I've had this story sitting in the back of my mind for a while, but it wasn't until I heard this song that I knew exactly how I wanted to write it.

Disclaimer: I own nothing as usual

Water Under the Bridge

The sun was just beginning to set in the sky. The colors of pink, orange, and purple began to consume the light blue in the distance. If one was outside the city lights the first few twinkle of stars could be seen. Unfortunately, the blaring lights of Gotham made the stars almost impossible to see. Richard didn't mind though, it had been a long time since he had been in Gotham, a long time since he had been home. He sucked in a deep breath as his motorcycle whipped carefully through the evening traffic, his heart starting to race as he neared his old home.

Richard smiled as he turned down gravel drive way. Wayne Manner hadn't changed. He pulled to a stop just outside of the iron gates. He parked his bike and slowly took off his gloves and helmet. He set them down gently and walked over to the gate, his fingers wrapping around the cold metal.

He remembered when he was a teenager how he felt imprisoned by this gate. He wanted to get out of Gotham, move out of Batman's shadow and be his own man. A soft chuckle escaped his lips. When he had finally left he never imagined he would meet four people that would change his life forever.

His eye caught movement in the upper window, Bruce's room. His old mentor and adopted father was on the phone, strolling back and fourth through the windows. He quickly turned away so as not to catch Bruce's attention. A pang of guilt ran through his chest, his eyes roamed back up to Bruce's window and another pang of guilt ran through him when Alfred appeared next to Bruce.

He lingered for a moment longer before he hopped back on the bike, taking himself far away from the mansion. He wasn't ready to face Bruce and Alfred yet. They would be the hardest ones to talk to, well, besides Kory. His stomach gave a flip just thinking about her. Would she forgive him? Had she moved on? He felt a sting of jealous hit him at the thought of some faceless man with his arms wrapped around her. He couldn't blame her though. He had been gone a long time.

He broke from his thoughts, as he slammed hard on his brakes, causing his bike to turn sharply. Screams of terror filled the streets as people ran past him. He flipped his helmet mask up to get a better look. A giant brown and oozing monster came crashing down the streets towards him. It strangely reminded him of Plasmas. His hands shot to his bag sitting on the back of his bike where his Nightwing uniform was hiding. This wasn't the way he was planning on announcing his return, but when there's trouble…

Before he could grab his outfit to change the ooze monster swiped his hand through an old building that was under construction. A large amount of debris came falling down towards him and the others that were standing around. He started to move, but suddenly dark energy surrounded the falling rubble, stopping it from hitting the ground.

A grin crossed Richard's face as he saw Raven fly into sight, her eyes glowing and her face concentrated as she moved the debris out of harms way. She looked different since the last time he saw her. Her blue uniform was replaced by her white one and her face looked older and wiser. There was a blast from behind him and he turned to see Cyborg landing on the ground as a green pterodactyl soared back up into the sky. The robotic titan had grown taller and more muscular over the years, not to mention his tech looked as updated as ever.

The ooze monster fell backwards as Cyborg unleashed a few more blast. He watched as Beast Boy transformed in a t-rex, knocking the monster back towards an old construction sight. Richard revved his motor cycled and followed the Titans. The monster fell and splattered in the construction hole. Beast Boy transformed back into his normal self. Richard could see that Beast boy had grown taller as well. Although he was still shorter than Cyborg, he was towering over Raven. Black pants, a long sleeved black and purple shirt and combat boots had replaced his teen uniform.

"Dude, this is leaving one nasty stain!" Beast Boy said with a laugh as he high fived Cyborg.

Richard's cheeks began to hurt as his grin filled his face. It seemed that not all things had changed since he had been gone.

"Who knew Plasmas had a shit colored brother." Cyborg stated with a shake of his head, a grin on his face as he caught Beast Boy's eye who fell into a fit of giggles.

"I can't believe I still know you two." Raven mumbled.

While the titans were distracted the brown ooze began to piece back together around the unconscious body that was lying in the construction sight. Richard wanted to call out to his friends, to warn them as the monster screamed to life. Suddenly, a parade of green bolts rained down on the brown Plasmas. The brown ooze exploded again and the man behind the ooze fell to the ground with a loud thump.

