"Fallen Angels"
Disclaimer: I own no one.
Rating: PG-13 for the usual stuff. (coughs)
Spoilers: Through "Initiation"
Pairings: Wouldn't you like to know?
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Chapter 2:
"So you want me to be your date at this political banquet?"
"More or less."
Shayera started to laugh, uncontrollably, and shook her head. "You cannot be serious."
Batman gritted his teeth. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
After a few softer chuckles, the redhead forced herself to stop laughing and took a seat on the table. "Okay. I guess I'm interested. But one question: how do you expect me to hide my wings?"
"We'll get to that later."
"All right, Detective. Tell me what you think Lex is up to."
The Dark Knight let his cape cover the chest of his Kevlar suit and started to explain. "Joker and Harley Quinn have been operating outside of Gotham for several months now. There's evidence of actions in Metropolis, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles."
"Let me guess; Luthor has made appearances in all those cities within the last six months." She crossed her legs and bit her lower lip. "You don't think its purely coincidence?"
"I don't believe in –"
"Coincidences, I know," she finished for him. "I don't think you should, either. Luthor and Joker have an interesting relationship, being the archenemies of The Caped Crusader and The Man of Steel. What do you think they're covering up?"
"That's what you have to find out."
"Goody," she mumbled, unenthusiastically, and narrowed her emerald eyes as she pondered over the information Batman had given her. "Well, I may have a chance of getting Lex to trust me. He's never seen me without my mask or without wings. Perhaps a haircut and a change of clothes would do the trick." She then moved her eyes to meet his and slightly grinned. "I figure that you wouldn't mind being the benefactor."
He didn't say a word.
No shocker there.
"And the thought of stealing Bruce Wayne's girlfriend would send any power-hungry man straight into orgasm."
Batman's eyes widened at her crudeness, but she had wanted that. She didn't want him to assume that he knew her. He didn't; he had never taken the time to know any of them, except maybe Wonder Woman, Superman, and J'onn. That left three other very important members – at least two, anyway – without acknowledgment.
"I imagine that the vulgarity won't be used as a come-on when you meet Luthor."
"Not unless he wants it."
His upper lip slightly moved, and Shayera took it as a grin.
"Let's get out of here."
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Batman steered the Batwing, keeping his gaze focused on the skies ahead of him. Shayera sat in the backseat, as she had done on a previous mission, and stared out the window. It must have been a bit of a thrill for her to leave her sanctuary as the sun came up; he knew that she hadn't dared leaving before nightfall.
If any member of the League were in trouble, she would have revealed her position within seconds; he had full confidence in that fact.
Today, she had a cloak in the shape of a Batwing taking her from her isolated prison.
He knew the feeling all too well.
"How are the others?" her voice questioned unexpectedly.
It had almost caught him off guard.
"Fine."
"Just fine?" He didn't respond, she continued. "Could you elaborate a bit? I wouldn't mind hearing another person's end of a conversation. Honestly, I don't think I've spoken to anyone since John and..." Her sentence trailed off, and Batman knew why.
She was still hurting.
"Lantern is doing well."
"And Flash?"
"Carefree, immature, and –"
"Flash-like?"
Batman pressed a key on his dashboard and spoke. "Batgirl, Batwing approaching Gotham City. Expected to land in ten minutes."
"Got it, Boss. I'll open the garage for you," her cheery tone said. "I won't be here to welcome you. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow."
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Shayera followed Alfred up the stairs of the Wayne Manor and couldn't help surveying her surroundings. It was an enormous complex, probably completed with everything a single person could ever dream about. Although a bit extravagant for her taste, Shayera liked the home.
It sent a calming chill down her back, like she was at a home away from home.
The duo walked past a few bedrooms; one had a door that wasn't completely closed. She glanced inside, and recognized the young boy who slept in his bed.
Tim Drake.
Robin.
Although the Bat-clan was good at keeping its dirty little secrets away from the light, Shayera Hol was an even better investigator. She wouldn't admit to Batman that she had known the identities of the other Leaguers and their protégés long before the invasion.
After all, it would probably force the Dark Knight to keep an even keener eye on her.
