Title: Family Ties
Author: Batwoman
Rating: K – gen

Timeline: Takes place after episode 2, season 2. From there I haven't decided.

Feed Back: always welcome. : ) Either onlist or email: aaaahbatwoman – run yahoo . com (no spaces)

Archived: my journal, conison. Anywhere else, let me know.

Disclaimer: I don't own Albert, Mickey, Stacy, Danny, Ash or any of the other established characters. They belong to the BBC and whoever it was that created these fun characters. I'm just playing with them and will put them back unscathed when I'm done.

Author's Notes: I've always wondered about Albert's life before going to London. There was no mention of a personal life but I couldn't help but think he left a family behind. The writers have dropped hints about it that led to this.

Unbetaed but will eventually get it taken care of. Sorry couldn't find a beta so any mistakes are my fault entirely.

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

The couple walked into the dimly lit pool hall. She had a lot on her mind and needed to work things out. After stopping to get a table, they walked towards the back of the room. She picked a cue stick from the rack on the wall while he racked the balls on the table. Once finished he picked out his own cue.

The young man watched as she broke sinking 4 balls in the process. He stood close to the table with cue in hand waiting for his turn. It was a formality really; she was so worked up that she'd have the table cleared without a single scratch. He knew she needed to get the stress out of her system. By the second game he would get a chance at the table.

Danny walked in an hour later hoping to score a quick con. He spotted the couple at the back of the room and asked for a table close to theirs. He went about the motions of setting up his table as he listened to the couple. Americans, he noted, this ought to be easy. He idly hit the balls around as he continued to observe them.

Ready to make his move he approached the couple. "Pardon me but I was wondering if you'd mind playing a game with me?"

The couple looked at each other questioningly slightly taken aback at the visitor. "What do you think," she quietly asked her fiancé.

"Seems harmless," he shrugged.

After thinking it over for another minute she said yes. Her fiancé racked as she turned to Danny asking if he wanted to break. "Ladies first," he said.

She nodded and took up position at the table to break. It was a clean break, just like all the others that day. She sank 2 balls, one stripped and one solid. She sank another 2 balls before Danny had a chance. The 2 took turns sinking balls, the American winning the game.

"Nice game," Danny said. "Care for another game?"

She looked at her fiancé and he once again shrugged, "It's still early why not," he said.

Once again she nodded and he racked. "What do you say we make it a little interesting? How about we put a little money on it, say 5 pounds?"

She looked at him suspiciously; she was warned about con artists before coming to London. Not willing to take a chance she said "Sorry but I don't play for money."

"It's just 5 quid," he said.

"No really, I don't play for money," she said.

Danny thought it over, he needed to act fast to rope her into his con before she walked off. As he opened his mouth to speak she said "Forget it, I'm ready to leave." Her fiancé took the hint and gathered the balls as she placed their cue sticks back on the wall.

As the couple walked past him Danny sighed in defeat and went back to his table. He watched as they made their way back to the front to hand in the balls and pay for their pool before walking out the door.

Later that day the couple walked into the tavern and sat at the bar. After ordering drinks they had a quiet conversation as they waited. He kept a trained eye on the occupants of the room, looking for a particular person. When he spotted his target he nudged his fiancé. She looked in the direction he indicated and tensed.

He placed a comforting hand on her back and leaned in to whisper, "It'll be alright, go talk to him I'll be right here." She looked at him not sure she wanted to go through with it after all. He rubbed her back and said, "If you don't do it now you'll never do it; go." He kissed her on the temple and looked deep into her eyes. She reluctantly nodded and slid off the stool.

Taking a deep cleansing breath she walked to the table where the group sat. "Excuse me, Albert can we talk?"

The group looked at the American woman briefly before turning to their friend. He gave them an imperceptible shrug. Albert turned to the young woman looking at her wondering if he'd seen her before. "You don't recognize me do you," she asked, a slight edge to her voice.

He politely smiled and said, "I'm sorry no."

"Does the name Natasha mean anything to you," she asked.