Richard felt his heart soar as he looked up to see the person the green bolts belonged to. Starfire came gliding down to land next to her friends. Her uniform had also changed since they were teenagers. Her skirt was replaced with purple bikini like bottoms with a silver belt and green jewel gleaming in the middle. She had a long sleeved top and knee-high boots. Her long fiery red hair wrapped around her gorgeous, tanned face and her emerald eyes sparkled just liked he remembered. He had missed those eyes so much.

"Better late than never." Beast Boy said teasingly as he hip bumped her lightly. She smiled in return, but Richard noticed the smile didn't linger as long as it used to. He frowned slightly as he slipped into the shadows, not wanting to be seen.

"Damien wanted to come, but Bruce wouldn't let him so I had to sneak out." Starfire said as she rested an elbow on Cyborg's shoulder.

"How you live with that little menace I will never know." Cyborg said as Beast Boy nodded in agreement.

"He has his moments." She said with a shrug of her shoulders, a hint of a smile on her face.

"That last for about .01 seconds." Raven stated.

That was odd, Richard thought. Since when did Kory live with Bruce and Damien? If anything he thought she would have lived with one of the other titans. What had happened in the four years since he had been gone?

"Well, let's get this guy back where he belongs before he wakes up again." Cyborg said as he started to jump down towards the unconscious body.

The rest of the titans began to follow and Richard craned his neck to keep his eye on them. Now that they were in his sight he didn't want to lose him, but he still couldn't bring himself to say hello. He watched as Kory froze in midflight, slowly lowering herself back down to the ground. She turned and looked in the direction he was standing. He quickly ducted back into the shadows, his heart racing. She looked around for a moment, her eyes focused and her body tense. After several seconds he watched her shoulders slump and a look of heartbreak pass over her face, which made his chest tighten in pain.

He heard a heavy sigh escape her lips before she turned and walked down the construction sight behind the titans. Every part of him wanted to run after her in that moment. He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her he would never leave her again. He wanted to kiss her like the world was going to end tomorrow. He wanted to do so many things, but he remained rooted to the spot.

He didn't know how much time had passed since he watched the titans leave with the unconscious villain. He was finally able to pull himself away from the shadows and slowly walked back to his bike. He thought seeing the people he cared about most would make it easier for him to tell them he was home.

He settled for a quiet motel on the edge of the city. He needed to clear his head and think. He knew he couldn't hide out there forever, but he didn't know what else to do. When he had first reached Gotham he thought it would be as simple as walking through the front door, but seeing Bruce and the Titans had made him panic. What do you say to your loved ones who believed you to be dead for the past four years?

Surprise everyone! I'm not dead!

That would go over well. It would earn him a one-way ticket to another dimension via Raven, not to mention a few bruises and black eyes courtesy of the rest of his teammates. He pulled at his jet-black locks in frustration as he fell down onto the mattress. He should have thought this through more. He couldn't expect to just walk back into their lives just like that. He knew he wouldn't be the happiest person in the world if someone did that to him.

His body ached from the drive and he could slowly feel himself falling into a peaceful slumber. He would talk to his friends tomorrow, that he was sure of. He just needed to figure out what to say. His mind flickered to Kory. The sorrow and defeat that had passed over her face when she didn't find anything earlier caused his heart to ache. Was she looking for him? Did she think about him like he thought about her? He felt his mind drift off, thinking about one of the last few moments he was with her…

Four years ago…

Kory's arms came crashing around Richard's neck, knocking the wind out of him. He laughed as he regained his balance, his arms wrapping around her back. He could feel her face burry into his neck, her red hair obscuring his vision.

"I can't believe I am going to be your wife." She whispered in his ear, tears splashing on his shoulder.

"So, is that a 'yes' then?" He asked with a laugh.

She pulled back, a bright smile on her face, her emerald eyes shining through her tears. "Did my embrace not make that obvious?" She asked with a cock of an eyebrow.

Richard laughed again as he slipped the ring from the box and slid it on her finger. Kory looked down at it and smiled. Richard pulled her close, his lips finding hers quickly, but gently.

"Mrs. Kory Grayson." He said as they broke apart. "Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

"I can not wait to tell the others!" Kory said as she pulled out her phone. "We must celebrate at once!"

"You call the titans and I'll call Bruce." He said as he pulled out is own phone.

He watched as she called Victor, her face lighting up as she started talking a mile a minute. He couldn't help, but grin at his beautiful fiancé. He was the luckiest guy in the world and nothing could ruin this moment. His phone began to buzz and he chuckled, thinking Bruce had read his mind.

