Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans. Or any of the references in this story. Thank you Marvel and DC for amazingness of comics.

Rated M: For language and sexual content.

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS LEMON(S). BE WARNED AND ENJOY ;)

Hello, my awesome readers!

I want to apologize for such a long hiatus from writing. It's been a crazy CRAZY! And it's not about to slow down unfortunately.

I will continue this story as best as I can. And with that my updates may be long or short. But they are updates nonetheless.

I've been reviewing the past chapters and to be honest, I don't think I can wrap this up in 10 chapters. I have an idea of where this is going to go and it's going to be longer than I probably expected it to be. So stay tuned.

Enjoy this chapter!

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I woke up in the middle of the night. I can't sleep.

Bruce is Batman and Richard is-was his protege, Robin. Bruce was pushing Richard to become Gotham's protector. Our relationship is even more complicated now that I'm competing with the rest of Gotham. Did I have any right to get in the way of that? As much as I love Richard and want to be with him, if Bruce and Richard were not there that night I ran away from home, I wouldn't be standing here. Who knows where I would have ended up! Gotham is dangerous place. I can't even begin to describe it as I've been living in Paris for the past year.

I know what their heroism did for the people. And after two years, our streets are deemed unsafe once again. I, one person, versus a whole city! It's ridiculous and selfish to think that I could compete with that.

Richard is not a man I can love. It would be selfish to take him away from a world of turmoil.

Robin.

Was it Richard's intention to become the next Batman?

Will he sacrifice all that for our relationship? Was I going to let him?

I heard a loud thud.

I jolted out of bed and grabbed my silk black kimono to cover myself. I stepped out of my room and into the hallway to get full view of the foyer. It was empty. I walked quietly down the stairs, careful not to make the old steps creak under my weight.

I heard someone in the kitchen, rummaging in search of something. I could feel my heart palpating in my chest and desperately quieted my breaths as I approached the kitchen. I could see a dark figure shuffling in the kitchen. I could hear his heavy breathing and then he collapsed on the marble tile floor. I gasped.

He heard me and turned my way.

I frantically looked for the light switch.

When I turned on the light, I gape in shock.

A masked man. His hair dark as night and his eyes an electric blue. Richard. His suit was tight around his fit body but was clearly torn revealing open wounds. He has lost blood. I could see shards of glass sticking out of his abdomen.

I called out, "Alfred! HELP! In the kitchen!"

He groaned as he tried to pull out glass shards from his abdomen.

"Baby… don't move. Let me do it."

He looked me in the eyes, in shock.

Alfred came rushing in, followed by Bruce who was not expecting Richard to be bleeding over the kitchen floor.

Alfred found some clean gloves and proceeded to remove the glass shards one by one. I applied pressure on open wounds to prevent him from bleeding out.

"You told her, didn't you?" Richard finally said, his question aimed at Bruce.

"She found the cave. What was I supposed to say?" Bruce briskly retaliated.

"Honey, it's alright. Just try to stay still. You'll lose more blood if you move. Bruce, try to find a first aid kit or some sewing materials. I need to sew these wounds if I can. Oh, and some alcohol."

I kissed Richard's forehead.

"Kory, I-"

"-Ssssh, hush now. Please… we'll talk about this later."

I could feel his body relax. I just want you to be alright.

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Bruce and Alfred had carried him into bed, as we cut away his suit and washed whatever we could. I was relieved to know that other than some bruises and the cuts from the glass shards, he was unharmed. He was sound asleep when I decided to leave his side and wash my hands from the dried blood.

I wasn't prepared to feel this much worry.

I remembered he used to spar and get into a lot of fights in high school. Richard always found trouble… sometimes I think he lives for it. But this… fighting real crime at night. Am I going to feel this every night?

I want to keep telling myself, "He's saving other people. He's a hero. He's doing it for a good cause."

So much fear. Fear of losing him. Fear of keeping him from what he was meant to do. I was just so unsure.

