Chapter Three - The Mall of Shopping
Tuesday, August 25th 6:35 AM - Richard and Kori's house
Normal POV
"Kor, Kori wake up, we got school," she heard Richard's voice and felt him lightly shake her. She didn't want to open her eyes. Her knew bed was so comfortable, but he was right, she had to get up. She opened her eyes, smiling up at Richard, who sat on the bed beside her. Her smile dropped when she saw a cut under his left eye. Reaching her hand out from under the covers, she rubbed hand her gently against the cut. "Richard? What happened?"
"Just clumsy, ran into the bathroom door," he smiled sheepishly.
"You are okay, yes?," she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sleep well?," he questioned, trying to change to subject.
Her smile returned. "Oh yes, it was most peaceful." She then turned thoughtful. "Although, at one point I dreamed Coach Garret, made us do the climbing of the rope, but it had no end."
Richard chuckled and stood from the bed. "Don't give him any ideas. Now, how bout you get up and get a shower, while I make us some breakfast?"
She nodded, but he continued to stand there, waiting for her to rise from the bed. "Uhh Richard, I do not believe you wish to wait for me to get up. I do not sleep in clothing."
His eyes grew slightly wider. "Oh, I'm sorry," He turned on his heels quickly and headed for the door. "See you down stairs," he called back without turning around.
She giggled, before throwing the covers off herself, revealing her naked body. getting up, she stretched, and looked around her new was a night stand on each side of her queen sized bed, each having a lamp on it. On the far wall was a flat screen t.v, and in one of the room's corners was a large black recliner. Not far from the recliner was a door that lead to the bathroom, and on the opposite wall was a walk in closet the size of a small bedroom. She glanced down at one of the night stands to find the sunglasses Richard had given her. Smiling to herself, she picked up them up, and headed to her closet where she grabbed an outfit and headed to the bathroom, shutting it's door behind her.
Thirty minutes Later Kori made her way down the stairs. Before she was even halfway down she could smell something enticing, coaxing her toward the kitchen. She entered finding Richard with his back turned to her, facing the counter. "Hey Kor," he greeted before she could even take two steps into the kitchen.
She paused and cocked her to the side. 'How did he know I was coming?' Shrugging the thought off, she responded. "Greetings. What did you make for the break of fast?," she asked coming up behind him and peeking over his shoulder to find two plates of syrup covered pancakes.
He turned to face, leaning back against the counter. "Chocolate pancakes, it's an old friends recipe," he said referring to Alferd. "I usually meet the guys... and Raven," he felt the need to add even though the wasn't there at the moment, "at Huddle House for breakfast, but I wanted to show you I wasn't completely useless," he joked.
She giggled and shook her head, her red hair swinging from side to side as she did. "You are not useless. I believe you to be most capable. The Pancakes," she began, fighting the urge to say cakes of the pan, "smell most glorious."
"Well," he turned grabbing one of the plates off the counter, "let's hope they taste just as good." He handed her the plate before grabbing his own, and led her to the kitchen table where he sat across from her. He watched somewhat anxiously as she took a bite of the pancake. After a moment's wait her eyes lit up with joy. "These are most...," she paused searching for the right word, "delicious," she finally decided. Her smile made him feel accomplished, even though it was something as simple as cooking pancakes. He really liked her smile.
After completion of breakfast Richard noticed Kori's face has sombered. "What's wrong?" he questioned
She sighed and met his eyes. "It is just you have done so much for me, and there is nothing I can give you in return."
Richard reached across the table and grabbed her hand, with a warm smile on his face. "You don't have to give me anything Kor, we're friends we take care of each other."
Kori eyes widened. "We are friends?," she repeated in a disbelieving tone.
"Yeah, of course," he replied, as he wondered why she seemed so surprised by the fact.
A huge grin grew on Kori's face, and in one, insanely quick motion she stood, ran around the table, leaped into his lap, and practically tackled him with a bone crushing hug.
"Kor... can't... breath," he gasped.
