Little of your time... [Dick]

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

It was only a short ride now in the elevator as Kory's green eyes counted the beating numbers. As she carried the delivery of Dinner in one hand, it wasn't completely night outside, there was least still an hour or so left… She had of course guarded the city of Bludhaven the past couple of nights while Nightwing was leading and helping a rather hefty mission with the Titans… He had returned so that least was sign of a good thing. Only having been known when he had texted her not many moments ago… Kory had little clue as to how everything went, though being out of contact wasn't exactly uncommon, but the fact he texted her, rather than calling her back. Kory could assume the fight had taken its toll on him, but by the sounds of his return they had been successful as always. Though Kory didn't like being out of the loop and so she came as soon as she could,. Finally the doors opened. Kory's bare feet and rather bare legs made her way eventually to Dick's door…

Kory's hand gently rattled upon his door. As her hand stopped her purple boots from falling off her arm that was balancing them, while her hand carried the chinese food, because she knew their fondness for noodles, even as far as when they lived back in New York. Her other hand tousled a little through her red hair as it flowed out in waves. Kory then purposely hid her hand behind her back as she waited… Kory hoped for not too long. Standing then in a long enough white shirt, leaving her golden legs rather bare, the shirt was one of Dick's. … It smelt like him. Kory was rather in a rush to get here to really worry about dressing up and Kory had missed him. Part of her didn't know what to feel. It was always like this when the Titans had missions like this and when Dick took the blame even for the smallest things… Kory knew it hadn't been hard juggling Bludhaven as well as the leading the titans again and she was sure sometimes he helped out in Gotham... At a time she placed her ear to the door, she was sure he was there and rattled some odd beat upon his door. It wasn't often she was coming here. It was also like home, but generally anywhere was a home with Dick.

---

Music:Maroon 5 - Little of your time

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

The mission had taken it's tole. And more so mentally than physically. But either way, it had not been a good day, even with saving it.

Dick had only gotten back maybe an hour or so ago. After having to deal with more than a handful of work. There had been so much he had to do. More than usual. He was the main support for the team at that time. As a leader, he was strong. Unchanged and unmoved.

Those that knew him, knew he was distant at times. The tragedy that had hit them that day, was a heavy weight to bare. He had to keep the team up. After all, everyone was feeling this loss.

Dick had made it back to Bludhaven. His place wasn't exactly organized as it might have been, had he been there all week. It was an in and out type of week. And papers were left out and cold cups of coffee sat out. Police academy material left about. He didn't have time to view them, nor complete them.

His mind processing what had taken place that day. And was far lost in thought. What had happened. And what was to be done. What could have been changed. How they could have been saved. His mind weigh heavy with the loss of a friend.

His fist taking his anger out on a punching bag. Dick's hands were hardly wrapped and he had been at this for a full hour. Non stop. Throwing rapid punches, as if it would help him solve the situation or bring him any peace of mind.

There was a light sound in the distance of his apartment. At first he stopped for a moment, but did not hear it again. He took a few more hard swings at the punching bag and then heard it again. That sound, so faint almost...but he heard it. Someone was at his door.

His mind drawn back to him texting Kory a while ago. It was probably her.

Dick stopped and grabbed the towel off the floor as he walked out of the gym. Wiping the sweat from his forehead before he abandons the towel again. His fists are raw from his work. And his mind uneasy. He had kept silent.

Once at the door he answer it to find Kory standing in the hall, in little to nothing. He could hardly bring himself to even smile at the sight ofter her.

"See you got my message," he said as he stepped out of her way, Not making much small talk.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

There had been a few moments of silence, in the hallway outside his door. Where Kory had been standing with her bare orange feet. Her golden toes fiddling ever so faintly in anticipation. Well, to an extent given Kory knew he was here, given the message. That was the more relieving part, having been out of rang or Dick was too busy… Kory was sure to have long talk with Donna as soon as Kory got back to the tower, if she hadn't already taken to her phone or met somewhere in the middle… With Dick back in the group, Kory was half expecting they'd be going back to the tower very soon… Perhaps in a couple of days, if not tomorrow. It was soon approaching the days of happy greetings and the expansion of liquid eggs. Most importantly the season to be jolly with people you love and cherish. It just wouldn't be the same if not half spent together in the tower… Though the rest of the holidays spent in Bludhaven or even Gotham, hardly seemed a bad idea. Kory half smiled at the idea… She was home for christmas! Just as Kory's green eyes danced a little at the foot of the door. Soon it has sprung open. Kory's still smile had now shifted more. Upon recognising those pair of toes and feet. Kory's pulse fluttered a little as slowly raised her eyes up to his eyes as her ears heard the sultry tone in his voice. He could be cute when he pouted… Before Kory could imagine greatly this was more than Dick, being tired… Kory's face softened, she had expected it had would have worn him out and Kory could note the distance. Kory just wanted to comfort him, just at least be here and Kory could almost catch just a very faint attempt of a smile…

