A Friend in Need (Starfire)

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Victor drove from Gotham to Bludhaven in his little dinged up 70s era BMW. It wasn't a very exciting ride but he had listened to a few old cassette tapes as he drove over. Mostly he was listening to bands lick Chicago and Journey. And individuals such as Neil Diamond and Bryan Adams. Sure they weren't the 'latest thing' but they still appealed to him.

He found himself a parking spot and got out of the car after unbuckling. He placed his fedora on his head and closed the door looking around some. After taking in the sights some he decided that locking the door wouldn't be too bad of an idea. Though he doubted anyone would go after a car as old as his. Not when they could just as easily go after a Mustang.

He entered the apartment building and made his way up to the door of Kory's flat. he went to knock on the door but stopped. He didn't want to barge in on her and Dick again. He listened for a second and when he didn't hear anything that sounded suggestive he knocked on the door. He looked at his watch to see what time it was and to make sure he wasn't earlier then he said he'd be. He didn't know a whole lot of what was happening. Only that Kory had lost a friend that was close to her and he knew how that felt. He had offered to come by and help out anyway he could. And so here he was standing at her door wearing his usual outfit of blue jeans, a button-up shirt, sneakers, and his grandfather's trench coat all topped off with his ever present glasses and fedora.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

No car! Not for Starfire. In someway during the rough morning. From watching the sunrise from high in space. It felt different. Not that she had always, but there certainly were a lot of times. When it would be just the two of them. Talking like best friends did and sharing the fact they were both from space. Another world. Starfire's green eyes had the tear stains. As she flew through the city of Bludhaven. The faintest trail fell from her eyes. As the light of the sun trailed along her orange flesh. Soon the tamaranean princess reached her balcony. Landing upon its stones. It wasn't such a terrible. Not as far as the weather, which Kory could manage a small smile to the sky above. Almost a faint feeling of Donna watching. Kory could hope she was at least at peace, but it didn't change the fact she was no longer here. Just Kory motioned a step. Came the sounds of the car below. Just at the feeling of losing a friend, Kory was joyed to see another. It was defiantly wanted company. As if almost crying for joy, mostly silent.

Soon Kory opened the glass door to her apartment. The empty space. There was the tree. There had been help picking it out. Kory had down the lifting, but with everything the decorations had taken a backseat. A little sad. There was still her unlit candles. The photos. Even of Donna. As Kory passed them. Finding her way to her bedroom. Undoing her suit. Slipping it off for now. As she simply slipped on the nearest T-shirt she grabbed from her draws. Just happened to have the Wondergirl logo on it. With a simple smile as her hand traced it. The shirt seemed long enough, Kory didn't bother with putting anything else on. There came the abrupt knock at the door. Just as she caught a tear that had managed to linger, but this was a sad time. For not even just herself. Her hand then ran through her lose red locks of hair. Tousled it every so lightly and made her way back out of her bedroom. To the front door. With quite a joyful sight. As though her eyes were stained, the sight more than brought upon her smile. As her hand lingered upon the door handle a little longer. He was safe as she felt a gentle rush at her chest.

"Oh, Victor..."

Kory spoke with simple kindness. As if with the hint of gratitude. He was here. There hadn't been a whole lot said over the phone call, only the telling her sister had died and that sure he could come over. She would love his company… He was defiantly on her good list. It wasn't a short list. Letting go the door and the sight of her apartment open. Cutting the space easily as Kory moved to hug Victor, arms around his shoulders. She was taller as she could almost feel the warmth of his cheek upon her own. With the mix emotions, tears did spring again, but heavy. Kory didn't think to linger forever as she did pull back. Her hand gently brushed her cheek. Still the presence of her smile. The mix of mourning and the joys that life was still here. The gift of friendship. As Kory kissed him as a friend would upon his cheek.

"Please… Come in… I'm happy to see you… Have you been well? You look well!"

As Kory kindly offered to Victor as she herself stepped back into her place. To close the door shortly after Victor had stepped inside. As if speaking from her mind as she was happy to see him. Her eyes didn't stare to oddly, but they didn't linger away either. As she spoke honestly. Before moving her head slightly to the side as she asked how he was. It seemed so much had happened since she saw him, but he did look well. As her green eyes took in the enformance fedora. The colour to his cheeks. Kory motioned a hint of her playful side as she motioned to loop arm with his own. As she looked to him sweetly.

"What are your plans for today?"

As her eyes looked curious as she asked. Knowing she had a trip to make back to New York. The memorial was coming up and most of all she needed to be there for her friends. Every titan and everyone that knew Donna, missed her. Was effected by the loss. Kory didn't want to cut the time short with Victor, especially when he had come out all this way and she could defiantly do with his friendship today.

[Deleted]

When Kory opened the door Victor saw the tear stains around her eyes. He was slightly caught of guard by it. He had never seen her saddened like this. Every time he had seen her she was always happy and cheerful. There was a part of him that didn't think she could cry. Before he could say anything she hugged him. He looked at her for a second as she hugged and then eventually hugged her back. He felt the warmth of her skin and he could also feel the sadness she was feeling.

When she stepped back and kissed his cheek he felt the slight redness appear as it always did when she kissed him. When she invited him in he removed his fedora and held in in front of him hanging from his finger as he entered. "Hi Kory. I'm.... I'm doing well." He said not quite sure what to say as he looked around the room. Her candles weren't lit and he saw a bare tree that was probably meant to be a Christmas tree.

He saw the pictures around the room and could tell that she was hurt by the loss of her friend. It was something that both his race and her race had in common. "How are you?" He asked turning to look at her feeling stupid for asking that question. He had already found out what his goal would be for this trip. His goal was going to be to cheer her up. Or at least give her a way to cope with her loss. He started scanning his mind for any knowledge he had on funeral traditions and rituals throughout human culture on Earth. And there were alot. The pictures and candles gave him thoughts on a Japanese tradition. And he had others in mind as well. And there were still more ideas he had when looking at the tree. He didn't even realize that he wasn't bumbling about with his words at the moment. It was probably because of the fact that he was trying to think of a way to help her.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

A tamaranean was open to not just emotions of joy, but to all emotions. Instead of hiding. Running away. Bottling up. Kory wore them and embraced them upon her sleeve. The only way she knew. With the embrace of Victor's hug, it brought upon more warm and fuzzes. Something Kory indeed needed. There was still that halt to Victor. That looming question as to why? Because he was her friend and her cheeks sweetly glowed as she felt him hugging her back. He was a sweet and gentle man. Hardly the big bad. As half bubbled up more tears mixed with the shear looming of joy. Mixed. Her fingers wiping the tears that sprang with a shared bubbled laugh. At Victor's reaction to the kiss upon his cheek. Her green eyes followed the motion of his fedora. For a moment transfixed, but smiled softly as they entered more fully within her apartment. Kory's smile grew through as Victor spoke. Brushing slightly at her red hair, he did look well. Yeah. It was different times last time he was here. As she saw Victor look around the room.

"It is looking a bit sad, isn't it? I just got back, you know it is dangerous to leave candles to go wild?"

Kory admittedly questioned in regards to the lack of joy and vibrance. There with slight hint of humour. Amusement as Kory spoke of the unlit candles, recalling Victor knew them well. More than even she did. Smiling softly as leaving them to burn wasn't always a safe option. To show it wasn't just simply down to the mourning, but sure there was maybe a part of that. As her eyes then ran over the tree, well that was kinda different. Before slowly looking back to Victor. As then he had done the same and asked with such innocence. Kindness. With enough reach, Kory's left hand gently reach to place upon his cheek. As her eyes moved for a moment in a hint of pain away, but before regaining to look at him.

"Saddened, but not defeated… So many of us have lost a sister. We'll be feeling the loss for a long time to come, I am sure… I simply miss talking to Donna, but right now she'd be saying 'chin up, baby girl'… I'm sure where ever she is, she's with Robert again… That makes me happy to know."

As honestly Kory told Victor. It wasn't just Kory feeling the effects of it. So many. Titans and those closest to Donna. She was quite the wonder girl. So beautiful and so kind. At point Kory let go off the touch at Victor's cheek and just opened up. It defiantly felt better. Kory wasn't ashamed of this. She wasn't ashamed of Donna. It was just that training part of your mind that you couldn't just pick up the phone and she's answer. Kory warmed a little with a smile as she mentioned Donna would be with Robert. She'd be at peace. As hard as it was, it was reality, but least Donna could rest. Be with her family, because Kory knew how hard that had been for Donna. Part of which Kory was sure Donna hadn't completely healed from, but how does a mother heal from the loss of her child. Though lack of candles. It wasn't as cold in here as it was outside. As Kory looked over Victor again.

