A/N at the end
~~~the multiverse continues to ripple~~~
Chapter 2: Come with Me Now by Kongos
Cyborg smiled his own evil smile as the line went dead.
'If he wasn't a jackass, this would make me feel bad.' He thought to himself before turning to see Beast Boy slumped against the wall, failing to shake the dizzy out of his head as Raven huffed out of the common area.
'Man, they put on a good show.' Before he could walk away from the comm station, it beeped at him. Vic turned to look at it, eyes widening a bit at the stark Bat-symbol on the screen. "Uhm, Robin, I think it's for you."
Robin raised an eyebrow as he carefully pried himself from Starfire's cuddling and his tablet and walked over to the screen, giving an equally startled look at the symbol. He hasn't heard from Bruce for...months. Not since Jason's...at least no more than a few words of occasional advice for missions. He tapped the symbol on the screen and was greeted with the grisly image of the Batman, as usual, unshaven, a light behind him giving a slight silhouette. Robin raised an eyebrow, forcing a smile.
"A bit early for you, isn't it?" He asked playfully.
"Late would be more appropriate." Batman growled wearily. "Riddler thought it would be fun to tie up all of city council and hide them in the districts on the opposite side of the city from their own. With riddle laden death traps of course."
This earned him a genuine smile from Dick,"Of course. Well, was it fun?"
Batman returned the smile with a slight one of his own.
"Almost. Took until seven this morning to find them all. Quarter after if you include Mr. Nigma's now broken clavicle and ribs." Batman and Robin chuckled at this, earning a slightly nervous glance shared between Cy and Star, the latter shrugging.
Dick sighed slightly before asking "So, why'd you call? Riddler's health non-withstanding."
Bruce's smile dropped as he went into business mode. "I was actually wondering if you would be up to coming out to stay in Gotham for the summer. I have some things I need to go over with you and it would give us a chance to catch up." Dick stared at the screen. He was trying to pick the words apart in his mind, looking for the hidden meanings that Batman puts in almost every request.
'Don't stall too long, he'll pick up on it.' Robin thought to himself quickly. "Well...we'd have to find someone to cover my spot on the team...and...uhm, well would it be too much to bring someone with me?"
"You can bring your girlfriend if you want. There's plenty of room in the house, and I'm sure Starfire would love to visit Gotham." Batman replied calmly. Dick could not recall mentioning his dating of Star to Bruce. Ever. He had a leak on the team.
'Cyborg, he's the only one who goes up to the League. Probably didn't think of mentioning it to someone. Damn word travels too fast around the Watchtower.' Robin thought rapidly, then looked at Star. "Uhm...well, would you like to-" He didn't have a chance to finish.
"Yes, it sounds most wonderful! I have been wanting to see the city of your origins! Meeting your mentor sounds most enjoyable as well!" Kori had rapidly flown over and hugged him as she answered. And while she had gotten better, the hug was just strong enough to remind Dick of the bruises on his sides and he winced. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Batman's face barely smirk before going flat again.
'Very clever, Bruce. Very clever.' Dick thought before speaking again. "Well...That settles that. How do you want us to get out there?"
"I can take care of that; I can arrange a private jet for you two at Jump's airport, though she'll need a disguise." Batman said calmly, pointing at Starfire.
Cyborg interjected before the other two could speak "It's okay, Batman, we've actually got that covered. Everyone on the team has holographic projection rings for days off or going undercover." Batman nodded in approval, then looked at Cyborg intently.
"That reminds me, Vic. Your father passed on word that he would like you to visit him. It's been a while and he would also like to catch up with you." Batman said in his normal, flat growl.
Cy's face dropped considerably. "I...really...don't...feel up to it, y'kn-" He started before being cut off.
"Victor, Dr. Stone passed word through Superman when he was visiting S.T.A.R. Labs last week. And he agreed it's about time that you visit your father. You know how Superman is about visiting fathers." Batman emphasized the last part. For once, Cy was glad it was Batman passing this along. Superman would have a small speech of the importance of spending the time you have with your family while they are here. That would go on for ten to fifteen minutes. An unknown, rarely used power of Superman's is the Kryptonian guilt trip, apparently.
