It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year...

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

An out-of-towner wouldn't know that it's December in San Francisco, much less that there are only two shopping weeks until Christmas. There isn't a speck of snow to be seen, and the temperature is in the mid-fifties with a light breeze blowing down Market Street, swirling through the Union Square Shopping District. All the hallmarks of the Christmas shopping season, however, are in full force, with large wreathes hanging from light posts, Christmas muzak being pumped through the speakers in front of almost every store in the area, and the enormous tree situated in the middle of the Square.

Then, of course, there are the crowds.

Fathers and mothers and children and teenagers and grandparents. The list goes on. Families with one kid, two kids, half a dozen. This was the part of the holidays that Grant really wasn't too big on. He doesn't mind the muzak - in fact, he actually rather enjoys Christmas music - or even the laborious process of shopping. Children, really, don't bother him either. He'd only just visited a children's hospital and he and Flamebird had both agreed that it was a great experience. But the huge crush of people milling about, jostling one another, parents chasing down an errant child. He can handle fighting super villains, but a stampede of wild shoppers is rather terrifying.

Still, he was determined to get something nice for Mar'i. She had been informed by Nightwing that her former lover, Ibn, had returned, apparently from the dead - only he hadn't bothered to contact her directly or even leave her a message. Grant and Mar'i had talked about it and he'd been rather pleased - and not a little surprised - that she still wanted to date him. Not that he wouldn't have gotten her something before, but now, Grant wants to make her present particularly special.

Walking through the shopping district, wearing a light jacket to ward off the brief gusts of wind, Grant moves along slowly, looking at each of the shop fronts, a small frown resting on his features. "This is harder than I thought..." he says to no one in particular.

Comments

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

She can only think of maybe one other time of year she likes better than Christmas-time. (Carnival in Rio is to DIE for!) It doesn't matter that she doesn't have any family or any certain someone to buy presents for, she's out shopping anyway. Nevermind that all the presents are for herself. She'll forget what she's bought by the time she unwraps them.

San Fran was the last place on her shopping list. (Yes, her shopping list would consist of cities rather than actual items.) And where else would she go but Union Square. Most of the crowds made way for her. Either because of a bored husband getting whapped in the head for goggling or because she was recognized. Didn't matter to her. Whatever got her through the crowd.

She had paused by Cartier to window shop the diamonds when she got jostled. She had turned to deliver a scathing remark. Instead the scowl turns into a smile of open admiration and she eyes the young man from toe to head.

"Delicioso. Feriados Felizes, tidbit."

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

The truth is, his holidays have been pretty lacking over the last few years, although Starfire had been kind enough to call him last Christmas. He hadn't picked up the phone, just listened to the voice mail. This Christmas would be different - this year, he'd have a family.

Over the speakers, the King of Rock 'n' Roll is crooning "Blue Christmas," and Grant can't help the smile on his face. It's a good song - and it's Elvis! He strolls along, his steps slowing as he passes in front of Richart Chocolates. "Now there's an idea," he muses. Probably should just walk on for a bit, see what else is along this strip.

And then he collides with something that isn't a light pole or a bench. "Oh, I'm sorry," Grant says quickly, looking up at the green-haired woman he runs headlong into. Green hair...?

"Fire?" Grant asks, his eyes widening. "Oh, man. I'm sorry! Jeez, are you alright?" Yeah, he's a little startled, maybe a touch awed. He really needs to stop running into Justice Leaguers.

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

Oh he's precious! She giggles with a nod. "I'm fine, obrigado."

She hasn't backed away, perhaps even moved closer, and she nudges him with an elbow, her arms being busy with her packages. "Most people call me Bea these days, though."

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

She's giggling. That's a good sign, right? Do Justice Leaguers giggle? Really, he doesn't know a whole heck of a lot about Fire, other than that she was on the same team with Blue Beetle and Booster Gold. But how can you forget that green hair?

Obrigado?