She loosend her grip, and leaned back a little. "Oops, I apologize. I am just excited, having a friend is new to me." As princess of Tameran she was heavily guarded at all occasions, and most people weren't allowed to touch her.
Richard gave her a sad smile. "Well, you do now, not just me either. Everyone likes you, even Raven, and she doesn't like anyone," Richard joked.
She giggled. "This is most wondrous, but I do apologize for the flipping and flopping of emotions. In my culture emotions are shown freely," she explained
"It's okay, I don't mind, but where are you from anyway? I never asked," he questioned curiously.
Her whole body tensed 'I cannot tell him, he surely would not wish to be my friend if he knew I was not human.' That thought in mind she said the only thing she could think of. "I do not wish to talk about it, it brings back bad memories."
Richard nodded in understanding, but for the first time he became aware she was sitting on his lap, facing him fully, and her legs were spread, so that they could hang over the sides of the seat. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck from the hug, and their faces were only a few inches apart. It was quite the position indeed, one that he'd normally love to be in, but Kori wasn't like that. He could tell by her face that she was making nothing of it, probably not even realizing how sexual it was. Swallowing hard he changed the subject. "Well c'mon we better get to school."
She nodded and stood from his lap, which made him release a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He followed behind her as they made their way to the parking garage.
Tuesday, August 25th 7:45 AM - Jump City High School student parking lot.
Richard pulled into the parking lot, parking next to Vic's charger, where all his friends were standing. When Richard and Kori got out of the Ferrari, they all seemed mildly surprised Kori was with him. Richard hadn't told anyone about the current situation yet. Vic was the first to greet them. "What up Dick, hey little lady."
"Greetings," she beamed up at him, before turning to Richard. "I must use the facilities, I shall see you in class."
He nodded. "Okay Kor." Kori gave everyone one more smile, before walking toward the school's entrance.
Vic looked back at Richard, taking note of the cut under his eye. "What happened there," he pointed.
He rubbed his hand across it. "A knife grazed me."
"You want me to heal it?," Raven offered.
"Nah," he declined. "Kori's already seen it. It would be hard to explain it just disappearing."
Bee smirked mischievously. "Sooo, you and Kori huh?"
Gar caught on and played along. "You sleep with her?"
"No, but I did move her in with me," he replied casually.
"What?!," everyone exclaimed in unison, besides Raven who just raised an eyebrow.
He sighed. "Well, it's complicated. You see, after you left last night, I took her home. She was living in the worst part of the city, in a broken down apartment complex. She's been using a blanket in the middle of the living room floor as bed, and not only that, but the place was infested with bugs. I couldn't let her stay there."
Everyone had sad expression on their faces by the time he finished explaining. "What about her parents?," Gar questioned in a much softer tone than normal.
Richard shook his head somberly. Everyone got the message.
"No wonder she was so depressed," Raven commented.
"I don't see how she ever smiles," Bee added in, feeling completely terrible.
"Well, she doesn't have to live that way anymore. In fact I was hoping we could go to the mall today, and maybe you could take her shopping for some close and whatever else she needs. Her wardrobe is a little thin," Richard requested.
A smirk returned to Bee's face. "Are you asking me to spend your money Dick?," she questioned teasingly
He chuckled a little. "Yeah, make me regret it."
"Oh, I will," she assured, still smirking.
Just then the bell rung, signaling it was time to head to class. They headed toward first period history, where when entering, Richard found Kori sitting where she usually did. He frowned, not liking the fact she didn't sit where his group usually sat. Suddenly an idea crossed his mind, and a mischievous grin appeared on his face. Without a word he approached her.
"Hello, Richaaaagh!," she squealed as he lifted her out of her desk, and slung her over his shoulder. She began to giggle as he carried across the room to his group's area. One of her hands held the sunglasses on her head in place, while her other arm dangled freely. He placed her in the desk in front of where he sat before taking a seat himself.
"You set with us."
"Very well," she replied, still giggling.
