Titans Together
...
Chapter Three.
...
The kitchen was enveloped in a heavy silence as Donna took a seat at the table, her gaze fixed on the steaming cup of tea cradled in her hands. The recent encounter with Raven had left her unsettled, and the weight of the situation bore down on her. "It's a lot." She admitted, finally breaking the silence as she acknowledged the gravity of the challenges Richard had been grappling with.
Richard mirrored her sentiments with a long sigh as he took a seat across from her. "And that isn't even the full extent of what we've been dealing with." He confessed, revealing the depth of their struggles.
"I now see why you think this is out of your depth." Donna acknowledged, understanding the magnitude of the situation.
"I understand what you saw today can make you think of her differently, but she's a good person." Richard asserted, defending Raven's character.
"I'm sure she is. But is she cut out to be a hero?" Donna asked, delving into the heart of the matter. "Does she even want to be, for that matter? Because from what I've seen, she isn't exactly excited for the job."
"Raven is plagued with the guilt of her father's influence. She is never going to stop thinking of herself as evil until she is given the chance to do some good." Richard expressed the conviction behind pushing Raven toward the path of heroism. "I believe that being a Titan is what she needs so she can prove to herself that she is capable of good things."
Donna, though understanding, continued to scrutinize the situation. "Okay. But have you considered that maybe you aren't the right person to teach her?" Her concern echoed a recurring thought that plagued Richard.
Nodding in acknowledgment, Richard's furrowed brow revealed the weight of self-doubt that lingered beneath his confident exterior. "I often question my capability, especially when moments like this happen. But who else can teach her?" His genuine inquiry sought alternative mentors.
"I know who." Donna responded with a compassionate yet knowing look.
Intrigue sparked in Richard's eyes, briefly lifting the veil of his guarded emotions. However, the glimmer of curiosity dimmed as he realized exactly who Donna was referring to. "No." He said sternly, the weight of his past echoing in his resolute refusal. The shutting down of the suggestion was not just a rejection of an idea but a deliberate avoidance of a chapter he had hoped to leave behind.
"Are you saying no because you don't think he can help her, or because you don't want to face him?" Donna probed, keenly sensing Richard's reluctance to involve a certain figure from the past.
"Donna, I've actually been moving on with my life, away from him. I don't want to go crawling back, asking for help." Richard asserted firmly, drawing a line between his present and the shadows of the past.
"Even if it is to help a friend?" Donna questioned, her gaze piercing through the layers of Richard's reservations, a testament to her unwavering intensity.
"We aren't even sure he can help her." Richard quickly countered, injecting doubt into the conversation. The mention of seeking help from this particular individual stirred a complex mix of apprehension and reluctance in him.
"Even if he can't, he would know someone who could." Donna countered, her wisdom shining through. Pausing, she let out a long sigh before delivering a suggestion that held the weight of resolution. "Richard, I think it's time you finally confront Bruce. Use this as an icebreaker to talk about the past."
Despite an inner resistance, Richard, aware of the inevitability, conceded with a defeated sigh. "I'll talk to her about it."
"It will be good to resolve things between you two." Donna offered a hopeful smile, acknowledging the significance of the impending conversation.
An annoyed huff escaped Richard. "I hate it when you're right." The admission revealed the internal struggle, but deep down, he understood the necessity of facing the past for the sake of the future.
...
Raven slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the unpleasant throbbing in her skull. Her face contorted in discomfort as she gradually sat up, rubbing the tender spot on the back of her head. Looking around the room, the clinical surroundings of the med bay gradually came into focus, the pristine white walls and neatly arranged medical equipment serving as an unwelcome reminder of her current predicament.
Garfield, seated in a nearby chair, eagerly rose as soon as he noticed her awakening. "Rae." He said calmly, approaching her cot.
"Gar?... What happened?" Raven asked, struggling to piece together the events that led to her in the med bay.
Garfield hesitated before responding. "Well...You... um... lost control. But it's okay. Richard just had to knock you out."
Pieces of what had happened slowly started to surface in Raven's mind. The vivid memory of the intense duel with Donna emerged, a brief moment of equilibrium etched in her recollection. However, the clarity was overshadowed by the subsequent harsh blow to her stomach, leading to her disorienting descent into darkness.