"...Is there anyway that private jet of yours can drop me off in Metropolis?" Vic asked, relenting to the pressure of Batman's calm stare, shoulders dropping a little.
"I think they can manage it." Batman replied. "I'll let you organize your replacements, Robin. Contact me as soon as everything is set up, and I'll get everything finished on my end for your trip."
"Alright, talk to you then Ba-" Dick began before the feed cut off abruptly. "-stard." He finished as his face fell a little. Starfire blinked at the screen, before looking at Robin, slightly worried expression on her face.
"Does...he do that often, Boyfriend-Richard?" She asked tentatively.
"Every call." Dick sighed. He looked over at Cyborg, who actually seemed far more put out by the trip plans than him. "You okay, Vic? I know you and your dad have...issues so are you going to actually be up for the trip?"
Cy sighed sadly. "Not much of a way outta it now. It's funny...facing aliens, psychopaths, monsters...monstrous alien psychopaths, all easy. Dealing with father who's idea of saving his son is..." He tapped his metal hand to the metal part of his head. "...a bit harder it seems." He turned to walk back towards his room. "Best get ready I suppose."
Dick nodded. "I'll put in a call to Donna, Wally and Jinx. They're the closest who I think could help hold the town while we're out." Vic gave a thumbs up without turning around before exiting the common area. Dick turned and looked at Star.
"You should probably get packed too, Kory, as soon as we get everything set, Bruce is going to expect me to call him that second." Dick said calmly, trying to mask the hint of irritation in his voice. Starfire tilted her head softly.
"This is not going to be a trip of much fun, yes?" She asked, worried expression returning. Dick smiled calmly.
"We can make it one. Besides, Gotham has some of the best shops in the country, which I'm sure you can have fun perusing with a damn near unlimited credit card." With that, Star almost instantly perked up.
"You shall make the calls, yes?" She asked, cheer returning to her voice. Robin nodded.
"Besides, I'm sure the three could use the change of pace." He said as he took out his communicator-phone. Kory departed with a slight bounce to their bedroom, passing the still dazed Gar on the floor. As Robin began to dial, he was interrupted as said dazed changeling stood up, once again part of the world at large. Beast Boy looked around for a second then at Robin.
"...What I miss?" He rubbed a sore part of his skull.
Dick chuckled before giving Gar the run down. "Star and I are heading to Gotham to visit with Batman and Cyborg's going home to visit his dad. I'm gonna call in Donna, Wally and Jinx to help you and Raven watch the city." Dick could see gears turning behind BB's eyes, but not quite sure about which part his statement he was going over in his mind.
"...Okay then." Gar said as he resumed his spot on the couch to start his game back up from it's paused state, then looked back at Robin. "You mean I missed Batman calling again?!" Robin shrugged. "Goddamnit, why does that always happen when a member of the league calls?" BB grumbled as he flicked on the game.
Robin shook his head. "They probably know instinctively that you're going to harass them about Animal Man." he replied dryly as he began to dial again.
"Only a little..." Gar responded before turning back to his game.
In Portland:
A young woman and young man sat in the outdoor section of a cafe, the man eating two doughnuts at once as his counterpart watched amused. She was a short, almost thin, Asian woman, black hair in pigtails with pink tips and wearing a slight montage of a punk get up, and various rings on her slim fingers, one of the bulkier ones she kept fiddling at slightly. Her catlike eyes watched her companion scarf his two doughnuts down before grabbing two more out of the bag. Despite his appetite, the young redheaded man was of medium build, and fairly tall, almost stretched out a little, wearing simply jeans and a yellow t-shirt with an unknown red design on it. He smiled at the woman across from him.
"I really don't see how you can't want a doughnut with bacon on it, Linda," He said, mouth half full, saying her name with a hint of playful sarcasm. "These things are amazing." He finished the sentence by finishing a doughnut by cramming the remaining chunk in his left hand in his mouth.
Linda put her elbows on the table, weaving her fingers together and leaning her head on her hands, quirking an eyebrow before responding just as playfully. "It was good the first time, Wally. I don't need to eat them every day for two weeks straight, let alone almost every one the store makes."
