To DigitalGuru: Thanks! And yes, I know most people are more familiar with tv Lucifer. I mean, that's how I found out about him! But this is technically not taking place in the tv show universe. I may decide to use aspects of it, but probably not. So Charlie doesn't exist.

To tjgrove157: So glad to hear it! Thanks so much!

To EnjoyingThis: I'm glad to hear it! Thank you!

To Natalie Jarrett: Thanks!

Also: something I forgot to mention about Venus (and Castiel) in the last chapter is that they're both immortal, but they haven't lived since the beginning of time like their family. Venus was born/created 16 years ago, and Castiel was born/created 18 years ago. They both will eventually achieve nigh-omniscience, and may eventually achieve nigh-omnipotence, but neither as it yet. As of right now, they have the ability to learn things instantaneously (example: if they touch a book, they can instantly understand the plot from beginning to end, etc. they can forget stuff, however, given that they're young).

Disclaimer: I don't own Young Justice.


SALEM
August 21, 16:07 EDT

Venus shifted uncomfortably in the back of the crowd. It was pouring rain, and water was dripping down her hair and soaking her clothes through to the skin, but that wasn't even why she was uncomfortable.

She was at a funeral. Kent Nelson's funeral.

Red Tornado was giving a eulogy, and the heroes surrounding Venus were listening gravely. All of them wore their costumes and saddened, respectful expressions.

All except Venus - she just felt awkward.

"Kent Nelson did not require a magic helmet to be a hero," Red Tornado was saying. "Kent dedicated his life – gave his life – to safeguard the world from evil." Venus grimaced, shifting her weight awkwardly. "May he finally find rest with his beloved Inza." The android lowered his head as he finished his eulogy, and the assembled heroes mimicked his silence. Venus stared at the ground.

She waited as various heroes went up to Nelson's tombstone. Some stood there silently, others said their good-byes out loud. Kid Flash came to a halt in front of the headstone. The speedster bent his head, and the Flash put a comforting hand on his nephew's shoulder.

Venus sighed.

She was relieved when heroes finally began to walk off. She quickly turned to leave as well, following the heroes back to the nearest Zeta-Tube. She didn't make an effort to walk close or attempt to talk to any of them.

If she had to assist the Team, so be it. She didn't have to get all chummy with any other heroes.

She waited impatiently in line as the heroes Zeta-d back to their home towns. When it was her turn, she squeezed into the Zeta-Tube, disguised as a small toolshed. She looked longingly at the list of locations on the computer in front of her. Los Angeles was third from the top.

Venus sighed, pressing "Mount Justice" without enthusiasm. The computer beeped as it powered up, and then scanned her.

"Recognized: Venus Morningstar: A-Zero-Three."

Venus appeared in the Cave, stepping out of the Zeta-Tube. Robin and Kid Flash were already there, walking into the center of the room. Batman was walking ahead of the two heroes, and the rest of the Team were stepping out of the Zeta-Tube and into the Cave as well.

Instead of being given a "B" designation as the rest of the Team members had, Venus had been given a "guest" designation, beginning with "A." She was well-aware of the implication of the designation - she wasn't really considered a part of the Team - but she didn't really care.

"Well, that was a waste of time," Venus said with a sigh, patting the top of her hair. In front of her, Batman stopped short. He turned around; a scowl fixed upon his face as he stared at Venus disapprovingly. The Team members paused as well, staring at Venus with looks of surprise.

"You are helping the Team, now," Batman said sternly. "That means honoring those who gave their lives to the fight. You will not disrespect Kent Nelson, or anyone else, like that again." Venus scowled back at Batman. Despite the man's cold and intimidating behavior, he was just that – a man. She had no reason to be scared of him.

"Let's get one thing straight, Bats," Venus sneered. "I'm here because I have to be. I will protect your precious little children." She flicked her ponytail over her shoulder, sending an arc of water droplets through the air. "I don't have to honor anyone."

