DrFate- Chapter 3- An invitation to remember
It was a quiet evening at the orphanage. The kids were already in bed and Bernard was enjoying some quiet time sited on the couch. Shade was also in the room, in his usual chair reading. Then Red Tornado came in, to share some news.
-I volunteered to help with the neighborhood festival next weekend. It will be a great opportunity for strength the ties with everyone and the kids will love it. I will be their chaperone.
Bernard raised the eyebrows and spoke. -Thanks Red. I didn't even remember the festival was happening. I will also go.
Shade, realizing the opportunity, decided to do a bit of banter. -And invite someone special?
-What do you mean by that?
-I believe he means Courtney.
-Correct as always, my robotic friend. Yes, Bernard will you invite the lovely Star-Girl to be your date to the festival. It's a great chance.
Bernard started to blush, his cheeks getting redder but said with confidence -Sure, why not? It's a good opportunity for us to have fun.
-Ha-ha. That's great lad.
Bernard smirked mischievously. -But do you know what Shade? You will also volunteer to help with the festival.
Shade was very displeased. -What? I most certainly will not.
-Yes, you will. It will be a good opportunity for you to bond with the community.
-I believe it will be a pleasant experience. -Red Tornado added.
Shade, realizing he didn't have an argument reluctantly spoke. -Fine, fine. You win. I'll go, but I won't touch any ballon.
-Deal. -Bernard answered as he nodded his head.
Next day Bernard went to the office, but his mind could only focus on one thing: How could he ask Courtney to go with him to the festival.
Harriet realized something was wrong with him and decided to ask. -What's the matter?
-Nothing Harriet. I'm just thinking about something.
At this moment Terry also joins in. -Is it superhero stuff? -he asked excited.
-No, Terry. It's about the festival in my neighborhood that it's going to be held this weekend.
-And what's the problem? -Harriet asked again.
Bernard not wanting to say to much lied a bit. -Nothing really. Just thinking of some activities.
Terry finally said. -I have a feeling you are hiding something. I believe it's about a girl. Well, if you need dating advice, I can give you some.
-Thanks. I'll consider it.
They all returned to work, but Bernard realized he really needed advice, he was too afraid of doing it so he decided on his lunch break to teleport himself to the House of Mystery and ask advice from the JLD.
-Yeap I'm getting dating advice from John and Boston. What can go wrong? - He thought to himself.
AT lunch break he did exactly that and opened a portal to the living room of the House of Mystery where all the JLD was reunited. John was sleeping in his arm-chair but woke up when he arrived. Zatanna was practicing with a deck of enchanted tarot cards. Deadman was floating lazily. And Swamp-Thing was tending to his vases of plants. They were all surprised when Bernard arrived and he asked. -I need advice on how to ask Courtney to come to my neighborhood festival with me.
The JLD bursts into laughter and John says. -I can't believe the mighty DrFate asking for advice. Are you really that afraid mate?
-You must be, to even consider asking for dating advice from this crew. -Deadman added.
-John, Boston. Don't give him a hard time. -Zatanna said authorially. -It's normal to be nervous Bernard but be yourself and she will say yes. Everyone has seen how you two look at each other.
-The earth grows stronger as does feelings. Tell her yours and she will see it. -Swamp-Thing added some of his wisdom.
Bernard was feeling more confident but John still joked. -Even if she rejects it we can wipe out her memory.
They all laughed and Bernard said smiling. -I know what I must do, I'll teleport to her house this afternoon and ask her in person.
Zatanna nodded agreeing. -That's a great plan.
Bernard left for his office but not before saying. -If you two. -he pointed to John and Deadman. -Even consider showing up at her house I will chain to the pits of hell.
John smirked and spoke. -Maybe I'll go to see how you deal with it.
Bernard shoots him with a sharp glare and left. He worked for a bit more, until afternoon.
After leaving the office he opens a teleport to Courtney's house door. He stands outside for a while trying to muster his confidence. That's when he feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns around quickly and his surprised to see Zatanna.
-I though to come wish you good luck.
