Dick sighed as he hung up his phone after trying to call Kory for the 24th time. It hadn't even been 20 minutes yet and he had dialled her number so many times, it had begun to permanently burn into his memory. He tried calling her once more and let out a frustrated sigh as he heard the same message once more, 'Hello friend! It is Kory! Unfortunately, I am currently unavailable to speak to you! Please feel free to leave me a message and I shall return your call as soon as possible. Thank you!'

"Damn it, Kor..." He groaned. He was extremely close to hurling his phone into the fountain but he suddenly had an idea. He tapped in another phone number and waited,
"Hello?" The female voice on the other end sounded,
"Hey Kom..." He hesitated, not sure how to go about this conversation,
"Oh, hey Dick. Everything okay? Haven't heard a peep from Kory all day." She responded,
"Uh... Yeah... Everything's... great."
"So... Why'd you call me then?"
"Just... Uh... To let you know... Kory's... fine and with me... And uh... She... Hasn't been able to call you because... Uh... Her phone's been weird! Yep, just being crazy."
"Oh, Okay! Well, tell her not to stay out too late or whatever! Haha, bye!"
"Heh... Right. Bye." Dick answered, ending the call. He sighed for what felt like the millionth time that night, "Okay... So, she's not there. Where else could she... Rachel!" He realised, running all sorts of ideas through his mind. He then proceeded to call Kory's best friend,

"Hello?" She deadpanned,
"Rae." Dick stated,
"Dick? Everything alright?"
"No. Earlier Kory left the manor crying and I don't know why. Is she with you?"
"No... I tried texting her earlier but she must have her phone switched off; it didn't send."
"Damn it."
"Dick, you have to find her."
"Don't worry. I will. Call me if you hear anything from her,"
"Got it. Bye,"
"Bye," Dick sighed, hanging up the phone for a final time. He exhaled noisily and placed his hands behind his head, "Where could she be..." Dick pondered and stopped, "I wonder..."

He glanced at the manor before heading off towards a certain destination, hoping she would be there. She had to be there.

He approached the beach and scanned the sand. He sighed as he glimpsed at the only figure along the length of the beach. Even in the darkness with the dim street lamp giving assistance to his sight, Dick knew it was Kory. Her red hair was unmistakeable. She was huddled up to herself; knees drawn to her chest and arms wrapped around her legs. She was facing the sea and was apparently transfixed by the sight of the silver moon that hung just past the clouds, above the sea.

He was careful as he snuck closer to her. He didn't want to frighten her or anything. He just wanted to see if she was okay. She was his main priority.

He knelt down just beside her, his eyes never breaking away from her face which didn't move at all. She had a worried and upset expression sewn into her features. He sighed, "Do you feel like talking about it now?"

He watched Kory sigh and slowly turn her head to peer into his eyes, "I... I am sorry... For leaving in such a way. I... I just needed to be alone." She apologised, dropping her eyes.

Dick placed a hand on her cheek to caress it, "its okay... I understand how that feels. Kor... What happened?" He whispered, settling slightly closer to her.
"I... I did not mean to do the eavesdropping but... I heard what Bruce said..." She replied, barely above a whisper.

Realisation finally dawned on Dick as he comprehended exactly why she reacted that way. She had every right too. The things Bruce were saying even made Dick's blood boil to say the least, "Kory... I'm so sorry..." He whispered, brushing a fresh tear away with his thumb.

"It is alright... It simply caused me to consider things..." Kory mumbled,
"Kory... What things...?" He asked, worried,
"What if Bruce is correct? What if you are simply wasting your time with me? What if-"
Dick moved his hand from her cheek to her mouth to silence her, "Stop it... Please... Bruce is wrong. He doesn't know what he's talking about. Do you really think I feel anything less for you just because of what Bruce said? I don't care about what he has to say. I want... Us... to last for a long time... Don't you?" He hushed,
"Of course I do, Richard... I just... Hm..." She trailed off, feeling insecure still but not knowing how to word how she felt.

"Please don't let what Bruce said effect our relationship, Kor. I really don't want to lose you over something this stupid. You're beautiful and amazing and you don't need approval from Bruce to prove that." Dick informed her,

Kory smiled slightly and reached a hand up to his cheek, letting her fingers tap against his jaw line. She leaned up and placed her mouth against his in a delightful kiss, "Thank you..." She murmured quietly once she broke the kiss.

"What for?" He asked, tilting his head with a soft smile,
"For reassuring me." Kory responded, shrugging her shoulders innocently. There was a comfortable pause as they smiled to one another. Dick stood up and brushed the sand from his behind and offered a hand to her, "I should walk you home. It's getting late," Dick announced. Kory looked up at him and nodded, taking his hand and standing in the process.

