The Not Quite Justice League in... The Bee's Pleas!!!

[stands_for_hope]

[continued from here]

Finishing his article, clearing everything with Keith, those things took time. That was why it took a few hours before Clark was ready to make his usual call to Lois that night. He had worried that he might not make the time window that she cleared every day to talk to him and the others, but he was proud to say that he'd left himself an even half an hour as long as everything was to schedule.

After the fifth time she didn't pick up (didn't so much as text or ping him), it became clear that things were very much off schedule.

Clark made his way back to the main floor where everyone seemed to congregate and headed straight for Tony, holding up the phone to him.

"I know we're all tired and we've certainly had a long day, but... can you find out where Lois's phone is from the number here?"

In all the madness of the day, all the fighting and the close calls and the weakness brought on by the proximity of kryptonite, he'd lost track of her heartbeat. Usually, it was simple enough to pick up over the phone once again, a steady pulse that he could find his way back to once the phonecall had ended.

He couldn't hear her. He couldn't tell where she was. And she wasn't answering her phone. She always answered her phone. He didn't want to think anything was wrong, but he wasn't naive enough to discount something like this. Not after today. Not after they'd pulled out kryptonite weapons.

Comments

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"That's cool. I know the need to know. Anyway, I was mostly just checkin' in to make sure that you and the other fossil were still around and kickin'. Anything you need me for?"

[kolodnoykovki]

"We're still around. Steve and Diana are busy - feel free to tease him about that next time you call, too - and we're mostly just... sleeping it off. If you want to come by, I'm sure Stark would let you up, but we're not doing anything. Or at least we won't be until somebody gets back with news from SHIELD. ...Kind of a huge superhero sleepover up here."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"Isn't that how you Metropolis folks roll? Not that we can talk, what with the big Tower full of people who actually take Thursday Movie Night seriously."

There was a snort and a pause as someone made a comment from behind him but it wasn't quite audible.

"Think I'll stay here, though. As much as I wanna tease the old man, I got birds in the nest and a phone works just fine. Can't fault his game, though."

There was some shuffling and readjusting of the phone before--

"Just gimme a call if you guys need anything. I'm just a plane away. Glad it all went down without too much trouble."

[kolodnoykovki]

"Same." But then, more quietly, Jim added, "We did hear of some stuff happening in South America we might be keeping an eye on, but if anything starts coming to a head, you want a call?"

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"Definitely, man, not even a question," Sam said seriously.

"I'd be offended on this one if I didn't know it'd all kinda hit by surprise. Not that I'm missing the bruises or anything."

[kolodnoykovki]

He nodded invisibly before answering, "Plus, we've only got so many supersonic flyers. But if we get a clue on South America, we'll have more time to get everything together. I'll call you if it comes to it." Easy to promise. Some aerial recon that didn't have a problem using a gun would come in handy.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"Sounds good to me," he said with an audible smile. "It'll be nice to get the wings out."

[kolodnoykovki]

"It'll be nice to have you on the job. I'm gonna go see if Steve and Diana are done. Want to hold or want him to call you back?" He'd give the option, at least. And he wasn't quite sure which of those he'd prefer.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"I'll just call him later. Let him know I called all concerned, though," Sam said with a smile, "and take care of yourself, Rogers."

[kolodnoykovki]

"You too, Wilson." And with that serving as a goodbye, he hung up and headed toward the room he, Steve, and Diana shared.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

Steve and Diana were curled up on the bed on their floor, Steve looking a little like he'd been hit by a freight train and Diana looking smug and quite happily settled for the evening. Steve threw up a hand and gave Jim a warm smile when he saw him in the doorway.

"Hey."

[kolodnoykovki]

"Sam called. He was worried," Jim said in lieu of greeting, for all he lifted a hand to answer the wave. Planting himself on the foot of the bed, he tossed Steve's phone at his knee. "Lois's painkillers finally kicked in and she's sleeping. Clark's watching her. And apparently some of our new friends are on TV. A lot happens while you're being lazy in bed."

He said it all with a perfectly straight face but a faint gleam in his eye.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"Jerk," was Steve's answer as he reached over to grab his phone and take a look at the screen. He considered calling Sam back, but chose instead to send him a quick text to let him know that he was fine, really, he swore, and he'd give him a call sometime tomorrow.

