...

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the table where Kori sat, slowly chewing her healthy breakfast. She stared with thinly veiled irritation as Garfield aggressively doused the back of the couch with Lysol, his motions dramatic and excessive.

She narrowed her eyes, watching him soak the fabric like it had been used for a crime scene. "Garfield." She finally muttered, setting her fork down. "You're being dramatic."

Without missing a beat, he turned, giving her a pointed glare, then wordlessly continued his mission, pressing down hard on the nozzle until the bottle gave a wheezing hiss.

Kori sighed and crossed her arms. While embarrassment still simmered under her skin, it was quickly being overtaken by annoyance. But that irritation wasn't solely directed at Garfield. It was also festering inward, at herself. At how easily she'd unraveled. How quickly she'd let herself be drawn in by Richard again. One touch, one dance, and she had melted like no time had passed at all. Her resolve, the walls she'd built, gone in seconds.

"So…" Raven's voice cut through the tension, dry and casual, though her eyes remained glued to the book in her lap. "Sounds like things got a little heated last night." She didn't look up, but the subtle arch of her brow was audible in her tone.

A blush crept up Kori's cheeks. Her lips curled into a faint, sheepish smile. "It… definitely wasn't something I expected to happen."

Raven finally glanced up from her book, giving Kori a sideways look. "So… was that a heat-of-the-moment thing? Or something more?"

The smile vanished from Kori's face. She looked down at her plate, poking at what was left of her meal. "I don't know what came over me." She said softly. "But it doesn't change anything." Her voice was firm, but her eyes gave her away.

Raven gave a small shrug. "Your hormones are all over the place. It's not surprising that they took over."

Kori wanted to believe that. She wanted to blame it all on the chaotic swirl of pregnancy hormones coursing through her. It would have been easier that way. But deep down, she knew better. The truth was more complicated, and far more painful. If she was being honest, those feelings, those desires, had never really gone away. Pregnant or not, she might've still reached for him. And suddenly, the weight of it all was too much to bear.

"Just say it!" Kori snapped, the sharpness in her voice slicing through the quiet room like a knife. Raven's book dropped slightly, and Garfield turned around, his eyes wide in surprise. "Say what we're all thinking!" Her voice wavered as she stood up from the table, her hands balled into trembling fists. "That I'm weak! That I'm pathetic! That one charming smile and a little chivalry was all it took for me to fall right back into the arms of the man who broke my heart!" Her voice cracked as she crumbled back into the chair, burying her face in her hands. "I'm a terrible mother." She whispered, the words barely audible beneath her muffled sobs.

The Lysol bottle in Garfield's hand slowly lowered. His theatrical cleaning came to a halt as guilt softened his face. He placed the bottle on the table and turned, suddenly ashamed of his earlier performance.

Raven gently closed her book and set it aside. Then, without a word, she slid closer and placed a comforting hand on Kori's slumped shoulder. Kori slowly lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes glimmering with vulnerability.

"The fact that you're this torn up about it." Raven said gently, her tone sincere and unwavering. "Just proves how much you already love your baby. You're not a bad mother, Kori. And whether or not you and Richard work things out, that baby will always know they're loved, by both of you."

Something shifted in Kori's expression, a flicker of light piercing through the fog of shame. Her lips trembled, then lifted in a fragile, grateful smile. A moment later, she surged forward, wrapping her arms around Raven in a fierce, tearful hug.

"Oh, I gotta get in on this." Garfield muttered from the side, already moving in. He wrapped his arms around both girls, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile.

Kori let out a watery laugh, the first genuine sound of joy that morning. Though her tears still flowed, there was something cleansing about the embrace.

They stayed like that for a while, tangled in a silent bundle of comfort, until the chime of Kori's phone buzzed against the table, breaking the moment.

Gently, Kori pulled back from the group hug and picked up her phone from the table. The screen lit up with a new message, and before she even unlocked it, her heart fluttered uncontrollably at his message.

Richard: Good morning. I hope you slept okay.

Kori: Good morning… I did, eventually.

Richard: Yeah, I couldn't sleep either. I couldn't stop thinking about you.

Kori: You were on my mind as well.

Richard: Do you want to get lunch? Or if you're still tired, I could pick something up and bring it to you.

