Pollen

by SuperMehr

5 years. It had been 5 years since Batgirl had seen the team. During these past years, so much has changed. This is a story about a new family, pollen, and a supposedly unknown father. Who would have thought that Ivy's pollen could lead to something so 'asterous? Though from the looks of the teams and Nightwing, it doesn't seem that way… at least not yet. R&R!

4. Chapter 4

Story Summary: Barbara Gordon, also known as Batgirl, came to Batman with a mission 5 years after walking out on the team. It is a mission to figure out what Ivy's plan is and what it has to do with a special type of pollen. But Barbara did not come back alone. She came back with two children, Jay and Kay. These two children are far more advanced, exceeding the knowledge of many children their age. To watch over these mysterious children with an unknown father, Batman has ordered that the family of three stay at Wayne Manor and for Batgirl to "parent" Mountain Justice. While being back at the mountain, there have been minor things that have changed over those 5 years that Batgirl has noticed, such as the teams fighting strategy. Barbara's one desire, while being back, is to have her children be accepted by everyone on the team. Barbara does not want her children on the team, but for there to be a kind of friendship between the team members and Jay and Kay. Although, Barbara has noticed that this has been hard to accomplish, especially with Nightwing, her best friend.

Chapter 4

"Bruce, you can't be serious." Batman stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at Barbara. He, while wearing his kevlar suit, was heading to Mount Justice to give more information about the mission the Young Justice team were about to depart on. The two were currently alone in the Batcave.

Batman stared down at Barbara. Barbara had just gotten back from working in the library. She was wearing dark skinny jeans and a maroon button down top. The two had been having the same conversation ever since Batman pulled her out of the mountain earlier that morning. Sure they had split ways when they went to work, but the conversation never left Barbara's mind.

Earlier, Barbara, as much as she did not want to burden him, had left her children with Alfred. When Barbara got back from work, Alfred had told her that members in the mountain wanted to hang out with Kay and Jay, which honestly surprised her. She did not realize that members in the mountain had taken that much of a liking to them. Apparently, Tim had come by a little earlier and took the kids with him to the mountain. Barbara was fine with that, but what she was not fine with is what Bruce is suggesting to be done.

"Bruce," Barbara said while staring back into his cowl. She spoke slowly, "they are just kids-"

"With photographic memory, intelligence that could surpass any of us, and other skills that we do not know of. Those children are dangerous." Barbara broke the eye contact she had with Batman and looked away. She knew he was right, but what could they do?

She took a breath before saying anything more, "I know that. But I… I just can't." She looked at him again. This conversation was making her tired. "Please, you can't take them away from me." Batman's eyes widened a little. "Fine, go ahead and do tests on them. Go ahead and test how smart they actually are or can become. Go test their martial art skills and gymnastic skills. Actually, I would prefer not to do chemical tests on them. That could really scare them, and trust me you do not want to be caught up in a moment with one of them being terrified. Their emotions go all out of whack and…" Barbara noticed that Batman was getting impatient. Batman turned away from Barbara and started heading toward the zeta-tube again. Barbara let out a sigh. "Do you really think we should do that to them? Treat them as science experiments? You want to lock them up and take away their freedom. You know what all of that does to people. I mean look at people on the teams. Martian Manhunter was tested on. Superman and Superboy were tested on. You know how affected they were by that. Even people not on the team. What about some of our enemies?" Barbara paused. "Do Jay and Kay really mean nothing to you?" Barbara looked towards Batman's back.

He stopped again but stayed silent. Barbara watched as Batman started walking again, punched some numbers into the zeta-tube, and disappeared into the light.

Barbara kept staring at where Batman stood previously. Him not saying anything, is still him saying something. The fact that he did not answer and paused, proved to Barbara that the children did have some affect on him. A small smile grew on her face as she followed Batman to Mount Justice. This also proves that he was against doing what he is suggesting.

Recognized Batgirl B-16

"Mommy!" Barbara did not have much time to prepare herself as she walked out of the zeta-tube. Both children had run and jumped into her arms. Barbara was used to this, and somehow managed not to fall over as she steadied both children in her arms. Barbara had the most genuine smile anyone could have on their face, as her children excitedly started telling her what they did today.

"We had so much fun!" Kay started with sparkles in her eyes.

"Yea! Uncle Robin brought us here and-" Jay continued just as excited as his sister.

