Chapter Four - Game Prep.

Friday, August 28th 7:30 AM - Jump City High School student parking Lot

Kori's POV

I sit listening to the radio, as Richard turns into the school's lot of parking. A rather normal two days had passed since me and my friends visited the mall of shopping, but today would not be normal. Today was the first game of the football this season. Richard had warned me it was going to be hectic today, but I did not mind, because he had promised we could relax and watch a movie after his game tonight. I find myself being more excited about that, than the rally of pep that was taking place later today, or even the game itself. I really like spending time with him.

Richard parks next to Vic's charger, and we both get out. I notice instantly, that everyone appears most excited, but frown when I see a large group of girls, wearing a pink version of Richard's jersey. In fact, as I look around, I notice nearly ever girl in the parking lot is wearing his jersey. I am brought out my stare, when I hear Bee greet me.

"Hey girl," she says, smiling.

"Greetings," I smile back at her.

"Dude, we need to go put on our jerseys and head to the locker room for the meeting. If we're late coach will kill us," Gar exclaims to Richard and Vic

I am confused, and tug on Richards's hand to get his attention. He looks down at me, with a smile, probably aware I have a question. Everytime I do not understand something, which is often, I ask him. He always helps me understand and does not get upset with me if I do not get it immediately.

"Richard," I begin. "I did not believe the game was till tonight, why must you put your jerseys on now?"

"We have to wear our jerseys every Friday. It kinda gets everyone pepped up for the game," he explains.

Before I could respond, Bee spoke. "Speaking of jerseys I need to run to the school store, and get one of Vic's." she informs

'So that is where these girls are getting Richard's jersey from. I must visit this store of the school', I thank to myself.

"Bee, may I come with you?," I ask.

"Yeah, the boys are gonna be busy today, so it's just gonna be me, you and Raven," Bee replies

At first I am disappointed that I will not get to see Richard a lot, but I quickly brighten. "Yes, we may do the girl talk," I exclaim.

"Joy," I hear Raven say sarcastically.

"Well, we better be going," Richard tells me.

I give him a hug, which has became quite frequent between us. "Will I see you in history?," I ask hopefully, as I continue to hug him.

"Yeah, I'll be in there for a few minutes," he replies, releasing me from the hug. Our eyes meet for a moment. For some reason, I feel my cheeks get hot, and I brush my hair behind my ear. A sudden urge to lean in and place my lips against his comes over me, but I do not react to it. He is my best friend, and I do not know if it is acceptable to do the kissing with your friends.

"See you in a bit," he says, in a quite tone, yet deep tone.

I can only nod in response. Him, Vic, and Gar walk off toward the football locker room, while me, Bee, and Raven watch them leave. Raven the steps ahead of us and begins to head toward the school's entrance. "Let's get this jersey shopping over with," she sighs. I smile widely, and run to catch up with her, with Bee at my side.

When we enter the store of the school, Bee instantly darts to the counter and purchases a black and silver eight-four jersey. Appparentally she is not a fan of pink. I notice there is at least one jersey for everyone on the team on display, but the vast majority are twelve jerseys. There are still a good many black and silver jerseys, but I see only one pink one on the racks. 'Maybe I should purchase Richard's jersey, but what will he think?,' I ask myself. I look over at Raven, who stands beside me, looking like she would rather be on the swamps of Santari Seven than here. "Raven, do you think Richard would mind if I purchased the pink twelve jersey?," I ask.

Raven shrugs. "Doubt it, every other girl in school already has one on."

I smile brightly. "Yes, then I shall buy it." A questioning look then crosses my face. "But do you not wish to purchase Gar's jersey?," I ask.

Raven raises and eyebrow. "Why would I do that?"

I am now most confused. "Are you and Gar not the boyfriend and girlfriend?,"

Her face turns to one of complete shock. "No, why would you think that?"

"Oh, I just assumed because you are always together, and he seems most interested in you," I explain, beginning to feel a little skittish.

Bee hears this as she approaches us, now wearing Vic's jersey over her shirt, and laughs. "You bet he is," she says, and I think I see Raven blush, but it quickly fades. "Now you girls ready to head to class?"

"Oh, not yet, I must purchase Richard's jersey," I exclaim, as I take the jersey off the rack.

"Awww, that's so cute," Bee replies.

I hope Richard believes the same thing. As I head to the counter. I feel Bee grab my wrist. I turn to see her grinning. "We're gonna give you a full football makeover. We're gonna need black and silver hair-bows and face paint," she says excitedly.

