Princess of Tamaran

[starfireofcentral]

dickxgrayscn​:

“yeah, i mean not all the galas i’ve been too ended in total and complete chaos but i don’t think i’m too keen to do it again.” he chuckled as he gently swept a fiery curl out of her face, “right.” he clicked his tongue as he nodded briefly, “so i have a very serious question to ask you.” dick pulled out of her arms to instead take her hand in his, “do you want to come with me to the carnival on the pier?” dick feigned an ever-so serious expression but he figured, after everything that had gone down, after all the grief and loss and the misdirection dick found himself in, he could at least take a hammer to the one solid peg that kept him grounded for now. he owed kory that much.”

Kory gave him a smile, her thumb absentmindedly grazing against the back of Dick’s hand. “A carnival? How high school of you. You gonna ask me to prom at the top of the ferris wheel?”” She let out a laugh, giving him a light punch on the arm.  Kory pretending to think for a second, before giving his hand a squeeze. “I’d love to. But if I don’t receive some sort of stuffed animal by the end of our time there, I’ll have to start searching for a new boyfriend.”

[starfireofcentral]

dickxgrayscn​:

“i will make it up to you.” dick promised as he pulled kory into him by her waist, “i know i disappeared after the failed gala but there was just something i had to do. and it’s done now. so i will make it up to you.”

“Hey, no complaints here.” Kory said sincerely, putting her hands up on Dick’s shoulders. “Whilst I enjoyed our brief public outing, I can’t say I’m dying to do it again... and the disappearing is an occupational hazard.” 

[starfireofcentral]

dickxgrayscn‌:

“are you?” dick asked, this time his steps faltered towards the entrance of the ballroom. he wanted to make sure they were ready for such a grand gesture, for the world to know dick grayson was no longer gotham’s most eligible bachelor. more importantly, dick wanted to be sure that this was the right step for them. kory had always been part of his world, part of robin, and then nightwing. but she never quiet experienced the son of bruce wayne part of the ordeal. 

“just say the words and we’ll turn around and leave if you don’t want to be here.”

Kory could feel Dick’s hesitance, and she gave his arm a comforting squeeze. “I really am. I want to be a part of your life and all of this,” She gestures around the ballroom. “Is a big part of that.” She leans up, planting a soft kiss on his mouth. 

“A lifetime with Dick Grayson in return for schmoozing with the wealthy? That’s what I call a fair trade.”

[starfireofcentral]

katexkane‌:

“kory anders. it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” kate smiled broadly at the fiery haired beauty, dick had talked about her a lot but almost never did her justice. “di feel like i know you from how much dick has told me about you.”

Kory gave the redhead a warm smile as she turned to greet her, happy to see a face that she vaguely recognised. “You must be Kate. It’s lovely to meet you.” Kate oozed a quiet confidence, something that Kory found oddly comforting. “Likewise, I’ve heard a lot about you. All good, of course.”

[starfireofcentral]

dickxgrayscn‌:

dick smiled at some of the flashing cameras, easily recognized - he didn’t exactly try to avoid the exposure that came with being the adopted son of bruce wayne. if anything, it helped him conceal his identity as nightwing even more. the only thing he’d ever asked for is for their endeavors to not interfere with his job as a police detective. 

his arm settled at his side for kory to take, smiling as she pressed a kiss to his cheek. “hmm, you’re a poet.” he teased playfully as he led her into the venue’s entrances, “i’ve always wanted to take you to one of those.” he admitted as they entered the building, moving around her to help her shed off the overcoat she wore and handing it at the coat check with his own jacket before he resumed his place at kory’s side again, his time his arm wound around her waist, “i’m glad you’re my date tonight.”

Kory couldn’t help but admire how at ease Dick seemed in front of the cameras, a dazzling smile on his face as they walked closer. “Well, tonight’s your lucky night handsome.”

At the coat check, she steeled herself once again, knowing that in a matter of moments they’d be surrounded by people. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remaining nerves. As Dicks arm settled at her waist, she beamed at him. “Happy to be here.” 

[starfireofcentral]

dickxgrayscn‌:

dick got out of the car at the venue, leaving the keys to the valet with an extra tip to ensure he took proper care of it before he moved around to open the passenger’s side door. he held a hand out for kory to help her out of the car, “let’s go, gorgeous.”

