"I think you are just thinking of the ease of access to the bed in that thinking." The red head smirked.
"Well, there is that. I mean, what could be better after a long rough night out on the streets than to sweep into your own bedroom and into the waiting arms of a incredibly gorgeous red head?" The Huntress made a brief appearance. "But, in reality, I guess we can't plan that until we have bought a new bed, eh?" Helena finished up with a wink at the now blushing Barbara.
"Yeah, uh, right." She stammered.
Walking over to Barbara, Helena held out her hand, "Come on, let me tell you what I envision room-by-room before we lose the afternoon Sun." she noticed Barbara look at her watch, and she stopped, stepping front of the woman in the chair. Getting face to face with Barbara, "We have plenty of time love. In fact all the time in the world is ours." She whispered.
"Right."
After dinner, Helena and Barbara found themselves once again alone together.
"How did things go with Leonard this afternoon?"
"Well, actually, he was really pissed. It turns out that newbee; Jade disappeared about the same time. So, he's been seriously under staffed. He must be hurting, because he has asked me to come back!"
Oracle was quiet for a moment. "Jade?" she questioned. "Do you know her last name?" There was something tickling at the back of her mind. Jade and Cheshire... something was just on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn't pull it forward. "Helena, I need to get to the Delphi console. Can you...?"
"Give a girl a hand? It would be my absolute pleasure!" Helena stood up and swept the red head into her arms. "I never found out Jades last name, but I can call Leonard... Don't know what I'll say to explain but..."
"No, I can hack in to his computer and find it." Barbara said offhandedly. Helena, picking up on the gear grinding going on stopped and made the red head look up at her. "Barbara, what is it?"
"There is something... just can't put my finger on it." Helena crossed the remaining distance and set Barbara in her chair at the main Delphi console.
Jade turned out to be Jade Nguyen, a.k.a. Cheshire. It hadn't taken Oracle long to find out that information, and update the Justice League on what had happened. She had escaped the maximum-security prison by somehow bribing the guards in charge of her surveillance.
Helena was quiet sitting in a chair not far from Barbara, playing with a mouse from another console. She was twirling it by the cord, like it was a mini lasso or something. "That's kinda creepy-making... She kissed me." Helena said out of the blue. "And just how old was she? She didn't look all that old. She must have recognized me. Yet she acted as if we had never met. What was that about?"
Barbara turned around, raised an eyebrow, "I remember very well that she kissed you. She isn't - wasn't all that much older than me. And I don' t know why she did what she did and quit playing with the equipment."
Helena had the good grace to look embarrassed and put the mouse down gently. To take the attention away from herself, Helena blurted, "Hey - notice how Blondie is spending a lot of time studying with Gina and Gabs?? Think they got a three way going or something?" Helena's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I mean... I don't remember having to study that much." The ploy worked, Barbara's attention was now focused on the missing blonde, who had all but wolfed down her food, leaving the table still chewing and running to the elevator, mumbling something about studying and will be in late. "Well, her class load is a little more than yours had been, but now that you mention it, she shouldn't be needing this much study time. I'll see what I can find out about what is going on in her classes tomorrow. I need to call the school to make preparations for me to get back to work anyway."
Barbara turned back to the Delphi console, "And no, I can't imagine anything like a three way going on with my students and Dinah. That would be unethical... and it would be kinda - ooky!"
Helena let out a bark of laughter, causing the intellectual red head to turn sharply. "Ooky? Is that a technical term for grossed out?"
Across Town
Professor McMahan's class had let out early. It was Friday night, and the natives were restless. While everyone else had scrambled to get out of there and party, Katie Holmestad was slowly putting her books and laptop into her bag. She could feel Amanda's presence in the back of the room just waiting for her.
"Come on Katie, what is taking you so long?" came the smooth voice that used to sound like music to Katie; now it was just arrogant and annoying.
Putting the last book in and pulling the flap of the bag over to strap it shut, Katie turned and looked at the cute blonde. "Amanda, why do you insist on doing this? I told you its over. Please - just leave me alone."
