Chapter Twenty-Two: We've Got Innocence For Days

(Kori Anders' POV)

The concerned silence that fell over the living room as we all watched Gar leave after Rachel lingered for a long while, only to be disrupted by someones phone. It was quite the scene to see each of us, Vic, Dick, Roy, Terra and myself instantly reach into our pockets, as if hoping for a distraction from the obvious situation at hand. A situation that could have been perceived in a number of ways. Dick, ... I could see he was slightly frustrated with me, and to be honest I didn't exactly blame him. He and I hadn't had the chance to discuss the other night when he entered the hotel room to find me in Roy's arms cowering in fear, and it's not as though I had turned to Roy for comfort in that moment, no, I was entirely consumed by emotions. The moment the loud knock upon the hotel room door sounded my heart had begun to race and I was so sure that this was the end... the end of everything for me. I was convinced the intrusion of the knock signified that Rachel's father had found us. I had hardly noticed Roy's hands upon m as he held me sympathetically while I trembled. The only thing on my mind was the impending doom of seeing Mr. Roth coming toward us, the thought of this shitty hotel room being the last moment of my life stung at my senses. I remember thinking how unready I was to die, and while I'm sure if I explained these thoughts to Rachel she would tell me I was being far too dramatic, that I had allowed fear the advantage in this point, and she would have been correct to say so.

In truth, the moment the knock invaded our conversation, my entire body shut down. I remember my knees buckling, my head falling into my hands, and a squeal of sheer despair taking hold of my very existence. My chest heaving in anxiety, my breath flinching in a battle against logic or even self-awareness. I could feel tears coursing toward the back of my eyes without mercy, the buildup of such, as I was convinced to be the last few second of my life, it was becoming increasingly unbearable... and then, before my body had the chance to give in completely, I saw him. I saw Dick staring back at me, and clearly he was upset to see me with Roy but aside from that an immediate sense of life returned to my veins and I rushed toward him. I held him as tightly as I could, as if his presence alone was the one thing to restore me, so quickly, from the emotions that had previously entombed me. And now,... now we were here, everyone silent, everyone perfectly still.

As I mentioned before I began my rambling, which I am sorry for, it's just that I had to let it out to someone and I knew if I went to Dick about this it would plunge him into a state of constant concern, and I didn't want that right now. So yea, I'll stick with what I have, an inner dialogue which never hesitated in explanation, but moving on.

I paused looking to my phone, it was my mother, and while I wanted to answer it I decided against it. My gaze found its way to Dick, now let me just explain a little further the intensity in this room at the moment. We were all on edge and the truth was it wasn't simply because of the threat of MR. Roth showing up out of the blue, which isn't to say it wasn't on all of our minds, but the truth was that each of us had our own personal struggle at the moment. I told you why Dick was so cross with me, and the glare he had focused on Roy, who sat at the corner of the room next to Terra, merely confirmed it. Alright so, try to keep up as I explain this because to be honest it might be hard to picture...

I stared over at Dick desperately hoping he would turn to me, I was worried that he and I hadn't had the moment to discuss the whole Roy thing and I didn't want things to escalate out of control before he and I had the opportunity to clear the air. BE cause while Dick had done his best to conceal the discomfort in the matter, where Roy was concerned, I knew his jealous behavior earlier in the hallway against Roy sold him out. Dick glared over at Roy, and I could tell he was beating the living day lights out of him in his mind, waiting for the perfect moment to do so. Trust me, I knew Dick, he was so focused on Roy for one purpose, he wanted him to step out of line, say the wrong thing, look to me the wrong way, anything and he would have every right, no, he would feel obligated to leap at his chance to start conflict with him once again. And Roy, Roy had his attention fixed on the movie, a movie no one was paying attention to, and I could have sworn not even he was truly watching. I had the feeling he could sense Dick's eyes burning into the back of his head, but he held composure not moving at all.

Which, of course I feel bad about. I mean, Roy didn't deserve the way I treated him and even as I sat here watching all of this tension ensue, there was nothing I could ever do to fix what I had done. I had used him as a distraction and at the first opportunity I left him, leaving only a few weeks before getting with Dick, but don't get me wrong, it wasn't that I was never attracted to him. In truth when I was with Roy he made me happy, the impending factor being, he wasn't Dick. He could never satisfy me the way Dick did with a mere smile. And I know how horrible this sounds, the explanation alone makes my skin crawl, but I couldn't avoid the reality that I had become that girl that abused a relationship and immediately sparked another. I felt horrible and yet, guilt aside, I was happy to be with Dick. I suppose being with im is really the only reason I had been able to hold my ground against Roy, even as he pleaded. I didn't want to ruin anything with Dick and in turn I acted cold and bitter toward Roy.

My wandering thoughts strike again,... sorry, I'll continue. My eyes switched from Roy to Terra. She had this look on her face, her eyes down upon her lap as her fingers played with the edges of her nails. I didn't know exactly what she was thinking but I could tell she was bothered that Gar had left to comfort Rachel, which is understandable for someone who isn't aware of what a close-knit group we are. In the end, while I was aware that Rachel had feelings for Gar, I knew nothing would happen between them at her hand, she was not one to put herself out on the line like that, not when the subject was emotions and I think you all can agree on that. Now Vic,... he sat beside me, on my right to more accurate, and his brows were burrowed, his hands moving frantically across his phone. I released a sigh. Out of everyone here, he was the one that didn't have the one person he cared most for here. HE was missing Karen, and we all knew it, and apparently, from what I can tell, she was playing hard to get at the moment.

