Titans of Justice Unlimited #88 - Fruition
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Editing & Maxi-micros by: Power Guy

The Hamptons…

“Steve!” came Diana Prince-Trevor’s voice. “I feel like we forgot something.”





“Angel, calm down. I think we bought out the grocery store.” Steve smiled, putting items away in a cabinet.





“I just want this week to be perfect. It’ll be the first time the entire family has been together in a long time and I don’t want anything to go wrong. It’s Connor’s first time here and—“

Steve kissed his wife. “He’ll have a blast. I’m sure of it.”

Steve and Diana maintained Steve’s grandparents’ beach house in the Hamptons and the family took a holiday there every year. Diana was especially excited that this was the first time since her kids were little that Mindy would be in attendance.

“Let’s see. I’ll put Scott and Jerrica in the bedroom in the corner. The crib for Steven is being delivered this afternoon. I’ve got Connor all set on the opposite end of the hall. Donna’s downstairs and…”

“Diana! I think the allies used less planning for the D-Day invasion!”

Diana was nervous. Her relationship with her daughter had been strained to say the least and she wanted this week to be the perfect family get-together. Despite her age, Diana was still youthful. She wore tinted glasses and her sleek pony-tail framed her face. Steve didn’t look his age either. The past year had been rough on the family. Their grandson had been kidnapped—twice. Steve found out he wasn’t Scott’s father. The bright spot was that Mindy had warmed up to her family. Where she once kept her distance, she was enjoying being in mans’ world.

“Diana, come and sit down. Look at the ocean. Perfect weather. It’s going to be fine.” Steve smiled, taking his wife’s hand. “Stop looking around like Queen Clea is going to pop out of the water and cause a ruckus!”

“I know Steve. Did you ever think we’d make it here? I mean, grandparents? And with two fine children.” She smiled at her husband.

“We’ve certainly weathered our share of storms. But, I wouldn’t change a thing.” Steve kissed her cheek as they watched the waves crash on the beach.

***

An undisclosed location…

Mari and Rachel Stewart looked through an old photo album.

“And this is the day we brought you home from the hospital. Your daddy was so proud of you, so happy.” Mari smiled, tears welling in her eyes.





“Mom, we don’t have to do this….” Rachel took her hand.





“No. Today is your father’s birthday. If I can’t visit his grave, the least we can do is honor him….and remember him.”

Mari and Rachel were living—if you could call it that—in a safe house, protected by the IADC. Mari was going stir crazy. At least Rachel could get out with the Titans of Authority, but Mari had not left the safe house in months. The Gored Ox had recently been captured but the IADC wanted to give it a little time to make sure he was securely put away before releasing Mari and Rachel from the safe house as the Gored Ox was determined to find Mari and kill her. Rachel too. Rachel noticed her mother still wore her wedding ring.

“This is making me crazy.” Mari huffed, standing and going over to a window. Plain-clothed IADC agents milled around, looking like neighbors going about their day. “I can’t even set out any flowers.
When are they going to let us back into the free world?”

“They said it should only be a few more weeks.”

“I hope they throw the book at thin…Rachel, I want him to suffer. I want him to pay for what he did to your father…for taking our lives away……” Mari picked up a vase and slammed it into a wall. The past months and lack of freedom had taken their toll on the former Vixen. She cried and started to shake.

“Mom…oh Mom…I promise you, he’ll pay. I promise.” Rachel cried as she held her mother.

***

Beverly Hills…

Jerrica Trevor looked very put together in spite of a rough morning. Steven had been fussy and crying. Nothing would calm him down. Connor had taken the baby in his stroller for a trip around the block. Jerrica looked at herself in the mirror. She wore a navy-blue and white striped top with crisp white capri pants. A navy blue headband completed her look along with some white sandals. “Not bad, Mrs. Trevor.” She smiled.





“Jerrica!!!” her husband’s voice rang out. “Come on, we’re ready!”





Jerrica grabbed her purse and Steven’s bag and met her husband in the foyer of their Mediterranean style mansion. Connor rolled in with Steven.

“Mission accomplished, he’s out.” Connor pointed to the sleeping baby.





“Thanks Connor.” Jerrica smiled.

“And I got three phone numbers on our walk. Steven’s a chick magnet.” He smiled back.

“Ok Cassanova, go get your bags. We’ve got to get to the airport.” Scott gestured. “What a kid. Reminds me of myself at that age, hahahah.”

“Just don’t go picking up any phone numbers Mr. Trevor.” Jerrica laughed.

Despite their powers and wealth, the Trevors were quite grounded. Instead of using the Invisible Jet or other mystical method, they decided to fly –just like anyone else—to the east coast. Hours later they arrived at beach house. Scott was pleased to see Mindy’s car. He almost thought she wouldn’t show up as usual.