-Thanks Zee. I'll need it.
At this moment Barbara Withmore, Courtney's mother realized they were outside and opened the door. -Hello, hello. How are you?
Bernard spoke up. -Hey Mrs. Whitmore. How are you? I came to ask something to Courtney.
Barbara realized the look on Bernard eyes and asked him and Zatanna to come in. Pat was sited in the living room and got up to greet them both. -Hey Bernard, Zatanna. What brings you two here? Something wrong?
Zatanna decided to speak. -I just came for moral support.
Pat looked at Bernard smiling, but at this moment a portal opens in their living room and the rest of the JLD and also Shade came out of it. John and Shade were both holding a popcorn bag. Deadman said. -Sorry about the intrusion, but we had to watch this. As he asked the question yet?
Bernard was red as a tomato. Barbara giggled and spoke. -Well kid, it looks like you have an audience.
Courtney hearing the commotion comes downstairs and seeing everyone there asks. -Hey everyone. Is this a surprise party?
Pat smiled and bantered a bit. -No, Bernard just wants to ask you something you have been waiting for.
Bernard was sweating heavily as Courtney approached him. John was munching his popcorn and spoke. -Be cool, you got this.
-Yes, although I would prefer it, for you to embarrass yourself. -Shade said bantering as Bernard shot him with a glare.
Courtney then asked. -So, what do you have to ask me?
Bernard breathed heavily and spoke. -Courtney, will you like to go to my neighborhood festival with me? Kinda like a date. -He closed his eyes waiting for the answer as everyone did.
Courtney smiled and answered. -I would love to.
The room bursts into cheers. Zatanna hugs Bernard and said- You did it.
Barbara also hugs Courtney and whispers to her. -See, I told you he shared the same feelings for you.
Swamp-Thing then remarked with some more of his wisdom. -The earth is pleased with everything that occurred here. The bond you two share will grow as the flowers of a garden.
The JLD (and Shade) left back to the orphanage where they were greeted by Red Tornado that asked- So looking at your faces I can determinate it went well.
Bernard was still smiling from ear to ear and answered. -It went perfect Red. Better then I could ever imagine.
Zatanna added in -Because you were yourself.
John still wanting to make fun mocked him a bit. -It was about time you manned up. Everyone could clearly see she also has feelings for you.
Bernard grinned and answered. -And what about you John? I mean everyone can see how you and Zatanna look at each other. Why don't you also confess to her your feelings?
John froze in place, so did Zatanna. Deadman enjoying the moment said. -Oh burn. Bernard is on fire today.
-Now that I consider it the kid is onto something here. You two are always trading weird looks. -Shade added.
John looked around the room he saw and began to smile. Finally with a grin on his face he replies. -I'm not like you. I'm not afraid. -As he says that he grabs Zatanna's waist and pulls her close to him. They share a passionate kiss, while the rest of the room burst into laughter. The kids wanting to participate also came in and one of the little ones asked. -Are Mr. John and Ms. Zatanna dating now?
As John and Zatanna broke the kiss, John replied looking at her. -I think it's time we make our relationship official Zee.
She looked at him her eyes soft and in love and said. -Oh Jhonny. I started to believe this moment would never come.
They hugged, while everyone cheered for them. Swamp-Thing remarked. -Their feelings for one another are so strong that even the earth can feel it. They were made for each other.
Zatanna was with an enormous smile, she turned to Bernard to thank him. -Thank you for finally making John open up about his feelings. We had a kind of physical relationship, let's call it, but I always wanted the next step. -She says putting her arm around him and playing with his hair. -And now I got it.
Bernard clapped and answered. -Your welcome Zatanna. You both deserve to be happy.
Deadman floating around the couple said to John. -Take good care of the lady Jhonny boy. Don't break her heart.
-I wouldn't even consider it Boston.
-John Constantine, the man that was almost without a soul now finds love. Really anything can happen around here. -Shade remarks giggling.
-Human emotions are what keeps you motivated and makes you want to do the right thing. It's a wonderful thing. -Red Tornado finally spoke.