They began walking through the lowly lit street together in silence. There was something that Kory really did want to ask him about but she wasn't sure on how he'd react but she decided it was now or never. Asking another time might be more awkward, "Richard...?" She started, twiddling a piece of hair between her fingers,
"Yeah, Kor?" He replied,
"...I heard... all of what was said earlier on this evening..."
"Yeah...?"
"...Did... Did you mean it when... You informed Bruce that... You love me...?"
"Oh! Yo-You heard that, huh? Uh... Well..."

Kory glanced ahead of her with a frown, "It is alright if you did not mean it. I understand..."
"No, Kory. I do love you... I uh... At least I think I do... Well... I'm pretty sure that I love you..."

Kory stared at him in shock, "You do?" She gasped. Dick nodded and gave a sheepish lop sided grin. She smiled and was quick to place her hands on either side of his face. She pulled him close and connected their lips together. Dick held her waist and brought her as close as she could physically be. When she pulled away, Dick's eyes were still closed but fluttered open, dreamily, "What was that for?" He asked, taken aback slightly.
"I... I love you also..." She stated, timidly peeking up at him through her lashes. He grinned at her and pressed his lips to her forehead in a flash. His grin transformed to a smirk and he laced his fingers with hers once again, "On another note... You're birthday is next week, riiight?" He chimed,
"Oh yes... So it is," Kory giggled, honestly completely forgetting,
"Heh, I already got your presents for you,"
"Oh? Richard, you did not have to..."
"Of course I did. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't get you anything?"

Kory giggled but raised an eyebrow, "So what are my presents?"
"Ah ah. I'm not telling, Anders."

Kory faked a pout which Dick just chuckled at, "What are you planning to do for your birthday, anyway? Party? Sleepover with the girls?"

Kory shrugged, "Nothing,"
"Nothing?"
"Nothing,"
"Nuh uh! You're turning 18 and you don't wanna celebrate it?"
"I am simply one more year older... It is nothing special... Besides, my family are all away for my birthday so there is not much that can be done when no one is around,"
"... You'll be completely alone?"
"That is correct. My mother and father are away on a necessary business trip. Kom is on a holiday with her friends until the night after my birthday and Ryan is taking a trip to a camp of sorts."
"Oh come on!"
"... What?"
"Seriously? You have the house to yourself and you're not gonna do anything special?"

Kory sighed, "I am not a big fan of parties as you know. I remained upstairs even at your party. I do not exactly enjoy the company of intoxicated friends either..."

Dick smirked and slid behind her as they walked and wrapped his arms around her waist, "Well... What about I come over and we spend some time together?" He whispered in her ear, making her shiver and giggle at the same time.

"Mm... Just you and I? That sounds very tempting... However, Karen, Rachel and Jenny have all also been wondering what I will be doing. I would have to compromise..."

Dick thought for a minute, "I got it. How about this... We get the whole gang over at yours... We hang out; watch some movies and however you want sleeping arrangements to go?"

Kory clapped, "Oh! I like that idea very much!" She agreed, "As for sleeping arrangements... I would like you all to stay at my home... And you to sleep with me..."
"Oh?"
"You know exactly how I meant that, Richard," She gave him a look. He grinned.
"I know," He chuckled, "So... You did enjoy sharing a bed with me the other night then, huh?"
"Mm... Very much so... Although this time, I believe we would be slumbering on a sofa bed,"
"Why not just sleep in your bed?"
"Because, I wish for the others to also stay and I would like it if we all stayed together during the night... It gives me comfort,"
"Absolutely fine with me baby," He paused, "Am I allowed to bring drink?"
"Alcohol?" She wondered, earning a nod from Dick, "I suppose so... But... Please do the limiting of yourself... I feel strange within intoxicated atmospheres... Especially when Wally is one of the inebriated."

Dick chuckled, "Deal."
"Oh! Now I am quite excited for the day of my birth!"
"You should be anyway! You become less of a kid when you stop getting excited,"
"I am still spending the morning alone however; my mother and father are making up for that by leaving my presents with me... so yay?"