Diana sat up a little and looked over at James.

"I am glad to hear they are together. Which of our new friends has found themselves on the television, if I might ask?"

[kolodnoykovki]

"Sam said 'some of the Justice guys,'" he answered. "So Clark's ... kind-of cousin and all."

He rolled his shoulders.

"We hit two heavy Hydra targets, one right after another. They're either going to gear up for a counterstrike, or they're going to lay low for a while."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"I would bet lay low, given the political implications with Bialya," Steve guessed as he put his phone off on the bed table. Then he was swinging his legs out and looking for his boxers. Diana had not been... neat.

"I'm debating another shower," he admitted, which was when he ruffled his hair and some of the water still in it sprayed. Apparently, Diana had jumped him in the shower.

[kolodnoykovki]

"Stark's water bill. Run it up." Jim was chuckling, but for once, he didn't want to look Steve over. He averted his eyes instead, giving him at least the illusion of privacy. "Guess we'll find out what Hydra does after we hear back from that young guy's father."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

Steve nodded and headed for the bathroom as Diana stood up, unashamed and unbothered, and started collecting her clothes from their bag. She was obviously happy to throw on a tunic and some leggings instead of her usual getup.

Once the water started, Diana looked to James.

"I hope we did not trouble you."

[kolodnoykovki]

Jim shook his head. "Nah, just... not feeling it right now. I love you, both of you, but I..."

He'd been too far into it. Too far into fighting, into what he was, into fear and anger.

"I'll be okay."

[stands_for_hope]

"Battle affects us all in different ways," she said, as always level-headed. "That it makes my blood turn hot and makes yours go cool is only a difference. Not a cause for alarm or doubt."

She walked over and slid her hand along his arm.

"Will you accept companionship and affection, or do you still require space?"

She didn't sound as if she would mind either answer; she just wanted to know where he was.

[kolodnoykovki]

He reached for her and gathered her close, chin against her shoulder. "Just this time. Usually, it's... I'd be right here with you two, but I..."

Jim shook his head. "Something about this time was different."

[stands_for_hope]

She curled up happily in his arms, leaning her head gently against him.

"This was an unfortunate situation, as much because of Lois's involvement as because we all thought we had accomplished our goals, that the day was done. It was a jarring experience and a harrowing one."

She kissed his cheek softly.

"In truth, it was as much a need for solace and joy as an outlet for my hot blood that moved my hand. That there is so little I can do to help my beloved sister..."

She shrugged a little.

"It sits poorly with me."

[kolodnoykovki]

"She'll be okay now," Jim promised softly. "She'll need help for a little while. Washing her hair and getting dressed - I know Clark will help, but we're family. Everybody will help."

And it was Lois. All of them loved her. She might have been the only one of them without something superhuman, but she was theirs. She was part of their heart. Part of the family. They were all going to keep her safe.

[stands_for_hope]

Many of the sisters on Themyscira require such assistance for while their lives were restored and made long, limbs lost in battle before their time on the island could not be returned. A few re-injured themselves once they had created the Purple Ray, but many stayed as they were, happy with their bodies. One of her paramores of the past was of the latter, her leg lost from below the knee.

"If I thought she could make the journey, I would take her to my home, treat her there. She would be welcome. But I worry that the travel would make matters worse."

She smiled a little over at him.

"I look forward to having her back home, however. With all of us assisting, the burden for her should be light enough. And it is not truly home without her presence."

[kolodnoykovki]

"We've all missed her," he agreed - and then had an idea. "Why don't we get her a welcome home cake and some balloons. Have a combination homecoming and get well soon party?"

It was an idea, at least. The five of them in their apartment, where the elevator had gotten done just in time. Cake, ice cream, balloons. Lois' favourite TV shows and movies. They'd make an evening of it.

"Do you think it'd be too much?"

[stands_for_hope]

She shook her head firmly.

"I think she will be delighted," Diana insisted, "as she does not like to behave as if she enjoys such attention, but she certainly does. And love can help heal any wound in a way. To give her more seems the best of plans."