A Whole New World Chapter 4
I honestly didn't expect to make another chapter for this fic. Even though many people said that adding an epilogue would be nice, it never really was something I thought I would do until ideas just kept coming, and I couldn't ignore them, which led to me making this extra chapter for the fic.
Enjoy.
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The air was chilly in the street. A cold wind swept through it, joining the gentle rain of snow falling down, covering the road with a fresh layer of pristine white. The soft hues of pink and orange on the horizon painted a beautiful picture, signalling the start of a new day. Despite the harsh weather, a few brave individuals could be seen outside, determined to start their day early.
While early risers were already making their way to their destination, a young couple remained peacefully in bed, wrapped in each other's arms, content in their own little world and unaffected by the harsh weather outside.
Their gentle embrace was interrupted when the woman moved slightly, her lovely neck-length purple hair whipping around and brushing against the blonde's face, causing him to scrunch his nose up at the slight contact. The loss of warmth had him moving slightly closer until he was spooning her, his hand unconsciously coming up to wrap around her.
Unfortunately, the satisfaction of having the warmth back didn't last long, with the sound of an alarm causing the slumbering blonde to let out an annoyed grunt at being disturbed during his peaceful slumber. Still half-asleep, he sat up and turned around to turn off the loud alarm clock.
The ringing stopped with Naruto laying on his back as he closed his blue eyes to try and go back to sleep. Seconds ticked by before another alarm started ringing just as loud as previously that not only had him wakening but also Raven this time as well.
The latter groaned out tiredly, "Turn it off."
Naruto did not need to be told twice, wasting no time while reaching out to turn it off. This time, making sure that the next few alarms he had set up last night wouldn't go off. With a sigh of relief, he collapsed back onto his bed to catch a few more precious moments of rest.
For a few seconds, it seemed like sleep would take them back, the quiet hush of morning reclaiming the room. Just as Naruto's breathing began to even out again, a new sound broke through the calm, the soft cries of a baby coming from the next room over.
Raven stiffened while Naruto froze. Both opened an eye, reluctant to acknowledge the reality that their daughter had woken up before they were even ready to head out of bed. The cries grew louder as the seconds ticked by.
"Your turn," Naruto muttered insistently.
Raven peeked at him through half-sleepy eyes. "I got up at three in the morning when she fussed. This one's on you."
"Three in the morning doesn't count," He countered groggily, "Because it's practically in the middle of the nigh-" Another loud cry cut him off.
She rolled onto her side to give a half-hearted glare at him. "That's exactly why it should count."
Knowing it was futile to argue, especially during times like these, Naruto sighed dramatically, flung the covers aside and shuffled half-awake out of the room. Raven watched him with a mixture of sympathy and smugness.
"I'll make some coffee," Raven offered, voice still heavy with sleep but he could hear the gratitude in her tone. Nodding appreciatively, he left the room for the nursery.
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Luna's cries had diminished into soft hiccups by the time Naruto carefully pushed open the door. The nursery was painted in warm lavender colours, which had been Raven's choice. It was lined with small shelves holding stuffed animals with a few star decals dotting the ceiling, courtesy of his magic.
Naruto found Luna in her crib, clutching the rail with small hands. Her wide, curious eyes lit up when she noticed him. Her tears stopped instantly, replaced by a bright, toothy grin that simultaneously melted Naruto's heart and made him wonder if she'd be as mischievous as him one day.
"Hey, princess," He cooed, gently scooping her up. Tiny arms latched around his neck. "You causing trouble for Daddy and Mommy so early?"
She babbled something in what he assumed was baby talk. A mix of nonsense syllables to him, but nonetheless, he could pick up the complaining tone within it. Naruto chuckled, placing a soft kiss on her temple. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Let's get you changed."
He carried her over and conjured a changing station, where his stash of diapers and wipes appeared. As he set her down, Luna's face scrunched in mind protest, but Naruto distracted her by conjuring a small fluttering butterfly above her head.
Immediately, her eyes sparkled at the sight while her tiny arms tried to grab it, squeaking in delight. While her attention was diverted, Naruto took care of business with practised efficiency. An entire year of fatherhood had given him enough experience for him to become quite adept at it.
"There we go," He said, brushing strands of hair from her forehead. Her dark purple hair reminded him a lot of Raven's. "Now let's go see what Mommy's up to.
