A/N- Hello, folks! Thanks for the reviews. Surprise, surprise, I'm back with Chapter 2. I apologise for the long delays between updates; please understand that schoolwork is my top priority and I'll try to update whenever possible. (That usually means once a week, during the weekend.)

Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans, Batman or any quotes included in this fanfic.
Chapter 2

"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were."

—Kahlil Gibran

The jostling crowd of reporters around Kori Anders pushed and shoved in order to gain a better view of the private jet painted with the unmistakable Wayne Enterprises "WE" insignia. Any moment now, the door would open and Richard Grayson would emerge. Camera operators shifted their equipment around in anticipation. Murmurs spread like ripples through the crowd, gradually growing into a hubbub of angry muttering and arguing. Hundreds of pairs of squinting eyes were focused intently on the small aircraft.

Finally, the door to the private jet slid open and five men, all clad in black suits and sunglasses, emerged. Richard, surrounded by his bodyguards. A great deal of flashing from various cameras momentarily blinded Kori, but she clearly saw the party descend the steps and approach the place where the reporters were standing. Instantly, eager reporters all started moving closer, like crazed fans advancing upon a celebrity, microphones outstretched, hoping to get a comment from the prestigious personage.

Kori, however, couldn't help gazing in wonder at him: at the finely sculpted face; the high, proud forehead; the sharp profile and prominent nose, not unlike the carved statues of ancient Greek or Roman heroes. Locks of jet-black hair were tossed about carelessly by the wind, which blew it literally everywhere—whipping it up, plastering it down on his forehead, blowing it into eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses. Kori smothered a bitter laugh, watching the reflection of mid-morning sunlight in the dark lenses. This Richard Grayson person is as secretive about his eyes as Robin used to be, she thought. The striking similarities between the two were enough to arouse Kori's suspicions.

She was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she almost forgot to attempt to interview him, until the camera man gave her a prompt, matter-of-fact reminder by elbowing her sharply in the ribs. But as soon as she gathered her wits, Kori spoke loud and clear: "Kori Anders, Jump City Post. Mr Grayson, for what purpose do you come to Jump City? What happened during your nine years in Gotham City?"

Richard Grayson, surrounded by six-foot-tall bodyguards, walked calmly past the mob of reporters that were attacking him with their pressing questions. He held up his hands as if in answer, and said shortly, "All questions will be answered at tomorrow's press conference. Thank you."

Feeling strangely dejected, Kori watched as the small party of suit-clad men disappeared into the limousines that were waiting outside the private airport.

That afternoon was cold, the sky heavily overcast. Kori Anders stared at the view outside the office window. The buildings were as desolate, dreary and lifeless as the pale grey sky above, like a picture frozen in time; a still image, a moment captured and preserved for eternity. Tiny, colourful cars sped along the streets, exhibitions of blurry motion and colour in an otherwise bleak, black-and-white photograph.

"Hi Kori, sorry I'm late." Kori turned around to face a woman of average height, dressed in a dark business suit and skirt. She had shoulder-length violet hair, dark blue eyes and wore a small smile on her pale face. This was Kori's closest friend, the renowned magazine columnist and author Raven Roth Logan—the very same Raven who used to be a Teen Titan.

"Raven!" Kori beamed, and hugged her briefly, knowing that Raven still wasn't too fond of the Tamaranian's bone-crushing, air-depriving hugs. "It is most pleasant to see you. I trust you and Beast Boy—Garfield, that is—are happy and successful?"

"Yes, we're both fine." Raven affirmed. "It's still hard to believe that Gar and I are finally married! It's good to see you too, Kori…" Her smile faded and her tone grew decidedly hesitant when she saw Kori glance down at the pile of notes and papers neatly stacked on the work desk. Raven Logan followed her friend's gaze, which was attracted to the front page of the evening paper.

Plastered on the front page was a full-colour, larger-than-life image of Richard Grayson, photographed at the airport that morning. Grayson Arrives in Jump City, the bold headline screamed out at them. "Kori," Raven said firmly yet not unkindly, "you know that's not Robin. You've just been thinking about him too much lately, it's putting extra stress on your mind. Maybe it's time that you… you know, let him go. Go out and meet some other guys. You deserve better than someone who just leaves for nine years without a single word of goodbye."

Kori endeavoured—rather unconvincingly—to look cheerful, forcing on her trademark charismatic smile. It certainly didn't fool Raven, who had been one of her closest friends for ten years. In the end, Kori sighed and shook her head. "I know, friend Raven. But my heart will not let me."

Dark, empty windows organised in uniform rows were like hollow eyes in a smooth façade of glass and grey concrete. The buildings seemed to confront passers-by in the street below with distinct disapproval. The occasional car that zoomed along lent a little excitement to the dull, drab neighbourhood. Though it was past 6p.m., the majority of he neighbourhood's residents were still absent—still working late hours at the office, or signing important business contracts over dinner.

Kori's Porsche swung into a walled building complex that encompassed several identical, glass-fronted luxury apartments. Home. A few minutes later, she had parked the car, and after waiting for the elevator for what seemed like an eternity, she finally stopped in front of her front door, fumbling aimlessly in her purse for the keycard. Kori's bright green eyes darted about nervously, here and there. She could not help but feel as if she was being watched; once, she was certain she saw a human-shaped shadow flash past the fire escape window. It was a most uncomfortable feeling, and one which she could not shake off.

Finally, she was home. Carefully shutting the front door behind her and locking it securely, Kori half-stumbled into the chilly, spacious apartment. She dropped her handbag onto a chair, and kicked off her heels, opting for warm, cosy slippers instead. Sinking back onto the soft leather sofa, Kori closed her eyes, rubbing her temples gently, breathing in and out, slowly and steadily. Herbal tea would be the perfect beverage right now, she speculated. Herbal tea was Raven's favourite drink, and over time Kori too had learned to appreciate its virtues. A soothing infusion of herbal tea mixed with just a small dash of mustard and a pinch of Glor'rek leaves would definitely relieve stress and calm her nerves after another hard day at work …

Her mobile phone rang, interrupting the peaceful silence, Kori picked up the communication device reluctantly. While not as handy or as simple as the old Titans communicators, it was a contraption she had eventually learned to use. She cheered up as she registered the identity of the caller. "Hello?"

"Hey, Kori. Cyborg here."

"Greetings, friend!"

"Good news, Kori. Guess what? I managed to get you an appointment Mr Grayson for tomorrow. 10 a.m., in his office at the Wayne Tower. Uh… you know where Wayne Tower is, right?"

The joy slowly drained out of Kori's voice. "Yes, of course. I shall ask Raven to 'drop me off'. Thank you for arranging the appointment, Cyborg…"

"No problem. So we're all even now, right?"

"Yes, thank you… well, goodbye." Kori hung up the phone and uttered a silent prayer. And now, for some herbal tea…