New Year's Eve couldn't have come any quicker. I went back home to my apartment yesterday and I kind of already miss Alfred's egg nog. I hadn't seen the guys in six days and I needed some bro time. Ryan's Party started about an hour ago and it is almost eleven. I took out my Mustang and found myself on the road.

There was a lot of cars parked outside his house and I just wondered how many people are actually in there. I grabbed my over night bag and made my way to the house. There were a few people outside smoking cigars as I walked past them. I gave them a nod of my head and headed inside the house. The music was blasting and they played a house mix. I quickly made my way upstairs into Ryan's room to safely place my bag there before I walked back downstairs and walked into the living room. Couples were grinding, drinks were being passed, and a guy was passed out in the corner. Typical house party. I passed the kitchen and opened the door to the basement. I heard cheers as I walked down the stairs. The guys were huddled around the ping pong table and were playing beer pong. There were a few girls on the couch and some guys standing around.

"Hey Dick!", yelled Ryan from one end of the ping pong table.

I nodded my head. "Hey guys!"

"About time you got here", said Wally. He was playing on the other side of the ping pong table. "Ryan's killing it! I'm on my fifth beer!" He looked back at me. "Wanna take over?"

I held my hands up. "I just got here. I'm gonna go upstairs and get a drink. Anyone want?"

"No thanks", said Vic. He had a tired Karen in his lap.

Gar held his drink up. "And I'm good."

I looked over at Rachel who stood next to Ryan. "No thanks", she said.

I nodded and headed back upstairs. The kitchen was the only place where you actually got some peace and quiet every now and then. Usually there would only be people munching on snacks but there were little people.

"Hey Richard."

I turned around and was met by a pajama clad Kori. She looked so cute. "Hey Kor."

"Enjoying the party?", she asked.

I shrugged. "I haven't decided. I just got here. What are you doing?" I went behind the counter to make myself a drink. There was plenty of choices in front of me.

She sighed and sat on one of the stools. "Well Ryan told me I wasn't allowed to come down to the party." There's a surprise. "So I invited my friend Donna to sleep over. She's upstairs."

I grabbed a red cup and poured myself a beer. "So what are you doing downstairs?"

"I wanted to get some snacks but they are all eaten", she said.

I laughed. "Bummer."

She cocked her head and jumped off the stool. "Do you think you can give me a sip?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

I raised my own eyebrows. "No way kid! What will your brother say?"

She shrugged and gave me a pout. "I just want to try some. It's not like I have not drank some before."

I shook my head. "No way am I giving beer to minors."

She gave me the puppy dog face and blinked her eyelashes. "Please?"

"Kori!"

We turned our head to Ryan. He had his arms crossed. "What did I say about being down here?"

Kori stomped her foot and huffed. "It is not fair! I get hungry!"

"Well grab your food and go back upstairs", he said. "I don't want you exposed to this stuff."

"How come you get to have fun on New Year's Eve and I have to celebrate it in my room?", she asked.

"I already let you invite your friend over, what more do you want?", asked Ryan.

She rolled her eyebrows. "Whatever Ryan."

Ryan tapped my back. "Come back downstairs. Let's see if you can actually beat me at beer pong."

I grinned. "I always beat you at beer pong."

"Can I watch?", asked Kori. She folded her hands. "Please Ry? Just one game?"

Ryan shook his head. "Not a chance."

I looked at Kori's sad face. "He just doesn't want you to see me kick his butt."

Ryan laughed. "Speak for yourself Grayson." He grabbed Kori's waist. "I'll let you watch one game but just for you to witness your brother taking home the title."

"Yea right", I said laughing. "I've beaten you for four years straight." I followed them down the stairs.

"Look who's back", said Wally. "And Kori? Cute jammies!"

Kori smiled. "I wear them proud."

"What are you doing down here girl", said Karen. "I'm your teacher, I'm not supposed to be seen with a student."

