This chapter -  the team enjoys a party for the holidays/celebrate end of invasion and Kaldur finally learns Robin's identity (finally).

It is set after season two around the holidays, Wally is back (he doesn't die - fight me).

As usual once sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes and any OCCness.

Hope you enjoy.

Robyn

It had been an incredibly stressful year in Nightwing's mind, between his friends going undercover into enemy lines, training a team, looking after family (especially with his siblings), running Wayne Enterprises, going to college, being Batman and being Nightwing. Yeah, a stressful year was putting it lightly. However, it was finally almost over. The League were back on Earth, Kaldur and Artemis had returned mostly unharmed from undercover work and even Wally had thankfully escaped the speed force.

The team were recovering from the invasion and the Mountain was being rebuilt. It is a slow process, due it being blown into billions of pieces. However, everyone was happy to help as almost everyone, including the League had happy memories of the Mountain. It had been their home for so long. At the minute the team was staying at the Watch Tower with the League, but Nightwing was still (secretly) converting the warehouse into a liveable, comfortable base/safe house just in case of accidents or emergencies. It also meant he had a safe place to go himself and for any others he was training.

The League and team wanted to relax and de-stress after the year they had had. So, they had decided with it being the holidays and after everything earlier in the year they needed to have a bit of fun, and what better way to celebrate than a party. The party was in truth a mixture of a welcome home party for the Leaguers, Artemis, Kaldur and Wally as well as a holiday celebration and a congratulation to the team for coping so well under all the pressure.

The party was in full swing at the Watch Tower. Music was blaring, talk echoed everywhere, drinks were being shared, some people were dancing and others were enjoying the food. The Watch Tower had been heavily decorated with a mixture of Christmas decorations and normal decorations for those who do and do not celebrate Christmas. There was a Christmas tree in one corner, tinsel hanging on the walls and fairy lights everywhere. Alongside them were party streamers and banners. Leaguers and the team members mixed. In one corner Impulse was talking with Blue Beetle and Captain Marvel, in another Zatanna stood with Rocket and Bumblebee.

Nightwing however had left the main room silently in favour of a small, quiet room for a breather. It had large windows looking down upon Earth and was painted a light grey, the room was actually meant for storage but it had somehow managed to remain empty for all the years the Tower had been working. They had just never needed it so it never really got used. Nevertheless it served his purpose of hiding. He'd discovered it years ago and kept it secret, as a place to retreat to for some time on his own.

He felt the need to hide because he still wasn't quite comfortable with everyone else. Although most of them had managed to forgive him, he still received a few angry stares. If he was being honest though, he hadn't really forgiven himself for putting his friends in danger like he had. He had never wanted to be like Batman, sacrificing everything for a mission, but this year had put him almost exactly in that position.

He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the approaching footsteps or opening of the door. He was only broken out of his spiralling thoughts by the cries of his former best friend (he wasn't sure where they stood at the minute).

"I told you he'd be out here." Nightwing didn't need to see him to tell there was a giant smirk upon his friend's face. He tensed slightly, cautious of how this conversation may go. He kept his eyes on the Earth below.

"We never denied your theory my friend." The more sensible, calm voice was easily recognisable. As was the snort from the third person in the room.

He finally turned around to face the people interrupting his peace. Wally, Artemis and Kaldur. Three of the people he considered family but also three of the people he had hurt the most over the last year. One he made a traitor, another he killed and the third suffered the loss and almost died himself.

"Shouldn't you be out enjoying the party? It is partially for you three after all." Nightwing tried to reason, slightly cautious of why the three were there. He was on edge around everyone lately and he hated it but he couldn't do anything to calm himself.

"Is it a crime to want to enjoy some peace with a friend?" Artemis questioned, her arms crossed stubbornly. He raised an eyebrow in doubt, there was no way that was the only reason they were there. Then a thought occurred to him.

Nightwing's mouth twitched up into a smirk. "It won't be peaceful with him here." He nodded his head to the resident speedster, gaining a yelp of annoyance from said speedster and chuckles of agreement from the other two. So they were still on good enough terms for light jokes then, good to know.

Silence rained for a few minutes, all four heroes staring out at the world in front of them. It had been so long since things had been calm enough to just enjoy a moment of silence, usually crime or something even crazier would pop up and ruin it.

"This year's been crazy. An alien invasion, a speedster from the future, the Light, the League away on trial. Just everything." Predictably it was Wally who broke the silence first, still unable to deal with long periods of nothing (unless absolutely necessary), even after all these years.