In the back of the room she caught sight of Gar wiggling his eyebrows at her. He then pointed to her, then Richard, and through his arms around himself, making out with the empty space in front of him. Kori turned beat read, and quickly turned to face forward in her desk. She thanked Xhal that Richard hadn't saw him.
The bell rung and Coach Garret entered the room, looking like he didn't want to be there as usual. He plopped down in front the computer on his desk, and took roll, before standing and centering himself in the front of the room. "Alright, as you all know you have a project, so today we're going to the computer lab so you can research your country," he instructed, not sounding overly enthusiastic about the idea. He watched as all the students just sat there looking completely blank. "Well go!," he pointed toward the door. Everyone stood and filed out the room. Richard and Kori walked side by side down the hall, the rest of the group following closely behind.
"You have a certain country you wanna do?," Richard asked, which was ironic because they had talked for over two hours last night on the living room couch, and the project had never came up.
She shook her head. "I have no preference."
"I was thinking Italy. I went there with Bruce, his girlfriend Selina, and my brother Tim for a week over summer, it's really beautiful."
"Then we shall...," she began before being interrupted by none other than Kitten.
"Oh Dickie-poo," the blonde girl called before running up beside Dick. Kori felt him lean into to her, which pleased her greatly.
"Shouldn't you be with your partner Kitten?" Richard sighed.
"Well, I was just thinking I could be your partner, and redhead here," she glared at Kori, "could get with Xavier. I figured I'd do you a favor, since I know you don't wanna be with her," Kitten spat the word "her" out like venom.
Richard glared down at Kitten, and wrapped his arm around Kori's waste. Kori leaned comfortably into him. Nothing Kitten could say right now could bother her.
"One, she has a name," Richard sneered. "Two, I'm more than happy with Kori as my partner."
"You heard the man," Bee began, "you can go now." She was also finding herself feeling protective over Kori, as was the rest of the group.
Kitten huffed angrily. "You're gonna regret this," she growled before storming off.
Once she'd left Richard looked down at Kori. "I'm sorry about that Kor," he said tightening his grip on her waste.
She leaned her head back against his chest. "It is not your fault she is the female dog."
Everyone began to laugh at the female dog comment. "You mean bitch?," Vic asked as he laughed.
She thought for a moment before nodding enthusiastically. "Yes, she is the bitch."
"That's for sure," Gar agreed.
"Don't forget whore," Bee added.
"Yeah, she'd probably let Dick fuck her in the broom closet if he asked her," Gar joked.
Kori's eyebrows scrunched, as they did every time she was confused. "Please, what does fuck mean?," she asked looking up at Richard.
"Well umm," he looked back at his friends, his eyes pleading for help.
Bee smirked before whispering in Kori's ear in great detail.
Bee leaned back and Kori gasped. "That glimplork" she exclaimed angrily. No one had to ask what glimplork meant, it was pretty clear. It took everything she had to keep her eyes from glowing, and not to growl. She found herself becoming very possessive over Richard.
"Yes, that glimplork indeed," Raven agreed monotonously.
-
Tuesday, August 25th 8:10 AM - Jump City High School computer lab
The group arrived in the computer lab, and with a laptop per group, took a seat at square table with two chairs at each side. Everyone sat beside their partners. Kori had discreetly moved her chair to sat closer Richard than necessary, but he didn't seem to notice, that or he didn't mind. Richard would find facts and Kori would write them neatly down, and it went that way for about twenty minutes, until Gar got bored and began to look up news on superheros.
"Dudes listen to this," Gar exclaimed excitedly, getting everyone at the tables attention. "Nightwing saves five-year old boy, and his infant sister from burning building," Gar read the headline. Vic and Bee sent Richard knowing glances, while Raven glared at Gar. "You're supposed to be looking up facts about Germany," she scolded.
Gar mostly ignored her, while Kori looked up at Richard. "Please, who is Nightwing?"
He raised an eyebrow. "You never heard of Nightwing?"
"I have seen him quite frequently on the news, but who is he? He cannot be Nightwing all the time, can he?," she reasoned.