"Is Donna okay?" Raven immediately asked, anxiety palpable in her voice. "I didn't hurt her, did I?"
"Donna is fine." Garfield swiftly reassured her. "She actually attempted to challenge you."
Surprised, Raven looked at him, curiosity etched across her face. "How did that go?"
"It was pretty intense." Garfield recounted. "Until, you know... you threatened to kill her. That's when Richard intervened."
Garfield gently placed his hand on Raven's shoulder, offering a reassuring touch as he sought to provide comfort in the midst of her distress. "Donna isn't upset if that's what you are worried about." He assured her, his voice gentle and understanding.
"No, but I bet she fears me." Raven said, lifting her head to look at him. The vulnerability in her eyes reflected the internal turmoil she was experiencing. "And who could blame her?"
"Raven..." He began, empathy coloring his tone, but she quickly moved to the edge of the cot.
"I need to speak to Richard." Raven urgently declared, a sense of determination guiding her actions as she got up.
"Slow down. You still have a pretty big bump on your head. You should take it slow." Garfield advised with genuine concern distinct in his voice as he urged her to sit back down. "Maybe you can speak to me. Let me help."
Raven quickly shook her head, dismissing his protest as she continued to get up. "No. I'm sorry, but it has to be him."
As he watched her rush out of the room, Garfield's shoulders fell, a mixture of frustration and confusion on his face. He didn't understand. He was there, genuinely ready to offer his support in any way he could. Yet, despite his intentions, she still sought solace in Richard. Jealousy turned into anger as the emotion built up inside him. In a sudden burst of frustration, he kicked the chair across the room. Running his hands angrily through his hair, he fell on the cot in defeat. "Why am I not good enough to help you?"
...
Richard stood in front of the kitchen sink, the water running as he methodically washed the few dirty dishes that occupied the space. Each clink of the dishes resonated in the quiet room, creating a rhythm that mirrored the contemplation in his mind. The soft glow of the overhead light cast a warm ambiance, emphasizing the seriousness of the impending conversation.
As he scrubbed the plates, his mind wrestled with the words he would choose to address Raven. The weight of the recent events pressed upon him, and he knew the importance of navigating the delicate situation with care.
However, his contemplation was abruptly interrupted when Raven quietly walked into the room. The soft creak of the door drew Richard's attention, and he turned to face her as she addressed him in a calm voice. "Richard?"
Richard turned off the water, placing the dish he was working on in the dishwasher. He dried his hands on a nearby towel and met Raven's gaze. "How's your head?" He inquired, showing genuine concern.
"It's the least of my problems." Raven replied, her tone revealing the weight of other concerns on her mind. "How's Donna?"
"She's fine. She just left not too long ago." Richard informed her with a measured response.
"Garfield said that she challenged me?" Raven brought up, probing into the details of what transpired in the training room.
"It wasn't one of her best ideas." Richard acknowledged. Recognizing the immediate guilt in Raven's gaze, Richard sighed before addressing the deeper issue that had been lingering between them. "Raven, I know you feel like I haven't been listening to you."
"Because you haven't." She shot back, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and agitation. "No matter how many times I tell you I'm not ready, no matter how apprehensive I am, no matter how grave the consequences will be, you still push me towards it."
"I push you because I know you are never going to move forward if you don't have someone pushing you out of your comfort zone." Richard responded sternly. He stepped closer, the concern clear in his eyes. "You have come so far. You need to give yourself more time." He encouraged, emphasizing the importance of patience in her journey.
"So you keep telling me." Raven drawled harshly, turning away from him, with noticeable frustration.
"I keep telling you because you keep forgetting." Richard retorted. "Like Donna said, you just need to be more resilient."
Raven's jaw tightened, a visible sign of her continuing frustration and weariness. The repetition of Richard's encouraging words had become a source of irritation, feeling useless and redundant in the face of her perceived inadequacies. Despite any improvement she might have made, it seemed inconsequential when measured against the potential harm she believed she could inflict. The limited control she possessed felt insufficient to guarantee the safety of those around her.
"How many people will I have to hurt for you to finally give up on me?!" She suddenly yelled, the frustration breaking through her normally composed demeanor.
