Love, Football, and Superheros - Your Average High School Story
Chapter Sixteen - Gotham
Saturday, October 16th 9:00 AM - Richard and Kori's house.
Normal POV
It had been nearly two weeks since the flood gate of secrets had broken, and everything came out like a flood. surprisingly everything had been about as normal as could be expected.
Not much had really changed at all, besides the fact no one had to lie or hide anymore, and life had been pretty good, especially considering as of today it was officially fall break, which meant no school for two weeks, something Kori was ecstatic about. fourteen days of laying in bed and watching countless movies with her boyfriend. She was in heaven.
Richard awoke to the feeling of fingers running through his hair, and the warmth of his lovely girlfriend laying on top of him. He opened his eyes to find Kori beaming a smile at him. Normally he would be happy to see her, but not this morning. He had some bad news, and he knew it was going to upset her.
"Greetings," she said and gave him a soft kiss.
"Hey," he mumbled in response.
She frowned at him. "Why are you not excited? It is fall break, should you not be happy to have two weeks to spend with me?"
He let out a sigh and ran a hand down his face. "Actually Kori, there's something we need to talk about."
She raised up to sit on his stomach. "Oh?"
"Yeah..." He turned his face toward the wall not wanting to meet her eyes. "I'm going back to Gotham for a few days. I should have told you this sooner, but I completely forgot about it until the airliner called last night and reminded me of my flight. You were already asleep or I would have told you then. I booked it over a month ago and it just slipped my mind," he explained.
She hung her head, feeling dejected. "I thought we would get to spend some time alone since our friends our doing the vacationing." She treasured the alone time they got together, because it was rare they got any that wasn't late at night or early in the morning. Kori loved her friends, but she wanted Richard to herself, if only for a few days.
Richard felt terrible. How could have he forgotten about this? His friends had left last night to head to some indoor water park in San Fransisco, meaning Kori would be here alone for almost a whole week. He couldn't do that to her, especially with how much he knew she hated being by herself. "Well, come with me," He offered. As he thought about it, he realized it was actually a good idea. "Yeah, you could meet Bruce, Tim, Selina, and Alfred," he said smiling.
"I know Bruce is your father and Tim is your brother, but I am not aware who Alfred and Selina are," she said after a moment of consideration.
"Alfred is Wayne Manor's butler, but more like my grandfather. He raised Bruce after his parents died, and me as well. Selina is Bruce's unofficial girlfriend," he informed.
The only reason it was unofficial was because the media didn't know about it, but there was no doubt in Richard's mind that Bruce loved her. They had been together for years now, and that's by far longer than any other woman Bruce had ever had.
"Oh," She paused and by the way her brow scrunched Richard knew she was thinking hard about something. "But is it not a big deal for a girl to meet her boyfriend's family?," Kori asked.
Richard shrugged. "I guess so, but I think were pretty serious at this point, don't you?"
"I am very much serious about you. I just do not wish to rush you," she replied.
He ran his hands across her bare legs and smiled up at her. "It's what I want, and it would make me very happy if you would come with me."
Her beaming smile returned. "Then I shall. Will you be seeing the Batman when you are there?" She knew he used to be Robin, and that he and Batman worked together.
Richard turned thoughtful before looking into her eyes. "I'm gonna tell you something, but you can't tell anyone you know, okay?"
She nodded.
"Batman is Bruce."
Kori's eyes widened. "That is... suprising. He does not seem like the hero type, of course I have only seen him on t.v."
"Bruce is a good actor, and a very complex man. He gives the public what they want, but very people actually KNOW my father," Richard replied.
Kori thought for a moment. "I see... when do we depart?"
Richard chuckled. He had just told her that the famous Bruce Wayne was the just as famous Batman, something only a few members of the Justice League, Selina, Babs, family, and Richard's friends knew, and she only seemed vaguely interested. "Tomorrow Night. I'll call the airline later and reserve you a seat."
"Next to you, yes?," she asked hopefully.
"I bet I can work that out. One more thing, it's really cold in Gotham this time of year, so bring a lot of warm clothes," he instructed.