"Yeah...not sure if we can go back after this batch, they looked kinda mad." Wally said calmly before finishing the other doughnut. His eyes opened a bit slightly as he watched his pocket lit up and vibrated. He initially reached down, before staring at his sugar covered hands and then at Linda, his face pleading for assistance.
Linda, for her part, was a good sport and got up, calmly walked over and removed the communicator from his pocket then answered.
"Titan Jinx speaking for Kid Flash, what can I do for you, Robin?" Jinx said as she sat back down across from Wally, as he frantically fought with napkins to get the glaze off his hands, only succeeding in attaching more paper to his hands. Jinx smirked while watching him struggle with the paper.
"Hrm, really now? Well I don't see why not, it's been dead up here. Apparently harassing hippies is not high up there on the Super villain bucket list." She said, watching Wally look in both directions suspiciously before rapidly moving his hands at super-speed to remove the glaze and paper debris from his hands.
"Well, yes Luthor would do that, but that's Luthor. He's the king of capitalistic assholes. And if he's not, he tries his damnedest to kick who ever is off that hilltop. But yes, to answer your question, we'll be there in a day or so. See ya then." She said the last part cheerfully before turning off the communicator and handing it to Wally. "We're going to be staying at the Jump City Tower while Dick, Vic and Kory go on vacation for the summer."
Wally took his communicator, staring at her with a small smile, "Sooo I don't get a say in our decisions anymore?"
Jinx returned his smile "Not the important ones." Wally raised an eyebrow at her, before grabbing the drink in front of him, sipping from the straw until it emptied.
"I'm okay with that."
In Seattle:
Harry had been following her for at least half a block. She was just chatting away on her phone, ignoring the world around her. Tall, brunette, pretty, wearing expensive, but simple clothes, so her purse would probably be loaded, at least with info he could sell. Harry decided to make his move as she slowed down to look at a shop window. He ran, grabbed the purse and began to run before he realized that the straps were caught on something. Harry looked back and noticed the straps were stretching out, the young woman keeping a surprisingly strong grip on it with one hand. Her face shifted from calm to one of annoyance as she swiftly pulled the purse out of his hands, throwing the bag over his head so the straps were on either side of his neck, then twisted the straps to tighten it around his neck. Harry tried to yelp as she pulled back hard, but didn't have enough time before her elbow connected with his skull, knocking him out cold.
Donna Troy unwound the straps of the purse and removed it deftly from around the would be thief's neck, allowing him to smack into the ground dully. She put her communicator back up to her ear, stepping over the unconscious man and continuing down the street.
"I'm sorry, I missed that last part, Dick, got distracted. Oh, nothing major, it's fine. Sure, I don't mind covering for a few months. Seattle's been kinda boring actually." Donna said as she strolled down the street, waiting to see if she could fish out any other idiots from the shopping district before returning to her hotel room to pack.
Titan's Tower, Jump City:
"And that takes care of that." Dick said as he closed the communicator up, then looked over at Beast Boy. He had noticed that the entire time he was talking to the others, BB had been moving in a simple circle in his game. It was like he wasn't thinking about the game at all. At that moment, the screen filled with a bright neon flash, and everything fizzed and faded as the character died and the game reloaded. Not a flinch from Gar. "...You okay, man?" Dick asked as he walked over and waved his hand in front of Beast Boy.
Gar shook his head quickly, looking up at Robin, "Yeah, what's up?" he responded in a distracted manner.
"Got everything set up for the our spots on the team to be covered." Robin said, eyebrow raised as he watched his friend.
"Okay, cool."
"And you just died in your game."
"I know, it happens,man."
Robin leaned down so he was eye level with Beast Boy. "What's eating you?"
Gar shifted uncomfortably "That obvious?"
Dick sat next to him with a plop. "I just watched you not go into a mini fit for dying in your game after walking in circles, not shooting at anything, for twenty minutes. Either your tofu's gone bad again or something is bothering the shit out of you. So, spill."
'Damn, should've remembered the tofu thing.' Gar muttered internally as he weighed his words. "Just...wondering...who's going to head up the team with you out of town?" The question formed awkwardly, as did the smile on his face.
Dick's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're lying but that's a good point so for now, you get a pass." Beast Boy exhaled the breath he had been holding.
