Chapter Nine: Progress

"There better be a round of shots waiting for us!" Karen's loud voice carried on over the rambunctious crowd of the club around them as the four trudged toward the table where the guys waited for them.

"You know there is." Vic said with a smile, lifting a shot in hand and holding it out toward Karen, greeting her with a light peck on the cheek.

As everyone gathered around the small table, they each raised a shot to the air, Wally speaking now. "Alright... I would just like to take this time to draw attention to the fact that all of us haven't been in the same room let alone the same state for years and tonight..."

"We're gonna party like its college all over again!" Karen cheered.

Wally chuckled. "Yes well... " he paused looking to Kori. She scrunched her body slightly in an embarrassed cower as everyone followed Wally's suit and gazed at her now. "I'd like to dedicate this night to the one and only... Kori Anders to which this night would not be possible without. It's good to see you again you crazy bitch."

"Let's just hope she can keep her clothes on tonight," Rachel added with a brief smile to which Kori rolled her eyes in response.

"No making out with the bartender," Vic teased, Kori's blush suddenly deepening in shades of red; her mind praying this taunt would be over soon.

"Or passing out in public restrooms leaving your friends and family worried about where you disappeared to," Ryan added in a disappointed mumble, Kori avoiding everyone's gaze now.

Kori narrowed her eyes, anticipating the worst as Roy cleared his throat in an obvious act to assert himself. "To keeping the memories coming after a long pause of two years without being in the company of all of us wonderful people here and now." He chuckled. "Memories that are hopefully not completely blacked out by the events of tonight when morning comes rolling around, hangover and all."

"To being together again... all of us, if only for the holidays." Gar said, adding a more endearing perspective and less direct attack of Kori.

Kori released a heavy sigh, her head shaking back at everyone with a giggle. "Well, I'm glad I decided to finally come back to Gotham. I'm glad I could be here again with all of you lovely people." She cleared her throat, moving her shot glass higher. "To old friends..." she paused nudging Richard in the side playfully. "... and new."

"Cheers!" Wally shouted enthusiastically.

With a giggle from Kori and a ringing of cheers that followed, everyone crashed their shot glasses together mid-air in the center of the table then downed them with ease.

"Hell yea!" Came Karen's dominating voice as a new song began to echo off the walls. She looked to Rachel and Kori with excitement in her eyes. "Lets do this."

"What about me?" Vic asked.

Karen rolled her eyes, then placing a sweet kiss against the lips she gave him an unapologetic shrug. "We have all night. Right now it's time for the trifecta to take storm."

With this the three girls, aside from the grunt of annoyance that came from Rachel, moved to the dance floor their bodies swaying to the music excited for the night to begin.

"Well..." Ryan said, looking to the others that remained gathered around the table. "It seems like Kori is happy."

Vic rubbed at his large brown eyes. "Yea... she needs tonight to be good more than any of us. As the last night of the holiday weekend she deserves a night out with all of us." He narrowed his eyes over Roy. "... without drama."

Roy lifted his hands out his sides defensively. "I'm not going to do anything."

"Good, because you've done enough."

"He's right," Gar confirmed Vic's sudden disappointment with Roy. "I heard what you did to Dick." He chuckled slightly at the sight of the darkened bruise beneath Richard's eye. "I spoke to Kori about it earlier... she's pissed with you so I would play it safe and avoid her tonight before you make things worse on yourself."

Roy sighed, sarcasm coating his words. "So you and Kori are all close again... great."

With this Richard found interest in the conversation. "What did she say?"

Gar hesitated, coming to realize this moment as the first real glimpse of Richard's interest in Kori; now it was only time to tell whether it was innocent interest or not. Clearing his throat he said, "Nothing, just that if she ever found out you two were fighting again she wouldn't speak to either of you."

This brought tense shoulders to both Roy and Richard who exchanged awkward glances before Richard spoke again. "She was really that upset?"

Gar nodded, leaning back in his chair, a feeling of satisfaction sparked by the vulnerability in which Richard's eager inquiring continued to deliver to him. "Yep. She said she hadn't the chance to speak to Roy personally..." he looked to Roy with a glare. "... about the situation yet but I'd guess she has a few heated words prepared."

With a sigh Roy dipped his head. "I can't believe this. How could she really be all that upset with me? Can't she understand why I hit him?"