Batman's eyes narrowed behind his cowl, and the Team members exchanged startled looks. All of them looked surprised at Venus's audacity.

There was a long, heavy silence.

"He wouldn't have wanted me there, anyway," Venus said, rolling her eyes. She left before Batman could dismiss her.

Venus walked to the den, mostly because she'd gone the wrong way to get to her room and she didn't want to walk back through the mission room. Grimalkin was curled up on the couch, sleeping. She raised her head when Venus sat down, purring as the demon shifted the cat into her lap and began to stroke her. With her free hand, Venus pulled out her pentacostal coin and began to play with it.

The coin levitated about an inch above her hand, twisting and spinning in midair as she played with it. The motion was one she had picked up from her father, repeated often when either one of them was thinking something over. Venus was certainly mulling something over now.

After a several moments of silent stewing, Venus sighed, giving in to the "angel on her shoulder." She raised her hands to her chest, placing her palms together as she tipped her head upwards. Venus closed her eyes, mumbling a quick prayer under her breath.

"My annoying cousin who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name: Castiel." Venus paused. "Get the fuck over here."

Venus heard the swish of wings, and she stood up and turned around, displacing Grimalkin. The cat meowed plaintively, leaping off the couch and stalking off. Castiel stood behind the sofa, looking smug. Venus took a deep breath. She already knew that Cassie would hold this over her forever.

And she meant forever. Literally all of eternity.

"You rang?" Cass asked, rising his eyebrows. Venus smiled drily, already regretting her choice. At least he's not slowing down time.

"Indeed," she said with a sigh. She closed her palm around the coin, halting its movement. She slid it back into her pocket. "I need a favor." Castiel raised his eyebrows.

"Well, that is interesting." He walked over to his cousin. Venus rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, Cassie. Just shut up and listen." Castiel raised his hands in a faux-innocent manner. "A man's soul is stuck inside the Helmet of Fate. Kent Nelson." Castiel raised his eyebrows. Some of his "chores" included collecting souls and helping them ascend to Heaven.

"The Lord of Order Doctor Fate is keeping his soul captive," Venus continued. "Now, I don't know how much you can do about that part, but when Fate lets Nelson go…" Venus paused. She sighed. "Just – make sure he finds his wife, Inza Nelson, quickly. Take him straight to her, okay? None of the registration nonsense."

Castiel grinned broadly, and Venus scowled. "I'm only asking because I know how boring and big it is up there, okay?" She snapped, crossing her arms over her chest uncomfortably. "And those lines - ugh. You guys really need some protocol management. I just wouldn't want him getting lost for all eternity."

"Right," Castiel said, smirking. "I'm sure that's the only reason." Venus gave no answer, which was as telling as if she'd spoken. She couldn't lie, and she was too proud to speak the truth. Cass chuckled.

"Shut up."

"Venus?" Artemis called the demon's name, and Venus turned towards the other girl. The archer was standing in the doorway to the den, surrounded by the other members of the Team. She blinked in surprise when she saw Castiel and smiled slightly at him before turning back to Venus. "Black Canary said training is about the begin."

"I'm coming," Venus said. Castiel was looking at the Team with interest. His gaze lingered on Aqualad and he smiled widely, looking like all the angel he was. Aqualad smiled back, looking slightly hesitant and confused, but pleased. Castiel glanced at Venus, raising his eyebrows, and Venus groaned.

"Castiel, this is the Team. Everyone, this is my cousin Castiel. He's an angel."

"Indeed, I am," Castiel said, winking playfully. Venus pinched the bridge of her nose. "If you ever need a miracle, I'm your guy." Venus stared at the ceiling with a long-suffering look. She took a deep breath, controlling herself before she spoke again.

"Cassie, if I have to spend any more time with you, I'm going to spontaneously combust." The angel laughed. "It's time for you to leave."

"Good chat, Anael," Castiel said. He saluted the assembled Team members with an easy-going grin, and then arched his back. His wings snapped out and he fluttered them, rising up a few feet into the air. As usual, there was a flash of light when he vanished. Venus rolled her eyes.

