Hey again everone, sorry for the delay in this chapter, as always.

This is definitely one of the shorter chapters, but I really like this one, so I hope you all do as well. As you will see soon enough, this chapter takes place well before the beginning of this story.

Before I forget, thank you to anyone who reviewed that isn't a member, since I can't answer your messages.

Disclaimer: I do not own Justice League or any of its characters, only the plot for this fanfic.

Chapter 11 (Bonus): No Secrets From Me

The music thundered around him, heavy and deafening, but he absorbed it, letting it fill every muscle, ignite every nerve.

It coursed through his body, almost as electrifying as the source of his powers; nothing could beat THAT feeling, but this did a darn good job!

Apparently his enthusiasm was contagious, as not for the first time tonight…and damn he rather hoped it was the last…he felt a much too large arm slip around his tiny waist, and pull him back against a solid mass.

Ok yeah, it felt kinda nice, he wasn't denying that…but come on, would it hurt them to ask first?

Swallowing a sigh, he raised his arm to wrap around the back of his assailants neck, and looked up with only a lightly offended look.

Ok…tall, quite beefy but not overly so, rather like the typical jock figure you'd see in one of those movies about high school. His face would've been quite handsome…IF his expression didn't make it clear that he thought he'd just scored.

'This is what I get for trying to just enjoy a dance, isn't it…'

Figuring he might as well go along with it for now, he pressed back slightly against the male, and swayed his hips to the side. The guy gladly copied his movements; he grabbed the red heads hips and kept their lower halves practically glued together.

'Well that was smart…that one's on you brain!'

The guy was practically grinding against him! He'd tried to be confident and relaxed about it, but now he was just feeling too uncomfortable!

Giving a look to show he wasn't the least bit impressed, he slid his free hand to rest upon the oversized arm around him.

"Next time, start with 'hello'. And no, this doesn't count…."

"Heh? What'd you say gorge-YOUCH!"

The guy's cry of pain went unheard over the music; he bit his lip and looked to his arm, where a large red patch warned of what could've been a much worse friction burn.

He glared around for the culprit, but the smaller male was nowhere to be found.

Across the other side of the room with no concern that anyone had seen him, Wally growled to himself and moved to the bar, ordering a simple lemonade.

"Can't even have a normal dance…" He continued to grumble in between taking sips, barely moving the glass away from his mouth.

"Not a cooperative evening so far?"

He almost spat into his glass; after pausing to compose himself, he glanced shyly to the side. An older man was sitting two seats away from him, currently turned to face the startled red head. Well, He wasn't old old…late thirties, early forties maybe? Ugh, Wally was no good at guessing ages, but there was a definite difference between them. His dark brown hair was lined with grey, yet it did nothing to diminish his appearance…hmmm, what was the word he was looking for…?

…Suave.

'Uh oh…' Not good; Wally could handle meat heads like that other guy…men like this though? He wasn't sure how to go about it!

"Just uh, I mean…" Oops, bad start, "It's, not THAT bad."

"But not that good either?"

"Heh, not exactly…I guess."

He turned to watch the dance floor, squeezing the glass and praying his body wouldn't start vibrating; a nervous habit he hadn't gotten a hold on yet.

He could still feel the others gaze upon him; sheesh! It was almost as bad as…

'HA! Oh no, it's nothing like moody broody bats…'

"I'm sorry, do you wish to be left alone?"

"Uuuh, well…no, I mean…"

'What? Yes I do, why am I lying?'

"I'm sorry, I guess my mind is just elsewhere tonight…"

"I see; a failed attempt to escape the world beyond these walls?"

"Well…yeah, yeah you're right."

The man gave him a curious look; Wally would've preferred if he'd been a total creep and just looked him over, he couldn't tell what this guy was thinking!

"Forgive me for asking, but you look like you're only just legal to be here."

'Don't roll your eyes…do NOT roll them!'

"Yeah only just…," Wally failed at keeping the minor insult out of his voice as he held his I.D up, having had it on hand already.

Twenty-two years of age and he still had to constantly show it. John had told him it was likely to happen for the first few years after twenty-one, and sure having people think he looked so young was kind of flattering, but also annoying.

