Change.

Chapter two.

Richard stood atop a high building in down town Gotham. It was late as he glanced down at the city; his city. Yep, there's no place like Gotham. He currently leaned over the roof, glancing down at the streets as he did his usual night patrol of the town. Everything seemed fine from what he could see, when he heard a small noise from behind him. Always on the defense he acted on instinct and quickly turned and jumped near the mystery sound. But out of all the things he could have landed on he wasn't expecting to land on Starfire.

"Kory?"

"Richard!" She beamed. A part of her wanted to be cold to him for leaving and breaking her heart, but upon seeing his masked face she could do no such thing.

Richard quickly apologized for tackling her and hurriedly got up before giving her his hand. He couldn't help but just stare at her for a minute, surprised to see her; he would be lying if he said he didn't miss her as well. "Kory, what are you doing here?" He asked regaining his train of thought.

"I… I needed to see you." She said somewhat timidly. She had prepared so many things to say to him, some nice, some not so nice. But now seeing him right in front of her, all she wanted to do was run over and kiss him. But luckily she managed to restrain that urge for the moment.

"Kory you… you can't be here." He told her.

"Why not?"

"Gotham isn't like Jump, Kory, It's more dangerous and…"

"I am fully capable of taking care of myself." She interrupted with a disapproving glare.

"I know you can but…"

"But?"

"You need to go back, Kory. Back to the tower."

"Things change, Richard. Did you really think that after you left things would just stay the same as if you were there. Because they haven't. You moved on and so have we." She told him sternly.

"So if you're not here to bring me back, why are you here then?" He asked.

She wanted to be more casual, but she was just so full of emotion that she said one of the things she had wondered on her long trip over here. "I just wanted to see what was so great about Gotham that made you choose it over me." She spoke, tears shinning in her eyes.

Her words made him speechless as he stared at her fierce expression. "Gotham needs me Kory…"

"And I don't?"

"I'm sorry, Kory." He sighed and slowly turned away.

"You're not sorry." She started before stomping forward as she moved so she was in front of him, poking his chest. "If you were at all sorry then you would give me a real reason for why you left us, for why you left me!"

"Kory I…"

"Stop that, stop saying my name apologetically, and tell me why you left?!" She demanded.

"Bruce asked me, okay! Bruce asked me to come back." He yelled and she stilled, but couldn't help but be relieved as she finally got a real answer. None of 'it's time to grow up, or Jump doesn't need me anymore.' She finally got a real answer. "I know I should have told you and the others, but I didn't want you to think less of me." She slowly approached him as he spoke and when he finished his sentence he sighed and looked down. She took her hand and lift up his face so he could meet her eyes. "I tried to break up with you; to tell didn't love you anymore so you wouldn't come after me. But I love you too much that the words couldn't leave my lips." It was then that she kissed him, she had wanted to do it from the moment she saw him, even when she was yelling at him, and as soon as his 'I love you,' left his lips she bolted forward and wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him.

He quickly acknowledge the kiss and put his hands on the back of her head, letting his fingers go through her long beautiful hair. He was relieved when she kissed him, not only did it shut him up but it relaxed him to an extent, and god knows he wanted to kiss her the moment he saw her. It wasn't long before his mind started to tell him that it was enough, and time to stop, that he should pull away. But his body overpowered his mind and suddenly he had picked her up, letting her legs wrap around his waist as he walked her over to the roofs air conditioner and propped her on top of it. He inwardly cursed himself for not having enough self control, but it wasn't long before that thought faded and he started focusing more on her and what they were doing.

They had missed each other so much through their departure that now that they were finally together they couldn't help but do what they did so well. He pulled away from her lips as they both took in a breath of much needed air. He then quickly brushed her long hair away from her neck before he bent down to consume it.

Normally Richard would be more concerned by the fact that they were doing this outside, on a roof, in the city Batman tended to patrol often. But Kory's skin was just so soft and her hair smelt so nice, that he found he couldn't control his urges. With one movement he had undid her small uniform and slowly began to slide it off her body. He always did have fast hands. As soon as he tossed her uniform aside he felt her soft hands skim up and down his chest before reaching behind him to unzip the costume. With inhuman strength she yanked the suit off his shoulders and let it sit at his belt.

Maybe it was the fact that it wasn't just her who was half naked, but himself as well, that caused him to think about his actions. "Kory." He breathed, as she slowly kissed random spots of his skin. "We need to stop."

"But… I do not want to stop." She said slowly skinning her hands down his sides, slightly playing with his belt, before undoing it.

