Warning: Fluffage continues

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Disclaimer: Teen Titans – not mine, not now, not ever!

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EQUINOX

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"But Kori, how am I going to take care of you now?"

"As I recall, you promised to take care of me Richard, yes, but did you ever expect for us to have anything less than a partnership?"

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Chapter 6

Kori and Richard were cuddled on the sofa, savoring the second bottle of champagne, both wary about broaching the subject of the sleeping arrangements, but it was obvious it was both on their minds. Still dressed casually in a sleeveless shirt with a wide deep neckline, that Richard wondered if it was being pulled lower, and a long, soft jersey shirt that clung to Kori's curves, she snuggled up against him with her legs tucked under her and her knees laying over his one leg. Richard had his arm draped behind her, gently stroking her hair. He grew bolder and started caressing her shoulders and neck.

Richard leaned in for a kiss. Finally was all that ran through Kori's mind. Slow, long languorous kisses just like she remembered. Nibbles on her lower lips. A smile against them as she opened her mouth to receive him. He somehow became more relaxed yet not at the same time. Restraint, willpower, holding back, she mused. Tongues slid past one another, she loved kissing him. Her reaction was as it was when they first kissed but she knew she had a lot to learn. She'd never had a lover, she'd never kissed anyone like this before him.

Those days in that California with Richard gave her a taste, an awakening, she was of more than one mind of how to proceed...

Oh he wanted more. He had to ask, she'd hinted earlier. He'd done his best not to have any preconceived notions about their time together, so he made sure he reserved a two bedroom suite. He needed to be a gentlemen, to consider her feelings, her virtue. Sure Richard had imagined, in exquisite detail, all different extents possible to their encounters, but he did not count on anything more than a kiss. A kiss like this.

Which was incredible.

"Kori, you said something earlier, are you really put off by me getting this suite, I mean with the two bedrooms?" He studied her face.

"Put off?"

"Upset, unsettled by me getting this instead of a one bedroom or a one bed suite?"

"Well, no-"

"Your initial reaction Kori, what was it?"

She bit her lip and studied her fingers in her lap a bit before answering. "There was amusement, perhaps. Some concern that you were not sure where we were. But then I realized that we were unable to discuss it properly, and I had not wanted to live in your father's home with you."

"Which is huge by the way-"

"Huge?"

"Think mansion, a private estate, with wings and dozens of rooms."

"Oh. Yes that does explain a great deal. You had mentioned it was quite large. Well, my thought was that if we did not do the getting along I would have no reason to stay and that I could easily leave at any point." Richard gave her a stricken look. She hurried to continue. "But I knew that was almost impossible given our feelings for each other. What I realize is that I am inexperienced and you were respecting that and if I needed the space or the boundaries, I would have that. It is most kind, most considerate of you. You do the respecting of me. It does not go unappreciated, Richard. I did not mean to come off as the harsh before."

"I wasn't sure if you were teasing or hurt."

"It was a bit awkward. However, I was not expecting to be half dressed so soon after reuniting."

"I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable Kori, I was concerned you might have been hurt."

"No, not really." She blushed.

"I have seen you like that before, in your underwear."

"For two seconds before I did the diving under the covers," she countered.

"And I made you feel vulnerable."

"Perhaps a bit, perhaps not, but you do realize I do not like that."

"You said that in your letters."

"That storm in California, I have barely ever been so frightened. Not like during the Tsunami, however it was terrifying while I drove and I was the shaken up. You saw me at a very weak point. Remember I have been on my own since I was seventeen. I may not have done the dating or I may not be the experienced in the ways of flesh, but I am independent." She was getting off track, losing the mood. The alcohol that had relaxed her before was giving her a certain bravado now.

"Please Kori, don't get upset. What you've told me in your letters about that only makes me appreciate and love you more. I knew about the Tsunami and losing your parents, but all that you've done on your own, the travel, the work you've done with your music, you are incredible."

"Do you think so?"

"Yes." He was firm with his answer and accentuated the expression with lifting his eyebrows. "And I know I have no right, and maybe it's the alcohol talking but I love the fact that I'm the only one that's gotten to kiss you like that."

"Or to have seen me with only the bra and the panties on." Richard found himself shifting, her voice was so husky, her eyes half-lidded and then she reached in, stoking his neck. "You are the only one to have touched me in certain places, even if it was over the clothes, to sleep next to me, or for me to ask them to-"

"Remember, I wouldn't let you finish that question, that I'd never say no to you."

"Yes, I do remember, and thank you for that. Although I know I would not have done the regretting of it, I would have missed you so terribly and as wonderful as the time at the Bed and Breakfast was, it was not yet the time."

Richard wondered if he should stop this discussion, or divert it at least a bit. Yet had a nice ring to it though, not that he was doubting it much at this point. "It was wonderful. I met you, fell in love, and here we are."

"Yes, here we are."

"So you are not mad about the two rooms?"

"No Richard, it would take a great deal more for me to be angry with you."

"Good."

Kori nibbled her lip again, and looked up at Richard. "I am hoping that since this conversation is nearly the wrapped up, I can ask a favor."

"Sure, what is it?"

"May I sleep in the same room as you tonight?"

Richard leaned in and gave her another lingering kiss, still slow and sensual, taking his time to savor her. "Please."

"Are you ready to turn in?"

"I would like that, very much."

"So would I."

"I shall change and meet you. My clothes are still in the other room."

"I think that's fine. Let's take our time."

"I have much to learn, much I wish for you to show me."

Richard couldn't believe his luck. He leaned in and kissed her. "My pleasure."

They were just getting up to go to bed when there was a knock at the door. It was still fairly early, and Richard answered it, Kori standing behind him. "I'll get rid of them, I have no idea who it is."

"Are you happy we found you!" Gar said as Richard opened the door. Gar and Wally stood there casually.

"I am?" Richard looked apologetically at a smiling Kori.

"You get to go out and rock this town inside out with us tonight."

"No thanks guys, really. How did you find us? Only the brass knows where I am."

"We have our ways. But seriously Dick, you gotta get out, you and Kori both. We have to celebrate." Wally seemed to almost be pleading.

"No thank guys. I'm still catching up on sleep from my mission."

"Sure, sure." Gar stepped one step inside as Richard stepped forward to block him. "Hey are you both staying here?" Gar waggled his eye brows.

"None of your business." Richard's voice was tight. He was not about to discuss the exact extent of his relationship with Kori with his men.

"You need to get out, enjoy the nightlife." Gar added.

"Plus in case you guys run out of things to talk about," Wally added.

Richard rolled his eyes. "Oh yes, that's bound to happen in the next-" forty or fifty years.

"It was most considerate of you to look after you leader," Kori interjected, "but truly, I brought both the board of checkers and a deck of cards. Richard and I can entertain ourselves at least for the evening. Perhaps tomorrow-"

Richard shot Kori a surprised and appreciative look. She is wonderful. "Kori's right. It's game night for us. Tomorrow is much better."

"But the girls are waiting down at the club... and who knows what we'll be doing tomorrow."

"Guys, go! Kori and I aren't coming-"

"Not yet."

"Go!"

"Okay, okay, geez, harshness."

"I will remember this West and Logan... as your commanding officer, there are things I can do to you."

"Keep telling yourself that Grayson," Wally said with a laugh.

"GO!" Richard roared, resisting the temptation of slamming the door.

TtTtTtTtTt

"You are not truly angry, are you Richard?" Kori asked through her lashes, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Just annoyed with the guys sweetheart. I'm already over it, and ready to get back to getting ready for bed."

"Wonderful. I shall change and meet you."

"Sounds like a plan."

TtTtTtTtTt

To be continued...