It finally dawns on him where he saw her recently - the Watchtower during Thanksgiving. They hadn't spoken, but he'd seen her there nonetheless. "Oh, uh...I'm Damage. Uh, Grant. I'm on the Titans," Grant explains, lifting a hand, running his fingers through his hair. 'Wanna see my nifty membership badge? It's super neato keen!' Idiot...

"I'm afraid my Spanish is pretty bad, but it's nice to meet you," he says, his smile a little nervous and probably a lot awkward.

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

"Grant." She says his name like she's tasting it and looks him over again with a smirk that is somewhat less than innocent. "Nice to meet you too, Titan."

She leans closer as though passing along state secrets. "Portuguese. Not Spanish. And if you want lessons, my rates are cheap."

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

She looks like she's fairly laden down with packages. Must have a lot of people to shop for. As she leans closer - so close she's practically whispering in his ear - he can just make out the faintest wisp of coconut with little difficulty. "Oh," he replies, a trace of color rising in his cheeks. "Told you my Spanish was bad," Grant adds, trying to play off his embarrassment.

He looks at the packages again, then at the concrete. "Uh oh," Grant says, bending down, retrieving a small, glittering box, handing it to her. "Glad no one made off with this. Um...you need any help carrying any of that, Fi...err...Bea?"

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

"Thanks!" That's all the invitation she needed to pile a good portion of the packages into his arms.

"My arms were getting tired. I'll have to remember to bribe someone to come with me next time. Come on."

She gives him an open wink then turns to lead him away from the jewelry store.

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

Well, he had asked if she needed help. Of course, Grant hadn't planned on getting dragged into following her all around the Square. But then, what had he expected when he'd volunteered to help her carry her booty ... err ... purchases?

"Uh, alright. Where are we going...?" Grant asks, glancing back over his shoulder at the chocolate shop. He'll be back - he hopes. The place can't run out of chocolate, can it?

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

"Lunch! Can't possibly expect me to spend more money on myself without refueling, can you?"

She had already scoped this place for when she wanted to sit down. Azul's seemed to fit the bill and the bartender promised there's be a seat for her when she'd want it.

She atleast holds the door open for him with a grin and another wink, but she doesn't fail to eye up his assets as he passes her.

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

She nudges him with her knee as she all but inhales her burger. "Stick with me, menino do açúcar. I have an idea."

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

Glancing over at her, Grant shows the green-haired woman a smile, his eyes widening a little at how quickly the burger is devoured. He's only about halfway through his. "Well, that's good, because I'm pretty near clueless, myself," he replies. He really wishes he knew what menino do acucar meant, but she's been smiling every time she's said it, so odds are, it isn't a bad thing. Maybe.

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

She finishes up quickly, eager to put her idea into a plan then into action, pays the bill, giving the bartender a false phone number when he gets overly insistant, then returns to Grant.

"Ready?" She's grabbing up some of the packages so he doesn't have to carry all of them this time.

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

No sooner are the fries and the Zesti finished than Bea is sweeping back to the table, smiling broadly at him, having fended off the bartender. Grant picks up the remaining packages and follows after the woman, glancing over his shoulder at the man behind the bar. "Yeah," he replies, walking along behind her.

As they step back outside into the cool afternoon air, Grant moves to walk alongside her, then tilts his head in the direction of the club they'd just left. "What was the deal with him?" he asks, meaning the bartender. He also wants to know what this idea is that she came up with, but one thing at a time first.

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

She glances at him then chuckles with a shrug. "Just the usual. Someone who's seen my webcam and wanted my digits."

Her expression goes a bit sly as she winks at him. She's having no problems getting through the growing crowds. "Of course I wouldn't dream of using my infamy to my benefit."

There's that giggle again.

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

Webcam? Grant thinks, frowning a little, his brows lifting, obviously confused. He really isn't sure what she's talking about - he's a superhero fan, not a freak - so her meaning escapes him. Sounds like it's probably best not to mention it, but who knows?

