(A/N) I hope you're ready for this...

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Chapter Seventeen: Linger In Silence For The Fallout

(Kori Anders' POV)

My world was spinning at an odd... unsettling rate. As if everything that occurred around me was already planned out... destined for utter failure. It had taken a direction down a path I was not certain I would see the end of. Things between Dick and I were... strange... different. That's not say we weren't at least pretending things had yet to have changed,... hoping the awkwardness would fade on its own... it was as though neither one of us could accept this obvious shift in our relationship. I had spent the night with Komi... the idea was to try to give my mind, heart... everything... a well deserved break. It worked for part of the night... I was completely free of Roy, and my friends, and Dick... everything. And yet... as I came to the realization Komi had knowingly served me a not so ordinary brownie ... my mind snapped instantly to Richard.

I remember my body trying to dispose of the alcohol and said brownie in a tornado of convulsion... and I couldn't help but wish I was with Dick at the time. He had this hold over me... his presence alone brought me comfort. Now, while I couldn't help but draw attention to the fact that he and I were slowly crumbling ... even so, I could not ignore that I needed him at this moment. So of course... what did I do? I went to his house... locked myself in his room, slightly frustrated at his absence. The thought of where he was, and the obvious fact he was certainly with Crystal upset me, but I didn't care. I just needed to be in his surroundings... his very scent lingered in his room and it brought a calm to me all on its own.

I remember waking the next morning... today actually,... to the sensation of a familiar hand tightening around my waist. I opened my eyes to find Richard inches from my face. It startled me at first but as he remained in an unshaken slumber, I found myself smiling. He was so peaceful ... and what was even more enjoyable about this moment... I was free to admire his handsome features without guilt of being caught with my eyes lingering on him. I felt myself inhale deeply as his arm around my waist drew me even closer to him, our noses almost touching now. I could feel my heartbeat quicken as, still dead asleep, he leaned toward me, resting his head against mine, which was now pressed against his chest.

I swallowed hard, I shouldn't have allowed myself the enjoyment of this moment, but as the sound of his calm heartbeat reached my ears ... I didn't care that this would become yet another undesired memory with him. I allowed myself to bask in his comfort, his strong arms never leaving me. In this moment I felt as though I was entirely his... the truth, while I still hated my struggle against my feelings for him... he was asleep, there was no harm in this...

Well... actually, that isn't nearly as true as I told myself if was. Roy... Roy Harper... was the cause of this. This moment I was sharing with Dick was not something he would be comfortable with...and yet,... here I remained, ... ever so still as not to ruin the moment by waking him. We remained here for a long while... and as a quiet knock sounded from the door, one which I knew came from Alfred... I looked Dick. Of course I wasn't excited to end this time with him... I knew I probably should though. I waited for Alfred's footsteps to fade then I slowly lifted my lips in a sort of pucker... sending a small breeze of breath to Dick's cheek, in a silent whistle. I giggled to myself as his eyes eyebrows lowered at the disturbance. This seems strange, and it is,... but this was always how I had woke him up. I found it was a more subtle, calming way to be awoken... and the fact that it always made his charming laugh sound didn't hurt either. I blew another small gust of cool breath to his cheek and it was now that his mind became alert. He didn't open his eyes but his tired voice sounded in my direction.

"Kori..." he whined in sleepiness.

I giggled once more, then repeated the action once more before his eyes forced themselves open. I smiled... his eyes always had this dreamy gaze to them in the morning, and right now was no exception. "Morning..."

A smile crept across his face slowly, then, removing his hands from me, he turned on his back... releasing a drawn out yawn. I couldn't speak ... merely captivated by his every movement. He looked to the ceiling, and I could tell his mind was in thought.

"You tried to lock me out of my room last night..." I blushed slightly as his head turned in my direction, a smile across his lips. "... thanks for that."

I shrugged playfully at him. "You have a key. I thought you were gone for the night."

His eyes narrowed. "If I wasn't at your house where would I be?" My silence brought a change of the subject to his thoughts. He stretched slightly, then moving his legs over the side of the bed, his back facing me now, he rubbed at his tired eyes. "Rachel was looking for you earlier." My mind was officially awake now... beginning its usual circus of never-ending cycles of fleeting thoughts which consumed me on a daily basis. So much so that I missed something Dick had said, only realizing this as he turned to the side, staring down at me with a raised brow. "Earth to Kori..." he laughed as I looked to him now. "Take a step back from your thoughts for a moment. I'm talking to you."