"I'm… I'm supposed to be on patrol." He mumbled against her lips as she tugged down the rest of his uniform and let her fingers teasingly tuck inside his pants. "We need to…" He stopped as she pulled away, slowly unclasping her suited bra and threw it near her discarded uniform. He stared for approximately 3 seconds before caving. "Screw patrol." He said before crashing his lips with hers, he picked her up off the vent and laid her on the ground, before kicking off his uniform and letting her pull down his boxer shorts…

…

Kory awoke to a early morning light shining in through a window, she sat up and looked around at the unfamiliar place. She came to the conclusion that this was Richard's apartment place and she started to wonder when they had gotten here from the roof. She assumed the details didn't matter at the moment.

Not seeing any clothes to dress herself with she wrapped the comforter around her as she got up. She slowly walked out of the bedroom and down the hall of the fancy apartment. She noticed the walls were empty and she wondered if he would ever hang any pictures; maybe some of her and their friends? She then walked into the living room, the blanket still wrapped around her as she spotted Richard getting ready. He quickly drank his coffee and buttoned up his shirt before spotting her.

"Kory, you're awake." He noticed and she nodded as he quickly put his empty cup on the table. "I have to go to work." He said leaning in and giving her a quick kiss. "Help yourself to anything." He said before leaving the apartment, and just like that he was gone. She was somewhat disappointed that they didn't get to talk much and she wondered when he would be back. She didn't know anything about his employment and she just hoped he would be back soon.

Growing tired of dragging around the comforter she used to cover herself, Kory went back to the bedroom and glanced at her clothing options. She saw her Starfire uniform on the dresser but chose not to wear it. Instead she went over to Richards's dresser and pulled out a white T-shirt and put it on instead, it wasn't like she was going anywhere. She then turned around and made the bed before her stomach started to growl. She walked outside of the bedroom and fully took in the apartment. It was a very nice one bed one bath. It had a small kitchen with a big view of the city. Kory walked over to the kitchen and opened the fridge; she smiled seeing a full bottle of mustard, that wouldn't last long. She pulled out a carton of eggs and prepared some breakfast as she sipped her tangy yellow drink. After she made a plate of food she wondered towards the TV and started flipping through channels. But what Kory didn't know was that, that was going to be her whole day.

She had fallen asleep watching the Notebook, and it was very late when she had started to wake. The sound of the door opening was what woke her; she sat up and rubbed her eyes as she realized Richard was home. As soon as she turned to see him she could barely contain herself as she flew off the couch and jumped him. "Richard!" She squealed. Now it could have been that she missed him, or maybe that the romantic movie was still in her system, or even a little too much mustard, but she felt the need to kiss him, and so she did. She kissed him and he couldn't help but return it as little pecks were exchanged. But suddenly it wasn't just little pecks; it was long lingering kisses…

Richard had barely gotten any work done today, he just couldn't focus. His mind was just too preoccupied with things. But he did come up with the exact thing to say to Kory when he got home, but of course he didn't get to say it. She had practically tackled him as he walked through the door, and he couldn't seem to get a word out as she kissed him. He was tempted to push her away but her lips were so sweet and soft, and had a hint of a mustard tangy taste to them. When he did finally pull her away he found himself glancing at her attire, she was wearing one of his shirts and she looked incredibly sexy in the garment. And he knew very well she didn't have anything under it. Suddenly and just like the night before, his body was overpowering his mind as he picked her up, letting her golden legs wrap around his waist. He kissed her deeply as he slowly carried her back to his bedroom, and the whole time he couldn't help but think to himself of how weak he was…

…

Kory had awakened late afternoon. She sat up and rubbed her eyes as she glanced around for Richards's shirt to dress herself, but found it on the ground, ripped in two. She sighed but then smiled to herself as she blushed thinking about the steamy night she had that caused the destruction of the garment. She got up and walked over to his dresser, grabbing another shirt, this one had a logo on it. She then left the bedroom and was disappointed to see Richard had already left for work. She was kind of hurt that he didn't say goodbye and then she sighed realizing she would probably be spending her day much like the one before.

She regretted not talking to him or telling him about her day at least, not that it was that exciting, but she still wished to tell him about it. She began to hate herself for jumping him at the door; here she slept with him when she could have been talking to him.

…

Richard definitely over worked himself; he just couldn't get his house guest out of his head. He needed to talk to her, to have a real talk with her and tell her what needed to be said. He was tempted to call her on the phone where he could maybe get a word in and not jump her like the horny dog he was, but unfortunately, Kory didn't have a cell and he didn't have a house phone. The idea of buying her a cell phone and sending it straight to her at the apartment crossed his mind, but he figured it would be too much trouble.

Richard stood in front of his apartment door a sweaty gross mess. He wanted nothing more than to get out of his disgusting clothes and shower. He really pushed himself doing overtime, but he just couldn't go home, not when she was there, waiting for him. He found it would be best if he just ignored her and go straight to the shower, and maybe just maybe he could come up with the strength to say to her what he needs to say. But of course none of that worked…

Kory almost jumped out of her seat as she heard the door open and shut. She quickly turned to see Richard walking into the bathroom. She wanted to be mad that he didn't say hello, or acknowledge her but she was just so excited he was home. "Richard?" She called, getting up and walking towards the bathroom. Big mistake. "Richard." Kory said again as she walked into the open bathroom door. "Oh my apologies." She said quickly as she blushed.