I didn't bother going back to bed. I just sat in the kitchen.

5:09AM

Shit, how long have I been sitting here. I have to go to work. I should call in sick but I can't.

I decided to check up on Richard.

Too quickly, I bumped into Bruce.

"Good morning," he said, rubbing his eyes. He was already dressed for work.

"Morning." I said sternly.

"Thank you for last night. I had no idea, he was going to-"

"It's alright… I'm going to go check on him and then head to work." I didn't wait for his reply. I briskly ran up the stairs and stepped into his room. I was relieved to find him still sleeping. His expression was more relaxed on his face. Perhaps he was dreaming.

I immediately wanted to cry.

I sat on the bed, gently, so that I wouldn't wake him. He seemed so fragile and yet from his wounds, he looked so strong. I've known him to have scars so they didn't bother me until now.

I caressed his hand with the back of mine. His hands were always warmer than mine no matter what.

I quickly planted a kiss on his forehead. As I moved away, I saw him stir. But he continued to remain still in his slumber.

Time for work.

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"Ms. Anders, you have a meeting at 11 with Valleria to finalize the layout of the store that we're opening in 2 weeks. And you have a phone call on Line 1." In a matter-of-fact tone. She never calls me Ms. Anders unless she's being sarcastic or absolutely serious (which for her, is almost identical).

"Thank you, Rachel." I sighed.

So much work to be done. Thank God for Rachel. I hired her to be my assistant and second-in-command as soon as I came back. She always kept me on time with meetings and appointments and for the life of me could never understand how she handled stress. The woman was invincible and most of all my best friend.

She mouthed "Richard".

I sighed and she closed the glass door to my office.

I pressed "Line 1" and put my headset on.

"Hello?"

"Hi." He sounded tired.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'll live. I need to see you."

"Babe, I'm swamped today and even if I wanted to… I don't think I can get out of work."

"What if I come to you, then? I'll pick you up from work."

I paused. Can I wait that long? There has to be something I can move until later.

It's already 10:45 and I have a meeting at 11. I have to squeeze lunch between 12-12:30 and then I have another meeting at 12:45. A conference call with L.A. who want to set up a store there at 2. Then I need to finalize some sketches for the first new line in the US by 4.

"I'll try to get off work as soon as I can, honey. I'll see you at 4? Just come up and I'll will let you in."

"Ok, Star. I'll see you then." Click

I just need to get through today.

Knock knock! I looked up to see Rachel. I nodded and she entered.

She sat in the chair in front of my desk.

"So are you going to tell me what's going on? Despite how you look gorgeous everyday, I know when you look like shit."

I take a deep breath. I wasn't going to tell her about Richard and Bruce's secret identities but I have to give her something.

"There's some tension at the manor. I told Richard about me and Bruce. And because Bruce plans to pass on the company to Richard, I am a distraction so Bruce isn't completely thrilled that I've returned. I didn't sleep a wink last night."

"You can sleep at my place, if you need a break. This next few weeks are really stressful and you need to be on your game for the launch. You know if you need anything, I'm here." She extended her hand and patted mine.

I took both her hands and smiled. "You are a life saver! There is one thing I want you to help me with."

"Shoot."

"I need you to help me pick the designs for the first line. There is a lot to choose from and I need to speak with Richard as soon as possible. I'm hoping to leave a little earlier."

Her face lit up. I knew how much she loved fashion, especially when she had a say. Surprisingly, she had already submitted some of her designs to my mother, which she approved. I planned to give her liberty to which of her designs she wanted to showcase.

I added, "I've already chosen which of my designs I wish to put on but I know there is room for a few more designs. I trust you. But mom has the final say."

"I got'chu!" she exclaimed, immediately leaving my office with a small smirk on her face.

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It's 3:37PM.

