Aftermath (The Epilogue)
By: Jade O'Neal
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. They are property of DC Comics, Warner Bros. and others.
Spoilers: STARCROSSED. (Take note: I have changed a few of the occurrences in "Starcrossed" to better suit my story. Sorry if you've got a problem with that...)
Rating: PG-13 for language
Note: Takes place a year after the invasion.
) V (
She shot the basketball at the hoop, and we waited to see how her attempt would fair. The ball rolled around the rim and then, surprisingly, fell in. I knew I'd never hear the end of it.
"She scores!" Shayera announced and did a ridiculous victory dance in the middle of the court. "I beat you! Woo-who! Take that, John!"
I watched her from my position under the basket, considering informing her of my "holding back." There was no way a white girl could be me at a game of hoops, even if she was Thanagarian.
It would kill Shayera to know that I had gone easy on her.
So I decided not to tell.
"Congratulations."
"Yup. That means you lost the bet." She strolled toward me and adjusted the green bandana on her head. "So, you have to do whatever I say."
"I know the terms." I fiddled with the basketball I held in my hands and smiled at her. "Hopefully you'll chose something I enjoy doing." I gave her a wolfish grin, hoping she'd catch my drift.
She raised an eyebrow and leaned in, teasing me with her nearness. "I want you to cook for me."
"What?" I asked in a disappointed tone. All my eagerness drained away.
"That's right. You've got to cook dinner tonight."
"You're kidding."
"Nope. Not kidding." She laughed and spun on her heel. Shy walked off of the public court and headed for my apartment. I followed, grumbling.
) V (
I rolled into the Batcave and parked my Batcycle in its place. Alfred was there to greet me.
"Evening, Miss Gordon."
"Hey Alfred," I said after pulling off my helmet. I got off my cycle, and walked over to the Batcomputer. "Where's the boss? Still out?"
"Yes, I'm afraid. He had a 'matter' to attend to."
"The League?"
"No. Nightwing."
"What happened?" I asked, immediately getting worried.
"Nothing of concern. It seems as though young Master Dick had a run-in with Miss Kyle."
"Uh-oh. Selina's up to her old tricks?" When he didn't answer, I chuckled.
"Pardon my asking, but have you spoken to Miss Hol as of late?" the older man questioned, and handed me a cup of hot tea once I sat down. "She hasn't called me for any recipes lately, and I am not sure if that is a good or a bad sign."
"It's good, Alfred. She's got The Green Lantern looking out for her now. She doesn't have to busy herself with baking monstrosities anymore."
"Thank Heavens. She is a terrible cook, isn't she?"
I laughed some more and sighed when I thought about the woman I had taken in only a year ago. She had been so confused, so lost, and so... broken. Now she wasn't; she was whole again and much stronger.
Shayera was a better person because she had someone who would listen to her.
"Alfred, am I a hypocrite?"
"How do you mean?"
"Well, I keep telling Batman that he should consider reinstating Hawkgirl as a Leaguer, that they shouldn't hesitate to rely on her." I shrugged. "Even though I trust her with my own life, I have a device hidden in that cell-disruptor that'll alert me if she came within twenty feet of another Thanagarian."
"My word."
"I know." I shook my head. "Some friend I turned out to be."
"You are just being cautious. I'm sure Hawkgirl would understand if you told her."
"I hope so."
) V (
"We all care for Hawkgirl, Flash, but we must take into consideration all that she had done," Diana told me from across the table. "We can't only think of ourselves. We have Earth to fret about. What would they say to us forgiving Hawkgirl?"
"After a year?" I snapped. "Please."
"That event is still imprinted in minds," the Martian added with his wise tone. "Families were hurt, and rights were suppressed."
"Come on, J'onn. You were on my side the last time we discussed this."
"We'll call it to the others' attention the next time we have a meeting. Until then, I don't want to hear another word." Wonder Woman stood from the table and walked out of the Watchtower's kitchen.
I rolled my eyes.
Things weren't going as nicely as I had hoped.
Diana's tiara must be on too tight.
) V (
"Thanks for dinner, Clark." I sipped my water and gave him a smile. "It's really good."
"Anything for my cousin." He smiled and pushed his glasses back to where they belonged. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"Hawkgirl."
"Kara..."
"I know you don't want to talk about her, but I think it's healthy to remember the past and rethink the future." I straightened in my seat and began gnawing on my lower lip. "What if you let her rejoin the team? You'd have an affiliate in Midway."
