Chapter Nineteen: Bulletproof Heart

(Kori Anders' POV)

Happiness... how do you define it? The answer?... you can't, at least not in my opinion. Happiness is perceived by people in different ways, shapes, and forms, each delicately absorbed by each individual in equally different ways. For instance, when Rachel is happy, ... you might catch a glimpse of that smile of hers, if only for a moment... Dick, he'd have that seductive gleam about him, ready to pounce on the first girl he saw, which obviously has changed now,... Vic, his words would become high in volume, his hands and body moving in enthusiasm while he attempted to join everyone in his ecstatic mood... Gar,... oh Gar... he was hardly ever not happy, but when he was... his childish grin peeled over his face permanently, his squeal of a voice would fade into laughter. And me,... well... I have had my share of happiness... but nothing compared to this moment. My entire insight on happiness was now... dramatically altered, ...in a good way though,... believe me.

Now, let's be clear... If you were to look up the precise definition of happiness you would find a broadly generalized description... fluffed up with immaculate adjectives and vaguely expressed personalization... which is fine... as I said, happiness is different for everyone. For me... I'll let you in on what that definition truly feels like because as of right now... while I feel as though happiness is not a word that can fully bring life to all that I am feeling at this moment... it will have to do.

Take this morning for example... I'm just waking up... the astonishing events of last night which had revealed themselves quite unexpectedly for me immediately consuming my every thought. The only reason I knew it was morning, at this point, was the hardly recognizable sound of my phone as it vibrated within my purse... a sound my mind subconsciously became alert to from experience and habit. I knew I had set my alarm before drifting to sleep in the arms of ... well I wasn't entirely sure how to refer to him now... but you are all well aware of who. The moment my eyes squinted open, ... my surroundings flashing vibrantly all around me... my heart kick-started in an unspeakable amount of... well, happiness. It felt as though every part of me, at a cellular level, was tingling in sparks which continued to heighten, dropping only a fragment of emotion before intensifying once again in this never-ending cycle... it reminded me of the feeling you get when dropping from the highest point of a roller coaster... your stomach in knots... your heart... your breath... it's all strained and out of place... not even your mind can focus on anything other than the utter anticipation... excitement... the unsubsiding thrill.

I inhaled deeply, ... my gaze directed itself to Richard as if to merely confirm the existence of last night... he was still asleep, and as my eager eyes admired over his features a smile crept across my face. I lingered in admiring his slumber as my mind hesitated in the comprehension that last night being nothing short of reality... which isn't to say my mind wasn't, naturally, trying to excuse last night as nothing more than a dream... fantasy,... and of course, my mind was good at trying to distract me from the now... but I refused it this time.

I paused taking in the position in which we were tangled against each other... his body was turned toward me, pressed against mine, his right arm tucked beneath my head and wrapped around to rest upon my back, while his left arm remained locked upon my waist,... our feet overlapping each others. I inhaled deeply, exhaling as slow as possible, hoping not to wake him. I could feel his breath playing against my forehead, his face positioned downward at an angle at me. The pounding in my chest grew louder, and I knew if I did not untangle myself from him soon,... he would become aware of this fact soon.

I ignored the headache which invaded my mind... attempting to stab at my current ecstatic attitude, but I would not allow it... I do not think anything could shake the emotions which consumed me now. I hesitated in movement, a blush settling over me as I realized my right arm was positioned beneath his, my hand planted upon his back, his flesh residing blissfully beneath my fingers.

Somehow... and with much difficulty, ... I stepped from the bed, managing to untangle myself from his grasp without waking him. I paused staring down at him,... he was so peaceful in this moment. It was now that my mind slipped into nervousness. I quickly disappeared into the bathroom as he stirred slightly. I paused before the bathroom mirror... a giddy smile across my lips. I shook my head, in laughter,... still consumed in shock of my moment with Dick last night. He was so... in control it just... I wasn't worried or concerned about anything... well until now. I stepped into the shower, the events playing through my memory in vibrant colors... and then... my mind took a stab at my happiness once more. Fear crept over me... disintegrating the chills I once had at the thought of Dick's presence hovering over me, his lips exploring me in such desire... the fact was... what if ... what if he regretted it. I mean sure, now we were friends but, ... maybe I was getting ahead of myself in all of this excitement.

