Christmas With the Waynes

For: the_and_sara

Gotham City was always crazy around the holidays. Most cities were. But while most cities had to deal with rampaging shoppers, Gotham had to deal with rampaging supervillains. That is, when they weren't one and the same.

Cissie crouched behind the counter of the sales desk as Tim carefully peered over, keeping an eye on the supervillains who had turned the store into their own personal shopping spree.

"So...is this a usual pre-Christmas rush in Gotham?"

"The craziness, yeah. The supervillains, not so much." Tim sunk back behind the counter before they were noticed. "It looks like Killer Croc and Jewlee."

"Jewlee? Really? The crazy ditz who was always trying to steal things for her kid's college fund?"

"That's the one. Her husband was killed a few years back, and rumor is she's found a new man. Guess we know who it is."

"Wow, never would have figured that. So, what's the plan?"

"The plan? I slip the mask on, distract them, you make a run for it, and I do what Robins do."

Cissie grinned. "You've got the costume under that shirt, don't you?"

"Always."

"Well, then, it's a good thing I decided to pack a little heavier..."

Cissie opened her backpack, showing Tim a glimpse of the collapsible compound bow she had brought with her. Tim gaped.

"I thought it was just a one-time thing."

Cissie blushed. "Well...you know how it is. Once you get back on the horse, it's really hard to stop riding. Plus, you could use some backup, right?"

Tim sighed. "Just be careful. I'll take Croc, you take Jewlee."

"Gotcha. Don't let Scaleface rip your head off, boyfriend. It would totally ruin my Christmas spirit."

Tim put on his mask and leapt over the counter, shedding his street clothes. Killer Croc, in the process of smashing glass panes at the jewelery counter, never saw him coming as Tim leapt on his back. That left his partner in crime.

"Hey, mommy dearest! Think fast!" Cissie fired an arrow, knocking the gun right out of Jewlee's hands.

"Grr! Can't a lady go shopping for her baby in peace? Who are you, anyway? Pink Arrow?"

Cissie scowled. That was just about the exact wrong thing to say to her.

"No, I'm the hero who's making sure that the next time your baby sees you, it's behind Plexiglass!"

Cissie ducked as Jewelee tossed a throwing star at her. As the villainness darted for the exit, Cissie gave chase. Meanwhile, Tim grappled with the rampaging lizard-man currently tearing apart the shoe department.

"Come on, boy wonder! You got a girlfriend! You know what the little lady's going to do to me if I don't steal these gifts? I'd rather face Batman!"

Tim sighed as he tried to wrestle Croc to the ground. The holidays in Gotham never failed to be interesting.

***

Cissie scaled the fire escape, hoping no one on the ground was taking pictures. Granted, her secret identity wasn't exactly the best-kept secret in the world, but the publicity was still unwelcome. She'd have to get used to packing her costume again, she thought to herself as she scrambled onto the rooftop. Jewelee could already be seen leaping to the next building, her bag of loot clutched tightly in her hands.

"C'mon, blondie! Catch me if you can! No one's taking this Salsa-Dancing Elmo away from my baby boy!"

Cissie decided that she really didn't like Jewelee. Stupid supervillains breaking up her Christmas Eve shopping. She had three more stops to make, and a train to catch that night if she wanted to be back at her mom's house tomorrow. And now she was chasing a supervillain across the Gotham rooftops.

Jewelee took a flying leap off the edge of the rooftop. It was a long leap, and Cissie knew it was risky, but she wasn't about to let Jewelee get away. She'd made longer leaps before. Probably.

Cissie launched herself off the roof, carefully aiming for the edge of the next building. It was about midway through the jump that it occurred to her that the last time she made a jump like this, it was wearing heels. Today? Flats. She cursed under her breath as she landed awkwardly, a sharp pain shooting through her ankle. Falling to one knee, she could see Jewelee already making her way to the next building. There was no way she could catch her like this, which meant she had one shot at this, or it would all be for nothing. Loading her bow with her one shock-arrow, Cissie fired at Jewelee's back. She still had her aim, she thought to herself as the villain got a strong jolt to the back and was knocked out cold.

