I OWN NOTHING

I wish I did own a pack of sexy secretaries in revealing maid outfits to make writing fics easier so I could go back to the harsh life that is being a cupcake.

XXXXXX

Classy and sassy

"How…?"

Naruto did his best imitation of a strangled moose/badger fused mutation upon finding Pam lying on top of him in her own bed. The sheets were kicked off her body and somehow the red cloth was wrapped all around him like a cocoon. Her green legs were exposed thanks to her dark green shorts and were also very busy clinging to his mid-section, coiled around his. Her arms were around his neck, bringing him close to her deliciously scented puffy red hair, and her face deep into his fit chest.

All right, he didn't need to panic; he was already doing that inwardly. As he worked on getting himself under control, and failing miserably when Pam brought herself closer to him and in turn let her small and very loose top reveal more of her modest but enjoyable cleavage, the blond also had to work on getting something under control. Oh how much of a bitch could Lady Luck be at times when it came to him, girls, and… well, anything with a double X chromosome. Yet that one lady was also good to him on a whim, having perhaps some sort of love-hate relationship with a past life of his, or so he started to think when living with the Wilsons.

The self-proclaimed fun side of that family had minds that would terrify any soul working on the field of psychology.

"Mmm…" she hummed peacefully, near purred.

The redhead beauty was perhaps dreaming of something good or being too comfortable in her sleep. She did get clingier to the blond that willed his every fiber to keep his little self under control. At least he had been given a full set of blue pajamas the likes he once used back home, minus the cartoonish cap he grew attached to due to its goofy design and…

And Pam was rubbing her cheek on his. How could she not wake up from the heat that emanated from his skin was a mystery.

The look of peaceful sleep and the definition of such words pretty much were the redhead's face. It seemed that the blond could also add being the best human pillow to his curriculum… But he didn't know if he wanted people to hire him for that. Girls and ladies like Pam or Harley were ok for him to be hugged by.

Then she moved her knee dangerously up his thighs.

Ok, he seriously needed to get out of there. Now!

His eyes landed on something that was too good to be true for him to see: her pillow. Somehow during her turning and tossing she had to have kicked it off and replaced it with his torso. But if she slept like that, so deeply safe in her dreams away from the stress and horrors of real life, he was fine with taking that pillow's place. And yes, it was mostly because looking at her up close Naruto couldn't deny that the green skin added a touch of exotic beauty, she smelled nice, her lips were incredibly tempting, and she was too damn cute for him to try to resist.

All he had to do was move an inch closer and… And he would steal a girl's kiss like some asshole, he would take advantage of her, and he would be breaking her trust on him after she asked him to be there for her. With a quick mental kick to his buttocks for thinking of such a thing, Naruto exchanged places with the pillow. He watched Pam shudder slightly at the loss of his warmth, but she adjusted herself to enjoy what remained of it in the sheets. She then buried the pillow in her pillows… Great, now he envied a pillow.

His stomach's rumbling announced it was already breakfast time. Considering his job was to keep Pam both safe and happy he made his way to the kitchen, no way could he do his job on an empty stomach. There he found a vegan's diet to be nothing of his liking. In all honesty, he should have seen it coming considering what he had seen. However, as an eggs and bacon kind of guy – more like ramen but he'd take whatever was closest to it for breakfast – he needed something that would make him feel full and tasted salty in some way. Tomatoes, spinach, lettuces, and lots of soy and almond milk made one part of the fridge. The other parts had more assorted vegan foods such as tofu, lots and lots of tofu.

This was not his kind of breakfast, but it was Pam's… with a heavy heart and his hands full of food he would claim fit for a hamster the blond approached the nearest blender and decided to make himself nice milkshake filled to the brim with all the fruits he found.

It was about that time that Pam woke up, hearing some noise from her kitchen and finding the oh so wonderful and deliciously comfy warmth that had covered her body and made her feel tingly from head to toes missing. She sat on the edge of her bed to regain her thoughts… and her green cheeks flushed madly when she recalled how she asked the blond to keep her company and how he awkwardly accepted. It was hard to look each other in the eye but they set themselves in the bed, put a pillow between them for some personal space, and… wait, then how did she end up covering all of the bed with her body? Did she… No, no, she had to have moved when he got up and that's why she was curled in such a compromising way into his side of the bed. Yes, that's it.

