The Light Behind Your Eyes

by StarfirexRobinfan24

A different look at the life and times of RIchard Grayson and Kori Anders. Love, lust,... friendship, pain... life.. all that jazz. Its my first story, but Im confident its at least decent. Will be adding more chapters real soon so enjoy... ] Disclaimer: I do not, nor have I ever owned anything Teen Titans related

11. When Sunlight Dies

(A/N : Warning... this is a long chapter ... so get comfortable and enjoy =])

Chapter 11: When Sunlight Dies

(Kori Anders POV)

"Oh no..." Gar said, his brows narrowing in a more upset manner then I had ever seen in him before. He shook his head, pacing before me slightly. "This can't be good. Poor Rae."

This was his reply as I finished explaining to him the severity of the situation we were in where Rachel was concerned. I sighed. "You get Vic... I'll go..." I fell silent as he took to the hallway with a brief nod, his body slouching in sadness.

As the room fell silent I flinched at the sound of a loud snore which invaded the air around me. I turned to find a guy asleep still on the couch... why I hadn't noticed him before, I'm not sure, but his presence injected irritation within me now. As another snore rang in my ears I stepped into the hallway.

Reaching Dick's bedroom door I placed a hand on the doorknob, opening the door slowly. "Dick we have a prob..." My eyes widened, Dick stood alone in the room, a white towel wrapped around his waist, his glistening chest on display before me. I swallowed hard... of course I would catch him jumping out of the shower... standing there in utter perfection. "...lem..."

He looked to me casually, lifting a small beige towel to his drenched black hair. "What's up?"

I cleared my throat, drawing my attention strictly to his face... which didn't help either... he looked to me with those baby blues so calmly as if nothing were out of place,... his casual behavior in the situation drew further frustration in me. Its not as though I had never seen him shirtless but this moment seemed very vivid to me as my eyes involuntarily trailed over his appearance. "Nothing..." His eyes narrowed... great, if I wasn't being obvious enough already that I was nervous in this moment my stammering didn't exactly help the situation. "No... I mean... yes... there is..." He stepped closer to me with a confused expression. Dammit... why couldn't I remember why I had sought him out in the first place? I lifted a hand to my forehead. "I'll ... ummm... just..." I sighed...then releasing an embarrassed giggle, I took a step back. "I'll give you time to get dressed."

As I turned to walk away his suave voice brought me to an undesired halt.

"Wait..." he said. I looked back to him as he lowered the towel from his hair discarding it on the dresser beside him. He shrugged. "Whats wrong?"

I lowered my gaze to the floor, ... then it hit me. I cleared my throat. "It's Rachel."

"Is she alright?"

"Dick..." I heard a female voice sound from within the linked bathroom to his room.

He ignored the sound and looked to me laughed. "What?... we just showered."

I nodded with a laugh. "Sure."

He shrugged. "Anyway..."

"Dick!" THe voice sounded again.

"Give me a minute!" Dick shouted, then turned to me. "... I don't know about this one Kor." He rolled his eyes and leaned his back into the door frame. "She nags."

Inhaling deeply my eyes lowered to the floor. "Dick this is serious... Rachel..." I paused lowering my voice... merely because I wasn't sure where Rachel was lurking and would have preferred her not overhear our conversation. "... this is a very important time for her." His eyes narrowed. "Important... family matters need to be..."

His eyes widened and he lifted a hand to his forehead. "Was that this weekend?" I nodded, drawing a sigh from him. "Alright... I'll be right there... make sure Vic and Gar are..."

"They're already ready..." I paused, displaying a childlike smile. "... we're just waiting on you Mr. Grayson."

He smiled. "Alright give me one sec."

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We all sat in the kitchen now, aside from Rachel of course, ... it wasn't noon yet and our day had been shocked into a hectic moment.

"So what's our move?" Vic asked as he leaned forward on the aisle counter top.

Everyone looked to me and I felt the stress of their anticipation in my response heavy upon my shoulders. I tapped my finger nails nervously upon the counter then paused. "We should... no,..." I shook my head. "Maybe if we..." I sighed heavily. "I don't know. She just needs to know that we're here for her."

"She already knows that we're here for her... she doesn't want us bothering her... that's the issue here."

I looked to Dick as he said this with a raised brow. "No, she needs us to be here for her. She needs..."

"No..." Dick said with a chuckle. "Trust me, I know Rachel... if we went out of our way to show even the slightest amount of sympathy for her..." he hesitated,... a frustrated sigh escaping him. "She needs quiet... she needs time to herself... it's what she would want."

"This isn't about what she wants, Dick." I said placing a hand upon my waist and turning my body toward his. I ignored the emotion that erupted in me as his brow raised. "... this is about her needing to get away with the ones who love her and are here for her. "My eyes scanned over the three of them now. "...us... not all these random people who are only here for a good time."

"Yea but..." Dick began...

My eyes narrowed. "I'm not saying we need to hover over her but..." I sighed. "I think we all remember what happened last time we left her alone during a time like this."

So I'm gonna take this moment to pause and let you in on exactly what I mean by this. Now, this was years ago... but its memory was burned in the back of my mind...all our minds in fact... and I think it always will be.

It was the anniversary of ... well... the incident, and Rachel had begun the day just as she did this morning. She was frazzled, irritable... well I don't see why I even try to be subtle, the fact was, she was down right pissed off,... a lot like this morning. Which... to be honest she had shone some sort of lenience in my presence but I would not allow that to distract myself from the reality of what dark thoughts... fears... anything that was swimming around her mind today. Why? ... because I knew she was seething... trying to hold back her anger as best she could and eventually... before this weekend would end... I knew she'd go over the edge.