Kori stared at the message for a long moment, her thumb grazing her lower lip as a thousand thoughts crowded her head. Her heart longed to see him, to fall back into that comforting rhythm they had started to rediscover. But her head knew better.

Kori: Actually… I think it might be best if we take a break. My mind just feels a little overwhelmed, considering everything that's happened.

This time, the silence on the other end stretched longer. She could almost feel the weight of his reaction through the phone.

Richard: Take as much time as you need. I'll be here when you want to talk.

Her eyes stung unexpectedly, the gentle finality of his message striking a tender chord. There was no guilt-tripping, no pressure, just understanding. And that somehow made it harder.

She placed the phone down and exhaled slowly. While her heart ached with the need to be near him, she knew this space was necessary. The past few months had blurred by in a whirlwind. What started as occasional doctor appointments had turned into shared meals, Lamaze classes, long conversations. He had slowly become a daily presence in her life again, something familiar, something comforting.

But now she needed to stop and ask herself what she truly wanted. Did she want Richard to simply be a father to her child? Or was she ready to consider the possibility of him being something more again—her partner, her companion, someone she trusted not just with her child's future, but her heart?

...

Kori stood beneath the bright fluorescent lights of a sprawling baby department store, the faint scent of plastic packaging and lavender-scented wipes lingering in the air. Rows upon rows of tiny clothes, soft blankets, and pastel-colored gadgets stretched out in every direction, overwhelming and inviting all at once. She smoothed a hand over her belly, eyeing a stack of onesies with a thoughtful hum as she added a few more essentials to her growing list.

She was proud of herself. It had been an entire week since she'd seen Richard in person. And while that space between them still felt raw, it also reminded her of something important: she was not dependent on him. She could stand on her own two feet, even if they were a bit swollen these days.

Still, just because she hadn't seen him didn't mean he wasn't present. Every morning without fail, her phone lit up with a soft ping, and she was greeted with a good morning text. It was always sweet, and she always responded. She couldn't help it. Their conversations had grown into a quiet routine, filled with bump updates and shared memes, tiny moments of connection. He cared about her cravings, her sleep, and everything the baby did. And even if there wasn't much new to report, he made her feel like every tiny milestone mattered.

She still had about three weeks to go, give or take, before their child would arrive, and while she truly cherished being pregnant, marveled at the strange, miraculous beauty of growing a life inside her, she was practically buzzing with anticipation. She couldn't wait to finally meet the tiny infant who had spent the last few months treating her bladder like a trampoline.

As if on cue, she placed a hand over her bump just in time to feel a firm kick ripple beneath her palm, followed by a sharp cramp. "You're getting strong." She murmured, rubbing the spot in gentle circles.

"Bad news." Garfield called out as he rolled up beside her with a shopping cart that looked more like a mobile mountain of baby gear. "They're out of stock of the highchair you wanted."

"But we did manage to get the car seat." Raven added, appearing behind him and balancing the box on top of the cart.

"Wonderful." Kori beamed, dumping her handful of pastel outfits into the pile. Tiny socks tumbled onto a box of wipes as she added yet another plush blanket on top.

Garfield raised a brow. "Kori, do you really need another blanket?"

"But this one is so soft, and it has little suns and moons on it." She said dreamily, pressing the fleece against her cheek. "It's celestial."

Raven eyed the cart critically. "Okay, but is there anything else on the list that's actually essential?"

Kori tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Swaddle blankets, a bottle warmer, and a diaper genie." She said, reciting the list with excitement.

"Trust me, a diaper genie isn't anything to get excited about." Garfield muttered under his breath.

Garfield dutifully pushed the overloaded cart behind the girls. Raven left while Kori waddled toward the next aisle with quiet determination, her hand never straying far from her bump. Garfield parked the cart, sighing as she paused to examine a display of swaddle options like she was choosing a prom dress.

Knowing this would take a while, he glanced around, his eyes drifting over nursing pillows and pacifier clips before something mechanical caught his attention. He picked up a breast pump display, fiddling with the buttons until it whirred to life with an unnerving rhythm.

Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, he hesitated, then, out of pure mischief, pressed the pump to his shirt. A loud thwap! followed as it suctioned onto him through the fabric.