I smile, but I am really not sure rather to be enthusiastic or scared.

Friday, August 28th 7:55 AM - 1st Period history

Normal POV

Kori entered the room followed by Raven and Bee. Richard and the boys were already seated in their desks, now dressed in their black and silver jerseys. Richard was turned talking to Vic and Gar, so he hadn't noticed the girls enter. Kori took a deep breath before tapping Richard on the shoulder. He turned to see Kori wearing a pink twelve jersey. Her hair was up in a pony-tail, and she had a black line of what Vic referred to as war paint, under each of her eyes. Richard's face forged into a grin. "Wow," he breathed.

"Do I look the okay?," Kori asked shyly.

"You look really cute," he responded, grabbing her hand and coaxing her to sit.

She blushed as she took a seat in front of him. "I thank you. You look most handsome in your jersey as well."

He did not respond, only continuing to gaze over her.

She cocked her head to the side. "Richard?"

"Oh umm sorry, it's just... you look really amazing in my jersey," he said seriously

Kori began to feel butterflies, and looked down at Richard's desk. "Every girl in school is wearing your jersey."

Richard glanced around the room. She was right, every girl in the room, besides Raven and Bee, was in his jersey, but none of them made it look anywhere near as good as Kori. "Yeah, I guess so, but you make it look so much better than them."

Kori looked back up at him, unable to stop herself from smiling. When their eyes met, that urge came back over her, the urge to kiss him. She didn't know why it was so strong. On Tameran it would be considered very strange to desire lip contact with someone this badly, but maybe the movie's her and Richard had watched had something to do with why she wanted to kiss him. It always appeared so romantic in the movies, but she just didn't know how he'd react. She wouldn't risk it. Sighing, she dropped the thought from mind.

Richard heard her sigh. "What's wrong Kori?," Richard asked

She gave him a light smile. "I am just not feeling well."

He looked worried. "You want me to take you home?"

"No I shall be fine," She assured. "I am much to excited for the rally of pep to return home."

Richard nodded. "Alright, but if you get to feeling any worse find me or Vic, and we'll take you back."

She smiled. He really did care about her and she knew it. "I will," she promised.

The bell rung and Coach Garret entered the room. A huge smile was plastered across his face. "Well class, you know what today is?, he questioned, but didn't give anyone time to answer. "That's right, it's the first game of the season, and I expect you all there to support your school." His face then turned stern. "I'm serious, if I find out any of you weren't there I will fail you," he threatened, as a serious looked crossed his face. Everyone in the class traded looks, before looking back at Coach Garret. "Now Grayson, Stone, Logan, Redd, Your dismissed. Head to the locker room and meet up with the rest of the team.

Richard stood, along with Vic, Gar, and Xavier. He looked down at Kori. "Remember if you wanna go home, just come get me or get Bee or Raven to text me."

"I promise I will," she replied with a smile.

"Okay, see you after the pep rally." he said, giving her a small smile, before turning to follow Vic and Gar out the door. Xavier had saw the interaction between them, and knew Richard liked the girl, which made her his next target. He smirked before following out the door.

Friday, August 28th 1:30 PM - Jump City High football film room

Normal POV

The members of the football team set in the film room, watching film of the night's opponent. Richard, Vic, and Gar all set in the front row. Both Vic and Gar were paying very close attention to the things Coach Carter, one of te assistant coaches, was pointing out. Richard however, was in his own world. He was aware Coach Carter was talking, but he couldn't really make out the words. His mind was much to busy thinking about Kori. Her smile, her laugh, how she talked, the face she made when she confused, and her amazing eyes. She was different from anyone he'd ever met, but that was one of things he liked most about her. A smile crossed his face when he remembered how long it took her to pick a movie or when she couldn't figure how to play Mega Monkeys Five with Gar. Just little things like that ran through his mind all day.

"So Grayson, if the safety drops down into the box throw the ball to the post. Got it?," Coach Carter questioned.

He did not respond.

"Grayson!," the coach yelled.

"What?," he jumped. "Ummmm yeah if the post drops into the box throw the ball to the safety."

Everyone gave him an odd look.

Coach Carter sighed. "Pay attention Grayson."

Richard sat up a little straighter. "Right." He watched the projector screen for a few seconds before he felt Vic nudge his arm. "What?," he asked, looking over at his friend.

