A few weeks later
Jason was running back and forth in his kitchen, mentally reciting the recipes and timing of his dishes. They had elected to go with a classic Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, green bean casserole, gravy, and pumpkin pie. The turkey was frying outside in the garage and the oven was heating up for the stuffing and green bean casserole to bake. He had made the pie and mashed potatoes last night and would be prepping the potatoes about thirty minutes before dinner. He had just finished putting together the stuffing in its dish and had moved over to the casserole dish. Rose had become the designated chopper/toaster. He gave her the onion and green beans to prep, while also toasting and tearing the bread for his stuffing. She found the job amusing as she watched her fiancé busied himself around the kitchen making the other ingredients of his dishes. Apparently, it was his first thanksgiving with Talia since he had left the league, and he was determined to make it perfect. Which led to an usually frantic Jason in the kitchen, and Rose's new favorite show of, 'Let's watch the barely functioning crime lord break down at the prospect of his mom visiting.'
"How did you take over Gotham's underground?" Rose asked with a small chuckle.
That broke Jason out of his spiral. Indignation painted on his face. "It was the East Coast and most of the Midwest, thank you very much!" He replied with his hand pressed to his chest in false offense.
"Really! How come the bats only thought you worked in Gotham then? That's a lot of area and expansion to miss." Rose asked, as she finished snapping the last of the green beans. Jason just snorted and turned back to the casserole dish, adding cream of mushroom and making a grabbing motion for the chopped onion.
"I think Oracle had an idea or suspicion. I never recruited the various gangs or criminals under a shared banner. It would draw attention if Red Hood's gang started showing up in Miami or Nashville. I instead would plan a meeting with the local leadership and present my financials. It was clear that profits and revenue increased significantly, while arrests dropped off a cliff. After that, most would willingly join and I would designate one of my lieutenants as their contact person, as well as send some of my men to whip them into shape. Within three months, they would see record profits and reduced arrests. I would see a new city under my control, reduced overall crime and overdoses, and record charity donations. Everyone won and the bats just thought their work with the JLA was paying off, or some super villain was preparing something big." He answered.
Rose passed him the chopped onion and green beans before asking, "But you're gone now. Disappeared without a trace to most of the world. Wouldn't that all breakdown without your shared vision?"
"I created a sort of council before we left. My lieutenants will meet once a week to discuss the various statuses of their gangs and potential resource sharing. Some gangs probably left, but I'm sure that my guys can stomp them out or pull them back in." Jason answered with a shrug.
"So you created a more moral mafia?" Rose observed while dropping an extra piece of bread to Bear. Who promptly devoured the snack. Jason released a chuckle and added the vegetables to his dish.
"Ok, different topic. Will we make it to the pie before Kori tries to kill Dad or will Talia have taken care of it by then?" Rose asked with a smirk. When Jason had invited Slade to thanksgiving with the promise of an announcement and agreement not to murder anyone, he had realized this was going to be the longest dinner of his life. Talia was given the exact same terms and had only requested to be sat across from Slade. A concerning prospect in retrospect, but it was too good of a deal to pass up. He hoped he and Kori could contain Talia, while Artemis and Rose would hold back Slade if anything happened.
Kori, was another topic entirely. If she went off, only he and Artemis would be able to talk her down. Talia would probably watch with a glass of wine and carry on a conversation with Rose, while he fought for Slade's life. Artemis would probably quickly join them, the response of "He'll be fine little one." The amazon's belief in settling conflict through combat taking hold. Which, normally he'd have no problems with. But it's Thanksgiving and he really likes this house, so he'd like it death free through Christmas at least.
"We'll make it to the pie. Kori loves anything I bake and won't risk not getting any. Talia is too…. proper? To let anything phase her. Much less a snarky retired assassin." Jason answered after a few seconds.
"It's hard to believe the Amazon with anger issues is the best behaved guest we'll have." Rose responded thoughtfully.
"She's training Young Justice now apparently. Maybe she's mellowed." Jason answered again with another shrug.
When he had reached out to Kori, he never realized that Artemis would be the difficult one to contact. Kori had him on speed dial and they talked at least once a month. Slade worked with him, and Talia is his mom, so they were relatively easy as well. Artemis, however, had never given him a number or had a cell phone if he remembered correctly. He was considering reaching out to some of his contacts in the CIA to track her down when he asked Kori on a whim. He was mildly surprised she was training the next generation, but quickly figured she was learning just as much as her students as she learned of man's new techniques for combat. Probably to take back to Bana-mighdall.
