Kind Ice: When Complications Multiply…
Sometimes you should stick like glue to what you have and not go venturing on a journey to recapture what you have lost… No matter how much it hurts…
Trust is not always the luxury everyone can afford…
Separation makes the heart grow fonder… But is that the case when your loved one leaves on negative terms?
Bastard! How dare that… that ruthless bandit get a hold over such a sweetheart like her? How the hell did I let him slip underneath my nose? Sure criminal activity had become quiet in recent months but I never thought… How could I have let him come in? And Kori… How could she? I mean, I thought we were friends, I thought she liked me. But she's no more than a two timing piece of- I can't be mad at her… She's probably been with Red X for ages, knowing him and this was all part of a dare. Or maybe he's forcing her? How could I have been so blind…? What if she was trying to be friendly, but on a smiley face like Starfire would, only to get close to us… to me… and then find out my weaknesses and destroy us from the inside out…
Punch. Kick. Double jab. Forward hand spring into flying kick. The masked Titan leader pummelled into the no longer stationary rice-sack filled with sand. He grunted loudly and breathed harshly, trying repeatedly to remove the images and sounds engraved on his troubled mind. God Damn It! Her singing. Their dancing. His caresses. Her pleasure filled sighs. Their mindless foreplay. His body on her body. Their romping in the dark… moans erupting into the night… STOP!
"You never really do hit it off with red heads do you?" The masked Teen's ears perked up as he lifted his head towards the doorway to the gym. His eyes glowered darkly at the figure leaning on the door frame. The figure smirked and tilted its head to the side away from the frame. "Or is it that you do hit it off… It just never lasts?"
"Back off thief!" The thief pushed himself away from the frame and walked casually over to the Titan – his supposed enemy. He was clad in loose fitting trousers and left his chest bare, showing off his scratches earned from the night before.
"Oh, so you did hear. I'm not stupid Kid; I know you were in that closet watching us. Enjoy the show?"
"You don't deserve her. She's a professional. You're just some lowlife scum!" The Titan growled, trying hard not to bare his teeth.
"…Damn Kid, I'm hurt. I mean, we are all professionals in here. I just have a different way of expressing my talents."
"Talent nothing. You're probably holding her captive as your sex slave, so she has to obey your every whim."
"To tell you the truth, she's been my first proper relationship. We've already been through a lot, and there is nothing you can do to break us up."
"I could always land you in jail for tampering with the Titan mainframe. I'm sure Kori will be pleased about that."
"My Kori… 120 pounds of feminine sexiness. Too bad she was already taken. I bet you were all over her because… now who in the world could she have reminded you of? More to the point, who out of this world. Still haven't found her yet, have you Kid?" Robin remained silent, gritting his teeth and pulling twin fists by his sides, turning his back to the bandit. "Didn't think so. Then there you go, while I'm away and she's on duty, you decide to try and win over my girl. My lady. My woman. My lover. Truly pathetic that you can't keep fetish on a single female who has been in your care for years, but you can get a girl off the street wet by just walking past her."
Xavier smirked as Robin started to twitch and switch position. He stood his ground as he saw the rejected companion turn around, blood pulsating hard at his ears so that he could not even concentrate to hear a single pin drop in the silence of darkness. His jet hair seemed to become even more erect from irritation and his masked eyes turned into a thick line of black with a sliver of white in the middle. His gloved hands seem to radiate green as his grasped them into tighter fists. The Titan leader stomped forward towards Xavier.
"You want to know what's pathetic. YOU. You and your ignoramus vendetta against me and my team. Why the hell do you enjoy pissing me off so much? Huh? Why do you persist in doing wrong if you have someone in that bedroom that you care about and you do not want her getting hurt?"
"—Well, someone has to keep you on your toes? You've gotten sloppy even since the Tamaranian beauty left."
"Don't you dare talk about her like that!"
"And there I wasn't even being degrading. What's the matter Kid? Have I hit a tender spot? Does it make your heart sink every time someone mentions her name? Do you feel guilty? Ashamed? Or is it that Kori made such a damn good impression you could cheat your affections and focus them on her… and now you're so pissed off because she fucked me in Starfire's room and knew that I was a thief!"
SNAP!
His patience couldn't be stretched anymore, the thin line between control and impulse had to be crossed again so that he could be at peace with himself, knowing that he had the chance to pummel Red X mercilessly, even if he was in a different form. Without the mask. In a spilt second Robin lunged at Xavier, catching in a headlock and thrust his knee into his stomach. Xavier groaned on impact, but retaliated by lifting him easily over his shoulders, slamming him down onto the ground and kicking his back. Robin growled as he created a forward handspring from a low altitude and kicked Xavier's legs from him. He rolled away as soon as he landed and spun around to give Robin a double jab into his chest and a satisfying punch in his stomach, winding him. Xavier pounced on top of him, pinning his arms behind his back and his face smacking into the hard concrete beneath him.
"Tell me Kid, what hurts the most? The fact that you rejected her and she ran… or the fact that she rejected you and stayed with her man."
"Asshole!" Robin screamed as he knocked Xavier off of him with a kick and lifted himself up. He cart wheeled across the floor to meet Xavier in a mortal combat. Various punches and blows were placed in sensitive areas, but no one had dared to literally hit below the belt… only verbally. The volley carried on to a few minutes before the comm. Link in Robin's golden utility belt started to whine. Grinding his teeth, he resisted the urge to spit in Xavier's face.
"You won't get away with this X! You're a thief, and will always be one!" The collected bandit slid through the doorway, giving a mock salute to the Titan leader before shutting the door and walking down the corridor. Robin growled loudly as punched the sand-filled rice sack one last time before bringing the incessant ringing to a halt.
"Report!" He barked down into the yellow disc-like object.
"Happy New Year to you too Robin, or didn't you get any sleep last night?" Robin's breath caught in his throat.
