Chapter 13 - Back to reality

Shayera woke up early to see the sunrise. She left the hut, wrapped in a light blanket, and sat on the porch. It was still a little dark, but gradually the first rays of sun rose on the horizon. The sun warmed not only the environment, but also her. Shayera closed her eyes, feeling the pleasure of that moment. She was happy and at peace.

She opened her eyes when she heard footsteps on the wood. She looked back, and a sleepy Wally was coming toward her. He sat down beside her and hugged her.

"What time is it?"

"Too early" She replied. "I like to see the sunrise."

"And I like to see you, Shay. How can you be so beautiful?"

"Because you're in love. Everything looks more beautiful when you love it."

"And I love you very much!"

She laughed.

"I know.

She cupped his face and pulled him into a kiss. Wally took her in her arms and carried Shayera out to sea. They laughed and kissed in the water, playing in the waves. Never before has she imagined herself in that situation. She felt young and free and full of hope in a new life.

Later they returned to the hut, and at the end of the day they divided the hammock. He was only in shorts, and she was dressed in his shirt. Wally had a hand on her thigh, caressing her skin. The next day they would have to come back, so they took advantage of that vacation.

"What do you think of this place?" He gestured.

"It's magic! I loved every second."

"We could live here. I mean, I don't have the money to buy a place like that, but we could rent, or something."

"Central City needs you, and you still have the league. We can not just disappear."

"I understand." He grunted. "But we can still take a vacation here every year."

Shayera smiled at Wally's dreamy gaze. The redhead already made plans for a life to two and was so cute. But she grimaced, remembering that they would have to come back the other day. He caught her expression and sat down.

"What is it?"

"I was thinking that tomorrow we have to go back."

"Um, then the night must be memorable."

"Any ideas, Mr. West?"

He smirked.

"Many."

Shayera felt the same way when she returned to the league after the Thanagarian invasion. The accusatory looks came over her, though the motive was different. And she cared much less than she imagined. Wally went to tell them they were back and she just walked the halls. Entwined, she did not notice him until she bumped into him.

"Hi, John." She smiled sheepishly.

John took some time to admire her. How he missed her! Already Shayera was so happy that morning.

"I think that Flash has done you good."

The redhead shrugged.

"Despite the mischievous comments, I'm happy." She paused, staring at her ex-husband. It was the first time he had talked to him and it seemed so strange. "What about you? How are you doing?"

"Mari has given me support."

"Ah, I suppose."

Shayera wondered how much Vixen was willing to help. She knew the other woman would not miss the opportunity. And she did not even know that John betrayed her to Vixen.

"It's not what you thought."

"Look, John ..." He cut him off. "Now that we're apart, your personal life does not concern me. We still live in the league, but only that. I know of my mistakes, and you have the right to rebuild your life."

He laughed.

"You seem pretty determined."

"I'm good with Wally and I intend to stay with him. I'd rather not talk to you more than the essentials."

"I don't think it's going to last." He returned. "You're going to betray him and hurt him like you did to me."

Shayera sighed. She deserved it.

"I'm really sorry, John. I didn't mean to hurt you, it just ... it happened ..."

"It's a good excuse for your actions. You must believe them already."

So John left. Shayera just sighed and went on her way. With someone else, she would not let it go. But she knew how much John was hurt by her actions and decided to let it go. At least for now.

Counting on the time John was in Oa, they had been together for almost two months. But, officially, it was a month. And it was incredible. Wally was incredible and did everything to please her. She still lived in the tower, but he was already talking about the possibility of living together. Beside Wally, time seemed to fly. And she was so happy!

Everything seemed so good, except the looks that were cast on her. Diana was the only one who did not judge her. An irony, considering how much she hated her after the Thanagarian invasion.

"How are things?"

Shayera looked at Diana, who was with her on the monitors.

"With Flash? Amazing. Already the looks of disapproval, I am accustomed."

"They will forget."

The redhead shrugged.

"It's still good that I do not care about gossip, right?"

"Right." She smiled. "Are you really going to live with him?"

"I suppose so, perhaps. I said I did not want to get married again because my last two marriages were a disaster." She said, remembering her marriage to John and her engagement many years earlier to Hro Talak. "But let's not just talk about myself. And your dinner with Batman?"

"It was interesting." She smiled.

"Hm, and you kissed?"

"Yes, but that's not what you imagined."

She gave a small laugh.

"I know ..."

Shayera went to her feet, but felt dizzy for a moment. She had to lean on, and took a deep breath. The next second, Flash was at her side. She did not even know where he came from. This had happened a lot in the last few days.

"Is everything okay?"

"I just got a little dizzy. I got up too fast."

"You do not want to see a doctor?"

"Because of dizziness?"

Flash embraced her, in case she still needed support.

"For everything. You're getting sick and you don't want to look frail around me."

"I'm not sick!"

Flash caught her in his arms. Shayera punched lightly on his chest, demanding that he put her back on the floor. The heroes nearby watched the scene and she hated being the center of attention, but he was determined to take her to the doctor. It was not the first time that Shayera felt bad and although she insisted that everything was well, he wanted to be sure.

"Let go of me, Wally!"

"Stop being stubborn, Shay! You need to take care of yourself."

"The following members appear in the main hall. Green Arrow, Flash ..."

They both stopped to listen. Flash sighed and released Shayera slowly.

"Go there."

"I'll see what they need, and I'll say goodbye before I leave."

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too, Shay."

He kissed her before he left.

"Problems in paradise?" John asked when he bumped into Flash.

Flash looked at the Green Lantern and it was strange. He was his best friend, and now he hated him. None of them, however, could go back in time.

"No. Why?

"It seemed like they were arguing minutes ago."

"We were not arguing."

Flash said and went on his way. But John did not give up.

"I hope you take care of her better than I do."

"I'm trying."

John just nodded and kept walking. Flash glanced back once or twice, and the two of them went the same way? He stopped walking.

"Ah, you're not following me, are you?"

"No."

"And you're going this way?"

"If you did not notice, I think we're on the same mission."

Flash scratched his head.

"I'm sorry for everything, Lantern, I-"

But the Lantern cut him off.

"I feel more anger at Shayera for deceiving me than about you." He paused. "She'll betray you and fool you, too."

Having said that, he continued on his way. Flash paused for a second, swallowing his friend's harsh words. He shook his head, freeing himself from thoughts. Shayera loved him. John was only hurt yet, and he spoke things without thinking. The story would not be repeated.

Flash spun Shayera, making her smile, then wincing. The other heroes gathered for boarding, and one in particular looked at her. The Green Lantern stared at them from afar. Shaking her head, she looked back at the scarlet figure in front of her. She pretended that nothing had happened, but he realized.

"Are you still sick, Shay?"

"No, that's not it."

"Ah, the Lantern."

She nodded.

"Do you really have to go?"

Flash pulled Shayera so that she wrapped her hands around his neck.

"I'd like to stay, but I can not miss a mission."

"I don't know, Wally. I have a bad feeling."

Flash walked with her to his feet. He kissed her, gentle and passionate. Something also warned him not to go, but he said nothing to keep her from worrying. And he really could not stop going on a mission. He was a hero.

"When you least expect it, I'll be back for you."

All Shayera could do was agree and let him go.