Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans or AOL. Nor do I own Disco (nor would I claim to if I did), the Bee Gees, or Saturday Night Fever. Although I do have a few Bee Gee albums (yes albums, as in vinyl, yet again showing my age, but not the disco ones – they were really good before disco).
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Chapter 21 of You've Got Mail is dedicated to my eldest who once took me to a Bee Gees concert a long, long time ago.
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New Character: Tatsu Yamashiro (Katana)
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You've Got Mail
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Chapter 21
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Kori woke up and immediately the way her body felt, memories of the evening before came flooding back. She smiled and blushed as she thought of Richard, everything that was said, and beyond that, everything that happened the night before. Richard had left much earlier that morning, having to make a 7:30 AM meeting. After Kori's shower - she allowed herself a longer one than usual, revisiting the memory of the might before - she prepared tea, toast and a soft boiled egg for breakfast and headed off to try to get some work done.
When she arrived at the office, one look at Kori and Tatsu Yamashiro, the professor Kori was a teaching assistant for, tried to send her home. Dr. Yamashiro was a woman of little words but it was obvious something was amiss. Not that Kori's work was off, or that Kori appeared to be unable to concentrate that morning. It was a tough point in the semester and everyone was ready for a chance to breathe. But Kori assured Tatsu that everything was fine and she was able to hunker down and get a lot of work done. Kori would never think of not getting in all of her hours for the week.
Still worried that her protege was working too hard, Dr. Yamashiro proposed a compromise to add some time to the following week. Kori finished up what was in front of her and then dragged herself from the physics laboratories building to Hardt House for some much needed rest so she could enjoy her weekend and the long planned Disco party at her dorm with Richard and her students that night.
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As for Richard, getting up out of Kori's bed and leaving her was one of the most difficult things he had done in quite some time. He was surprised how satisfied he felt that morning, even when it was only her pleasure that was met. Not that he was selfish, but it was basic physiology... But Kori had been so responsive and her honest reaction both physically and verbally were so refreshing. She was not demanding in any way... it wasn't going all the way, but it was incredible.
Richard wasn't sure if things were going any farther anytime soon, and honestly he was not going to push it or plan for it. They hadn't discussed it, but knew they would. Richard wanted to be sure that everything was solid between them before they took things to that final level.
He had to laugh at himself – what guy thinks like that?
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On the walk back from her office, Kori's mind drifted to thoughts about Richard and how wonderful she thought he was. It was hardly an unusual activity for her. She was looking forward to the weekend and had a clear schedule. She wanted to spend as much time with Richard as she could but didn't want to appear forward or pushy or worst of all needy, especially after the previous night. Donna and Terry were going away for the weekend to see Donna's sister Diana so Kori felt obligated to stay at the dorm, but she had no restriction on whether or not Richard could stay with her.
In her culture, there was plenty of casual dating starting at 15 or so. There was also casual sex, not so different than in the US, after the age of 18 or so. Kori found that dating casually worked somewhat, but the physical aspects after a point didn't work for her. The difference also was that in Tamaran, as opposed to the US, relationships were generally permanent once there was a commitment. Divorce was unheard of.
But for Kori, she hadn't been planning on making love again without, well, love and in addition a commitment. She had made that decision after some awkward and unpleasant experiences she had when she was in undergraduate school at MIT. She had wanted to wait until there was commitment and a plan for the future, but Franklin had talked her into something she didn't want. Afterward, she had serious regrets and a great disappointment in herself for not sticking by her convictions.
And now she found that they were already in love. The night before proved that Richard was willing to please her and put her first and to take his time. He hadn't pushed her boundaries at all and was making sure she was comfortable every step of the way.
Kori was thrilled and was not unrealistic that things would change, perhaps quickly. Richard certainly was wonderful and one that Donna had said was a keeper but still... was she ready?
Kori was getting more tired and beginning to get a headache thinking about it all of a sudden. She hated her level of inner turmoil at times.
She was brought out of her thoughts when the phone rang. "Hello?" she answered, her voice a bit groggy.
"Good morning, Kori," Richard said.
"Good morning, Richard. It is glorious to hear from you!" Kori replied with her trademark enthusiasm, able to fully rev up once she realized it was him.
"And what are you up to this fine day?" he asked, his tone playful.
"I am about to sit down to a lunch of cheese and crackers and fruit and then I believe a nap is in the order," she replied, her voice also becoming playful, the turmoil and headache vanishing, but the fatigue was not. "I am much more the tired than I believed I would be today, however. I went to my office to work for a few hours this morning and then Professor Yamashiro sent me home for she said I looked too the 'wiped out'." Kori giggled softly, "And how was your meeting, Richard? Are you perhaps tired as well?" she said knowingly.
"I am, but not too tired to come to the party tonight."
"I am glad you are still planning to come tonight." Kori paused briefly and then added thoughtfully, "Would you like to join me this afternoon?"
Not even considering anything else, he responded, "For lunch? Sure."
The tone in Kori's voice dropped slightly, becoming sultry, "Perhaps not just for lunch."
Richard's throat went dry. How did she pull off being that sweet yet at the same time so minxish?
