Jason returned downstairs about ten minutes later. Dressed in nice, dark jeans and a red button up. His hair still slightly damp from his quick shower.
"The kitchens still here and your potatoes stirred. I take cash or card." Rose snarked as he came back into the kitchen.
"Thanks. You should go shower and rescue Bear. I think Kori is about ten seconds away from taking off with him." Jason chuckled. The dog in question being carried along on Kori's journey to pick out a room. In all honesty he seemed to be having the time of his life. Probably the abnormal warmth Kori gave off and his belief that he was a lap dog. Leading to a very cozy puppy.
"I'll go save the big baby. Let me know as soon as Talia is here." Rose said as she made her way past him. Giving the man a light peck on the cheek as she went. She would never admit it, but she was scared of Talia's opinion of her. They had met a few times of course, it wasn't like Jason to keep stuff from Talia. But Rose could never get a good reading on the woman. Her expressions always seemingly reserved and voice giving no indication of her true feelings. She truly was raised to be the next League of Shadows leader. Which meant Rose didn't know whether she would approve of her and Jason.
When she asked Jason about a year and a half ago what he thought, he said, "Well… you're not dead yet or have a team stalking you everywhere. So I think she's ok with you. If she wasn't, both you and I would know very quickly." From then on, Rose worked to try to get to know the Al Ghul whenever she was around. Not that she was scared of the assassins mind you.
Rose clambered up the stairs as Jason stirred the pots once more and checked on the casseroles. Both cooking nicely. He reduced the heat to low and covered both the pots he had cooking. They would be fine till he had assembled everyone at the table. He then headed downstairs and into his garage. Pulling the turkey from the fryer to cool and set. Wrapping it in foil on its new serving plate, and carrying it back up the stairs to the kitchen. The smell permeating the home as he placed it on the island.
By this point Talia was due any minute and, being a good host, Jason waited for her at the zeta tube. Leaning against one of his closed off armory racks that held his many handguns and knives. A second later the zeta powered up. A blue glow leaking from the newly formed portal as Talia Al Ghul stepped through. She was dressed in a white blouse with black dress pants and shoes, looking every bit the CFO of Lexcorp she was.
"Habibi, it's good to see you." She greeted with a small smile. Jason returning the smile and pulling her into a quick hug. Surprising Talia as he wasn't one for touching or hugging in general.
"Hi Umi. It's good to see you too." Jason said as he felt Talia return his hug. Much more tightly than he could remember.
They broke apart a second later as Talia took in the surrounding room.
"I see you added another row of lockers and cabinets. Although….. I still think a dark oak backing and light maple flooring would look much better here. More classy and dignified than the modern tech angle you've gone with." Talia said as she slid her hand along the wall of arms. She had been here once or twice. The first time to meet Rose officially, and the other times mainly for Mother's Day or her own birthday. Jason not letting her spend either day alone if he could help it. Jason looked up from his phone after sending an alert to Rose that Talia was here.
"We like the modern look. It helps focus us and get into the right headspace. Plus, it's so modular that I can rip out what I don't need and add in new storage when needed." He said as he activated the wall section near Talia. Revealing his rifles and knives. All properly stored away with their corresponding clips and ammo. Talia just hummed as she ran a hand across his kris dagger. A piece that would never leave this room if Jason had his way. It was too personal to be used again. Both in good and bad ways.
Talia finished her examination of his gear and turned to him. "You've come so far Habibi. I'm glad to see you found ways to separate the job from your life. Your life was never meant to only be a job." Talia said with her small smile again. Jason returning it again while motioning to the stairs in a silent direction for them to head up. Jason leading while Talia followed.
They reappeared in the kitchen. Rose checking on the two pots as they came up the stairs. She was now dressed in a pair of light blue jeans and a burgundy, asymmetrical, long sleeved tunic. Cut so the right cross ended at the start of her thigh and wrapped around until ending at her left jean pocket. Creating a triangular opening from the start of her thigh to the black belt with silver buckle. A classy, but still somewhat casual look for her. She turned and grasped Jason's arms as they shared a quick kiss. Before maneuvering around him to greet Talia.
"Ms. Al Ghul. It's good to see you again." Rose said as she extended her hand. Talia's eyes flicked downward before a slightly surprised look flashed behind her eyes. She looked back at Rose, and for the first time, Rose saw genuine warmth in her gaze.
Talia wrapped her in a hug and whispered, "Good to see you too…. Ibnati." Rose floundering at the new title and hug, before returning the embrace.
"If you hurt him….." Talia said just as quietly. Remembering the betrayal and pain Jason had endured before at the hands of his previous "family".
