Chapter 39

Dick tugged on the cuff of his tuxedo to get the sleeve to sit correctly, before inspecting himself briefly in front of the mirror. Well, at least he looked the part of a spoilt rich kid. Simon had done well, as always, and the sky blue vest and tie matched his eyes perfectly.

He glanced up at the ceiling, grinning to himself. That had certainly been an interesting experience, he would never look at the ceiling the same way again. Kori had trapped him against the ceiling, her hands tight on his shoulders, her knees on either side of his hips, her feet twisted around his knees to keep his legs from dangling downward. It had been quite nerve racking, looking over her shoulder and down on the world, but strangely exhilarating too. She'd done all the work, riding him long and hard until he spilled into her. He couldn't wait to try it again.

And she'd done exactly what she'd said she would do; she gave him everything, her mind, body and soul.

It was such a short time ago that he'd been worried about the state of her mental health and now she was blossoming once more, every minute returning back into that gorgeous happy girl he'd fallen in love with. He knew they still had hard times ahead, awkward silences and scattered nightmares. The reaction to the media yesterday had shown him that she was still mending and he and Bruce had devised a signal so they could get her out of that situation if it ever arose again. But she'd brushed away that fake persona she had developed as a shield and allowed her true self to shine through.

God, he had missed her. He had missed her taste, her touch, her smell, and the feel of her wetness and warmth as he slipped inside her. He had longed for her throaty cries of passion that took his breath away; how she would throw her head back, crying out his name and send him spiraling down into an abyss of ecstasy. He had missed the way she clenched around him when she climaxed and the throb of her pulse against his length. He had missed the after sex shine around her and the snuggling before falling asleep in bed.

He sighed, forcing his mind from last night's adventure before he got himself too worked up.

He really hated these charity events that Bruce insisted on going to, but at least this one would be more bearable with Kori and his friends here. And now that the media had gotten wind that perhaps an engagement between them had occurred, he could see that she would be attending a lot more of these events with him.

He dug his fingers under the collar of his shirt and tugged at it to loosen it before crossing to his desk and picked up two jewelry boxes. He glanced at the clock, fifteen minutes before they had to be downstairs ready to get in the car.

Star, I'm on my way to pick up the guys, are you and Rachel nearly ready?

There was silence in his mind briefly before he heard her soft voice. I am having the trouble convincing Rachel that she looks beautiful. We are almost prepared.

Okay, see you soon. Tucking the boxes under his arm, he crossed the room and opened his bedroom door before making his way to Garfield's room.

He knocked on Garfield's door, surprised to hear laughter penetrating from the room beyond. The door swung open and Dick stepped back in shock.

"Dude!" Garfield cried, yanking Dick into the room. "You sooo gotta help me!"

Garfield was a mess, his green tie wrapped around his head like a bandana, his green vest was draped around his neck, half the buttons on his shirt were done incorrectly and he was barefoot.

Dick flicked his eyes around the room to locate the source of the laughter. Victor was sprawled on the bed, laughing heartily, pausing every now and then to gulp in a breath before pounding on the bed once more. "Stop it, Victor. You'll get wrinkled." Dick looked back at Garfield as Victor's laughter spluttered. "What's wrong?"

"I've never worn one of these before. How the hell do you put all this crap on?"

"I am so not going to dress you. Weren't you paying attention when Simon fitted you?"

"Um... no."

Dick sighed. "First thing, take off the tie and vest and do the buttons of your shirt up properly."

"This is a vest?" Garfield asked as he removed it from around his neck and dumped it on a sofa before doing his shirt up correctly.

"What the hell did you think it was?"

"Um… I dunno." He held up the tie. "What do you do with this?"

Dick sighed and placed the jewelry boxes carefully on the sofa. He tugged up Garfield's collar and quickly did his tie for him. "Couldn't you have helped him, Vic?" he asked dryly as he fixed Garfield's collar once more and helped him into the vest.

"Nah, it was too damn funny. Soooo, what's in the boxes?"

"Something for the girls. Okay, now do the button's up and put some socks and shoes on. Vic, front and center, lets see how you did."

Victor jumped off the bed and stood at attention, saluting mockingly. Dick eyed him carefully, before fixing his tie. He had on the same style as Dick and Garfield, except that his vest and tie were a deep red colour. "Where's the jacket?" Dick asked and Victor pointed to the large black jacket draped over a chair by the door. "Put it on."

