Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans or AOL or Monty Python.

If you aren't familiar with the brilliant sketch 'The Spanish Inquisition' by Monty Python, you may want to look it up on YouTube. It's only about 3 minutes 15 seconds long.

Ted Bundy was a famous serial killer whose crime spree lasted from 1973-1978 in multiple states including Washington and Florida. His victims were often coeds with long brunette hair. He was the atypical criminal, good looking, polite. One of my sister's colleagues actually went out with him and she fit his type but when they came across one of her acquaintances he must have chickened out. He died in Florida's electric chair in 1989 after confessing to 30 murders and many of the victims were raped first. It is estimated that he actually murdered up to 100 people, mostly women. Scary stuff.

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You've Got Mail

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Chapter 25

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The ride back to the dorm wasn't awkward, but they rode in silence, having agreed to discuss everything when they returned to her room. They listened to classic rock with the Vette's top down, Kori enjoying the sunshine and wind, and Richard just enjoying having her beside him. Kori's smiled secretly at what Rachel had told her. As upsetting as the day had been, especially considering Roy's behavior, that was wonderful news. She also reflected on a sweet, unexpectedly passionate yet restrained kiss Richard gave her in the car. The way he looked at her before and after, the way his lips felt on hers, the way his tongue sought hers and caressed it oh so gently, the way he placed his forehead on hers afterward. He had said nothing, which told her more than if he had.

Kori knew Richard was different; she always had. Loving him had come quickly, easily. Sure it was early in the relationship but things were intense between them. As far as opening up her heart – she had been so ready to in the beginning. Any doubts, both the ones early on and again today, were mostly due to her past experiences. It wasn't fair to Richard. She needed to hear what he had to say, take him at face value and try to let him in.

Richard was worried that Roy was ruining things out of his stupid need to make everything a competition between them, but then again, this was worse, malicious even. He needed to tamp down his anger and concentrate on Kori. He didn't want to blow it with her. Should he even bring up the Napa weekend getaway he won in the charity raffle? She'd be comfortable that it was something he'd won so it wasn't something he would be paying for after all, wouldn't she? Were they even ready for a weekend away? Would that lead to intimacy they weren't ready for?

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When Kori and Richard walked into the dorm, Anissa was on the front desk again and eyed them carefully. Kori looked stunning and was so bubbly when they left and Richard looked happier and more in love than most men on their wedding day as far as Anissa was concerned. But now they were holding hands but not talking and smiling but there were apprehensive looks on each of their faces, with Richard looking more ill at ease than Kori.

As supportive as she was of the couple, Anissa was not sure everything was right between them, and that concerned her. No one was going to hurt Kori the way Franklin had.

Richard noticed Anissa observing them carefully. He was aware that they didn't walk into the college house the way they walked out. And Richard knew that all of Kori's 'kids' were very protective of her.

Earlier there had been was talk about Richard leaving during the afternoon and returning with flowers. There was gossip among the students on Kori's floor and they were prepared to step in. As much as they liked Richard, with Donna gone, that left Kori quite vulnerable in their eyes. Franklin had hurt Kori and not enough had been done about him and they would not let Kori down again. As a group they weren't going to jump to any conclusions, but they weren't going to stand by without at least inquiring, ready to interven if necessary. Again, Richard seemed great, he was nice to them and friendly. He had been helpful with their studies. Of course, Ted Bundy seemed like a nice guy too and we all know how well that worked out for all those brunette pretty coeds.

As usual, Anissa, Static and Cass were the one at the ready, the self-appointed protectors of Kori.

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Kori and Richard arrived at her room and Richard pulled her into a hug. As they stood there, she broke down and cried, not sure if it was for any specific reason, and perhaps just in relief that they were back at her place and they get a chance to talk. Perhaps it was getting away from Roy. What was his deal? Would he always hound her? Perhaps it was what Richard had said to Gar. Was it actually true? Did he really think she was the one?