Gar laughed. "Oh don't misinterpret my words, she's not upset, she's furious. For some reason she's taken a liking to 'Richard' here, and while their friendship is still brand new you've managed to hurt him because of her. She blames herself and you..." he pointed aggressively at Roy. "... you are not in her good graces and I suggest you be careful with how you respond to what ever she has to say to you."

"Oh knock it off Dick," Roy said with a roll of his eyes as Richard chuckled to himself. "Kori was mine once and it's only a matter of time before it's that way again."

"I wouldn't be too sure. Apparently she's got her heart set on someone else."

As Gar said this, Richard found himself even more enthralled in the conversation. Running a hand over his mouth he straightened his posture then asked, "Who?"

Gar hesitated noticing everyone aside form himself and Richard becoming more aggravated by his words. They expected him to say Richard and while it was the truth he would rather avoid any further confrontation where Kori was concerned. Lifting his drink to his lips Gar shrugged carelessly. "I don't know."

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"Woohoo," Wally cheered, gripping an arm around Kori's waist and puling her into him as the girls finally returned after a long while spent dancing, all of them with scarce breath at their exhaustion. "Just the girl I was waiting for." She rolled her eyes as Wally took her hand into his. "Dance with me."

"Hold on I need a drink."

"Fine, but hurry I've been here an hour already waiting for you to help me out a little here."

"So your alternate wingman..." she passed a glance to Richard, the effects of alcohol running sharply in her mind, her behavior slightly more flirtatious. "... is he no longer capable of fulfilling his duties correctly?"

Richard exhaled curtly, more annoyed with the personal contact Wally continued to keep tight on Kori.

"No he isn't. He's giving a bad name to us playboys actually. All he's done all night is stay slouched over his drink." Wally sigh with forced disappointment. "A waste of talent if you ask me."

"Alright... let's do this," Kori paused, taking two of the shots that remained on the small table, downing them quickly then allowing Wally to lead her to the dance floor.

"What is your deal?" Rachel's normal drone of a voice amplified itself with a slur.

Richard looked to her with a shrug. "Nothing. I'm having a great time."

"This is your first night out on the town being single... and you're just sitting there."

"Ahh, leave him alone," Gar said, a 'thank you' glance being given to him by Richard. The two men both knowing his reason for such strange behavior.

"Shit," Rachel said with a sigh, her phone going off from her pocket. "It's the hospital. I'll be right back."

It was now that Gar focused his attention on Richard closely. He could tell that he had continued to keep a constant, disapproving gaze on Kori as she danced seductively against Wally. He scanned over the faces of the table now. Rachel was off in one of the corners on her phone, Ryan was flirting with a skinny brunette in the short distance, Roy had disappeared to the bar once more and Vic and Karen were in the middle of a heavy make out session so he took this opportunity to revisit a certain conversation that had previously been brushed aside. "So... 'Richard'..."

Richard paused, acknowledging Gar quickly then returning his gaze to Kori on the dance floor.

"So its strange how things work out, huh? You and Kori finally meeting after all these years." He laughed.

"Yea."

Finding Richard's anger and overall distraction of watching Kori in the arms of someone else, Gar broke into laughter. It was obvious enough that he was far too interested in Kori by the lack of conversation he allowed to pursue with the several woman that approached him throughout the night, having ignored their existence entirely before receding into heavily drinking.

"What's so funny?" Richard glared, he didn't need any other reason to be irritated then the fact that Kori, while innocently dancing to help Wally, was being far too affectionate for his taste, and it was because of this that he would gladly agree to join any argument if only to give himself a chance to release said anger.

The glare Richard had focused on him now only made Gar find more humor in this moment. Scratching at his brow, he said, "Nothing... nothing at all." He paused lifting his beer to his lips. "So,... do you know who this guy is that Kori's crushing on?"

"What?" Richard asked, his anger suddenly fading replaced by shock at the fact that Kori would have confided any amount of feelings to Gar who she was said to be at odds with. Clearing his throat he said, "What did she say? I mean I thought you said she didn't say anything about him?" The childlike, lopsided grin that stared back at Richard was enough to return his frustration; was he really not going to tell him?

"She didn't say much," Gar said, his gaze finding Kori in the crowd. "Just that she was hesitant."

