Baby, It's Cold Outside

Come My Way

"I told you I should have gone in solo!" Scott complained, visor glinting in exasperation from his spot on the passengers' seat. Two fingers were pressed up to the button attached to his visor as he desperately tried to contact the rest of the Starjammers for reinforcements.

"This is a lesson, son. You need to learn to improvise because things never go according to plan." Corsair willfully insisted as he slammed the pedal to the metal, wincing briefly as something exploded behind them. "Something older-you probably didn't learn. Or if he did, he learned it the hard way."

"And this is supposed to be easy?" He gestured wildly with his free hand to the colorful army of pirates chasing after them.

"I admit this just might not be sunny," Scott mouthed something profane, but Corsair paid it no heed, "but you have something he didn't in these dark moments."

"And what might that be?"

Corsair wagged his eyebrows. "Me."

"Dad." Scott groaned. "We're only in this mess because that person you said was your friend recognized you and wants to murder you."

"Murder is a very serious word. And like I told you before, I thought a friendly face would give us a chance." Corsair reminded, only to visibly wince moments later when another explosion went off behind them. "But he's probably just angry I fleeced him of his ship the last time we met."

"You did what?" Scott shrieked. "And you seriously thought he would just lend us a ship if we asked?"

"We were paying him in full-"

"In credit!" Scott swiftly corrected.

He was promptly ignored when his father continued, "-and there's somewhat of an understanding among us pirates. A code, if you will, to maintain order."

"Does that code say anything about stealing another man's ship?"

Corsair was silent for a moment as he thought about it. "Maybe."

"Maybe?" Scott deadpanned.

"Look, son." Corsair's tone turned grave. "Sometimes a code can be conflicting. More so if the code isn't set in stone." Then, clearly grasping at straws for an excuse, he added, "Other times, the code is up for interpretation."

"Damn it." Scott cursed. "This is all your fault, dad!"

Any further bickering was interrupted by their radio coming online.

[Starfire to her beloved.] Kori's voice rang, drawing a snicker from Corsair and an embarrassed grimace from Scott. [I have received your signal of distress. Are you alright? Over.]

"It's—it's Cyclops on the field, Starfire." Scott pleaded as his ears reddened beneath his visor. "And that depends. We're fleeing for our lives. Ove-"

[Oh no!] Kori cut in with a worried gasp. [Where are you?] There was a short pause, before she quickly added. [Over.]

"There is a button on that comm to show you the tracker. Do you see it? Over."

[I do not know what it looks like.] Kori despaired. [Can you describe to me its appearance? Over.]

Corsair shot Scott an alarmed look, and then proceeded to shake his head, going so far as briefly crossing his arms negatively to punctuate his opinion. "Too risky, son. She might accidentally disable the comms."

Scott nodded in complete agreement. "Starfire, are any of the other Starjammers with you? Over." He tried, instead.

[They are not.] Kori clearly sounded distressed by that fact. [But it is possible they are nearby. Over.]

"Can you go find them? Ov-" another explosion rocked far too closely behind them, drawing a curse from Corsair and another startled gasp from Kori.

[There is no time! You are in danger, beloved!]

"Starfire-" Scott attempted to calm her down.

[I know!] Kori suddenly exclaimed as an idea apparently struck her.

"Starfire," Scott tried again just as another explosion rocked their vehicle.

[Found you!]

"Star—what?"

Moments later, an angry fireball descended rapidly from the skies, flying past the two fleeing Summers before unleashing a massive emerald beam of cosmic energy at the pursuing pirates. Suddenly being faced with an unexpected counterattack, the pirates' barrage halted as they dispersed to dodge a fiery death.

Satisfied with the time she bought, Starfire turned and flew towards the father-son pair.

"Clever girl." Corsair whistled appreciatively. "I guess following the explosions was the easiest way to find us."

"Starfire!" Scott happily greeted as the Tamaranean princess flew beside them. If circumstances were more ideal, he would have swooped her in for a grateful kiss.

"Beloved." Kori returned, her green eyes quickly taking him in before she sighed in relief. "I am relieved to see you are unharmed."

"I'm okay, too. Y'know, potential future father-in-law?" Corsair quipped before turning to Scott. He missed the adorable scowl Kori shot his way. "See, Scott." Corsair nudged his son with an elbow. "I told you things would work out fine."

"About that," Scott's visor flashed with a scheming glint. "Starfire, mind flying me out?"

"What?" Corsair exclaimed, the confusion on his face rapidly morphing into dawning horror.

"I would gladly do so!" Kori happily said, turning to Scott with a smile. It was clear she figured out how the two Summers got into such a dicey predicament, and was making an effort to hastily distance Scott from the conflict.

"Son, what are you doing?" Corsair could only watch as Scott stood up from his seat and reached out to Kori.

"Improvising, dad." Scott cheekily replied. "You and I both know your friends are mainly after you, and that they will regroup soon."

"So you're leaving your dad to the wolves?" Corsair asked demandingly.

"No. We'll gather the rest of the Starjammers and start the ship while you run a distraction."

"Son." Corsair's brows knitted in staunch disapproval of the suggestion.

"Look, dad, only the ship has enough firepower to intimidate them into reason, or flee far away enough out of their range even if it cannot get into orbit." Scott patiently—albeit, somewhat patronizingly to the ears of his disgruntled father—explained. "And it takes time to get it online before it can fly."

"I agree." Kori quickly chirped, reaching out to Scott. "Hold on tight, beloved."

Corsair suspected Kori's support of Scott's plan was less about its logic and more in making sure no harm fell upon him. He wasn't sure whether to be happy his son found a girl so very protective of him, or annoyed at the fact that that same protective girl would readily sacrifice him to uphold said protection.

Kids these days, Corsair lamented.

"I'll see you later, okay dad?" Scott grabbed onto Kori, who lifted them both up into the air. "Try not to die."

"This discussion is far from over!" Corsair shouted at the retreating pair.

"What?" Scott shouted back.

"You heard me, son!" Corsair bellowed just out of earshot. "Don't make me turn on the comms!"

Another explosion erupted behind him, alerting Corsair that the pirates had recovered.

He shifted gears and sped away for dear life.

-0-0-0-

A/N: Just a short entry. Had this image in my head of Scott and Corsair running away while Kori swoops in to save Scott's ass. It kinda devolved into senselessness after three days sitting on it. Also, couldn't be bothered to type Corsair's real name so I just stuck with it.

Nothing much else to say.

If you liked what you read, please leave a review! Either way, take care and keep safe!