This is dedicated to my dear friend imekitty who helped me every step of the way. If it weren't for you, this story and all the others that may come would be nothing but daydreams and plot-bunnies.
Thank you so, so, much.
Paulina was not happy. Not happy at all. What thoughts and plans she had for her weekend alone had all been ruined the moment Star had invited herself over. Normally Star was a welcome guest, so much so that she even had her own room, but this time Star had done something completely reckless and unforgivable. Star had set Paulina up on a blind date without Paulina's permission or knowledge. Not only that, Star had planned it out well in advance. The worst part was that Paulina had no say in the matter what so ever.
[I]
Now Paulina sat on a park bench, wearing the most ridiculously godawful outfit, waiting for her date. As she waited Paulina tried to remember just how she had gotten into this situation.
[I]
The end of a school day is always chaotic. Dozens and dozens of teens all eager to escape. Yet among the chaos two girls calmly wade through the masses to get to their lockers.
"So Paulina, you free tonight?" Star asks as she stands next to her best friends locker.
"Star," Paulina sighs as she gathers her things. "You know—"
"Great, cause I hooked you up with a date tonight." Star states happily.
"What?" Paulina retorts, slamming her locker shut.
"A blind date." Star says mischievously.
"What!?"
"Yup, got you set up and everything." Star replies cheerfully. "Even picked the outfit. She states with a smile as the head to the doors. "Both of your outfits."
"Star," Paulina grunts while opening the school doors. "What have you done?" She asks as she walks to the parking lot.
"Nothing." Star replies innocently. "Just set you up for a blind date."
"Star even if I wanted to—which I don't—I can't. I have to—"
"Watch the house while your parents go on their anniversary trip" Star cuts in with a sigh. "Lucky for you I'm staying over to keep you company." She says with glee.
"Really?" Paulina asks incredulously. "And when did you decide this?"
"As soon as you told me."
"Do your—"
"They insisted once I mentioned you'd be alone."
"What about mine?"
"They know."
"Everything?" Paulina questions slowly.
"Mostly. My parents called to tell them I was coming over."
"You got this all figured out don't you?" Paulina huffs.
"Yup." Stars starts simply.
"I don't have a choice do I?" Paulina sighs in defeat.
"Nope." Star giggles with a pop.
[I]
And like that, Paulina's weekend had been decided for her. Sadly though, her musings were cut short when she noticed someone standing in front of her. Looking up Paulina couldn't help but notice Star's handiwork. Like herself, he was wearing an equally ridiculous outfit. Black dress shoes, black dress pants, black dress vest, and long sleeve turquoise dress shirt. It's form fitting yet lose, stylish yet not overbearingly so. A perfect complement to her own dress. A black knee length long sleeve flamenco dress with violet frills, black leggings and black dress flats.
Normally such attire would be considered a little formal for a first date. Sadly though, Star had not stopped there. She had taken the extra step idea of a 'blind date' by giving them both something to hide their identities. Cowls held in place with a voice modulator disguised as a choker clasp. His was black with white lenses and turquoise highlights, and looked to be modeled after Space Ghost or Batman without his ears. Hers was black as well with violet highlights and white lenses and looked to be modeled after some version of Catwoman, the only difference was that Paulina's had no ears and a small hole in the back just big enough to allow for her braided hair to pass through. All in all, in Paulina's mind they looked like a pair of Luchadores about to go to a press event.
"Um… hi." Her mystery date greeted with a small wave, nervousness clearly evident despite the distorted voice.
"Hello." She replied with a slight edge, voice equally distorted.
"I'm guessing you're my blind date…" He spoke slowly.
As Paulina gazed up at her mystery date she couldn't help but notice how nervous he was as he shifted a little from side to side. Suddenly a devious idea started to form. Since she was being force into this whole thing, might as well try to have a little fun while she can.
"And what makes you say that?" Paulina questioned pointedly as she slowly stood at her full height, narrowing her eyes as she stared expectantly.
"Oh I don't know…" Her date replied unaffected by Paulina's attempt at intimidation. "Maybe it's the matching masks and voice changers." He spoke with a nonchalant shrug and flippant wave of the hand. "Or maybe it's because… I'm Batman." He finished dramatically, dropping his voice an octave using the distortion to its full effect.
Paulina's reaction was nearly instantaneous. She gave a snort of disbelief as she lost her composure which quickly lead to a fit of giggles. As she giggled Paulina heard her date join in which caused her to giggle even more.