@starfireofcentral​

Nerves bubbled up inside of Kory as she sat waiting for Dick to grab the door, her eyes travelling over the press and photographers that lined the entrance to the event. As Dick opened the door for her, she quickly smoothed out some of the creases in her dress. She gently took his hand as she got out of the car, taking a second to once again appreciate just how good Dick looked when he got suited and booted. “Speak for yourself hot stuff.” She said with a smile, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. “Come on, let’s go face the wolves.”

[starfireofcentral]

“You’re too kind. Have a lovely evening.” 

Kory said politely, glad she was finally able to brush off the tabloid journalist who’d been attempting to make small talk with her since they’d entered the powder room. She turned back to the mirror, taking in her appearance whilst she took a deep breath. The gold fabric of her dress shimmered in the dim light of the powder room, and the curls that fell around her face were still immaculate. She’d expected as much, her trip to the powder room acting as a much needed break from the prying eyes of the other guests. This was her and Dick’s first event where they’d be attending together, and although they’d expected a reaction, it was getting a bit much.

She was just about to grab her clutch and head back to Dick when she saw the familiar face behind her. 

“If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’ve been following me Ms. Lance.”

@whitecanary-lance

[starfireofcentral]

dickxgrayscn‌:

dick’s eyes closed as kory’s hand moved over his back soothingly, breathing in slowly - he no more tears left to shed, just the residual ache that would follow him every chance it got. dick lowered his forehead to press into kory’s before finally, slowly peeling himself from her as his hands trailed along her arms, gripping her hands in his, “thank you.” he whispered, his voice quiet and muffled still with the heaviness of how he felt, “thank you for just being here. i didn’t know i needed that as much as i did.” dick nodded slowly - it was hard for him to admit when he needed someone, mostly because he knew other people always needed him. his thumb ran over the back of her hand as he chewed at the inside of his cheek, “i…i don’t know what to do now.” he muttered quietly as he shook his head.

She let him lead the next few seconds, partly because she knew how much he needed control, but also because she wasn’t sure what she should do next. she nodded along softly with his words, a comforting smile on her face. She watched as he shook his head, hand lifting up to hold his head still. “That’s okay.” She stroked a thumb across his cheek. “I’m here to help until you know what’s next.” She let the worss hang in the air before speaking again. “I’ll run you a bath, okay?”

[starfireofcentral]

outlawintheredhood‌:

“Shut up.” Jason muttered, his face heating up a little in embarrassment at the fact she was right. “Yeah, I know.” He sighed. He had been there when Dick got the call, but he didn’t know exactly to be there for his brother right now, with everything going on. “Are you and him…?” He trailed off, quirking an eyebrow back at her. He knew their relationship had been more than just friendly back when they were both Titans. Even if he’d never outwardly said it, he could admit they seemed well suited for each other. “Same old. Shooting bad guys, being the family disappointment.” He shrugged with a joking smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m just… trying to keep it all afloat right now.”

“Yes. I mean...” She trailed off. “I think so? I don’t know. It’s all been kind of- intense.” She admitted, still a little surprised at the sudden acceleration in their relationship. “But whatever it is, I’m glad I’ve got it. If that makes sense?”

She punched him on the arm. “Less of the disappointment please.” She gave him a sympathetic smile, noting how tired he looked. “Jason, I say this with the utmost love and respect.”

“Cut the crap. What’s really going on here?”

[starfireofcentral]

whitecanary-lance‌:

“P o l i t e conversations?” Sara suppressed her groan for the sake of Kory’s feelings. She should be grateful that she had been invited but Sara wasn’t the type to kiss ass. Nor did she like to rub elbows with the rich without the guarantee that she would be punching someone out. “You’re killing me, Pretty girl. I’ll do my best to stay on my best behavior.” Her fingers traced along her calf up along the curve of her knee. “Small talk wasn’t really an essential for him. He quite liked silence with the bottom line. You’re just lucky us Lances have the gift of gab.” 

Kory could’t help but smile at the other woman. Sara was one of the small handful of people that she could trust absolutely, and she could already sense the apprehension emanating from her. He slipped her own hand down her leg, meeting Sara’s halfway up. “What happened to best behaviour?”

Kory knew that the drive would be short, so wasn’t surprised when the driver gently interrupted to say that they’d arrived at the gala. As the driver came closer, she leaned in close and whispered in Sara’s ear. “Maybe later you can use that gift of the gab? In private.” She said, beaming as she got out of the car, offering Sara her hand.

