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?

SPECIAL NOTE- I revised 26 because I had been silly to mention that Kori broke her right arm, left leg. It is not really necessary to reread it if you have already done so. However, just for no confusion, Kori has broken her right arm and left leg, her casts are purple. Okay, I'm done. Enjoy! You should review too!

Twenty-Seven

Richard had felt Christmas day vanish in a blur. He had left the hospital in the early hours avoiding surgery and coming home immediately. He didn't need anyone to know his secret identity although, he had a feeling someone did. He came home to a worried Bruce who asked no question as Richard came into the house looking defeated. He only called upon Alfred to help Richard out. By now the whole town knew about Nightwing's little escapade last night that included Deathstroke.

It was now late afternoon and Richard had spent a majority of his day in his bedroom staring out the window resting. He had many thought and all led to one thing, or one person rather, Kori Anders. He fondled a white gold ring in his uninjured hand. The other was wrapped up tightly and securely, Alfred removed the bullet with the help of a specialist close to the family who he called in. This doctor knew the Wayne family very well and was a good secret creeper. Richard was in trustworthy hands with him. The bullet was lucky to miss the main nerves. Richard still had full mobility to his hand, it just needed time to heal.

The ring fell to the floor. Richard left it there seeing the diamonds sparkling in the reflection of the window. Outside a storm brewed and the snow fell quickly and stuck to the ground. There seemed to be no signs of this snow storm ceasing. He wondered if the others would come to dinner still despite the weather outside. His question was answered when he heard a knock on the door, the first of his guests arriving.

Richard looked down at his appearance to find he was only in his white and green boxer briefs. He opened out his door to ask Alfred to get his guests and tell them he would be down shortly. Alfred had already done so and Richard picked the ring of the floor and had placed it on his dresser standing there a moment to think of the beautiful redhead.

Richard couldn't help but wonder how Kori was. Before he had left the hospital he had snuck into her room to see if she was alright. The sight startled him seeing she had a purple cast on her right arm as well as her left leg. She looked a bit scratched up and Richard could see bruises on her arm. He sighed when he walked into the room and held her hand for a mere moment, there was no squeeze back. Bending down he had placed a kissed on her cheek and had left the hospital all together.

He walked to the bathroom connected to his room and turned on the faucet. The luke warm water poured down and with his good hand he scooped the water into his palm and splashed his face a few times. He did this a total of three times before turning off the sink and drying his face with a nearby towel.

He walked out of the bathroom into his closet where he slipped on black slacks as well as black socks and dress shoes. It was then he heard a knock on his door. He realized he was still shirtless and had called out, "Just a minute." Regardless of what he said the door had opened and Rachel walked in and took a seat on his bed.

"Looks like you had an interesting night."Rachel nodded to his right hand that was bandaged up very well.

"I burned my hand after trying to make cookies, weird right?" Richard turned into his closet and pulled out a black dress shirt. He pulled on the shirt and struggled with the buttons.

"Yeah, awfully weird that you were making cookies, since when do you do that? You made them after you left Slade's?" Rachel inquired. She noted he fumbled with his buttons and walked over buttoning his shirt despite his groan of annoyance.

"Yeah, when I got home last night, I made them." Richard remarked.

"Looking forward to trying them," Rachel gave a small smirk before walking into Richard's closet. She shuffled about for a moment of two before she walked back into the room holding a green emerald tie that one could say matched Kori's eyes.

"I don't think they'll be presented tonight. Don't want to spoil all the other good dishes with some burned cookies." Richard remarked. He took an intake of breath wondering where this conversation would lead. He was fully aware that Rachel knew something was up. She was always smart.

"Kori's doing just fine if you're wondering." Rachel had correctly put the tie on Richard and began to tighten it rather hard as she said so.

"I was going to get there eventually." Richard mumbled as if he was a child who been scorned.

"She's here now. Though I doubt she is in the mood to talk to you. Go easy on her. As you know, we all know she has had a rough night. I already talked to Victor and Karen who are on their way. They aren't going to mention what happened last night and I don't suggest you do either. Let Kori enjoy her Christmas, Dick. It's what she needs right now."

"What she needs is me." That's what Richard wanted to say. He knew she needed him as much as he needed her. He needed to talk to her, explain things. He just needed to know she was okay, it was all he could ask for. He understood there was a time and place for such things to happen though so he allowed himself to be quiet and simply say, "I understand, I'll let her be."

