Chapter 47
Something banged on his door, hard.
Dick snapped awake, sitting straight up in bed, his eyes wild as he searched for the source of the banging.
"Dude!" Garfield's shrieked voice. "It's Christmas! Get your ass out of bed."
Dick sighed and rubbed his face, glancing at the clock. "Gar, bugger off. It's only six in the morning."
"Dude," he whined, his voice grating on Dick's nerves. "Presents!"
"Go away!"
"Kori's already up."
Dick blinked down at the empty space beside him. He flopped back on the bed, his breath escaping in a huff.
"Garfield," a sweet voice said from beyond the door. "Why are you doing the bothering of Richard so early in the morning?"
"Hey, what's that?" Garfield asked. "Is that waffles? Where's mine?"
"Perhaps if you had remained in bed, Rachel would have provided you with the waffles she has been preparing."
"Really?" Garfield asked hopefully. "She made me breakfast in bed?"
"I am certain if you hurry she may still be there."
Dick chuckled as he heard the scampering of feet before the door clicked open. "Good morning, d'anthe l'ani!" Kori called cheerfully as she carried a large tray into the room, closing the door behind her with her foot. "I wish you a Christmas of merriment and the joyfulness of the seasons."
He grinned and propped himself up on his elbows to look at her. Her fluffy pink robe had slipped down her shoulders to reveal her white pajama top, revealing just enough skin to make him interested in exploring further. "Morning, Star, Merry Christmas to you too. What are you doing up so early?"
She smiled and lifted into the air, drifting over to the bed and placed the large tray over his legs. "It is a special day of celebration for you. I wished to provide you with the breakfast in bed. Rachel decided that she would like to provide Garfield with the same service so we got up early together to have companionship while preparing it. We did not wish Victor to be left out so we provided him with bacon and eggs as well. He was most surprised and grateful."
"I bet he was." He looked down at the food she had prepared for him. "This smells really good, Star, thanks."
"I welcome you," she replied, taking a piece of toast.
He grinned at her. "Where's my Merry Christmas kiss?"
She made a show of looking around in the pockets of her robe for it and he chuckled at her. She giggled, reached down and grabbed his chin, giving him a long, lingering kiss before pulling away.
He grinned at her, before taking a large chunk out his waffles and stuffing it into his mouth. She smiled and ran her fingers through his hair before floating down onto the bed beside him.
"Are you going to have some?" he asked as he swallowed the mouthful.
She shook her head. "Rachel and I did the sharing of breakfast whilst we cooked. It was very hard to cook and not sample."
He chuckled and picked up the hot chocolate, taking a sip, before wrapping his hands around the mug. "Hmm. Gotta love hot chocolate on a cold winter morning."
She smiled. "I do believe it did the falling of snow overnight."
He brightened. "Really? That's great!"
She blinked at him.
He coughed and reddened. "Erm… Just ignore me."
Kori smiled and ran her fingers through his hair again, before she lay down on her side and propped her head up on an elbow to watch him eat.
He finished quickly before placing the tray on the floor and turning to press himself along her length, kissing her warm mouth softly. She tasted of hot chocolate and he ran his tongue along the inside of her mouth tasting.
She purred, her hand running up the back of his neck and through his hair once more. He fumbled for the loose knot that held her robe together before slipping his hands inside to grab her waist, her skin hot against his touch. She pulled him on top of her, spreading her legs to cradle him and gently caressed her foot against the back of his leg.
He ran a hand up her top, cupping her bare breast in his hand before he broke the kiss to lick and nibble his way down her neck. He hitched up her top, his mouth hovering over her nipple and she shivered beneath his warm breath. She arched her back off the bed as his mouth descended and he began to suckle lightly, his other hand already seeking her other breast.
The door banged loudly again breaking them apart.
"Dude! Come on! Presents!" Garfield yelled once more.
Dick groaned, rolled off her and lay on his back, his hand to his forehead. "What'd he do, wolf down his breakfast?" He raised his voice. "You do realise you have to wait for Bruce and he's more of a night person."
"Dick, get your lazy ass out of bed," his father's voice called.
"All right, fine," he yelled, staggering out of bed. "I'm up."
Kori sighed and floated off the bed, fixing her ridden up topand retying her gown while he reached for his blue robe and shrugged his shoulders into it, muttering under his breath.
He walked to the door, Kori floating down to land beside him as he opened the door.
"Merry Christmas!" Garfield bellowed happily.
"Merry Christmas," he grunted in return.
Garfield bounced up and down excitedly. "Come on, hurry up," he said as they walked toward the library where Alfred had erected the Christmas tree. "Presents."
"It's too early for this," Dick muttered, turning around. "I'm going back to bed."
Kori grabbed his arm, spinning him back around again. "You do not wish to receive presents?"
He grumbled before throwing his arm around her shoulder. "Oh, all right, talked me into it."
"About time," Bruce said, lounging on one of the sofas in the library as they entered. "There's been the pitter patter of green feet around here since about three in the morning. I suddenly remember why I don't like having teenagers in my house over Christmas."
"And a Merry Christmas to you too," Dick grumbled, casting a glare at a reddening Garfield. He spotted Rachel and Victor sitting on another sofa near the huge tree by the twisting staircase in the middle of the room that led to the second level of the library. "Merry Christmas guys."
Dick slouched down on the sofa opposite Bruce, pulling Kori onto the seat beside him.
Alfred entered the room, carrying a tray of hot chocolates that he quickly passed around before standing unobstructively behind Bruce.
"All right, Garfield," Bruce said, taking a sip of his drink. "Go for it."
Garfield whooped, diving toward the presents. He grabbed an armful of poorly wrapped presents and passed them out, before kneeling in front of Rachel, his eyes shining with excitement and the neatest of the poorly wrapped present in his hands. "This is for you," he said with a blush.
Rachel raised her eyebrows and took the present, Garfield fidgeting before her. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw the small jewelry box before she snapped it open. "Gar," she gasped, pulling out the raven engraved locket. "It's beautiful."
He bounded around behind her and helped her place it around her neck. "Not as beautiful as you," he said with a shy smile.
Rachel surprised them all by grabbing Garfield by the back of the neck and pulled him in for a kiss. She usually tolerated Garfield's kisses on the cheek and his arm around her but Dick couldn't remember a time she had initiated a kiss in front of the other Titans. There had been that fake kiss that had freaked Victor out, but since neither he nor Kori had seen it, he didn't think that counted. Garfield sucked in a startled breath when she released him, looking slightly giddy.