Rose just chuckled quietly. "You'll have first dibs." They broke apart and Talia pulled her hand upwards, examining the ring. While Rose slightly blushed. She had forgotten to take the ring off, as it had become part of her daily life. It now reflecting the slowly dimming light, and shining a brilliant rose color. Talia was just as mesmerized by the changing color and glow as Rose was.
"You're lucky my son reads as many romance novels as he does. I could see the ring coming from one of his books. Good choice Habibi." Talia said as she looked away from the engagement ring. Jason now refocusing on the ladies, as he had been focused on pulling out and setting the casseroles on the table. With the potatoes and gravy following. He had one eyebrow raised before he noticed Rose's hand in Talia's and the ring shining brilliantly.
"I've always had good taste." Jason said as he made his way over. Wrapping his arms around Rose's middle and kissing her head.
"It would seem so…..." Talia said as she released Rose and admired the young couple.
Before a loud pounding of feet announced the….. graceful arrival of Bear. Who bounded down the stairs and all but pranced up to Talia. Brown eyes conveying endless happiness and tail spinning like a helicopter rotor. Talia just raised an eyebrow at the ball of fluff. Reminding Jason of Damian when he first met Titus. The little assassin trying to convey being unimpressed, but already quickly falling to the whims of his dog. It was funny how alike Talia and Damian could be at times.
"That's our new dog, Bear." Jason said as Bear sat down with a light plop and began to lift and lower his front paws in a light prance. Excitement bleeding out at meeting his new friend. Talia crouched down and started scratching his ears. Causing him to fall over as he leaned into her hand. Talia transferring her pets to his now exposed belly. As Bear tried to nip at her hand, enjoying his favorite activity of belly rubs and teething.
"How old is he?" Talia asked, still surrendering to the whims of the puppy.
"We think he's about fifteen weeks old now." Rose said as she crouched down and started rubbing Bear's ears. A smile on her lips as the puppy gazed up at them with his tongue flopping out of his mouth.
During this, Kori and Artemis had made their way downstairs as well. Both watching the puppy absorb the attention like a sponge. Talia glanced up and straightened back up. Jason walking between her and his friends as he started introductions.
"Kori, Artemis, this is Talia or T…. My mom." He explained somewhat hesitantly. Not knowing what Kori or Artemis might do. Artemis approached first and pressed her right fist against her chest and bowed slightly. A traditional Amazonian greeting. v"Hello Ms. Al Ghul. It's a pleasure to meet you after everything your son put me through." She said lightly.
Talia bowed in return before saying, "Ms. Grace. I've heard a lot about you. Jason had a habit for jumping in first and solving things later, or never." A slight smirk greeting the Amazon. v"I assure you, I always tried to stop him." Artemis answered in faux tiredness.
"I'm sure you did. He is quite adept at not listening unfortunately." Drawing a snort and smirk from Artemis, with Talia's response.
Kori now appeared next to the Amazon. Hands held over one another in front of her and provided a slight bow as well. "Greetings Ms. Al Ghul. It is most pleasant to meet you on this day of giving the thanks." She said. Before Talia gave her a kind smile and wrapped her in a hug.
Speaking in a quiet whisper, "Thank you for being there Kori." Kori returned the hug with equal force.
It had been a few rough years during Jason's journey to conquer the pit. Constant fights against the villain of the week and emotional tolls they weren't ready for. Jason still hadn't recovered his memory he sacrificed. But since then, he's made amazing strides. This house and dog being great examples of his growth. She'd like to think Roy would be proud of him, conquering his fear and recognizing he needed to get away from Bruce. Her only regret was not helping him figure it out sooner.
Talia released her and stared at her for a few seconds. Some unspoken deal passing between the two. Before Bear jumped up Kori's right leg. A slight whine emitting from the puppy, in an effort to be picked back up by the princess. Who immediately scooped him up. Talia scratching his ears and head as he was held in his new position.
"Alright everyone. Let's get you all set up at the table, while Rose grabs Slade." Jason said as his fiancée made her way to the OPs Center.
Jason led everyone to the table and pulled the turkey over to be carved.
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Slade had arrived in his normal civilian getup, a gray suit with white dress shirt, and was immediately met by Kori's unrestrained glare. The tamaranean tightening her hold on Bear who was still seated upon her lap at the table. The puppy licked her chin in an effort to calm her. Taking away most of the heat of her glare. Slade only smirked and turned to Rose. v"A dog?" He asked.
Rose only smiled, "His name is Bear. He's our new addition." Slade responded with a low hum and surveyed the table.
"Ms. Al Ghul, always a pleasure." He acknowledged with a nod. Talia nodded back with a small smile of her own. Slade then turned to the rest of table, "Starfire and….. I don't believe we've met." He said as he studied the redhead at the end of the table.
