Author's Note: I'm so sorry about the big gap between updates but I've actually been really busy unfortunately. For the past month I've been out of town for pretty much half of it but I'm back now. I'm sorry about that but I swear I'm going to finish this thing. With that being said, I hope everyone is prepared for this. Strap yourselves in because the ride doesn't stop until the very end now. Enjoy! ;)

Warning: Referenced past abuse, and language. Nothing descriptive.

Disclaimer: Not my babies.

Third POV

"Mind if I cut in?"

Kori couldn't breathe and she couldn't move. Terror and shock shot down her spine as she fearfully looked up at Jason. His face was ghostly pale, mortification clawing up his throat as he stared in shock. Both of them didn't move for a solid thirty seconds before Jason seemed to come to his senses. Except, he had no choice but to wordlessly nod as he let go of her hand reluctantly, and Kori watched Jason rush away through the crowd no doubt going to find Dick and Bruce.

It stung to watch his retreating form but she knew he had no other choice, they couldn't make a scene in the middle of the dance floor. Not with all the rich and powerful around, and not to mention the reporters. She felt her stomach twist as she looked anywhere but him, though it didn't keep him from speaking as he turned them around the dance floor.

"Well you were certainly a hard woman to find but must I say, you look quite stunning tonight."

Blood was rushing in her ears, her head becoming light as she refused to look at him. This isn't real this isn't real this isn't real-

"Look at me when I talk to you, Rose."

Her head immediately snapped to look at him as she held back a snarl, growling in a deadly voice "Do not call me that."

Snickering, Slade Wilson smiled cruelly, replying "Oh, my sincerest apologies. What is it you go by these days? Kori Anders? Come now Rose, couldn't you think of a better, more inconspicuous name than that?"

She felt bile rise in her throat but she choked down on her fear, instead trying to feign confidence as she replied "Yes, I do. Better than anything you could have ever thought of."

The man was quiet, taking in her appearance more closely and she felt her skin crawl and she suppressed a cold, fearful shudder. "Lovely eyepatch, by the way" she snarked off handedly, trying and failing to get a rise out of him.

"A lovely parting gift from you, my sweet" he smiled, something much more intimidating than any other look he could give. It chilled her to the very bone.

"Cut the shit" she spat. Kori didn't want to play games. If he was here, and had found her after all these years then she wanted to know why.

"Such language from the arm candy of the eldest Wayne child" he tisked, making her blood boil even further. He knew all the right buttons to push and she forced herself to calm down as he spun her.

Nauseated by how close he was, she forced herself to ask "Why are you here?"

Slade's smile dropped, feigning innocence as he said "My my, all I wanted my dear was to meet the young man my daughter is engaged to and his lovely family. Such a shame that he didn't ask my permission first, he seems like such a fine young man-"

"You stay away from him" she growled, clutching his hand tightly in her grasp until she felt it pop.

Grinning, he replied with a malicious glint in his eye "Of course, my dear. Although, we both know you still belong to me, don't we?" Before she could respond his attention snapped somewhere over her shoulder, and she prayed it was Dick. "Well my dear, looks like I should be running along. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again very soon."

Just like that he let her go, stepping into the sea of people and practically disappearing. Terror clawed up her throat as her vision became spotty. The last thing she remembered was a strong pair of arms around her waist as everything faded to black.

Dick sighed internally, but the fake smile remained plastered to his face as he listened to some rich man spew nonsense. After Jason had stolen Kori away he had tried to go back to the table, but Bruce unfortunately snagged him before he could. The thing about being the most recognizable Wayne child? He had to socialize at least a little bit at the events.

It sucked.

However, he completely tuned out what the man was saying when he saw Jason. Wait, Jason? Just Jason; where was Kori? The look on his younger brother's face instantly made his stomach drop and his chest tighten. He was pale, eyes wide and terrified as he approached them. Bruce was by his side in an instant, both waiting for what Jason had to say.

It took him a moment, silently fumbling over words until he managed to get out a painful "He's here."

Dick was confused for a split second, before it suddenly clicked as he looked out onto the dance floor. Finding Kori wasn't too difficult considering she was tall with bright red hair, but the fact that a white haired, one eyed man was holding her made his heart stop beating.

No.

Immediately he pushed his way through the crowd, desperately trying to reach his fiancé before anything could happen. It felt as if time itself slowed down as he made his way to her. He could feel Bruce hot on his heels, Jason no doubt right behind him. People were everywhere, and just as he made it to where he saw Kori she took a wobbly step forward. He caught her just as her legs gave out beneath her.

