DISCLAIMER: The characters and the setting featured within are the 
property of DC Comics and are used without permission, in a non-profit 
setting meant solely for the enjoyment of myself and the readers.

Yes Virginia, Paul Revere Rides Again
by Vicki Napier (VNapier@aol.com)

***

"I told you so," Tim teased. "So when are you and Babs gonna tie the 
knot? I get to be the best man, right? A fall wedding sounds great. 
Maybe a Halloween theme. The reception could be a costume party. You 
and Babs could be the ball and chain."

"Hey, back off squirt," Dick shot back playfully, "we just started 
dating, okay. She...we both want to take this nice and slow. You know, 
make sure we do it right. Besides, there's more to it than just that."

"Oh." Tim perked up. "Such as?"

"Such as, how does 'Uncle Tim' sound?" Dick blushed slightly. He knew 
he didn't have to tell Tim what was going on, but he wanted to. Tim had 
been a great friend and deserved to be in the loop. And besides that, 
even with the unusual circumstances, he couldn't help himself. He was 
going to have a daughter and he couldn't be more proud.

Tim's eyes bugged out of his head and his jaw hit the floor. "Babs 
is...you and she...and... You call that taking it nice and slow?"

Dick took a deep breath and chose his words carefully. "Babs isn't 
pregnant. Maybe later, after I can persuade her to marry me. But for 
now, you remember me mentioning something...happening between me and 
Helena?"

"Yea, you said you guys were lonely and..." Tim paused, his eyes became 
wide with shock once again. "You mean she's..."

Dick just nodded.

"She's having your baby?" By now Tim was totally confused. "But you 
just said you and Barbara were seeing each other. Does Barbara know?"

"Yeah, she knows. I got a concussion to prove it." Dick grinned as he 
recalled the events of the last few weeks.

Tim raised his eyebrows at Dick. "Concussion? You know I gotta convince 
dad to get it in gear moving us back here. I don't get to check in for 
a couple of weeks, and geez, this place becomes the lost episode of 
'All My Children.' Now if Bruce comes in and tells me he's been doing 
it with Catwoman while Alfred has a couple of French maids on the side, 
I think I'll just hang it up and become a monk."

Dick grinned. He hadn't realized how much he had missed being with Tim 
and Bruce on a regular basis. Sure it had been lonely in Bludhaven, but 
this was different. This reminded him how much he missed his family.

"Hello, Dick." Batman's deep voice sounded behind them. "I didn't 
expect to see you this evening. Nothings wrong I hope."

"No, everything's okay. I came to see Helena. She had a doctor's 
appointment yesterday and I was just checking to make sure everything 
went all right." Dick explained. "See if she needed anything. And I 
promised Barbara I would make it back at least a couple times a week. 
This not-so-long-distance romance thing wouldn't be quite that bad if 
there wasn't a small army between us. Kinda makes me feel like Romeo 
going after Juliet with everyone trying to keep us apart."

"Well, Romeo, just make sure that is all you two have in common with 
that particular story. The original version didn't end too well." Bruce 
had changed while Dick was talking and was now back in his civilian 
clothes.

"Bruce, actually I needed to ask you something?"

"Shoot, son. What can I do for you?" Bruce looked mildly surprised. 
Dick wasn't the type to ask for too many favors.

"Oh, I don't need you to do anything. I was just curious about 
something you might have already done." Dick looked hesitant. If Bruce 
had done the deed, he more than likely wouldn't admit it. But maybe his 
reaction would give a clue.

"It seems that when the school board found out Helena was pregnant, 
they scheduled a closed meeting to discuss firing her. Something about 
her being a bad example for impressionable teenage girls, or some such 
nonsense. But something happened and they changed their minds. You 
wouldn't know what that something was, would you?" Dick couldn't help 
grinning just a little. He was 99% sure Bruce had been involved but he 
wasn't quite sure how.

"I don't know Dick. Maybe the board just decided that, if they lived in 
glass houses themselves, they better not risk throwing too many  
stones." Bruce answered matter-of-factly, without actually admitting he 
had done anything.