Great, so not that I've elaborated about the awkward air that hung around us,...

Clearing my throat I looked to Dick, placing a hand upon his. "They've been gone a while. Should we go..."

"No, Rachel wants to be alone." He replied coldly, his daggering glare never flinching from Roy.

I hesitated, then glancing around the room once more, to ensure no one had eyes on either of us, I leaned toward Dick, planting a soft kiss upon his lips. It was this that finally caught his attention. As he looked to me, unconcerned if whether or not anyone had noticed this gesture, and I smiled up at him. I could see that I had comforted him, if only in the slightest, his features softening. I almost had him in the exact mood I wanted but his eyes quickly returned to Roy. Inhaling deeply I lifted my phone from my lap.

KORI: Why so serious?

As his phone sounded, the entire room looked to their phones again, a wave of sighs erupting again before resuming their previous behaviors. I pretended as though my mind was focused on the movie but I could see in the corner of my eye Dick's reaction. He looked down at his phone and I could see his eyes narrow then look to me. A smile crept across my face quickly, just long enough for him to notice then I became serous once again.

I had already silenced my phone so when its background light caught my attention I looked down to it casually.

DICK: Being a little obvious don't you think?

KORI: If you want me to stop then I will

DICK: I didn't say that.

I hesitated in my reply, noticing his glare return to Roy again I knew I had to say something to redirect his thoughts from him. I needed to make sure he knew I was still more interested in him then Roy.

KORI: Can I stay the night with you again?

Dick's glare instantly faded, and he looked to me with a raised brow, a small giggle escaped my lips, which no one took notice of, assuming it was a reaction to the movie we were suppose to be watching. I brought my bottom lip inward, holding it between my teeth as I smiled to him.

DICK: Is that really a question you expect me to say no to?

KORI: That all depends... are you upset with me?

It was when he held back a glance to me that I knew he, whether upset or just uneasy, he felt something against me.

DICK: No

KORI: ... you're lying

DICK: Am I?

I rolled my eyes, turning slightly in my seat and leaning my head upon his shoulder.

KORI: You know I can tell.

DICK: ...

KORI: It amazes me that even via text you can still be so stubborn.

DICK: =]

I brought my elbow quickly against his rib-cage, nudging him playfully.

KORI: I love you Dick =]

It was now that I felt his chest raise. I lifted my gaze to his, what I found made me swallow hard. He stared down at me with such desire and hunger in his eyes and I knew he wanted to kiss me. I knew because I felt the same, the exact same amount of passion lingered on my expression as well. Inhaling deeply I looked to the television again.

DICK: I know you do.

KORI: Don't be an asshole...

As he read my text a muffled laugh escaped him.

DICK: Fine,... I love you too Kori

KORI: Don't do me any favors.

Another laugh, from both of us now.

DICK: I'd like to... if given the chance...

My eyes widened... he can be so... Dick. If he wanted to tease me, if he wanted to play games, I'd gladly oblige.

KORI: Promise?

I noticed him swallow hard, his confidence faltering as I sent him a seductive smile, my hand upon his thigh now.

DICK: I hate you right now

KORI: Getting a little excited over there? *shrugs* Don't start a game you can't win.

Before he could respond I stood, his gaze, I knew, was on me.

"Where are you off too?" Vic asked curiously.

I smiled. "Its getting a little hot in here... I think I'll take a quick shower." I paused pulling all of my hair to one side of my neck, bending over in front of Dick to grab my purse which lay on the ground beside him. I ignored the chills that surged through me at the touch of his hand running up along my leg. I looked to him with a smile in which only he could see from the angle I positioned myself in. "Tell me what I miss from the movie when I'm gone."

As I sent him one of 'his' signature smirks, his brow arched intensely, his gaze wandering over my flirtatious expression. The moment he gave me a brief nod I stepped out of the living room, leaving Richard alone to his desires to follow me.

DICK: very nice... This isn't over...

I smiled to myself.

KORI: Not Even Close ;)

I paused, jumping slightly as I came face to face with Gar. He seemed to be in a rush, and before I could even apologize for running into him, he stepped passed me reentering the living room. I stood there dumbfounded taken back by his awkward behavior, then a voice came.

"Kori..." Rachel said peeking her head out of the kitchen, a nervous expression staring back at me. "...can I have a word?"

I entered the kitchen with a sympathetic nod. My mind was wavering over the reason both Gar and Rachel were acting slightly out of the norm.

"So... whats the pro..."

"Sit." Rachel demanded. I obliged, my eyes narrowed in concern at her tone. She ran a hand through her hair. "I... " Head shaking, her eyes went wide. "I have no fucking clue what just happened."

I tiled my head to the side. "Are you alright? I saw Gar in the hallway... he seemed upset. What happened? Did he say something you didn't like?"

