Chapter Text
As the years pass, and Billy settles into the title as a father to Connor, he begins to mellow out. Being seventeen and nearing the age to which he'll finally be a legal adult is... weird. A lot of things have been weird throughout his life. But. Now that he's older and looking back to moments he went through as a child-too mature for his own good yet at the same time so hopeful-he can't help but... pause. But watching his son, as he grows up and goes through high school, graduates, experiences love and then heartbreak, helps save the world and at the same time almost lose his life. He gets more near-heart attacks than he thought he'd ever get. It scares him, now that he has so many people he loves, now that he has a much bigger family outside of those he met through the system or his long lost twin...
It's a lot.
He feels how people around him notice these changes in him, the subtle things. He's less air headed, more prone to angering if one triggers his protective streak. And he knows the Justice League is worried.
Billy has reflected a lot from his past. Including what led up to Connor being in his care. The scenes flash in his mind a million times, and once he's sixteen he finally figures out why it seemed to keep bothering him.
The day he figured out that the test, wasn't really a test, and that the Justice League were going to abandon a kid- his SON, his baby no older than a month... he wasn't happy. That's an understatement. But he had to cool off for a couple months after that. He especially couldn't see Batman, who called his boy an 'it', and Billy just doesn't seem to care that it was years ago- they were talking about Kon. His boy, Kon. Kind, Kon, who still doesn't know how the heroes he looked up to growing up (because, dammit, the both of them were still growing up but Connor was JUST starting out) thought he wasn't worthy to be treated as a human.
But that was a year ago, and he's cooled off now. Batman may have been wary around him back then after he glared at the man viciously (after all, Captain Marvel never glares at his friends) but it's different now. Billy is more mature. He knows better now.
So that's why he called for a meeting. It's time he told the truth. And although he's not a little kid anymore, a bit of trolling is deserved.
As the Justice League members from that day trickled within the room, taking seats around the table, Marvel stood from his seat. Grinning as he looked over his long-term team mates.
"I've asked for you all to be here, in order to share something that I've been keeping from you all." This peaks many of the members interests, as they exchange curious glances with one another.
"Oh?" Superman-someone who has become something of an older brother figure to Billy despite the very large age gap-says with an amused tilt to his head. "I'm sure, that on behalf of everyone here, we'll support whatever it is that you're willing to share". And really, this is why he couldn't possibly stay angry at the man. He's good. Flawed, but good. He made his mistakes, but that's what made him just as human as everyone else despite his alien heritage.
He begins thinking long to himself. He looks at each of his friends open faces, and decides. Yeah. He won't regret this.
"Well... I'm glad, because the truth is..." It's a good thing the meeting room he chose for this was one on Earth instead of the Watch Tower, which is in space. The ceiling above can retract to show the sky, which made this the perfect place for a transformation of his nature to take place. Once it opened fully to the interest of the elder heroes there-he took that as his signal to announce a single word.
He won't regret this, not one bit. He knows it.
"Shazam!"
The room lit up with a blinding flash of lightning, accompanied by the crack of thunder that seemed to shake the very walls. When the light dissipated, a young man stood where Captain Marvel had been, wearing a simple blue sweater and brown cargo pants, not to mention he looked... unmistakably younger. The soft curve of a boyish face peered up at the adults staring at his form, and he grinned sheepishly at the table of stunned heroes.
"Uh, hi," Billy said, rubbing the back of his neck. His voice was lighter, higher-definitely not the deep and commanding tone they were used to hearing from Captain Marvel. "Surprise?"
The room fell silent for what felt like forever. Batman, leaning back in his chair with his hands clasped together, narrowed his eyes, scanning the young hero like he was a riddle needing solving. Superman was the first to speak, his jaw slightly slack.
"Billy...?" he asked cautiously, like he wasn’t sure what he was seeing. His eyes darted between the boy and the lingering traces of magic crackling in the air. His mind began to race as he tried to make the connections between this boy and who called his little brother in everything but blood. The man he laughed with, sharing insecurities and bonding over each other's son's achievements.
Billy nodded, stepping forward to lean on the table. His grin never faltered despite the silence that dragged on. The younger adult had been through too much-have known these people for too long-to feel threatened or unsure of his place here. Whether they react well or not isn't his problem, he knows who he is.
He won't come to regret this. He's already decided.
"Yeah. Uh, it's me. Billy Batson. Captain Marvel's, my other form. While my other citizen identity is Billy Jackson. Billy was actually a nickname for William" He shrugs as he explains his multiple aliases. "Funny, right?"
