Chapter 13 - Forgive me

I was starting to get a little suspicious of my friends.

The same friends that had once shared my opinion of Richard Grayson as an arrogant, egotistical jerk, had suddenly changed their tune. They'd taken to saying things like; 'Oh, Richard is such a great guy. You know, he's probably just misunderstood.'

At first it struck me as a little odd, so I began to take note of whenever they mentioned him. Unfortunately what had began as a casual remark here and there, had escalated into mentioning him all the time.

They were talking about asking him out more than anything else. When they suggested a day to it however, Jenny and Karen would fight over which one, saying things like; 'No it's this Friday!' Or, 'no it's next week, definitely next week!'

Needless to say it was beginning to grate on my nerves. I couldn't ask them what was going on, because it was clear that whatever they were planning they wanted to keep me out of it.

So all I knew was that it was probably along the lines of getting Richard and I together. Since there was little chance of that happening, I wasn't very worried, just a little tired of hearing the 'R' name over and over again.

"Hey Kori, don't you think Richard is-"

Oh X'hal, please make it stop...

Rachel's POV:

We all agreed that once Kori had gone home we would try to devise a plan - One which would hopefully get Kori and Richard together.

Now that Richard had admitted to liking her, Karen was adamant that we had little choice but to help. It was in Jenny's nature to be curious to a degree about people's love lives, and it was in Karen's to meddle in their affairs.

I however, wouldn't usually get myself involved in something like this. Peoples relationships weren't exactly the most interesting subject in the world to me, but if it was for Kori's happiness then I would help. We all went to Jenny's house, in order to form a plan.

Despite getting off on the wrong foot, I can't help but think that with Richard, Kori would be happier. She put up a front usually to make sure that she appeared as happy as possible to everyone, but sometimes I saw a hint of pain pass those features that were reflected in Richards eyes.

But it didn't seem like Karen and Jenny were in the mood to be serious about this. I roll my eyes at the scene before me. Karen was stuffing her face with popcorn and Jenny was busy watching TV.

Typical, if you want something done, do it yourself.

"Okay. So the goal is for Kori and Richard to get together, got any ideas?" I speak up in order to get some attention. Karen burps and Jenny looks away from the TV, eyes dull and far away. I frown in annoyance. When it came to plans they were hopeless. Suddenly Karen's brain must have caught up with my words, as she sat up, her eyes shining.

"We could use the dance!" She exclaimed like it was the best idea in the world.

"Why? Do you think we can get the D.J to play some sad love song, which they'll then spontaneously dance to together?" Jenny puzzled, and Karen nodded enthusiastically.

"Not gonna happen." I said flatly, turning the cheesy idea down before Karen got too carried away.

Jenny sighed and Karen frowned, turning to me.

"Why not? It's a great idea."

"Kori won't dance with Richard out of the blue like that. She said to me that she was confused about her feelings for him."

"She's right Bee. And maybe it would be better if we stayed out of it for now. We can't do anything until Richard does something...like maybe apologize 3,000 times." Said Jenny, grabbing some popcorn from Karen, and plopping them into her mouth.

I roll my eyes once more, Richard certainly hadn't made it easy for himself to get close to Kori. After all those stupid pranks and mind games, I wouldn't be surprised if she just ignored him.

"Okay then, and when he does, that's when we'll sort out a plan to get them together. We could maybe do it on the night of the dance like I said, for extra romantic effect." Karen smiled, before going on to talk about Victor and their plans to go see a movie together. Jenny engaged her in conversation, while I silently returned to my book, being left alone with my thoughts.

All our conversations these days seemed to revolve around boys. I didn't really want to talk about them all that often with my friends, as the chats felt girly and immature. Besides after what had happened with Malchoir and our bad brake up awhile ago, no one could blame me.

I'd never dated before him and hadn't since, staying off the subject of boys almost entirely. But Kori seemed to have changed that, and I wondered if that was a good thing.

Would Karen have mustered the courage to go out with Victor if she hadn't of come into our lives? Would Jenny have allowed herself to fall for Wally? Would Gar...

I stopped at that thought. Gar wouldn't have even approached me, if it weren't for what was going on between Richard and Kori. I sighed and shut my book. Things were changing, but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing...

No matter how hard I've tried, the thought of that idiots smile still makes me feel...a little lighter. I shook my head in wonderment. It was all Koris doing that I had found that feeling through Gar. I hoped that she could find that feeling for herself too.

