A/N: Ok I know it's been a long time, two years(I'M SO SORRY) and I've probably lost all my readers, but I am sorry I have not updated this. I am getting back on it again. This is just the restart I will have more. I promise. I am so sorry. This is unbeta'd becuase I wanted to get it up and my beta is out of town on a vacation. The next chapter will be beta'd I promise. If there are mistakes I am so sorry.
Chapter 20: Sleepover
Kori watched her class as they worked on their math. She had set them to work in hopes of some time to think. She looked at Jesse who was sporting a new black eye. He had told Marie and her he fell down, but she wasn't buying. She knew better than that.
She looked down at the papers on her desk and tried to focus. She couldn't worry about that right now. She looked up at the clock on the wall and sighed. This was going to be a long day.
She was never so glad when three o'clock rolled around. She dismissed her class and sat down at her desk.
"I'm going home with you right?" Marie asked as she walked up to her desk.
"Yeah," Kori said, "your dad has to work late," she said.
"Ok," Marie said, she walked over to her desk and started drawing while waiting for Kori to finish. Kori gathered the papers on her desk and sorted them. She put the grades papers in her desk and the others on top to be graded tomorrow. She looked up at Marie who was coloring once again.
Christmas break had been over for a week now and she was still thinking about what she had heard Jesse and Marie talk about. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't confront Jesse because he would think Marie told on him. She couldn't just let him be though. Now that she knew what was going on she couldn't just stand by and let this go on. She didn't know what to do. She didn't want Marie to lose her new friend. She didn't know what to do about Jesse. She could not just stand by and let this happen.
"I'll be ready in a few minutes and we can go," Kori said.
"Ok," Marie said as she continued to draw.
Kori watched Marie for a bit. She understood that Marie wanted to keep Jesse as a friend. She needed to find a way to talk to Jesse with out making it seem like Marie had told her. She knew for a fat that was the first thing Jesse would think. She had to plan this out carefully. She knew this was going to be a hard thing to do. She would have to think about it. Maybe she would have to talk to Richard again and see what he had to say. He would know what to do. She had Richard had been dating for just over a week now and things were going great.
She gathered some things from her desk and stood up. "Marie get your things and let's go," Kori said, "I was thinking we could go for ice cream before we head home," she said.
"Ok," Marie said excitedly. She jumped up and ran to get her backpack and jacket. Kori laughed as she followed the excited girl out of the room. She followed Marie out to her car. She unlocked the car and they got in.
Richard sighed as a little girl and her parents looked at the puppies. He was getting bored. He wanted to go home and see Marie and Kori. He loved working at the pet shop, he just hated that he was the only worker Barbra could keep. He had been working here for years, yet all the other employees lasted a few months. That was the reason he had to work all the time.
"Richard," Barbra said as she entered the small pet shop. She was here to let Richard go home and spend some time with Marie before she went to bed. Richard didn't hate working, he just wished there was someone else here to work as well.
"Finally can I go now?" he asked as he stood up straight.
"Sure," Barbra said, "you'll be glad to know I am in the process of finding a new worker," she said.
"I heard that one before," Richard said as he moved behind the counter to grab his jacket.
"I am serious," Barbra said, "I am looking for someone who can actually handle animals," she said.
"That's what you always say," Richard said as he put his coat on.
"I'm serious if you know anyone who fit's the bill let me know," she said, "if I can get someone else to work here longer than a few months, you may get that time off you've been dying for so you can spend time with you daughter and your girlfriend," she said.
"Alright if I know of anyone animal lover looking for a job I'll let you know," Richard said as he started for the door. He stopped next to Barbra and kissed her on the cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow," he said.
"Yeah, yeah now go see your daughter," Barbra said.
"I'll tell her you say hi," Richard said playfully. Barbra was a great friend and she had been there for him when he needed it most. They had dated when they were kids, but they both agreed they were best being friends. They had known each other for so long now they had a system.
"Great tell her that I miss hanging out and I will be by to baby sit as soon as I get another worked in here so I can actually have some time off too," Barbra said.
"Will do," Richard said as he walked out the door. He and Barbra had a system that worked well for the two of them. They had worked together for so long and had known each other longer. It was hard to accept someone new in to their circle and that's why most people quit. They had everything down to the pin and the other person felt unneeded and would quit.
Richard sighed as he walked to his car. It was a cold January night and he wanted nothing more than to get home and see his two favorite girls. He unlocked his car and got in. He took a deep breath as he started it. He held his breath as it stalled.
"No," he groaned, "not now," he said. He turned the key again and the engine roared to life. He sighed relieved. He jumped as someone tapped on his window. He looked out and saw Barbra standing there. He smiled and rolled his window down, "I just walked out the door and I have a daughter and a girlfriend waiting for me," he said.
"I know but this must've fell out of your pocket," Barbra said holding his cell phone out to him. He smiled and took it.
"Thanks," he said.
"No problem Richie," Barbra said.
