Oliver Queen rolled over to his right and delightedly met the face of his beautiful Dinah, who still lay sleeping. Although he had awoken to her nearly every night for their entire married life, Oliver still found so much as the sight of her to be awe-inspiring, from her crystal blue eyes to her thick, positively luscious golden hair. After watching her sleep for a minute, he saw Dinah stir and slowly open the crystal eyes he adored so much.
"Hello there," she acknowledged him softly.
"Hi," he returned as he often did then moved in for a kiss.
Before they were five seconds into their morning greeting, a pair of tiny feet pattered into their master bedroom. Young Justin Queen wasted no time in flipping right over his father, eliciting a pained groan from the man when the little one's foot made contact with his rib, and nestling himself into the warm spot between his parents.
"Time to get up, time to get up!" he chanted giddily.
"Look at this. Intruder alert," Oliver said. "Have we forgotten how to knock?"
"Oh, right." Justin sat up a bit and tapped his small knuckles against the hard oak headboard. "How's that, Daddy?"
"Funny, kid." Oliver let out a long yawn while Dinah laughed. "Well, better get at it. They'll be here before we know it." He got up from the bed and stuck his feet into the house slippers below before taking hold of his robe.
"Good morning, angel bump," Dinah said, poking at the button nose.
Justin grinned widely. "Morning, Mommy."
Dinah smiled at her youngest boy, the mirror image of herself and Ollie. She wrapped her arms around the tiny body and rolled over, squeezing the now giggling child.
Oliver watched them fondly then looked up when his oldest son entered next.
Seeing that Justin had beaten him, Connor groaned. "I'm sorry, guys. He got away from me."
"Don't worry about it, sweetheart," Dinah reassured him.
"Yeah, we know how slippery that one can be," Oliver concurred.
"Mrs. Vander says breakfast will be ready soon," Connor informed the room then said to Dinah, "I can finish helping him get ready."
Dinah smiled gratefully at Connor. "Thank you, key to my heart." She stood Justin up, allowing him to charge for his older brother.
"Come on, Ducks." Connor hoisted Justin up to place on his hip and gave off a mock grunt as they headed out together. "You're getting too big for me."
"Or you're getting too little for me."
"Oh, you think so, do you?"
Returning to the bedroom Justin made claim to, Connor carefully and gracefully tipped over toys strewn here and there across the blue carpeting. He dropped Justin down playfully onto the Superman themed twin bed, producing a delighted squeal from the little child. Connor gathered together Justin's striped t-shirt and navy corduroy pants and talked to the child as he began undressing him out of his pajamas, which also had the Man of Steel red and blue motif going for them.
"Aren't you excited, Ducks? You're finally old enough to attend the Retreat."
Last year when Justin was four and able to figure out what was happening, he had begged to stay for the event but Dinah and Oliver knew he would have gotten bored easily at not having anyone close enough to his age to play with. That year, though, the young boy had insisted on being included and his parents had decided to give it a try to see if he would enjoy it. "I am!" Justin exclaimed. "I want to be on the Just League, like you and Daddy."
"Justice League," Connor corrected with a smile as he pulled the t-shirt down over Justin's head. "I bet you'll get there someday." Silently, Connor had to wonder if he himself really counted as Justice League. He always thought of himself as more helping his father for a great cause.
Once he had his sneakers on, making him fully clothed, Justin bounced up from his bed, running around his room with arms wide out.
"Time to fly, Connor," Justin announced importantly.
"Actually," Connor counted, making the boy come to an abrupt stop by picking him up, "it's just about time for breakfast."
"Wait, wait." Justin pointed eagerly at one corner of the room.
"Right," Connor remembered. He went over and picked up the small plastic bow and arrow set, draping it over the little one's shoulder. "We can't let you go out there unequipped now can we?"
"Nuh uh." Justin shook his head vigorously, causing his bowl of blonde hair to blow back and forth. "The bad guys'll be waiting."
"And we'll be waiting for them," Connor tacked on.
When the two went back out into the long hall, they spotted their adopted brother, Gabe, just coming out of his room but dressed for the day, if one could call it that. He wore a pair of ripped jeans, a faded red t-shirt, and his black hair looked as if he had run his fingers through it and called it a day. Regardless, Connor chose not to comment on his appearance.
"Hey, ready for the big day?" Connor asked, bouncing Justin a bit in his arms. "We sure are."
Gabe rolled his eyes at the excited pair. "Good for you," he muttered.
"Gabe is on the wrong side of the bed," Justin stated.
Connor agreed, "I think you're right, Ducks."
"And I think you go to college to sniff," Gabe shot at Connor.
At that moment, Oliver stepped out of his bedroom, dressed in a tan button down shirt and a pair of khakis with brown sandals covering his feet.
"Harper," he said, straightening a shirtsleeve, "don't talk to your older brother like that. Please. Thank you."
"Yeah, yeah," the fourteen-year-old responded sardonically.
"Yeah, yeah," Ollie mimicked.
Dinah stepped out of their room then, dressed in jeans and an ivory metallic striped shirt. "Yeah, what?" she asked the males around her.
"Yeah, we're all ready to eat," Connor told her. "Right, Gabe?"
"Right," Gabe concurred with mock enthusiasm.
"Right!" Justin chimed in, raising a hand in success.
Oliver chuckled at his trio of sons then began leading the way down the hall towards the winding staircase. Justin always sought to be in on something and had a playful nature that brought he and Dinah joy as well as the occasional headache. Connor, recently turned nineteen, constantly tried his best to keep a handle on things and not get pulled into arguments. Gabe, on the other hand, could not have been a more polar opposite to Connor. The big time eighth grader had a smart streak about him that Oliver personally wanted to break him out of.
When the Queen family made it downstairs, Dinah requested that Mrs. Vander serve them out back in the garden. Ever since they had arrived two days before, there had been constant rain. Dinah wanted to take advantage of the glorious sunshine for however long they were granted it.
