A/N: Set post Wild Cards and before Comfort and Joy. References to Flight of the Hawk.

John grunted as he received a rather hard uppercut from Parasite. The Green Lantern landed on his back and paused for a moment before sitting up with a scowl.

Parasite merely smirked and then crossed his arms over his chest, "Give it up. You ain't got nothing on me."

"Yeah that's why Shade, Tsukuri, and Copperhead are already down," John retorted as he stood.

"Your funeral," Parasite continued to smirk as he lunged at him.

"Shouldn't have done that," John muttered as he created a boxing glove construct and struck Parasite directly in the face.

Parasite was sent flying back and crashed through the windows of the building behind them. Within seconds the villain climbed out of the shattered window with a frown.

"You really gotta do this the hard way don't ya?" Parasite cracked his neck and then his knuckles. "I already took down Hawkgirl and you won't last too much longer either."

John glanced behind him at the unconscious Thanagarian before glaring at Parasite. He knew Shayera wasn't as strong as Superman or Wonder Woman but her Thanagarian strength and endurance were enough to make Parasite even more cumbersome to take down than usual. Suddenly John smirked as he remembered what Superman had told him about Parasite. While he could drain a person and replicate their powers; he also inherited their weaknesses. He also tended to leech a bit of their personalities as well. John knew he could easily use this to his advantage.

Parasite arched a brow in confusion, "What are you smirking about?"

"Just realizing how stupid you are," John replied as he took to the air.

"Stupid?" Parasite scowled as he flew after him. "I'll show you stupid you asswipe!"

"You might be able to fly but you can't fly as well as Hawkgirl can," John taunted.

"I'm ten times the flyer any of you dumbass heroes are. I can fly circles around you all in my sleep."

John ducked under Parasite's left fist. In the same motion he then positioned himself behind Parasite and struck him in the back with a mallet construct. Parasite plummeted to the ground and was grimacing as John landed before him. Parasite struggled to lift his head and let out a grunt as he gave up and dropped it back to the ground.

John gave him a rather cocky grin, "You forgot a little something. You got all of her strengths and weaknesses. Should have done your homework."

"I'll kill ya next time," Parasite muttered. "Mark my words."

"Yeah good luck with that," the Green Lantern rolled his eyes but his attention to Parasite was then broken when he heard a low groan. He turned his head to see Hawkgirl slowly sitting up as she rubbed the back of her head. John immediately rushed to her side and knelt next to her as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "You okay Shay?"

Hawkgirl nodded, "Yeah I'm fine. Sore but fine. I'm guessing Parasite is down?"

John nodded, "Yeah he won't be getting up anytime soon. I made sure of that."

The Thanagarian momentarily glared at the supervillain, "Good."

"I think we're done here and can get going," John said as he helped her stand. "We've had enough fun in Metropolis for one day."

"Yeah the police can handle them now," Shayera then frowned. "Next time there's a deep space mission I'm not volunteering to be one of the two to stay behind. I rather be dealing with alien warlords than Superman's idiotic villains."

"Then who would have stayed behind with me?" John smirked at her. "At least we get to be alone while the other are somewhere out in the galaxy."

"That is true," Shayera returned the smirk. "Still today has been hectic even for being in the Justice League. We already had to stop two bank robberies, a train from derailing, and now this. I didn't know Metropolis could be this crazy."

John peered past Shayera's left wing for a brief moment before turning his attention back to her, "If we're going to leave I say we do it now Shay because here comes Lois."

"Fantastic," Shayera groaned. "Come on Lantern, let's get the hell out of here. I'm not letting her interrogate me again."

"Hey wait just a minute!" Lois shouted after them as they quickly took to the air. "I need a word with one of you! Can you at least tell me where the rest of the Justice League is and what they're doing?"

"You know I like that in Midway City they don't bother me," Shayera casually stated to John as they flew. "Hell even in Detroit they don't bother me. Anywhere else they want a damn story and Superman wonders why I don't like sticking around after fights."