"Well...I just hope Richard does something before the dance." I muttered to myself distractedly. That was when Jenny realized something.

"Wait a minute Karen...if they get together during the dance, that means you'd win the bet." She pointed an accusing finger at Karen, who smiled evilly in response.

OOO

Kori POV:

I had been sent into town by my sister to do some shopping. I didn't mind doing things around the house, to make up for the fact that I wasn't working yet like my sister was. However I wished that she'd let me know sooner that we needed some more groceries, preferably before it was dark. It was a little late at night to be leaving the house alone, but I didn't want to seem ungrateful to her.

She had lately been getting a bit more demanding, going so far as to order me to get a soda for her whenever she pleased. I could feel my annoyance getting the better of me, and knew that I couldn't keep my anger to myself for much longer. It had been...'do this, do that..sister dear' for so long now it was difficult to remember a time when Koma didn't order me around. I gritted my teeth.

Even if she did go to work, it didn't give her the right to order me around like some personal slave. She didn't do anything else after work, except perhaps going out and partying. It was quickly becoming a habit which was leaving us with barely enough for the rent each month.

I sighed sadly, my sister sure had changed since our mum and dad had passed. I thought she might get a little better, after all she had suggested moving from Tameran in the first place. We had left our dear Uncle behind, and though I hadn't wanted to part from Galfore, I also didn't want my sister going to a new country alone.

I shook my head to get rid of the thought, now wasn't the time to dwell on past memories. Then again...when is it ever the right time to?

I walked to the shop at a steady pace, looking up at the stars and clear night sky. A breeze blew passed, making me shiver and clutch my bag a little tighter. I was aware that it was quite late at night, and seeing a few people hanging around on street corners made me a little uneasy.

I picked up the pace, quickly walking to the store, and grabbing the items my sister had said to get. I payed for them at the checkout, suddenly a little cautious about the amount of money I had on hand. Perhaps I shouldn't walk around with so much in my purse next time.

A little skittish, I walked out again as fast as I could.

I then, however had a decision to make. I could either go back home the way I'd come from, or take the short cut.

The short cut is quicker, but it means going through that dark ally...oh grow up Kori! Its just an ally after all.

The ally was narrow and dark, the only light I could see was at the far end between the two buildings. I knew it led to more back alleys that took me home a faster route, but I usually took it during the day. At night I could hardly see anything...

As I stood there deliberating what to do, I heard footsteps approaching me from the other side of the street. My feet acted of their own accord when my heart thumped wildly in my chest. I summoned my courage and took the short cut, hoping to avoid the stranger.

Unfortunately I heard the footsteps follow me, and decided to quicken my pace. As I did so, the other footsteps quickened as well.

I was being followed, that much was obvious.

Oh no...now what do I do?

Panic seemed to overtake reason, but I tried to clamp down my fears. I thought about what Richard has said, about me being naive and innocent. The thought seemed to give me strength, as my annoyance settled my fears a little. After all I could look after myself couldn't I? I'd beaten him in a fight, so if 'the push came to the shove' then I knew I could look after myself.

I jumped as a voice called out to me.

"Hey!"

I quickened my pace but the voice yelled out again.

"Hey, wait a minute!"

Just as I was about to break into a run, I was grabbed by my arm and pulled back. I screamed in alarm, and tried to pull away, to kick, to punch, but the man dodged all of my attacks much to my surprise.

I tried to think of something, anything to get me out of this situation. I had been taught at a young age how to fight by my uncle Galfore, but right now I couldn't even recall one lesson. I was being controlled by my fear I realized, so I focused on my energy and tried to turn it into righteous fury like I'd been taught. I closed my eyes and blocked out the mans oddly familiar voice.

I gave a battle cry and swung around to my left, startling the man enough to let go as I brought my arm up in a flash, and hit him in the shoulder. I then quickly swung my leg out, kicking him in the stomach. He grunted and stumbled back, his features still hidden in shadow as he hit the wall, and sank down to the floor.

"Leave me alone and there won't be any more trouble!" I warned and the man wheezed out a laugh.

"That's a mean... kick you've got there Kori. Looks like you were going easy on me... in that school challenge."

I opened my eyes to see the man on the floor, confusion evident in my expression. That was before my mind cleared and I put a hand over my mouth in horror as I realized who the voice belonged to. I sank to the floor beside him and quickly got out my phone, pressing a button so that the screen shone in his face.