Dick ignored a few yelps and the prying eyes of everyone as he picked her up. Cradling her to his chest, Bruce made him a path and Jason followed him out of the ballroom. Alfred was already in Dick's bedroom when they arrived, and he set her down gently on the mattress.

"Perhaps you should dress Miss Anders in something more comfortable while I fetch some water?" Alfred said, already moving towards the door.

All he could do was nod, mind still in shock over what had just happened. Jason was just standing there, staring into space with a terrified expression. Dick looked up and their eyes connected briefly, both holding their breath. Silently they agreed, both moving as one as they removed Kori's jewelry and shoes. Jason turned away, grabbing one of Dick's shirts and a pair of sweatpants after he had helped Dick unzip her gown.

Once he managed to pull it off, Dick slipped the shirt over her head and the pants over her legs. Jason helped to lift the covers, both of them tucking her safely beneath them. By the time they were done Alfred was back with some water and a cool rag. The older man draped it over her forehead, setting the glass on the bedside table before stepping out to go find Bruce.

Both of them stood there, watching her unconscious face silently. Dick felt his panic hit him full force, along with all the anger and pent up hatred for the man who had relentlessly and ruthlessly tortured his Star. Before he knew what was happening, Jason's arms were around him, pulling him close as his shoulders shook with a silent sob. After everything, his worst fear had been realized.

Slade had finally found her.

The world seemed to move in slow motion. Kori's limbs felt heavy, out of her control as the pinpricks of consciousness stung behind her closed eyes. Mind fuzzy and blank, she found darkness swimming in her vision as her eyes blinked open to see nothing. Ever so slowly the world began fading back into view, but the more it focused the more she remembered.

Until suddenly it all clicked, and she shot up in bed with panic.

Immediately a strangled sob left her as she curled up into a ball. Perhaps if she squeezed her eyes shut tight enough, everything that had just happened will only have been a dream. Oh, if only fate were so kind. It only took a matter of moments before she was being pulled into a familiar, strong chest as he held her close.

Dick sighed quietly, holding her as she sobbed. Laying his head on top of hers, he closed his eyes and rocked her back and forth. Tears of his own stung at his eyes once more, having to hear her anguish as she sobbed brokenly into the quiet around them. It seemed like an eternity before her sobs shifted to sniffles, until eventually she was quiet as she simply sat there, staring blankly at the wall.

"I'm so sorry, Mia'ti lari" he cooed, pressing a kiss to her cheek that she gave a heaving sigh at as her eyes fell closed, "But I won't let him get to you."

"You can't promise me that, Richard. Though I appreciate the sentiment."

He was quiet for a moment, before answering "My family, your family, is going to protect you with everything we have. Even if I fail, someone will be there to take my place. I swear to you, Koriand'r, nothing will happen to you."

Silence stretched between them as she turned. She quietly searched his eyes in the silence, before ever so quietly she replied "I believe you."

They both knew it was a lie.

Pressing another kiss to her cheek, he handed her the glass of water. She drank from it lightly before he took it back and lied down. Protectively he curled around her, and as she drifted off once more he remained awake. Dick knew promising her that Slade would never get to her wasn't a guarantee, and he knew that Kori knew that too. All he could do now was wait, hope, and if necessary, fight.

At some point he managed to drift off well after Kori had fallen back asleep, his exhaustion carrying him away. When he stirred awake it was seven AM and Kori was still sound asleep. Sighing, he pressed a kiss to her cheek and carefully unwound himself from around her. He paused, making sure she was still asleep before leaving his bedroom silently. Once in the hallway he walked over to Jason's room, lightly knocking on it in the early morning.

He wasn't surprised when Jason opened up, looking like he hadn't slept at all. "How is she?" were the first words out of his mouth and despite everything he couldn't stop the small, sad smile or rush of affection over how much Jason actually cared.

"She's alright, all things considered. She's still sleeping right now" Dick answered, raking a hand through his hair with a sigh, "I wanted to go talk to Bruce, actually, so I was wondering if you could just go sit in there in case she wakes up? Keep an eye on her?"

"Of course. I've got it covered" Jason nodded, smiling.

Something was off about him but Dick didn't have the time to figure it out as he set off down the hall. He set off towards Bruce's office, Jason lingering for a moment before walking in the opposite direction. On the way Dick bumped into Selina, much to his surprise. He hadn't known she had stayed after the party last night. Her face was tight with worry but also confusion as she smiled at him.

"Hi bluebird."

