Starfire

Closed starter for @xfstarfire Prompt in bold

        “Are you done talking yet? Or are you too afraid that I might actually beat you, so you won’t shut up?” Jason challenged the Tamaranean, the only indication that he was joking being the hint of playfulness in his tone. Picking up another card from the pile, he pushed it into his hand amongst the other cards. Eyes moving over each, he moved it from the right to the left where it fit with the rest of its suit. “Hmph.” He grumbled to himself, peering at Kori over the cards, under thick lashes. “Your move.” 

“I am simply trying to understand the rules. After all, what if you try to cheat? How would I know?” she asked a smirk on her face. She did not think he would cheat, but they both did tend to get a bit.... competitive. Kori looked down out her cards, pulling out a card and placing it on the pile. She raised an eyebrow at Jason, searching for any kind of tell.

“Is that a Tameranian thing or a intuition thing?” Bart asked only for Kori to answer him already before he could throw even more questions her way. “That’s pretty crazy, and I thought I was fast at learning languages.” He knew at least eight though he didn’t always remember which was which, speed reading had it’s advantages after all. He listened as she spoke about understanding people, squinting his eyes as she spoke. “Yeah it sounds very– that.” Intimate. “Is it nice?” He asked, a bit embaressed to be asking at all. “That whole thing?”

“I believe it would be the combined experience.” she answered him. She let out a small giggle at his response. She envied his innocence, though some would argue she was just as innocent in her own right. It was then at that moment she realized he was not asking for a comparison. But rather, advice. “Bart...have you never been kissed?” she asked curiously. It was not to embarrass him but genuine curiosity. Kori was quite open about her love life and sometimes forgot not all were like her.

Flashing her sister a smile, Kom shrugged her shoulders. “Thank you, I’m very good at it, are I not?” she said. “One of my many talents.” She looked over at her sister, raising her eyebrows. “I’m here for you, of course,” she said. “I was hoping to find you in a more auspicious position, but…” She shrugged and sighed softly as though disappointed. Kom laughed at her sister’s next question. “Of course not,” she said. “Do I really seem the type to bear children? Either literally or figuratively speaking?”

Kori resisted the urge to roll her eyes as her sister complimented herself. Her sister’s over inflation of ego just one of the many things that made her wrong for Tamaran. “I apologize for the disappointment.” Kori retorted. Normally she would never believe a word that came out of her sister's mouth. But commander loved speaking of herself and her accomplishments. If she had planned to use the children against Kori, this would have been the moment to gloat about it. Her concern showed on her face. Who were they then?

.

He didn’t mind doing this for her. Staying the night and giving her a massage. It was a little like how things used to be. Long nights together. Just talking and being near one another. It called to mind their teenage years in the tower. Sneaking into one another’s rooms. Staying up just to talk about things that didn’t seem all that important now. She was the first of Teen Titans to ever see him without the mask and to know his real name. Their friendship was precious to him. She was precious to him… and he wouldn’t hurt her again. That was why he didn’t go any further than a massage and a shared bed. 

She said she enjoyed the benefits of friendship and he let out a boyish laugh. It wasn’t too complicated right now. There was still something there between them. A shared torch. It was sometimes hard to tell if that was why he felt like there was this warmth between them. Or, maybe, it was simply because Starfire had always ran hot. He gave her a bit of a smile and laid down beside her on the bed. “This isn’t really…” He trailed off, deciding not to explain it after all. “I guess it depends who you ask.” As for the other question, Dick paused. “I used to do this kind of thing for Babs sometimes.” He told her in a softer voice then he’d normally use. 

-

Koriand’r cuddled in closer to him when her returned to the bed. One hand reached up, tracing his arm, up the side of his face, through his softly tussled hair, and back down. She continued repeating the motion as he spoke. She paused briefly at the tone change when he mentioned Barbara, but quickly resumed. It was a delicate situation. She knew the woman held a special place in his heart, and she would be lying if she claimed to not be jealous over it. But the jealousy had faded over the years, what was once a roaring fire had been doused into embers by heartbreak and time. “Do the benefits refer only to those you have been involved with intimately?” she questioned. Kori was a curious creature (korious if you will.... don’t look at me). She enjoyed learning about Earth and it’s customs. She’d been on the planet for quite some time now, but still she learned more and more every day. 

“Oh. I had almost forgotten. I spoke to my sister about those two Tamaranian children.” she said to him. It had been the original reason for her wanting to talk but she had become.... sidetracked. Dick had a way of making her worried fade into the depths of her mind. But this was one worry she could not let slip away.  “She claimed to have no association with them. I know Komand’r’s word is not one to be trusted, but I believe her. She seemed genuinely surprised when I asked her about them.”

