DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Teen Titans characters, or the DC Comic Characters. Nor any of the brand names found in this story!

Summary: Kori Anders, news reporter, has seen a lot in her time. With the recent killing of civilians, Kori is putting away her papers, and testing out her investigation skills. Not only worrying about becoming the next target, she is worrying about her old flame Richard Grayson who seems to be appearing a lot more often, especially when she is with billionaire and rival to Bruce Wayne, Slade Wilson. Who is killing the people and will Kori be next? Oh, and who is Nightwing?

- - - - - - -

Eight

Kori felt nervous as she rung the door to the Wayne Manor. She felt herself biting her lip and looking down at her feet as she waited for Alfred. The door opened and Alfred was standing there, a smile on his delicate features.

"Good evening Ms. Anders." Alfred's smile was warm, friendly, a sign that tonight would bring only good fortune.

"Good evening Alfred. I hope all is well?" Kori stepped in, her black kitten heels clacking lightly against the marble floor. She soothed out her little black dress. It was a slash-necked, short silk dress with only diagonal pin-tucks as decoration. It was from Chanel, and Kori loved it. She had bought the dress yesterday afternoon after work. Her hair cascaded down her tan face in delicate curls. A pearl necklace once given to her by Richard made her a true sight to look at.

"Everything is wonderful as always. I must say you look lovely. Hoping to impress Master Richard?" The blush came to Kori's cheeks as Alfred spoke his comment. He shut the door a smile on his face. He preferred Kori over every other girl Richard had brought home. She was a true classy lady.

"Alfred I will choose not to comment on your statement." Kori smiled as again he let out a hearty chuckle. He led her to the parlor where Bruce and Richard were sitting down on a leather couch, discussing business.

"Ms. Anders is here." Alfred moved out of the way to show the beauty to the two gentlemen. He made is way out of the room and back into the kitchen where he sat reading his book while their meal was prepared.

"Ms. Anders, I find that it's a pleasure to see you again." Bruce was the first to come up as he kissed Kori's cheek. She repeated his actions as she pulled him into a warm hug. They pulled away a smile on their faces.

"I hope you find that I am not too late. The weather is still terrible outside." Kori looked down at her heels as Bruce nodded and Richard came forward. Picking up her hand, Richard kissed it. His lips like velvet on her skin, and as he pulled away, the tingling sensation from where is lips once were went throughout Kori.

"Kori you look beautiful." Richard whispered as they walked to the dining room. The room was beautifully decorated and looked grand.

"You don't look too bad yourself Richard." Kori gave him a flirty smile as she took her seat next to him. He didn't look bad at all. He wore a nice black suit with a white collared shirt. Bruce was similar except he wore a dark navy blue shirt. Kori was glad she had dressed appropriately.

"Dinner will be out shortly." Alfred came into the room and tried hard to suppress his smile as he saw Kori and Richard whispering to each other.

"Thank you Alfred." Bruce spoke loudly and the two pulled away a hint of pink coming to their cheeks.

"Bruce, every time I come I must say your house looks more and more beautiful." Her chuckle made Richard's skin get chills, or maybe it was the fact he took a sip of his cold ice water?

"I have to thank my decorators for that Kori." Kori smiled at him as she nodded.

"How is business?" Kori asked. Her voice was soft and gentle. She took a sip from her water, refreshing her.

"Business is better than ever. We are up in our numbers this quarter so everything is working out fine."

"That's good to hear." Kori spoke politely.

All of a sudden a cell phone was heard ringing. Kori knew it wasn't hers for she had left in the coat closet with her purse and coat. Richard didn't move because he remembered leaving his cell phone upstairs on his bedside night table. Bruce looked down to see it was him.

"Excuse me; I need to take this phone call." Bruce stood up and walked out of the room leaving Kori and Richard to talk. It was silent for a moment, until Richard spoke up.

"How have you been?"

"I've been good, tired lately that's all." Kori gave him a smile and she looked down taking another sip of her water.

"So I was thinking…" Richard began.

"What were you thinking about?" Kori asked.

"Dinner is served." It was at that moment Alfred walked in with a cart on wheels. Richard felt that he could kill the butler for having to bring the food out at this minute.