"So, is everyone ready for this weekend?" Dinah asked once everyone had their plates full with the variety of delicious breakfast items prepared for them.
Gabe took a long drink of orange juice then said, "Yeah, and better yet, the Retreat gets us out of school today and we're already out for Monday. Too cool."
"Yay, no school," Justin cheered.
"I thought you liked school, kiddo," Oliver said, cracking the outer shell of his hardboiled egg with the back of his spoon.
"I like no school, too," Justin explained.
"Well, of course," Dinah said over the brim of her coffee mug as if it should have been obvious.
"I think I'm right there with you, Ducks," Connor admitted.
Gabe reached over for another slice of toast. "It'd be easier to just drop out." He froze a little at the two pairs of displeased parental eyes that fell upon him plus Connor trying not to laugh from behind his glass. "Just kidding. Joking."
"Yeah, well, funny man, after breakfast you can keep an eye on Justin while Con and I finish setting up for today," Oliver told him.
"After breakfast?" Gabe repeated in annoyance then cleared his throat after the Emerald Archer pinned him with a look. "Yeah, I'm free."
The moment they finished eating, the day seemed to be on fast forward with the way things proceeded. Connor went through checking the guest quarters, Gabe kept Justin entertained, while Dinah and Oliver phoned around to their personal drivers who were in charge of picking up certain guests and leaving the available cars. Before long, Oliver and Dinah found themselves down by one of the side entrances, the ladder with an overnight bag draped across her shoulder.
"We really need to re-write the official Retreat Rule Book," Oliver said with a bit of a moan as he held onto his wife's hands. The appendages could be so delicate and small to his touch yet lethal to any opponent they faced. "Either that or make you the ultimate exception."
Dinah stood on her toes to nuzzle noses with him and gave him a wide smile. "I would love to bend the rules with you, you know this, but I have no desire to intrude on the manly weekend." She smirked. "Okay, I do. Maybe next year."
Dropping her hands to use his own to squeeze her shoulders, Oliver gave her a strong kiss. "Come back to me, woman."
"Don't I always?"
Justin and Gabe came running toward them with Connor walking graciously behind.
"Mommy!" Justin exclaimed, throwing himself against her legs. "I miss you!"
"I'm not even out the door yet," Dinah couldn't help laughing. She knelt down, pulling the preschooler close to her. "You can still come with me if you want, big man."
"No," Justin declined, shaking his head. "I want to stay with Daddy and the guys."
"That's the spirit," Oliver said. He lifted Justin up with one arm and said to Dinah, "We'll be fine here."
After a nod, Dinah turned to her other two sons. "All right, behave yourselves and have fun."
"Which one's more important?" Gabe just had to ask.
"The one least likely to land you in trouble the entire weekend, Mr. Gabriel Aaron Queen." She pinched his cheek as she recited his name.
"Mooom," he moaned, trying to bat her hand away.
"Don't worry about a thing," Connor assured Dinah, putting a hand on Gabe's shoulder.
Dinah smiled fondly at her little, in her eyes, college freshman. "I don't think I have to."
"All right, guys," Oliver said. "Give Mom a hug."
At once, Dinah found herself the gooey center in an enormous group hug with Gabe coming from the front, Connor from the side, and Oliver, still holding Justin, holding on tightly to the remaining spot.
"Okay," Dinah said, a bit muffled. "Am I the only one who realizes I'm not going to war?"
Oliver laughed. "Back to work, boys," he said to their sons before guiding Dinah outside where she'd parked her motorcycle. "Be careful."
"When am I ever not careful?" She immediately pointed a freshly manicured finger at him. "Do not answer that."
Biting back a retort, he told her, "I love you."
Throwing her arms around his neck, she allowed him to pull her up close for one more lingering kiss. When their lips parted ways, Dinah saddled herself on her much loved bike and placed on her black helmet. With one final glance back at her most loved husband, she rode off.
*******
Mumbling like someone forty years her senior, Tanya Stewart felt around her nightstand blindly for her cell phone after hearing the Kelly Clarkson ballad go off. When she finally had the ringing object in her grasp, she pulled it under her pillow and held it to her ear.
She pressed down on the green talk button without looking and answered groggily, "Hello?"
"Hello," the voice on the other end echoed.
"Who is this?" she asked in dazed annoyance.
"This is your daddy. That's who."
"Daddy," Tanya recognized, shooting up. "Hey."
"Hey, sis!"
The tall brown skinned girl smiled at hearing her brother's voice over the phone. "Hi, Boo Bear," she cooed.
"Rex, get away," John said before returning to Tanya. "Still in bed, aren't you?"
Tanya glanced down at her yellow and white duck themed pajamas but still replied, "No. I've been up."
"Don't lie to me, Tan. I will snatch you through this phone."
"Okay, fine, I'm still in bed," she confessed. "But I'm dealing with midterms and I had to pull an all-nighter."
John's tone spoke with disapproval as he said, "I don't want to hear that, Tan. You don't have a reason to be losing sleep at night. Just need to cut out some of that wild partying."
"Wild partying?" the girl repeated her father. "Is that all you think I do?"
"No, but we both know it's a big part of what you do that you need to cut back on."
Glad he couldn't see her eye roll, Tanya said deferentially, "Yes, Daddy."
"Uh huh." John did not sound altogether convinced. "Your brother and I are coming to visit you seen. We'll see if Shayera can make it out, too."
"Daddy, you don't need to do that. I'll be home for Thanksgiving next month," Tanya reminded him.
"Which is code for there's a boy in the picture," John deduced.
"A boy?" Rex spoke into the phone again. "Who is this guy? He better not be feeling up my sister."
"You're both some lames," Tanya informed them, running a hand through her flowing micro braids. "What's going on over there?"
"Your brother and I are heading for the League Retreat," John told her. "Remember?"
"Right," Tanya recalled fondly. "That he-male thing I don't have to show up to. Well, y'all have a good time with everybody."
