DCU Holiday Gift Exchange

[Black Canary]

Happy Holidays!
To celebrate the season and the fun we have together, I'm starting a little gift exchange (story gifts) for people to share with each other.
Just write a little story, 2 to 3 paragraphs, of your character having a holiday/winter moment or giving a gift to someone else's character.
There is no expectation of anyone continuing these story snippets, or for people to return a story back to them.
These are gifts! Which means there is no expectation or payback.

So have fun and enjoy!

Happy Holidays!
~Dinah

[Black Canary]

To: Diana (Zinda)
From: Dinah (Dinah Drake)
Earth 1

On a cold winter's night in Star City, nestled in a suburb is a cozy little home whose proud gardens are now covered in a foot of snow. There was a large well cared for tree, its limbs bare for the season, that even the most trained horticulturist would have trouble identifying. As well as sprigs of autumn dried brown laurel like grasses garnishing every flower bed around the house, peeking up through the snow. There were several cars and a couple of motorcycles in driveway and parked on the side of the street. Entering the house, one would feel the warmth which would help thaw out frozen guests, as well as the smell of sugar cookies, which seemed to have some tantalizing spice which one could never figure out. The place was filled with people, and the hum of conversation just barely covered the christmas classics playing from the old stereo system in one corner of the room.

An older woman whose dark hair was twined with white grinned as the younger blonde woman in the leather jacket stepped inside. "Zinda! I'm so glad you could join us. And yes, there's a cup of egg nog with your name on it!" teased Dinah Drake as she took Zinda's coat. "There are some folk here who you might remember. I'll be right back, I got another plate of finger sandwiches to add to the appetizer table. Somebody ate all the egg and onion." said the older woman, glancing toward a broad shouldered older man who still had the shape of a boxer bent over the snack table. The man was eagerly scooping up deviled eggs into his mouth.

On her way to the appetizer table Zinda would see many familiar faces, Rex Tyler the retired chemical company CEO. He was chatting with Doctor McNider, who used to teach at the University of Southern California Medical School. There was something about this home, this music, the people. It was like stepping back in time. The same people who used to save the world, enjoying a night of conversation and christmas cookies with one of the most thoughtful hostesses who could fight as well as she entertained. There was quite a spread on the table. From a creamy braunschweiger dip to an olive cheeseball. Taking a cup of of egg nog, zinda could tell this Canary hadn’t changed the recipe since the last holiday party she went to with her. There was a hefty dose of rum in it too!

The large man who had been eatting eggs bumped into Zinda as she was reaching for some sandwiches. “Oh, they there Zinda.” smiled Ted warmly. “Glad you could join us. you gonna eat those pickle thingies?” he said pointing at a plate. A soft laugh could be heard from the other end of the table as the elder canary, who was placing more sandwiches, smirked and pointed above them. Canary struck again! Mistletoe above the appetizer table! Some things never change.

[Wonder Woman]

She hadn't really wanted to accept the invitation, but it had come from Dinah Drake, and it wasn't that often she had a chance to socialise with her old friend. Of course, part of that was on purpose - whenever she thought of the past she was reminded of all the things and people she had lost. All of the Blackhawks. Her parents. Her brother Jeff, though she had reconciled with his widow and met their two sons and the elder boy's kids as well. Still, holidays usually found Zinda curled up in the closet with a bottle of something 100 proof.

Not this year, she told herself. She knocked on the door and was greeted by the warm, friendly image of Dinah Drake. Embracing her friend she took off her coat, exposing a knee length skirt and a dark red blouse with a large bow tied at the throat. It was a very vintage look for the legitimately vintage woman whose blonde hair was pinned into victory curls. In short, unlike her friends and fellow heroes, she literally looked the same as she had when they were fighting shoulder to shoulder, thanks to that rip in time.

She mingled and smiled, making her way to the liquor and spiking her egg nog with a healthy dose of rum before going to the snack table. The elder Canary had always been on point with her home making, something Zinda never had a knack for. She smiled at Ted and shook her head, "Oh no, you can go ahead," the red lipped woman said, uncharacteristically shy.

