These are a few of my favorite things

J: So, tell me Sophie, what’s your favorite thing about my daughter?

Sophie choked on her coffee.

S: Excuse me?

J: Well, dear, I must admit, you two had me fooled. I thought for sure you were pretending to be girlfriends. Imagine my surprise when I find you nearly naked in Ryan’s bed. I thought it was all some clever rouse to get access to my office so that you could plant that bug I found. But perhaps I was wrong.

Jada gave a knowing smirk, her red lips widening.

Sophie shifted on the couch. Jada always made her nervous. She still had her wits about the woman’s true intentions and she wasn’t going to stand for Jada barging into Ryan’s life just to let her down and hurt her. Sophie had experience with moms who were there but weren’t there. Sophie knew how much it hurt to have a mom who was alive and well and just didn’t want to be part of her life. Sophie for the umpteenth time felt a pang of guilt. If things went sideways with Jada, it would feel like Sophie’s fault for helping to find Jada in the first place and for telling Ryan that her mom was none other than ultra-rich, ultra-famous business woman, Jada Jett.   

S: You want me to tell you my favorite thing about Ryan? Is that really any of your business?

J: Oh, come now Sophie, she is my daughter after all. I want to get to know her. And what better way to get to know her then to talk to the person who she is so clearly enamored with.

Jada gave another smirk. Sophie blew out a breath. Jada was trying but Sophie wasn’t convinced yet. That being said, Sophie really cared deeply for Ryan and if Ryan trusted Jada, maybe she could take her claws out of the woman and play nice. Sophie thought about if she wanted to share this next bit of information with Jada. She sighed. Might as well. A part of Sophie longed for a motherly figure and while Jada was obviously Ryan’s mom, maybe she could-Sophie let her train of thought wander off.  

S: You weren’t completely off base when you thought that Ryan and I weren’t real girlfriends.

Sophie started slowly. Jada looked up.

J: Oh?

She waited for Sophie to continue.

S: We weren’t girlfriends. But it wasn’t a ploy to bug your office. That was going to happen whether we pretended to be together or not.

Jada looked a bit puzzled but understanding and open. Sophie didn’t know how to take this reaction.

J: So, why did you two pretend? And if I may be frank, I must say that what I walked in on this morning seemed to go a bit further than make believe Sophie.

Sophie nodded.

S: When we got to your house, I could see the look on Ryan’s face. She was terrified. And I could tell she felt small. I mean she is small but I know she doesn’t usually feel as small as she looks. At least she hasn’t in a while. But she did that night.

Jada looked down at her lap; guilt enveloping her body. She hated the way she made her baby girl feel. One day she was going to make things right.

S: Anyways, while we were admiring your palace, Ryan brought up how her last address was her license plate. I don’t know if you knew but she used to live in a van that her mama Cora gave her.

Jada didn’t say anything, but she gave a slight nod. She seemed to be trying to hold back tears. Sophie felt bad. As much as she was upset with Jada, she wasn’t clueless or heartless. She could tell Jada cared for Ryan. She knew that as soon as Jada found out that Ryan was her daughter, Jada’s attachment to Ryan would grow stronger and she wouldn’t be able to keep her distance or keep her heart cold.

S: When I saw Ryan feeling so small and dejected, I wanted to give her something to hold onto. I wanted to show you that even though you gave Ryan up, she was loved and is loved and she was doing just fine without you.

This time Jada let out a little sob and Sophie reached for a tissue on the table and handed it to Jada.

S: I didn’t mean to upset you. I know I’ve been harsh but those comments I made just now weren’t to hurt you.

J: You don’t have to apologize Sophie. I know I’ve hurt Ryan and I can’t take it back. I’m not the monster you think I am. I’m just trying to protect both of my children. I will do whatever I can to mend my relationship with Ryan.

Sophie wanted to believe Jada, and a small part of her did.

J: So, you pretended to be Ryan’s girlfriend to show me that she had people who loved her. Are you sure that’s the only reason?

Jada’s all-knowing smirk was back. It wasn’t as bold as before but it had crept back onto her features just a bit.

J: You two cooked that story up about taco Tuesday and how you met with ease… and the part about Ryan dying? I could have sworn I saw your eyes get glassy Sophie.