❛ Just one kiss? You can learn a wealth of things from just one kiss. ❜ Kori informed the other person. “As a Tameranian, I can learn language through physical contact of the lips.” she explained. “But you can also tell about the personality of a person. The boldness in which they move their lips. If they prefer to take charge or follow lead. By the taste you can tell if they are a smoker. And how much it is they partake. It is quite an intimate moment. 

❛ Nothing is ever simple. And when it is, it’s rarely every worth it. ❜

Koriand’r turned over took look at him a smirk on her face. She watched him move, waiting for him to return to the bed. He was beautiful. And he was her’s...for the night anyway. In the morning things would be back to normal. Two separate beings who once held a flame for one another. Kori could live with that. 

She had stated moments before that she feared they had been complicating what would other wise be a very simple friendship. His response was well....very Dick of him. Not that she regretted what had just...transpired. She reached for her shirt, the now stretch out and loose material gliding over her effortlessly. “Complications aside,I did enjoy the benefits of friendship. Do many people know of this custom?” she asked curiously, turning on her side to gaze at him. It was no surprise that within a few words, he had her hook line and sinker. “Do you do this with all of your friends?” she asked curiously. It was less jealousy, more curiosity. 

Glancing up and towards her as she reentered the room. He couldn’t help but shoot her a smile. “I did. Actually, I was expecting to have to wear something of yours. I didn’t know you kept some of my clothes.” He said with a soft laugh. He wouldn’t have minded wearing her clothes, but this was probably a heck of a lot more comfortable. She started to apologize and his brows furrowed. Standing up and taking a few steps towards her, “Hey, don’t worry about it.” He said easily. “We’ve always been physical and I’ve never minded. I know how affectionate you are. I just want things to be clear between us. I’m doing a lot right now and I wouldn’t be able to give you the time you deserve if you wanted to try things again. It would have to be just friends with benefits.” 

“You left them behind when you left. I did not want to rid of them. It was comforting having a piece of you here.” she admitted truthfully. Kori wasn’t the type to lie. She saw no point in it. "The only person who should be saying what I deserve is me. But I understand. I know many things have changed since you’ve last been here.” she pouted. The red head couldn’t stop the confusion that crossed her face as he spoke.  “Benefits? Does our friendship not already give you a good experience? ”  she asked worriedly. Was this the reason why? She did not know that there were supposed to be additional benefits to the friendship. Was she lacking to her other friends as well? 

“That would be great, we can catch up.” Barbara smiled. She’d mostly been busy running her birds of prey with oracle. She’d been too nervous to get back out there as batgirl and now with the technology in her spine acting up she had no plans to return. “Just running oracle, working out all the old kinks and it’s been great teaming up with Dinah and the girls. How about you? Must be busy having everyone back and managing the team.” 

Kori nodded, motioning with her hand for Barbara to follow her. “Right, the Prey Birds correct? You have done amazing works.” Kori complimented her. Honestly, she admired Barbara in away. Even with all the trauma she had endured, she found a way to power though. It was inspiring to say the very least. “It is quite busy yes. But with the return of Dick and Donna things have been easier. The younger heroes hold great respect for them as leaders.”

“Thanks Kori I really appreciate that.” Kori had always been very kind and welcoming and definitely an asset to the Titans. “That’s exactly how I feel about the bats, I’m lucky Steph and Cass have been around an awful lot lately.” she admitted. She loved the boys but it was nice to have those she considered sisters around. “Main computer room is this way right? I haven’t been here in a while.” she asked pointing down the hall. 

“Yes. I can escort you if you would like.” she said walking next to Barbara. The two had always had a civil relationship despite their interlocked past. But Kori was not the jealous type. Now anyway. “So how have things been with you ? Anything new or exciting?” she asked trying to make small talk. 

.

       “Richard.” The laugh that followed was out of humor. He couldn’t remember the last time that he had heard anyone call Dick Richard, but Kori had always been unique. “He literally just got back from Blüdhaven.” He stated the obvious. Feelings were complicated and it was entirely possible that the redhead still loved his older brother, but it was quick to act on them. “Why not? Are you scared I’ll tell him?” Jay joked.

“What? It is his name!” A hand covering her mouth as she chuckled along with him. “I know. I know.” she sighed pulling her knees up and hugging them. Too much time had passed between them for her to assume things might possibly return to the way they were. “I do not wish to make you uncomfortable. I know your relationship has complications.” she answered him truthfully. “You do not mind having the girl talk?”

“Oh!” Alright. So, he should have saw that coming. Dick paused, deciding that he’d cross that bridge when they got there. On one hand- it was just harmless fun but on the other: in the past it had been much more than that. They’d have to talk about where their minds were at before making any bad choices. He gave her a quick passing glance as she undressed before heading to the drawer she pointed out. Recognizing one of his old shirts. How long had she kept this? He wondered to himself before getting changed into it and an old pair of pants he’d left behind too. Picking up his suit off the ground and setting the pieces of it not so neatly on top of the dresser before taking a seat on the couch. 

