Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Teen Titans.

Richard's POV

Richard hung up his cell phone and placed it back into the console of his car. Her voice was exactly what he needed to hear at the moment. Kori had asked if he could come over and meet her brother, Ryan who was visiting for the weekend. He was hesitant at first but finally agreed to it. If he planned on being with Kori, he would eventually have to get used to her family. Her big brother…man this is gonna go bad.

Then at the thought of family, he remembered Babs and what she had proclaimed. I…I…love you Dick. As hard as he tried to stop them, her words kept replaying in his mind. He didn't know what to think. He just knew he couldn't be with her at the hospital right then. He couldn't take the weakness in her voice or the sadness of her eyes. He knew with her father sick the last thing she needed right now was rejection. Only he didn't reject her. In all fairness when they dated, she broke it off and that was over two years ago. But now his feelings for Kori had far surpassed feelings that he had ever held for anyone else. And when she asked him if he loved her…he said nothing. Why? Maybe because he was scared to hear the answer himself or…maybe he just didn't know the answer. The last time he felt love for anyone was for his parents, but they were gone. Love is a scary thing.

He needed to drive home before heading out to Kori's house. He arrived and saw a limo waiting outside the manor. He exited his SUV and headed towards the house. It was common for Bruce to invite colleagues or business associates to his home to conduct corporate dealings, so the limo didn't concern him.

He entered the foyer and immediately heard Bruce's voice resonate in the study room. He chose not to report his arrival to anyone and was about to head up to his room.

"You?" he heard a snarl remark and turned to the direction of the sound.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Richard growled at the unwanted company.

"Waiting for my father. What are you doing here?" he sneered back.

"I live here brainiac." he said sardonically. Just the thought of him in his home made his blood flare to a boiling.

Xavier stood there quite shocked from the looks of it. Of all the people in the world to be an potential heir, never would he have suggested Grayson would be one. Evidently he was impressed but made an attempt not to show it too much. "Is that so?"

Richard said nothing. He could sense the smugness in Xavier's words. He waited for a sign, any sign to charge at him.

"Well for someone who lives in luxury, you sure look like shit. Tell me…Mr. Wayne isn't your father is he? Or are you just another one of his charity cases?"

"Kiss my ass X." he said casually, X's comment appearing not to bother him. "You're just a useless piece of shit that will never have anything going for him. You hate the world, you hate your father, you hate yourself."

Xavier's body began shaking with hatred at every declaration Richard recognized. He had a violent compulsion to go and beat the life out of him. His fury and antagonistic upset was directing itself to the jerk in front of him. And as much as he didn't want to believe it, Grayson was precisely accurate. Is my hell really that conspicuous?

"Is that so?" he stated once again. He swallowed hard, his anger weakening a small amount. "So other than being a freak, now you're a fucking mind reader too, huh Grayson? Then you should already know try as you may, Kori will never…ever love you. How can she? Someone so…worthless…so nonexistent. And that you are, just another charity case. To Bruce…to Kori…hell maybe even your own friends too." he scoffed proud of his insults. With his back to Richard, he decided to leave and wait in the limo for his father.

"And you're mad because you know more than anyone that you're nothing." Richard said without a shift in his serious demeanor.

At the mention of his words Xavier stood eerily still. The haunting recollections of Cambridge's constant belittling and verbal abuse had already taken its toll on the husky teen. Taunting flashbacks and those two simple words his father so famously swore played in his memories like an echo. Years of torment and pent up anger had finally pushed him to the breaking point.

"What did you call me?" he growled in a menacing scare now facing Richard once again. He was now ready for a slaughter and Grayson would be the greatest carnage.

"You heard me the first time." he looked back boldly without a trace of worry or nervousness.

"You're going…to regret…saying that." X warned gravely with his fists clenched.

Hastily X charged at Richard and tackled him straight into the wall, causing the motifs on a table desk and a wall painting to rattle loudly. He held him by the shoulders in place so he couldn't move. But once Richard felt Xavier's grasp, he too seized his shoulders to pry him off. Richard succeeded in pushing him onto the opposite side of the wall. Richard being very strong held X in place as well.

"Come on boy, think you got what it takes!" X taunted him through gritted teeth.

Both were too strong and each with hardened determination could not defeat the other. With all the commotion Alfred sprinted into the room as fast as his feeble legs would let him.

