Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Teen Titans.
Kory
She tossed in her bed, cursing at the bothersome light that illuminated her room. Kory didn't need her alarm to summon her out of her slumber, the loud tapping outside her bedroom door was beating it to it. She groaned, the last thing she wanted now were visitors.
Yesterday proved to be a busy day for her. After receiving some reprimand from her friends for not returning to Duncan's party, she was forced to tell the girls about the whole charade with Dick. It wasn't surprising when Bee warned her of Dick's "real" intentions, while Terra laughed it off. They promised not to mention their negotiation to anyone, mainly because of the guilt they felt when they pressured her into taking Goldie out in the first place. In the end, they just hoped she knew exactly what she was getting herself into.
"Kory!" called Gar, followed by another tap on the door. She smothered herself with her pillow, trying to drown out his voice. "I'm coming in so you better be decent!" He knew she had the tendency to sleep in nothing but her undergarments and the mere thought of his almost-naked best friend was an iffy one for him.
Giving up on getting any more sleep, she sat up in her bed, yawning. "Gar, shut up and come in."
"Nice 'tude, sleeping beauty," he teased as he walked through the door.
"A-ha-ha-ha. Nice humor." She rearranged her ponytail which she managed to dishevel through the night.
He took off his green baseball cap and rested it on her nightstand, revealing a mess of wavy blond hair. He made himself comfortable on the purple beanbag chair she kept by her bed. "So have you heard?"
"What? That you're the destroyer of peaceful sleep." She yawned, emphasizing her point.
He ignored her comment. "That I'm a working stiff now."
"Great," she began. "Now let's see how long you manage to stay one." She gave him one of her bright-as-a-bulb smiles and got out of bed. She needed a change of clothes and began digging around in her walk-in closet.
"Your vote of confidence in me is noted," he replied sardonically. "So don't come crying to me when you need a loan." Before she could come back with a retort, he asked, "Now tell me again about this thing your supposed to be doing tonight."
Quickly, she peeked out past the closet door, wondering who spilled their guts about Dick's party. "Who was it, Bee or Terra?"
"Bee. She doesn't trust this guy and I have to agree with her," he suggested, his protectiveness not going unnoticed. She closed the door to the closet, causing him to turn away as she was still in her revealing undergarments. "Will you put on some clothes already? Sheesh."
"Oh, relax," she said, throwing her clothes on the bed. Kory opted for a simple pair of athletic shorts and an old Gotham High t-shirt, something temporary until she could get into the shower and spare Gar any further embarrassment. "Listen, I need your help. Dick is taking me to this big fancy-schmancy gala tonight."
"Cause we're movin' on up..." he sang, the theme song fresh in his mind.
"Shut up, Gar," she interrupted, sounding as stressed as she felt. She changed the subject back to the gala. "The thing is I'm not sure how to act in a room full of self-absorbed snobs who just want to talk so they can hear themselves speak."
"Simple. Just act like Veronica Carlson after having her new Italian suede boots ruined by grape soda." He nodded, "And I say that from personal experience."
Kory struggled to get her shirt on, making a face when he mentioned the most stuck up girl in their high school. "I'd rather be boiled alive in a sea of oil."
"Why don't you try acting like yourself. That'll piss them off more than anything." He blinked back at her death glare. "What?" he shrugged. "It's a compliment."
"Oh," she remembered, rushing back to her closet. "I wanted the best looking ensemble," she mentioned from inside her closet. "So Bee came over yesterday and..." She reappeared with an over-sized garment bag and a huge smile. "I need to know what you think. Be honest."
She undid the zipper and brought out a beautiful strapless full length gown in a classy basic-black satin. It was impressive with its a-line skirting and special detailing at the waistline, displaying an exquisite pattern of beads which formed a belt circling around the dress. It was bound to bring attention to Kory's curvaceous figure, she thought.
"So," she inquired, "what do you think?"
"It's uh...it's black."
"And?"
"And...it's nice?"
"That's it? That's all you're going to say? Gar, this is an amazing gown. Heaven would be impressed with this gown."
"What am I supposed to say? I'm a guy. Talk to me if you need advice on video games, cheat codes or scary movies. Not fancy party dresses." He shook his head. "Looks like that set you back a pretty penny. Where'd you get it?"
"It's on loan. Bee's mother let me borrow it. She knew I fell in love with it when she came to one of Daddy's corporate parties he hosted. So I have to be very careful with it." She put it back into the garment bag slowly, careful not to get the zipper stuck on the gown, then back into her closet for safe keeping.
There was an echo of a laugh coming from downstairs and she turned to Gar. "Someone downstairs?"
He grinned slyly at Kory, "Did I forget to mention I brought Leon with me?"
