Snowflakes! [DICK]

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

It had been less than 24 hours since it had been slipped. Since Roy, may X'hal bless his heart, had made it know. The secret Kory had been carrying, mostly carrying well, there were times she'd almost forget, but wasn't long after she'd be reminded. Kory wasn't upset that Roy had done it, even if it have been so public. Had he not, she really couldn't say when she would have. Though given the surroundings. Given the timing, it hadn't allowed for the full words. The full knowledge slip her tongue. With Outsiders business, it sort of postponed that, However long Kory had stayed in that bunker, before the night came. Missions came, but Starfire hadn't quite returned home. Kory least didn't put it down to an excuse, titans had an emergency, so she was gone for the night. No biggie. That kinda stuff happened, even though little sleep came and Kory could only imagine if Dick had. Could only imagine what he thought! So Kory had picked up her phone. Texted, she would be at the given address for a place that sold Christmas trees. It was a little out of the main heart of the city of Bludhaven, but opposite a beautiful park… What better than to do something a little joyful, before she broke it down to him! Even though she wasn't even sure how to say it. There was already all chances he was angry with her for keeping it, but once he knew what it was. Kory really couldn't know, but she had to tell him. Needed too. Wanted too. As Kory had seamlessly flown undetected, through the cool. Crisp air of the approaching winter.

She had arrived about half an hour earlier than she texted, it was about mid morning. Approaching ten am. It certainly wasn't an overcast day. There was a little sunshine, as Kory had landed in the rather quiet park. Made a quick dash to change out of her Starfire gear. Slipping on a short white, loose, yet flowy, mid length sleeved dress. That was taken at the waist by a black ribbon belt. Putting on a mid thigh length plum coloured coat. Double breasted and belt at the waist. Paired with some lengthy dark boots, with a low heel. Dark shades soon covered her eyes. Red hair tousled out and about, circling somewhere past her waist. It was not a long walk at all to the little section where the christmas trees were. Kory could even smell the pine needles from a mile away. It was one of the main reasons she favoured the real thing, even though they couldn't be refused. Her pacing was not quick, she took her time. Counted the pavement stones as they were bringing her closer. Her heart was defiantly fluttering, but that was a mix of a couple things. A telling him, B seeing him, because no matter what Kory missed him and C it was christmas of course. One thing she enjoyed the most was the decorations, as well as the time spent with friends. Family… Her eyes trailed up to the rustling of the branches. What leaves still hang tight to them, but mostly leaves crunched as she walked. Some blew against her legs. Fell mere inches. Looking across, it was the beautiful mix of oranges, yellow and red. With just the beginning falls of frost. Of snow.

After the little stroll. It wasn't much longer, before Kory reached the place selling christmas trees. Lightly fenced off, but there were a decent amount of trees to pick. All ranging from sizes and most likely prizes. With a simple greeting of the nice elderly man selling them and Kory began wandering through the trees. Circling them. A soft smile at the chubby short tree, it was adorable. Maybe they could find a cute tree for Dick's apartment as well, after today there was no telling if he'd be wanting to drop in at her apartment again, but Kory certainly remain hopeful. With all the years. All the bumps. Kory could almost see the irony in bumps, but this was potentially a little bigger. Passing tree, after tree. The aroma was the thing that kept her feeling settled, but it just wasn't going to feel right until Dick was here. With her. As after the wandering, which felt longer than it probably was. Kory walked out of the trees. Not far. Reaching a bench, she sat down. Placing her bag on her lap. Followed by her elbows. A hand toyed a littler at her hair, as she thought mild things, but not over thinking as Kory waited.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick had gotten the address and felt no need to respond. He was on his way shortly before he had gotten it. Sure he could answer back, but he was feeling his distant self again after what had happened between them at the Outsiders bunker.

He was concerned strongly about Kory. And the actions that had taken place between them both. The news that she had barely told him, he was piecing together. The trips to the doctor and such.

This whole situation was causing a stir between them. More uncomfortable than usual.

Dick walked down the street close to the address he had gotten from Kory. Just because he was being distant didn't mean he'd avoid going to try and solve this.

Walking in the cold to the address gave him time to think. Time to collect his thoughts a bit. Like he felt that was really going to help the situation.

He wasn't wearing his usual leather jacket, at least not in this weather. That and the fact he had walked instead of taking his motorcycle. The heavy hunter green winter jacket kept the cold away as he walked. He shuffled his boots against the ground every once in a while in thought.

Before he knew it, he was at the sale. And he could see a certain redhead not paying any attention as she sat on the bench outside of the place.

"I haven't forgotten," he said as he walked up to her. His hands in his pockets to stay warm.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

It could have been seconds. Minutes. For X'hal's sake hours since Kory had sat on the bench. Quietly. Just outside the yard selling christmas trees. Least Kory felt like it was a long time, but then hardly enough with the rapidly beating of her heart beneath. No, the time really hadn't gone by that long, as Kory checked. With the hesitation. She was also ready. How she could be dreading this to a point and yet still miss him. Of course even if she had to question it. She undoubtedly knew the answer. Love. The very reason, she undoubtedly knew, she had to tell him. Even if by the chances it drives a stake between them. No, Kory could all but shake the thought. Was it even fair to. As in truth she did not know. Where it would put them… That was probably what shook her the most, as her green eyes faintly traced on nothing, but leaves and frost. The very touches of winter. The season for joy. Kory wouldn't be remotely close until…

"DICK!"

Remarked from the joy, surprise of it all. As his voice met her ears. His shadow cast upon her. A glance from her bright green eyes, Dick was indeed there. Hardly lingered upon the bench as Kory all, but jumped to her feet. Whether out of complete bliss or potentially a little startled, it really didn't matter. As Kory mindlessly brushed anything from her coat. As her once rapid heart, almost tripled… Perhaps even more… Kory undoubtedly smiled, happily and perhaps a little nervous, but most undoubtedly at his words. Because at the end of it. He was here… X'hal and looking all tons of handsome. As her eyes lingered from the jacket, to his eyes. They really were blue today… Breaking the space. Kory leaned to linger a loving kiss on his cheek. Before taking a step back. She really wasn't sure she was quite deserving of his lips… Least not yet. A hand gently played his hair from his eyes, with a simple, simple smile.

"You never do… You are, always there. Dick, we all know you could give Wally a run for his money… Did that bet ever get settled?"