He thought it over a moment when the answer hit him. He slowly rose from his seat, "My God, Tasha," he asked shocked.

"Albie who is this," Stacy asked. When he didn't answer she called his name again.

"It's good to see you sweetheart," he said reaching out to her.

She stepped back holding up a hand to stop him. "Don't," she whispered.

His smile faded "How are you," he asked.

"Fine," was the clipped answer.

He sighed; he hoped this would be easier. "You said you wanted to talk," he said. At her nod he led her to the booth next to his friends. After they sat down Albert eyed her closely waiting for her to speak.

The silence was long, Natasha looked at him unable to form a sentence. She didn't want to be here, her mother insisted she come to London to speak with him. She didn't know why, he walked out on his family 30 years ago. "Why did you do it? Why did you leave?"

Albert took in a deep breath; this isn't how he pictured a reunion with his daughter. He hoped things would go well but it appeared his absence from her life hurt her more than he could have imagined. "I'm sorry sweetheart; I didn't mean to hurt you, any of you. I asked your mother to come with; I even sent her tickets for all of you. But she wouldn't come. She didn't want to move to a different country with 2 little ones."

"Then why didn't you come back? Was it because of us? Did you stay here because of Andrew and me," she asked quietly fearing that was the reason.

"No sweetheart, I love both of you, all of you. I never meant to hurt you when I left…."

"But you did," she shot back. "Did you know Andrew's been in and out of rehab for years?"

Albert didn't know what to say, he had no idea his son was having such troubles. "No," he said barely audible.

"Do you even care?"

"Of course I care," he replied as he reached out to hold her hand, this time she didn't pull away. When Albert looked at his daughter now he didn't see the beautiful adult she'd become, instead he saw a hurt little girl who couldn't understand why daddy had to leave.

"Then why didn't you come back," she said tears stinging her eyes. Without giving him a chance to answer she stood to leave. "I don't know why I came here."

As she walked past the next booth Stacy stood and grabbed Natasha's arm. "I don't know who you are, but.."

"Let me go," she said through gritted teeth as she tore her arm away and took a step back.

"Tasha," Albert began.

"Who's this dad? Is she the reason you haven't come home? Is this the tramp that you've shacked up with?"

"Natasha," he began to admonish.

"Don't… you gave up that privilege when you walked out on your family 30 years ago," She said anger radiating from her. She turned to walk out but paused after looking at the group sitting in the booth. Glaring at the sight of Danny she said, "I should have known he was one of you," she said to Albert.

Her fiancé had watched closely from the bar. He slid off his stool and made his way to her just before she turned to leave. "Let's go," she said as she walked away. He briefly glanced at Albert and noted the hurt etched on his face. He wanted to say something but his fiancé needed him now. He decided to go talk to him later.

Albert watched the pair walk out, his heart aching. He walked off as Stacy called after him. Ignoring his friends he left the bar and made his way to his home.

Back at their suite, Tasha sat on the couch wrapped in her fiancé's arms. Jason comforted her as she wept, making a mental note to speak with Albert Stroller. He had no emotional ties to the man; maybe he could help both father and daughter through this.

When her tears ended she remained in the comfort of his arms and said, "I don't know what happened. I accepted the fact that he abandoned us years ago, I didn't think I'd be so mad."

"Hey its ok sweetheart, you're reaction was perfectly normal. You're hurt and angry it's understandable. No one will blame you honey," He said in a comforting tone.

Tasha nodded against his chest and sighed. When her mother told her she owed her father the courtesy of telling him of her upcoming wedding she refused. She told her mother he didn't deserve to know. They had a heated conversation and in the end she relented. Before she left Natasha took Andrew aside and told him of her trip. She worried what effect the news would have on him. She always suspected their father's departure had a deeper impact on him resulting in his turning to drugs.

Andrew reassured her he would be fine, he even promised to call if he had any problems. Satisfied with the conversation she set about packing. Her mother had kept in touch with Albert throughout the years, much to her dismay. Unbeknownst to Natasha and Andrew, her mother had paid their father visits in London over the years.