He scooped her back into his arms, banishing the butterfly with a snap of his fingers. Luna let out a soft protest, but she was already smiling up at her dad. Apparently too happy just being carried around.
When Naruto re-entered the bedroom, Raven was on her feet, drying up her wet hair, indicating she had freshened up. She turned her head toward him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she saw Luna gazing around with bright-eyed curiosity.
"How is she?" Raven asked with a smoother voice now that she was awake.
"She's good. All changed, probably ready for breakfast," Naruto replied, a playful smile on his face as he looked at his daughter, "Isn't that right, sweetie?"
Luna gurgled an enthusiastic reply. Raven stepped forward, pressing a gentle kiss to Luna's cheek, then one to Naruto's. "I'll go and make some today. I did promise."
The baby squealed, clapping her tiny hands, whether in anticipation of food or just because she liked to do so, neither parent was sure. Naruto nodded eagerly. "Oh, that's perfect. I'm starving." Luna clapped his shoulder causing him to look at her and nod. "Look at that, she's all ready for it as well."
Raven chuckled and simply moved past them to go ahead and start making something for them.
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The snow outside continued to fall, but inside, the house was filled with a comforting warmth. The smell of pancakes still lingered in the air mingling with the mild scent of coffee. Rays of pale morning light filtered in through the windows, illuminating a cosy living room decorated with Christmas ornaments. A decorated tree stood still in one corner, its lights twinkling.
Naruto sat on the plush carpet, legs crossed, Luna perched on his lap. He bounced his knees, eliciting giggles from his daughter as he produced tiny magical illusions in the air. A playful swirl of snowflakes, a shimmering rainbow that danced around them.
Luna, enthralled, reached out her small hands, trying to grab at the floating shapes. She squealed with delight whenever a sparkle of light slipped through her fingers. The melodic sound of her laughter echoed in the room.
At the kitchen door, Raven paused, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She had been about to step into the living room to say something about groceries but the sight of Naruto and Luna so lost in their own little world stopped her short. Her heart warmed at the spectacle. There was something tender about the way Naruto's usually boisterous personality softened around their child.
She could also sense Luna's happiness, partially from hearing her squeals and partially through her empathic nature. The scene made Raven's chest tighten with gratitude. Three years… Only three years ago, they were both just lost souls from different worlds, forging a special connection amidst their tragedies. Now, they had a family, something she wouldn't have dared to imagine in her darker days.
Letting them have their moment, Raven quietly retreated down the hallway to check some of their stock. Only two minutes into what she was doing, did she hear a sudden, high-pitched squeal from the living room, a squeal of intense delight. Even from a distance, Raven felt a spike of energy that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She recognised this surge from the handful of times Luna's powers had flared.
Abandoning her current task, she hurried back toward the living room.
Whoosh
A gust of icy wind met her as soon as she entered. The temperature in the living dropped had dropped noticeably, and her eyes widened at the chaos. Snow swirled in the air with a sort of miniature blizzard, with thick, fluffy flakes drifting down to settle on furniture, rugs, and a very bewildered Naruto. Luna's reality-warping abilities had once again triggered, and the child had turned the living room into a genuine winter wonderland.
Naruto stood near the centre of the room, mouth slightly agape, his hair dusted white. He held Luna carefully, as though afraid moving too fast would aggravate the magical storm. But the baby was laughing, arms extended, enthralled by the swirling snow.
Raven pressed a hand to her forehead, half-amused, half-exasperated. "I leave for two minutes…" She began.
Naruto glanced at her with a helpless shrug. "I…I didn't do it. She just…y'know, did it." A snowflake landed on his nose, and he wrinkled his face to shake it off.
"You let her get too excited," Raven chided, though her lips quirked into a smile. "Hold her tight. I'll see if I can calm her."
As Raven approached, she reached out with her empathic sense, gently focusing on soothing emotions. She'd learned a trick or two from Dr. Fate about guiding a child's latent powers. Luna, sensing her mother's calming presence, glanced up at Raven. The swirl of snow began to slow, and the temperature returned to normal. Bit by bit, the drops of snow subsided, leaving the room coated in a thin blanket of white.
With the immediate crisis over, the parents stared at each other. Naruto let out a quiet laugh, bracing Luna against his chest so he could brush snow off his shoulders and arms.
