Starfire and Raven appeared in the foyer of their home. Suddenly a very worried looking Shane scurried down the stairs and brought Starfire into a very tight hug, "Oh thank heavens, you're alright." He breathed, relieved.
"Shane, my dear, I can look after myself you know." She smiled sadly, "You know...teen titan and all,"
He returned with a small smile, "Of course...But that doesn't mean I can't worry." He whispered, stroking her hair.
A string of memories revolved around that sentence plagued Starfire's mind all of a sudden, 'We have to go after her.'
'She's lost; she needs our help!'
'That doesn't mean I cant worry.'
She remembered the worry across Robin's face when she had got lost in a snow storm in Russia.
She shook her head and listened to whatever her fiancé was saying to her, "Huh?" She blurted,
"Are you okay?" He asked, holding her still,
"Quite. I was just having the nightmares so I felt the need to go for a walk. I apologize," She lied,
"That's okay, honey. Just, tell me next time, alright?" He asked, "Sorry...I just worry about you."
"I know," She smiled, shyly. Starfire stood away from Shane and Raven as he showed Raven out, "Thanks again, Raven." He said,
"That's quite alright. Anytime." She nodded, "Bye Shane."
"Bye Raven,"
"Bye, Starfire." She called slightly to the young girl,
"Good night friend!" She waved, politely, dodging Raven's questioning eyes. Shane gave a final wave to the empath and closed the door, shutting out the noise of chatter and leaning into the silence, "Oh baby, I'm so glad you're okay." He sighed, taking her hands in his,
"I am very sorry to have worried you, my beloved." She said, smiling. She was doing well at keeping the apologetic charade up.
"Please, I am quite sleepy. May we go to bed?" She said, yawning.
"Of course, beautiful." He replied, placing an arm around her waist and continuing up the stairs with her at his side. She mentally sighed as her lie succeeded.
"So, what was your nightmare about?" He asked, making Starfire's heart bounce around like crazy.
"M-My...nightmare?" She stuttered, "Uh...Mmm. Strangely enough...I-I am having troubles to remember it, haha..."
"Ah, I'm sure you'll remember tomorrow," He chuckled, slipping under the covers with her, "Now rest up. Tomorrow night is the engagement party."
"Yes...pretty late engagement party though, do you not think?" She asked,
"Yeah, I guess but then again, we didn't exactly have many connections to your friends back when I first proposed to you," He chuckled again, "Anyway. Night my gorgeous."
"Goodnight, my b-beloved," She oddly stuttered on the last word...
The next day, she woke up somewhat early and looked over and was very shocked to see Shane not there.
She sighed and remembered it was Monday and Shane had already gone to work. She liked the quietness without him but also hated the loneliness.
He was always gone for the whole day. She crawled out of bed and wrapped herself up in her dressing gown and made her way downstairs. She walked into the kitchen and made herself a bowl of cornflakes and began to munch them down. She wondered what to do with the day. Her mind was going berserk as Nightwing was now back; hopefully forever. She shook that thought and blushed slightly.
She suddenly got an idea and in the excitement, knocked her bowl around the counter. She grabbed the phone on the wall and called up Raven,
"Hello?" Came Ravens raspy voice from the other end.
"Raven!" Starfire bubbled,
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Please, may we all do something today?"
"All...as in Nightwing too?"
"I believe it would be nice."
"Okay...sounds great. We'll meet up in the park in a few hours, okay?"
"Wonderful! Farewell, friend!"
"Uh huh...bye Star."
With that, Starfire zoomed back upstairs to go and get ready.
A few hours later, Starfire looked herself over in the mirror and left the house. She flew with speed towards the park where she was to meet the former titans. Once she arrived, she could see Beastboy, Raven, Cyborg and...Nightwing! She had convinced herself that he would not show. The mask which he still had during the day certainly reminded her of the times when they were the teen titans; just like Robin.
She hurried over, "Friends!" She beamed,
"Hey Star!" Beastboy and Cyborg chimed,
"Hey Starfire," Raven and Nightwing chimed together.
"Y'know man, we've honestly missed you," Cyborg admitted. Raven, Beastboy and Starfire all nodded sadly at Cyborg's confession,
"Aw," Nightwing chuckled, "Guys, I've missed you all too,"
He kept a longer eye contact session with Starfire whilst saying this. She blushed faintly and looked away.