He gasped, yanking it off with wide eyes. "That thing's got some grip to it." He said aloud.

"Are you quite done?" Raven asked dryly, reappearing beside him with the bottle warmer in hand, her expression unreadable.

Garfield cleared his throat and hastily returned the pump to the display. "Just conducting some very field research." He muttered, trying to save face.

Raven arched a brow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Want to sample some nipple cream while you're at it?"

He stuck his tongue out at her in mock offense, and she rolled her eyes with a soft smile before turning her attention back to Kori, who was now deeply engrossed in comparing two swaddle prints.

"Kori, the store closes in an hour." Raven reminded gently. "We should probably focus on the essentials."

"I know, I know." Kori said, returning to the cart and slipping her final selections in. "I just need the diaper genie, and then I'm done. I promise."

"Great." Garfield groaned, pushing the cart forward. "Let's grab the poop disposal and make our great escape."

But Kori stopped in her tracks. The gentle chime of her phone buzzed from her purse, and she reached in automatically, thumbing the screen.

Richard: I have a surprise for you.

Her face softened, her lips curling into a small smile as she imagined what that meant. But before she could entertain the idea for long, a sharp pain lanced through her belly. Her breath hitched, hand flying instinctively to her bump. The smile faded as she clenched her teeth, a quiet groan slipping from her lips.

Raven turned to her with immediate concern. "You okay?" She asked, instantly alert.

Kori nodded, but it was slow and uncertain. Her brows were furrowed, lips pursed as another wave of discomfort hit her. "Yeah… I think so. Just a cramp. Or a kick. Or… something." She tried to brush it off with a wave of her hand, but her voice betrayed her, tinged with unease. "Maybe it's one of those Braxton-Hicks we read about."

But before the words fully left her mouth, her body doubled slightly as a sharp, searing pain shot through her abdomen. She groaned, the sound guttural and involuntary, her hand flying to her belly as she nearly buckled over.

Raven's eyes widened. She stepped in quickly, steadying Kori by the shoulders. "Kori, that doesn't sound like Braxton-Hicks." She said, her voice low and serious. Then her gaze dropped to the floor.

Kori followed her gaze and gasped. A clear, spreading pool was forming at her feet. Her breath caught in her throat. "N-no." She stammered, looking from Raven to the floor and back again. "But I still have three weeks!"

"Babies don't care about calendars." Raven said calmly but firmly, already slipping her arm around Kori for support.

"Hey, I found the genie things you wanted!" Garfield called out from the next aisle, holding up the package. But mid-step, his foot slid across the floor. "Whoa—what the hell is this?!"

"That would be amniotic fluid." Raven replied coolly, still supporting Kori's trembling frame. "Gar. Get the car."

...

From the moment Kori had learned she was pregnant, there hadn't been a single doubt in her heart, this baby was wanted, loved, and awaited with open arms. Even with the uncertainty of her relationship with Richard, she had never questioned whether she was ready to be a mother.

But now, now, as she sat doubled over in the backseat of the car, writhing in pain as they sped toward the hospital, panic clawed at her chest.

"What if something's wrong?" She whimpered, her head falling back against the seat, her free hand clamped over her belly while the other clung tightly to the nearest hand.

"Just focus on your breathing." Raven instructed from the front seat, her tone calm but urgent as she weaved through traffic.

Kori let out a scream, her entire body tensing. Garfield let out a matching cry from beside her. "Ah! My hand! Raven, she's crushing my hand!" He yelped, trying to pry his fingers loose.

Raven didn't even flinch. "There's no sympathy for you right now, Gar."

The hospital came into view, glowing and sterile against the darkness of the night like a beacon. Kori let out another moan, her knees buckling slightly as a new wave of pain ripped through her. Tears burned at the corners of her eyes. "Someone needs to call Richard!" She gasped, panic rising like a tide. "He's supposed to be there—he has to be there!"

Garfield howled from beside her. "I think she broke my hand!" He cried dramatically.

"We'll call him." Raven said with an unwavering calmness, even as she practically threw the car into park. The engine was still humming when she unclicked her seatbelt and flung the door open. "Kori, just focus on breathing, okay? Deep in through your nose, out through your mouth."

