Chapter Seven: Just Friends

A succession of sullen and otherwise furious eyes burned in the direction of Kori and Richard as they entered the Manor in hesitant silence. They stared back at the five outraged faces of their friends who stood in a defensive line parallel from them in the living room, to Kori's surprise one of them being her brother Ryan. Kori, who had previously assumed the events between herself and Richard to have remained unknown quickly became aware that this just wasn't so. Her mind wavered for a moment before she took a single step deeper into the room.

"What?" She asked with little amount of patience ringing back.

This was typical, anytime she did anything it would be scrutinized by each member of their small circle of friends; all willing to forcefully voice their judgment and opinion in the matter; no matter how small or how irrelevant the topic would be. This, this very moment, their faces all shadowed in judgement was the very reason she felt provoked to leave those years ago in the first place. In her opinion it was one thing to be concerned and request a moment to discuss certain fears or worries but entirely another to offer, without permission, their one-sided perspectives of what was going on in her life. Sure, they were friends, she loved them as they loved her but there, at some point, had to be a line in which stood for someones own will to do or say what they wish; which was not the case. In the end, there were plenty of reasons why they had a right to be concerned but Kori was at a stage in her life where she had wanted nothing more than to put the past behind her and simply leave it there; which, of course is easier said then done especially when you have a handful of friends constantly trying to revive it.

Ryan, while she was pleased and otherwise ecstatic to see him after these few years without contact, the merciless glare he had focused on Richard was hard to allow such endearing feelings to progress. It wasn't until Ryan's glare suddenly altered and with a look of concern he rushed toward Kori embracing her that she finally softened her temperamental mood.

"I heard you were in town?" He said, his grip on her tightening, his voice concerned yet relieved at her presence. "You should have called Kor."

Pulling away from him she tucked a long curl of hair behind her ear, trying to seem calm in this moment and yet the attention and dramatics her brother continued to sport so suddenly was making it difficult. Sure, she understood the reason for such dramatics but the overall thick tension in the air around them was hard to ignore.

"Where have you been all this time Kor?"

She laughed nervously. "I was... around."

"Around?" He questioned, not satisfied with her vague response.

"Look, can we not make a scene?" She pleaded, her voice in a whisper as she caught a glimpse of Roy taking a step toward Richard.

Ryan rolled his eyes, taking her into his arms once more. "I'm just glad your back." It was now that his glare returned, his eyes setting on Richard who stood behind Kori still. He moved away from Kori now, stepping up to Richard who merely stared back at him carelessly. "So, I hear you're..."

"Stop." Kori demanded, but Ryan remained persistent. The reality that Ryan and Richard were actually quite close friends only made this scenario far more aggressive. The others had quickly expressed their reason for anger toward Richard as a result of his actions, and as he stood before Ryan unapologetic it only fueled the fire.

"She's my sister, Dick. How could you..."

"I said stop." Kori demanded once more as she wedged herself between the two. Richard was thoroughly surprised by her willingness to defend him and the presence of her body trying to shield him from any harm that may befall him by their friends; not that he couldn't handle it. Finally earning the attention of her brother Kori released a low growl. "Enough."

"Kori, he put his hands on you. He..." Ryan began, only to be brought into silence by Kori once more.

"I said enough Ryan. What happens between Richard and I is none of your concern." She paused, directing her scowl back at Roy, Karen, Wally and Vic now. "That goes for all of you. I'm not a child and I can take care of myself."

"So you're okay with him just kissing you?" Roy asked, his rage depicted perfectly in his raspy raised tone.

Kori sighed, her position in front of an otherwise quiet Richard remaining firm. "I didn't say that,..." she hesitated as Roy's stiff shoulders mellowed, only to tense once more as she continued. "But this is my fault just as much as it is his. I kissed him back."

"What?" Kori inhaled deeply, the agony in Roy's expression moving toward her. She wished more than anything Rachel was here. Sure she would probably not be any more pleased with her then anyone else in the room but at least she would grow tired of arguing and quiet everyone with an annoyed remark. "How can... how could you want that? I thought we were... I thought you and I..."