After setting that with herself, Pam called out to the kitchen, "Naruto, are you there?"

"W-Whoa!" That… was not good, she knew even before the sound of a lot of pressure bursting reached her ears.

She found Naruto's face covered in the milkshake made with at least five different fruits, her kitchen wall thankfully safe from suffering the same fate thanks to the blond acting as its shield, but her floor was being smeared the mixture of soy milk and fruits.

He reached for a towel and started wiping his face, "Sorry about this. I was hungry and… I tried to cook what I could."

She sighed, "It's all right, we just have to clean this." She stared at him, waiting for the towel to come off his face, but it didn't, which worried her, "Are you hurt?"

He shook his head, still hidden by the towel, "N-No… but… Um… Ok, let me be blunt." He groaned beneath the towel, "Look down."

She did as told… and realized why she had felt a bit cold when seeing how low her top had fallen of one shoulder. She shrieked and pulled up the loose piece of clothing and forced the words out, "I… I will prepare a shower for you… Let me make breakfast and… let us never speak of this, ever." He nodded and made his way to the bathroom, stumbling on her fridge, "You can take the towel off your face now."

It was a weird morning, but with such an unusual friend living with her could her mornings ever be normal? Green skin or not, life with such an odd boy could not be considered normal.

Once out of the shower Naruto was greeted to a vegan breakfast which made him inwardly cringe. He was a noodles kind of guy, vegetables and him didn't mix. Or maybe it came with how he had been as a child. Either way, he had been forced by Slade and Rose herself to eat healthier, and forced to eat double rations whenever Wade and Wanda shoved their vegetables into his plate whenever he wasn't looking.

But he was finally bathed, changed, and ready for a good day… with a beauty before him.

Pam's hair was undone, letting a large mane of hair fall out of the puffy pigtails she usually had that made her head resembled a rose's petals. Her hair went down in a long and slightly unruly mane that reached her thighs and framed her body. He could see some plants wave their branches and roots around the long red locks to come her hair back in her puffy hairdo, coating it with oils to prevent knots.

She found his eyes on her and arched a brow when he moved them away, "Well, that's one way to get your hair ready." He said, looking at his breakfast and taking a seat in a pair of black slacks and a red muscle shirt.

She smiled, "Thanks…" she patted part of her mane over her shoulder, "It's one of the few things I like being girly about."

He was reminded a bit of his mother, how she let had her hair grow to be more womanly and catch his father's attention. He could see now why a man would go after a redhead now. Not that he'd admit it with the girl already before him and Slade Wilson himself probably sharpening his favorite broadsword with the blond boy's name on the blade should he hear of the kitsune mercenary getting involved with his client.

But he would admit something: "You look very beautiful." He said with a bashful smile, "I really like girls with unique hair… I know it sounds odd but… I should shut up, right?"

Pam could feel the dark tint on her cheeks as she giggled at the merc's antics, "Not at all, I find your bluntness to be quite good at times." It was also kind of charming how out of the blue they could be, and even more how effort he put on being kind to her.

XXXXXX

Meanwhile, in another redhead green skinned girl's cell, "Friend Megan, whatever is the matter with you and your hair?"

Said Martian didn't turn to look at the odd and sadistic alien girl, "I just feel like I could work something with it… I always wanted to have it shorter but… I feel tempted to let it grow. And how did you know I was busy with my hair?"

Starfire grabbed her long and curly mane and with a single hand motion let it flow, "Mine is a show of pride among warriors of my planet. To let it flow freely in the void of space as we fly for great battle is a sign of one's prowess if not a single strand is harmed in combat. Besides…" she giggled, "I know for a fact males of this world have a fascination with the female art of this styling of the hair. Fufufufu… Are you also wondering whether Friend Naruto may enjoy ours more than that of Friend Raven's?"

Megan's face heated up at those words, "No! My hair is my business! I just felt an urge… no, just a brief moment of wondering about what it'd be like to let it grow. And that idiot already showed he possesses no sense of rational thought, so why should we bother?"

The dark girl's voice could be heard with its usual, dripping cynicism, "I'll be the first to give you the privilege to shave my head if that fool ever admits to have such a fetish, Megan. Trust me on that."