Amanda Barnes, blonde, blue eyed, 6 foot statuesque and looking just a little older than her 20 years didn't like not getting her way. She sauntered down the aisle toward the brunette that had caught her attention a month ago as a good play thing to get through this semester with. Katie, 5'8", long rich chestnut hair, jade green eyes... 'OH yeah... nice little distraction'. Walking right into Katie's personal space, Amanda turned on the charm. "Come on baby... you know you didn't mean that... we're so good together. How about I come over to your apartment later and we can kiss and make up."
One thing that Amanda didn't know about Katie was that she had extremely strong empathic abilities. Katie could feel what Amanda was feeling and almost thinking... She had always had that ability, but ever since she had met Dinah at the museum, it had gotten stronger - to the point that being around Amanda almost made her sick to her stomach.
Pointedly taking a step back from Amanda, Katie simply stated, "No."
"Why not? Got plans with that under aged mouse you keep meeting at the library? Can't take it being with a real woman, you need to have a kid to get you rocks off, eh Katie?? Jesus, you're 21 years old. What will mousy girl's mummy think when she catches wind? You'll be in jail before you know it!"
Katie just about doubled over from the pure self-hatred pouring out of Amanda, and was stunned. She had never thought that was behind the blonde's behavior.
"Amanda, I'm sorry you have such a low opinion of yourself, but Dinah is more woman than you can ever hope to become!" With that, she picked up her bag and left the room, indeed heading to the New Gotham Library to meet up with a 17 year old that had captivated her attention recently.
Dinah in the meantime was spending her requisite 15 to 20 minutes with Gabby and Gina so that she didn't feel she was totally lying to Barbara and Helena about being with them and studying.
"Come on Dinah, just call her and ask to come along. You never know... she may not mind going to the under age bar for some dancing... I mean its Friday frellin' night for crying out loud!" Gabby taunted her good friend.
Blushing furiously, Dinah ducked her head; looked sideways at the tease then smiled... realizing Gabby was just pushing her buttons. Gabby knew Dinah well enough that if Dinah told Barbara she was studying she would be studying. She just was stretching the 'with who' part.
Gina cuffed Gabby on the back of the head, "Stop it... you know better. Come on, you promised me dinner before dancing!" Grabbing Gabby by the hand, she started to pull the smoky voiced blonde after her down the street toward the diner.
"Hey Dinah, have fun tonight - don't do anything we wouldn't do!!" was the parting shot from Gab before Gina pushed her ahead of her and swatted her butt firmly, causing the blond to squeak.
Dinah smiled and headed up the street the other way. Checking the time, she knew she would be a little late and debated calling Katie to let her know. The new cell phone she had gotten from Alfred was sometimes a lifesaver, but she didn't want to abuse the minutes allotted on it.
Checking her wallet, she found that she had enough cash to take a cab and still spring for pizza she planned on asking Katie to share with her. 'If she'd ever consider going with me.'
She waved down a cab at the corner. Getting into the back, "New Gotham Library please." And she sat back with a soft smile on her lips that she wasn't aware of. On the drive over, she got lost in her thoughts of how she had met Katie.
It had been shortly after she and Barbara had given up on the search for Helena, and Alfred had taken her to live at the manor. She had needed to just get out of that big oppressive place and decided on the museum. She had been rather enjoying herself until she came upon the 'Selina Kyle Room'. It was a room full of priceless artifact's that had been donated to the museum by Helena's Mom.
Dinah went in and sat down on the bench in the middle of the room. As she started looking wide eyed at all the beauty, she remembered the look Helena would get in her eyes when she would talk about her Mom. The brunette would get the saddest look and yet have the sweetest smile touch her lips. As Dinah sat there remembering her lost friend, the tears started rolling down her cheeks unchecked.
So lost in her memories, Dinah didn't know that a beautiful woman had sat down next to her and was looking back and forth between Dinah and the painting it looked like Dinah was looking at.
"I know it's a beautiful painting... but is it worth crying over that hard?" Katie asked the crying blonde softly.
Dinah looked up with a start. She hadn't felt the person next to her and that surprised her more than anything. Then looking into the jade green eyes filled with compassion and focusing outward. The woman was breathtaking.
Katie, taking Dinah's silence as a negative response stood, stammering her apology. "I... I'm sorry to have interrupted you... You just seemed so sad and lost... And I.. I'll just go.." And she stood and turned toward the exit.
