Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was another day at Happy harbor, sitting out on the beach and looking at the crashing waves in the morning sunlight. Conner found the practice soothing on his constantly fraying nerves. Nerves that were even more pressed on this morning in particular. After weeks of being dismissed and ignored by his fath- by Superman- he's finally been informed that Superman will begin taking up some of his training. Once a week, unless he's needed elsewhere.

That additional clause left much to be desired. Because of course the world ending took precedence over sparring with your clone, but what other reasons fall under the “needed elsewhere” category?

Sorry Superboy, No one's on Monitor duty right now-

-Shucks, bad timing Superboy, I've got personal business to tend to-

-No luck, maybe next time Superboy, there's just this… this thing that's super important- you understand.

The young Kryptonian didn't have much faith in today going as planned. Especially after that first meeting- Superman's eyes suspicious and disturbed whenever they landed on him.

Another small wave crested, smacking down into a burst of foamy water cascading over wet sand and sliding back towards the ocean. The soft splash and swish like a calming white noise. His watch sliced through that moment of peace as it beeped.

His alarm for today's training.

He stood up, ignoring the grains of sand clinging to his clothes as he set off to the Mountain.

-------------

Despite his earlier worries, the boy's enhanced hearing could catch the soft rumblings of chatter from the training hall. Turns out Superman made good on his promise after all. Was punctual too.

It was as he passed the kitchen that the indiscernible murmurs turned into words.

“-can't go with you if you avoid your more pressing responsibilities.”, an incredibly young voice was saying, the tone pointed and brooking no argument.

“I'm here aren't I? What more do you want from me?”, The Man of Steel replied exasperatedly. Conner felt a bolt of shock at the note of a plea weaving through each word.

For some reason this made the clone nervous. Maybe he shouldn't eavesdrop.

“You know.”, the boy (because that had to be a little boy) replied. There was a soft thud then, followed by small steps before a tenuous silence took over.

The rustle of clothing and shifting weight was all he heard until that young voice spoke up again, “I've been told I'm a pretty good listener…. It'd be better to get it out before Superboy gets here.”

More silence.

“I just don't see what's so hard for everyone else to understand. Those scientists stole a piece of me in order to destroy and replace me. And I'm supposed to magically be attached to the- to him.”, the soft words rang out, gaining some reverb from the spacious training hall, “It's a personal violation I didn't ask for.”

The words stung. The old festering anger in the pit of Conner's stomach heating up like embers on tinder. So that's what he was. A violation that Superman didn't want.

“You didn't ask for what happened to you either, Billy.”

The boy huffed out a breath at that, “Well no, but I made the most of it and now I get to talk to Superman on a Tuesday in a secret hero base.”, an evident grin laced the child's next words, his tone chipper and kind at the same time, “And that's what you're doing now. Taking time to get to know Superboy better and making the most of it! It'll be fun! Like bonding with a long lost family member!”

So… so Superman wanted to be…

“I'm not sure it's a good idea. Wouldn't it be worse if I gave him false hopes?”, Superman said, his next words unknowingly gutting the eavesdropping teen, “I don't think I could ever see him as my son.”

…Right.

Conner already knew that. It shouldn't be a surprise to hear just because it came from the man's mouth this time. The anger rushing through his veins shouldn't turn ice cold when he was receiving a confirmation of his suspicions. But it did. It struck like a cold fist to the gut. Because despite having a teenage mind that could parse out this hard truth, his inexperienced heart had hoped. That small piece of wonder at imagining what could be nestled lightly in chest.

Just snuffed out with one sentence.

“Uuum- yeah? Because he's not your son?”, an incredulous squeaky voice piped up. It was so unexpected, Conner didn't even have time to storm off- still frozen outside the kitchen.

“Is that what this is about?”, the boy went on, “Someone said he's your son?”

“I thought that's what you… everyone else thinks that.”, apparently Superman was just as baffled.

The kid had called them family earlier hadn't he? What else could they be besides father and son? Conner came from Superman. He was a byproduct of-

“Wouldn't he be your little twin brother?”, the child (Billy was it?) asked with a nervous waiver, finally sounding as a child should when speaking to one of the strongest beings alive.

“Huh?”, said strongest being offered. How eloquent.

It wouldn't be wrong to assume the two remaining kryptonians were in about the same headspace at the moment.

“He's literally an exact copy of your DNA- so you're the same. Like how an egg splits and becomes two babies in the womb. Or that's what Barry told me anyways. So you guys are twins.”, Billy finished far more confidently than he started. Conner could imagine the faceless figure nodding matter of factly to accent his argument.

Then he shook his head because now was not the time to be losing focus. His relationship with Superman (his twin brother?) was at stake and all he had in his corner was this strange child he'd never heard of.

The older Kryptonian’s next words were wary, “Why was Barry telling you about babies and wombs?”

“He was bothering me- and adults who aren't parents get nervous when you ask where babies come from.”, came the unapologetic reply.

“Oh Billy- you didn't.”

The boy cackled mercilessly, “He talked about the scientific process of fertiziling eggs for like- 20 minutes!”

“Oh Billy.”

“It already happened…”, the child said petulantly. Some seconds passed, Conner deciding the two people must be having a face off of some kind because Billy broke the silence with a dutiful, “I'll make it up to him somehow.”

“Good. You do that…. And I guess I've got some making up to do with Superboy. I should probably go find him actually.”

Oh. Crap.

Conner, snuck back into the kitchen, composing himself the best he could before noisily rummaging through the fridge and grabbing the first thing his hand clasped. Then the door opposite him was opening, revealing the man he'd been thinking about all morning on the beach.

“Hello Superboy.”, the League's number one hitter said awkwardly, his smile not as flawless as it was on TV. But it felt genuine.

“Conner.”, Conner blurted.

Superman's eyes widened before an understanding shone in them, his face relaxing, “Conner… What have you got there… bud?”

Ugh, that didn't feel right.

Conner looked down at his fridge find to keep from cringing, “An… egg.”

“Riiight. Great source of protein.”

A strangled snort came from the hallway behind Superman, causing the man to roll his eyes, “It is.”, he stressed.

And it was like that little interjection put something in motion, making Superman step forward and open up the fridge, “And I'll bet neither of you have eaten yet-”, he pulled out the whole carton along with a pack of what looked to be bacon, “-So I'm thinking some breakfast is in order. If that's good with you?”

He offered the last comment to Conner who could do nothing but nod dumbly, backing out of the large man's way. It was as Superman fished out a pan that Conner's brain began to compute again and he went to sit on one of the stools by the kitchen island. Right next to a little raven haired, blue eyed boy in a red hoodie.

“Hi! I'm Billy.”

The clone looked from this small, scrawny boy to Superman who was currently in the process of cooking HIM breakfast. His chest swarmed with a warmth that was nothing like the burn of rage and he smiled, “Nice to meet you Billy.”

Chapter Text

M'gann was curious.

Conner seemed far more at ease lately ever since those weekly training sessions with Superman began. This should make sense of course, Superboy has always been bad at masking the strong emotions pertaining to earth's strongest defender. Normally in the form of anger, though sometimes a pain flashes in those lonely eyes. (And she notices it every time. She always notices Conner)

But Conner is being so… vague.

She remembers their encounter earlier that week- her entering the kitchen to an upbeat Superboy burning some bacon. The smell was heavy and turning towards suffocating in the way it made her want to cough, scratching down her nostrils into the back of her throat with its dryness. And there Conner was… humming.

“What is the good news?”, she asked leaning over the counter and away from the stove top.

“Huh?”

His startlement seemed to originate more from her sudden appearance rather than the question. Regardless she reiterated with a small grin, “You are in a much happier mood today. For a couple days I think. What's the good news?”

He took the charred bacon off the stove top, the faintest of blushes rising on his cheeks as he looked away, “Nothing really. It's just a good day.”

Then the Zetta tube announced Superman.

It was so quick, the way embarrassment melted into excitement in the relaxed uprightness of his shoulders- his head perking up, towards the sound like when a puppy hears the telltale call of ‘treats’.

“I have more things to do lately I guess.”, he amended absent-mindedly, finally registering just how inedible the bacon was as he scrambled to dump it into the trash.

Heavy footsteps, the kind that were larger than life and all too used to going unchallenged approached the kitchen and Conner's nonchalant, masked panic became outright panic. Just as the door knob began to turn, the still smoking pan took a ride from one side of the kitchen island to the other, crashing into the sink.

“Everything alright in here?”, came Superman's concerned voice, the door swinging open to the sight of Conner leaning awkwardly against the counter while M'gann held back a wriggling grimace.

“Yeah- totally… you want a muffin?”, Conner fumbled out, reaching blindly into one of the wooden cabinets and producing a Twinkie.

The Man of Steel then did the unexpected. His eyes turned soft, expression shifting into an easy fondness, “Sure Con. Then we can hit the mats.”

“Is Billy coming today?”

“Not today. He probably won't be by often. Busy schedule and all that.”, He clapped the smaller Kryptonian on the shoulder before accepting the packaged pastry, “I'll let him know he's welcome to join us though.”

