Wow, okay. Sorry! This update is so late I know. I finally got it up though!
So yeah, no shippy stuff in this chapter, but next chapter you bet there will be. This one is setting up for that chapter which WILL HAVE ANGST LIKE THIS ONE, FLUFF AND MORE! (maybe)
This is basically angstish?
You be the judge.
Disclaimer: I don't own Teen Titans on DC comics
Please Read and Review! I love to see your comments! They truly do help me write faster and it makes me happy to see your reviews!
Chapter 8: Getting to know each other
"We're spending the day with her?" Rachel spun around, her eyebrows furrowing together with complete confusion. Did they not witness how the two of them got along? Rachel shook her head, a smile drifting upwards on her lips with a sinister take to it. That was never a good sign.
"You want to sleep with her, don't you?" Her lips still spread out in her sinister smile, the other Titans knew Rachel had lost it. She had that crazed look in her eyes, causing her eyes to glow in a dark black of fury. It was a horrible accusation in Richards's point of view, but to the others, they thought it was hilarious-although they were scared of Rachel's raging attitude at the moment and kept quiet.
"No! That's not even why—we're here on business. How could you think that?" He questioned, hurt in his tone of voice with his eyes narrowed with anger, but soon subsided and he sighed in defeat, shaking his head with disappointment. "Rachel, you know how I feel. Why are you trying to push my buttons?" He asked suspiciously, though his voice was light and still intertwined with hurt. Victor and Garfield stood behind, wondering the same thing about the empathy. Why was she always trying to blame Richard for the way he feels? Rachel knew how he felt; she could feel it every day. He was in pain. He was in a trance of loss where nothing he does bring him out. Nothing makes sense to hi why she does this.
"I don't have to justify myself." Rachel spat, her arms crossed tightly around her abdominals as her gaze drifted to the ground and then to the two boys who looked like statues. She signaled them to say something, anything to back her up, but instead they looked at her and shook their heads.
"Rachel, it's not fair how you can feel everyone's emotions, but we still can't understand yours." Garfield opened up, stepping towards her with an offer of a hand extended, Garfield smiled lightly and continued. "What's really bugging you?"
Rachel stiffened up, her eyes locked on the hand offered to her. She couldn't, no matter what she did, lift her hand up and place her hand against his. Her body refused to give in and her thoughts processed everything around her. They all were concerned, she could feel it.
But her mouth, yes, her mouth could function.
"She insulted Starfire."
"So has Kira-"
"No! That girl-that Kori girl, she's so familiar. There's a barrier between her and me, it's driving me crazy. I try and try to focus on who she is, her background, everything about her but I can't even get a vibe of emotion off of her. That girl has something against Starfire, and I have no idea why or who she even is." She huffed in a deep breath, her anger lowering, but soon she added, gritting her teeth "Do you understand my frustration? This random girl has something against my best friend that is missing and I plan on finding out."
In defeat, Rachel unlocked her arms and went straight for the door, only to be stopped by a figure leaning against the door frame.
Wild eyes flew among the room while Rachel was in mid-step, Richard and Victor moving closer together with wide eyes.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Kori stood up against the doorframe, her left hand placed upon her hip as she pushed her weight off of the door and into a full standing position.
"Is that a threat?" Rachel added, her sass level going off the charts. The boys wanted to hold Rachel back, but they knew they wouldn't be able to keep her back.
"It's not a threat, merely a piece of advice." Kori stepped forward, inches closer to Rachel. "I wanted to take you guys out to apologies, not to be interrogated."
"We aren't goi-"
"It's okay. Honestly, I have been stressed and even that can't excuse my rudeness. Please, take me up on my offer?" Kori moved to the side to give the boys a look with pleading eyes, her hands clasping together and then looking right back to Rachel. "Please?"
Now, that wasn't what everyone was expecting. Richard was getting ready to step in to keep the girls from ripping each other's hair out, but instead, Kori pulls this. She just stood there, begging them with those eyes and that voice. Rachel, for a moment, felt weak under the stare. She was going to immediately say 'no' until Kori pulled that move. There was something about that move that got the Titans attention. It wasn't likely for them to just given like that to anyone. This girl must have a special charm, or powers that manipulate people.
"Fine."
"Is walking really the best way to travel?" Garfield whined from behind the group, his feet dragging on the concrete and attempting to keep up with the rest of them.