***

Tim gritted his teeth as he popped his shoulder back into place. He hated battling Killer Croc. No matter how well he fought, he always wound up bruised.

The trussed-up villain on the floor snarled at Tim. "I hope you're happy, kid! You know the hell I'm going to get when I get home tonight?"

"Do yourself a favor, Croc - get involved with a better class of girls. It'll make Christmas easier for both of us."

Tim was about to leave Croc for the police when his cell phone rang. "Hello?"

"Hey, Tim!" Cissie's voice came from the phone. "How'd it go with Croc?"

"He's down. Pulled my shoulder out of my socket again, but I'll be fine. I'll have Alfred look at it. How'd it go with the Stepford supervillain?"

"Well...the good news is, I took her down with a shock arrow..."

***

Waiting for Tim to find his way to where she was waiting, Cissie silently cursed her stupidity. She was supposed to be charging her last purchases and running to Gotham Central Station right now, not sitting on top of a building with a throbbing ankle. She was snapped out of her thoughts as Tim quickly climbed up the fire escape.

"Ciss, what happened?"

"Ugh. It's so stupid. I just misjudged the jump, because of the kind of shoes I was wearing." Cissie poked a finger in Jewelee's general direction. "I did manage a long-distance takedown, though."

Tim knelt down next to Cissie, gently feeling her ankle. Cissie winced and pulled away.

"Okay, I'm calling Alfred to pick us up. I want you to get that ankle x-rayed, and I can't swing us back with this shoulder."

"But...I have to get back to Pennsylvania tonight! My mom's expecting me, and I've still got so much shopping to do - "

Tim helped Cissie to her feet, supporting her weight on his good shoulder. "She's your mom. She wouldn't want you to travel right now if you're hurt. She'll understand."

"Have you MET my mom?"

"...Touche."

As Tim dialed Alfred, Cissie buried her face in his neck. This Christmas Eve was already turning into a nightmare, but just being around Tim made things seem a little better.

***

"....So, yeah, I'm not going to be able to make it back home for Christmas. I'm really sorry, and I know you were planning on having me, but I'll be there for New Year's! Anyway, I've got to go now! Bye!"

Cissie quickly hung up the phone before her mother could continue lecturing her. The combination of Cissie missing Christmas, getting back into costume without telling her mother, and being careless enough to hurt herself meant a very unhappy Bonnie King back home. Cissie sighed and tried to get comfortable in the guest room bed in Wayne Manor. Her fractured ankle was set in a cast and propped up on pillows, but it was still throbbing. She'd barely gotten any sleep, and now she was stuck in Gotham for Christmas.

"How'd she take it?" Tim sat down at the foot of the bed, his arm in a sling.

"She wasn't exactly thrilled. You know my mom. I'm sure I'll get the whole lecture when I'm there for New Year's." Cissie sighed. "I can't believe I did this. Talk about the worst timing in the world."

Tim inched closer to Cissie, taking her hand. "You know...maybe there's a little upside to this. I kind of wanted to spend Christmas with you, but we've only been dating a few months, and I wasn't sure if you wanted to spend the holidays away from home, so I never asked. But you're here now, and now my family gets to meet the girl I'm falling in love with."

Cissie felt her face go red a little, and decided to change the subject. "Wow, so you really make a big deal out of Christmas here at Wayne Manor? I never figured Bruce was the type."

"He's not. But it's the one day of the year Alfred won't let him be all grim and gritty. And besides, it's all about family. Dick and Roy are going to be here, and they're bringing Lian. Cass and Steph are coming. I think Alfred was even able to talk Jason into showing his face this year, so hopefully we'll get through the day without anything priceless getting broken or anyone getting stabbed."

"A Bat-family Christmas, huh? I guess it'll be pretty cool to see that." Cissie grinned.

"And you haven't had Christmas Dinner until you've had it from Alfred's cookbook. Trust me." Tim paused. "This isn't how I'd want it to happen, of course, but...I'm really glad you're here, Ciss. Christmas has always been a little hard since my dad died."

