Disclaimer – I do not own the Teen Titans, etc.... This is a work of fiction: All the names of horses and riders are fictional and any similarities is purely coincidental.
A/N: Here it is, the big reveal but it is a very long chapter (almost 8000 words!) and takes awhile to get to that point. I decided against splitting the chapter and making people wait so there will be a lot leading up to what most people have been waiting for.
Please bear with me on the horse show scenes. I did what I could, I took liberties with the show and its schedule but I doubt there are many reading this story that have actually spent the week down at Devon.
Thanks to everyone who PM'd me about Kori and Richard's past together and special thanks to Somewhere in Time and devu-333 for affirming that it was going to work. There will be about 5-7 more chapters in this story. I hope everyone enjoys!
Chapter 33
The Horse Show Part 2
and
A Revelation
Richard had to slip off early in the morning to get to the show grounds, waking Kori so they could share a tender goodbye. She found she was falling deeper in love with him practically by the hour during their time away from Washington. She remained conflicted over whether or not they should make love and fortunately Dick was not pressuring her at all. In fact, he was the one who had stopped them last night.
Kori wasn't only caught up in their relationship however, and was thankful that Richard was busy with the horses as she dealt with some memories of her final days in Tamaran, some that she thought must have been repressed. She made plans to see her old therapist from her days living in Philadelphia in hopes that she might be able to help her.
Kori also wondered about what might happen when they returned to DC. It wasn't as though Galfore would allow Dick to spend the night at the Embassy even if they weren't intimate, nor would he be keen on the idea of her sleeping over at Wayne Manor. She considered if it was time to get motivated and find her own place. She secretly hoped that Dick would propose at some point, but reminded herself how early in the relationship it was to be thinking those things. Her issues with self esteem reared their ugly head of course, and she worried things would change with Dick when they returned to Washington when they went back to their regular lives.
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After going for a run on her favorite trail in Valley Forge Park, she changed and headed over to the horse show grounds after lunch. It was hot again, and she dressed in a cute short skirt and v-neck tee. She made it to their box seats, and was disappointed when she found them empty. She knew it would not remain empty all day, that Bruce had horses competing in the Hunter classes that afternoon and the Show Jumping class that evening.
Kori walked over to the stables to see if she could find Dick there. As she walked over, she saw Dick riding Bully, Dark Night Farm's top jumper with the show name of Nightwatch. She had seen him around horses now a few times, but had not seen him riding. Dick wore tan britches, tall black field boots and a royal blue polo shirt, his unruly black locks protruding from under his helmet. She studied him as he negotiated a figure eight pattern at a trot, posting effortlessly up and down. As he transitioned the horse from a trot to a walk, she admired his balance. Dropping the reins and allowing the horse to walk free, she was fascinated by how fluid he appeared, how connected he was to the horse.
She had an unbidden flashback to her childhood, and her times sneaking over to watch the polo horses that her father had. The memories turned darker as she remembered the bombings, and she walked away before approaching Dick to get a hold of herself. She did not want him to see her upset and she also needed to give him the time and space he needed to work with their horses.
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Kori made her way over to their box and was surprised to see Selina and Barbara there, chatting over tea sandwiches and a large pitcher of May Wine. They looked quite the part of the ladies of privilege that they were in Lilly Pulitzer dresses and hats worthy of Derby Day.
"Hi Kori, there you are!" Selina said enthusiastically.
"Here you go," Barbara added, handed Kori a wide brim cream colored stray hat, festively decorated in cream and peach silk flowers and a coordinated peach ribbon. It happened to match Kori's yellow and peach outfit fairly well.
"I forgot to remind you about Ladies Day," Selina said, taking a sip of her drink. "We have plenty to eat and drink and then you're joining us for the hat contest.
"We can finally get to know each other," Barbara quickly added with a sincerity that Kori felt somehow comforted by.
What a wonderful diversion! "Glorious. Thank you for including me. This will be so much fun!" Kori said enthusiastically.
"Here you go," Barbara said, handing Kori a plastic cup of the May Wine.
The fragrant herb Sweet Woodruff gave the Rhine wine based drink a nutty, wild flavor that reminded Kori of some of the traditional beverages in the mountainous regions of Tamaran. It also had brandy that gave it a kick she would later realize she wasn't quite prepared for.
