AN: Your amazing reviews are always so uplifting to read! I love reading my readers thoughts on what happens~ Anyways I don't have much to say other than not everything in life is easy. Wonder what's going to happen? Hmm… Happy reading!

Cocktail For Two

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Kory slept in strong arms and the warmth and protection she was feeling was beyond anything she's ever experienced before. She was accustomed to living in her small quaint little cold condo all by herself. She didn't have close family other than her uncle and brother but they lived so far away and her sister was never there. She didn't have a significant other since no one captured her heart like one man in her life did. Being in someone's arms was such a very foreign thing to her and she was reluctant to see it go away so soon.

Her eyes slowly fluttered open as her thoughts consumed her. She suddenly felt, well, alone. She noticed then that the feeling of having a companion in bed or 'sleeping buddy' was not solely a dream as she watched Richard's chest moving up and down with every steady breath he took. His black hair more unruly than always, and his face looked so happy, so peaceful as he held her in his arms.

A burning scarlet blush colored her features as she just stared at him remembering what happened last night. She was tired from all the swimming she did and also the emotional turmoil didn't help her, once she and Richard got to watching movies, it was already late and her body could only last for one movie. She must have fallen asleep and he was probably exhausted too so he didn't think of waking her up. It was really thoughtful of him and sweet.

Even though their night didn't go as planned, she was just a tad bit disappointed. On Friday's they would start their night early as they would bake cookies together or more like have a cookie dough fight and then they would start on making dinner. The final part was watching a movie, playing a board game, talking about everything and anything, then crashing either in the theater room or living room depending on what they did first. So what if they didn't get to do all that? At least the morning made up for it.

She felt Richard stir as he blinked and stared at her. "'Morning" He greeted with a half lopsided smirk. Her heart melted at that as she giggled and caressed his cheek. "You know what" Kory began to say as Richard smiled and asked, "What?"

She looked around the room and then back at him, "I think I know now why you never wake up so early. This bed is pretty comfortable"

Richard chuckled at that, "Now you get it, Kor! By the way, thanks for making me wake up early all the time. Can't you see that my bed and I want to be together?" He dramatically said as he squeezed his pillow, closing his eyes and sighed contently.

She got up slightly so she was sitting and picked her pillow up and smacked him as she giggled. Take that for a reply! "Oh no, you didn't just do that!" Richard smirked as he grabbed his own pillow and started his own assault. "This means war!" Kory declared giggling as they got into a big pillow fight.

Richard yet again found himself on top of Kory as she giggled and tried to shield herself from the soft pillows. Some feathers managed to fall out around them and in their hair. At some point, Richard started to tickle her slightly lifting her shirt up and pressing his lips to her flat stomach as he tickled her there making Kory laugh and move her body uncontrollably. Her arms flying everywhere and her hands finding their way onto his hair as she ran her fingers through.

Richard found that when he was with her, the pain was never there, that awful tingling inside of him was never there when he was playing with her. He figured it was probably trying to tell him something but he just didn't know what. All he did know was that he loved seeing her giggle and laugh, he loved hearing it, and that he loved that fact that he was the one causing it.

Things didn't cool off from there, if anything, they just got hotter. Kory's heart was filled with love and happiness; this was definitely the best morning ever. At some point in his endless tickling attack, Richard stopped to let Kory catch her breath as he looked into her eyes. He could see it all in there - the warmth, the love, the comfort, and the happiness. Her face was red and flushed from the laughing but he thought that, that made her even more beautiful.

He could hear his own heartbeat racing and his mind was jumbled. The only thing that made sense was to do something he wanted to do for such a long time. It just seemed like the right thing to, it was the perfect opportunity. He cupped her cheek and gently caressed it as he leaned down. He was close that he brushed his lips against hers as he told her, "You're so beautiful"

With that, he closed the gap between them as he kissed her with all he had. She slightly gasped at the sudden kiss but soon she welcomed it and returned the kiss with an equal amount of passion. She moaned as her fingers ran through his hair. His own hands found and marveled at her curves. Part of his mind was congratulating him and telling him that he deserved to treasure her body and pleasure both of them, to give into that sexual tension but the other half called him an idiot and that he just ruined a special thin line by crossing boundaries and leading her on when there was still Babs. In that moment, he didn't listen to either sides and just enjoyed himself. He enjoyed the way he made Kory react to him and especially loved how they switched so now she was the one on top of him straddling him as they made out.

