The Fall:

It had been two whole years since her marriage to John, and Mari was absolutely infatuated with him. Between her high life being a supermodel and a superhero, it was relieving coming home to something steady – stable. The dynamic they had was perfect, he seemed to complete her in every way, all while loving her faults, and she loved him the same – probably even more. Though it was becoming increasingly hard for them to be with each other due to her joining the Justice League, they found ways. Sometimes that meant in utility closets, behind crates, or even the back of an empty jet, they found ways to be intimate, to show how much they loved each other. Today was like any other day.

She woke up in the arms of her love and prepared for the day. But this time, something was off, not with her, but with him. He was not smiling, not cheerful, and did not kiss or look at her before beaming to the tower. She did not know how to handle his sudden distance. She started to think she had done something wrong. She went over past days, replaying fragments of their time together. While they sometimes argued, it was never over anything serious, and they were so in love that the anger did not last. She could not figure out what was wrong. What did she do? This question hung over her head all day like a cloud.

She had not been with the League for long and only joined three months ago with the help of John. Previously, she had applied, but they declined her stating she was "not ready" and to try later. Still, John disagreed, and she was finally let in after they were married. She sometimes felt guilty about how she became a member. She made up for the apparent nepotism by trying her best on every mission, making sure to keep herself and her emotions in check. After a while, others came around and started to see her as a deserving hero, not just Green Lanterns' wife. She got along with just about everyone, well, everyone except Hawkgirl, and oddly, Batman.

She understood why Hawkgirl did not like her. For one, she and John had history, and Shayera sincerely wanted him back. It was almost embarrassing how she pinned after the man even when John had made it perfectly clear they were done with each other – she never quit, not even after John and Mari married. Though Mari did worry, she was a confident woman, and she trusted in John to keep his vows – she knew he would keep his vows to her. Now in the case of Batman, she just assumed it was how he was, distant and broody, but for some reason, he was those things magnified by twelve with her. She could not pinpoint what she did to the man, but he apparently disapproved of her being there on the team.

As she graceful made her way through the halls of the Watchtower, she was taken back by the beauty of it. It was like watching the sunset on the beach or getting a good night's rest. Each time she beamed up, she felt a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Something she didn't really feel outside of her philanthropist work. Each structure in the spacecraft reminded her of hope. That she could be the hope humanity needed. Now, if only they would take me on more missions. Her communicator finally went off:

[Martian Manhunter: Vixen, you're needed on the bridge]

[Right!]

She responded too eagerly; she could not help it. This would be her sixth mission since she joined.

[Martian Manhunter: Also, can you inform Hawkgirl and Green Lantern they are needed too. I see that their last location was here on the 3rd floor of the tower, but they will not answer their communicators]

[…will do Martian…]

The feed cut before she could ask more questions. She walked to her husband's last known location, wondering what had happened. Why was he acting so strange, and did his behavior have something to do with a now missing Shayera? No! She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the festering idea. They are not together because they were. She stopped at room 305 – it was Shayera's. The previous thoughts began to bubble below her calm surface, exposing the hidden doubts about John's willpower. What if he's cheating? What if she's not the only one? What if? She pinched the bridge of her nose and sucked in the air. She calmed herself before knocking on the door. Maybe it was a mistake. Perhaps he's not truly in there. She fixed her posture and waited for the door to open; she was not prepared for what she saw.

John, her husband, was there, and it seemed to be an intimate conversation since the air stilled when she entered the room. They looked at her with bewildered faces and fought to match her gaze. John opened his mouth to say something, but the words never flowed. Shayera looked angry like Mari was bothering her – like her presence was unbearable. Mari's heart sunk into her stomach when she realized the very thing, she had to be worried about may have actually taken place. She could be possibly witnessing the aftermath of an affair.

"John?" she called to him, but he was unable to answer.

She tried again, "John?" Mari pursed her lips, trying to understand why her husband was suddenly not responding.

"Mari, not now," he paused. "I'll explain everything later, but right now, I need you to give us some privacy," he motioned between him and Shayera.

"What?" Her eyes almost popped out of her head. "For what?" she sneered.

"Can you just give us a minute?" John's eyes found the floor.

Mari looked at both of them in disbelief.

"You know what, I do know what's going on here, but it ends, NOW! I can't believe you would be so shameless to go after a married man!" Mari pointed her vitriol towards the winged woman.

"Didn't he tell you to go?" Shayera snapped at her.

"Hold on, who do you think?"

"Mari, Go Now!" John pointed to the door.

"Now wait a minute, what the?" Her eyes widened.

"Mari, please!" John yelled again.

Mari looked between the guilty pair one more time before turning her back. She noticed Shayera had a smirk on her face. She could not believe this was happening right now. Before she went through the door, she gave them one more look over.

"We are all wanted on the bridge for a mission, be there in ten," she said sadly.

