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Greg Saunders was nervous. He was also very happy, but he was anxious. He was pretty sure Justin wouldn’t mind. But not fully sure. They’d been courtin’ for about two years now, the knight was a little nervous about his immortal soul when it came to datin’ a man. Times were a changin’ though, and something that had been secret and hidden in their original time periods was becomin’ more and more accepted every year.
“Come on, partner. Let’s get you bathed and ready for bed.”
Little Phantom looked up at him with such pretty green eyes. Greg would do anything for the tyke. He’d already stolen his heart. The other hero had gotten hit by a spell from Klarion. Zatanna had determined that it would take about three months for Phantom to shift back into an adult. Until then, some of the Justice League needed to watch him. That was why Greg, also known as Vigilante, had volunteered. Between himself and his partner, Justin, also known as Shining Knight, they could watch their comrade until he was back to normal.
If it also ticked off a little fantasy he had of raising a family with Sir Justin, no one had to know.
Phantom was a strange fellow, but he made an adorable child. He’d wandered around Greg’s and Justin’s quarters, pointing at things and asking questions. Greg was currently cooking dino nuggets in the communal kitchen (all these new fangled cooking devices sure were somethin’!). Phantom was happily chattering away about how a giant meteor killed all of the dinosaurs and how HE was going to be the meteor when it came to the dino nuggies. A human shaped meteor. It was stinkin’ cute. He was going to have to brave the computer and do some online shopping for the tyke. Get him a little bandana and a cowboy hat. Oooh! A cute little squire outfit would be great too! Justin would appreciate that.
His partner came in, curious what Greg was doing. Glancing at the young boy, Justin merely breached his body against Greg, lacing their hands together beneath the table where Phantom couldn’t see. It hurt a bit that Justin was still so hesitant to let others know about their relationship. He should probably inform Justin what was up.
“Sir Justin, this here is our charge for the next three months, Phantom. He didn’t have a quick enough draw in a shootout, and Klarion got ‘im.” Justin let go of Greg, walking around and crouching next to the stool that Phantom was on.
“Are you okay with that, lad? Being taken care of by us?” Phantom nodded.
“Uh huh. It’ll be super cool! You’re a knight and he’s a cowboy! An’ so you can teach me to fight with a sword and ride a horse, and Mr. Cowboy can teach me how to shoot and use a lasso! I’ll be his deputy sheriff! And then once I’m done learning, we can all hunt down bad guys together! But first I gotta kill the dinos.”
“I’m makin’ dino chicken nuggets,” Greg added hurriedly, as if that would explain everything the five year old kid had babbled to Justin. The knight nodded, rolling with the punches.
“Well, young Phantom, one can’t just start teaching anyone. I am more than willing to make you my squire though, should you pass my tests.” The oven beeped. Greg hurriedly went to pull out the nuggets, paying close attention to what Justin and Phantom were saying.
“What kinda tests?”
“Well. Young squires should finish all of their food. Including their vegetables. They also need to go to bed on time, as a knight and their squire needs to get up early to train. That is, train with swords.” Phantom bounced excitedly in his seat.
As Justin continued to instruct Phantom on the pillars of being a knight, which Greg was pretty sure half were complete horseshit. No way the Knights of the Round table had rules in regards to food and bed time! It gave the nuggets time to cool and time for Greg to attempt to make veggies. The steamed broccoli seemed okay and the quick salad made from probably too wet lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and some croutons. Greg didn’t fully know what he was doing, as most of his meals were from cans or the microwave, but vegetables were important! So he was doing his best.
The three of them ate together, Phantom making dinosaur noises and making the breaded pieces of chicken scream as he ate them. That was probably fine, right? They didn’t really have anything for the kiddo to play with, so they had to make do with what they had on hand. That meant books and making a blanket fort. Thankfully the Watchtower had subscriptions to all sorts of TV channels and streaming services. So they watched Bluey. Phantom was entranced by the cartoon about the family of blue heelers in Australia. Justin tucked the boy in. They were going to have to leave him on the couch for now.
