Sophie found freedom in being single and had been taking advantage of it, perhaps a bit too much. However, it was empowering to be in charge of her love life for once. She was able to pursue multiple people at once with no commitment, all while getting to learn a lot about herself along the way. Yet, her eyes kept landing on her friend, and she didn’t know why. Ryan was dealing with a lot of things. Gotham was keeping Batwoman busy with everything it could throw at her. The Batman trophies were loose. She was stuck working with Alice, and that pain-in-the-ass detective Montoya, who acted like she knew everything. Ryan walked around with a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Stress was an understatement.
Another night at the Hold Up, Sophie scanned the room for her next distraction until she saw her friend grumbling as she nursed her drink.
“Hey,” Sophie walked up from behind.
“Oh hey, I didn’t know you were here, but then again, you’re always here, aren’t you?”
“Low blow.” Sophie signaled to the bartender for two shots.
“I told you, at least somebody’s getting some. Do your thing.”
“And why is it that Ryan Wilder isn’t out there trying to get any? You know you could have your pick of any woman here too.”
“Soph, you know what I’ve got going on right now. The last thing I need is another Imani.”
Ryan hadn’t even attempted to date since Imani. It only solidified to her that Batwoman was a secret third wheel to any relationship she might have. Add on the new drama of acting CEO of Wayne Enterprises, finding out her birth mother was one of the richest people in Gotham, who wanted nothing to do with her, and being forced to work with a serial killer. It was more baggage than she would ever want to put near another person. The mere thought of bringing someone else into her life felt overwhelming. She was determined to figure out her own shit before she allowed herself to get close to someone again.
The last time they talked was on the balcony at Wayne. Ryan was clearly upset then, and the way she was barely touching her drink showed she was still not in the right headspace. If they had been in the loft, Sophie might have pushed Ryan to address her feelings and talk about it, but she was fairly sure they would get the chance for that another day. Ryan was in the bar on purpose, so Sophie was going to do what friends do, help her get her mind off it.
“Drink.” Sophie held the shot glass out for Ryan.
Ryan gave Sophie a side glance.
“You’re bringing down the room. Now drink with me.” The shot glass was still waiting for Ryan to take it as Sophie picked up her own. “Do we need to play Never Have I Ever again?"
That caused Ryan to chuckle. “Mary might be mad if we played it without her.” She finally grabbed the glass. Sophie nodded and clicked their drinks together before they each tilted them back in tandem. "Don't let me ruin your evening."
"Stop. I'd rather drink with a friend than a stranger right now."
Ryan smiled. She could use the distraction. Her problems would still be there in the morning. No need to worry about them anymore now.
Ryan and Sophie had come a long way in their relationship recently. They still didn’t know each other well, but Ryan came to Sophie to seek information about her mom. Not Mary. Not Luke. Sophie. Sophie did the digging into Ryan’s birth mother, and it was a moment when Sophie finally felt the trust returned. Ryan was very clear about knowing the absolute minimum, and while Sophie felt she was hiding the fact that she knew Ryan had a brother, she kept the secret. FollowingRyan’s instructions completely. Anything to prove to Ryan she was a loyal confidant.
It was a tipping point, and Sophie wondered if that was why she was taking longer looks at Ryan. An odd feeling hit her in the pit of her stomach if she looked for too long, almost as if she forgot to breathe for a moment.
They shared a few more shots, and Ryan finally finished her mixed drink. The liquor warmed her skin and loosened her muscles. Smiling and laughing again, Sophie was glad to see her friend finally relax. The weight on her shoulders lifted as Ryan began bouncing in her seat to the upbeat music, and Sophie twitched her lips.
“You wanna dance?”
Ryan looked at her happily surprised. “Kinda.”
“Come on, let’s dance out all that stress. Live in the moment.” Sophie held out her bent arm.
The music was fast. The base was bumping. Bodies bounced around. The vibrant energy of the room was infectious. The beat of the music allowed them to forget their troubles, escape their worries and be in the present. It was like an adrenaline rush that gave Ryan the energy to move and be free. It was what she needed.
Sophie danced and watched Ryan smile. A small butterfly flapped in her stomach. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the routine of the night. But it felt like there was something deeper, and Sophie was anxious to see how Ryan would respond.
“You think the DJ takes requests?" Sophie daringly stepped right into Ryan's space.
Ryan’s eyes darted across Sophie’s face, landing on her lips before returning to the light brown eyes before her. Sophie’s hand gently found Ryan’s wrist wishing the music would slow down just for them.
“I have to go.” Ryan pulled back, needing to create distance. Her heart was pounding, and she knew if she stayed, she'd risk their friendship. She wanted to keep her feelings in check and not complicate things.
“Wait, what?”
“I’m meeting Jada early tomorrow. But thank you… for the, um, distraction tonight. I’ll call you later.” And Ryan quickly retreated.
Sophie looked visibly disappointed. Just as Ryan was opening up, trusting her, Sophie let the alcohol do the talking. So she did what she did best, which was drink more to find another woman to make out with in the hallway, just below where Ryan slept. Once a feeling of freedom, it became a diversion from her true feelings.