December 24th
5:02 pm EST
The Cave
"Tell me again why we're watching this movie?"
"I told you! It's an Earth tradition. It's been playing on that channel all day. C'mon, don't be such a buzzkill." She playfully punches him in the arm and then snuggles next to him on the couch, pressing the side of her face into his shoulder.
"I still don't get it. This guy gets all upset and now some angel is showing him what the world would be like without him?"
"Well, yeah. That's the point. It's, like, showing how everyone's important and loved even if they don't feel like it all the time." She settles back into watching the movie, while he plays with her hair a little, not really focused on the cheesy movie.
"I still think it's cheesy."
She laughs now, glancing up at him.
"Have some Christmas spirit, Connor. For me?" She bats her eyelashes playfully and kisses him on the cheek.
The corner of his mouth twitches up.
"Fine."
December 24th
6:35 pm CST
Central City
"Boys! Dinner time!" Joan Garrick calls. Within milliseconds, the male members of the house are seated in front of her, grinning up with hungry eyes and wide smiles.
"I think we should start a bell system," laughs Iris.
"Hurry up, I'm starving."
"Manners, Wally!" This is from his mother, who glaresplayfully.
"Wally's usually not one for manners." Artemis laughs, enjoying her first Christmas with the Wests, Allens, and Garricks. Next to her, sits Paula, also beaming at the sight of a full family table for the holidays.
"Well behave yourself, Wally. Can't have a nephew of mine being anything less than a gentleman. Especially to his lady." Barry winks at Iris. "This looks fantastic, hon."
"You said it." From the other end of the table, Jay raises his glass. "Couldn't look better Joan." He clears his throat. "Let's have a toast."
"Here, here!" Barry clacks his fork on the side of his glass.
"Aw, man." Wally groans and swallows the bit of bread he had snuck in.
"To our family, our friends-old and new." This is for the Crocks, who smile appreciate. "Through thick and thin, we've stayed together and we always will. Merry Christmas, everyone!'
"Merry Christmas!" says Wally. "Now can we eat?"
Artemis slaps him.
December 24th
8:42 pm EST
Gotham City
"Master Bruce, shall I prepare a fire in the living room?"
"Yes, of course, Alfred."
"Right away, Master Bruce. And, Miss Gordon and Mr. Greyson are at the door. They send their apologies for being late."
Bruce's face changes for a moment, and anyone but Alfred would miss the twinge of compassion in his eye.
"Yes, well, these things happen. Let them in. And call Jason down from his room. We'll have a late family supper after all."
"I'll let Master Todd know immediately." Alfred pauses on his way out. "Funny how things work out. It's all in the spirit of the holidays, I suppose."
Bruce ignores this. "Merry Christmas, Alfred."
December 24th
11:42 pm EST
Gotham City
"You came home."
"I said I would." He looks down. "Sorry…for being late."
"Duty calls." She slinks over to him, draping her arms over his shoulders. "I'm just glad I get you for tonight."