John countered, "And you tell that boy to keep his hands to himself."
Instead of responding, Tanya said, "Don't forget to call Shay when you arrive safe and sound. Bye, Daddy. Bye, Boo Bear." With that, their conversation ended and she promptly crashed her head back down to the nearest fluffy pillow.
*******
Before Dinah could even be gone for a full hour, the arrivals began. The first was the League's official coordinator, J'onn J'onzz. The light green alien wore his Martian Manhunter uniform, complete with long cape. Oliver was glad the former Mars resident did not believe in the earthly rule of casual lateness, as he needed the man's unique abilities to reach high points for certain decorations. J'onn, naturally, obliged.
The Dakota superheroes, minus Gear, arrived next when one of Oliver's drivers drove up with Virgil Hawkins and Adam Evans. Virgil, a part-time League member, was known popularly as the electrified hero, Static. He had his oldest and only son with him, sixteen-year-old Raheem. In Dakota, Raheem frequently joined his father on patrol as the new masked hero, Volt.
Adam, who's life as the stretchable Rubberband Man was public information, only occasionally worked with the League. He devoted more time to his career as a musician and agent. The main reason he had come on the Retreat was for his twelve-year-old son, Bobby. The boy worked hard in school and hardly got to participate in superhero related activities, unlike his Cousin Raheem, so Adam had given in.
While the members of the Queen staff took all luggage inside, the guests found places to sit on the furniture of the enormous front yard. Gabe and Raheem talked as Justin enthusiastically sought the attention of the ever patient Bobby while Virgil caught up with J'onn. Adam found himself soon wrapped up in a conversation with Oliver.
A few minutes later, another car rolled up. The moment Rex Steward got out of the backseat, clad in his ROTC outfit from school, Raheem and Gabe took the liberty of standing.
The boys saluted and started to recite, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Oh, funny, funny," Rex said, attempting to appear offended. "You guys wait around all week for me to roll through in the uniform just to try that out, huh?"
Gabe snickered. "You so walked into it."
Raheem laughed. "What's up, solider boy?"
"Not much, freshman," Rex returned as the two hugged.
"Hey, you can't call me that anymore," Raheem reminded him. "It's sophomore now."
"Okay, freshman," Rex said, patting the younger-by-one-year boy's shoulder.
The two chuckled and started up some light rough housing, throwing mock punches back and forth.
"Well, what is this?" John chimed up, still standing by the car. "I don't get a hello, a pledge, anything."
"You already know what happens when R&R get together," Virgil said, making his way out to the former marine. "What's up, GL?"
The bald man responded, "So long as it's not my blood pressure, I could care less." Virgil laughed slightly and gave one of his old mentor's a quick hug.
Oliver started to speak but a familiar gust of wind blew through, causing any unsuspecting leaves in the area to fly off to another section of the massive garden. Bobby's eyes lit up at the sight of the Flash, who had an identical body tucked under each of his arms.
"Hey, guys," Flash greeted the group with one of his famous grins. "We would've been here sooner but we had to stop off for not one but two bathroom breaks."
"No fair, Dad," Drew spoke up. "One of those breaks was for you."
"Yeah!" his brother, Ethan, seconded.
"Oh, wow," Rex said. "Lock up the breakables."
"The Wests are here," John tacked on.
"I'm taking it you three didn't take standard transportation," Oliver observed.
Flash stood the twins up. "Nah, but we sent our bags by one of your drivers. Of course, I'm pretty sure we beat him here."
"I'm seeing double."
Ethan and Drew barely had time to glance up before they each found themselves in the secure hold of the primary colored superhero himself.
"Whoa!" the twins exclaimed as Superman performed a quick spin around the garden.
"Superman," Bobby recognized.
"He's so awesome," Gabe said to him.
Rex and Raheem simply looked on but the enthusiasm at seeing the world famous hero again remained evident on their faces. Justin, however, bounced with more anticipation than anyone.
Superman made a stylish landing beside J'onn and said to his two passengers, "Last stop. Everybody off." He placed the twins on their feet.
"That was cool!" Drew exclaimed while Ethan held his head, a bit dizzy from the ride but in a good way.
"Are we all here?" Superman asked, looking back and forth between J'onn and Oliver.
"All except guess who," Oliver replied with a special look and Superman knew immediately who he referred to.
"I spoke to Bruce not long ago," the Kryptonian informed. "I thought he'd be here by now."
Virgil suggested, "Maybe the Batmobile lost a wheel."
"Or he forgot to press his tights," the Flash kidded, "again."
J'onn touched his temples with his index fingers and focused for a moment's time. "I believe we'll have our answer in just a few seconds."
As if on cue, a great wind, even stronger than the one the Flash's presence had produced earlier, roared around them. Covering eyes or in Raheem's case, hair, from flying dust particles, the gathering watched while the Batplane slowly eased down until it landed on one of the many driveways surrounding the estate. The overhead door pulled back, revealing its owner in the pilot's chair. Unlatching his seatbelt, Batman hopped up out of the flying machine. His cape came down, enveloping his entire body.
He gazed about the expectant faces around him, as if scanning them all to their very cores before he said, "I trust I didn't miss anything vital."
J'onn spoke first. "Not a thing." Superman hyper sped over until he reached the top step leading into the house. The Man of Steel gazed out upon everyone and started to speak but a tiny voice coming toward him stopped him.
"Superman, Superman!" Justin chanted, making a beeline for the very name.
Oliver started to part his lips to scold the boy but Superman held up a hand, letting him know it was okay. When Justin reached him, Superman picked the small child up, helping him into a comfortable sitting position around his neck. Holding the boy's tiny hands with each of his large own, the Krypton native began again.
"I'd like to welcome you all to the Justice League's 5th annual Father/Son Retreat. I'd especially like to acknowledge Oliver Queen for hosting this year's event."