"Sounds great," he managed somehow without his voice his voice cracking. "How long should I plan to be there for?"
"What is your schedule?" she asked, her tone again light.
"For today? Well, nothing really, I mean, we have the party later... and we, uh, should have... dinner before?"
Kori smiled at Richard stumbling a bit, happy that he wasn't taking staying with her for granted.
"No Richard, I actually meant your schedule for the entire weekend," she said, back to the minx role, purposefully purring a bit.
"Well," he started, rubbing his neck in nervousness. As much as he was beyond excited at spending the most if not all of the weekend together again, he didn't want to say or suggest anything that be overstepping his bounds or her comfort level or make any assumptions. She wasn't a native speaker and he worried he might have misinterpreted something and that was the last this he wanted to do at this point in the relationship.
"I have handball as usuak at 10 AM with Gar tomorrow morning, and I also have some work expense reports and budget items to got through but I can do that anytime and anywhere. Let's see... Vic might being having another of his famous although frequent barbecues at some point, most likely Saturday night but that's optional. My dad is still in New York and Tim is back at Princeton and I think that's it. How about you, Kori?"
"Well, I made sure I was free again. I did not want to do the assuming, I just did the hoping we would be spending our weekend together now that we were the together..."
Richard smiled, chuckling softly. "That sounds incredible Kori," he said with a smile. "Should I head over soon?"
"Please do," Kori said, suddenly much more energized that Richard was coming over.
"I'll be there in about 25 minutes or so."
"I will see you then."
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Dick packed a few small bags for the weekend, although he still wasn't 100% clear on the plans and if he was staying through the weekend with Kori or not. He made up a small cooler with enough to contribute to lunch and took that along with a bag for his clothes and a few toiletries and his brief case. Home was close enough. He was somehow in and out of the shower, on the road and to the dorm in 22 minutes. Oh the power of love.
"Hello, Kori," he said with a smile, as he knocked on her open door quietly.
"Hello, Richard," her voice was somehow sultry and giddy at the same time. Kori gave him one of her trademark enthusiastic hugs before catching his eyes and then leaning up for a kiss. "Perfect timing," she said, a tad breathless even from their short but intense kiss, "I was getting very hungry."
"I'm hungry as well," Richard said, "I've brought a few things I found left over in our fridge, I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all Richard."
He paused and just looked at her for a minute. "Oh wait – I forgot to tell you – I found on-line the name of a vintage clothing store that is open until 9 o'clock tonight that sells 70's clothing and the prices are supposed to be very, very low so we could really dress the part for the party tonight. Do you think we could go after nap time?"
Kori giggled at the thought of how it was phrased, especially because it would likely be that innocent, at least for that point in time. "I would like that. I love going through vintage clothing and seeing the older styles. American clothes are so unique and there is so much to see, so many variations, so different from the styles in Tamaran. It sounds like it would be very interesting and fun time."
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It had been especially warm and both Kori and Richard were dressed in shorts, with Dick in a polo shirt and Kori in a short sleeve wrap style shirt. They snuggled together sharing a quick chaste kiss, both feeling the pull of sleep, they each quickly nodded off.
It was a bit after 4 PM and Kori awoke facing Richard. He looked so content and she hoped she was helping to make him happy. She couldn't resist kissing him and the minute her lips touched his, he gathered her up and pulled her gently and slowly to him. His restraint was remarkable considering he was still mostly asleep when her lips met his. The tender kisses continued as he shifted Kori on top of him, giving her the lead in what would happen next, if anything more would happen.
She broke the kiss and looked down at his blue eyes, his face framed in a curtain of thick red curls, "Do you always take such long, leisurely naps Mr. Grayson?"
"Why? What time is it?"
"4:10," Kori answered.
"Good Lord, no! I never take more than a 20-30 minute power nap unless I've been up all night," he worried a bit at the implications of that statement and quickly redirected the conversation, "I guess I must be just really relaxed here with you." He paused, and stroked her cheek with her thumb, "Scratch that, I am really relaxed here with you, Kori."
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"We've got plenty of time, let's snuggle and watch at least part of Saturday Night Fever," Richard suggested, not particularly interested in getting out of bed. "It is the movie about the disco scene. I can download it and we can watch it on my laptop and then we can get a good look at the fashions and the dancing. "
"Sounds like fun!" Kori said, happy to continue staying close and feeling very content in Richard's arms.
"It was one of the things that made disco pretty popular, pretty mainstream at the time. It's kind of interesting. Do you think anyone on the floor would want to see it?"
"Hmm, they might, but we will be likely spending the rest of the evening with them and I would like to stay close, doing the snuggling with you."
"You won't be hearing any complaints from me," Richard said and gave her a lingering kiss.
The opening music came on with the Bee Gees singing in three part harmony in a falsetto which was enough to ruin the moment. Kori asked, "Are those grown men singing?"
"Yes Kori, they are. Three brothers," Dick replied, amused.
Kori paused, cocking her head not dissimilarly from the smooth haired fox terrier from those long ago RCA promotional advertisements, although that certainly was where the comparison ended. "Are they, I mean the singers, the brothers, the all right?"