Richard rolled his eyes, he already knew that, Kori had already made herself perfectly clear that she wasn't ready for a relationship, what he wanted was information he wasn't already aware of. Leaning forward in his chair feeling far to anxious, Richard lowered his voice. "What did she say? I mean, did she say who it was?"

Gar shrugged. "No, only that she really liked him and that there was just a few things holding her back."

"Like what?"

"I don't know..."

"Come on, either she told you or she didn't." Richard growled, his brows burrowing.

"Well, just that..."

"That was fun," Came Kori's giggle of a voice as she returned to the table beside Wally.

"That was quick," Gar said.

"For good reason. Here we go," Wally said, turning to acknowledge a blonde beauty that approached now. He fixed a hand around Kori and smiled, a smile that faded as the blonde turned to Richard.

"Dick Grayson... its been a while since you've been single." She smiled seductively, Richard rolling his eyes in reply, finding more interest in his drink now. The girl cleared her throat, leaning toward him with a finger tracing over his hand which remained within his lap. "How about a dance?"

Richard paused, looking passed the girl to Kori who had previously been awaiting his reply and was now nervously looking to Wally trying to spark conversation. With a sigh, he looked to the girl. "Sorry, I'm not interested."

"Come on... since when is a playboy not interested in..."

"I said I'm not." Richard said firmly, the girl flinching slightly at the sudden frustration in his voice.

As the girl turned to the others at the table Wally gave her a smile. "Can I get you a drink?"

The girl smiled, Wally instantly taking her hand pulling her back toward the bar, giving Richard a thumbs up. With this sudden silence, Kori turned to Gar, taking his beer and downing the last of it.

"I could have got you your own you know?" Gar laughed. "You might want to slow down, we all know how crazy you get when you drink."

Kori wiped at her mouth and inhaled deeply, placing a hand upon her waist. "Do not think for one moment that you know anything about me anymore." She giggled tossing her arms around Gar in a bone crushing hug. "Its been a long time Gar."

"Oh, so I can go ahead and assume you wont be dancing on any tables tonight?"

Kori rolled her eyes. "That was a long time ago Gar and it was one... okay, maybe two times."

"I'll get you a new drink." Gar paused. "Another round, Dick?"

As he nodded, Gar separated himself from the two, Richard's gaze finally meeting Kori's.

Kori cleared her throat, just the sight of him staring back at her screamed danger in her mind. She knew she should probably continue her attempt at avoiding him for the rest of the night but he looked to attractive to him, his eyes slightly bloodshot merely adding to the luminescent glow of their azure tint. "So, I would ask you to dance but Rachel has made it very clear you would not accept the offer."

Richard smirked, placing a hand on her waist and bringing her closer to him. "You look amazing tonight, you know that?"

Kori's brow arched. "And you, Mr. Grayson, are far more drunk than I initially assumed." She smiled allowing Richard to get a better grip around her waist, his eyes wandering over her now.

"I wont deny it."

Kori giggled as he lifted a hand to her cheek, feeling slightly more courageous than usual. Even as Kori became somewhat hesitant, he leaned forward, pulling her face toward his as his lips crept toward hers.

"Kori?"

The two separated, Kori turning to find Garth approaching her with a flirtatious gleam in his eye. Swallowing hard she averted her gaze from Richard. This could not end well. "Garth!" She answered back quickly, Richard suddenly becoming somewhat suspicious as Kori's behavior became distant and hesitant toward him.

"Hey Dick. I wasn't sure you'd be here tonight." Garth said with a charming smile to Kori. "I heard you were back to playing the field, finally dumped that Barb girl?"

Kori laughed. "I mistook her name for Barb once too but its Babs."

Garth gave a brief shrug then leaned his elbows against the table, migrating closer to her. "Right... well, I hope Karen spoke to you."

Unable to stop herself from sending an otherwise silent Richard a nervous glance she cleared her throat. "She did."

"And?" Garth smiled.

"I ... uh," Running a hand through her hair she brought her gaze down at her drink resting on the table; her mind struggling to find a reply with as little detail as possible. "I'm looking forward to it."