Oliver waved a dismissive hand at the applause that followed and said, "Glad to do it."
Superman smiled at the crowd and went on. "We always manage to enjoy our time year after year with fun in addition to great company. I'm only sorry that not every member could join us. However, I'm proud to say that those who could not be with us are out fighting our never ending battle. Again, thank you all for coming." After another round of applause, Oliver jogged up the steps and stood beside their leader. "All right, so room information is inside. If you want any changes, just let me know. All facilities are open to everyone and so, in a nutshell, my California home is your California home."
Announcements finished, everyone headed into the grand house. Rex and Raheem stayed together and were glad when they were given the same room assignment. Superman, John, Batman, and J'onn, had the four bedrooms on the first floor. Virgil, Flash, and Adam would be upstairs where all the kids' plus Oliver's master bedroom could be found. Once bags were sent to the correct rooms, mostly everyone found themselves back down in the incredible sized sitting room.
"Whoo," Flash said, fanning himself with his hand. "I'm starting to see why this is called the sunshine state." He pulled off his cowl, revealing the handsome redheaded face of Wally West. "It's a scorcher around here."
Oliver looked around at the ones who had worn their uniforms and said, "Go ahead and change. Don't worry about the secret identity thing here. There's nothing but the woods around for miles."
"Sounds good to me," Wally said while Superman, Bruce, and J'onn nodded before going to change.
Bobby tugged on his father's arm.
"What is it, son?" Adam asked, glancing down at the lad.
"Dad, I want to see the Flash," the pre-teen whispered.
As if it should have been obvious, Adam encouraged, "Well, just go say hi. You don't need to be shy about it."
Bobby nodded and made his way over to Wally, who currently headed for the stairs. "Um Flash?"
Looking back at the timid voice behind him, Wally grinned. "Hey, kiddo, it's been a while. You're, uh, Rubberband Man's oldest, right?"
"Right," Bobby said, feeling significantly less hesitant in that moment. "It's really good to see you again and I saw your last save on the news. I thought it was great how fast you got all of those kids out."
"Dad, Dad, Dad," the twins called for as they came rushing up the stairs.
Wally laughed and placed a hand on top of their heads. "And these are my teeny tiny clones. Ethan," he tapped his head, "and this one's Drew."
Ethan had brownish hair with traces of red. Drew's hair was a little darker and his skin closer to oriental. Their facial features were quite similar to Wally's except for the brown almond shaped eyes.
"Who're you?" Drew asked pleasantly.
"I'm Bobby," the older boy introduced himself. "Bobby Evans."
Ethan let off a sneeze that did not sound good to his father.
"We better go get unpacked, you guys," Wally instructed. "It was nice seeing you, Bob."
"See ya, Bobby," Drew said over his shoulder as the three of them went the rest of the way upstairs.
When the trio made it into the bedroom the twins would be sharing, Wally lifted Ethan up and sat him on the lower half of the bunk bed.
"That's like the fourth time you've sneezed today, buddy," Wally said, staring closely at the child's face. He looked a little paler than usual. He then touched a hand to Ethan's forehead. "And you're a little on the warm side, too."
"Oh, man," Ethan groaned. "I don't have to go to the doctor or anything do I?"
"I doubt it but if you're catching something I want you resting up tonight," Wally told him.
"Aw, Dad," the boy protested. "Do I have to rest? It's our birthday weekend."
"I know. I was there for the first one, remember?" Wally reminded him with a smile. "But it's better you rest tonight than be sick for the whole entire weekend, right?"
Ethan let out a long sigh. "Right."
"Don't get any of your germs on my bed," Drew piped up humorously then ducked as his brother promptly tossed a pillow in his direction.
*******
Rex and Raheem sat catching up on one of the living room couches with some of the adults standing or sitting around talking. When Connor appeared at the top of the staircase and started down, Rex and Raheem made an identical disdained face.
"Oh, boy," Raheem muttered.
"Here we go," Rex said lowly.
"The Justice League Pet himself," Raheem whispered, using the nickname he and Rex had given to the all too, in their opinion, obedient Connor Queen.
"Hi, everyone," Connor greeted as he made his way down to his father. "Dad, I'm sorry I missed the arrivals but I was held prisoner by a long call."
"It's okay, son," Oliver dismissed. "You've been helping me nonstop all day. Take a load off."
"How's school going so far, Connor?" Clark asked, having removed his Superman suit.
Connor shrugged with a small smile. "All right. Things could always be better or worse I suppose."
"Can the modesty, Con," Oliver said with a snort. "The kid's been there a couple months and he's already involved with a good chunk of the programs."
"Have you looked into an internship?" Virgil asked.
"Not just yet," Connor answered. "But I think I will next semester."
"Figured out your major yet?" John piped up.
"Education," Connor told him. "It's figuring out the minor that's the problem. Whichever I pick will be my teaching field and right now it's a toss up between American Literature or European History."
"Want to escape the Connor fest?" Rex asked.
"Yeah," Raheem said.
The two got up and went up the stairs hurriedly but not so fast that they look suspicious. They went into their room and Rex went to change out of his now sweaty ROTC uniform while Raheem shut the door.
He laid out on one of the twins beds and said, "I swear, Jeannie and Beth think I'm a goody-goody but Connor's in a league all his own." He referred to his younger sister and lifelong friend.
Rex asked from the bathroom, "So how are Gear and his family doing?"
Raheem replied casually, "Beth is doing just fine."
"Is she, you know… since school started…?" Rex searched for the right way to phrase things.
"She's still single," Raheem said, more than able to fill in the blanks on that one. "So, what is the story with you guys, anyway?"
Coming out in light blue jeans and a hooded shirt, Rex said, "I know the long distance thing's always been a problem for us. But I've been thinking about her a lot lately and everything she's been through."
"You guys still talk, right?"
Rex nodded. "And IM. But… I don't know, man."
