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?

- - - - - - -

Sixteen

Kori felt as if she made a mistake bringing up Nightwing. Was she trying to make Richard jealous or something? She then thought. Sitting at the kitchen table, a bottle of wine in hand, Kori took a sip. Nightwing was still so mysterious to her, the masked hero who came and went as he pleased. And then there was Richard. Richard, who she had loved from the very beginning and still in fact did.

Kori ignored all her thoughts as she got up from the table, corking the bottle and putting it on a shelf. She walked to her room ignoring the early time. Climbing into bed she got comfortable in her sheets. Sleep came to her then, in the silence of the dark.

- - - - - - -

"I hate work." Kori groaned. She walked into her office, the last day she would be here until the New Year. She had made sure to take off for awhile, to get her head back in order, and spend time with those she loved.

Kori's hands were full. Her purse hung on her shoulder as she carried in two bags of presents. She felt like Santa. Taking the elevator it was an awkward ride. An older gentleman peeked in a bag and she shot him a dirty look. She was thankful when he squeezed off the elevator giving Kori alone time. Of course someone always has to ruin her time. Xavier had taken that moment to get on the elevator, alone with Kori.

"Oh, presents! Any for me?" He teased. His wink made her disgusted.

"No," her she huffed. Hearing his chuckle made her angrier.

"Oh have a smile on that pretty face, it's the holiday season."

"You stabbed Richard with a pencil."

"He attacked me."

"You harassed me."

"Don't deny you didn't like it."

He looked back and Kori felt flushed. Of course she didn't like it. In fact she hated any man touching her without her permission. Xavier just smiled upon seeing her annoyance and looked forward again, whistling a jolly tune.

"Looks like we have the same stop," she could hear the smile in his voice and when the elevator rung Kori had never been more thankful.

"Ladies first," he held out his arm motioning for Kori to go. Turning her nose up in annoyance, Kori walked out of the elevator. She made sure that as she walked by she stepped on Xavier's foot very hard with her heels. Her plan worked because she could hear his groan of pain. She smiled on the way to her office.

- - - - - - -

"Anders!" Kori heard the voice of her boss, as well as the rest of the office.

Kori found herself rolling her eyes as she stood up from her desk, and walked out of her office, and to her boss's room. Madame Rouge sat at her desk. An open box of half eaten chocolates in front of her. The woman could stand to gain a few pounds rather than be a walking stick. Her legs were up on the table and she scanned her computer.

"Where is your article?"

"Right here," Kori reached into her pocket and pulled out a USB drive. Madame Rouge raised her eye brows in a bit of surprise, but regardless caught the object. Placing it into her computer tower, the file loaded.

Kori waited in silence. Madame Rouge sat with a poker face, reading Kori's rather lengthy article. She fumbled with her fingers, a bit nervous of her boss's reaction. She counted in her head and when she reached the number 94, Madame Rouge looked up at her.

"How much of this is true. We aren't gossip, we are the news. We get everything right."

"It's all true. I found some sources inside the company that reported all of it. Slade Wilson is running an underground business trade; otherwise illegal activity is going on behind closed doors. There has also been reports he is involved with this 'S' murderer, it all seems to fit."

"Not half as bad as I thought."

"Thanks," Kori had a small proud smile on her face.

"We are running it tomorrow, front page. Now why don't you get out of here for the night, you certainly have done a fair amount of work."

"Why thank you Madame Rouge. Happy Holidays!" Kori walked out of her office, a satisfied smile on her face. Sure, the article she had posted was a little risky, especially for the reason she would be going as Mr. Wilson's date to his own party. There would definitely be some controversial gossip about her. Nothing a good reporter like herself wouldn't be able to handle.

She didn't complain that she was getting to leave early. In fact she was very excited. Tonight she would meet Nightwing, and he would be dressed in civilian clothes. Her only wish was to make sure she would be able to distinguish that it was him. It would be a sad thought to get the wrong guy.

- - - - - - -

Richard paced in his room as he stood in his closet. Typing in his password he unlocked the secret door which led to Nightwing's secret lair. The costume stood in a glass case and Richard sighed. Tonight was the night Nightwing was supposed to meet Kori. Of course he would keep his identity hidden, but wouldn't there be the slightest chance that Kori would realize it was truly Richard.

Richard couldn't help but sigh as he paced back and forth; all of this for a girl, a stupid one at that. Yet she was beautiful, funny, kind, smart actually, and so much more. He was one love sick puppy. He felt pathetic thinking about her so much, but damn…he couldn't get those stunning green eyes out of his head.

The true question was whether or not he would go as the hero or himself. Though he had promised Kori that Nightwing would show (as Nightwing of course) his Richard side had different plans.