Richard stared at her, caught off guard by the unexpected outburst. "Do you want me to give up on you?" He asked, his concern evident in his eyes as he watched her turn away, seemingly indifferent to his question. "Because I won't. I refuse to give up on anyone on my team, especially you."
The weight of her own doubts pressed on Raven as she contemplated the consequences of her actions. "And what if I hurt you?" She asked quietly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Or Gar? Or Kori?"
"You won't." Richard told her sternly, his conviction unwavering. "Because, despite what you think, I know you have that much control. I've seen it. No matter how far gone, you are still unable to hurt the people you care about."
Raven desperately wanted to believe him, yearning for the certainty that she wouldn't bring harm to those she cared about. However, the lingering doubt clouded her conviction, leaving her grappling with the uncertainty of her own capabilities.
Richard let out a long, contemplative sigh, the burden of his acknowledgment hanging in the air like a heavy mist. "Raven, I want to help you, but I've known from the beginning that you need more help than I can offer." He confessed, his gaze steady as he looked at her.
Raven slowly turned around to face him, her expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern, unsure of where he was going with this revelation.
"I've been reluctant to do this, especially because it requires me to face my past." He continued, a brief hesitation betraying the internal struggle. "But I think it's time we talk to Bruce."
...
Later that day, Garfield slumped in front of the large television in the living room, his frustration displayed in the downward curve of his lips. His eyes glared at the screen as he mindlessly flipped through channels, the bitterness palpable in his demeanor.
In the adjoining room, the soft glow of the kitchen light flickered on as Raven walked into the room. "How was your talk with Dick?" Garfield asked, a noticeable bitterness coloring his tone.
Raven, briefly taken aback by the sharpness in his voice, turned to face him with confusion. "It was effective." She answered, her attention momentarily diverted as she reached for a glass of water.
Garfield's response was swift, his eyes rolling in a display of exasperation. "Of course, it was." He huffed bitterly. "Boy Wonder always makes it better."
Raven, now facing him, was genuinely puzzled by his attitude. "What's with you?" She inquired, walking into the living room. "Why are you acting like this?"
"What do you care?" Garfield grumbled, his thumb deftly pushing the button on the remote as he continued to flip through channels.
The atmosphere in the room became charged with tension as Raven looked at him sternly, the hurt clear in her eyes. "What makes you think I don't care?"
"Oh, I don't know... Because you don't talk to me." Garfield answered harshly, finally turning to face her. His frustration was palpable. "I thought I was your friend. I thought we were close. I thought we could talk to each other about anything. But lately, all you do is talk to Dick."
Raven stared at him, the realization of his feelings sinking in. Guilt washed over her for not recognizing it sooner. "Gar..." She began, slowly moving toward him and sitting beside him on the couch. Her voice softened, trying to convey sincerity. "You are my friend. I'm sorry that I haven't been reaching out to you." She observed him blatantly ignoring her, his focus fixed on the TV. "It's just... Richard is easy to go to when I'm worried about something. He's a very logical thinker and a problem solver." She explained, attempting to justify her actions.
"And you feel like you can't come to me with your problems?" Garfield asked, turning to face her, his eyes expressing the pain he felt. "Am I not smart enough? Am I not as mature as Dick?!" His voice escalated with a mix of frustration and vulnerability.
"What is with your jealousy towards Richard?!" Raven asked harshly, her own emotions mirroring his intensity.
"I am not jealous of him!" Garfield shot back, slouching deeper into the couch.
Raven's penetrating gaze bore into Garfield as she narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms, her demeanor exuding challenge. "Gar, your emotions are very vivid. And I know what jealousy feels like." She remarked, her voice calm but firm. Garfield, in response, huffed and turned away, a visible defiance in his posture. Undeterred, Raven pressed on, her voice cutting through the air. "So, tell me why you are jealous of him? Do you think I like him more?" Her direct question prompted Garfield to abruptly turn back around, unintentionally validating her assumption with his actions. "Because I don't." She asserted, meeting his gaze directly. Breaking the eye contact, Raven turned away, taking a deep breath. "Gar, the reason I don't come to you with my problems isn't because I think you can't handle them, but because I would rather come to you when I want to feel happy." Her words hung in the air, a delicate blend of honesty and vulnerability.
Surprised, Garfield slowly sat up from his slumped position, his hurt and angry expression transforming into one of surprise and well... flattery.