"Rachel looks happy," Kori said softly, looking back at Dick. "It is glorious to see her this way."
"Yo! BB! Thanks!" Victor said, holding up his gift. "I love this magazine. A years worth of this and I can supe up the T-Car!"
"Hey Gar," Dick said. "Do me a favor and pass out the gold coloured presents would you?"
"Hey, how come there's two gifts for Kori here?" Garfield asked as he passed them around.
"Cause," he retorted as he waited anxiously as she opened the first of the two boxes.
"Dick, thanks," Victor called happily as he opened his present and Dick vaguely waved his hand, keeping his eyes on Kori.
She frowned as she looked at the contents of the first box before she looked at him. "Is this a different kind of weapon?" she asked, holding up the object.
Garfield and Victor guffawed, falling to the ground. Dick frowned at them before smiling at Kori. "They're called ice-skates," he said. "I'll teach you. We use them in winter when the lakes freeze over or on an ice rink. You put them on your feet so you can stand on the ice and propel yourself around." Seeing her confused expression he continued. "It's pretty difficult to explain, I'll show you later. Open the other one."
She replaced the boot back in the box and carefully placed it on the floor before reaching for the next box. Her eyes became wide as she saw the present nestled carefully in tissue paper. "Is that…" She trailed off, pulling out the present. It was a transparent water-filled sphere, set on a golden spider web stand. Kori lifted up the sphere to her eyes, peering at the tiny landscape encased in the glass. "That is our cliff top!" she exclaimed excitedly.
"Woah," Rachel said, leaning over Kori's shoulder to have a look. "That's incredible."
Kori's eyes shone, as she gave the globe a small shake and the water inside began to swirl with tiny sparkling particles. "Richard, this is wondrous!"
He blushed and ducked his head from the scrutiny he was receiving from his friends and father.
She gently replaced the globe inside the box before turning and giving him a kiss. "It does appear we are of the same mind," she said mysteriously, bouncing to her feet. She gathered up the purple packages under the tree and passed them around to her friends. She surprised Dick by also handing one to Bruce and one to Alfred. She smiled at Alfred's astonished face before returning to Dick and handing him two presents; a squishy one and a large square flat one.
He decided to open the squishy one first, seeing as it was the first one she handed to him. Peeling open the wrapping he discovered a soft knitted red sweater, with a bright horizontal yellow stripe through the middle.
"It is made from the silk of the nizzre worm on Tamaran," she said quietly. "We use the silk to weave the clothing required for when we suffer the effects of lower temperatures. It is able to maintain our normal body heat despite the temperature outside and is very light."
Dick's eyes widened, knowing that Tamaranians weren't effected by cold like humans were. He undid his robe and shrugged it off, before pulling the sweater over his head, feeling suddenly nice and warm. "You picked this up on Tamaran when we were there?"
She dropped her eyes and mumbled something.
"Kori," Garfield called happily, pulling on green hat made from the same material. "This is sweet, thanks."
Alfred held up a black knitted jacket and pulled it on. "Thank you Miss Koriand'r. This is most exquisite. "
"I agree," Rachel said, pulling a dark blue shawl around her shoulders. "Where did you get these from?
"I weaved them."
"Really?" Victor said, wearing a patterned gray poncho. "You knitted these? Where'd you learn that?"
"On Okaara," she replied, a blush colouring her cheeks. "A princess should be well versed in culture as well as a warrior. I was required to learn two creative skills as part of my training. Weaving was one."
"What was the other one?" Bruce asked, pulling on the blue plaid vest she'd knitted for him.
The blush deepened and she pointed to Dick's other present. He reached for it as his friends and father gathered around curiously. He tore off the paper and gasped in shock.
She'd painted him a picture. An orange sun set over the orange deserts of Tamaran and on the cliff top sat two figures gazing at the sunset, their backs him. The red hair of the girl flowed in the imaginary breeze, while the black and yellow cape of the boy was pulled around both their shoulders. The imagery was so vivid that he felt like he was really sitting on the cliff top, watching the sun set.
"Oh my god Star," he gasped. "This is amazing. We really are of the same mind, aren't we? I can't believe that I didn't know you could paint or knit."
She dipped her head. "I did not know if it was an acceptable behavior for a warrior on your planet."
"How long did it take you to paint this?"
"Two years," she replied, her cheeks reddening. "I did not have the luxury of time to spend on it. At first I just painted the cliffs, but since we've begun sharing the a'tiyk valm I painted us into the picture and decided to gift it to you."
"That's amazing Kori," Garfield said.
"It's absolutely brilliant, Star." Dick gently placed the picture on the table beside the sofa and wrapped his arms around her, giving her a lingering kiss. "I love it."
TTTTT
The woods around Wayne Manor were quiet. Tall, leafless trees towered into the sky; their branches reaching upward like fingers as they waited for the thaw of spring to return the warmth to the land. Thick snow burdened their bare branches and covered the landscape in a fluffy blanket of white.
In the middle of the woods a large pond existed, fed by a small underground stream. During the summer months the pond teemed with life, ducks made themselves at home, fish swam lazily and snapped at insects, birds chirped in the trees. But the winter months found the pond barren and covered in thick ice.
"That's it, Star, keep coming."
"I do not see the point in this, Richard. All I seem do be doing is hurting my bottom," she announced as she overbalanced once more and thumped backward onto the ice.
He sighed and skated back over to her, pulling her to her feet once more. She grabbed onto his neck and his arms clutched at her back as she fumbled and skittered around until her feet found purchase on the ice while he kept his balance for the both of them. "Aww, c'mon, Star, we've only been doing this for five minutes. You can't expect to be perfect at everything the first time."
She pouted at him. "At least our friends declined in journeying to this pond of ice. It would be very embarrassing otherwise."
"You're doing fine," he said as he shifted his grip from her back to hold her elbows. Her hands slid down his arms to grab his elbows as well and she bit her lip in concentration, her legs wobbling as she steadied herself. "Got it?"
She nodded and released his elbows. He waited a few moments before he let go of hers and skated backward a small distance.
"Okay, just take it slow. Bend your knees slightly."
She nodded again, her face etched in concentration.
He chuckled. "It's better if you relax, Star."
Kori glared at him.