As she packed her mother came over and gave her a list of information as to how to contact Albert. Biting her tongue she took the paper and put it in her purse. On the day of their flight Andrew drove them to the airport.

Now emotionally tired Natasha decided to go to bed early. Jason wanting to speak with Albert decided to take advantage of the situation. He told Natasha he was going to go out for a while. With a kiss goodnight he walked out the hotel in search of his future father in-law.

Albert hadn't moved much since returning home. He dug out old pictures that he brought with him when he left home. They were all he had to remind him of the family he left behind. He wondered why his ex-wife never talked about their children over the years. He sighed there was nothing he could do about that now.

Now his daughter hated him and his son was a junkie. His friends called to check on him but he never answered the phone.

Jason stood outside Albert's apartment and knocked on the door. He waited for an answer before trying again. When there was still no answer he tried something else. "Mr. Stroller, I'd like to talk about Tasha," he said hoping the older man would open the door. He waited several moments before trying again.

Right before he was about to knock again, the door swung open. "Who are you and what do you know about Tasha," Albert said.

"May I come in sir? My name's Jason and I came to London with Natasha," he said hoping that was enough.

Albert eyed him closely thinking the young man looked familiar. "You were in the bar with Tasha," he said recognizing Jason.

Jason smiled, "Yes sir," he said.

Albert nodded and stepped aside allowing the young man to enter. "You said you're here to talk about Tasha."

"Yes sir. I've known Tasha for a couple years now and in that time we've become close," he said.

"Just how close," Albert asked motioning towards the couch for Jason to sit down.

Wondering if he should tell Albert about the engagement or not he decided to tell him. Right or wrong Albert had a right to know. "She'll probably kill me for telling you but we're engaged."

Albert raised an eyebrow surprised, "Is that why she came here?"

"Yes sir," he said.

"Would you like something to drink," Albert asked.

"Yes thank you. Water's fine," he replied.

Albert walked to the kitchen to fetch a bottle of water. He returned to the living room and handed the bottle to Jason. "Thank you,"hHe said taking the proffered bottle. "She didn't want to come but her mom insisted. She's hurt sir, her mom never remarried. Tasha was the one that's been taking care of Andrew the past few years. It's been rough; he's stolen from their mom to get drugs when he needed a fix. He's also stolen from Tasha. She's lost jobs because of him and come close to losing other jobs."

Albert sat digesting everything he'd just been told. Who could blame her for being hurt? "I'm not here to judge you sir. I hope I can be a peace maker between you two and possibly help you sort things out," Albert heard Jason say as he continued to mull things over.

Albert gave him a small smile, "Alright then, for starters you don't have to call me sir. Does Tasha know you're here?"

"No it's been a long day and she called it an early night. I left as she was getting ready getting ready for bed," Jason replied.

"How do you think she'll react to your talking to me? Do you think she'll be me at you," Albert asked.

"No, she's not like that." he replied.

"Good, I don't want you to get in the middle of this if it'll make things worse," Albert said.

"Oh ah could you do me a favor? Don't say anything about the engagement. She came here to tell you and I want her to tell you before we leave."

"I understand," Albert replied. "When will you be going back home?"

"We're only here for a week," Jason responded.

Albert nodded, looks like they both had their work cut out for them. The men continued to talk for a couple more hours before calling it a day.

The next morning Jason decided to try and convince Natasha to spend time with Albert without getting mad and running off again. The couple went out for brunch; Jason slowly broached the subject of her father. "When are you going to wear the ring I gave you," he asked holding her left hand.

She smiled, "I told you I'll put it back on when we get home. Remember I have it with me." She rang a finger along the gold chain tucked into her blouse, "I'll always have it with me even if it's not on my finger."

He was happy to see her mood brighter than it was the day before. He hoped she wouldn't recoil at the mention of her father. "Well as long as you put it back on. I like seeing it on you," he said smiling. "Hey, will you do me a favor? Give your dad another shot." At her look of protest he added, "You didn't give him a chance. I know you're hurt honey but all the more reason to spend time with him and work things out."