I stepped from the shower now, fitting a towel securely around myself then pausing before the bathroom mirror. I inhaled deeply... my mind couldn't' help but resume its regrets... which actually aren't regrets at all about last night, Dick and me... no, they were about these thoughts my mind continued to stifle my happiness with. What was I going to say to him? ... or worse, what would he say to me?... that he regrets everything? ... but wants to be friends? ... that he doesn't want to risk hurting our friendship even more by adding a relationship?... or that last night was only a result of the alcohol? ... or... FUCK... I just don't know...

My mind leapt from my thoughts as I heard movement outside the bathroom door... great, he's awake and I... I looked to myself in the mirror with a deep exhale... I was sure to be a stumbling, blushing display of emotions. Everything fell silent... I heard a few steps toward the door and for some reason, perhaps because no one could see me... my mind decided that as Dick's feet came to a halt before the bathroom door with a knock that it would make sense for me the lower myself to a crouch in front of the bathroom sink, as if by doing so I was hidden in pain sight. I mean,... I realize its pointless... I mean, its obvious he knows where I am... and the door was locked so... yea... that's Kori Anders for you... and yes I realize I just referred to myself in the third person, but as of right now I felt like a stranger looking in on my life from the sidelines... I suppose I felt like you... although I'm sure you're enjoying my embarrassment and uncertainty far more than I am.

"Kori..." his voice sounded with that amazing morning voice of his.

I opened my mouth to speak, and while I tried to pull it together... I was well aware my voice sounded shaky. "Uh... yea?" Why I responded in the terms of a question... I will never know.

I heard him clear his throat. "Hey uh... you almost done in there...? Kinda have to go to the bathroom myself."

I slowly stood... looking to the mirror once again... great... my eyes were wide in obvious uncertainty and nervousness. I hesitated, reaching for the doorknob, and slightly jumped when he spoke again.

"Look,... I have some clothes out here if you don't want change into that dress again."

I inhaled deeply, then tugging tightly on the white towel around me I slowly opened the door, peeking out first. All my fear of seeing him vanished as his eyes slowly trailed up my existence and his eyes locked on to my gaze... my heart jumped slightly as he licked at his lips, his ever so attractive side smile making an appearance.

He gave me a quick nod. "Morning."

That was all it took to get my heart racing in excitement once again... why didn't he seem as awkward in this moment as I did? ... whatever the reason... I'm just gonna go with it. Clearing my throat I sent him a smile. "Good Morning..."

I remained perfectly still, the entire moment happening at an oddly slow pace. He stepped toward me, a hand braced upon the door as he pushed it all the way open stepping around me. "The clothes are on the bed..." he said, and before he could close the door, he paused... that smile shinning back at me again. I swallowed hard as he leaned his upper body toward me, taking my chin between his thumb and index finger, and kissing me gently. "I'll be quick."

I stood frozen as he shut the door in front of me... and it wasn't until I heard the shower start up again that I broke into a scarce breathed laugh amongst myself. I lifted a hand to my forehead, my mind moving at an alarming rate. Wait... he was the exact opposite of what I had expected. But... again... what do I expect...? ... where do we go from here? ... I don't... I paused, lowering my hand to my lips. The sensation of his against mine still sparked an imprint of emotion against them.

Shaking my head, I inhaled deeply, turning to the clothes which lay on the bed before me. I stepped to them narrow eyed. Hold on... these are... my clothes? I stepped to them, lifting them into my hands... how does he have...? I paused... wait, these are from Miami... the ones I had been yet to find. I rolled my eyes... I knew I had forgotten to pack something... and at the looks of it... he must have packed them in his luggage... but why he kept them ... I don't know.

I paused, noticing a pair of matching red undergarments. My eyes widened... why would he keep my bra and thong... I sighed, these were my favorite until I had assumed them lost. I jumped as the sound of the shower came to a halt. I quickly dressed then the moment I heard his footsteps coming toward the door, my nerves ignited again. I didn't know what to do with myself. I quickly pulled my phone from my purse and tried to make myself busy, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat at the door swung open. My eyes hesitantly lifted in his direction. He stood there in all his charming glory... smiling seductively back at me as he crossed his arms against his shirtless, toned chest and leaned against the door frame.