My confusion set in further as she stood, inhaling deeply as she moved in a frantic pace before me. "That stupid... he... he's such an asshole, you know that right?" I nodded, not one-hundred percent sure I knew who she was referring to. "Why would he do that? I mean... what goes on in that pea brain of his?"

I lifted a finger to interject. "Who?"

She paused, her wide eyes softening unexpectedly. She lowered herself into the chair beside me, burying her head in her hands. "He's such an idiot."

"Gar?" I assumed so, since she seemed slightly calmer in this moment.

She inhaled deeply. "Yea... he... he just... kissed me."

My eyes widened now. "What?"

She lifted her head to look to me now. "Shhhh... announce it to the world why don't you?" She sighed and I felt my body cower in silence.

"Why? Why would he do that? I mean, ... Terra is in the next room."

"Exactly... I don't know how to process this right now. I can't deal with this in my head right now..."

"And ... you are upset with him now? I thought you ..." I fell silent as her brow quivered in warning before me. I cleared my throat, lowering my voice. "I don't understand."

She stood. "Look, ... I had to tell someone... just, don't make a big deal over this. I'm not."

As she left me alone in the kitchen I stared down at my phone... a missed text.

DICK: Hurry back already

I sighed. I didn't really know what to do with myself. I looked down to my phone to reply but fell silent as another incoming text stared back at me.

GAR: I need to talk to you

I sighed, the reason for such a random text being all too predictable in this moment now that I knew what had occurred between the two.

KORI: Of course... when?

I was beginning to feel overwhelmed now. I realize this must have been a strange and random event for Rachel but I thought she would be pleased that Gar had actually sparked an interest in her, not only that but he had actually initiated it.

GAR: Later... I'll come to you.

DICK: Kor...

I lowered my fingers to my phone but paused as another text sprang to life.

MOM: I need to talk to you

Then another.

ROY: I have to talk to you... alone.

Replying to my mother now, I sent...

KORI: Is it important? I'm a little busy at the moment.

MOM: I just heard about Mr. Roth's escape... why didn't you tell me? I was so worried when you didn't answer my phone calls. Where are you?

Great, this was the last thing I needed, a concerned mother lecture and an ex boyfriend wanting to speak to me alone.

KORI: I"m with Dick at the Manor, everything is fine

I paused... wait a minute...

KORI: How did you find out about MR. Roth?

MOM: I'm your mother, of course I found out.

I rolled my eyes. I always hated this response. It was vague and nonetheless irrelevant to how she actually discovered the truth.

KORI: I'm fine, don't be worried. I'll call you later tonight alright?

MOM: Don't forget. I want you to call me every night until MR. Roth is found so I know you're safe.

Great,... expectation, just keep tacking on the stress.

KORI: Fine

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It had been a few hours now. I had long since showered and returned to my place beside Dick. The entire gang sat within the living room still, a movie marathon had unintentionally come to be, the fact that we needed to be around each other in this difficult time and yet the tensions that lingered over us kept us all in an odd silence. Which is why I was more than relieved when Gar stood.

"I'm gonna order a pizza. Anyone want?"

This moment was hilarious for me. It was as if this simple suggestion dissolved any and all issues at the moment, the hunger we each felt dominating. We all stood following Gar into the kitchen. We all sat at the table aside from Vic and Gar who commenced in their usual arguments when deciding on the official order to be made.

I sat between Rachel and Dick, Dick on my left, Rachel obviously the right. Beside her was Roy and beside Dick was Gar's empty seat and following, a silent, on edge Terra. The silence, at least for me, came to a halt as I noticed my phone light up again. My smiling eyes, as they set upon the text immediately went wide.

ROY: Tonight... midnight.

I glanced around the table, deciding that the awkward silence was far too frustrating to deal with any longer. Especially since I was worried Dick might have noticed the text I received which clearly wasn't from him. And while it was obvious that he didn't, I wanted to draw attention away from the hidden conversation with Roy I found myself in. I inhaled deeply. "So, Terra... are you enjoying the Manor?"

As she hesitated, I sent my text.

KORI: I can't. It wouldn't be right and you know that.

Terra gave me a hesitant nod, her irritation barely kept at bay. "It's nice." Her eyes wandered over the kitchen. "A luxurious lifestyle that I'm not really used to but ... yea, it's fine."

ROY: Dick doesn't have to know

KORI: I would know. Besides, I don't keep secrets from Dick

I cleared my throat hitting send. "So, ... that movie was ..." I paused, my mind losing its train of thought as me phone brightened once more.

"...boring." Rachel added, receiving a laugh from everyone at the table.

"...yea." I added carelessly.

ROY: I'm keeping a secret for you.

I sighed to myself, partially relieved that conversation had sparked between my friends on its own now, giving me time to reply to Roy without my attempt at small talk. The other half of my thoughts were stressing over the fact that Roy was right. Since he caught Dick and I together in the hallway, mouth to mouth, in an open display of affection to one another, he had remained quiet about the subject, drawing no ones attention to this hidden affair.

KORI: No

ROY: Come on, just an innocent conversation.

