Hey Guys! For now, enjoy the chapter :) At the end there's an author's note :D

Jason's eyes opened and he wondered if he had just dreamed of seeing Selene again after so long. Blinking, the young man realized that he was lying on his bed. Confused, he tried to sit up but found that he was tied down. He swore under his breath before shouting, "Starfire? Roy?"

Moments later the door to his room opened and Starfire bustled inside. She immediately went to his side and touched a slim hand to his forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Pissed," Jason snarled. "Why the hell am I tied to my bed?"

Starfire bent over and peered into his eyes. Frowning she asked, "Do you wish to do illicit things with sticks?"

Outraged by her question, Jason shouted, "What! Of course I don't want to do…" his voice trailed off as an image of Selene filled his mind. His skin flushed a deep red. "Selene was really here?"

The Tamaranian woman nodded. "Yes, but when it became apparent you would not be waking up any time soon I sent her home." At the confused look on her friend's face Starfire gave a brief explanation of what happened. When she finished Jason looked horrified.

"Did I…" his voice trailed off again and Starfire smiled.

"Although you were quite insistent nothing has occurred. Now, do you still wish to be sexually pleased by a stick?"

When Jason shook his head, Starfire undid the ties holding him the bed and helped him sit up. as he rubbed his sore wrists Jason said heavily, "I…I don't know what I'm going to do Starfire."

The words broke Starfire's heart and she sat down beside her friend. Touching a hand to his face she said gently, "You are going to shave this beard off your face. And then the three of us will search for some mischief to get into. It has been too long."

A small smile touched Jason's face. "Yeah. It has."

"We should get married."

Selene jerked up from her slouched position on the couch and stared at Wally in shock. It was the day after the Jason debacle and she was curled up on Wally's sofa with a book in hand. The book fell from her hold and hit the floor. "Wally, what on earth are you talking about? We can't get married!"

The speedster zoomed over to her and propped his hands on his hips. "Why not? I love you, you love me. After everything that's happened I'm nervous about not having a more permanent relationship."

Despite the fact that she could read Wally's thoughts like a book and knew that he was speaking the truth, Selene wasn't so convinced. They had just reconnected on a romantic level. It was way too soon to be speaking about marriage. She opened her mouth to protest but suddenly the room was filled with dozens of roses and Wally was on one knee in front of her. in his hand was a small black box and nestled inside was a beautiful diamond ring.

Selene's breath caught in her throat. "Oh Wally, It's beautiful!" Her eyes met his and she felt a thrill go through her.

"Then say yes Selene," Wally said with a smile as he removed the ring from the box.

Tears filled Selene's eyes as she nodded and held out her hand.

A little while later, feeling the high that only an engaged person could feel, Selene stood outside of J'onn's apartment knocking on the door. When the door was finally pulled open by an irritated looking Tegan, Selene sailed by her into the apartment and said excitedly, "I have something to tell you!" she turned around and saw the scowl on her friend's face. "What's wrong with you?"

If possible Tegan's scowl deepened. "I have just been cleansing the child. It is ridiculous how filthy they become."

Selene noticed for the first time that Tegan was soaked. Stifling a laugh she teased, "How on earth did you get so wet bathing a new born? Isn't it too soon for that anyways?"

Tegan gave her a dark look and said stiffly, "Were you in need of something?"

Caught up in the excitement of her news, Selene didn't notice that her friend was acting strangely. Holding up her left hand, diamond ring flashing, she gushed, "Wally asked me to marry him! You have to be my maid of honor!" she threw her arms around Tegan and squeezed her tightly.

Tegan stiffened and patted Selene awkwardly on the shoulder. "How…joyous."

"Yeah, totally joyous." Selene said laughing and pulling away. Looping her arm through Tegan's she pulled her friend towards where she heard Edan, who had started cry at all the noise. "C'mon I'll help you finish with Edan and I'll give you the rundown of what happened."

"James, are you ready to leave?"

At the sound of her "mother's" voice Tegan turned away from the hospital room window and nodded. "Yeah," her voice was husky. Unfamiliar. "I'm ready to go."

The woman who was now her mother smiled with tears in her eyes and held out an arm. Reluctantly Tegan moved away from the window and joined the woman at the doorway. She stiffened slightly as Beatrice slipped her arm through hers and said, "Oh honey, I'm so happy that you're doing so much better."

Tegan clenched her jaw. "Yeah. I'm glad too. Can we leave?"

