"Nightwing. Come in, Nightwing. Richard Grayson? DICK!"

Raven sits before her laptop, locked in the bathroom so the others don't hear. She stares at the black screen, willing Dick to answer her call. She hangs up and tries again. And again.

"God damn, Raven. What the hell do you want now?"

Raven huffs. "Umm, excuse me? I haven't tried to talk to you in three years."

"Which is exactly why I didn't answer. Thought maybe it was a mistake."

"Well unfortunately, it wasn't… why don't you put a shirt on, dick."

Nightwing makes a face. "Very funny. You call at 6 A.M., this is what you get."

"And I thought you were an early riser."

"Was," says Nightwing. "So what is it?"

Raven crosses her arms. "What would you say if I told you I just wanted to say hello?"

Nightwing remains emotionless. "I wouldn't believe you."

"Fine." Raven sighs. "We found something."

He grunts, sounding bored or annoyed. "What."

"I can't explain it here. It's something you have to see."

"So put in on the screen."

"I can't. I need you to meet us at Bruce's."

"And why should I?"

"Because it's Starfire."

She could tell that Nightwing was fighting to hide his emotions. Something flashed across his face, but he quickly replaced it with indifference.

"We should send it to Galfore. He'd want to have a proper Tamaranean funeral."

"There's another thing… Galfore is dead."

"What? How?"

"That's all the information I have. I called their first to alert them that we had found her body, but apparently Galfore had been overthrown and put in prison. They want nothing to do with Starfire now."

"Oh. Well…" Nightwing looks down and Raven can hear him take a deep breath. "We will arrange a funeral for her on earth. She will be buried by my parents." Raven nods. "I will meet you at Bruce's." He hangs up before saying goodbye. This slightly hurts Raven, but she's so used to this cold attitude of his that he adopted that she can only admit to feeling anger towards him.

"Asshole," says Raven. She huffs, slamming the laptop shut and exiting the bathroom. After putting her laptop back in the living room, she heads back into her Gar's bedroom to get a little more sleep before they go.

"Yo, we got waffles up in here!"

Raven groans and looks at the clock. 10:00. She reaches over and smacks Gar on the chest. "Garfield. Wake up. Cyborg made food." He immediately sits up.

"Food? Sweet!" He throws off his covers and runs from the room, leaving Raven behind.

"He's never that excited about my cooking," she says to herself. She shakes her head, and gets up from the bed.

Starfire sets down a bowl of fruit onto Raven and Beast Boy's dining room table. She woke up this morning to Cyborg shaking her arm. He suggested that they make a breakfast for their friends, seeing how they were staying in their apartment. Cyborg had gone to start the waffles so Starfire could change into the clothes that Raven had borrowed her. She had brought her a green v-neck shirt and yoga capri pants. She knew wouldn't be able to fit into Raven's jeans, seeing how she was not only taller, but also curvier, but the yoga's fit her well enough.

Starfire goes back into the kitchen to grab the syrup and butter just as Beast Boy comes barreling in.

"Good morning, friend," exclaims Starfire cheerfully. "You may go into the dining room. Cyborg is almost finished with the waffles."

"Thanks, Starfire," says Beast Boy, who gives her peck on the cheek before heading into the dining room. Raven soon enters the kitchen, looking quite tired.

"Are you the okay, Raven?"

"Yeah, just had some trouble sleeping."

"Waffles are ready!" Cyborg hands the full platter to Starfire so he can clean up some of his mess.

"Glorious! It has been so long since I have had the earth food." Raven follows her into the dining. The four of them feast on their breakfast, silently enjoying each others company.

"Well isn't this a nice little vegetarian meal," says Beast Boy. Cyborg slams his fist on the table.

"Man, this ain't no veggie-loving meal. Ya'll just didn't have any bacon."

"That's because bacon is for murderers."

"No, bacon is for normal people."

Starfire and Raven look at each other, laughing when they make eye contact. While Raven used to be annoyed by this same old conversation, she doesn't mind it now. It reminds her of how life was four years ago. Starfire can't stop smiling. She always thought this argument was comical.

