It was the final day of the field trip and the students were getting ready for the trip home and the ending dance. The sophomore class was told to pack their things today because first thing tomorrow they were heading back home. Most of the students were sad to leave but among them were the ones who couldn't wait to leave. One of them being Alain.
Alain couldn't help but to huddle in his sweater as two girls passed by and giggled. Ever since the 'make over' Alain had been moody. Wally had gotten over the incident with in the day after a little down time with Jenn who was, some what, guilty for making him dress up. None the less the experience started to die down even though there was an occasional snicker here and there. But right now it was time to focus on the present and what better way to do that then eating breakfast.
It had been awhile since the boys had any guy time so they decided to have breakfast together. The girls had gone off to have some girl time as well.
"So," Wally began, placing his cup of orange juice on the table. "Any of you guys going to the dance?"
The group fell silent for a moment, considering the question.
"I'm going," Vic said. "Though I doubt I'll be on the dance floor with my leg and all."
"I can't believe you got attacked by chipmunks." laughed Alain.
"Ha ha," Vic laughed sarcastically. "At least I didn't dress up as a girl."
Alain grumbled and fell silent.
"You know," Dick began. "Vic being attacked by chipmunks is ironic. I bet Gar would love to hear about it."
"Where is Gar any way?" asked Vic, suddenly curious to the whereabouts of his best friend.
"Don't ask me," said Alain. "I haven't seen him the whole trip."
"Last I saw him he was playing a video game." Wally said.
"Only Gar could spend all his time playing a video game." muttered Roy.
All eyes suddenly went to him. This was the first time Roy had been out of his room the entire trip.
Dick cleared his throat. "So...um, Roy. Are you going to the dance?"
"No."
"Aww, come on, Roy," Wally said cheerfully. "It's the ending dance. You gotta come."
"No thanks." Roy said darkly.
Alain however didn't care for Roy's attitude. "Roy, your going to that dance."
"I don't--"
"Your going," Alain said in a demanding voice and everyone at the table fell silent. "You've been locked up in that damn room since the start of the trip. I know your upset about Jade but if she was here she would want you to have fun. If you wanna be depressed until she comes back go ahead but for one day can you just please enjoy yourself."
Roy glared at Alain and Alain glared back. The others just looked back at each other and at them. They knew Roy had taken Jade's absence hard and when she announced that she would be gone longer...well, Roy was ready to tear down the walls. Alain knew Roy was hurting but he was fed up with his attitude and something had to be done.
"...Fine...," Roy said quietly. "I'll go."
Alain wanted to let out a sigh of relief that Roy had decided not to fight him on this but decided against it. He didn't want to ruin this 'macho' moment of his and instead nodded his head.
Wally however, being the fun loving gut that he is, couldn't handle the serious and extremely quiet moment. "So, is any one else going to the dance? I know I am, with Jenn of course."
"Yeah...I think I'll stay in." Alain said.
"What? After all that shit you just pulled on me," Roy said, a little bit more of himself now after the talking he just received from Alain. "Dude, you are so going."
"Yeah man, everyone's going to be there," said Wally. "Us, the jocks, the cheerleaders, the nerds, Karen, Kori, Jenn, Toni...," Wally stopped himself when he noticed the red on Alain's cheeks once he mentioned Toni. "Oh my...You like Toni!"
"No I don't!"
"Do too!"
"Shut up, Wally!"
"You do, don't you? I gotta tell Jenn."
Alain seemed to move as fast as lighting as he grabbed Wally and pulled him down in his seat.
"Wait a minute," Dick cut in. "Who's Toni?"
Wally was about to speak up but Alain pulled his yellow hood over his head and pulled it down. Wally's arms were waving wildly around him to try and stop Alain from holding him down.
"Toni is Kori's roommate," answered Vic, seeing as Alain and Wally were to busy at the moment. "Didn't Kori tell you about her? I mean, you two have been spending all this time together."
"Uh..."
To be honest, Dick couldn't remember. He had been so involved with Kori and staring at her for long periods of time he couldn't recall if she did tell him about this Toni person.
"I'm taking that as a no," Vic said with a grin. "I'm guessing you and Kori must have been to busy to talk."
"What?!"
Alain and Wally had forgotten about their argument and looked up at the new one that was forming. Roy also took interest and listened to the new predicament.
"The truth will set you free, Dick." mocked Vic.
"What truth? Me and Kori hung out. So what," Dick said defensively. "She's my best friend, it's not a crime to spend time with your best friend."