"Did you want me to take your coat, Victor? Did you want a cup of tea? I was going to make one, if you'd care to join me?"

As sweetly Kory asked as had motioned with her hands to help take the coat off from his shoulders, if he preferred. Before smiling warmly as she offered him a hot beverage. It would defiantly help. Especially for the calming effect and more settling Kory thought. Kory certainly liked her tea. As soon Kory walked the bit further before taking a little control of her kitchen. It wasn't completely dark. There. As Kory caught. The sun streaks through the window. As Kory took the kettle off from its spot and filled more water from the tap. Before putting it back and switching the button. As the water slowly boiled away. Kory moved over to sit upon one of the stools and casually crossed her bare golden legs. In good view of her living room and the sun peaking through.

"Victor, I'm so happy you came to hang out with me, it really means a lot, but I was wondering with the memorial approaching… Would you want to spend a couple of days in New York with me? I need to be there for my friends and I could certainly do with your company, I have missed you. If your not too busy?"

There was the more general rise of joy as Kory spoke of Victor's presence. Here and now. Recalling when she has talked to him on the phone, it was more a call to hang out before she would head back to New York. As Kory kindly asked. Offered if he wanted to come with her. Not too many days that he would be going missing, but not like that would happen under her watch. Kory sweetly smiled, she had promised she'd show him one day and as she mentioned Kory had to be there for the Titans. Of course Kory wanted and needed to be there for herself, but looking over at Victor now. He was also her friend. As Kory openly admitted she had missed him, suggesting greatly the company. Looking to him with a sweetened smile, but in no ways insisting. Especially not if he had things planned or was too busy.

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Victor smiled slightly at her comments about the candles. "True." He said waving a finger as if he was making a point. When Kory said how she was feeling Victor simply listened. He felt a small bit of shyness come up when she placed her hand on his cheek. He reached up and held her hand kindly as a friend. "Kory. I know how it feels to loose someone." He said trying to think of a way to help her. He decided he'd just start with being a friend. "I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm here for you." He said with a small smile.

When she asked if she could take his coat he laughed and handed his coat over. "I never though I'd have a princess ask me that question. And yes I'd love some" He said cheerfully and giving a playful bow. Victor sat down across from Kory and looked at her gently. He managed to stop himself from looking at her legs. He was somewhat surprised when Kory asked if he wanted to go to New York with her. And when she said that she had missed him. "Well.... I'd love to." He said looking at her. He squinted slightly as he thought. He didn't have anything set up to do for the next few days she he could go to the memorial with her. "I can possibly help you on a more personal level." He said. "Like these candles give me an idea." He gestured around at the candles with his hand. "I'm not trying to hard am I?" He asked looking at her with a slight smile. "And I've missed you too"

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

There it was Kory bubbled up a soft laugh and faint shake of her fiery set of hair. At Victor reaction to her talking about the candles. It was natural he was slow to realise she had also lightly meant herself, but really could Starfire be summed up like a candle. Perhaps more the kind that when you blow out they light themselves back up. As Kory playfully thought for moment. Sure, but she'd probably be more inclined to be the colourful candles, less colourful now, but eventually. Raising her fiery eyebrow as her eyes caught Victor pointing his finger, in which Kory naturally raised her finger and motioned it. Barely grazing the tip of his finger with her own. Somewhere this was ironic. Least he could rise the smile and this. Right here. Was what Kory needed. As her eyes caught the way Victor saw it. The faint undoing within the spot in her heart where she loved her friends so greatly. Kory would go to great lengths to protect, but Donna had slipped to a place Kory could never reach. Least not for a long long long time. Weakness wasn't something a warrior was supposed to show, but a tamaranean was open to all emotions. Kory could be sad, but wouldn't let it consume her. To feel it. Meant to let it go, but a part of Donna of course would always have a place in her heart. Even with a faint place in her memory. Kory could hear Donna's laughter and feel the embrace of a sister.

It was a little bit of a surprise, but not entirely unexpected. As Kory's hand had came to the glowing cheek of Victor. Her fingers could feel the faint prickles, as his own hand came upon hers then. A sweet. Caring gesture. Only helping to try and enlighten the smiles out of her. Less chances of it breaking, but there was no promises. It could still happen. Was it sometimes not the most beautiful thing to see? To see someone open. To see their range of emotions. To see the tears. The laughter. The smiles. Even the frowns. All ways to show who someone was. Understand their inner selves. Right now even if Victor didn't know it, was showing emotions. It was striking and Kory could take them easily for what they were. Between the shyness. The colour to his cheeks, but the courage to pull through for a friend. To aid with comfort. Kory would be wise not to take it for granted or take advantage of his generous nature. With his hand sweetly upon her orange warm hand, her thumb found the small line of his pinky finger over lapped it with a little pressure and the gentle caress of a friend.

"At some point we all do, but we must live on. If not for ourselves, for also those who cannot… We get the chance to save lives, so they don't have to lose…"

Kory responded. She was sure he was meaning the death of his uncle. Unless it had been more, but like Kory said. Everyone learns to lose somebody. As misfortunate as it is, it happens. As Kory spoke of carrying on with some level of strength. Endurance. Looked to him with simple wonder. The fact that they shared the role of a hero. A warrior. A warrior saved lives. The sacrifices so someone had a chance to survive that may not had if the hero was not there. Just Donna had been with Wonder girl. With Victor's searching, thought truly he had already been a great friend, but it was certainly a sweet thing to know he was caring to try harder.

"Thank-you!"

Kory simply spoke in response of Victor being there for her. In ways Kory already knew. He was a special friend. She needed her friends. The embrace of knowing one isn't so alone. Someone does care and Kory very much cared about Victor. As she did with everyone close to her. As Kory sweetly took a little lead of his hand with her own from his cheek and motioned it closer to her lips. Offering a kind kiss of his hand. As a gratitude, a gesture. As Kory sweetly smiled to Victor. Before letting go of the hold of his hand. Before motioning to help with the removal of his coat. As her hands met at his shoulders and helped as he slipped his arms free. Taking the coat and placed it over her bare orange arm. Smiled warmly at Victor's laugh. Kory so enjoyed making her friends smile even through a simple way. His reaction was so precious. Kory's hand brought some of the fabric closet to her nose. With a much delightful expression as she half winked at Victor.

"Hmmm, smells like a warm hug… I'll make sure to give this back to you… Victor. Different Princess…. Certainly… It won't take too long."

If a coat could smell like that, Kory was sure this coat did or Victor did. Kory smiled happily at the thought and to Victor, before taking the coat away. Not to far to hang it upon a hook. As Kory mildly joked, given she was known to keeping clothing, though generally from just one boy and Kory certainly had plenty of his. Different smell. Kory could never fully describe nor replace. Get use to. One thing Kory knew she loved the smell… Victor wasn't the only one with the gift, but it was used slightly differently or was it? Either way it was defiantly fun in getting Victor to practise it. As Kory laughed softly at him commenting on what he'd expect of a princess. In which Kory placed a simple hand upon his chest, with an amusing look and a wink, she was after all not from this planet. Before Kory had stepped away and took a little control of the kitchen. Long enough to get the kettle sorted. Grabbing her box of teas. As Kory had then motioned to bench seats and Victor joined her shiftily beside her. Placing her crafty box upon the bench… She smiled sweetly at Victor's surprised look and was super delighted by his acceptance. Her tear stained eyes, bubbled again, but of course with more warm and the glow to her cheeks.

"Oh… Thank-you Victor… I assure you'll we'll have the joy there as well… You have not eaten until you've eaten like a titan… Did you have a preference?"

Kory leaned in sweetly her hand motioned to his cheek again and gave him a friendly kiss to his cheek. A simple embrace, because Kory was quite delighted he was agreeing to come with her. Especially when he's never been to New york or anywhere near the tower… As Kory giggled softly as she retreated and assured there be joy to be had within the mourning with her friends. Donna would have wanted it. Also like Kory, Donna was a warrior. An amazon…. Before amusingly joking about the dinners the titans had, ate. They were more than the usual feast. Food was an essential part, even more so when you had someone that ate as much as Wally, as well as the rest of the hungry men… Kory asked about what kind of tea as Kory flipped open her box. With arrange of tea bags. Uncrossing her bare orange legs, as she had motioned to the box. Her shirt had ridden up a little. Extra skin, slowly before Kory crossed her legs with the opposite leg.