"We got to play with everyone! First we played catch with Robin and Impulse!"

"Impulse cheated though!"

"Oh really?" Barbara could not believe how excited her kids were and was kind of curious as to how Impulse could cheat in catch.

"Yea! He-" The conversation stopped as they heard a deep voice being cleared. The trio followed the sound, and Barbara's eyes once again fell on Batman. Barbara quickly noted that all of the Young Justice members, except Kid Flash and Artemis, were in the room as well.

"Batgirl." Barbara could see that Batman's facial expression had softened, but one would really have to know him to be able to tell. Barbara nodded her head.

Barbara looked at her kids and smiled, "why don't we finish this conversation in a little bit? I need to listen to this first, and we are holding them up from starting." The children looked to their mom and nodded their heads. "Good, why don't you run to the other room, and I will be there shortly?"

Barbara joined the other Young Justice members after she set down her kids and did as she instructed. Barbara still had a small smile on her face and her eyes seemed to say that she was lost in different thoughts, not thinking about what she was about to hear at all.

Batman noticed this and cleared his throat again. This brought Barbara back to the real world. Barbara gave him a strange look and then looked around at everyone else. They were all looking at her for some reason with smiles on their faces too. Well everyone had a smile except Nightwing. It looked as if he was calculating something.

Barbara turned her head to Batman, but her eyes lingered on Nightwing for a second longer. "Sorry, I had a rough day at work. And you know, seeing your kids always brings a smile to your face..." Everyone just stared at Barbara.

"Yes, we totally know what that feels like," Karen said sarcastically while rolling her eyes.

Barbara's eyes moved towards Karen while she laughed with some of the other members. "Well Karen, when you and Mal have children, you will know what I'm talking about." Karen's mouth dropped, and her's and Mal's faces slowly started heating up as everyone else kept laughing.

"BG!" Karen said shocked.

"I'm kidding! Well, I mean you guys could end up together. You guys have been dating for a while." Barbara added staring at the two.

"BG!" Karen shouted again.

Most of the members were laughing at how embarrassed Karen and Mal looked. Barbara was also laughing, but she noticed that Nightwing did not enjoy the situation as much.

"Enough," Nightwing said, "Batman doesn't have much time."

"Right, sorry," Batgirl responded, and then turned her attention towards the big man. Everybody else followed Barbara's example and waited for Batman to start.

"Two abandon warehouses seem to have started up again without reason." Batman pulled up two maps on the screen. One was of Gotham and New York and another was of Florida. There was one dot on the border of Gotham and another on the coast of Florida. Then pictures of the factories showed up. "We have reason to believe that illegal chemicals are being sent between both locations."

"What kind of illegal chemicals?"

Batman looked at Robin. "Thats what this team is going to find out, but we have reason to believe Ivy has something to do with it. This is a two part mission. You will split up. This mission is a covert recon mission, only engage if necessary. You will need to get a sample of the chemicals from both factories." Batman looked at Nightwing, "only take six people on this mission. Get in, and then get out." Batman looked at the team again before walking out to leave the rest to the team leader.

Recognized Batman A-02

Nightwing took his cue. "Alpha will consist of a team of me, Wondergirl, and Superboy. We will take the factory outside of Gotham. Beta will get the one in Florida." Batgirl looked at the rest of the team who could still be chosen for Beta. There was Robin, Beast Boy, Blue Beetle, Lagoon Boy, Miss Martian, Bumblebee, Impulse, and Mal. "Beta squad will be Miss Martian, Bumblebee, and Lagoon Boy."

"Yea!" Lagoon Boy shouted while he fist pumped the air.

Robin, Beast Boy, Blue Beetle, and Impulse all looked down, wondering why they weren't chosen. They all tried to complain, but Nightwing stopped them before they could.

"These teams are final. Mal, you will handle the computers from here. You will watch the surveillance cameras and warn us if you see anything suspicious." Nightwing looked at everybody in the room. Robin was going to say something, but then stopped when Nightwing looked at him. "Batgirl," Nightwing's eyes widened a bit in confusion after he said her name.

"Yes?" Batgirl, who was standing next to Robin, asked a little shocked that Nightwing called on her.

Nightwing coughed, "Uh… Nevermind." Batgirl and Robin glanced at each other in confusion, but Nightwing continued. "Beta, you will go to the factory in Florida. It is along the water. Lagoon Boy, that's where you will be for back up."