"Well, I just want you to know something," Raheem said with mock seriousness. "Leave me out of the drama at all costs. I'm dealing with enough of my own." He dumped his face into a pillow, making his long hair fall out just down his neck.
"What's going on, Heem?" Rex asked, sitting down on the other bed.
"Nothing." The pillow muffled his response so he raised his head. "I've just been taking on a lot. I'm a paid tutor, I'm taking on all these honors classes, and I still can't get off the ground in training."
"Well, look at me. I'm half Thanagarian and I can't even grow wings," Rex pointed out, stretching out on his bed a little. "My mom had to help me put together a pair of artificials."
"My dad could fly on day one, though," Raheem countered. He held a hand up and let off a low electrical spark. "I don't know what my problem is. I can't cling to objects long enough to produce extended flight." "Hey, you're surrounded by flying experts this weekend," Rex brought up. "In fact, why don't you ask the man himself for tips?"
"Flying lessons from Superman?" Raheem thought aloud. "Sounds like a plan."
*******
When Virgil and John made it outside to the "backyard" of the house, they were greeted with what looked more like a miniature amusement park. An Olympic sized swimming pool with smooth crystal clear water was the most noticeable, in addition to the tennis court, paddle ball table, swing-set with jungle gym, plus the indescribable surrounding garden.
"See, this is called too much money," John spoke.
"Tell me," Virgil said. "And I thought Adam and Richie's places had mansions. If this is a vacation home, I can't wait to see Ollie's secret palace on the moon."
Smiling wryly, John asked, "How is Richie doing?"
"Better," Virgil answered. "He and Marissa finally worked things out. I tried to get him to come but I know he wanted to use his time to spend with his family."
"I can understand that much."
The pair took seats on the lawn chairs by the sliding glass door.
"What's new with Tanya these days?" Virgil asked after a comfortable minute.
"She knows I'm keeping my eyes on her grades," John said. "I phoned her earlier. I get the feeling there's a new boy in the picture she's not ready for me to meet."
"Did Vixen say anything to you?"
"No. I just know my daughter more than she thinks I do." Moving topics slightly, John mentioned, "How's your father?"
"Still giving all of us that iron tongue and fist," Virgil replied, reclining back a bit.
*******
When Clark graciously accepted the request for "Flights 101", Raheem had been delighted. Now, as they stood on top the middle of the two story villa, gazing out upon nothing but pure solid gravity, Raheem began to feel more than a bit jittery.
"I know how thrilling the idea of the first flight is," Clark said. "It's also not the strenuous process it appears to be."
Easy for you to say, Raheem thought unable to turn his eyes away from the ground below.
"Right," was what he spoke out loud.
"Now, I wasn't too far from your age when I started," Clark went on. "It's a very natural thing that you have to allow to become part of you." He gestured down at the metallic sauce pan he had borrowed from the kitchen. "Now, I'd like to see your troubled areas."
Trying to balance himself a bit, Raheem stood upon the pan. He felt the familiar charge shootout from his eyes all the way down to his feet. For a moment he felt himself rise up off the ground with the pan stuck to the bottom of his shoes. He glanced at Clark, who only nodded encouragingly. Then all at once the pan slipped right from under him, causing Raheem to topple over. The teen groaned in frustration.
Clark held a hand out to him and Raheem allowed him to help him up. For some reason, Raheem expected some sort of reprimand for the highly experienced hero but saw nothing but understanding in the blue eyes.
"I think you might actually be concentrating too hard," Clark observed. He ran a hand over his chin in thought. "You have to let it come to you as naturally as the intake of air."
"I know. That's what my dad tells me," Raheem said. "But this isn't exactly as easy as studying for a quiz in one night."
"But it can be," Clark assured. He held one of his long arms out, indicating the air around them. "I want you to try this again. Except I'm going to help you a little."
Raheem nodded. "Okay, got it."
The sixteen-year-old took his place on the sauce pan again. He closed his eyes again and tried to feel the naturalness Clark spoke of. He imagined for a moment that this was not a test but something he did all the time. In a few seconds, Raheem felt himself rise up off the roof again with the weight of the pan against his feet. The next thing he felt was a strong nudge followed by a momentary sensation of… Flight?"
Raheem opened his eyes in time to see himself shoot out across the garden. He enjoyed it for only a second's time before his pan dropped again and he surely but quickly aimed for the fountain.
"Clark?" Raheem called. He glanced around quickly but did not see him. "Clark?! Superman!"
Before he could make contact with the water, an arm wrapped around his waist and glided him safely to the ground. Raheem let out a series of sharp breaths, gripping his knees as he did so.
"You're getting there," Clark told him, straightening his thin rimmed glasses.
Raheem stared at him accusingly. "You threw me off a building?"
"I did not throw you. That was a kind prod."
"Clark, I know you represent Kansas and everything but I am so not cattle." Raheem stood up straight, his breathing even again. "I just hope no one saw that." "Don't worry," Clark reassured, placing a caring hand to the young shoulder. "It's only the two of us out here. And besides, you're still learning. There's nothing wrong with that."
Going over to it, Raheem retrieved the sauce pan and said, "I think I'll return this." He started for the house.
"Raheem?" The boy looked back at the man's petition. "You'll be there when the time is right."
Smiling slightly, Raheem said, "Thanks for helping me, Supes."
"That's what I'm here for."
Knowing that to be true, despite all "kind prodding", Raheem continued on for the Queen estate.
*******
Wally came downstairs via the kitchen stairs, freshly showered and changed into a pair of sweats, a t-shirt and, naturally, running shoes. Oliver and Adam sat at the large island together in what Wally would call the "rich recline" which meant they talked but did not actually look up. Oliver toyed with his PDA while Adam scrolled through his laptop.
"Ollie, I'm telling you, you and Dinah have some kind of unnatural water pressure in this place," Wally said, going over and slapping his hands down on the countertop with emphasis. "I just spent thirty minutes in my shower, feeling like I was under Niagara or something."
