Chapter Text
"But is it a great idea to have him staying at Mount Justice? We don't know if he could be triggered to attack again, and with his power set the same as..." Green arrow trails off while looking at a disgruntled Superman.
Everybody was arguing over where to place the super clone.
Billy wasn't really paying attention. These meetings always drag on and it's kinda just a load of useless yapping that his 12 year old mind doesn't even bother to understand. Isn't the answer obvious?
"Well, unless you have a good idea for where else to place it then feel free to share. Otherwise the clone will be sent to Mount Justice." Batman cuts in with that same stern voice of his. Captain Marvel frowns at his words.
"Why do you gotta call him an it though?" He says, drawing the attention of all the heroes.
"I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean" The dark clad man says in response.
"Well, it's not as if he's an object" Billy responds dubiously, not understanding why they're looking at him as if he's the air headed one. "He can breathe, talk and think as far as I'm aware. So he deserves to be treated like any other life form. I mean, it's just basic human decency to me"
"Well he isn't exactly human" Green Arrow adds in.
"Well, so isn't Cyborg. I mean he's half robot" The man in question looks startled at his mention but seems to hold off saying anything. "And what about Martian? He's a full alien. And Aquaman? And not to mention Superman himself isn't even human, so I don't see why we should treat his TEEN clone any differently" He adds, which earns stares from everybody. This only further confuses the man-boy.
Superman seems upset at his words.
"He was made in a lab, by people using my DNA without my consent. They created him not through normal means" He says with a calm voice, as if simply stating the facts. But Billy just furrows his brows further at his words.
"Well Wonder Woman was also made differently. I mean, she was sculpted by the gods! So I don't get why you all are making such a big deal over this..." Wonder Woman seems to pause at this, debating whose side to take on this.
"I believe you don't understand Captain, but Superman is going through a lot because of this clone. It was made through non-consensual means in order to kill him. To have your DNA stolen and fused with your worst enemy is horrifying, is it not?" She instead tries to make the other man understand their reasoning. This however just goes to once again confuse the red and gold clad hero.
"Not to sound mean or anything, but when did any of us care about our personal feelings when it came to helping others?" This causes many baffled looks. Flash butts in.
"Uh, sorry man but I'm not getting where you're coming from here"
"I mean, guys, we've risked our lives to save the world. We've rescued kids, the elderly, animals, criminals-just everyone! You know?", And the words just tumble out, "I've watched you guys look at victims while you yourself had bullet wounds and broken bones yet you still made sure to put their health first and ask them if they're alright. I've watched you guys look down on villains who've hurt people you love and STILL help them out. We've all had to overlook things for the goodness of others... I just can't seem to get why this is any different?"
His ramble causes many to hesitate in their thoughts. They suddenly feel like they've made a big mis-step here...
Captain looks upset as well now which surprises many of them, considering he's never lost his cool. The man has his eyes furrowed with his arms crossed as if thinking very hard about something.
Suddenly Captain Marvel seems to blink and then grin, "Oh, I get it now. This is a test!" This causes many to stare at him confused.
"A test?" Flash mouths.
"It makes sense now! You guys could never be so stupid or heartless like that" Green Arrow makes a face, offended. "Woah, there buddy, what do you mean stupid?" He replies defensively. Even Wonder Woman is frowning.
Superman seems very upset now. Though Billy just thinks they're all acting, it must be apart of the test after all.
"Well duh, I mean this is a kid we're talking about! You guys wouldn't leave a kid by himself at Mount Justice. Not to mention, Batman has a soft spot for kids so he would never call them an it" This causes Batman to flinch, though you'd only notice it if you really knew him.
"I mean, you all have sidekicks and kids around you, you'd never treat any of them like this! I get what you were hinting about there now Wonder Woman!" She in turn looks at him questionably. "And what would that be?"
"Well, that obviously while Superman never consented to his blood being used, the kid also didn't consent to being put into this world to become a soldier! I mean, you gave me Superman's point of view, but I bet you were also hoping for me to think of the kids point of view. Which, now that I think of it must be really sad..." He says with a frown.
"What do you mean?" Aquaman says, with furrowed brows. Cyborg seems to be running through his own thoughts in his own head at the subject of their conversation.
"Well, it must suck to be made with your only known purpose to kill a hero, who is technically your dad", Superman chokes at this, "and for your other dad to be a villain who doesn't care about you other than for your powers. Not to mention that he was raised in a lab, which must suck considering if he's anything like our Supes then he must be powered by the sun. That must be painful, and wow, really lonely" He says as if also just realizing this fact. Many find themselves suddenly feeling not so good about themselves as who they thought was a formerly immature man; was the one seemingly also giving them a reality check. And without even realizing it.
"Wow, I'm really glad you guys weren't serious about him going to Mount Justice, I mean seriously. That would've been terrible for him, I mean he's already missed out on so much social stuff and he definitely needs a family more than ever to pick up the pieces, you know?"
Flash gulped, his throat feeling dry. "Right".
"Well, is he gonna stay with you then Supes?" Billy turns his bright and oh so oblivious eyes onto the older man.
"Well, I- uh, can't. I can't, already have a kid along with other responsibilities and a new addition can't exactly... fit" He says dryly, his own mind racing with the revelations the other gave him. Thoughts of maybe he was wrong to think so little of the clone? But no, he can't have it in his house. Near his parents, wife, or god forbid, Jon, his little boy. The one who was supposed to be wearing the title of Superboy- not that- that fake.