"So I talked to Dick," says Raven, shutting the two boys up. Starfire drops her fork.

"You did?"

Raven nods. "He thinks we found your body. If we had actually found your body, it would still be somewhat preserved. He wants to hold an actual funeral service for you now." Starfire goes white. "We're meeting him at Wayne Manor today."

"Today?" asks Beast Boy. He almost looks unhappy. Which is understandable, seeing how none of them really left it on good terms with Robin.

"You okay, Starfire?" She looks up to see Cyborg looking at her worriedly.

"Yes, it just saddens me to be thought dead."

"He'll know soon though."

"True. Do you think we could do the shopping before we leave? I would really like some new clothes."

"Of course," says Raven. "We can go in an hour if you'd like. We'll be leaving at three."

After their breakfast. Raven and Starfire went to finish getting ready, leaving the boys to clean up the rest of the mess. After showering and changing, the two reunited girls flew off to the Jump City mall. Seeing how Raven and Beast Boy chose not to hide their true hero identities from the public, they are still able to use their powers.

In less than two hours, Starfire has put together a new earthly wardrobe and purchased a new luggage set to carry it all in when they leave for Wayne Manor. She may have gone a little overboard, buying outfits for every season, but she very much enjoyed participating in one of her favorite earthen pastimes. They decided not to fly back, and opted for taking a cab so they could haul all of Starfire's purchases back to the apartment. On the ride home, Starfire let her mind wander off. She thought about tonight, when she would be reunited with Nightwing. She smiled at the thought of seeing his face again. She imagined that he would look older, picturing Robin in her head and aging him by four years.

"What are you thinking about?"

Starfire looks over at her friend, smiling cheekily. "Just wondering how Nightwing looks now."

Raven makes a "pshh" sound. "Well I just saw him shirtless on our transmission this morning." Starfire giggles. "I really hope you can change him back, Starfire. If anyone can, it's you."

Starfire sighs. "I feel as though it is my entire fault for him treating you all this way."

"You can't blame yourself. He's the one that decided to act like an ass."

"I am most excited to see him."

"I'm excited to see his reaction." Starfire gives her friend a pleading look. "Well, you can tell me about it. Of course we're going to leave you two alone." She smiles thankfully at Raven.

After loading Starfire's new belongings into the apartment, which wasn't difficult because of her alien strength, the four began packing. While they were at the mall, Cyborg went back to the Tower to get a few things that he would need. Raven packed for herself as well as Beast Boy, who was currently following Cyborg around like a little puppy. Raven knew how much Gar had missing his best friend. She tried to play video games with him, but he couldn't be as competitive with her. Thank Azar he's back so she doesn't have to pretend to like video games anymore.

By 3:30, despite what had been planned, they were finally ready to head out. Raven had to shut off the gaming console to get the boys to stop. Starfire giggled as they whined and grabbed their luggage. They didn't know how long they would be staying at Wayne Manor, so they just brought a weeks worth of clothes to be safe.

While they are carrying luggage, they know flying will get them there sooner. So Raven creates a large black disk of magic to carry her bags as well as Cyborg and his. Starfire has no problem with carrying hers and Beast Boy's bags on her back as she flies. Beast Boy transforms into a hawk as the four of them take off into the sky. Its four hours to Gotham by car, so this won't take so long.

Starfire felt her heart pounding in her chest the entire flight over. She decided to only think of happy things with her and Nightwing, forgetting all of their past fights and her disappearance. For this reunion, possibly their last, she only wants to remember the good times. Holding hands on the ferris wheel, him pushing her on the swings in the park, going out to see movies. But eventually her thoughts became incoherent as they slowly began to lower to the ground, nearing Gotham City.

They glide over the buildings, touching down just outside of the city. Raven walks up to the intercom next to the closed gate, Starfire making sure to step out of the camera's view. She presses the button, waiting for a response.