"I have to agree it is annoying," John replied before shrugging. "Our people just know us better and they know to leave us alone." He then paused, "So where are we headed to now Shayera?"

"Just another city that might need a little help with their crime problem. It should be quiet enough in Metropolis for the rest of the night."

"And here I thought we could get pizza, watch a movie, and just call it a night."

"Where's the fun in that? It's still early."

John sighed as he rolled his eyes, "Alright fine, where is this city exactly?"

"Simple," Shayera looked over at him. "We managed to send Batman into the depths of space. You don't think any of those freaks in Gotham won't notice Batman isn't around?"

John let out an exasperated sigh, "I hate going to Gotham. Besides Batman doesn't like it if any of us go there."

"He doesn't like it when he's there," she pointed out. "Last time I checked he's in space."

"You have a point."

"As the saying goes when the bat's away the mice will play."

John chuckled, "That's not how it goes Shay. It's when the cat's away the mice will play."

Shayera frowned at him as she narrowed her eyes, "Close enough."

"Have I ever told you how much I hate Gotham?" John asked Shayera as they flew over the city. "It's dirty and dingy. It's pretty much a cesspool for crime. I don't even know why Batman even bothers."

Shayera in turn sighed and rolled her eyes, "You've told me that at least five times in the past twenty minutes. I don't think Batman would like it very much if he heard you badmouthing his city."

"He can get over it," he replied with a light frown. "It's not like I'm not telling the truth Shayera. You said it yourself that you don't particularly care for this city either."

"I only said it wasn't my favorite city to go to. Either way truth or not, Batman won't like it," Shayera repeated as she landed on top of a building. "Now we wait."

John landed next to her and raised an eyebrow, "What are we waiting for exactly?"

Shayera lightly smirked, "You'll see. Besides it's better than us flying around the city. Especially since you're pretty much a fluorescent, green lightbulb. You'll attract too much attention."

"This was your idea to come here Shayera," John crossed his arms over his chest with an unamused look. "Trust me, I would have been perfectly fine not coming here at all."

"Yeah I know. You've made that perfectly clear John. I don't see what's so bad about Gotham compared to other cities. Sure it's a bit foreboding and a little dirtier than others but it seems rich in history."

"Of course you look at it from a historical aspect," John rolled his eyes. "Past history or not, that doesn't change what the city is today."

Shayera lightly shook her head, "You are so stubborn."

John smirked at that, "You're one to talk. You're more stubborn than me."

Shayera smirked as well as she leaned herself against him, "I am not. You're way more stubborn than I am."

"Are you guys flirting?" A third, younger voice humorously asked from behind them causing the two to jump.

"Dammit you eavesdropping little jackass!" Shayera growled.

John let out a sigh as he turned to see a young teen smirking at them. He then raised an eyebrow as he noticed the outfit the teen was wearing. It was clear the teen was a hero and John was positive he had seen that outfit before in one of the files up in the Watchtower.

The teen then laughed, "I so got you this time."

Shayera rolled her eyes, "As if Robin."

"Come on," Robin nudged her. "Admit it that I managed to surprise you this time."

Shayera smirked, "Fine, you mildly startled me. You're getting better with your approach. I didn't hear you at all this time."

John tilted his head slightly as he pointed at the teen, "Aren't you Batman's sidekick?"

Tim in turn proudly placed his hands on his hips as he puffed out his chest, "The one and only but I prefer partner not sidekick."

"And you know each other how exactly?" John asked with a raised eyebrow as he looked over at the Thanagarian next to him. "Cause I know you don't come to Gotham everyday."

Shayera waved him off, "Long story, anyways this is who we were waiting for. I figured we might as well wait for Tim to show up."

"Wait," John held up a hand. "You know his secret identity?"

"Of course I do," Shayera rolled her eyes.