"Wait!" Dinah reached out and grabbed Katie's coat sleeve. "Don't go. I just... I was just so surprised that I hadn't noticed you come in, let alone sit down next to me." Katie turned and looked back at Dinah, who was trying to present a smile, albeit a watery one. "I'm Dinah."
Katie turned back around and smiling, held her hand out "Hi, I'm Katie. This may be a little forward, but are you ok?"
Dinah hesitated in taking Katie's hand. 'You can do this Redmond. Just shake her hand, don't read her!' She took Katie's hand and tried to pull back quickly, but Katie held on to it.
Looking into Dinah's eyes, she could feel the great loss the younger woman had endured lately. Cocking her head to one side and squinting slightly, "Would you like to get a cup of coffee or something?" She asked.
Warming instantly to Katie, Dinah smiled and nodded. Katie was taken back a little at the radiance of the smile directed her way. Her heart clenched tightly and her breath caught in her chest.
"I'd like that." Dinah answered.
Katie smiled back and pulled the blonde to her feet, finally releasing the hand. "Come on. I know a diner not far from here that has great apple pie!"
And that had been the start of a budding friendship that was quickly becoming more for both women. It was just that each one had not told the other yet of the budding feelings. Katie, being that she was 21, felt it was just not right to be interested in someone who was 17. True, Dinah would be 18 shortly, yet... she wasn't yet. She was jailbait.
Dinah thought that Katie wouldn't be interested in anyone so young, but at the same time, she sometimes got this feeling when she would catch Katie watching her... There was a connection between them. A strong one. One that wasn't going to go away. So, tonight, she was going to push the envelope just a tiny bit and see if the older woman would join her for a pizza after they were done at the library.
Arriving at the library, Dinah paid the fare and ran up the stairs of the library. Before she could get in the door, Amanda stepped out of the shadows with two of her big burly boyfriends. "Well, well. What have we here boys?? A little mousy. Out kinda late aren't you little mousy??" The trio stepped toward Dinah, trying to be menacing. Dinah of course stood her ground. "Can I help you?"
Amanda stepped into Dinah's personal space, taking a handful of Dinah's hair, she yanked her head back savagely, "You are playing with one of my toys, and I don't appreciate it. That can be dangerous to your health!"
Before she could say another word, Amanda felt a vise start to crush her fingers. Yanking her hand back away from Dinah's head. "What the fu---" Then she felt herself start to move back, her feet sliding along the pavement. Eyes wide, mouth working but no sound coming out. Amanda looked up at Dinah, who was smiling softly at the surprise and shock on the girls face. The two goons had run the second Amanda started slipping across the concrete.
"Was there anything else you'd like to talk about?" Dinah assumed her best imitation of Huntress.
Amanda just shook her head in the negative.
"And I think we both know, there is no one in this building who is YOUR toy! Seeing as how people can't own other people." Dinah took a step that was on the verge of saunter toward the quivering blonde. Not receiving a response from Amanda, Dinah took another step towards her. "I'm sorry, I didn't get that..."
"Rrrright... You're right." Amanda stuttered.
"I hope you enjoyed our little conversation as much as I did. And I hope you don't forget it!" Dinah said before opening the door to the library. Amanda ran, almost falling down the stairs to get away from Dinah.
Dinah stopped and took a deep breath. Even though she knew that she wouldn't have gotten hurt in any way, the encounter threw her just a little bit. Shaking it off, she headed up to the floor and table that she always would meet Katie at.
Hearing someone approach the table, Katie raised her head and saw Dinah coming up to table. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her lips in greeting. "Hey you! Was wondering if you were going to make it or not!"
"You kidding? I wouldn't miss this!" Dinah said a little too enthusiastically, which in turn caused her to turn a beautiful shade of neon red. "I mean if I wasn't going to make it I'd call you..."
Across Town in the Clock Tower
"Hey Red!! Have you seen my duster? I can't find it!" Helena yelled from behind the couch.
"That's because I put it up! Try the hall tree." Barbara answered from the Delphi console. "Where you should put it when you get home so I don't run over it and you can find it!"
