First off I just want to apologize for my poor updating, I'm horrible at it. Thank you though for everyone reading, I will finish this. I have everything planned out...just need to write it. With school and family and a million other things its hard to find time to do it. But this will be over.
Again I do not own Teen Titans, please enjoy this chapter isn't my best I don't think but it's mostly filler.
Light began to leak into the room, my pillow was not familiar. I felt comfortable and warm; warmth you get from hugging someone you care for. I was not used to a pillow giving me this kind of comfort. Nor was I used to it moving up and down steadily, having a heartbeat…
My eyes burst open and I rose my head off of his chest, seeing that as promised Dick stayed. A smile crept along my lips, remembering how he kissed me, his arms around me.
I gave a dreamy sigh escaped my lips, which seemed to rouse him. His eyes slowly blinking open, glancing down at me and smiling wide.
"Good morning."
"Greetings," I purred and rested my head back down on his chest.
"What time is it?" He wondered not bothering to look around.
"I an uncertain." He jolted up, as if remembering this wasn't a weekend then slumped down again.
"Thank god it's only 5:30."
"Do we not have to get up early?" I asked, having been used to waking up around five every day. It was amazing how quiet the early morning was. It seemed everything was much similar then and still not at the same time. The mornings tended to be where I was happiest, I could get the most done. My step-father was rarely ever awake, and although school was not wonderful; it was better than home. The nighttime was when I began to dread. That's when my step-father was awake the most. Drunk. Smelly. Abusive.
It did me no good thinking about him at all, yet I seemed to do it all the time. I was so used to watching out for him and having to deal with him. That it is most odd being without him, not unwanted, just odd.
I rose to look out at the window, looking through my luggage for my intimates and headed towards the bathroom. Richard got up on his elbows and yawned.
"I guess I should leave you to get ready for the morning." Sounding like he'd rather stay. Who would not rather stay in bed?
"I will see you soon." I said slipping into the bathroom and getting ready. The uniform from yesterday was neatly folded on the small table in the bathroom. Since I had no other uniform I had to put that one on again, this time I wore a shirt under to prevent the itchiness and when ready, I grabbed my book bag and walked to Richard's door.
Slung slightly ajar I knocked, and walked in. He was pulling over his shirt spinning to look at me with the sweater caught up in his head.
"My apologies!" I said turning around, face the reddest it's ever been.
"Gah! Ah its fine!" He said rushing to put his shirt on and I rushed out the door, thoroughly embarrassed.
I stood out in the hall staring at my ugly loafers, waiting for him and thinking of what I can say to apologize for walking in. Really I shouldn't have done that, he had waited last night. Last night…had last night even been real? I believe that it could have been a dream that was too good to be true. One of those dreams you want to stay in forever…of course he did wake up to me. Maybe I imaged everything else. Something small making me dream of something more.
A dream could not generate the feelings that I felt now, could it? Is it possible to feel this tightening of my chest, and little shiver I get when I imagine his lips? Please let this be real, or at least let him not be annoyed by me walking in on him.
He wore dark jeans, a red GA sweater with a dress shirt underneath. His hair still sprinkled with a morning shower, the wet droplets dampening his sweater. Dark grey boots adorned his feet, instead of the loafers that he wore yesterday. It was more causal, the jacket was missing and I was surprised they sold the shirt in more color then red. Of course Kitten did have it in pink before.
"Hey," he said swinging his bag over his shoulder, walking close to me towards the kitchen.
"Greetings," I chewed on my lip pondering an apology.
"How'd you sleep?"
"Oh! Quite wonderfully." Perhaps our kiss was not a dream?
He chuckled, "I thought so; I had a wonderful night as well." Whether he was aware of it or not, he was leaning into me. I was slightly taller than him, his nose angled as if he was asking for another kiss but too afraid to ask.
Or maybe he wasn't asking for a kiss, only teasing me? Maybe it was not a dream, but he did not want the kiss and is the teasing me. Or perhaps he wishes he did not, but then why would he said he slept well. Dick was not one to tease me…
Why was I overthinking everything? He was mere centimeters from my face, and all I can think about is if he's the teasing me. Oh and what made it even better was when I tripped over the carpet and landed face first onto the ground.
