Early Wake for the Ball Game

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

When: 8 AM
Where: Kory's apartment
Other: Thread to continue on in Star City

It had been an exceptionally long night. To start it off, out at the bar scene again to round up Roy before he was to have more drinks than he'd regret. Then they split up to patrol or do what ever they needed to do.

The Bludhaven streets were rather tamed for once in the months that Nightwing had started. And Starfire had taken on a bit during the day.

The night had brought little challenge for Nightwing. A few fights, a few chases. All ending with Nightwing bringing down every single on that night. And for once not much more for him to investigate on. He had been at the right place at the right time because of his research and investigation skills.

He had turned in early that night. A first in about two weeks. He had been keeping himself busy after the death of Donna. Even though it had already been over a month or so. And Roy had been staying with them since then.

Dick found himself either at the academy or on patrol. He spent little time down besides for his research or to spend some time with Kory that he could.

Though tonight he had returned early. He hadn't seen Roy out on the streets that night. But he had a feeling he had spend more time at the bar trying to pick up some girls and manage a drink or two before anyone was there to stop him. Then again with Roy...who knew.

When he had gotten back, he took full advantage of the vacant apartment with Kory. They were over due for some quality time with each other. Though there may have been a few signs he had missed of Roy already have been being there from earlier.

At the time of the morning it was now, Dick could hardly remember what had gone on all that night. His nights were as long as his days sometimes. But this had been more enjoyable. And if he woke up any time soon, he'd know it wasn't enough sleep.

Dick lay asleep with Kory in her large bed. The morning light blocked out by the curtains that had been drawn from earlier. The light that made it in, made the room glow dimly with the morning light.

At one point Dick had looked up for a moment, not wanting to move, just to grab his phone and see the time. That had only been 20 minutes ago, and he was already sound asleep again. His head rested on the pillow, one arm tucked underneath it, and he was curled inward toward Kory a bit as he had tried to get comfortable again to sleep.

The sheets were a tangle between the two. But the spring night had been slightly warmer than it had in the last week. And right now, Dick wanted nothing more than to continue sleeping until he felt it was time to get up.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

Must of last night was distant now. Time and place. From when Starfire had taken care of business in Bludhaven whilst Nightwing was out of town. All in a matter of timely record, that when Nightwing did return. There wasn't much left to do, save gather up some small loose ends and surprised he took lead to go home… Her place, but really theirs. Especially some quality time alone with Roy out of the house. Fell into bed and at some point dozed off. Sleeping soundly. Least one of them was. Kory was off in a dream world… Only it didn't turn out so sweet. After chasing a gingerbread Dick around Titans Tower. Torn whether to eat him or not. Taking care of his buttons. Gathered up laughter. More so as she trailed to his gingerbread toes. Magically surprised that when she picked up his toes, his human toes were underneath. Which soon left Kory excitingly eating his gingerbread self until she got to the real Dick. Smothering him with kisses once she got to him… Somewhere along the way her dream drifted to another place. Not at all so sweet. No Dick for one. As she patted around. Was he simply hiding. Though looking up. Around it was complete darkness. Her eyes and face gave a true look of concern. Of potential knowing fear… This was not the first time she had been here. She had not been here in so many years… Not since recently. In a matter of seconds. The cries and screams filled her ears. Even as Kory covered her ears. Shrinking to her much younger self. She could still feel the pain of others through her body. Hear them through her hands. Below her. Beside her. Above her. It was always hard to judge where they came from. Where it started and where it ended.

