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Tears and Rain	By : Waxcrayons Category: DC Verse Comics > Batman Views: 13546 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not nor will I ever own Batman, Superman,DC comics or any of their characters, or make any money off of them.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Through dissipating dark storm clouds the black sky began to brighten as the dawn of Christmas Eve smiled down upon the recovering city of Gotham. Battered but still standing, the streets, buildings, and people were illuminated in the serene blue of the pre-dawn. Shadows chased away with police and light nipping at their heel. Information from the cowl's sensors fed him more than enough information about the movements down below. A tap into street and store security cameras allowed him to follow the fleeing gang leader and his top goons from his perch. A tap into their cellphones allowed him to overhear where they would all meet up to collect their illegal arms cargo or more accurately, where the police would be collecting the stolen goods. These guys were two minutes away from a few broken bones and a prison sentence. In thirty seconds they registered on the infrared and he dove off the rooftop of the Solomon Wayne's courthouse, wind catching the cape and carrying him effortlessly over the diminishing carnage below.
He landed heavily before the fleeing men as they cut through Park Row, the sound of combat boots echoing throughout the small open area of what was today called Crime Alley by locals, and with good reason. He flashed white teeth in a snarl, sure that in this light and this secluded part of the city he was the very image of the the Devil himself, come to claim the souls of a few bad men. To add to the imagery he dropped a smoke pellet close by so that it looked as if the smoke arose from around his being before he moved into action. In the time it took one man to shriek like a frightened small girl he had the men strung up in a bundle and hanging from an rusting balcony of an abandoned home. As an added touch he took a moment to tie the cable in a large and fancy bow.
Merry Christmas, G.C.P.D.
As he admired his handiwork from Park Row's old cobblestone street he became aware of movement off-side. He took a defensive stance, throwing open the cape for maximum effect. The shifting came from beside the long forgotten and overflowing dumpsters. A quick batarang to into the crumbling brick brought an old man stumbling out of hiding, shaking hands in the air. He was dressed in a worn wool hat and coat, clean with a few snags and holes here and there. His scarf was aged and plaid. In one threadbare glove he held a modest bouquet of flowers. The kind you could buy at a gas station for eight dollars. The old man's eyes were a little wide which, given the circumstances was entirely understandable, but his lined features were friendly, his demeanour gentle. On a whole, he felt comfortable describing the old man as kind so he lowered his guard, choosing to stand silent and patiently as the man explained why he was hiding out in Crime Alley at ten minutes to five in the morning.
The weathered old man lowered his hands slowly, a nervous smile both yellow and toothy splitting his face. He took a few small steps towards the looming Dark Knight, fingers toying with the crinkling wrap around the flowers. “I... I guess a lot of us didn't believe you were real.” The old man said simply.
“This place isn't safe. What are you doing here?”
A visible sadness fell over the old man before he answered. “Nobody knows that better than I do, sir.” The flowers crinkled as he continued to play with them. “I pass through here on my way home from work every night... I don't know how many rapes and murders I've called in over the years.”
“Perhaps you should find another route home, then?”
“Nah...” The old man sighed. “Park Row is cursed. The police never come by this way unless they're forced to... How much crime would go unnoticed or unreported if I didn't swing by here? Maybe I've saved a life or two, y'know?”
“You're also putting your own life in peril... But it's a noble sentiment.”
“I'm just one old fool.” The old man's eyes lowered to the limp modest flowers.
“Who are they for?” he felt strangely compelled to ask.
“Some good people died here a long time ago... They're for them.”
No further explanation was provided and he didn't ask for any. He simply closed the distance and placed a hand on a frail shoulder. “I'm sorry... I'm sure they appreciate the gesture.” He spoke softly. “Merry Christmas.”
The grapnel fired almost without sound shooting him far above Park Row. He chose to glide above the city streets here and there on his way back to the car. The people needed to see that the Dark Knight was real. The criminals needed to know that there was indeed a demon hunter in their midst... and sooner or later he was going to catch onto their scent. The criminals would learn to fear the Night once again.
The Batmobile admitted him after a lightning quick scan and raced off to the nearest underground access point. GPS guided him through the maze the fastest way towards the Manor. In a mere half hour the silent car slipped into the maw of the Bat-Cave, sliding into it's proper parking place like a glove. The top opened up to allow him to hop out effortlessly. Throwing back the cape, he removed first his gloves and then lowered the cowl, handing the items to the ever patiently waiting Alfred.
