"I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so excited", Nightwing squealed, hopping up and down in his seat.

"Yea, we know Dick", Red Robin grumbled, shifting Robin's weight in his arms. Robin had a habit of falling asleep every time he went on a ride that lasted more than around ten minutes, especially an uneventful one. Because Batman was piloting, Red Hood was copiloting and Nightwing was hopping around in his seat like a gecko, he had opted for Red Robin as the best place in the plane to catch a nap without having to be restrained in a harness.

Red Robin, at Nightwing's request, had agreed to allow Robin to rest in his arms. Now, he found it was rather soothing to have the weight of the small boy cradled close to his chest, their breathing patterns matched. Of course, he wouldn't ever admit this to anyone.

"Alright", Batman said as he piloted the Batwing towards the watchtower, "I want you all on your best behavior, ok?"

"I think the one you should be preaching to is asleep", Red Hood said with a smirk.

"No, he's sitting next to me. Try to keep the flirting to a minimum. Remember, nobody here likes you and none of them actually know you're coming."

"You didn't tell them?" Nightwing asked, halting his bouncy dance for a moment.

"No", Batman replied, "because I knew the answer would be no."

"I didn't have to come", Red Hood replied darkly, arms crossed, "It's not like I get to participate in secret Santa or anything."

"Don't blame me", Batman replied, "Clark was the one that said no. I think it had something to do with the fact that you're still an outlaw." Red Hood stuck out his tongue.

"Minor detail."

"Anyway", Batman continued, "Secret Santa isn't that great. Every year I get Clark and I swear he rigs it so that it'll be that way. He claims he doesn't but come on, this year he wrote on his paper he wanted a big screen TV. Who asks for that unless they know a multibillionare is going to get it? Could he be anymore obvious?"

"Yea, well, just be happy you didn't get Power Girl", Red Robin grumbled, "that was so awkward."

Flashback

"No guys, I am not going into Victoria's Secret and asking for one that size. Do they even make them that size?"

"Ohh come on Tummers, be a man. And, I'm sure they make them that big, they have to."

"I don't know, I mean, Dick, have you ever seen that woman's costume? Does she even wear one? I don't think so."

"Because you'd know, wouldn't you Jason."

"Well, I can tell these things about a woman."

"Guys, I'm not going in there."

"Tim, it's a bra, it's not a snake."

"Then you go buy it."

"You kidding me, I'm not going in and asking for a bra that big, they'd think I was crazy!"

"How did she get so damn big?"

"Heh, heh, I'd tap that."

"Shut up Jason."

"Tim, what did you end up getting her?" Batman asked.

"As tempted as I was to just buy two basketballs and use the skins as cups, I finally just special ordered one on line. Point is, at least a big screen TV isn't abnormal or awkward."

"Hah, are you kidding me, I didn't get Clark a big screen TV, I got him a key chain."

"But", Red Hood said, confused, "that box you've got in the back is huge."

"Yea", Batman snickered, "I put the key chain in the box. He's gonna be so surprised!"

"Bruce, that's mean", Red Robin said. Batman nodded smugly.

"I got Arthur", Nightwing said brightly, "I bought him a goldfish."

"Dick", Red Hood said incredulously, "Arthur literally has every fish in the sea, why the hell would he want a goldfish?"

"Because", Nightwing replied, "goldfish are awesome." Batman pulled into the hanger, expertly piloting and landing right beside the invisible jet. Robin blinked blearily just as the plane set down, gazing about in consternation.

"Are we there?" he asked softly.

"Yup kiddo", Nightwing replied gently, rubbing the boy's dark hair. Robin reached out, begging Nightwing to take him. Nightwing grinned and took the boy from Red Robin, holding him close. "Now, say thank you to Timmy for holding you so nice."

"Thanks", Robin murmured, burying his face in Nightwing's chest. He gave a sigh and his eyelids flickered.

"Dammit", Red Robin cursed.

"What?" Nightwing asked.