S: The part about taco Tuesday was not true.

J: Ah, so no choking on chips.

They both laughed a little to ease some tension.

S: No, no choking on chips; but the part about Ryan almost dying, that was real.

Sophie turned solemn. This memory always craved a white-hot gash through her body. Jada noticed Sophie had the same look on her face from when Ryan mentioned it at dinner. Sophie looked like she was reliving her worst nightmare.

Jada’s motherly instincts kicked in and she put her hand on Sophie’s knee.

S: When I was working for the Crows, before I knew that Ryan was Batwoman, she almost died in my arms in the Batsuit. We were at Coryana and, everything, I mean everything was on fire. We were there looking for Kate and a dessert rose. Ryan had been poisoned by Kryptonite. She was lying up against this rock, just, just dying. She asked me if I could sit with her because she didn’t want to die alone.

Sophie got choked up retelling the story.

S: So, I sat with her. And I watched Coryana burn all around us. And I held her hand and she put her head against me and I put my head on top of hers. I could hear her struggling to breathe; she started to cough up blood. I didn’t know what had compelled me to stay with her. Maybe it was just the right thing to do. Maybe her voice sounded familiar to me. I don’t know…

J: You’re a good person Sophie.

Sophie smiled sadly.

S: Yeah.

She didn’t sound convinced of her response.

S: I didn’t know it was Ryan but something was drawing me towards her. We had been working together as The Crow and The Bat for some time, and I had many different run ins with her when she was out of the suit and running around with her ex-con ex-girlfriend Angelique. Something about that voice asking me to sit with her. I couldn’t resist it. Maybe I’d started to fall for the new Batwoman and Ryan all at the same time.

Jada’s ears perked up at that. Before Sophie had shared, she had an inkling that Sophie was the one who may have cooked up the girlfriends ploy and that she was harboring some feelings for Ryan. She had thought Ryan may have liked Sophie back after seeing them together that night and seeing the obvious chemistry between them. She just wasn’t sure how Ryan was or wasn’t dealing with those feelings. If Ryan was anything like Jada, Ryan was most likely shutting Sophie out and running away. That’s one of the reasons she felt the need to give Ryan the pep talk on the roof. She didn’t know exactly what was or wasn’t going on between Sophie and Ryan but she didn’t want her baby girl to make the same mistakes she had.

Jada smiled and brighten up.

J: Well, I’m happy to see things are going well between you two now, no more pretending it appears.

Jada gestured towards the bed. Sophie felt warm inside. Jada really was a mom with her way she had of embarrassing Sophie.

S: No more pretending. Although, I was expecting to wake up to Ryan and not-

J: Her mom.

Sophie and Jada exchanged awkward smiles and short laughs.

S: Yeah.

J: I do apologize for that dear. Ryan and I have some business we need to take care of concerning Marquis. She forgot to mention you would be here with very little clothing on…

Sophie fought to keep her disappointment at bay of Ryan not letting Jada in on what happened between them.

S: Of course she didn't say anything.

Sophie muttered. Jada regarded Sophie for a beat and then spoke. 

J: Forgive me for prying Sophie, but what exactly is going on between you and my daughter. I know there is something. I’m just not sure what the issue is. I know Ryan can be stubborn. I had hoped my talk with her would change things.

Sophie wondered what Jada had said to Ryan. She didn’t care too much because whatever it was made Ryan finally let her guard down with Sophie and it gave them a wonderful night together. But then to wake up and have Ryan gone instead of in her arms made Sophie feel a bit hurt and confused.

S: We were together last night, obviously.

Sophie said awkwardly.

S: When I woke up, she was gone. We didn’t talk about us or what she wants. I don’t know. I think she’s shutting me out again. I know this is new for her. Trusting someone and expecting them to not get taken from her. And trusting them to not betray her. It’s new for me too. I’ve never been out with a girl before. I never got to bring a girl home to my mom and my sister Jordan. I haven’t been able to introduce a girl to my friends. I’ve been in the closet for a lot of my life. Now I'm finally able to accept myself, be out and ignore my moms disapproval, but what if the person I'm interested in may not want the same things.

Sophie didn’t know why she was sharing all this with Jada. Once she got started, she couldn’t stop. Jada just listened intently. She regarded Sophie with a warm expression in her eyes, not dissimilar to the deep brown eyes Ryan had often trained on Sophie.