“Did you have fun playing dress-up, Master Clark?” He asked in a dry British tone.
Clark smiled widely. “You are a genius, Alfred. This was a great idea. I literally watched a bunch of hired guns throw in the towel just at the sight of 'Batman'. Bruce has them terrified. I'm sure once news gets around that Batman is back in business the police are going to have a much easier time.” He stretched and felt bones creaking with fatigue. I don't get to say this very often... But I'm exhausted. Considering what he had been through since coming back from Oa, he could forgive himself this one. The world still felt surreal. He found himself too often staring down at his hands remembering how they had held Bruce to him. A man who had been seconds away from being taken away from him forever. He felt unworthy. How close had he been to failure? To losing Bruce and the kids and Alfred. His whole reason for being. He felt weak suddenly... But I'm Superman. I have to be strong for everybody. I can do anything and I'm invincible. I don't get to be weak... If I show weakness what does that mean to the people who are always looking to and depending on me? He pushed the fatigue aside and stood tall and straight. With a seemingly effortless laugh he continued. “He has some pretty awesome tech too. I didn't use any of my heightened senses. I wanted to 'Batman' authentically. It wasn't hard to navigate and zero in on marks with the whole city as my eyes and ears. Where does he get all these wonderful toys?”
Alfred regarded him for a moment but whatever he thought of Clark's play at being so care-free and upbeat, the polite man kept those thoughts to himself. Alfred instead wordlessly helped him out of the batsuit and provided him a loose pair of workout clothes to change into. The clock on the nearest console read 5:35 AM. Still too early for the boys to be awake.
“Everything all ready, Alfred?” He asked taking a more serious tone.
“I've arranged to have the gifts sent courier express last night. They should be arriving at Mrs. Kent's farmhouse sometime around noon I believe. I've also loaded the plane with the boys' overnight bag and fueled it. Dr. Leslie has given me a list of the antibiotics I will pick up in Kansas City. Everything is in order, Master Clark, I just need to call myself a cab in ten minutes and get myself on a plane. Breakfast is mostly prepared... If I could ask you sir to please see to the boys getting a good meal in before you leave?”
“Of course, Alfred. Don't worry about a thing. We'll see you later tonight... All of us.”
The stalwart man nodded, for the briefest of moments his eyes were open windows into the relief and gratitude in Alfred's heart. “Very well, Master Clark.” He bowed slightly. “I leave the boys to you. Good travelling.”
“Be safe.” Risking an emotional outburst for them both, Clark wouldn't let the man leave without a warm embrace. Alfred returned it in kind, but left quickly afterwards, presumably so Clark wouldn't see the tear he wiped away as he climbed the stairs. Clark waited until he heard the Manor doors shut behind the old man before he dared climbing out of the Cave's depths.
He found his way to the kitchenette where he was not too surprised to see the table set for four, condiments and bread sliced and ready, skillet and eggs set up for cooking. Alfred had even pre-cooked the bacon, leaving them covered to stay warm. All Clark had to do was flip a few eggs and put on the pot of coffee. He started with the coffee and was just enjoying the perfect breakfast blend when he could hear the boys dressing for the day and fighting over the same bathroom mirror as they brushed teeth and combed hair despite the fact that the manor had three bathrooms alone just on that floor. He listened with a smile as Dick soothed out some minor dispute the two younger brothers, ever the Mini-Dad, and shuffled them down the stairs and into the kitchen. They filed in, Jason in the lead. One by one bumping into the other as Jason stopped short.
“What are you doing here?” Jason asked point blank.
“Jason-” Dick began to scold but Tim cut him short.
“Uncle Clark!” He squealed and ran open armed to climb into his lap, stuffed Superman plush in tow.
“Hey, Little Man!” He greeted, hoisting the kid up as he stood. “Morning, Gentlemen.” He greeted the other two as he moved to turn on the stove-top.
“Morning, Clark.” Dick responded politely while making his way to the kitchen table.
“So what are you doing here?” Jason demanded again, unmoved from where he had halted in the door frame.
Clark gave the feisty kid a tight smile. “Making breakfast.” He replied simply.
Jason eyed him suspiciously, planted hands on hips and frowned openly. “Why are you making breakfast? Where is Alfred?”
Clark's smile turned into a grin. “I'm making breakfast because Alfred is on a plane, and before you ask, I'll tell you in a minute why. For now, sit down.”
“You're not my Dad!” Jason scoffed, but he stomped his way to his seat anyway.
