Love, Football, and Highschool - Your Average High School Story
Chapter Eighteen - To Family
I might update tomorrow and I might not, it depends on if I finish the next chapter. 210 reviews for an update. Review and enjoy.
Wenseday, October 20th 5:00 PM - Central Plaza Hotel
Normal POV
"Richard, I am nervous."
He poked his head out of their hotel room's bathroom door, where he was styling his hair, finding his girlfriend sitting on the edge of the bed, swinging her dangling legs back and forth. "You're gonna be fine, it's just a two hour long dinner, then we can come back here and watch a movie or something."
Kori just bowed her head and sighed.
Richard frowned, knowing something else was definitely going on. He walked over to the bed and took a seat beside her. "What's wrong?," he asked, putting his hand on her back.
She looked at him and put on a smile, but he could tell it was forced. "Nothing, everything is fine. It is just the nerves."
"Kori, I know you. There's no point it trying to act like you're okay, when you're clearly not."
She dropped her eyes and her smile fell. "It is just, I am still upset about last night. I still feel as I do not deserve you. You have done so much for me, and in return all I have done is keep secrets from you."
"We kept secrets from each other."
"Yes, but even after you revealed to me you were Nightwing, I still hid the fact that I could be called back to Tameran from you because I am selfish." she replied somberly
"You're not selfish. I understand why you didn't tell me," he attempted to comfort her.
"I was still wrong."
He sighed. "I guess we should just break up then."
Her head shot up, her face a mix of fear and hurt. "What? You wish to do the breaking up?"
"No, I was just making a point. You don't want to break, I don't want to break up, so is there any reason to be upset? The way I see it, we're together and happy. Let's just handle everything else as it comes up," he replied, wrapping his arm around her waist.
She let a breath of relief before a smile crossed her face. "You are right, we shall deal with things as they come."
He smiled a kissed her. "I love you," he mummerd against her lips.
"I love you as well," she said before stealing another kiss.
"Umm, there is something we need to talk about before we go," he said once their lips parted.
"Oh?"
He nodded. "Babs is going to be there, and I want to keep things as civil as possible, so..."
"Yes, I know," she interjected. "I shall bring up the kiss, and I will not growl at her."
"That's good, I... wait, growl?"
She nodded. "It is apart of my instinct. On my planet it is a warning to stay away from one's mate, but I believe I can fight it."
He blinked. "Yeah, definitely don't growl at her... or anyone if you can help it. In fact, it would be nice if you two could be friends. Both of you are very important to me, and it would make my life alot easier if you two could get along."
Kori thought it over for a moment before responding. "For you, I am willing to try." She paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. "May I ask you something?"
"Okay."
"Please answer honestly. I will not get mad." Or atleast she wouldn't show it if she did.
He nodded.
"Do you still have the feelings for her?"
He answered without hesiatation. He didn't need to think it over, he knew how he felt. "She's was my first love. She'll always have a place in my heart, but as for romantic feelings, no."
Kori beamed a smile, and kissed him, pleased with the answer.
He chuckled. "I'm guessing that was the correct answer?"
"The truth is the only correct answer, and that is the truth, yes?"
"Of course, no more lying remember?" He glanced at the time on his phone. "But we really we need to get on the road, if we're late Al will kill us."
She giggled. "Yes, we should better be leaving then. I am to young and pretty to die," she said in dramatic fashion as they stood.
Richard laughed. "You've been watching to many movies," he replied as they for the door.
Wenseday, October 20th 5:45 PM - Wayne Manor
Normal POV
The jaguar pulled into front of Wayne Manor and Richard and Kori exited the car. "You ready?," he asked as they neared the door.
"I am not sure. I believe I am nervous to meet Babs."
He chuckled. "Why Babs?" He thought she'd be more worried about Bruce considering he was his father as well as Batman, one of the most feared heros on the planet.
"As you said, she is important to you, and although I do not like her having the feelings for you, I wish for her to like me," Kori explained.
"I think you'll to get along just fine. You're pretty similar in personallity... and looks come to think of it."
"We have the same taste in men as well," she replied jokingly.
Richard laughed as he rung the doorbell.
A few seconds later Alfred answered the door. "Ahh, Master Dick, Ms. Anders, welcome. Please come in."
"Hey Al," Richard said as he and Kori eneterd. "Is everyone here?"
"Yes, Ms. Barbra, Ms. Selina, and Master Tim are already seated. Master Bruce is in his office. He has requested to speak with Ms. Anders before dinner begins," Alfred informed.