Crawled as she had many times. Until a thick wall stopped her. So little warm. Nothing to grab on to. No one to hold your hand. No polite conversation. No interaction that was deemed joyful. All there was in these times. Was the support of a wall. Darkness. Whilst biding your time. Time to heal, as the pain spread through her gut. The many wounds. See how much someone like her can take. Never really given the time to feel whole again, least not physically. Her head buried into her knees. The bellowing sobs. As her tiny body shook. She suddenly felt a movement. Something slumped against her. Unable to see. By touch. A body. Cold. Too cold. Jumped too the side. A hand etched back with hesitation to run it through the child's hair. As realisation and the memory more than hit her. She was everywhere and no where too be found. Whispering out to Dick, wherever he maybe… Around this time. Dick had woken briefly. Before wiggling around to go back to sleep. Rolled to her direction, her back and curled in. Enough Kory felt it in her dream. Shooting up in bed in a bit of a daze and fright. Whether or not she hit him in her motion she wasn't aware. As Kory's chest raced like a race car. Like she had been sucked in a gulf of water and finally broke free.

"X'hal!"

Bringing the sheets a little too chest what she can from the tangling. Not so much taken from Dick of course. As Kory took the deep breaths she'd seen Dick take, that humans did to settle themselves. She didn't breath as a human did, but it certainly helped. Before realising she had tears that had seemingly broke through the dream. No, defiantly nightmare. Brought her hand up. Blinking her eyes open, as the last cries and screams faded to whispers and were gone. Maybe when Dick let go. Generally he would hold her. Some form of a touch. It certainly wasn't his fault. Though glad whether he had meant it or not, waking her up. Brushed her red hair at shoulder before tucking it behind her back. Looking down at Dick where he was. Whether that woken him up or not. She smiled softly and immediately felt better. Lightly brushed his own hair… Eyes trailed around blinking the sleep over the length of the bed. His legs. Before the small gap between the curtains. Light! Sunlight! Joyful to see it. Feel it. Though her legs. Felt still heavy and she felt that itch in her back you get when your happy to stay in bed. Not exactly just because of the sleep. More the comfort. The safety. Guided back slowly to her pillow. The edge of her pillow. Wanting to etch as closer as she could to Dick. Her comfort in bed. Home. Safety.

"I'm glad it is you… For a moment I thought there might be a strange man in my bed!"

Speaking lowly and softly. Kory couldn't be sure if he was listening… Was he a sleep? Smiling sweetly. So close tried to rub her nose against his. Her eyes blinked less as she watched him. Lightly joking, well thats not exactly what she had thought, mostly she had just freaked out, but that defiantly seemed like it now. As she could laugh about it now. Contemplated to drift back off to sleep with him. Normally that was peaceful, but despite that peace. Kory was hesitant to shut her eyes for that long right now. Finger traced along this jawbone, along the little scruff of new grown hairs and brought back her hand. Taking her hands to the sheet, holding it to her chest, inches away from Dick. Looking with the faint twitch of her eyebrows. Before smiling softly. Catching the hair that fell. If he hadn't already, Kory wanted to see his eyes. Though torn, because he was probably tired. So she didn't so much touch him. Speak any more. Though lightly with her lips, blew the hair at his eyes. As if attempting to get them out of the way, but of course the hair would fall back into place. Requiring Kory to continue. Not heavy just lightly here and there. Every now and then. Shutting her eyes as if it wasn't her. Though with a knowing smile on her lips.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick had fallen back into the rem cycle of sleep. Even after 20 minutes. He could be a heavy sleeper. And especially with how late they got to sleep, he was not a morning person. Kory would know that.

He could slightly hear the voice of another in the room. And in his sleep he mumbled back,"five more minutes."

Totally lost to the real world at that time, he knew nothing of the words he spoke. It was just natural from him to say that to someone. And in the past it was sure Alfred heard that raising him. Though with Alfred, he'd never let him get away with it. Not if there was a schedule to keep to. Especially the days he had been in school.

Dick could feel a light breeze across his forehead. At first not reacting until it continued. Then to later start groaning and turning his face into the pillow as he now lay face down. But it seemed to continue. Dick started to stir more from his sleepy state of mind.

Lifting his head he looked to the clock then slowly turned back again to face toward Kory. "Do you know what time it is....it's too early to be up," Dick murmured as he looked to Kory. His sleepy eyes taking in the sight before him. But he was clear tired. A smile slight on his face knowing Kory had his attention now and he knew was probably not going to be going back to sleep.

