I don't own Young Justice nor any characters shown below
Date: Thanksgiving 2017
Main Characters:
Dick (Nightwing) Age 20,
Conner (Superboy) Age 6, (16 Yrs Physically) but Age 23 legally
Title: Coming Home
Summary: It's been a year and a half since Endgame, and things for the Team have changed a lot in those 18 months. Conner has more emotion and expresses it more in this story.
o0o
*****18 MONTHS AFTER ENDGAME*****
In the 18 months since defeating the Reach and the Light a lot has changed for the team. Nightwing took a leave of absence to figure things out, with the death of his best friend Wally he just didn't know anymore. Artemis became Tigress permanently, and Impulse became the new Kid Flash although he didn't feel he deserved it. M'gann, Beast Boy and Superboy were on Mars for 6 months helping out B'arzz O'oomm.
M'gann and Superboy had actually tried to get back together during that time, taking it slow and trying to learn to trust again, it seemed to go well but in the end they both agreed there was just to much baggage for them to be in a committed relationship with each other and should just be friends. They both explained this to Beast Boy, he was sad but understood. Superboy admitted to M'gann during those 6 months that he had always had deep feelings for someone else on the team for a long time, but had been taught at CADMUS that it was wrong and improper to love someone like that so he never acted on those feelings. M'gann and Superboy spent days just talking reaffirming their friendship and M'gann letting him know that those teachings by CADMUS were wrong and that he should explore those feelings he has and not hold them back.
Superboy realized that even though he'd been around for 7 years and had learned a lot from his friends, Kaldur, Dick, Wally, Artemis, M'gann, and more from Batman and Superman. Superboy wasn't one to show emotion to much and even though he understood Dick's reasoning for taking a leave of absence he was still angry, Wally was one of the three that rescued him that day at CADMUS 7 years ago and he held that friendship close to his heart.
M'gann new that Superboy was hurting just as much as Nightwing was even though Nightwing new Kid Flash long before Superboy came along, Wally was still one of his first 3 true friends Superboy had ever had and it hit him hard a lot harder than the others new except for M'gann but she new Superboy wouldn't talk about it, but she let him know she was there if needed.
During the 6 months they were on Mars their friendship flourished and Superboy was able to talk a little to M'gann about loosing Wally even though they were kept busy with the mission on Mars.
After the 3 had returned though something happened. Superboy was expecting Nightwing to have returned but he didn't, no one had heard from him not even Batman. Nightwing had been trained by the best and disappeared and hadn't contacted anybody in 18 months. There were hints here and there that he was alive and ok but when he didn't want to be found, he made sure not to be found.
*****6 MONTHS AFTER MARS MISSION*****
The first thing Superboy did when he returned and they were debriefed by Kaldur was head to Bludhaven and Nightwing's apartment there. Nightwing had given him a key so he had a place to crash after the mountain was destroyed so it wasn't uncommon for the landlady to see Superboy or as he was known Conner.
Conner opened the door to Dick's apartment and it looked like no one had lived there in months, white sheets over everything all electrical items unplugged. Conner realized that Dick hadn't lived here since he disappeared on his forced sabbatical 6 months ago. Conner was worried more worried than he'd ever been in his short life about anything, at first Dick was the closest thing he had to a brother but after a while Conner realized that it wasn't brotherly feelings he was having for Dick. Conner new at the time Dick was still to young for anything like that so he shut those feelings away and tried to create a life with M'gann but that didn't work, now 7 years later he finally understood his feelings and wanted Dick in his life in more ways that just as a brother, he realized he had been in love with Dick since that first day at CADMUS. Now Dick had disappeared and no one not even the great Batman had seen him in 6 months. Conner new he would find nothing here so he left and headed for the Zeta-tube to return to the Watch Tower.
Recognized Superboy B-04
Kaldur turned to see Superboy exiting the zeta-tube.
"Kon, didn't expect to see you back so soon." Kaldur looked at Superboy and noticed the frown on his face and he look tensed and upset.
"What's wrong Kon?"
"Can we talk in private Kaldur, someplace not so open?"
"Sure, lets go over to the small briefing room."
Conner nodded and headed over that way. Once inside Kaldur took a seat but Conner just paced back and forth, fists clenched wanting to hit something.