"I hate it when he gets all cute. It makes him so much harder to hate." Nightwing grinned and kissed the side of Robin's head before hopping out of the cockpit with Red Robin.

"Alright", Batman said, "I guess we better get going. Damn I hate these parties. I have to…associate with people."

"Heaven forbid", Nightwing gasped sarcastically, putting a hand over his mouth.

"Now, stick close to one of us at all times would you blue jay", Batman said seriously, "I don't want you getting attacked." Red Hood rolled his eyes.

"Sure Dad, whatever."

"Father", Robin muttered, "Why do I not receive a gift at this gathering?"

"Because you didn't want to get anyone else a gift if you'll recall."

"Minor detail", Robin replied with an eye roll.

"Don't worry little d", Red Hood said, ruffling the boy's hair, "I don't get diddly shit either. We'll start our own Secret Santa and give gifts to each other and just not include anyone else."

"Aww", Nightwing whined, "Can I be in your Secret Santa too?"

"No", Robin replied, "Only Todd and I since we are not participating in your inferior Secret Santa."

"Little jerk", Nightwing replied playfully, blowing air through Robin's hair.

"Hello Bat family", Superman said, coming up with his arms opened and a Santa hat on his head, "I'm so glad you could come." His smile faltered and disappeared however, when he noticed Red Hood. "Bruce", he said, "what's he doing here?"

"He's part of my family", Batman replied, "so he comes."

"Bruce, I really don't think it's a good idea, him being here."

"Thanks for talking about me like I'm not here Kansas boy", Red Hood muttered darkly.

"I don't care Clark", Batman replied, voice dropping an octave, "he's my son, he's part of my family, he comes."

"Dad, it's ok", Red Hood murmured, "I don't have to stay. I can go, I don't care."

"No", Batman replied, "you're staying. He's staying Clark, anyone who has a problem with him being here can talk to me."

"Can we trust him?"

"I trust my son with my life and I don't trust anyone, I think that's answer enough for you Clark. Come on everyone, lets go on into the party."

"Thanks for sticking up for me Dad", Red Hood murmured, smiling at him. Batman put an arm around him.

"No one messes with my kids", he growled playfully in Red Hood's ear. The hall where the party was being held was full of people, all leaguers milling about, talking and eating.

"Oo", Red Hood said excitedly, "they're going to feed us." Red Robin rolled his eyes.

"I'm going to get some food", Red Hood said excitedly, bounding off.

"Wait", Batman called after him, "don't go by yourself."

"Dad", Red Hood whined, "I'm a grown man."

"I don't want you to get hurt", Batman replied. Red Hood rolled his eyes.

"Fine, I'll take…hey dami, you wanna go get some munchies with me?"

"I suppose", Robin replied languidly, "After all, we are the only ones not receiving presents at this party."

Nightwing rolled his eyes and said, "Again baby bird, your fault." Robin sniffed, broke into a trot and vaulted onto Red Hood's shoulders.

"We have to hit the bread first", the Red Hood said, carrying him over to the tables.

"Can we get some chocolate after that?" Robin replied, trying his best to sound disinterested. Red Hood giggled and wrapped his arms around the boy's legs, carrying him piggyback.

"You know it kiddo!"

"Ahh, the Justice League Christmas party", Nightwing said happily, "one of the best parties of the year." Batman snorted.

"Hardly. I liked Timmy's birthday party way better."

"All we did", Nightwing muttered darkly, "was play that boring science board game you two love so much for two hours."

"Yea", Red Robin replied happily, "it was fun."

"Anyway", Nightwing continued, "this party is great because we get presents."

"Well, come on Wing, some people give crappy presents", Red Robin said, "ohh, I hope I got Atom this year, he gives the best gifts."

"I had him last year", Nightwing moaned, "all he got me was some crappy diorama of the solar system."

"You don't think that's cool?" Batman asked incredulously. "Atom's the coolest."

"I hope I got Captain Marvel", Nightwing said, "he always gives something he would want, and he likes the most fun toys."

"You know Dick", Red Robin said, "sometimes I just don't get you."