Dick held up his hand in submission. "Okay, okay, sorry. Now, lean on your left foot and then push in a diagonal motion outwards with your right foot. This will push you toward me. Then bring your feet back together and try the other foot. Do it slowly and gently, you don't want to go too fast first time."
She nodded and chewed her lip again, her right foot slowly pushing backward. Her face lit up as she moved forward, before she brought her feet back together and pushed off with her other foot.
"Okay, stop and let yourself glide. Just concentrate on keeping your balance."
She did as he bade and he caught her arms as she glided to him, allowing her momentum to push them backward.
"See, easy. To turn, slowly point your toes in direction you want to go and lean, too fast and you'll fall over. To stop, place one skate behind you with the toe facing away from you and gently drag it behind until you stop. Look at my feet, Star." He demonstrated.
She nodded as she looked down at his feet, wobbling slightly as she copied his position.
"Think you can do this?"
"I will 'have the go'," she replied with a smile.
He gave her a kiss on the forehead before he released her again. "All right, I'll skate a little bit in front of you. Come and get me, Star."
It was fascinating watching her learn how to skate. She was normally so graceful about everything and here she was, slipping and sliding on the ice, her arms waving about madly as she struggled to keep her balance. He actually saw the moment in her face when she realised she could do this and how fun it could be once she stopped falling. The moment was followed by overconfidence that sent her tumbling to the ice again.
"You okay?" he asked as he skated back over, holding out his hand to her.
She sighed and accepted his hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet once more. "I am beginning to think that you are enjoying watching me fall."
" 'Course not, Star. Don't be silly." He waited until she had her balance back and skated away again. "Just take it slowly."
He kept a careful watch on her as he glided over the ice, going in large circles around her.
"It is unfair," she complained as she made small unstable glides across the ice. "You make it look simple and yet when I try, I fall."
He grinned and skated over to her, before he pointed his toes outwards and glided sideways, leaning in her direction as he circled around her. Her eyes widened in surprise. "It's called practice, Star," he said with a mischievous grin, before he shifted his feet back to normal and skated away backward.
She narrowed her eyes at him and he knew he was in for it the moment she caught up with him. So, he decided to milk it for all it was worth, quickly doing figure of eight's around her, gliding past her just tantalizingly out of reach, grinning at her cheekily.
Dick saw the moment she'd had enough as she lifted off the ice and shot after him. He turned and bolted, putting on as much speed as he possibly could as he darted away across the ice. She came zipping toward him, arms outstretched to catch him, so he turned both his ankles against the direction he was heading and skidded to a halt before dashing off in another direction.
He turned and skated backward once he'd gain enough speed, laughing as Kori tore through the sky after him. She was nearly on top of him when he turned around and changed direction once again and he actually felt her fingertips brush his back.
He heard her growl behind him and glanced over his shoulder at her and winked. That only served to infuriate her more as she increased her speed to catch him.
He glanced over his shoulder once more to check on her position startled to find her no longer there. He skidded to a halt, his eyes looking around wildly. He hesitantly skated back in the direction he had come from, suspecting a trap. "Star?"
He heard a delighted giggle from behind him and he turned to receive a snowball in the face, blinding him momentarily. Something caught him across the chest and forced him from his feet and he felt her arms encircle him and lift him into the air. He brushed the snow away from his eyes and blinked to clear them, looking into her twinkling eyes.
"That's cheating," he complained.
She smiled, one hand across the back of his shoulders, the other on his bottom and one leg in between his as she pressed herself against him, holding him in the air with her looming over him. "I believe I have done the foiling of your taunting," she purred at him.
"Indeed you have," he murmured in reply, caught in her eyes. His arms encircled her neck and he hooked his free leg around the back of hers. "What do I forfeit?"
She nuzzled him, her breath warm on his neck, before he felt her nibble his ear. She rotated in the air, lying flat on her back as they floated above the ice so that his weight pressed down on hers. He quickly hooked his ankles over hers and wrapped one arm around her back before he grabbed her by the back of the neck with his other hand, crushing their lips together.
She moaned against his mouth, her hands snaking inside underneath the sweater she had knitted him to clutch at his back. He shivered as part of his sweater rode up, exposing his back to the frigid cold of winter.
She pulled her head away, her eyes concerned. "We cannot do this here," she murmured as she righted them and floated back to the ice. "You will freeze." She placed him carefully on the ice and waited for him to get his balance before releasing him.
"I'm willing to take that risk," he said, grabbing onto her waist and pulling her toward him.
"I am not," she replied with a smile.
He pouted at her before suddenly brightening. "Wait here." He let go of her waist before quickly skating over to collect their boots and the picnic hamper Alfred had packed them. He skated back over to her.
Kori looked disappointed as she still floated above the ice. "We are not returning to the Manor so soon, are we?"
He flashed her a cheeky grin. "Nope. Secret place. Come with me." He took her hand and skated to the other end of the large pond, dragging her along behind him, before he sat down on a nearby log to pull off the skates and pull his boots back on, gesturing for Kori to do the same.
He took her hand once more and led her into the woods. They didn't have to travel far until they reached a large outcropping of rocks, surrounded by a circle of evergreen pines.
Dick had discovered this place quite by accident when he was younger. It was a good place to go and hide when he needed to get away and the best thing was, it did not in any way connect up to the Batcave. It was merely a secluded rock shelter, hidden away in this wood and protected from the elements by the pines. The ceiling of the shelter was just high enough that he could kneel comfortably under its hanging wall and deep enough so that the back of it was darkened so that anyone looking in from the entrance couldn't make out clear details.
He crawled down to the back of the rock shelter before he dumped the basket against the wall and rummaged around in its contents.
"I see you had more planned than simply a skating lesson," Kori said playfully, bending over so she could peer at him from the entrance of the rock shelter. He spread the blanket that Alfred had provided them on the rocky floor.
He grinned at her cheekily. "When opportunity knocks." He shrugged and left the rest unfinished.
She raised an eyebrow at him. "And you believe it to be knocking?"
He pulled out another blanket from the basket, silently thanking Alfred's ingenuity. He wrapped it around himself, kneeling on the blanket on the ground and waggled his eyebrows at her. "See? I'll be warm. You don't need to worry about me."
She remained unmoved.
He pouted at her. "Aww, do I need to woo you?"
Kori cocked her head. "Woo?"
"Romance, like reciting poetry. Try and coax your favors from you. Shall I compare you to a summers day?"
She looked at him blankly.
