Here I am with chapter 3. I'm really proud at how fast this project is moving along. And I promised myself I would have a Christmas type chapter out before the holiday season is over which means there's going to be a lot updates over the next month. I promise that it won't take away from the quality of the story. The second I think it might, I'll slow it down.

Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans or 'Les Mis.'

Edited: 12/26/04

Stage Presence

Chp. 3

Sliding back against the cool tiling of the tub, Kori let out soothing breath as she immersed herself in the scalding water. After two long days of try-outs it felt good to relax her aching muscles and rest her weary mind. She giggled softly as a patch of bubbles brushed across her knee, the feeling delighting her sun-kissed skin. It felt good to just lie back and enjoy the simpler things in life; something she had taken for granted before leaving home.

She slowly dipped beneath the water, then rose slowly to the top, adjusting her body in hopes to get all of it covered with the steamy liquid. The tub was not made for bathing, but was more of an accommodation for showers. But she made due with what she had, saving her complaints for no one. Her sister had gone out of her way to make room for her in the apartment, and had even found her a witnessing job at a nearby club so Kori could help with the rent. (Though she was certain most of this was done by persuasion of their parents.) No, she had plenty to be thankful for and complaining about the size of the tub would get her no where.

She reached for the bottle of shampoo, and squeezed a generous amount into her hand. It had taken her three tries to find a store that didn't sell what she could only assume was "designer" shampoo. That was just one example of how different Gotham was from home. Of course, Kori had expected some change. But she had assumed it would be things like weather. (Though that's painfully obvious when you leave a place where summer is a year-round concept for a place where winter comes early.)

But she hadn't imagined having to change her whole entire lifestyle, including the brand of bath products she used.

Mia seemed to fit in with the high paced energy that came with city life. Kori would like to believe that it had come from practice, and that one time her sister too had been just as lost as she is now. But Kori knew that was just wishful thinking. Mia had the inept ability to fit in wherever she went, and Gotham was no exception.

It was a talent she wished she could somehow harness. And she still hoped that Gotham would soon start to feel like home. Eventually, she knew that feeling would come to her; it was the matter of when that was putting her so on edge.

Then there was the matter of merely getting around town. When she had lived on the coast, Kori's main mode of transportation was walking. True, the sandy beaches and boardwalks were perfect for relaxing strolls, though she still couldn't grasp why it couldn't be the same everywhere. But unlike her sister had told her it would, getting around the city had not gotten any easier. In fact, it seemed to be getting harder. After numerous failed attempts at hailing a cab, she had tried the bus. But after witnessing the crowded seats, crying children, angry passengers, and not to mention the smell, Kori deemed the bus a crime to humanity. After her third trip into town, she decided that until winter she would walk to and from work.

But November had long since begun, and Kori learned quickly that cold was a way of life in the city. It didn't help matters either when she learned that Gotham theater was on the opposite side of town.

That fact had threatened her two days ago. Mia had left before her, leaving Kori alone to find a taxi by herself. It was out of sheer luck that she had made it to her audition on time, and it had been even more of shock when she had found her name on the call-back list. The second day of tryouts, unfortunately, didn't go much better. The director had remembered her, and her tardiness.

Ignoring his snide remarks, she stood proudly, waiting for him to instruct her on what to sing. Much to her excitement, he had asked her to sing for the part of Cossette. A light chuckle had emitted from two men sitting in the audience when she jumped slightly in her joy. With a soft laugh and an attempt to cover her blush, she began to sing. She hadn't needed the lyrics that were offered at the foot of the stage. This had been the part Kori had longed for since word of the production had reached her ears.

It was also her sister's.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"Okay, if everyone will quiet down, we'll get started."

Richard watched with bemused glee as his best friend wrangled with the crowd. It was no secret that Raven wasn't a big fan of large groups of people, which had always made him wonder about her choice in work. The sight before him looked to be the equivalent of a kindergarten teacher trying to quiet down a group of rowdy ankle-biters. He noted her sigh of relief as the scattered conversations began to die out. She returned to his side, a glare flashing dangerously in his direction.

"Having fun?"

"One more word and you'll be eating my clipboard."

"Now, now children," Bruce chided, giving Raven a knowing smile. Richard scowled, crossing his arms over his chest.

If there was any noise left in the room, it died with the entrance of Slade Wilson. Something about the man demanded respect and inflicted an unknown fear into a person, leaving them completely at his mercy. This, disturbingly enough, brought a smile to the old man's face.

"I'm sure you all know by now that I am your director, Slade Wilson. Let me make one thing clear, I am not here to be your friend. I am here to create something great. You will refer to me as 'Sir,' and nothing less."

"Well, isn't he a merry ray of sunshine."

Raven turned to him to hiss, "Richard!"

He chuckled lightly, hiding it behind a cough.

"You should also know that Raven is going to be our stage manager."

It wasn't the tone of voice that nagged at Richard; it was the bored expression that came with the statement.

"Before we get on to the grueling task of handingout parts and crushing your dreams, I have one more introduction to make. Mr. Wayne," he gestured lightly to Bruce, "has graciously taken on the role of producing our modest show."

Whether or not the last remark was supposed to be a joke was lost on Richard, and probably more than half the room. But whatever the case, Bruce managed a light chuckle, causing a slight wave of laughter from the rest of the room. He stood and flashed his 'winning' smile.

He always did have a way with people.

Richard paid little mind to the fact that he wasn't mentioned at all. Dick Grayson on his own was quite the hot topic in Gotham. Even when at charity functions or other such events that he attended with Bruce, his name was called by more photographers than he cared to count. But in the world of business, Richard Grayson was nothing. Almost a year into the company, and Wayne Corp. still saw him as a case of favoritism. If only they knew how wrong that was.

"Now if all of you can hold your patience for five more minutes, I'll have Raven post the casting list outside the door. Most of you will be disheartened to learn that best part you could manage was a spot on the chorus. And for some of you, that was an act of mercy." Slade then turned and left the room, not a hint of sarcasm tracing his features. Richard again began to contemplate what Bruce was doing with his money.

"You guys might want to head out before I post this. I can promise a stampede is sure to follow," Raven explained, the list in question folded neatly in her hand. Bruce nodded appreciatively at her.

"Will you be joining us for dinner tomorrow night?"

She nodded, attempting a smile that didn't quite make it. Occasionally, they would have her over for meals, but it was usually an enforcement of Richard's. He knew it was hard for her being on her own, and as close as they were he felt a slight need to protect the woman who had grown to be like a sister to him. So, if only to indulge him, she would come every few weeks for dinner and a movie.

"I'll see you outside, Richard?"

"Yeah. I'll be there in second."

After Bruce left, the two of them headed to the far end of the theater where Raven tacked the list to the wall. She grabbed his arm and pulled him aside, just as mob surrounded the list. Secretly he had been hoping to catch sight of that familiar shade of red, but Raven was pushing him towards the exit.

"You and Bruce have a business lunch to get too."

"Aw, shit! I forgot! I'll see you tomorrow night, Rae! Bye!" He sprinted out the front doors, slipping on his glasses in the progress, and leapt down the stairs with a practiced grace, part of him enjoying the fact that Bruce was watching all of this from the limo. He was completely caught up in his task that by the time he had seen her they were both lying on the ground, a jumble of twisted limbs. Instantly he pulled himself up, offering his hand to help her up.

"I'm really sorry about this."

She took his hand graciously and looked up, his eyes meeting with the most exquisite emerald orbs he had ever dreamt of.

Tbc

Keep an eye out for chapter 4. Be sure to review, and as always, thank you to all of you who've reviewed so far.