บท 4: Peaceful time
When Nathan and Kara reached Metropolis it was about 1 in the morning, so both of them were pretty tired. As soon as they reached their rooms, they crashed on the bed not even bothering to change their clothes.
Morning soon came, and Nathan forced himself out of bed with lack of sleep written all over his face.
He took a quick shower, tied up his hair and put on a pair of ripped jeans, black t-shirt and black sneakers.
Kara was waiting in the garage, scrolling through her phone and looked up when she saw the elevator doors opening.
Kara: "Good morning! You look like you're about to collapse any moment... do you want me to drive?"
Nathan: "No, I'm alright... I'll get back the hours of beauty sleep I missed at school. Hop on."
When she got on the bike it was different from the other times, as today she felt a little closer to him because of yesterday's events and pressed herself against him quite tightly.
The ride was as exiting as it always was, and from time to time Kara squeezed a little too hard making Nathan gasp for breath.
Nathan: "You know... how about we take the car from now on? I don't think I'll survive another journey with you behind me." She punched him lightly while puffing her cheeks at his words.
Kara: "It's not my fault... for some reason I just forget to control my strength when I'm with you." It took a while for her to realise what she said, and just ran to her classroom leaving Nathan confused.
Nathan: *Should I just take the car...* he considered while looking at her disappearing back.
He was taken out of his thoughts by the arrival of another motorcycle, parking it next to his.
Nathan: "Damn... that's a nice ride." He said admiring the man's black Harley Davidson, and damn did the motor roar.
?: "Thanks, I worked quite a bit to on it... hold up, it's you.." the man on the motorcycle said, with a bit of disappointment.
Nathan: "We've met before?"
The man took off his helmet to reveal his face, it was Dick Grayson aka Nightwing.
Dick: "Yeah, though we haven't been formally introduced, we've met before." He spoke with hostility in his voice.
Nathan didn't mind, and just walked towards his class- he didn't really give a damn about what people thought of him and Dick was also one of Raven's friends.
When he reached the hall, he made his way towards the end of the hall ignoring any girls trying to get his attention and went straight to sleep.
He woke up a few hours later, caused by someone prodding his cheek. He looked up and saw a straight faced Raven staring at him.
Nathan: "*yawn* Is it over? What time is it?"
Raven: "It's twelve in the afternoon, the lesson ended an hour ago but you didn't get up."
Nathan: "And... nobody woke me up, rather why are you still here?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Raven: "I was just reading in silence, and was about to leave but I noticed that you were still here." She couldn't tell him that she knew all along that he was there, or that she was taking glances at his sleeping face from time to time.
Nathan: "Thank you, and I see you've already finished the new book I told you about." He said with both eyebrows raised in surprise.
Raven: "Yes I did, it was truly another masterpiece. Thank you for recommending it to me, and umm... are you doing anything now?" She asked with her voice lowered quite a bit. "I mean, do you have any plans with your girlfriend?"
Nathan: "Girlfriend? Who, Linda?" Raven nodded. "No, I don't... and I don't really think that she's classified as my girlfriend."
Raven clenched her fist in a celebratory manner behind her back, but trying to make her face look as straight as possible.
Raven: "Oh, I see. I was about to head out to get some lunch, and I was wondering since you're the only one left... if you would like to come as well." Her index and middle finger twisted behind her back, hoping that he would say yes.
Nathan: *Kara told me that she's got classes until four... and I am pretty hungry so why not* He thought to himself before answering.
"Sure, I'll join you for lunch, let's go." And so Nathan left with a surprisingly cheerful looking Raven.
At the doorway of the lecture hall however, two other individuals heard pretty much everything that they were saying.
Starfire: "I never knew that Raven could be so bold, way to go girl!" She whispered loudly, cheering on her friend.
Dick: "I'm not so sure about this Star... aren't you at least a little worried?" He tried to knock some sense into his friend.