Tears welled in Garfield's eyes, but he swallowed the pain as he scrambled out of the back seat. His fingers throbbed, but he didn't let go of Kori for a second. She was leaning heavily on him now, and he could feel the tremble in her frame as they maneuvered her out of the car.

The cool night air hit her skin, but it did nothing to soothe the heat radiating from her body. Her cheeks were flushed, strands of hair sticking to her damp forehead. Sweat beaded at her brow as she took shaky, shallow breaths. Her free hand was clenched tight over her belly, and her steps were slow, uneven, as if her legs might give out at any second.

"Okay, easy, Kori, we've got you." Raven said calmly, as they walked her into the emergency room door.

"Yep." Garfield added. "Just super. Really just… phenomenal pain tolerance."

Another contraction struck hard, sharp, and all-consuming. Kori cried out, her body doubling forward. Her grip on Garfield's arm turned vice-like, and her other hand reached for Raven, desperate and trembling.

Raven caught her immediately, steadying her, her own expression steely but gentle. "Breathe, Kori. You're doing great. Just breathe through it. We're almost there."

A nurse at the emergency entrance spotted them and rushed over with a wheelchair. "She's in labor!" Raven called out, her voice clear and commanding.

The nurse's expression shifted into urgency. "Right this way." She helped ease Kori down into the chair as gently as possible.

"I'll go park the car." Garfield offered, cradling his injured hand like it was made of glass.

"Don't be dramatic." Raven muttered, already jogging alongside the wheelchair. "And call Richard!"

Garfield watched helplessly as the nurse wheeled Kori and Raven down the hallway, Kori's groans echoing off the sterile walls. But the second they turned the corner and were out of sight, he pivoted and made a beeline to the front desk.

"I think my hand is broken!" He blurted dramatically.

...

Garfield stood just outside Kori's hospital room, gently rocking on his heels, his bandaged hand resting against his chest. With every muffled scream that tore through the door, he flinched. Kori's voice, normally so gentle and bright, now cracked and raw with pain, sent waves of sympathy crashing over him.

He glanced at the wall clock, each minute feeling like an hour. He didn't know much about labor, but he was pretty sure it wasn't supposed to sound like someone was being exorcised.

Then came the shout that rattled the entire floor. "WHERE THE FUCK IS RICHARD!?"

Just as Garfield's thumb hovered over the call button to ring Richard again, the echo of hurried footsteps thundered down the corridor. He lifted his head just in time to see Richard skid around the corner. His shoes squealed against the polished linoleum, and he nearly lost his footing. Panic was scrawled across his face, his eyes sharp and frantic as they scanned the hallway.

"Cutting it close, aren't you, Dick?" Garfield called, managing a smirk through his anxiety. His voice was rough around the edges, weary and tight with tension.

"Where is she?!" Richard snapped, eyes darting until they locked onto the door just a few feet ahead.

Before Garfield could raise a finger, another gut-wrenching scream pierced the air, slicing straight through Richard's chest like a knife. His legs moved fast, propelling him toward the room with a near-violent urgency. The door slammed open against the wall, bouncing on its hinges as he burst inside.

Kori's head turned sharply, sweat plastering hair to her forehead. Her face—tense with pain just moments before—softened the instant she saw him. "Richard." She whispered, like his name was an answer to a prayer. Her voice trembled with disbelief and relief, and fresh tears welled in her eyes. "I thought you wouldn't make it in time."

"I'm here." Richard said, grounding himself beside her. His voice was soft now, the frantic edge melting into calm resolve as he reached for her hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed her knuckles, his eyes never leaving hers. "I will always be here."

But her smile faltered. Her face twisted as another contraction tore through her, stealing her breath. She screamed, raw and primal, and her grip on Richard's hand turned iron-tight. If it hurt, he didn't flinch. If his bones protested, he ignored them.

Raven stood on the other side of the bed, calmly pressing a cool cloth to Kori's brow, whispering quiet encouragement. The room buzzed with controlled chaos—nurses moving swiftly, checking monitors, adjusting equipment. Kori screamed again, louder this time, her entire body tensing as she fought through the pain.

