Title: Watchtower Guardians II: Meatballs With Dill And A Touch Of Garlic (1/1)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: Elsa Haratunian, Clark/Bruce, Hal Jordan, Ollie/Dinah, Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Gina Moretti, Keesha Johnson, Jan O’Reilly, J’onn J’onzz, Steve/Diana, Donna Troy
Genres: Fluff, Holiday, Romance, Slice-Of-Life
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: It’s time for the annual JLA Christmas party on the Watchtower.
Date Of Completion: January 1, 2017
Date Of Posting: January 13, 2017
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1455
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The entire series can be found
here. “Party, party!
The red and green,
Dance ‘n’ prance,
Set the scene.
Silver tree,
And gold garland,
Party food,
Hot, not bland!
Music rockin’
And time o’clockin’
As we party
Hearty, hearty!”
The Silver Platters
“The Silver Platters
Sing Christmas”
RCA Records
1959 C.E.
What better backdrop than the stars themselves for a Christmas party?
My name’s Elsa. I’m part of the Watchtower support staff. I’m one of the housekeepers but am performing as waitstaff at the party.
Music played as the Justice League members danced and mingled as we servers roamed through the cafeteria, which had been decorated for the occasion. There was fresh greenery all over the place, and red bows, too. A huge Christmas tree was set by one of the windows, sparklin’ and lookin’ real pretty. Christmas trees are my thing. We had been puttin’ up the tree when Superman had shown up and helped.
Really, what job can you get where Superman shows up to help you out? The tree’s about ten feet tall, and he flew up to put the star on top. We all applauded, and he looked even a little bashful.
Right now Superman was chatting with Green Lantern and Black Canary. They were drinking punch and havin’ fun.
The buffet table was set up but there were hors d’oeuvres hot from the oven. I was offering meatballs made with dill and a touch of garlic and they were disappearin’ fast. I found myself at Superman’s elbow, and he looked down at me and smiled.
“Thank you, Elsa.” He took a meatball via toothpick, and so did Green Lantern and Black Canary. As I moved away I heard Superman say, “Mmm, just like my mother makes.”
Funny, most people don’t often think of Superman having a mother. Guess he must have been raised by an Earth woman, since he came here from Krypton, though he never said how old he was when he came. Wonder if he had an Earth father, too? Or maybe Krypton mothers made meatballs?
“Hey, those look good.”
Green Arrow was standing right in front of me. He smiled and took a meatball. “My compliments to the chef.”
“Gina will be happy to hear that.”
Green Arrow took a second meatball. I like to see a man with a hearty appetite. “You’ve got Christmas Week off, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Don’t worry about New Year’s Eve. We’ll take care of ourselves.”
“Thanks, Mr. Arrow.”
He smiled. That silly goatee looked good on him. He was a good egg, as they used to say. His concern about our working conditions was sincere, not just some put-on.
I passed among the other guests, and my platter of meatballs was quickly emptied. The Teen Titans had been invited to the party and Robin and Batgirl began to dance. They were a good match, both pretty good. Actually, very good. Robin loved to be in the spotlight and he always entertained, like he was a born star. The music had switched from Christmas stuff to some ‘60s tunes. He was the center of attention and loved every minute of it. The kid was good enough to be on tour if he’d wanted. Batgirl was no slouch, either. They had good chemistry together.
I headed back to the kitchen for another platter. “Yo, Gina. Your meatballs are a big hit.”
“Naturally.” Gina’s brown eyes sparkled. “It’s the dill in the meat. And the garlic.”
“Whatever it is, we need more.”
“Get ‘em out of the pot.” Gina pointed to the stove.
“Any canoodlin’ goin’ on out there?” Keesha asked as she worked on a plate of veggies.
“No, but I expect the Arrow and Canary will find a corner soon.”
Pastry chef Jan smirked. “Hey, Elsa, how’s the dessert table lookin’?”
“Your goodies are disappearin’ fast. I think your cranberry bread’s gone.”