Her green eyes reamed with shock and she swooped over to her bedroom door, opening it just enough to listen. "Gar," she whispered, "why didn't you say anything? Leon's been downstairs the whole time?"
"Hey, he insisted on waiting for you downstairs." Just as she was about to head out of the room, another fit of laughter sounded, only this time it included a feminine chuckle followed by what appeared to be a girl's voice.
"Wait," she listened in closer, "who's downstairs with him?"
"That would be Koma. Who do you think let us in?"
Kory exchanged a look with Gar. She focused her ear on their conversation below. She couldn't believe that the pair seemed to share some sort of chemistry. Bewildered, "But they're hitting it off," she told him, trying to understand Koma's sudden interest in Leon, or any man for that matter.
"Probably a little too well, if you know what I mean," he wiggled his eyebrows.
"I mean, she and Leon?" Kory shook her head, "No way," still not picturing the two having anything in common. "Koma doesn't like anyone. Well, anyone of the opposite sex. Not after what Jeffrey did."
"Give me a break. It's because he's foreign," he spurned, not understanding the big whoopee about why women go crazy for foreign men. "Hey," he paused, "I wonder if women in other countries go crazy for us, Americans?" he pondered.
"Or maybe she's just ready to start trusting men again," she suggested otherwise, killing his theory. "But why Leon?"
"Doesn't that bother you? I know you have a thing for him."
"I do, but if it helps her to start realizing that not every guy out there is a cheating dog, then I'll step aside. As much as I like Leon, I love my sister even more. Besides, I think she really needs this more than I do."
Gar seemed doubtful, but he told her, "I might not understand why you do the things you do, but you have a heart of gold."
She squealed in blissful excitement when she was met with even louder laughs from the two downstairs. "Alright, Gar. It's time for a little fun."
Gar sighed, already knowing what was running inside that match-making head of hers. "Oh, man," he whined, "what are we going to do?"
She grabbed his hand, leading them out of her bedroom. "Will you just come on?"
"You know what, Kory? It's your little fun that has you going to this stupid ball in the first place."
In her parent's bedroom, she looked into the full-body mirror and dusted off any imaginary lent from Mrs. Beecher's black strapless gown, blowing a sigh of relief. She turned slightly to the left, catching a glimpse of her backside. It hugged around her just the way she had hoped and emphasized her body in all the right places. Her mother's chandelier earrings accentuated her petite ears while the matching diamond necklace that draped around her neck added some classic glamour to her gown.
It had been a little under an hour ago since her friends had helped in putting the final touches of her makeup. Kory decided the smoky effect for her eyes would deem dramatic and sultry, which would highlight the green of her eyes. She felt at the black silk headband, making sure it was set firmly in her hair, which was styled into an updated French twist, and her bangs side-swept off her face.
She smiled into the mirror, satisfied.
The sound of the doorbell chimed and she moved to the window, seeing Dick's Tahoe parked in the driveway. "He's here," she anticipated, running back to the mirror. "He's here." She dabbed herself with one of her mother's expensive perfumes.
Before heading downstairs, she gave herself one last look before turning to her pet ferret who laid on her parent's bed. "Here we go, Silkie," she exhaled. "If he likes what he sees, then Momma's going to be one happy girl. If he doesn't-" The doorbell chimed again and she tried her best to hurry down the stairs in her gown.
For once, her father wasn't around to embarrass her with one of his tedious interrogations about where and with whom she would be going. She reached the front door and opened it to find Dick, in the midst of putting up his cell inside the pocket of his tuxedo, already trying to explain why he was ten minutes late.
"I'm sorry I'm late, but…" he stopped when he looked at his date for the first time that night. He stared incessantly, not even trying to finish his explanation. He stood there silent, tongue-tied from the sheer immersion of her appearance.
"What?" She gazed down to her gown, fearing she had over-dressed for the gala. "You said it was formal, right?"
"No," he shook his head."It's that…you look enchanting."
She smiled a toothy smile. "Thank you. I aim to please." She watched as he walked closer, noticing how different he looked in his tuxedo. "And you, Mr. Grayson, are incomparable."
They linked arms, both with big smiles on their faces as Dick escorted her down the path and to his car, awaiting what the night would hold. Just as she was about to hoist herself up to the passenger seat, he stopped her. "Hey, Kory?"
She turned around. "Yes?"
"I'd just like to say, thanks. If there's anyone I'd rather be by me…it's you."
She glanced at him, touched by his sincerity. "Don't ever feel like you have to thank me. I wanted to do this." She placed a hand on his shoulder, "I mean, even if Daddy's car wasn't at stake, I wouldn't think twice about helping you."
If there was ever a time she looked more beautiful, it was now. The sun was setting slowly and its rays were making its way down onto the splendid beauty before him, casting a dreamlike glow upon her.