"What's so happy about it and what do you mean?"
"Man, you really need to take one of Mas y Menos massages, real quick and real relaxing. Besides, I thought that you would be up all night with Kori that's all."
"Well, she was up all night with someone else."
"Say what?"
"Kori's…err… boyfriend came to visit and they are…really…close. To say the least."
"Aw man they didn't."
"Well, you did warn me. And warn me and warn me but did I listen, No. Because I was just too bone idle and too stubborn to notice. Damn I'm such a-"
"—Dickhead?" A monotone voice rang through the transmission.
"Raven? When did you get here?"
"Cyborg had to go and do something because Mas y Menos have wrecked some part of the tower due to Speedy chasing them."
"Well you seem calm and collected. How much did you hear?"
"When you started berating yourself… Is something wrong?" Robin shook his head in mis-belief. Could what have Cyborg told him at that concert really be coming true? Would it be better to stay put with what he had than go after something he had no chance in getting? He shook his head.
"Err… nothing Raven, but maybe… When are you, Cyborg and Beast Boy coming back home?"
"In a few days probably, depends on how fast Cyborg fixes the Tower. I could help him with his mechanical work. He has been teaching me a lot over the years." Robin nodded.
"Okay, I hope you've had a good time. Have a safe journey back…" He signed off as Raven nodded, concern evident in her amethyst eyes. Time to let go.
-
Xavier mentally chuckled as he walked casually through the corridors to Starfire's room. He ruffled his jet hair before knocking on the door politely. No response came so he assumed that Kori was still asleep in her angelic state, quite tired from their vigorous love making the night before. He pressed the button to his left, waited for the door to slide open and ventured in. He sauntered over to the bed where the covers lay rumpled and in disarray, Kori's perfume and his aftershave. He smiled to himself as he heard falling with the power of gravity in the bathroom ensuite. He smirked as he walked briskly towards the shower and discarded his clothing. Within a split second he pulled over the shower door, slid in and closed it behind him, greeting his lover with a backward hug and a kiss on the neck.
"Morning beautiful." He continued to kiss her neck while his hands roamed south towards her hips and kneaded them lightly. She sighed as she turned around in his arms, twisting her fingers in his hair. She lifted his head up and kissed him lovingly on the lips.
"Morning to you too, Xan'aha. I trust that you had a pleasant night."
"Is that a trick question? I mean… I wasn't too rough on you, was I?"
"What would you define as rough? I believe you've held some… sexual tension as Carli would put it. We have after all have been apart for months. I do have a question though."
"What is it?"
"Why did Robin look so sceptical when you stated that you went away on business?"
"Kori, the term 'business trip' is usually misinterpreted as a sign of getting away from partners, wives and having free sex." Kori frowned.
"Do I not satisfy you then, Xavier?" Xavier looked her dead in the eye, chocolate brown colliding with emerald green. The warm liquid continued to rain down on them softly. Xavier lifted Kori onto him, she responded by wrapping her legs around his toned waist. He pressed her against the shower wall and kissed her neck, heading south towards her left breast, pinching her other one lightly. She moaned. "That's not an answer Xavier." He kissed her nipple.
"It's an action Kori, and I know what I'm doing."
"Why won't you answer the question?"
"Actions speak louder than words Kori, and so I'm showing you instead of telling you." He kissed her passionately, pressing his form tighter to her. Kori returned with equal force and passion, letting her palm drop to rest of his thigh, her thumb fleeted over to stroke his shaft, making it quiver. Xavier moaned into her mouth as he could feel himself start to rise. "Any chance of a quick romp right now?"
"Uh-huh, but I have to gather material for my next concert and I want to go back to the apartment. I get most of my inspiration there… I wonder why?" She smirked knowingly at Xavier and kissed his cheek while he dipped his hand lower and started to stroke her treasure. Kori shivered… "Maybe, we could…" Xavier grinned as he pressed his lips onto hers again, discreetly slipping into her. She broke the kiss to moan softly.
"Just a little cool down," He groaned as he moved within her gently, leaving a trail of open kisses on her slender neck. Kori blinked upwards as she gazed at the steam filled ensuite. She toyed endlessly with his matted dark locks, her slender fingers leaving no scalp unmassaged. She pressed her breasts against Xavier's shoulder while water droplets showered around them. The dark haired bandit took her rosy nipple in his mouth. She moaned as her hips bucked gently against his, causing a rippling effect that threw them off balance. Xavier immediately removed his mouth as he fell onto his back. On the way down, Kori had straddled his hips and hovered down lightly. The bandit noticed. "Hey! When did you get your powers back?"
Kori rode on him for while, gently, softly; beckoning him to react to the lingering pleasure. She bent down, licked his neck and then nibbled on his earlobe. She recoiled slowly, stretching out on him, arching her back, still rocking to feel him pulse within her. She slowly let her delicate palms traipse over his abdomen rocks. "I was miserable without Xavier… My powers are based on emotions." He nodded in slight realisation.
"So, when you're happy, you can fly… Where do you get your strength and those… things that you always fried me with?"
"That, I believe, is another story." The bandit grunted lowly as he flipped them over and slipped out of her, pressing his lips against hers. Kori smiled as she toyed with his hair and wrapped her legs around his waist, resulting in Xavier thrusting into her again at a faster speed until a persistent knocking resounded at the door. The outlaw thumped his fist on the tiled floor.
"Damn it! So close…" Kori giggled at her lovers antics and pushed him off of her. She moaned from the rippling sensation and cautiously got up, grabbing a bath robe. Xavier looked at her bizarrely as he sauntered out of the ensuite and replaced his clothing. The knocks continued to hound at the door.