Dick had a glimmer in his eyes as he had an idea, "I'm sure it'll be great,"

As they both approached Kory's house, Dick kissed her hand, "Here we are," He noted, smiling at her,
"Thank you for walking with me and checking that I was the okay, Richard," Kory murmured,
"No problem. Now... You sure you're okay?"
"Positive," She answered, leaning up to give him a cute little kiss on his lips,
"That proves it for me," He chuckled, leaning closer so that he could give her a gentle and reassuring cuddle. He loved hugging her; she smelled like tropical fruits with a constant perfume aroma clinging to her clothing,
"I love you Kor," He said into her hair,
"I love you also," Kory whispered, beaming shyly into his shoulder, "I shall see you tomorrow...?"
"Of course. Night baby,"
"Goodnight, Richard,"

Kory watched Dick as she stood on the porch until he was out of sight, "He loves me..." Kory breathed before squealing quietly to herself and dashing inside.

The next morning, it was very warm but held a hint of a cool breeze to the atmosphere.

Dick hopped up the front steps to Kory's door and knocked. A minute passed and Ryan answered the door. Dick smirked at the kid who literally portrayed the perfect image of a teenager on summer vacation. He had a shirt with loads of food stains on, a controller in one hand and cake in the other and knee length shorts on. It was all pulled together with the lack of effort he'd had for his hair which resembled a messy bundle atop of his head, "Oh hey Dick," He greeted,
"Hey Ryan," He nodded back,

He held his index finger up, signalling one second before turning around towards the rest of the house, "KORY! YOUR DUDE IS HERE!" Ryan bellowed up the stairs,
"Nice title. Thanks," Dick chuckled, earning a nod and a smirk from Ryan before he strode back to the kitchen. Kory ruffled her little brother's hair playfully on the way down and she smiled brightly when she caught sight of Dick at the door, "Ready to go?" Dick queried, kissing her cheek politely. Kory nodded and they closed the door and jumped down the front steps. Dick smiled as Kory giggled. He noticed her sober up and glance around curiously, "You dared to leave home without your vehicle?" Kory smirked,
"Wow, I think Rachel's sarcasm is rubbing off on you," He answered, "But yeah, I thought we could walk together,"
"That idea sounds perfect,"

They wandered through the town, fingers intertwined with one another's, chatting about all sorts. Kory giggled at something Dick had said and flipped her hair over her shoulder in the process, the length irritating Kory to no end. While doing so, she caught a glimpse of a 50's styled ice cream parlour; one that she absolutely adored, too. She dragged her hand from Dick's and clapped and bounced on the spot. Dick chuckled, "...You okay?" He asked, grinning and raising an eyebrow at her. She pointed at the ice cream parlour like a little kid and hauled Dick over to it, "Oh! This is my most favourite place to go to!" Kory explained, "I wish to get one. Do you wish to also?"
"Nah, I'm okay," Dick responded,

Kory nodded and dashed inside. Dick shook his head at his girlfriend but couldn't wipe the smile from his lips as his thoughts rolled. She's so... Perfect... She gets so excited over the smallest things and she's so bubbly... I can't believe she's... mine... Dick's thoughts ended as Kory skipped out of the ice cream parlour with a vanilla ice cream cone in one hand, "Better?" Dick asked, smirking at her. Kory nodded and took his hand with her free one. He stared at her, amused as she licked the cold confection and made small noises of enjoyment, "I'm right in guessing its good?" Dick laughed,
"Mm. Please, taste!" Kory prompted. Dick slowly moved his face closer as she held the treat up to him. He edged ever so closely before he felt Kory force it against his face, playfully. He had sticky vanilla ice cream over his nose, mouth and cheeks as he retreated slightly; an 'O' shape immediately forming on his features. Kory contained her giggles as he smirked, "Oh that's really nice. Thank you for that, babe." He commented, sarcastically.

Kory burst out laughing and gently pushed him against a close by wall and began to kiss him, partly to show him affection but also partly to remove the fresh ice cream from his face. She smiled against his lips as the thought of cleaning his face faded. It was blissful to say the least.

Dick got an idea and softly grasped her upper arms and abandoned the kiss to begin rubbing the sticky sweetness over her own face. Kory again broke into a fit of giggles and tried to break away from him, only to be pulled closer, "Ah! Richard! Stop! You are causing my face to be most sticky!" She attempted to sound angry but her try failed and she just cracked up in melodic laughter again,

"Aw, too bad!" He returned, not letting up. They both calmed slightly and laughed. People on the streets must have thought they had escaped from a lunatic asylum when actually, they were simply a pair of teens in love, enjoying summer together. Kory pulled out a tissue from the pocket of her shorts and wiped the remainder of the substance from Dick's skin. They nodded to each other and kept sauntering towards their location, "Come on, Anders. The others are waiting for us at the beach," Dick informed her, joining his hand with hers once more.