"I told you Roy, you and I needed time before we could discuss anything but that has nothing to do with Richard. I just... it's not as though he and I are anything other than friends."

The anger in Roy's eyes, which were once to be thought charming by Kori had begun to make her nervous. Her emotions must have been obvious because it was now that Richard asserted himself. He stepped around Kori toward Roy. "I think we're done here. If you're angry... fine, go ahead and be upset with me, not Kori."

"I think I've already made it clear that I'm upset with you. It's her I need to deal with now." Roy said with a sinister grin as he took pride in the progress of the bruise forming on Richard's face.

"Wait a second." Kori said, stepping toward Roy. She glanced frantically between the two having come to the understanding of Roy's meaning. "You did this?" As she motioned to Richard's face, Roy's smile grew wider. "Why would you hurt him?"

"Come on Kori, don't play dumb." He stuffed his hands in his pockets, an arrogant sigh reaching Kori's ears. "He stepped into my territory. Did you really expect me to do anything less?"

Kori's anger surfaced now, she shoved Roy back, her voice raising in pitch. "Territory? Fuck you Roy. I am not a possession and what ever you thought would resume between you and me..." she shook her head. "You were wrong to assume so." She looked back to Richard now who had an eye cautiously watching Roy in case he decided to lash out again. Her voice softened, her touch gentle. "I am so sorry. This..." her brows furrowed as she raised a hand to his cheek. "This is my fault. You should have told me."

Richard shook his head, lowering her hand from him and otherwise finding it hard to bask in the melodic sound of her voice with more than one daggering glare narrowing in on him. "Don't worry about it."

"Don't apologize to him." Roy growled.

"Shut... the hell... up!" Everyone turned to find an annoyed Rachel standing with her arms crossed. "This is ridiculous. All of you. I may not be one for lovey dovey behavior but isn't this weekend suppose to be one for friends to come together or whatever?" A smile crept across Kori's instantly relieved expression but it soon faded as Rachel's attention zoned solely on her now. "Well don't you look like a mess."

Kori swallowed hard. It was one thing for every one of her other friends to be disappointed in her but Rachel had right authority to; Richard was her cousin and that definitely complicated things. She looked to Rachel determined to come up with an explanation but the look in her violet eyes devoured any amount of courage Kori could find in this moment; words falling into the darker regions of her mind. "I..." She lowered her gaze to the floor guiltily, a foot tapping at the heel slightly. Then, with a forced smile she shrugged innocently and let out a nasally laugh. "Maybe we should just start drinking."

While the rest of the room, aside from Richard who remained silent, became even more enraged at this attempt to shuffle the main issue of the day under the rug, Kori could have sworn she caught the beginning of a held back smirk on Rachel's features.

"I agree," Rachel said, causing a turn of heads in the room. She ignored the wide-eyed expressions that stared back at her and took off toward the kitchen, reaching for Kori's hand and pulling her along; the others slowly following quietly.

While everyone wrapped around the kitchen island counter, Rachel blocked out the deafening silence the hovered. Kori smiled as Rachel's movements were entirely unaffected. She pulled a large case of beer from the fridge and set it down on the counter with a heavy sigh, her eyes scanning over each of them with severe pertinence.

"I want this shit gone, each of us are drinking tonight and by tomorrow there will not be any arguing." She paused as Roy opened his mouth to interrupt, only a small syllable passing his lips before Rachel's voice raised. "Shut it! I only have two days off before I have to got back to the hospital on call so there will be no arguing or yelling by anyone unless its me." She forced a smile which they all knew was to depict nothing more than the 'test me and you'll regret it' look, which was fine. As everyone began to reach for a bottle of beer Rachel inhaled deeply, the heaviness of said breath bringing everyone to a sudden pause. "One more thing." She sent a glare to Richard. "You guys are not allowed to bother us girls."

"What?" Was the reaction from every male in the room.

Rachel waved a hand at them dismissively. "I don't care to hear what bullshit you can come up guys are mad at Dick..." she shrugged. "... go work it out."

