I'm slowly getting everytihing up and running. I am so delighted to get this out of the bag. I've had bad writer's block for this one for some time. I can now, with confidence, say that the ball is officially rolling for this story. I've got a lot of ideas popping up in my head as I type. Enjoy!

I own nothing exept my original mind!


Chapter 2

"The doctors want to keep Anissa in the hospital for another week or so. Do more testing," Mr. Peirce stated to the small group. He particularly paid close attention to Grace's reaction.

Grace, for her part, kept her mouth shut and her opinion's to a minimum. She was leaning against a wall with her gaze to the floor. The only reaction Jefferson could see was the clenching of muscles every now and then.

Roy and Dick shared a look. The others just sat silently.

"I'll see if Helena wants to stay on for a little while longer," Dick said softly. Jefferson cleared his throat.

"I'm standin right here. I'm capable of running this team." Everyone looked a little taken back by Jefferson's tone.

"Uh, with all due respect sir, I don't think-" Roy was cut off by the big man's glare.

"With all due respect son, I've been doing this longer then all of you combined. I suggest you step aside." Jefferson growled. Just then Grace shoved herself away from the wall and strode out of the room.

"Where are you going?" Jade asked. All eyes turned and stared at Grace.

"When you've figured out who the hell top dog is, come find me." And with that she was gone. Jade sighed. This was getting out of hand.

Turning to the bickering group Jade could feel her frustrations growing. She understood Grace's lack of commitment and interest with them. Shaking her head she cleared her throat and at the top of her lungs she got everyone's attention.

"QUIET!"

Everyone turned their surprised gazes at Jade. Clearing her throat again she smiled softly.

"I'll be taking over. And the first order of business is figuring out what happened to Anissa."

Jefferson folded his arms over his chest and glared. Dick, Roy, Shift and Indigo looked a little nervous. Starfire just waited.

"Good. Anyone have any other problems – deal with it. We have to get Anissa and Grace back here. Got it? That's our top priority." Everyone mumbled but all agreed.

Jade sighed internally.

"Next thing on the list: Dick, get Helena back here and tell her we need her help for the time being."

Dick nodded and left the room.

"The rest of you, let's get to work. The sooner we figure out what happened, the sooner we can get the team back. And NO arguing!"

With that, Jade hoped onto a computer and begun typing. The others quietly followed suit.

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The incisive knocking was grinding on her nerves. Grace did everything she could to ignore it.

"Grace…c'mon…I know you're in there…." Grace rolled her eyes at Jade's voice. She just continued to flip the channels trying desperately not to throw the remote at the door.

"Fuck's sakes! Grace just open god damn door! I swear I will fucking break down this door! Now open it!"

Grace chuckled as she shook her head. She had to hand it to Jade – the little green girl had balls. Sighing, Grace tossed the remote onto the small coffee table and got up. The knocking didn't let up until she finally opened it. Jade looked slightly annoyed and relived all at once.

"What took you so long?"

Grace just smirked as she moved to the side to let Jade in. The shorter woman walked in and turned around as she watched Grace shut the door. Jade only realized that Grace only had on a tank top and her underpants.

"Well hello good lookin," Grace said in way of hello and Jade rolled her eyes. She sauntered to the kitchenette and pulled open the fridge and grabbed a beer. She held it out to her little green visitor, who declined the offer, then shrugged as she pulled the cap of and took a huge gulp.

Jade pursed her lips and waited for a minute before gathering enough courage.

"Is everything alright?" She asked a little nervously. She heard Grace sigh and quickly added, "I know, you said everything was fine. But…are you ok? Be honest with me."

Grace gave her a look.

"Why do you care?" Grace replied sarcastically. The big woman crossed the kitchen to the living room and sat down. She took another swig of her beer and stared at the TV screen. Jade observed the tall woman. She noticed that Grace, despite her foul mood and biting personality, she was an ok person to be around…well when Grace felt like it.

Jade made her way to the couch and sat next to Grace. She chose her words carefully.

"Because, no matter what's happened…no matter how much you grind on everyone else's nerves, you're still apart of this team," Jade said gently. "You're a really big part of this team Grace. No pun intended. Roy wouldn't have picked you for this group if he didn't think you weren't good enough."

Jade stole a glance at the other woman. Grace was staring at the beer in her hand and absently picking at the label. After a moment, Grace looked over at Jade, a smirk on her face.

"Nah, he wanted me around so he could have a good lay if it didn't work out with Dick."

Throwing up her hands in disgust, Jade shot up off the couch.