"Miss Raven, we have been expecting you." The gate creaks as it opens for the four. "Please, come in. There is a dinner prepared for you."

They pick up their luggage and walk down the path to do large double doors. Alfred opens it before they can even knock, gladly taking their luggage. It is when he sees Starfire that he drops their backs and stumbles slightly.

"Miss Starfire? How can it be?"

"Please, Alfred, I shall explain it all later. I am so happy to see you." She snakes her arms around the old man, embracing him. He returns happily, surprised beyond belief.

"But… you…I do not understand."

"It is a long story. Can we not speak of it over dinner?"

"Yes… of course." He reaches back down for the bags, but Cyborg and Beast Boy beat him to it.

"No need, Alfred," says Cyborg. "You should go and talk with Starfire. She needs your assistance."

"Alright then. You can use the same rooms you had during your previous stay. You remember?" Cyborg and Beast Boy nod, leaving Raven, Starfire, and Alfred. The girls follow Alfred into the kitchen.

"Before you ask anything, Alfred, I need to ask you something." Alfred nods. "First, where are Batman and Nightwing?"

"Master Bruce is in the Bat Cave. He will not be making an appearance until I call down for him for dinner. Master Dick has not arrived from Bludhaven yet. He is set to teleport here at exactly 6:00." Starfire looks at the clock on the kitchen wall. It's 5:35. Starfire nods.

"Now I need to ask if it is okay for me to do the hiding in Nightwing's old room? Surely he will be staying there tonight?"

"Yes, but… are you sure sneaking up on him like this will be best?"

"I'll prepare him for it somewhat, Alfred." says Raven. "I'll ask to talk to him when he gets here and somehow get him up to his room. I'll leave them alone though."

"Well then, if you think this is a good idea, I am fine with it. Would you like to eat first?"

"No thank you, Alfred. My nervousness is making me feel the nauseous." Starfire smiles nervously as Alfred rubs her back in comfort.

"Alright, my dear. I believe you know the way to Master Dick's room. Just remember. A lot of things have changed with Dick. He is 24 years old now. Best of Luck to you, Miss Starfire."

"Don't worry," says Raven. "I'll try to talk to him so your presence doesn't give him a heart attack."

"Thank you for everything, friend." She hugs Raven before heading up the grand staircase to find Nightwing's room. She had to walk all the way down to the very end of the hallway. A very childish "Do Not Enter" sign hung on the door, along with a few bat symbol stickers. She giggle at the though of a young Robin decorating his door. She turned the door knob slowly. She had never seen his childhood room. At the site of it, gasped.

Even her royal chambers were not as large as his bedroom. Half of it seemed for like a living room, while the other half held a very large. She walked over to the bed, covered in red blankets and surrounded by red curtains. She pulled a curtain aside to lie on his bed. She imaged an eight year old boy, just brought into this big new house by his new adoptive father. A small, spiky-haired, adorable little Robin. She smiled a sad smile. The poor boy that lost his parents. She remembered him telling her about it. The Flying Grayson's, she thought. That was one reason why he liked to go flying with her. His parents had done the same thing in their circus act. Her heart ached for his loss.

She flipped onto her stomach to pull the curtains aside and peer into his room. On the far wall across from the bed was a large flat screened television. There were couches set up around the T.V. as well as a gaming console set in front of it. There were some posters lining the walls of bands she never heard of. In the far corner of the room, there were several bars set up hanging off the walls and from the ceilings. She remembered similar bars from the Teen Titan's training room. He had enjoyed flipping and spinning around on them, channeling his inner acrobat. Centered in the room was glorious chandelier hung from the ceiling, giving this room of a teenage boy an air of sophistication. She looks about her boyfriend's room. Boyfriend? Ex-boyfriend? What is he now? She knows she loves him and she can't wait to see him. But part of her is afraid of the conversation they will soon be having.

Downstairs, Alfred greets a grumpy Richard Grayson as he enters from the teleported in the Bat Cave. Bruce and Dick follow Alfred back through the house and into the kitchen to meet the ex-Titans. Bruce gives them a better greeting than their old leader does. Alfred quietly scolds him for his behavior, but Dick just waves it off.

