Love: The Gift And Curse

Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans.

Chapter 4

- Think Of Me -

Light rain patted on the window as Richard stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. All he could think about was her. Her smile, her eyes, her laughter, everything about her made him smile. He glanced at the clock and swung his legs over his bed to get ready for school.

He hadn't slept at all, he just couldn't stop thinking about her, but one thing puzzled him. The men that took her, but she let them. Who were they? It didn't matter now, he'd ask her today at school.

-

Kori turned her head as the rain fell and the light grey sky poured out its heart, just like her. Her cheeks were stained with tears and her eyelids drooped from the lack of sleep. A soft knock was heard from her door.

"Kori, time to get ready for school."

It was Tracy.

"I'm not going."

Tracy pressed her lips together as she knocked again.

"Kori come on now you need to get up."

Kori continued to lay on her bed.

"I said no, now I order you to leave me alone."

Tracy wanted to argue, oh she wanted to argue, but since Kori was a princess she had no choice, but to obey and she turned without a word.

Kori turned her attention back to then window as she glided over to her window seat. She sighed as she laid her head on the sill and watched the rain fall on the beautiful, lush garden. She pulled her knees up to her chest as she realized she would have to come out at some point. She would also be leaving on Friday to attended a ball in France where all the Princes and Princess will meet, in hopes of finding marriage.

Marriage. Kori snorted at the word. Marriage meant that she had to live with someone she barley knew and might not even love because it was her duty. Duty. Duty to what? Certainly not her heart….and what was her heart telling her?

I'm still not sure.

Love. Will she ever find someone she could truly be happy with? Or maybe she already did.

Who Richard?

Richard. The school player, yes had she really fallen in love with him?

Anything's possible.

Kori almost laughed at the thought. She wondered what Richard thought of her and what he'll think when he finds out she wouldn't be there today. She could only hope he thought of her.

-

Richard trudged through the rain and ran up the stairs. He searched desperately through the halls in hopes of finding Kori, but to no avail. Girl after girl called his name, but he paid them no mine. He still couldn't find her and his hopes came crashing down.

The day silently slipped by Richard without him really realizing it. Kori obviously wasn't in seventh period and he just stared at her empty seat wandering where she was.

-

Kori eventually came out of her room, but wasn't permitted to go outside, but did that stop her? She quietly unlocked her window and walked out onto her balcony. She then scaled down the ivy vines and into the garden.

She ran up to the window to hear Tracy and Chad talking.

"Chad I don't know what to do about her anymore, after her parents death…….."

Chad placed a hand on her chin and lifted it up so they were meeting eye to eye.

"Don't worry I still believe in her and I believe in you."

Tracy smiled and Chad leaned in closing the gap between them. Tracy responded to the kiss, deepening it. Kori's eyes widened at the sight and she turned away with envy. Anger swelled up in her face as hot tears filled her eyes.

So they can fall in love, but I am a subject that love will not choose? Why must the world be so cruel?!

Kori ran through the garden, blinking back her tears. She ran through the gates and kept running till she stopped at the nearest park. The sun had already set and the lamps were lit in the park giving it a light glow. She skid to a stop and slowly walked over to the wooden bench and sat down. What she didn't know was someone she knew was on the other side of the park.

Richard jammed his hands in his pockets as he pondered on Kori's absence.

Why are you so worried?

I'm not.

Then stop thinking about her.

I can't.

Richard sighed as he sat down on a wooden bench not even noticing the other person next to him. He stared at the ground deep in thought when the person next to him broke his train.

"Have you ever just wanted to find someone that loves you for you?"

Richard smiled.

"Yeah."

He still didn't look up, but felt comfort with this mysterious person, who had the same troubles as he did.

"But everyone else around you persecutes you for falling in love and not doing your duty, but the duty isn't to your heart."

Richard's heart fluttered as he continuously to agree with her.

"Yes that's exactly how I feel."

The girl made a small smile, not looking at the Richard she just continued to talk.

"Like the world would turn its back on you….you just feel so…….."

"Trapped." He finished for her like he knew exactly what she was going to say.

"Exactly."

A thought occurred to Richard, this girls voice sounded so familiar.

"Do I know……."

He looked up just as she looked at him. Their eyes locked in a gaze as Richard finished his sentence.

"….You……"

She smiled as he continued to stare at her.

"Hello Richard."

She said breaking his trance.

"Kori……I thought I wouldn't see you again."

Her smile faded away as she remembered last night.

"Oh about last night."

He took her hand.

"You don't need to explain anything, I'm just glad you're okay."

Her fingers laced in his. They both leaned in, but Kori pulled away immediately and unlaced her fingers with his.

"What's wrong?"

"N…nothing's wrong….I just can't…not now."

Richard didn't understand. He grabbed her hand again.

"Kori I know I haven't known you for that long, but I've never felt this way about anyone before. There's something different about you….something beautiful."

Kori wretched her hand away from his and quickly stood up.

"No there's nothing special or beautiful about me……I have to go."

She began to walk away and Richard shot up from the bench wanting to follow her.

Damn it girl go get him!

I can't.

But you want to.

I have a duty to my country.

You have a duty to your heart.

"Kori please wait…….."

Kori stopped and turned on her heel and ran to him. She flung her arms around his neck kissing him. He was surprised at first, but welcomed the kiss and he finally soared to cloud nine.

No! No! No! I have to stop kissing him!

Then stop.

…..I can't.

Then don't.

She didn't stop, it didn't matter anymore that she wasn't allowed to love him. It didn't matter that she would probably marry some Prince she would never love, nothing mattered. She then broke away suddenly.

"I have to go."

She then took off running leaving Richard standing there bewildered.

"Did she just kiss me?"

Yes.

Richard smiled to himself and strolled around the park.

"She just kissed me."

And it was like no kiss I've had before.

Richard walked through the doors, slightly dazed. Bruce looked up from his paper to see Richard walk in.

"What, did she kiss you?"

Richard suddenly stopped and looked at Bruce.

"How did you know?"

Bruce just shrugged.

"I know everything. So where have you been?"

Richard looked at him smugly.

"I thought you knew everything."

Bruce just chuckled as Richard strolled up to his room, he landed on his bed and closed his eyes, dreaming of when he would see her again.

-

Kori scaled up the vines and into her room. Wave after wave of emotion washed over her. She felt confused, happy, angry, and most of all beautiful. She smiled to herself.

I kissed him.

She then frowned.

I kissed him.

How was she going to explain to him that a relationship between them would never work.

"Oh since we're being honest Richard I'm a Princess of Russia. I'm sure that would go over very well."

Kori groaned as she fell to her bed, what had she done? She didn't love him…did she?

No I don't.

You do.

I don't!

Then why was the kiss so good?

Kori couldn't deny herself that. The kiss was the best thing that had ever happened to her, but this wasn't the way. She was a princess destined to be married to a prince, that was how the world works.

Fate is a funny thing Kori.

Yeah, well I don't believe in fate.

Kori rolled over on her side and fell asleep, thinking of her future and how unclear it had just become.

Thanks o all my reviewers and please review!

Peace Out!

Vballqueen1792