DC Genesis

"Well of course I did, you're nice," was Jordan's simple answer before turning and going back to the table to help Clint finish setting up the table for dinner. Jordan had a particularly large smile on today, as this was always her favorite part of Christmas. The presents were nice of course, but more than that it was about spending the time with her family and making sure that they all knew they were loved. If Rose was here, than she was going to live the tradition as well."

Neal glanced over to Rose as she asked the question. He thought about it for a moment before glancing at his family. "Well I can only answer for me, but I can guess on my family. For me, the reason is that we're friends. Good friends," Neal added as he looked at Rose again. "For my family though, Christmas is about being as happy as you can be and recognizing everything that's good in your life...I think they just wanted you to feel the same way. There was no way they were going to have you here for Christmas and not give you anything."

"We don't work that way."

"It's alright, I figured with your budget it wouldn't be fair to ask of you anyway," Neal remarked. He was giving Rose an easy out for not having gotten them anything. He had bought Rose's presents in secret, as he didn't want her to know what they were. He hoped that she would appreciate them enough. As she went to the table, he heard the thanks that she gave. Neal just gave a nod, knowing that nothing else needed to be said. The gesture was received and appreciated, that was good enough for him.

"I hope that you two are hungry, because I probably made enough for four days of leftovers," Clint said as he sat at the head of the table and took a seat. "Well, no sense in letting it get cold, everyone feel free to dig in," Clint instructed as he began to cut out the turkey. He always cut it up to give to the kids. This year though, he made sure that Rose was the first one to receive it.

"That is fine by me," Clint said as he carved the rest of the turkey and passed everyone their portions. There was still plenty of the bird left in case anyone wanted some more. Everyone was now serving themselves, Clint had to eat as well. He got his turkey and green bean casserole and quickly began to dig in. His wife had taught him how to cook before she died, and he had made sure to use it well ever since.

"So Rose," Clint said after a few minutes had passed. "We generally wake up around eight to start opening gifts on Christmas day. Is that going to be alright with you? It's somewhat of a family tradition, but if you'd rather do it at a different time than I'm sure that we can adjust."

At Rose's last comment Neal just let out a chuckle. It was mainly because he could see Rose doing just that, but he also appreciated that she was going more out of her way to actually become friendly with his family. If they were all going to live together, they needed to get along after all. It seemed like Rose was starting to cross the gap to that, and Jordan was getting more open too.

"Don't forget tonight though," Jordan chimed in. "We all get to open one present, that's always the best part of tonight. It's just a big prequel to what will take place tomorrow," Jordan said happily before going back to her food.

"Yeah, Christmas Eve is always awesome," Neal said as well as everyone kept eating their food. They just sat and ate, like the family that they were, like the family that they had always been.

Eventually, the dinner was completed and the family worked together to store the leftovers in the fridge. That would definitely be a part of the meals in the days to come, unless Rose consumed it all first. Clint wouldn't mind though, as much as he loved leftovers it did get old after a few days. He was glad that his family enjoyed it so much though, it reminded him that he was doing something right.

"Rose," Clint said as he was working on the dishes and Rose happened to be the only one nearby. "If it doesn't make a difference to you, I'd appreciate it if you opened my gift tonight," Clint said simply as he just glanced at Rose. "I think that you'll like it."

Clint glanced up for a moment as Rose began to speak before going back to working on the dishes. He appreciated her words, it at least made him feel like he made the right decision in taking her in when he didn't have to. In fact, most people would have considered it a bad idea. After all, she just as likely could have stolen his car. Still, she didn't and that was good enough for him.

"You're a good kid Rose, I don't regret my decision in the slightest about taking you in," Clint added as he finished up the last of the dishes. While Rose was still drying them he placed a light hand on her shoulder. "Just stay out of any serious trouble and you'll always be welcome here as far as I'm concerned."