"No." Richard and Kori said in union, both looking over at each other and laughing because they knew this wasn't the best way to get around Gotham. You could get jumped or mugged on the sidewalks, though none of them were even concerned about that part. Nobody would be messing with them.
"So, tell us about yourself, Kori." Victor presented nicely, his smile brightening up the gloomy town. "You're a model, right?" He added in, tilting his head in curiosity. Kori was a beautiful woman, no doubt about that, and her features seemed distinctly familiar to him even though he won't admit it. Maybe this girl is hiding something that she doesn't wanted anyone to know? Victor was going to rain on her parade and kept his mouth shut, gathering as much information about this girl as he could.
Like Rachel said, she was a mystery.
And he wanted to know why.
"I was a model." Kori correctly, a smirk upon her lips as her hands rested on the back of her neck and she bent her back to crack. "I wasn't happy there anymore. I was feeling overwhelmed and mistreated, but hey, that's happens when you're a hero too, doesn't it?" Oops, that wasn't supposed to come out like that.
"What do you mean?" Victor answered instantly, trying to understand the concept behind her wording. Mistreated as a hero? Victor never felt mistreated from his team members—never. The rest of the Titans stared at her with eyebrows raise, waiting for her response.
Kori got herself in a huge mess and she wasn't even sure she could pull herself to the surface to doge this question. Given that she has been skilled at dodging question ever since she became a model and started living at the Wayne Manor where the paparazzi would constantly demand replies about 'relationships with Mr. Wayne' or 'Is this true?' or 'Is that true?', although she simply would simply place her glasses on and say no comment, there wasn't any shades on her head nor was she anywhere she could leave to. She had guest she needed to become friends with, or at least become close enough to let herself feel free again in hopes she'll understand why they hurt her in the past.
This wasn't the best thing Kori could've done, x'hal knows she'll be looked at oddly when she finished doing what she was doing, but how could you blame someone who knew a tactic so well from doing it over to avoid problems? Leaning forward, Kori snatched the shades off Richards face and placed them on her own, grinning awkwardly and nervously squeaking "No comment!"
Richard wasn't only baffled by the action, but soon busted into a laughing fit, her expression priceless even when he was robbed of his sunglasses. The other Titans followed in with the laughter, even Raven chuckled softly at the girl's reaction. So what she didn't want to answer? They'll end up finding out later. Plus, she was trying to make peace with them, why push buttons now?
Embarrassment ran through her body as she stared behind the sunglasses at the Titans, a smile soon cracking on her own petrified lips and laughter soon followed. "X'hal, that was embarrassing." She mumbled within sudden chuckles, Rachel catching onto the words she spoke.
Rachel wondered if the girl knew what she said was Tamaranean or if she was even aware that she spilled those words out. Mental note of that, Rachel was convinced this girl wasn't from Earth, but from Tamaran? Who else said X'hal other than Starfire that Rachel was aware of?
"Kori, was it?" Rachel interrupted the laughter; a skeptical expression dawned on her features.
"Yes."
"Is that short for something else?"
Kori blinked, leading them into a restaurant she was known for going to all the time with company.
"I don't understand your question."
The waitress led them to a large circular table, giving the first menu to Richard before walking around the table to hand the rest of the menus to the others. Rachel shook her head a shrugged off the question. "Nevermind."
" , it's a joy to hear you're in town." The waitress flirted, leaning down towards Richard with sparkles of love in her eyes. Richard grinned, him too leaning upwards. "Call me Dick." In response, she blushed and moved back, handing him a slip of paper before clearing her throat. "And what would you like to drink, Dick?" She flirted once again, happy at the fact that he put her number in his pocket for safe keeping. "Water would be great."
"You got it." Finally seeing everyone else who were completely annoyed by the scene in front of them; Rachel rolled her eyes and spoke up "Tea, any kind."
"Coca-cola."
"Root Beer."
"Something hard." Turning their attention to Kori, she looked uninterested with her hands on both sides of her temple, rubbing them roughly in miniature circles. It was out of nowhere that she looked so…angry? The Titans didn't understand what was going on. Moments ago she was laughing and blushing from stealing Richards glass when he was wearing them.
"Miss Anders, oh, I didn't see you there. Must be your reputation fading already." The waitress insulted with a mini smirk, her notepad closing before adding on. "I'll make sure the Bartender makes something really strong for you. I know you'll need it."
Kori would've gotten up and told the manager to do something about the rude waitress, but she felt so angry that she'd rather be put in a police car for assault than be served. Since she had company, Kori kept it in, not wanting this day to get any worse than it already was. Just get the information about them and that's it.
