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sylph_ficsTitle: Dashing through the Snow
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merfilly
Characters: Bats, Arrows, Bird, and a couple of Supers
Rating: PG
Word Count: 7,532
Continuity: HappyVerse
Disclaimer: DC Comics makes the money, people
Notes: It's official... HappyVerse is our refuge from the meaner things in comics.
Summary: Christmas Day, and everything that means
Alfred sighed softly, looking at the chaos strewn through the great room. Bits of wrapping-paper and bows were scattered across the carpet despite his best attempts at corralling the paper to a bin. Of course, with the hyperactive child turned loose upon the large array of gifts brought for her, it was hardly startling that paper had gone everywhere. He'd considered it unwise of the children to pass out all of the gifts at once, but they'd been so cheerful about it he'd not had the energy to say no. Not one for careful unwrapping, was Miss Lian, she'd ripped right in to all of them, one by one--though some had merited being played with before the next could be opened. The expression on Master Kon's face as Miss Mia planted several presents on his lap had been amusing, and the startled protests he'd turned toward Miss Dinah had fallen on completely deaf if amused ears and been halted outright by Master Bruce's look.
Amusing as it had been to watch Miss Lian go through her presents, the elders had been even more amusing, from Master Tim's utter glee at the gift of a set of throwing blades he'd apparently seen in Japan to Master Kyle's pleasure at the various art supplies the family had decided to gift him with, to a short scuffle between the eldest boys over one of the gifts between them--he was not sure what, as they'd hidden it quickly--to the look on Miss Dinah's face at the gift of the several yards of black fine silk, embroidered in green and gold (watching Master Bruce's careful composure as she opened it had been so very amusing) and an elegant necklace, to Master Oliver's enthusiastic reaction to a set of production stills one of Master Bruce's agents had found along with a newly released collection of films, and a tie of the same material as their lady's sari, to Connor's delight with a set of practice staves Master Tim had found somewhere along their trip... There had been much joy in the household today. Just as he thought the last of the presents had been given out, Kyle reached out and laid his hand gently along Connor's jaw and spoke--and something in the tone of his voice had all heads turning. "Love? I know I owe everyone presents, but this isn't quite a present, and I want you to have it now..."
His other hand slid into the pocket of his slacks, bringing out a glowing green construct shaped like a ring-box. "Counting on your dad to win or a trip to New Hampshire," and the box slowly slid open, "marry me, Connor Hawke?" The ring in the box glimmered like a swath of captured moonlight, a simple twist of some unearthly metal that shone silver-bright...
Connor felt his breath catch, knew all eyes were on him, and all he could see was that ring, symbol of an eternity spent in the safe confines of the love he shared with Kyle, the other half of his soul. "Yes," he breathed. "Yes, Kyle, I will marry you."
Kyle sucked in the breath he'd been holding, "I... god, I didn't think you'd say no, but..." his hand slid down Connor's arm to pick up his hand and slide the ring on--then kissed him, gently at first...
Roy was grinning like an idiot, watching his brother's 'official' engagement.
Tim just sat back and watched, pleased. This was going to be good for both of them, he thought.
Connor melted into that kiss, before shaping it further, into his own mark of passion, wanting Kyle to know every bit of love and commitment he felt. The ring symbolizing their promised union pressed into Kyle's skin as Connor held his hand, using his other hand to sweep him in close.
It was Ollie who had to dab at his eyes at the sentiment on display, while Dinah merely smiled softly, pleased for them. Mia grinned, thinking that her 'brother' was going to make a pretty good husband to the artist, and happy they had made the declaration in front of them all.
Dick hooked his jaw over Roy's shoulder, wrapping an arm around him, "He's got style," he said softly into his ear, making Roy grin. "Yup."
Bruce ran a hand lightly over Ollie's shoulder, smiling at him. A few thoughts of problems did flick through his head, but he shook them off. He and Ollie had had that conversation already.
"Kyle, Connor, let me be the first to say you both deserve the happiness I see you sharing over the future years," Dinah said warmly.
Connor reluctantly parted from his fiance. "Thank you, Dinah."
"You got one round of congratulations over Thanksgiving, but this deserves another, congratulations both of you," Dick called at them, Roy chiming in for the last few words.
"This's news to me, but congrats, guys!" Kon called.
"Thanks Dinah, Dick, Roy, Kon," Kyle had needed just a moment to catch his breath.
"Just make sure you register somewhere," Mia called, grinning still.
"We will," Connor replied, keeping Kyle close to him. Kyle nodded and leaned against him, very content to be held there.
Bruce smiled slightly, "Wherever you want to hold the wedding, just let me know..." He'd see to it.
"After I get elected," Ollie rejoined, drawing laughter from his part of the family, especially Dinah, who turned to look at him.
"All grown up, now, aren't you?" she teased.
Bruce considered a comment more appropriate to his eldest son--who caught the look on his face and started to laugh, shaking his head. "Dad, you're too restrained sometimes, I know what you wanted to say there..."
Dinah caught the interplay, an eyebrow arching up. "Oh? Share it with me, Dick?" She used her sweetest tone of voice possible, the one that hinted at danger and fun all rolled in one.
"I'm betting on--"
"Richard."
"Eeep! Sorry Dinah!" Dick had made a valiant attempt at hiding behind Roy at Bruce's tone, making the archer swat at him and Tim muffle laughter against his hand.
Dinah eyed Bruce, with a 'you'll-tell-me-or-else' look. "I see."
Ollie just grinned, glad it was Bruce getting that particular look. Bruce caught her hair gently and pulled her close, murmuring something into her ear just barely loud enough to make Ollie start to flush.
Roy'd have given a lot to know just what that comment was, though he had a few guesses. Kon just did his best to hide against Tim, worried that Batman would remember he was there and go back to being the Bat. This guy was kind of fun, in a weird kind of way...
Dinah smiled at the comment, pressing her hand against his chest and purring.
Mia reached over and whispered to Tim. "Think it's funny when the grownups act like kids?"
"I'm busy being glad to see him act like a person," Tim whispered back, nearly making Kon choke. Mia patted Kon's arm. "Should have seen him at the football game on Turkey Day," she told the Super Teen. "Hard to believe the big scary bat hides inside that." She kept her voice very low.
"Football game? You guys've gotta be teasing me..."
No. It was... entertaining," Tim replied with a wicked little smile on his face, making Kon shake his head.
Dick just grinned at the elder trio--and suddenly moved, reclaiming a set of blades from Lian's fingers. "Un uh, baby girl. My toys, not for little girls--not even big five-year-old girls..."
"No body gave me any," she pouted, turning endearing eyes up at him.
"Oh!" Dinah walked over to the tree, fishing aorund among the lower branches until she found a small wrapped case. "Here, baby...I didn't forget."
Lian walked over, tearing into the forgotten present with relish, and Roy groaned aloud as Lian opened the case to show three perfectly crafted, blunt batarangs.
"No throwing in the house!" came from four throats in unison, and three young men turned to look at the eldest with amused eyes.
Ollie looked at Dinah and saw the perfect amusement in her eyes. "I figured, if she was going to have two fathers from different legacies, she better learn them both," Dinah told them all. Bruce nodded slightly, agreeing with that--he had no wish to see his son's happiness disturbed, and if he would settle with the archer, all might be well.
Roy then joined the staring at her, a light flush settling on his cheeks at the idea that his Dinah had just called Dick a father to Lian. Dick mouthed the word, head tilting, then he nodded and shifted on the floor to lean back against Roy's legs, head tipping further back, looking at him, question in his eyes.
"Yeah, Di...you're right. Our little Dart should know both ways." Roy looked at Dick fondly, glad that Dinah had seen the way to make it official without running up against Dick's wedding curses.
Ollie nodded at the sound of contentment in his eldest's voice...if Roy was happy, nothing else mattered. Dinah moved back to both her men, letting them settle her between them.
That's how things stayed for a bit, until Lian remembered that she'd seen snow outside and started trying to get her family out in it with her, having found her snow gear and struggled into it.
"No, Lian...I don't think I should go out in that right now," Mia was saying softly, something that made Dinah look over in concern. She glanced at Ollie, who gave the sad look of worry right back to her. Bruce's eyes narrowed at the words and the tone, and glanced at his lovers, catching their expressions and sighing softly.
Roy walked over and picked up his baby, "No, honey, leave Mia alone... Dick and I'll come play in the snow with you, okay?"
"Okay...but Mia has to play a game with me today too," Lian said fiercely, not quite understanding why anyone would not want to play in the snow. Mia nodded, before smiling at the little girl.
"Yeah, Dart...we have all the new games Dinah and Ollie got us to try out," she told the girl.
"Tim, Kon," Dick called, and the two gave him frighteningly similar annoyed looks. "Yes, Dick, we know," Tim replied and headed over to get his coat. Kon could really care less about the weather and just headed out the door with them.
"We'll go," Connor said, tugging Kyle up. A look cut any protest from the Lantern off.
"Alfred, would you like some help?" Mia asked softly, and was rewarded with a paternal glance of fondness.
"Yes, Miss Mia, I would like a spot of assistance." He understood her need to stay busy as she avoided the risk that the wetter, colder Gotham winter presented to her. Kyle wasn't going to protest anyway, and followed them out into the snow.
Dinah pulled Ollie back when he tried to join the others. "Tell me, is she doing okay?" It bothered her that she could not fix this.