After making a couple turns that Kory didn't remember from their last trip to the beach, she tugged Dick's arm slightly, "Richard..." She began, a finger to her chin in thought, "Is the beach not the other direction?"
"Not this one. This beach is practically deserted. Me and Wally come here all the time," He clarified,
"I am correct in guessing for the romantic nights together?" Kory replied, smirking.
"Of course," Dick joked, making her laugh.

Kory clasped her hands together and pulled them to her chest as she examined the sight before her. The beach was indeed quite empty but she enjoyed that as she could hear the waves of the ocean without hearing lots of loud shouting or little kids throwing tantrums. She took in a deep inhale of breath, allowing the beach to drown her senses, "Oh... It is beautiful!" Kory exhaled. Dick nodded to her and placed a hand against the small of her back to lead her over to the others, who all instantly picked up on their arrival,

"Dick! Kory!" Karen yelled, waving to them. Kory chirped out a giggle and sprinted over to her friends, practically abandoning Dick who just chuckled and followed at a slower pace behind her.

Kory leaned in as Karen embraced her. Karen pulled back and raised an eyebrow at Kory, "Why's your face all sticky, girl?" She wondered,

Kory giggled behind delicate fingers against her lips, "Richard rubbed ice cream all over my face," She told her, in a matter of fact tone.
"Uh!" Dick interrupted, joining them both, "You started it, Anders."
"Aw! You guys are so cute!" Karen gushed, clasping her hands together. She turned away and Dick and Kory glanced at each other, rolling their eyes.

They glided over to the rest of the group and nodded to Wally, "Wally, did you bring em'?" He asked with a wicked grin,
"Did he bring what?" Rachel squinted her eyes, an idea of what the boys were up to.
"Yeah! They're in my bag! Be right back!" Wally chuckled, high fiving Dick as he passed him. Rachel stepped closer to Dick with her hands on her hips, "Dick... Did he bring what." She hissed. Dick grinned sheepishly at her and rubbed his neck with a nervous chuckle. Kory crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at Dick suspiciously. Both girls turned when they heard Wally running back to them.

In his arms, Wally held 8 multi-coloured water guns. He grinned at all of them, "Ready for an ultimate water war, kids?" He challenged,

Rachel let her arms drop from being crossed against each other, "That's what I was afraid of." She groaned,
"I thought you didn't do fear?" Dick responded, smirking and raising an eyebrow.
"Ha. You're unbearably funny, Grayson." Rachel deadpanned,
"Pft, I know." Dick agreed. Kory suddenly clapped and smiled at the boys' idea,
"Oh what fun!" She approved,
"Awesome!" Garfield cheered,
"I'm definitely in!" Vic hollered,
"I'm down!" Karen joined in,
"Eh, sure, why not." Jenny shrugged,

Karen squealed as Vic squirted icy water against the back of her bare legs. She turned to him with a wicked grin on her face, "Oh, ya'll gonna regret that, Sparky!" She challenged, jumping forward and spraying him in the face. Shocked that she chose their to shoot for, he stumbled back slightly but grinned as he ran a hand over his face,
"Oh it's on, Bee!" He called as he began to chase after her down the beach.

Garfield sighed as he sat on the large rock with Rachel, "Rae. This is no fun, you're barely even trying," He complained. Rachel sat cross legged with the water gun in her lap and a book in her hand. She didn't reply and she waited a little longer, knowing him so well to know he would keep whining,
"Look! Everyone else is water fighting with their girlfriend or boyfriend and stuff. You can't hate games like this when-" Garfield was cut off as he felt a sudden splash of water hit his face. He had an idea that Rachel had done it as he squeaked in surprise. Before anything else could be done, he tumbled backwards into the sea crashing against the rock. Rachel smirked and placed the water gun down, "And he says I'm no fun." She grinned to herself,

Jenny ducked behind a rock near the middle of the sand. She squinted her eyes and kept on her toes as she awaited Wally. It was amazing how quiet he could be when he wanted to. Jenny hushed her breathing slightly, wondering if she was gaining the upper hand on Wally. She closed her eyes for a split second so that she could suppress a loud giggle. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Confusion setting in, she looked up and before she could even make the simplest of moves, Wally grinned like a Cheshire cat and soaked her from head to foot.
Coughing and spluttering from the sudden surprise, Jenny wiped her eyes and glared playfully at Wally, "It's a good thing you run fast, West." She threatened, rolling her sleeves up. Wally gulped and sprinted as fast as he could with Jenny chasing closely behind him.

Kory giggled and held her stomach from the pressure caused by the laughter. While her guard was momentarily down, Dick took a shot and spouted water all over her, even splashing her with a tiny amount from the sea which he took up residence standing within. She gave him a fake scowl and returned the favour of shooting him with as much water as was in her plastic weapon. Suddenly, Kory glanced at the water gun with a shocked expression, realising she was out of 'ammo'.