"You look cute... better than I remember in that outfit."

I shook my head. "Why didn't you tell me you had these? I've been looking for them forever." I paused, diverting my gaze back to my phone... the sight of him standing in nothing but a towel wrapped snug around his waist rose far too much excitement in me... and the fact that he just stood there in his casual demeanor only made it harder not to look. "You don't find it odd that you kept in your possession the bra and underwear of your best friend?"

He chuckled, making his way toward his dresser. "It doesn't seem so odd now." I looked to him, and he looked to me with a raised brow. "Now, does it?"

I could feel a slight blush shower over my features. I ran a hand through my hair, tucking a few strands behind my ear. "Yea well..." I swallowed hard, falling short of words as he lifted a white T-shirt over his head. "Ummmm,... we should probably... uh..." A small giggle escaped me, without my consent as he paused looking to me, his hand fixed upon the towel upon his waist.

"Do you mind?" He laughed.

My eyes widened and I immediately turned around, to allow him to change without my eager eyes on him. "...sorry." I inhaled deeply. "We should... umm,... get going. We wouldn't want to be late."

There was a brief silence, then as I heard his steps coming toward me, my heartbeat quickened. Soon I felt him come up from behind me, his arms were around my waist in a warm hug. My eyes fluttered shut as he kissed at my cheek. "Let's not go today."

I inhaled deeply, turning toward him, ... his grip on me loosened for a moment, then the secondmy body faced his, it tightened around my waist again. "I... I think it's best that we go to school... wouldn't want people suspecting anything."

My breath became strained as he removed his right hand from my waist and positioned it firmly upon my jaw. His eyes remained on mine in an intense gaze as he slowly leaned toward me, his lips meeting mine for a brief moment, his voice then reaching my ears with a sweet laugh. "And what is there to be suspicious of?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but his lips were against mine again. I'll admit, while this was precisely what I wanted from him in this moment, ... I was still nervous. Last night I had liquid courage on my side... and now... I was adjusting to the fact that my best friend was thrusting his confidence over me without hesitation. A confidence which left no room for conversation beyond his touch. Now, while I was nervous,... the moment his hands moved to either side of my jaw, him stepping into me as he thrust his tongue against mine... my nerves... well... what nerves? I found myself lifting my hands to his chest,... the sensation of his chiseled abs... regardless of the white shirt that separated my touch from his skin... it made me shutter.

It was only at the sound of a knock upon his bedroom, following the familiar voice of Alfred, did we pull apart... as a result of me though. I shoved Dick back, my eyes wide. My fear of being caught with him was ... embarrassing. Not because I was embarrassed by him, only that... while this was an amazing moment for me... it was still something I had to adapt to.

"I'll be down in a minute." Dick replied to Alfred, whose steps quickly faded down the hall. Dick looked to me with a laugh as he shook his head. "You're adorable when you're nervous, you know that?"

I felt my cheeks run hot, my response, ... was silence. I just watched as he pulled his leather jacket from the bed, on and then, lifting my purse toward my direction... he took my hand and led me from the room. Now,... while we walked down the hallway, me submerged in a small amount of confusion from what to really expect from him, I paused... noticing that while his eyes remained firm in the direction ahead of us, that there was a smile I had never seen permanently gracing his expression. It was now that I found myself smiling... he seemed happy... really happy, and ... I was too.

He led me out into the day, and paused before his motorcycle. "Today... " he began, lifting one of the helmets over my head, proceeding with his usual routine of tightening the safety latch beneath my chin. "... it should be interesting."

I swallowed hard. "I don't... I don't think, what ever is ... what ever this is..." I paused as his eyes narrowed over mine. "... I just... I think that maybe... like..." I rolled my eyes at my obnoxious stuttering right now. "... I think that its best if... you know... we kept it..." I inhaled deeply, placing a hand over the section of the helmet which resided over my forehead, and shook my head. "I just... maybe..." I fell silent as he erupted into laughter. My eyes narrowed. "What?... whats so funny?"

He shook his head, placing the other helmet over his head. "Don't worry about it Kor." I remained still as he tossed a leg over the side of his bike and revved the engine at me with a shrug. "It's probably best we keep it between us as it is... I mean... if that's what you want?"