"Why do I get the feeling you've been in touch with him," she said suspiciously.

"Ok I admit, I went to his place when you went to bed last night. He's not a bad guy Tasha," he said.

"He's not a bad guy? You seem to be forgetting what he does for a living," she retorted.

"Besides that you dork," he said. "Just give him a chance he really isn't a bad guy."

Natasha mulled things over as they finished their brunch. A tiny part of her wanted to accept what he was saying but a bigger part of her couldn't forgive her father for walking out on them. She didn't know what to do. Sighing in frustration she said, "Fine I'll do it. BUT you're coming with me." Leaning into him as they walked down the street she added "I'll need all the help I can get."

Jason smiled as he wrapped his arm around her, "I'll go wherever you want me to go and do whatever you want me to do. Within reason of course; I'm not going to steal or kill for you," he joked.

She playfully slapped him across the chest and said, "Dork."

Later that day the couple met with Albert at the same pool hall as their earlier run in with Danny. Just as the day before, Natasha didn't say much, only this time she had something to help her relax. "If you don't mind my asking why did you choose a pool hall," Albert asked.

Natasha was leaning over the table getting ready to take a shot when she replied, "This is where I feel comfortable." After taking the shot she straightened and walked around the table for her next shot. Right before taking her next shot she said, "You're friend tried to con me yesterday."

"My friend," Albert asked perplexed.

"The blonde," she said lining up her next shot. He walked in here and asked to play a game; I thought it was harmless enough so I said yes. After that game he wanted to put money on it."

"What did you say," Albert asked.

"I told him I don't play for money," she replied. Looking up from the table she added, "I don't."

"Good," he said nodding. "I'll have a talk with Danny about that."

Natasha didn't say anything in response just continued to clear the table. Jason walked behind Albert and spoke in a low voice, "You might as well sit down, she'll clear the table before missing. The more worked up she is, the better she gets."

Albert gave him a slight nod and sat on the nearby chair. It broke his heart that his daughter barely spoke to him, but at least she was answering his questions. It's a start he thought. "How's ah Andy doing," he asked.

"He's clean. I have him randomly tested to make sure he stays clean."

Albert raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Why do you have him tested?"

"Because I won't let him live with me any other way," came the cold reply.

Albert was taken somewhat aback. He couldn't believe his daughter would be so cold as to force his son to random drug tests in order to live with her. "How can you be so cold towards your brother?"

Natasha straightened from the table giving Albert a long hard look. "When I didn't do that he would get clean only to get high shortly after getting out of rehab. I spent too many years taking care of him while he was using, I won't let him screw up his life anymore. His drug habit almost ruined my life on more than one occasion. I won't let him do that again."

Albert nodded now he understood her reasons for testing Andrew. He wished his daughter wouldn't be so short with him though. Deciding to try another route he said, "You're very good how long have you been playing?"

Natasha waited as Jason finished racking the balls as she coolly replied, "Thanks, I've been playing since high school."

Jason paused next to Natasha and rubbed her back in a soothing manor. He could feel her relax under his ministrations. Albert watched as Natasha physically relaxed before his eyes. He was happy that she found someone that loved her so much and took care of her. Albert excused himself for a moment leaving the couple alone briefly.

Jason leaned close to her ear and said, "Hey, what do you say we have dinner with your dad?"

Natasha turned to glare at her fiancé, "that's not funny," she said.

Still standing behind her he slid his arms around her waist. "I'm serious I think it would be nice to have dinner with him," he replied. She turned back and looked at him incredulously. "Too soon," he asked.

"Try never," she replied.

"Honey you need to work this out otherwise it'll continue to eat away at you and you'll become a bitter old lady," he said giving her a smirk just before stealing a kiss.

As Albert walked back to the table in the back he spotted the couple entwined in each others arms; he smiled at the sight. It warmed his heart to see her happy. "You break," Natasha said at the prodding of Jason.

"I'm not very good," he said as he stepped up to the table. She looked at him suspiciously and he added, "I'm serious and I'd never scam you."