"Greetings… Wait. Hold up speedy, just a moment…

Kory spoke cheerful enough with the simple look in her eyes to him. With the gentle glow of her cheeks and with her balanced arm with her purple boots and food, she offered a soft wave. Just as soon Dick had moved, to allow entrance… Was that a frown? Kory halted for a moment, well at least Dick hadn't snuck one up on her before her surprise… Not that it would of stopped her anyway. Kory with a hint of softness to her smile and gave him an intriguing look as she sweetly told him to wait a moment. Just a moment. While taking just a few steps, but closer to him than into his apartment. Her hand motioned lightly towards around the lower part of his torso and then revealed the one she had been sweetly hiding behind her back… Holding up some small collection of green leaves. Whether it would bring out his smile. That remained to be seen…

"Mistletoe!"

Kory spoke with the light hint of cheer in her voice… Perhaps a white flag of sorts, before her cheerfulness softened and she just saw him. Smiling subtly. As enclosed a little more, to motion her lips to his for hopefully a sweet kiss. As her hand fell more upon his skin at his torso. She could feel the added temperature. As Kory brought her rather bare self closer into his space. Feel his skin was a tiny delight to know he was here. With still that lingering of a smile upon her lips as she fell to press them upon his. She felt that hint of tingles just before she reached him and expected the melting part to follow. Her fingers lightly upon him crawled up a little, before she moved her hand to the side and found his own hand… Fingers gently stroked the top of his hand and traced down to the lines of his fingers. Before taking more in her hand. To find the intwine. It was a simple pleasure to be able to hold his hand, but as Kory cupped his hand. She could feel the change and perhaps the faint flinches from her touch. Kory then broke from her kiss upon his lips. Slowly retreating her head enough to open her eyes. Looking to his eyes and he could of seen the clearer shift of concern in her eyes. That run in her chest, what had happened? What was wrong? And how best to comfort him? Kory motioned to look at his hand… To bring it closer up for better inspection. With a faint twitch of her lips, she could see the redness and a bit swollen. As she brought her other hand, dropping the holly and ever so gently caressed his skin. Before bringing his hand her lips to give him a soothing kiss. Before releasing one of her hands to then rest upon his cheek and she could tell… It hadn't been the first time, him beating himself up, even in a simple training session he could tend to want to push himself further, but this was less likely a training session… So soon after the mission… No, Kory knew other times it was a way to punish himself.

Dick? Did something happen?

Ever so sincerely Kory questioned Dick, with the curiosity and the concern. Most importantly the love in her heart. Just as she spoke, Kory let go of the space just a little and dropped her hand from his cheek. Though gently leading him a little through the door as Kory then motioned into his apartment. Had it not been for the concern right now. Kory would have more than halted at the state of his place as her eyes half bounced around the room, before making for his fridge as she finished her question as she went along. Placing her boots down as went and then placed the food she brought on a coffee table… Collected some of the coffee cups along her way to put in the bin… Opening the freezer, to pull some sort of frozen food option and the amazingly found some sort of fabric to wrap it into. With a warm smile and look in her eyes, Kory moved back to Dick. Placing the frozen goods upon his hands, one at a time. To help sooth them. With a little dab, press and hold. Kory after all didn't want to make it too cold for him.

"Did you want to sit? I brought comforting food that you like… There's egg rolls."

Kory asked as she looked up to him in a caring tone, as she stood before him in nothing much than his shirt for now and plenty of golden skin. As her eyes looked into each of his and thought of the more comfort… The more it might help as Kory could only guess what was wrong… Kory kindly smiled a little, as she spoke of the food she had brought and the little rise in her voice. From the many times before it had made him feel better… Well, a little better. As Kory half led him over to the seating and food, but not in any rush to push or pull him.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

It was hard at the time to even be cheered up by Kory's playfulness. The small things she did just to try and make a moment special as she would say. He did not deny her at all. Letting her close in for a kiss and taking his hand in her's.

Dick just remained unresponsive to the affection she was giving him. He wanted to push everything aside if he could. But his mind clouded with the misery that had taken place. The guilty. The anger. The responsibility.

His mind only half there. The rest lost, away from reality. That same distance and wall he put up to try and make things right for him. Shutting out others from bothering him in these times. He had been strong and forward to try and comfort the others back at the Tower. But once face with it himself, he left.

Dick looked into Kory's eyes knowing that concerned look cross her face. Her inspection of his hands, he knew was to come. She was always so caring. And she always tried to help out in hard times. But this was not something she could just fix. This was something he needed to face on his own.

"Actually....," Dick trailed off. The shock still taking the words away from him.

As Kory started to move, he shut the door behind them. He felt the light guiding hand of Kory's as she lead him to the kitchen. The state of his place was of the least concern to him at this time.

He took the cold to his hands when she had returned some moving about the room and organizing as she went. As she tried to dab it lightly on his hands, Dick refused the kindness in this and took hold of the bag of frozen food within it. Just doing it slightly to show he wanted to handle it himself.