Oh Jason, such an angry child. He mused. Balanced on a hip, Tim held onto him tightly. “Scrambled or over-easy?”
Placing the last egg on his own plate he set Tim down at his usual spot and took his own place at the table. He watched the boys ravenously dig into the meal while passing intrigued and suspicious looks amongst one another when they thought he wasn't watching them. Truthfully he had wanted to tell them straight away... but he had his reservations. Bruce had been resting for only one full day. He was weak and injured... What if he wasn't all with it? What if he was still the same panicked animal he had found at the Clocktower? He didn't want to given the boys hope only to frighten them when they saw the condition their father was in... It was a tricky situation. After a long enough pause, breakfast clearly finished he decided he could only just tell them the truth and go from there.
“Alfred is on his way to my Mother's. He thought it best if everyone got out of this city and had a nice safe and normal Christmas. I'm going to take you three there after--”
“No!” Tim's yell startled him. The small boy jumped off his chair and stood shaking his head furiously.
Jason joined his younger brother by his side in an instant. “We're not going anywhere.” He spoke darkly.
“Clark,” Dick began but Jason cut him off.
“Don't you dare make us leave you brown-nosing suck-up! You always agree with Bruce and Alfred!”
“Watch your mouth.” The eldest scolded before he calmly continued. “We can't leave, Clark. Not without Bruce. How can Alfred expect us to leave and have Christmas when he's not here?”
Clark held onto his smile, drawing out the moment for as along as he could. “Do you really think Alfred would make you leave Gotham to go spend Christmas somewhere else... without your Dad?”
The boys exchanged cautious looks neither one of them ready to hope for a Christmas miracle. They were each a product of this harsh city. Each jaded at too young an age just as their father was. They rallied together, the younger standing as close their elder as they could physically be, the three of them appearing stronger the tighter they held together. They stood straighter, squared shoulders and looked him hard in the eye, waiting for the news courageously whether it was good or bad.
Clark took a deep breath and gave the three little angels their much deserved present. “I found Bruce.” Now he let the smile brighten his features. “I found your father.”
“He's... alive.” Dick admonished.
“Is he okay? Why isn't he here? Where is he?” Jason asked in rapid fire.
Tim only cried and hugged onto his brothers.
“He's with some friends from the Justice League. They're looking after him while I came to get you guys. We're going to go get him and bring him to Smallville with us, and we're all going to have a much deserved perfect Christmas. How's that sound?”
The tears were present all around now, he even blinked back a few himself. But before they got too excited he had to warn them. Just so they were prepared... Just in case.
“Look guys,” He began weakly, and the celebratory hugs paused. God, I hate to make them worry... “Bruce is going to be okay, all right? I want you to keep that in mind. But he was missing for a long time... He's thinner then you remember him and he is hurt. He'll be okay, but for now... He may be... different.”
“Define.” Dick demanded pointedly.
“I really can't say because I don't know myself. Just be prepared for anything.” Finally he stood and waived off the following questions. “The planes packed with your clothes. If you want to bring anything else go get it now. As for your questions... We'll all find out when we get there.”
***
Dressed in the casual white peplos of Themyscara and silver adorned leather sandals, Diana stood ready to greet the landing plane and it's small party. The first to hop out was a small child dressed rather charmingly in crisp black short-pants and a dress shirt, and an unbuttoned red blazer trimmed in gold. In one hand was a stuffed toy of Superman. The second was a tall young man in an orange dress shirt and a sharp looking and form fitting navy sweater-vest neatly falling over chestnut slacks. In his hands were two travel bags and a small yellow laptop. The third one to climb out was what she had learned the term of only recently. Age closer to the smallest one, this boy had the aura of one truly touched by Atë. Dressed in designer jeans and a sweater purposely torn and sewed poorly with patches from various bands and high-top shoes beginning to look more than a little battered, this child was what one would call the black sheep of the family. He carried indifference on his shoulders in the same manner as he carried his ratty school bag, eyes barely lifting to take the Armory in before returning to the blue light of his cellphone. The last to climb out of the plane was Kal, but she had to do a triple take of her Apollo before she recognised him. As with the first two Kal was also dressed well. A grey gingham wool blazer fell over a deep grey vest and trouser. The red wine colored turtleneck was an appropriate punch of color added to the ensemble, all tied together with a long grey overcoat. As an added bonus the cut of the fabric flattered and accentuated Kal's remarkable physique.