Kori saw his disappointment and she chuckled to herself finding Richard a rather adorable sight to look out as he gritted his teeth. Why was he so eager to talk to her anyway? The thought made her blush.

"Thank Alfred," Richard gritted his teeth as Alfred had a pleased smile on his face obviously enjoying annoying Dick.

"Anytime Master Richard…I'm happy to serve you anytime."

- - - - - - -

"Hello Commissioner." Slade Wilson gave him usual charming smile as he walked into the Police Station to greet Gordon.

"I'm glad we could meet today Slade." Gordon nodded his head as they walked down the hallway into his office.

"I am very sorry that my schedule didn't allow us to meet earlier yesterday. Running a business as large as mine requires a lot of work."

"It's fine Mr. Wilson." Gordon didn't like the vibe he got from Slade but ignored the feeling nonetheless.

"Now why would you call me down to the Police Station? Hmm?" Slade gave an intimidating smile and the commissioner sat up higher in his seat.

"I'm here to talk about the events that took place after Ms. Anders left your house the other day."

"What events would that be?" Slade sat back in his chair and placed his feet on the desk.

"Her car had a bomb that exploded after she left your house! I suggest you get your feet off the desk and give me answers!" Slade slid his feet off the desk. Gordon felt flustered and almost bad for yelling at this man who he didn't know was innocent or guilty of a crime. He no longer felt bad for yelling after he saw the smug grin on the man's face.

"Is that a threat?" Slade cocked an eyebrow as he crossed his arm enjoying flustering this cop.

"It's a promise," Gordon and Slade had a stare down. Blue eyes met brown eyes as Slade was the first to look away.

"You dragged me down here. Why is that?" He looked up again into the icy eyes of James.

"Why would Ms. Anders have a bomb in her car Mr. Wilson?" Gordon slammed down papers on the desk. Slade raised an eyebrow before turning the file to face him. He scanned the papers seeing pictures of the bombing. There was nothing left of Kori's car except a pile of rust. He had to keep the smile from creeping on his face.

"I wouldn't have the answer to that. I would ask the person who planted the bomb." Sarcasm dripped in his voice, and the commissioner had to restrain himself from reaching over and slapping Slade right upside the head.

"Who would that be Slade?"

"You're asking the wrong man."

"God dammit!" The chair fell to the floor as the commissioner stood up in a hurry. He slammed his hands on the desk and leaned forward closing in on Slade. "I want answers Wilson, and I want them now. Innocent people are dying and I won't let Ms. Anders be the next victim. Now I suggest you tell me all you that you know!" His voice was rough and nasty filled with disgust for the man in front of him. Slade Wilson didn't flinch once.

"I have a meeting to attend to." Slade stood up and slid on his coat that he had taken off before unnoticed. He went to the door where he gave a sleazy grin. "I suggest you get your anger in check and don't go snooping your head in information that doesn't concern you."

"I swe-" Gordon was cut off as he pointed his finger at the man in front of him.

"Have a nice day."

- - - - - - -

"Bruce I don't know how to thank you. My new boss, Madame Rouge is this French editor. She has been riding me about getting in an article before deadline. My career was on the line. Thank you so much!" Kori shook hands with Bruce as she stood in the dark office.

"Ms. Anders, it's a pleasure. I appreciate your work; you always make Wayne Industries look better to the public eye." Bruce walked around from the desk and they began walking through the door.

"Thank you, you are too kind. Dinner was lovely by the way."

"No problem Ms. Anders."

"I feel old Bruce…Ms. Anders…really? You know you can call me Kori." Kori gave him a fatherly smile as the oak door opened and Kori began walking down the steps, Bruce didn't follow her. She was about to question him when he nodded towards Richard at the end of the stairs. She rolled her eyes in amusement as she watched Bruce return to his office, whistling happily, before continuing down the stairs.

Richard had been waiting by the stairs for the last ten minutes waiting for Kori to come down. He wanted to ask her his question along with say a proper goodbye. He was happy that their friendship rekindled, he missed her as much as he hated to admit it.

"Hey…" His white teeth shined as he felt his heart beat a little faster. She was the only girl to ever make him feel this way. It wasn't that he liked her…or loved her. It was more of a lust…at least that's what Richard tried to convince himself of.