"With good reason," snapped Roy.

Rachel began tapping her nails consecutively against the granite counter top, her tone contorted in a taunting matter. "Oh, I'm so sorry Roy. Did Richard hurt your feelings? Did you want to sit around the dining room table and discuss how you feel about all this?" She rolled her eyes as Roy crossed his arms over his chest with a growl then she looked over to the others now. "I haven't seen my best friend Kori in two years and since she's been here I've been working like crazy. So..." she took three beers, handing two off to Kori and Karen. "... leave us be until you can all get along."

"You can't just tell us what to..." began Vic.

"You really want to have this conversation?" Rachel's words barely scraping passed hr gritted teeth now.

Kori didn't even try to hold back the giggle that came from her, earning a glare from Vic who had retreated. Clearing her throat, she caught Richard's gaze which stared down at her in slight disappointment. She glanced around the room and when she was certain no one was paying the least bit of attention to the two, she took Richard by the arm and led him to the corner of the kitchen.

"Whats wrong?" He asked.

She inhaled deeply, her eyes scanning over the others to ensure their privacy. "I'm fine. I just..." her voice lowered as she leaned closer to him. "... why wouldn't you tell me that Roy is the one that hurt you?"

"I'm not hurt. It's a bruise Kori, and honestly I think we both can agree that I deserved it," His smirk suddenly made an appearance instantly reviving a shudder of emotion to course through Kori. "... especially considering I don't regret kissing you."

This earned a smile from Kori, her eyes focused on his now. She inhaled deeply, her expression softening as she lifted a hand to the bruise beneath his eye. She shook her head. "This is all my fault." She ran a thumb across the length of said bruise, coaxing another smile from Richard in which she didn't notice. She couldn't see beyond the stained skin beneath her fingers; the guilt she felt only deepening as she lingered in her gaze. "I am so sorry about this. Roy is just... he's..."

"Don't worry about it," Richard said with a slight laugh, moving closer to her and leaving her hand undisturbed as she caressed his cheek gently, the intensity of her eyes entrancing him. Placing a hand upon her waist, he said, "Listen... before you leave tonight or... if you end up staying, which ever it is... I wanna see you before the nights through."

Kori blushed, her hand removing itself from him now. She bit at her lip slightly. "I don't know. Me, you... drunk... that might not be a great combination."

He raised a hand to her now, redirecting a stray crimson curl from her face. "Are you saying you can't control yourself around me?"

Kori shook her head, trying to stifle her laughter; laughter spawned out of nothing more than sheer embarrassment. Sure, Richard had been quite forward with his intentions toward her and while she was certain it was far to obvious to him that she felt the same,... it was still awkward around him now that he was openly being flirtatious. "Uh... " her eyes focused on his now, causing a wave of anxiety through Richard as she arched a brow in a seductive manner. "Maybe."

He swallowed hard, oblivious to the wide-eyed stare he had focused on her, the insane amount of possibilities and scenarios that involved each of them at the end of the night were plaguing his thoughts; none being that of innocence in the least bit. It was as Kori giggled again that he returned to reality. "Sorry,... uh," he cleared his throat. "I still want to see you though."

Kori hesitated, unsure if it would be such a smart move on her part to condone such a meeting; especially when she is well aware of how flirtatious and out of hand she can get when she drinks. "Umm..."

""I'll make sure you don't get too wild." He assured her with a chuckle.

She sighed. "Alright, just... just promise me that you wont... I mean... don't be confrontational with Roy. He has a bit of a tempter and I don't want him to..."

"Woa woa woa..." Richard said with a curt exhale, his hands shaking in the space between them, both surprised at her sudden change of the subject as well as the subject of choice. "You think I'm intimidated by Roy?"

Kori's silence and hesitant expression did nothing more than infuriate him, her words only adding to this. "Look, he hit you really hard and..."

"You think this caught me off guard? Kori..." he rolled his eyes and an arrogant laugh escaped him now. Great not only was she comfortable with only being friends but she actually thought him afraid of Roy? This was too much. "Look, don't worry about Roy alright. I certainly don't..."

