Disclaimer - I do not own the Teen Titans

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Double Take

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Chapter 4

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After the encounter on the roof with Dick and Kitten, Kori was fairly unsettled. She really didn't feel like herself. She wasn't used to feeling awkward, well, at least not when she was working.

Kori had come in from the roof and headed directly back to the ER. She came into the women's locker room and Tara was at her locker. She liked her new friend but had really hoped to be alone for a couple minutes to sort out her feelings.

"Hey Kori, you're back from dinner break early." It was true that Kori hadn't taken her entire dinner break. Not only had she left the roof but her appetite was gone after dealing with Kitten. Once Tara got a good look at Kori's face she added. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, well, I will be fine."

"Do you want to talk about anything?"

"Oh, it is nothing. Really."

"Did you see anyone up on the roof?" Tara was pretty sure Dick would have gone up. She knew he always tried to duck out of the ER for a minute or two to catch the sunset from the roof and she also knew that Dick had shown more than a passing interest in the ER's newest nurse.

"I was originally alone but then Dr. Grayson came up. We were having a pleasant conversation but then Kitten arrived. I guess they are an item, are they not?"

"Yes - no, not really, or rather, not anymore." Tara replied.

"I guess I misjudged him if he is with her."

"He's not with her - he did date her for about 15 seconds awhile back, mostly to piss off his father."

Kori wasn't sure what that meant but was beginning to think she should just let it go. But there was one thing she really wanted, or rather needed to know about - Dick had spoken to her in Tamaranian. Not an everyday occurrence. "Tara, how did he know I was from Tamaran?"

"I told him. I didn't mean to gossip, it's just that I remembered that he said it was one of his favorite places, that he had traveled there as a kid. Look Kori, he is a good guy."

"So is he a friend of yours?"

"We are not really close but yeah, we're friends. I do know him well enough to know that he is quite taken with you. You should get to know him, you be a good influence."

Kori smiled, "and how do you know I would be a good influence? We just met today. And why does a grown man need a 'good influence'?"

"In the ER, you get to know the people you work with quickly. Plus I am good judge of people. You're bright, you're grounded, and you don't like Kitten. That makes you a pretty good person in my book."

"You are very kind, and I am happy to call you friend. But why again is he in need of a 'good influence'?"

"He just seems lost sometime," Tara replied with a bit of sadness in her voice.

Kori sighed. She was a little more than intrigued by Dick. There was also the way he looked at her and how it made her feel. And he had spent time in Tamaran? There seemed to be a connection, not just an attraction. But Kitten, she had made things difficult here and Kori was not sure why. How could anyone be that mean. She really didn't want to deal with, well all the drama. What was this, Peyton Place or something? Oh wait, this is a place of work. She vowed to just try to be herself, to have a pleasant time with her coworkers. She was lonely here in a new city, but she was sure things would improve.

"Well, we better get back to work. Before I leave, let's exchange numbers, maybe set up a time to get together." Tara asked.

"I would like that. I have not met many people here in Washington and I fear I am already getting on my Uncle Galfore's nerves."

"Is that who you are staying with?"

"Yes, until I find appropriate housing."

The two nurses returned to the nurses station. Kori took two of the four patients she had been following with Tara as her own. Soon both of the patients were discharged home and there was a lull in the ER's activity. Kori offered to help Tara and the other nurses, but no one had taken her up on the offer to help. Kori vowed to herself to avoid Kitten at all costs and she hadn't seen Dick. I wonder where he is hiding?

She busied herself by going into the empty treatment rooms checking drawers and cabinets to continue to familiarize herself with where everything was. She noted some low supplies and went to supply closet.

Rachael Roth walked up to her, "Good night Kori, I'm heading home. When are you working next?" It was about 10:45 PM.

"Oh, good night Dr Roth. I am back 3-11 tomorrow."

"I'll see you tomorrow then, I am back here 7 PM."

"I will see you tomorrow then."

Kori grabbed some supplies and headed back to the empty treatment room and stocked the room. Shortly afterwards, Tara came and found her.

"The ER technicians restock all the rooms in the morning, you really don't have to."

"Oh, I do not mind. All my work is done, my patients have gone home and it will give me a chance to get to know where are things are supposed to be."

"But where they are supposed to be and where they are are not always the same, I'm afraid, but I'm glad your making yourself at home. IThe 11-7 nurses'll be coming on soon so lets make our way back to the nurses' station. Oh, here's my number. I'm off this weekend but looks like your on. Let's try to do lunch early in the week." Kori checked her pockets and grabbed an index card and pen.

"Here is my cell number. If we don't catch up, I'll see you for 3-11 shift on Monday."