Listening to Garth as he spoke again Kori couldn't help but feel uneasy under the spotlight glare that formed across Richard's features. It was clear that he was slowly putting the pieces together where she and Garth were concerned but there was no stopping it. She knew Garth certainly didn't deserve a cold shoulder merely because she had feelings for Richard not him, which only made this situation even harder to be apart of.

"I just can't believe you're actually single." Garth continued with a laugh. "You were the most sought after girl in college but irrefutably untouchable because of Roy Harper and look at you now..." he shook his head, Richard's patience for this conversation thinning as he observed Garth's eyes trailing up and down Kori's figure. "... you're single, hotter than ever and for one evening... I get your undivided attention."

"What is he talking about?" Richard asked with bit back rage.

Kori released a nervous giggle, placing a hand on Garth's shoulder. "Nothing...umm, Garth dance with me?"

"I got drinks." Gar said, returning to the table passing Kori as Garth as they stepped around him. "Oh... she found another dance partner?" His laughter died out as the scowl on Richard became realized. Sinking down into his seat Gar sighed. "I guess you heard about the date, huh?"

"What date?" Richard seethed. "Garth and Kori?"

"I thought you knew." Gar replied, a hand running down the length of his face.

"Why would she..." a growl of frustration surfaced. "When is this date?"

"I don't..."

"Cut the shit Gar." He demanded, a fist clenched at his side beneath the table, his jealousy burning a fiercer green within his veins.

Gar hesitated, studying Richards expression and the extent of anger that developed over him. With a drawn out sigh he scratched at his brow, well aware Kori would not be pleased with what he was about to say. "In a few days but..."

"When?"

"Thursday."

Richard hesitated,receding into his mind, entertaining an insane amount of thoughts on the subject before standing. He had previously managed to convince himself that his feelings for Kori were one-sided but apparently she needed more persuasion. Was he upset with her? He hadn't decided, but what ever this feeling was that consumed him... he didn't like it. He downed another shot before he took to the dance floor, finding the sight of Garth's confident hands exploring Kori's waist never more infuriating. He wasn't sure what he'd say or do but he wanted to bring an end to what ever was going on between Kori and Garth, no matter the cost.

"Richard!" Kori squealed in surprise as he took her hand. "You startled me."

"Gar's back with the drinks. I think we're going to finish one last round before heading home."

"Oh, uh..." She paused passing a glance to Garth who stared back at Richard annoyed. "I guess..."

"She can stay here with me if she wants. I can give her a ride home later." Garth said, noticing and otherwise being irritated at the sight of Richard and Kori's hands intertwined; Kori having no objection to the matter.

"I doubt she's interested," Richard quipped, slowly bringing Kori toward him.

Garth chuckled. "I think she can answer for herself."

Kori's eyes widened, both guys looking to her in anticipation of her response. "I... I think we should get back to Gar and finish our drinks."

Richard returned to his seat on the tall bar stool before the table, his eyes never leaving Garth in a glare. In his head, he was waiting. Waiting for a reason to lunge at him, almost wanting him to step out of line, all it would take would be for Garth to set a gaze on Kori with a look he wasn't okay with and he would make his interest in Kori known, officially announcing to Garth, without words, that she was off-limits. He had decided there was no way Kori would want to go on that date come Thursday and he would do everything possible to ensure this.

Kori inhaled deeply as Garth placed a hand against her arm, tracing a finger down her skin gently. It was only as she felt Richard suddenly place a hand upon her waist again and pull her closer to him, leaving his arm around her possessively that she practically jumped out of her own skin. It was one thing to be jealous and discuss his disapproval of what ever was going on between her and Garth and entirely another to act so protective of her. In a way, she felt somewhat pleased with this gesture, she would be lying to herself if she didn't find Richard's jealousy somewhat sweet. Looking back at him she watched as his unflinching gaze stabbed back at Garth's very existence.

"So... you gonna stay with me or..." Garth began, his voice trailing off.

At his words Kori acknowledged Richard's hold on her tightening, his expression darken in Garth's direction with a heavy sigh. "I..." She paused as Richard looked to her now, his eyes anxious for her reply to be in his favor. "Sorry Garth. I'll see you later this week."

"Come on..." he pleaded in disappointment.

"It's just..." She hesitated at the sensation of Richard tensing now. To calm him, and even herself, she lowered herself back onto his lap, giving a sweet giggle. "Me and my friends are in the middle of this traditional holiday weekend thing... so..."