"I shall be fine. My people are temperature resilient," she replied.
He frowned. "Then why did you buy all those hoodies last week?"
"There were cute," she said as if it were obvious.
He chuckled and shook his head. "You've been hanging out with Bee to much."
She giggled before rolling off of him, and out of the bed. He watched, paying very close attention as she crossed the room completely naked, heading to the bathroom. "Nice ass," he called from the bed.
She stopped just before she entered the bathroom door, and turned to look at him, a sly smile on her face. "You may view it longer if chose to join me in the shower," she said flirtatiously.
She didn't have to tell him twice. He was at her side in seconds, lifting her and carrying her into the bathroom.
Saturday, October 16th 1:30 PM - Richard and Kori's house
Normal POV
Richard wiped the sweat off his face with a white towel. He'd been in the gym almost two hours and was exhausted. It was hell being a superhero with no powers. It meant you had to work your ass off, and be in much better shape than even elite athletes.
Grabbing his water bottle, he took a huge gulp before exiting his gym and making his way to the living room. Kori wasn't in there, so he guessed she was still upstairs working on some painting she'd been doing for the last week, but refused to let him see until it was done. He could imagine her now with her brows scrunched and her tongue poked out in concentration as she worked. chuckling at the thought, he took a seat on the couch and turned on the t.v. He flipped through the channels for around twenty minutes before his phone went off. Turning the volume down on the television, Richard checked the screen to see it was Babs.
"Hey Babsy," he answered with a grin.
She laughed. "Don't call me that ever again. Anyway what's up?"
"Channel Flipping," he answered simply.
"Are you excited?," she asked.
"For?"
"Coming home and seeing everyone, duh."
"Oh yeah, can't wait. A little nervous about seeing Bruce though," he admitted.
"You'll be fine. He misses you... we all do. Anyway does dinner at my place monday night around sevinish sound good?," she asked.
He thought it over for a moment. "Yeah that'll work."
"Great," she exclaimed. "I have a surprise for you."
"Oh, what?"
"If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise now would it, nosey rosey?"
He chuckled. "I guess not."
"Well, I guess I'll let you get back to your channel flipping. Call me when you land and get settled in," she instructed.
"Sure thing."
"Bye Dick."
"See ya soon," he replied before hanging up and tossing his phone to the side. He briefly wondered what her surprise could be, then he realized something. Kori didn't know anything about Babs, and considering he was meeting her for dinner in just a couple of nights this could go bad.
Kori was very possessive over him, and he knew she wouldn't be to giddy about him going to dinner with another girl, especially with that dinner being at the girl's house, but him and Babs were just friends. Yeah, they had a relationship in the past, but it was the past for a reason. Kori had a hundred percent of his heart, and maybe if explained that to her she wouldn't give him her shoulder of coldness, as she called it.
After pondering it over for a moment, he decided it would be best to wait and tell her when they got to Gotham. There was not point in setting her off right now. He sat there for another ten or so minutes before soft hands clasped over his eyes and he heard a soft giggle from behind him.
He chuckled. "Finish working on your painting for today?"
She removed her hands from over his eyes and walked around the couch to sit beside him. "Yes, I still have a long way to go before it is finished though."
He smiled over at her. "I'm sure it's gonna be amazing, just like you."
"You are doing the flirting a lot this week," she giggled.
"How am I doing?," he asked with a grin.
"I do believe you could try harder," she teased.
He raised and eyebrow, but his grin did not waver. "Oh you want me to try harder, huh?," he whispered seductively into her ear, as his hand ran under the leg of her shorts.
Yes, I do," she replied in the same tone.
He glided his teeth across her neck, a gesture she often did to him when they made love. She let out a soft moan, and he grinned wider. "How this?"
"Continue," she breathed.
"My pleasure."
Sunday, October 17th - 8:00 PM Jump City Airport
Normal POV
Richard put his and Kori's bags away in the storage compartment above the seats before setting down beside his giddy girlfriend. She had been excited all day for the trip, even though he'd warned her Gotham wasn't as pretty as Jump, but she didn't seem to care.
