AN: Well I completely forgot to mention Mar'i in the bottom notes of the last chapter. Oh well, I'm explaining it now. Mar'i Grayson is the daughter that Dick and Kory have during the Kingdom/Kingdom Come DCAU. For some reason they made Starfire, well deceased, so Nightwing raised Mar'i and he was very protective of her to the point where she found him embarrassing besides the fact that he still wanted to fight crime at his age. He literally flipped his shizznit and blew a gasket when he found of she had romantic feelings for Bruce's son Ibn which is Damian in that series. Almost like Romeo & Juliet; Bruce was such a troll, it was quite amusing.

That is all; Happy Reading!

Moving Forward

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Richard woke up early in the morning, yawning he slowly opened his eyes and was greeted by the sight of Kory's back. He smiled remembering last night and her need to be close to him. Boy was he spent. He leaned over and kissed her bare shoulder blade as he unwound his arms from around her and got up. His black hair was slicked back with sweat and he just didn't know where he placed his boxers. Not like it mattered anyways, quickly getting up, he went and took a shower.

Inside his bathroom, he turned the knobs and set the water to be not too warm but not ice cold like always; it was just right. Jumping in, he let the water wash away last night's activities as he smiled thinking about what went on. When Kory pushed him onto the bed and started to kiss him everywhere, the need to be close to him became urgent as she took the lead and started to take their clothes off. Richard wasn't complaining, not in the least bit complaining, he missed her a lot and wouldn't deny her anything. He just couldn't believe just how long it took him to realize that Kory held the torch to his flame, the flame that drove him, that flame that burned with his love.

"Kory, we- we shouldn't be doing this" Richard groaned as Kory took his shirt off. She kissed his neck and purred seductively, "Richard it's fine, you know you want to"

Richard was losing his mind, she could instantly turn him on and he started to wonder if she's always had that effect. What was he thinking, of course she did; she was exotic in more ways than one and not just because she came from a small little tropical country known as Tamaran.

"Kor, we might-" He breathed heavily as she roamed her hands all over his body. She was making it extremely difficult for him to have a clear head, "W-W-What i-if w-we," He stuttered and gulped, "What if we hurt the baby?"

She giggled at that and lovingly caressed his cheek, "Silly Richard, nothing with happen to her, I assure you it's completely safe" She smiled and then she stared into his piercing blue eyes. "Please Richard?" She begged and he could see the shift in her gorgeous green eyes. They were filled with love but mostly desire. He ran a hand through her silky red hair and gently pushed her head down to his level and crushed his lips with hers telling her all she needed to know.

Richard chuckle then realizing what a stupid question he asked, he may not be a doctor but his dad sure didn't pay for all those home schooling, tutoring, and extra classes for nothing. Dick Grayson had an adequate knowledge in many fields.

Turning off the water he got out and wrapped a black towel around his waist. Stepping out he noticed Kory was up and staring at herself in a black antique oval standing mirror he had in the corner of his room. He rarely used it so it was mostly just there as decoration for his room. Kory pressed her hands against the sides of her round belly. Richard smiled liking the image of her nude body standing there and her pregnant image just warmed him with an emotion he just didn't know how to explain. She had a maternal glow about her and he just couldn't believe he was going to be a dad soon.

Kory was so lost in her thoughts about the baby that she didn't see when Richard got behind her. He slid his arms around her from behind. His strong callous hands caressed her belly as he gave her butterfly kisses. "'Morning gorgeous" He greeted as she closed her eyes and bathed in his warmth.

Kory spun around and turned his gentle kisses into more demanding ones, they stood there for a couple of minutes trying to catch their breaths. "Now that's a good morning kiss" She giggled and then pulled away walking in a very feline way to the bathroom.

He nearly swooned and placed a hand to his forehead. Chuckling, Richard got dressed in black Armani jeans, a simple white crew cut shirt, with an opened blue lumberjack shirt. He wasn't planning on going anywhere this early so he settled for white socks and a pair of black slippers. Hearing something break outside as he was putting on deodorant, he sighed and walked out to see what the rugrats were doing.

Oh the joy of being the oldest one of three kids and one that acts like one still.