She peered back up at Dick who was smirking, "Looks like you've got nowhere to run, babe." Dick shrugged, taking a slow step towards her through the water which rippled around his ankles. Kory shifted her eyes from left to right and let a smirk take a place upon her own lips, "Perhaps..." She stalled, side stepping carefully.

Unexpectedly, Kory burst into a dart as she treaded through the sea in an attempt to get around Dick. He chuckled and dropped his childish weapon. Before she could make it past him, he grabbed her around the waist and spun her around. Kory screamed and giggled at the same time, causing Dick to smirk even more, "I don't think so, Anders." He told her.

Kory wiped a joyful tear from her eye as Dick held her close to his chest. He juggled her within his arms so that her face was inches away from his own. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, securing herself from being dropped on her behind. Dick protectively snaked his own arms around her back out of instinct.

She timidly smirked at him, "Mm... I suppose you have," She concurred, a chortle escaping her lungs.

Dick chuckled before sobering up and mirroring her gaze. There was such a confirmed link between their eyes to one another. Dick could never stop staring at her deep emeralds just like Kory could never get over the pure blue orbs Dick obtained. He rubbed his cold nose against her own and placed a gentle kiss onto her cupid bow lips.

As the group sat around a small wood heap they had created, they simply couldn't believe it was 8pm. Had they really been water fighting for that long? Well, time does fly when you're having fun.

They were coupled upon logs in their respected pairings, each snuggling with their equal half; with the exception of Rachel who had claimed on more than one occasion that she was not a hugger. The all gave into small shivers as the evening breeze brushed against their wet skin, "Alright. Someone gimme' a lighter. I want this fire to get going asap!" Vic explained, taking a box of matches from Jenny. He attempted to strike the match twice before finally receiving a flame from it. He joined the burning ember to the dark pieces of random wood. Content sighs were shared between them all as the fire greeted them with a sudden flow of heat. Wally, Jenny and Karen pushed their hands out towards the flames slightly in attempts to become warm faster.

"Damn! It gets cold quickly now!" Karen commented,
"I don't think it helps that most of us are soaking wet." Rachel observed,
"I was so smart to take off my jacket before we had the water fight!" Garfield boasted, pulling the jacket around him some more. Eye rolls and chuckles were shared at his pride.

Rachel bit her lip and placed her hands on each opposite upper arm as she strived to maintain the appearance of not being affected by the chill in the twilight air. Garfield instantly realised she was cold and began to remove his jacket. He scooted closer to her and placed the jacket on her lap, "Wh-What are you doing?" She asked, a small blush creeping across her cheeks,

Garfield patiently smiled, "Duh! Making sure my girlfriend is warm. Since you aren't a hugger; I gotta help some way."
"But... You'll be cold..."
"I'll be fine. When I went to Africa with my mom and dad for a year, we slept in nights like this a lot. I kinda got used to it,"

Rachel aimed to preserve her expressionless demeanour but she couldn't help herself, "Thanks." She deadpanned. She earned a nod from Garfield but she quickly leaned up and pecked his lips; stopping before she could be taunted.

"Finally! Some PDA from you, Rae!" Jenny teased, smirking at them both. Apparently she wasn't quick enough. She rolled her eyes but mirrored Garfield's smirk as she glanced at him. Her wall was crumbling a little more as she allowed herself to shift a little closer so that she could rest against him. Garfield was shocked at her actions to say the least but was swift to grab the opportunity at some show of public affection as he rested a hand on her waist and leaned against her in return.

Out of nowhere, Kory perked up and adjusted herself from lying with her head upon Dick's lap so that she sat straight up. Dick was surprised and his heart stopped for a minute; not that he let it show visibly of course,
"Oh! Friends! I wish to ask something of you all!" She chirped, clasping her hands against her chest,
"Shoot, little lady," Vic urged, giving her a friendly grin,
"Well. My day of birth falls upon the next coming Thursday and I was wondering if you would all like to do the hanging out. We can watch movies and you can do the staying over if you would like to," She informed. She paused, "Truthfully... It was Richard's idea,"

She smiled back at him when she said it out loud and felt him squeeze her waist as a response. Wally smirked and leaned in towards Jenny, "I bet it was," He snickered, only to be lightly elbowed as a sign for him to shut up.