The costume hung in the glass. The mask seemed to stare, as if it was Nightwing looking at Richard Grayson. In the reflection Richard could see himself. His choices were selfish…he realized that as he walked out of Nightwing's lair, forgetting to lock and shut the door behind him. The costume was left there…very little seen with the pale light source coming in.

- - - - - - -

"Stop fidgeting!" Karen glared. Kori sighed.

Together Kori and Karen were in Karen and Victor's shared apartment. Kori sat on the master bathroom toilet seat next to the sink's counter space. Karen hovered over her, make up brushes in hand.

"I can't help it I'm nervous!" Kori whined. Karen pulled away, a smile on her lovely features.

"That's so cute Kori!" Karen giggled and Kori rolled her eyes and looked away, feeling a bit flushed.

"No…it's not. I need to be in control. My last two relationships I lost my control…I need it for this one."

"Well let me tell you, looking like this you will make him lose his self control, and pounce on you!" Karen chuckled and Kori once again rolled her eyes.

She smiled though and stood up from the seat and walked over to the mirror. She looked at her reflection. Her hair was down and wavy, setting into his naturals curls. Her lips would shame a rose they were so red. Her eyes glittered in light natural looking make up.

"What are you wearing exactly for this hot date of yours?" Karen closed up her makeup kit and began to place everything where it belonged.

"Well I was thinking this wasn't too bad." Kori turned in a circle. Her jeans clung to her hips, giving her natural curves. She wore a pink tank top, her breast creating a good amount of cleavage in the front. A grey sweater was on top of the tank top, covering her arms afraid of showing too much skin.

"Kori…there is no way in hell I am letting you go out dressed like that. Come wear something more revealing…a tad sexier perhaps?" Karen winked and Kori giggled at the thought. They both went into Karen's closet and began to pick out outfits for Kori.

After searching for a few minutes Karen put together a perfect outfit for the young red head. Grabbing a pair of dark wash skinny jeans she tossed them to Kori who pulled up the tight pants. The jeans made her curves more appealing as well as gave her a bit more of a booty.

Karen hummed as she quickly scanned a rack of her dress tops. She finally decided on a white top with thick straps that only covered her shoulders. At the very top of the dressy shirt was a black flower pattern. The shirt showed off Kori's nice arms along with slight cleavage. Overall the outfit was pleasing, and paring the outfit with black flats made everything so much more comfortable.

"Karen…what would I do without you?" Kori hugged her friend, thankful for her graceful transition.

"Probably not get laid tonight." Karen's wink made Kori question her outfit choice.

- - - - - - -

Walking into Howard's Glass, Kori looked around. She saw no signs of any man with black hair, or mysterious clothing. Of course it was still a bit earlier. Nightwing was a super hero after all, probably a bit busy. Sighing she took off her coat and hung it against the bar chair. She sat back and ordered a water…she wouldn't drink…not yet.

Time seemed to pass and every time the door opened, Kori's vision would drift over to find it was a drunken college frat boy, or an older, less attractive man. Her patience was wearing thin, and the bartender noticed.

"You look a bit anxious Anders." Of course he knew who she was. She was a loyal customer and once even wrote a story, showcasing his bar.

"Just waiting for a date…he's late." Kori looked at her watch to see it was eight thirty. She had remembered then the two had never agreed upon a set time since she hadn't seen him since the night he came to her house. She groaned.

"You could use a drink."

"A heavy one if you would." Kori laughed a bit, and she saw Howard's chuckle.

Howard was in his late thirties, early forties. He came from a successful and rich family. He was once going to be a lawyer, and had found a beautiful woman to take as his wife, Janelle. His dreams and any ambitions he once held were shattered after finding out Janelle had been cheating on him for the last two years; their wedding was in four days. In shambles Howard moved away from his family and came to Jump. With what little was left of his money he bought this place, and made it bar; a place for men and women to come and drink away their problems.

"Here's my special drink." Joe winked as he pushed the small shot glass in front of Kori.

Kori knew this drink. This was the same drink she had taken after the night Xavier and she broke up. This was Howard's famous mystery drink. No one knew was inside it and no one asked. You just gulped down the shot and then felt a bit better about yourself. It was a win, win scenario. You never asked what was in it though. Howard said he would never give away his secret.

Kori took the shot, and she slammed the shot glass on the table again. Howard grinned at her before moving on to other costumers. She looked around once again and saw no one. Her disappointment would surely come soon. It was ridiculous to begin to be this upset after very little time. Maybe it was her nerves? Maybe it was the fact that she wanted to hurry up to see him and possibly to more. The thought that lingered in her mind the most though was maybe she wanted this to just be over…that maybe she was going to have the wrong guy show up tonight.