This led him to contacting Young Justice, which was just as annoying as he thought it would be. Because of course Kori didn't have her number. That would have been too easy. He sat on hold with their service representative that had to run it through two managers before he finally got someone on the team. That someone was obviously new. A sort of hazing or something he bet. When he asked to speak to Artemis, he was assaulted by the usual questions.
"Who are you? What do you want? How do you know her?"
He quickly answered them all. "I'm one of her old teammates and friend. I'm trying to invite her to Thanksgiving and didn't realize I didn't have her number. Also, please tell me you gave her a phone."
"Si, she has a phone. Let me get her really quick." The Hispanic voice answered. Jason just sat there in his living room as his agitation grew.
A few minutes later a female voice answered, "Hello, I don't remember being on any other teams." Accusation clear her voice.
"And you're not Artemis. I said Artemis, kid. She's usually the angry one that newbies fear." Jason answered with clear annoyance.
"Um, that still doesn't clear it up." The Hispanic voice returned with clear hesitance.
"Ok, how about this. Red head, Amazon, carries a big axe? I was told she trains there now." Jason tried.
"Oh, you meant Red. Sorry for the confusion, I'll be right back." The Hispanic voice said as a shuffling sounded over the speaker.
"How do you know an Amazon?! Much less Artemis?!" The female voice asked.
"Firstly, I know multiple amazons and Artemis is easily my favorite. Secondly, how do you deal with two Artemis on the team? It seems confusing." Jason said. Trying to not give too much away while also wracking his brain for whoever this could be.
"I go by Crock in base. Red really doesn't join us in the field. It works well for the most part." Artemis Crock answered.
"Oh! Cheshire's sister. I thought you retired. Well, welcome back I guess. How's training with Red going?" Jason answered. He remembered the blonde girl that Roy used to train with and invited to take care of Lian.
"How do you?!" Crock started but was cut off by another voice.
"They are undisciplined, loud, and the Canary wishes to speak with me constantly. They'd be dead if not for their abilities."
"Ahhh, Princess! You found your next challenge! What are the odds at the moment?" Jason asked with a grin.
"I believe Diana has them running me off within a month of the new recruits joining. Donna thinks I'll kill one of them as a warning to the others. Cassie's bet is I'll mellow out and will embrace man's world." Artemis answered with clear disdain at the last one.
"I'd choose Cassie then. Too optimistic and would be a clear warning to the others." Jason answered with a full laugh.
"It is good to hear from you little one. There are those here that have missed your presence I'm told." Artemis responded with warmth.
"They're not why I'm calling. I wanted to invite you to Thanksgiving. I have a few announcements and would like you here." Jason answered.
"Done! Where should I meet you?" Artemis answered. All he had to say was he was cooking and she would cross the planet to attend. His meals were to die for.
"I'll pick you up at Titan'sTower. Just zeta in. Also pack for a cold weekend. I want to show you around after and we can try some winter sports." Jason laid out.
"All right. I'll see you soon then little one." Artemis said with warmth still.
"Be seeing you Red."
"She's had a few thousand years to mellow, Jay. I doubt being around twenty to forty teenagers will change that. Plus, it sounds like Canary is trying to create the next big supervillain through encouraging mental health and communication." Rose laughed. Jason just nodded and threw the stuffing and casserole into the oven.
"Ok, can you set the table while I go and grab our two weekend guests?" Jason asked as he removed his apron.
"Sure, I'll check on the turkey as well. How are you going? I don't think 'exasperated cook' is a good look" Rose answered as she got up and headed toward the table.
"I'll throw on one of the older chest armor, masks, and hoods. They know I'm coming and it shouldn't draw too much attention." Jason explained as he made his way down toward the OPs center.
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Kori was stood in the zeta tube room of the tower. Awaiting the arrival of Artemis. She had met the amazon once or twice and enjoyed their conversations. She was a lot like if Jason had been raised as an amazon. Cold and closed off, but utterly good and kind underneath. It was a refreshing change from Donna's constant playfulness and Cassie's ceaseless optimism. She wouldn't exchange them for the world, but it could be a bit much at times.