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Stepping out of the room, Richard heard Tim yelling as he ran passed him in only a white towel. "Damian, you little brat! I'm going to kill you!" Tim yelled down the stairs as he sighed, clutching onto his towel as he acknowledged his older brother. "Should I be concerned?" Richard asked raising an eyebrow in curiosity. Tim shook his head, "Nothing major, just Damian," Tim looked down, "I just got out of the shower when I realized someone was in my room. I have everything set in a certain position so I knew it was Damian. Cassie wouldn't just barge in and steal," Tim looked up and yelled down the stairs again, "DAD'S PRESENT!"

Tim knew that Damian could hear him as Damian appeared down the stairs and smirked, "Your present is stupid" He said as he threw the wrapped gift up the stairs. Tim hastily jumped for it and grabbed a hold of it before it hit the floor. He was relieved that Damian didn't ruin it other than unwrap it a little just to see what it was. "If you wanted to know what it was, you could have just asked!" Tim yelled again as Damian crossed his arms, "Not as fun, you ass" With that, he walked off to go do something else.

Richard sighed, "Can't you two learn to get along?"

Tim shook his head, "I won't unless he learns to"

"Tim, you're older than him. Remember Damian is only ten, he's still a kid and if you go along with his antics then you're no better than him, remember that" Richard lectured and grabbed Tim smirking as he headlocked him and gave him a noogie. "Argh! Stop it you dork!" Tim complained as he tried not to laugh. Richard let go once Tim surrendered and calmed down from wanting to get back at Damian for what he did. "Guess I'll just have to wrap this again" Tim sighed and went to his room.

Richard went downstairs to go check the mail when he saw Cassie outside; she was wearing a black winter dress, red stockings, black boots, and a red hair ribbon and no sweater. She was sitting on the first step with a box of variety of chalk colors as she colored on the ground. "Cassie, it's cold out here. Go back inside, kiddo, I don't want you to get sick" Richard told her as she reluctantly obliged and listened to her big brother. Taking his warm hand, Richard took her inside to the kitchen where he found Damian helping Alfred make a batch of homemade double chip cookies. Cassie wiggled her hand away and ran off to sit next to Damian as he handed her the spatula he was using to scoop the dough with.

"Hey Al, do you know where Jason is? I didn't hear anything in his room" Richard asked Alfred as Alfred paused what he was doing, "I believe he left early with Miss Troy. I wish I could tell you where but it is a mystery even to myself, Master Richard" He informed as Richard nodded his head.

Walking out of the kitchen, Richard thought about changing shoes and heading out for a bit. He needed to talk to Babs and he didn't want to do it with the New Year coming and in the midst of all the holiday cheer going around. He wasn't heartless like that and he worried her enough, he didn't need to add heartache to that.

Heading upstairs again he found Kory fixing her long black boots as she sat on the bed. Hearing the door open, she looked up and smiled, "Richard if it's not too much trouble, do you think we could go to the park today?"

"The park?" He asked.

"The lake is frozen around this time of year and it's always been a tradition of mine to go and spend a day at the park. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me so I won't be lonely. You don't have to if you don't want to…" She was about to ramble on when he stopped her. "I would love to go but can we go a little later? I need to head out for a bit right now"

"Oh okay, that's fine" Kory didn't ask him where he was going. She wasn't going to become those girlfriends that panicked or had to know where he was going all the time. She trusted him more than that and had a feeling that it was nothing wrong.

He gave her a kiss and complimented her on her dark green winter dress and black stockings and how beautiful she looked. He kissed her belly, greeting Mar'i and walked out of the room.

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Deciding that it would be too dangerous to take one of his bikes since of the ice on the roads, Richard took his black Rolls Royce Ghost instead. It was a classy and comfortable car. Turning it on, he drove off to the direction of Babs place.

He sighed contemplating on what he was going to say to her and how he was going to approach her with this. He didn't want to lose her friendship because she would always be a good friend to him and she was older than him so her wisdom might come in handy whenever he would have a rare moment where he didn't understand women. He's known Babs for so long that she was more like family than really a girlfriend; she was a good person and he would hate to ruin all of that. If he knows Babs so well, he would know that she wasn't exactly the jealous type and even if she was and he for some reason couldn't see it, then she did a pretty damn good job of hiding her feelings and opinions.

