Hey Y'all! Here's a new chapter. Fun stuff before bad stuff :D Thank you to everyone who reviews and reads it still! It means a lot. I am currently a college student with a biology major so school is my priority. I just felt like finishing this chapter and posting it. I cannot promise an estimated date for the next one, but I'll get to it. I promise. Enjoy.

Dark. Cold. Wet.

Metal clanging against metal.

Shoes tapping against a wet surface.

Blood dripping down from my arm, vision hazy, brain sluggish as I woke from my drug induced sleep.

Those big hands ripping my hair again and forcing my head up.

"You think I'd let you go that easily Kori? You're my daughter. " Jack breathed on my neck, before bursting into hysterical laughter and walking out of the room.

I did not even have the strength to scream. My wrists stung from the metal cuffs digging into them, blood dropped down my arms and onto the floor.

"This can't be real, this can't be real," I chanted like an insane person, knowing my fatal path ahead.

It's was the night before Bruce's Fundraiser ball, and I was nervous for several reasons.

1) Tomorrow was the fundraiser.

2) I had no idea how I did on my chemistry exam this morning. It was a quiz that pops (which is confusing because the quiz did not pop).

3) Richard is so confusing. Boys are so confusing.

4) Tonight, was the first alcoholic party I will be going too, and although I've had a few drinks before with Racheal, I was never able, nor did I truly want to go to a party in WGH.

5) I couldn't stop thinking about kissing him, and all I wanted to do was kiss him again.

I went to Rachael's earlier this morning, having no idea what to wear or having anything worth going to a party with. Apparently, Dick and Jason were known for throwing amazing parties before any of Bruce's parties.

"A night for being drunk and dancing to you vomit, it's lovely." Rachael had said in a monotone as we traveled to the mall of shopping, having decided that most of our clothes wasn't really party suited. After countless stores, we found a beautiful purple mid top that showed off my cleavage but not too much, and hugged my waist, then leaving my bare skin to show. It was a basic halter top with a beautiful modern edge to it. I paired it with the tight like pants that were basically like not wearing anything. They were black and hugged my ass, almost a legging material but looked like shorts that went hip high. I paired them with black boots and was excited to see Richards reaction. I felt like I looked attractive, then upon walking in the party I felt hot and sexy. She was wearing a dark purple top that hugged the skin and a black skirt. Guys had looked at us, Gar nearly lost his jaw when he saw her.

"Damn Rae…" he had said with eyes that looked like they wanted to devour, but a calm beast that kissed her cheek and rubbed his nose against her neck. "I have the most beautiful girlfriend."

Surprisingly she didn't swat him away, instead enjoyed him being close to her.

Bruce owned many properties in Gotham, places he used to escape with women, places he used to rent. This place he gave the boys, for such things as partying or an escape. Although he'd never tell them straight up it was for partying. It was beautiful, everything you pictured a modern bachelor pad to be like. The furniture was innovative, fine leather and striking. Glass coffee tables and flat screen TV. The kitchen was high end with the newest, and best stainless steel appliances. Instead of walls, there was windows that looked out over Gotham. All it's beautiful lights, and night life down below us.

People that I hardly knew were all packed in dancing and drinking, laughing or some making out already. We moved over to the bar and took a shot of tequila, the liquid burning down my throat but resting nicely in my belly. Mixed drinks were available, but you had to make them yourself which was comforting, no matter how much I trusted the Wayne boys, I did not trust everyone else. These weren't just people from Gotham Academy, all of Gotham's young elite were here partying it up. Those that went to other private schools, apparently one kid was here from Paris. It was a huge deal, and as the night went on I learned that more and more.

Rachael was beside me dancing with Gar, he'd begged her multiple times. After a few shots of tequila and cup of corona she was floating on the dance floor. So many bodies gravitating to the pounding music. I watched how couples danced close to each other, hands roamed everywhere, mouths kissed and fingers touched places they normally wouldn't in public. It was similar to how some girls danced at Miss. Kates.

'Hmm I wonder what it would feel like to dance like that with Dick.'

