but they said "stay put."

Zatanna gave Kaldur a look. It couldn’t have been too easy for him, these past few weeks. Not only did he still have to live with all he had done while undercover, but he was suddenly thrust back into the position of team leader. All of that responsibility, plus the guilt of losing a dear friend…she could relate. But knowing him, it would take more than a few gentle nudges to get him to open up about it. 

Zatanna was studying Kaldur in a way that was similar to what he had done. He wasn't sure if he wanted to be scrutinized, and he noted the hypocrisy. But he didn't want to let the facade of a calm and collected team leader slip, not ever. It was necessary that he appear in control because he was look up to by those on the Team. Perhaps it was okay to open up to Zatanna, however...she was a member of the Justice League, not the Team. They were friends, occasionally team members, but he was not her leader.

God, there had just been so much to think about lately. And no matter what she couldn’t stop thinking.

She thought about the power she’d wielded during that cleansing ritual. The feel of a foreign entity taking up presence inside her, drowning out everything else in it’s sheer power. She thought about the weeks spent practicing with Doctor Fate, having to remind herself every day that she had matured past her own bitterness; that doing her part in protecting her world from the Reach was more important than anything else. She thought about how it was all finally over, that they were safe (well, as safe as they could be)…but was the price for that safety really worth it? Perhaps…perhaps if she had been there instead. How much power had she been able to wield when she’d freed the Beetles? What if it had been her who had responded to the unexpected threat, if she’d—

Another throb of pain in her head made her groan, hearing the sound of someone approaching. Zatanna turned around and spotted Kaldur, looking tired and worn. 

Kaldur thought about the recent days. He knew what she must be thinking about. They were all thinking the same thing lately, some more than others, but that was only natural. Not everyone knew him as well as the original Team had since he'd retired. Wally was gone, and everyone felt guilty about it. He'd retired to get himself and Artemis out of the game, and the game dragged both of them back in, immersed them in its allure. Except it wasn't a game, not ever, not now especially. None of them regretted being a hero; they were doing what was right. But not everyone got out unscathed, and some never came out at all, and they all felt guilty, they were all terrified, reminded of their mortality, but more than anything, they were filled with a hole that couldn't be filled. It was a Wally shaped hole, as odd as that may sound, and only he could take his place there.

It’s mid-afternoon and by this time the team should be down with school, extracurriculars or anything else they have planned in their ‘normal’ lives. Wally had just gotten out of his study session for the big AP-Chemistry mid-term that was coming up. His friends may not think he’s the brightest kid but when it comes to science he knows what he’s talking about.

Finally Wally all but races out of the school and off to the cave. He finds the closest zeta-tube and steps in, changing into his kid flash getup faster then the tube can transport him. His home away from home. Wally smiled as he walked into the cave, excited for whatever practice or mission that the team would have today.

“Kal…” she started, only to trail off with a shake of her head. She was stunned. “You know, I don’t doubt us all that much either.” She looked up at him again, gratitude in her expression as she made room for him on the seat. “In fact, I think….I think we’ll be okay.” The hand she’d been keeping still in his hand sprang to life and gave him a squeeze of appreciation. Raquel wasn’t often an emotional person, but she was glad only Kaldur had been around to see it. She trusted him fully, and something told her she wouldn’t regret that anytime soon.

She found his apology particularly endearing. “No worries. I’m glad to hear that though, Kal. I’m having fun too, a lot, really.” Slowly, her gaze drifted to their hands. As ridiculous as it was—and she felt juvenile for even realizing it—her stomach gave a flutter of appreciation. A wide, somewhat corny grin nearly split her face in two. Catching herself, Rocket jerked her hand away and ducked behind her menu, suddenly interested in the drinks.

“You know, speakin of drink I feel like a desert,” she rambled, “I think I’ll get one of them fruit-soda blends things. Those look great. Let’s order!”

He refocused on Rocket and saw her give a grin that would put the Cheshire Cat to shame. He was pleased he was able to do that for her in some way, if it even was him. But then she took her hand away from his, and he felt a pang of regret. Oh well. It was good while it lasted, he thought. I guess she must’ve gotten embarrassed. Kaldur was amused by her sheepishness and smiled. He had to admit, she was kind of really adorable. “Yes, let’s. Don’t slow down on my account,” he said. Once she stopped being frantic and they had both thanked Clara, she just look disappointed, Kal figured it was time for him to do what she’d done for him.

Kaldur debated in his head. Should I or Shouldn’t I? He figured he had nothing to lose, and this time he’d make sure she was comfortable. He went for her hand, tentatively at first, but with growing confidence (although you’d have to be paying attention to notice the nervousness at first) held her hand in his. He did so gently to show that he was just happy to be there and to calm her, but firm enough so that she knew he had no intention of letting go anytime soon. At least, not unless she asked him to. “You don’t have to worry about anything falling apart. Really. Between the two of us, I don’t think we’ll let anything mess this up. Hopefully this is only our first date,” he said as lightly as he could. He didn’t realize until after he said it that that might sound like pressuring. Think a little more, Kal, he scolded.

“When I say that you’re great, I mean that you’re actually really amazing. And I’m about as far from your level as you can get. Trust me, I want this to be the first of many, many dates…” she cut herself off, and bit her lip forcefully. Sure, they were superheroes, but thwarting a baddie was a lot easier than managing a relationship. Or, at least, that’s how it felt. 

b02aqualad replied to your post: b08zatanna replied to your post: Ah, hey, Wally….

I am amused by how I was not even a suspect.

b02aqualad replied to your post: b08zatanna replied to your post: Ah, hey, Wally….

I am amused by how I was not even a suspect.

She found his apology particularly endearing. “No worries. I’m glad to hear that though, Kal. I’m having fun too, a lot, really.” Slowly, her gaze drifted to their hands. As ridiculous as it was—and she felt juvenile for even realizing it—her stomach gave a flutter of appreciation. A wide, somewhat corny grin nearly split her face in two. Catching herself, Rocket jerked her hand away and ducked behind her menu, suddenly interested in the drinks.

“You know, speakin of drink I feel like a desert,” she rambled, “I think I’ll get one of them fruit-soda blends things. Those look great. Let’s order!”

He refocused on Rocket and saw her give a grin that would put the Cheshire Cat to shame. He was pleased he was able to do that for her in some way, if it even was him. But then she took her hand away from his, and he felt a pang of regret. Oh well. It was good while it lasted, he thought. I guess she must’ve gotten embarrassed. Kaldur was amused by her sheepishness and smiled. He had to admit, she was kind of really adorable. “Yes, let’s. Don’t slow down on my account,” he said. Once she stopped being frantic and they had both thanked Clara, she just look disappointed, Kal figured it was time for him to do what she’d done for him.

Kaldur debated in his head. Should I or Shouldn't I? He figured he had nothing to lose, and this time he'd make sure she was comfortable. He went for her hand, tentatively at first, but with growing confidence (although you'd have to be paying attention to notice the nervousness at first) held her hand in his. He did so gently to show that he was just happy to be there and to calm her, but firm enough so that she knew he had no intention of letting go anytime soon. At least, not unless she asked him to. “You don't have to worry about anything falling apart. Really. Between the two of us, I don't think we'll let anything mess this up. Hopefully this is only our first date,” he said as lightly as he could. He didn't realize until after he said it that that might sound like pressuring. Think a little more, Kal, he scolded.