"She's fine...we've just learned that it's best not to take chances." Ollie patted her hand. "We'll keep her safe."
When everyone had piled out, the snow fight got going in earnest. Kyle behaved, not letting a single flicker of green appear as he kept up his end of the battle. Bruce and Ollie cornered Dinah, and she responded with snow down the waist bands of their pants before running for the porch, laughing. Dick pegged Bruce between the shoulderblades, laughing as did, and that distracted the Bat from chasing his lover onto the porch.
Roy added his bit to getting Dinah away safely, getting Ollie three times in the chest, and provoking the eldest archer into giving chase. Dinah paused to catch her breath, and noted Mia was standing just inside the big picture windows, watching them all. A pressure at the back of her brain told Dinah that something needed to be done, something she should be remembering, but it refused to come up. She put it aside, knowing the thought would come to her soon enough.
With the Bat and Arrow distracted by their eldest, the two chronologically youngest played merry hell bombarding the middle pair and Tim, Lian having been found to be great with a snowball if someone else made them for her--and who better for that than the telekinetic?
Tim was being as stealthy as he possibly could, but Lian was still managing to tag him almost every time he thought he had snuck around her awareness...enough to set off his creeped-out radar.
It was several more minutes before Alfred stepped out onto the porch with Dinah and spoke to her softly, smiling, then turned to go back inside. She had a much better chance of getting their attention.
"Oliver." She raised her voice just slightly, enough to carry, and watched as the one named, their son, and the littlest of them all came to a complete stop.
"Time to go in?" Lian asked, chin quivering.
"Yes, Dart...we're half-frozen," Roy said, scooping her up. Connor shrugged, pulling Kyle up out of a snow drift.
"Sure are," Dick said, trotting up covered in snow from the fight with his parent.
Tim snorted, trying to shake the snow off. "You weren't getting attacked by those two, hush it bro..."
Kon grinned innocently and wandered over to his mate, murmuring in his ear, "I'll warm you up later, promise..."
Dinah took Lian from her father, leaning in to nuzzle Roy's cheek with her own. "She's got your eye, Boy-o."
"Of course she does," Roy grinned, missing the flush on Tim's face. Dick didn't, but decided to be nice. "What's up, Dinah?"
"Cocoa." She smiled at Dick, then shifted Lian to her hip more comfortably. Ollie could not help but notice how easily Dinah held the child, but shook it off quickly as he grinned at Bruce. "Looks like your boy gave as good as he got."
Connor and Kyle both perked at the promise of cocoa, going inside with thoughts of warming their stomachs before vanishing upstairs for a 'nap'.
Bruce was still brushing snow out of his hair and just nodded. He pushed the door open--and chuckled softly. Dick stuck his head around his shoulder and started to laugh--Alfred had acquired a few old blankets and laid them down to protect the antique hardwood. "Only Alfie," he said as the crew stepped inside to shuck scarves, hats, coats, and other gear, then head for the cocoa.
Dinah got Lian completely out of her gear, then sent her on her way before tending to her own simpler coat and gloves. She glanced up as Ollie brushed some snow from her hair, smiling. "If Lian goes down for a nap, I think I might lay down too," she told him softly. "Care to join me? And drag handsome with us?" Her eyes sparkled at Bruce, but her laughter bubbled up at Roy sticking cold hands up Dick's shirt to warm them.
Dick shrieked and slammed his elbow backwards, barely pulling it before it hit, "You sonuva--" he cut himself off and settled for twisting around to return the favor, making his redhead squawk and grinning about it. "Serves you right."
Kon was letting Tim use him as a heater without complaint, in sharp contrast to the elder pair.
Bruce smiled at her and murmured against her ear, "You wouldn't have to drag, beautiful..."
Dinah purred at the voice, reaching back to pat his hip. "Kitchen, love." She smiled at both of them, then led the way, Ollie grinning at the promises of a nap.
Roy laughed fully as Dick grazed his hands over certain ticklish spots. "What about you? Nap if the baby goes down for one?"
Mia met Tim and Kon in the kitchen, offering both of them a steaming hot mug, before she sat beside Lian who already had one. Tim grinned at her, "Thanks, Mia, I think I'm half frozen..."
Kon shrugged, water dripping out of his hair onto his shoulders without much notice. "I'm not, but--" he took a drink, "Oh. Man. This is... amazingly good... Thanks!"
"Of course, Master Kon," Alfred smiled as he poured for the rest of his family, and they settled in around the kitchen table, at least for the moment.
Cocoa finished, Kyle and Connor disappeared, prompting Roy to joke, "Aren't they supposed to be like that after the wedding, not before?"
"Everyone knows the sex ends after the marriage makes it official," Dinah said.
"Oooh, bad word again," Lian said, poking at Dinah.
"Yeah, marriage," Roy laughed.
"Thought that was my line, Harper," Dick said though he was grinning just as wide, and Bruce just settled back with an amused look.
Kon looked around, sighed, and said quietly into Tim's ear, "Think we ought to call the Titans?"
Tim looked pained, as the full weight of what that call would mean. His eyes locked on Mia's, who raised an eyebrow. "Kon?" she queried, worried for that sudden flash of emotion on Tim's face.
He shook his head. "Nevermind. Just a thought..."
"Titans." Mia was perceptive enough to realize just what could have caused that much emotion if Kon backed down that fast. "If you want, Kon, I can make the call, try to keep things smooth," she offered. "But they've been so shaky, I have a feeling no one's at the Tower. Things are...rough for teen heroes right now."
Kon nodded. "Yeah, Di mentioned, but I figured we ought to at least try..." He glanced over at the woman in question, tilting his head.
"Speaking of calls. You're supposed to call Clark," Dick finally remembered to tell him.
Kon groaned, but accepted the phone as it was passed to him helpfully by Ollie. He stood up, so as not to be rude, and walked out of the room. Tim glanced after him... then gave up and followed, making Dick shake his head.
Clark picked up the phone when it rang, wondering if this time it was actually his... son calling. "Kent residence..."
"Uhhh...Clark?" Kon could not help but sound a little unsure of himself.
"Kon?" that made two rather uncertain kryptonians on the telephone.
"Umm, Merry Christmas..."
"I... you have no idea how good it is to hear your voice, Kon. Merry Christmas!" Clark couldn't keep from smiling, or keep it out of his voice.
Kon breathed a sigh of relief. ""Yeah, Clark...how's Ma and Pa?"
"They're... they're good. They're having a little bit of a hard time believing you're really back, but they're okay. Pa threw his back out a few weeks ago, but he's better now."
Kon felt a twinge of guilt. "Should I...Should I come out there and lend him a hand?"
"I know they'd love that, but we'll need to talk about what happened... after, before you come out here..." Clark had spent the last few hours trying to figure out how to keep his son connected to his family when there was a headstone with his name on it in the family plot. "And it's late winter, there's not much to do now. Are you... okay out there? I was surprised to hear where you were..."
Kon couldn't keep the joy out of his voice. "Yeah, it's great! Tim...and all of them...and well, being here is right for me."
"All right. As long as my old friend isn't giving you too much trouble. They'd love to see you, Kon. So would I, when you're strong enough to get out here without trouble, but don't push it. I remember what this was like. Do you want to talk to Ma or Pa?"
Kon swallowed nervously. "I...uhh...yeah."
"Ma, Pa! It's Kon!" he called, and his mother reached for the phone first. "Kon, honey?"
"Hi Aunt Martha..." Kon said. "Merry Christmas."
"Oh, Kon... oh, dear boy... Merry Christmas, it certainly is--you're all right out there? I... I never will get used to this, but I'm so, so glad you're all right..."
"It's great to hear you, Aunt Martha," he said, and he meant it, even if he had no desire to go back to that life. "Alfred's a pretty good cook, but I wouldn't mind some of your pie. I'm doing real good."
"Then you'll have to come home, won't you? Pie doesn't mail very well, I've found--we tried when Clark was away at school, never could figure out how..."
Kon laughed softly. "Maybe I'll get Din...Miss Lance to bring me out that way soon. Not quite up to a solo flight." He did want to visit them, even if the idea of leaving Tim was not one he relished.
"We'd like that," she nodded, wiping at her eyes. "Pa, do you want to talk to Kon?"
"For a minute," the older man nodded, and took the phone. "Kon, son..."
"Uncle Jonathan," Kon said, unconsciously straightening his back as he stood up. "Heard about your back..."
A soft snort came over the phone. "Aw, Clark worries too much, it was nothing. Just a little hitch, I'm fine. It's good to hear your voice, son. Real good."
"You too, sir." Kon rubbed at the back of his head nervously. "So, I told Aunt Marhta I'd come visit soon."
"That's good, son. That'd be real good. I'll give the phone back to Clark, if you want?"
"You have a merry Christmas..." Kon was breathing slowly in relief; no one was pressuring him to come home any sooner than he felt up to going.
"You too, Kon. You too." Jonathan held the phone out to Clark, and his son picked it up, smiling at his father's distaste for the things. "Hi Kon."
"So...things with you...I hear they're a little...low key?" Kon managed, hinting around at what Dinah had said, trying to see if his 'father' was okay.
"Very. I'd have been out to see you already, but I'm on something of an enforced vacation. It's giving me time to get caught up on some work and research though, so it's not all bad."
"Okay...you and...umm, Lois? You're doing okay?"
"Yeah, we are. She's happy I'm home more."