"You were right 'Wing. Quiet and Wally never seem to appear together." Artemis stated with humour clear in her tone. Despite the teasing all four were glad of the familiar talk and situation, they could almost forget about everything that had happened between them since the team started falling apart. Almost.

"He does have a point though. It has been a long year and even longer since any of us have seen peace. When was the last time we all had a nice conversation with nothing to worry about?" Kaldur defended Wally after a moment of quiet.

All four heroes were deep in thought until Nightwing suddenly snorted. Before he quickly broke down into near giggles as he recalled something. The other three turned to look at him bewildered by the sudden change in mood.

"What?" The former archer turned to face her friend and teammate. The other two watched him as well. They were worried about him, he'd seemed to be spiralling into dark places and they seemed to have become more and more estranged with him since the team started expanding. No matter what happened though he was still their friend and younger brother figure. Despite what Nightwing might think, they didn't blame him for everything. They understood the situation and people always say things they regret in times of stress, it had just taken some time to calm down and actually think before they could come to that realisation.

"It was at a party like this four years ago that Kaldur finally discovered my identity." Nightwing answered drawing chuckles from the speedster and archer, and a sour look from the Atlantian. His discovery had been . . . interesting so to say. Plus they had never let him live it down.

Four (ish) Years ago - The Watch Tower

The original team were celebrating another successful year alongside the upcoming holidays. They were up in the Watch Tower with the rest of the Justice League, partying the night away. Music was blaring out of speakers, the main room was a mess (someone had fun decorating and had gone way too over the top), and everyone was enjoying themselves. Some people were dancing, others talking and if you looked carefully you would even see a smile on the famous Bat's face, but I never told you that, alright? Good.

In fact it was very similar to the party that would happen several years later, except it had a slightly different guest list and everyone was younger of course. Robin had pulled a move similar to the one at the future party (he didn't particularly like parties). He disappeared from the celebration and snuck into Batman's room in the Tower. He entered silently, accidentally leaving the door slightly ajar. As soon as he got there he put on some civilian clothing (without his glasses for once, assuming no one would enter the Bat's room) and pulled a chair against a bland wall.

You see Robin was supposed to be tutoring his best friend Barbara, affectionately nicknamed Babs but had been called to the party. Not wanting to miss a session due to an upcoming math test, they had agreed to skype each other. So that was exactly what they were doing. Robin had purposely left his background blank so she wouldn't be able to question anything suspicious. Everything was going well.

Unfortunately for Robin, Aqualad had noticed his absence and decided to try and find his youngest teammate. Aqualad strolled the corridors half looking for Robin and half exploring (it was rare they were actually in the Watch Tower and he was taking the opportunity he had ben provided). He went past the kitchen, the monitor room, both swimming pools (making a mental note to go back one day and try them out) and the meeting room. He was just coming to the living quarters corridor when he heard it. Muttered words. He hadn't ben expecting to find anyone else around, they were all at the party. He crept closer to the source, not noticing it was Batman's room, he peaked round the corner.

The room was plain, grey walls, a bed with black covers, a neat desk, a couple of chairs and a wardrobe. Nothing unusual, just nothing personal. He was shocked to see a normal civilian sitting on a chair speaking softly into a laptop on his lap, the boy was sitting on a chair with his back to the grey wall meaning the person he was talking to couldn't see anything but the wall. The few word he heard of the conversation did not reassure him of the civilian's intentions.

"Plan . . .formula . . .kill . . .-master . . .trouble." From the sound of it this boy had managed to get in and was probably working for some villain in an attempt to hurt them. It was the prefect time as well, with most of the League and team busy at the party, everyone was relaxed and not expecting an attack.

The angle Aqualad was at meant he couldn't really see any distinctive features of the civilian. If he had he may have made the connection between his missing teammate and the person in the room, but alas he did not. He immediately was on high alert, taking this unknown as a threat and preparing to do something about it. As soon as the boy seemed to finish talking to his unseen co-conspirator and put the laptop down, shifting in his seat, Aqualad leapt into action.

He rushed into the room and grabbed the boy from his position on the chair, surprising the civilian. He moved him into a position where the boy's back was against him, leaving him unable to see his face. The boy struggled for a short while before noticing who had him and stopped. Even more suspiciously the boy started chuckling. Clearly whoever this kid was he thought he was clever, well Aqualad would do something about that.

Keeping one careful eye on the boy he sent a message to the League that an intruder had gotten into the Watch Tower. The boy just kept chuckling, he narrowed his eyes at the kid, shifting so he could see part of his face. The kid was grinning which made him look slightly creepy in the dim light. For the first time Aqualad realised what room they were in - Batman's.