Least Kory could attest to most things, but Dick could have a list of 10 or more things he needed to get done, he'd do all he could to do them all and then some. All in a days work. With all that he juggled. Sometimes it was simply time that escaped. Not simply forgetting, but at the end of the day he would be there. Even if it was for a minute. As Kory smiled. Remarked with even simply seeing him before her. Even if recently there had been more space than desired, but he was here now. With a slightly more playful remark, putting it against Wally's speed. Kory would have to assume it be a close race. As she simply smiled sincerely with a wink. Before questioning the bet. Least she assumed it was with Wally. For all she knew they were gambling fish sticks. Not that she was completely avoiding anything. As her attention drew back too the christmas trees.

"Besides, I knew you wouldn't miss picking out christmas trees… There is just so many… Um, so were you thinking also to get one for your place? I did see a couple smaller sized trees, that could look adorable… X'hal, I can give you the extra special decorations… You do remember them?"

Kory was getting there, ok, gonna get to telling him, once she felt the right moment. If there ever was going to be. As Kory happily enough took attention to the christmas trees, the holiday still even now put some little spark in her. With just that added touch of rosy gold in her cheeks, as she smiled sweetly to Dick. Defiantly valued his opinion, as her eyes spanned the trees… So many pretty trees. All shapes. Sizes. This was like asking her to pick what's the right amount of joy. Casually, but with a little more prep in her step. Led towards the trees. Of course happily enquiring whether Dick wanted a tree for his place. Christmas would potentially be spent at her place or at the manor. That was even if Dick wanted to spent it together after today. As Kory kindly pointed to some smaller trees grouped in the short distance. They really were cute. As Kory's golden fingers soon played on some tree leaves, as they came to the first couple. With bigger ones looming around and deeper through the yard. Offering with the shear sparks in her eyes, as she recalled the 'extra special decoration'. Hardly even trying to hide that smile and the playful hint from her eye brows. They were made back when they were titans, right now the memories seemed all the more endearing… As Kory asked Dick, if he didn't remember, she was sure they would be a nice surprise. Reminder of the memories some christmas' ago.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

At her reaction, Dick wasn't surprised. Kory was always grateful to have him around. As was he. Though today seemed a bit off.

His mind still set back to what had been said in the bunker with the Outsiders. The news she hadn't told him. But Roy's words had been enough of a hint for Dick to have already come up with a few ideas as to what he was talking about.

The signs had been there. At least a simple written note he had found on the side of her frig about a doctors appointment. A simple sign. It could have been for anything. But it had been recent.

Dick may come off as laid back and seem unaware of his surrounds...But in truth, he was always vigilant.

The kiss on the cheek did not go unnoticed, the slightest of a smile came to his face. Though not reacting as much as he usually would, he played it off he was just cold from walking through the city as it started to snow.

"Hasn't come up in a while," Dick replied to the unsettled bet.

He played off the comment, remembering the talk between the two of them. He hadn't seen Wally in some time since he had left the Titans. Heck, he hardly saw anyone these days.

"We can, there's no harm in it," Dick answered about the tree. "Which ones?"

He wasn't entirely sure which ones she was talking about. Though the thought of the Titans came to mind.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

There was calmness. Maybe a little too much calmness from Dick. As simple as even feeling it, the tension. It was certainly trying to weave itself in and around, but he was here. Kory was here. As simple as her smile. Her kiss to his cheek. Who knew, maybe after all said and done, everything will be up lifted. Kory really didn't think she could do the distance at home or even in the bed, she knew she wouldn't push him or pull him, in a manor of speaking, but still… No, it needed to be more filled with just the right amount of passion. With the simplest look to catch his smile. Yeah, perhaps it could be down to the cold and perhaps when all said and done. They could finally embrace. Snuggle up. With all the energy and heat charging through her body, she could always do with more, but that seemed remotely distant. A little hopeful! As her gold hand brushed hair that most likely didn't really get in the way.

"Its really been a while, huh? Maybe we could do the double dating again…!"

With the more mild tone in Kory's voice, she was sure she knew the answer. Sometimes it felt like only yesterday, but when reality hit. It had really been a long time. For most of them, but it hardly was the same without all the gang. Without Wally. Dick. Even Roy. Kory breathed a sigh, with a simple smile. Not so much asking, perhaps partially hoping, could she really ask right now? As she looked to Dick innocently in the suggestion of a double date with Wally and his current girl. Last time, they must have still been teenagers. Even with this tension, Kory was still hopeful. What was a couple of days. Weeks. Months. Years. However many trees that could be? Kory wouldn't just give up so easily. So it was awkward, it was usually so natural just taking his hand. Curling arm around, Kory left space, but she caved minority at a hold of his finger. Light tug as Kory led through the entrance of the massive bundle of trees. Bare, but once they had picked the right ones they would be sparkling like there was no tomorrow. Even though Kory felt more mellow, X'hal knew it was bound to happen. If anything it would be just the thing to pep her up. Oh! Kory did beam a extra glimmer at Dick not saying no to a tree for his place. That of course opened her eyes more importantly at what tree was just perfect for him. X'hal, Kory felt just that shot in her heart, but the love only made her feel that tad bit more guilty… Though she offered a slightly more cheeky, yet still endearing kind of smile at Dick's question. To be fair she had a lot of decorations, but the ones she was meaning were really that extra bit special. As fingers lightly played Dick's arm.

"From our first christmas, Dick! When we met Santa and incidentally found a photo-booth! I put copies into frames to hang on the tree. It really was joyful memories!"

It was also very long ago, even before they had officially started dating, but hell wasn't like there wasn't always sparks. Though in all honesty as Kory could simply smile in the memories, it was the earlier days with the titans. When they really were becoming more than just friends. Although in saying they met Santa, that was probably more for Kory's benefit… It was evidently her first ever christmas! It was one heck of a blast, despite it ended with them taking care of baddies, then again it really couldn't have ended better. They ended it together after all and in between got to be themselves. Kory kept close, but walked around a couple of trees catching her eye. As Kory spoke of how she put them in frames. Little decorative christmas frames for the tree. As her golden fingers played the tree. Pulled the leaves out a little. Hmmm, it even smelt like christmas. Like joy… This christmas she was sure not to go all out on the egg nog, that really wasn't the hit the first time. Kory could almost chuckle...

"So, any tree standing out to you, Dick? This one is quite lovely. Would it be too wide? Hmmm, although that one over there has a much deeper colour…"

Kory's voice spoke up half hidden by a tree or two, although it was possible she was slightly taller, but eight way she could be heard. As green eyes tried to look more directly at the trees around them. With little touches and tugs. They really came in all shapes and sizes. Now, she was in the assumption of a more petite tree, perhaps just give the place a little warm hearted feeling, least whenever Dick was there. Kory after a few moments in and between searching. Found Dick a little more face to face again. Questioning the width, his place wasn't tiny, but it certainly wasn't huge. So it was a matter of a tree that was just right for him. As Kory pointed a deeper green in colour tree, not as wide. As green eyes wandered through the many trees, still with the tugging feeling. As her eyes almost avoided his… Slowly moving around another tree. Plucking at leaves.

