Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Teen Titans.
Kori's POV
Kori opened an eye blinking at the shimmering sun. She heard the waves splashing from the ocean leading its way onto the beach along with a few seagulls calling out in the sky.
She tried to get up but realized her body was held by Richard's muscular arms rather protectively. She turned her head slowly trying not to awaken him and saw him sleeping peacefully. She reached for his hair that had flown into his face. She placed his ebony locks away and went to kiss his lips while in his calmly demeanor.
Without hesitation he quickly opened his deep blues only to see those green beautiful eyes he'd come to fantasize so much about staring back at him.
"Wakey, wakey." she teased.
"Hey. You even look better waking up next to." he said softly still asleep. He grabbed a piece of her hair and tugged at it playfully.
Kori sat herself up and opened up the extra large sleeping bag they had slept in. He had taken her to the beach house last night and they laid under the stars snuggled together in tranquility.
It had been two weeks. Actually two blissful, fun-filled and idyllic weeks. Kori couldn't believe she could ever be this happy. Ever since their first date at the hockey game they couldn't get enough of each other. There was also an increase in her persona. Much to her friend's dismay she never stopped smiling. Richard was a little more social nevertheless, he still remained that shy and easy-going guy she had come to adore.
"So do you think Rachel is up yet?" she said looking back to the beach house.
"Probably. She's always been an early bird." he stood up and stretched out his body.
"Thanks for last night. And you said you weren't romantic." she bent down and grabbed the sleeping bag folding it up.
"Trust me I don't know a thing about romance. But I know you have this fascination with stars. So I figured this was the best place to see them."
Kori planted her genuine smile that she had decided would only be reserved for him. And she noticed Richard didn't take his eyes off her. "What?" she asked lightheartedly.
"Come here," he walked closer to her, "come here…" he said mischievously.
"What are you going…" she saw Richard lean in closer to kiss her full on the lips until at the last minute he grabbed her and pulled her over his shoulder in a fireman rescue. She began to scream at him good-naturedly while she also took notice he was walking dangerously close the ocean.
"Don't you dare Richard!" she shouted teasingly. He stood their holding her for a couple of seconds giving her the idea he wasn't going to listen.
"Do you really think I'd do that to you." he asked.
"I don't know, would you?" she asked as he placed her down gently back on her feet.
"I'd never hurt you Kori." his sincere ambiance left her speechless. She wanted to believe him and she, in some way, knew he meant it.
"Say it again." she looked into those pools of blue with longing echoing in her voice.
"I will never hurt you Kori, I promise." he then took hold of her arm and kissed her hand gently.
"I know you won't." they smooched one last time before turning to head into the beach house.
They walked into the kitchen and saw Angela cooking away. "Hey kids."
"Hey Angela. That smells so good." Kori inhaled the sweetly smell of pancakes.
"Gather round, gather round." Angela said setting plates along the table.
"Where's Rachel?" Richard asked sitting down.
At the mention of her voice Rachel entered the kitchen and waved as she chatted with Gar on the phone.
"Ooh tell Gar I need an appointment for Silkie. His nails need a trimming." she said before getting a piece of pancake in her mouth.
"Will do. And Gar says 'hi'." Rachel stated to her friends still walking around.
"Ditto." Richard said easily while Kori just waved unable to speak since she was still chewing. Wanting privacy she smiled goodbye to them and headed back out of the room.
"Rachel hurry your food is getting cold!" Angela shouted to her daughter.
Rachel ended her conversation and hung up the phone. She greeted the couple and began a conversation while consuming breakfast. Several minutes later, Angela who was in the living room peeked her head into the kitchen…
"And Rachel don't forget to do the dishes after everyone is done. It's part of your punishment for getting that tattoo!" she informed strictly before leaving.
"How did she find out?" Richard whispered while chuckling.
"She decided to walk in on me in the bathroom." she rolled her eyes.
Richard's POV
Richard was on his way to drop off his girlfriend at her gated home. They had since showered and changed at Rachel's, and he felt a little cleaner. As they held hands while he drove, Richard would look over to her once in awhile and wonder how it came to be he had been able to attain her, what was it that drew them together. Well whatever it was, I'm thankful. Kori unaware of his stares just did little dancing motions to the rhythm of the song currently playing on his mp3 player.
The sound of Richard's cell phone stopped Kori at mid-dance and he quickly reached for his phone he had left in the console of the car.
"Yeah?" he answered.
"Ok, ok calm down Babs and tell me what's wrong." he said with concern and calmness. At the mention of her name Kori's ears perked up. She had met her once before and was worried at the tone of Richard's voice, something was visibly wrong.
