Agendas
New York City, November 24th 2010, 11:46 a.m.
"I missed this." Donna said as she used her bracers to defect bullets from the criminals she and Diana had happened upon while flying though the city. Their patrol used to be a weekly activity they would do together but between all the missions the Team had and the various emergencies that Wonder Woman had to attend to they hadn't had the time. So when Diana dropped by the cave to see if she wanted to go on a patrol she all but jumped at the opportunity to spend some time with her.
Wonder Woman dropped behind the gunman and bashed their heads together, "Yes it's been too long since we had some time to relax together." Wonder Woman sympathized as the third robber tried to run away, only to have Donna's lasso wrap around his leg and pull him off his feet, making him faceplant on the pavement. Wonder Girl brought him over with his other two associates and bound them with her lasso.
"You're going to wait here until the cops arrive and then confess to all your crimes." Donna said, her magic lasso glowing blue as the three went into a trance-like state and nodded in agreement to her request before the amazon unwrapped them and took to the air with her mentor. Flying over midtown, Donna looked over at Wonder Woman and smiled, "So do you have any plans for Thanksgiving? M'gann is cooking everyone a meal at the cave and if you don't have anything going on you can come by." she offered.
Diana gave her protégée a saddened smile, "I would love to Donna but we have a League meeting tomorrow. Sorry." she apologized.
However Donna simply shrugged, "Well worth a shot….what's the meeting about?" she asked, Diana's silence told her all she needed to know. The younger amazon let out a sigh, "Ok I get it, top secret League business." she said understandingly, surprising her mentor as they landed underneath a bridge with a Zeta Tube at the underside's ramp structure.
Wonder Woman placed her hand on Donna's shoulder, "How about the day after you and I head back to Themyscira for a visit?" she offered, making Donna's face light up with glee at the notion of a visit. She hadn't been to the island since she had left, it had been far too long since she had seen any of her friends from the island and she couldn't wait to tell them of man's world. She could tell them about James….
She suddenly felt a pang of guilt in her chest, Diana noticed the look on her face and gave her a imploring look, "Diana….there's something I need to tell you." she began as her reached her arm across her chest and grabbed her elbow, her pose showing aix of nervousness and shame. "I….well….I met someone…" she started, risking a glance up at her mentor to see Diana…smiling?
"Donna that's wonderful! Who is it?" she asked curiously.
'Wait…your not mad I kept this from you?" Wonder Girl asked curiously.
The older Amazon gave her sister a sly smile, "Donna, do you truly believe that I've never been in your shoes?" she asked before a wistful smile appeared on her face, "The first man I met, Steve Trevor, was…..he showed me that man's world wasn't the horrid place we believed it was for so long. But I had to return to the island, he perished after I left but I treasured the time I had with him…..so tell me, who had won my sisters' heart?" she asked with a albeit teasing tone that made Donna's cheeks redden.
"James…..we've been together for a while now and…..I felt bad not telling you." she admitted. At first she was somewhat scared how Diana would react but with how interested she was, perhaps she misjudged her sister?
"James? I must admit I'm surprised…..but I'm also happy for the two of you." Diana said happily, making Donna release a breath she was holding. "Does Laura know?" Diana asked curiously.
"No…James thought it'd be best if he tell her….he's scared to do it though." Wonder Girl muttered as she thought back to his exact words of Laura possibly skinning him.
Wonder Woman gave Donna a blank stare, "That's completely understandable." she said, fully aware that Laura could be somewhat protective of James even though he was part of the team. However she also knew that Laura had acknowledged this fact and was opening up to James as less of a protector and more as a confidant.
Mount Justice, November 24th 2010 12:00 p.m.
"You screwed around with Wonder Girl didn't you?" Laura casually asked James as he took a drink of milk, the question causing the young man to spit out his drink onto the kitchen countertop. He coughed almost violently as his half sister smirked with triumph at him before taking a bite of the apple in her hand as James pointed an accusing finger at her.
"What the hell?! How can you ask something like that when I'm eating!?" He asked in a harsh whisper as pounded his chest to cease his coughing fit.