Kori sat on the arm of the couch. "I only wish to watch one game."

I watched Kori from the other side of the ping pong table. I purposely picked this side so she could perfectly see me.

"Okay Dickie boy", said Ryan. "I've set up all the cups. Now heads or tails?"

I looked up as Ryan flipped a coin. "Heads."

Ryan looked down. "Heads it is." He pointed to the ball. "You go first."

I grabbed the white ball and cleared my throat. I squinted my eyes and made my move. The ball bounced on my side and then landed in one of Ryan's cups. I smiled as everyone cheered and clapped. I waited for Ryan to finish his drink before continuing. I made my mark again and I got the ball in the cup. I was lucky until the fourth time. I concentrated on where I was going to throw the ball. I looked up at Kori and we made eye contact. My hand slipped and the ball bounced over to his side but didn't make it in the cup. Everyone booed at me.

"Dick!", yelled Wally. "My bet is on you!"

Next thing I knew I was drinking up all my cups. That was it for me. I couldn't drink anymore. I made my way upstairs after a while. I had to pee really bad. I was swaying back and forth. I need a bathroom. I walked into the one near the living room but there was already a guy passed out by the toilet. I made my way upstairs. I had to hold onto the railing. I felt like I had to vomit which is odd. Usually I don't feel like this until the morning after. I quickly ran into the bathroom and found myself around a porcelain toilet. My lungs burnt from purging. The foul taste making me want to vomit even more.

Soft hands rubbed my back and I constantly heard questions like 'Are you okay?' or 'Do you need anything?'

I eventually stopped and sat by the toilet.

"Are you okay?"

I finally looked up to see Kori crouching down beside me. "Just great." I gave her a thumbs up. "Sorry about this."

She smiled her hand still on my back. "Do not be. Are you feeling better?"

I nodded. "Actually I am." I really was feeling a little better. "I probably should take it easy?"

"Ten!"

Kori looked at the door. "The countdown has started."

"Eight!"

"Great way to spend a New Year", I said. I let out a chuckle. "Wrapped around a toilet."

Kori giggled. "I thought you said you were unbeatable. What happened?"

"Six!"

"I slipped", I told her. I was too caught in your eyes.

"Five!"

"Well I do not mind spending my New Years in a bathroom", she said.

"Why's that?", I asked her.

"Three! Two!"

"Because you are here with me", she said.

"One! Happy New Year!"

I looked into Kori's eyes. Never have I met a more confusing girl. I don't understand what she wants.

I grabbed her arm as she got up. "Where are you going?"

She giggled. "I only wish to get you a hot cloth for your head."

I let her arm go and watched her grab a white towel from the basket next to the sink. She soaked it in hot water and squeezed the water out of it. She came back over to me and placed it on my forehead.

"Thanks", I said.

She smiled at me. "That is no problem. Perhaps it would be wise to shower."

I nodded. "I think I'll just do that. Hopefully Ryan will kick every one out by the time I finish."

Kori stood up. "You are staying the night?"

"I'm not fit to be driving right now", I told her. "I'll take the couch bed downstairs."

She nodded. "Well have a good night." She squeezed my shoulder.

"Good night Kori."

I ended up taking a shower ten minutes after she left. I honestly felt and smelt better. I was still swaying a little and felt nauseous but it was better than what I was feeling before. I changed into fresh briefs, black sweatpants, and a white t-shirt. Ryan ended up kicking everyone out. Usually the party would last until two or three but considering he had a teenage sister to take care of the next morning, he figured it was best. Wouldn't want the social workers stopping by.

I bounced on the couch bed and snuggled the pillow.

"Make way!", exclaimed Vic. He and Wally were carrying a drunk Ryan up the stairs.

I laughed and shook my head. So glad I stopped.

"How come you always get the bed?",asked Gar.

I opened my eyes again and peeked over to him. He was laying on the other couch.