"Richard! What are you doing here? Why were you following me and...oh no what have I done?" I felt guilt overwhelm me, as I noticed him holding his stomach in pain, a grimace on his face, though he tried to hide it.

"I'm fine...no harm done." He smiled and my breath caught for moment. I shook my head and my hands fluttered around, eager to help him but not knowing what to do. He winced as he pulled himself up to a more upright position, I put my arm around his shoulders to help but he waved me away.

"Beaten up by a girl, the guys would never let me hear the end of it if they found out."

"Why are you even here? You don't live around these parts do you?"

He shook his head, "no I saw you from across the street. There was a party at a restaurant just around the corner that I got away from. When I saw that it was you I thought I'd say hi, I didn't mean to freak you out."

I sighed heavily, feeling tired from everything that had happened. I slouched into to the wall next to him.

"It's alright, but you should have told me it was you."

Richard chuckled. "I see that now."

I didn't reply, and my phones light switched off after a little while. We simply sat together for a moment, and I listened in silence as Richards breathing evened out. Feeling a little empty and fragile from the scare, and for hurting him, I didn't move away from my close position next to him. Richard's voice cut through the silence.

"Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah..."

I heard him sigh next to me before he moved to get up, I quickly followed and helped him rise. We slowly walked together down the alley way, back towards the street lights.

When we turned the corner, I spotted a bench not too far away and led him over to it.

Once we sat down I began to ramble. "Sorry, I'm really sorry for that, I am so stupid, I did not mean to hurt you friend Richard."

"Kori?" Richard sat beside me closely, and I gazed up at him in embarrassment. His blue eyes were strangely calm and soft. I quickly looked away, cheeks flushed. My accent had come back in all its glory, slipping past my control in my nervousness.

"I-I am sorry." I finished, looking away.

"So I gathered. It's not that bad you know, only a few broken ribs." His voice was surprisingly light, and I was confused as to why he was joking about it so easily. In my country such an act would be a serious issue, and I explained as much to him.

He shrugged, "well there's no harm done. And your accent is fine, you don't have to be embarrassed about it, you can talk however you like you know."

I blushed a little more and smiled hesitantly back at him. "My sister told me that others would bully me if I slipped back into it. So I studied your language as best I could. Sometimes I can't help it though, and it just slips out when I'm very happy or sad."

Richard seemed to understand as he relaxed back into the bench. I also got a little more comfortable, and we began talking about Tameran and Jump City. I watched him speak with rapt curiosity. After a little while he turned to me.

"You know, I get the feeling that there's something more going on with you than what your telling me. Were you really so upset about hurting me...or was there something else on your mind?"

I opened my mouth to reply, but thought better of lying to him. Telling him that I was fine was what I'd tell anyone, but right then and there he was waiting for me patiently, willing to give our uneasy friendship a go and share something.

"Why do you want to know? You're not exactly someone who I would usually tell my secrets too."

Richard turned to look at me straight in the eyes.

"And Xaviour?"

"He's a friend, and he's quite easy to talk to."

Richard remained silent for a moment, frowning at nothing in particular, before sighing. "If he can become friends with you so easily then why cant I? I'm willing to try..."

My shocked silence spoke for itself. Was he serious? The disbelief must have shown on my face, as he looked away and mumbled. "I understand...but you should know that I'm sorry. For everything I've done to you. I was just being an immature idiot. "

It took another few moments to register what had just happened...Richard had actually apologized to me?

I wanted to pinch myself to make sure that I wasn't dreaming. Looking back on our past encounters, it was hard to believe we were even having a civilized conversation, let alone saying sorry to each other.

In light of his apology and more accepting nature, I decided to talk frankly with him. "Well...my sister has been a little distant with me more than usual lately."

"Any reason you can think of that would make her do that?"

I rubbed my arms and drew my knees together, feeling sadness weigh me down. "Its...the anniversary soon."

Richard remained silent, understanding flickering in his eyes. I took in a breath before speaking again.

"My uncle always said no matter what the situation, be strong...but I'm afraid. I don't know what I can do to help my sister, and I feel as if all we were really doing is running away from our parents deaths when we left Tameran ...I'm not exactly strong huh?" I looked to the ground shamefully, feeling tears fill my eyes.

Richards expression softened as he sat across from me. He was a good listener I decided.

"My uncle Galfore...I think he needed us. But all we did was leave him to deal with the loss on his own. My sister wanted to leave, and I didn't want her to go anywhere on her own. But I-" my shoulders began to shake.