Kori looked away from the window beside her seat over to her boyfriend with a huge smile on her face. "Richard, how long shall it takes us to arrive? I am most excited to meet your family."
He chuckled. "It's about a six hour flight, but we should be asleep most of the time. We'll be there before you know it."
"I hope they like me," she said, anxious.
He kissed her cheek. "I'm sure they'll love you."
Just then the pilot voice came over the plane's intercom. "All passengers please prepare for lift off, and enjoy the flight."
"Here we go," Richard commented more to himself than Kori.
Kori laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arm around his. Richard followed her, laying his head on top of hers.
"Richard?," she said after a moment.
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"Sleep well."
"You too, Kor."
The two closed their eyes and not longer after difted off to sleep.
Monday, October 18th 6:20 AM (Time zone difference)- Gotham Airport
Normal POV
Kori felt herslef being shook awake. She blinked open her eyes, finding her boyfriend already standing above her. "We're here baby," he said.
Kori quickly turned to look out the window to find that the plain had indeed landed, and that the sun was just rising. She looked back at her boyfriend and took his outstretched hand, allowing him to help her to her feet. He swung his black bag over his shoulder, and carried hers in his hand. He had to admit he was a little embarrassed to be carrying a hot pink bag around, but he shrugged it off as one of those things you just do for love.
The cockpit of the the plane opened and the two made their way out with interlocked hands.
The media had obviously got wind of Richard's return to Gotham, because there were numerous reporters outside, even at this hour. Kori shielded her eyes and leaned closer to Richard as camera lights flashed, momentarily blinding her. She could hear questions coming from every direction, and people continued to shove microphones at her.
"Dick, Ms. Anders, we've heard rumors that you are engaged?,"
"How did you meet?"
"Are the reports true that you live together?"
Richard didn't answer any of the questions. He just pushed passed the media until the entered the airport terminal where the cameras weren't allowed. "I'm sorry about that. I didn't think they'd know we were coming. Guess I should have known better," he apologized as they walked down the hall.
She smiled up at him. "It is the okay. Perhaps if the females believe we are to be married they shall leave you alone."
He chuckled. "You can find the bright side in anything, can't you?,"
"I do try, but that is not very hard when I am with you. You make me happy."
He smiled down at her. That was the best compliment she could give him. "I can say the same. Before I met you I just lived everyday because I had to. Just going through the motions, you know? But now I treasure everyday because I know I get to spend it with you."
Kori looked over at him, somewhat surprised. He wasn't flirting. His face was completely serious. "You truly feel this way?"
He nodded and wrapped his free arm around her waist, allowing her to lean into him. "Of course I do."
She smiled warmly up at him as they entered the main part of the airport, which was pretty packed.
"Where are we to go first?," she asked after a moment.
"We need to get a taxi. Then we'll get it to take us to the Central Plaza Hotel. We could just stay at Wayne Manor, but Alfred would probably make us stay in separate rooms," he answered. That was the exact reason why he hadn't asked Alfred to pick them up. He knew the butler would have insisted they stay at the manor.
"Yes, then let's get the hotel room. I have become used to sleeping with you and I do not think I would rest well if your are not next to me," Kori replied.
Richard nodded. "Yeah, same here."
The couple exited the building and managed to find a taxi pretty quickly. When they got in the yellow vehicle that cab driver's eyes widened a little as he looked at the two teenagers through his overhead mirror. "Oh, Mr. Grayson, I heard you were coming into town."
Richard and Kori traded glances. "You did?," he asked.
The man reached for a news paper and handed to Richard. "Front page on today's paper," he informed.
Richard and Kori looked over the front page of the news paper, and sure enough there was a picture of him on it with the headline 'Gotham's Prince Is Coming Home.' In a small section off to the side another headline read "Will Our Prince Bring His New Princess?"
Kori giggled and Richard turned to her frowning. "What? I believe it to be humorous."
"I don't," he replied blandly. "I always wondered how they figured all this stuff out."