"So prince charming," she tapped a finger under his chin, "let's go find your Cinderella."
Dick
Dick hated elevators, especially crowded ones that stopped every ten seconds to pick up new passengers. Kory remained beside him, tilting her head near his ear. "Are you alright? You seem nervous," she whispered as softly as she could.
"I just want things to go well," he answered in an equally low hum.
Kory smiled one of those smiles that would make you think you were the most important person in the world. Again, she whispered, "Don't worry." Her hand rested on his chest while the other ran a couple of fingers clear up and down his back as they waited, and he gave her a look of appreciation. "Everything's going to be fine."
He returned the sentiment and nodded. His eyes looked around the elevator, catching sight of Mr. Mitchell Ashbrooke, the Vice Chairman of Finance for the Metropolitan Bank of Gotham. Old enough to be her father, the man studied Kory's physique even as his wife stood by in an oblivious stupor. It wasn't until he gazed up to Dick's cold stare that he immediately looked away.
He must not have paid attention to the motion of the elevator stopping but viewed as people quickly shuffled out, indicating they had finally reached their floor. "Showtime," Kory sang, tugging at his sleeve as they headed out.
Once inside the ballroom, they were met with a string orchestra and hordes of guests, some drunk on their fifth of liquor, some dancing to the graceful piece being played. Kory was struck with excitement at the parade of life to and fro, leading Dick through the crowd. "This place is amazing." The men wore their tuxedos gallantly, while the women by their sides were gracious with every step. Unfortunately, the pretense would stop there once the guests opened their mouth to speak total nonsense.
Dick guessed that he would have seen her by now, but had yet to see any sign of his ex-girlfriend's arrival. An ominous feeling crept up his spine, possibly from the guilt of continuing their charade. "Kory, maybe we shouldn't do this tonight. I think-"
"No," she insisted. "Honey, it's just your nerves. This will work but you can't quit now. Just remember what I told you." She straightened his collar, even when he seesawed his gaze as he turned to look for Babs. She reminded him of the rules again. "If you talk to her, keep it short. Less is more. Always leave her wanting more. And remember, the ball is in your court now. If she thinks you're still interested, she'll use it to her advantage."
"Her advantage? I don't think Babs plays that way."
"Dick," she stressed, hoping he would be smart not to fall for any of his ex-girlfriend's tricks tonight, "I'm going to say this in the least...harshest way I can. You gave this woman total reign of your relationship. You did everything she wanted you to and-"
"Our relationship wasn't like that, Kory."
She stared, unsure of how exactly to respond to his offense. "Look, love just doesn't work that way."
"How does it work then?"
"It's like," she thought, "like...like a beating heart. It needs health and it needs balance for it to survive, or it'll die like everything else."
He waited a moment to analyze her theory before asking, "Tell me, do all girls really believe in these distorted games?"
"All girls? No. Definitely not all girls. But from the high-end selection of socialites we have here tonight?" Her eyes did a big scan around the ballroom, "Mostly. Now go." She turned him around to face the dancing guests. "Mingle and find your dream girl," she whispered in his ear.
He walked away from her, looking back a few times to catch her playfully shooing him into the crowd. He wasn't sure about leaving her to mingle with the partygoers. Albeit, some were actually very pleasant, yet some Dick wished he could just avoid for Kory's sake. Yes, he was already used to their behavior, but he wasn't' fond of the idea of Kory having to interact with some of the sullen people or the notion of any euphemisms that might be thrown her way.
After catching up with some familiar faces and a drink later, he made his way towards the other end of the ballroom. He placed an empty goblet on the tray of the nearest waiter, "Thanks."
To him, it seemed that everyone, coming and going, seemed to have their minds set on something. He felt left out, as if he really had no reason to be there. He couldn't explain as to why his eyes fixed on her, or how she managed a comely smile on her face. Kory was enjoying herself, he could tell. As was her company, who seemed taken with her among minutes. After all, he lived through the experience himself days before. He was aware of the effect this young woman could have on a given person.
He saw a small hand wave directed his way. Though he felt displeased with having to separate himself from her, he smiled and waved back.
Not long after, he felt a pat on his back and he turned to find Bruce stepping forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with his ward. He held a slight grin on his face. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Wanting to see if you were enjoying yourself, Dick."
He shrugged, "No more than usual at these functions. You know that."
"That's what I was expecting to you to say."
"How about yourself?"
"Content," Bruce answered with a small nod. He did a quick survey of the area. "I think I invited too many guests. It's impossible for me to find Ollie and I need to speak with him concerning a certain matter before the night is over."
"Last time I spoke with him, ol' man Findley came up behind us suggesting that it was the city's strategy all along to partner with the state in increasing..." he waved off, "something and whatnot. I don't know, I drowned it him out."