"Hey Wally has to sleep next to me", I said. "Don't complain."

"And how come Vic gets the cot?"

I shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe because he's bigger. By the way...what is up with you and Rachel?"

He tensed up. "What about Rachel?"

"Are you guys a thing?", I asked him.

He sighed. "I don't know. I can't tell if she likes me or not."

"Maybe you should ask her out sometime", I told him.

"I'm not you Dick", he told me. He let out a yawn. "I don't have game."

I have game, not to be cocky or anything. "Just be yourself." I closed my eyes only for a brief moment before I heard a bounce. I looked up at Wally. "Dude you have to put a pillow in between us."

Wally leaned over the bed and grabbed a pillow. He placed it in between us. "Happy?"

Rather have that than you touching me. "I'd rather have a hot red hot in your place."

He snickered.

"Wait!", I exclaimed. "I didn't mean that."

"Sure", said Wally. He had his hands behind his head. "We all know what you mean. By the way I noticed you slipped during beer pong."

"I noticed that too", said Vic. He was laying on the cot. "What happened?"

I shrugged. "Something caught my eye."

Wally coughed Kori's name.

I glared at him. "Really?"

"Dude! You have a thing for Kori!", asked Vic.

"Sh", I whispered. "Not so loud. Ryan's upstairs."

"Ryan's passed out man", said Gar.

"I knew something was up", said Vic. "That's why you slipped downstairs. Kori caught your eye."

I sighed and shook my head. "You guys have to keep this a secret."

Vic and Gar both placed tow finger up. "Scouts honor."

"Alright let's go to bed", I told them.

I heard a bounce. "Fine, but we're talking about this tomorrow", said Vic. Great, first Wally and now these two pin heads.

I woke up around two thirty in the morning. I had heard something from upstairs. I lifted my head up and looked around. It was quiet minus the snoring from the guys. I placed my head back down on the pillow before hearing the steps creak. I looked back to see Kori tip toeing out the front door. Where the hell is she going at this time? I quickly sat up and placed my shoes on. I grabbed my sweatshirt and followed her out the front door.

I stayed not too far from her but far enough for her to not notice me. From what I could tell she had on a black leather jacket, a jeans skirt, and black biker boots. I followed her for about ten minutes. She took us into the city. What is she doing? I took the corner and followed her. It's way to dangerous to be out at night and especially in Gotham. She walked through Black Alley and disappeared into a bar. I stopped at the front and looked at the sign. The Red Pub featuring Karaoke. I quickly made my way inside.

"And now I want you to welcome our very own Korina!"

I took a seat at the bar and watched the girl on stage. Kori came out in front of the mic.

"I been trying to do it right, I been living a lonely life, I been sleepin' here instead, I been sleepin' in my bed, I been sleepin' in my bed, So show me family, All the blood that I will bleed, I don't know where I belong, I don't know where I went wrong, But I can write a song."

People started clapping to the sound and I jumped in. She is a really good singer. Her voice is so angelic and you want to listen to it. I noticed that she would tap her foot and tap her hip as she sang. Probably just nerves. She finished the song and she took a bow on stage. I clapped along with the people.

She gave a thumbs up to the band before walking off stage. She made her way to the other side of the bar. I walked around to her. The bartender passed her a Corona.

I took the Corona. "Thank you."

She gasped and quickly turned around. "What are you doing here?"

I raised my eyebrows. "What am I doing here? The real question is what are you doing here?"

She looked down at her feet.

I frowned and placed the beer down. Probably shouldn't drink right now. I grabbed her shoulders and turned her around.

"We can talk about this outside."

She allowed me to push her outside the bar. Luckily there were a few tables available. I pushed out a chair for her and she took a seat.

"Now", I said as I sat down. "Let's talk about this."

She crossed her arms and looked at me. "You're not supposed to follow me!"

I placed my hands up in defeat. "Hey now! I had a right to follow you. You acted way to suspicious leaving at three in the morning."