Starfire giggled more, which woke up the lazy Beastboy, "Is it breakfast time already? Oh, do you think it'll be a tofu egg salad?!"

XXXXXX

"Grape juice and salad for breakfast?" Naruto asked seeing the piece of lettuce, tomato slice, and cheese piled on top of each other.

Pam looked down, "I promise I'll go with you to buy something more to your liking."

Naruto groaned, rubbing the back of his head, "Hey, don't. I shouldn't be complaining since you're giving me a place to stay and food for free." Slade also said he had to eat healthier on his own, so he may as well.

Pam nodded, "Well, we should probably get ready for what is to come…" she sighed tiredly, "Do me a favor and this time stay with me. I know you're supposed to keep me safe from assassins, but I would trade that to be away from Wayne's company while enjoying the free food."

"You really hate the guy…" he stated, taking a bite out of all three ingredients of his meal, surprised to find out that it was soy cheese what he was eating.

She nodded again, "You have no idea."

Pam blinked upon Naruto's surprised face, "This is good!" he said with bright eyes and a large smile before digging in. Pamela leaned back when seeing him start to eat at the insane speeds he used to pig out at the museum's cafeteria like when they first met. He was done before she could blink, but he had a happy expression on his face that spoke of how much he enjoyed her cooking.

The redhead had to chortle, "I never expected anyone to like my cooking that much. I know you're no vegan but that was a surprise."

Naruto smiled his goofy grin, "I don't know how you did it but it all tasted real good."

"Everything you ate is something I grow here, of course I'd put the effort in making it taste better than other meals." She said with a slightly smug grin.

They ate dinner and soon got dressed for the party. Pam was surprised at how well Naruto looked with just some effort: a white double-breasted business suit with black buttons, an orange button up shirt, white dress pants, and matching dress shoes made him look a bit out of the seventies but he looked good. She finished the touch herself by helping him put on a yellow tie, or rather try.

"I think I got it. I've seen my boss do it, so…" he said, attempting to make a knot until Pamela gently moved her hands to his and started to help.

"You may be trying too hard. Just don't move." And with a swift pull of her hands the tie was in place, though the knot could still use some work.

"Uh… Do you think they'll notice?" he asked, feeling tempted to loosen the tie to ease his neck.

Pam noticed she still had her hand on the tie, and if she pulled him it'd be like yanking a dog's leash. She grinned and did that. Naruto's face nearly smashed on hers but she stopped him with a hand before untying and loosening the knot.

"I think you'd look fine with or without it, but you need to dress fancy for this." She sighed, seeing some hurt on Naruto's eyes at the thought of losing his cap with his headband protector or the old black headband in which said protector had always been.

"So long as you're safe, I won't complain." He reassured her with a smile. She willed her cheeks not to darken once she was done with the tie.

Once out on the streets, the odd couple made their way to get a taxi, but found something even better parked before them with a woman in a driver's suit before them. Naruto looked at Pam and viceversa, she shrugged at him and he turned to scan the driver and the limo. The woman was blond, had her hair done in a bun, and had black lipstick. What also stood out was the figure hidden by a black business skirt, the figure-hugging black coat, black leather gloves, and the black driver cap on her head.

She also had a friendly, even motherly smile aimed at them as she opened the door, "Pardon my introduction being this… odd, shall we say."

Out of the limo stepped a man in his late forties to early fifties. He was tall, rather handsome, and bald, very bald. He was clad in a fine black business suit complete with white shirt and tie, and showed a strong and athletic physique behind it and the fancy green trench coat.

Pamela gasped, "Oh my God, you're Lex Luthor!" she dashed to the man with a bashful smile, "I… I'm a huge fan of your work!" she grabbed his hand and rigorously shook it.

The man, Luthor, stared at her dumbfounded for a few good seconds before letting out a hearty laugh, "Why, thank you, young lady. Hahaha… May I have my hand back?"

"Oh, sorry." She said and quickly let go but kept her smile towards the middle-aged man.

Luthor extended his hand politely to the blond, "And this gentleman is Naruto Uzumaki." Said kid shook the offered hand and nodded, "Not much for words now."

