Disclaimer: I do not own any part of TeenTitans.
Kori's POV
Kori buried her face into her pillow already drenched from the flowing tears that never seemed to stop. She had been laying in this position for the last two hours not once moving. It had been three days since she received the dreadful news of her parents departure. She had been in a state of absolute hopelessness. Not Ryan nor any of her friends had been able to break her of this weariness. Her heart would hurt more knowing that tomorrow would be the day of her parent's funeral.
A soft knock at her door brought her out of her daze. She picked up her head off her pillow and looked towards it. "What?" she asked wanting to be alone.
Donna appeared after opening the door ajar. "All of us are downstairs and we were wondering if--" Donna tried asking but…
"No." Kori said sternly.
"But you don't even know what I was going to say." she argued.
"Does it matter? I don't want to do anything. I just want to stay in my room, alone…away from everything. But apparently nobody cares what I want because every ten minutes someone comes up here insisting they think they know what's best for me."
"Kor you know that's not true. We come up here because we care about you. You are not the only one who lost something. We all did. You know I loved them like they were my own. And yes it hurts me just as much as you. But it hurts me even more to know that you keep blaming yourself as if you had a part in their death." she was near tears.
"I'm sorry Donna. It's just…I miss them. I didn't get to say goodbye. They won't ever know how much I loved them." Kori said her voice breaking with every word.
"No Kori they always knew how much you loved them and continue to do so." Donna walked toward her and enveloped her in a fierce hug.
"Why Donna…why? They were great people. They didn't…they didn't deserve this!"
"I don't know Kori. I wish I could tell you but I don't know why." Donna insisted.
With that Kori sobbed loudly, not caring if anyone heard her. "Shhh….just let it all out sweetie." Donna gently stroked her back sitting down beside her.
Anders Household
It had been a week since the day of the funeral. The Anders household was still being invaded with a plethora of bouquets and bereavement cards. Many business associates along with family and friends had attended the mass held for them. Some had to be escorted outside due to the lack of space in the church. Ryan and Koma did a good job with the handling of all the funeral arrangements. Kori was too distraught to help with much. Koma would occasionally scold at Ryan at how her sister should help more with the preparations. Ryan would just wave her off and tell her to 'shut up'. Bit by bit though, Kori was starting to act more like herself. Yes it was hard for her and she might never get over their death. But how could she? Nevertheless she knew she had the love of her friends and Ryan to remind her that she would never be alone. Her parents still lingered in her heart even if she could never see or hear them. She had made a vow with herself to never forget what they meant to her.
Ryan walked into the kitchen and found Kori eating a bowl of cereal.
"Good, you're eating. I was beginning to worry if you'd eaten anything within the last couple of days." he went to grab a bottled water out of the fridge and sat next to her on the counter stool.
"Yeah well I guess I have to eat something, right?" she laughed nervously.
Ryan nodded and then began, "Listen Kori, Mr. Brenner is supposed to arrive in an hour to go over Dad and Luanne's will." he instructed while looking at this watch. "I know I hate to do this right now but he says it's urgent and needs to inform us of who gets what. He says it's standard procedure." Ryan sat up and kissed Kori on the crown of her head before leaving as she continued eating her bran flakes accepting what he said .
Rachel's POV
"I don't know I just feel bad for her, you know." Richard told the new couple, not that they officially came out with the news yet. Word had already spread about Kori's parents having been involved in a plane crash since the day she was absent for the rally.
Rachel and Gar had decided to go to the movies with Richard after school. They went to see a new thriller since those were Rachel's favorite. "Well Kori hasn't shown up for school in about a week though. I haven't seen her in my American Lit class." Rachel said to Richard.
"Well she wasn't in my P.E. class either. But I guess with her parent's death why would she return to school right away." Gar supposed. They were exiting the theater after watching 'The Clairvoyant and the Prophet'.
"All I'm saying is I hope she's alright." Gar and Rachel looked at each other with smug faces, then back to Richard as he fished for his car keys out of his jeans pocket. Seeing their inquisitive stares he made a 'what' expression.
"Richard why don't you just admit you like this girl and get it over with." Rachel smirked while holding Gar's hand.