"I don't hear you denying it." His sibling stated, James' silence spoke volumes and made the clone of Logan fold her arms over her chest. "Look I'm just going to tell you his once. Don't screw this up, I like Donna. She kicked Kimura's ass, that's more than enough to put her on my good side." the clone said, making James blush beat red. As he resumed eating she spoke again, "Was she satisfied at least?" James understandably nearly choked on his food once again.
James glared at her, "Jump off a cliff." he growled out.
"Mmmhmm." Laura teased in a unconvincing tone. James let out a low growl.
"You want to go pipsqueak?" James asked, making Laura laugh as she held up her arms. James calmed down when he heard he laugh. "Look I just…I love her Laura." he stated, causing the clones eyes to widen. That was a big word to use but by the tone of his voice he was dead serious. James looked down at the table, "We got together after the messed up mission…..she told me how she felt while we were in there and I found myself thinking about it before that mission…." he trailed off before Laura raised her hand.
"James, I'm happy for you. Both of you." she said, making the young man smile. "But you break her heart? God help you." she warned, James solemnly nodded in agreement. As she took another bite she looked over to the kitchen where bags of foods had been laid out in preparation for Thanksgiving, Laura frowned as she realized it would be James' first Holiday without any of his family, her included since there was a mandatory Justice League meeting tomorrow all day to discuss current and new membership. Her gaze went over to James as he finished up his drink, since the announcement of the meeting she had been mulling over a question.
Should she recommend James to join? On the one hand he hadn't been with them in such a capacity like Batman and Robin but she was mostly to blame for that. She wanted to shelter James from this life while at the same time try and let him live it, but within the span of a few months he had learned so much. He learned how to work on a team, he learned how to fight on a level that rivaled her, he learned to control his berserker state, he never could have accomplished that on his own.
But the biggest thing she had to ask herself was if James even wanted to join the League.
But she couldn't just ask him, the nature of the meeting tomorrow was supposed to be held secret with no one talking outside the League about it. She had joined because Logan wanted her to, and it was something she needed in order to break away from her past. Well maybe I could recommend him, tell him about it and see if he wants it. He can decline if he doesn't and accept if he does. she reasoned before going back to eating her apple and James put his dishes in the sink.
"So tomorrow is Thanksgiving, M'gann is going to do this huge meal for me, Conner, Zatanna, and anyone else who shows up. I'll save you some leftovers." he said as he cleaned off the dishes, making Laura smile as she finished eating the apple, core included. She ruffled his hair as she walked behind him, walking towards the mission room she passed Donna at the doorway as walked past.
Walking up behind James as he washed out his cup, she wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his back. "Hey there." she greeted as James continued to clean.
"Hey beautiful." he greeted as he quickly turned around and embraced her, "So how's your was day?" he asked before planting a quick peck on her cheek and pulling back.
The Amazonian let out a sigh, "Well I caved and told Diana." she admitted, causing her better half's eyes to widen until she gave him a reassuring look, "Don't worry! She's fine with it, she's actually happy for the both of us….she was a little worried about Laura though." she added as she folded her arms over her chest and met James' eyes. The he refused to meet her gaze, she knew what it meant, "Oh god she knows doesn't she?"
"More like she found out…..her exact words were, 'You screwed around with Wonder Girl didn't you?' and then I just kept choking on my drink." he revealed, causing Donna to hold her mouth to muffle a chuckle. "So we told both our mentors and we live to see another day." he said as he looked to the turkey that M'gann had prepared, "So tomorrow we gather around the table, stuff our faces with copious amounts of food. Then fall asleep watching sports…..a hallowed tradition indeed." he joked whilst as waked over into the lounge and leapt over onto the couch and laid down.
Donna leaned over the back of the couch looking down at him with a playful smirk before hopping over onto him, "Hey!" he yelped out as Donna laid herself out atop him, lifting her head back their eyes met and James released a chuckle, "You know someone could catch us." he pointed out to her.
"Well Artemis knows, Zatanna too, and I think Wally as well." The amazon began, "I think Robin does too now that I think about it. He does learn from the world's greatest detective." she pointed out, James giving her a quick nod of agreement with that reasoning. "Who cares? Though I will miss sneaking around…..then again I can kiss you in front of everyone now" she said before leaning down and pressing her lips against his passionately. He felt Donna's hands press down onto his chest, her fingers curling against the fabric and he planted small kisses on her neck, making her release a soft moan.