Jan nodded and went to the refrigerator to get another loaf. I went back out while the meatballs were hot, and Jan was almost right behind me as she set out the fresh bread. It was already sliced, and I could see the Martian Manhunter’s eyes light up.
The Martian Manhunter is an interesting story. When I first started this job I was a little afraid of him. Stupid, I know, but sometimes you can’t help stuff.
Anyway, we, and me, got over it, probably because he was so kind and considerate. Also, he was sad sometimes; I guess because there’s no one left on Mars. Kinda like Superman with no more Krypton, but at least he has Supergirl.
So I guess all that...well, no matter what, we always have Chocos available for him. And speakin’ of cranberry bread, we find out he likes it a lot, so Jan always sets aside a loaf for him. She used her mother’s recipe and it’s real good. No wonder the Manhunter loves it so much.
The music had switched to some Big Band stuff, and Robin and Batgirl were really into it. Swing music seemed to suit the two of ‘em. Robin swung Batgirl up high and she slid down between his legs and he turned to face her and do his own high steppin’.
I skirted the edge of the crowd, giving a wide berth to Batman in the corner. He was a lot scarier than the Martian Manhunter had ever been! Despite myself I glanced over at him and was shocked to see him beckoning to me. Warily I approached, wondering if I’d done something wrong.
“Y…yes, sir? »
« I’d like to sample Ms. Moretti’s appetizer.”
Mutely I presented the platter to him. He took two meatballs!
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sir.”
Ordinarily, Batman liked only the healthiest stuff. I guess it’s because he’s a ninja or somethin’, Keesha said. Maybe he has a mother who makes meatballs, too.
I stopped by the Christmas tree and took a peek back at the Dark Knight. Imagine my surprise to see a slight smile on his face! He was watching Robin dance. I coulda sworn he was proud, though with his eyes hidden, I wasn’t sure. Guess it just goes to show you, people can surprise you.
As I started my rounds again, I passed a smaller tree in the corner. Oops! Looks like my prediction about Green Arrow and Black Canary had come true. I scooted away as quickly as I could.
My platter was emptied as the Titans saw me coming. Wonder Woman had been talking to Wonder Girl and now checked the clock on the wall. She smiled at her protege and said, “I’ll be right back.” She was wearin’ a short, star-spangled skirt over her costume shorts. Very attractive look for her.
I stopped by the dessert table. Several slices of the cranberry bread were already gone. Well, Jan would be pleased.
I set my platter on a table and went out to make a visit to the ladies’ room. Once I was done I went out into the hall and was passing the conference room when I heard voices.
Wondering if any Leaguers or Titans needed assistance, I took a quick peek and saw Superman and Batman. Batman was leaning against the big table and they held glasses of champagne while Superman said, “I’ll be there right after patrol.”
“That’ll be just right. The tree is up and the house is decorated.”
“I know. I helped decorate the tree, remember?”
Batman gave a wry look and sipped his champagne. “I knew that.”
“Sure.” Affection shone from those unearthly blue eyes. Superman touched his glass to Batman’s. “Merry Christmas, (unintelligible).”
I’m not sure if a sudden blast of sound from the cafeteria as someone opened the doors obscured Batman’s name or Superman dropped his voice, but he needn’t have worried. We keep our employers’ secrets. We couldn’t work here if we didn’t, but it was a matter of honor.
What Superman did next would test me. He leaned forward and kissed Batman!
I stifled a squee, clamping my hand over my mouth.
“Careful,” Batman said after the kiss was broken. “There was garlic in those meatballs.”
“I had several.” Superman was smiling like the sun.
“I know.”
I slipped away, grinnin' like a loon. I had just won the office pool!
“Merry Christmas, Elsa,” Wonder Woman said as she walked down the hall with Steve Trevor at her side. She must have met him at the Transporter Room (technically, the Teleportation Chamber, but most people used the Star Trek reference).
“Yes, very merry. Same to you, Wonder Woman, Major Trevor!”
They went into the cafeteria while I followed, gleefully rubbing my hands together. There’d be a little something extra under the tree for my family courtesy of my winnings.
A Merry Christmas, indeed!
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