"Master Richard I heard a racket. Is everything…" he walked into the shoveling match that was ensuing in the hallway. Both teens looked to Alfred but still had not bothered to let go of each other.

"Stop this ludicrous behavior!" he shouted at boys. The two opponents let go of each other cautiously, suspicious of an impending retaliation. "Master Richard to your room now before Master Bruce becomes aware of your quarreling." Before Richard grudgingly left to his room he bumped into X's shoulder forcefully, causing Xavier to lunge forward at him. "Stop!" the butler threatened again as quietly as he could.

"This isn't over Grayson!" yelled Xavier as he saw Richard approaching the stairs.

"Not by a long shot!" he countered looking down at him from the steps.

"Now Mr. Redd, you may wait in your limousine until your father's return." X looked evilly at Alfred but fearing the old man would inform his father of his behavior, he made his presence absent.

Xavier entered the waiting limo and slammed the door once inside. He massaged his forehead once again knowing he was about to endure another wretched headache. It was a troublesome side affect he was becoming accustomed to thanks to the steroid he would inject himself with. And because wrestling season was in two weeks, lately he'd been taking more than usual, of his father's accord really. But now Grayson inundated his mind. And the last thing he wanted was for Kori to be with someone like that. Maybe I should take that bitch, Kat, up on her offer.

Kitten's POV

Kitten arrived home to find her father was still at work. Him being a biochemist made him work late hours, not that she didn't mind. She threw her things on the couch annoyed that nothing was going right for her.

"Aargh! I can't believe this crap is happening to me!" she wailed.

"I can't believe of all the people in the world, Xavier…Xavier won't help me. What is his problem anyways? I thought he wanted that little whore back. And this would have been the perfect plan. Just aargh!" she whined to no one in sight.

What plan?…I'm not going to help you hurt Kori with one of your idiotic ideas…whatever your planning, do it yourself…blah, blah, blah…

X's words screamed in her ears as she remembered their conversation. That asshole must really care about her. Why? She's sooo…ugly. And probably not even a true redhead. And I mean we all know she had to have gotten a boob job, there's no way those are real.

"Now this means I'll have to think of something else. But what?" she looked around the living room with her arms rested at her hips in frustration.

"Richie-poo, Richie-poo, how will I make you leave Kori and make you all mine?" she tapped her finger across her lips in thought. Oh yes! I've got it. I've heard of it done before. I bet I could do it too! I can't wait to see her face when I'm done.

She began walking down into the basement. It was dark as she tried to find the light switch. She flipped it on and the whole room illuminated allowing her to eye her surroundings. This was her father's lab area when he was at home. This is where he would go when he would have to bring his work with him. She'd been here only twice before because she could not stand the sight of the insects and small rodents he kept in vials or cages. It gave her the creeps to even be in the same room with them. Why is Daddy so disgusting?

She looked to her left where she saw a shelf that held labeled silver containers. "Let's see here. Acids, sleeping agents, chemicals…Sod-so-di-i-um py-th…what the hell is this stuff? chlo-ri…" Wonder if this stuff would damage her pretty little face?

"Kitten what are you doing in here? You know you aren't allowed down here." Mr. Moth scolded Kitten already bothered from work.

Busy snooping around, Kitten hadn't realized her father had entered the basement. Quickly she composed herself and pouted at her father. "Daaaddddyyyy! Where have you been? I was looking all over for you! I came looking down here for you! You had me sooo worried!" she shrieked hoping her father would forget about her disobedience.

"Kitten did you see my car here?" he asked mildly wishing why his daughter didn't inherit his intelligence.

"No!" she moped absentmindedly.

"Then you knew I wasn't home pumpkin. I didn't mean to make you worry."

"Just don't let it happen again!" she declared. She walked up the stairs and opened the door. She smirked to herself, happy to know she had her father wrapped around her little finger.

Ryan's POV

Ryan entered his room after refusing to hear any more about his little sister's perfect romance. How was he supposed to act like the over-protective, 'no one is good enough for my sister' big brother when this Richard person clearly made her very happy. Throughout Kori's relationship with Xavier, she was never like this. Granted she was happy with Xavier, she was. But with Richard she was ecstatic. Either way he would be finding out for himself soon, seeing as he was already on his way to their mansion.