The two had bustled around the kitchen getting water bottles (Superman) and another Twinkie (Conner), leaving M'gann frozen in her spot, just observing the easy interaction with an odd thrill. Last she'd seen, Superman had not been all that fond of his clone. And that was putting it nicely. Now they were willingly, if a touch awkwardly, interacting as if there had never been an issue between them.

Just what happened?

Conner must have seen the silent question in her eyes because he looked to Superman (who was just leaving to the training hall) before going back over to her, “We had some help.”

And then he was gone.

This event had started the need inside the Teams resident Martian to know who this Billy was. Because that's the only clue she has for finding the identity of this ‘help’ that pushed Superman to Mount Justice once a week just for her friend. (The person who made Conner no longer feel like a barely contained hurricane whenever his progenitor was brought up.)

That was why she was waiting for her uncle at the Zetta tube. For reasons still unknown, some of the Leaguers had begun shopping for Mount Justice themselves. Not every week, obviously. They were Superheroes with regular civilian jobs- of course there would be a few times where a truck delivery was in order. This week was not a truck delivery though.

This time, her uncle was trying his hand at grocery shopping.

Said he had a human tag-a-long to teach him too.

Her uncle's name rang out and instead of his tall green self walking forward, it was a small, thin boy with both arms looped through packed reusable tote bags. The Zetta tube echoed out the same League number again, the flash of light producing J'onn this time.

“And he doesn't even use this couponing?”, the tall Martian asked.

“Batman's stupid rich. He's never even heard of couponing I bet.”, the little child replied, catching sight of M'gann and offering a bright smile than could've refreshed any Kryptonian with how sunny it was, “Delivery Miss Martian!”

“M'gann, could you help us with the bags?”, J'onn asked kindly, his usually constant calm expression cracking with the faintest quirk of his lips.

“I've got it.”, the child spoke up, cutting off whatever M'gann was about to say as he dashed up to Martian Man Hunter, and, in an impossible feat, armed himself with the man's load as well before taking off towards the kitchen like a walking cotton igloo, “Don't mind me!”

Such a small being should not be able to carry that much weight.

“Was there something on your mind?”, her uncle's soft voice asked, much closer than it had been before.

“Yes, there was.”, she said distractedly, “That's your human guide for grocery shopping?”

“Ah, he had wanted to make sure I learned from someone other than Batman or Green Arrow. Though I believe he mostly meant Batman.”, he stepped around his niece, cutting off her view of the child and sending a knowing look, his emotions inquisitive and open despite the ever present calmness of his features.

“I had a question about Superman and Superboy.”, she started, finally getting back to the important subject that had been her purpose for waiting at the Zetta tube.

There was a split second of curiosity before understanding pulsed from J'onn, who gently placed a large warm hand on her shoulder, “You wish to know how their estrangement came to an end. All the credit would have to go to Captain Marvel I believe. I will not delve into it too much, but the Captain had many opinions and ideas he felt needed to be expressed.”

“Oh?”, she pried somewhat weakly with an over abundance of Wally's so called ‘puppy eyes’. (“They work everytime.”)

Amusement bubbled around J'onn who merely shook his head. M'gann slumped in defeat. She must have not been doing the puppy eyes correctly. Or maybe Martians are immune. (“Or maybe Wally's stupid.”, Robin would say if he was present.)

Captain Marvel was the last person she would expect to have been the cause. To be fair, M'gann didn't know much about the man to begin with- other than he is very kind and enthusiastic, if at times a little odd.

Before she could ponder further, the pitter patter of small feet grew more noticeable. The red hoodied child appeared from the hall, waving a blue, square package happily at the pair, “I got the oreos!”

J'onn lifted his head towards the boy, the switch from amusement to focus gave M'gann whiplash. She was so used to reading emotions until her team had expressed their displeasure. Now she might need to practice getting used to it all over again.

Her uncle paused, his lingering hand giving a small meaningful squeeze before slipping away, “You do not need to wait for deliveries to contact me.”, he added, a thrum of affirmation tangled in a sliver of need emanating lightly from him. To let her know he would always be there for her.

“I know uncle.”, came the quiet, appreciative reply, “Thank you.”

“Alright.”, he turned back to the boy, “We have the essentials.”

“Yup!”, the child saluted, tucking the oreos under his arm before marching back towards the Zetta tube, “And there's milk at the watch tower. I'll show you how to scrape the cream out perfectly and we can stack ‘em- make some oreo towers.”

“I prefer the cream with the biscuits.”, J'onn projected, his voice following after the boy before he too set off.

“Just one tower then. And they're called cookies.”

M'gann stared after they left. Feeling a mixture of warmth from the conversation with her uncle and confusion as well. Billy's identity was still alluding her and she had no idea who that far too small child was- or what he's doing with her uncle- in the watch tower!

… Did her uncle kidnap a child to go grocery shopping?

Chapter Text

Star City was quiet that night. Only small things to intrude in like muggings or bar brawls that got a little too excited. The usual.

With the very few missions being dealt to the Young Justice team recently, Artemis had begun to feel antsy. She needed more time with her peers to show them they could better utilize her. (Not to prove anything.)

Green Arrow seemed to notice this.

So they were hopping over rooftops, enjoying a crisp cold night and the distant metallic whine of train tracks ringing from further down town. That is, until GA's phone rang. His personal phone.

The young hero in training would say she didn't mean to eavesdrop, but that would've been a blatant lie. A soft and exasperated feminine voice went on, a touch of static making it hard for Artemis to catch it all, “... just ran… even begun… fine, but he's so…”

“And you couldn't do this at a more sane hour?”, Green Arrow asked, almost immediately regretting his words what with the way he cringed.

“... know how he is… not actually part of the…”

“You're right, I know. Yes we'll look for him. Do you want him back or- yeah, maybe another night.”, he finished, boot scraping against gravel as he started off, “Any haunts you think he'd-”

Artemis drew closer, not even trying to pretend to be minding her own business as the voice now pinned as Black Canary became more coherent, voice actually more tired than exasperated, “-said he was living in an abandoned complex before.”

“Right. Got it-”

“-on the less savory side of town.”, the woman interjected, her words stressed as though to present them with a large sign saying, ‘See what I'm dealing with right now?’.

“I'm looking down old main right now.”, the static voice finished.

“Geez.”, the man huffed, rubbing a gloved hand down his face, “Course he was.”

He finally looked to his young ‘protégé’ with a raised brow.

She replied in kind with an unrepentant shrug.

Ignoring the teens antics, he picked up his slow pace, going further downtown, “I'll call you when I find him.”

The soft click ending the phone call didn't deter his leap from one building to the next, pocketing the hand held device before he touched down. The atmosphere was much less care free now, the weight of a mission settling in with a snap. At least for the greenclad teen. Her mentor, not so much. They were obviously dealing with a run away- homeless, or previously homeless. One that had the attention of the Justice League's not so secret couple.

Of course her mind went in a particularly touchy direction, “You lost your kid?”

She did not expect the surprised snort she'd received, his graceful loping about his city staggering for a split second, “No- not mine- I won't be entering that wrestling ring, thank you.”

So, a friends kid then. Maybe even another leaguer, though she couldn't imagine who.

“What should I be looking for?”, she asked instead, keeping her observations to herself as they slunk down one of the fire escapes of an office building.

“A boy, short and thin. Black hair, blue eyes, and probably wearing red.”, he rattled off with a note of fondness that was not unlike when he spoke of Roy. (Though it was without the bittersweet sheen to his eyes.)

“How short are we talkin’?”

“Small.”, he grimaced.

The single word brought up a sad scrawny image. Very recently homeless then.

They worked their way in sections, block after block- alley after alley. And the further they got, the closer they approached the darker parts of Star City. She dropped a dumpster lid, barely missing the mystery sludge that splattered off the rim when it slammed shut. This had to be a bona-fide veteran street rat if he was hanging around druggy/hooker territory. Because only someone who knew the in’s and out's of these places would come running here to find a sense of safety or stability. (She would know about finding a twisted sense of comfort in dangerous places)

She was prepared to be met with a distrusting kid armed with a pocket knife.

There was a happy yowl, and some inquisitive chuffing around the next corner. It was an alleyway sandwiched between a small busted looking diner and a most likely abandoned shop, echoing with the tap-tap of paws on concrete. Artemis was ready to shoot a quick glance and keep moving until a sharp snort followed by a few quiet giggles carried out of the opening. The type of giggles only small vocal cords could produce.

“I think I found your little friend at my coordinates.”, she whispered into her comm, peeking into the darkened walkway.

“Red hoodie?”, came the inquisitive response.

“... Yeah.”

“On my way.”

Artemis did not expect to find the sight before her at all. A small huddle of strays and- a kitten? All taking turns disrupting a little boy who was taking the broken down boxes from the diner's trash and meticulously crafting what she assumed to be a shelter. He was currently sitting on his bottom, a collapsed box in one hand and a homely Boston Terrier in the other. Or under the other, getting head pats and chin scratches as the dirty ginger kitten kneaded at his thigh.