"I have Irish, English, Earl, Lady, camomile, peppermint, green tea, chai… I can go on?"

Kory's fingers gently ran over the tea options, there was defiantly enough of them… Her fingers though picked out the chai one for herself… Before her green eyes looked to him as he spoke about helping her in a personal way. Kory could defiantly accept someone being helpful. Especially it if was a kind help, but she raised her eye brow upon the personal level. Then the candles. All the unlit ones. Looking at Victor with silent amusement.

"What exactly did you have in mind, for this personal gesture? I don't think candle wax could burn my skin… I am flattered, but… Those personal needs kinda got covered last night… No not at all…"

Kory smiled broadly as she teasingly asked Victor, her hand playfully rested upon his leg. He was so gentle and sweet. That it was a surprise when these suggestion came out of him, but Kory could simply take them for what they were. It was one thing to express a little in playful banter, it was another thing entirely to act upon it, but all in all was a sense of emotions. As Kory was more assuming, but it wasn't new for humans to confuse her. But it was never out of ill intent and Victor would never take advantage of a situation nor Kory even if he could manage to try. As Kory assured him those personal levels as such were met last night. Or was it this morning. Despite the lack of words. Dick avoiding her, sure. He was the man in this world, who truly got her to stay on this planet. But assured Victor, Kory wasn't overly bothered by the attention. She was use to it, especially from Gar and Roy. It was harmless fun. least for them. She knew where to draw the line… There came appoint when one needed to see the things that meant more and the other stuff you just had to accept from someone. It didn't make them any less a friend or less special. If Victor had an infatuation for her, Kory could find a way to joke about it with Victor, not laugh at him. It was just how he felt, it wasn't something someone has easy control over, Kory knew that well. As her own heart thudded for Dick. Victor was a good person. Who she had missed. Between all that had happened.

"Your more than welcome to help light the candles… We'll have plenty of catching up to do in New York. I'll fly us… The traffic can get a little out there and I'm pretty patient."

As Kory kindly added and gestured with her hand towards the candles. They were just that candles. Because surely one would know she's a little more hotter than a candle. Before smiling sweetly to Victor missing her as well. She didn't of course want to lead him on. Kory didn't want to hurt him, but he seemed to be more in tune with himself. Even more so with the world, than when Kory had first met him. Perhaps he was just in love with what she represented than really just her. He got her to a degree, but she didn't see the same as when she did look into Dick's eyes. Even without him here, Kory could feel the goosebumps on her skin…. Before adding Kory could fly them to New York, there be little reason for anything else. She wasn't moving and the traffic was pretty bad. It made sense to walk or fly. As Kory sat comfortably beside Victor as he chose his destiny in tea form.

[Deleted]

Victor smiled slightly at the sound of Kory's laugh. It meant she was getting better. Even if it was only slightly. He looked at the candles and then back to Kory. When she spoke he had to smile slightly. She was still her bubbly self. "Yeah we all do loose someone at some point. But its always going to be hard." He said looking at her as she held his hand. "Its extremely hard for humans because we are very society based." He explained not quite sure why he was doing so. He felt his fingers tingle slightly as Kory moved her fingers across them. He found it to be almost cruel. He go back a rather short amount of time and he would have tried to make his way into her heart. But now...... Now he found himself thinking of Alison. He smiled slightly at her thanks. He would be her for her. What was different now from before though was that before he would have been here for her as a lover. Now he would be here for her as a good friend. He didn't know that he would get pass the intense part of the feelings he had before. But there was no way he would ever get over he completely.

He chuckled nervously when she touched her lips to his fingers when she let go of his hand he looked at her with his eyebrows raised slightly. "Traditionally the commoner. In this case me. Kisses the hand of royalty. That being you." He said playfully. He wasn't trying to belittle the moment. But he just couldn't help but add onto his earlier comment about her being a princess. Victor smiled wondered what a warm hug smelt like. He looked around trying to figure out what else he could do to try and cheer her up. He didn't realize that him simply being here was cheering her up. When Kory started to list what the teas she had was. "Peppermint would do wonderfully." he said watching her work in the kitchen. He never thought he would see a princess or an alien working in a kitchen. Or offering to take his coat. And yet here he was with both things happening together.

When she commented on her personal needs having been met he winced slightly as he tried to follow along with what she said. When it slowly dawned on him what she said his eyes widened slowly. "Oh......... I uhhh........ I didn't mean like that." He said nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "No I was meaning a custom followed by the Japanese." He said with a nervous laugh. "If things hadn't changed I would have meant it that way." He looked at the candles. "But what the Japanese do is they build a sort of alter." He said getting up and moving over to the pictures clearly getting lost in what he was saying. "They would take a photo of the one who had died." He looked at the pictures and picked up one and looked at Kory. "Is this her?" He asked moving back over to her. "Well what they do is put the photo on an alter. Which can be a table or a desk or the mantle of a fire place or something. They sometimes light candles around the photo and will leave it up during the mourning period with lasts for a few weeks in some cultures some will have it go on for the rest of they're lives. I don't know how long it lasts for you're kind." He said setting the photo down on the counter as he sat back down next to Kory. "The idea is it helps guide the spirit back if it wants to come back." He waved his hand at the floor as he looked around the room. "Then they put some kinda powder on the ground and then stay in their rooms for the night after the alter is set up. Or at least you can't go into the room that the powder is on the floor." He said looking back to her. "If the spirit comes back then its foot prints will be left in the powder. I don't know if it really works but its a thought at least." He said sitting back down and looking at her with a slight wince. "You don't have to do it if you don't want to though. I'm not sure what Tamarains do."

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

The simple laughter was just pure fact Kory could feel several things at once and so easily feel emotions one after another. Call it the effect of wearing ones emotions on their sleeves, as well as their heart. Besides the company of a friend wasn't means for more mourning. The sight. The shear feel of his gentle embrace was more than heart warming and a reason enough to smile. Not to mention his words. Though yes there was still that mere glimpse of her mourning. That Donna was no longer here for Kory to embrace. As Kory's eyes trailed off with the minor showing of her smile breaking at Victor's words

"For a tamaranean, the people we care about, we never stop caring about them. We don't fall in or out of love... Humans tend to also hold on to the past, to relive it as if it happened now, but for me I miss how Donna is. I don't miss the memories or what could have been, because we had them and I can see them for what they were. A time once shared."

It was just not hard in the same way, but still it wasn't easy. As Kory humbly explained as well as she could what it was like for someone like her. Nothing really she hadn't expressed before. Just like her friendship with Victor as Kory had mildly regained her smile it wasn't doomed to ever fail. It just can't least never on her end, despite seeing it happen so often between humans. Put it down to a strong sense of loyalty. It wasn't something Kory simply played with. And unlike many humans, Kory didn't live in the past, same as when someone died. Kory missed who Donna was now. Though there was that spot thinking she went too soon, but Kory was sure Donna was in a more peaceful world. Thats not to say Kory simply forgot the memories, but they were just that memories, some more joyful than others and some more special. Just as this moment now was sure going to come. As Kory happily caressed his hand as she normally would, because she loved him as she always had and would continue to. 

"Really? I thought you were a charming prince."

Kory questioned playfully in response, although could seemingly be very telling. As Kory politely gave him hand back. Of course not stopping him if Victor wanted to correct the situation and kiss hers. Kory winked and smiled sweetly upon him. He was defiantly cheering Kory up as she had taken his coat, shortly after had offered her range of teas. Her green eyes lit with little surprise at his choice, it was rather sweet and smiled as Kory motioned to the top cupboards in her kitchen. Allowing more exposer of her legs of course, all lengthy and golden. Grabbing two cups and as the kettle clicked. Kory put the cups wit the tea bags on the bench and began pouring the boiling water into them. Before placing Victor's cup down before him.

"My scent must really torment you, I wonder if I taste like mint though. Care to lick me and find out? Oh, but first my kind sir. Would you like some milk and sugar for your tea? I suppose I could be your lemon... Oh actually... I also happen to have..."