There was so a lot for Richard as well, he felt on the verge of something, perhaps not tears, but he just wanted to spill out his feelings. His rational side told him that if he said too much, he could drive her away by saying something too soon, or perhaps worse, she might think that he was insincere.

Kori's tears stopped as she relaxed as he just held her, murmuring affirmations against her hair. She allowed herself to concentrate on the way Richard was gently rubbing her back. It was in a reassuring yet at the same time sensual manner, whether he meant them to be that way or not. She loved the strength of his arms and the feel of being held by him, of being close to him. She was starting to think talking could wait a bit longer...

Richard continued to hold Kori, relieved her crying had ended, loving the feel of her soft form against him. There was so much he wanted to tell her but for now he just kept it general, telling her how much he admired her for her hard work, how much he enjoyed their time together, how everything would be fine, how happy he was that they were together. They'd have to find a place to sit down and talk soon before the urge to persuade her with kisses rather than words became too strong. It was too tempting to avoid talking about things. It had been a stressful day, couldn't discussing things wait, there were after all other ways to communicate?

Before those thoughts could be acted on there was a knock on the door. Kori looked up at Richard, a bit dismayed, her beautiful face marred, splotchy from her tears.

"Sweetheart, let me see what's going on, all right? I am sure that I can handle it, I've seen you do it enough," Richard said gently, his reassuring smile easily convincing her.

She nodded and added, "Thank you, Richard, I really do appreciate it."

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Richard answered the door to find Static, Anissa and Cass. Anissa spoke for the group, "Oh, hi Dick," she eyed him a bit suspiciously and stressed his name in a way that people tended to do when they were unhappy with him, "is Kori available?"

Richard tried not to wince, he knew that the matter was not about the students, it was about Kori. He should easily be able to keep calm, able to calm them down as well, being unflappable in the high stress corporate world, what were a couple of over-protective freshman anyway? Sure, no problem. Right.

He found it difficult to swallow. "I'm sorry, she isn't available. If there is anything you need, we agreed I'd see if I could handle it first."

Anissa looked him over, still skeptical. She gave a curt nod. "Very well then, let's go to my room."

Richard followed. What else was he to do?

The dorm room was a single, a spacious 9' x 12'. Static pulled out Anissa's desk chair and Cass put the desk lamp.

Dear Lord, I'm going to be interrogated. I'd rather be down at the 5th Precinct, or even facing an angry father with a shotgun than these three.

"We need to know what is going on between you and Kori today," Anissa said calmly.

Still, it was a shock to be asked, his mouth going dry in fear or panic, apprehension over his relationship getting the better of him. "Pardon me?" he managed.

"Kori is upset. She won't come to the door. We are her friends. It's that simple. What happened today?"

Boy, could she be an effective 'bad cop'. "Things are fine between us."

Anissa looked annoyed. He half expected her to smack her hand down on the desk or turn the lamp and shine it in his eyes. Anissa walked away and Static stepped up.

"Look man, we know you are crazy about her but today things are a bit off." And now it's Static appearing in the role of the 'good cop'...

"Things may seem that way and if it is something that Kori wants to talk with you guys about, I'm sure she will; but I promise, as far as she and I are concerned, we are just fine," Richard said. He didn't want to say a thing about anything else.

"Well Dick, she had a horrible experience with her boyfriend earlier this year, and let me tell you, no one is going to hurt her again, you hear me!" Static's voice had gotten quite fierce at the end. He was very angry at Franklin hurting Kori. He wished he could have protected her. He hated when men were bullies to women, or worse.

So much for Static playing the 'good cop'. "Believe me, I am the last person in the world you have to worry about that with I really, really care for her."

"I'd like to believe you-"

"Like to believe what?" Kori said as she entered the room, her hair back in face and her face recovered from crying, and then she laughed at the sight, "Should Richard be not handcuffed to the chair? What is his offense? Perhaps he has been a bit of the naughty, but I assure you three that he has been a wonderful and dutiful boyfriend." She looked at her three students and then looked at Richard and gave him a saucy wink.

