First, I want to apologize for the plot stagnation the last few chapters. I thought I was making a point or two; maybe not so much as I reread it with a clearer (read: less medicated) mind, but I'm not going to do any true plot overhauls. I'll leave it alone for now and I promise to improve.

Second, I want to thank all that have hung in there with this story. You won't be disappointed when it all falls into place. I apologize again that my life, or more accurately my health, has gotten in the way of my writing, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and other than one rather large hurdle, it should be clear sailing (mixing my metaphors, much?)

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A few things that come up in this chapter:

The G20 Summit – The G20 Summit is an annual international meeting that brings together both the major advanced and emerging world economies to help to stabilize the global financial market. Its meetings and discussions are geared to promote world financial stability and to achieve a sustainable economic growth and development. It was established in 1999 in the wake of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. I took a lot of license here. I have no idea what kind of social events might revolve around such events; however, as the daughter of a late nationally-known econometrician / statistician, I can say that even those financial types know how to party...

General Ph'yzzon – The second of Starfire's husbands in the DC Comic Universe. He was a General in Tamaran's army and died in battle during the destruction of Tamaran.

Also, from earlier chapters: For the purpose of this story, Blackfire or Komand'r, is a terrorist and Kori's older sister, part of a terrorist group that bombed the palace that killed Kori's parents and brother. They remain estranged.

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Double Take

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Chapter 66

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In retrospect, it was so easy, too easy, and once she'd done it, she couldn't believe she waited so long. It made things much more palatable. At least at first the pain was taken away – that was what they were designed to do after all, and the pain was taken away at all levels: physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual. It made sleeping less necessary and at the same time easier; it smoothed out the edges, softened the blows, and made it easier to live with herself.

It was a substitute for what she really wanted, and although not the real thing, it would have to do. It would have to do while she was working her damnedest to get what she wanted.

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There were moments when Dick knew that his life was teetering on the precipice, veering nearly out of control on several occasions, but he always was able to rein it in, righting it before things got too out of hand. Part of him wished he could just let go. What was the point?

But he was self aware enough to know that he wasn't doing this for himself. He was not fully admitting it, he was only letting the image of her – or of them – appear before him and not allow that concept go to completion. No, he couldn't consciously go there, but he did not do the things she couldn't live with. Or maybe, just maybe, what they couldn't live with. So while he would not admit he wanted Kori back, needed her back, in order to keep that option open, he had to hold back and monitor his behavior.

Whether it was women, his temper, alcohol, going out, spending, how he treated people... How upset would this make Kori came up a lot. Sadly, she was his moral compass, not that it would matter, it was probably a moot point...

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And there was the constant that was Barbara. Her therapy, that she seemed suddenly less serious about now that she had Dick to herself, but that was still an obligation for Dick. And their 'relationship'. Sure, he and Babs fooled around, but he never let things get very far. Oh, and not for lack of trying on Barbara's part, that was for sure. Dick never let her in his bed, or his room for that matter.

Dick knew that there would be some misinterpretation concerning the upcoming social event that he was attending with Babs: hers, their friends', the world's - hell Kori's, when she found out. The reality of the situation was that it really wasn't going anywhere, at least from Dick's perspective.

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Barbara was pleased that she was going to the Wayne Enterprises function with Dick the weekend after next and she was fairly certain that they'd at least be perceived as a couple at Vic and Karen's wedding. But things were not going the way Barbara had expected them to go, and certainly not in the right time frame, and attempts to console herself were woefully inadequate.

The pain relief was so promising at first... Her first shipment of what she realized quickly was her 'Dick-substitute' – the pun not lost on her – weren't lasting. Yes, the relief... it was easy... she could only count the days until she received a package in the mail from Indonesia with 600 count ten milligram reinforcements. The first of many additional reinforcements, that was for sure.

If you're going to fall off the wagon, you might as well do so in a spectacular fashion. Recovery was hardly Babs' goal any longer anyway; Dick Grayson was paramount to anything else.

