First Time

Diary of Kori

Chapter 27: Diary of Kori

Kori looked at the two fluffy stacks of pancakes placed before her; one embedded with blueberries and the other served with a side of strawberries. Both looked, and most likely tasted, delicious. Her eyes then flickered up to the two boys standing on the other side of the table, grimaces dominating their faces and their arms crossed as they waited impatiently, their eyes fixated on her.

"Go on, Kori," Dick commanded, ushering the plate of blueberry pancakes further. "Eat the breakfast I made for you."

"She can make her own decision," Xavier snapped, tearing his eyes away momentarily to glare at Dick before returning them to Kori. He pushed the plate holding the pancakes he made further. "Now hurry up and pick mines, cutie."

"Can't you tell she isn't interested in your crap."

"Crap? She loves my cooking."

"Well she loves my cooking more."

"May I just have cereal?" Kori interjected.

The two boys turned to her, shouting in union. "No!"

Though the fact that they were bickering should have been cause to upset her, a giggle escaped Kori's lips. A pause occurred, and upon reading their perplexed faces Kori explained herself. "I'm sorry, it's just... the both of you are so cute."

Xavier's eyes widened and his cheeks began to glow in embarrassment. His features strained to appear more serious and dark. "I. Am. Not. Cute."

"Oh, right, I'm sorry. I forgot you are a 'bad boy'," Kori mocked with a laugh.

Clearing his throat Dick made sure to divert Kori's attention to him. "Do me a favor and don't lump me in the same category as him. Besides," he smirked and leaned over the table, his tone cool. "I think we both know you find me to be more than just cute."

It was Kori's cheeks that were burning this time, a sight that irritated Xavier beyond belief. He quickly walked over to the red-head, attaching himself to her side. Pressing one hand onto the table he hovered behind her, his eyes narrowing at Dick. "Just how long do you plan on staying here?"

The blunt question had been designed to drive Dick away, but to Xavier's surprise a smirk spread across his rival's face. "You see, about that... I'm taking an extended leave of absence."

The hand Xavier had behind Kori's chair clenched. "What does that mean?"

"I dropped out."

A gasp escaped Kori's lips, her shock surprising her up from her seat. "You dropped out?!"

Dick nodded. From the corner of his eye he watched Xavier's reaction and reveled in his silent wrath. His smirk broadened and he wished he could mock Xavier out loud; telling him that he wasn't going anywhere.

"I can't believe Bruce would allow you to do that," Kori continued as she walked to Dick's side. She looked at him hopefully. "Does that mean you're going to return to Jump City High School?"

"About that...I need to keep a low profile. Bruce doesn't know that I'm here," Dick admitted. Kori raised a brow at that, opening her mouth to speak, but Dick beat her to the punch; placing his hands on her shoulders. "I know it's a vague answer but trust me when I say it's nothing to worry about. Can you do that?"

His evasion was cause for suspicion, and Kori knew he was purposefully leaving out important details. The desire to uncover his secret was great, she could already feel the questions ready to pour from her mouth, but she kept her lips pursed. If he wasn't ready to share she was in no position to try to drag the confession out of him; after all she knew better than anyone the importance of keeping some secrets. Perhaps Dick was looking out for her by withholding this information.