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koriandrismywife · 1 year

Text

ENCHANTED

ao3

Summary:

In another universe, Dick and Kory are Ted and Carol. Ted is a sucessful enterpreneur and the owner of a thriving real estate company and Carol is a florist and volunteer on a community foundation.

Notes:

Hi <3 This is unbeta'd. I decided to write this because I could not take these two off my mind since I finished the episode. Can you all lovely writers please PLEASE write something for them? Even if they do not exist, I would love to see your ideas blossom on their possible love story. Something sweet while I write IDHTBL updates.

Words:2,496

Chapters:1/1

Ted Grayson had been living in the serene city of Cauls Folly for over five years now. As a successful entrepreneur and owner of a thriving real estate company, he was no stranger to the fast-paced lifestyle that came with the job. Despite the success and financial stability, however, Ted couldn't shake the feeling of dissatisfaction and a sense of restlessness had taken hold of him.

Lately, his temper had been short and his patience even shorter. He was in the midst of a mid-life crisis and couldn't seem to find a way out of the rut he was in.

Instead of facing his problems head-on, Ted had thrown himself into work, hoping that the constant flow of money would somehow fill the void he felt inside. But the more he worked, the more he realized that something was still missing, and he felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of work and emptiness.

In the middle of his lunch, the long-forgotten screen of his smartphone glowed, signaling a voice note from his best friend and work partner—sometimes personal assistant—Donna Troy.

Through heavy sight and sugar-coated fingers, he tapped the screen. The message that followed was grave in tone and of strong language.

Grayson, this is the last time I tell you to pick up the goddamn phone, I swear to G— Before the voice message ended, the notification of an incoming call blasted through the speakers of the phone.

“About damn time!”

He lowered his glasses on the desk, squeezed the bridge of his nose, and reclined in his chair. He was all too familiar with that tone.

Trouble.

"Can you tell me what happened to you? I've been calling you non-stop."

He groaned loudly enough for her to hear over the phone. "Lunchtime."

"The hell it isn’t. You haven't answered since yesterday. Your phone line in the building has been disconnected, MANUALLY, and you didn’t bother to show up in the morning. Where are you?”

"At work...?" He responded as if she were clueless. “You?”

Donna brushed it off. “Enough of this. Before you give me a migraine: is there anything else you would like to discuss before we move on to business?”

“Such as?”

“I don’t know. Your sudden work escapade?”

Ted shrugs. “More of the same… peaks of frustration during the day here and there but I can handle. The doctor suggested I reduce caffeine. Also, I think I may have treated one of the secretaries poorly on the way up. Remind me to send her flowers tomorrow. Her name is Claire, I think.”

"Yes, Claire. Lovely young lady. I believe she will forgive any outburst if you gift her a bunch of... tulips! Aren't they the flowers you offer someone to apologize?"

“I was thinking of roses, peonies… But tulips are a great pick for sure.”

“Aw, look at you, a flower expertise. How romantic!”

He sighed and rolled his eyes at her tease. "A guy is capable of learning new things."

“I will have them arranged,” Donna said, “Don’t worry about it.”

After a moment he cleared his throat, the atmosphere between them changing. “So… You wanted to discuss business?”

“Oh, right! Um… I forwarded a report of the financial adjusts we must do within the next couple of days. Send me a thumbs up and I will have the accountant contact you with details. Could you do that for me, please?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he cleaned his hands with the isolated napkins on the desk and proceeded to turning the computer on, shoving the small donut box in the trash bin. “Working on it.”

“Perfect.”

After a few moments of silence, he articulated: “I’m sorry. I know I have been neglectful and a terrible leader and—”

“No no no no!” Donna intervened, “I understand. I promise I do. We had a tough week with the new subsidiary and you’re overworked.”

“No, it’s not—”

“Ted,” Donna interrupted, “When was the last time you had a full, decent night of sleep?”

“This year?” Donna grunted and he smiled.

“Idiot. I’m being serious here. You could use a break.”

“I know, but,” he trailed off, crossing his arms. Deep down, Ted knew that treating himself with a trip couldn’t hurt. Maybe a few days on a resort tanning and drinking fresh mimosas was what he needed to make peace with his inner self. “I know. I’ll think about it. Aaand, I received your email.”

“Great. Read the files so I can schedule us a meeting.”

He hummed and nodded. “Anything else.”

"Oh, there’s something! One of the representatives from a foundation contacted earlier this week, and he wanted us to learn more about the project. Apparently, it is intended to amplify education to communities in need and children in general, by providing books and food. They’re doing a charity even this weekend. I will forward you the additional info.”

“Yes ma’am. Anything else?”

“Nope. Not for now, at least.”

He nodded silently.

“Sure you’ll be ok?”

“Yes ma’am,” Ted said, mimicking his previous false formal tone.

“You can come crash at my sofa whenever. You know that, right?” And he did. He was intermittently thankful for Donna and her companionship, but he would rather respect her boundaries—since Donna started her relationship with Roy, he would not visit her with the same frequency to preserve their space as a couple.

“I know, D. Thank you.”

“Welcome. See you later?”

"Always," he responded, his smile fading as he hung up the phone.

---------

The following day, as Ted stepped onto the first floor of his company, he was immediately struck by a comfortable aura that enveloped him. The air felt fresher and cleaner than usual, and he couldn't help but notice the new plants and huge flower arrangements scattered throughout the space. He turned to the doorman, David, who seemed to be waiting for his arrival.

"Good morning, Mr. Grayson. It's quite lovely, isn't it?"

Ted couldn't help but feel intrigued. "That's quite impressive… but, who did this?”

"We have a new florist who has installed these beautiful arrangements for us. She's been working all morning. I can’t lie, she is quite strong for a woman,” David smirked and crossed his arms.

Ignoring the man’s previous statements, Ted continued: “Is she still in the building?”

David nodded. "Yes, sir. She's waiting for you in your office, claiming to have matters to discuss with you. Would you like me to let her know you're on your way up?"

Ted nodded, feeling curious. As he made his way upstairs, he imagined the woman in question was there to place the flowers Donna had promised to order as an apology to Claire. What he did not expect, in fact, was the floriculture to install an open greenhouse in the front hall.

Before he could reach his office, a woman rushed over to him, beaming, and he could've sworn his heart stopped for a bit.

"Mr. Grayson, I presume?" she asked, holding an immense bouquet of tulips in her hands.

The woman was tall, lean, and had her red hair back in a tidy ponytail, with a few strands of her bangs falling over her face. Her irises were a seaweed green that glistened in the sunlight. She wore a top with the saying 'flower pusher' and a green jumpsuit that was now adorned with a few smears of dirt. Her expensively moisturized skin reflected the glow of the sun through the gigantic windows of the corridor.

"Yes, that's me. And you must be the florist," Ted replied, slightly taken aback.

The woman chuckled and nodded. She maneuvered the bouquet between her hands, as though she wanted to greet him.

“Oh, sorry,” Ted said as he took the bouquet from her hands and led them to his office. “This way.”

She followed him into the room and waited as he drew the curtains open. It was quite a spacious place for an office. Extravagant even. Ted took his time to turn the coffee machine on before returning to his desk.

With her arm outstretched, the woman offered her hand. “Carol. Carol Grayson—”

“Anders!” she corrected herself loudly and placed a hand over her mouth. “Carol Anders, Mr. Grayson.”

He laughed. “Just Ted, please.”

She nodded and lowered her gaze, swearing under her breath for a bit.

“Would you like some coffee? Water?”

"Water sounds good," Carol said with a smile. “Thank you.”

Ted nodded. "Yes, of course. Please, have a seat."

Carol sat on the small sofa and Ted placed a bottle of water in front of her. “I have to say your work is very impressive. You did that all on your own?”

“It’s no rocket science, don’t fret,” she said with a giggle,” My sister helped me bring them to the building, so no, I did not do it on my own.”

The coffee machine beeped a few seconds later and he helped himself to a mug. “Besides the bonsais and succulents, what other species did you use?”

“I have to say your order was not much specific, Ted. I allowed myself to choose a few of our delicate collection that would be setting appropriate. I brought a few alocasias and monstera deliciosas.”

“And green orchids,” he remarked.

“Yes! Green orchids too. How did you notice? I wouldn’t imagine you as someone who knows of plants.”

He shrugged with a smile. “I know a few.”

“You cultivate?”

"I wouldn't call it cultivating. At home, I take good care of them so they don't die."

She let out a hearty laugh.

He'd become a frequent customer if it meant he'd be able to hear that sound again.

Carol frowned as she noticed Ted fishing his pockets for his wallet. “How much was it?”

“Oh, they have all been paid for! I actually am here to thank you in person for your support to the fund.”

Ted furrowed his brows. “For… wait, fund? I’m not sure I am following you.”

She smiled, feeling a bit flustered. “The Titan fund. The expenses of the plants and flowers will be used to support the organization’s efforts to assist children and families in need.”

One of the representatives from a foundation contacted earlier this week, and he wanted us to learn more about the project. He recalled Donna’s words from earlier.

Ted's eyes widened. "Oh! The fund! Yes, of course. I'm sorry, I didn't realize."

She pasted another white-teethed smile on her face. "These... plants are the most expensive order we've gotten in... forever?" I couldn't believe it when I got the company's response to our email. I had to work hard to cover up the amount of money you invested... and this," she continued, motioning to the surrounds, "doesn't even cover up 25% of it. I believe I will have to return here monthly for the next half-decade to make up for the investment you made."

Ted smiled humbly.

“That won’t be necessary, Carol. I am sure this is more than enough.”

Before she could protest, he lifted his finger, stopping her.

“And I won’t take any objections for an answer.”

She rolled her eyes with a smile.

“In fact… I was hoping if we could discuss future plans to our partnership.”

As if he had said a magic word, Carol’s eyes lit up in expectation, and rapidly they began to discuss business. Ted couldn't help but steal glances at the woman in front of him. Her strength, her dedication, how well articulate and incredibly talented she was.

As the meeting continued, he found himself growing more and more intrigued by this woman, and he couldn't wait to learn more about her and the fund she represented.

"Hold on," Carol fished a small cutting plier from her pockets, peeked through the enormous tulip bouquet and found and unnoticeable spot. There, she clipped a flower bud and handed it to Ted. "Here."

Ted glanced at her hand in confusion.

“I picked a succulent for you but, all of a sudden, couldn’t find it. It might have fallen inside the car on the way here,” She arched her brow and took the stolen bud.

His fingers brushed over hers, and electricity flooded his entire body. Her fingertips' delicate skin was so warm, so soft... so appropriate. It took everything he had to muster the fortitude to pry his calloused hand from hers.

“Thank you.”

Carol smiled gently, and glanced at the flowers. "Tulips are a great pick. They are colorful and bright and fragrant. This was the only specific request on your order. I'm sure the person is going to love it."

“Well, I hope so. I think I messed things up with her.” He wasn't sure whether his eyes were deceiving him, but he swears he saw Carol's face falling somewhat at his comments. Carol rose to her feet and gave him another dazzling smile. He copied her action.

“I have to leave now. My shift starts in a few minutes and I am already late. But thank you for your generosity. From the bottom of my heart,” she said and offered him another handshake.

He took both her hands in his and hoped to not frighten her. When her touch stilled, he started:

“Can I have your card?”

She stared at him in slight confusion. “Huh?”

“Your card. Would you… Can I call you?”

“Oh! Sure. Yeah. Yes you can,” Carol said nervously, patting her pocket for a visit card of the flower shop. “Here.”

He placed the card inside his wallet and reconnected their gaze.

It was until then that he noticed his left hand was still holding hers. He fought the sudden urge to run his thumb through her lean fingers. Instead, he brought her hand to his lips and gave it a light kiss.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Carol.”

“You too, Ted.”

He watched her walk towards the exit with her head lowered and grinning.

Later that day, Ted sends a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Claire's desk, along with a heartfelt apology for his actions. The gesture is well-received, and Ted feels a sense of relief knowing that he has made things right with his colleague. On his inbox, the email destinated to [email protected] had just been sent.

Dear Carol,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out and invite you to dinner next week. I'm grateful for your patience and persistence in reaching out to me and for gracing the company with the beautiful new decor.

But beyond that, I think it would be wonderful to get to know you better. Your passion for the work you do is truly inspiring, and I would love the opportunity to chat more in a more relaxed setting.

If you're free, I'd love to take you to dinner at that new Italian place downtown that everyone's been raving about. Let me know if that works for you and we can set a time and date.

Best regards,

Ted Grayson.

#meet cute #dickkory #ted and carol #kory anders #koriand'r #dick grayson #Titans #TITANS TV #dcu titans #inspired by taylor swift #4x08 #soulmates in every universe

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