"I think we can all agree that you're more then just friends with Kori." Roy said while the others laughed.
Dick felt like he could explode right then and there and took a mental note to get back at them later on.
---
Since the boys had taken it upon themselves to have some guy time, the girls decided to have some much needed girl time. Kori had invited Toni to come along to the small breakfast get together and the two were currently making their way to the dinning hall. Toni had gotten to know Kori and the others in a short period of time and had already made a bond with Jenn after the snowball fight.
The girls had just opened the doors to the dinning hall and walked inside when they stopped. They saw Raven ordering some food at the kitchen and walked over to her.
"Raven, hey," greeted Kori with a smile as they approached her. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you in days."
"Hey, Kori," Raven said as she took her bags of food. "I've just been in my room."
"Oh, you have to meet my new friend. Toni, this is Raven," Kori said as she stepped to the side. "Raven, Toni."
"Nice to meet you," Toni said, shaking Raven's hand. "Kori tells me your...'dark'."
"Right," Raven said, looking over the new girl in nothing but black and red. "Something tells me you're the same."
"Yup."
"We should talk over tea," Raven said with a small, almost unnoticeable, smile. "But right now I have to go."
"So soon," Kori asked. "Can't you come and have breakfast with us? We're going to go and meet Karen and Jenn."
"Sorry but I have...stuff to do."
"Are you at least coming to the dance?" Kori asked giving off one of her famous 'looks'.
Raven groaned at Kori's face. "Fine, I'll go."
Kori squealed and clapped her hands.
"Ok...I'm gonna go now." Raven said, ready to walk away.
"Of coarse. I shall see you later, Raven, to help you pick out an outfit."
"I can't wait." Raven said sarcastically as she walked away.
Once Raven was out of earshot Toni turned to Kori. "Is she always like that?"
"Mostly," said Kori as they continued their walk. "But you'll get used to it."
"Guys, over here!" called Karen as she waved to them. She was already sitting down at a table with Jenn right besides her.
"Morning, Karen," Kori said as she took a seat at the table. "Morning, Jenn."
"Morning, Kori, Toni," Jenn said as she picked up a menu. "Finally we can order."
"Someone sounds grumpy." Toni said, scanning over the menu with her eyes and ignoring Jenn's glare.
"I'm not grumpy," Jenn said. "Just hungry. Where is that damn waiter?!"
"I think she's gonna blow." Karen muttered but Jenn heard her loud and clear.
"What is that supposed to mean/"
"Nothing."
"Jenn, are you sure you're okay," Kori asked. "You seem...upset."
"It's nothing really...I just found out that Jade won't be coming back for another month."
"What?"
"Your kidding."
"Why?"
"She's having a lot of fun in New Jersey," Jenn rested her face in her hands and ran her fingers through her hair. "What I'm really worried about is Roy. Wally said he's been really depressed and I can't help but to feel guilty."
"I'm sure Roy will be fine," Karen said. "He is Roy, one of the greatest playboys that ever stepped foot in Jump City High."
"Yeah...I guess you right."
"Okay people," announced Toni. "Now that's all taken care of, who's going to the dance tonight?"
"Oh, I'm so there," Karen said with a smile. "I got the perfect outfit...though I'm in need of a dance partner since Vic is out of commission."
"How is Vic?" Kori asked with concern.
"The doctor says he should be fine. I think his leg should be healed in another two days."
"That sucks about Vic...Well, I know I'm going," Toni said cheerfully. She looked at Kori and Jenn. "What about you two?"
"Of coarse I'm going," Jenn said. "With Wally of coarse."
"What about you, Kori," Karen asked. "You game."
Kori nodded her head. "I'm sure it shall be lots of fun. I have even convinced Raven to come."
"Where is Raven anyway?" Jenn asked.
"Yeah, I haven't seen her around." said Karen.
"She said she has been in her room."
"So, Kori," Jenn said with a smirk. "Is there any particular guy you wanna take to the dance?"
"Uh...," Kori began to blush a deep red. "No, not really."
"What about that Dick guy you keep talking about?" Toni asked.
Her question made Kori blush harder.
---
Raven couldn't believe she was doing this, all this time...almost the entire trip she had been with those two...nerds, was the best way to put it. It started out with just one game and Raven viewed it like every other video game she ever came across, a complete waist of time. But this one, something was different. she got a thrill out of this one game and found herself coming back to play it again and again.
