Robin woke to sun rays streaming in on his face. Starfire was still sleeping soundly next to him, her back curling into his stomach. He stirred, rubbed his eyes through his mask and pulled away, putting his arms behind his head. He stared at the ceiling and realized he felt a little odd.
Raven had finally woken up, but the atmosphere in the tower had remained a little tense and stressful, not to mention his fight with Batman didn't help matters much.
He felt relieved that Batman was finally going home today… but he also felt sort of disappointed and he didn't understand where that feeling was coming from. He had pretty much been looking forward to Batman going home the moment Batman had said he was coming.
He hadn't expected Alfred to come along, though he should've known, and he definitely was disappointed Alfred was going home. He didn't realize just how much he missed Alfred. If Bruce was like a father to him, Alfred was his grandfather.
Robin could always talk to Alfred, especially after he and Bruce got into fights, and Robin had found that before the Titans, Alfred was the person he had been the closest to. Alfred's presence around the tower had been calming and somehow everyone had felt more content and taken care of. Each of the Titans had grown close to Alfred in their own way, and Robin knew that not just he would be missing Alfred once he was gone.
He made a silent vow to contact Wayne Manor and talk to his old butler more often.
Robin frowned a little, his brow creasing. He had expected to feel positively gleeful that Bruce was finally going home, but all he seemed to feel was letdown.
Starfire shifted next to him, making cute little murmurs in her sleep. He smiled and raised his head to un-trap one of his hands to gently run it through her hair. He leaned back over her, curving his body along hers, looking sadly at her shoulder and arm that were still bandaged.
Raven had been in no condition to heal Starfire after she had woken up, so Starfire had to heal the natural way. Raven still was really in no condition to heal Starfire, and Robin was aware of why. The rest of the Titans, especially poor Beast Boy, were confused as to why Raven's blossoming personality had suddenly and severely backpedaled. She walked around like she was an empty shell again, her features carefully blank. He had seen some improvement however, because after Batman had talked to her, she finally was coming out of her room.
Eventually Starfire started to wake up more, turning over and snuggling into his side, one hand on his chest. She rubbed her palm against him absently, her eyes cracking open.
"Mornin' sunshine."
She giggled.
He leaned down and pressed a kiss onto the top of her head and pulled her closer. Despite his restlessness over the tower's visitors leaving today, he felt happy and content just feeling Starfire's warmth against him.
--
During breakfast Alfred mentioned to Robin that he was needed in the evidence room when he had the chance, and that it was important. Robin sipped his morning coffee and shuffled the paperwork he was focusing on.
"Be there in a moment, Al," he said absentmindedly.
"Very good Master Robin," Alfred said, and had Robin been paying more attention, he would've noticed there was a sly ring to Alfred's tone.
But Robin didn't notice.
So he ventured to the evidence room completely unprepared for the following conversation.
"You wanted to see me?" Robin asked hesitantly, walking into the evidence room where Alfred and Batman were waiting. He looked from Alfred to Batman's face. Was it just him, or did Batman look a little uncomfortable?
Batman cleared his throat.
"Dick," he started, "there are some things we need to discuss."
"Again with the discussions," Robin muttered.
Batman shifted and looked at Alfred, almost pleadingly, at least for as much emotion as he ever shows.
"Look, we need to talk, and I want you to listen calmly. Don't fly off the handle."
"Ookay," Robin drawled, crossing his arms.
Batman sighed again, shaking his head. "I know we've never had the greatest relationship, and I've felt bad about that for these past few years."
Robin's eyebrows rose and his arms loosened a little.
"Bruce…"
"Yeah I know. Do you understand?"
"You're… apologizing?" Robin said incredulously.
Batman shifted, uncomfortable. "You could say that."
"Did Alfred put you up to this?" Robin asked sarcastically.
Batman narrowed his eyes. "No, as a matter of fact he didn't. Are you going to listen now?"