"Hi Momma Cat" he mumbled, leaning into her embrace with a sigh.

She ran a hand through his dark hair, asking quietly "What happened last night? Everyone kind of disappeared and Bruce won't say a thing."

Conflicting emotions and thoughts ran through his head. It wasn't really his place to tell Selina about Kori; at all, really. It was her business and privacy, but at the same time Selina was like family and no doubt wouldn't be leaving the manner anytime soon. There was no way he'd make Kori wear her lae'xa twenty-four/seven around the Manor especially since she's under so much duress. Would Kori be angry with him if he told her?

After his long pause Selina gave him an escape, though, asking "Were you going to find Bruce?"

Dick just nodded, smiling slightly when she grabbed his hand and lead him down the hall. Like he had predicted Bruce was in his office at his desk, head in his hands and mountains of paperwork on his desk. It looked like he too hadn't slept at all. Bruce looked up as they stepped inside, eyes locking with his sons as he sat down.

"How is she?"

"She's asleep still. Jason's in there with her in case she wakes up" Dick answered, feeling guilt brew in his gut when Selina rose her eyebrow.

"Who? What's wrong?" she asked, looking between the two men.

Eyeing up his son and his lover, Bruce replied "Kori had an incident last night at the party-"

With a sigh Dick made up his mind, holding up a hand to stop his father. "Listen, Selina, you might want to sit down because I have quite the story for you."

Meanwhile, Jason was lying there, staring up at the ceiling in the early morning quiet. The only sound was the occasional noise from Silkie, who was curled up by Kori's chest. He was lying on the bed, hands folded on his stomach and Kori curled up close to his side.

Mind running a mile a minute, everything he had been suppressing was suddenly rushing back up to the surface and he was having a difficult time keeping it contained. He hadn't slept at all last night, too busy being haunted by his own personal demons and the incapacitating guilt. However, he snapped out of it when Kori suddenly shot up in bed, eyes and hands glowing.

Her shoulders were shaking as she panted, and Jason slowly sat up. "Kori?" he called gently, carefully placing a hand on her shoulder.

Instantly the glow stopped and she turned, green eyes brimmed with tears and her face twisted in pain. Jason just opened up his arms and she immediately fell into them, sobbing into his chest. Without a word he held her, rubbing her back and rocking back and forth. He didn't hush her, but let her cry and cry until she couldn't anymore.

Once her sobs were gone, he gingerly got up and walked into the bathroom, returning with a damp washcloth. He softly cupped her face, wiping away her tears and snot before tossing it into the dirty clothes hamper and sitting back down. She curled up under his arm and he turned on the tv, putting on reruns of friends knowing it never failed to make her laugh.

Her head was resting on his shoulder, and after a moment he rested his own on top of hers. Silkie was curled up in Kori's lap now, her orange fingers stroking him lazily as she watched the tv. Ever so quietly she gave a breathy, half chuckle at a joke on the tv, and Jason sighed to himself with some relief. Except the same guilt came clawing up his throat, threatening to suffocate him.

Before he could stop himself he opened his mouth, beginning "Kori, I-"

Except as soon as he started he stopped as the door opened to reveal Dick. He smiled, but Jason could see the tenseness in his expression. Immediately Kori tore her gaze away from Jason to her fiancé as he approached them, forgetting that the other man was about to tell her something. Jason nodded his head discreetly with a small smile. She's okay.

Dick's expression eased some as he walked up to the bed and leant down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "How dare you have a cuddle party without me?"

"Cuz Kori loves me more" Jason replied easily, scooping up the redhead in his arms and squeezing her to his chest.

Both of the boys smiled at the sound of Kori's giggle and Dick flopped down on the bed, grabbing Silkie with a pout. "Fine, looks like it's just you and me, Silkie."

"X'hal, quit bitching and c'mere" Kori grumbled, smiling softly and Dick scowled playfully before tackling them both in a hug. Even after last night she could still smile.

Dick was reminded once more of why he loved her so much.

However, Jason just rolled his eyes as he found both of them in his arms as he fell backwards onto the bed. He didn't complain verbally though, he just laid there and looked up towards the ceiling as they watched friends. Eventually they nodded off and Jason discreetly slipped out from underneath them. He took a moment, looking at the two of them wrapped up together with a sad sort of smile before slipping silently out of the room.

Somehow, Jason had managed to avoid Kori after that for almost a whole week. When she had woken up later to find him gone she had taken notice only briefly, before succumbing to her nightmares. Even if he was avoiding her, Kori didn't notice for the first few days. She was too busy spending her time curled up in bed with Dick, reliving old memories and being comforted as she cried.