Never would she have believed herself to actually be having fun playing an adolescence game with Gar and Elliot of all people. From a different point of view it didn't seem all that bad. Raven wasn't fond of snow and it's games, she wasn't a big fan of cold weather. Staying inside her room with Kitten was not an option. Being bored lead her to this and though it was enjoyable, at the same time it was embarrassing.
Raven pushed the thought aside, figuring she could deal with it later and find a way to keep this secret...a secret. Finally reaching Gar's door she turned the knob and stepped inside. The boys paused the game to see what she brought up. They ran to the table where she had placed the bags of food and looked inside for something they liked. Raven rolled her eyes and took her wrapped up meal and sat on the floor.
Through out this new gaming experience Raven had been the 'care taker' of Gar and Elliot. If one thought she was obsessive with this game, they would have to take a look at Gar and Elliot. They hadn't left their room at all, not once, for the entire sleep. Not only that but they would spend only close to four hours of sleep a day. Raven admitted she liked the game but there was no way she would ever like it that much.
Raven finished her meal rather quickly and started up the game while the boys ate. Her eyes fixed on the screen and she clicked the buttons on her controller.
"Hey guys," Raven spoke to them with her eyes and attention still fixed on the screen. "Once we go home this never happened. Got it?"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." mumbled Elliot as he ate his ham sandwich.
"Sure thing, Raven." Gar said.
"I'm glad we understand each other," Raven paused the game and looked up at Gar. "Hey, Gar, are you going to that dance thing?"
"Dance? I'm not sure," Gar said, finishing up the last of his tofu. "Are you going?"
Raven nodded. "Kori kind of talked me into it."
"She gave you the face didn't she?"
"Oh yeah."
"...Well if your going I guess I can go." Gar said softly.
There was a pause and a red tint fell on both Raven and Gar's faces.
"Anybody gonna eat this?" Elliot asked, holding up the last sandwich.
Raven pulled her blue hood over her head and stood up, walking to the door. "I have to go."
Raven walked out the room and Gar glared at Elliot. "Dude! Way to ruin the moment!"
---
The hours passed by and finally the dance had arrived. The girls were in Karen and Jenn's room getting prepared. The girls had managed to get Raven out of her blue hoodie and into something more 'girl like' for the occasion. Once they were all ready they went their separate ways. Karen, Jenn, Raven and Toni had all headed down stairs to the dance room while Kori headed to the boys room floor to meet up with her escort for the evening, though the others considered it to be a date no matter how much Kori told them it wasn't.
It was just two friends going to the dance together, perfectly normal and non-romantic. Kori walked over to room nine and knocked. She looked over her appearance while she waited for the door to open to make sure she looked okay. Her hair was slightly curled and down as usual. She wore hip hugger jeans and a purple top which tied around her neck and showed off a bit of her stomach.
The door opened and Kori smiled up at the boy. "Hey."
"Hey, you look nice."
"Thanks, you to," Kori said with a smile. "Are you ready to go?"
"Uh, yeah. Let me just grab something and we can go."
Kori nodded her head and stepped inside the room. Her eyes fell to the boy with jet black hair sitting on the couch. The boy looked up and smiled.
"Hey, cutie. I see you're going to the dance."
Kori nodded and walked over to Xavier. "I feel so bad that you can't come, Xavier. I can't believe you got sick so suddenly, and on the day of the dance to."
"I know," Xavier said with a small smile on his face for the concern she showed for him. "It sucks but what can you do?"
"If you want I can stay here with you."
Dick, who just stepped out of the bathroom, heard this and jumped up to stop Kori. "I'm sure that's not necessary, Kori. It's just a cold. All Xavier needs is some rest. Right, Xavier?"
Xavier narrowed his eyes at Dick. He had no idea how he won that race but Xavier was guessing he cheated some how. None the less, Xavier was a man of his word and had put up this sick act to fool Kori and stay out of the way while Dick took her to the dance.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Xavier said. "You go have fun."
"If you say so..." Kori said, standing up and walking over to the door.
"C'mon, Kori," Dick said, taking her hand and practically dragging her out of the room. He wanted to get her far away from Xavier in case she convinced herself not to go to the dance. "The others are waiting."
Kori said a quick goodbye to Xavier and left with Dick. The door closed behind them and Xavier grumbled to himself. Never again would he make a bet with Dick Grayson.
---
The students stepped into the dance room and were amazed at what they saw. The room was decorated with star and moon shaped balloons. The circled tables was covered with white table sheets. Near the corner of the room, to the side of the wall, was a long table filled with food. There was a small stage where the DJ stood with the speakers. Last but not least was a large sign that read "Welcome Jump City High."