"Fine. I get it. I didn't mean to make you feel ... you know... less of a man or whatever... I just..." she paused as he glared down at her, causing her to jerk her head back slightly in frustration. "Don't look at me that way. I just... " she rolled her eyes, not wanting to express her feelings as of right now. "I'm just... concerned for you."

This brought Richard into hysteric laughter. He leaned one arm against the kitchen wall beside him, his head dipping . "Kori... I didn't do anything to stop Roy from hitting me because he's my friend and I was the one in the wrong... not because I couldn't have done something about it."

"Alright... just... calm down." She smiled as he looked back at her in desperation for her to believe him. She paused as Roy suddenly began heading toward them. Lowering her voice she said, "I just don't want any fighting."

"There wont be."

"Dick..." Roy said with an obvious amount of hatred. As Richard gave him a nod, Roy looked to Kori. "Hey..." his voice was softer now, the gleam in his eyes as they wandered over her only brought Richard's frustration back. He placed a hand upon her shoulder. "I want to make sure that you and I are alright."

Kori sighed. "Look Roy... I'm not very happy with you right now and..."

Roy gave a quick glance to Richard. "Why? Because I hit him? You can't be serious."

"I am serious." Kori replied, her posture stiffening, mirroring the lack of hesitation in her anger toward him. "He's important to me and..."

"Important to you?" Roy snorted, the satisfied smirk lingering upon Richard's expression only adding to his irritation. "Kori you can't be..."

"Can we talk later?" Kori interrupted, a hand fixed at the bridge of her nose.

Roy was seething in anger now. But as he focused on Kori's relentless expression which depicted no amount of patience he blew out a calm exhale, "You promise?"

Kori rolled her eyes. "Yes I promise." As he left he gave her a quick kiss upon the cheek, sending one last glare to Richard who quickly returned the gesture. Noticing his expression Kori shoved playfully at Richard's shoulder. "What is wrong with you?"

Richard sighed, running a hand through his hair. What was wrong with him? It was a fairly good question. One he wouldn't mind being let in on the answer to. "I don't know." He honestly didn't. It's easy for anyone to see it was jealousy crystallizing within his veins but jealousy was something new to him, something he couldn't recognize for lack of experiencing it. He looked down at Kori with a hesitant smile. "I'll see you soon alright."

Kori opened her mouth to speak but was hushed into silence as Rachel pulled at her arm.

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"Alright..." Karen said, her eyes moving back and forth between Rachel and Kori now.

They had made their way into a separate room, settling around two couches. It was far too obvious to them Karen was about to burst with the amount of gossip she was withholding until this point and to be honest neither Rachel or Kori were particularly interested in the moment. They had settled in another one of the Manor's large sitting rooms, separate from the boys to enjoy themselves without the drama of Kori and Richard being together with Roy in the same room. Yet, this issue aside there were plenty of complications swarming each of these girls minds.

First, Rachel, she was suffering silently from an anxiety attack each time her mind wandered to the inevitable fact that after two years without seeing him, her ex boyfriend Gar would be waltzing into the Manor. What to expect from him, how he was doing, if he was happy, if she could end such happiness... it was all maneuvering in circles within the confines of her mind; not that she would ever voice this fact.

Second, Kori, well, we are already well aware of whats bothering her, but from everything else aside, as in Richard and Roy, there was the situation of her actual daily life at hand. She had a meeting with Bruce a few days ago to discuss the fact that the gallery she was to work for had loved her work and requested she fulfill a deadline. Which, in any other case would be fine, except for the fact that since Komi's death she hadn't picked up a paintbrush, it was too hard for her to let herself feel and painting was how she expressed her emotions, otherwise rendering such a request from Bruce, from the gallery, something she had agreed to with a smile on her face, it rendered her useless.

Now, Karen, she had something on her mind that had been scratching at her tongue waiting to be spoken and here we go...