He had clearly been pleased with the activities of last night.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

The initial daze lingered all but a few moments, maybe not even minutes. Enough to stir Kory from the slumber and the harshness of the nightmare. Not that it wasn't completely bearable, but Kory had naturally hid them. Anything of fear or anything of the past. Buried them so deep, that they more or less were no longer there. Though there were traces that no matter how hard she tried to be rid of, they would always linger. The Emotions. Everything was almost more so for her kind than for humans. Naturally seeing the peaceful face of the man she loved. Was somewhere Kory wanted to see, rather than turning back to sleep. It was calm, soothing and joyful. Added with the streaks of the sun behind the curtain. Getting up, was another thing entirely. What Dick wanted… Mattered… As Kory had stretched back under the covers, defiantly feeling the comfort and the simple amusement on her lips at Dick's mumbling words of extra minutes. Well, that proved where his sleepy head was. About ready to protest he could have triple that, but it pass by rather echoey ears. Kory was sure. Part wanted him here, just his eyes. A touch, but there was comfort in watching him sleep. Especially after the previous day or days. With him, they tend to rolling into one another as if there isn't so much a beginning and an end. Hopefully just a few moments she could offer to allow him the moment to breathe. In more ways than one.

Watching him from her side of the pillow. Almost like every morning since they were teens, but somehow always remarkably special. Although during the times he had less on his plate and it had been simply titans. The waking up had taken more hours. Still happens, just rarer. Maybe just a little. As Kory had made her attempts with her breath upon his hair. As of course poking would just be rude and well one can't use the same card every morning wouldn't be effective and last thing she wanted was Dick to really become mad at her. He needed his rest, she needed him. In this case it had been him that had woken her up first. Otherwise Kory could sleep pretty deeply. Not that she was pointing fingers. With a simple smile on her face, then straightened it a little as felt Dick move. Peaked to see him look to the clock, before shutting her eyes again. Straight face. It didn't hold greatly as Dick murmured again. As she slowly motioned her eyes as if she was waking up

"What are you mumbling about? It was not me… And who said anything about getting up?"

Not that Kory couldn't lie as offered him a cute grin. With a playful look. Time hadn't really come to mind what so ever. In fact even as he had said and she looked out the window. Kory couldn't only guess the time. Giving him a sweet look, before lifting up a little on her arm. Trying to sneak a peak at the clock. Given there had been the compromise of the alarm clock being on his side. Which Kory was sure Dick forgot about how often there was no side, but he was in charge of it most of the time. Unless she had early photoshoots, but he set those for her. Not stopping greatly as Kory kept half falling on him. Was she trying to be a little annoying? Well more in the cute way, than shear annoyance. Where'd he kick her out of the bed. Fell, slipped back to her pillow. Oddly more closer to him as she questioned the getting up part. Waking up and getting up, were two different things. From the clock there was still an hour or so until they had to leave. They needn't have to leave this room until then.

"I like you where you are! I just don't exactly… Want to go back to sleep! I have no problems watching you… I love how you can be so hard working and so laid back… Mind you I didn't say lazy! Because that would disprove everything that happened last night… You know what to do if I'm talking to much."

Kory spoke intently softly as her green eyes danced with his sleepy blues. Added with a sincere smile. More than liked where he was. though same was said for many positions. Mumbling, but clear enough as Kory mentioned her lack of wanting to go to sleep. Less wanting than simply couldn't. Having just come from the nightmare. Why risk it? Kory gave him a knowing look. Not pity, because that was never something she initially sort for. Understanding was most of the time harder to come by… Fingers trailed up his chest lightly as Kory got more comfy in her pillow as he could still sleep. Kory was content with that. Well… Mostly. As naturally Kory rambled on shortly. Whether to him directly or to herself. It was complimenting words no doubt. Naturally spooning into him. Fingers traced along his arm. Eyes looked between his, innocently enough as reminded him, if she was talking to much. What she was seeking.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"I said it's too early. And I know it was you. No one else would be doing it," Dick replied as he turned over to look at her.