"Why you been so zoned out today man?," he whispered.

"Because he's got Kori on the brain," Gar teased.

"I do not, I'm just...," he began.

"Love sick," Gar finished with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Love? Funny. Nightwing doesn't do love," Richard defended, making sure his voice was quite.

"Whatever man. Tell that to your separation anxiety," Vic replied with the same grin Gar had.

Richard just frowned and turned his attention back to the projector screen. He did not have separation anxiety... right?

After about another twenty minutes of watching the film, Coach carter cut off the projector before centering himself in the front of the room. "Alright, it's about time for the pep rally, let's head to the gym." Everyone stood, ecstatic about finally seeing the sun after spending all day in the dark room.

Friday, August 28th 2:00 PM - Jump City High gym

Kori, Bee, and Raven entered the gym for the pep rally. The bleachers were already getting full, and the school band was already playing. Kori couldn't be more excited. Not because of the pep rally, but because she would get to see Richard afterwards. It had been a long day for her, the only highlight being the girl talk that took place at lunch, which mostly consisted of Bee teasing Raven about her strange relationship with Gar. As strange as it was to admit, especially considering he was still in the same building as her, Kori missed Richard all day long, and it couldn't had been more obvious. She sighed at least a billion times that day, and was constantly zoned out. Her mind had been consumed with thoughts of him, so it was easy to understand that she was beyond delighted when it was time for the pep rally to begin. The girls took a seat in the second row of the bleachers, in the section reserved for seniors. Kori could feel not only her seat, but her heart vibrate with the beat of the drums. It was a very odd feeling. As the gym finished feeling out, the band stopped playing and Coach Carter, microphone in hand, took his place in the center of the room. "Hello, Jump City Highschool," he greeted and everyone quieted he continued. "Tonight, our Jump City Steelers will crush the Fultan Panthers, that I guarantee you, but we need you all to come out and support our team. So, give me a scream if you're gonna be there," everyone roared. Kori screamed as well, not knowing what else to do. "Alright, glad to hear it. Now, how about we bring out the boys?" he asked, receiving another roar in response.

"Alright, here are your Jump City Steelers, led by quarterback, Dick Grayson and receiver, Vic Stone." On que the team entered through the gym's double door, walking in single file line, Richard in front. The students burst into an array of cheers and claps, that could seriously damage someones hearing. Richard's and Kori's eyes met, as the team took a seat in folding chairs set up in the center of the gym. She gave him small wave, and in return he winked at her, causing her to blush. They kept their eyes on each other for a long time, as if they were communicating through expressions alone. She would smile and roll her eyes at how the cheerleaders danced, and he would laugh, or he would cover his ears when the band played, and she would giggle. At one point during the pep rally one of the cheerleaders had decided to dance just a little to close to Richard for her liking. Richard saw her death glare on the girl, and scooted his chair back a little to distance himself from the girl. Their communication skills with each other were at such a high level, it was like they had known each other for years.

Eventually the pep rally ended, much to the relief of Richard's ears, and the group found each other through the crowd of people attempting to exit the gym.

"Hey," Richard greeted Kori as he approached.

"Greetings," she replied, as she hugged him.

When they pulled apart, he did not remove his arm from her waist, but Kori didn't mind at all. It was very nice, she liked the feeling of being so close to him.

"You girls wanna go get something to eat?," Vic asked, as he took Bee's hand. "We don't gotta report to the locker room until four-thirty."

"Sure," Bee replied, followed by an "okay" from Raven and an enthusiastic "glorious" from Kori.

"Everyone's going to The Zone," Gar informed.

Kori looked up at Richard. "The Zone?," she repeated.

"It's basically a restaurant where everyone goes after school before a game. They have pretty much anything you could possibly want to eat," Richard explained.

"Well alright, let's go before it get's to packed," Vic exclaimed.

"Yes Richard, we must make with the haste," Kori added gleefully.

Richard chuckled. "Whatever you want malady, he replied, as he began to lead her off toward the exit, his arm still wrapped around her waist."

As the group followed behind, Vic whispered in Bee's ear. "She been zoned out all day?"

"Yep. Him?," she questioned, referring to Richard.

"Yup," he answered.

Bee just grinned and shook her head at her two her friends. "They just need to make out already," she commented, as they exited the gym.

