("Author" Note: So, I was cleaning out some of my brother's old stuff and I found the most wonderful thing ever: Batman 416. It's the 1980's, Jason Todd is still alive, Nightwing's collar is huge, and it hints (to me at least) of a previous romantic relationship between Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne.)
Kori sang in the shower, waking me up to a out-of-tune soprano's version of George Michaels' "I Want Your Sex". I hate starting out a morning like that.
"That song's about monogamy, Kori!" I yelled.
"I'll be out in a minute!" Was her shrill reply. Stepping barefoot into the kitchen, I filled the coffeepot with water, pouring it into the silo. Scooping up two tablespoons of Brazilian roast, I dumped them into the filter and switched the power on. Turning around in the small apartment, I walked, yawning and stretching, to the front door and unlocked it. Pulling it open, it stuck after about four inches and I slammed it shut again, this time taking care to undo the chain lock. Opening the door again, this time fully, I leaned down and snatched the newspaper from my second-level doorstep. The cold air rushed under my robe and up my legs, and I stepped back inside before being chilled again. Kori stood there, and I jumped, her... orangeness startling in the morning. She gave me a peck on the cheek.
'Morn-ing!" She sing-songed into my ear. Maybe us living together wasn't the greatest idea. Oh, well, too late now. I plopped myself into the chair by the kitchenette's table and shook the newspaper out of its plastic encasement.
The headline might as well have reached out and slapped me in the face.
Robin's Return!
Gotham's Dark Knight Seen Once Again With Young Sidekick!
"Holy Substitute!" Kori looked over my shoulder and gasped.
"But..." She sputtered. I cut her off before she could continue.
"I'm gonna hop in the shower, 'kay?" Without hearing her answer, I got up and walked-faster than most mornings would permit me-to the tiny bathroom that we shared. Kori's lotions, potions, and creams lay on the counter, and in one angry swoop, I sent everything flying onto the tile floor covered by a fuzzy blue bathmat. I gripped the sides of the porcelain sink and glared at my reddening face in the mirror.
"That...bastard." I spat.
Turning on the hot water, I shed my robe and boxers and stepping into the shower. Scattered thoughts poured through my head.
How could he do this?
What, was I not good enough for him?
Who does he this he is, abandoning me like this?
After everything, why would he need somebody else?
What did I do wrong?
I was at a loss. Perhaps I'd have to figure out just how good this New Robin was...