Garfield got to his feet after tying his shoes. "Now what?"

Dick rolled his eyes, before fixing the vest so it sat correctly. "Get the jacket and put it on."

Garfield eyed his room thoughtfully.

Dick rubbed his temples. "Oh god, please don't tell me you lost it already."

Garfield cast him a cheeky grin. "Nah, it's under Vic's. Just having a go at you."

"Well stop it," he snapped as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Guys, I can't stress enough on how important this night is for Bruce. Please, please, please be on your best behavior, especially if you ever want to be invited back again."

"Dick," Victor said as he pulled the jacket across his chest. "Don't stress. We've got your back."

Richard, I do believe we are ready.

Dick reached down and picked up the two jewelry boxes again. "The girls are ready, let's not keep them waiting."

Garfield coughed nervously. "Do you think Rae will like what I'm wearing?"

Dick cast him an incredulous glance. "You can't be serious, I'm not answering that," he scoffed, heading out of the room and toward Rachel's door, knocking once.

Silence greeted them.

Dick knocked again. Star?

The door swung open and Kori swirled away with a swish of material before he could say anything. "She has locked herself in the bathroom again."

"So, can we come in, then?" Victor called, peering over Dick's head.

"Go away!" Rachel's came voice from inside the room somewhere. "I'm not going."

Kori came back to the door looking slightly pink. Dick's jaw dropped and he heard the clunk of two other jaws following his.

Kori looked absolutely beautiful. Her dress was strapless and the bodice hugged against her skin showing off every curve before the shimmering material flowed out from her hips to her feet. It was a soft blue colour, matching the vest of Dick's tuxedo perfectly, and the shade of blue seemed to make the colour of her hair and eyes that much more vivid. She wore cream slip shoes with only the barest hint of a heel so she would remain shorter than he was and her beautiful red hair cascaded down her back in waves. He couldn't remember a time when she looked more heavenly wearing clothes. Simon had been right; it was as though this dress had been made just for her. What had he done to deserve such a beauty on his arm?

Victor nudged him, snapping him out of his happy daze. "Star," Dick breathed in awe. "You look gorgeous."

She blushed and ducked her head under the scrutiny of her friends. "I thank you, Richard. You look very handsome."

She headed back inside the room, the boys following in her wake and Dick felt as though his feet scarcely touched the ground.

Kori knocked on the bathroom door once more. "Please, it is time to go."

"I'm not going. You can't make me," Rachel said in a small voice.

Kori glanced over her shoulder at her friends. "Garfield is all dressed up nicely and waiting for you. He is looking very handsome."

There was a pause. "Really?"

"Come out and see."

Garfield shuffled nervously.

Another long pause. "Okay… but the first person who laughs is going to be thrown through a portal straight to hell."

"There will be no laughter, Rachel, I promise."

A soft sigh from the other side of the door before the lock clicked open and Rachel stepped out. Kori took her hand and pulled her further into the room.

Three jaws hit the floor once more.

Rachel wore a full-length midnight blue dress. Spaghetti straps perched over her shoulders and a belt of shimmering material was wrapped below her breasts and tied at the back, two long trains left to fall. Black, strappy high heels peeked out from beneath the dress. Kori had managed to convince her to curl her hair and the curls framed her face. Rachel looked nervously at Garfield.

Victor grinned gleefully as he had to nudge Garfield to snap him out of the daze he's been captured in and Dick knew exactly how the poor shapeshifter felt.

Garfield gulped in a breath. "Rae, you look beautiful."

Victor clapped his hands and rubbed them together. "Well, I have the two best looking girls at the ball tonight, who are y'all going with?"

Dick and Garfield turned to him, glaring menacingly. Kori giggled while Rachel gave a quiet smile.

"There's just one thing missing," Dick said, cracking open one of the jewelry boxes to peer inside before handing that box to Garfield. "These are on loan from the Wayne Vault." He opened the remaining box and pulled out a diamond pendant necklace and matching bracelet. He tossed the box on the bed before approaching Kori. He quickly clipped the bracelet around her wrist before stepping behind her. He lifted her hair so he could draw the necklace across her neck, placing a light kiss on her neckline before letting her hair drop. She smiled at him, gently touching the pendant with her fingers.

