Smile like you mean it! [Kory, Dick, Jason]

[Roy Harper - Arsenal]

The night wasn't quite there yet, rather it was a rather chilled late afternoon heading towards dusk. With the dinner soon approaching as Roy could simply glance at the clock on his dresser, with the possibility of roping Jason into joining his team… It was certainly possible this dinner could become rather infamous, not that Roy was evidently nervous. Certainly he weighed out the pros. The cons. At the end of it, with all that could be lost, there was a lot to be gained and Roy didn't get where he was on low risks nor sitting on his palms. Too few heroes in this line could honestly say that they chose this life, not it in some odd way it chose them. He was after all called Arsenal, for a reason… Though for now, he kept his mask aside. Instead resorted to the more casual approach, with jeans and a singlet, shortly after he had jumped out of the shower. Man, could he get scruffy and rather unkept, he took care of that, mostly. Before quick spray over his body and under his pits. Ran his hands a couple times through his hair. He really didn't take a whole lot of time to get ready. Roy would most likely say it didn't take him a long time to be himself, though really many would fail in attempt. Not that he egotistical. Just Roy, whatever that fucking meant to anyone. For now he was still living under Kory's roof, as the mild echoes came from under her door, he could only assume Dick was in there or Kory was talking to herself… Again… It was best not to ask. Just walking in, had its benefits and then its very very bad benefits. Roy was just not in that kinda mood to push his luck.

So Roy strolled past and to the open plan kitchen area. Motioned swiftly to the fridge. Pulling out the steaks and sausages, allowed them to rest on the bench for now. It be just a matter of switching on the barbecue, it seemed less demanding than a roast and rather less formal, but certainly comforting. Surely there was less chances someone would end up on the barbecue, but suppose that was risk was already there in Starfire. Yeah, little for Roy to do now, than patiently wait. To which Roy grabbed at a bottle of water from the fridge and headed in towards the living area. Opened up the glass door to the balcony, allowing a breeze come in through the screen door. It was the beginning of autumn, but the weather was still quite on the warm side, just thankfully past any heat wave, one would imagine. Roy flicked on the telly and he very quickly found the Ice Hockey game. Already with some level of violence, it should be a decent game. As Roy then pulled for his guitar on a nearby chair. Taking it to him as he sat himself down on the sofa and he half sank into it. Placing his feet upon the coffee table. Putting his water bottle somewhere beside him, as he mostly cradled his guitar across his chest and his hands soon searched for notes. Random notes, here, there as his fingers made a simple sound here there, whilst he glanced in between at the game, whilst rather alone with his thoughts. Surprisingly to admit how incredibly fruitful and completely carefree they were. Such is life.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

Moments earlier Kory had retreated to her bedroom, shortly after her midday run around, dashing to the bank, pay bills, do the somewhat over due laundry and lastly tended her garden. Which wasn’t enormous given she lived in an apartment, with a reasonably nice balcony. A little bit of a garden around the edges and in pots. It was a lesser known fact Kory got one on one with the dirt, but it aided her in flexing her patience. Oh, and there were a couple small tamaranean plants, hidden in the mix. Which offered that subtle touch of home, not that many would realise it as such and her garden ultimately was nothing in comparison to the gardens on Tamaran, but Earth was a wonder in all its own. Which she had great come to enjoy and call her new home. Of course the view from her balcony was a perk, well not as big of a perk than the company she more often shared. So shortly after Kory had played into the dirt and retreated into her bedroom, more mindfully closing the door as Dick had insisted on more than one occasion. It was almost habit now. Kory entered her bathroom and soon her shower. Washing off the dirt and the few tangles that had played up through her red hair. Along with washing away more aches and pains. She had benefits of not being human, but her body wasn’t completely fool proof when it came to the life of a hero, though she was hardly ever one to complain… As swiftly as Kory switched off the water and exited the bathroom that more felt like a steam room now. That was almost hard to leave. Loosely wrapped around a robe, her golden hand came to her left torso for the mild sharp pain in her side. Whilst she headed for her closet and pulled open the doors. With a few moments of deciding what to wear, it really was still an odd question for a tamaranean to be concerned about. Then again there was potentially more options on Earth. As soon Kory resorted to pulling out a shirt dress. Nothing glamorous, more casual and rather khaki green in colour.