"KORI! Shit are you okay?" Dick said crouching down to offer help.
My tongue tasted many little hairs and cleaner from the carpet, my hands having taken most of my fall; hurt around the elbows with carpet burn on my palms. Turning over I throw my arm over my eyes and waited for my embarrassment to be over with.
"Um Kori?" He asked again, I moved my arm slightly to allow one eye to see him then immediately covered it and groaned.
"I am the o and k, just rather embarrassed." His lips turned up into a comforting smile.
"Your fine, people trip all the time." He then reached for my hand, not noticing the rug burn. I was not about to let him know I had injured myself, so I took it and allowed him to hoist me up to my feet.
"It seems I keep messing up today." I whispered although he could hear.
"How so?" He questioned, this time he was a bit further away from me and looked more at my feet, as to make sure I don't trip again.
Dark crimson orange painted my cheeks, my mind flashing with his bare chest. The strange stirring returning to my belly. "Well…at first I walked in on you this morning….then I tripped."
He shrugged his shoulders, "just remember to knock next time." Dick shoved my shoulder slightly with his own, a giddy smile on his face.
"I promise I will." I said as we walked down the grand stairs to the kitchen. It was so bright and beautiful. Reminding me of the first day I had stayed here a few weeks ago. Wait that can't be right? It's only been a few weeks since I had met Dick Grayson…so much had changed in such a short time… I could barely believe it.
"Good morning Miss Kori, Master Grayson." Alfred said stirring some sugar around in his tea. Alfred sat on a small circular table in front of a huge window overlooking the gardens. Newspaper spread wide and a croissant buttered on a plate in front of him. A feeling of happiness and calm overcame me, as I looked at Alfred. He seemed so comfortable and at peace with the world right then.
"Good morning Alfred! I beamed. "How was your night?"
"Very pleasant, I woke up at five to do some gardening and walk around the paths. It is so beautiful when the sun rises over the hills, with the birds chirping that I can fully take on another gorgeous day.
"That sounds so glorious! I too love waking with the sun. I feel as if it gives me energy throughout the day." Alfred smiled sweetly at me, while Dick placed a steaming mug of coffee in front of me.
I smiled at him and went to the fridge for some cream and sugar. All you could hear was the rustling of papers and spoons clanging against the china. I munched on some toast while I waited for the tea to seep into the water, and added my wanted amount of sugar.
"Good morning," said an oddly placed voice. I glanced up shocked to see Ms. Kylie before me.
"Hi Selina," mumbled Dick with a welcoming smile.
I dropped my spoon, having the clattering noise draw everyone's attention towards me. "Kori? What are you doing here?" Ms. Kylie asked.
"She's staying with me till she graduates." Bruce Wayne said, his appearance taking up all of the room. If he wasn't wearing his night robe I wouldn't believe that he just got out of bed.
"Hmm I see, well good morning Kori I hope you have been doing your assignments."
I nodded vigorously placing my hands behind my back and feeling out of place, in a place I already felt out of place in.
"Oh stop teasing her." Dick said getting up and gulping down the rest of his coffee.
Her laugh was like that of a cats, if a cat could laugh. Purring and something sultry about it. "Oh Richard I tease you too."
"Yeah, yeah." He said throwing his bag over his shoulder. "Common Kori better get to school."
"Wait Dick," Bruce said stern, "I have some news for you."
I watched Dick arch a brow, myself now caught between the doorway and the side of Richards. My breathing stopped for a moment, his close contact sending my nerves haywire. I felt so idiotic being captivated so much just from being so close to him.
"I'm throwing a Fundraiser for Kori's old school. Hopefully with enough money we can improve the school's conditions and education standards. New texts books, desks, supplies, etc."
"That sounds so wonderful!" I clasped my hands in front of me, truly happy for the possibility of my old school to be improved.
Dick smiled over to me, "sounds great Dad really. When is it?"
"Next Saturday."
Dick nodded then we both said our goodbyes and walked down the long hallway towards the car garage, once the door was shut behind us. "Richard?" I asked in a hushed tone.