X'hal, now this smells like christmas… Ah, Dick? Speaking of plants… You know when the toxins hit us? Me? And after I… The doctor found something… X'hal, I don't know how to say this, but I…"

Subtly. Calmly Kory spoke from the simple yet deep aroma. It was homely and hearty. Even more now it made her that little more home sick. Kory could always find bliss, but she couldn't just hold on to it, not when she had this heavy cloud over her and. As Kory paused, the more she needed Dick to know. With every chance he could turn around and hate her for it, but she was gonna hate herself if she didn't… Right now, Kory kept going back to the heaviness. The place wasn't crowded with people, heck they might have been the only two besides the person running the place. It offered cover, but Kory really couldn't hide forever. As her tone changed as she called his name… As slowly Kory motioned back from behind trees and find Dick. Just letting as much as Kory could manage. There were bits and pieces, but they all added up. Kory's eyes finding his, didn't linger long, but shadowed what she had been carrying. The emotions. The hurt. X'hal, if only she had insisted she'd be fine going to the check up on her own. He would have been then and there, but well he was here now… As Kory began to tell him, find the right words between the pauses. Openly told him it wasn't easy, but she as sure was gonna find a way. He deserved it and she had too. As as unknowingly she shook her head ever so faintly and her lashes blinked the moisture. Her lips felt dry, but her heart felt so heavy. As her hand unknowingly clutched.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"I could wait a bit before we have another double date with Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. The last time was enough to last me a while," Dick commented.

It wasn't that he hated spending time with them. But when Bruce turns on the charm of the billionaire, it was enough for him to want to get away as soon as he could. Especially if the attention turned to him. He didn't mind larger parties, at times.

At her comment over the surprise, he recalled the decorations. The Titans had quite the times together.

"Yeah, I remember. Didn't know you were holding on to them all this time," Dick replied.

Dick had followed Kory into the small forest of cut trees that lined sawhorses that held them up. All types of shapes and sizes.

After a while, Kory seemed to be slightly hidden by the trees that she walked over to. Her pace was rather quick it seemed. And he noticed her avoiding eye contact with him every once in a while when he make eye contact with her.

"I'm not too picky," Dick replied as he pulled one tree out from along the line and stood it up.

He laid it back in line when Kory seemed to be bring up a new subject. His attention drawn back to her as Kory stepped out from behind the trees. The hint of the conversation caught his attention right away. No...Kory drew his attention right away.

"Kory, you can talk to me. I know something has been up for a while, please tell me what is on your mind," Dick said.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

Oh, that was certainly not the double date, Kory had meant. Not that she was completely turning her nose at that, but she'd agree it be too soon. Although more time with Selina, certainly would be fun. As she lightly toyed at Dick's hand. Kory did wince a little. Positive enough that any situation they could certainly handle, but that had been quite night. A lot had been said. A lot had been seen, not entirely somethings you can take back. As Kory gave a simple sweet laugh and shook her head. She shouldn't blame him to jump to that conclusion.

"I wasn't meaning them, don't worry… With Wally. Last I heard, he had met a new girl… Linda… I believe… Not that I think he really needs any moral support. I think his quirks are sweet… So he eats a little fast…"

Nudging Dick sweetly. Subtly, with the shake of her head it wasn't Bruce and Selina. As she then lifted the sunglasses from her eyes and rested them comfortably above her head. As noted there wasn't a lot of people and well, Dick wasn't someone she needed entirely to hide her eyes from. Looking more directly at him and to assure him. He really did worry a lot and this. This was kinda cute. Not that she would tease him. This really wasn't maybe the time, but did. Would always enjoy spending time with him. More if she could wish it true. Her voice picked up with the sweet tone of Wally's name. A friend. A beloved friend. Being Titans breaking off in smaller groups or even as such doing group dates wasn't completely uncommon. Especially when they were teens. Besides the occasional danger that resulted, more often it was a lot of fun. Though it probably been a good while since they'd doubled with Wally and his girls. He didn't have a long list, but he was young. Although the current girl he'd been possibly seeing, Kory was almost sure she'd recalled from what Victor and Gar had mentioned. She really needed to call him. Simply they needed to keep a little at least in touch. Smiling simply, before mentioning 'the moral support'… Wasn't that what Dick had called on some of the double dates. Some humans seemed to be more comfortable with their friends with them… For Kory, she supposed it was to help impress, personally she thought he was a great guy, even with his traits, that may have slipped out. Watching him eat fast was rather normal, although as Kory smiled to Dick. Wally did perhaps have extra nerves on previous double dates… Led Dick then into the christmas trees. With her feet making a little squishing sounds in the light frosty ground. Smells were amazing. She was feeling ounces of joy, yet still the hurtful tugs on her heart strings… Though at Dick's words. His memories of what was, certainly wasn't the hurtful kind. Perhaps just in the tiniest yet different way.

"Without you. Without our friends… Without us… I mean I have memories sure in my head and in my heart, but otherwise I wouldn't have a whole lot to hold on to… I don' know how we all fit or if Vic made us fit, but X'hal, it was a lot of fun. You were all on top of me, I recall… Hmmm, that's a yes, on the decorations? Otherwise, one could question why you'd turn down pictures of your friends and of a hottie like me!"

Stopping momentarily in between a couple of trees. Kory looked to Dick as she responded. Her fingers potentially messing with the leaves of trees before her, as even at the touch. Smell. All elements could must up some memory or even some deep emotion. It was far less about the object. It was just that. Wood and leaves, but there certainly was much more than surface to life. To even the smallest things that existed. With her words, maybe there were reminders in this joyful holiday just where her position was in the universe. Without all this. What was there to really hold her? Because right now, she could not help than think about cherishing the moments. The now. Sure she could find a way to survive if she didn't have even what she had now, but that certainly was no ideal. Nor reality… Looking between trees to Dick, she really didn't need to tell him all this. Hell, he probably knew it better than even she knew herself… Though a little more of a smile came to her lips than her simple one. As she more detailed the 'fitting' in the photo booth. With a subtle laugh… Before of course realising Dick now knew what she had meant. As she playfully questioned, but knowing as she looked to him. She didn't need to. Even if he left, something like friendship doesn't just up and leave. Followed by her words with a wink. Yes, she could muster up a little bit of jest. Though as much as she wanted to look at him. Fall into him. There was the emotions of the past weeks that were drawing her a way. It was easy to play off as Kory led more around the christmas trees in search for Dick's tree. Felt him on her tail and only added to the rush in her heart, not just in her pacing… Though halted when he did speak up… Looked back to him again at his words. Not Picky? Seriously. Seems like someone forgot the many toppings he didn't want on his pizza or on his pancakes… Ok, maybe they were of the lesser concerns. Looked at the tree from a tilted gaze and studied it.