"Ugh! Grace! That's it! I tried to be nice – which you obviously don't appreciate – but you know what? Ah…fuck it! You wouldn't even care!" Jade stormed over to the front door ready to leave.

"Wait," Grace said quietly. Jade turned around and saw that Grace was still sitting but she had a sad look on her face.

Grace ran a hand through her hair then rubbed her face tiredly.

"I'm sorry, ok. I…I appreciate…thanks for coming," Grace mumbled dejectedly. Jade just stared at her.

"Look, if you need some time-"

"Yeah, that be nice."

Nodding, Jade smiled sadly at Grace.

"Ok. Take your time – we'll be here…always…"

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Damn it! Maybe this wasn't such a great idea…Grace thought for the umpteenth time. After the visit from Jade almost a week ago, Grace had planned on figuring out what she wanted to do; where she wanted to go. But like all of Grace's plans, this one started out great but soon was getting tiresome.

"Fuck! I suck at this!" The big woman growled. She got up and trudged to the window. Opening it, she slipped out onto the fire escape and just watched the people below.

"I'm outta here," Grace muttered as she wandered back into her apartment. She grabbed her jacket, keys and wallet as she sauntered out the door. She wanted to see just how much trouble she could get into.

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Grace walked around town aimlessly. She wandered in and out of stores, just looking around. She was getting really board.

Grace rubbed a hand over tired eyes. She continued to walk through out the city; exploring. She contemplated going to Chaney's in Metropolis but that seemed to turn her off even more.

She continued to walk. Grace didn't realize she had walked through a park. She blinked back her surprise but didn't leave. She decided to just sit back and watch the kids run around while their parents tried to keep up.

Grace didn't know how long she had been watching; the only indicator was how empty the park was. It was almost sundown and everyone had left. The only sign of life was a group of teens near the farthest end of the park.

Grace stood and stretched. She stifled a yawn as she headed for the exit. She didn't notice what the group of teens were doing until she was passing by them. Grace was still a good 100 feet away but her Meta hearing picked up the conversation.

"Do it, dude!" One of the kids demanded. A boy, not much older then 18 stood hesitantly. He was staring at another kid who looked to be around his age. Two older boys were holding one of the boys arms while trying to push him to his knees. They were egging the other boy on.

The boy caught in the middle looked up.

"Jason! Bro! Dude, don't do this! Please!" The boy begged as the two older boys added more pressure to his arms and shoulders. The ring leader leaned in close to Jason and whispered something in his ear.

"You know what you gotta do, man. Just do it!" Jason looked at him and swallowed. He pulled down a ski his ski mask and mumbled to the kneeling boy.

"I'm sorry, Spencer." Jason took a couple of steps back before he launched his knee into the boy's face.

His head flying back and with the taste of blood in his mouth, Spencer pleaded with his childhood friend.

"Jason! Please! Don't do this! Come on man!" Spencer begged. The three other boys just laughed and egged Jason on to do it again. Jason took his fist and rammed it in Spencer's stomach. The boy lurched forward as he choked for air.

It took a moment for Spencer to regain some of his awareness and he struggled to get back up on his feet. The two boys holding him only pushed him back down again.

"Jason! Stop! Jason!" Spencer tried again only to have his plea's met with a fist to his face. Then another, and another. Soon Spencer could no longer feel anything except the dull thud of each blow as they connected.

Spencer's body soon fell limp.

Grace couldn't take much more and she stormed over.

"HEY! WANNA TRY SOME OF THAT ON ME!?" Grace bellowed. She cracked her knuckles for good measure.

All four boys turned and for a moment looked scared. The master mind behind it all shook his head before he took off running. The two boys that held Spencer's body did the same, dropping Spencer in the process.

Jason looked conflicted. He glanced at his friend lying on the ground then back at the large woman.

"Go ahead coward. Beat it! Or I'll beat you!" Grace sneered. Jason shot out of the park as fast as he could. Grace stood there watching the punks run off before she turned and hurried to where Spencer was on his knees spitting out blood from his mouth.

"Hey kid, you alright?" She asked gently. She hunkered down just so the kid wouldn't have to be too frightened of her. She noticed that he was looking a little paler then before and reached out slowly to place a big hand on his shoulder.

Spencer shuddered but didn't pull away. He just wiped his lower lip and winced as he felt the sting.

"I'm…I'm ok. Thanks," he mumbled a little embarrassed.

"What was that about?"

Spencer just shrugged. "Nothin," he mumbled again. Grace sighed heavily and shook her head.

