Disclaimer: I don't own Justice League Unlimited.
(A/N: Set between 'Starcrossed' and 'Initiation')
Priorities
Failure to Communicate
Wally almost ducked for cover as he spotted John Stewart's landlady. He gave pause when the expected broom wielding hostilities were replaced by a sweet smile.
"Hello. Are you looking for accommodation? I am sure I can help you; I have many vacancies here."
"Uh, no thanks. Not that it's not lovely and all, y'know, but… I already have a place."
"I see. Then how may I help you?"
"I'm a friend of G… John's."
"Ah, Mr Stewart?"
"Yeah, that's him."
"Yes… he has been most… preoccupied since Hawkgirl people came. He barely comes out of his room anymore; only speaks when he has to."
He nodded silently. She gave him a suspicious look.
"Are you one of his Justice League friends?"
"Uh… no, I mean… if I was with the Justice League, I'd come in costume, y'know? I mean, a superhero would have to be pretty stupid to just leave trails like that lying around, right?"
She regarded him for one moment more. "Don't steal anything."
Having left her warning, she continued on her way down the corridor.
Wally walked up the stairs to John's floor, being careful not to use his super speed to get there, or to take the elevator. He needed the time to think about something to say to him.
And that was assuming John would even let him in. The only call he'd accepted since Shayera's departure was one from Kilowog, who had arrived to repair his ring. After that, nothing. He had refused J'onn, Diana… even Superman couldn't talk to him.
Besides, they were too busy taking care of League stuff.
Because League business is more important than the people actually in the League, obviously.
Wally slowed down as he noticed he had unconsciously sped up. It happened when he was nervous. Which, while useful in a fight, wasn't particularly helpful when delicately trying to pull one's best friend out of a depressed stupor.
He looked up and realised he had arrived at John's door, although he wasn't sure when. The only noise coming from the room was the sound of a TV, although he couldn't tell what it was. Maybe the news.
After a few deep breaths, he knocked on the door.
No reply.
He knocked again.
Nothing.
"GL?"
He waited for a moment. He sighed.
"C'mon, GL. You can't stay in there for the rest of your life. Believe me, I know. I tried when I was eighteen, and after a few months the smell alone made me move out."
Nothing.
Wally smacked himself in the head.
Yeah. Joke around. Good idea, moron.
"Come on, John. You can't let this stop you from getting out there, y'know?" He paused. "I mean, the League needs you. And aren't you like the guardian of this sector?"
Nothing. And then…
The volume of the TV increased until Wally could hear what was being said.
"…other news, crime rates in Central City have been on the increase since the end of the invasion. The whereabouts of the Flash are unknown, and the Justice League has been unavailable for comment on their lack of activity…"
Wally scowled. The message was clear, even to his often seemingly ADD riddled brain;
Go look after your own sector.
He grit his teeth.
"Fine."
He turned on his heel and walked off down the corridor, throwing his arms up in the air.
"Do whatever you want!"
No longer caring about what anyone might think, Wally shot off down the stairs, heading straight out into the street.
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