With dress in hand, Kory motioned to her bed and sat herself down on the bench at the end of her bed. Putting the dress aside. Whilst motioning for a little bit of lotion to run over her golden legs and to help sooth the scratches on her outer left thigh, along with a couple of bruises. Suppose it was about time Titans faced some unthinkable creatures, even to a tamaranean, but as usual they took care of it. Took them down, in a manner of speaking. As Kory quickly moved for a towel to help dry her hair a little more. Moving on to grabbing her nail polish and in doing so. Kory motioned to her feet, but only momentarily before jumping on her bed. Lying down on her stomach and comfortably sank slightly into the covers, facing the end of her bed. Began the process of removing what was left of her chipped polish, before applying the new polish. Her purple Starfire traded colour as always… Kory was certainly happy to be home, she had returned early in the morning, which perhaps rather made it a very very overdue time to sleep… Though of course she loved New York, her friends and quite a lot of memories laid there, so she was always happy to go, but very much happy to be back in Bludhaven. In her apartment and finally hug her pillow. It was a good a pillow. Kory mindfully hummed a random yet cheerful tune, as she brushed the first couple of nails, with the bottle placed on the bench just in reach, rather skilfully without getting any polish on the covers… Her phone rang mid way on her side table. Putting the nail brush back in the bottle for now and blew a little on her wet nails so far. Kory swiftly motioned for her phone before repositioned herself on her torso, with minor aches and answered her phone. She was certainly delighted to hear Victor’s voice, even if she had seen him less than 24 hours ago. It was hard not to be infected by his warm nature, nor forget how much of a strong arm he had. Which Kory kindly asked how it was after Victor lost it, but it seemed it wasn’t completely unfixable, so that was a good sign. Naturally he checked up on her well being.

"Oh, I’m healing up good, just a couple scratches and the aches are bearable enough… How’s Gar? Send him my love and my forgiveness I’m not there in person… Of course I will, thank-you Victor… Love you!"

Kory relaid in the conversation with Victor Stone, whilst in between gently blowed on her nails, but was very much listening and responded as joyfully as Kory was feeling at this time. Though it slightly dropped as she asked in regards to Gar, she wasn’t the only titan that left with battle wounds and sadly some worse than others, suppose the positive no lives were lost on them. Though it didn’t less the concern of condition it left some of them in, though they would pull through. Gar was stronger than he looked. Kory happily took the message Victor left her to pass on to another and sweetly said goodbye, for now. There maybe a couple low days to recover, but who knew when they’d be faced with yet another challenge. Though as Kory hang up her phone, she was becoming incredibly impressed with the new roster of titans and somewhat it was sweet to watch the beginnings of new memories. New friendships. In ways as the older titans had, but perhaps somewhat different. After all, somethings just can’t be repeated and Kory certainly lived in the present. What ever it tossed at her… Although right now. Less tossing and more applying. As Kory continued back at painting the rest of her nails. As the half opened curtains allowed the last hour or so of the sun. Her skin lovingly absorbed it as it began its setting. Warm and energising. It certainly aided in her healing, slowly. Aches. Scratches. Bruises still there, but she certainly felt a whole lot of joy from within. As she took her time, though she certainly would be ready for the early dinner and with friends, well and some slightly more than just a friend… She certainly couldn’t completely wonder how he was feeling about all this. So she happily waited to see his face and find out.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick had not in fact been with Kory at that time. He had taken up another few hours shift that day to do some street patrolling in the squad car. The person he had worked with all mid day had not been his regular partner. But they needed to extra help that day, so he took it up anyways.

After work Dick then was headed toward Kory's place. He had stopped in the locker room to change into street clothes before he had headed off.

He knew something was planned for that evening, just not what wad planned. Roy was keeping it quiet and Kory was being of no help to the situation.

All he knew was someone was stopping over to join them for dinner that night. So he made a point to get to Kory's early to try and get some info.

Though traffic had played a part against him at points that he couldn't even get his motorcycle through some spaces. Eventually he got there. A little later than he had planned.

Once he got up stairs, he pulled out his set of keys and let himself into Kory's apartment.

Walking in he took the time to open the hall closest to set his backpack and helmet within it. Then to slip off his leather jacket. He could hear the random strumming of a guitar as he made his way to the living room. Roy must be up.

"Multitasking? Who's winning," Dick asked as he passed by Roy. Pausing for a moment enough to see who was playing. This was a typical hello between the two now a days after day work.

He didn't bother to ask who was coming over. He knew Roy wouldn't give it up at that moment.

The point was to play it patient til Kory came out. He knew she'd hear the conversation between Roy and him. He figured get the two together and he should be able to get an answer out of them by then.

[Deleted]

    Jason stepped out of the warm shower. He grabbed his black towel off of the metal towel rack. Slowly, Jason began to dry himself. He pulled on his black boxer briefs before applying deodorant and cologne. He reached into the mirror cabinet and pulled out his shaving cream and razor. He applied the cream and began shaving the thin layer of scruff off of his face. He sighed and began to think about what was to come in these next few hours. In forty-five minutes he had to be at Dick, Kori, and Roy's house for dinner. They were going to discuss Jason joining the Outsiders, among other things. Jason honestly wondered if Roy had even told Dick about who was coming. Probably not. There was sure to be some drama.

