Chapter Three: Rooftop Reconcile.

...

Richard stood atop a high building in downtown Gotham. It was late as he glanced down at the city, admiring the landscape and comparing the differences between Gotham and Jump. There was truly no place like Gotham.

He leaned over the roof, glancing down at the streets as he did his usual night patrol of the town. Everything seemed fine from what he could see, when he heard a small noise from behind him.

Always on the defense, he acted on instinct and quickly turned and jumped near the mystery sound. But out of all the things he could have landed on, he wasn't expecting to land on Starfire.

"Kori?"

"Richard!" She beamed, her heart soaring upon seeing his masked face.

She originally wanted to be cold to him. She wanted to be distant and stern. But those feelings quickly faded away as she stared lovingly at him.

Richard quickly apologized for tackling her and hurriedly got up, before giving her his hand. He helped her to her feet before staring at her, taking in her beautiful stature.

Her long hair blew with the breeze, her glowing eyes sparkled in the moonlight, and her soft lips smiled tenderly. He would be lying if he said he hadn't missed her as well.

"Kori, what are you doing here?" He asked, regaining his train of thought.

Kori's face suddenly shifted as she looked at him timidly. "I… I needed to see you."

She had prepared so many things to say to him. Some nice, some not so nice. But now seeing him right in front of her, all she wanted to do was run over and kiss him. But she managed to restrain that urge for the moment.

"Kori..." He spoke hesitantly. "You can't be here."

Her heart immediately sank, and her expression clearly showed the pain his words had caused her. "Why not?" She asked painfully.

"Gotham isn't like Jump, Kori... It's more dangerous and…"

"I am fully capable of taking care of myself." She interrupted with a disapproving glare.

"I know you can, but…" He trailed off as she looked at him seriously.

"But?" She questioned.

He let out a long sigh. "You need to go back, Kori. Back to the Tower." He told her sternly.

She frowned at him. "Things change, Richard. Did you really think that after you left, things would just stay the same as if you were there? Because they aren't. You moved on, and so have we." She told him harshly.

He looked at her confused. "So, if you're not here to bring me back, then why did you come here?" He asked.

She wanted to be calmer and more aloof, but she was just so full of emotion that she said one of the things that had been plaguing her day and night.

"I just wanted to see what was so great about Gotham that made you choose it over me." She spoke, holding back the tears that shined in her eyes.

He opened his mouth, but her words had made him speechless, as he stared at her fierce expression. He sighed again, contorting his face painfully as he resorted to repeating himself.

"Gotham needs me Kori…"

"And I don't?!" She asked him harshly.

He let out another heavy sigh as he slowly turned away from her. "I'm sorry, Kori."

Her eyes narrowed. "You're not sorry." She spoke before stomping forward, as she moved so she was in front of him, poking his chest. "If you were at all sorry, then you would give me a real reason for why you left us. For why you left me!"

"Kori I…" He began, but she quickly cut him off.

"Stop that! Stop saying my name apologetically, and tell me why you left?!" She demanded angrily, her eyes glowing with fury.

"Bruce asked me! Bruce asked me to come back." He yelled and she stilled at his outburst. But she couldn't help but be relieved as she finally got a real answer. None of 'it's time to grow up, or Jump doesn't need me anymore.'

She finally got a genuine answer.

"Richard..." She said softly.

Richard's face contorted as he looked away from her, unable to bear her disapproving gaze.

"I know I should have told you and the others, but I didn't want you to think less of me." He told her and her anger softened as she slowly approached him.

He glanced down, disappointed with himself, when she took her hand and lifted his face so he could meet her sympathetic eyes.

"You know it was never my intention to cause you so much pain." He told her earnestly, and that was when she lost all the control she had as she bolted forward and kissed him deeply.

He quickly kissed her back as his hands cupped her face, holding her closely. He was relieved when she kissed him, not only did it shut him up, but it reminded him how much he loved her.

He slowly pulled away, letting out a heated breath with the parting. Because despite wanting nothing more than to hold her. To kiss her, And touch her. He couldn't... Because nothing has changed.

"Kori..." He spoke softly, inches away from her expression. "I love you, but-"

She quickly cut him off, pressing her lips back to his. She didn't want to hear it. She could tell by the remorseful tone of his voice that he was going to tell her he was sorry again.

