Title: Dragons, Demons, and Other Wonders of the Heart (11/??)
Author: Allaine
Email:
Disclaimers: DC Comics, Cartoon Network, Bruce Timm, the JLA animated series, etc, etc. No profit intended from my infringement.
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Up to the episode "Starcrossed".
Feedback: Please, please, please!!
Summary: With five of the seven members of the Justice League in relationships, the Flash is determined to meet someone now. But what will it do to the rep of the self-proclaimed "ladies' man" if he's the last to find love? The sequel you demanded to "Always a Bridesmaid".
Chapter 11
Flash grunted. "I know they say the camera adds ten pounds, but what does getting blasted by kryptonite add? Fifty?"
Superman chuckled weakly. "If you hadn't arrived, I'd be a lot of dead weight right now. Literally."
Flash was forced to move at normal speed, as he was the only thing keeping Superman on his feet right now. The Kryptonian had had a serious run-in with Metallo and had taken two full-power blasts generated by the Kryptonite core that powered the criminal's robotic body. "Who the hell," he panted, "pays for this guy's upgrades? Bill Gates? It's like Metallo XP out there."
"At least he doesn't have X-ray vision," Superman replied, "or he wouldn't have to search for us building by building. This brings back memories, you know."
"Is this the time for nostalgia?"
"The first time I fought Metallo after Intergang first gave him the ability to fire Kryptonite lasers, it was Steel who pulled me out of harm's way," Superman told him. "And won the day for the good guys."
"I've heard of Steel," Flash said. "How come the League's never met him?"
"He's an inventor. Generally he takes the field of battle only when it's necessary."
Flash nodded as he continued to drag Superman past endless rows of boxes in the dock warehouse. Any minute now, he was going to find the Lost Ark.
"Flash, come in. Are you there?"
"Wonder Woman," he instantly answered, bringing his communicator to his lips. "Where are you?"
"I can be at the Metropolis docks in a few minutes. What's going on?"
"Looks like someone got Hans and Franz to pump Metallo up."
" . . . what?"
"Diana," Superman said, taking the device from Flash, "Metallo's been bulked up. He's about twice his usual size, and his lasers are more powerful too. I'm going to be weak as a kitten for at least five more minutes, and Flash can't even dent Metallo's shell."
"Ah. Like Talos the bronze giant."
"Huh?" Flash asked.
"If you can't understand my references to Greek legend, Flash, don't expect me to understand your pop culture remarks. Wonder Woman out."
Flash blinked. "I think she just dissed me."
"She can insult you all she likes if she can get here in time," Superman said.
The speedster nodded. "Hey, don't you think we should stop talking? He might hear us."
"Did you hear how much noise his new body is making? I'm surprised he can hear himself talk. Besides, I want you to keep talking. Boost my morale," Superman told him.
Flash grinned. "You want me to be like that old guy in Rocky?"
"Just don't expect me to ask you to cut me."
"Wow. I've never been invited to talk by you guys," Flash said. "Maybe this is a bad time, but I kinda have this idea for when we make it out of here."
Superman looked a trifle unsure of Flash's ideas. "Oh-kay . . ."
"I was thinking, maybe the Justice League could have a little Valentine's Day bash on the Watchtower?"
The other superhero now appeared completely befuddled. "What?"
"Well, you know, a lot of us seem to be in relationships now, and you've always said how the people in our lives should be considered a part of the family," Flash reasoned. "So how about we all meet each other? Have a party?"
"You're - you're not kidding, are you?"
"We could have it on the thirteenth! That way, everybody still gets to celebrate the holiday privately with their loved ones on St. Valentine's Day. But you could bring Lois to the party, Batman could bring Catwoman, Diana brings Audrey - heck, GL and Hawkgirl just have to bring each other!"
"And I assume you have someone of your own to invite?" Superman asked.
"An absolute knockout, I'll have you know," Flash assured him.