She should be happy; hell, she should be absolutely ecstatic. She was finally going on a mission and with the original seven, nonetheless. She had finally "made" it; they trusted her enough to go on a major mission. She should be internally celebrating, smiling, and holding hands with John, but things don't always work out. Not in the way they do in dreams. Instead, she was sulking in the chair, wondering what adulterous crimes John had committed and when he would finally talk to her. She tried her best to contain her sadness and anger, but it was simply getting the best of her every time she turned and saw him looking at Shayera longingly. What the fuck? How could they be so bold? She was sitting right there and was privy to their "secret" glances. It was disgusting, they were disgusting, and she felt sick.

The jet dropped them off somewhere in Metropolis, she did not know since she was too busy watching John's interactions with Shayera. Every time one of them got hit, they saved each other. When she got hit – The Flash saved her. She did not know what the mission was about, and she did not care to find out, but she needed to know how long? How long had this been going on between them? When did it start, and why did he marry her only to cheat two years into the marriage? Her eyes watered as she thought about his betrayal. What was she to do when he told her if he told her? Should she stay, should she go? She did not know, but her heart seemed to break in a million pieces as her trust in him began to shatter.

"Vixen! What are you doing? Look out!" Batman called out to her.

She turned around and realized a giant rhino man was coming her way. In a panic, she touched her totem. She summoned the spirit of a T-rex, throwing the rhino man with all her might – just missing a building filled with innocent citizens. She heard cheering from the crowd as people celebrated the elimination of the threat. Even the heroes congratulated her, everyone but Batman. The ride back was torture. The mission's events replayed in her head – she did a terrible job, and she knew someone was going to chew her out for it, even though she did stop the rhino man.

John was also trying to get her attention to make sure she was okay, but she kept ignoring him – she knew they were making a scene. When they finally arrived back at the space station, she avoided everyone, including John. She went to find her favorite hiding space – in the storage room with the big window. She needed some time to think, process what she and John were, and what they would do. She sat by the window and gazed at Earth.

"What in the hell did you think you were doing?" footsteps accompanied the harsh voice.

She turned around and saw it was Batman. Of course. She stood up and prepared to get eaten alive. She did not attempt to talk back since she knew she fucked up. Cheating or not, personal business and feelings came last to the mission, to saving humanity.

"Batman…I," she stumbled over her words as she struggled to meet his gaze.

He folded his arms, his glare intensified, "you what?"

"I…I…I," she tried to stop them, but the tears began to roll down her face.

He hesitantly took a step forward and tried to comfort her.

"I was harsh…I just want you to be more alert next time," his voice softened.

She tried her best to hold back her tears and keep a straight face, but it would not work. The dam had been broken; her heart had been broken. She covered her eyes and let her body slump. She felt cold, cold, and alone. What was she to do? How could she cry like this in front of him? She shook her head and tried to beat away her sadness, but she struggled. Suddenly, she felt warmth. She removed her hands and saw that Batman was hugging her. She tensed up. He backed off once her body stiffened.

"That was inappropriate of me, but I didn't know…" Batman paused.

"It's fine, thank you, I am going to go. I need some time to think," she wiped her face before heading to the door.

"Vixen," he called out to her. "If you want to …practice control, I can help you," he said stoically.

She cringed in embarrassment, "…sure…sure, I guess."

He nodded as she walked away.

…

…

The condo was cold; what little warm resided there was hushed away by her cold demeanor. She felt numb. John followed her from the Watchtower and kept pleading to talk to her. She did not want to speak. She just wanted to think, to leave.

"Mari, love, just let me explain," he reached out to her.

She snatched away as she fanatically applied her makeup and put on a very sheer gown.

He frowned at her attire, "where do you think you're going?"

"A fundraiser. You were invited as my plus one, but I've decided to go alone. I need some air," she stumbled, putting on her heels as she headed for the door.

"We should talk when you finally calm down…" his voice softened, but his eyes still looked angry. How the hell can he be mad at her? He was the one who cheated!

She left him alone at home, placing her ring on the table just left of the kitchen.

The décor of the fundraiser was magical. It felt like she had been transported to Atlantis since everything was ocean theme. The fundraiser was being held to bring awareness to overfishing and pollution of the seas, one of them being very close to her homeland. The dress she chose went perfectly with the ambiance. It was long and flared out like a mermaid's tail; it was shimmery and backless. The rich blues brought of the warm undertones of her skin. She looked great; too bad she did not feel like it. What little confidence she had dwindled away when she noticed others began to stare. People must be wondering why she was alone since she and John frequented events together – they were inseparable. Yet here she was, alone and ringless. After a while, her emotions got the better of her as she felt eyes and chatter surrounding her, questioning the viability of her marriage. She walked out of the event and sat alone in the parking lot. She tried not to cry, but she wept.

"Are you okay?" a smooth baritone voice reached out to her.

She looked up and saw it was Bruce Wayne. What does he want? She gave him a pitiful smile.

He handed her his handkerchief, "no one as beautiful as you should be alone in a parking lot, crying." he smiled at her.

She felt warmth in her cheeks as she gazed at him. She had not given it much thought till now. He was actually quite handsome. No, what am I saying?

"Let's go back inside?" he motioned to the fundraiser's building.

She wiped her eyes and shook her head no.

He sat down next to her, "well, I guess I'll join you. Mind if I asked what happened?" he eyed her.

"I am sure you heard them all talking…I would rather not talk about it," she frowned.