He flopped to the ground and reached back into the basket, pulling out a flask and two cups. "Fine. I'll just have to drink all this hot chocolate by myself." He poured himself a cup and clasped his hands around it, blowing gently before he took a sip. "Hmmmm."
She crawled into the rock shelter and stole the cup from him, plunking down beside him and took a sip.
He laughed as he reached for the other cup and poured himself a hot chocolate. "At least I know where your heart lies."
"Beside yours," she said softly.
Dick found it strange that the simplest words from her could warm him the most. Warmed one part of him in particular. But he was going to ignore that part for the moment.
He drummed his fingers against the cup of hot chocolate, before he blew on the surface and watched the chocolate swirl. "Hey Star?"
"Yes Richard?" she asked, turning to face him and having another sip of her drink.
"We've never really discussed it…" He swallowed nervously, still staring at the contents of his cup.
"Discussed what?" she asked curiously.
"Um… our wedding."
She cocked her head at him in confusion. "Why would we? You are not yet ready."
He looked at her. "Are you?"
She smiled at him. "I was willing the moment you asked me."
"Why?"
"I love you. We share the a'tiyk valm and I wish to spend the rest of my life with you. Tamaranians usually marry at a young age; especially when we have found our chosen. We are a warrior race and are taught to take each day as it comes and if you find one that you can love freely, hold on to them. Of course, some do not get to if they lose the xhandal, but you have won me." She shrugged. "But things are different on your planet. I am content to wait until you are ready."
He looked back at his cup, drumming his fingers nervously. He gave a sharp nod and placed the cup on the rocky ground beside him and shifted position so that he was kneeling and looking at Kori. "What if I said I was ready now?"
She gave a light chuckle and he knew she didn't believe he was serious. "Then I would marry you in a heartbeat."
"Let's do it. Let's get married." Her mouth dropped open in surprise and her eyes grew wide as she looked at him and he pressed on. "Let's go back to Tamaran and get married on our anniversary. We'll take Bruce and Alfred and all the Titans and have a huge party and spend the rest of our lives as husband and wife." He waited for her reaction but she seemed to be frozen as she stared at him. "Star?"
She made a soft squeaking sound.
He reached forward and took her cup from her hands, incase she dropped it and placed it on the ground beside his. "Star?"
She gave a slow blink and her mouth closed. "Truly?"
He gave her a quiet smile, reaching up to brush her cheek. "Of course truly. I wouldn't have said anything otherwise." He crawled closer. "What do you say?" he asked softly, his mouth hovering over hers. He brushed his lips against hers, trying to coax an answer from her. "C'mon, Star, don't leave me hanging," he murmured, his eyes half closed.
She had a wonderfully glazed look in her eyes as she gazed back at him. "That would be glorious, Richard," she mumbled softly.
"Good," he whispered in reply and closed the distance between them.
He took it slowly, gently peeling of her clothing, savoring every light kiss he placed on her body, every gentle caress, while she writhed and wriggled underneath him. Her fingers pressed against his back, her head arched, her naked body hovered just above the ground as he worshiped her.
He smiled against her breast as she began to whimper, his fingers teasing the small nub of flesh before her passage with light feathery touches, quietly reveling in the hold he had over her.
"It is unfair," she whispered, before gasping as he ran his tongue around her nipple.
"What's unfair?" he murmured in reply, kissing his way down her chest and over her stomach, making sure to keep the blanket over both of them.
"That you continue to remain clothed."
He chuckled lightly as he licked her belly button; his hands shifting to her hips and she let out a small mournful sound. "You wouldn't want me to get cold now would you, Star?"
She made a small noise, which he took as an agreement and he let out a soft snort, his hands kneading at her hips. Even during sex she was concerned for his well being.
He shifted lower and she sucked in a startled gasp of surprise as his teeth scraped against her inner thigh. She'd given him a much-loved surprise in the shower; it was only fair that he returned the favor. The muscles in her legs rippled as she tensed before she spread her legs wide for him and he wrapped his hands around her waist to hold her still.
Very slowly he ran his tongue along the rim.
She moaned his named and her back arched as she buried her hands in his hair, her breathing coming in quick, rasping pants. He closed his eyes and concentrated on what his tongue was doing, listening in rapture to her panting and gasps and groans of pleasure.
"O X'hal…Richard… please," she moaned, her voice husky with need. He'd never heard her beg before, never known how delicious it could be to have her completely at his mercy.
"Please what?" he asked before he gave that small nub of flesh before her entrance a suck.
She made an eerie keening noise, her hands tightening around his head. "I need you. I need for you to be inside me. Please Richard."
That almost sent him tumbling over the edge of control immediately, the lust and need he heard filtering through her voice, her body twitching beneath his hands.
He fumbled for the belt of his pants, dropping both them and his boxers to his knees, shivering slightly in the cold before he climbed up her body. Her hands instantly snaked up under his sweater and her legs wrapped around his waist to pull him closer to her. He gave her a light nip on the neck before he attacked her lips with his.
She groaned into his mouth as he slipped inside her, keeping still for a moment while she wiggled beneath him in anticipation. Her hands made small pawing motions on his back as she tried to coax him to move and he smiled against her mouth, still giving her long luxurious kisses, refusing to move. He pushed his chest against hers, trapping her against the ground.
You are doing the teasing of me, she murmured into his mind, even her mind voice was filled with need.
How could you tell?
A low growl burst from the back of her throat and she nipped at his lips lightly. He lifted his head and looked at her cheekily, before he finally began to move.
He thrust into her slowly and she flung back her head to suck in a gasp. He watched, enthralled, as emotions of pleasure and desire filtered across her face as he continued to move within her.
Her legs tightened around his waist and her fingers became claws that scratched at his back, before her teeth found his shoulder and she bit down, muffling her scream as she climaxed. He grinned in delight and lost himself in the haze of her pleasure, sucking on the skin of her neck and letting out a long moan as he followed her.
He lifted his head and relaxed on top of her, gently running his fingers through her hair. "Merry Christmas Star," he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers.
"Merry Christmas Richard," she replied, her eyes that happy glaze he loved to see.
TTTTT
Raven watched Garfield carefully out of the corner of her eye as he and Victor played one of the games that Dick had given them for Christmas. Her fingers brushed against the locket the hung around her neck; she couldn't seem to stop touching it. She'd never seen anything so lovely. It was beautiful in its simplicity, a small locket, a white gold chain and the extraordinary raven delicately engraved on its face. He'd inscribed the back too. 'To my Rae, your darkness brightens my life. Love Gar.' He'd even managed to find a small photo of himself in his natural form, grinning madly for the camera.
