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Post by Green Lantern on Oct 12, 2014 18:25:36 GMT
July 15th; 7:30PM
For the past decade the term "Day off" had been a taboo for John Stewart. Almost since the moment he met Hal Jordan and put on that ring? He's been on the go facing this universe-threatening crisis or that Earth-threatening calimity. There always seemed to be *something* happening. It almost seemed like the law of the universe. Except for today it seemed. Hal was on sector patrol this week. That granted John a relief from being the active lantern on duty. No one else from the League could really understand the strain of patrolling an entire sector of space. It was why the Guardians had restructed the Green Lantern corps not long after John got his ring. Now there were two lanterns assigned to each sector. Two lanterns rotating the duties between one another helped keep them fresh.
Of course being the Green Lantern of sector 2814 wasn't John Stewart's only gig these days. He'd been a member of the Justice League since 2008. Now in theory the League tried to give its members time-off, much the same reason the Guardians assigned sectors two lanterns. It let the heroes relax, recharge, and be ready for the next crisis. Lately it was seeming as though even the major villians of the world were taking time to rest too. Today had been John's allotted "day-off" from League duties. To this point there'd been no major alerts to override it. And that had John cautiously optimistic the trend would hold the rest of the evening.
John spent much of the day just resting and relaxing. This morning he'd done some of the mundane things like paying his bills, visiting the old neighborhood, and of course a little patrolling of the U.S. What? Patrolling was a hard habit to get out of even for one day. But earlier, about early in the evening, John had returned to the Watchtower. He had some light dinner and was now in one of the tower's gyms. It was the perfect hideaway for a man who usually kept to himself.
*Kling-Klang*
*Kling-Klang*
Several 45pound plate-weights clanged together as John lay on his back on the bench. After running a few miles on the treadmill, John had set up the bench by adding weights to the bar. Stewart was now busting out some bench-press reps. He'd counted off to 12 reps when he heard the "swish" of the doors open up. Curious as to who was coming in, John grunted as he pushed the heavily weighed down bar up for the thirteenth rep. He set the bar back into the holders to either side of the bench. Grabbing his towel from the floor, John sat up and wiped sweat from his face.
Hey, what's up? There's not any trouble going on is there?
Stewart's ring, always present on his right middle finger, glowed faintly. If there was trouble, John'd be ready in an instant...
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Post by Hawkwoman on Oct 12, 2014 21:23:54 GMT
The moment her shift ended Shayera wanted to waste no time in heading off to do something productive but she had to wait for her shift relief...who was late. Shayera began pacing the room, her short fuse quickly growing shorter and shorter as the clock ticked on. Finally. The doors slid open and the red and gold speedster walked inside with a plate full of food.
"It's about time" Shayera snapped getting a confused looked from The Flash
"Wut?.... He asked with a mouth full of food.
I thought you were the fastest man alive? More like the man that is never on time
Hey, I had to get some snacks all that running-
The Thangarian scoffed and walked out of the room before he could finish his sentence, too eager to be free from the confines of the monitor room to sit and chit chat. Now that she was free however she knew she needed to do something anything to work off the restlessness she had. Shayera thought about heading home but that wouldn't give her the outlet she needed, she needed to hit something and while she was sure that there was a thug or two that needed to be hit she was aware that in this state she might hit a little too hard. It wasn't long ago that that wouldn't have been a problem but a lot had changed...in more ways than one but, she didn't want to think about that now as it would only add to her frustration.
Hawkwoman walked around The Watchtower while thinking of what she wanted to do when a idea came to mind. Maybe she couldn't go out looking for trouble but that didn't mean she couldn't do other things to let off some steam. The League had a state of the art gym and she didn't have to worry about giving the sparing dummies a beating. Having a destination in mind Shayera made her way toward the locker rooms and changed out of her uniform and into a pair of work out capris and a black sports bra. Before leaving the locker room she grabbed her towel and a water bottle and headed to the gym.