She quickly grabbed his wrists and pinned his hands on the arm of the couch behind his head. Donna leaned back leaving James looking up at her with a wolfish grin, "Oh that's how it is then?" he asked before trying to lift his arms and sit up so he would have Donna in his lap but to no effect. He tried to sit up again but found that with her strength his girlfriend had him pinned down, when he heard his girlfriend chuckle he looked up at her bemused expression, "…not a word Troy." he stated.
"Make me." she challenged amusingly. James stared up at her defiantly, only causing the amazon to laugh until she released his hands. James glared at her as she sat upright in his lap, deciding to get a little payback the feral push her onto her back onto the couch's opposite arm and began making a hickey on the side of her neck. "Mmmmhhh, J-James! Not hereeee…" she trailed off into a moan as he gently sunk his teeth into her skin with enough force to leave a mark with no pain.
However when he suddenly pulled away, leaving a wet mark on the side of her neck she opened her eyes and looked up to see him smiling cockily at her before sitting back down on the couch on the opposite end. He glanced over as she sat upright, her glare making the young man triumphantly smile at her frustration, "Doesn't feel too good does it?" he asked before the couch pillow hit the side of his face, "Worth it." he stated simply as Donna kicked her feet up on the table and turned in the TV, looking for something they could both watch.
Watchtower, November 25th 2010, 06:00 a.m.
Laura leaned back in her seat and kicked her feet up onto the long U shaped table in the main hall of the Watchtower. Every member of the Justice League was present for today, she sat between Black Canary and Hawkgirl on the right side of the table. The clone's gaze went over to Doctor Fate as he stood with his arms crossed over his chest, she had heard how Zatara had been forced into putting on the helm of fate. She fought back the urge to sneer, Why the hell is he even here? she thought to herself.
The young woman heard four people enter the room, looking over to the door she saw Batman, Superman, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman enter as the windows on either wall had their covers drawn down. Guess you can never be too careful. Laura thought as the metal shutters covered the glass plated windows.
"Our agenda is clear." Aquaman began before looking over his fellow League members, "What's at stake, should not be underestimated." he said.
"The decisions we make today will reverberate for years to come." Superman added to Aquaman's claim.
"And whether or not the world continues to put it's trust in the Justice League." Wonder Woman finished, enforcing the importance of this meeting to everyone present. Batman asked for everyone to be seated, as everyone took their spots however Laura folded her arms over her chest and waited for the opening deliberation. This meeting was an annual event that took place during the end of the year on different days so no one would piece together what all the heroes of the League gathered somewhere.
"Before we begin however, Martian Manhunter wanted o voice some concerns." Superman said before nodding to J'onn.
The Martian stood up with all eyes on him, "I am concerned that another expansion of the League could generate another escalation of hostilities from our enemies." he spoke, getting to the point of his issue. "No one needs, or wants, another Injustice League." he finished frankly before taking his seats.
Superman nodded, "Point well taken J'onn. But the option remains open to vote 'no' on all candidates." the Kryptonian explained, Laura silently feeling relived if she was in fact wrong with her nomination. 'With that, I'd like to nominate Icon for League Membership." Kryptonian announced proudly as a hologram of an strong looking African American hero with a domino mask on appeared in a hologram in between the tables. His costume was basic with a black cape, red suit torso and black pants. With a ring in the center of his chest with four straps going over and under his arms
Laura looked down at the small screen in front of her seat, on the screen was a general analysis that was conducted on him pertaining to his powers, background, and what they could find out about his origin. Super Strength, flight, limited invincibility…energy blasts? Hmmmm…..we could use another heavy hitter like Supes. the clone thought to herself. However there wasn't much on his origin or his background.
"Why? Because you think he might be Kryptonian like you did with Captain Marvel?" Green Arrow asked in a somewhat bemused manner, making the aforementioned hero perk up and find that fact cool. Laura even cracked a smile.
