2 hours practically flew by while the group talked to one another, getting to know each other much better. Kori smiled as she glanced around the group. It was hard to ignore how well everyone clicked with one another. She specifically noticed how well Rachel was getting along with Garfield. She seemed to be cracking more smiles than she usually allowed herself. It was nice to see Rachel having a good time; she was usually the quiet one.
Kori suddenly felt her mouth stretch as she gave into a yawn. She fluttered her eyes and inhaled a breath, "Well..." She started, "I believe I shall be going back to my cabin, friends."
"Are you sure?" Rachel quizzed,
Kori nodded, "I am quite tired." She explained,
"Do you want us to walk you back?" Jenny asked, already picking up her bag,
"No, that is okay. I shall be fine..." She smiled, "Goodnight everyone,"
Everyone murmured their goodbyes to her and Dick locked eyes with Kori and they shared smiles. As Kori stood, belongings in hand, she smiled to the group and gave them a small wave as she wandered towards and out the door. Dick watched the door intently, regretting not getting up and walking with her. He drummed his fingertips against the table, making Wally glance at him with a smirk. He elbowed Dick,
"What're you waiting for? We both know you wanna walk her back." Wally stated, leaning back in his chair. Dick held a hand up but his protest died in his throat and his mouth clamped shut. He grabbed his jacket and bolted out the door.
Once outside, Dick zipped his jacket up and glanced around in search of the direction Kori went. He spotted her red hair and he jogged to catch up, "Kori!" He called.
Kori spun around immediately with a raised eyebrow, "Dick?" She giggled, "What are you doing out here?"
He stopped in front of her and stuffed his hands into his pockets like a shy teenager. He shot her a grin, "I thought... Maybe... I could walk you back to your cabin?" Dick wondered, timidly,
"That is very sweet of you, Richard," Kori replied, blushing.
Dick grinned and they continued to walk. Dick bit his lip as he had a question he had wanted to ask Kori, "Um... Kori?" He began,
"Yes?" Kori responded, smiling,
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course,"
"Are you from around here? I only ask because of... Well, you speak differently... Almost formally..."
"Oh... No. I am not originally from here... Apologies if I misuse the English language..."
Dick suddenly felt guilty, "No, no. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you... Sides, I think the way you speak is cute."
Dick's face suddenly burned as he realised what he had said. Kori also blushed but she giggled and nudged his shoulder lightly, "Well. I was born in the Caribbean island of Tameran. It is very small so not many people are very aware of its existence."
"Oh? So where do you live now?"
"Gotham City,"
"No way! Me too! How have I never seen you?"
Kori giggled, "I do not know. I do wish I had met you before,"
Dick smiled, "Me too. So, how come you moved from Tameran?"
Kori sighed, "There were... A lot of political problems and wars broke out across the land..."
Dick frowned, "I'm sorry Kori, I-"
Kori smiled at him, "Truly, it does not matter. Besides, I am much happier within Gotham."
"I'm glad." Dick answered, "I already love this holiday. It's making me a lot calmer,"
"Agreed. This area has always made me happy. It is also nice to see our friends getting along so well, yes?"
"Oh definitely. Wally was straight in there talking to Jenny."
"And I have not seen Rachel talk to any male like how she was speaking to Garfield."
Dick and Kori laughed and sobered as they approached Kori's cabin. Dick stepped upon the little porch and took Kori's hand to help her step up. Dick and Kori stood awkwardly as they both shyly smiled at their feet.
"So... I guess this is you?" Dick said, quietly,
Kori nodded and smiled, "Thank you for accompanying me, Richard,"
"Anytime,"
"Well... I suppose I shall... perhaps see you around, yes?"
"Definitely" Dick smirked. Kori smiled shyly and a crimson hue painted her cheeks.
"Goodnight, Richard," Kori whispered, turning towards her door,
"Wait... Kori?" Dick nervously started,
"Yes?" She responded, turning back around to face him,
"I know this seems... Probably really forward but... Would you maybe... Wanna go out on a date with me?"
