As he sped through the streets of Jump City Robin's mind was hard at work. When did he become so guarded against his own friends? Letting the encouragement of his teammates wash over him, he felt like he might be able to let go of his need to protect everyone and everything by himself. He felt himself finally relax as he realized that he could trust Raven, Beastboy, Cyborg and Starfire to not only protect each other but to protect him as well, that he didn't have to go it alone anymore. He'd been living knowing that for the past few years but now it was finally sinking in, what it meant to have friends, to be a team. Glancing at the screen on his bike a blip of green light confirmed he was getting close. This was the final test for Robin. Being able to really let go of controlling his life and protecting himself by letting the people closest to him in. He parked in an alleyway across from a small apartment complex. A few kids were running around on the grass laughing and chasing each other. The GPS in his communicator confirmed that Starfire was on the roof of the building. He threw a black hoodie on, stuffing his cape and costume shirt into the side compartment of his bike. Easily slipping a pair of faded jeans over the bottom half of his costume he turned back to the building where the kids were now drawing on the sidewalk. Taking a deep breath Robin reached to the sides of his face. His heartbeat quickened and he felt himself tense but for the first time, instead of giving in to his fear he forced himself to think of the four people moving him forward, his teammates and friends. Then the Boy Wonder finally removed his mask, placing it gingerly in his pocket. He ran his hands through his spiky black hair and took another breath before stepping out into the sunlight.

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Starfire had been staying at this small apartment complex for the last few weeks, doing odd jobs for the landlord in exchange for a small room. She had been charged with the care of the rooftop garden and was watering a tomato plant when she heard a familiar voice,

"Starfire"

Shocked she turned around to see a lean, dark haired teenage boy looking at her with piercing blue eyes. She could hardly believe what she was looking at. He blushed, reaching a hand up to fuss with his hair,

"Sorry, I . . . I don't even know if you recognize me . . . "

He was cut off as Starfire threw her arms around him, her eyes glistening with tears of joy,

"Robin!"

Robin was overwhelmed with relief as he wrapped his arms around her, realizing just how much he had missed his best friend.

"Star, I'm so sorry." He whispered as he held her tightly, taking in the scent of her hair, warm from the afternoon sun. She hugged him back and murmured,

"It is all right now Robin. Everything will be all right. "

He ran a hand over her hair, gleaming as the sun beginning its descent reflected of the bright red strands.

"Star . . . I love you . . . You're the more important to me than anything else." Robin's voice was steady and calm, "Come home."

Starfire drew back, keeping her hands on Robin's shoulders and looking him in the eye for the first time, saw the emotion he felt reflected there as he gazed back at her. Finally there was nothing between them, no masks, no hidden identities, just deep clear blue as he waited for her to respond. She smiled, a sense of peace and warmth slowly spreading through her,

"Robin, you are my home."

The end.

(author's note: Hope you enjoyed it? Sorry for the inconsistent updates. :P)