"I out grew that nickname," Richard said laughing.
"Ok Richie just go," Barbra said, "before your daughter starts freaking out," she said.
Richard nodded and started to pull out of his spot as Barbra waved him off. He smiled as he thought about how much he and Donna had been through. They had done so much together. They had known each other for so long. They had met as kids. Barbra had been daughter of one of Bruce's close friends who also happened to be the Gotham commissioner. They had been friends for so long.
He yawned as he pulled into his driveway. He was glad to be home after a long day at work. He got out of his car and hurried up to the door before he turned back and noticed the car on the curb was Xavier's. He stood there looking at it for a moment confused.
He shook his head and turned and unlocked the door and headed inside. "I'm home," he called.
"Daaaad!" Marie yelled as she ran down the hall to him. She threw her arms around him and hugged his waist.
"Hey Mar, Mar," he said. He hugged the girl and looked up as Kori walked down the hall.
"Hey," Kori said. She stopped short of the two and waited for Marie to let go of Richard.
"I had fun at school today," Marie said. She let go of Richard and looked up at him, "Carrie invited me to her birthday party and Alex said he'd be there too and Casey is going too. Can I go, please," she begged.
"Carrie which one is that," Richard asked looking up at Kori for some help.
"Short blond girl, her dad is Joe Wilson," Kori said.
"Right I knew that," Richard said, "and of course you can go Mar," he said.
"Yay!" Marie said jumping up and down excitedly. She ran back down the hall to the living room.
"Hey," Richard said as he took his coat off.
"Hey," Kori said again. She walked over to Richard and gave him a welcome home kiss.
"Is Xavier here I saw his car outside," Richard said pointing over his shoulder in the direction of the car.
"Your observant," Xavier said as he appeared in the hall.
"To what do I owe this visit," Richard asked.
"I need to talk to you in private," Xavier said.
"Kor, can you go put Marie to bed and tell her I'll be up in a minute," Richard said.
"Sure," Kori said. She walked back down the hall to the living room where Marie was. Richard walked past Xavier and down the hall to his den. He turned as Xavier shut the door behind him.
"So what do you want Xavier?" Richard asked.
"I don't know what to do or who to turn to," Xavier said, "I did it again I got Koma pregnant," he said.
"Again?" Richard asked, "god X don't you know what condoms are?" he asked.
"Yes," Xavier said, "I don't know how this happened. The thing is though I think I love her," he said.
"Look X this is your chance to do the right thing this time," Richard said.
"I know and I want to do the right thing with my other daughter," Xavier said.
"No she's my daughter now," Richard said, "you can't come barging in just because you feel guilty, you gave her up the day you gave me your parental rights, and I have the papers to prove it," he said.
"You'll still be her father, but I have to get this off my chest," Xavier said.
"No, she' s eight the timing isn't right yet," Richard said, "I raised her all on my own and I cared for her with no help from you or Cassandra. I took her in because both of your were too busy to even care for her," he said angrily.
"I just need to know that we will tell her," Xavier said.
"Eventually," Richard said, "I'll think about it," he said.
"Either we tell her or she finds out on her own and resents you," Xavier said.
"We'll tell her when she's older and can understand," Richard said.
"That's all I ask," Xavier said, "I have to go, but that's all I wanted to say for now," he said.
"OK, but you have to visit more Marie does miss her favorite uncle," Richard said.
"I know, I know I've been busy these last few months," Xavier said.
"How long have you and Cassandra been apart?" Richard asked.
"Two years," Xavier said, "that is how long Koma and I have been together," he added.
"That's odd because not even a month a go she came to me asking for Marie because you left her," Richard said.
"Well I don't know maybe her dad finally cut her off," Xavier said shrugging, "don't worry about it she won't do anything," he said.
Richard nodded as Xavier left. He stood there a moment and thought about what Xavier had said. Marie did deserve to know the truth about Xavier. He was her biological dad, but he was her dad. He had raised her and cared for her and given her a home when Xavier and Cassandra wouldn't. Neither of them had wanted her in the first place, but he took her and loved her like his own. For all intents and purposes she was his.
Rachel yawned as she walked out to the living room where Gar was watching TV. She walked over to him and sat down. "Why don't you come to bed," she asked.
"I blew it today," Gar said, "I am never going to find another job," he said looking at her. He had had a job interview today. For starters he was late since he did not get a call that his interview had been moved up to a half hour earlier. He also had been so nervous he talk too much and he just knew he wasn't going to get the job. They would probably hire some who had more qualifications than he did.
"Sure you will," Rachel said.
"Let's face it, the zoo was a perfect job for me," Gar said putting his hands up in surrender. He had quit his job so he could work closer to home and spend more time with Rachel. He had planned on getting a job nearer to home that is, but he could not get one. He was not going to work flipping burgers again, no way. He had done that once and that was enough for him. He hated seeing people eat poor animals all the time.