"Hey Bruce, great timing I-" He suddenly went silent when the person on the other end of the line wasn't Bruce.

He caught a quick glance at Kory who was still chatting amiably on the phone. He started off down one of the garden paths, making sure Kory couldn't over hear him.

"What happened to not wanting me?" Richard growled. "And now you think I'll just drop my life for-"

He was cut off as the person on the other end began talking rapidly, a dangerous edge in his voice. Richard felt his body deflate with each word. As he closed his eyes, the world felt like it was slowing down. He turned, and opened his eyes, catching sight of Kory. She looked up, still on the phone, and gave him the warmest smile, waving excitedly. He attempted a wave back, but his hand fell half heartily by his side. He watched her happy expression melt away into concern as she said something like "got to go" before hanging up the phone and started after him.

"I understand." Richard said through gritted teeth. "It will be done."

He hung up the phone as Kory stopped in front of him, slightly out of breath. He forced a smile on his face as he pulled her into a hug.

"What's wrong?" She asked with concern. "Is Bruce upset?"

Richard chuckled. "Of course not. That wasn't him."

"Well, then who was it?" She asked as she avoided his lips, that were obviously trying to distract her.

Richard sighed as he leaned back, running a hand through his hair in frustration. She knew him to well. "Just some business people not doing what they should be."

Kory arched an eyebrow, not believing a word of what he was saying. "Dick…"

"Hey," He said cutting her off with a quick kiss, "we're supposed to be planning a celebration, remember?"

Kory smiled and she leaned into his chest, wrapping her arms around his back. "I love you," she said, "to the end of the universe and back."

"The universe is a pretty big place." He said as he rested his head on top of hers, their bodies swaying gently.

"Bigger than you know." She said as she looked up at him with a smirk.

He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment on her soft, tanned skin. "To the universe and back." He whispered.

Richard awoke to first rays of sun streaming through the crooked binds of his motel window. He slowly sat up, running his eyes sleepily. He was surprised to see that his fingers were wet. He looked down at his pillow and could see wet stains on the pillowcase. He hurriedly dried his eyes despite no one being around to witness his tears. He hadn't cried since he left four years ago.

He pulled himself out of bed and headed for the shower. He needed to figure out whom he should talk to first. Kory and Bruce were out of the question so that left him with Victor, Gar or Rachel. The possibility of being sent to an unpleasant dimension ruled out Rachel immediately. The hot water scorched his skin, but he didn't mind. He let the steam fill the bathroom, as he leaned against the shower wall in concentration. That left Victor and Gar. He knew Victor could potentially hit hard than Gar, but Victor may be the more reasonable of the two.

Richard turned the hot water off and stepped out of the shower, drying off quickly with a towel. He now had the beginnings of a plan and making plans was something he was very good at. He would go to Victor first and if he survived that encounter he would move on to Gar and Rachel, slowly building his way up to Bruce and Kory. At least he would have the rest of the titans to protect him from the potential ass kicking he was going to receive from his adoptive father and fiancé.

Richard paused, his shirt hanging pathetically off his arms. He had just called Kory is fiancé. Who knew if Kory kept the ring let alone would still want to marry him after what he had put her through? For all he knew she was happy with someone new. That thought alone was almost enough to make him pack his stuff and leave Gotham forever.

"No," He said aloud to himself, "no more running."

He finished getting dressed and threw on his jacket before grabbing his bag and heading out to his bike. He knew it was Sunday and Victor would usually spend the day at his auto and electronic shop, taking a break from the pressures of co-running Stone Labs and being the leader of the Titans. At least Richard hoped that that had not changed in the time he had been gone.

He eased down the streets of Gotham; he still knew them so well. The rush of being some place familiar made him smile despite the nerves that were beginning to build. He realized he hadn't even really thought about what he was going to say, that is, if Victor let him say anything at all. He was hoping he could just open his mouth and the right words would fall out, although when it came to feelings he knew he didn't have the best chance of getting it right.

He turned the corner and could see Victor's shop in the distance. The sound of cars and various tools being used filled Richard's ears and he parked not too far away. He slowly took his helmet and gloves off, placing them carefully on his bike. He knew he was stalling, but his strong resolve to talk to his friends today was slowly starting to crumble.