"And you know baby brother", Nightwing replied, laying a hand on the younger man's shoulder, "I never get you."

"Mmm, look grasshopper, they got a chocolate fountain."

"Let us stick some things in it Todd", Robin said excitedly, reaching out to snag a strawberry and a stick when the Red Hood bent down. Together, the two went over to the chocolate fountain, piling their plates high on the way with all sorts of interesting foods.

Robin had, unwisely, skipped breakfast and now that it was around lunchtime, he was doubly hungry and ready to eat. Red Hood had already consumed a large breakfast, a medium sized brunch and a moderately sized pre lunch meal, but as usual, he was still ready to eat.

Leaning over so Robin could reach, Red Hood lowered his strawberry beneath the waterfall of chocolate. "Mmm", he said, popping the succulent berry into his mouth. Craning his neck, he started to giggle when he saw Robin with chocolate all smothered over his chin, lips, cheeks and even his nose. "Did you eat the berry baby bird or did it eat you?"

Robin rolled his eyes and Red Hood reached back, swinging the boy wonder up onto his chest. "Todd!" Robin squealed as he was rolled foreword. Red Hood giggled and rubbed noses with the small boy, playfully kissing the chocolate off his cheeks before swinging him back onto his shoulders.

Robin giggled despite himself and clung to Red Hood. Then, he sat up a little straighter. "Todd, I see a plate of brownies yonder."

"Well, point the way chickadee. That is some action I have to get a piece of." Red Hood started towards the plate, so intent upon it, he didn't notice the large chest in his way. However, being that the Red Hood is not intangible, he did ram into it. Bouncing back slightly, he looked up into the scowling face of the Green Lantern, Hal Jordan. "Can I help you?" the Red Hood asked, peeved at being run into so rudely.

"What are you doing here?" Lantern snapped.

"Going for the brownies", Hood replied, "You got a problem with that?"

"Yes, I do, you are an outlaw and I'm taking you in right now."

"No you are not", Robin growled from Red Hood's shoulders.

"Look blinky", Red Hood said, reaching back to rub Robin's hair reassuringly, "I'd love to kick your ass, really I would, but you see, my dad's here and he'd kill me if I got into any fights so I'm afraid I'm going to have to pass. Now, if you don't mind, I have some brownies waiting for me right over there." The Green Lantern's eyes narrowed and with a swoop of his ring, Red Hood was shoved backwards, the wind knocked out of him.

Robin jumped clear at the last second and sent several batarangs careening towards Green Lantern, one biting deeply into his shoulder. Lantern gave a hiss and toppled backwards, clinging to the metal implement protruding from his shoulder. "If you want him, you have to go through me", Robin snarled, lowering himself to a crouch in front of Red Hood.

"Thanks tiger", Red Hood grunted, "you're the best little brother ever."

"Is there a problem?" a gravelly voice rumbled. Red Hood looked up gratefully at the man who had suddenly materialized next to him.

"Hey daddy, I didn't start it, I swear."

"You hurt?" Batman grunted, helping Red Hood up. The younger man shook his head.

"Your kid is quick though, such a good little soldier, huh sport." Robin continued to glare in Lantern's direction, now however feeling a lot more secure with his Father behind him. A moment later Nightwing joined him, grasping the hilt of his exema stick and Red Robin stood, cracking his knuckles.

"The Red Hood's with me", Batman growled. Green Lantern glared in their direction, but knew better than to get into a fight he was fairly certain he wouldn't win.

"I'm not done Batman", he replied coldly, and floated away.

"Thanks Dad", Red Hood said.

"Try to stay out of trouble", Batman sighed.

"I always do", Red Hood replied, giving Batman a little kiss on the cheek. "Hey look, there's J'onn! I'm gonna go see 'em. Don't worry Bruce, he won't attack and or try to kill me." Batman rolled his eyes as Red Hood skittered off once again.

"Kon", Red Robin called excitedly, bounding over to his friend.

"Wally", Nightwing cried, and off he went to greet the Flash.