Tim leaned in and softly kissed Cissie on the lips. Their blissful little moment was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing downstairs.

"Must be Dick and company. You up for going downstairs?"

"Sure, just let me get up. So, do you guys have any holiday traditions around here?"

"Oh...you'll see." Tim grinned.

***

"Grandpa Bruce! Grandpa Bruce!"

Bruce looked taken aback as Lian rushed up to him and tightly hugged him. Dick smirked, thinking that it was funny that the only thing that could knock the mighty Batman off-balance was a six-year-old girl.

"Another year gone bye, huh, Bruce? Manor smells good. I assume Alfred is making his gingerbread?"

Roy entered the house, carrying several bags full of presents. "You could have helped, short pants."

"Hey, I had to keep tabs on the kid. Lian sees Wayne Manor at Christmastime and she turns into the Flash." Dick ruffled his daughter's hair as she finally pried herself off Bruce's legs. "So, is Tim here?"

"He's upstairs. Why don't you two get comfortable? I'll have Alfred get us some tea until Tim gets down."

Roy looked at the place settings. "Looks like a full house this year. Who's coming?"

Alfred, setting down the tea set, warmly greeted Dick and Roy. "It appears the entire clan will be making an appearance today. Miss Cassandra and Miss Stephanie will be joining us, as will Master Tim's date. I have even been informed that Master Jason will be attending, along with a guest, although I remain skeptical."

It was just about then when Tim made his first appearance, helping Cissie down the stairs.

"Hey, big brother. Never miss a chance for one of Alfred's home-cooked meals, huh?"

Dick smirked. "What did you do to your arm? Pat yourself on the back one too many times?" As Tim and Cissie made their way off the stairs, Dick promptly grabbed Tim and put him in a headlock.

"Hey, watch the hair!"

Dick took this as a cue to mess up Tim's hair. "It's good to see you again, kid." His eyes turned to Cissie. "And this must be the girlfriend I've heard so much about. You know he snores, right?"

Cissie giggled. "Did not know that."

Tim wrestled his way out from under Dick's grip and shot him a mildly dirty look. "Do we have to do the headlock thing every year, man?"

"Until you figure out how to dodge it. So, how long have you two been dating?"

"About six months now." Cissie said. "I mean, we've known each other for years, and it just...happened."

Dick grinned. "Six months? If she can stand you for that long, she's a keeper, Tim!"

As Dick and Tim went back to arguing, Cissie thought to herself that even if they'd only known each other for three years, they had the brother routine down pat. It was right about then when another knock came at the door, and Alfred let Cass and Steph into the manor. As Cass greeted Bruce and Alfred, Steph and Cissie locked eyes. It wasn't until this moment that either of them realized just how awkward this would be.

"Hey."

"So...you and Cass, huh?" Cissie nervously played with her sleeve.

"Yeah. When I came back, it just sort of..."

"Sort of happened? I know the feeling."

"I won't lie and say the whole thing isn't kind of weird, but I'm happy for you and Tim. I mean, we didn't really know each other during the YJ days, but you never tried to suck me into a demon dimension, so that's a pretty big point in your favor."

"Hey, in Greta's defense, she worked through those issues and only rarely sucks people into demon dimensions now!"

Steph snickered. "Hey, later when the guys are fighting over something, I've got some inside information on dating Tim, if you want it."

"I don't know, remember, I was 'the best friend' for like three years." Cissie grinned. "I know all his dark secrets. I know what movies make him cry."

"....Okay, maybe we'll share the inside information, then."

***

The sun was setting over Wayne Manor as the smell of Alfred's cooking wafted through the house. Lian was playing with Bruce's gift by the tree as Roy glared at his father-in-law disapprovingly.

"A utility belt? Really?"

"It's all perfectly harmless, Roy. I made sure that none of the gadgets inside were dangerous. I just know Lian's such a big fan of the Batman, and I thought she'd love it."

"I bet you wouldn't have objected if he gave her a first bow and arrow set, Roy."

"...Touche, Dick."