If Beatrice was hurt by Tegan's cold behavior she didn't show it. Instead the older woman chattered about people Tegan didn't know and pulled her down the hallway. When they reached a set of elevators Tegan tuned the woman out and focused on the reflection in the stainless steel doors. James Novak, despite being pale from being in the hospital for the last few months, was handsome as hell. Blue eyes were framed by thick lashes that gave him an air of innocence. His blonde hair was on the long side, curling over his forehead in a way that made girls who saw him want to reach up and touch. And he was tall. He towered over his mother by at least a foot.

Tegan hated him. She hated that these blue eyes were now her own. She hated the way his blonde hair could not melt away into flames. She hated the fact that hard male muscles had replaced her soft female curves. Her hand, large and masculine, clenched and she pictured flames coursing up her arms. All of that was gone now. Just like J'onn and Edan. Pain filled Tegan as she thought of them. Electro Master was going to pay for what he did. She woul…her thoughts trailed off at the hand tugging on her sleeve.

"Honey, the elevator's arrived. Are you alright? We can have you readmitted if you need more recovery time." Beatrice's eyes filled with concern and Tegan felt guilty at how rude she had been to the other woman. It wasn't her fault.

Forcing a smile on her face, one that caused a nearby nurse to blush, Tegan patted Beatrice on the hand and said, "No…mom. Let's go home."

Electro Master contemplated what would happen if he killed Selene. On one hand there would be a furious Wally. On the other hand there would be blessed silence. Since she had come bursting into the apartment with her news of the engagement the woman had not shut up once. Currently the two of them sat in the living room, Electro Master stiffly on the couch and Selene across from her, giving Edan his bottle. As the little baby ate greedily Selene said, "I can't believe how big he's gotten in the few days since I haven't seen him." A dreamy expression covered her face. "I wonder what my kids will look like."

A surge of irritation went through Electro Master and the lights in the apartment flickered. Selene looked up in concern. "I'm sure they will be lovely," was his stiff reply as he forced his electrical impulses down. Killing her now could possibly kill Edan. Then all of this would have been for nothing.

Selene smiled and moved the empty bottle away from Edan's mouth. "How are you doing Tegan? Are you feeling better after everything's that happened?"

"I feel perfectly fine." Electro Master said shortly. He'd feel even better once she left. "Will you be staying long? I have many things to accomplish before J'onn returns."

Looking confused Selene shook her head and Electro Master forced a cool smile on his face. Selene looked slightly embarrassed and replied softly, "I'm sorry Tegan, I didn't think that maybe you're still exhausted from your ordeal. How are you?"

Electro Master pressed his lips together. "How do you think I feel? That cre…baby doesn't believe in sleep yet. And he requires my attention twenty four hours a day. I have no time to do necessary things."

Pressing her lips into a line, Selene asked, "You're not trying to get a job or anything are you? You just went through a traumatic experience; you need time to recover."

"It is no concern of yours what I wish to do in my free time!" Electro Master snarled.

Selene raised her hands and said defensively, "Hey, calm down Tegan. I'm just worried about you. It's my right as your best friend." She paused to brush her hair back from her face before continuing gently, "If you want more free time then you know you can ask me to babysit. I don't mind watching Edan for a few hours so you can go out and have some alone time."

It took all of Electro Master's control to tamper down the sinister laugh that bubbled to his lips. Instead he smiled as sweetly as he could and even gave Selene a pat on her leg. "That would be wonderful."

When J'onn returned home later in the evening it was to discover a snoozing Edan and Selene. With little effort he did a mental search and did not sense Tegan within the proximity. A small frown settled on his mouth but the Martian pushed aside his feelings of unease and set about preparing dinner. As he did so, J'onn reflected on how little he knew the woman he loved. He could tell anyone what would happen if he brushed his hands over here but he had no knowledge of whether or not she could cook.

J'onn knew the color of her flames when she was pleased with what he said but he knew nothing of what she wished to do with her life. Their brief moments in the bar and on the dance floor, a lifetime ago it seemed, hadn't touched on more serious subjects. J'onn's thoughts were pushed aside as Selene's voice, husky from sleep, sounded out behind him.

"That smells delicious."

There was a brief moment of silence as J'onn placed a lid on the pot simmering atop the stove. He turned and smiled at his friend. "I prefer to eat Chocos. However Tegan has shown a preference for more substantial foods. You will be joining us for dinner?"

The girl shook her head and smiled mischievously. "Nah, I need to get back and cook for my…." Selene paused dramatically before waving her left hand in J'onn's face. "My fiancé!"

The Martian stared blankly at her hand before his knowledge of earth customs kicked in. "Wally has asked for your hand in marriage? That is a nice surprise."