"This is a nice setup, Oliver," Adam agreed. "I can't believe you've had it less than a month."
"Well, since Con is going to school out here now, we just wanted something close by," Oliver explained. "And Dinah and the boys just fell in love with the place."
Adam nodded. "My wife and I have been looking into buying a second home for a couple years now but with me having to fly out so often, we hardly vacation for longer than a week."
Wally asked, "So, elasti-man, what is new in the up and coming career of rock stardom and super heroics?"
"Exhaustion but that's not exactly new," Adam told him. "I'm finally going to be home for a while but I still hop up every other night to help out Static and Gear. After this, though, I have to take off to New York right after Thanksgiving."
On the other side of the door, Bobby started to enter the kitchen but stopped upon hearing his father's news. He looked thoughtful for a moment then slinked back.
"What're you doing?"
Bobby turned around quickly but felt relieved at who he saw. "Oh, hey, Drew. Nothing. Where's Ethan?"
"He's kinda sick," Drew reported. "And I don't wanna catch any of his grossness. You think I could hang out with you?"
Thinking that it would be pretty great to be able to spend time with one of the Flash's own kids, Bobby agreed. While they moved through the first floor together, though, Bobby's head remained on what he had heard in the kitchen a moment ago.
*******
Clicking on the switch, Raheem and Rex allowed their eyes to adjust to the florescent lights. Once able to look without excessive blinking, they found themselves inside the enormous training facility. From the basketball court to the gymnastics section and all the way down to where the digital workout games could be seen, the high schoolers could not decide what to try out first.
"I just want to know what sane person has a house like this," Rex commented.
"My Uncle Adam," Raheem said, veering around their surroundings. "And Richie. If you can call Rich sane."
Rex picked up a basketball from the row of balls lined up and threw it at Raheem, who caught it with ease. The two started up an affable game, mostly tossing the ball back and forth and going for freestyle shots.
"So how'd the Superman Ultimate Flight go?" Rex asked when it was his turn to make a basket.
"Let's just say I've never felt closer to a fountain in my entire life," Raheem answered him, watching as the ball swooshed through the basket. He lined up to take his turn next. "He says I'll get there but it just feels like that's code for "you suck, stop trying"." Raheem shot and missed and the ball rolled over to Rex, who picked it up.
"So you think Clark Kent used secret code words to tell you that you suck? Seriously?"
Raheem had to admit the notion sounded ridiculous.
Putting basketball to the side for a while, the duo headed over towards the dartboard. Each picked up a handful of darts and Raheem took the first go, hitting just outside the white space. When Rex fired one off, he made contact with the center.
"Nice," Raheem remarked.
"Mom and Dad set up targets like these for me to develop my skills," Rex informed. "It's good for concentration. Try it with your powers."
"Wouldn't that be cheating?" Raheem pointed out.
Rex shook his head with a grin. "Not at a JL Retreat."
Deciding that to be a very good point, Raheem took his next turn and used a little of his electromagnetism to hover his five remaining darts. Just as he focused on aiming one for his target, a pair of heavy footsteps sounded across the hardwood floor.
Knowing it had to be one of the adults, Raheem did not break focus until he heard Rex say, "Oh, hi, Bruce."
Freezing up a bit, Raheem turned his head slightly and saw that Bruce Wayne had indeed just walked in and taken a seat on one of the benches in the training room.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you boys," the influential CEO said.
"No, we're just getting some practice in," Rex told him then turned back to Raheem, who still had not made a move. "Go ahead, Heem."
"Right," Raheem said lowly, letting off a breath.
The electrified teenager fired out one of the darts that landed not too close from the one he had tossed out previously. He tried another, which barely landed in the black space. When the third one practically hit the wall next to the dartboard, Raheem dropped his hold on the remaining two.
"Raheem?" Bruce caught the uneasy teen's attention. "Is my being here somehow intimidating for you?"
"No," Raheem responded immediately. "You're fine, Bruce. I'm just out of it. I don't think I've had anything to eat since we left Dakota." He looked at Raheem with a "please get me out of here" plea in his eyes. "Want to go see what's around?"
Rex shrugged. "Sure. Dinner will probably be ready soon, anyway."
"Right," Raheem concurred as they made the trek for the entrance/exit. "See you later, Bruce."
They bumped into Bobby and the much shorter Drew West coming in.
"Hey, guys," Drew acknowledged the older boys. "Where're you going?"
"Food hunt," Rex answered.
Bobby appeared disappointed for a moment. "Do you guys want to work out with us?"
"Not right now, Cous," Raheem declined. "Maybe later, though." "But Bruce is in here." Rex indicated the adult with his thumb. "I don't think Ollie will mind you working out by yourselves as long as there's somebody watching."
That statement made Bobby feel about five years decrease from his age but did not say anything as the two took their leave. He smiled at Drew making a mad dash for the gymnastic equipment and darted after him. Though he was no speed match for the son of the Flash, Bobby liked trying to keep up, anyway. Drew was by the balance beam in no time.
"You can run as fast as your dad," Bobby observed after he caught up.
Drew shook his head. "Nah. Dad's like the fastest man alive."
"Even faster than Superman?" Bobby asked in awe.
"Maybe," Drew shrugged. "They've raced before."
"I have their Race Around the World poster in my room."
"I wish I had been there," Drew said, "but it was before I was even born."
"Everything cool always is," Bobby commented. "Then you have to wait until you're older before you see anything, you know?"
Drew nodded his agreement. He also decided that he definitely liked Bobby, who, to him, did not seem like most big kids.
Lowering down a little, Bobby laid on his back then slowly, using only his legs, worked himself into a propped up position against the balance beam. His legs stuck straight out in the air with his hands attached to the floor. Next Bobby bent his legs back and folded over, now standing fully upright on the beam behind him. Bending at the waist, he stood on his hands once more and walked on them all the way across the plank of wood.