"She definitely got your powers," Raven commented, raising a brow as she inspected the mess in the room.
Naruto snorted. "It's more like she got both of ours, only bigger."
Luna, apparently bored of the snow now that it no longer moved, was busy playing with Naruto's hair, tugging at the ends with her chubby hands. Raven stepped forward and scooped her up from his arms, carefully wiping a stray flake near the baby's eyes. "Ready to eat something?" She asked softly, and Luna cooed in response as if to say 'Yes, please!'
Naruto scanned the room, exhaling. "We'll clean this up after the lunch, I guess?"
Raven turned to him with Luna in her arms, lips twitching into a wry half-smile. "We?"
He rolled his eyes but smiled at her joke. "All right, all right. I'll clean it up." With a simple swish of his hand, everything began to move in the room as it started cleaning itself. The snow disappeared, and all the decorations that had been hidden by the snow were back in view along with the Christmas tree. It looked just like it had minutes before.
Raven laughed at his expression, stepping closer and kissing him on the cheek. "Good answer."
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A short while later, Naruto stood by the front door, dressed in a warm coat, sturdy boots, and a thick scarf. Raven had let him handle the snowy aftermath, keeping Luna in another room to prevent further incidents. Now, with the chores inside finished, Raven handed him a short grocery list and a playful look.
"You'll have to get a lot this time around. Most of the League is coming to spend Christmas at our place so we'll have to make sure everything is fully stocked up." She said, tucking the list into his coat pocket. "Oh, and don't forget more diapers."
Naruto rolled his eyes with a grin. "Sure, no problem." He looked down at Luna, who was snug in a little pink coat with a hood and purple mittens." Ready for your first big shopping trip for the big Christmas celebration, Luna?"
The baby wriggled in excitement as if she understood every word. Raven gently gave her daughter a kiss on her forehead, lingering for a few seconds before pulling away and seeing her excited giggle with her arms raised. Being outside and seeing new sights tended to fascinate her.
"You sure you'll be okay on your own?" Raven asked, a slightly concerned look on her face. "If she tries that snow trick in the middle of the store-"
Naruto stopped her by putting his hand gently on her shoulder and giving her a confident smile. "I got this. Worst case scenario the store gets a really festive winter display for a few minutes, but nothing I can't fix."
Raven was silent for a second before nodding. "All right, good luck, you two." She leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on Luna's head and giving the blond a quick peck. "Stay safe, and don't just buy random stuff like last time."
He feigned offence, pressing a hand to his chest. "Hey, those were limited edition cereal flavours. Luna liked them." The baby gave a gurgle of agreement with her father's statement.
Rolling her eyes, Raven shooed him out into the snowy street, but not before giving him a final affectionate smile.
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The walk to their local supermarket was uneventful, save for Luna's amazement at nearly every single thing they passed. Naruto used to teleport everywhere, but he'd found that everyday rituals like walking, driving and cycling somehow made him feel more grounded in normal human life. Snow clung to the pavement as he walked past the parking lot, which was only half full.
Once inside, a warm blast of heated air greeted them as they watched other early shoppers move around with carts. Naruto gently let his daughter out of his grasp, using his powers to keep her steady in the air as he took out a cart to use for groceries.
"All right, let's see," Naruto muttered, pulling the list from his pocket. "We need lots of milk, lots of eggs, bread, veggies, diapers… okay, I guess this list just goes on with almost everything," He said out loud with a sweatdrop, a smile growing on his face.
Luna kicked her legs as if urging him to hurry. Naruto gave the list a final glance, decided he'd just get all the essentials first, sat his daughter down into the front of the cart and rolled down the first aisle.
Clank
The cartwheels rolled over a loose tile, jostling Luna slightly. She didn't seem to mind, in fact, she seemed to enjoy the ride even more. Her big eyes scanned the shelves, brimming with curiosity.
A middle-aged store clerk waved at Naruto, her smile friendly. "Hello, Mr. Uzumaki. Good to see you out with your little one!"
Naruto grinned back. "Hey! Yep, just picking up some stuff for the Christmas party coming soon." Giving her a quick wave, he moved along into the first section. "All right, first up, milk."
He parked the cart alongside the cooler, rummaging for the brand Raven liked. "We got whole milk for you, I guess and for me. Raven wanted half or was it the other way around?" He pictured Raven's exasperated face if he came home with the wrong type. "Better safe than sorry. Two types it is."