Now understanding what she meant, he responded. "Well, no one really knows who Nightwing is, if they did someone might try to hurt hid friends or family in order to get to him."
Kori was thoughtful for a moment before nodding. "I see."
Gar, still bored, decided to have a little fun. He went to Google Images and typed in Nightwing, before selecting the most detailed picture of him. He then slid the laptop over to Kori, so that she could see. "Hey Kor, don't you think Nightwing is cute?," he questioned mischievously.
Bee and Vic covered their mouths, trying not to laugh, while Raven rolled her eyes, and Richard frowned. Kori studied the picture carefully. Nightwing was standing on a roof looking down over the city. The camera had zoomed in on him, showing his muscles clearly through his black and blue suit. Even though his eyes were coverd by a mask, he was still outrageously handsome. "Yes, he is most attractive," she nodded smiling. "But I do find it odd that you find him cute."
Gar's mischievous smile faded, as everyone burst into laughter. After being accidentally out smarted by Kori he returned to work until the bell rung.
Kori followed Richard as he put the laptop away. She was pleasantly surprised when he gave her a farewell hug, before heading off to his next class. After saying good-bye to the rest of her friends, she headed off the Art class, her favorite of the day. She was somewhat suprised when the girls who usually picked on her, didn't so much as glance at her. She guessed Richard had taken care of the situation. Just thinking about him made a smile cross her face. She couldn't help, but to reflect on how just twenty-four hours ago she hated life, and now everything was glorious. She had a real home, friends, and was genuinely happy for the first time since arriving on this planet, and it was all because of him. She sighed contently and continued to work on her painting of horses. After art she headed to english. She ran into Bee on her way to class, who was headed to english as well. Once inside Bee lead her to the back of the room. Kori was happy to have someone to sit with.
Bee wanted to grill her about what was going on between her and Richard, but before she had much of chance the bell rung and class began, so she put her questions in the back of her mind for later.
As the teacher gave her lesson, Kori doodled in her notebook. Even though she struggled with slang words, she already spoke proper english. It was rather pointless for her to spend her time listening to the teacher. No, her time was much better spent drawing Richard's name in big bubbly letters with countless hearts around it, which didn't go unnoticed by Bee.
'This girl has it bad,' she thought to herself, smirking as she did.
The class eventually ended, and her next class was short. Gar was in there, and he spent the whole period telling jokes she didn't really understand, but laughed at anyway. Upon exiting her fourth period class she was happily surprised to find Richard leaning against the wall outside the class room.
"Greetings," she beamed at him.
"Hey, mind if I walk you to lunch?," he offered.
"No, that is most nice," she agreed.
"Dude, did Vic go get the pizzas? Gar questioned
Richard nodded in response before looking back at Kori and extending his hand out to her.
Blushing, she took it, and they began to walk hand in hand to the lunchroom, with Gar darting ahead of them, ready to ingest, or rather inhale his veggie pizza.
Once inside Richard led her to the table, with five pizza boxes stacked in the middle, where they sat in their usual spots.
"Took you two long enough, Gar scolded. "What did you do, make a pit stop to make out?," he questioned, glancing at there still interlocked hands
Kori's face turned a dark shade of red, while Richard frowned at Gar, before retorting. "No, we just didn't run down the hall like an idiot to get here."
"Well," Vic interjected, "Now that everyone is here we can eat." He then began to pass out the pizza's. "Cheese for Dick and Kor, Cheese for Bee and Raven, nasty ass veggie for Grass Stain, and meat lovers for me," he exclaimed, licking his lips.
"Animal Killer," Gar muttered.
Vic heard him a retorted. "Tree huger."
"Cannibal," Gar shot back.
"Why are they doing the arguing?," Kori asked to no one in particular, as the boys continued to fuss.
"It's like this everyday. yesterday was the most peaceful lunch I've had in a year," Raven replied blankly.
"Yeah, the only reason that this didn't happen yesterday was because they were trying to make a good first impression," Bee added.