"It is," Selene replied looking pleased. "Who knows, maybe we can turn this into a double wedding."

A flush spread across J'onn's cheeks and he protested, "I do not believe such a thing would be wise to attempt. Tegan has only just returned. She is still…withdrawn."

Selene brushed some of the hair back from her face and frowned. "I wasn't going to say anything but since you brought it up…she has been acting pretty weird." She looked guilty for a moment as she continued, "I haven't been able to read her…you know? Is that normal?"

Relief filled J'onn that it was not just him. Turning around to adjust the temperature on the stove he said thoughtfully, "Sometimes a person can develop strong enough mentally to block all those who try to see into them…" he paused to clear his throat before continuing softly, "I believe Tegan suffered more damage than she is willing to admit during her ordeal."

"Well…she has us now." Selene said firmly. "We'll help her readjust."

J'onn dipped his head in a nod. "I pray you are correct."

"James…sweetheart, it's time to wake up."

The soft voice tickled Tegan's ears but she pushed it aside and burrowed deeper into her pillows. She could pretend she hadn't heard it. Minutes later, she was yelping as the sheets were pulled back exposing her naked body to the cool morning air.

Immediately Beatrice let out a scandalized gasp and tossed the sheet back over her son. "James! You'll catch your death if you keep sleeping in the nude like that."

Tegan yawned and rolled onto her back, her eyes fluttering open. She smiled sleepily in the direction of 'her mother' and replied in a sleep roughed tone, "No one told you to pull the sheets off." The deepness of her voice startled Tegan. Gone was her soft feminine tone. She touched a large hand to her throat and wondered how J'onn would react to the changes in her.

"And no one told you to sleep through your alarm." Beatrice said primly. She clapped her hands together and bustled over to the other side of the room to throw open the blinds. "Now get up or you'll be late to school. The principle has been understanding of your situation but we don't want to press him dear. "

The mention of school had Tegan's lip curling up. James had been in his senior year of high school before the accident. The young man had been athletic and top of his class but because he had missed three months, the school officials were considering holding him back a year. Unless, after a trial period, he proved to be as intelligent as everyone thought. Tegan, personally, could not care less. After everything she had been through, she was not about to subject herself to high school a second time. A twinge of guilt went through her as she looked at Beatrice hovering in the doorway worriedly.

Grasping the sheet in one hand to cover her privates, Tegan stood up and sighed, "I guess I'll be ready soon." To her relief Beatrice left the room looking pleased.

Tegan shook her head and dropped the towel. She walked over to the closet, her hand absently clenching, a movement she had done frequently in her previous body. As she opened the closet door, Tegan could almost feel the flames running down her arm. She missed the feel of the fire welling up inside and seeping out through her skin. Suppressing a mournful groan, Tegan shoved her hand into the closet and yanked out a shirt, her lip curling up in disgust.

Despite being blessed with great looks, James had been cursed with an abysmal sense of style. All of his shirts were polos or dress shirts; in various shades of white and gray. His pants were all respectable lengths and several ties hung on a hanger. Pouting Tegan pulled out some clothes and yanked them on. She went into the bathroom and when she saw herself in the mirror she grimaced. The first chance she got she would buy some real clothing.

Once she was ready for the day, Tegan headed down stairs where she found Beatrice waiting in the kitchen. On one of the chairs was a fashionable looking messenger bag. On the table was a steaming plate of eggs and bacon. It was all Tegan could do not to gag. She had never been a big fan of eggs. Grabbing the messenger bag which apparently was James' version of a bookbag she said politely, "Thanks, uh, mom. But I'm too…nervous to eat anything right now. Besides, I'll be late for the bus."

Beatrice let out a giggle and walked over to her "son". Placing her hand gently on his shoulder she said, "Oh honey, you haven't taken the bus in years! Abby is going to be picking you up just like she always does." She took hold of the messenger bag strap and tugged it. "She won't be here for another twenty minutes so that gives you plenty of time to eat."

Staring at the eggs, Tegan sat in the chair and said weakly, "Abby? Who's that?"

"Oh my," Beatrice said looking worried. "That accident must have affected your mind more than we thought. Abby is your girlfriend, sweetie."

The response to her declaration was Tegan choking on the bacon in her mouth.

"Now then, shall we begin with the day? Or are you going to insist on whimpering like a child?" Electro Master snapped these words at the tiny baby on the changing table. From the moment he had woken up Edan had been crying. Changing his nappy had not worked; feeding him had also failed. Perhaps there was a sacrifice required? With irritation coursing through his body, Electro Master picked up his new child and gingerly carried him out of the bedroom and into the living room. Unfortunately J'onn had left for work. Otherwise the villain would have foisted the child onto his pseudo lover and disappeared for the day.