I nodded. "Sorry..."

Now, as he spoke I knew we were both feeling the same awkwardness which scraped at the surface of each of our minds. He had this look in his eyes and I knew he was trying to pretend as though everything was normal... but we both knew better.

"What are your plans for today?" He asked.

I shrugged. "I don't know..." I had a playful gleam in my eye now, as I slightly deepened the tone of my voice in a mocking manner. "... maybe I'll take my bike out... pick up my girlfriend... ya know,... cool Dick Grayson things."

I held back my laughter as he fought back a smile in front of me. "Ah,... you think you're funny?"

"I don't have to be... I'm thee Dick Grayson... ward of Bru..."

I was now submerged in a sea of laughter as Dick pulled at my arm until my head rest in his lap now, his fingers tickling at my sides.

"Alright..." I cried... "Alright... I'm sorry." My laughter receded to a flicker as he released me. I sat up now, beside him, looking over at him, his eyes gave off this feeling of utter happiness, and with a sigh I rested my head against his shoulder.

"Spend the day with me." He demanded.

I looked up at him now, somewhat surprised at the amount of eagerness in his voice. Hesitation set over me and I found myself in a stutter once again. "I... well, yea... I mean... I think." I paused looking to the alarm clock beside me. "I think Roy wants to spend some time together too..." I looked to him nervously. "... come with me?"

I could immediately see the happiness fade from his eyes, replaced by uneasy nerves. "I don't... I don't know..." He paused, his eyes lowering to the ground in hesitation. I knew he wouldn't agree to such a thing, but I was hoping to draw him from his frustration with Roy. I was convinced if they spent even a moment together, that they would realize how alike they are and how easy they would get along. Either way, it surprised me when he stood now, looking down at me in regret. At first I was confused by this look, but I quickly discovered the reason for regret... it was regret from the words he was about to speak. "You know what... if that's what you want then..." He sighed, running a hand through that gorgeous head of hair of his. "... sure... I'm in." I smiled, standing in a cheer, but fell silent as he continued. "... but..." he waved a finger at me. "... only after you and I spend some time together."

I nodded, the guilt of my actions the other day, you know... forgetting his appointment, and avoiding him throughout the day. "What did you wanna do?"

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I waited by my car just outside the Manor now,... I had showered and was only waiting for Dick to join me once had finished getting ready himself. I glanced around at the morning beauty around me. The sun had been up for a while, but morning was never as special as it was here... The Manor had this beauty to it... all around it... the landscape was nothing short of amazing. I paused stepping to a large rose bush beside the Manor walls. I lowered my nose to the sweet-smelling pedals basking in the fragrance they bore. My heart stopped as I noticed Dick appear from the house from the corner of my eye.

He was a good distance from me, leaving my mind plenty of time to soak in his appearance in all its splendor. Aside from his obvious attractive figure... one thing stood out from my mind. As he came to a halt before me... that smile stabbing at my composure, I shook my head. "No sunglasses today?"

He knew I hated that he always hid his eyes from the world, and right now... he wasn't, and it was killing me. He placed and arm around me. "I thought I'd change it up a bit." He sent a kiss to my temple, then laughed. "Just don't get used to it."

I ignored the increase of my heart rate as he led me to his bike. "I... I thought we would just take my car."

Removing his presence from me, he stepped to the bike lifting one of the helmets with a shrug. "Nah... I could always bring you back to get your car."

I was about to refuse this offer when I fell short of words. My mind, eyes, ... entire being, were focused on that piercing blue gaze as he fixed the helmet over my head, a small squint narrowing his eyes as he leaned down slightly, fixing the latch of the helmet securely underneath my chin. Roy... Roy... Roy... I repeated over and over in my mind, and yet the attraction I had to Dick did not falter. This was definitely going to be difficult for me to keep control around him.

When we finally left, Dick stopped at a local coffee shop downtown. It wasn't long before a sea of flashing camera's were on us. It was odd though.. normally a situation such as this would sink Richard into a state of frustration... but as I looked to him,... he seemed utterly happy. The camera's flashed incessantly, trying to snap as many photos of those normally concealed blue eyes of his, and I... I was just begging that the smile I had forced was believable.