"Haha, well my mistake, welcome to your prime years. Enjoy the pestering about your age whilst you can, it doesn't last forever…" The man swiped at his grey hairs to illustrate his point.

Wally couldn't help a small snort and grin.

'Ack! No, bad Wally! Fly away from that spider web right now!'

"I'm surprised you're not enjoying something a tad stronger," The man eyed his glass.

"Tsk! Like that would get me anywhere…"

"Pardon?"

'Crap!'

Wally could've kicked himself for that display of stupidity! Most of the Justice League and even some of the general public understood that a speedster couldn't get drunk (at least not for longer than thirty seconds), but only a small handful knew Wally West couldn't!

"D-don't let the fizzy drink fool ya. I like alcohol to, but you know…it's expensive, and I don't feel much like stumbling over my own feet on the dance floor."

"Fair enough, though saying you simply prefer the taste of soda is also an acceptable answer."

Wally looked to him in surprise; the man simply smirked in amusement as he held up his own glass; a club soda.

"Haha! Ok ok, you got me there…" He looked away sheepishly, "I'm sure I just haven't found a preference yet."

Meh, only a half lie; On the week he'd turned twenty one, he'd tried a good number of different alcohols…he hadn't liked beer nearly as much as he thought he would, and yet he actually didn't mind wine. Vodka was good, though he'd learnt the hard way to pay out for the good stuff. He liked rum, especially when John had suggested mixing it with Cola. Cocktails were fun to try, though a little hit and miss…and he couldn't say he cared much for that tequila slammer Shayera had talked him into.

'Oh I'll never get that expression of hers out of my memory.'

"It's funny…" He spoke more randomly than to anyone in particular, "I always imagined that as soon as I could drink, I'd be going out every other weekend, and guzzling down the stuff until the early hours…"

"Let me guess, that was when you were sixteen?"

"Sixteen…seventeen, around there…" Wally shrugged, "Yet when I actually turned old enough, I don't know…I was excited at first, but somehow, it just wasn't…"

He trailed off, drumming his fingers against the glass. The man allowed him a moment of silence.

"Do you believe you MUST enjoy that lifestyle just because many your age do?"

"I'm already different enough…" Wally grumbled looking at the ground.

"You know it's not polite to mumble…" The man said in a teasing voice.

"Uuh!" Wally faltered, desperate for a way out of this, "…you, up for a dance at all?"

The man looked to the dance floor, before laughing.

"I don't think any style I know is suitable for this particular venue."

"Oh? More of a salsa man?" Wally grinned and gave a playful swing of his hips.

"Tango, actually."

It felt like Wallys stomach actually flinched as the man stood up.

"So, are you up for a dance?"

He stepped forward, whilst the speedster barely held his ground.

"Hehe…I-I…don't think I can match your style…"

"Thus, a little introduction course…"

Wally's breath became jammed in his throat as the man closed the already short gap between them, sweeping the glass free of his hand as smoothly as though he were gracing his hand through water.

Suddenly his body heat was surrounding the younger male, like when one sat just close enough to an open fire to feel the edge between warm and hot. His cologne was equally tantalizing with scents of wood and spice.

Why hadn't Wally realised just how much bigger the man was against him? Was it because that other guy had been even larger? He'd been like a lumbering rhino, but this man made Wally think of a bear; peaceful and captivating as it wandered through the fields…until it suddenly stood upon its back legs, powerful and intimidating…

…and yet still entrancing.

He couldn't look away from those grey eyes; like a storm rolling in, bringing the promise of beauty and danger.

An arm was curling around his waist; now Wally truly felt like a little moth already tangled and bitten, unable to escape as fate loomed over him, hungry and assured...

"Mind if I cut in big guy?"

The trance was broken; Wallys eyes shifted over the mans shoulder, upon which sat a hand not nearly as delicate as first impressions would rate it.

"…hey sis," Was that his voice, or was there a mouse stuck in his throat? It certainly felt (and sounded) like it.