The beach house was alive with conversation. Mindy played with her nephew. Donna Troy and Diana caught up with Connor. Steve was busy grilling hamburgers and steaks. Scott and Jerrica sat on the patio and sipped wine. They watched as Mindy took Steven down to the beach. She sat him down and laughed as he splashed about.

“Wow, Mindy has sure changed.” Scott said. “She was always fond of Steven, but she’s really enjoying herself.”

“I know. She seems…..lighter…happier. Your mother was telling me that Mindy really loves her work with the IADC. But I doubt her career is what is making her so carefree. Do you think she’s met someone?”

Scott didn’t answer as Mindy approached them carrying Steven.

“He is just a doll!” Mindy squealed. “Being around him makes me want a houseful of babies!”





“Wow sis, I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Well, I’ve become very accustomed to mans’ world now. I see I’ve missed out on lots of things. I was so headstrong and stubborn about preserving our ideals on Paradise Island, I overlooked Dad’s side of the world. You are looking at the new Mindy Trevor. I think I’ll go see if Mother needs help with anything.”

Jerrica looked at her husband. “She’s definitely met someone.”

Donna and Diana chatted with Connor.

“Yeah, it was weird seeing Cassie, but I’m glad we had a chance to talk.” Connor said.

“I am too. You and she were quite the item back then.” Donna said.





“We were—Diana, do you remember that time at Titans Tower? You caught us kissing. I thought you were going to kill me!” Connor laughed.

“Oh Hera, that was right when you all started a new group of Teen Titans. I handled that very wrong.”

“Nah, you were just looking out her Cass.”

Diana smiled at Connor’s maturity. “Connor, I’m so happy you’re here with us. After all you’ve been through, you deserve some happiness.” Mindy joined them as Connor told them about life at Beverly Hills High and how happy he was.

Donna joined Steve as he cooked.

“Quite a difference from this time last year.” She smiled.

“Yeah.” Steve said, flipping a burger. “Last year was rough.”

“How are you doing?”

“I’m ok. Scott and I talked. Nothing’s really changed. He’s still my son. I encouraged him to get to know Tom. And of course I was angry with Diana, but I realized it’s all in the past. She did what she thought was best to protect us and we’ve had more happy times than sad times.”

“Of course you’re still my dad. And the best dad in the world.” Scott said, joining them. Steve smiled and high-fived his son.

From a distance, a figure watched through binoculars. “Look at them. Like people straight out of a Ralph Lauren ad. I’ll wait until night and make my move.” The figure thought, smiling.

***

Star City…

“I’m really glad we did this.” Didi Queen said, sipping her Diet Pepsi.





“Me too, it’s been too long.” Her brother smiled and they clinked bottles.





Daniel Jordan sipped his water and picked up his pool stick. The three of them had enjoyed an evening out and ended up at a pool hall.

Didi went to the bar for another round.

“Dan, I’m glad we’re hanging out. I’ve missed my best friend. I’m sorry for all that went down between us these past months.” Robert Queen apologized.

“I am too.” Dan agreed. “We let business get in the way of our friendship. And I respect your decision to stay with the Titans of Authority.”





“As I respect you and Didi staying with the Titans of Justice. Both teams do good work.”

“Well, from what I heard your team was instrumental in saving your parents.”

“Yeah, if not for Lilith and her bazooka, hahahhaha!”

“Yeah, what a change for her. From peace loving hippy to Bond girl.” Daniel laughed.

“Bond girls?” Didi rejoined them. “Should I be jealous?”

Dan placed his arm around her, “No my dear, you are my very own Bond girl and I am beyond happy with you.”

“And I’m happy to see you both happy.” Robert added.

“I’m happy my two best guys are happy and we’re all friends again. Now, all this happy talk is making me sick. Let’s play some pool!” Didi laughed. “Loser buys the next round!”

***

The Hall of Justice…

“You really blew it today!” Blue Dolphin huffed checking her cell phone.





“What do you mean?” Conjura asked confused.





“You were checking out Power Lad and Airwave during the training exercise. Didn’t you get why Huntress was yelling at you? What if you get distracted on a mission--and by a boys of all things!”

“But the boys here are so nice. Not like the boys I’m used to being around.” The new Super Friend sighed.

“Yeah, I heard all about your troubles, drug pushing hooker.” Blue Dolphin rolled her eyes.

“Now waitaminute! I did that because I had to! Did what I had to do to survive!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah whatever. We’ve all got our sob stories. I don’t think I want to eat lunch with someone like you.”

Blue Dolphin picked up her lunch and sat with Bullet Boy.

“You….you skank!” Conjura said angrily. Her third eye manifested, sending a ray at Blue Dolphin.

