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Post by Countess on Sept 24, 2024 1:04:18 GMT
"Would I lie to you?" Barbara asks as Damian wipes her face a little. She smiles at him. There is a seed of something kind, loving, and beautiful in him. She is going to do everything she can to cultivate that. "I'll help you practice, anyways. Training begins now," she says, deepening her voice like Batman in a tease. She laughs, making sure he knows that it is a joke not at his expense but in commiseration of Bruce.
"We can start our training tonight- there's nothing I have that's pressing," she says, nodding. "I have class in the morning and I am on call for the Watchtower tomorrow afternoon to the morning- want to have dinner with me up there?" she asks, offering it but not pushing it.
"Speaking of... I am going to have a friend over later this week. Is that okay? I'll be sure to give you more details on timing once it comes up, but they will be eating dinner with us if you are comfortable with it," Barbara says, gauging his reaction. It will change who she invites over, and honestly... there are a few people she wants him to meet and get to know. "I would love for them to meet my little brother."
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Post by Nomz on Sept 24, 2024 15:03:42 GMT
Damian clicks his tongue, schooling away any hint of amusement at her imitation of Mr. Wayne. It was eerily similar to how he would talk to Damaian back when he used to follow him around as he managed the company.
He tries not to show his interest as Barbara gives him an invite to the Watchtower, pushing his food around on his plate again. His voice almost sounds bored.
"I have never been to the Watchtower before. Are there many windows? Do you want me to bring food with me?" Damian pauses, eyes narrowing as he forms a plan in his head. It's clear he has already agreed to this dinner. "Mr. Flores should be working the counter tomorrow night. He is tolerable. I can bring tacos."
His fork stills on his plate as he listens to his sister talk about a friend joining them for dinner later in the week. On one hand, he knows very well that she likely has many friends. Barbara is personable, intelligent, and objectively beautiful. He wonders just what kind of friend this is.
But then, why is she asking him? Did she usually have friends over and stopped because of him? Was Damian a stone in the river of her life?
"You are free to bring your friends over. This is your home," the lad says in that flat way of his when he's tucking all his opinions on a subject into a closet and bolting the door. "A timeline would be appreciated and I am honored to meet someone you would call 'friend'."
Damian's brow pinches just a fraction. It is a tell the rest of the family has not informed him about for the sake of being able to read him. It is a clear declaration that he would rather put his hand into a spinning garbage disposal.
Still.
"Who are they?"
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Post by Countess on Sept 25, 2024 2:33:44 GMT
"Yeah, tons of windows. Wait until you see my battle station! Way cooler than the one here," Barbara says, then inwardly winces. Damian doesn't know about her secret little Oracle-Cave. Well... she will have to tell him about it soon. Real soon. Might be a good place for training... but she will need to clean up a bit first. Hide a few of her obvious signs of excursions... She will need to show him, anyways, so he can teleport up to the Watchtower. "Tacos sound great. I'll pick you up for it, yeah? Or you can go with me and get a look around until dinner. We have internet, you could do schoolwork and hang out. Maybe you'll like what I do- I could see you doing a lot of great tactical work like me," she says, praising him.
"Our home," Barbara corrects him. "That is why I am asking you. You live here, too. Your opinion matters to me. If you are uncomfortable with this, it can wait," Babs tells him, trying to reassure him. "Well- there are a few people I have in mind. I have some friends from school, I have some friends from work, and a friend from when I was still..." Babs says, trailing off, trying to find the right word. "... in a wheelchair," she finishes. "Just depends on what you are comfortable with."
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Post by Nomz on Sept 26, 2024 2:55:23 GMT
Damian's ears prick up when Barbara drops that information and his eyes glance at her. He doesn't comment on it as the conversation moves forward before he can.
"I would like to have time to explore this Watchtower. It would be good to know it as well as possible. More so since you spend so much time up there."
He isn't bemoaning her time up there, merely commenting on it and perhaps something that may be a want of more time with her.
"Tactics and strategy are important for all people to know. It applies to all aspects of life. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." His mother had told him that once and he has sought to remember it as best as possible.
"Your friends are welcome in our home," he says, the words tasting odd on his tongue. "Who are these friends? Perhaps I may know some of them already?" His nose wrinkles. "Please, do not count Green Arrow among them."
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Post by Countess on Oct 4, 2024 1:24:03 GMT
"As long as you aren't going into people's personal quarters or restricted areas, that is perfectly fine, Dames," Babs says. There are safeguards in place, of course, but he is a resourceful kid. If he really wanted to, just like any of the others in the Justice League, he could go wherever he wanted on the Watchtower.
"I can give you a tour, too, if you like," Barbara offers, taking a slow bite to allow him to think on it.
Barbara snorts, a bit of rice getting caught in her throat as she laughs. "Wow, no, of course not. I was thinking of inviting Johnny Storm over; Roy, an old friend of mine; and Flash, from my group therapy. My place here accommodates wheelchairs, so I thought he might like to come over at some point," she tells him. "Johnny and Roy are in the know, Flash is not. He's a civvie."