“Let me finish this.”, he pleaded with no actual weight to it, his lips turning up softly in the corners, “Then when it rains you won't be too cold. Trust me, it's not fun.”

He made to move, lifting up the kitten and ignoring the terrier as it butted its head at his forearm, only for the Rottweiler looking mutt to hop right into the now vacated lap.

“Guys!”, he laughed, snorting when the stubby legged Rottweiler nosed at his hands before licking the kitten. The small creature spit a few displeased hisses, making the dog draw back, tilting its head curiously before trying to groom it again.

The pale Chihuahua that had gone unattended huffed at the display and huddled down into one of the already finished compartments of the shelter, circling itself a few times before laying down. The Child stretched to set the kitten right next to it, which should've been a bad idea, but only resulted in his current lap dog following after to continue its grooming- leaving him open to get back up.

He was using chipped cinder blocks and old slabs of wood to hold up his cardboard structure, making sure to hide it behind the dumpster so that it wouldn't be immediately demolished in the morning- or that was what Artemis figured. She had a better view from the abandoned shop, but the back door to the diner was more blind sided to it.

The scene struck a chord she hadn't known could still be plucked at- this strange child trying to piece together a little safe haven in the dank disgusting alley with such an easy smile on his face. It was in that moment of mixed emotions that she stepped forward, alerting the terrier and the boy alike.

He whipped around, hand snatching up a rusted length of pipe she hadn't noticed earlier as the black and white dog began to posture at his feet. Before she could raise her hands in the universal sign of surrender, his eyes lit up with recognition and his shoulders relaxed.

He stooped down to calm the growling canine with a practiced stroke down it back, then back up again, “It's alright. Just a Star City vigilante. We're okay.”, his all too young voice soothed, as though from a far older personage.

And his eyes kept on her still, eased but not naive.

Thank heavens GreenArrow finally deigned to grace them with his presence, dropping from the abandoned building and startling the terrier all over again.

“Billy.”, he greeted, far too casually to a child that had just run away.

The boy actually looked away, mildly chagrined as he rubbed the back of his head, “Heyyy Arrow- what brings you here?”

“Billy.”, the blonde said flatly, arms crossing over his chest as he leaned all his weight onto one foot.

The boy ducked his head lower, fluffy black hair hiding his cornflower blues, but not his displeased frown, “I don't see why I need that kind of help.”

The Leaguer stood his ground a few moments longer before his figure sagged a bit, a small exhale through his nostrils sounding before he stepped closer, “Because someone that's gone through the things you-”

“-There's nothing wrong with me.”, Billy muttered, pulling the terrier close.

“I didn't say there was.”, the hooded vigilante sighed, flipping back said hood and settling down next to the child.

Artemis decided to keep quiet, leaning up against the old shop and acting invisible. Like that provided any privacy, but this wasn't her problem. Not really. She wasn't one to take to comforting victims or frazzled civilians- didn't see the need so long as they weren't dead or maimed on her watch. (Couldn't naturally perform said actions when she herself didn't have much exposure to them.)

“Why else would someone go to therapy? I'm not stupid.”, Billy mumbled with a mix of defeat and defiance. A very weak defiance.

“I didn't say you were, kid.”

A hand scrubbed over the kids head, ruffling those black locks into chaos and painting his little face pink, “You should know none of us would ever imply that.”, Green Arrow added.

“I know.”, the kid grumbled, brows furrowed in annoyance, even as he leaned into the palm in his hair, “I just-...”

The boy reluctantly pulled away, sinking further around the dog in his lap who must've caught on to his companions mood and nuzzled into his chest with a few sympathetic whimpers.

“I don't need fixing.”, he spared a glance up at the green clad man, “And this wasn't part of the agreement.”

Once again, Star Cities protector decided that this obviously distressed boy didn't need a soft approach as he huffed a laugh, smirking incredulously down at Billy, “You're ultimatum, you mean. This has nothing to do with that kid. You don't need fixing. What you need, is some healing and this isn't an order either.”, he clapped a hand on the kids shoulder like he was offering advice to a fellow adult at bar who'd gone one too many bottles far, “But a request, from people who care about their friend and want the best for him.”

Oddly enough the kid's wry grin definitely felt as though he could've been that hopeless drunk in a bar, far too aged and yet clearly still so youthful, “I know.”, he admitted.

Curious.

Most children couldn't understand themselves on that level emotionally. Artemis certainly couldn't.

“I thought so.”, the man nodded. And he waited, letting the boy take all the time he needed to open up.

And you could see Billy was on the precipice too, his eyes too knowing and shoulders squared somewhat from the previous hunch, “... I just don't like talking about it. Thinking about them with the idea of- I don't know… forgetting them just to feel better.”

“It's not about forgetting them kid.”, the man replied, standing up with a dramatic groan like he wasn't the highly experienced hero he was, making the kids smile turn less sad and more genuine, “Come on- this is stuff for Dinah. Are you free tomorrow?”

“Yeah… whenever she wants I guess. Just let me finish this real quick?”, the boy asked, the agelessness slipping away to two pleading puppy eyes as he gestured back to the almost finished shelter.

“Sure Billy.”, Green Arrow acquiesced, shaking his head like he'd lost a few years from this experience alone and accepted he would not get them back.

-------------

It was strange how easily the child became so cheery as he finished up his little garbage house project, bidding the probably flea ridden animals a goodbye before chatting away at Green Arrow like a child his age would with a friend. Even tried to pull Artemis into the small talk and not pushing the matter when she replied with small witty quips that didn't leave room for any replies. The Leaguer didn't seem the least bit put out by it either, though he feigned exasperation the whole way to the Zetta tube.

Another surprise for the night was watching Arrow put in his code for a guest to beam the boy up to the watchtower of all places after muttering, “Need to get you your own so I don't need to play chauffeur.”

“You go rush Batman then if it bothers you that much.”, the child challenged with an impish grin, “I bet he'd love that.”

“You-”

But the beam went off and the booth where the child had stood was now empty.

“Geez.”

“Sooo… not your kid yet?”, Artemis asked smugly, slipping out of reach just in case.

The man gave an exasperated shake of his head up to the heavens before smiling, the edges of it sly, “Looks like we're doing two more laps I think.”

Ugh.

Patrol after watching people be emotional was a different kind of tiring. Although, as they slid down piping and slipped passed late night city prowlers her mind pondered over the strange little kid who had direct access to the Justice League's watchtower. The same little kid that was considered a friend to Green Arrow and Black Canary. Maybe even some of the other League members as well.

Chapter Text

Wally West was a pretty chill guy.

Not everybody knew that, which was ridiculous, he could be a downright saint if he needed to be. (Or that's what his uncle would say sarcastically, but whatever)

So obviously, the first thing he did when he'd come over to his Aunt and Uncle's house was to break in rather than knock. The League had reportedly been pushing multiple all nighters after their last big bout of cryptid monster that oozes radioactivity 2 days ago in Louisiana. Apparently clearing out radioactive alligators and swamp muck took caution and extreme prejudice.

That of course, means breaking into your uncle's house quietly in case he's still sleeping. You know, because Wally was thoughtful like that. What's not thoughtful though, is screaming like a little girl because there's some strange kid in the living room staring at you as you slip in through the window. Then of course, knocking over a wooden side table that had a picture frame on it- the table dropping with a loud thwack before the frame clattered beside it.

From his place on the floor, the ginger had not taken his eyes from the child who was currently trying not to laugh.

“So, hello intruder-”, Wally whispered, like that would counter his earlier fumble at being quiet, “-How's it going?”

Then the boy did snort, curling into himself on the couch as he muffled the sound with his hand. He then waved said hand weakly towards Wally, as though to emphasize the speedsters entire predicament, “Says the guy who broke in and started breaking stuff.”

Wally took this chance to get up, righting the table and waving the intact picture of his family indignantly,”I didn't break squat- also who- what are you doing here?”

The kid leaned back against the couch, picking up the remote beside him and pausing the TV which Wally just noticed was on. The ease lining the scrawny boys figure was so natural that the teen almost lost his grip on the caution that stalked up his spine.

“Well.”, the raven haired child started, blue eyes nonchalant and yet sparked with a note of amusement, “I couldn't sleep anymore, so I thought TV would be good.”

“I meant-!”, the teen paused, forcing his voice to a hiss, “I meant why are you in this house.”

The mischief curling up the lips under those happy cornflower blue eyes poked at Wally's chest with foreboding.

“Barry has me this weekend.”

And there it was.

The teens brain stuttered to a halt, the gears steaming in his shock before running into overdrive. What?

WHAT?

What does he mean ‘Barry has me’? That sounded an awful lot like something some of his schoolmates say when they talk about their divorced-

No.

Noooooo, no.

Wally came around to the back of the couch, resting his now folded arms on it as he stooped, “I don't know how, but you're messing with me. Also, I'm Wally- hi, nice to meet you random kid.”

“Billy.”, the boy offered, his smile turning a touch less evil with his next words, “And I know about you. Barry talks about you alot.”

