DISCLAIMER: I – in no way – own the Teen Titans.

CHAPTER TWO – BECAUSE I LIKE YOU

It had been exactly four years since Richard had last spoken to Kori, his now ex-girlfriend and former best friend. He was currently sitting five tables away from Koma Anders and her group of unfriendly followers at the Jump City Shopping District's food court. And though he rarely spoke to Garfield, Victor or Rachel – considering, it had been two years since he had visited the city of his teenage years and because the trio rarely spoke to him after his fight with Kori – Richard was comforted to know that his old friends were by his side.

"Fucking asshole," Koma hissed loudly enough for Richard and his friends to hear, "I hope you're happy now!"

"Yeah," Terra shouted, "stupid prick!"

Almost instantly, Garfield Logan – Gar, for short – instinctively stood up from his seat to defend his close friend. "Hey! Leave Dick alone, Terra! He's got more important things to deal with right now, okay?"

"And suddenly those 'things' are more important than my baby sister?"Koma sneered as she made her way over to their table. "I knew I was right about you, Grayson. You're nothing more than a try-hard, stupid douche!"

With that, Koma snapped her fingers in the direction of her group, signaling for them to make their exit with her. Garfield, Victor and Rachel watched in silence as the group strutted out of the mall's food court while Richard began to slouch over his food. Slowly, a frown appeared on his face as he poked at his taco salad with a fork. His friends exchanged a knowing glance before they continued eating.

"Guys, I think it's time we head back to Rachel's place," Richard suggested, slowing letting the words of Kori's older sister sink into his mind.

"If I were you, Richard," Kori whispered as Koma's friends walked away from a very angry Richard Grayson, "I wouldn't dare listen to the likes of my older sister; Koma's got a thing for trash-talking everyone she encounters. It's been like that since we were younger. In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't listen to a single thing any of those girls just said, Robin. You're not a prick… or an asshole… or a jerk… or a douche. I certainly wouldn't be here if you were."

The date was May 14, 2000. Richard and Kori were casually hanging out at the park outside the Anders' household when Kori's older sister, Koma, had approached them.

"Okay…" Richard responded, sullenly. "You're too blinded by our friendship to see the type of person that I truly am. Those girls have a point. I've hurt you way too many times in the past, Star… some friend I turned out to be…"

Kori put her finger to her lips, indicating Richard to stay quiet. "Stop right there, Richard Grayson," she demanded. "Why are you even beating yourself up for that stuff? You said it yourself: 'in the past…'! What's done is done. I forgive you for everything. Remember that there is nothing that you could ever do to make me hate you. I'm almost positive that there's absolutely nothing you could ever do to change our friendship."

"But… why?" Richard cried out. "Why on earth would you say something like that? I've hurt you time and time again! And yet, we always manage to end up the best of friends as though nothing ever happened! Why is that? You're supposed to hate me for all the things that I've done! You're supposed to never speak to me for all the times that I lashed out on you! So why are you still friends with me?"

Kori smirked to herself. "Would you rather I not talk to you?" she offered, shutting Richard up immediately. "Exactly; that's what I thought. And besides, it's never as though you actually meant to do the things that you did; I am positive that those things were just 'in the heat of the moment' type things."

Richard sighed as he looked away from Kori. "But still… heat of the moment or not… when Xavier would do things like this to you, you would kick his ass in a heartbeat. Why do you even bother sticking around me when all I'm good for is making you feel bad?"

"… because I like you…"

Not hearing the words Kori had just uttered, Richard decided to go on with his rant; he felt terribly guilty for all the pain he had to put Kori through – especially when all she really did was check up on him from time to time. "Tell me, Kori! Please, tell me why I'm so different from everyone else?"

Kori watched as Richard went on and on with his little spiel; she did not understand where he was trying to go with it. Did he want her to stop talking to him? Or was he just trying to make her understand how guilty he felt because of Koma's harsh – yet, apparently true – insults?

Gently lifting his chin and ignoring his speech, Kori made eyes contact with Richard as best she could, looking deeply into his blue eyes. Wrapping her arms around him gently, she whispered into his ear, "It's because I like you, silly."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Again, my apologies for rewriting this series before actually completing it. I am trying so hard to rework certain elements of this story so that the ending will make a little more sense than what I originally had. However, I will have you all know that I have made it my summer goal to complete this "rewriting" phase so that I may continue with the rest of the storyline. I imagine that it must be frustrating to you guys to have to wait a while before going onward with the story… buuuuut I am adding a few new elements to the other chapters, so stayed tuned for the updates! :] A promise is a promise and I will do my best to complete the "rewriting" of this series. This chapter was rewritten and republished on August 6, 2012.

Again, my apologies, guys! Remember, good things come to those who wait. ;) Cheesy, but what the heck, right? If you would like, I have some other stories you all can check out. :D Anyways, I really appreciate the interest in the story. Thanks for reading, duckies! Also, reviews are highly welcomed!

~ May Vulcan