Starfire: "If Raven finds him to be trustworthy, then so do I. She is our friend Dick, have a little faith in her won't you?" She asked with slightly narrowed eyes.
Dick took in her words, but still decided not to let his guard down and continue assessing Raven's new friend.
-On a park bench at the university-
Raven: "So what do you think about rock and roll?"
Nathan: "Love it, absolutely love it. I do enjoy some pop every now and then as well. "
Nathan and Raven were eating on a bench, having shifted their conversation from books to other hobbies and now musical preference.
Raven: "Ok, since you said that... then umm... do you want to come to a concert with me this Saturday? It's just that I've got these two tickets from a friend, and I don't have anyone to go with." Her heart was racing at this point, but she decided to suppress it as much as possible.
Nathan: "Saturday? Yeah, I'm free on Saturday, why not. What time should I come pick you up?"
Raven: "Pick me up?...Oh, umm come to this address at 8. Don't be late ok?" She scribbled on her notepad and ripped the piece of paper slipping it inside of his pocket.
Nathan: "Got it, since we don't have anymore lessons today, guess I'll see you tomorrow?"
Raven: "We don't have any lectures tomorrow, it's Friday remember? We don't have any seminaries on Friday, so we'll see each other on Saturday." She got up from the bench, and waved goodbye to him as she left in a hurry.
Nathan: *I really should learn my timetable shouldn't I...* He got up as well, and sent a text to Kara that he'll be waiting for her at the university library.
-1 hour later at the library-
Kara sent a text to Nathan that she'll be busy and come home late at night, but he didn't read it since he was sleeping. Now a Barbara is sitting in the library, looking at a sleeping Nathan and deciding that's it's time to wake him up.
Nathan: "Kara, you took yo- Barbara? Where's Kara? I mean Linda..." Barbara giggles a bit at his little slip-up.
Barbara: "It's fine, I know about her real identity. I'm here to tell you that Kara was summoned by her cousin to have dinner with him and her aunt.
What, are you disappointed that I'm not Kara?" She asked teasingly.
Nathan: "No... just surprised me a little that's all. Since she's coming home later, guess I'll be on my way." He got up put on his bag, but was stopped when Barbara put a hand on his shoulder.
Barbara: "Wait... I may require your help with a little something."
Nathan: "Ok... depending on what that something is, I may be able to help. Go, tell me what it is."
Barbara: "Well, I asked my dad a couple of days ago for permission to move out... and well... he told me that if I can get a boyfriend he approves of, he'll let me." She looked at him with pleading eyes.
Nathan: "Right, I get the gist of things. You want me to act like your boyfriend in front of your dad, so you can move out." He was holding the bridge of his nose with his fingers, sighing in frustration at her request.
Barbara: "It's not going to be that hard, you just have to join us at dinner tonight. That's it, one simple dinner and we're out of there." She held his arm now, gripping it with a pleading look in her eyes.
Nathan: "Fine... wait, tonight?!" She nodded her head. "*sigh* you're lucky I'm such a nice guy, what time do I arrive by?" She had a wide smile on her face, her eyes sparkling brightly.
Barbara: "Drop by our house at 7. See you then, and make sure you dress nice ok? " she ran out of the library with a little skip in her pace.
Nathan: *Why do I involve myself in all of these troublesome situations...* he sighed making his way back home.
When he reached home he realised that he has only three hours to complete the Saitama training. Pushing himself to the limits, he managed to complete it in just under three hours.
He tried the work-out in his 'Removal' form some time ago but it seemed to deactivate the moment he started, much to his disappointment.
After taking a shower, this time his muscles were a little used to the pain so it didn't really take as long as last week.
Nathan: "Ross, I'm meeting this girl's family today for dinner, so what do you think I should wear?"
Ross: "Oh, I'm quite happy for you sir. But don't you think it's a little early to consider marriage? You are only nineteen after all."
Nathan: "I'm not getting married Ross, just having dinner at her parents house that's all." He chuckled a little at Ross's statement.