"Hmmm, like humble pie…. You know how long I believed that existed… Now I'm almost imagining it is just you with a blueberry on top!!! I do like that tree, though…."

Openly Kory commented about Dick's humbled nature. Sure he could be Mr Cranky pants on occasion, but more often than not. He was the sweetness man Kory had ever met. Known. Although to say he wasn't picky, she knew that didn't mean he didn't care. Perhaps he cared more in general than even he'd realise, but certainly in the lesser ways, neither one really was so picky. They could live on island with little to nothing most happily, despite he might complain about no work, but in a manner of speaking. Kory then lightly mentioned how she'd thought humble pie was a real pie. Which may have something to do with a certain Boy wonder, not denying it and assuring her she'd try it. Of course might just come down to him being a little cheeky, with a little curve of a smile to him. Before getting real and liking the tree Dick had picked out. Any tree he would pick out, she would ultimately like, because he did. After a little backing away. Trying to hide. Run from him. These emotions. She just couldn't…. Not anymore. She had a lot of strengths. A lot of strengths, but she didn't the strength to keep doing this. She just didn't. Every ounce of her was scream. Yet, pulling her in so many ways. She knew it just needed to be said. Be out there. X'hal, out of it all. Dick needed to know. Finally Kory stopped from escaping it. Motioned back to the space. Motioned back where she could not only tell him, but see him. To do any less was rude. Disrespectful for everything that they were or had been. She owed him at least that much. Hell, maybe more. As just at the cusp, her tongue tied and Dick came out with his words… Such kindness in his voice. 'you can talk to me'! it echoed in her mind. Her heart and caused the tremble at her lips. The pain at her eyes and the swell of tears. Cos of out of all the people in her life. In this universe, he had always been the one she did talk to… Why hadn't she? As subtly she shook her head at the thought not shaking at him, but merely herself. He was reaching out. Being kind… Her green eyes lifted from a mere space somewhere below and looked to him. At his words that he knew there was something… 'please tell me' Blinked ever so subtly, yet deeply. Shut her eyes for a pause, as the eyes swelled inside and she swallowed her pride a little. Her lips again trembled. At those words, she knew there was nothing but the truth to come. Taking something similar to what humans did to take a breath. Opened her eyes to him.

"I… I was pregnant!"

There it was said. It was out. As suddenly as it had formed all emotions came to a head. More washed through her. All that she had pushed back. Even perhaps ignore. Finally saying it. Saying to him. There was realisation. The pain perhaps she had been trying to bare. To hide even from herself. Feeling it, but not entirely dealing with it. Then hell in the world was she meant to, when this wasn't just about her… Her eyes look to him and he'd note the pause. Change over her. In a way sure the secret was there. Maybe not finer details yet, but the heart of it was there. Her eyes trailed off back momentarily to space below. The swelling at her eyes was now breaking. Freer to flow. There had always been a desire one day for a similar moment. Perhaps 5 years. 10 years, who really cared to count. But, one day to create life with this man she loved and she knew he loved her.. Yet, it has all but came at her fingertips. How couldn't she had known? Not seen. Feel. Protected it. Somewhere she knew it just wasn't the time, but that still didn't change the fact it happened. Now she wasn't entirely sure what it meant for them… Retreating with her emotions. Almost for a moment to turn away from Dick, but only a step or two. As in need lifted a golden hand to anything. Anything there was to grasp. Hardly really noticing the tree she knocked over nor the ones that followed. Not all, but a couple in a row. Enough to heed the attention of the store keeper… "Hey, what the hell are you doing? Watch where ya going?" Yelled a voice at Kory's ear.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm sorry..."

Sincerely Kory meant it, but she also apologising to more than just the store keeper. There was a lot she felt she needed to be sorry for. As trickles of tears came down her cheek. Her hand ran over her nose and rubbed off a couple of tears before motioning to look back at Dick. Feeling he was the one she needed to apologise to the most.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Thank you. You'll spare me the trauma for a while longer," Dick replied half jokingly.

He had to admit being around some of the old gang would be fun. But right now was not the time to think about it. His mind was else where. Maybe miles away from where they were. Or it was just their with them.

"I can't turn down the people I care about most. It's just sometimes I need some thinking space," Dick replied honestly.

He knew it wasn't the answer she wanted to hear. But it needed to be heard. A sign that he had been thinking about current events. How couldn't he? After all that happened in a short span of time.

It was hard for him to admit. At least he was more open with her than with anyone else. He needed to give her the chance to understand a bit of where he was coming from. After all he was shadows all the time.

Her next words of admitting, confirmed his thoughts. He knew there was something up when he saw notes from a doctor for her. It was still an odd feeling for him to go through. And probably hard for her to say.

In one quick action, she had pulled away from him. Taking down a few trees as she did. The tears welling up in her eyes as she apologized for the trees or maybe even to him.

Dick ignored the man yelling in their direction. And when he got the chance he took hold of Kory's hand to pull her aside behind another row of trees.

"Maybe we should talk about this back at home," Dick commented in a low tone.

He didn't want to cause a scene. And he knew she was upset. There was nothing more he really could do. He knew she was upset.

Dick wanted to be close to her. But it was hard now with hearing this. His mind playing tricks on him. Fleeting moments of his that he could not get away from. Ideas and thoughts that always torment the human mind.

Though he did pull her close for the first time that day and took her in his arms. He wanted to calm her. She had started off so cheery. He wanted her to have fun. She just wanted to get a tree and he knew that. And wanted her to be happy.

"We'll worry about this talk later. Let get the tree you want and then we can talk in private," he said calmly.

He was being rather collect with all that he had been going through. Though he had a feeling Kory had been tormented more than enough with this and didn't need to add the pressure of onlookers.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

There was sometimes something endearing in Dick's words. Swept up the gratitude Kory's direction with the added blush to her cheeks. A smile. He made her smile. Sweetly and offered a joyful laugh at Dick's semi joke. The trauma as Dick put it. Scratching her head a little, suppose it really was that bad. Perhaps she could take the hint at his eyes, but in the way of his words made Kory feel like the remedy. He could be sweet without even trying and there was really no inch in her body that would just push him into anything. The only real push she'd ever encourage was merely allow him to be himself, open and as beautiful as she knew that he was. The warm heart that could truly just make her smile. X'hal make her laugh, because occasionally he could be funny. She endearingly and teasingly thought.