"Hey Richard," Kori stood at the bottom of the steps as well as Richard. She looked at his tie that was hanging loose around his neck, and his shirt that was slightly unbuttoned showing off a small part of his toned chest.

"I'm glad you could come."

"I'm glad I could get an interview in." They looked up at the same time in each other's eyes. Kori pulled away first, giggling off the awkward moment.

"Yeah…interviews are good." His head spun and he knew he shouldn't feel this way. He was Richard Grayson, ladies man…playboy of the year. He could charm any girl in to the bed room, not that he had to try. Kori had always been different though. It might have been her sparkling green eyes. Maybe it was he loved redheads? No, it had to be her innocent sweet charm.

"Indeed they are." It was silent for a minute as they both look down fidgeting nervously not sure how to end the night. "I should probably get my coat and purse." Kori gave a smirk as she gently went around Richard and to the closet.

She grabbed her purse and her coat, putting on the white pea coat that she had recently received as a gift from her Uncle Galfore. It had come early in the mail, and Kori was never a patient girl when it came to gifts. She had opened and found the nice soft coat along with a variety of other beauty projects. She made a note in her mind to thank Galfore later.

Walking out of the closet she walked over to the door wondering where Alfred was. Not that she needed the butler to open the door for her. She wanted to give him a goodbye, the sweet old man was nowhere to be found. Not seeing a soul in sight besides Richard she grasped the door handle.

"Kori…before you go." She dropped her hand and looked back at Richard. He came closer though, and she knew he was nervous by the way he continued to fidget and his he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yes?" Her voice was small and sweet, the voice of an angel.

"What happened to us? I mean…I know it's random. The other day though when we actually acted civil with each other I was thinking it. You know what I mean? What was bad enough to have happened that we couldn't stand each other?" Richard was a bit nervous for the answer.

Kori nodded her head and stayed silent for a moment. Kori gave a sad smile as she looked down at her shoes. "School, business, lack of time, lack of seriousness…that's what happened to us." She looked up at Richard as memories floated in her head of the night they broke up.

- - - - - - -

"Kori," a voice yelled. Kori looked behind her to see her gorgeous boyfriend Richard Grayson. They had been going out for two and a half years. She said goodbye to her friends she was conversing with and ran over towards Richard. She was absolutely crazy in love with him.

"What are you doing here?" Richard had recently graduated Jump High School, while Kori was in her last days of her sophomore year. She pulled him in for a hug which he barley returned. She pulled away to see his serious face and the lack of twinkle in his blue eyes.

"Just thought I would come and get you." He shrugged lightly as Kori nodded her head.

"Are you okay?" Kori bit her lip as she lightly grabbed a piece of hair and twirled it nervously. Richard wasn't his usual self and that upset her.

"Look, why don't I take you home and then we will talk." He looked around at the kids surrounding the school. They watched the 'it' couple of the school.

Kori nodded her head as they walked over to Richard's black BMW. He didn't open the door like usual so Kori opened herself and slid in. Richard seemed as if he was in a different world today as he zoned out slightly. They drove quietly to Kori's uncle's house. Music played lightly in the background as Kori occasionally looked over at Richard. The whole time is head swirled with thoughts. He kept his eyes on the road, trying to concentrate.

Pulling into Kori's house, Kori noted how her Uncle Galfore and her older sister Koma were not home. Unbuckling her seatbelt she slid up and zippered up her coat. She looked at Richard whose gaze was focused on his dashboard.

"Would you like to come in?" He snapped out of his trance and look at the girl before him. She gave him an encouraging smile and he shook his head, causing her to sadden.

"I'll walk you to your door though." This made Kori feel a bit better and she opened the door and grabbed her backpack, slinging it over her slender shoulders.

Walking up the steps together, both felt a nervous lump in their throat. Richard's hands were in his warm pockets. Kori's hands were nervously fidgeting together. In a moment's time Richard slid his hands out of his pockets and grabbed Kori's hands.

"Kori…" His voice was small. And as he sighed a white puff breath hit the air.

"Richard, you seem to be acting quite strange. Have I done something wrong? I'm confused…are you okay?"The words came out of Kori's mouth in a heap of questions.

