:･ﾟ☆｡•:･ﾟ☆｡•

chapter four ━ first friend

━━━━★✼☆｡━━━━

❝ is this a dream? ❞

━━━━★✼☆｡━━━━

IF THERE WAS someone who hardly ever argued that was Skylar Gordon. She didn't argue because she never had a strong enough opinion about something that made her think about debating her point. Never had she seen the point because she was a more of a "go with the flow" type person. However, sometimes she didn't even care. And her parents made choices for her most of the time so there was nothing to argue about in the first place.

But today was different, it just was. Skylar had fought with her dad, arguing that she wanted to go with him that day. In the end, Jim had fought with good points so Skylar lost the argument. And it didn't help that Barabra was helping him, saying that Skylar was better off going with her to work instead of the police force.

It didn't take long for the teenage girl to find out about the children in the streets going missing. They were being kidnapped and no one even bothered to look for them. Skylar was devastated when she heard the news and had actually talked to Barbara about it.

After their arrival to Gotham, things weren't the best. Skylar felt even more worried and nervous in the city than she ever had in her entire life. For once, she hated it. The girl hated not being able to do anything about the situation. She was too weak.

Skylar had begun to talk to her mom a lot more, just telling her about things that were on her mind and things that were bugging her. Though Barbara was confused as to why all of a sudden her daughter was being so open, she didn't shoot her down and always listened.

Jim had come back to the penthouse and sat down by the fire with Skylar sitting at the coffee table in front of him and Barbara next to him. The girl had started to read more to pass the time and by the day she became more like a bookworm. It made the two parents happy because they finally felt like Skylar was settling down after so many years.

In reality, Skylar was just trying to make the situation she was in normal. She pretended like her life was normal and that nothing was wrong.

When Barbara walked back in with drinks, Skylar looked up from her book and at her dad. Both of the girls had dressed in casual clothing and Skylar had just gotten out of the shower so her wet hair clung to the fabric of her pajama top. "You said that the kids were drugged with a pin?"

Her dad didn't look too enthusiastic that she was getting involved but she couldn't help herself. These kids had it way worse than she did. And while she cried in the corner of her large room, these kids were on the streets, sleeping in alleyways because they had nowhere to go. It was wrong. And Skylar wanted to do something about it.

"No, you guys don't want to hear this stuff. It's depressing," he insisted.

Barbara sighed and kicked her feet up on the coffee table, earning a sharp look from Skylar who's book was not too far from the blonde's feet. Her mom noticed and then shot an apologetic smile, opting to sit criss-cross. "What do they use them for? The children?"

Jim sighed and took a sip of the hot chocolate Barbara had made. It burnt his tongue a bit and Skylar went to sip her's but then brunt her tongue to which Barbara scolded her, telling her to wait for it to cool down. "Nobody seems to know. And we can't say a damn thing to the press. Bad PR."

His daughter frowned in response and then shut it book closed, pushing her bookmark inside of the crease of the pages before turning her attention to them. "I thought the cops were supposed to be the good guys?"

Barbara agreed with her and then put a hand on Jim's shoulder, rubbing it with a concerned look. Skylar and Barbara both had noticed the way he had been acting the last few weeks. It wasn't because he spent late nights at the station, there was another reason and they knew it. Jim only responded by saying, "Yeah."

Skylar cast a glance at her mom. Barbara grabbed Jim's hand. "Did something happen that you're not telling us about? These last couple of weeks... you've been different, troubled."

Never had it occurred to him that he was acting suspiciously. Even though he was keeping a big secret from them both that could ruin their family, Jim didn't want to put them in danger. Skylar was too young to endure more pain and Barbara was trying to keep their small family together. This secret would shatter that.

He shook his head. "No. Been having trouble sleeping, I guess."

They both knew he was lying but ultimately decided not to push it. Jim hardly ever kept something from them. So they trusted that if he was keeping something from them, it was probably for the best no doubt. But that didn't mean that they weren't curious as to what he could be hiding. And Skylar couldn't help thinking that it was a bad thing.