She couldn't believe he'd actually been thoughtful enough to buy her something like this. It made her feel warm inside and sent a strange fluttering sensation to her stomach.
She shivered; pulling Kori's shawl tighter around her shoulders and her knees up to her chest as she tried to concentrate on the book Dick had gifted her.
"Cold, Rae?" Garfield asked, looking over his shoulder at her.
She shrugged, feigning indifference.
"Why don't we all head down to the kitchens and get a hot chocolate?" Victor asked. "I could go for some right about now."
Rachel shrugged again. "All right," she said, marking her place in her book before putting it on the sofa beside her.
Garfield got to his feet and stretched before he trotted over to Rachel's side and offered her his hand. She smiled at him and took it, allowing him to pull her to his feet and the three of them headed out the door.
"I'm really going to miss this place after we've gone home," Victor said. "But I'm looking forward to getting back to the Tower too. I want to work on my baby, she's been neglected, poor thing."
Rachel rolled her eyes as she walked slightly behind the two boys. "Did you ever think that maybe that's why you don't have a girl? Cause you spend too much time working on that car?"
Victor scowled at her over his shoulder.
"Barbara might like his baby, Rae," Garfield said with a teasing glint in his eye.
"Did you ever think that maybe you two are the reason I don't have girl?" Victor snapped. "You do nothing but tease."
"Can you blame us?" Garfield asked with a grin. "That's all you did to Dick and Kori for months, and same with me and Rae. You still tease us something shocking, you just don't spy anymore."
Victor grunted. "No point really, you guys just hide in your rooms."
Rachel stopped as they passed beneath an arched doorway, looking upward at the small green plant hanging above the door. She cleared her throat and Garfield and Victor turned around, their expressions confused.
Rachel pointed upward and allowed a small mischievous smile to cross her features as she looked at Garfield. "Mistletoe."
Victor got a sly grin on his face. "If you wanted a kiss from me Rachel, all you had to do was ask."
Rachel's eyes widened as Victor took a cheeky step toward her before Garfield barreled him out of the way, swept Rachel into his arms and dipped her, attaching his lips to hers. She let out a muffled squeak before she relaxed, her arms snaking around his neck to help support her weight, bringing one foot around the back of his leg. She'd thought it might be fun to play into the whole mistletoe thing, but she hadn't expected him to react so vigorously.
Rachel heard Victor give a polite cough, before a louder one erupted from his throat but still she and Garfield continued kissing. Eventually, Rachel heard Victor begin to mutter and walk away.
Garfield's kisses got deeper as his tongue roamed inside her mouth, his hands tightening on her back. Her back was starting to kill her from being bent backward like this so she removed her hands from around his neck and pushed against his chest lightly.
He righted her, but his lips never left hers, instead he ran his hands down her back and over her bottom until he reached the back of her thighs, picking her up and wrapping her legs around his waist. As she tightened her legs around him, he grabbed onto her bottom to hold her weight.
"Ahem."
Rachel and Garfield froze.
Garfield's lips broke away from her and he glanced over his shoulder, half-turning toward the voice. Rachel's eyes widened with surprise and she felt a blush creep over her cheeks as she saw who stood there.
"I believed there are more appropriate places to conduct that sort of activity," Alfred chided sternly.
Rachel swallowed; dropping her legs from Garfield's waist and pointed upward. "Um, mistletoe?"
Alfred arched an eyebrow. "I see Master Dick has taken the liberty of decorating again."
Garfield shifted his hands from Rachel's bottom to her back. "Sorry," he said, looking at the floor as he flushed crimson. "We were on our way to get hot chocolates. We'll… uh… just be going now." He released her waist and grabbed her hand, dragging her past Alfred.
"Sorry, Rae," he mumbled once they were out of earshot. "I got carried away."
"I don't mind."
"I do." He stopped walking and turned to face her. "You drive me wild sometimes, Rae. Your scent, your taste, the way you feel. I… Sometimes it's hard to remember what I am… the animals in me… they... try and break free… I mean, they're always doing that… but sometimes when I'm with you… they try harder." He sighed in frustration. "I have to keep them in check you know? I can't let them loose."
Rachel could see how much he was floundering as he tried to explain himself and she took pity on him. She touched his cheek, silencing him. "Gar, I accepted a long time ago that there was a little beast in my boy. I'm not ready for the next step yet, but, sometimes, it's okay to let the wild side of you come out and play."
Garfield shook his head. "I can't, Rae. I don't know if I can stop it once it gets loose. That's why I'm glad we're taking things slowly. It gives me time to get used to these animal feelings, learn how to handle them. It's so hard to control. "
"I can contain the animals if they get too frisky. I have some rolled up newspaper somewhere."
He looked at her through narrow eyes. "You make it sound like you think I'm gonna turn into a dog and start humping your leg or something."
Rachel laughed and he looked at her with a mixture of shock and amusement.
"Yeah, I guess that is rather silly, isn't it?" he admitted quietly, letting out a small laugh of his own, before he sighed. "I'm afraid I'll bite you, or scratch you, or…" He shrugged. "I just don't know if I can control it."
She smiled at him. "Then trust me to control it for you. You've been so patient while I got a used to my emotions; it's my turn to help you get a deal with your instincts. I'm not going to let you do anything to me that I don't want done."
He looked at her carefully. "Are you really, really, sure, Rae? I don't want to hurt you."
"I won't let you hurt me," she said softly before her voice took on its monotone again. "Now, lets go and get those hot chocolates."
TTTTT
The table was laden with food.
From roast potatoes and pumpkin, to seafood and tofu, no matter the taste of food desired, there was something to fulfill even the most sensitive of pallets. Alfred had pulled out all the stops for this Christmas dinner. The very best china and crystal glasses adorned the table. The cutlery sparkled; the tablecloth was crisp and white.
The Titans and Bruce sat around the table, chatting idly as they waited for the main attraction.
Everyone began to clap when Alfred brought the turkey in. The smell of it had been wafting through the Manor all afternoon, driving those meat-eaters amongst them mad.
"Al," Dick exclaimed happily as the butler placed the turkey before Bruce. "You've outdone yourself again. This all looks and smells absolutely delicious."
