Holiday fic: One More Present
Title: One More Present
Author: darthbatgirl
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Characters: Lian, Roy, Dick, Tim
Summary: Lian gets a Christmas puppy
A/N: this was written for
ladyoneill I hope your holidays are bright and festive.
The two vigilantes stealthily made their way across the living room to where the Christmas tree stood.
The older of the two smiled as he regarded the hand-made ornaments and decorations that had obviously been made by a child.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Tim asked as he began to unpack the satchel he had with him, putting brightly wrapped presents under the tree.
“Of course it is,” Dick said as he knelt next to Tim and slowly began to open his own satchel. “Lian has been wanting one of these for years.”
“Well that's good, but shouldn't we have asked Roy if it was okay first?” Tim asked. “It is a particular present to give, he might not like it.”
“He'll like if for no other reason than Lian likes it.”
“Yeah, that's how that works. Still think we should have told Roy.”
Dick slowly lifted out the sleeping puppy out of the bag and cradled her against his chest and smiled at his younger brother. “How could he not like her?”
Tim reached over and scratched behind the puppy's ears, careful not to wake her, “She is kind of cute.”
Dick smiled as he raised his eyebrow, “You know I can arrange for you to have one for your birthday.”
Tim rolled his eyes as he arranged the rest of the presents under the tree, “Lets see how badly Roy kicks your butt, before you decide to get me a puppy.”
Dick carefully laid the puppy down on a pillow and tied a ribbon around her neck, “There's nothing wrong with one more present under the tree.”
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Roy awoke from his sleep by a shrill scream. Roy's body tensed as his hand went to the gun that was hid under his pillow. A second scream followed the first, and Roy had his bedroom door yanked open and was down the hall, with the gun cocked. Roy slowed in his charge when laughter followed, confusion set in when he heard small yipping sounds joining the laughter.
Roy slowly walked into the living room after he stuffed his gun in the back of his pants. There sat Lian in the middle of the living room floor with a brown puppy on her lap. The puppy at the moment was attempting to lick every part of Lian's face that she could get to.
“Lian?”
Lian looked up at Roy, a smile on her face. She put the puppy down and ran to Roy, flinging herself in Roy's open arms. “Merry Christmas Daddy!”
“Merry Christmas Princess,” Roy said as he returned Lian's hug.
“Look what Santa brought me,” Lian crowed as she made her way back to the puppy.
“Uh . .yeah . . .Santa brought you.” Roy said as he regarded the puppy in his daughter's arms, A puppy that definitely not there when he went to bed last night. Roy also had a feeling that the Santa that brought the puppy wasn't dressed in a red suit either, unless Dick got Wally in on the operation.
“Can we open the presents now?” Lian asked with pleading eyes.
“Sure we can,” Roy said as he switched on the lights to the tree. One of the ornaments started making music, which caused the puppy to throw back her head and howl mournfully.
“Daddy, she sings, I think I'll name her Canary after Aunt Dinah” Lian exclaimed joyfully, picking up the puppy and hugging the puppy to her.
“Great,” Roy said as he sat down on the floor next to Lian. Not only did he inherit a four footed shoe chewer, he inherited one that had sensitive hearing. He was never going to talk to Dick ever again.
After the presents were open Roy decided that he was never going to put a foot in Gotham City again. Because when you have a puppy or a kitten that's not all you get, you have to get accessories with them. Roy's friends from Gotham made sure Lian's new puppy had everything a puppy could need. Toys from Dick, a soft bed from Barbara, a book entitled How to Train Your Puppy from Tim, a brush and shampoo and other cleaning supplies from Helena, puppy treats from Alfred, and to top it all off a collar and leash from Bruce.
And what did Roy get from his friends? Matching stocking hat and scarf with the Bat symbol on them from Short Pants and ear plugs from Tim.
Yep, never going to go to Gotham again. Ever.
And Roy's own family was no real help. Dinah and Mia oohed and ahhed over the little darling. Ollie took enjoyment from whistling at the newly named Canary, getting her to howl. Connor was the only one to offer any useful advise that the puppy would at least grow into a well size guard dog when grown.
Canary on her part was enthusiastic in exploring her new home, following both Lian and Roy closely (tripping Roy once causing him to break the coffee mug he was currently holding). She nearly knocked the tree over three times, failed to make it outside twice, and despite the toys that Dick had bought, developed a taste for Roy's favorite leather boots.
Lian proclaimed it to be the best Christmas ever.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Roy fell into a chair at the end of the night. Family gone, kitchen cleaned up, and wrapping paper cleared away. Lian and Canary were curled up on the couch fast asleep and a peaceful silence fell over the house. It was the best gift Roy had gotten all day.
Roy looked over at Canary as she made little puppy noises as she snuggled closer to Lian. Even Roy had to admit she was cute - when she was asleep.
And Roy hadn't failed to notice that with Canary being a mix between a German Shepard and a Labrador, she would be a good size dog like Connor had said earlier that day. An ideal guard dog with the right training. Something he was certain Dick had considered when he chose her. Someone who would love Lian without question and wouldn't let anything happen to her.
One more added measure to ensure Lian safety, a present that, in Roy's eyes, was priceless.