"Would you like to?" Kory continued, not hearing whatever Wally had said,
"Hell yeah! Sounds awesome, Kor," Vic nodded,
"Wouldn't miss it, girl!" Karen chimed,
"Of course we will," Rachel replied for both herself and Garfield,
"Sounds fun! Definitely Kor," Jenny nodded,

Wally held up his index finger and Kory smirked, mentally assuming what his questions were likely to be,
"Can we order take out too...?" Wally grinned,
"Well I am certainly not cooking," Kory giggled, "So yes,"
"Can we bring alch-" He was cut short,
"Already asked. Only a little; not enough to get you slaughtered," Dick advised,
"Deal! Ugh... I don't think I can live through another hangover like Saturday's." Wally groaned,
"So you in?" Dick prompted,
"Aw yeah! Sides, my house is right across the street so if I needed anything..."
"Good point."

Vic slapped his hands together, "So what kinds of movies d'you wanna be watching, Kor?" He asked,
"Mm... I do not mind," She answered,
"HORROR!" Garfield announced, earning a cheer of approval from the majority of the group and a giggle from Kory,
"Who is aware of good horror genre movies?" Kory wondered,

Jenny and Rachel glanced at each other and both smirked, "Leave it to us," They said in unison. Kory nodded,

"Aren't you parents home, Kory?" Garfield pondered,
"No. There is no one at home with me on my birthday," She responded,
"Sweet!" Garfield chuckled. There was a pause as Wally reached behind his log and grabbed a torch from his bag and switched it on. He held it beneath his chin to create an appearance of scary against his features,

"So fellow chums... Who's ready for some stories?" He grinned, attempting to look sinister,
"What kind of stories?" Karen barely asked before the red head interrupted her,
"GHOST STORIES! MUAHAHAHA!" He bellowed in the lowest voice he could muster. Jenny leaned away slightly with a facial expression that read: 'My boyfriend's an idiot' all over it.

They all stared at him expectantly, minus Kory who simply looked afraid, "Ladies, I warn you to cuddle closely to your man. This will be terrifying." Wally said, apparently trying to sound wicked still but his voice resembled a waiter or something.

Kory took Wally's advice as literal as she probably could have. She glanced at Dick as if asking for permission. He chuckled at her and leaned back on the log slightly to tell her to go ahead. She beamed and threw her legs over his lap and snuggled in closely to his chest. He softly smiled down at her and placed his arms around her too in a way of giving her comfort.

Wally turned to Jenny and wiggled his eyebrows; his arms outstretched. She sighed and shuffled closer to some extent. She gave him a more so blank expression and he grinned sheepishly, retracting his arms.

Karen only had to give Vic a smirk before she snuggled against him.

Always different from the others, Rachel and Garfield seemed to reverse the roles a bit. Garfield immediately clung to Rachel in fear and anticipation. Rachel glared down at him but as much as she tried to fight it, a small smile appeared and she rolled her eyes.

Wally cleared his throat before crossing his legs upon the log, "Alright. Before I say anything... This story is based on a true event." He warned. Kory made a timid noise against Dick's chest.

"Yeah right," Karen scoffed,
"No seriously. I know I usually kid around but this is actually true." Wally promised, his face remaining serious. Nods were exchanged and they actually became interested,

"As I was saying. A couple years ago, there was this girl. She was around our age for sure. So, she got this new job as a babysitter. She went over to this house one night and the parents were going over the rules with her considering the kids were like 3 and 6? After a while, she put the kids to bed although, they were acting seriously weird. They wouldn't stop freaking out about something. The girl just chose to ignore it and left after they had settled to sleep. A little while later, the girl got bored and started to watch the main tv. She got annoyed cos' the main TV didn't have cable. Just as she was about to change the channel, the kids started to cry and scream. So she like rushed upstairs to check on them. They were babbling about clowns and stuff. She knew they must have had a nightmare or something so she dismissed it and was able to calm them down again after a while and they got back to sleep once again. Finally she remembered that the mom and dad had told her that the only TV with cable was in the parents' room. She called them up and asked if it was okay to watch the TV in their room, "Oh and also, while I've got you guys on the phone... Is it okay to cover up that clown statue in the kids' room? They keep freaking out and I think it's scaring them a little." She told them,
"Julie... Get the kids and get out of the house. Right now."
"Why? What's wrong?"
"...We've never had a clown statue in the kids room."
It's said that when the parents got home, there was absolutely no sight of the kids or Julie the babysitter; just drops of blood across the landing..." Wally finished. Nothing was said straight away and a sharp chill sent tingles down their spines. They were clearly not the brightest kids in the world considering they were telling scary stories when it was dark and when they were out.

