When We Were Young Chapter 17, a teen titans fanfic

The sky over Jump City had turned black and the street lights were shining brightly. A sleek, black car pulled up in front of an alley and parked in front of it. Two boys sat in the front, unmoving.

"Well," began the one who sat behind the wheel. His black hair swayed to the side when he turned his head, his blue eyes gazing at the boy next to him. "This is the drop."

"I don't know about this, Jason," said the boy, red eyes narrowed at the alley as if it was a form of evil. "I have a feeling--"

"C'mon, Xavier. Trust me on this."

"But Max has always been a screw up," pointed out Xavier, turning his head to the side. "He's gotten you into too much trouble. How do we know this ain't a set up."

Jason released an exasperated sigh. "I've been running this business for years now, and--"

"I know you're the boss--"

"If you don't trust my decision as your boss," began Jason softly. "Then trust my decision as your older brother."

Xavier lowered his gaze, a scowl on his face. His hands clenched the briefcase that sat on his lap and he unlocked the car door. Grumbling under his breath he got out of the car. "Always has to play the brother card..."

Stepping out of the car, Xavier ventured into the dark alley, briefcase clutched within his hands. Pausing in his walk, he glanced around momentarily until finding the object he was looking for. Hidden behind a pile of papers was a brown briefcase, much like the one he was holding. Xavier quickly switched the two and made his way back to the car.

"You made the switch?" Jason asked as soon as his younger brother entered the car.

"Yeah. Now let's see if this deal was legit or not." Xavier unlatched the seal and opened the briefcase. A low whistle escaped his lips as he caught sight of the contents inside. A row of cash practically glowed before him.

Jason smirked. "And you thought this was a set up."

No sooner than he said that, red and blue lights appeared in the rear-view mirror. A police car siren began to howl in the street.

Xavier frowned, eyes narrowed. "You were saying?"

Jason gritted his teeth. "Hold on."

Jason quickly took off, the police car following not that far behind. Pushing his foot harder against the gas pedal he sped up some, increasing the distance between his car and the police car.

"I knew some stupid shit like this was bound to happen," Xavier shouted. "You should have cut ties with Max a long time ago!"

"What, and miss all this," Jason scoffed as he made a sharp turn. "Not a chance!" His eyes flicked to his mirror and he scowled. The police car was still trailing him. "We need to lose this guy."

Xavier nodded and opened the dashboard, pulling out a silver handgun. He quickly handed it to his brother who clutched it in his hand. Jason leaned his arm out the window, checking quickly to make sure his aim was right, and fired off three bullets. The first one hit the left head light of the police car, and the last two bullets hit the left tire. This caused the police car to come to a stop as Jason and Xavier made their get-away.

Jason chuckled as he made another sharp turn, losing sight of the police car. "And you were worried."

Xavier just rolled his eyes.

Parked in an old garage, Jason kneeled down to the bumper of his car, his hands working to remove the license plate to exchange it with a new one. He succeeded in removing it and got to work in putting on a new one. Inside the car sat Xavier, his hands shuffling up the stacks of money while counting.

Jason wiped his forehead and sat up, making his way to the front seat. "I've changed the plates, now all we have to do is get rid of the old one. Is the money all there?"

"All accounted for," Xavier answered, closing the briefcase. "Listen... I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have disrespected you like that."

"Nah, it's cool," Jason replied with a shrug. "In this business you need to follow your instincts, and you, my little brother." Jason playfully ruffled his brother's hair. "Have some good instincts. Way better than mine..."

"Now you know that's not true. Your instincts is what has gotten us this far ever since mom passed away."

"Yeah, but my instincts could have gotten us arrested tonight...," Jason leaned his head back, his eyes closed. "I'm gettin' too old for this crap."

"You're in your early twenties."

Jason whacked Xavier in the head, earning a hiss of pain from the youngster. "Don't be a smartass."

