Thank you for reading! Sorry this took a few extra days tweaking this: I know I tend to belabor points, and I tried to not over-argue the picture. Sappiness alert - Hope you enjoy!

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Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans, Warner Brothers, DC Comics, the Weather Channel or the movie Caddyshack.

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Chapter 31

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A Dream

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Dick woke up about 6 PM with Kori snuggled in his arms her head on his chest. She finally looked relaxed and a bit at peace. He didn't want to move, enjoying their closeness. The afternoon had been an interesting turn of events. He absolutely did not see it coming. Kori was so together, so level headed, and to see her totally unglued was upsetting. But it made sense – Tamaran had been torn apart by terrorist attacks in the early 1990's as a prelude to a coup d'etat. She was in the middle of it and her family died in one of the bombings. His heart broke for her. He never even found out if she had been injured but regardless she had apparent survivor's guilt to go with her panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. Thinking this, Dick felt slight guilt for giving her a diagnosis based on his observations. Occupational hazard. He was certain that he would find out more when she was ready. Obviously someone was treating her given her medication regimen.

Dick understood her pain more than most would. His own parents were killed when he was only 8 in a freak accident involving the rigging of their circus flying trapeze act. He had witnessed their 50 foot fall. His father died on impact but his mother did not. Dick cradled his mother's head in his lap while she took her final breaths. There was nothing anyone could have done and by the time the ambulance was there, she was gone. His parent's death and how they died affected him in so many ways, and his therapist had once told him that Dick had chosen Emergency Medicine as a specialty to help compensate for being unable to help that day.

Dick figured that Kori must have been around that age when she lost her parents. He knew they would talk about his past as well someday, and was already dreading the conversation and how painful it would be. Thinking through all of this as he watch Kori slept he could not believe the nature of their relationship and how special and different is was. Richard most certainly loved Kori and felt that they were falling in love. He really enjoyed being with her, he could see her in his life for awhile, maybe longer. He'd like it to be longer and that was something he never really had before: the possibility of a future with someone.

But the events of the day did drive home how little they really did know about each other. But just as he understood her pain, he knew she would understand his and that they would grow even closer once they had. Briefly there was a tinge of something, possibly fear – were he and Kori getting too close? He dispelled it quickly but would surely revisit the thought. He always held people at arms length, enjoying his solitude and living his life on his own terms but that didn't seem to apply to Kori.

He thought back to when he was a 15 year old, living with Bruce in Tamaran. When the first terror attacks came in late August of 1992, the US embassy would have been a prime target and Bruce had everyone get out – including Bruce, Dick and the embassy staff - within 45 minutes and they were shuttled onto an aircraft carrier in the Pacific three hours later. They had left almost all their belongings. Dick remembered having just enough time to grab his passport and pack a few mementos, mostly photographs, that he placed into a small metal suitcase.

Dick had never gotten a chance to go back, not that he was sure he would have wanted to. Once back in Washington he got word back that some of his friends and their families members were among those killed in the following weeks and months, including the first girl he ever cared about, the first girl he ever kissed. Another pivotal life event his therapist would talk to him about, describing it as a major factor that had lead to his women and intimacy issues. Well that and being raised by playboy Bruce Wayne.

Dick felt and heard his stomach growl. He hadn't eaten since breakfast. Not wanting to wake Kori, he gently moved her back onto her pillow and carefully got out of bed. She barely stirred. He looked over to the television, still tuned to the Weather Channel with the sound off. There continued to be a red banner indicating a storm warning for the area and the radar showed at least two more bands of storms to the west. It looked like he wasn't going anywhere.

Dick finished drying his clothes using the iron and redressed. Kori hadn't awakened and seeing that there was little in the mini bar other than pretzels, chocolate bars, sodas and a variety of all things alcoholic, he called down to the hotel's restaurant and ordered in dinner for both of them. He also called down to the front desk to order a cot to be brought up to the room. He did not want to make any assumptions and the couch that was in the suite's sitting area was not at all comfortable.

Dick met the bellman at the door, the meal cart and cot had arrived within the hour. Dick waved the bellman's attempts to set up the cot and dinner and tipped him generously.

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Dick sat on the side of the bed for a full two minutes watching Kori sleep and deliberating over whether or not to wake her. He had already eaten some of the bread that was sent up with dinner but his stomach continued to protest.

"Kori, sweetie, sorry to wake you but I've had dinner brought up along with a cot."

"I am up, I'm up..." Kori said in a groggy voice, fortunately immediately oriented to where she was and who she was with. "What time is it?"

"It's after 7. I'm about to start without you," he said with a playful smile, "I'm starving."

"I'm not," Kori said stretching out fully like a cat, and then stretched further, reaching over to the nightstand to her glass of water, "but I am quite thirsty." She drank the glass quickly and proceeded to twist her back to get out the cracks and then raised each arm overhead to open her tight shoulders. The entire time with a face so innocent she clearly did not realize her movements would effect him.

