Chapter 39: 39

Words : 1044 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

Chapter 39 of "Beyond the Limit (DC)" introduces: Joseph had expected Selina to take them somewhere nice for breakfast. He hadn't expected a... Read on to discover!

Joseph had expected Selina to take them somewhere nice for breakfast. He hadn't expected a three-star restaurant in one of Gotham's wealthiest districts. He felt like he and Kori were woefully underdressed for the occasion. The maitre d' recognized her instantly. "Miss Kyle, welcome back. Your usual table?" "Of course," she said smoothly, gesturing for Joseph and Kori to follow. As they walked past crystal chandeliers and linen-draped tables, Joseph leaned in. "You sure they're gonna serve me dressed like this?" Selina scoffed. "Relax. I come here all the time, and they love me. You're with me, so you're good." He wasn't convinced but sat down anyway. The second they were seated, a server in a pressed black uniform approached. "Will you be dining from the usual menu today, Miss Kyle?" "Oh no," Selina said with a smirk. "My friend here—" she motioned to Kori "—is new to fine dining. Bring us a little bit of everything." Joseph's brow twitched. "A little bit?" "I wish to experience Earth's culinary wonders!" Kori added eagerly. Joseph sighed and leaned back. "Fine. Knock yourselves out." And they did. Kori's enthusiasm for food was boundless. She devoured the first plate of delicate souffles and buttery croissants before moving on to steak and eggs, fresh fruit, and pastries he didn't even know the names of. Each time the waiter returned, she ordered something new. Joseph sipped his coffee and watched as the bill skyrocketed. Not that he minded—he still had two million left from his earnings—but even Selina was impressed. "Damn, Joseph. You sure you're not gonna cry when you see the final number?" He shrugged. "We were eating tasteless goop for way too long. I don't care. Plus I have some passive income." Joseph should definitely check how his games and BellCoin were doing. Selina gave him a look, but she didn't press further. When the meal was finally over, Kori leaned back, satisfied. "That was delicious. I must have more Earth food in the future!" Joseph chuckled, tossing a stack of cash onto the bill without even looking at it. "You'll have plenty of chances." ** After breakfast, Selina flagged down a cab and directed it toward one of Gotham's high-end shopping districts. "You're lucky I'm here," she told Kori. "Because this—" she gestured at the sweatpants and oversized T-shirt "—is not going to cut it." Kori tilted her head. "Joseph said I looked fine." Selina grinned and turned to him. "Oh? You think she looks fine, huh?" Joseph blinked. "I mean, yeah? She looks good in anything." Selina's smirk widened. "Awww. That's cute." Joseph frowned. "Not like that." Selina ignored him, already pulling Kori into the first boutique. The next hour was a blur of dresses, skirts, and accessories. Kori tried on dozens of outfits, twirling in front of the mirror before turning to Joseph for approval. "What do you think of this one?" "Looks good." "...And this one?" "Also good." "...And this?" "Still good." Selina rolled her eyes. "Joey, you're supposed to help." "I am helping. She looks great in everything." Selina shook her head in mock disappointment. "You're completely useless." By the time they left, Joseph was carrying at least fifteen bags and his pockets were noticeably lighter. ** The shopping trip had been for Selina and Kori. The arcade, however, was for Joseph. He had never really been to one before. Sure, he'd passed by them as a kid, but money had always been tight, and after his mom died, there was no way he was wasting what little he had on games. So when Selina led them inside—bright lights flashing, the air buzzing with excitement—he didn't expect much. But then Kori grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the first machine she saw. And suddenly, it was fun. They played everything. Racing games, shooting games, even those ridiculous claw machines (Kori was absurdly good at those). Joseph, competitive as always, got way too into it. Selina just leaned back, watching with amusement as the two of them got lost in the moment. By the time they left, Kori was carrying a giant stuffed tiger she had won, and Joseph—despite himself—was smiling. ** Evening had settled over Gotham by the time they arrived at Selina's apartment. Joseph's place was pretty nice thanks to Nova's help renovating, but Selina's was ridiculously nice—modern, stylish, and expensive. "Alright," she announced, heading toward the kitchen. "I'm cooking. You two—stay out of my way." Kori, undeterred, followed. "I wish to help!" Selina hesitated. "Uh... I don't think that's—" Too late. Within five minutes, Kori had burned something, spilled something, and nearly set the kitchen on fire. Joseph sighed, stepping in. "Okay. Move. I'll help." Selina smirked. "Oh? Didn't know you could cook." He shrugged. "Didn't have a choice. When it's cook, starve, or instant ramen everyday, you figure it out." With his help, the meal actually turned out amazing. Kori, of course, asked for seconds. And thirds. And fourths. Joseph just laughed and handed her another plate. ** When dinner was done, Selina stretched. "Alright, I'll drop you guys off." Joseph adjusted the bags in his arms. "Don't worry about it." Selina frowned. "What? You walking all the way back?" Kori smiled. "No. We are flying." Selina froze. "...Excuse me?" Joseph sighed. "Yeah. Kori can fly. And so can I." Selina stared at him. "Since when?!" Joseph looked away. "The Psions did it to me." Silence. Then Selina stepped forward and—without warning—wrapped Kori in a hug. Kori, surprised, but pleased, hugged her back. "It was very fun spending time with you today, Selina." Selina pulled away, then turned to Joseph. "You don't get out of this," she said, smirking. Joseph, still buried under shopping bags, barely managed to return the hug before Selina pulled away. "Stay out of trouble, Joey." He snorted. "No promises." With that, he and Kori stepped onto the balcony. The city stretched before them, lights twinkling in the distance. Joseph adjusted his grip on the bags. "Ready?" Kori nodded. "Always." Together, they took off—disappearing into the winter night sky.

Chapter 39: 39

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