Soon it was clear that Gar had wanted Racheal to himself, they both grew close as she loosened up and wrapped her arms around his neck, his around her waist. They did not match the rhythm of the other dancers, but that wasn't the point.

I looked away moving to the windows edge and admired the view. Gotham looked gorgeous from this height, just as it did from the manor. It seemed as if it was a beautiful city that anyone would live in. Not the hell hole I knew.

"Hey," said a voice that walked right next to me. I didn't even need to look at him to know it was Dick. He was slightly buzzed, the tipsy warm phase showing on his features.

"Greetings," I said fully looking at him and his mouth dropped open. He looked stunning in a light blue shirt and black jeans, so simple an outfit but so captivating.

"God Kori, you're so beautiful." At his sudden compliment a dark crimson rose to my cheeks. I was glad I had worn this outfit, not that women should wear clothes like this to gets boys attention, but I felt good in it and that was the point.

I looked down smiling, "you as well Richard." We had grown closer in the past couple of weeks, although I never did tell him about what happened to me. We were growing close, holding hands a little bit of cuddling on the couch while we watched movies after studies. Neither of us talked of the kiss, I was so shy about it. Not knowing what the proper move was, while he seemed...oh what was the word? Aloof towards my affections.

None of that mattered now as he stepped closer his hand wrapping around my waist, pulling me to him. "Never as beautiful as you." He leaned into me then. The tension between us so tangible it clouded my vision. I knew this confidence in him was due to the spirits in his cup, but as his stomach was pressing against mine, his arms wrapped round my waist. This heat between us, I couldn't care less.

"I do not think I can compete with you Richard." I whispered, breath fanning his face.

"God I love when you say my name," at that his lips met mine, hand cupping my face, other hand holding me flush against him. Heat radiated from his body. The slow kisses turned more heated, a slip of a tongue, nibble of the lips.

It took so much strength to hold in a small moan of pleasure, to quill the excitement within me; but he didn't. He groaned right into my open mouth causing my heart to go haywire. Kisses turned into a deeper frenzy, I grabbed his shoulders and let my fingers tug his hair. Another groan from him and I moaned back. At that he picked me up and pushed me against the wall.

I practically moaned at how good that felt, his roughness then God his lips on my neck. "Oh Richard." I whispered. A deep guttural noise came next, his hands on my thigh.

I wanted his hands higher, wanted his mouth lower. Wanted him closer. The want swiftly turning into a need. As his fingers roamed up and down my thighs, barely reaching my bum and then back up it went.

"Richard please." I moaned never wanting this to stop, and he grabbed my ass.

"Hey you two cut it out. You've got a fucking room for that."

Richard let me go, growling, and sent death glares to Victor. I hid behind Richards shoulder, embarrassed at how things escalated so quickly.

"Um sorry Kori." He said red faced and with breathy pants. He then leaned away from me and cleared his throat. "Um want a drink?"

Equally breathless I only nodded, aware of a heat lower in me. The vixen who needed to be played with, a part of me I barely even knew but wanted so badly.

He grabbed my hand and we maneuvered past all the grinding bodies, my brain was trying to keep up. Had we really just been kissing like that?

I bit my lip, he made me feel so much. I've never wanted someone to touch me, my body burned for his touch only. Begged for more than a simple kiss...it wanted much, much more.

I wasn't sure how far this 'more' wanted to go. But it was there and his lips on mine just weren't enough.

"What would you like?" He asked grabbing a cup.

I looked to the bottles of liquor, not much of a drinker myself but enjoying the relaxed feeling it was giving me. "I'll just take a Seagram's?" He laughed then put the cup away, pulling out the blue drink.

"Would you like to take a shot?" He asked as I took a swig.

"Yes!" I said giddy. Which made him chuckle, as he reached for the Jack and poured us two shots.

"Ready?" He asked and I nodded, clinging our glasses together and downing the drink. It burned as liquor tends to do and rested happily in my belly.

"Mmm, can we do another?" He nodded reaching for the tequila.

"Ever had this before?"

"Yes! I had a shot with Rachel." His eyebrows went up.

"How many drinks have you had?"

"Only a glass of Seagram's, and two shots."