"No, no trauma. I promise… Least with our friends, you have the peace of mind, that we can pretty much be ourselves… I think we surpassed embarrassment!"

Assuringly Kory expressed to Dick, with the light a little more in her eyes and little sweet half smile, shaking her head. Ensured there be no trauma, least if she could help it. Promise it, as Kory's poked a finger at his chest lightly, just enough to feel it and believe her honest words. She would always be honest. As honest as she could be… For someone that Kory believed was suppose to love Dick and on some level Kory truly believed Bruce did, he most certainly didn't know how to grip that. He missed out on that moment, where they could have reconnected, only to end up pretty much pushing him further away. Sometimes perhaps it was as humans said spots on a cat do not change, if only Kory could even really pin point the many faces Bruce seemed to have and rule out which were more or less the reality. The secrets. All so many secrets and lies. The identities. Perhaps Batman was what was prominent. Kory could only truly imagine how many times. How many conversations Dick and Bruce had where nothing Batman related was spoken. Less work and more simply just life. The simple small stuff. As Kory enlightened what they already knew. Perhaps any double date or similar could wait. Kory certainly wasn't sure she'd be entitled soon, but Dick would least have that comfort. That with their family. The titans, they could truly be themselves. Despite whether they were with someone they needed to keep their alias secret. Because they didn't just talk about work, least not the hero work. Kory could count more than her own fingers the many times they had just talked and hung out. Of course growing up side by side and literally going through such things as puberty. Somethings just become more real. Laughed softly because well making little jabs at each other was expected, but it really only made them closer and when the chips were down they had your back. Always and forever. Whether they were a team now or not. Somethings as Dick said change and somethings never change.

"You're Dick Grayson. I don't believe you are capable of caring less… I'll give you all the thinking space you want, so long it is what you need. Somethings you don't have to do alone… Usually when I have thinking space, I'm thinking of you…"

At Dick's words of caring, it really wasn't news to Kory's ears. She already knew the capacity of just how much he cared. X'hal knew that it was one of the main reasons he worried as much as he did. Perhaps it would be easier if he didn't care, but then he just wouldn't be Dick Grayson as sincerely Kory meant. Perhaps he pushed people away without realising it, without meaning for it. He was half raised by Bruce who had probably instilled the whole doing things alone and shutting himself off. But Kory would do anything that would make Dick happy. If he needed space she'd give it to him, but not at the expense of him completely isolating himself. Though to be honest she wasn't always sure when the time was to step in before it merely made it that much worse. Whatever it is, Kory would do all she could to remain here for him. He could realise when it was all said and done, she had been here all along. As much as he may push, he just couldn't push her far enough away… Kory of course spoke simply about it, but in not doing everything alone. She had been. As she paused a little. Leading through the trees a little more deeply. Because perhaps she had pushed him away in own way, without really knowing it. She really, truly didn't want to be alone in this anymore… But as she motioned through the trees, lightly expressed that usually in her thinking space, she thought of him. Despite this secret consuming her a little more than she should have let it. Otherwise she usually said what she thought, dealt with things as they came and let them go. Rarely did anything consume her mind, if anything it would be Dick, he was after all very present in her life. The past as much as she could cloak was in the past, it didn't trip her as much these days, but occasionally it did. Kory laid it out for Dick to decide just what she was thinking of him in those times of space. Space she didn't like as much as he did, but being consumed by it for many years, one could naturally want to run away from it. Cling to somebody. In some way.

Finally now in this moment. Kory had finally uttered words of the truth. It was literally like a shear realisation of it all over again and the down spiralling pain of letting it in. Because there would have been no letting of this go until Dick knew. Now he did. Perhaps he had been clued in, that mattered less than it needed to come out and come out from Kory. It wouldn't be real otherwise. The pain of the loss and the pain from potentially hurting Dick. As Kory had finally stopped even trying to run away. Hide. It pained her to even try. As finally she faced her fear as she knew she had to, needed to. It wasn't just about her and in doing so. The emotions built washed over her, poured out of her. She was someone that lived for joy, but she also lived by her emotions. She felt everything and even more so now. As there was some relief that it was out there, the initial bit of the secret. The details will come, but that wall was falling. It really was only natural that Kory fall a little down with it. Along with the christmas trees. By sincere accident and the emotions she would feel bad for that, bubbled with a hype as well. There was a lot of guilt she was riding. Her mind though swirled. She knew and felt Dick's presence. He was there, but out of reach. Taking this in? Kory could only imagine. What he was feeling. What he was thinking. Whatever it was, Dick made the selfless move. The move she most desperately needed, but didn't know if she had the right to ask. The right to deserve it. With the man yelling about the trees, but Dick's hand reached out to Kory's hand. Something she could truly hold on to. There was little resistance. Kory allowed him to pull her away. She would go anywhere with him, that had never changed. Even more so right now. Kory was less worried about on lookers, but Dick always the protector. Pulled them behind more rows of trees. Didn't pull for hand, left it in his. Feeling the rapid race of her heart. As the tears that bubbled, streaked down her cheeks. Her eyes didn't stare. At first she did not look at him. Afraid a little, but she did peak. His voice did come low. Cutting just enough of the moment. Perhaps he was right. Whatever he needed, she wouldn't say no, but not really able to speak. Kory nodded. Simply nodded, knowingly they did need to finally speak, but could this truly be the last time they went home together? Kory shut her tears at the thoughts of what could come, she had to have a little faith and all she could now is be honest. Be as honest as the day she met him.

"I'm sorry!"

Kory uttered again, but this time more clearly and direct. As Dick was here before her in attempts to comfort her and she was indeed, grateful for it. Then, there was his. As Kory's eyes crossed Dick's. Looked to him. Watched him. Felt him. Perhaps she couldn't completely know how it was effecting him, but she knew right away it was. Hitting him in varies direction. Confusion being the most likely and what it really truly meant. She was truly. Deeply sorry she had kept it from him. That she hadn't told him. She was sorry that it had happened, as much as she knew there had been little she could have avoided. Sorry that it was something else on top of everything else he had currently been dealing with. True the fear of commitment of it, died a little with it, but it was still apart of him. Depending on how deeply you wanted to feel this. For that single moment she stopped, she stopped weeping, just that little bit, even though tears unknowingly still rolled down her cheeks… Only to be caught short. Caught her breath. As Dick reached further. Reached out. As if Kory had almost unexpected it, she flinched back not out of not wanting it, just really just didn't expect he would as much as she wanted it. Whilst flinched, realising he hadn't stop caring, that perhaps this was sign she hadn't pushed him as far as she thought she might. Dick taking her in his arms, Kory felt the warm embrace, but remained still just that moment. The caught emotions bubbling as Dick drew her in. Into the place she needed, whether or not she deserved it. She needed it and when Kory arms tight against his chest, there was little to hold her back now. Feeling her safe place. Kory motioned her face close weeping into the curve of his neck. Her fingers coiled at the fabric. The feeling of his hands around her. Calming her. She could feel them on her back. Perhaps on her hair. Whether before she had cried out with the pain. She did feel the soothing feeling she could let it out now, though she didn't cry out loudly, weeped and sobbed quietly by Dick's ear. He was the only one she needed right now and she could stay here forever. Wherever here was, had more than slipped her mind in the moment. Then Dick spoke again. Low that it was calming, but she knew this could be breaking the hold. Kory could almost groan, but who was she to complain right now. She just could care less about the tree right now, when put against Dick, thats really all she was caring about right now and he just had to go sweet on her a little. He could say its hard to say no to her, but could be hard to say no to him. Though she still remained tightly and tucked in the curve of his neck, as long as she could.

