Day 3 - Fireworks
Laughter and music drifted through air along with the warmth of the summer time breeze. The scent of burgers and hot dogs lingered in every single person's senses. The atmosphere was light and joyful; just as it should be.
It was typical for the 4th of July.
Independence Day; the day celebrating America's freedom, to act as one country, apart from any other. Commemorating the adoption of the 'Declaration of Independence', this day was one that the whole country awaited with delightful anticipation.
Happiness surrounded her and yet, she couldn't bring herself to match them.
Starfire sat on the blanket spread over the grass in Jump City park with Raven and Beast Boy sat opposite her. Cyborg was whistling a light tune whilst he roasted meat on the barbeque. She had quietly giggled over his 'Kiss the Cook' apron but besides that, she hadn't said much or made any sound at all.
In keeping with the celebrations, they were amongst many civilians in the park, glancing up at the night sky and waiting for the firework display to start.
She wanted to enjoy it; she truly did but her heart just wasn't in it.
Considering her heart was all the way over in Gotham.
Batman had needed Robin to work a case with him, their leader explaining it had something to do with having a history with the villain behind said case. And at first, it didn't bother her too much. She had thrown herself into other activities; gone shopping with Raven, helped Cyborg with maintenance of the T-Car and attempted to play video games with Beast Boy.
It'd been months since then; one case turned into another and another one followed immediately after. Starfire didn't doubt that the Batman truly felt better with Robin's aid. She just wished her boyfriend would return home.
She missed him so very much. They called one another and video chatted all the time but it wasn't the same as sitting face to face; having his arms around her and his lips on hers.
And now, on a night they had spent together since the birth of the Titans, Robin wasn't even close.
Starfire's eyes scanned the park. There were small children with sparklers, groups of friends enjoying a night out and couples wrapped up in one another.
Usually, she would be floating around, barely able to contain her own joy.
Her emerald eyes fell upon Raven and Beast Boy who were being playful as well. Beast Boy was doing his very best to get a smile out of his dark girlfriend.
From kissy to silly faces, he was striving to amuse her. Raven was doing her best to resist grinning; Starfire could tell but slowly, Beast Boy was winning. By the looks of her expression, Raven was biting her cheek to stop herself from giving into an uncharacteristic trait which was a shame. Raven had such a pretty smile, in Starfire's opinion.
When the corners of her mouth finally did turn upwards, Beast Boy crowed proudly, punching the air and getting a teasing eye roll from Cyborg.
Starfire smiled sadly but sighed, feeling the ache in her chest simply getting heavier.
She instantly cringed, realising that her empathic best friend would have felt it clear as day. Raven lifted her head, her dark brows furrowing and she appeared mortified. She opened her mouth to speak to Starfire but the Princess merely smiled and shook her head.
The Tamaranian hugged her arms and her knee jiggled in expectation of the fireworks to begin. She felt a shudder of melancholy rock through her. Fireworks had always been special between them. Even after finally getting the romantic relationship she had always wanted with Robin, she found herself fondly reminiscing over the early times of their friendship.
Starfire continually considered the night Blackfire had first shown up in her life after being separated but it was the Ferris wheel with Robin and the cotton candy, watching colours burst across the inky sky that Starfire could remember so vividly.
Suddenly, she felt a vibration against her hip. Starfire couldn't help but jump slightly, completely caught off guard. She glanced down and unclipped her communicator from her belt.
As soon as she saw Robin's name flashing, a smile lit her face; if a call was all she could have right now, she would take it.
She flipped the device open with a flourish, "Robin!" She beamed,
He gave her one of her boyish grins, "Hey, Star."
Beast Boy appeared at her shoulder with Raven on her other and Cyborg hurrying around to see their friend as well.
"Hey Rob!" Cyborg called,
Robin chuckled, "Hey guys. Love the apron, Cy."
Cyborg winked, "It's workin' for me."
"I'm sure it is."
"Dude, how come you aren't here!? You're missing 4th July!" Beast Boy squeaked,
Starfire lowered her eyes from the small screen and felt her heart tumbling through her chest once again. Robin watched her expression and felt the exact same.
"I know… I shouldn't be here much longer though. I'll be home really soon."