"I guess it's just you and me kiddo", Batman said to his son, looking down at the boy. Robin nodded. "Want to go be antisocial in the corner?"

"Yes father", Robin replied, "and may we glare at people too?"

"Of course", Batman agreed, "and we can whisper and act like we're plotting their untimely demise." Robin giggled gleefully and reached up so his father would hold him. Batman swung his son up into his arms, kissing his forehead and started towards the corner.

"How 'ave you been Tim?" Superboy asked excitedly, greeting Red Robin.

"Great", Red Robin replied.

"It must be so cool having all your brothers around for the holidays."

"The coolest", Red Robin replied, "it's been loads of fun. How about your Christmas?"

"Well", Superboy said coyly, "things have been heating up with me and Cassie."

"Details", Red Robin said excitedly.

"J'onn", Red Hood called, rocking back and forth on his heels behind the Martian. The green man turned around and broke into a smile.

"Jason, my how you have grown. I did not know you would be at this party."

"Bruce made me come, you know how he is, but I did want to come and see you. It's been such a long time."

"Yes", J'onn agreed, "too long. How have you been?"

"Aww, you know, the usual. Family's crazy, life's crazy, same old same old. Still have the mars rock you gave me that one Christmas though."

J'onn smiled. "I'm afraid I consumed all the cookies you gave me that year, so I have none of them left."

"That's cool, I can bake some more."

"Wally, How's your family?"

"Ohh, they've been great", Flash replied, "the kids miss you though."

"I gotta go and see them again soon", Nightwing said with a sigh, "everything's been so busy though. I got the family to take care of and all sorts of other stuff going on."

"How's your Christmas though?" Wally asked.

"Ohh, it's been amazing. The family is so great." Right at that moment, Nightwing felt some extra weight added onto his shoulders. "Hey little bird, what's up?" he asked.

"Father's talking to someone and I did not wish to be present at a boring conversation but it seems I have just found another one." Nightwing rolled his eyes.

"Wally, you know my charming baby brother, don't you?"

"'Course" the Flash replied, ruffling Robin's hair. He had to flick his hand back rather quickly, however, as Robin's teeth chomped down right where it had been moments before. The Flash and Nightwing laughed.

"So, you brought Jason", Wonder Woman said, leaning against the wall as she watched Red Hood bound exuberantly around J'onn as though he were a five year old again. Batman shrugged.

"I'm doing my best to reincorporate him into every aspect of my life I can. I want things to be normal for him."

"So, no prison", Wonder Woman replied, eyebrows raised, "despite all the people he's killed. That doesn't really seem like justice to me." Batman gazed at her accusingly.

"Prisons are for rehabilitating and punishing criminals Diana. Jason may be a criminal, but he's being rehabilitated with me much better than he would be anywhere else and trying to punish him would just push him away. That's the last thing I want. Right now, what he needs is his family around him and just a lot of love and that is not something he can get in the prison system, not at all."

"Whatever you say Bruce", Wonder Woman replied, "whatever you say."

"It is…good to see you again though", Batman said softly.

"It's good to see you too", Diana replied, taking his hand.

After a craft session Superman insisted on having ("Jason, that is not where the carrot goes on the snowman!") It was finally time to exchange gifts. Giggling, Nightwing bounded up to Aquaman, gift in hand. "I had you Arthur, open it, open it."

"Ohh Nightwing, a goldfish, how nice." Nightwing giggled.

"Umm Nightwing…" a timid voice behind him said. Nightwing swung around to find Blue Beetle, standing somewhat awkwardly behind him with one foot scuffing over the other. "Umm, here's your gift. I didn't have a lot of money this year, but I hope you like it." Nightwing eagerly ripped open the paper and gave a squeal that almost broke the windows of the watchtower.

"It's a fuzzy blue worm with an invisible string attached, otherwise known as a Magic Worm, what I just realized I've been wanting my whole life! Ohh my god Jaime, you're the greatest." Nightwing embraced a bewildered Blue Beetle and then scampered off, screaming at the top of his lungs.

