I do not own
Richard's POV
"So Vic what are you getting your parents 15th anniversary?" Rachael asked from her seat at the bar in her usual monotone.
Rachael Roth has been a part of our group for as long as I could remember. She was a pretty, pale 24 year old who had dark violet hair that was styled as a long bob to her shoulders that matched her unique colored eyes, and was 5'4. Rachael was a bit of a dark person, but I think it helps her write her amazing books and poetry.
"Ah, well you see ya'll it's a big surprise for me to know and you to find out." Vic Answered smiling brightly.
Victor Stone, well Vic as we all call him is probably the biggest guy I've ever met standing at an amazing height of 6'8, and pure muscle which really helped with his football career. Vic and his family moved here from Kenya when we were six in the middle of first grade due to his father being a sniper in the marines, and since then we have been best friends.
"Come on dude you really aren't going to even give us a hint?" Gar questioned slinging his arm around Rachael.
Garfield Logan was the clown of the group. He has blonde hair, green eyes and is lanky standing at 5'11 at the age of 24. Gar is a worldwide known comedian, but he also plays drums in my band. It's weird to consider but Rachael and Gar have been dating for nearly a year now, and couldn't be happier. I guess it's true when they say opposites really do attract.
"Gar, he won't even let me in on the secret. He's really keeping this to himself." Karen stated rolling her eyes in annoyance.
Karen Beecher soon to be Karen Stone is Vic's fiancé. Karen is a beautiful African American Indian model who was 5'9.5 had dark hair that reached her a little lower than her shoulder blades. Her and Vic had been dating since freshman year of college, and were now getting married in a few months.
"This must be a pretty amazing gift." I say raising a brow.
I guess that just leaves me doesn't it? I'm Richard Grayson or Dick, 25 years old 6'4. I'm the oldest adopted son of the billionaire Bruce Wayne and his wife Selina Kyle. I'm the lead singer in a band and known as one of the best professional boxers of all time.
"Oh trust me it is. I went all out for my dad." Vic spoke with such pride for his parents it made the whole group smile.
"Hoping to actually make your dad cry for once?" I ask with a smirk.
"Hell yea I am! It's my goal. I have been alive for 25 years and not once have I made my pops cry." Vic huffed in annoyance.
"You are probably the weirdest person I have ever met." Karen mumbled rolling her eyes.
"I may be weird, but it's the truth. Not once have I made the man cry. When it comes to my sister though he will become the most emotional person I ever met. Like one time she wrote…" Vic started but was interrupted.
"Hold up! Since when do you have a sister?" Gar questioned shocked. "Where is she, How come I've never met her? What's she like?"
"Gar this isn't 20 questions." Rachael spoke to her boyfriend.
"Rachael it's ok. Well you never met Kori because you came to Jump in the middle of 11th grade when we were 17, and by then Kori was 14 and had graduated by then. Kori has always been crazy smart so she graduated high school at 13 and ended up graduating from the top preforming arts college in three years when she was 17. You've never met her because after college Kori travels around the globe teaching kids English and is a dancer. The girl hasn't been home in 5 years and doesn't stay in one place for too long usually moves to a new place every 6 months. The girl is lucky to be able to speak 12 languages." Vic informed his eyes shining brightly as he talked about his little sister.
"How come she never comes back?" Gar questioned making the whole group quiet down, and the light immediately leave Vic's eyes and sadness take over them.
"She didn't have the best time here. She was teased a lot for how she looked, for being a little quirky and different. That girl didn't deserve anything she got especially from Kitten and Babs." Rachael hissed practically under her breath making me wince.
"Just hearing the name of your ex bitch makes your skin crawl doesn't it Dick?" Karen snickered taking a swing of her scotch.
"You have no idea." I responded before throwing back my shot. "I better get going I have to get up early for training."
"What else is new?" Gar chuckled "Come on man, when are you actually gonna settle down and relax, maybe even get with a girl?"
"Now that is something we should be talking about." Vic laughed out loud wrapping his arm around Karen. "Doesn't it get lonely being the fifth wheel?"
"And on that note I'm leaving. I will see you guys tomorrow for your dad's party." I replied before quickly making a quick getaway to my car.
It always comes back to me doesn't it? I love them all, but they really need to let it go. Yes, I've been single for about a year and a half. Am I ready to move on? Without a doubt, but I need to find the right girl because everyone knows how much Babs really fucked me over.
I parked beside a black GMC Syclone which was new meaning that we had a new tenant in our building most likely my new neighbor since old Mrs. Robinson moved in with her daughter.