The three women discussed a number of topics and Kori was relieved at how well she got along with and how much she actually liked Barbara Gordon. She was obviously intelligent, but it was her quick, clever comebacks and biting humor that made her a great deal of fun to be around. Babs also seemed to have a good handle on the things that Kori might not completely understand, and was quick to explain things to Kori that she might not have gotten. Babs was very good at contextualizing these things and Kori realized she was remarkably kind in doing so. She marveled when she realized few people other than Richard had made her feel so comfortable before.
The conversation had continued for some time without any real discussion about Dick which Kori was thankful for. She had been wary of Babs since the day they met at the polo match and how Babs had treated Kori. Perhaps that was only because Babs was high on Percocet that day. Kori still was concerned that Babs was still interested in Dick but was not going to let that get in her way of having a fun afternoon.
"Here comes trouble!" Babs exclaimed as she spotted Dick ascended the grandstand stairs walking toward their box.
Kori, a bit tipsy from the wine, fell into a fit of giggles.
"Ladies," Dick said as he approached, a bit apprehensive over seeing his girlfriend and ex-girlfriend so cozy, his sunglasses not hiding the astonishment on his face. At least Selina was there if God forbid things get ugly.
"How's it going with the horses, Dick?" Selina asked.
"Fine, things are good. Excited about tonight."
"Don't tell him I told you, but Bruce is getting pretty excited about tonight. Nervous too. He thinks Nightwatch has a real shot at doing well this week," Selina said in a conspiratory whisper.
"Bruce nervous?" Dick replied, cocking an eyebrow. He unfolded one of the chairs and joined the three women in the box. He spied the May Wine, "So, having fun, are we girls?"
"Most definitely!" Kori chirped.
"Yup, what we like to call a girl-a-rama! You know, girl talk about girl stuff," Barbara added with a laugh.
"But we'll let you stay," Selina added with a purr.
"Gee, thanks." Dick caught Kori's eyes. She blushed a bit, but she looked happy and relaxed. He gave her a quick wink and she smiled brightly.
"Glass of May Wine, tea sandwich?" Babs asked.
"No thanks," Dick looked over what they were eating for lunch, "Watercress? No wonder you guys are a little drunk!"
"We are so not drunk," Selina retorted. Babs scoffed. Kori giggled again. So much for solidarity.
"Well, I'm going to grab some real sandwiches."
"We will be here!" Kori added.
Dick was a little surprised and even disappointed that Kori didn't offer to go with him, and again surprised himself – boy, was he attached to her.
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As Dick was returning to the box with a half dozen "real" sandwiches, he heard another outburst of laughter from the three women occupying Bruce's box. He smiled, it certainly would make life easier if Babs and Kori were friends.
"Welcome back!" Babs said as Dick placed a box of sandwiches on the table in the front of the box.
"Yeah," Dick responded warily. "There's roast beef, chicken salad, and ham and cheese sandwiches. Why don't you ladies get some real food in your stomachs?"
"Thanks, Dick." Babs replied, Selina and Kori chimed in their thanks as well. "It is okay we kidnapped your girlfriend, isn't it?"
"I was not kidnapped! I am here of my own free will and enjoying the girl-a-rama!" Kori injected giggling again.
Oh this is going to be fun... "As long as everyone's playing nice."
"We are playing very nice, Dick," Barb assured him.
"Good."
They continued to converse, the three girls fawning a bit over Dick, not that he wasn't used to it. Everything was in bounds though, just a lot of fun and ribbing, with some funny stories of other years at Devon thrown in as they finished their food.
To drive home the point and for at least the moment assure everyone that she was alright with Dick and Kori, Babs said, "You know, Dick, Kori, you guys are a nice couple. You're good together. I'm happy for you."
Dick and Kori were each a bit surprised.
"Thanks, Babs," Dick said, relieved.
"Yes, thank you Barbara," Kori added.
"You guys complement each other well," Selina added.
Barbara took in a dramatic deep breath that caught everyone's attention. She reached down to the untouched dill pickle spear on her plate, picked it up and placed it on Kori's plate.
Kori gave her an inquisitive look and Selina asked, "Why'd you do that Babs?"
"Its the symbolic passing of the pickle!" Babs said, barely able to conceal her amusement at herself and the situation she had created, "You know, from the old girlfriend to the new one!"
Dick did a spit take, Kori luckily understood the not so subtle subtext and giggled, and Selina almost fell out of her chair.
"Oh my God, Babs!" Dick managed, as embarrassed as he had felt in a long time.