"You're a kid," Green Lantern blurted, his expression caught somewhere between shock and disbelief. "Like, an actual kid."
"Well, no." Billy said, tilting his head amused. "technically, I’m an adult since my eighteenth birthday wasn't that long ago. So not really a kid anymore. But, yeah, uh… this is me." He makes jazz hands which sort of fall flat.
The murmuring began—Wonder Woman frowning thoughtfully, Flash looking between Billy and the rest of the group like he couldn’t decide if this was hilarious or alarming. Aquaman just crossed his arms, his gaze inscrutable.
"How long?" Batman’s voice cut through the noise like a blade. His tone wasn’t angry—not yet—but it was sharp enough that everyone quieted.
Billy took a deep breath. He had prepared for this question. "Since the beginning," he admitted, meeting the Dark Knight's gaze head-on. "I was ten when the Wizard gave me the powers. And not long after I joined you guys."
A few gasps rippled through the room, followed by wide-eyed stares. Even Superman looked momentarily floored, which was saying something. The fact that they've watched this boy basically grow up being confirmed by Billy, himself, was... sad. Very sad, really.
"You've been a child this whole time?" Wonder Woman asked, her voice carefully measured, as if she was still processing the idea. "Fighting alongside us?"
"Yeah," Billy said, nodding. "But, you know, I’ve always been able to handle it. The Wisdom of Solomon and all that." He added a quick, nervous laugh. "And I had to grow up fast anyway, so... it worked out."
Superman, visibly shaken, opened his mouth to respond, but then paused. His expression softened, and he asked quietly, "Why tell us now?"
Billy straightened, his nerves giving way to something more resolute. "Because it’s time," he said simply. "I’ve been reflecting a lot. About the League, about trust, and about what it means to be a part of this team. You’re my family. And I don’t want to keep secrets from my family anymore."
For a moment, no one spoke. Then, to Billy's surprise, Superman smiled-a small, warm, and deeply proud smile. "Thank you," he said softly. "For trusting us with this." Because he's been through too many heartfelt moments with the younger. Shared too much of each other's fragility-seen the cracks and the seeds which grew to blossom into who they are today. No, he won't ruin that.
Green Lantern let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Man, this explains so much."
"Doesn’t it?" Flash chimed in, breaking the tension with a grin. "Like why he always avoids the after-mission drinks. Or why he’s way too good at Mario Kart."
The room rippled with hesitant laughter, the mood lightening. Even Batman’s stony expression softened—just a little—as he nodded curtly. "You should have told us sooner," he said, his voice still low but lacking the edge from before. "But... thank you for telling us now."
Billy relaxed, relief washing over him as the tension in his shoulders eased. "Thanks, guys," he said, his grin doubling in its exuberance. "But you know how it is, I had to wait till I was an adult so you guys couldn't exactly stop me with the excuse of being a kid."
"That's fair" Green Arrow mumbles until his eyes snap open. "Wait. Your Connors father." This comment makes many come to their own realizations, as Batman begins to actually put his head in his palm. He thinks of the day he declared in his mind that he owed Captain Marvel his life, and then made the calculations that he had asked a twelve year old for parental advice. He asked a twelve year old what to do after making his son cry. And the twelve year old actually helped with his words. God. A twelve year old was the reason that his children don't hate him.
The moment Green Arrow's words hit the air, the room fell into a stunned, almost comedic silence. Superman's eyebrows shot up so high they threatened to leave his face, Wonder Woman blinked as if she hadn't quite processed the information, and Flash muttered a quiet, "Oh, man."
They came to this boy when it came to problems they had with their children. They turned to a child younger than their own in order to fix their relationships. A twelve year old happened to be better at parenting than them, which... wow. What does that say about them as heroes?
Green Lantern let out a strangled laugh, pointing at Billy like he'd just solved a cosmic puzzle. "Wait a second-you adopted Superboy? As a kid? Dude, that’s insane! In the cool, what-were-you-thinking kind of way."
Billy winced but grinned sheepishly. "I mean... yeah. Someone had to, right? I wasn't gonna let him go through what I did. And hey, it worked out. He's doing great."
"Great?" Batman's voice was a low growl, and for once, it wasn't directed at anyone but himself. He dragged his hand slowly down his face, visibly battling some internal war. "I trusted you with critical decisions. I—" He paused, eyes narrowing slightly, as if replaying years of interactions in his head. "I consulted you for advice on difficult missions. I even—" He stopped again, and the faintest twitch of his lip suggested he was reconsidering a great many things.