"Not really." Naruto replied, his hand now scratching the back of his head, "More like I'm not one for suits." He mentally added, 'And the fact that I had to buy this with my boss' credit card… Meh, I'm sure Rose-chan will work something out for me… I hope…'

"I have worked with Slade a long time." Luthor told the duo before him, "I'd like to talk with you some more on the way, perhaps as I give you a ride to the party we're supposed to be?" he was offering them to get in his nice looking limo which Naruto noticed had a small bar and some assorted desserts already set.

"Sure!" Pamela said with her smile growing wider and her eyes lighting up, pulling Naruto forward and actually surprising the blond.

"Wait, how can you…" he growled to himself for raising his voice and lowered it in the limo, "…trust this guy?" he whispered to his client.

Her cheeks grew a darker green, "I'm a big fan, like I've said. Besides…" she smiled and poked her cheek with a finger, "The reason I'm still alive while having this skin is because of him."

"Oh, I remember that day." Luthor said as he sat in his limo and his driver took her spot behind the wheel, "I wasn't precisely there at the surgery room, but if it's one of my hospitals then I have a very strict policy." He smiled proudly, "No soul is left behind. A motto I've followed by myself ever since I grew in the slums. I kept working with everyone I held dear, and it got be this far."

Naruto didn't know what to make of the man. His smile was warm and even genuine, but something felt odd, "You said you knew my boss, right?" he asked the bald man.

Luthor's smile brightened more, if that was possible, "Good old Slade, and Wade to some extent, helped me through a lot when I first started to build my business. If it weren't for them going through the security of some of my most controversial projects, I wouldn't be here talking to you." he leaned back with a face that said he was enjoying his inner nostalgia trip, "We even had this one time at my office when it was finally open and ready to be used that Wade pulled out a bottle of Bourbon, the good kind… Oh, that was a good night…" he then chuckled sheepishly, "Even if some of the memories are a bit fuzzy."

"Well, the two are doing fine." Naruto replied to make some conversation, "They do fight a lot like brothers, and my boss always wins if only because Wade doesn't like to hurt family… He also says that I'm part of the family, but he's also stolen some money from me to buy chimichangas, pizza, or…" he felt tempted to bluntly state that Wade bought magazines no kid should see, but the presence of the ladies around him made him choose his words carefully, "…the kind of magazines someone like him enjoys."

A serious nod was all Luthor gave him, showing he knew what that meant, "I still don't know how they can be related, but they are good men."

Naruto pondered on a lot of things regarding the brothers and siblings he had met in his life, "I couldn't agree more. It is comforting that they're nice guys."

Luthor smiled, "On another topic, you two are well dressed for this party. I usually try not to sound cheesy with compliments, but allow me to say you will make headlines." Pamela's cheeks turned the darkest shade of green she had in her life, and Naruto tilted his head to the side, "That is a compliment that I mean bottom-heartedly."

"Oh, thanks, you too." the blond replied with a nod.

But the girl had her worries, "Headlines?"

The bald man nodded, "Stark made this a big event, did you really think there wouldn't be cameras around?"

Pam looked down, "I didn't think it through…" she looked at her dress, "I just know some magazines will complain about this dress."

The CEO chuckled, "If you mean to say they'll complain of how they don't look that good in one, then yes, I believe you'll hear that."

Naruto grinned widely at that, "Of course they will! Pam's also a real sweetheart, and looks really good with her hair down."

Luthor had to put a hand to his mouth to not laugh loudly when Pamela's cheeks turned a deep green. The rest of the trip he had a pleasant and warm smile as they passed the streets, letting Naruto and Pamela help themselves to some drinks in his fancy ride's bar. Pamela was amazed that there was no alcohol as he pictured the bald man as a social drinker, as in the kind that went to parties and had a few drinks with friends to look suave, but he said, "I am still a man of business so I like to keep my head fresh and clear" with a straight face and a warm smile that'd made even the most cynical man want to give something to charity. Once the car stopped the environmentalist felt her heart beat and her cheeks heat up so badly that she wished to dunk her head into the bar's freezer.

The door opened to reveal a red carpet, many flashing lights, and some loud questions.

"Hey, is that?!"

Once again her bodyguard was perhaps the oddest man for the job when he jumped off the door, landed on the carpet and with a cloud of smoke summoned a small platoon to flank all sides. The reporters and cameramen yelped when the blond teens started to push them back, while Mercy herself had to rub her eyes with her right index finger and thumb to try to believe the sight. The real Naruto turned to the now stunned Luthor and the surprised Pamela with a hand extended to the green girl.