Kori bit her lip in consideration. She really was starting to like Dick. He was very charming, very attractive and very friendly. She felt conflicted. Surely she should tell him the real reason she was on the getaway with the girls. She didn't know how he would react. Maybe he would think she is too forward for telling him straight away. Her brows creased as she thought more about her predicament. Would it be too soon after her wedding disaster? Would he not like her if he knew about that? What would people think if-
"Kori?" Dick's voice broke her thoughts. He stood in front of her, looking sheepish,
"It's okay if you don't want to... I underst-" This time, Kori cut him off. She put her hands up and her eyes widened,
"No!" Kori exclaimed, causing him to raise an eyebrow, "I mean... Apologies. I... I would love to go out on a date with you, Richard,"
His lips spread into a grin, "Awesome... So... I'll text you?" He stuttered, stepping back slowly. Kori smiled and nodded as he continued to step back. He stumbled off the steps slightly and Kori couldn't help but giggle a little. Dick awkwardly flailed his arms before clearing his throat. He sheepishly smiled at her and waved, turning away at the same time as her.
Kori hurried through the door of her cabin and shut it behind herself once she was inside. She leaned against the door and bit her lip like a loved up schoolgirl.
She took a step away from the door but halted as there was a knock at the door. Kori raised an eyebrow as she stepped back to her previous spot. She slowly opened the door, curiosity burning her. She giggled as Dick stood on the front porch with a sheepishly bashful grin,
"Heh... Hey again... Uh... I was walking away and realised that... I don't have your number so... Could I get your number?" He explained, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.
Kori giggled and gave her number to him before they said goodbye to each other once again.
Kori sighed contently as she wandered into the bedroom. She made quick work of changing into her pyjamas as she felt exhausted from the whole day. She yawned as she crossed the space that lead into the kitchen. She waited for the kettle to boil and she allowed her thoughts to flee free within her mind.
She smiled softly. Dick was so much nicer than Xavier had ever been. Xavier would have remained seated and would have continued drinking until he couldn't remember his own name. Kori frowned at the thought of her ex fiancé. What was she thinking? He was a waste of a human being. Kori couldn't fathom how she allowed herself to come so close to binding herself to him by marriage. She began to think of Dick and how sweet he was in comparison but her thoughts were interrupted by her phone buzzing in her pocket.
With a raised eyebrow, Kori lifted her phone from her pocket and noticed the caller ID was labelled as unknown. She clicked the answer button with hesitation and brought it to her ear,
"Hello?" She said in a questioning tone,
"Hey... Sorry... I just wanted to make sure your number was the uh... real deal... heh." Dick's voice flowed through nervously,
Kori giggled behind her fingertips, "Why on Earth would I give you a fake phone number, Dick?"
"Believe me... Girls have done it before," He mumbled,
Kori smirked, "Oh, I cannot believe that..." Kori replied, stirring her hot chocolate,
"Heh... Well. I should let you sleep," Dick chuckled timidly, "Goodnight Kori."
"Goodnight Richard." Kori said before she ended the call. She let a wide smile spread across her face and she couldn't fight the blush that crept over her cheeks.
The following morning, Kori, Rachel and Karen pondered their reflections in the somewhat dirty mirrors of the local tattoo parlour. It was clear that the three were not exactly used to being in such an environment but they were there while Jenny was getting inked with a design she had been dying to get for weeks now. Jenny was chatting away about Wally while her wrist was being drenched in alcohol to prepare the skin to be pierced.
"I thought Wally was gonna be one of those complete manwhores... But, you know; He's so funny and so down to Earth!" She explained,
"This getaway is turning out so good for all of us! Vic is really adorable and he may look all big and tough but he is so sweet. He's like a big teddy bear!" Karen gushed. The girls silenced for a moment as Jenny's tattoo process was beginning. The buzzing of the instrument was all that could be heard for the moment. Jenny bit her lip and looked away from her wrist as the pressure was being applied.
It was obvious as to when she felt the needle attack her skin as she closed her eyes tightly and gritted her teeth with force. She gulped and tried her best to take her mind off of the pain,
"So, Rae... Did you- OW! Did you hit it off with Garfield? Ouch!" She groaned through her tattoo experience,
Rachel shifted her eyes away from Jenny so they were focused out the window. She shrugged, "He's okay," She stated,
Karen nudged her shoulder and grinned to convince her to continue. Rachel rolled her eyes, "He's kinda funny... I guess," She expanded, nonchalantly.
"That's really as much as we're gonna get from you, isn't it?" Karen sighed, ignoring Jenny's yelps of pain in the background.