"Have it your way kid," Grace said softly. Spencer struggled to stand and Grace gently helped the boy to his feet.

"So…you gotta place to go to?" Spencer nodded but quickly regretted it and winced. His head felt like it was going to explode. Grace saw the boy's reaction and quickly picked Spencer up and began to walk.

"Where to kid?" She said softly, seeing Spencer grab his head. He was silent for a moment and Grace started to get a little worried.

"Hey…you ok?" Spencer still didn't say a word. He's eyes were shut and had a painful look on his face. "I'll take you to a walk – in or something, ok?" With eyes still closed, Spencer mumbled the directions to his house.

"I jus…live down the…the block," Spencer stuttered. Grace stopped walking and stared at the boy.

"Kid, you're slurring your words and holdin' your head like it might fall off. You gotta let a doc check you out. Don't mess with head injuries," Grace said softly. She was really concerned about him.

"Please…just take me home," Spencer whimpered. Grace sighed and shook her head in disbelief.

"Fine. Is there anyone home, at least?" Grace resumed her trek towards Spencer's home. She really didn't want to take him. She knew head injuries were nothing to joke about.

"Yeah." Spencer sounded small.

Maybe I should just take him to a hospital…Grace thought. But the house was now in sight. She glanced at the boy and smiled. Spencer had his head in the crook of her neck, eyes still closed.

"Hey, wake up. You can't fall asleep. Especially with head damage," Grace said as they neared the house. Spencer moaned and touched the side of his head.

"Not sleeping," Spencer said, his voice tinged with sleep. Grace smiled gently at him.

"Sure." As they got closer, Grace noticed a plaque on the side of the door.

METROPOLIS BOYS & GIRLS HOME

Grace stopped dead in her tracks. She felt the blood drain from her face as she read the words. She looked down at Spencer who seemed to be fighting off sleep and felt her heart break.

The boy was an orphan just like she was…is. Grace felt the familiar pain growing inside her but quickly shoved it away. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

"We're here," she said roughly. Shaking her head to clear her mind she focused on Spencer.

The boy rubbed his eyes and smiled tiredly. Grace climbed the steps slowly mentally preparing herself. Spencer reached out and rang the doorbell. Instantly the inside of the house came alive.

They both heard muffled laughter then a stern voice before the door swung open. Their stood an old woman with greyish hair and a gentle face. Her hands were on her hips as she turned and hollered at the group of children giggling and laughing.

"Don't make me ask you again! Now get!" The old woman bellowed playfully. The younger children just squealed and ran in various directions. The old woman was laughing softly to herself when she turned around once more.

"How can I hel - Spencer! Dear Lord!" She stepped back to let the woman and Spencer in. "What on earth happened?"

Grace looked at the kid but he was going to say anything.

"Um…I just found him like this. In the park not to far from here," Grace replied. She watched as the old woman's face changed as she glared at the boy.

"It was those damn boys, wasn't it? I told you not to hang around them. They're trouble, the whole lot of 'em." Then as if remembering her manners, the old woman stood back and let Grace come in.

"You can set him in here," the old woman said as she led Grace into the family room. Grace laid the boy on the couch and stood to the side and watched the old woman come back into the room with a first aid kit.

The old woman took one good look at Grace.

"Lord, you are a tall one," she said with a gentle smile. Grace couldn't help but smile as she nodded. "Go on, have a seat. Don't be shy," the old woman said as she turned to Spencer.

"Now let's take a look at ya," the old woman said softly. She gently lifted Spencer's head and thoroughly examined the boy.

"I'm sorry," the old woman murmured as Spencer inhaled sharply and winced painfully. When the old woman was finally done, she took out a small bottle of rubbing alcohol and soaked a couple of cotton balls.

"This might sting a little," she warned Spencer. Again, the boy inhaled sharply and tried not to cry out in pain. The old woman blew on the area that she applied the alcohol trying to ease the sting a little. Grace sat fascinated by the gentle care the old woman gave.

"Now, I'm gonna wake you up every hour. Just so I know you're still with us," the old woman told Spencer. The boy nodded as best he could and fell asleep quickly.

Sighing the old woman stood. She noticed Grace staring and smiled softly.

"You learn a thing or two rasin' this many kids. Although, my years as a nurse help too," the old woman said with a light laugh. Grace nodded.

"Oh dear!" The woman gasped. "I'm so sorry…where are my manners? I'm Althea, the kids call me granny," Althea said with a huge smile.

"Grace Choi."

Althea nodded as she motioned for Grace to follow her into the kitchen.