“Oh X’hal. What are you doing Koriand’r?” she sighed as she let the water wash over her. She needed to get a hold of herself. Kori wasn’t one to hold things back. Tamaranians weren’t taught to hold in anything. Anger, Lust, Happiness, Love. Their lively hood, their physiology depended on it. But things were not like that here on Earth. She needed self-restraint. That should not be difficult right? She left the shower, wrapping a towel around her hair and putting her robe on. “Did you find everything ?” she asked as she walked back out. “Dick...I am sorry for what I said earlier...I realize it may have been...inappropriate now.” 

A part of him was half tempted to ask if he could join her but the words caught in his throat. Knowing it wasn’t exactly a great idea, as tempting as it was. He reached a hand forwards and ran his fingers through her wavy hair. Lingering in front of her before finally forcing himself to take a step back. “You don’t know what you’re asking me, do you?” He smiled, before nodding. “Sure, I’ll watch some Netflix with you. But first- you don’t happen to own anything that would fit me, do you? As much as I like the suit- it’s not exactly built for couch potato-ing.” Reaching up and removing his mask from his face.

“And what is it that I am asking you? If you prefer just the Netflixing that is acceptable.” she answered, touching his face soflty. She took a step back when he did, pulling off her arm sleeves and tossing them in a corner of her room. “The drawer there. There should be...some items that fit.” she completely aware his tshirt and a few other articles he left behind laid folded and untouched. She hadn’t the heart to throw them out just in case of situations like this. That’s what she told herself anyway. “I shall return momentarily.Make yourself comfortable” she said turning once more, lifting her shirt off and throwing it into the same direction as her sleeves before disappearing into the bathroom. 

“You really shouldn’t tempt me like this, Kori.” Naturally, their breakup had been his own fault. At the time, he simply couldn’t give her everything she wanted and deserved. He’d focus most of his attention on being Nightwing and be forced to divide his time. Something he didn’t have a ton of to begin with. It wasn’t just her he’d had that issue with either. So he should probably be watching his step with her. Not falling back into playful flirtations. Probably being the key word. He just couldn’t help himself. “I’m a performer. It’s in my blood!” He complained with a laugh. 

“Alright then. I will not. For now.” she shrugged, smirk still on her face. It was easy to step back into old habits. “Yes well let’s keep the talent inside you and not on the pavement.” she chuckled shaking her head. “I shall be in the room of bathing if you should need me. I think I hot water will do be some good. Do you want ..how did Jaime phrase it...do the Netflix and Chill later?”

“I’d say so.” He half-joked. Dick knew better than to flirt with her, but where was the fun in listening to his conscience? As she glanced over his back for him, he waited patiently for her thoughts on it. “Thanks for having a look for me, Kori.” He told her, flashing her another smile and shaking his head at her warnings. He had been treated for wounds like this since he was nine years old- before that even. You don’t learn how to fly without a fair bit of falling after all. Ignoring the stinging on his back, he let out a soft laugh. “I’ve always been pretty lucky. I got to patrol with you tonight, if that’s not lucky. I don’t know what is.” He told her. “Star, with the kind of work we do; it doesn’t matter how careful we are. We’re always going to have cuts and bruises. What matters are the lives we’ve saved tonight.” 

“That can always be remedied. I certainly would not mind the view.” she shot right back. If there was one thing Kori was not shy about it was flirting. She knew what she wanted, she always did.  Her problem was always trying to to find the signs if it was all in jest or if it was real. Though Dick seemed to be the only person she ever had that particular problem with. “It is good to have you back home. I have missed you. Although, I have not missed bandaging you up because you want to so the showing off.” she chuckled. Kori placed a bandage on his back and stepped away. “Then perhaps next time you will save lives AND make the landing.” she winked.

.

“Of course Kori it is always freely given” he replied softly nodding his head he worried about these kids even if they did clearly show signs of power it was never good to let it be unchecked. “I agree if you require any help with housing them , when you do speak with them my home is always open. Given their powers I think your training would be best suited for them in the long run, I don’t know much about Tamaran but do these kids at all seem familiar to you just by looking at them?” He was curious about them. 

"We shall make it work. But thank you Bruce. I will be sure to keep it in mind.” Kori nodded. Bruce had come a long way since the stories Dick would tell her. Hell, he came a long way from when they had first met. Still, she would prefer to keep the children under her care especially if she was the one to reach out. “It shouldn’t be plausible. Tameranians are not known to travel far from home without cause. My planet is no longer under the rule of Komand’r. There would be no need for refugees.” she frowned. “Perhaps I should return home. See how things are.”