Shayera stretched her wings, hands rising in front of her. The clock said it was morning but that didn't make much of a difference up in space. The Thanagarian retrieved her mace from the wall and walked to the door. Still sleepy, she punched in a code and the doors opened with a low hiss. The sound made her wince, it was a bit too sharp for her liking and it made her head ache.
To her surprise, Diana stood in front of the door, hand rose to knock. The Amazon wore her new outfit sans the jacket, which rested on her arm. "Good morning." She greeted, a small smile accompanying the words.
The mace wielding hero shook her head tiredly. "No, no. Good and morning are two words that just shouldn't go in the same sentence. Ever. It should be illegal, just like being cheery in the morning. I mean, what is wrong with you? You're happy and it's morning. I can't even think straight."
Her friend scoffed. "Whatever, you're just cranky." Despite the comment her smile didn't waver. "Come on. I know exactly what you need so let's go."
"Where?" the winged redhead asked, annoyance clear in her voice. "It's too damn early. Actually, if you don't mind I'd like to go mope under the covers for a few hours. It's really therapeutic and I find it helps in my current state of mind. And would you mind telling me where we're going so I can find a reason to say no? I really want to go back to bed. "
Instead of gracing her with a response, Diana grabbed Shayera's hand and pulled her along. The corridors were empty as if everybody else was no longer there. Or maybe it had to do with the fact that her eyes were half-closed, Shayera considered. In any case she needed some food and a coffee before she could function properly. Before she realised it they were in the cafeteria.
Beatriz waved at them from an unoccupied table and set her tray down. With an inviting glance and a motion of her hand she called them over. The Amazon smiled brightly and waved back while her companion grumbled unintelligibly under her breath, most likely a curse. Despite her mood Shayera trudged behind, wings hanging low, a sign that she wasn't anywhere near ready top face the day.
"You have to see this!" Beatriz exclaimed and held a newspaper out with an article facing the newly seated Diana and Shayera. There was a big picture of Wonder Woman in her new uniform, mid-flight and punching an unknown man. The silver of her armour glinted in the dim light as the visible row of stars on one leg greeted the viewers. "This is actually pretty good. And the author of the article is thrilled by the change."
"Thank the heavens for mature people on this planet." Shayera snorted. "But I'm a bit disappointed, I admit. I expected them to kick at least some fuss over it."
Diana sighed. "If it brings you any comfort', she began, one hand stretching to take a piece of toast from Fire's plate, "Wally said it should have been shorter and accessorized with garters; the garters of truth as he dubbed them. It was rather funny actually." She chuckled lightly at the idea while Beatriz chocked on the piece of apple she had just swallowed.
"Easy there, Snow White." the Thanagarian teased the coughing heroine. "Garters, huh? You know what happens to garters at weddings don't you?" There was a telltale smirk on her face, "The groom must remove it from the bride's person," she paused for a moment to raise her brunette friend's interest, "using his teeth."
The addressed woman flushed a pretty red. Fire raised her eyebrow at Shayera. "Don't do that. Di, it's not true; don't listen to a word she says. Wings here has been watching too many movies. The flinging of the garter is a tradition, yes. But it's not taken off by the groom with his teeth. He removes it with his hand or the bride herself can take it and give it to him."
If the hoped result had been to calm Diana then Beatriz had failed. "I don't know which is worse."
"Depends on how sensitive you are and what you like."
Diana was slightly mortified. "Shayera!" A simple shrug was the reply she got from her friend. "Why do you always have to be so-"
"Oh please, as if you're an innocent little girl that needs to be protected."
"Yeah, but you're being downright offensive sometimes." Beatriz ventured with a small smirk.
"Deal with it." The hot-headed Thanagarian replied. "And Princess, get used to this as soon as possible. You'll be hearing a lot of it."
Just as she was about to deliver a scathing retort Diana took a peek back and saw Zatanna approaching them. "How was your date?"
The magician grimaced. "Nice." was the answer she gave and sat down next to Diana. "Unfortunately, not nice enough to want a repeat of it."