"I hate to do this to you and the Team, its all I've known for 7 years but…I can't loose him not after waiting so long! You, Wally, and Dick saved me 7 years ago and were my first true friends and with Wally's death it hurt more than I let on, and it still hurts today, you three were/are my best friends and I considered family. I went to see Dick but he wasn't home he hasn't been there in 6 months. No one knows where he's at not even Batman, I can't loose him to, not after I've realized my feelings for him!"
Conner was so upset with himself that he didn't realize he was crying as he was speaking. Kaldur just sat there staring at his friend. He'd never seen Conner cry or show his emotions like this it was almost a shock to Kaldur, he didn't speak for some minutes not sure how to approach his friend, then he recalled the last statement Conner had made.
"Kon, what feelings do you mean?"
Conner looked to Kaldur, tears still falling down his face, not even bothering to wipe them away.
"I love him, Kaldur, I love Dick, I have since the day you 3 rescued me from CADMUS, M"gann helped me realize it during the last 6 months, I was hoping to let him know my feelings when I got back but he's disappeared. I can't continue doing missions right now while the person I truly love is out there somewhere still hurting. I have to find him, I have to show him that he's not alone, that he's loved. I don't know where I'll start but I have to do this Kaldur. M'gann and Beast Boy know, I haven't told anyone else but you."
"So your leaving?" Kaldur asked.
"Yes, I'm putting myself on inactive status and taking a leave of absence, I'd be no good to anybody right now. I need to find Dick, my life is not complete without him in it. I don't know if he feels as I do, but I have to tell him, and if all we can be is friends I want him to know he's not alone. I know you tried to talk to him, but I didn't say anything before he left I was to mad."
Kaldur had never in his 7 years seen so much emotion from Superboy and he realized then and there that he was more human now than anybody he'd ever known. He got up walked over to Conner and embraced him in a hug.
"I understand Conner, you have to do what your heart requires, if your heart is incomplete then mind and soul are as well, so go find him, let him know how you feel, and if you can bring him home. I'll let everyone else know."
"Thank-you Kaldur, I don't know how I'd have survived these 7 years without your calmness and guidance. I'll keep in-touch and let you know how the search goes."
Kaldur nodded and watched as Superboy left the room and heard the zeta-tube announce his departure, and wondered to himself when he would see him again and hoped it would be soon.
*****NEXT DAY*****
Kaldur had called the team together along with the league to let them know the situation.
Kaldur stood at the head of the table his normal stoic self, but was wondering if he'd be able to get through t his announcement without shedding a tear. He realized last night that Conner had been right about a few things Kid Flash's death had hit him harder than he realized, he'd seen death before, he'd grieved for Tula and others but it was something different when Kid Flash died he couldn't put his finger on it, but the battles and camaraderie that they shared was something special but now he was gone, and moving on was hard to do, he realized that he'd been going through the motions lately.
Everyone around the table looked at Kaldur waiting for him to speak.
"Thanks for coming everyone as you know a couple days ago our team from Mars returned from a successful mission there, but that's not why I called you here. Superboy came to me last night and informed me that he was taking a leave of absence from the team. Kid Flash's death hit him harder than any of us realized, and with Nightwing's self-imposed sabbatical it just pushed him further off course. Thanks to M'gann though during his 6 months on Mars he was finally able to realize he needed time but he also needs to find Nightwing for personal reasons which I won't go into right now."
Everyone at the table just stared at Kaldur in shock, they biggest were from Superman and Batman.
"Now with that said, I also realized last night after my talk with Superboy that Kid Flash's death hit me a lot harder than I had thought, the 4 of us, myself, Nightwing, Superboy and Kid Flash formed this team and a close and unbreakable friendship/bond. We've been through a lot of the last 6 years and I came to the conclusion last night that I've just been going through the motions over the last 6 months and not really healing and letting myself grieve like others have had. So I am hereby stepping down as team leader and returning to Atlantis for some soul searching. "
"But who will lead the team?" Beast Boy asked.
"I've thought a lot about that after I made my decision last night and throughout this morning, and I talked to Batman and Superman about it as well, whom they thought would be a good leader while I was away and they both agreed my choice was the correct one even if this person doesn't feel so."
"Ok so who!"
"I want you all to know that this was my choice, I was not pressured by anybody. This person I have seen grow over the past 2 years, they may not realize it but they were being groomed to take over in time and I believe now is that time. I've chosen Robin to take my place."
Everyone at the table looked from Kaldur to Robin and back again, some were smiling some were a bit shocked but that was to be expected there were others on the team who've been on the team longer but they were not groomed for leadership as he was.