Wearily he propped down on his bed and laid down with his hands behind his head staring up at the ceiling. His mind wandered off to his past relationships. Yeah he was pretty popular with the ladies. Some were rocky, some were alright, some were crazy and some just plain weird. But one, there was only one that was the right one. And he knew it too. One might say he loved her but he just didn't know it at the time.

Who was he kidding he loved her, there was no denying it. And it was clear as day how she felt about him. She cherished him, everything about him. But the timing was wrong. He was always so busy with college or attending some of his father's business trips to gain experience for when he took over the company. Yet she was understanding and patient. She never let their lack of seeing each other plague him. But still, he had to call it off. It wasn't fair to her. She deserved someone better.

He grabbed a pillow and shoved it into his face and pressed down thinking this would make his memories fade away. He looked over to his phone that was placed on his nightstand and wondered if calling her was a good idea. They rarely spoke now, mainly because she was still hurt. But he missed her, too much.

Not paying attention to his better judgment he picked up the phone and dialed. The phone continued to ring and still no answer. Then her cheery voice came on prompting him to leave a message.

"Hey I…uh…I guess you're not home right now. Sorry its been awhile but…I just wanted to check on you. Look…I'm sorry but…you know I had to do this…right? It just wouldn't work out right now. I'm sorry just…don't hate me please...well I gotta go. I guess I'll see you when I see you. Oh…and I miss you."

He ended the call quickly almost afraid she might actually pick up the phone. A knock was heard at his door and he stood up swiftly.

"Hey Richard is here. Come on, I want you to meet him." Ryan looked to his phone one last time wishing she would get the message soon and hoped she believed that he meant every word.

But what he didn't know was that she had indeed already received his message as soon as he spoke it. And he didn't know that the teary-eyed beauty placed a delicate finger on the delete button and pressed it. She remained motionless, only a single tear that had made its way down her rosy cheek fell.

Richard's POV

Kori held Ryan's hand and led him downstairs. She kept lecturing him to be on his best behavior with Richard, her maternal instinct kicking in again he thought. She wanted so much for Ryan to like him despite the fact that he'd hated all her past boyfriends.

They arrived in the living room where they found Richard and Donna talking away.

"Ok Ryan this is Richard, Richard…Ryan." she pointed introducing the two. Immediately Ryan looked skeptically at him. He didn't really look like Kori's type. Richard, donned in his dark green cargo jeans and a simple black shirt, began to sweat drop at Ryan's critical stare. Ryan went to shake his hand and gave a little squeeze. He remembered what happened with Xavier the last time he tried this maneuver and wanted to see Richard's reaction.

Richard modestly grinned at him. "That's quite a shake you got there." he coughed nervously.

"Sorry I don't know my own strength sometimes." he said apologetically.

"Don't worry about it. So Kori tells me that uh…you're into martial arts too." Richard said growing hot with anxiety.

"You like martial arts? Sorry I don't mean to sound shocked or anything, it's just you didn't strike me as the type is all." he looked at him still in the dark about his true intentions.

"Funny Ryan, really funny." Kori argued at her brother.

"Yeah I have a black belt in a lot of styles of fighting." he stated hoping not to sound egotistical. Richard was too modest for his own good.

"You know Kori why don't we let the boys get to know each other better while we make them some of your famous banana smoothies." she grinned ear to ear at Ryan. She noticed he had given her a cross look knowing he'd have to spend some time alone with Richard. She loved the annoyed expressions he would make.

"Sounds great!" Kori put an arm around Donna's shoulder and they disappeared into the kitchen.

Once his sister was out of earshot Ryan quickly looked directly at Richard. "Ok I'm not going to beat around the bush here. Why are you with my sister?"

"Huh?" Richard was quite shocked with Ryan's sudden mistrust.

"I mean you're not really her type. I've seen her type and quite frankly I don't like her type. But you seem different."

"Well seeing the guys that she's dated before, I'll take that as a compliment." Ryan chuckled lightly at Richard's observation.

"I'm very protective of Kori. I just want what's best for her. But it's also no big secret that she's loaded so…I ask again, why are you with her."