I hesitated. "It's not that I don't... It's not ... I mean,.. it's not that I don't want any one to know. I just... I don't really know what ... this... is ... or..."

His laugh silenced me once again, then lifting the stand from the bike, he sighed. "Just get on. We can talk about this later."

I remained in constant thought during the ride to school, and while I'm sure you're probably wanting to slap me across the face at such an idiot I'm being but... just know, I do want this... I want to be with Dick... I just... I... I need time to transition. As it is, I don't really know where our relationship lies other than the fact that while we were friends again... the obvious reality was that we were slowly becoming more. And believe me... I'm still dealing with the shock of it all. I mean,... when I brought you all into this part of my life... you remember the story... just back from Miami and hating myself for falling for Richard,... and yet, in no way would I ever have believed that I would be in this situation. Dick,... he seemed so casual and confident around me... no hesitation present as he kissed me, and held me,... and while I enjoyed it... I was hoping I wouldn't ruin it.

When we pulled into the school parking lot... Dick shut the engine off and hesitated. I knew he could tell I was conflicted at the moment, which is not so much about my feelings for him, because those remained unchanged, ... just that I wasn't really sure what to do with myself at the moment. I paused, my gaze lingering at the students which surrounded us, gathering before the school... nothing seemed out of the ordinary, I mean, ... Dick drove me to school all the time, and yet... I somehow felt out of place... as if everyone's eyes were on mine... judging.. which clearly wasn't so.

The thoughts which thrashed around my skull came to a halt at the presence of Dick's hand upon mine, which remained around his torso. His thumb rubbed gently across the back side of my hand, and he spoke.

"Don't stress Kor." He paused removing his helmet and looking back at me... "It's just another day."

I nodded then quickly stood, removing my helmet as well, handing it over to him. He sent me a warm smile, then tossing an arm around me, he led us both toward the school, meeting Rachel in the hallway.

I swallowed hard, forcing an innocent smile as Rachel fixed her suspicious gaze on mine. "You never came home last night." She paused, looking to Dick now. "I'm assuming things between you two are... good still?"

He nodded, removing his arm from around me and turning his attention to his locker.

"Where..." I cleared my throat. "Where are Vic and Gar?"

Rachel shrugged. "Haven't seen them yet."

There was an awkward silence, Rachel's eyes narrowing on mine. I knew she was trying to gather as much information from my frantic gaze as she could. Then... saved by the bell... as it rang I released a nervous giggle. "Well... ummm, I guess that's that." I turned to Dick, who immediately turned toward me with eager eyes. I could see him hold back from stepping toward me, my eyes widening on his in warning. I paused giving him a quick embrace, then stepped down the hallway. The disappointed look upon his features, I caught a glimpse of as I peeked back at him once, before entering my classroom, beside Rachel.

"Kori Anders'..." The teacher said, drawing me from my thoughts. I looked to him with a weak smile, then made my way to my seat beside Rachel. "... thank you for joining us. It's been a while."

I ignored the teacher as my phone vibrated from my purse. I lifted it to my gaze... a smile invading my composure.

Dick: You vanished quickly

Kori: Nerves... sorry.

Dick: Just act normal Kor. Don't stress yourself out over this.

I smiled, a wave of relief washing over me... he always had his way calming me down.

Dick: Don't make plans after school.

Kori: Y not?

Dick: ? Uh, I wanna spend time with you

A small giggle escaped me. I paused, noticing that raised brow of Rachel glancing over at me. I smiled hesitatingly then returned my attention back to my phone.

Kori: =]

I paused, noticing Rachel still focused on me. With a sigh I sent her a text.

Kori: Dick and I managed to talk everything out. Thnx again for your help while I was ... moody

Rachel: Right... no problem

Rachel: So...

I hesitated, giving her a brief shrug in her direction, mouthing the word 'what?'

Rachel: No news?

My eyes widened over the text. Geeze, was I being that obvious? Did she know something was different between Dick and I? ... or is it just the obvious fact that I'm over analyzing this whole scenario far too much?

Kori: No... you?

Rachel: Gar is officially dating that bitch Terra... so yea, there's that.

I laughed to myself.