"That's good. Now I would come downstairs soon, I think Victor and Karen just arrived. Oh and that storm is getting pretty bad. I'll either plan to stay over or leave early. Either way, I'm sure you'll understand." Rachel gave a smug smile before she left his room closing the door behind her and leaving Richard alone with his thoughts.

He walked back over to his dresser where he began to unravel the bandages the doctor had placed down. He didn't need his whole hand covered just his wrist. He wiggled his fingers slightly and taking the bandage he rewrapped it around his wrist a few times before going over his thumb to go right back down under and attach the fabric together. He stretched his fingers and now taking his right hand he once again fingered the ring before taking it and placing it in the pocket of his pants. He walked to the door and turned the light off and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him and going to greet his guests.

On the other side of town in a small motel called The Golden Arches, Slade Wilson rented out a room under a false name, Wilson Edals. Entering the room with nothing but a small suitcase he was engulfed with the smell of mildew. He was happy to escape the cold winter air though and quickly shut the door behind him locking it complete. He drew the shades down and turned on the light next to the bed. He put his suitcase down by the end of the bed and took a seat. He slipped off his coat and breathed in the cold mildew air.

He went to the side table to grab a remote where he quickly switched off the news about Nightwing saving the day. He felt his blood boil at even the mention of his name. Slade had turned it to a channel that was playing an old black and white Christmas movie. Despite Slade's cruel nature, he knew today was Christmas, the day of giving. He had a special little surprise in store to give Kori too.

Moving from the bed, Slade walked into the small bathroom where spiders hung in the corner and the toilet smelled a bit rancid. He ignored all of this though as he stared into the mirror in front of him. Slade's face had some ash and blood scattered on his skin. His lip had a cut as well as his eye brow. He leaned down and glanced up to see his hair looked whiter than normal, the brown locks he had once been known to have had been taken over my silver strands that shined with grease due to his lack of showering.

He pulled off his shirt to reveal his well sculpted chest. He found bruises beginning to form and he groaned in annoyance the more he found. Taking his hand he turned the faucet on, cold water pouring out and circling away down into the drain. He cupped his hands together splashing the chilly water on to his face. He allowed the droplets to run down his cheeks and then his neck, until eventually they ran down his pale torso to his dress pants where they stopped.

"It's not over Kori, not even close. Nightwing was my target, but I do believe I have found a bigger one dear. I'll give you something to remember this Christmas. I'll give them all something."

Slade looked down from the mirror and slammed his fist in anger on the counter of the sink. He could feel warmth coming from the pit of his stomach and it worked its way up his torso where it took a quick pause at his neck , but eventually the hear rendered up again going to his ears and making its way to his face. Slade let out and angry yell. His face red from the heat, red from the anger he held inside.

Blood trickled down his fingers as he pounded the mirror in front of him. The glass shattered quickly sparkling everywhere. His anger blinded him from seeing his true actions. He was not only a danger to others, he was becoming a danger to himself, for as he hit the last piece of glass left, he looked up from the sink to see it fly into his right eye. That was the last thing Slade would see with that eye.

All the guests had arrived at Bruce's mansion to prepare for the Christmas dinner. Bruce himself stood in the main foyer, a glass of champagne in hand as he talked to Rachel about her new fashion line and how she was hoping to have a charity fashion show. Bruce expressed his interests in helping contribute in some way.

Rachel was the first to walk in wearing her royal blue dress. Gar followed her in, his hands filled with presents that reached above his head. He wore simple slacks and a blue button up that had matched his girlfriend. Kori followed careful not stumble up the steps with her crutches. Bruce had gone out to help Kori into the house and she found herself settled on the couch conversing with Gar.

Victor and Karen were the next to arrive and all thought they would be the end to the party. They matched a little with Victor wearing a red dress shirt with a Santa tie as well as black slacks. Karen wore her hair up as well as a tight white shirt and red pencil skirt. They too found their hands were loaded with presents.

Alfred had opened the door for all the guests and helped them settle their presents under a large beautifully decorated tree in the foyer. Alfred himself had already settled his presents down as well as Richard's and Bruce's. He left to go back into the kitchen to finish preparing all the food seeing as his job was done answering the door, at least that's what he thought. The doorbell rang once more and Alfred rushed to get it. Bruce stopped him and Alfred left to go back to the kitchen peering up at the staircase to see Richard was making his way downstairs.

"Brucey Wucey!" A brunette girl wearing a tight green revealing dress ran to hug Bruce. She clung to him as she kicked her feet in the hair almost hitting her friend behind her.