"It's okay to be afraid Kori, its not a sign of weakness."

I let the tears fall from my eyes after he said that. I was taken aback however, when I felt an arm wrap around my shoulders, bringing me back into his chest. It felt warm in his embrace, and I soon grew comfortable, leaning back into him and crying softly into his shoulder. His arm remained locked around me protectively, as the other one lay over my hand that was clutching his shirt. I hadn't even realized I was doing that.

"I just miss them...my mother, father and brother...why did they have to..." I whispered and Richard sighed, the sound sweeping through his tired body.

"I know." He said quietly.

I sniffed and relaxed in his arms. After awhile I asked in a shaky voice; "How did your family...how did they...?"

Silence feel between us. His heart was thudding in his chest quickly and I swallowed, nervously looking away. Perhaps I shouldn't have asked that. Just because I was talking about my past didn't mean he had to. None the less he replied.

"My brother died in a fire."

I moved in our embrace to look up at him. His ocean blue eyes were glassy and far away, I let the words slip from my mouth before I could stop them. "And your parents?"

Richard looked away avoiding my gaze. If he told me everything about his past, I would definitely trust him, but that didn't mean I didn't already. After everything that had happened between us, I couldn't help but do so. That still didn't make it easy for him, I knew this.

Richard was the sort to keep the past where it belonged, but in doing so he never told anyone the truth. They all thought they knew him, but the fact was...they didn't, underneath his cool and collected armor he was someone else. He shuddered against me, recalling past nightmares and memories that haunted him.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." I said, hoping I hadn't angered him by asking.

I felt the hand that was wrapped around my own tighten, and I looked up, seeing his torn expression. "No... its okay."

I smiled, hoping to comfort him. I could understand his pain, because I had felt it too, but I was guessing it was a much different scenario than a plane crash that had killed his parents. It was something much deeper and harder to tell.

"What I'm about to tell you...you have to keep to yourself." He paused and shifted in his seat, I nodded in acceptance.

"And well..." he rubbed to back of his neck."I'm um not very good at this."

I smiled fully then, a strange feeling of warmth glowing in my heart."It's alright," I said, squeezing his hand in reassurance.

He nodded before sighing, beginning the story which he had held in since he was seven.

Flash back:

Richard Grayson hid behind the large red curtains, watching the crowd gather and take their seats before the magnificent stage. Among them was the famous Bruce Wayne who had came specially to see the highlight of the night - The flying Graysons. He was close friends with John and Mary Grayson, and had met their son William on many occasions. Richard was hoping to finally meet the multi billionaire, but he had an act to perform first.

He ran into the changing room, already in his green, yellow and red costume, ready to perform the acrobats with his family. Will walked by and ruffled his brothers hair, messing it up.

"Mom! Will messed up my hair!" Richard wined as his mother walked in.

"Will..." She put her hands on her hips and frowned. Will smiled none the less. "Come on mum, I was doing him a favor, it looked way dorky with it all neat. And anyway bro, I'll teach you how to style it with hair gel later, its much cooler that way."

Richard pulled a face as he watched his older brother walk off. His mother bent down to talk eye level with him."No ones putting gel in my Robins hair." She smiled warmly, a softness in her gaze that Robin knew was there just for him.

Robin smiled back and asked; "wheres Dad gone, Mom?"

"Oh he's just preparing for the show, you can run along for now. Your act with us is later on, so make sure to practice in the meantime."

She kissed him on the fore head, and Robin squirmed with embarrassment. "Mom!"

Mary smiled and walked away, leaving Richard to go for a look around the massive tent. He wandered into the animal shelter, gazing curiously at the creatures inside when he heard raised voices.

"You will pay me that money!" A man hissed, making the small boy jump.

"I can't pay you! I don't have the money yet!" Richard recognized the voice of the ring master, the owner of the circus. He hid behind an empty cage.

"Then get it! You've been avoiding this for far too long, and I'm sick of waiting."

"What do you expect me to do?"

"Pay the money now, or suffer the consequences." Richard peered around the corner, seeing a dark, clocked man holding the ring master up against a nearby crate. They held each others gaze for a tense moment before the ring master scoffed.

"You can't be serious."

"I'm always serious, if you don't give me the cash you owe me, your star act will die tonight."

Richard gasped, and deciding it wasn't safe to hang around and wait for more information, ran away to tell his parents.