Kori: She's not a bitch, you just don't like her because she's just as interested in Gar as you are.

I jolted slightly, as Rachel's foot collided in mine a warning. I looked to find her glaring at me.

Rachel: You better have deleted that text from your outbox... that's the last thing I need to get out.

Kori: So... you're at least admitting it now?

Rachel: Delete that one too... and yea... maybe I am... I'm conflicted

I smiled back at her... this was awesome... perfect even. If I was ever nervous about her suspicions of Dick and I... this was my out. Bring up Gar, and she retreats defensively.

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It was halfway through the day... my class had a while five minutes before lunch and I was basically counting the seconds. I hadn't seen Richard since this morning,... as a result of our scattered schedules... but I was excited to see him again. When the bell finally rang, I stepped out of the classroom, only hear a wave of giggles. I turned to my left, tossing my purse over my shoulder, my eyes resting upon Dick. He stood there, before a group of girls that smiled and giggled in his direction. His gaze was at the floor, until I cleared my throat, his eyes smiling back at me now. He remained leaned against the row of lockers to his right, as I stepped to him.

"You never meet me before lunch."

He shrugged. "So."

I smiled, then walked beside him as we entered the food court together. We sat at out usual table, his hand gracing my back as I lowered myself into my seat. I shook my head, casting away the chills that ran through my body, and I looked to Rachel, whose glare focused on Terra and Gar.

"Dick!" came Vic's voice... he sat across from us and looked to me. "Hey little lady. Glad to see you back at school."

I nodded, but fell silent as a hand fixed itself upon my shoulder. "Kori."

I looked up, my eyes widening as I stared up at Roy.

"Can I ..." he paused passing a glance at Dick. "Can I have a word?"

I hesitated. "Umm..." I paused looking to Dick, whose smile had faded, replaced with an irritated expression.

"It'll just take a second." He urged, and before I could respond, I found myself being led from the table, my hand in Roy's. He stepped to a corner in the food court, positioning me against one of the walls. "Look..." I tried to focus on his words, but my eyes kept wandering over to Dick's who remained in a glare in our direction. "Kori..."

"What?" I said, snapping from my thoughts.

He ran a hand through his auburn hair. "Look... I just... now that you're back at school... I mean, I know you said you and I were through but..."

"We are..."

His eyes narrowed, a more confident expression settling over him. He stepped closer to me, "I think you should... reconsider."

"I... I just... I'm just in a difficult time right now." I rolled my eyes as he remained unflinching from my words. "It's me first day back at school and I need... I need time to just ..." I was at a loss of explanation. My mind struggling through the disapproving gaze of Dick's which I could feel burning into me. "My life is really complicated right now and I just need space."

"Space? For how long?"

I sighed. "I'm just going to be honest with you. I know this all sounds very... standoffish and confusing, maybe for you but..."

My eyes widened as Roy stepped into me, placing one hand on my waist, and the other along my jaw. "I miss you Kori. You and I... we never really got the chance to..."

I shook my head stepping to the side, removing his hold upon me, his eyes instantly narrowing. I lifted a hand to my forehead. "I realize this all seems a little unfair to you but... I can't... you can't do this."

"This is about Dick isn't it?" My eyes widened as I shook my head nervously. He exhaled slowly. "Look, you broke up with me because of some argument with him, and now ... now things seem fine with you two so..." He stepped to me again, running hand down my cheek. "... you and I can pick up right where we left off."

I shook my head, taking an additional step back from him. "I'm... I don't think so."

His eyes hardened. "Why? Did he tell you not to ..."

"It's not about him..." I lied, which is obvious to you, but I was hoping not to him. "I just... I need time to get back to who I am. I can't be involved with anyone right now."

As I walked away... he yelled after me. "I'm not giving up on this."

I sighed, approaching Richard, my gaze avoiding his.

"What did he have to say?" He asked, his eyes fixated in a glare upon a departing Roy.

"Nothing."

That was it... an awkward lunch pursued. Dick in a rage... me in silence... then it was back to class. I'll admit... I rather enjoyed Dick's protectiveness for me... but I was hoping no one had taken it as out of the ordinary. I just didn't want the pressure of everyone's judgement should Dick and I... if we were in fact in a relationship beyond friendship... I didn't want any outside distractions to taint what we had at the moment.