Yea I lived in a very nice older apartment, but I bought two of the apartments knocked down a whole bunch of walls and flipped the whole place giving myself my own personal gigantic penthouse suite. As I made my way into the building Frank the doorman stopped me.
"Looks like you finally got yourself a new neighbor Mr. Grayson." The older gentleman spoke with a shit eating grin.
"I'm guessing you like her from that look on your face." I stated quirking a brow.
"She is a very sweet girl, very well spoken, polite, funny, and she is very beautiful. Who knows Mr. Grayson maybe you two will hit it off." Frank spoke with a wink.
"Aww, frank not you to! Why is everyone so worried about my love life?" I questioned causing the old man to laugh.
"Because you are a good man who deserves an amazing woman, and I think that she is upstairs unpacking from a long trip from Afghanistan." Frank tells me highly impressed.
"I don't know frank… I need the girl not just any girl." I spoke walking towards the elevators.
"I'm telling you Mr. Grayson she's it for you. I know it, and you will to." Frank yelled just as the elevator doors closed. I hit the button for the top floor chuckling to myself at my conversation with Frank. Once out of the elevator I noticed several boxes lining the walls.
"Silkie, go get your toys, go get them!" An angelic raspy accented voice called out in a playful tone just before a huge black beast that was at least 130 pounds ran out the door.
I now this wasn't just a dog this thing was a fucking black wolf! I'm not going to lie it was the most gorgeous animal I have ever seen, but at the moment when it's hunched over, white sharp teeth showing as it snarled, and the deep growl that came out from deep inside the beast's body.
This is how I'm going to die.
"Silkie! No, you cannot do that! Or you are going to get us kicked out of the building!" The accented voice called before she ran into the hallway causing my breath to get stuck in my throat.
The woman before me was no more than 5'6 in a pair of black joggers really making her ass look like a shelf on her small frame. Her waist was crazy tiny, but her breasts were at least a D cup covered by a tight gray V- neck t shirt, that contrasted amazingly with her deep tanned flawless skin. On her right arm seemed to be an entire sleeve of tattoos all of them in a different language. Her waist length puffy curly frizz free hair was the color of a red velvet cupcake. The woman's small nose with a rose gold hoop really brought out her all natural pearl pink Angelina Jolie lips. The one thing that stood out to me and sent me back in time was her jade green almond shaped eyes. I knew those eyes anywhere, and I couldn't believe it after so long here she stood right in front of me, the gorgeous, completely misunderstood, and awkward middle schooler who needed braces, had slight acne, wore glasses, and talked to herself… My best friend's little sister.
"Kori." I breathed without even thinking, causing her head to fly up from her pet and stare me down for a solid minute.
"Richard… Richard Grayson?" She questioned a beautiful smile crossing her face as she showed a slight peak of her opal tongue ring. However, before I could respond she flung herself at me and hugged me tightly. "What are you doing here? Oh my God! My brother put me here for you to watch me did he not?" She fumed slightly as she quickly pushed me away.
"I swear I didn't even know you were coming, but that's probably accurate since you are going to be my new neighbor." I laughed as she scowled.
"He is so ridiculous. I am a 22 year old woman who travels the world. I do not need a babysitter!" She growled as she paced light as the dog and I just watched her. I stopped her in her tracks by placing my hands on her shoulders causing that all familiar electric current to run through my body.
"Right, you are a beautiful young woman who hasn't been home in years. Vic is just looking out for you… plus you still aren't using contractions in the English language I'd be worried about you to." I joked getting a laugh but also a slap to the shoulder.
"First of all the American language is very complex, and I speak eleven others so do not do the judging. Second I suppose you are correct. At least he put me with you instead of him and Karen." She spoke making a face causing me to laugh and the damn wolf to bark.
"You could have any dog, and you decide to have the biggest wolf beast I've ever seen." I complain causing her to giggle, and I swear to god the damn wolf smiled at me!
"Awe, Silkie is harmless… well maybe not harmless he just has to get used to you is all. He really is a sweetheart. Huh you are my good boy." Kori spoke but the last part turned into that playful attitude causing the wolf's tail to wag in pure excitement. I watched as she grabbed him gently trying to relax him. "Come pet him. I promise he will not do the biting."
I made my way over and let Silkie smell my hand at first he seemed hesitant as he growled at first, but I wasn't going to look like a bitch in front of Kori. Finally after about a minute Silkie licked my hand and I eagerly pet his soft fur as his tail wagged rapidly.
"So are you the gift Vic got for your parents?" I questioned for I had to know the secret.
"Pffft, hell no. Vic bought abba and Ima a new house." Kori spoke looking at me through her long eyelashes as she laughed.
"Your parents are going to hate that… Your father loves that house." I say out loud making the beauty before me roll her eyes.