"Why?" Beatriz asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Because there's something wrong with me; I'm abnormal." Zatanna quipped rather self-deprecatingly. "Imagine this, I'm out with a decent guy, a nice guy who doesn't keep staring at my chest instead of my eyes and whose hand goes around my waist and not to my backside; he takes me to a cosy restaurant with great food; he's sweet and attentive. Basically he's everything I've ever wanted in a man. I mean, the guy drives me to my own apartment and respectfully hold the door for me."
"So, what's the problem? From the way you're putting it, it all seems perfect." Diana cut into her string of words.
"That's just it. He is so perfect that I want to kiss him. So I do. I kiss him." she stopped for a moment her brows furrowing. "And there's nothing. I literally didn't feel anything when our lips touched."
"And, what did you do after?" Shayera questioned with mild curiosity.
"Well he kind of figured I wasn't all in. He actually offered to remain just a friend. Why can't I love him? I just had to fall for someone who was unavailable and unattainable."
"The heart wants what it wants." Diana said sombrely, putting an arm around Zatanna in a half-hug.
"Screw that!" Shayera followed, taking one of the magician's hands.
"I totally agree." Beatriz offered taking the other hand.
There was a moment of silence in which each woman thought of someone, a person just beyond their reach. It was complicated and unclear, a bit of a mess just like anything else in their lives. If there was one constant in any superhero's life then it was the mess. Thing rarely made sense and when they did it was in extreme situations.
"Ah, but wait," Zatanna added just as they were letting go, "I have more good news. Once my date was over and done with, I had the opportunity to see an old friend."
"Who?"
"Well, she's newly returned to Gotham. And she's as charming as ever. I'm speaking, of course, of our own dear Catwoman."
Wonder Woman knew very well who the feline burglar was. She had seen her one once or twice a few years back. Whether she was or not in a relationship with Batman at that time, Diana didn't know. However she did know that at one point they had been together and if she were to believe the rumours he had been quite fond of her; some may even say that he had been in love with the outlaw.
Had she said the other woman's presence didn't worry her, Diana would have been a liar. And she was no liar. Not even to herself. Truth was a bitter pill to swallow most of the time, and even when she did know a lie would be much easier and comforting to deal with, the Amazon chose honesty.
"Why?" The question slipped past the Amazon's lips, a hiss rather than a word. "Why is she in Gotham?"
"I have no idea."
"Are you jealous?" Shayera probed, an almost smirk on her face.
"Concerned." Diana corrected her dryly.
"Yeah right." The Thanagarian didn't believe her one jot. "Welcome to my world."
"I don't think you should look too much into it." Fire suddenly said. "Maybe he doesn't even know she's there. And they did break up."
"Honey, this is Batman." Zatanna replied, as if those words demoted the Brazilian's statement. "He knows everything that moves in his city."
"Like any good detective." Shayera supplied. "But don't be alarmed Princess", she drawled, "she doesn't stand a chance against you."
"Didn't I tell you not to call me that?"
"Sore spot?"
"You're impossible."
"I try."
"The two of you are awfully comical." Black Canary's amused comment sounded from behind Fire, breaking the stare match between Diana and Shayera. "What have I missed?"
"A truckload, that's what."
"My bad."
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"You're early." Helena noted as Vic stepped in the kitchen. He was in his usual trench coat, sans mask and fedora. "How's the case going?" She looked at him when he failed to reply. Vic was behind her and in a moment his arms wrapped around her waist. Smiling, Helena leaned back into him. "What is it baby doll? Not in the mood to talk?" Instead of an answer his hold tightened around her and she could feel his head burying in the space between her neck and shoulder. Knowing that he would most likely start talking when he felt ready, the woman was content to let him hold her for the moment.
"I love you." The confession was a heated whisper in her ear. "So much." At this she moved to turn but his arms were like steel, steadfastly keeping her where she was. One heartbeat later he pressed a kiss on top of her head. Gradually his grip loosened enough for her to shift in his arm until she was facing him. "I love you." he told her again.
A bright softness shone in her eyes. "I love you too." She wrapped her arms around his torso. "What is this about Q?" Unhurriedly she placed her head on his shoulder, stroking small lines against his back with her fingers. For all her brashness, there was something decidedly feminine underneath the layers of power and Helena had it in her nature to give comfort when one needed it; and especially when those dear to her needed it.
