Parenting 21 Umbrella

This has the children here...a lot, for a BIG reason- so read it if you're up for fun times, and a slightly longer chapter than what I've been writing lately.

Thanks for the previous reviews! Please Review again! 3

I do not own Young Justice; it belongs to its creators Brandon and Greg, and also to Cartoon Network (who I am eternally peeved at).

Enjoy!

"Why are we...here?" Artemis scrunched up her nose and gave a disapproving look to Wally as they drove up a well-trimmed road in their blue Ford Fiesta. She scowled as Wally ignored her and clenched his jaw. She crossed her arms and slowly shook her head as the sound of popping gravel began to sound under the polished wheels of the car.

The automobile made its way down what could only be described as a 'pomp and circumstance' street. The trees were clipped to near-perfection; the road was dark, almost wet looking tarmac, which shone in the early morning sun smoothed the ride. The homes all stood, each a perfect measure apart- huge, however, like those in fairy tales. Each was matching, with a cobble-stone pathway leading to its front, concealed mostly by humongous fir trees, and giant steel gates, all painted a menacing black. Intricate designs weaved their way into the steel structure, and clawed their way to the gravel flooring before the homes. Wally and Artemis rode a few more moments in silence before they came to the cul-de-sac. The home in the centre stood out the most from any of the grand buildings either side of it. It was surrounded by polished steel and high timber trees, which blotted out some of the warm sun. It stood higher than the other buildings by at least two storeys- turrets and almost-silver bricks found their way into the impressive structure; and yet although Jai and Iris clapped and smiled from the back seat, Artemis looked utterly distraught.

She gazed at the house; to her it not only was cold and menacing, but it held an all too familiar face. Someone she didn't want to see at that minute. She had trusted Wally to organise something great for their children, while she and him left for a week holiday in France...but now, she solely regretted placing the load on him. Making correct choices was not something Wally prided himself upon; and it was something Artemis reminded him of every day. However, no matter how upset Artemis was, they couldn't turn away any more. The dark figure was already making his way up the gravel driveway, having gone off route, stretching his legs a few metres away from the identical cobblestone the other homes on the street prided themselves upon.

Artemis was trying to look beyond the form fast approaching her car, and instead, followed the stone path towards the great oak doors, painted a startling white, that ending the lumpy trail. She sighed as she eyed the pristine, sparkling windows- all eight of the bottom floor ones which she could make out. They all had a diamond-like quality; sparkling and expensive. Artemis rolled her eyes at the tap of her window. Iris shrieked with joy and fumbled to unbuckle herself at the same time as prying open the door. Jai screamed in joy, and clapped, and shook and threw his arms and feet into the air. The duo was very excited.

Wally hid and cringed, and, without making eye-contact with his wife, switched off the car and stretched out of the door. He was by mans side within seconds. Artemis chose to snail-pace her way to escape. She spent a length of time pressing down the button on the buckle, and at least a minute swinging the material over her shoulder. She shut her eyes, took a deep breath and found herself face to face with 'Uncle-Dick'. She formally greeted him, gritting her teeth. She always felt out of place beside his house, but even more so beside him. He looked so dapper, with his hair slicked back, and his suit and tie on. His cultured shoes reflected the sun-light, as did his dazzling smile. Iris clung onto his side, and Jai was already balancing on his Uncles firm shoulders. Wally looked like a beggar, in his slacks and red-tee on the side of THE Dick Grayson.

Artemis rolled her eyes, placed a hand to her side, and pointing a finger at the confident man, "I have no idea what was going through Wallace's head when he decided you, OF ALL PEOPLE, would be a good choice to care for the kids while we're gone...but I swear you better do a hell of a job, Mister, or else..." Wally knew Artemis wanted to go on; remind Dick of the rules, which all bounced around super-powers, schedules and food, but he knew Grayson would do as he pleased. The truth was; Dick was the only person Wally could find who could take the kids in so short notice- he had only called an hour prior to leaving, unbeknownst to Artemis, as he had forgotten to do so earlier. Wally raised his hands, refusing to let Artemis go on, "Babe, you should be HAPPY, Dick can take care of our own Dynamic Duo- it's not a task everyone can face, but the kids love him...isn't that enough?" Wally bit his lip. Of course he knew it wasn't, even before he saw the brick-breaking look in Artemis chilling silver eyes, but he had said it already, no going back. He chortled, and punched Dick's arm, "Seriously Dude, if you screw up, I'll kill yah!" He placed a kiss atop Iris' head, and embraced Jai, who snuggled him for a matter of seconds before crying for Dick again. Wally sighed, gave a piercing look to Nightwing, and proceeded to remove bags of food, and suitcases of clothing and toys from the boot of the car.