"Me! Why me, I'm not ready for this!"
"I believe you are Robin, Nightwing told me before he left that of all the Bat family you were the most analytical but also carefree and reminded Nightwing of himself when he was younger. He let me know then that he had been grooming you all this time for this moment, I just wish he could be here to see it, you are the right person for this job and I doubt anybody sitting here at this table would disagree."
"He's right Robin, I've watched you grow since I took you in all those years ago, and I couldn't be prouder of how you've grown and know you will lead this team well."
Kaldur smiled and looked at Robin. "Robin I wouldn't have chosen you if I didn't think you were ready its your time to lead and take this team to its next level and do what needs to be done."
"Computer, transfer all command authority for team control Robin B-20, Authorization Aqualad B-02."
Transfer complete, Robin B-20 now in command of the team.
After that the meeting broke up and they all talked about different things. Over the next 2 days Kaldur worked with Robin bringing him up to speed on team issues and missions and anything else he may need to know. Kaldur then left for Atlantis with his king to find himself again and mourn his friend and hope that Conner would be able to find Nightwing.
*****BLUDHAVEN*****
Conner decided to use Dick's apartment as his home base while he searched for Dick. He talked with the landlady and she was more than happy to let Conner stay as Dick had paid the rent for 3 years in advance. She even admitted she had been worried about Dick and hoped for his safe return. Conner didn't go into all the details but he did let her know that a close friend of Dick and his had died 6 months ago and it's been tough accepting his loss.
Conner new Dick wouldn't stay in one place to long because he didn't want to leave a trail to be found he knew this search was going to be hard but he had to find him and he wouldn't stop until he did. So over the next few weeks while everyone else was celebrating Christmas and New Years Conner designed a search plan for him to follow hoping he could and hoping beyond hope that it didn't take him long to find his one true love.
Luckily Conner wasn't as dumb as some people thought with his training at CADMUS and then 7 years with the team and working with Dick and learning computers he was able to setup his own system at Dick's which was linked with the Watch Tower so he could keep in contact. Robin had called him earlier in the day and informed him of Kaldur's departure and why. Conner understood and congratulated Robin on his new position and told him he would keep him updated on his search. Conner new Robin was worried, he'd even tried to find Dick as well as Batman but to no avail.
*****2 MONTHS INTO THE SEARCH*****
Conner's search seemed to be going well. He'd find a lead and run it down, and if it dead ended he'd work the next but always would keep a line open to those old leads just incase. He had searched Gotham, Metropolis, Star City, San Francisco, even Smallville and other smaller cities but still no sign of Dick. He had gotten frustrated at times but he wasn't going to give up.
During his time in Smallville he'd stayed at the farm for a couple of weeks to help out Ma and Pa Kent with some things they needed done and it had done him a world of good, even though he'd only been searching for about a month and a half taking time off for himself helped clear his head, and talking to Ma and Pa was another outlet for his frustration.
He returned to Bludhaven at the beginning of month 3 and found messages from his contacts he'd been able to setup asking them to send him anything on Dick. He had leads that were going to take months to ferret out and run down but he didn't care how long it took he was going to go through each one to make sure he didn't miss anything.
*****6 MONTHS INTO THE SEARCH******
He'd come so close, he'd actually seen Dick, but Dick was to quick on the rooftops and disappeared. He searched for hours and days after that but Dick had moved on. He must have seen Conner on the street that day and disappeared like he does. Conner new he'd be able to find Dick if he could just get a trace on his heart beat and breathing with his super hearing but so far he hadn't been able to get close enough to "lock on" since that day.
He new though one day, Dick would slip up, he always did somehow be it by mistake or on purpose, he'd finally give in and let Conner find him, he'd realize that Conner wasn't going to give up and would have to talk to him eventually and Dick new that Conner was stubborn enough to search until his dying breath.
*****9 MONTHS INTO THE SEARCH*****
It finally happened either by happenstance or luck Conner saw Dick in Huston and just by luck Dick didn't see Conner. He was able to concentrate on his heartbeat and breathing and lock it into his memory. Now he'd be able to find Dick and confront him in private, this talk was not something that should be done in public.
One month later it happened, Conner had been following Dick by locating his heartbeat and following him from above so he didn't know. He wanted to find out what Dick was doing with his time. Dick wasn't being Nightwing at all, he'd left that behind and was working odd jobs here and there and staying off the grid, he really didn't want to be found. Conner found out where Dick was living in Houston a week a go, he new he had to make his move soon because Dick didn't usually stay in place for more than 2 weeks.