She shrugged. "Does it matter? I believed we were here to visit your family, not concern ourselves over the reporters."
He sighed. Damn her logic. "You're right."
She beamed a smile at him. "I always am. Maybe you should do the listening to me more," she suggested playfully.
Richard chuckled at her. "Four days ago, you wanted to take the mattress off your bed, so we could slide down the stairs on it. I should have listened to you then?"
"I was not alone on that idea. Gar, Vic, and Bee all wished to do it as well," she defended herself. "As Gar said, you and Raven were the poopers of the party."
He had to laugh at that. "God, I love the way you talk."
"It shall not last forever. I am getting much better."
"I'll admit that when you use a contraction."
She poked her tongueout at him in response.
Richard was about to stick his out at her when he noticed the driver was watching them oddly. Sometimes when he was with Kori he just forgot other people were around. "Ummm, sorry. Could you take us to the Central Plaza Hotel?"
He nodded. "Sure thing Mr. Grayson."
Twenty minutes later they found themselves walking into the lobby of an elegant hotel. Kori was aware that they were being watched by the people in the lobby as they crossed the room. A couple of months ago this would have made her nervous, but she was used to it by now and largely ignored it. They approached the check in desk that a had a young blonde headed girl standing behind it. She was typing something on the computer and had not yet noticed them standing in front of the desk.
Richard spoke up. "Excuse me."
The girl lifted her head, and as soon as she did her blue eyes went wide. "Mr. Grayson, ummm welcome to the Plaza," she greeted after a moment. Kori saw the girl's eyes look him over and fought not to growl.
"Thank you. We would like a room," he replied.
The girl glanced at Kori, who clung to Richard's arm, as if to make it known to the girl he was taken. "Two beds or one?"
"One," Kori answerd for him. Richard was somewhat curious if she were trying to make a point that they were indeed sleeping together and he was off limits. Most guys wouldn't like that, but he loved that about her. She wasn't that keep quite and do nothing girl she used to be when he had first met her. Now, she wasn't afraid to voice her opinions on things, and was one of only a few girl he'd ever met that would call him on his bull crap. She'd definitely came out of her shell.
The girl leaned down and typed something in on the computer before looking back up at them. "The master suite is available."
Richard nodded. "That would be great."
After paying for the first night, Richard and Kori made there where to the building's sixteenth floor. He swiped the card key the woman had given him into the door's scanner and it unlocked. Before he could even reach for the door handle, Kori was already inside. "Richard, this is glorious," he heard her call. Richard walked into the room, shaking his head, amused at his girlfriend. It was indeed nice, especially the bed. It was huge, and he couldn't stop himself from thinking about the fun that could be had on it, but later. He was still sleepy.
Kori however was not as single-minded as he was. She was flying back and forth around the room, checking everything out. He watched her, as she zipped up and down, side to side with ease. It had been over two weeks since he'd found out about her, but he still wasn't used to it, not to say it bothered him any, it was actually pretty cool.
Richard laid the bags down beside the bed before kicking off his shoes and stripping into nothing but his sox and boxers. He then climbed into the bed, burying himself under the warm covers.
Kori floated out the bathroom a moment later to find her boyfriend laying down, a pillow covering his face. She frowned and floated over to him before taking a seat on his chest. "Richard," she said poking the pillow on his face.
"Shhh. Sleeping," he groaned.
"How can you sleep? We are at your home, should you not be happy?," she asked.
"I am happy, I just need a couple more hours of sleep. Wake me up at nine and we'll go to breakfast before heading over to the manor," he mumbled.
She sighed. "Very well."
He expected her to move off his chest, but she just continued to sit there. He moved the pillow off his face to find her watching him with her arms crossed over her chest. "What are you doing?," he asked.
"Waiting," she answered simply.
"You're gonna sit on me till nine?"
"Yes, either that or until you realize you will not be able to sleep like this and get up," she replied.
Richard sighed. He knew she wasn't as naive as she pretended to be. "So, breakfast?"