Alfred cleared his throat, making the two realize they were starting to bicker again.
"Yeah, I'll listen," Robin said sullenly.
"About… the incident with the Joker…"
Robin's face fell. "What about it?"
"Look, Dick," Batman said, turning around stiffly and facing the desk, resting his fingers on it. "I know you were angry with me for letting you go after that. I know you thought I did so because I was disappointed in you and thought you to be incompetent. We fought very bitterly… I may have said you couldn't be Robin anymore, but you know I would never kick you out of my home. You left on your own volition…" Batman sighed as he trailed off.
He turned around and lowered his cowl.
"I never thought you were incompetent, Dick."
Robin's hands had dropped to his sides. His mouth hung open a little, amazed. He had never seen Bruce admit this much.
"You… you didn't?" Robin asked feebly.
"No," Batman shook his head. "I was a little too proud to admit it after that fight."
"I may have been… a little hot-headed," Robin admitted.
"You? Hot-headed?" Batman said mildly.
"Funny," Robin muttered. "I'm attempting to apologize back here; I'd appreciate the sarcasm withheld."
"Master Robin," Alfred broke in. "What Master Bruce is trying to say is he cares about you."
Batman glanced at Alfred. "I was getting there."
"The next century would have come and gone by the time you got there, sir," Alfred grinned.
Robin chuckled.
"Right, well," Batman grunted. "Alfred is… right. I was… worried about you, Dick. It was a reality check for me when you took that hit to the shoulder. I never kicked you off because I thought you couldn't handle things…"
"You were just worried for me," Robin said softly, when the full realization finally dawned on him. "You didn't want to see me get hurt."
Batman stood silent for awhile before he eventually nodded.
"I see now why… the fight happened the way it did," Robin said. Bruce let him go. Bruce let him say all those awful things to him, because he was too proud to let Robin know just how much he cared, how much he was shaken at losing another person he truly cared about. And he let Robin leave Gotham because he knew Jump was safer, knew that Robin would be better off away from the psychotic and deadly villains that they always had to deal with in Gotham.
"Are we all good then?" Bruce grunted. All this admitting feelings and stuff was making him rather uncomfortable.
Robin smiled. "We're good."
Alfred beamed, very pleased. "Well done, you two. I never thought you could both be so mature. Master Bruce grunted more than one sentence, and not one foul word out of your mouth, Master Dick."
Robin pouted as Batman frowned.
"Well," Batman said, becoming very shifty. "Glad that's over with. Let's start packing, Alfred-" Batman started for the door.
"Master Bruce," Alfred chilled. "You are not getting out of this one."
Batman stopped and Robin actually saw him cringe.
"What? What's going on?" Robin asked, confused.
"Master Bruce has one more thing to discuss with you," Alfred said, grinning like a cat.
"Alfred," Batman whined. Batman actually whined.
"Go on, the sooner you get it over with the better," Alfred admonished.
Robin was completely in the dark.
Batman put his cowl back on and turned around slowly.
He heaved in a breath.
"Dick…" he rolled his eyes. "There comes a time in every young man's life when he notices changes… in himself… and… girls-"
Robin's eyes became impossibly wide. He backed up, waving his hands in front of him in defense.
"Oh hell no… this isn't 'the talk' is it? Oh my God it is," he said, looking at Batman's stiff and embarrassed posture.
Suddenly he began cracking up. "You're giving me sex advice?! You?!"
Batman's eyes narrowed.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Robin's laughter died a little. "God, Bruce," he shook his head. "Have you ever sat back and examined your dating life?" he snorted.
"All I'm saying, Romeo, is that you might want to be a little more careful. If I saw you hanging out all over the place in the bay, who the hell else saw you too?"
Robin sobered. "That was a cheap shot."
"Yeah, well… I figured if you were that much of an idiot to go skinny dipping in full daylight, I didn't want to know what else you might get yourself into."
"Wasn't exactly like I planned it," Robin muttered, his cheeks growing red.