Although she didn't look up, Starfire could sense in his tone that that last part was for her benefit.
"So, this is just a courtesy call?" Raven droned,
Robin smiled, "Something like that. Just wanted to check in and say have a good night guys and… sorry I'm not there."
Starfire glanced off to the side a little, the call working against her and making her feel worse than she did before.
"You're here in spirit, dude! That's the main thing!" Beast Boy chirped,
"Guess I'll just have to snuggle up with Star in your place then, Robin." Cyborg joked, pulling a small yet brief smile from the girl in question,
Robin smirked, "Do it and when I get back, you'll wake up without your arms."
Cyborg bellowed out a laugh and resumed his cooking, noting a hot dog going a little too dark.
Raven noted the apprehensive look on Robin's face and so, tugged Beast Boy away,
"See you when you get back, Robin." Raven stated,
He nodded, "See you guys then."
There was silence on both ends of the call for a long moment that seemed to stretch on forever.
"Star, please look at me, baby…" Robin murmured with a heartfelt sigh,
Starfire did as he asked and lifted her chin to look at the communicator. Unshed tears glistened in her eyes, causing Robin to frown that much more,
"I'm sorry I'm not there. If I'd have known I'd be in Gotham this long, I would have figured something out."
She sighed, "I know…"
"I love you, Star."
Starfire smiled a tiny smile, "I know that as well… and I love you."
"Try and enjoy the rest of the night, alright?"
She solemnly nodded, "I hope your evening is also joyous."
Robin shrugged, "Bye, Star."
Starfire held up her palm to say bye and the feed was cut. His image disappeared and so did the smile on her face. After seeing his handsome face, all she felt like doing was going back to the tower, clambering beneath her blankets and cuddling Silkie to her chest.
"Hey ya'll! Get ready! Fireworks are about to start!" Cyborg informed them,
Shuffling until she was comfy, Starfire decided to at least stay for the fireworks but after would return home, her mood not budging in the slightest.
Raven briefly touched her arm which Starfire was grateful for before she sat with her boyfriend just a touch in front of where Starfire was sat. Cyborg remained by the grill, declaring the food needed his attention too.
The Princess sat there, cross-legged with her eyes on the dark sky.
Red and gold illuminated the sky as the first firework exploded in the luxurious colours. Next, a purple and green that obliterated, leaving a litter of spiral patterns in its wake.
Two arms snaked around Starfire's middle and the scent accompanying the arms was way too familiar for her to not notice.
Starfire's head turned to him so quickly, she could have damaged her neck.
Robin was staring back her, this cheeky little smirk on his lips,
"Hey Beautiful," He whispered,
His Princess blinked before she suddenly threw herself at him with a squeal of,
"Robin!"
Robin chuckled as he landed on his back with Starfire just atop of him, pressing kisses all over his face. His hands rested against her waist, just letting her go to town with the affection. He'd missed her a hell of a lot as well.
"Robin!? But- you're… I'm confused!" Beast Boy whined,
Raven rolled her eyes, "You just have to be dramatic, don't you?"
Robin turned his head for a second to smile, "Of course."
Cyborg was chuckling over by the barbeque, "Hey, Rob. Hot dog or burger?"
He tilted his head, "Hot dog, please."
Starfire forced his chin forwards so she could kiss him on the lips. She poured everything into that one, trying to show him just how much his absence had affected her.
The boy wonder pulled away, panting, "You're gonna miss the fireworks."
"I do not care." She breathed,
Robin shook his head and pulled her up with him, "C'mon… you love them. Besides, I'm here now… you can enjoy yourself."
Starfire remained in his lap, nuzzling his neck and only partially paying attention to the explosions of colour up above,
"Why did you not tell me you were here?" She whispered,
"I wanted to surprise you."
"I have missed you."
Robin kissed her forehead, "I've missed you too. Like you wouldn't believe."
"No more trips to Gotham soon please."
He smiled softly, "Deal; that or Batman will have a feisty Princess punching down his door."
She giggled and he breathed out in content,
"I've missed that sound more than anything else."
Starfire merely smiled against his shoulder, surprised at how quickly her mood had skyrocketed.