She placed her nose up. "What do you want?"

"For you to answer my question", I said.

She shivered and tightened her jacket around her.

"How about some hot cocoa?", I asked.

She looked up at me and nodded.

I signaled for the waitress outside. "Two hot cocoas with marshmallows on top."

She nodded before heading back inside.

I looked at Kori and smiled. "I'm not going to yell at you."

"Are you going to tell Ry?", she asked.

I sighed. "I'll decide that at the end of the night."

We didn't talk until the hot cocoa came out. She smiled after taking her first sip.

"Do you like it?", I asked.

She nodded. "We do not have this back home since it is always hot out."

"I'm glad you like it", I told her. I looked at her. She had on dark make up. "You're singing is really good."

She looked up at me and blushed...or was that the cold? "Thank you."

I waited for her to explain. "And?"

She sighed and placed her mug down. "Okay fine I'll tell you but only if you promise not to tell my brother."

I shook my head. "No can do kid."

She had on a scowl. "I'm not a kid." It was cute.

"Sorry", I laughed.

"Anyways", she said. "I found this place last week and they were hiring entertainment. I sang for the owner and he told me he'd hire me as entertainment but the only problem was that I am not eighteen. I came back that night and sang karaoke. Everyone loved me so much he said he'll hire me but I think he only did because I attracted a lot of people. I told him I'd only sing if he payed me more than minimum wage so here I am."

I slowly nodded. "There's another part of this story."

"I like singing here", she told me. She fingered the mug. "No one tells me what to sing. I'm not being critiqued by teachers and I'm not trying to impress someone. I can sing for my own self. I can sing what I write. Every time I sing at home Ryan yells at me to be quiet. Ryan does not like my singing so the only time I get is at vocal school with Karen but with Gotham High work that's still not enough.

"How come Ryan doesn't like you singing?", I asked.

She shrugged. "I do not know. I feel as if he gets annoyed or something. Even before he moved here, he would never come to any of my recitals. Not for singing and not for dancing."

It's a sensitive subject, I could tell. "You know I should be shutting this place down right now."

She looked up at me with big eyes.

"But...I won't", I said. "And I won't tell Ryan unless you do something for me."

"What?", she asked.

I pointed at the bar. "No more this."

"But-

"No buts", I said. "This is for your own safety. There's a lot of bad people here in Gotham."

She was on the verge of tears but I need to do what's right and safe. "I will not get hurt."

I shook my head. "I'm sorry but no."

"But what am I going to do with music?", she asked.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair. "Um...you can come over my apartment?" Did I really just offer? I'm so stupid.

She looked at me and laughed. "Yea right and what do you think Ryan will do?"

I shrugged. "You don't have to tell him."

She gasped and covered her heart. "Keep a secret from brother?"

I laughed and looked down at my mug. I can hear her giggles.

She stopped giggling. "Okay."

I looked up. "Okay?"

She nodded. "Yes. I will take the offer but we cannot tell Ryan about this."

"I promise", I said. I really would rather have her over my place than here.

She leaned forward. "So I can come over any time?"

"My winter break ends in two weeks and I usually come home from work around three unless I have a lot of paper work", I said. I tapped my chin. "I'll just text you whenever you can."

She cocked her head. "You have my number?"

I don't actually. "No. I should probably get it then?"

She giggled and nodded. "You are a dork." She took out her cell phone and we exchanged numbers.

"Dork?", I asked.

She stood up and nodded. "Yes a dork. I shall go back inside and tell my boss I quit."

I stood up after her. "I'll go with you."

We walked back to the house after Kori quit. I'm going to have a word with Ryan tomorrow. I should probably remind him to tell her about the bad side of Gotham. We quietly walked through the front door. Luckily, everyone was still asleep snoring loudly.

"Good night", I quietly said.

She walked up the steps but came back down. She leaned toward me and gave me a hug.

"Good night."


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