"-I really like the charcoal asymmetrical cut out dress. I think I'm done here. If you want to organize it all and send it to my mother to confirm. We can call it a night. I just gotta do a few things in my office. You're free to go, thank you ladies!"

It was just me, Rachel and Karen, our Marketing Executive, assisting us to advertise the launch. She has put a lot of input on the look of the store. Her feisty attitude is what I wanted for someone is going to advertise our new store. She too is a fashion icon who has been eyeing the designs.

It's now 3:49PM.

I'm glad I'm staying in the office a little bit instead of dealing with Gotham traffic right away.

"See you, Kory!" Rachel called out as her and Karen entered the elevator.

I waved and then settling into my chair.

Something caught my eye. A small manila envelope. I pick it up and it's unlabeled which is odd. I carefully rip the seal and there seems to be photos. But before I can take them out, the intercom turns on.

"Star, it's me." I see Richard on the camera in the elevator. I beep him in.

I walk over to the elevators so I can greet him. The doors open. He's completely underdressed wearing a gray pullover sweater with straight leg jeans. Complete with a maroon beanie and vintage Ray-Ban's.

Irresistible.

"Hi baby." He comes and gives me a soft kiss on my lips.

"Hey handsome." I touch his face. "Let's go into my office."

I sit on the desk as he sits on a chair.

"Where do I even begin?" He says as he looks at me worryingly.

"Here, let me start… Bruce told me everything last night when I-stumbled into the Batcave. I understand why you're reluctant to take over because you want to be with me. And as much as I want us together, I don't want to keep you from doing what you want."

"And that is?"

"Saving the world, and protecting the people of Gotham."

He waited to find the right words to say. "Kory, I would be lying if I said that I didn't want to protect Gotham. But I just don't agree with me taking on Bruce's image. Why do I have to be a multi-billionaire and a hero? That's what I don't agree with. I already want to be with you and then juggling CEO and Nightwing. I just don't know how that's possible or fair."

"Nightwing, eh?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I love how you pick up on that…" He was unimpressed.

"Sorry, baby… I do agree." I look down. I still remember him lying on the kitchen floor bleeding and in pain.

"What's wrong, Star?"

"I-I'm just not sure if I can sleep at night knowing you're fighting bad guys every night. Gotham needs you and I understand that. It's just-I'm scared, Richard."

He stood up in front of me, taking my face into his hands. "You don't have to worry about that… you're not going to lose me and I'm not going to lose you…"

"Babe-" his lips crushed into mine. I could feel his hunger in his kiss. It was eager and desperate. I felt myself instantly intertwine myself into his embrace. My legs wrapped around his waist and his hand pulling my body closer to his.

He broke off the kiss, "I don't want anymore excuses… I'm not letting you go anywhere."

"So you don't think I'll get in the way?" I search his eyes for doubt.

"I can't promise you anything, but I want to make this work… I love you. And I'm going to do what's right and protect Gotham at the same time."

He plants a kiss on my forehead, "As long as you want me, Kory."

"Are you kidding?" I bite my lip.

He kisses my bottom lip. Our eyes lock and I know what he wants. I could feel myself shiver as I think of all the naughty things that could happen right here and now. My body urges for him, unable to spare a second to breathe. I feel his lips crash into mine, our tongues entangled in our lust. I let a whimper as he grabs my breast with his right hand and my ass with his left.

He then realizes that we should probably move to the couch. Of course, we knocked over a few documents, but no harm done.

He sprawled me over the couch. He pulled my shirt up to reveal my already bursting breasts which were hardly contained in my black lace bra. He bent over and proceeded to caress my left boob while hungrily sucking the other one. I immediately arch back and let out soft moans.

"Baby…"

He comes back up to kiss my lips. I help him take off his sweater and the shirt underneath as he pulls my skirt above my waist revealing my matching black lace thong. He bits his lip as he looks down at my already wet pussy.

I pull him towards me again and we're making out vigorously as I can feel him removing his belt and jeans. Fuck… we might just skip the foreplay.

