Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Teen Titans.
Richard's POV
The early morning sun shined like a beacon through the windows of Wayne manor. Although its glorious rays were cast upon Richard's window, it was the screaming song from his alarm clock that awoke him out of his pleasant sleep. With his eyes still almost shut he ran a hand through his jet black disheveled mess then shot out of bed and straight into the shower. Even as the warm water pounced on his body he couldn't help but smile to himself. The weekend had been good to him, well almost. He still reminisced about yesterday night with Kori while he washed.
He opted to clean himself with his cologne body wash instead of soap hoping it would be more stimulating if a certain someone chose to come near him today. He was already running late due to his long bath. He finished himself off by dressing in his red punk t-shirt only to be covered by his favorite black hoodie. He zipped up his stonewash jeans when he heard the doorbell ring out. He gathered his belongings and hurriedly headed downstairs wondering who on earth would be here this early. I wasn't supposed to give anyone a ride today, was I? He saw Alfred scurry to answer the door.
"Don't worry Alfred I'll get it." he put out his arm signaling him to stop.
"Yes master Richard." he turned and headed back to the kitchen.
Richard turned the knob and straight away felt the cold morning breeze swoop his body. He was surprised when he saw his redheaded friend smiling back at him.
"Roy? What the heck are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be on your way to school?" he asked confusion plaguing his face.
"Yeah and I'm gonna be late again. But I had to leave this to you." he handed Richard a white envelope. "It's for Kori." his smile never fading.
"What is this?" He grabbed the envelope which had Kori's name written on front in what could only be Roy's chicken scratch writing.
"Well you said so yourself, right? I mean you said you two weren't really dating. So why not, I mean I like her." Richard looked to his friend…best friend.
"What do you mean you like her? You barely even know her." he questioned.
He couldn't believe Roy would even ask something like this of him. He should have been aware of Richard's feelings for Kori by now. The respectable thing for Roy to do would be to back off.
"Richard I don't need to know her to see that I like her. Besides during that trip to the pizza place…I don't know we just had a connection, you know."
"Connection? What the hell are you talking about?" he laughed mildly thinking of it as a joke at first. He viewed his friend's seriously stiffened body and grew slightly agitated. "What happened exactly?" he interrogated with minor frustration. Damn Kitten why'd I have to ride with her.
"Look I'm already late just give that to her please." he begged before turning to head back to his car which was still running.
Richard couldn't help but feel resentment toward his friend. Could he blame him though? He knew Roy most of his life and was used to him pulling stunts like this, he was still a guy after all. He looked at the letter as if it contained some kind of bomb set to go off any moment. He contemplated what to do with it…give it to her or dispose of it. If he only knew what words were contained inside. But did it matter since it'd all be the same thing. Obviously he wrote her a love letter. But what happened during that short eventful trip that would possess Roy to put aside his pride and write to her. He almost never approached a girl, never. It was usually the other way around. Did Kori give him the impression she liked him? Connection! After what happened yesterday, why would she kiss him if she indeed liked Roy. He was confused and a little angry. He didn't want to get his feelings played with however something told him Kori would never do that to him…would she? He grabbed his jacket from the closet door nearby and headed off to school. Connection, pfft!
Kori's POV
Kori stepped out of Vic's truck using the foot rail careful not to trip from his lifted ride. The frosty chill from the wind made her snuggle her multi-colored scarf around her neck tightly. And just in time too as the bell rang for school to commence.
She walked to her locker with Terra and Kolette beside her. They discussed random things but Kori really wasn't concentrating in their discussion. When she finally reached it she retrieved her necessary book. She closed her locker door only to see Xavier leaning his back against the end hallway wall with his arms crossed. Oh how he portrayed the classic 'big guy on campus' look so well. With him were Fang and Billy along with two giggling bimbos. The final warning bell rang and Xavier coolly lifted himself off the wall with his leg. He spotted Kori with his grim tone and followed her figure as she moved until she was out of sight.
"Just forget about him Kor, let's go before were late." Terra held her hand and tugged at it to follow her. She just pushed Xavier's visage to the back of her mind not even wanting to know what he was thinking. While she headed to class, Kori looked around constantly as if she was searching for someone.