Kori just looked on at the arguing boys, before Richard offered her a piece of pizza, which she enthusiastically accepted.
After ten or so minutes the argument died down, and they ate, while enjoying casual conversation.
"So dudes, we still going to the mall this afternoon?," Gar checked.
Richard nodded, as he chewed his food.
"What is this mall?," Kori asked curiously.
"Ummm, basically it's a really big store where you can buy almost anything you want. Vic and Gar are going to the arcade, Raven's going to pick up a book, I'm going to the sporting goods store, and Bee is taking you shopping for close and whatever else you need," Richard informed, before adding in a quieter tone, 'I hope you're not mad at me, but I feeled them on your situation."
Kori gave a reassuring smile. "I do not mind, we are friends, yes?"
"Exactly, and as friends me and you are gonna spend Dick's money," Bee teased, as she looked from Kori to Dick.
"Oh I do not wish to..." she began worriedly, but silenced when Richard placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry about it Kor, friends help each other remember?," Richard assured smiling at her.
She was reluctant at first, but his touch melted it away. Her smile returned. "Very well."
Lunch ended a short time later. Once again Richard walked her to class, along with Vic since he was in the same class as her. Chemistry was spent discussing more aspects of football with him. By the time friday rolled around she'd be an expert. In gym she ran with Richard again, and as yesterday Gar eventually fell behind.
She absolutely stunned everyone Pre-Cal. Today was the first test of the year was given out, and she finished within five minutes. Tameranians understanding of mathematics was a rather large amount ahead of human's, so what was complicated to them was beyond easy to her. After school the girls watched the boys practice. Kori still couldn't help but to gawk at Richard when he was shirtless. She couldn't figure out why he had that effect on her, Tameraninas wore very little clothing, if any, but the again she had just started the courting process before the war broke out. She had met upwards of twenty suitors, all nobles or generals, but she had never had any of the feelings for them that she was feeling for Richard. He just had that way about him, that made him irresistible.
Practice finally concluded and the players jogged off the field. When Richard exited the gate, trying to make his way to the locker Room, he was swarmed by girls, some of whom weren't even high schoolers. When Kori saw one of the girls rub her hand across Richard's bare chest she became angry. She wanted go over there and rip the girl's hand off, but she knew that was considerd wrong in Earth culture, so she just stood their with her fist clenched, gritting her teeth.
Bee saw she was upset, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about them, they're just fan girls."
Kori sighed. "Yes, I know. I just do not like them touching him." She then turned to look at Bee. "Am I wrong for feeling possesive?"
"What? No," Bee exclaimed assuringly. "If any of those girl's touched Vic I'd be just as upset."
"Yes, but you are the girlfriend to Vic, I am only Richard's friend," Kori stated, sounding more upset about that than attended. She truthfully couldn't explain what she felt for Richard at the moment. She was happy the she was his friend, but there was a longing somewhere in her for something... more.
Bee laughed hard, which confused Kori greatly. "Did I say something comical?"
"No, it's not that, but girl if you think you and Richard are just regular friends your way in the dark. I mean think about it. You two touch each other more than me and Vic. Literally every time I saw you two together today you had your hands somewhere on the other. You don't see him touching any of us like that, do you? Trust me, he like's you," Bee reasoned.
Kori didn't know rather to blush shly, or smile widely, so she did both. "Truly?,"she questioned glancing at Richard, who was pushing his way through the crowd, then back at Bee.
"Yeah, you shouldn't be surprised, Dick's always had a thing for red heads," Bee teased.
Kori just looked at Richard, unable to control her smile.
Richard finally escaped the fan girls, and made his way into the locker room. It didn't take long for the boys to exit and meet the girls out by the cars, where they had waited.
"Ready?," Richard asked stopping just inches short of her.
"Yes,'" Kori nodded enthusiastically. "I am most curious about this mall of shopping place."
Richard chuckled. "Well, let's not keep you waiting," He said taking her hand and leading her around to the other side of the car. She really like when he held her hand. It was so simple, yet thrilling the same time. Once ever one was in the prospective cars the vehicles started up, and headed out of the school's parking lot.