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Dick had tried to interest himself in women other than Babs, in hopes that something would happen, at least half-heartedly. Not that he was fully out-and-about, but there was never a shortage of women: they fell all over themselves at the July Fasig-Tipton Mixed Breed Sale in Timonium, much to the amusement of Manny and Bruce. Much was the same at an outing for brunch one Sunday at Kent Manor on the Eastern Shore as Bruce golfed. He took a lot of numbers, mostly because they were placed in pockets – he was practically an invalid with that hand wrapped up, after all. He never asked for any. Dick also found himself not directly answering anyone's questions about Kori, only confirming that she was out of the country for both personal and diplomatic reasons.

Dick only knew about the diplomatic visits because Bruce basically forced Dick to listen to Kori's schedule as he knew it. Not that Bruce had spoken to her directly. He was awaiting her message to arrange transportation home for her. Bruce wished Kori had contacted him to touch base, but decided to stay out of it.

Ronnie the hand therapist seemed so ripe for the picking, or so Dick had thought, but suddenly it wasn't harvest time... or maybe it was just his interpretation. Their therapy sessions together were strictly professional but before and after her home visits there were lingering conversations over a drink, a stroll in the cool evening hours around the grounds, were flirtatious. But still, Ronnie had a way about her that made him think that she rooting for Dick and Kori to be back together. Not that she knew Kori, or had known Dick and Kori as a couple, it just seemed that Ronnie's flirtatious comments gave Dick pause, leading him to think about the woman that should be in his life.

Or maybe that's what he wanted to hear...

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As Kori's time in the Mediterranean continued, her days were filled with site-seeing, academic research consisting of visiting hospices as well as meeting with other professionals in palliative care, and some diplomatic visits. While she wasn't putting off coming home per se, she wasn't in a hurry to come back Stateside either. Other than Vic and Karen's wedding, she wasn't looking forward to returning home, wanting to put off the inevitable with Richard.

Or was it inevitable? For the life of her she couldn't figure out how neither of them had made the move to actually get in touch. She was in Greece now and had access to email, phone, carrier pigeon... why wasn't she trying to talk to Richard now?

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Nearing the time of the G-20 Summit, to be held in Athens, she and Diana had headed over to spend time with other leaders and dignitaries. Kori had automatically taken up the invitation, seeing the five day span as one of the few blocks of time left to fill before she needed to return home to Washington, but soon wondered if it was what she wanted at all. She had already rejected her royal status, but Galfore gave her some encouragement to meet for a few informal sessions on emerging markets and a few small social gatherings.

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At a cocktail party, Kori realized that she was being recognized for being Tamaranean Royalty, and also realized that she did not want to be there. Especially when a well-decorated General sought her out.

She knew of General Ph'yzzon and his role in regaining order for the military after the bombings that had killed her family. At that point, he was only a twenty-five year old Captain in the Tamaranean Army, but was part of the Regent within the capital city of Tamaras. When the palace guard were doing all they could to protect Kori and get her out of the country alive as the terrorists' bombs continued to detonate around the Palace and the Capital, it was then-Captain Ph'yzzon who established and enforced Marshall Law.

As a Monarchy without anything more than a peaceful protest to contend with in more than two hundred years, there was no contingency plan in place if anything happened to the Royal Family. This in spite of their own intelligence that there were some terror plots against the royal family and even with corroborating intelligence coming from the CIA and Interpol.

After Tamaras nearly fell to the terror group the Citadel, Ph'yzzon could have been Tamaran's George Washington: he could have been the first elected leader or even a new King, but he chose not to be. Ridiculously handsome with his tanned skin and platinum hair pulled back in a ponytail, he stood a full 6'6" with broad shoulders and a trim physique. He had a commanding presence and was both confident and self-deprecating.

Instead, in an act that only added to his popularity and mystique, Ph'yzzon had worked closely with the Senate to find a lead. The senate of Tamaran was in its infancy; Kori's father's first step toward a government 'for the people, by the people'. Representatives were elected from around the Island Nation, and these twenty-five senators represented the people. Tamaran was in no sense a true Republic, but there was representation; the Senators did advise King Myand'r about the will of the people from their respective regions.

