AN- I'm sorry I didn't post this chapter sooner; I had it done several days ago, but my internet was malfunctioning... so basically, I couldn't update sooner. Sorry! I'll try compensate for that by posting the next one within the week. (Not guaranteed, given that my internet is still behaving quite abnormally.) Anyway, thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter; the comments/feedback was much appreciated!

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

Chapter 5

"The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they're still alive."

—Orlando A. Battista

"As you probably already know, I'm Richard Grayson," Richard smiled, extending a hand. "Pleased to meet you."

"Kori Anders. Likewise, Mr Grayson." They shook hands. Then, much to Kori's surprise, Richard took her hand, fingers still clutched in his, and brought it to his lips, softly kissing her hand. During the frozen moment, his no longer hidden eyes—electrifying sapphire eyes that were constantly searching, searching for some unknown thing—never left hers.

Flustered, Kori felt herself blushing under his intense gaze, which was still fixated on her face as he released her hand. A wave of emotions suddenly flooded over her, wild and wonderful sensations that she had not experienced since… since before Robin left. Robin's sudden disappearance had led to the loss of her emotion-fuelled Tamaranian powers, but now, at the moment of contact between herself and Richard, Kori felt them returning again. It was as if a spark of energy had reignited within a hidden chamber inside her mind. A faint glimmer of sparkling green energy glowed at her fingertips as the fiery energy poured back into her blood; Kori felt as if a long-dormant force had awoken inside of her... a part of her, asleep or lost for the past nine years, had abruptly awoken or become reborn. She realised with a pang of shock that she was discovering herself—discovering Starfire—again.

If Richard noticed anything out of the ordinary, he certainly didn't show it. Whether oblivious or merely choosing to ignore her obvious embarrassment, he asked politely, casually changing the subject, "I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long?"

Kori tore her eyes away from the carpet she had almost scorched with her eye-lasers. Forcing on her signature dazzling smile, she replied brightly, "Oh, not at all. Do forgive me…" she glanced over her shoulder with deliberate off-handedness at the silver-framed photograph. "Your office is quite... intriguing." Of course, what she'd really meant to say was, I am sorry for intruding… although strictly speaking, I was invited inside. However, that does not excuse my prying, hence I apologise for that. It is curious, nonetheless, how you came to acquire such a photograph of myself and Robin. Perhaps you would care to enlighten me?

Richard laughed and answered smoothly, "This place still needs a bit more furnishing, if you ask me. Not exactly my style," he admitted, waving a hand in the general direction of the paintings. Painted satyrs and dancing nymphs watched the two mortals from the forested recesses of their canvases; a young boy played a silent harpsichord in an eternally sun-filled room. "But please, Miss Anders. Take a seat." He gestured towards the sofa, and they both sat. "Coffee or tea?" He proferred a porcelain cup.

"No, thank you," Kori declined, smiled sweetly. Instead, she opened her handbag and extracted a tape recorder to be used for recording the interview. They sat in silence for a moment while Richard drained an espresso. Kori stared at her hands, awkwardly. She could still feel the sensation of his lips on her skin, and imagined—sending a tingle up her spine—that it had been Robin who had kissed her hand instead.

At last, Richard ended the awkward stillness, setting down his cup with a quiet chink. "I've heard a lot about you, Miss Anders. If I'm not mistaken, in a mere two years, you've become Jump City's most famous reporter. I'd like to congratulate you on a brilliant career and wish you all the best for the future."

His comment caught her off guard. Whatever she had imagined from him, it certainly wasn't this. Kori managed to stumble in reply, "W-why, thank you. I'm sure it takes exceptional talent to become a director of such a recognised multinational company at 24, does it not, Mr Grayson?"

Richard shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm privileged, that's all. But, Miss Anders—" he smiled charmingly, "I've also heard a lot about, well… your beauty and radiant personality. And I must say, the sources weren't very accurate. You look even more gorgeous in person than I'd imagined."

Kori blushed profusely at the compliment. For the first time, she really looked at Richard. She noticed how handsome he was, dressed in an immaculate black Armani suit, spotless white shirt and tie. The latter was of a deep blue hue, the exact colour of his eyes. She also noticed how much he resembled both the boyish yet mysterious Robin she remembered, and the more matured but equally enigmatic Robin of her dreams. Ignoring the fact that Robin would never leave his eyes exposed, of course. They are almost the same height, too, another part of her consciousness noted.

When Kori noticed Richard raise an inquisitive eyebrow, she tore her eyes away, feeling her cheeks burn. Here she was, still in love with Robin, yet falling head over heels for this complete stranger—albeit a devilishly good-looking and dangerously flirtatious one—she had barely met five minutes ago! But Kori pushed all these confusing, conflicting thoughts to the back of her head. Just do the interview. "So, shall we begin?" she asked, still feeling rather bewildered.

Richard smiled, and for an absurd moment Kori thought she saw Robin's smile reflected in his. "Whenever you're ready."

Kori Anders: Well, Mr Grayson. It's a pleasure to be able to meet you in person today. Thank you very much for taking the time out for this interview.