"Oh my god." Paulina gasped as she tried to compose herself. "That was—wow." She said with a shake of her head.
"I'm sorry." He said as he straightened back up "I couldn't help myself. It was just too easy."
"Alright mister funnyman," Paulina retorted. "Just what am I supposed to call you? I can't spend the whole night calling you 'You'."
"It's obvious isn't it?" He replied with a smile, arms spread wide. "You can call me 'Bruce'." He said proudly. "And I'll call you 'Selina'."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Fine." Paulina huffed at 'Bruce' in disbelief. "Whatever. Let's just get this over with, ok." She said with a hint of irritation as she started to walk away. Bruce following close behind.
"I'm starting to think this wasn't your idea either." Bruce commented noticing Paulina's mood.
"No." Paulina replied shortly.
"Let me guess." He sighed. "Best friend set you up with no way to get out of it?"
"Yes." She answered with a slight hiss.
"Same." Bruce stated with a slight grunt. "So you know where we're going?" he asked uncertainly. "Because I was told to follow you."
"Yes, now come on."
[I]
The walk through the park was quick and quiet but not awkwardly so. Bruce kept pace with Paulina at a respectable distance to her side, which she was grateful for. Part of her had expected him to at least attempt to try to hold hands but instead he kept them close to his sides. As they walked Paulina would occasionally steal a glance or two towards Bruce, mostly to try and get a better read on him. Mostly…
On the surface Paulina could tell that he was roughly the same height as her, give or take an inch, which in itself is a good thing. Paulina couldn't stand the idea of a potential being significantly shorter than her. Another thing that she noticed was that the way he spoke and moved suggested that Bruce must be near the same age as her. Another thing she was thankful for. Finally the only other thing that Paulina could tell about Bruce was that he had a sense of humor, however it was still too early to tell what kind of humor.
[I]
As the two exited the park their attention was drawn to their destination: A dance club that was recently converted into a restaurant.
"So this is where we're going?" Bruce asked as they crossed the street.
"I guess so." Paulina replied with a slight shrug. "My friend told me we have a reservation."
"Really, even with all this?" Bruce questioned gesturing to his concealed face.
"Apparently."
"Neat." Bruce replied happily as the pair reached the front doors. "Oh, let me get that for you." He said grabbing the door and opening it for Paulina.
"Thank you." She commented sweetly. As the two walked in they were quickly greeted by the host.
"Hello." He spoke happily despite the pair's odd appearance. "How may I help you tonight?"
"We have a reservation under… Stella." Paulina spoke grumbling at the end.
"Stella?" Bruce tried to whisper as the host looked through the list.
"Ah, here it is." The host stated. "Right this way." As the host led them to their table the two tried to take in their surroundings.
The restaurant was designed like a large hallow square: tables and booths flanked a massive flat pit that was walled off except for 3 sets of stairs. There was also a stage on the back wall. The rest of the restaurant itself had an open atmosphere and a modern design.
"This is your table." The host declared, breaking the two from their observations. "Your waiter will be with you soon."
"Thank you." Paulina said to the host, who nodded and walked away. Turning back to the table she noticed that her chair was already pulled out and that Bruce was standing just behind it. "Oh, thank you." Paulina comments with surprise. Bruce just smiles and nods ever so slightly in acknowledgement. Taking her seat Paulina feels Bruce gently pushing the chair in towards the table. As Paulina watches Bruce take his seat she finds herself thankful for the mask, if only because it hides her blush. Soon after both are seated their server came.
"Hi there—" They greeted soon followed by the quick spiel that every waiter and server gives. "—So anything to start you guys off, drinks or appetizers?"
"Can I have a Root Beer and a water, please?" Bruce asked with a smile.
"Sure thing." The waiter replied with a smile before turning to Paulina. "And what will you be having?"
"I'd like a Strawberry Iced Tea and a glass of water too." Paulina replied.
"Alright, I'll be back with those shortly." The waiter stated before walking away.
While waiting for their drinks Paulina and Bruce looked through the menu in silence.
"Here are your drinks." The waiter said as they placed the drinks down. "Are you ready to order or would you like more time?"
"I'm ready." Paulina says looking up from her menu. "Are you?" she asks turning to Bruce.
"Uh… I think so." Bruce replied. "You go first."
"I would like the Steak Salad, rare." Paulina stated as she handed in her menu.
"And I'll have the Prime Rib Fajita, rare if you can, with extra tortillas." Bruce stated next as he handed his menu in. The waiter then confirmed their order before taking their leave.