He half dragged the dark haired boy out of the Dark Night's room and into the open white corridor where they would be easier seen and, though he would never admit it, so that the Bat didn't find out that he had been in his room. Although it was more than likely he already knew. The better light also gave him a better view of his captured assailant and would allow him to see which direction he ran if he managed to escape.

While Aqualad was internally panicking and running through lists of possible attackers while trying to keep an eye on the kid, and all out not having a fun time, Robin was having a ball. He'd been surprised when he'd suddenly been grabbed but he'd figured out it was just Aqualad after a minute and managed to piece together what had happened. It was hilarious and frankly, he was going to use this to his advantage. He couldn't wait to see Kaldur's face, but a little fun first couldn't hurt, could it?

"You seem tense Aqualad. Worried about my evil plans? You should be, you know. None of you little heroes are going to live through the night. Mwhahahahahha!" The intruder cackled looking incredibly sinister in the light.

"What plans? What have you done?" Aqualad tried to convince the boy to tell his plans. Honestly the psychopaths kept getting younger these days. Who knows maybe they would be facing a toddler next, after all this boy couldn't be any older than fourteen. Then again, he was part of a group of teen heroes, so he couldn't really say much on the point of ages. He still couldn't see the whole of the teen's face as he held the kid, arms behind his back, facing away from him.

From Robin's point of view this was a win-win situation. He had been meaning to tell Kaldur his identity for a long time but had never really found the right time. He really should of, especially seeing as Kaldur had been his teammate and friend for years. It wasn't really fair that Artemis and Conner discovered it first, Kaldur had been his friend almost as long as he had known Wally and Roy after all. He'd been dropping hints for a while now but they just didn't seem to pick them up, clearly he needed to be more blunt about it.

This unfortunate situation meant he could have a bit of fun while also revealing his identity to Kaldur. He could have a lot of fun here, oh, the possibilities of pranks were endless. Thoughts rushed through his head of possible plans. Then he found it. It was the perfect idea, it would definitely give him a laugh. Poor Kaldur.

"Do you really think I have been sitting here doing nothing? No, of course not. I have been planting bombs in strategic places all around the Watch Tower. You will all be blown sky high before the night is out. Well, you are already higher than the sky so that phrase doesn't work but, well, never mind. All you pathetic heroes won't see another morning. Mwhahahahahha!" Robin cackled again enjoying himself thoroughly, he was going to have fun telling Wally and Artemis this story, maybe even Conner would find some enjoyment out of it.

"Where are they? How long do we have?" Aqualad tried desperately to get answers, nearly to the point of shaking the boy. He had no idea how long they had before this boy potentially killed most of Erath's heroes including all his friends and teammates. He was really starting to panic.

It was at this moment that Superman, Batman and Flash rushed around the corner reaching their position along the corridor, finally answering Aqualad's message. As soon as they saw the scene in front of them they realised what had happened and skidded to a halt. Superman and Flash's expression were quite comical, may I say. Batman just looked neutral and unaffected, like usual (well to those who couldn't read him).

"We must hurry. He has placed bombs all over the Watch Tower but refuses to say how long we have." Aqualad swiftly attempted to fill in the three Leaguers, who were still just staring at the scene in front of them to Kaldur's frustration. Yes, the kid was on the young side but did they seriously have to stare? They were all in serious danger!

"Thank you Aqualad, but you don't have to worry. You can let him go now." Superman stepped forward raising his hands peacefully, finally coming to his senses.

Aqualad hesitantly released his prisoner, still keeping a cautious eye on him. He did not understand why the Leaguers were not panicking, had they already found the bombs? "I am sorry, I do not understand . . ."

"It's fine, Robin was just having some fun, weren't you?" Flash explained smiling, adding a bit of desperation hoping that his nephew-figure hadn't actually turned evil. After seeing Aqualad's shocked expression though he was almost on the floor laughing. Quickly snapping a picture of the confused Atlantian he dashed away. More than likely off to show it to the others.

"What were you doing down here? In civilian clothing no less?" Superman asked looking between the Bat and his protégé, who seemed to be having a silent conversation. Poor Kaldur still looked like he was processing what he had been told.

"Usually I tutor a friend at this time but seeing as I was here we decided I would skype her so that we could continue as we have a big test coming up. She doesn't know about me being Robin." Robin grinned shrugging, before following Flash's path back to the party albeit slower.

Batman and Superman quickly followed him. Superman chuckling and Batman silently with a hidden smirk, leaving a confused Aqualad alone.

"I think I broke him" Robin's last comment echoed down the corridor.