"Looks like I'm missing all the fun," Bruce said as he arrived at the box, having walked up without anyone noticing.
"Great fun!" Kori announced.
"I, for one, have some things to do over at the stables," Dick announced, thankful that he had an excuse to get away from the insanity. "I'll see you guys later, just please behave."
He was met with a chorus of "ah's" and "don't go!" from the three women.
He caught Kori's eye, "Think you can break away from the fun Kori and walk me back to the barn?"
"Certainly, Richard," Kori said sweetly, getting up with a slight sway. Dick gently grabbed her elbow and escorted her out of the box and out of the grandstand.
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They walked hand-in-hand across the show grounds. Kori giggled a bit, sharing stories about the fun afternoon she had interspersed with questions about Dick's day and about the things they were encountering on their walk. Dick realized for the millionth time how adorable Kori was and how happy he was being with her.
At this point it was between events and no one from their barn was around, the horses relaxing unattended in their stalls. Dick gave Kori a wicked grin and pulled her into the tack stall, which offered privacy, curtained off with the black and royal blue curtains of Dark Night Farm.
Kori let out an "eep!" as she found herself against the stall wall. Dick removed her hat playfully, tossing it over his shoulder and then pressed up against her hard, giving her a searing kiss. As she melted into the kiss and then began to kiss him back, her enthusiasm pleased him.
When they broke for air, Kori asked breathlessly, "What was that for?"
"For being the perfect girlfriend."
What had been going on with him? Dick had never been so demonstrative, well except in bed.
"Perfect, am I?"
Dick answered with another toe curling kiss. "Yes."
"And you Richard Grayson, are a perfect boyfriend."
Right then they were interrupted by the clicking of the footsteps of boots out in the aisle.
"We better go," Dick said sadly handing Kori her hat.
"Okay," Kori giggled, "I love you."
"Love you too."
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That evening was the first class for the Open Jumpers, the highest level of competition for Jumpers. Known as the Opening Stake class, it was a prestigious class with a winning purse of $7,500.00. Bruce and Dick were excited, so much was riding on their horse Nightwatch. He'd been in the top 50 or so horses in the country, nearly always in the ribbons, but never had any big wins. It was also finally time to see if Dick's painstaking work with the horse was going to pay off.
After their kiss at the stall, Dick stayed with the horses to get ready for that evening and Kori went back to the box to spend the rest of the afternoon with Barbara, Bruce and Selina. At about 5 PM, everyone headed back to where they were staying to change, getting dressed up for the evening, meeting back to picnic in the box and watch the 7 PM class.
Pleasant conversation flowed over wine and cheese. Xavier Red had arrived as Bab's date and the three couples settled in to watch the event. The rest of the light blue and white painted grandstands were filling up quickly.
The evening session started right at 7 PM with the National Anthem. Kori watched with great interest when the riders and coaches went out to the ring to "walk the course". Dick explained to her that at this level of competition the horses were not allowed to practice the 12 obstacles, but the riders were allowed to take a close look and plan the best way to negotiate the jumps successfully.
Having not ever seen a competition like this one, the height and number of the jumps was mind-blowing. As much as she had thought she would encourage Dick to ride jumpers again, she now worried for his safety. When she brought it up later, bringing up the example of the catastrophic injury that Christopher Reeves sustained, he quickly explained that Reeves was riding in the sport of Eventing and that the fences don't knock down like they do in the show ring. But when further pressed he did admit that it was not an exactly safe sport.
The fences were all about 5 feet in height, but most were not just a vertical fence but were fences called oxers with spread up to 5 ½ feet wide. And there were not just 12 fences: there were two 'in-and-outs' that were actually two jumps with only one stride in between, so the horse landed from one fence and immediately took off for the other one. There was also one triple combination. To add to the difficulty of the event, there was a time allowed.
The score of each horse's jumping round was calculated by any 'jumping faults', four points for knocking a fence down and three points for a 'refusal' when a horse stops or turns away from a fence without jumping it. Any time it takes to negotiate the course over the time allowed also results in the accumulation of points, calculated as 0.25 point for every second over the time allowed. If more than one horse 'goes clean' through the course without accumulating any jumping or time faults, there is a second round known as a 'jump off'. The winner of the class is the horse with the fewest jumping faults, and if there is a tie, the one with the fastest time is the winner.