Raven's next words resonated with compassion as she continued. "You are always radiating emotions with no filter. I would rather not diminish that positivity with my problems." Turning back to face him, she smiled, her sincerity evident. "Gar, I care about you."
The room seemed to brighten as Raven's words carried genuine warmth and reassurance. Caught off guard, Garfield could only stare at her, a fluttering sensation in his stomach in response to her unexpected declaration. "You care about me?" He asked, seeking confirmation.
"Of course." Raven replied with a smile. "I care about all of my friends equally."
The warmth and reassurance immediately dissipated. "Yeah, all of us..." Garfield responded, attempting to conceal his disappointment. Despite the letdown, he couldn't ignore the undeniable compliment and compassion Raven had just shared with him.
"Again, I'm sorry I haven't talked to you lately." Raven continued, her tone carrying a hint of remorse. "I've been overwhelmed with Richard constantly pushing us to do things like sword fighting, patrol, and wearing ridiculous costumes."
"You don't like your uniform?" Garfield interjected, genuinely surprised.
Raven sighed, a subtle hint of exasperation in her voice. "It is skin-tight and revealing." She reminded him, though the discomfort was apparent without the need for a reminder.
"But you look so good in it." Garfield blurted out, his words presenting an unintended awkwardness. He quickly backtracked, realizing his misstep. "I mean, it's your favorite color, and you got the cool cloak."
Raven, however, wasn't swayed. "And a revealing dress that shows off my legs." She added distastefully.
Despite her reasons for disliking the uniform, Garfield found himself appreciating it for entirely different reasons. "It sure does..." He commented absentmindedly, unconsciously allowing his gaze to linger on her legs. Raven abruptly turned and glared at him, catching him in the act. Realizing his mistake, Garfield quickly shook his head, attempting to dismiss the thought, and looked up to meet her gaze. "It's stylish." He added hastily, hoping to divert her attention from his brief fixation on her legs.
"I guess it's just another thing I need to get used to," Raven acknowledged with a sigh, her voice heavy with the weight of resignation as she turned away.
But Garfield could sense that there was more troubling her. "There is something else bothering you." He stated, gently probing for the truth.
Raven hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in him about the conversation she had with Richard. "Richard has a new plan, and I'm apprehensive about it." She admitted. "It seems promising, but I refuse to get my hopes up. It only leads to disappointment."
Concern etched across his face, Garfield leaned in a little closer. "What is it?" He asked eagerly, genuinely curious.
Raven turned to face him, her expression revealing a mix of vulnerability and uncertainty. "He wants me to go to Gotham and train under his mentor."
...
Despite harboring hope that Bruce would be able to assist Raven, Richard couldn't shake the nerves that accompanied the prospect of seeing his old partner again. Years had passed since they last crossed paths, and even longer since they engaged in any meaningful conversation. They didn't exactly part on the best of terms, leaving a lingering tension in the air.
A complex history loomed between them, filled with unresolved issues that needed addressing. Richard found himself at a loss, unsure of where to even begin discussing the tangled web of their past. After finally finding a semblance of peace and moving on from the resentment toward his adoptive father, Richard feared that revisiting those old wounds might plunge him back into a pit of vengeful hatred.
Now, he not only had to grapple with Raven relying on him but also on Bruce. Despite Bruce's known stubbornness, Richard had a lingering worry that opening up old conflicts might strain the already delicate situation. He knew Bruce well enough to believe that he wouldn't hold Raven responsible for the issues between them. However, that didn't mean it wouldn't be better to have their conflict resolved.
The mounting pressure to resolve their conflicts became overwhelming, compelling Richard to confront the uncomfortable reality that awaited him. Driven by an undeniable need to let out steam and clear his head, he found himself making his way down to the combat room, a space that had become a sanctuary for him.
As he flicked on the lights, the room gradually illuminated, revealing the familiar surroundings – equipment neatly arranged, weights stacked in a corner, and a combat mat sprawled across the floor. However, Richard's gaze was fixed on the back of the room, where the one thing that never failed to relax him stood tall – the trapeze.
His footsteps echoed in the spacious room as he walked past the training equipment. The trapeze, with its sturdy frame and hanging ropes, beckoned to him like an old friend. Amid the turmoil of unresolved conflicts and the weight of responsibility, the trapeze offered solace.