"Back up?" Lagoon Boy asked a little disgusted.

Nightwing nodded in response, "Miss Martian and Bumblebee can easily sneak in. Take the Bioship with you." The Beta team nodded, "good, now head out." Miss Martian, Bumblebee, and Lagoon Boy left for the Bioship. "Alpha, lets go too. We will zeta into Gotham. Move out." Superboy and Wondergirl went towards the zeta-tubes, while Robin stopped Nightwing with a hand. Batgirl saw Nightwing look at where Robin's hand met Nightwing's arm, and then him looking up at Robin.

"Nightwing, lets go," Superboy said from the zeta-tubes.

"I'll see you later, Robin." And with that Robin, Beast Boy, Blue Beetle, Impulse, Batgirl, and Mal were the only ones left in the room. Mal was already at the computer pulling up surveillance shots of the factories.

Batgirl looked at the remaining members and noticed a hint of sadness on Tim's face. "Don't worry Robin." Robin looked at Batgirl a little confused. Barbara gave him a smile. "Nightwing probably really thought it through on who was going on the mission. Because we don't know the whole picture and haven't heard much about it, we can assume that the situation isn't a massive threat as of yet. Which is probably why he decided to take Wondergirl. I don't mean that in a bad way. He probably wants to see where she is on her recon skills and how well she can handle a mission like this. He probably took Superboy just to fill in what Cassie may not be able to manage. Plus, it is by Gotham, and who knows what crazy stuff can happen. He probably also chose Lagoon Boy because the second location is on the water edge, for just in case purposes. He did say Lagoon Boy was backup, and I assume this is because Bumblebee and Miss Martian can easily sneak in without getting detected. Honestly, Miss Martian and Bumblebee seem ideal for a mission like this, especially because they can hide themselves really well. I know I haven't been back long and I can't judge people from the little time I have been here, but its just a guess." Batgirl said this all thoughtfully to the group of boys. Yet, they still looked a little down.

"Yeah… I guess…" Robin said before walking out of the mission room followed by the rest of the boys, except Mal.

"Did I say something wrong?"

Mal looked away from the screen and at Barbara. Barbara could tell that Mal was contemplating on whether or not to tell her something.

"Mal, its okay, you don't have to tell me unless you want to."

"No, its not that. Its just… I think ever since you left, Nightwing has been reluctant to put certain people on certain missions." This surprised Barbara.

"Really?"

Mal nodded, "yea, especially Robin."

"Hmm… I wonder why," Batgirl said while in thought, which was interrupted by one of kids running back into the room. Barbara looked down at Jay, who grabbed her hand and started tugging her to another room in the mountain.

"Mom," Jay grunted while trying to drag Barbara, "come on already. Kay and I have been waiting forever!"

Barbara chuckled, "alright, I'm coming." Barbara let Jay lead the way. "Oh, Mal?" Mal, who had turned back to his work looked at Barbara again, "thank you."

"For what?" Mal asked confused.

Barbara smiled, "for telling me."

Jay tugged harder on Barbara, "Mom…"

"Also, sorry about my comment earlier! Oh and Mal, if you need any help, I'll be somewhere in the mountain…" was the last thing Mal heard before Jay fully pulled Barbara into another room.

Mal stood there in silence for a moment, "she still can tell what Nightwing is thinking even after being away for so long." Mal shook his head, "how she does that, I just don't know." Mal smiled a little and turned back to his work.

Jay dragged Barbara all the way to the living room, where the boys who did not get chosen were sulking on the sofas and floor. Kay was standing on the side giving all the boys a questioning look.

"I don't get what's the matter," Kay said to the group of boys. Barbara noticed that Kay seems more comfortable in the mountain, well at least around this group. "So what? You didn't get chosen this time, there's always next time."

"Wow, Kay. You're very insightful," Tim mumbled into the couch. It still shocked Tim how much older Kay and Jay sounded almost every time they talked. But he also noticed that they are still kids, and they act like that too.

Kay smiled, "that's my motto! That's why I never get down whenever Jay beats me in something, because I know I can win next time!" Kay said powerfully, trying to cheer the group up. Barbara smiled at Kay's attempt, but the boys were still down.

"Kay?" Kay looked up to her mother, "why don't you, Jay, and me go to the kitchen and make some cookies?"