Artemis stood her ground, and shook her head once more, before slipping a piece of crumpled paper into Richard's hands. He smirked at her, "I'll do good, I promise. Kay? I've taken a week off work for this, and I'll make sure they get everything done. You should be happy it's the holidays...I wouldn't be able to promise to get them to school!" He laughed, trying to lighten the mood, but Artemis looked unimpressed, "Iris still has school for two more days." Her lip became a fine line, "And she better be in ALL her classes, Dick. And you still have to juggle Jai, and feeding and fun, and homework, and you MUST remember the schedule..." Nightwing raised an eyebrow, but Artemis groaned and continued, "It's in your oversized hand...but, that's not the end! You have to make sure you do an hour of reading with Jai every day, don't let them play with kids they don't know, don't let Jai near the ducks if you go to the pond, don't let Iris run, keep plastic away from the both of them..." Wally grabbed Artemis from behind, shushing her, sending an apologetic look Dick's way at the same time. Wally furrowed his brow, and looked at his untied laces, "We're gonna be late for our plane." He shrugged and waved to Iris and Jai, placing a kiss on Artemis burgundy cheeks- she was fuming. He raced to the car, and started it up.

Artemis opened her mouth, wanting to continue her rant, but decided it against it. She pried Iris off Dick, and clung to her, "Be a good girl. I'll miss you. Act with him, like you would with five of me." She felt Iris shudder, but her smiling face made up for the involuntary movement, "I'll miss you Momma." Her voice cracked slightly, and she ran her pudgy pink fingers through Artemis bob of hair. Artemis sniffed and nodded, placing her daughter to the floor, and grabbing her son, who she threw into the air, and caught, effortlessly, "I love you Munchkin! My baby monkey! Don't do anything silly!" Jai giggled, and placed his fat arms around his mother's neck. He opened his mouth slightly, and placed its against Artemis face as a kiss, and then shrugged out of her grasp. Nightwing was quick to catch the falling boy, who laughed and waved. Artemis placed a hand to her heart, exhaling, before waving and absent-mindedly making her way towards the impatient car.

Nightwing and the kids watched the parents drive away, Iris with shining tears in her eyes. "You have a good mom..." Nightwing stated, placing a hand onto Iris' shoulders, "And a good dad, I should add." He bent down onto his knee, and looked at Iris in her startling green eyes, "Okay, let's head inside. You have school in a few hours, so I'll let you eat, and we'll set off. Are you tired? You must've woken early. Did you remember ever-"Nightwings words became mumbles as Iris placed a hand to his mouth. Her big eyes bored into his cerulean ones, "Do I have to go to school?" She stuck out her bottom lip and let it quiver. Nightwing was caught between two rocks. In the end, he did as predicted; Iris sat, at 10 am, eating cereal beside the blaring TV, Jai in the wooden high chair behind her. Nightwing couldn't work out why the two had to keep away from plastic, but he knew they'd lie if he asked.

The Monday ended without much of anything occurring. Nightwing called Iris' school to explain why she was away, and then he fed the two more food. He hadn't had time to look at the paper Artemis had placed into his hands- but he still had enough time to swirl porridge around in his plate. By seven, Nightwing placed Jai into a spare room with a cot. Even though he'd lived in the home for well over three years, with work and...Girls (since 'splitting' with his wife), he hadn't really had a chance to clean it out, or explore it. The room was a pleasant surprise. Dick allowed Iris to sit in front of the TV for a few more hours until her picked up her limp body around twelve, and placed her into a spare room near Jai. Then, he himself made his way into his room. He flew onto the overly springy bed, and unrumpled the paper from before, placing it into his lap. He skimmed it...once, twice...seven times, before placing it to the bedside table, shock evident on his face. Artemis was going to kill him. He sped out of the room, cold-sweat on his face and made his way towards Iris' room.

Dick.

Just found out you have to care for the kids. Good luck- you'll need it.

There are a few rules you need to follow...or things might get, well...terrible; please make sure you do, it's all I'm asking.

Don't let the kids, especially Jai, near plastic. Ever. Even plastic toys are off limits for Jai. You will NEVER see them again- he is always hungry, and, unfortunately, has picked up the habit of eating the stuff.

Never let the kids fall asleep in front of the TV. I always find it gives them nightmares- don't ask why, I don't know, but it does.

Bed for Iris by 8.30 or she won't wake up coherently. Bed for Jai by 10pm. He needs to have his special biscuit porridge before bed or he has...tummy upsets.

He wakes up around 5.30am, but if you're lucky he'll sleep up to twice during the day. Nap times are usually 1pm and 5pm.

Do not let Jai near ducks- this means even his pillow, that's why we packed him one. He is allergic.

Don't let Iris eat anything too sweet; she gets very hyper...end results aside; she's not fun to catch. Same goes for Jai.

After Dick had calmed down a shaking and screaming Iris, who had awoken from what she described as 'the worst dream, in the history of ever', he made his way, creeping on tip-toe, to Jai's room. He walked into the blue and pallid green room. The smell of dust, which covered the furniture, was revolting. He moved over to Jai, who was stirring in his sleep, and slapped himself mentally. Jai was covered in patches of red. His button nose was scarlet, and when Nightwing hoisted him from the cage-bed, he noticed that the boy's eyes were also very dull. He glanced at the bags on the side of the room. He could see a cream pillow poking out of them. "Dammit..." Dick threw Jai onto his shoulder, and rushed out of the room. "Maybe I'll call Artemis?" He asked himself, all the while shaking his head. He knew she would murder him, "Or...maybe, they have stuff against allergies in one of those bags!"