"Artemis of Bana-Mighdall. I believe you've met my sister. Wonder Woman?" Artemis responded as she sized up the man in front of her. He really didn't strike her as an assassin, more like a hitman or soldier. "
Yes I have. She and that lasso of hers are always interesting to fight. I'm sure you've experienced it." He responded.
"I have. She seems to still be dropping her left arm I've noticed." Artemis responded. "Still? I'm pretty sure I pointed that out to her in our last encounter."
"And when was this?" Kori interrupted. Trying to remember the last time Deathstoke had fought the JLA and Titans.
Slade just smirked as he answered, "About four years ago. I think you were there. Something about an Atlantean invasion and a coup." Kori could only grimace in distaste at the memory.
Orm had ousted Aquaman from the throne and declared war on the surface world. Causing the JLA to respond when they made landfall on the east coast. The Titans had arrived shortly after the battle had started, and worked to prevent casualties on both sides. But they ran into an issue when they discovered that the on-site military forces were directly under the command of Waller. Who assigned Slade as her on-site lead. Strangely enough, the soldiers seemed to flock to his orders and directives. Moving quickly and ruthlessly to counter the invaders at every turn, and slowing the hero's efforts as they did so. Dick still wasn't over the amount of casualties Slade and his orders had inflicted on the Atlanteans that day. He took his issues to Waller, who said she could care less. It was war and Slade followed his orders to the letter and did what he was hired to do.
"Yes, I was. I believe that they are still rebuilding the warehouses you blew up." Kori said. Continuing to glare as Slade actually chuckled.
"Ok….Slade. You're next to Artemis and Rose." Jason interjected. Deciding he would be the one to try and keep the peace tonight….. "oh my god I'm becoming Dick." He thought in horror as he started to carve the turkey. Letting everyone else dish out the other sides as he worked. Slade made his way over to his seat, eye still on Kori as she lowered Bear to the ground. Rose broke his stare with a sharp pinch to his elbow as she took her seat next to him. Drawing his attention to his daughter. Watching as she dished potatoes and then turned to him with her own glare. Wordlessly indicating his chair and forcing him to sit.
Within a few minutes everyone had loaded plates and were soundlessly digging in. As they ate, Artemis watched on as Jason held a silent conversation across the table with Rose. Most likely trying to figure out how to get through the meal without it being any more awkward. Strangely, Slade and Talia seemed to be doing the same. But theirs in amusement at the night so far. Both knowing that this dinner was going to be interesting with the Titan.
Deciding to take mercy on her son and fiancée, Talia waited till most were almost done with their food and asked, "So what's the big announcement that you invited us all out for?" Jason jerked out of his silent conversation and slowly looked at the rest of the table. Everyone looking at him expectantly. He signed real quickly before standing back up and reaching to pull Rose from her chair. Then as one, the couple turned to the table.
"Firstly, we have multiple announcements. The first you have all met, Bear is our new puppy." The puppy sending out a small yap at his name. As he maneuvered to Slade's side and looked up demanding food.
"The second, as some of you have already figured out, I've asked Rose to marry me and she said yes." Jason said as he pulled Rose into a one armed hug and Rose conformed to his side. Artemis had her eyes blow wide as Kori gapped at the couple. Then in an instant, Kori was wrapping Jason in a tight hug as she spun into the air.
"This is most wonderful Jason!" She said as excitement overtook her. She never thought Jason would find someone that could challenge him, and she still had reservations about Rose. But damn it if she wasn't willing to be happy for him. Setting him down and moving to Rose.
Wrapping her in a hug as well to her surprise before whispering, "I'm truly happy for you… But if you hurt him, I'll come for you."
"You'll have to get in line. Talia called first dibs." Rose quietly snarked. Drawing a smile from Kori as she released her.
Artemis made her way over a second later. Wrapping Jason in another hug and whispering, "Told you it would all work out. I'm glad you found your peace."
Jason absorbed that before whispering back, "You did, and I'll be with you till you find yours and long after." Pulling a rare smile from the Amazon.
Artemis then released her and wrapped Rose in a hug as well. "Congratulations. I'm so happy for you." Artemis whispered.
"Thank you. I'll admit, I'm surprised you haven't threatened me yet." Rose responded.
Artemis could only lightly chuckle at that. "I believe Kori and Talia probably have that covered. If not I can always round up a war party. It would be good training." Artemis said as Rose laughed lightly at that.
Slade and Talia meanwhile watched on with knowing smiles. Slade, having known the second Jason had called a few weeks ago. They were happy that their children found someone they approved of. A rare thing for either parent, as they were very protective of their family. No matter how strained relations could be at times.
Before the conversation could shift to wedding plans and a possible date. Rose spoke up, "We have one more announcement." Quickly making it back to her fiancé's side.