-
Tuesday, August 25th 5:15 PM - Jump City Shopping Mall
Normal POV
kori's eyes widened when they walked through the automatic sliding glass doors of the huge building known as the mall. She'd never see anything like it. There were over thirty stores on the first floor alone, and the place was infested with teenagers. It was like ever kid in school was there. In the middle of the first floor was the food court. Richard had informed her on the way there, that's where they'd be meeting up after everyone got what they needed. Kori was still in somewhat of a trance when she felt Richard grab her hand. "Well, what do you think?," he questioned, looking down at her, as the group began to walk.
Kori was still looking around, wide-eyed. "It is most... I do not know how to describe it," she answered truthfully.
Richard frowned, thinking she was a little timid of the place. "Do you wanna leave? We could do something else if you want."
"Oh no, I do not wish to leave. I am most excited to explore, and do the shopping with Bee," she assured, beaming a smile up at him.
"Yeah girl, we're gonna have some fun," Bee exclaimed.
As they neared the arcade Vic spoke up. "Alright, me and Grass Stain are off, see y'all in a bit." With that Vic and Gar separated from the group and headed off to the arcade.
"The sporting goods store and the book store on the third floor, so me and Raven are gone too," Richard informed, releasing Kori's hand, and turning to Bee. "Take care of her," he said, handing her his black credit card.
"I got her," Bee waved him off. "You sure you don't want to come with us Raven?," Bee asked.
"I'll pass. I'd much rather read than spend hours trying on close," she replied blandly.
Bee sighed. "Fine, c'mon Kor, let's go."
Kori nodded, then turned to Richard. "I shall see you after completion of the shopping," she said hugging him, around his neck. "And thank you," she whispered into his ear.
"Anytime," he whispered back, squeezing her lightly around her lower back.
"Alright love birds, break it up," Bee said with a smirk.
Richard cleared his throat. "Uhhh yeah, see you later Kor," Richard said, releasing her, and turning to walk away with Raven.
Kori watched him leave, and then turned to Bee smiling sheepishly. "Shall we begin the shopping now?"
Bee just smiled and shook her head, before wrapping her arm around Kori's and dragging her off to her favorite store.
kori and Bee, eneterd the clothing store, where Bee released her arm and began to search through the racks of close. Kori followed her, not to sure what to do exactly. Bee saw that she was a little unsure and explained. "We're picking out close for you to try on. What's your favorite color?
Kori thought for a moment, before her eye caught a purple v-neck shirt, hanging on the rack in front of them. "I like this," she informed taking it off the rack and holding it up to her torso.
Bee rubbed her chin, before smiling. "Yeah, I think purple will look good with your skin tone. Alright, keep looking," she instructed.
Kori nodded and began to explore the store, searching nearly every rack. Eventually Kori had collected eighteen or so purple shirts, a few green and pink ones, ten pairs of booty shorts, a few regular pair of pants, a couple of bikinis, a lot of undergarments that Bee described to her as sexy, and a pair of purple leather boots that she fell in love with at first sight. After around an hour Bee helped her carry the close to the counter, where they paid. The total came out to nearly a thousand dollars. Kori looked at Bee wide eyed. "This is a lot of money, yes? Maybe we should not purchase this much."
Bee giggled. "Relax girl. This may be a lot of money for us, but to Dick this is pocket change."
"Oh, are you positive he will not be mad?," Kori questioned, obviously still unsure.
"He wont be mad, if anything he will be upset you didn't get enough," Bee joked.
Kori gave a light smile, as she picked up the twelve large bags of close easily, holding six in each hand. "Very well then."
"You sure you don't need help with those?," Bee asked, kind of amazed at how easily Kori was able to carry the bags.
"No, I can carry them," Kori assured. To her the bags were light as a feather, but then again so was the back end of a car.
"Alright if you say so. Hold on and I'll call Vic and tell him we're done," Bee informed.