"Alright..." she looked to Rachel who sat legs criss crossed on one of the couches opposite Karen, her demeanor perfectly locked down into the normal amount of carelessness as ever. "I have the best news." She looked to Kori now, who sat curled into the couch at the other end of Rachel's spot, her knees tucked beneath her and her head resting on her propped up palm. "I ran into Garth today." This surprisingly sparked Rachel's attention and her posture stiffened, noticing this Karen smiled wider. "Exactly. He's in town for a few months, holidays or business, whatever, the point is..." she paused looking to Kori again. "... he's single."

Completely uninterested in the conversation Kori had tuned out, paying far too much attention to her drink at hand. She jumped slightly as Rachel extended a leg out, her foot nudging Kori's hipbone from the other side of the couch. "What?"

"Did you hear anything I said?"

Kori shrugged. "I'm sorry I'm feeling a little stressed out. Tell me again." Karen crossed her arms, causing a heavy sigh to leave Kori in an obvious attempt to regain her control in this moment. Resituating herself in her seat she smiled. "Really, you have my undivided attention. I promise."

This seemed to please Karen for her annoyed expression quickly faded. "Alright so Garth... you remember Garth right?"

"Garth?" Kori asked, passing a glance of confusion between the two.

Rachel rolled her eyes. "You know... Garth, the guy in college that was always hitting on you but you were for some odd reason faithful to Roy."

As Kori laughed Karen elaborated. "Yea, everyone called him fishlegs, he was the captain of the swim team, long black hair, dark eyes..."

"Amazing swimmers body, toned and... ugh...," Rachel added somewhat entranced with the memory of him herself.

"Oh, right, fishlegs right... or Garth." Kori began, her voice slowly strengthening as her memory of the man in question came flooding back to her. "Right, yea he was... really cute."

"Right," Karen continued, her excitement picking up once more, unable to sit still in her seat now. "Well, he's in town for a while and when I ran into him... guess who he asked about?"

As Karen's eyes widened, Kori became nervous. She knew where this was going and her assumption was only confirmed as Rachel's smirk spread across her face. "Oh no... If he asked about me..."

"He did and I already told him..." began Karen.

"No..." Kori's entire body tensed. "Please tell me you didn't Karen."

"Why?" Rachel's anger suddenly making an appearance once more. She narrowed her eyes over Kori, she needed to ensure nothing was going on with her and Richard or else she would have a problem, a big problem with it. "You're not involved with anyone else right?"

Kori swallowed hard, her mind already well aware of Rachel's suspicion when in relation to herself and Richard. Clearing her throat she said, "No, of course not. I just... I'm not really in the mood for a relationship or..."

"Oh come on." Karen pleaded.

"This is the only way to prove you're not having sex with Dick."

Kori's eyes widened. "Rachel! I am not having sex with anyone let alone your cousin, especially when your cousin is Dick Grayson. How could you even think that? We kissed it's not a..."

"Geeze," Rachel snorted. "Get all defensive why don't you?"

Kori paused, is that was she was doing? Did she just make it that obvious? Well, I suppose this can only get better right? "Look, I just, I know you are all freaking out about what happened earlier today and I just... I'm done hearing about it."

"Then go on a date with Garth." Karen chimed in again.

Kori hesitated, whether it would bother Richard or not, which it would, she wasn't the least bit interested.

"We won't bother you about 'Richard' anymore," Rachel laughed, using a very mocking tone.

Kori lifted a hand to her forehead, "Alright... fine, but..." she paused. "I'm serious I don't want anyone to find out about this. This stays between us."

"If you're suggesting that I'm going to run and tell Dick about this..." she paused for the precise effect she got in return. Kori's eyes sold her out entirely; the anticipation of Rachel to finish her sentence was far too eager. "... I wont."

A sigh of relief went unnoticed by everyone as Kori gave her all to release it slowly. She wasn't entirely sure how she felt about Richard or what would progress, or not, with them so she was not looking forward to this night with Garth; and yet, perhaps this is what she needed whether she wanted it or not. In the end the last thing she wanted was to be hurt, and Richard, Gothams' prince of a playboy, not sure how those two coincide but either way, it wasn't exactly something she could neglect.