"Almost there, Kori." A nurse called, her voice firm but kind. "You're doing great. Just one more big push."

Kori cried out, her voice cracking from the effort. Richard stroked her damp hair, murmuring gentle reassurances, his forehead pressed to hers.

And then—

Silence.

The sudden stillness hit like a wave, thick and surreal. Kori collapsed back against the pillows, gasping, eyes wide, tears slipping down her cheeks. For a heartbeat, no one breathed.

And then—

A sound. A shrill, beautiful, urgent wail. The cry of new life.

Kori let out a sob, her whole body shaking as the tears came freely now, relief, exhaustion, joy. Richard blinked hard, trying to see clearly through the sudden sting behind his eyes.

"It's a girl." The doctor announced, lifting the red-faced baby into view. The nurse quickly wrapped her in a soft blanket, her cries fierce and full of life.

Richard looked at Kori, who was already reaching out with trembling arms. And as the nurse laid the tiny bundle in her arms, the world outside the room faded away.

...

The morning sun poured through the wide hospital windows, painting the room in soft gold and casting gentle shadows across the walls. The light seemed to dance off the white tile floors, filling the space with warmth, peace, and the quiet promise of new beginnings. The once-sterile scent of antiseptic had faded beneath the sweet perfume of fresh flowers tucked into vases that now crowded every counter and windowsill.

Kori was still nestled in the hospital bed, propped up with pillows. Her hair was brushed, her face dewy and glowing, though exhaustion still softened her eyes. The soreness in her body remained, a dull ache that lingered through her lower half. But none of that mattered. Not when her arms were full and her heart fuller. Her face was radiant as she watched her daughter be passed gently from friend to friend.

"Hi," Garfield said softly, crouching slightly as he smiled at the bundle in Raven's arms. He wiggled a finger near the baby's face, his grin wide. "I'm your Uncle Gar. Your mommy broke my hand to bring you into the world. And you were worth every bone."

Richard rolled his eyes, but the smile didn't leave his features. "Yeah, she broke mine too. You don't hear me whining about it."

But Garfield's attention was already on the tiny girl again, his eyes soft with wonder. He carefully took her from Raven and cradled her for just a second longer before gently returning her to her mother's waiting arms. Then, with a contented sigh, he ambled back to Raven and wrapped his arms lazily around her waist from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his bandaged hand hanging a little awkwardly, but his smile never left his face.

Kori looked up and saw them together, the peaceful closeness they shared, and her heart swelled. She turned her gaze down to the squeaky, wriggling bundle nestled in her arms. Her daughter's little face scrunching with an expression that seemed impossibly thoughtful for someone so new to the world.

"You know…" Kori began, rocking her baby gently, her tone sly and playful. "It would be nice if she had a little cousin to play with."

Before Garfield could even process the implication, Raven had already peeled herself out of his embrace. Her eyes narrowed, and her smile was nowhere to be found. "No." She said flatly, her voice sharp and decisive.

Kori giggled, hiding her amusement behind her hand as Garfield blinked in confusion.

The laughter was still echoing when the doors to the room burst open and Victor stormed in like a parade float. He was practically buried under a mountain of pink balloons, plush teddy bears, baby dolls, flower bouquets, and a jumbo box of diapers teetering precariously on top.

"Uncle Vic is in the house!" He bellowed with a wide grin.

"Victor!" Kori exclaimed, her face lighting up with genuine excitement.

Victor lumbered forward and immediately dumped his avalanche of gifts into Richard's startled arms, nearly knocking him off balance. Richard muttered a breathless curse under the weight, swaying as the balloons bobbed wildly.

"Now, let me see that baby!" Victor declared, his arms now free as he moved toward the bed with an eagerness that softened his usually imposing figure. His broad metal arms stretched out, hands surprisingly gentle for someone his size.

Kori carefully placed her newborn into his embrace. The baby looked almost impossibly small cradled against Victor's massive chest, her tiny head tucked beneath his chin, her little fingers curling instinctively as they brushed against the cool metal of his arm.

"And what's this little one's name?" Victor asked, lowering his voice, swaying gently side to side as he wiggled a single polished finger in front of the baby's curious eyes.