It took both Zinda and Ted a moment to realise why Drake had that look about her, but looking up to see the mistletoe hanging over their heads they both smirked. Somethings never changed.

Zinda offered her cheek, turning her head and pointing with one lacured finger tip, but when Ted came in for the kiss, at the last second she turned, delivering a quick, sneak attack kiss that was almost enough for the retired crime fighter to blush, even if Zin was technically a few years older than him.
(( PS - I'll format when I get home )

[Black Canary]

To: Lois (Helena)
From: Dinah (Dinah)
Earth 4

Helena would see something of a bit of surprise as she went up to her motorcycle, silver ribbon was hanging out of her saddlebag. Opening it up she would find a simple tin inside it, tied close with the decorative silver ribbon. There was also a note attached to the outside of the tin. Opening up the letter she would see the following.
"Huntress,
I know we don't know each other well, but I wanted to make your holiday a little brighter.
Please enjoy and happy riding!
Happy Holidays,
~Black Canary"

A bit of an odd note, never quite saying exactly what the blonde had in mind, but that was par for the course with Black Canary. Opening the tin she would find them. Toffee bit cookies! How... how did she know? How did she know Helena's favorite cookies?! Butter cookies studded with toffee pieces. They looked and smelled great, they seemed to be crisp, yet chewy, just like they were supposed to be!

Thinking about the note some further, what did Canary mean about her bike? looking at it, it seemed the same, maybe a cleaner about the engine... No. She wouldn't have. Did that crazy blonde mess with her bike?! Starting up the bike would give her the answser. It started up just a bit faster, a bit cleaner. The engine... the engine sounded slightly different. It had a wonderful purr to it. The bike had always been in great condition, but there was something else with how it sounded. She did! The crazy blonde had done something to her engine! Getting on the bike and taking a ride on it would show exactly what the blonde had done. She had tuned up the engine. It was a bit more responsive, was quicker to respond and seemed to accelerate a bit faster too. While totally sticking her nose where it didn't belong and touching things she shouldn't have... the Canary had actually done a really good job with the tune up job she had done on the bike. And despite it all, the cookies were delicious.

[Black Canary]

To: Steph (Stephanie Brown)
From: Dinah (Dinah)
Earth 4

It was another cold winter night in Gotham. The kind of cold which seemed to seep down into one's bones. It made patrol duty that much harder going from rooftop to rooftop. Ugh, as if winters and the holiday season wasn't bad enough in this city! Between the amount of villains who had Ice powers and souped up freeze guns, there were also the holiday fantaics who took pleasure in doing heists and murders on holidays too! So, the young heroine had her work cut out for her. At least it was quiet so far tonight.

And that is when she saw it. On one of her first rooftops on her usual patrol route. A present tucked out of site behind an rooftop ventilation pipe. It was well wrapped in silver and blue paper and ribbon. There was a little note on it. Opening it up, it read.
"Spoiler,
It has been great to get to work close with you this year. You have been a great help and I hope to see more of you in the new year!
A little somethiing to help you out tonight.
And a little something for later.

Happy Holidays,
~Black Canary"

Opening up the package she would find a thermos and a second wrapped gift!
Cracking open the thermos would reward her with the scent of homemade hot choclate, still hot inside the thermos. Taking a little taste would reward her with the creamy choclately sweetness of the hot beverage, which would surely warm one up from the inside out on a cold night like this!

Obviously being the special treat for now, the second present must be for later. Opening it, was a delightful contrast to the hot beverage. It was ice cream! a single serving of Butter Pecan ice cream, her favorite! Peeking into the container revealed the smooth golden custard, she could smell the pecan flavors in it, even despite the cold! And it was swirlled with pecans glazed with brown sugar, adding a crunchy texture and sweet taste to each bite. A wonderful treat for later.

But for now there was time for a hot chocolate break and continuing her tour of keeping Gotham safe, knowing her mentor was looking out for and treating the young heroine made the dark winter night, just a little brighter.

