Authors Note: I'm not sure how long this will take to post as I am still writing this at the same time I'm writing other things but I wanted to post the first chapter.

I know it is completely the wrong time of year for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year but this is where the story went.

Enjoy.

"No."

"Come on, Rip," Alex followed him through the corridors of the Phoenix, now berthed in the lower levels beneath the DEO, "It's one tiny little favour I'm asking."

He stopped and turned back to her, "I agreed to spend one day a week here to work on the ship. I am not creating a lockdown on it so you can avoid your mother."

"Come on," Alex cried, "I'm begging you. Please don't make me spend all that time with her."

Rip rolled his eyes, "Do you have any idea how much I would like to spend a few days with my mother?"

"You have a mother?" Alex asked surprised, wincing at the dark look he gave her, "I didn't mean it like that. I just mean I thought you were an orphan who didn't know who your parents were."

"I am and I don't," Rip replied with a scowl, "But I was raised by a woman I think of as my mother whom I miss."

Alex nodded thoughtfully before asking again, "Please, Rip. Just create the lockdown for a day. One short day."

"Do you know what Gideon would do to me if I did something that meant both of us missed her first 'family' holiday?" Rip asked dryly, "Especially since you've built this up for her as a time for all the people you love to be together."

Alex grimaced in thought, "Good point. She can be terrifying when she wants to be."

Rip nodded, "Why did you not ask Winn? He's scared of you."

"But he's more scared of J'onn," she sighed, "So, he won't do it."

Rip clapped her shoulder before he went back to work leaving her pouting slightly in annoyance at the failure of her perfect plan.

x

Entering the apartment Rip shrugged off his coat, it was getting cold outside as they reached the end of November. He'd been here almost four months now and was beginning to feel as at ease with the new people in his life that he possibly could.

It had been hard to let his guard down even this much after what had happened with the Legends but recently it had become easier to spend time with the people who had taken Gideon into their family. Somehow Gideon being abducted had developed a rapport between him and Alex, which translated to him feeling more comfortable with Kara, James and Winn.

"Gideon?" he called, sure she'd be home by now frowning when he saw the note 'I'm on the roof' sitting on the table.

Since her abduction Gideon had been careful to let him know where she was so he didn't worry. Grabbing a blanket off the couch Rip headed upstairs to the roof of the building, Gideon seemed to have an inability regarding how to dress properly for the weather conditions.

"Gideon?" he called, stepping out onto the roof wishing he'd put his coat back on.

"I am here, Captain," she called back.

He found her sitting in a corner of the roof looking up at the sky, "What are you doing?"

"Looking at the stars," she told him with a smile, "I miss them sometimes."

Rip sat beside her, "I know. But this is the life we have now."

Gideon nodded, a shiver going through her not surprising him as she was only wearing a t-shirt, "I do not regret choosing to be human," Rip rested the blanket he'd brought with him round her shoulders. She smiled resting against him when he wrapped his arm around her, "I am happy being here with you. I just sometimes think about being out amongst the stars and the sensation of flying through the time-stream."

Kissing the top of her head, Rip sighed, "So do I."

"Are you happy here?" Gideon looked up at him.

Rip paused not sure what his answer was, looking down into her eyes he smiled after a moment, "I'm happy to be with you. That's enough for now."

They sat for a few more minutes before Rip pulled her to her feet, "Come on, it's getting cold."

They headed inside both taking one last look at the stars.

"This is a torture you dreamed up in retaliation for me not agreeing to do the lockdown," Rip muttered to Alex while he stood looking at the horror in front of him.

"It's a carnival," Alex laughed, "A place to have fun. You might want to try having fun sometime."

Rip frowned at her but didn't get a chance to retort as an excited Gideon and Kara bounded over, both eating candyfloss.

"This is incredible," Gideon said taking another bite of the sweet treat.

"You're going to make yourself sick," Rip noted with a grimace.

Kara stuck her tongue out at Rip, "Don't be a grouch. This is what you do at a carnival. You eat junk food and go on rides."

"Not all of us have the need to fill our bodies with sugar and fat," Rip noted, "Or make ourselves sick on things that spin."

Gideon caught his hand, "Rip, you promised me that you would try to have fun tonight."

Letting out a long sigh Rip grimaced, "You didn't tell me what I was being subjected to."

"Captain," she stepped closer, looking up at him sweetly, "You will enjoy yourself if you try."