KORI: I said no. Dick wouldn't approve of it and neither do I

"... don't you remember, Kori?" Dick's voice said, making me jump from my thoughts.

I could see him staring at me, his eyes casually noticing as I hid my phone immediately into my pocket, and I was so sure that I had guilt written in my eyes. I cleared my throat, laughing nervously. "I'm sorry... I missed it. What are we talking about?"

My heart sunk as Dick's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Regardless, he drew no attention to his feelings at the moment. "I was just telling Rachel about the time we had in Miami."

I nodded. "Right..." I looked to Rachel, and I knew she could see the guilt and panic over my features as well. "Yea,... it was fun."

She cleared her throat, attempting to aid me in my nervousness. Which, of course I loved her for. She was helping me without even knowing what I seemed hesitant about.

She looked to Terra, . "Are you sure there's nowhere you'd rather be?"

"Rachel!" Gar said angrily as he sat joined the table with Vic now.

Rachel laughed, avoiding Gar's gaze, him equally attempting to avoid hers. The realization to me was humorous in itself, it was so obvious they were both confused about the kiss "I'm just saying... you don't seem to be enjoying your time here."

"Alright, I think that's enough. " Vic laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "Pizza's on its way... anyone down for a beer?"

We all nodded like children being asked if they would rather have sweets then vegetables. It sounds corny, but even I knew a little alcohol would bring everyone to a more positive mood... or, or it could make things worse. Either way, I was looking forward to it, anything was better then this moment.

We sat for a good twenty minutes, choppy conversation being tossed back and forth at the table, between several intertwining comments. I was already on my second beer by the time the pizza arrived, and the mood had thankfully perked up now. We all joined in a wave of shared laughter as Vic and Gar raced toward the door at the sound of the doorbell.

A heartwarming sensation settled over me as, while the pizza boxes were released by Vic to the table, everyone scrounging for a slice, that Dick had pulled my chair closer to his. As I settled back in my seat I felt his hand intertwine with mine beneath the table, a slight blush rushing to my cheeks.

"Here," Vic said, tossing a beer to Dick. He released my hand and caught the bottle before it could crush against the table before me. "Ooops, my bad Kor."

I giggled. "Its fine."

I took a bite of pizza, my eyes wandering to Dick by habit. He pulled the lid from the beer then tilted it toward mine. With a smile I lifted mine to his, a small clank following their soft collision. As both of us drank, I jumped on my seat slightly, the presence of his hand caressing my thigh now.

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Dinner went well, better than expected at the rocky start it began with, and it wasn't perfect but it was decent. At least there were no confrontations. The boys had headed into the living room again, along with Terra, leaving Rachel and I together in the kitchen.

"I'm so full." I laughed. The alcohol making its way into my brain in a physical alleviation now.

Rachel nodded, leaning against the counter as I handed her another beer from the fridge, grabbing two others, one for myself and the other for Dick. This moment between Rachel and I brought a smile to my face all on its own, the fact being the alcohol had allowed her relax more now.

"Did you enjoy dinner?"

I hesitated, not at the question, for I would have gladly answered it without a second thought, but no, the way this question was delivered it sounded more like it had a double meaning. I tilted my head to the side in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Oh nothing... I just thought it was far to obvious between you and Dick."

My eyes narrowed. "What?"

She smirked, her eyes rolling in annoyance. "What do you mean 'what'?" She chuckled. "I'd be surprised if I was the only one who noticed you two eye-fucking each other."

I choked on my beer, the foam spilling over the brim as I did so. Coughing back my embarrassment, I wiped at my mouth then laughed. "I... Rachel... come on I..." I didn't have a reply ready. I in no way anticipated this from her. I was so certain Dick and I had been casual about it. "He and I are just... friends, you know that, everyone does."

She laughed. "Right... well, what I do know... is how to tell when you're lying, and right now..." She stepped to me, and I forced my composure to remain unflinching. I felt myself inhale deeply, allowing no breath to exit my lungs. Her eyes focused on mine. "... that look,..." she shook her head with a laugh. "... that look alone just sold you out." Before I could object, Rachel turned away from me stepping to the exit, a taunting laugh echoing behind her. "Let me know when you're ready to admit the obvious.".

Taken back, I shrugged off my utter embarrassment and followed behind her, joining everyone in the living room. As I did, I noticed Dick immediately light up, waving me over. Again... we were watching another movie. The difference now?... it was comedy, and the stupidity of the story line coupled with alcohol, and you had a room full of teens laughing. The lights were off and with the blanket of night masking the room in the darkness aside from the ever-changing light protruding from the television screen, Dick had taken begun to take advantage of this.

I could tell he had begun to feel the alcohol now, his decisions becoming more careless. I was comfortable with his sudden movement to resituate his posture which leaned back at an angle into the edge of the couch, pulling me into him. My head rest upon his, which was all fine, this was a position we had been found in innocently by our friends in the past, and it didn't concern me. No, it was his hand which was around my waist which traced small circles against my flesh, inviting itself slowly beneath my shirt. I inhaled deeply, my eyes glancing around the room. No one took notice, or even cared what he was doing, and while I wanted to enjoy it, it was still hard for me to do so. I slapped his hand away, nudging him in the chest in warning. What did he do? ... he laughed, that's all, not taking me seriously and I have to admit while it slightly frustrated me his laugh seemed to make everything better.