It was perfect and above all, it was party time. The students didn't waist any time and started dancing. Others sat down and talked amongst friends. And then there were the ones that seemed more interested in the food. The main thing was that everyone was enjoying themselves. Spotting their friends, Kori and dick walked over to the table where Raven, Karen, Gar and Vic were sitting. Kori and the girls walked off to get some soda while the guys stayed at the table.
"So, Dick," Vic asked with a grin. "Are you gonna ask Kori to dance?"
Dick seemed to be speechless and couldn't answer the question.
"Come on, Dick," mocked Gar. "Answer the question."
"What question?" asked Kori as her and the others returned to the table. She sat down besides Dick and handed him a cup of soda.
"Nothing," Dick said quickly before Gar or Vic could speak. "They were asking me what I got them for Christmas. You know, since it's in a few days."
Kori shrugged it off and turned her head to Karen and Raven to begin a conversation. Vic hit Dick on the arm causing him to glare. Vic pointed at Kori and Gar pointed to the dance floor. It was their own personal sign language of telling Dick to ask Kori to dance. Dick blushed and tapped Kori on the shoulder.
She turned around and smiled at him. "Yes, Dick?"
"Um, Kori...would you--"
"Kori," Alain called over, walking to their table. "I'm so glad I found you. I need a huge favor."
"Ah, okay," Kori said a little surprised. "What do you need?"
"Roy is being a stick in the mud. Think you can pull some of that Kori magic and cheer him up."
Kori smiled and nodded. "He won't know what hit him."
Kori linked arms with Alain as he lead her to his table where Roy was currently moping. All of a sudden Dick was the one moping.
"We told you to ask her," Gar teased. Dick sent him a death glare. "Hehe, shutting up now."
"Hey, I think I see Wally and Jenn," Karen said. "Let's go, Vic."
Karen and Vic quickly left the table, not wanting to be near Dick when he was in one of his moods. Dick was both angry and jealous. Angry because Alain stole Kori right when he was about to ask her to dance and jealous because Kori was dancing with Roy, her arms around his neck and his hands on her waist. Dick wondered who would be mad at him if he gave Roy a black eye.
"Dickie-poo!"
Dick froze. Heading towards him was Kitten. Kitten was wearing a jean skirt and a pink top. And in Raven's opinion; too much make up.
"Dick, isn't this a wonderful party?" Kitten asked, smiling at him.
"Um, yeah..." Dick said, scratching the back of his head. Out of all the boys in this room, Kitten had to bother him.
A new song began to play and Kitten squealed. "This is my favorite song! Dance with me Dick."
It was demand, not a question. Dick looked at Raven and Gar for help.
"I'm gonna go over there." Raven said, pointing to a random table.
"Wait for me!" Gar yelled after her.
"No! Guys...don't leave me alone with her." Dick said desperately but it was to late.
"Well, Dick," Kitten said, her hands on her hips. "Are you ready to dance?"
"He is actually," said a voice that belonged to a girl and she grabbed Dick's hand. "With me."
Kitten stood there, mouth agape, as the girl pulled Dick on to the dance floor. The girl wrapped her arms around Dick and they moved to the beat. Out of the corner of his eye Dick saw Kitten leave and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thanks for the save."
"No problem."
"So, who are you?" Dick asked, raising a brow.
"I'm Toni Monetti, a friend of Kori's," Toni said as she looked up at dick. "I take it your Dick Grayson, her best friend. I've been dying to meet you."
"Oh yeah, I've heard about you," Dick said with a smile, glad he finally met Kori's roommate. "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Toni paused and looked up at dick. He seemed to be staring at something. Toni tilted her head to the side and saw just what he was looking at. "You don't have to be so jealous you know."
"Huh?"
"Kori dancing with another guy. Trust me, she's not interested in Roy, or any other guy you see here."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Cause, she talks very highly about you."
This caught Dick's attention. "She does?"
"You didn't hear it from me," the song ended and Toni pulled away. "Now if you'll excuse me, there's somebody that I really wanna dance with. By the way, you should turn around."
Toni walked away and Dick turned around. When he did he saw Kori heading back to their empty table. He was about to make his way over to her when some random girl grabbed his hand and lead him back into the dance floor. Mean while; Toni was heading back to her table. She smiled to herself when she saw Jenn dancing with Wally. Looking back at her table she saw just the guy she wanted to dance with.
"Hey, Alain." Toni said with a smile as she approached him.
"Toni." he said dryly, looking away.