Thirty five horses comprised the class. As the class was called, a bugle player came out in a traditional scarlet jacket to 'sound the bugle' and soon after the first horse entered the ring. The large chestnut horse rolled into the ring, barely under control. The announcer's voice boomed over the PA system, "First up to go in this evening's Open Jumper Stake is #1074, Sportscaster, owned and ridden by Norman Lisk of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania."
The rider was just able to slow the horse down for the rider to salute the judges so they could signal the start of the round. Approaching the first obstacle, the horse settled a bit, and jumped it easily within stride. Circling and crossing the ring, the horse easily jumped each obstacle with room to spare but was speeding up. Coming to the second from the last obstacle, a tall vertical fence that looked like a gate, the horse was going to fast to get the proper height pulling down the jump, the rider pitched forward on the horse's neck. The crowd gasped and Kori felt her heart in her throat but the other occupants of the box seemed to be not terribly concerned with the near wipe out. The horse gave an angry buck, but the rider held on. Scrambling back into the saddle, the rider circled the horse once, not even bothering to pick up his stirrups and took the last fence without difficulty.
The announcer came on, "#1074, Sportscaster, 7 faults. A knock down at fence 11 and a refusal at fence 12, 7 faults for Sportscaster and Norman Lisk." Dick couldn't help but notice that Kori was a little surprised and frightened. He put his arm around her and gave her a reassuring squeeze. She leaned into him and smiled. Normally he wouldn't be draped over his girlfriend this way in this particular setting but it felt wonderful to be close to her.
The horse and rider pairs followed each other in fairly rapid succession. Kori began to relax as there was nothing nearly dramatic as the first ride had been, however, no pair went clean.
"Next to go tonight here at the Devon Horse Show is #1119, Art Dealer, owned by the Crown Group and ridden by Lisa Johnston. This is the ninth horse to go of the thirty-five we have entered this evening". The horse was a flashy bay and white pinto. The horse looked deceivingly relaxed but once the timers signaled he rolled along, perfectly negotiating each obstacle. The crowd quieted with each successfully jumped fence, completely silent by the time the horse landed safely over the final jump. There was thunderous applause as the announcer came on, "A clear round for #1119, Art Dealer and Lisa Johnston who are currently in first place!"
The next seven rounds produced one more clear round, "Okay folks, that's a clear round for #1260 Bayshore and James Heinz! He'll be joining #1119 Art Dealer and Lisa Johnston for a timed jump off after completion of this round!"
Horses and riders continued one by one, another two riders were cleared when it was finally time for Bruce's horse Nightwatch to compete. "Next up, our 28th to compete is Nightwatch, owned by Bruce Wayne and Dark Night Farms, ridden by former Olympic individual gold metal winner Greg Mansfield!"
Dick shifted a bit in his seat while Bully entered the ring, taking his arm off of Kori's shoulders, but taking her hand tightly holding it with both of his in his lap as he leaned forward to concentrate on watching the ride. Bruce, in contrast, barely blinked although Selina leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek and a quiet, "Good luck."
Quite and confident, proudly wearing the scarlet jacket with a blue and white collar and emblem of the US Olympic Equestrian Team, the rider brought Bully down to a halt and saluted the judged. The timer bell sounded and they were off to make easy work of the course. The first line, fence one and two, easy up and over, on to a turn across the arena and a triple combination without a foot out of place and as the horse continued his bold, forward, but steady strides. No rails down, no strides missed, it was a textbook ride. Coming around for the big vertical before the last jump, Bully was a bit too forward, and with a not so subtle lift of his hand as the rider opened the angle of his shoulders, they hit the jump perfectly and with an easy few strides they were over the last obstacle with a clean round. The crowd went wild, most on their feet applauding. Bruce tried to remain stoic as he received clasps on his back from some of people in the adjacent boxes.
Kori was first to congratulate Dick and her enthusiastic hug he couldn't help but return.
Over the speakers, the announcer boomed, "and there you have it everyone, Nightwatch and Greg Mansfield will be joining the other four riders with perfect rounds so far for our jump off!"
"I'm proud of you Dick, you really brought Nightwatch back after he came home," Bruce said with a rare hand on Dick's shoulder. He of course was too formal to use the horse's barn or pet name.
"Bruce, Greg Mansfield? You didn't tell me he was riding for us," Dick said.
"He wasn't going to until about an hour ago. When Greg saw Nightwatch go, he offered to ride him. The trainer called me and I agreed."