"I mean," Billy interrupted helpfully, raising a hand, "to be fair, I did have the Wisdom of Solomon going for me."
"You were twelve!" Batman snapped, sounding almost affronted.
"And things still worked out, didn't they?" Billy added with a cheeky grin, "and I was always right, wasn’t I?"
Green Arrow coughed awkwardly, but Batman’s glare silenced any response he might have had.
Meanwhile, Superman looked like he was having an existential crisis. "Wait... Connor calls you Dad." His voice was slow and deliberate, as though he was piecing together a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. "Does he... does he know you’re—?"
"A kid?" Billy finished for him, shrugging. "He does. I told him the first week I took him in, since you know, I wasn't going to lie to my son about his dad's true identity. And he was cool with it. We’re good- great, even."
"Good?" Aquaman repeated, his tone a mix of disbelief and reluctant admiration. "You’ve not only fought beside us as a child but also raised a child a-and you call that ‘good’?"
Billy nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! He’s an awesome kid. Becoming his dad was the best decision in my life! I’m really proud of him. Honestly, that's the only reason I'm not still mad about you guys playing me back then during that meeting about Connor." His words caused many to pale, some looking away nervously.
"When did you realize? Unless you knew this entire time and were just messing with us?" Cyborg says this with a raised brow.
"Nah, I found out when I was sixteen-so about two years ago now"
"...Is that why you disappeared for a bit and kept giving us dirty looks when you came back?" Martian Manhunter asks, blinking at how all the pieces seem to be connect. Cap's behavior during their time as a team at the beginning, and then everything after that... it was eye opening. Flash burst out laughing, slapping his hands on the table. "This is wild! Batman’s having a meltdown, Supes is questioning everything, and you’re just here like, ‘Yeah, I saved the world and raised Superboy before I could legally vote.’ This is just great!" The man gets many side eyes by those mentioned in his words but he just continues to chuckle to himself in amusement.
"Thanks, Flash," Billy said, smiling, though a faint blush crept into his cheeks. "I think?"
Batman pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. "The fact that this-any of this-worked out is nothing short of a miracle."
Billy tilted his head, grinning mischievously. "Or, you know, magic."
Superman groaned but couldn’t hide the small smile forming on his lips. "Billy, you might just be the most impressive-and most ridiculous-person I’ve ever met."
"Agreed," Wonder Woman said, though there was a twinkle in her eye now. "Your courage is remarkable, Billy. But so is your audacity."
"Eh," Billy said with a shrug, his grin widening. "Comes with the territory."
The room erupted into overlapping laughter and lighthearted commentary, the tension finally dissipating entirely. Even Batman allowed himself a faint smirk, though he muttered something about needing to reevaluate his entire life.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Billy felt truly understood-and un-apologetically himself.
Of course that doesn't mean they're scot-free from the chaos. After all, he had Red Robin and Oracle take care of recording the scene and editing the footage of everyone's reaction (caught in the highest quality there is to offer, naturally) in order to send it around to other trusted folks in the hero community.
Billy is petty, and he embraces this side of himself with pride.
0o0o0
Of course, the Justice League weren't the first or even the second group of heroes to have found out about the true identity of Captain Marvel. The first being at the beginning, with Jon and Damian. Then a week after his eighteenth birthday, he decided to gather his son's friends and others closely associated heroes whom he trusted.
When the previous Young Justice team alongside the bats and other heroes; were told of this secret by the man (boy?) himself, it was... humbling. After all, many of them looked up to Billy as an adult they could turn to. They went to this man when needing shelter after a fight with their guardians, or if they just needed to get away for a bit and stay somewhere they knew they wouldn't be judged. They came to him when they were plagued by doubts, for help on crimes in their city-or really, to have someone to talk to... so this revelation, that the man is in fact many years younger than them all, with the only hero there younger than him being Jon was... and apparently Jon was also aware of the others identity so that wasn't exactly helping with these conflicting thoughts.
The atmosphere in the room was thick with a mixture of shock, admiration, and just a touch of existential crisis. They had all gathered expecting something important, sure-but this? This revelation felt almost like the world had shifted slightly on its axis.
Billy stood before them, his posture casual but his expression sheepish. “So, yeah,” he said, hands shoved in his pockets. “That’s the big secret. Captain Marvel is... me. Billy Batson. Seventeen years old. Or, well, eighteen now.”
For a moment, no one spoke. The group: composed of Young Justice veterans, the Bat-family, and a few trusted allies—just stared at him, the weight of the revelation settling in.