He seemed to be debating in his head. "Do you know your limit for drinking?"

"Truthfully no, I haven't been able to with friends so often. But Rachael and I have drank together at her house some nights, she says I have the nine stomachs."

Dick laughed hard at that, "so one more shot will be okay then."

"Most definitely." I nodded and took the shot with him, feeling giddy and excited.

His fingers touched my elbow, "you know you really do look beautiful."

Blushing I leaned into him, feeling bold and kissed his warm lips. "You are beautiful as well."

"Would you like to dance?" Richard gulped nervously, while I nodded eager. Dancing was something I was very good at.

The DJ mixed and matched popular house music with his computer, manipulating beats and patterns to keep drunken spirits up and bodies moving.

I was beginning to feel the tingling sensation alcohol left running through your veins. Warmth filled every crevice of my body, my fingers went from Dick to my body fluidly. I drew him in, flirty and seductive. After all I was a dancer for Mrs. Kate. Although I never danced with a man before, Richards's body molded perfectly with mine. I felt his warmth and got goosebumps from his fingertips roaming my body.

Fingertips that moved from my arms, spinning me so my back was to his chest, his lips whispering into my ear of how sexy and beautiful I was. His fingers trailing down my sides and resting on my hips. Squeezing them as I grinned my backside into him.

His lips met my neck as I did so, hands tightening around my waist and he spun me out. Detaching our lips only to find them again.

Some girl was walking around offering shots, and both Dick and I downed them effortlessly. Letting alcohol soothe us and have his hot lips meet mine.

"I want you so badly. I hope that's okay to say." He whispered in between kisses and I pushed him tighter against me, moaning in response.

"As do I." He then tightened his hold on my waist. Detaching our lips again.

"May we go somewhere?" I asked, excited jitters filling my belly and mixing with the confidence of alcohol.

"Come with me please." I took his hand biting my lip and feeling like I should be flying.

Of course, I was drunk by now and tripping over myself, laughing as I did so. "You must forgive me Richard, I seem to be a bit tipsy."

He tightened his hold around me, a joyful laughter escaping his lips. "I can see."

Around the corner was a bedroom, which Richard entered and locked while I threw off my shoes and jumped into the center of the bed. I was still dancing, a floating feeling in my hands as I let my fingers trail over my hips up to my breast and over it towards my neck. All the while looking into his eyes.

"Kori you're like a goddess," he whispered. While I giggled at the silly comparison.

"Oh! Richard you are truly drunk if you find me a goddess!" I laughed, my sentence awkward and slurred with the buzzed feeling making me giggle.

He gave his lopsided smile and crawled to the spot beside me, his head resting on his palm, the other on my bare stomach. His thumbs moving in circles by my hips.

"I'm drunk enough to admit I'm falling for you Kori Anders." He whispered on my neck.

I hiccupped. All laughter gone, my mind begging for sobriety at his words. While my intoxicated mind tried to make sense of his words.

"Humph?" I asked, sort of. I believe I am a bit drunk. Have I said that already?

He only chuckled and began kissing my shoulder and neck. I melted under his touch, he got on top of me, resting his body along mine and pulling my lips in to kiss him. Our hands roamed each other's bodies, teasing at shirt hemlines and his hovering over my breast. With our heated kissing, I knew what my body wanted, and it was all of him. Even in my drunken state I knew I wasn't ready. Or possibly not ready, I wasn't quite sure. It wasn't that sex scared me or that I was waiting for 'the one' or anything. My only thing was wanting it with someone who was going to respect me, not that I disbelieved Richard did. For myself, I needed to know I was ready. Right now, I am currently too drunk to know what is the best decision, even though my body is begging for me to give in.

"Richard," I breathed leaving our breathless kiss, his wet lips beginning to kiss my collar bone, "I have never done this before."

He pulled away to look into my eyes, "we've kissed before," he cheeked. While I playfully swatted at him.

"Not that...um...the...s-sex." He leaned back fully on his ankles.

"Kori I wasn't going to have sex with you," he ran his fingers through his hair, "believe me it's not that I don't want to. Trust me I do. I just… it would be your first time, right?" I nodded and he smiled goofily then returned his serious face, "yes, see I wouldn't want this to be our first time. We're both too drunk," he then leaned down to kiss me once, "I never want to take advantage of you."