Wonder Woman put a hand on Superman's shoulder, "Icon interests me was well. As does his pupil, Rocket." the amazon said as the hologram changed to a teenage girl. "Athena knows we could use more women in the league." she said coyly as she looked over the mostly male seated table. Laura gave a thumbs up as Hawkgirl and Black Canary voiced their opinions as well.
None of the men at the table, not even Billy, said a single word….little did they know this would be one of the the best decisions for the entire meeting.
"Her belt gives her abilities, concussive absorption through energy fields as well as flight, this would make her idea for defensive roles as well as offensive. She would be great for evacuations as well as containment situations" John Stewart, one of the Green Lanterns pointed out. The others nodding in agreement of the assessment, while taking down enemies was a primary focus of most of their missions so was avoiding collateral damage.
"If we're discussing use of powers outside of combat I have a nomination as well." Batman started as he typed on his screen, projecting a tiny man in a red and blue suit.
Captain Marvel smirked amusingly, "The Atom? What use can he do at that size?" he asked.
"It's the size that makes him useful." Batman refuted, Laura agreed. This guy had the potential, more than Icon or Rocket had. He'd be perfect for infiltration, and disassembly. she thought to herself. If this guy wanted to he could sneak onto something like the Amazo Android and shut him down from the inside without it knowing.
"Agreed, but we could always have more firepower. And Earth does has two other Green Lanterns. Guy-" The Flash began.
"No." Hal and John said at the same time. The speedster was about to suggest again but was shot down even quicker. Even for the speedster, "Well then what about the other one, Kyle Reyner?" he suggested instead before projecting a image of the other Green Lantern.
This one was significantly younger than the other Lanterns, around his early to mid-twenties with light skin and black hair. He had a mask over his eyes similar to how Hal wore one but the costume was different from the others, he had green sleeves on over his palms and forearms and matching boots with a black bod suit with a large white square on the chest and the Lantern symbol on the left side of his chest.
Hal cupped his chin in contemplation, "Me and John both talked to him, he's different. He doesn't have a military background like we do, but he's one of the most creative with his power ring. I could see him fitting in, John?" he asked his fellow Lantern, who seemed more conflicted.
"Your right about the creativity, but I'm more concerned with experience. He's the newest out of Earth's Lanterns. But with you and me on the team with him? I think he'd make up for it fast." the marine concluded, they had both picked up on how to use their power rings fairly quickly after acquiring them. And with both of them helping him, he'd fit in quickly.
Laura gave the projection of the Lantern a curious look, Artist huh? I guess that would be pretty handy as a Green Lantern. she thought to herself as she read over his profession.
"Another Lantern would be favorable addition. And Gardner could patrol the entire sector while the others help with the League on Earth." Martian Manhunter stated as he rubbed his chin in contemplation.
Laura saw this as her chance, "Since we're talking new members with similar powers for more missions, I want to nominate Wolverine." Laura stated as she tapped her screen, projecting an image of James in his costume. "I know he hasn't been with the team very long but he's shown that he can be a team player…..more than we can say about Logan." she added, making a few of the members nod their head in agreement.
Batman thought back to when Wolverine chastised him for letting the Joker continue to live. His exact words were….colorful to say the least, and the dark knight never approved of Logan's outright willingness to take life, however he also recognized that Logan was this way because of his own demons and how he became Wolverine. He was hesitant to allow Laura into the League for her similar beginning but she showed that she could control her more deadly impulses. And James was entirely different, he grew up with a loving family, was surrounded by friends, and it was clear that even when he did take life he was very hesitant to do so.
Black Canary nodded, "I agree, James has shown that he can hold his own in a fight and that he works well with others. He and Superboy are especially close." she pointed out, Laura noticed Superman fold his arms over his chest as a uncomfortable look appeared on his face. "And the goal of the Team is to prepare them for joining the League." she pointed out.
Doctor Fate however spoke up, "True, but the problem with him is the same as Reyner. He has only been active for less than a year. Training is meant to prepare, but experience trumps training every time." the mixed voices said. The clone slowly nodded, compared to the others on the Team James didn't have as much experience than others outside of small vigilante work in Canada. And a good portion of that was training by her.