"Master Dick, I believe Miss Raven has something to discuss with you. She will accompany you to your old bedroom."

"I'm hungry right now, Al, I can talk to her-"

"Right now, Master Dick, you can talk to her right now," says Alfred sternly. There is no room for argument, so Dick grabs his back and follows Raven up the stairs. When they reach his bedroom door, Raven grabs his shoulders and forces him to face her.

"Okay, I lied to you, kind of." Dick gives her a questioning look.

"What do you mean you-"

"Hush," says Raven. "You think we found Starfire's body. Well, that's kind of true. But you're going to walk in there and be very shocked. Right now, all I can say to you is do not be that asshole you've been to us for three years." Raven grabbed each side of his face in her hands and pulled him down to look into her eyes. "Be Starfire's Robin." Then she flung open the door and shoved him in.

Right now, Nightwing is so extremely confused. What the hell was Raven talking about? He looks around his room. What's so shocking about it? He shakes his head as he walks to the other side of his room to open his closet doors. He places his bag on the bench inside of his closet, unzipping it to prop it open. He hears a shift of fabric behind him and he reflexively spins around and reaching toward his utility belt for a birdarang. He keeps a battle-ready stance as he looks towards where he heard the sound. He hears what might be feet placed on the floor and soft footsteps.

"Nightwing?"

His body straightens as the birdarang falls from his hands. Is he hearing things again? It sounded like her voice. He tried to push it off; after her death, he had gone through a little episode. He would actually hear her voice sometimes, crooning his name, saying he loved him. Tears well behind his eyes as he reaches down for his birdarang. When he rises back up, his heart stops.

Staring straight at him is a tall, red haired, orange skinned beauty. Her eyes are so green they seem to glow. Those eyes… they bore into his masked ones. The birdarang falls from his hand again. He can't move. He can't speak.

Starfire takes two steps towards him, but he still doesn't move. She moves closer, reaching a hand towards him. He looks down at her hand, watching as it moves to rest on his chest. Is it real? Is he seeing things? He can feel the pressure of the small hand resting against him. He looks back up at the girl in front of him.

"Nightwing," says Starfire. His new name rolls of her tongue in the way that Robin used to. A built up tear spills over, but he remains unmoving. "Richard," she says now. His eyes widen. She can't be real. How could she be real? He must be crazy!

"Wake up," he says. Suddenly, he falls onto the ground in a ball, holding his head. "Wake up, wake up, wake UP!" He rocks madly, convinced that he's asleep and trying to do something to wake himself up.

Starfire moves down to him, frantically grabbing at him. "Richard, please stop it! Look at me!" She pries at his hands. "I am alive! Please, I am alive!" He stops rocking. He doesn't even seem to breathe. He jerks his head up to look at her, tears leaking through his mask. He opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.

"Star…Starfire?"

"Yes," she says, her voice thick with happiness and sorrow at the same time. Tears cascade down her cheeks as she grabs at his face. "It is me. Please, you are not asleep. I am here."

"Oh, God." he says throwing himself at her, wrapping his arms around her and sobbing into her shoulder. She cries with him, gripping him tightly but carefully so as not to hurt him. Suddenly he pulls back from her and rips off his mask, just staring at her. She looks into his blue eyes that she missed so much, red and puffy and tear-filled. "How?"

"I do not remember what happened to me, Richard. I just woke up on Tamaran one day. Raven is trying to repair me." It seems as though he isn't even listening to her. He grabs at her face, stroking her cheeks, running his fingers through her hair. "I never meant to leave. I never meant for you to think I was dead."

"Oh, Star. I can't even… I just missed you…" A sob rips through him, cutting off his words.

"Sh sh sh," whispers Starfire, cradling his head against her chest. "I am here, Richard. I am with you. And I love you."


Up next... bad news for Starfire. Is Richard/Dick/Nightwing taken?