A/N: It's nearly eleven on Christmas Eve. I haven't been home since ten thirty this morning. However, I have to finish this before Christmas Day.
Cue the William Tell overture. That's the soundtrack of my life for the next hour.
Huge shoutout to Vatala Darkmist, who gave me the ideas for presents from Conner, Megan, and Robin.
Side note: I don't know what time zone Atlantis goes by. Oh, well.
And all the dreams of children
Once lost, will all be found
That's all I want
When Christmas comes to town
December 25
5:55 AM EST
Gotham City
Dick woke up when a large projectile slammed into the mattress next to him. That small projectile happened to be his little brother, Tim.
"Dick! Dick! Get up! We gotta go see what Santa brought!"
Dick groaned. "Dear God, Tim! Can't this wait until, say, a more Godly hour of the morning?" Dick rolled over and looked at the door. His other brother, Jason, stood there, arms crossed. Jason yawned and nodded at the older boy. "You better do what he says, Dick. Boy's not gonna give up until you're up and ready."
Dick slammed his head into his pillow, moaning loudly.
6:52 AM EST
Central City
Wally woke up bright and early to take a peek at the presents under the tree. He checked the clock. Knowing Uncle Barry, he'd make a quick stop by at exactly seven before going back home, and, later, to the Watchtower.
At 7:01, the Scarlett Speedster, out of uniform, of course, knocked on the door. Wally opened the door with a huge smile on his face. "You're late."
7:30 AM EST
Atlantis
Kaldur strolled casually through the underwater gardens, killing time until everyone was set to arrive at the Cave. Orin walked next to him.
"My King. You will be attending the party in the Watchtower?"
Orin nodded. "Yes. It is a good opportunity to observe surface traditions and celebrations. Not to mention the gifts. The gifts are always nice. I believe your team party will be a worthwhile experience."
Kaldur smiled. "I know."
8:16 AM EST
Gotham City
After the third time of rolling over, Artemis realized that she wouldn't get any more sleep. But, that was okay. It was Christmas.
Artemis stumbled into the living room, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Her mother was already there, smiling warmly at her daughter. "Merry Christmas, Artemis."
Artemis smiled back. "Merry Christmas."
9:56 AM EST
Happy Harbor
Wally was the last one to arrive, as per usual. Everyone had already taken their seats on the sofa, gifts in hand. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, he rushed to an open spot and took a seat, smiling. After the typical "Merry Christmas" exchange, everyone was anxious to give their gifts. The presents were passed around, until everyone had five presents in front of them, each from a different member.
"Who wants to go first? Or should we just open presents from one person?" Robin asked.
Artemis waved her hand in a nonchalant gesture. "You guys can open mine, first. Nothing too exciting."
Artemis had given each member a thirty dollar gift card. "I didn't know what to get, so you guys can pick out what you want."
Next was Megan. She had given everyone a stuffed animal, slightly resembling their skill set. Artemis got a fox; "Like Robin Hood! He was an archer!". Conner's was a white wolf. Robin's was a black bird. Kaldur's was a dolphin, since dolphins swam, but breathed air. Wally's was a rabbit.
Conner volunteered to go next.
"What do I need a joke book for?" Wally asked. Conner just rolled his eyes. Kaldur was appreciative of his new book; Artemis loved her hair accessory; Megan just about squealed at the sight of the bear and necklace, planting a quick kiss on Conner's cheek.
Robin unwrapped his gift. "James Bond?"
Conner shrugged. "It's like what you and Batman do."
Megan asked if Wally wanted to go next, but he declined. "I'm last."
"No, I'm last. I have to go after you." Robin said.
"Dude! I'm last!"
"I'm last! My present to you won't make much sense unless I go after you!"
"Fine!" Wally said. "But, Kaldur goes right now."
Kaldur complied, presenting everyone with their gifts: hand-crafted items from Atlantis.
"Okay, guys. My turn." Wally said. Everyone unwrapped their gifts from Wally in unison. The gifts were met with a wide array of response. Artemis summed it up the best when she said, "You got us coffee mugs. With our mentors' faces on them."
Wally beamed. "Yeah!"
Robin smiled. "My turn. Everyone open your gifts, please."
Kaldur's gift, a poster, made him chuckle. Megan adored the recipes he had given her. Conner examined the bike parts carefully, noting the extreme detail.
Artemis examined the toy bow and arrow. "Why…?"
"Can't you guess?" Robin nodded towards Wally.
"You got her something to shoot at me? Are you insane? Do you know how much physical and mental damage will come from her attacking me all of the time? Why wo-" Artemis shut the redhead up with a swift shot to the forehead. The suction cup stuck.
"Bullseye."
"Wally," Robin stopped his friend from causing an argument, "Open your last gift."
Wally grumbled and tore through the wrapping paper. His eyes widened. "Y-You got me…" he held the gift up in a victorious motion. "A Flash mug!"
Sure enough, Robin had gotten Wally the same type of mug Wally had gotten the rest of the team, except with Flash's face on it.
It was at this time that the rest of the League made a surprise appearance.
"Hey, guys!" Captain Marvel greeted the teens. "We thought we'd drop by!"
Everyone in the League was already dressed in their uniforms.
Batman entered the room, followed by Flash, Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Wonder Woman, Zatara, Zatanna, and Superman.
Everyone broke off to talk to their respective mentors. Conner stood awkwardly by the sofa, fiddling with the gifts he had been given. His super hearing picked up on footsteps. Sure enough, the Big Blue Boyscout stood in front of him.
"Uh, hi. Conner." Superman said. "Merry Christmas."
Whatever malicious emotions he may have harbored towards the other Kryptonian, he quickly pushed aside. Just for this day.
"Merry Christmas." Conner mumbled. The two stood there, not sure of what to do or say. Superman broke the silence by asking; "So, what did you get for Christmas?"
Wordlessly, Conner bent down and picked up the mug with Superman's face printed on the side. The two slowly turned to look at the two speedsters in another corner of the room.
The conversations drowned out the noise of the computer voice, announcing one last visitor. When Roy walked into the room, everyone stopped.
He looked around, arms crossed over chest. "What?"
Kid Flash shouted, breaking the silence; "Okay, everybody! Let's get this party started!" His uncle sprinted to Batman, Santa hat in hand, and jumped to pull the hat down over the cowled hero's head. Batman's ever-present scowl deepened, and he growled. "Flash. Take the hat."
"No!" Flash said. Batman sent a glare his way, and Flash gulped and sprinted down one of the hallways.
Merry Christmas? Maybe. It wasn't perfect, not by far. But it was a start.
A/N: Hooray for sappy endings and rushed stories! But now, I'm tired.
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