A/N: Hey readers. I know a lot of authors apologize for long periods between updates, and I am no exception to that rule. Please forgive the long hiatus there. As a college student with finals coming up, it gets hard to manage what little spare time I have (if I even have any). I appreciate your return; this is a shorter chapter. It just worked out that way in the story flow. Enjoy and review! :) Hope you all are doing fantastic! -BarryA

Previously in Falcon:

[Batman Speaking] "…Your job is to head to Nebraska. The Injustice League is trying to re-group and organize. Your job is to observe and report. DO NOT ENGAGE. You will report directly back to me and if the league needs to get involved to stop it, we will; any questions?"

Aqualad's thought process hit me like a ton of bricks.

'That's Falcon's father…?" He was just as shell shocked as I was.

'I'm coming to your room tonight. We ARE going to finish this conversation TONIGHT.' I thought to him as he nodded his agreement and approval.

As the Bioship landed in the loading bay, I scratched my eagle's belly and clicked my tongue to wake him up. He had fallen asleep perched on my shoulder. He slowly opened his eyes and puffed himself up, presumably to stretch. I smiled at him, as he squawked a quiet hello to me. I got up as the seat belts came undone on everyone. I tried to let myself be the last one off, but Superboy wouldn't let me. I nodded my thanks to his kindness, and we walked off together. He went to put a hand of reassurance on my shoulder, but my eagle tried to put a quick stop to his actions by pecking at his hand. I scolded him by screeching at him and telling him that Superboy was ok, and he behaved. I looked back at Superboy, his hand still on my shoulder.

"Sorry Superboy. I hope he didn't hurt your hand." I stated simply as he shook his head no. The others were ahead of us, but Conner looked like he had something he wanted to say, so I waited to start walking again and hear what he wanted to say.

"Falcon, about earlier with Artemis…I'm not usually one to act like this, but I know that you heard what she said about you acting as you have for attention. I felt your reaction after M'gann cut the link. Artemis wasn't right to say that. M'gann told me that you don't act that way for attention, and I believe her. I just wanted you to know that I, well, I don't want you to think that it's you against the world." I stared at him.

"That has to be one of the best things anyone has ever told me, Connor. Thank you. Are you ok with a hug?" I said as he shrugged his shoulders. I gave him a very appreciative hug as my eagle flew off of my shoulder from fear of being smashed. He hugged me back, but we broke it quickly to catch up with the others. I was glad that Superboy supported me. He was someone I would've wanted on my side.

As we all gathered into the Briefing Room for a Debrief, my eagle landed back onto my arm as I held it out and whistled for him. I felt a stare on my back, and turned around to Batman staring at me and the bird now perched on my arm. I read right through that seemingly blank mask. He was mad and slightly curious. Robin was right about his reaction. I did something I knew I would come to regret later. I acted like a teenager: rolled my eyes, sighed, and walked over to join the rest of the group. At that, I knew Batman glared at me, but I honestly didn't care. This eagle was my companion now. Batman quickly regained his composure and addressed the group.

"The mission was a success. Good job team. Go get some rest…" At that, the group (including me) took action to head back to our designated rooms.

"…Falcon. You and I are going to talk." There was no question in his voice. I stopped in my tracks, and felt the stares of the others on me as I turned around to face the Dark Knight himself. I heard Robin turn around too, as he started to head over to where I was standing.

"Without you, Robin." I heard said boy wonder huff as he turned around again and headed back to where the others had gone; presumably to take a shower, decompress, and chew out Kid Flash. I threw those thoughts away as I looked up, straight into the eyes of one of the most fearsome super heroes in the Justice League. I didn't back down from his glare; instead I spoke up.

"Wasn't it you who taught me to ignore intimidation tactics?" He glared even harder and sighed.

"Why do you have that thing with you?" It was my turn to glare as I pet Eagle to show my appreciation for him.

"Superboy has a mutated, and need I mention AWESOME, pet wolf. What's wrong with me having a pet Eagle? I'll take care of him. Aunt Shiera won't mind. She might actually be glad for me, unlike you!" I yelled at him as I threw an accusing finger at him. It was so complicated to have a super hero as your father figure. I turned around to leave, hoping to be done with the conversation, when I dreaded the voice that followed my footsteps.

"And where do you think you're going, young lady? I don't remember it being proper to walk away from your authorities like that. I thought we taught you better than that, even if you are a teenager." I froze in place, but didn't turn back around.

"Flash what are you doing here?" I was too tired to address him as my uncle. He must have appeared out of the shadows of the room. Kid Flash didn't even know he was here. Now Kid Flash would be even more mad at me; great.