He sighed again but couldn't deny her, "Fine."

She beamed at him and Rip allowed Gideon to pull him further into the crowd.

x

Alex wrapped her arm around Kara's shoulders as they followed Rip and Gideon further into the carnival.

"Do you want some of my candyfloss?" Kara offered her sister.

Alex shook her head, "No, thanks."

"This was a great idea," Kara grinned, "I love the carnival, especially at this time of year because there's hot cider. Do you want some hot cider?"

"I hate that you can eat and drink whatever you want," Alex said with a grimace, "But hot cider does sound good."

"Should I get one for everyone?" Kara asked pointing to where Gideon was pulling Rip to look at one of the games.

Alex nodded, "That a good idea."

With a bright smile Kara bounced away making Alex laugh at her sister's enthusiasm. This was one of their traditions. Whenever a carnival came to town Kara would drag her along and they'd eat as much rubbish as they could, which in Kara's case was a lot, and rode the rides until they, well Alex, felt sick. Kara had mentioned the carnival to Gideon who found the whole idea of the rides and the food to be intriguing so had persuaded Rip to come.

It always amused Alex how her friend had the man completely and utterly wrapped around her little finger. All Gideon had to do was take his hand, step slightly into him then look up with big eyes and Rip folded like wet tissue paper.

Walking over to join them Alex laughed when a group of kids ran past her all excited to get to the next ride. Her laughter stalled when she saw Rip, the sadness covering his face as he watched the children run around hit her like a hammer.

Kara appeared with the cider and Gideon lit up at the excitement of getting to try something new.

"Rip?" Alex asked concerned moving to his side.

"Tell Gideon I'll be back in a few minutes," Rip told her.

Alex nodded and moved to join the others while Rip walked the other way.

x

Finding the restrooms Rip threw some water over his face taking several breaths. Part of him wanted to head back to the apartment but he had promised Gideon he'd spend the time with her tonight. It had been so many years since he'd lost Jonas, so long that he knew he should be able to be around happy kids again but that knife still twisted in his heart.

Taking a few more breaths Rip forced his pain down before he headed back to Alex, Kara and Gideon who were drinking their cider while watching people trying to win prizes.

"Captain," Gideon smiled up at him when he arrived back at her side, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," he assured.

"It's fixed," one of the men playing the game complained before marching past them.

Rip caught Gideon's hand, "Come on. I'll win you a prize."

Picking up the toy gun he nodded to Alex who grabbed the other one, with a slight smile the two of them aimed and began to fire at the targets.

x

Gideon grinned as she carried the large teddy bear towards the Ferris Wheel with Rip at her side. Taking their seats on the ride Rip wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her close as they were lifted closer to the night sky.

"There are your stars," Rip whispered to her, "It's the best I can do for you."

Cuddling close Gideon smiled, "They are perfect, Captain."

Rip let out a soft sigh, "Good."

"I'm glad you came tonight," Gideon told him, "And not just because you won me Bernard."

"Bernard?"

Gideon shrugged, "It suits him."

"He belongs to you," Rip rolled his eyes, "Call him what you want."

Gideon nudged him slightly, "As I was saying, I'm glad you came. I know this is not your idea of fun."

Rip was silent for several minutes before he hugged her close pressing a kiss to her temple, "It's not but I like seeing you enjoying yourself."

She smiled cuddling close to him not seeing the sadness in his eyes as he watched the families below them.

"Hi, Mom," Alex greeted when she opened the door to her apartment.

Eliza Danvers smiled wrapping her daughter in her arms, "It's so good to see you, sweetheart. You're looking good."

"How was your drive here?" Alex drew her inside.

"Good," Eliza told her, "For once I didn't get caught in traffic or stuck behind a truck crawling along the road."

Alex chuckled, "Well, Kara will be here soon so go get settled and freshened up. I'll call you when she gets here."

Giving her daughter another quick hug Eliza headed to the spare room. Alex took a breath relieved that there was no mention of her lack of relationship or disapproval of her work.

At least not yet.

The door opened and Kara walked in, arms filled with bags and a bright smile on her face, "Is Eliza here?"

"Getting cleaned up," Alex laughed taking some of the bags, "Did you get enough?"

Kara rolled her eyes at her sister before stealing one of the croissants and heading to get some drinks for them all.

"Kara," the happy call made her grin even more and she bounced over to the woman standing there.

"Hi, Eliza," Kara hugged her foster mother.