"Hear, hear," Bruce exclaimed as he stood and reached for the carving knife.
"You're da man Al!" Victor cheered, rubbing his hands together as he looked at all the food present on the table. "I'm in heaven."
"Speak for yourself," Garfield muttered. "Do you have any idea how many animals had to die-"
"Could you not?" Rachel snapped. "Could we have one day when the two of you don't argue over food? There is enough there that is suitable for both of you."
"Enjoy," Alfred said, giving them all a small bow before he retreated from the room.
"Is he not going to share in the dinner of Christmas with us?" Kori asked quietly.
Dick shrugged. "He never has. Claims it's not his place and some crap about being hired help. The only time he will eat with us is when we crash his kitchen, like we did the other night."
"But he is family. He should eat with us."
"Don't worry about him, Kori," Bruce said as he continued carving the turkey. "Dick and I have been trying for years to get him to eat with us. Nothing has ever worked."
Dick watched that stubborn streak within Kori surge in her eyes and she let out a small noise of disapproval before getting to her feet. "Excuse me," she said, heading after Alfred.
Dick felt a grin creep across his face. "Al's not going to know what hit him."
"What is she doing?" Bruce asked while the other Titans smiled knowingly.
"Nothing can withstand Kori when she gets like this," Garfield said as he reached for the tofu turkey slices before him. "Not even Dick and we all know how obsessed he can get."
"Hey," Dick complained, casting a glare at Garfield. "I can withstand this."
"Uh-huh," Victor said, loading his plate up with food before accepting the slice of turkey Bruce passed him. "Sure you can."
"Whats that supposed to mean?"
"She gets to you too," Rachel smirked. "You usually come out of your office within ten minutes of one of us sending Kori in there."
"Not all of the time."
"Most of the time," Garfield said. "That's what counts. Sometimes you resist." He grinned cheekily. "Or Kori allows you to resist."
"Bah humbug," Dick muttered, feeling grouchy now.
The door swung open and Kori came through, pulling a protesting Alfred after her. "Miss Koriand'r, it is simply not done."
Kori shook her head and dragged him to the seat beside Bruce, forcing him to sit down. "It is not right," she said. "You will sit and you will eat with us. It is the celebration of Christmas and I have learnt this is the time for family. You are Richard's and k'norfka Bruce's family and it is not right that you will not eat with us on this special day."
Bruce looked at her in surprise and a little shock, his carving knife frozen above the turkey as he watched, while Dick felt oddly proud and smug.
"You do not understand. It is inappropriate for me to eat with you."
Kori huffed. "Then we will all come and eat with you. In your nice, neat and tidy kitchen."
Alfred's eyes widened.
"Better listen to her, Al. She's the Princess of Tamaran, she's used to getting her own way."
"You are always welcome to join us, Alfred," Bruce said.
Kori cocked her head at Alfred, smiling brightly, her hands clasped before her. "Please Alfred."
Dick saw the moment that Kori won Alfred over. "Very well," he said with as much dignity he could muster. "Thank you, Miss Koriand'r, Master Bruce. I would be pleased to join you."
Bruce turned to Dick, gesturing Kori with his knife as she walked around the table to sit beside Dick once more. "She's a keeper. Hang on to her."
Dick smiled. "I plan to." He cleared his throat. "Actually, since you brought it up, there's been something I've been meaning to tell you."
Bruce raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh?"
Dick took Kori's hand, pulling it onto his lap. "We're getting married."
"We know that," Victor proclaimed. "Tell us something we don't know."
Dick took a deep breath. "In six weeks."
That particular statement was met by three different sorts of silences. A stony silence from Bruce, an impassive silence from Alfred and a warily happy silence from the other Titans. Dick cast his eyes toward the three Titans at the other end of the table, silently warning them to be quiet. He knew it was going to be hard convincing his father and he didn't need them interrupting.
"Now, Dick," Bruce said, placing the carving knife beside the turkey and sitting down on his chair. "I don't think that's wise. You are both very young."
"I'll be eighteen in a few months. That was the age my parents were when they married."
"Your parents were circus performers. It's a different sort of life."
"We're heroes. This a different sort of life too."
"The a'tiyk valm is not easily broken," Kori said quietly. "There is little danger of us drifting apart."
"You don't know that," Bruce said sternly. "I don't want either of you throwing your lives away and rushing into anything just because you feel you can't live without each other right now."
"I'm not rushing into anything," Dick said, keeping a tight rein on his temper. He'd expected his father to react like this and he had to show he was mature enough to be married. "We've both thought long and hard about this. I want to marry her, I want to spend the rest of my life with her."
"She's not pregnant, is she?"
Garfield choked on his drink and Dick cast him a swift silencing glance. "No."
"Would it make a difference if I was?" Kori asked curiously.
Dick turned to her, surprised. You're not are you? You said you couldn't get pregnant until you had a morn'lo and- His eyes widened. Oh god, that drug, it simulates morn'lo and we-
Kori squeezed his hand, interrupting that thought. I am not. I am curious as to why it would be an issue.
"Of course it would make a difference," Bruce said, running a hand over his face. "Then I could understand Dick wanting to do the right thing. The media will have a field day over this."
Dick gave a short sharp bark of laughter. "Dad, Dick isn't marrying Kori. I'm not that stupid. Nightwing will marry Starfire and in a few years time, when it's more age appropriate, then we'll remarry as Dick and Kori." He gave a sly smile. "Its actually a law on Tamaran that those who share the a'tiyk valm marry. That's why I had to complete in the xhandal. You wouldn't want me to break any laws would you? We were planning on going back to Tamaran for the wedding and taking you and Alfred and the all the Titans-"
"And Barbara," Kori added quietly.
Dick eyed her and she looked back at him, her eyes soft but unyielding. "And Barbara. No one else would ever need to know. We want to do this for us, not anyone else."
Bruce considered them carefully, his eyes flicking between Dick and Kori. He was quiet for so long that Dick's hand grew sweaty beneath Kori's, but he forced himself to keep eye contact with his father. They had to show a united front. "You're one hundred percent certain?" he asked eventually.
Dick nodded. "I've never been more certain of anything."
"Marriage is not something to be taken lightly Dick. You can't just decide it's not working and quit."
"We know."
"Kori, you understand what marriage means on our planet, don't you?"
