A/N: Thank you everyone for your reviews, follows, and favorites! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans
Chapter 7: Night Swim
"I'm going to go look for him," I said to Rachel.
"I would let him cool off; he will come back when he is ready," Rachel said and turns another page in the book she is reading.
"It's been over an hour, and the bonfire is about to start," I said worriedly. "I just want to make sure he is OK," I said, and I stand up and brush the sand from my legs.
"Fine, but take your phone with you; I don't need you disappearing too, "Rachel said.
I smile, "Don't worry, I'll be careful," I said. I walk over to my bag and quickly put on my cover-up before grabbing my bag. I decided the best place is to start walking in the same direction Dick went. After the volleyball game, I tried to text him, and those all went unread. I had no idea why he ran off or why I was so worried about him. I continue to walk, lost in thought as I pass a few families, couples, and a group of college-age boys. One of the boys turns to me and smiles; he then nudges his friend, grinning at me. I get a chill and continue walking, but I feel his gaze burns into the back of my head.
"Hey, babe," I hear the guy call out. I continue walking forward; maybe if I ignore him, he will take the hint.
"Whoa, what's the hurry, red?" He asked as he runs in front of me, blocking my way.
I sigh, "Do you mind? I am looking for my friend," I said, annoyed.
"Instead of looking for your friend, how about you make a new one?" he said, "Names Xavier and yours?" he asked.
"Not interested," I step to the side, and he blocks my way again.
"Oooh, I like a challenge," he said and grabs my arm. I try to wiggle my arm out of his grasp and start punching his chest, "Feisty, eh? Let's see how feisty you are when you're moaning my name," he said as he grabs my face. I freeze in fear as he starts leaning closer to me, trying to kiss me. Before I know it, I feel his tight grasp let go of my arm. I open my eyes to see who my knight in shining armor is.
Dick is holding Xavier by his collar about 3 feet off the ground, "If you lay a hand on her, I will break your fingers one by one," he said menacingly. He throws Xavier to the ground, and Xavier scurries away like a scared cat.
I let out the breath I've been holding and try to calm my rapid heart rate. Finally, Dick turns to me, his gaze softening, "Are you OK, Kori? You're shaking," he said. I take two steps and wrap my arms around him, and sob. Dick quickly wraps his arm around me as I continue to cry.
"Shh, It's alright your safe now," He said and pats my head, "I'll always be here to protect you," he said, and I believe him.
He carries me bridal style to some nearby rocks and sits down with me in his lap. Dick continues to let me cry and rubs my back and head until I finally calm down. I lay my head on his chest and sniffle.
"Are you OK?" he asked.
"I am now," I said and inhale his scent. Gosh, he smells fantastic. His scent and his big strong arms were so comforting.
"Then can I ask what the hell where you doing walking around alone?" he asked. I can tell by his tone he is upset even though he was trying to hide it.
"I was looking for you," I said shyly, "You were gone for a while, and I was worried," I said.
Dick laughs, "You were worried about me?" he said in disbelief. "I can take care of myself, Kori," he said.
"I know that, but you ran off after the game, and you weren't answering my text, so I couldn't help but worry about you. I thought something had happened to you," I said and crossed my arms.
Dick's gaze softens, "I'm sorry, Kori, and I didn't mean to make you worry. I just needed some time alone," he said.
"You could have said that," I said, still upset, "Why did you run off anyway?" I asked curiously.
Dick sighs, "I didn't want you to see me like that," he said.
"Like what?" I asked.
"Angry, I guess, I lost control, and I didn't want you to see that side of me," he said and looks away. "I had a lot of resentment and anger after my parents died. I would lash out over everything and anyone. Even when Bruce adopted me, I would still act out. It wasn't until I was 12 that when Bruce told me the truth about my parents' death and taught me how to control my anger through martial arts, I finally started getting better," he said.
I listen, shocked that he opened up to me so much, "You don't have to hide from me. No one is perfect, and we all have issues, even me," I said.
Dick stares at me, "So you're not afraid of me?" he asked, and I could feel his body tense.
I wrap my arms around his neck and shake my head, "Nope, besides Adon-douche deserved it," I said.
Dick laughs, and I feel his body relaxes, and I smile. We sit like that for a while before Dick breaks the silence, "You want to go for a swim?" he asked.
I shrug, "Sure, why not," I said. It was sunset now, and the water was a bit cooler. I stand up and take my cover-up off. Dick stares at me with his mouth agape.
"Like what you see?" I tease.
"Hell yeah," he said and takes off his shirt. My eyes immediately wander to his abs that I would love to lick; I immediately blush at the dirty thought.
Dick laughs, "Well, It looks like I am not the only one who likes the view," he said, and I blush harder. Busted.
He grabs my hand and smiles, and we walk toward the ocean, the water feels excellent as Dick and I swim more profound into the sea.
"Thanks for listening to me earlier, Kori," Dick said as we float in the water. "I don't open up to people ever, but I don't know; with you, it's different," he said.
I blush, "You sure know how to make a girl feel special," I tease.
"You're not just any girl," He said, "You're my future wife," he said.
"WHAT!" I said and splash him, "You can't just say stuff like that," I giggle.
Dick laughed, "I can, and I mean it, I'm going to marry you, Kori Anders," he said.
I look at him, and I can tell he is serious, "We haven't even been on a date yet," I said and blush.
"We can take care of that right now," he said and starts to swim back to the shore.
I swim after him, "Where are we going now?" I asked.
Richard helps me out of the water and takes my hand, "I'm taking you out on a date," he said and smiles.
"What?" I said in disbelief.
Dick smiles and hands me my towel from my bag to dry off, "Just follow me," he said.
I'm suddenly grateful I brought my bag since Dick is secretive about this date. I use my towel to dry off and place it in my bag and slip on my flip-flops. I smooth my hair as best as I can.
"Kori, we are just going to get some food at the shore shack," he said. "You look beautiful," he said, and I blush.
I notice he is blushing too as he grabs my hand as we start walking to the shore shack. We both end up getting a hot dog combo with coke and sit at a nearby table. I immediately cover my hotdog and fries with mustard.
"Is mustard your favorite?" Dick asked.
I freeze; besides Gar and Rachel, most people find my love of mustard weird, "Yea, ketchup taste too sweet to me," I explained.
"Hmm, that's good to know," he said and continues eating. I breathe a sigh of relief.
"So there's something I want to ask you," Dick said.
"OK…" I said, wondering what he is going to say now.
"Kori, will you go out to dinner with me?" he said, "I want to take you on a real first date," he said.
My heart flutters, "I would love that," I said.
"Great! Dick said. Happily, he looks a lot less nervous now, and I can't help but smile.
"So, are you going to tell me what you have planned for this date?" I asked.
Dick smiles, "Nope, where's the fun in that, but I promise it will be romantic,' he said and grins.
I smile back and start feeling butterflies in my stomach. oh gosh, am I falling for Dick Grayson?
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Happy Reading!- TriniPrincess