While she denied her fear of her father... I knew it wasn't really the case. She was terrified of him, ... I was terrified of him... but more importantly, I was scared for her. It's not as though she had asked for this life... none of us did, none of you did either... whether we are blessed with a fabulous life... or one like hers... no one can choose the life they're born into. And... while she didn't deserve to have to have gone through what she did... she was alive... she had survived, and as much as she puts on this front that she is stronger than to be afraid ... and most of the time she was... but everyone has their moments of weakness, and this was hers.

Side tracked again... sorry... the point I'm trying to make is that Rachel was brimming in anger and fear right now. Fear for her father and anger... well, anger, I believed was a result of her herself. It had become clear to me in several instances that she was angry with herself for being vulnerable to this fear... and she knew she couldn't change the facts, and no matter the amount of times she scolded herself to deny this fear... it was real. And in the end... those few years ago when the anniversary of her mother's death... her fathers slip into insanity... she folded under the pressure. To get straight to the point... she had delved head first into the life of drugs to numb her pain. It wasn't as though she was ever proud of herself for this moment of her past which she referred to as her weak point,... she had overdosed on cocaine and almost died. Dick found her passed out in the bathroom, a pool of blood and another unknown substance streaming from her dulling lips. In the end she was fine and didn't result to such behavior again but the fact that there was ever a moment when she believed turning to drugs was a solution merely proved how lost she was when it came to her father. Who wouldn't be? The point being... that couldn't happen again... I refused to let her slip into these old habits and while she remained firm in the fact that she wouldn't... that didn't mean she was being honest with herself.

"I still think we should..." Dick began.

"Look, " Vic interrupted. "... regardless of what we do we need to make sure Rae needs to know we're here for her and at the same time..." he shrugged looking to Dick. "... Kori's right. We can't have her spiral too out of control. We need to keep this contained."

"Whats going on in here." A loud cheer rang from three of our peers which had finally awoke to the day.

My eyes narrowed. "You all need to leave. You shouldn't' be here. We... something came up and we need the house to clear out."

"It's a beach party weekend. You can't just.."

"You heard her." Dick's voice sound firmly behind me and I felt his arm wrap around me as he sent a glare to them. I rolled my eyes as the faces slowly began to file out of the house, Rachel stepping out with a raised brow at the scene.

She looked to us with gritted teeth. "I know what you guys are trying to do and I'm only going to say this once..." She stepped to the door. "...Don't!"

"Rachel just hear us out..." I pleaded.

She turned back to me with unflinching wide eyes. "I just need to be alone Kori..." I tried to interrupt her then she stepped to me, staring down at me with hatred. "I don't need you hovering over me!"

She opened her mouth to direct more anger toward me but fell silent as Dick stepped to her, placing a hand upon her arm. "Alright... that's enough, lets just all calm down." He released a sigh as she looked to him with a laugh.

"Of course your here to ..."

"Enough... come on Rae." Gar said, stepping toward her now, her demeanor pausing from anger. I watched with a keen eye as she stared into Gar's concerned green eyes. We all remained silent as she stepped toward the hallway now. I knew she was trying to hold back her anger but I knew her breaking point couldn't be too far away. I turned to Dick with a sigh. He looked down at me with comforting eyes ... and then my phone rang... drenching my stressed complexion further.

I lifted a finger to Dick as I answered the phone. "Hello... mom? What's wrong?"

The room fell silent, all eyes focused on me now as I began to slip further into panic. Apparently Komi .. from what my mother confirmed... had never went to live with her as she had told me. She never showed at her court date and was missing. My mother asked me to come to her office... no not in town, that would be far too easy... she wanted me to meet her in New York.

"Alright... don't worry about it. I'll... "I paused looking to Dick, he shrugged in confusion as to what was going on. Turning away from him I sighed. "...I'll make sure of it. Just... don't worry mom, I'll take care of it. ...Alright... yes... ok... bye."

I ended the call and released a heavy sigh. This day was proving to be more of a struggle than anticipated. I may have fixed things with Dick but it seemed as though everything else was falling apart.

"What's wrong?"

I turned to Dick again but hesitated as the strange brunette surface from behind him, her flirtatious eyes locking onto his. Shaking my head I said, "You know what... it's nothing. Komi... she just... she ran away. Missed her court date and now my mom wants me to..." I paused as the girl was taken into his arms with a kiss to the forehead. I felt my insides tighten in discomfort. Sure, I had convinced myself that I could endure the pain of seeing Dick with yet another girlfriend, it's not as though it would be the first... nor the last... and yet, with everything going on with Rachel, and Komi, and now my mother... I needed space. I forced a smile. "Don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?" He asked me between breaths as he kissed at the girls cheek.

I hated the way he looked to her... that gaze was teasing at her, and it ... well, it made me jealous... and I hated that it did.

He paused from the girl whose hand was in his and he looked to me. "Rachel's going to be fine alright." He kissed me gently upon the forehead, drawing a glare from the girl whose eyes stabbed at mine now. "Trust me."

The room fell into a gloomy depressed vibe as he vanished to his room again... let me just say, when ever he left the room, no matter my mood, ... everything seemed a little less vibrant.

"You alright?" I heard Vic say. He placed a strong-arm around me in a slight shake of a hug.

I forced a smile. "I don't know... yes... I... I'm just sad... for my sister, for Rachel..." I paused, as a thought hit me... "That's it." I said as if all my stress had been devoured by a small realization. I looked to Vic and Gar now who stared at me awkwardly. I smiled. "I have an idea."

Vic hesitated. "I don't know. If this is about Rachel ... maybe Dick's right ... maybe we should just give her her space."

I inhaled deeply. "No... trust me, this will work. I have to be in New York, my mother needs my help. Apparently some trouble occurred and aside from Komi running away, her work is dealing with an issue she needs my assistance on." I smiled stepping back into the hallway, backward. "I'm gonna take Rachel with me. She needs to get out of this town." My mind wandered to Dick and the activity he was sure to be involved in... "Matter of fact... I think I could use a few days away from this town too."