Dick couldn't help but feel proud. The horse wasn't sound when he had come home those weeks before and Dick's careful and consistent training program got him in top shape. He couldn't help but feel bad for their regular rider, Joy Berman, but knew that she would be paid anyway and that at least she was subbed out for an Olympian.
They barely paid attention to the remaining rides. Another two were clear rounds, so that made it seven in the second round.
Conversation picked up in the seats and people milled around as there was a break in the competition to reset the course for the jump off. The course was shortened to eight fences with a very tight time allowed. The fences no longer needed were taken down by the jump crew and the ring was raked flat again, giving it a pristine look.
The announcer came back on and announced the horses and riders returning. The went in the same order as they had originally. First up was Art Dealer. Using the strategy to get a clean but fairly fast round, the horse was not overly hurried, and left all the jumps standing. "And its a clean round for Art Dealer with a time to beat of 48.79 seconds," the announcer said as Art Dealer exited the ring.
"And next up, Bayshore." The horse negotiated the fences flawlessly, but were at a much more forward pace. After the last fence, the announcer came on, "And there's your new leader, Bayshore, with a time of 46.05 seconds." The following horse had a rail down, the one after that had two and neither would have the blue ribbon that night.
"And now, its Nightwatch with Olympian Greg Mansfield," the crowd applauded appreciatively and after the salute, Greg spun Nightwatch around and came through the timers at a full gallop. Dick sucked in a breath, not pleased for the horse's sake but it was likely a good strategy. One fence, then two both over-jumped easily by a foot. The third fence he came in tight but got over it, Greg turning the horse's head in the air toward the next fence. Up and over, on to the fifth. Another big jump and the rider practically stood in his stirrups as he whipped Nightwatch's head around toward the next obstacles. The crowd was silent, the only sound was hooves and the break of saddle leather. The next two fences were also attacked at speed and Nightwatch landed and bobbled on landing. There was gasps in the crowd. Dick's eyes went wide as he grabbed even tighter on Kori's hand. Greg pulled hard again and sat back, literally picking the horse's face out of the tanbark and with an crack of the whip, a hard kick with both spurs and a battle cry, horse and rider somehow got over the last fence and through the timers.
"Wow," the announcer exclaimed, "a clear round for Nightwatch and Greg Mansfield and an unbelievable time of only 38.96 seconds," but this was barely audible over the noise in the grandstand.
Dick was quiet, fuming. They were going to do well no matter what, and this cowboy rode him like that?! Sure, the strategy, if that's what you'd call it paid off, but Dick was concerned that the horse would have been hurt. He kept his opinions to himself, knowing Bruce wouldn't see it that way and who was he to question an Olympic rider.
Kori could read Dick and smiled sweetly at him and he gave her a kiss. It was just then he realized he had crushed Kori's fingers. He dropped her hand, "I'm so sorry Kori! I didn't mean to hurt your hand," Dick said in her ear so she could hear him.
She rubbed her fingers, which did hurt but there was no reason to mention it, "I am undamaged, Richard," she said in his ear. "It appears we are victorious, but are you okay?"
He pulled her into an intimate hug, burying his face into her neck, and Bruce cocked a brow at him. How did she know him so well? Only Kori could make him feel so good, to bring him back to an even keel. "I'm fine as long as I have you," he whispered in her ear, eliciting a shudder, before releasing her from the hug.
They knew they didn't need to watch the last two rounds, the time was too good, no one could beat it. One rider tried and failed, sending rails and jump standards everywhere when the horse literally ran through the last fence unable to get airborne while trying to beat Nightwatch's time. The last rider played it safe and rode a clear round, but in a time that put him in 4th place.
The class ended and Bruce was called into the winner's circle. Surprisingly, he asked not only Selina but Dick and Kori to join him. They made their way down to the ring and posed for photographers with Nightwatch with a blue ribbon clipped to his bridle and Greg. They also received a silver trophy which was already engraved and a nice check.
Dick told Kori he and Bruce would be headed to the barn to make sure everything was okay and she should go back to the box and start the celebration without them. There were more classes that evening in the driving and coaching events, but in Bruce's box the champagne flowed. To be honest, they were caught by surprise but friends and acquaintances started stopping by with more wine and champagne, eager to join in on the celebration.
Kori was looking forward to Dick's return, but certainly joined in with the others. Selina and Barbara were busy introducing her to everyone as Dick's girlfriend which she was very pleased about. More than one woman looked as though they were not particularly pleased to hear that Dick Grayson was taken.
