Titans Together

Chapter Five

...

The sun had climbed high in the sky, casting a warm glow through the curtains of Richard's bedroom as he entered. The soft rays of late morning sunlight painted the room in a comforting ambiance.

The desk, bathed in the soft glow, bore witness to Richard's careful movements as he settled into the chair, placing his coffee mug on the desk. His laptop, a sleek device perched on the polished surface, came to life with a muted hum that reverberated through the room. Richard's fingers, deftly navigating the keys, initiated a video call.

The screen flickered, revealing Kori's eager face. "Richard!" Her voice rang with excitement, and her eyes sparkled with genuine joy.

Richard reciprocated the warmth with a genuine smile, captivated by Kori's beauty. A towel wrapped around her long, damp hair hinted at the recent exit from the shower's embrace. "Hi, Kori." He greeted softly, the words flowing effortlessly. "I'm sorry, did I catch you getting out of the shower?"

A playful grin crossed Kori's face. "Yes, but that's alright." She replied, settling onto her bed, giving Richard her undivided attention. "I've been eagerly waiting for your call."

The atmosphere, charged with the electricity of their connection, enveloped them as if the physical miles between them ceased to exist. Richard leaned into the conversation, feeling the familiar warmth transcending the limitations of screens and wires.

"I know, and I'm sorry that I didn't call sooner." Richard apologized sincerely. "A lot is happening here."

"Please, tell me everything." Kori urged, her excitement reverberating through her words as she gracefully crossed her legs, creating a picture of eager anticipation. The ambient light from her room cast a soft glow on her, enhancing the vivacity in her expression. "How was talking to Bruce?"

Richard took a moment, his contemplative gaze meeting the screen as he let out a long sigh. His fingers absentmindedly ran through his hair, a gesture that betrayed a mix of emotions. "I said what I needed to say. Now we are moving forward." He stated simply, encapsulating the essence of his recent conversation.

Kori leaned forward, her eyes filled with curiosity. "And what about Raven? How is she doing?" Her genuine concern echoed in her voice.

"Well, it's only been a week, but she seems hopeful." Richard began, a glimmer of optimism coloring his words. "And we all know it's good when Raven has hope." However, as he delved deeper into his thoughts, a hint of doubt crept into his expression. "But I am honestly skeptical about Bruce's meditation plan. I don't see how it is different from what she was already doing."

Kori's eyes held a knowing understanding as she responded. "You have to trust the process. Isn't that what you keep reciting to us?" Her words carried a sense of wisdom, compelling Richard to reluctantly nod in agreement. "Well, I'm glad that they are working well together." She remarked, her fingers deftly pulling the towel from her head, allowing her long, damp hair to cascade and frame her face like a waterfall of flowing silk. The subtle play of light accentuated the contours of her features as she continued. "I know you were concerned that things would not go smoothly."

Richard's attention remained fixed on the screen, his gaze an unwavering witness to Kori's every expression. While the digital connection couldn't convey scents, he found himself mentally transported to the sensory realm as he watched her freshly showered hair, a vivid image that triggered the olfactory memory of her sweet strawberry shampoo.

Kori, aware of Richard's intense observation, felt a delightful warmth creeping up her cheeks. Her smile, a reflection of both amusement and affection, adorned her face. "Richard." She said softly, breaking the spell he had unintentionally woven.