"I saw this in a movie… do you want me to carry you?"

And just like that with that caring look in his eyes did she feel all her nervousness fade when her hand met his and he lead her through the carpet with the cameras flashing, the questions flying, and her well-suited bodyguard keeping her close with a smile but a determined glint in his blue orbs. He may have made herself special by getting targeted by a terrorist, but Naruto had a way to make her feel special in a good way.

Luthor had to make his way alone after Mercy appeared and the reporters saw he wasn't getting Naruto's brand of protection, "Mr. Luthor, why did you come with Gotham's most notorious environmentalist and her bodyguard?!"

"Are you acquainted with them in any way or form?!"

"Is it because Naruto is a member of the legendary Wade Wilson's mercenary group that you worked with?!"

"What brought you to this party only to bring the city's most popular duo with you?!"

Luthor sighed, "Ladies and gentlemen, I have no comments for this party. I'm just here as interested as you in whatever plans Mr. Stark has. As for my companions, I just gave them a ride. If you'd be so kind to excuse me, I have a boat to catch." He said with a warm smile while Mercy kept everyone away from him.

Pamela was surprised when she started to go through the large portable ladder towards the ship, to call it big was an understatement. It had about fifteen stories of whatever entertainment facilities Stark asked for above the deck, and below it she could bet all her money that there were many more, large kitchens, and everything a mad multimillionaire could wish for.

She was so caught up that Naruto had to dispel his clones to get her attention, "Is everything all right?"

By the sound of his voice, he was also surprised by the side of the ship, "Yeah, it's just so…"

"When Stark wants to make something he makes sure it is big and impossible to miss." Luthor said once he caught up with them, adjusting his trench coat, "I don't believe I need to advise you two considering Naruto's profession, but you should stick closely. This ship is one step from being a city all on its own. It has fifty bars open at all hours, ninety restaurants, eighteen pools, thirty seven restaurants, and the biggest casino to ever be built for sea trips with its own stage for a world class concert."

"You sure know a lot." Naruto stated.

Luthor turned at him with a knowing grin, "Who do you believe helped build it?"

Naruto turned to look at the cruise and then at the bald man, "Whoa…" he really couldn't find words.

Luthor sighed, "Sadly, Stark bought everything. It is a shame but at least I know she is a step further to advance some of my ideas."

Pam nodded, "The Black Manta project… I heard of it. You were planning to make a vessel capable of sustaining life and stand any kind of storm, even tsunamis, in order to test your hypothesis on space travel."

Luthor let out a hearty laugh, "Well done, young lady. You got it all in one go. Yes, I did plan for her to achieve all of that, and she did. Though I knew I couldn't do it alone, so I needed help, and that's when Stark came, paid for everything, and turned her into his new cruise."

Naruto raised a brow, "Seriously? Sounds like a big waste of money. No offense to you, but I think what Pam said sounded really cool… The standing up to storms thing, at least."

Luthor couldn't hold a second laugh, "Indeed. At least I can see that you are an honest if blunt. I like people like you, Naruto. Speaking with your heart is something people tend to misunderstand nowadays."

"Really? You could say the same about Wade and Wanda…" he screwed his face at the thought, "Maybe not on the honest part, but definitely on the blunt one."

Luthor nodded with a sheepish smile, "I couldn't agree more." He then motioned to the gates, "Shall we?"

The two teens nodded and followed the CEO, excited for what waited for them at the party.

How blissfully ignorant were they.

XXXXXX

"And those are some good shots." A young man in his middle twenties said with a grin.

He had short brown hair, was kind of short, very lean, and wore some worn but still comfortable clothes which consisted of simple jeans, white sneakers, a red buttoned shirt and a black jacket on top. He had a camera in one hand, a handsome but intelligent look to himself, and grinned at the picture of Naruto helping Pamela up the stairs.

He passed by a chestnut haired maid, "You sure this will work, Parker?" she asked while putting on a mask to hide her freckles and buck teeth.

"For me, yes. I got the pictures I wanted, and can almost see the headlines when either side wins." The brunet said with a smile, "It'll all be the same no matter what Whiskers does."