In the back of her mind, Skylar felt the poking of one of her many thoughts. This one wanted her to acknowledge it so she did. The homeless kids were still out there being kidnapped and no one was doing anything about it. Kids like those don't deserve it, no kid deserves it.

Looking back at her dad she took a sip carefully to find it now a bit colder. She set down her cup and rested her hands in her lap. "Dad, doesn't the newspaper get anonymous tips for things like these?"

Jim looked confused as to why she was asking but then nodded. "Oh, sure, yeah." Skylar gave him a look and he then realized what she was saying. Barbara smiled behind her mug, proud that her daughter was itching to do something about the kids. The girl seemed to be getting more and more interested in the GCPD and what they were doing. It even seemed like she wanted to help. "You mean, call it in myself? No, I can't do that."

Barbara saw the look in her daughter's eyes and then looked at her fiancee. She whispered quietly. "Jim..."

Skylar got up and set her cup down, going over to the phone and picking it up. Dialing the number, Jim knew what she was doing and stood up. But he was too late. "Gotham Gazette. The Newsroom."

Barbara quickly got up and put a hand on his chest, giving him a pointed look. She whispered, "Don't ruin this for her, please. She's trying to help."

Jim knew she was right and then stopped fighting and stood, listening to his daughter on the phone. Skylar heard the other person on the line and answered, "Hi. Somebody is abducting homeless children off the streets. But the cops aren't doing anything and are trying to keep it quiet. If you go to th GCPD and talked to Captain Sarah Essen, she has got a kid in custody who can tell you the whole story." She paused and listened. "No, this isn't a prank. Go to the GCPD tomorrow and see for yourself." She paused again. "You're welcome. Goodbye."

She hung up and turned to her parents. Barbara looked proud which made her smile genuinely. Jim, on the other hand, didn't look as pleased and rubbed his forehead with a groan of disbelief. "Look, I get that you guys want to help. But when I tell you guys things we have to keep it between us."

Barbara swatted his shoulder with her hand firmly. It made her happy because Skylar was willing to help and was actually getting into something that was serious. Even if it did scare her a bit, it made her happy because Skylar was proud of herself. And the smile on her face that she rarely ever saw was proof of that. "Jim, it was the right thing to do."

Jim looked at his fiancee and then at his daughter. He nodded. "Fine, but don't do it again ok?"

Skylar nodded back, understandingly. She saluted playfully. "Yes, sir."

Barbara smiled and Jim couldn't help but smile too. They were both proud. But while it made Barbara thrilled, it made Jim a bit worried. Because if his daughter kept on this path of trying to be the hero, she'd get hurt and get caught in the crossfire of whatever was happening in Gotham. That was just the thing though. He couldn't keep Skylar and Barbara safe forever.

---

"I don't recall ever agreeing to this," she mused, casting a glance over at her dad who was in the driver's seat.

He smiled. "That's because you didn't. I told Alfred we'd come, I just didn't get the chance to tell you because of those child snatchers."

Skylar nodded and then looked out the window. Jim and Harvey had found the child snatchers and from what she'd heard, the children they had taken were safe. It was creepy because no one really knew what they were going to do to them. Chills ran up her spine whenever she thought about what they would've done.

Jim had told her that Bruce wasn't doing the best since his parents' funeral. This was understandable and she really didn't get why they Alfred was so concerned. He was in mourning, he just needed time that no one seemed to be giving him.

They drove up the long driveway and Jim parked right outside the front steps. Skylar got out and closed the door, following her dad up the steps and to the door where Alfred was already waiting. He greeted them with his hands behind his back, a warm smile on his face. "Welcome, thank you for coming."

When they walked in, Skylar gazed around the large mansion. She was nearly gaping in shock. Even if she expected the estate to be large, it was still a wonder seeing it in person. Alfred saw her awed look and chuckled. "Bruce is up in his room if you'd like to go speak with him."