"Batman called, and now I'm glad he did. Now turn around and walk back over to us where we can have conversation without yelling halfway across the room." There was no humor that was normally present in his light voice. He was all serious right now. His tone was deep, and Batman's features were serious. I turned around and stared them both in the eye as I approached. I wasn't afraid of them, I was afraid of their words. But I didn't let it show. Not yet.

"Thank you. Now we need to discuss what was seen on tonight's mission. Batman gave me an overview. Did you transform in front of Kid Flash?" Now was the fun part.

"No sir." Batman interjected.

"Max, be civil. We are only trying to help." I relaxed slightly and raised my arm to Flash to show him eagle as I pet his wings to clear my head and get my thoughts in order. I knew what he meant. I needed to stop being a smart ass, and treat them as I should. I rethought my answer.

"Kid Flash stopped me before I had the chance to transform." Flash was slightly shocked.

"How did he do that? I didn't think very many people had that ability over you…" He could hardly believe it. How embarrassing would this be to tell?

"It was because of Robin. Months ago we were talking at the Manor, and I told him that I thought I might have a crush on Kid Flash, but that I would have to meet him to know for sure. Well, using that knowledge, Robin told Kid Flash, who in turn…well you can probably guess the rest." I was too tired to continue. Flash chuckled, and I snarled at him.

"You think it's funny?" I said in a dangerous tone as Flash immediately stopped chuckling and looked me dead in the eye. I heard eagle screech at him, and I growled again.

"ENOUGH! You WILL calm down, and we WILL talk civil." Batman proclaimed loudly as he stepped into my line of sight and cupped my chin to face him. I caught eyes with him, and I suddenly became obedient. I was too tired to fight him, and no matter what, he still was my caretaker.

"That's better. Now, we're going to talk about what Robin found." I slouched.

"Do you really think it's him, Batman? I don't want him to replace you both. You guys mean so much to me." I started to feel emotional again. Flash came around Batman and held me to him for support. Eagle flew off and over to the hologram area where the screen was providing light.

"Computer, provide the bird with a perch to sit on." I heard Batman say as one appeared. Eagle gladly perched on it, once he deemed it safe. I smiled.

"So you do care." I said smugly into Batman's shoulder as said hero quietly chuckled.

"Of course I do. Max, I know you're tired, but we do need to talk about this. I am going to process the DNA sample I had Robin take tonight. If it turns out to be him, he will without a doubt be offered the best residence on Earth with the league's support. You need to know that." I sighed as I heard Batman talking. I didn't really care at this point. I was exhausted, and ready for bed.

"Batman, I'm glad to hear it. But I am just so tired. Can we discuss this tomorrow? I'll come to Watch Tower so that the three of us can talk. Promise." Batman sighed, not wanting to put it off, but Flash squeezed my shoulder.

"Head to bed Maxi. This discussion will go better when we're all a bit more rested anyway. We'll meet you in the bay and we'll talk tomorrow. Be there around 1. Sleep well, beautiful." He kissed my forehead and I looked at Batman. He came over and gave me a hug.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you. You know I love you. Sleep well. But be ready and timely tomorrow. I don't want you to think that I don't still expect the best from you." I smirked.

"Ok. Thank you. Goodnight to both of you. Sleep well and sweet dreams. See you at 1 tomorrow." They both nodded and I headed down to the hallway. I whistled for Eagle, and immediately he flew over to me and landed on my shoulder. I headed back to my room, and on the way stopped in front of M'gann's door. I sent her a mental burst of energy telling her that I was outside her door, and a few seconds later her door opened.

"You ok, Max? Do you need something?" I nodded.

"Where's Robin? I need to talk to him. It's urgent." She closed her eyes, assumingly searching minds to find where Robin was. A few minutes later, I had the reply I was anticipating.

"He's in the weight room, but I think Wally is with him. Go on. I'll see you in the morning." I nodded, and she gave me a hug that I leaned into, enjoying the support. After a minute she let go, and I walked into my room to let Eagle go, and took my gear off, leaving my wrap on my arms, seeing all the dried blood on my arms, and feeling too tired to mess with the pain. I threw on some Under Armour sweat pants and a black tank top and went to find Robin, leaving eagle to take care of himself like I knew he could.

On my approach to the weight room, I stayed quiet, waiting for the right time to interrupt the argument. Neither of them new I was there. I overheard what was being said. They were both heated up.

"I don't care, Robin! She just joined the team YESTERDAY! She hardly has a place here! She has no right to barge in here and upset Artemis the way she did…" Wally was yelling.

"No, Wally. You have her all wrong. How can you stand here and say she has no place among people who are different and gifted like her? You haven't even given her a chance. If Artemis has that big of a problem with her, she should talk to Kaldur." Robin was always the calm one in his retorts, no matter who he was arguing with.