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New York... in all its splendor, stared back at me through the window of my mothers office. I had managed to convince Rachel to accompany on this trip... which surprisingly wasn't as difficult as I had originally anticipated. In fact, she seemed more then eager to escape our town. The flight there was silent... and I mean silent. Rachel faded into her world of thoughts, plugging her earphones into her ears and drowning out the world around her. She remained there quiet, unmoving the entire trip... which, while six hours in one position drove me out of my mind, Rachel seemed perfectly content... her mind meditating without a single break.

I let out yet another sigh as I looked down at the massive stack of paperwork before me. According to my mother's assistant, my mother was too busy to have actually addressed me herself, a contract was breached and sitting...somewhere, where ever they were, was a group of furious lawyers breathing down her neck. My mind kept wandering to Dick though... while six hours isn't that long amount of time... I had done nothing to mention my disappearance to him. I felt guilt for not telling him but I knew he would have just found a way to come with me and to be honest... after spending a week in the hospital with him... I needed a few days away from him and his charm which had vexed me so.

My phone rang pulling me out of my continuous thoughts.

"Rachel? Is something wrong?" I asked, answering it immediately.

Her voice replied in a frustrated tone. "Would you just answer your phone?"

I hesitated, "I did... is this not the first time you've called me?"

"Yea, it is,... but I swear if Dick calls me one more time asking where you are or why you're ignoring his calls I'm going to snap. Just... call him back."

Before I could reply she hung up. And yea... I guess I didn't mention it before, but from the moment I turned my phone back on after the flight, Dick had been trying to get a hold of me... I'm not sure why I avoided his calls, I wasn't upset with him... I don't know,... well actually, I guess I do... with all the stress I was in right now I just didn't need to hear his haunting voice showering concern for my disappearance or his anger that I had not given him the opportunity to join me in New York. I needed to be focused. I had to finish this work... well its illogical to even assume I could finish the amount needed by today, or even by tomorrow, but I needed to keep an eye on Rachel still... as a result... my mind was on the fritz.

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(Richard Grayson's POV)

I looked to Crystal... she remained silent beside me upon the bed. My eyes trailed over her thick brown locks which danced over her in a frenzy of curls... and I sighed. Sure I did enjoy my time with her... to be honest who wouldn't, regardless... I was still focused on Kori. I couldn't help it and I'm certain it's becoming quite a nuisance for me to continue to babble on about her and how amzin... forget it. The point is she and I had come to an understanding... she wasn't upset with me, or hurt by me any longer, and while I was relieved... I still hadn't spent much time with her since we left the hospital... and if it's not obvious.. it bothered me.

I glanced around the room drawing attention to my surroundings... hoping to distract my mind from Kori... but I knew I wouldn't be able to hold back much longer... I wanted to be around her right now. I paused glancing to Crystal once more, her eyes flickered before me, her lips parting in a smile. It sounds sad,... but I wasn't enticed by her at the moment. I stood quickly dressing and ignoring her questions as to where I was going, and made my way back to the living room. I rolled my eyes,... there they were, Gar and Vic, in a heated argument as they shifted crazily upon the couch, their eyes in a unblkinging gaze upon the television screen. I'm not sure what video game they were playing but I knew better than to interrupt.

I made my way to Kori's room and finding it empty, receded to Rachel's... empty also. I rolled my eyes,... Kori always went out of her way to ensure everyone was alright, especially Rachel. I knew Rachel was probably fighting to remove herself from kori's presence at the moment... and just as likely, that Kori was hovering over her to coax Rachel into pouring out her emotions in a heartfelt discussion... which, I think we all know is unlikely for Rachel to do, and while Kori knew this... she insisted regardless of the lashing of violent words Rachel would deliver her in response.

Now, when I found both rooms empty I immediately returned to the living room lowering myself on the couch with a sigh. I watched the two children play their video games in a riot of weak let downs and confident comebacks. I could feel my eyelids slowly begin to become heavier, and just as I was about to fall asleep I heard the television shut off.

"Do you think they arrived there yet?" Gar asked, I could hear his voice rise in an echo as they entered the kitchen.

"No... it takes longer then three hours to get to New York... think about it." Came Vic's voice.

I didn't really pay too much attention to their conversation, digging my phone from my pocket and calling Kori. When she didn't answer I hesitated... if she was with Rachel and not answering her phone... there could be a number of things having gone wrong. I redialed her number... same response... nothing. I was becoming frustrated now, but came to a pause as I heard Vic call to me. I turned to my side upon the couch to view him.

"IF your calling Kori... she wont answer."

My eyes narrowed, then standing I joined them in the kitchen, posting myself upon one of the bar stool which lingered before the counter. "And why not?"

Suspicion set in further as the two exchanged awkward glances. I'm assuming my anger was very obvious for Gar released a nervous chuckle into the air, to lighten the mood. "Dude... how could she not have told you of all people?"

"Rachel's gone too so I'm gonna go out on a limb here and assume they're together?" I said, becoming ever more frustrated at their inability to answer a simple question clearly. I knew it was because neither one wanted to be the one to have to tell me but ... I still needed to know.

"Uh... yea..." Vic said. I sent him a glare of impatience and he sighed. "Look... Rachel and Kor are in New York." My eyes narrowed pausing as he fell silent, looking to his phone for the time. "Actually they should be arriving there in a few hours."

"Yea... Kori's mom called saying she needs her there... something about Komi..." Gar added.

"...and work."

"And she took Rachel to get her out-of-town for a while."

I rolled my eyes. "What do you mean for a while? ..." I stood. "This isn't like Kori to just disappear... I mean, she told both of you but not me?"