She beamed and floated off of him. "Yes, let us make with the haste boyfriend Richard, I am most hungry."
"You're lucky I love you," he grumbled as he reluctantly rolled out of bed.
Monday, October 18th 11:00 PM - Wayne Manor
Normal POV
Richard planned to take Kori somewhere nice for breakfast, but she insisted on McDonalds, claiming they were very generous with their mustard, and Richard couldn't say no when she gave him her puppy dog eyes. After breakfast Richard had showed her around the city a little, including the Wayne Enterprises' building which was much bigger than the one in Jump. After the minor sight-seeing, Richard decided it was time to take her to the manor. When taxi stopped in front of two large gates with a W and M at the top, Richard paid the cab driver before he and Kori got out.
Kori was becoming a little nervous. She didn't want to make a bad first impression, and the things she said sometimes caused some people to believe she was stupid. She knew Richard hadn't told his father about her not being from this planet, and she really didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
On one hand, it was one less person to judge her, but on the other, she wanted them to know why she said or did strange things on occasions.
Richard saw that she was fidgeting a little more than normal, so he wrapped his arm tightly around her waist. The contact always seemed to calm her when she was stressed. "Your gonna be fine," he whispered in her ear as he pressed the button on the voice box to the side of the gate.
She looked up at him and nodded right as a british man's voice came over the voice box's speaker. "Wayne Manor, who is buzzing?," the voice asked.
"Alfred, it's Dick. Open the gate, I have someone special I want you to meet," he replied, glancing over Kori who smiled lightly back at him.
"Oh, Master Dick, right away, sir."
The gates opened and Richard led Kori through. Kori studied the outside of the house in awe. It was the same style as Richard and her's only twice, if not three-times as big. As they neared the front door it opened revealing and older gentlemen in a black white suit. The man smiled fondly at Richard before glancing at Kori. "Ahhh, Master Dick, it has been to long," the man said extending his hand.
Richard shook the man's hand. "Hey, Al," he greeted. Richard then turned to Kori. "I want you to meet my girlfriend, Kori. Kori, this Alfred," he introduced.
"Greetings," Kori smiled up at the man.
"Hello Ms. Anders, it's nice to finally meet you. The media has been raving about you," he said to Kori. "You have become quite the celebrity."
"I try not to pay attention to it," she replied with a nervous smile.
"Mater Dick isn't to fond of the attention either. Now, it is quite chilly out here, let's get you two inside," Alfred said, moving out of the doorway. Kori and Richard entered the nice warm house. While Kori took in the elegant design of the manor's interior, Richard spoke with Alfred.
"So Al, where's everyone at?," Richard inquired.
"I believe Master Tim is in his room, and Mater Bruce is in his office. He has requested you come see him as soon as you arrived."
Richard nodded. "What about Selina?"
"As much as I do my best to keep track of that woman she always eludes me," the butler joked.
"Us cats are known to be stealthy," came a female voice from the staircase.
All three looked up to see a beautiful brunette making her way down the stairs.
Richard was the first to greet her. "Nice to see you, mom," he joked. Richard had been calling her mom since he was twelve. At first it was jokingly, but over the years he had grown to view her as a mother type figure.
Selina just smirked as she approached him. "Wow, you've gotten so much bigger since the summer."
Richard chuckled. "Puberty kinda hit me like a ton of bricks."
She laughed and Richard glanced at Kori, who was eyeing Selina carefully. Richard smirked. 'Always protective,' he thought. "Selina this is my girlfriend, Kori Anders. Kori, this is Selina, basically my adoptive mother."
"I think that requires me and Bruce getting hitched, and you know how slow he is with these things." Selina's eyes fell on Kori. "I hope Dick didn't make you wait."
Kori glanced up at Richard, suppressing a giggle when she saw his nervous expression. "I believe the expression is like father like son."
Selina smirked at the girl and was about to reply when footsteps were heard coming down the stairs at rapid pace. Tim was at Selina's side in moments. "Hey Dick, it's been a long time since..." the twelve-year-old paused when he saw Kori. He thought she was absolutely the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. "Who's this?" Apparently Tim didn't watch t.v, or read, or come out of his room... ever.