As he turned to deposit the cartons into the cart, he noticed Luna's eyes had gone wide, fixated on a row of bright pink yoghurt containers across the aisle. She babbled insistently, leaning forward, arms outstretched.
"You want yoghurt?" Naruto asked, amused. "But it's not on the last."
Luna gurgled again, her determination adorable. Naruto waved his hand dismissively. "Sorry, kiddo. Last time we got you yoghurt, it turned into a big mess." He grimaced at the memory. "We gotta follow the list. Mommy's orders."
Naruto moved on from the yoghurt aisle, the cart rattling slightly as he navigated around other shoppers. With Luna strapped into the front seat, he made it his mission to speed through the rest of the grocery list before she spotted more tempting items. Occasionally, she reached for a box of cookies or candy in passing, but Naruto stayed firm, muttering "Mommy's orders" under his breath each time. Despite her adorable protests, he pushed forward, determined to avoid going off-script.
At the produce section, he piled leafy greens, a dozen tomatoes, and several bags of carrots into the cart. Raven was determined to serve healthy sides at their big Christmas get-together, and Naruto had no intention of letting her down. Luna, however, found this part of the trip considerably less exciting. She stared, unimpressed, at the piles of spinach and lettuce, only perking up when he hovered a bright red bell pepper in front of her as a distraction.
A stocky man in a baseball cap paused to greet Naruto with a wave. "Hey! Aren't you that magician who runs the coffee shop near Central Plaza? My kids love your place."
Naruto nodded with a friendly grin. "That's me. Trying to get groceries before the holiday rush."
The man glanced at Luna, who offered a bubbly giggle in return. "Good luck, buddy," he teased. "It's chaos out here."
Naruto laughed, moving on to the cereal aisle with a renewed sense of urgency. Even in the cereal aisle, he stuck to Raven's instructions, oats, bran flakes, nothing too sugary despite the limited-edition holiday boxes calling his name. Luna's curious coos intensified when she spotted the cartoon mascots on the boxes. He steeled himself, refusing to repeat last month's fiasco in which Raven discovered an armful of novelty cereals crammed into the kitchen cabinets.
Next came the frozen foods. Naruto stood in front of the freezer doors, recalling the various requests for the upcoming feast: miniature pies, frozen dough for pastries, and a backup tray of lasagna. Luna peered at the frosty glass, entranced by her own reflection, while he filled the cart with more items than he thought necessary. Better to have too much than too little, he reasoned, especially with half the Justice League expected at their home.
By the time he rolled into the baking supplies section, Luna was getting restless, twisting in her seat. To keep her occupied, Naruto conjured a small, harmless puff of snow within her reach, just enough to amuse her without attracting attention. She giggled, patting the miniature flurry with her mittened hands. He made sure it vanished the moment they approached another shopper, not eager to repeat the living room blizzard.
Finally, Naruto zeroed in on the last aisle: baby essentials. He picked up extra diapers, wipes, and some organic lotions Raven liked. Luna gurgled and reached out for the bright packaging of baby snacks, but he managed to slip past quickly, ignoring her pouting lips. "Sorry, princess," He whispered. "We still have half a box at home."
His cart now brimming with produce, dairy, and every holiday staple he could think of, Naruto made for the registers. He exhaled in relief upon seeing only a short line. He had expected a holiday crowd, but it seemed he'd beaten the rush. Luna, meanwhile, was transfixed by the jingling Christmas music playing overhead, bobbing her head along as he unloaded the cart.
When he finished piling the last bag of carrots onto the conveyor belt, Naruto turned to check on Luna, only to find the cashier's gaze locked on something behind him, a look of utter bafflement on her face. Slowly, he followed her line of sight and realized, with a jolt, what had her so stunned. An entire small parade of items. Everything from rainbow cereal boxes to the bright pink yoghurt Luna had wanted was floating in midair behind him, hovering like a queue of forbidden treats.