"John, you, and Wally visit there a lot. I don't think we need one." He sipped his diet coke and ran a hand through his dark hair. "Anyway, you don't understand what happened."
"What do you mean? I understand perfectly. I'm not a child, Clark; quit treating me like one."
"You weren't there. Neither was Barbara. I know what you two have been contemplating for the past few months, and, at the moment, the answer's still 'No.' Okay?"
"But Clark –"
He interrupted. "Hawkgirl betrayed us and didn't second guess her actions until she learned the planet was going to be destroyed."
"And then she sacrificed everything to save her adopted planet. She's a hero like any one of us. Clark, you would have done the same thing if you had been in her position, and don't try to convince me that I'm wrong. If you were asked to go undercover for America or for Earth, you would in a heartbeat."
Clark shook his head at me. "Can we just finish dinner in peace? I could put in a CD. How about John Mayer?"
Without thinking, I muttered, "For such a superhero, you can be a real jerk sometimes. I think Batman's rubbing off on you."
) V (
"She got away from you? Again?" I asked my mentor. We stood on a rooftop, with our eyes on his city. When he didn't answer, I had to hide a smile. Catwoman was something else, something he could barely deal with, even when he tried.
He decided to change the topic. "You've been training with Hawkgirl?"
"Yeah. Babs thought it would be a good idea. You should see the girl fight. Now that she knows martial arts, I wouldn't mess with her."
"Sara Hall, Coordinator of Ancient Weapons at the Midway Museum," he stated.
"You've been doing your homework, Kimosabe." This time, I did chuckle. "By the way, I think the job suits her. She's pretty smart when it comes to weaponry."
"The Thanagarians are known for their knowledge of weapons."
"She told me. You know, I've got a lot in common with her. She was a cop. I am a cop. She had a bastard bossing her around. I had –" I cut myself short when he glared at me.
I love getting on his nerves. It makes me feel all warm inside.
"I'm going over to the east side. You can call it a night, but make sure Robin's departed as well." Batman shot out a line, and swung off the building.
I watched him go, and knew that he was actually considering suggesting Hawkgirl's return to the League.
Good. They needed her.
I also knew that he was headed toward Selina's apartment. That man could never hide his attraction for the thief. He would probably always care for her.
And right now, I'd care for some loving. I figured Babsy was still up, researching or something. I just had to show up and distract her for a little while.
) V (
I stood in front of John's window, enveloped in his sheets, as he snored on the floor of his living room. The night was beautiful, and I was going to enjoy it, despite his racket.
The sky was clear and the stars were shining brightly. This time, they weren't calling to me as they had a tendency to in the past. I didn't want to leave Earth anymore. I was happy here with John.
Earth was my home.
And John was paradise.
The street was empty of people, and streetlamps helped the moon provide light. I knew that in thirty minutes, they'd turn off. I had spent many nights watching the sunrise while lying in John's arms, memorizing everything about him, including everything he called home.
I smiled at that thought.
"What are you thinking about?" John asked me; I hadn't even noticed his snoring cease. He came to me, wearing his boxers, and put his arms around my waist. He kissed my neck and held me.
"Nothing really."
"It's a beautiful night."
"You read my mind." I turned to face him and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I need to tell you something, John."
"What?"
"I don't think I should be re-established as a member of the Justice League."
"What?" he repeated. "But I thought –"
"It was Barbara and Wally who thought I should be allowed in. Not only would it feel strange for everyone, but what would the rest of the world think? You and the League are and always will be in the public's eye."
"That doesn't matter."
"You keep saying that, and you know that's not true."
John kissed my lips and smiled. "You do what you think is right when the time comes. Until then, I know three Leaguers who will be pressing for your homecoming."
"Thank you, John."
"No problem." He kissed me again and whispered, "I love you."
"I love you too."
"You better. Lord knows how much shit I've gone through just to prove I did." When I rolled my eyes and laughed, he pulled me closer. "I've got to leave tomorrow morning for a Corps mission."
"You should get some sleep then."
"Actually, I was thinking of something that has very little sleep involved."
"Oh really?"
"Really."
"Well, I'll go easy on you so you won't be too tired for your assignment. I mean, if I went easy on you once already..."
"What are you talking about?"
I shrugged. "Oh. Well, I went easy on you during our game. I didn't want you to lose too badly. I was afraid it would injure your ego."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny."
) V (
Finally. The End.