[starfireofcentral]

dickxgrayscn‌:

dick felt kory pull him closer, pull apart the wall he’d put up - and he knew if he wanted to do this right he had to allow those walls to come apart, but he feared what the pieces that were left would be. his arms wound around her waist, burying his face into her shoulder as he held onto her, pulling her closer as if he could somehow disappear into her arms. he suddenly felt like the little kid who stood hid his face into haly’s chest as his arm draped over his shoulder, and dick stood there overlooking the graves of his parents being filled. he could feel the dirt under his nails, and the prickle of the thorn from the white rose he’d been gripping tightly. it felt like yesterday, except now haly was gone too. 

a sob broke loose, finally, the dam shattered as dick hid his face into kory’s shoulder. the tremor shaking at his body roused his grief, fueled it on, and he could no longer control it. all he could do was hold fistfuls of kory’s shirt within his fingers and hope her presence was enough an anchor to brink him back from the edges of mourning.

As Kory felt Dick fall apart she pulled him closer, soothing him the best she could as her own eyes filled with tears. They stayed in that position for a while. Dick lying broken in her arms, as Kory cradled him and told him things would be okay. Ignoring it wouldn’t make the pain go away, so Kory would do her best to help him feel it. When Dick’s sobs slowed and his breathing became less ragged, they seperated a little. She had no idea how long they’d been there for, but she knew that she’d given Dick a moment to grieve. A moment that he sorely needed.

[starfireofcentral]

whitecanary-lance‌:

“You know how it is,” her voice sullen and soft against the humming sound of the engine roaring beneath them. “A woman like me can’t help herself. Idly hands make me angry and I had a few loose ends to tie up.” Sara’s skin grew flush at the racing endorphins released at Kory’s tenderness. It always bright Sara great joy to know that the goddess who embodied nothing but strength could elicit such softness in the pallid moonlight. She lifted her other hand to caress her jaw. “Didn’t end pretty but he won’t hurt anyone again.”

“In due time,” she hissed. Sara’s bottom lip snagged between her teeth at the glorious homecoming that would ensue the moment they stepped back into this limo. That dress wouldn’t be the only thing clinging so tight to Kory’s body. “So, what’s on the agenda tonight? Besides our personal one. Recon? Protection? Boredom?” 

“None of the above I’m afraid.” Kory answered sweetly, beaming at the blonde woman. “It’s mostly schmoozing and polite conversation.” She knew it wasn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but Sara was one of the few people she could trust to accompany her through a function filled with one percenters. “Did Ra’s teach you the art of small talk, or was that not on the syllabus?”

[starfireofcentral]

outlawintheredhood‌:

Jason chuckled lightly as she punched his arm, shaking his head. He blushed a bit at her question, rubbing the back of his neck. “I… I wasn’t actually expecting you to be out on your balcony.” He admitted sheepishly. He had really just meant to peak in, make sure that Kory was whole and healthy, then disappear just as quickly. Heartfelt conversations had never really been his thing, especially when his nerves were frayed. “But… since you are here, I guess I’ll ask how you’ve been?”

“Oh, so you were just going to stare at me through the window? That’s not creepy.” She raised her eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “I’ve been okay. Been spending a lot of time with Dick, helping him with... y’know.” She trailed off, knowing that Jason would understand what she meant. “What about you? Been up to anything exciting?”

[starfireofcentral]

🌿, ⛄️ , 🙈, 🍪 ( dick )

🌿- Our Muses Get Caught Under MistletoeKory had been waiting outside the main living area of Titans Tower for a fair while, waiting for Dick to leave the room so she could catch him under the mistletoe. (Rachel had mentioned an Earth tradition where two people must kiss if they meet under a small sprig of the plant.) So far, her plan hadn’t worked. She’d kissed almost every Titan but Dick, and she was running out of patience. Giving up, she turned to leave when she was tapped on the shoulder. “Hey, not so fast.” Dick started, “Did you know that traditionally Mistletoe-” 

She closed the gap between them, planting a gentle kiss on his lips before quickly running away.

⛄️- Our Muses Build a Snowman“What is the point of this?” Kory said as she placed the buttons on the face of the snowman, taking a step back to admire her work. “Don’t get me wrong, It’s oddly entertaining. But won’t he disappear as soon as the weather changes?” She imagined the snowman in front of her as a pile of mush and felt a pang of sadness.

“Will he fit in the walk in freezer?”

🙈- Our Muses Stay Up and Wait For SantaKory and Dick stayed hidden behind the couch, waiting for the telltale sound of jingle bells. Some criminal had been going around Gotham breaking into people’s homes and robbing them, all whilst dressed up as Santa Clause. They’d left a trail of breadcrumbs, and Kory and Dick knew exactly where he’d strike next. She gave Dick a small smile when they heard the smash of a window, waiting for a few seconds before launching herself at the impostor.