Kon nodded. "Well, that's cool. Look, I know we could go on and on and all that, but...I've got cocoa and some stuff waiting on me," he said as politely as he could. "Alfred's cocoa...it's pure gold!"
"Why on earth are you on the phone with me, if you have Alfred's cocoa getting cold? Go on. I'll talk to you later."
Kon laughed. "Take care Clark."
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that? You, too, Kon."
Kon hung up, and looked at Tim, letting out an exaggerated sigh of relief.
Tim tilted his head, "Went okay, then?"
"Yeah." Kon walked over and leaned on one arm against the wall, looming over Tim with a grin. "Want to help me celebrate that?"
Tim pressed up against him, kissing him deep and long, then slowly pulled away. "Sure. Soon as I finish my cocoa... it's pure gold, after all, wouldn't want it to go to waste..." He ducked the other way, apparently making every attempt to get back to the kitchen.
"Good." Kon leaned in to claim a kiss, then ducked his head away shyly as Dinah emerged from the kitchen, carrying a sleepy Lian in her arms. "Don't mind me," She told the boys cheerfully.
Tim thought about a couple times he'd run with the Birds and said, "Never do," cheerfully, then kissed Kon again.
Her small laugh was approving as she walked her goddaughter to bed. As hey parted this time, it was Dick and Roy making their way out of the kitchen, walking toward the gym. Dick just grinned to see the two together--god, Tim was practically glowing--but the big brother in him couldn't help messing with them a little. "Might wanna get out of the hallway, kids, Bruce and Ollie're about to head up..."
Kon groaned and broke the kiss. "Got a point...that's too much weird for me."
Tim nodded. "Come on, then. You've got a promise to keep, anyway." He didn't move until Kon let go, though. He wasn't about to look like an idiot in front of Dick. Kon grinned and moved toward the stairs. "Come on slow-poke," he teased.
"Slow... " Tim's voice was incredulous as he chased Kon, smacking him across the shoulder as he dodged past him and hit the first turn of the stairs. "Slow?!"
Dick snickered and headed the other direction with Roy, a little too wound for a nap just yet. Maybe in an hour or so...
Roy shook his head, eager to work out, and then enjoy the aftermath. "Your 'brother' is ten times better than he has been," he told Dick.
"I know it. Kon always did make him act more his age--and damn, is it good to see. I was damn scared for him..." as they moved to the gym and headed in.
Bruce looked at Mia across the table. "If there's anything you would like to do, or see, I'm sure Alfred can help you, given that you've been abandoned by the boys."
"I most certainly can, Miss Mia," Alfred agreed.
His lover's youngest safely in Alfred's hands, Bruce stood from the table to go find their lady-love. Drag, indeed.
Bruce waited at the door for him, then went upstairs, amused by his very unconventional family's preferred holiday activity... but then, the down-time was typically a rare thing. Seeing Dick's door standing open was almost startling, given their usual habits...
Ollie shook his head. "Roy must have gotten conned into a workout." He patted Bruce's hip. "Come on, you remember all the times Speedy and Robin 'borrowed' your training course."
"Vividly," Bruce nodded as he stepped into his rooms, looking for their lady. She was not yet in there, and Ollie sighed softly. "Lian must have woke up a bit," he said softly.
"Must have," Bruce nodded and moved over to pull him into his arms, hand running down his back. Ollie was quite content to move into that hold, his eyes darkening with anticipation. Bruce dipped his head enough to kiss him, holding him close, enjoying himself until their third arrived.
Dinah had dropped off to a light doze after joining her lovers and thoroughly enjoying themselves, but it shattered as she sat up gasping in surprise at herself. "Dammit! I ...damn!"
"Dinah?!" Bruce's voice was sharp as he snapped upright beside her, eyes alert.
"Phone!" Ollie sat up as well, blinking in concern as Dinah laid across Bruce, trying to find her cell phone, tucking her hair behind her ear. Bruce sighed and plucked her phone off the nightstand, handing it to her.
"Eddie Fyres," she said into it, and it started dialing.
"Oh no," Ollie groaned. "Di, why in hell..."
Bruce looked equally concerned, running his hand down her back where she was sprawled across his body.
"Eddie? I want you at my place in Metropolis as quick as you can get there," Dinah said. "I'm serious, and you owe me for Tokyo, you little...Yes, you do. You held a gun on me, remember? So get there! Tomorrow morning? Great! If you don't show, Connor and me will hunt your skinny butt down and kick it."
"A gun? He had a death wish," Ollie said softly.
Bruce's arm tightened across her back, pulling her closer. "Apparently," he replied equally softly. Dinah hung up the phone, smiled absently at Bruce, and wiggled free, rising to pace. Ollie moved closer to Bruce, watching her.
"Pieter." Hearing her call her ex-boyfriend was more than enough to make Ollie fully tense.
Bruce's eyes narrowed and he reached out to tug Ollie against him, watching her as she paced back and forth. He would have been distracted by the fabulous view if the combination wasn't ringing so many bells in his head. //Fyers and Midnite... why? And what startled her into waking?//
"Pieter...yes, Dinah." Her voice was soft. "I know it's Christmas, but can you and Michael meet me at my place tomorrow? I have a person coming that I need medical samples taken from? No, I can't talk about it on the phone, Pieter...you will? Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too. I will." She hung up and then practically jumped into the bed, nuzzling both men with hyper energy.
Bruce ran his hand over her and pulled her back down under the covers, pulling her close to them.
"So...Eddie?" Ollie could not let this go by so enigmatically.
"It's for Mia."
"Dinah, what are you plotting? Why Fyres and medical?"
"Like I said at Thanksgiving, the last time I worked with Slade, we went and found a cure for every known disease. Now STAR has not released it... but Eddie's the carrier for it, and I want Midnite and Terrific see what they can do with it, for Mia's sake." Dinah disregarded the flare of jealousy from Ollie at the mention of the other man that had distracted her in his absence from her life.
"I remember the mention, but you didn't say Fyres was the carrier then. Now it makes sense. STAR's being very cautious--which I approve of--but Midnite and Terrific have access to a greater range of technology, and are more... adventurous. If the live cure Fyres should still be carrying is viable..." he nodded. "They'll figure out if it's safe."
"Right." Dinah snuggled. "I'll have to leave early in the morning to beat Eddie back to my place," she sighed.
Bruce bit back his own sigh, holding her close with the arm not still around Ollie's back, turning his head to study their blond intently, wondering how he was taking this news.
The archer was carefully choosing his words, not wanting to sound ungrateful for Mia, or hgihly paranoid. He finally gave up all pretenses and just moved closer, so he could pet Dinah. "I could go with you, let the kids stay here a bit."
"No, Ollie...you don't need to get involved publicly with my doings at this point." She kissed him gently. "It's somewhat known I'm still mentoring Speedy. Let's leave it at that."
Bruce stroked her shoulder again, hardly daring to hope that this could work.
Ollie sighed; he just could not help the fact he was uneasy. Typically, if Eddie was involved, things went to hell in a hurry. And then there was the ex-boyfriend, the man he had 'stolen' Dinah from when he came back. As if divining his thoughts, she shifted them all, knocking Ollie back on the bed, pinning him and kissing him with every ounce of her love boiling into it.
Bruce settled back slightly, easily understanding what was going on with both of them, and letting Dinah reassure him that she was theirs and was staying, no matter who she might deal with, merely keeping his hand low on her back. Ollie let one hand go up into her hair, the other snaking out to touch Bruce as if in reassurance that the man was close by, before letting Dinah soothe away his worries. When Ollie reached for him he slid closer, pressing into that touch, and slowly worked his hand up to lay behind his neck, holding on. He would see if this needed to be discussed later or if it was just uncertainty over the situation, before doing anything more.
*~*~*~*~
Tim and Kon finally surfaced, short hair just barely damp and in competely different clothes than they had worn to the snowball fight and upstairs, and Tim went looking for Mia, Kon trailing him.
They finally found Mia in the gym, pushing herself through a workout. Dick and Roy had evidently abandoned it at some point, and now the girl archer was abusing herself with glee.
Tim walked over into her line of sight and stood just out of her range, waiting for her to notice, and Kon shook his head at the enthusiasm on her face when he joined Tim. Mia gave him a short nod as she cut her program short, snatching a towel up for her neck, the sweat on her skin evidence to her intensity. "Hey guys," she called, breathing through her mouth to slow it down.
"Hey Mia. You said something about coming in on that call to the Titans--if we can get anyone..." Tim said, tilting his head.
She nodded. "I've got Cy's personal number...and he can route to any Titans who are taking calls."
"Last I heard, Cyborg was still down, that's changed?"
That was what Kon'd heard from Dinah, too.
Mia nodded. "Those twins...they thought of hooking the Tower uplink back to his processor...and Cy woke up some. He was confused as hell, but he's conscious...as part of the Tower. Taking some to get his body back. So, as far as the general heroes are aware, he is still down."
"Smart," Tim had to admit. He'd never worked with the Wonder Twins, but they had their moments, from everything he'd heard. "That works, we'll give him a call... maybe cheer him up a little. C'mon, we'll use the Cave system, safer that way..."
Mia grabbed her big over shirt, sliding into it to keep from getting chilled. Tim headed down, pushing open the clock and letting them both through. He walked over to the comm terminal and started up the accesses, hands flickering through codes. "Okay, Mia. I haven't tried calling in since before the Crisis, everything I've got's out of date. Go for it."