Richard chuckled, "Yes, Kori. Those are their real voices. The trio were said to be the most adaptive pop/rock band ever. They were able to spot a trend and exploit it. They were a few years ahead of the disco craze. In fact, there was a famous quote: 'In 1976 the Bee Gees sang You Should Be Dancing and in 1978 everybody was.'"
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Richard had only seen Saturday Night Fever as part of a 'gut' course, if there was such a thing at Princeton, on "Film and Popular Culture", and hadn't necessarily considered the nuances about it since then. As the seedier, uglier side of American culture and the club scene of the time unfolded them, he wondered if this was the best idea.
He commented to Kori, "Do you want to watch this? I'm sure we can just watch the dance sequences on YouTube."
"It is fine, Richard. The film is doing the portrayal of the American family in a disturbing manner, yes? But it is interesting. I would like to see the entire movie."
"Well, let's get through the main dance sequences and then head downtown to get some dinner and our clothes. We can finish seeing the movie right later, maybe before or after the party."
"Agreed."
Richard kissed the top of Kori's head. He had to admit that this was the way to watch a movie. He couldn't believe she suggested this was how they should position themselves to view the movie stream on the laptop. Richard was propped up on the upholstered headboard of her queen-sized bed with some additional pillows and Kori was snuggled between his legs with her head up against his chest. She had the laptop balanced on her lap and they could both easily see the screen. They were also able to be very close.
"I do like the wrap dresses that some of the women have on with the swing skirts," Kori commented during one of the first dance scenes.
"You'd look great in that," Richard said, although he would be interested in seeing more skin than that, he would never ask to and she would look very nice in that style.
"And you would look very nice in the tight polyester pants," Kori added playfully, and turned to look at Richard for his reaction.
He raised an eyebrow, still surprised at her flirtatious side, "Oh you think so, do you?"
"I more than think so."
"Well, I'll have to see what I can find later. If you want me in that type of pants, well-"
"Oh, I am doing the wanting..." Kori said as she leaned up and gave Richard a kiss, yet again surprising him, especially as it ended with a blush and a shy smile.
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They shared a pizza at a shop near the vintage clothing store. Kori insisted on paying her share something Richard was used to now. They spoke more about the pros and cons of Richard returning to school and which program would work better.
"The executive MBA would probably keep my father happier but I will be so busy with work and school I don't know if I'll have time for anything, and more importantly, anyone else," he said, as they held hands and he gave Kori a wink.
"But my PhD and the dorm may take all of my time. Plus I am not sure if I will find another roommate and I would rather not do the modeling so I may have to pick up another section to teach... I may not be available to be seen anyway very much."
Kori dropped her eyes and looked a bit distressed and Richard tilted his head and leaned forward until he was low enough to meet her eyes and his smile brought a smile to her face, "we'll work out a way to be together. Even if it's only when we sleep-" He stopped short when Kori giggled. "Kori, you understand what I mean, we'll work out what is best for us."
"I do know that Richard," Kori assured him, clearly amused at the prospect.
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"Here's the clothing store," Richard pointed out. They walked in to see racks and racks of clothes, mostly from the 60's, 70's and 80's but some back to the 1920's.
"Do you believe it Richard? These prices are unbelievable. Many items are just a dollar or two!"
Her face was lit up like a Christmas tree. Kori was thrilled. She loved to sew and loved fashion and her mind was spinning. For a few dollars and a few hours, on those rare occasions when she had free time, she could have a lot of fun. Of course, with Richard in her life now, she didn't imagine many lonely Saturday nights spent creating outfits out of reworking vintage clothing pieces.
Back to the task at hand, she quickly zeroed in on an outfit that included a lavender 'pleather' micro mini skirt and halter top. She gleefully grabbed it and the matching go-go boots and ran to the fitting room, leaving Richard in her wake.
The outfit fit like a leather glove. The skirt was low rise and short and the halter showed skin as well, but was in keeping with the fashion of the day. She'd have to go braless with the halter but the fabric was quite supportive. The go-go boots fit and the heels were a good 4 high. She hid the outfit from Richard and purchased it for a whopping $12.50.
Richard had found a perfectly ghastly polyester blue shirt with a gold design that looked like a row of feathers that crossed at the shoulder blades and then came around to the front, in a V. Then there was an upturned collar of a lighted blue than the shirt that came down making the configuration of an 'X' in the front. It had long sleeves and a deep v-neck, and the buttons did not even start until the bottom of the breast bone. It came with matching blue polyester pants and both shirt and pants were extremely tight, showing off Richard's physique very well. He found some navy patent leather wingtips shoes to complete the ensemble and made his purchases for a grand total of $15.75.
Complete with their purchases (but keeping them from one another for the time being) they made way their way back to the dorm. Once there, they snuggled up on the futon to watch one of the last preseason San Francisco Giant baseball games on TV in the background with the sound low and talked as they drank a few beers, taking time to relax before it was time to get ready for the party.
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To Be Continued...
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Thank you for reading and please review! Do the outfits sound familiar? Kori's from the cartoon and Richard's is a cross between the first and second Nightwing costumes.