Richard stood in the middle of the bathroom unbuttoning his sweaty work shirt. His hair was a mess and he smelt musky as he slowly pulled the garment off his shoulders. This would have been a really good time to talk and say the things they needed to say, but of course they didn't talk. As soon as their eyes met in contact neither one could contain themselves as they both bolted forward and went tumbling onto the ground. They did it twice this time, once on the bathroom floor, and the second in the shower.

…

Kory woke up the next day utterly disappointed in herself. "Galfnock!" She swore, before getting up out of bed. She had had it, she really had. She was determined to talk to Richard, really talk to him. She resolutely got dressed, putting on his sweatpants and a t-shirt, and this time she put on her bra. She spent the day cleaning house, cooking dinner, and watching non sexual or romantic television. She had complete confidence in herself, when Richard got home they were going to have a talk, a real heart to heart talk.

…

Richard took a deep breath before walking into his apartment. The past few days had been very unpredictable so he really didn't know what to expect as he opened the door. He walked in and was surprised to see Kory setting the table in some of his lose baggy clothes. He was a little surprised to see she had cooked a decent smelling meal, and then he remembered Victor had been giving her lessons.

"Welcome home Richard, I hope you will join me for dinner?" She asked turning to face him.

"Sure, it smells amazing." He noted as he put his work bag down and approached the table.

There was a moment of silence as they sat down and began to eat, though neither of them were very hungry at the moment. Eye contact was avoided as they moved their forks around their plates, and this went on for almost ten minutes until Kory spoke up. "Richard?"

"Yes?" He asked lifting up his head.

"Things have been distant between us, with you working late hours and…"

"I know, and I'm sorry." He interrupted, "And there are things I need to say."

"I know, we just need to have a good one on one talk." She agreed, but this was the longest conversation she had had with Richard all week and she was excited and clumsy. Richard immediately got up as soon as she had knocked over her wine glass and grabbed a towel to soak it up. "Oh Richard I am so sorry." Kory said as she went down to help.

"It's okay I… I got it…" He stammered as they both sat on their knees face to face. Both of their hands were touching on the towel as their eyes met. They remained still as they waited for the other to move. Kory couldn't help but see how handsome he looked in his work uniform, and she regretted not asking where he worked.

Richard slowly glanced down at her attire, and he had to admit even in his clothes she looked beautiful. He couldn't help but think back to when she wore just his shirt with absolutely nothing under it, and even though he loved the look on her he had to admit this look was adorable too. He knew she clearly dressed this way so he wouldn't find her as attractive, but frankly she could wear a paper sack and he would still think she was beautiful. Richard continued to stare at her as she returned his glance and little flashbacks from some of their more intimate touches started flashing through his mind.

"Richard we…" Kory began, and he quickly shook his head clearing his thought.

"Yes we need… we need to… talk." He stammered before finding himself slowly leaning in, parting his lips. It started out as just a peck, a heated brush against the lips, but as usual it didn't last long.

Her back hit the floor as he laid on top of her, devouring her sweet lips. Her arms went around him and held him tight as her hands rubbed all over his muscles. Her manicured nails almost ripped his uniform as he yanked her clothes off her form. His lower half rested between her legs before she flipped them, slamming his body on the hard floor. If it hurt he didn't notice as he leaned up and kissed her chest, slowly pulling his shirt off her to get more access to her skin. Not having the patience to unbutton his shirt, she opted for ripping it in half with her strength. Things moved so fast as ripped garments were thrown across the room and heated names were exchanged. Everything became a lust filled blur of hunger and desire…

…

Kory awoke in the dead of night and turned to see Richard sitting on the edge of the bed in the dark room. He was clearly troubled as he rested his arms on his knees, and she slowly reached a hand out to touch him, but before her fingers could graze him he spoke.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" She asked.

"You have to leave, Kory."

His words stung and it took all she could to hold in her feelings to ask, "Why?"

"Bruce asked me to come back to Gotham to start over, and to do that I must leave everything I once knew behind. The Tower, the Titans, you." Her lip started to quiver as a few tears shinned in her eyes. "I need you to leave Kory… leave and never come back."

She couldn't believe what he was saying and she didn't know if she should be mad or sad. She was confused and conflicted, and wished to not believe a word. "If… if that is what you wish Richard." She said quietly as she slid off the bed. She got up and grabbed her uniform, and swiftly walked out of the room. He slowly got up and followed her, just to stop in the hallway of his apartment and watched as she quickly slid on her uniform and walked out the door, never to return…

…