"Cookies!?" Jay and Kay asked excitedly. Barbara had to be careful with whatever she fed the two. If they ever have too much sugar, they go crazy and stay up all night bouncing around the house. Barbara still can not tell if thats because of the mutation or if its just because they are children. Anyway, it is not often that the two get cookies, though with Alfred around, it seems that they have them a lot more often.

"Cookies always make me feel better," Jay excitedly said.

"You boys can join us if you want?" Barbara said to the group. They sullenly nodded, but stayed in place. And with that, Barbara and her kids went to the kitchen to make some sweet sweets.

Jay and Kay sat on stools that surrounded the island in the middle of the kitchen as Barbara tried setting everything up.

Barbara turned the oven on to 350 degrees. She figured that M'gann probably kept all the ingredients for cookies here somewhere, just in case she felt like trying new recipes. Barbara got a big bowl, and slid it on the counter to where her kids were sitting, waiting patiently to help out. Barbara knew a few recipes from heart, or mind, that they could use. She looked through the cabinets for all-purpose flour, baking soda, sugar, light-brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. After she pulled all of these ingredients out and placed them on the counter, she went to the fridge and pulled out butter and eggs. After placing those ingredients on the counter, she looked in the fridge again for one of the key ingredients. When Barbara turned around to look at her kids' expectant look, she sighed.

"I can't seem to find any chocolate."

"What? There's no chocolate?" Kay asked, almost as sad as the boys in the other room.

Barbara closed the fridge and faced her children again, thinking. Barbara saw movement from the corner of her eye. She turned to face the movement. "Bart?" Then an idea struck her, "hey Bart, I need a favor."

Bart came out from hiding behind the wall next to the entrance. "I can't not answer a call for help…" Bart said sheepishly, but stared at the ingredients with a hunger.

Barbara smiled. "If I give you some money, would you mind running to a grocery store and buy some chocolate for me?"

Bart's eyes widened a bit. "Actually, I think I have some chocolate bars somewhere here."

"Oh really?!" Bart could not understand why Barbara seemed so cheery all of a sudden. Barbara was hoping that if she could get one of the boys to join her, then the rest will follow, but she did think it was funny that Bart had chocolate somewhere, though she should not have been surprised by it.

"Really, really, Uncle Bart?" Kay asked Bart with big blues eyes. It just occured to Barbara that her kids were not wearing their sunglasses to hide their eyes, but that Jay still wore his hood of his hoodie to hide his dark, almost black, hair, even though the group probably saw his hair while the kids were sparing. Well, if they haven't guessed who their father is now, then they probably won't be able to guess with those hints. Barbara chuckled a little.

Bart swallowed hard, "uh… I think I have a hidden stash here somewhere."

"I'll help you look," Jay said while jumping off of his stool.

Bart showed his well known smile and took up the unsaid challenge. "Whoever finds it first wins!" And Bart took off.

"Mom! See that's how Uncle Bart cheats!" Jay shouts while trying to catch up to Bart.

Barbara and Kay laughed, "alright, Kay, let's start putting the ingredients in the bowl." Kay nodded and together they put the dry ingredients into the bowl, of course Barbara added less than the amount of sugar required. While they were doing that, Bart came running back in. Barbara was a step ahead, and grabbed the bowl filled with powder and covered it before Bart's backlash could send the ingredients flying.

Bart saw what Barbara did, "whoa, that could have totally brought the mode." Barbara smirked before setting the bowl on the counter again. "But, its all crash now cause I found the chocolate!" Bart held up a bag of mini hershey bars. A few seconds later, Jay comes running in.

"Uncle Bart! That's no fair! I found them!"

"But I grabbed them first, and thats what matters," Bart placed the bag on the counter.

"Alright, alright. You both did a good job," Barbara mainly said that for Jay, but Bart seemed to take in the praise, too. "Why don't you two open up the chocolate and put it in this bowl," Barbara said while grabbing another bowl from a cabinet and sliding it to Bart. Jay went up to the counter and climbed up on a seat next to Bart. While Jay and Bart started opening the chocolate bars and dropping broken pieces into the empty bowl, Kay started mixing the dry ingredients as Barbara put in the vanilla extract and 2 eggs.

The group was working hard until the silence was broken, "hey!" Bart shouted. Kay and Barbara looked at the boys to see what the commotion was. Right in between Bart and Jay was Beast Boy, who had a bit of chocolate around his mouth.