"I understand." He finished his beer then gave her one last smile before leaving. "I'll call you."

As Garth's figure faded into the distant crowd Kori shut her eyes. The stress she felt consumed in completely faded as Richard laced both arms around her now in a warm embrace, the presence of his lips against her cheek in a small peck followed by his suave voice as it whispered into her ear. "That's my girl."

As he said this Kori's heart jumped within her chest. With a small smile she turned her head toward him. "You have definitely had far too much to drink."

Bringing both of her legs to one side of his lap, he smiled and his hands moved up and down her sides, his eyes coated with desire now. "I hardly think so." He fell silent as she giggled and allowed himself to absorb the effect her large beautiful eyes rolling at him in amusement had over him. He didn't even question how drawn he felt to her now, logic once again falling short of acknowledgement. He swallowed hard as her skin shuttered beneath his touch, his thumb caressing her cheek now. "I told myself I wouldn't kiss you again without your permission... but it's proving to be a bit of a struggle for me right now."

Kori's breath hitched. There was nothing she wanted more than to feel his soft lips against hers once more but the specific crowd surrounding them made her resist him; no mater how difficult it was. Which became even more difficult as he leaned toward her, his lips brushing ever so softly across hers in a held back purse.

"Kor," Gar said quickly, trying to draw her attention before Rachel returned.

"We should go," Kori said standing.

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It was long after everyone had returned to the Manor and gone to bed that Kori had returned to her room unintentionally leaving the door ajar as she entered. She squealed as Silkie, who had been waiting for her all day to return within her room, suddenly raced out and down the hallway. She peaked her head into the hallway calling out to the small animal but he continued to prance through the corridor. Bringing her voice to a whisper, Kori tiptoed down the hallway trying to keep up with the kitten while her mind was feeling slightly dazed from the alcohol.

The kitten turned a long corner, Kori giving all her strength to follow him without being so loud as to wake everyone. She was becoming fairly nervous when Silkie pounced into the light of one of the rooms at the end of the hallway. The door was open and a light on but it was empty. Kori peeked into the room announcing herself and praying it was not someones room in which she was not supposed to be in.

Finding no one she spotted Silkie disappear beneath the bed. Bringing her voice to a more rushed whisper she carefully knelt beside the bed, tucking her head beneath the veil of blankets that flung over the side. Spotting the kitten curled in a small ball and playing with a small string that hung from the center of the wooden frame Kori called out to him.

"Please Silkie, we are not supposed to be in here." She reached her hand out to him but was barely without reach of him. "Silkie please... come here my darling. I promised Richard I would not allow you to misbehave and this..."

"Kori?"

Kori jumped slightly, her head hitting the bed frame. She slowly removed herself from beneath the bed and turned to find Richard standing with a glass of water, his eyes narrowed.

"Richard..." she breathed nervously.

"What are you doing?" He laughed, the mere sight of her previously with her head tucked beneath his bed, and her small frame angled was enough to excite him.

Her frantic gaze continued to avoid his, her fingers fidgeting within her lap as she sat now beside the edge of the bed. "I... well,..." she released a heavy sigh, her head dipping. "I am sorry I just... Silkie ran in here and I was trying to ..."

As he chuckled she fell silent her head tilted to the side as he made his way toward her. "Is he under the bed?" As Kori nodded, Richard knelt beside her and lifting the covers, searched beneath the bed for the kitten. As he spotted him, he reached a hand out to the him. "Silkie..." he called playfully, a few small clicks sounding from his mouth as he tried to coax the cat out.

Kori's eyes widened as Silkie immediately responded by running toward Richard. Lifting the cat into his arms, he stood, extending his free hand down to Kori and helped her to her feet.

"I am sorry Richard. I ..."

"It's alright, don't worry about it." He smiled and sat back upon the bed against the headboard, Silkie still in hand and leaving Kori to become rather nervous beside him; unsure of what to really do with herself. Noticing her discomfort Richard looked to her then patted to the empty space beside him. "Sit." Kori glanced around the room as if there was someone watching and judging her but her mind fell silent as Richard pulled at her hand until she remained on the bed beside him. "Not tired?"

"Huh?" Kori said, someone transfixed in the adorable sight before her. Richard playing with Silkie and the innocent Kitten trying to claw at his gentle attacks.