They weren't anywhere close to finished…Laura suddenly wished she took James up on his offer.
Mount Justice, November 25th 2010, 10:15 a.m.
James stared at the food that M'gann had prepared with Zatanna. To say it was a feast would be understating it, Wally was in a similar state with a bit of drool in the corner of his mouth. "This is the best holiday ever." the speedster said, James nodding in agreement at the sight of all the food. As part of his survival training he had been forced to learn some harsh truths about food, like you can't eat uncooked meat, and that some berries were poisonous to humans and not birds, and that you shouldn't try and eat snow in place of drinking actual water.
Something like this made him think of those hard times and make him hunger even more. "West if you eat it all with your superspeed you'll be back in a cast for twice as long." he threatened as he and Wally walked over to a bowl, as James reached in however, a wooden spoon smacked both his and Wally's hands, making them let out yelps.
"You two! Out!" They looked over to see a very aggravated Donna Troy. The amazon princess had attempted to join Zatanna and M'gann in preparing food…only to stop when she nearly made the apple pie burn. Donna Troy had met her match…..cooking a meal, and she was getting only more and more frustrated with repeated failure. Her brow was cresed, her eyes were sharpened to daggers, and the scorch mars on the blue apron she wore made her look like a housewife from hell.
James took this latest snap as his que to back off, "Ok I'll…go find something to do." he said, the aggravated look Donna held on her features didn't cease, "…..do you want me to get you something?" he offered.
"Something to kill. Violently." She growled out as Zatanna put her hands on the amazon's shoulders and gently led her back into the kitchen. Mentioning kneading some dough.
James took his leave and made his way out of the Lounge, Wally seemed to consider risking a small snack before realizing he had food at his place, "I better run, dad will kill me if I'm later for Thanksgiving dinner!" he proclaimed before quickly swiping a few treats from a bowl and running off, M'gann calling him out as he ran.
Donna was about to yell out a threat before she heard a quiet sniffle, looking over at the source she saw Zatanna wipe something from her eye. The Amazonian felt her heart clench, it was her first Thanksgiving without her father here…..that had to be hard. She walked over and placed a hand on the magician's shoulder, Zatanna tensed at the touch, "I'm sorry. Must be the garlic." she weakly excused before she turned her head and saw the small smile Donna had. "It's just…..I used to make this stuff with…..it's my first thanksgiving without my dad."
Donna pulled her in and wrapped her up in a hug which Zatanna gratefully returned.
As this tender moment transpired between the two, James was walking towards the elevator to the hanger, he hadn't messed around with his bike in a while so what better way to kill some time than some maintenance? As he approached the elevator however, he suddenly heard a high pitched whine, "Ow! What the hell?" he asked himself as the noise continued for a few seconds before dying down. "Was that a god whistle or something?" he asked, thinking back to one time when a dog's owner used the instrument near James.
Sticking his pinky in his ear he tried to rid himself of the lingering sensation for a moment until Superboy and Wolf passed him. "Hey, you didn't happen to hear a loud whine did you?" he asked as he pulled his finger from his ear and bushed off what wax he collected.
Wolf let out a small whine at the mention, "Yeah I think it was the communicators acting up." Superboy said, as James finally regained his full ability to hear he rubbed the back of his neck. "What are you doing?"
"Staying away from Donna until she can find someone else to take her frustrations out on. What about you?" James asked, thinking it was best to give Donna some space instead of trying to find a way to console her. He had learned that with her, if she was upset at something and wanted to talk it out she would come to him and talk, but if she wasn't in the mood to talk…..well he knew too well that when provoked, Donna was fierce.
Last time he tried to urge her to talk when she nearly bit his head off, it was about something stupid, he couldn't even remember what, but she would apologize if she was in the wrong. Until then however…..well he liked his genitals where they were thank you very much.
"Taking Wolf out for a walk." he answered simply, it wasn't technically a lie so he assumed James wouldn't pick up on.
The feral hero simply shrugged, "You wanted a dog."
"We already had you though." Superboy replied with a smirk, making James elbow him playfully. As Conner entered the elevator, Conner entered the elevator along with him but as the door closed they both noticed something. Something was burning, "You might want to stay down in the cave for the rest of the day." Superboy stated, knowing that out of the three girls that only one would be responsible for that.