Mia sat down, trying not to show just how impressed she was at the set-up. She punched in the code she had gotten from Cyborg himself, when she had snuck off to the Tower to try and deal with a personal crisis in the presence of the team's heart. "Cy, you there? It's Speedy."
"Yes, I'm here. Not much to do except hang out, lately," he told her, a touch of humor in his words.
Tim chuckled from behind her, standing with his hands on the chair-back, "Good to hear your voice, Cyborg."
Kon was hovering out of sight, waiting to be called over to them.
"T...Robin!!!!" There was genuine joy, for those who knew how to read the more mechanized voice. "What in the world are you doing with Speedy? Oh wait, rephrase; why is she calling from your Lair?"
"Cy, we have another Titan back," Mia said. "I'll let Robbie explain."
"Oh, sure, saddle me with it," Tim complained, grinning slightly at her. "Black Canary brought me an extra Christmas present, and nobody knows how, but--" his hand reached out and Kon moved to him fast, "say hi."
"Hey, Vic. You'd better get better fast, man, sounds like the Titan's've been going to hell fast without us..."
There was a long pause...far longer than Cyborg normally would have made. "Superboy?" The amount of wonder in that one word came across despite mechanical inflections. "They told me you died." He then chuckled, an eerie sound with the artificial voice he was using currently. "Oh wait; you're a Titan."
Mia laughed at that too. "Yeah, Cy, he's definitely that. Robbie's not quite free to come home, and I've got a bear of a schedule, but the others...they should know. Maybe it will help the others find a reason to settle down."
"We were blaming that I'm kryptonian, but that, too," Kon agreed. "And apparently I was very dead for a while. No idea how I wound up buck-naked on Kilauea, but man was I glad to see Black Canary and some pants..."
"Yeah. Batman's got Nightwing and I running around the world, but we make it home every so--wait a sec. I just called Star City home, somebody shoot me now--every so often. Mostly for holidays, which means we'll be out of the country again by the end of the week." His eyes were promising that Kon would be telling him the rest of that story post-haste.
Kon cut in, "I still can't fly more than a few minutes at a time, Vic, I'm not up for active duty either, but I can probably bribe someone into bringing me out if there're people there I ought to see..."
Cyborg considered the two 'Robbies', the mention of Star City as home, and the fact Mia was in the Batcave. He kept adding one to one to one and coming up three, but surely...not after Mia had made herself so clear...no, he was imagining things. "Look, Robin, I think I can muster the whole gang for a weekend. Say New Years? I'll get someone to pick you and Superboy both up...but I think the kids could all use a look at three long term Titans."
"I can do that. I know Arrow is going to be tied up that weekend in Seattle," Mia promised.
Robin nodded. "That'd work fine, Cyborg. Might as well grab Dick and Roy while you're at it. I can probably manage to keep at least Dick and I here until then..."
Cyborg thought well of that idea. "All Titans, current and past, as well as the....potential Titans that keep filtering through the Wonder Twins' applications."
"Sounds cool to me, Cyborg. Oh, and thanks for that Japanese program for my laptop...It's helping."
"I still can't believe you didn't ask me for help," Tim grumbled, "That does sound good--and the punch might even be safe to drink this year?"
Kon grinned, "Wouldn't bet on that, Wonder Boy..."
"Boys, behave," Mia said with a long suffering sigh.
"Catch you, uhh, three later." Cyborg wondered just what they put in Gotham's water these days.
"We didn't do anything," Kon protested, while Tim just shook his head. "Catch you later, Cyborg. See you New Years--wait, Eve or Day?"
"The weekend." Cyborg's voice was friendly, but he knew a gathering that big took more than one day.
"Gotcha, Cy. The weekend prior to NewYears works for us."
Kon grinned. "Sounds damn good. Hey Vic... you know where Cassie's at?"
Now Cyborg was sure he was misreading the general lightness between the three. "From what Raven said, there is a new island where some misplaced Amazons are gathering. She's out there."
"Oooh, I heard about that," Mia said. "Turns out a lot of Amazons weren't at the Island when it got...whatever, the Olympians did."
"Think she's got her comm gear?"
"Hasn't answered any alerts, if she does, Kid." Cyborg's voice conveyed a shrug. "If you really want to deal with her...deal with it all on New Years, I'll send a flyer to fetch her." /
Mia slid back, her fingers finding Tim's, offering him silent support. She knew this was a bridge to cross, but could not believe Kon was pushing it now.
"Cool, thanks. Figured if I could get a hold of her I'd get that taken care of, but New Years is soon enough. Thanks, Cy. That everything, guys?"
"I believe so," Tim said with a shrug, hand squeezing Mia's easily, other hand cupping lightly around her shoulder.
"We're good," Mia said, moving into Tim's space as naturally as breathing.
"Tower out, kids." Cyborg cut his link, full of new ideas to ponder, and an added incentive to get the Twins working harder.
Kon leaned against Tim's other side, watching his lover curl an arm around Mia. "So, now we've got New Years plans--who gets to tell Dick and Roy?"
"I'll handle my brother," Tim said, fingers asking a question against Mia's shoulder, wondering what was up with her. He knew why Kon wanted to talk to Cassie and was fine with it. Kon didn't lie to him.
Unfortunately, neither of them had said a thing to Mia, who remembered the Wonder Girl falling over herself at Kon's feet phase of things. "I can get Roy...and convince him that Connor could use his niece for that weekend, since I think Kyle has to report back before that." Mia nodded to herself. "I should go check on her...she's probably waking, if not already up and running crazy."
"If she is, Alfred's got her," Tim said easily, "but he'd probably appreciate the help. Once we know she's contained, how's a sparring match sound? See if you've forgotten what I've been teaching you?"
Kon shrugged. "I can always go get the kid and let you two maul each other, if that works better. I think I can keep a handle on one little girl..." Even he could see the "we need to talk" written all over Mia, and after the last several hours, he was cool with that.
Mia and Tim gave him the almost exact same look at his claim he could keep Lian out of trouble. Then Mia burst into laughter and threw a friendly arm around him. "You just don't know, do you? Lian...is a Harper. Which means she's part Lance, part Queen and all Harper mischief."
He blinked, then wrapped an arm down around her as Tim headed them towards the Cave stairs, shrugging. "She's little bitty. And I've got enough TTK back to handle most of what she can get into. Worst comes to worst I take her back outside and let her throw snowballs at me til she's exhausted again. Not like it'll make me sick."
"Alfred's going to love this," Tim said softly as he headed up the stairs with them. "He'll only learn by experience, Mia, and if he's that eager to be run ragged, why don't we let him?" About a heartbeat later, Kon realized what he'd said. "Oh, Shit, sorry Mia! I didn't mean that the way it came out..."
She smiled ruefully at him. "Look, I'd've loved to have been out there with you guys, but I'm used to Star City's winter...and I am healthy. I just know better than taking unnecessary chances, you know?" She was at peace with her status as positive, and doing what she could to make sure it stayed that way, not full blown sick. She just refused to give up her bow and the nightly ass-kickings.
Kon nodded. "Yeah, I can see that one, Star City's a lot warmer... I just... I didn't mean to rub it in or anything.."
Tim smacked his shoulder. "Stop while you're ahead, Kon."
"Right. So, I've got the kid, you two're going to go beat on each other?"
"Mia?"
Mia shrugged. "I still think he's in over his head, but she listens to Alfred." Mia nodded. "I can spar a bit."
Kon nodded and slid back through the clock to head one direction and try and corral the Harper child, while Tim and Mia headed the other way to the gym.
"He's doomed, you know?" Mia said. "Unless Lian is a LOT less hyper than I think she is."
"Yeah, but it's going to be a riot to hear about later," Tim replied as they got out of Kon's earshot. "What's up?"
"Nothing." She shook her head at him. "You sure you want to spar with me? I have no problems with Lian."
"Mia..." in the 'don't bullshit me, I'm Robin' tone.
She paused in their walk. "I worry about you, you lunk...he's all about calling her up, when he should just be..."
Tim shook his head. "Don't worry about it, Mia. I'm not. I'm going to be on the phone with Greta and Cissie later, telling them he's back--she's all that's left of Young Justice, besides us. I'd have told him to call her, if he hadn't asked."
Mia breathed a deep sigh of relief, then hugged him tight. "Sorry, Tim...just can't stand to see a friend get hurt."
Tim hugged her back. "It's okay, Mia. Thanks. But no, it's fine."
Mia pulled back and smiled, then gawked at him. "Then why the hell are you hanging out with me?!" She grinned. "Your boyfriend just came back from a helluva vacation!"
"Because barring Dick you're the best friend I've got?"
That made her falter, and the smile changed from playful to wistful. "Thanks, Tim. you are the best friend I have...and I appreciate knowing I measure up in your world."
Tim just frowned at her. "I'd spend this much time with someone that didn't?"
She laughed softly. "I don't know...I'm a Titan...I could say this is all a Robin plot to make me a better one." Her tone was teasing and light.
He shook his head. "Not even."
She started back down the hall to the gym. "Then let's go make me a better Titans anyway. And we're going to need to get Kon to practice with us...might as well work out our quirks so we've got each others' backs."
Tim nodded. "Oh, yes. I have plans about that." //You weren't invulnerable enough, damn it, you're going to learn to fight if I have to beat it into you.//
Mia nodded at him. "Good. I think we three can kick major ass."
Tim nodded and headed into the gym with her to spend a couple hours with his best friend, doing one of the things they both loved best.