Richard didn't know whether to be offended or not. Then again he knew Ryan was only looking out for Kori. He understood why his wariness might arise but still. "Well I can assure you money has nothing to do with it. I already have my own money. In fact I'm not even into all that materialistic crap, as you can see." he motioned to himself.

"And I like her because…I just do. She's different from other people. And because she doesn't see me as a type. She accepts the fact that I'm not like everyone else. That's why I'm with her." he explained with his eyes narrowed.

Despite receiving a glare from Richard, he grinned a tiny smile. "Good answer Rich. Good answer. I think we are gonna get along just fine." he smirked and patted him lightly on his back.

"So what kind of moves do you know again…" he continued.

Kori's POV

"So what do you think?" Kori asked jumping up and down anticipating Donna's answer.

"He's so handsome." she mouthed in amazement.

"Besides that?" Kori asked after reading her lips.

"Well you're right Kor. He is incredible. And he's crazy about you." Donna smiled getting several bananas out of the fridge.

"You think so?" Kori looked back to the living room but saw the boys were no where in sight. She turned her head back to Donna.

"Yes Kori, just the way he talks about you. Like if you're the most amazing person he's ever met. And he makes you happy, right?"

"You have no idea." she grabbed four glasses out of the cupboard.

"Then that's all that matters." Kori nodded at Donna's insight. She moved over to help Donna make the smoothies by handing her the necessary ingredients. Then she gave a pleading look towards her.

"I hope Ryan doesn't kill him." she bit her lip, a habit she did when she was nervous.

"Oh come on, Ryan just acts that way because he loves you. I'm sure being your big brother, Richard knows that." she said turning on the blender and hearing it roar. After finishing they poured the mixture into their glasses.

"But just in case we better head out there." Donna added quickly.

They walked back into the living room, a drink in each hand. Only when they arrived their eyes went wide in stunned shock. There in the middle of the room was Richard swinging Ryan over his shoulder and slamming him into the ground. They were in the middle of a scuffle.

"Richard what are you doing!" Kori asked worriedly. Ryan raised himself up from the ground and smiled hugely at the girls.

"Don't worry Kori, Rich was just showing me a move he learned when he traveled to Japan. Did you know he's trained with some famous martial arts experts?"

Kori let out a huge sigh of relief. But quickly became tense when she heard her voice…

"My, my Richard. Aren't you strong? Being able to pull someone as big as Ryan over you shoulder like that…you seem to possess some…dominant skills." Koma traveled down the stairs and entered the room ignoring the growl she heard from Silkie who suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Looking precisely at Richard, she eyed him lustfully.

"Koma who let you out of your cage?" Donna quipped while rolling her eyes. But Koma nastily scoffed back at her.

"Oh Donna how long has it been? And I see you still have Kori tugging at your leash. Don't you ever get tired of being in her shadow?"

"I think you're confusing me with yourself. You're the one always trying to ruin her life by taking everything away from her." Donna said crossing her arms across her chest.

"Why don't you just go away Koma." Kori asked more of an order.

"Now why would I want to do that? Richard seems like very interesting company." she smiled sexily at him. Kori was never really the jealous type but her sister's flirtatious intent on Richard made her see red, a crimson red. I was stupid before with Xavier, now I won't let you take Richard from me too.

Richard on the other hand began feeling very uncomfortable. He didn't want for his girlfriend to get into an argument because of him, regardless of how flattering it seemed. He stood closer to Kori who in return held his hand, almost territorially. The tension was beginning to thicken.

"That's enough everybody. Koma be on your way and leave Kori alone." Ryan commanded.

"Well of course I would expect you to take her side just like Dad always did. Besides I was already leaving." she said with a hint of attitude. Before leaving the doorway of the living room, she turned. "But I hope to be seeing more of you, gorgeous, in the future." she winked at Richard.

Richard knew he had to say something. Koma obviously lacked any respect for her sister. And though she might appear to be attractive, he wasn't going to let her think he would be returning her advances nor think she had a chance with him.

"Uh…Koma…was it? As nice as you seem," he coughed sarcastically, "the only person I'm interested in seeing more of in the future is Kori." he smiled mockingly at her.

"Well you never know sweetheart, things change." she winked one last time and exited. By God your good-looking! The things I would love to do to you. You will definitely be giving X a run for his money. Well if things don't work out with Xavier, you'll be a great substitute.

