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The city was running around like normal, people barely stopping to notice anyone or anything. Even a girl holding hands with none other than Dick Grayson. It seemed that people either did not know him, or they did not bother to care. He was not Bruce—who always attracted attention. Dick was another story completely, so different than what his playboy adoptive father sought him out to be. I was one of the lucky ones to truly begin to know the real him. Of course, he still did get some stares, he was Dick Grayson after all, but I assume they ignored him if he was in uniform.
Dick had taken me to the China district, having opted out of going to the library. Finding it nearly impossible to study after learning in full detail what happened with Kitten from Jason. As Jason told of how he was "Kori's knight in shining armor", always coming to the rescue. Which had Dick seething, and me annoyed. I did not need saving. He grabbed my hand and bag, pulling me behind him in confusion.
"Dick where are we going?" I had asked confused.
"Away from your 'knight in shining armor,'" he played it off as a joke, lopsided smile to match. However, it was plain to see Jason had upset him.
Here we found ourselves at the market, looking at all the interesting fruits and fish. Never before had I seen a 'blobfish,' it looked like a sad creature that had been stung by a bee too many times and suffered from a horrible allergic reaction! Alongside it were other interesting fish and sea creatures alike. Dick tried to explain all the types of foods in the market, as well as having me taste this interesting drink called milk tea. Which had these soft beans in it; I still cannot decide if I like it or not.
He and I sat down in the Milk Café drinking our teas and laughing about simple things. He seemed to know exactly how to make me smile, never making me feel stupid or using me for personal gain. It was honestly weird not having someone use me, that is how my life had always been. It made sense…for a while. Although it was never fair, I just dealt with it because that was all you can do sometimes.
"I'm not kidding." Dick said crossing his arms, "she tried to force me to go to prom with her." He said recalling a memory about Kitten, cringing at the thought.
"How so?"
"She got her father, whose this Entomologist dealing with moths in particular, to talk to Bruce at one of their fundraisers." He huffed at the memory, "I was so mad at Bruce."
"How did he convince Bruce to have you to take her?" I said sipping my milk tea.
"Almost take her," he said with a smirk, "and the guy promised to donate a shit ton of money to the orphanage."
My brow formed into concerned lines, as well as my mouth hanging slightly agape "did he not give the money?"
"I mean he did, but I couldn't take her. She's… just not nice." He said uncrossing one of his arms to take his tea.
Kitten was everything but nice from what I've experienced from her and heard. It was not like Dick to be spreading false gossip, so I believed him. As I sat drinking my tea I compared how drastically my life had changed since I met him. It was like Dick Grayson changed everything, and it felt like for the better. I know it was not him that actually changed everything, but he held a door open for me that I previously did not have, or saw no light in. By him helping me get in to GA, my whole world shifted. Not to mention that my step-father was getting worse—I had, had enough of him.
Rarely do I let my mind drift back to him, yet it happens more than planned; the way he must have freaked out knowing I didn't come home, I cannot imagine the damage done to the rooms. Now he has no one to take care of him. He probably hurt someone in the process, maybe shot another friend. Worrying about that however did me no good, it was not certain and only brought unwanted guilt.
To distract myself I thought about tonight at the mansion, my first night as a resident there. "Dick should we not be getting back?" Although we had not started out at the Manor, he understood what I was saying.
"I guess we should, you probably have homework that I have been distracting you from," he said with a slight chuckle "what a poor role model."
"Oh yes, I shall alert the dean," I said giggling behind my hand. He shook his head in laughter and reached across the table to squeeze my hand before disposing of his empty drink.
Both of us walked over to the parking lot where his motorcycle sat, two helmets sitting there to protect us. "Here Kori," he said handing me a black helmet, securing our bags into the compartments of his bike.
"Richard," I said nervously, "I am…well I have never ridden a motorcycle in the city before."
He beamed, "oh you'll love it Kori! Plus it is not that different then when I rode you home that one time." I nodded remembering, truly it was not the bike that worried me but the city that was alive. I was excited to ride the motorcycle again though, maybe one day I would be able to ride one on my own.
He straddled the bike, "all you have to do is hold on, don't worry I know what I am doing."
I rose a brow, teasing "most people who say they know what they are doing, do the opposite."
"That's because there cocky."
"And you are not?" I cheeked.
Smirking he shook his head, "never."
I bit my lip then allowed myself to straddle the bike, copying his movements and when he turned the gas I yelped and grabbed him tight. Not expecting him to go so fast so sudden. Dick laughed the whole time. I had to admit being on the motor cycle was exhilarating. The way the wind felt on my exposed skin, and how close I was to Dick. Pressed up against his back with my arms around his chest. Before they were clenched in fright at how close other cars came to us, now I relaxed enjoying the world swoosh by me as we approached more open roads.
