Joka

chapter 8

Grandmother Quinzel had left for her trip back to her home on an island off the coast of Florida. She figured her grand daughter was still alright for living alone at her old house; but worried since the Arkham break out. Training had been going well and they had been going on missions, but it was nearing thanksgiving. Everyone was getting ready to go see their family for a family meal; going out of state. Sitting in the kitchen at her house, she sat at the island in the center drinking her tea wondering what she was going to do. She couldn't call up her parents, she didn't want to bother her grandmother whom was spending time with other members of the family. Joka didn't like bothering her grandmother and she wasn't keen at times at meeting the rest of her family.

"Joka." A male voice said as the front door open. It was Gator, he wore a pair of blue jeans with a black thin sweater and a jean jacket over it. He walked into the house to check on her, bringing some food as Crowler and Kitty were coming later. "I brought Chinese." He smiled around the corner as he came into the kitchen waving a bag. Joka didn't lift her head, she just stared at her tea. "Joka..." Gator said.

Joka lifted her head as Gator's fingers touched her green hair. "Oh sorry was just thinking." She gave him a weak smile.

Gator pulled out the food on the counter. "I have a question." Gator said as Joka pulled out the plates and brought an extra stool to the counter. "I was wondering, if I could come stay with you." His face went pink.

"Why?" Joka asked curiously. They used the chopsticks to pick at the food, putting it on their plates. "Are you alright?"

Gator went into the fridge grabbing the soda, placing them on the counter. "I'm fine, but the place I got...I kinda been couch surfing at R.J.'s. my place got condemned after that rat problem." Gator explained; it was the last thing he wanted to bother Joka with. "I'll clean house, I'll help with stuff."

"Sure." Joka said, she wasn't about to leave her friend high and dry. "You can have the bedroom at the left end of the hall."

Gator smiled, he patted her on the back. They started eating, but as they did Gator could see that Joka was still sat about the events that had happened at the Gala and the play. But it got the justice to see that they are just like everyone else. The school life was getting a lot better, but he could see since they haven't caught joker or Harley that life was getting hard. Penguin's daughter ordering more hits, it worried them. Gator touched Joka's hand, letting her know that he is there for her.

"Hey. Thanks, you don't know how much it means to me." Gator told her. "I'm always here for you if you need me."

Joka nodded her head, checking her phone to see text messages wishing happy thanksgiving. She placed it on the table, but then paused when seeing a text message from Ice. Gator's yellow eyes turned towards the phone, Joka tapped on the touch screen only to see –happy thanksgiving. I miss you.- Gator took Joka's phone and put it in the kitchen drawer full of knives.

"Sorry." Joka said.

"No need, hey lets forget about it." Gator smiled rolling up his sleeves to his elbows, he took Joka's hand. "Come on lets dance."

"But we are eating." She smirked, Gator though didn't take that for an answer. "Gator." She giggled as he pulled her over to the living room turning on the stereo with a remote. Some nice country music came on, it reminded him from home. Joka was never really fond of it. "Gator...no."

"Come on. I think you need to put your mind at ease. Remember tomorrow we go on patrol with justice." Gator smiled, pulling her close as he held her hand and placed a hand on her lower back. Dancing in a circle like they did back at the Gala. "I remember you saying you love dancing."