"But it's so far away," Rachel said as she leaned in closer to Gar. She knew how much he loved his job at the zoo and she did not make him quit. He had told her it was what he wanted to do. She supported him as long as it was what he really wanted.
"I know, I know," Gar said. He placed his arm around Rachel's waist and pulled her close. Rachel smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "I mean face it there are no jobs available for people like me," he said.
"Oh, quit being melodramatic," Rachel said, "you'll find a job you just have to keep looking," she said.
"I know but job hunting is just so hard," Gar whined. He hated looking for a job. He had only had one job for the last three years, and it was perfect. He worked at a zoo in the next city over. It was a half an hour drive once he left the city, and he had loved it, but he love Rachel more. He had worked as a trainer and cared for many of the animals and he held shows for kids all the time.
"I know," Rachel said. She looked up at Gar and kissed him on the cheek. Gar turned and looked down at Rachel for a moment before leaning down and kissing her on the lips.
"I will find a job and I will support you," he said.
"I'm not worried," Rachel said, "I know you'll find something," she said.
"I know," Gar said, "but it's hard," he said.
"You'll come though you always do," Rachel said.
"I guess," Gar said, "now come on let's go get ready for bed," he said standing up. Rachel smiled and stood up next to him. She followed him into their bed room.
Richard sighed as he walked down stairs from Marie's room to the living room where Kori was waiting for him. He smiled at her and walked over to the couch. He sat down next to her.
"I finally got her to calm down," he said.
"You're a miracle worker," Kori said grinning.
"I know," Richard said smugly, "I am so exhausted and I cannot wait until Babs finds someone else to work the shop too," he said.
"Looking for someone new at the pet shop?" Kori asked.
"Yeah she wants some animal lover and someone who won't run away," Richard said.
"I know the perfect person," Kori said quickly. "Do you remember Gar?" she asked.
"The short guy dating your best friend?" Richard asked.
"Yes," Kori said, "he loves animals and does not scare easily," she said.
"I talk to him and have him give Babs a call," Richard said. He reached into his pocket and pulled a card out of his pocket and handed it to Kori. "It's her number," he said. Kori nodded and took it.
"It's late and it's a school night," Kori said.
"Do you have to go?" Richard asked as he scooted closer to Kori.
"I have to I have a job to go to in the morning," Kori said as she moved to stand up.
"But miss Anders," Richard said, "I'm a bad boy and I need you to teach me a lesson," he said playfully.
"Stop," Kori said pushing Richard away from her. She laughed and move to stand up.
"Come on miss Anders," Richard pouted as he pulled her back down to him.
"Stop it," Kori said slapping his arm playfully, "I am your daughter's teacher," she said.
"I know that," Richard said, "but you're my girlfriend," he said.
"I have to go, I don't want Marie thinking it's ok to stay up late," Kori said, "she does look up to me," she said as she stood up.
"Fine," Richard said. He stood up and walked Kori to the door. He grabbed her coat and helped her put it on. "Good Night Kor," he said.
"Night," Kori said. She leaned in and kissed him. Richard grinned and pulled her close and deepened the kiss. Richard let her go and stepped back. He looked at her and smiled.
"Good night Kori I will see you tomorrow," he said.
"Yeah see you," Kori said. She turned and left. Richard stood there for a moment before opening the door and calling out to Kori.
"Kor," he said.
"Huh?" Kori asked as she turned around.
"You could always stay the night," he offered. He held his hand out to her, "I know we've only been together for like a week, but this just feels right, you know," he said.
Kori looked from Richard's hand to his face and back again. He was right this did feel right. She wanted to take his hand and follow him back inside.
"We don't have to do anything I just want to spend time with you," he said. He took a step closer to Kori. Kori looked up into Richard's eyes for a moment. She saw the sincerity in them. She knew he wouldn't do anything she didn't want him to do. He was always a perfect gentleman to her.
"Ok, but I'll have to leave early to get some things for tomorrow," Kori said.
"I know," Richard said. He grinned and grabbed Kori's hand and led her back inside. He led her back to the living room. They settled down on the couch and started watching TV.
Richard blinked his eyes a few times. He sat up and looked down at the sleeping form next to him. He smiled, it had been a long time since he had anyone one sleep in his bed with him. He had never met anyone like Kori though. Kori different than anyone he had ever dated before. His head was telling him he was moving fast, but his heart was saying this was right.
"Morning Richard," Kori mumbled.
"Morning Kor," Richard said as he leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I have to go," Kori said, "I need to get something ready for today and I need to change," she said.
"I know," Richard said as he sat up. Kori sat up and gave him a weak smile. She stood up and looked around. Richard stood up and followed her downstairs to the door where he helped her with her coat as she put her shoes on.
"I had a wonderful time last night," Kori said, "we should do it again for sure," she said.
"Yeah," Richard said. Kori smiled and left. Richard stood there for a moment. Things with Kori were amazing. He did not mind how fast they were moving. He shook his head to clear it and went to wake Marie up.