To avoid being detected Conner floated down the hallway to Dick's apartment. He could tell Dick was inside just by his heartbeat. He reached Dick's door and took in a deep breath knowing it was now or never and hoping that he could bring Dick home.
o0o
Dick was sitting on the couch in his small 2 week rental knowing he'd be moving on at the end of the week and trying to figure out where he'd go next. He was thinking may Miami, he'd never been to Florida so it was tempting.
Dick had his good days and bad days, today was one of those in-between days, he woke up having cried himself to sleep over Wally. They had known each other since they were squirts just starting out as "sidekicks" and now it was just him. He missed him dearly. Wally was like a brother to him, he'd confided in Wally so many secrets and wishes, and desires he'd even told Wally who he'd been in love with and why he'd never been with anyone and that it pained him deeply when his love had started a relationship with someone else. He was deep in thought when there was a knock at the door.
"Who could that be, I don't know anybody around here." He walked over to the door and opened and was shocked to see Conner standing there in front of him.
"How? I'd been so careful…I know I've been keeping tabs to make sure I didn't leave a trail."
"You were good Dick, I've been looking for you for over 9 months. I took a leave of absence from the team after I got back from Mars and realized you hadn't returned. Kaldur even took some time off after he realized he needed to mourn Wally properly."
"I'm not ready to come back Conner, I still need time, I know its been 15 months but it still hurts, I can't do it!"
"I'm not asking you to Dick, I came to find you for personal reasons, I needed to find you to talk to you."
Dick didn't know what to say he stood there trying to decide what to do.
"You mind if we take this inside, I don't feel like talking about this standing in the hall."
Dick stepped aside-letting Conner come in. They both took a seat on the couch facing each other. Conner was fidgeting wringing his hands and looking everywhere but in Dick's eyes, he knew if he looked into those eyes he'd be done for.
"Well, I'm waiting."
"Well I guess I should first apologize, I never talked to you after your decision to leave the team after Wally….well you know. I was mad, I knew it was hard on you, and I didn't understand why you were leaving your friends, that is I didn't understand until I was on the Mars mission and M'gann and I tried to rekindle our relationship which didn't work she helped me realize that I was hurting more than I wanted to let on, and that loosing Wally like we did affected me more deeply than I realized. You, him and Kaldur rescued me and we became the core of the team, we bonded as friends, hell Dick we became family. You 3 were the only family I new we've been through so much so many battles, so many pranks, vacations together. I never thought about loosing any of you, but then Wally….and then you left and I was off to Mars and I did what I normally did I forced my emotions and feelings down and kept them down. M'gann saw it, and she help me and she also helped me realize something else Dick."
Dick sat there listening and watching Conner he couldn't believe what he was hearing or seeing, Conner was crying, he'd never seen him cry before.
"What Conner, what is it."
Conner took Dick's hands in his and moved closer, it was now or never. "Dick…I…I…I Love you. I have since the day you rescued me from CADMUS. I just didn't realize it then. I've always had these feelings for you I just didn't realize them until this past year. I've missed you Dick, my heart has been aching without you in my life, you don't have to come back to the team, but come back to your family, come back to me, let me love you as I should have been these past years."
With tears streaming down his face Conner leaned in and gently placed his lips on Dicks initiating he hoped would be the first of many kisses.
Dick's mind was racing, could it be true, Conner loved him, had he just heard it. The man he's loved for the past 7 years loved him back. Dick didn't have time to react next thing he new Conner's lips were on his. It took him a few seconds to react and lean into the kiss returning Conner's advances. He brought his hands up to Conner's shoulders and pushed him back to lie down on the couch, Dick lying on top of Conner. Conner smiled into the kiss realizing what was happening.
After a few minutes of kissing they broke their connection, both panting for air. Dick touched his forehead to Conner's and looked deeply into his blue eyes he's always loved.
"I love you to Conner, I have since that day as well, I at first thought it was a simple crush and did react because I was so young, and then you got with M'gann and I didn't say anything because I thought you were meant to be with her, then you broke up but I could still see you cared for her and I didn't want to interfere so I pushed my feelings away and went on with life but always, always remained true to my feelings for you and would have till I died."