"Still… it's obvious you're on rather 'friendly' terms with this Starfire. There are some things superheroes can't afford to lose."
"What do you mean?" Robin's eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms again, sulking.
"How are you going to handle your secret identity with her? Is she going to be hurt when you don't take that mask off? You can't lie to her."
Robin shifted uncomfortably. "I trust her."
Batman shifted too. "Well, I know that. But she's a huge liability, and you need to realize that. If you're prepared to deal with the consequences…"
Robin studied him for a moment.
"Look… I'm not a little kid anymore. I know why you go around with so many women, and never get close to any of them. I'm not stupid, and I get it. Don't even start on the secret identity thing. Do I even need to mention Selina? Cause that just seems unfair," Robin smirked. Then it left his face. "Please, Bruce… don't ruin my chance at happiness because you're too scared to take yours."
Batman grunted.
"What about sex? Being on a team like this. You do realize how much a relationship changes once you sleep with someone. If you get into a fight and break up, the entire team will be jeopardized."
"We'll deal with it when it comes," Robin said firmly. "Star and I have never had a fight like that."
"You will eventually. And you need to be prepared for it. Plus, what about pregnancy? You realize you can't exactly fight crime with a baby in your arms."
Robin looked uncomfortable again. "Uh… Star's… a little different than human women… her… and… she can…uh…"
Batman and Alfred raised an eyebrow. "She can what? And how do you know this?" Batman asked.
Robin looked down at the floor, very embarrassed. "She can tell when she's able to conceive. Like, definitively… it's not iffy like with human women…"
"She told you this?"
"Yeah."
Batman grunted again. "So…" He groaned and pinching the bridge of his nose. "You think you don't need protection, ever? Dick, that makes me worried."
"Well, I wouldn't say that," Robin rushed. "Not ever, just at those certain times, you know?"
Oh goodness. This was a discussion he never thought he would ever have with Bruce.
"What do you mean 'those' certain times? As far as I'm concerned, you should make sure it's like an impenetrable fortress if you ever decide to-"
"Robin?"
The door slid open to reveal Starfire peeking around the corner.
--
Previously, three Titans had overheard Alfred mention to Robin that he was needed in the evidence room and that it was important. These same three Titans had watched Robin down the last of his coffee cup and saunter out.
Now, two of those Titans had done their absolute best not to sneak after their leader and eavesdrop on these important conversations, but Alfred and Batman would be going home today. It was their last chance and they were going to take it.
As Beast Boy and Cyborg got up from the couch grinning madly, Raven glanced after them mildly.
"You really should just leave them alone," she said quietly.
"Aw, come on Rae. You know you're curious too. Let's go, it could really be interesting…" Beast Boy said.
Raven shook her head. "I don't think it's a good idea."
Beast Boy frowned. While he was very happy that Raven had finally come out of her room, he was very worried to see how much she had changed. She was dry and emotionless, like she had been when the Titans first formed. Beast Boy was getting distressed, nothing he did seemed to make her react.
Starfire entered the room.
"Friends? Have you seen Robin?"
"He went with Alfred, Star," Beast Boy said.
"To the evidence room?"
"Probably."
"Oh," she said, heading out the door.
"Come on, Rae," Beast Boy pleaded. "We haven't gotten into any trouble in a long time. We're overdue."
Raven pursed her lips but said nothing.
"Yo, leave her alone, dude. If she don't want to come, she don't want to come," Cyborg said in her defense. He had also noticed the change in Raven, and while he did not know why, he figured provoking her was not going to help her any.
Provoking Raven however was like Beast Boy's thing. He wasn't stupid and he was completely aware that provoking her was what got her to come out of her shell in the first place, when everyone else was just going to leave her alone.
"Fine." Beast Boy bodily picked her up despite her protests. Cyborg sighed but didn't stop him, and the three of them slinked off toward the evidence room. They were just in time to see Starfire enter. Beast Boy sat Raven on his lap as the three of them huddled outside of the door, two of them listening eagerly.