Richard and Kori traded glanes. "Why does he wanna see Kori?," Richard asked, a little unnerved.
"I was not made aware, he only said that he wished to speak with her, and for her to come alone."
Kori swallowed, now reaching a new level of nervous.
"I shall escort you there, while Mater Dick joins everyone else in the dining room," Alfred said.
Richard grabbed her hand to get her attention. "Don't worry Kor. If you feel uncomfortable just come find me and we'll leave."
"I shall be the okay," she assured him.
"Right this way, Ms Kori," Aflred informed, turning on his heels and walking down a long halway. Kori glanced at Richard once more before following the butler down the hallway.
After seemingly endless twist and turns, they reached two large double doors and Alfred came to a stop. "This is Master Bruce's office, please enter," he instruted, looking over at Kori.
Kori took a deep breathe before opening one side of the door and walking through it, it closing on its own behind her. When she eneterd, she found Bruce sitting at his desk, obviously waiting for her. "Hello, Ms Anders," he spoke, a smile own his face.
His smile did relax her a great deal, so she smiled back. "Please, you are Richard's father, call me Kori."
"Alright Kori, please take a seat," he said, motioning the the chair in front of the desk.
Kori did as as instructed and seated herslef. She then turned her attention to Bruce, anxiously awaiting to see what this was about.
"So," Bruce began. "You're the girl that has my son so love struck?"
Kori nodded with a smile. "I believe so."
"And what are your feelings for him?," Bruce asked as he studied the girl.
"I love him and I wish to spend the rest of my life with him," she asnwered truthfully.
Bruce nodded and remained quite for a very long moment. Kori found herslef becoming nervous once more. She couldn't read his emotion by has facial expressions, so it was very unnerving.
He finally spoke. "Kori, I really only have one more question for you."
She nodded slowly. "Yes?"
"How much do you know?"
"Regarding what?," she asked even though she knew.
"My family," was his reply.
"You are referring to Richard being Nightwing, yes?" she questioned, nervous under Bruce's intense gaze.
He nodded. "And?"
Kori swallowed and began to fidget nervously. "You are the Batman, Babs used to be the Batgirl, although Richard did not say why she is not any longer, I am not certain, but I assume Tim is Robin, and I am not sure if Alfred is a superhero," she spoke quickly.
Although Bruce was trying to remain serious, he cracked a smile at the thought of Alfred being a superhero, but he quickly turned stoic once more.
"I assure you, Alfred is in no way a superhero, but it does appear Dick has filled you in on just about everything."
"Please, do not be angry with him. I promise you, I shall not tell anyone," she said urgently.
Bruce began to chuckle, which confused her greatly. "I'm not angry with him. I know you're not gonna tell anyone because you wouldn't do anything to hurt Dick, right?. Tameranian love is internal after all."
Kori's jaw hit the floor. "Richard told you?"
"Yes, but I knew beforeheand," he replied evenly.
"But... how?," she asked, seeing no other way he could have known.
"I'm Batman."
Kori blinked twice. For some reason, that sounded like a perfectably reasonable explanation even though she knew it wasn't. "You do not care that I am not human?"
"My son loves you, I don't see why it should matter. Although, I am concerned about one thing. He came here very late last night, and was quite upset." Kori already knew why, but she remained silent and let Bruce finish. "We had a discussion, in which it was revealed to me that you could be called home at anytime to be married, I assume the reason being political, although it wasn't clarified."
Kori dropped her eyes to the floor. "Yes, my planet is currently at war with the Gordanians, and once the war is over, it is likely that I shall be called to return, so that I may marry Prince Karras. Mine and his union would ensure Tameran's strength for generations, but it is not what I wish to do."
Bruce nodded and continued. "So, what plan have you two devised to keep you here? I doubt you would be here together today if there was nothing that could be done."
Kori's eyes remained on the floor. She knew Bruce probably wasn't gonna like the sound of this, afterall his son was risking his life because of her. "We have decided that when and if I am called to return, he will come with me. I can proclaim him as my chosen and that shall give him the right to challenge Prince Karras for the right to marry me. If Nightwing should be victorius, I could denounce Tameran and we may return to Earth and live out our days together with no futher interuptions."
Bruce stroked his chin as he thought. "You are willing give up your world for my son?," he asked after a moment.
She looked up at him and a light smile crossed her face. "Your son is my world."
Bruce nodded, a light smile on his face. "Very well, let's join the others in the dinning room," he said said, standing.
Kori coked her head to the side. "That is it?"
Bruce turned back to her as he headed for the door. "Yes, unless you have any questions."
She shook her head and stood. "I do not."