Superman sighed. "I had to ask. Look, Flash, it's not like we haven't spent personal time with each other before. But nobody's going to go along with this. It's too, well, crazy. It sounds like an office Christmas party!"
"Hey, if no one's interested, then it won't happen. Just consider this your invitation. I'll take care of the food, the drinks, the music, everything. And everyone can feel free to attend in costume. Nobody has to give up their secret identity if they don't want to. Tell Lois and see what she thinks. Look, if anyone else from the League says yes, will you come?"
"If Lois and I aren't busy that day, and if other members of the JL come, AND if we survive today, then we'll consider it," Superman finally said. "But what about J'onn? He's not seeing anybody. Won't he feel left out?"
Flash frowned. "You're right, I hadn't thought of that. How about I sound out the others, let them know this party isn't a done deal, and if they seem interested, then I float it past J'onn and see how he feels?"
Superman groaned. "It's your party, Flash. Just try to think of J'onn's feelings before you get carried away."
"Cross my heart, Big Blue."
CRASH!
"SUPERMAN!!!"
"Crap," Flash muttered.
A pale-green beam lanced out from somewhere behind them, slicing numerous crates in half.
"I'll bring this whole building down just like the ones before it!" Metallo roared. "Sooner or later, I'll find you!"
"Is he trying to get you to surrender?" Flash asked, mystified.
"I think he's trying to crush my spirit," Superman replied.
"I'm more worried about him crushing my body," Flash said.
An entire row of crates, somewhere to their right, was annihilated as Metallo could be heard simply running through them at top speed, trampling the wood into splinters.
"I guess you were right about being able to talk freely," Flash added as he felt the load getting a bit lighter, which fortunately meant Superman was starting to recover. "I can barely hear myself think."
"I'm almost sorry I was able to hear your invitation."
"Ouch."
Their conversation was halted when Metallo landed in front of them with a thunderous smash.
"Ouch?" Metallo asked. "Ouch??? My friend, you'll be saying a lot more than 'ouch' when I'm finished with the two of you."
"Okay, so maybe he can hear a little better than we thought," Flash said.
Metallo's eyes glowed.
"Excuse me. I was told my package cleared Customs?"
The villain turned around.
His face encountered Wonder Woman's fist.
"Here comes the cavalry," Flash said as he pulled Superman out of the line of fire.
"Just like on TV," Superman said.
"Yeah, except on TV it was always a bunch of white guys on horses."
Two minutes later, Metallo looked little better than a compacted car at the junkyard. Wonder Woman wiped her hands over his body and fixed her hair.
"I was told my package cleared Customs?" Flash repeated as he and Superman came back into view. "Audrey must be giving you tips on banter. That was almost witty."
"Perhaps someone should give you tips on 'thank you'," Diana replied.
"Thanks for getting here so quickly, Diana," Superman said.
"Yes, well, it's lucky for us that Audrey has extended her visit to Metropolis."
"Uh, Diana? Speaking of Audrey . . ."
Superman closed his eyes.
"I was wondering," Flash continued, "if you and she would be interested in coming to a holiday party. Night before Valentine's Day, Watchtower, League members and their loved ones only?"
Wonder Woman slowly floated down to the ground. "Is this a joke?"
"No, no joke! Maybe we can all get to know our significant others a little better."
"On Themiscyra, while proper deference is paid to Eros, child of Aphrodite," Diana finally replied, "this custom of your society, celebrating the union of man and woman - I don't think it would be very successful there."
Flash resisted the urge to roll his eyes. She could give a good lecture when she wanted to.
But she paused. "Just the League and those we love?"
"Right."
"The thirteenth, not the fourteenth? Audrey and I have plans for that day."
"I'm sure most of us do. That's why it's being held on the thirteenth."
"What about J'onn?"
"Don't worry, if he's got a problem with this, I'll call it off."
Diana looked at him for a moment. "All right then. Assuming J'onn doesn't have a problem, Audrey and I will attend."