The way the man looked around at Shayera wasn't shock, nor anger, and it wasn't full blown arrogance either.

Pride…it was some calm satisfaction in knowing that he'd had Wally in his grasp. Sure whatever plans he'd had had been thwarted, but if Shayera hadn't stepped in.

"I've been looking everywhere for you! If you're gonna go someplace where you can't hear your phone, then at least put the damn thing on vibrate!" The fiery woman moved around to Wally, and didn't hold back as she grabbed his ear.

"OW! OW OW OW…!"

"Sorry sir, my little brother here was supposed to be meeting with the family almost an hour ago."

Wally was about to demand an explanation, but realised what she meant by family.

"Oh…it's that time already?" He supposed he should've been grateful that a sheepish tone came pretty easy to him by now…it certainly made acting easier.

"No…it was that time fifty minutes ago!" Shayera scolded, tugging his ear enough that he had to look up at her.

"OW! Oh look at that, she even brought out the nice trench coat…" a little reckless to point out the method for keeping her wings concealed, but she did NOT need to pinch his ear so hard!

Unsurprisingly, the pain only increased.

"Just wait until I get you outside, John's more than a little ticked off at you."

"Oh great…first you try to pull my ear off, now big brother's gonna talk it off…" Wally grumbled with an eye roll.

"Haha, well please don't let me hold you up," The man laughed with a courteous half bow, "I hope you have a pleasant evening."

"We will, thanks."

Shayeras voice sounded civilised, but she lingered in pulling Wally away. He could no longer see her face, but he COULD feel a sudden flare in her aura; he didn't want to imagine the look she was giving someone who thought they were going to get away with laying a hand on her brother.

And then he was being dragged away. It was just before they got to the door that Shayera once more looked around, before releasing the now aching ear and curling her arm around his neck protectively.

"Thanks sis…" He mumbled sincerely, "…coffee and Danishes again?"

"Oh we'll talk repayment later," the Thanagarian finally smiled properly, though her voice was only half joking and Wally knew it, "For now, just stay at my side so I don't go break that guys face in."

Giving an understanding smile, Wally stood straight and wrapped his arm over her shoulders as her own limb dropped.

"I feel like I was just plucked from the web of a spider…" Wally couldn't help a shiver.

"It's called a silver fox," Shayera laughed, "I'm the one from a different planet…have you never heard the term?"

"Heard it…just never met one," Wally shrugged as they left the club.

He then remembered something, and reached into his pocket. He didn't even get his communicator to his ear before he could hear yelling coming from it.

"Oh…the part about John wasn't an act?" He was genuinely surprised as he looked at her.

"Haha, nope, he's just down the road. I only exaggerated about how long he's been trying to call, although it certainly felt like an hour."

"Sorry," He grinned sheepishly as he went to put the communicator back in his ear, only to think twice and leave it out for now, "…I might just wait until we get there."

"Good plan, though I'm not defending you for not wearing it."

"Fair enough. Hm? What are you chuckling about? You chuckling is rarely a good sign…"

"Why? Because you're so worried about John. Just wait until uncle Bruce gets to you…"

"AAWWW CRAP…" Wally whined, "…he's there to?"

"Naa, back on the watchtower."

"Well that gives me a few minutes to write my will…"

"Oh, what're you leaving me, fastest man alive?" She poked playfully.

"Uh uh…no spoilers," He grinned right back.

"There you are!" GL's angry tone broke the playful mood.

Wally hadn't realised how far they'd walked until John and Mari were standing right before them.

"Uuuh…you called?" He speedily returned the device to his ear, not daring to think he'd fooled anyone.

"More times than I should have to for any member of the league, let alone a founder," John clearly wasn't in the mood to hold back.

Ouch, the founder line again. Not unjustified, but still…

Wally forced himself to listen to the whole responsibility speech again, because he knew damn well he deserved it. He'd just wanted an evening to himself to forget his thoughts, but even a right to privacy was no excuse to remove his com link.

"What were you even doing in a place like that? If you'd been going undercover that would be one thing, but in general?" John finally calmed…somewhat.

"What was I doing in a place like a club? Really?" Wally raised an eyebrow at him.

