DISCLAIMERS/NOTES
1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by DC Comics. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.
2. As always, I'll point out this was written over a decade ago, when, here in the UK, Season 2 of the JL cartoon had yet to air. So Hawkgirl had not been revealed as a spy, and the massive, every-hero-in-the-DCU roster of Unlimited wasn't a factor. My timeline picks up after the Season 1 finale, "The Savage Time". All my Wayback Wednesday stories are numbered chronologically, if you get stuck.
3. There are aspects of these stories that, in hindsight, I would change. However, I have kept them as I originally wrote them for history's sake. Not laziness.
PART 4
Superman opened the door, and smiled warmly. "John, it's great to see you!"
The Knight stood there. "Hello… Superman. How are you?"
"I'm great thanks," he said. "How are you?"
"I'm… fine," the Knight said slowly.
"Please, come in," Superman said. He moved away, motioning to the hallway. After a moment, the Knight walked in. "The others are here," the Man of Steel said. "They can't wait to see you."
The Knight grunted, as he walked towards the other door.
He waited for Superman to open it, then looked into the room.
The original Justice League looked at him. "Hi, John!" Diana said, waving her hand in the air.
With Superman's urging, the Knight went into the room. "Hello, everyone," he said. "It's… good to see you."
Diana went upto him, and hugged him. The Knight did not return the embrace. "How have you been, John? It's been months since we last saw you…"
The Knight looked at her, wondering what to say. "I have been busy," he eventually said. "As I always am."
J'onn went upto them. "Welcome, John. It's been too long."
The Knight sighed. He might as well TRY and relax. "It has indeed," he said, shaking the Martian's hand. "I hear nothing but good word about your protection of Mars."
"Thank you," J'onn said. The Knight turned his head as Batman approached him.
"How are you, John?" he asked.
The Knight looked down. "I am…" He lifted his head up…
He saw her.
His voice trailed.
Batman followed his gaze, and sighed. "Talk to her."
The Knight looked at him. "What?"
"Talk to her," Batman repeated. "You'll regret it if you don't." With that, he walked away, followed by J'onn.
The Knight looked at her. She was so beautiful… he knew it was because of the White Martians' serum, but… she was so perfect… he was still totally in love with her…
He went towards her.
She became more focused as he neared her, her eyes… her lips… her hair… her body…
He went closer…
A red hand went on her arm.
The Knight stopped.
Flash put his arm around her, and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled at the touch, putting her hand on his waist.
The Knight stood there, staring at them.
He then turned away, and went to the drinks cabinet…
/
Batman slowly opened the door and looked inside.
It was late. The heroes had had a good evening. A light lunch, casual chat. Well, he had not participated much in the latter… but then, he enjoyed listening to the others talk enough.
Most of the Leaguers had retired for the night. Which was fine by him: he was not usually one for socialising. There was only one person he really got on with.
Unfortunately, now was not one of the times.
Batman looked into the room, and saw her standing by the window, silloetted by the Arctic sun. She was truly beautiful; the light showed her exquisite body, her perfect curves, to their full. Even after all these years… she still took his breath away every time he saw her.
He hoped she was not still upset with him.
"Diana," he said quietly.
She looked at him, then turned away. "I'm still not talking to you."
He sighed. "And why's that?" he asked.
Diana - having changed into her nightie - put her costume neatly on the dressing table. "If you have to ask, then I'm even angrier."
He rolled his eyes, and went upto her. She kept her gaze from him, as she went around the bed to her side. "You can't stay angry at me all night," he said.
Diana pulled back the duvet. "Yes I can. I'm going to ignore you all night. I'm not going to talk to you until you say you're sorry."
Batman walked to ward her, and before she got into bed, he put his arms around her waist. She froze at the touch, but he kept the connection. He knew what state she was in, and intended to take full advantage of it.
He lowered his head, and gently kissed her neck. She sighed with pleasure, and smiled wide. He stroked her shoulders, and could tell her resolve was slipping.
He slowly turned her around until he was facing her, and put his hand to her cheek. He leant forward, and kissed her lovingly on the lips. Diana wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and returned the kiss.
They eventually separated their lips, and Diana sighed in contentment. "I'm sorry I yelled…" she whispered.
He smiled. "It's OK." He brushed away her hair. "So I take it I'm forgiven…?"
"I can't even remember why I was mad at you," she said. "Now are you going to kiss me, or do I have to force you…?"
He smiled, and they kissed again, deeper than before, sinking into each other. They held each other closely, never wanting to let the other go.
He slowly lowered her to the bed…
/
Hawkwoman sat up from her chair and stretched out. It had been a long day, and she was tired.
But it was also a great day. It was wonderful seeing her old friends again. It had been just like old times. Flash was messing around. J'onn was friendly, but quiet. Diana had been a real chatterbox. Batman had kept quiet, staying close to Diana. And Superman had been watching over everyone like a father, making sure nothing got out of control.
But there was one thing that was different.
She heard footsteps approaching her. She took a deep breath. She knew exactly who it was.
"Hello, Shayera."
She slowly turned and faced him. "Hello… John," she said simply.
The Knight seemed uneasy. "You're up late."
Shayera put her glass in the sink, feeling uncomfortable herself. "I was just finishing my wine… then I was off to bed."
The Knight looked down. "Oh."
Shayera sighed. She felt terrible for him. He had his emotions back… just when they could do the most damage. "It was good to see you again," she said, knowing it was a stupid thing to say.
He looked at her. "Was it?"
"Of course it was," she said, going upto him. "We care about you, John. We always have. We're your friends. You… consider us friends, right?"
He was silent. She could feel his unhappiness… she felt awful. But so much had changed. She had changed. He had changed.
Everything had changed.
He spoke, his voice barely a whisper. "I consider you all friends," he said.
She put her hand on his arm. "Good. We've missed you, John. We love you."
"I've…" he stuttered. "I've… missed you too."
They stared at each other.
He then slowly leant down, and brought his lips to hers…
She backed away, surprised. "What are you doing…?"
He looked at her, shocked. He appeared flustered, unsure of what to do. "I'm… sorry," he said. "But…"
Shayera stepped away slowly. "I hoped maybe this wouldn't come up," she said.
He sighed. "Shayera… I still lo…"
"Don't," she interrupted. "No good can come of it. It would only hurt everyone."
He looked pained, and lowered his head.
She sighed. She hated to say it, but she had to stop things before they began. "I loved you, John. And if you didn't leave, yes, we'd probably still be together."
He looked at her.
"But you DID leave," she continued. "And I'm with Wally now. And I'm very happy."
He was quiet. They stared at each other for an eternity. "I see," he finally said.
"I'm sorry," she breathed.
He backed away. "Goodnight, Hawkwoman." With that, he turned around and left the room.
Shayera watched him go. She leant against the sink, emotionally exhausted. It was hard… but it had to be done. Things had to be sorted… before they got complicated. It was for the best.
She straightened up, then slowly left the room, towards the guest bedrooms…
TO BE CONTINUED