"Besides, you need to stop spending time with Dick alone." Karen said, causing Kori to submit to nerves again. "He'd only hurt you."

"I don't know he seems far different then you two make him out to be. He seems..." she zoned out in her own thoughts, a smile creeping across her dazed expression. "... sweet, gentle and... he's only ever trying to help me." She shrugged to herself, his face, those dashing eyes, burning in her memory. "He's just... nice."

Rachel gagged. "You make him sound so innocent."

"And the only time he can ever be mistaken for innocent is when he's on the prowl for a new girl. Which is never to be trusted. Dick is a sweet guy to his friends but none that are women. You see how he treats Rachel and I... we're annoying to him most of the time."

Rachel continued now, making Karen fall silent. "If you honestly believe Dick is being nice it's only because he ended things with Babs and now he's... got urges."

"We're only friends." She clarified, her elated emotions coming to a halt now.

"Right, because Dick has plenty of female friends." Rachel's laughter continued.

"What about you two?"

"I'm his cousin, we aren't really friends, just friends with the same people and put in situations where we endure one another's company."

"Right, and I'm dating Vic so... yea, we're friends but I doubt we would be without certain circumstances being what they are." Karen sighed. "Look, we're not saying you can't hang out with him, only that you need to be very cautious; Dick is only after one thing and you're smarter than to be fooled by his charm."

Kori gave a nod of understanding, the hesitancy that surged through her veins unleashed an emotion in which she was almost unable to force composure in this moment. The Dick Grayson they described and the Richard she knew were completely different but she was suddenly asking herself if this was his game? Is this what he does to lure women in... then after he's had them its Dick Grayson's time to shine? She released a heavy sigh, trying to seem interested in Rachel and Karen's continuing conversation but her thoughts were anything but clear.

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Richard approached the round poker table, its occupants almost already full with the friends that lined its perimeter. Ignoring the glares he took his place at the head of the table and began shuffling a set of cards. He knew they had every right to be upset with him, but did he really care? Would it have really changed his decision when he kissed Kori to remember the consequences he was reaping now?... not a chance, so he shrugged it off.

"You know," Ryan spoke first, his tone barely biting back the amount of anger and betrayal he felt from Richard. "... we still need to talk about you violating my sister."

This made Richard laugh, which was inappropriate but the way Ryan had chosen to word the scenario was far too dramatic for his taking. Divvying the proper amount of cards to each person there, he inhaled deeply.

"... and my girlfriend," Roy added. Okay, now this was beginning to annoy Richard.

He set his glare upon Roy and leaning back in his chair he smiled. "She wasn't complaining." He lifted his beer to his lips now, his tone never more arrogant. "In fact, I would go so far to say she enjoyed it." He broke into laughter as Roy tried to lunge at him over the table but was brought to a halt by Vic who forced Roy back into his seat.

"You really are something, you know that Dick?" Roy growled.

He shrugged. "I'm using her words not mine."

"Did... did she really say that?" Ryan asked, his eyes directed down upon green table felt.

"Of course she didn't. He's just trying to come up with any reason so we aren't upset with him." Roy seethed.

"I don't really care if any of you approve with what I did."

It was Vic that took to the conversation now. "Look, Kori means everything to me and..."

"She's important to all of us, "Added Wally.

"Just make sure you don't make a mistake like this again." Vic said sternly.

"Again?" Roy raged. "Don't tell me you're all just going to forgive him so easily?" He exhaled curtly, the cards within his hand bending against his tight grip. "He's only going to hurt her. We can't simply dismiss this as though he doesn't have intentions that go beyond kissing her. I think we all know him better than that."

Richard hesitated. He wasn't trying to hurt anyone when kissing Kori, it was something that was unexpected and yet... while he didn't regret it, it was still wrong; at least in the eyes of Ryan. "Look, Ry,... I would never do anything to hurt Kori, nor you, so... " he paused noticing Roy stiffen again. "Or you Roy. Look, I didn't plan on kissing her or her kissing me back, but either way it doesn't mater, she and I are just friends, you heard her say it herself."