So with the Royal Family gone – the King, Queen and Prince dead, Kori safely out of the county and Koma a terrorist with the Citadel – and Ph'y finding himself the People's choice for leader, he took his popularity and decided to back a Senator.

Senator Dorian was President of the Senate, chosen by his fellow senators, an earnest and hardworking person, certain to give all he had to Tamaran. The people rallied and agreed with Ph'y, and Dorian became Prime Minister. Within six months, Tamaran mourned their losses, but had the comfort of a leader that adored them and, for the first time, they had the ability to elect their leader.

There weren't any term limits, and Dorian wasn't going anywhere. Used to a leader staying in power a long time – until his or her death in fact – Dorian was already in power for 17 years and was not up for reelection for another three.

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Kori had never met Ph'y. He knew Galfore from their days together in the Army back in Tamaran before the coup attempt. Later Ph'y had visited Galfore in DC, but that was before she had moved there. The General no longer looked like a surfer or pop idol, but was still very striking. His hair, now silver and still worn long, was paired with a trimmed goatee. When Kori looked up and their eyes met, his steel gray eyes sliced through her. She wasn't sure if it was in a good way or a bad way, but still reeling from all the things that were going on with Richard, all she wanted to do was run, but she knew that wasn't an option.

His long strides brought Ph'yzzon over to Koriand'r in seconds, and she was a bit paralyzed in his gaze. A soft smile and the briefest of bows put her at ease as he introduced himself, speaking in Tamaranean, "My apologies for not waiting to be introduced to you formally, Princess Koriand'r, but the simple truth is that I have not had the opportunity to meet you in the years that we both lived in Tamaran or the times I have visited with your Uncle Galfore in the United States and I was not going to leave anything up to chance. I am your humble protector and servant, Ph'yzzon. It is truly a pleasure to meet you."

Kori blinked and then smiled. "Pleased to meet you as well, Ph'yzzon."

"May I?" Ph'y asked as he brought her hand to his lips.

Que the paparazzi, or at least the legitimate press...

"Please call me Kori."

Kori groaned inwardly, trying not to let her mind follow the train of thought that lead to all the other problems that the press had already caused her. She had no idea there would be an interest in her there. Wasn't it just the financial papers interested in the G20 Summit?

"Very well, Kori. Please call me Ph'y."

"I shall."

Ph'y's smile turned sad and he said with a great deal of conviction, "I wish I could have done more for your family that day. The Regent should have protected the city. No one should have died."

His words appeared to be that of true regret and his eyes were shining with tears as he added, "I have waiting almost 17 years to tell you that, Koriand'r."

Kori was stunned by the raw emotion of the man she saw before her. Her royal self would not have been allowed to comfort him, her Americanized self wanted to hug him and then make sure he felt better.

"Thank you for telling me. You saved our country, our way of life. You are a hero, General Ph'yzzon." She paused, feeling the heat in her cheeks as his eyes bore into her. "I see why my uncle speaks to highly of you." Kori's eyes flicked to either side. "But if you do not mind, Ph'y, there is someone I'd like for you to meet."

"Lead the way."

As they walked back to meet up with Diana and other members of the Greek delegation, Kori confided in Tamaranean, "There were the reporters. I did not wish for us to be the personal interest news item."

"Ah, like you and Richardgrayson are back in the United States," Ph'yzzon replied.

Kori gasped, and ducted onto a small alcove before reaching Diana and the others. "And what do you know of that?" she demanded a bit more sharply than she meant.

His tone was comforting, "Kori, do not be angry. Galfore was concerned and when he knew that we were both going to be here, he mentioned that you were having difficulties with the press. I confess I found out most of my information on Google, so I am unclear what is the truth. Seeing that Wikipedia is written by anyone who wants to enter information, it is hardly the gospel that people think it is, so I did not trust that entry in its entirety either."

