ready for the other titans."

"We are." She smirked.

In her room, she set him down on the edge of the bed, close to her bureau. "You are not excited about our friends seeing you like this, correct?"

"Right."

"I will attempt to blend your scars and bruises."

"You mean make up don't you." He said with a frown.

"Yes, but I will try my best to make it natural."

"You do realize that your make up won't match my skin tone right?"

"I know, that is why I bought the correct tone." She smiled.

"You rock." He smiled back.

"How am I like a boulder?"

"I mean, you're awesome."

She grinned like a cat. "You too inspire awe!"

He rolled his eyes at her excitement and optimism. She missed it, and proceeded to get the liquid foundation from the table. She applied a glob to the back of her hand and painted it on his forehead, covering his scars. He watched her carefully as she bit her lip in concentration. She used her fingers to tilt his head in different directions. She dabbed a bit on his neck to cover the finger shaped bruises. After she dusted on a smoothing cover up, she replaced his mask.

"Can I see how I look?"

"You have to wait until I do your hair."

"Oh! Now you finally get to do my hair!" He said in mock joy.

She paused for a moment and then gasped in glee. "I do!" She grabbed the comb and sheers from the bureau. With a light touch, she picked up Robin and moved him to sit in front of the mirror, facing away. Starfire draped a towel over his shoulders.

"What would you like me to?"

"Just even it out as best as you can so I can grow it out."

She began to snip away the black spikes sticking out from his head. After about twenty minutes, she ran her fingers through the light fuzz that was left and removed the towel from his shoulders.
"What do you think?" She spun him around.

He blinked. He looked perfectly normal, save for the short hair and few bald spots. You couldn't even tell he was injured. "Wow Star...I look great! Thanks so much!" He grinned at her through the mirror. In reply she kissed the top of his head.

The doorbell rang about an hour later. Cyborg answered it. "Hey Y'all!"

Each eastern Titan gave their own greeting as they came in.

"Hey hey hey!"

"Sup?"

"Yo!"

"Hola!"

Robin got up from the couch as used his crutches to get over to his team. "Great to see you guys! Thanks for stopping in!"

"No prob, Rob!" Speedy smirked. "I brought sparkling wine." He held up two bottles.

"And we brought pizza for lunch." Aqualad and Bee set the boxes on the counter.
Mas y menos raced over and grabbed Robin's hands and shook rapidly. " Hola señor Robin! Nos alegramos de verte bien y sonriente!"

"Uh...thanks?"

"Hey dudes, Robin's probably getting tired of standing."

"To the sofa!"

"Hey Robin, I'll race ya." Speedy taunted.

"You're on." He said seriously.

"Wait, seriously? Rrriiiiiggghhhhttttt..." He took off to the couch in a fast walk.

Robin winked at star. In two seconds, Speedy was almost to the couch, when Robin zoomed past at breakneck speed, being carried by Star. He landed on the cushion. Legs crossed, One arm around his dearest. "Don't underestimate me Roy."

Speedy sighed and took a seat between Mas and Menos.

The afternoon went well. Robin revealed some things that happened during his time with Slade. Every team member listened intently, knowing that he was sheltering them from parts of the truth. The stories were interrupted by a heavy knock on the door, proceeded by Batman strolling into the room.

"Sorry to interrupt your little play date, but you have guests." Robin stood up with Star's help and walked about halfway across the room when his 'guests' came in.

Wonder Woman.

Green lantern.

The Flash.

Aquaman.

They came in first, looking very solemn. Robin was the only teen who had a clue why they were there.

"Where's Superman?" He asked quietly.

The team stepped off to the side, and the man of steel entered. A man was grasped in his free hand, handcuffed in front and blood trickling from his mouth. Supes dropped him on his knees in front of Robin. He was a white haired man, a beard, and an eyepatch over his left eye. He was very muscular, and was wearing a black uniform. Robin gulped.

"Robin, this is Slade Wilson. In his old career, he was called Deathstroke the Terminator. This is the face of the man that tried to kill you."

Slade looked up at Robin with his cold dark eye. No remorse showing through. He still wanted him dead. Robin took a deep breath despite his shaking hands.

"If you want to pay him back for what he did to you, now would be the perfect time." Batman said, standing behind him.

He looked at his friends and mentors. They were all quiet and waiting. Probably anticipating him kick him and yell and scream. But what he really did surprised everyone. Even himself.

He stood tall and took a deep breath. "Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you...But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?"

Slade stared at him wide-eyed.

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out… Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done...Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." He stood complacent. His fear subsiding with every word. "Slade, I forgive you." He stood firm, proud, and tall. Everyone stood in shock.

Slade was furious. "Boy!" He jumped to his feet and grabbed his collar. "You think you can taunt me?! You were suppose to yell and scream! You were suppose to hate me! You were suppose to kill me!"

"In front of all my friends? I know what you expected me to do, but I'm not like you. I'm not a murder, I don't harbor my anger. I'm not going to end up like you. I will never follow in your footsteps."

Slade grit his teeth, but had no words, knowing his plan had finally failed.

"Even though I forgive you, doesn't mean I'm going to let you go." He addressed Superman. "Take him away, let justice be served."

The members of the league smirked at each other. As the league left, there was an awkward silence that spread over the room.

"Dude...totally wasn't expecting that." Beast Boy spoke.

Robin smirked. "Well, get use to it. This whole experience has changed me."

"How did you know that's what he wanted?" Raven asked.

"Slade is predictable, well to me he is. And I've decided to become a better person. So...yeah."

"I like this new kid, not so angry and not obsessed." Beast Boy patted his shoulder.