"I'd rather face Slade right now." He mumbled. The thought of one of their most terrible enemies flooded his thoughts of when he used to be the man's apprentice. The horrible feeling of having to fight them to keep them alive and watching them get destroyed by the Nano probes rushed through his chest. He closed his eyes, remembering when Starfire had stood up to him refusing to fight because they were best friends. It was the thought of her courage that gave him the extra push to walk through the shop's doors.

The sound of a bell rang throughout the room as the door shut. Richard looked around, but Victor was not anywhere to be seen. He was happy to see that the shop had not changed though. Their first T-Car was in a display case in the back of the shop, with photos of it in action nailed up on the wall behind it. People were wandering around the room look at various items for sale and admiring the different gadgets and gizmos that filled the space. Richard spotted a blond girl on a phone behind the main counter. He started in her direction, hoping she could tell him where his friend might be.

"There's nothing Mr. Stone can't solve when it comes to electronics." Richard heard her say, a wide smile gracing her pretty face. "Maybe if you're lucky, but I'm, not in charge of the Titan's schedule. Yeah, okay, have a nice day!"

She hung up the phone, writing something down in what looked like a scheduling notepad. She finally looked up at Richard, still smiling.

"Hi, can I help you?" She asked.

"Yes, actually," He said as she slightly narrowed her eyes at him after a moment, "I'm looking for Victor Stone."

She didn't respond right away, but continued to stare at him curiously, like there was something odd about his face. He waved at her slightly to get her attention back.

"Sorry!" She said as she snapped out of it. She quickly picked the phone up again and spoke to who he presumed to be Victor on the other line. She hung up the phone and looked at him curiously again. "He's coming. You just look very familiar, I'm Sarah Simms, maybe we went to high school together?"

Richard chuckled. "I don't think so."

Sarah frowned slightly, pointing a finger at him. "Are you sure, I swear I've seen you before, what's you're name?"

"I promise you we've never met," Richard said, "but I'm Ric-"

"Sarah if it's Vinny again please tell him I'm not going to try and-"

Richard turned at the sound of Victor's voice and the metal titan stopped in his tracks when his eyes fell on Richard. Both titans stared at each other for a long while, Victor's eyes as wide as saucers, his mouth slightly agape. Richard smiled and waved sheepishly.

"Hey, Vic." He said to break the tension.

Sarah, who had come around the counter to stand between them looked curiously back and fourth between the pair. "Victor, babe, do you know this guy?"

Victor still didn't say anything, but he had slightly regained his composure. He pulled himself up to his fullest height and started marching over to where Richard was standing. Richard groaned internally and prepared himself for the ass kicking he knew he was about to receive.

"Richard fucking Grayson how dare you." Victor's voice boomed, as he got closer.

Richard's instincts were telling him to run, but he knew he deserved whatever was coming next. He took a deep breath as Victor closed the distance between them. Suddenly, and surprisingly, Richard was pulled into a tight embrace, strong arms crushing against his back. It took Richard a moment to realize that Victor was hugging him. Richard could feel all his nerves melt away as he fell into one of his best friend's embrace.

"I'm sorry." He said and then repeated many, many times into Victor's ear. "I'm so sorry."

The boys finally broke from their embrace and Richard caught Victor wiping tears from his eyes. Victor's hands gripped Richard's shoulders tightly; he was still looking at Richard in disbelief.

"This can't-you can't be real." He half whispered.

"Your favorite pizza topping is every meat possible, your high score on Ninja Fury was exactly 300,000 and we were the ones that put purple hair dye in Beast Boy's shampoo for April Fool's Day." Richard ticked off as he thought of the many memories he shared with his metal friend.

"Well, in that case" Victor said in a somewhat angry voice before he swiftly hit Richard, "mind telling me why you've been dead the past four years."

Richard rubbed his arm, expecting the punch to have been harder, but was glad Victor had decided to take it easy on him. Before he could say anything he heard Sarah gasp loudly.

"This is your titan leader that died four years ago?" She asked pointing at Richard with wide eyes.

"The one and only." Richard said with a small salute. "Richard Grayson, or, well, my friends call me Dick." He stuck out his hand for her to shake. She took it, still in shock by the news. Richard wasn't sure who was more surprised at that moment.