"Yes?" He said while picking which key he should take for whatever car or bike he wanted.
"Is Ms. Kylie and your father doing business together?" I couldn't bring myself to say what I was truly thinking in case it was completely wrong.
"Sure, business." He said with a wink and opened the passenger door to a silver Vipor.
"So yes they are coupling?" He made the oddest face at me.
"Coupling?"
"Yes…the sex." He burst out laughing.
"You say things in the cutest ways, but yes they are coupling." My cheeks were read, but from the compliment or the embarrassment was I not sure.
We sped through the back streets of Gotham, the Vipors engine hummed filling the silent car. I had no idea what to talk about, the ball seemed to be an interesting topic but last night…was a bigger one.
Richard was sweet and the caring, however I was certain I was not the first girl he kissed… even if he said he never kissed someone like he did me. He could have meant a girl he kissed in a bed at 2 am! Or a girl he kissed that lived with him! He may have not been litearly talking about kissing me so intimitaly…or passionately the way we did…or
Oh X'hal now I was getting all dreamy about kissing him!
"Something wrong Kori?" Richard asked sparing me a glance as he drove through the center of Gotham.
"Hmm what? No…why do you ask?"
"You sighed, ahh are you thinking about the ball Bruce is holding? Because it won't be bad I promise, we can even go dress shopping if you want too."
I had to laugh at that, "You go to the mall of shopping? For dresses, will you not be bored?"
His rose his shoulders in the shrug, "I mean I might, it's not fun trying on things I won't wear."
"I thank you, but honestly I can ask Racheal you do not have to trouble yourself."
He nodded, "maybe everyone can go to the mall. Like as friends." My heart sank, it wasn't even a date or anything like that but it seriously didn't feel good.
Dick said this as he pulled into his spot at the school, he looked over at me with his famous lop sided smile that made your heart melt. "That way we can hangout and it won't be like Rachel's third wheeling."
"Oh Richard what is the wheel of thirds?"
He dropped his keys, fumbling for them on the floor. "Damn keys."
"Do you need a light?"
"Yeah that would be helpful—Ah! I got them." Hastily he walked out the door and I followed him. Why was he so awkward about the wheel of thirds?
"Richard?" I asked as he was flipping his bag over his shoulder and walked towards the school. No one even batted an eye at the fact he drove a Vipor to school, but they did with the fact that I was walking with him.
New girl, arriving with Dick Grayson.
I sighed, nervously running my fingers through my long hair. Playing with the red dead ends that split up. My grey sweater itched but not as much as the day before because she followed what she saw from Dick, a shirt under the sweater really helped.
The mahogany doors were pushed open by both of us, the halls immediately filling with sound. Everyone was talking about the Wayne Fundraiser Ball. Whispers of the glorious Wayne manor and sparkling crystal, the delicious desserts and savory meals available to the guests. Ball gowns and tuxedos.
It seemed almost all of the students had attended an even for Bruce Wayne, but only rarely does he ever have an open event in his home. The New Year's party being the only exception.
Dick told me we were pretty much the last ones to know, as news went out pretty quick when it came to Bruce Wayne. Multibillionaire who can practically do anything he wants. Sure big surprise.
It seemed anywhere I walked people were talking about what they were going to wear or who they hoped to see dancing together.
"I wonder if I can grab that dress from Barneys!" One girl whispered, nibbling her lip. While I sat in math class doing our warm up equations.
"My Daddy's buying me a brand new Valentino Gown, shoes by Marc Jacobs and ohh I can't begin to tell you the jewelry."
Boys sat in the back of the room "do you think I could get some in the Wayne manor" one boy laughed, my lip curling in disgust.
"I wonder if Jinx wouldn't mind blowing me in the grand library." Another boy said, I spun around eyes almost burning with fury. Jinx was a second hand friend, I knew little about her but she was close to Richards's heart. Not to mention how disgusting this conversation was.
I am not ignorant of these conversations happening, I would just prefer not to hear them. So I turned around and glared at the boys, I didn't recognize them. But it was also my second week of school.
"What are you looking at?" He said sneering.
"I don't like you talking about Jinx that way." He burst out laughing. "Is something funny?"