;) XOXOX
By: Jade O'Neal
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. They are property of DC Comics, Warner Bros. and others.
Spoilers: STARCROSSED. (Take note: I have changed a few of the occurrences in "Starcrossed" to better suit my story. Sorry if you've got a problem with that...)
Rating: PG-13 for language
Note: Takes place a year after the invasion.
) V (
She shot the basketball at the hoop, and we waited to see how her attempt would fair. The ball rolled around the rim and then, surprisingly, fell in. I knew I'd never hear the end of it.
"She scores!" Shayera announced and did a ridiculous victory dance in the middle of the court. "I beat you! Woo-who! Take that, John!"
I watched her from my position under the basket, considering informing her of my "holding back." There was no way a white girl could be me at a game of hoops, even if she was Thanagarian.
It would kill Shayera to know that I had gone easy on her.
So I decided not to tell.
"Congratulations."
"Yup. That means you lost the bet." She strolled toward me and adjusted the green bandana on her head. "So, you have to do whatever I say."
"I know the terms." I fiddled with the basketball I held in my hands and smiled at her. "Hopefully you'll chose something I enjoy doing." I gave her a wolfish grin, hoping she'd catch my drift.
She raised an eyebrow and leaned in, teasing me with her nearness. "I want you to cook for me."
"What?" I asked in a disappointed tone. All my eagerness drained away.
"That's right. You've got to cook dinner tonight."
"You're kidding."
"Nope. Not kidding." She laughed and spun on her heel. Shy walked off of the public court and headed for my apartment. I followed, grumbling.
) V (
I rolled into the Batcave and parked my Batcycle in its place. Alfred was there to greet me.
"Evening, Miss Gordon."
"Hey Alfred," I said after pulling off my helmet. I got off my cycle, and walked over to the Batcomputer. "Where's the boss? Still out?"
"Yes, I'm afraid. He had a 'matter' to attend to."
"The League?"
"No. Nightwing."
"What happened?" I asked, immediately getting worried.
"Nothing of concern. It seems as though young Master Dick had a run-in with Miss Kyle."
"Uh-oh. Selina's up to her old tricks?" When he didn't answer, I chuckled.
"Pardon my asking, but have you spoken to Miss Hol as of late?" the older man questioned, and handed me a cup of hot tea once I sat down. "She hasn't called me for any recipes lately, and I am not sure if that is a good or a bad sign."
"It's good, Alfred. She's got The Green Lantern looking out for her now. She doesn't have to busy herself with baking monstrosities anymore."
"Thank Heavens. She is a terrible cook, isn't she?"
I laughed some more and sighed when I thought about the woman I had taken in only a year ago. She had been so confused, so lost, and so... broken. Now she wasn't; she was whole again and much stronger.
Shayera was a better person because she had someone who would listen to her.
"Alfred, am I a hypocrite?"
"How do you mean?"
"Well, I keep telling Batman that he should consider reinstating Hawkgirl as a Leaguer, that they shouldn't hesitate to rely on her." I shrugged. "Even though I trust her with my own life, I have a device hidden in that cell-disruptor that'll alert me if she came within twenty feet of another Thanagarian."
"My word."
"I know." I shook my head. "Some friend I turned out to be."
"You are just being cautious. I'm sure Hawkgirl would understand if you told her."
"I hope so."
) V (
"We all care for Hawkgirl, Flash, but we must take into consideration all that she had done," Diana told me from across the table. "We can't only think of ourselves. We have Earth to fret about. What would they say to us forgiving Hawkgirl?"
"After a year?" I snapped. "Please."
"That event is still imprinted in minds," the Martian added with his wise tone. "Families were hurt, and rights were suppressed."
"Come on, J'onn. You were on my side the last time we discussed this."
"We'll call it to the others' attention the next time we have a meeting. Until then, I don't want to hear another word." Wonder Woman stood from the table and walked out of the Watchtower's kitchen.
I rolled my eyes.
Things weren't going as nicely as I had hoped.
Diana's tiara must be on too tight.
) V (
"Thanks for dinner, Clark." I sipped my water and gave him a smile. "It's really good."
"Anything for my cousin." He smiled and pushed his glasses back to where they belonged. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"Hawkgirl."
"Kara..."
"I know you don't want to talk about her, but I think it's healthy to remember the past and rethink the future." I straightened in my seat and began gnawing on my lower lip. "What if you let her rejoin the team? You'd have an affiliate in Midway."