"And Dick has a lot of explaining to do." Victor said as he threw an arm around Sarah, pulling her in. "Have you announced your presence to anyone else yet?"

Richard shook his head. "You're the first."

Victor's stony expression softened a little at those words. Richard felt a smile tug at his lips and he could see Victor trying to suppress his own. "Well, you're in luck," Victor said, "all of us were heading to Bruce's today anyway."

"Why?" Richard asked as he cocked an eyebrow.

Victor chuckled sadly. "If you don't remember today is the day that you…" He trailed off as Richard realized exactly what day it was.

"Died." He finished and Victor nodded his head. "How ironic." He added with a laugh.

"You're riding with me." Victor said as he dove forward to grab Richard's bike keys from his belt. "I'm not letting you out of my sight for the next forever." Richard laughed as he let his friend snatch his keys away. "You're laughing now Boy Wonder, but you gotta sit in the back with grass stain and Rachel."

Richard's laughter died away and his face drained of all color. That seemed like a cruel punishment, but he didn't argue. "I promise I'll explain everything once we're all together." Richard said as he cleared his throat.

"Yeah, you better." Victor said. He smiled and pulled Richard in, giving him a well-deserved knuckle sandwich. "Bet you still can't catch me, Spikes!" Victor cried before he tore off in the direction of his car.

Richard grinned at Sarah for a moment before he took off after his friend. "Wanna bet, metal butt!"

Richard could feel his nerves starting to flutter again as they neared Rachel and Gar's apartment. He had been surprised to hear that they had been living together for the past couple of years.

"A lot of things happened while you were gone." Victor said when Richard had asked about it. "You would never think Beast Boy to be the comforting type, but death changes people."

He had been too scared to asked about Kory and Victor hadn't offered any information either. He would just have to wait to see what she had been up to the last for years when he got to the mansion. Victor pulled the car to a stop outside of a set of beautiful apartments and honked the horn loudly. He turned to Sarah and smiled sheepishly at her.

"You probably want to stay in the car." He said. "It could get ugly."

Richard audibly gulped in the backseat.

"You don't have to tell me twice." Sarah said with a nod of her head. "I've seen all of you in action, not sure who I would be more afraid of."

"Raven." Victor and Richard said in unison

Both boys got out of the car and Victor slowly worked his way to the other side so he was standing next to Richard. The latter was leaning against the car, hands nervously shaking in his jean pockets. He leaned over to Victor an asked, "On a scale of one to ten how quickly do you think Rachel is going to banish me to the worst place she can think of?"

"A twelve for sure." Victor said without taking his eyes off the front door.

"Right…" Richard said as he turned forward.

The door opened and Richard could see Gar, his back turned to them, yelling something back up the stairs. The green titan shook his head before turning to leave.

"I think Kory's rubbed off on Rachel a bit too much," Gar said as he started down the stairs, not catching sight of Richard yet, "she's fussing about her outfit!"

"One of you has to look good." Victor said with a smirk.

Gar snorted. "Yeah, yeah very fun-"

Richard felt his body tense as Garfield finally looked up and noticed him standing next to Victor. Victor looked between the boys as Gar rubbed his eyes, making sure Richard wasn't an illusion.

"Dude…" Gar said softly.

"Garfield, if we're running late why are you just standing there and not getting into the car." Rachel said as she closed the door. "What on earth are you starring at?" Rachel turned and caught sight of Richard and he watched her whole body tremble slightly. "You're supposed to be dead." She whispered.

Richard let out a short breath, almost like a laugh as he ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I was, but here I am." Richard knew how lame the words were, but he didn't know what else to say.

"And where have you been this whole time?" Rachel demanded, her jaw tight with anger.

"Rachel…" Gar said as he reached out to here.

"No!" Rachel said as she moved out of his reach. "No, Dick Grayson you do not get to leave us for four years, letting us think that you're dead and except to come back just like that!"

Richard flinched in pain at every word she said. It was the truth and he knew he deserved whatever harsh words she was about to throw at him. Rachel started for him, but Gar quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her back as she struggled in his arms.

"Do you know how hard it was to face every single day knowing you weren't alive?" She yelled as black energy began seeping from her body, but Gar continued to hold on. He was trying to calm her down, but she didn't seem to hear him.

"Do you know what it was like to live with the guilt of knowing we couldn't save you?" She was struggling hard against Gar, but the green titan never lost his grip. Tears were now streaming down Rachel's face.