[Black Canary]

To: Bruce (Bruce Wayne)
From: Dinah (Peyton and Scarface)
Earth 4

The package had been delivered to Wayne Manor via one of Gotham's well known parcel delivery services. And after Alfred had done some quick scans of it in the Batcave, showing that it was free from explosives he left it on one of the work tables with a note stating this package had been left for Bruce Wayne. If further processed, no finger prints or even a hair was on the tape, gift wrap, ribbon, or gifts. Inside were two packages and two cards. Obviously from more than one person, or someone with dual personalities. Something that was a bit too common in Gotham...

Even the wrapping of the presents seemed to show off the dualness of the gift givers. A small one wrapped in dark pinstriped paper with matching ribbon, looking like a gift job from a gentleman's clothing store... the other a large shoebox sized present with shining red metallic paper with shiny green ribbon, which was in such abundance it was overdone!

The little note inside the card for the pinstriped present read as follows:
"Hey Glamor Boy.
Sugar insisted we give ya some little gifts for the holidays.
I know we didn't really had a good business relationship this year.
You know, with the kidnapping and ransoming to your estate.
Which you seemed to have gotten rescued from before Sugar and I had our little accident...
Regardless, no hard feelings.
It was hard figurin out, what to give a guy who has just about everything.
But, we all could use something to help get us through these cold winter nights.
Enjoy.
Scarface"

The note was in a gnarled handwriting with strong slashing motions to it, as if it was a labor to write it.

Inside the little present was an old bottle, filled with a dark amber fluid and a handwritten label on it. It was a very rare bottle of Kilbeggan whiskey from the old distillery in County Westmeath Ireland. Looking at the label it was clear it was distilled in 1952 and bottled in 1961. It even had the name of the proprietor P O'Kane and the customs officer A Buckley.

The note for the second package was in an elegant hand, with a lot of flourishes to the letters. Perfect penmanship.
"Dear Bruce,
It was a nice surprise to see you again. I'm sorry that Scarface was a little rough on you.
I just wanted to give you a little something special this holiday season.
I hope you like him. He is still a white knight to me.
Merry Christmas.

Love,
Peyton."

Inside the box, wrapped carefully with tissue paper was a wooden doll of a teenage boy. He looked awkward and a bit goofy with his bowl cut hairstyle and a missing tooth. Dressed in a nice little suit which was a bit too big for the doll. The detail was uncanny. If Alfred was to pass by he would recognize the boy he raised in the resemblance of the doll. Obviously a lot of hard work, patience, and care had gone into making the doll. Or it may have just been obsession and madness.

But the gifts showed the woman's strikingly different personalities and the precision and attention of detail both possessed. The sarcastic dominating personality which always held a grudge. And the woman who just wanted attention and care, which she never seemed to get, except from herself. A strangely disturbing, yet sweet holiday gift for Bruce Wayne.

[Black Canary]

"You're decorating for Christmas... I thought you celebrated the Winter Solstice. I have your Solstice gift sitting right here... nothing says Merry Solstice like a voo doo doll." said a sarcastic voice.

The dark haired magician laughed into the phone. "First of all Mikey, it's a protective poppet. Second, I made it by hand, so you can blame my D in home ec for it looking creepy." said the magician as she walked about her oversized living room trailing garland with one hand, sizing up how she wanted to decorate the room. "And sue me for liking Christmas. Traditions of all kinds can bring light into the world, and I have a weakness for candy canes." she teased her stage manager. "Well, I gotta lot of work to do. So I should let you go."

"Okay Zee, just don't go all Samantha Steven's on me and Betwitch your decorations to put themselves up. I don't want to have to sponsor you at Magi-holics Anonymous again." teased her friend, with a barb of concern.

"Haha, thanks a load for the vote in confidence. I'll see you for the New year's show." she then whispered, "Syekim teppop, evig reh a evaw."

There was frightened gasp and a "Zatanna! you wit..." as the magician hung up the phone.

Zatanna then started to hang up the garland. it covered one doorway. "hrm..." she rushed over to her top hat on the table. "Erom dnalrag!" sticking her arm up to her elbow into the hat she pulled out more garland and soon every door frame and window were framed in it.