Shooting the red head a dirty look over the back of the couch, Helena stood up and walked over the hall tree. Slinging the duster around with a flourish, Huntress put it on. "Well, I'm going to head out to look over our fair city. Where did Dinah say she was going to be?"
"Why?" Barbara asked, looking over the rim of her glasses.
"Thought I would drop in on her."
"No Helena."
"NO Helena? What do you mean no."
"You are not going to go and spy on Dinah."
"Who said I was going to spy? Maybe I just wanted to stop by and say Hi..."
"Right. Like you didn't just see her here at dinner. " Barbara backed up from the console and headed down from the Delphi platform. "What, a whole 2 hours ago?"
Huntress was standing by the elevator with her hands on her hips, looking very stubborn. "Barbara, I'm not going to spy on her. Just going to - check up on her."
"Oh, I didn't know there was a difference between "checking up on her" and spying! And I won't be able to stop you, is that what I'm hearing?"
"Pretty much." Huntress says, blinking and cocking her head to one side while looking at Barbara.
"God, you drive me crazy!"
A sexy smile crosses Huntress' face, "Good to know."
"Not that kind of crazy. Well you do, but that isn't what I mean... You're so damn stubborn, just like your fa..." Barbara is stopped from continuing by a finger being placed on her lips. Huntress has moved so quickly she hadn't seen her.
"Don't. Go. There."
"Well. You are." Barbara says around the finger that remained on her lips. She kissed it lightly and pulled Huntress' hand down away from her face.
"Barbara, I just want to make sure the kid is really studying and not gotten herself into some kind of trouble." Huntress said fervently. When she didn't receive a response from Barbara, she added a little pout. Looking into Barbara eyes, she could almost see the gears turning as the red head ran through different scenario's.
"Dinah said she would be at the New Gotham Library." Barbara replied in a quiet voice.
"I promise to be good Red. K?" Huntress placed a soft kiss on her lovers lips.
"You had better."
With that, the vigilante was out the balcony doors and over the side.
Back at the New Gotham Library
Dinah and Katie had been just sitting at a large table in one of the upper floors of the library and talking quietly for about an hour, and hadn't even opened a book yet. Katie had been relating the events from her senior trip to Europe that her Mother had insisted that she take the summer of her high school graduation.
"So, there I was, 18 years old, in the middle of Venice, standing in the middle of Piazza San Marco to be exact, in the pouring rain at 6 a.m., drunk off my butt when who do you think comes up to me..." Katie was struggling to not laugh out loud.
"No, it wasn't!" Dinah said, eyes going wide.
"Yes. That same polizia! But this time he was off duty, and took pity on the lost, little drunk American girl. He took me out to breakfast! He was great. Just like a grandfather. I spent a lot of time with his family for the rest of my stay there."
"Man, that sounds like such a great experience to have. And your Mom didn't have a problem with you only being 18 and going. I'd love to do something like that after graduation." Dinah said, sounding very wistful.
"So, this is what they call studying these days. Man, things have changed since I went to school. Hi Kid!" Helena sauntered up to the table. "Gabby, you've changed, well, everything."
"H-h-Helena." Dinah stuttered.
"Helena?" Katie asked.
Helena, pointing to herself, "Helena. And you are?" She held out her hand to Katie.
Dinah piped up, "Katie, this is my, uh, my sister, Helena. Helena this is Katie. Katie and I met at the museum when you were, em, missing."
Katie stood up and took Helena's hand, "So you're the reason Dinah had been so sad. I'm glad you're okay."
Looking at Dinah a little confused, Helena replied, "Thanks. Um, if you'll excuse us for just a second Katie? Kid, a word. Now."
Dinah smiled at Katie and got up from the table, following Helena a little off to the side.
"So, want to tell me anything?" Helena started.
"Are you checking up on me?" Dinah accused.
"Whoa there Blondie! Who is supposed to be studying with Gabby?? Who is Katie? Where'd ya meet her? Where IS Gabby? Why don't Babs and I know about Katie? Loocy, you have some 'splaining to do." Helena finished up with her incredibly bad Ricky Ricardo.
Wincing at the horrible impression, Dinah tucked a stray bit of hair behind her ear; face turned 4 shades of red. "Alright! But can I tell you later? You're kind of cramping my thing here."