And she was tired of it, tired of his apologies. Tired of his ridiculous reasoning as to why they needed to part. So, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, kissing him deeply, and reminding him why they belonged together.

He wanted to pull away from her, to tell her to stop. But he couldn't muster the strength. The urge to kiss her was too strong. The feeling of her under his palms was too powerful. And it left him feeling weak...

He suddenly grabbed her hips, thrusting her up as her legs straddled his waist. Her arms tightened around him as he walked over to the roof's air conditioning unit, propping her on top of it.

His hands slid up and down her curvy body, basking in the feeling. Even though they hadn't been apart that long, it felt like sentries since they had touched one another.

She trailed her hot kisses off his mouth and down his jawline, as he tightened his grip around her hips. He breathed in heavily, trying to reach for any willpower he had left to pull away from her; to stop what they had started.

Normally he would be more concerned by the fact that they were doing this outside. On a roof, In the city Batman patrolled. But her intoxicating lips were so soft. And her tight grip was so fierce as she rubbed herself against him. And he just couldn't help himself.

So, he pushed away all his concerns and logic. All his reasons to stop. He pulled her long hair away from her neck before bending down to devour her soft skin.

A moan escaped her lips as he pressed himself harder against her before he reached his hand up behind her, unclasping her uniform. He gently slid the garment off of her, exposing her golden skin under the moonlight.

He pulled away from her neck, hastily kissing her lips as her hands slid up his chest to his shoulders. She reached behind him, unzipping his costume, and yanking it off his shoulders, letting it sit at his belt.

He looked everywhere, for any morsel of willpower. Any shred of restraint he had left. But as she undid his belt and yanked down his uniform, exposing him completely. He realized he didn't have any...

…

Kori awoke to an early morning light shining in through a window. She sat up and looked around at the unfamiliar room.

She came to the conclusion that this was Richard's apartment and she started to wonder when they had gotten here from the rooftop.

Not seeing any clothes to dress herself with, she wrapped the comforter around her as she got up. She slowly walked out of the bedroom and down the hall of the upscale apartment.

She noticed the walls were empty and she wondered if he would ever hang any pictures; maybe some of her and their friends?

She then walked into the living room, the blanket still wrapped around her as she spotted Richard getting ready. He quickly drank his coffee and buttoned up his shirt before spotting her.

"Kori, you're awake." He noticed and she nodded as he quickly put his empty cup on the table. "I have to go to work." He said leaning in and giving her a quick kiss. "Help yourself to anything." He said before leaving the apartment.

And just like that he was gone.

She was somewhat disappointed that they didn't get to talk much, and she wondered when he would be back. She didn't know anything about his employment, and she just hoped he would be back soon.

Growing tired of dragging around the comforter she used to cover herself, Kori went back to the bedroom and glanced at her clothing options.

She saw her Starfire uniform on the dresser but chose not to wear it. Instead, she went over to Richard's dresser and pulled out a white T-shirt, and put it on instead. It wasn't like she was going anywhere.

She then turned around and made the bed before her stomach started to growl. She walked outside of the bedroom and fully took in the apartment.

It was a very nice one bed, one bath. It had a small kitchen and living room. But the real appeal was the large windows showing the city.

Kori walked over to the kitchen and opened the fridge. She smiled seeing a full bottle of mustard... that wouldn't last long. She pulled out a carton of eggs and prepared some breakfast as she sipped her tangy yellow drink.

After she made a plate of food she wandered towards the TV and started flipping through channels. But what Kori didn't know was that this was going to be her whole day.

She had fallen asleep watching the Notebook, when the sound of the front door opening started her awake. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, when she realized Richard was home.

As soon as Richard shut the door behind him, Kori could barely contain herself as she flew off the couch and jumped him.

"Richard!" She squealed.

Now it could have been that she missed him. Or maybe that the romantic movie was still in her system, filling her heart with passion. Or even a little too much mustard. But she felt the irresistible need to kiss him.

She pressed her lips excitedly against his, letting all her built up energy out in a simple act. But that excited kiss quickly turned into a sensual one.

She gradually let her arms tighten around his shoulders as his hand suddenly went to the back of her neck, pulling her close as she pressed herself against him.