Dick wanted the cold against his sore hands. He didn't deserve the care and treatment Kory was trying to apply. Not after what he had let happen to his team. Not after what happen to someone so close.

He was still silent. His tough caught and finding himself at a loss of words to explain to Kory just what had happened. Aimlessly, he followed. Sitting down on the couch, Dick looked to Kory for a moment.

"Actually, that's why I texted," Dick said. His eyes darting away from her.

Him mind only replaying what he had seen. What had happened to his best friend. The replay grief of his friends after the disaster. And now he had to tell Kory. She deserved to know. She needed to know what had happened.

This wasn't something he could just shut out.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

The subtleness was still bitter sweet. There was something to be said standing beneath his doorway, with mistletoe in hand and the firm hold of her lips against his. It caused the blood flow to her cheeks. The tingling sensation and the way her heart thud. As if firm rattling just at the brink of something painful. Her tongue even so much traced the line of his bottom lip. Just the sheer taste. The feel. There had been war met, but still they were together again. It seemed so simple. So human, despite her lack of human cells. There was little response from him. His lips didn't grow cold, but there was no extra warmth. No sheer spark, but he didn't push her away. Almost KOry could feel a jolt of pain from it. As if he let go, something would happen or he wasn't deserving. Her lips didn't cease so quickly. She was determined to make sure he could feel her. Even for the both of them, If she needed. Her passion for him wasn't going to die so simply. There was the single thought of pressing into him and for a moment Kory had. Her hands upon his skin. To take advantage of him against the door frame. As the sweetness lingered of a smile to her lips. Though her attempts were halted.

As soon Kory now held his hand into her own. Felt the shear abuse he had relented upon them. So badly she wanted to take it away. What ever the pain he felt. Looking up now. It was plainly in his eyes. Kory just didn't know what exactly nor why. WIth the sincere smile upon her lips, just incase she glimpsed his own and saw it never come even with the touch of he lips to his hand. Just in a moment there was hope. As she heard him speak. Just a word for now. It caught in his throat. Her hand touched him upon his cheek. Willing him with what courage she could, before leading him into his apartment. The door sound behind as it was shut. Kory could feel him trail her to his kitchen. Pulling out the ice pack she had assembled, carefully placed it upon his hands. His knuckles. Though barely a few attempts and he had taken the pack from her hands. Barely even grazing her hand. Pressed it firmly upon his skin and Kory cringed a little for him, but it would help him. Least not make them too swollen and sore. He followed her though. That was something. Kory smiled softly trying to ease the moment and make it as comfortable as she could. As they took a seat upon his couch. He barely looked comfortable. Kory didn't push upon him, but she moved herself close to him. To be comforted. Her hand toyed lightly at the hair in the corner of his eye. He was so handsome. So everything. Moving her lips, Kory kissed him sweetly his cheek closed to her. Her hand came across and rested upon his bare arm. With the simple caress upon his skin.

"Because of egg rolls? I can assist in that."

Kory asked him curiously, of course with the darting of his eyes Kory suspecting there was more. It wasn't food, but she was guessing at this point. Something had happened, but in light of how he spoke it. Kory took it. Perhaps by chance he was just meaning egg rolls. Kory caressed his arm little more. Tingly feeling as she toyed with his little hairs. Before shifting to the food she had put on the table. Opening the box, there other tiny boxes and the smell was very comforting. Kory reached to open one of the little boxes and took an egg roll in hand. With her other one catching the crumbs. Bringing it back as she sat, lightly blowing upon it. Too cool the steam so it wouldn't burn and leaned sweetly into him. As if feeding him was something new. If that was what he wanted of course.

"Is there something more, Dick?"

Kory asked simply while motioning slower without he egg roll. As her eyes looked over his face and the distance in his manner. With one hand feeding him and the other hand sweetly caressing at his hand, where he had attempted to cool. Where Kory was attempting to hold it ever so lightly. In way telling him she was here. It couldn't of been something in Bludhaven. Kory had more than checked. Was he just simply over thinking something. Or was there something more. What was it? She couldn't say she had exactly seen so many emotions in his eyes. Anger, but sadness? Distance, but he was here. She could still feel his heart. Kory always could.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick looked to her. He could see her confusion over the matter. He was being cryptic.

He waited a moment over her last question. It was best just to say it straight forward to her. There was no point in a game. Dick just didn't want to drag it out any longer. But the news was best told between the two of them away from any one else.

"I'm not exactly sure how to break it to you. But we lost Wonder Girl in the last mission...," Dick said. His words flat out.

He withheld any of how it was effecting him. It didn't matter what effect it had on him, he had to be there for the team the best he could. And for Kory, he knew how hard this was going to hit her.