- - - - - - -

Richard couldn't believe he was doing this. He was being deceitful in a way, but how Kori would take was up to her own way. Walking in a little after nine o'clock, Richard made his way to the back of the bar. He scanned around, his eyes roaming behind his black as night sunglasses. Along with the classes he wore a pair of black slacks, with his red dress shirt. Before coming to the bar he had stopped at the office. A black trench coat adorned his figure. He figured Kori would believe it was him. He wore the same type of clothing when in his uniform, his eyes hidden and his clothes mysterious.

Looking around the bar Richard's eyes spotted Kori. She was yapping to the bar tender Howard. A smirk rested on his face as his scanned her perfect figure. She looked gorgeous as always to him. She also looked a bit buzzed. How long had she been here? That's when they remembered the two hadn't even set a time. He gulped, feeling horrible.

As he stood up to go over to her, she got up herself. Her figure looked perfect. She looked around and then she looked at him. Their eyes met and she moved over, curiosity all over her face. As she came closer Richard began to move away, going to the very back of the bar where a few tables sat. Only one other couple was back there and for that he was thankful. He took a seat to the second to last table.

He looked up as Kori approached. She came to the edge of the table and stared for a long time. "Nightwing?"

His throat went dry as he searched for something to say to her, to say anything. Nothing came out as he opened his lips.

"I'm sorry." She quickly apologized. You looked like the person I was supposed to meet here and-" She stopped mid sentence and looked him up and down. Richard's heart rate increased, a bit of anxiety setting in. "Richard?"

- - - - - - -

Slade sat at his desk in his office. He leaned back in his black leather chair. He was in thought. A smirk came to his face as he thought about tomorrow. His mind had images popping through his head, reenacting the how the day would go. It was when he heard a knock his concentration was broken and he looked up.

"Come in," the smirk was completely wiped off his face as Xavier came in. He knew his place as he immediately went to the chair in front of Slade's desk. He looked a bit nervous. Slade knew he should have been more then nervous. He was remaining calm though, a small trait Slade admired, but not that much.

"Mr. Wilson." Xavier nodded his head in recognition of his boss.

"I fear that we have a problem." Slade stood up, and walked around his desk until he reached the back of Xavier's chair. His hands rested on the cold metal of the chair and he gripped the bar until his knuckles were white.

"What would that be sir?" Xavier closed his eyes. He took a small gulp. His boss was ruthless. One little mistake could end his life…yet what he had done was a big mistake.

"So going to the police office the other day. A certain name was brought up, Deathstroke. I heard a certain Red X had let a little line to Nightwing slip. Mistakes are not made, especially not this late in the game!" His hand rose.

- - - - - - -

"Richard?" Kori breathed as she looked again at the figure. He had to be Richard.

The man looked reluctant as he slid down his glasses, a pair of beautiful pair of icy blue eyes met hers and her breath hitched in her throat.

"What are you doing here Richard?"

"I…" He paused for a second unsure of what to say. Before Kori could but in though he took her hand and pulled her down to take a seat. "I wanted to make sure you are okay. I mean after all… I was worried about you. I don't know this guy…hero or not and I wanted to check up on you."

Kori's cheeks flushed and she closed her eyes. She felt Richard's grip on her hands, burning her flesh. She looked back up to see Richard looking nervous for unknown reasons. She sighed slowly, and he seemed a bit more relaxed.

"You don't have to worry because he didn't come." Her head hung low in defeat and when she looked up there were some tears in her eyes.

"Kori…" He looked honestly hurt and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"No, I'm kind of happy in a way."

"Really?" Richard's voice was full of surprise, as was Kori's mind.

"Well, no, I was rejected to be flat out honest. That part sucks…but something good came out of this."

"What's that?" Richard looked genuinely interested.

"Before I say anything though…when you left me, all those years ago…did you ever regret it? Be honest with me." Her voice was soft.

His hand left hers and that made her nervous. It was a stupid question to ask, but she had to know. She had to know that if the wound from that day would heal, or would the cut reopen?

"Kori…there wasn't a day after I left you I didn't not think of you. I put it off for awhile, forgot about you with girls and beer. It didn't last long though, you were still in my mind with every girl, every drink, everyone. You never left, and you never will."

Kori didn't know what came over her. A minute ago she was whining over her beloved hero not showing, but within the next moment Kori was up and on Richard's lap, pressing her lips to his.

A familiar warmth washed over both of them. The feelings of their first kiss all over again; all the old wounds being reopened from the past, but healing right in front of their eyes. Everything was perfect at that moment. Feelings rushed inside both of them, feelings that had not been around for years. Their lips never left each other, trying to get a taste of the flavor they had secretly craved all those years away.

"Richard," Kori breathed. Her breath was hot on his skin, teasing him, the smell of alcohol slightly lingering in her mouth.

Again he kissed her, shushing her nonsense and putting that out of the way. There would be time for talking later. Now, now was about kissing the girl he had always loved and reconnecting with the guy she could never forget. Tongues touched, hearts raced, and bodies had never craved so much.