"Ok… Though Dick, in all honesty I can care less about the tree right now… But, hey what about that tree?"

Uttered softly. Simply. Muffled a little into his shoulder. His neck. Smiled a little. Before shifted a little in his arms. Pulling back a little. Allowing her hand free from his chest and came at her eyes. Wiping the stray tears. Though it may take a little for them to completely dry. Pulled back a little more, but remained close. Enough she least lifted her head free from the safety and looked to his eyes. Showing him a simply smile as wiped more tears, confessing to him that the tree was less of a concern right now, but she knew what he was trying to do. To cheer her up, as well as get some where more private. Kory could certainly take that. His sweet attempts… As her eyes then scoured around them at the trees. Not that she didn't care at all, just material things at the end of the day didn't rule over what was real. Then again a tree did catch her attention. From where the trees had fallen, one remained resilient as one had fallen partially on it, but it did not fall over with it. It was also nicely filled out. Deeply rich green and seemed a good height. That Kory was sure it would fit. Certainly the angry man did finally find them. Kory motioned away from Dick enough to properly apologise. An accidentally truly it was.

"I really am sorry… I was hoping we could get this tree and the one over there. Of course if there is any damage or cost to the trees I knocked, I'm more than to pay for."

Sincerely Kory apologised and directly, feeling certainly still bad. The man still seemed not calmed, even less then when Kory asked to buy two trees, but she was more than willing to pay for any damages. Perhaps that and the genuine look on her face. The stained tears. The man eased off a little. "Thats fine, but I don't want to see your kind here again!" He then more straightly put it. It certainly knocked Kory back a little, but given what had happened. Perhaps if she was less emotional right now, she'd take more offence. As she was almost certainly what kind he had meant. With mild shift of her eyes, slight smile and a nod. Kory motioned at her bag to pay the man. Before motioning towards the tree. With her cover pretty much blown and she really wasn't bother right now if anyone saw her carrying christmas trees. Despite feeling down and the emotions could affect her powers. She was still strong enough to carry them.

"I can fly us home, Dick. If that is easier or do you just want to meet me there?"

Turning to Dick just before her hands would pick up the trees. They were rather enlarge, odd things to fit. Not that Kory couldn't manage to walk with them, but fit them in a car… If Dick did in fact bring a car. Her eyes shifted to the entrance, she could even recall if she really took notice, just so enwrapped with him being here, but it might be a squeeze. Depending on the car, in which case Kory could meet him at home. Much to her delight in not entirely wanting to leave his arms. Let alone his sight.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"I think it will work," Dick said.

He managed to crack a slight smile at her willingness to carry on. He admired her for that. No matter the situation, she always stepped up to fight back.

Dick stayed with Kory. Though giving her the space she needed and wanted when it came to looking toward the fallen tree. She seemed more startled than ever. This situation wasn't the underlying of it. And he knew that.

But he knew the salesman was not helping the situation, staring them down. And yelling in their direction. The attention was being drawn toward them. And suggestion made by Dick was just to ease Kory. She didn't need this.

"You are not paying for anything," Dick replied quietly to Kory.

He would not allow her to pay for any of this. His way of covering the cost. There was one other situation that struck a nerve with him.

"We can tie them to the roof and I can give you a ride. There will be room," Dick replied. "Excuse me for a moment."

Dick parted from where they stood and headed toward the man that seemed to give them less attention at this time. He was holding back his anger and annoyance over the man's comment toward his girlfriend. But his brutality was not going to solve any of this.

Walking over to the make shift counter for sales, Dick pulled out his wallet. Grabbing some money. Only enough to pay for two of the trees. Placing it on the table, he held it down and glared at the man.

"It's your kind in this city that are the problem. I'm giving you enough for two of the trees. And trust me, you won't be getting any more business from our kind. If it weren't for her being here right now, you'd be wishing I wasn't here after a comment like that," Dick said in a low tone to the salesman.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

There was a rise in Kory's own smile, when Dick spoke. The subtle ease and tone of his voice. Could still (beside the little, well a little bigger emotional swirling mess between them) melt her heart just that little. Thats all she ever needed, was him present. Cooked her neck a little, catching his smile… Was that a peak? A sign? They'd get past this… Like they had every bump in the past… Kory guarded her smile, though it cracked slightly, mostly unknowingly. Perhaps the phasing of the words, maybe. Her green eyes swooped off back to the trees, then again he was being positive about a tree. That was also cute. Very cute. Slipped a hand to his briefly, before simply letting it go. Felt the pang in the separation, but secure enough as she had headed towards the tree. Propping it out better. Checking the leaves. Hmmm, it was defiantly carrying the right vibes. Good vibes and good smell. Muttered a soft little sound of joy, perhaps even a little laugh as she took in the fresh scent. Until, the salesman yelled and approached. Subtly shook her from her spot. Wiped at her eyes for slightly better clarity. Barely turning and the man had been upon them. Glancing around them. The trees. Kory certainly knew she was to blame… As sincerely as she was sorry, she certainly could amend any costs. Just as Kory even thought to motion for her purse… Dick motioned in quietly. Kory's glanced her eyes to him as he spoke, but he hadn't been the one. She had been, looking to him questionably, glancing to the trees, before she slowly dropped her hand from her purse. In her heart… X'hal in his heart, she knew he wouldn't so much take no for an answer, than he also just really being sweet. His natural caring nature. Bruce taught him to be tough and brave, but Kory was sure Dick was born with his warm heart. His need for much greater in his life. Why settle for just one thing, when there was so much more out there. Was Kory not the proof? Wasn't it why he found the titans, he was looking for something. Something more, himself and it would seem, Nightwing.

"But I… You really don't have to, Dick… It was my mistake… Gratitudes… X'hal, this does mean I may owe you… Say does your bike need shining?"