We entered the coffee shop, standing in the rather long line. I squinted my eyes over the menu which hovered behind the distant cashier... in truth I was more focused on controlling the scarcity of my breath. Which of course didn't last long once I felt Richard come up from behind me, his hands remaining on my waist as he peeked his head over my shoulder. My eyes involuntarily flickering shut as his voice sounded near my ear... the sound utterly blissful.

"Do you know what you want?"

I shook my head, ... words... they might as well have been nonexistent... I felt a stranger to the English language... unable to pronounce anything at this time. The situation diving further into difficulty for me as the line moved forward, Dick's hands never leaving my waist as he led me forward a few steps,... his body pressed against mine as we came to a stop. It was now that I felt I might lose control, so I turned my body toward him now, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear and avoiding his eyes which I knew were nothing more than a trap to my mind.

"I ... what did you wanna do after this?" It was a lame question I realize that... but it was all that came to mind. He shrugged innocently, seeming anything but rushed with our time together.

When we finally reached the head of the line, we ordered and as I made my way toward one of the available tables I felt Dick's hand upon mine. I didn't object as he directed me out of the coffee shop and proceeded to stroll down the streets with me. As we walked I remained silent, I wasn't ignoring his conversation... merely trying to ignore the stragglers of paparazzi that stalked us and the questions and accusations they threw in our direction.

I looked to Dick as he chuckled, motioning toward one of the buildings we passed. "Remember ?" He asked.

I looked to the building, my heart sinking as I realized where we were. This was the place where we had first met. It was so long ago but the day... the memory,... the bond which was initially sparked there... it never left me. I smiled. "Of course I do..." I giggled slightly, the scene playing over in my head. "Our parents were such good friends back then." As Dick placed an arm around me I no longer felt as though I might lose control ... I was content in his comfort for the first time this morning.

The building we stared back at was a small comic book store... the very best in town. When Dick and I first met... this was where we were. I was in a fit as my father stood speaking to the clerk behind the large desk. I remember not wanting to be there... I would have rather have been home... and Komi didn't have to go so why I did only irritated me in that moment.

It was a few moments that would pass before the, at the time, unfamiliar voice of Dick's father would call out to my father. I remember rolling my eyes, knowing that this would surely lead to an even longer wait before I was back at home.

My father turned toward the approaching man with a smile. "John... what are the odds?"

I rolled my eyes again as the two shook hands... and that's when I saw him. My father had just introduced me to John... and he turned, motioning to a black haired mess of spikes which lingered behind a comic book. "This is Dick..."

He called to Dick, who in-turn approached us with an annoyed look. "...what?"

He was so focused on the comic book, he hardly acknowledged his father as he introduced me to him.

"Dick." John called again. "... come on... say hi. This is Kori Anders... she goes to your school."

It was now that our fathers thoughts faded from our presence and focused on their own conversation. I remember being so annoyed in this moment... Dick was nothing short of rude, but part of me was glad I didn't have to socialize with him... his nose was back in the comic book with a shrug. As a result of my displeased mood my eyes wandered over this kid... he was my age... and yet he acted as though he was superior to even my company. My company being the daughter of the city's second largest company... but you knew that already. He stood there in an all black pair of Vans shoes which lingered below a pair of loose fit dark jeans. I couldn't really tell what type of shirt he wore... he was slouched forward his gaze narrowed in on the comic in his grasp. As I released a sigh, I noticed him look to me.

"You don't read comics?" He asked. I shook my head, becoming even further infuriated as he continued with a laugh. "Such a girl."

My eyes narrowed and I stepped to him. "What comic are you reading?" Before he could respond I had already recognized the comic, the story-line all too familiar to me. "Have you read it before?"

"Uh... no... that's why I'm reading it." He lowered his eyes to the comic again... a small high-pitched laugh escaping him. "This main character is the best."

I smiled. "Yea well, ... don't get too attached to him... " he paused looking to me as I stepped away from him approaching the other side of the store. "... he dies in the end."

I smiled to myself... content with ruining his fun, and was surprised when I heard him follow after me. I didn't look to him as he came to a halt beside me. "Wait a minute... so you do read comics?"

I shrugged. "Sometimes..."

He hesitated then raising a brow,... my very first glimpse of his signature arched brow that today made my knees weak... and he said, "Well... " he paused looking down at the comic, then back at me in a scowl. "... you shouldn't have told me the ending... that's not fair."

I laughed. "Who's being girly now?" I looked to him with a proud smile, which soon faltered as his eyes narrowed in aggravation. I sighed. "Alright... sorry. It's still a great comic though. You should still get it."