She clenched her bag strap that hung over her shoulder and the necklace around her neck. It was meant to help her blend in for some privacy in public. Dick had never had her use it when they were dating, but now it helped her find a new life outside of the Titans. She found she liked not worrying about how she would be perceived out of uniform. As those thoughts passed, the zeta tube powered on and Artemis stepped out. Carrying her own bag and a large axe on her other shoulder.
"Hello friend Artemis! It is good to see you again." Kori greeted.
Artemis just gave a small smirk and said, "Good to see you too Kori. Any idea where Jason is going to drop us at?"
"I believe he said to just wait here and he'd be along shortly. I haven't seen him in awhile, have you?" Kori asked. It'd been three years since she actually saw Jason in person. They talked on the phone all the time, but that was done secretly. She didn't want to hurt Dick, or break Jason's trust.
"I haven't seen the little one in about three and a half years. We split off to pursue other goals and I haven't talked to him in that time." Artemis answered with a mild hum.
Before the conversation could continue the zeta tube powered back on. The announcement of classified rang through the room. Out stepped Jason, wearing a black hoodie over his old batless armor. His face covered by his half mask and domino.
"Hey ladies, it's really good to see you two again." Jason greeted as he shifted in his chest armor. Neither woman responded as they took him in. He had grown a slight bit more. Now at six three or four and built like a tank. He had originally resembled Batman the last they saw him. His broad shoulders, height, and muscles drawing the comparison. Now, he reminded Kori of Deathstroke at his peak and Artemis of the old Spartans. His armor obviously not quite fitting him correctly anymore, and the hoodie pulled taunt across his arms. He looked good.
"X'hal, Its good to see you Jason!" Kori said as she swept forward and wrapped him in a hug.
"Missed you too Kori." Jason replied softly as he returned the embrace.
"You look like you've been busy. I didn't think you could be any bigger, little one." Artemis greeted behind the duo.
"Been training and working on myself, princess. I'm sure you'll see for yourself once training starts with the new recruits in January." Jason replied as he broke the hug and approached Artemis. He gave her the first move. It was an unspoken agreement that they had reached and was pleasantly surprised when she hugged him just as tightly as Kori.
"They're going to put me in the grave, Jay. Claims of being grown and experienced are constant and Canary! I think she's made me her personal mission or something." Artemis vented with a half laugh.
"Sounds like you must have found something worth being apart of if you're still there." Jason replied knowingly. Artemis broke their hug and looked away toward the wall. A light blush on her face.
"When I offer praise, it reminds me of Biz when their faces light up." She said quietly. Jason just rubbed her arm in a comforting gesture.
"I get it Art. I'm happy for you."
"Where are we headed to Jaybird? I was promised an entertaining weekend?" Kori asked. Trying to lighten the mood.
"I can promise you an entertaining dinner. For Artemis at least." Jason answered with a slight mumble of the last part.
Artemis, knowing his tells for being uncomfortable with something, asked, "Why would I be the only one entertained tonight?"
Jason took a deep breath and met Kori's eyes. "I've invited you both tonight as I have three really important announcements tonight and you two are pivotal to it. We are having dinner with my Mother, Rose, and….. Slade Wilson." Jason explained. Kori's eyes just snapped open and stared at her adopted little idiot of a brother.
"Why is Slade at your Thanksgiving dinner?"
Taking another breath, Jason decided to finish digging the hole. "He is also part of the announcement. I can't promise you a happy weekend, Kori. But it's an important one and I want you to know I'm very happy. Also, he's retired, promised not to cause issues, and if he does… There's a very long line to smack him."
Kori took that in and took a deep breath. "How long is he there for?" She asked.
"Just tonight, We have the weekend to ourselves." Jason answered tentatively. Kori steeled herself once more. She hated the man, but could sit through one dinner. Plus, it sounded like Jason was well aware of her issues and was trying to be mindful of it.
"Fine. I can promise not to murder him for one night. But your announcements better be worth all the trouble, Jay." Kori answered with a small frown.
"I'm sure they are, Kori" Jason said.
"Wait, haven't you been hiding out for the last few years. How are you ok with talking about all this in Titan's Tower. Much less at all. I remember "Paranoid" being your middle and "Secretive" your last name." Artemis interjected as she watched their discussion. She knew of Slade through Diana. He was apparently an assassin that had lost his way and was working to be more honorable. She never said he had retired.