"Your not still mad at me are you?"
"No, I've gotten over the fact that you made me dress up as a girl in front of the student body."
Toni easily picked up that he was being sarcastic but ignored it. "So...you wanna dance?"
"Not really." Alain said, leaning back in his chair.
"Come on, Alain. Please," Toni said with a pleading look. "Or are you scared."
"I'm not scared."
"Then dance with me pretty boy."
Alain reluctantly agreed. Toni had a way with getting what she wanted. None the less, he smiled as she pulled him out on to the dance floor.
On the other side of the dance floor was Raven, sitting down at a table. Raven didn't feel comfortable. One reason was because of the way she was dressed. Jenn had some how managed to get her in a off the shoulder black top and hip hugger navy blue jeans that showed off her curves. Although Raven liked the look, she didn't like it that much and would have rather worn her blue sweater. The second reason was being at this dance. Being at a dance wasn't Raven's style. Oddly enough she wished she was out there, on the dance floor.
"Um...Raven," Gar spoke shyly, a blush on his cheeks. "Do you want to...you know...um, dance...with me?"
Raven looked up at him surprised and looked back down. "I'd like that."
"Sweet," Gar shouted happily. "I mean...cool."
---
Time passed by and the dance was beginning to end. Every one was enjoying themselves except for two students; Dick Grayson and Kori Anders. Kori had been asked to dance by many boys but not by the one she wanted. Every time she turned her back a new girl had her arms around Dick and was pulling him to the dance floor.
Dick had the same problem as Kori. The only girl he wanted to dance with was the only one he hadn't danced with and to be honest, it annoyed him. That's when he saw Kori sitting all by herself at a table with a rather depressing look on her face. He looked over to the girl he was dancing with and smiled apologetic at her and excused himself. He walked over to Kori and she saw him coming.
She looked up at him. "Dick?"
He grabbed her hand and pulled her up. "Come on."
He left no room for rebuttal and she followed him, her hand never leaving his. Dick pulled her away from the dance room and on to the balcony, closing the doors behind them. They could still heat the music but other then that they were completely alone.
"Dick?" Kori rose a brow.
All he did was smile at her. "I've been wanting to have some alone time with you all night."
Kori giggled. "Same here."
She turned her back to him and leaned against the railing, looking up at the night sky which was decorated with bright stars and the shining moon.
"So, any particular reason you dragged me out here?"
"Didn't I already tell you why?"
"Hmm, in a way," Kori said as she turned to face him. "But we could have stayed at the party."
"It would have ruined the moment."
"What moment?"
Dick pulled out a small, black velvet bow from his pocket. "This moment."
He opened up the lid to the box and Kori gasped. Inside was a stunning silver chain and attached to it was a star pendent. The pendent is what really made the necklace beautiful. It was the shape of a star and on the edges of it was small purple gems followed by white diamonds and in the middle was a single emerald.
"Dick...it's beautiful...I don't know what to say."
"Yeah well, it's your Christmas gift. I know it's not until a couple of days but Bruce always drags me to a stupid business party and I never get to see you guys. I just wanted to give you this," Dick took the necklace out of the box and put the box down on the railing. "May I?"
Kori nodded and moved her hair out of the way. Dick moved behind her and put the necklace around her neck, locking the clasp. He stepped back and Kori put a hand on the pendent. She looked up and smiled at him.
"Thank you."
Dick smiled sheepishly at her and looked to the ground, hiding his blush from her. "Your welcome."
A new song began from inside and they were able to hear it loud and clear. The song was ' You and Me ' by Lifehouse.
"I love this song," Kori looked at Dick with a grin. "You know, I think I owe you a dance."
Dick grinned back at her and took her hand in his, pulling her close. His hands slowly fell to her waist while she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulder. Together, they moved to the beat slowly, happy to be in each other's company.
-----------------------------------
SPECIAL THANKS TO SaffireStarz, BerryDrops, Kool-Wolf, Agent of the Divine One, titangirl797, RavenSis, Ace.04, cartoonstarfan, toonfan820, AlwaysLoveYou, milkshakelvr, Harry Potter Fan 1994, cookiesruletheworld, I Laugh at ur Pain, BeastBoy4pres052, paintupurple, Starsoffire, rockingirlofbloodred019, Pirategirl0, Sta-R-obin AND kor-e-anders FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS. I HOPE EVERY ONE LIKED THIS CHAPTER.
NEXT CHAPTER, THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR SO DON'T MISS IT.
I GET OUT OF SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY!
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