Jason whistled softly to himself as he bustled around his room, folding and packing. Venturing to his closet he began to remove hangers and clothing, tossing it to his bed. A smile adorned his face and a sense of freedom and joy consumed him.

He was in such a state of bliss that he hardly registered the fact that his younger brother barged into the room.

"What the hell, Jason?!" Xavier yelled angrily, fist clenched tightly and his chest heaving. He wore a hurt expression on his face.

Jason paused in his packing. "It's rude to enter without knocking first you know."

"What the hell is all this I hear about you leaving?!"

Jason frowned. He had hoped to break the news to his brother himself. "Who spilled the beans?"

"Billy," Xavier answered, glaring angrily at the older boy before him. "He wanted to be the first one to congratulate me about being the new boss. Once he realized I hadn't the slightest clue what he was talking about, he was kind enough to fill me in on the details."

"Well I guess we can skip over the 'me telling you' part and get right to the 'you yelling at me' stage."

"Quit being as ass, Jason," Xavier snarled. Normally he wouldn't behave this way towards his brother, but today he was too enraged to show respect. "I want an explanation. Why the hell are you leaving? And why did you tell everyone that I was in charge?"

Jason sat on his bed, hands folded under his chin and elbows resting on his knees. He was silent for a long while, not exactly sure how to tell his little brother his reasons for leaving. After mulling it over he decided to just be honest. "I'm tired."

A perplexed expression replaced Xavier's angry one. "Tired? Tired of what? I don't understand."

"Don't you see, Xavier," responded Jason, standing up. "I'm tired of all of this. I'm tired of this organization. I don't want this life anymore! I'm sick of it, all of it!"

"Almost a week ago you were perfectly fine with it! What the hell changed?"

Jason pursed his lips and reached inside his pocket. Taking out his wallet he removed a picture and showed it to Xavier. It was a picture of a girl with blue eyes and blonde hair. "Her name is Mia. You remember her, don't you?"

"How could I forget. She totally kicked your ass that one time when we were kids," Xavier almost smiled at the memory, but he wasn't in the mood for smiling right now. He was far to upset. "What does she have to do with this?"

"Come on, Xavier, you're a smart boy. Put the pieces together."

That's when it all seemed to click. All of the out of two business meeting, secret phone conversations, Jason's weird behavior and side deals the gang didn't know about. All of it fit.

"That's why you made that deal with Max, and that's why you only brought me... You've been planning this, haven't you?"

"Not completely. At first I thought I could twist Mia on to our side, get het to join the gang and relive the good old days, but no... She crawled her way out of this hell hole we call a business and didn't plan on coming back."

"So now you're giving it all up just to be with her? What about the business you've fought so hard tot maintain?"

"I always intended for you to take over. Granted I thought you'd be older, but I think you're ready. You have good instincts."

Xavier looked completely flabbergasted. "Are you out of your damn mind?! I can't run this business! I can't replace you."

"I've taught you everything you need to know. And if you ever need me you know I'll be there for you," Jason placed his hands on his brother's shoulders, his eyes pleading. "Xavier, I'm begging you here. Please do this for me."

Ever since they were kids, Jason had always been there for Xavier. He was always there, watching his back and showing him the ropes. When he needed him most, Jason was there no matter what. Xavier didn't want to let that support go, but he couldn't refuse his brother's request. Jason never asked him for much, so he couldn't say no. Besides, helping Jason leave the business would guarantee his brother a safe and happy life with Mia.

"If this is what you really want... then fine. I'll take the business off of your hands," Xavier then tried to cover up his emotions and crossed his arms, acting nonchalant. He scoffed. "Though I don't understand why you would give this all up for some girl."

Jason chuckled and slung an arm around Xavier's shoulders. "You'll understand one day when you meet a great girl."

Kori's eyes were half lidded and her chin rested in the palm of her hand. Sitting besides her was Gar, who's expression was one of boredom. He released a yawn and pinched himself to get rid of the weary feeling that was weighing him down. Next to Gar sat Vic and Karen. The couple were leaning against each other, both of them looking rather sleepy. Raven looked at her watch and sighed.