Both had tears running down their face now, and smiles not caring at all in the world, just that they were now in each other's arms where they belonged. They stayed that way for the longest time, until Dick got up reaching his hand to Conner and taking him into the bedroom. Neither were wanting more than just to hold each other, being able to realize their dream of being with the person they loved most in this world, and knowing that the other was there for them to get through the tough times. The undressed each other down to their underwear kissing and touching as they went.
"Dick I just want to hold you tonight, nothing more, I want to be there when you wake up."
Dick just nodded saying the same with his eyes. Both got into bed and wrapped their arms around each other. Conner pulling Dick up to his strong firm chest and relaxing into the pillows Dick sighing and taking in the scent of Conner and enjoying being in his embrace after all these years.
"I Love you Dick." Conner said leaning down and placing a deep kiss on his lips.
"I Love you too Conner, I always have."
Soon both men were sound asleep in each other's arms knowing they'd never be alone again.
*****BLUDHAVEN*****
Conner had convinced Dick to return home Bludhaven, he wasn't ready to go back to crime fighting but he was ready to come home and begin a life with Conner at his side. They'd been together for 2 weeks now and hadn't done much more than kissing and touching but that all changed one night when Dick initiated a more aggressive attack on Conner's lips letting him know that he wanted him, and wanted him now. Conner growled into the kiss in understanding.
~~~Later that Night~~~
"WOW! That….was….ASTER!"
"Yeah…seriously…ASTER….and…definitely…lacking…in…any…DIS!"
After a few minutes of calming themselves down after their first time together, the rolled onto their sides looking into each others eyes, knowing what had just passed between them both. Something so powerful and indescribable that neither could put into words at that very moment.
Dick had his right hand resting on Conner's left cheek looking into his eyes, and Conner's left hand was gently rubbing up and down Dick's exposed hip. Both men just enjoying the quiet and each other company after their love making.
"So are you ready to see everyone again, you don't have to come back to the team but I know they are worried and Tim really misses talking to you. You know he's in charge of the team now, Kaldur selected him just before he returned to Atlantis."
Dick's eyes went wide at the comment. His baby brother Tim was now in-charge of them team, he smiled from ear to ear.
"Yeah, I think its time to see the rest of the team and the Bat family. I'm not sure about fully rejoining the team but I'd like to see how they are doing and let everyone know about us. I need to tell Wally as well." Dick said the last line with tears in his eyes.
"Hey…it'll be ok…I miss him dearly to, he taught me how to laugh and enjoy life, but now that we're together we'll get through this together we can lean on each other we don't have to do this alone." Conner said pulling Dick into a strong embrace and just holding him, both shedding tears at missing Wally but also happy tears because they were finally together and Wally would be happy for them both.
Both had a few things to take care of first so they set a date to return to the Watch Tower on 1 December 2017.
*****WATCH TOWER*****
Robin was going over reports from the latest missions and upcoming missions as well. He had settled into the leadership role of the team nicely since Kaldur turned it over to him. Kaldur had retuned 6 months ago but did not take back the role, he told Tim that the team was his now, he would gladly stay on and help train or go on missions as needed but it was time for a new group to lead.
Recognized Superboy B-04
Recognized Nightwing B-01
Tim was the only one in the Watch Tower at this hour and when he heard Nightwing's name called out he looked up and saw his big brother standing there plain as day, he couldn't stop himself he bolted right at him tears streaming down his face and grabbed him in a hug more tightly than he'd ever done before.
"Dick! I've missed you." He buried his face into Dick's chest with tears streaming down his face.
Dick returned the hug of his little brother and cried as well, he'd missed Tim so very much but his stubbornness wouldn't let him come back until he'd grieved in his own way.
"You ever leave me again like that and I'll hunt you to the ends of the earth, and give you a beating you'll never forget Dick!"
"BWAH! I bet you would Tim, but you don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm back home, not on the team yet, but I'm home and I'm happy."
Tim looked up at Dick and saw him reach for Conner's hand out of the corner of his eye and looked from both of them. Conner came over and put his arm around Dick and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. Tim's eyes went wide in realization.
Tim smiled…"It's about time you two finally got together!" He hugged both of them laughing.
"So have you seen anybody else?"
"Nope, you're the first Tim."
"Well Zatanna was just about to relieve me to start her shift here, so we can head to the Manor if you want."
"Sure sounds great, looking forward to seeing Bruce, Alfred and even Damien."
Tim rolled his eyes at the mention of the little devil.
"He still trying stab you Tim?"