--
"Oh, uh… hey Star," Robin said awkwardly.
"Hello Robin," she said, smiling. "I am not interrupting anything, am I?" she asked innocently.
"Actually, Master Robin and Master Batman were having a very interesting conversation," Alfred began.
Robin and Batman looked horrified. He wouldn't, would he? No, no Alfred-
"Since this issue involves you, we would like to hear your take on it. We were discussing very important issues of being a superhero and where sex fits into that kind of life, contraception, and pregnancy. Master Robin had some very interesting information concerning your people's ability to conceive."
Starfire looked confused for a moment, then glanced at Robin and Batman's very red faces and their embarrassed hunched postures. Alfred's eyes were twinkling.
A broad grin broke out on her face.
"Why yes," she started. Robin groaned. "Female Tamaranian cycles are similar to Earth females, but have some key differences."
"And what would those be?" Alfred asked. "Master Robin said you are always absolutely positive when you are able to conceive."
Starfire nodded. "The signs of ovulation are very clear. Tamaranians rarely are in need of birth control methods, however on the three days of gogta'ovida we must either abstain from relations or use a type of barrier method."
"Really?" Alfred asked, interested. "And would this barrier method be similar to a condom?"
Oh God. Robin's cheeks flamed, along with Batman's. Alfred said the c-word. This conversation had been embarrassing enough, and now Alfred and Starfire were engaged in an intelligent discussion over birth control methods and feminine cycles. It couldn't get any more embarrassing.
"I believe it is similar to your Earth condoms. It is used by the male only. Tamaranians have not developed many methods because they are rarely needed."
"How do Tamaranians approach the subject of sex? Your culture sounds very interesting; do you have some sort of protocol to these types of things?"
Robin was wrong. It could get more embarrassing.
"Tamaranian nobles are married for diplomatic reasons. As princess of Tamaran, normally my husband would be chosen for me by the Grand Ruler. Galfore has kindly respected my wish to marry whomever I want. Nobles are to abstain from relations until they are joined with their betrothed, but most nobles do not follow this rule." Starfire grinned. "Many secret affairs have been committed by noble women."
Robin's cheeks burned again when he thought about Starfire in her dancing outfit. He shifted uncomfortably, and Alfred glanced at him with a teasing smirk.
"Tamaranians in the common class are allowed to marry whomever they wish. Sexual relations are revered in the older generations, and they are not taken lightly. My generation has become looser with traditions, however. Younger Tamaranians are beginning to experiment, and behave generally like humans do."
"Really," Alfred said.
"Yes," Starfire said, nodding. "Still, all Tamaranians take seriously the duty of having families. Our race would die out if we did not because of our ability to mainly control pregnancies. My family is small for a Tamaranian family. Many have six children or more!"
Robin began coughing very loudly at this point.
"How long is a gestation period for a Tamaranian female?"
"We carry our children for seven months. It is slightly less than a human gestation period, but it allows for us to become pregnant again very quickly. Tamaranians are a warrior culture, and often do not live to old age. We must reproduce fast and often."
"This is very interesting, isn't it Master Robin?" Alfred said, a laugh in his voice.
Robin tugged on his collar, which was feeling a little too tight.
"Would you like to know more about birthing processes?"
Robin coughed pointedly.
Alfred chuckled, and Starfire grinned.
"I can explain perhaps dominance in our sexual relationships-"
Robin made a strange sort of gurgled sound.
"Or perhaps you would like me to demonstrate-"
"NO!!" Robin blurted.
"Why Robin, you are uncomfortable conversing about sexual relations? I find this fascinating, seeing as how you are so willing to practice."
Robin's eyes widened the size of saucers and he began choking in a fit again.
Batman had seemingly shrunk in size, begging not to be noticed.