Cowriter:
merfillyCharacters: Bats, Arrows, Bird, and a couple of Supers
Rating: PG
Word Count: 7,532
Continuity: HappyVerse
Disclaimer: DC Comics makes the money, people
Notes: It's official... HappyVerse is our refuge from the meaner things in comics.
Summary: Christmas Day, and everything that means
Alfred sighed softly, looking at the chaos strewn through the great room. Bits of wrapping-paper and bows were scattered across the carpet despite his best attempts at corralling the paper to a bin. Of course, with the hyperactive child turned loose upon the large array of gifts brought for her, it was hardly startling that paper had gone everywhere. He'd considered it unwise of the children to pass out all of the gifts at once, but they'd been so cheerful about it he'd not had the energy to say no. Not one for careful unwrapping, was Miss Lian, she'd ripped right in to all of them, one by one--though some had merited being played with before the next could be opened. The expression on Master Kon's face as Miss Mia planted several presents on his lap had been amusing, and the startled protests he'd turned toward Miss Dinah had fallen on completely deaf if amused ears and been halted outright by Master Bruce's look.
Amusing as it had been to watch Miss Lian go through her presents, the elders had been even more amusing, from Master Tim's utter glee at the gift of a set of throwing blades he'd apparently seen in Japan to Master Kyle's pleasure at the various art supplies the family had decided to gift him with, to a short scuffle between the eldest boys over one of the gifts between them--he was not sure what, as they'd hidden it quickly--to the look on Miss Dinah's face at the gift of the several yards of black fine silk, embroidered in green and gold (watching Master Bruce's careful composure as she opened it had been so very amusing) and an elegant necklace, to Master Oliver's enthusiastic reaction to a set of production stills one of Master Bruce's agents had found along with a newly released collection of films, and a tie of the same material as their lady's sari, to Connor's delight with a set of practice staves Master Tim had found somewhere along their trip... There had been much joy in the household today. Just as he thought the last of the presents had been given out, Kyle reached out and laid his hand gently along Connor's jaw and spoke--and something in the tone of his voice had all heads turning. "Love? I know I owe everyone presents, but this isn't quite a present, and I want you to have it now..."
His other hand slid into the pocket of his slacks, bringing out a glowing green construct shaped like a ring-box. "Counting on your dad to win or a trip to New Hampshire," and the box slowly slid open, "marry me, Connor Hawke?" The ring in the box glimmered like a swath of captured moonlight, a simple twist of some unearthly metal that shone silver-bright...
Connor felt his breath catch, knew all eyes were on him, and all he could see was that ring, symbol of an eternity spent in the safe confines of the love he shared with Kyle, the other half of his soul. "Yes," he breathed. "Yes, Kyle, I will marry you."
Kyle sucked in the breath he'd been holding, "I... god, I didn't think you'd say no, but..." his hand slid down Connor's arm to pick up his hand and slide the ring on--then kissed him, gently at first...
Roy was grinning like an idiot, watching his brother's 'official' engagement.
Tim just sat back and watched, pleased. This was going to be good for both of them, he thought.
Connor melted into that kiss, before shaping it further, into his own mark of passion, wanting Kyle to know every bit of love and commitment he felt. The ring symbolizing their promised union pressed into Kyle's skin as Connor held his hand, using his other hand to sweep him in close.
It was Ollie who had to dab at his eyes at the sentiment on display, while Dinah merely smiled softly, pleased for them. Mia grinned, thinking that her 'brother' was going to make a pretty good husband to the artist, and happy they had made the declaration in front of them all.
Dick hooked his jaw over Roy's shoulder, wrapping an arm around him, "He's got style," he said softly into his ear, making Roy grin. "Yup."
Bruce ran a hand lightly over Ollie's shoulder, smiling at him. A few thoughts of problems did flick through his head, but he shook them off. He and Ollie had had that conversation already.
"Kyle, Connor, let me be the first to say you both deserve the happiness I see you sharing over the future years," Dinah said warmly.
Connor reluctantly parted from his fiance. "Thank you, Dinah."
"You got one round of congratulations over Thanksgiving, but this deserves another, congratulations both of you," Dick called at them, Roy chiming in for the last few words.
"This's news to me, but congrats, guys!" Kon called.
"Thanks Dinah, Dick, Roy, Kon," Kyle had needed just a moment to catch his breath.
"Just make sure you register somewhere," Mia called, grinning still.
"We will," Connor replied, keeping Kyle close to him. Kyle nodded and leaned against him, very content to be held there.
Bruce smiled slightly, "Wherever you want to hold the wedding, just let me know..." He'd see to it.
"After I get elected," Ollie rejoined, drawing laughter from his part of the family, especially Dinah, who turned to look at him.
"All grown up, now, aren't you?" she teased.
Bruce considered a comment more appropriate to his eldest son--who caught the look on his face and started to laugh, shaking his head. "Dad, you're too restrained sometimes, I know what you wanted to say there..."
Dinah caught the interplay, an eyebrow arching up. "Oh? Share it with me, Dick?" She used her sweetest tone of voice possible, the one that hinted at danger and fun all rolled in one.
"I'm betting on--"
"Richard."
"Eeep! Sorry Dinah!" Dick had made a valiant attempt at hiding behind Roy at Bruce's tone, making the archer swat at him and Tim muffle laughter against his hand.
Dinah eyed Bruce, with a 'you'll-tell-me-or-else' look. "I see."
Ollie just grinned, glad it was Bruce getting that particular look. Bruce caught her hair gently and pulled her close, murmuring something into her ear just barely loud enough to make Ollie start to flush.
Roy'd have given a lot to know just what that comment was, though he had a few guesses. Kon just did his best to hide against Tim, worried that Batman would remember he was there and go back to being the Bat. This guy was kind of fun, in a weird kind of way...
Dinah smiled at the comment, pressing her hand against his chest and purring.
Mia reached over and whispered to Tim. "Think it's funny when the grownups act like kids?"
"I'm busy being glad to see him act like a person," Tim whispered back, nearly making Kon choke. Mia patted Kon's arm. "Should have seen him at the football game on Turkey Day," she told the Super Teen. "Hard to believe the big scary bat hides inside that." She kept her voice very low.
"Football game? You guys've gotta be teasing me..."
No. It was... entertaining," Tim replied with a wicked little smile on his face, making Kon shake his head.
Dick just grinned at the elder trio--and suddenly moved, reclaiming a set of blades from Lian's fingers. "Un uh, baby girl. My toys, not for little girls--not even big five-year-old girls..."
"No body gave me any," she pouted, turning endearing eyes up at him.
"Oh!" Dinah walked over to the tree, fishing aorund among the lower branches until she found a small wrapped case. "Here, baby...I didn't forget."
Lian walked over, tearing into the forgotten present with relish, and Roy groaned aloud as Lian opened the case to show three perfectly crafted, blunt batarangs.
"No throwing in the house!" came from four throats in unison, and three young men turned to look at the eldest with amused eyes.
Ollie looked at Dinah and saw the perfect amusement in her eyes. "I figured, if she was going to have two fathers from different legacies, she better learn them both," Dinah told them all. Bruce nodded slightly, agreeing with that--he had no wish to see his son's happiness disturbed, and if he would settle with the archer, all might be well.
Roy then joined the staring at her, a light flush settling on his cheeks at the idea that his Dinah had just called Dick a father to Lian. Dick mouthed the word, head tilting, then he nodded and shifted on the floor to lean back against Roy's legs, head tipping further back, looking at him, question in his eyes.
"Yeah, Di...you're right. Our little Dart should know both ways." Roy looked at Dick fondly, glad that Dinah had seen the way to make it official without running up against Dick's wedding curses.
Ollie nodded at the sound of contentment in his eldest's voice...if Roy was happy, nothing else mattered. Dinah moved back to both her men, letting them settle her between them.
That's how things stayed for a bit, until Lian remembered that she'd seen snow outside and started trying to get her family out in it with her, having found her snow gear and struggled into it.
"No, Lian...I don't think I should go out in that right now," Mia was saying softly, something that made Dinah look over in concern. She glanced at Ollie, who gave the sad look of worry right back to her. Bruce's eyes narrowed at the words and the tone, and glanced at his lovers, catching their expressions and sighing softly.
Roy walked over and picked up his baby, "No, honey, leave Mia alone... Dick and I'll come play in the snow with you, okay?"
"Okay...but Mia has to play a game with me today too," Lian said fiercely, not quite understanding why anyone would not want to play in the snow. Mia nodded, before smiling at the little girl.
"Yeah, Dart...we have all the new games Dinah and Ollie got us to try out," she told the girl.
"Tim, Kon," Dick called, and the two gave him frighteningly similar annoyed looks. "Yes, Dick, we know," Tim replied and headed over to get his coat. Kon could really care less about the weather and just headed out the door with them.
"We'll go," Connor said, tugging Kyle up. A look cut any protest from the Lantern off.
"Alfred, would you like some help?" Mia asked softly, and was rewarded with a paternal glance of fondness.
"Yes, Miss Mia, I would like a spot of assistance." He understood her need to stay busy as she avoided the risk that the wetter, colder Gotham winter presented to her. Kyle wasn't going to protest anyway, and followed them out into the snow.
Dinah pulled Ollie back when he tried to join the others. "Tell me, is she doing okay?" It bothered her that she could not fix this.
"She's fine...we've just learned that it's best not to take chances." Ollie patted her hand. "We'll keep her safe."
