Authors Note: I'm really feelin' this story, of course the story is going to have other conflicts, not just the "Oh Koriand'r and Grayson need to fix their terrible love life", no. I'm going to have to add some angst in here, just not gonna say when because that would just ruin the surprise factor now wouldn't it ;). I swear if angst was a drug I would've overdosed already. Oh yeah, I found this website and some of the quotes and stuff are on there, so if something looks familiar, I want to give credit to them. Also, when I first upload the chapter there will be spelling and grammar mistakes. Its inevitable.
TTTTTTTT
"Kori", that's all I could manage.
I cleared my throat, wiping my face mentally of the shocked expression it held. Instead, I concealed my shock with a more stoic approach. "So, what brings you around here?"
"We need to talk."
TtTtTtTtTt
"Hello, Kori Anders speaking." Kori answered her phone, a bored tone in her voice.
"Oh, hey Kori. I didn't realize you didn't wanna talk to me right n-" Kori immediately cut Rachel off, suddenly feeling guilty for her attitude.
"No! Sorry Rachel, I didn't know it was you! I thought you were just another agency." She shivered at the thought.
"Alright. If you say so." Rachel laughed a bit before continuing, "Well, I have so news."
Kori jumped up from her seat in excitement, "Oh please, do tell!" Every time Rachel had some news, it was really some great news. Rachel wasn't one to give false hope, especially not to her friends.
"Richard is coming back, only for the week though."
Kori slowly sunk back into her seat, speechless.
She could almost hear her heart shatter again.
"Kori?" Rachel huffed, "I know you two didn't exactly 'patch things up' between each other, but please at least try to bear him. He's like a brother to me. Do you have any idea how many times he's tried to reach out to you? To all of us? He doesn't want anything more than friendship, hell he even got Vic to forgive him. We just wanna see him, see how's he's holding up on his own. Its fine if you don't wanna be part of this, I can-" Kori, once again, cut Rachel off.
"Yeah, no, it's fine. I would love to join." Her jaw clicked shut at her own words.
She didn't wanna see him, 'patch things up'.
She didn't want his friendship.
She somehow hated the man.
Hated him for feeding her lies, for pretending he loved her and her only.
For dragging her along just for the ride, for the thrill.
For making her love him, imperfections included.
But most of all, she hated herself.
For falling for the playboy in the first place and letting him use her.
For pretending to be fine with what he was giving her.
For enjoying the good times, the times he'd gotten on his knees and chanting like a prayer that he'd change, it never really happened.
She hated herself for leaving him without even giving him a chance.
TtTtTtTtTt
Kori stood behind Garfield, her palms sweating as she twiddled her thumbs.
Rachel had an unusually wide smile plastered on her face, she was practically jumping in anticipation. Garfield looked over at her, moving to place his hands on her shoulders to try and calm her down. That wasn't happening anytime soon.
Victor was concentrating on looking through the people spilling throughout the terminal.
Out of nowhere, Rachel took off in full sprint, running in the direction of the baggage claim. Kori watched as she threw herself onto a man, arms wrapped tight around his midsection.
He seemed surprised for a moment before her dropped his luggage and wrapped his arms just a as tight around her, hugging her back. It was Richard.
It was understandable, how long they stood like this. They hadn't seen each other in close to three and a half years, they knew each other better than anyone else.
As Rachel said, he was like a brother to her.
Rachel was the first to pull away from the affectionate hug, looking up at Grayson with tear filled eyes.
Kori could've sworn she saw her mouth "We missed you so much." before he pulled her into his arms again, drinking in her presence with closed eyes.
It was as if that was an invitation for the three friends to make their way towards to duo, still embraced.
Kori found the ground suddenly fascinating as Grayson re-opened his now damp eyes, releasing Rachel to hug Victor instead while Gar comforted Rachel who was now hiccuping between tears.
The years had definitely treated him well. He was taller now, to say the least. His hair had grown out quite a bit, but still held its midnight black color, his chin and nose more well-defined than the friends remembered, and his face now held a scruffy look, as if he hasn't shaved for awhile, but Kori decided she liked this look better. The sun had most definitely seen him now, he sported a beautifully even and slight tan, unlike the pale boy they used to know. Muscles rippled across every inch of his body, still the seasoned warrior the Romani boy was meant to be.