"Perhaps the Batman has something to say on the subject matter? He must have experience in dating. Perhaps he would like to share about his relationship with the Catwoman?" Starfire asked innocently, turning those big enquiring eyes towards Batman.
Batman stared at the floor with lips pursed so tightly they were turning white.
"You have nothing to say? I had assumed that you and the Catwoman have been very… close," Starfire said, barely withholding her giggles.
"Oh yes, Miss Catwoman and Master Batman are very close, I can attest to that," Alfred said. "But it seems that Master Batman has no sage advice at the moment, despite his rather abundant experience."
Batman would've glared daggers at Alfred if he could move his eyes from the tiles on the floor.
"That is a shame. I am curious to know if I am correct in my dating procedures. Tamaranians have a variety of sexual acts and I am curious to know if humans perform these as well, or if they do not. For instance, Tamaranians view kissing as a transfer of knowledge, not as a sign of affection. And, Tamaranians also view the touching of a female's-"
"Okay! I think this conversation is over," Robin said hurriedly, jumping to Starfire and clamping his hand over her mouth.
"Good," Batman muttered. He headed for the door so fast that he was a black blur.
--
The two Titan boys outside the door were doing their best not to giggle. The conversation being held within was muffled and hard to hear, but they did hear enough to know that Starfire was talking rather animatedly about sex.
Raven was still sitting in Beast Boy's lap, arms crossed and not even a crack of a smile on her face.
"-this conversation is over."
"Good."
Beast Boy and Cyborg's eyes widened as they heard the rapid footsteps coming for the door. They began to panic.
Suddenly a black aura flashed and Raven and Cyborg were gone.
Beast Boy glanced around frantically as he stared up alone into Batman's tense face.
He giggled nervously, biting his fingernail before giving Batman a little wave.
"Uh, hi… dude."
Batman's lips tightened even more into a menacing frown.
"Look, I didn't hear anything, or… anything. Starfire sure likes to talk, doesn't she? Heh heh…"
Batman continued to stare. Beast Boy began to perspire.
"Right well… I'm gonna… go," he squeaked, turning into a cheetah and scrambling down the hallway as ungraceful as a cheetah has ever looked.
Alfred came out the door and Batman glared at him.
"Oh don't be so sullen Master Batman. It was a very enlightening conversation. I think it went rather well, don't you?"
Batman grunted and shuffled all the way to his room, Alfred following with a big grin on his face.
Robin was still hunched over, leaning back on his desk, arms crossed with a twisted frown, one irritated foot tapping.
Starfire worked her mouth, really trying to keep the teasing smile off her lips.
"You are not angry, are you?" she asked lightly.
Robin sniffed through his nose and turned his head slightly away.
"Oh please, you should not be embarrassed. It is a perfectly natural-"
Robin groaned and threw his hands up.
"God, you and Alfred… you're both horrible."
He stalked out of the room.
Starfire brought a finger to her chin, grinning madly. She couldn't help it.
--
Later, even after the Titans' protests, Alfred was doing last minute cleanups in the kitchen when Raven approached him.
The boys were raucously playing video games on the big screen and Starfire was watching them, cheering on Robin (who had finally stopped sulking over the sex talk… or… well at least he was speaking again).
Raven stood silently for a moment, her hood hiding her face.
"Is there something you need, Miss Raven?" Alfred asked.
She looked up, her violet eyes sad.
"I wanted to thank you for watching over me while I was unconscious," she said.
Alfred smiled kindly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "It was no problem. You are a friend of Dick's; of course I'd take care of you."
The corners of Raven's mouth turned up ever so slightly, her eyes misting over. "It really meant a lot to me."
Alfred smiled. "Sometime, you'll have to come visit Wayne Manor. There's a library full of books I think you'd like to see."
Raven's eyes shone and the smile on her face grew a little wider. "I would like that very much."
Alfred nodded over toward the boys. "Hold onto that one. He is a good man." He patted Raven's shoulder before going back to the dishes.