Wonder if Laura is doing any better? He thought to himself.
Watchtower, November 25th 2010, 11:00 a.m.
"If we're really considering Blue Devil, then I nominate Red Arrow." Green Arrow said, sitting up from his seat and changing the projected image from the one hero to his former sidekick. "Roy has more experience and he's no kid anymore, he's eighteen. A legal adult. He's ready." the archer insisted.
"Is he?" Aquaman questioned, "Red Arrow has been uncooperative and disrespectful, if we reward that sort of behavior, what kind of message does that send to the rest of the Team?" he asked.
"He's right." Laura began, "When he didn't get his way, he quit and walked out on you and Aqualad and the others, his friends. And when they offered him a spot on the Team he refused, he may be eighteen but he's acted like a child." she said truthfully, she found sense Green Arrow tense up at her words. Captain Marvel put a hand on his shoulder beside him and eased him back down into his seat.
"In all fairness we were wrong to treat the Team like kids." Green Arrow rebuked, "We all saw the security footage, they thought of walking out with him. That fault is on us, not him." he defended. Black Canary frowned at Ollie from across the table, she knew well that Green Arrow felt guilt over Roy's sudden departure.
"Why not let other members of the Team on the League along with him? Like Wolverine or Aqualad?" Hawkman suggested to the others, "Me and Sharia both joined at the same time and helped us adjust….and keep cooler heads." he admitted, his wife giving him a small smile as she reached over and put her hand over his briefly.
"Wolverine hates Red Arrow." Laura stated bluntly, causing the table to shift their attention to herself. She shrugged, "Hey everyone hated Logan a little." she pointed out.
"No. Red Arrow might be eighteen but the rest of the Team, including James, are too young. We're not inducting children into the League." Superman stated, causing the debate to stall as Kryptonian voiced his opinion on the matter, the man of steel usually had a certain effect on debates like this. He was considered the greatest hero ever, so it was hard to argue against him for some.
"That seems pointless, I have been one with Kid Flash, he is ready." Doctor Fate said as a image of the speedster appeared between the desks.
Wonder Woman tapped her screen with a smirk, "And what about Zatanna?"
"Absolutely not!" The mage snapped, proving the Amazon's theory.
"That sounded almost protective Doctor. At least we know Zatara is still in there." she said with a satisfied look on her face.
At this, Captain Marvel stood from his seat, "Why is Doctor Fate a member? You coarsened Zatara into giving up his life for you, or else loose his daughter instead. Not cool." he pointed out to the rest of the room. Laura glared at Doctor Fate at Marvel's accusation.
"Should such behavior be condoned?" Red Tornado asked, the projection changing to Fate's likeness.
"Zatara desires Doctor Fate remains with the League." the helm in question responded.
"Says the helmet currently controlling his every word and action." Laura pointed out, another issue was the validity of everything fate said on Zatara's behalf. Without any way of knowing what the helm's user truly wanted how could anyone take him at his word alone.
"It is true that Zatara's trust in Fate is….measured. But that is why he wishes to stay on the League, and make sure he is watched closely." The helmet explained, Laura folded her arms over her chest skeptically at this. While it did sound like something that Zatara would indeed say, she still wasn't convinced that Fate was being truthful…
Mount Justice, November 25th 2010, 17:30 p.m.
James peeked into the lounge to see that for one, there was no longer a burning smell, and two, the food was all done. Since there wasn't room for a table in this part of the cave, they instead had all the food placed out on the counter for everyone to eat. Walking over to one od the stools he sat beside Donna and Kaldur. M'gann was on the other side with Zatanna sitting beside her and Robin beside him with Artemis at the end of the table. "Guess Conner is still out with wolf." he observed as Donna folded her napkin across her lap.
"Well he can eat when he gets back, but until then why don't we go around the table and say what we're thankful for?" M'gann supplied to the others at the table. "I'll go first, I'm thankful that I'm here on Earth surrounded by friends….Kaldur?" she asked.