It was quiet between him and I until I felt his breath upon my neck. My eyes fluttered shut as he casually pulled my hair out of the way, his lips stopping inches from my ear.

"Tired yet?" He whispered.

The sensation of his teeth as they gently bit at my earlobe rendered me silent. My eyes still shut as his voice sounded softly, and seductively in my ear again. "Give it ten minutes... I'll be in my room."

He immediately stood drawing the attention of everyone. I admired the view of his amazingly toned body as he stretched slightly. "I think I'm headed to bed for the night." After a few, distracted 'yeas' and 'alrights' from everyone he looked to me, that seductive smirk playing at his lips. "See you tomorrow." I smiled, swallowing hard as he left.

Within the ten minutes, which seemed to skid passed in a taunting crawl, I stood. Clearing my throat I set my empty beer upon the coffee table and just as I was about to announce my departure for the evening in a forced groggy voice, Rachel's eyes snapped to mine.

"Let me guess..." She smirked at me suggestively, luckily no one noticed. "... you're off to bed too?"

I nodded, stepping back to the living room entrance. "Yep. Good night everyone."

I rushed down the hallway, coming to an abrupt halt at the sound of Gar's slurred squeak of a voice calling my name. I paused, turning to him. "What's up?"

His eyes held an amount of sadness that instantly put my feelings and desires aside. He kicked a shoe to the floor, his hands in his pockets. "I... I really need your advice on something."

I nodded, accepting his hand as he led me into one of the random rooms in the hallway. As much as I was dying... and I mean dying to see Richard, he would have to wait. Gar led me into the room, releasing my hand only as he locked the door behind us.

"I ... " he scratched at his head, struggling with his words, and I felt even more pity for him because I already knew what he was trying to tell me. "I did something that... that I don't ... I'm just not sure how I feel about it."

I took him by the arm and led him to the small table within the room, sitting beside him. My hand remained on his in a clear display of sympathy. "Go on... tell me Gar."

He exhaled slowly, his large eyes looking to me hesitantly. I smiled back at him, rubbing my thumb sweetly against his hand, his eyes immediately softening, becoming more trusting. "I kissed Rachel alright."

I nodded, trying to hide the smile which bent across my mind. He looked to me, his eyes scanning frantically over my expression, anticipating my reaction in worry. I inhaled deeply, allowing a comforting spark to settle over my eyes. "Why would you kiss her?"

He hesitated. "I ... I don't know... I just, I saw so much pain in her eyes and I just... I wanted to make it go away."

My heart jumped. Immediately taking back any joke I laughed at or bad thought about Gar that ever crossed my mind. In this moment I had never seen him so vulnerable, so... charming? I didn't really understand it myself, but I realized now that I wanted him to be with Rachel more than ever. If anyone deserved her it was him. I was so engulfed in emotion now that I even began stuttering, my mind focused on that charming visual of Richard which played over my mind constantly. "I... Gar,... I mean, you're with Terra. How would that even have been an option in your mind?"

My brows wilted at his conflicted display of emotion. "I don't... look, I mean its obvious I have feelings for Rachel and I realize that she'd never actually go for someone like me but... I couldn't help it. Even as I kissed her I knew Terra was in the next room. I knew that it would be wrong but... " he shrugged so helplessly before me. "... i couldn't help it. It might sound cheesy but,... I was sitting there, across from her and she was pushing me away like she does to everyone and I... I just gave in." He shook his head, lowering his emerald gaze to the floor. "It's those violet eyes... they just,... they send unbearable daggers into me."

I felt myself squeal in excitement, which of course I kept between me and my thoughts,... well, and you, but that's different. Clearing my throat against my attempt at stifling the excitement of the romantic feelings Gar had for Rachel which had revealed themselves, I adjusted my posture, my tone becoming confident now. "Look,... in my experience, if you... if you have feelings for someone, no matter how long it takes you should... just stay true to it."

Fear overcame me as his eyes narrowed. "You realize this is Rachel we're talking about, right? I mean,... she can't even stand to be in the same room with me half the time, let alone have a conversation with me. If you're implying that I should do anything beyond the somehow easily forgiven mistake with Rachel today then... dude... you're crazy."

"Are you scared?"

He laughed. "Terrified. I'm just glad she didn't rip my head off when I kissed her or ... I don't know."

"Well,... if you have no intentions of making your attraction to her known then... why did you need to speak to me about it?"

He sighed. "I just needed to ask you a favor."

I rolled my eyes. I knew what was coming. The whole 'ask her about me' scenario, and let me tell you, ... I was not looking forward to this.

"I need you to see how she's ... dealing with it."

"Gar..."

"Seriously Kori. I need you,... please?" I hesitated as his eyes pleaded before me. "Pleeeease."

"I don't think Rachel would even come to me about something like this. I ..."

"C'mon Kor,... if anyone can get through to her its you."

"I just don't think..."

"Please,... I'm begging you. I need to know if I should run or ..."

"...or?"