"Show off," she muttered before turning back towards the Team. Artemis and Miss Martian were staring at the spot Castiel had just vacated with looks of interest.

"Venus, your cousin is hot," Artemis stated, exchanging a look with Miss Martian, who nodded. Venus made a face, and then laughed, partially from the irony of the statement and partially from the affronted look on Kid Flash's face.

"Don't get too excited," Venus told the girls. "He's gay." She glanced at Aqualad subtly, raising an eyebrow. She knew that the Atlantean hadn't missed the look Castiel had given him. Aqualad didn't respond verbally, but his lips turned up ever-so-slightly.

"Why did he call you 'Anael?'" Superboy asked, looking at the demon curiously. Venus made another face.

"It's the name my granddad gave me," she said, a hint of disgust evident in her voice. "Please don't ever call me it, unless you'd like to know what torture feels like." Superboy's eyes widened slightly with surprise, and then he laughed.

"Good to know."


MOUNT JUSTICE
August 26, 21:08 EDT

"Attention, Team." Venus turned towards the large holographic screen in the center of the mission room. She blinked in surprise. Batman and Robin were on the other end of the transmission. They were both covered with splotches of mud, which made their stoic, business-like expressions extremely funny.

"What happened to you lot?" she couldn't help but ask, a smile curving over her lips. Neither Batman nor Robin answered her question. Instead, Batman continued to brief the Team.

"Take a Zeta-Tube to Gotham City immediately," the Dark Knight continued. "Rendezvous with Robin at these coordinates." The location appeared on the screen. Aqualad typed in a command, sending it to the Zeta-Tube to find the nearest location.

"What is the mission?" The Team's leader asked as the computer searched.

"Shouldn't we wait for Artemis?" Kid Flash added. Batman shook his head.

"Don't wait. There's a creature loose in my city." Venus couldn't help but let out an impatient sigh. Why were they handling this? Superboy voiced her thoughts.

"If it's your city, then why are we hunting it?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Batman's eyes narrowed slightly. Venus couldn't help being slightly pleased that she wasn't the only one comfortable with questioning Batman. She shot Superboy an appreciative look.

"You are not to hunt it or engage," Batman said. "Track it until I return with a solution."

"Understood," Aqualad replied with a nod. He glanced at the computer screen. "Coordinates locked in. We are on our way." Batman nodded.

"Good. Batman out."


GOTHAM CITY
August 27, 04:49 EDT

I'm going to kill my father, Venus thought despondently as she stepped in something gross. She refused to look down to see what it was and decided to just be glad she had decided to not wear her brand-new creepers.

Venus had decided strongly against wearing a costume on missions, but she had elected to dress slightly more practically than she usually did. Instead of heels, she was wearing combat boots with a thick rubber sole, distressed black skinny jeans and a faux-leather black V-neck tank-top. She was also wearing an obsidian choker with a dark red stone set into the center that Maze had gotten for her. She wasn't sure if it was a ruby or a garnet or dyed red with the blood of Maze's enemies.

Venus was like ninety percent sure it was stolen.

She took another step, wincing as somethingelse squished underneath her foot.

Seriously, I am going to kill my dad.

'Why?' Venus started when Miss Martian responded to her thought. The demon stared at the Martian, and the alien girl blushed, explaining, 'I set up a mental link. It's easier than comms.' Venus raised an eyebrow.

'Good to know.' She gazed around the sewer distastefully. 'And if you must know, my decision to commit patricide is because of this situation we're currently in. None of you can tell me you're enjoying this, right?' She glanced around at the rest of the Team. None of them answered. 'Exactly.'

'…okay then,' Miss Martian replied, sounding slightly perturbed. Venus could be quite...rough at times. 'Everyone online?' The rest of the Team members answered affirmatively, except for Aqualad. Their leader was standing in front of the rest, facing forwards. He was completely motionless and silent, gazing off into the distance.