Kori didn't answer right away. She looked toward Richard, who was now standing at her bedside again, the avalanche of pink chaos deposited safely on a nearby table. He reached for her hand, their fingers entwining in a quiet, unspoken promise.

"Mar'i." Kori said softly, her voice filled with love and pride.

...

Kori gazed down at the bundle in her arms, her expression soft with awe. Her smile was tender, luminous, the kind of smile that only a mother—one freshly introduced to the miracle in her arms—could wear. She gently brushed a thumb across her daughter's cheek, then ran her fingers through the wispy tufts of fine black hair, admiring how soft it felt against her skin. Her lips pressed lovingly to the top of the baby's head, her heart swelling all over again.

Richard watched her with quiet reverence, one hand resting on the wheelchair handle as he gently pushed them down the smooth hallway. Sunlight spilled through the hospital's glass entrance, welcoming them with the glow of a brand-new morning. Outside, the day was perfect with clear blue skies, the scent of fresh blooms riding on the breeze, birds chirping as if to herald Mar'i's first step into the world beyond the sterile hospital walls.

He rolled the wheelchair to the curb and stopped, crouching slightly. "Let me." He said, his voice warm. Kori didn't hesitate as he leaned in, his arms steady and protective as he took their daughter from her arms. Mar'i stirred, her face scrunching briefly before settling into sleep again. Richard smiled down at her, cradling her like she was made of starlight.

With slow, deliberate care, he lowered her into the car seat, buckling each strap securely, double-checking every latch with focused precision. His fingers lingered a second longer than necessary as he tucked the blanket around her tiny form, then looked back to Kori.

She was already rising from the wheelchair when he offered his arm. She didn't need it but she accepted anyway, allowing him to help her into the car.

The car ride was peaceful. No music, no voices, just the hum of the engine and the occasional soft squeak from Mar'i. It wasn't silence born of exhaustion, or tension, but a calm born from contentment. The air between them was filled with something delicate and glowing.

But Kori's brows furrowed as she noticed the scenery shift. "Richard… where are we going?" She asked, her voice breaking the quiet.

Richard glanced at her with a grin. "I told you I had a surprise."

Kori blinked, slightly startled. The surprise. The thing he had last texted her, mere minutes before she'd gone into labor. She had completely forgotten. But now the thought rekindled a thrill in her chest.

They pulled up to a sleek, modernized apartment building nestled against a backdrop of tall trees and cityscape. It stood proudly, elegantly, like it belonged in a magazine spread. The car came to a gentle stop, and Richard stepped out, circling around to open her door with a flourish.

"What is this place?" Kori asked as she emerged, unbuckling the baby. Mar'i fussed softly as the cold air tickled her cheeks, but Kori shushed her gently, cuddling her close.

"You'll see." Richard answered, placing a hand at the small of Kori's back as he guided her toward the entrance.

Kori's breath caught in her throat as the doors swooshed open. The air inside was pleasantly cool, tinged with the faint scent of eucalyptus and clean linen. The space before her was nothing short of breathtaking, a perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern sophistication. Towering stone arches framed the lobby, their weathered texture hinting at the building's rich history. Each curve was accentuated by warm, ambient lighting, casting soft shadows that danced across the high ceiling.

Polished marble floors stretched out beneath her, a mosaic that gleamed beneath the sunlight streaming in through tall, arched windows. Hanging from the center of the ceiling, a cluster of modern chandeliers sparkled like constellations frozen mid-twinkle. The lights bounced off the marble and glass, scattering flecks of brilliance around the space.

Lush potted plants dotted the lobby, towering fiddle-leaf figs in matte black pots, delicate peace lilies resting on console tables, and a dramatic arrangement of orchids standing regally by the elevator. Their greenery softened the sleek architecture, adding life and warmth, making the space feel not just grand, but lived-in and welcoming.

Kori's eyes slowly widened, her gaze traveling upward, then side to side, as if trying to take in every inch at once. Her fingers unconsciously tightened around Mar'i, holding her a little closer in awe.

At the far end of the lobby, a man in a tailored gray suit stood behind a polished walnut desk. When he looked up, his face broke into a friendly, familiar smile.

"Mr. Grayson." He greeted with professional warmth, inclining his head. "It's nice to see you again."