He groaned as she kissed his neck and left little marks, marks that would surely remind him of just how sexy she could be but how passionate she was. His sweet innocent Kory and hickeys, it was odd to even imagine but he wasn't complaining.

Kory's dreams finally came true; she was kissing Richard and spilling her heart out to him. How very stupid of her. She wished it wasn't all a dream but it might as well have been.

That was six months ago.

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Weeks passed after their little make out session on Richard's bed. He felt numb but she felt worse. He should have listened to his mind; she should stop listening to her heart. They never spoke of what happened and as days passed, they avoided each other. Dick started to spend more time with Barbara and Kory became a hermit staying at home in the dark or so he thought.

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"That was six months ago, I told you that you ruined the special thin line. That special line known as your best friend. Idiot" Richard's mind warned him but did he listen? No he didn't. He was passed being an idiot, he was a dumbass.

He hasn't seen her since then, he wondered what she was up to. God, he missed her so much. He wanted to say something but he just didn't know what or how to.

"…So then I was like, 'Daddy, c'mon! Be cool!' but you know my brother doesn't help at all. I swear he is such a dork! And don't get me started on how immature he is! You would think he was a grown man but no, he's still mentally thirteen. Annoying me and getting things sticky, the man eats chocolate like you have no idea! But I'm happy for James, we've been kinda estranged growing up but he's a good guy. I'm happy for him, finding a girlfriend that can live with that chocolateholic. Dick are you listening to me?" Barbara asked as she realized that he wasn't looking so well as he kept twirling the fork on the table cloth.

"Huh, what?" Richard finally replied as he looked up at Babs who placed her hand on top of his and squeezed it. "Honey, you look kinda pale" She stated as his dead eyes just stared at her. "Oh, s-sorry" He apologized.

Seeing as the rest of the night, Richard was so detached emotionally and physically from everything, Babs kindly asked him to take her home early. She just wished that whatever that was going on with him, would go away soon. She couldn't have him being gloomy when she finally asks him to go meet her father in person, who would most likely have a shotgun as cliché as that sounded but hey, he was a police commissioner after all.

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"Dude, do you have olives? Oh and how about some cheese in a can, wait I need ice cream too!" Wally ran around the kitchen piling everything he could find. He loved to raid his best friend's fridge. Dick always had the best food and that was all thanks to Alfred!

"Gee thanks Wally, I thought our friendship meant more to you than my fridge being emptied out!" Richard said in a fake sadden way. After the night he had with Babs, he just ignored it and figured that women were confusing. He just needed to be around his guy friends but Roy was too busy with baby duty since his long time girlfriend Jade was expecting. So he settled for Wally who he's known for years, they grew up together and if anyone knew how close, they would say they had a bromance going on.

"D'aww never! You know I love you man! I just happen to love food more!" Wally winked as he began the monstrosity known as his lunch which was a three layer sandwich.

Richard rolled his eyes and chuckled. "You better clean up once you're done, I don't want to clean up and have a repeat of fall of '04, remember?"

Wally waved his hand around telling him to relax. "C'mon, we were kids when that happened! I said I was sorry like five thousand times and besides, you eventually found Ace, right?" He winced at the last part.

He didn't mean for that to happen but he was or should say is always in a hurry. He was leaving to a fall training camp with his cross country running team when he went to say his goodbyes to Dick. He was hungry so he decided to make something and like they say, the rest is history.