"Who you looking for?" Kolette also looked around following her head.
"Richard maybe." Terra smirked. She felt Kolette slap her shoulder abruptly. "Hey!"
"Um…maybe." she giggled happily finding the quarrel between her friends amusing.
"So what's going on with you two anyways?" Kolette reached into her purse grabbing her favorite cherry lip gloss.
"I'm not sure guys but all I know is that…I really like him." she sighed as a smile appeared on her full lips.
"Kor, I think Richard is nice and all…don't get me wrong…but he doesn't really strike me as the type that would mesh well with us…you know?" Kolette said applying on her gloss.
"Oh please who gives a shit!" someone said from behind interrupting their conversation.
"Hey girl." they all greeted when they spotted Bee walking hand in hand with Vic.
"Yeah as long as he treats Kori good I don't care who he is." Vic said before kissing his girlfriend on the neck playfully.
"Oh God get a room people." Manny joked passing by the couple. Vic kissed Bee one more time before leaving to join one of the twins.
Kolette left them and ran to her class knowing she was already going to be late. The three girls entered Mr. Wilson's history class rolling their eyes to the boredom that was about to ensue.
"Ladies don't you think Mr. Wilson is super sexy?" Terra asked with lustful enthusiasm.
"You are the craziest girl I know Terra." Kori shook her head sadly.
Richard's POV
Richard entered his history class half-heartedly not wanting to catch the attention of the other classmates. He looked over to Kori's seat but it was surrounded by people wanting to talk to her. He walked to his seat only to find someone already occupying it. It was one of X's scummy friends, Matthew or Mammoth as he was sometimes called. He walked up to it and stood there hoping he'd take the hint.
"Problem Grayson?" Mammoth sneered.
"Yeah you're in my seat." he stared down towards him furiously.
"Well it looks like it's taken." he countered. The class looked on eagerly wondering if their words would soon turn into a brawl. This was exactly what Richard wanted to avoid. Not in the mood for a scuffle so early in the morning, he moved over to the seat next to him which was vacant. Then Mammoth immediately sprang his leg into that seat creating a bridge that Richard had to cross.
"Looks like that one is taken too." Just then Reeko, another one of X's pals, walked over and sat in it. Richard was already in a bad mood. What with Roy's letter, his unknown feelings for Kori, and X's dirtbag friends, he didn't need anything else right now tempting his patience.
"Hey Richard come sit by us." Terra yelled out to him. He turned to see that Bee and Kori were waving over to him. He decided to go and join them since he had no other choice.
"That's right go sit with the ladies." Reeko teased.
"Fuck off." he muttered. The class oohed and ahhed. But Mammoth nor Reeko did nothing, only shocked eyes casting their faces. They never had anyone talk back to them like that before.
At that moment Mr. Wilson appeared at the front of the class quite annoyed. He stated today would be a free period since he was behind in grading exams and did not want to be bothered. They were allowed to talk quietly during class.
Richard sat in the seat next to Kori a little nervous.
"Hey." she blushed. Her friends couldn't help but smile knowingly to each other.
"Hi." He didn't like how the class would stare from their seats and whisper. Let it be known he was uncomfortable. Being part of gossip and rumors was not something he was used to. No one had ever cared enough to know that he existed and he was fine with that.
"So Richard that was some fight between you and X." Terra blurted out. She instantly felt Bee's elbow make contact to her side.
"Ow! What is this, hit the crap out of Terra day! I'm making conversation. Besides X had it coming to him." she rubbed her side tenderly.
"I wouldn't really call it a fight, it was just I guess I didn't want him to hurt Kori anymore. That's all." Richard's cheeks burned and he felt himself avoiding their gazes.
"He was fighting to defend your honor Kori. How sweet!" Terra smiled while shoving Kori playfully from her seat.
"Terra…shut it." Kori said through her teeth as friendly as possible.
Bee raised her hand to get the teacher's attention. "Mr. Wilson since we won't be doing anything this period can Terra and I go to the library to finish up our reports for English class." Terra struggled in her seat trying to shut Bee up before she could finish.