Suddenly, Jenny made a sound with her lips in disbelief, "I heard that one before." She shrugged, "I got fired from a babysitting gig cos' I told the kids. The parents were so not happy."
"I could imagine why..." Vic replied, stunned. Jenny shrugged,
"Clowns don't scare me. I give it a 6/10." Rachel rated, emotionless.
"Yeah well nothing scares you so you don't count." Wally answered, crossing his arms over his chest as she smirked,
"Woo! That story gave me chills, boy!" Karen whistled, rubbing her arms,
"I never wanna see a clown again." Vic stated, shaking his head with a chuckle,
"My heart won't stop spazzing!" Garfield squeaked, raising a hand against his chest for emphasis.

Wally pounded the air and grinned at his success of scaring them, "I gotta hand it to you, Wally. That was pretty creepy." Dick agreed, smirking at him,
"I know right," Wally chuckled but glanced down at Kory, "Kory? Kor... Are you okay?"

Dick also looked down at her as she timidly focussed her eyes up at him, "Is the story over?" She whispered. Dick smiled softly and nodded to her, allowing her to sit up and let go of his shirt which she had apparently been clinging to the entire time.

"I take it you hated the story then, Kor?" He asked, feeling a little guilty,

Kory's expression soon shifted from fear to a beaming smile, "Not hate Wally. It was... Wonderfully horrifying!" She praised, clapping her hands lightly, earning a triumphant smirk from Wally.

Vic suddenly stretched and yawned, "I don't know about you guys but Ima get going. I'm beat!" He said, groggily, "Bee, you coming?"

Karen nodded and got to her feet. Dick stretched out a hand, "Wait!" He ordered, gaining all eyes to fall upon him,
"Something wrong, man?" Vic asked, concerned,
"No just... Uh... Wanna take a group picture before the fire goes out?"

Kory turned her whole body to face him, "Truthfully," She began, "Why do you wish to take photographs so very often recently?"
"I just wanna remember the summer. Is that so bad?" Dick chuckled, nervously. He stared intently at Vic as if trying to mentally yell something at him. Vic's eyes widened in realisation and rubbed the back of his neck, "Oh! Yeah, sure! Everyone gather up," He instructed, making motions with his hands.

They all huddled closer together behind the fire and Vic worked hard at getting his camera in a good position before setting a timer on it. He jogged round and crouched ever so slightly at the back, being the tallest of them all.

A flash blinded them all momentarily and they were all quick to get out of the huddle. Vic grabbed his camera and smiled warmly at the picture on the digital screen, "Beautiful," He smirked, "Well! Night guys,"
"Bye hunnies!" Karen waved, joining Vic's side.

A couple minutes passed after Vic and Karen had left and soon enough, Rachel got to her feet and brushed any dirt from her behind, "Come on Garfield," She beckoned,

Rachel nodded her goodbyes to the group and turned away from the fire. Garfield grinned at them all, "Later guys!" He chirped, waving before dashing after Rachel.

Kory yawned against Dick and he smiled at her cute little face she made when doing so. He pulled Kory up as he himself got to his feet. Dick retracted his arm from around Kory's shoulders to take her hand within his own, "You guys wanna walk with us?" Dick offered,
"Sure," Jenny replied, taking Wally's hand and getting to her feet. They put out the remaining cinders of the fire and began their journeys home.
"Man, I can't believe school is now in less than 2 months. This bites." Wally complained,
"I am somewhat excited to be returning to school... Although, I have never truly hated it if I am being honest." Kory explained,
"My lessons suck but it's not a big thing that irritates me," Dick informed them,
"I always get yelled at about my hair so I hate school." Jenny huffed,
"Why is your hair such an electric colouring, Jenny?" Kory wondered,
Jenny shrugged, "I like pink," She said, simply.

Eventually they came to a diverted road. The left side led Jenny home but the right side led Dick, Kory and Wally directly and easily home, "Oh. I hate walking home alone," Jenny mumbled to Wally,
"I know. I'm sorry," Wally said softly, "The only person who lives remotely near you is Dick,"
"I could always walk with you, Jen?" Dick proposed,
"What about Kory?" Jenny tilted her head,

Kory smiled from behind Dick, "I shall take Wally from your hands if you would like?" She giggled,
"Ooh, trading partners for the walk home... Interesting..." Wally acknowledged, oblivious to the eye roll Jenny sent his way,
"Shut up," Jenny joked, "Come here,"

Wally obliged and closed the distance between himself and Jenny. She hugged him closely and kissed him on the tip of his nose while exchanging words of goodbye,

Dick smiled and wrapped his arms around Kory's waist from behind and nuzzled against her neck, "And they like to do the teasing of us," Kory smirked, placing her hands over Dick's on her stomach,

"So, do I get a goodnight kiss?" Dick teased, grinning against her cheek,

He felt Kory smile and nod, "Of course," She whispered. She turned her head towards him and placed a sweet kiss against his lips. She ended the kiss and turned her whole body around and rested her forehead against his, "Goodnight Richard. Please send me a message to confirm you return home, safely." She requested,
"Night baby," He hushed, "You too, okay?"

