Joseph had expected Selina to take them sowhere nice for breakfast. He hadn't expected a three-star restaurant in one of Gotham's wealthiest districts.
He felt like he and Kori were woefully underdressed for the occasion.
The maitre d' recognized her instantly. "Miss Kyle, welco back. Your usual table?"
"Of course," she said smoothly, gesturing for Joseph and Kori to follow.
As they walked past crystal chandeliers and linen-draped tables, Joseph leaned in. "You sure they're gonna serve dressed like this?"
Selina scoffed. "Relax. I co here all the ti, and they love . You're with , so you're good."
He wasn't convinced but sat down anyway. The second they were seated, a server in a pressed black uniform approached.
"Will you be dining from the usual nu today, Miss Kyle?"
"Oh no," Selina said with a smirk. "My friend here—" she motioned to Kori "—is new to fine dining. Bring us a little bit of everything."
Joseph's brow twitched. "A little bit?"
"I wish to experience Earth's culinary wonders!" Kori added eagerly.
Joseph sighed and leaned back. "Fine. Knock yourselves out."
And they did.
Kori's enthusiasm for food was boundless. She devoured the first plate of delicate souffles and buttery croissants before moving on to steak and eggs, fresh fruit, and pastries he didn't even know the nas of. Each ti the waiter returned, she ordered sothing new.
Joseph sipped his coffee and watched as the bill skyrocketed. Not that he minded—he still had two million left from his earnings—but even Selina was impressed.
"Damn, Joseph. You sure you're not gonna cry when you see the final number?"
He shrugged. "We were eating tasteless goop for way too long. I don't care. Plus I have so passive inco."
Joseph should definitely check how his gas and BellCoin were doing.
Selina gave him a look, but she didn't press further.
When the al was finally over, Kori leaned back, satisfied. "That was delicious. I must have more Earth food in the future!"
Joseph chuckled, tossing a stack of cash onto the bill without even looking at it. "You'll have plenty of chances."
**
After breakfast, Selina flagged down a cab and directed it toward one of Gotham's high-end shopping districts.
"You're lucky I'm here," she told Kori. "Because this—" she gestured at the sweatpants and oversized T-shirt "—is not going to cut it."
Kori tilted her head. "Joseph said I looked fine."
Selina grinned and turned to him. "Oh? You think she looks fine, huh?"
Joseph blinked. "I an, yeah? She looks good in anything."
Selina's smirk widened. "A That's cute."
Joseph frowned. "Not like that."
Selina ignored him, already pulling Kori into the first boutique.
The next hour was a blur of dresses, skirts, and accessories. Kori tried on dozens of outfits, twirling in front of the mirror before turning to Joseph for approval.
"What do you think of this one?"
"Looks good."
"…And this one?"
"Also good."
"…And this?"
"Still good."
Selina rolled her eyes. "Joey, you're supposed to help."
"I am helping. She looks great in everything."
Selina shook her head in mock disappointnt. "You're completely useless."
By the ti they left, Joseph was carrying at least fifteen bags and his pockets were noticeably lighter.
**
The shopping trip had been for Selina and Kori. The arcade, however, was for Joseph.
He had never really been to one before. Sure, he'd passed by them as a kid, but money had always been tight, and after his mom died, there was no way he was wasting what little he had on gas.
So when Selina led them inside—bright lights flashing, the air buzzing with excitent—he didn't expect much.
But then Kori grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the first machine she saw.
And suddenly, it was fun.
They played everything. Racing gas, shooting gas, even those ridiculous claw machines (Kori was absurdly good at those). Joseph, competitive as always, got way too into it.
Selina just leaned back, watching with amusent as the two of them got lost in the mont.
By the ti they left, Kori was carrying a giant stuffed tiger she had won, and Joseph—despite himself—was smiling.
**
Evening had settled over Gotham by the ti they arrived at Selina's apartnt.
Joseph's place was pretty nice thanks to Nova's help renovating, but Selina's was ridiculously nice—modern, stylish, and expensive.
"Alright," she announced, heading toward the kitchen. "I'm cooking. You two—stay out of my way."
Kori, undeterred, followed. "I wish to help!"
Selina hesitated. "Uh… I don't think that's—"
Too late.
Within five minutes, Kori had burned sothing, spilled sothing, and nearly set the kitchen on fire.
Joseph sighed, stepping in. "Okay. Move. I'll help."
Selina smirked. "Oh? Didn't know you could cook."
He shrugged. "Didn't have a choice. When it's cook, starve, or instant ran everyday, you figure it out."
With his help, the al actually turned out amazing.
Kori, of course, asked for seconds.
And thirds.
And fourths.
Joseph just laughed and handed her another plate.
**
When dinner was done, Selina stretched. "Alright, I'll drop you guys off."
Joseph adjusted the bags in his arms. "Don't worry about it."
Selina frowned. "What? You walking all the way back?"
Kori smiled. "No. We are flying."
Selina froze. "...Excuse ?"
Joseph sighed. "Yeah. Kori can fly. And so can I."
Selina stared at him. "Since when?!"
Joseph looked away. "The Psions did it to ."
Silence.
Then Selina stepped forward and—without warning—wrapped Kori in a hug.
Kori, surprised, but pleased, hugged her back. "It was very fun spending ti with you today, Selina."
Selina pulled away, then turned to Joseph.
"You don't get out of this," she said, smirking.
Joseph, still buried under shopping bags, barely managed to return the hug before Selina pulled away.
"Stay out of trouble, Joey."
He snorted. "No promises."
With that, he and Kori stepped onto the balcony.
The city stretched before them, lights twinkling in the distance.
Joseph adjusted his grip on the bags. "Ready?"
Kori nodded. "Always."
Together, they took off—disappearing into the winter night sky.
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