When Bruce came back and made a point to pull her aside, "Kori, Dick told me to tell you he'll join us shortly, he's just making sure Nightwatch is alright after that last round."
"You know, Koriand'r," Bruce continued in English, but used her Tamaranian name, "I'm really proud of Dick. He did a great job with Nightwatch, reconditioning and retraining him when he came home after doing poorly for much of the spring. I approached Greg Mansfield last year and he wanted nothing to do with the horse. Now he came to us and it was Dick who turned things around."
Kori smiled politely, not sure what she should add to the conversation.
"I am also pleased he has you in his life. I've never seen him happier. I'm glad that I am getting to know you better myself on this trip."
Kori was surprised by this, what she did know about Bruce was that he did not lavish Dick with his praises. "I wanted to thank you again for including me here this week and I am glad we are all getting to know each other as well."
Bruce smiled and said, "Apparently I'm having a party, perhaps we should join it?"
"Certainly," Kori replied with a laugh.
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Nearly an hour had passed and Dick had not made his way back. Kori was having a pleasant enough time. Xavier was being a tad too friendly as Babs was off chatting with some older gentlemen that were friends of Bruce's. The remainder of the evening's classes ended and the throng of partiers was headed to the 'Beer Garden' on the far side of the show grounds. Telling Selina she was going to the barn to look for Dick, in case he returned and was looking for her, Kori set out to find him.
She caught sight of him in the nearly deserted warm up ring, walking Bully. The horse was now covered with his award cooler, a light weight blanket in the show's colors of light blue and white, embroidered with the show's logo, the class name and the year.
"Hey," Richard said, smiling broadly as she approached. Backlit by the lights from over the main ring, her hair looked like fire and he couldn't help but notice how her royal blue dress hugged her lovely curves.
"Hello, Richard, are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Exciting night. I thought I'd spend a little time with the Big Guy here, make sure he's okay."
"Is he alright? It looked like that was quite a wild ride."
"So far, nothing's wrong that I can see. Man I would not have been happy if he got hurt," he replied, not wanting to get into how that kind of riding was not acceptable, even with the win.
"I am glad Bully is fine. Where is Manny?"
"I just told him to go celebrate. Why did you leave the celebration? You can head back. I'll catch up with you in a little bit."
"I wanted to check on you, plus the party will probably go on for a long time. Bruce has moved the party from the box to the Beer Garden. There is even talk about something over at the apartment."
"Not surprising, its a big win and a long time in coming."
"From what I have heard, you were the one that made it all happen, that you got Bully back in shape."
"Yeah, I guess," Dick replied, looking first down at the ground and then up to Kori, "You know I spent a lot of those hours working him thinking about you."
Kori blushed a bit. "Really?"
"Yes I did. Thinking over all my mistakes when it came to you. Babs, Kitten...."
"Richard, we were not together yet."
"I know, but I liked you, I really liked you, and here I was being such a jerk. No wonder you weren't sure I wanted to be friends or-"
"Or more?"
"Yeah, more. I'm so sorry I put you through all that."
"It is in the past."
"Yeah, it is. And then when Cooper assaulted you."
"Richard, you are not still blaming yourself are you?"
"Well..."
"Richard," was all she said and Kori took Richard's free hand and held it as they continued walking the horse around the empty ring.
Richard noticed Kori was keeping up easily, in spite of her sling backs sinking down into the soft tanbark footing of the ring. He again realized how down to earth she was, but wanted to be sure she knew he'd be fine if she went back to the celebration.
"Kori, really, I'll be finishing up here soon, you can head back over to the Beer Garden..."
"Dr. Grayson, are you trying to get rid of me?"
"Of course not, Kori. Its just I've spent so much more time with the horses this week than usual and it can't have been that much fun for you."
"I have had a wonderful time this week and I would like to stay with you now, if that would be alright," Kori wanted to be sure she was giving him enough space.
"Of course, Kori, it's more than okay" Richard said, smiling at her.
"Is there anything I can do?"
"You're doing it." He let go of her hand and slipped his arm around her shoulder. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Richard slipped his arm off of Kori's shoulders and stopped the horse. He ran his hand over the horse's neck, back, chest and front legs. Satisfied that Bully had cooled off, he decided to bring him back to Dark Night Farm's section of the barns on the show grounds.