Kory was always one for trying to cuddle with him in the morning. Sometimes their fun continued on like it had last night. And it was enough to tire a human out. But somehow Dick managed to keep up.

Dick never really minded her play in the morning. This was how Kory was all the time. Well that was until Dick made a fuse over being late for something or really needed the sleep in the morning.

He couldn't stay mad at Kory long. She only did things out of love for him. And he appreciated her too much to block her out from his life. She was his best friend. Dick wasn't sure where he would be without her in his life. That and he spent most of his free time with her when he could.

"I know exactly," Dick said as he moved closer.

He pulled her in with his left arm and deeply kissed her lips. Not that she was talking too much like she had been saying. But his action would play it off like she had been. Though he was awake enough to interact more with her rather than just mumbling.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

The voice. His voice drove in like beating waves against the shore. In every way that was good. Where it may have echoed fainting in dreams past. Must more than vivid now. Reassurance…. Hmmmm. It was almost there. A heavy head filling a fiery bed at her pillow and hands clung loosely. Oh… Ok… As Dick's eyes fell more intendedly upon her. A shiver ran up her spine. Tingles brushed the skin as they mildly reached the colours of her cheeks…. X'hal! Yep, reality was this. Her lips didn't so much quiver, still trying retain the straightness of course in some soft smile… Smiling was almost difficult at this time. Though at his words. At her so called lie… Oh who was she kidding. She was not the best lier, not that it was best lie to begin with. What threat could he had laid upon her.

"Maybe a vivid dream… Though I am glad you woke me up… I am sure you will be too… In a matter of…"

In all honesty it could be true. Kory grinned brightly in her suggestion… Because it seemed only natural that his dreams were filled often with Kory in them. Eyeing him playfully as if there was possibly the choice. Dream Kory or real Kory. Otherwise it was hard to imagine with his crazy life day in day out, that his dreams would be of peace. What ever it was her or not. The nights he slept deeply, she was defiantly happy to see. Hopefully meant more energy. Eyes upon his. If there had been anything to forgive, he'd already given it too her. Smiling softly as she had about to say in a matter of 'time'. Felt the movement take away what was left of space between them. In his attempts to pull her in. Kory of course allowed it as openly as ever. Partially crumbling into him within the embrace. Eyes closed as his lips met her own. Her right hand with her orange fingers pressed gently at his cheek, in attempts to keep it there, just that little bit longer. This was pure joy. No one had she ever wanted more than this man. Emotionally. Physically. As she was defiantly on the ways of melting and sinking further in the bed… Well, that and him. With the ability to rid of her strength in ways. It did not pretend or maybe it was intentionally. As Kory moved further, entwined mostly on top of his chest and lips locked. Little giggles did bubbly out, but mostly of joy as always. Fingers from his check trailed down mildly against the length of his neck and collarbone. In between felt his pulse dance under her fingertips. Reaching with her other hand, to help with any of little bits of sleep still in his eyes. Almost felt the rise through her body and managed a small yawn between the passionate kisses. Not that he was making her sleepy, just more relaxed. Content.

"I love you, Dick!"

Plain. Simple. Kory spoke it. How she she felt. How he was making her feel… Well, he always did in general. As her lips massaged his own, before a simply light look. Smile. Not seeking anything more than what was before her now. Because she already knew he loved her… Of course there was always the questions of how much, but there was plenty of time for that. Kory couldn't account for everyone that had told him such a thing, but it could be assured she'd never take it away from him… Even as best friends. She would always love him. With trailing kisses and embrace of arms. Kory lowered her head at his shoulder not with weight so not to crush him. Although had she, knowing Dick, he'd assure her he could take it. Hand from his neck, stretched across his torso. As she had pointed out countlessly that she did not breath like a human, but she was defiantly winding down as if content to sleep or simply lay with him in between whatever dream world came. From the look of the clock there was defiantly time before they had to leave for the game. Though in thinking of dreams. Kory couldn't help but ponder the bizarre dream she had. Given the similar situation.