Richard had barely gotten any work done today; he just couldn't focus. His mind was too preoccupied with the girl in his apartment. But he did manage to come up with the exact thing to say to Kori when he got home.

But things didn't go as planned, and he didn't get the chance to say what needed to be said.

She had practically tackled him as he walked through the door, and he couldn't seem to get a word out as she kissed him.

He was tempted to push her away. But her lips were so sweet and soft, and had a hint of a tangy mustard taste to them.

When he did finally pull her away, he found himself glancing at her attire. She was wearing one of his shirts and she looked incredibly sexy in the garment. And he knew very well she didn't have anything under it.

Suddenly, and just like the night before, his body was overpowering his mind as he picked her up, letting her golden legs wrap around his waist.

He kissed her deeply as he slowly carried her back to his bedroom. And the whole time he couldn't help but think to himself of how weak he was for giving into temptation once again.

…

Kori had woken up in the early afternoon. She sat up and rubbed her eyes as she glanced around for Richard's shirt to dress herself. But the garment was on the ground, ripped in two.

She sighed, but then smiled to herself as a blush tinted her cheeks, thinking about the steamy night she had that caused the destruction of the clothing.

She got up and walked over to his dresser, grabbing another shirt. She left his bedroom and walked into the living room. She peaked into the kitchen, just to see Richard had already left for work.

She let out a disappointed sigh, hurt that he didn't say goodbye. A noticeable frown graced her lips with the realization she would probably be spending her day much like the one before.

She regretted not talking to him about important things. Or at least telling him about her day. Not that there was anything to tell. She began to hate herself for jumping him at the door. Here she had sex with him, when she could have been talking to him.

…

Richard overworked himself that day. He just couldn't get his house guest out of his head. He needed to talk to her. To have a real talk with her. And tell her what needed to be said.

He was tempted to call her on the phone, where he could maybe get a word in and not jump her like the horny dog he was. But unfortunately, Kori didn't have a cell and he didn't have a house phone.

Richard stood in front of his apartment door, a sweaty gross mess from overworking himself. He wanted nothing more than to get out of his disgusting clothes and shower.

He really pushed himself doing overtime, but he just couldn't go home, not when she was there, waiting for him.

He decided it would be best if he just ignored her, and went straight to the shower. And maybe, just maybe he could come up with the strength to say to her what he needs to say.

But of course, none of that worked…

Kori almost jumped out of her seat as she heard the door open and shut. She quickly turned to see Richard walking down the hall and into the bathroom. She wanted to be mad that he didn't say hello, or acknowledge her, but she was just so excited he was home.

"Richard?" She called, getting up and walking towards the bathroom. "Richard." Kori said again as she walked into the open bathroom door. "Oh, my apologies." She said quickly.

Richard stood in the middle of the bathroom, unbuttoning his sweaty work shirt. His hair was a greasy mess, and his body smelt musky as he slowly pulled the garment off his shoulders.

This would have been a really good time to talk, and say the things they needed to say. But of course, they didn't talk.

As soon as their eyes met, neither one could contain themselves as they both bolted forward and went tumbling onto the ground.

What little clothing they had on got tossed aside as their bodies hastily collided together in a collision of sweaty passion on the bathroom floor. Before moving to the shower for a second round of wet, heated, affection.

…

Kori woke up the next day utterly disappointed in herself.

"Galfnock!" She swore, before getting up out of bed. She had had it, she really had. She was determined to talk to Richard. Really talk to him.

She determinedly got dressed, putting on his sweatpants and a t-shirt, and this time she put on her bra. She wanted to be as covered as possible to avoid any temptation.

She made sure she spent her day being productive. She cleaned the apartment, not that there was much to clean. Any television she watched was Infomercials or Talk Shows.

No romantic movies or soap operas. She didn't want anything to provoke her passionate side.

And then she cooked dinner. Her and Richard would be forced to sit down at the table and have a real heart to heart talk. No distractions.

…

Richard took a deep breath before walking into his apartment. The past few days had been very unpredictable. He really didn't know what to expect as he opened the door.

He walked in and was surprised to see Kori setting the table in some of his loose baggy clothes. He was a little surprised to see she had cooked a decent smelling meal, and then he remembered Victor had been giving her lessons.

"Welcome home Richard, I hope you will join me for dinner?" She asked, turning to face him.

