Wow, sorry guys. I have actually been working on this chapter since before Christmas and even the following one (and not to mention the story's end is written), but was having trouble getting this together. I also had to keep playing with Kori's character to get it true to this story – she is very different here than in "Where Have You Been All My Life", "Winter Solstice" and "Politics as Usual". By the way if you haven't seen it, "Where Have You Been All My Life" is complete at 21 chapters and 63,000 words.

Anyway, thanks for bearing with me, I will do my best to update much more frequently!

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Double Take

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Chapter 46

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Charm

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Somehow, Kori and Richard had survived until Friday evening. Vic had taken pity on Dick and covered his Friday night shift in the ER so that Richard could be well rested. Dick had done a perfectly fine job during his Wednesday shift, but in a conversation with Dick on Thursday morning, the stress was obvious: he was pulled in too many directions.

"I don't know what to do Vic," Richard said while the men sat with their cups of coffee. Vic was coming on at 7 AM and Vic was signing off. "When I suggested to Babs that her father attend her Saturday group therapy session with her, she flipped. I mean, my girlfriend is having her 30th birthday and we have barely seen each other and if I go to the session from 12-2, there is no way I'll be ready for the party and the guests, let alone have any time with Kori."

"And you'll be coming off a 12 hour shift. When do you plan to sleep?" Vic asked thoughtfully.

"I don't," replied Dick, doing his best to sound not nearly as miserable about the prospect as he really was.

"Look man, I owe you. Let me cover Friday 7 P – 7 A for you. That should improve the situation. But hold the line with Babs. You said her father wants to be involved, let him take her."

"Vic, that's a great offer and I'll take you up on it, thanks," Dick sounded relieved, he then continued, "but are you going to still makle the party? I'd hate for you to miss it..."

"I'll be there. We have nothing else planned on Saturday so I can sleep all day if I need to."

"Oh good. With Babs, I'll try holding the line as you suggested, but she's making me feel pretty guilty. She's been calling a lot and needs a lot of ego stroking."

"I know she's your friend and your ex, but isn't she seeing Red?"

"Yes, but I think she's planning on ending it."

"Man, I hate to ask you, but is Babs using this situation and your generosity to get close to you again? Remember how upset she was at the polo match when she saw you and Kori together."

"I'd like to believe that she is just going through a traumatic time and that she does actually need the support and she has no ulterior motive."

"Well, just be careful. I know how much you love Kori. I don't think you should risk anything there, man."

"I couldn't agree more."

"Get some rest and spend some time with that beautiful girlfriend of yours."

"Sounds like a plan."

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Kory was still recovering from her second session with Dr. Chase Meridian on late Friday afternoon. The first session had been pleasant enough the evening before. Dick had actually made it to the last 20 minutes or so of the session, and the time was filled just outlining for Dr. Meridian all that Kori had gone through in Tamaran along with the history between Kori and Richard.

But the session on Friday afternoon had been difficult. Chase had Kori discuss the bombing itself. After the 90 minute session, there was some feeling of empowerment for Kori. She was in control of what she could remember much better and as she accessed those memories, she started to work through her grief. She felt comfortable with Chase and was very happy for the opportunity to work through her past.

Hopefully Kori could deal with and get a handle on her present situation as well.

TtTtTtTtTt

Vic had covered Richard's shift at the hospital and Babs' therapy sessions only went until about 7 PM, so Kori and Dick could actually enjoy some time together, something both of them needed desperately. After sleeping late that morning and doing some work for Bruce's foundation, Richard was soon off to pick up Babs and yet another day had gone by where Dick and Kori didn't see each other.

Bruce and Selina had dinner plans with friends at a Washington restaurant, and Kory and Richard stayed in of course, dining alone. Alfred wanted to set a romantic scene for the two and had set up a round table on the terrace. He had set their places across from each other.

Dick got home and showered and changed quickly before he went to find Kori. He had really been looking forward to some time alone with her. He actually felt some of the same nervousness he had felt early on in their relationship. When he saw her in her simple dress that hugged her curves, he long hair curled to frame her face, his breath hitched. Then when her face lit up upon seeing him, he was gone. Could he have forgotten how beautiful she was? Not really, but even though they were under the same roof, he had been so distracted.

After Dick had gotten Kori settled in in her chair, he moved his place setting and chair next to her. He sat down and took her hand and was about to kiss her when Alfred returned. Alfred cleared his throat and gave Dick a look and a cocked eyebrow. Dick was not amused but Kori was, having become quite relaxed around Alfred. Kori tried to hide a giggle behind her free hand.

Kori leaned over and kissed Dick's cheek and smiled at him, and he relaxed. "I like having you close to me," she said quietly, "and all to myself."

She didn't mean for those words to be as loaded as they sounded, but realized she could be misinterpreted. She had vowed to herself not to add to Dick's stress, or at least try not to.

"Richard, I have looked forward to being with you," she looked through her lashes, being a bit flirtateous. Richard had always had so much of an affect on her, and as the relationship had progressed, she had found a thing or two she could do to take advantage of that, "I love you and I love being with you."

Richard couldn't help but smile and relax at that. Plus he knew none of this, none of his stress was her fault. She hadn't done anything wrong.

"I love you too, Kori, so much," he replied, hearing Alfred's footsteps moments before he kissed her on the lips. Dick only paused for a moment and then captured her lips for a lingering kiss.