Not that he wasn't already watching her every move.
"Here you are, Miss Hol," Alfred said and allowed her to enter the bedroom first. "There is a fully equipped bathroom and a walk-in closet. Master Bruce has taken the liberty of providing you with clothing that should match your size."
"Thank you, Alfred."
"My pleasure, Miss Hol." He sent her a friendly smile. "There are fresh towels hanging above the hamper and a telephone beside the bed. If you need anything, just press six on the phone."
"It's like a hotel."
"Yes, Miss. Sometimes, it seems to be comparable." The older man slightly bowed his head. "Breakfast will be prepared at eight."
"Again, thank you."
"Let me say, Miss, that it is quite a delight to have you staying with us."
"I hope I don't disappoint you."
"You won't." Alfred closed the door before he walked away, leaving the former Hawkgirl to her thoughts.
Shayera needed a nice hot shower to wake her up, so she headed for the bathroom. After turning the water on and testing its temperature, she stripped down and stepped inside.
The hot water pounding on her head was a welcoming experience. Too long had she been taking cold showers with a broken showerhead.
The droplets rolled over her pale skin and through her hair, which now nearly reached the small of her back, and she shivered at the occurrence. Her wings fluttered faintly, and she slightly stretched them.
Once she was satisfied, Shayera got out of the shower and wrapped her small body in a large blue towel. She made her way to the king sized bed and plopped down on it.
It was so comfortable, and she had to fight her yearning for an undisturbed and deep sleep. She couldn't remember the last time she had slept peacefully.
Well, she'd be lying to herself if she truly believed that.
She had been in John's arms...
Reluctantly, she stood and began searching the drawers and closet for something to put on. She settled on a dark blue tee along with a pair of jeans and then started for the kitchen. It was ten to eight, but she wanted to reach the kitchen before the owner of the home got there.
She knew Alfred would make her feel as ease.
But Alfred wasn't alone. The young Tim sat at the table, watching the butler cook. She allowed her boots to make a little noise on the hardwood floor, so she wouldn't catch the teenager off guard. He didn't even flinch.
"I hope you are fond of blueberry waffles, Miss Hol."
"Yeah. Alfred makes them from scratch." The young boy sent her a small smile. "Can I get you some coffee?"
"Sure."
"How do you take it?"
"Black."
Tim stood from his seat and poured the Thanagarain a cup of coffee. Along with her drink, he gave her the sugar bowl.
"Thank you," she said as she put a scoop of sugar in the hot liquid.
"I'm Tim, by the way."
"It's nice to meet you, Tim. I'm Shayera."
"I know." He sipped his orange juice and tapped his fingers on the table. "Almost done, Alfred?"
"Is it eight, young Sir?"
"Well..."
"Then no."
Shayera smiled at their obviously close relationship and tried picturing what Bruce Wayne would've been like as a child. After all, Alfred had raised the boy who would be Batman.
"Good morning, Sir."
The former lieutenant didn't even hear the billionaire enter the room and had accidentally swallowed a gulp of hot coffee to when he surprised her. She tried to play off her coughing and wiped her mouth with a napkin.
"You okay?" Tim asked, with a hint of laugher in his voice.
She nodded.
"Can I interest you in some breakfast, Sir?"
"No, Alfred. Just coffee to go. I have a meeting."
"Very good, Sir. Perhaps you'd like to take a granola bar for the trip?"
Shayera noticed the slight annoyance in Bruce's blue eyes and almost smirked.
"I'll be back around four."
When he left the premises, Shayera asked, "Now what?"
Tim shook his head. "You've got a long day ahead of you."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, when Dick shows, you've got weight training. Once that's done, Barbara will go over some of the gadgets you'll be using, and Bruce will take care of that cell disrupter after you and Nightwing practice for a bit."
"Really?"
"Plus, you have to fit both lunch and dinner into that schedule." Tim checked his watch. "Alfred? Waffles?"
"Yes, Master Timothy." The kind man placed two plates of breakfast on the table. Tim got up and grabbed the maple syrup from the fridge.
"Then I get sleep, right?" Shy asked, half-jokingly.
"No way. It's Friday night. You're going out on patrol."
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