    Jason walked out of the bathroom and through the make-shift living-room in his underground bunker. He walked up the stairs and to his room. Jason opened his dresser and pulled out an outfit. He pulled his red t-shirt over his head. Next he pulled on his black skinny jeans and black leather jacket. Jason walked over to his closet and opened it, before he pulled out his pair of red converse. He slipped on socks and then tied up the red converse. Slowly, Jason walked back downstairs and into the garage. For some reason, he was dreading and looking forward to the dinner. Roy and Kori were his best friends, and Dick was family, but he could feel drama coming on.

    Jason sat on his motorcycle, pulled on his helmet, and sped out of the secret entrance to his bunker. He drove for about ten minutes before he ended up at the nearest flower shop. He bought the best bouquet he could find, and settled it on the rack on his motorcycle. Jason didn't know what to bring, but Alfred had always taught him that he had to bring something, and always for the lady of the house. So what better than flowers?

    As Jason drove towards Bludhaven, he remembered the last day. It had been crazy. He had ran into Roy and Kori at amusement mile (Outlaws), and then that night he had had a not so pleasant run in with Dick (No Welcome Home Party). And now he was going back to thee house for dinner. Jason continued to drive for about twenty minutes before he arrived at their apartment building. Jason took a deep breath and pulled off his helmet. He placed it on the seat of his motorcycle, and walked into the building. He walked up three flights of stairs before he arrived at their door.

Here we go.

Holding the flowers in his arm, he reached up to the door, and knocked.

[Roy Harper - Arsenal]

Apart from the mid to low volume of the telly and the strings of Roy’s guitar. It was relatively quiet or more just calm. Relaxing. Yep, it was rather easy to gain the laid back feeling and wish to sink further into it. Perhaps this was wishful thinking slightly and it was more just the calm before the storm, as they often say. To which of course Roy would argue, who were they? Who were ever they? A rather lame assumption if you asked him and the last thing he was going to be is put into that box or ship or whatever. Not that he was really such the lone wolf, but he generally beat to his own drum. Despite the connections to a rather Emerald archer, if anything Roy could argue he brought the better out of him, no matter what he thought that landed Roy out on his own and flat on his ass. Which ultimately landed Roy here. Gotham of all places, but this sofa certainly made it worth it. A light hum came from his lips, but it was subtle. As it lingered more into a light chuckle at the cussing on the telly and things getting slammed. Not that Roy relished in violence, but well. Half of him was like cool and the other half was, I already did that. Along with memories of when he himself had used a hockey stick… With that thought, came clanging of keys and the opening of a door. Oddly the front door, but who was Roy to be that nosy. He barely even really turned his head, he was rather in tune after all. Though it wasn’t long before Roy heard the scruffy voice of Dick, potentially looming over his head. This wasn’t always the typical greeting, but somethings just shouldn’t be painted… Multitasking? Hmmm, apparently so. As Roy’s hand stopped the strumming and a little flash to the telly. Before he almost craned a strain in his neck to look at Dick.

"Hey Dick, what’s up? What can I say? It comes naturally… At the moment, no one… Hold that thought… The f*king Kings… I swear you’re like bad karma… Did you just get back?"

Possibly a lack of nostril hairs, but not that Roy was looking that closely. As greeted Dick casually as he naturally could do, whilst returning more to his seating and his face away… Though his hands remained still on his guitar, potentially the mood was gone. Which was fine, because Roy was like most males, could easily get hungry and it was approaching that time… As his eyes settled momentarily on the telly as Dick questioned the scoring between the Kings and the Blackhawks. It was early in the game and scoring well, it can be slow at times… Though just as Roy could say no one had scored up to that point, the Kings just scored. Not really who Roy was rooting for. It seemed almost on point to when Dick showed up, but Roy was merely joking. Sure he loved Ice Hockey, but he wasn’t that superstitious. Though at that point, that mood was surely gone. As he joked and teasingly smiled. Before gaining his feet and leaving the comfort, putting his guitar in a safer place… Before Roy looked over to Dick. The path he came from. Not that he was overly surprised, but he most curiously asked… Suppose that meant Kory was talking to herself? Damn, so he could have offered to nurse her back to health. Roy playfully thought, but surely he knew that wouldn’t have gone how he imagined… Just at that, came the knock at the door. Crap. Well better now than never. Not that Roy was trying to conceal anything with his weirdly grin. Before a slightly hand signal he’d get the door. Though, suppose Kory would have told Dick… Right? Roy kinda… Rather forgot. Sorta. Least Roy could say with the Arrow family, it was never this complex, where you’d almost want to shoot yourself in the foot. Almost. Roy was rather less suicidal these days. As Roy left the living area and Dick with certainly questions… Looming… Well, the answers were coming. Roy soon reached the door and rather that hold his breath. Count to 10. He opened the door. Suppose there was a chance there be someone else on the other side of the door, but no. It was as Roy expected. Jason Todd. Looking casually put together as always, but remarkably still the trademark red and black. Roy almost felt ashamed he didn’t pull out some splash of red, but then again he didn’t get caught up in his lifestyle.