He sighed heavily and breathed in again. "Don't worry…yes I'll be there. Yes…I promise I'll be there. Don't worry everything is going to be fine. Alright I'll see you soon." he hung up the phone.
"Is everything Ok?" Kori asked once he hung up the phone. She noticed he held a solemn face.
"Remember Babs…you met her at the diner." he saw her nod her head and continued.
"Well her father, he's the police commissioner, well he had a stroke this morning and he's at the hospital right now. They're not sure if it did any permanent damage but she freaking out right now and she said she needed me there." he sighed once again.
"Oh my God…I hope he's fine." she gasped and put her hand to her lips fearfully.
"I'm sure he's fine. Babs just wants us there with her." he answered back.
"I understand. She's probably scared out of her mind right now."
They had reached her mansion and she quickly got out of the vehicle fully aware that he'd probably have to get to the hospital as soon as possible.
"I'll call you later alright?" he assured her with a smile.
"Don't forget and tell Barbara that I hope her father gets better." she waved to him but didn't have time to give him a kiss since he was in a hurry. She viewed his SUV drive off until it was out of sight. She breathed softly already missing him. She walked through the gates and into her home.
"Galfore!…Helena!" she shouted. "I'm home!" she yelled again. Hmm…where are those two?
She jumped when she heard the phone ring not expecting it all. It rang a couple of more times before she answered.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Yes Ms. Anders?" the woman called.
"Yes?" she did not recognize the voice at all.
"Yes this is Mrs. Davis the receptionist from Dr. Phillips office. I tried calling your home phone and your cell phone but I wasn't able to reach you. This was the alternative number you left us. I hope you don't mind it just that I'm calling to inform you about your test results…"
"I'm sorry but I think you…wait did you say test results?" Kori was unsure she heard right.
"Yes after we gave you the news about your pregnancy tests returning back negative, we ran the second test and found your blood to be anemic. It's nothing major we just need for you to come in for a prescription for some iron pills. That should take care of it."
"Oh I see and…I'm sorry so there is no baby…am I right?" Kori asked once again making sure there was no misunderstanding on her part.
"Yes Ms. Anders. The there is no child." the receptionist said emphasizing the 'no'. Koma had apparently began getting on the whole medical staff's nerves during her appointments. And Mrs. Davis just wanted to end the conversation right there and then.
"Uh…thank you again Mrs. Davis." she then hung up the phone almost subconsciously. She was so much in shock that she cupped her mouth with her hand. Oh my Lord. Koma is not pregnant. Oh my Lord…she was lying all this time. Xavier was right. I should apologize to him…shouldn't I?
Kori's POV
"So let me get this straight…X cheated on you with your sister who thought she was pregnant with his child. Then you broke up and now your dating Richard, that guy X wanted to kill for spilling his food on you that last time. And now you find out that Koma is not pregnant after all…and you need to apologize to Xavier…"
"Uh…yeah." Kori said.
"Kori!" Donna shouted over the phone in frustration. "You don't need advice, you need a therapist."
"Well you've done a good job at being my therapist all these years, now give me therapy." she pleaded.
"I have a better idea why don't I just come over. Besides I haven't seen you in awhile." Kori agreed cheerfully at the idea of seeing her friend soon.
"Be there in fifteen." Donna then said her goodbye and hung up the phone. Donna's words of wisdom was something she needed right now. She always knew the right thing to say to Kori and she was the big sister Koma wasn't.
"Kori!" she heard her name ring into her ears. Someone was home and shouting out to her. Great now what?
She strutted down the stairs looking for some kind of life form but found none.
"Kori!" she heard again.
"Who is it!" she shouted matching their loudness.
"What you don't remember your own brother's voice?" Ryan smirked at her once she appeared in the hallway.
"Ryan!" she swept him into a giant hug. "Why didn't you call and let me know you were coming?"
"I did…last night. But lo and behold…you weren't home." he raised an eyebrow indicating he wanted an explanation.
"Oh come on Ry, do you always have to know what I'm doing?" she asked tired of his nosy behavior. But that was Ryan being his big brother self. He couldn't help it.
"Duh..yeah!" he ridiculed. He loved his sister, both of them. And now without their father's presence, he took it upon himself to be involved in their lives whether they wanted it or not.
"Please like she has anything interesting going on in her life." In came Koma who was already acting belligerent towards her.
"Koma don't start your crap now. We just got here." Ryan warned her not feeling up to stop an argument. "Play nice cause I have to make a phone call." he put his keys on the coffee table before heading off to his room.