“Greg. Why did you volunteer for us to take him?” Ah shucks. He was probably in trouble with his darlin’.
“We’re not sent out as often, Justin. Sides. It’s easier if there are two people ta support him. Well, we’ve been together for a while. I figure… we could help a fella out, and we can experience what it’s like to be pas for a bit.” Sir Justin hugged him, burying his face in Greg’s neck.
“You fool. What will we do when he leaves? We’re going to get attached.”
“Ah. You’re right, but… I’m hopin’ it’ll be worth it, to have a kid for a bit.”
“You owe me, Vigilante,” Justin said.
He lifted his head to face Greg, a fond but exasperated smile on his face. Greg didn’t really have a retort for that, as Justin started to kiss him.
***
“Pa! Come on! I wanna ride the cycle!” Phantom demanded, stamping his little boot-covered foot.
Oh yes, Greg had bought his temporary son a miniature Vigilante outfit, so Phantom would look like a miniature version of him, minus the white hair and green eyes. As for Pa, well, Phantom had started calling Justin ‘Father’ and Greg ‘Pa’. It was adorable and he couldn’t help but get soft for the little hero everytime ‘pa’ passed through those lips. One month had sped by already. Greg had desperately asked some of the more tech savvy heroes how to use a camera so they could capture what little time they had.
“Slow down little cowboy! Our steed ain’t goin’ anywhere!” Greg picked up Phantom, holding the boy close to his chest. He grabbed the cowboy hat as it started to slip off of Phantom’s head. Hats didn’t work too well when you were pressing your face into someone’s chest.
“Two to beam down. To the garage please.”
A flash of light went off and they were back on solid ground. Greg walked over to the bike. Justin was going to be so mad at him for this. It wasn’t exactly… the safest. That’s why he was going to drive on side streets, have Phantom wear a helmet, and keep the tyke within arms reach at all times. The kiddo was wiggling excitedly in Greg’s lap. This was such a bad idea. But he’d promised his son.
Phantom didn’t mind at first at how slow they went. Greg really didn’t want to go over ten to fifteen miles an hour. Once he got used to that speed, Phantom tried to push him to go faster and faster. Greg held firm. He was able to distract Phantom by stopping at a local mom and pop ice cream shop. Greg got a flavor called creamsicle, but it had been a close battle between that flavor and the horchata one. Phantom happily chowed down on cookies and cream. They drove around a bit more, before Greg took them back up.
He’d reserved the firing range for two hours. It was probably way longer than Phantom was going to be interested in shooting, but it was better to be safe than sorry. The tantrums he’d experienced over the last four weeks had taught him that quickly. As he wasn’t going to actually give a five year old a gun, he had nerf guns at the ready. The targets would be brought forward, so they were actually possible to hit with the squishy darts.
Thankfully Phantom was a relatively easy kid, and didn’t care that it wasn’t actual guns. Greg still got to show him where the ‘sight’ of the nerf guns were and how to aim. He also taught Phantom how to hold the dart gun. It took some practice, but the kid was a natural. It was probably because Phantom was actually an adult and knew how to aim his ectoblasts. It was a fantastic evening overall, and it was so cute to hear the little boy excitedly tell Justin all about his day with ‘Pa’. Greg didn’t miss the pointed glare he got when it came to the motorcycle. It was worth it to be in the dog house for a few days to make Phantom so happy.
***
Justin was nervous. He had been practicing ‘sword fighting’ with Phantom each morning with wooden swords for the past two months, but now it was time to introduce Phantom to Winged Victory, his mount. The pegasus lived in a small barn and paddock, just outside of where Vigilante’s and other’s cars were kept. Victory wasn’t used to children, but normally she was a gentle mare. Phantom’s green eyes widened and his mouth dropped open in shock upon seeing Victory. She nickered in delight at seeing Justin. She was always happy when he came, as she was usually brushed, given treats, and pampered in general. She trotted up to the fence, nostrils flaring as she smelled the newcomer.