As Kory searched the words to her emotions and whilst her eyes looked to the trees. Felt the swell at her own cheeks, it was her fault. Her accident. Her mistake, even though ultimately a mistake she didn't regret. The secret was there. As Kory looked to Dick and responded to him softly. Subtly, but she wasn't going to stop him. She couldn't really. If it was reverse and upon occasion it was, she would do the same. Offered a subtle delighted smile as Kory thanked him. Broke the space momentarily, placing her lips at the left corner of his own. Kissed him quietly and sweetly, with eyes closed. Pulling back slowly, joking with him with the closeness, she just may pay him back. Knowing honestly they never did anything for the other, for something in return, not that Kory didn't like having a excuses to do something for him and then again she really didn't need excuses. Although in her mind, owing him, could be in all kinds of ways, usually priceless. Suggesting that, she still certainly make light of the situation. Although looking at the knocked over trees, he may not even give her permission to touch his bike. To soon to joke? He most certainly would want to watch. Winked to him ever so slightly, teasing him. See if she could crack that smile?

"Oh, thats a great idea… Sure, hon… I'll go start tying the trees down. I just need to borrow your keys, please?"

Happily Kory agreed with the transportation of the trees. She had barely thought of that herself, but it certainly be perfect. Home wasn't the far away, it would be a short trip… Then, they could talk. Kory could hardly tell how he felt, but she knew he felt something. Right now. Protective? It wasn't a total surprise. Her eyes lingered on him as he excused himself. To just pay for the trees? Hmmm, no. She knew from the look in his eyes… It wasn't new, not for her and certainly not for them. Where part of the world accepted, there was even more that were against you. Against her and against their relationship… Paused shortly before Kory suggested she'd take the trees. She was after all, good at the heavy lifting… Though, she was gonna need his keys, as Kory kindly asked. Before she would pop the keys safely in her pocket. Then motioned to pick up the first tree. They weren't heavy for her, pretty light actually. Just a little awkward, but she did manage after a little juggling to hoist the pair of trees over her shoulders. Offering Dick an assured grin. There wasn't a lot of people, but mostly who ever was watching, certainly turned a head or two. That kind of thing just happened. Made her way through the forest of christmas trees. Gracefully enough she didn't knock any more trees. Propping one down as she came to the entrance of the park. Fiddling for the key in her pocket and pressing the button. X'hal! Catching the little flash of light. Kory ultimately found Dick's car and made her way over to it with the trees. Opening the back. In search for some rope, they were in luck. Though why Dick had rope in his car, Kory could only guess. Was this cop thing? Hmmm, perhaps just incase. It was coming in handy now. Unraveling it. Lifted the trees upon the roof. Woah, without them skimming back off. Began flicking the rope over and doing a little tying. Whilst waiting for Dick.

"Fine. That be $125… Good riddance, I say. You should consider it. Nothing good can come out this abomination. There's no place for any half-bred alien freak children. You'd be doing yourself a favour, son… Her kind doesn't belong here. Even the law can't protect her… I hope you have a Merry Christmas."

The salesman responded simply reaching a hand out to take the cash. As clearly getting rid of them, or least one side was better. Not that he seemed to have a huge grudge, least not on Kory per say, but apparently he did. As he relayed his 'advice'. Motioned a hand to Dick's shoulder. As if he cared and voiced his strong opinions, even if there was a chance he could get knocked out because of it, but what he voiced was reality that the world just wasn't always so accepting. Welcoming. Even if they did not know them personally and it wasn't a completely lie that there just wasn't laws generally in regards to aliens, just to add to the prove they didn't belong. With a related smile and gesture, the salesman motioned to the fallen down trees. Kory's destruction…

"Dick… Are you ok? I think I tightened them pretty good… Did you want to check them?"

After a little waiting by the car and tightening of the ropes. Mostly secure with her strength and well, she wasn't completely unknown to tying rope. Kory caught Dick coming out not that much long after. Asked him sincerely and kindly. Her eyes watched him carefully, before stepping aside from the car momentarily. Pointing towards the rope, she was pretty sure was secure enough, but he could certainly check as she asked. Just to be sure. Smiled simply, before shortly motioned for the car door. Ready to go and get decorating… More importantly, talk to him. Face to face. Heart to heart.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

---

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Don't worry about it Kor. You don't owe me anything," Dick replied as he gave a slight smile to her.

Kory would never owe him. They had saved each other time and time again. And Dick could never forget the many times Kory had saved him from himself. Without her, he'd be lost in many ways. He really couldn't imagine his life without her ever coming to earth.

Dick didn't mind paying. Money was only money. It was Kory's happiness that matter to him. And now her honor was being challenge by this street bum selling trees.

"Of course, thanks," Dick said has he had handed over his keys to her.

Dick heard the words of the other sales man as he stood in front of him to take the money. He pulled out his wallet.

"Every stop to think that it might be your kind that don't belong here," Dick replied coldly as handed over the money and walked away.

His anger boiling within. People's opinions on his relationship to Kory did not matter. They could keep their opinions. All that matter was that Kory and he were happy together. And even going through rough times as they were...they seemed to always find away through the fog.

Dick walked back over to where Kory was. His hands in his pockets, his mind playing over the man's words. It was truly digesting, the thoughts of some people. But that was the world they lived in.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Dick replied as he walked toward the driver's side. "I trust your judgement enough to not have to check."

He looked to her for a moment. "I might need my keys to get us back to your place," he said.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

The embarrassment in Kory's cheeks shifted, where it was an almost deeper red to her hot toned cheeks. The gold now gleamed with a blush at Dick's words. His kind words and true. She could feel it on the tip of his tongue and see it in his subtle smile he graced her with. Unable not to smile back. Her innocent filled eyes fell briefly. He really could be so sweet. So wonder… Subtly she bite her lip, that lingering feeling and void in her belly. She perhaps hadn't been so wonderful for him. What really had she been afraid of? Then maybe it was everything or the unknowing. It left her confused, but she would tell him everything… As her eyes regained his, almost feeling the ricochet of memories running through his mind. X'hal, she hoped this wouldn't be the end, that they wouldn't be left with just that, memories.

"No… But, then in a way I owe you everything!"