The two walked to the dinning room in companionable silence. When they enterd the room, Richard sent her a look that asked if everything was okay.
She smiled at him to show that everything was fine before turning her attention to the rest of the dinner's participants. On one side of the table sat Selina and Tim, and on the the side closest to her sat Richard and a girl with red hair, who sat in wheelchair.
Kori studied the girl for a moment. Could this be Babs? Was the reason she stopped being Batgirl because she had gotten injured? Kori's attention was averted from Babs when Bruce placed a hand on her back and led her to a chair on the opposite side of Richard before taking a seat at the head of the table. As food was begining to be brought out by the manor's staff, Richard decided it was time to formally introduce his current and former girlfriend. Not akward in the least.
"Umm Kori, I want to intorduce you to Babs." he turned to look at Babs. "Babs this is Kori."
The girls met eyes, and Babs was the first to speak. "It's nice to meet you Kori, Dick has been rambling about you ever since he made it in here."
Kori smiled. The girl seemed friendly enough, not at all like the klorbag Kori had imagined her to be. "He speaks very highly of you as well."
Dinner was placed on the table, and all the staff made their way to leave room.
"Alfred," Bruce called as the butler mad his way out the door.
Alfred stopped and turned to face Bruce. "Yes, sir?"
"Join us, It isn't often we have a family dinner, and I believe all members of the family should be in attendance."
"It is not my place, sir," the butler declined.
Bruce sighed. "I'm not above ordering you to sit."
A light smiled played across Alfred's face. "Very well, sir."
Alfred took a seat at the table beside Tim and another plate was brought out by a member of the staff.
With everyone settled in there seat. Bruce raised his wine glass. "To Family."
"To family," everyone echoed beside Kori who just copied everyone's actions, not entirely sure what else to do. This was much differnt than the feasts on her planet, this was much less violent, and had little chance of any deaths or losses of limbs.
"So," Richard began as dinner got underway, "what did you and Kori talk about," he asked his father, who was cutting into his steak at the moment.
Kori glanced between the two as Bruce looked up from his plate. "What you aand I discussed last night, and we clarified just how much she knew in the family secret department."
Richard tensed and went pale as Raven. 'Oh boy, I'm dead.' "And she said?"
"I told him what I knew. You may do the relaxing, he is not upset with you."
Richard glanced from Kori back to his father. "You're not?"
"You're not?," Babs and Tim added in unison.
Alfred just looked on with intrest.
"She's not going to say anything," Bruce said simply, returning his attention to his steak.
"How do you know that?," Tim asked, stairing at Bruce in disbeliefe.
"She's just not," Richard defended her before Bruce could say 'I'm Batman.'
Kori put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. "I wish to tell them."
"Kori, I don't know," he replied reluctantly.
"Richard, it is only fair they know of me since I know of them them."
Babs and Tim just stared at the two with great confusion, waiting for some kind of explanation.
Richard reluctantly nodded after a moment's consideration, and Kori turned to the rest of the table. "I'm am not from Earth. I am from a race of beings known as Tameranians." Kori paused to look around the room. Tim and Babs were studying her carefully, Selina appeared indiffernt, and Aldred had a raised eyebrow.
"My people feel emotions much more deeply than humans do, including love," she continued. "When someone from my race falls in love there is no falling out, they shall love that person for the rest of there lives, so therefore, you do not have to fear me telling anyone because I know it could hurt Richard if I did so." She let out some parts she deemed unimportant at the moment, something Richard was thankful for, especially the part about her being a princess.
It was deathly silent for a moment before anyone said anything. " It's not a big Deal," Selina shrugged. "Barely any of the people these guys work with our human."
"Your're like superman, right?" Tim asked, now looking amazed.
"Superman's Kryptonian, not Tameranian," Bruce chimed in. "Although, she does posses the abillity of flight and super strength."
Kori glanced at Bruce. He had really done his homework.
Babs looked over at Richard. "Why didn't you tell me this?," she asked in a hushed voice.
Richard shrugged. "I don't think of her as an alien, so I really just didn't think about it. Does it matter?," he replied in the same tone
Babs glanced over at Kori, who was watching them. She seemed harmless enough. "I guess not." She then held her eyes, at the girl and smiled. "Thank you for telling us. I think it's safe to say we can trust you if you're willing to trust us with such an important secret."
"I thank you," Kori smiled back her, but the once again found intrest in her wheelchair. "Babs, may I ask you something?"
Richard shut his eyes tightly, praying she wouldn't bring up Babs and his past relationship.
Babs nodded. "Sure."