Nightwing spent the remainder of the night shuffling things in and out of suitcases, placing them incorrectly back in. He decided all the clothes would have to find new homes in the cupboard after been unable to fit the last twelve garments for the umpteenth time. He had almost forgotten what he was looking for, before an ear-piercing cry echoed around the room. Jai had since been put to bed on the floor, his head resting upon his own pillow. Nightwing didn't want to risk it for that biscuit, as the saying goes, and put Jai back into the cot- he wasn't sure what else was made of duck in there, but after he had checked the pillow, which was filled to the brim with duck feathers, he threw it away. He still hadn't found anything for allergies, it was about five in the morning, and Jai was screaming and yawning at the same time. Nightwing rubbed his eyes, and picked up the boy, who was itching his face in frustration. "We'll go to Iris, and check if she has..." an idea popped into his head, and before long, numerous packages had arrived on his doorstep. Dick Grayson wrote a cheque, and removed each medicine bottle carefully from its case, "Allernomore: For Children under 12 years." Read the first one. He knew Jai would drink it.

After Jai had finished his liquid medicine...and the small plastic spoon which held it, Nightwing left to go wake Iris up. She was going to have to go to school, whether she liked it or not.

When the week came to an end, Artemis found her way back in the Ford, making her way up the same street. Sure, she and Wally had had a great time, exploring France, but Artemis was longing to see her babies again...and so was Wally. It had been an awkward way from the airport, no conversation, both adults solely occupied on what they were going to do when they say Iris and Jai again.

Three figures made their way down the cobblestone as Wally parked the car. Artemis unbuckled herself with sheer precision and raced out of the vehicle. Wally noticed, as e himself made to open the door that Artemis slowed down; and a look of anger spread across her face. Two of the figure sprinted to their mother, while one, Dick, stood awkward, lingering in the middle of the path-way. As Wally approached his children, he noticed why Artemis was ready to rip someone's head off.

Wally strode towards Nightwing with pure anger on his face. He hadn't even touched one of his children since returning. Artemis, however, was hugging her 'babies' close and glaring at Dick. After yelling at Nightwing for a bit, attracting some unwanted attention from the neighbours, Wally made his way to the car, crossing his arms over his chest. Artemis raised an eyebrow at Dick, who smirked and began talking, "Artemis, we'll laugh about this some day!" He threw his arms into the air. He looked far less neat then he had done in the last Monday. He had big bags under his dull blue eyes, his lips were cracked and his forehead was red from the amount of times he had rubbed it in anger. Artemis smiled; even though her children were hyper to the point of vibrating, even though Jai was covered in scabs and dry tears, and even though Iris looked like she hadn't slept in years, swaying on the spot, Artemis knew Dick had given it his all. Caring for the kids was like caring for seven baby elephants; they ate the same amount, and always wanted attention.

"Thanks, Dick. For trying, at the very least." Artemis placed her hand on Iris back as she swayed dangerously far back. Richard smiled and looked at the floor, "Sorry. I'm not too, erm...good, with kids. That why she took-"

Artemis smirked, and stopped Dick talking. She glanced at Jai and Iris, before meeting her eyes with Grayson's own blood-shot ones, "You may have made a few mistakes, Dick, but you are awesome with kids...mine, at the very least. They love you more than any toy, any TV programme, any..." Artemis sighed as Dick laughed, "Yeah, they do!" He straightened his expression, "Iris' homework is in the green bag...and I had to send a few clothes to dry cleaning after Jai fell in the pool. Iris hasn't slept since she got here, and I found out Jai is allergic to strawberries too." Artemis' lost her smile, and frowned, before slapping Nightwing on the arm, "Did you even read the second page of the notes I gave you?" Artemis grunted, and took her children by the arms, hurrying them into the car, "See you for thanksgiving dinner, Dick."

The ex-Robin sighed, and waved at the car as it made its way out of his driveway. He sighed in relief. He loved Jai and Iris, but they were a lot to handle. He needed to call work, and tell them why he'd missed a week, call the cleaners to neaten up the war-zone the inside of his home had become and perhaps make bookings to go to France too. But first, he wanted to sleep.

Wally and Artemis laughed loud in the car, "Did you see his FACE!?" Wally chortled, letting go of the wheel for a moment. Artemis snorted, "Good Work Kids!" Jai clapped his hands, and Iris smirked. Wally and Artemis loved a practical joke or two, and their children were smart enough to go along with them. Faking allergies was easy, creating messes was easy- following the rules Artemis had set in the opposite way was extraordinarily fun. Wally knew Dick probably wouldn't take the kids again, but the stories the kids told about what they did, and how Dick reacted was priceless, no matter how mean they seemed. Of course, Wally and Artemis did have a reason for doing what they did- the week before, Nightwing had sent them several dead fish and eggs in a very soggy paper package...

Iris rolled her eyes as her parents chortled; it seemed some people really didn't ever stop being children.

There you go. The name umbrella came from the fact that Nightwing had to be a metaphorical umbrella for the children, sorry if it wasn't obvious.

Hope you enjoyed this longer chapter.

Review?

-QLF xoxoxo