The ton of bricks he carried over this matter. Over seeing his teammates grieve. He never should have allowed this to happen. Not to his team.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

How often had she taken comfort besides him on the couch. More often it was her couch. It was the looming question did he just prefer her place? And he knew the question that tailed. Why not move in? He had taken many times to explain and Kory was in no way seeking to push him, but she still felt that was the right step. Mostly the thud it caused was because it would properly allow the cuddling times, not that really it would change as much. It was happening more often than not. With mere inches Kory more than felt him look to her. Not entirely sure what he was trying to express. What she was supposed to feel, but she wanted to know. With the simplest smile and the gentlest touch along arm. In anyway she could to ensure he felt at ease and comfort enough to tell her. Tell her anything. He wasn't as afraid as he used to be, as if he feared even with Kory she may see him different for seeing. From knowing too much. Every day she tried to ensure him, Kory wasn't the running type. As much as wearing her emotions on her sleeves, his crypticness was endearing. Mystery sometimes, could work. Just didn't blind her in ways he would expect it to. In the playful attempt in cheering him up with the egg roll. He hadn't taken to it. Didn't even so much dismiss it. Her eyes looked him curiously as placed the egg roll back. Something really was up when food wasn't in anyway allure.

Not to mention barely the mistletoe moment, but he hadn't stopped it. From the looks. The feel it. Despite the brutality to his hands, which she caressed mildly now between him trying to ice them back to health. This was not so much anger. Kory listened up as he did find the will to speak. Even in his words admitting it wasn't easy to find the words. Was it really that bad? She tilted her head a little as looked to him with concern. Her eyes barely blinked as he spoke of Wonder Girl. Donna? Ever so subtly her eyes shifted, trying to take what he had said in. The simplest smile wasn't there, mostly a little building of shock, but she hadn't taken to heart yet what his words actually meant. Naturally Kory hung on the word lost. Was she just lost? Did someone take her? In which even in that thought drove her upset… Looked to him silently with the questionable look and in trying to find the correct words to ask. Why were they here? Something like that has happened before. It never was any easier.

"Lost? What do you mean? Did someone take her? We'll get her back… I can take us to the tower."

Kory questioned Dick what he had meant in terms of lost. Half trying to wrap her mind around what had happened. Someone actually took her? It was not a delightful thing to hear, her friends. Her sister being targeted in such ways, but in her voice Kory wasn't even sure is simply lost was what he meant. But this was Donna. As Kory as hard as it was to simply now sit here and not out there to find her friend. They could get her back. They had to. Just she now was realising what exactly and why Dick was acting the way he was. It just was odd them sitting here. That Kory on edge with not entirely sure how to feel and she leapt a little to her feet from the couch beside him. Kory wasn't tactful as Dick was, but with the way her eyes moved. Showed she knew they had to do something. Before something really. Really bad happened to Donna. It was burning in her chest. Going to the tower was a start. More the better, it almost calmed Kory in saying that. But soon taking it in. Allowing it to settle. The feeling wasn't completely going away and what the look in Dick's eyes. Kory half couldn't believe it to be true. Was it more? Everything she was feeling pointed to it. As Kory within her way to looking for a way to start, she stopped where she stood. The possible realisation washing over her. Especially with Dick somewhere behind her. If this was a kidnapping. He be where she was, maybe further out the door or not here at all. As Kory slowly turned back around. With the very shaking of her hands and her emotions felt like they were going to rupture from her core. With her head ever subtly shaking. It couldn't be… He couldn't mean. As now she felt the tightness at her own throat. Struggled to not jump to the conclusions she didn't want to be true. How? If it was true. There was utterly no blame in her eyes upon him. Just lost, because this was never something Kory was overly sure she'd ever really face… At the very least again. They had lost titans. Everyone as hard as the next… But this was Donna. Wonder Girl. It stung the most when it was family. The family Kory had taken so long to find and the family to truly accept her.

"Unless… You don't mean…? That she is…Wh… I… Is she really gone?"

Kory turned to face Dick as she fought for the questions to speak. As it was painful to try and just jump to. That it showed upon her face. The mix of disbelief and pain in her eyes. Lost. Struggling to say as Dick had. That Donna Troy was dead. Kory blinked her green eyes, with the shake of her head. As much as it was hard to take… It was making more sense. As Kory took the breath and felt pain, but settled enough in the present to ask Dick. As Kory's eyes swelled up with the tears… Knowing without saying it. She probably could tell from what he couldn't say. As her eyes painfully looked to him, she was sure now she could feel. Sense his own pain. As her eyes with concern trailed again to his hands and she knew. Somehow she knew.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick let it hit Kory. And he knew the realization was hitting her hard. He headed to see her like this. He had just seen the whole team fall apart was well.

But it was even harder to see it happen to Kory....

"It will do no good going there," Dick replied. He saw down on the couch along side of Kory.

It was best for her to take it in. Best in her own ways to deal with it. He was there for her. He had been there for the others as well earlier. When it had happened and when they had to break the news to the others on the team.

Silence feel for a moment. It felt like hours ever second that went by. Death was always a difficult subject. And Dick was well aware of that. And he knew the risks in their line of work. But with each time, you'd think it would get easier. Though the closer the people were, the harder it was.