Something warm and fuzzy and annoying buzzed in his chest at the words- right along with apprehension because that suggests Uncle Barry hangs out with Billy often enough to talk about family. Maybe because… Billy already was family? But that would mean-

“So does Iris-....”

A spark of genuine fondness laced the boy's words as it danced in those still ever so calm eyes, “We've met, yeah. She's pretty awesome.”

Oh. Oh wow.

They were that far then with this? With integrating Billy into their home? Even though Uncle Barry cheated? Or maybe he didn't. The sudden hopeful thought spurred on more- connecting like the individual parts on a motherboard to make a picture. The kid wasn't super young, so it's totally possible Barry's always had him which explains why Aunt Iris hasn't kicked him out. But Billy didn't refer to him as dad? So maybe this was not super old news? (That would've stung to not know he had a surprise cousin this whole time)

“So then, you've known Barry for a while then?”, he tried not to grimace at how totally unsubtle he was being right now. But the kid either didn't notice or didn't mind as he shrugged.

“Yeah, basically.”, And Wally's heart almost began to crack until Billy continued, “Not that he knew me though. Didn't find out about me until like- 2? 2 months ago?”

Oh!

Wally held back any relief as well, feeling a touch guilty at what must be a confusing and large amount of change going on with this… eight year old?

“That's pretty wild.”, he replied, hoping he didn't sound too stupid to his new little cousin. (although he lost a lot of points by screaming and falling flat on his face earlier)

The boy's face twisted into something a little more somber as he looked away, “It was a pretty wild reveal. Didn't go that well. Barry was really cool about it though which…”, he furrowed his brow, “I wasn't expecting him to. I really appreciated it though.”

He then spun to Wally, “Don't tell him I said that… it'll go to his fat head.”, he snapped the first bit, smiling at the much quieter second half of the sentence.

This kid wasn't so bad.

And he needed to rack up cool cousin points, “He’ll never know.”

“Never know what?”, a familiar older voice yawned from behind.

“That you have a fat head.”, Wally shot back on instinct.

He received a grin from Billy.

“Oh Wally, you're here too. Both my boys in one place”, the blonde chirped, completely ignoring the insult as well as Billy's groan.

“I'm not your boy.”, the kid huffed, chin receding down to the collar of his shirt, effectively hiding down into his hoodie.

Rather than looking offended or hurt like Wally had expected, Barry grinned even more, “Not yet. The old bat is fighting hard- but I'll win this one.”

Custody battle then?

“Not likely.”, Billy snarked back, blowing a raspberry at the man, “Best of luck though. Try not to have your head bit off.”

“So little faith.”, his uncle then stepped forward, ruffling the boys hair and lighting up with delight as Billy promptly went tomato red, “Why don't you two bust out the Wii or something and I can get started on breakfast.”

“More like lunch.”, Billy piped up, voice slightly squeaky.

“Brunch.”, he amended.

Wally was already hopping over the couch, Mario Kart on his mind. It was the quickest way to form bonds. At least it worked that way with Conner and the others. Billy would likely be the same.

The boy had already switched off the channel he'd been watching, changing to the gaming console's input. Yup, totally been in this house before.

“Alright lil Bill. Prepare to get owned.”, the ginger stated matter of factly, switching the device on, grabbing two remotes, and plopping ungracefully down next to the newest family member. (And that fact was so bizarre and unreal his mind was swimming trying to fully grasp it)

“At the beginning probably. I've never played on a Wii.”, Billy said casually, looking at the white remote like it was a new novelty.

“No Mario Kart then?”

There was a small pause, the clanking of metal cookware from the kitchen filling the silence. Wally felt the couch dip even further beside him, Billy scooting into the cushions more firmly, “Just tetris on the public library's computers. Maybe I played stuff when I was small.”

‘You already are small’ Wally didn't say- even as alarms blared in his ears. He had to be chill. He was the super cool chill dude that could teach Billy about like, blowing up stuff for fun and cool moves to take down bullies at school. That is if Barry won the custody battle against Billy's mom. But if the kid resorted to going to a public library for FUN, (that's just insane) this mom of his probably didn't have much moral high ground to stand on.

Wally mustered his most totally not wavering smug tone, “Congrats then, you get to learn from the master~”

“Master? I don't think that family photo would agree.”, the little snot snickered, wiggling fluttery fingers towards the little table that had been overturned earlier.

“I am so not going easy on you now Billy-bo.”

“Billy-bo?”, came the confused response.

“Bilbo- Lord of the Rings.”, Barry answered from the kitchen, “Are we feeling waffles or pancakes or both?”

The boy's didn't even get to try and deliberate before the blonde waved a dismissive hand, “I'll just do both.”

-----------

Wally didn't go easy on Billy. In fact the kid was getting owned by most of the CPUs for the first couple of rounds as Wally gave him the obligatory hazing Mario Kart demanded. He'd started light at first, but the kid was sharp and witty. Not maliciously so.

Wally had a feeling the kid could be a straight up angel if the need arose. He had been quick to bound back a teasing remark countering Wally's own, but he didn't hold back compliments either. Giving genuine words of amazement when Wally abused some of the game's short cuts that the boy couldn't have known about.

And sure, it wasn't settling in that the boy was gonna be- er- is family, but as he watched the kid go to town on the waffles and sausages Barry brought over like he also had a speedsters metabolism, Wally was really beginning to like the idea of more extended family.

He couldn't wait to tell the team. (Brag)

Chapter Text

The Gotham City skyline at night is where it first started. Gliding through streets by grappling hook and bounding over rooftops was a welcomed atmosphere. Even despite the trials and tribulations that normally occurred during late night patrols with or without Batman. Or maybe even more so when a thug was put in his place- an innocent civilian spared from any lifelong trauma because of his interception. The pure rush of rightness that settled in his chest and raised his chin high after being thanked for his assistance.

He'd just finished zip tying a common crook like a little gift for the GCPD when Batman made the first query.

“Everything's been good lately?”

The sliver of Bruce that laced his voice had alarm bells ringing in Dick's head immediately. He dropped the drunkard's bound hands and stood, “Like with the team? Or school?- or just in general?”

Bruce remained silent for a moment, barely visible cloaked in the darkness of an alleyway. Something he did to intimidate rogues.

Or hide any flaws.

“In general.”

All Batman in that answer.

“I'm good? We got a couple bad guys tonight- nothing too crazy. And the Team’s been doing pretty good lately- I'd say it's a good day.”, He responded, finally making to continue their patrol route, grappling onto the lowest building nearby.

“So you like how things are.”, Batman followed gracefully, not even making a sound against the rooftop as he took the lead. There was a note of displeasure in his tone, a hard set to his shoulders.

“Yes?”

“Hn.”

Weird.

-------

“You don't invite people over.”

They were in the batcave now, shedding layers of Kevlar and clothes.

“Is that like, an order?”, Dick asked, taking off his domino mask.

The rest of the patrol had gone effortlessly if a touch quieter than Dick had ever been on in a while. Obviously something had been on his foster father's mind- still was probably. He had the same air about him as when he'd asked that first question.

“An observation, more like.”, Bruce corrected, hesitating near the showers instead of going in.

“O… Kay? I mean, all my friends would probably find out my civilian identity if I brought them over, B.”

He would tell them too, if it wasn't just him that it would be exposed. He could trust his friends with his life. He DID trust his friends with his life actually. It was a thing he actively practiced on a weekly basis in fact. He'd finally be able to try and make a dent in the ridiculous allowance Bruce gave him every month just by feeding Wally alone. They could take Conner all over and show him more of the world in a less “try not to die” kind of environment. M'gann too. (Did Atlantians already have surface exposure?) And maybe Artemis wouldn't shoot him when she realized just who the annoying kid from school actually was.

All day dreams sadly.

“It would be nice though. To have more people here sometimes.”

The words were out in a small whisper that he couldn't quite contain. The familiar weight of Batman's full attention was immediate as well as the odd glimmer in Bruce's eyes. He gave an approving “Hn” (Dick was fluent in Batman grunts) and disappeared into one of the showers.

Was….

Was Bruce letting him invite his friends?

But no- this could be any number of things. Things Dick wouldn't be able to parse out on a patrol exhausted night where a shower and bed sang to his pleasantly exercised muscles.

Maybe nothing would come of it anyways.

------

His wishes for Bruce to be normal again were just not meant to be apparently.

The morning (very very late morning) started off well- grapefruit, bacon and toast for breakfast along with some orange juice. Alfred was happy today, humming quietly as he worked in the kitchen, doing things that really don't need doing just because of excess energy. Dick was happy with the news that his new parallel bars would be coming in soon to add to his personal gym (the last ones may have been dented during a heated argument where a dumbbell he'd been waving around haphazardly had slipped from his grip). And Bruce looked content as well, a small smile (the barest hint of a smile) on his face as he sipped at his coffee.

Dick was taking a drink of his orange juice when the next question came.

“It's too quiet here in this big Manor isn't it?”