"Kind of like 'Harper Valley PTA', huh?" Tim interjected. "Only without 
the pink elephants. Way to go, Bruce"

"Pink elephants?" Dick asked, looking questioningly at Tim.

"Aw, come on Dick, don't tell me you never saw that movie. Maybe you 
should rent it for you and Babs. It's a real hoot." Tim moved over to 
Dick and wrapped his arms around him. "Congratulations on the baby. And 
on you and Babs. I really wish you the best, big brother."

Dick returned Tim's embrace. "Thanks, little brother."

"Well guys, I gotta be going. It takes a while to get to Keystone City 
these days and I have a test tomorrow morning." Bruce gave Tim a 
reproachful look. "Don't worry Bruce, I already studied. I just need to 
be awake for it."

"Before you go Tim, I have something you guys might want to see." Dick 
took out his wallet and removed a folded sheet of glossy paper. "I 
guess I get to start being the proud father already." Dick put his arm 
around Tim's shoulder and then handed the paper to Bruce.

"Say hello to your granddaughter, dad." Dick was beaming with pride 
over both his daughter and the fact he knew he had just landed a major 
bombshell on Bruce. It never hurt to put one over on Bruce once in a 
while. Just to keep him humble, of course.

Bruce's reaction mirrored what Dick's had been. First shock, then 
stunned silence, finally culminating in joyous recognition.

"A daughter?" Bruce whispered. Quickly regaining his composure he gave 
his son a very rare full smile. "Congratulations, Dick." Stepping 
forward he extended both arms and embraced his only son. 
"Congratulations, son."

"Now if this isn't the perfect 'Kodak moment'." Tim gently slapped Dick 
on the back. "Now you've gone and done it. So this is what it takes to 
turn the 'Big Guy' to mush, huh? Maybe I should try it."

Dick slipped from Bruce's embrace and before Tim could blink, Dick had 
him pinned to the floor. "Don't even think about that one, squirt." 
Dick's tone was jovial enough, but it was laced with seriousness and 
some regret. "I made a huge mistake and it's a pure miracle that things 
are working out so well for me. I love my daughter and wouldn't trade 
her for anything in the world, but it was still a mistake. Don't you go 
making the same one."

"Ahem, gentlemen," Alfred said as he seemed to appear from nowhere. "I 
realize that we find ourselves presently immersed in slightly less than 
civilized conditions, but I believe that we, at least, should be able 
to maintain some semblance of decorum."

Dick released his hold on Tim and climbed to his feet. Holding his hand 
out, Tim clasped it in his own and pulled himself up. "Tell him, Alf." 
Tim brushed himself off and turned to Dick.

"Geez, get a grip Dick. I was only kidding." Tim quickly darted for the 
exit where he paused, smiling brightly. "Besides, with you on the loose 
there aren't anymore women available. See you guys later. I'm gonna be 
real late as it is. And again, congratulations Dick." Tim waved as he 
disappeared into the storm drain that was the exit from the current 
'batcave'.

"Yes, Master Dick," Alfred handed Dick a cup of coffee. "I too wish to 
express my congratulations. I am positively elated at your news. And I 
have high hopes that a female presence will have a calming influence on 
the overzealous male audacity that has been the overwhelming presence 
in our lives for far too long. You both are in dire need of the 
influences of things that are delicate, pink and frilly."

Bruce and Dick looked at each other.

"A daughter, Mr. Grayson?" Bruce said in a somewhat patronizing tone. 
"Now look what you've done. Before you know it, Alfred will be putting 
pink mud flaps and lacy seat cushions on the Batmobile."

***

Dick whistled to himself as he approached the small coffee shop. He had 
been somewhat surprised at Barbara's positive reaction to the baby 
news. She had been so understanding through this whole ordeal, that he 
sometimes got fearful that she would one morning come to her senses and 
dump him. Not only had she been sincerely happy about his daughter, she 
had understood and even encouraged him come here now. What a woman! And 
he wasn't ever going to do anything to hurt her ever again.