It had unsettled her to the very core to not only see him, but to have had him that close? Touching her? It nearly broke her. After she had slept most of the day after the party she didn't want anyone to touch her. Dick was so perfect, lying there close enough to be comforting but far enough away so she wasn't overwhelmed. She loved him so much.

It wasn't until the downward spiral she was in began to lessen that she realized Jason hadn't come to see her. Immediately she felt worry bubble in her chest, along with some anger, and it only doubled when Dick admitted to not having seen him either. It was with that in mind that she got up early, slipping out of bed and dressing in comfortable clothes as Dick slept.

Slipping out of his room, she padded down the hallway to Jason's room. She knocked on the door, and when no one answered she peered inside. Frowning when she found it empty, Kori tried to rack her brain for which spot she would find him at. Well, best to try the closest one first. With that she walked down the stairs, not up to flying as she headed towards the greenhouse.

It was early and for once the Manor was still and silent. She felt uneasy but tried to keep her composure, knowing there was no way Slade could be in there. Stepping out into the garden she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. This place never failed to make her stress melt away just a small bit. Feeling a bit lighter she began walking towards Robin, hoping to find him there.

Except, much to her dismay he wasn't there. Pursing her lips, she turned on her heel and walked out of the greenhouse and out onto the grass. There were two more possible places where he could be and she was determined to find him. She just really hoped he wasn't at the cliff because she didn't want to drive or fly over there.

The early morning light made the wet grass sparkle as she walked through the trees until she came to the clearing. Taking a moment, she scanned the area and sighed. Instantly relief bloomed in her chest when she spotted him over by the lake, curled in on himself. Walking over to him, she sat down beside him silently. Jason didn't move, just sat there with his arms resting on his bent knees staring out at the water. He knew what he was doing was wrong, but couldn't help himself.

"I figured you'd be at the cliff" Kori mused after a few long, silent moments had passed.

Jason just shrugged half heartedly, replying "Guess I didn't feel like driving."

Looking over at the side of his face, she studied him silently as they sat there in the early morning. "Are you okay? Because I haven't seen you in a couple days. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were avoiding me."

He visibly tensed as he gave a small shrug, saying "You're just going through a lot right now and I didn't want to overwhelm you."

Silent, Kori turned her gaze out to the water and sighed at how peaceful it was here. "You shouldn't lie to me. I know you too well" she mused quietly, noticing him scowl out of the corner of her eye. Jason was really upset.

"What's wrong, birsch'ka?" She asked gently, turning her full attention to him.

Instantly the angry façade melted away at the nickname, tears collecting in the corners of his eyes. "I, i-it's um" he fumbled, sighing deeply when Kori grabbed his hands, "There's something I have to tell you, but then you'll never look at me the same."

"There's nothing you could tell me where I still wouldn't love you, Jason, you know that" she mused softly, rubbing his hands soothingly.

Taking in a shuddering breath, he practically whispered "Dick doesn't even know."

At that she internally raised an eyebrow. He had to tell her something not even Dick knew? Immediately her interested peaked as did her concern. Dick had said Jason told him almost everything, and he was the only one he told those terrible secrets to. It must be something truly awful for him to be acting like this. "I'm here to listen whenever you're ready."

For a few moments he was silent, before ever so quietly he mumbled four little words that instantly shattered her heart. "Slade raped me, too."

Taken aback, her mind was sent reeling but she remembered Dick saying they had found Jason in Jump City where Slade lived. He had been a 'prostitute' supposedly, but maybe that was a lie. "Did he take you when you were fifteen?"

Jason shook his head before tears started streaming down his face, a sob wracking his frame as she held him close. "N-No. I don't know who took me, but I was with them for about a year until one day Slade showed up and bought me. He kept me locked up in a room most of the time, and he would-"

He trailed off at the end, not wanting to repeat that awful word. "Oh, Jason, I didn't know. I don't remember you being-"

Immediately she cut herself off, her eyes widening as she suddenly remembered something very very important. Sometimes, on a good day she could remember most of what had happened to her. Some days, it seemed her mind blocked off the memories. Some of them completely evaded her, the most traumatizing ones for sure. Except now one came tumbling back as her grip tightened on him, her breathing becoming shallower.

"You remember me now, don't you?" Jason said sadly from where she had him pressed to her chest.

Kori let go of him just so he could sit up, so she could look him in the eye. "You knew this whole time?"