"You're thing? Don't you mean you're THANG? You mean to tell me you gotta a Thang going on here? Why, Little D! I'm shocked! I'm flabbergasted! I'm - I'm..."
"Well you're not speechless!" Oracle said through the comms at the same time that Dinah said it.
Putting a finger to the bat shaped earring, Helena smirked and rolled her eyes. "Oops! Forgot you were listening."
Dinah's jaw dropped open. "Barbara is listening in? Oh my God! Oh my God! Why didn't you tell me!"
"Huntress is Dinah is any danger?" Oracle asked.
"No. She seems fine."
"Then tell her we'll talk about this when she gets home. You go on and get out on sweeps."
"And ruin my fun?"
"Hu-u-u-ntre-e-e-ess..." Was growled into Huntress' ear. "You promised me."
Pouting a little, Huntress put her hand down next to her side. "Ok Little D. Big Red has told me to scram and that we will talk when you get home at your usual time." She sauntered over to the table where Katie was still sitting, watching the interchange between the two 'siblings'.
"So, Katie. Why not meet us for dinner tomorrow night. Say, Flo's Mexican Diner, 6th and Main at 7?"
Katie looked past Helena to Dinah, who just shrugged and nodded affirmatively. "Okay, sure, why not. I've got nothing on for the evening."
Turning around to look at Dinah, "Kid, I'll see you in a little while." With that, Helena sauntered off between the stacks.
Dinah sat back down at the table, feeling very embarrassed. "Listen, Katie. You want to go and grab a pizza or something. I'm starved and - well, I have something to tell you."
"Sure. There is a great pizza place at the student union, and you can tell all about how you haven't told your family you aren't studying with who you said you were." Katie smiled to take a bit of the sting out of the words.
"Uh, yeah. Sounds good." Dinah picked up her book and put it back into her book bag. "So you kinda figured it out. Was it because of Helena?"
Standing and slinging her backpack over her shoulder, Katie slung her free arm over Dinah's shoulders, "No, well, yes. But that wasn't the only thing. Come on, let's talk about this over a nice greasy pepperoni pizza with extra cheese and jalapeno's!"
Later That Same Evening, At the Clock Tower
Clutching the glass of bromo, Dinah was still enthusiastic as she told Barbara and Helena about how Katie is an empath. A strong one. "So, Barbara, do you think she could be a Meta?"
"I don't know. She could be. It may be tricky to get her up here to test her." Barbara looked at Dinah sharply as the girl burped then groaned loudly.
Helena laughed, "You really should stay away from greasy pizza and jalapeno's Kid!"
"Oh God, I think I'm going to die! Or be sick! Or both!" Dinah moaned as she ran for the bathroom.
Barbara looked over at Helena, "So what did you think of this Katie?"
"She seemed ok. I mean, we didn't get into any in-depth convo or anything. But she didn't seem the stalker type. Just your average college student."
"You said we are meeting for dinner tomorrow night? Maybe we can get a little more information before then. Go check on Dinah and see about Katie's last name." Barbara headed back to the Delphi console.
Flo's Mexican Diner, The Next Evening
Flo's actually was one of New Gotham's nicer Mexican restaurants. The name just didn't do it justice. Most people on the first visit expect it to be a tacky, somewhat shabby place. Yet it was a bit up scale. Barbara and Helena liked to go there quite often for the ambiance. Dim lighting, good food, and they always had a quiet corner table. The head waiter made sure that they had a good table tonight, for four. Drinks were served to Barbara and Helena almost before they had settled themselves at the table. Dinah was sticking to 7-Up for her still delicate stomach.
Putting her head in her hand, Dinah moaned, "Why did it have to be Mexican?"
"Don't worry kid, they can make you a hamburger or something." Helena smirked over the salt encrusted rim of her margarita.
"Dinah, there are items on the menu that won't upset your stomach. I promise. If you need any suggestions, just let me know." Barbara said, going all maternal on her.
About that time, Katie was shown to the table. Barbara watching intently noticed how her ward perked up noticeably now that Katie was here. Dinah stood up and gave Katie a brief hug which was returned and started the introductions.
"Katie, this is Barbara Gordon, my mentor and guardian. You've met Helena there."
Helena winked and held her glass up as if in a toast to Katie.