It wasn't until a few days later that Kaldur approached Robin and got the full story from him. Artemis, Wally and even Conner were the story and got plenty of laughter at poor Kaldur's expense. That was how Kaldur finally found out Robin's identity after years of friendship and he was so glad the story had never gotten back to Aquaman (or so he thought at least).

Present Time - The Watch Tower

"It was not funny! I honestly thought you were an intruder!" Kaldur tried to reason through his friend's laughter. They ignored him, too caught up in their joy.

"I still can't you believe you though I was a villain!" Nightwing cackled (he absolutely could and had encouraged that belief at the time but hey, it was fun to laugh at poor Kaldur's expense).

"You make a scarily good villain. Please never go evil on us. I don't think any of us would survive, we wouldn't be able to hurt you probably." Wally begged, having mentally pictured Nightwing as a villain (it wasn't a good image).

"Maybe I should become a villain. I'd be great at it. I know all your identities and how to get into everyone's headquarters." Nightwing looked contemplative, gaining worried glances from his friends, which were only half fake.

"I'm sorry, it really was funny Kaldur. Does Flash still have that photo?" Artemis only vaguely meant the apology, she turned to her boyfriend who was most likely to know.

"Yep! We should show the newbies!" Wally announced still laughing.

"Half of them aren't even that new anymore and they have proven themselves this past year. The only real newbie is Static." Nightwing chuckled at his friend's immaturity. "Though that is a good idea, it would give them something to laugh about. Babs would especially enjoy it, I never told her."

"Don't you dare! By the way Nightwing, its always bothered me. What were you talking about? You were really suspicious. Did you know I was there?" Kaldur suddenly stopped and looked at the youngest member of the group. He had been curious about it for a long time but always forgot to actually ask.

"Actually I didn't know you were there. I was distracted tutoring Barbara in maths. Besides, how am I supposed to remember a conversation from that long ago? You may have just misheard me." Nightwing grinned.

A comfortable silence once again fell, as the group of friends stared into the dark abyss of space outside.

"I missed this." Wally suddenly announced drawing glances from his friends and girlfriend.

"What?" Artemis questioned. Despite becoming more used to her boyfriend's weirdness, no one was ever fully used to it. Well, except maybe Nightwing. Those two had been best friends for years.

"This. When it was just us and it was more peaceful. When we were a family. The old days." Wally explained, gaining nods from the rest of the group. It seemed like such a long time since everything had really been okay. Artemis, Kaldur and Wally shared a glance before turning to Nightwing.

"Nightwing, you do know we're not mad at you? We know you did what you had to do. Yes we were angry because you were keeping secrets, and we are still a bit to be honest but we understand why you did it. The newbies, however, don't really have much reason to be angry so don't listen to them. Everyone will understand and get over any anger they have, you just have to give them time. There were no other options, you didn't have much of a choice." Artemis explained with a sigh.

"Yeah 'Wing. You're still our little brother and you always will be. Besides it was because of you we could get into the meeting." He narrowed his eyes slightly at the younger hero. "One day you are going to fully explain your Titan years and how you know Deathstroke so well" Wally added, expression full of suspicion and worry.

"We will always be here. We are your family. Next time everything starts piling up on you, ask for help." Kaldur stated, serious in a way he rarely was outside of missions these days.

"We will always be your family as long as you don't set your wild siblings on us again." Wally shivered. "Crazy Bats. Do you guys live to scare the rest of the world or something?"

"Ah, that explains it. Batgirl and Robin told you, didn't they?" Nightwing sighed. The trio of matching grins were the only answers he got. He'd been wondering how they knew everything had been weighing down on him "I have something important to tell you about my brothers and something about Talia Al Ghul. Something major has happened." He paused for a second. "However, it can wait until we have enjoyed some peace."

Silence fell once more.

They heard the whistle of fireworks before they saw the bright flashes of colour. They must have lost track of time, the fireworks were supposed to go off at midnight. The fireworks were beacons of light among the darkness of space.

"Hey, guys-"

"Shut up Wally!" Everyone shouted finally out of patience for the noisy speedster.

"Hey, I was just going to ask how they set off fireworks in space. We never worked that out, did we?"

And finished.

Hope you all enjoyed that, I thought it was about time Kaldur found out Robin's identity.

If you want to know Robin was talking about a plan to learn all the formula for maths so their teacher doesn't kill them and they have to go to the headmaster and how much trouble they would get in.

I was thinking of doing something with Donna aka Troia or something on Deathstroke or something on Damian/Jason. Which one do you guys want first and you're welcome to make other suggestions.

Once again hope you enjoyed this.

Robyn out.