Baby, it's Cold Outside

By: The Angelic Temptress

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Through "Another Shore"

Summary: What many of the Leaguers are doing during the "company" Christmas party. Enjoy.

Thanks Missy.

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Episode 1

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She brushed her bangs from her eye and brought her red mug to her lips. Shayera didn't sip it. She actually froze as if she were deep in thought or focused on the music coming from the next room.

We sat alone and across from each other in the cafeteria of the Metro Tower. Her left eye was swollen, and blood had dried on her bottom lip. I knew I had a few injuries due to the battle earlier that evening as well, but they were nothing to worry about.

Neither of us planned on going to the medic tonight.

Shayera swallowed some of her black coffee and set the mug down again. She had something on her mind.

I knew Shayera wasn't happy with the so-called "Hawkman" she was seeing, but she didn't know the future was at stake like I did.

Her son would be a hero one day… a day that I'd outlive most of those I worked with.

Shayera's eyes moved from her empty gaze and followed the woman who invaded our quiet space.

"Why don't you two come join?" Mari asked as she grabbed a few more cups from behind the counter.

"We're not partiers," Shayera said coolly.

"I know Batman isn't one, but you have no excuse." Mari left just as quickly as she came.

Shayera let out an aggravated breath and rubbed the back of her neck. She had been thrown into a brick wall earlier and was probably still sore.

"I could use a beer," she muttered and pushed the mug away from her, "even if it is Wildcat's homemade Christmas ale."

"No one is stopping you," I said and finished my stale coffee as well.

She shook her head. "You and I are a sad couple of idiots, you know that?"

I narrowed my eyes at her comment.

"They are all in there having a good time, and you're in here with me. Let's face it. I'm not exactly good company."

I didn't respond, and she took it as permission to continue.

"And I'm here with you, the self-proclaimed brooder of the League, wishing I were somewhere else."

With John.

Silence consumed us for a few minutes, and she broke it again.

"Want to play a game of chess?"

"I'll get the game. You get the beer."

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Episode 2

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She giggled, and her laugh made me really happy.

I remember when I used to hide in closets with girls at parties back when I was in junior high school. Of course, Beatriz was a lot prettier than those girls.

"Why are we in here, Wally?" she asked in that accent I already loved.

"I didn't want to share you with anyone else."

"That's so cute but not the reason."

I shrugged. "You're right. I just wanted to kiss you without John, Ralph, and the others laughing at me."

I could hear the smile in her voice. "Well, in that case." Beatriz pressed her lips to mine and pushed me against the wall of the extremely small closet. I winced when I felt a broom poking me from behind but resisted talking and ruining the moment.

She tasted like peppermint. I brought my hand to the back of her head and wished I wasn't wearing gloves so I could feel her soft, green hair.

When the kiss ended, I grinned. "So, this was a good idea?"

"You're wearing my favorite cologne."

"Yeah?"

"Mm hmm."

Her mouth covered mine again, and I forgot all about the broom, the Christmas party, and the free booze Arrow and Bats provided.

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