Kori nodded, as Bee took out her phone and hit her boyfriend's contact. He picked up on the second ring.
"Hey babe," he answered.
"Hey Sparky, we're done shopping, and about to head to the food court," she informed.
"Alright, me, Gar, and Raven are already here. Richard had to leave for, well you know, but he said he'll be back," Vic replied.
"Okay, love you."
"Love you too," he said before hanging up. Bee put her phone away, then turned to Kori. "Okay, they're already there, so let's go.
Kori nodded, and followed Bee out of the store. As they approached the food court Kori frowned. She saw her friend sitting at a circular table, but Richard wasn't there. "Bee where is Richard?," she asked as they neared the table.
"Oh, he had to go take care of something, but he'll be back, don't worry," She eased
Kori nodded, but still wasn't to happy. She wanted to show Richard what she had got, but she figured she could show him when he returned from wherever he'd went.
They sat at the table, ironically everyone was in the same spots they sat at in lunch, minus Richard of course.
"So little lady, looks like you got what you needed," Vic said, nodding toward the abundant bags, that now sat under the table.
"Yes shopping was most enjoyable, although I do wish Richard were here so that I could show him some of the clothing," Kori responded.
"He'll be back in a minute, he just had to run and do something," Vic assured her
"Well, I wish he'd hurry up, I'm hungry." Gar complained, throwing his hands dramatically into the air.
"Is there a time when you're not hungry," Raven said from behind her new book.
Gar opened his mouth to speak, but he really couldn't argue with that, so it quickly closed.
Just then Richard slid in beside Kori at the table, scaring her. No one had seen him come up. Kori beamed a smile when she saw who it was. "Richard," she squealed, giving him a sideways hug.
"Miss me?," he teased as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Possibly," she blushed and looked down, before returning her gaze to his eyes. "Where did you go?"
"Bruce called, had to run and do something for him," he replied. He was telling the truth. Bruce had called, but the something he had him do was take care of robbery at the Wayne Enterprises located in Jump City.
"Oh, I see," Kori said, before completely changing the subject. "You must see the close I have purchased."
Richard glanced under the table to see the twelve bags of close, and chuckled. "You can show me when we get home, I need to eat."
"Alright, you heard the man," Gar exclaimed getting up from the table in a hurry. Everyone traded looks before standing. Richard grabbed eight of the bags, while Vic took the other four, both ignoring the protests from Kori that she could handle it. They made their way to one of the shops called Flaming Wings, and Vic, Bee, Richard came to a stop, Raven continued walking, on her way to a tea shop, and Gar was already at one of the shops, ordering himself a garden salad. Kori didn't know what she should do, so she just stayed with Richard.
"You wanna take part in the tradition Kori?," Vic questioned.
"What is this tradition?," she asked curiously.
"Every time we come here, me, Vic, and Bee always get the Demon wings special, here at Flaming Wings", Richard explained, as he motioned to shop in front of them.
"Yeah, they're the hottest wings in California," Vic exclaimed excitedly.
"I will try these wings of the demon, but do Gar and Raven not wish to take part in the tradition with us?," Kori questioned, not wanting to begging without them.
"No, Gar doesn't eat meat, and Raven just thinks we're idiots for purposely burning our mouths, but I guess she has a point," Richard admitted.
"She just can't handle them," Bee defended, as they headed in the shop.
Once in a grin caught Vic's face. "Hey guys, look at that," he pointed to a life sized cut out of Nightwing, looking stern, with his arms crossed over his chest. Beside the cut out was a sign that read 'Fear The Wing,' referring to the hot wings, but the Nightwing cutout was creative.
Richard shook his head chuckling. 'I should be getting paid for this,' he thought to himself
Kori walked up to the cut out, and stared at it very hard for a moment. 'He looks familiar in some way.'
She was snapped out of her staring contest with the cutout, when she heard Richard's voice in her ear. "C'mon Kor, let's go back to the table. Vic and Bee are getting the hot wings, and I'm kinda sore from all the running at practice today."