They exchanged nervous glances to which I brushed off and made my way back to my room. I lay back upon the bed for a long while, Crystal remained beside me in silence, I knew she could tell I was in no mood to talk. It would be a few hours of silence before I called Kori again... after all I had to wait until her plan landed and she got settled before I could call her with my words of frustration for her. Her not telling me she was leaving only confused me... I thought she and I were back to normal... but this was definitely not a Kori move... especially when I was residing in the room down from her in the hallway. It would have taken all of five minutes to at least tell me she was leaving the state... I paused... the realization of me being clingy set in. I cringed, it's not as though I enjoyed this over-protectiveness I had for Kori... but it just didn't stop.

It would be ten o'clock before she would decide to return any of my calls. I remained leaned back against the headboard of the bed, in a heated lip lock with Crystal who sat upon my lap. I was frustrated with Kori and this seemed like the best way to get her off my mind... what can I say... it was working. I had given up on her calling me for the night. I knew she would be tired from the work her mom had for her and an argument with me was the last thing she would need, so I opted to hold back my persistent thoughts until tomorrow... then I heard it.

My phone rang, ... I was gonna be pissed if it was anyone other than Kori.

"Ignore it." Crystal said running her hands through my hair as I pulled away from her.

Ignoring her I stretched my left arm to the end table where my phone sat... Crystal still clawing at my hair and trying to bring my face back to hers. I smiled as I stared down at the picture of Kori which flashed across my phone screen. I immediately answered it, ignoring the kisses being sent along my neck from an eager Crystal.

"Kori... where have you been?" I asked. I knew I sounded far less angry than I actually was but I had been anticipating the sound of her voice for so long that when it called back to me I was far more than thrilled.

"Hey Dick..." she paused, and I immediately sensed a fragment of annoyance in her voice. "Look, I'm sure your upset but I... I didn't tell you because I needed this time to be with Rachel. She needs us in this..."

"Are you alright?" I interrupted, I was not the least bit interested in arguing with her. "What's taken this long to call me back?"

There was another silence from her... I hated these silences, even though she had said she and I were fine, it was times like these that made me think otherwise.

"I just... I've been busy. My mom has a ton of paperwork she needs to be dealt with. Oh, and ... if she's not in enough trouble... Komi is missing. She missed her court date..." As she began to ramble I could tell she was feeling far more stressed out then she would have liked me to know. I paused looking to Crystal and motioning her to remove herself from my lap. "..which means she is going to be arrested again, once she's found, not to mention the fines she will be accumulating each day she is on the run..." I gave Kori a brief 'really?' but my mind was drifting to Crystal who refused to move away from me. She was tugging at my belt now in a seductive manner as her lips danced playfully on my neck still. "And if all of this isn't enough stress..." Kori continued. "... my mother has a set of lawyers breathing down her neck about the contract that was breached and..." she released an adorable whimper of frustration. "... I just... I should be focused on Rachel right now. I just... I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment." I pushed Crystals hand away from my waist and mouthed words of annoyance asking her to move once again. It wasn't until Kori spoke again that my full attention snapped solely on her, Crystal fading. "I actually wish you were here. I could really use some help out here."

My ears sparked as she said this and I immediately lifted myself from the bed, leaving Crystal disappointed as I pushed her slightly to the side,... come on it's not like she got hurt... she just... she wouldn't listen. I grunted slightly as my cast hit back against the headboard.

"Are you alright?" Kori asked, but before I could reply she released a heavy sigh. "Please don't tell me you're in the middle of..."

"No..." I laughed, stepping out of the room and into the hallway. "No... I'm not. So... what were you saying?"

She sighed again. "I just... I don't know what to do Dick. I feel really lost here. How am I suppose to help my mom, find Komi, help Rachel... and..."

"Kori... calm down. Your fine, trust me. You can handle this... and... to be honest I think you're doing too much. Komi will be found eventually so don't let that stress you out. As far as your mom,... do what you can... she can't ask anymore then that." I found myself running a hand through my hair with a slight shutter that erupted through my body as she released another whimper of frustration... the sound even more enticing as it was breathed into my ear. I cleared my throat. "Look... if you want I can..."

"No..." she said, instantly draining me of any amount of feelings I was drowning in from the sound of her mere voice. "... I ... I admit it would be easier if you were here... and ... to be honest I really do want you here but... I'll be home in a few days so there's really no need to trouble yourself."

I paused noticing my reflection in the mirror on the wall across from me... my mind flashed in panic... I was smiling... blushing... damn this was bad. I cleared my throat. "Yea... ummm... you know what your right. It's only a few days right?"

"Yea."

I inhaled deeply. "Alright well... answer your phone if I call you again. Its bad enough you left without any warning."

"I know Dick... I know. I'll answer if I can alright?" She said guiltily.

I felt a slight tension in my chest as I hesitated. I knew the question I wanted to ask... but I wasn't sure I wanted to hear the answer. I swallowed hard. "So... why is it you left without telling me? I thought you said you and I were fine."

"We are." She answered quickly. "I just... I don't know... I thought you were busy... I knew you were in the room with that girl and I didn't want to interrupt."

"That's not exactly a good excuse Kori. You should have told me... I was sitting around for forever trying to get a hold you and irritated when you didn't reply." I paused. "Besides... you should now better than to feel as though there's ever a time you can't come to me."

"Don't get so offended I didn't mean it that way I just... you were with..."

"It doesn't matter who I'm with... you know you're more important to me then any of the girls I've ever been with." As I said this... I felt my face run hot... her silence didn't help either. I mean obviously this was true... I knew it... she knew it... but the way I had said it this time around it seemed more meaningful, instantly drawing me into my thoughts,scolding myself. I wanted to seem more reserved with my feelings for Kori... not broadcast them in her ear. I forced a laugh. "Look... just forget it alright. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Okay."

I hung the phone up with a sigh... great... not only was I not looking forward to her being gone for even one day let alone her estimated 'few'... but I was upset with myself for losing control around her again. It may not have been obvious to her... but I was well aware.