"Watch it Cindy!" A blonde walked in with a tight black dress identical to the brunette girl's except for in color. She pushed her friend out of the way and hugged Bruce tightly kissing both cheeks.

"Friends of yours?" Richard asked. He walked down the staircase slowly, his hands were in his pockets and he seemed so relaxed coming down.

"Everyone, this is Cindy." Bruce pointed to the blonde.

"Excuse me?" She stomped her heel and gave Bruce a bit of attitude and he realized his mistake.

"I'm sorry. This is Sarah. Over here, well this is Cindy. They will be joining us for dinner tonight." Together the two girls snaked their arms around Bruce and smiled with obnoxiously bright teeth and red lipstick. The three moved out of the room to go sit on the couch across from Kori.

"Oh my gosh!" Cindy squealed.

"What is it, Cindy?" Sarah sat up waiting to hear the gossip she knew was coming.

"You're that girl!" Cindy pointed at Kori who looked over from her conversation with Gar to see the brunette pointing at her.

"Yes, I am a reporter at the Jump City Post." Kori gave a nervous smile and turned back to talk to Gar.

"No! You're that girl on the news! The one with the shooting and Nightwing," Sarah chimed in.

Kori sat frozen there unsure of what to say or do. She was thankful when Victor had walked in and gave her a warm smile. He turned to look over at the two girls who served as Bruce's dates. "Dinner is ready!" He gave a huge smile before turning the leave the room.

All at once Gar rushed out of the room in a hurry to grab a seat and food. Bruce left as well bringing the fun-bag twins with him. Kori sat there a moment getting ready to stand up and leave, but she soon realized Rachel had taken her crutches and placed them by the door. She sighed as she stood up slowly and began to hop to the door in a heel and a cast.

A small beeping noise let Julia Heard know that Commissioner Gordon was alive. She had managed to keep him stable as they had awaited an ambulance to go to the hospital. She knew heart attacks were serious business and she thanked anyone listening for her being there to save that man's life.

When the emergency ambulance arrived they took Gordon off to the hospital and Julia after sitting in her car for half an hour decided to follow. She arrived at the hospital and sat in the waiting room with a young deputy and two other officers. After an hour they were all able to go and see the Commissioner. The officers had only stayed for a mere ten minutes while the deputy stayed a full hour before leaving to go home.

"Merry Christmas," the man said as he began to walk down the hallway.

"To you too," Julia's voice was quiet as she sat outside of Gordon's room. She hesitated for a minute before saying what she wanted too. "Excuse me?" She called down the hallway after the young man.

"Um, yes?" He looked nervous with red cheeks and small sweat beads gathering at his hairline.

"Does he have any relatives or somebody here for him?"

"He has a daughter that's on her way, but she's awhile away especially because of this snow storm. She will probably be here tomorrow. Why?" He looked a bit nervous to be giving out this information.

"Nobody should be alone on Christmas." Julia whispered.

The officer nodded dumbly and left without looking back, leaving Julia in the middle of the hallway by herself. She then walked over to the Commissioner's room. Flowers sat by his beside as well as a balloon and bear. His eyes were closed as he rested listening to the sound of the TV that played light Christmas music. Julia took a seat down pulling a chair close to his bed and staring at the man, tears in her eyes.

"Where's Kori?" Rachel commented. By now everyone had sat down at the large table seated for ten. At the head of the table was Bruce with Alfred parallel to him at the other end. The two girls Bruce had brought with him were seated to his right and next to them were Karen and Victor. Across from Karen and Victor Was Gar and Rachel, with Richard sitting on Bruce's left. The last spot between him and Rachel was empty, Kori nowhere to be found.

"I'll - " Rachel began to stand up, but Richard beat her to it.

"I'll get her."

Rachel gave Richard an annoyed glare as he walked out of the room and down the hallway to find Kori hopping around on one heel to her crutches which were on the other side of the room. He had an amused smile as he watched her hop around, he had forgotten for a moment the previous night. That was only for a moment though which quickly disappeared when he began to see Kori fall.

"Careful there," Richard jogged over to her and held her should and left hand so she could steady herself. He looked at her face, her eyes ignoring his needing glare.

"I don't need your help." Kori pushed him off her and continued to hop over and was now halfway to her crutches.

It was then that Richard came up behind her gently knocking into her on accident reaching to grab the crutches that Kori fell to the ground slipping on her hopping heel. Richard immediately went to her side where she sat up and evaluated her body. A cut on her right leg began to form as the small slash began to produce blood that ran down her leg.

