"Good luck on your midterm" was the text Kori saw as she was silencing her cellphone before class. She let out a sigh. She had not heard from Richard since his sudden departure last night. She did not have a good nights rest, due to her concern over the situation. She had hoped to hear from him earlier but there was silence. She knew relationships were not easy, but communication was key to her, and although she had not shared her past romantic relationships with Richard yet, she had an abusive one, and she was was hoping that this one would be lasting.
After Richard had sent the text he put his phone back into his suit pocket. He saw his reflection in his computer screen, and he looked exhausted. He did not sleep last night, because he was racked with guilt. The past three months had been great. They had become good friends, shared laughs, and shared in light hearted dates. Richard spent the past morning accepting that he loved her, and the overwhelming emotions that brought.
He had loved only a few. He loved his parents, and their tragic passing took him years to recover from. He still couldn't think of them too often. He loved Bruce, who become a father to him, and who helped him become successful. He loved Alfred who was always willing to take care of him and who was the kindest person he ever knew. He loved his ex-girlfriend Barbra. He mentally sighed. Babs. She was studying at a college in France and had been gone for the past year, spending her breaks traveling Europe. Her father was the commissioner, and had a close relationship with Bat Man, and with Bruce. Richard and Babs grew up together and she was his first friend when he moved in with Bruce. Their relationship was fun, but it was more of a friendship, and they never had the romance that Richard was looking for. They ended amicably but Richard felt like Babs still wanted more. There had been a few drunk voicemails left on his phone when she moved to Europe, asking for them to fix what they had, claiming that she loved him. Richard found that ignoring them was best, because there was always a call the next morning apologizing for whatever she had said the night before.
Commissioner Gordon might mentioned she was coming back in summer, but Richard couldn't remember. He massaged his temples, pushing her out of his mind. He needed to focus in making sure that Kori knew that he felt horrible for having to leave last minute. He wanted so badly to explain to her that he did not want to leave, but he has a duty to protect the city of Gotham. He was starting to feel like his duty to her was more important than being Robin. He let out a dark chuckle imagining Bruce's face if he ever said that out loud. There was tap at the door, and his secretary opened the door,
" Mr. Grayson, are you ready for your meeting with Mr. James?"
" Yes, thank you Miranda. Tell him I am on my way." Richard shut down his computer. He had a meeting with the head of their stocks and needed to focus. He would talk to Kori later, and try to ask for her forgiveness. This was getting harder.
After a long day at school, Kori let her bag fall to the ground and she fell gracefully on the couch and wanted to sleep. She hadn't heard from Richard since his good luck text. She was not angry with him, but she was hurt and frustrated. She was mostly frustrated with herself. She was too effected by him. Richard was in her daily thoughts and her affection for him grew each time that she saw him. She wanted to talk to him about their future. He had told her on the night that people had tried to attack that he was in it for the long haul and she did not have enough time to respond. If they both felt strongly, she wanted it to be strong.
Richard had made the choice. She was important to him. He needed to tell her that his life wasn't normal. He trusted her. If his secret was too much for her, she could leave. He knew that she would not publicize it. He trusted her. He had never shared this secret with anyone, if he did, Bruce would have killed him, which is why he was not letting Bruce in on this choice.
"Hey. Can we meet up later? I really need to talk to you." He sent.
" Of course. I am will be ready whenever."
" Great. I'll see you later. I really care about you. I hope you know that."
" And I care for you, I'll see you later."