My heart warmed at him, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. No matter how clique that sounds.

"Oh Richard," I wrapped my arms around his neck and began kissing him.

He chuckled on my lips, "although we're going to have to stop kissing before we both get too caught up with lust."

A mischievous grin grew on my face, "oh but Richard, are there no other things we can do?" At that I pushed him flat onto the bed and got I top of him. I could feel his heat on mine, taking a deep breath to calm the lust in me that called to him.

I reached down to the ends of my top and pulled it over my head, showing off my purple bra and breasts. His hands hesitated over them, then his brain caught up after asking me with his eyes, he grabbed my breast in one hand and pulled the pad down in the other. His tongue feeling wondrous as he suckled my breasts, his fingers toying with nipple on the other.

"Oh X'hal," I breathed tilting my head back and holding his head to my chest. I could feel him chuckle and switch breasts, letting his other hand fondle my left breast.

Richard then wrapped his arms around me and lifted me up to then lay me flat on my back. He stopped above me, taking his shirt off and letting my hands touch his chiseled chest.

"Your glorious," I breathed and he kissed me again, hands on both sides of my head.

"Mmm" I moaned, his fingers deftly taking away my bra, my fingers undoing his belt.

He grabbed my wrist. "Kori, we can't." I looked up at him in a bit of shock.

"I only want to touch you as your touching me," I said hands on his chest. He seemed to be fighting with himself.

"I don't know if I can control myself." His voice was husky and low.

I touched his cheek with my right hand, "that is something I know you'll have."

"I-I don't want you to regret me."

"I could never regret you." I whispered then kissed him but he moved away and laid beside me. "I won't push you Richard, if you wish for us to continue with the kissing I am perfectly content."

"Maybe we should just lay down?" He said looking at me and then sighed, "But I do like kissing you."

Leaning over him I captured his lips in mine, running my fingers through his hair and pressing my body along his. His arms tightened around me and I was lost in lust once more. My pelvis grinding into his, both of our breaths speeding up with the contact. I had no idea what I was doing all I knew was that is felt so damn right. He grew bold and roamed his hands along my sides and grabbed my ass, pressing me even closer into him. I let out a small moan and sat on top of him. His arms wrapped around my waist as he leaned against the bedframe.

Kissing down my neck and suckling on the skin just before my skin makes contact with my shoulder. "mmm wondrous," I purred in complete bliss at the magic of his lips. His fingers kept rubbing my back and sides, while I tried to not get carried away in how wondrous his everything felt.

"Richard," I said gasping as I shifted on him, a sensitive part of me brushing up against a very hard part of him, "I want you so badly."

He halted his kisses and groaned, resting his forehead on my chest, "I want you too." I leaned back removing myself from his lap and laid beside him.

"I know we cannot, perhaps you are the right in saying we should just lay down for now. It is getting very hot I am not sure how much longer I could resist you." He bit his lip at that.

"Are you like, aware how hot you are when you say those things?"

I tilted my head then shook it, "no I had not realized. I am only being honest."

"Honesty's hot," he said laughing then leaned down on the pillows, wrapping his arm around my shoulder to pull me into his chest.

Giggling I said, "the best policy is honesty, correct?"

"I mean it's honesty is the best policy, but it's not like that sounds wrong, especially when you say it." I did not fully understand why me saying certain things would mean more than others, but I blushed nevertheless.

"Speaking of honesty, I am terrified for tomorrow night."

"Hmm?"

"I don't know what to do, I know to follow your lead, but I have nothing to discuss with people. I am terrified I will say the wrong thing, it is Bruce Wayne I have to represent."

"Kori, you'll do fine. Also, you know what to say don't worry. Plus we normally don't even get a word in edge wise, everyone whose rich really just wants to hear about themselves."

"Is that not generalizing?"

He humphed, "I guess but, I mean most are willing to talk about them. I've been doing this since I was 10, I normally just turn the question around on them or just nod like I'm stuck up."