Kori stood there in silence, fighting the urge not to pounce him with tears of her own.
"I'm so glad you came."
She looked up to see the same complicated depths of blue that she once loved.
She couldn't help but frown, her lower lip trembling as she still fought to keep her tears from falling.
Trying the best she could through the frown she held, she replied, "Me too." nodding her head in agreement, unconsciously unable to stop nodding as her face again fell to the ground.
He caught her tears on his shoulder, she couldn't hold them back any longer.
Kori held to him, unable to let go, and sobbed.
He somehow felt her pain and clung to her as well, whispering reassurances and sweet nothings to her as she spilled everything she thought she could control onto him all at once.
Vic rubbed her back soothingly as she continued, not short after the original five were all in a group, hugging in the middle of the port terminal.
They all felt a little of the pain then.
And they simply forgot and chose not to care.
Almost like a new beginning for each of them.
TtTtTtTtTt
A two days after the miracle in the airport terminal and after Grayson checked into his hotel room, the gang went out for drinks. They all told Grayson of the funny, and sometimes sad, moments he'd missed out on.
They all laughed and cried after reminiscing on their old high school days. Grayson filled them in on his life as well, he'd gotten his doctorate degree in respiratory therapy, he'd gotten a girlfriend( he made sure to mention that they weren't serious), he worked as a branch manager at Wayne Enterprises, not like the money was ever a problem for him anyways. He also mentioned he would be going back to school to finally become an anesthesiologist.
Rachel had become a pathological nurse at the age nineteen, making it so that she would work with other adolescents. As of now, though, she planned to go back to school soon to become a teacher of the principals of health and science, she also named Gar and her as an engaged couple now. Not new to Vic and Kori, but to Grayson it was fantastic news.
Garfield was a biology teacher for a Junior High he and Rachel lived by, he was also a volunteer phlebotomist at a local blood donation center for no pay. He also planned on going back to school to learn more about blood transfusions and such things along those lines.
Victor now worked at S.T.A.R R Labs, along side his father. Vic always had a thing for innovating technology and helping people who'd suffered the loss of a vital limbs. It was understandable where his love for technology evolved from, his father was just as passionate in the subject, if not more. It was no surprise when he announced that he'd recently proposed to Karen a couple of days prior to Grayson's return, he wanted to tell them as a group.
After each of them congratulated him, it was Kory's turn to fill Grayson in on her life.
Kori had been studying the laws and duties of the Grand Ruler of Tamaran. Everyone knew she was of royal blood on her home country, but no one, not even Grayson, knew that she'd one day be called back to claim the throne. This hit them all, both happy, and sad for the girl.
After everything was discussed and settled with, they continued with their drinks.
Vic noticed how Grayson and Kori stole glanced at each other throughout the night, he knew neither of them were completely healed, but it was nice seeing them get along so well.
They'd danced a couple of times, laughing awkwardly after.
It was just like when they were teens again, minus how tipsy and loose they were.
Just like the old times.
Only it wasn't.
TtTtTtTtTt
"What is there to talk about?" I laughed, turning to close the door on her, and hopefuy on all of this.
The door thudded to a halt, looking for the source I found Kori's foot at the base of the door.
"Hey, uh ..mind moving your .." I glanced at her, then back at her foot.
"No, Dick please talk to me." I took another glance at her, my eyes glued to hers.
God, how I loved those eyes, but not like this.
They were pleading.
I couldn't look at her like this, so I rubbed the back of my neck with one hand, swinging the door open with the other as I watched her feet shuffle in.
Looking up, I saw her take in the sight of my room, it wasn't much, just a typical hotel room. I didn't feel the need to upgrade to a suite, I mean its just me after all. I like to keep things simple.
She sat on the sofa, clasping her hands together and looking up at me, all business.
I made my way towards her, taking a seat a comfortable distance away, the last thing I needed was for her to be uncomfortable.
"Ah, so last night .." I trailed off, what am I supposed to say? Last night was ttotallya mistak-
"I know, last night was a mistake. It shouldn't have happened." She looked a little hurt?
"You say that everytime, Dick." Why is she glaring at me like that?
Kay yeah, she looks a bit angry, underlying upset.
"Sorry, no. Wait, I mean yeah." Real smooth Dick.
Kori pursed her lips, "That isn't why I'm here." Why then?
"I'm here to talk about us."