The closeness and love he felt for her was dimmer compared to the intensity that he felt with Kory. He felt differently about Babs than he did with Kory but his decision has been made. He was nervous, sure, because what man wouldn't have mixed feelings about being a dad and he wasn't even nineteen yet. He didn't know how Babs was going to react to this news also because he wasn't going to just break up with her by giving her some petty lie saying something as typical as, 'It's not you, it's me'

No, if he was to do this the proper way, it would be with the truth. So no matter how many ways and scenarios that he envisioned, it could go in a good way or bad way. He hoped it would be the first and not the latter.

Parking right in front of her place, he turned the engine off and just sat there, he grasped the steering wheel tightly and closed his eyes taking a moment to just calm down and then go end things. It would be better to do it now than later, he didn't want Kory to think that he wasn't ready to commit to anyone especially her. Stepping out, he went to the front door and rang the doorbell.

Opening the door, he expected to see her father the police commissioner or at least her brother James but it was neither of them, "Can I help you?" The man asked as Richard raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, I'm here to see Barbara Gordon" He said as the man titled his head, "Hey you look pretty familiar, do you happen to be Dick Grayson?" The man asked as Richard just nodded, "Uh, yeah I am"

The man extended his hand, "It's nice to meet you! When Babs told me she knew you, I didn't believe her. Man, I'm rude, sorry, I'm Jason Bard" The man introduced himself as Richard took his hand and shook it.

Jason called Babs as she appeared at the front door. She hugged Richard and then closed the door behind her as she heard Jason go back to watching the hockey match with James in the living room.

"Dick! I'm so relieved to see you! I was starting to think you were dead after ignoring me so long!" Babs started as she hugged him again and he assured her that he was fine now. "I was going through a hard time but I'm better now. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you like I should have Babs" He apologized.

Babs gave him a small smile and looked down, "Things have changed, Dick. I didn't want you to meet Jason like this"

Now he was taken aback by that, "What are you saying, Babs?" He asked slowly as Babs looked up again and stared into his eyes, "I lost hope in our relationship. You didn't answer my calls or emails or anything. You shunned me out completely, Dick. I couldn't wait forever for you and I don't think I wanted to"

"So you felt the same way, huh?" He asked her.

She slowly nodded, "Our romantic relationship was platonic. We had our fun and I enjoyed every minute of it but I think we both knew from the get go that we weren't for each other"

"I agree, but I honestly thought you would take it in a wrong way"

"I know you have feelings for Kory, I could see it in your eyes and the way you looked at and treated her"

"If you knew that and I didn't, then did you continue in our relationship just because I didn't realize I loved her?"

"I would never take advantage of you or the situation like that Dick. I did like you and I thought you were handsome and hot and the whole nine miles, you were the full package; I did think we had a fighting chance to be together. She didn't make a move on you so-"

"So it was like open season" Dick slightly chuckled.

"You weren't a prize, it was never a competition and it would of only been considered one to me if Kory didn't know about it but yes you were available, I honestly did think we could rekindle that flame we had when we briefly dated but when you started to ignore me, I really thought about it and I could love you, of course I could, but it wasn't the right thing for the both of us and I'm not a complete bitch; I saw the way she reacted to you, to everything about your friendship with her, I saw that to her, Kory wanted you to make the first move but you never did. When I first met Kory, sure I was jealous but it's just a normal female reaction. Dick, I do love you and I always will but not in a romantic sexual way, you need someone your own age, one who understands you, I feel like with me being older, eventually our relationship would crash and burn"

"Age doesn't matter, Babs"

"I know that and it doesn't here but being together, we both would someday wake up and realize that it was a mistake"

"And here I was, freaking out thinking that we wouldn't come to a mutual agreement" Richard smiled as Babs took his hand and squeezed it, "Our friendship means a lot to me and I wouldn't just throw it all away by arguing with you because fighting now would be pointless. We love each other but nothing beyond that of friends"

Richard nodded, agreeing with everything she said, they came to understand their relationship. Now it was his turn to tease her, "So tell me about Mr. Bard" Richard winked as Babs blushed, "Well I've worked with him in the past and he liked me but I was too blind and going around chasing after your ass that I didn't see it then"

"Well my ass and I thank you for noticing him now" He winked.