"What were you doing?" he asked, knowingly chancing the subject.
Helena sighed. He wasn't going to tell her so she might as well humour him. "Pasta. I'm tired of takeout."
"Smell good." There was a smile on her face and Helena's lips curled upwards in return.
"Let's hope it tastes just as good. It's been a really long time since I've made this."
"There was an attack today. Some low life criminals had escaped from the bus transporting them to prison and they went into this small town. And there was a girl with her boyfriend; they were just out for a walk and then these guys attacked. Both the teenagers tried to oppose but one obtained a gun from somewhere. They shot the girl before we managed to get there." Helena squeezed him reassuringly. "She bled out, right there on the ground with the boyfriend holding her hand. There was nothing to be done. And he was just sitting there holding her hand in his, telling her that he loved her over and over again."
"Sometimes," Helena said, "not even we can save everyone. Sometimes, even when we give our very best it's not enough."
"It's never enough, is it?"
"No, not really." she answered patiently. "But Q, we can't give up."
"I know." he agreed after a moment of consideration. "Stands to show just have much power we really have." There was a hint of remorse in his comment.
"We can't win all the time."
"We can try."
"Yes we can. We can and we do. And you know what baby doll?
"What?"
"That's what makes us special."
The detective relaxed in her arms, enjoying the feel of simply holding her back. He felt at ease telling her his fears; Helena understood him. Unthinkingly his eyes focused on the pot of boiling pasta; foaming water had just reached over the brim and had started sliding down. "The food." he said simply as if those two words could tell her anything.
"What about it, Q?" she asked, slowly turning around. Her eyes surveyed the scene and she let out a frustrated scream. "Couldn't you have said something earlier?" She dashed out of his hold and turned closed the fire with a sharp twist of her hand. Glowering, Helena picked the pot up and pulled a large sieve from its place on the counter.
"Do you need help?" Vic asked. He was behind her, staring rather attentively over her shoulder. It was not often that he got to see her in such a domestic position. In fact he was most used to Huntress appearing out of nowhere, armed and ready to take her opponents down. Rarely was this softer side of her in sight near him.
Turning around slightly she sent him a withering glare; he rewarded the look with a smile and took him her words despite their outward harshness. "I think you've helped quite enough." She poured the contents of the container in the sieve watching the hot water trickle down. His eyes burned into her back. "Just put the plates on the table." she instructed after a brief moment. She sighed as he moved behind her; it was a comfortable feeling to have him close.
"It's hardly fair to blame me for your lack of attention." Vic teased lightly. He watched the annoyance flit of her face and chuckled. "You are to east to rile up." Still he kissed her temple as a peace offering.
"I have half a mind to kick you out right now. But you're lucky I love you so much to put up with your behaviour." It was her turn to tease. "Besides, you should be more respectful with the person who feeds you."
"What am I? A dog?"
"No you're a man. I thought it was obvious, Q."
"Very funny. I'll have you know I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself."
"Oh, please! You can't cook to save your life."
They bantered lightly, throwing words back and forth, each face wearing a grin. Helena threw him a disbelieving look while she set two glasses on the table. The woman busied herself with taking the sauce off the stove. Jokingly she threatened to dip him in the concoction when he stared unsurely at it. His response was a challenging smile for which he got a weak punch in the arm and an order to sit down. Vic complied with her demand and took a seat, grin still in place.
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Green Lantern walked the halls of the Watchtower with a single goal in his mind. Finding Shayera was the most important thing at the moment. Now was the right time to let her know he had made his choice. That she was his choice; that he did love her. John wanted to be happy but he needed her to be the one he was happy with. She was a key piece and sometimes destiny's hand had to be played. If he were to die he didn't want to regret not telling her how he felt about her; she had to know.
Then there was Rex. Warhawk, his son, whom he had met in the future. The boy deserved to live; he deserved a chance at existence. A smile played at the edges of his mouth at the thought. Behind closed eyes he could just see Shayera holding the baby in her arms, rocking him gently.