Too soon the Wayne Mansion's long drive appeared in site. I let loose of my hold on him a bit, leaning back ever so slightly to enjoy the view of the forest that hugged the mansion. Gotham looked beautiful, full of lights that danced around the night sky and how small everything seemed, from how high up the mansion sat.
He pulled into the garage, while my phone went off in my jacket pocket. I did not answer at first, mainly because I was still on the bike and assuming it was Galfore. I would just call him once in the manor. But it rang again as Dick parked and got off.
I answered without looking at the number, "Hello?"
"Where the fuck have you been?" The voiced shouted in the receiver and I yelped. Jumping backwards with my phone dropping to my feet.
"Kori! Where the fuck have you been?" said my step-fathers voice, clear even though the phone was on the ground.
Dick grew a deadly expression, honing in on his anger. "Can I talk to him?" He nearly spat, while I shook my head and cautiously grabbed the phone, as if holding the phone itself would burn my skin.
"You useless whore answer me!" my step-father screamed again, only causing Dick to square his jaw and clench his fists.
"Hello…" I said meek.
"Bought fucking time you answered me! Do you know I've been worried sick about you? You can't just up and leave Kori!" Tears pricked my eyes, I knew he had not been. HE never worried about me, only himself. I know he wished to seem like a parent even though he was anything but, still his words cut with the false love he was projecting.
"I left." I kicked myself, ashamed of my meek voice and hunched shoulders, causing Dick to grab my hand in both of his for comfort.
"No fucking shit you did, you've been gone a whole damn 48 hours! Do you know I went crazy looking for you! Until I realized your phone was missing too? Do you honestly think you can just run away from me? Well you have something else coming for you, I want you home in an hour or else."
"Or else what?" I almost spat, fury finally building up in me.
"Or else I'm going to beat you senseless, giving those bruises of yours months to heal." He hissed, a menacing laugh following. OH yes, because a beating is going to make me come home faster!
Dick grabbed the phone out my hand his tone dark and angry "She is never, ever going back to you, you monster."
"Who the fuck are you? Another one of her buyers?" Dick shook with anger.
"How dare you accuse her of such a thing!"
"I'm not accusing, she works at a damn strip club buddy, trust me that girl aint no innocent."
"You're a liar, and a criminal. I swear if I could I'd throw you right in jail!"
"I'm no liar! She works at one downtown! Miss Kates Show Girls."
Realization his Dick's eyes as he looked at me. Remembering the first night and how I avoid talking about where I work. His hand moved and I let go, knowing he was ashamed, knowing he no longer wanted anything to do with me. But he grabbed me and pulled me flush against him. Disregarding the phone on the floor.
"Oh Kori I'm so sorry." He said holding me tight.
I was shocked and stood still, unsure of what to do. "You—you are sorry?"
He pulled slightly away from me, fingers reaching up to caress my cheek. "I know you didn't work there for choice. I hope that…that is true."
"It was the only place he'd let me go off too…" I said looking down, then widened my eyes "but I never touched anyone!" I said jumping to defend myself. "I only danced, I was 16 when I started Miss. Kate did not want thing's being more illegal then they already were!" I said frantic.
A painful expression lingered on his handsome features, and he pulled me closer. This time I wrapped my arms around him and allowed myself to be comforted from his touch. "You're never going back to him, ever. I'll make sure of that, I…I promise."
I leaned my forehead on his, "it is foolish to make promises that are not of your control." I said sadly.
"But Kori I—"he began but I stopped him.
"When you make that promise to me it feels as if I'm this damsel in distress," I laughed for a moment, "it appears I am, although I need you to know—for myself—that I am strong and can take care of myself, but I will not let pride take over how thankful I am for your kindness."
He leaned back to look me in the eyes, gently grabbing my chin with his fingers. "I have never thought you to be weak, or a damsel in distress. I don't want you back with him, I will do all I can to make sure that doesn't happen." He pulled me flush against him again, holding me so tight. His voice was low, almost angry "I can't imagine what he has done to you. What you've had to have gone through." His voice shifting from anger, to almost broken at the end.
Tears pricked my eyes as I allowed myself to be fully comforted and overwhelmed with elation. For the first time in a long time, I felt safe and wanted. As the cheesy it may sound, anything could have happened and I would be content within his strong arms.
Arms that were slowly pulling away, letting his fingers take their place. Tracing their way down my arm to grab a hold of my hand. He brought my fingers to his lips before he let go to grab my phone.
He had hung up as I suspected. Or maybe not suspected I have no idea what I thought about with regards towards my step-father anymore.
"We should probably go and get changed."
"Changed?" I said instantly curious.
"Unless you want to stay in your uniform, the sweater can be a bit itchy though." Dick said taking my hand again and showing me the way from the garage to the room I would be staying in.