“You look quite handsome.” She couldn't help herself as he herded the children within earshot. She watched Kal blush furiously as he busied himself picking imaginary fluff off of a perfectly clean coat. “You are Batman's children?” She asked, surveying them once more. They all had the same look about them. Blue eyes and dark hair all around, just like their father. She figured by the age of the eldest he couldn't be of Batman's blood... There was but a decade between the two. Were either of the other children his by blood?
“You're very pretty.” The eldest blurted out quite suddenly. His brothers groaned in usion.
“Don't start, Dick. She's way too old for you. And womanly.” Kal chuckled. “This is Richard our resident Romeo after Bruce. This little man is Timothy, adorable and bite-sized. This is Jason, but as you can see he is too cool to be here or even look up from his phone. Boys, this is Diana Prince, also known as Wonder Woman.”
Diana felt her heart warm over the next hour as the children – how she loved children – queried her about her homeland and the nature of her powers. She gave them a tour of Mount Justice, to which they all agreed was a silly name and introduced them to the few remaining League members who had not yet left to be with their families this Christmas Eve. Hal Jordan seemed a little nervous to be around the children at first unlike Barry who's charisma had won over even the sullen and disinterested Jason, but upon the Flash's urgings Hal gave the boys a show of what a Green Lantern ring was capable of and soon found himself the object of a fervent fanbase.
As the tour winded down in the domestic communal and entertainment room all eyes seemed to keep drifting towards the two infirmary rooms. From out of the closest one emerged one Doctor Midnight, looking tired and worn from the last two days, but who could blame him? Batman was not well and far from capable of comprehending what was going on around him. Poor Midnight had been tasked with watching over a wild man who twice already had broken free of his bonds and pulled intravenous wires from his body. Midnight forced his weary body towards the seated group in the entertainment room and stopped just outside the doorway.
“In about three hours he'll have had enough strong antibiotics to flush out his system. Taking antibiotics orally should be enough to keep him healthy. He's hydrated and the vitamins and minerals have put a little color back into his face. Just follow Dr. Leslie's instructions and I think he'll be okay... Physically, anyway. I have to warn you, Superman. He's extremely erratic and hostile. He doesn't seem to recognise where he is... We're all kind of hoping you can get through to him.” Their exhausted team-mate suddenly seemed to see that there were children sitting amongst the small group, and he flushed with the shame of being so frank in front of them. “Are these his kids?” Midnight asked, already figuring the answer. “I'm sorry, children. Your Daddy's had a rough time but don't be discouraged. He'll be okay.” The man sighed. “Look everyone, I'm sorry but I should probably head back and be with my family now. It's Christmas Eve.”
Kal stood to shake the man's hand. “Thank you for everything. Merry Christmas to you and your family from my own.”
Warm thank-you's and Merry Christmas' were passed all around and then the Doctor departed, leaving Hal, Barry, Kal, Bruce's children and herself left in the whole League headquarters.
“You guys must be wanting to get back to your families too.” Kal stated looking in Hal and Barry's direction.
Hal fidgeted but it was Barry who answered. “We kind of are each others family.” He explained. “And you just may need a hand with tall dark and brooding in there. He has been pretty feisty.”
“So can I see him now or what?” The near mute boy Jason finally erupted. Barry made an open gesture towards the medical room Midnight had exited. “He's in there, I take it.” Jason bounded from the couch and marched towards the facility. As he neared the door frame he slowed his pace, all but tiptoeing into the room. After a heart beat Timothy and Richard followed their spunky brother. A heartbeat after that Kal followed on their heels. “You said he was hurt.” Jason's voice was harsh with hardly concealed rage. “You said he was sick. You did not say he was tied up like a – an animal!”
Diana raced Barry to the door peering over the heads of Jason's brothers to watch the livid boy stare accusingly at Kal from where he had planted himself, right between the medical bed and her Apollo. The boy pointed at the canvas straps and the welts and lesions that covered Bruce's wrists. Angry marks from the man's desperate attempts to flee the bed and the medicine that was saving his life. Strapping Bruce to the bed had been the only way to insure he stayed put after each instant the sedation wore off. He had been hurting himself, running on a broken foot in a cast not meant for walking, pulling needed medicine from out of his veins, and by expending the little energy his body was recovering on desperate flights away from nothing. Kal had not been aware they had had to resort to this method. Her Apollo seemed to be quite shocked at the sight. He stepped in closer but Jason only moved more protectively towards the Batman.