Babs playfully smacked his arm, "Oh zip it!" She giggled, "He's a great guy and I think he's going to propose soon, I just think he's a little bit of a chicken. So how are you and Kory? I know that I don't know her that well but I would love to get to know her better"

"Well," Richard began as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Kory's pregnant"

Babs gasped, "WHAT?"

"Y-Yeah" Richard said as he avoided eye contact as a faint blush colored his cheeks.

"By who?" Babs asked.

"By me" Richard coughed embarrassed.

Babs grinned, "The Richard Grayson knocked someone up, eh?" She winked as Richard rolled his eyes, "Yeah I did and I love her so you and Alfred can now stop the bets" He stuck his tongue out as she laughed.

"Does anyone know?" Babs asked smiling.

"The family, no, but Donna knows and I get the feeling one of Kory's friend knows"

"That's good. Do you know the gender?"

Richard nodded, "It's a girl"

Babs squealed happily and hugged him, "Oh Richard, that's great news! I'm happy for you and I'll always be there for you, remember that" She whispered as she caressed his cheek.

"I know" He closed his eyes, basking in her gentle touch. He was so grateful that he didn't have to lose her as a friend and that she didn't seem to be angry with them breaking up.

He stayed there for a couple of minutes talking and then told her he had plans with Kory so he said his goodbyes and left.

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It was almost eleven when he got back to the manor, finding Kory in the living room with Cassie and Damian as they colored some pages of a coloring book.

Damian was on the floor lying on his stomach as he colored his own coloring book. His tongue was sticking up as he concentrated on the color pattern he chose. Kory and Cassie were sharing a coloring book as they sat down by the coffee table. Kory was caressing Cassie's hair and giggling with her as they talked.

The image of Kory lovingly taking care of his kid sister just made him tingle, soon enough she would be that way with their own daughter. He shivered; he couldn't believe it would happen soon. Knocking on the wall, he cleared his throat, "Knock knock" He said as Kory happily waved at him as she got up and handed her crayons over to Cassie. Richard extended his hand as Kory took it, "Ready to go?" He asked her as she nodded and put on her black coat on as they exited the house.

Going to the park, they walked hand in hand in the winter wonderland as Richard acted slightly protective. Kory giggled thinking it was cute since he didn't want her to slip on ice and get hurt. As they walked around, Kory snuggled against his arm and happily sighed, "I love coming during the winter to the park, sometimes there's birds still around so I bring bread for them, and sometimes I just bring a small basket and have a picnic but I always made snow angels before leaving"

"Sounds like fun, where was I? Wasn't I invited?" Richard teased as he faked a hurt expression.

"Not at all!" She playfully shook her head. It was one of those things she liked doing alone but now seeing as she was sharing her small winter tradition with him, she regretted not inviting him sooner. Maybe she could have been luckier earlier on since sometimes she would stumble upon mistletoes hidden in some of the trees.

She was caught by surprise as Richard pressed his lips against her, she briefly saw the said mistletoe they stumbled upon as she closed her eyes and kissed him back. She moaned as he began to lower down to her neck, "R-R-Richard, n-not h-here in public" Kory stuttered as she blushed. Richard stopped as he whispered, "I love you" He took a hold of her hand as they walked around the park for a little longer until Kory got tired and cold. They headed back to the car as Kory ate mustard packets that she stuffed in her coat's pocket.

"Mustard and snowflakes" Richard thought out loud, "Romantic"

Kory giggled and nodded, "The way to my heart"

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Returning back to the manor, Tim was jumping up and down as Richard and Kory were placing their coats on the hanger. "What's up, Tim?" Richard asked as Tim beamed, "Dad's coming home for Christmas! He just called but," He narrowed his eyes and yelled, "THAT PUNK ANSWERED IT!"

Damian appeared again as he walked up to Tim as he shoved a cookie into his mouth, "Shut it, Drake" He said as he walked back into the kitchen to help Cassie decorate cookies.