Kori looked up at him and smiled. "Very well, do you wish for me to carry the bags now?"
Richard smiled down at her as they exited the shop. "No, I got them."
"If you insist, but please may I do something for you? You have done so much for me, it is only right," she pleaded.
Richard chuckled. "My shoulders are kinda sore. You could give me a message when we get home."
Kori giggled. "Is that all you wish for?."
Richard nodded as they neared the table, where Gar and Raven already sat.
"Please tell me you didn't agree to the demon wing challenge?," Raven questioned Kori, as she and Richard sat.
Kori beamed an enthusiastic smile. "I was told it was a tradition. Traditions are very important to uphold, also, I enjoy spicy foods."
"Well then you're gonna loves these," Came Vic's voice from behind her. Everyone turned to see Vic and Bee approaching. Vic had a bucket of twenty or so wings in his hands, while Bee carried the rest of Kori's bags. They sat down at the table, and Vic placed the bucket in the center. Alright, everyone get your wing." Kori, Richard, Bee, and Vic reached into the bucket and pulled out a wing, while Raven rolled her eyes and Gar gagged. ,"Alright on three," Vic instructed. "One... two... three." They all bit into their wings. Instantly Richard and Bee were scrambling for something to drink, while Vic's eyes began to water, Kori however, lit up with joy. "These are glorious," she exclaimed polishing that wing off, and taking another from the bucket.
Everyone stared at her amazed as she happily ate. "Dude how are you not dying inside?," Gar questioned.
She shrugged. "I do not find them overly spicy, but they do have abundant flavor."
Everyone just continued to watch in awe as she ate wing after wing with no side effects. It was truly a sight to see. After Kori cleaned out the bucket, it was already late, so everyone decided to go home. The group helped carry the bags out to Richard's car, and said goodbye. Kori and Richard then returned home. After Richard helped her store her close in her closet she turned to him, and grabbed his hand before leading him to her bed. "Lay down on your stomache," she instructed.
Richard raised his eyebrow. "Why?," he questioned.
"You wish for the message, yes? It shall be more relaxing if you are laying down," she reasoned.
Richard just smiled at her and complied, laying flat on her bed and resting his head sideways on one of her pillows. He then felt her sit on his lower back, and began to massage his upper back and neck area. To say the girl had hands of gold would be the biggest understatement in the history of mankind. As she worked, his mind went completely blank and he relaxed, which was rare for him. He accidentally let a moan escape at more than one point during the process, but he really didn't care at that moment, it felt to good to care. Eventually her hands came to a stop, but she didn't roll off of him. She actually laid flat on top of him, and rested her chin on the back of his shoulder, so that she could see his face, which he found somewhat amusing. "Did you enjoy the massage?," she asked, a smile plastered across her face.
"To say the least. My back hasn't felt this good in years," Richard replied truthfully
She smiled proudly. "I am happy I could do something for you."
Richard grinned. "Alright, it's your turn."
"My turn for whaaaagh!," she tried to question, but before she could, Richard had somehow ended up on top of her, and she now rested flatly on the bed.
"Your turn for a massage," he answered simply, as he cracked his knuckles.
"No, if you give me a massage, it will not be fair, and... oooh," she stopped mid protest when he began to rub her shoulders and worked his strong hands slowly down her back. A pleasure filled moan escaped her lips.
He smirked. "Still want me to stop?"
She dismissed her previous protest with a wave of her hand. "No, you may continue," she said, as she closed her eyes, and gladly allowed him to work his magic.
Richard continued to smirk as he rubbed her back. Every moan she let escape, made him want to work longer. It was odd. He actually enjoyed this, even though it wasn't sexual, he just wanted to make her feel good.
After what felt like hours, his hands began to cramp and he stopped. He hadn't realized Kori had fallen asleep at some point during the massage. He stood, careful not to wake her. Richard watched her for a moment. She was sleeping so peacefully. Richard smiled and leaned down, giving a soft kiss on the side of her temple, before turning to exit the room, turning off the lights as he left.