The brunette gulped, "Oh yes… he's there…" she felt heat come to her cheeks, "I can't wait to see him…" and those gorgeous blue eyes of his to stare deeper at their sapphire like glint.

"Ah, young love… set the standards lower than Satan's wine cellar and you should be fine."

Doreen glared, "Shut up, Parker."

The photographer smirked, "Hey, you know that he won't like you very much once we start fighting."

Doreen's glare was empowered with a pout, "I'm confident that I can get him to see something good in me with his pretty eyes." Then she smirked, "Besides, some men like their women on top, right?"

Parker lifted a hand with a finger up, his mouth open for a good five seconds, and then he lowered it, "Nah, you're making it too easy for me to come up with a joke."

Doreen glared harder, "Just you watch, by the end of this I shall get him to lock eyes with me… and maybe I'll have my own fun."

XXXXXX

Tony Stark was walking on the roof of his enormous cruise, smiling at the sight of Lex Luthor entering it, "His dream came true and the technology helped so many people to make traveling the seas a breeze, and yet he didn't dare take all the credit."

He made a grab for his drink but his wrist was caught by Castle, the tall and intimidating assassin glared at him, "I need you to be sober for this, if you die in the shoot-out I won't be able to get paid. Wayne will make business for me bad if you get killed now."

Stark shrugged, "Yes, mommy dearest."

Castle sneered and felt tempted to punch the bearded multimillionaire, but looked at the two men behind him in odd suits.

The first was clad in an olive green business suit with brown field shoes, a black button up shirt, and had a yellow bandana over his mop of brown hair. This man was of average size but his build showed clearly through his clothes that he packed quite some muscle like a true fighter. His face was set in a scowl that seemed near natural, like everything he smelled were shit.

The second man was far taller, bigger, and way buffer. He was an Afro-American bodybuilder to put it short, his head displayed no trace of hair, most likely due to some good shaving, and he had a rather manly beard. He wore a dark blue suit, near black, with matching field shoes and had a yellow t-shirt beneath his coat which barely contained his massive pecs and rock solid six pack abs. On his waist was a large belt, and the buckle was gold and shaped as the word "CAGE".

"Luke, Randy, would you kindly escort Castle to where he is supposed to hide before the main event?"

The green clad man nodded silently and moved to grab the assassin, who quickly dashed to the side, "No need, I'll move myself. You two make sure that he's safe like you're supposed to…" then he grinned, "I can't guarantee your safety, though. I didn't get paid for that."

The black man, Luke as Stark referred to him, walked to Castle and easily looked down on him due to his body being a head higher than the assassin's, "You're given a free chance to try and see why we got this job now."

Two knives flew at Luke and Randy from Castle's wrists, and the two didn't move from where they were as the blades neared their throats at lightning fast speeds. Instantly, Randy's right hand lashed with a furious backhand that shattered the steel, his hand coated in a strange red flame that faded almost as quickly as it came. Luke didn't react, flinch, or even make a sign that the knife bothered him when it tried to pierce his skin. The blade bounced right off without leaving a scratch!

Castle grinned, "So that is why you are part of the plan."

Randy merely nodded silently and narrowed his eyes at the assassin, Luke limited himself to nod, "We're living guns for hire for a good reason. We can do the same as you, but we don't waste money on bullets."

Stark chuckled, "Well said, Luke. Now, can I have my drink?"

Castle took the cup, and tossed it at Tony. Randy's hand lashed yet again and caught it, not letting a single drop of alcohol spill out and managing to catch every single drop that nearly fell to the floor. Tony smiled as he took it and thanked Randy who once again remained silent.

Castle left and pulled out a cigarette, knowing he'd need the smoke in his lungs to keep his cool, "Figures. You need monsters to fight monsters."

Castle exited the roof, and Luke felt Randy's hand on his shoulder, "Leave him be. He's not worth it."

Luke sighed, "For now…"

Randy nodded, "For now." He then looked down at the blond that escorted the green skinned redhead, "He should be an interesting opponent."

Tony chuckled and tossed his now empty cup down to the sea, "I want him alive no matter what, so make sure Castle doesn't cause too much damage to his body. Seeing how he ticks is my key to making better soldiers for this country."