There was a brief silence before Ryan lifted his cars to his possession. "Alright..." his neutral tone of voice reviving the room in a better mood. "... lets play some cards."

"Oh hey..." Wally sparked. "Looks like we're all single again. You know what that means."

Richard rolled his eyes. "We're not going clubbing if that's what you have on your mind."

"Are you serious?" Wally said, somewhat offended. "Dude, playboy Dick Grayson hasn't been on the market in forever and he just so happens to be the best wingman."

"So?" Richard laughed.

"He's right," Ryan added. "You always bring the attention our way just by being near us. The women flock."

Richard shook his head. "We can discuss it later."

"Oh, you know whose in town right?" Wally added with much enthusiasm. "Garth."

Ryan smiled. "I haven't seen Garth in forever."

"I invited him to join us at the club tomorrow so... be ready everyone." Wally laughed.

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A loud screech sounded from within the hallway alerting the boys that remained gathered around the poker table a mere hour later. Staggering footsteps could be heard approaching and with a sigh Rachel suddenly entered.

"What's wrong?" Ryan asked, concerned.

Rachel rubbed at her temple. "We have a little problem. I made the mistake of telling Kori that Gar was going to show up here tomorrow." She sighed. "She's... a little..." she paused as Kori stumbled into the room beside Karen. "... correction: very drunk."

"Why would it be a mistake to have told her about Gar?" Richard asked confused, his eyes taking in Kori's overly infuriated behavior as she tried to make her way toward the table.

"Don't worry about it." Ryan said, standing. He stepped to Kori with a nervous smile. "You alright?"

Kori ignored Ryan entirely, her anger being saved for one person alone. She placed a hand on her hip and narrowed her eyes over Vic. "Victor Stone! Did you know about this?"

Vic swallowed hard, looking to Karen for help.

Invading his path to Karen, Kori sidestepped in front of his vision. "I'll ask you one more time." She waved a finger at him violently. "Did you know Gar was going to be here tomorrow?"

He hesitated once more, running a hand over his bald head. "Uh..."

"We just weren't sure how to tell you Kor. Just calm down and..." began Ryan, unintentionally setting fire to Kori's anger even more.

"You mean to tell me all of you were aware of this?"

The room fell silent now. Lowering her head into her hands, she sighed. "This is unbelievable." She paused, looking to Richard, the sadness in her eyes tearing at his composure, her voice sounding shakily. "Did you know about this?"

His eyes widened. "I... well,... I'm the one that invited him. I don't understand why this is such a big deal."

Everyone was utterly confused as she released a sigh of relief. "Good, you don't need to know."

"I would like to know."

Kori shook her head. In the end it would be difficult to see Gar again and she was clearly upset with everyone in the room but the main concern was that Richard remained in the dark about why her and Gar were at odds. "I realize that but this is something I can't afford you to become aware of."

"He is apart of this group Kor, maybe it wouldn't be such a bag thing if he knew. Maybe he could help you through it." Rachel insisted.

Kori shook her head. "No,... he can't know. This is something I don't want any of you to tell him."

"Why not?" Richard asked, almost hurt.

"Because."

"Because?" Rachel droned.

Kori growled slightly. "Because I don't want him to know. He's the only one that doesn't treat me or look at me the way any of you do. He isn't constantly judging me."

"Yea but he would if he knew. You make it sound as though us caring about you is something to be taken offense to in response and it's not. We're just concerned."

"I don't need any of you to be concerned." She paused, her breathing becoming more strained. "I need to go to bed. This is all just too much." She passed one last glance to Vic, then with a roll of her eyes she took to the hallway.

"What was that all about?" Richard asked, the room clearing immediately in an attempt to avoid his question.

Richard sat in silence for a long while, giving everyone a chance to find their way to their rooms before he sought after Kori. He was certain she would be asleep but as he knocked ever so lightly on her door, it suddenly thrust open. Kori looked to him with a look of rage that slowly melted at the recognition of who was standing before her.