"How's Linda? Is she used to seeing your eating habits now?" Richard smiled as Wally gave him the 'hardy-har-har-that's-funny' look

"Linda's great! I love her so much and you know I do but lately she's kinda freaking me out since she keeps talking about kids and how she would love to have twins. She doesn't care as long as we have a little boy and girl and that really freaks me out! I'm not ready for that. Sure we have the money since she's a news reporter and I'm always taking up running marathons and triathlons when they come up but fatherhood? Slow down! That's a little too fast for me!" Wally vividly explained. He grabbed a cup and poured himself some water.

He took a sip and then asked, "So enough about me now before you make me blush and make me spill all of my deepest darkest secrets! Tell me what's up with your love life?" Wally asked as he squished his sandwich to flatten it. He took a bite out as Dick explained.

"It's really complicated. I kissed Kory" Richard whispered as it pained him to say it out loud.

Wally nearly choked on the chunk he took. "WHAT?" He said as he coughed bits and pieces.

"I told you it was complicated. I don't know what got into me but I did and you have no idea how much it's been eating me inside. That was six months ago"

"And you haven't talked to her since then?"

"No, I want to but… but… I don't know. I feel numb"

"Man, I can't believe you lead her on!"

"I didn't lead her on! At least… I don't think so"

"So what about Babs?"

"What about her? We're dating. It's as simple as that"

"Does she know?"

"No! 'course not! I don't want to break her heart"

"Like you did with Kory" Wally stated as he stared at him with cold hard eyes. If there was one thing he couldn't stand was a guy leading a girl on especially Kory. Wally may have not talked to her as often as Dick and her spent time together but he was still her friend and knew her just as long as Dick has. He loved and adored Kory as a sister and would do anything for her just like Donna would. He just didn't feel the same way about Babs.

Dick stared at him and Wally's green eyes were like two green stones, he looked down and shook his head. "I know" He winced as Wally forgot about his sandwich, he wasn't hungry anymore. Wally crossed his arms and asked, "Who do you really love, Dick?"

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The sun kissed her face as Kory closed her eyes and took in its warm rays. The sound of the waves crashing against each other and the seagulls singing their little song made her feel at ease. She was most happy here and it was such a drastic change compared to Gotham which was dark and a well populated city covered in smoke.

After what happened six months ago, she decided to travel the world. Well at first she was merely going back to her tropical country of Tamaran. She missed her family and needed their love and comfort. When she arrive she was welcomed home by her K'Norfka or nanny but really he was her Uncle; Uncle Galfore. She jumped into his big arms as he swung her around, "It's so good to see my little Bumgorf! I've missed you so much!" He affectionately said. "As I have missed you Uncle. Very, very much!" She happily said, after that, she was greeted by her older brother Ryan who she last saw last Christmas when her sister Kom begged her to come home for the holidays with her.

They shared a freshly baked homemade celebration zorkaberry pie and held a small party to welcome her home even though she wasn't staying permanently, it was all still a very nice gesture. She forgot just how much she loved being home, a place where she could easily be herself, and a place where her accent and slip of strange pattern of speaking meant nothing, a place where everyone used their emotions greatly.

After spending a month with them that eventually and easily turned into two there she went and traveled to other places. Meeting new people and trying new things. She remembered the time she went to Russia which she spent there for two weeks, she would never forget the surprised expression on her friend's face. It was just so good to see him again, once they settled in at his place, he took her sight seeing and she found it funny how he suggested that they shout their names as he shouted out his full name, she thought it was silly but fun, as he took her to the top of a mountain that was covered in a white blanket of snow."I am Leonid Konstantinovitch Kovar and don't you forget it! Kory, now you try! Shout to the heavens and never forget who you are!"

She giggled and shouted, "I am Kory Anders! And I am not the rutha!"

"Come Kory! Let's go visit my Babushka. I am certain she may be working on a new Matryoshka but the woman needs a break!"

"I would love to meet her, Leonid!" Kory smiled as Leonid took her hand and lead her to his grandmother's place.

Kory smiled at the memory. Leonid was such a sweet person and kind friend. He made her realize that everything happens for a reason because not everything was that easy. He taught her that when things got too difficult, just yell! Shout it out but never forget who you are. She still loved Richard but the rejection still hurt.