"Sure, it smells amazing." He said as he put his work bag down and approached the table.

There was a moment of silence as they sat down and began to eat, though neither of them were very hungry at the moment. Eye contact was avoided as they moved their forks around their plates, and this went on for almost ten minutes until Kori forced herself to speak up.

"Richard?"

"Yes?" He asked, lifting up his head.

"Things have been distant between us, with you working late hours and…"

"I know, and I'm sorry." He interrupted. "And there are things I need to say." He told her.

"I know." She agreed. "We just need to have a good one on one talk." But this was the longest conversation she had had with Richard all week and she was excited and clumsy.

Richard immediately got up as soon as she had knocked over her wine glass and grabbed a towel to soak it up.

"Oh, Richard, I am so sorry." Kori said as she went down to the floor to help clean the mess.

"It's okay I… I got it…" He stammered as they both sat on their knees face to face. Both of their hands were touching on the towel as their eyes met. They remained still as they waited for the other to move.

Kori couldn't help but see how handsome he looked in his work uniform, and she regretted not asking where he was employed.

Richard slowly glanced down at her attire, and he had to admit even in his clothes she looked beautiful. He couldn't help but think back to when she wore just his shirt with absolutely nothing under it, and even though he loved the look on her, he had to admit this look was adorable too.

He knew she clearly dressed this way so he wouldn't find her as attractive. But frankly she could wear a paper sack and he would still think she was gorgeous.

Richard continued to stare at her as she returned his glance. Brief memories of some of their more intimate touches started flashing through his mind.

"Richard we…" Kori began, and he quickly shook his head clearing his thoughts.

"Yes, we need… we need to… talk." He stammered before finding himself slowly leaning in, parting his lips as he got closer to her.

It started out as just a peck, a heated brush against the lips. But as usual it didn't last long...

Her back hit the floor as he laid on top of her, devouring her sweet lips. Her arms went around him and held him tight as her hands rubbed all over his muscular form.

He completely disregarded his own clothes on her body as he ripped the shirt and sweats off of her in a heated urgency.

His lower half rested between her legs before she flipped them, slamming his body on the hard floor. If it hurt at all he didn't notice as he leaned up and kissed her chest, slowly pulling his shirt off her to get more access to her skin. Not having the patience to unbutton his shirt, she ripped the clothing in half.

Things moved so fast as ripped garments were thrown across the room and names were exchanged under heated breaths. Everything became a lust filled blur of hunger and desire…

…

Kori slowly opened her eyes, staring at the bright moon that shined through the window. She quickly sat up and turned around to see Richard sitting on the edge of the bed in the dark room. His back was slouched as he leaned his arms on his knees, staring sadly at the ground.

Kori reached her hand out to touch him, but before her fingers could graze him, he spoke.

"I'm sorry." He spoke painfully.

Her brow furrowed. "For what?"

"Kori, you can't stay here." He told her sternly. "You have to leave."

Her heart immediately fell in her chest, and it took all the strength she had to keep herself together enough to ask. "Why?"

Richard let out a long heavy sigh. "Bruce asked me to come back to Gotham to start over." He explained. "And to do that I must leave everything I once knew behind. The Tower, the Titans, you."

Her lip started to quiver as a few tears built up in the corners of her eyes.

"I tried to break up with you, back at the tower. I was going to tell you that I didn't love you anymore, so you wouldn't come after me. But I love you so much that I couldn't say it." He spoke painfully, the sadness he was feeling clear in his voice.

"But clearly me leaving wasn't enough to distance myself from you. So, if breaking up with you is what I need to do to get you to leave me alone, then fine..." He contorted his face and squeezed his eyes shut. "We are over. I need you to leave, Kori… leave and never come back."

She was in complete disbelief at what he was telling her. But as soon as he finished his sentence the reality of his words hit her like a steel fist to the stomach.

She felt sad, and angry, and confused, and sick. But despite the hurricane of emotions she was feeling, she managed to push them all aside and stay composed.

She slowly slid off of the bed. "If that is what you wish, Richard." She said in a quiet composed tone before walking over to his dresser and grabbing her uniform and leaving the room.

He slowly got up and followed her, just to stop in the hallway of his apartment and watched as she quickly slid on her uniform and walked out the door, never to return…

...