Sitting down on the couch Electro Master held the child away from his body and wondered if it would be worth it to summon Selene. Almost immediately he discarded the idea. He would not be able to handle yet another day filled with prattle about weddings. With a curled lip Electro Master stalked over to the window and shoved it open. Cool air poured into the apartment and the villainous main breathed in deeply. Outside he could see people walking around. As he absently patted the crying baby's back, Electro Master spotted several women pushing bulky carts around. It took him a moment to realize they were baby carriages. He moved away from the window and looked down at Edan's purple-tinged, tear streaked face. Perhaps a walk outdoors would do the child some good. There was a matter of keeping his green skin covered but a blanket could take care of that.

Suddenly eager to be outdoors, Electro Master rushed Edan back to the room and redressed him in an outfit that concealed all but his eyes. The tiny baby gurgled in his crib as Electro Master ran around the apartment searching for a stroller. To his horror they did not have one. A feeling of panic surged through the man but he tampered it down. He would not be deterred. He and the child would go outside and escape the confines of this small apartment. As Electro Master picked Edan up once more he recalled J'onn wearing a contraption on his chest to hold Edan in.

After about ten minutes, Electro Master had located the device and was soon out the door with the child. It was a strange experience, to have a child pressed against him as he maneuvered his way through crowds of people. Electro Master worried that the coverings on Edan's body would loosen and someone would catch sight of the baby's green skin. After spotting several more woman pushing strollers and carriages, Electro Master decided that he would purchase one.

With some difficulty he located a shop that specialized in babies and small children. Upon entering, Electro Master found himself struggling not to vomit. It was too…cute. Tiny animals decorated the walls; soft plush toys accentuated many items. Dozens of cribs stood on one side while on the other there were hundreds of tiny baby clothes. And all around were mothers, and mothers to be, oooing and ahhhing every single thing.

Immediately Electro Master turned around to leave the store but a bright and perky assistant appeared and exclaimed, "Why hello there! Welcome to Baby and Things. Can I help you search for anything?" spotting the baby strapped to his chest, the woman cooed, "Oh well isn't that just precious! Oh my isn't he hot under all these layers?" the woman reached out to touch Edan but Electro Master stiffened and moved out of her reach.

"I wish to purchase a…" Electro Master's voice trailed off till he saw another woman pushing a carriage. "One of those," he finished stiffly, pointing at the contraption.

The store assistant smiled. "You've come to the right place! Follow me please." She led Electro Master to another section of the store where they had several strollers and carriages on display. Without delay the assistant proceeded to how him several different models. While all seemed functional, Electro Master settled on one that was rather elaborate. The top could accommodate a car seat and once Edan was older there were a number of positions for him to be able to sit in. The store assistant was also sure to assure Electro Master that if he had another child the stroller could easily hold was also the most expensive in the store.

Eager to make a big sale the store assistant said cheerfully, "Why don't we take this over to the cashier and get it rung up?"

Electro Master smiled sweetly. "Maybe," he started hesitantly,. "You can help me set this contraption up? I was hoping to use it on my way home." He patted Edan for extra effect.

The sales associate nodded and clapped her hands together. "Of course! There are many new parents that do that. Just give me a few minutes."

For the next ten minutes Electro Master stood in a bored silence as the sales associate removed the stroller from the box and put it together. How this thing had been invented he would never know. When she finished, he removed Edan from the straps around his body and placed him in the stroller, careful to keep his face hidden. The sales associate grinned and said cheerfully, "Well then let's get this rung up!" As she turned around Electro Master raised an eyebrow and, as casually as possible, sent out an electrical current from his body into the body of the sales associate.

The woman froze as the electricity coursed into her. Her mouth grew slack and her eyes rolled backwards as she finally fell to the floor in a heap.

"Oh my," Electro Master said in a tone that displayed how bored he was with the situation. "Seems as though I should get help." Grabbing the stroller he wheeled Edan away from the woman's inert body and towards the front of the store. Along the way he spotted another sales associate. Forcing a concerned expression onto his face he went up to the woman and said worriedly, "Excuse me, but one of the workers here is lying there prostrate on the ground. She looks like she's breathing but I didn't want to touch her in case she's injured her neck or head."

It was a long while before anyone at the store realized the stroller was missing.