"Well, it was his choice to run for mayor." Almost immediately Bruce motioned with his head up ahead. "Speaking of the devil himself." He headed out to Ollie's direction but backstepped, leaning in to Dick's ear. "It wouldn't hurt you to work the room a bit," he advised before leaving Dick to stand alone.
It was then that he viewed Kory walk around the couple she was conversing with and began making her way back to him. That was until she stopped in her tracks after feeling a tap on her shoulder by none other than Roy Harper. He felt his throat tighten at the sight.
Now Roy was a good friend, as friends go. They were the same in many ways, which is probably why they were just as competitive with everything there was to be competitive about. Yet they were mildly different. Roy was a recovering alcoholic and heroin user, but with the help of his friends and mentor, Ollie, he remained clean and sober for six months and counting. But that wasn't what worried him. He was a self-proclaimed ladies' man and that was the minuscule reason why Dick's stomach began unsettling, especially after seeing Kory emit a small laugh.
She was too nice and smart a girl to get caught up in Roy's playboy web. Dick didn't expect for their chat to go on as long as it did, but then again, he didn't expect to become protective of her in such a short time either. Another feeling he wasn't too comfortable with.
He knew he had to intervene before Roy pulled his signature "oh, wait...you seem to have something on your cheek," move, which then would end in a sultry stroke of her cheek. In essence, it was only a reason to touch the poor girl. He shook his head at Roy's idiocy and made his way to the pair.
"Dick," he thought he heard but saw no one familiar in the crowd around him and continued on ahead. He stopped after feeling a gentle touch on his arm.
Babs
She caught a glimpse of the grandiose clock that hung in the middle of the ballroom for the fourth time that night. Her date was late again and she was left to deal with the whispers from guests, some of who had already questioned her on the status of her date. She wondered how she must have appeared to everyone and the thought made her lips tighten into a scowl.
She watched a steady stream of people coming and going all around her, but it was one guest in particular that caught her interest. Babs had to do a double take; he looked so becoming standing there donned in his classic tuxedo, his hair set perfectly in place. She used a moment to laugh to herself. Despite being raised by a lothario like Bruce Wayne, he never did acquire his need for expensive suits, or other pursuits of pleasurable activities. He retained his modesty, a trait she felt must have run straight through his Romanian blood.
The last thing Babs wanted was for things to be uncomfortable between them. She could only imagine how hurt Dick must have felt that day at the restaurant. She thought against acting on Helena's advice but she had to admit that they were growing apart and both wanted different things. Still, she couldn't deny the strong feelings that lingered, and seeing him now didn't help alleviate her decision.
Babs turned away the idea at first but ultimately decided that engaging in a hearty conversation with Dick would be in good gesture. Besides, Bruce had just left his side and he stood alone a good twenty feet away.
"Dick," she called, though with the noisy chatter and string orchestra playing in the background, she doubt he heard his name.
It seemed that his attention lay elsewhere, especially when he began walking towards its direction. Before he could escape, she tried calling a bit more louder. "Dick!" She got close behind him, grabbing at his arm before he could get too far out of reach.
At the sudden touch of his arm, he turned and formed a small grin, "Babs."
"Dick, I'm glad I ran into you," she smiled, eyeing him up and down. "You look terrific."
He took hold of her hand and kept her at arm's length as she did a slow twirl, allowing him to take in her gown. "Don't you look beautiful tonight," he complimented.
She gazed down to her own navy chiffon gown and undid the matching sash around her shoulders. "Thank you, darlin'," she tried in her best Transatlantic accent. "You always were a gentleman." She teased him with a swat of her sash but saw that he was preoccupied with something in the far distance.
She followed his gaze but all it led to was Roy Harper and a redheaded woman, presumably the playboy's date. "Look at him at work." She clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "The man never gives up. And she's not much better."
Dick raised an eyebrow and she suddenly wished she hadn't said that. "Why do you say that?"
"Well, I don't mean to be rude but...come on, Dick. With a nickname like 'master romancer', who really expects Roy's dates to have an attention span higher than a rock."
"I've spoken with her and she seems extremely nice."
"Oh, Dick. You'd walk through fire before speaking ill of anyone."
"Speaking of which," he said, switching to a more interesting topic, "when do I get to meet your date?"
"Oh, him...he's late," she excused, fidgeting with her diamond bracelet. "Just one of the drawbacks of dating a collegiate boxer."
"Oh, so he boxes. That's interesting."
"Can you believe he's never lost a college match?" she mentioned, waiting for him to be impressed. "...And he's led his team to the NCAA team title," she added.
Dick wanted to chuckle. It seemed like Babs was trying a little too hard to faze him with her beau's athletic abilities. "Sounds like you've found yourself a winner there, Babs."