"Yes actually," he leaned in "your fucking Grayson, and your giving me shit for wanting head from my girlfriend."
My mouth hung agape, a deep crimson filled my cheeks with embarrassment. I cast my eyes to the side then flashed them back to him. "I am not coupling with Dick!"
"Isn't that normally how you have sex?" He smirked, while I glared.
"If it involved a male." I said then turned around and looked at the board. Trig questions needed to be answered, I refused to look back on the boy. I knew what people thought, I just knew everyone was talking about the new girl being Dicks play toy. But I wasn't!
I was his friend, we were friends why was that so hard to grasp.
…..
Maybe because I didn't want us to be. X'hal I go from struggling with my step-father and late nights at Mrs. Kates to worrying about if a boy wants to be with me or not. Kiss or not. Nothing mattered until it was said so. He made no other advances, none that I could think of.
It's totally possible he just kissed me because he likes kissing girls! I sighed resting my chin on the palm of my hand. I knew he wanted to kiss me before. Then I found myself dreaming about the kiss again. Completely aloof to what was going on in class.
"Kori Anders!" Hissed the Trig teacher and I jumped in my seat, knocking the desk next to me and the girl spun around.
"Ohmygod your so obnoxious new girl! A girl said with ashy blonde hair, showing too much cleavage and a Starbucks seated on her desk. When she turned around the desk shifted, causing the steaming hot beverage to pour all over the floor.
"EW!" The blonde screamed, having the coffee go all over her socks and mine as well. "You idiot! Look what you did!"
I was appalled, "I did no such thing!" I said with disbelief.
The girl crossed her arms and huffed, "if you didn't bump into my desk this wouldn't have happened. There for your fucking fault!"
"Harper!" Said the teacher, "stop shouting and clean up your coffee. Kori change seats with Jericho."
"Yes sir." I said obediently gathering up my books and switching spots with a blonde haired boy with beautiful eyes and the sweetest smile.
"But she's not even going to help! She's so selfish."
"No I…I'm sorry I will I was just moving I'm sorry." I said rushing for paper towels and grabbing all I could to help clean up the beverage.
Harper tapped her designer shoes at me, splattering the coffee in my face. "Would you please refrain from tapping your shoes?"
She looked at her nails, "nah."
"Then can you at least help me." Now who's being selfish?
"Nah your probably best on your hands and knees," she said crouching down to whisper at me, "that's all Dick wants you for anyway."
My voice was stuck in my throat, it was as if a huge amount of glorg was stuck in my throat. And for some reason I felt weak, looking around at everyone staring at me. Starring at the sult of the school. A name I did not deserve, something that hit home more than I was willing to admit.
"What got nothing to say 'slut" she said the words with mockery and a viciousness only criminals like my father could muster.
"I do not encourage lies. Mr. Wayne has welcomed me into his home based on personal matters of my own. I am not sleeping with Richard nor anyone else. He is most kind to me and others. He is nothing like you, you are mean and cruel and it is not welcome." I then stood up and walked to my desk with my head held high. Inside I was screaming.
I wish it was in those movies when the bell rings at the right time. So I could run out and go hide in the bathroom or broom closet. But things are not that way, and it was not a movie. The bell would not ring for another twenty minutes, the most I could do was get lost in math.
I let sin and cos distract me along with angles and other trig equations. Answering correct questions and incorrect ones. Allowing everything to wash away, ignoring Harpers glares at me. Or anything else, it seemed that things passed over everyone else. Except me, I wouldn't forget her calling me Dick's slut.
X'hal I don't think I could even face him today. I fidgeted with my pleated skirt, when I was done todays assignments while everyone chatted. Trying to connect the yellow strip that circled the whole navy blue skirt. Thinking how he'd want nothing to do with me after he heard about these rumors…if he had not already.
Tick tock the cursed clock ticked away ever so slowly, torturing me.
One.
Two.
Three.
"Ringggggg" X'hal finally!
Rushing out of the class I almost lost all my books and tripped over the desk in front of me. Thank fully I caught myself before I did so, rushing out into the hall becoming lost with all the other students.