"I'm curious, why you were a gingerbread man in my dream… Oooh!…. Maybe all that flour!… You did have cute eatable toes though!"

Kory spoke her mind and shared a bit of the dream she'd had. Just running it out loud to somewhat ponder why she the odd dream. Not that it hadn't been entertaining, but surely had no actually desires to eat him. Shifting a little. Resting her chin upon his chest, shoulder. As looked and spoke to Dick. Eyes shifting before suggesting the cooking or was it baking? She smiled wider. Almost made perfect sense. With all the flour. Kory expressed a little with her hands. Setting back down as she commented playful about his toes with the suggestions with her eyebrows. With a pause as her lips were inched from his, with a soft laugh. Kory motioned for his lips.

"Maybe I should check them!"

Kory suggested in the playful mood. Possibly a little serious, she did after all care about his toes. She liked to think she save them and him in her dream, but it really was just a dream still in the end. More less… Let it go, although it was too odd and funny… So probably let it go soon. Kory was more than sure she wasn't dreaming now. All five senses engulfed by him right now, it was hard to not know.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Once their lock had broken, Dick sank back to his pillow. Still a bit warn from last night's activities. It was as much the activity on the streets that wore him down a bit as much as in bed.

When Kory spoke of her love for him, he gave a knowing smile. Just letting the silence settle between them for a moment. These were the kind of mornings he enjoyed. Not having to rush off for work or attend to any major cases. He was content with her company as they lay together.

The sheets a tangle between them and slightly covering. His Nightwing suit lay in a pile on the other side of the room. Gloves and boots scattered about as well. And from the past few days of him just crashing at Kory's, it looked like a tornado had hit.

Dick was at least planning on helping her clean up a bit. They had company staying within the apartment. And the least he could do was try and help keep the work load of Kory low.

He looked to Kory as she spoke of her dreams from that night. "Well, I would maybe interpret it as how I'm with a rather hot ginger right now," Dick replied as their lips met again for a moment.

The next comment cause his attention. "Check them? They're fine. I'm all human," Dick said.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

Love. Lust. Faith. Dreams. Could be all present upon a pillow. In a bed filled with pure emotions. Of course the centre of it all, was the most rewarding part of all. The sunlight peaked just enough, Kory could feel it hit the tiny spot on her collar bone. Aiding to the already tingles escaping from her core. Almost a little shiver. An unravelling from her shoulders. Not much sinking to the bed. As her green eyes traced every bit of wonder the man before her processed. The simplest way his brows could express it all in quite a shift change at that. From the little frown to hinting he was on his way to being content… Possibly even delighted. Of course the shear electricity Kory could feel from the touch of skin. There was almost an escape of breath, from the moment her affections had met his ears and meant for his heart. He was worn out not quite burnt out, but Dick was peaceful. She wanted him to get his rest, but as Kory looked upon him. His smile from his lips, whilst Kory was gently nibbling her own bottom lip. The emotion she was feeling, was wanting to see him. Feel him move. Nothing drastic or dramatic. To be frank, she could take the most subtle of movements.