Richard paused, looking to Kori. "Are you having trouble sleeping?"

"Oh... I guess."

"Is this about Gar?"

With this Kori exhaled slowly, slouching back into the bed, Richard otherwise satisfied that she was at the very least becoming more comfortable with him. "I don't think so." She extended a hand to Silkie, running a finger down the length of his small nose, a giggle escaping her as the kitten suddenly shut his eyes, snuggling its head closer to Richard's chest. "I think he likes you."

Richard smiled. "I am pretty great."

Kori rolled her eyes. "Is this the arrogant Dick Grayson I am finally meeting?"

Richard sighed. "Come on, I was only joking." He paused as Kori leaned her head back against the pillows beside them. "You know you can talk to me about Gar right?"

Kori's eyes met his and the urge to vent to him became too strong to hold back. Leaning forward into a more upright seated position she crossed her legs, turning her body toward him. "Alright,... here's the deal." She lowered her gaze to her hands which were moving rapidly in front of her as she began to dive into her explanation. "Gar is... amazing. He's a great friend and I really am happy to see him. I really am, but... there are certain aspects of his and my relationship that..."

"Relationship?"

Kori paused, looking to Richard. "Oh... no, I meant friendship. Sorry, " she giggled. "No, he and I used to be really close but, then certain things happened, you know, my parents being gone and... and I don't know he and I... I mean,... the last time I even spoke to him was a very ... very, dark day and I suppose that's why I'm a little nervous. I guess I'm afraid he'll be just like everyone else and judge every small thing I do. So far he isn't but... it's too soon to really tell."

"Who cares what he thinks of you Kori. There are plenty of people who love you just the way you are."

Kori blushed slightly, then returning her attention to Silkie, she leaned forward, Richard getting chills as he felt her breath rush over him and never more excited to be in Silkie's possession. Kori's body leaned over his slightly, one hand resting on the bed just beside his leg, and the other ruffling the now slumbering kitten's fur. With a heavy sigh she said, "He really does like you."

Richard smiled. "I guess I should thank him then."

Kori looked to him confused. "What for?"

He stared back at her with a smirk. "I wanted to see you tonight and because of this little guy..." he ran a hand along Silkie's back, a loud purr sounding. "... I get to."

"Are you sure I'm not bothering you? I mean, I really had no idea this was your room or... I just... I mean I can understand if I'm intruding."

"No... calm down." Richard laughed. "I was just going to watch a movie because I can't sleep." He smiled. "Wanna join me?"

Kori's eyes narrowed. "You're being very flir..."

"Friendly?"

Kori hesitated, then situating herself beside him once again, she sighed. "Something like that." She paused, a little confused that Silkie was able to remain comfortable with Richard when normally he was so careless and dismissive to others.

Noticing her staring at Silkie awkwardly, Richard smiled. "Are you jealous he might like me better?"

Kori rolled her eyes. "No way, he will always love me more."

Richard smiled. "I'm only kidding Kor." Pausing he lifted Silkie into his hands once more and gently placed him on Kori's lap. As Kori began to pet the small animal Silkie suddenly awoke looking to Richard with an adorable meow. Richard laughed. "I think that answers the question right there."

Kori gave a sad pout as Silkie rushed away from her and returned to the spot against Richard's chest. "I guess so."

Without even thinking Richard fell consumed by her sweet innocence and leaned forward, giving a kiss to her cheek, then pulled her toward him with an arm around her. "It's alright, we can share custody rights."

Kori rolled her eyes, elbowing him in the side now. "Very funny. What movie are we watching?"

They sat for a long while, the movie being a comedy, by Richard's choice, and for a good reason. All he wanted was to hear her giggle, and throughout the entire movie she did, unable to suppress even the smallest amount of laughter. Within the middle of the movie there was even a progressive change in the body language. Kori was initially slightly hesitant, but as the movie continued, her laughter causing her to hug at her knees, until she allowed them to rest at and angle against Richard's lap. She began to pull them away as she realized what she was doing but before she could Richard wrapped an arm around them, running his hand up and down her bare skin now. It wasn't until Silkie suddenly started meowing, that Kori looked to Richard.

"What?"

"He needs to go out."