"If only, he actually trying to shoot me with arrows lately. I don't know what that kid has against me."
Recognized Zatanna L-25
All 3 turned to see Zatanna coming from the zeta-tube. She froze when she saw Conner and Dick standing there and she noticed them holding hands. She screamed and ran and hugged them both.
"You're back! Its about damn time, and I see something else has changed." nodding her head to their interlocked hands.
They both smiled at her and blushed.
"Hey Zee, good to see you again."
The four friends spent time chatting until Zee realized it was cutting into her Watch Tower time.
"Don't you ever disappear on us again you got it bub! And I expect to get an invitation to the wedding for you two!" They all laughed at that comment.
The three headed for the zeta-tub and Tim punched in the coordinates for the Bat Cave.
*****BAT CAVE*****
At the Bat Cave, Bruce, Alfred, Damien and Clark were huddling around the computer looking for information on Dick and Conner. Bruce looked up as the zeta-tube powered up expecting Tim home from the Tower.
Recognized Robin B-20
Recognized Superboy B-04
Recognized Nightwing B-01
When everyone heard Superboy and Nightwing's names called out they all stood up and turned in shock. Conner had actually found Dick and managed to bring him home.
The first to react was Bruce.
"Richard, my god you're home! He ran over picking up his oldest adopted son and embracing him in a fierce hug, not something Bruce would do but this was a special occasion it had been 18 months since he last saw him. He had tears in his eyes, and was shaking with joy. Bruce also noticed Dick hadn't let go of Conner's hand and smiled to himself.
The next 30 minutes were spent in celebratory moments with hugs all around including Damien who had a tear as well. Alfred of all the family was probably the most emotional, Dick had been the first adopted son to come into the family and held a special place in his heart and when he disappeared Alfred worried and feared for Dick. But now seeing him home and in love filled Alfred's heart to bursting.
Clark was just happy to have Conner back, this past year for him had been hard, he and Conner had really started to connect and when Conner left to find Dick he was worried. But now he was home and everything was right with the world and he could tell that Conner and Dick had connected on a more personal level.
The rest of the evening was spent in celebration with the Wayne family. Clark left later that evening. Conner let him know that he and Dick would stop by the farm in a few days to see Ma and Pa, and by Metropolis to see Lois. Tim had made a call to the team calling a meeting for 0900 at the Watch Tower the following morning.
It was late in the evening when everyone retired to their rooms giving the two boys hugs. The told Tim that they'd be at the Tower early so they could visit Wally's memorial in private. Dick led Conner up to his old room where they spent the night in each other's arms, making love, laughing, and sometimes crying but in the end happy in the knowledge that they would be together forever.
*****WATCH TOWER*****
Dick and Conner stood in front of Wally's memorial hologram with teary eyes. Neither had spoken yet, they'd been there for about 15 minutes just holding each other looking at their dear friend that they sorely missed.
Dick finally knelt down and placed a hand on the platform.
"Hey Wally, I wish you could be here. I miss you so much, you'd be proud of Bart he's taken up your mantel and is doing it justice. I want you to know I'm ok now, I have someone in my life now who completes me, you might know him, he's Big, strong, nigh invulnerable, but he's also soft compassionate, kind, smart, and he loves me and I love him. I feel safe with him. He misses you to Walls, so does Kaldur, Its not the same without you running around, but I know your watching over us and we'll see you again some day until then my friend stay strong where every you may be and keep watch over everyone, especially Bart I can tell he misses you a lot."
Conner knelt down behind Dick and wrapped his arms around his waist pulling him in and sitting down on the grass letting Dick relax back into his chest. Both boys had tears streaming down their face silently crying and giving support to each other.
Little did the couple know but Batman and Superman were there watching and both men had tears in their eyes watching Dick and Conner finally realizing that something precious had been lost when Wally had died. They left the couple alone to grieve in private feeling that they both needed this moment with their friend and confidant.
Kaldur was the first to arrive and as was his usual custom he headed for the memorial garden but was stopped by Zee, who had tears in her eyes as well.
"I wouldn't go in there just Kaldur, Conner and Dick are in there at Wally's memorial, Dick is finally grieving along with Conner."
Kaldur's eyes widen at that, and nodded. He quietly walked over to the door and looked in on his two dear friends and saw they were in each others arms unashamed of their new found relationship. Kaldur smiled and stepped back to go get something to drink, and realized he had a tear trailing down his cheek.