"Bull shit she will. Kaldur is bias thanks to you! Falcon is an unstable, hormone-controlled teenage girl who doesn't even care about the members of her team. Who cares if it was her dad? Everyone goes through hard stuff; she shouldn't act like she's the exception!" Wally continued to yell, and I choked on my sobs. I didn't need to be here, why am I putting myself through this? I should be angry. But I'm not. I should barge in there and punch his mouth shut; instead I'm standing here against the wall crying.

"Wally, you don't know her. Artemis has had a hard life, yes. And before you ask, I know a lot about her; probably more than you. Max is not acting out of expecting the exception; she's acting out of fear and natural feelings because she's gone through hard stuff too. You would feel the same way she is if you experienced what she has. Don't say such harsh things. She would NEVER say things like that about anyone, even her enemies. And don't judge her based on how you act. You have got to be one of the smartest, most immature people I know. She deserves your respect, just as she respects you, despite the douche bag you're acting like right now. I could punch you right now." Wally went quiet after that until he found his voice again.

"You don't know Artemis like I do. I think I love her Robin. I will die to protect her. Having someone like Max around is threatening that. She shouldn't be here." Robin wasn't surprised. I could tell by his comfortable silence.

"Max is no threat. You only perceive her as one. You're the threat for turning one teammate into your lover, and the other into your enemy because of your own personal feelings. Just give her a chance Wally. You might be surprised. God knows why she likes you, the way you're acting, she deserves better. But either way, I won't let you get near her without my supervision from now on. This will turn physical if you hurt her." I smiled between my tears. Robin did always have my back. Wally stormed out of the weight room, passing me and seeing me against the wall. We caught eyes, and I looked back determined, despite the tear stains on my cheeks.

"How long have you been here?" He spat at me. I held his stare with complete respect. I kept my answer simple, answering more than just that question.

"She's a lucky girl, Artemis. She deserves someone like you. I hope you are happy in the end, Wally." He glared into my eyes and surprised me by his next actions. He grasped my injured arm in a death grip, and as I held down my scream of agony, he punched me square in the gut and I fell to the floor in pain as he continued the hold on my arm. With his other hand, he lifted my chin and coldly stated

"You stay away from her, and this won't happen again, and STAY AWAY FROM ROBIN. You might be able to threaten Artemis, but I won't let you take Robin too." Before I could even think about the fact that I had nothing to say, Robin was at Wally's side. The next thing I knew, the pain in my arm had subsided, and Wally was gone. Robin picked me up and carried me bridal-style to his room.

Once there, Robin set me down on his bed, and turned on his lights. I lay down in agonizing pain on his bed as he walked over to me and sat down.

"Is it ok if I look over your wounds? You look like you took a bit of a beating tonight. And wait to transform until I've dressed your wounds. I want to make sure they don't get infected. I can't tend to you if you're a griffin." I kept still, and he went to work checking my body for other wounds. The only reason I had wounds other than on my arms was because Wally created a heavy and dark forming bruise on my abdomen. I winced as he looked over it and checked its tenderness. The bruise was partially hidden by my tattoo. He looked at me with empathetic eyes and cleaned the gash on my arm. After he was done, he pet my head and whispered

"Ok, if you want to transform, you can. Do you want to stay here tonight?" I just stared at him. I shook my head.

"Why not? You're comfortable here; just rest with me tonight, ok? I won't let anyone hurt you anymore." I shook my head. I willed myself to speak, despite the pain it brought.

"Robin, Wally warned me to stay away from you, so that's what I'm going to do. I can handle myself." I whispered as I went to stand up. But as I walked, I almost fell. Thankfully Robin caught me and brought me back up to look at him as he steadied me.

"Max, you're not going anywhere. Now transform while I change if you so desire, and get comfortable in my bed. Wally can get the hell over himself. I care about you too much. End of discussion" he carried me over to his bed and sat me down on it. I looked at the floor. He stood there for a moment and lifted my chin up so that I was looking into his face. He leaned down and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes and leaned into his kiss. He lingered, keeping his forehead against mine, and I allowed myself to relax a small bit. I leaned away from him as I nodded, and lay down on his pillow. I brought my feet up onto his bed, and Robin went to change in his bathroom.

As he closed the door, I whimpered quietly as I let my body transform into my partially-full form, fighting back a howl. Moments later, Robin came back out and I scooted over in his big bed to allow him room. He climbed into bed next to me, clad in a pair of boxers and a tank top. I laid my head down as he turned the light off. He got comfortable and moved my head to wear I was snuggling him, and kissed my head as I fell asleep next to my best friend, the night soon forgotten.