Dick stood up and began to leave the room, before turning back around to look at Beast Boy. "By the way, you should pass on the word to Raven. It would be a good idea to warn her about new people wandering into her personal space for a few months, give her a chance to brace herself. Also give you a chance to apologize properly for earlier."
Beast Boy practically dropped the controller from the slight jump he gave, then looked at Robin as he turned off the game. "Good idea, Rob, I'll get right on that." He was almost out of the room before Dick was.
Dick just gave a small smile and shook his head as he went towards his and Star's shared room. 'He's like cellophane, no poker face at all'.*
Four Days Later:
Wally had of course arrived first, sans Jinx, as he was mostly transporting their things while she took the plane. They had learned the hard way that her riding with him for extended periods was not fun. Apparently not being protected from high speeds completely is uncomfortable for the rider. Hence, planes for her, and he saved them money by running everything back and forth.
Luckily, Jinx didn't fly alone, since Donna came down from Seattle to catch the flight with her. And also take advantage of the Kid Flash Delivery Service. On a side note, Wally plans on charging outrageous fees next time this happens. Jinx and Donna got along surprisingly well, having met initially at the previous Titan gatherings briefly. They mostly traded stories on taking down various goons who underestimated female opponents and using that to their advantage. By the time they got to Jump City, Wally had everyone's belongings in the proper rooms, Jinx and his practically set up and Donna's politely left on her bed for her to arrange as she pleased.
Jinx and Donna walked in, Donna already in deep catching up conversation with Dick who had picked them up from the airport. Starfire gave Jinx her welcoming, rib cracking hug, already in both street clothes and with her holo-ring on, giving her a light tan look, normal, bright green eyes,and a more...human shade of red in her hair. It was enough to blend her in. Vic was by the door again, also wearing his holo-ring and in baggy, comfortable looking clothes, looking at his watch slightly impatiently in between double checking everyone's bags. Jinx looked around the room to find Wally, playing Beast Boy in Street Fighter.
"Dude, no super speed!" Gar yelled as he frantically mashed the controller.
"I don't need to use speed to beat you, man, just skill!" Wally replied as his character wailed on BB's.
"Well I see you've been busy." Jinx said as she leaned over the back of the couch to hug Wally and kiss him on the cheek.
"As always." Wally's eyes didn't leave the screen as he smiled, though he could swear he see Beast Boy's face make a quick twitch of irritation. He ignored it for the moment, "You two have a nice flight?"
"Of course, a little boring but Donna can at least tell some good stories." Jinx returned his smile pleasantly, then watched the screen for a second and blinked. "Damn, Beast Boy, you're terrible at this game."
BB slumped in his spot on the couch as his character got knocked out again. "Only playing 'til everyone got here anyways." He grumbled while tossing the controller to the side.
Jinx raised an eyebrow at him and his reaction. She'd known Beast Boy for a long time, even if part of that time was as an adversary. She never, ever would've picked him for moody. Childish, totally, in a heartbeat. Moody? Not so much. She leaned closer to Wally and whispered in his ear.
"What's up with BB?" resting her head on his shoulder as she asked
Wally turned his head to look at the grumpy changeling then his eyes moved to look a Jinx, shrugging lightly "Was fine til a minute ago." He whispered back, genuinely confused.
Jinx's cat-like eyes flickered around the room for a second, noticing that Beast Boy was trying to hide a small look of disgruntlement at Raven, who was calmly reading on the farthest edge of the couch.
'Ahhhhh, that's what it is...' Her face went into a Cheshire grin. Jinx looked back at Wally, noticing his continued look of confusion and decided to keep to herself what she figured out. He'll pick it up. Maybe. He's an odd one.
Wally noticed Jinx's grin before she could hide it from him. "What?" He whispered, always a little worried when she gets that smile.
"If you're good, I'll tell you later." Jinx replied simply, before kissing him on the cheek and pushing up off him and the back of the couch.
Wally sat there, now more confused. "...Women are weird."
"Tell me about it." Gar muttered.
"What?" Wally turned his head quickly at Beast Boy.
"Nothin'" Beast Boy said as fast as he could.
As Wally eyed BB suspiciously, Dick finished bringing Donna up to speed. He was trusting her with his notes, as he knew she had the most experience in doing so next to him.