“He's not an animal.” Jason glowered and turned with remarkable speed to unfasten the closest canvas strap. “How dare you let them do this to him.”
“Careful –!” Diana began to warn but it was far too late.
Batman's eyes widened quite suddenly and he bound from the bed, using his free hand to release the other in fluid motion. As his middle son tried to stay close to his father Batman lashed out, striking the boy and knocking him aside. Intravenous wires were yanked free as the Dark Knight somehow managed to elude them all and made a break into the communal room. Met with Hal waiting just outside the door – the Green Lantern much too used to Batman's escapes now – her Erebus instead backflipped onto the round table, gaining the tactical high ground. Even in his confusion he was still a worthy warrior, she mused. Hal and Barry spread out guarding the only two ways the man had to get out of this room. She glanced expectantly at Kal, assuming he was about to make his move and calm the ferocious Knight in their midst, but Kal seemed... Frozen in place. She could see the disbelief in his eyes. The children drew closely together as they stared up at the snarling thing upon the table.
...And then the smallest one, Timothy, began to cry softly.
The room grew silent save for the minute sounds of his tiny whimperings. Batman cocked his head and listened... His posture changed slowly as he descended from the table. All the rage and confusion cleared from his features and he stared at the three boys all huddled together, chewing his bottom lip until it glistened with fresh blood.
“This isn't fair.” A strange voice declared. It sounded similar to Batman's gruff baritone, only it was softer... defeated. “I can take my mind torturing me with a lot of shit but it's never used them before. If I'm dreaming and you're not really here I can't...” He shook his head slowly. “I just can't...Are you real?”
“Bruce...” Richard met the trembling man halfway, the little Timothy in his arms.
“I'm going to wake up and you're not going to be here... I'll be alone. You're going to leave me... Everybody leaves...” The frail man trembled more visibly, rocking on his heels as he held himself tightly. “I can't... It hurts so much... I just can't...” Ice blue eyes flickered up to peer into the three worried faces before him. He reached out and took the small boy from Richard's arms, balanced him on a hip and held fast. “Is it my fault you all go away..? Am I as cold and ugly as I feel..? Did you figure out I'm a lie too?” A hand ran lovingly through Jason's hair as the boy buried his tear stained face into Batman's sharp hipbone. “I'm not sure I want to belong in the world anymore. I'm not sure I want to wake up.” An arm opened up to welcome Richard's tearful embrace and before the eyes of all present, a family was finally reunited. If only it could be a beautiful, wonderful, miraculous thing. “God, I miss you.” Batman admitted sadly, still unable to believe his family was truly there with him. “I miss you so much...”
“Bruce?” Richard's voice was alarmed. He took Timothy in his arms quickly and pulled Jason back just in time to see their father collapse... Right into the ready and waiting arms of Kal. Kal caught and gathered the unconscious warrior gently, giving the boys a soothing smile that as he did.
“Don't worry... He's just very tired. He's been through a lot.” The explanation fell as flat as Kal's withering smile. Cerulean eyes lowered to the pale, pitiful thing he held in his arms and Diana watched her Apollo come dangerously close to being overtaken by his empathy. The briefest of moments had stolen The Man of Steel's stoicism, leaving her Apollo lost and heartbroken, and utterly vulnerable.
“He doesn't think we're really here.”
Of course, Superman could not be lost and vulnerable in front of the people who were depending on him. No doubt, for the sake of the children Kal assumed his Invincible mantle. Did it matter that grief was showing through the spidering cracks of his too-tight smile? “I wouldn't worry about that either for now. Your dad is just really sick. We'll get him back on the I.V. to finish his medication and then we'll head all head out together. When he wakes up again later he'll know you're the real deal.”
“If you say so...”
Batman was laid back down upon the bed with the intravenous, his features for the moment serene. Looking at her Erebes now she would have never believed that only a moment ago she had born to witness to that underlying darkness responsible for chasing her away. His tone... His complete disgust in himself and the vitriol in which he had exposed it... Clearly it was as Leslie Thompkins had predicted, and her Apollo faced a demon with more heads to cut off then a Hydra's. However, it could not be solved in day. They would all have to 'play by ear'. Support when they could, step back when they must. Whatever they could offer to help their brother-in-arms through this. For the young Timothy and Jason that involved climbing into the bed on either side of the unconscious man, snuggling as close as they could be, with small arms secured around a thin torso. 'We're not going to leave you.' they promised their father. Kal pulled a blanket up around them and took a lingering look before shutting off the lights and shuffling everyone out. Outside the closed door Kal placed a hand on Richard's shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze. The young man gave him a small smile in return.