"What?" Beast Boy said as he grabbed another piece of chocolate from the bowl on the counter.

"BB! The chocolate's for the cookies!" Bart explained. Beast Boy looked at the chocolate, then looked at the bowl by Barbara and Kay.

"Oh…" Beast Boy finished his piece of chocolate and bounced to Barbara and Kay, "can I mix that? I can mix it really well."

Barbara smiled, "sure. Kay would you mind cracking the last egg?" Kay passed the whisk over to Beast Boy, and grabbed an egg to crack. Barbara got the butter ready, and again added a little less than what the recipe asked for. She had to keep them a little bit healthy. Kay cracked the last egg and Barbara placed in the butter, "okay, now don't mix too hard Beast Boy, because it will go everywhere if you do."

Beast Boy nodded and gave the mixing all of his attention. "I got this…" He whispered under his breath.

"Hey uh… Barbara?"

"Yeah, Bart?" Barbara turned her attention to the speedster.

"How does the chocolate look? Its been a really long time since I made any cookies." Barbara looked into the bowl and gasped really loudly. Everybody in the kitchen stopped what they were doing and looked at Barbara. Beast Boy even dropped his whisk into the mixing bowl which caused a loud clanking sound.

"Mommy, what is it?" Kay asked, worried that something was wrong.

"Oh nothing, they look fine."

"Don't do that!" Bart nearly shouted and placed his hand over his heart. "My heart is racing faster than a mile a minute."

Barbara laughed, "I'm sorry, it was just so easy to tease you. Honestly, it looks fine. You guys are all doing a good job..."

"What happened?" Robin said rushing into the room, followed by Jaime. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, we heard a loud noise... is that cookie dough?" Jaime looked at the bowl by Beast Boy.

Bart dashed next to Jaime, "yup, it is. Want to help us?"

"Che… cooking is for girls," Jaime stopped talking as he noticed how Beast Boy was mixing in the ingredients. "No hermano, thats not how you mix cookie dough," Jaime said as he walked over to the bowl. Beast Boy passed the whisk to Jaime, who started expertly whisking the ingredients together.

"Whoa," Bart and Beast Boy said as they watched Jaime.

"Well," Barbara had walked around the counter and everybody so she was by Robin. She placed a hand on his shoulder, "would you like to help add the chocolate into the bowl?"

Robin looked at Barbara, and then the counter where everybody was and let out a sigh, "sure." Barbara smiled and crossed her arms as she watched Robin join the scene in front of her. Everybody was around the counter helping make the cookies. Tim, Jay, and Kay were taking turns putting in chocolate chunks into the bowl that Jaime was mixing, while Beast Boy and Bart were watching. Barbara went through a few more cabinets and found two cookie trays. She placed them on the counter, and spread some butter on the pans so the cookies would not stick to them. She looked at the group again and smiled. While she has been back, which was not that long, she believes that this is the happiest she has seen them. Barbara opened a draw in the counter and pulled out six spoons.

"Okay, guys. It looks ready to be placed on the tray," Barbara said as she handed everybody a spoon.

"Why are you giving everybody a spoon? Wouldn't it be more efficient just to use one?"

"Rob, where's the fun in that? Plus when we are done putting all the dough on the trays, there is always some left in the bowl and you can't eat that with one spoon," Barbara replied easily.

"Are you serious? You can get salmonella from that."
"If you don't want any, Rob, that just means more for us. But I do have a limit of how much dough you can eat, because he is right in a way," Barbara said while eyeing the group. It was Batgirl's version of a batglare, but she somehow made it softer than how it used to be, where it seems more instructive than disapproving.

"Yes, ma'am!" Jay and Kay saluted, which caused the rest of the boys to look at the kids and try to copy them. Together, the group scooped a bunch of different sized mounds of cookie dough and slapped it onto the two trays. After pushing each other and shouting at each other to move their cookies so they would not touch, the group finally finished.

"Nicely done guys. Okay so these need to go into the oven for about…" The group did not hear the rest of the instructions that Barbara was about to say due to Jay and Kay diving for the bowl that was filled with the extra cookie dough.

"Hey!" Bart shouted and went after the bowl too. Eventually the bowl was in the middle of them, barely on the counter. All you could hear was them arguing with each other to get some of the cookie dough and the metal clanking of spoons. Barbara shook her head, but decided to put the cookies in the oven. She closed the oven, then looked at the clock, which said 6:38. Alright so the recipe says about 20 minutes, but I did put two batches in there. So I'll check it again around 7. Barbara thought this while watching the group finish the finished cookie dough.