"We need to talk…" As soon as the words escape his lips Kori withdrew her hands from his and shook her head back and forth. She knew this voice; she knew what he was going to say next. It was the infamous Richard Grayson playboy break up lines. Before they went out, Richard had girlfriends left and right. Kori had tamed the beast she used to like to joke. She remembered talking to a few of the girls and how he broke up with them…he always began with those words.

"Richard…" Kori's voice had a warning tone to it.

"Kori, this isn't working out. Us…I can't see it in the future. You're holding me back. I need to move on with my life and become more serious. I need someone just as serious to have a relationship with, and you just aren't that girl. I don't have time to spend on this childish relationship anymore, heck I have no time."He didn't look her in the eyes once.

"Richard, I am serious! Richard I am serious about us….I love you." Her words were a whimper, and she would scold herself later for sounding desperate.

"Kori, I can't say I feel the same. I feel like I've wasted so much time on this relationship. So much time on us, and what do I have to show for it?" His voice rose as he got frustrated with Kori. She knew very well he couldn't stand for her to cry. The only way to overcome sadness and weakness was to be angry…angry more with himself then Kori.

"You have a bunch of happy memories! You have me…you have my heart!"Tears dripped down her face, smudging the little makeup she wore that day.

"That's not enough." He shook his head as he took a step down from the porch.

"So what would be enough Richard? Tell me…what would be enough? Should I have slept with you more? I thought giving you my virginity would be enough because you love me. Is that what's it about Dick? The sex?"Richard cringed at the venom in her voice as she spoke his nickname.

"Kori it's a bunch of reasons." He just wanted to leave at that moment.

"Oh so it's not about the sex?"She let out a dark chuckle as she shook her head. "You're just like every other asshole aren't you Richard? Not giving a damn about anything except who's sucking and fuc-"

"That's enough Kori!"

"You're right Richard…that's enough. Why haven't you left already? I'm done with you, and it's obvious you're done with me. Just go home to your big ass mansion and find yourself a "serious" girl," he walked to his car and he hesitated before opening the door.

"Leave Richard," he heard her pained yell and felt a bit of guilt. He drove away quickly, but not quickly enough to see Kori fall to the ground in tears. He couldn't wait to get home and rid his troubles with a bottle of gin.

- - - - - - -

"Kori…" Richard shook her lightly as she shook out of her trance of the memory. Of course by now they had matured, and Kori hadn't thought about that day in a long time.

"Sorry, I was just remembering that day." She opened the door.

"Kori…that was a long time ago," he assured her. She nodded her head and took a step outside the door.

"I know…," she gave him a gentle smile that he felt uneasy about.

"We've both changed a lot. I was naïve back then; I didn't know what I wanted."

"Well do you know what you want now?" Silence answered her question as she watched Richard who was deep in thought. She rolled her eyes as he didn't speak. This was his moment…this was his opportunity to show Kori whether he liked her or not.

"Bye Richard," Kori closed the door and Richard looked up seeing it close. He whispered his next words.

"I want you."

- - - - - - -

AUTHOR'S COMMENT

*Happy New Years everyone! So I finally got a chapter up. You have no clue how bad I feel about not posting it sooner. I have been a lot busier than I expected, actually having a life this break. I believe that my regular schedule is equal and come Monday I will be better at updating.

So I hope you guys don't hate this chapter! Like it's kind of boring? Too much fluff…if you want to consider what I wrote fluff? Well not to me but I hope I didn't lose any readers from lack of updates or because the story is boring! I answered Thriving Ivy's question about the break up in the chapter. I hope you didn't hate that scene too much. The italics are flashbacks! So that's the only part I was a bit uncomfortable with. I might rewrite it if you guys don't enjoy it!

Anyone have any New Year's Resolutions? I have a few one of them is to TRY to be a better updater…and eat healthier. I am a bit of a junk food junkie. To be honest though I find New Year's Resolutions stupid and the whole it's a new year, new beginnings. It's not like people are going to forget that scandal that happened yesterday ya know? Yet I like to believe in the whole new starts thing…corny right? I hope you all had a good time it's already 2010…holy crap!