When everyone had piled out, the snow fight got going in earnest. Kyle behaved, not letting a single flicker of green appear as he kept up his end of the battle. Bruce and Ollie cornered Dinah, and she responded with snow down the waist bands of their pants before running for the porch, laughing. Dick pegged Bruce between the shoulderblades, laughing as did, and that distracted the Bat from chasing his lover onto the porch.
Roy added his bit to getting Dinah away safely, getting Ollie three times in the chest, and provoking the eldest archer into giving chase. Dinah paused to catch her breath, and noted Mia was standing just inside the big picture windows, watching them all. A pressure at the back of her brain told Dinah that something needed to be done, something she should be remembering, but it refused to come up. She put it aside, knowing the thought would come to her soon enough.
With the Bat and Arrow distracted by their eldest, the two chronologically youngest played merry hell bombarding the middle pair and Tim, Lian having been found to be great with a snowball if someone else made them for her--and who better for that than the telekinetic?
Tim was being as stealthy as he possibly could, but Lian was still managing to tag him almost every time he thought he had snuck around her awareness...enough to set off his creeped-out radar.
It was several more minutes before Alfred stepped out onto the porch with Dinah and spoke to her softly, smiling, then turned to go back inside. She had a much better chance of getting their attention.
"Oliver." She raised her voice just slightly, enough to carry, and watched as the one named, their son, and the littlest of them all came to a complete stop.
"Time to go in?" Lian asked, chin quivering.
"Yes, Dart...we're half-frozen," Roy said, scooping her up. Connor shrugged, pulling Kyle up out of a snow drift.
"Sure are," Dick said, trotting up covered in snow from the fight with his parent.
Tim snorted, trying to shake the snow off. "You weren't getting attacked by those two, hush it bro..."
Kon grinned innocently and wandered over to his mate, murmuring in his ear, "I'll warm you up later, promise..."
Dinah took Lian from her father, leaning in to nuzzle Roy's cheek with her own. "She's got your eye, Boy-o."
"Of course she does," Roy grinned, missing the flush on Tim's face. Dick didn't, but decided to be nice. "What's up, Dinah?"
"Cocoa." She smiled at Dick, then shifted Lian to her hip more comfortably. Ollie could not help but notice how easily Dinah held the child, but shook it off quickly as he grinned at Bruce. "Looks like your boy gave as good as he got."
Connor and Kyle both perked at the promise of cocoa, going inside with thoughts of warming their stomachs before vanishing upstairs for a 'nap'.
Bruce was still brushing snow out of his hair and just nodded. He pushed the door open--and chuckled softly. Dick stuck his head around his shoulder and started to laugh--Alfred had acquired a few old blankets and laid them down to protect the antique hardwood. "Only Alfie," he said as the crew stepped inside to shuck scarves, hats, coats, and other gear, then head for the cocoa.
Dinah got Lian completely out of her gear, then sent her on her way before tending to her own simpler coat and gloves. She glanced up as Ollie brushed some snow from her hair, smiling. "If Lian goes down for a nap, I think I might lay down too," she told him softly. "Care to join me? And drag handsome with us?" Her eyes sparkled at Bruce, but her laughter bubbled up at Roy sticking cold hands up Dick's shirt to warm them.
Dick shrieked and slammed his elbow backwards, barely pulling it before it hit, "You sonuva--" he cut himself off and settled for twisting around to return the favor, making his redhead squawk and grinning about it. "Serves you right."
Kon was letting Tim use him as a heater without complaint, in sharp contrast to the elder pair.
Bruce smiled at her and murmured against her ear, "You wouldn't have to drag, beautiful..."
Dinah purred at the voice, reaching back to pat his hip. "Kitchen, love." She smiled at both of them, then led the way, Ollie grinning at the promises of a nap.
Roy laughed fully as Dick grazed his hands over certain ticklish spots. "What about you? Nap if the baby goes down for one?"
Mia met Tim and Kon in the kitchen, offering both of them a steaming hot mug, before she sat beside Lian who already had one. Tim grinned at her, "Thanks, Mia, I think I'm half frozen..."
Kon shrugged, water dripping out of his hair onto his shoulders without much notice. "I'm not, but--" he took a drink, "Oh. Man. This is... amazingly good... Thanks!"
"Of course, Master Kon," Alfred smiled as he poured for the rest of his family, and they settled in around the kitchen table, at least for the moment.
Cocoa finished, Kyle and Connor disappeared, prompting Roy to joke, "Aren't they supposed to be like that after the wedding, not before?"
"Everyone knows the sex ends after the marriage makes it official," Dinah said.
"Oooh, bad word again," Lian said, poking at Dinah.
"Yeah, marriage," Roy laughed.
"Thought that was my line, Harper," Dick said though he was grinning just as wide, and Bruce just settled back with an amused look.
Kon looked around, sighed, and said quietly into Tim's ear, "Think we ought to call the Titans?"
Tim looked pained, as the full weight of what that call would mean. His eyes locked on Mia's, who raised an eyebrow. "Kon?" she queried, worried for that sudden flash of emotion on Tim's face.
He shook his head. "Nevermind. Just a thought..."
"Titans." Mia was perceptive enough to realize just what could have caused that much emotion if Kon backed down that fast. "If you want, Kon, I can make the call, try to keep things smooth," she offered. "But they've been so shaky, I have a feeling no one's at the Tower. Things are...rough for teen heroes right now."
Kon nodded. "Yeah, Di mentioned, but I figured we ought to at least try..." He glanced over at the woman in question, tilting his head.
"Speaking of calls. You're supposed to call Clark," Dick finally remembered to tell him.
Kon groaned, but accepted the phone as it was passed to him helpfully by Ollie. He stood up, so as not to be rude, and walked out of the room. Tim glanced after him... then gave up and followed, making Dick shake his head.
Clark picked up the phone when it rang, wondering if this time it was actually his... son calling. "Kent residence..."
"Uhhh...Clark?" Kon could not help but sound a little unsure of himself.
"Kon?" that made two rather uncertain kryptonians on the telephone.
"Umm, Merry Christmas..."
"I... you have no idea how good it is to hear your voice, Kon. Merry Christmas!" Clark couldn't keep from smiling, or keep it out of his voice.
Kon breathed a sigh of relief. ""Yeah, Clark...how's Ma and Pa?"
"They're... they're good. They're having a little bit of a hard time believing you're really back, but they're okay. Pa threw his back out a few weeks ago, but he's better now."
Kon felt a twinge of guilt. "Should I...Should I come out there and lend him a hand?"
"I know they'd love that, but we'll need to talk about what happened... after, before you come out here..." Clark had spent the last few hours trying to figure out how to keep his son connected to his family when there was a headstone with his name on it in the family plot. "And it's late winter, there's not much to do now. Are you... okay out there? I was surprised to hear where you were..."
Kon couldn't keep the joy out of his voice. "Yeah, it's great! Tim...and all of them...and well, being here is right for me."
"All right. As long as my old friend isn't giving you too much trouble. They'd love to see you, Kon. So would I, when you're strong enough to get out here without trouble, but don't push it. I remember what this was like. Do you want to talk to Ma or Pa?"
Kon swallowed nervously. "I...uhh...yeah."
"Ma, Pa! It's Kon!" he called, and his mother reached for the phone first. "Kon, honey?"
"Hi Aunt Martha..." Kon said. "Merry Christmas."
"Oh, Kon... oh, dear boy... Merry Christmas, it certainly is--you're all right out there? I... I never will get used to this, but I'm so, so glad you're all right..."
"It's great to hear you, Aunt Martha," he said, and he meant it, even if he had no desire to go back to that life. "Alfred's a pretty good cook, but I wouldn't mind some of your pie. I'm doing real good."
"Then you'll have to come home, won't you? Pie doesn't mail very well, I've found--we tried when Clark was away at school, never could figure out how..."
Kon laughed softly. "Maybe I'll get Din...Miss Lance to bring me out that way soon. Not quite up to a solo flight." He did want to visit them, even if the idea of leaving Tim was not one he relished.
"We'd like that," she nodded, wiping at her eyes. "Pa, do you want to talk to Kon?"
"For a minute," the older man nodded, and took the phone. "Kon, son..."
"Uncle Jonathan," Kon said, unconsciously straightening his back as he stood up. "Heard about your back..."
A soft snort came over the phone. "Aw, Clark worries too much, it was nothing. Just a little hitch, I'm fine. It's good to hear your voice, son. Real good."
"You too, sir." Kon rubbed at the back of his head nervously. "So, I told Aunt Marhta I'd come visit soon."
"That's good, son. That'd be real good. I'll give the phone back to Clark, if you want?"
"You have a merry Christmas..." Kon was breathing slowly in relief; no one was pressuring him to come home any sooner than he felt up to going.
"You too, Kon. You too." Jonathan held the phone out to Clark, and his son picked it up, smiling at his father's distaste for the things. "Hi Kon."
"So...things with you...I hear they're a little...low key?" Kon managed, hinting around at what Dinah had said, trying to see if his 'father' was okay.
"Very. I'd have been out to see you already, but I'm on something of an enforced vacation. It's giving me time to get caught up on some work and research though, so it's not all bad."
"Okay...you and...umm, Lois? You're doing okay?"
"Yeah, we are. She's happy I'm home more."