J: When it comes to Ryan, I'm still getting to know my daughter but might I suggest just being honest with her about how you feel. I think we both know how much she values trust and honesty. If you can be open with her and show her you're not going anywhere I think she will reward you with that same loyalty.

Sophie pondered on this piece of advice from Jada and how spot on it was. Jada was quiet for a moment, and looked hesitant, deciding if she was going to say what she wanted to say. Then she spoke. 

J: Sophie, I’m so sorry your mom couldn’t accept you for who you are. I hope you know that you don’t need her acceptance. You are loved. You are strong. You are so powerful and passionate beyond measure. Ryan is quite taken with you. I know that much. If your mom won’t accept you, we will accept you into our family. You will always have a place with us. And I’m so proud of you Sophie. It takes a lot of guts to continue to be who you are in the face of adversity. 

Sophie’s eyes welled. She had no idea that there was this side of Jada. Maybe her gut wasn’t completely correct. She’d have to have more conversations with Jada to find out who this woman was. Could it be possible that she isn’t the monster? Could she have been telling the truth? Sophie wasn't sure. But she was sure about her feelings for Ryan and she was excited to be able to share those feelings out loud. 

S: Ryan’s eyes. And Ryan’s lips.

J: I’m sorry?

S: You asked me what my favorite thing about Ryan was. If we’re speaking physically, it would be her eyes and her lips. If we’re speaking about something that isn’t a physical attribute, I may have to get out a pen and write you a list. I have so many favorite things about Ryan. Her heart and how much she cares about people and the world around her is one of my favorite things. Despite the cards she was dealt, she’s made the most of them. Instead of being jaded, she set out to make the world a better place than it’s been for her. She fights for people who don’t have a voice. She’s loyal. She has so much strength and courage in that tiny and fierce body even when she thinks she doesn’t. She allows me to give her pep talks when she’s feeling a little less than super. I like how she says my name. Sophie. I like how she can see the good in people when no one else can. I like that she pretends to be vegan. And I can’t wait to spend more time with her and figure out more of my favorite things about her.

Jada was quiet for a moment, taking in Sophie’s declaration of something that could really only be described as love. Her chin rested on her fist and she had a contemplative thoughtful look on her face.

J: It’s clear you two need to sort out whatever it was last night meant to the both of you. And go forward from there. I know Ryan can be a hard shell, she’s tough, like mother like daughter. But don’t let her push you away. I think it’s time you tell Ryan some of these things you told me Sophie- I

R: She just did.

Sophie and Jada both looked towards the stairs as they heard Ryan’s voice. Ryan was staring at Sophie in disbelief and Sophie wondered how long Ryan had been standing there and how much she heard. Jada cleared her throat and stood to her feet. 

J: Sophie dear, it was so good to get to know each other a little better. Perhaps we can do lunch.

Jada picked up her things and walked towards Ryan. Sophie just nodded. Her words caught in the back of her throat. She was still surprised and a little afraid at what Ryan had heard. She didn’t need her running for the hills. And she was extremely shocked that Jada wanted to do lunch; and maybe more so shocked at herself for not finding that idea to be repulsive. Sophie watched Jada walk to Ryan and give her a squeeze on her arm.

J: I’ll let you two catch up. Ryan we’ll talk later.

And then Jada was gone. Sophie listened to the clack clack clack of Jada’s heels. Ryan walked towards Sophie.

S: So… umm, how much of that did you hear?

Sophie twisted her lip and fiddled with her fingers. Her tell-tale sign of nervousness. Ryan had caught on to it quickly. She put her hands over Sophie’s and sat down next to her.

R: All of it.

She said softly. She looked up into Sophie’s eyes and bushed some hair from her face.

R: Well not all of it but I heard all the good stuff. Stuff about how I’m your favorite person in the whole world or something.

Ryan’s voice came out cute and bashful. She looked down and smiled.

S: You are my favorite, Ryan.

Sophie said matter-of-factly.

R: You’re my favorite too.

Ryan replied without missing beat.

S: Is that so? Tell me all your favorite things about me.

Sophie rasped out as her and Ryan leaned in to press their lips softly against each other. Ryan pulled back and looked at Sophie. 