Richard + Kori's POV

The sun had long since set in Gotham City. It had been a busy day for Richard. After waking up next to the girl of his dreams, visiting a healing Mr. Gordon in the hospital and meeting Kori's family, he was glad that Kori suggested they hang out back at his home. And now they were back in his room watching a Bruce Lee marathon that had been playing since earlier.

Kori would glance over to Richard then the television every now and again. He was so engrossed in the movie that he failed to see Kori look over lovingly at him, though she didn't mind. To her he looked like a cute little boy who just received his very first bicycle. She really wasn't interested in the movie but it was a small compromise she took to easily.

But after awhile she too started to enjoy watching it with him, enjoying the fight scenes the most. During a commercial break she headed to the kitchen and brought back a bag of marshmallows, one of her favorite all time snacks. The two had since snuggled on the floor of his room talking and laughing. Richard was laying on his side using his elbow to rest upon. Kori propped herself onto his side while popping the white cloudy food into her mouth. Soon she began feeding Richard some as well. As she was about to feed another one into his mouth when his tongue accidentally touched her fingers sending an invigorating feeling within her body.

The sudden wetness on her fingertips caused her to look back at Richard in awe. He looked at her and at that moment she looked so stunning in the dimly lit room. Her bangs hanging at her forehead, her bountiful mane framing her beautifully sculpted face and her emerald eyes aglow. Spontaneously he reached up and kissed her softly. Kori wrapped an arm around his strong neck and led him back down to the floor. In the whims of passion he had taken of her sky blue knitted sweater leaving her in her white fitted spaghetti strap top. Their lingering kiss had began tenderly but turned into a hungry display of affection.

Richard had moved from his spot and rolled over so that he was now hanging over Kori. Quickly she had taken off his shirt to reveal his superb torso. His masculinity exuded with such an intense flow. Kori realized this would be the first time they would be sharing more of themselves to each other. Although it wasn't the first time for either, she knew it would be exceedingly magical.

"Are you sure?" Richard asked very concerned. He wanted assurance that this was exactly what Kori wanted.

"I'm sure. I want you." she repeated in a unrestrained voice. They kissed vigorously a little more but before anything else could happen, there was a knock at the door.

"Damn it!" Richard said irate. "What!" he barked. Kori couldn't help but laugh at the inopportune moment, the impatient flare in his voice. She remained underneath him still not taking her eyes off his muscular chest as she stroked it cravingly.

"I apologize Master Richard but you have company downstairs." Alfred said from behind the closed door. Richard remained stagnant hovering over Kori using his hands to hold himself up.

Richard sighed heavily and ran a hand through his dark locks. "Who is it Alfred?" he asked again hating why people couldn't let him spend enough time with Kori.

"It's Miss Barbara. She is in the library waiting for you." Richard jerked himself off Kori abruptly. Kori eyes widened at the mention of Barbara's name but wondered why Richard raised himself quickly from her.

"Thank you Alfred. Tell her I'll be there." he looked to Kori putting his shirt back on. He smiled at her as she had also replaced her sweater onto her unfulfilled body.

"I'm sorry. But I promise we'll finish this up later." he kissed the back of her neck then her hand playfully. Kori giggled and kissed his hand as well.

"Now that's a promise I'm going to make sure you keep." she said before they left his room.

He began feeling cumbersome. Kori, his new girlfriend and Babs, his longtime friend and former girlfriend would be in the same room with him, and only him. He just prayed Babs would make no note about the unreciprocated kiss that happened earlier that morning. He didn't cheat on Kori, he never would. But he couldn't help but wonder what Kori would think of it. But would he soon find out? He yearned not to.

Sorry it took long for me to update but here it is. I'm not to crazy about this chapter, consider it a filler. I had trouble uploading it though. I hope it's still keeping your interests up. As you can see I'm not done with Xavier and his reference to 'Kat' is not someone else. He's talking about Kitten, he just doesn't care enough to remember her name. Just wanted to clear that up before anyone asks who she is. And as for his fight with Richard, sorry but I'm not really good with fight scenes so bear with me. But I can tell you that wont be the only one, hence the name 'Take One'.

Now is the time I thank all my loyal reviewers (you know who you are) THANKS! And I have a newbie too: rain-s-cool You guys are awesome, remember that!