"Yes k'norfka Bruce. The meaning is the same on Tamaran, only we do not have this thing called 'divorce'. Tamaranians marry for life. We do not have a frivolous approach to marriage, as it is very hard to actually become married on our planet, unless it is for diplomatic reasons. But Richard was victorious in the xhandal and our way is clear."
"You're not pressuring him into marriage, are you?"
Dick frowned. "This is my idea. She was content to wait. I'm not."
"I'm not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?"
"No."
Bruce fell silent once more, quietly regarding them. "I really don't like this, Dick. You're too young."
"Dad-"
"Yes," Bruce said bluntly. "Nothing has changed professionally between the two of you. You still get the job done and you don't allow your relationship to get in the way. Yes, I can accept the fact that you date a teammate. Yes, I understand that you want to marry her, I just think its too soon. This 'soul mate' thing is a little unbelievable to me."
"Dad, you don't know what its like. Star's in my head, she's in my dreams. She's always there, even when we're not actually talking."
"What if you destroyed those e'ara's? They are what's giving you this telepathy, aren't they? Then you could see if what's keeping you together is love or not."
Dick tried to keep his tone patient. "There had to be love there in the beginning for the e'ara to make a connection. It enhances what's already there."
"If we broke the e'ara's," Kori said quietly. "I would have to return to Tamaran. I could not remain on Earth. Continued contacted between a couple that experiences a'tiyk valm only serves to reinforce the bond. We would never be able to see one another again."
"Neither of us asked for this bond, Dad, we were both very shaken up when it happened." Dick turned to Kori. "I was very shaken up." He looked back at his father. "But I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world now."
Rachel cleared her throat. "Perhaps I can help," she said timidly. "I can show you the cord that connects them if you like."
"No, thank you, Rachel," Bruce said with a wave of his hand before he stared at Dick and Kori again.
Dick saw Kori turn toward him, saw the pain on her face from the corner of his eye. Perhaps it would be best if we waited Richard. I do not mind-
Dick shook his head, without removing his eyes from his father. I mind. I meant what I said. I want to marry you.
I know, but-
Star, no. Trust me. Dick took a deep breath, squeezing Kori's hand reassuringly. "Dad, this is going to happen with or without your consent. I'd prefer to have it but I'll understand if you feel you can't give it. We both want you to be a part of this, but ultimately that decision is yours."
Bruce sighed and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers.
Kori clutched his hand. Richard, I do not wish to come between you and your father.
You're not.
"Perhaps it would be best if you speak of this matter another time and simply enjoy the rest of Christmas day," Alfred said carefully.
"I think we really need to clear it up now," Dick said, looking at Alfred. He'd been strangely quiet during this discussion; he would have normally offered a pearl of wisdom by now. "What do you think about this, Al?"
Alfred pursed his lips. "It is not my place to say."
"No," Bruce said blandly, opening his eyes and looking at his butler. "Tell me what you think."
Alfred considered. "I think that Master Dick and Miss Koriand'r have thought very hard about this and understand the ramifications of what they wish to do. Master Dick has given you very persuasive and well thought out arguments. It would be wise to consider his point of view."
Bruce frowned. "Alfred, you can't possibly believe he's old enough to make this sort of decision-"
"Master Bruce, he is old enough to live on his own and be responsible for the Titan Network. He was old enough at nine to become your partner and fight crime. Who are we to say that he is not old enough to be married?"
"I'm his father."
Alfred simply looked at Bruce, one eyebrow slightly raised.
Bruce growled slightly under his breath.
Richard… Kori's mind voice was full of despair. I cannot do this. If your father wishes us to wait then we should abide by his wishes. I do not want to-
Shh. Dick turned to her, lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips against it. D'anthe l'ani, please. Be strong for me.
Tears filled her eyes. He is your father, your family. It is not right-
Starfire, you're my family. We've gotten this far; I'm not going to back down now. It'll be okay, he's just being stubborn.
She dropped her eyes from his; nodding slightly and he rubbed his thumb against her hand and dropped it back to his lap, turning back to his father.
Bruce was watching them with veiled eyes. He narrowed his eyes as he studied Dick and Dick looked back resolutely. "I am your father," he repeated. "And I believe you are too young. And I wonder what Kori's father would say about her getting married."
Kori sucked in a startled gasp, her body going rigid and Dick's eyes widened from the wordless anguish echoing through his mind from Kori. There was a nervous shifting from the Titans as they all glanced at each other.
"My father," Kori began, her voice heavy with sorrow.
Dick's head whipped around to face her. "Star, don't. You don't need to relive this."
Kori shook her head. If we are to be family, then he should know.
Then let me tell him.
She gave him a sad smile. You cannot shield me forever. She turned her tear filled eyes to Bruce. "My father wanted me dead. Wanted it so badly that he manipulated me into becoming a slave to the Citadel when I was eleven, saying it was for the good of Tamaran and if I loved my siblings I would go in their stead. He allowed unspeakable acts of torture to occur to me whilst I was at the Citadel and fed me false promises of rescue. When I escaped when I was fourteen, he was willing to take me back there to allow them to destroy me and give them my brother to take my place. I do not care what my father would say."
Dick heard his friends suck in a startled gasp of breath and he glanced at their pale faces, shaking his head slightly. He knew that they had never heard the whole story, but now was not the time for them to interrupt. He looked back at Kori's heartbroken face. Even he hadn't known of her father's plan to replace her with Ryand'r as the Citadel's servant and he wondered when she had discovered that.
"My k'norfka Galfore, however, is extremely pleased and it is his opinion that I treasure. He is glad that I have finally found a person with whom I can be myself and makes me happy." Her voice broke. "Richard, I am sorry. I cannot do this."
Dick tightened his grip on her hand. "Star, don't. Please."
The tears in her eyes finally spilled over. "You know how important family is to me. I gave up everything to protect my brother and sister; I will not allow you to give up your father for me. If k'norfka Bruce wishes us to wait then we shall wait. I am sorry." She got up, snatching her hand from his and bolted from the room.
"I'm sorry, Dick," Bruce said softly. "When you told me about the Citadel, I didn't realise it was her father that sent her there."
Dick cast him a dark glance, getting to his feet to chase after her. "Nobody knew. She sacrificed everything for her brother and sister and I promised her she wouldn't have to sacrifice anything again. And now you're making her sacrifice me."
"Dick-"
He shook his head as he headed for the door. "Leave it alone."
"She's heading to your room, Dick," Rachel called after him, her eyes shinning with power.
