What If?

Beach Security

Artemis:

I'm so happy I found the perfect dress! Bruce is generous, but part of me is still a bit unsure. I guess if Wally is okay with it then why not. I'm gonna see him later tonight. He insisted on taking me out for dinner to celebrate. Will claims he's working late, but I know it has something to do with Jade. He never works late if he doesn't have to. Not anymore.

(That same night in Star City at Jade's private  party on the beach.)

"So this party...what's it for?" Roy asks as he fixes his tie.
"Don't ask questions, Roy. If you want to know anything, look on the clipboard. Other than that, I don't know anything." Will quietly replies.
"You seem suspicious." Jim comments.
"I am. Any party of Jade's, no matter how far she's come, is always concerning."
"You think this place is gonna be full of
ex-cons?"
"I'm confident."
"And if you're wrong?" Roy raises a brow.
"I know Jade. Trust me. I'm not wrong."
"Ok, but when you are, I'll be there to laugh."
"Thanks, Roy." Will glares.
"Not to interrupt brotherly love or anything, but where is everyone, including Jade?" Jim says.
"The party won't start until 8:00."
"It's 7:45."
"I know."
"Then why are we here?" Roy angrily crosses his arms.
"Because good security always arrives early."

(Suddenly a dark, toned figure walks towards them in a knee length, strapless Hawaiian dress and long, black hair flowing in the breeze with a pink hibiscus flower in it.)

"Bros', check out that hot babe." Roy nudges Will and Jim.
"Not bad. What do you think, Will?" Jim smirks.
"I think you both forget that I'm married."
"You're no fun. Hey, Jim. I dare you."
"You kidding?"
"What? Scared?"
"No."
"I think you are."
"Maybe you should do it, Roy." Will teases.
"Fine. I will. Just watch the pro."
"Bet you five bucks she'll slap him." Jim whispers.
"No kidding." Will laughs.

(As Will and Jim observe, not long after walking away, Roy comes back.)

"That didn't take long. Did she let you down softly?" Will jokes.
"Funny...just wait."
"Wait for what?"
"You're here early." Jade walks up to them.
"Jade?"
"Roy was kind enough to meet me halfway."
"Yeah, well Roy thought you were someone else." Will anxiously rubs his neck.
"And?"
"Never mind. Uh...you certainly look ready for a fun night."
"I am." Jade raises her head and smiles.
"Are you...wearing makeup?"
"Mmhmm."
"Expecting someone special tonight?"
"Maybe."
"Who?"
"That's my little secret." Jade slowly begins to walk away.
"Jade, wait." Will grabs her hand.
"What is it, Will?"
"Don't keep me in suspense any longer. What's this party about?"
"Always the impatient one. Well, since you've managed to get through the day without knowing, I suppose I'll reward you. It's a get together. Lots of friends from my past wanted to do this for so long."
"Jade, your past friends were or still are murderers."
"These are the reforms."
"Really?"
"What? Surprised?"
"A little. But a bit happy. This is good. You around good influences."
"They're reforms, Will. I never said good influences." Jade grins.
"Sigh....well, where are they? It's almost 8:00."
"Always so punctual. They'll be here. Just be patient."

(As Will looks over to see his brothers walking farther down the beach, he turns back to Jade.)

"I guess my brothers didn't want to stick around." Will nervously laughs.
"I guess so." Jade awkwardly smiles.
"You uh...look very nice, Jade."
"You think so?"
"Yes. I do. Is the dress new?"
"It's actually my mom's. She wore it when she was pregnant with me." Jade blushes.
"It's a maternity dress?"
"Mmhmm."
"Why are you..."

(Immediately Will is interrupted by tons of Jade's friends showing up.)

"Jade!!! So good to see you ya!" A pale, blond girl excitedly runs up and hugs Jade.
"Harley!" Will blurts.
"Do I know ya?" Harley asks as Jade gives Will a sharp glare.
"Uh...I mean..."
"He's part of Bowhunter Security."
"Ah...cop type."
"Well, not legally." Will replies.
"So you're not a cop?"
"Just drop it, Harley." Jade growls.
"Ok! Ok! You haven't changed, miss ornery pants."
"Tell me about it." Will smirks at Jade as she rolls her eyes.
"Hold on a sec. Are you two a thing?" Harley asks as Will and Jade look at each other.
"Uh...well...we're..."
"We're separated." Jade glares at Will before angrily pacing away.
"Oooh...sorry. Still fresh, huh?"
"It's fine, Harley. If you'll excuse me." Will walks away.
"Ahhh...young love. Reminds me a Puddin'.

(Meanwhile as Will runs up to Jade.)

"Jade! Jade wait up!"
"What?!" Jade furiously turns around.
"What's the matter with you?! You're the one who left! I didn't tell you too!"
"In so many words you did!"
"How?!"
"Your jealousy! You made me feel like I did something wrong when I didn't!"
"Sigh...ok. You're right. I shouldn't have treated you that way, Jade. I'm sorry. Please, baby. Come back home. I hate waking up with you not there next to me. I hate not having you around. Baby, please forgive me." Will gently grabs ahold of Jade's hands while Jade's glare slowly changes to a soft smile as she listens to Will speak.
"I'll always forgive you. I know I'm not always the easiest, but I promise I'll try harder."
"Jade, I love you." Will says, carefully resting his hand against Jade's cheek as she leans her head towards it, grasping his hand closer to her.
"I love you too." Jade gazes.
"Mind if the boss of security kisses you?"
"As long as you promise not to stop." Jade smirks.
"I'd be happy to, but your guests might not like that."
"Who cares."
"Good point." Will replies before kissing Jade.