Even though he thought the move was cool, he asked, "Doesn't that stuff hurt?"
"Uh uh," Bobby answered before performing a modish flip, settling on the mat below on his feet. "I'm double-jointed. My grandpa's always asking me if I even have bones."
"Double-jointed?" Drew repeated. "So that's your power?" "Nah," Bobby responded. "It's just something I was born with. I don't have any powers."
Bruce, who had been silent the entire time, had observed the entire thing with approval. He also had to disagree with Bobby's last statement.
*******
"So you mind telling me what that was about?" Rex asked once he and Raheem reached the upstairs again.
Raheem appeared clueless. "What?"
With an eye roll, Rex elaborated, "When Bruce walked in. You looked like you'd just gotten caught with your hand in the cookie jar. Or a bank vault."
"It's nothing, Rex. It's just that he…"
"Is a creepy foreboding night figure even in daylight?" Rex supplied. "So he did intimidate you."
"I wasn't intimidated," Raheem insisted. "But between taking that nosedive with Superman earlier and Bruce's… eyes. I just feel eleven years old again. Back in the days when I could barely turn on a light bulb with my powers."
"Hey," Rex said pointedly. "We have to remember that Superman and Batman are classic. We can't measure ourselves by them, just learn from them."
Raheem commented, "You know you just sounded exactly like your dad, right?"
"Yes," Rex said, "and it scares me, too."
The front doors kicked open then, revealing Oliver and Connor, who each held three large takeout boxes in their arms. Rex and Raheem went over to help and the four of them carried the food the rest of the way into the kitchen.
Connor announced loudly, "Time to eat, everyone!"
When that did not catch many reactions, Oliver yelled out, "Hey, pizza time!"
All at once, the many adolescent occupants of the house, Wally included, burst in, from the doors and stairs. The adults lingered in one by one. By the time the entire group gathered, the five younger boys were seated around the table with Connor, Rex, and Raheem helping to pass out the many cheesy gooey pies.
"Eight kids, six extra large pizzas," Oliver stated. "Think it'll hold 'em all?"
"You mean before or after the Flash Twins devour it all?" John commented humorously.
"We can't talk, John," Virgil said. "You know once puberty sets in, we start raising linebackers."
"My mom used to call me the human vacuum." Wally thought for a moment. "Still does, actually."
"Do we dare penetrate their circle?" J'onn offered, watching the children attack the pizza.
"Better question," Bruce raised. "How much do you value your fingers?"
"Don't worry, guys," Oliver assured. "My staff prepared t-bones for us before they left. They're probably cooling off in the dining room."
Wally pointed out, "Then why are we in this room?" He then disappeared with less than a blink.
"Oh, no he doesn't," Virgil said, hurrying out.
"That man'll eat a table if you let him," John said, referring of course to the Flash.
"Have fun, boys," Oliver told the children as the adults ushered out.
"This is great," Gabe said, lowering his pepperoni slice from his lips. "Pizza, no school."
"I still have school on Monday," Bobby brought up.
Gabe made a face. "How?"
"I go to private school," Bobby explained. "They don't observe everything. My dad's letting me have off for the Retreat, though."
"Private school?" Gabe echoed. "That has to blow. They make you wear those prissy uniforms, right?"
Bobby shook his head. "No. We just can't wear hats indoors and stuff. We get a lot of half days, too." Now Gabe was impressed. "We only get like two a year."
Rex said, "You don't need a half day, Gabe. You need to be glued to a chair and made to go to school on weekends and holidays."
Raheem laughed while Connor tried to hide one.
Gabe sneered at them and returned to his food.
Drew asked Bobby, "So since you go to private school can the teachers," he used a pizza slice to make a swiping motion, "hit you with rulers?"
"On your butt and everything?" Ethan added on.
"Well, not me," Bobby told them. "I know other kids who have gotten but my mom and dad signed off against it."
Now Justin was interested. "Really? Is that like a permission slip?"
"Sort of," Bobby said. "It's more like a non-permission slip. My dad says he doesn't need some teacher to smack me if I act up in school. He can do it himself."
Rex concurred, "That sounds like my dad. We have the same rules at my military academy." He waved a nearby fork at Raheem then at Gabe. "No solider boy jokes."
"Never, bro," Raheem said while Gabe appeared the picture of his angelic name.
Ethan laughed, which quickly turned into a light retch. A coughing spell started up and he had to cover his mouth with both hands.
Rex, the closest beside the boy, reached a hand out and patted Ethan's back gently. "Don't quit on me, E," he urged playfully.
Connor stood from his seat and went around to Ethan. After placing a hand on the all too warm forehead, he frowned deeply.
"I'll go get Wally," he said, starting in that direction but Ethan's voice called him back for a moment.
"No! It's okay. I'm okay," Ethan claimed.
Connor said, "I'll let Wally be the judge of that," and left out.
"The loyal Pet strikes again," Raheem said quietly so that only Rex could hear.
Rex responded, "If you got flying lessons, Connor definitely got boy scouts training from Supes."
When a gust flew in, the kids knew Wally had entered. The redhead went around to Ethan and gave him a quick inspection. He noted that the child's fever had gotten worse from when they first arrived.
"Looks like it's back to bed, buddy," Wally said.
"But I feel fine, Dad," Ethan told him.
"And you'll feel even better once you lay down." Wally gave him a smile. "Come on, you can finish your dinner in bed."
With a glare, Ethan said, "Fine," then super sped off.
"He'll be okay," Rex offered to the sullen faced Wally.
"Yeah, I know." Wally ran a hand through Drew's hair then picked up Ethan's plate. "Save me a pepperoni slice, guys." He then took off in the same way his son had a moment ago.
Ethan laid on the bottom bunk under the blanket. He mindlessly watched a Nickelodeon movie on the twenty inch TV in the room. Needless to say, the young boy did not think it fair that he had to be sick and bed bound on not only a non-school day or the first day of the Retreat but his birthday weekend. When his dad zipped in, he kept his eyes focused on the flashing screen.