"Well, that was fun," Bart said while putting his used spoon in the empty bowl like everybody else. "So when will the cookies be ready?"

Barbara collected the bowl and the other dirty dishes, "soon, Bart. Now we just have to wait." A thought did cross Barbara's mind that there was a chance that there would not be enough cookies if a speedster was eating them too, but she decided to worry about that later. As she put the dishes in the sink, she started to hear a rapid tapping noise. Everybody's eyes landed on Bart.

"What? I hate waiting," Bart said with a shrug. Robin shook his head in disapproval, but had a small smile on his face.

"Well, I do have one idea that could pass the time, but it may take some time to set up," Barbara said while doing the dishes. Jay and Kay seemed to understand, for they both got up and went to get something from the other room. The group of boys looked at each other, then looked at Jay and Kay, who walked through the door carrying a backpack. Barbara finished and set the dishes to the side to dry. She brushed her wet hands on her pants, and then walked up to her kids who gave her the backpack. As Barbara was looking through the bag, the boys slowly inched closer to see what Barbara had in mind. "It still is a bit warm outside, so we should be fine. We can't stay outside too long though, or we might get sick, but…" Barbara pulled out a bag full of deflated water balloons, "are you up for the challenge?" The boys all looked at each other with smiles slowly growing on their faces. Barbara smiled, "well, let's go fill up some balloons so we can let the games begin."

The gang went through the mission room, and opened the garage door to head outside. The mountain announced their departure. While everybody was walking, with Robin carrying a big bucket to hold the water balloons, to the still lit outdoors, Barbara stopped by Mal.

"How's it going?" Barbara asked seriously, all fun from a few minutes ago gone.

"Beta seems to be doing well, but Alpha maybe running into trouble." Mal looked at Barbara, "once I find out what's going on, I'll let you know, but the signal has been going in and out." Barbara nodded in understanding, and proceeded to head outside with the others.

When she got outside, she saw that the guys all split up with some water balloons and went to some of the hose faucets around the mountain. Why there were so many hose faucets, only Batman would know. Barbara went up to Kay and grabbed a few balloons, and started to fill them up at another faucet station. A few minutes later, Barbara checked her watch, 6:54. Barbara looked at the rest of the group, and noticed that they had already thrown a few water balloons at each other. She chuckled to herself as she carried the few balloons she managed to fill up to the bucket. As if a third sense, Barbara could tell something was coming up behind her. She dropped her balloons into the bucket, turned around, and caught the two balloons that were flying her way. The problem was, while she was used to catching things that flew towards her, she was also used to throwing them right back. And because her momentum to turnaround was still pushing her, she automatically threw the balloons back where they came from. Well, this was not good for Barbara. Robin, Blue Beetle, Beast Boy, Impulse, Jay and Kay were all standing together. They were shocked at what Batgirl did. Their bodies' did not register in time that two water balloons were coming straight at them. In the end, they all ended up a little wet.

Barbara was shocked, but she could not help laughing. "I'm so sorry, guys! Reflexes!" Barbara looked at her watch again, "I'll be back! I have to go get the cookies." As Barbara ran back inside, she noticed the group converse. She had a bad feeling about this.

When Barbara got to the kitchen, she pulled out the cookies and placed them on the counter. "Hot, but they look really good." Barbara carefully ripped a piece of a cookie off and put it in her mouth, even though it just came out of the oven. It burnt her mouth a little, but it was a delicious cookie. Now, all the cookies had to do was cool, and then they would be good to go. "I guess I should join them outside again." But before Barbara did that, she took off her watch and placed her phone on the counter. She had a feeling that she would be better off without those things for now.

No one was in sight when Barbara got back outside. This put Barbara on edge. Barbara heard some rustling from a nearby bush. She looked at that direction and dodged a balloon that was coming from another angle. Yup, it seems like it was all on one. Batgirl smiled ready for this, they won't get a single drop on me. And just like that, the cookies on the counter were forgotten.

Wow, those kids are good. Barbara smirked, while in tree. Those kids maybe be good, but they had yet to land a drop of water on Batgirl. Batgirl did have a few close calls, but she managed to get out of them.