"I'm sorry Kory. But there were a few complications that took a turn for the worst. There was nothing anyone could do," Dick replied.

Though deep down he knew there were things that could have been done. Things he could have done. How it could have gone down....How he should have handled the mission.

There were always those what ifs and moments of what could have been done differently. But it was weighing more on Dick's shoulders. He was there leader. He should have known better. But he went on in silence over it.

He needed to be there for his team. As he was with Kory now. He saw with her. Letting her take the news. There as a shoulder for her to cry on as he rest his one hand on her own.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

It was hard to feel the couch. Too feel where entirely they were. As Kory's eyes swelled up. As if parts knew before the other parts. The rest was just trying to catch up. Perhaps a little in disbelief. As calmly as it came, Kory looked as Dick spoke. Frowning a little in concern in regards to the tower not being helpful, but trusted in his judgement, but her eyes shadowily trailed down his frame, to the floor. in just a look of pain. Concern. Sadness. Before Kory could feel the faint shift in the couch. As Dick motioned beside her. Now he was the concerned one? Kory faintly tried a half smile at him. He was trying and he was here… They were here… This wasn't just about her. As Kory slipped a hand to rest upon his knee, whilst her own knees shifted in closer. Generally Kory desired and wanted Dick close. It was that initial feeling of comfort, but now. With the odd ball of emotions falling down and a little coiled at her sleeves… She needed the comfort…

Her forehead falling a little in her own palm. Hair strands down her face and lap. As the initial shock was still coming to her. Still faint hope Donna was just missing. Lost. Perhaps then a part thinking perhaps. Not going to tower, meant it wasn't as serious, but even in attempting to find excuses around it. It was failing… Badly. Even in the way Dick was acting… Spoke. The look… She had been around him. Known him for all this time… That at this point, it was easy to pick up on things. To really know him and possibly know him better than himself at times… Only one that probably knew him as well if not better… Was Donna. Which Kory was never jealous of… The friendship between Donna and Dick. Always was more of honesty. Also Donna knew the rougher sides of Dick too much to probably put her hand up to live with him. Kory could almost laugh at the memories. The thought. Most of all, she was a sister to Kory. Someone that loved Kory… Someone Kory loved. Her orange fingers shook faintly to brush her hair from her eyes. Looking to Dick as he apologised. Kory almost frowned… What was he apologising for? But as hard it was Kory needed to hear, what he had to say. There was not the straight words… Kory's hand caressed his knee. He was avoiding having to say it, but he didn't have to…

When he finished talking. Kory half sank, least she fell smaller. She felt a coolness wash over her skin. She almost shook. As the clarity of it had sunken in, although to completely grasp it and make sense, would probably take more time. As the bubbled tears, began to stream down her cheeks. With a faint hint of pink. Slowly the gentle breaking sounds of Kory's sobs were coming. As the pain swelled in her chest. Her composure was breaking beside him now. Donna was dead…. Killed. Taken as a hero… Kory could know it would have been a brave death. Donna wouldn't have gone down any less than an amazonian would. No more hugs… No more of her sweet talks… Just as Kory's hand came to her eyes. She felt the warming. Tingly sensation from Dick's hand upon her own that had been upon his knee. In no way would she pull away, Kory shifted her hand a little, but only to invite his hand. To hold it, she wasn't the only one that lost someone… He was just being strong… Brave… Kory as she sobbed, soon leaned with what was left between them. Her head falling upon his shoulder. Bring her free hand. Her fingers toyed endlessly at the sleeve of the shirt she was wearing. Un-doing the button, so she could pull the sleeve up a little and then brought up her hand with sleeve. Wiping some of the tears that fell. Lost in with a painful feeling in her chest. Kory pulled her legs up on the couch a little. As if to curl up a little more into Dick.

"… I can't believe she's gone… I was only moments ago thinking of calling her… How are the others? Were they unharmed?"

Through the tears that Kory's sleeve soaked up a little. Her voice broke through softly and a little shaky, from the unease from her chest. Expressing just pointedly the shock of it all. As her eyes blinked, but it wasn't changing anything as she mindfully eyed the living area subtly. Before her eyes fell altogether in a look of pain, as she spoke as if only before Kory hadn't even thought anything was wrong with Donna. That Kory could dial the phone and expect Donna's voice on the other side. Or beat Kory to it and call her. It usually didn't go a day without at least some of the small talk. As girlfriends did. For a moment Kory had just paused. As she slowly took it all in. Feeling the warmth as Kory naturally rested her head against him. Before her heart jumped in relation to their friends. This was a big stab into the heart of the titans. Any that new and loved Donna as they did. But Kory could help feel concern. Hoping there wasn't more bad news. Before she shifted her head that rested against his shoulder. Now resting her chin upon it, as so best her eyes could see him. Despite the slight haze from the tears. As her now mildly soaked sleeve, fell from her cheek and Kory brought her hand to rest upon Dick's arm.