"John, you, and Wally visit there a lot. I don't think we need one." He sipped his diet coke and ran a hand through his dark hair. "Anyway, you don't understand what happened."
"What do you mean? I understand perfectly. I'm not a child, Clark; quit treating me like one."
"You weren't there. Neither was Barbara. I know what you two have been contemplating for the past few months, and, at the moment, the answer's still 'No.' Okay?"
"But Clark –"
He interrupted. "Hawkgirl betrayed us and didn't second guess her actions until she learned the planet was going to be destroyed."
"And then she sacrificed everything to save her adopted planet. She's a hero like any one of us. Clark, you would have done the same thing if you had been in her position, and don't try to convince me that I'm wrong. If you were asked to go undercover for America or for Earth, you would in a heartbeat."
Clark shook his head at me. "Can we just finish dinner in peace? I could put in a CD. How about John Mayer?"
Without thinking, I muttered, "For such a superhero, you can be a real jerk sometimes. I think Batman's rubbing off on you."
) V (
"She got away from you? Again?" I asked my mentor. We stood on a rooftop, with our eyes on his city. When he didn't answer, I had to hide a smile. Catwoman was something else, something he could barely deal with, even when he tried.
He decided to change the topic. "You've been training with Hawkgirl?"
"Yeah. Babs thought it would be a good idea. You should see the girl fight. Now that she knows martial arts, I wouldn't mess with her."
"Sara Hall, Coordinator of Ancient Weapons at the Midway Museum," he stated.
"You've been doing your homework, Kimosabe." This time, I did chuckle. "By the way, I think the job suits her. She's pretty smart when it comes to weaponry."
"The Thanagarians are known for their knowledge of weapons."
"She told me. You know, I've got a lot in common with her. She was a cop. I am a cop. She had a bastard bossing her around. I had –" I cut myself short when he glared at me.
I love getting on his nerves. It makes me feel all warm inside.
"I'm going over to the east side. You can call it a night, but make sure Robin's departed as well." Batman shot out a line, and swung off the building.
I watched him go, and knew that he was actually considering suggesting Hawkgirl's return to the League.
Good. They needed her.
I also knew that he was headed toward Selina's apartment. That man could never hide his attraction for the thief. He would probably always care for her.
And right now, I'd care for some loving. I figured Babsy was still up, researching or something. I just had to show up and distract her for a little while.
) V (
I stood in front of John's window, enveloped in his sheets, as he snored on the floor of his living room. The night was beautiful, and I was going to enjoy it, despite his racket.
The sky was clear and the stars were shining brightly. This time, they weren't calling to me as they had a tendency to in the past. I didn't want to leave Earth anymore. I was happy here with John.
Earth was my home.
And John was paradise.
The street was empty of people, and streetlamps helped the moon provide light. I knew that in thirty minutes, they'd turn off. I had spent many nights watching the sunrise while lying in John's arms, memorizing everything about him, including everything he called home.
I smiled at that thought.
"What are you thinking about?" John asked me; I hadn't even noticed his snoring cease. He came to me, wearing his boxers, and put his arms around my waist. He kissed my neck and held me.
"Nothing really."
"It's a beautiful night."
"You read my mind." I turned to face him and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I need to tell you something, John."
"What?"
"I don't think I should be re-established as a member of the Justice League."
"What?" he repeated. "But I thought –"
"It was Barbara and Wally who thought I should be allowed in. Not only would it feel strange for everyone, but what would the rest of the world think? You and the League are and always will be in the public's eye."
"That doesn't matter."
"You keep saying that, and you know that's not true."
John kissed my lips and smiled. "You do what you think is right when the time comes. Until then, I know three Leaguers who will be pressing for your homecoming."
"Thank you, John."
"No problem." He kissed me again and whispered, "I love you."
"I love you too."
"You better. Lord knows how much shit I've gone through just to prove I did." When I rolled my eyes and laughed, he pulled me closer. "I've got to leave tomorrow morning for a Corps mission."
"You should get some sleep then."
"Actually, I was thinking of something that has very little sleep involved."
"Oh really?"
"Really."
"Well, I'll go easy on you so you won't be too tired for your assignment. I mean, if I went easy on you once already..."
"What are you talking about?"
I shrugged. "Oh. Well, I went easy on you during our game. I didn't want you to lose too badly. I was afraid it would injure your ego."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny."
) V (
Finally. The End.
;) XOXOX