Skylar turned to him and nodded. "Thank you for inviting us, Mr. Pennyworth."

"Alfred, Miss. And it's my pleasure. Master Bruce has been asking about you lately-" Jim raised an eyebrow at the new information. "-and I think it would be good for him to talk to someone his age."

The teenage girl seemed surprised also. However, it made her feel happy to know that he really did take her up on her offer. She thanked Alfred and then ran up the stairs. Bruce heard the footsteps before she even knocked on his door. He instantly knew who it was and jumped out of his bed, his book that he was reading long forgotten.

Skylar went to knock but Bruce opened the door before she even got the chance. A small and shy smile spread across her face when she saw him. "Hey. Alfred said you were up here so..."

He kept a straight face even though - on the inside - he was bursting for joy. "Come on in." Skylar entered his room and gazed around to see that it was nowhere near the size of hers. Hers was much smaller. "How are you?"

In response, she turned to face him. The blush that had reddened her cheeks had disappeared, just like her nervousness did. Bruce made her feel a bit tense, though Skylar told herself that he was just another kid like her. Even if he was a billionaire, at the end of the day he was just a kid. She crossed her hands in front of her and intertwined them. "Alright. You?"

Bruce avoided her eyes and she looked down at the ground. Skylar was furious at herself for saying something so stupid. Of course he wasn't ok. He looked back up at her. "I'm fine, thank you." Skylar smiled slightly and then gazed around the room once more. He saw the look on her face and then spoke up. "Do you like to read?"

Her eyes darted to his, shimmering from the light that peeked through his closed curtains. "Yeah. I wouldn't consider myself a huge bookworm but I do enjoy reading." Skylar saw the book on his desk and then looked back to him. "Do you like to read?"

"Yes. My father's study has plenty of books. He said that reading can be very beneficial."

The way he worded it was odd. However, she didn't make fun of him and instead just nodded in agreement. Silence stretched out after that and it was an awkward silence. Never had she had any other friends besides Jerome. And Jerome was not only her brother but her best friend too.

"We should probably go... downstairs," she finally said.

Bruce agreed with her and then they exited the room. Skylar couldn't help but look around as they walked. Paintings hung on the walls, tons of ancient artifacts stood on tables, rows and rows of windows that were wide open, allowing sunlight to pour in. It almost made her frown because it was the opposite of Bruce's room where every single window was covered with a thick fabric.

"Sounds like a recipe for disaster," they heard when the approached the doorway to the study. "What do you want me to do?"

It was Jim. Skylar frowned at his words. From what it sounded like, Alfred was trying to convince Jim to persuade Bruce or talk to him. The boy next to her seemed to take it the same way. He stepped out into the doorway so the two could see him. Skylar followed him right as he said, "He wants you to talk some sense into me."

The two adults spun to them as they walked further into the room. Skylar rubbed her arm awkwardly as Alfred scolded Bruce. "Haven't I told you to stop creeping up on people like that before? It's bloody rude!"

Skylar had a twitch of a smile as she saw Bruce simply ignore Alfred and go over to Jim. Her father put a hand on his hip. "All right, then, Bruce. Talk to me."

Out of place were definitely a few words for it. However, Skylar was used to being out of place and not "blending in" with others around her. It just wasn't who she was. Even though insecurities brought her down like a ton of bricks, she never strived to fit in with everyone else. What was the point anyway?

"I'm perfectly fine." He cut a glance to Alfred. "Alfred's a worrywart."

Her eyes traveled down to his bandaged hand. Skylar wrapped her arms around herself. Bad memories appeared in her head. She had done that once, burnt her hand. Of course, Jim and Barbara had freaked out, yelling at her and wondering why she did such a thing to herself. Her response was that the pain helped her deal. Late that night, Skylar heard her mother crying in her parent's bedroom.

"What did you do to your hand?" Jim asked though he knew exactly what he did.

Bruce looked down at his hand for a second. "I burned it."