"This is Ms. Anders, Master Dick's girlfriend," Alfred informed.
Tim smirked slyly, and took the girl's hand. "You sure you don't wanna dump him, and run away with me. We could take a private jet to Vegas?," he offered.
Richard rolled his eyes, while Kori giggled. "I am quite certain. I believe you are too young. Perhaps when you are older we may do the running away together."
Tim winked up at Richard before kissing the girl's hand and heading into the kitchen.
Selina laughed. "It appears you have some competition, Dick."
"I'll kill him," Richard scowled.
Kori kissed her boyfriend's cheek. "That shall not be necessary. I will warn you in advance before I do the running away with your brother."
"How nice of you," Richard mumbled.
"Well, now that introductions have been taken care of, how about I show Ms. Anders to kitchen and let her taste my apple pie, while you visit Master Bruce, Master Dick," Alferd suggested. It was supposed to be a question, but it sounded more like instructions.
"Alright," Richard nodded before turning to Kori. "You're gonna love Al's pies, there amazing, and make sure to save me a slice."
"If you are lucky," she grinned before kissing him and following the butler off to the Kitchen.
Richard turned to Selina. "Bruce in a good mood today?"
"Giddy as a school girl," she joked, causing Richard to laugh.
"That bad, huh?"
"Nah, he is actually pretty peppy. He knew you were visiting today. I have never seen him get out of bed so early," Selina replied.
"Well, I guess I better not keep him waiting or else he'll get grumpy."
Selina laughed. "I think I'll get me some pie, and hey go easy on the old man, he loves you, even if he won't say it," she said, scuffling up his hair before heading off to the kitchen.
Richard stood in place for a moment, thinking over what Selina said. He knew Bruce loved him, and he loved Bruce, but neither would ever say those words. Dropping the thought, he made his way toward Bruce's office, which was a good walk. He'd forgotten how big this house was. Once in front of the door he didn't bother knocking, just walking straight in to find his father sitting behind a large desk working on some papers.
When Bruce heard the door open he looked up to find his son standing in the doorway. A smile crossed the man's face. "Dick."
"Dad."
"Please take a seat," Bruce said, motioning his hand to to a chair in front of his desk.
Richard obliged his father and sat down in the chair. He wanted to keep this as civil as possible.
Bruce looked over him for a moment before beginning "Glad you could make it. Barbara has been giddy all week."
Richard eyes widened. He still hadn't called Babs, and even worse he hadn't told Kori about her.
"Something wrong?," Bruce asked.
"Oh, ummm nothing. I was just brought a guest with me, and I haven't mentioned Babs to her yet."
"The Anders girl?," he questioned.
Richard nodded.
"I've seen you two on the news quite often. Is it serious?"
"Yeah,... I love her."
Bruce nodded in understanding and then appeared thoughtful. "She knows who you are, doesn't she?"
Richard cringed slightly. He knew that was coming. "Yeah, but don't give me crap on it. Selina Knows who you are and she used to be a criminal."
"I didn't plan on it," he replied evenly. "Anyway, I was thinking me and you could do something before you leave. I got tickets to Sunday's game."
Richard sighed. "What is this, some kinda public appearance thing for the media to show were still a happy family?"
"No, I know you like football. I just thought we could do something together while you're in town."
Richard was skeptical, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't want to spend some time with his father while he was here. "Alright, fine," he agreed.
"I look forward to it. Now, I have a pile of work to do, so I'll see you soon. Come by the manor tomorrow, and we'll have a nice family dinner. Me, you, Tim, Selina, Barbra, and maybe we can even get Alfred to join us. You can introduce me to your girlfriend then."
Richard nodded, before standing and walking out the door without another word. That was actually a pretty good conversation for him and Bruce, no yelling was involved. Before heading to the kitchen he went to the downstairs den to call Babs. It rung only once before being picked up.
"Hey Dick, I was beginning to wonder if the plane crashed," she joked.
