Chapter 17 - A Break
Rachel helped Sam get back to her room and assisted in patching him up after the drama. It was a while before he managed to calm down.
Rachel: Feeling better?
Sam: Better is... a dramatic overstatement.
Rachel: Do you wanna talk about it?
Sam: Um... I don't know. At the same time... I feel guilty and angry about all... that.
Rachel: He lashed out at you, Sam. It wasn't your fault.
Sam: I know, but... I could've killed him.
Rachel: But you didn't. You weren't trying to, were you?
Sam: I wasn't.
She lightly rubbed his back.
Rachel: Try not to think about it too much, okay?
Sam: I don't know what to do...
Dick walked in after having a chat with Garfield. He was worried but also looked upset.
Dick: You okay?
Sam: Yeah... how is he?
Dick: He's okay. He knows if he does something like that again, he'll be off the team.
Sam: I'm not that mad at him...
Dick: Even after all that?
Sam: He had a reason to, but he could've hurt somebody.
Dick: Right. Well, it's behind us for now. Try not to stress.
Rachel: What now?
Dick: We'll take a break from the city for the night unless something comes up. Hopefully, tensions will die down. Cyborg will keep scanning the city.
Rachel: Do you mind if we step out for a little while?
Dick: Not at all. Just make sure to keep a low profile. And signal us if anything goes south. 'Night, guys.
He walked out of the room to talk to Kori about their next move.
Sam: We're... we're going out?
Rachel: You've got somewhere else to be?
Sam: No, no. I suppose it's just a bit stressful after what happened last time.
Rachel: I don't want to pressure you, but... I want to try again.
Sam: I'm down.
He said that as he perked up with an ounce of excitement. She felt it, too.
Rachel: Okay. I'll see you downstairs.
He slowly stood up and stretched his back before leaving her room for his. It was only 7 pm, and the Sun was still bright at dusk, Sam thought as he waited for Rachel. After a minute, she stepped out of the front doors.
Sam: Hey. Have I told you how beautiful you are?
Rachel: Of course. But have I told you how handsome you can be?
Sam: Absolutely. Ready?
Rachel: Ready.
They held hands as they walked down the road from the Tower into the city. It was quiet. Again, much different from Sam's experience.
Rachel: Quiet, huh?
Sam: Yeah...
Rachel: Don't worry, we'll be alright for tonight.
She took him to a local diner, quite a ways from the Tower.
Sam: This looks nice. How'd you know about this place?
Rachel: I came here sometimes to eat when I needed a break from everyone. You need that too, you know.
Sam: If you say so.
They managed to get a booth in the back, away from all the commotion. After they ordered, she reached out for his hand and held it again.
Rachel: You want to talk about anything?
Sam: With you... anything.
Rachel: Take your time. I'll listen.
Sam: After yesterday and with Garfield... I don't know what to think about myself. Am I... still a good guy?
Rachel: You are. I know it's difficult, but if you keep thinking about all these bad memories... It could eat you up. I can't lose you. I feel the same way about everyone else, but you... I don't want to lose you.
Sam: I want to keep doing what's right, just like you and all the others. I just... don't know how.
Rachel: After this, I know somewhere that can help you.
Sam: I'll take all the help I can get.
He smiled at her before the waitress handed them their food. They started digging in.
Sam: Mmm... This is good. How's your food?
Rachel: It's delicious, as you would normally say.
Sam: Nice.
After a sweet dinner and talk, Rachel took Sam to this small park near the river.
Sam: Whoa.
Rachel: You like it?
Sam: Like it? I love this. Not as much as you, though.
She blushed at the comment. They sat down at a bench that looked out towards the river. It was a sight to behold.
Rachel: Do you have something like this where you're from?
Sam: The High Lane. It's an old train track that runs on the west side of NYC. Now it's a track of gardens. Maybe I'll show you... If I can.
Rachel: You miss her.
Sam: Yeah... She's most likely worried about me... If she knew what I've done these last few days...
Rachel: Stop. Don't think like that. She would be proud of you.
Sam: How do you know?
She leans his head down to her shoulder and holds him tightly. Despite her problems, she feels her boyfriend needs someone to listen.
Rachel: Last night. I know you weren't trying to kill Deathstroke. And today, I can tell already that you care about Garfield, even if he hates you. You have these traits that are rare in this world, which is a cruel place for anyone. I've seen you do good, not just for me or the Titans, but for the sake of everyone else. I couldn't have asked for a better boyfriend.
He looks up at her, eyes teary, but with a smile on his face.
Rachel: Your mom would be proud to know that you are trying your best. I know because... I am happy.
Sam: Thank you...
Rachel: Of course.
They stayed there for quite a while, watching the moon shine down onto the river, like the scene out of a romance movie.