'Kaldur?' Miss Martian asked tentatively. 'Kaldur. Aqualad!' The Atlantean jumped slightly.

'…what?' He replied at last, sounding distant. 'Oh, yes, Miss Martian. Your psychic link functions perfectly.' Weirdly enough, Venus could sense Miss Martian's relief at Aqualad's statement. This psychic link was weird.

'Oh, good,' Miss Martian responded. 'We couldn't hear you, like your every thought was a million miles away.' Aqualad didn't respond, instead returning his gaze forward to scan the sewers again. Venus sighed impatiently.

'Can we –' her complaint was cut off by a loud roar. The demon shrieked in surprise when a something huge and slimy wrapped around her waist. She was yanked backwards by the large arm that was slowly growing in volume to encase her entire body.

Venus grunted as the creature spun her around. She saw that her teammates were all in similar positions, trapped by the monster's many arms. Grimacing, Venus summoned her holy fire. She couldn't reach the whips her father had given her, as she'd strapped them at either hip and her arms were pinned to her sides.

The fire burned around her, scorching the monster's clay arm. It roared, dropping her directly into the sewer water. Venus gagged as she stood up, completely soaked.

"Fuck you, Dad," she muttered, hoisting herself out of the water and onto the stone walk way. She looked around at her teammates. All of them had escaped the creature's grasp as well, and the monster was nowhere to be seen. It seemed to have dissolved back into the sewage water.

"That was unpleasant," Miss Martian said, hovering above the Team. Understatement of the century. "Like tangling with a rabid ma'alefa'ak on Mars." Superboy frowned.

"Unpleasant, sure," Kid Flash agreed, standing up from the water. He grimaced. "But kinda easy. That thing was a pushover."

"What's a malafak?" Superboy whispered to Robin. The Boy Wonder was a swishing sound in the water behind Venus, and she turned around to take a look. As she turned, a huge clay arm appeared out of nowhere, hitting her in the face and slamming her against the wall.

The mud slid over her head, covering her mouth and nose, making it extremely difficult to breathe. She gagged again, struggling against the monster. Despite her enhanced strength, the slimy mud kept shifting and made it hard for her to get a grip to break through.

All of the sudden, the monster dropped her. She slammed against the hard cement of the ground, wincing and gasping for breath as the mud retracted. Venus swiped a hand across her face, trying to clear the clay from her eyes and nose.

"Gross." She sat up, still rubbing her face as clear of the mud as she could. Her teammates were sprawled about in the sewer around her, groaning in pain. She could hear the monster laughing smugly as it walked away, disappearing down the sewer tunnel.

Aqualad sighed, shifting in the water to stand up. He pressed down on his comm. to reply to a message sent only to his comm.

"Yes, Batman. Though the encounter was far from successful." Venus gathered that Batman had asked if they'd found the creature.

Kid Flash stood up, shaking some of the mud and water off him by using his superspeed. Venus flinched as some of the dropletshit her, glaring at the redhead. He didn't notice.

"If that's Batman," Kid Flash said to their leader. "Ask him where Artemis is? And how come she gets away with skipping this so-fun sewer party?" Aqualad just sighed. Ignoring Kid Flash, he instead began to relay their encounter with the monster to Batman. After giving his report, he listened for a few moments before dropping his hand from the comm.

"Understood. Aqualad out." He turned towards the others. "Let's go. The creature will have left the sewers by now." He began walking back the way the Team had come, to the ladder leading them back to the surface.

"I called the BioShip," Miss Martian said as the Team headed for the surface. Though the Team had Zeta-d to Gotham, Miss Martian had telepathically called the BioShip to autopilot to Gotham, just in case. "There are some fresh uniforms in the back, I think."

"Oh, thank god," Robin said, eying the splotches of mud covering them. Not to mention that their uniforms stank of sewage water.

"Please don't," Venus muttered. "Thank Miss Martian." Ignoring the bemused looks the rest of the Team gave her, Venus climbed out of the sewer.