"But you are not! You should not represent yourself that way, even Galfore—" I stopped what I was saying, knowing that I didn't like that he had just assumed who Dick was before getting to know him, but I also knew that is what I did as well. Still, I wasn't inclined to tell him this, nor was I sober enough to be fully conscious of my words.

He got up on one elbow, "he what?"

I closed my eyes and pretended for a moment that we were both sleeping, although he was growing impatient. "What Kori?"

"He did not like you at first and that is due to how you portray yourself to the media and I believe that is wrong because you are wonderful and amazing and I hate that you may be hurt by what I'm saying because I first thought you were like that but I am very wrong and I apologize." I took a big breath and flipping over on my stomach to hide in my arm, ashamed that I just jumped to conclusions like him.

"You know your right, and I'm not mad at you for thinking that or him."

I looked up, "you are not?"

"Not your fault you believed it. I mean they do try to spin me to be a playboy like Bruce, which I'm not, even so I let them portray me as arrogant. Cuz' what does it matter that they think I'm a rich spoiled brat? I want the people around me to know who I really am." He then sighed and laid back on his back, "I think that isn't working much anymore though, because I am older and well…there are reasons I don't want them to think I'm a playboy."

"I don't think many people want to be known as a playboy." I said going back to rest on his chest.

"You'd be surprised, but no that's not really the main reason."

"Then what is?" I was beginning to grow tired, the alcohol resting in my belly and the excitement of the night wearing down on me. Dick also had a very calming effect on me when we were resting together, he was so warm and the evenness of his breath was soothing to a racing mind.

"I can't tell you Kori." He said seeming far off.

I sighed in a sleepy way, "then you do not have too."

I felt his smile with his kiss on my temple, "you can sleep if you're tired."

I shook my head, "no I am very much awake."

His chest moved slightly with his laugh, "is that so?"

"Much so, I could run a mile if I had too."

"I'd like to see you try."

I moved a bit, "I will prove you the wrong."

His arms tightened around me, "no you're staying here." His tone was playful and childish, which only caused me to giggle. "You're laugh is so adorable."

"you are the adorable one." I said then placed a small kiss on his slightly exposed skin on his chest. "Now I know you will be surprised to learn, but I was lying to you I am very tired.

"No I didn't get that at all," he said sarcastically.

Giggling I whispered goodnight, and then we both drifted off to sweet dreams, for me at least they were not too troubling so I was able to rest peacefully.

In the morning, I felt sticky and gross, my sweat smelled odd, which was due to the alcohol I drank. My hair was wild and tangled; I didn't even want to know what I looked like in the mirror. All I knew was I was in desperate need of a shower.

Without really thinking about it I walked to the bathroom, turning the hot water on and waiting for it too warm up. I eeped when I saw myself in the mirror, I looked like a mess; make up smeared and eyes red, my crazy looking hair and the outfit that looked different in daylight. I stripped and stepped in allowing myself to grow accustomed to the sudden warmth of the water. For a few minuet's I merely stood in the shower, letting the water cascade down my body. Letting it relax my muscles and run through my hair.

I looked for a bar of soap and noted that they did not have everything, such as a razor or face soap. But it is not like I would use someone else's razor, nor did I expect the face soap. I ran my tongue along my teeth then realizing I did not have my own tooth brush with me. Hopefully he had mouth wash.

Stepping out of the shower I bent down to the cabinet and looked for some mouth wash, grateful to have found some. While I was gargling to door opened and a very tired Richard walked in, he ran his hands over his face and messed up hair hardly realizing that the shower was running or that I was standing there completely naked, until he bumped into me and screamed.

"Fuck! Oh, my god Kori I'm so sorry!" he began to back away but I grabbed his wrist.

"I do not mind, you are welcome to view me this way."

"Oh, I um, I well, um." He blundered about lost in words while I giggled behind my hand.

"I was only taking a shower."

He cleared his voice, working very hard to keep his eyes above my neck. "Right, yeah I should probably take one of those when you're done."

Feeling bold, I wrapped my arms around him and kissed his cheek. "Why not save water and shower with me?" His eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"Um, are you sure? Because if this is a taste or something like I'll just wait."