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Post by Nomz on Oct 4, 2024 3:35:43 GMT
Damian exhales through his nose at the mere thought that Barbara would think he cared enough to go through personal quarters. The last thing he needed to find out was how depressing Green Arrow's quarters were or what color underwear Wonder Woman wore the day before. Completely and utterly boring.
"I appreciate the offer for a tour, however, I will not take you away from your work. I am sure I can manage to find my way about the Watchtower without incident. If it comes to it, I suppose I could simply call for Superman to show me the way."
It is a piss poor attempt at a joke. Damian would rather be locked in a box and left in the desert for 3 days than ask any of the Justice League members for help.
He glances at his sister before sliding his phone out of his pocket and opening a search engine. Johnny Storm populates far more results than he expected and none of them give Damian the right impression of the guy.
"Roy? Why does this Flash and Roy only get first names, but Storm's entire name was provided?" Damian pauses, working it out in his head. "You know Flash's full name, but he is just a civilian. Does Roy secret identity?" His nose wrinkles. "Bring him only if you wish for us to- Well, I suppose we could have a proper duel to see who is better."
His eyes fall back to his phone. "This Flash sounds harmless, but I require his name so I may investigate further. I care not if he shows up. Storm, is allowed as well. I have questions about his questionable lifestyle."
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Post by Countess on Oct 5, 2024 17:04:26 GMT
"If it is quiet enough, someone else might take you," Barbara says, already knowing multiple that would leap at the chance of taking him around the station. Few of those, however, would be up to Damian's lofty standards. She does give a little laugh at his joke. Supes is one of those who would leap.
"Johnny is formerly one of the Fantastic Four, his sister being Susan Storm. I just thought you might like the context. He also isn't as close to me as Roy and Flash are, those two are truly my friends," she tells him, and it is a bit of a warning, though not said as one. She cares about them, deeply. "If you want to research Flash, you are going to have to meet him first, Dames," she says smiling a bit. "He is a civvie, lets meet him like one," she says, getting back to her food. She's almost done. "Once you've done that, then you can research him however you like. Okay?" Barbara asks, hoping he will take her agreement.
"Damian Wayne, if you duel Roy, you are going to lose," Barbara says a bit sternly. "So you better make sure you learn something from him," she adds, chuckling again. Maybe she should take him to the Champions... no. Cass needs her space, just like Dames needs his.
Barbara snorts into the last bite of her curry. Now she has to bring Johnny over, and quick. "I'll ask Johnny first, then. He owes me a date, and damn, I think I can really scare him off bringing him here," she says, snickering.
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Post by Nomz on Oct 6, 2024 2:50:49 GMT
Damian clocks that information to mean that Johnny is as good as a stranger, which puts him further down his list and his frown deepens. He also notices the warning and decides that maybe he shouldn't harass the civilian quite as much as he had planned. For now. Until he proves that he deserves it.
"You are set on making me interact with people, aren't you?" It isn't an actual question and he's not even protesting. Damian just feels the odd need to verbally represent it. His head tips up, expression automatically clearing at the sound of his full name, and he shifts to face Barbara. For the barest second, he almost looks like he is ready to be reprimanded as his shoulders straighten and he rests his hands in his lap.
He huffs a breath, rolling his eyes and turning back to his curry. "Do not bet so easily on my loss, sister. I am sure I can surprise whoever this Roy is and prove myself to be of more worth." His plate is mostly full and his appetite is weak at best. He still places a forkful into his mouth, knowing better than to ever waste food.
"If you think he has something worth teaching, I will strive to learn," he adds as he swallows the food and it settles in his stomach. "Johnny owes you a date?"
The incredulous look he sends her clearly screams that he already thinks the man is unworthy of her.
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Post by Countess on Oct 6, 2024 18:18:14 GMT
"Good catch, yeah, I am," Barbara praises him. She isn't going to lie about this. "I don't want you to hole yourself away from the world like Bruce used to," she says, subtly dropping that to make sure he at least tries. "Having friends isn't a weakness, but a strength. Get enough, and they will catch you when you fall," she says, words warm.
That incredulous look is immediately misunderstood, but she nods to him, agreeing. She isn't good enough for him. Nerds don't get the jocks, cats don't land the golden retriever, and people damaged like her just shouldn't mess with guys as bright as him. Sure as hell, though, she is going to be his friend. They have a nice rapport, something comfortable and easy. If he wants to be in her orbit, however, he has to meet her family.
If he can survive Damian, he's as good as in.
"Want me to pack of the rest for later?" Babs asks, seeing him push food around a little. She knows a full stomach when she sees one. "Come on, you are on drying duty this time," she says, smiling as she gets up.
Barbara could do this every night, she thinks. It feels good not to be alone, even better that she is sharing her life and space with Damian.
END THREAD
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