John sighed as he placed his head in his hands. Things were getting more complicated. Mari wanted an exclusive commitment. She asked him to marry her. He though that was the man's job, but she felt like if she left it up to him that he'd never ask. And what had he said? "Let me think about it."
John felt sure that was the most unromantic answer ever. He loved Mari. He told Shayera that he wanted to be with her despite the future he'd seen.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his door, "It's unlocked."
Shayera stood in the doorway, wearing a beautiful pink dress. Her red hair perfectly framed her face, "John, I have to go to a charity even. My date is sick, and I don't really want to go alone. If you're not busy, I thought we could go as friends."
John stood, concentrating on the idea of himself in a suit, his ring making the idea a reality, "I need to get away, so sure. Nothing like paparazzi and media asking questions you don't want to answer."
Shayera laughed, her eyes lighting up, and John realized he missed that. He took her hand as they walked toward the transporter. She tilted her head at John, "So, why were you all alone in your room?"
"I was thinking about things with me and Mari," John sighed; the last time he'd been with Shayera was when they were together in the gym and got the call that Diana was about to give birth, "You know last time we spent time together was at a hospital."
"Well, I didn't hurt you, so it wasn't a bad thing," Shayera waved to the technician, "Two to the charity even in Washington, D.C."
John shifted uncomfortably as they reappearing in from of the event. He always feared that transporter would scramble his brains. He smiled at Shayera before looking ahead. It was the typical red carpet, invitation only event. He usually avoided them at all cost. He took her hand, swallowing down a last bit of nervousness as they walked in. The lights were dimmed, and couples were dancing. The walls had pictures of children everywhere. He knew that Shayera enjoyed her volunteer work at the children's hospital. She smiled stopping at one picture. He looked around, noticing all the people whispering and staring, "Do you ever get tired of the whispers?"
"Sometimes, but you know it doesn't really matter when I see smiling faces because of the good I've done since then," She turned, facing him with her intense green eyes, "We all make mistakes. My people tricked me about their purpose here. Had I known sooner, I never would have helped them. So, people stare. They have a reason to, and with time they will either forgive me, or it will destroy them. If I let it bother me, John. It will destroy me. I got away. I figured things out. What would you have done in my situation? You were military, and you understand that loyalty."
"My family has always come first. I was home every holiday, and when I wasn't. I sent them a video message," John shook his head, "There is no choice."
"It's the same for me, John. I always put family first. When I detective on Thanagar, I always put my family first. I put my love there first," Shayera closed her eyes, smirking a bit, "Then, I met you. You frustrated me. Oh, I hated you. I couldn't stand you, and somewhere along the way I fell for you. That was never a lie, and then I had to decide who my family was. I had to choose between my people who raised me from birth or my family that took me in on Earth."
John smiled, lifting her chin so she was forced to look him in the eyes, "I think you made the right choice. Now, how about we dance and leave early. We can go to that bar you like."
"I'd rather stay on earth today," Shayera smiled as she lead John to the dance floor, "Perhaps you can show me something else you like other than snow, and just so you know. I've never danced before."
John chuckled, "Me either…the dancing I mean. Let's just go. We made our donation. Come on, I'll show you my hometown."
John formed a bubble around both of them as they were lifted in the air and out of Washington. He landed on top of a commercial building, putting a hand to his com-link, "Two to Detroit."
John smiled as they appeared downtown Detroit. He looked around at all the apartment building as the lead her to an empty lot. Graffiti covered the brick walls and there were a few basket ball hoops. He looked to see some boys with a bat and a ball, "Hey, guys."
One of the boys ran up to him, "See I told you Jeff. I told you I new a real Green Lantern. John, what are you doing here."
"I'm showing my friend here why I love my neighborhood. Chase, this is Shayera," He smiled, as she shook the boys hand, "Care if we play."
"Oh man, you're Hawkgirl. You're so cool. You swing your mace and you're tough. Do you guys really know Superman and Batman," Chase eyes lit up as he tossed John the ball, "Hawkgirl's on my team."
John smirked, turning to Jeff and the other boy, "Care if I pitch."
They nodded in excitement, taking there places on crude bases make out of stacks of old newspapers. They readied themselves, looking like mini-professionals. John smirked as Chase handed the bat to Shayera. He motioned to Chase, and he knew the dreaded curve ball was coming. He threw the ball at an amazing speed.
Chase smirked, "Strike one, Strike two."
He readied himself for a strike three, and then….smack. He watched the ball go flying over John's head and land with a crash, "No, that's Mrs. McCredie's window. She said she'd call the cops if we broke it again. Run."
John grabbed Shayera's hand as she stumbled after him her high heels falling off in the process as he ducked into a soda shop. He nodded to the older man in charge, "Hey, Mister Emerson. A banana spilt to well…spilt, and keep the change."
Shayera smiled, shaking her head as Chase ran in, "You lost your shoes."
John smiled, "Thanks Chase. Man, nothing like good old baseball in the neighborhood, and running before the cops catch you. Don't worry Chase. I'll give Mrs. McCredie some money for her window. You better get home. It's late."
"It's a shame they don't have a real place to play. They should have a park or something," Shayera smiled, taking John's hand, "You're amazing with children. I like seeing you drop your guard every now and again, Mister Marine."
"I like running from a crime scene with you. Now, you really should eat. That food at that function tasted like….well. I don't know how to describe it," John laughed, "I guess like the stuff at that Alien bar."
"I have to toughen up your stomach, John," Shayera sighed, "I missed this…you know us."
John leaned forward kissing her softly on the lips, "I missed us too. I should…uh…get you home."
John sighed as Shayera shook her head, "I'm not tired yet."
He shook his head, "Come on, it's really late. You can stay at my place I'll sleep on the couch."
The next morning John sighed as he kissed Shayera softly. They had fallen asleep together after talking all night. He forgot what that was like, to just be able to talk to someone about anything. He picked up his phone, "Mari, I know it's early. Yeah, I have an answer to your question. I'm sorry."