She leaned in a little closer to him, whispering, "Don't look now but that girl is coming this way..."
"Hey, gorgeous," she joined the couple, giving Dick a kiss on the cheek. "I missed you."
Too shocked to speak, Babs looked to Dick, who saw the opportunity and seized it. He said, "Didn't seem like it, the way you were hanging on Roy's every word like that."
Kory gazed over to Babs, giggling. "He always does this." She placed a hand on his chest and leaned in closer to him. "He pretends to act jealous."
'It's not an act' he mouthed playfully to his ex-girlfriend.
"Don't worry. I promise to make up for it later." Inches away from his cheek, Kory whispered, "And if you're lucky, I'll only bite a little."
Babs fixated her gaze on Kory's lips, on their proximity to his face and used all her strength to not scream out in horror.
Kory looked back to Babs. "Oh, I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself."
"No, here," Dick offered. "Let me." He held a protective arm around Kory's waist as he introduced the two. "Babs Gordon, this is Kory Anders." Babs was on the verge of smiling until he added, "My girlfriend."
Kory smiled and brought up a hand, "Nice to meet you, Babs. Dick has had nothing but great things to say about you." She blinked cutely from what bangs flowed in her face.
"You...you, too." She was thoroughly confused but enveloped her hand just long enough for a quick handshake before quickly letting go. "Sooo..." she drew out the word, "how long have you two been dating?"
"Actually," he exchanged a look with Kory, "we just sort of ran into each other some days ago." Kory giggled at the hidden meaning of Dick's words.
The sound of her laughter was like nails to a chalkboard, Babs thought.
"There was this instant attraction between us, you know?" Kory explained. "Have you ever had that with someone? Where right there and then, you just knew they were meant for you?"
Babs looked to Dick before looking back to her, "As a matter of fact, I have."
Kory placed her head gently on his shoulder, "Well, that's us."
Babs, in opposition, grounded her teeth at the thought of her anywhere near Dick. Her defensive disposition was trying to take over.
He glanced into Kory's pools of green, smiling affectionately. "Actually, I was about to tell Babs how just about everyone here simply can't keep their eyes off of you."
She turned to Babs, thinking of more invented signs to show for her affection for Dick. "Isn't he just the most adorable thing you've ever seen?" She moved in and kissed his lower jaw softly.
Now Dick knew this wasn't the right time nor the right place, but every time Kory touched him with her lips, that spark she created, it was overwhelming. He never had this kind of stimulation with Babs and as she stared at him now, it plagued him to feel this way. He also wasn't comfortable with the look of hurt in her eyes. A wave of guilt came over him and he decided it'd be best if they part ways now. "Oh, before I forget," he looked to Kory, "Bruce wanted to introduce us to some of his colleagues." Not that he was lying, Bruce did mention it to him when he first arrived.
"Oh, anything you say, honey." She chose to hold his hand.
"Babs, it was nice running into you," he said. "Maybe when your date arrives, you can introduce us."
She compressed her body. "Yeah, sure."
"Well, enjoy the rest of the party."
"Again, it was great meeting you, Babs," Kory said before giving her back to Babs, following Dick as he led the way.
She stood there with her champagne glass in hand, without any choice but to watch the two lovers stroll away. As if Kory's chattering giggles weren't enough, the simple motioning of her arm around his taut waist almost made her go into convulsions. During their conversation, she knew she'd almost would have lost it if Dick hadn't summoned her away.
Footsteps were heard behind her and she noticed her good friend, Dinah, had walked up beside her. "Who was that?" she asked, indicating the couple with whom she had just spoke with.
"That would be Kory," she emphasized through clenched teeth. "His new girlfriend."
"Wow."
Babs turned to her friend, "What does that mean?"
"Nothing. I was only-"
"What am I? Chopped liver?"
"Stop it. You know that's not what I meant. Besides, you know Dick. It's never about looks with him."
"You're still not helping here."
"Hey, why should you care about Dick or his new girlfriend? You've got a guy, remember?" she reminded her.
"Really? Where is he then?" she waved around the ballroom.
"He told you he would be late. He has an important match tonight."
Babs sighed. "He knew I needed him here with me and he couldn't even be bothered to skip one stupid match. It's like I don't even matter to him," Babs complained, raising her voice more than she should have.
"You knew this when you started seeing him."
"At least with Dick, he was always there when I needed him."
"Newsflash. You dumped him, remember?" Dinah turned to the direction of the couple. "And it looks like he really likes this girl."
"No, he doesn't." Babs shook her head. "Clearly, he's still hurt by what I did to him, and he's using her as a way to get back at me. It's so cliché, it's sad."
"You don't know that."