He nodded, "Yes. I heard them."

The was a palpable silence between them.

She handed him back his handkerchief, "here…no need to take pity on me. I'll live."

He smiled, "I have no doubt you will" he took his handkerchief from her.

"It just sucks finding out someone could…would betray you like that…" she spoke cryptically.

She looked over to him and realized he was eyeing her ring finger. She folded her arms.

"I understand," he said softly as he looked at her.

She didn't know what it was, but it was not a good idea. She was better than him, better than that. She could not stoop down to his level. But he hurt her; he broke her heart. Something in her wanted him to know how she felt, how much pain she was in. How much she hated that he threw their love away and defiled her trust. She wanted him numb and upset, too, so she schemed. She looked up at Bruce in a seductive way. She pursed her lips and moved closer to him. He watched her curiously.

"Ms. McCabe, what are you?" he was hushed by her sudden kiss.

She caressed his jaw while her tongue plunged into his mouth – he was kissing her back. They pulled away after a few seconds and looked at each other.

"What was that for?" his expression was empty.

"Because I always wanted to," she chuckled.

He cocked an eyebrow, "…what else have you always wanted to do…to me?"

Their eyes met as a sparkle of forbidden lust rose between them. They cut their time at the fundraiser short.

…

…

…

This was not good. Why did she allow this to happen? How could she? She was better than this, better than him. But why did it feel so fucking good? Somehow before she noticed, Bruce had stripped her of her clothes and had her spread wide on his bed. He stood over her as he peeled off his clothes, peering at her deeply once he hovered over her, naked. Her mind was urging her to move, run, go home, and just talk to John. But her body, her body caved under desire, a desire she did not know she possessed. He watched her curiously as he came over to her.

"Is this fine?" he asked as he climbed on top of her.

Yes, she nodded.

He smiled as he continued to explore her chiseled but womanly body. He started with her neck, nibbling on it ever so gently, before moving down to her breasts, taking a hardened nipple in his mouth. He switched from licking to sucking to biting, which made her cry out in pleasure. Her body hummed in response to his touch; she was already wet. She tensed up when she felt him scale down her, nestling his head between her legs. He gazed up at her as he took the first lick, then lost eye contact once he instructed her to put her legs over his shoulders. Now, Mari was not new to this, she had had this done to her before, but the skill Bruce possessed was currently unmatched. She bit her lips to muffle her cries. He licked her clit and applied much-needed suction as he alternated between licking her and tongue fucking her. She could barely stop moaning long enough to breathe.

"Oh, my fucking god, you're really good at this," she sighed as she pushed him into her crotch.

He chuckled, which caused a vibrating sensation that sent her over the edge.

"Oh…yes, I'm…I…m," she could not speak as she met her peak.

He gave her a couple more licks before raising to meet her. He crashed into her mouth, pulling her into a deep lustful kiss. She could feel him harden on her leg. He reached down and gave his cock a few pumps before reaching for the side table next to him – he pulled out a condom. He flipped her over when everything was set and instructed her to get on her knees and arch her back. She moaned as he stroked her before gently sliding into her. He began to rock at a slow pace, testing her readiness before he went any harder. He placed one hand on her ass, and the other, on her clit. Once she felt ready, she threw it back harder, he started to pick up his rhythm. The room filled with the sound of slapped flesh, old wood, moaning, and heavy breathing. She felt her walls clench each time he plunged into her. After a while of steady but deep thrusting, she was coming again; this was stronger than the first. She gripped the sheets as he continued to pound into her as she came.

"Bruce…" she sobbed as she collapsed on the bed.

She laid on her side and watched as he entered her – her body still sensitive from her second orgasm. This time he was a little rougher, choking her gently as he regained momentum. She whimpered and moaned each time he made contact with her spot.

"Fuck…you feel…good," he moaned in her ear.

His voice reminded her of who he was. Where she was. Guilty began to stir, but he seemed to fuck it out of her, each time he rubbed her clit and thrust deeper inside of her. She closed her eyes in shame. This, what she was doing, felt right in the moment, but she knew, when it was over, she was going to regret it.

"Fuckkkkk…" she tensed up as she came down from her third orgasm.

He got another condom before straddling her, wrapping both her legs around his waist. He grunted and groaned as he slid into her again. This time she could barely handle it. Her body felt super aware and sensitive. When he touched her, it sent a surge through her body, overstimulating her, causing her to whine in pleasure. His thrusting became more erratic as he began to tire. He balanced himself on one forearm, reaching down to play with her clit for the fourth time. She closed her eyes as she let him fuck the sadness out of her.

"No, look at me," he commanded.

She opened her eyes and watched his mouth fall slightly open as he moaned faintly. His eyes were low, and his expression was consumed in bliss. He was definitely enjoying this. His breathing quickened, and she could tell he was near, so was she. She grabbed and pulled him down as he fucked her into her fourth orgasm – they came together. He buried his head in her neck, biting her lightly as he finally came. When it was over, he rolled over, throwing the condom away, and held her. She drifted to sleep with guilt in his arms.

Song inspiration for story and this chapter: Not The Only One - Amerie