"Thanks Kori," he said with a smile that betrayed his sarcastic tone.

As if on cue, Cass tossed Static one of Anissa's bed pillows, "Surprise has not worked, and he has not confessed. We have the cushions and we are fully prepared to use them! Now do you confess?"

Playing along to the famous Monty Python skit, "I don't know what you're talking about," Richard said.

"Right! If that's the way you want to play it," Static handed the pillow to Anissa, "Poke him with the cushion!"

"Confess! Confess! Confess!" the three students chanted.

"It does not appear to be working," Cass pointed out.

"Was all the stuffing on the end you were using?" Static asked Anissa.

"Yes." Anissa responded.

"Well then, bring out the comfy chair!" Static exclaimed.

Kori intervened. "All right then you three, you have had your fun. Everything is the fine. Please return to your studies and also do the enjoying of this glorious weekend. I appreciate your concern for my happiness but I assure you I am quite content with Richard."

She took Richard's hand, pulling him up and lead him toward her room, she looked back and gave her students, "I have a comfy chair in my room. There is one thing that needs to be addressed, and I will handle it from here. I shall continue the Spanish Inquisition on my own."

Richard couldn't wait to see where that would lead.

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Richard was more than happy to let Kori lead him down the hall to the little apartment she shared with Donna. He thanked heaven again when they were alone. They received their share of odd looks from the handful of students they passed in the hall and the lounge. At least they looked happy now.

Kori stopped to look around the living room and surveyed it carefully, she looked over her shoulder with a smile and a wink and Richard cocked a brow. It was a relief to see her playful side returning in what appeared to be it's full glory.

"Perhaps this chair is the most comfy," she said as she lead him to the chair with the most cushions on it. "Let me get you a beer and then we shall continue with the Spanish Inquisition." She could barely suppress her giggles as she trotted off to the kitchen.

Richard chuckled and shook his head. This is going to be a lot of fun.

"Here is your beer, sir. Let me help you rest your feet on the ottoman." She lifted his legs as she pulled the ottoman over and then came over and placed her hands on his shoulders leaning in and speaking within mere inches from his lips, "Now will you confess?"

"Confess to what, Kori? I still don't know what you are talking about." Richard's eyes looked into hers and then dropped to her lips and then up again.

"This tactic appears not to be working, I shall doing the upping of the intimidation." She went into her bedroom and grabbed two pillows, "I must ask that you drink your beer first. Perhaps that will have the desired effect." He drained half of it. "Now do you confess?"

"No," he said firmly.

"I have no choice." She first menaced him with one pillow, then two. "Do not make me use these. I have in the past and the results have been quite the effective. I cannot guarantee that you will not be permanently damaged. Perhaps you will finish your beer and then I will give you another chance?"

Both Kori and Richard wanted to draw this out as long as possible. Richard finished his beer, not taking his eyes off of her.

"Now?"

"No."

"Very well." She nudged the one cushion on his arm and then used both, pushing gently onto each arm. "Now?"

"No. If I knew what you were talking about, perhaps I could confess."

"You know what you have done. I will obtain the confession."

"No, you won't."

"Then I have no choice. I am forced to get you another beer and move from the comfy chair to a more effective place of the torture. Do not move or your punishment will be so severe that it will be beyond anything you can imagine."

I don't know, I can imagine a lot.

Kori went to grab two more beers and opened them. She walked over, swaying her hips seductively, her eyes not leaving his. Oh, how he could imagine her in that low cut St. Pauli Girl outfit...

"Here, take your beer in one hand and allow me to lead you to the ultimate place of torture," she said with a sexy smirk. She lead Richard to her room and took his beer and after setting both beers down on the night stand, pushed him firmly on the chest so that he fell back on the bed. She then pushed him again so he was laying down completely.

"Now, I order you to confess."

"Confess to what?"

"I grow tired of your deceit. Confess or I will treat you much more harshly."

"More harshly?"

Kori straddled his thighs. "Confess."

"No."