Kon nodded. "Well, that's cool. Look, I know we could go on and on and all that, but...I've got cocoa and some stuff waiting on me," he said as politely as he could. "Alfred's cocoa...it's pure gold!"
"Why on earth are you on the phone with me, if you have Alfred's cocoa getting cold? Go on. I'll talk to you later."
Kon laughed. "Take care Clark."
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that? You, too, Kon."
Kon hung up, and looked at Tim, letting out an exaggerated sigh of relief.
Tim tilted his head, "Went okay, then?"
"Yeah." Kon walked over and leaned on one arm against the wall, looming over Tim with a grin. "Want to help me celebrate that?"
Tim pressed up against him, kissing him deep and long, then slowly pulled away. "Sure. Soon as I finish my cocoa... it's pure gold, after all, wouldn't want it to go to waste..." He ducked the other way, apparently making every attempt to get back to the kitchen.
"Good." Kon leaned in to claim a kiss, then ducked his head away shyly as Dinah emerged from the kitchen, carrying a sleepy Lian in her arms. "Don't mind me," She told the boys cheerfully.
Tim thought about a couple times he'd run with the Birds and said, "Never do," cheerfully, then kissed Kon again.
Her small laugh was approving as she walked her goddaughter to bed. As hey parted this time, it was Dick and Roy making their way out of the kitchen, walking toward the gym. Dick just grinned to see the two together--god, Tim was practically glowing--but the big brother in him couldn't help messing with them a little. "Might wanna get out of the hallway, kids, Bruce and Ollie're about to head up..."
Kon groaned and broke the kiss. "Got a point...that's too much weird for me."
Tim nodded. "Come on, then. You've got a promise to keep, anyway." He didn't move until Kon let go, though. He wasn't about to look like an idiot in front of Dick. Kon grinned and moved toward the stairs. "Come on slow-poke," he teased.
"Slow... " Tim's voice was incredulous as he chased Kon, smacking him across the shoulder as he dodged past him and hit the first turn of the stairs. "Slow?!"
Dick snickered and headed the other direction with Roy, a little too wound for a nap just yet. Maybe in an hour or so...
Roy shook his head, eager to work out, and then enjoy the aftermath. "Your 'brother' is ten times better than he has been," he told Dick.
"I know it. Kon always did make him act more his age--and damn, is it good to see. I was damn scared for him..." as they moved to the gym and headed in.
Bruce looked at Mia across the table. "If there's anything you would like to do, or see, I'm sure Alfred can help you, given that you've been abandoned by the boys."
"I most certainly can, Miss Mia," Alfred agreed.
His lover's youngest safely in Alfred's hands, Bruce stood from the table to go find their lady-love. Drag, indeed.
Bruce waited at the door for him, then went upstairs, amused by his very unconventional family's preferred holiday activity... but then, the down-time was typically a rare thing. Seeing Dick's door standing open was almost startling, given their usual habits...
Ollie shook his head. "Roy must have gotten conned into a workout." He patted Bruce's hip. "Come on, you remember all the times Speedy and Robin 'borrowed' your training course."
"Vividly," Bruce nodded as he stepped into his rooms, looking for their lady. She was not yet in there, and Ollie sighed softly. "Lian must have woke up a bit," he said softly.
"Must have," Bruce nodded and moved over to pull him into his arms, hand running down his back. Ollie was quite content to move into that hold, his eyes darkening with anticipation. Bruce dipped his head enough to kiss him, holding him close, enjoying himself until their third arrived.
Dinah had dropped off to a light doze after joining her lovers and thoroughly enjoying themselves, but it shattered as she sat up gasping in surprise at herself. "Dammit! I ...damn!"
"Dinah?!" Bruce's voice was sharp as he snapped upright beside her, eyes alert.
"Phone!" Ollie sat up as well, blinking in concern as Dinah laid across Bruce, trying to find her cell phone, tucking her hair behind her ear. Bruce sighed and plucked her phone off the nightstand, handing it to her.
"Eddie Fyres," she said into it, and it started dialing.
"Oh no," Ollie groaned. "Di, why in hell..."
Bruce looked equally concerned, running his hand down her back where she was sprawled across his body.
"Eddie? I want you at my place in Metropolis as quick as you can get there," Dinah said. "I'm serious, and you owe me for Tokyo, you little...Yes, you do. You held a gun on me, remember? So get there! Tomorrow morning? Great! If you don't show, Connor and me will hunt your skinny butt down and kick it."
"A gun? He had a death wish," Ollie said softly.
Bruce's arm tightened across her back, pulling her closer. "Apparently," he replied equally softly. Dinah hung up the phone, smiled absently at Bruce, and wiggled free, rising to pace. Ollie moved closer to Bruce, watching her.
"Pieter." Hearing her call her ex-boyfriend was more than enough to make Ollie fully tense.
Bruce's eyes narrowed and he reached out to tug Ollie against him, watching her as she paced back and forth. He would have been distracted by the fabulous view if the combination wasn't ringing so many bells in his head. //Fyers and Midnite... why? And what startled her into waking?//
"Pieter...yes, Dinah." Her voice was soft. "I know it's Christmas, but can you and Michael meet me at my place tomorrow? I have a person coming that I need medical samples taken from? No, I can't talk about it on the phone, Pieter...you will? Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too. I will." She hung up and then practically jumped into the bed, nuzzling both men with hyper energy.
Bruce ran his hand over her and pulled her back down under the covers, pulling her close to them.
"So...Eddie?" Ollie could not let this go by so enigmatically.
"It's for Mia."
"Dinah, what are you plotting? Why Fyres and medical?"
"Like I said at Thanksgiving, the last time I worked with Slade, we went and found a cure for every known disease. Now STAR has not released it... but Eddie's the carrier for it, and I want Midnite and Terrific see what they can do with it, for Mia's sake." Dinah disregarded the flare of jealousy from Ollie at the mention of the other man that had distracted her in his absence from her life.
"I remember the mention, but you didn't say Fyres was the carrier then. Now it makes sense. STAR's being very cautious--which I approve of--but Midnite and Terrific have access to a greater range of technology, and are more... adventurous. If the live cure Fyres should still be carrying is viable..." he nodded. "They'll figure out if it's safe."
"Right." Dinah snuggled. "I'll have to leave early in the morning to beat Eddie back to my place," she sighed.
Bruce bit back his own sigh, holding her close with the arm not still around Ollie's back, turning his head to study their blond intently, wondering how he was taking this news.
The archer was carefully choosing his words, not wanting to sound ungrateful for Mia, or hgihly paranoid. He finally gave up all pretenses and just moved closer, so he could pet Dinah. "I could go with you, let the kids stay here a bit."
"No, Ollie...you don't need to get involved publicly with my doings at this point." She kissed him gently. "It's somewhat known I'm still mentoring Speedy. Let's leave it at that."
Bruce stroked her shoulder again, hardly daring to hope that this could work.
Ollie sighed; he just could not help the fact he was uneasy. Typically, if Eddie was involved, things went to hell in a hurry. And then there was the ex-boyfriend, the man he had 'stolen' Dinah from when he came back. As if divining his thoughts, she shifted them all, knocking Ollie back on the bed, pinning him and kissing him with every ounce of her love boiling into it.
Bruce settled back slightly, easily understanding what was going on with both of them, and letting Dinah reassure him that she was theirs and was staying, no matter who she might deal with, merely keeping his hand low on her back. Ollie let one hand go up into her hair, the other snaking out to touch Bruce as if in reassurance that the man was close by, before letting Dinah soothe away his worries. When Ollie reached for him he slid closer, pressing into that touch, and slowly worked his hand up to lay behind his neck, holding on. He would see if this needed to be discussed later or if it was just uncertainty over the situation, before doing anything more.
*~*~*~*~
Tim and Kon finally surfaced, short hair just barely damp and in competely different clothes than they had worn to the snowball fight and upstairs, and Tim went looking for Mia, Kon trailing him.
They finally found Mia in the gym, pushing herself through a workout. Dick and Roy had evidently abandoned it at some point, and now the girl archer was abusing herself with glee.
Tim walked over into her line of sight and stood just out of her range, waiting for her to notice, and Kon shook his head at the enthusiasm on her face when he joined Tim. Mia gave him a short nod as she cut her program short, snatching a towel up for her neck, the sweat on her skin evidence to her intensity. "Hey guys," she called, breathing through her mouth to slow it down.
"Hey Mia. You said something about coming in on that call to the Titans--if we can get anyone..." Tim said, tilting his head.
She nodded. "I've got Cy's personal number...and he can route to any Titans who are taking calls."
"Last I heard, Cyborg was still down, that's changed?"
That was what Kon'd heard from Dinah, too.
Mia nodded. "Those twins...they thought of hooking the Tower uplink back to his processor...and Cy woke up some. He was confused as hell, but he's conscious...as part of the Tower. Taking some to get his body back. So, as far as the general heroes are aware, he is still down."
"Smart," Tim had to admit. He'd never worked with the Wonder Twins, but they had their moments, from everything he'd heard. "That works, we'll give him a call... maybe cheer him up a little. C'mon, we'll use the Cave system, safer that way..."
Mia grabbed her big over shirt, sliding into it to keep from getting chilled. Tim headed down, pushing open the clock and letting them both through. He walked over to the comm terminal and started up the accesses, hands flickering through codes. "Okay, Mia. I haven't tried calling in since before the Crisis, everything I've got's out of date. Go for it."