The teen swallowed and gave a good-natured smile, wondering what exactly had Bruce mentioning something so obvious, “I guess so. You gonna get me a puppy or something? That'll make some noise.”

Alfred paused his wiping of the counter to shake his head in exasperation, making Dick snicker in his seat. His chuckles were cut off abruptly by Bruce's soft, easy, “Or something.”

Alfred paused at that, and Dick was up on his feet, “So not a dog? Or is it a dog? Are you pulling my leg? I'll go climb the chandelier and stay up there if you're punking me B.”

The man sighed, his lips tugging up at the edges as his amused eyes closed, “I'm not getting a puppy…”, he then sat up more, head tilting as he pulled out his phone.

His voice was thoughtful, and maybe even distant, “Do kids like puppies?”

“Um- yes. Yes I like puppies.”, Dick answered, but Bruce was already standing up, leaving his unfinished toast behind and ruffling Dick's hair as he passed by. (He did that alot lately, just randomly pulling Dick into side hugs or fixing his clothes- even doing a rare half cuddle on the couch while watching movies)

“We'll talk later about a potential puppy. Or something.”

Dick watched as the billionaire pulled out his League communicator of all things, going around a bend and leaving the two other Manor occupants alone, “Or something? Do you know what he's talking about Alfred?”

“Not in the slightest Master Dick.”, the old man's eyes contradicted the statement.

Something was definitely up.

-------

More odd questions and subtle prods (but they weren't that subtle at all) kept coming throughout the day.

“Do you like being the youngest on the team?”

“Are two adults enough company for one child?”

“This house is missing something don't you think?”

“Some of your friends look up to you, you know? It leaves a good feeling, doesn't it?”

“Sometimes it seems like you go to Happy Harbor to be near people your age. Which is perfectly normal- it's a good thing. Wouldn’t you say so?”

“Alfred can be fun I suppose. But how far can puzzles and chess get you in one evening, am I right?”

“Are those games of yours multiplayer?”

Dick wasn't too stupid. Or he liked to think he wasn't. Obviously Batman, his guardian and mentor- was losing his mind.

That or possibly dating a lady younger than him, possibly. (Bruce dating? Like for real dating? Can't even imagine it.)

But Dick couldn't ask outright. (He had tried, but confrontation turned Bruce Wayne's tongue to solid silver with the beautifully masterful evading it conjured up before he could spirit away.)

And Alfred was an ironclad fortress when secrets were about- not stopping the man from sending meaningful glance to his pseudo son whenever Dick tried to pry.

Hacking it was to be then!

Alfred was out and Bruce was terrorizing his fellow Leaguers on the watchtower. Something about “curb stomping that meddlesome speedster if this drags out much longer”. Therefore, the Batcomputer was entirely unattended and ready for snooping.

It had taken some time to get passed some of the bat-strength parental locks Bruce had installed, under the sad assumption that Dick would give up at the first sign of his password not gaining him clearance- but a good 20-ish minutes later (and entirely fueled by doritos and determination) he had worked his way into the buried, encrypted files.

Not that he knew exactly what he was looking for.

The solitary echoing of the clacking keyboard was all that sounded in the cavernous space as he sleuthed the night away. Bypassing case files, fear toxin chemical charts, rogue activity graphs and the like cut down a good chunk of the hunt. He didn't think Bruce would be bringing in any perps or drugs into the house for entertainment or companionship purposes (unless it's Catwoman?)- which made such things reasonably unnecessary to parse through.

Unfortunately, an hour of sifting through any footage he could find of just Bruce Wayne out and about front the last month did not suggest a woman- nor a dog for that matter. So maybe it wasn't a civilian concern. But this had to still be personal. He needed a lead.

Think Robin, think.

There was the questions on patrol, in the batcave, in his study, at breakfast where he'd made Dick believe they were going to be welcoming a pet-

At breakfast.

The aha- eureka moment had arrived in a flash of brilliance. (He wasn't boy wonder for nothing)

The League communicator!

Bruce had mentioned bringing- something into the Manor and then got on his communicator.

“This better be good B.”, he smirked, quickly accessing any Justice League files that didn't have to do with scheduling or alien invasions.

It was when he was briefly skimming over anything being sent in, rather than out that he found it.

A folder from Martian Manhunter addressed to all of the Justice League simply labeled: Billy Batson.

Full of videos.

Curiosity piqued (c'mon it says Batson for heaven's sake) he opened one.

The small box expanded over the batcomputer and lit up the cave with the familiar halls of the watchtower. In it was Green Lantern and-... and a small child. The boy was tiny, so very tiny and absolutely furious as he shouted expletives (thanks for the subtitles Batman) at the man who was currently holding the boy in a playful headlock and ruining any semblance of order the child's hair may have had. All that the green clan hero received for his teasing was the angry words and a bright, tomato red face that looked faintly pleased- lips struggling to stay curled downwards.

The next clip was of a similar situation, only this time there was no anger or shouting. Just a pink-faced kid (Billy Batson) accepting Wonder Woman's soft absentminded affections (fixing his hair out of his face, wiping juice from his chin, and other things of the like) as they sat eating food. The subtitles added some context a little further into the video- something about the boy needing to eat more.

The comment had him studying the boy further- noticing just how small the kid was. How unruly and unkempt his appearance was. His clothes were worn and torn and drowning the boy with how big they looked on him. The videos with earlier time clips revealed the clothes to look far more dirty and thread bare even then.

Dick knew now what was happening.

Somehow, there was a child that was welcomed with the league who needed somewhere to go. Bruce wanted to be that somewhere. And thus, the questions had begun. Because Bruce was a good guardian (dad) and he wanted to know how Dick would feel about a new family member- a new brother- added to the mix.

Just thinking of the little boy spending all his free time up in space with no specific place to call his own because Bruce didn't know how Dick would take a whole friggin’ child had him exiting out of the files and backing away from the computer. It was something to ponder.

Luckily, he didn't need to ponder for long- grappling over the Gotham City line the next night with B and watching as a new, stupid question formed on his lips.

Dick cut him off after the awkward, “Would you want a-”

“-I'm all for it.”

The Dark Knight had pulled to a stop at that, landing on the next roof before Robin, but not continuing forward, “You… know?”

“He's cute.”, Robin chirped, chuckling at Bruce's gobsmacked expression before nudging him as he passed, “I won't be the only fun person anymore. And like, Batson? It was meant to be.”

He shot his grappling hook over into the starry horizon, grinning as he let gravity and momentum whip him around another building- winding rushing over his ears as a toothy grin spread from cheek-to-cheek. (Who cares about potentially eating a bug anyways?)

A little brother sounds nice.

Chapter Text

It was still relatively early at Mount Justice (for teenagers anyways) so Kaldur did not find anything odd about the peaceful quiet that graced him that morning. Even with the Zetta beam announcing Aquaman earlier. He'd mentioned something about a grocery run some time ago, so Kaldur had not jumped up to greet his king under the impression of something urgent possibly occurring. Of course, lazing about in bed like his fellow teammates was not something he felt inclined to do, so he'd gotten up. Got dressed, brushed his teeth- the whole shebang.

And yes he took his time.

They didn't have any missions scheduled, no surprise alerts, and even made room for some fun today in particular.

Leaving the private rooms and heading towards the living area was also a quiet affair, the gentle rumblings of Aquaman and Red Tornado conversing further down the hall growing louder but still soft. It was a good morning.

And then, just by rounding the corner and gaining a line of sight into the kitchen- it had become an… odd morning.

He wouldn't say he was alarmed per say. Not yet anyways. Intrigued, yes. Confused, also yes.

There was a small tuft of dark hair, fluffed up and moving about behind the kitchen island, making the light tinkling sounds of glass on glass as it dutifully placed bottles of condiments into the fridge. As Kaldur silently drew closer, he noticed the figure was slotting all the food in the appropriate places as they've always been sorted. And with such a practiced air too, not really looking before two small hands reached into another tote bag for more food and slid it into one of the crispers.

The figure grew more features the further into the living area Kaldur got, shaping into the form of a little boy. He drew back against the wall when the child loaded the empty tote bags onto his shoulder and made for the room the Atlantean was currently spying in.

The kid, looking entirely not awed or stupefied enough about being inside a League operated base, made his way to the TV. Plopped himself right on the couch, fishing the remote out from its little nestling spot in between a cushion and the arm of the couch. Where Wally stuffed it every time without fail.

It was when the screen flipped over to a video labeled “Top 10 biggest hero fails” that the Team's current leader snapped out of his bewilderment and let his shoulders relax. (When had they tensed?) Aquaman and Red Tornado had to know the boy was here, and he knew Mount Justice intimately as well.

The Atlantean let his steps thud against the floor as he approached, not missing the way the child didn't startle at the noise- either too engrossed with Superman clothes lining himself with a bridge or already aware of his presence. Most likely the Superman thing. (Probably)

He let himself settle on one of the arm chairs further away from the child, watching chunks of the bridge either fall and destroy property or get clumsily caught by the frantic Kryptonian on the screen.