"It's nice to meet you Miss Gordon." She reached across the table corner to shake hands.
"Call me Barbara, please. Only my students call me Miss Gordon." Barbara took Katie's hand in a firm handshake, making sure to picture a nice snow storm to block any unwarranted stray emotions. Just to be safe.
Katie quirked an eyebrow just the slightest bit, just enough for Barbara to wonder if what Dinah had asked the previous night was true. Was Katie a Meta?
As Katie and Dinah sat down the waiter came up to see what the newest arrival would like to drink.
"I'll have a Sprite or 7-Up please."
As he left Katie laughed lightly and turning to Dinah, "I don't know what they did to that pizza last night, but I have been having the worst indigestion since last night. And I always have that pizza at the student union."
Dinah threw a dirty look at Helena, who just stuck her tongue out back at her.
"So, Katie, tell us a little about yourself." Helena piped up.
"Well, my family is in Upper New York. Well, my Mom anyway. Dad pasted away from a heart attack about 3 years ago. But they hadn't been married for a very long time." The waiter set the glass of soda down in front of Katie and asked if everyone was ready to order.
After taking the orders, Barbara asked, "What does your Mother do? The name Holmestad sounds familiar."
Barbara had, of course, done a background check on Katie the previous evening. Katie Holmestad, daughter of Rebecca Holmestad, author, poet and internationally known for her extravagant behavior, was fairly well off as far as finances were concerned. Although Katie was going to the University on a full ride scholarship. Barbara had found that to be impressive. Her parents had been divorced since before Katie was born, yet Dad had played an active role in bringing Katie up. Nothing in the background check to cause any alarms to go off. Just a kid who grew up with good parents that both seemed to love her and care for her.
"My Mom is a writer. She writes romance novels and stuff like that. Not something I really get into reading."
Helena, almost choking on a chip, sputtered, "Oh My God. Rebecca Holmestad is your mother? I love her books. I also love the ones she wrote under the nom de plume of Becky Hastings. That one series of books... Damn, the name escapes me. They were kind of like the Beauty books by Anne Rice..." Barbara laid her hand on Helena's arm, none to gently trying to get the brunettes attention. She could tell that Katie wasn't really comfortable with Mom's alter-ego in the writing world.
"Ow, what did you do that for?"
"Honey, do you need another drink?" Barbara took Helena's hand in her own, knowing that there was a 50/50 chance Helena could become distracted by this.
"Um, yeah." picking up the empty glass, "I do. Where is that waiter anyway?" She looked around, and not seeing him, excused herself to head to the bar. She knew all the staff at the restaurant.
After Helena was seated at the bar, exchanging stories with Mickie, the bar tender, Barbara apologized for Helena outburst.
"It's ok. I need to get over the teenage reaction. Everyone knows Mom and most, if not all her works." Katie shrugged, blushing a little bit.
"So, Katie, Dinah was telling us about the senior trip you took of Europe..." Helena sat back down and started along a different path of conversation.
After Dinner - Back at the Clock Tower
"She is a nice young lady Dinah. I like her." Barbara stated.
"God, Red! Can you sound anymore like a mother on that?" Helena flopped down at the end of the couch, throwing one leg over the over stuffed arm. Barbara glared at Helena, who just grabbed the remote and turned on the T.V.
"Dinah, you have a month and a half before your 18. I can see that there is a strong attraction between you two... you need to be careful. I guess what I'm trying to ask, is wait until your birthday. I mean, before, um, anything..." there was long silent pause.
"Before you have hot wild monkey sex with her D." Helena supplied, not taking her eyes from the T.V. screen.
Dinah, not believing her ears, turned red. Barbara glared at her partner, and threw the cup that was in her hand at her.
Helena deftly caught the projectile, "What?!?! What did I say that warranted that? Man!" Helena got up off the couch, walked up to Barbara and dropped the cup into her lap. "You want me to sleep on the couch too?" And started to walk away in a huff.
Barbara reached out and grabbed Helena's hand. "Wait a minute there girlie. I'm not done with you!" Then turned to Dinah. "I know that you'll do the right thing Dinah. And I think you are correct in thinking that Katie is a Meta. We'll work on a way to get her in here and tested tomorrow."
 |