"Hey, Jason! How you going? I see you found the place alright and you brought me flowers… You really shouldn’t have… Come on in. Make yourself at home."

Roy greeted Jason with a firm hand and half a manly hug. He wasn’t much one for formalities, but he wasn’t completely without a heart either… Of course there were a couple hairs on his neck, but suppose it was only really a matter of time… Asking Jason casually, with half a grin, whilst knowing Dick was behind him potentially fuming or confused? Roy was going for the latter for now. Roy didn’t check the clock, but seemed Jason was surely on time. On point and didn’t get lost. He could savvy with directions or Kory was very detailed… Before Roy’s eyes landed on the flowers. Half a blush escaped his cheeks. At least one gentleman thought to bring the lady flowers. Someone was certainly wanting win some brownie points, or simply being nice… So nice, Roy happily accepted the flowers. It certainly wasn’t often he himself was given flowers… Surprisingly it had happened before. His hand reach for the bouquet and sniffed the flowers… Perhaps to downplay not only was Jason here, but he was delivering Kory flowers. Not that Roy was reading to much into it or anything… Before Roy stood out of the way and invited Jason in. He turned half on his heels, back into towards the kitchen, living area. With half glances to Dick… This really would be interesting. Intense no doubt. More he himself wished Kory would be out here. Not so much to deliver the peace, but potentially as a shield.

"Dick, you remember Jason, don’t you?"

Roy took some courage and asked Dick, casually. Of course he knew Jason, though how was Roy to really know how much Dick knew about Jason being back, but he could expect he would least know something. That was less his problem… It was a start now… With a innocent played grin, Roy walked in direction of Kory’s door and knocked on it.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

It was something like life that could be so simple and so complex… All really Kory expected, heck wanted was simply the chance. The chance to really grab it and live it. She really always did, but the years of being suppressed most certainly made that desire a little deeper… Even so simply laying upon her bed, with the last rays of sun, she could thoroughly enjoy. Despite how enthused she could be for fun, she could be just as enthused for peace. Serenity. All that really was missing was the sound of waves crashing, but suppose that kinda was hard to hear over a car potentially crashing… Or a hockey puck? Her fiery head turned slightly to her door. The echoing of voices. It most certainly brought a little smile to her face, because why she could enjoy peace, she also enjoyed company. So for a few lasting moments tucked away in her bedroom, Kory finished painting her nails and blew them dry rather easy. She really could be amazed by the simplest things Earth had to offer. Who knew, purple nails. She brimmed another little smile, before jumping off her bed and more properly on to her golden feet. Unrobed and began putting on the shirt dress. To which she could faintly the front door open, was that possibly Dick? As she buttoned herself up. She didn’t bother with shoes, though she did fix on a bracelet, Donna had given her a couple years ago. Kory didn’t bother with shoes, so she remained bare footed. So it in turn didn’t take too long for her to get ready. As Kory simply tousled her red hair with her hands, natural waves and curls sprang with the scent of jasmine. Moments before Kory had reached her door, there had been the knock at her front door, now that must of been Jason. It really was all perfectly timed and she was much relieved she was able to come home at all. She was very happy to spend the time with them and eat with them, she was rather hungry after today.

”Greetings…"

So soon Kory left her room, not so much slowly, but it did feel a little like slow motion for some reason. Perhaps it was the slight feeling of awkwardness in the room, though whatever it was kinda just made Kory feel a little confused, which isn’t an entirely new thing for her to feel on this planet, but it was kinda that moment she could almost feel she was missing something. Tension, maybe… Kory’s eye brows lightly fused as she stepped out, Roy was surprisingly close to her room, about to knock on her door? She looked over to Dick. To Jason. To Roy… Then to the bouquet of flowers in his hands, that he then offered and gave her the flowers… Didn’t he just see her? Whatever the case, she did thoroughly love flowers. Not that many would know that much of the cities on Tamaran were built very much within nature. So many trees, plants. Life. It was as many called it Paradise. Though living with Roy. Knowing Roy so well, one can pick up the tells. Not that he isn’t a good liar, but something clearly was up. He almost had the notion of apology on his face as he gave her the flowers… Looking to Jason. To Dick, she could kind of detect. Which certainly would explain what she was walking into.