I sat in my next class consumed in thought. My gaze was focused on the teacher, and yet, while his mouth was moving, words obviously in a lecture... I heard nothing. My mind was racing... as always. I was contemplating the outcome of today... and what to expect from Dick the next time we were alone together. Of course I was anticipating its arrival, but I was still nervous, nonetheless.

I fixed my jaw against my closed fist, my mind still running circles, when the teacher repeated my name. My eyes widened, and I focused on him now. "Yes?" My heart sunk as I noticed the entire class focused on me now. "Sorry.. no, I was listening ... I just... what is the question?"

The teacher lifted a yellow post-it to my sight. "No question... your presence is requested in the principles office."

I quickly gathered my things quickly, ignoring the narrowed eyes of my classmates, then accepted the pass from my teacher then stepped into the hallway. I shook my head... that wasn't embarrassing in the very least...

I sighed, looking down at the yellow note within my grasp... unsure of why the principle would be calling me from my class. I was halfway down the hallway before my answer revealed itself to me. I felt a hand upon my wrist as a strange presence pulled me from the hallway and into an unlit room. My breath remained scarce until I looked up to the stranger.

"Dick?" I placed a hand over my chest and exhaled heavily. "You scared me."

A brief chuckle was all that sounded, before his true response was initiated. My eyes widened briefly as he stepped into me, his hands immediately upon my waist as he began to kiss me. His passionate touch was quickly reciprocated. My purse fell to the floor as he backed me into the wall behind me, his lips becoming more aggressive.

Pulling away slightly, I said, "I have to be in the office."

"No you don't." He said, his lips wandering down my neck now. His body pressed itself against mine, his tongue caressing my neck as he kissed more intensely. He paused. "It was the only way I could get you out of class."

I smiled, leaning my head back against the wall in a shutter of emotion. So this is what its like to be in the intimate eye of Dick Grayson. I felt my breath jolt slightly as his left hand lowered, teasing at my outer thigh, his lips still against me, making their way down to my collar bone. "I just... we..." my eyes shut in desire. His lips were injecting an indescribable heat which spread through my entire body with each touch. "... we shouldn't umm..." I swallowed hard as he fixed his grasp upon my thigh, lifting it slightly around him, his body leaning even closer to mine. "We... shouldn't be ... in ... here."

"Would you just relax?" He said with a smirk, his lips on mine once more.

I gave in,... he could have asked anything of me in this moment and it would be his. I tightened my leg around his waist and giving him the attention he so desperately sought. I ran a hand through his hair, gripping the dark spikes between my fingers, a small grunt escaping him as I did so. His hands moved slowly up the length of my stomach. "I missed you." He said, his voice never sounding so seductive then in this moment. As I released a giggle, his hand lowered to my waist, lifting me from the ground with ease, my hands tightening around his neck. Of course... It was now that the bell rang, and my heart jumped slightly.

"Ignore it." he whispered, his lips demanding my touch again as his strong arms tightened around my figure.

I paused. "It's only two more classes." Now, even as I said this, I was trying more to convince myself rather than him... the truth being I didn't want this to stop. I paused looking up into those baby blues once more, then sending him one last kiss before he lowered me to the floor and I grabbed my purse. I came to a stop before the door. I looked back at him, he lingered by the wall, a hand braced against it as he slouched forward slightly. "Aren't you coming?"

He laughed, avoiding my gaze. "I uh... I need a minute."

My eyes narrowed in confusion as he struggled against his breath... then, noticing the disturbance which was all too noticeable in his jeans, I could not hold back a giggle. He looked to me with a laugh, then shaking his head said, "Just get out of here."

I paused, then turned back to him, lowering my voice in a more sexual tone as I twirled a strand of hair through my hair, teasing him, I said, "Are you sure you want me to go?"

He looked to me again and I could see him swallow hard, his eyes wandering over me as I bit at my lip. "Geeze Kori..." he returned his eyes to the wall now."You're not helping."

With a laugh I stepped into the hallway, the change of scenery drawing my attention to the blush upon my cheeks. Several people looked to me curiously but I ignored them and headed to my next class... which unfortunately was one where Dick would be in. I sat in my seat, my attention drawn to the door in anticipation for his arrival. The class had already started and was a good five minutes in before he stumbled through the door, his eyes immediately meeting mine with a smile.