"I think I know Dick just a little bit better than you. He may look happy with her, but he's not. Who knows? Maybe I'll fix this, or maybe I won't."
"And where does your hunky boxer fare in all of this?"
"I don't know," she flustered. "He's so amazing, Dinah. He brings out this side of me that I didn't know I had. Something that Dick hasn't been able to do for a long time. He's everything that I was missing with Dick. But seeing him now, I just don't know. I can't decide who I want. Can't I have them both?"
"No," Dinah warned sternly, "so you better decide soon." The woman looked over to the dancing couple, "because any sooner and those two will be on their way down the aisle."
Dick
Kory squealed with laughter once they were out of Babs' earshot. "You were fantastic!"
"Me? What about you? I think you should be in the standing for an Oscar award. I mean, did you see her face?" he joked.
"Are you kidding? I bet she's still thinking of ways to maim me." She took a fast look behind her.
"Babs might be a little on the vengeful side but I wouldn't count on it."
The orchestra changed to a soft romantic waltz by Schubert. With the change in music, Dick paused suddenly and watched Kory, which caused her to blink back with a puzzled look before she felt him gather her hands for a dance. "Come here," he said just below a whisper.
"Ooh, are we dancing now?"
For the first couple of minutes, Kory swayed with Dick during their waltz, both in sync in their movement. So soft, gentle and romantic, she resisted the urge to lay her head along his shoulder. As she rounded in step, she received a clear view of Babs and her friend for a quick second before she turned again. They continued around the dance floor following in a line of dance, but even with their backs towards them, Kory knew the women kept a close leer on them as they waltzed and she quickly gathered an idea.
Smirking playfully, "Green envy at two o'clock."
"Huh?" Dick stopped dancing and tried looking over his shoulder, trying to gather what she was talking about.
"Don't look!" Immediately, Kory pulled his face back. "They're checking us out, but I have an idea." She gathered his face in her hands. "Now, I'm going to need you to do something."
"Sure, what?"
Nonchalantly, she ordered, "Kiss me."
"Wh-what?" he stuttered, looking directly at her with an apprehensive stare.
"Plant one on my lips." She knew he was a little nervous but easily persuaded him. "Come on, honey. Don't be nervous. You knew it was bound to happen in our little charade."
"I'm not nervous. I've done this plenty of times."
"Oh, an expert," Kory returned. "Good. Show me."
Dick swallowed a small gulp but after seeing her confidence about this, motioned himself closer to her lips until she placed her index finger over his mouth, "-and try not to fall in love," she teased with a wink.
He moved in quickly until there was no space between them. His dauntless lips occupied hers with a tender pace that he found Kory melting into it as well. Oh, how amazing it felt that it instantly escalated into something more passionate and meaningful.
Had the orchestra not stopped their musical number, soon followed by a horrendous applause, there would have been nothing to stop them. They quickly pulled apart and Dick, lost within the kiss itself, uttered what came into his mind. "That was unbelievable." He spoke in almost a trance but no sooner cleared his throat, correcting himself. "I mean believable. It was believable."
Thankfully for him, she hadn't heard him mumble his mistake. "You weren't kidding." Still dazed and confused, she lifted her hand to her lips, not expecting to have had such a kiss. "You are an expert." Now Kory had been kissed many times before, heck she even kissed Toni once on a dare, but never quite with such a torrent of promise.
She looked around the ballroom, thumbing to her left. "I've got to go."
"You want to leave?"
"No to…the…the ladies' room," she managed to say, still choked up on their kiss. "I need to go freshen up a bit."
He nodded, trying not to look as embarrassed as he felt. "Alright. I'll be at our table when you get back."
She signaled a go-ahead and turned, heading away from the center of the dance floor. Dick was about leave to take his seat but heard her shuffle her feet back.
She had returned, "It's the other way," she stuttered and ambled in the opposite direction.
He grinned with a teasing nod, wondering if she was just as stupefied as he was. He watched her leave before heading to their table.
Helena + Kitten
Helena puffed her face with another application of her powder. "I'll be glad when this night is over."
"Exactly," Kitten said, staring at her reflection in the ladies' room mirror. "Mr. Bethany tried groping me during a dance. The old pervert." She rubbed a finger over her lips, resetting the color of her lip stain. "Oh, did you see that atrocious woman with Dick tonight? Who is she?"
"From what I hear, they've been dating for awhile," Helena answered. She opened her clutch bag and took out a crimson lipstick. "Probably started seeing her while he was with Babs."
"Can you blame him? Babs seems like such a bore."
"Kitten, you're talking about one of my dearest friends." She halted from putting a fresh coat of lipstick after seeing her friend direct an offended look her way, "I didn't say I denied it."
Quickly the two burst into laughter. "What was he thinking of bringing someone like that to such a classy event?"