Kori laughed at that. It was a pet peeve of hers, that Wikipedia was where people went to get information. Sure, if you want background of some fictitious character, like a cartoon Superhero, it's great, but when people try to get their science from Wikipedia... well that can be foolish.

Ph'y looked at her a bit puzzled by her reaction. "Kori?"

"I... apologize. We agree on Wikipedia, that is why I was doing the laughing. But Galfore sent you?"

"No. I was going to be here for the Summit – X'hal knows why – no matter what Dorian says about my education, I am a soldier, not a financial expert. Galfore mentioned in an email that you were here in Greece and that you were to be here for some of the informal sessions. I had only hoped that I would get a chance to meet you."

"Oh, yes, I see. Again, I apologize. Galfore has done the interfering before in my relationships." Kori wondered why she was being so opened with Ph'y, but talking to another Tamaranean, especially one who knew the persuasiveness of Galfore, it did not seem like an inappropriate conversation. She wondered later if she was being too trusting.

"Ah, the role of the patriarch. I guess to your American friends it seems rather backward."

"Or Draconian."

"Was there severe punishment? Forgive my inquiry, but what did Galfore do?"

Kori stammered. "It does not matter, and his intention was never to punish me. Shall we change the subject? You spoke of business school. Tell me of your education."

"Well, I went to school in America as you did, actually to the Wharton School, and then to the London School of Economics."

"You did! Please tell me all about your experiences! We have much of the 'comparing of the notes' to do."

"Now Kori, remember, I'm a good deal older than you are."

"Not all that much has changed! Oh this is glorious! I am so glad to have someone to talk to! Sometimes I just miss Philadelphia so much!"

Kori and Ph'y found a quiet area on the terrace to talk. Well, quiet before they got there. Over a couple glasses of wine, they laughed and shared memories of getting used to life in America: the use of slang always tripping them up, the crazy rituals of college life, life in an American urban setting, the astonishing beauty of four completely different seasons. It wasn't flirtation, it was the start of a friendship, as each found someone wonderful to talk to.

Kori looked out onto the harbor and the breeze blew back her hair. A tickling sensation between her shoulder blades made her wonder if the way Ph'y was looking at her – she could see that he was looking at her and not the harbor lights out of the corner of her eye – was a way that wasn't welcomed at the moment. Not that it mattered. Her heart was not going to be offered up to anyone anytime soon.

Her heart was still Richard's, but she was holding onto it so tightly.

Phy's pinkie touched Kori's on the railing. "Kori, as much as I would love to keep talking to you about my college days and my time in America, we have not spoken of our homeland. When you get home sick, do you not miss Tamaran?"

Kori set her jaw both at his touch and his words. "No."

Ph'y took it as a challenge, misjudging her, taking her hand in his and pressing his point. "It really is wonderful now. The people are free, happy. Life is good there. Galfore has been back, why haven't you been? I'd love to show it to you."

Kori shut her eyes resolutely. Not here, not now, not having this discussion...

"And the people need their Princess. Galfore has not told you, but people are so happy you are alive and well and..."

Kori snapped the stem of the glass trying to contain her anger.

"I am an American, General, or, as a nod to my heritage, I believe the parlance would beTamaranean-American. As far as I am concerned, Princess Koriand'r died in 1992. So let us start this conversation over: I am Dr. Kori Anders, PhD. I am a nurse who specializes in palliative and hospice care. You are a famous General of the Tamaranean Army. It is interesting who one meets at an economic summit, is it not General?"

"Kor- I mean, Dr. Anders, it is interesting who you meet."

"It was nice to finally meet you. My uncle speaks highly of you."

"It has been a pleasure to meet you. Your uncle has always been very proud of you. I now understand why."

"I shall take that as a compliment. Please forgive me, but I am late for meeting my friend. Excuse me."

Kori did not wait for acknowledgment before she strode away to find Diana, leaving a surprised but quite impressed General Ph'yzzon alone on the deck.

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Babs was finally going to be out of Dick hair for a few days. She had been invited on a last minute short sailing trip off St. Micheal's Island with a couple of cousins and to visit her Great Aunt who was nearly 95. Dick politely said no to her pleadings of going along, with Xavier, now a regular visitor to the Manor, backing him up that the sea spray would not be helpful to his hand.