An hour and several spells later Zatanna had finished her decorating. Her cellphone beeped and she checked the text message from Mikey. 'The doll is still moving. Make it stop!' she rolled her eyes. "Ffo ot Syekim!" and in a flash of golden light she was gone!

[Black Canary]

To: Hal (Arthur Curry)
From: Dinah (Zatanna)
Earth 1


When Arthur came back to Zatanna's using the key she had given him, which seemed to make any door the door to his room, he came down the upstairs hall, and from the landing he could see it. Z'anna had decorated for Christmas and it was as over the top and as magical as her stage show!

Not only was there garland and christmas lights about every door and window frame. But there was a 30 foot Christmas Tree in the middle of the living room! Which was only a two story room! Going down to look closer, the vaulted ceiling seemed to be taller than it should be! and... and there was snow coming down from above the tree, glistening on the branches and about the base of the tree in piles. Touching it, it felt cold and was real! But it wasn't melting or piling up. And the decorations on the tree... There were ornaments with various magical symbols on them. And a ton of candy canes! There were also assorted magic tricks all about the tree, like magic rings, real doves, and playing cards scattered about the branches, decorating it. There were also clear glass ornaments which seemed to little diaoramas in them.

Getting a closer look at one, there was a stage with velvety red curtains on it. The curtains seemed to ripple as he looked at it and they parted revealing Zatanna's dad, in his prime, pulling a white tiger out of his hat! There was something odd about it. He looked larger than life. With such flare rippling his cape. It was clear that it was a how a little girl saw her father as he performed. These weren't just magic ornaments, they were reflections of the lady magician's mind!

Walking about the tree and the clear glass ornaments, many of them appeared to be gifts to people, there were little tags on them. There was one for Black Canary which had a scene of a mountain top on it. The meaning lost on him.

And then there was one for him. 'To: Arthur, Love: Z'.
Inside of it was real sand filling the base of the clear ornament with thick blue ocean water on it, which was actually crashing upon a rocky shore. Up on a miniature clifftop was his childhood home and the light house above it. The detail was as good as seeing the real thing. it even had the worn edges on the bricks. The light house was lit up too! But the colors were hyper bright, the lighthouse and home in a perfect state that it had never been, everything was at it's best, like in his memories... and then he saw movement on the shore of the tiny beach, there he was, a young kid, with his father playing on the shore, splashing and playing in the surf.
He saw a flutter beside the ornament, the tag flipped on it's own, revealing a hand written message.
'To happy memories, and to making new ones. Merry Christmas.'

[Green Lantern]

To:Dinah (Zatanna)
From: Hal (Arthur Curry)
Earth 1

He had not been back into the ocean since first meeting Zatanna; Arthur kept himself hydrated by taking long baths and showers so his body did not dry out. Water through the tap was only ever so satisfying and it never matched the feeling of open sea and, as he dove down deeper and deeper, he felt his heart wrenched by the feelings within it. The salt and water mixture coursed over his body and through his gills. The thin slits, which were hidden behind his ears where they met his skull, could not enjoy enough of the liquid. His head almost felt light and, closing his eyes, Arthur felt himself begin to slip away from the enjoyment. To suddenly be back here was like a drug to him... as if his body was lighter than air and floating through the clouds themselves.

But, he had only returned to the sea for one reason and that was to be done. Arthur turned and jetted off through the water, crossing the distance from where he had floated, just a mile under the ocean, and quickly turned it into two... then three. Within a minute, far below his top swimming speed, the blond reached the ocean floor where he had gone under, swimming his way around a reef and into a cave. It was a private place for him; a sanctuary that he had gone to when he was a boy to hide all of the trinkets and treasures that he had found as he grew up. Though shielded from the sun, his eyes had no difficulty seeing as he made his swim to the back reaches of the cavern and to a large, wooden chest. Fingers flipped open the metal latch before he pushed open the top to reveal an assortment of things. Gold coins lined the bottom with a few sailors' navigation tool from centuries in the past, a tiny statuette, and other odds and ends. What he came here for, however, was a necklace. The gem, cut into a square, had a snake wrapped around it. The tail touched one point with the head at the opposite end, arched back, with the mouth opening up to the chain; both items an aged white gold. With a smirk on his face, Arthur took the necklace, closed the chest before turning around and gasping at what greeted him. A school of various fish and other ocean creatures floated in front of him. Their eyes locked on him while his own ocean blues scanned each of them. Silence hung in the water between them before Arthur finally rushed forward, through the gathered life, and out of the cave, past swimming sharks and a whale, and back home.