It seemed she wasn't going to be alone as she noticed another member in the gym as she entered and he immediately sat up asking if there was trouble.
"Afraid not John." She told him, John was much like her when it came to inaction, it didn't do well with them so she understood him trying to jump at any opportunity that he could. "Just got through with watch duty and I needed to hit something." She smirked slightly while walking to the matted area where a thick punching bag was suspended from the ceiling. Shayera threw her towel and water bottle down on the ground near the mat and picked up some tape to wrap her hands. "I figured this was the better alternative than giving Flash a piece of my mind for being late."
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Post by Green Lantern on Oct 13, 2014 14:59:27 GMT
John had asked if there was anything going on while wiping his face. He hadn't seen just who it was that came in. But then he heard that familiar voice ring out in response.
Afraid not John.
Shayera Thal, or Hawkwoman as the world knew her, had strode right into the gym like she owned the place. Stewart was torn upon seeing her enter the gym. On one hand it was always a pleasure to see her, and on the other it ripped his heart a lil bit. Because what she didn't know(Or at least he'd tried his best to keep her or anyone from figuring out) was that John developed a crush on Shayera not long after they met. Who couldn't fall for a woman that beautiful and strong anyways? Yet she was, and still is, married to Hawkman. Not to mention it wasn't long after they met that John was sent to his future wife for training as a GL. So John kept his feelings to himself and did his best to make sure no one ever found out about them.
He shook the thoughts from his head. It would be rude not to respond to Shayera.
Oh...Well that's...uh good then.
John tried to hide the disappointment in his voice at there being no news(And probably the fact he couldn't confess to Shayera his feelings). But his shoulders betrayed him as they slouched. He really was disappointed there wasn't any world-threatening problems to face. Man a day off always sounded so good when you're constantly on the frontlines in the war on injustice. But for guys like John it tended not to be as much so in practice. He always tried to keep himself occupied. John wasn't always sure whether it was to avoid restlessness or avoid time alone in his own mind. Either way a little action was always a nice distraction. No such luck for now it seemed.
Just got through with watch duty and I needed to hit something.
The lantern had let his gaze fall to the floor before him. But when he heard Shayera speak again he looked back up at her. Just in time too to see that lil smirk she flashed. Thankfully she didn't hold her gaze on him too long. She went about getting ready to lay into the punching bag. That was good for Stewart as fresh beads of sweat had popped up on his forehead. He quickly wiped those off and stood up himself.
John grabbed his bottle of water and popped open the cap to take a drink. Once he was done, Stewart popped the cap back down an let out an "Ahhh" at the refreshing feeling. He wiped the back of his arm over his mouth to wipe away water from his lips.
I know what you mean when it comes to monitor duty. Usually I can avoid it when I'm the active lantern on duty in the sector. But it never fails, sooner or later I get stuck in that room. Heh. Barry an I have been thinking of hooking one of the monitors up to a sports channel...
They probably wouldn't do it though. Batman footed most of the bill for all of the League's tech in the Watchtower. he'd surely notice something like that and sternly disapprove.
Speaking of Barry...
I figured this was the better alternative than giving Flash a piece of my mind for being late.
A chuckle escaped as John had crossed the room. He dropped his towel on the mat a ways away from Shayera. Stewart, dressed in his sweat-soaked military green tank top and black jogging pants with USMC in yellow down the left leg, leaned into the punching bag. He braced his shoulder against it to offer some resistance an stability for when Shayera started unleashing her tensions an frustrations.
Late again huh? I bet he gave you that excuse about needing snacks before.
John smiled as he too had experienced the same thing more than once. Sometimes he thought Barry was late on purpose, trying to make his time on watch duty as fats as possible.
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Post by Hawkwoman on Oct 13, 2014 17:41:11 GMT
Something. A TV in there would be good, at least it would be the humane thing to do instead of making people sit there for hours on end left to their own devices. She was really bitter about this wasn't she? Usually it never bothered her this much and she knew it was part of the job but the woman had a lot on her mind these days and it was just easier to put all that energy into something else than what was really bothering her.