Robin shrugged, "Yeah she figured it out during her second time in Gotham a few years back. Batman wasn't happy that she figured out his."

John's eyes widened, "Hold on just a minute, you know Batman's secret identity?"

At that Shayera scoffed, "I wouldn't be much of a detective if I couldn't figure it out."

John crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow, "How come you've never told me that you know it then Shay?"

Shayera lightly chuckled and shook her head, "Because that's not how it works. Just because I know his identity doesn't mean I'm going to tell even you Lantern."

"How many secret identities do you know?" John asked her.

Shayera paused for a moment before shrugging, "Superman, Flash, Batman, and a few others. Not too many."

John raised an eyebrow, "You call that not too many?"

Robin smirked, "Are you guys, you know, like dating or something?"

"What? No!" Shayera replied rather flustered as a hint of a blush was spreading under her helmet. "What in the hell gave you that stupid idea?"

"The flirting, how you guys are talking with each other, GL calling you by a nickname, and you guys coming to Gotham together," Tim listed off with his fingers. "Besides I was trained by Batman. I'm observant."

"Be a little less observant next time," Shayera stated with a frown.

Tim smirked, "I knew it."

Shayera narrowed her eyes at him, "You better not say anything in front of Batman. I mean it Tim. This is on a need to know basis only."

"Don't worry I won't tell Batman anything Shayera," Tim waved her off. "Though knowing Batman he already knows but isn't saying anything."

John raised an eyebrow, "You know her name?"

"Yeah of course I do," he shrugged. "She told me it about two months ago. Batman and I had to go all the way to Midway City to track down Clayface. She told me her name before we left."

"So you guys have worked together before and more than once I'm assuming?" John asked.

"Yeah at least a few times. Honestly working with Shayera is the coolest. She lets me get away with stuff that Batman won't let me do. She's like the fun, crazy aunt everyone wants while growing up."

Shayera in turn rolled her eyes, "Yeah and then I had to hear it from Batman and Batgirl afterwards. Anyway any freaks on the run tonight and where's Barbara?"

"Barbara's on a camping trip with Dick and some of their friends. Only ones that broke out of Arkham recently were Killer Croc and Scarecrow. Otherwise it's actually been pretty quiet. I think that's the only reason why Batman agreed to go out in space. He said I could handle anything that might happen."

"Well he's not wrong. You can easily handle it. You're not that bad of a fighter for being a kid," Shayera lightly teased as she ruffled his hair.

Tim feigned a frown, "I'm not a kid."

"Sure you aren't," she lightly rolled her eyes with a smirk.

"Hey I can legally drive the Batmobile technically," Tim stated with a proud grin. "And next year I become a legal adult."

"Aren't you little short for your age?" John asked as he slightly tilted his head.

Tim gave him an unamused look, "Thanks for rubbing it in. Not every hero is built like Batman or Superman. Though I guess being lean and fast has its advantages over being big and strong."

"You don't need to be strong if you can out maneuver your opponents," Shayera stated. "Anyway let's get this party started."

"You sure it's a good idea to have Green Lantern in Gotham?" Tim asked as he gestured over towards him. "He's like a glowing, green light bulb."

John rolled his eyes, "Not like I can exactly stop the ring from glowing."

Shayera lightly chuckled, "Don't worry about sourpuss here. I have an idea around that."

"This is ridiculous," John muttered as he was being carried by Shayera as she flew. Tim wasn't too far ahead of them as he was running and grappling over the rooftops below them. "Why did I let you talk me into this?"

"Because your ring makes you standout too much," Shayera replied before she dropped her lips right next to his ear as she tightened her arms around his body a bit. "Besides when do we get to do this while fighting crime? I didn't think you'd complain about being held by me."

John smirked as he turned his head to glance up at her, "That I'm not complaining about."

"Then be quiet," Shayera muttered into his ear and kissed his cheek. "You complain too much."