Arthur stood at the door to his father's home, staring at the wood. He had been there for minutes, long enough to even start drying off from the water as it no longer dripped off the hem of his jeans or his hair. Coming back here, alone, let all of the old memories flow back at random. He could hear his own voice and that of his father all around him; so clearly that he felt like he could turn and seem both himself and dad again. The fingers of his right hand dipped into his pocket and slipped the key into the lock, twisting it, before opening the door and stepping inside to Zatanna's home.

It was as if he had just journeyed into the North Pole itself thanks to the size of the tree she had setting in the room which had him staring for quite some time. "How..." he muttered before he remembered: magic. Snorting a bit in amusement, he walked forward to go find something to put the necklace in and wrap it up before he saw the ornament that had been prepared for him. All of a sudden, everything he was trying to keep buried down came slamming up into his heart and mind. He felt winded. Arthur, almost zombie-like, closed the distance between himself and the tree to examine the item. The sight was bitter-sweat. Flipping the note over, he read the words that had been written before removing both from the branch. Out of sight and so out of mind. That was where this needed to be. Looking up, Arthur jumped into the air and hooked it onto a high branch out of the way before landing quietly. The necklace replaced the stop the ornament had been before he turned and made his way over to the couch, lifting Sasha up like she was a feather and falling onto the cushions and laying her down on top of him.

[Wonder Woman]

(( Again, forgive lack of formating. Blame Blackberry. ))

To: V (Donna Troy)
From: Diana (Hippolyta)
E1

While the Amazons weren't known for celebrating Christian Holidays, there was one among them who was born and raised in Man's World, and to the Queen was always held dear.

It was a small package, wrapped simply in white linen and tied with twine. The package contained a simple linen chiton; white with gold turned pins and a woven belt. It was the Amazon training uniform.

Also included was a note which read:
"Donna, my poor lost child;
Fate, time and circumstances beyond my control have kept us apart, but know at this time of year, as every time of year, you are never far from my heart, little star.
You are an Amazon, and my daughter. Please accept this simple gift, and remember we, your sisters and myself, will always love you.
My hope is you come visit in the new year. A mother worries for all her children, but my heart aches especially for you. May the Goddesses smile on both of us and help you find your way.
Love, always,
- Hippolyta"

The note was simple, written in ancient Greek script, by hand in the old fashioned way. Rather than paper, it was papyrus, rolled carefully and tied again with a small piece of twine. There were two small discolourations on the bottom that appeared to be water stains, no more than a drop each.

The package would come to Donna's studio by the US Postal service, rather than an Amazon from Diana's embassy, with a special note to be signed for, ensuring the package got to the proper recipient.

[Wonder Woman]

To: Hal (Deathstroke)
From: Diana (Rose)
E1

Christmas time. Once upon a time it meant crowding around the tree on Christmas Eve with her "family," the Madisons, and getting ugly pyjamas before going off to bed, confident in the fact that some jolly fat man in a red suit would come down the chimney and leave gifts for everyone. Rose held on to those memories like a safety blanket, and while she would never let those emotions get too close to the surface, there were times she missed the life she used to have.
Christmas was one of those times.
Life hadn't always been kind to Rose; the loss of her mother bore heavily on her and often left her feeling lost and alone. Having Roy, even before, even just as another outcast, had helped take away some of the guilt she felt at not being "perfect" like Miss Priss Sandsmark. To some people she would always be the daughter of Deathstroke, unable to step out from the shadow her father cast.
Wilson sighed and finished the note, her signature flowing and smooth.
"Dad;
We're not good at this family thing, but I know there are things I owe you for.
You tried your best and one day, I promise, you'll know it was all worth it.
Saw mom today. Your roses were pretty.
Merry X-mas.
- RW"

[Wonder Woman]

To: Pete (Batman)
From: Diana (Batwoman)
E1 (Obviously lol)

Gotham City, December 23rd, a man wearing rather grubby clothes, dishevelled but sober, one of Gotham's many homeless people. Met by Alfred, there is a short exchange.