"I will." He said defensively. He paused as his father called to him, telling him they were about to leave. He turned to leave... then paused, turning back to me hesitantly. My eyes narrowed in curiosity as his gaze flowed over me in a pause. "So... you go to my school?"

"I guess."

He smiled, those blue eyes gleaming now. "I'll see you around then."

I nodded, thinking nothing of it really... making a big underestimation of a friendship in the making. We were young then... but now... it still meant everything to me... it's where it all began.

My mind faded from my thoughts as Dick laughed again. "You were such a brat back then."

I shook my head. "You weren't exactly Mr. Charming either."

I was surprised as he pulled me into the store now. His eyes scanned over the mass collection of comics before us and then came to a pause lifting one of the comics to my sight. "Here it is... the comic you ruined for me."

"Well... maybe you shouldn't have been such a jerk to me. " I rolled my eyes. "Stereotypes of girls not reading comics is way overrated... even back then."

I paused as he returned the comic to its place on the rack. "I still have it you know." His eyes focused on mine. "It's still my favorite."

I forced a roll of my eyes. My mind was still focused on the memory of our first acquaintance... the shop still looked exactly the same as that day. A slight giggle escaping me. "You were so cute back then." As these words slipped from my mouth my eyes widened. Embarrassed, I turned away, looking through some of the racks. ... Did I really just say that out loud? Ugh, this wasn't the least bit awkward...

"What?" He laughed. "... Back then? ... what,...are you saying I'm not now?"

I turned to him and the expression on both of our faces were the exact same... this was it... the awkwardness that refused to die between us. I inhaled deeply, then with a laugh, said, "As if you need my confirmation that you are... " I motioned to the paparazzi that lingered outside, still snapping photos through the large window of the building. I swallowed hard as his eyes never left mine. He paid no mention to the paparazzi I had purposely tried to draw his attention to... and there it was... that look again... that undefined... I don't what it was... but it didn't exactly help the emotions I was engulfed in at the moment. I paused lowering my lips to the straw of my ice coffee, stripping my eyes from his intense gaze. My feet moved sideways, at an angle as I made my way down the aisle of racks.

There was a lingering silence before either of us spoke again... and it was Dick who took the initiative. "So... where do we go from here? Back to your place or...?"

"Sure... Rachel said Vic and Gar are already there so... I guess it's a poolside occasion. I just have to text Roy."

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(Rachel Roth's POV)

There was a strange essence to the air around us at the moment. No one drew attention to the obvious tension between Dick and Kori which had never really subsided since Kori and Roy started their relationship. And while Dick seemed to be in an internal struggle with his very emotions I couldn't understand the harm in simply talking to Kori about his situation. I believe this was the very reason he seemed more on edge lately... he could talk to Kori about anything... that's the way it always had been and yet, right now he was holding back, in the end upsetting himself more.

Of course, I'm not one to talk... its apparent to all of you now that I have ... that I... let's see if I can do this without cringing... I think you all know I have... or I ... f..e..e..l... something for a certain green haired pile of human wreckage... and I was holding back too, but... then again I'm not exactly one for dramatics.

I'm not sure where Kori and Dick were at the moment, the only information I had was that they would be arriving soon. As of now, I sat under an umbrella which was stationed securely over a small table in the backyard of Kori's house. Vic and Gar were tossing a football back and forth between each other in the pool. I sat alone with a book at hand... the scenario around me seemed calming to me. The sun beat down on me in a less violent manner as a result of the dark blue umbrella which hovered over me, and the small breeze almost made the heat of the day bearable.

I could tell you I was completely focused on the book I was in the middle of reading, but the truth was... my mind was feeling slightly more spacey then usual... the reason... it headed in my direction now...

"Rae..." Came that squeaky voice I had grown slightly fond of... in some instances. I pretended to be far too drawn into my book then I actually was as Gar's overly enthusiastic vibe fell around me. "... I thought we were here to have some fun? Not just sit around... reading."

My eyes snapped to his in a violet glare. "This is me having fun."

I could feel my brow quiver slightly as his childlike chuckle sprung to life. "Come on Rae... you can't really be happy just reading." I felt myself smile... inside... not that I showed it. I had to remain firm around Gar... it was our thing... he was too excited and I was bland... I had actually begun to enjoy our banter in certain instances such as this. He turned toward the pool, his arms stretched out at his sides in a deep inhale of the wind which swirled around us. "You're missing out in all the fun of the day." I ignored him now, returning back to my book... again which I wasn't really reading. "You don't even have you're bathing suit on... it wouldn't be horrible to see you dressed in something much more..."