"Pizza man's here." When Ethan did not laugh nor crack a smile, Wally sat the plate down beside him on the bed and said, "So I guess this means no tip, huh?"
"It's not funny, Dad."
"Look, I hate that you're not feeling too good, Stink Man, but that doesn't mean you can't make the best out of it," Wally told him. "Don't forget what Grandma says. You're supposed to take those lemons and make lemonade."
Ethan could not suppress a giggle at how corny that sounded. "Daaad."
The young one's laughter served as music to Wally's fatherly ears. He took up some space on the bed and watched the movie while Ethan finished eating. Within a half an hour, the nine-year-old's eyes closed. When Wally heard the light snores, he clicked off the TV and removed the plate before Ethan's face could dip into it. Wally found another blanket in the closet and pulled it over his ailing son. With Ethan comfortably warm, his father sat close and looked on as he slept contentedly.
*******
Justin did another rousing demonstration of leaping over a tall building by jumping onto an ottoman and back down again to the other side. He then ran around the long glass coffee table as fast as he could. Justin retrieved a plastic dart from the carrier slung across his shoulder and "launched" it with the toy bow, which meant he darted it off against the couch, in-between where his two audience members currently sat.
"And that's how I beat the bad guy," Justin concluded.
"Hm," J'onn said thoughtfully. "I must say I applaud your technique."
"So do I," Clark agreed. "So I suppose this makes you the one and only Super Arrow?"
"Hey, that rhymes with superhero," Justin realized then grinned. "I like it!'
"Of course," Clark went on, giving his own chin a rub. "I think you're missing something."
Justin frowned slightly, looking back and forth between his arrow and bows. "What is it?"
When Clark only sped off, Justin glanced at J'onn with great confusion. The green Martian gave him a little smile, as he knew exactly what the mild mannered man had in mind. Clark returned a second later with his famed red object in hand.
"It's your cape," Justin recognized.
"Yes, it is," Clark nodded, bending to the child's level. He gestured for him to turn around, allowing Clark to tie the cape securely around his neck. "But since you are a hero to be and this is your first Retreat, I don't see any reason why you can't use it for practice."
The little boy practically squealed with delight. "Wow! Your cape?! Thanks, Clark. Thank you, thank you!"
"You're welcome," Clark said then whispered covertly, "Just make sure you're careful with it. It's very special."
"Oh, I know," Justin responded, attempting to sound like a knowledgeable grownup. "I'll be careful, promise." He did a quick spin, causing the lengthy cape to practically wrap around him. "How do I look, J'onn?"
Trying to stifle a laugh at just how tinier the boy seemed to become in the red garment, J'onn replied, "Very becoming, sir."
"What do you say we try it out?" Clark put forth but looked at Justin seriously for just a moment. "You know not to try Superman "acts" by yourself, right?"
"Right!" the five-year-old answered promptly.
The assurance sealed, Clark lifted Justin over his head and did a careful run about the large living room with him. Justin tried to take in the full effect of the mock flight by extending his arms out.
Clark played the part of an announcer as he said, "It's a bird. It's a plane. It's--"
"Time for bed." Oliver stood in the left doorway watching the whole thing with a pleasant expression on his face.
"Aw, Daddy," Justin whined, feeling a little deflated. "It's Friday."
Clark lowered the boy down into his arms. "You heard him, kiddo. Even superheroes have to listen to their dads."
Oliver gave Clark a thankful glance for the backup. "Besides, you were supposed to be in bed two hours ago and we promised Mom you wouldn't lose sleep, remember?"
"I remember," Justin replied honestly. "O-kay." He reached for his father.
Walking in closer, Oliver gathered the youth in his arms. "You two have anything planned tomorrow?" he asked.
"I was going to finish some work," J'onn told him.
"And Bruce and I have something to look into," Clark said. "Why?"
"No reason," Oliver said with a shrug. "I just had an idea but I'll look into other takers." He glanced down at the now yawning child in his hold. "Say good night, Just."
"Night, Clark." Justin twisted around a bit so that he could rest against Oliver's strong chest. "Night, J'onn."
"Good night, Justin," Clark returned while J'onn said, "Sleep well, little one."
As Justin snuggled closer into him, Oliver enjoyed the feeling of the warm vessel against him. He kissed the boy's blonde head as he walked towards the staircase with him.
*******
When Adam returned to his room that night, he received a surprise in the form of Bobby already dressed and laying on one side of the full sized bed. Although Bobby never gave much fuss about having to go to sleep, Adam and his wife did not enforce a bedtime on weekends, allowing Bobby and his younger sister to stay up until lethargy caught up with them.
"You must've ate too much," Adam remarked, pulling his plum shirt over his head and off.
Bobby shook his head. "Nope. I just figured you'd be tired."
"I am," Adam said. He slipped out of his dark jeans and into a pair of pajama pants he had laid out for himself earlier. "Getting here then half a day with the Justice League. Just can't wait to see what a full day has in store." His voice hinted some dryness with the last sentence.
Stretching his neck out, Adam got a good look at himself in the mirror on the back right side of the wall. He nodded in approval and snapped his neck back. Getting settled in bed beside Bobby, he wrapped a protective arm around the child, pulling him over closer.
"Are you having fun, though?"
"Yeah," Bobby said with a nod. "I'm glad you get so much time off from work. I've really missed you lately."
Adam looked sympathetic at him. "I know, baby boy. Me, too."
Bobby went on. "I wish we could do more stuff like this, just the two of us."
"So do I," Adam agreed again. "I keep turning around and you're up another inch."
"I know, right?" Bobby laughed. "But do you think maybe one day we can go somewhere just by ourselves?"
"You know something? I don't see why not. I'll look into it." Adam pulled the blanket closer around them. "Go to sleep."
Somewhere, Bobby thought to himself as he closed his eyes, like New York.