Raven blushed slightly and looked down before glancing at Alfred with a sweet smile on her face. "He is."
"He was so worried about you. I'll never forget the look on his face when he brought you in. Refused to leave your bedside."
Raven glanced back at her jade skinned boy, who was loudly declaring that Cyborg and Robin should get their books because he was taking them to school.
She snorted and looked back at Alfred with a small grin, shaking her head. Alfred chuckled.
--
Alfred cooked one last dinner for the Titans, and then sadly it was time to go. Batman was standing near the door, watching as the Titans said goodbye.
Robin hugged Alfred tightly, admitting that he would miss him greatly and promised he would call more often.
Starfire was next, her eyes misted over as she also gave him a very tight hug, though being careful not to crush him.
"I shall miss you, friend Alfred," she said, her voice wavering. "It has been the most wonderful time with you here."
"And I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay, Miss Starfire," he said warmly, holding both her hands. She nodded, a tear leaking out as she dropped his hands and wiped her cheek, moving back to stand next to Robin.
Beast Boy was next, glomping Alfred in a big hug. Alfred laughed and patted Beast Boy's back.
"I will seriously miss you, dude," Beast Boy said, his face actually quite serious. "Really, thanks for everything."
"I will miss you too, Master Beast Boy," Alfred said, a wide smile on his face. "You're a wonderful young man."
Beast Boy beamed through his obvious sadness at Alfred's departure.
Cyborg was next, shaking Alfred's hand vigorously and promising he would send gadget ideas and blueprints to things, remarking how nice it had been having another cook in the house (one who prepared meat, at which Beast Boy scowled).
Raven was last, and she gazed at Alfred with a small smile, and gave a small nod toward Batman. She came up and hugged Alfred quietly.
"Take care of yourself, my dear," Alfred murmured to her before he let her go.
"I will, you too Alfred," Raven whispered. She backed away and Beast Boy put his arm around her shoulders.
Robin nodded toward Batman. "Bye," he said simply.
Batman echoed his nod, and said, "See you around."
Starfire clasped her hands together. She was very sad to see Alfred and Batman go home.
"Oh!" she sniffled. She couldn't help it and flew up to Batman and gave him a big hug. "Goodbye, mister Batman!" she wailed.
Robin's eyes widened and he couldn't help the grin that leapt onto his face at the sight of Starfire clutching an extremely uncomfortable Batman.
Alfred was smiling, and the other Titans were grinning too. Only Starfire could get away with hugging the Dark Knight himself. The latter went stock still, his eyes wide and a stiff frown on his face. He awkwardly patted Starfire's back before she let go.
Raven had silently slid up next to him, and he turned toward her as Starfire went back to clutch at Robin.
"Have a safe trip back to Gotham," she said.
"We will," Batman nodded, the corner of his mouth upturning the slightest hint. "Like Alfred said, take care of yourself. And… don't worry."
Raven gave him a half smile and a nod before floating away.
Batman turned to Alfred, who was still saying goodbyes to everyone.
He tapped his foot a little impatiently. Alfred was still receiving hugs.
He glanced at the door, then back at Alfred. Who was still getting hugs and goodbyes.
Batman glanced at the watch on his wrist and drummed his fingers on his thigh.
Then his eyes widened when it looked like Starfire was zeroing in for another crushing hug. He put his hands up in defense, but it was no use. He glared at Robin when he heard him snicker.
"Alfred," he complained through Starfire's mane of red hair. "It's time to go." He looked like he was pleading.
Alfred chuckled and picked up their bags. "All right Master Batman, all right."
The two headed out the door and down to the garage where the Batmobile was parked. Beast Boy and Starfire watched out the windows as the Batmobile jetted over the bay and toward home.
TV seemed to be the only option to help normalize the odd vacant feeling everyone was experiencing so they all settled down and decided to watch a movie for the night.