“So this is what surface children fill their time with?”, he asked not unkindly, sparing a small glance to the boy.

“They do when they get pawned off on Aquaman for the day who gabs with Red Tornado like the old ladies from the park.”, the kid replied, leaning back against the couch and catching Kaldur’s eyes with his own cornflower blues, “What does Aqualad do for fun in his spare time?”

The Zetta beam then announced Robin, quickly followed by Kid Flash.

Kaldur didn't notice the child's eyes squint suspiciously at the sound, too busy distractedly casting his own glance towards it, “Well today it'll be with a team bonding game night.”, his mind wandered then, catching a small glimpse of the two adults in the mountain inching towards the Zetta beam.

Aquaman knew what the Team was doing today, and he'd brought his- ward? Charge?- with him. And was promptly ditching him too, if the quickened pace towards the main exit to the Watchtower was any indication, “I'm sure you can join us if you-”

But he didn't get to finish.

No, he got cut off as a little red blur of small child zipped over the back of the couch shouting at Aquaman, King of Atlantis with such fury and promise. (A very outraged and merciless promise)

“-if you guys leave so help me Arthur I'll!-”

He'd disappeared through the kitchen, towards the Zetta beam for a moment, only coming into view as Kaldur followed close behind, too curious to sit still by the still running YouTube video.

“Departing: Red Tornado”

“This wasn't part of the deal-”

“Departing: Aquaman”, the beam's monotone voice called out, echoing off the craggy volcanic walls this area of the base didn't cover.

The child kicked at the ground, grumbling colorful expletives under his breath and reiterations of some so-called ‘deal’ and it being violated. All beautifully topped with a sullen, “Adults suck.”, whispered at the end.

“Heyyyy, Billy bean~ nice to see you.”, Wally's amused voice sing-songed from beside Robin. The two both seemed to recognize the child, smiles (faint on Robin's part) curling up the edges of their lips.

“Hi criminal.”, the boy replied, head somehow hanging even lower between his shoulders, “Breaking in and entering anywhere new lately?”

“It wasn't breaking and entering- and you were the intruder.”, the ginger shot back happily, walking forward and scooping the kid up who went boneless and red- face a picture of defeat, despite his quick snipe.

“I was let in through the front door, you snuck in through the window and ate shi-”

“Shucks kid- it was just a joke- what a comedian- we get more food in stock?”, he hiked the kid up from under his arm to sling him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

This seemed to offend Robin somehow? The Gothamite's expression incensed and- and there was a challenge there. The two teammates knew the boy pretty well then, Kaldur assumed, if they were going to start fighting over him.

“Entering: Artemis”

The Atlantean would go and greet his other friend, but the sight before him was too interesting to ignore, pulling his feet forward to once again follow after the strange boy. Conner and M'gann must've heard the commotion and decided to grace everyone with their presence if Billy's sudden happy shout of, “Con! And Miss Martian!”, was anything to go by.

And sure enough two content (M'gann) and cheery (Conner) aliens were exiting the hall to the private rooms.

“Billy, what are you doing here? It's not a sparring day.”, the clone said with a smile, plucking the kid out of Wally's arms.

The speedster squawked out a reprimand and was thoroughly ignored, causing Robin to snicker gleefully as he watched the kryptonian swing the human child around in the most affectionate display their usually brooding teammate ever made. Billy, trying and failing to maintain his air of betrayal and gloom, laughed, pinked cheeks bunching up with his toothy smile as their twirling slowed to a stop.

“I've been bamboozled by the old people on the watchtower Con. It's a conspiracy against me.”, he divulged with an ever present grin, “This time, by Arthur- and probably Barry… maybe Batman.”

The last part was whispered, but no one missed it, Robin puffing up for some reason as he inconspicuously maneuvered closer. To Kaldur's side, a faint hum sounded, Artemis watching the menagerie with clinical, studious eyes. Obviously also acquainted somewhat with the tiny child currently squirming free from his captors arms.

“You know him too?”, he asked quietly.

The blonde sighed, a hand perched on her hip as she leaned back against the wall, “Not really- thought he was a runaway or something that Green Arrow and Black Canary were trying to help.”

At this, he studied Billy more closely, trying to look passed the baggy clothes to realize that, yes, he was pretty thin. Even for- what- eight years old? Regardless of that fact, Artemis was not telling the whole truth- the way she held herself projected suspicion. She knew more information about the child- perhaps more to do with Green Arrow and the League seeing as how the others recognize him so easily. Not that he would press her about it.

“Maybe he was a runaway.”, he agreed, nudging her shoulder before nodding back at the group that were now either making introductions or restarting the YouTube video, “You coming?”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say boss.”, she drawled, a teasing glimmer in her dark eyes as she pushed off the wall.

-----------

Observation was important for a leader. Kaldur did not hold back from joining in the fun- playing cards, suggesting video games, absolutely crushing everyone at Uno- but he watched. The puzzle that was Billy became stranger and stranger as the night went on. Wally had a few inside jokes with the boy, making references to people that he'd never heard of- pulling the kid into his side with a smug grin as he made a mess of those dark locks. Seemed to know the kid would protest… without actually pulling away.

Robin was to be holding himself back from tackling the ginger to the ground and claiming the little boy all for himself. An air of “just you wait and see- I'll have the last laugh” contained in that deceivingly sweet smile. Only for him to turn to the child and offer mischievous little secrets into his ear and absolutely beam when it made the boy laugh- doubly so when Billy was laughing at Wally. But there was a distance there- like people getting newly acquaintanced with one another.

Artemis was more reserved tonight, not joining in on any moment Wally was being humiliated for sport. Those hawk-like eyes telling in the way they continued to look over the boy, trying to parse out any secrets he might have. Weirder still was the way Billy seemed to notice her attentions and simply smiled in amusement. Like he knew just what she was doing- what she wanted to know. Like she was someone poking at something larger than themselves and he kindly found it to be another fun oddity of life.

Conner….

Conner was oblivious to any of the subtleties bouncing about the room. He was just happy to be spending this time with his friends without any glaring mission to ruin the fun. He seemed to hold the boy in high regard and with a blinding fondness. M'gann was much the same, a bit more confused- like she had contradicting information that was making her inner picture of everything go askew, but it wasn't harmful and everyone seemed elated so she was too.

There was still the blaring question of just who this child was- how he seemed so deeply rooted in all things hero- how he himself also knew he belonged here. Like the very thought of questioning his presence was laughable. He also had eyes that knew so, so much. Eyes that cared just as much as he knew. If Kaldur ever followed his gut, it would be right now- in knowing that despite Artemis's reservations she held for Billy- they weren't prudent.

He watched as the boy's eyes drooped, the kid melting into the couch at Conner's side, sandwiched there with Robin on his left. Wally was sitting on a pillow on the floor in front of him, munching on a gigantic, nearly empty bowl of popcorn, his free hand patting Billy's foot absent-mindedly. They were all huddled around the Television as a colorful movie about cartoon woodland creatures played, (Bambii?) having moved on to it when the time grew later and sugar highs began to crash. (Why you don't let the speedster pick the snacks, fyi)

He was just a sweet little kid.

Then the Zetta tube announced Wonder Woman of all people.

Everyone- except the near dozing boy- turned to the sound, soft boots padding closer and closer until an entire Amazonian appeared in the kitchen. She was quiet as she approached, most likely sensing the calm atmosphere of the little movie night, “Hello all.”

Her voice was soft, not it's usual firm and steady cadence as she looked around, eyes pausing on the Billy puddle beside Superboy, “I've just come to retrieve Billy- don't mind me.”

The warrior leaned over the couch, gently extracting the child from his little nest of teen heroes. Billy huffed, unfocused eyes swiveling up to Wonder Woman's, his voice small and inquisitive, “Di? Wha you doin’?”

“It's time for bed Billy, go back to sleep.”, she whispered, cradling the boy close to her chest and pressing a soft kiss to his head.

He curled around her easily, humming a faint, “Mhm.”, before snuggling in.

“Thank you for watching him. I'm sure he'd love to do this again.”, she addressed the stunned teens before turning away, “Let's get you to bed little brother.”

Her footsteps were loud, growing fainter and yet still audible in the mountain- then leaving the old nostalgic instrumentals of the movie in the wake of their silence as the Zetta beam went off.

Then-

“I didn't know they were related.”, Conner chirped.

“THEY'RE NOT!”, Wally and Robin shouted at the same time, the two appraising one another afterwards.

The clone raised an unamused brow, “She called him little brother. It came from her lips.”

“They can't be related.”, Robin then began.

“Yeah!”, Wally added.

“Because B doesn't adopt kids with families-”

“-Cuz he's Flash's kid.”

The two intermingling statements brought another bout of silence.

That's when the chaos ensued.

Wally and Robin started pointing fingers and shouting-

“You callin’ me a liar!?”

“No, just super stupid!”

The grappling on the floor was next, elbows digging into ribs and hair getting yanked- Robin even went in with snapping teeth, almost grazing the furious speedster.

Conner watched the display with indifference, offering an unhelpful, “You're both stupid actually.”