So Babs was going to be away and after she left Xavier looked at Dick with a smug smirk. "Party at your house?"

Composed and arrogant all these weeks, at least in front of all but those closest to him, Dick nearly choked on his drink. "You sound like my parents are away for the weekend and this is our chance to go crazy."

"Pretty much."

Dick fell silent, considering. It was an interesting idea. As for Xavier, even though getting Dick with Babs was a huge part of his plot to get Kori, it wasn't going as planned, so he might as well look into other options to loosen up his new best pal Dick. And have some fun himself. Plus he'd heard that parties at Wayne Manor could get pretty wild.

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It was Kitten of course that saw the little item in the human interest section of paper. Well, actually Alfred had seen it as well and had taken it to Bruce to plan an intervention, knowing the volatility of the situation, knowing that Dick might misinterpret what could have been an innocent exchange.

It was surprisingly unsensationalized considering the subject matter. 'General who saved the tiny Nation of Tamaran from a terrorist takeover in the coup attempt in 1992 meets the surviving member of the Tamaranean Royal family.' The picture showed Ph'yzzon kissing Kori's hand. A short article followed, which gave the history and a short discussion of Kori's presence at the events surrounding the G20 Summit. It did also mention her romantic ties with one Dick Grayson, and being the mainstream press, fortunately didn't speculate further as to his whereabouts.

Kitten, nothing if not bold, strode up to the mansion, and rang the bell. Alfred was busy with Bruce and Dick answered the door. "Hi Dickie-poo, I wanted to make sure your doing okay. I was so worried about you!"

"Kitten." Dick hissed.

Xavier came up behind Dick at the door, trying to hide his amusement. "Hello Kitten."

"Oh hi, X! Are you guys, like, having a party?"

"No Kitten. Dick and I had a business matter we were discussing."

Dick did his best to hide his 'oh really?' face. "Yes, and Dr. Red has a tight schedule. So now that you see that I'm quite well and able to discuss such frivolous things as business, you'll have to excuse us. We really must get back to it."

"Of course, Dickie-poo." She turned and then spun back dramatically and reached into her petite purse, unfolding the one-quarter newspaper page. "Oh, before I go, I wanted to be sure you had an extra copy of Kori's picture. I'm sure she's the type to keep a scrap book still. Looks like she's having a hell of a time in, like, Greece or Rome or wherever."

Dick scanned the article after doing his best not to react to the picture, while Red was doing his best not to gawk over his shoulder. Knowing more than a bit about the history of the country, he feigned indifference, although did not defend Kori. "It's just a picture of Kori at the G20 summit, Kitten."

"What the hell is the G-two-0? Is it a rock festival? This guy she's with looks like a rock star."

"It's a meeting about world econom- it's about money, Kitten."

"So who's the dude?"

"A Tamaranean general. A friend of her family."

"Huh. Look like she's having fun."

Dick decided it was time to just end the speculation and Kitten was the rumor vector to get the job done. "Kori's been over in Europe since we broke up."

"WHAT?" Kitten screached.

Dick ignored her. "Anyway Kitten, you mentioned a party. There's not one now, Red and I are busy, but there will be one here on Saturday at 8 PM."

"Oh awesome!" Kitten threw her arms around Dick's neck and soundly kissed him on the lips. "See you then!"

Red was hardly surprised when Kitten kissed him as well. "You'll be here too, right X?"

"Oh, definitely," Red replied, deciding to go in for another Kitten kiss. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

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To be continued...

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Please review. I'm working on the next chapter. I'm trying. And I'm working on the final chapter of June Fete for something completely different...

And no hating on me for the Wikipedia comment. It is true, anyone can write anything. Right, wrong, and they do try to edit it. (But I got so much satisfaction out of razzing my sister, a world-renowned scientist, when she was entered in Wikipedia... she did not appreciate the 'You have ARRIVED!' that I mocked her with on her FB page.)