Epilogue – Justice League Universe
A/N: Gosh, I was trying to figure out what season it would be at the beginning of this chapter and so I went back to the picnic (that took place in the Spring) and tried to follow my timeline but man, it's completely fucked up. It's like I have Ko at -4 weeks (give or take a few weeks) old at the time of the picnic out in the garden and then suddenly he's already 3 months old with no gap in the timeline at all. I then thought maybe I just stopped using the adjusted age but then I realized that Wally had said he hadn't seen Ko in 3 months! And here I thought I paid good attention to my timeline because I really did try hard to keep it correct.
I think what happened was I stopped using Ko's adjusted age because he was developing faster than normal babies but then I confused myself when I got to Wally's part and so had Wally say he hadn't seen Ko in 3 months. This is wrong, however, and it was more like a month since he saw Ko. Someday, I will go back and change what Wally said. I also have to change where Clark tells his mother Ko is 4 months old because that was before I was keeping track of it (or at least thought I was).
I'm so sorry if anyone noticed my mistake and was super confused. That is totally my bad. :/
Anyways, please enjoy. :)
Bruce steps outside into the warm summer air. It's been a month and a half since they got Ko back from the alternate timeline. The family has finally settled into a routine again and Bruce and Clark are back to full time hero work. Superman is in Metropolis during the day as is Clark Kent at the Daily Planet — the board of directors finally ceasing their questioning of his and Bruce's relationship — while Batman goes out every night. They both are also back in the Justice League full time.
He makes his way over to the large picnic table that is out in his garden, carrying a tray of chocolate chip cookies. Alfred is behind him, carrying a pitcher with lemonade and another one with ice tea. Bruce sets the cookies down onto the table, right next to the watermelon and cantaloupe. He looks up when he hears laughter and sees Dick and Jason sitting in the grass, playing with Ko with a ball that they keep rolling back and forth.
"Hey," Bruce calls to them. "Don't get your clothes dirty."
"Bruce," He turns to Tim. "The photographer says he's ready."
Bruce looks up at the sky. It's unexpectedly a rare cloudless day in Gotham, the sun bright and hot. "We still have to wait for Clark."
"I'm sure he'll be back in a second. He knows how important this is," Wally says as he wolfs down a turkey sandwich.
Bruce watches him unamused. "I don't want him to rush. Lives are at stake."
"I'll just tell the photographer that it will be a few more minutes then." Tim then walks off, joining the photographer by the big oak tree.
"Where did he say he had to go?" Diana asks, coming up beside him. She has a cup of lemonade in her hand.
"Fire in Texas."
Diana hums and takes a sip of her drink. "Didn't need help?"
"He didn't say he needed any."
A gush of wind and Wally is standing in front of him. "Bad timing huh?"
Bruce reaches up to his own head and starts to fix his hair that got ruined by the wind. "You shouldn't use your powers with the photographer here." He notices Wally's hair is now ruined as well but fights the urge to fix it. He'll sick Alfred on him instead.
"Awe, come on, Bruce. The guy has his back towards us." Wally clasps him on the shoulder. "Don't worry."
"Uh huh." Bruce walks away then, approaching where Alfred is coming out of the house again with some chips. "Alfred."
"Yes Master Bruce?"
"Will you please straighten Wally out?"
Alfred eyes the speedster and sees his rumpled suit and hair. He raises one eyebrow. "With pleasure Sir."
Bruce hides his chuckle as he watches Alfred set the chips down and then go over to Wally. Wally smiles at Alfred and seems pleased to allow him to help.
Someone whistles and when Bruce looks, he sees John motioning behind him. Bruce turns and smiles as Clark jogs up to him, straightening his tie at the same time. "I'm so sorry."
Bruce reaches up and helps Clark fix his tie. "Were you successful?"
"Very." Clark leans closer and pecks his cheek. "But I'm here now," he says with a sigh.
"Good, because the photographer has been ready for five minutes now."
Clark chuckles and kisses him again, this time on the lips. "We better get going then."
"You," Bruce reaches up to fix Clark's hair next. "Get Ko then while I set everyone up into position."
Clark smiles at him. "Always the control freak."
"When this picture comes out flawless you'll thank me."
Clark laughs and goes to gather Dick, Jason, and Ko. Bruce makes his way over to the photographer and helps everyone to get into position. "I've never had my picture taken before," J'onn briefly mentions as Bruce places him where he wants him to stand.
"Don't worry, you'll like it," he reassures. Once everyone is where they are supposed to be, Bruce steps back to look at the arrangement. Facing them, J'onn is on the left end with Diana next to him. Next to her is Clark who is holding Ko who is then next to Alfred. Next to Alfred is John and Wally is on the end right next to John. In front of that group is Dick on the left side and Jason on the right with Tim in between them. "Perfect."
Bruce goes and joins them, standing next to Clark on his left and Alfred's right. Clark maneuvers Ko so the both of them can hold him at the same time. Ko squeals and wiggles his arms and legs around, gurgling in happiness. The sun is shining on them and Bruce knows that it must make both Clark and Ko feel good and energized along with happy. He's glad the weather decided to cooperate for this.
"Okay," says the photographer. "Say cheese." When everyone does, the camera goes off in a flash of blinding white light.
...
Bruce places the framed picture on the mantel of the fireplace. He has one on his desk at work as well and so does Clark. Each member of the Justice League that are present in the photo has received one too and even Jason asked for a copy. Bruce looks at it now and feels warm arms wrap around his waist from behind. "That's a nice picture isn't it?"
"Yeah."
"Everyone looked great." Clark chuckles. "Wally was glad you invited him."
"I invited all the original members."
"Yeah but you know how he feels about Ko."
"Uncle Wally," Bruce chuckles.
Clark laughs as well. "You know," Clark starts, resting his chin on Bruce's shoulder. "You never did tell me why you invited the original League members in the first place."
Bruce stares at the picture, sees everyone's bright smiles in the photo, and ends up smiling himself. "It's a family photo. They're family."
Bruce can feel Clark's smile against the skin of his neck. He's warm and so Bruce presses into Clark more. Clark kisses his neck. "Here's to family," he whispers.
Bruce turns his head and kisses Clark on the lips. "Family."
A/N: So this is the last chapter for this story. There will be more one-shots added to the series though, so if you want to continue reading about Ko and Family, then please keep an eye out for the other parts to the series. If you don't, then that is fine too and I really hope you enjoyed the ride.
Thank you for reading. :)