"...finish that sentence and I'll end you." I said with gritted teeth.

A weak growl escaped him now. "I'm just trying to put you in a better mood."

I lowered my book now, setting it upon the table and forcing a partial smile, which was more of a gritted glare. "No need... I'm in a great mood."

As I stood to walk away... I had plans to check and see if Kori and Dick had arrived yet... when I felt a harsh presence against my side. Before I could react, I found myself thrust back into the pool. As my body collided with the water my anger rose. Resurfacing, I glared back at Gar who was doubled over, a hand hugging his stomach as he laughed hysterically at my stumbling out of the pool. I looked down at my drenched clothes, my sweatshirt was heavy with absorbed water.

My eyes twitched as I moved toward him in with a scowl. I shoved him back, his eyes going wide. "You ..."

"Come on... it's all fun... don't be such a baby."

I was more then ready to rip his head off... but I fell silent as Kori and Dick stepped into the backyard. Kori looked to me with wide eyes. "What happened?"

I sent a growl in Gar's direction, while in response he stepped away from me slowly. "What do you think happened...?"

She looked to Gar and placed a hand over her mouth trying to hold back a giggle, which I tried to ignore. I pulled my drenched sweatshirt over my head, leaving it upon the ground as I stepped toward the house. I paused near Dick... who only caught my attention by the odd gleam in his eyes. I wasn't sure what the reason was for this hesitant attitude he was wearing ... but I was convinced it would reveal itself soon enough... if anything was set and stone... today was going to be interesting in itself.

After quickly changing my clothes I returned to Kori's house, finding everything exactly as I had left it. Well,... aside from Dick and Kori who were now in the pool ... their usual flirting commencing. In truth, while there was unspoken tension between them... it was far too easy for them to fall back into their old ways, even if it were a mere moment.

My eyes focused on their figures as Dick lifted Kori into his arms. I could see, while she was giggling, his gaze was more passionate, ... more drawn to her then he would have liked. He continued moving back and forth in these conflicting expressions as he fought his emotions for Kori, and she... she was no better.

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(Richard Grayson's POV)

Now, while I wasn't sure what I was going to do about my feelings for Kori, I couldn't resist the sensation of her thin figure in my grasp as I lifted her into my arms while in the shallow end of the pool. One thing was certain... it may have only been one day that she was with Roy but every moment played through my mind as nothing more than a reality check. I was hesitant to express my feelings for Kori in fear of myself ... I didn't want to hurt her but I was learning fairly quickly that I couldn't stomach seeing her with anyone else... and this epiphany which had shed light to the fact that I was truly in love with her didn't help in the slightest.

I shouldn't have been this affectionate with her... especially since I knew Crystal would be arriving soon, but I couldn't resist. Moments ago she had stepped from the house, her seductive body barely covered in her usual purple bikini. She was in my arms now... something I knew would happen the moment I saw her approach me... and as she giggled, just the way the sun beat down upon her soft skin I found myself at a loss for words.

It was now that my fun ended, for Roy had just arrived, Kori leaping from my arms to rush to greet him. I stepped from the pool now, running a hand through my damp hair and joining Rachel at the table. My eyes remained on Kori, her sleek figure stepping to Roy in her usual adorable strut.

"You might wanna close your mouth." Rachel laughed, immediately drawing me from my daze.

I ignored her comment, but inside I was thanking her for saving me from myself. I felt me fists clench beneath the table in rage. Sure, I had decided to do my best to hold back my feelings for Kori until I had time to clearly assess my options, but she wasn't exactly making it easy for me. I gritted my teeth as Roy stepped toward Kori, his arms were around her instantly, trailing down to her waist as his lips met hers.

It was now that my rage became fully inflamed. She, whether she remembered it or not, had said she loved me, and whether it was truth or not... I knew there had to be a part of her that did. So why then was she so easily swayed into his arms.

"Can you be any more obvious?"

I looked to Rachel with a raised brow, attempting to hide my heated emotions at the moment. "What are you...?"

"Nope... don't pull that shit with me Dick... I can tell. I'm just curious as to when you're gonna stop being so guarded and just make a move with her?"

I swallowed hard. "She's with Roy."