"He means that particular club," Mari clarified.

"Wally, that club is a known hotspot for lowlifes," Shayera took pity and explained, "Not the well-known criminals like your rogues, but more dirty cops, mob family members and shady businessmen…like "Mr. Tango" back there."

Wally felt the colour drain from his face. Oh crud…he'd gone dancing in a criminal hive and hadn't even known…

'And I thought Bruce was going to kill me before. I'll never hear the end of this…'

"This is Central City, YOUR city! How didn't you know about that place? "

"Actually this is KEYSTONE city…"

"Keystone, Central…"

"Are NOT the same thing!" Wally cut GL off, seeing where that line was going, "And if any residence of either city heard you say otherwise, you'd be the one getting your ear talked off."

"You're missing the point Flash," John fought not to raise his voice, "You protect both…"

"And so I should know the ins and outs and EVERY little rats nest and roach hole of both, I get it John, I get it. I made a mistake, I'm sorry…"

Wally was defensive now, but he really did try to make it clear that he was being sincere.

"You can't always just say "I made a mistake" and expect that that'll cut it. If Clark or Bruce were here, they'd be hounding your…"

And there was the line, which GL strode over as surely as a marching band.

"I JUST CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT BY YOU CAN I!?"

If the speedster had left any faster, he probably would've broken the sound barrier.

"Wally!" GL called in frustration, "Damn it kid, not out in the open…"

A wing struck him across the back off the head; the look Shayera gave him before she took to the air could be described as no less than filthy.

"Ow! What did I just say!?"

He'd barely recovered when he was slapped again.

"Ah! Hey!" He turned to Mari.

She didn't look angry, more like she was telling him to stop before he fell into some hole he hadn't realised he was digging.

"Ok…what did I just say?" He swapped the anger for confusion.

Wally was pretty sure he actually growled more than once as he stormed down the street, his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

"What does he know anyway?" He grumbled quietly, pushing past the only other people on this particular street, "Thinks he's so smart just because his ring tells him anything and everything about this sector in space or whatever…"

"It can tell him about more than just this sector."

Wally pulled such a face, but still stopped as Shayera landed by him. They were silent as she pulled her trench coat back on.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to drag you back, before you even get that idea,"

"I know you're not…" Wally mumbled, beating back the anger so it didn't taint his voice, "…you shouldn't have risked people seeing your wings,"

"I gave up my mask a while ago, I only care enough to make sure no one's around when I land next to one of my team mates who uses their powers unmasked."

Wally didn't lose his frown as they began walking.

"… GL pissed at me for that to?"

"He'll get over it, he's like you; more heat than fire."

Shayera looped her arm through his and held his hand; he soon gripped back.

"Let's forget mean green for a moment," Shayera knew that joke would always make her little brother giggle.

On cue, she heart him stifle a laugh, and saw a small grin appear.

"I'm sorry for taking my communicator out…"

"We've all done it once in a while, even John has."

"When would he have ever…?" Wally began, but a quick glance to Shayeras face was enough, "…uuuh, never mind, I think that's the wrong turn in the road."

"Good call," Shayera returned playfully, "Let's take this path instead…" she turned him sharply around a corner to illustrate her point, "…what exactly was on your mind whilst you were in that place?"

"Nothing…" It was an automatic response, and a frown from Shayera prompted him to try better, "…this, that, everything…" He shrugged and looked away, "to be more exact, I was trying to forget everything, just for one night, and it all decided to fight for my attention instead."

"That tends to happen for anyone," Shayera gave his arm a small squeeze, "Don't be too hard on yourself. You're a speedster; you can't help it if your mind has as much trouble holding still as your feet."

"I know you're teasing me, but I'm glad someone gets that."

"GL gets it as well, he just has trouble remembering it sometimes. You know he'd never do or say anything to hurt you intentionally, right?"

Wally sighed heavily.

"Yeah, I know."