"I don't wear jewels," Rachel said tonelessly.

"Er, Rae, these ones you'll like," Garfield said, holding up a black opal necklace and approached her carefully, giving her the same treatment that Kori received from Dick.

Dick smiled and offered Kori his elbow. "Come on guys, we gotta go."

TTTTT

The limousine pulled up outside the Gotham Museum and Bruce kicked Dick's shin.

"Hey," he complained looking up at his father.

"Do you remember everything I told you?" Bruce asked with a cocky smile.

"Yes, Bruce," Dick muttered sourly.

"And the rest of you," Bruce said looking at the other Titans. "Best behavior."

There was a chorus of "Yes, sir," and Bruce nodded and looked over his shoulder at Alfred. "Okay, Alfred, let's go."

Alfred nodded and got out of the car, stepping around to the side and opening the limousine door. The flashing of several cameras going off simultaneously immediately blinded the occupants. A large grin grew on Bruce's face as he hauled himself out of the car and immediately reporters began calling his name.

Dick followed his father close behind, reaching his hand back into the car to help Kori to her feet. She swallowed nervously and took his hand. Dick pulled her away from the car to allow their friends to exit, his hand snaking around her waist. They came to stand behind Bruce who was already smiling and speaking charismatically to the reporters. Victor, Garfield and Rachel joined them, Garfield's arm nervously around Rachel's waist.

"Mr Wayne, Mr Wayne," a reporter called, waving his pen high. "Who are your guests for tonight?"

Bruce turned to see them all assembled behind him and smiled. "These strapping young people are my son's friends from school. Mr Victor Stone, Mr Garfield Logan, Miss Rachel Roth and Miss Kori Anders and just in case you don't recognise him, cause he's had the gall to grow since we last saw him in Gotham, Mr Dick Grayson. They are staying with me in Wayne Manor for the duration of the school break."

Bruce walked to stand beside Dick, placing his hand on his son's shoulder and smiling as the six of them smiled for the cameras. Flashes continued to flare and reporters were calling out questions, each of the questions charmingly answered by Bruce as he continued to smile.

Kori was having trouble seeing through all the flashing lights and her vision was becoming spotty. The ground gave an unexpected lurch beneath her feet and the world began to spiral. She flinched away, the smile faltering on her face as she half turned into Dick's embrace. He looked at her, his eyes filled with worry. Star?

Too much, too bright. I do not like this.

It's okay, nearly done. Hang in there. Dick turned his head toward Bruce and rubbed his chin. Bruce answered him a swift nod.

"Mr Grayson!" called another reporter. "There are reports that Miss Kori Anders is your fiancée, do you have anything to say to this statement?"

Kori felt Dick's hand tighten on her waist and she tried to concentrate on the feel of his arm around her as the world continued its spinning. Bruce raised his hand, stepping in front of the couple. "At this time we have no announcements regarding Kori and Dick's relationship, beside the fact that they are very close. If there is an engagement, you'll be the first to know. Now, if you'll excuse us, I believe these fine ladies are freezing out here."

Dick turned toward the museum door, pulling Kori along beside him. Whew, he whispered into her mind. At least that bit's over and done with.

Now that the flashing lights had stopped the world seemed steadier beneath her feet. They are very persistent with their questions, yes?

Yeah. Dick opened the door for her, allowing her to enter before him and holding the door open for their friends. He slipped in behind them and wove his arm around Kori's waist once more. You okay? Say the word and I'll take you home.

She smiled for him, feeling more settled now. I am fine.

Bruce stepped to the forefront and the group followed the signs to the ballroom. Kori barely had time to glance at the paintings on the wall and the architecture of the building before she was ushered away, their shoes echoing loudly down the granite floors of the museum.

They approached two large wooden doors, two valets standing before it, the sound of an orchestra filtering from behind, as well as people chattering and the clashing of cutlery.

Here we go, Dick whispered in her mind and she turned to look at him. A bizarre demeanor overtook him. His shoulders straightened, his chin went up and a peculiar smile, somewhere between polite and bored, became plastered on his face.

The valets swung the door's opened as the group approached and Kori was spun into a world of glittering lights, of flashing colours as people danced, of music and laughter and the awkward politeness of the prosperous.