Damian Wayne, of course, was the first to break the silence, though his expression was notably neutral. "Tt. I fail to see why everyone is so surprised. It was obvious from the beginning."
"Obvious?!" Bart Allen exclaimed, his voice practically a squeak. "Are you kidding me, Damian? This is Captain Marvel! Mr. Perfectly-Composed-Wise-Superhero! And he’s just... a kid? I mean, no offense, Billy, but... a kid?"
"None taken," Billy said with a small laugh. "I mean, I am a kid, or I was. Now I’m technically an adult, but... yeah. It’s a lot to take in, I know."
“I can’t believe you knew this whole time!” Tim Drake finally said, rounding on Damian with an accusatory look. “You’ve been holding this over us for years?”
Damian rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t my secret to share. I’m not some gossip, Drake.”
Jason was staring at Billy with wide eyes, his mouth slightly open. He finally managed to stammer, “Wait, so... the guy who’s been giving me advice for years on being a hero and dealing with, like, existential crises was... you? A teenager?”
Billy winced but nodded. “Yeah, that’s me. Sorry if it feels... weird?”
“Weird?” Dick laughed, but it was a laugh tinged with disbelief. “No, it’s not weird-it’s insane! But at the same time... it kinda makes sense. You always had this... I don’t know, vibe about you. Like you got it, you know? But, man, I thought you were, like, at least thirty or something... though you never seemed to age, really”
Cassie leaned back in her chair, arms crossed as she scrutinized Billy. “You mean to tell me,” she began, her tone disbelieving but tinged with amusement, “that the guy who helped me figure out my powers when Diana was off-world, the guy who gave me adult-level pep talks, was actually a teenager the whole time?”
Billy shrugged again, his sheepish grin growing. “I mean... yeah. Pretty much.”
Stephanie Brown leaned forward, her expression somewhere between amazement and annoyance. “Okay, but real talk-how are you so good at the whole ‘wise mentor’ thing? Because I’ve been faking adulthood for years, and you just nailed it.”
Billy chuckled nervously. “Uh, magic? Also, like, life experience? It wasn’t easy growing up the way I did. And the Wisdom of Solomon definitely helps.”
“Humbling,” Artemis Crock said softly, breaking her usual silence. Her tone wasn’t mocking-it was sincere, contemplative. “It’s humbling, knowing that someone younger than most of us managed to handle so much responsibility. And still does.”
“Right?” Miss Martian chimed in, her voice gentle but filled with awe. “You’re incredible, Marvel. I mean, I always thought you were, but knowing everything you’ve gone through and still managed to be this amazing? You’ve got my respect.”
Billy scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks flushing faintly. “Thanks, guys. That means a lot. Really. I was nervous about telling you all because... well, I didn’t want you to think less of me, you know?”
“Less?” Dick said, grinning as he clapped a hand on Billy’s shoulder. “Billy, if anything, we think more of you. You’ve been out here saving the world, helping all of us, and raising Kon—who turned out pretty great, by the way. That’s beyond impressive.” Connor blushes a bit at this, which get's him teased by his friends around him.
Billy grinned, his earlier nerves dissipating under the wave of support. “Thanks, Dick. That means a lot.”
Jon, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. “Told you they’d be cool with it,” he said, nudging Billy with a grin.
Billy laughed. “Yeah, yeah, you were right.”
As the laughter and conversation began to ripple through the room, more voices chimed in, the sheer variety of reactions making Billy both blush and grin.
Starfire, her bright orange complexion somehow glowing even more with enthusiasm, clasped her hands together. "This is most wonderful news!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying that unique mix of warmth and sincerity. "You have shown such wisdom and strength, Billy, far beyond your years. Truly, the heart of a Tamaranean warrior beats within you!"
"Uh, thanks, Kori," Billy said, scratching the back of his neck. "That means a lot."
"It should," Raven deadpanned from her corner, her arms crossed and her expression as unreadable as ever. Her dark eyes narrowed slightly as she added, "Though I have to say, it’s... impressive that you managed to keep this a secret for so long. Especially around this group." She shot a glance at Beast Boy, who was mid-bite into a sandwich he had apparently conjured out of nowhere.
Beast Boy paused, mouth full, and mumbled, "Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?"
Raven didn’t answer, but her unimpressed expression spoke volumes.
Wally West was still stuck in a loop of disbelief. "Hold up," he interrupted, waving his hands for emphasis. "Are we just glossing over the fact that this guy—this kid—has been out here giving us all life advice? I told you about my love life, dude!"
Billy winced. "Uh, yeah. Sorry about that. But, I mean, the advice worked, right?"