It was dark outside now, so Batgirl used that to her advantage. But because it was dark outside, she also knew that the game had to end. Batgirl sighed and pulled a device out of her utility belt, which she has learned to never leave the house without. It has saved her more than once in the dark streets of Gotham. Also, Batgirl would not call using her belt cheating since it was all on one, but that is besides the point.

Batgirl balanced herself on the branch she was standing on, and held the device in her hands. She used one hand to extend an antenna on the rectangle box and the other was on the nob trying to find the right signal range. Once she managed to find the right frequency, she started talking into the device.

"Alright guys, time out." Barbara's voice could be heard all around the mountain with an echo. As Barbara talked, the device she was using connected to all the speakers around the mountain, allowing her position not to be compromised. "It's getting late and cold. I can't let you guys get sick. Not only would that be bad for the team, but Nightwing would kill me, if he doesn't already plan to." Barbara chuckled, "so lets end the game by this. If you guys can get me by the time I run back into the mountain, you win. If not, the game is over, we go inside, and..." Barbara paused as she heard rustling noises around her. Great. "I win." The rustling stopped, Barbara tried to see if she could see anything through the corner of her eyes, but without her mask with night vision, it was hopeless. I guess the dark was a disadvantage to her too. "Ready. Set. Go!"

Barbara jumped off the branch and rolled into a crouch behind a bush on the ground. She heard the rustling noises behind her, again. Great. Barbara thought again. Barbara quickly scanned the area around her. She noted that she was about 200 yards or about 182.88 meters from the mountain's entrance. Okay, they would expect me to think of some crazy thought out plan. So lets do the opposite.

Barbara ran straight out of the bushes and directly towards the door, something Batgirl would usually never do.

"What?!" Barbara heard Robin and her kids shout from behind her. I guess I should have known using a radio device would get me caught.

"Jaime, hurry!" Robin told Jaime

"I'm coming, hermano!" Barbara did not have to look behind to see what their plan was. It seems that Jaime had started using his suit in the game, which not only allowed him to see in the dark, but also gave him pinpoint accuracy to where a person was if he saw them.

"Ready, uncle Jaime," Kay shouted. Her, Jay, and Robin were going to keep passing water balloons to Jaime so the water balloon assault does not stop.

Jaime faulted a little, "uncl… uncle Jaime?" Barbara chuckled as she ran.

"Jaime!" Robin shouted, "now!"

"Oh, right!" Jaime got into position, and with the use of his armour, let the balloons fly.

Barbara started running in a zigzag motion so it would be harder for her to get hit. Even with Blue Beetle's sensory skills, they kept on missing, which struck Batgirl as weird. Unless, it was some sort of a trap. Batgirl's eyes widened.

Barbara did not have time to think more as she heard another voice from above her "Gotcha!" Batgirl followed the voice as she ran and saw Impulse on a higher part of the mountain with a ton of water balloons. Batgirl jumped and rolled out of the way as Bart threw more balloons in a crazy fashion. Batgirl kept running, the distance between her and the mountain shortening.

Batgirl took out the rectangular device again and spoke into it. "Hey Mal," Batgirl started, connecting the device to the inside of the mountain. She knew Mal could hear her, but she also knew she could not hear him. "Mind opening the garage to let us in?" Batgirl kept running, but the balloons from all sides kept coming. Wait a second. Batgirl thought as she was about 20 feet from the entrance. Where is Beast Boy?

It seemed that the rest of the group was a distraction as Beast Boy got into position. The balloons had forced Batgirl a certain way to make it easier for Beast Boy to target the lone player. Batgirl looked up at the ceiling above her as she ran into the mountain.

A green monkey fell from above and landed just behind where Batgirl was running. The monkey quickly aimed a massive water balloon at Batgirl's head and threw the balloon as hard as he could. Impulse and the rest of the gang got back to the mountain as soon as they could and watched the balloon fly from Beast Boy's hand. Batgirl knew it was coming from behind her. She stopped running and ducked.

*POP* *SPLASH*

Barbara opened her closed eyes and put her hands to her hair. She patted herself to see if she was wet anywhere. Batgirl jumped from her position, "ha! I'm all dry! I win!" Batgirl shouted and looked at the team that was against her. When she saw all of their faces, she was a little confused. They were all staring wide eyed at something behind Batgirl. Kay even had her hands over her mouth.