He hesitated. "Just do this for me. I wont ask anything of you ever again. I promise."

I swallowed hard, and while I was unsure of how to approach Rachel about this situation, I nodded. "Fine."

He jumped up from his seat in a cheer. "Thanks Kor." He stepped to the door beside me, now. As we entered the hallway he said, "Thanks."

"You already said that." I giggled, pleased with the spark in his positive attitude.

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I entered into a long hallway in a squeal of excitement upon becoming aware of the situation between Gar and Rachel. The thrill of an anticipated relationship blossoming between then was more than I could handle in this moment. Even as Rachel had explained the situation to me I could hardly hold back my leaping emotions of excitement. Excitement which she immediately shut down, but regardless I was still as chipper as when she had told me in the first place, my mind ignoring the negative outlook she took on the scenario. Which I found much easier to ignore since Gar had pulled me aside and asked my opinion in the matter. Gar and I were close but he had not come to me, confided in me, in a such a way as now in quite some time. I couldn't help but think everything was coming together, our group was strengthening, and at a very proper time. With Rachel's father on the loose, my life, up until this moment, began to feel like a horror movie. When alone in this large mansion, I found myself creeping around corners, my mind creating sounds which weren't there, a sinister plot well devised in my demented thoughts. As if, while the Manor was full of my friends, that wouldn't stop Rachel's father from popping out from where ever he was hiding, my mind told me somewhere in the Manor, and yet I knew it wasn't true. The Manor had a state of the art defense system. If someone even stepped too close to the large, towering gates which surrounded the Manor's territorial lines, Dick would know. And yet, even with all of these obvious truths, the comfortable part of my mind which sprung to life around my friends and when I was alone with Dick, all this aside, that didn't exactly mean in the slightest that my thoughts were any darker. I couldn't shake the feeling of the night I was mugged in New York. My attackers face singed in my memory to a severe, far too real sensation that I had never really escaped him and that I would see him again.

It was now, that this memory of New York flashed through my mind, that my attackers face, which remained focused upon my mind, no matter how much I tried to blink it away, ... and suddenly, as I turned into a long corridor of the Manor I saw the face of Rachel's father. Sure, I had not seen this man in, well, what feels like forever, and yet the image of his face as he spat foul, vulgar curses at Rachel the last time we saw him, his face could never be forgotten.

I jumped slightly, directing my hand to the light switch stationed to my left. My eyes were conspiring with my delusional thoughts, casting enemies from the shadows and reasoning illogically with the sounds of my own footing, which convinced myself I was not alone. Quickly flipping the switch, my heart beating fiercely, the face dissolved into obvious paranoia. My chest heaved in a drawn out exhale, my eyes analyzing the object in which I was certain had been a stranger lurking in the dark.

I stepped to the hovering lamp which remained in the center of the hallway and shook my head, giggling at myself. I was on my way to Richard's room, finding that my delusions sparked by nothing other then fear had slowed a usually quick process of reaching his room into a long agonizingly horrifying experience.

A wave of calm settled over me as I finally managed to reach the door to Dick's room. I lifted a closed palm to his door. I inhaled deeply, adjusting at my clothes and hair, hoping my appearance was not too distraught. I swallowed hard as the approaching sound of footsteps from the other side of the door came to a halt, my eyes noticing the turn of the doorknob. My stature perked in enthusiasm as the door swung open slowly, the attractive figure I had grown to love staring back at me.

Burrowed brows relaxed upon his features, an elated smirk surfacing as his eyes scanned over my appearance. I brushed a stray hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear in nervousness now as Dick leaned a forearm into the door frame. His voice reaching out to me in a whispered confidence. "Can't stay away ... can you?"

I rolled my eyes, pushing past him and entering the room. My nerves taking a pause. I had far too much exciting news to tell him. At the sound of him shutting and locking the door behind us I turned to him. My expression, I knew, was more enthusiastic then he could have anticipated. "I have something to tell you." He arched a brow making his way to the edge of the bed while I began pacing before him, my voice forced into a whisper. I knew I probably should not be telling this to Dick, for certain Rachel would not approve, but I could not hold back. "I... I learned of something quite unexpected, and yet entirely worth every amount of excitement I am feeling."

"What is it?"

I paused, taking a deep inhale then sitting beside DIck on the bed. I turned my body toward his as he mirrored the action. "I..." I leaned toward him, as though my whisper could not be quiet enough. "I... Rachel and Gar..." I released a shriek of giggles. "...Gar kissed Rachel."

Dick hesitated. "Uh... but he's with Terra."

I stood again, unable to contain my feelings any longer. I should probably point out that I have absolutely nothing against Terra, in fact she was quite enjoyable to be around. Although, I would be lying if I said I wasn't secretly rooting for Gar and Rachel, which I had been, ever since Rachel told me of her, while undesired, feelings for Gar, but they were feelings none the less.

I continued my pacing once more, my hands moving in imaginary circles as I strived for the proper explanation. "I know, ... and... but Rachel... don't you think this is amazing?" I continued, leaving no leeway for him to respond. "In this frightening time, I think this is exactly what Rachel needs to ease her mind, if only slightly."