Kory gestured playfully about his choice of tea and not forgetting easily he more than once made it clear what he smelled when around her. Curiously pondering if that is what she tasted like and playfully offer her hand for him to lick. Before forgetting her manners to go along with this whole princess arc, she put with a playful smile and offered him the delights to go with his tea. At some point Kory remembered licking lemons and sugar or was it salt. More than likely a tad confused as joked her hand could be his lemon, but she was also reminded. As Kory worked a little further into her kitchen to find her fridge and pulled out the minty chocolate biscuits. Saved for him, Kory was sure. Before placing them down with the milk and tea in front of where Victor sat. Taking her own tea in hand with some milk and stirred it gently moving out of the kitchen to take a seat next to Victor at the bench. Ok his reaction to her assumption was too humbly endearing. That Kory had to chuckle. She wasn't in the slightest discomfort had he meant it, but had it was just unexpected coming from him so forwardly.

"No... Of course you didn't."

Kory said in response mildly playful and flirty. Not to make Victor feel bad as she watched his well still nervy behavior. Kory motioned a little closer as she had spoken as gently moved her fingers to run up and down the underside of his arm. Hopefully seeing the lighter side of this together as she then sweetly smiled. Knowing it hadn't been so easy for him. It had nothing to do with him doing anything right or wrong. He just wasn't Dick. She still adored Victor, she felt accepted and warmly embraced. Felt less alone. Who didn't like the feeling of being loved, despite what variation it is? All loves were just more or less the need to be close to someone. Kory smiled as Victor admitted he would had things not changed.

"Emotions never lie Victor. Our understanding of them can, just take time. If it wasn't for human attachment, I would have offered, but I didn't want to take away the special moment of your first time... I wasn't so fortunate, not that it ruined it for me once the real time came."

Speaking from knowing emotions rather well on a daily bases, more like every second. They don't just simply change, for especially humans it can be a lot harder to understand them, just as it was also hard to accept them. Many just run in fear of them, rather than just embracing them. If only they realized in running away meant running away from themselves. As no matter whether you accept or not, they will always be there to some degree. Kory then enlightened on the human attachment in such more intimate moments, particularly meaning him. Had they for any reason, Victor would have enlightened more in his affectionate feelings, rather than just sharing a joyful moment together. Kory wouldn't be the cause of more confusion for him and he was the gentle soul. Kory knew there was also the first time believe being so special, going along with humans living in the past, but Kory could respect that even if she didn't completely understand that. As Kory mentioned about her own time, too a degree she did live in the past sometimes, but a past like hers, its not so easily to walk away from, but Kory just pushed it back as good as she could. Many of those memories were best not remembered or talked about, but as hard as Kory could move on. There are moments, particularly when alone with her thoughts, they'll crawl back, but Kory has kept strong despite the damage. Though it didn't as Kory smiled as told Victor, despite the rapes, she was able to experience the real moments. Where it had been her choice. It was probably true to say her first real intimacy was with Dick Grayson, first time after being freed and he gave Kory her voice. The reason she could speak now, well she was the one that kissed him. She kinda stole it from him. Kory softly laughed at the thought of it.

"Yes, that is Donna... It wouldn't hurt to try and least give Donna the option to come back, but if she's at peace this won't disturb her, will it? I'm sure she would have found her son, she had missed him terribly. But it does sound interesting, I just don't know about leaving candles unattended, it might be a bit dangerous... Perhaps this may be best at the tower. Should also keep in mind, Donna isn't human either. So she might have to come from a place far far away."

Kory said in response to Victor getting up to get the picture and returning to show her. Yes it was defiantly her. With her dark lengthy hair and her sweet expression on her face. Sweet girl. Sweet heart. As Kory smiled and pointed to Donna. Upon hearing more about this ceremony, Kory wasn't overly against the idea. Given like Victor said it was opening the door for the person deceased to come in. Kory thought it least be kind to offer, whether it would work or not. Though Kory wasn't so sure she'd be secure enough in her skin to see footprints in powder, how was one to know exactly who left them? Before also questioning to check it wouldn't disturb Donna. Last thing the needed was an unsettled Wonder girl. Especially as Kory added that Donna would have more than likely found her son Robert on the other side. Donna hadn't been the same since he died and before she herself died. Kory then suggested the Titans tower may be best, in case leaving the candles may end in disaster while their away and also smiled upon him saying about her being tamaranean, but it might get confusing to tell him all of the believes on Tamaran, but Kory made a point of telling Victor. Assuming he didn't know. That Donna wasn't human either. She was an amazon and they had their set of believes as well. 

"If you do want to lend me a hand... Your welcome to help with my tree... Ahhh, jiminy cricket!"

Kory suggested if Victor wanted to help in ways now in her apartment and her hand pointed to her bare xmas tree. It was defiantly sweet he was trying, even though being here was helping a lot... Before her words were cut short, upon bring her hot cup to sip, but oddly bumped it along the way. Missing her lips completely and the hot tea spilled upon her shirt. Luckily with tough and rather hot skin herself, it didn't burn, just made a hot mess. Soaking into the shirt, what little help her hand was doing to get rid of it. 

"I should go get changed anyway. I won't be long." 

Kory kindly added to her mild cursing as she stood back to her feet. Her hands went to brush more off, but it was going no where, save a wash later. Kory needed to be ready for the trip to New York, anyway. Before adding a soft smile, she wasn't in any hurry, she was more than up to hanging with Victor here for a bit more. As Kory slipped off her shirt, before soon turning and placing the shirt in the hamper outside her room. Then disappearing into her room for a short amount of time.

[Deleted]

As Kory spoke about how she felt about the loss of Donna. She spoke about how she didn't miss her or the memories of her but she missed how she was. As she said this Victor nodded slightly. It was a good thing that humans weren't like that. Otherwise he might not have too much of a job at the moment.

He laughed when she commented about him being a prince charming. "No no. I'm not a prince." He said with a grin. "If anythin' I'm a 'cowboy' as you folk call us." He said with a slight nod as he slipped into the stereotypical accent of a cowboy. Victor watched her move around the kitchen as he took his seat. He placed his fedora on his knee and looked down to make sure it was going to stay. When he looked up her shirt was covering less of her legs then before. He shifted awkwardly in the seat and looked off to the side as he twiddled his thumbs. "Your scent doesn't bother me." He said with a slight shake of his head. "And I'll pass on tasting you." He said waving his hand with a slight smile. When she brought out the mint biscuits Victor looked at them and sniffed. [color=888888["Our those mint?"[/color] He asked raising an eyebrow.

When she ran her fingers along his arm Victor looked into her eyes and felt the same way he did when they first met. Then quickly he jumped out more out of nerves then anything else. "Ummm... Kory... Uhhh....." He rubbed the back of his neck as he felt his cheeks starting to grow warmer. "Kory...... I think I should probably tell you something." He said after she spoke more about emotions and not wanting to take his first time. "Ok. I have t o say. I like you...... And I mean I really really like you." He said as he rubbed his throat with his finger tips. "Well you know.... I told you at the party..... Well......... I think falling for you opened me up to what happened later................" He said as his voice trailed off it wasn't a case of he didn't want to tell her. But more he was once again falling into the point where he was too nervous to think of a way to say it.

He quickly managed to regain his confidence when she asked about the 'ritual' he had talked about before. "Well it doesn't make her come back. It sorta opens the door to let her take one last look." He said stroking his chin and feeling a slight bit of stuble there. He hadn't even realized that his fedora was now laying on the ground having fell of his knee when he jumped up. "In fact it would probably be better to have it at the...... Titans Tower? That right? Because the idea is to give them one last walk around the place she lived in." He said looking around the building falling back into his teacher mode as he was pacing around the room. He moved back over to the seat and looked at her to pick up his tea. "I don't know if it works but still." He said showing that he didn't completely believe in it.

Victor looked up at the tree and smiled. "Sure I'd love to help you." He said looking at her with a smile. He then looked at her over the tea in his hand. "Really?" He asked. "Jiminy Cricket?" He raised his eyebrows and tried not to laugh. It was just funny to him. Hearing the name of Pinocchio's concise spoken that way. When she moved to go change her shirt Victor took a sip of the tea. He heard a sound that didn't seem like a door. He looked over and saw her toss her shirt into the hamper. His eyes widened when he saw her. This wasn't what he thought would happen when he came here. He slowly turned in the seat feeling his cheeks grow warm. No doubt they were red now. 'Before any of you say anything I know.' He mentally said to Cana and Lupin.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

It was a sweet and soothing thing to hear. His laughter. Just as much as seeing him smile. It was hard not to return it and usually Kory was one step ahead, just today… These days it had been more gloomy. Who ever said tears were ugly? Wrong? They were best out, keeping them in wasn't about to turn back time or bring her back. His comments made herself laugh though as Kory had fiddled around in the kitchen. From reaching for cups. To pouring the tea. To sharing the biscuits… Smiling softly to him, he just had a that knack of easing her mind. Not too mention he was very amusing. Her brow teasingly raised as he said 'you folk' and her hand playful made to her chest.