Kory subtly tone replied 'no', in agreeing to not owing him anything with a simple nod. Least there was no material thing in this world or the next that would ever match his love, that was all she ever need. As her green eyes gleamed a little over him as, he would know what she meant by 'everything'. When you found yourself this intertwined of love, of passion. There was always sense to owe more… Only thing she could do and wanted to do, looking at him in the field of fallen down christmas trees, was love him… That was never hard for her. It was always easy for her. Perhaps a little to easy to over do it sometimes, she could simply smile, as shouting his name across the city was just a natural reaction… As Dick certainly would know… He really was very much the reason she was here, why she had come back to Earth. He existed here. Whether he was her lover or simply her greatest friend. He was someone she wanted to be around, of course she'd always desire to be more. It was not in her ability to just fall out nor to stop her emotions. They were just gonna come as they were gonna come… Even if it was in many ways being hit by a tidal wave. She'd take every hit over never feeling anything…. Of course. As Kory playfully tilted her fiery head, there was also a possibility he just also didn't want her remotely touching his bike…

"I suppose I can just touch your bike out of pleasure?"

Kory suggested as she asked Dick with a wink, with often case of phasing it as if she was speaking her mind. She did that often… Shooting him a subtle tease look in her eyes. Of course she wouldn't just touch or be so reckless, she'd be most gentle. Like always… Not like she didn't learn that when she pressed the forbidden buttons in the titans jet… Thinking teasingly and jokingly, sometimes she was left wondering if Dick just didn't have the sense of adventure as she did… It hardly seemed as deadly than a billion tentacles attacking them. Its rather not surprising anymore what they could argue about, certainly made making up even more interesting to say the least… With then Dick setting to make payment, Kory very much wanting to get home. Not really so much to get the trees up, but to speak more deeply to Dick… What she should have done so long ago? It was too late to change that now, Kory could only be as true now and hope it doesn't bring out her worst nightmares… Positive, Kory clung to any strand there was. He hadn't stormed off, that certain was one thing… And, giving her his keys. Happily enough Kory took them and along with the christmas trees, with general ease. Hardly getting tripped up in the leaves and bits of snow, before getting to Dick's car and swiftly tied down the trees. There thankfully wasn't a huge wait, though the anticipation in Kory certainly made it feel a little longer. Whilst she had fears of where they were leading to, but ultimately seeing him always caused the need for the flooding of her deepest and happiest emotions. Though she did note the way he walked. His hands in his pockets. His eyes played almost to the ground… Her initial concerns eased up a little at his words, least physically he was, fine… Emotionally? She could really only imagine and only wanted to know more what he was thinking… She smiled that he trusted the trees were down tight enough, not too tight and not too loose. Kory motioned to the front passenger side door of the car. Pressing the unlock button and opened her door…

"Oh, right…!"

Kory expressed at the realisation as Dick requested the keys. Suppose this really wouldn't be the time to jump start his own car. As Kory kindly smiled, though rather than toss the keys over the roof of the car. Kory motioned to take her passenger seat and kindly waited before Dick joined her in the driver's seat, handing him the keys. Shutting her door. Suddenly feeling the enclosed space… The enclosed space with Dick. It was always bound to cause everything to rush around. The desire to be close was always more evident and least now played a little of softer memories. Her fingers lingered as his, before they moved off shortly and her own falling in her own lap. Her eyes watched him take the keys and start the car. Before watching him. Pointedly at features, everything she saw and didn't see. All details never worth forgetting. His hands, something so simple, but those hand had been almost everywhere. The wear, the tear… His eyes, filled with everything wonderful about this man… His lips… Kory felt the tightening in her chest and her own lips dry.

"Before we leave… There's just one thing… I want to do."

Dick could stop her, but there was the hope that he wouldn't. As she reached across the close gap. Motioned if he wasn't already looking at her. With hands at the base of his jaw and partial at the back of his head. Kory pulled him in, herself in. Deeply kissing him, with all passion. Lingered in the kiss as long as she could, not wanting it to end, it was incredibly needed. It felt like ages she had kissed him so deep. Though she had kissed him most recently, but with all the guilt and secrets. It was hardly the same. 'X'hal, please don't let this be the last time I kiss this man', Kory pleaded from the swell in her heart. So many times she had kissed him, never once had it been enough. Before whatever will pulled their lips apart. As much as she hated it, just more now she wanted to get everything out in the open. As all directions this could lead them. All she wanted to be now, was honest with him…

Shortly there after and arriving at her apartment… Kory was… She told him every bit of detail of the secret… Of life she ultimately lost of theirs…. Unexpectedly how she had fallen pregnant and expected it was shortly after he rescued her. When they had visited Tahiti. With emotions and reunion a buzz it seemed most likely. It wasn't some she planned, but it really wasn't something either one really avoided. Pin it down to lost in a moment… How she had found out after being poisoned whilst on a titan mission and lost it shortly there after. Kory could have put it down to being out of signal reach to tell Dick at the initial time, it really didn't justify the many days that followed and that turned into weeks. Possibly months… There were so many reasons she had kept it from him. The pain and emotions of it all, just grew. It grew from not telling him, she knew that now… Kory expected the worst from Dick's reaction. There initially was a lot more silence than there were words spoken. It really was a lot to take in, that it wasn't long before Dick left Kory's apartment. Space. Of course, he needed space. Despite she wanted him right now, she gave it to him. Left her christmas tree bare, she just ended up not in the mood, all but thought about Dick… What he was really thinking and just where it left them? Their future. Something that he avoided talking about in general… Perhaps more so now, as she hardly saw him or even spoke to him in the next passing days after her confession. Briefly with the outsiders, barely ever if at all at home. Often with it leading to Dick saying he didn't want to talk about it anymore and had work to do… Kory let him be as he wanted. As he needed, even if deep down she knew it wouldn't be best. She wanted to know what he really was thinking. Feeling. It did no good bottling it up and if anything she just wanted him, perhaps that was the price to pay. As every night that past she was left to weep alone in her empty bed. Though there was point shortly after talking with Selina and some of the titans she was most closest to, that convinced her that she simply needed to set Dick down and talk this out. To which led to her calling him continually until he'd pick up one late afternoon, he was on a mission, so to say his feathers were ruffled was putting it lightly, it wasn't hard to pick up the anger, as Kory reached out. Rather laid out they needed to talk about this, wanting to know what he was thinking and feeling. Not wanting him to go through this alone and nor could she. To which in Dick's heated words whether intentional or not, suggested that she was the one that caused this. Has she told him, then none of this would have happened. Only added to the guilt wheeling around inside her. Knowing he was right, but the suggestion he made that she was at fault of the actual loss of the child, that broke her down and cried off the telephone… Even though it had been much out of her hands, had felt guilt from not fighting hard enough for the baby and guilt given believing Dick wouldn't have wanted that kind of commit… Last thing she wanted was to be the reason he is forced into something. Despite having a family with him was what she desired, one distant day. Which only made this that much more hard, but after that call, Kory didn't call Dick again, but waited for him. Shortly after some minor destruction of tossed items in her apartment… If Dick wanted to come, he would, as Roy put it one day…