"Fine go." he ordered.
"What the hell are you doing Bee? I don't want to go the library." Terra said getting her things in order.
"We have to. How else are the two lovebirds going to get any time together with us here?" she whispered for her friend's ear only.
"Ah…good one." she snapped her finger. "Well sorry guys but we'll talk to you at lunch. Don't get too cozy now."
"Shut up Terra." Kori said with embarrassment shielding her forehead with her hand. Terra just winked before she and Bee were headed out the door. "Hey don't you think Mr. Wilson is sexy hot." Bee just slapped her hand to her forehead. Damn girl you are boy crazy.
"Nice friends." he joked.
"Only when they want to be." she laughed timidly.
He hated to admit it but he felt perplexed. Did Kori like him or Roy, or hell even Xavier? His thoughts on recent events left him momentarily silent. And she was beginning to take notice. He tried not looking at her for he knew he would only look like a fool. She had this influence on him. But he desperately wanted to. He had to know though.
"Is something wrong Richard?" she fixated her eyes on his handsome face.
"No nothing's wrong. Why?" he answered still choosing not to look at her.
"Well it just seems like your avoiding me or distant or…something." She said crestfallen. Why are you acting like this?
"I'm not avoiding you Ok?" he assured her with a small grin on his face.
"Was it because of what happened last night?" she spoke softly looking down while playing with her pen. She almost didn't want to hear his reply scared it might be a 'yes'.
"No. Last night was great." he hesitated with his words. "It's because of this." He reached into his hoodie pocket and took out the letter. He skimmed it and placed it in front of her.
She saw the envelope with her name written on it and stole a glance at Richard. "What is this?" she reached for it and opened it with caution.
"Roy came by this morning and dropped it off for you."
She reached inside and pulled out not a letter but two tickets. "Uh…these are tickets for the Gotham City hockey game this weekend." She held them up in her hands with her two fingers showing Richard. "Why would he give me these?" she asked.
"Well it's pretty clear. He likes you and he thinks you like him too."
"What! Why would he think that?" Kori stuttered away in shock.
"Apparently you guys have a connection." Richard spat out the last word. He saw Kori smile at his statement and grew upset. She does like him otherwise she wouldn't be smiling at the thought. "And it appears that he was right, I guess." he said with vexation. Without thinking…
"Yeah Wilson I need to go to the library too." he yelled.
"Go! And in the future you will refrain from using my surname alone. You are to refer to me by…"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Richard grabbed his bag and headed to the door. Mr. Wilson watched his back leave as he left, muttering 'punk' under his breath. Kori watched horrifically as Richard rapidly grabbed his bag and the next thing she knew he was gone. Oh God he thinks I like Roy. Shit!
"Mr. Wilson!" she raised her hand to speak.
"Just go Ms. Anders!" he boomed tired of being bothered. As she departed he couldn't help himself but look at her backside. Mmmm…nice.
Richard + Kori's POV
"Richard!" Kori yelled behind him yet he said nothing.
"Richard!" he continued to walk to his destination. After seeing that he wasn't going to stop she decided to run to catch up with him. She reached him and jumped in front of him trying to stop him.
"Will you stop please?" she shoved her hands into his chest.
"It's alright Kori, you like Roy and I see that." he sidestepped to continue walking.
"I don't like Roy. I never did!" she yelled out into the cold air.
"Then what happened between you two? I mean why does he think you like him?"
"I honestly don't know why. He's a nice guy. Well a nice guy who's evidently in love with himself. But he's not you!" she stated in front of him again. Only this time she was staring into those deep blue mysterious eyes of his.
"You know I like you, right?" she no longer cared what people thought. And she wasn't going to let anyone come between what she felt for him.
"You like me? And do you want to be with me?" he asked with a serious undertone.
Kori took hold of her scarf and wrapped it around Richard's neck pulling him closer to her. "What do you think?" she then embraced her lips with his and began to kiss him fiercely. Richard wrapped his strong arms around her small waist wishing they were any place but school at the moment. Finally realizing class would be over soon they ceased showing their affection for one another. They were happy just to be able to gaze at each other.