Flash and Superman both looked surprised. "You mean it?" Flash finally asked.
"Audrey never declines an invitation, unless we already have plans," Diana replied. "Besides, the chance to spend time with me, in front of others, without hiding our relationship? She'll leap at the opportunity."
"I'll make sure everyone knows you're on board, Di!" Flash said exuberantly, pointing at her.
Wonder Woman turned to Superman. "I trust you've already said yes?"
When Lois found out Diana would attend, Superman thought with a sinking feeling, she'd insist on going, if only to continue this curious rivalry that the two engaged in. And which he, as a man, could never understand. "I don't see how we can pass it up," he said truthfully.
Flash grinned. "Just call me 'The Man With the Golden Tongue'."
"I wish," Diana replied. "Maybe if your tongue weighed thirty pounds, you wouldn't talk so much."
"I can't abandon my father, J'onn. I can't because . . ."
Talia frowned. Why was this difficult? Why had she felt compelled to arrive a half-hour early to "prep" herself? It was very easy. She couldn't possibly leave her father's side because . . .
It wasn't that she was afraid of how he might react, of course. J'onn, she felt, would not become the stern, disapproving Bat, dismissing her as a fool. Disappointed, yes, but he wouldn't make an ultimatum out of it. They might even remain friends, although a barrier would exist that would prevent their relationship from changing.
Changing into what, exactly?
She tossed her hair, banishing the stray thought. It wasn't about his displeasure. And he'd believe whatever reason she gave him. It was just that - could she offer a reason that was acceptable to HER?
Talia sighed. There was a time when women were expected to speak only in a manner pleasing to men. Whether they meant what they said or not was immaterial. She remembered that time, of course. She was born during it.
The world had moved on, however. Women were different. They were allowed to be themselves. Talia knew this. And yet . . . lately she'd wondered if her mind had fully processed the memo. Even now, an internal voice reminded her that it was her role to say what men wanted to hear.
She rubbed her troubled brow with the back of her hand. All of this was irrelevant. She was remaining with DEMON because it was her filial duty. Period.
Talia took a long puff on her cigarette, then ruthlessly ground it into an ashtray. She'd told J'onn once that she smoked only when completely relaxed or quite nervous. She'd said this, in fact, in a room much like -
She looked around. What had she been thinking when she chose this as their meeting place? She was on an assignment in Tokyo this week, so when she'd contacted J'onn and asked if they could meet, Talia had reserved a penthouse suite in one of the top hotels in Japan. In the past, when they'd met in public, J'onn had been forced to assume a human guise. She thought that perhaps he'd feel more comfortable in a private room (once the cameras had been disabled, naturally) where he could take his true form.
The manager had eagerly offered her the same suite that had been featured in a popular American movie last year. She'd rejected the chance. She had seen the movie and had not liked it.
Why a hotel room at all, though? It would inevitably bring back memories of that mortifying night in Gotham. Worse yet, what if he made assumptions? What if he thought she had asked him there so she could proposition him the way she'd tried to proposition Bruce?
What if he wanted her to? That kiss the other day . . .
"Calm down, Talia," she whispered to herself. "You're overanalyzing this."
Why not? She'd been conducting a sort of self-analysis for the past few days, and she didn't enjoy what she saw. Why did she have to continue in selfless servitude to her father? Had she not given him enough of herself? Was ninety years - more than one lifetime - not enough? She'd died a natural death years ago, having never even known carnal pleasure, because she was expected to save herself for a husband who never came. That, at least, was an outmoded notion she'd abandoned during her second youth.
She realized that none of this would matter to her father. A daughter obeyed her father until she married. Then she transferred her loyalty to her husband, although she still did as her father asked unless her husband did not wish it.
But it had cost her so much already! All she had to do was think of what she'd lost with her first, only great love to remind herself of that. Would she go on paying for several more lifetimes?