She ducked and the ray hit Bullet Boy.

“Hey! What’d you do that for!?” he fumed.





“Sorry, cutie. I was aiming for her.” Conjura said sheepishly.

“I don’t need my powers to put you in your place!” Blue Dolphin screamed, clenching her fists. She started racing toward Conjura.

Conjura’s eyes started to glow.

“Girls! That’s enough out of both of you!” The Huntress said, jumping between them.





“She started it!” Blue Dolphin protested.

“I don’t care who started it. You’re supposed to be teammates. Supposed to have each other’s backs.”

“It’s ok Huntress. Everyone here hates me!” Conjura cried running off to her quarters, sobbing the entire way.

“Oh brother.” Huntress sighed.

***

The Hamptons…

Day had turned to night. Mindy Trevor sat alone on the beach. She listened as the waves crashed gently on the beach. A warm breeze wrapped around her. She thought of Tom and how she wished he was with her to share this moment. He made her so happy, but she wasn’t sure how to tell her parents about the man in her life. After all, he was her brother’s father. “No sense dwelling on it.” She thought. “You can’t help who you fall in love with.”

Just then she noticed some movement behind a sand dune. “Someone hiding over there. Well by Hera, if they want a fight they’ve come to the right place.” The beach was dark and the moon provided some light, but the figure coming towards her was in shadow. The figure came closer and Mindy grabbed its wrist, tossing him—or her over her shoulder. Mindy quickly stood over the gasping person.

“Tom! What are you doing here? I could’ve really hurt you!” Mindy gasped, helping Tom Tressor to his feet.

“Nothing hurt, but my pride.” he smiled. “I missed you. I wanted to see you. I got here earlier today, but your family was all around so I waited until you were alone.”





“Stalker.” Mindy smiled as she kissed his lips. “I’m glad you’re here.”

The two of them sat near a dune listening as the waves crashed.

“How am I going to tell my parents about us? What about Scott?”

“I don’t know. When you started working with me, I didn’t expect this to happen. I mean, you reminded me of your mother—and I loved her, I can’t deny it. I think you reminded me of that. But then…then I got to know you and….”

“Shhhh.” Mindy said placing her finger on his lips. “I know you love me for me. Mother and Dad were always pushing me to embrace life in mans’ world and I have. Surely they can’t fault me for finding love with you.”

“But I’m the first man you’ve ever really been around besides your dad and brother….know what I mean?”

“I do. And my mother fell in love with the first man she saw. She cannot judge me for my decisions. I love you Tom. I miss you when we’re apart. I think of you all the time.”

Tom smiled at Mindy. “And I love you too. At first I thought I was chasing a memory….but it’s you. I love you Mindy Trevor. I love you with all my heart.”

The next morning, Steven was up early and making baby noises. Jerrica was fast asleep. Scott got out of bed and picked up his son. He walked over to the window and pointed to the sun and trees. Steven cooed as his father told him about the beach outside. Downstairs, Diana was busy in the kitchen.

“Don’t you think you’re overdoing it?” Steve said, turning the page of his newspaper.

“Of course not. One of the few things Mindy enjoyed growing up was breakfast in bed. Jimmy Dean sausage links of all things, hahaha!” Diana laughed. She had prepared a breakfast in bed for her daughter. “Here, I’ll take this up to her room and get everyone up. Diana made her way up the stairs to Mindy’s room. She knocked and quickly opened the door. “Rise and shiiiiiine!” her voice rang…..”G……Great Hera!!!”

Before her, she saw her daughter and Tom Tressor in bed. The sheets and comforter were disheveled. Diana Trevor did not need the Batman’s detective skills to figure out what had happened.

“Mother!!” Mindy gasped, grabbing a sheet to cover herself. In her rush to grab the sheet, she exposed Tom who had nothing on. Tom’s eyes widened as Diana’s jaw dropped.

“Mother please! I can explain---“

“I----feel sick……Great Hera….” Diana dropped the breakfast tray, sending it crashing to the floor as she fainted.

Scott heard the crash. He put Steven in his crib, scrambled to throw his pants on, and ran down the hall. He arrived in Mindy’s doorway and saw the embarrassed couple.

“Great Hera----!” he gasped.

“Scott—please!” Tom said.

Scott put his hand on his head. Mindy saw all the color drain from his face as he too collapsed.

By now, Connor, Steve, Donna, and Jerrica had assembled and it was crystal clear to all what had happened during the night.

Connor looked at the breakfast splattered across the floor and the unconscious Wonder Woman and her son. Mindy and Tom both were turning red and they struggled to cover up.

“Yeah, Great Hera pretty much sums it up.” Connor sighed.


TO BE CONTINUED!