As of last week I am an official college student. I told you guys that this would probably make updating even harder than before hand, but for some reason it's not. I'm chocking it up to my dislike of partying, and my ability to get my homework done early. Expect more chapters soon. This story will be finished soon!

Disclaimer: Don't own Teen Titans. Don't.

Stage Presence

Chp. 24

There was something admirable about a person who could look Bruce Wayne in the eye, and tell him he was wrong. Richard had done it himself on numerous occasions, and took great pleasure when another human being could get a rise out of the billionaire the same way he could.

But that had not been his intentions for Kori.

And yet, since dinner had begun she had argued her points poetically on every topic that had passed across the table. Politics, music, food, television; no matter what was thrown at her, Kori managed to have a valid opinion. Richard had found this a comfort in his own right.

Truthfully, he had assumed that he would have to carry her through a majority of the conversations. Obviously, he was a fool for thinking so poorly of the auburn haired girl.

"But don't you think that by involving one's self with the greater outcome of their city, is the only way for things to improve, Mr. Wayne?"

"I whole-heartedly agree, Kori, and for the last time, it's Bruce."

Richard watched the exchange with a subdued grin, amazed at how enthusiastic the soprano was about the political safety of Gotham city. A part of him thought that she was deceiving his adoptive father; putting her acting skills to good use. But Kori was anything but insincere, so he was almost positive she meant every word she said.

He wasn't sure if the fact that his girlfriend could so easily fit in the world he was so desperately try to pushaway was a good thing or not.

Time would only tell.

"So, Kori, tell me, how did you and Richard meet?"

At the sound of his name, he lifted his eyes from his wine glass, its contents barely touched.

"Well…" her voice trailed off, as she looked to him for what might have guidance, or quite possibly approval.

In all actuality, Bruce didn't need to ask. He had probably always known how Dick and Kori had fallen together, and even if he didn't, he at least made it seem that way. The question had been asked, in all likely hood, just to make the couple feel uncomfortable.

"I think that'd be obvious, wouldn't it?" He eyed his guardian with a smirk, attempting to cover up Kori's obvious unease.

Bruce leaned forward, a challenge sparkling in his eye.

"Why don't you humor me?"

"It was early November, maybe even before then," Kori suddenly spoke up, a slight blush crossing her features. "I come from a small town in California, so we don't hear much about Gotham, other than how amazing it is. I had no idea who Richard was until I arrived her, and even then I wasn't sure what he looked like. Imagine my surprise when I find out on our first date who he really was?" She looked to Dick with a scrutinizing gaze, wrinkling her nose at the memory.

He ducked his head slightly, impressed by her story. It was all true of course, except for the time span, though he could tell she was hoping to disprove the theory that they had started dating during rehearsals.

"Well, you've certainly been good for him," Bruce spoke softly, leaning back in his chair.

The conversation carried on to a different topic after that; thankfully one that he could slip into casually without starting a small war with the other man. By the time dessert had come, he found himself completely relaxed and offering to give Kori a tour of the mansion. It was as much for him as it was for her.

He was tired of sharing her with Bruce.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"I've barely seen a fourth of this place, and I've already picked out my favorite part."

"And what's that?" Richard watched, bemused at the red-head's exuberance. She glanced towards the ceiling, indicating which part of Wayne Manor she particularly loved. He followed her gaze, his eyebrows rising in question.

"The chandelier?'

She nodded, her eyes never leaving the intricate crystals hanging overhead. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head slightly.

"I can't remember how many times I've swung myself off of that thing."

She turned to him, a gasp of shock escaping her lips.

"Don't look so surprised," he chided, taking her hand and pulling her down a nearby hallway.

"But, didn't you get hurt?" Her innocent eyes sought his own, and he couldn't help the small chuckle that fell through his lips.

"On occasion, but it was always worth it."

She stopped to inspect him, his answer incurring her curiosity further.

"Why?"

He avoided her gaze as he answered, knowing exactly what she would see as he spoke his next words.

"It made me feel close to my parents."

"Richard, I didn't mean to-"

"Don't worry about it," he cut her off, again pulling her into step beside him. They remained in silence for a moment more, Kori quietly keeping her eyes on the portraits lining the corridor, and Dick trying to break down the tension.

"What did your parents do?" Her voice was soft, hopeful. Her thumb rubbed gently against his wrist, encouraging an answer.

"They…we were a circus act. They called us 'The Flying Graysons.'" A wave of pride washed over him as he recalled his past, and he found the pain almost unbearable. He leaned against the wall, and Kori fell silently beside him, her hand never leaving his. "After the accident," he spoke the word acidly, ignoring the bitter taste it left in his mouth, "I tried to forget it. I tried to forget that they died flying, and I tried to forget how much I loved it. After a year or so, I couldn't help myself, and I gave into the temptation."

Kori remained quiet through his confessions, only administering soft touches of comfort and sympathy. In the past he had loathed such a touch, but he found her hands made speaking all the more easier.

"It was invigorating." He shook his head ruefully, his free hand reaching up to his brow. "I remember that, for the first time since I had lost them, I had been happy." He stopped to take a shuddering breath, before continuing on, his voice steady.

"And that scared the shit out of me."

"Richard?"

He forced a smile, his hand tightening around hers.

"I realized that about half way through, and instead of landing on my feet, I landed on my arm."

She winced visibly, envisioning the fall for herself. "And what made you want to do it again?"

He faltered for a moment, trying to make sense of an answer. He wanted to explain the unending sense of freedom, or how addicting flight could be, but the words were lost on his lips. And suddenly the name fell from his mouth, that until now he hadn't wanted to say.

"Buce."

"That's not surprising," she replied, and he could hear the smile clearly in her voice.

It didn't surprise her that when he had needed him, Bruce Wayne had come through as a father. That in a painful reminder of hisloss, the older manknew just what to say to convincehis young ward to hold onto his past, instead of pushing it away. Kori always did find the best in people. For now, Dick would let her hold onto that.

"So," she started, pushing herself away from the wall, "when do I get to see this death-defying side of you?"

He scoffed, following her movements, joining her as she took to a new hallway.

"You mean you haven't noticed my dangerous side yet? I mean, I am dating you."

He dodged her leg as she went to kick his shin, a grin playing over her lips.

"We'll see for how long, Mr. Grayson," she pouted, her arms crossed defiantly over her chest.

"Oh, I think it will be for an extended period of time" he said pulling Kori flush against his body.

"Oh?" Her voice was teasing, her eyes coy.

"Because," he let his voice drop to a whisper as his lips traced her ear, "I'm addicted to you."

He felt her body shudder beneath his own, and in the next moment his lips had claimed her own. Instantly, she responded to the kiss, her hands wrapping around his neck and pulling him closer. He let his hands wander, and silently revealed in her moans of pleasure, each one muffled byhis mouth. Parting only inches, he sought her gaze as he spoke.

"Kori, I-"

"Shhh," she stopped him, placing her lips lightly against his.

For a moment they looked at each other, and Richard tried to break apart the frantic emotions running rampant in her eyes. Then, almost inexplicably, she nodded to a question he had never asked. Without hesitation he captured her lips again, reaching around her slender waist to open the nearest door. They fell clumsily into the unknown room, closing away the world behind them.

Tonight, he would share her with no one.

Tbc

Eheheheheheeheh. You guys probably have mixed emotions about how I ended this one. Let me know in a nice, big review. REVIEW!