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(Kori Anders' POV)

"So you finally called him?" Rachel said, surfacing out of her dark room.

I forced a closed mouthed smile accompanied with a brief nod. I paused as she sat beside me. It was now that I noticed her attire. She wasn't in her usual clothing... she wore a pair of dark jean shorts and a black band shirt... I'm not sure which one, my mind was focused more on the fact that she looked as though she was headed somewhere.

"Where... I mean... it looks like you have plans to leave?"

My eyes narrowed as her lips curled upward slightly. I tilted my head to the side in confusion,... it wasn't a smile of happiness, no, it was more of a sinister grin which would obviously imply she was up to no good.

"I figured I'd go for a walk... there's this old, abandoned warehouse that got turned into a club and..."

"A club? Rachel you don't go to clubs..."

Her glare returned now. "Is there any reason I would have to explain myself to you?" She lifted a small shoulder purse to her side... the act alone actually freaked me out... Rachel didn't go to clubs but she definitely didn't add purses to her attire.

"I don't think you should go. The sun has already gone down, and it's not safe for you to be wandering New York at night alone."

"Who says I'll be alone?" She said stepping to the door. She paused turning to me and brushing her violet hair behind her left ear. "Are you coming or not?"

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The walk wasn't far and it wasn't that I at all minded the silence between us as we slowly made our way to this club... it was the strange eyes that poked out from the windows of the sketchy neighborhood we had entered. I was exhausted from the flight and from the work I did at my mother's office earlier... knowing I was nowhere near completion brought me into further stress. I forced a smile when she looked to me in suspicion of my obvious nervousness.

"Here it is."

I looked up at the building and my eyes went wide. It was exactly as she had said, an abandoned warehouse,... I couldn't help but hope that the inside was in far better condition then its outside appearance... which was awfully decrepit. "Are you sure this is..." I fell silent as two guys exited the door to our left, slurring and falling over themselves. I sighed. "This seems..."

"Are you scared?" She asked, a smile on her face now.

I immediately shook my head, entering behind her in a cower as the loud music and blinding lights surged all around us. It was a dark... very dark building inside and out... the people slothed around the club in a haze.

We were there a good twenty minutes before I saw Rachel bend over the counter top, a rolled up dollar bill against her nose as she snorted a rail of white substance.

"What are you doing?" I shouted over the loud music and conversation.

She looked to me, standing upright now and running a finger passed the bottom of her nose... her eyes shut momentarily. "Nothing you need to be concerned about."

"Rachel..."

"Look, I didn't bring you along to play mommy... just... try to enjoy yourself."

I was angry now. "Look... this isn't you Rachel. We've been through this before and...what you're doing... how your dressing..."

"Your right... it isn't me..." she said sniffling against her coated nose. "This mere fact alone should prove that I'm just trying to loosen up a little bit. I'm fine Kori... trust me."

"No..." I said taking her hand, she swayed briefly before me. I knew I was on rough ground before but now I had guaranteed she would go off on me. "We're going home... now."

She glared at me for a moment then smiled. "You go. I'll be there soon."

"But.."

"Just go Kori." My eyes receded into fear as she gritted her teeth, straightening her posture, towering over me. "Can't you see that I don't want you here?" I paused swallowing hard as her eyes rolled back slightly in her head and she shuttered with a wave calm... I'm assuming from the said white substance now taking effect. "Why don't you just go call and complain to Dick about all this... make him deal with your obnoxious attitude."

I swallowed hard. I knew she didn't mean it but with all the stress I was under I wanted nothing more than to do exactly as she suggested.

"Go!" She yelled back at me once more.

I swallowed hard, lacing my purse over my shoulder and heading for the door. I didn't want to leave her but I realized there was no way I would get her our of there... besides she said she would be right with me so... I continued out of the bitter smelling building, my mind thinking of Richard once again. I find that I'm always putting myself in this position. I don't want to be around him because I feel awkward when he openly shows affection to other women, ... which wasn't his fault, ... but now I had once again separated myself from him and all I wanted was for him to be here.

I stepped out into the dark night in a less than pleased mood. I looked at my surroundings trying to retrace my steps to find the way back to the hotel. I was muttering to myself as I walked along the cold sidewalk... chills sparked down my spine as a bird flew past me, causing me to jump. It seemed far too quiet for New York... my nerves were ignited again as I could have sworn I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to find nothing but the empty sidewalk, and yet this made no difference for the feeling of fear that consumed me.

I quickened my movement, my breath becoming slightly more strained... and within a few minutes I paused... I had no idea where I was. I swallowed hard glancing around frantically as the footsteps sounded again.

"Rachel?" I called out... nothing... an eerie feeling setting over me.

My heart was racing now... and what was worse... for all I knew this all could have been my mind messing with my stressed thoughts. There could easily have been nothing following me... but I couldn't stop myself from being scared at the sound of every little thing... a car zooming past me... a person slamming their window shut in the tall building I walked passed... and then it hit me... Bruce was staying in town. I wasn't sure if he had left by now but it wouldn't hurt to call him.

I paused stepping around a dark corner and leaning back against the wall and lifted the phone to my ear. It took forever to ring,... again... my mind creating things... and then I heard his tired voice answer.

"Kori? ... is everything all right?"

My voice was shaky as I answered in a whisper. "Bruce... are you... are you still in New York?"

His hesitation gave my mind another opportunity to strike fear in me... I could have sworn I saw a shadow move toward me in the distance.

"Yes Kori. Your mother told me you were in town... do you need something? You sound..."

My eyes widened as a gruff looking man stepped out from within the shadows.

"Kori..." I heard Bruce say again.

The man looked to me with a smile. "I know you... you're that Kori Anders."