A chorus of gasps rose from nearby customers. Naruto's eyes darted to Luna, whose tiny grin confirmed she was the culprit behind this stealthy telekinesis. "Oh… come on," He murmured, heat rising to his cheeks. He quickly waved a hand, using his own magic to pluck the levitating items out of the air. "S-Sorry," He stammered to the onlookers, placing the contraband goods aside on a nearby display. The cashier gawked but managed a wry smile, relieved the floating spectacle had ended. Naruto, cheeks still burning, shot her an apologetic grin. "Kids, huh?" He offered lamely. Luna just giggled, proud of her stunt, and clapped her little hands as if giving herself applause.
With the startled crowd dispersing and the last of the groceries bagged, Naruto paid hurriedly, ensuring the floating freebies stayed behind. Rolling the cart out through the automatic doors, he felt a mixture of embarrassment and pride, yes his daughter might have been the most mischievous toddler on Earth, but she was also the sweetest, most precious gift he could ever have imagined. Pausing by the exit to hug Luna gently, he muttered, "At least we didn't turn this place into a snowstorm." Her bright-eyed grin told him she'd keep that option in mind for next time.
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Soft flakes of snow drifted outside, piling onto the streets and rooftops. Holiday lights glowed from neighbouring balconies, and a distant hum of Christmas music mingled with the low buzz of the city. Yet, inside Naruto and Raven's home, the warmth and festivity were even more palpable. Laughter, the aroma of a giant roast cooking, and the sparkle of holiday magic all contributed to a perfect holiday atmosphere.
In the living room, strands of multicoloured lights draped elegantly along the walls, illuminating a large Christmas tree standing at the centre. The tree itself seemed slightly bigger than the room logically allowed, a testament to the subtle mix of Naruto's and Raven's magic. Its branches were laden with ornament.
A circle of chairs and couches had been rearranged, encouraging the many guests, mostly members of the Justice League or close friends to mingle. Plates of cookies, pastries, and other holiday fare crowded side tables, while a fireplace crackled cosily nearby. The centre of all this activity was little Luna, who crawled and sometimes floated around the room, enthralled by the bustle of guests and the shiny decorations.
Meanwhile, Naruto was in the kitchen, fussing over a massive roast that defied normal cooking times. Dressed in a festive apron, he looked every bit the head chef for the evening.
Standing beside him, Barry Allen, wearing a red sweater with a stylised lightning bolt stirred a bowl of mashed potatoes at near-super speed. He eyed the roast with amusement. "I still can't believe you're doing this by hand," He joked. "You could wave a finger and have a five-course banquet."
Naruto shrugged with a grin. "True, but Raven said no shortcuts tonight, and I want to do this the normal way. I like cooking for family, even if it's slower."
Barry flashed him a brotherly smile. "Got it. You have fun with this. I'm going to go see who else has arrived."
Naruto smirked and waved him off as his focus returned to his cooking.
Stepping away from the kitchen, Barry passed through the hallway into the bustling living room. His wife joined him halfway at his side, wearing a festive green sweater and carrying a small stack of gifts. She took in the décor with an appreciative glance. "Wow, they really went all out," Iris remarked, setting the gifts on a table. "It's beautiful in here."
Barry nodded, scanning the crowd. "And there's the reason," He said, pointing to a giggling toddler across the room. Luna, perched in a corner with a plus reindeer, babbled excitedly at the holiday chaos around her. "Kid's basically the catalyst for half the festive stuff. Keeps them on their toes."
Iris laughed softly. She'd heard stories of Luna's random reality warping, but she also saw the sweetest little girl in the world that she was as well. "She's adorable." Iris said, Hard to believe that sweet face can toss you into orbit."
Barry feigned a shudder. "Don't remind me. I got flung into a low-earth orbit for a good three seconds. I survived only because Naruto got me back just in time." He looked at Luna who was still happily cooing at the stuffed reindeer. "Kid might be adorable but still terrifying."
Nearby, Clark Kent and Lois Lane entered. Clark wore a cosy red sweater, Lois, a stylish holiday coat and two wrapped gifts under her arm. They greeted them with warm nods.
"Hey, you two. Merry Christmas!" Clark said, lifting a bag of homemade cookies he'd brought.
Lois scanned the room. "This place is amazing. I knew Naruto's shop was magical, but seeing his home decked out is on another level."
Before Barry could respond, laughter erupted from the couch area, where Naruto had just appeared with an apron dusted in flour, a half-eaten cookie in hand. "Hey, you made it!" Naruto called. "Plenty of food in the dining room, don't be shy. Watch your step around Luna, though," He winked, nodding toward the toddler who was now chewing on a stray Christmas ornament's ribbon.