I looked at him completely confused, "a test?"

"Uh yeah, like your testing me or something, like sometimes people do that."

"I am not testing you Richard, I would genuinely enjoy a shower with you, if you do not wish to join me you are perfectly fine to do as such."

"No, no I will I just have to um, pee first?" He gave a mix between his famous loop sided smile to a nervous one at the same time.

"Okay, I will be in the shower." I said with nervous laughter. My stomach was filled with the flies of butter. I was sure that my cheeks were an alarming shade of red. The shower would be nothing more than both of us sharing water and our bodies, but the idea of him being so close and so naked, made me feel very strange in the most pleasant way.

Hearing the movement of the shower certain I looked over my shoulder to see a red-faced Richard, his hands covering himself and he looked as shy as I felt when I was a child. Taking the bar of soap and turned to look back at the water faucet.

"Do you mind helping clean my back?" I said biting my lip.

He gulped and without saying a word took the soap from me. He was hesitant at first, as if touching me would somehow shatter what was happening, or as if I was an exhibit in a museum that you barely have guts to touch. That being said, I let him get comfortable with the feeling of my wet skin and moving soap along my back.

His touch felt amazing, the way he moved the soap in rhythmic patterns, his other hand gently brushing my shoulder or back bone. I enjoyed the feeling so much I had not realized I was leaning into him until my back touched his chest. Instead of pulling away like I expected him too, he grew daring and wrapped his arm around me while the other one. His fingers moving from my shoulders down to my wrists, then coming to trace up my sides, the soap still in his one hand. The bumpy gooses were left on my arms and anywhere else his fingers touched, not to mention that he was flush up against me. I loved when he moved to wash my belly and I showed him with my hands that he could touch my chest. Oh, how wondrous that was!

Feeling all lathered up and desiring to touch him, I turned around and when our chests met an overwhelming desire to make him closure came over me. For some reason though I ignored the desire to feel his lips on mine, must rather going to touch him like he touched me. Build up the high sexual tension between us. Of course, he did not want to do that and in such a loving way, he cupped my face and tilted my head to reach down to his lips.

His sweetness excited me, those wet and warm lips so tantalizing and wondrous. Our mouths moved slow and passionate, the heat from the water cascading down on us. It was difficult to breath almost, my body wanted something that I was not ready for all too soon. I had to remind myself to slow down, to not be so vocal in how I wanted him, how my body wanted him. Soft moans escaped my lips and I could tell he was trying so hard to hold himself back.

With a thick voice, he said "let's finish this shower, I'm sure there is a lot of cleaning we need to do." It was a simple excuse, and I was disappointed slightly. However, I knew if we kept going we may end up doing something neither of us would be fully prepared for, plus I wasn't sure if I wanted my first time to be in a shower after a night of drinking. Of course, there are many other worst ways to lose my virginity.

We both washed ourselves off, with the occasional kiss on the shoulder or cheek. Unfortunately, I had the same clothes from the night before. They smelled stale and dried with alcohol and sweat. Richard saw the face I pulled and threw me a spare dark grey t shirt.

"I thank you, should I use the same pants?" He looked around searching for something and found a pair of sweat pants.

"I try to keep spare clothes here, but their old stuff."

"It is the o and k, I thank you nevertheless."

Once in the living space my mouth hung agape at the mess before us.

"Oh fuck." Richard breathed exasperated.

The scene was one from those crazy party movies, were people laid on the ground in heaps, solo cups thrown about the floor and whatever else that was on the ground. Some beer cans and those little umbrella decorations. Every couch, chair, and table had someone snoring on it. By the window on the carpet laid a group of people who did not look like they meant to fall asleep on one another, but some sort of conversation happened where people fell asleep.

I wondered if this was what every party aftermath looked like, or if people just were too drunk to leave. We were lucky and no cop's had shown up, of course it was Bruce Wayne's building and he had the whole floor to himself. I went to the kitchen and grabbed a trash bag to begin picking up some of the cups, while Dick grabbed a broom to sweep up everything in a corner.