Although with skin that's almost orange and bright red hair that's hard to do. People looked at me with interest, others I could not decipher the expression. The soles of my 'new' shoes didn't help as they clapped the floor with every step. Wonderful Kori. I huffed.
"Sup babe." I looked up to Jason leaning against my locker, he smelled like cigarettes, his lip was bleeding slightly and there was a tear in his collar.
"Jason you are injured." I reached up to touch his chin right under the bleeding lip. He turned his head.
"Yeah well sometimes things happen." Jason moved from the locker and adjusted his jacket as if he was uncomfortable in his skin.
I became indecisive on whether I should push Jason or just ignore it. I only barely knew him, yes I was living in his house but I did not know him. The last thing I wanted was to push him so he doesn't want me to be around him. Jason was funny and sweet, especially after yesterday with Kitten—all I wanted to do was return the favor.
Biting my lip I looked at him, mouth ready to say the words that would hopefully let Jason open up to me.
"Babe!" Chirred a distinctly feminine voice.
Dyed pale purple hair was all you could see, as the girl jumped up and kissed Jason on the mouth. She jumped back and looked at him. "Oh no Jasie your lip! There's blood omg!"
He smirked "yeah, bout' that didn't I tell you to stop calling my Jasie. It just sounds wrong."
The girl pouted her lip glossed lips and looked to my side, it would have been cute I presume if her face did not curl into a snarl. "JASON TODD WHO IS THIS GIRL!" The girl did not scream it per say but it felt like one.
"Oh me? Greetings!" I stuck out my hand although it was trembling.
"This is Kori, she's living with us." The girl's eyes nearly burst out of her head.
"JASIE…." She whined, "I thought I was your only girl." Jason reached out to kiss her on the cheek.
"You are, she's just interested in Dick." His smirk grew wider and the girl's eyes went wide until she registered what he meant. It all happened so fast then, her body was plastered along his, lips kissing franticly and she made noises that should only be made in private.
Jason didn't look the least bit uncomfortable, he actually smiled and winked at me while kissing her. She then broke apart from him, "oh I can't wait to have you alone after the ball your daddy's hosting."
"What makes you say I have to wait until then?" He flirted. I stopped listening. The bell was about to ring and my class was all across the building.
"It was a pleasure to meet you," I said to the girl I had no idea whose name was, and waved goodbye to Jason. I ran to class praying to X'hal I would get there before the bell so the teacher would not scream at me.
Babs sat comfortably beside me in science, her eyes setting on the back of Dicks. Her auburn hair was pulled up into a pony tail, with a white tank top hugging her body. Normally the dress code made you wear your sweater or jacket, even a dress shirt. It seemed she slipped through.
"Sooo," she said eyeing me then looking at Dick while I tried to focus on Ms. Kylie.
"Yes?" I said truly not interested. Being parried with Babs was not my decision. For today's lesson I just happened to be her partner. Better then Kitten I thought.
"You're getting very close with Dick." There was an emotion to her smooth voice that gave her away. Anger at me perhaps?
"Mr. Wayne has been so kind to allow me to stay in his home for the time being. Dick and I are growing as friends."I said a bit timid. Truthfully I had no idea what him and I were at all. During lunch we sat together as if last night had never happened. He would laugh with his friends and I would talk to Racheal and Karen mad an appearance with Harold. This only got Victor clearly annoyed, causing Wally to comment about how idiotic relationships were. Dick made no comment on whether or not that was true. Did he just not want to say something or did he agree? Was he what the rumors said? Did he want me to be his 'play of thing?'
I truly did not know what to think on that; I believe deep down I know that it wasn't true. Richard was more than words could describe and I only just met him! What shall I think in April! Or this summer?
My mind wondered as Babs seemed annoyed with me, while I saw Kitten across the room annoy the quite boy from math class earlier.
"Class you may now begin, if you have questions do not be afraid to ask." Ms. Kylie said, high heels clicking against the linoleum floor. It was weird seeing her now knowing she was sleeping with Bruce Wayne. Had that always been a thing?
Both Dick and Alfred seemed pretty relaxed about it. Perhaps they were dating or even engaged. Why had not Dick mentioned this beforehand? The 'Wow' factor perhaps?