They soon indulged into conversation and they laughed and actually enjoyed themselves; much like they did when they were younger. Although, all good things must come to an end, like this particular day, "X'hal!" Starfire shot up,
"Starfire? What's wrong?" Raven asked,
"Oh, forgive me... Nothing is wrong. However, I must get the ready for tonight."
"Oh yeah!" Beastboy facepalmed himself, remembering.
"..." Nightwing looked from person to person.
"Oh. Nightwing...Please, join us in the event tonight?" She batted her eyelashes,
"Uh, what's happening?" He asked,
"We are throwing a party for mine and Shanes' engagement,"
"Oh?"
"It would be wonderful if you could..."
"Sure. Why not?" He agreed, chuckling.
"WONDERFUL!" She sang, happy all her friends could attend.
"See you later friends!" She waved,
"Star!" Nightwing called but she was gone, "Damn it..."
"What?" Raven asked,
"I wanted to know like time and stuff but-" He stopped as Raven imprinted the details into his mind, "Ah, thanks,"
She nodded and pulled Beastboy to his feet. They suddenly vanished in a bubble of black energy. Cyborg cringed, "Its still creepy how she does that to be honest," He chuckled,
Nightwing chuckled also but stopped short, "Do you think I should go?"
"What? Of course I do! Man, this is Star's engagement party. It'd be awful for her if one of her friends weren't there."
"Guess so,"
"Why, what's wrong?"
"Nothing..." He paused, "Its just...I have a feeling her fiancé sees me as oh I don't know. I guess he might see me as a type of threat?"
"How so?"
"Well, me and Starfire seemed to have that kinda connection but I never acted on it so I never knew the truth but seemingly everyone else saw it?"
"Yeah,"
"Well, there you go? He might think I'm trying to like steal her or something. I don't know, Im just not sure,"
"Well...are you?"
"Trying to steal her? No, of course not."
"Shame."
"Huh?"
"I always thought you and Star would end up together with a long line of memories and stories; sitting in rocking chairs."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. I don't know...I'd much rather see you with her than that Shane guy. Something doesn't seem to click automatically. Its as if they're trying to make it click. Just don't seem right, man."
Nightwing was speechless but before jumping off into the streets, Nightwing did his old 'bro-shake' with Cyborg, showing the renewed friendship.
Cyborg stood for a moment, 'Make the right choices, buddy.' He thought.
That night, the house was alive. Although just before guests started appearing, Shane appeared in the doorway of their room and smirked, "What?" Starfire asked, giggling.
"Nothing, you just look very perfect," He replied in a whisper. She blushed and smiled at him. She leaned forward and kissed him gently, "Oh! I almost forgot to inform you! I added a guest to the party tonight..."
"Oh? Nightwing I'm guessing?"
"Yes. How did you know that?" She said, truly shocked,
"Well I read the papers, Star. I saw he was in the neighbourhood now and I was actually gonna say if you wanted to, you should invite him. After all, he is your friend right?" He explained with a soft smile,
"Of course!" She beamed,
Suddenly the doorbell rang out, "Oh, Shane could you please get the door. I must finish getting ready!" She giggled,
"Sure," He chuckled, going downstairs.
Soon enough, the whole living room was very full with heroes and a few civilians. Starfire had excitedly asked everyone who she worked closely with in her titans days back and she had quite a lot of contact with some of them still.
Everyone was indulged in conversation but some peoples' attention was stolen as Starfire finally made her appearance downstairs including a certain ex-boy wonder.
She gently stepped down the stairs, holding onto the railing searching the crowd and waving slightly to some friends. Finally her eyes fell upon Nightwing.
He watched her movements carefully. She looked...stunning. She wore a black baby doll dress which was shining against the lights. It was strapless and backless to. She wore matching black heels with a large platform with small bows on the front. Her hair was natural; straight and down. Her eyes soon found his, behind his mask. She was about to wander over to him but a bright haired girl appeared in front of her, "JINX!" She almost screamed, happily.
"Starfire! Oh my gosh, you look amazing." She said, admiring the dress, "I can't believe our baby Star of the titans is getting married! Aw!"
"Aha, I suppose it is rather...different." She giggled,
"Come on Starfire. Kid Flash has been dying to see the 'red headed hottie' again after so many years," She laughed, rolling her eyes.