"Do you know how long I held Kory in my arms when Victor told her you were dead!" She shrieked. This more than anything hit Richard the hardest. Not only did he hurt his closes friends, but the idea that Kory had suffered so much from what he did cut him like none other.

"Do you know how much we missed you?" Rachel murmured, her body going limp in Garfield's arms. He slowly lowered them to the ground; the black energy surrounding them started fading.

Richard could feel his own tears sting his eyes as he rushed forward and engulfed them in a tight embrace. He could feel both their arms wrap around him tightly.

"I missed you all so much." Richard said as he attempted to wipe his tears away. "I never stopped thinking about any of you."

"Now I know y'all aren't doing a group hug without me!" Victor said as he crashed down on them, his giant arms engulfing the group.

"Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, do that again, dude." Garfield said, leaning his chin on Rachel's shoulder.

"Don't worry," Richard said with a laugh, "I'm here to stay this time."

"I'm assuming you have a very good explanation as to why you faked your death." Rachel said a little more seriously, catching Richard's eye.

Richard simply nodded his head. "It'll be easier once everyone is together."

"Well, we better get going then." Victor said as he picked the group off the ground. "Kory's waiting for us."

Richard could feel the butterflies flutter in his stomach. He closed his eyes, remembering seeing her yesterday for the first time in four years. Being with her again would truly make this place home.

"Maybe I should wait in the car and you all can brace Bruce and Kory about my not deadness." Richard said as Victor pulled the car up to the front of the Wayne mansion.

"Do my ears deceive me?" Gar said as he held up a hand to his ear. "Dick Grayson is afraid?"

"You'd be afraid too if your fiancé was a powerhouse alien and your adopted father was Batman." Richard mumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"I'm dating Rachel, aren't I?" Gar asked as he thrust a thumb in the direction of his girlfriend. Rachel narrowed her eyes and smacked him in the back of the head causing him to sheepishly grin at her.

"You know if you don't walk through that door right now you never will." Rachel said kindly.

Richard peered up at the mansion through the car window. Although his nerves were coursing through him, making him want to bolt in the other direction, there was something else pulling him towards his family.

"You're right." He said as he opened the car door. "And I owe them so much."

The rest of the titans and Sarah got out of the car and walked towards the front door. Richard could feel his body shaking slightly and he took several deep breaths to calm himself. Even if everything goes completely wrong they would know the truth and that was the best he could offer them. Victor rang the doorbell and after a few moments the door creaked open and Richard could just see Alfred peeking out from behind it.

"Good afternoon, Titans, come on in. Master Wayne and Miss Kory will be around momentarily." He said as he stepped aside for them to come in.

"And where is Damien?" Gar asked as he immediately began to look around for the young Robin.

"Do not worry Mr. Logan, Damien has been told to reel in his, uh," Alfred had to stop himself from laughing, "unruly behavior for the day."

"Thank goodness," Gar said with a sigh of relief as he slung his arm around Rachel, "I don't think I can handle another prank from the little terror."

"Sounds like someone is getting too old to keep up with the youngsters." Victor said with a smirk. "Oh, Alfred with have a special guest with us today."

Alfred nodded his head as everyone began to file past him. "I shall inform Master Wayne of-" Alfred stopped when all the titans had entered the house and their special guest was left standing in the doorway. "M-master Grayson, is that you?"

Richard smiled as he watched tears fill the old butler's eyes. He didn't hesitate any longer as he crashed into his old friend. He felt like a kid again as Alfred's arms quickly wrapped around his back.

"It's been a long time, Alfred." Richard whispered. "I've missed you."

Alfred didn't respond, he just hugged Richard tighter.

"Alfred, who are you hugging so tightly?" Bruce asked as he reached the end of the stairs while fixing his shirtsleeve. "I know Jason hasn't been that good lately."

Alfred finally pulled himself for Richard's arms and turned to look at Bruce, wiping tears from his eyes. "Master Grayson has returned home, sir."

Richard finally met Bruce's eyes. It was one of those rare times in his life he could see his adopted father's usually calm demeanor falter as his eyes widened. It only lasted a moment and suddenly Bruce's eyes narrowed.

"Who were your real parents?" He asked as everyone held his or her breath.

