Bruce was on the floor and his head was spinning. How had he let that damned man get such a solid hit?
Bruce was going back through the incident in his mind, analyzing his actions. He should have been able to avoid it, avoid being caught at all.
Dick's voice rang in his ears, just like you should have blocked that gangster with the knife. He cursed Dick under his breath.
Shayera didn't know why she was still standing there. She didn't move something about these Earth men always made her second guess her judgments. You're getting soft, Shayera, she scolded herself.
Bruce felt Shayera's arms lifting him from the floor. A throbbing pain pulsated through his arm and he realized the shoulder wound had been ripped opened.
Needing to maintain his constant appearance of strength, Bruce pulled away from her arms.
"I don't need your help, Shayera."
"Good because I'd be the last person to come to your aid!" Ungrateful…she curses him under her breath.
Bruce walked towards the infirmary. His shoulder was burning with pain.
Shayera knew Batman's aptitude and tactics made him one of the most proficient members of the League avoiding virtually any injury. Something is definitely wrong, she thought as she secretly followed behind Bruce.
Once he reached the infirmary, Bruce began pulling the items he needed off the shelves and threw them down on the medical bed. Shayera watched curiously from a small crack in the door.
"If you want to help, grab some gauze," said Bruce not turning to face her.
How does he always know? Shayera looked annoyed. She entered and opened a near-by drawer pulling out a spindle of gauze.
Bruce sat on the medical bed, pulling up his sleeve. His bloody shoulder exposed.
"What happened?" Shayera brought over the gauze.
"Don't ask."
"Katar didn't..."
"I don't like repeating myself, Shayera."
She felt the urge to slug Bruce again just to see his body sprawled out on the infirmary floor.
Bruce handed her the rubbing alcohol, "Do you know what to..." He flinched. She began to clean his wound giving him an angry glare.
Bruce watched her to re-stitch his shoulder and examined her work. He noticed her mangled hair and disheveled clothing.
Not looking up at him, she replied, "We were sparring."
"We?"
"Katar and I."
"How does Diana feel about that?"
"Why don't you ask her?"
He was silent. Shayera rolled her eyes.
As she began to wrap his shoulder, the pain from his cheek was becoming more apparent. He reached up to feel his cheekbones and jaw, ensuring they weren't broken or dislocated.
She had a grin on her face, recalling the immensely satisfying punch Katar had laid on him. "You can't honestly say you didn't deserve that, Bruce."
Remembering the sound of joy in Diana's voice calling out Katar's name, he quickly replied, "I'm not sure I did."
He was looking down, but he could feel her giving him an icy stare.
"That was a rhetorical question, Bruce." She tightened the dressing a little harder than necessary.
Her irritation with him was growing. She wanted to hurl out every rotten word she knew at the man who had stolen her friend's heart and then obliterated it with his protocols.
She paused, looking at him squarely in the eyes. She could tell he was trying to hide the distraught look on his face.
There was a part of her that was almost glad the Batman was suffering, it showed he wasn't invincible.
Another part of her almost believed it was justice after all the severe hurt he had inflicted upon Diana.
But a larger part of her wanted more than anything to save this wretched, stubborn man from himself.
Shayera sighed. "It hasn't been very long."
Bruce stilled.
"Diana and Katar. He comforts her."
"Comforts?"
Shayera looks down, ignoring his question. "I think he's in love with her."
Who isn't, he thought to himself, the clenching feeling returned in his chest.
He was silent for a few moments and then put his ungloved hand over Shayera's. "Thanks, Shayera, for the stitch work."
She nodded in response.
As he walked out of the medical bay he heard Shayera's voice. "I want her to be happy, Bruce."
So do I. He headed for the shuttle bay.
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Diana awoke and searched the room. Katar was gone. Had he come back in the morning to see her?
As she licked her lips, she recalled the events of last night. Her eyes lightened and she smiled to herself. She hadn't felt herself smiling like this in a long time.
Katar is a fierce warrior…and a fine man.
Her smile vanished when she looked into the mirror and saw the remains of the tears she had wept last night. She did her best to remove the traces of unhappiness from her face with soap and cold water.
Coward! He was in front of her door hesitant to knock. He was letting this woman turn him into a fool. Batman was back, she needed nothing further from him.
Her door swings open. Diana walks out slamming her face against Katar's chest. "Hey!" she growled.
His hands were on her arms as he regrettably pulled his body away from hers. "Sorry, Diana," he apologized in a soft voice that did not sound like him at all.
Diana gave him a smile. "Have you been standing here long?"
By the Gods, she's gorgeous when she smiles. He wanted to see her smile like this everyday. He immediately realized he had not answered her question, occupied with his thoughts.
She was giving him an odd look. As he finally answered, "Yes," he was stuttering, "No, only a few minutes." Imbecile! He wanted to kick himself.
"Oh...Well I'm meeting Shayera for lunch. You should join us." She took his arm as they headed toward the cafeteria.
Why did her touch make his flesh feel like it was on fire? Her body was even closer now. He could feel her warmth against him. He wanted to simply pin her down and cover her lips with his.
She enjoyed the feel of his arm holding hers. In an almost natural motion, she lightly leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked.
Katar held his breath, savoring the feel of her head against his shoulder and soaking his skin with her warmth.
He looked down at her and wanted to pause this moment of his life so that he may enjoy her company indefinitely. He heard his name on her lips. "Katar..."
"Were you in my room this morning? I felt someone and I thought you had come back."
He stopped walking. His body became rigid. He knew exactly who she 'felt' that morning.
She was going to find out sooner or later, but he was hoping on the later.
He wanted to see her before she found out. At least once more, before he would lose her completely.
His silence worried Diana. "Katar, are you alright?"
Without thinking, he took her into his arms and kissed her passionately. It was different than the kiss they had shared last night. It was soft and unyielding.
I need this one last kiss…this will allow me to forget her…forget that I love her.
He pulled away. His thoughts had betrayed him. No! He shook his head in denial.
His breath was heavy and his fingers grinding into fists.
Diana felt his lips leaving her, his warmth pulling away. She felt cold. She reached out for him. "Katar?"
"He's back, Diana…" Katar hated the sound of his voice as he walked away from her.
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AN: I changed a few scenes in this chapter. Reviews and critiques welcome!