Jason just turned and she could imagine the wide smirk on his face. "I've already looped the cameras and this zeta will be shut down for the weekend. A shame about those transport logs. But energy surges happen. Especially with the change of seasons." He said as he pulled a grenade and gently tossed it in the air.
"Jay, I think an explosion is counter productive to your goal of secrecy." Kori admonished.
"Right, there with you. This is an EMP grenade. Much more subtle." Jason responded with a slight laugh. Kori merely rolled her eyes as she approached the tube.
"I've already programmed it. I'll be right behind you both." Jason said as he eyed the room. That sword was looking unloved, and why would Nightwing need more than one escrima stick.
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The trio emerged in the OPs room. All the additional armor and weapon racks were closed down to prevent unneeded questions. Jason quickly stripped the hoodie, armor, and mask off and set them in their designated rack. His new sword and stick discreetly joining them in their new home. He then led them up to his home. Kori reached the top of the stairs and immediately fell in love with the lived in and warm decor. It reminded her of some of the larger cabins on HGTV. She was only broken from her adoration by a slight bark and scampering of nails on hardwood. Bear rounded the corner in a clumsy mess of limbs and fur. Making his way to greet his human and his new friends that accompanied Jason.
"That is surprise number one. His name is Bear and he's still a puppy. We just got him house trained, but we're still working on the jumping." Jason explained as he broke off from the group and made his way to the kitchen again. Kori just fell to her knees in a squeal of excitement and started petting the pup. Echoes of "He's so soft!" and "Whose a pretty puppy!" being heard from the tamaranean.
Artemis merely raised an eyebrow and passed by with a soft pat on the dog's head. Making her way to follow Jason to the kitchen and to see the outside. She appreciated the home. It was much better than the apartments Jason had stayed in before. She was slightly caught off guard by the white-haired woman setting the table off of the kitchen. She had met Rose before, but she seemingly improved much like Jason. She was more shapely and obviously strong. It reminded her of some of her sisters, mainly Donna. Strong but still drop dead gorgeous, according to the men she interacted with.
"Hello Artemis, I hope you've been well." Rose greeted as she finished setting the table.
"Hello Rose, you look good. Jason have you running his training route?" Artemis greeted back.
Rose just laughed with a small shaking of her head. "Not at the moment. We've cut back with the change in weather." An obvious lie, but Artemis decided not to press. Jason threw himself into training like all other things, fully and totally. He wouldn't accept any less.
Meanwhile, Jason was starting to heat up the potatoes and gravy while checking on the casseroles. Both of which were right on schedule and should be ready by the time everyone had arrived. He continued to stir while checking the time. He had about twenty minutes till Talia arrived and thirty till Slade. He missed Artemis' eyes going wide at the sight of the mountains and snow. She had seen both before in her journeys, but had never thought of settling down in one of those valleys. Probably a consequence of both Themyscira and Bana-mighdall's temperate climate. She continued to gaze at the mountains, when she spotted some movement on one of the slopes.
"Jay, where exactly are we?" she asked.
"Welcome to Colorado. Where high has more than one meaning and skiing is considered the state past time." Jason threw over his shoulder. An orange and black blur zipped by in his peripheral vision, as Kori appeared next to Artemis. Hovering about an inch off the ground and Bear held tightly in her arms. Rose, nearly breaking out in hysterics at the dog's look of "What the hell!".
"It's so pretty Jason! Can we go up the mountain?" Kori asked as she took in the sight, a tone of a small child asking for candy.
"Tomorrow Kori, we have to have Thanksgiving first." Jason said while thinking, "And survive it."
Quickly stirring the potatoes once more and checking the time again, he turned to Rose.
"Can you watch the food for a bit, honey? I'll show them to their rooms and grab a quick shower." Rose turned away from the two guests as they shifted their gaze to the rest of the home and outside space.
"Sure, can't promise Bear won't get any of it though." Rose replied as she sauntered over.
"He'll get some turkey too." Jason said as he quickly pecked her lips and started his way to the living room.
"Come on ladies. It's a big house and you need to choose your new rooms." Both guests turning to him as he continued toward the stairs.