OOO

"Mom! Mom!" Richard ran to the changing room as fast as he could, in search of a brunette haired women with blue eyes. Seeing that there wasn't anyone inside, he quickly ran out to the performance area, looking frantically for her or his father. He finally got to the larger stage, pushing past the large crowd of people that had gathered there. When he got to the front, Richard realized it was too late to warn them, his parents were already performing with his brother.

He walked around the edge of the stage, unsure of what to do as he watched his family perform with worried eyes. His brother finished his routine as he landed on the ladder and climbed down it to find Richard.

"Hey bro, come on! Mum and Dad need us after they've finished the finale!" Will beamed, and Richard was about to respond when he noticed something.

His parents had no safety net, which was why they were so famous. They were so fear less they dared to do what other acts wouldn't Richard however, noticed the figure before anyone else as his parents started their final routine. The man was up on the lighting cat walk...which was close to where the ropes to the trapeze was.

Richards eyes widened as the man brought out a knife. He opened his mouth to scream, to shout...to do anything but no words could come out. He felt helpless as the ropes made a blood curdling snap, and he watched his beloved parents fall. They were holding onto each other as they went to their deaths.

Richards heart felt like stone, breaking like their bones as they hit the surface.

At that moment John and Mary Grayson died but so did Robin, he was a broken shell of a boy from that moment on wards.

He knew that no one could ever pick up the pieces of his broken heart.

End of flash back:

His expression remained stony as I gazed into his eyes, my own filling with tears. He had finally told the story and it was like a massive weight had been lifted from his shoulders, his expression was tired, but his eyes were wide awake and watching me quietly. I felt somewhat relived that he had told me, and cherished the fact that he had trusted me enough to do so.

"I'm so sorry..." I finally managed to choke out.

Richard gave a small weary smile."It was a long time ago."

He stood up stiffly, and offered a hand to me which I took without hesitation. We began to walk to together in silence down the street, in the direction I took to go home. A few moments passed before I decided to speak.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For doing that...opening up to me. I know it must have been difficult and you didn't have to." I said shyly.

"Actually it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be...I think its because of who I was talking too." I blushed and looked up at him, recalling the way it had felt wrapped in his arms.

A thought occurred to me then, and I turned to him."So is that why Bruce adopted you? He knew your parents and he wanted to help you?"

Richard nodded slowly."Yeah kind of...but I didn't live with Bruce right away. I actually lived on the streets for a little while."

I was about to ask more, when a car suddenly pulled up next to us. The window rolled down, and I was shocked to see the face of my sister glaring at me from inside.

"Kori! Where have you been? It's been five hours, did you get the shopping I asked for or not?"

"Koma?" I asked, puzzled. Why would my sister be here? She would usually let me get the shopping, and bring it back whenever I wanted to. Though she had never sent me so late at night before, I hadn't thought she would care if I brought it back later or not.

Unless...she was worried about me.

My face broke into a smile, my eyes shining a little. Richard seemed to have a similar thought, as he nudged me forward and smiled when I turned back to face him.

"Guess I'll see you tomorrow Kori."

"Okay. Thanks for being such a good listener tonight."

Richard smiled at that and nodded, his eyes soft. "Likewise, but be a bit more careful around here at night next time huh?"

I nodded feeling a blush spread over my face. After all the feelings I had experienced tonight, I acted on impulse and hugged him tightly. Richard grunted and staggered back a bit, but regained his balance in time before he fell over. He returned the hug, wrapping his arms around me as he had before, and I felt happiness sweep over me again as we stood there in each others arms.

The moment was broken when my sister loudly sounded the horn. We both jumped, and awkwardly moved away from each other.

"Well, see you later Grayson." I smiled and walked away, opening the door to the car and getting in. My sister drove away and I turned in my seat, watching Richards image until he was out of sight.

What a night that was...

I smiled to myself and settled back into my seat, contentment flowing through me. It looked as if my plan to ignore everything about Richard had failed, but I was actually happy about that.

Richard had really said sorry, and had even opened up to me so I figured maybe it was time for a clean slate. Whatever happened now was left up to fate.

It was a new start, one where Richard Grayson and Kori Anders were friends.

ooo

Wow that was long! And...sniffles...its nearly the end of this story! But don't worry because its going have a sequel! It's going to be called:

What happened next.

So I'm not exactly sure why I gave Richard a brother called William only to kill him off. I think I wanted a slight change to Robins actual back story and to not just repeat everything you already know about it. ^^ Hope you like it! Please review! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx