“Maybe once I figure out who I am, and you decide who you’re going to be…maybe we can try it again sometime”
The slow burn is annoying but I kinda love that they’ve stuck to this promise.
When Dick and Kory decide to go their separate ways it’s because neither of them are in a good place. Dick had already been struggling with his violent tendencies for a whole year prior, and then he decides to burn the Robin suit. Kory is trying to put the pieces of her life in order after getting amnesia.
Both of them are dealing with such heavy issues in their lives but at the same time they realize they’ve found something special in each other, all in the matter of days. So they decide to not totally cut off the possibility of something in the future.
After they defeat Trigon, it seems that Dick is in a better place so he invites Kory to come with him and the kids to San Francisco. She declines. Because she hasn’t really fulfilled her part of their agreement; she still doesn’t know who she is. For a few seconds, you can clearly see the disappointment on Dick’s face but it quickly changes to a smile because he understands. And he’s willing to give Kory the space and time she needs to figure it out, just as she gave him when he left to go see Donna.
Three months go by and they haven’t been in contact. Kory has all her memories back but that brings on a new set of challenges because she now has to make a choice; Earth or Tamaran. Dick has shed his violent ways, but still has to come up with a new identity and take care of 3 kids, all while dealing with his past. Still, they aren’t ready for each other yet. But even with them being emotionally unavailable it’s clear that the bond they formed is still there, and strong. Dick still looks at Kory the same way as when they first met and, Kory can still understand Dick even without words being exchanged.
Dick is now Nightwing, fulfilling his side of the promise. He knows who he wants to be and is in a better headspace (can’t wait to see him lighten up). Meanwhile, Kory is still struggling. She’s powerless, stranded, and grieving. The two have literally switched places from season 1. Kory’s s3 arc is the final hurdle Dick and Kory need to overcome to be ready for a true relationship.
I just find it really cute that they refuse to burden each other; instead they want to be able to give each other the best parts of themselves.
Just hope the writers don’t mess this up.