Not to mention she just witness Richard flirt with her. Now what was that all about? Her heart wasn't his, so why did she feel a ping of jealousy that he looked like he actually enjoyed her flirtatious advances to him. The sight instantly made Kori want to fall to the ground or leave- and she would've done it if she wasn't trying to change for the better.
"What a bitch." Garfield nudged Kori as soon as the waitress left, scoffing as he dangled an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in closer for comfort. "I don't see your rep going down at all, Kor's. Women like that are just insecure about themselves and get all butt hurt when a beautiful lady such as yourself waltzes in here with extremely attractive people" He winks and removes his arm, shrugging "but I'm pretty sure your used to people being like that, huh?"
Kori was unsure how to respond.
Oh great, now it was getting awkward with her staring at him, blank expression and eyes wide.
She was lost for words. Last time Beast boy touched her was when he grabbed her wrist, bruising them and telling her he didn't care—and to hear that he cares wasn't entirely bad, but then again he didn't know it was her. "Uhhh." Kori opened her mouth, only to see the drink be placed in front of her and without hesitation she gripped the glass and chugged the drink down, a chocking noise in the distance.
"Another one." She breathed, placing the glass down.
"Please."
It was silent.
Too silent for Rachel's liking.
She needed more information about Kori.
The second drink came quickly and Kori thanked the guy before he turned on his heels to leave.
"Do you happen to know a Val'or?" Rachel asked, taking a sip out of her tea casually.
Kori turned around, yelling "Wait! Another one and make it quick."
Richard shot Rachel a glare, his thoughts going crazy at this point. "Why are you asking that question?" Richard cut in, taking Rachel's gaze off of Kori (who was chugging her drink) and to Richard, a deadpanned stare giving him all the attention.
"Problem?"
"Yes. Quit it." He mouthed, his eyes pointing over the Kori who was being handed her drink and soon after chugged that one.
"Is that a yes or a no, Kori?" Ignoring his command, Rachel went on.
"No." Regaining her breath, she examined her glass and traced circles into the cup, not giving Rachel the truthful answer. How was this happening? Why would she even ask that? Baffled at this point, Kori wanted to order another drink, but the bartender advised her off the bar for the day.
"Strange, I coul-"
"Look, Rachel, I'm not against your best friend, okay?" Wait, did Kori say best friend?
Didn't Rachel say something about Starfire being her best friend? Wasn't she defending Starfire before they left? Why was all this hitting Kori all right now?
There was more to the story.
"What happened to her?" Kori spat, furious she was even asking them this question.
"That's none of-"
"Tell me!" The people around the table, no, everyone in the restaurant gave them their attention, all the eyes waiting for the next move. Kori was infuriated by the looks of her former teammates. They all looked sad, but why?
Why were they upset when they pushed her out?
"Um, I am sorry for saying this but we need you guys to leave." The host approached, a nervous smile placed among his lips.
Kori didn't say a word before she got up and left the table, tripping over her shoe but hastily regained her stability as she exited the building by herself.
"Klorbag nk'form magnif'". She repeated under her breath, fist clenched tightly with her jaw tensing up as well. A great day turned to gray, isn't that just lovely? Kori made angry growls as she made her way down the sidewalk, turning into an alleyway before the Titans spotted her. She wasn't ready yet to face them again, not when she was angry.
"Exchange." The voice came from the darkness, sending Kori to stiffen up on the spot. The monotone voice was always recognizable, no matter what pitch-and this pitch was dark with a hint of plead. Pushing her back up against the wall, Kori closed her eyes and sighed a few times before tilting her head in Rachel's direction, on eye opening. "How did you find me?"
"Richard's sunglasses. You're still wearing them." Rachel pointed out, moving to Kori with space left between them.
"Right." Kori mentally slapped herself for such a foolish move, considering leaving right now and not giving Rachel a chance to speak, however she stayed.
"What are we exchanging?" Kori tilted her head up, her gaze on the sky above. What could Rachel even offer?
"Information."
"Like?"
"You tell me everything there is about you, and I'll tell you about her."
Kori smirked at the offer. Was Rachel really offering this? This could all be over soon if she just agrees.
"Let me sleep on it."
How about that for an ending? What do you guys think Kori's going to do? Say yes? Oh, and don't forget that the Wayne Annual Ball is coming...soon.