"A woman wit red hair paid me a hundred bucks to bring this here," he said. Kane had gone through a lot of trouble to keep her identity hidden from Batman, but it hadn't been that hard to track down who he was.

The kids gave it away. Yet another reason, she had thought to herself, to stay away from side kicks.

The elderly butler would open the envelope and frown slightly, hiding beamusement at the woman's creativity.

"Sir, I believe your alter ego has just received a Christmas card," the posh British accent called out.

It was a standard small Christmas card, non descript and mass produced, bought at a 5 and Dime type store. Written in very neat, small cursive beneath the banal wishes for a happy holiday was the following:
"I know you aren't one for taking nights off, but why not let the single, Jewish female cover Christmas while you enjoy some time with the family?"
The signature was just a red bat shape.

"Shall I put on a roast and call Masters Dick and Tim, Sir?" Alfred asked, his dry british wit seeping through, though indeed the elderly man would eagerly prepare a feast for the entire family, as much as the boys and girls were Bruce's children, Bruce was like his own son, and so he felt a similar attachment to them.

[Black Canary]

To: Diana (Wonder Woman)
From: Dinah (Circe)
Earth 1

Diana got a rather shocked call from her media affairs officer, Peter Garibaldi. He was supposed to be enjoying a day off with his boys to celebrate the holidays. "Diana, I'm at Macy's to take the boys to see Santa... and well you need to get down here! The North Pole is real! There's a glacier in here! And polar bears giving kids rides! and toys as tall as me! I don't even see the elves who are supposed to be here... One of the dad's went to complain and now he's a reindeer!"

As Diana arrived in the store, the whole floor which had santa's winter wonderland was blocked off by security. They eagerly let Wonder Woman pass, one telling her there were still families inside. But instead of screams of fear and crying children, wonder woman heard... squeals of laughter?
Santa's Wonderland was once a place of styrfoam candy canes and oversized fake toys, with cotton sheets of snow had changed. It was real! It was snowing in here, the snow underfoot was real! And there was a large glacier in the middle with santa's big overstuffed chair on it. Kids were excitedly playing with toys which were playing back. Dolls and teddy bears were joining kids in a snowball fight! There were arctic animals everywhere, some wearing elf hats. But they were friendly and were giving the kids rides and were so gentle it may have been a petting zoo!
Seated in Santa's chair, wearing his hat, was a purple haired woman who grinned at Diana. "Who were you expecting Sandy Claws?" she teased.

"I'm glad you got my message, and the kiddies got to have fun in the meanwhile." she looked about as if just realizing her magic was still making the place a wonderland to make Santa jealous. "Oh, you want it all backto normal. Whatever." she dismissively waved a hand. and everything about them started to shrink and return to normal sizes. the animals turned back into the bewildered men who were the elves, santa, and one nosey dad. The kids moaned in dissapointment as the fun ended; the snow melted and the toys went limp.

"I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and give you your gifts." teased the with with a grin. "What, just because I'm a pagan goddess, doesn't mean I can't celebrate too... well, maybe it does... anyhow. I have gifts for you." she gestured toward a table which hadn't been there before and on it was a slip of paper and a glass vial with an ornate stopper. "I will admit it was fun bringing these children's wishes to life, they are not fettered by consequences, always expecting an adult can make things better..." she grinned. "Anyhow... look at your gifts!" She gestured and the paper stood up so it could be looked at.

It was a coupon. 'One night of no criminal mischeif or murder'. "There is a spell inside there. Works for the whole city. Tear it, and anyone who tries to steal, murder, addle their brains, or rough someone up will fall asleep before the act can be committed." said the witch proud of herself. "The other is your wish come true." she grinned.