“Here lad. Take this carrot and lay it flat in your palm like this. Then she’ll eat it. Her name is Winged Victory, but I normally call her Victory.”
Justin demonstrated, Victory happily taking the carrot and munching on it. He gave Phantom a carrot. The little boy put the carrot in his hand, exactly how Justin had shown him. He stuck his hand out as far as he could. It was low to the ground, but Victory didn’t mind, putting her head low to get the tasty treat. Phantom’s little giggle as Victory’s whiskered muzzle brushed his hand was so sweet.
Justin took the child into the barn. Victory followed, tail flicking excitedly and her ears pointed forward. She knew she was going to get brushed. Justin held Phantom up, letting him do his best to brush her fur. He got tired of it though, so Justin put him on Victory’s back. Phantom leaned forward and hugged her neck, telling Victory how she was the coolest and prettiest horsie in the whole world and that she was so, so special because she had wings and that all the other horses were jealous. It was amusing and adorable to hear the child praise the horse as Justin brushed her.
Phantom happily braided her mane, asking Justin to grab him some daisies and other flowers to put in her hair. There weren’t many, but he found some. Justin managed to take a few pictures on one of those newfangled phones. He was not certain that they came out well. After that, Justin put on her tack before sitting astride her with his son.
“Hold on tight now, little Phantom. We’re just going to take it easy for a bit before we take to the skies.”
“Don’t worry Father! I’ll hold on tight! So tight that you’ll have trouble getting me off!”
Such a sweet lad. Justin was going to miss this. Their time was almost up, as two months had already passed. Soon, Phantom would be back to normal, no longer needing a Pa and a Father. Greg and Justin had begun discussing adopting a meta child after this, giving a child who had been rejected by their parents a home. They would always consider Phantom their first, even if he did not consider himself their child after this.
Justin guided Victory to the skies after she showed off her walking, trotting, and a few jumps. Once they were in the sky, Phantom was incredibly vocal in his excitement. Laughing, giggling, and screaming in delight. The tyke lifted his arms up to try and feel the clouds, a huge grin on his face. Such a wonderful child. Justin loved him so much already.
***
It had been so hard to put Phantom to bed on the couch that night. They knew that in the morning, he would be an adult. Justin cried. So did Greg. Little Phantom had wormed his way into their hearts so quickly. He wouldn’t be gone, he’d just be grown up. No longer calling them Pa and Father. They’d had their hiccups. The tantrums when he didn’t want to eat his green beans or get the candy he wanted. But they’d also had an incredible time with him. He’d pushed them out of their comfort zone, Greg cooking more and doing his best to learn how the TV, phone, and other electronic marvels of this century. Justin had tried to learn how to use the camera on his phone as well, wanting to capture what moment he could with the small child.
They’d captured a video just days ago of Phantom using his lasso and grabbing a soda can off the counter for the first time. The joy and stunned disbelief that had lit up his little face had taken Justin’s breath away. It was moments like that that made it all worth it, tantrums and all.
He rolled, tossing and turning.
Greg wasn’t doing much better.
It was just a waiting game, until their child wasn’t theirs anymore.
Not that he had ever truly been.
There was a crash from the living room.
Both got up, Justin in his long night gown and Greg in his thick robe. Sitting there upright and blinking, was the adult Phantom. He put his head in his hands and groaned. Justin was frozen, his heart breaking into a million pieces. Greg went to the side of the couch, kneeling down.
“Hey there, partner. How are you feeling?” He could see Greg’s arms hovering, wanting to touch, to hug, to comfort their little boy. Only he wasn’t so little anymore.
“Feels weird. I don’t - the memories -”
“It’s alright lad. Take your time,” Justin interjected softly, putting a gentle hand on Phantom’s shoulder.
“I - How long?”
