Chapter 38: 38

Words : 932 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

Chapter 38 of "Beyond the Limit (DC)" begins unfolding events: "Where are the clothes I should wear?" Kori asked, her voice carrying the usual bright... Continue reading!

"Where are the clothes I should wear?" Kori asked, her voice carrying the usual bright curiosity. "They're in my room. Across the hall, on the bed," Joseph said, pointing lazily in the direction. Trying to act nonchalant. 'Calm down Joseph junior. She is just a friend.' "Okay. Thank you." Without hesitation, she darted off to get changed. Joseph switched on the TV while he waited, trying to relax his mind. A nature documentary on albatrosses was just beginning. He let the narration wash over him, the steady cadence oddly soothing. A few minutes later, Kori returned, now dressed in the sweatpants and loose shirt he had left for her. They were slightly oversized, but she didn't seem to mind. Joseph grabbed a pack of ramen, tore it open, and dumped the noodles into a bowl. He then poured boiling water over them, the steam rising in thick clouds. The heat would've burned a regular human, but for both him and Kori, it was nothing. He handed her the bowl. "Here. It's not exactly Earth's finest cuisine, but it's what I've got right now. If you want more, there are extra packs under the kitchen cabinet. Just add boiling water." Kori took the bowl with both hands and inhaled deeply. "Mmm... it smells good! Thank you, Joseph." She flashed him a warm smile, clearly eager to dig in. He nodded. "No problem. I'm gonna go take a shower." Leaving her to her meal, Joseph removed his clothes, letting out a breath as the tension of the day melted away. A long, hot shower helped ease his sore muscles, and when he finally stepped out, feeling refreshed, he found Kori seated on the couch—completely immersed in the albatross documentary. Around her were six empty ramen packs. Joseph raised an eyebrow. She must've liked it a lot. Shaking his head in amusement, he prepared his own bowl, using the remaining hot water. As he took his first bite, he felt an unexpected wave of emotion hit him. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He used to hate ramen—back when it was all he could afford. It had been a constant reminder of how broke he was, how alone he was. But now? Now it tasted heavenly. Especially after two months of choking down nothing but gray nutrient sludge. Joseph wiped his eyes quickly before Kori could notice and leaned back on the couch, feeling... content. His body relaxed. His eyes grew heavy. The documentary narrator's voice lulling him to sleep. Before he knew it, he was asleep. And for the first time in a long time—he didn't have nightmares. ** Joseph woke up to the sound of voices. Soft chatter. Laughter. Familiar laughter. He blinked groggily and sat up. Kori was sitting at the small dining table, chatting with— Selina?! His eyes widened as he saw the woman lounging in one of his chairs, dressed in her usual expensive taste—sleek green dress, sunglasses perched on her head, silver chain catching the morning light, and a long black coat to ward off the winter cold. Joseph rubbed his eyes. "Selina? When did you get here?" She turned toward him with a smirk. "Oh, look who's finally awake. I've been here since dawn. I've been worrying my heart out for weeks and that's the greeting I get?" She sighed dramatically and turned to Kori. "Are you sure he actually respects me?" Kori nodded earnestly. "Yes! Joseph spoke of you often." Joseph frowned. "Wait—hold on. When did you two meet? And how are you already this comfortable with each other?" Selina chuckled. Kori, however, looked a little sheepish. "I... caught her sneaking in this morning while I was watching the television," Kori admitted. "I was about to subdue her—perhaps tie her up—until I remembered you told me about her." Joseph gave Selina a look. "You were trying to sneak in again?" "I wanted to surprise you," she said with a shrug. Then she shot a glare at Kori. "Didn't expect to nearly get my ass kicked before sunrise by your girlfriend." Joseph sputtered. Girlfriend? Selina grinned. "Oh yeah, she told me everything, Joey." Her voice softened. "I'm sorry you guys had to go through that. But I'm glad you made it back." Joseph swallowed, feeling an unexpected warmth in his chest. He wasn't used to people worrying about him like this. It was... nice. Selina clapped her hands together. "Anyway! We're having breakfast, then we're going shopping. A girl like Kori can't be walking around dressed like you." Joseph scoffed. "Hey, what's wrong with sweatpants and a T-shirt?" Selina smirked. "Honey, everything." Kori, oblivious to the meaning of girlfriend and the fashion insults, grinned. "I am excited to experience Earth fashion and cuisine! Let us go!" Selina pulled out a pair of sunglasses and handed them to Kori. "You'll need these for now. Most humans don't have eyes like yours. You won't have to wear them forever—I'm sure Batman can sort something out." Joseph tensed slightly at the mention of Batman. He still wasn't sure where he stood with the Bat. "Right... Batman." Selina eyed him but didn't comment. Instead, she clapped her hands. "Enough stalling. Let's go." Joseph groaned. "Do I have to go shopping with you guys too?" "Yes." Selina said. Kori nodded eagerly. "You'll have to carry the shopping bags." Joseph groaned louder, but deep down, he was happy. He was home.

Chapter 38: 38

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