deference: respectful submission; respectful regard
"Sooo…I guess letting the bad guys get away with essential intel on a possibly devastating death-laser-thing counts as screwing up," Kid Flash sighed, wincing as they prepared for a royal scolding regarding their latest mission. The team timidly stood in front of the Justice League, feeling like kittens confronted by jaguars.
"To be fair about it…we, uh, no…um…eh, we really did screw up. I really can't spin this whole situation in any kind of positive light," Artemis replied, shrugging. Her teammates clearly agreed with her; Robin pulled his cape tighter around his shoulders and Miss Martian wrung her hands. Aqualad appeared perfectly tranquil, but a bead of sweat dripped down the back of his neck. Superboy turned away, feeling familiar anger rise in his chest.
"It was bad," Batman said flatly. "You made a lot of errors in judgment that could've been easily avoided if you had listened to our advice."
"You need to learn how to be more respectful of your elders," Barry said, smiling comically and waving a finger in mock sternness. At least someone wasn't completely irritated with them.
"Even when they're being stupid?" Superboy liked being a newborn clone. It gave him so many excuses for being blatantly rude. It was satisfying to be this petty; it took the edge off his anger.
"Uh…" Barry was at a loss. "Yes?"
Batman stepped forward. "We have more experience than you do."
Robin opened his mouth to speak.
"Collectively," Batman growled. "Until you can successfully deal with a world crisis—covertly, unlike your usual escapades—you have no business being smartasses. Got it?"
The team nodded in slight terror.
Batman pivoted on the heels of his very intimidating steel-toed boots and swept out of the room, leaving a dark aura behind him. The Justice League slowly trickled away behind him, leaving the team to deal with their shame and a long list of training exercises and chores.
"That was fun," Kid Flash idly commented.
Sorry that took so long, guys! This prompt was surprisingly hard to write for. Good news is: I'm out of school! *does a weird flailing thing that only vaguely resembles dancing *