"Oh..." Richard said, standing. He handed Kori the kitten then took her hand leading her down the hallway of the Manor. Reaching the back door he paused. "What are you doing? It's freezing outside."

"I don't even know how to find my room in this maze of hallways and that's where my sweater is. Its fine I'll be quick."

Rolling his eyes, he draped his thick coat over her and led her outside. She released Silkie to the ground watching him closely as he took off into the distance. Shivering she looked to Richard. "You have to be freezing. I'm shaking and I'm wearing your jacket."

Stepping to her, he wrapped his arms around her, rubbing his hands at her back to keep her warm. "Better?" There was an awkward silence that hung over them, both looking out to the night sky before Richard spoke once more. He wanted to enjoy the closeness between them in this moment but there was still one very important issue stabbing at the back of his mind. "So, I heard you have a date with Garth later this week."

Kori's eyes widened. A part of her knew this wouldn't have stayed a secret for long but she was in no way prepared to have this discussion right now, her mind still swirling from the alcohol. The disappointment on his face only making this moment worse for her. "It's not what you think."

He licked at his lips, his gaze persistent in piercing hers, hopefully giving off the extent of how upset he was over this. "I still don't like it."

The satisfaction she felt from his words, the sheer desire he had for her lingered over her thoughts and it was more than she could bear. Her gaze receded to the ground, her feet never more exciting to her. "I know. I don't either."

"Then why agree to it?" he asked, utterly confused by her response, not actually expecting her to answer back in his favor. Kori swallowed down her nerves as she caught him shake his head in the corner of her eye, his voice sounding never more hurt. "You obviously neglected to tell me about this because you knew it would bother me." He moved ever closer to her, forcing her gaze to meet his. "And it does."

At the intense clash of her emeralds meeting his sapphires, she immediately felt the urge to break down. The amount of hurt and betrayal that stung back at her from his features caused her to physically flinch; never feeling more vulnerable before him; never wanting more than to comfort him. "I'm doing this to get Rachel and Karen off my case about you." She smiled sympathetically, placing a hand gently against his cheek. "That's all."

Richard hesitated. Whether it was an innocent date or not, he didn't approve of it and no amount of excuses would convince him otherwise. "I still don't like it." He leaned his body closer to hers, his hands inviting themselves upon her hips. His eyes focused on hers one last time before he inched closer to her, his lips bestowing a soft kiss to the sensitive skin on her neck, her body responding hesitantly. Placing one hand at the back of her neck he kissed at her skin once more, welcoming her small whimper of satisfaction with a small smile. "I know its selfish ..." his lips inched higher, slowly making their way to her cheek before he paused, his eyes dominating over hers once more. "... but I just want you to myself."

Kori's eyes shut, whether it was an action induced by the alcohol or not, she was buying into his charm. "I know." She said breathlessly.

"So..." he said in a seductive rasp of a tone, kissing at the corner of her mouth now, his eyes still focused in a type of trance against hers. "... what would you have me do in this situation?"

Hesitation was something she was easily growing tired of in similar instances such as this one. Her entire body was craving his touch so why she continued to resist him only frustrated her in this moment. She just stared up at him, him staring back at her as if begging her to give him the okay to progress his kiss. It was as he glanced down at her mouth, a small smirk forming that she opened her mouth to speak. It was obvious, she knew, that he could feel her barriers slowly crumbling against his expectant silence, the only other thought on her mind was this... if this was in fact a game to him, who was she to ignore such a perfectly strategic play? She found that she was undeniably drawn to him with the strength of an intensity she was actually willing to risk being hurt over just to satisfy her craving for him. She was his in this moment, she knew it and apart of her was certain he did as well.

Swallowing hard she raised her slightly shaky hands to the back of his neck, her eyes fluttering to his lips now admiring that heart stopping smirk that stared back at her. She was struggling with an internal battle now. Go for it and just kiss him?... or not? Yes or no? Cause drama or ignore it? Dissolve the barrier of hesitation between them or not?

Her breath hitched in her throat as she frantically glanced back and forth between his eyes then to his lips, her face slowly gravitating toward him. What made this situation only more difficult was the fact that he merely studied her expression, her hesitance, her body slowly caving in to desire. She paused once more, biting at her bottom lip in a moment more of thought before she raised herself onto her tiptoes, her eyes giving way as she connected her lips to his. Now, while it had taken much thought, on her part, as well as hesitation, there was in no way, not even in a fragment of a second that he hesitated to respond to her kiss, deepening it instantly.