Meanwhile M'gann was doing mental gymnastics, muttering things like, “Not kidnapped by uncle- but he's Billy who does the sparring, but Captain Marvel was in charge of that- or was it Billy who started it?- but then he's Wonder Womans-”

Artemis, like Kaldur, was watching the cacophony of madness- the difference being her own speculative eyes doing their own deductive reasoning while enjoying the scuffle happening on the floor.

And- yep- Robin was somehow shoving his phone against a barely restrained Kid Flash's cheek (how were his legs bending like that?) just shouting, “Look! You see! Do you see it!”

Nevermind that Wally couldn't actually see the screen, he still yelled back, “That proves nothing! He's my cousin and you can eat mud!”

“You freaking goldfish brained- Urgh!”

The phone was forgotten in the need for violence. Because that's how you solve arguments of course.

There were so many- way more questions now. Much more intrigue bounding through his head like a flower girl distributing rose petals- but they could wait a while in the face of his morons being their charming selves.

Kaldur leaned forward, snatching the bowl of popcorn (that was surprisingly not overturned all over the floor) and looking back to the TV. The old animation style was very aesthetically pleasing and he could kind of make out the dialog if he listened hard enough.

“You gonna stop them?”, Artemis asked.

He crunched down on some of the buttery snack from the bowl, “It's my day off.”

Chapter Text

It was done- the fighting, the snarling, the underhanded tactics- all of it. Finally the Watchtower could breathe.

Apparently that's why Billy was dropped off with the Team the other night- so the final contestants could duke it out (maybe even literally) and see who came out with his custody papers in hand. The whole experience was a mixture of flattering and awkward- maybe even uncomfortable with how… fierce a few of them had been.

Diana was only pacified with being told that regardless of where he ended up, they would be bonded as siblings through the powers of Zeus that flowed through Billy. (Sounded more like a threadbare plea to quell the Amazonians ire when she failed one of the convoluted tests Batman created for choosing Billy's new guardian- especially with the way Green Arrow had basically squeaked it out and ran away from her.)

One of the training rooms was under repairs from her “letting off steam” still. It had taken Superman hopping in and giving her an actual work out that the watchtower could feel peace from that custody battle arc. Not that Billy got a piece of the peace. No, that's when the coddling started. The woman was unstoppable, stooping down from behind a corner to scoop him up and rub whatever dirt or grime he'd gotten from patrolling in Fawcett off his face. Then carrying him around like a handbag she couldn't live without.

The little file J'onn and Batman put together grew much larger because of it. (And wasn't THAT a fun discovery. He'd thought Martian Manhunter could be trusted. Twas not so.)

Regardless!

It was over!

….Except he was being sent to Happy Harbor again?

The papers had been signed and then Superman gently herded him to the Zetta Tube saying something along the lines of “Time to fix their Billy debacle now too” before shipping him off. (And he would've been less compliant too if it were any other Leaguer. Despite the end results they all knew who Billy's favorite hero was and abused this knowledge.)

“What Billy debacle could the Team have?”, he muttered to himself.

They'd had fun when he was here. Or at least he had fun. Did he offend them somehow? Did they want to reprimand him?

But Superman had been smiling when he nudged him into the Zetta tube, and he wouldn't send Billy off somewhere with those kinds of trials ahead without a heads up. (Or so he hoped)

He trailed down the eerily silent halls of Mount Justice, now letting his mind wander into far more foreboding territory. Perhaps they've discovered his secret before he could tell them and they felt betrayed. Maybe even belittled at having been out ranked by someone far younger than them. Of course they might take into consideration that he hadn't known they were unaware at first. Conner had been so easily befriended that he figured the teen knew. Why else would some random civilian kid hangout in airtight League bases with The Man of Steel? And Miss Martian didn't bother interrogating him either the few times she peeked in on the Kryptonians sparring sessions.

Kid Flash not recognizing him had been the bludgeoning that clued him in that his not so secret identity may in fact still be a secret to some. Though now he wonders if all of them had been left in the dark. Possibly not- Artemis didn't seem all that eager to warm up to him. She could have known he was duping them all and told them so once he'd left.

But then Clark's amused smile before he'd urged him forward flashed into his mind.

They couldn't possibly be mad, Superman would've told him.

And yet, when the silent trek through the kitchen and into the living area came to a close, he was met by an equally quiet, entirely full room of teen heroes.

“Uh, hey guys.”, his small voice awkwardly stumbled through the atmosphere, the heads on the couches and armchairs turning to him, “You um- Superman said you wanted to talk? Sort of?”

M'gann and Conner sat on the center couch, seemingly serving as a buffer between Robin and Kid Flash who were exchanging glares. Artemis was looming in the corner and Kaldur was standing up from his chair, beckoning Billy forward, “Nothing so serious Billy. We've just been having some… hiccups-”

Artemis snorted, cueing in that it was a bit more than just a hiccup whatever it was.

Aqualad looked to her, amending his statement, “Some issues, stemming from a few misunderstandings regarding- well, you.”

“O… kay?”

“Sit, please.”, Aqualad gestured to the armchair he'd just vacated.

If this wasn't such a bizarre moment, he'd have declined. Instead his small frame dropped into the cushions as he looked around nervously, “So, whaddayah wanna know?”

“We were wondering-”

“-Who are you related to?”

The interruption came from a near to bursting Wally, the teens ginger locks a mess from hands constantly swiping through them, his knee vibrating into near invisibility. He looked physically like a nervous wreck but his face was so intensely focused with such a weight to it- Billy had to look away.

He was surprised he could manage the motion when he wanted to freeze at the question. Why did they want to know about his family? What could they possibly have reason to fight one another about when it came to some kids long dead relatives.

“What?”

It felt like an appropriate reaction.

“Who are your parents-”

“-Or siblings.”, Con squeezed in. The kryptonian looked more annoyed with the whole situation compared to the others.

Somehow that made it a little easier to respond, despite the rushing of thoughts bouldering through anything coherent, “They um- My family is uh-”

“-Guys.”, Kaldur reprimanded before patting Billy's shoulder. It was a kind, grounding touch and his next words gentle, “You don't have to go into any intimate details, we already know you have relatives in the Justice League, we just want to know who.”

That was enough to give the old brain a full stop, gears sparking in their abrupt halt. They thought- Billy couldn't hold back the dumbfounded look he gave the Atlantean, nor the barking laughter that followed after when he saw such sincerity from the other occupants in the room, “You think-”, he snorted, the sound tapering off into sharp giggles, “You guys are- I thought this was about-”, another laugh.

The only person who seemed to be enjoying this as much as he did was Conner, leaning back against his couch and smirking at the dismayed faces around him. Though it was highly unlikely that Conner knew why Billy was laughing, he didn't seem perturbed by any of this.

“Billy.”, Wally pleaded weakly.

“I'm sorry-”, his sideways flop on the armchair said otherwise to his supposed guilt, but he continued before the speedster could wilt further, “-It's just- I'm not. None of them are.”

They weren't. Blood relatives that was. Not that the Team could read his mind- or- not that they were currently reading his mind. (M'gann didn't do that without asking first most times.) The League was his friends and yes, perhaps he sometimes in his own little delusional (not that delusional now actually) world would imagine them as some strange little family.

Billy shouldn't let them the Team stew with such a blunt explanation, he realized when the overwhelming stillness finally interrupted his mind's little interlude. Wally was melting into the oblivion passed the couch cushions as his shoulders drooped in defeat while Robin puffed up with vindication. The action only made for the speedster to sink even further.

“Technically speaking though, three of them are related to me I guess. That was only decided today though? Is that what you meant?”, the boy had tried to be delicate, but knew it was not a success when he was met with Conner choking on a laugh and Artemis smacking her forehead.

The Wally puddle instantly resumed its previous twitchy, messy self, sitting up right with clear restraint. Like he'd be ready to launch himself into Billy's personal space any second now. Robin was almost right beside Billy which- when did he even get there? Were there two speedsters in here now?

“Care to extrapolate little buddy? You're not related to anyone, but yes, actually you are- and to three of them?”, Robin's words light, so very, very light and yet the posture was rigid at the shoulders. Like his training was starting to crack.

“Well yeah. It's kind of a story but basically-”, he took a large breath, “I was a kid- the league didn't know I was a kid but then boom- tada! It's a boy! And it was all normal right? But then they all started being weird about it and then Batman found out I was homeless- so like, that started the custody battle- which ended today and now I have two legal guardians because SOME people can't take no for an answer.”

Yeah, that should sum it up perfectly. He was pretty sure nothing got left out.

But he was wrong again because Conner was now clutching his stomach on the floor fighting off some very violent snickers and snorts while Artemis's corner grew storm clouds and mushrooms at the same time.

Someone cleared their throat and Billy remembered Aqualads hovering presence. The team leader was beginning to look drained as he rubbed a hand over his temple, “That's a lot to pick through, and Wally's going to rupture an organ at this point. So- you were homeless, and now you're not. Who adopted you?”