"Confess or I will send you home."

"I confess." He was rewarded with a searing kiss.

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After they broke their kiss for air, Richard had to ask, "What transgression did I just confess to?"

"It is not obvious Richard?"

"No. Please tell me, Kori so I can make things right," he said with a bit of concern. Perhaps there was something he had done wrong.

"Well, for not asking me to go to the Napa Valley for the weekend of course," she said with a smile.

"Oh," really? He paused briefly, and then smiled broadly, "Kori, would you come to Napa with me for the weekend? I entered a raffle a few months back and won the trip as first prize. I'd love to take you." He took her hands and looked her square in the eye. "I hadn't asked because it wasn't clear if we were ready for such a monumental step in our relationship. It is all expenses paid and I would love for you to accompany me. I can't imagine having more fun touring the wine country with anyone else," or snuggling up with anyone else at night and hopefully taking things to a more intimate level if you're ready.

"I would love to go Richard. Thank you so much for asking. When would this weekend trip take place?"

"Well, it's just a phone call away to confirm a date. When are you available?"

Kori got up and walked over to her desk, grabbing her dayplanner. She took a seat on the bed, turning to face Richard as she hummed and looked through her assignments and obligations. "It looks like the weekend coming up would work. Is that too soon? Otherwise with finals and graduation, it would have to be after the end of June and Donna and Terry's wedding."

"I'll see if we can get something worked out for next weekend. I really don't want to wait."

"I really don't want to wait either," she echoed. "Oh, and Richard?"

"Yes?"

"Are you free to attend Donna and Terry's wedding with me on June 29th?"

"Absolutely sweetheart, I'd love to."

"Glorious!"

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Richard got up and found the phone number of the Inn that they'd be staying at for the weekend and called. He was Dick Grayson of course and he knew he would just have to drop his name, or Bruce Wayne's if necessary, and get whatever he wanted. He wasn't too keen on Kori knowing that quite yet; he wasn't sure how she'd react. Luckily she was out in the kitchen getting a snack. He had to wonder if she'd come back with normal food.

The call went smoothly and they were set for Thursday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. He'd added the extra day and prepaid a 30% gratuity, telling the manager to charge any additional incidentals discreetly. He didn't want Kori to feel obligated to go dutch with him. He was sure she'd want to even though she was beginning to relax about it. If he was found out, he could easily say he was going to cover it for now and that she could pay him back when she was a world famous astrophysicist.

Kori bounced in with the popcorn. At least smelled normal...

"I prepared it as the directions said to in the microwave and did not even burn it. Of course the microwave has the popcorn button."

Richard took a handful and ate some, trying hard not to hesitate. He had experienced Kori's 'cooking' before so precautions were generally necessary, "It's perfect, Kori."

"I welcome you."

"So Kori, I got off the phone and we are set for Thursday afternoon."

"Really? Thursday? A long weekend? How exciting!"

"So you can make it?"

"Yes, absolutely! Donna will have to stay here. She does the owing of me, cutting out every weekend like she does and many weeknights as well."

Richard was so happy and relieved she was excited, especially about the extra day. "I cannot wait either. Are you going to need to do any extra work this weekend or this week?"

"Perhaps some of the day tomorrow. Hmm... yes, at least tomorrow night and the weeknights. But I should be fine. Thank you, Richard, thank you! It has been so long since I got away..." she stopped and her smile faded.

"What's wrong sweetheart?"

"Well, I have never gone away with a boyfriend and I have never taken a vacation since moving to America."

"Are you sure you're okay with it? I mean, are you all right with going away with me? If you have second thoughts, it's fine-"

"No, Richard. I will be fine, it was just that it occurred to me just then. I am more than happy to go away with you, and more than happy to stay in a room with you."

"Still, if you change your mind, it's alright," he assured her. But I really hope you don't change your mind.

"Thank you Richard. You are so wonderful, so understanding."

She couldn't help herself and she attacked him with kisses which he of course enthusiastically returned.

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To be continued...