Ross: "I see, them I recommend a white shirt, no tie with black suit trousers and black shoes. Dress to impress, but don't over-do it is my opinion sir."
Nathan: "I'll follow your advice Ross, and flowers?"
Ross: "I recommend a rose bouquet, mixture of red, pink and white roses. Should I inform the gardeners to prepare it for you?"
Nathan: "Please do Ross, tell them to hurry as well because I need to leave in about twenty minutes." He spoke while buttoning up his shirt.
Ross: "Will do sir. Good luck on your dinner date sir."
Nathan: "It's not an actual date Ross, the girl just asked me to be her pretend boyfriend." He rolled his eyes remembering the request.
Ross: "Sir, there was a reason she asked you to her pretend boyfriend and no one else. And it's not because 'you're the only guy she knows', women aren't that simple sir."
Now Nathan was left thinking about it for a second, but shook his head at the possibility of her liking him. Although he admits himself to be good looking, he only had met the girl like a few weeks ago.
Nathan's choice of ride was a decked out black Porsche 911 Carrera, the cheapest option available in his garage but he was very aware it still looked extravagant.
It took about half an hour to drive to Gotham, the cities were pretty close after all. During his journey, he was wondering why Barbara went to Metropolis to study but figured it out the instant he entered Gotham.
Nathan: *What the hell is wrong with this place... it looks like an overgrown ghetto. This city needs more than just Batman to help it.* His attention was taken by the sudden appearance of five thugs surrounding his car the moment he slowed down to 'admire' the scenery.
Nathan got out of the car to confront them with a bored look on his face.
Nathan: "Listen, I'll give you a chance now. You mind your own business and fuck off, or I make you fuck off. Which will it be?" All of them responded by taking out a weapon and started surrounding him.
*crack*
The thugs were now all in shock, as in an instant Nathan kicked one of them in the jaw, his face disfigured but no longer conscious to cry out in pain.
Two of them got scared, and ran off leaving only one remaining.
The 'brave' one swung his weapon forward, aiming for Nathan's chest but ended up with a fist to the side of his own chest.
*crack*
Nathan sensed someone behind him, catching him by surprise but relaxed when he saw who it was.
Batman: "So I didn't need to interfere at all huh? Can I ask what brings you to Gotham, not that you're not welcome here." He spoke with his usual rough voice.
Nathan: "Well, look at this place? Doesn't it have just the dream holiday kind of scenery?" Batman actually chuckled internally at that.
"Well I'm here for a date, more specifically, a date with the commissioner's daughter." Batman looked a little surprised, but went back to his usual expression and nodded before disappearing back into the darkness.
Nathan: *He's always so uptight, like relax a little man.* he thought, shaking his head at how the members of the Justice League deal with him.
Ross: "Sir, we have a potential intruder inside the building back in Metropolis. I have dealt with the situation, and locked up the intruder inside the lab. Do you wish to head back and check up on things?" Ross spoke from Nathan's watch.
Nathan: "Well, since the situation looked like it was dealt with momentarily then not really. I'll handle it after this dinner date, ok?"
Ross: "Affirmative sir."
After twenty minutes of driving in circles Nathan arrived in front of what looked like an average 3 bedroom house, in the most peaceful looking neighbourhood that Gotham could offer. He checked the time and found that he was two minutes early, arriving just on the nick of time.
*ding*
Nathan rang the doorbell, holding the bouquet of flowers in front of him. After a few seconds, he heard some talking from inside the house and the door was soon opened by Barbara.
Barbara: "You look amazing, when I said dress well I didn't expect you to go all out like this." She seemed completely taken by his appearance.
Rei: "Only the best for my baby." He said teasingly, her reaction being a hard pinch to his side.
Barbara: "These flowers are truly beautiful, thank you... how did you know I like roses?"
Rei: "I assumed since they match your bright red hair so well."
She blushed at his words, and quickly led him inside to meet her family. At the table Nathan spots James and James Jr., he assumes that James Jr didn't go all haywire yet.