Of course Ryan would not be able to stop her from tormenting Kori. "So who's the new beau?"
"What?" Kori was astounded. How did she know about Richard already.
"Don't play dumb with me. Ryan told me about Richard. You know Ryan has his ways of finding out things, just like Dad."
"Who he is, is none of your business!" she pointed a threatening finger at Koma.
"Oh Kori, dear Kori. Will if he's anything like Xavier then I wouldn't mind meeting him also." Koma sneered loudly.
"You stay the hell away from him, do you understand!" she yelled at her sister. Koma had a way of bringing sibling rivalry to a higher level. She didn't have time for another quarrel with her dear sister. She headed to her room hoping Donna would arrive soon. But before she left…
"Oh and you had a call from a…Dr. Phillips…'' she said mocking her as if she couldn't remember the message. "What did they say…" she snapped her fingers trying to 'remember'. "Oh yeah they need for you to come in for some iron pills for your anemia. And…oh yeah…they said sorry once again about the fact that you're not pregnant."
Koma's eyes had widened ever since the name of her doctor was uttered. She found it hard to breath. The bitch knows. "You're lying! They're lying!" she shouted to what she thought was their ignorance.
"I always knew you hated me and tried to make my life miserable but pretending to be pregnant by X so he could stay with you…now who's pathetic." she laughed before retreating to her room.
Richard's POV
Richard walked through the double automatic doors that led into the lobby of the hospital. As he walked quickly to the receptionist desk he could hear the loud whining of children, people waiting to be seen or busy people trying to get themselves released. He reached the woman behind the counter who was already on the phone. He waited patiently for her to end her call.
"Can I help you?" a woman in her mid-thirties asked shuffling paperwork around.
"I'm looking for Gordon…uh Jim Gordon's room. He was brought in earlier." he said apprehensively. She typed in his name and waited for the info to appear up onto the monitor.
"Yes he's in room 21B on the second floor."
"Thank you." he answered politely. He found an elevator and pushed the button glad no one else had entered. He reached the second floor and found the room effortlessly. There were chairs outside and that was where he found Roy and Garth already waiting.
"Guys, how's he doing?" Richard asked approaching and shaking their hands in a 'guys only' way. Roy didn't have much of a grudge left for Richard. He knew he was in the wrong for trying to attempt to date Kori, even after Richard's feelings for her. But damn, did he like her so much. In the end he was glad that his best bud found someone who could make him truly happy.
"He's alright. They revived him for the time being. Babs is inside with him now. Go ahead and see him." Garth motioned for to the room. Richard nodded and swung open the door.
"Hey. Told you I'd be here." he whispered. Immediately Babs ran to him and enfolded him into a tight hug.
"Dick he almost died. I can't believe this happened." she started sobbing quietly.
"Don't worry, he's going to be fine. We're just going to have to keep an eye on him from now on." he began stroking her hair gently.
"I'm so glad you're here." she smiled still hugging him. As much as she loved her father, being in Richard's arms again felt so good. She knew he would never let her down.
Richard pulled away slightly from her to go look at Mr. Gordon. He seemed frail and looked to have lost more of his white hair than the last time he saw him. He was resting softly. "So what did the doctors say?" he looked from the father then to the daughter.
"Just that his stroke was a minor one and he is going to have to start taking better care of himself. Diet, exercise that kind of stuff." she informed wiping her tears away.
"Well then that's just what we'll have to do." his small grin made her smile back at him.
Roy and Garth walked into the hospital room as quiet as possible, not wanting to wake up the slumbering patient.
"Guys were going to pick up something from the cafeteria. Want anything?" Roy whispered. Both Richard and Babs shook their heads.
"Then we'll be back later." Garth said quietly and they headed out the door.
"You know I've been cooped up in here all day. Why don't we go outside and let him rest." she grabbed his hand and led Richard out the door, not waiting for Richard to respond.
They sat at the benches outside down the hall near her father's room. There they spoke for about two hours of things ranging from childhood to recent occurrences. Richard took notice of the times that Babs would move in just a little too close or when she would try to reach out and touch his hand. And he felt guilty. Kori's image and her trust in him kept replaying itself in his mind. He knew the signals Babs was trying to send him and he felt uncomfortable. Why is she acting like this now? She never showed this much affection when we were together.
"Maybe I should call Kori. She wanted me to inform her about your father's condition."
"Can that wait until later? I mean I would really like to spend some time with you. We haven't even seen each other for weeks. It's like you've forgotten about me." she once again went to give him a hug, only this time she snuggled her face into his neck.