“I wasn't sure what to expect... I mean, he was missing for a month. I... I didn't think he was dead. I could never believe that. But I just thought he was really wrapped up in something. In deep cover or chasing some villain around the globe. I didn't think...” Richard's faltering died off quietly. When he continued it was in a strong, clear voice. “What happened to him?”
“I think when Bruce is ready you should ask him. I'm not sure if he will ever want to share what he went through... But I won't lie to you, Dick. It was ugly... So... ugly. I don't know how to help him, or if I even could.”
Richard nodded slowly. “Thank you all for finding him.” He said after a moment, refusing to hear any of them downplay their roles in Bruce's rescue or care. “You found him, you're looking after him, and you care about him. Bruce took me in seven years ago and in that entire time, I've never seen him have any real friends over. He has fund-raisers and socialites or business moguls but never friends. Never until Clark. I was worried about him. Like, how can you get through your life and not have anyone there to care about you? But he has you guys. You took care of him and you're taking care of Gotham for him in his stead. I'm happy and relieved... I'm glad he's not going to be alone when it comes time to pick up the broken pieces.”
“Shucks, Kid...” Hal squirmed self consciously. “Your dad and I aren't always eye to eye – mostly we're face to fist – but he's a good guy. I don't think there is anything he wouldn't do for us if we needed him. Even if he was crabby about it the whole time.”
“Hall...” Barry winced. “You're welcome, Richard. That;s not how I'd have worded it but Hal is right. I just wish I knew what to do next.”
“Well...” Kal said tiredly. “For now, I think it's best if we just continue on as normal. He never likes it when I pussyfoot around him if he has a broken bone or two, or a lead he was following doesn't pan out. If we all start treating him like a Fabergé Egg it will probably just exacerbate the whole victimization feelings. I mean, of course we'll be extra delicate... just not overtly.”
Richard agreed. “Yeah, I think even pretending normalcy might give him a chance to go through... whatever it is he needs to go through. That it's Christmas is perfect. Maybe watching the kids open their presents will at least get him to believe he's not dreaming?”
“That's Alfred's plan. He wants to keep the whole affair warm, familial and comforting. So...” Kal ventured, fixing Barry and Hal in his sights. “What are you doing for Christmas together?”
Hal fidgeted furiously and again Barry answered for the both of them. “Nothing special. Probably we'll just hang out at his place or mine.”
“Uh huh...” Kal grinned. “Do either of you cook?”
“I do okay.” Hal said defensively.
Kal laughed lightly. “Do you want to come with us for Christmas? My mother makes the best bird with all the fixings you'll ever have in your life.”
“We wouldn't want to impose on your family gathering – ” Barry began to explain but Kal waved him off.
“It's just Bruce, the boys, my mother, Bruce's father figure, and myself.”
“But you did just say this Alfred want to keep it familial... For Bruce's sake.”
“We'd be happy to have you. You're friends, and you've proved it time and again these past few days. In fact, now that I know two bachelors are going to be eating out of a can on Christmas I insist you do come. It's my duty as a moral person to see you have a Christmas dinner. No buts.”
Hal and Barry exchanged unsure looks between each other, quite wary of what they had just found themselves in the middle of, but they nodded graciously. “Okay, Clark.” Barry agreed for them both. “Thank you for inviting us.”
“What about you, Princess?”
Feeling as if she had been watching a grand play, Diana was quite surprised to be turned to so suddenly. “I am not staying in a house full of men.” She admonished.
“Ma will be there. She's a classy lady.”
Diana giggled but shook her head. “I have plans with Etta and her family... But thank you for considering me. I should actually head out now... Seeing as how you have things under control here. You boys behave yourself and don't give Kal's mother a hard time. You'll let me know if they get out of hand?” She asked the young man by Kal's side. Richard was quick to promise he would. “So I suppose I will wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year... See you guys in the new year?”
“Yeah, we'll all see you, Diana.”
Christmas was the time for families and friends to come together. To share laughter and joy whether it be over hot cocoa or riding in a horse-drawn sleigh. For lovers to snuggle beneath blankets fireside or to trade kisses beneath the mistletoe. This Christmas could not be overshadowed by the circumstances preceding it. More than ever the spirit of the season needed to be embraced... She hoped there could be some healing by that kindly spirit. Diana, princess of Themyscara looked ever foreward.
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Tears and Rain