Clark chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "Speaking from experience, hmmm."
Naruto gave a theatrical sigh. "She's a handful, but I wouldn't trade it for the world."
They settled themselves down as Clark and Lois put down their gifts, only to find Luna beckoning them with a small, excited wave. Clark crouched to her level, removing his glasses and tucking them into his sweater pocket. "Well, hello there, little miss miracle." He teased gently.
Lois smirked, arms folded. "I never get tired of that look you get, Smallville. You go from Superman to super-softy in two seconds."
Clark shrugged good-naturedly, letting Luna grab his finger. "Can you blame me?" He said, then turned back to the child. "Let's see, want to see a magic trick? Not as fancy as your dad's but I can do this."
Careful to avoid startling her, Clark breathed in and exhaled a tiny puff of super-cold breath, creating a small swirl of frost. Luna's eyes went wide, and she let out a fascinated coo. The swirl dissipated just as quickly, leaving behind a sparkle of ice crystals in the air.
"Wow," Lois murmured. "That was so cute."
Raven, having seen the interaction from afar now joined them with a chuckle. "You're risking a cosmic meltdown if you dazzle her too much."
Lois smirked. "Clark plus baby plus a weird cosmic meltdown? Now that's a movie I'd watch."
Clark merely nodded to Luna as if they shared a secret. "We'll keep it small-scale, promise, kiddo. No launching me to Pluto, okay?"
Luna cooed, patting his cheek. Lois snapped a photo, capturing the moment.
Just then, the doorbell rang gaining their attention. A few seconds later, they watched Diana step inside with a golden-ribboned box and offered them a warm wave. "Apologies for the delay. There was a little problem at the city centre." Behind her came Hal Jordan and Billy Batson, each balancing tins of homemade treats.
"Yeah sorry for being late," Hal said, scanning the festive living room. "Billy and I were on our way when we came across Diana trying to diffuse a situation."
Billy nodded enthusiastically, placing his gifts on a side table. "It's my first big Christmas party like this, hope we're not missing all the fun."
Lois laughed and stepped aside so they could lay down their treats. "Trust me, Billy, there's plenty of fun to go around."
Raven, having greeted Clark and Lois moments ago, moved forward to welcome the newcomers. "It's great to see you, all of you." Her eyes flicked to what they brought. "More cookies?"
Hal chuckled. "Yeah, I know, we brought an arsenal of sugar. But I think Barry alone could demolish half of them in five minutes."
From across the room, Barry raised his hand in protest. "Hey, I resent that!" A grin betrayed his feigned offence as he rejoined the group, Iris following with an amused shake of her head.
At that moment, another knock drew everyone's attention. Hal quickly opened the door to reveal J'onn J'onzz carrying a box labelled Gingerbread Martians. His calm baritone cut through the lively chatter. "Good evening. I hope I'm not intruding."
Clark beamed. "J'onn! You made it." He was ushered inside quickly by the others. "We're just getting started."
He surveyed the house with mild curiosity. "I brought cookies," He said, lifting the box. "I attempted to decorate them like small Martians. I hope this is acceptable."
Naruto's voice came from the kitchen doorway. "J'onn! Of course, it is, and they're shaped like Martians, ha! That's awesome!" He beckoned him forward, waving the box of cookies. "We'll add them to the dessert table."
Within minutes, the living room found a comfortable rhythm, and clusters of heroes caught up exchanging tidbits of their recent missions and personal anecdotes. Naruto had disappeared back into the kitchen to finalise the roast, while Raven hovered near Luna, who seemed perfectly content batting her plush reindeer against Clark's sweater.
It was a couple of minutes later that Naruto pooped his head back in from the kitchen. "All right, folks, the roast is done and so is everything else. Let's eat before Barry scarfs it all down."
Barry defended himself, half-grinning. "You keep calling me out, but I saw you sampling plenty in that kitchen, man!"
Laughter filled the air as everyone went to the magically expanded dining area. A large table courtesy of Naruto's conjuration overflowed with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pies, breads, and the crowning jewel, a perfectly browned roast. The aroma alone had mouths watering.
Hal whistled appreciatively at all the options of food. "Naruto, you outdid yourself."
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, I did have some help from Barry."