"Richard... hi..." she said breathlessly.

"Hey..." he paused noticing her with a set of keys in her hand. "Where are you going?"

She sighed, resting a hand against her forehead. "I can't... I can't be here right now and I have Silkie at home all alone and..." She paused as his brow arched. "Oh.. no, I'm not driving. I called a cab but if it's all the same to you I'd rather not let anyone know I'm leaving... or else..." she began to ramble now, whether she was even still speaking to Richard or among herself he couldn't tell. "... it would just be chaotic and I just need some peace and quiet."

"Alright..." Richard chuckled. "Don't worry. I'll take you."

She paused. "No... its alright. You've been drinking and..."

"I'm fine, really. I want to take you..." he gave her a comforting smile. "... if you'll let me."

She bit at her lip in hesitation. "Alright."

When they finally arrived at Vic's apartment Richard began to fidget his feet slightly as they stood in front of the door. Unlocking it Kori paused, becoming aware of his awkward behavior. With a smile she said, "Do you want to come in?"

"Are you sure? I don't..."

Pushing the door open she motioned for him to enter. "To be honest I really don't think I'm going to be getting all that much sleep tonight."

Richard entered locking the door behind them now and watching as Kori made her way into the living room. "Is that because of Gar?" She gave him a nervous look before ignoring his question, kneeling down on the floor now, calling out to the kitten. "I don't understand why you can't talk to me about this."

"Oh, my little baby." Kori giggled as Silkie came darting out of the dark hallway and into her arms. Returning to her feet Kori sent several kissed to the small kitten, then looked to Richard with a sigh. "Look, I really wish I could. If I'm being honest I find it surprisingly easier to discuss more emotional things with you but..." she shrugged, then took a spot on the large couch behind her, snuggling the kitten ever closely. "This is different."

"It's just annoying that everyone knows and I don't. If it's really important I think I should know."

Kori smiled now, finding his frustration never more adorable. His stunning eyes glowing back at her in the dim lighting around them. Patting the empty spot beside her on the couch she said, "True, but you should just take pride in the fact that you're the only one who is immune to my anger when in most situations; like now, I'm not the least bit upset with you." She giggled as he sat beside her and even though her words had clearly not satisfied his desire to understand, she brushed it aside. "Richard, one day I'll tell you but for right now... I just want to leave it alone."

Leaning back in the couch, he exhaled slowly. She was more stubborn sometimes then even he; a fact which he found most frustrating. "Alright, fine... " he turned to her in his seat now, a hand laid out at the backing of the couch. "So... this is Silkie?"

Kori beamed a smile up at him. "Do you want to hold him?"

"Uh..."

"Come on, he'll love you." She said, setting the kitten into his lap, his hands scrambling nervously to situate the small animal. The sight of him so flustered caused another giggle from Kori. "See, he loves you, and you have never looked so manly holding him."

Richard rolled his eyes. "Thanks."

Kori paused, jumping in her own skin slightly as she found herself staring at Silkie in Richard's strong hands with doting eyes. Clearing her throat she said, "So... did you want to stay?" He immediately looked to her in surprise, that arched brow raised in surprise. "No, I mean... I'm only saying that if you didn't want to drive back tonight you could... I mean, if you wanted to ..."

"You're adorable when you're nervous." He chuckled, his attention focused on Silkie as his fingers scratched behind the kittens ear. "I prefer to stay..." he looked to her with a childish grin."... if... I mean,... you know... if you don't mind me staying, or... I mean..."

Kori rolled her eyes. It was obvious he was teasing her but she realized in a moment where she had previously been furious with fate itself... it sure seemed fate had brought Richard to her and perhaps Gar was just a consequence in relation to such happiness to which she felt in this precise moment. Either way, whether her guard was up around him or not she couldn't help but allow herself to enjoy moments such as these; Richard flirting as if it were the casual thing to do, and her sitting back trying to resist him. The only issue now was tomorrow but she would deal with that as it came, Richard at her side giving her confidence whether he was aware of it or not.

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