Now this... this was the moment I had begun to fully enjoy what ever it was that was going on between us. All others were oblivious to it and yet... when I looked to his eyes, they stared back at me with such intensity you would not even guess we were on opposite sides of the room. It felt as though he was right in front of me... teasing me... I'm supposing in revenge for my taunt a few moments ago. I tried my hardest the entire class to avert my eyes from his, but I could feel them on me constantly,... and as a result I was unable to look away.

Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be when you tell yourself not to look at someone in specific or not in a certain direction and the whole time you're trying to stay focused on anything else but your mind is constantly urging you to give in... yea well.. this was that moment. The only problem being, that now I was blushing... and stifled giggles were sounding from me each time I looked to him.

"Kori." The teacher shouted.

I looked to him, trying to suppress a giggle, and it didn't help that Dick was still focused on nothing more than me. "Yes?"

He stepped to my desk. "Focus please." I nodded, my giggles igniting again as Dick blew me a kiss from across the room. The teacher looked back at me with a glare. "Is there a problem?"

I shook my head.

The teacher stared at me for a prolonged period of time before speaking again. "Is there anything you would like to share with the rest of us here?"

I shook my head, rolling my eyes. I was in no mood for interruption of my flirtatious glances from Dick. "I get it..." I looked to the teacher with a shrug. "Your trying to embarrass me..." I inhaled deeply, giggling once more. "... success... consider me embarrassed."

His eyes narrowed in frustration. He stepped to his desk scribbling something on a small piece of paper then extending it in my direction. "There is a low tolerance for attitude... please, make your way to the office."

I was not even angry when this happened, if anything it would mean relief from that piercing azure trance, Dick had set upon me. I grabbed my things and holding back a smile I accepted the note and exited into the hallway.

Dick: Enjoy yourself

My smile grew brighter now.

Kori: This wasn't what I had anticipated when you said not to make plans after school

Dick: You wont get detention Miss Dramatic.

Kori: Regardless... this isn't over.

Dick: I'm counting on it =]

I rolled my eyes then stepped into the office. Now, I'm not sure what they were telling me, lecturing to me about... in the end, I was just glad to not have detention. I quickly made my way to my last class of the day, which went fairly quickly, then stepped out into the parking lot. I saw Dick leaning back against his bike in conversation with Vic and Gar, and as I made my way toward him, I was stopped by Rachel.

"We have a problem."

I could tell by her raised brows and cold eyes, that she was nothing short of serious. I nodded. "What's wrong?"

"I need your help... here I'll give you a ride."

I hesitated, my gaze returning to Dick, who looked to me, waving me over. Clearing my throat I said, "So... what is the problem?"

"Aren't you coming?" She said, stepping toward her car.

"I... I had ... plans..."

Her eyes narrowed, her teeth gritted now. "I said I need your help? What plans could you possibly have?"

I sighed, it was true, if Rachel was asking for help it truly meant there was something wrong. I paused, "Well,... just give me a minute."

She took my arm pulling me toward her car in a violent tug. "I realize you and Dick are besties again but this is important."

I followed willingly now, but glanced back to find Richard looking at me confused. I gave him a nervous shrug, then was immediately shoved into Rachel's car. As she sped out of the parking lot I looked to her with a sigh. "Can't you just tell me what the problem is? Maybe we can go to Dick's house and..."

"No... shut up for a second... I need to think." I hesitated as she lifted her phone and tossed it at me. "Listen to the voice-mail."

I became nervous now... what could this voice-mail possibly say that could have Rachel in such a tense mood. Inhaling deeply I lifted the phone to my ear calling her voice-mail. It was quiet for a second... then a deep voice sounded,...

I looked to her.. "It just sounds like someone's breathing into the ..."

"Shut up or you'll miss it." She said, racing around a corner.

I paused, straining my ears for what she expected me to here... and then it sounded...

"... run while you can."

My eyes widened... all the happiness I felt, ... it vanished. I lowered the phone to my lap as it fell silent on the other line. My breath was scarce now... I looked to her... "How did he get out of jail? When... did he get out of jail?"

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