Natasha stepped away from the table as Albert walked up to the table to break. Jason massaged her shoulders as she stood next to him in the hopes that she'd relax. When Albert stepped away from the table Natasha walked up for her move. She expertly sank a ball in one swift move. Bending over the table she lined up her next shot and slowly pulled back on the cue stick and gently tapped the cue ball.

Albert watched as the 6 ball sank in the corner pocket with the 8 ball coming to a stop just on the edge and the cue ball kissing the 8 ball. Impressed, he arched an eyebrow and commented, "You should play professionally."

Natasha stalked the table in search of her next shot she growled, "I do." Trying to concentrate on the game instead of her anger she attempted to line up her next shot. Her anger took hold and she sighed in frustration as she threw the cue stick on the table. "I don't know why I'm even here," she muttered before turning to leave.

The 2 men stood at the table unsure of what to say. Albert sighed as his daughter once again refused to give him a chance. Jason shook his head and once again apologized for his fiancé. He hoped Albert wouldn't write her off as a lost cause but that he would give her as much time as she needed. He quickly offered to pay for the pool but Albert waved the money off saying it was his treat. Nodding Jason ran to the register to get her ID back before running outside in search of her.

Albert leaned against the table for a few moments wishing his daughter would give him a chance. Deciding he wasn't going to continue to play, he cleaned the table and carried the balls and cue stick to the register and paid for their time. He left the pool hall and hailed a cab to go to Eddy's bar.

Mickey walked into the bar and found Albert sitting at the bar with a drink in hand. His body language told of his pain. Mickey simply slid onto the stool next to his friend and ordered a drink. As Eddy poured the drink Mickey turned to Albert and said, "What's wrong?"

Albert took a drink before answering, "My daughter."

Mickey nodded now he was beginning to understand his friend's unusual mood. "She's mad at me for leaving 30 years ago and won't let go of her anger. She blames me for my son's drug problems."

"Did she tell you," Mickey asked.

"She barely says 2 words to me. No, she hasn't said it," Albert replied.

"How old are they," Mickey asked.

Albert thought a moment calculating the ages of his children. He was ashamed at the realization that he didn't know how old his children were. In the early years after he left America he thought of his family often, even asked his wife to pack everything and join him. But after her refusal and subsequent divorce he thought of his family less. The only times he thought o them were the occasional phone calls and visits from his ex-wife. She still loved him as he did her but he never understood why she refused to talk about their children since the divorce.

"Andrew is 34 and Natasha is 32," he finally said.

Mickey now understood his friend better. Albert once told him he loves him like a son. Mickey knew how Albert saw his friends as a surrogate family. "How are you?"

"They're my kids and I love them, what do you think?" Albert sighed, "I'm sorry. Her boyfriend came over last night and we talked. He told me they're engaged and if Eileen hadn't insisted, she wouldn't have come here." Albert finished his drink in one shot. "I need some time away from everything to deal with this."

Mickey placed a comforting hand on his mentor's back, "If there's anything you need just ask. We're family remember," he said and Albert nodded.

Jason and Natasha walked along the river in silence. Jason sensed she needed more time to talk. The couple sat down on a bench facing the water. Tasha leaned into Jason as he wrapped an arm around her. "I can't let go, I just can't," she quietly said.

Jason planted a kiss on the top of her head, "We'll get through this," he said in a soothing tone.

Later that week Danny had spent his free time hanging out in a pool hall. Not one to idly pass the time without conning someone he decided to make some money. He took his time waiting for the right mark. Finally deciding on one he walked up to the man and said, "Uh excuse me, I was wondering if you'd care to play a game with me?"

The man looked at Danny a moment questioningly; he wasn't used to strangers approaching him to play pool. Shrugging he said "Sure why not," he said.

"I'm not very good," Danny commented as he watched his companion break.

"That's ok neither am I," the other man said.

"By the way, I'm Donald," Danny said extending his hand.

The other man accepted his hand and replied "Gerald," as he shook Danny's hand.