Bruce had fallen silent on the other line now, I'm assuming listening to what was happening around my. I forced a weak chuckle, then swallowing hard I stepped at an angle from the wall and began walking backward slowly. "No... I'm not."

My heart began to beat rapidly as the man smiled, stepping toward me. He removed his hands from the long, black beat up coat he wore and rubbed them together... a smile plastered across his face. "Oh yes you are... I'd know that face anywhere." His eyes flowed over me and his brow burrowed in a false display of concern. "Now what's a pretty little thing like you doing out in theses parts all on your lonesome?"

"Kori... where are you?" I heard Bruce call, panick in his voice now.

I ignored it... the only thing I was focused on was the continuation of my feet moving backward as I tried to put as much space between me and this stranger as I could. The cold breeze of the night stung at me, my breath visible now. "Nothing... I... I'm not even alone. My friend she is..."

"Of course she is." He said with a laugh, his steps moving slowly toward me in a taunting manner.

It was now that I became completely engulfed in fear... my back came to a halt as it hit a brick wall in which I had not seen, behind me... a dead-end. I swallowed hard. "I... I should probably go find my friend."

I was breathing heavily as the man shook his head, stepping to me with a sinister grin, and a slight crazed laugh. His eyes never wavered from mine, only growing wider as he stopped before me now. I could smell the bitter stench of cheap liquor on his breath. "And why would I let you do that..." He paused lifting his dirt stained knuckles against my cheek in a rough caress. I inhaled deeply and held my breath as he smiled again, his slimy yellow teeth displayed close to me. "... I'm your biggest fan."

My chest moved up and down in a frenzy of fear. My eyes focused on any way I could get our of this situation... "I already told you... I'm not Kori An..." I paused as his left hand fell to mine, taking my phone from my possession.

"You wont be needing this." He said casually placing it in his coat then looking back to me.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, a tear falling from my eye.

The sight of me in tears drew even more laughter from him. He lifted a hand to his mouth as he suffered a severe cough... it was now that I took off into the street. I ran as fast as I could. The ground below me felt rugged and uneven. I widened my eyes, wiping away the tears so I could better my vision of where I was going... in truth I had no idea where I was and was hoping I would not find myself in yet another dead-end.

I glanced behind me and fear surged through me again... I realized I wasn't all that far ahead of him. His eyes stared at me in hunger. I was almost around another corner when I felt his grasp upon my left arm. I tried to fight back but my body was immediately thrust back and I found myself in his arms.

"You shouldn't have done that sweetheart." He panted. His strong grip upon my arm remained firm as he turned me to face him. His eyes widened over my every feature. "I was just gonna rob you take you for everything you got..." that revolting smile crept across his face again and he ran a filthy hand through my hair.. "... but now..."

He pressed me hard against the wall to my right, his eyes widening as he pressed my arms out at my sides to keep me still. I thought he was going to attempt kissing me... his face was inches from mine, the stench of his presence stifled my senses... that is until he came to a pause. His silence caused me to force an eye open only to find him gleaming wide-eyed at the bracelet Dick had given me on my birthday. My heart sunk... there was no way I was going to give the bracelet to him... it was too important to me.

"Hand it over." He said releasing his grip on me. When I hesitated, he raised his voice. "I said hand it over... your purse to." I swallowed hard... he could have my purse I didn't care. Once it was in his possession I lowered my gaze to the floor, placing my left arm behind me to conceal the bracelet. I inhaled deeply as he looked to me again. "The bracelet too."

I shook my head. "I can't."

His eyes narrowed and he stepped into me. "Did you hear me bitch? I said hand it over."

When I refused him again he struck me hard across the face. I fell to the floor, and could taste the blood seeping from my torn lip. I lifted a hand to my mouth and looked up at him.

"Take it off..." he paused extending my purse toward me..." Place it in the purse." When I hesitated again he revealed,.. with a smile... a small knife. "I'm gonna enjoy enjoy cutting your pretty little face off." He kicked at my shoe. "... the bracelet."

My entire body was shaking as I slowly removed it from my wrist. I cried harder as I extended my hand, bracelet within my grasp over my purse. I shook my head not wanting to let go... and I didn't until he brought the helm of the knife down upon my hand with immense force... the bracelet slipping through my fingers and disappearing into the bag.

"Good girl... " he said, placing the purse inside his large coat. "Now stand up."

"You have everything I own ... please... just let me go." I cried.

"It's not that easy princess." He said stepping over me and pulling me to my feet.

"Leave her alone!"

Both the stranger and I turned to the voice... my heart immediately washing over in relief.

"Rachel..." I said, smiling through the blood and tears on my face.

She stood there, confidence screaming in her features. She didn't acknowledge me, her glare was focused on the stranger now. "I said leave her alone."

The man laughed, ...his disturbing, spine chilling laugh, and motioned to the knife in his hand. "And what are you gonna do about it?"

Fear crept over me again... but not in regards to the man whose tight grasp was still on my arm... no, it was for Rachel... she had a smile on her face. A smile that I hadn't seen in a long while... a smile that meant someone was getting hurt tonight. My eyes widened... my thoughts confirmed as Rachel lifted a revolver from her purse... which ironically explained the need for said purse to be in her possession.

"Looks like your out of luck on this one."

The man erupted in laughter again. "You sure you know what your doing with that? Don't hurt yourself."

The world around us rang in a loud bang. I had shut my eyes tightly, panting against my scarce breathe as the gun went off. It was only as the mans grip on me vanished that I looked to find him scurrying away down a dark alley. I felt Rachel step to me and grab my arm.

"Are you alright?" Her eyes wandered over me with a concerned gleam.

"Wha... what...? How did you find me?" I cried.

"Your phone."

As she said this I thanked Dick for programming the small device within my phone which linked all of us... our friends... together. We always knew where each other were.

"Lets get out of here. We need to call the cops.."