"… How are you, Dick?"

There was still the sobs deepening every rise Kory felt with her chest, even more so now. As her green eyes looked upon Dick, as if almost feeling along with her own pain. His. He had been there… She knew he had to of seen it or least witnessed it to a degree. Her hand upon his arm, caressed his skin. As her saddened eyes looked to his. He was strength, but Kory could almost feel the heartbreak. See it in his eyes. Her hand ran down his arm to his hand, ran her fingers gently across his knuckles, his hand that was also her other hand… Tracing the swelling. It made a little more sense to Kory, but didn't settle her out of caring nor concern.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Most of them are alright," Dick replied.

It was all hard for them to focus on themselves with the lose of their friend. Most of them more saddened than concerned over their own injuries. At least the injuries they knew they had. Gar seemed to notice a little after the fact that he may have twisted something with his last attempt to help Donna.

They all did. Everything seemed to take into slow motion after it all happened. Rushing who they could out of the scene and ending the battle.

"Gar will be laid up for a few days possible and Vic has a few minor mechanical problems he needs to attend to," Dick summed up the most of the list.

He watched out for his team. But even that list couldn't compare to the death they faced.

"I'm fine. It's hard to come to terms with what has happened. My concern if for the team," Dick comment. He withheld the emotions of pain. Though Kory would be able to read them upon his features.

He was being slightly open, but not what Kory would like to see. He would deal with it himself like he had been. He was concerned for the team. He needed to keep them together on this one. They needed someone to stay strong and lead them on.

Though Dick regretted not telling Kory sooner, but most of the team thought it best to just try to settle things down a bit. Everything already seemed in slow motion. And Dick didn't want to rush any more into the mission group that had faced this.

Word was out, but the team that had faced it didn't need to be rushed back to that scene again.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

Dick's apartment seemed to fall more quiet than usual. Least Kory felt a lot smaller. Any sort of concepts she had prior. Of thinking it was minor, that she could simply lift his spirits, those suddenly ceased to exist. Least for the time being. The kneading numbness seeped into her skin. She felt actually chills, things she felt, it was coming at her in random ways, most of which Kory could only guess really what to do herself. This kind of thing happens and can happen. It just the last thing you expected. Her orange fingers tugged at the ends of her sleeves. Dabbing her eyes, although it wasn't entirely stopping the tears. Were they ever stopping? It felt literally like her heart was ripped, open. Exposed. Her head remained resting against Dick's shoulder. The closeness was helping, she didn't so much want to just let him up and go. There was just that soothing when she could listen to his breathing, but the way his heart beat, it was trying… Trying so hard. Her hand squeezed his own. Just in any attempt to remind him he could feel. Something and that he wasn't just a ghost himself.

"X'hal, I am relieved to hear they are ok, least in the physical sense…"

There was a little more light returned to Kory's voice as she was happy to hear from Dick, that the other team mates had been mostly unharmed. Though her heart felt for Gar and Vic. Hopefully, least Kory was hoping. As her green eyes trailed over the skin of his arm and further up. Hoping that they'd return to New York, perhaps after a little space, whichever was best, but in time. Kory thought it safer to be with friends. Dick very much included. It wouldn't simply be a thing to wake up from, if one ever could. Every team mate had a place, but this was seemingly deeper. Maybe more so for Dick. Her eyes looking up from where her head nested warmly against him. Between the stained and falling tears. Kory smiled shortly at Dick's words. Mr 4th wall, but she knew it had hit him deep. Maybe deeper than he could realise and only something time could possibly solve. He was a strong. Strong man. Outer, but also deep within. The ability to lift a team. Her lips came to his prickly cheek and kissed him. In way to say she was proud of him, throughout all the doubts that were possibly running through his head. If only she could ease at least one. Maybe, but now wasn't any time to push him. She was relieved, he had been unharmed. Mostly.

"It'll take time.. A lot of time!"

Kory nodded and responded to the difficulty in getting a grip with what has happened. Agreeing with him, it was hard to know if it would ever truly make sense. Not so much the death part. More the lose of a friend. Donna seemed so far away, but was she completely gone? One didn't want to live in the past, but one couldn't simply just forget her. It seemed impossible to. Kory was humbled to hear even Dick's voice. Felt the pain in his heart as she felt her own. Smiling warmly at his concern. She knew he meant it, his bit lump of a heart. What was she thinking, it was very well crafty. It was why he was here with her now. Her eyes looked to him and could ponder the reason he didn't tell her until now. Not just wanting to tell her by phone. Had she believed it then?