If his experiences in sword fighting had taught him anything, it was that regardless of how hard one trained, key factors could fade from memory over time. Yet, there was one skill Richard could never forget – the artistry of the trapeze. It was a constant in his life, a source of comfort and familiarity that allowed him to momentarily escape the pressures that weighed on him.
Not everyone had aerial rigging equipment in their training room, but Richard, always striving for versatility, made sure it was a staple in his. It was one of those things he effortlessly integrated into his routine, a unique skill that not only showcased his physical prowess but also served as a therapeutic outlet. The rhythmic motion of soaring through the air had a way of clearing his head like nothing else.
As the training room transformed into his personal aerial haven, Richard removed his shirt, tossing it aside before ascending the ladder to the elevated podium. Standing on the platform, he eyed the bar in front of him, hands tightening around it as he approached the edge.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, allowing a moment of serenity to envelop him before he let himself fall. The descent brought forth the rush of wind in his hair, the sharp breeze that intimately caressed his bare muscles, and that fleeting, weightless feeling of flying. It was a sensation that effortlessly swept away the burdens plaguing his thoughts.
Opening his eyes mid-fall, a content smile graced his features as he released his grip on the bar. In a display of skill and grace, he executed a triple somersault in the air before seamlessly catching the second bar in front of him. Swiftly swinging to the adjacent podium, he landed with the agility of a seasoned acrobat.
Before he could contemplate another gravity-defying act, the enthusiastic sound of clapping reached his ears. Glancing down, he discovered Kori applauding his aerial performance with an excited smile. Her words carried genuine admiration. "Richard, that was wonderful! Amazing! Spectacular!" She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she watched him gracefully climb down to join her on solid ground.
Richard couldn't help but smirk at her infectious enthusiasm. "Oh, come now, Kori. It's not nearly as amazing as you actually flying."
"It's not merely being airborne that amazes me, but the expression on your features, the freedom you emanated. That is what astounded me." Kori expressed, her voice filled with a genuine appreciation for the essence of his performance. To emphasize her point, she spun around on her feet, a visual representation of the delightful liberty she spoke of. "The joyful freedom that flying offers, you felt that up there."
Richard continued to smile at her, captivated by her overjoyed excitement. "I guess I did."
"Show me." Kori abruptly said, halting her twirl. "Show me what you do that causes you to feel so elated."
Richard could have protested, contemplating explaining that the feeling she experienced when she flew was undoubtedly more thrilling than anything the trapeze had to offer. However, as he looked into the genuine excitement reflected in Kori's eyes, he found himself unable to argue the point. "Climb up to that podium." He instructed, a subtle anticipation evident in his gaze as he turned back to the trapeze.
Kori eagerly clapped her hands, her enthusiasm palpable, before swiftly running over to the ladder and ascending it to the top. Looking over, she watched with anticipation as Richard climbed the opposite ladder to his designated podium. "Now what?" She yelled, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and curiosity.
"Grab the bar with both hands and jump off the platform. When I say so, let go of the bar." Richard calmly instructed.
Kori nodded in affirmation, a radiant smile gracing her features as she followed his guidance. She approached the bar, grasped it firmly with both hands, and confidently walked to the edge of the podium. Some people needed to build up the courage for such a daring stunt, to bravely leap off a considerable height, but when one didn't experience the fear of falling, the act became as effortless as taking a step. Closing her eyes, Kori smiled serenely before leaping forward.
As she descended, she immersed herself in the familiar sensations—the wind playfully whipping through her long hair, the gentle breeze caressing her skin, and the intoxicating weightlessness as she swung. With each passing moment, she embraced the joy of the experience. Now, having firsthand knowledge of the exhilaration Richard found in this aerial dance, she gained a profound understanding of why he loved it so much. The shared moment of flight became a bridge between their worlds, connecting them through the sheer delight of defying gravity together.
"Now!" His voice echoed through the air, a decisive command that prompted Kori to open her eyes. With a leap of faith, she released her grip on the bar, surrendering herself to the exhilarating freedom of flight. In an instant, two strong hands caught her wrists, and she found herself suspended in mid-air. Looking up, she was met with the surprising sight of Richard smiling down at her, hanging effortlessly from his legs.