"My folk? I'm not sure we had the likes of you, but you would be the exception… So does this mean I'm the Buzz to your Woody?… You do have similar cuteness factor as he does. Now I want to watch Toy Story…"

Kory playfully questioned knowing he was messing around with his words. As she smiled and leaned in a little, given there wasn't anyone like him on Tamaran. No humans and certainly no cowboys, but as she led on, it wouldn't of been a bad thing had he been on her world. He was in this world with her now. Somehow Toy Story reference came to mind in seeing Victor as a cowboy and she was well from space. Her orange finger playfully tapped him on his nose as she proclaimed him as Woody and mentioned the cuteness factor. No wonder why she liked Victor, Kory giggled up a laughter. He did have a hat and a whip somewhere… Her mind trailed on in the land of Toy Story and smiled as she mentioned it to him. Kory's cheeks glowed at his response to her scent, well it was a relief it wasn't killing him and she laughed with the shake of her head as he passed on tasting her. Pinching him playfully on his cheek, before noting his brow at her biscuits and well all things mint flavoured.

"You know your adorable, right? Oh… These… When you told me your favour of mint… Let's say I'm always prepared… Is it too much?"

Kory sweetly questioned him. There was always more behind his eyes, but he said a lot even when he didn't speak or found it difficult. No ill intent. It would actually be a shock if all of a sudden he sprung a leather jacket and a comb… Let her guess, Grease? Perhaps a drive thru was possible… Before Kory responded in terms to all the mint flavoured things, well for now it was just tea and biscuits, he refused to taste her… So… Kory well as she politely told him she had them partially for when he came over. She was always prepared. Just like she was always prepared with her hands ready when Dick came to visit and needed a massage. She was kind to her friends. She then asked curiously if perhaps it was over top, but she had least tried as she slightly shrugged. Before taking one of the biscuits to put into Victor's mouth. Well she was expecting something, maybe, but not him jumping out of his skin. Did she do something wrong? Did she prick him with something? Kory looked to him concerned as he jumped away from her touch.

"Did I do something wrong, Victor? I'm sorry i thought we were sharing a friendly moment… Please speak your mind..."

Kory sincerely asked and apologised, for being possibly mistaken, but not apologising to that fact she had touched him out her caring nature. Sometimes he took her playful side in a serious way than what she had meant, but still his rejection had thrown her off. Though at his mention he needed to speak. Kory had then found herself seated beside him by then, not aiming to stop him if he had something to get off his chest and hopefully she would know what exactly she had done wrong. Then a smile came to her lips as Victor said he liked her, well that was a positive thing to hear. It gave a slight warm fuzzy feeling. She looked to him as he repeated it, making his point… It was more than just liking her. It had been easy. Which Kory wanted to offer comfort, but fell at a crossroad given he had reacted so much to her simply touch before. Would it just make it worse now? When really Kory just wanted to help him. Reluctantly Kory motioned to his hand, but gently and if he pulled away then she would know for sure. It be rude if she didn't at least offer comfort when she was the one that seemed to have caused his pain, but it was coming out now. Kory nodded then as he mentioned her party and what he had said. She did remember, but confused as he trailed upon what happened.

"I like you too, Victor… What happened later? Oh, Victor I hear that happens a lot… I don't think it is anything to be concerned about, it'll shift in time… Wait… You fell for me? Here I thought I lift people up."

Kory responded to Victor, it was true she liked him and well he really didn't need to tell her, but was was nice to hear. As she smiled sweetly to him. But she really had little clue as to what he meant when he said about what happened later. Kory just naturally jumped he was talking of other kinds of pains, but she was just assuming as her green eyes looked to him. Before enlightening on the fact Victor said about falling for her, had he really ever said it so straightly like that before. As she friendly played with him on it, least if he could talk about it, they could also jest about it in light gestures. Would that make it easier? As Kory half elbowed him. It was something someone falling for her, when she would more likely take them with her in flight mode… Kory was proud Victor could say it more openly. Not really recalling if they had really ever talked about it.

"Oh, well i guess that would be harmless then… It would be polite to least offer Donna the option to take a peak… You think? Well, we'll have to ask the other Titans, just to be sure their down with it… Thank-you for the thoughtfulness, Victor. Even if it doesn't work, least Donna is at peace. That's all that matters and we have each other…"

There seemed less reasons not to least give it a try. It was just a small gesture from what Kory understood. To someone that was like a sister to her and someone she had loved so greatly. She eyed him kindly as he agreed the tower would be best, but like she mentioned they'd have to make sure the others were ok with it. She was only one part of the family. Before smiling sweetly to Victor. It was a friend trying to find ways to help and it was defiantly caring. As Kory leaned in gently to kiss him on the cheek in gratitude and glowed happily despite the tear in her eye about Donna being at peace, but she had friends alive like him. Not that she was trying to be overly poetic about it, but somewhat a sweet moment. Before then he offered to help her with her tree and she glowed even brighter, especially with the added bonus of his own smile. Half face palming as he mentioned the curse she had stolen. It well it happened.

"Thank-you! Donna and I were gonna make a day of it… I just haven't come around to do it after everything… Being around Dick as long as I, it gets stuck… I still don't know exactly what it means…"

Kory trailed on a little mentioning as her eyes loomed momentarily over the tree she had planned to decorate with Donna. Perhaps with Dick as well. Before her eyes blinked a little in disarray as she mentioned she had been putting the tree off since her death. Mostly because she wasn't here and it was just odd for some reason, Kory couldn't explain. Before Kory looked to him again with more playful smile as to where her curse had come from as she mentioned Dick. Was that Safe? or should she of said Robin? It was more in his early days, but Robin now didn't say it so much. It was mostly down to the recent clips she had watched, but that was seemingly still a secret, but she didn't know really what it meant. Just as most of the adorable things that came from Dick's mouth, but somehow she could always understand him. Her eyes had trailed off, showing her concern given he was avoiding her because of what happened and she was worried about him. She'd hope he'd come knocking on her door and want to come with them, but she'd least meet him there for the memorial, Kory was sure. It just didn't feel right him being alone, but Donna was always the one that told Kory at times he needed space. Was this one of those times? And still that part of her wondering if she had done something wrong or wasn't doing enough. Before Kory motioned to her feet to take care of her tea covered shirt and tossed in in the hamper. Leaving for her room. If this was Tamaran it wouldn't of been unexpected nor really at Titans Tower. This was her apartment, whats the point if she wasn't comfortable in it? Kory had slipped into a purple shirt dress, it had partially transparent sleeves and came mid thigh length. She was 6'4 after all. With a belt and her feet bare for now. Tousled her red hair as Kory returned, well it was clothes at least. As her other hand carted a few boxes on top of each other filled with decorations. She was not just strong. She could balance… Well mostly. Putting them down by the tree. Before returning to where Victor was with a smile and sipped what was left of her tea. Taking a seat…

"I've been meaning to ask… How is Lupin? Does he like Christmas?"

Kory asked amusingly. Well she could sense as well as she could see or hear. It was hard to ignore knowing you had extra pair of eyes on you. She almost forgot she needed to add him to her present list, but what does one get to a floating wolf head inside a cowboy named Woody?

[Deleted]

Victor listened to her speak about him being the Woody in the relationship and her being the Buzz. "That could be it." He said before laughing at hearing an alien princess talk about watching Toy Story. "Ok so we have a way to win over an alien race if we ever need to." He said pretending to speak into a hidden mouthpiece as if he was taking notes. When she touched the tip of his nose he found himself rubbing the spot more out of a reaction then anything else.