"Oh, you think you're all dry?" Barbara's body froze. Her proud smile slowly vanished as she noticed the room's atmosphere change to a serious one. She felt her ears prick and stomach tingle as her instincts kicked in. Something isn't right. She knew if she turned around she would find the cause of this mood change. Slowly the redhead turned her head to look at the person who spoke. What she saw would have made her laugh if it was not for these circumstances. Barbara saw Miss Martian, Bumblebee, Lagoon Boy, Wondergirl, Superboy, and Mal behind a soaking wet Nightwing. The smile on her face completely vanished.

Barbara's hands quickly covered her mouth, "oh my go… I am so sorr..."

"No," Nightwing stopped her with a hand. "Don't say it."

Barbara did not know what to do, "but…" Nightwing shook his head.

"Just…" he said rather harshly. He took a deep breath, "come here," he paused, "and let me give you a hug." He stared into her eyes through his domino mask as he started to moved. A mischievous smile spread across Dick's face.

"No, really that's alright," Barbara said as she slowly started to back away. Barbara was a little afraid, because it almost seemed as if Nightwing looked a little evil. Plus, he has not shone any of this playfulness while she has been back.

"Is it alright?" Nightwing questioned, "everyone else here seems a little wet, except you." Nightwing smirked as he saw Batgirl gulp. Barbara noticed that he was right. Lagoon Boy, Miss Martian, and Bumblebee looked as if they were wet, and Superboy, Wondergirl, and Mal seem to have gotten a little water on them from the balloon Beast Boy threw.

Without anymore thoughts, Dick grabbed Barbara by the wrist and pulled her in, just like in the old days. His arms wrapped around her, holding her back tightly against him. Barbara tensed up do this sudden display of affection and shivered as she could feel the water soak through her clothes. "See Barbara, now its fair," Dick replied while practically choking her. Nightwing's head sunk into her hair as the familiar scent of raspberry shampoo permeated into his memories. It had been a long time since he has done this, a long time since he was this close, and until this very moment, he never realized how much he missed it. Barbara on the other hand had no idea what to think. All she could think about was how aware she felt of their bodies touching. She felt extremely uncomfortable, yet she also felt completely at home.

Barbara coughed, finding it hard to breath, "I get it, I get it." She was smaller than he remembered, yet she still fit into his arms as if she was his missing puzzle piece. It was as if the hole he did not know he had in his heart had vanished. Everybody started laughing. Dick's eyes shot opened as he heard higher pitches of giggles. What am I doing? This isn't my Barbara… his body lost its pull and and his arms reacted without thinking, he pushed the familiar memories away, forcing it back into the dark pits of his mind as he pushed his childhood friend away. He tore his eyes from the children as his heart began to beat a little faster. He was not apart of her world anymore, so what was the point in pretending?

Barbara had felt Dick's body go rigid, as she felt him close himself off from her again. Batgirl looked at his face as he practically pushed her away from himself. The redhead had followed the direction of where Dick looked before he pushed her away, and noticed that Jay and Kay were standing not to far from her.

"I'm going to go change…" Nightwing mumbled under his breath as he walked away. "Meet me back here in 10 to discuss what happened on the mission."

Barbara turned her head back towards Nightwing. The room grew silent as Nightwing left. Barbara shivered. "Brr… I'm cold now, from barely getting wet." Barbara laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "Why don't we go eat the cookies we made a little while ago?" Barbara asked the room.

"Cookies?" Lagoon Boy asked.

"Yay! Cookies!" Kay shouted as she ran towards the kitchen.

"Last one there is a rotten egg," Jay said before following Kay.

"Hey! Wait!" Impulse said as he sped along.

"Bart! Don't finish all the cookies!" Robin and Jaime ran after Bart causing everybody else to follow, leaving Batgirl alone in the mission room.

Barbara smiled. At least she knows that some of her teammates are okay with her kids. She let out a sigh. Well I should go get those two. I don't want them catching a cold from their wet clothes. Barbara headed to the hallway that lead to the kitchen, but stopped before leaving the mission room. She turned her head and looked at where Nightwing had been previously. Barbara's face softened, Dick...

Thanks for reading! And shout out to BatShitCrazy21! Thanks for your advice!

Also, I do not own the recipe I used for this chapter nor have I tried, but it is chocolate chip cookies and those are almost always so good! Oh and also! If you have questions, please ask them so I can clarify things if it gets confusing. I am really sorry that it takes so long to update. And thank you for all the your reviews!