"Earth to Kory! C'mon, don't you want some fresh baklava?" A voiced called out as it plopped itself next to her in the sand. Kory opened her eyes as she smiled at Donna, "I wouldn't miss it for the world! Did Diana let you pour honey on them this time?"

"'Course she did! She got mad that I almost put the whole jar in!"

"Well she should know by now how much we love it!"

"I know, right?"

"Indeed!"

"Hey, Kory?

"Hm, yes?"

"I'm really glad you're here, sweetie. You know I care about you just as much as I care for Richard" Donna smiled as Kory hugged her, "I know Donna, I know. I love you both but I just feel more than numb. I feel abandoned"

Donna patted her on the back gently, trying to soothe and calm her. Part of her was relieved that Kory wasn't extremely dramatic and didn't do anything drastic to danger herself, she was happy and healthy and that's all that matter but the other part of her was mad at Richard. She knew him since they were practically toddlers since her older sister knew his father Bruce Wayne. Her sister Diana was only a few years younger than Bruce. She grew up with Dick and knew him fairly well or so she thought because he was acting strange.

"Kory, you know you are welcomed here for as long as you like" Donna reassured her, telling her that she was anything but abandoned.

"Thank you, Donna, I am truly happy" Kory weakly smiled.

"Hey now, how about those baklavas? I hear a full plate calling our names!"

"If we can get away with that many! You know how Diana gets!"

"But doesn't that make it even more fun?"

"I suppose it does"

They stood up together having a good laugh at that as they ran back from the beach to the main part of the island. It felt good not to worry about things even for a short moment, she just needed to be surrounded by optimism, love, and comfort and she didn't get any less on Paradise Island.

She knew that if and whenever she saw Richard again, it would be one mixed cocktail of mix emotions and unspoken words. All she could think of because like her people, she was not the rutha, she was not weak.

So, cocktail for two?

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Done! To be continued.

Why did Dick reject her?

Tiny note: In this story Bruce did adopt Dick but he did so when he was very young rather than a kid.

Just a couple of notes:

Roy Harper aka Speedy - One of Dick friend's and even though they argue a lot they're still good friends who joke around.

Jade Nguyen aka Cheshire - Roy's girlfriend and mother of his daughter Lian Nguyen-Harper.

Linda Park - Wally's girlfriend who eventually becomes his wife. She is a news reporter and mother of his fraternal twins Jai and Iris West.

Leonid Konstantinovitch Kovar aka Red Star - He's Russian, former member of the Teen Titans and appeared in Teen Titans when that radiation monster attacked the village and Starfire helps him out. He was the first to use the name/title 'Starfire'

Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman - She is Donna's sister and a member of the Justice League of America.

Galfore - Kory's nanny since birth and appeared in Teen Titans when Kory gave him back the title of Grand Ruler of Tamaran.

Komand'r aka Blackfire - Kory's sister who sold her off to the Citadel, she took over Tamaran and ruled as Grand Ruler.

Ryand'r -Kory's and Kom's younger brother who was killed off when Tamaran was destroyed along with their parents Myand'r and Luand'r. (For this story, he is older than both of them)

James Gordon Jr. - Babs brother who appeared mostly in the Year One era storyline.

Ace The Bat-Hound - Ace is Bruce's loyal crime fighting canine. He's usually a German Sheppard or Great Dane Mix. Mostly brown furred in the comics and in tv series he's either black or gray. For this story, he's black.

Terms that Kory uses:

K'Norfka – Nanny or guardian

Bumgorf – Affectionate term

Zorkaberry – A special native berry from Tamaran, it's bitter/sour and a favorite.

Rutha – Weak

Terms that Leonid uses:

Babushka – Russian for elderly woman or grandmother

Matryoshka – A wooden doll that as you open, reveals more dolls until you have several dolls in different sizes

Term used by Donna:

Baklava – You can find it at most Greek bakeries. A multi-layered filo/paper thin dough pastry drizzled in honey and crunched pistachios.

So ya know the drill!

Remember to R&R, Alert, etc. Plz & Thankies! :]

Until next time~ ;D