She wanted to relate to what he did but decided to keep her mouth shut. After all, neither adults would appreciate the fact that she would be feeding into what Bruce did. Jim went over to Bruce. He looked at his daughter who was watching on. Her dad looked back at Bruce. "Listen to me, Bruce. You've been through a terrible experience. Talking to someone can be very helpful."

The boy smiled. "You must have seen terrible things in the war. Does it... does it help you to talk about what you saw?"

It was a smart thing to say. Skylar had heard stories about her dad's training, and what he had to endure. None of it was nice, all of it was brutal and dark. Jim despised talking about it, though he did at times whenever Skylar was feeling down. Jim straight up lied by saying, "Yes. A little."

Bruce caught him in the lie and peered over at Skylar who was behind him. "He's not a very good liar is he?" She shook her head. Jim had told him that he was hurting himself to which Bruce corrected, "I'm testing myself. Different, but I appreciate your concern." He walked over and grabbed a cracker from the plater, offering Skylar one to which she declined. Bruce sat down, patting the seat next to him for Skylar. She listened and sat down beside him. "I've been following your adventures in the newspapers. I feel very sorry for all those poor children."

Jim sat down on the couch across from them. "Me too." His daughter eyed the cracker but kept diverted her eyes away. A healthy diet is something that she tried to follow strictly. Bruce wouldn't take "no" for an answer and grabbed one, handing one out to her. Skylar took it from him after a moment's hesitation, thanking him, and then took a bite.

He grabbed another one and ate it after saying, "I'll give you some money to give to them."

It almost made her smile. Bruce was so willing to help these kids he didn't even know. But then it almost made her frown. Because then - at the same time - if he'd give easily, he'd trust easily. And trust is broken with one mistake. Jim shook his head. "I'm afraid it doesn't work that way, Bruce."

"What way does it work?"

One thing was for sure, his persistence made her smile slightly. He questioned everything which - in a way - she admired. Skylar was the opposite, just taking whatever answer she got (if she even asked questions which she rarely did). Jim looked at Skylar again before saying, "Those children need someone who cares for them." He pointed to Alfred. "Like you have right here. Money won't buy that."

Bruce's expression was solemn. Skylar pursed her lip before speaking up. "You could get them clothes." All three of them looked at her. The attention made her want to crawl into a ball but she continued, her voice quiet. "Their clothes aren't in the best condition."

Alfred's gaze moved to Jim who nodded. "Yeah."

The billionaire boy also agreed with her statement. "That is a great idea." He looked proud of her idea and then ate another cracker. "Alfred, I want new clothes sent to all of the children."

"Of course, Master Bruce."

Jim stood, as did Skylar. Her father thanked them. "Thank you for inviting us. It was a pleasure."

Bruce smiled at Skylar. "Maybe you could come over some time. I could lend you some of my books."

The offer left her stunned for a moment before she smiled genuinely. "I'd love that."

---

Jim and Skylar had returned home to the loft where Barbara had just finished her shower. She greeted them at the door with a smile, a white robe around her. "Oh, I didn't know you two were coming home so early."

Skylar shrugged. "We're not. Dad won't let me go to the station with him so he's dropping me off." Barbara noticed her daughter's unusual behavior. However, it was a good sign. "I'll be upstairs. Bye, dad."

The teenage girl pressed a kiss to his cheek, followed by a hug, before skipping to the staircase and then running up to her room. Both parents were surprised but Jim was the only one who had the idea of why.

Barbara raised an eyebrow at him to which he smiled. "She made a new friend." He pecked her lips. "I'll tell you later."

They said goodbye and Barbara closed the door. She went and sat down on the couch, not knowing that upstairs, Skylar was reading through her book just so she had an excuse to ask Bruce to lend her one.

---

They're so cute! But, obviously, not all relationships are easy. Just you guys wait until they can actually date and when they are older... I hope you guys have a great day/night and don't forget to vote on this chapter, comment your thoughts, and follow me for updates!