Sparks | (nolanverse AU)

THREE - PROTECTOR IN THE SHADOWS

The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden hue over the soccer field as Helena's game reached its climax. The air was filled with the sounds of cheering parents and the rhythmic thud of soccer balls being kicked. I stood on the sidelines, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and pride as I watched Helena dart across the grass in her blue and gold Gotham Academy uniform.

Her team was up by one goal, but the opposing team was pressing hard. Helena, showing remarkable agility and determination, managed to intercept a pass, dribbling the ball expertly toward the goal. The crowd's cheers swelled as she made a swift move, evading a defender, and then struck the ball with precision. It sailed past the goalkeeper and into the net, securing the win for her team.

The whistle blew, signaling the end of the match, and the field erupted in cheers. Helena came running toward me, her face flushed with excitement and sweat. She threw her arms around me, practically vibrating with joy.

"We won, Mommy!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"I saw! You were amazing out there," I said, hugging her tightly. "Now, how about we celebrate?"

Helena's eyes lit up. "Are we going to Auntie Yvonne's?"

I grinned. "You read my mind. Let's get cleaned up and head over there."

After a quick stop at home to change into something more presentable, we drove through the city to La Dolce Vita, the Italian restaurant owned by Helena's godmother, and my best friend, Yvonne Carter. The familiar sight of the restaurant's charming, rustic exterior was a comforting welcome. The warm aroma of Italian cooking enveloped us as we stepped inside, making the day's excitement feel even more special.

Yvonne was behind the counter, her chef's whites dusted with flour, working on a fresh batch of dough. Her face broke into a warm smile when she saw us.

"Andy! Helena!" Yvonne called out, her voice rich with affection. She wiped her hands on her apron and came around the counter to greet us, enveloping us in a heartfelt hug. "How was the game?"

"It was fantastic," I said, my eyes following Helena as she practically bounced with excitement. "Helena's team won, and she played like a star."

Yvonne's eyes sparkled with pride. "Oh, that's wonderful news! I'll make sure to prepare something special for you both. What are you in the mood for?"

"Pasta and pizza, definitely," Helena said with a grin.

Yvonne laughed. "Got it. I'll get that going for you. You two can take your usual table."

We settled into our favorite corner booth, a cozy spot that overlooked the bustling street and provided a perfect view of Yvonne's kitchen. Helena chattered excitedly about the game, her words tumbling out in a torrent of enthusiasm.

As Yvonne prepared our meal, I watched her with a sense of nostalgia and admiration. Her presence in the restaurant was a stark contrast to the high-stakes, high-stress world we had all left behind. It was clear how much she loved running her restaurant, and her peace was evident in every move she made.

Back in our former lives, Yvonne and I had navigated a world filled with constant vigilance and covert operations. We had learned to keep our lives under wraps, every detail carefully managed to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Our days were spent in shadowy corners and high-pressure environments, where even the smallest slip could have serious repercussions.

Watching Yvonne now, with her easy demeanor and the way she poured her heart into every dish, I couldn't help but appreciate the contrast. Her transition from the world of espionage to that of a chef had brought her a sense of normalcy and fulfillment that was deeply refreshing. The restaurant was a sanctuary where she could express her creativity and connect with people in a way that felt genuine and joyful.