Tegan was standing stiffly in the foyer when a car horn sounded outside. She grimaced as Beatrice hugged her and said, "That must be Abby. Have a good day at school sweetheart." She pulled back slightly and continued worriedly, "James, if there's any problem at all just call me and I'll go straight away to pick you up."

"I'll be fine." Tegan said grimly. She pulled away from her 'mother' and went outside where she found a pretty blonde leaning against a small sports car. The girl wore a skirt that fell to her knees and a sweater that covered her from her neck to her wrists. Small glasses her perched on her nose and her blonde was pulled back in a tight braid. Great Tegan thought as she walked down the driveway. My girlfriend is as boring as my clothes.

When she reached Abby the blonde girl smiled and said gently, "James! I'm so happy that you're well." She moved away from the car and hugged Tegan around the waist.

Awkwardly Tegan patted the other girl's shoulder and said, "Yeah….great to see you."

Abby pulled away and stuck her hand in a pocket of her skirt. After a moment she pulled out a set of keys. "Come on, let's get to school before we're late."

The ride to the school went by in complete silence. When they finally came to a stop outside of the large building that comprised the highschool, Tegan eagerly grabbed the door handle to shove the door open. She was stopped by Abby putting her hand on her thigh. Tegan looked at the girl in horror. Oh God…don't tell me she's going to want to make out!

"James…." Abby's voice was hushed and her eyes darted around nervously.

Shifting as far as she could from Abby, Tegan asked warily, "What is it?"

Licking her lips Abby said sadly, "I'm sorry James but there's something I need to tell you." She let out a huge sigh before continuing in a rush. "I cheated on you with Mark." Splotches of red spread across her cheeks. "I thought you were dead…but now you aren't…"

Tegan couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up in her throat. She touched a hand to her mouth but she couldn't stop it from spilling out. If it hadn't been for the highly offended expression on Abby's face, Tegan would have continued laughing. Forcing herself to calm down Tegan said, "Is that it? Man, you aren't as boring as I thought you were going to be. Don't worry about it, uh, babe. If you want to date Mark then feel free to."

"I don't want to date Mark!" Abby cried out indignantly. "I've only ever wanted to be with you James!" She burst into tears and sobbed, "I thought you were dead so I sought solace in the arms of another man! When your mom called me the next morning to tell me you had made a miraculous recovery…" she paused to wipe some tears off of her face. "I was so happy…and now you're just laughing at me!"

Feeling like a huge idiot Tegan wasn't sure how to handle the situation. Sure she was a woman, but she had never been in the position that Abby was in. rubbing a hand over her head, Tegan said quickly, "I was just joking. You know you're the only, er, girl for me." When Abby looked up at her with a look of hope on her face, Tegan continued stiffly, "What happened with Mark…don't worry about it. I forgive you."

Abby scooted closer to Tegan and threw her arms around her. "Oh James!" she whispered against her neck. "I'm so lucky to have you."

A ball of anxiety filled Tegan as she murmured, "Yeah…I'm lucky too."

Selene was just falling asleep when she felt her phone vibrating beside her head. With a groan she sat up and grabbed it. If this wasn't an emergency…she touched the screen as saw she had new email from Tegan. Selene pressed her lips together in concern. J'onn didn't have a computer and neither did Tegan. And neither of them had smartphones. Glancing over at Wally's sleeping body; Selene touched the little alert and waited anxiously for the email to load.

I have an emergency. Call me as soon as you get this at this number XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Feeling anxious, Selene slid out of bed and walked into the living room. Quickly she dialed the number in the email and the fifteen seconds it spent ringing were the longest of her life. When there was a click signifying that the other person had answered, Selene immediately said, "Tegan? What's wrong? Did something happen with Edan?"

There was a moment of silence before a deep voice sighed, "Selene thank God...you are never going to believe what I'm about to tell you."

Tegan has contacted Selene! But will Selene give her chance to explain what the heck is going on? Will Electro Master become more of a loving "mother" as he spends time with Edan? Will J'onn ever be happy again? Leave a review with your thoughts!

AND NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S NOTE

SORRY IT'S BEEN SO LONG. I started this chapter back in June but between work and summer classes I didn't have a ton of time to work on it. And guess what? I'm in my last year of university! That, unfortunately, takes precedence over everything else that's fun. So please don't be discouraged my dear readers. I will update as soon as I'm able too. In the meantime feel free to check out my other fics. And guess what? I WROTE A BOOK! It's available to buy on amazon for 99 cents as an ebook or for around four dollars if you're interested in the paperback version. The link is on my profile. See you guys next update!