Her heart soared at the genuine joy mirrored in his expression, and she cherished the shared moment of weightlessness with him. The sensation of being caught in mid-air by him created an unspoken connection, and Kori couldn't contain her radiant smile as he swung them back to the safety of the podium.
As soon as they both landed on the flat surface, Kori felt an overwhelming surge of excitement, causing her to jump up and down gleefully. "Richard, that was so much fun! Show me something else!" She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Richard contemplated the array of tricks and stunts he could showcase. But he had a particular one in mind. Pulling both bars towards them, he loosened the line before handing Kori a bar of her own. "Try to keep up." He teased playfully. Before she could fully grasp his intent, he leaped off the ledge, inviting her to join him in the next daring feat.
Surprised by Richard's sudden move, Kori rushed to the edge of the podium. Her eyes fixated on him as he swung in a mesmerizing circular motion close to the ground. Excitement surged through her, prompting an immediate leap off the ledge as she descended and soared behind him, eager to join in the daring display.
Together, they lapped around the border in a thrilling circular motion, their feet barely touching the floor. The rush of air, the swift movement, and the shared momentum created an exhilarating dance. With each successive lap, the circle they traced in the air became smaller, their bodies navigating the swing with seamless coordination. Before long, they were practically in front of each other, the anticipation building as they closed the distance between them.
As the space diminished, Richard couldn't suppress his infectious smile, watching Kori laugh out of pure joy. Their bodies pressed against one another, caught in the whirlwind of their shared excitement. Above them, the lines started to intermingle into a spiral, compelling them to spin rapidly in the center of the ring.
In a moment of playful abandon, Richard let go of his bar, gracefully landing on the ground. Without missing a beat, he reached out, grabbing Kori's waist and bringing the spinning to a halt. As they faced each other, the lingering excitement transformed into a more intimate connection. Richard couldn't help but be captivated by the joy reflected in Kori's eyes, and as he leaned in for a kiss, he found himself falling hopelessly into the moment.
Yet, Kori, still reveling in the playful mood, pulled away from his approaching lips. With a mischievous grin, she hoisted herself up on the bar, swinging her legs over the pole into a sitting position, creating a brief pause in the whirlwind of their airborne escapade.
Richard wrinkled his nose at Kori's playful evasion, a mock expression of frustration crossing his features before he seized the sides of her bar and deftly whipped it around. The swing responded to his command, and Kori found herself twirling around him, the force of the motion held in check by his grounded stance as he skillfully held onto her.
Closing her eyes to ward off the impending dizziness, Kori clung tightly to the swing. Despite the whirling sensation, an irrepressible grin adorned her face as she leaned forward, pressing her forehead against Richard's in a shared moment of intimacy.
With a final spin, Richard executed a well-timed maneuver, pushing Kori out to swing around the perimeter. Anticipating her return, Kori leaped off the bar, trusting him to catch her. His arms enveloped her tightly, the momentum of her jump coaxing him into a spontaneous spin on his feet. In this twirling dance, their connection deepened, and as he looked at her nestled in his arms, Richard was determined not to let her evade him this time.
He quickly kissed her, letting his eager lips possessively claim hers. Their mouths melded in a fervent union, and her heated breath intermingled with his as they gradually released all the tension that had built up through their aerial dance. He locked his arms around her, a possessive embrace that forced her to press herself into him. The contours of her body fit seamlessly against his, and he could feel her arms loop around his neck as her hands gripped his hair tightly.
Moving his hands with a gentle yet assertive touch, he explored the terrain of her back, feeling the feminine curve of her spine and the lovely swell of her rear. Each touch seemed to spark a trail of electric currents, heightening the intensity of their connection. Moving his lips off her mouth, he trailed them down to the tender skin of her neck. She arched her neck to the side, giving him more access as he buried his face in the crease. Erotic moans couldn't help but creep out of her mouth, and with every sound of passion she made, he only wanted to get her to his bed faster.
But he couldn't make the move just yet. He was too engrossed in what he was doing to take the initiative. She arched her back, lifting her chest towards him and letting him bury his face in her breasts. He was intoxicated by the taste of her soft skin and the aroma of her sweet scent. She straightened her back, forcing him to pull away from her chest to face her. They stared at one another through half-lidded eyes, dilated with lust. The room, once echoing with the clash of training and combat, now bore witness to a different kind of heated workout.