"So new boyfriend…what do you say to two season tickets to the Gotham City Bats game this Saturday?" she slyly retrieved the two tickets out of her back jean pockets and flaunted them in front of Richard's face.
"I don't think Roy would like that very much." he teased smoothly touching her cheek with his fingers.
"Well too bad for Roy I guess." and she kissed him once again. They then held hands freely for the first time and to them it felt perfect.
The Group's POV
The cafeteria was buzzing with noise and people bustling due to the current news. As Kori and Richard walked together hand in hand, it became painstakingly quiet. Not only did this confirm the rumors were true but the new couple were boldly bringing their new relationship to light. They spotted Vic and the rest at the table already.
Richard and Kori walked up to the table avoiding all the classmates who held expressions of disbelief or contentment of their newfound romance.
"So lovebirds, it's about time ya'll stop playing games." Vic laughed. He felt a throbbing pain in the back of his head from where Bee had slapped him.
"Why do you have to abuse me woman!" he cried out.
"Because you deserve it Sparks." she teased.
Just then Gar and Rachel along with Wally and Jinny walked in. They saw Richard sitting with Kori and her friends. Kolette who was flirting with Manny, caught sight of them.
"Hey Rich aren't those your friends. The ones that were at the beach with us?"
"Yeah." but before Richard could call them…
"Hey guys over here." Vic yelled out to them food still in his mouth. Bee rolled her eyes at her love's piggish ways.
Rachel looked towards the group almost intimidated. They looked at each other considering if they should sit there or not. "Well they did call us." Wally suggested.
They simply shrugged and headed their way.
They sat down at the table and made themselves more comfortable. Rachel and Jinny felt they had more in common with Kolette. Gar and Vic were complaining about the newest version of some random game. The twins and Wally were arguing about who was the fastest runner. Quickly it was like they had known each other for years. Of course there was some squabbling going on but more like that of a dysfunctional family reunion.
The rest of the time was spent with Richard and Kori getting to know each other more, if it was possible. One would think they were practically all talked out by now but they never got tired of speaking to one another. Sometimes Kori would catch herself trying to see beneath those deep blue eyes. She knew he had a tough childhood because he told her so. But she had this maternal instinct to reach out to him despite his lack of illustration on wanting any help. At least she wanted him to know she would be someone he could depend on and she would prove it at every turn if she had to.
"Hey are we in another plane of existence or are people actually being nice to us?" Gar whispered to Rachel and his scared expression almost made Rachel laugh.
"I'm really going to miss you." Rachel realized she said this a little to loud for comfort.
"What do you mean miss?" Richard asked. Rachel was hesitant and pretended she didn't hear the question that was intended for her. But she knew it wasn't fair to keep Richard out of the loop.
"Well I guess I can't hide it anymore so…I'm moving to Massachusetts by the end of the month."
"This can't be happening Rachel! You aren't going to move!" Gar was seated next to her holding his girlfriend's pale hand almost afraid she would vanish once he let go.
"I'm sorry Gar but we really don't have much choice right now."
"Damn that sucks and just as we…" Miggy informed but was cut short.
"were getting to know you." Manny finished for him.
"Is there anything we can do for you to stay?" Richard asked. Kori held Richard's hand as a way of comfort. She knew Rachel was special to him, almost like a sister. He always spoke of Rachel and Gar the same way he spoke of Roy, Garth…and Babs. They were something of a family. Just like Vic and the others were her family. And they both knew what it was like to lose someone in your family.
"There is nothing we can do Richard. I hate to say it but we can't make it without my father. And no one knows where he disappeared to. It appears he quit his job and just fell off the face of the earth." she said playing with his hand while it embraced hers.
"Then move in with me. My parents wouldn't mind…not too much anyways." he chuckled.
"Your home is already a full house. And besides my mother would not go for it."
"It's fine if you can't attend this school anymore but you can't move back to Massachusetts." he argued. He could be stubborn at times when he wasn't wasting it trying to humor people with his humorless jokes.