The ballroom was a huge circular room; a large glass dome ceiling towering above and a gigantic crystal chandelier dangled from the center of the ceiling. Across one arc, a curved buffet table swept, while an orchestra was set up along the wall opposite the door. Various waiters drifted around the room, delivering alcoholic beverages, something that the Titans had been warned off. In the middle of the floor people waltzed, ladies in gorgeous dresses swirled and draped themselves in the arms of handsome men.

"Woah," Rachel murmured from beside her and Kori could do nothing but nod in agreement.

"Bruce!" a man boomed and Bruce vanished into the sea of people.

"Food," Victor said, also vanishing.

"Um, Rae," Garfield said hesitantly, turning pink. "Do you… um… wanna dance? Or would you rather go get a drink or something?"

Rachel turned her head toward him, looking as nervous as he did and gave him a small smile. "Let's get something to drink."

Garfield sighed with relief and led her after Victor.

Kori felt Dick's lips brush her ear and she shivered with delight. "Dance with me," he whispered before sweeping her off to the dance floor.

She laughed giddily as he twirled her around the floor, one hand warm on her back and hers draped on his shoulder, their fingers entwined. He smiled for her, keeping his eyes locked on hers as they spun their bodies in time with the music that wafted through the hall. She fondly remembered the last time they had danced, the pleasure of seeing his eyes usurping the memory of the disastrous date with Kitten.

The songs leaked into one another and time lost all its meaning and still they danced, only having eyes for each other. She'd never known dancing could be this enchanting as he twirled her around the floor, his eyes gazing into hers, a small smile on his lips, an enthralled expression on his face.

She loved him so much. He made her happy beyond her wildest dreams.

Richard, she sent softly after yet another song drifted to a close. We should stop.

Why? he asked softly in return, clearly not wanting too.

I am having the trouble grounding my feet.

Oh, he replied with a sad sigh. We should definitely stop then. He released her waist and led her by the hand off the dance floor and over to their friends.

"Damn, man," Victor commented as the pair approached. "Are you trying to put the male population to shame? Guys aren't supposed to like dancing, remember?"

The back of Dick's neck went red and Kori thought it was adorable. He jerked his head in the direction of the dance floor. "Tell that to the ones still out there."

Victor huffed and turned his attention back to the plate of food he held.

"Enjoying yourselves?" Dick asked of Rachel and Garfield.

"Actually, it's not entirely bad," Rachel admitted. "There are some interesting art pieces on the walls."

Garfield grinned at Kori. "She danced with me," he said quietly, a blush spreading on his cheeks and Kori beamed back.

She glanced over to the buffet table and spotted a large punchbowl. Releasing Dick's hand she headed over to the table and collected two cups before pouring two drinks. Lifting them off the table, she turned and almost ran straight into a tall red haired lady, wearing a gorgeous green dress.

The lady smiled and poured herself a drink of punch. "Hi, my name's Vicki."

Not wishing to be impolite, Kori smiled. "Kori."

Vicki made a small humming sound as though she was thinking. "That's a really interesting name. Where's it from?"

Kori thought quickly. "My homeland."

Vicki raised her eyebrows. "Oh, so you're not American then?"

"No, I was not born in this country."

"That's a unique accent you have. Which country?"

Kori bit her lip and shifted her weight. "I am certain you would not have heard of it."

Vicki shrugged. "So, who are you here with? I thought I saw you dancing before."

"My friends," Kori replied, starting to feel uneasy and glanced over to her oblivious friends, wondering if she should call Dick.

Vicki followed her gaze and gave a knowing smile. "You're friends with Dick Grayson, then? Lucky you, he's a lovely young man. Where do you know him from?"

"We attend the same… school," she said, hesitating over the word. She needed to get away. She glanced over at Dick again.

"You're not one for talking are you, is that why Dick likes you?"

An arm thumped down around her shoulders and Kori almost dropped her cups in surprise. She nearly bolted with fear from the unwanted contact before she recognised the voice the arm belonged to. "Vicki Vale, are you quite finished tormenting my son's guest?"

"Why, hello Bruce," she replied coquettishly, taking a drink from her cup. "Kori and I were just having a conversation."

"Sounded to me like you were fishing for a story."

"I'm sure you're just taking things out of perspective."

Bruce raised an eyebrow before he inclined his head. "Of course. Always a pleasure, Vicki. Now, if you'll excuse us, I think Kori would like to return to her friends."