"Tell me about it. I should probably finish un of packing, for Vic refuses to help me because he is to busy." Kori mumbles clearly annoyed with Vic.
"I'll tell you what. Give me a beer or two, tell me how you've been doing the past several years, and maybe I'll help you out with the whole un- packing thing." I tell her causing her to jump in excitement.
"I shall take you up on your offer." She speaks with the biggest smile that makes my heart melt just like it used to.
…(HS….
3 hours later
Kori's POV
Oh My Fucking God! Not only is he my neighbor, but he looks even more handsome than he did when he was 17. I did not think it was possible for one man to look so incredible. Richard Grayson was the definition of Adonis. His muscular arms, broad shoulder, and well-built pecks were amazingly defined in his maroon t-shirt. Even though I could not see his legs through his dark denim jeans I knew they were muscular as well. Richard was not humungous like my Brother Vic, but he is just pure delicious perfection especially with his jet black tousled sex hair, dark stubble on his face, and his crystal blue eyes.
"So, how was Afghanistan?" Richard asks me as he takes a long sip of his beer.
"It was interesting! I am going to miss those kids so much, and oh my god they love your music!" I laugh when I tell him causing him to laugh as well. "Everywhere I have been your name causes the huge uproar. You have done very well for yourself Richard Grayson, but I expected nothing less." I speak genuinely as a rub my sore lightly blistered feet.
"Up." Richard says patting his lap.
"Excuse me?" I question arching a brow making him chuckle.
"Give me your feet." He speaks gently taking my legs from the floor and swinging them into his lap from our position on couch. "Jesus, your feet are so tiny." He teases as he massages my miss match sock covered size six feet.
"Oh my god, that feels amazing!" I groan "You should do the quitting of the whole boxing/singer thing and become a Masseur." I giggle as he tickles my foot.
"Hmmm I'll keep that in mind." Richard mumbles with a roll of his eyes.
"I thank you for helping me do the unpacking." I sigh with my eyes closed feeling his rough hands dig into my feet.
"Eh it was no problem. You didn't have very many things."
"Still, it means very much to me." I whispered eyeing him before biting my bottom lip.
He always was so kind to me even when no one else was. I am the freak, and yet he never once made me feel that way. Maybe the coming back was not the best idea… being here is going to make me feel like such an outcast.
"Hey, what are you thinking about so intently in that pretty little head of yours?" Richard asks cocking his head slightly.
"Just wondering if coming back here was the best of ideas. When I was traveling I never usually felt like the outcast, and just being back in Jump just brought up all of those memories." I responded throwing my hands over my face, and flinging my head into the couch pillow. "I do not want to go back to being the freak."
Richard's hand moved from my foot up my leg to grab my hands and pull my body into a sitting position so I was looking directly at him.
"You're not a freak, and never have been one. It was a great Idea Kori, your family has been missing you terribly. Hell, I really missed you." Richard rambles not realizing he still has my small hands in his rather large ones putting me in a trance.
Knock knock
"Are you expecting someone?" Richard questions looking towards the door.
"I am not." I answer quickly getting up to get the door. However, when I do open the door I am attacked by large muscular arms which immediately frightens me and I immediately yelp in surprise.
"Jesus it's just me relax." My brother speaks laughing.
"You startled me! You do not surprise someone like that especially someone who has been in the Middle East for two years." I retort putting my hands on my hips. "You know how anxious I am."
"Sorry for wanting to surprise my best friend and my sister, and I'm sorry for scaring you since you warned me about that before." Vic mumbles looking at the floor, but he quickly brightens up when Kori kisses his cheek.
"It is the alright." I say brightly before he picks me up and spins me around.
"God girl, you look even better then you did when I came to see you seven months ago! Doesn't she look hot Dick?" Vic asks making me roll my eyes and punch him in the gut making him clutch his stomach.
"Errr… Uh yea she's beautiful." Richard murmurs rubbing the back of his neck clearly uncomfortable.
He is Richard fucking Grayson and you are just plain old Kori Stone. Of course he is not going to think you are the hot or beautiful.
"I'm glad you think so because, tomorrow for our parents anniversary you guys are posing as a couple." Vic speaks making both Richard's and my eyes widen.
"Excuse me?" Richard and I asked at the same time.
"Look guys from my team, from dad's job at the police station… well just a lot of men that I know pretty well are going to be there, and I don't want them ogling and grabbing at my little sister." Vic admits making my blood boil.
"You do realize I am a grown woman, yes?" And if I wanted to do the hooking up with someone tomorrow you should just let it happen." I snarl causing Vic to cover his ears.