"What are you guys talking about? Kori is just an acquaintance from school. I don't like her like that." he scoffed grabbing at the collar of his blue and black striped polo shirt. Thankfully his black Corona baseball cap hid some red tint on his cheeks.
"Dude you don't have to pretend with us. We're not gonna tell anyone." Gar teased.
"Let's change the subject fast before both of your feet get a good workout."
"Huh?" Gar quizzed in his head not understanding point of his joke.
"He means we'll walk home idiot." Rachel remarked at the hollow mind her boyfriend seemed to have.
They entered Richard's black Escalade parked in the movie lot of the plaza. He drove avoiding the hectic traffic by taking shortcuts here and there. "Gar are you going to stay with Rachel, Bruce needs me to help Alfred with some things later?"
"Can't. My Dad needs me over at the veterinary clinic. I'm learning for when I go to college." he answered. "Sorry Rae." he kissed the back of her hand.
"Don't worry, ever since my Dad left, it's been a little more peaceful." she smiled a small grin.
Rachel had just arrived home and entered the kitchen. Seated at the dining table was her mother looking through many papers, some scattered on the floor. She saw her hand to her forehead massaging it and mumbling something incoherently.
"Mom is everything Ok?"
Angela looked up startled almost afraid Rachel had heard her. "Oh sweetheart you scared me. I wasn't expecting you right now."
"Everyone had to go home early. What's wrong? What's with all the papers?" she noticed the stressed look on her mother's face.
"Well there's no point in keeping you out of this Rachel. Ever since you're father left we've been having financial trouble. Without his income we can't make it. I'm already working two jobs and that still leaves us with the mortgage or your school tuition. We're broke honey."
"What? What are we going to do?" Rachel feared.
"It's mainly the mortgage and insurance that is killing us. I'm sorry honey but you're going to have to stop attending that school. And if we still can't make it we're going to have to move from here." she got up to leave but not before caressing Rachel's hand sympathetically. I can't move from here. Not now, not after things are starting to make sense. Gar, I'm sorry.
Anders Household
"Well let me start off by giving you my condolences. Myan and Luanne Anders were people of integrity and high morals. They will be sincerely missed." Mr. Brenner affirmed.
"Thank you. We appreciate that." Ryan held a soft smile.
"But unfortunately right now we have the matter of the will and its contents. As their lawyer, I've taken the liberty of reviewing and evaluating their belongings to the way they have requested it. I'll just basically tell you the things they wanted handled first. For example properties and the monetary assets. They had ownership of three properties, a beach house here in Gotham's northern side. They have requested that it go to Kori. Their cottage in the south of France goes to Koma. And their penthouse suite in New York goes to Ryan." he said looking over the paperwork and handing the documents to the rightful heirs. Koma grabbed the papers skimming through them then handed them to Ryan who then handed it to Kori.
"The currency situation will be conducted a little different. Myan had approximately twenty million dollars with investments and ownership of AndersTech. This will be divided evenly between the three. The business they urged should be administrated by Ryan. He is to remain president of the corporation in due time and is to divide their stocks between all three as well." Mr. Brenner explained clear-cut.
"So how much money does that leave me with?" Koma asked frustrated and ready to spit nails if she didn't hear a good amount. Ryan and Kori looked with disgust at her tone.
"Uh…approximately a little over six million dollars Ms. Anders." the lawyer replied.
"That's it. I thought my father was worth more than that." she criticized.
"Well with Luanne's combined assets they were 'worth' a lot Ms. Anders. Which in actuality brings me to my next discussion. Kori you're mother had a family fortune prior to her marriage with Myan, which by law goes to you. And it is worth an estimated fourteen million dollars."
"What!" Koma yelled almost out of her seat. "You mean to tell me I get a measly six million dollars while she gets fourteen?" she shouted and pointed to Kori who just rolled her eyes.
"No Koma." Ryan chimed in. "She gets twenty million with Dad's inheritance as well." he smirked.
"This is such bullshit!" Koma cried out. "I deserve some of that as well."
"Excuse me, why should my mother leave you anything after the way you would treat her." Kori stared in anger.