"Honey…" I close my eyes as he continues to suck and nibble on my nipples. I could feel his fingers brush against my clitoris.

"Looks like someone is ready for me…"

I pause, "Richard, are you sure you want to do this? You're injured from yesterday."

"Don't worry baby. I'm not going to let little cuts like this prevent from fucking my woman."

Well said.

He removes my lacy thong and his boxer briefs to reveal his perfectly hard erection. "Mmm…"

"How much do you want me, Star?"

"Put it in, baby." I demanded. I moaned in pleasure as he entered me. Fuck. How does he feel this good? Not to mention, he's a superhero. A hot superhero.

He started slowly entering and reentering me, his way of teasing of me. I could feel myself tense as he would continue deeper into me. Our bodies so close together and my insides moist and welcoming to his hard touch. He leaned forward, spreading my legs apart and began thrusting hard while paying attention to my available breasts.

Oh, how I wanted this.

Oh goodness, I'm having sex in my office. As much as it's exhilarating to fuck my amazingly gorgeous superhero boyfriend, I can't help but feel really self-conscious. I can't remember if there are any security cameras are set in up in here.

He flips me over and dips himself into me.

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I don't even remember how I got home… just how much sex I had last night. Oh god… I'm going to be sore today.

I turn over and his face glistens in the early sunrise. He always did look so innocent in his sleep. I can still see the darkness under his eyes from many sleepless nights. I don't know how he's going to do it all. He's right, he can't be with me and be Nightwing and the CEO of Wayne Enterprise. I want to be with him. But I also don't want to deprive Gotham the one thing that keeps us safe at night. Bruce is going to have to find someone else to run the company at this point because he chose to be a billionaire and Batman and Richard chooses me and his alias, Nightwing. I think that's fair.

I deserve to be happy with Richard after all those years of feeling unworthy. I would be an idiot if I pushed him away now that everything is good.

Despite how happy I am that things will work out… something else is bothering me.

Ever since I stumbled into the Batcave, I started remembering more and more of my dad. It's as if my subconscious wall has broken down and it's trying to tell me something.

I refuse to believe that my father was murdered for no reason. There are so many missing puzzle pieces. I was so young and naive and selfish, I didn't bother looking at the bigger picture. It's almost as if I forced myself to forget my life with my dad. For the longest time, I felt I was robbed of my father and I wanted to feel normal and happy again. And in order to do that I had to deny myself the pleasure of remembering who he was. It was easy since my mother basically moved us and left his memory behind as well.

I'm not even sure she ever spoke his name after that day. She always put a 'happy face' on.

It was just the 3 of us. Mom never mentioned other family members which thinking about it now sounds very suspicious. It's amazing how much I don't know or don't remember. I don't know if I should ask mom about this or not.

"Babe?"

I didn't realize his eyes were open staring at me.

I look into his eyes smiling, "Good morning."

He gives me a soft kiss on the forehead. "What time is it?"

"It's about 6 in the morning." He groans and covers his face in the pillow.

"I have to get ready for work. Wait- don't you?"

His voice muffled from the pillow, "Nope, I got sacked yesterday."

I sit up immediately, "WHAT?!"

He turns towards me in astonishment, "I was serious when I said I didn't want to be Bruce's prodigal son. I'm going to be with you now and that's that."

"But-what are you going to do during the day? You just can't loaf around and vigilante at night!"

He looks straight into the eyes, "I'll be your live-at-home boyfriend."

I give him a disapproving look and get out of bed. What is he thinking? I head to my temporary walk in closet and scan for an outfit for work.

He pops his head into the closet, "You know I'm kidding right? I'll find something to occupy my day."

"Like what exactly?"

"I don't know, I'll be a photographer like Peter Parker in Spiderman."

"You do realize that Peter Parker is regular guy… and you're a multi-billionaire's son. You know that wouldn't work for you. You've been living in the limelight for so long, there's no way you can live low profile."