"What if I ask Bruce…" Richard added.
"No!" she said sharply. "I'm sorry but no…we won't accept mo…that."
"Well just move into a smaller place instead of that huge house." Wally insisted.
"It still wouldn't make a difference guys, they still have tons of other bills too." Jinny said placing her head on Wally's shoulder in state of gloominess. She had become good friends with Rachel ever since she started dating Wally.
Kori searched the faces of her friends and then Richard, it nearly collapsed her heart. Then she thought about it. She realized she had the perfect idea.
"Well how about staying at my beach house?" she said taking a sip of her cherry coke.
Everyone looked to her as if she had said the most silliest thing in the world.
"What!" she said returning their tone.
"Your beach house?" Terra was shocked.
"Yeah I mean it's mine now and I can do what I want with it. Besides Richard said that was your favorite place to go. Now you can be there all the time .All you got to do is pay the utilities and stuff."
"I couldn't do that. I mean how much would you rent it out for?"
"What rent? You're my friend. Besides I don't charge Terra for practically living at my house so why should I charge you."
"Hahahahahahaha! You're so funny Kor." Terra said sarcastically chewing on a piece of bubble gum.
"Are you sure Kori? I mean…are you sure you want to do that?" Richard looked at her astounded. He wondered why she would even consider letting Rachel stay there in the first place. She and Rachel had a few laughs together but they still didn't know much about each other. But then again this was Kori, the first one to go out of her way to help someone in need. He couldn't help but be proud of her.
She nodded and leaned in closer to Richard's ear. "She is like a sister to you. And you are special to me. And I don't want you to lose another family." she then kissed his cheek. All he could do was just smile. "Who knows maybe in time she might become like a sister to me too." she grinned and rested her back into his chest overlooking the group who now were somewhat in a celebratory state.
"Thank you Kori for letting me keep her close." Gar said.
"Wait Gar I have to clear it with my mother first. But either way thanks." Rachel looked away in embarrassment and Kori mouthed 'don't worry about it' and waved it off. There was nothing but silence between the group. Bee couldn't take it anymore.
"Ok guys I feel like a movie tonight." Bee proposed to the noisy bunch and changed the uncomfortable subject. "Any takers?"
"Yeah why don't we watch it at Rachel's new pad?" Kolette winked.
Kitten's POV
She saw them. She heard the rumors, but they weren't rumors after all. Sitting so close together. Laying against his muscular chest that she herself only got to touch once, and that was only to help him buckle his seatbelt. But he smelled so goooood! I liked him and once again you took him from me. God I hate yooouuuu! He's sooo gorgeous I want to cry. He's supposed to be mine! God I hate yooouu! I let it slide with X but with Richie-poo. NO! Something has got to give. I won't let you have him. Not if I can help it bitch.
She went in search of someone who would understand exactly what she felt like. Someone who was just as determined to get what they wanted. She saw him huddled with his buddies laughing their asses off about something but she didn't care. She had to speak with him, now!
"X we have to talk now!" Kitten was steamed.
"Not now. Go away Kat." argued Xavier.
"First of all it's Kitten and we really need to talk." X rolled his eyes and gave in leaving his group to speak with her alone.
"Yeah what is it?" he said clearly annoyed.
"So tell me how do you like the new couple?" referring to her Richard and his new girl.
"I'm just peachy fucking keen Kitten. What the hell kind of question is that?" he was ready to leave her standing there alone.
"Good then. Now what do we plan on doing about it? Because I have a plan." she smirked.
Finally! Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. I hope this came out alright. This isn't too much of a cliffhanger but I'll be explaining a little part of her 'plan' soon. To my loyal reviewers, thank you! And to my new sole reviewer: MyMonkeyIsOrange, thanks! All you guys are awesome. Until next chapter...oh and a question...
After this story is done (soon I hope) I was interested in writing another. Only thing is in this new fic I wanted to make Kori blind. Do you think that would be too OOC for her?And I have nothing against blind people, they are amazing to be able to adapt with such an obstacle like that but anyways I'm ranting again...