"I know your heart Diana. You tire of always fighting for peace, the responsibility of being chosen by the gods. And for one day, you won't be." the witch grinned and stood up walking over to pick up the vial. "It's humility in a bottle. Drink this before you go to bed, and for the next day you won't be an Amazon, but a mortal for one full day." the witch looked thoughtful. "To be honest, I don't understand why you are about all these mortals so much. They aren't nearly as fun to play with as you. But for one day you don't have to be a daughter of Themyscria." she stopped and gave the Amazon a serious look for once. "No, it's not an elaborate ploy to stir up trouble. I give my word. You know I get bored, and would rather spend the day seeing how you enjoy your being a mortal, than do something really impactful." she walked over to the chair and lounged in it sideways. "Anyhow, that's that. You can leave those gifts there for anyone to pick up if you don't want them." she grinned and with a wave of her hand she was gone, only her words lingered behind her. "Merry Christmas, Diana."

[Wonder Woman]

To: Lois (Lois) (& Dean (Clark) but mostly Lois)
From: Diana (Mercy)
E1

The annual LexCorp Christmas Party had been up in the air, what with Lex's body recovered and the very public funeral and fued between the board and his chosen successor, but Graves had risen from the ashes of that conflict and decided to forge on.

Standing at the podium she was every inch the woman one would expect in charge of such a well appointed gala. She wore a designer gown of gray green, with white gold and diamonds decorating her neck, ears and wrist. "As many of you are aware, much like my predecessor I was not born into wealth," she began. "I worked hard. I fought hard. And if not for the hand up which Mister Luthor afforded me I would not be here today. It was with his generosity that I was able to succeed. We both stand as symbols that, in the right circumstances, poverty is no barrier to success. The unfortunate truth is, we do not live in a world where those circumstances exist." The audience were mostly born upper middle class or higher white people, a few darker faces peppering the crowd but she knew that their guilt would be easily taped. "Which is why I hope to encourage you, in this most giving of seasons, to join me in the announcement of the Lex Luthor Scholarship Program." Mercy beamed, warmly absorbing the applause as she smiled benevolently on the crowd.

After a brief explanation of the program, that academics and economic need played a strong role in the criteria, she stepped down from the podium, immediately zoning in on Lois Lane, reporter from the Daily Planet. She smiled graciously, though it would be hard to ignore the rather sinister reflection in her eyes.

"Miss Lane," she said, extending her right hand, the left holding a flute of champagne. "I'm so happy that Metropolis' most famous reporter could attend our event. I hope this means the Daily Planet is over running those gossip pieces about how I slept my way to the top?" she sipped her champagne and eyed the other woman. "Perhaps if you aren't too busy I can offer you some comment on our new program?"

[Wonder Woman]

To: Damian (Damian)
From: Diana (Dana)
E4

Dana was nervous, and as she stood at the fancy Christmas party she felt rather awkward. It wasn't her first Christmas Party - her parents had friends who were Christian at home, and she had already attended several this year, but this one was different. Hosted by the Gotham City Country Club, it was a "Family" event, and she knew from text messages that Damian and his dad were going to be there.

In her hand she carried a small envelope tied to a small package wrapped in ornate but decidedly not Christmas-y wrapping paper with silk ribbon. She had wanted to buy him something, but unlike so many of her "friends" at home, he had never shown even a hint of caring about material things. And even if he did, his family was as rich as her own - he could just buy whatever he wanted. Then it dawned on her: a book! She had found a copy of one of her favourite books and wrapped it for him. It wasn't anything profound, but it was an art book; water colour paintings of landscapes paired with motivational phrases.

Dana found Damian at the buffet table and smiled as she came up behind him. She knew she looked nervous, but she tilted her head down and brought her closed fist to her mouth, coughing quietly into it so as to let him know she was there.

"Merry Christmas, Damian," she beamed and handed him the gift. "Uh, forgive the paper," she said, looking at the blue and gold wrapping. "We... Didn't exactly hav anything with holly or snow men at home." She flushed slightly and bit her bottom lip, dark eyes averting down to the gap between their bodies.