That old wanderlust

[fast_thrower]

It wasn't like Owen hadn't enjoyed being part of the Titans, they were a great bunch, but he just couldn't stay cooped up in some HQ all the time. He needed to get back on the road now and then. Even if he wasn't jetting off for some wild and crazy vacation, just to be on the move felt good

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[themightyoracle]

She might have chided him for being "helpful" with something she could do herself, but she's learned that there are still such things as manners and chivalry, and that sometimes, it's better just to say 'thank you'. So she does, electronically opening the back door and swinging her chair out and onto the ground. It snaps open with a smart clang and then it's the same process as before, only in reverse. Locking up, she starts with him for the door.

"You have quite the Gypsy spirit. My... boyfriend... has Romani blood. He has a hard time sitting still, too. I love Gotham. It gets a bad rap, but it has a lot to recommend it."

A beat cop just leaving for duty recognizes her, and holds the door open for them with a warm "Afternoon, Ms. Gordon." She thanks him with a polite smile, wheels inside, and heads for a booth three over from the wall. "This is where my dad and I usually sit when I come here to eat dinner with him. You don't mind?"

[fast_thrower]

"My adopted dad was a contract worker. Didn't have much choice to be on the move growing up. Past year or two, I've just had a lot on my mind, and travel helps." Owen shrugs as they get settled.

He shakes his head as she asks about the table. "No problem missy."

[themightyoracle]

It's an easy shift from chair to booth, and she does it without hesitation.

Babs shows him where the pie choices are on the menu, then asks, although she already knows the answer, "Must have been heavy thoughts. Mind if I ask what happened?"

[fast_thrower]

"My dad got murdered." He says it plainly. "Stuff happened to me afterwards. Long story, longer details."

[themightyoracle]

She nods empathetically, having nothing else she can say. "I'm sorry. I know that's an unnecessary and inadequate response, but..."

[fast_thrower]

"--don't worry about it." He cuts her off.

"I've made peace with it." It's a lie that gets a little easier to tell each time around. "It was my bio-dad. Never really knew him anyway."

[themightyoracle]

She can smell the lie a mile away, but doesn't call him on it, for a variety of reasons.

Nodding once in understanding, if not belief, Babs offers, "Both my bio-parents died when I was young. I lost my mom when I was four, and my bio-dad when I was thirteen."

[fast_thrower]

"Sorry for you too then." Owen replies quietly.

"So... how about that pie?"

[themightyoracle]

She shakes her head with a soft smile of thanks. "No need. I'm pretty certain I'm better off without him."

Glancing at the menu, Babs broke into a grin. "I'm going to get the peach and sour cream crumble. How about you?"

[fast_thrower]

"Key lime, all the way." He grins back.

Yeah, the big bad former Rogue and stylin' probationary Titan's got a big old sweet tooth.

[themightyoracle]

"Good choice." She turns her head to make eye contact with a waitress, who's already on her way over to see them. After greeting Babs warmly, like a mother hen, she takes their orders and even cuts the slices of pie herself, adding homemade whipped cream to the top.

Thanking Doris for the pie, Babs leaves her fork untouched, waiting for Owen to have the first bite and judge her assessment of it as "the best pie in Gotham."

"How does it rate?"

[fast_thrower]

Owen takes his time with a mouthful, seemingly falling quiet afterwards.

"This... pie.. is the best ever. And not just of pie."

His face shows that this is clearly Serious Business.

[themightyoracle]

Babs grins, clearly pleased that he approves. "Homemade every day. There really is no better pie. At least, that I've ever had."

Taking a bite of her own pie, savoring the sweet, juicy peaches and the tang of sour cream, (not to mention to cinnamon/sugar crumbles on top,) she joins his silent contemplation of pie's importance in the universe.

Leaning forward for another bite, she asks, "So, other than building and designing model planes, what do you do, Owen?"

[fast_thrower]

"Absolutely awesome. A guy could get used to this. Especially with present company." Owen winks at her.

He eats some more, thinking up an appropriate answer.

"Freelance security, bodyguard type stuff."

[themightyoracle]

She smirks at the flirtation, but then grins, nonetheless. Hey, it was nice to be noticed.

Nodding in response, she offered her credentials, unasked for.

"I teach some computer classes at Gotham State University and occasionally help out or lecture at Gotham Public Library. Some freelance stuff sometimes, but that's it. Nothing regular, really."

She glances at her chair, eating more of her pie in silence.

[fast_thrower]

He continues with his pie, gears turning in his head as he listens to her career and notes her checking out the chair.

"Y'ever just wanna tear down a hill and take out people in the crosswalk with that thing? I don't think they could even get mad."

Pie isn't really food for soul-searching over. That's much more a dim sum or tapas type thing. Pie calls for playful banter and flirting.