That, Talia acknowledged, was what actually managed to frighten her. What if she found herself still standing by her father's right hand two hundred years from now? Was she condemning herself to an eternity of being an extension of her father's dream?
Why was she thinking this? She hadn't come to tell J'onn she was leaving. She'd come to say she was staying!
Because . . . her father would kill her if she left.
The idea that her father would never hurt her was one illusion Ra's al-Ghul had never really fostered. If he had to, he would dispose of her. Her half-brother Arkady had been abandoned to a life of hard labor in an American prison thirty years before she was born, once Ra's concluded he was unfit to rule. If Talia announced she was leaving, her father might very well take it as a rank betrayal and have her beaten until she was disabused of her foolish notion. Talia was permitted to be an independent woman - so long as she wasn't truly independent.
She laughed scornfully at herself. That was the crux of the matter. It wasn't about duty, and it wasn't about fear. Certainly Talia didn't want to plead cowardice. Besides, J'onn would undoubtedly offer to protect her, and that thought led to -
Talia bit her lip. It seemed that making a decision about J'onn was even less appealing than making a decision about her father.
Fine, then. She couldn't leave her father because she had no idea what she would do with her life then. Maybe that was why she'd latched on to Bruce as a means of getting away, an easy escape. Instead of being "daughter of the Demon's Head", she could be "wife of Bruce Wayne". Perhaps even "Batman's closest ally".
It didn't mean she'd never loved Bruce. She had loved him, still loved him. It was just that she'd spent her entire existence orbiting her father's sun, and it was much easier to simply switch to a new sun, than it was to be on her own in that cold, dark space called "the real world".
But you wouldn't be alone. You'd have -
And what would she DO once she was on her own? She had a degree, fluency in several languages, technological skills - everything one needed to create a flattering resume. What Talia lacked was a goal, an ambition. She didn't know what to with herself. For all her breeding and experience, she felt woefully unprepared to be on her own.
You don't have to do it on your own.
"Shut up," she snarled. But that small voice inside her head was oddly persistent.
You might not want to think about it, but you must accept that J'onn would be there for you.
"As a friend."
Perhaps more. He kissed you.
"I didn't ask him to!"
But you asked him how he felt about you. You opened the door.
"It was an idle question."
Then why did you invite him to a hotel room? A room much like the one where you almost made love? Subconscious desire?
"Why don't you tell me?" Talia growled. "Aren't YOU my subconscious?"
There was no reply, and Talia realized she'd been having a conversation with herself. Out loud.
Obviously one of the side effects of her first resurrection in the Lazarus Pit.
J'onn was a sweet man, a good man. After many years of dealing with manipulative men - her father, Bruce - and being manipulative in turn, it was refreshing to spend time with the straightforward, honest Martian. And . . . all right, there had been a moment when she'd kissed him back. And she'd felt pleased as he escorted her out.
If she was really going to take this enormous step, J'onn would be a good friend to her. He would support her, she had no doubt, and he wouldn't set expectations for her to meet. He'd allow her to make her own goals.
But a relationship with him was out of the question. Even though he'd made it clear that he wanted to make this decision based on what was best for her, not on what he thought was right, Talia didn't want anyone to accuse her of repeating the same mistakes she'd made with Batman.
So it was a good thing she'd come early, Talia reflected when she heard the knock at her door. She'd been able to formulate her next words. Now if only she could have picked a different location.
"Hello, Talia," the Martian Manhunter, as always disguised as a human male, said as she opened the door.
"Hello, J'onn," she replied, smiling. "Won't you come in? There's no one to see it, so you're free to assume a more comfortable appearance."
If someone had overheard their comments, what would they have thought?
J'onn hesitated for a moment as Talia closed the door behind him, but as he stepped into the spacious suite (large enough that the bed was in one of several separate rooms, she noted thankfully), his skin turned from beige to green.
"He has handsome eyes, no matter the face," she thought.