"Right... because you care..." She laughed. She shrugged as I narrowed my eyes at her. "Fine... be my guest. You can just suffer while he has his hands all over her." She smiled and as I looked to the direction of her gaze... I knew why. The two were approaching us now.

"You're not going in?" Kori asked me, ... I was instantly drawn to her smile as she looked down at me.

I shook my head. "I'm just taking a break. I'll be in soon."

I endured her whimper of disappointment then watched closely as she stepped to the diving board of the pool. As she dove into the water, her slim body glided sweetly across the pool.. an involuntary smile crept across my face.

"Easy there..." Roy said, glaring down at me. Before I could respond he dove headfirst into the pool after Kori.

"Take it easy lover boy." Rachel's voice sounded again. I calmed myself by looking to Vic and Gar now who were tossing a football back and forth between each other. As much as I despised Rachel's outbursts they seemed to keep me in check so I was somewhat grateful for them.

I tried my hardest to ignore the flirtatious behavior between the two... but I can't deny seeing his hands on Kori was doing nothing more than eating away at my patience. It would be the moment he kissed her that my rage would become fully ignited in a frenzy. Standing I made my way to the house now. I could now hear Kori following after me but I was too engulfed in my own furious thoughts to pay any attention to her. It was only once I reached the front door, and the feeling of her damp hand upon my arm, that brought me to a halt.

I turned to her, her confusion only irritating me further. "What?"

She jerked her head back, shocked at my tone. "I.. I just... what are you doing? Where are you going?"

I laughed now,... not a happy laugh, it resided closer to the lines of sarcasm. I lifted a hand to my forehead shaking my head. "You're so naive Kori." I hesitated as she cowered before me in deeper confusion. "Look, I tried alright... I really did." I paused as she took a step back nervously.

"I don't know what you're..."

"Well you should!" I yelled. "... by now... you should..." I hesitated fighting against the voice in my which was telling me to just leave. I turned to the door then paused, looking back to her. "I don't want to see you with him."

Her eyes narrowed. "Dick... I thought you were upset before because I wasn't spending time with you ... not that..."

"If you can't see that it bothers me to be around you when he has his hands all over you then..." I released a sigh of frustration. Why was this so difficult? "I just... " I shrugged. "I can't."

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(Kori Anders' POV)

My mind grew furious as Dick placed a hand on the door knob again. I stepped to him shoving him to the side, my voice raised. "Don't you dare try to leave." I shook my head as he raised a brow at me. "I can't keep doing this Dick... I can't keep fighting with you over this. I know you said you couldn't promise me this wouldn't happen again but... if you walk out that door it will only make things worse."

"What more is there to say, Kori?" He said, his voice struggling with restraint of the anger he felt.

I hesitated,... tears banging heavily behind my eyes as I held them back with a sigh. "I just need to understand what ... what is this? What are you doing?"

"I told you... I just can't be apart of this anymore."

My anger raised even further. "So you're upset because I'm with Roy?" I shook my head. "Look, things between you and me have been too weird for me lately and don't think for one second that I don't know you've noticed it yourself. Now, you're being far too vague with your reasons for being upset. Why are you angry that I'm with Roy? Why... give me one reason?"

"You want a reason..." He paused again, running a hand through his hair. "This... you being with him... this isn't you."

"You're one to talk. Listen to yourself... that's really the only excuse you have for being this angry?" I could tell there was more he wasn't telling me, and this alone pissed me off. "If either of us is not being ourselves its you. Since when can't you talk to me about something?"

He took a step toward me. "Don't make this difficult for me Kori. I ... I just don't want you with him... plain and simple... I don't want you with anyone."

"So this is a possession thing again?" I said rolling my eyes. This was beginning to be far too much for me to handle. I could feel my chest heaving in anxiety over this... I was losing control.

"No...you're missing the point Kori.."

I growled in frustration. "How can you be so hypocritical? What do you expect from me...? Did you really think that while you run off with all the women your with , leaving me on the sidelines, that I wasn't eventually going to join in the fun myself?"

As I said this I saw a sense of further rage ignite in him. He stared down at me in a glare... I could see the anger he felt as he clenched his fists. "Is that what this is... you and Roy...? It's just fun for you?"

"No... I didn't say that... but even if it was ..." I hesitated. "... even if it was you have no right to tell me I can't be involved with someone just because you want me to be in your grasp."