R: Are my lips and eyes really your favorite physical thing about me?

Sophie replied by kissing Ryan again and this time making a show of sucking on Ryan’s bottom lip. They pulled apart and Ryan opened those deep brown eyes to stare at Sophie.

S: Yep. Those eyes, those lips. And-

Sophie stood up and held her hand out for Ryan to stand up as well. Sophie spun Ryan around.

S: Dat ass!

Ryan burst out laughing.

R: Oh my GAWD!

Sophie laughed too as they fell back onto the couch.

S: What! I couldn’t exactly tell your mom that your ass is also my favorite. She already almost saw me naked! One embarrassing thing at a time.

R: Your eyes change colors. In the sun they look almost red. When you’re looking at me, they’re a pool of warm honey. Your raspy voice gives me shivers and those legs…well let’s just say there have been a few times where I have day dreamed about what those legs could do. Those are my favorite things about you.

S: Damn, so I’m just arm candy. A piece of meat to you. I see.

Sophie joked and pretended to take offense.

R: Well I'm vegan so you're more like a piece of veggie burger.

Ryan laughed and Sophie lightly shoved her.

R: I'm playin, I'm playin! Those are the physical things! Beyond the physical, my favorite things about you are your patience. You’re so patient and kind with me, Sophie. You have always given me space to be myself, figure things out, and get out of my head. You have amazing courage that I sometimes wish I had more of. Coming out to your mom, quitting the Crows. Your integrity. Your grit. Your drive. The way you care so much about the people you love. The way you sat with me when I was dying.

The mention of Ryan almost dying, again triggered Sophie’s tear ducts. Ryan squeezed Sophie’s hands tighter.

R: You always know what to say to make me feel like the best version of myself. And… I’m sorry for leaving this morning and not saying anything. I didn’t want to wake you but I also was scared.

S: Scared?

R: This is real to me Sophie. And anytime I get something this real and this amazing, it always ends up being taken from me. I lose it and I don’t want to lose you. So I feel like if I don’t get too close, if I don’t let you in all the way, then maybe I can keep you just a bit longer.

Sophie ran her thumb against Ryan’s wrist.

S: You can keep me for as long as you want.

R: Yeah?

Ryan looked into Sophie’s eyes.

S: Yeah.

R: Ok then.

S: Ok.

It felt like they had just made some type of unbreakable vow. Ryan felt warm and secure. Sophie felt happy and free with the possibility of so many new beginnings and firsts with Ryan.

R: So... are we official?

S: We’re official. I mean if you want to be official, I don’t want to press-

Ryan cut Sophie off with a kiss. Sophie relaxed into Ryan and let Ryan deepen the kiss. They pulled apart and smiled at each other.

R: That’s my favorite thing too.

Ryan said biting her lip and looking at Sophie.

S: What is?

R: Shutting you up with a kiss.

S: Hum, can’t say that isn’t on my favorite things list too. 

Sophie smirked. 

R: Another one of my favorite things is beating you in video games. 

Ryan tried to hold in a laugh knowing she was egging Sophie's competitive side on. 

S: Girl please. I think you mean your favorite thing is losing because that's what always happens. And I think you actually know how to play but you pretend you don't because you like when I kiss that sore loser pout off your lips.

Sophie took her finger and bumped Ryan's bottom lip with it for emphasis. Ryan giggled. 

R: Damn. How did you know I lose on purpose? 

Sophie looked over at Ryan and rolled her eyes.

S: Seriously? I know you grew up playing video games. And you can memorize controls like nobodies business. I know you lose on purpose. 

R: Maybe you're just that good Ms. Hot Shot. 

S: Uh huh. 

R: Ok, ok. Let's play again. For real this time!

Ryan got up to grab the controllers for the game. 

S: Ok and when I still win then what does that prove?

Ryan thought about it for a second. 

R: That your favorite thing is kissing the sore loser pout off my lips.

Sophie chuckled and grabbed a controller. She leaned over and kissed Ryan on the cheek. 

S: Can't argue with that. 

They exchanged smiles as they waited for the game to load. Sophie and Ryan felt content in one another's company. They thought about how they couldn't wait to find out more favorite things about each other as they explored their new found relationship.