Friday, August 28th 3:15 PM - The Zone

Normal POV

The group entered the halfway full restaurant. They manged to grab a booth in one of the far corners. The boys sat on one side in the order of Richard on the outside, Vic in the middle, and Gar on the end. Raven sat across from Gar, Bee across from Vic, and of course Kori across from Richard. Shortly after seating they were brought six menus. Kori searched over hers for a moment before releasing a horrified gasp. Everyone at the table lowered their menu and looked at her.

"Everything okay?," Richard asked

"No everything is not the okay. They are serving dogs here!," she exclaimed in a panic.

Richard glanced at his friends, who just shrugged, then looked back at Kori. "Let me see what you're talking about," he instructed.

She flipped the menu around and pointed. Richard began to chuckle. "No Kori, it's a hotdog. It's made of... well, no one really knows, but I assure you it's not dogs."

"You are positive?," she asked, still skeptical.

"Yes, if you want I'll order one with you," he replied.

Kori nodded. If Richard would try it with her then she'd do it.

Just then the waiter appeared at the table. "May I take your orders?," he asked kind of boredly.

"A hot dog for both of us," he motioned between himself and Kori.

"Triple cheese burger!," Vic exclaimed as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

"Chicken wings," Bee added in.

"Garden salad," Gar ordered.

Raven actually wanted a salad as well, but then she'd have to listen to Bee's teasing. "Burger," she answered simply.

"Alright," the waiter nodded as he completed writing the orders down. "Your food will be here shortly," he informed in a tone that could rival Ravens. The waiter waked off and Kori's attention returned to Richard. She was about to ask a question, when Kitten's voice found its way to her ears. "There he is," she heard, coming from near the restaurant entrance. "Oh Dickie-poo, I...," kitten began before noticing Kori sitting across from him. "Oh my god, what are you doing here slut?," Kitten spat. "You already stole what's mine, and it's time you go away!," she shouted loud enough to get everyone in the room's attention.

Richard was about to defend Kori, Bee was preparing to knock Kitten's lights out, and Raven momentarily consider sending her straight to hell, but before any of that could happen Kori stood from the table, obviously fed up. "I am not the slut, you are, and I cannot steal Richard from you because he was not yours to begin with. It is not my fault Richard does not wish to be with you, and that you are the delusional bitch!," Kori fired back, releasing all the anger that had been building up in her. Everything was deathly silent, no one daring to speak. Kitten's jaw was on the floor, as were the girl's behind her. Kori was shocked herself, but it really did feel good. Suddenly, out of the dead silence, Gar exclaimed, "Hell yeah, what she said." As if setting off a chain reaction everyone burst out into a fit of applause and whistles. Kitten looked around the room in disbelief, before turning and storming out of the restaurant, practically fuming. Kori released her breath and collapsed back into her seat.

"Damn girl, I didn't know you had that kind of fire in you," Bee said, with a grin.

"Yeah little lady, you really went off," Vic added.

"So much for sweet and innocent," Gar teased.

Raven just gave a light smile, happy that she stood up for herself.

Richard remained stoic, still somewhat caught off guarded by her outburst.

Kori just smiled sheepishly. "I do not know what came over me."

"If I were you I would've done that a long time ago," Bee replied.

"Yeah, you should have knocked her out," Gar exclaimed.

"I believe that would be going the board of over," She responded.

"Overboard," Raven corrected.

"Oh um yes, overboard," Kori repeated. Kori glanced at Richard. She couldn't read his expression. She began to fear he was angry with her for the outburst, which scared her. That is the last thing she wanted. "Richard, may you come with me to get the breath of fresh air?," Kori asked, trying to get him alone.

"Ummm alright," he agreed standing. She followed him as headed for the door.

As they left Gar commented, "ten bucks says they make out."

Vic grinned. "You're so on."

Outside Richard and Kori leaned against the back of the car in silence for over five minutes. Kori was playing with her fingers nervously, while Richard was watching trafic pass by on the nearby highway. Finally Kori built up her courage. "Richard?" He looked down at her. "You are upset with me, yes? I did not wish to cause a scene, but as I said, I did not think before... Kori rambled, before Richard cut her off.

"I'm not mad at you Kori," he assured, grabing her hand and pulling her so that she was facing him. When he released her hand it somehow found it's way to his chest, along with her other one. "I guess you just suprised me a little, but I'm definitely not mad at you. If anything I'm proud you finally stood up to her."