After it was over everyone decided to head to bed, though Robin caught Raven before she could glide off.
"Hey, how are you doing? I can see you're taking this pretty hard," Robin said sympathetically after everyone else had left the room.
Raven's hood had stayed up the entire night, something she never did anymore when at home. Robin couldn't see her expression, though he doubted there would be one on her face anyway.
"Um, well yeah I guess…" she offered. "I can't really talk about it right now. I'm not… ready."
"I understand," Robin said. "I just wanted you to know that I'm here though, if you need anything at all."
Raven nodded before slipping through the floor.
--
The next few days were odd for everyone. It felt a little vacant in the tower now that their guests were gone, and Beast Boy was already missing Alfred's special tofu breakfasts always made just for him. Raven was still floating around like a ghost of herself, and Starfire was very subdued. Robin was more affected by Batman's apology than he let on, and Cyborg missed the intellectual conversations he had with Alfred.
Titan alerts broke up the monotony, but Raven never attended. She explained to Robin that her powers for the most part still couldn't be trusted, and Robin offered an excuse to the other Titans.
Four days after Batman and Alfred had left, Raven was starting to come out of her room more and she was actually seen with her hood down once. She was still very quiet, however.
It was afternoon and Starfire was curled up on the couch, reading a very worn-looking and thick book. Raven approached her silently, curious as to what she was reading. When she gazed at the pages however, the symbols were unknown to her.
"Starfire," she said quietly, rousing the girl away from her book.
Starfire looked up.
"Yes, friend Raven?"
Raven regarded her pensively for a moment. The emotional wave she had experienced from Starfire's memories was still simmering at the surface. It was all Raven could do to keep every breakable thing in the tower from exploding, hence her tremendous effort to keep her emotions under control.
After she had defeated her father, Raven had experienced a wonderful release of her soul, for the most part. Even when she felt more extreme emotions, her powers had been contained.
But this… this was way more than she could handle. This was emotion to the very edge of extreme, and it was absolutely killing her to keep a blank face.
"I want to heal your burns."
"Oh," Starfire said, looking down at her still bandaged arm and thigh. Her burns were near to healed already, but Raven knew this meant she could finish them without expending too much energy.
She sat on the couch next to Starfire and waved her hand, her magic peeling the bandages away. She hovered her hands over Starfire's arm and shoulder.
Once Starfire's skin looked completely healthy again, Raven moved her hands down over Starfire's thigh.
Raven bit her lip. She began working on Starfire's leg, but went slowly on purpose.
She flicked her eyes up to look at her friend's face, who had her eyes closed. Raven knew that her healing powers created a warm soothing feeling, but they also hurt when fixing the damage.
She looked back down as she let her powers filter up internally to Starfire's pelvic area, not to heal, but to scope around.
Raven fought not to gasp when she discovered her friend's condition.
Starfire opened one eye, then the other, and gazed down curiously at her lap. She looked at Raven pensively, and Raven avoided making eye contact.
Raven had withdrawn her powers from Starfire's more intimate areas, but nothing could stop the tears from forming a wet sheen over her eyes. She had expected it, but she was hoping it wouldn't have been that bad. She wondered if Starfire ever experienced any residual pain, especially when she now knew the method used to inflict that kind of damage. There was so much scar tissue…
She finished healing Starfire's skin, then stood up.
"I'm, sorry- that you were… burned," she managed to say.
"I am fine now, many thanks to you," Starfire said, just as quietly. She watched Raven with a sort of uncertain expression on her face.
Raven nodded, then turned away quickly and headed for her room, tears spilling over on the way.
Okay... hope that was worth the wait -grins- I couldn't resist.
Just to let everyone know, I am horribly sad that Alfred is going home. Seriously. I never expected that Alfred would be such a fun and influential character, and in my opinion there needs to be more of him! I heart Alfred. Batman was fun too, really. I should've made them stay longer... haha.
Next up: Raven confronts her friends.