Luke narrowed his eyes, "Since when did you care about any country?"

Stark smiled in his most charming way, "Ever since wars are what make this world go around. But now let us go down, there's a party… and I believe that reporter from Channel 6 wants a very personal interview."

The two bodyguards shared a look and then followed their boss, inwardly wondering why they got this job besides the good pay.

XXXXXX

Beneath the cruise, we find a certain Atlantean, followed by a large group of water-breathing men in armor with sharp weaponry.

And he was riding another shark, "Listen up, our king knows best what he is doing. We don't side with humans, we don't fight for them. This has always been a competition between our lord and the man known as Batman. Today we gamble more than our lives in battle, we gamble our future."

"Is that soldier you mentioned as powerful as you say?" one of the men following him asked.

Aqualad nodded, "To defeat the Titans, a group I joined because of our king's orders, is no easy feat. That is why we shall capture him before Batman knows. That soldier, no, that man… I fail to have words to describe him after seeing his battles, his struggle against the Titans. If an image comes to mind, is that of those tales humans tell their young of heroes defeating great monsters. Men, today we're not fighting any human, today we are going to fight a true man for the future of our kingdom!"

The men raised their weapons in pride, "For our sea! For our king!"

Aqualad nodded and looked forward to his next encounter with his fellow blond, 'I watched all those battles. Even if he were in dire situations, he fought with honor. A man like him is unfit to fight for humans, our king says so. With his power, our kingdom could finally raise above the sea.'

Determined didn't begin to describe the men.

XXXXXX

"Yes, I see them, all Atlanteans?"

"Stay where you are, Robin. This game is all about managing to get our hands on Naruto's power. At the very least we shall interfere with those trying to get in this plan before they can react."

The avian boy grinned, "This should be fun."

Bruce Wayne chuckled, "Indeedly so."

He watched Stark walk down and motioned for him to follow, they walked together through the guests at the large casino where they played around and had some fun chatting between themselves, "A nice stage you set for me, Bruce." Stark said with a friendly smile.

"Just because my me-time usually takes place during the night doesn't mean I can't enjoy the little things that the sun has to offer." Bruce replied with an equally friendly grin, making sure that any camera nearby found his and Stark's good sides while they waved from time to time to anyone who recognized them.

"Parker is ready to take a few shots. I gave him a special pass for all the cargo he could need." Stark started.

"I heard from a little bird about party-crashers, but there seems to be no reason to worry since the entertainment will tired them out before we can hear complaints from any good old wannabe sea king captains." Wayne replied.

"What would someone like that want?"

"A taste of the fine wine we're dealing with, is my guess."

The two men then went their separate ways, expecting things to go according to plans.

Sometimes things went… weird.

XXXXXX

"About time we got here, pops! Geesh, that trip felt like it lasted more than a year and three months!"

"I know my daughter, but for the sake of seeing our slave- err… pupil, we shall have to go through any kind of transportation and Mexican food stands to get our hands on your pet- I mean, best friend."

"Oh pops! You do care about how I feel about my favorite playmate!"

"Of course I do, my child! Any father wants to see their little sunshine happy! Isn't that right, comrade?!"

Emil, currently on a boat with the craziest side of the Wilson family, groaned as he rowed towards the cruise with Wade and Wanda before him, "I hate you."

Wade's smile was visible through his mask, "I love you too."

"Me too." Wanda said with a smile, "But not as much as I love Whiskers, and scarring him for life."

XXXXXX

"Naruto, what is wrong?" Pamela asked when her bodyguard shivered and they still had to set foot in the main casino where the party was taking place.

He shook his head, "I don't know… I felt like something as wrong… Or will be." His eyes widened, "The last time I felt like this was…"

He really didn't want that memory.

XXXXXX

And that's my rap!

I am so goddamn sorry that it takes me so long to write my fics at times. I just want to have fun and do things at my own pace, not force myself to make new chapters because this would feel like a chore. If I went that route… I'd end with fics I'd thoroughly despise and would have to delete/rewrite. So forgive me, but I will try my best to make each chapter fun. That's all I can promise you, that I can try my best.

Anyway, the new characters here are Daniel Rand, or "Randy" as Stark calls him but better known as Iron Fist in his comics, and Luke Cage, the definition of a cool hero.

Swordslinger out!