"Never thought I'd be glad to smell Gotham City air," Kid Flash quipped as he stepped out onto the street. Venus took a breath of the fresh – well, fresher – air. She couldn't help but agree.

"You get used to it," Robin replied as he pulled himself out of the sewer tunnel and back onto the street. Venus shot the younger boy a look.

"Which?" she asked mischievously. "The sewers, or the air quality?" Robin laughed.

"Well, both."

The BioShip came soaring the air, no more than a shimmer against the darkened sky in her camouflage mode. The ship landed right in front of the group of bedraggled teenagers, the ramp appearing at their feet.

Miss Martian led the way, showing Kid Flash, Robin, and Aqualad to the back where some of their old uniforms were stored. She herself brushed as much of the clay on her skin as she could and then shifted into a clean uniform.

"Sorry, Superboy, Venus," she said apologetically. "I don't have extra clothes for you guys." Superboy shrugged off her apology, and Venus glanced down at her stained clothes.

"Probably for the best," she said with a shrug. "I'm not really trying to ruin a second outfit tonight." Miss Martian giggled slightly, relieved that she wasn't upset.

Aqualad came out of the back first, sitting down in his chair. He steepled his fingers as he stared off into the distance, lost in thought. Robin was quick to follow, walking back to join the others as he adjusted his cape on his shoulders.

"Man, I need a shower," Kid Flash muttered as he followed Robin. He walked back into the cockpit of the BioShip, tugging the cowl on over his face. "I mean, what's the point of putting on a clean costume if I'm not fresh?" Miss Martian turned to look at the speedster sympathetically.

"Oh, Wally, you're always fresh."

"At least you have a clean costume," Superboy reminded Kid Flash, glancing down at himself. He was still covered with splotches of mud, and there was a small puddle of water at his feet from his dripping clothes and hair. Venus nodded in agreement – she was in a similar state. Still, Kid Flash huffed, uncomforted.

"Yeah, an old back-up! No stealth mode!" He tapped the emblem on his chest to show that there was no change for emphasis. "It stinks!" Robin snickered.

"Actually, I think the stink is you,freshness!" he teased his friend. Sobering up, Robin changed the subject back to the matter on hand. "Anyways, what about the creature? Batman wanted us to track it." Kid Flash grinned, punching his fist into his hand with excitement.

"Why settle for that?" he asked animatedly. He looked around at the group. "Okay, sure, it got the drop on us. But now we know its tricks!" Robin nodded.

"Yeah!" he agreed with enthusiasm. He thought for a moment, conceiving a plan. "How about...we split up! Then whoever finds old 'Clayface' radios the Team…"

"…we converge and kick some clay-butt!" Superboy finished. He glanced at Venus, who shrugged and nodded agreeably.

"Works for me." Miss Martian nodded her head as well before glancing behind her.

"What do you think, Aqualad?" Miss Martian asked, turning towards their leader. Aqualad had been sitting in a chair the entire time, stewing quietly. Venus had assumed he'd been making a plan, but when Miss Martian called his name, he looked surprised.

"What?" he asked, blinking. He shook his head, seeming to remember where he was. "Oh, yes…that sounds fine."

"Great!" Robin was already pulling up a map of Gotham City. He quickly divided up the area connected to the sewer they'd been in among the six of them, instructing them all to sweep the area he'd assigned to them. They were to stay in contact via the comm. link, and message the others when they found any sign of 'Clayface.'

"If you find nothing in your section, meet back at the BioShip until you either hear from someone else or we all get back," Robin finished. He looked over at Aqualad. "Anything to add?" Robin asked their leader.

Aqualad was still staring off into space, his expression dazed. When Robin said his name, the Atlantean just shook his head slowly.

"No…that sounds fine. Move out."


Since moving to Earth five years ago, Venus had traveled rather extensively. Still, she'd favored the more scenic destinations, and it was her first time in Gotham City.

Now that she was her, she couldn't say she was impressed by the city's scenery.