"I didn't realize Rachel was even interested in Gar."

"Right, you didn't know...," I walked toward him, surprising him by placing myself upon his lap, my legs straddling his waist. "... but I did. Rachel told me about all of this a while ago and... and now that he has..." I jumped slightly, my hands brought into my chest as I laced my fingers together. "Is this not the best news? I feel as though our circle of friends has never been stronger." I could hear Dick laugh slightly at the sight of my frantic rambling which began to increase in hardly recognizable speed, his hands fixing themselves upon my waist. "I mean, Karen is with Vic... I'm with you... and Rachel and Gar will hopefully get together soon and..." I fell silent as an odd expression settled over his features. I paused. "What?"

"Are you..." he ran a hand nervously through his hair. "... are you referring to yourself as my girlfriend now?" My eyes widened. Did I? Yes, I suppose I had, perhaps not in those exact words, but the assumption was far too clear. The nervousness which developed over me must have been far too apparent for Dick tightened a hand upon my waist, the other hand cradled upon my jaw line. "I'm not saying this isn't what I want. I just... I wasn't really sure if we were on the same page about you and I. It's not as though we've really had all that much time with one another to sort of address our situation." I felt my body become more at ease with his words. He caressed my cheek briefly, his eyes darkening into that gaze of pure desire. "If we're being honest... I'd rather not keep you and I a secret in the first place... but I will if that's still what you want."

"I just..." I inhaled deeply lowering my gaze from his. "I don't want our relationship to be... tainted by the limelight." I swallowed hard against the lump which surfaced in my throat, my palms becoming sweaty. "What if something happened and ... and this didn't work out? I mean, once people know we're together,... the moment our relationship fails it will be complete chaos."

My heart sunk as I stared back at Dick, he seemed offended, as if I was ashamed to announce our intimate shift in our friendship. His gaze flickered to the side in thought. "You speak as though our relationship is inevitably doomed."

"Dick... I want this to work but... I know how you are, and I don't hold it against you.. but..."

"Kori..." his voice overpowered mine in irritation now. "I never entered a committed relationship because it's never what I wanted, ... not because I was incapable of it."

As he said this, I knew he wanted to believe it, but the truth was, it just wasn't entirely correct. I was well aware that he wanted to attempt this commitment with me, and so did I, but that didn't mean I was constantly dealing with my logic which continued to remind me of Dick's ... habits. While I was willing and entirely determined to do everything necessary to make this work between him and I, I couldn't help but fear the reality that this was all new to Dick. He had girlfriends, but this, this was different and I'm certain it would be a struggle. I knew he had 'urges' in which I was not ready to fully relieve and I wasn't sure how long he would be able to go without such an intimate fulfillment. I sighed before him now, my insides crying at his hurt demeanor as a result my words, but I had to be honest with him in how I perceived the situation.

He hesitated before me, a deeply offended look in his eyes. "I realize this is hard for you to comprehend... me, a committed relationship,..." he shrugged. "... but I need you to trust me when I say that this is what I want. What I've wanted for, for a long time. I understand this particular conversation is... difficult to believe but..." his eyes scanned over my features, his hands running sweetly up and down my sides. "I'm ready for this... I'm determined... and I want..." I couldn't fight the smile that came to life as he chuckled slightly. "...I want to the world to know that your mine. I want it to be known that its me who makes you happy... no one else. I don't want to hide you away."

I shut my eyes, allowing the chills of passion settled over me. In the past, this moment, the words he spoke with such confidence, they had previously remained stowed away in the form of a dream. I opened my eyes now, he lingered before me in silence awaiting my response. The fact that this moment was far more amazing than I had ever been able to create in my mind was far too impossible to fathom as it played out before me. Soaking the intense amount of emotion I felt in this moment into the indescribable force that raged between the short distance of us I remained speechless. Nothing aside from the intensity in his eyes, the unbearable pounding from within my chest which was quickly reaching a rate at which I was unsure I could survive without blacking out, and the undying, eternal clarity which settled over my mind, lingering in a sense of euphoria was all that consumed me now. This was it, the sharpest, almost painful, amount of happiness I could ever experience. I hesitated against my scarce breath as he spoke again.

"I meant it when I said I loved you, Kori." His voice cracked in emotion slightly. "There's nothing I would ever do to hurt you." He swallowed hard with pleading eyes. "I want to hear you say it. I want to hear the words spill from your mouth in nothing more than confident passion."

Now,while it may seem that he was being slightly vague in his request, I knew very well what he wanted me to say. As much as I wanted to say it, I wasn't sure how. This feeling which invaded me was hardly sustainable and I knew my words would sound in a shaky, uneven lack of execution, but if he wanted this, then I did as well.

I swallowed hard, focusing on my breath again."... I know I'm ready for this too." A smile settled over me as I bit at my lip. "I love you, Dick."

There was a brief silence which engulfed us now. I observed Dick's every movement as his eyes cast down to the floor once more. It was now that I realized I hadn't the slightest clue as to what thoughts were spinning through his head,... this made me suddenly nervous. Maybe I had not read into his words and expressions as well as I thought I had. Perhaps that isn't what he expected me to say.