"Cops?" I said puling my arm back from her, my body still shaking uncontrollably. "Rachel... you shot someone..." My eyes narrowed as she remained unaffected by this fact. "Why do you even have a gun?"

She ignored me lifting her phone to her ear. "I'm calling Bruce."

My mind came to a pause as a sharp pain surfaced on the back of my head. I cringed, lifting a hand to the back of my head, meeting the pain with a damp spot upon my hair. I looked to my fingers now, they were coated in blood.

"You alright?" Rachel asked, noticing me linger in my gaze upon my stained fingers.

I looked to her again, wiping the blood upon my jeans with a sigh... my body was still quivering in fear and shock of all that had taken place. I gave her an indecisive nod then said, "Rachel... why did you have a gun? It's too dangerous for you to..."

"Too dangerous?" She laughed. "Kori... the gun is the only reason you made it out alive tonight."

I hesitated. "You can't call the cops." I paused again as she looked to me in disbelief. "Look,... my mom doesn't need this extra stress on her."

"So this guy just gets away with it? He took all of your stuff... he hurt you."

I shrugged the thought of Dick's bracelet being taken working its way into my thoughts again. "Look... it's not a big deal..." I sighed lifting a hand to my forehead. "I'll just cancel my credit cards. It's not as though I had more than a hundred dollars in my wallet... and ..." I paused as I felt Rachel's hand upon my shoulder now.

"ITs going to be alright Kori. I know your scared but..." She fell silent as a black Cadillac pulled up alongside us and Bruce stepped from the vehicle.

Bruce looked to me with narrowed eyes. "Does Dick know about this?"

"No..." I paused catching a brief reflection of myself in the car window... I definitely looked at lot worse than my injuries were. My busted lip had sent blood flowing down my chin and onto my shirt, my hair was frizzed, and my clothes were spotted with dirt from when I had fallen to the floor before. While it may have looked bad to Bruce... the real pain I was in was more emotional than physical. I stared down at my bare wrist... angry that Rachel hadn't arrived sooner... before I had handed my bracelet over to the man. I looked to Bruce with a sigh. "I don't want him to know about this. He'd just worry."

"Well, I'll admit he usually is worried about you when it's not necessary but in this case..." his blue eyes softened and he placed a hand upon my shoulder. "... I'm even worried." He paused as I gave him a blood coated smile. "Lets get you cleaned up. I want you and Rachel to stay with me for the night. I'd feel better if I could keep an eye on you."

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When morning arrived, my head was pounding in a furious, unrelenting migraine. I didn't have time for pleasantries... I looked to the clock and realized I was late. I was expected to be at my mothers office over an hour ago and yet here I sat... far from ready.

I passed Rachel with a brief nod, ignoring her immediate concern for me and exited the building. I became easily frustrated at the annoying fact that I had no amount of money to afford a taxi and my mothers office was across town... to the bus I guess... I can't even remember the last time I was on a public bus.

I froze as a sharp suited gentleman stepped to me. "Miss Anders?"

I hesitated. "Yes."

He smiled warmly, but I could see his eyes wandering over my split lip and the bruises on my arms which I had yet to cover with my jacket. "Right this way. Mr. Wayne has arranged a car for you."

I smiled following the man, the thought of Dick and Bruce being far too alike striking a chord in my mind. When I finally reached the office I was bombarded by three of my mothers 'people', as they liked to address themselves as. They situated me in a small office... a large stack of paperwork greeting me at the desk. I sat with a sigh... my head was still throbbing and my body felt weak... concentration seemed beyond me at this point. I thought about Dick, and how upset he was going to be with me once he realized I wouldn't be answering any of his phone calls since the mugger had my phone. This trip was about my mother and Rachel and yet... as of right now I felt my mother still adamant about getting the work done, which is fine since I refused Rachel or Bruce the okay to tell anyone of what happened the night before, but Rachel seemed concerned for me instead of herself. I didn't want this time away from home to be about me... but if it meant Rachel would be more understanding then perhaps it was for the best. I only wish I had Dick's bracelet... it brought a sense of calm to me when he wasn't around.

Two... three hours ... I wasn't sure how long I had been there... the work was never-ending and my mind was slow today. I paused, releasing a heavy sigh as my mothers assistant popped her head into the room.

"Miss Anders... there's someone here to see you."

I sighed, not lifting my head up from the paperwork. "Tell Rachel to come back later... I'm busy."

"It isn't Rachel ... it's a handsome gentleman."

At this I smiled. "Well, tell Bruce I'll be there in a moment."

It was now that I heard the one voice that could make me cry. The voice that, while I had refused myself tears any longer, would be the key to releasing them like a hurricane upon me once again.

"It's not Bruce, either... "

I lifted my head to the door now and smiled. "What are you doing here Dick?"

He stood there,... looking as charming as ever... his leather jacket and jeans combo in full flare. He pulled the sunglasses from his eyes and smiled... damn that smile. "I'm here for you." He shrugged closing the door behind him. "I took the red-eye flight out. You seemed really upset yesterday and I couldn't sleep so... here I am."

I nodded, momentarily forgetting everything I had been through, right down to the fact that if he stepped any closer to me, he would see that I had been injured. His mere presence already brought a sense of calm to me. "I told you, you didn't have to come."

"Why aren't you wearing the bracelet I gave you?" He said, his voice came off more upset than hurt.

I paused, lowering my eyes to the paperwork once again... what could I say? The mere fact that he noticed it missing from my wrist so quickly made me uneasy... I hadn't expected him to be here... I had no excuse. I couldn't exactly just tell him I was robbed last night... trust me, he'd be furious. And in the end... he would have every right. I knew better than to walk the streets of New York alone... especially in the area in which I was. I swallowed hard as he stepped closer to me, sitting back upon the desk in front of me. I immediately noticed the aroma of his cologne, my eyes shut at the memory of his signature scent. To be honest a part of me knew he would show up soon enough in New York... I just hadn't thought it would be this soon.