"It wasn't what he was thinking of, as oppose to what he was thinking with." The ladies made a playful push against the other, abstracted by their humor. Helena put away her makeup and gazed at Kitten through the mirror. "But best of all, did you see the look on Babs' face?" She brought a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle an arrogant chuckle. "I loved it."
"You're so bad, Helena. But you don't actually think he's serious about that woman, do you?"
"Of course not. It's absurd to even think it. She's not even in our class, darling."
"Neither was Babs but he still dated her."
"Honestly, Kitten. Did you not see her hair? A typical hair chameleon. That has got to be the worst coloring job I've ever seen. And do not get me started on those eyes."
"Contacts, no doubt. No one has that color." Kitten reached into her purse and pulled out a twenty dollar bill along with small wrapper which contained some white powdery substance. She rolled up the bill into a thin cylindrical shape.
"But what's worse are those breasts." They chuckled, agreeing. "I suppose the doctor couldn't get the D's placed in there correctly," she finished with a loud laugh. "I'm sure they've seen more cutting than a butcher knife. It's a shame," she said, wiping away the excess lip color that had made its way past her lips. "You always do get what you paid for."
Kitten nodded with a giggle before leaning down towards the counter, inhaling the powder that was lined in a small row. Afterward, she sniffled and rubbed away what was left under her nose. "Doesn't Dick realize she's only after his inheritance?"
"Well, whatever. He could have had me for free." She could feel her anger flare at the thought of Dick's rejection, or how her affection for him had went unreciprocated all these years. "She looks like a common prostitute," Helena ridiculed.
"Now that's not fair, Helena. At least prostitutes have the decency to ask for the money upfront."
The two women laughed again but stopped in unison once the sound of a bathroom stall opened. They exchanged a look at the patter of unexpected heels hitting the floor, wondering why the other hadn't bothered to check if they were alone. The women remained silent as the butt of their insults casually walked over and stood in between the two. Kory turned on the water faucet and proceeded to wash her hands with the sanitizer, all insults now foreign to her ears.
The two socialites continuously held the most fearful countenances, choosing to avoid looking in the mirror and away from each other. Other than the running water, it was so eerily quiet that Kory found herself missing the echo of their obnoxious laughs. She gazed up to the mirror, taking in both their reflections simultaneously. "Please ladies, don't stop on my account."
But the two remained silent, too demoralized to speak. Kory seesawed her gaze at the two speechless women who were too frightened to move an inch. She finished rinsing her hands and proceeded to dry them with a hotel monogrammed hand towel. Kory knew she wasn't going to get a peep, much less an apology out of these debutantes.
She turned and leaned against the black marble counter, crossing her arms as she stared coldly at the pair. "Oh, come on," she urged. "Dish some more. I just love girl talk, especially from two of the most cunning and loosest women I've ever had the unfortunate experience to meet." Still they said nothing. Kory scoffed at their cowardice with a smile. "And obviously scared shitless to say anything to my face now. Though I've never ever colored my hair," she looked to Helena, "and my eyes are genuine as they get." She looked to Kitten, "And my breasts," she said, cupping them over her dress in front of them, "are above average C's and yet, I didn't hear Dick complaining about these girls last night. Might be due to the fact that he was too busy moaning all night to say much."
Her face broke into a wide grin at the sight of the pair of socialites' opened mouths, obviously offended by her brazen gesture.
"Well. I. Never!" gasped Helena.
Kory stepped forward, affronting Helena whose body quivered from the intimidating redhead. "You think I'm going to hit you?" Kory's defying eyes never faltered, steadily watching as the other dark eyes blinked back in fright. Helena's frightened stare was answer enough. "Honey, that's beneath me. Just the same as you are under the bed sheets of every man that comes your way."
"Leave her alone!" Kitten squealed, on the verge of tears.
She rounded on Kitten and slowly made her way to her. "I'm sorry, Kitten was it?" The blond heiress had made the mistake of opening her mouth but she wasn't about to make it again. She said nothing, only nodded. "I'd take it easy with the fairy powder there. Its aging effects are already taking its toll on your face, dear."
Kitten gasped, bringing a hand to her face. She looked into the mirror and tried to view what imperfections the woman was referring to.
"Well," she clapped her hands, "I don't know about you gals, but I've had such a field day chatting with you. But we'll have to save the rest for later. You see, I have an unbelievable Dick waiting for me." She released an exaggerated giggle before pushing the door open and headed out.
Stunned by Kory's remarks, Helena pointed to the door frantically. "Can you believe that…that trollop?!" shouted Helena. "The horrible things she said to me!"
Kitten, still looking into the mirror, wrinkled her face as she was about to cry. "I don't look old!" she whined. "Helena, do I look old!?"