Again with the grinning and the winking and the giggling. He might not know much about Bea, but he can tell she's probably a lot of fun to hang out with. "So..." Grant starts, sounding a little uncertain. "Uh, what was this idea you said you had?"

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

He is just so cute! I love him! Good thing he has a girlfriend though. I'd probably break him in one night.

She seems highly amused by something as she stops in front of the chocolate shop Grant had been eyeing up earlier.

"This is it."

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

The two stop in front of Richart Chocolates, obviously a rather upscale chocolatier. He'll probably be able to afford a single piece of chocolate. Maybe he'd be better off going to the Godiva store in the mall or something. After all, they at least wrap the stuff for you. Maybe not.

A small smile works its way over Grant's face as he stands next to Bea, looking up at the shop, his arms full of the woman's presents she bought for herself. Donna had been right on the mark when she'd suggested hot chocolate for the picnic with Mar'i. "Uh, what's it?" Grant asks. Sure, it's chocolate, but she seemed like she'd had something really special in mind.

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

The sales lady looked completely amused as she handed Grant the rest of the packages, winked to him then held the door for him, wishing him a quiet Happy Holidays.

Bea's waiting for him outside as if nothing had happened. "Anything else you needed to get?"

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

Why in the world are all these women winking and grinning at him? Maybe he should ask Arsenal what the deal is. Of course, considering what Bea just did, it's probably better that he keeps this to himself. Probably.

Moving to stand beside her - her lip gloss tasted just like coconut - Grant glances at the woman, then looks away again toward the giant Christmas tree in the middle of Union Square. "Actually, I think that's pretty much it. I was thinking about maybe getting her a plant or something, but...well..." Again, his voice trails of.

Bea is much better at coming up with gifts than he is.

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

Her hips cock to one side as she shifts her weight, thinking. Her eyes scan over the Square in thought. No greenhouse in sight. However...

She steps closer to him, all the better to be heard over the hustle and bustle...yeah right.

"Tell you what, menino do açúcar. Before I head home with my goodies, I'll make sure there's a little something added to the roses that's plant-like and you can save the garden end of giving for when you propose."

She starts a mental countdown to his blush...three...two...

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

Grant resists the urge to take a small step back. He isn't used to having someone that close to him, nor has he been kissed by a Leaguer before. But he stands his ground, actually leaning a little closer so that he can hear her better.

"Oh...I..." Grant doesn't have a clue what she might actually add to the roses, but the proposal comment comes across loud and clear. And, much as she predicted, he is blushing, although maybe not quite as strongly as she had expected or hoped for.

"Uh...no, it's...it's not like that. We only just started dating..." Grant feebly explains, his voice quiet.

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

She giggles and hip bumps him again. "I was teasing. But honestly, the roses and the mistletoe should be fine for now."

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

A wide smile breaks over his face at the hip bump and the giggle. Like so many of the other heroes of late, she's been nice to him, helpful, friendly. For whatever reason, he still can't quite believe he's deserving of this kind of attention, but he isn't going to complain. One thing he knows for certain, Bea is a lot of fun, even if she's also really confusing.

"Alright," he replies, nodding to her. Grant glances down at the presents, then turns to look at Bea once more. "You heading back to Gotham then?"

[flame-of-green.livejournal.com]

She shrugs with a smile, looking around the Square.

"Yeah, I think so. I've done as much damage here as I could." She gives him a sly look. "No pun intended." Giggle.

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

"That's alright. I've made that one a few times myself and done it on purpose," Grant replies, a tight smile resting on his lips. He turns his gaze to follow hers, looking over the crowd, the lights, the wreathes, the tree. It's starting to get a little darker out.

Glancing down at the packages in his arms, Grant turns and looks at Bea again, one eyebrow raised. "Uh...you going to be able to get all these back to Gotham by yourself?" he asks.