“Technically?”, Billy felt some remorse as Aqualads shoulders sunk lower. He didn't even bother answering Billy with a gesture, just waited for him to continue.

So Billy did, ignoring all the other sets of eyes in the room as he used Kaldur's tired but unbiased figure as a focal point, “Technically, Batman and Flash have a co-parenting thing set up because I said I'd rather stay homeless than live in Gotham- no offense-”, he offered to the comatose Gothamite to his left before soldiering on, “-So Flash is my first and foremost legal guardian who I'll live with, but should anything happen to him I'm being shipped off to Batman's… and like, Wonder Woman said I'm her brother because of Zeus so there's that too….”

“He lost!?”, Robin shouted suddenly, jumping up from his stooped crouch beside Billy as he began pacing. He went off into a muttered tirade (something like “and to Flash of all people-”) as Wally's near lifeless body was suddenly rejuvenated and spry, crying for joy and fist pumping the air. It was like the static tension that hung overhead exploded- going on a massive fritz. Some were shocked frozen while others couldn't contain themselves.

Kaldur had finally given up, hoisting Conner up off the ground and plopping him unceremoniously next to M'gann who squeaked. The Martian clutched her fellow alien on instinct, looking like a befuddled baby chick when the kryptonian slumped further against her, wiping away a few humor begotten tears as he shook his head in disbelief.

“He's my cousin! It's official!- you're on goon duty next mission.”, Wally crowed victoriously at Robin, eyes closed and not watching as the other teen jumped, tackling him down to the ground.

Billy was up now, almost frantic as he'd step towards the surprise tumbling session on the floor before his movements stuttered into Aqualad's direction- but Aqualad was no longer by the couch- no he was making his way to the kitchen.

“Guys?”, The little boy almost pleaded to the two on the couch then. They might be able to wrangle in the mess of elbows and knees scrapping on the opposite end of the room. (When did they get that far?)

“Um-”, Miss Martian had raised an instinctive hand, stilling when Superboy lightly took her forearm.

“They're fine- it's better to let this happen now then on a mission.”, Conner cut in, his face a little red from the exertion of laughing without taking in much air.

And as much as Billy liked the clone, he didn't trust the far too amused glimmer dancing in the teens eyes.

And he couldn't ignore the pained yelp that sounded a lot like a certain ginger either. Wally was pinned on his stomach, cackling maniacally despite the elbow trying to split his spine in half.

“Hey guys! Stop it- or I'll- Come on guys!”, he was tugging on Robin's blue hoodie and trying to yank him off his cousin (wow a real cousin!) with little success.

A fast, slender hand was gripping and twisting two ears before Billy could blink, watching as the fighting teammates were now reaching for their heads.

“Ow Ow, okay- done. Got it.”, the speedster recited quickly until his ear was released, the now red skin bright and none too happy.

Artemis let go of Robin next and Billy couldn't even get out a ‘thank you’ before she was whirling around her piercing gaze on him. He couldn't hold back the near audible gulp he took at such hard focus, pinning him in place, “You-”, she started, pointing right at Billy's nose, “Are still leaving something out. You've been adopted- good for you, but that doesn't explain why the league was the ones adopting you, or how Zeus makes you and Wonder Woman siblings. Are you a demigod?”

Ah, that's why she's been so wound up. Because of his other secret.

Robin and Kid Flash looked about ready to jump to his defense, mouths open and faces indignant, which lit a warmth in his chest and raised a smile to his face regardless of the finger still pointed towards him. They were sort of his family now (legally at least) and already they were taking his side in things even though he's only been on their radar for such a small amount of time.

“It's okay.”, he reassured them, internally cringing as he felt heat bloom in his face, indicating the pink blush that must be coloring his cheeks, “Yeah I am sort of. My powers come from the Greek Pantheon after all. And the Justice League delt with me because I'm a member.”, he grinned innocently.

“You're a what now?”, Robin asked faintly, Wally coughing too hard to ask himself.

Artemis quirked a disbelieving brow, but couldn't put in her two cents when a soft voice gasped, “Oh! Captain Marvel!”

Miss Martian had both hands clasped excitedly and was standing now, “Conner said something about a Billy and you were at their sparring sessions- Uncle said Captain Marvel is why Superman was coming to Mount Justice Weekly now. And your hair and eyes- You look like a little Captain Marvel!”

“That's a bit- M'gann-”, Kaldur had come back in (with water bottles?), probably when he heard Billy trying to join the fray with worried shouts.

This wasn't how he wanted to tell them. It felt too casual and yet not casual enough at the same time. Maybe he even wanted to get a few more years on him before letting them know. Maybe they wouldn't be quite so mad that someone younger than them was in the Justice League if he was close to their starting age. Or it might make it worse, waiting so long. Like riding the same guilty lie just because the adults knew now. It had been nerve wracking with his friend's the first time around, sitting still as Superman and Flash shouted at one another in the meeting room beside the cacophony of his other colleagues' voices.

He remembered Superman's smile from earlier and Barry's triumphant grin as he clutched the adoption papers.

It'll be alright.

“Surprise!~”, Billy even gave them some weak jazz hands, “You got it in one!”

“.....”

**************

The resounding silence that followed his cheery announcement was thankfully cut short by M'gann. The Martian smacked her forehead and exclaimed, “Hello Megan! It took so long to figure out but the answer was right there the whole time.”

The statement was said with such exasperated fondness that it broke the giant spell of awkwardness that had threatened to consume the room. Of course this led to a nice little story time that was much much longer, far more detailed, and had Billy barely keeping from squirming with all the eyes on him. He explained his predicament before joining Earth's defenders, about being homeless (not how he became homeless), about getting unimaginable powers, and using them to do good in Fawcett.

There were a few members obviously swimming in more questions when he glazed over his previous living situation, but thankfully held back. Whether on their own or from a subtle negative gesture from Aqualad, Billy didn't keep track of. It was like unwinding a knotted cord in his shoulders as he went on about his age being discovered and the issues after that. Like that last bit of guilt he had been ignoring was ready to depart peacefully.

No one interrupted, only nodding along (Conner) or trying to hide their displeasure at any of the more sour notes to the tale (Kaldur). Even Artemis's distrusting eyes eased halfway through, perhaps letting herself believe the little boy. (Billy wouldn't know that it was his honest eyes that lowered her strongly built walls)

Some time had passed, though Billy was not keeping track before he finished explaining himself to them, trying not to shrink down in his spot between M'gann and Wally. The urge to throw out another pathetic jazz hands had to be squashed, Billy shoving his hands between his knees. He was nervous, but there had always been that underlining of steel he could pull on. Not Achilles power, but pure street rat Billy Batson. It didn't make the nerves go away, (that was never its purpose while he was homeless. Fear was a good motivator when you had no one to rely on to keep you safe and fed) but it granted him courage to accept whatever condemnation the Team may have and get back up. (He always got back up, rolling with the punches)

But perhaps that wasn't the right thing to do. He had gotten ready for the worst, made eye contact with the white lenses of a domino mask, and watched as Robin's posture shifted, going from attentive to reassuring and welcoming. The minute movement set off a chain reaction in the others, shoulders easing and brows turning up kindly. It almost seemed like a subconscious thing happening. Like their coordination as a team was to that level where they locked in place together so quickly without realizing.

It was a mountain of effort to keep from crying after that, his smiling a wriggly, unstable thing that he proudly wore. They weren't mad. In fact, Robin had smirked, whispering a not so quiet, “Watch this.”, before scooping Billy up and ruffling his hair. A squeak, that he would deny ever creating, escaped his lips at the motion, his face burning bright red when he was then hugged close and tucked under the older boy's chin.

“I hacked the Batcomputer and found some files the League's been passing around. It's got some good stuff on there, right Billy?”, the vigilante teased with a sing songy chirp.

The horror those words created must have formed into a facial expression because Artemis was then grinning, leaning forward to swipe the TV remote, “Oh really? What kind of stuff?”

“I-it's nothing- Robin's just being crazy-”, Billy babbled, squirming in the raven haired teens arms as he looked up into that domino mask, “You wouldn't…”

The answer he received was a shit eating grin, the teen snapping out his hand to catch the remote being thrown his way as he moved himself and Billy onto the open end of the couch. Some shifting and a few clicks later, Billy was nestled into Robin's lap with a Krytonian and speedster on either side- his face burning as clip after clip of himself up on the watchtower was awarded with a round of “Aww” and other embarrassing cooing.

This was both better and worse than the reveal to the League and it was always- ALWAYS Barry's fault. The thought simmered in his mind when the fateful clip of Flash ruffling his hair played on the big screen. He would have a lifetime now to get back at his friend.

He looked around at the assembled heroes enjoying his humiliation.

He'd get them all.

(The Dark thoughts did not stop him from snuggling closer to Robin, or make him pull his hand away from Conner's. It didn't stop the happy feeling in his chest from surging all over everytime Wally laughed and absent-mindedly patted his head. And when he woke up the next morning in a large pile of teenagers with a big sleepy smile, he didn't even remember ever being angry.)

The End.