Richard wrapped his arms around her very lightly not wanting to send out the wrong signs. He sighed deeply. "I haven't forgotten about you Babs. You're one of my best friends.."
"Is that all?" she picked up her head from his shoulder still hugging him though and looked into his eyes. "Is that all we will ever be?…I ...I...love you Dick." her eyes began tearing and Richard spotted the watery glow.
On impulse she lunged forward to give him a kiss straight onto his lips but with his fast reflexes, she ended up kissing his cheek instead. He then pulled himself out of her embrace. Why does she have to act this way. All he could think about right now was returning to Kori.
"Damn it Babs, I'm with Kori now. And I really, really like her. I'm not going to do anything to ruin that. I'm sorry." he stood up from his seat and was about to leave the area when he felt Babs stop him.
"Why Dick? Why do you like her so much?" It appeared as if Babs was ready to cry again and it pained him to see her like this.
"Because Babs, she makes my life worth living." he stated and turned to head back to the room until she called out to him.
"But do you love her?" she asked again. Richard just stood there in silence his back still to Babs. He didn't know what to say. It was too soon to know that. Maybe I do.
"I have to go." he said sharply and exited the outside area.
If he would have lingered outside a little longer, he would have heard Babs' almost silent cries. How could I have let him go. I was so stupid. I need to meet this girl. I need to see if she really feels the same for him.
Ryan's POV
Ryan hung up the phone after informing some friends that he was in town for the weekend. Just as he threw it onto his bed, it rang. He cried out an annoying yelp.
"Hello?"
"Yeah is Kori there?" a guy asked over the line. He didn't recognize the caller but speculated that this had to be Richard.
"Hold on…who can I say is calling?" he asked back. Yes he was prying and he knew it but he didn't care.
"This is Richard." he said in a friendly demeanor.
"Oh…uh sure let me get her." he jetted down the stairs and called out to her.
She was in the living room talking to Donna who had been there for only ten minutes. "Hey it's Richard." he said with a hint of distrust. He viewed Kori's face bright up at the declaration of his name and it warmed his heart. Maybe this Richard wasn't such a bad guy. He always had a suspicious mind when it came to Kori's boyfriends, she wasn't the greatest judge of character. I mean just look at Xavier. But still here she was on the phone giddy and laughing away at the things he was saying to her. And after their parents death, she need that.
He drew his attention away from his excited sister and onto Donna who was laid across the couch enjoying her friend's childish manner.
"Donna long time no see." Ryan went to give her a friendly hug and lightly stroked her deep black hair. Ryan always thought she was beautiful and had the iciest blue eyes he'd ever seen. Being Kori's best friend since grade school, she became a constant figure in Kori's life.
"Well Ryan you still breaking hearts?" she hugged him back tenderly. Growing up she had the biggest crush on him but through the years he became pestering. Ryan was like the big brother she never had. Which also meant he would meddle into her life as well.
"You still trying to avoid them?" he joked back with her.
"Nah…just haven't found the right one yet."
"Really? Well I know someone you'd might be interested in…you have a thing for guys with red hair, right? I have a friend Leonid…"
"Ryan stop already!" Kori giggled loudly still not believing he hadn't found someone for Leonid yet. He had previously tried to set her up with him before but to no avail.
"What? Will she does like redheads. You do don't you?"
"Yes Ryan I like redheads but I'm a little apprehensive about the friends you want to set me up with."
"Hey! My friends aren't all that bad." he shouted offended.
"Ok guys." Kori clapped her hands excitedly. "Richard is coming over in fifteen minutes and you all are finally going to have a chance to see him." At this Ryan cracked his knuckles and smirked.
"Can't wait to meet him." he then got a playful 'behave yourself' slap from Donna and a 'don't do anything stupid' glare from Kori.
"Well, well Kori. So your new lover is coming over. That makes two of us who can't wait to meet him." Koma leered awaiting their visitor.
Kori looked dangerously at her sister wishing she'd just go away. Whatever you do Koma, I trust Richard completely.
I have to say I kinda like this chapter or at least enjoyed writing it. Hopefully you liked it too. Don't worry everyone will havea part to play in this.
But on to my reviewers, once again thanks to the loyal repeaters who always write something for me, thanks! And I've got some new ones too: Lavender Gaia, kimonoprincess, Ocean Eyes, itami7, T.T.rox. You are all great and it's your words that keep me going. And thanks to all of those who answered my question about Kori, still undecided if I'm going to write it though. Well until the next chapter…