Tim took the cookie out as his mouth as he coughed. "I only heard a little bit of what Dad said but he said he'll be here soon and he promises that it's before Christmas Eve"

Richard didn't know how to react so he just told him, "That's great"

He honestly had mixed feeling about Bruce coming home. On one hand, it was great because they never missed a single holiday together as a family unless something really important came up in one of their many worldwide chains but on the other hand he wasn't sure how his dad would react to him getting Kory pregnant, sure Bruce knew her and didn't really acknowledge or care if they were friends since he had much more important things to worry about and seeing her frequently at the house was nothing new but Richard didn't think that his father thought that he would someday have romantic feelings for his friend and best friend at that.

His father was good at tactics and guessing things before they even happened but Bruce probably didn't think that seeing one of his son's friends as a potential love interest would ever happen like Alfred who after some time Richard learned had a bet going on and enjoyed gambling in said bets about something happening in Richard's life because Alfred never loses like the current pool of money floating about with him and Babs having a bet on Richard and Kory.

"Richard," Kory called him as she snapped him out of his thoughts, "Mm?" He replied as she shook her head smiling, "I'm going upstairs to freshen up and call Donna. I haven't seen her all day" She said as she walked upstairs.

Richard was about to head into the kitchen when he felt his phone vibrating. Fishing it out of his jean's pocket he answered it already knowing who it was, "Where did you run off to?" Richard asked as he heard chuckling, "Damn, I'm gone for a few hours and I'm already being interrogated" Jason teased as Richard rolled his eyes, "Is Donna with you?" He asked.

"Yes, Mom" Jason replied, "Don't worry, we haven't gone to make out point, yet" He laughed.

"Well don't bring her home late and you better have not run off to get married or something"

"Like hell I would, well no, I'm not in the mood so I think I'll take a rain check on said wedding"

"The weather's going to get worse later so don't be home late, Jay"

"Yeah, yeah, I heard ya. Don't worry, we just came to the carnival, I swear I have to teach this girl about the whole damn US of A" Jason laughed and then winced, "Ow, Donna!" He scowled as Richard smirked.

"It's not like she's never been out of Greece before you know"

"Well geez, I only ever met her in Greece so excuse me for being a little slow"

Richard raised an eyebrow, "A little"

"Hardy har har har, tease all you want but you're not going to get a giant stuffed animal from me"

"I think I'll survive if I don't get a giant teddy bear, Jay" Richard chuckled.

"Break my heart why don't you, anyways we're leaving soon so we'll be back before dinner. Later!" With that Jason hung up as Richard shook his head chuckling as he walked up stairs.

The morning was quite eventful that day. He woke up to his love then he and Babs 'broke up' without any problems and he kissed his girlfriend in the snow. He could sure use a nap right about now as the day's events worn him out a little and he didn't really want to think about his dad coming home.

Bruce was coming home soon and Christmas was literally a few days away, he just hoped that his dad was in a very good mood or at least one that doesn't enter dangerous waters.

He thought about it and saw how they were all moving forward.

Babs found a guy she really liked and he was happy for her just like she was happy for him and Kory. They settled in what position their relationship is in and where it stood and even if it wasn't romantic, they would still be close and great friends.

Then there was him and Kory, little things she did just made him love her even more especially they way she treated his little brother and sister. He knew she would be a wonderful mother and couldn't wait to take that step into parenthood even though it slightly scared him but it was nothing he couldn't handle.

As he headed for his room he heard something else break and Ace barking. He sighed and turned himself around and headed downstairs again.

Sighing he whispered, "Great"

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Done! To be continued.

How will Bruce react?

Not much notes other than:

Jason Bard – When Dick left Gotham to join Kory again, Babs found comfort in Jason and even was engaged to him but things happen and it didn't work out so they called it off. They worked together once but even then they didn't rekindle because Babs was too hung up on Dick.

Sex during pregnancy – Yes you can have it as long as there's no complications and you have a healthy normal pregnancy. It's not recommended to have sex if you're almost due because it can advance contractions sooner and it's not seen as a good idea but having sex during the pregnancy is actually a good thing and hurting or 'stabbing' the baby is a total myth and someone is just trolling you or they don't really know. The baby is protected by a sac so while having intercourse, the male won't even get near it.

There's your Sex Ed lesson for the day~

And I think those are really the only notes I have for this chapter.

So ya know the drill!

Remember to R&R, Alert, etc. Plz & Thankies! :]

Until next time~ ;D