conflict and compromise / barbara gordon

enraptured

"Why did you let her do that? Why did you let ME do that?" Wenlock paced around her room, still in full costume. 

"I need you to relax, the adrenaline is going to wear out soon and you're going to crash," Oracle's robotic voice seemed almost panicked, as if she couldn't process what had just happened, "You were hit hard, take off the suit, I need to inspect the damage."

"I had to fight someone, I beat someone unconscious," at this point some of Oracle's words were connecting with Wenlock, as she started taking off the clothing, revealing dark bruises starting to form on her chest and forehead. 

"Do you know how surreal this is? I just beat up someone I'm going to go on a date with, who assaulted me because I threatened to reveal her illegally spying on civilians and avoiding laws by," Wenlock paused to take a deep breath, "literally dressing up in Halloween costumes." 

"Well when you put it like that it does sound stupid," Oracle replied, "Eat something and then get into bed before you pass out and I have to watch you on the kitchen floor all night, this time it's an order."

Wenlock reluctantly obeyed, feeling the energy drain from her body as she dragged herself into the bedroom, taking bites out of whatever food that was left on the dining table. 

Falling into bed, she thought of the amount of makeup and acting she was going to need to do later in the day to avoid Barbara's detection. Groaning, she slammed her head back into the pillow in frustration, and when spikes of pain stemmed from her bruises yelped and curled up, finally letting herself fall into a dark, dreamless sleep. 

⧖⧖⧖

Staring up at the neon sign above the diner, Wenlock was really regretting her life choices. She had decided against bringing the set of glasses that allowed Oracle to speak to her, deciding that she would act more natural if she was left to her own thoughts rather than struggling to follow Oracle's advice. Now, feeling the lighter weight of her normal glasses on her nose, she was really beginning to regret it. 

Well it would be more suspicious to just stand out here, Wenlock thought. And so with a sigh, she pushed at the glass door and walked in.

♡♡♡

It was unsightly, Barbara thought, to peek out every time she heard the door to the diner open. But, it had been a long time since she had a proper date, no night times on rooftops or whispering to each other during stakeouts. Though she probably should have picked someplace finer, not a greasy diner booth, maybe Wenlock would prefe-

"Uhm, hey," Barbara's gaze snapped upwards, gazing into warm brown eyes. 

"Hi, how are you? Sorry I came early," Barbara's greetings were distracted as she paused to take in how Wenlock looked. Sporting a cyan turtleneck sweater covered by cream coloured high rise jeans Wenlock looked like the epitome of a college student. 

"All good," Wenlock replied, placing down her jacket on the seat beside her, "What's up with your face?" 

Ah, of course that'd be the first thing she noticed, thought Barbara, reaching up to trace the cut on her cheek.

"I was hanging out with my dad yesterday, decided to take the police academy test I failed a while ago as a bet and ended up hurting myself," Barbara replied, chuckling, "Maybe I'm growing old."

Wenlock rolled her eyes, "Don't remind me, I'm basically ready for retirement at this point," she leaned back, stretching her arms forwards towards Barbara. Wenlock giggled, "This is such a stereotypical high school date."

Barbara raised an eyebrow, "Do you not appreciate my efforts? I tried very hard for this date," putting her fist under her chin she tilted her head, frowning at Wenlock.

"Nooooooooo, I very much appreciate it," Wenlock said, dramatically throwing out her hands and grabbing onto Barbara's fists, "please forgive me." At this she pulled at her hands, dragging them close to her forehead as she leaned down. 

Barbara inhaled sharply as the wounds in her abdomen hit her with spikes of pain, almost doubling over. She covered it up as well as she could, and if Wenlock noticed, she didn't mention it. She smiled at Wenlock, "As an apology I'd get you to pay for this date but I feel obligated to pay, seeing as I invited you."

"I mean I'm down to pay," Wenlock had released her hands and was sitting back now, "But I'm never going to say no to free food." 

She laughed, relaxing back into her seat, and let herself be enraptured by Wenlock's little habits, her obsessions and her movements, committing all of it to memory. Barbara let her worries of fox women and dark rooftops slide into the lulling thrum in the back of her brain, choosing instead to focus on the girl in front of her.