I felt myself inhale slowly, deeply, as his eyes raised to mine again. I found that I was holding my breath now, as if preparing for the worst in his next response. Then, before I could even comprehend what was happening, Dick's lips thrust against mine in a heated embrace. His hands cupped the sides of my face, holding me in his grasp firmly as his tongue invaded my mouth in an aggressive manner I had yet to experience with him. I was completely under his control, my body responding to his submissively, drained in desire. His strong hold on me directed me back, a hand moving down from my jaw line to my waist, forcing me back upon his bed in an undisputed amount of dominance. I felt a shutter develop over me as his presence which hovered over mine intensified at the touch of his strong hand as it came to rest upon my thigh. Clasping his fingers around me he lifted my leg at an angle, his waist lowering against mine. My teeth gave way to a whimper against his tongue which continued in its persistent exchange of affection.

The air around me thickened, a mere inhale of breath became something to work for. Dick's body shifted slightly at an angle to his side, positioning his weight on his arm, which fixed itself beside me. His lips parting from mine, a deep chuckle of an inhale taking over him now as his proud yet devoted kiss pursed against my cheek slowly making its way to my jaw line then to my neck in a unrushed display of admiration. I raised my dazed vision to the ceiling in another moan, his demeanor now becoming more focused upon the rest of my body. While still leaned slightly to the side upon his right arm, his left found its way up from my thigh to my hip in a lustful drive, gripping my waist tightly, holding me still as he thrust his body into mine again, a low grunt passing his lips.

The taste of his warm breath lingered over me, his lips descending lower upon my chest, the passion of the moment heightening,... if possible. I tightened my arms around his back, my nails asserting themselves as I lifted my hips slightly against his, welcoming another wave of his waist against mine.

It was only as his hand invited itself beneath my shirt without hesitancy that our shortness of breath became realized, a knock upon the door shattering the fury which devoured us. I swallowed hard, Dick's body jolting slightly at the sound of another persistent knock. He cursed beneath his breath, his once aggressive presence calming in parallel to his strained breath. He looked to me in a gaze of hunger, his eyes moving back and forth between mine, before he bestowed one last kiss to my lips, then raised himself from the bed.

I inhaled deeply, re-positioning my body upon the bed and propping myself up on my elbows. Dick stepped to the door running a hand through his hair before opening the door, finding a wide-eyed Gar.

"What?" Dick asked, his tone sounding aggressively.

Gar had that 'deer in the headlights' look upon his face as his gaze moved passed Dick to mine. "Uhhh... am I interrupting something?" He asked nervously.

It was now that Dick hesitated, sure, he knew I had made myself clear that I was ready to allow our relationship to move past secrecy and yet he looked to me for confirmation and slight confusion of how he should respond.

"Yes..." I began. The emotion that set over me as I jumped up from the bed, noticing a half-smile creep onto Dick's lips. I came to a halt before Gar. "...yes, actually you are interrupting something. Is it important?"

Gar's wide eyes narrowed now, and I knew he was about to question the obvious. He scratched at his brow. "I ... I mean... it's not important. I just wanted to speak with Dick for a moment but..." he fell silent as I leaned into Dick, my head resting upon his shoulder as he tightened an arm around my waist. "Wait... are... are you two finally... I mean... whats happening right now?"

I burst into laughter, then looking to Dick I kissed him upon the lips, confirming Gar's suspicions, then stepped passed him. "You know what, go ahead and have you're talk. I think I'll go see what Rachel's up to."

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I pranced down the hall in a new-found amount of anticipation and excitement. I was finding that I was actually looking forward to being open about me and Dick's relationship. The look on Gar's face was priceless enough. And just as the moment arose in which I assumed it impossible for my mood to be even brighter,... fear struck me. I paused, peeking my head into a door I had almost passed; voices sounding from within.

My eyes widened as the sight of a whispering Terra entered my vision. My ears strained for the sound of her words as they carried themselves in a muffled, mischievous tone.

"I did what you asked,... I got you passed the Manor security, just... let me get Gar out of here and you can do what you need to."

It was now that I came to the realization that she was not alone in the room. A gruff, somewhat familiar voice sounding in response to her.

"Listen here... don't get it in that pretty little head of yours that you have any amount of say in what goes down tonight." There was a brief pause in his frightening tone. My eyes narrowed as Terra's figure fell back against the floor, her hands lifting to her nose in a weak cry. "I said I wanted all of them ... all of them dead!"

I hardly noticed the squeal which escaped me now, only realizing it as the figure of Rachel's father stepped toward the door. My heart immediately began to beat in a frantic pace, the numbness which submerged itself over me left me speechless and immobile. Even as his cold, dark eyes widened in a sick sense of excitement upon noticing my frightened state, I remained frozen. I pleaded for my mind to force my feet into movement, he was coming toward me now, and nothing. My brain remained in a constant state of denial, I could feel his breath upon me now as the door which separated us was shoved open.

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(A/N) First off... sorry for taking sooo long to update. I just had a birthday so I've been kinda busy lately, but I hope the length of this chapter serves as an epic apology lol, and I'll be updating the next chapter very soon so... please please R/R :]