With plates handed out, the heroes and friends lined up buffet-style. Naruto and his clones helped serve plates while Raven took a spot by the roast, gently waving everyone to find seats. "Help yourself. Drinks are on the sideboard, soda, eggnog, hot cocoa, and wine. Take your pick."
Before any of them could start feasting, a sudden hush fell as another knock sounded. Barry glanced at the front entrance and grinned at his friend, Hal. "Ha, told you he'd come."
Naruto weaved past a few chairs and opened the door. There stood Bruce Wayne, clad in a long, dark stylish coat with the faintest of a smile on his face. He offered a curt nod, stepping inside just enough to close the door behind him. "Am I late?"
"Just on time." Naruto grinned. "I half expected a silent drop in from the chimney or something."
Bruce's lips twitched, somewhat amused. "I prefer a normal entrance once in a while." He carried a small box, presumably a gift.
"We were about to start eating dinner. I'll take your stuff, you go ahead and join the rest." Naruto told him, taking the man's coat and box from him.
When Bruce entered the living dining space, a ripple of mild surprise passed through the group. They greeted him warmly. Barry was the first to break the ice, waving from his seat. "Look what the Bat dragged in."
Bruce raised an eyebrow and gave the group a smile, "Hello to you too, Barry," He said while joining the group in starting dinner. They resumed what they were doing, with everyone reaching for whatever they were in the mood for. Barry was first, of course, zipping by the table and loading up a plate so quickly it seemed to vanish from his hands.
Iris watched him reappear next to her, mouth already full of mashed potatoes. "S'good," He managed to say, giving Naruto a thumbs-up.
As they ate, the conversation naturally meandered between many different topics.
Barry recounted, in comedic detail, how one of Luna's giggles launched him briefly into Eart's atmosphere. "I swear, I almost saw the moon!" He exclaimed, prompting laughter all around, especially from Hal, who teased that Barry had it easy compared to some of his own misadventures.
Clark chimed in with a nostalgic mention of Christmas back in Smallville with his parents. He painted the image of the Kent farmhouse draped in twinkling lights, and a young Clark carefully unwrapping presents with his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha. The memory brought a wistful smile to his face.
J'onn quietly observed these exchanges, occasionally offering a thoughtful comment. He showed a fascination with Earth's traditions. "Why do you place socks over a fireplace?" Leading to a comedic attempt by Hal and Barry to explain stockings and Santa Claus. The Martian seemed equal parts amused and perplexed, but appreciative nonetheless.
As everyone finished their meal, cups of hot cocoa and eggnog circulated. J'onn's Martian cookies were deemed a surprise hit, despite their unusual shape, they tasted divine. Naruto and Raven brought out a chocolate cake.
Barry, snagging the last slice tapped his eggnog glass with his spoon. "Attention, everyone. I'd like to propose a toast," The chatter quieted. He cleared his throat. "To Naruto and Raven for inviting us into their home and giving us a chance to celebrate like normal people, even if we're the furthest thing from it."
A ripple of laughter followed.
Barry lifted his glass higher. "And here's to little Luna, the scariest yet most adorable person under this roof. May she keep from flinging me into space again."
Cheers and raised glasses ensued, with everyone Hal, Clark and Diana echoing the sentiment. Raven blushed at the attention, while Naruto gave a playful salute. "Honestly guys, we're family here. And I, for one, am extremely grateful."
They all echoed the sentiment with clinks of mugs, glasses or good old-fashioned fist bumps. Raven, cheeks still pink from the attention felt a surge of warmth flood her chest. She exchanged a meaningful glance with Naruto, who was similarly affected. Three years ago, they'd both been strangers in a world not their own, battered by loss and uncertainty. Yet somehow, they'd built a home that felt real, a family in which each member, biological or not could share in life's joys.
Clark set down his own mug, stepping forward to add a few words. "I'd also like to say how proud I am of the two of you for building this life." Smiling at the two for a second, he set his eyes on their little daughter. "Luna's a lucky girl. Just keep her from rewriting the laws of physics on a whim, all right?" He threw a playful wink, prompting more laughter.
In Raven's arms, Luna let out a soft coo, as if taking part in the toast.
xxxxxxxxxx
The group migrated back to the living room for dessert, which included another towering chocolate cake Naruto had partially conjured. They exchanged gifts with each other, most of them giving many memorable gifts to the others.