He had not been in this neighborhood in quite some time. This was a 
part of his past. A part of his life that he had left behind. But it 
still had been a part of his life and he needed to make peace with it. 
And with her.

It wasn't that he felt he *owed* her this. But she had been there for 
him through some pretty rough times and he felt she deserved to hear 
the news from him. They had shared an important part of their lives 
with each other and that was a fact neither one of them would ever be 
able to totally ignore.

Dick entered the coffee shop, and after his eyes adjusted from the 
glaring sunlight outside, he saw her sitting in the far booth. Maybe 
this wasn't going to be so bad after all. Their old booth was vacant 
and available, but she had chosen to sit somewhere else. Maybe she 
realized, just as he had, that they had fulfilled each others needs at 
the time. But that now they each had different needs and they were 
destined to travel down different paths in life.

"Hi, Kory," Dick said smiling as he sat down across from her. "You look 
great."

"So do you, Dick," she smiled too, but the awkwardness between them was 
obvious. "I was a little surprised when you asked me to meet you here 
for lunch. We haven't spoken that much since I got back. Even when you 
let me stay at your place for those few days, I rarely saw you and 
spoke to you even less."

"I'm sorry," Dick apologized, "between Bludhaven and Gotham I haven't 
been keeping in touch with too many people. I know I should. But there 
is just so little time it seems."

"I understand." Kory smiled back as the waitress brought Dick a menu 
and asked if he would care for anything to drink.

"Coffee would be fine. Creme, no sugar." Looking at Kory he asked, "Are 
you ready to order?"

"Oh, how soon they forget," she winked at him. Turning to the waitress 
she gave her order. "I'd like the house salad with no dressing, 
please." Handing the waitress her menu, Kory turned back to Dick.

The waitress also turned to Dick who handed her back his menu. "I'll 
have a turkey club on wheat, please." The waitress took the menus and 
the order and quickly returned with Dick's coffee. After she left, Dick 
spoke.

"Well, I just wanted to have lunch so I could tell you a few things 
that have happened. I would feel better if you heard them from me 
instead of through the loose-lipped gossip grape vine, that probably 
wouldn't be all that accurate anyway."

Kory smiled mischievously at him. "So when exactly did you and Barbara 
decide to get together?"

Dick choked on his coffee and looked at her with disbelieving eyes. 
"How did you know?"

"I didn't, exactly. But what else would bring you here?" She blushed as 
she embarrassingly admitted, "Besides, Roy wanted me to find out so we 
could see who won the pool."

"The pool?"

"Yeah. Roy's been taking bets on when you and Barbara would get  
together. I have three spots myself. And Roy swears up and down that 
Bruce is even in on it, although I think he's just pulling our legs."

Dick was stunned. He remembered Helena mentioning it as a possibility, 
but he thought she was just kidding. But, God, that was just like Roy. 
Dick smiled and ruefully shook his head. "And I thought Roy would 
actually grow up someday."

Kory just laughed. "You didn't really, did you? I mean this is Roy 
we're talking about. Even I'm not naive enough to think that."

"So I'm an optimist, what can I say?"

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

"Well, when did *it* happen? Inquiring minds want to know." Kory was 
feeling more at ease. She hadn't been sure if she should even mention 
the pool to Dick, but Donna had said that she thought he would get a 
kick out of it. He had been in a more at ease frame of mind lately and 
she was sure he would see the humor. And besides that, Donna had four 
spots in the pool as well.

"I'll take that one up with Mr. Harper personally, if you don't mind." 
Dick replied in mock indignation. Yeah, he was going to take it up with 
Roy all right.

"Suit yourself," Kory replied as the waitress returned with their 
order.

They chitchatted about other minor events while they ate. Kory told 
Dick about all the Titans activities. She and Donna were getting along 
famously and she was so very glad to be back. The waitress cleared the 
dishes after they finished and refilled their drinks.

"Kory," Dick began hesitantly, "there is something else I want to tell 
you. But no one else knows about this and I would prefer to keep it 
that way, for a while. I'll tell them all when I'm ready."

"Sure, Dick." Kory said reassuringly. "I know we've been through a lot, 
but I hope you know you can still trust me."