"Screw this!" Koma jumped out of her seat grabbing her designer purse and headed out the door, leaving behind her elated siblings.
"Shall I continue?" he asked as the heirs both nodded.
Xavier's POV
Xavier stood out in the center of his balcony overlooking the spectacular view of the city. One of the benefits of living on a hillside was the beautiful scenery. He would reminisce on the countless nights he would spent with Kori star gazing at the clear sky at this very spot. If you only knew what unexpected happiness you brought into my life. Did you ever love me, Kori? He held his hands behind his back as a soldier who halted at attention. Just then he felt arms drape around his naked broad shoulders. He could feel the girl messing with his black pants.
"Hey where were you? You weren't there when I woke up. Don't leave me like that again." the blonde shrieked while her naked body was wrapped in his black silk sheets. At the sound of her irritating voice he brought his hand to his forehead massaging his temples wishing last night had never happened.
"You're still here?" he asked with a dark bitter tone.
"Of course. Last night was mind-blowing." She traced her finger down his cheek from behind his strong back. He pulled his face away at the contact she made causing his short black hair to drift to his eyes.
"You can leave now." he said once again more demanding.
"Pfft. What? You…you mean that's it?" she stammered releasing her grip from his shoulders.
"That's it." he said roughly still not bothering to look at her. With that Kitten stormed off the balcony cursing words under her breath and began putting her clothes on. He rolled his eyes glad to hear the sound of his door slamming.
Kori's POV
Later that day Kori was punching away at her computer unaware the doorbell had just rang. A knock at her door startled her as she allowed them to enter. She got up from her seat to see Terra, Vic, Bee, the Gonzales twins, Kolette donned in their swimsuits.
"Before you say anything Kori, hear us out." Vic said while he had his arm around Bee.
He was wearing a red hawaiian print trunk and a white muscle shirt.
"Girl you've been cooped up in this house for too long. And we haven't seen your smile in a long time. We miss you." Bee added.
"Look guys I'm sorry if I've been a little distant lately. With everything that has happened with my parents and Xavier, I've just felt alone. I know you all care about me and I just want you to know I love you guys for that. Thanks for being there for me." she went and joined them in a group hug.
"So this means you'll go with us to the beach, right?" said Manuel or Manny, as he preferred to be called, in his hispanic accent.
"Yes and look what I've brought for you." Miguel or rather Miggy, Manny's twin, brought out a small rose and handed it to Kori.
"Thanks, Miggy. You're so sweet. You never cease to amaze me." she blushed.
"Yeah I'm cute like that." Miggy stated in his hispanic accent as well. As soon as Kori had her back turned he felt his twin's hand slap him behind his head. "I thought we agreed not to fight over her anymore." Manny whispered.
"Sorry old habits die hard brother." Miggy whispered back rubbing his aching head. The twins never did hide their affection for Kori. Many girls found their baby faces the cutest things about them besides their adorable accent. They were the best guards on the football team.
"Well Kor get dressed. It's the weekend and I don't want to spend it indoors." Kolette said adjusting her black shorts.
"Fine but instead of the beach, I have a better idea." Kori smiled vastly indicating that their Kori was back.
Richard's POV
Richard was in the middle of working out with Roy and Garth in the training room. While Roy perfected his biceps with the weights, Richard spotted him making sure he didn't overdo it. He was caught by surprise when Alfred entered the gym advising him that his friends Gar, Rachel, Wally and his girlfriend Jinny were waiting for him in the living room. He stopped and grabbed a towel drying any perspiration he had. He headed down to meet them with Roy and Garth not far behind. Upon entering he felt a sense of eeriness in the air, they were too quiet.
"What's up guys?" he asked. Jinny gulped at the sight of Richard in a soaked muscle shirt and wet hair in disarray.
"Hey Richard. Oh I didn't know Roy and Garth were here. S'up guys?" Gar shaked hands with the them.
"Yeah we're here for our weekly workout. It' cheaper than the local gym." Garth joked.
"We kinda have some bad news, tell him Wally." Jinny looked over to her boyfriend.
"Well maybe Rachel should tell him. It is about her after all." he didn't like to be the bearer of bad news.