Captain Marvel wilts but nods in understanding. Growing up and going through the system, from house to house was hell. With it being so crowded, and all the unfamiliar faces... he gets why Superman couldn't have his kid go through living with someone he doesn't know. Not to mention, Superman is a busy adult, and he can't exactly give out the same attention to two kids. He wouldn't want the kid to feel left out or anything. He remembers quite vividly how it felt to be the odd one out.
"I understand, you'll probably be too busy taking care of one kid and all your other hero duties must make you super busy. We'll need the boy to be in a house he'd feel welcomed, along with enough attention and love. He needs to be taken care of and shown the ropes in life", he says seriously, "Kids need a lot, especially growing ones. Food, shelter, and love are the three main things. And make that a lot of love".
Martian Manhunter nods along, reminded of his own time as father before it having been taken away from him. He thinks of this and then gives the Captain a considering glance. "From what I hear, you'd make a fine father yourself".
Billy looks at him and beams, rubbing his head sheepishly, "You really think so?".
"Yes, why if it's possible you'd make a great guardian for the boy. Especially considering the similar abilities you'd have"
Batman finally nods in agreement and adds in his own two cents.
"Yes, that seems like a great idea. If you're able of course, Captain?"
Marvel seems to think for a moment. Superman looks at this and thinks, maybe he understands now. He's kind of sick of the bad feeling he's having after everything that was said. He doesn't want to think of the implications on whether he was wrong.
"I'd love to but...", Green Arrow huffs in victory at the reaction, believing that the man has finally opened his eyes, "I can't exactly provide for him the way he deserves", Batman raises a brow.
"And why is that?"
"I don't really have a job, since you know", he gestures to himself, "not to mention a civilian identity. I mean how else will I be able to enter him into school? He is going to school, obviously", he adds as an afterthought, not aware that nobody there was planning on sending him to school, "then there's like entering him into extra stuff, like if he wanted to join after school clubs and stuff. I don't even have a credit card! How am I gonna buy him stuff that teenagers want... wait- does he even count as a teenager? He's been only out the tank for about a month... would I be raising a baby!? Oh man, does he even know his favorite color? He doesn't have a name though so probably not. HOLEY MOLEY" His sudden shout startles everyone, who was blindly listening to his worried rambles, realizing that, oh shit. They're all assholes.
"Guys, if I became his dad then that means I have to give him a name, right?" Billy has wide eyes and he honestly looks like he might cry, even though it wasn't even confirmed that he'd be the guardian. Superman hears the other man calling himself the clones possible dad and almost faints. Almost.
"Well, it seems like we've found our answer", Batman finally says, though he himself looks worn out at the whole thing. Clearly feeling as shitty as the others. "Captain, I'll take care of the identity situation and forge the papers. As for money, I'm sure being part of the Justice League counts as a job. Especially considering you work the most here, always taking up extra shifts. I'll give you a weekly paycheck which should suffice, along with a house of your choice in Fawcett City. That's if you agree to becoming the child's guardian" Nobody misses how he refers to the clone as a child. Showing his changed mindset due to Marvel's previous words.
"I don't see this whole thing as a job though..." He mumbles, a bit upset at the idea, but then continues to brighten when fully processing his words. "Oh yeah for sure! I'd love to be his dad!"
"Man, I've never been a dad before... wow, I have to plan so much out, are you sure I'm the perfect choice for this?" He turns his eyes on them all, though grinning in excitement all the while.
"Oh! Some of you guys are parents right? Batman, you're smart, how do I make sure my kid doesn't end up hating me?" The question is innocent but earns him many winces, along with Batman's face doing a pained spasm. Luckily Billy is distracted right after asking the question.
"Wait, was this all a test so I could be his dad? Did you guys really trust me to take on that kind of responsibility?" He turns his eyes, which are shining a bit, onto them all. Which once again earns him baffled looks as they all wonder how he came to that conclusion.
"Wow- you guys really trust me that much? Superman you would let me take care of one of your own? Your own flesh and blood?" He asks breathlessly, and Superman might actually faint now. Wonder Woman can't even blame him as she watches to make sure to catch him if he ends up falling off his chair.
"You know, I can't believe I doubted you guys at the beginning... for a second I thought you were all just like those social workers I'd help take down" His eyes turn downcast as he thinks of his time in the system. Despite the fosters that would take care of him and all the other kids all being shitty, he hated the social workers the most. They all just turned a blind eye to all the red flags they'd clearly see in the houses they drop the kids off, and then say it's for their own good. With plastic smiles and uncaring eyes. He hated them with a passion.
"Those social workers were terrible, the way they'd just send these kids to places knowing they weren't safe... throwing them somewhere they'd only get hurt, whether it was physically or mentally... the loneliness those kids went through", the loneliness HE went through... "I just can't imagine you guys ever willingly sending a kid to take care of himself in such a big building, I mean you guys are all heroes after all" He smiles a bit, glad to have such great team mates. He snaps himself out of getting emotional again before looking up and tilting his head at everybody's expressions.
"Are you guys okay?"
Green Arrow coughs into his hand but looks a little pale. "Uh, yeah, yep, nothing wrong at all" Flash nodding quickly from beside him, mirroring a pain expression everybody seems to hold.
Batman himself seems frozen, his head reminded of one of his kids. Tim Drake who was left alone in a house too big for his small form. And suddenly he feels sick to have acted so mindlessly.
"Right, well Batman we can talk more about this soon right? I've been here a bit too long, I have to continue my patrols. You guys don't mind do you?" Everyone responds with tight no's, still looking unwell. He simply waves goodbye, and moves towards the zeta tube.
Adults were weird.