As most things of late, I was uncertain.
I reached for the microscope before me, watching the light turn on as I placed a slide over it. Looking to my paper and marking down the findings of transverse epithelial cells. Then reaching for another slide to examine when Babs looked over me and sighed heavily, her eyes drifting to the boy beside us.
"Oh Connor," she said flirtatious, "Kori's having trouble, would you mind helping us." Her tone was flirtatious and innocent, making any boy give in.
I stood in surprise, sparring a look at Dick who looked just as confused as I felt. This Connor walked over confident, perfect set of teeth gleaming as he smiled at me.
"Mind if I take a look?"
"I believe I understa-"
"Thanks," he smiled then looked into the scope. "Easy, simple squamous."
"You are incorrect." I said nicely.
Both Babs and Connor looked at me, Babs shook her head. "See what I mean, she can't even tell the difference."
"I know I can, simple squamous is a single row of flat cells in a row. Therefore simple. Transverse is round that becomes flat, they are easily confused with stratified squamous. But it is obvious to see the difference in this slide. They clearly are not simple squamous." I said pleading with both of them.
Both Connor and Babs looked at me with slight irritation, Kitten bouncing over to join us.
"What are you saying Katy?"
"Kori." I corrected.
"Whatever," she sneered.
"Kori says there transverse," Babs informed.
"Oh let me take a look," Kitten bent at the waist, giving a sultry look to Connor and arching her back to show off her bottom, "oh yes there cuboidal."
I forced myself not to roll my eyes, our gathering having caught the attention of Ms. Kylie. She walked over curious. "What seems to be the issue?"
Kitten thrust her manicured hand in the air, "I know!"
I swear I saw Ms. Kylie's lip curl.
"Kori's making a poor fool of herself, saying its Transverse when clearly its cuboidal, right Con?" She said batting her eyelashes at him.
"Um I said they looked like Simple squamous."
Ms. Kylie's eyebrow rose. Her fingers moving the microscope to her eye. The tiniest hint of a smile on her lips. "Kori I hate to inform you," my heart sank while the Kitten jumped with joy and pointed.
"I knew it! Stupid new girl!" My shoulders slouched while I heard Dick growl.
Ms. Kylie eyed Kitten with annoyance. "But you appear to be the first person to notice, therefore I must give you an A." She smiled brightly, and leaned closer "good job Kori."
Kitten fumed returning to her seat, Connor scratched his head and shrugged, Babs sat down red face and Dick just chuckled.
"Sorry for doubting you," Babs whispered.
"It is the o and k." My phone buzzed in my pocket, glancing to see Ms. Kylie wasn't looking I read the message from Dick.
'I think someone likes you,' he sent
'And it's not just me' was his quick reply. My heart jumped in my chest, cheeks warming at both his confirmation and compliment.
'And who may that be?' I sent back teasing him with my eyes, and he read his message.
'Ms. Kylie obviously: p "
I playfully rolled my eyes at him, 'that may be so but I think she likes you better,' I sent back.
'She is not the only one' I sent quickly then pulled my phone in my pocket, ignoring his penetrating stare at me, or the texts the he sent. Instead I referred to my lab for completion.
After class Dick ran went up to my desk, nervous while his Adam's apple bobbed a few times. "Hey,"
"Greetings," I smiled flipping my bag over my shoulder.
"I thought it was pretty cool how you outsmarted everyone today."
I giggled behind my hand "Richard I did not. I only knew what they were."
He laughed, "Kori that is what out smarting means."
"O-oh yes you are correct." I said nervously stuttering; he was so close to me his lips so red and eyes that just captivated your soul practically I couldn't help but get nervous flutters looking into them.
"Come on let's get home," he said placing a hand between my shoulder blades. I fiddled with the sleeves of my jacket as we walked out into the now common dreary weather of Gotham. People hurried to their cars, although Dick did not seem as much in a rush. He looked at me smiling brighter.
"You look adorable when your hairs all wet." I blushed so much I had to look away.
"I thank you." We then went into his car, blasting the music as he drove towards the Wayne Manor. My new home, and although my first day wasn't perfect neither my second. With Dick as my companion I felt it soon would be.