Then her cheeks reddened. Was she so frazzled tonight that she was completely unable to control these thoughts?!
Her consternation led to an awkward silence that was ended only when both tried to say something at the same time.
"I apologize," J'onn said. "You invited me, you should go first."
She grimaced. "What I have to say could take a while. Maybe you should start?"
"Very well. You must forgive my manners, but I am unused to this, and I am relying on Hawkgirl's advice."
"Er, okay."
"Are you attracted to me?"
Her eyes widened.
"Because when you asked me if I was attracted to you," he continued uncertainly, "you never expressed your own opinion."
Maybe she should have spoken first after all. "Why do you want to know?" she asked, stalling.
"Because . . . I have these feelings for you that I haven't experienced since my youth on Mars. Feelings I thought died with my family. I thought perhaps if you had an interest in me, we might do as humans do and - try dating. Maybe then I might understand why I feel this way."
"This can't be happening," she thought, stunned. "And I've heard this before. Now he will inform me that regardless of everything he just said, he couldn't possibly entertain the thought of going out with me as long as I'm working for my father. Now if I tell him that I'm leaving DEMON, he'll think it's because of him, not because of me. Why must men be so difficult?!"
"I realize," J'onn said quietly, "that you're still a member of your father's organization. But . . . even if you feel that your place remains with him, I would not retract my offer. I must know why I feel this way, Talia, even if our paths may one day bring us into conflict."
She stared at him. And said nothing.
J'onn grew uncomfortable. "I am sorry," he finally said. "I have offended you. It was not my intention, but I'm not used to - "
"No, J'onn, wait," Talia finally replied. "I'm not offended, it's just you've given me a lot to process." She took a deep breath. "I want to stop working for my father, but I'm afraid."
"Afraid he might hurt you?"
"Well, that too. But mostly I'm afraid of not knowing what I'm going to do next. I suppose we're both staring into the unknown at this moment. Only, by coming here and saying those things," she added, "you're braver than I."
He looked at her thoughtfully. "Then perhaps I shall be bold as well as brave."
"Excuse me?"
J'onn held out his hand. "If you don't know what you're going to do next - how about dinner?"
She looked at his hand. "I didn't answer your other question," she said.
"Even if you feel nothing for me - "
"I feel many things for you, J'onn. Perhaps even a little of what you feel for me."
" - we can still dine together as friends, and talk about your future," J'onn finished. Then he paused. "What did you say?"
Gingerly she accepted his hand. "I said dinner would . . . dinner with you would be nice."
"Oh. Thank you." He took a step forward.
"No, let's not go out. Let's order in," Talia said. "So we can talk freely about you. Me. Us."
"Us?"
She nodded. What was she getting herself into?
At least she wouldn't be lonely there.
Batman didn't bother to turn from the computers. He could tell by the sound that Selina was coming downstairs. A man's footsteps would have sounded different.
No wonder Ra's al-Ghul calls you "Detective". What about Cassie?
He scowled. He wasn't sure when Catwoman's voice had first insinuated itself into his brain. He'd always permitted himself to voice doubts internally, although these were generally squashed flat by the mission that drove him night after night. But he'd never had this sly peanut gallery this before, almost taunting but not quite. He'd heard that silky voice in a hundred encounters with her before, but only after they'd become involved had Batman begun hearing it when he was alone.
"Because Batgirl doesn't have that . . . walk that Catwoman does," he thought to himself. "That jaunty self-assurance. 'Jauntiness' isn't something we get here in the cave."
Perhaps pleased with the compliment, the internal voice did not respond. Or perhaps it was because he'd focused on the reference to Ra's. He'd thought that his relationship with Selina would have eased his anger over Talia's latest desperate gambit. Instead he'd brooded over it more than usual. It was common knowledge in Gotham that Bruce Wayne was dating Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. Surely Talia should have taken that as a sign that he had moved on a long time ago. Instead . . . instead she'd asked him to sell his soul! Hand his future child over to a life being raised by the Demon's Head in exchange for freedom from Talia's romantic overtures!