Her brows burrowed at his touch, his body backing her into the wooden railing behind her, their breathing becoming heavy against the whims of passion being exerted back and forth from one another as he cupped her cheek deepening the kiss ever more. She couldn't suppress the small whimper she breathed into his mouth as his tongue found hers, a meeting of euphoric proportions which only amplified as his body dipped slightly, his strong arms lifting her from the ground with ease and gently placing her atop the wooden railing that stretched along the back porch, her presence slightly angled higher than him now. He smiled against her lips as she locked her ankles around the back of him, drawing him closer to her, their kiss managing to remain somewhat gentle yet heated with passion; pent-up emotions being traded for desired, more intimate, acknowledgement.

The spark, or whatever you would prefer to call it, it doesn't matter, but what did ignite between them was far too vibrant to ignore any longer. The moment her lips collided with his, Richard was instantly in control; she was now his pawn to play as he wished. The realization brought a giggled from her, vibrating sweetly against his lips as he brought his arms tighter around her.

Suddenly, Kori tightened her grip on Richard's shoulders as she felt herself slipping back off the balcony railing, and only giggled as Richard's' arms returned her to him, speaking to her between purses. "I wouldn't let you fall."

It would only be Silkie's loud meow of a return that would bring their interactions to a halt. Kori looked to the kitten that clawed at Richard's leg, he reached down and lift the kitten into his hands. Accepting the kitten, Kori smiled up at Richard, accepting another prolonged kiss from him as he lifted her from the railing and lowered her to her feet once more. Kori was more thrilled as Richard took her hand clasping it tightly as he led her back into the Manor.

There was no way to know what would happen with them now; Kori unsure what he would do with the sudden change in their 'relationship', and while she was unsure of what to expect Richard was never more satisfied; the idea of what was truly blossoming between them had been heightened, confirmed, in one kiss, a kiss he would not apologize for; a kiss he was sure meant that she was now his.

"You hungry?" He asked, stopping in the kitchen, a permanent blush overwhelming each of them at this point; both still suffering from the magnitude of emotion that had yet to die down between them.

He laughed as Kori's eyes went wide, her free hand over her stomach now. "Starving."

With a laugh they returned to his room, sitting on the bed each with a plate of a slice of pizza at hand as they resumed the movie. Taking a bite of pizza, Kori giggled. "This movie is the best."

"I can't believe you've never seen it, it's a classic."

Kori wiped at her mouth, laughing at another scene as it played out on the flat screen. "I don't know. I've been a little behind in the movie world."

Handing her a water bottle, he watched as she drank. "I'm really glad you stumbled into my room tonight."

Kori smiled, handing the bottle back, with a satisfied smile as he drank from it. "Me too. Although, you should really thank Silkie. I had no idea this was even your room. I am having fun though."

"No regrets this time around?"

As Kori lowered her plate to her lap, leaning back upon the headboard with a sigh, Richard smiled. She was well aware he was referring to their moment on the back porch and even as she had more of clear head in this moment to think it over she didn't regret it. "No... " she leaned toward him, assuring his questionable demeanor with another kiss. "...not at all."

"Then stay with me tonight."

Kori cocked a brow. "I don't know if that such a good idea. Come morning everyone will be..."

Discarding the empty plates between them now Richard kissed her once more, a hand at her waist as she pulled her body toward his, his hovering over hers now. "Stay."

Kori hesitated, watching closely as his eyes wandered over her, his hand wandering at her side now. "Richard... if you think I'm going to just..."

"Stop right there." He said, the seriousness on his face far too stern for her to question. His eyes locked onto hers. "Kori... I told you I wanted an actual relationship with you so... don't think for one second that I would rush into things." He sighed, running the back of his hand across her cheek, a more playful gleam taking over his gaze. "I give you my word I will remain strong to resist any and all attempt you make to seduce me into sleeping with you." Kori rolled her eyes, shoving at his shoulder. "I'm well aware of my reputation but I refuse to be someone you use just for sex."

"Alright..." Kori giggled. She placed her arms around his neck and pulled him in for another kiss. "I'll stay."

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