Mia sat down, trying not to show just how impressed she was at the set-up. She punched in the code she had gotten from Cyborg himself, when she had snuck off to the Tower to try and deal with a personal crisis in the presence of the team's heart. "Cy, you there? It's Speedy."
"Yes, I'm here. Not much to do except hang out, lately," he told her, a touch of humor in his words.
Tim chuckled from behind her, standing with his hands on the chair-back, "Good to hear your voice, Cyborg."
Kon was hovering out of sight, waiting to be called over to them.
"T...Robin!!!!" There was genuine joy, for those who knew how to read the more mechanized voice. "What in the world are you doing with Speedy? Oh wait, rephrase; why is she calling from your Lair?"
"Cy, we have another Titan back," Mia said. "I'll let Robbie explain."
"Oh, sure, saddle me with it," Tim complained, grinning slightly at her. "Black Canary brought me an extra Christmas present, and nobody knows how, but--" his hand reached out and Kon moved to him fast, "say hi."
"Hey, Vic. You'd better get better fast, man, sounds like the Titan's've been going to hell fast without us..."
There was a long pause...far longer than Cyborg normally would have made. "Superboy?" The amount of wonder in that one word came across despite mechanical inflections. "They told me you died." He then chuckled, an eerie sound with the artificial voice he was using currently. "Oh wait; you're a Titan."
Mia laughed at that too. "Yeah, Cy, he's definitely that. Robbie's not quite free to come home, and I've got a bear of a schedule, but the others...they should know. Maybe it will help the others find a reason to settle down."
"We were blaming that I'm kryptonian, but that, too," Kon agreed. "And apparently I was very dead for a while. No idea how I wound up buck-naked on Kilauea, but man was I glad to see Black Canary and some pants..."
"Yeah. Batman's got Nightwing and I running around the world, but we make it home every so--wait a sec. I just called Star City home, somebody shoot me now--every so often. Mostly for holidays, which means we'll be out of the country again by the end of the week." His eyes were promising that Kon would be telling him the rest of that story post-haste.
Kon cut in, "I still can't fly more than a few minutes at a time, Vic, I'm not up for active duty either, but I can probably bribe someone into bringing me out if there're people there I ought to see..."
Cyborg considered the two 'Robbies', the mention of Star City as home, and the fact Mia was in the Batcave. He kept adding one to one to one and coming up three, but surely...not after Mia had made herself so clear...no, he was imagining things. "Look, Robin, I think I can muster the whole gang for a weekend. Say New Years? I'll get someone to pick you and Superboy both up...but I think the kids could all use a look at three long term Titans."
"I can do that. I know Arrow is going to be tied up that weekend in Seattle," Mia promised.
Robin nodded. "That'd work fine, Cyborg. Might as well grab Dick and Roy while you're at it. I can probably manage to keep at least Dick and I here until then..."
Cyborg thought well of that idea. "All Titans, current and past, as well as the....potential Titans that keep filtering through the Wonder Twins' applications."
"Sounds cool to me, Cyborg. Oh, and thanks for that Japanese program for my laptop...It's helping."
"I still can't believe you didn't ask me for help," Tim grumbled, "That does sound good--and the punch might even be safe to drink this year?"
Kon grinned, "Wouldn't bet on that, Wonder Boy..."
"Boys, behave," Mia said with a long suffering sigh.
"Catch you, uhh, three later." Cyborg wondered just what they put in Gotham's water these days.
"We didn't do anything," Kon protested, while Tim just shook his head. "Catch you later, Cyborg. See you New Years--wait, Eve or Day?"
"The weekend." Cyborg's voice was friendly, but he knew a gathering that big took more than one day.
"Gotcha, Cy. The weekend prior to NewYears works for us."
Kon grinned. "Sounds damn good. Hey Vic... you know where Cassie's at?"
Now Cyborg was sure he was misreading the general lightness between the three. "From what Raven said, there is a new island where some misplaced Amazons are gathering. She's out there."
"Oooh, I heard about that," Mia said. "Turns out a lot of Amazons weren't at the Island when it got...whatever, the Olympians did."
"Think she's got her comm gear?"
"Hasn't answered any alerts, if she does, Kid." Cyborg's voice conveyed a shrug. "If you really want to deal with her...deal with it all on New Years, I'll send a flyer to fetch her." /
Mia slid back, her fingers finding Tim's, offering him silent support. She knew this was a bridge to cross, but could not believe Kon was pushing it now.
"Cool, thanks. Figured if I could get a hold of her I'd get that taken care of, but New Years is soon enough. Thanks, Cy. That everything, guys?"
"I believe so," Tim said with a shrug, hand squeezing Mia's easily, other hand cupping lightly around her shoulder.
"We're good," Mia said, moving into Tim's space as naturally as breathing.
"Tower out, kids." Cyborg cut his link, full of new ideas to ponder, and an added incentive to get the Twins working harder.
Kon leaned against Tim's other side, watching his lover curl an arm around Mia. "So, now we've got New Years plans--who gets to tell Dick and Roy?"
"I'll handle my brother," Tim said, fingers asking a question against Mia's shoulder, wondering what was up with her. He knew why Kon wanted to talk to Cassie and was fine with it. Kon didn't lie to him.
Unfortunately, neither of them had said a thing to Mia, who remembered the Wonder Girl falling over herself at Kon's feet phase of things. "I can get Roy...and convince him that Connor could use his niece for that weekend, since I think Kyle has to report back before that." Mia nodded to herself. "I should go check on her...she's probably waking, if not already up and running crazy."
"If she is, Alfred's got her," Tim said easily, "but he'd probably appreciate the help. Once we know she's contained, how's a sparring match sound? See if you've forgotten what I've been teaching you?"
Kon shrugged. "I can always go get the kid and let you two maul each other, if that works better. I think I can keep a handle on one little girl..." Even he could see the "we need to talk" written all over Mia, and after the last several hours, he was cool with that.
Mia and Tim gave him the almost exact same look at his claim he could keep Lian out of trouble. Then Mia burst into laughter and threw a friendly arm around him. "You just don't know, do you? Lian...is a Harper. Which means she's part Lance, part Queen and all Harper mischief."
He blinked, then wrapped an arm down around her as Tim headed them towards the Cave stairs, shrugging. "She's little bitty. And I've got enough TTK back to handle most of what she can get into. Worst comes to worst I take her back outside and let her throw snowballs at me til she's exhausted again. Not like it'll make me sick."
"Alfred's going to love this," Tim said softly as he headed up the stairs with them. "He'll only learn by experience, Mia, and if he's that eager to be run ragged, why don't we let him?" About a heartbeat later, Kon realized what he'd said. "Oh, Shit, sorry Mia! I didn't mean that the way it came out..."
She smiled ruefully at him. "Look, I'd've loved to have been out there with you guys, but I'm used to Star City's winter...and I am healthy. I just know better than taking unnecessary chances, you know?" She was at peace with her status as positive, and doing what she could to make sure it stayed that way, not full blown sick. She just refused to give up her bow and the nightly ass-kickings.
Kon nodded. "Yeah, I can see that one, Star City's a lot warmer... I just... I didn't mean to rub it in or anything.."
Tim smacked his shoulder. "Stop while you're ahead, Kon."
"Right. So, I've got the kid, you two're going to go beat on each other?"
"Mia?"
Mia shrugged. "I still think he's in over his head, but she listens to Alfred." Mia nodded. "I can spar a bit."
Kon nodded and slid back through the clock to head one direction and try and corral the Harper child, while Tim and Mia headed the other way to the gym.
"He's doomed, you know?" Mia said. "Unless Lian is a LOT less hyper than I think she is."
"Yeah, but it's going to be a riot to hear about later," Tim replied as they got out of Kon's earshot. "What's up?"
"Nothing." She shook her head at him. "You sure you want to spar with me? I have no problems with Lian."
"Mia..." in the 'don't bullshit me, I'm Robin' tone.
She paused in their walk. "I worry about you, you lunk...he's all about calling her up, when he should just be..."
Tim shook his head. "Don't worry about it, Mia. I'm not. I'm going to be on the phone with Greta and Cissie later, telling them he's back--she's all that's left of Young Justice, besides us. I'd have told him to call her, if he hadn't asked."
Mia breathed a deep sigh of relief, then hugged him tight. "Sorry, Tim...just can't stand to see a friend get hurt."
Tim hugged her back. "It's okay, Mia. Thanks. But no, it's fine."
Mia pulled back and smiled, then gawked at him. "Then why the hell are you hanging out with me?!" She grinned. "Your boyfriend just came back from a helluva vacation!"
"Because barring Dick you're the best friend I've got?"
That made her falter, and the smile changed from playful to wistful. "Thanks, Tim. you are the best friend I have...and I appreciate knowing I measure up in your world."
Tim just frowned at her. "I'd spend this much time with someone that didn't?"
She laughed softly. "I don't know...I'm a Titan...I could say this is all a Robin plot to make me a better one." Her tone was teasing and light.
He shook his head. "Not even."
She started back down the hall to the gym. "Then let's go make me a better Titans anyway. And we're going to need to get Kon to practice with us...might as well work out our quirks so we've got each others' backs."
Tim nodded. "Oh, yes. I have plans about that." //You weren't invulnerable enough, damn it, you're going to learn to fight if I have to beat it into you.//
Mia nodded at him. "Good. I think we three can kick major ass."
Tim nodded and headed into the gym with her to spend a couple hours with his best friend, doing one of the things they both loved best.