"Thank you very much Grace. Lord knows what would have happened to him," Althea said quietly as she begun pulling two plates out.

"Oh…uh…that's alright Althea. I should be going," Grace quickly said when she realized what Althea was doing. Althea turned around and placed one hand on her hip and the other wagged a finger at Grace.

"I won't hear of it! Young lady sit yourself down at that table!" Startled, Grace did as she was told and slid into the chair Althea indicated.

"Yes ma'am," Grace mumbled. Althea served up some soup and a sandwich and placed it in front of Grace.

"Finish that all up, honey," Althea said in a maternally voice. Grace smirked as she nodded. Althea served herself some soup as well and sat down in front of Grace. The two ate in silence for a moment before Grace got curious.

"You run this place by yourself?" Grace politely wiped her mouth with a napkin afraid that Althea would get mad at her if she used her hand. She picked up her plates and placed it in the sink then returned to her seat.

Althea shook her head as she laughed.

"Dear lord no! Well, at least during the day. My daughter and I run it, speaking of which, she should be home soon," Althea said as she glanced at the time on the stove. As if on cue, a car rolled up into the drive way.

"I better wake Spencer up. My daughter is going to want to talk to him." And with that, Althea hurried into the family room leaving Grace standing in the kitchen.

"MA! I'M HOME!" A thick New York accent was heard from the front door.

Grace wandered back into the family room in time to see Althea sigh and shake her head.

"I told you not to scream like that!" Althea reminded her daughter. Grace took one look at the young woman and felt her stomach do a loop. But before she had a chance to analyze what she was feeling, Althea was making introductions.

"Grace I'd like you to met my daughter Emily," Althea motioned between the two women as she smiled. "Emily, this is Grace Choi." Grace stuck her hand out but Emily just looked up at her, suspicion written all over her face.

Althea elbowed her daughter and murmured through clenched teeth, "be polite dear." Emily cleared her throat and stuck her hand out.

Her hands are callused yet so gentle…Emily thought. Just as quickly, Emily shook that thought away.

"It's a pleasure," Grace said with a smiled and did her best not to lay on the charm too thick. God, her hands are so soft but…they feel so strong…Grace thought.

Althea looked between the two and smiled. A tiny whimper from behind her had Althea forgetting the two women. She spun around and quickly knelt down by the couch and felt Spencer's forehead. She sighed in relief as the boy didn't feel warm to the touch.

Emily's head snapped around and she took in Spencer's state. Her eyes widened as she gently pushed her mother out of the way and got a good look at the boy.

"What happened?" Emily almost screamed at her mother. Before her mother could explain, Grace cleared her throat.

"Some boys were doing a real good number on him," Grace supplied evenly. Emily pursed her lips as she turned and examined the boy again. She whispered to him and he nodded almost painfully.

Emily turned around again and glared at Grace.

"Why the hell didn't you take him to the hospital?" Her voice laced with accusation. Grace bit her tongue from snapping back. She knew Emily was worried but that didn't mean Grace was gonna take the piss.

"Look lady, I wanted to! But the kid begged me to take him here instead," Grace shot back. Althea stood between the two and firmly put her foot down.

"That's enough! Both of you! We're all worried about Spencer so concentrate on that!" Althea stood there, her hands on her hips and glared at them both.

Grace nodded, and mumbled an apology. Althea waited for Emily to do the same but the woman left the room in and headed for the half bath for the first aid kit.

"I'm sorry Grace. My detective daughter can be…stubborn some times," Althea said quietly.

"Detective, huh?" Grace said with a smirk. "Nice."

Althea smiled then stormed off to speak with Emily. Grace just watched the old woman go then turned her attention to Spencer.

Getting down on one knee, Grace got as close as she could and brushed the hair out from the boy's eyes.

"Hey…how you feelin'?" She asked softly. Spencer winced slightly but managed to shrug his shoulders.

"Better then before," he whispered. Grace smiled.

"Good. I'm glad to hear that." Spencer nodded as best he could.

Emily and Althea walked down the hall and stopped at the site before them. Althea smiled as Emily felt her heart quickened. They both watched as Grace was hunkered down next to Spencer, quietly speaking to him.

Emily felt her stomach do somersaults as she watched Grace gently brush the hair from the boy's forehead. Emily almost dropped the first aid kit when she saw Grace smile. It made the other woman look…beautiful.

Grace pushed herself back up and Emily almost passed out. The sight of those large muscles as they flexed almost did Emily's head in. Althea watched her daughter's reaction and elbowed her in the stomach. Emily cleared her head and blinked several times before she spoke.