"Maybe you should just give yourself more credit," Clint said as he cleaned up the sink so that there weren't any food remnants just lying around. He didn't want to look like a complete slob after all. "Just realize that most people do better than they give themselves credit for. I used to think that I was a terrible father after my wife died, but I've realized that in the grand scheme of things I'm not doing half bad," Clint said before turning and walking away. He'd end on that note.

Once Rose came out in to the front room, Clint gave a small clap. "Yes, presents now would be appropriate," he said with a smile before going over to the tree and reaching in. He pulled out an envelope that seemed to be hidden within the back branches of the tree. "Here you go Rose, from the Anderson clan," he said with a smile before holding it out to her.

Once she took it and opened it, she might be confused to find a single piece of paper on the inside. The only thing it said was, "Look outside." If Rose did as the note said, she would find that outside was something she probably never expected to see. Her motorcycle, the one that had been stolen, was out in the front yard.

Clint gave the tiniest of flinches as Rose went out of her way to shout shit at the top of her lungs. He knew that Neal swore, but it was a habit he really didn't want her daughter to pick up. Still, considering that it was Christmas Eve he wasn't going to give her any crap for it, especially because she only said it to show some positive emotion. "Wait here," Clint said before slipping on his shoes and walking outside after Rose. Clint had lived in Gotham his whole life, so the cold didn't bother him that much.

"Of course I found it, I'm part of the GCPD after all," Clint said as he crossed his arms. "The moment that Neal told me what happened I decided to call in a few favors and see what we could find. They picked up the guy a few days ago, trying to steal another car. Apparently he played Grand Theft Auto too much," Clint said jokingly as he walked over and stood next to Rose. "After capturing him they figured out where he lived and found everything. I took a look and found the bike, so I told them that I needed it and they were able to pull a few strings so I could take it home. I've been hiding it for the past few days," Clint said as he looked over at Rose.

"Please don't let me find you speeding and make me give you a ticket. It'd be awkward for everyone," he said jokingly.

"You don't need to say anything Rose," Clint said as he gave Rose a light hug as he held her. He had meant what he said to her earlier, Rose was a good kid and he hoped that she stayed that way. As long as she stayed out of trouble and was a good friend to Neal, he'd never have any complaints with her. After a moment he slowly let go and just looked down at the girl and smiled. "Now, shall we go back inside? Don't know about you but I could use a nice mug of cocoa."

"Yeah, let's just get going," Neal said before turning and walking with Rose to go back up the driveway. As Rose asked her question Clint could only smile. He liked this girl more and more every time she spoke. "Believe me when I say you're better off not knowing," Clint responded before entering back in to the house.

The rest of the night would go as planned, with Jordan and Neal exchanging gifts with each other for the night. After that they spent more time together, drinking cocoa that Jordan made and talking about the holiday season in general. Eventually though, they went their separate ways and Neal and Rose were the only ones out in the living room.

"Hey Rose," Neal said as he looked over at her. "I know that you're not used to this kind of thing with my family, but I hope that you were okay with it," Neal said before taking another long swig of his drink.

"Don't deserve it?" Neal questioned at first. For a moment he was confused, but as he thought about it he remembered back to the night when Mac died at the hands of Rose. She was still bothered by that? The guy was a creep, and as far as Neal was concerned he deserved what he got. It was clearly eating up at Rose though, so he felt like he should do what he could to help.

"Rose, it was only because of you that we saved those girls at the docks. I didn't want to get involved, and if not for you we never even would have tried," Neal said as he looked right at Rose. "You're brave and you put your own life at risk for the sake of doing the right thing. Say what you want about yourself, but as far as I'm concerned I think you're the better person between the two of us."

Neal raised an eyebrow as Rose seemed to agree with him without any argument. Good, he didn't really want to argue on Christmas Eve anyway, so he was glad that Rose was just going to drop this one. However, it was of course what she said last that interested him the most. He was a guy after all, and he had an idea where this was going. He slowly stood up and gave a small smile. "Oh yeah? And what gift would that be?"