”Did Dick not know? I thought you told him!"

Kory asked Roy, in a mild tone, but not quite a whisper. She wasn’t really the hiding type and Dick was right there, a few steps away. As Kory assumed. Took a guess from the feeling of the room… In all honesty it wouldn’t be that surprising. ”I lied… I forgot… Did you?" Roy confessed, with the look of apology on his face and it somewhat explained the flowers. Though certainly explained the awkwardness, at least coming from Roy. Lying was expected, not that he always lied. As Kory could almost pick up his seeking forgiveness face. She was certainly about forgiveness, though certainly felt bad Dick hadn’t known. He might as well as he often expressed to Kory about walking into a lions den, before explaining he didn’t mean an actual pen filled with lions. Because naturally Kory would be concerned about that. In this case, Jason was very bad ass looking lion and charming at the same time. Kory shook her head to Roy, with a simple look of innocents. Wishing now she had, but she simply hadn’t been in position to. In turn she forgot.

”No… I just got back."

Kory responded, honestly. That she had been away on titan business, most likely since last night and she had only gotten back a little while ago. Though perhaps that was less of an excuse as to it possibly slipping her mind to tell Dick, but it most certainly wasn’t her intention. Understandable she would be distracted at the very least, but it certainly didn’t change the fact now, that Dick certainly hadn’t know, unless for some reason someone else had told him… Perhaps now was as good a time as any, though she could only imagine now what Dick was feeling about this. She didn’t really know much about the relationship between Dick and Jason now days, in some little detail, but she most certainly remembered how he felt when Jason had been missing and then the day he found out along with the Titans at the time, that Jason had been killed, but suppose Jason’s behaviour would merit a couple red flags. Kory smiled softly between the men in her apartment. It wasn’t small, but it most certainly would feel a lot smaller than the mansion. Perhaps the tension made it feel even a little smaller… As Kory motioned towards her kitchen with flowers in hand. She really did love flowers. She happily pulled for a vase. Filling a little with water, before popping the flowers in the vase and with a little adjustment, arrangement. They were beautiful and Kory happily took in the fresh scent.

”Thank-you Jason, for the flowers… They’re beautiful and welcome to our home."

With sweet tone to her voice and sweet look with her eyes. Happily welcoming to her home, their home. It might as well be at this point… Its not to say Dick doesn’t give her flowers, but she can usually tell when Dick gives her flowers. It wasn’t unusual for when he was busy or elsewhere he’d send her flowers with note in hand, more often happened back when they were with the titans. These, were just sweet. Kory then placed the vase upon her kitchen table. It really did add that little extra pop of colour and brought a touch of nature inside… Smiling softly to Jason. Before she motioned out of her kitchen area and more into the living area. So she could best greet Jason and Dick. She was sure Dick would be understanding. In all his worries, he was still the warmest person she knew, but suppose he was also very much in protecting as she was.

”Apologises, I forgot to mention… We ran into Jason at the Amusement park yesterday and I invited him over… I hope you don’t mind, hon? Did I forget to mention, I’m very happy to see you… How was work?"

Approaching Dick, with sincere apologises. The last thing she wanted Dick to feel is any ambush or set up or simply going behind his back. She really wish he had of known. Though she wash’t much one to hold on to regret and she knew sincerely she had all the intentions to have told him everything. Perhaps she was a little naive to think perhaps he loved Jason before, why wouldn’t he still, its not to say she didn’t know heartbreak in family. Her own sister sent her into slavery and torture. So Kory knew a little bit about hate, but she still was the kind to see the good in others. She also wasn’t as much as she may try to be, human, she didn’t judge like one… As Kory relaid a little in brief what had taken place the day before, it wasn’t something planed for a long time, it sort of just happened, but Kory was certainly happy to see Jason, but perhaps for different reasons. As looked innocently to Dick, hoping this didn’t bother him. She was being polite and trying to do the right thing, but certainly she didn’t want to upset or hurt anybody. Well, unless someone had it coming, but Dick wasn’t that someone… Kory happily added she was happy to see him, very very happy, she always was, but perhaps after a day like she had, just sort of added to it. As she also in a way greeted him. Leaning in to offer a sweet, simple kiss. She had more than been waiting for and proof she was indeed home. Rather ready for dinner, if everyone was.