"My concern is for you… I understand you'll need space, but I am here… "

Very openly Kory responded. Expressing her concerns, her teary eyes looked between the spaces and his face. His eyes. He needn't doubt her heart was for them all, but especially him. Her hand that caressed. Held his hand, lightly came up and brushed some of the hairs that had fallen. Letting her hand fall for a moment. Her voice softened with a nod, knowing that he was going to need time and as much as Kory wanted to hold him. Feel him beside her, she could give that to him… Perhaps not right now, if she could help it, but she was seemingly a little afraid maybe to even contemplate to ask it. To look at him to long… But in her efforts of searching. Her eyes returned more familiar and warm, as she expressed through it all that when he did want to find her. She would be right here, as her eyes looked him dead in the eyes, that if he simply wanted to be without words spoken, it could happen. There was nothing he could ever do to stop her loving him. Her hand came up on his cheek furtherest away from her. As her own lifted from his shoulder. Kory motioned his head closer, if for any comfort that he may just not seek to ask, but need. Bringing her forehead for a moment resting against his own. Eyes closed.

"Donna was your best friend. Our sister, it is a stake through us all. When you realise it, it is ok too miss her... I miss her so much!"

As her voice then spoke truths. Truths he already knew, but perhaps was a little different hearing them out loud than simply in his own head. If anyone knew him better it was Donna. Just as he knew Donna. She was important to all of them. They were family. She was family. Her hands gestured closely against him. Herself still leaning herself against him as her head rested against his own. Her eyes opened. To express when the time did come, his holding back from most of it. That is was ok to miss her. He needn't be strong all the time and it wasn't a weakness. As she allowed the chance now, if needing to lean on Kory. As Kory had leant against Dick. Pulling back a little with of course still the motioning and offer for him to lean against him. Her had wiping the tears that fell and honestly spoke of the pain in her heart. Had only just learnt about it. Rising deeper sobs and she could only gather it was just as much for him.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"I have more concern for some than others over how they might handle all this," Dick said.

He knew everyone on the team. They all cared for each other. But of course there were more relationships to some. Long time friendships, love interests. There were different ways to handle all those.

Dick would be there for anyone that needed him. But this had struck him hard. Donna was like a sister to him in a way.

He had spent as much time as he could spare with them before he had to go back to tell Kory what had happened. There was nothing else he really could do. But even then he had found the time to take out his fury over the whole thing.

Dick made no mention over her comment over needing space. He wasn't one to talk about how he would go about getting away from all that he did. That was for him to keep to himself over how he handled things.

"I do miss her. But like you said it's hard to believe she's gone," Dick spoke.

He left it at that. Dick wasn't about to say flat out what he was feeling. What he had seen. What he was thinking.

If Kory hadn't been leaning on him, he probably would have stood up. Just to get away from this whole situation. He seemed rather icy to all the emotion. Knowing of it, but not much emotion coming to him. Just as it had always been. Closed off from the others. He kept his distance from others when it came to a lose like this.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

At the simple tone, Kory could understand. As much as she could… Nodding to his concern, with a deepening sigh. Maybe once they were all together. As her green eyes looked down. They defiantly needed each other in this. It wasn't going to be easy. Like a stake through the heart of the Titans. It was more than just a team… It was always hard when they lost one of their own. Remaining close to Dick, least gave something Kory to hold on too… Mostly for the weight in her heart now. She was strong and yet felt everything. As the tears trickled down. Quiet sobs. They melted a little in his shoulder. Leaning her head against him. The room seemed all but here. Dick was. As her eyes kept coming back to him from the shadows of Donna. Hand falling down to his hand. Tracing the rawness on his knuckles. Her lids shut for a moment of more trickling of tears. Her lips faintly quivering. So wanting to touch his heart. It pained her that she couldn't. She could hear Donna in her ear…. Least Kory hoped she could. She knew her so well, that she'd hope to never forget her. How could she forget someone that loved her so… That she loved.

"It's gonna be hard, we'll get through this… If Donna was here, she'd know what to do! She'd know what to say… But I do know. She had faith in you, in us!"

Kory had nodded. Agreed to Dick missing her and finding it hard their friend. Sister. Was gone. As if slipped from their grasp. Leaving a larger space. Though it was hard and Kory could never think of forgetting, but she didn't believe they would be crippled by this forever. Donna wouldn't wish it. Kory smiled simply through her tears of it feeling like Donna hadn't completely gone. Had she been here. She was very much the den mother. She would know how to handle these things. Lift people up, in probably more ways than Kory could hope to. She certainly wished to try, but that kinda soul was irreplaceable, but sweet to remember. As her tears bubbled over her smile… Often knew the right things to say, she had been on this planet longer than Kory. Knew parts of Dick, Kory wasn't sure she'd ever know. Know how to comfort and when to step back. Her eyes darted a little in the confusion, as her hand came up to help be rid of the sniffles. Clearer to smile a little more warmly, knowing for sure Donna has faith in Dick, whether or not it would comfort him. It was true. She just didn't want to just feel the sadness in this. Which wasn't going away anytime soon, but she wanted to remember the happy things about Donna. Not in an insensitive way. Donna was special. Loved. Whether he felt it. Kory kissed him on the cheek. Not exactly quick. She was happy he was here.