Alfred waited patiently for the couple to finish before he served their dinner. He was tempted to make a comment to Dick, but thought better doing anything else. He knew how trying this time was for 'the young master'.

The meal was wonderful as always and for the first time in days, Dick was able to live in the moment, and the couple was able to rekindle their special relationship. Just during the time it took to eat the meal, things were feeling back on track. They still had all the stress of their current situation, and it was a nice reminder of what they had together.

The sun set very late that time of year, nearly at 8:30 PM, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, they enjoyed the sunset together from that West-facing terrace.

"I've missed this," Dick said to Kori, as he held her from behind, placing his chin on her shoulder.

"As have I," she replied.

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They decided to retire after the sunset and headed toward his room. Kori had decided ahead of time not to fight Richard if he wanted her in his room. She wanted more privacy and wasn't 100% comfortable being so open about sharing a bed, but Dick had been right: his bed was bigger and more comfortable. And they really were not flaunting things.

"Are you sure you're okay staying in my room?" Dick asked as they walked up the stairs, holding hands.

"I'm fine Richard, I just want to be with you," Kori replied. Her voice dropped to just above a whisper and she added playfully, "Plus, I already have a toothbrush there."

He smiled. Yes, things were back on track, at least for now. "That you do. Do you want to watch a movie?"

"If you do, that would be great. I am just so glad to be with you."

The door was barely closed when Richard had pulled Kori into his embrace and gave her a kiss. She responded to him, kissing him back enthusiastically.

"Kori, I want more," he said in a husky tone.

"Richard?" Kori wasn't quite sure what he meant by more.

"I want more, I want to be with you more. I miss being with you all the time."

Kori was somewhat relieved, "I miss it too. I knew we would not have as much time together when we came home. I am happy that we are able to be together at night, but I would prefer to spend time with you when we are awake."

"Awake and not exhausted," Dick added.

"I will take what I can get."

"You're wonderful, and I appreciate your support and patience with work and Babs. But, I know you need me too."

"I do need you, Richard."

"I'll make every effort to be there for you."

"I know, and you need time for yourself. Have you even gotten over to the barn since we've been home?"

"No but I'll get there soon, I'm sure." Richard paused, slightly nervous again, "I have something for you Kori," he reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box, measuring approximately 1" x 8".

Kori gasped a bit. She really wasn't used to this much fuss, although she certainly liked Dick's attention.

"My birthday is tomorrow, Richard," Kori replied, a smile on her face.

"I know, and I have a few more gifts for tomorrow," he said, amused as he saw a blush creep across her cheeks.

"Richard, you don't have to-"

"Kori, I want to. You are my girlfriend and I love you and it's your 30th birthday."

"Alright, thank you."

He handed her the box and she opened it and she gasped again when she saw the gold charm bracelet.

"Oh Richard, it's beautiful," she breathed, picking it up and examining he delicate charms.

"I'm glad you like it. Here, let me explain to you about the charms I've chosen," he started. "Each of them have a significance to us. A caduceus for our work in medicine, an elephant playing polo to commemorate our second date, a tennis racket to commemorate our love of tennis, a horse to commemorate going to the horse show with me, and an orchid as the national flower of Tamaran."

"Oh Richard, I don't think anyone has ever done anything so thoughtful for me..."

"I want to be sure that you are reminded of me and all the fun we've had since we started dating, and also our past."

"Thank you. This is the most wonderful gift I have ever received."

"You're welcome."

As her eyes were transfixed on the bracelet, Richard pulled her in for a cuddle and planted some kisses on her cheek

"You have been so busy, and you put so much thought and effort. Thank you so much for this, Richard."

"I hope to add more charms as we make more memories together, Kori"

"I would love that."

"Here, let me put this on," Richard said as he clasped the bracelet around her thin wrist, "its a perfect fit."

"Yes it is."

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Kori initiated a kiss that soon turned passionate. They had had such little time together since they got to the manor and it had been days since they were able to be close. They soon moved to the bed. In the back of her mind, Kori worried about the degree of passion that they were sharing that night, but also knew that Richard would stop before things would get out of hand.

But they never got the chance, when Dick's cell rang.

"Fuck!" Dick exclaimed and Kory gasped. She did not like hearing him say that word. "Sorry, Star."

Dick gave her a kiss as he rolled off of her to retrieve his phone.

"Who is it?" Kori asked, pretty certain she already knew.

"Babs," Dick said as he the on button, "Hey, Babs."

There was a pause as Dick listened intently to Babs. Kori was at a lost. She started to pull herself together and started to get up but Dick grabbed her arm.

"Uh, Babs, hold on a sec," he paused to listen to the response on the other end of the line. "Please Babs, give me a minute."

This time he didn't wait for Babs' response and covered the phone, "Kori, baby, don't go."

Kori worked to keep her tone light, "I am going to return to my room so you may speak to Babs in private."

"Star, I'll just be a minute," his tone was nearly pleading.

"Robin," she replied using his nickname as she occasionally did, doing her best to smile and be supportive, "just call or come get me when you are ready. I love you." She might as well act as charming as she could. As her mother always said, you get more honey than you do with vinegar.

Kori gave him a quick kiss and was on her way. Dick staring in disbelief at the door as she shut it behind her. He silently prayed that she'd understand and that this wouldn't be going to be a long night.

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Thank you for reading and please review. Poor Kori, and it's almost her birthday too! I'm getting back in the groove with this story and will update soon!

LJ