Shayera was just finishing wrapping her other hand when she saw the figure that was sitting on the bench get up and move toward her and behind her bag. She probably wouldn't recommend that since she was looking to let off that steam instead of just casually hitting the bag but, John was a big guy and he had to know what he would be getting into. Yep. Rolling her shoulders back and bringing her hands up in position Shayera did a 'one, two' punch at the bag at least he came into with food in his hands If he hadn't well...then there would be a red and gold blur zooming around the watch tower with her flying after it with her mace. What about you? I thought you had a persoanl day today. She asked as she hit the bag again.
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Post by Green Lantern on Oct 13, 2014 18:31:36 GMT
John was sure glad that Barry showed up with food in his arms to relieve Shayera. Bart might've ended up promoted to Flash instead of Kid Flash. He knew the woman was usually pretty frustrated at being confined to that room for hours on end, but today seemed like something else entirely. When the Thanagarian hit the bag with her combo? The impact went right through the bag and rattled John a bit. Knocked a lil air from him as well in a small huff. So yeah, Barry, good call on having evidence in your defense for being late.
What about you? I thought you had a personal day today.
Shayera had asked just before hitting the bag again. Now most people would've said forget this bag-bracing after that first combo. But not John Stewart. This time he was better prepared for the hitting. Not to mention "Man Law" says you can't back out at this point.
Yeah, I did. But as much as I looked forward to it this time last week, today it just wasn't what I expected. Guess I've been so used to being on patrol or helping the League save the world for so long that....That being still and relaxing isn't made for me anymore. Know what I mean? Its like I need something, anything, to do. Some kind of action.
After a few more hits to the bag, John had to ask.
So was monitor duty THAT boring today, or is it personal with this bag?
He chuckled and grinned.
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Post by Hawkwoman on Oct 13, 2014 23:55:33 GMT
Yeah, I know what you mean. She probably understood better than most, both of them had been soldiers, had been in war and while others in the league had had similar experiences in battle there was a difference and people like them did not use down time. Shayera had continued her attack on the bag in front of her, trying to pay mind that there was someone behind it but that was easier said than done and when John spoke up about it she glanced at him for a moment before stopping and standing back upright.
Sorry.
The Thangarian rolled her neck back across her shoulders and shook out her arms a little. Just a lot on my mind. She did not want to dive into the more personal parts of her life but everyone in their line of work all seemed to have the same understanding on what something like that meant, even for people like her who didn't have a identity to protect things in your personal life got difficult. Shayera had been good about keeping the lid on such things but the extended time in the monitor room gave her time to think and that hadn't helped matters or her situation any. I appreciate the help but you don't have to hold the bag. She didn't want to make him feel obligated to and holding back wasn't really on the top of her list right now and she didn't want to hurt him.
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Post by Green Lantern on Oct 14, 2014 1:43:32 GMT
When Shayera had apologized, John shook his head. There wasn't anything for her to be apologizing for. Afterall it was he who'd taken it upon himself to hold the bag.
No need to apologize Shayera...
Just a lot on my mind.
I can relate to that. That may be the worst part of being off-duty. The time to be alone with your own thoughts.
Stewart wasn't sure exactly what might be bothering her. For him, personally, even after all these years time alone allowed John to think back to his biggest failure. He failed the people of an entire planet, and they all paid with their lives. And as bad as that was, the worst thing for John came later. Because of his failure his wife, Katma, paid with her life.
Shayera speaking again snapped John out of the mini-trance he'd gone into. Gah! Where was a good League-level emergency when you needed one?
I appreciate the help but you don't have to hold the bag.
John was going to take that as code. Code for: "I'm holding back for your sake and I don't feel like it". So he let go of the bag and took a step back. He gave it a couple quick hits.
Ya know, I'm here to talk if you ever need an ear or anything. Even a sparring partner sometime. Could always use more time training for whatever the universe has to throw at us.