He ushered her away. "Be careful who you talk to Kori, there are several reporters here," he said quietly.

A blush spread across her cheeks. "I did not wish to appear rude."

He gave her a sharp nod. "That's fine, just next time, smile and move on. Reporters tend to ask you questions about yourself, while the rich tend to focus on themselves, just a pointer."

They reached Dick and the others, Dick's eyes widening with surprise as he saw his father escorting her.

"Having fun?" Bruce asked tonelessly as he removed his arm from Kori's shoulders. "Have a look over my shoulder."

Dick's eyes shifted. "Vicki's here?"

Bruce nodded. "As are several others. Keep an eye out." His eyes flicked around the room as someone else called his name and he raised his head. "Excuse me."

Kori felt the blush spread down her neck and she dropped her eyes to the floor.

"What happened?" Garfield asked quietly.

Kori passed one of the drink cups to Dick. "She asked a lot of questions. I do not believe she got the answers she was after."

"Sorry, Star," Dick said. "I should have gone with you."

A hand slapped down on Dick's shoulder. "Dick, my boy!"

"Commissioner Gordon," Dick said, shaking the man's hand. "How are you?"

"Brilliant. Listen, Barbara is around here somewhere, she's been a little out of sorts lately. Do me a favour and dance with her a time or two, there's a good lad." The man disappeared into the crowd before Dick could reply.

"Damn," Dick muttered softly, his shoulders slumping before he turned to Kori, a sad expression on his face. "Look, I'd better go and do that, get it over and done with, cause he's probably watching me. Kori, stay with Vic, okay?" He gave her hand a squeeze before he left.

Kori cocked her head as she studied his retreating back. While she loathed the idea of Dick dancing with Barbara, he was taking the break in their friendship hard. Barbara had been his friend too, even if he'd never mentioned it to the Titans or told her, and Kori hoped that he would use this time to talk to her and sort things out.

"Actually, I need to use the bathroom. Care to come, Kori?" Rachel asked.

"What is it with girls and going to the bathrooms in droves?" Victor asked cheekily and received a scowl from Rachel. She grabbed Kori's hand and pulled her away.

"I really do need to use the bathroom," Rachel muttered under her breath as the pair walked. "Plus, I didn't think you'd want to watch Dick dancing with her."

Kori gave her a small smile, placing her cup on a table as they passed. "I thank you, Rachel."

"So having fun?"

"Oh, yes. Dancing with Richard is most glorious. Did you enjoy your dance with Garfield?"

Rachel shrugged. "Well he didn't stand on my feet or anything like that, so yeah. I guess you could say it was nice."

"I am glad," Kori areplied s the pair entered the bathrooms. Kori paused at the mirror to check her reflection while Rachel headed for a stall. She ran her fingers over her eyebrows, feeling her normal ones beneath the hologram. She missed seeing her normal ones and knew that Dick missed them too.

"So, what's going on between Dick and Barbara?" Rachel asked quietly.

Kori made a small noise and she checked to see if anyone else was in the bathroom before she answered. "He is annoyed with her."

Rachel snorted before she flushed the toilet. "No, really?" she asked sarcastically as she opened the stall and washed her hands.

Kori gave her a smile. "It is not my place to say. Words of anger were exchanged."

Rachel raised her eyebrow at her. "They had a fight? Over what happened in the training room? Or is there more to it that what we saw?"

Kori nodded. "There is more. There was a… misunderstanding. Please Rachel, do not ask for more. I am hopeful that they will do the 'sorting out' while they dance."

Rachel shrugged. "You're being a lot calmer over an ex-girlfriend than I would be."

Kori chewed her lip as she opened the bathroom door to leave. "While I do not like him dancing with her, I trust Richard. We are chosen. I know where his heart lies."

"If you say so," Rachel replied quietly as the pair walked back to the ballroom.

Victor and Garfield met them at the doors, each smiling brightly.

Garfield held out his hand to Rachel. "Come on Rae, you promised me another dance."

She raised her eyebrow at him and gave a halfhearted sigh and took his hand while he beamed at her happily.

Victor held his hand out to Kori. "My turn for a dance, Kori. Gotta strike while the iron's hot." He winked at her as she took his hand. "And Dick ain't lookin'."

Kori laughed as she allowed him to pull her onto the dance floor.