"Kori? Kori are you in there?" The bandit looked at the rogue Titan and forced his lips into a grim line as he made a show of jumping out the window which Kori promptly shook her head to. He smirked as he walked up to her, whispering softly in her ear that he would meet her back in the apartment. She nodded dumbly, pecked his lips and pushed him towards the window. Her smile faltered slightly as his figure dropped from view, but was soon replace by a fake one as she opened her door.
"Yes Robin?" He seemed surprised and was about to knock on her forehead until she grabbed his wrist. "Is something wrong?" The sincerity in her voice was genuine. Red dots appeared on the masked Titan's left cheek. He removed his wrist from her grasp and scratched the back of his neck nervously.
"Um. There's a call for you downstairs. Ms. Charles is on the phone." Kori nodded as she made her way down the hallway. She the paused. She turned promptly on the spot.
"Robin." She blushed. "I don't think I know where the phone is." Robin mentally sighed as he walked in front of her, expecting her to follow. The entertainer murmured a 'thank you' before grasping the over turned receiver.
"Hello?"
"Kori? Ah, darlin'. I hope this isn't a bad time."
"No Ms. Charles it isn't. What do you require?"
"Well, you do seem happy. Okay, here's the deal. You are due to do a concert and an international tour in the upcoming months. There will be trial concerts to know that you are ready and able to perform on this scale. Now, we are still gathering the details, but we do have to say that you will be away for quite a few months… Do you have any relationships that we should be aware of?"
"Only Xavier Ma'am."
"Ah yes, Xavier. Mr. Wilson's nephew I presume."
"Yes." Kori agreed as she nodded into the phone.
"Indeed. I'm sure that your relationship has overcome obstacles before. This should be no different. I shall give you a week to choose some favoured songs. If come up with any of your own, being your own material, don't hesitate to ask Matt and his crew for musical as well as technical help."
"I shall Ms. Charles."
"Alright. Happy New Year Kori."
"Happy New Year to you too, Ms. Charles. I'll probably be seeing Chas in a few days time."
"Oh that's wonderful. She's been so secretive lately; I'm really starting to get worried. It's not like her to keep secrets from me. She's loyal by nature you know, something I see reflected in you." Kori chose to remain silent at that moment. "So, I shall see you at Frozen Fire Records then. Good day."
"Good bye." A soft click resounded in the room as she replaced the receiver. She sighed thoughtfully as she buried her flushed face in her hands. Robin, who had been watching her profile intently as she conversed, crept silently closer towards her figure and sat down beside her.
"Tough work schedule?" The Titan leader asked.
"Can't be any tougher than yours. I mean, saving the city every other day. Monitoring it every single day, twenty-four hours a day. My line of work must seem like a dream."
"Only if you can sing and dance… Besides, you look so happy with what you have achieved." Kori looked at Robin, studying his profile deeply. His face was a platonic stone, etched with a chiselled nose and upper lip, slightly defined cheek bones and curt eyes. Her eyebrows slackened slightly. Robin's mask appeared to lower as well. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Kori blinked.
"Are you sure you're happy?"
"Of course Robin. I could never be in a job that I disliked completely." She smiled genuinely and he took a hint, but didn't let it slide. Instead he pushed further. His interrogative side taking form.
"Are you happy with him?" Kori's head shot upwards. She swallowed deeply, warning bells ringing in her mind. This was not territory she wanted to discuss with him. Still, she was intrigued to what he was on about.
"You speak with such disgust. What are you implying?"
"Kori… I'm not a person who likes to beat around the bush and wait for the thorns to fall and the berries to appear. You know full well that he's a criminal. A low life thief. Why are you with him?"
"I don't think that this is an area for your concern."
"Maybe out in the city it isn't. But when I employ you and you bring it into my tower, it becomes my concern! Especially in a Titan's bedroom!"
"Well, why didn't you give me the guest room?"
"I thought that you would have more respect for Starfire's affairs!" Kori remained silent. Trying hard to contemplate a route of action. "He's a thief Kori. I'm not sure how he got to you. Are you under some sort of ransom? Is he holding you hostage or as a sex slave?"
"How dare you?" The singer fumed, her eyes seemed to glow with her anger. "How dare you question a man's integrity when you don't even know him?"
"He's a criminal. Cut and dry."
"Not everything in this world is so black and white Robin. You don't know my background and you definitely don't know his!"
"Where you from then? Since I don't know your background!"
"I'm from T- Thailand. I'm not sure about my true parents, but I grew up in Thailand, I was raised by a woman who taught me English. Then I remember a man talking to her could offer me a new life. She refused and he kidnapped me. He brought me to America… I overheard what they were saying and bolted… I was later found by an orphanage… and then lived there until I was old enough to live on my own. Then I met Xavier and then my life went uphill. When I knew we had connected, I never looked back."
"—I'm sorry, I—"
"Had no idea? I guess that's always the story. Nobody has an idea until you spell it out for them. Xavier accepts me for who I am and I accept him for who he is. On the right side of the law or not…"
"I'm sorry. It's just that—"
"That you had to witness. Xavier didn't tell me himself, but I can tell you were listening… Or were you watching?" Robin chose to remain silent. "I'm sorry, it was on impulse."
"Seemed like he was pressuring you to say it."
"He was just kidding around… And another thing. My personal life is none of your business. I'm sorry that I exposed you to that. I would have never… I just missed him so much. Anyway… I'll pack my things. Xavier will pick me up tonight and I'll go home." She stood up to leave but Robin beat her to it and grasped her forearm gently.
"Do you regret it?"
"Regret what?"
"This…" Within a moment of uttering those words, his lips sealed hers for no more than half a minute. Kori pushed him away, eye gradually starting to tear up.
"I can't." She whispered as she slipped away from the room.
--
A relentless pounding shook Titan Tower's foundations. It was early morning and the masked Titan had barely slept a wink in the last few days. He groaned as his last savages of solitude was being taken and drowned by the incessant banging. More alert, yet reluctantly, he made his way to the door and lazily pushed the red OPEN button.