"Thanks." He left the dining room at a flat out run, silently cursing himself. He should have waited, should have explained to his father his intentions privately first before declaring his plans to marry her in front of their friends. He knew his father was going to be hard to convince, but he'd never realised exactly how hard.
He found Kori curled up in a tight ball in the middle of his bed, hugging a pillow to her chest and crying. He crossed the room to her, lying on the bed beside her and gently tugged the pillow from her grasp before pulling her to his chest. She clutched at him, burying her face into his chest. He slipped one arm under her body so he could cuddle her close.
"I'm so sorry, Star," he murmured, his hand stroking her hair and back. "I should have done it differently, I should have gotten him alone and explained things to him properly. Shh, Star, don't cry."
She hiccuped and gulped. "Why can he not be happy for us?" she asked between sobs.
Dick sighed; his hands continued caressing her back soothingly. "I don't know, Star."
"I'm generally suspicious in nature," said a voice and Dick turned his head to see Bruce standing beside the bed, his hands thrust into his pockets as he regarded them. Kori buried her head deeper into Dick's chest. "Happy doesn't come easily."
"Dad, now's not the best time."
"Oh, I think it is. Kori, I'm sorry about your father, I didn't know."
Kori gave a vague nod.
"Dick, can you honestly tell me you're ready for this step?"
"Yes."
Bruce gave a sigh. "Guess there's only one thing left to do."
Dick eyed him warily. "What's that?"
"Welcome Kori to the family of course."
Kori's head shot up and she propped herself up to blink up at Bruce tearfully. "What?"
"I still think you are both too young for this step, but you both have obviously put a lot of thought into this. And it should be my place to stand beside you, not in your way. Alfred was right, if you are old enough to live on your own like you have been the last two and a half years, you're old enough to decide to get married."
Dick released Kori and sat up and turned to look at his father. "Really?"
Bruce nodded.
He felt Kori sit up properly behind him. "You will come to Tamaran with us and stand beside Richard?" she asked cautiously.
"Yes, I will."
The bed bounced as Kori threw herself at Bruce, wrapping her arms around his chest. "I thank you, k'norfka Bruce!" she cried joyously.
Bruce gave a light chuckle and patted her on the back before he disengaged himself from her. "Now, go and wash your face and come back to the dinner table. There is still a Christmas dinner waiting to be eaten."
Kori bounded away and headed into the bathroom. Dick looked up at his father. "Thanks Dad," he said softly.
"You're growing up Dick and its about time I started letting you. Why six weeks?"
Dick reddened. "It's our anniversary."
Bruce laughed while Dick scowled at him.
Kori bounded back out of the bathroom, her face now scrubbed, and smiling brightly and Dick found himself echoing her smile. He got to his feet and pulled her in for a hug. We're getting married Star.
She smiled at him joyously, happiness leaking from every pore. I love you, d'anthe l'ani.
"Okay, cut out the lovey-dovey stuff, I'm hungry."
Dick chuckled and released Kori, leaving an arm around her waist as they followed Bruce from the room.
The Titans were standing nervously by the door of the dining room, all three of them looking up anxiously as they entered.
Dick allowed a huge grin to form on his face. "We're getting married."
Garfield let out a huge whoop, grabbed Kori by the waist and spun her around in the air.
"Boo-yah!" Victor bellowed, clapping Dick on the back.
"Congratulations, Master Dick, Miss Koriand'r," Alfred said with a smile, inclining his head to them. "I am sure you will be very happy together."
"Good for you," Rachel said, as she waited for Garfield to let Kori go, before pulling her into a hug.
"Great," Bruce said returning to his seat and began dishing out turkey once more. "Now let's eat!"
Dinner was a quiet, but joyful affair. There were many toasts, ranging from Christmas dinner, friends and family, to Kori and Dick's impending wedding and the Christmas pudding for dessert. Bruce and Dick laughed together long and hard as they reminisced and told the Titans of several of their adventures together, with the occasional input from Alfred. Victor regaled them with stories from his Christmas past, including an interesting story about how Garfield tried to make last years turkey a tofu one. Even Rachel shared a story or two.
"All right," Bruce said leaning back on his seat after they had all finished dessert and chatted for hours. "There's a few more gifts left to give out. Meet me in the foyer in five minutes."
Dick raised his eyebrows in surprise but his father just smiled secretly and tapped his finger to the side of his nose.
Dick and Kori were the last two to reach the foyer, the others already waiting patiently. Garfield was stuffing his face with some of the candy that Victor had given him while sharing an earpiece of his new MP3 Player that Rachel had given him with her. Victor was sitting on the stairs reading a magazine, Kori's poncho draped over his chest.
They looked up when Kori and Dick arrived. "Where's Bruce?" he asked looking around.
"Master Bruce has requested your presence in the Batcave," Alfred said, opening the secret door and waiting while the Titans filed down.
Bruce stood before a huge covered sheet in the Batcave, to the left of the T-Ship. "Ahh," he said as he saw them filing down the stairs toward him. "Good, come and see." He waited until they all stood before him before dramatically swooshing away the covered sheet.
Five jaws dropped as they saw what lay beneath the sheet.
"Oh my god!" Victor spluttered. "Is that the new T-16 engine? I've been dyin' to get my hands on that."
Bruce nodded. "All ready for you to install into the T-Car."
"It's black," Garfield drooled, his eyes shining as he saw the moped. Rachel snickered and gave her boyfriend a little shove toward it. Garfield practically floated on air until he reached the moped before he slobbered all over it.
"Well, you did ask for one. There is a helmet for you too, Rachel, if you can bear to be seen on that thing," Bruce said.
"Don't count on it," she muttered quietly.
Bruce chuckled before turning his eyes to his son.
"Dad," Dick breathed, looking at the last gift. It was a sleek, black motorcycle, an upgrade to the R-Cycle, with the Nightwing insignia splashed across the front. Two helmets sat on it, a black one with the blue wings on the top and a purple one with a yellow star.
"If you upgrade the uniform, you'd better upgrade the gear too," Bruce said. "This one's got a bit of extra kick in it for you, I'll leave you to discover what upgrades have been installed." He turned to all of them. "I'll have the moped and the engine shipped to the Tower for you, but I'm pretty sure Dick will want to drive the new N-Cycle there himself."
"Ooh, yeah," Dick said, rubbing his hands together and looked at Kori. "What do you think, Star, road trip?"
She squealed and spun in the air. "Glorious."