"Oh geez it's no big deal. Richard I might be moving." she said quickly.
"Why?" he said with a dubious stare.
"Because her mother's having…" Gar was interrupted by Rachel's hand grabbing his arm to stop.
"I'd rather not talk about that now, if you don't mind." she warned. She didn't like the idea of everyone knowing her business. Richard respected her wishes and didn't press the issue any further. She decided to change the subject…
"Actually Gar and the rest of us came over to see if you wanted to go watch the ocean." she wished he'd agree.
"Watch the ocean?" Roy said with a 'what is she talking about' look at Richard.
"It's this place we go to. It's really peaceful and secluded. Can they go too?" he motioned over to Roy and Garth.
"Sure!" Jinny exclaimed while Wally just rolled his eyes.
"Ok just let us take a quick shower." he retreated to his room while the guys showered in the other bathrooms. After watching television in the game room for about thirty minutes, the guys entered with a different set of clothes on.
"Ready?" Richard asked putting on his familiar black baseball cap.
Kori's POV
"God Kori, I can't believe you have never brought us out here before." Terra looked out to the golden orange horizon. Her friends were battling each other in the ocean's splashing waves.
"Well I haven't been out here in seven years." she watched them play. All of a sudden an albino Akita came up beside her leg wanting attention.
"Did you really have to bring Silkie with us?" she asked watching her friend crouch down to the dog's level.
"Of course Terra, he's part of our family. Aren't you baby?" she began playing with the dog's face making kissing noises. Terra rolled her eyes.
"Enough of this let's go into the water now." the blonde pulled her away. The girls took off their clothes to reveal the swimsuits hidden underneath. While Terra wore a black and yellow plaid swimsuit, Kori wore a white short top with thin spaghetti straps along with matching mini boycut shorts that held a cute little buckle in front. The twins ceased their playing as they watched the girls enter the cold water.
"Will you idiots get over it and grow up." Kolette yelled over to them. Her bright red almost pink hair shimmered in the sunlight. She then traced their faces to the direction of a black Escalade that was parking in the sand.
Richard's POV
"Where is this place again?" Roy asked annoyed.
"Damn shut it Roy, we are almost there." growled Richard.
Music from Green Day blared through the car drowning out any conversations. Five minutes later they reached the sand and saw a truck already parked out on the beach. "Well I guess it's not as secret as you thought. Check it out." Garth pointed.
"But I've never seen anyone out here before." Rachel gasped.
"Man this sucks." Gar whined.
They parked the SUV and decided to head out. They walked to where the kids that occupied the beach were located. Suddenly a girl in a ice blue one piece shouted out to them…
"Who are you guys, what are you doing here?" she shouted over the sound of the crashing waters. "Hey Kori we have some visitors."
Kori appeared dripping wet from the oceanic water. Richard realized who she was and was about to turn to leave when she yelled to him, "Richard? Hey what are you guys doing here!" she held her smile.
"Uh…hu…uh…we…" he couldn't find the words. His mind wouldn't let him get the picture of Kori in a breathless bathing suit, her deep crimson hair matted down with bangs on her face, her green eyes glimmering, golden skin glowing in the sun rays and her ample cleavage looking to perfection.
"They wanted to show us this beach which they obviously thought was private. You're Kori, right?" Roy spoke for the tongue tied Richard.
"Yes, I remember you too Roy." she smiled.
"But what are you guys doing here?" Rachel looked skeptically at the group.
"What do you mean, this beach is private. It belongs to Kori." Vic answered.
Richard's eyes as well as his group just widened in shock. All this time we've been coming to Kori's beach.
Well here is the next chapter. This is another one of those fillers that needed to be done, sorry if it was boring. I was kinda curious but I've noticed some of you seem to be rooting for X, wow. But what ever you do, don't count Xavier out yet (I'm not done with him!) As for reviews, I'd like to thank all the loyal ones who have been there since the beginning, thanks! And to the new ones: T, Ashe Reynolds 88, rgirl
And a special thanks to Crimson Black. I love reading your reviews, so this chapter is dedicated to you. And because we're both RedX lovers.
(By the way, Xavier's headache was not due to aspirin overdosing...but you'll see soon enough.)