Later that evening, it was time for dinner. The teens sat in the main room, chatting after the other team had left. Bruce strolled into the room looking sharp.

"Oh, look at you. What are you up to?" Robin asked slyly.

"It's not what I'm up to, it's what all of us are up to."

They looked at each other perplexed.

"We're going out to dinner, get dressed!"

"Wait, seriously?"

"Sure, why not? I promised I would, besides, you're up and walking around and quoting scripture."

Robin chuckled.

"It's a high class place, so dress nice."

"Um, Bruce?" Cyborg spoke up. "Most of us can't hide our identities...you know orange alien, green child, robo-man..."

"I know. I'll wear my cowl, and Robin will wear his mask. No worries."

"Sweet, I can finally wear my tux!" And with that, Beast Boy zoomed out of the room. Raven followed after quietly.

"What will you be wearing Cyborg?" Starfire asked sensitively.

He thought for a moment. "How about a bow tie?"

"Do you even own one?"

"Of course. Had to wear it for awards night for football. Now let me see if I can find it." He walked out of the room, mentally going through his room.

"And what will you be wearing this evening Miss Starfire?" Bruce asked slyly.

"Oh, it is a secret!" And she to flew out of the room.

"That leaves you boy wonder."

"I'm going, I'm going."

A half an hour later, Robin was the second back. Cyborg had found his tie and a top hat.

The only tux Robin owned was the one her wore on his date with Kitten. He hoped tonight would rid the dress of it's unfortunate memories. Beast Boy slid into the room on his heels.

"Dudes! Do I look hot or what?"

"'Or what' is right." Raven was right behind him.

Beast Boy wore a blue tux with a red checkered shirt, yellow cumberbun, and purple bow tie.

"You look like rainbow vomit."

"Yo BB, are you colorblind?"

He paused. "Maybe." They laughed. "Your just jealous because I have more swag then you can stick a shake at."

"Beast Boy, the phrase is 'shake a stick at'." Raven droned. She was wearing a black long sleeved shirt, and a knee length blue skirt. She wore black heels with a small raise.

"Raven, you're wearing a skirt." Robin acknowledged.

"You said dress nice. This is nice. Not what I would prefer, but at least it's not frilly and lacy."

"Dude, I couldn't even imagine you in that." Beast Boy commented.

"Where's Star?"

"I am here!" She came in from one of the side doors. She was wearing a little black dress. It was a halter style, the neckline traced with lace. The skirt was pleaded and had a matching lace hem. She wore her hair up in a complex bun, two red tendrils curled to frame her face. A pair of diamond and emerald earrings dangled from her ears and had high heeled shoes that matched them.

Robin fell over from sudden loss of balance.

"Starfire! You killed him with your beauty!" Beast Boy mock reprimanded.

"Oh Robin! I am sorry!"

He righted himself using the back of the couch. "I'm fine, I'm fine. But star, you look stunning."

"I thank you. Dad bought it for me."

"Dad?"

Bruce patted her head like a small child. "Anything for my future daughter in law."

Beast Boy whistled. "OH ROBIN, you dog!"

Robin pulled on his collar in embarrassment.

"Alright kiddos, lets get this show on the road!" Batman said.

Kiddos? They collectively thought.

Bruce didn't feel like driving. He was already paying for the meal, he didn't need to pay for the gas. He rode shotgun with Cyborg while Raven and Beast Boy rode in the back. Robin and Starfire followed behind on the R-cycle, Star's helmet carefully placed not to mess up her hair.

They arrived at a very prestigious restaurant at the edge of town. The T-car pulled in first, parallel parking with precision. Robin screeched to a halt and swerved the back tire around and put down the kickstand.

He offered his hand to help Star off the bike. "Thank you kind sir." She smiled like an angel.

He held out his arm and escorted her into the restaurant, using her as a crutch. Imagine with me…a strapping young man in a tux and a mask, with a full leg cast, walking into the restaurant with a foxy alien on one arm and Batman walking beside him, followed by a guacamole tinted boy, an anime mecha-man, and an emo.

Needless to say, they didn't need confirm reservations.

The waiter put them in the back of the restaurant, with the best view and the most privacy. Batman sat at the head of the table, with Robin to his right and Raven on his left. Star sat next to Robin, of course, and Beast Boy snagged the seat next to Raven. Cyborg sat at the other end.

After some minor chatting, the waiter came to collect drink orders starting with Robin, going clockwise.

"Dr. Pepper"

"Mountain Dew"

"Herbal Tea"

"Sprite"

"Coke"

"Mustard, please."

The waiter, an old man with a curly mustache, looked at her questionably. Batman prepared his wallet to bribe the man, but the waiter responded interestingly. "What kind?"

Starfire blinked. There was more than one kind of Mustard? She looked at her boyfriend for an answer but he just shrugged. "What kinds do you carry?"

"Regular, diet, honey, blueberry, cherry, and black raspberry."

She thought a moment, amazed at the choices. She did quite like the blue earth berries, and it might be a nice combination. "Blueberry, please." She smiled radiantly.

The waiter smiled back.

Robin believed the night went beautifully, his date almost seemed perfectly human...well, until she asked him to try the blue goop.

If it had been anyone else offering, he would have declined.

Verses in order Judges 12:37, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5,1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 12:12, Philippians 4:13, John 15:13, Ecclesiastes 4:10, Deuteronomy 25:10, 1 Corinthians 13:4-13, Proverbs 20:22, Matt 5:44-46, Proverbs 24:19-20, 28-29, Romans 12:17-21.