The Atlantean smiled and nodded, "Very well….I'm grateful for many things. But above all else, I'm most grateful for my King letting me become his partner, and giving me the chance to meet each of you." he announced, aiming the others smile. As Robin went into what he was thankful for however, James thought to himself…..what did he have to be thankful for?
Every year at dinner he would say his family but…he didn't have them this year. Laura of course but that was different….the Hudsons raised him, he and Sammy used to play Hockey in the street when they were little kids….Heather would sit down with him and watch whatever he did just to spend time with her son. And Jerry….he taught James how to ride a bike…he tucked him into bed every night until he was six years old. He missed them every day…..he was sad about it of course, angry too…..but he didn't let those emotions effect him…..but all of the sudden it just felt harder.
"What about you James?" the young man looked up at Robin, "You thankful for anything?" he asked with a smirk.
The berserker was quiet, Donna looked over at looked at him expectantly until he spoke, "I'm thankful for…you guys….you all know the past few months have been….hard for me…..but all you were there for me when I needed you." he began, making the room fall silent before he continued. "And I want you guys to know that…..all you, here or not here? Your more than my friends….you guys are my family…..and I'd do anything for each of you." he confessed truthfully, looking down at the food on the counter he didn't meet anyone's faces until her felt Donna's lips touch his cheek.
Looking up from the counter he saw his teammates look at him with looks of acceptance and gratitude from his praise. "….this doesn't leave this counter." he quickly added, "And so help me god if anyone tells Harper about this I'll gut them." he threatened, making everyone at the table chuckle, "Seriously I'll do it!" he threatened, only to have his friends not take his threat seriously whatsoever.
As Artemis spoke about what she was thankful for, Donna reached under the table and clasped her hand over James. His eyes darted over and saw the heartfelt smile she had, he returned it as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. But the one thing I'm most thankful for is you Donna Troy. He thought to himself, determined to make sue that she would hear it later.
Mount Justice, November 25th 2010, 19:12 p.m.
It was six plates until James found himself filled to the brim with food to the point where he could no longer eat anymore. Robin had headed back to Gotham after the meal, wishing them a happy holiday before Aqualad announced he was heading to Atlantis to spend the remainder of the evening with his mother and father, M'gann was going to wait up for Conner to return so he could eat as well, and Zatanna fell asleep on the couch from having a little too much turkey. Artemis and Donna helped her into bed before the former left the cave.
Donna walked through the cave until she reached the door to James' room and opened it, finding her boyfriend laying on his back on his mattress, letting out a satisfied sigh as the Amazonian entered the room and shut the door behind her. "Can you die from overeating? I mean my healing factor burns through protein I take in but I don't think that means if I get hurt in the next hour or so I'll feel less full. Which I honestly am considering right about now." he said jokingly as his lover walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of the bed and leaning back above James' head before leaning down and kissing him on the forehead.
"What you said was incredibly sweet." she said simply, James smiled up at her as her fingers began to comb through his hair. He let out another sigh, this one more blissful than discomforting than the one before, Donna looked around the empty walls of her lover's room. James had moved the Yashida sword to the trophy room along with the other souvenirs from their previous missions so there was nothing to tell this room apart from an uninhabited one, "You need to decorate your room."
James shrugged, "I don't really have anything to decorate with." he answered coyly, Donna's eyes rolled in response, "Besides, you're here right now. What else could make this room look better?" he asked, his lips trembled as he tried to hold back a laugh of how cheesy that sounded but failed as soon as Donna laid her face into his pillow to muffle her laughter.
When their amusement finally died down, James slid back onto the pillow beside Donna, she turned her face off the pillow to face him, "You know what I'm most thankful for though?" he asked sincerity in his voice. Donna waited for him with a small smile, "I'm thankful for you…the greatest thing in my life."
Donna's heartfelt expression made his heart clench, "James…." she trailed off before leaning in and pressing her lips to his, the two stayed in that loving kiss until James heard his communicator beep. Pulling away he let out a agitated grunt before pointing his finger to his ear, indicating his call, she simply nodded and rolled back onto the bed as James sat up and took the call.
"Yes?" he answered.
'Hey it's me.' Laura answered from the other end, 'Just wanted to call and tell you that I just left the meeting…..are you free to talk right now?' she asked.