"Your chair of wheels, how did you come to be in it?," Kori asked curiously.
Everyone froze, Richard even dropping his fork onto his plate causing a clattering souned. "Umm Kor, let's not...," he began urgently.
"No it's fine," Babs assured him before turning to Kori, a somewhat blank gleam in her eye as she reflected on the night that the incident had occured. "I was shot it stomach by a man known as The Joker. The bullet penetrated my spine, and left me unable to walk. It was on the same night Jason Todd, the second Robin, was killed."
A gasp escaped Kori's mouth. "I am sorry, I did not realize... If I did I would not have said anyhting."
Babs gave her a light smile. "Don't worry you didn't know. It's a risk that comes with being a hero. We all know what we signed up for."
Kori was thoughful for a moment before syaing anyhing else. "All of you are simalar to the warriors on my planet. They are willing to give their lives for whatever their cause is, so I am curious, what is your cause?"
Bruce looked up from his plate, a serious expression on his face. "We protect those who can't protect themselves."
Korithought quitely for awhile as conversation around her continued. Protecting those to weak, to old, to small to defend themselves? It sounded like a noble goal. Something that maybe she could do. Maybe, just maybe she could be a hero as well.
Wenseday, October 20th 8:30 PM - Central Plaza Hotel
Normal POV
"Well, that was fun," Richard said as he walked in through the hotel room's door, followed by Kori.
Kori sighed. "I just hope I did not offend Babs. She is most nice, and I do not wish to upset her."
Richard turned to face Kori. "It's okay Kor, Babs is a fighter."
Kori still seemed dejected so he continued.
"When she got shot last November I rushed back to Gotham and I must have set at her bedside for weeks listening to her cry. Hell, I cried myself when the doctors said she would never be able to stand, but Babs proved them all wrong. Last night at dinner, she stood. She can even walk a little. Trust me, she isn't bitter anymore, she's proud of herself."
Kori looked up at him with a light. "I wish to the hanging out with her."
Richard chuckled. "As long as I'm there to moniter the coversation. I can't have you two sharing storys about me."
"I believe we will have to do the ditching of you. It would be no fun if you were there."
Richard rolled his eyes before a mischevious grin came on his face and he lifted Kori and carried her to the bed. He setteld himself on top of her and was about to nibble her neck when she pinched his lips shut. "We are not having sex," she said definitely.
"Oh c'mon, are we already at the stage of the realtionship where I don't get any?" he pouted.
"No, you may get some, as you say, when we return home. I am not getting naked in this bed. I was watching a documentary on the bugs of the bed. They are most scary," she explained.
He raised an eyebrow. "Bugs of the bed? Oh, bed bugs," he rationalized after a moment.
"Yes, the documentary said that the bugs of the bed or bed bugs are more common in hotel room beds."
"Kori, this bed doesn't have bed bugs."
"Are sure certain?." she questioned.
He thought for a moment. "No, but..."
She coverd his mouth. "It is the end of the discussion."
Richard rose from the bed with a frown on his face. "Stupid documentarys," he mummbled as he began to devise a plan to get her to watch less t.v. If he didn't come up with something he may never have sex again.
Thursday, October 21st 12:30 AM - Central Plaza Hotel
Normal POV
After snuggling up in the bed and watching a movie, the two settled into night's rest. They were a sleep a little over an hour before the sound of Richard's phone ringing from the nightstand beside the bed awoke them.
"Richard, your phone," Kori mummbled into his chest, only half awake.
Richard groaned and reached for his cell, answering without even checking the caller ID.
"Hello?"
"Dick, we need you at the Batcave now. There was an explosion at Arkem, the Joker escaped," came Bruce's voice, ound urgent.
Richard's shut eyes shot open, and he pratically launched Kori off his chest as he scrambled to his feet. "The Joker's out?," he exclaimed.
Kori gasped as Bruce continued. "Yes, hurry to the Batcave."
"I don't have a suit," he informed as he rushed to put on his shoes and shirt.
"I have you an upgraded version of your suit here. It was supposed to be a suprise, but we don't have time for that."
"Right, I'll be there in twenty," Richard said, hanging up and putting his phone in his pocket.
"I am going with you," Kori said as she floated off the bed.
"No, stay here," Richard demanded as he headed for the door, but was holted by Kori's hand grabbing his wrist.
"I was not asking," she retorted.
"Kori, it's dangerous and you have no training," he replied sternly.
"I do have training, by some of the most viscious warriors in the galaxy at that. I shall be fine."
"You don't know the Joker, let us deal with him."