“It’s been, oh, three months,” Greg answered. “Bats said he made some sort of cover for ya, so you don’t have ta worry about that.” Phantom groaned, rubbing his head.
“Let’s get you to the medbay to be looked over. Reverting back from being a child might have put some stress on your body.”
“Yeah, Shining Knight has the best ideas. Let’s go, kiddo.”
The two of them helped the hero get to the medbay, uncaring of how they were in their sleeping attire. They sat by his side, as he was examined by Martian Manhunter. Zatana wouldn’t be available until the morning to check on him. Surprisingly, Phantom was a little clingy with them, wanting them both to stay. Stay they did, not willing to leave their son’s side. No, he had to continually remind himself that Phatom didn’t see himself as their son. They were the only ones who thought that.
Phantom fell back asleep on the bed, his left hand held by Greg. Justin leaned against his boyfriend, trying to hold back his sorrow. Who knew how much longer they both would be allowed to be here, by Phantom’s side?
Phantom was cleared, deemed to be in full health by both Martian Manhunter and Zatana, when she arrived early in the morning. Justin needed to be brave. He needed to speak his mind, here, now, before Phantom ran away, no doubt confused and embarrassed by his actions as a child.
“Phantom. I understand that this is a confusing time for you, as you have spent the last three months as a child. I wish to make clear that we do not wish to take the place of your actual parents, however, should you need anything,” Justin coughed. “You may call on us. For anything at all. For three months, you were our son, and we loved you, love you dearly. I understand if you wish to forget about it, but I don’t think we ever will.”
“Havin’ a kid as a hero is hard. You were everythin’ we’d ever wanted. You need back up? We’ll be there. You need somewhere to crash? Our home is over open to ya. You want to talk about space or school or relationships or whatever. We’ll listen.”
Phantom blushed green as they spoke, his eyes starting to water. He brushed his eyes, and sniffed.
“Um. Thanks. I don’t - I don’t know what to say? I’m. Uh, I might take you up on that sometimes. I really appreciate it.”
Justin nodded, accepting Phantom’s words. It was better than nothing.
***
Greg was snuggling with Justin on the couch, watching a movie called ‘The Wizard of Oz’. It was highly unique. Had he not seen talking gorillas, moving and speaking men of metal, and ghosts, he would have been more fascinated by it. Justin wasn’t as used to it, muttering latin curses under his breath at the screen. It was pretty darn cute. Both were brought out of their movie by a sharp knock on the door. Greg got up to open it, teasingly wrapping Justin up tighter before he left.
Standing there, in front of them, trembling slightly, was Phantom.
Their son.
Greg opened the door wider, immediately letting the young adult into their quarters. Justin sat up, struggling to get out of his blanket prison upon seeing their visitor.
“Phantom! What’s wrong?” Ah, Justin was reaching for his sword. Only problem was, it wasn’t there. They’d been in their pajamas again.
“Um. It’s Danny. I’m just. I’m having a really shitty week. Can I just…. Hang here? And have some dino nuggies?”
Greg felt his heart leap. Danny! What a good name! Also! Their boy liked the dino nuggets that Greg had learned to make! Learning to cook and use an oven had been useful!
“You got it bucko! You want any dessert too, kiddo?” Phant - Danny swallowed.
“Ice cream or cookies would be nice. If you have it.”
“I’ll do ya better! I’ll get ya both! Darlin’, you got him?”
“Yes Greg, I can, I can talk to our - Danny and see what has been going on,” Justin replied amusedly, reaching over to pull Danny into a hug. Oh. He should probably stay here and listen to that…. But his son wanted dino nuggets! And dessert!
“Go, you fool. We’ll be here when you return,” Justin told him fondly.
Danny was fulling relaxing into Justin’s hold, a few tears leaking out as Justin pet his hair. They made such a cute picture. Danny probably wouldn’t appreciate it though, if he found his camera and took pictures. Striding out into the hallway, he didn’t give a flying hoot that he was getting stared at, in his maroon robe. He had dino nuggets to make!