I know what you mean, Dick thought as his mouth went a bit dry. "Yea-yes, but you will be hungry again soon."

"True, if I ever relax" blood goes to the extremities during panic or stress and the stomach slows down. After the stress is over and one can relax, hunger returns. "Wait - a cot?"

"Thunderstorms are predicted all night." He said as evenly as possible. This was her decision. "I can stay."

Kori paused thoughtfully. "I appreciate you staying Richard, but can you? What about the show?"

"None of our horses were showing tonight. The weather has been so bad that Bruce wasn't even sure if there was any competition tonight. But regardless, if you need me, I can stay."

Kori smiled, a little embarrassed. "I would love for you to stay if you can. But you do not have to sleep in a cot – I cannot imagine it would be too comfortable." She then added a bit playfully, "I will point out to you that we have been in the same bed for the last 6 hours or so."

"Kori, I didn't want to make any assumptions – we hadn't even discussed sharing a bed before and the situation necessitated it this afternoon. But the overnight would be different wouldn't it? Plus you have quite a bit of Ativan on board and I don't want you to do anything you wouldn't do if you weren't, uh, so relaxed."

She considered this – she had the urge to be defensive on the one hand, but she knew she was relaxed by the medications and with the incredible emotions of the day it would be easier to get carried away. What did she really want?

"Kori?"

"Sorry," she said, looking a bit sheepish, "thinking over the cot still," she gifted him a bit of a seductive smile, "and again, I would appreciate you spending the night."

Dick smiled back, his throat even dryer, "No problem, I'd be lying if I told you I didn't want to be here for you tonight, holding you tonight. I just want to be sure its what you want."

She felt as though she could get pretty flustered if they continued on this topic, "Before we decide about the sleeping arrangements, please go ahead and eat." She looked over to the TV and just then heard a rumble of thunder. "And Richard, I am glad you can stay and I appreciate everything you did for me today."

"You're welcome and I want to stay. I am just so sorry you had to go through everything you did today."

She didn't try to muster up any bravado. "I am sorry, you must think I am so weak."

"Oh Kori, of course I don't. You were traumatized. Please don't ever apologize for that. And I am here if you ever need me – to be with you, to talk to..."

Kori was finally getting up, attempting to scoot over to the edge of the bed where Dick was sitting a few feet away. When she fully sat up, she got light headed, "Oh! It appears the Ativan is still effecting me. Perhaps I better eat after all."

Kori realized that she had never been alone in a hotel room with a man before, let alone eating room service as a dinner date. She knew she was skirting the edges of her comfort zone, but she was very thankful for the support. This was by far the worst reaction she had to a storm in years, although it was made so much worse by not being able to take her medications until after her symptoms had begun. Maybe I should have just gone into the bathroom while he was in the shower anyway...

"Lost in thought again, sweetheart?" Dick asked her with warm smile.

"Yes I am," she replied bashfully.

"Are you sure you want me to stay the night?" Just then, as if the universe were cooperating, there was a low rumble of thunder.

"Absolutely," she responded as firmly as she could. She did not want to entertain the alternative.

"Good, as I said I really want to stay," he paused, "to be here for you, no pressure."

"Richard, I do trust you," Kori leaned in as he pulled her into a hug.

As he held her, Dick said softly, "I know you do Kori, but I couldn't bear it if we did anything that you would end up regretting, including my staying at all. Its been such an emotional day for you... well, and for us."

"It has," Kori replied with a nod.

Dick pulled back so he could see her face and in a much lighter tone said, "Let's do something to distract ourselves – a movie perhaps? I am getting pretty sick of watching the radar."

"I agree it is not very entertaining. And I am trying to not worry about the storm, I have you to protect me and a movie would be most enjoyable."

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They sat on the sofa and ate in front of the TV watching the comedy Caddyshack. They were accustomed to talking while they ate, but Dick knew it would help if Kori could get her mind off of the bombing and today's panic attack, so they ate as they watched the movie, laughing quite a bit. It just so happened that Dick knew each and every line of the movie, which Kori found nearly as amusing as the movie itself.

Sitting together that evening, watching TV together, knowing that neither one would have to leave: it felt natural, it felt perfect, it felt like home.

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It was getting late when they kissed briefly and passionately on the sofa.

"Ready for bed, Richard?" Neither had to point out to the other that all their kisses had occurred sitting or standing.

"Yes, and Kori, are you sure about the cot?"

"I am Richard," she reassured him, "but I'm not ready to-"

"Of course not, Kori. I love you and I love being with you. We don't have to make love to feel connected. I am perfectly happy to wait. I want to wait."

"Thank you," she said pulling him into a hug.

There was a bit of awkwardness with what to wear to bed, at least for Kori. Dick was wearing his now dry t-shirt and just his boxers, having removed his shorts. Kori settled on a pajama set with sleep shorts and tank top. The material wasn't very thick so she decided to wear a bra underneath.