At the far side of the room, Bruce Wayne stood near the fireplace, wearing a sleek back overcoat. A steaming mug of coffee rested in his hands.
Luna, ever the explorer, toddled her way across the floor. Raven watched quietly as she simply stopped at Bruce's feet and peered up at him with wide-eyed curiosity. Bruce set his coffee aside and knelt down, retrieving the box he'd brought and taking out a tiny plush bat from it.
"Hi there," He said, voice softened from its usual gruff tone. He extended the plush bat. "I thought you might like this."
Luna's eyes sparkled in immediate delight, squealing as she grabbed the fuzzing wings and hugged it against her chest. Bruce nodded in satisfaction.
Raven, watching from a few steps away came closer with a genuine smile. "That's really sweet." She murmured.
Bruce shrugged, rising to his feet. "Consider it her Christmas present, for her future nighttime guardian." His hand went into his pocket and with his trademark subtlety, handed Raven a small black Evenlope. "This one's for you and Naruto."
Raven took it wordless and nodded back at him, watching him scoop up her daughter in his arms and join the rest of the men sitting together. She looked down at the envelope labelled, For when you two stop stalling. She opened it enough to see the words referencing a future wedding or commitment with a cheque that had too much money written on it. Her cheeks warmed, catching sight of Naruto who was smiling while talking to the others.
As the evening wore down, one by one, guests started to depart. Clark and Lois offered to help clean while Barry and Iris helped along before they left together. Billy and Hal left after, citing holiday patrol. Diana exchanged warm hugs with Raven and Naruto at the door, reminding them to visit her sometimes. J'onn gave a dignified farewell, satisfied with the success of his cookie experiment.
Bruce was the last to leave. He gave Luna one more quiet glance. She'd drifted off in Raven's arms and nodded at Naruto with understated respect. "Merry Christmas," Was all he said before slipping into the snowy night, no doubt to head down to Gotham and patrol the city.
Silence settled over the house, illuminated now only by the glow of tree lights and the fireplace embers. Naruto and Raven stood near the door, Luna dozing contentedly in Raven's arms.
"Let's put her to bed," Raven whispered. Naruto agreed, and they made their way to the nursery. The star decals on the ceiling glowed softly creating a serene starry canopy. Raven gently laid Luna in her crib, brushing a final kiss over the toddler's forehead. Luna murmured something inaudible, hugging the plush bat tight.
Hand in hand, Naruto and Raven tiptoed out. They paused in the hallway, hearts full from the day's events. The hush of the house felt both peaceful and surreal, given how bustling it had been moments ago.
Raven took a deep breath, her violet eyes flicking up to Naruto. "We've come such a long way," She whispered, thinking back to their losses and the bond forged from tragedy. "Who would've guessed we'd have all this?"
Naruto squeezed her hand as they sank into the touch, just the two of them for the first time in hours. Raven's gaze fell back on the small black envelope Bruce had given her, resting atop the coffee table.
"He really doesn't do subtlety well," She murmured watching Naruto pick it up.
Naruto chuckled as he read the note. "Nope,"
Raven took a slow breath, turning to Naruto. "You know… maybe he's got a point. We're already a family. Why not make it official?"
A gentle, hopeful smile broke across Naruto's features. "I've been thinking the same thing," He admitted quietly. "I like the idea of a wedding, our way."
Raven's cheeks warmed, her purple eyes shining with certainty. "We'll talk details soon," She whispered, slipping her hand into his again.
"Right," He agreed. "Soon."
They leaned into each other, content in the moment. The crackled of the fireplace, the soft glow of lights, and the memory of shared laughter during the dinner hours ago surrounded them. From two lost souls who had suffered losses in their worlds, they'd forged a home filled with friends, love and a baby who had no idea just how extraordinary her parents' lives truly were.
Eventually, Raven laid her head on Naruto's shoulder, gazing at the snow drifting beyond the window. "How did we get this lucky?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Naruto pressed a kiss into her hair. "Luck, fate, take your pick. But I wouldn't trade a thing."
Silence enveloped them, each reflecting on everything that happened in their life leading up to this moment. In a hushed tone, Raven said, "Merry Christmas."
Naruto's lips curled into a tender smile, arms wrapping around her. "Merry Christmas."