The demon stepped into yet another darkened alleyway. Like all the ones before it, it was littered with needles and garbage, cigarette stubs and beer cans. It smelled of cheap liquor, cheaper cigarettes, and urine. Venus wrinkled her nose.

"Guys, I found the creature!" Superboy's voice sounded urgently over the comm. link. "Rendezvous at my coordinates." Venus sighed in relief, exiting the alleyway she had been searching and making her way over to where Superboy had indicated.

The warehouse Superboy had located Clayface in appeared to be abandoned and empty, but Venus could see splotches of mud on the ground signifying the monster's presence. She walked inside, looking around for any sign of either the creature or for the others.

"Hey there." Venus turned around. Superboy was standing across from her, a broad grin stretched across his face. Venus arched an eyebrow. Superboy didn't smile like that.

"Alright there, mate?" Superboy smiled again, walking closer.

"I'm fine," he reassured the demon. "I'm just glad you're here now…" He stepped up in front of her, cupping her chin so that she was looking up at him. He leaned in like he was going to kiss her, and Venus pulled back subtly. Her eyes narrowed slightly. She could sense no desire, no truth behind his words. Why would Superboy be lying?

He brushed a stray lock of Venus's hair, stiff with the remnants of the mud, behind her ear. "Clayface got away," Superboy told Venus. "We're completely alone…"
A dark grin spread over Venus's face as she understood what was happening. She leaned into Superboy, running her hand down his chest in a flirtatious manner. The clone smiled at her, leaning in closer. Venus grinned darkly.

"Oh, really?" She walked her fingers up so that her hand was laying flat against his pectoral. She grinned sultrily as her palm began to heat up, holy fire scorching Superboy's chest. Superboy stiffened, wincing in pain, and Venus shoved forwards, hard. 'Superboy' went flying against the wall, hitting it with a thump and sliding to the ground.

Clayface climbed to his feet, still wearing the guise of Superboy. The harsh scowl on 'Superboy's' face began to melt as Clayface reverted to his true form.

"I know desire, and I know liars," Venus gloated as she stalked towards the creature. "Nice try."

The monster roared, whipping outwards with its clay arm. Venus leapt backwards, dodging the preliminary attack. She clutched the hilt of one of her whips, flicking it forwards. Sparks flashed off of it as it laced around Clayface's arm.

As Venus pulled backwards, trying to yank the creature towards her, the fiery whip began to melt through his arm. Her eyes widened as Clayface laughed mockingly, letting its arm melt and then immediately reform. The whip fell loose.

Clayface moved forwards; way faster than Venus was anticipating. She managed to evade his grip the first time, dodging his grab. His second arm snaked up behind her, catching Venus by surprise.

The demon struggled in the slick grip of the monster as he tugged her forwards, pressing her face into his chest. She coughed as she found her airways cut off by clay and began to struggle harder.

She thrashed futilely against Clayface. Her chest was beginning to feel uncomfortably tight, and she began to panic.

Venus suddenly wasn't exactly sure how far this whole immortality thing went. It certainly felt like she was suffocating. Finally, as her ears rushed and her head pounded, the monster let her go. Venus crashed to the ground, wheezing.

"Nice try," Clayface said in a sneering, grumbly voice.

It was the last thing she heard before blacking out.


MOUNT JUSTICE
August 27, 07:58 EDT

The Zeta-Tube powered down as the Team staggered into the Cave. After Clayface had successfully managed to deceive and defeat all of them, Batman had come to their rescue. Now that Clayface was safely just locked away clay, Venus could only guess that the Team was in for quite the chewing out.

To her surprise, however, Batman dismissed them. "I need to talk to Aqualad," he said.

"Oh, good," Venus couldn't help but say with a sigh of relief. "I was not in the mood to stand around any longer." Batman gave Venus a stern look, which she ignored.

"The rest of you, hit the showers and head home," he finished. Venus walked away; the other members of the Team followed suit. As he left, Superboy grumbled under his breath.

"Head home?" the clone muttered. "I am home."