"Ohh Clark", Batman called giggling quietly to himself, "I had you."

"Ohh Bruce", Superman said excitedly, "that's so cool. That's a pretty big box!"

"Yup", Batman said with a smile. Superman eagerly ripped off the paper and opened the box, gazing into it. "Ohh Bruce, what a wonderful…Superman key chain?" Batman broke into frantic giggles, he couldn't help it.

"You thought I was going to get you a TV, didn't you?"

"Bruce", Superman said, putting his hands on his hips, "it's not very nice to trick people."

"Ohh, come on Smallville, we both know you rig it so I get you every year!" Superman gave an affronted gasp.

"I do not Bruce."

"Clark, you're a terrible liar. Anyway, you asked for a big screen TV. Who asks for something like that unless they know I'm they're Secret Santa? Come on now, what if Captain Marvel had gotten your tag, how is he supposed to get you a TV?"

"Bruce, I am so insulted you would insinuate something like that."

"Fine, fine, play that game but next year, if I get you again, I'm trading with Bart." Superman gave a huff and crossed his arms.

"Umm, hi Powergirl, I um…I got you your gift."

"Red Robin, thank you!" Powergirl said, eagerly opening the bag. She gave a squeal of excitement when she pulled out the contents. "Ohh it's precious, you didn't have any problems finding my size did you?"

"No, not at all", Red Robin fibbed, looking awkwardly away. "I'm glad you like it."

"Ohh, I love it!" Power Girl reached out and pressed Red Robin to her chest, holding him in a tight hug.

"Can't breath", Red Robin gasped, buried in seemed to be two squishy basketballs.

"Ohh Timmy", Superboy called, giggling as he floated over, "I got a gift for you." Red Robin extracted himself from Powergirl's smothering embrace and skittered over to Superboy.

"Kon, you got me?" Red Robin asked excitedly. Superboy shook his head.

"Not me, but I was supposed to give this to you. You have to guess who gave it to you."

"Ok", Red Robin said eagerly, "gee, I hope it was the Atom." Superboy toppled over laughing as Red Robin gazing in consternation and abashment at the little piece of fabric.

"I don't think it was the Atom", Red Hood snorted, coming over with Robin on his shoulders, "or at least, I hope it wasn't the Atom that got you that little thong Timmy."

"It wasn't", Atom said dryly, flying by.

"What the hell do you even do with this thing", Red Robin whimpered, "it looks like something you might strangle someone with."

"Aren't you going to try it on?" a silky voice purred. Huntress stood behind him, clicking her long nails together.

"Umm, no", Red Robin replied, slightly frightened by the wolfish grin the older female hero was giving him, "but it's a l…l…l…lovely gift Huntress." Huntress raised her eyebrows, licked her lips, and sauntered away, hips swaying. As soon as she was gone, Red Robin tossed the thing away and leapt back with a disgusted snort as though it were a poisonous snake.

"Here Timmy", Batman said, coming up, "I'll trade you. I got the Atom this year."

"Really Bruce?" Red Robin said, "Ohh, thanks." Batman handed him the gift. "Eeeeee", Red Robin squealed, "look Jay, it's a package of chemistry flash cards."

"And I should care because?"

"Timmy", Batman said, picking Red Robin's gift up, "how do you fit into these things. I swear, this'd fit a toddler."

"Shut up Bruce", Red Robin grumbled.

"How did she even know your size?" Robin asked, wrapping his arms around Red Hood's neck.

"I don't know", Red Robin wailed, "it's creepy."

"Well", Batman said, "on that note, I think it's time for us to go."

"Wait", Superman said, floating up, "You and Tim tied for the "guess the number of candies in the jar"."

"Really", Batman asked, "What was the number?"

"The exact number you two guessed, all the way down to the point five. How did you know I put a half an MnM in there?"

"Math", Red Robin replied smugly, "Sometimes it comes in handy." Red Hood rolled his eyes and Nightwing came up, screaming at the top of his lungs.

"BRUCE I GOT A WORM!"