Guilt

In all honesty, You didn't really care for Starfire that much. You had her hacked first because you were most comfortable with her getting fried. You certainly weren't going to risk your beloved Jinx, and considering the enemies you're going up against, Raven's stealth is more valuable than Starfire's strength. They had robosluts of literal gods, and if your plan involves fighting Mrs. Onepunchman, you need to rethink that.

It was easy to think like that when she was dormant. Now, you can't help but feel guilty. You're pretty sure the Tamaranian is tapping into those parts of your brain that make sure you don't **** babies. She's basically a puppy. A puppy whose tits are grinding into your belly. Maybe you'd feel better about this if you'd been in the villain game longer, but you can't enjoy Star's affection after you're transgressions. Of course, you could never tell her any of this. Setting aside telling her she's a robot, you couldn't tell her how little you valued her.

Star must've noticed your trepidation. She separates and gently places you on the ground. "What is wrong, Friend John? You do not seem to be enjoying my hug." It doesn't sound like she's offended at all, just worried about you. How can she be so good at twisting the knife.

"Sorry, I'm just worried about my girlfriend." Not entirely a lie.

Starfire thought about that for a moment before nodding and hugging you from behind. Her arms drape down your chest and her fingers knit themselves into yours. "I have known Jinx for a long time. I have seen her defeated countless times. She always comes back. She isn't so fragile."

We stand in silence for several minutes, with Starfire giving you comfort you don't deserve.

"John?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you not send Jinx first?"

Shit, That's not a question you want to answer.

"Why did you send me before her." That's Starfire: Naive, gullible, not stupid.

You don't really have a way out of this. No lie would hold up under scrutiny. Even if it's the only option it takes minutes of silence to tell the truth.

"I wanted to be sure it was safe for her." You try to stop there, but you know there's more to say. Starfire doesn't say anything and just lets you confess at your own pace. "Whoever went first would be at the highest risk. I put that on you so Jinx would be safer. I was selfish; I'm sorry."

Starfire doesn't say anything. She just keeps her arms around you with her fingers laced with yours. She may be holding you slightly tighter.