"Sounds great. Hey look at the time - you know what the best thing about it being 11 PM?"

"What's that?"

"Kitten goes home."

"That is a plus."

They walked to the nurses station and saw a blank board. She was really hoping her second shift tonight would be better than the first, that it too would be a bit of a clean state. Of course, Dick was the doctor on all night too. Maybe she should just let go what happened on the roof, just relax, be herself. She yet again reminded herself that she was at work.

Just than an olive complected young man with light brown hair with green streaks talked up to Kori and Tara. "Hi, I'm Gar" "Hi Gar. I'm Kori". Kori noted that the young man looked completely full of nervous energy.

"Gar is the other nurse that will be on with you tonight Kori. Wally should be here soon - he was the medic that brought that patient in earlier. He actually finished up nursing school last year and moonlights with us."

Just then the blue-eyed red head walked up very quickly. "Hey Wally, this is Kori. She is on with you guys tonight."

"Cool, its not a testosterone only night. Wow, look at that board - when was the last time that happened?" Wally said, marveling at an empty patient board.

"Been awhile Gar - Kori, guess you're good luck."

"That's me. good luck"

"Well, nothing to report then. I sent the rest of the staff home. Kori I'll talk to you soon. It's just you and the boys tonight - these two and Dick, where ever he is."

"Probably hiding from Kitten!" Gar said with a laugh, not knowing what had transpired earlier.

"So Kori, tell us about yourself." Wally asked.

"What would you like to know?"

"Everything - but in reverse chronological order!" Gar said with a lot of enthusiasm.

Kori smiled and decided to have some fun, just relax and be herself. "A challenging assignment. Most recently, I discovered I was to work the overnight shift at the ER here with two of the most energetic guys I've ever seen. Prior to that I worked the 3-11..."

Gar interrupted "Less minutiae please. So spill - where do you live, where are you from, where'd you go to school, whether or not you're single. You know, the basic stuff. But of course we know why you're here working overnights in the ER."

"Why would that be?"

"Because you love the hotness of male trauma junkies!"

"Exactly." Kori said happily playing along. Looks like 11PM-7AM was a lot better than 3PM-11PM. She was beginning to feel like her real self. Kitten had really gotten to her and so did Dick, but certainly not in the same way.

"Let's see: right now I live in NW Washington, I was living in in suburban Philadelphia, I went to Penn and yes, I am single. Next?"

"Not sure. People don't usually like all our questions, so I don't have a follow up yet!"

"You are so much more fun to hang with than Roy" Wally said

"Who's Roy?

"He is another one of the night nurses - he's defecting to the 3-11 shift."

"I say its official Wally - Kori's our new 3rd Musketeer!"

"Hey, I thought I got the slot!" Dick walked up - where had he been hiding? - He was grinning, ready to join in the fun.

"Perhaps you can be the 4th Musketeer." Kori was smiling when she looked up to Dick's face.

His smile grew for a moment, then, feigning indignation "But Kori, I have seniority!"

"Seniority, perhaps. Please tell me its not a 'doctor-nurse' thing that makes you think you outrank me?"

"Nope its all about seniority." Dick locked his eyes on Kori's, twinkling as the playful banter continued.

"Perhaps we should dual for the coveted 3rd slot. How are you with an eppe?" Kori inquired cheekily. It was one of her favorite weapons.

"I made the fencing club at Princeton as a freshman."

"I see." Kori said, allowing the happy expression she had to leave her face be replaced by a look of complete sadness.

"Kori, what's wrong?" Dick was actually concerned - and confused.

She was impressed with her own acting skills. Now to really make him sweat, and poke fun at him considering the college rivalry. "I'm sorry Dick" She started with feigned remorse in her voice, "I would have been able to handle your past with Kitten, but Princeton? I'm sorry but its over. I cannot marry you seeing that I went to Penn." There was a pause as three shocked men stared at her, and then Kori started to laugh.

Dick responded "But Kori, surely we can work out the whole Penn - Princeton thing. There must be a way!" How can she be so beautiful and this funny? Why don't I mind that she's joking about marriage in front of the guys?

Their eyes remained locked on each other. "Perhaps, but I cannot promise you a bedmate for the entire basketball season."

"I'm sure we can work something out! I'm sure we can do it - for the sake of the children." Dick and Kori were overcome with laughter. Gar and Wally joined them.

"Oh my gosh, where did you come from? Dick, she's priceless!"

He had to agree she was.

TtTtTtTtTt

Of course, it's not going to be this easy... New Chapter up shortly.

Penn-Princeton are considered college rivals.

Thank you for reading and please review!