We did not really make much sound, just focused on cleaning what we could without waking anyone up. Although, they would have to be up soon I imagined. I could not forsee any reason for them to stay, mainly because the fundraiser ball was tonight. In a few hours. Oh X'hal.

My ragged breath let out some anxious tension in my chest, but did little to settle the churning in my stomach. Last night had obviously put my mind off of the ball, but brought up even more things for me to be nervous about. Especially the feelings Richard was giving me, I couldn't explain it nor did I know what it was or meant. It did not feel like lust, it was deeper than that. More a need to be connected to him and feel him closer. And, then the shower together! It was wondrous but that same feeling built up in my belly.

Now I am blushing madly and trying to not look at him, or how even in sweats and a t shirt he can look absolutely breath taking. Is that even possible? I felt like things might be moving too fast, should I really be liking someone so much? He was defiantly more than a stranger, we are friends. I live with him though. What would that look like? I mean it doesn't matter what most people think, but I have his reputation to worry about and Mr. Wayne's.

It feels silly to worry about this kind of stuff, when I have school. Although, it is nice also because I have this great feeling I get when I think of him. That is, when I am not worrying so much.

"Do you think I should start waking up everyone?" Dick asked.

"I am unsure, when do people normally leave?" He looked around and smirked then walked out of the room. I looked in his direction questioning. Within seconds he returned with a sound device known as the bull of horns. Which, by the way, does not make any sense because bulls already have horns do they not?

He turned it on "WAKE UP AND GET OUT!" Richard screamed on the horn of bulls while I covered my ears from the sudden sound. "COMMON GET UP LAZIES!"

People began groaning and rousing, some threw pillows at him with little no direction making it effortless for him to dodge.

"You suck a Dick." Some girl groaned, while he smirked

"That's my name don't wear it out." I rolled my eyes and continued to clean while he woke everyone up. Eventually they all figured out it was useless to try and sleep. Some joined in to help up clean, but most left looking dissolved and in need of showers and some ibuprofen.

Soon Richard said that we can head back to the manor and the rest of the cleaning will be to the cleaning staff of the building. Although, we did most of it like take away the trash and wipe and mop, really all they had to do was mostly basic stuff which made me feel better. It wouldn't be fair of us to make the cleaning staff clean up after a party.

Gathering up my soiled clothes, I followed Richard down to the garage. We spoke a little bit, but I was too nervous about getting ready and too tired.

"Kori you'll do great tonight." He said kissing my hand once the car was in drive, he did not let it go.

Blushing like an idiot the whole ride, I could not stop thinking about last night. Was this what people thought about? Those girls at school who had plenty of money and little worries. Did they think about boys like I do Richard? Is the way I feel about him normal? I had no way of knowing or asking, I felt like Racheal would not really enjoy the conversation, and Bee and Jinx would think about sex more than anything else. Possibly I could talk to Garfield, but what if he told Richard? Maybe Jason?

Oh, X'hal who would I talk too. It was these moments I missed my mother the most, when I needed her guidance or love. Most of the time it was when I want to love her, I have accepted that she is gone. I am strong, but I still miss her dearly.

I breathed deeply to shake the nostalgia from my heart, and focused on the sound the car's wheels made on the gravel.

"Something bothering you other than the ball?" Richard asked kindly as he turned the car off.

"Mostly that." I smiled, not wanting to bother him with issues of my past, mostly because I knew he felt that way too.

"Although I am excited to get ready!" I said trying to boost my mood.

He chuckled, "it starts in three hours so I'll probably nap before getting dressed."

"That sounds very pleasant, I might do that after some homework I would like to finish."

"And, that is why you're the smarter one of us."

I looked taken a back, "I do not believe that is a measure of intelligence. You are just as, if not more intelligent than I Richard. Do not discredit yourself just because you would prefer to take a nap."

"Kori I meant it mostly as a joke, but it is a wise decision for you to work on somethings now."

"Oh, I apologize for jumping to conclusions." I said giggling, mostly laughing at myself. "Well I shall see you soon." I hugged him goodbye and walked into my room. Opening the homework that I said I would do, admiring the beautiful dress hung up by the closet, and the excited jitters that began to form in my belly.