"And so then, I reached out to get the Fall Out Boy album and our hands touched! It was magical. I looked into his eyes and he looked into mines. We just clicked!" gushed Dick's new girlfriend Janet, a girl with green eyes and brunette hair. She smiled at Dick and took his hand.

"Wow... that's, uh... That's really romantic." Raven said dryly. Janet's tale of how she met Dick had been long and boring, but Raven was too bored to be rude.

"Well if you liked that story, you'll just love the story of our first date," Janet replied, smiling brightly. "Do you want me to tell it to you?"

"NO!" Karen, Vic and Gar shouted simultaneously.

Janet shrugged and smiled. She picked up her drink and took a sip, only to realize that her cup was empty. "Aw, I'm all outta pop."

"Here," Dick passed his drink to his girlfriend. "You can have my soda."

"Dick, that is so sweet of you!" Janet leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek. She pulled away and had a dazed expression on her face. She cupped Dick's face in her hands and latched her lips on to his, kissing him deeply. Dick returned her affections fully and wrapped his arms around her.

The others had dumbfounded expressions on their faces.

Vic was the first one to snap out of it. He had a suggestive look on his face when he turned his head towards Karen. "Hey--"

"Don't even think about it." Karen cut him off briskly. Vic sighed and leaned against his chair, pouting.

Kori rose from her seat. She had just about enough of watching Dick with his new girlfriend. She had better things to do than watch Dick suck faces with some girl. "I'm going home."

Gar frowned and turned to Raven. "How come she gets to go?"

Dick pulled away long enough to utter a few words. "See you later, Kori."

"Yeah... later." Kori replied softly, leaving the fast good restaurant. Once she was outside, it took all her willpower not to cry out in frustration.

Freshman year was getting closer to it's end and Xavier couldn't be happier. The ending of the school year was something he had been looking forward to. His life was in a mix after his older brother left and he was drained. It was to be suspected, after all he was in charge of a business now. Regardless, he just couldn't wait to get home and crash on to his bed. Unfortunately for him, he still had yet to require his own wheels, which meant he had to walk.

Xavier showed no complaints as he walked down the street. He came across a empty street and looked both ways. Once he was given the all clear he walked inside the white lines and crossed. Upon his way he accidently bumped shoulders with a girl. She had long red hair and emerald green eyes. Xavier instantly recognized her from school. She was Kori Anders.

"Sorry." Kori murmured.

"No problem." Xavier said absently and he walked faster, finally reaching the sidewalk. He glanced over at Kori who was still crossing the street. Xavier didn't know her well, but he was pretty sure she was upset about something. That's when something caught Xavier's eye.

Kori sighed as she crossed the street. She was troubled, and it had caused her to accidently bump into someone while crossing the street.

Kori shook her head and tried to get her mind off of things, namely, get her mind off of Dick. Dick Grayson, her best friend and secret crush had just got himself another girlfriend. Kori thought the girl's name was Bella... or perhaps it was Beth. She honestly didn't know. Dick had become quite the playboy and it was hard to keep track of his monthly girlfriends.

Kori was in such deep thought she didn't notice the danger approaching her at high speed. There was a flash of light and Kori became frozen, like a deer caught in head lights, as a swaying car drove towards her.

That's when time seemed to tick abnormally, and Kori felt something pull at her waist.

The breath was knocked out of her and there was a sudden weight straddling her. Time seemed to move at its normal pace again.

Kori opened her eyes to see the same boy she bumped into earlier on top of her. He was mumbling something about stupid drunk drivers. He stopped his rant and looked down at her. His breath caught in his throat and his eyes widened.

"Cute..."

"Pardon?"

He blushed a furious red and got off of her, helping her up. The boy cleared his throat and managed to gain some cool. "I asked what your name was."

Kori shook her head, still feeling slightly frazzled. "Oh... Kori Anders."