Of course that was neglecting to mention those were excuses to spend more time with her. Yeah. Thinking John's going to keep that part to himself. Though it wasn't completely just wanting to be around Shayera that had John offering his help. He did consider her truly a friend, and John hated to see a friend bothered by anything.
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Post by Hawkwoman on Oct 14, 2014 7:35:40 GMT
When he stepped away from the bag Shayera brought her right arm back and swung it forward as hard as she could. Her fist hit the bag and the impact sent it swinging back with such force that the chains snapped and the bag hit the wall behind and thudded to the floor. Shayera stood there hunched over for a moment looking at her handywork before standing upright and taking in a deep breath, holding it for a minute and letting it out. She felt a little better now but it didn't quite give her the same satisfaction as a moving target would.
But, maybe she could get that too.
As John offered to be her sparring partner Shayera mulled it over in her mind. 'I know, John' she turned to face him and placed her hand on his shoulder for a moment. 'I might have to take you up on that offer thou, seems my bag wasn't up to the task...
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Post by Green Lantern on Oct 14, 2014 15:37:10 GMT
Judas Priest! It seemed as if the lantern had been right in his judgment of "code" from Shayera. She'd reached way back and with one punch sent the bag flying. The chains that held it up snapped like they were nothing, and they were actually pretty heavy duty. As the bag lay on the ground now it was spilling its sand-filled guts upon the floor. Last time John saw her hit someone like that, Mongul was spitting up his teeth for an hour.
Stewart shook his head and looked back from the remants of the bag. Shayera was just standing up straight at that moment, taking in her deep breath. Upon exhale it looked as though the oft-cranky Thanagarian had relieved maybe a teensy lil bit of her frustration.
I know John.
She seemed to be saying in response to him saying he was there for her if she needed a friend. He offered her a smile before she placed her hand on his shoulder. John's smile widened briefly, but he'd just play it off as response to the rest of her statement
I might have to take you up on that offer though, seems my bag wasn't up to the task...
John glanced back at the bag momentarily.
I'll say. Is it too late to change my mind here?
He was only kidding though. John was actually looking forward to tangling with her. Like he said, more training was always good.
Only kidding Shayera. I'm sure that I'll satisfy you better than the bag did.
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Post by Hawkwoman on Oct 16, 2014 5:09:23 GMT
Hey..if your not up to the task Shayera teased and took her hand back she wouldn't make him but that didn't mean she wasn't going to throw a good natured barb at him for it. His next comment made her raise a brow slightly and she gave a small chuckle, there was so much she could say to that but things would be better left unsaid. After all, she was a married woman and John was a teammate and a friend. Well, I hope you can live up to the hype, John she teased again while bending down and grabbing her water bottle and taking a quick drink. As soon as her thirst was quenched Shayera began to remove the wrappings from her hands, if they were going to have a spar she was going to need those. After all, she had already talked a lot of smack it wouldn't go over well if she was taken down so quickly. (gah, short..sorry >.<)
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Post by Green Lantern on Oct 17, 2014 15:17:29 GMT
Well, I hope you can live up to the hype, John.
Ohhh! Shayera was a big talker; for now anyways. When she stood back up, taking her drink of water, John wore a sly smirk on his face. He laughed.
Trust me Shayera, if there's one thing we lanterns do, its live up to the hype. Can't have Sinestro and his goons thinking they're better than the corps.
John walking past Shayera towards the matted area that was specifically for sparring and training. As he passed her, Stewart gave her a pat on the shoulder. The pat a way of saying "You're in for it now darling". His back to Shayera, John started getting loose and ready for the session. He rolled his shoulders forward a few times....Pulled his right arm across his body....Then the left....Stewart laced his fingers together and popped his knuckles. After a few shadow punches it seemed the lantern was finally ready. He turned back towards Shayera and extended his left arm. With his hand he gestured for her to come at him.
Bring it.