Kory blinked as a sign of an agreement, before the voice of Wally was heard, "Are you guys done yet?"

They both turned to glare at him. He leaned against the street lamp and grinned at them. Dick released his light grip around Kory's waist and gave her the access to wander over to Wally. He watched them walk away down the right side. He turned back to Jenny and smiled.

Once they had taken a couple of steps together, Jenny crossed her arms and smirked up at Dick, "So..." She probed,
"You and Wally are scarily alike; y'know that?" Dick chuckled,
"Ugh. Please do not say that,"
"He always starts conversations like that when he's about to throw loads of questions at me,"
"Actually, I was going to compliment you,"
"Why's that?"
"I was going to say good job on your relationship with Kory. You make her so happy... It's adorable,"
"I'd hate to see her upset. Ever."
"So you guys are pretty serious then, huh?"
"Yeah. This isn't some kind of summer fling for either of us... I love her and she loves me too,"

Jenny squealed like a fan girl, "Oh! It's like something from a movie!"

Dick chuckled and rubbed the back of his heated neck, "Uh... Thanks?"
"Have you guys gone to the next level then?"
"And there's the familiar Wally question,"
Jenny laughed, "You can't exactly blame my curiosity, Grayson."
"Well no... We haven't and I don't really want to..."
"Huh? I thought you-"
"No, obviously I do. I mean... She's stunning but... I'm scared if I bring it up, it'll make her uncomfortable and I don't want to push her into that. I'm completely fine waiting until she's ready. I want her to be certain because... I don't wanna be a regret..."
"You know... You're a good guy, Dick. I know a lot of people say that you're nothing more than a man whore and you weren't but now... It's really nice to see you actually wanting to be with someone for reasons other than sex,"
"Maybe it was Kory I just needed to come into my life to show me that, huh?"
"Definitely." Jenny smiled and stopped outside of her house, "Well. This is me! Thanks for walking me home, Dick. Be careful on your way home,"
"No problem. I will... Night Jen," Dick waved.
"Night," Jenny returned. Dick continued down the streets with his hands shoved into his jacket pockets.

"I can't believe he hasn't made a move on you yet!" Wally said, baffled,

Kory smirked, "Perhaps he possesses more skills that of a gentleman than you think,"

"Apparently so... And what, you really don't wanna have sex with him yet?"

Kory let her cheeks burn, "Truthfully... I do wish to do... that with him..."

"No way! Really?"
"Yes. I believe we are both incredibly comfortable around one another and I am certain that I am ready to commit to such an act with him yet..."
"What is it?"
"Richard has not suggested doing anything like that with me... He has only ever done the joking around..."
"Believe me Kory... He wants to."
"He has said something?"
"No... Well, yeah... But not in a way like, 'she won't have sex with me bleh,' But he told me that he doesn't wanna push you into it or anything and will wait until you are completely ready,"
"Oh... That is so very sweet of him,"
"Oh yeah... He's just a big ol' bowl of sugar,"
"...Wally?"
"Mhm?"
"You will not... repeat our conversation to anyone... Will you?"
"Of course I won't, Kor. I know I've blurted things out before but I wouldn't blurt something so personal out,"
"You promise?"
"Spit swear?"

Kory made a face of disgust, "Ohh," She whined, "I have always hated the spit swears..."
"They were always fun though, right?"
"I have not initiated a spit swear with anyone since I was the age of 15,"
"I know right! Me either!"
"Can we do the pinkie promise instead, please?"
"Oh alright,"

Kory and Wally hooked their pinkies with one another and smirked, "I promise not to repeat you telling me that you want to uh... y'know... with Dick to anyone!" Wally swore,
"Good," Kory giggled,
"Well... Here's you, Anders," Wally commented, stopping just outside of Kory's home,
"Thank you for walking with me, Wally."
"Anytime babe,"

They bid each other goodbye and hugged. They then separated and Kory made her way to her front door as Wally took a couple of steps towards his own house literally opposite of Kory's. Kory closed the front door and shrugged herself free from her own jacket and smiled with a blush evident due to what they had been talking about... However... She did have a certain fear that she hadn't told Wally about...

What if Dick simply didn't want to do that with her? What if he didn't think of her that way?

She shook her mind free of negative thoughts and made her way to her bedroom...