"Let's get out of here." She whispered.

Neither would complain about that. Getting up they walked silently, hand in hand to Richard's car. Kori's car was one of the last things on her mind. They walked to the car, getting in and revving up the engine.

"The good that came out of this…it was getting to realize how much I liked you again."

- - - - - - -

The Wayne Manor was empty as the car pulled into the driveway. Bruce was out of town, on business before the night of Slade's party. Alfred had been given the night off earlier in the day. Doors opened, and slammed closed as the two walked together into the mansion.

They both walked up the stairs stopping every now and then to give a kiss to each other. They found themselves in Richard's room and before they knew it, all of the memories from their first time floated in their mind.

Stumbling over to the bed Kori slipped off her shoes as did Richard. Their coats were tossed carelessly to the ground and they scrambled onto the bed, laying side by side. Turning to face each other Kori sighed.

"Why did you really come tonight, Richard?"

"I told you…I was concerned."

"You kissed back."

"I wanted to."

"Why?"

"Kori…seriously? Ever since you have been back in my life you have replaced every other thought. Yes, you were in my mind before that. Yes, I even asked our friends about what was going on with you. I mind have acted like I stopped caring, even showed you I did. I tried to convince myself that as well but I can't keep saying I don't when I do like you more than anything Kori."

"Richard, I've waited a long time to hear you say that to me again." Leaning forward they kissed. It was simple, sweet, and the perfect example of them.

"What about this Nightwing?" Richard gulped. He wasn't sure what to say, what to do."

"I will talk to him soon again. If you're worried about him, don't be. You're the only guy on my mind, the only one I want there."

Their lips touched again, and time passed, laying next to each other side by side kissing, pulling away, panting, and then going on for more. They became more passionate. Richard rolled on top of Kori, his legs straddling her.

The two had a fire in their hearts, a burning passion for each other. Kori found herself undoing button by button on Richard's shirt, revealing his well sculpted chest. She had leaned up, kissing his torso, butterfly kiss touching every inch on skin she could.

When the shirt was fully pulled off Kori took time to observe his figure. She traced his abdomen. Her hands ran over his arms, his big, muscular, beautiful arms. She continued to rub his arms up and down, until her hands lightly felt his upper torso area, and that's when she heard his intake of breath.

Kori hadn't noticed before the large red patch of his skin. The skin was tender. Then there was a marking, a large hole almost. It had looked like he had been shot…or stabbed with a pencil?

"Is that from Xavier?" Kori lightly traced the now scaring area.

"What?" Richard forgot for a minute until he looked down to see that Kori was staring intently at his scabbed right shoulder. "Oh, yeah, he got me good with that pencil, broke flesh." Kori looked horrified, a hand covering her surprised face. "Don't worry Kori, didn't hurt at all," Richard lied.

"Oh, I know you can stand pain Richard. Just surprised a pencil did that?" Kori pointed and then a smile began to come onto her face until she broke out laughing.

Richard sat up and sighed as Kori continued her giggle fit. It was funny to everyone apparently that he was stabbed with a pencil. He groaned slightly and Kori began to calm down. When she was done he raised an eye brow and she chuckled one more time before silencing.

"You done?" he chuckled a little.

"Yeah, it wasn't funny. Well…a bit. Remind me to carry sharpened pencils rather than pepper spray." Kori was serious as she spoke but giggled after she finished. Richard rolled his eyes but took this as an opportunity to get a little revenge.

"Do you really think it's that funny? I think this is." He began to tickle her and she whined and howled loving being tickled. He worked her sides, his hands touching all the sensitive sports of her body. She laughed so hard she had trouble breathing and his hands left her at that moment to take advantage of her gasping breath.

Pulling away from Richard's kiss Kori let out a pleased sigh. "I miss you Richard, everything about you; your touch, your smile, laugh, voice, and your body." She once again planted a kiss on his chest.

"Oh and I didn't miss you? God, Kori, I missed you more then you will ever know." His lips touched hers again. "Right now I'm just beginning to remember exactly why I missed your body." His voice was husky in her ear.

"Then why don't you reconnect with it."

The thought of what Karen had said to Kori earlier that night was the last rational thought Kori had, before her mind became dizzy with thoughts of Richard.

- - - - - - -

AUTHOR'S NOTE

*So I think we all know what they were going to do? Well…let's hope it was obvious to figure out. So this chapter was about 9 and half pages so I hope you enjoy! It took awhile to write so sorry I wish I would've have posted it earlier.

So the reason Richard got stabbed with the pencil was for when this scene happened. It would have been obvious if had a gunshot wound for no reason. So sorry the gun shot part was ehhh I am not that well informed on gunshot wounds. I'm a bit lazy to find out as well. I hoped you all enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for the positive reviews and feedback! Next chapter well that's when some action starts!