"My grasp?" He laughed. The moment around us turned me into a distraught mess. He was standing there so careless about the situation and it bothered me. "That sounds more like a Rachel statement then your own." He looked to the ground now giving himself a moment to collect himself. "You know that's not how I view you... it's never been that way with us."

"Then what? What is it? Tell me what you want me to do? Because as far as I'm concerned... you have Crystal... so this shouldn't bother you."

His eyes narrowed. "What does Crystal have to do with any of this?"

"It doesn't have anything to do with Crystal... this is about you. You need to see that I'm doing everything I can to occupy my mind with ... I just... you're so occupied with the thought of losing me to Roy that you can't see that I've resulted to doing all of this because I'm afraid of the very same thing. I can't... I can't lose you ... I can't lose our friendship. It's the only thing that keeps me going each day." I came to a halt as his brow raised in curiosity. He hesitated, taking a step toward me but I stepped back, shaking my head, angry with myself for having let myself slip... my emotions were now obvious to him. I could see it displayed clearly upon his face.

"Kori... If you were uncomfortable with me being with Crystal..."

"Uncomfortable...?" I laughed. I shook my head. "... and you think me naive." The silence that followed was more to take then the actual words I was about to speak. I released a deep breath... cursing at myself for what I was about to say... but I had no choice... this was never going to end unless I just... let go... stopped fighting. "I wasn't merely uncomfortable Richard... I was jealous." His silence tore at my heart... this moment was exactly as I had expected it to be... if not worse. My insides surged in pain... everything would be different now. I shook my head. "Seeing you with her... smiling at her... being with her... it just, it's too much for me. It wasn't just Crystal though..." My eyes avoided his now, embarrassment and pain engulfed me now. "... I can't be around you without suffering in silence against the feelings I have... and believe me... I wish I didn't have them... but I do."

His voice sounded now in an uneven manner. "Kori... I..."

I inhaled deeply. "Don't worry about it... I don't expect anything from this... I just couldn't take it anymore. I can't pretend that you don't mean more to me then you probably should. " I sighed... "The truth is... none of it matters now... there's no point contemplating the possibilities of a doomed relationship."

"And what makes you think it would be doomed?"

I looked to him narrow eyed. "Don't mock me Dick. You know as well as I do, even if you did have feelings for me ... it wouldn't work. It can't work."

"Says who?" He said, his voice surrendering to a more tender tone... one I was surprised by.

I hesitated as he stepped to me, placing a hand against my cheek. I shoved his hand from me and stepped away from him. My anger and hurt was far too much to handle in this moment... I was embarrassed and sick to my stomach now. "It's just the way it goes. Friendship becoming something more... it never ends well." I looked to him with a shrug. "Besides... I think we both know I could never be the type of girl you want..."

I could hear the anger resurface in his voice. "And what is that suppose to mean?"

"Look at your track record, Richard. I can't be the type of girl you sleep with until you're bored." My words and expression were cold and bitter.

I could see my unflinching demeanor beginning to affect him more than he would have liked to make obvious... my words alone had already brought his features to a halt... he stood before me wide-eyed, mouth gaped open in shock, his eyes ... they held more hurt then I had seen in a long while... only this time it was a result of me. "I would never expect that from you. You should know better than to assume that. You... you're diff..."

"Different?" I rolled my eyes. I was so hurt in this moment... hurt that he was teasing me... that I had single-handedly destroyed our friendship... and because I had resulted to pushing him away now. Why not...? I had already sealed the fate of this conversation. "I'm sure I'm not the first person you've said that to so you might as well stop while you're ahead... I don't believe it for a second. As it is I can't exactly see our friendship alone surviving this argument."

"Why the fuck would you even think that... let alone say it?" My chest swelled in pain as he swallowed hard, lifting a hand to his forehead. "Don't tell me you actually believe that?"

I turned away from him now... stepping to the staircase. "Just go Richard... there's no point in arguing the inevitable."

I ascended the stairs quickly... trying my best to hold back the tears that were already spouting from my eyes. I had just left him there... upset... hurt... confused even... I hated myself.

I stepped into my room, slamming the door shut, leaning back upon the door. I stayed perfectly still, my body numb to the words I had said... the anger I had felt... everything. I knew I was being a bitch... I was.. well, being Komi... and in the end... I knew there was no other way the night could have ended between Dick and I... I just couldn't take the pain anymore.

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(A/N) Intense chapter?... let me know what you think... thanx for reading... =] R/R