Venus made a quick stop at her room to pick up a change of clothes. She grabbed a pair of leggings, a ripped army green crop-top, and her creepers. Before heading over to the bathrooms, she paused at the calendar she'd posted on the wall next to her door. She carefully drew an X over the August 26. She took a deep breath.

One more day down, 127 more to go.

After taking a long shower, Venus spent another twenty minutes carefully treating the necklace she'd been wearing. She was careful to make sure she'd cleaned out all the mud from the crevices of the precious stones before she re-attached it around her neck.

Sliding her shoes on, Venus left the bathroom and headed towards the kitchen. M'gann was at the counter, flipping through the pages of a thick cookbook. Superboy was sitting on the sofa of the attached living room, staring at the static on the TV screen with interest. Venus blinked.

"Superboy, you want that on or anything?" she asked with a raised eyebrow, gesturing at the TV.

"No," the clone replied shortly. Venus exchanged a bemused look with M'gann. The Martian hesitated, looking at the two other teenagers.

"Do either of you want to help me make dinner?" M'gann asked hopefully. She didn't mind cooking for the three of them - in fact, she quite enjoyed it - but company was always nice. Venus shrugged, heading over to join the other girl in the kitchen.

"No," Superboy said again as he got to his feet, walking over to the two girls. Venus giggled, and Superboy looked at her. He smiled slightly.

"Well, let's see…" M'gann walked over to the other counter. She used her telekinesis to levitate the book to move with her. She grabbed it out of the air again, looking at the recipe. "We're going to need some brown sugar, a little butter." As she spoke, various cabinets around the kitchen began to open and the ingredients began to fly towards Superboy and Venus. The two teenagers made a mad grab for the food items, setting them down behind them as M'gann began to list the ingredients faster.

M'gann walked over to the fridge, bending down to look at the contents as the food flew behind her towards the other two. "Some salt, cooking oil, vinegar, a few eggs, a couple tomatoes, some milk, a bowl of flour and a few cups of –" a crash behind the Martian made her spin around, eyes wide.

Superboy and Venus were covered with the majority of the ingredients. The brown sugar, butter, and salt had made it onto the counter behind them, and a few tomatoes remained intact on the ground. Superboy was holding the empty milk carton, but the lid had been loose and the liquid had spilled all over him.

Venus couldn't help but laugh at the horrified expression on M'gann's face.

"Oops!" She summoned two hand towels, rushing over to the other teenagers. She began dabbing at their clothes and hair, trying her best to clean them up. "I'm so sorry! I should have paid more attention, it was too much at once, too much at once! Hello, Megan! That's so me…" she trailed off, realizing how close she'd gotten to Superboy. "Um…"

The Martian took a few steps back, her face flushed. Superboy looked unperturbed.

"Don't worry, M'gann," Venus said to the Martian with a grin. She took an eggshell of her own head and plucked another one from Superboy's shoulder. Tossing them into the trash, she brushed her hands off and continued, "I hear egg is a good conditioner for hair…" She grinned teasingly at Superboy. "Not sure about shirts, though."

M'gann smiled. She felt somewhat comforted by Venus's joking comment, but a slight frown flickered across her face when Superboy smiled widely at Venus. She blinked, feeling a little bit hurt before Superboy turned back towards her.

"Don't worry," the clone echoed Venus's earlier statement. He smiled at her, and M'gann smiled back, though she couldn't quite help thinking it didn't compare to the smile he'd given Venus. "But maybe it's better if I…" he motioned towards the couch. M'gann nodded sheepishly.

"I'll just put on an apron," Venus said. M'gann laughed, opening the cupboard across the room and levitating one over to the other girl. Venus grabbed it and looped the strap on over her head, tying the smock tightly around her waist.

M'gann watched Venus, and she couldn't help but laugh slightly. Venus looked up, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Nothing," M'gann replied. "I just never thought I'd be on Earth, on a team of superheroes, living in a house inside of a mountain, cooking dinner with a demon." The Martian shook her head in amazement, a broad grin stretched across her face. Venus couldn't help but smile slightly at how pleased M'gann looked.