Upon stepping into the hallway, I knew to be where his room was, he let go of my hand rubbing his palm along his pants. A soft pink on his cheeks. "I well, there was many rooms you could have slept in. You can always change, but I figured since…well you had already stayed in one next to mine you wouldn't mind it." He rubbed his neck nervously," also you, um enjoyed the view and um I'm right next door if you need me and well if you don't want that I completely understand, I mean—"
I placed a hand on his shoulder to stifle his blundering, "Richard it is perfect."
Relief swam into his eyes, shoulders relaxing along with it. "That's great." He then nearly ran to the door opening it, I swear if he could he would be flying.
Once entering the room I understood why; the walls were freshly painted my favorite shade of purple (how he knew that was beyond me) the curtains were tied back to showcase the beautiful gardens and forests behind the manor. My luggage lay neatly beside the huge bed, with a huge puppy dog plush sitting up on it.
"Oh!" I said in surprise, walking over to admire the huge dog. "Is this for me?"
"Of course." He said with a slight chuckle, "and I asked Racheal about the room color, she told me you loved purple."
"Yes it is a most pleasant color," I then jumped on the bed, back first arms and legs open wide. "Oh X'hal! I cannot believe this is real."
I heard his soft footsteps along the carpeted part of the floor. "Believe it, you deserve the best." Dick said smiling, "I'll leave you alone to settle in a bit, ok? Then we'll have dinner around 7?"
"That sounds wondrous, thank you." I said grabbing the huge puppy and cuddling it to my chest. While Richard closed the door and I heard him open his. It was a wonder we were so close. Almost like a dorm room or some sort. Except this was a huge manor, with a loving people who would not harm me if I did not clean the dishes. Although I most certainly would clean the dishes, anything to show how grateful I was.
For a moment I ignored all the work I had to do, all the things I needed to complete before the next school day. So many, many things that I ignored to just enjoy having my own space.
Being safe.
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Around eight o'clock there was a soft tap on my door, followed my Dick asking if I wanted to walk down to dinner with him.
I opened the door and gulped, seeing him in a light blue t shirt that showed off his arm muscles, and the plaid sweatpants that hung dangerously loose on his hips. He seemed to know where my eyes were going, and I shot them back up to his face in embarrassment at being caught while he shuffled uncomfortably.
"Yeah um Al accidently bought me an XL so they kind of slip sometimes," he said tugging his pants up higher and tightening the string.
Perhaps he did not know that my eyes had fallen to the hint of his stomach, or knew about the strange stirring within me that occurred when I saw him. He seemed if anything nervous, I smiled at that and then walked out into the hallway. Having forgotten to actually change my uniform, although I was thankful for that. What was a girl to wear at her first night to live at the Wayne Manor?
"I think they are quite lovely on you," I said complimenting his pants.
"Er um, yeah" he garbled trying to discover what to say. Maybe complimenting his pants was some form of social blunder that I had not understood.
"Forgive me," I said once we were further down the hall, "was it wrong to compliment your pants?"
He turned his head, brows coming together, "no, it just caught me off guard."
"I apologize."
"Kori," he chuckled, "you did nothing wrong, I had not expected that kind of comment."
"What does that mean?" I asked as Jason slide between Dick and I, arm draped across my shoulders.
"Doesn't our lovely guest look beautiful tonight?" Jason purred into my ear, while I blushed and moved away and Dick gave him a stare that could murder.
"Relax bro, were good friends." He said elbowing Dick in the side to tease.
"I am relaxed!" He huffed.
"Oh yeah I couldn't tell with that stick up your ass." Jason laughed.
I looked to the rear end of Dick, confusion on my face. "He does not seem to have a stick, um 'up his ass'?"
Both boys paused and looked at me in bewilderment, moments later clutching their bellies in laughter, while Dick placed a hand on my shoulder, his annoyance with his brother gone. "Have you never heard that before?"
"Um no, you have to remember I have not always been from around here. Somethings still do not make sense." I said anxiously pulling on my skirt.
"Right, I almost forgot." He said still laughing.
"Enjoyed the view?" Jason said with a smirk at me, arms crossed leaning against the wall.
"What view?" I said confused again.
"His killer ass."
Dick paled while my cheeks rushed with blood, while I in fact enjoyed looking at his bottom.
Jason burst out laughing and moved from the wall, walking into the dining room I had eaten in the week prior. It was not set up as elegantly as the other night, it was clearly a causal setting.
As causal eating at the manor could be.
Alfred walked in holding a steaming pie and laid it down on the table. "Bruce will be detained with Ms. Vale." Erupting a groan from both boys that I did not understand.
"Figures Jason said folding his arms across his chest and leaning back into the chair."
"I am sorry master Jason, but please enjoy the pie. It is a family secret." Alfred said smiling at me.