Jason shook his head, saying "When you first told me what happened I thought maybe you had been more like me. It wasn't until I found out you were an alien that I realized who you were."

The world started to spin as she looked at him, remembering what he had looked like so long ago. He had been so thin, and there had been more scars and wounds on him then there were on her. Slade may have beaten and abused her, but he tortured Jason relentlessly, and what he had made the young man do-

"Why didn't you tell me?" she whispered, voice barely able to function as tears rolled down her face.

"Because I didn't want you to look at me the way you look at him."

"Oh, Jason, I could never-"

Shaking his head, he scurried away from her saying "You could never? Kori the things I did to you- I wanted to tell you so many times but you're my best friend. I didn't want to lose you."

Kori stood as he did, reaching out for him saying "No Jason, birsch'ka, you won't lose me. It's not your fault, he-"

Except Jason wasn't listening, to busy feeling like his world was caving in around him. "I'm so sorry, Kori" he mumbled brokenly before practically sprinting away and back towards the Manor.

The alien princess let him go, watching with a sob as he disappeared. All at once everything hit her as she fell to her knees. Jason had been missing for three years, and two of them were with Slade. She hadn't known. How could she? A sob wracked her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around herself, all the memories of a time she tried her best to forget as the sun rose higher into the sky.

After she managed to stifle her sobs into silent tears she stood, making her way back through the trees. As soon as she stepped inside she spotted Alfred, and at her appearance he immediately became concerned. "Why, Miss Anders, are you alright?"

"Where's Richard?" she asked, body growing numb and her head swimming.

"I believe he is in his room, Miss."

Wordlessly she began walking towards the stairs, eyes wide and unfocused. Alfred watched after her for a moment before going to find Bruce a little frantically. When Kori reached Dick's bedroom she opened the door, before closing it behind her. She noticed that the bathroom light was on and the door was closed, the sound of running water in her ears.

Except she didn't care.

Walking into the bathroom, she closed the door behind her once more before pulling back the shower curtain. Dick startled, putting a hand to his chest as he muttered "Jesus fucking Christ, Kori, you scared me."

Kori didn't respond, she just stepped into the shower clothing and all and grabbed at him. "Kori? What's wrong?"

All she could do was press her face into his chest as another sob wracked her body, the warm water of the shower washing away her tears. "Oh, Mia'ti Lari, what happened?" Dick cooed, arms wrapping securely around her shaking frame as he held her close

She couldn't answer, the words refusing to come to her as she sobbed. Dick held her as she cried for what felt like the thousandth time that week. Running a hand through her hair, he clamped down on the terror creeping up into his heart as his fiancé tremored.

After what felt like an eternity her sobs stopped but she continued to shake, huddled in his arms in her soaking wet clothes. "How about we take these off, I wash your hair, and then you try and get some rest?" he asked quietly, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Kori shook her head, muttering "I have to tell you something."

"It can wait until we get you cleaned up, okay?" he murmured, already reaching for her wet shirt that was hanging heavily off of her frame.

Simply nodding, the alien allowed her fiancé to undress her under the spray of the shower. Just like he had promised he washed her hair, the sensation of him massaging her scalp making her sigh peacefully. Once she was clean he turned off the water before grabbing a towel and drying her off. Slipping into a pair of his sweatpants and a shirt, she sighed as he carried her to bed. She almost forgot what was so important as he laid her down before pulling her close to him, a kiss to her forehead and cheek until she smiled so softly.

"There's that smile I love."

It grew for a moment before she remembered what she had to tell him. "Mia'ti Lari, I-"

"Sh, you need rest."

Shaking her head, she struggled to sit up from his grasp as she said "No, Richard, this is important."

He let go of her, sitting up himself as concern swam in his eyes. Chewing on her lower lip, she looked nervously off to the side saying "Jason told me something. He told me you don't know, and I don't have his permission to tell you, but I have to."

The terror grew as he clasped her quivering hands, holding them in his own as he asked "What is it? What's wrong?"

"Slade didn't just hurt me, he hurt Jason too."

Weeeeeeeeell there you go. I'm not super happy with this chapter but I've rewritten it a lot and this is as good as it's gonna get I think. So SLADE IS HERE. Shit is about to hit the fan people. This is not a drill. I'm sure everyone guessed it was Slade but c'mon, he had to come in at some point right? Anywho, I hope you guys liked this chapter but be prepared for the next one. If you enjoyed this don't forget to fave, follow, review, or all 3! Please and thank you ;)

Coming Up: Jason's secret and digging into Slade