Richard Grayson: It's my pleasure to be in the company of such a lovely young lady, Miss Anders. Not every day that happens, eh? And, well… after so many years, I've kinda become immune to media stories. (Laughs)

KA: So, Mr Grayson… We all know you've been absent from the public eye for nine years, and now suddenly you return to Jump City. The question everyone's asking is: What's been keeping you busy?

RG: Well... Bruce Wayne, as you know, was my legal guardian up till when I turned 18. So for the first couple years in Gotham, we had to sort out legal matters and so on. Then I completed my education at Gotham University, and after graduation I was trained to work for his company. I was given hands-on experience like a trainee, shown all of the inner workings and so forth, and now I'm ready to take on my new job …I hope! (Laughs)

KA: And your new position is…?

RG: Director of the Jump City branch of Bruce Wayne's company.

KA: I see. Did Mr Wayne decide on that?

RG: You see, Bruce and I, we… had a little dispute over the whole inheritance question. I said I didn't want his fortune—for personal reasons—but eventually we agreed that I should inherit a proportion of it and that I would work for his company—which will one day be my company, I suppose.

KA: How are relations between you and Mr Wayne, currently?

RG: You have to understand, Bruce Wayne is like a teacher and a second father to me. I can't say we're always on the best of terms—we usually have substantially different opinions—but we do get along, most of the time.

KA: Why have you returned to Jump City, though? I thought you grew up in Gotham?

RG: There's no place like home, Miss Anders. I grew up in Gotham, but I feel that my happiest years were spent here in Jump City, which I consider my 'real home' now.

KA: And... you spent two years here?

RG: Two years, yes.

KA: For what purpose?

RG: I don't really remember. I think what happened was, the time came when I realised I… wanted to be independent from Bruce for a while, so I came here to get away from the whole 'inheritance' thing, and try and live like a normal teenager. (Laughs)

KA: Did you stay here alone?

RG: Oh, no. I stayed with… a couple of friends.

KA: I see. Well… I'm sure Jump City has missed your presence greatly.

RG: That's good to know. I always had the impression Gotham was rejecting me, somehow. (Laughs)

KA: Mr Grayson, you may be aware of several rumours that are circulating. Some say that there are also personal reasons involved in your return. Is this true?

RG: Rumours are just rumours, Miss Anders. There are no personal reasons involved, unless 'homecoming' is filed under that category. This city used to be home… I hope it's not a crime to return home?

KA: (Laughs) Oh no, of course not. Mr Grayson—

RG: Please, call me Richard.

KA: Well yes, Richard… a lot has happened in the past nine years. Do you regret everything that's occurred during that time?

RG: Whoa, that's a hard question. Um... I wouldn't call it regret, exactly. Because, what is regret, Miss Anders? If it's knowing that what you did, you could have done better, but didn't, then my answer is yes. But if regret is wanting to change the past… no. These nine years have been a journey—a journey of discovery. Nine years of discovery for me. I feel that I've discovered something very, very important which could change my life entirely. I guess I must be getting old or just stupid, (laughs) it took me so long to figure it out!

KA: Hmm… so what is this 'something' that you discovered?

RG: I'm afraid I can't answer that question at the moment, Miss Anders, but I assure you, you will find out soon.

KA: (Laughs) Well, I'm hoping you can answer this question then: what are your plans for the future?

RG: I quite like my new job, or what I've experienced of it so far anyway, so I don't plan on moving anytime soon. I'd actually like to live here permanently, although I would have to make frequent visits back to Gotham, and abroad, of course. Company business. But you'll definitely be seeing me around. I'm here to stay, for good.

KA: I see. Mr Gra—sorry, Richard. Just out of curiosity… do you ever read the Jump City Post?

RG: Only the stories you write, Miss Anders.

KA: (Laughs) I'll take that as a compliment. Um… I have a question from a female reader of the Post: Are you dating now?

RG: Dating? (Laughs) Not at the moment, no.

KA: And have you ever considered the possibility of marriage?

RG: Yes, I have, actually. I'm more of a 'commitment' guy than Bruce; I've always wanted to settle down, you know, raise a family, someday. But tell me, Miss Anders, have you ever been in love?

KA: Oh… um, well, yes, I suppose…

RG: Have you ever loved someone with all your heart and felt that they were just the right person for you? And that you'd willingly spend the rest of your life with them? But for some reason you never had the chance to tell that person?

KA: I—I suppose I…

RG: You know exactly what I mean.

Richard placed his hand on top of Kori's, and pressed the 'stop' button on the tape recorder. "You know exactly what I mean… don't you, Starfire?"

A/N- I'm really sorry if anyone thought the interview was dead boring, but keeping in context with the theme/genre of this fanfic, I thought it would be the most appropriate way to style this chapter. Was it OK, though? (Like, did it sound like a real interview?) And yes, I know that Robin (Richard) is OOC (out of character) in this chapter, but this is my story even if I don't own the characters, and they're all grown up and he's not even a superhero anymore... so I can make Robin as sexy as I want him to be. So there :P

Oh yeah—by the way, is it just me or has anyone else been having problems with their e-mail alerts (author/chapter/review alerts) lately? This has happened before, I think, but it got fixed... anyone know how to notify the FFN staff about this issue?

I will try to update this story every Saturday (there's only about 2 or 3 chapters left) so if you don't get any alerts, you know where and when to look.