"No, I may not know the Joker, but I do know he put Babs in a wheel chair and killed the second Robin, and I cannot let you go without me."
Richard's face remained stern.
Kori sighed. "Richard please, I feel the need to protect you."
"I don't need protection."
"Neither do I, but you constantly try too protect me regardless."
She saw that he was beging to waiver and continued. "If you do not let me go I shall simply follow you."
He rubbed his hand down his face in frustion. "Alright fine, but if Batman or I tell you to do something, you do it with no questions."
She nodded.
"And you need a name," he added.
"A name?," she she repeated, cocking her head to the side.
"Yeah, I can't just call you Kori if I need to get your attention," he explained.
She thought for a moment. "In your language my name Tameranian translates to Starfire... I shall be known as Starfire"
"Fine, Starfire it is, let's go," he instructed, walking hastefully to the door, pulling her along with him.
Thursday, October 21st 1:00 AM - Batcave
Normal POV
Richard ran into the Batcave followed by a flying Kori. Batman was sitting at the Batcomputer scanning the city for the Joker while Robin was talking to someone though his ear peice, probabaly Oracle.
Richard made his way to Batman, while Kori floated in place, not sure what else to do.
"Got anything," Richard asked as he reached Batman's side.
"Not yet. The police are handling the situatation at Arkem, so our only focus is finding the joker," Batman replied.
"Right, where's my suit?"
Batman pressed a series of buttons on the Batcomputer and a section of the wall to Richard's left raised, revealing Black suit with a red bird symbol where his blue one had been.
"Nice," Richard commented, as he looked the suit over.
Batman nodded. "It has a few extra suprises in the utility belt as well, but you'll figure those out, and one more thing." Richard looked down at his father. "Why is she here," Batman asked without even turning to look at her. A normal person would be amazed at how he saw her, but he was used to it.
"I tried to get her to stay home, but she wouldn't listen to me," Richard replied.
"Did you explain to her how dangerous this was?"
"Yup."
"And that you are more than capable of taking care yourself?"
"Uh-huh."
Batman sighed. "Keep your eyes on the screen, while I talk to her," he instructed, standing from his chair and walking over to the girl.
Five minutes later he came back and plopped down into the chair.
"Well?," Richard qustioned.
Batman just mummbled something about stubbron aliens, and refocused on the screen.
Richard felt like saying I told you so, but decided against it. He instead decided to get prepared, and made his way over to the case to change into his new Nightwing suit. He had to admit the red really looked more threatening than blue.
Once that was acomplished, he journied over to Kori, who was eyeing the Batmobile with curiosity. "Hey," he greeted as he approached.
"Greetings," she replied as she reached for him, but her hand was caught by his before she was able to wrap her arms around him.
"We can't show affection while I'm in the suit, it's a bad habbit. It's something people like the Joker pick up on and exploit."
She didn't like the idea of not being able to show affection toward him, but she understood why it could be potentionally dangerous. "Very well."
He nodded before turning his attention to one of the cases on the far wall. "C'mon," he motioned as he began to head in the cases directions.
She floated off behind him until they reached a case with an old Batgirl suit inside. She watched with intrest as he put in the security code and the cylinder case rose. He took the suit off the manican and handed it to her. "Put that on," Nightwing instructed.
She glanced at the suit before looking back up at him. "Is there a place to change?" Kori asked. She didn't plan on getting naked in front her botfriend's father and brother anytime soon.
Nightwing pointed to a door to directly behind him. "Bathroom."
Kori nodded before flying off to change. She emerged a moment later wearing the black leather suit, all except the mask, which she held in her hand. She floated over to Nightwing and Robin who were leaning up against the walking talking. When they saw her approach, both Nightwing and Robin's jaws fell.
The leather was very fitting to say the least. "Wow," was all Robin could say, causing Starfire to giggle and Nightwing to slap him in the back of the head.
"Ow," he blurted, rubbing the spot Nightwing had slapped him with his hand.
"Keep your eyes above the neck," he scolded before turning to Kori. "Put on the mask, we can't have anyone reconizing you."
She tossed him the mask. "It is not necessary"
Nightwing raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"
Kori eyes began to glow a bright, almost blinding green. "I believe this shall be sufficent."
"Can you hold that for an extended period of time?"
"Yes, for as long as I need to. It is designed to hide one's eye during battle, somewhat like your mask."
Nightwing was about to reply when Batman stood from his chair abruptly, getting everyone's attention. "I know where he is."
I tried to write some action into this chapter, but it would have wnt on forever if I did, so next chapter we'll get to the action and something really bad may or may not happen.