"Yo Robin! How long does it take you to open a blinking door?!" The metallic hybrid yelled since his arms were laden with assorted cases. Robin quirked an eyebrow and tried to compose a welcome.
"I thought you had gone for a few days not a few years. How much stuff did you bring back?"
"Man, spare technical parts are dead cheap in that city and I couldn't resist. Besides, I told Rae and BB that I would carry what I brought, so I am."
Robin laughed for the first time in ages. "Well, it's good to have you guys back. I was starting to get lonely."
"—She walked out on you didn't she!" The emerald Changeling taunted. "As soon as you tried to fuck her she bolted."
"That was cold BB, even for you. I know this trip hasn't been—"
"Don't start Cy! I don't know why you're sticking up for him… Wait, I do know, but that's not the point. He just can't handle it that it was his fault that Starfire went away… and the second another girl with flaming red hair and green eyes comes along with long legs; HE'S ALL OVER HER!" Beast Boy fumed as he promptly dumped his bag and walked into the garage. Moments later the smell of burnt rubber filled the two Titan's nostrils.
"Beast Boy is in serious need of anger management or some professional help with his issues." The monotone beauty clarified.
"I thought you were the professional Raven." Cyborg quoted with his eyebrow raised. Raven could have blushed if she had that natural reaction. Instead she just ignored him and turned her attention to her leader.
"I hope that you weren't too lonely in this tower." The hidden message was overlain, but Robin didn't seem to pick it up. However Cyborg did. He kicked Beast Boy's overnight bag with his foot and grunted as it bounced on to the top of the pile; mumbled something that sounded like he was going out for a drive and for them to stay out of trouble and then left. The two most mysterious Titans with troubled pasts stared at each other before any one of them broke the silence. The mystic began to feel heat rise in her cheeks under her Leader's stony glare.
"So… What did you get up to?" Robin asked, baffled by her gradual tint. Raven shrugged.
"Celebrating, fixing the tower, reading…"
"… Coping with Beast Boy's insults." She nodded.
"Incessantly." Silence. "…So, what did you get up to?"
"I wish I could gouge my eyes out."
"Why?"
"It's nothing."
"Robin, just tell me, otherwise it will play on your mind." The masked leader let out a string of incoherent babble and curses. "…English would help." He breathed in deeply.
"I mean, she looked almost like her, acted almost like her, showed kindness and compassion and had an excellent singing voice which she didn't have… And she's with a criminal. I saw her fucking a convict. I could have arrested him, and yet I didn't. I watched and let him fuck her… and guess what. He knew I was there."
"…He knew? You're saying that Kori was sleeping with another guy?" Robin nodded solemnly. "…And you're complaining because?" Raven asked perplexed.
"…I lost her… and now I feel as if I've just lost her again… Why can't I keep a single relationship? They always end in disaster."
"Maybe, you just haven't met someone who could be your match."
"Oh right, someone like who Raven?" He snaps, grasping her shoulders violently. The Mystic gasped as she glared towards those masked eyes. She chewed the inside of her cheek endlessly as neither of their features softened. Then it happened. A ton of bricks pounding on marble lips. His lips ravished hers in desperation… and hers met his with equal passion.
--
The Changeling fumed as he increased his grip on the rubber, making it groan and burn in agony. The screech did not satisfy his need for destruction. He wanted to tear something apart… Even is it was his own arm. She had always said to focus on another pain than the one you are feeling… Grr can't stop thinking about her… and she's the damned reason I'm in this effin' mess. I should be over this… It's been months! Months and it's a fucking new year!
He growled dangerously as he made the engine collapse, leapt off before the vehicle collided into the alley, and watched the fireworks and trundged off towards the park.
Laughter. Joy. The two emotions that he felt he didn't have the capacity to touch anymore. Then someone waved at him… Intrigued, he walked over and planted himself next to the figure.
"Wow, I've never met a titan face-to-face before." He looked up to se that a wonderful blonde with a cheery high pitched voice was talking to him.
"Would you like an autograph? Maybe you should take a picture, just in case it rains and the ink runs." His tone was gruff and her facial expression faltered. She shifted nervously while looking away, blinking back her offended tears. Beast boy mentally slapped himself and shakily put a soft palm on her vibrating shoulder.
"Hey." He began softly. "I didn't mean to be rough with you. It's just… I'm not having a very good day." He apologised profusely in a softer tone before she turned around, used the corner of her pale blouse to dry her eyes and smiled delicately. It warmed his heart. His heart started to beat and ceased to ache. "Hey…" He murmured again. The blonde giggled as she took his hand in hers and led him away.
--
'Go and tell a nigga no, wit a ass so fat. Hey why you wanna go and do that love, huh Hey-Hey why you wanna go and do that, do that. Hey-Hey why you wanna go and do that-that-that'
The metallic teen bobbed gently to the beat while he cruised along the city streets; replaying everything that had happened since the peacemaker of the tower left. Her smile always lit up anyone's day and the way she always looked for new ways on helping people. That was what the Titans were meant to represent, and she met the task to perfection. After all, charitable acts should always be towards your home and family before you help other people… though many people today tend to overlook that. He looked out his window and saw a mixed race young woman with long black hair and green eyes that seemed to be in distress… Wanting a distraction from his represent situation he stopped the car and beeped. "Hey! Do you want a lift?" The girl looked up, suspiciously at first but nodded slowly and proceeded towards the T-Car.
"Wow, thanks. It's not every day a girl gets offered a lift from a guy... especially a Titan."
"You're welcome little lady. So, what's your name?"
"It's Chasiti. Well, Chas for short if you can't remember. I mean, with all the people you save day on and day out… Must be challenging."
"Hey, I'm part machine, and named Cyborg if you didn't already know."