She looked around and spoke, "I found out about a week before Jason did, who I told after he proposed. I'm pregnant and I'm about three months along!" A smile lighting up her face as she spoke. Which quickly made its way onto Jason's.
Slade's eye blew wide and his jaw fell slightly. The most surprised Jason had ever seen from the man. Talia's eyes were blown just as wide. Seemingly frozen as she stared at them. Artemis and Kori openly gapped. Within seconds, Talia recovered and stood up. Making her way to Jason and pulling him down into the tightest hug he's ever had. A slight dampness appeared on his shoulder.
"Habibi, I'm so so happy for you. I've seen you with Damian and the orphans. You're going to be a great father." Talia said. Jason felt the full blown smile she had as she clinged to him.
At the same time. Slade had wrapped his daughter in just as tight of a hug. He whispered, "I'm happy for you Rosey. It's ok to be a bit scared, but I know you two will be great parents."
Rose was still smiling as tears poured out. An unknown weight being lifted from Slade's words. The parents released their children and moved to their soon to be in-laws hugging and congratulating them as well.
Slade told Jason, "I know I don't have to worry, but I'm still her father. Hurt her, I bury you, again."
Which drew a laugh from Jason. "I'll hand you the shovel. We have a lot to figure out, but we'll get there."
The couple disengaged from their in-laws and turned to Artemis and Kori. Who were both sporting wide smiles of their own. Jason then spoke,
"Ladies we have one more thing. But it's a question. Would you two like to be their godmothers when they get here? Being an aunt is non negotiable." A smirk on his face as Kori all but exploded in happiness. She had learned of the practice during her time with the Titans and helping with Lian.
"Of course! I can't wait to meet them." She said as she once again hugged Jason and Rose. Artemis on the other hand looked a bit more grave.
"I'm honored and would love to be their godmother." She said as she gave them both an Amazon salute. Giving her word as an Amazon and making it an unquestionable duty in her mind. Both Jason and Rose understanding the weight she just placed upon herself with her pledge. Each of them giving the Amazon a hug in turn.
Slade eyed them as they finished up their celebration. A smirk came to his face as he watched. Along with a plan that would help set the couple on the right track.
"I'm happy for you two. But I'd like to make a little wager. I bet $100 the kid's first word will be "Fuck"." He said as Talia had her own smirk appear.
"Make it a $1,000."
Both Kori and Artemis looked over with wide smiles of their own as the couple leaned against one another. An affronted expression on both their faces. "We aren't that bad. I seem to remember not teaching Damian to swear." Jason defended. Talia just gave him a knowing look that had him trying to recall every conversation he had with the Demon Brat.
"He called a trainer a pretentious fuck stick that was beneath the notice of street walkers." Talia deadpanned. Which made Jason a bit proud and disappointed at the same time.
"To be fair, kid. Rose is a walking thesaurus of curses." Slade chimed in.
A mumbled, "Those fuckers deserved it." Came from Rose.
"I believe Biz also knew a few curses during our time with him. You're a bad influence Jay." Artemis lightly spoke.
Drawing and long sigh and sarcastic "Your input has been noted and unappreciated, Red. Glad you could be here." from Jason. Kori just laughed, remembering him fixing up stuff around Roy's place. Lian had learned four new words and how to properly use them…. Which she promptly did the following week at school. It was a good week all around after that. Jason being forced to cook for them in apology and having to explain to Lian why those words were bad. While Roy disassembled Jason's motorcycle and hid it around his house. Forcing Jason to search for each individual part and rebuild it from the ground up.
"Sounds like you need a swear jar then, kid." Slade pointed out. With a nodding Talia beside him. Confusing the hell out of the couple as they thought the two wouldn't get along. Now they were teaming up to railroad a swear jar into their home and had been cordial to one another all night.
"Ok noted, but can we back up. Why are you two on the same page, much less the same book." Jason asked.
Slade and Talia just looked at one another briefly before answering, "We know you two." at the same time. Which, the couple couldn't respond to. Both sporting wide eyes, knowing they were right.
"Do we have any pie Jay?" Kori asked. Redirecting the conversation and saving the couple from any more observations from their parents. Drawing genuine grins of victory from said parents.
"Yep, let me go get it." Jason said as he detangled from Rose and made his way back to the kitchen. When we reappeared he had to pause. Watching Talia, Artemis, and Rose in a conversation about wedding colors and potential kid names. While Slade had somehow engaged Kori in a conversation about raising kids and living with Jason. It looked a bit awkward, but both were trying to find a middle ground. It struck him then that he had built a new family. Sure it was still a work in progress and had some issues to work out. But every family did. It was when Rose looked over that he decided then and there, this is his and damn anyone that tries to take it from him.