John snorted back a laugh as he shook his head, "Coming from you. You complain plenty as well. Anyway since when did you decide to be friends with a teenager of all people?"

Shayera shrugged, "What can I say? Tim is like the Flash in a way. His personality gradually won me over."

"And how long have you two known each other exactly?"

Shayera paused for a moment, "It's been at least four years now."

"So you've known him since he was thirteen? Really wasn't expecting that Shay. Hell I thought we were just going to come here so you could split some heads up. I didn't think you'd know anyone here let alone a teenager."

"Remember what I told you, not all kids are bad. Tim is one of the tolerable ones. Besides if I had-" Shayera then abruptly cut herself off and shook her head. "Nevermind."

John looked up at her and gave her a quizzical look, "If you had what Shayera?"

"Nothing, forget it," she replied as she shook her head. "It's not important."

"It had to be if you were going to say it," John retorted. Though the Green Lantern had a feeling he knew what she had originally intended to say.

"It's nothing John, trust me," Shayera insisted.

"Has to be that it's too embarrassing for you to say out loud then and contradicts your warrior personality."

Shayera rolled her eyes, "Smartass."

"Pot calling the kettle black," John chuckled. "Let me take a stab at what you were going to say then. Since I'm pretty sure I know what it was."

"Oh really? Now you're a mind-reader? I didn't know those rings had that feature."

"No I just know you well enough at this point," John smirked to himself. "You were going to say if you had a son you'd want him to be like Tim."

Shayera swallowed before she frowned, "Don't think that I won't drop you Lantern."

"Still have my power ring," he replied in an amused tone.

She narrowed her eyes, "I can take care of that as well."

John lightly chuckled, "Sure you would. Even someone like you can be a softy at times Shay."

"I'm not a softy," the Thanagarian muttered.

"You know it is okay to not act all rough and tough all the time right?"

"I know that and I let my guard down around you plenty. I just don't need other people hearing me talk like that. I have an image to maintain."

Just as John was going to reply a security alarm began to blare in the distance. He rolled his eyes and mumbled, "Saved by the bell."

Shayera alighted ontop of a building across from a jewelry store. She shook her head as she looked over the edge of the rooftop, "Are criminals really that dumb?"

"That's why they're dumb criminals," John said to her before raising an eyebrow. "Aren't we going to go down there? We shouldn't make the kid do all of the work."

Shayera dismissively waved a hand at him, "Nah we'll let Robin handle it. I'm going to try to take it easy for the rest of the night. My body still feels off after dealing with Parasite."

"We should have just went to either my place or yours then so that you could rest. Galivanting across Gotham isn't going to make you feel any better."

Shayera rolled her eyes, "I'm not dying John. I'm just tired and sore. Besides Tim can handle it and if we have to we'll intervene when necessary."

John sighed, "Fine but I'm only agreeing because I know I won't be able to talk you out of this."

Before either of them could say anything else the end of a grappling gun hooked itself into the side of the rooftop. Seconds later Robin vaulted him over the edge.

"That was too easy," Tim cockily stated as he dusted himself off. "Did I miss anything?"

"You're the one who was fighting some dumbass robbers," Shayera stated with an amused look. "We were only up here talking."

"Planning your next date?" Tim snickered as Shayera scowled and John rolled his eyes.

Shayera then glared at him, "Just because you aren't an adult doesn't mean I won't punch you."

Tim then smirked, "Or were you guys gonna start to suck faces if I didn't get back up here just now?"

"Shut up before I shove my mace down your throat!" Shayera growled.

"Make me!" Tim laughed as he began to run to the other end of the rooftop and began to aim his grappling gun at the adjacent building.

"When I get my hands on you Tim you are going to wish Batman wasn't in space!" Shayera threatened as she flew after him

"Shayera wait!" John called out to her as she took off. Realizing she wasn't coming back for him, John sighed as he took to the air after the two. He then muttered to himself, "I seriously have to stop letting Shayera plan our date nights."