"Hey, you are my little sister I don't want to think of you shacking up with any of my friends!" Vic shouts flinging his hands around.
"Why the hell would I want to go into a shed with your friends?" I asked highly confused making both men in the room laugh. "What is so god damn funny?"
"Shacking up is an expression for having sex. God, your English is so bad." Richard laughs and all I could do was glare at him for a couple seconds before I was smiling as well.
Even his laugh is perfect.
"Kori, just believe Vic on this though. I know all those guys personally and trust me when I tell you when they are a bunch of tools." Richard speaks putting his arm around my shoulders.
"It is not that I do not believe you, but I am just tired of being treated like I am a small child." I huff.
"Kor, I know you're an adult alright, but these guys are big dudes and always take advantage of women. One of the guys on the team almost got fired for a video if him hitting his girlfriend. I'm just trying to look out for you." Vic explains making my shoulders sag under Richard's arm.
"Will your girlfriend not mind you being my date?" I question looking up at Richard only to hear a snort for a reply.
"Kori, I've been single for a year and a half. So, as right now you are the only girl in the picture, and I'd love to take you to the party." Richard tells me squeezing me tighter into his embrace.
"Kori, what did you get the rents for their anniversary?" Vic asks me arching a brow.
"Do not do the worrying about it. Just know that it is going to kick your gifts ass." I joke causing him to groan in frustration.
"Where's the beast?" Vic asks looking around my small open concept floor plan.
"Silkie is in my bed taking a nap." I giggle as Vic rolls his eyes.
"You treat him like he's a baby!" Vic snorts.
"He is my baby." I retort crossing my arms over my chest. "He takes care of me and I take care of him. I mean he is one of the four men in my life."
"Wait who's the fourth? I know there is Silkie, dad, and me but who's the last one?" Vic questions.
"Well my neighbor Richard of course. You know the one who actually helped me do the un of packing." I spoke shoving my brother making him chuckle.
"I'm sorry but I wanted a drink, and way to show me Richard. You told us you had to leave the bar early because you had an early training session in the morning!" Vic accuses.
"You did not tell me that! What time do you have to go?" I ask moving away from him so I can get a better look at him.
"I have to be up at about five in the morning." Richard mumbles embarrassed. I turn towards the clock on the television only to see that it is just after 1:30 in the morning.
"Why did you not tell me? You are going to be exhausted! You did not have to help me… Jesus Richard." I ramble before he I feel strong hands on my shoulders, and deep crystal orbs were looking directly at me.
"Kori, breath. First I wanted to help you. Two the anniversary party isn't until six so I have plenty of time to sleep when I get back from training." Richard speaks squeezing my shoulders in his large hands to emphasize his point. "If I didn't want to help you I wouldn't have."
I did not even think and I embraced him tightly my arms wrapping around his toned muscular waist, and I could not help but realize how perfectly I fit against him.
"I thank you." I whisper as my heart thumped wildly against my ribs.
"Uh... it wasn't any trouble." Richard speaks breathing deeply.
Suddenly the lights flickered.
"Does it smell like something is burning?" Richard questioned as I sniffed the air immediately and froze.
"Hmm ewe yea man that's pretty bad." Vic said putting his hand over his nose and mouth.
I look over in the corner only to see a figure that was consumed by fire.
"Let it burn!" A male voice echoes before the figure vanishes.
"Kor, Hey you alright you zoned out there?" Richard laughs but Vic just gives me a knowing look and I can only nod towards my brother making him sigh.
"Yes, do not worry I am fine. I think you guys should go I am very tired." I say as I look throughout my new place for my new "friend."
"Sounds good. Pick you up a little after 5:30." Richard says as him and Vic walk towards the door.
"I will do my best to be ready on time." I say just as the lights once again flicker, and the burning smell return.
"God, there must be a short or something you should get that checked out." Richard says as Vic is practically pushing him out of the room.
"Don't worry man I will look at those wires tomorrow, but you should go because you'll be tired in the morning." Vic tells him.
"Why do I get the feeling you guys are hiding something me?" Richard says arching a brow.
"Of course not, I just do not think Vic wants you to see what I am like when I am the cranky. Vic likes to say I am the unreasonable when I do not get my beauty sleep." I chuckle uneasily.
"Now that I can believe." Richard answers with a yawn. "God I'm gonna be tired. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Richard speaks as he leaves with Vic along behind him.
"I'll call you later Kor." Vic says with that again all familiar look. And I once again just nod to my brother.
Once the door closes I turn to go into my bedroom only to be met face to face with the burning figure making me start sweating immediately as I feel the heat radiating off of him.
"Everything will burn!"
Well guys there's chapter 1. Please review, follow and favorite :)