"He'd never have brought up Superman or Batman if he understood how you feel about them…"

"I know he wouldn't have, but it still hurt, even if he's right and they're probably pretty mad at me for this. And I know he's only being rightfully firm, I just wish sometimes he'd chil…"

For a speedster who's mind often processed too much too fast, the bell that chimed in his brain was way slow off the mark, and as Wally's feet halted for him to look around at his sister, he knew it was far too late to correct his words.

"I-I…I uuhhh…!"

"Don't even try it," Shayera smirked playfully as she placed a finger to his lips, "…Yes Wally, I know."

"B-but…I mean…I don't really…!" Wally panicked, pulling away, "…how?" his shoulders quickly slumped, knowing he couldn't fool her.

"How? Because I've seen how you act around them. I've listened to how you speak to them. Any time they give you a compliment, you only act casual as long as it takes them to turn around, then you turn into a giddy school girl who can barely resist squealing in delight."

"…don't compare me to a school girl…" Wally grumbled, not looking to her as his face glowed red.

"You know I'm right. Just the other day when Batman shook your hand for doing so well on a mission, your legs almost turned to jelly. Then Superman gave you that ever charming smile of his yesterday, and you suddenly decided you needed the bathroom…you were really just trying to wash the blush off your face, weren't you?"

"Shayera…" Wally almost whined, stepping away from her as he glared down the concrete.

The Thanagarians look turned sympathetic, but Wally spoke again before she could.

"If you knew, why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Because until now I figured I should let you be the one to say so first. Also, I admit, it took me awhile to figure out you like them both to the same degree. I was pretty confused for a while."

Wally wrapped his arm across his chest, and turned away silently.

"…Wally?"

"…You don't think I'm stupid? Or selfish?"

It stung Shayeras heart to hear the sadness and fear in his voice. She cautiously approached his back and took his arm. He let her turn him back around, but still wouldn't look up at her. He wasn't crying, but it seemed to be taking a lot of effort not to.

"Well I might call you a moron for thinking thatI, out of all people, would berate you for liking two men at once."

THAT pulled his gaze up to meet hers. Dopey speedster…so forgiving that he'd forgotten how she'd unintentionally ended up breaking the hearts of two men.

She gently cupped his face and pulled down just enough to kiss him on the forehead.

"Even if I didn't know how guilty and confused it makes you feel, I wouldn't be upset with you. I love knowing you have feelings for someone…REAL feelings, more than goopy tingles from seeing a pretty face."

"But Shayera…" Wally hesitated, "…they're together now."

"Yes, which makes things a bit awkward, and means you need to tread a bit more carefully. That doesn't make your feelings wrong, and you have nothing to be ashamed about."

Wally didn't answer, but his look said everything.

"Come here you dummy…" she pulled him into a warm hug, which he was quick to return, "…feels better that someone knows, doesn't it?"

He nodded against her shoulder, and squeezed tighter.

"Thanks sis…"

"Anytime…" She stroked his hair gently, "…and, for what it's worth, I'm certain they wouldn't be upset either if they knew…"

Yeah, it had been a small hint, but as Wally shook his head rapidly, she didn't push. She knew he was still coming to terms with his own feelings. Making him stop trying to deny them was one thing, but confessing them to anyone else was a challenge for another day.

She let him be the one to pull back first.

"How could you succeed where dancing and music couldn't?"

There he was…her cheeky, playful little brother, silly grin and everything.

"Alright you…" She ruffled his hair, "we are so talking more about this later. Now go get your suit on. Need me to blink while you change?"

She barely finished before he dashed away and then back, the scarlet speedster now clad in his full uniform.

"Naa, I'm good."

Shayera returned his smirk and punched his arm lightly.

"J'onn, we're ready for pickup here," She touched her communicator.

She took Wallys hand, and felt her heart swell just a little as he gave her a wide, honest smile.

Yes, she was bias, always would be in this case, but no one and nothing had the right to take away that happy look from his face.

She felt him squeeze back as they were promptly teleported to the watchtower.

I had a lot of fun with this chapter, definitely a personal favourite, mostly because I love the relationship between Wally and Shayera in the series.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed. There should be another two chapters after this one, and then this story will finally be finished (aaww :( )

Thank you everyone, will update asap!