It was now almost midnight and the storm was still active outside, but not too close. Kori took another dose of her Atarax and Ativan as the storm was supposed to continue through the night. In spite of sleeping quite a long time that afternoon, the medication sedated and relaxed her and she knew sleep was not far away.

Even after spending the afternoon essentially in bed together, as she was pulling back the covers, about to get into the bed she realized that this felt different. They shared a soft kiss and held each other briefly before they said good night. Afterwards, they both turned, facing away from each other.

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Kori dreamed. Kori and Richard stood facing each other, their eyes locked, listening to the Tamaranian priest's words:

'Marriage is the merging of blood and soul. Separate beings must become one. The bonding of love must make you one. From this day forth, you are one: one mind, one heart, one thought, together – blood and soul are one.

'Yet always the self. The self rules: two minds, two hearts, two thoughts. The self, two selves in tandem, linked, merged, understanding, alike, different, together, apart. Blood and soul, the understanding comes – to be different, to be individual. Without that can come no merging. Without the acceptance, there can be no blood and soul. Blood and soul, together and apart. It is done.

The most hallowed of all commitments, the most sacred of oaths. The most everlasting of ties for blood and soul are one. Now and forever.*'

Kori was laying on a bed, the room softly lit. She was only wearing a strapless bra and panties, her mantilla was still secured with bobby pins. She looked into Richard's eyes as he undressed completely and then got into bed settling his weight over her, capturing her lips. The kisses began soft and sweet, but progressed quickly as tongues dueled and their passion grew. Kori caressed Richard's back and soon her hands traveled further until she was cupping his bottom, pulling him toward her as she felt him stroking her breast through her bra as a slight ache began in her pelvis followed by a warm sensation washing over her body...

Dick was dreaming that he was making love to Kori, laying over top of her, trying to take things as slow as possible, but Kori's kisses and caresses let him know she was ready and he responded with caressing her breast, causing her to moan and lean into his touch...

Kori awoke slowly, aware of Dick's weight on her, as he kissed her and caressed her along her side, feeling his gentle caresses of her breast over her top, squeezing it gently in time with the motion of his pelvis. As she opened her eyes and looked up, she realized quickly that Dick must have been still asleep. She closed her eyes again and enjoyed the incredible feeling for a few moments, not sure exactly what to do when Dick awakened.

Dick realized he was on top of Kori and broke the kiss with a jolt. Kori's eyes snapped open.

"Oh God, Kori, I'm so sorry! I was dreaming I was with you and then here I am kissing you and I didn't mean to..." Dick stopped speaking when he heard Kori's soft giggle. She had made no move to pull away from him.

"Richard, it is fine. I know you were asleep." Kori was fully flushed. "I woke up about a minute before you did."

His eyebrows knitted for a moment and then he smiled. "But you didn't stop me."

"I am sure I would have eventually," Kori replied rather coyly.

"Minx," Dick said before he could stop himself, leaning in slightly, "Should we stop now?"

Kori paused, not wanting to stop but knowing they should. "Yes, I believe we should."

"You're right, I agree. I'm so sorry, I really didn't mean to take advantage of the situation."

"Please, Richard, do not be sorry. It was both of us. I was dreaming of you as well. We sought each other out. We remained clothed. I think it felt wonderful. Perhaps shades of things to come?" The double entendre was not lost on Kori and she broke Dick's gaze briefly in embarrassment.

"God I hope so," Dick said huskily, his eyes darkening a bit with desire, speaking again before he thought through what he was saying. He leaned in and began to kiss her softly without the urgency that their subconscious kisses had. "Do you want me to move to the cot?"

"No Richard," Kori replied firmly.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Richard, but perhaps you could endeavor not to dream about us."

"I don't think that's possible. But wait, what about you? Are you going to try to not dream about us?"

"I do not believe that it would be possible to dream of anything other than us as well."

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Chapter 32 - The Horse Show! (but the big reveal will be in Chapter 33)

Thank you for everyone who supports the story! please review!

Public service announcement: of course, if someone has sustained a fall, do not attempt to move them - Dick cradling his mother's head in his lap was added for dramatic effect.

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* adapted from The Wedding of Starfire from The New Teen Titans, February 1986, No. 17. Here is the actual text:

"Marriage is the merging of blood and soul. Rise, Koriand'r of Tamarus and Karras of Kalapatt. Separate beings must become one. The bonding of love must make you one. From this day forth, under the eyes of X'Hal, you are no greater or less than each other... moving together... meshing together... you are one! Blood and Soul must merge. Reach deep behind the eyes... There! Now! One Mind, One Heart, One Thought... Together, alike. Male, female, matters no more – blood and soul are one.

Yet always the self. The self rules... two minds, two hearts, two thoughts. The self... two selves... in tandem, linked, merged, understanding, alike, different, together, apart.... Blood and soul... the understanding comes – to be different, to be individual. Without that can come no merging. Without the acceptance, there can be no blood and soul. Blood and soul... together... and apart. It is done.

The most hallowed of all commitments... the most sacred of oaths. The most everlasting of ties for blood and soul are one. Now and forever..."