My throat dried almost instantly. I swallowed. Then coughed, covering my mouth with my elbow as I reached for the open bottle of Hennessy on the table.
It felt like I inhaled the shit, it burned down my throat like hell.
The I sat, resting my face in my hands, elbows propped on my knees.
I let out a long overdue groan and leaned back against the sofa, turning my head to look at her.
Why the hell does she look so concerned, Gar already told me about how she's supposed to marry off to some guy 'Karras' or whatever the fuck his name is.
"Okay, talk to me." I deadpanned, knowing it would just hurt her a little more.
"Richard?"
Why? She hasn't called me that since ..well I don't even remember.
Wow, that Hennessey kicked in fast.
Thank God.
"What?" Yeah, another deadpan. I'm terrible.
"Don't do that again. "
At that, I grabbed the bottle one more time, forcing myself to gulp down as much as I could and kept my eye contact all the way.
"What the hell is your problem?!" She yelled, flinching with wide eyes.
"You're my problem, Kori!" I shot back in regret. "Wait no, I'm sorry." I shook my head, rubbing my eyes. "Kori, you bring out the best in me."
She was frowning now, "And that's a problem, Richard?"
"No. No, its not."
"Then why treat it that way? Why didn't you come after me? Why do you keep leading me on Rich-"
I opened my eyes in realization.
I wanna stop, but damn her lips are soft.
She pushed me away, full force, "Richard! This is what I'm talking about!"
Tears began to slowly filling her eyes as she talked, "You can't just think that kissing me, fucking me or spoiling me all the time is going to win me back! I'm so sick of you. You're breath reeks of old liquor, and- and have you even tried to eat a decent meal today?"
"Haha, no fuck you. I've been trying to make things work between me and you for two goddamned years! I tried to contact you from everything! I'm not gonna sit here an let you yell at me and talk to me like I'm shit." I'm legit disgusted.
How dare she.
I actually have been trying to make an 'us' again, but now that I'm finally moving on she wants to talk about it?
I don't know when I- we stood up, but yeah, we were standing now.
At this point, I don't even want her friendship anymore, and that was my reason on trying to reach out to her this week anyways.
"You haven't been trying to make things work, I can assure you. What were you gonna do even if you did happen to contact me, huh? One of your sorry ass 'I'm sorry for cheating on you multiple times and using you like a rag doll, take me back and I'll take you shopping'?" Kori spat, "You're pathetic, you can't even talk to me without drinking, can you?" She scoffed at me, beginning to get up and make her leave.
I grabbed her arm, fully forcing her back ontk the sofa, teeth clenched in anger.
Oh God, I hurt her.
Physically.
She shrunk back, holding her forearm in one hand, looking afraid now.
I moved towards her, rubbing up and down her arm, it was still marked.
I really hope it doesn't bruise, what the hell was I thinking?
Oh right, I wasn't, such a Dick move.
"Kori no, look at me." I softened now, dragging her chin to look at my face, "Look, look, look, how about brunch tomorrow, yeah?" I said, forcing my best smile.
She nodded, still visibly scared, in fact frightened.
I drug her in for a hug, I'm pretty sure I heard a whimper.
I hadn't hurt her too bad, have I?
"C'mon Kori, I'll pick you up tomorrow, kay?"
She just nodded.
I released her, watching her walk to the door, only looking back for a moment before she disappeared into the hallway.
I'm so fucking stupid sometimes.
TTTTTTTT
Authors Note: How the story so far? Tell me what you think. WOW SO GLAD YOU LIKE IT! haha, no but really gimmie some good ol' tips, I'd appreciate it so mmmmmuuuuuchhh. I don't know why I wanted Richard to be an anesthesiologist in this one, but I promise next time I'll make him the hot Officer Grayson everyone loves so much. Oh yeah, I know it seems odd that they were all strung out at the party but trust me, I've literally seen worst from even more prestigious professions. But drugs are a big no no, kay? Kay. Oh, yes Richard is Romani. I know this for a fact, his mother was Romani and his father Caucasian, sometimes the other way around but either way, its true. Dang, Richard is hot though okay. -AHEM- SORRY, thoughts on my favorite Boy Wonder :). And, physical abuse is a big no no in relationships. Its will not be tolerated at all, if your partner ever hurts you, guy or girl, you need to inform someone. Its not cool, no matter what the songs say.