"Soooo does this mean I'm in charge?" Donna said with equal hints of hopefulness and suspicion.
"Actually...as far as leading the team in the field, I was going to leave that to Beast Boy." Dick said, loud enough to catch Gar's attention.
"Really?!" Beast Boy jumped up and turned around to lean on the back of the couch to look at Robin, any hints of a bad mood simply gone.
"I figured you deserve it, you did well during the Brotherhood fight, and you've got a knack for leading a team in stressful conditions. I'm leaving notes and research to Donna because...well that's not your strong suite." Robin said calmly.
Gar nodded, "Yeah...I mean I pay attention during team meetings but..yeah. Not good with notes." he looked down slightly then back up excitedly. "Anything I really need to know?"
"You know what to do, I'm not going to tell you how to run the team. Just don't get everyone killed and listen to the team when they have something to say. Basics." Robin shrugged.
"Shit, we got to go or Bruce is going to flay me alive for keeping the plane waiting." He said quickly. Dick started walking quickly at the door, Cyborg already waiting, holding his own suitcase, looking at Robin's worried expression
Cyborg raised an eyebrow at him, "Don't look at me, I've been waiting on y'all."
That got Dick to crack a smile, as he grabbed his duffel bag and Star grabbed her over sized travel bag with one hand.
"Uhm, Kory, you might want to carry that two handed when we get to the airport." Dick said, eyeing her effortless grabbing of the bag.
Star looked confused, "Am I not supposed to carry my own bags of clothing and accessories?"
"Yes, but remember, low profile in front of the flight crew." Dick replied calmly.
"Oh! Of course, then I shall keep myself down on the low." Star said quickly, then proceeded to put the large bag in front of her, slumping her shoulders to indicate it's weight, before giving a pleading look at Robin. "Boyfriend-Richard, this is most heavy, would mind giving me assistance?"
Dick had to give her credit, she was doing very well. Also said look was melting him faster than her eye beams could melt butter.
"Uhm, sure. totally." He stammered out, reaching for her bag. She handed it to him, causing Robin to go forward as the bag hit the ground with a dull thump, causing Cyborg to let out a quick "Ha!".
Starfire used the distraction to turn around and fly over to each of the other Titans to give another round of farewell hugs.
"Please take good care of Silkie for me, Friend-Garfield."
"Not a-" Gar's air circulation momentarily cut off and his voice cracked and squeaked "-a problem, Star." He inhaled deeply when she let go.
"Friend-Raven, do keep the tradition of Time-of-girls up while I am away."
"Wouldn't dream of not-" Raven winced as she got the hug, more from the overwhelming emotions the Tamaranean gave off than the hug itself. "-missing them."
"Friend-Wallace, I hope you and Friend-Jinx enjoy your stay in the tower and city."
"I'm sure it'll be-" Wally squeaked a little as Star gave him a hug, "-fun."
"Friend-Jinx, take care of Friend-Wallace and also do not miss out on the time of girls."
"I'll do my-" Jinx also winced like Raven from the hug, though hers was less empathy related than a possible crack on a rib, "-best to keep him out of trouble."
"Friend-Donna, please keep up the warrior's spirit in my steed."
"Of course, Kory, I don't think that'll be a problem." Both girls hugged, Donna of course being one of the few who can actually take the hug of Starfire.
Dick and Cyborg simply waved as they all clambered into the elevator.
"Seriously, Bruce is going to kill me." Dick muttered loudly as the door to the elevator closed.
Everything settled back into a calm as everyone began to move into various places in the common area, BB and Wally getting ready to restart up their game, then Wally turned and looked at Gar.
"Who the hell is Bruce?" Wally asked in sheer sincerity and yet more confusion.
A/N: Another chapter edited down, sorta. Had a plot point that legit goes nowhere, so just pruned it right out. This chapter was initially named "The Beginning is the End is the Beginning", which is a song by the Smashing Pumpkins from the Batman and Robin soundtrack. It came to my attention because it was used in a trailer for the Watchman movie back in the day. It was thrown in as a Batman reference but really...meh, it just doesn't fit like the other songs do, so I tracked down a song I felt embodied the chapter more. Alright, thanks for reading, leave a review if you'd like, I'd appreciate it. Peace - Tearlach