Starfire giggled and suddenly forgot about Nightwing in the excitement of seeing all of her old friends. Nightwing sighed but not because he was feeling negative or anything; he felt like he was not meant to be here. One thing he really didn't want to happen was for Starfires' fiancé to start talking to him. He decided to go and get a drink. He returned and kid flash was in front of him suddenly, "Dude!" Kid flash exclaimed, "Why didn't you tell me that you were back!?"
"I forgot. Sorry. But, wait, you don't even live in Jump do you?" He asked,
"Far side. Moved there last month." He chuckled. They shared a brotherly hug before Jinx appeared at his side, "Nightwing..." She smiled to him,
"Hey Jinx." He replied, hugging the girl.
"Flashhh. Can we go and dance? Argent said the best song was gonna come on!" She whined, pulling at his arm.
"Oh the things I do for love..." He sighed, winking, "Talk to you later man!"
Nightwing nodded to him. He leaned against the counter in the kitchen and looked out into the lounge and hallway where everyone was dancing. His eyes flew past Cyborg, Bumblebee, Raven, Kid Flash, Argent, Jinx, Jericho and a lot of other people until he found the person he had been searching for. Starfire...
He watched her carefully as she danced happily with the others. She moved in such an angelic way yet she also had a hint of sexy to her movements. She ran her arms through her long hair and into the air, swaying her hips as she did so. She looked so happy. Maybe she should marry this guy. It was clear her happiness was high, here.
Suddenly, Nightwing noticed a guy beside him. He also leaned against the counter, "Hey," He began,
"Uh, Hey," Nightwing replied, unsure of this guy.
"Nightwing, right?" He asked, offering his hand,
"Uh that's right..."
"Im Shane. Starfire's fiancé?" He introduced, Nightwing taking his hand,
"Oh, I've heard much about you. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
Their attention averted to Starfire.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?" Shane sounded smug in a way.
Nightwing didn't answer, in case of letting his feelings show.
"I think of myself rather lucky. Getting a girl like that. Don't you think?"
Again, he was silent but forced a smile.
"I cant wait to marry her in 3 days time."
"Yeah...Listen. I know I haven't really met you and vice versa. But be good to her, ok? Dont hurt her...ever..."
"Don't worry. I don't upset her. Unlike some guys in her past." He replied coldly but he smiled with an annoying glint in his eye as if he was proud of his reply. Nightwing stared at him until he ripped the glare apart.
"Star?" He called, walking closer to her and pulling her to him, "Listen. I've been called by the office. I gotta go away for the next 2 days type thing."
"Why?" Starfire replied, sad.
"Work stuff. Its okay. I'll be home Wednesday; noon. I promise." He said, caressing her cheek. Nightwing gritted his teeth a little more.
Shane made a quick announcement of why he had to leave to everyone and then he dashed off into the night for a trip.
Nightwing swung his head to look back to the crowd but there was a smaller, prettier face blocking his view.
"Greetings Nightwing." Starfire said, blinking innocently.
"Hey Star," He replied, softly.
"Apologises for not saying hello earlier. Jinx said-"
"Don't worry about it,"
"Are you having a good time?"
"Yeah, are you?"
"Yes! It is most fun. It isn't normally like this when it is just me and Shane. He is particularly practical." She looked down as if upset by her own words.
Suddenly the music switched to a slower, melodic song. Cyborg and Bumblebee danced together as did Kid Flash and Jinx, Beastboy and Raven, Kole and Jericho, Speedy and argent and even Aqualad was dancing with some girl with blue in her hair.
"Are you okay? Don't you want to go and dance?" Nightwing asked, cocking his head slightly to get a better look at her face,
"It is alright. I am used to Shane suddenly leaving for business trips. Especially at parties. Besides, I cannot dance on my own; it would be most silly. I am fine..." She babbled, eyes focusing on the lovable crowd.
He felt so bad for her but he hatched an idea. He placed his drink on the counter and took her hand in his slowly. She reacted immediately, looking from her hand to his face, "Nightwing?" She asked, quietly.
"Im not gonna let you sit out on a slow dance because your own fiancé isn't here to share it with you." He smiled, leading her across the floor.
He placed his hands upon her waist and took on of her hands high with his own. She placed her free hand upon his toned shoulder. She made a sudden move and placed her face against his chest and sighed seemingly contently into his suit. He placed his cheek against the top of her head and they moved in time with the slow and peaceful music. There wasn't any talking but when friends are as old as they were; it wasn't needed...