The two men played Danny making sure to not show his hand by playing badly. When the first game was finished Danny asked the other man if he'd mind playing another game. When the other man agreed Danny suggested they change things a bit. "What do you say we make things a little interesting? What do you say we put, say 5 quid on this next game?"

The other man thought it over before nodding. "Sure why not," he said giving Danny a small smile. Danny was pleased so far things were going good. The second game was similar to the first; Danny held back his true affinity for the game while the other man beat the blond.

When the second game was over Danny once again convinced Gerald to go another round, this time upping the ante. The man agreed and once again he beat Danny.

The two men continued to play several more games each time putting more money onto the game before Danny was finally ready to make his move. He showed his mark what he was really made of, but to his horror the mark was better than he let on. For each move Danny made, Gerald made an equal and better move, effectively beating the con man.

Danny was shocked and amazed, he'd just been played. He never thought he'd be hustled by a mark. Not one to accept defeat he tried to talk Gerald into another game, hoping that this time he could recoup his losses. Gerald accepted and once again Danny lost.

By now Danny was frustrated and wanted his money back. "Look why don't we go one more round, double or nothing," he said.

Gerald stole a quick glance at his watch, "I have an appointment, maybe tomorrow." he said gathering the bills Danny had placed on the table and walking off. I'll be back here around the same time," he added smiling.

Danny was furious he wasn't about to let anyone con him. Unable to do anything more this day he left for home, vowing to come back tomorrow to regain his money and dignity. Sighing in frustration he left the pool hall and made his way to Eddy's bar.

Later that day Mickey strolled into Eddy's bar and found Danny in the booth hunched over the table lost in thought. After placing his drink order he waited momentarily for Eddy to place the order on the bar. With drink in hand Mickey walked to the booth, sliding in across from his friend. "What's wrong," he asked.

Danny looked up at Mickey and said "I just lost 200 quid in pool."

"How did you do that," Mickey asked.

"I spotted an easy mark and tried to make some money. Only thing is, he was some kind of pro or something. He hustled me!"

Mickey nodded it seemed the rookie of the team was unintentionally learning a lesson at the expense of a con. "What are you going to do about it," he asked.

"I'm going to go back tomorrow and win my money back," Danny said.

"And if you can't win your money back, what then," Mickey asked.

Danny thought it over a moment before answering, "Well then I guess I'll have to find someone that can beat him, won't I?"

Mickey briefly contemplated letting the brash younger man learn a very harsh lesion. Deciding to help the blond win his money back he asked, "What time are you meeting your mark?"

"3:00," Danny replied.

"What if I said I know someone that can help you," Mickey said.

Intrigued Danny leaned in closer, "Yeah? Who?"

"Never mind that you just tell me where you'll be and I'll see what I can do," Mickey said.

The next day Albert joined Danny at the pool hall. The pair had arrived early and Albert watched as Danny practiced. "What are you doing here," Danny asked. "You're not the help Mickey talked about are you?"

"No, I'm just here to observe," Albert replied.

"Yeah? Well I could use some help here, this bloke is unbeatable," he said.

Albert refrained from teaching Danny a much needed lesson. The brash young man could certainly use a lesson but now was not the time. Instead he sat silent and watched as Danny continued to warm up for his rematch.

"I see you brought some help," Gerald called out.

Danny looked up at the sound of the voice and took a deep breath. He didn't know what Mickey meant about help but he hoped whoever it was showed up soon. He stole a quick glance at Albert before replying, "My friend here's just watching."

Gerald eyed Albert closely as if he knew him. Deciding he didn't know Albert after all he turned to Danny and said. "Well shall we get this over with?"

Danny looked at Albert wondering where the help Mickey promised was. Albert briefly glanced towards the door before nodding for Danny to proceed. The blond took a deep breath before turning back to face Gerald. "Yeah, alright let's go," he finally said.

As the pair played the first game Gerald paced himself to draw the game out longer than it would normally take. He knew he was going to win and keep the money, he figured he'd take his time about it. It wasn't as if he had anything else planned.