All the things I've heard about
But never really seen.

December 22
10:00 AM EST

In spite of his better judgment, Conner showed up outside the mall at ten the next morning. Robin was already there, sitting on the edge of the fountain out front.

"Good. Let's go." Without another word, Robin led Conner into the mall.

"Let's start with… Kaldur. What do you want to get Kaldur?"

Conner looked around, avoiding Robin's gaze. "I… dunno."

Robin sighed. "Well… do you know what he likes?"

Conner shrugged. "I don't really know… he reads a lot, I guess."

Robin beamed. "Great! Get him a book."

The two entered the nearest bookshop in the mall. After a few minutes, Conner walked up to the cashier to buy the book. Robin wasn't far behind.

"What did you get him?" Conner asked.

Robin didn't talk, but unrolled the large piece of paper he was holding. As Conner read and examined the poster, Robin couldn't help snickering.

"It's funny. It's about leadership. It's perfect." Robin insisted. Conner just raised an eyebrow and walked to the counter. The two exited the store, purchases in hand.

"Okay… next. Artemis?" Robin asked. Conner nodded, and they searched for a store where they could buy Artemis' gift.

Suddenly, Robin veered towards one store. "Hey, Conner. Meet back here in fifteen with your gift for Arty. I'm going to get her something, but I don't want you mooching off of my gift." Robin dashed off.

Conner wandered through the few stores right around the meeting point, but nothing caught his eye. When he reached the last store in the rotunda, however, he found one gift that seemed perfect. A sleek black hair accessory; there was a small curved bow, and an arrow that seemed to stick through the middle of the bow to hold the hair in place. His fifteen minutes were almost up, so he rushed to the front of the store. After paying, he met at the bench that Robin had said would be their meeting spot. The Boy Wonder sat on the bench, two shopping bags sitting next to him.

"Two?"

Robin shrugged. "I already got Wally's gift, too." Before Conner could ask what it is, Robin added; "I can't tell you. But you'll understand on Christmas Day."

"If you say so…"

"So, what did you get Artemis?" Robin asked. Conner showed him the gift. "Whoa! Nice steal."

"I didn't steal it…" Conner mumbled, but Robin had already moved on.

"You should get Wally a gift, too. So we'll be even."

Conner nodded and walked back to the bookstore they had been in earlier. "Where're you going?" Robin followed the clone.

"I saw something earlier… I thought it would be good for Wally."

Less than a minute later, Conner reemerged with a book in hand. Robin inspected the item.

"A joke book?"

Conner nodded. "I thought Wally could use it."

Robin laughed. "That he could."

Suddenly, a voice came from behind. "Yo, Conner." The two turned to find Karen Beecher and Mal Duncan behind them. "Hey!" Karen said. "Christmas shopping?"

Conner nodded. Mal gestured to Robin. "Who's the little guy?"

"He's-"

"Rob! My name is Rob. I'm from out of town." Robin interrupted. Mal nodded. "Cool."

"Hey, Conner, have you gotten a gift for Megan yet?" Karen asked. Conner shook his head. "I've got an idea for you." Karen pulled a piece of paper out of her bag and handed it to Conner. He took it. "Thanks."

"Well, we gotta go. See you after the break!" Karen and Mal waved as they walked off.

"School friends?" Robin asked. Conner nodded. "What'd she give you?"

The two looked at the paper. It was an advertisement for a stuffed bear. The bear was white, with a real silver necklace around its neck.

"Cute. From the heart. That'll be good." They walked to the store where the bear was advertised. Conner handed the flier to the clerk, a bright-eyed blonde girl who was eager to please.

"So," she said as she rang up the bear, "You getting this for a…" she batted her eyelashes. "Special someone?"

Conner looked confused by the clerk's advances. Robin saw the need to interfere. He tried to bump in front of Conner, which was hard, considering Conner was Kryptonian, and said; "He's got a girlfriend."

The clerk narrowed her heavily-mascara-ed eyes at Robin. "Was I talking to you?" However, at this point, the bear was already in the bag with the receipt. Conner handed over the money, and she handed him the change. Conner and Robin were quick to exit the store.

"Uh, Robin?" Conner asked as soon as they left. "What was that all about?"

"She was hitting on you. I was defending Megan. You guys are a couple." Conner's semi-shocked expression prompted further explanation. "Yeah, everyone knows. Well, except Wally. But he's…"

"He's Wally." Conner finished. Robin laughed.

"Exactly. Well, see ya!" Robin headed for the door of the mall.

"Wait! Where are you going? What about the rest of the gifts?"

Robin turned and smirked. "I've already gotten all of my gifts. Plus, you shouldn't buy the gift for someone in front of them. I've gotta go, anyway. I told Bat I wouldn't stay too late. I should get home."

Conner watched him leave. "Okay."