"It did," Wally admitted begrudgingly, throwing his hands in the air. "Which is even crazier because you were, what, thirteen? Fourteen? That’s messed up, man!"
Roy Harper, leaning back against a wall with his arms crossed, shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You know," he said, pointing a finger lazily at Billy, "this explains a lot. Like how you were always ‘busy’ when the older crowd went out for drinks after missions. Should’ve figured you weren’t just dodging Batman or something."
Billy laughed. "Yeah, that was definitely part of it. But at least I got to hang out with you guys, although you're all terrible at picking places to eat. Just saying."
Roy barked out a laugh, and the room collectively snickered, except for Wally, who looked offended. "Hey, I like those places!"
"You also like anchovies on pizza," Dick Grayson shot back, grinning.
"Whatever" Wally grumbled.
Starfire raised a hand, looking earnestly around the room. "If I may ask, does this mean we should now treat Billy as a younger sibling? Or is he still the wise one of the group?"
Billy raised an eyebrow. "Uh, I think I’m still me, Kori. Same guy. Just... now you know I’m a little younger than you thought."
"Much younger," Raven corrected, though there was a faint glimmer of amusement in her normally stoic demeanor.
"Still wiser than half the people here," Jason added, smirking.
"Hey!" Roy and Wally said simultaneously, though their grins betrayed their mock indignation.
"He's not wrong," Raven murmured, earning a louder "Hey!" from both of them.
As the banter continued, Connor leaned over to his father, a warm smile on his face. "You know," he said quietly, "I think this might be the first time I’ve seen everyone in one room without any arguing or drama. You might be some kind of magic after all."
Billy chuckled, looking around at the mix of his son’s friends, his own allies, and the heroes who had become his extended family. "I mean, I am literally magic, son."
Connor laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Fair enough, dad. Fair enough."
And as the conversation turned into a chaotic but heartwarming mess of stories, teases, and reassurances, Billy couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. For all the challenges, secrets, and close calls, he’d found finally found his place in the world. Ten year old Billy wouldn't believe the kind of life he was living now, and it's all because of the boy who he now calls his son.
"Kon, remember that I'll always love you"
His son laughs, light and bright, "You say that all the time dad, I know. I love you too"
Billy smiles. Yeah. He doesn't regret a thing.
0o0o0
The Batcave was silent, save for the rhythmic clack of the keyboard as Bruce Wayne sifted through data on the Batcomputer. Damian Wayne stood a few feet behind him, arms crossed, his usual smug expression plastered on his face.
Bruce, without turning around, broke the silence. “You knew.”
“Of course I knew, Father,” Damian replied smoothly, his tone carrying just the faintest hint of condescension. “I’m just surprised it took you this long to figure it out. And, let’s be clear, you didn’t figure it out within your own merit.”
Bruce paused mid-keystroke, his shoulders tensing slightly. “… Is there anything else you’d like to add?”
“Yes,” Damian said, tilting his head. “I expected better from you.”
Bruce slowly turned in his chair to face his son, fixing him with the Bat-glare. It had reduced grown criminals to puddles of fear, but Damian remained completely unfazed.
“You’re grounded,” Bruce said, his tone low and final.
Damian raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “I’m nineteen. You quite literally cannot ground me.”
Bruce’s expression didn’t waver. “You live under my roof. My rules. You’re grounded.”
A slow, smug grin spread across Damian’s face. “I’m sure Billy will be more than happy to offer me shelter while you… get over yourself, Father.”
Bruce’s eye twitched, his glare intensifying. “You will not be running to Billy every time we disagree.”
“Why not? He is the more reasonable father figure,” Damian quipped, his grin turning downright cheeky.
Bruce opened his mouth, then closed it, clearly grappling with the logic—or lack thereof—of arguing with Damian on this particular point.
“And besides,” Damian continued, inspecting his nails nonchalantly, “I’ve already texted him. He said, and I quote, ‘You’re always welcome, kid.’ So, if you’ll excuse me…”
Damian turned on his heel and began to saunter off, cape billowing dramatically behind him.
Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath, “This is why I work alone.”
“Correction!” Damian called over his shoulder. “You used to work alone. But then you decided to take in an army of children, and now you're stuck with them!”
As Damian disappeared up the staircase, Bruce let out a deep sigh and turned back to the Batcomputer. “I miss the days when it was just Alfred and the occasional bat.”
From somewhere in the cave, Alfred’s voice carried faintly. “I heard that, Master Wayne.”
Bruce groaned.