Rachel smirked, "Yup." She said, straightforwardly. Karen shook her head and laughed at Rachel's ways. She sobered and allowed her eyes to scan the room. They fell upon Kori who was conveniently texting. Karen smirked,
"And how was the walk home with Dick, Kori?" Karen asked, slyly.
Kori didn't even glance up from her phone. Karen looked back at Rachel and Jenny, "Okay. I hear me talking; why doesn't she?" She asked,
"Guess who she's texting," Rachel responded, rolling her eyes,
"Ooo- OW!" Jenny was interrupted by the sudden searing pain in her wrist,
"Jen, we get that it hurts. Now, sh." Karen dismissed her pink haired friend who glared up at her coldly. Karen ignored the look and stepped closer to Kori. With a swift movement, Karen poked Kori in the cheek. Kori shook her head and looked up immediately, as if she had been woken suddenly.
"Apologies, friends," She said, blushing a little, "Did you say something?"
"I asked how your walk home with Dick was but judging the death grip on your phone, I'd assume it went just fine." Karen grinned. Kori blushed a bright pink.
"Tell us about him, Kori!" Jenny squealed, half out of joy and half out of pain.
Kori shrugged and shyly held her arm, "He is very sweet and he is very funny... He is also quite considerate... He is nothing like Xavier." She pointed out,
"Psh, we already knew that stuff. It was obvious with the way he got all nervous around you," Rachel informed her. Kori smiled.
"Soo...? What happened!?" Karen urged,
"Nothing... We simply talked and got to know each other more..." Kori half-lied,
"Oh really?" Jenny said during a short break, "Because, it just so happens that Wally mentioned you and Dick are going on a date tonight..."
"What!?" Karen and Rachel yelled in unison. Kori visibly stepped back, confused.
"That is... bad? I thought you believed interest in another would be good for me... I am confused..." Kori said, slowly,
Karen shook her head, "No... It's just... Damn, that boy works quickly!" She chuckled. Kori giggled along with her.
"So, where's he taking you?" Rachel wondered, a faint smile haunting her lips,
"A restaurant in town. He informed me that it is the best one in which he knows of." Kori clarified.
Karen and Jenny squealed together whereas Rachel simply smiled at Kori's news.
"Does he make you feel happy?" Karen asked, an edge of seriousness presenting itself,
"He... I feel... strange when he is present. It is like there is a fluttering feeling within my stomach..." Kori described,
"Aw! He gives you butterflies!" Jenny cooed,
"Oh yes! I remember the expression!" Kori stated,
"Can we help you choose an outfit!?" Jenny quizzed,
"Are you not seeing Wally, Vic and Garfield tonight?" Kori wondered, confused,
"They said they're gonna be watching the football game in the tavern so y'know; we'll probably visit." Karen shrugged,
"I'm on the fence. Garfield wants me to try tofu." Rachel gagged on the idea of eating tofu.
"Ew. Why?" Jenny asked,
"He's a vegetarian... Apparently, it's great." Rachel announced, not sounding very convinced.
"I wouldn't trust a big pile of jiggling white stuff, Rae." Karen shivered, signalling her disgust. Rachel smirked,
"So, can we help you?" Jenny repeated.
"Of course," Kori answered.
Suddenly, the tattoo artist sat back and the buzzing of the instrument ceased. She smiled a toothy grin in Jenny's direction, "Alright Hun; you're all done!" She informed her.
Jenny matched the artist's grin and jumped up off of the chair. She twisted her arm so she could see her new tattoo. Her grin expanded which was a clear sign that she was in love with the tattoo.
The tattoo was shady black with Jenny opting not to have colour. It was a tattoo of a beady eyed voodoo doll with pins sticking out of it. Karen looked repulsed,
"Who gets a tattoo of a voodoo doll!?" Karen queried,
Rachel seemed transfixed, "Yeah and when can I get one?" She droned, absentmindedly.
Karen rolled her eyes at the dark duo. Jenny shrugged at Karen's disgust, "I love it!" Jenny squeaked,
"It is... Creative, indeed..." Kori said quietly, hoping not to offend Jenny with her tone.
"Thank you, Kori! See, bee? Why can't you just be nice about it, like Kori?" Jenny wondered,
Karen had a sarcastic smirk plastered upon her lips, "Because, I'm not Kori so I wasn't born out of sugar and cotton candy." She shrugged. Kori laughed at the idea of the sweet-like origins...