Cass and Steph were ensconced by the fireplace as Steph helped Cass make her way through the book of Christmas stories she bought her. As Cissie lay on the couch, her head in Tim's lap, she thought to herself how lucky it was that things worked out so well. For all their occasional bickering, the Wayne family was really just like any other.

Alfred stepped away from his efforts in the kitchen to tell everyone dinner was almost ready. Looking around, he noticed one conspicuous absence. "I suppose it was too much to expect Master Jason would appear. Perhaps next year."

As if on cue, a knock came at the door. Bruce got up, opened it, and stared into the face of his prodigal son.

"I'm here."

Cissie immediately felt Tim's muscles tense up as his older brother entered the house.

"Hey. It'll be okay. I mean, he's your brother, right?"

Tim scowled. "The last time my 'brother' and I met, he broke into Titans Tower and tried to kill me."

"But you said he's worked through some of his issues, right? I mean, he wouldn't be here if he hadn't."

"Yeah..." Tim said with a hint of skepticism in his voice. "I mean, he wouldn't show up here just to screw up the holidays."

Tim reluctantly got up and walked over to Jason.

"So. You came."

"Boy, I can feel the warmth coming off you in waves, boy wonder. Still holding a grudge?"

"Look..." Tim gritted his teeth. "I'm willing to let bygones be bygones if you are. There's no point in holding grudges."

"Sounds like a plan, Timmy. Besides, I like to think that beating I gave you actually manned you up a little. "

Tim muttered something under his breath, but he had to admit that Jason at least seemed to be making an effort.

"Oh, and wait till you guys meet my date. I think you'll get a kick out of this, Timmy."

Jason motioned outside, and the slender boy with long brown hair that had accompanied him to Wayne Manor stepped out of the shadows. Tim could almost feel his jaw drop three feet as he recognized him.

"YOU BROUGHT MY ARCHNEMESIS TO CHRISTMAS DINNER?"

"Your archnemesis? I'm flattered. But I'm actually kind out of the super-villain business now." Lonnie Machin smirked. "Way too many hazards, and they all wind up in jail sooner or later. Good to see I made such an impression as Anarky, though!"

"Did...did you actually reveal all our identities to one of Gotham's most wanted as some kind of joke?" Tim asked Jason incredulously.

"Nah, Lonnie figured the whole thing out on his own. Years ago, actually. We just met on a stakeout, got to talking about you, and it went from there. So actually, we have you to thank for this whole thing!" Jason grinned evilly.

Alfred stared at this whole scene, barely believing what he was seeing. "....Perhaps some drinks to go with dinner would be a good idea."

As Jason and Lonnie joined the party, and Bruce and Jason promptly got into what was sure to be the first of many arguments that night, Tim collapsed back on the couch next to Cissie.

"I'm sorry, Ciss. I mean, this wasn't exactly the kind of Wayne family Christmas I wanted you to see."

"It's fine. I mean...this is your family. Mine's not exactly a bed of roses either. My mom and I don't get along all the time, and she and Ish are constantly arguing over something whenever they get together. All families do this, right?"

Tim cocked an eyebrow. "All families have supervillains at their dinner table?"

"...Well, okay, maybe you guys do take it a little further than most. But hey, Jason and his boyfriend seem like they came here to eat Christmas dinner, not blow it up, right? Progress!"

"I am so glad you're here, Ciss. If I had to deal with this alone..."

"That's what family's all about, right? I mean, Young Justice was kind of its strange little family all its own." Cissie smiled. "And no matter what, we kept on finding our way back to each other."

"To the first of many Christmases together. Hopefully the last one this crazy, though."

Tim leaned in and softly kissed Cissie. As the smell of Alfred's Christmas goose and Gingerbread wafted through the house, and the sounds of Jason arguing with Bruce and Lian played superhero combined to create a symphony of chaos, Tim and Cissie wondered exactly what would happen when one day, both their families came together for the holidays. After all, one house could withstand so much craziness. But for now, they had each other amidst the chaos, and no injuries or supervillains could ruin that.