"Let me go get something."

"No, I'm fine."

"Just let me go get a band-aid,"

"Richard, I don't need a band-aid."

"You're bleeding pretty badly there though," he pointed out and she shrugged slightly.

"I've been through worse."

They were both quiet for a moment. It was then Richard stood up leaving Kori there. He walked down the hallway leaving the beauty still on the ground. Kori pouted only for a moment before she noticed Richard jogging back down the hallway and to her.

He threw off the heel she attempted to put back on and picked her up despite his hurt wrist. Kori protested squirming around in his grasp, but soon stopped as she realized he was bringing her up the stairs. The last thing Kori needed to do was have the both of them fall.

Using his back to push open a door, Kori noted how she was in Richard's bathroom that adjoined with his room. He set her on the cold counter and she looked at him puzzled in a way. Richard turned away from his girl and opened a cabinet pulling out supplies.

"You don't need to do this." Kori mumbled helplessly.

Sitting still she looked down to see Richard on his knees holding her right leg. He ran a hot wet washcloth up her leg removing the blood trail that had ended at the base of her heel. He then took a q-tip putting a clear gel on it and onto her cut, it slightly burned and Kori let out a small hiss.

' "Thought you said you had been through worse." Richard made a smoke joke which he chuckled at. Kori, however, did not return the laugh.

"Stop," Kori said.

"I'm almost done; I just have to put the band-aid on." Richard gave her a weird look as he went t grab a band-aid.

"Stop," Kori said again.

"Kori, I'm just putting on the band-aid and I'll be done, I promise."

"Stop," Kori said one last time.

Richard looked up from where he placed the band-aid to see tears in Kori's eyes. His heart pounded, a hurt in his chest looking at this site before him. Her fingers grasped the counter as she started to hop down. Richard didn't allow such a thing as he noticed her actions he placed his hands around her waist which made her wince, and helped her down.

He could tell she was about leave the room, but he wouldn't let her walk away or in this case hobble. He turned her body towards him and took his hands and lifted her face up to meet his eyes. She wouldn't look and he noticed tears starting to gather.

"Why are you crying?"

"I mean nothing to you." Kori whispered recalling the words Nightwing had spoken just the night before on the top of the Jump City Post building. She took a step back. "When you mean everything to me, at least you did."

"I did? Why don't I? Kori, you mean so much to me. Stop talking like this, you know damn well you mean the world and so much more to me."

"You lied." Kori whispered quietly.

"I know."

Kori closed her eyes and she imagined warmth washing over her body as her lover embraced her in a secure hug. The kind of hug that let you know they would always be there. She could imagine his heart and hers thumping to the same rhythm. He would take her face and give her a light kiss. She didn't need one with lots of passion or even tongue. She needed the kind of kiss that let her know she was wanted, she was delicate, that she was loved.

Kori opened her eyes though to see Richard still staring at her. He made no effort to close the space between them that she had created. She noticed him looking down now, fumbling about with something in his pocket.

"I want to go back downstairs. The others are probably wondering why we are missing Christmas dinner."

Richard nodded and took his hand out of his pocket. Kori noticed for the first time how his wrist was wrapped, the bandage tight against his skin, a small blood stain at the base of his wrist. She closed her eyes and she felt herself lifting off the ground. Richard opted to carry her downstairs.

She noticed how he walked slowly making sure she wouldn't fall and that he wouldn't as well. She noticed how she felt more of a grip from his left hand then she did the right and injured one. Walking down all the stairs he went over to her crutches and set them up as he set her down.

Side by side Richard walked with her all the way down the hallway, his left hand on the small of her back making sure she wouldn't slip or fall. She took her time and realized Richard was alright with this pace. She bore her eyes straight ahead, as did Richard. Together they walked into the dining room, and all eyes were on them.

"Finally! Let's eat, I need energy for tonight." Cindy squealed.

*AUTHORS NOTE

Look how quick I got this chapter up! Goodness well I didn't really get to dinner like I had planned, so I'll probably end up dragging this story out, sorry for all of you who want this to end! Also if you don't remember Cindy and Sarah they were the two girls Bruce couldn't sleep with because he had to be there for Nightwing the night of Slade's Christmas party.

I hope you all enjoyed. I find it funny that I can write about 9 pages of this, but I can't even begin my English essay! Still reading? Please review so I know! Thanks !