"We can head back and put this guy away for the night."
"Alright."
Walking on the horse's left ride and holding onto to the lead rope near the top with his right hand, Dick subconsciously moved the end of the lead rope into his left hand in case he'd need additional control walking the stallion back to the barn. Kori walked by Dick's side in silence.
Kori hung back as Dick brought the horse into the barn. He cross tied Bully in the aisle and turned, grabbing a brush out of the tack box. Kori leaned against a stall and studied him carefully. His movements, just like in the ER, were fluid and efficient. Feeling her gaze on him, he looked up and gave her and smile and playful wink.
Kori smiled back, and then felt her heart pound. This was familiar. She had caught a glimpse of him a few weeks before when they were at the farm that seemed so familiar, reminding her of a boy back in Tamaran. With the storms triggering memories of her final days in Tamaran, she had a better grasp of those images. And then it feel into place. Her brain was trying to process it. Memories coming back to her after all this time. It was so familiar.
She stood frozen, listening to the beating of her heart as she watched Richard continue working around the horse. She watched as Dick rechecked the horses legs, picked out his feet and replaced the cooler with a stable sheet.
Dick unsnapped the cross ties and lead the horse into his stall, feeding him a couple of carrots that he had dug out of his pants pocket.
How could it be? But it was, it had to be. She couldn't stop herself, and finally she said very softly, "Robin?"
Richard's head snapped up. He looked at Kori, eyebrows knitted, studying her face. He stepped out of the stall, eyes fixed to her, reaching around and shutting the stall door behind him.
"What did you call me?"
"Robin," she repeated softly.
"How did you know that name?" He seemed upset or angry, she wasn't sure.
"Robin, its me."
"Kori? What – wait," his face paled, "Starfire?"
"Yes," she said meekly.
Richard closed the distance between them and grabbed her by the upper arms. His hold was forceful, almost painful, and Kori felt a bit... afraid.
"How? Kori, how could you be? Starfire died. Bruce told me, the whole royal family was killed..."
"Not the entire royal family..." Sensing her discomfort, he noticed the tightness of his grip and loosened it slightly.
"Wait, but you're the princess? I had no idea - you can't be – she was only two years younger than me."
"Richard, I am Princess Koriand'r, or Starfire as you knew me. I was 13, you were 15... I'll be 30 in about a week."
He pulled her into a fierce hug. "You are? How can it be? How could we not have recognized each other? I loved you and when Bruce told me exactly who you were and that you were killed..."
For Kori, tears were falling and she pulled back to look at him, "Richard, it is me. Can you not see? That is why there was a connection, that is why we were so familiar, that is why we became so close so quickly, that is why we are already in love."
Richard grabbed her face and kissed her passionately, his own tears falling. He said nothing else, just grabbed her hand and pulled her, walking quickly to the VIP parking.
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Ten minutes later, they were in the Devon Hotel's elevator. Kori felt strange, her legs buckled a bit. Richard pulled her to him tightly, and picked her up bridal style and carried her into the penthouse suite.
Tears continued to fall as Richard laid Kori on the bed and started kissing her again. "You came back to me," he said softly in Tamaranian, kissing her cheek, he said, "you came back to me Star," in her ear and began kissing her down her neck.
"Robin," she murmured as her eyes fluttered shut, being swept away in the emotions. They occasionally spoke to each other in Tamaranian, but this was the first time he had in a romantic situation.
As affectionate, as passionate as Richard had been with her at times, he still nearly always handled her as though she were glass. Now, he was different, more intense. Richard had never kissed her neck before. In Tamaranian culture, it wasn't taboo per se, but it was a very intimate act, and clearly indicated seduction. She knew she didn't want him to stop.
Richard was getting caught up, just feeling. Things got heated. He continued those intense kisses as he unbuttoned the front of Kori's dress and began caressing soft skin. He continued speaking in Tamaranian, "I love you Starfire, I've always loved you, I never stopped..." he reattached his lips to hers kissing her desperately with barely controlled passion.
Dick sat up and pulled off his shirt quickly. He descended on her, capturing her lips again and felt her shudder when the skin of their chests came in contact with each other. When his hand moved over her breast, she sucked in a breath sharply, and Richard froze. "Oh, Kori, I'm sorry..." he started in English.
Kori responded still in Tamaranian, "Shh, Richard its fine. Please love me..."
He rolled off of her. No, this couldn't happen like this. There was too much to figure out, too much to say.