Truth be told, the Bat had always chosen not to slam the door completely shut on Talia, solely because he was loath to lose the excellent intelligence she inevitably provided him on her father's mad schemes. But with Selina in the picture, Bruce was ready to inform the Bat that priorities would need to be changed.
Selina was here, and he was brooding over Talia. She'd probably notice, but he did have a plausible excuse.
"Hey, handsome," Catwoman said as she arrived. She paused and looked down on him. "Did we not enjoy our meeting with the Justice League?"
"We didn't," he growled. Sure enough, she'd picked up on it. "Three people couldn't even make it. At least we know the teleportation pods work," he grudgingly admitted. "But I didn't need to miss patrol for this."
"Mmmm-hmm," she said, half-listening.
"Plus," Batman added, "Flash seems to have infected the league with his peculiar brand of lunacy."
"Lunacy?" Selina asked. "I know a lot of lunatics, Bruce, and the Flash isn't one of them. He's just chatty, and he doesn't take things seriously." Then she flashed a naughty grin that was reflected in one of the computer monitors. "Which, admittedly, must sound crazy to you."
He grunted. "You know what I mean. I'd rather he thought about what he was going to say before he speaks, but when he does think first, sometimes what you get is worse. Like my 'invitation'."
"Invitation?"
"Flash thinks it would be a great idea if the Justice League had a party."
"A party."
"On the Watchtower. For Valentine's Day. Members and loved ones only. And somehow he's gotten both Superman and Wonder Woman to accept. He seemed to think - "
Selina chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "A JL cocktail party. Is it BYOB?"
"That because they're going, I'll feel obligated to go as well."
"So you're going?"
"Of course not. I'm not even an official member. I joined them because it had to be done, not because I wanted their company. That hasn't changed."
"I wonder what I should wear."
Batman stopped. He looked up at her. "What?"
"Should I wear the purple?" Catwoman asked, gesturing to the leather catsuit that left nothing to the imagination. "I don't need to - it's not like my identity is a secret - but is this really an ensemble that can be topped?"
He'd assumed her good humor was her amusement at the thought of a JL Valentine's Day party. A kindred spirit sharing his exasperation with the mindset of the super-powered crowd. Lord, what fools these demigods be.
When he looked into her eyes, however, Batman realized she was actually intrigued by the idea. Excited, even. "Kitten, I said I'm not going."
"That was what I thought about the Gotham Rogues Christmas Party last year, until I learned that Bruce Wayne fully expected me to attend, and to bring him as a guest," she replied simply.
Batman stared at her. There was no point in debating it further. The Christmas party had been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe his enemies in a different setting. She'd wanted to skip it. He'd insisted.
Now she'd come to collect.
"I'll let Flash know we're coming," he said flatly.
"Good boy," she said, bending over and pecking him on the cheek.
Maybe he should have said he was brooding about Talia after all.
To be continued . . .
Author's Note - Since JL has never, to my knowledge, stated whether Barbara Gordon is Batgirl or Oracle, I took the liberty of referring to Cassandra Cain as the current Batgirl. ("A-ha!" you say. "Supergirl was skiing with Barbara somewhere in Comfort and Joy. Which suggests Babs isn't in a wheelchair!" They could have been talking about any Barbara. Probably not, but I've already referred to Oracle once or twice in earlier chapters, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it.)
Catwoman, as in her previous appearance in Bridesmaid, is based on the purple-clad Catwoman of the 90s, not the impostor in comic stores now. She's also heavily inspired by the Selina Kyle in Chris Dee's Cat-Tails series. While I got the idea for the Rogues Xmas party from one of her fics, this story is not a C-T spinoff.
Arkady, Talia's half-brother, was in the B:TAS episode "Showdown".