I avoided his question, lowering the pen between my fingers to the paper before me. "I ... I uhh, .. I forgot to put it back on. You should go see Rachel... I really do have a lot of work to get done."

I heard a small chuckle escape him. "Is that anyway to treat someone who just spent the night on a plane for you?"

I looked to him as he set his sunglasses on the desk beside him. His eyes immediately narrowed on my features and I could tell he was upset. I felt his hand on mine as he pulled me to my feet and brought me into him, his eyes still focused upon my cut lip. Running a hand through my hair I tried to look away but felt his hand was tuck firmly below my jaw as he pulled my face closer to his. "It's... it looks a lot worse than it is."

His eyes flickered to mine and I knew he didn't believe me. He leaned his head forward, his eyes narrowing over my lip as he lifted a thumb to the wound. "How did this happen?"

I stepped back from him with, what I was sure, was a believable laugh, but the look on his face made me reconsider. "You know... I'm just clumsy. Rachel and I were..." I paused as he lifted a brow at me... which instantly sent a chill down my spine. "Look... I really need to get this work done so... you should get back to Rachel."

He stood now. "Yea... you guys are staying with Bruce..." I paused returning to my seat ignoring the comment. I could tell he seemed suspicious but if I avoided his gaze I knew things would be easier to get through. "Well... that's why I'm here is to help you. Vic and Gar are with Rachel for now."

"Its fine, I know you want to help but..." I paused thinking of an excuse he might buy. "Well... this paper work is very particular in..."

I fell silent as he laughed, lowering himself upon a chair opposite me in the desk. "Please Kori... nice try but this isn't anything more difficult than I've had to help Bruce with." He glanced over the paperwork and shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "You realize ... probably half of what you've done is wrong?"

I released a small whimper... I had expected this might happen, I wasn't exactly fully alert today. I lowered my head upon the desk with a whine. "Don't say that."

He laughed. "Don't worry about it... that's why I'm here." As he fell silent I could hear him rummaging through a large stack of papers in which I had already deemed complete and began stifling through the files. "Well... this is gonna take a while."

As he continued working in silence, I found myself staring at him. He seemed so focused... and I thank him in my thoughts for always being the one to calm me down. I tried to focus on my work as best I could but my gaze continued to find its way to him and his gorgeous figure. His deep-set brows always held so much emotion... usually anger or surprise... but they alone could make my heart beat quicker. His eyes... those amazingly crystal clear ocean eyes darted back and forth across the paperwork before him in such a focused manner it was hard not to smile. His overall relaxed state seemed too casual, but then again he was used to situations such as this. His feet were propped up on the corner of my desk and he leaned back in his chair, a slight mumble of words escaped his lips occasionally and I knew it was because he was completely focused.

My mind wandered back to my work then came to a halt as I watched him lean over the desk and help himself to the phone. He lifted it to his ear and tilted his head to the side to balance the phone between his cheek and shoulder. "What?"

I shrugged. "Nothing ... I just..."

"We're gonna need coffee if we plan on getting this done today."

My brow raised. "What?" I paused running my eyes over the crowded desk and sighed. "There's no way we're gonna get even half of this done today."

I felt myself melt as he smiled at me. "Trust me."

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(Richard Grayson's POV)

"Finally done," I said, standing in with a stretch and rubbing at my eyes. "I do not want to look at another file for a long time."

Kori giggled, but her tired eyes proved she was nothing more than exhausted. She pulled her long hair behind her in a sigh. "I can't thank you enough Dick. I really didn't think we would be able to finish all of this today." She paused looking to me with a grateful smile, and I could feel myself smiling back involuntarily. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

We lingered in this gaze for a brief moment then, clearing my throat I stepped to the door. "I'll be back alright. Answer your phone when I call you. I'm just gonna check on Rachel."

"I don't have my phone. I forgot it at Bruce's place."

I hesitated... I knew she was hiding something. I stepped to her again. "Alright... I'll pick it up for you."

"No..." She answered quickly. "I... I just... you wont find it. I lost it this morning so..." She shrugged but again... I could tell there was something bothering her... I just wasn't sure if this reading I had from her was a result of exhaustion or the secret she was obviously keeping from me. I sent her a kiss to the cheek then made my way out the office.

"Rachel..." I said lifting my phone to my ear. She called back to me in her signature monotone voice.

"What?"

"Hey, I'm gonna stop by a minute to pick up Kori's phone... do you know where she left it?"

The silence that followed arose further suspicion in me and I could feel my temper rising. "Rachel?"

A heavy sigh escaped her and she said, "You know what... this isn't my place to say, but you wont find the phone. Kori lost it."

"I know, she said that, but she said it was at Bruce's so just call it and when I get there..."

"No Dick." She interrupted. "I mean... she doesn't have it anymore."

I could tell from the tone in her voice, she was trying to tell me something that Kori obviously didn't want me to know, so I pressed further. "Come on Rae, just tell me. Does this have anything to do with..."

"She was mugged last night alright. The guy took her phone, beat a little sense into her, and... she's upset because he took everything... including the bracelet you gave her."

As this all fell to my ears I remained frozen. My anger was rising and as I hung up on Rachel I quickly made my way to Bruce's apartment in a focused daze. I raced up the stairs and shoved the door open, turning to the startled faces of Vic and Gar... Rachel must have been locked in her room still.

"Whats wrong?" Gar asked looking to me with concern at my obvious distraught state.

I ignored him and looked to Vic. "We have a problem."

His eyes narrowed. "What happened? Is Kori alright?"

"No... she was mugged last night." I said pulling my phone from my pocket and locking its signal on Kori's phone then showing it to Vic. "There's someone I can't wait to meet."

Vic smiled. "I'm in."

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