Shayera's door appeared before him. John took a deep breath and gently knocked on it. There were so many things he wanted to say to her. The thoughts swam in his mind. He couldn't decide how to begin, what to let her know first. There were indeed too many things she had to know.
"What are you doing, standing here in front of my door?" Her voice broke him out of his reverie. In front of him the winged Thanagarian materialized, leaving him slightly confused; she hadn't been there a moment ago. The woman crossed her arms and opened her mouth, "Are you going to tell me, or will I have to pull it out of you?"
John started to say something but stopped and seemed to thing it over. It was almost like he was groping for words, like he couldn't find the right way to tell her. "I broke up with Mari." was what finally came out. "I'm finally ready to give you an answer."
At those words Shayera stalked out of the door and invited him in with a tilt of her head. He followed her in and took a sit on a chair that had been conveniently there as she herself lowered in a sitting position on the bed and watched him intently. "So?"
The stare returned to her was just as strong. "I want to give our relationship another chance."
"Mari-"
"Understands perfectly what happened." he interrupted. "She knows what my feelings are. It'll always be grateful to her for pulling me back together but she's not the one I want."
"She must be hurt." Shayera reasoned in a quiet voice as if the thought troubled her. "I didn't want to hurt anybody."
"Things aren't always the way we want them to be." The reply was just as vague as her earlier statement; whether it referred to his relationship with Mari, or general actions, was unclear. "The best thing you can do is move past it."
"Straight forward." she added as an afterthought.
"Always forward." he informed in a decided way that brooked no arguments.
"Tell me about Rex."
"What is there to tell?"
"I want to hear it from you."
He breathed in deeply and began to tell her about a young man in the distant future. A weight lifted off his chest as the words streamed out at a constant pace.
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Batman stepped out of the Batmobile, cape billowing in his wake. Patrol had been uneventful, leaving the vigilante thankful if not a bit apathetic. There had been a few tries at robbery which he very easily stopped and to his surprise none had involved a cat costumed burglar bent on flirting with him. If there was something Bruce didn't need at the moment then it was Selina's unsubtle tries at romance.
That particular thought made an image of Diana pop in his mind. Since he had visited her at the apartment she had stopped trying to pursue him. She hadn't tried to ask him on any dates as of late, didn't unnecessarily seek him out and seemed to be content with spending time with her group of six female friends. Instead of the relief he had expected a pang was what greeted him. At her place she had acted as if they were only friends with secrets to whisper. There were no questions about his love life or any allusions at anything more than friendship on her part. He had put it down to embarrassment after the disastrous night at the club. But now he wasn't so sure.
Lost in his thoughts of the Amazon Bruce went about his routine mechanically; he peeled the cowl away and took the suit off, enchaining it for more comfortable, house appropriate attire. Alfred had greeted him at the cave entrance. The butler carried a tray with food and newspapers. Nobody could say that Bruce Wayne was anything but eccentric. Thus his schedule was expected to be less than conventional, though not for the reasons most people imagined. Little did they know that the billionaire playboy of Gotham used his night to patrol the city and keep its inhabitants safe from the horrors that seemed to wait at every corner.
Sitting himself comfortably in a chair Bruce unfolded a paper. The first thing he saw was a photo of a woman looking suspiciously similar to Diana. She was midflight dealing with what looked like a weak attack from a man. The trademark costume had been replaced with a black formfitting jacket; long dark blue pants with a single line of start travelling down her visible leg and was lost under her black boots. From under the jacket deep red material peeked; Bruce could only assume it was a top, the image didn't clarify. Instead of gold, her accessories possessed a silver appearance.
"Alfred." he called the aged butler.
"Yes, sir?" the other man questioned without it sounding anything like an inquiry.
"When did this happen exactly?" Bruce waved the article in front of Alfred to make his point. He had been absent from the Watchtower these past few days but providing that there hadn't been any emergencies he had concentrated his efforts in Gotham thus he was unable to observe the change sooner. It had to have happened the day before as two days prior Diana had worn her original attire.
The butler looked mildly at his master. "The paper came out this morning sir." He replied, no inflection in his voice.
Bruce scowled knowing he had been deliberately misunderstood.