James frowned, "No."
'Your with Donna right now aren't you?' the clone asked, making him frown even more. Donna snickered at his expression as Laura spoke, 'Look untangle yourself from one another and listen…..we had a meeting today and you were brought up.' she started, making his frown instantly vanish. Why would he be brought up at a meeting of the Justice League? His first thought went to him being removed from the Team but he hadn't done anything to warrant such action to his knowledge. 'Look, I know you love being on the Team….but I made a recommendation for you to join the League.'
"You what!?" he nearly shouted in surprise, making Donna jumpy slightly. "Why would you-wait what did they say?" he asked, not sure which was more important, the fact which she did this in the first place, or what their answer was on the matter. On one hand he assumed that he would be considered for membership but not this soon, he thought in maybe a few years at least.
'Well….it's up to you now. They gave it the ok but ultimately it's your decision, I wasn't going to force you to join but I had to ask…..so just get back to me, and think about it ok?" she asked, James could only nod until he realized she couldn't see him before giving a verbal response.
"Yeah I'll….get back to you….thanks Laura." he answered before disconnecting and falling back onto the bed beside Donna. He ran his hands up his face, what's he supposed to do now? He just told the others that they were his family, but this was something that the Team was literally made to do, how could he say no?
"What's wrong?" Donna asked knowingly, the stressful expression on his face told her whatever news that James had received was troubling to him. His eyes darted over to hers before letting out a sigh, "Is it that bad?" she asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
He shook his head as he turned over onto his side and faced her, "Laura just told me that the League offered me membership." he explained, the Amazonian's eyes widened in surprise at the news.
"James that's great!"she proclaimed happily, James was unfazed by her excitement and instantly Donna deflated. "Ok then I ask again, what's wrong?"
He reached his hand out to her arm and slid it down to her hand, "It's just…I'm happy here. With you guys, but the whole point of the Team is to prepare us to join the League one day….I just didn't think it'd be this soon." he explained, his fingers entwining with her's as he finished.
The Amazonian was quiet for a few seconds before speaking, "It's your choice James, if you don't want to join, then stay here with us…..but either way? I got your back, even if my bed is less warm at night." she teased lightly.
James's lips pulled into a smirk, "I was thinking about that actually-"
"Five seconds after you hear it, glad your priorities are straight." She joked.
"-AND, I would probably still live here, I don't think there are living quarters on the Watchtower anyway. And if they did, I'd try and replace Red Tornado as den mother….have some late night inspections." he said as his hand slipped out of her's and slid around her waist, pulling her closer as she let out a small purr of intrigue. "Maybe a little invasive…"
Donna cupped his chin, "Hmmm….maybe you can give me a demonstration sometime?" she proposed before pressing into him until his back was on the mattress ad she was on tip of him. "But as interesting these policies sound, I'm still full from dinner."
James gave her a smile, "Sorry you were frustrated earlier…..if it's any consolation I was hoorible at cooking to."
"How'd you get better?" she asked as she laid her head down beside his.
James gave her a blank look, "When your dinner is a beaver liver, berries you're not sure are poisonous, and water from a stream you either learn how to cook or puke a lot." he responded, feeling her stifle a laugh against him. As the two rested, James put his worries aside and instead focused on the here and now, with the girl he loved in his arms and a home he loved as well.
AN: And there we go, not a lot of action this time around but what is there to expect? I didn't have James go with Conner because this was his own personal mission, in the same vain that KF's mission was his own in Coldhearted. It wouldn't feel right if James was there…..well it would but It'd also mess up the story since James would probably throw the shields away and they're a key feature in later episodes.
And as for James joining the league…it may seem Gary Sue-ish but trust me it'll fit more. And that reminds me, Kyle Reyner makes his first appearance. I get that the Guy Gardner joke in the show is great but I did wonder why they never mentioned Kyle, maybe he was dedicated to the GL core and didn't participate in the Justice League or what but I thought it'd be nice to include him. He'll have a part in the story, you'll see.
Anyway this is the last chapter before my next semester starts so the next one might take a while to get out. But until then I hope you enjoyed this one.