With a smile Alex started setting out breakfast, happy to have her family together.

x

"I am not creating a lockdown," Rip stated the moment Alex opened the door to him.

Alex rolled her eyes, "I know. I'll be ready in a minute if you want to grab some coffee."

Rip shook his head, "I'm fine."

Alex nodded and disappeared into her room leaving Rip standing staring out the window beginning to wish he'd accepted the coffee. He hadn't slept well the night before, visions of Jonas lying dead before him appeared every time Rip closed his eyes. Thankfully he'd managed not to wake Gideon while he wandered around the apartment trying to tire himself out. He finally fell asleep on the couch around 3am, waking with a stiff neck when he heard the alarm go off in his room.

"Hello?"

Rip was pulled into the room surprised at the voice. He turned to find an older woman with blonde hair and a familiar questioning look standing there.

"You must be Eliza Danvers," Rip offered his hand, "I'm Michael Hunter."

Eliza took his hand and nodded, "Nice to meet you. Who are you?"

"Rip is helping us with some things at the DEO," Alex's voice preceded her coming back in.

"I thought you said your name was Michael?" Eliza asked confused.

"Rip's a nickname," Alex patted his arm, "Let's get out of here so we're not late back and Gideon doesn't kill us."

He waited while Alex turned to her mother.

"We've only got a few things to do today," Alex told Eliza, "I promise we'll be back in plenty of time for dinner. Kara will be back from Cat Co to help you in about an hour and Gideon will be here soon."

Rip quickly added, "Just remember don't let Gideon near fire or knives without supervision."

x

"Hey, did you guys see this?" Winn waved them over when they walked into the DEO.

"What?" Alex asked with interest as she and Rip walked over to his station.

Winn brought up some footage of a hooded man, "Guy walks into a bank and then walks out with a whole load of cash. Look at the people around him."

Rip leaned forward bemused to see all the people in the bank stop and suddenly stare into space.

"A meta-human?" Rip mused.

"It could be an alien," Alex said before adding, "But doing what to everyone?"

"No idea," Winn replied, "I'm waiting for the police reports but they're taking their time."

"Let me know when there's something interesting," Alex told him before turning to Rip, "Please?"

Rip frowned at her, "No."

Alex let out a sigh, "It was worth a try."

"Eliza," Gideon beamed when Alex and Kara's mother opened the door, "It's so good to see you."

Eliza hugged her, "And you," leading Gideon into the apartment, "I was pleased to hear your memory came back. Though surprised when Alex told me you're no longer staying here."

"When Rip arrived he needed me so I moved to live with him again," Gideon explained with a slight smile, interest dancing in her eyes when she spotted the bowls in the kitchen, "What have you made already?"

Eliza stared a little surprised at the change of topics but before she could ask Kara appeared, "It's complicated."

"It sounds it," Eliza noted looking over at Gideon who was studying everything with interest, "Are they a couple?"

Kara shrugged, "Complicated."

x

Gideon stirred the sauce as Eliza had directed her while Kara chopped some vegetables. She was looking forward to having Thanksgiving dinner with the family who had taken her in.

She knew Rip wasn't looking forward to the holiday season at all and the only reason he was coming to Thanksgiving dinner tonight was for her. He did most of the things that were sociable, or family orientated, for her so she could have the experience.

"That's perfect," Eliza told her, "I think that's all there is we need to do just now. Why don't you sit and watch the parade?"

"I made hot cider," Kara said with a smile, "Do you want some?"

Gideon beamed, "Definitely."

Kara poured them both a mug of the cider before she and Gideon took a seat on the couch to watch the parade.

"Is Rip okay?" Kara asked softly with concern, "He was really quiet last night."

"The carnival just made him a little uncomfortable," Gideon told her friend.

Kara grimaced slightly, "It was nice he came though."

"Honey," Eliza appeared beside them and moved their attention to the TV screen which was showing a car chase downtown.

Kara put her mug down, "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Gideon watched her friend change into her Supergirl outfit before flying away to help.

Grabbing a mug of cider Eliza sat beside Gideon who was watching the parade again, "We haven't talked since you got your memory back," Eliza said settling back, "So, tell me how you're doing?"

x

"Winn," Alex called walking into the control centre, "Are you coming? Dinner will be ready soon."

Not turning from his computer screen Winn motioned Alex to look at the screen.

"What?" Alex demanded joining him.

"Look at this," Winn told her, "These are the witness statements from the robbery."