"Is he…," Emily squeaked and quickly cleared her throat. She could feel her face turning red. "Is he ok?" She asked once more.

Grace's brows furrowed. She had no idea what just happened.

"Yeah, he's ok…for now," Grace replied as she shoved her hands into her pockets. "Look, I'm gonna get going." Grace jerked her thumb over her shoulder as she shuffled her feet.

"Oh…alright," Emily immediately handed off the first aid kit to her mother as she motioned for Grace to follow.

Standing by the door way, Emily finally noticed just how…large, Grace really was. Emily was tall, at least 5'8, but Grace was…big. And the tattoos…Emily wasn't one for tattoos but goodness gracious…Grace had them all over and she very much approved.

Again, Emily felt herself blush.

"So…"

Grace looked up and waited. She bit her lower lip before she spoke.

"Let me know how he is?" Grace asked quietly. She herself wasn't the type to really care but for some reason, she cared for this kid.

"Of course."

There was an awkward pause then Emily and Grace both reached out for the door knob. They stared at each other for a second before Emily was the first to snap out of the haze. She quickly turned the handle and opened up the door.

Grace smiled tightly and waved as she bent slightly to exit the house. She was down the steps with in seconds when Emily called her back.

"Wait! How am I…how are we supposed to get in touch with you?" Emily quickly corrected herself. She hoped that Grace didn't catch on.

Grace smiled as she climbed the small steps. She remained just on step below so she wasn't towering over Emily. Grace patted her pockets and frowned.

"Sorry, I don't have any paper on me," Grace said a little disappointed.

"I'll be right back!" Emily ran a couple of steps back inside and bent down to open up her duffle bag. Grace really tried not to look but couldn't help herself. She cocked her head to the side and took in the shapely form of Emily's buttocks.

Grace could feel her stomach clench for those few seconds and she had to bite the inside of her lips to keep from moaning. She pulled it together just in time since Emily straightened up and held up a pad and pen triumphantly.

"I love being prepared," Emily teased as she handed Grace her pad. Grace could only nod since she lost her motor skills a moment ago.

Emily watched, completely fascinated by the twitch of muscles in Grace's arms as she jotted down her number. Emily just wanted to reach out and touch them to see how they felt under her fingers…

"Emily!"

Emily jumped a little at her name being called. She blinked and realized that she had been staring. A deep blush crept up her neck and cheeks. Grace smirked and handed back the note pad and pen.

"Thank you," Emily crocked but quickly cleared her throat. She was about to turn and shut the door when Grace stopped her.

"So how am I supposed to get in touch with you detective…," Grace trailed off since she didn't know Emily's last name.

Emily turned back around and noticed that Grace had both hands against either side of the door frame, and was leaning in slightly. The taller woman had a smile on that Emily could only describe as sexy.

Emily just stared for second before she found her voice again.

"Kilmartin. Detective Kilmartin," Emily supplied. "And I'll find you if I need you," she finished confidently but almost winced at the poor choice of words. Grace didn't mind, she just grinned and threw a wink at the detective.

"You do that detective," Grace replied with a teasing smile. With a final wave, Grace turned and walked back down the road. Emily quickly closed the door, her hands and knees shaking uncontrollably.

She sighed and leaned against the door.

"She was nice," Althea popped her head in from the other room. Emily, startled for a second time, just rolled her eyes.

"Ma!"

Althea just shrugged and tried to look innocent. "What?"

The two women looked over at Spencer and worry sank in once more.

"We really have to get him to see a doctor," Emily said softly. Spencer had fallen asleep once again. Emily sat on the edge of the couch and lovingly caressed the boy's head. Althea nodded and sat next to her daughter.

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Grace finally arrived home. She couldn't help but smile the whole time as she walked through the streets. Throwing her keys onto the counter and taking off her jacket then tossing it onto the bed, Grace threw herself onto the couch.

Putting her feet up onto the coffee table and grabbing the remote, Grace flipped through the channels, not really watching. Her mind kept going back to Emily. Detective Emily…

Her grin faded as she thought of Spencer. Poor kid didn't even stand a chance with those boys. And she still didn't know why they had ganged up on the kid. Grace cracked her knuckles as she thought about those boys. She wanted to pay them a visit and make sure they didn't hurt Spencer again.

More importantly, if those punks decide to even the score for what she did in the park, they'd most definitely go after Emily. Grace felt herself go numb.

She wasn't about to let those thugs hurt Emily. She'd just have to keep a closer eye on her…and those kids…