Things had been going well so far. He wasn't bumbling over his own words and he wasn't trying to make himself seem better then Dick was. As a matter of fact he wasn't finding himself helplessly drawn to her in a romantic way. He still liked Kory and he had a strong feeling that he would for a long time to come. It was just who he was, also she was just an extremely likable person..... or alien..... what ever was the correct way to address her. But now here he was, stumbling over trying to tell Kory what had happened. How he felt now. About what must have been a new chapter in his life. "Well Kory....... I......." He rubbed the back of his neck for what must have been the tenth time in a row. He opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't say it. Then he got an idea. "Quite sometime after the party........ Well I knew you were with Dick....... And so I was trying to get myself to stop thinking about that fact........ I went into a new flowershop called the Petal Perfect to buy you a flower and well........" He looked directly in Kory's eyes as a smile crossed his face and a slight chuckle escaped his lips. "I met the most beautiful woman I had ever seen." He paused for a bit after having said that. "You're still beautiful though." He said letting her know she wasn't any less beautiful in his eyes. "But then I......... I was convinced to ask her out on a date and well............ It was amazing..... She......... We............ I........ We shared a kiss... And I'm in love with her..... And I think...... I think she might feel the same way about me." He finally managed to say. He looked at Kory with a large smile. It seemed like her telling him that she was taken but doing so in a manner that made it clear they were still friends somehow pushed him to moving on in his life. "Thanks for helping me in a highly round about way. Even if you didn't know you were doing it...... I sure didn't if you were."

He managed to regain control of himself and calm himself down as Kory spoke about his offer about Donna. "I might be alittle freaked out if she does come back." He admitted. He was a skeptic when it came to things like this. Which was funny because he was in effect a werewolf. So therefore he would be skeptical of his own existence. "But I'd be more then willing to help you with it."

When she came back into the room and was clothed Victor found himself relaxing abit. Then when she asked about Lupin he scratched his chin. "Oh right..... Something else that happened. I sorta had a run in with Scarecrow. Don't worry I'm fine now. But Lupin....... Was gone for a while." He said trying to think of how to best explain it. "While he was missing another of his kind chose me to be her host. Her name is Cana and she is Lupin's daughter. After a while Lupin resurfaced......... So now I have two of them in here." He said tapping the side of his head. As if one wasn't bad enough now he had to listen to two tell him how he could be better at a certain aspect of his life and what else he could do to wow someone. Though it was nice not having them tell him to go run off with the closest woman there was.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

There was the hat, well almost the same hat and mostly Victor had that cute smile. The caring look in his eyes as Woody did. With a small tip of his hat, it would seal the image for Kory. Not to mention he had similar legs. As Kory peered over the table and scanned his legs a little. Before offering a glad smile to his moment. Nodded sweetly as she was happy to be his Buzz. From the looks, there probably could be many times flying him off to safety. Even more so. Kory looked to him amusingly with the shake of her head at his playful way of being smart. Watching as he talked into the imaginary speaker.

"Comrade, we have the toys in check. Give signal for attack… Oh no I think they preached. Save yourself… If it helps we're not all that attracted to bright lights, though we can be that cute."

This was Kory's attempt to play with him back on it, smiling amusingly as Kory put her hand also like a mouthpiece as if she was responding to his call. Before pulling out her soft toys of Dick. Bother Robin and Nightwing. As she made the dramatics of the on coming attack of the alien that had preached and her green eyes targeted Victor. Really who was he calling alien so loosely. Before throwing the soft toys upon him in playful attack. In which Kory sweetly tossed her red head back in a laugh. Before leaning back across the counter with an amusingly smug smirk on her face. Ok he was more than cheering her up. She had defiantly needed his company. Though the tiny faces of Dick staring back up at her, she sighed ever so faintly, before rising her green eyes back to Victor with a little more light. Before mentioning that not all aliens were taken by such bright lights as was displayed in toy story, just in case he was planning his next attack. Before adding the cute remark, as she eyed him sweetly as he rubbed his nose. They really could be cute.

Soon Kory had taken the short way around the counter and now sat beside Victor. Making sure to take back tiny Robin and make sure he was properly caressed and undamaged. Before resting him comfortably upon her lap. Her eyes had caught the struggling way Victor was trying to speak and ok so there was more to it. Kory smiled softly as she looked up at him as he spoke her name. Catching the nervous actions as always. Sipping her tea at the time. Raising a slight amused brow as his mouth opened then nothing. He tried again, nothing. Really was she that scary? Before finally he took a leap. There you go. Kory thought giving him the look as it kept on coming. How cute. Her cheeks glowed a little girly like as he mentioned Dick's name and she felt shivers across her arms. It wasn't a lie. Adding a simple smile, showing it had been a joyful moment with him and for the most part it was still growing like that. Just not during this time given Donna's death. It was hard on everyone, especially Dick. Before looking back with more intent as she listen and was happy to see the joy reach his eyes more and more as Victor spoke. Well least it was joyful. Though she smiled at what he said about the reasons he had gone to the flower shop. That was so sweet.

"You bought me a flower? I love flowers."

Kory asked with such shear joy and gratitude, it was sincerely such a nice gesture. As Kory smiled and imagined bright beautiful flowers. Perhaps she should visit this shop? Her face showed the surprise. It was really just very sweet. Touching. Dick had often given her flowers. She wasn't so much one for material things, but flowers was always a simple way. Her eyes then looked to him questionable as he smiled and chuckled. Was there something wrong with the flowers? Then the next words came out of his mouth about a woman. Oh! Then Kory grinned with him. He had met a woman. Kory knew he'd finally would, he just needed a little faith and by the sounds it more than paid off. Before Kory glowed at the compliment of her appearance, that Kory had really taken a hit by how he described this woman. He was just well, very awestruck. So it seemed. He had found love and Kory showed a blissful look of surprise and intent. Before her orange hand, firmly struck him across the arm. Not intent to hurt him, but Kory sometimes forgot her strength.

"X'hal, Victor why didn't you tell me before? That is great news. I am so happy for you, Victor… So what is her name and when do I get to greet her? Oh you know what this means? We can double date."

Kory spoke with a happy, higher pitched voice, but with sincere and just her real bubbly joyous way about her. This was beautiful to hear, least there was good news despite all the bad kind right about now. Kory didn't strike him again, but rested her hand firmly against his arm in friendly gesture. Before not waiting for him to accept it so much and hugged him as she mentioned she was happy for his joy. Most defiantly. As her hands toyed and tugged playfully at her Robin's hands. Before Kory didn't ambush him with a great deal of 20 questions, but she did want to know some details. Who this chick was that had snagged her Woody. Before playfully clearing her throat wondering when Kory could meet her. Half wishing for this mystery girl with flowers to appear and Kory was sure there reason for Victor not having introduced her sooner, that didn't involve the fact that Kory was well Koriand'r. Least Kory sure hoped not. They should be past that and Victor should be better than that. Despite his attempt to be smart with her earlier. When was she not the trusting type? Before playfully putting her hands together in an idea, that already seemed a set plan and her hand reached for his arm lightly. As her green eyes glowed at the mentioning of the double date. Amusingly raising her brow, if he recalled what Dick said about the cinemas, it was different if it was a group, well this was a group now. Of course cinemas was just one option, there were several now. Not every date of course.

"I did? Well, you are very much welcomed. This is splendid news, but Vic… Please don't hesitate, you can tell me anything. Not that I don't like surprises…"

Kory softened in response to him thanking her for helping him take the leap and have the courage to find the love he had searched for. Politely taking it, but Victor Kory was sure had it all along, but just needed a little encouragement. Smiling sweetly to him, to simply be himself. It oddly seemed harder for humans to do it, but beautiful to see when they did. As Kory motioned to cuddle her Robin a little, before shifting her smile a little and her eyes to Victor. Placing her hand upon his knee, assuring him that he needn't hesitate to tell her something like that, or really anything. Kory certainly liked to hear it… Well she also liked surprises, as Kory spoke simply with a glow as she retreating her hand with a smile. Resting her chin upon tiny Robin's head as Victor spoke of Donna coming back. If Donna was here. Kory would be hugging her if Donna hadn't hugged Kory first. She missed her hugs. Especially given the fact they were both super strong ladies.

"If it helps Donna is very friendly. You would have liked her, but we'll see what the other titans say on the matter. I wasn't the only one that loved her, we all did."

With a simple kiss upon Robin's head as Kory fondly spoke of Victor. It could be creepy, but this was Donna. She was beautiful and kind. There was hardly anything creepy about her. It was difficult to imagine her any other way than how Kory knew her. How they all had. Smiling softly at the thought, before taking care of her messed up clothes and returning with new. Rejoining him. Kory looked to him with a slight frown as he mentioned Scarecrow. Nodded reluctantly as he said he was fine. Listening carefully as he spoke of Lupin. This had be something to understand before overtime he had explained it. Tilting her head slightly to side, with a breath escaping with a amused laugh. Yes because she was the odd one between them. It was really something and yet he seemed still as special. Just Victor to her. Shifting a little and the moving of her lips. As she contemplated the proper way to do this. Otherwise it would be rude of her. Reaching out for his hand in her opposite hand to shake it.