"I did know… Could you drop me off to The House? I'm meeting my friend for cream." Cyborg laughed.
"Cream… what, extra-whipped?"
"On top of hot chocolate, of course." The laugh reverberated through her body and he smiled at what was the most beautiful and natural thing he had ever seen.
"Congratulations." He murmured as nodded to the tenderness of her belly. She rubbed it softly and sighed.
"Not much of an achievement." She whispered inaudibly. The mood of car sobered after that remark as Cyborg pulled up to The House where a slender semi dark-crimson leant against the pale wall in a casual manner, allowing the breeze to ruffle her tresses. Chas glanced outside smiling briefly as she spotted her friend. "Thank you Cyborg."
"You're welcome to it. Aren't you related to Ms Charles?" Chas nodded in response and stepped outside of the car. The slender figure walked out to greet her, steadily growing cautious as she recognised the car. "Kori?" the driver asked questioningly. Kori subconsciously toyed with a lock of loose hair.
"Um… Hello Cyborg, how are you?"
"I'm fine… What about you? Did Robin do something to offend you in some way?"
"I do not wish to delve into that. I think he was just… jealous. He does not seem to be the type of person to like things being out of his control or reach."
"You could say that. Well, take care of yourself and look after her." He dismissed, not sure which girl he wanted to be cared for more, before he pulled away. Kori and Chas waved politely before stepping out of the increasingly chilly air. They sat down in their usual spot by the Petit Mer and ordered a hot chocolate with surplus whipped cream and mocha with extra froth. An awkward silence passed until Kori worked up the courage to shatter it.
"So, Chas… how was your Christmas?" Chas looked at her blankly before actually deciding how to respond. She chose not to. "Chas? You know you can tell me anything. What happened darlin'?" She continued to slowly stir the powdered whipped cream into her hot beverage. What could she say without freaking Kori and herself out even more? She sighed, gazing at the multi-coloured metallic fin flippers, inhaled deeply, exhaled lightly to cool the chocolate, drank deeply and inhaled once more before closing her eyes. Kori put an encouraging palm on her shoulder, but didn't say anything.
"Kori… At Christmas… I found out that…" Her voice quietens considerably. "…That…" The first tear fall for sorrow. "I am…" The second tear for joy before she wipes it away thoughtfully. "I'm pregnant."
Another period of suppressed noise enveloped the table. Her first instinct was to run… but then she would be just like her friend who always gave advice but never followed her own. The crimson haired woman's first instinct was to congratulate her for the blessing of her new child… But from the mass of tears that she was shedding, she realised that it wasn't such a grand occasion as it would be in her culture. Then another question rang up. 'Who is the father?' Heart-wrenching herself, she embraced the younger girl in an embracing hug.
"I would say congratulations… but how? I don't remember you having a boyfriend."
"I… don't." Realisation soon dawned on Kori and she held Chas tighter, drying her tears and trying hard not to cry along with her.
"We'll get through this Chas. I don't know anybody who is as strong as you." Chas nodded with new gained confidence, but still had a worried look on her face. "How far are you?"
"One trimester." Kori nodded and started on her mocha while Chas sipped her hot chocolate, whipping the cream even more.
The House door jingled; through it emerged a blissful couple, hands intertwined and smiling broadly. Matt was in that said coupling… Carli, however, wasn't. Kori and Chas looked up, perplexed at the scenario.
"Um… Matt, who's this?" Matt proceeded over with a broad smile.
"This is… Rebecca… We've been together for a few weeks."
"Hi…" The brunette greeted… but was soon confronted by a rather upset brunette. Carli looked at the couple and gaped.
"Matt… who is she?"
"Carli… get over yourself, it's over between us." Matt warned casually, not feeling any emotion.
"Yeah, you scanty whore. Why can't you just leave him alone?" Rebecca snarled.
"You idiot. He'll never want you for anything more than your body!" Carli pointed out, trying to reason with her. But alas, the world has become so cruel, that kindness seldom works in the society.
"You distasteful little wannabe. How dare you say that! Just because you didn't carve his fancy or rock his world? Baby, I want to get out of here. Cheap trash affects my senses." She turned in a way and wrinkled her nose in annoyance, while she yanked on Matt's arm and did not even let him have enough time to say goodbye. Carli crumpled down beside Kori in a heap. Determined not to cry, she plastered on a fake smile and quietly asked if their Christmas holidays were good. They nodded, well, Chas wasn't so sure if she should, but she was certain that she didn't want to be the one coddled by more than one person in public.
"What happened Carli? Most people feel better if they talk about it."
"Matt's a bastard. I'll just have to deal with it." The tears in her eyes gave them the message that she was not willing to talk about it, but didn't want to ruin a decent day out in each other's company. "Things didn't work out as planned… he's parents were nice enough, but he was convinced that I had a thing for his adopted brother. I didn't… but now I wish that I did. But, life is never fair is it? So, he believed that I was cheating and went for the next girl who took his fancy. Rebecca." She spat the name out as if it was poison. "I'm never falling for a conceited guy like that again. I don't want him to touch me because the thought of it makes my skin crawl."
There was such disdain in her voice that Kori and Chas almost choked on it. So potent, so powerful… It almost made a mockery of what Kori had felt for the Boy Wonder, and he had only kissed Raven… Maybe her judgement had been clouded… but she was positive that they would be together now… Also, she was happy with Xavier…
Even if he was a corporate criminal.
--
He was not enjoying this. Though he was happy to be back in this town and with his girl, he was not overly thrilled to be reunited with one person the irked him more that those damned Titans. Mason Jay. He was still sceptical on what he had done to Kori while he had been away. He was confident that Kori had told him the truth and that she hadn't partaken in anything that Mason had had to offer her. Whether it was material or… otherwise. The otherwise he didn't even want to think about. He had won her heart fair and square. Albeit, maybe not fair and square, but it was with clarity of thought and they had been together for over three months. Had known each other longer. All those secret meetings that they have had over the years while she was a devoted Titan. Their first night was unbelievable, and no one was gonna take her away from him.