"Well, Kori, let's get out of the street before another car comes by," she nodded and followed him to the side walk. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am." Kori answered softly, staring at him. This boy seemed so familiar.

"That's good." he said with relief. Why he felt relief over her well being, he did not know.

"Don't I know you," she said while walking around him in a circle. Xavier rose a brow at her antics. "Ah-ha! Now I recognize you. We go to the same high school."

"Yeah, we do," Xavier said as he began to walk away. "See ya."

"Wait," Kori cried. She couldn't let him leave. She had to know the name of her rescuer. "You didn't tell me your name."

"Xavier Red." and then he walked away.

The day ended and a new one began. Xavier did his usual routine, which was school, but today was different for him. He couldn't get the red-head he met yesterday out of his head. Why was he thinking about her? He didn't know.

The bell rang, announcing the end of the school day, and Xavier went to his locker to gather his things. He absently stuffed his books inside his book-bag but stopped when someone tapped his shoulder. Xavier turned around and became face to face with flowers...?

The flowers were moved to the side to reveal the red-head that plagued his thoughts.

"Kori?" he didn't plan on seeing her anytime soon.

"I got these for you," Kori said, handing him the bouquet. "It's a thank you gift for saving my life yesterday. Thank you."

Xavier accepted the flowers and rose a brow. "You're welcome, but... I'm a guy. We don't usually do flowers unless it's the other way around," he handed the bouquet back to her. "Here, you keep them."

Kori colored slightly, embarrassed. She wanted to do something nice to repay her rescuer. Of all the things to mess up... "I guess I should have gotten you chocolates instead."

Xavier narrowed his eyes slightly. He couldn't understand why this girl was being so kind to him. No one in this school was kind to him because of the reputation he had. The only ones nice to him were his friends. "Aren't you afraid?"

Kori blinked, baffled. "Of chocolate?"

"No," Xavier sighed, slightly frustrated. "Of me. I'm Xavier Red. You know what people say about me right? That I roll in gangs and shoot up places and do drugs."

"Well... It's all just rumors right?"

No, they weren't rumors. Well, the shooting up places was half true, not really. He only fired a gun once, and that was by accident, and it was in an abandoned warehouse. But the doing drugs part was a complete lie.

Xavier gazed into Kori's emerald eyes. He saw how sweet and innocent and beautiful this girl before him was. She was being so kind to him... He couldn't tell her the truth.

"Yeah, it's all rumors."

"Then there's no reason for me to be scared of you," Kori said simply. "Besides, you saved my life. You must be a good person."

Xavier was taken back by her response. Either she was naive or really trusting. "Thank you."

"So, now that we reached an understanding, let me buy you pizza," Kori said, wearing a broad smile. She was still determined to thank the one who saved her. "It's the least I can do."

Xavier paused. He had no plans for today, and he was hungry... "Okay then."

"Yay! Let's go." Kori grabbed his hand and pulled him along. Xavier couldn't help but smile at her.

"You're something else cutie." Xavier blushed at his words. That last word had accidently slipped out.

"Cutie?" Kori rose a brow.

Xavier felt like an idiot at the current moment. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean--"

Kori giggled, not at all offended. "Cutie, huh? I like it."

Xavier smiled.

SPECIAL THANKS TOO Dancing-StarFrenzy, MathGeek1o1, Koriand'r Grayson, katara12171, jcyz, BerryDrops, cookiegurl15, featherpen13, TerraBB4Eva, Ace.04, Affinitive, superanimated, RavenSis, happyjoyclub, cookiesruletheworld, tennisgal456, ElementalMaster1304 AND .Spaz-attack101 FOR THE AWESOME REVIEWS. YOU ARE ALL SO GREAT AND I COULDN'T ASK FOR BETTER SUPPORT. I HOPED YOU ALL LIKED THIS CHAPTER, SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG.

AND THAT'S HOW KORI AND XAVIER MET.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: TO THOSE WHO READ Hanging By A Moment, THERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT POLL ON MY PROFILE THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK AT.

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