"I know, Kory," Dick smiled back. "This is difficult for me, especially 
considering our history, and this is something I definitely don't want 
to make it into one of Roy's betting pools."

"You have my word, Dick"

"Kory, I'm going to have a baby."

Kory raised her eyebrows and looked suspiciously at him. "I said 
inquiring minds wanted to know, but that's ridiculous."

"I mean, I'm not physically going to have a baby," Dick blushed as he 
tried to correct his blunder. "I mean, I'm going to be a father."

"Barbara?" Kory asked. It didn't make sense considering that Dick said 
they had just started 'dating', but who else could it be?

"Not exactly."

Kory once again raised her eyebrows.

"I had a...I was lonely one night...and she was lonely too...and 
well...it just sort of happened." Dick tried to compose himself. At 
times he still had a hard time believing it had happened. It was just 
so unlike him.

"Who is she? And does Barbara know?" Kory asked.

"Yes, she knows. She knows about the incident and she knows about the 
baby. She supports me 100%." Dick thought he sounded a tad bit 
defensive, but he couldn't be sure. If Kory noticed, she didn't give 
any indication. "And I'd rather not say who the mother is yet. It's 
kind of a sticky situation all the way around. I know everyone will 
find out sooner of later, but for now..." Kory interrupted him as he 
fumbled for the words.

"I understand. And you don't have to worry. I won't tell anyone." She 
paused before she continued. "I'm glad for you, Dick. I really am." 
Kory's sincerity was obvious, and genuine. "Like you said, we have a 
history, and because of that I will always wish the best for you. I'm 
glad things are working out for you and Barbara, despite what could 
have been a devastating circumstance." She paused to smile at him. "And 
I really appreciate your telling me this in person. I know you didn't 
have to and I want you to know that your effort is appreciated."

"Thanks, Kory. I know this can't be easy for you and I appreciate your 
candor." Dick smiled thoughtfully and reached across the table, placing 
his hand on Kory's. "Thank you for everything. Who'd have thought we 
would end up this way? After every thing."

"Dick, we helped each other when we needed help. Now we are each able 
to stand on our own." Squeezing his hand gently, she added. "But I'm 
really glad we can still be friends."

"Me too, Kory." Dick looked at her. She really was beautiful, but he 
didn't feel anything for her but deep friendship. "So are you seeing 
anyone?"

"No, I'm concentrating on getting my career back on track. If I'm going 
to stay here, I'll have to be able to support myself." Kory got a 
wicked grin on her face. "I mean, since I let this really good looking, 
heir to a fortune, guy get away, I'll have to start taking care of 
myself."

"Kory, you always took better care of me than I ever did of you," Dick 
grinned back. "You never needed anyone to take care of you." Dick, 
figuring two could play at that game, added, "But I know a blonde, 
'choir boy' type that's available. Has a hell of a temper and can be 
somewhat naive, but he tries."

Kory playfully threw her napkin at Dick. "I'll take care of my own love 
life if you don't mind. From what I can tell, and remember, you keep 
your relationships way to complicated for me to handle anymore. I mean, 
you're dating one woman, having a baby with another, and...and by the 
way, Miri said to tell you 'hello'."

"Point taken," Dick smiled, blushing as his unique situations, past and 
present, floated through his mind.

Kory looked at her watch. "I have to get going. I've got a modeling 
appointment this afternoon."

Dick paid the check and escorted her outside. "Thanks for coming, Kory. 
And thanks for everything."

"No problem, Dick. And don't worry. I won't say anything about the 
baby." She smiled at him, "you can tell everybody when you're ready. 
Good-bye, Dick."

Dick watched as Kory walked away from him. At the corner, she turned 
and waved. He waved back and then headed for his car. It had gone 
better than he had hoped. She was over him, as he was over her. They 
would always care for each other, but now he knew their love had been 
based more on need than on real genuine love. Barbara had shown him 
that.

What was that movie Tim had mentioned? Something Valley PTA? Maybe he 
would stop off at the video store and then head for Babs’ place. He 
could skip patrol for one night.

-Continued-