"Doesn't it bother you that I had her in my arms while you were half way across the world?"
"You know, you would be a lot more bearable if you could keep your damn mouth shut for ten consecutive minutes!"
"I bet you would like that. Knowing that your darlin' is a loyal beautiful woman. Well, she's more a vixen when the hunter's have gone away." Mason smirked at the sight of tic working Xavier's lower jaw. He had a grim line of dissatisfaction for a mouth. I really don't like that man. The thought reverberated in his mind as Mason walked out of his office to use the facilities. After a few minutes of solitude, James walked through the doors and patted Xavier on the back.
"Heard the Japanese deal went bust… At least you tried."
"Don't sugar coat anything with me James. I'm not in the mood."
"Oh. Jay pissing you off again? You know he's only winding you up so that you actually break up with her."
"The fact is that I'm not going to! I've worked way too hard to keep her with me."
"Well, I'm sure there's love over gold."
"Oh for the love of God will you just stop! I told you, I'm not in the mood, so why don't you go fuck yourself and get over it."
"Can't. Some of us have to suck ass while others get their asses sucked upon. Meeting in seven."
"Oh joy." Xavier snapped a pencil in his palm. "Boss has a new motive."
"Or just resourcing our chemical assets."
"The xenothium? I told him that was strictly my department."
"Tell that to the board of directors…" James checked his jet Rolex. "Ya, we need to get going." Xavier nodded in aggravation, but moved nonetheless. The walked down briskly in their signature swaggers, not even acknowledging the secretary's or her assistant's appreciative stares. Linda spun her own string of sexapades to her mate as they giggled and wished thoughtfully in their dirty bored minds. The two businessmen finally appeared in the boardroom, filling up the last two seats.
"Since the prince and the pauper are now here, shall we begin?"
"Indeed." Mr. Danbury concurred. "The review board has cause for concern about this firms chemical imports and exports. It seems that xenothium is in popular demand, not only in the countries that are war, but it also seems to be in demand with the underworld. I do hope that this organisation does not cater towards organised crime. However, that is beside the point. This legal incorporation needs to be more vigilant towards the artefacts within its name. Tell me, who is in charge of the chemical operation?"
Xavier lifted his arm up. "That would be me Sir."
"Are you alone in that department?"
"I prefer to work alone."
"How is the security on your part?"
"Secure. There are only three passwords. One that is mine alone, on the belongs to our Boss Favian and the other one that is within the Board of directors that each of those twelve members have, including you, I believe."
"Indeed. However, human error on your part could be the reason why xenothium stocks are depleting due to that bandit Red X. I think that you should consider having a partner."
"That would be plausible, nonetheless, all positions have been filled and all our persona have been stretched tightly across out affairs."
"Which is why we have come to a conclusion."
"Who is we and what is that conclusion?" Xavier asked with a confident voice but a nervous gut.
"I, Mr. Danbury and Mr. Wilson have come to the conclusion that we will have a floater; a person that is not rooted to two different departments at one time and has loyalty with them both. The person who is the floater will be chosen from the assistants that the firm currently have. The first person that we have decided will be aiding with the affairs concerning the chemical trade and one of aspect of this business. That first is, Mason Jay." A round of applause echoed as Mr. Danbury finished his speech. Xavier couldn't help but feel gutted and notice how smugly Mason's facial features had been arranged.
"Since there are no objections, we will take our leave and leave Mr. Wilson to discuss the other floater opening with the junior board members and Mr. Jay." Six of the men left the room, leaving the rest to deliberate. Mason took it upon himself to stand up and make his way towards Xavier.
"Guess we'll be working very closely together." Xavier could only grimace.
--
A crimson-midnight haired woman twiddled her pen leisurely as she listened as attentively as she could to the speech that was being spoken. The public in Europe was demanding a tour, and Ms. Charles was eager for it to become a reality. Due to her success, Kori was going to be the star of the show and be in the company of other new bands performing. Honestly, her mind was still on the moments that had been lived through today. Chas being raped, becoming pregnant and still deciding to keep the baby. Carli being cheated on and then the idiot had the nerve to show up with that brunette who clearly isn't naturals… And then there's Xavier… Her mind was still in the shower with Xavier and all the ripples that his body made.
"Kori?" Ms. Charles questioned. "Are you with us this afternoon?"
Kori blinked her eyes open rapidly and nodded with a light pink tinge to her high cheekbones.
"Well then, I can tell you that you will be working with a representative from Wilson Inc. as they will be funding this tour. A generous gift in return for a contact of performing at all their functions."
"Which representative?"
"A Mr. Jay I believe."
And the day… just got a little more complicated.
--
Cruising around in stylish car should be the ultimate relaxation for a guy, but the saying could not be said for the Titanium Titan. This had to be the single loneliest drive that he had ever experienced, which had only been lightened up by the presence of that young lady. Chas. She didn't deserve what she was going through. He couldn't understand the society could be so cruel and actually let psychos let that on the streets. He shook his head in disgust and prayed that she didn't have to go through it alone. Or maybe she knew who the father was. He couldn't be sure. He barely knew her and already he was concerned for her as if she was his little sister. Absentmindedly, he glanced out of the window and saw a emerald and gold blur. He paused the car for a second and called out a familiar name. The man with emerald hair turned around and waved happily. He pulled the blonde up and ran over to where Cyborg was waiting.
"So, who's the little Lady?"
"This is Helena Triennia. She's great isn't she?" Beast boy explained, completely smitten while Helena giggled politely.
"As long as you think so, I will too. I take it that you're not coming back to the tower anytime soon."
"No way dude. I have a special person to take of thank you very much." He hugged her briefly.