Kori turned her head slowly to Richard, a playful suspicion creeping onto her face. "I take it you come here often?"

Richard merely gave her a knowing grin. "I might."

They stepped into a private elevator, its walls paneled with dark wood and brushed gold trim. Richard pressed the button for the very top. As they ascended, Kori gently rocked Mar'i as the infant drifted into a deeper sleep.

When the doors finally opened, they stepped into a quiet hallway lined with soft carpeting and elegant lighting. Kori's eyes flitted everywhere, drinking in every detail. When Richard stopped at the end of the hall, he pulled out a key and looked at her.

"This way." He said, unlocking the door and pushing it open.

Kori stepped inside and gasped.

The apartment was breathtaking. A sun-drenched space greeted her, sprawling, yet cozy. The kitchen gleamed with marble countertops and copper fixtures, its island decorated with a bowl of fresh fruit and a vase of tulips. An eight-seat dining table stood near the window, overlooking the city below. The living room boasted plush furniture, a massive flat screen, and shelves adorned with books, framed photographs, and tiny mementos from their shared past.

"Richard…" Kori spoke with hesitation. "What is this place?"

With casual ease, he slipped his hands into his pockets, as if the grand reveal was nothing more than an afterthought. "It's my apartment." He said, as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

"Wow." Kori breathed, slowly turning in a full circle as she took it all in. This was nothing like his apartment back in Gotham. That space, though stylish, had always felt a bit too curated, like it belonged in a showroom, pristine and impersonal. But this… this place had soul. There was warmth in the lived-in details, in the cozy textures and soft lighting. It actually felt like a home, not just a place to stay.

"You haven't even seen the best part." Richard said with a glint in his eye. "Come on."

He led her down the hallway, and Kori paused, her eyes drawn to the series of framed photos that lined the walls. Each one captured a memory—Garfield with whipped cream on his nose, Raven curled up in a blanket with a book, Victor mid-laugh, herself smiling during some forgotten candid moment.

"Come on." He said, urging her forward. "Your surprise is down the hall."

"Richard…" Kori asked, half laughing. "All this wasn't the surprise?"

They passed a large bathroom, and a master bedroom, but Richard didn't let her linger.

"Almost there." He said, his own excitement building in his voice.

Finally, he stopped at a door at the very end of the hall. He opened it slowly, stepping aside to let her in first.

Kori stepped forward, her breath leaving her in a soft, startled gasp.

The room was painted in a dreamy twilight hue, with lavender and starlight accents. A crib sat near the window, beside a cozy armchair. On the walls were large, framed paintings of constellations, and other whimsical artwork. A mobile spun gently overhead, tiny planets circling a felt moon. There were shelves already filled with storybooks, plush toys, and tiny folded clothes.

Kori stepped inside like she was entering a sacred place. Her eyes welled with tears as she held Mar'i a little closer. "You made her a room…" She whispered.

"I wanted her to have a home." Richard said from behind her, his voice softer than she'd ever heard it. "A place that's hers." He paused, a quiet vulnerability threading through his words. "A place that's yours. Ours… if you want it to be."

Kori turned to face him, her eyes glistening, the weight of his words sinking into her chest. She searched his face, the earnest hope in his eyes, the nervous set of his jaw, and suddenly, everything that once felt uncertain no longer did.

"I... I would like that." She whispered, her voice catching as tears welled up. Not from sadness, but from something deeper. Her fingers clutched Mar'i closer to her chest as if to ground herself in the reality of this moment.

Richard stepped toward her, slow and gentle, as if afraid to move too fast and shatter whatever fragile magic was hanging in the air. He raised a hand, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek before letting his fingers settle lightly along her jaw.

Kori's eyes fluttered shut at the touch, leaning instinctively into his hand. She tilted her face up, and he met her halfway, their lips touching in a kiss so tender, it felt like the closing of one chapter and the quiet, promising beginning of another.

Between them, Mar'i stirred softly, a little sigh escaping her, but she didn't wake.

The chaos, the heartache, the uncertainty of the past few months—all of it faded, dissolving into something quieter, softer. In its place bloomed something new. Something whole. A home, a future, a family. And for the first time in a long time, it all felt exactly right.

...

end