🍪- Our Muses Bake Cookies for Santa“So rather than telling them their parents buy the gifts,” Kory said to Dick, whilst stirring the mixture for the cookies they were making. “You pretend an elderly man breaks into your home, leaving many gifts in exchange for their year long good behaviour?” She scooped out a little bit of mixture on wooden spoon, offering it to Dick for him to taste. “That’s genius.”

@dickxgrayscn

[starfireofcentral]

alliexmurphyxmusicx‌:

“Yeah, no worries! Six sounds great!” Allie chuckled a little before pinking up her guitar and leading the way out. “Networking is always great, but sometimes at a benefit such as this it’s hard to network. I definitely will appreciate the extra time, though. It will be good.”  

As they exited the ballroom, Allie took a moment to mentally pinch herself. Was this even real? Already securing a gig in a brand new city and beginning her journey as a musician in a big city. It was unreal. “Well, I learned guitar when I was bouncing between foster homes as a kid. It was the one constant I had amidst the frequent changes in homes. Everytime I moved I packed my clothes and my guitar. That’s all I really needed.”

Kory smiled at Allie as she spoke, interested to hear about the other woman’s background. It was rare she got to meet anyone without some sort of ulterior motive anymore, so the moment of genuine connection was comforting. “That’s beautiful.”

“You can tell how much it means to you when you play. It’s nice.” She said sincerely, smiling at her. “I always wished I learned to play an instrument, but time just ran away from me.”

[starfireofcentral]

outlawintheredhood‌:

Jason chuckled as she called him out the moment he landed softly on her balcony, slipping off his helmet and placing it down on the table she was working at. “Sorry, force of habit.” He muttered, ruffling his hair to try and remove the helmet-head look, and seating himself across from her.

“I can’t check in on an old friend?” He asked innocently, offering her a smile that asked her not to dig deeper. He didn’t want to place his fear upon her - Talia had already targeted Rose, she might come after others. Kory could handle herself, but so could Rose, and Talia had still got to her. “Maybe I just missed you.”

She raised an eyebrow at him, staring him down. “Of course you can. But I know you Jason Todd...” She began, moving to the seat directly next to him. “I know you’ll have your reasons. I’m not going to pry though.” She punched him lightly on the arm. “I know you former robins like to keep things to yourself.”

She looked out over Central City, admiring the way the city lit up at night. “Any reason for the costume? I do have a front door you can walk through.”

[starfireofcentral]

dickxgrayscn‌:

dick felt the couch dip as kory curled up into his side - his arm moving over the couch to drape around her frame as he pulled her into him. dick felt some of the tension in his body leave his body as her lips brushed against his cheek - turning his head as she pressed her forehead into hers. dick opened his eyes, peering up at her as her hand curled around his. his thumb moved over her skin, as if the small motion would keep him distracted. 

dick swallowed the hard lump in his throat as he turned his gaze from hers, his eyes dangerously burning as the tears filled them up. dick drew in a sharp breath through his nose as he cleared his throat - the grief felt like a heaviness inside his chest he couldn’t shake, like those many moments when he felt the memories of his parents become too much, it was just easier to punch it out at the gym, or put on his mask and do some good on the streets. finding comfort in someone is something dick typically never did. 

“i can’t believe he’s gone.” he finally whispered as he shook his head slowly, closing his eyes again, this time the tears actually flowed freely down his face. dick drew in a sharp as he pressed a closed fist against his lips, looking away from kory, hoping in one last desperate effort to swallow down the way he felt, hoping that would be enough to will the heaviness of grief away.

“I know.” Kory watched Dick shaking his head, her heart breaking for him as she watched him give into the heavy feelings of grief that he’d been pushing down. When he turned away from her, she placed a hand to the side of his face and turned it to face her. “You don’t have to hide.” The concept of hiding grief had always felt so foreign to Kory, as on Tamerand the grieving process was something that you had to do. Tameraneans honor their dead for weeks, with multiple services where expressing emotion is encouraged.

She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly enough that she knew he’d feel safe. She slowly rubbed her hand on his back in small circles, trying her best to provide some sort of comfort. Kory knew that Dick had been taught to control his emotions by Bruce, but he needed to feel this. He needed to fall apart, and Kory would be there to help put him back together.