Ignoring her friend, she crossed her arms. "She's not getting away with this."
Kitten was about to reply but stopped at the sound of another stall opening. Helena quickly turned to its door wondering who had just heard the embarrassing details of their confrontation.
"This certainly is a first." Out appeared one of the outcasts, Rachel Roth.
Helena took a moment to recover from her shock before saying, "What do you want, witch on wheels? Shouldn't you be brewing dead rabbits in a cauldron somewhere?"
Rachel simply ignored her. "Dick's date just insulted you in the most indiscreet way and you bourgeois bitches said nothing. Well, she certainly meets my approval." Rachel sneered, leaving the two confused debutantes to ponder what on Earth just happened.
Dick
The dining tables were aligned in no particular order in the back of the grand ballroom and Dick had a time looking for their designated table as he skimmed through the name plates that were placed.
Not long after, an announcement had been made by the emcee that dinner was soon to be served. Gradually, the guests found their way to their own tables, leaving Dick to wonder why Kory still hadn't arrived from the ladies' room. Familiar faces had pulled up their chairs at Dick's table and he greeted them with a swift, "How are you tonight?" He had only hoped she'd find her way to their table soon. He would take an occasional glance to the direction of where his date had disappeared to, hoping to see any sign of red hair. And he did, only it wasn't the one he was expecting.
"Do you all mind if we join your table?" Babs' fingers folded around a chair and began pulling it out, though it was meant for another guest. But it was the man who joined her that caught Dick's eye. He didn't know what to expect upon meeting Babs' new beau but he knew he wasn't expecting this.
"We'd love for you to join us, Ms. Gordon," replied Mrs. Whimsley, wife of the former chief of cardiology at Gotham Memorial Center. "But I do believe that is Mr. McKenneth's seat."
"Yes, but Mr. McKenneth requested a seat at our table and asked us to exchange our reserved seating for his."
He didn't pay much attention to what was being said because his eyes were stuck on the couple like glue. Dick couldn't help but look him up and down, trying to figure just how much the man differed from himself. He was about three inches taller and had about fifty pounds on Dick. But it was his face that disturbed him.
For sure he was a boxer. Dick noted as the man, perhaps without thinking, lightly touched the scar above his right eye with his finger as though it were some sort of strange enigma he couldn't solve. After taking their seats, the man relaxed in his chair, resting a hand on the table as his fingers drummed along the white tablecloth, while the other pulled at his necktie, clearly not comfortable in his tuxedo.
Quite words and whispers were inaudible as the table talked amongst themselves, taking sporadic peeks at Babs' date before averting their gawks away due to the uneasiness of his bruises. There was a significant amount of tension between the pair, particularly when Dick heard the lovebirds' voices in a low hum but somehow he managed to catch most of it.
"I can't believe you blew me off again," she murmured under her breath. "You knew I wanted you to attend this ball with me."
"And I told you it was a championship game. I had to compete, so drop it." He felt at his lip, hoping the ointment he applied was working to heal the cut he received earlier in the match.
"Couldn't you have fixed yourself up before you left? You're embarrassing me in front of my friends. Everyone is going to think you were in some kind of street brawl, like a common thug."
The man strummed his fingers on the table with more force, perhaps to try and drown out Babs' scolding. "Do you actually think I care what your friends think about me?" He leaned in closer to her, whispering, "I didn't even want to come here, remember?"
And it was true. This was the last place he wanted to be right now. Rather than celebrating his team's win tonight with friends, beer, and a pizza, he was stuck in a room filled with stuffy old coots and lame debutantes. He looked around his table but paused for a moment at the sight of Dick, who kept a stifling gaze on him until he looked away when a woman appeared by his side.
"Sorry I'm late." The redheaded beauty leaned in and gave Dick a kiss on the cheek, then took her seat beside him. "You won't believe these melodramatic bimbos-"
Babs' date had barely raised off his seat, his gray eyes fully focused on the girl who had just sat down at their table. "Kory?"
She turned at the sound of her name. "Oh. My..." Kory brushed back her bangs, thinking her eyes were deceiving her. "Xavier?"
Yeah that's right, I'm still alive and kicking. Sorry about the long update but yeah, you know how it goes. And now Xavier has entered the picture, what could this possibly mean…hmm? I'll just say that he and Kory will have an interesting relationship…I hope.
Now is the time where I thank my readers, all the loyal ones along with the new reviewers, who so graciously wrote a little something which encourages me to keep writing: nadiagirl, Stormy Midnight, xXxQuothxXx, plexus, lauren1991
All of you, repeat or new, are equally awesome and I can't thank you guys enough. Oh and nadiagirl, in case you're reading, I hope the first chapter was to your liking. Until next chapter…