"Are you not to eat with us?" I questioned.
"Yeah Al, you take my seat and I'll take Bruce's." Jason said moving the plates and filling his plate with a delicious looking chicken pot pie.
"I am perfectly fine in the kitchen, thank you Miss Kori."
"Alfred stop and enjoy your meal with us, Dick said placing a slice of pie on Jason's former spot.
He seemed to debate the options for a moment then sat down regally eating with the upmost grace. Dick chuckled at his formality.
"Yah know she's going to be living with us, you may as well relax." Dick said taking a bit of pie.
"I am always aware of my manors," Alfred said tossing a napkin to Dick as it bounced off his head and onto the floor. Alfred's corners turning up slightly.
"Hey!" Dick said, pie still in his mouth.
"Kori you going to try some?" Jason asked noting my bare plate.
"Oh yes, forgive I am…not used to eating first."
Dick stilled at that while Alfred raised a brow and cut her a slice, Jason not understanding and shrugged. "Okay Krazy Kori." Jason teased.
If it was not obvious that he was teasing I would have been hurt by his statement, although he had not known about my past. "Thank you Mr. Alfred." I said enjoying the delicious flavors on my tongue.
"Alfred is fine," Alfred said buttering some toast.
The meal carried on, Jason "Dick teasing" Dick, while I frowned at his pun. Alfred rolled his eyes, and pretended not to hear. Possibly because he knew they were getting along, it did seem that both boys were happy. Although, even I could tell they wished Bruce was there.
After dinner finished I helped gather the plates while Alfred went to the restroom, and Dick took them from me. "Kori don't do that, it's Jason's job."
Jason snorted, "yeah fuck that, I'm gonna go out for a drag."
"We have school tomorrow," Dick said blatantly, as if to remind Jason it was not a weekend.
"Yeahhhh I know I meant cigs yah nerd." He then pulled a cigarettes from his pocket and tucked it behind his ear. "Do you smoke Kori?"
I wrinkled my nose, "no I do not like the habit."
"Neither do I, but it takes the edge off." He said walking out.
I looked over to Dick, "do you also smoke."
He shook his head, "sometimes, I'll take a smoke with him. But I don't like when I do."
"Then why do it?" I questioned, picking up the empty glasses at the table.
He shrugged, "it takes the edge off."
I followed him into the kitchen, placing the glasses by the sink as Dick began to clean them. I watched as plate by plate he gave them a quick wash off, then placed them in the dishwater. We were both silent, it was comfortable almost. Mostly awkward though, as I stood there with nothing to do.
"Um, Richard?" I asked.
"Yes?"
"Forgive me for asking, but does Bruce normally stay out late?"
He gave a deep sigh and nodded, not wanting to go further.
"Master Grayson I did not realize you allowed yourself to be called Richard, perhaps—" Alfred began as he walked into the room, a knowing smile on his face.
Dick shot him a stare "no, Dicks fine."
I was yet again confused. Why was I allowed to call Dick Richard, when Alfred was not? Perhaps he did not like the formality along with his full name? Or possibly something else.
Dick soon finished up and we walked in silence towards our rooms, his bare feet pale against the dark wooden tones. "So, how did you like your first night here?" he said feet stopping at my door.
"I gladly enjoyed it." I beamed at him, "you all are so wonderful." I then sobered, "I apologize if I said something wrong in regards to Mr. Wayne."
"You don't need to apologize, I uh," he softly bumped his head on the door frame, "he tends to live up to his reputation."
"Oh." I said sadly.
It was wonderful knowing that Dick was not what his reputation was out to be with the media. Of course, with Bruce being what influenced that reputation upon Dick, it made sense. I was still hoping however that Bruce would be slightly different. I never enjoyed being around men who loved to sleep around with girls. Probably because that was the job I was forced to do.
"Also, um Kori," Dick said nervous, "about the whole Richard thing I—"
"You do not need to tell me." I said giving him a knowing smile.
"You might think differently than what it is."
"Okay, why am I allowed to call you Richard?"
He blushed, looking down and let his toe trace the linear patterns of the wood. "I like the way it sounds in your voice," he blushed again, "sorry if that's lame."
Warmth filled within me, "It is not the lame Richard, I thank you for liking the way I say it."
He laughed at that, "yeah because I am the one who allowed you to say it so sweetly."
He then stopped and gave me a look I was not sure of, a look that almost was familiar, but I could not distinguish.
"Goodnight Kori."
I nodded, "Goodnight Richard."
I then walked into my new room, waving as he walked into his. Both of us closing the door at similar times. I walked to the bathroom, turning on the shower to warm up the water and stripping myself down.
The water felt wondrous on my body, my long hair falling down in front of my face. I looked up and let the mist kiss my pores. Knowing this night was going to be the first of many peaceful nights.