Richard almost laughed. Of course Bruce would be the one to thoroughly interrogate him to make sure he wasn't a trick.

"John and Mary Grayson. Together we were the Flying Graysons." He stated calmly.

"Who was your first girlfriend?" Bruce continued.

Richard gulped and was glad Kory wasn't in the room, although he was curious as to where she could be. "Batgirl also known as Barbara Gordon."

He could hear Gar and Victor sniggering somewhere behind him.

"Where is your fiancé from and what is her real name?" Bruce plowed on.

"Princess Koriand'r of Tameran." Richard responded. He wondered how long Bruce was planning on keeping this up. He knew his adopted father could probably go all night at questioning him and still not believe it was him.

"What did I tell you the first night you slept here when you had awoken from a nightmare?" Bruce asked as the tension in the room grew.

"You-what?" He asked thrown off by the question.

"You heard me." Bruce said, his eyes still narrowed.

Richard closed his, remembering the first time he stayed in the Wayne mansion. He had been afraid and sad after sitting through his parent's funeral. He had never forgotten about that night. "You said that I should take my fear and make it my strength and that you'd always try to be there for me."

Richard's eyes were still closed as his mind filled with the vision of Bruce in his silk pjs sitting on the edge of his bed, saying those words as a crazy storm raged outside his window. Suddenly, Richard felt himself wrapped into a tight hug and he opened his eyes for a moment to see Bruce holding him.

"Dad…"Richard let slip as he returned the embrace. "Please, forgive me."

Bruce pulled back and Richard could see he was fighting the tears. "We have a lot to talk about, but I am very happy to see you."

Richard smiled warmly. This was going better than he had hoped. He knew that all his friends and family were still upset in some way, but they wanted him back in their lives and that was everything to him. There was just one last person he needed to see.

"Where's Kory?" He asked breathlessly as the red headed beauty still had not made an appearance yet.

Everyone exchanged a glance and Richard could feel his nerves flicker to life again. Nothing good ever came from silence and exchanged glances like that.

"She's out in the greenhouse." Bruce finally said.

"When did we get a greenhouse?" Richard asked.

"Long story, when did you come back from the dead?" Bruce asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"Long story." Richard said with a slight grin.

"Which I am sure you can explain over dinner." Bruce said as he ushered Richard towards the backdoor. "Alfred, we'll have to set another plate."

"Of course, Master Wayne." Alfred said, his face beaming.

Bruce gave him another push out the door and Richard started off down the gravel path past the gardens to a giant glass building he assumed was their greenhouse. Everyone gathered around the wide windows that overlooked the gardens. Damien walked into the room, throwing an apple up in the air and swiftly took a bite from it, starring at the group of people gathered around.

"What are you all doing?" He asked with a cock of an eyebrow.

"Turns out Richard isn't dead after all and he's going to go talk to Kory for the first time." Gar said as he took his eyes off the window for a moment to look at Damien.

Damien rolled his eyes. "I had a feeling he wasn't really dead." He wiggled his way to the front of the group and watched as Richard opened the greenhouse door and disappear into the doomed room. "Bets on Kory blasting him out of the window?"

"I'll put ten on that." Victor said immediately.

"Same here!" Gar said.

Damien held out his hand for the money and Bruce frowned down at his son. "Damien, you know she won't do that."

"Father," Damien said as he took a few dollars from Rachel, "I know the princess just as well as the rest of you and believe me if she doesn't blast him then we should be concerned."

"I would also like to put five dollars down, Master Damien." Alfred said as he passed the young Robin a five-dollar bill.

"Alfred!" Bruce said as the butler just shrugged his shoulders.

Richard took a deep breath and entered the greenhouse.

Wow oh wow this took me a while to crank this out. Yay it's been a while since I've written a fic! I've started then never finished a few, but I'm really into this one. The updates between them may take a bit longer, but I'm excited for this story.

Thoughts on how you think Kory will react when she sees Richard? Also this is the first time I've ever written Damien Wayne's character. I've watched a few things with him in it (most recently Teen Titans vs Justice League) and I wanted to mess around with his character. Hopefully I do him right and of course he'll have my own little spin without putting him too ooc. Lots of backstory to come to explain everything! Also I hope I kept true to how I think everyone would react after thinking Richard was dead.

I think that's all I wanted to say for now, so please drop me a review and tell me what you think!

Vballqueen17