"Greetings Cana, I am Koriand'r and welcome back Lupin. I have missed you… Both… You really are something, Victor. You know what… Now who wants to help decorate this tree?"

With the natural way Kory would greet a beautiful stranger and Kory was wondering if she could almost see the new pair of eyes within Victor's, but they seemed still just him. Offering her name as it was only customary to do so. It already felt like a new friend, even if she couldn't see her. Or Lupin. Which Kory was pleased to welcome back. She kissed the top of Victor's hand out of gesture and sweeter kiss as she turned his hand, her lips to his palm. Sweetly saying both, meaning Victor as well. Of course. Keeping his hand close to her cheek, she enjoyed the company probably more than she deserved, but he was really a friend she needed. As she did them all. Smiling sweetly before letting go of his hand. Her eyes trailing down in a slight broken smile. With a simple escaped breath and then cuddled her Robin a little more. Before placing him upon the counter with Nightwing. Whom she also fondled to stay upright as always. How remarkably a like, Kory laughed to herself. Before getting her feet and asked who wanted to help with her tree.

[Deleted]

Victor felt a loud being lifted off his shoulders as he told Kory about the fact he had fallen completely in love. Not because it was a burden. But because he was telling her and was starting to realize that he really did feel the way he felt. He felt a slight drop in his chest when she commented about the flower. He squinted slightly and balled his hands into loose fists and knocked them together in thought. "Well........... I don't have it with me right now....... But I can get it for you soon." He said looking at her and tried to cover the fact that he already gave it away. To Alison in fact.

When she slammed her hand against his arm he flinched letting a small yelp more in shock then pain. "Well....... Last time I was here you and Dick had jut finished............... You know.. And I was admittedly alittle steamed. And ontop of all that I hadn't met her yet. Every other time I got ready to call you I got cold feet." He said as he rubbed his arm. "I'm not sure when you'd get to greet her. I'd have to ask her to make sure." He said as he still rubbed her arm. He didn't want to set Alison up with anything she didn't want to do. Or that she didn't have time to do- Wait? Did she say that they could date? Double date? "Date? Ummmmm............... Sure I can see that being fun." He said. His thoughts started off thinking about him having to spend time with Dick and he still didn't like him all that much. But then his thoughts quickly changed to the fact that he'd be able to spend time with Alison. When Kory said that he could tell her anything he found his mind start to swirl. Well....... To start well...... What could he say? "She's an amazing woman......... She's beautiful and fun to be around." He said. Though it would be safer to say he was just letting the words run pass his lips. "I can't help but feel happy around her........ Lupin's quiet around her." He added the last part more as an after thought. "And she's funny............. Oh and her cousin is teaching me martial arts." He added realizing that he was rambling. Then a thought crossed his mind. "Kory I've known her for a few months now and.......... Do you uhhh........ Do you know of any good jewelry stores we can go to while we're in New York?" He asked her rubbing the back of his neck shyly.

When Kory mentioned that she would ask the other Titans first before going through with the ritual. "Well I just want to point it out one more time that I don't completely believe it will work the way its described. But that's just my opinion I'm not saying it can't happen." In fact if the Titans decided to go with through with it, and it did turn out like the stories. Then he would be surprised to no end.

A slight grin crossed his face as Kory shook his hand in greeting of Cana and Lupin. When she kissed his hand and brought it up to her cheek he felt a slight blush as he always would in this situation. "Ummm...... Kory......" He pointed with his left hand just across his right shoulder. "She's standing right there. Lupin is in my head as a voice. Cana, while she's still in my head she has a physical form too." He said with a slightly amused look on his face and with a slight blush. 'Oh don't let her know that. You need more affection like that.' Cana said crossing her arms and looking at the two with an amused smile. "She says its nice to meet you too." Victor commented ignoring what Cana said.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

There was the simple swing in her seating, comfortably as Kory smiled sweetly with Victor's present. The tears were all, but stains now. Her eyes even expressed that little extra lightness in response to his sudden relax into his world. As if suddenly fairies flew. Her fingers toyed playfully at the Robin doll in her lap. Pulling sweetly at his cape. Her eyes dropping mildly in the silent moment and every so often she could feel that extra space in her heart. It was hard when friends left. Just as hard as when she was forced to leave. Firmly placed on Earth. As Kory warmly placed her chin upon Robin's head and held him at her chest. With the rising smile at the corner of her lips as Victor quickly returned to his more quaint self. In relation to the flower. As her brow rose curiously as she saw his hand. His fists. As if trying not too choke on his words and Kory could feel the restraint. Just in the look of his eyes, Kory could read the illness in what he was possibly trying to cover up. Kory couldn't help, but to laugh. Softly shook her head playfully at him.

"It's ok, Victor. Somehow I take it, the flower wasn't meant for me… I don't need the flower… Your friendship will last longer, that's all I need… But I am fond of the purple flowers in central park!!!"

Not always was Kory completely out of the know, sometimes she knew more than she led on, but the simple fact he gave someone else a flower wasn't overly heart breaking in the larger picture of things. As Kory assured him as she reached a hand to settle his and could see no matter how much he could find his emotions. Who ever the woman was, she was more deserving of the flower. She had given Victor a look into a part of him, he had all along, just didn't know it and that was nothing to regret. Although to be frank, he was a bubbling mess. Kory smiled across to him. He had all these emotions rushing in and around him, that she wasn't exactly sure he was really grasping it, not that they weren't real, but emotions were best not rushed, but felt so freely. Before added a deep shake of her head that Kory didn't need the flower. She wasn't the superficial type, not when it came down to what really mattered and what she needed. Assuring him that his presence was enough to give her the warm and fuzzes, like a blanket for a friend. Kory then rose up to her feet. After placing Robin upon the counter and turned back towards her living room. After a few steps away, Kory turned to add with a sweet smile, if Victor did really want to get her a flower. Mentioning the purple ones that grew in the park in New York. Kory had picked them often. Beautiful scent. She thought humbly adding a smile, before looking to him simply and continued to the living area, after she had hit him. Leaving him to rub his arm ever so slight. It can happened when one is surprised like that. With such joyful news. Not that she meant to hurt him, looking away from him innocently, but slightly amused.

Listening as she moved over one of the boxes and flipped it open. Ah!. Her eyes widened at the sight. Very joyful…. And fitting. As she took it within her hand. Before looking down at the rest of the tons of decorations. This might take some sorting. Another box had only a portion of the tinsel. As she ran the little sparkles through her other hand. Hmmm…. Before smiling for now with what was in her hand already. Rising to feet again, her natural bubbly self and motioned back to where Victor sat. At his words, Kory looked to him curiously. Not exactly sure she knew what exactly he was referring to. As in her playful way she placed the reindeer antlers she had pulled out, upon Victor's head. He was free of course to remove them, but Kory was just being friendly. Letting out a little bubbly laugh of joy and her finger ran lightly up one of the antlers. Before taking a step back. As if it was practically natural for him and casually draped coloured tinsel around his neck. Before she fiddled to put a santa hat on her own head.

"They suit you, Victor… How do I look?… What do you mean, we did a lot of things last time I would imagine? Did I do something wrong?… Oh, I understand… You do trust me, Victor?"

Kory sweetly commented as her green eyes took in the new look. It was like christmas and she beamed lightly. Before stepping back a little and turned to show off her santa hat, playfully. Giggling softly. Before asking curiously what Victor was trying to be so cryptic about, in regards to herself and Dick? As her eyes could feel a slight unease as he danced around what ever it was. Kory wasn't so pin pointing in how she recalled things. Naturally she let go, but she smiled sweetly she would imagine. If it involved Dick and herself, there would have been a lot of things they did. Was it about the 'talk' Dick had with her? The dancing? She wasn't exactly trained, but it seemed less important when it meant to be fun. Before asking if she had done something wrong as he admitted he had been angry. Hurt? Humans! Kory smiled warmly, they couldn't just let things go? It couldn't of been that bad? As Kory half fell back into the chair as Victor responded in regards to when Kory could meet this mystery girl… Simply saying she understood, was it simply just down to the fact she wasn't human? Kory half pondered? Because naturally there was probably a chance she could bump into her on her own… Kory couldn't help ask as she looked to Victor as she could sense his concern in Kory meeting this girl… Then a little more joy came back, about the date. Perhaps he did trust her? Maybe? Kory playfully eyed him. Catching the hesitation.

"It will be fun… Victor… What is it about Dick that you don't like?"