He laughed. "Sorry, I'm at the manor. I'll be over your house in a little while."
"You better not be a second late," she said, a threatening tone in her voice.
"I know, I know. I'll be there on time. Do I need to dress nice?," he asked playfully.
"Yes, I suspect you in a suit and tie."
"I'll probably have to disappoint you considering I didn't bring either."
"Darn... Fine, but don't look like crap," she replied.
He chuckled. "Do I ever?"
"I've seen you go two weeks with barely any sleep, so yes," Babs answered.
Richard frowned. "Love you too," he mutterd.
She laughed. "See you tonight."
"Alright, bye Babs," he said before hanging up.
Richard put his phone away and sighed. He really needed to tell Kori, but that was easier said than done. He felt guilty, after all he was going to his former girlfriend's house for dinner. He decided to wait until they were back at the hotel to bring it up, and headed for the kitchen. He really wanted some pie... and he needed to keep an eye on Tim.
Monday, October 18th 6:00 PM - Central Plaza Hotel
Normal POV
After engulfing an inhuman amount of apple pie, and listening to Alfred tell embarrassing stories about him, Richard "borrowed" Bruce's Jaguar and he and Kori departed. Richard showed her other sites in the city and took her to Gotham's mall, which he almost instantly regretted. After and an ungodly amount time spent in countless clothes shops, and listening to Kori explain the difference between fuchsia and purple, Richard finally managed coax her to leave, but he knew they would be back if she had anything to say about it.
When they got back to the hotel it was already late, and Richard had to get ready. Kori watched him curiously as he kicked off his shoes and headed for the shower with haste. He didn't ask her to join him or anything, and wasn't paying much attention to her at all. She sat on the bed and flipped through the channels until he exited the bathroom thirty minutes later, dressed very nice in grey jeans and black v-neck shirt. His hair was styled neater than she had ever seen it, and the only word she could use to describe him was sexy.
Kori raised an eyebrow at him. "Are we going somewhere?"
Richard shifted uneasy. "Ummm, not we, just me."
She frowned at him. They did everything together, what could he be doing without her? "What are you doing?"
"Well ummm, I was invited to dinner with my friend Babs, so we could catch up," he replied, flipping his sunglasses over his eyes so that she couldn't see how nervous he was to just tell her.
Kori cocked her head to the side and floated off the bed, landing her feet on the floor.
"Who is this Babs?," Kori asked.
"Just a friend."
"A girl?"
"Well ummm, yeah," he admitted.
Kori crossed her arms over her chest and gave him look that could kill.
"You're mad," Richard observed.
"I believe the expression is duh," she said angrily.
He sighed. "Would you be mad if I was going to dinner with Raven or Bee?"
"No, but this is not about them, it is...," she began before being interrupted.
"But it's like that. Babs was my best friend in Gotham," he informed.
Kori's anger filled expression softened. "Oh, my apologize. So, you have not done the dating her or slep with her?"
Richard cringed. "Well, she was Batgirl, so yes, but it was a long time ago, and..."
Kori gasped, as she remembered that he and Batgirl used to be a couple. "She is the Batgirl and you are going to dinner with her?"
"Yes, but Kori, it's just as friends, and I haven't seen her in almost five months," he pleaded with her to understand.
She walked past him, into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Richard banged his head on the door. "Kori, please don't be mad," he begged.
"You are going on a date with your former girlfriend, and you are asking me not to be angry with you? I am no expert on Earth relationships, but I am certain it is not acceptable to do the dating with another girl when you have a girlfriend." she retorted from behind the door.
"Kori, it's not like that. It's not a date. Please just..."
"Just go, Richard," she spat.
"Kori..."
"Richard, I am not doing this with you. If you wish to ,then go."
"Will you please just...,"
"Go!," she screamed in a demanding tone.
Richard backed away from the door as if it were on fire. He'd never heard her so angry. "I love you," he called, praying she would say it back.
No response came.
Richard let out a deep sigh, before solemnly walking toward the door, hoping she would understand when he returned.