"I want you." He said huskily, his eyes burning with desire.
"You have me." Was her quick response, and just as the words left her lips, he passionately pressed his mouth to hers. The kiss was an unspoken affirmation, a merging of desire that transcended words. Their lips moved with a synchronized rhythm, the heat of their connection intensifying with each passing moment. The room, wrapped in the cocoon of their passion, became a silent witness to the unrestrained fervor that unfolded between them.
...
It was late, and Richard found himself suspended between euphoria and exhaustion. The combat room, usually a space for training and battles, now served as an unconventional backdrop for his current state. Lying in his underwear in the middle of the room, he was acutely aware that it wasn't the most conventional situation. However, in the midst of his overwhelming happiness and fatigue, such considerations were inconsequential. He felt a sense of contentment that outweighed any semblance of discomfort.
A smile played on his lips as he gazed down at the girl beside him, appreciating the warmth of her naked body pressed against his. Every minute of this moment was cherished, the shared warmth and the unspoken connection bringing a sense of peace.
Despite reveling in the joy of the present, Richard knew he couldn't linger in this moment indefinitely. The weight of responsibility pressed on him, a reminder that he had an early morning task ahead. As he shifted his gaze away from the tranquil scene, he recognized the need to share with Kori the impending developments, to let her in on what was happening in the coming hours.
Kori lifted her head, crossing her arms before resting them on Richard's chest. She could feel the rapid thud of his heart beneath her touch, a tangible reminder of the effect she had on him. A subtle smile played on her lips as she reveled in the knowledge that she caused his heart to race.
"Kori... Theres something I need to tell you." Richard's voice began, prompting her to turn and face him, her eyes searching his for the words she had been waiting to hear.
Her face stilled, the fluttering excitement in her stomach freezing momentarily. She had waited with bated breath, anticipating a declaration of emotions, a revelation of how much she meant to him. The weight of the moment hung in the air, and if all those romantic movies had any validity to them, then this was the perfect juncture for such confessions.
"I'm leaving."
The astonishment on her face was palpable, her eyes widening in disbelief. The romantic script she had imagined took an unexpected turn, leaving her stunned and searching for meaning in the unexpected revelation. "What?" She blinked, the one word echoing her bewilderment as she grappled with the abrupt turn of events.
"When Donna and I talked earlier, she suggested something. Something that I have honestly been avoiding from the beginning. But frankly, it's the best thing I can think of to help Raven." Richard explained, his voice carrying the weight of a decision that had been both contemplated and deferred.
Kori sat up, her mind racing to process the revelation. Disappointment mingled with confusion as she grappled with the lack of kinship verification and the unexpected news he was sharing. "You're leaving?" She repeated, seeking clarity in the midst of her emotional turmoil.
"I know I should have told you sooner, but I'm taking Raven to Gotham. I am hoping that Bruce might have some suggestions on how to help her." Richard elaborated, his words an attempt to provide context to the impending departure. "We are leaving tomorrow morning."
Kori turned away, creating a noticeable distance between them. The emotional turmoil within her was palpable, and Richard immediately sensed that she was upset. In hindsight, revealing that he was leaving right after sex was a lapse in judgment. "Kori, I'm sorry." He apologized, his voice full of genuine regret for the timing and the impact of his revelation on her.
"How long will you be gone?" Kori asked, her arms crossing over her chest, a subconscious gesture of covering herself in this vulnerable moment.
Richard, acutely aware of the weight behind the question, let out a small sigh. "I honestly don't know." He confessed, realizing that the lack of a concrete answer only added to the uncertainty of the situation. "It hopefully won't be that long."
As Kori closed her eyes and took a deep breath, Richard could sense the internal struggle within her. She was putting her own feelings aside, recognizing that the primary purpose of this journey was to help Raven. Slowly turning around to face him, Kori sought assurance. "Do you really think Bruce can help her?"
"I'm somewhat hopeful." Richard replied, his voice a mixture of optimism and a tinge of uncertainty.
In response, Kori acknowledged the importance of seeking help for Raven, her empathy transcending her personal emotions. "Then it is good that you are taking her to see him." She concluded, her words expressing a willingness to prioritize Raven's well-being over her own complex feelings.
...