"Babe, have a little faith in me! Okay- maybe Peter Parker isn't the best example. But I definitely need to find a day job that doesn't require extra hours and traveling. I want to be with you as much as I can… and if you want, we could settle down."

"Settle down?! Honey, you want too many things at once. I can't settle down right now, especially when I have a company to run. I don't want to be those moms who barely sees their kids and has to hire a nanny at home that would want to fuck my gorgeous husband while go grey from all the stress from work."

"Woaaah… no one said kids."

I give him the 'I'm-going-to-kill-you-look'.

"Aw come on, Star, you know I'm kidding. I'd love to have mini versions of you running around." He grabs me from behind, preventing me from changing into my floral maxi skirt and faded denim long sleeve shirt.

"That's not the point, Robin- I mean Nightwing."

Fuck, I hope he didn't hear. "What did you call me?"

"I said Nightwing…"

He pins me slowly against the wall, his cerulean blue eyes staring into mine, quickening my heartbeat.

"You said 'Robin'."

"I-I need to go to work…" I pushed him away and brought my clothes to the bathroom.

Gazing into the mirror, I'm going to have to put my hair in ponytail. I could feel Richard following my movements.

"You're hiding from me again… how do you know that name, Korinna?" Uh oh, he's using my first name.

I swallowed. "I remember you… you and Bruce. Back when you were Batman and Robin. You-you saved me when I was a very reckless angry teenager. I was being followed by a thug in the streets and there you were. I was unconscious and I remember you saved me. Ever since I found the Batcave, I've- never mind."

I look away from his reflection in the mirror. He was wearing only his boxer briefs so you could imagine how distracting that was.

"So that's how you found out about me… you found the Batcave, and I'm assuming Bruce or Alfred caught you and had to tell you everything including Bruce retiring."

"And that's why I don't want you to stop being Nightwing. Who knows what could have happened to me that night?! You save people and prevent crime. I love you for that and I am indebted to you. I'm starting to remember a lot of things from the past and I kind of want to look into my father's death."

He takes my hand. "Kory, I know that what it's like to investigate the past, but all you will find is pain. You need to look at now and the future. You may not like what you find and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt. I don't know much about your father but I know that the crime at the time was very extensive and diving into the past is a dangerous thing."

"I have to know, Richard." I pull my hand away. "I have to get ready to work, ok? Can I have a moment?"

He sighs and leaves the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

I'm going to find out one way or another.

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"Kory! There you are! I have someone on line 1 for you… it's very important." Rachel said as I entered the office.

"Thanks!" I run into the office setting done my papers and press Line 1.

"Hi, this is Kor-"

"We need to talk."

"Ah, Bruce, how are you this fine morning," in my sarcastic tone.

"I don't need your sarcasm, Korinna."

What is it with men using my name as a way to indicate I'm in trouble?

"I'm assuming Richard came to see you yesterday and told you the news?"

"Oh, of you sacking him?"

I could hear him smirk, "You mean not showing up to the board meeting? We waited 2 hours with no fucking reply. The board wants him off"

I can picture that. "So what do you want, Mr. Wayne? I'm not Richard's handler. If he doesn't want to be the new CEO of Wayne Enterprise, then so be it."

"You know that's not an option."

"For you perhaps…"

"Kory, please-"

"Bruce, listen, I love him and he loves me and I'm going to be behind his every decision. I know we had a little thing in the past but you have nothing on me. Are you trying to kill Richard, you know how much pressure he would be under. And that's no way to live life. You said so yourself once upon a time."

"I had no choice, Kory. I know you can see that. Besides, what the hell is he going to do now?!"

"That's up to him, Bruce!"

"Kory just think, what will happen when we lose Wayne Enterprise? Do you know what it funds?"

I felt my heart sink. Wayne Enterprise has been the sole reason that Batman and Nightwing exist. It's not cheap to be a superhero after all. The amount of technology in the Batcave and the access that it has… it has to be funded somehow.