Nathan: "Nice to meet you Mr Gordon, my name is Nathan Campbell and I'm your daughter's boyfriend." He shakes hands with the commissioner, who eyed him like a hawk.
James: "A pleasure to meet you Nathan, this is James Jr. my son and Barbara's younger brother." Nathan shakes hands with the James Jr. who didn't seem as though he was going to talk that much.
As the food was already laid on the table, the group decided to enjoy a little silence until everyone finished and Mr Gordon decided to break the silence.
James: "So Nathan, my daughter tells me that you study mechanical engineering." Nathan nodded before James continued. "What do you wish to pursue, if that's not too personal to ask."
Nathan: "Not at all Mr Gordon, I plan to continue with engineering at a major corporation. After gaining some experience, I seek to start-up my own business."
James: "You thought quite ahead young man, what did your parents think about your decision?"
Nathan: "My parents are both dead Mr Gordon." That created an awkward silence for a bit.
James: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up any unpleasant memories." His eyes had a sort of melancholy to them, he couldn't imagine leaving Barbara and James Jr alone.
Nathan: "Don't apologise Mr Gordon, I should be the one apologising tonight." Mr Gordon looked a little confused at his words, and so Nathan continued. "I'm stealing your lovely daughter from your side aren't I? Therefore I should be the one apologising."
His words made James chuckle while Barbara was staring at Nathan because of what he said, completely forgetting that this was even a fake date.
James: "I know my daughter Nathan and I know that she's quite a hassle, but I hope you won't be put off by that. You two are young adults, and you've got your whole lives ahead of you.
But Nathan my boy, if you ever decide to put a ring on her finger know that right now you're not far from having my blessing." James spoke while placing his hand in Nathan's shoulder.
That hit Nathan harder than he expected... after all, in his past life his father left his mother when he found out about Nathan's illness.
In this life his father died before he ever got to know him as when he assimilated with the memories he basically lived this Nathan's life.
A life of being used by people, being lied to by people and worst of all... no one caring for him. That's why at Commissioner Gordon's words, a tear escaped from Nathan's eye shocking Barbara and James.
Nathan: "It's nothing guys... I just felt a little-"
He was suddenly cut off by James.
James: "Wanted? That's because you are, my boy. It's been hard for you, to bottle up the pain but now it's alright. I don't mind having another son." While James spoke Nathan was wiping away the tears but it felt like more were coming out.
Nathan: "It's been a great night guys, but I've really got to go..." he tried to get up before things got worse, but his head was soon embraced by Barbara who now wouldn't let him go.
From his behaviour at the Hall of Justice, and university campus she figured his character to be hard to come to trust people. From what Kara informed her, of his family status, she realised it was worse than she thought.
But now, she came to the conclusion that this man had no idea on how to love or be loved. He only knew how to not let people take advantage of him and how to not let people hurt him.
That's why he was so hostile to the Justice League, even to his classmates. Unless there is a reason to talk, he will not even try to socialise.
She was now really ashamed with her previous thoughts-he's got money, he's extremely good looking and a great personality so I'm set for life. She had no idea until now how much he struggled, fought and bled for even simple freedom.
She made a decision to herself now to be by his side, to be his friend and emotional support in the times of need.
Nathan stood like that for 10 minutes, but couldn't bear it any longer, he held Barbara tightly and started to weep eventually. Her reaction was only to caress his head and whisper that everything is going to be ok.
This lasted for a bit longer, until Nathan slowly stopped his sobbing and thanked James and Barbara for the dinner.
On his way to the car, a hand turned his shoulder and he felt a soft sensation on his cheek.
Barbara couldn't take it any longer, and although she didn't want to take advantage she couldn't let him go without this much at least.
James just looked at the scene with a little reminiscent gaze in his eyes, smiling at the two and hoping them all the best.
After the shirt kiss on the cheek Barbara smiled at him and rushed back inside her house, leaving a surprised Nathan behind her.
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