"Futures"

By: The One, The Only… Angelic Temptress (and the crowd goes wild)

Disclaimer: I want them for my birthday. It's in November, in case you were wondering.

Rating: Do I really have to? I guess I better. PG-13

Spoilers: Um. Rex. And "Epilogue" because Terry mentioned Selina.

A/N: Wishful thinking? Enjoy.

And, of course, thanks to my beta reader. Missy is amazing in every way. ;)

VvV

(Chapter 2)

John walks into the Watchtower's lobby first and hopes his son will follow. It's been about twelve years since Rex has seen the JL headquarters, and John knows his son is overwhelmed. Not only is everything advanced and spotless, but the place has been remodeled and its technology has been upgraded.

Everything is new to Rex.

"Whoa! Is that who I think it is?" At the sound of Wally's voice, Rex immediately smiles and they both speed to give the one another a big bear hug. Of course, they travel at different velocities.

"Uncle… Flash? I haven't seen you in months!" Rex pulls away and gently shoves Flash's shoulder.

"I've been busy with Linda and the baby, so it's hard to juggle things sometimes. But what are you doing here anyways?" John's best friend turns to him and asks, "Field trip? Is it 'Take Your Kid to Work Day' or something?"

"No. I just thought it would be fun to bring him for a visit."

"Oh. Well, I have to get going. I'm meeting Steel on the main deck. But if you're both here later, I'll put a couple of mochas on my tab."

Rex nods. "You've got a deal."

Wally runs off, and John motions for Rex to continue walking.

"Lantern?" Superwoman calls and strolls up to the Stewarts. "Rex?" After Rex confirms her conjecture, Kara places both hands on her hips. "Wow, I feel ancient. How old are you now?"

John's son chuckles. "Old enough to appreciate a beautiful woman when I see one."

Kara giggles as her smile grows wider. After pushing a strand of her shoulder-length blonde hair behind her ear, she warns, "John. Your son will be a heartbreaker."

"Where'd you learn that one, Casanova?" GL asks him once Kara leaves.

"I watch television."

"Uh huh."

It only takes another few minutes before the duo is seated in the conference room with J'onn, Diana, and Clark. John notices how uncomfortable Rex is even though he is most familiar with the original Leaguers. His hands are casually gripping the arms of his chair.

"Rex," Diana says, "you've really grown."

"Yeah. It happens over a decade, Aunt Di," Rex snaps. Diana still doesn't visit the Stewart's home, and he is still angry with her.

Clark clears his throat and asks, "So where are you planning to go to college?"

Obviously uneasy with the question, Rex shifts in his seat and runs a hand through his shaggy hair. "Honestly, I don't really know. I've been looking into Gotham State and NYU, but I think I want something closer to Midway."

"Understandable. Rumors say you're interning at The Daily Planet."

"Yeah."

"That's great."

"Yeah."

The door slides open and Nightwing steps through. "Knock knock," he says and offers a smile as he tosses a manila folder onto the table. "The last files to be uploaded into the Watchtower's memory bank are right there, J'onn."

"Thank you. You completed your task rather quickly."

"Happens when you've worked with the Bat." Nightwing moves his blue eyes to stare at Rex, and he slightly tilts his head. "Aren't you kind of young to be in the League?"

John laughs. "This is my son, Nightwing. He's just here for the tour."

"Really?" The vigilante raises an eyebrow. "If I knew there was a tour, I would have brought up my last girlfriend." He extends his gloved hand, and Rex shakes it. "Isn't it kind of dreary in here? I mean, you're hanging with the senior crowd."

VvV

"Dad?"

"Rex?"

"Why are we here?" Rex watches his dad's grin widen and sips his latte. The father and son are sitting in a corner of the Watchtower's cafeteria. Though they've been in the embassy for about sixty minutes, Rex is more confused about the unexpected trip than when he first walked in.

"Why do you think we're here?"

Rex scans the room, taking note of the heroes he recognizes and those he doesn't. "Because Mom told you what I said yesterday? Because I want to do what you do." He makes eye contact with his father and adds, "You want me to see what it's like to work on a team and follow orders…" His eyes fall upon plaques lining the walls of the room, each with a different name. "And comprehend that some of the people I knew aren't here anymore."

VvV

The Stewarts land in the driveway of Wayne Manor, and John removes the aura bubble around them. He notes his son's confident stance.

"So, this is Bristol?" Rex turns to look past the large metal gates. "And Gotham is that way?"

John doesn't answer his questions and starts for the front door. Because Bruce has aged and hasn't had any children, the paparazzi have kept their distance. No one is interested in an over the hill billionaire. A Wayne Enterprise president loses his luster after fifty.

He rings the doorbell and waits, half expecting Alfred to answer. Shayera was very close to the butler before he passed away ten years ago and would spend afternoons with him sipping chamomile and talking.

To the Lantern's surprise, a woman with thick black hair answers the door. Her striking green eyes and stunningly hardened features catch his breath. Though her slim body suggests otherwise, John is sure she is about the same age as he is. Even he could mistake her for someone several years younger.

She narrows her eyes at the strangers and asks, "Can I help you?"

"We were wondering if we might be able to speak with Mr. Wayne… in his basement."

The woman sizes them up before she nods and steps aside. As they walk in, John studies her. Her raven hair is in a messy bun. A black shirt with quarter-length sleeves hugs her torso as a pleated gray skirt sits on her hips. Black heels complete the ensemble.

"And what is your reason for this unscheduled appointment, Mr. Stewart?" Her eyes settle on Rex, and she gives a small smile. "This better not be another protégé."

"You know –"

"John Stewart, married Shayera Hol in 2006 and had a son in January of 2007." She starts to walk toward the infamous grandfather clock and adds, "I know your wife. She and I spoke on several occasions. I'm Selina Kyle."

"Catwoman."

"Last sighting of the feline was in 2019." With a simple press of the button, the secret door to the Bat's lair swings open. Selina immediately begins to descend.

John motions Rex to go next and takes up the rear. When they reach the bottom of the stone stairs, John immediately looks to the infamous chair. Bruce's fingers are pounding the keyboard as he scans through countless files.

"You've got company."

For almost two decades, Batman has kept himself separated from the League. Though he still has an influence, he chooses not to be involved. After Tim's episode with the Joker, there was no reasoning with him.

Since Alfred's death, Batman works overtime and cares for little else. Tim, Barbara, and Dick have all left his side to pursue their own lives of crime fighting and/or normalcy.

Bruce doesn't turn to see who came to pay a visit. "Why don't you take Rex somewhere for an hour or so, Selina?"

VvV

"How's your mother these days?" Selina asks Rex as they climb into the black, vintage Jaguar.

"She's good."

She turns the key, revving the Jag's engine to life, and pulls out of the huge garage. Rex watches her drive, studying her movements. A part of him recognizes the years of passion burned into her form; he knows she misses her alter ego.

"Stop observing me, kid. You remind me of Bruce."

"I get it from my dad."

"Figured as much, but he was taught by the Marine Corps and has an excuse," she remarks and sends him a smile. "Are you in college?"

"I'm still a senior"

"You look a lot older."

"I have my mother's eyes. She says, and I quote, that 'I inherited the same… weariness that's trapped inside of her.'" Rex looks away from the beautiful woman and to the street. "If you don't mind my asking, where are we headed?"

"A flower shop."