"And what were the witnesses seeing?" Rip asked making them both turn surprised he was there.

"Wow, you're stealthy," Winn said before returning to the original topic, "Every witness statement says that they had some kind of vision and saw absolutely nothing else."

Alex grimaced, "Weird."

"Do they have any clues who the thief is?" Rip asked thoughtfully.

Winn shook his head, "There's nothing on the feed and no one can remember anything about him."

"That's helpful," Alex sighed before clapping Winn's shoulder, "Okay, we can look into this tomorrow. My mom is waiting for us."

Winn grinned and turned off his computer with a flourish, "Let's go eat."

x

Gideon smiled when the door opened allowing Alex, Winn and Rip into the apartment. James had arrived ten minutes before and was helping Kara set the table.

"Good, everyone is here," Eliza said, "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Grab a drink and a seat."

Rip stalled when Gideon appeared in front of him, "What?"

"I just wanted..." she hesitated not sure how to ask.

He rested his hand on her arm, "I'm fine."

"You did not sleep much last night," Gideon said softly.

"It was just one of those nights," Rip shrugged, "I get them every so often, you know that."

"Captain..."

"Gideon," Rip stopped her, "I'm okay. I promise. Come on we should take a seat."

She winced slightly before letting him lead her to their seats. Dinner being served distracted her from worrying about Rip for a while.

Gideon joined in the chatter and laughter, noticing Rip said very little throughout the meal. She was surprised that he refused wine with dinner instead drinking water. Sensing her concern Rip caught her hand for a second and gave it a squeeze.

x

Rip excused himself once they finished dinner, refusing dessert to everyone's surprise; they all knew he had a sweet tooth.

"Captain?" Gideon asked concerned as he made his way to the door.

Pressing a kiss to her forehead he gave her a soft smile, "I'm just tired, Gideon. I need to get some sleep. Enjoy yourself."

Without letting her reply Rip bade everyone goodnight and left. Reaching his own apartment Rip stared at the door knowing that he wouldn't sleep unless he drank an entire bottle of whatever he could find. He headed up to the roof to stare at the stars instead because he knew Gideon didn't like him drinking. There was a time he wouldn't have cared what anyone thought, even Gideon but now she was human Rip found it hard to disappoint or upset her.

Sitting on the bench against the wall hidden in one corner he tried to stop his mind focussing on his little boy because he couldn't go down that road just now.

"Hey."

Surprised by the unexpected voice Rip looked up to find Alex standing there, a plate in her hand, "I thought you might want some cake. It's double chocolate."

"Thanks," he took the plate.

Alex took the seat at his side and looked up at the sky, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Rip let out a long sigh, "Not really."

"It might help?" she suggested.

He ate the slice of cake before he turned to the woman sitting at his side, "This time of year is just not good. I used to avoid these days. It's easy when you travel in time and then when I ran the Bureau I worked through them."

"And Gideon wanting to experience them all can't make it easy," Alex sympathised.

Rip shook his head, "Thanksgiving, Christmas they're things she never got to be a part of before and now she's human I can't ruin these days for her. She should get the experience."

"And she will," Alex reminded him, "We'll do that for her. You don't have to join us if it hurts too much."

Rip stared at the stars again in silence for a while before he breathed, "It's been over eight years. Jonas has been dead for more years than he was alive."

Alex said nothing knowing there were no words she could give to comfort him.

"I should have created the lockdown for you," Rip told her with a sad chuckle.

Squeezing his shoulder Alex stood, "Go get some sleep."

x

Gideon opened the door to the apartment she shared with her Captain several hours after he left Alex's apartment, hoping he was sleeping but sure he probably wasn't. She knew he was missing Jonas a lot just now. She understood that having all the Christmas decorations and adverts reminding him he was meant to have his family couldn't be helping.

Gideon knocked softly on the door to Rip's room before opening it to check on him.

"You do know it's polite to wait until someone agrees for you to come in," Rip noted lying on the bed.

"You were not answering," she told him.

Rip shrugged, "I want to be alone."

Gideon moved to the bed, "Does that include me?"

"Yes," he turned away from her to lie on his side.

"Then I...I will leave you to sleep," she forced out trying to keep the hurt out of her voice.

She left the room and went to make herself some tea, half-expecting him to appear and apologise. He had always talked to her when he was upset or in pain, always confided in her and she wondered what she'd done to make him think he couldn't.