Baby, it's Cold Outside

By: The Angelic Temptress

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Through "Another Shore"

Summary: What many of the Leaguers are doing during the "company" Christmas party. Enjoy.

Thanks Missy.

….

Episode 5

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I heard a footstep behind me and whirled around to aim my crossbow at the prowler's throat. Luckily, I didn't pull the trigger.

The prowler was Q.

"Lonely?"

"I almost killed you."

"This is the first time, then?"

I considered shooting him in the shoulder to teach him a lesson but lowered my weapon instead. His trenchcoat rumpled in the breeze as he slowly walked toward me. When he was close enough, I kissed him where his mouth would have been.

His hands fell to my hips and pulled me closer. "It's a quiet night, isn't it?"

"We're looking out for Two-Face."

"It's nearly four in the morning. Shouldn't you be done by now?"

"Tell me something I don't know."

"Tryptophan is the amino acid that acts as a natural sedative when we eat turkey. It helps the body produce the B-vitamin niacin which, in turn, helps the brain produce serotonin. It's a calming agent that keeps the masses of turkey-eaters somnolent."

I covered the area I kissed moments earlier with my gloved hand and narrowed my eyes. "You are a walking loony bin."

Batgirl's voice buzzed in my ear, announcing that we were all calling it a night. I pressed the communicator and told her I copied.

He said, "It's going to snow later today." Q's hands moved to my behind. "It's Saturday, and I'm not working."

"Are you trying to seduce me?"

I knew he was smiling under that damned face plate when he said, "Not that I have to try."

I lightly punched him in the gut and stepped away from his hold. "We'll see."

….

Episode 6

….

Snow was falling and sticking to the cement. I checked the giant clock and realized it was extremely late. Or early. The sun had already risen. I continued on my walk and stopped when several people stumbled out of a building, each very much intoxicated. The four looked at me with strange gazes.

"What are you staring at, chap?" one of the two women asked. "Haven't you seen four adults having fun before?"

I didn't respond but rather continued on my way.

"That's right! Keep walking, ya sod!"

They were harmless college students on their winter break. A Martian didn't have to read their thoughts to identify that fact.

I stuffed my hands into my coat pockets just as the breeze picked up. England didn't have much snow this year, which was unusual according to their weather reports, but I didn't mind.

Batman sent me a transmission the other day to speak to him. He was the only person I kept in contact with. I knew he'd eventually find me if I didn't keep in touch.

I found myself missing my family. Not only my real family but the family I grew to love in years past. The little details were remembered: Superman's assurance, Batman's discussions, Diana's confidence, Shayera's wit, John's determination, and even Flash's terrible jokes. I wanted to talk to them.

I did know they were healthy because Batman kept me informed. It was enough information at the present time.

The aroma of eggnog filled the air from one of the small cafés. There were still individuals inside, most likely shop owners. The smell recalled memories of the hospitable Kents and the Christmas I spent with them and Superman.

This was a difficult time of year if one didn't have friends or family to share it with. I had secluded myself from those I promised to protect, separated myself from those I worked and lived with.

My wife and my children were taken from me, and yet I found myself purposely slipping away.

"Merry Christmas, Sir. Could you spare a bit of change for the children's hospital?" a woman asked from the street corner. "We're trying to raise money for the new cancer wing."

A smile spread across my face, and I dropped a few coins into her tin.

"Thank you, Sir."

"Merry Christmas."

….

END