He stared at her, studying her face, blinking back his own tears, wiping away hers. He switched back to Tamaranian, "I can't believe its really you. God, they told me you died. I never got over it..."
"I am sorry, I had no idea you thought that. The bombings began, there were so many that were close by the palace and then things happened so quickly after Mom, Dad and Ryan were killed. I learned later that they did not do anything to let people know I was alive until I was in Switzerland. I was 13, a princess, but I was in no position to take power especially with the coup." She smiled sadly, "I have never referred to myself as a princess since then."
"After those first bombings, Bruce had us out of there immediately. I had no chance to try to find you and say goodbye. Of course, I didn't know who you really were."
Kori smiled again. Her father never wanted her to go out on her own. She was not supposed to go to the barn. But she had run away from the palace once the summer she turned 12 and had met a young boy named Robin and quickly developed a crush on him. To hide her identity, she used the English translation of a nick name her mother had given to her, calling herself Starfire.
Richard went by Robin, the nickname his mother gave him because he was born the first day of spring. He used it for some time after she died. She had never liked to call him Dick and Richard seemed formal (or it was the name used when he was in trouble...) He was in Tamaran from ages 11 to 15 with his adoptive father US Ambassador to Tamaran Bruce Wayne. During the school year, he was at boarding school at Choate in Connecticut.
In the summer he was 14 he met a 12 year old Tamaranian girl that he thought was the cutest girl he had ever seen. Bruce was friends with the King's German horse trainer and had arranged for Richard to ride there. Kori would sneak down and watch him ride. Other than the introduction, they simply exchanged shy smiles, barely speaking that first summer.
The following summer, the 13 year old Kori and 15 year old Richard were growing up and each had quite a crush on the other. They still didn't get to spend too much time together. Kori never told him that she was indeed the princess because she didn't want either of them to get in trouble. By the middle of that summer, their meetings were still only once or twice a week, bu they managed to sneak off into the hay loft. Not that things ever got beyond kissing, but hormones were running rampant and the attraction and the feelings were so new and so real.
Kori realized that she had blocked out a great deal of her memories of their relationship. But she hadn't had the entire picture either: she knew Robin's father was a diplomat, but not the ambassador. She never knew he was adopted. The memories were flooding back now, the kisses, their time together, the fact that right before the bombings, she had resolved to tell Robin who she was and, being of age, ask if he would court her.
Richard remembered everything about Starfire, but because he was told that she was killed, no matter how much Kori reminded him of Starfire, he dismissed it. He also had assumed Kori was younger than she actually was. As far as he knew Starfire was dead, so he chalked up the familiarity and all the similarities to coincidence and the fact they were both Tamaranian.
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Richard felt antsy. He felt overwhelmed. How could this have happened? So much of his life was shaped by the loss of his first love, his Starfire. He was holding her, she was real, and she was the very same woman he had already fallen in love with.
Kori realized Ricard was anxious but she just wanted to be with him, to talk about the past, their lost love. Even though it was so painful, she was remembering so many of the good parts of her past.
He needed to get away to wrap his head around this.
She needed him close.
"I have to go." This isn't happening, it can't be real. I'm suffocating.
What?! "No, please, Richard... Robin, stay!"
"I can't."
He didn't say anything else, he got up out of bed and didn't look back. He walked out the door of her hotel.
Kori just stared at the door. Tears fell. How could this have happened? How could he just leave? Knowing their shared past should make them closer, not make him want to leave.
She pulled her knees to her chest, hugging herself tight. She just sat and tried to get her mind around what happened. She couldn't. She didn't bother to button her dress or change into bed clothes. She remained there, paralyzed and so hurt.
None of this completely made sense. Why did Richard act differently with toward her tonight? During the entire time they knew each other she was sure he wanted her, desired her as a girlfriend and as a lover. But the passion tonight was a different story. Did he want Starfire more than he wanted Kori? If they had made love before, would that have changed things, or would he have left anyway? What if they had made love for the first time tonight?
She had no idea if Richard was coming back that night, if he was breaking up with her, or if he'd be back any minute... And in a way, she was scared she was losing two relationships.
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WOW - how about that folks? Who saw it coming?
Thank you for reading and please review!
Cliffhanger! Oh No! I know I'm a tad evil, but things could not go 100% smoothly, life doesn't work that way. I will remind everyone I'm a sucker for a happy ending however.
LJ