Disclaimer: :slightly muffled but still loud yelling from under bed: I WON'T SAY IT! I ABSOLUTELY ON NO UNCERTAIN TERMS REFUSE:eyes glint as authoress is dragged out from under bed: Oh my…scary lawyers…okaysoIdon'townTeenTitansnowleavemealone! You so don't want to sue me, I'm liticaphobic and would so totally embarrass the crap out of you!

(THE RUSH)

"Umm…Red, why exactly is your orphanage built in this part of town?" Cyborg asked with a grimace as they peered out of the windows at the decrepit buildings and desolate citizens.

"Because no one else wants some dirty orphans mucking up their neat little neighborhoods." He replied with a frown and a shrug.

"Friend Rush, I believe I am beginning to understand what you meant when you said superheroes do not help the poor…" The Dolt piped up sadly from the back of the car.

"Yeah…this place is…" The Original paused, as if trying to find a word. "I mean, Robin said Batman helps, but this…it's just…"

"Pathetic." The Sorceress finished for the newest Titan.

"Heh…home sweet home, guys. Home sweet home." He said as he stretched his arm across the Sorceress to tap Cyborg's arm. "Next right, the big brick building on the corner." He didn't take his arm back away from the Sorceress, and she didn't comment…nor did anyone else, though whether that was for fear of her or him we may never know.

"You got it, Red." Cyborg said, pulling into the driveway of a building that was surprisingly nice (especially considering how dilapidated everything else was).

He twisted around in his seat to look at the Squirt, who had the Boy sprawled across the seats beside him with his head in his lap. "How's Neo holding up?"

"I think he's having a nightmare or something…" The Squirt said as he wiped the Boy's sweaty brow, worrying his bottom lip with his teeth.

He nodded. "Alright. I'll be right back." He said, opening the door and stepping out, not going up to the door but rather cupping his hands around his mouth. "Oi! Where's my welcoming committee, you bunch of slackers?! I'm gone for two months and you guys have already forgotten me? Or are you just lazy? The sun's been up for more than an hour now—your little hind ends should be hard at work!"

A window opened and a boy stuck his head out, grinning widely and disappearing back into the house. "Hey, everybody! Wake up! He's back! Mr. Dawson's back!"

"It's Mr. Dawson! Hi!" A young woman waved from another window enthusiastically.

"Mr. Dawson!" A small girl squealed as she ran out of the house.

"Daddy! Daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy! You're finally here! You're home!" The girl from the day before streaked past the other and threw herself into his arms.

"That I am, angel!" He agreed, twirling her around once before setting her back on the ground. "I can hardly hold you anymore! You're growing up so fast!"

She giggled.

He ruffled the other girl's hair. "And how are you doing today, Audra?"

The girl smiled sweetly. "Very good, Mr. Dawson. How are you?"

"Very busy, actually."

"Are you staying to visit, Caleb?" The older woman from the night before asked.

He put his free arm around her and kissed her cheek. "Sorry, Lee, but I've got to get to Wayne Corp. to get Neo checked out. Next time, promise."

"Is Neo your sick friend's name?"

"He's sorta…my little brother…I'll explain later." He looked at Jaelyn. "Ready to go, angel?"

Jaelyn gasped. "No! I almost forgot! I'll be right back!" She squirmed out of his arms hurriedly and scrambled back into the house before he could say anything.

"She made cocoa for Neo. She says it'll make him feel better…" Miss Lena shrugged.

"It will, Mr. Dawson!" Audra piped up, tugging on his pant leg insistently. "Jay's cocoa always makes people feel better! Like magic!"

"Like magic, huh?" He shrugged. "I guess it can't hurt…"

"Rush, we don't have time for this." The Sorceress said, but he wasn't given the time to answer.

"Boss!" The young woman from the window joined them, waving a small slip of paper. "Boss! You forgot to sign the check you sent us again!"

"God, did I?" He asked, taking the paper and pen from her and signing his name. "Well, life's been hectic lately…but I guess I almost always forget to sign…"

"It's a good excuse to get you to come visit, though, boss." The woman giggled, leaning up and kissing his cheek.

He shook his head. "We've been over this before, sweetheart, you're too old for me, and there's that whole emploer-employee relationship thing..."

She giggled again and winked at him. "That's never stopped you before, boss! Besides, since when have you ever played by anyone's rules but your own, hmm?"

"Oh, stop it, sweetheart, you'll give me a big head."

"As if it can get any bigger, you arrogant little whipper snapper!" She laughed, taking the paper and pen back. "Maybe next time I'll be able to sway you, then."

"Now, sweetheart, you shouldn't flirt with me—your hubby will get jealous." He scolded.

"Well," She patted her stomach, "With a little one on the way, he shouldn't be too jealous!"

"Really? Congratulations, sweetheart!" He embraced her. "Now be a real sweetheart and go see what's taking my little one so long, would you?"

She saluted him mockingly. "You got it, boss." She said, and disappeared back into the house.

"I'm coming, daddy!" Jaelyn reappeared a moment later, carefully balancing a mug in her hands.

"C'mon, angel, or we'll be late." He said, scooping her up with one arm while relieving her of the cocoa with his free hand. "Bye, everyone!"

"Bye, Mr. Dawson!" Several kids chorused from the windows, waving cheerfully.

"Come back and visit us soon!" Audra added from her place at Miss Lena's side.

"And don't forget to sign your check next month!" The young woman yelled from the doorway. "We have bills to pay, and I can't keep tracking you down!"

"Will do, sweetheart!" He replied with a nod as he climbed into the car, seating Jaelyn in his lap while turning to hand the Squirt the steaming cup, and they once again took off.

(THE RUSH)