Tangled in sheets in and around his legs. A orange finger traced the left side of his jaw line and brushed at his bottom lip. Letting go of her lip between her teeth, offered her own smile. As her heart felt like the jets in the spa, only a little more on target. With a subtle motion towards his lips. The man she loved. Eyes closed and the beauty of friendship and trust. Vulnerability couldn't be more perfect. Tingles at her lips as they brushed Dick's lips. Feeling every slightest movement as they touched. Letting out gasps of joyous sounds and a lot just silent, but every sign that he was capable of moving her. The love had been in his eyes. On his lips and now with every lingering kiss with her lips. Kory could feel it. Felt every beat of his heart and the race of his pulse. Until her lips gave more in, drawing his lips up in a way that didn't require him to reach to much from his pillow. His peace. Letting it linger. Wash over her. Hit every corner and edge as often as she could. Letting go… X'hal, only made her dream for more. Kory's head came to the place at his shoulder. Now she was sinking more into the bed, well mostly him. Kory was just going with him. Kory could take the tornadoes of his clothes, if meant he came along with them every now and then. Things were easier when you were in love. The things you did, put other things in perspective. Arm draped across, was almost sure her hand met with his own hand somewhere beneath the sheets. Golden cheeks glowed as Dick suggested other reasons. The motion of his speaking, offered quite delightful vibrations so close. Soothing. Smiled softly with little on her tongue. Save the motion as she lifted and Dick reached the rest for the kiss.

Curiosity… Well, mostly. As Kory half curled more into the curve of his neck. Allowing the tip of his ear brush her nose. With just tiny motion of her head. Her lips traced lightly at his earlobe. Slowly drawing it in with kisses and a little more with her tongue. Nibbling with her teeth, tingling his nerves, hopefully not in a bad way, but in the way Kory was sure he generally enjoyed. Nibbling further up from his earlobe and up the edge of his ear. Reaching for the tiny bump, that she quite adored and was quite fitting for him. Not that it was much like some warrior scar. No, as Kory was aware, from discovery the first time. It was always a part of him and was quite the sensitive spot. Not that she was playing at it as much as she had before or could again to throw him off completely. Kory let go as Dick questioned her desire to maybe check his toes. Hearing the alarming tone in his voice, Kory giggled softly. Nuzzling her nose playfully against his cheek. Before the rest of his words stopped her. Motioning a little to look at him with an intriguing look.

"That's what the gingerbread you said!"

Kory remarked at Dick, not that she wasn't believing him, but well just with the little questioning in her tone. He was not helping her in suggesting he didn't require a search warrant… Wait, did she even need one of those? Kory was sure she had broken the barrier several times over. Broken that do not cross sign. Humbly amusing herself. Before the tiny motion happened between her brows. A frown, yes, but Dick knew she could be in her more cheeky moods. Though with a touch of concerning playful possible threat. Motioned back to the bump on his ear not exactly quickly, but not as slowly as before. More intent, as she nibbled at it. Whether he was able to see it or felt the playful expression at her lips as she nibbled his ear. She was hiding, maybe not entirely on purpose from him. Just as she toying with the nerves more franticly at his ear. Kory let it go… There were toes to find. Offering playing reassuring smile, not grinning of amusement. Oh, X'hal no. Ok, well there was no escaping. The chances of some lingering trailing kissed down his chest. Being mindful of not having fingers at a too hot temperature. It was all smooth sailing, until Kory was met with the overly intertwined section of the bedding. Getting caught, she almost went nose diving. Lifting her head all she could see was white. Orange hands motioned for anything remotely freedom. Until felt his knee. Some of the hairs down his leg. Kept going. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Kory's red hair came back into view from the other end of he bed. Not that she needed to exactly take a breath, but to take a better sense of where she was. Her eyes mindfully looking over Dick, before her head fell down as to almost rest. Like she wasn't made of super strength and all the good things of the sun. Laughing silently, but visible from the tiny shakes of the bed. Turning her head to the side. She stopped laughing. Her eyes almost like seeing the end of the rainbow.

"X'hal! I found them…"

A smile came to her lips, but was it true. Or was it just another illusion. Rolling to her side. Reached a hand to the foot closest. Tugging on the baby toe and motioned a light kiss upon his big toe. Eyes watched his contently. Letting go of his baby toe. Fingers playfully traced over the four smallest toes, before tracing in places at the bottom of his foot.

"I really do love them!"

Truly meant what she said! Happy to continually play with them, from the foot of her bed. With her hair tousled in and around her. With fine sun streak through the curtain upon her head and a little on his toes. Her free hand traced on the top of his foot, trailing up his lower leg and back again.