"It was nice meeting you Cyborg." Helena smiled. Cyborg nodded in response, beeping as he put the car into gear and drove off. Helena giggled some more as she tugged Beast boy through the park into the thick emerald forest. Heads over heels, he followed her without a second thought until she turned around sharply and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Immediately he began to feel light-headed.
"Wh… what's happening? Helena?" His vision began to blur. The rest of his words came out as one incoherent dribble as he stumbled back to lean again a tree. Vines soon wrapped around his torso, reducing his amount of air intake. Helena smirked slyly.
"Maybe I should have told you. My mother is Poison Ivy."
-
Home again. The metallic coated Titan sighed as he closed the garage door again. He couldn't help but smirk as Beast Boy's new-found happiness with another blonde… Who would have thought? Well, he could have guessed. If only he could find happiness… The only times he had was in the Stone Age where he could never go back to and with Jinx… but now she had turned good and was now with Kid Flash… She had always wanted a fast guy… he didn't realise just how fast. Again, he felt like the odd one out. Everyone seemed to be pairing up… unconventionally, but pairing up nonetheless.
He crossed over to the elevator to check the status reports in the main room, and realised that Beast Boy had tampered with his music system again. He smiled; BB would always brightened up the weirdest places. The elevator doors opened to reveal the Rec. Room… and a scene that he could have lived without.
Two of his team mates… on the sofa… exploring each other's bodies as if there was no tomorrow… Exploring wasn't the word. Groping. In addition, their own music escalating as their pleasure increased.
Cyborg shook his head violently. Going down. The elevator doors closed as he plummeted back down to the garage. I think I need to work on my car… and think about buying a new sofa… Dear Lord what is the world coming to?
--
Frustrated fingertips rapped rapidly across the slim keyboard of the silver laptop. MSN was a wonderful invention and since he had come back to an empty house, he decided to converse with James and apologise for why he had been such an ass at work today.
"Seriously James, I had no right. It's just that."
"That what? Didn't you see Kori before you came into work?"
"I did. We were doing stuff and then got interrupted."
"I see. The guy didn't cool the fire from his loins."
"Ya…"
"And then you got cranky and took it out on everyone but tried very hard to compose yourself at the meeting."
"Yea well… Oh, I have an e-mail from the firm. They must have made a decision on where Mason's gonna be working. Damn, I hope it's somewhere very far away."
"You and me both bro." A jingle of keys from the door alert Xavier that Kori is home. A smile warms his features as she walks over and kisses him deeply.
"How was your day honey?" She asked in earnest.
"Shit. Yours babe?"
"Crap."
"Want to make it better?"
"Indeed." Before she could get out the next syllable, his lips covered hers within an instant, sucking gently at her strawberry lip gloss. Kori responded with equal lust and knotted her fingers within his soft hair, tugging at it gently as he moved lower to suckle her neck. His tongue swirled circles around the beads in her necklace and massaged her pulse. She threw her head back in pleasure before taking off his tie and undoing his shirt buttons to reveal the torso that she had become accustomed to. Taking a brief glance at the computer, as noticed that there was an urgent e-mail. "Darlin', you have mail… and it seems urgent." He kissed her lips to silent her.
"It can wait."
"No, it's flashing so I don't think it can. Besides, I have a package to open and it was pretty urgent. So, how about you read you're e-mail, I open my package and then we return back to square one."
"And square one is?" A tender kiss is placed on his cheek. "Alrighty then." They both separated to explore what they both had in store. Simultaneously, the smile on their beaming faces failed to spark up the room. They turned on each other.
"Do you want to explain this?" They yelled at exactly the same time. Kori fought hard to keep her tears at bay. Xavier tried hard to keep his temper in check.
"While I was away, you were planning on running away with Mason?"
"How dare you? You know very well that I do not even like the guy. While you were in Japan, you took your prized secretary and spoilt yourself with brothel after brothel!"
"Maybe I should have if I knew that the girl I cared about was lusting after the man I hate most. If anything, why couldn't you have gone back with Robin huh?"
"I probably should have."
"Guess what, he already knows what you look like naked and what he has to do to get you going. So why don't you crawl back and let him use you and break your heart all over again!"
"You act like you're so noble! Before I knew you, you were nothing more than a common thief. You still are a common thief!"
"Then why are you still with me?" They were barely centimetres from each other when he whispered the words. She could feel his rage and he could feel hers… and he wanted to extinguish it. He pushed her violently onto the floor and straddled her hips. "You're mine Kori… and you always will be." He kissed her fiercely with a passion she hadn't known before… Was she really being dominated but at the moment, she didn't want to fight. Instead she moaned lustfully and returned his efforts by pushing off his shirt and stroking his back admirably. Enticed by her actions, he leaned to one side in order for them to roll over so that she would be on top. Influenced deeply by his lust, Kori pulled off her top to reveal her scantily clad breasts while leaning down towards Xavier.
"Why do you do this to me?"
"Because I want you."
"I have to leave in a week."
"With Mason?" She nods. He kisses her harshly. "I'm not letting you go."
"You won't have to… Make love to me Xavier…" Kori murmured before she leaned down to kiss him while her fingers found a path to his belt.
--
"Is everything set in motion?"
"The boy is paranoid and the girl is on tour. The Titans are utterly clueless and the Changeling has been captured. What are your next direction Sir?"
"Free the Changeling, let him tell his friends of the Tamaranian's whereabouts."
"And what of the girl?"
"Tell your nephew to bring her here so that we may begin. And make sure to drive the boy over the edge so that he must call for help."
"But who would he call? His uncle is not the loving kind."
"Who do you think he will call. In this complicated life that he lives in, he will call upon desperate measures to ensure that he gets what he wants."