"How are you losing Wayne Enterprise? Can't you just keep being CEO until you find someone suitable to take on the company?"

"Kory, I'm retiring. I can't live this life anymore. I just can't do it… I've slaved over this city and now I have nothing but money and a playboy reputation. It'd be nice to not give a shit all the time."

"Bruce-"

"Don't give me your pity. You and Richard just as selfish as everyone else in the goddamn city. You never see the bigger picture. The company is aware I am retiring and I cannot back out of that now. So if Richard refuses to take responsibility you can kiss the city goodbye because I'm going to have to sell it."

"WHAT?! Does Richard know?!"

"I sent an email this morning… if he bothers to check."

"Bruce… you can't be serious?!"

"..." Fuck! He hung up on me.

"GODDAMN IT!"

Rachel bursts into my office. "Hey, take it easy! The whole office can hear you." Her face concerned, she walked over and sat in the chair in front of me.

"Kory," she began, "I know something is going on and you need to tell me. We've been friends for a long time and you know I am more than capable to keep it hush if that's what you want me to do."

"I need to call Richard to the office before I tell you anything."

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"Ok… so let me get this straight… you and Bruce are the notorious heroes of Gotham and Bruce is now retiring from both Wayne Enterprises and Batman?"

Richard nodded.

Richard agreed to tell Rachel since I've been friends with her for a long time. Bruce is not going to like more and more people getting involved in his business. We need more people on our side.

"It's a very rash move on Bruce's part. I wonder if he's being pressured into it somehow." Richard said as he stared in the distance in deep thought.

"Richard, he's basically cutting you off." Rachel replied monotonly.

I touch his hand, "What are you going to do?"

"He doesn't give me much choice. I have to show to the board and apologize for my recklessness and take over the company."

"Babe-" He interrupts me.

"He knows me too well… he knows I would never give up Nightwing or this city. Fucking prick." He stands up and steps to the side staring out to the city view.

"Bruce has a valid argument." Rachel broke the silence, "Without the company, the city is in danger. Wayne Enterprise is one of the biggest companies in the city and under a different management, it could turn this company upside down."

"...if he resigns, it will go to Slade Wilson." Richard muttered under his breath.

"Who's Slade Wilson?" I asked.

"His company is the next company after Wayne Enterprise." Rachel replied.

"Wow, how do I not know about this stuff?"

"Well, Kory, you just got back from Paris and he doesn't exactly specialize in fashion. Slade Wilson is bad news is what I'm saying. Although they cannot incriminate him, he was associated with the biggest crime bosses in Gotham before. He may have cleaned up but it still doesn't change the fact that he gives everyone the creeps." I looked at Rachel apologetically.

Richard continued without looking away from the window.

"The board will choose Slade Wilson, they favour him because of what he has access to. Merging Wayne Enterprise and Wilson Corp would be the most advantageous alliance in business history if only Bruce didn't trust Wilson. He's also made a lot of advancements in the past few years that it's possible he will surpass Wayne Enterprise which makes the board favourable to the merge."

"So… what do we do now?" My palms were starting to sweat as I saw no other option.

After what seemed like eons, Richard broke the silence.

"Bruce and I have been protecting Gotham for years and he wants to live his own life but it doesn't make sense that he would let it all go to shit. He hates Slade Wilson… we've been trying to get him for any illegal activity but he's clean. And with Wilson Corp rising in the business world, something doesn't seem right."

"What are you saying?" I arose from chair and stood next to Richard, wanting him to look at me.

"I have to take over Wayne Enterprise."

END

Thank you everyone who has been reviewing this story! I'm so very sorry for the wait. I promise you, I am very invested in the direction that the story is taking now. I will start working on the next chapter as we speak.

I hope everyone is doing well in their lives and had a nice break reading my story.

PLEASE REVIEW

~AiZoey