Kori caught bits and pieces what he said, but most of her attention was focused on his lips. Maybe it was because how close they were, both figuratively and literally, but the urge to kiss him was becoming very hard for her to silence. Suddenly she remembered he had spoken, and she figured she should probably say something back.

"Richard?," she said, swallowing. Her throat was suddenly very dry.

"Yeah?," he asked.

"I am hungry," she replied, that being the first thing that came into her mind, and in her zoned out state she really couldn't stop herself from saying it.

Richard chuckled and took one of her hands from his chest. "C'mon, the food should probably be at the table by now."

"Ummm yes, Let us join our friends," she replied.

They journeyed back into the restaurant, and took a seat at the table, where everyone was already eating. Gar had smirked when they walked in holding hands, and believed he had just won himself ten bucks. "Sooooo, you two were gone awhile," he began swallowing a bite of his salad.

"Yeah, so?," Richard replied before he took a bite of his hot dog, while Kori stared at hers, curious as to what the yellow substance was on it was.

"Did you make out?," he asked hopefully.

The got Kori's attention. She looked at Gar mouth agape.

"In the parking lot?," Richard answered calmly.

Kori looked at him, cocking her head to the side as she did. The way he said it, it made it sound like he wouldn't be apposed to the idea if they were somewhere else, somewhere alone, but maybe that was just wishful thinking on her part.

"Well uhh, so you didn't?," Gar questioned, already feeling his money slipping away.

"No," he replied, taking another bite.

"Alright, pay up Grass Stain," Vic exclaimed holding out his hand.

Gar just sighed and pulled a teen dollar bill from his pocket, and handed it to Vic.

"You betted on it?," Richard asked, amazed.

"Of course," Vic replied as if it should have been expected.

Richard shook his head, while Kori looked down a blushed.

He decided it would be best to change to change the subject. "Take a bite of your hotdog Kor."

She glanced at the hotdog once more before looking up at Richard. "And you are sure this is not a dog?"

Richard laughed. "Yes, I promise it isn't a dog."

Taking in a deep breath, she picked up the hotdog and slowly took a bite. Her eyes lit up in delight. "Oh Richard, the yellow substance, what is it?," she questioned.

"Mustard," he replied swallowing.

"It is the most glorious thing I have ever tasted. Do we have this mustard at home?," she asked hopefully, after swallowing another bite.

Richard chuckled. "I don't really know, but we can go pick up some tomorrow if not."

She clapped her hands together gleefully. "Yes, I wish for mustard for every meal."

"But what if we have pizza?" Gar asked.

"Then I shall put mustard on the pizza," she replied, as if it were obvious.

"Whatever floats your boat," Raven said, as the rest of the group looked at Kori oddly.

"I do not have a boat," she responded matter-of-factly.

"No, she means whatever you like," Richard explained.

"Oh, I See," Kori nodded, storing that phrase away in her memory.

Richard just smiled and shook his head. He just couldn't get enough of this girl.

Everyone finished their meals, Richard, Vic, Gar split the bill, and the group made their way to the parking lot. "Alright," Richard began, getting everyone's attention. "The game doesn't begin to seven, and there's still like two hours before people start arriving at the stadium. I'm pretty sure you girls don't wanna sit around in the heat till then so," he tossed his keys to Raven, "you all can go somewhere until it closer to time for the game to start.

"Think Azar, I do not want to be at the school anymore than I have to," Raven commented.

"Yeah, me either," Bee agreed. "Let's just go back to Dick's and chill for awhile."

Kori truthfully didn't feel like waiting around for two hours either, so she nodded in agreement.

As Vic and Bee shared a good-bye and good luck kiss, Richard Kori stood just looking at each other. Kori brushed her hair behind her ear. "I shall see you after the game. We are still watching the movie, yes?, she asked hopefully.

"Yep, that is if you're not tired. The game might not end till after ten," he informed.

"I shall be awake," she assured. The only alone time her Richard every really got was their late night talks or movies, and she was not about to miss it rather she was tired or not.

"Okay, see you tonight," he hugged her. The hug held for longer than either of them expected only being broken when Gar exclaimed, "hurry up, by the time you two get done the game will be over." Richard gave gar the bat glare, while Kori blushed.

See you tonight she said quietly, before taking one more glance at him and walking to the passenger side of his car, which Raven and Bee were already in.
Richard, Gar, and Vic piled into the charger, and headed back to School, ready for the game to begin, all getting pre-game butterflies.