--
The queues were long and tiresome at Jump City Hospital, but Chas couldn't be happier that she didn't have to go through her ordeal alone. Over the past month, she had grown fond of being able to speak to Cyborg and having him there to help her out when the going got tough. Now, he was right by her side in a hologram induced image. He smiled as her briefly before it turned into a sigh of annoyance as the numerous women who tried to get his number. All he wanted to do was make sure that Chas got through the day. It was now February and she was four months along and beginning to show.
"Miss Raphael?" Chas instantly perked up when her name was called and tugged gently on Cyborg's arm.
"That's us." The walked cautiously to the room and saw Dr. Vicman. He looked up from his paperwork with a broad smile; it had an extra wattage to see that Chas had company with her.
"Ah, Miss Chastiti, ready for our check up?" She nodded happily and laid down on the table. "Have there been any problems? Or anything unusual you would like to point out?"
"My morning sickness has stopped. But I think that is a good thing." Cyborg smiled along with her as he looked at the scene.
"Well, everything seems to be in order. You're looking towards a healthy baby Miss Chastiti. Congratulations!" She giggled merrily as she climbed down from the bed and collected her baby photos. Cyborg put his arm around her waist and led her carefully down the stairs into the car.
"I'm happy for you Chas."
"I'm just happy that you were there with me. Thank you."
"Have you told your Godmother yet?"
"No. I plan on telling her today. I think I better do it by myself though, so if you could take me home please?"
"Of course."
--
Mr. Wilson waited patiently in his office for his nephew to appear. After newly ten minutes, Xavier walked through the doors in his deadly swagger. Favian shook his head in contempt.
"I know you're angry."
"Angry doesn't cover it. I'm livid. How could you send Mason Jay with her, after all we've been through I thought that you might know who my enemies actually are!"
"You need to calm down. Your girlfriend's plane is touching down within an hour. But, no you are not going to get the afternoon off. Your behaviour in this district has been reckless and unbecoming of you."
"It's what happens when your loved ones are ripped out of your life."
"You have only known her for five months. I have known my daughter all her life."
"Again, it always has to be about you."
"She is your cousin, and the only blood tie you have besides me. She's landing within ten minutes and I want you to go and pick her up. After she is brought here, then you may see her."
"Are you serious or are you joking?"
"I do have a heart of that's is what you are implying."
"Then maybe you should show it more."
"I wouldn't be running this firm if I had a heart Xavier. Another reason why you will never be in this position."
--
"Well, I guess that you're home at last?"
"Yes. I am. Thank you Mason for a wonderful trip."
"Kori, you the icing on the cake. I couldn't have had a more pleasurable experience. But there is one thing that I didn't get."
"You did have a lot of women at your feet though."
"But not the one that I wanted." In one second, Mason had pinned her to the wall adjacent to her door and was kissing her roughly. Enraged, Kori pushed him away violently.
"What do you think you are doing?"
"Kissing the woman I want."
"I'm taken."
"Sure you are." They stared at each other for the longest of moments, not whether the other one was going to do. "You are a great kisser Miss Anders. I hope you have a pleasant afternoon." Mason left with a smug smirk on his face, mock-saluting as he exited. Kori huffed at his indignant behaviour and opened the door to the apartment. Only to be greeted with a strange clicking or rather ticking sound…
BOOM!
Xavier screeched into the parking as she saw smoke, ash, fire and glass erupt from his apartment. Immediately his heart sank as he sprinted up the stairs towards the carnage. With the door wide open, he could see straight towards the blue sky at the other end. Kori's items were there… but she wasn't.
--
"I can't believe that it has been a month and we haven't seen hide nor hair of Beast Boy. I mean, he's not the one to run off and elope!" Cyborg yelled as he scanned over the numerous sightings of emerald hair but none of the owner.
"I know what you mean Cyborg. But until we do find him. There is nothing that we can do." Robin stated. "Don't we'll find him."
"Thanks for your sympathy."
Raven cleared her throat. "We might as well do something more productive than this. He's not gonna burst through those doors and yell 'guys, guys' is he now?"
Albeit to what she had just said, the emerald Changeling ruptured though the door at lightning speed, battered and bruised as if he had been through a massive ordeal.
"Guys, GUYS! I have big news, and I mean really, REALLY HUGE!"
"Spill."
"Kori Anders is our Starfire!"
"Okay… why and how do you know?" Raven asked.
"Well, Cy you remember that blonde, she kidnapped me, but then she got drunk and told me everything, they plan to kidnap Kori Anders because she's actually Starfire!"
"Who plans to kidnap her?" Robin questioned, on the defensive.
"These Samurai people!"
"But how so we know this is true?" Raven queried, not sure if she was ready to meet Starfire again. At that moment, Xavier came through the door but instantly froze at Robin's deadly glare.
"… Because he is… Red X."
I say it's ironic how complicated this is and that I updated on Valentine's Day… No people, am I not in love. I am however still gunning the holiday. Ya… not much of a lemon… but since it's Valentine's day, I don't wanna give anyone ideas. Anyway, thank you to all of you who have waited very, very, very, VERY, patiently for this update. I honestly don't know when the next one is going to come, but thank you because you rock! In the order of reviews received… RedXStarRb, Blonde Shadowcat, Valda, solodancer, StarrGodess, Crimson Black, hecate0808, The First Angel, Rai, jjayno1 Samanthe2121, sweet-ghyny13, Tash Tash, lilstarfan, Miss Rosie Real, teen freak, lil'devil, FallenTeenHearts, pixiepuff101 and CereittanyPrincess15!
Oh yeah! I just remembered. I have indeed been tagged by Valda… Grr to her for tagging me when she knows I won't update… C'est la vie. I have decided to tag… two people… One of which I know will update… the other, I have no clue. And I will laugh if she updated today. So the important one. Crimson Black! And the other one being Valda! But since I know I only get one… Crimson Black darlin' it's you.
Keep it real…
D-I-WaRrIa