It made her feel slightly bad that she was literally counting down the days until she could leave.

Shaking that thought off, Venus picked up some of the tomatoes. She turned to faucet on to rinse off any dirt that they'd picked up.

"Life is full of surprises, darling," Venus replied. "Besides, this demon likes to cook."


MOUNT JUSTICE
September 3, 18:21 EDT

The oven dinged, and Miss Martian flew over to the kitchen. She raised her hands, opening the oven door and levitating the tray of cookies out with her telekinesis. She grinned when she saw that they were unburnt.

"Are they done?" Superboy asked, walking over. Venus trailed after the clone, and Artemis and Robin gathered on the other side of the counter. Kid Flash had gone to change into his costume, but there was no doubt he'd be there as soon as he heard the food was ready.

"They smell good," Venus told the Martian, reaching for one. She'd never had homemade cookies before – even though she liked to cook occasionally, she wasn't really the baking type.

"Careful!" Miss Martian warned as the demon pried a cookie from the tray. "They're hot." Venus shrugged, breaking off a piece of the treat and popping it in her mouth. She chewed and swallowed before responding.

"Doesn't bother me. These are great." Miss Martian beamed at the praise, pleased that Venus enjoyed them. Superboy picked one of the cookies up gingerly, wincing as it scalded his fingers. Miss Martian laughed gently.

"I told you they were hot," she reminded him. Superboy smiled sheepishly. Kid Flash came speeding into the kitchen, snatching the cookie Superboy had picked up and gobbling it down. The clone frowned.

"Not as hot as you, babe!" he said to Miss Martian, grinning. The green-skinned girl blinked and smiled hesitantly at the speedster.

"Um, thanks, Wally. That's…sweet." The speedster grinned broadly, pointing at Miss Martian. He winked at her flirtatiously.

"Not as sweet as you, sugar!" Artemis rolled her eyes, slapping the back of Kid Flash's head. The speedster winced, grabbing the sore spot. "Ow!"

"Grow up!" Artemis admonished the ginger, glaring at him. She turned her gaze back to Miss Martian, smiling at the other girl as she took two cookies from the tray. She offered one to Robin, who accepted.

Just as the Team began to nibble on their treats – or, in Kid Flash's case, inhale them – Batman's voice came over the PA system in the Cave.

"Team, report to the mission room." Kid Flash sighed, eating the rest of his fourth cookie quickly. He grabbed two more from the tray, holding one in each hand as he turned to face his teammates.

"Guess the break's over," he said, his voice muffled by the food in his mouth. "Race you!" He sped off. As he passed Venus, the hair on her shoulders lifted up from the rush of wind. She took a deep breath, trying not to be discouraged.

The last few days of just hanging around hadn't been too bad. Superboy's gruffness didn't bother her, and though M'gann was a bit bubbly for Venus's taste, the Martian was okay company, too. Hanging out with other teenagers had been...nice. Venus could almost forget that this was supposed to be a punishment and pretend that she was there on her own free volition.

But now it was time to get back to work, and that fantasy was fading fast.


shorter chapter this time around.

anyways, i slipped in a lil kaldur/castiel moment.

obviously young justice's kaldur was in love with tula...since i don't state anything about that in this chapter, feel free to either imagine that kaldur is bi/pan and still loved tula, or he's gay and loved garth or another atlantean. take your pick.

also, just a heads up. this is a superboy/oc story, and obviously i will have to address m'gann and artemis's feelings for superboy at some point. i will not be turning them ooc/in to terrible people. however, they may get jealous! in secrets, artemis was upset about superboy and m'gann, enough that she didn't want to hang out with them at the moment because she was hurt and jealous. so i'm going to try my best to keep them in character about all that.

anyways. please keep the reviews coming! they really really really inspire me to write more, knowing that people are enjoying it. so please let me know what you think!

thanks!