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Post by Hawkwoman on Oct 18, 2014 6:29:22 GMT
Well this was certainly going to prove more therapeutic than hitting a bag. Going up against a real person was always better, you got what you gave and it kept you on your toes and your mind in the game because if you started to wander you were going to get hit.
While John was getting himself ready Shayera rolled her shoulders back and stretched her wings, rolling her head from side to side a few times and once he gestured to her to 'come get some' she stepped onto the matt, put her hands up and slightly in front of her face for protection and took a few steps. As her foot landed down on the mat with her second step Shayera thrust her right fist out, not putting nearly as much force as she had to the bag, she didn't want to hurt him...too much but she wasn't going to take it easy and she expected the same from him.
(ugh, short again >.<)
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Post by Green Lantern on Oct 19, 2014 4:51:41 GMT
As soon as he waved for Shayera to bring it, John drew his left hand back. He held it by his face for protection, his right hand cocked to counter attack. Stewart watching as she did bring it. In his mind he was thinking : "Takes a brave, or more likely stupid, man to tell Hawkwoman to bring it". She was one of the most fierce warriors that John Stewart had met in his life. So he had to be ready. And even though she'd probably hold back some, it wouldn't be a lot.
Stewart eyed her as she stepped to the mat. Its not like he hadn't watched her before, but this time was studying her for a tell instead of admiration. The moment she brought down her foot in that second step John's eyes, green now from years of using his ring a lot more than most lanterns, widened slightly. Shayera's right fist was flying at him like a meat-seeking missile. From his defensive posture John leaned a bit to the right. As he did he reached with his left hand and grabbed Shayera's right wrist and attempted to extend his arm out. Doing so would parry her punch. In a flash he was stepping forward, planting on his left foot and slipping his right leg behind her left. John raised his right arm shoulder level and at a 90 degree angle in front of him. He pressed his forearm to Shayera's chest, attempting to push her backwards, while bring his right leg back against Shayera's left to trip her into his throwing her down.
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Post by Hawkwoman on Oct 22, 2014 7:14:02 GMT
As John moved Shayera thought about letting him have this one, let him get his confidence up so he would probably let his guard down. It would be sweeter for her and making the small scarfice of taking the fall that just more worth it. As he pushed back and planted his leg behind hers Shayera went back and down, landing on the blue mat and she sat there for a moment. Nice one she told him, bending her knees and resting her forearms on them for a brief moment before she held out her hand to him so he could help her up. This was now turning into more of a game for her. Yes she still wanted to let out some frustrations but there were also a few theories about John Stewart that she wanted to test out for herself and she never had the opportunity to do so until now and it should make for a interesting and enlightening time. Now, all she needed was for him to grab her hand (O.o I dont know if this even makes sense, thats how tired I am so..hopefully it does >.<)
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Post by Green Lantern on Oct 22, 2014 19:45:31 GMT
""Wait! That actually worked?!""
Look John'll never admit this, ever, but he hadn't really expected the throw to work. To be completely honest? What John suspected was that Shayera was going to spin out of his throw. Or maybe she would've slipped or flipped out of it. In his mind there was the possibility that she'd use her wings and fly out. So in the midst of the throw, Stewart was already thinking ahead. He was plotting his next couple of attacks based on ways he suspected she'd escape.
""But she went down?""
That had totally thrown his game off. Hell he almost tripped down over Shayera. But luckily the lantern was able to catch his balance. he hopped back and bounced from one foot to the other. He wasn't going to be dropping the guard.
Nice one.
Shayera complimented his throw. John stopped his bouncing.
Uhh thanks.
He was going to ask if she was alright, but then Shayera reached her hand out to him. John was even more thrown off now. In the back of his mind was a voice sounding like General Ackbar from Star Wars warning of a trap. Then again he didn't really think she'd play like that. Yeah. John figured this was good sportsmanship between soldiers. So he stpped forward, towards Shayera and grasped her hand. Stewart leaning in slightly before starting to lean back to help pull Shayera to her feet.
((This so feels like a trap here ))
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