"Thank X'hal! You are safe… I don't know what I would have done, had you both…"

Then warmly and softly Kory spoke. Out of all the things that could of happened… She was thankful. Smiling in his neck a little, with the tear stained cheeks. Not that she was much the kind to think of what is, but she couldn't hide the fact. Not in this case… Losing Donna was hard enough to grip. Just as her voice mostly whispered. The shaking and breaking in her voice. Maybe added to the already lose and tear of her heart…. Though between her admitted confusion mixed with fear. Kory motioned and took an egg roll… It was best not to think that, he was here. Safe… Kory said to herself. As she bit a little into the crumbling egg roll. Comfort! Resting against his shoulder as her rising heart beat and pulse. Though the trickle. Maybe it was just the lose of her best friend, that was maybe throwing her emotions in a higher drive. As her tears more flowed now.

"Did you want to be alone?"

In a moment, paused with the egg roll and lifted herself from him a little. Blinking the tears enough to ask him honestly. Was it painful sure, but she could feel the stiffness. She knew he liked to be alone. Whether or not she would ever really understand why was another thing, but she would do anything he wanted. Kory didn't want him to lose grip, but she didn't want to lose him either. As much as she wanted him here…. Now… Did he?

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"No, it's fine. You can stick around," Dick replied.

He let all the other comments slide by. Avoiding any comments that might cause her to have concern over him.

Dick needed to keep an eye on the team. On Kory. He was their leader. Well...was. But he still needed to be there for them. It wasn't easy at times. Unfortunately...he was used to it. And people looked to him for help and guidance.

"I'm in the middle of my training. So, make yourself at home," Dick replied.

He had called off from the academy that morning. And it was true he was training. Though he really didn't need it. It helped him at this time.

And he wasn't all that much in an eating mood. Dick was just kind of lose to the world. The scene still playing in his mind.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

The engulfing stillness, within the heartbreaking moment. Only Kory's emotional trembles and shakes offered really any movement. Curled upon the couch with Dick, with their hearts a little more than skewered from Donna's death. Even in the attempts of simple words. Fine? Kory frowned a little. Somehow feeling this was going to be the word for many of hi answers. Even just a glance. A touch. Dick was not fine. Understandably. Her orange fingers lightly brushed the prickles of hair at his jawline. Her little frown settled more in a light smile and offered a gentle nod. Least he wasn't pushing her out the door. Kory had barely gotten her eyes upon him and with now the world heavy around them… There was little places she wanted to go and she wasn't so sure she wanted to back to the tower without him… Least not now… Keep a comfortable distance? Was that what it was called. As orange fingers gently tug on his sleeve. Not so sure if it was his help she needed or more just him. She could have left had he wished it, but it would have pained her to do it. Nested her fiery curly head against him as she ate the egg roll, well it more the action than really enjoyment. Though did feel the gentle hot sting in the roof of her mouth. Crumbling into small pieces, before disappearing. Much like it felt in her chest. Maybe they could just be, Kory pondered as they were on Dick's couch. That was until Dick broke in about his 'training'. The so called training that already resulted in bruised hands. Kory lifted her head with her eyes between his and a glance or two at his hands. Feeling the sound of his words… Who was he really trying to convince?

"I noticed that; Can you try and not tear apart the man I love, in the process?… Thank-you… You're not hungry, Dick? I know its hard…. We don't have to talk, we can just be… Can't we? Are you going out tonight?"

It wasn't playing off very well if Dick was trying to convince Kory that training was necessary. But somethings you just knew. As Kory pointedly asked. Reaching her hand to his own. In some manner of kindness. As if somehow he was deserving of such pain. He may not have such a kindness to himself, but she did. Not that Kory was trying to tell him, no or what to do… He was going to do what he felt he needed too, she was sure. It was just hard watching him possibly fall before her eyes. Thanked him for what he extended, to stay. To find comfort. Least that was what she expected to find in this human way of a home… Only this wasn't home… Dick was home. Could she really be at home with it in another room? Better than across the city or state or country… Better than worlds apart. Her hand squeezed his lightly in the gesture, he probably didn't feel it now, but when and if he did, she was his home. Reached forward for one of the little boxes with noodles of some kind. Slowly opening the lid. If not for the numbness she could have savoured the aroma more, it least offered some comfort to her heart. How many times she'd witness the heart ache ice cream with Donna. With chopsticks in hand, Kory was usually stealth enough with them, but her hand was shaky. A noodle or two fell on her blouse. Offering a light pout and soft look to him as Kory asked in regards to the food. Commented lightly, not pushing. A hand reached up brushing some of the his hair, closing the space as Kory offered a tender warm kiss upon his cheek bone. Fingers caressed the skin, the tiny hairs again… Suggesting if he wanted… They could just be where they are. He didn't need to talk for her to know he was hurt. He felt a lot of things, she was sure. He had lost so many and now, Donna… Of course Kory wouldn't stop him from going off continuing, there was a point where she could draw a few lines if it was going to cost his life. Kory just didn't exactly want to be alone either.