Kory laughed softly in her assuring response. Date was not something he was probably used to, let alone a double? They could be all kinds of fun and any date with Dick was a fun date. With a pause at the expression and Kory assumed what lingered in his mind. Could sense some of the emotions he was feeling and Kory asked him curiously of his disliking to Dick. Not exactly why, Kory could kind of see that as well, but was it purely just down to the fact that Dick loved Kory. Or was it down to Dick himself? And part of Kory knew… Could believe if given actual time, that it might change if they actually spent time together regardless of Kory… Then swiftly as Victor came with the rush of emotions again about this woman. Kory simply sat back and listened to her friend. Beaming happily as she listened in, there was no need to really speak. Laughing softly, Victor was making it pretty clear… Wow! Kory's eyes widen a little impressed as he mentioned the additional fighting style.

"She sounds lovely! Months…?"

There was very little Kory could really comment, other than keeping it simple and truthful from everything Victor was expressing. And Kory meant all of it. As she smiled sweetly as her eyes half danced at the wonder in his eyes as if she looked closer enough she could almost see a glimpse of this woman, but no doubt. Kory would have to meet her to fully know her and Kory was convinced as always that she would welcome her with open arms. Kory had no reason to judge her. Kory was still tamaranean. Respect was always offered. What? Months? Kory lifted at the sound of that and out of natural reaction she hit him again. Not intentionally to hurt him, but he had been coiled in this pure bliss of joy and he's failed to share it until now. Well, least she knew now as she gave him a curios playful look about it. Humans and their secrets… Kory playfully shook her head at him, before blowing her hair out of her eyes. What was she going to do about him? Before adding a smile, luckily a tamaranean didn't hold such a grudge and at least he took courage enough to tell her now. Better late than never. At his question about stores in New York, Kory gave him a look as if he didn't just ask her that, with an add of amusement.

"Victor, It's New York! Of course there is! I had to help Terry pick out Donna's ring, it took awhile, but we finally found the perfect match… Wait? Is this more than a gift? X'hal! I love weddings… But, you still haven't told me your girlfriend's name?"

Kory replied sweetly, not in overall way to tease him, but it was New York they were talking about. That be like asking if there was gambling in Las Vegas. Did he forget who the model was? Did he never hear of New York fashion week? Naturally Jewellery fell into the form of fashion and plus it was New York. Kory smiled to him as she half expressed with her hands as she pondered the many stores she could take him too. Smiling softly it was sweet he wanted to get his girlfriend a little special something. As Kory happily told Victor of when she had helped Terry to pick out Donna's engagement ring. Smiling sweetly upon finding the perfect ring for her best friend, although it was mostly from Terry. Kory paused aimlessly at the thought, a happy memory… Before that made her eyes look over to Victor more questioningly? He couldn't mean? Could he? Kory had just heard about her? Her smile grew a little more as Kory was assuming she was growing warmer to it. Before she threw up her arms and not entirely sure if she left her chair, but managed to embrace him in a hug. Then retreating as she looked to him curiously. Kory didn't even know her name, this was joyous news, but Kory was hoping he'd least introduce her before he popped the question. Kory wasn't even sure she could be a great help in picking given she didn't know this woman personally, but Victor did. Or so Kory hoped enough. No that was little doubt, but did he understand enough of what he was feeling. It was so much harder for a human, that Kory hoped he was giving himself enough time to really sink in the joyous emotions he now experiencing. It is always an explosion in the beginning…. Although in regards to how Kory felt about Dick, it was always the same level of explosion since he met him, pretty much. For someone that was a living star, with fire burning inside. Dick did still burnt a feeling in her core. Actually even more simply than that, she could feel it so easily upon her skin. The goosebumps, only they weren't because she was afraid, but excited. Four Years and she wasn't in any shape to rush it. Dick wasn't the rushing type and Kory was happy to go at a comfortable pace. They had time and they were young. This was a time to enjoy that fact. She half ran her tongue between her teeth at that thought. Passion. X'hal knew there was enough of it. Kory got back up again and went back to her boxes. To begin to pull more stuff out. As she had nodded in response in regards to contacting Donna and asking the Titans… She was thinking of something else in regards to him coming to the tower with her now as she smiled to him.

"Now with your new sense of training, Victor… I suppose you might be interested in a Titan training session? I'm sure Vic will almost insist upon it… Especially now we have the new recruits…"

Speaking up with interest as Kory looked over at Victor as she was referring to his new martial arts training, Kory thought it only polite to ask. Especially if he ever wanted to learn a little warrior training from her, but given they were heading to the Tower. Well, there was no training session like a titan one. Titans liked a challenge and the sessions always varied, from group to individual. They'd always be faced with something else. Like somedays one would have fend off the other titans. It was a smart tool given it flexed all the different abilities one may have against many others. Not all Titans were super powered, Dick wasn't. Kory quite enjoyed them, but she was a tamaranean. She liked a challenge and the healthy competition. Especially amongst friends, it was even more enjoyable. Very rarely did one go too over the edge, but they did have trust. It made them even stronger like a family. As Kory spoke, she was almost sure Victor Stone would insist, well at least run it by Victor. Given most of the sessions were set up by Victor Stone better known as Cyborg… In pulling more out. Her hands toyed at some of the tinsel and some had found itself tangled in others. Struggling to get them free. That she broke some of the tinsel apart and cursed mildly under her breath. Kory looked over as Victor spoke about where this Cana actually was. That Kory forgot a little about the decorations as she was kneeling upon the floor at this point. Tilting her head and her eyes trying to see but. There was nothing she could see… Right? And Victor's scared of Donna's ghost? Kory then smiled warmly as Victor spoke up for her, well least she was polite. Lifting her hand kindly and waved at Cana. Least she was aiming to do so.

"Like a ghost, Victor? Well… Cana feel free to make yourself comfortable… Would Cana like some tea? Oooh or candycane?"

Kory asked from the top of her mind, not trying to be rude, she could be polite to a ghost as well, Kory was sure. Or even if she wasn't. Kory wasn't entirely sure she understood it, but Victor seemed to. So that was naturally enough, but if Cana was here… More physically. Kory pondered as looked over to Cana hopefully more directly and welcomed her to make herself more comfortable in Kory's apartment… Before looking between Cana and Victor. As if Kory wasn't being polite enough and offered tea. Incase this meant Cana could drink or eat, at least Kory wanted to offer. She didn't like being rude. Before Kory's eyes fell to the box of candy canes she had placed on the coffee table. Her hand reaching for one and held it up kindly to offer it. Along with her big bubbly sweet Kory smile. It was christmas after all. Kory naturally felt usually very giving, but even more so during the holidays.

[Deleted]

When she spoke and reached out for his hands Victor stopped bouncing his hands together and squinted his right eye as he began to speak. "It was all kinda sudden. In fact it was Cana that got me to go in there." He said looking at her she sure did look much happier now. He let a slight chuckle pass his lips at her comment about liking the flower in Central Park. "Well like I said I've never been there so you'd have to point them out." He said with a grin.

When she put the antlers on his head he reached up to straighten them up on his head. "Thanks but wolves don't normally have antlers." He said jokingly. "No you didn't do anything wrong. And I do trust you. Its just I'm not sure when she'd be free to. No offense but normally when I find out her schedule I'm more trying to think of how I can be with her." He admitted with a slightly shy smile crossing his face. He stopped and thought about what t was about Dick that he didn't like. And once he stopped and thought he found that he couldn't think of what it was about him that he didn't like. "Well I guess I don't have the reason now. It was honestly because I was jealous of him for having you as his girlfriend....... You are his girlfriend right?" He wasn't sure why he asked. Al he knew was that he was wanting to know.

He jumped to the side when she hit him again and reached for his arm "Oooooch." He laughed. "I'm sorry. Like I said it was sudden." When she asked if this ring she wanted to get Alison was more then just a gift he felt a mix of shyness and happiness. "Wedding? Uhh....... Well.... I guess.... Yeah I guess...... Yes." He said shyly as he cheeks started to turn red. When she said he still hadn't told her his name he was slightly caught off guard. He thought he had. "Her name's Alison." He said after a slight nervous chuckle. When she commented on him possibly going through a training session he shrugged and gave a slightly goofy smile. "Well I guess if I would insist." He commented joking about the fact that he would apparently be meeting another Victor. Assuming that's who this Vic was. "I guess you can she's like a ghost. Though she's rather good at getting her point across with me. He said rubbing the back of his neck as he looked and saw Cana standing where she was with a smirk.