Zee told herself she would stand guard to give the couple as much time as they needed and the privacy they deserved with Wally. She new that a lot of members had made it a ritual to come into the gardens and visit their fallen comrades to start the day, it seemed to give them a boost.
Bart and Barry were the next to arrive and when Zee wouldn't let them into the gardens and she told them, their eyes went wide when they peeked in and understood. One by one as the team members arrived they all were told what was going on and where they were and why Zee was watching over the Gardens. The last to arrive was J'onn, M'gann and Beast Boy, the two Martians could immediately feel the emotion in the Tower when they exited the zeta-tubes and it was powerful especially coming from Conner and Dick, both of them could feel the grief rolling off of them in waves but she new this is what they needed. She guided Beast Boy to the conference room and explained what was going on, his eyes went wide in realization. He wanted to run to Conner whom he thought of as his older brother but knew he needed this time alone with Dick at Wally's memorial.
Tim was the last to arrive for the meeting. He walked over to where Zee was and nodded, he suspected why she was where she was, and he peeked in seeing his big brother and Conner together on the grass in front of Wally's memorial unashamed, he smiled and let a tear slip down his cheek.
"How long have they been in their Zee?"
"Well they arrived about 0630 this morning and have been there ever since, I haven't let anybody disturb them because I think they needed this time alone to grieve and get it out, its been a long time coming for both of them."
"Agreed, Thanks Zee, I think when its time, I'll send Kaldur in, since they are all close and I know they'd want to see him first."
"I was thinking the same thing Tim." With that Tim headed to the conference room where everyone was gathered, all kind of in their own worlds. Tim could see some had tears in their eyes as well knowing what was happening in the Memorial Gardens. Tim walked over to Kaldur greeting him warmly.
"Kaldur, when its time, I'd like you to go in and get Dick and Conner, since you three have been so close for the past 7 years and you haven't seen them since Dick left, I think it would be good for you 3 to reconnect first before they are bum rushed by everyone else."
"Thank-you my friend, I'd very much appreciate that."
***Back in the Memorial Gardens***
Both young men were just sitting there Conner holding Dick tightly to his chest and looking out the window to the earth below and back to Wally's image on the hologram stand. The quiet was nice for both of them and had been cathartic. Neither had realized how much they'd been holding in since Wally's death, but once they were here they couldn't contain their grief and emotions anymore and who could blame them, if it wasn't for the 4 original members of the team, it would have never been formed and who knows what life would be like.
Conner new he wanted to do this here, in front of Wally there was no other place he'd rather ask Dick, Wally deserved to the first to know. Conner adjusted their positions so they were facing each other with Wally to the side like he was looking down on them smiling.
Conner spoke with red stained eyes and cheeks.
"Dick, I told you I've loved you since that first day and that's true now that I know. I wish I had known sooner so we could have been together back then but now we are and I don't want to waist a minute. You are the love of my life, I've learned so much from you, you gave my life meaning and were the light to that life, you taught me that there was more to life than anger, there was friendship and love and laughter. I want forever with you, even though I know forever is not long enough to do with you what I want to do with you but I want to try. Richard Grayson, here in front of our dear friend I'm asking you Will You Marry Me?"
Conner produced a small silver engagement band simple but brilliant in is design, with the engraving "Always and Forever".
Dick's eyes went wide in shock but immediately recovered.
"YES! Conner YES!" I'll marry you." Dick moved in and kissed Conner while Conner placed the ring on his now fiancé's finger.
Both boys were now crying tears of joy and laughing a happy laugh they both turned and looked up at Wally and Smiled and they both could have sworn he smiled down at them.
Kaldur had walked in quietly just as Conner proposed and he was smiling ear to ear when Dick accepted and he was even crying unashamed now. He new that his 2 dear and close friends would be ok.
"Congratulations you two, I am happy for you both."
Conner and Dick turned to see their dear friend Kaldur standing their smiling with tears in his eyes as well. They got up and all three embraced in a hug and it felt right standing here in front of Wally together again. All three friends turned and looked at Wally and smiled knowing that they were going to be ok, it will take time but they were going to be ok.
"Everyone has gathered in the conference room to welcome you both home. They know that you were in here and have given you time. They all realized what was happening and they day hasn't even fully started but it's already been an emotional time here today. I think they are all ready for some fun and good news such as your engagement."
The two lovers smiled at each other and nodded. They walked hand in hand out of the garden, with their hearts a little lighter and smiles on their faces ready to face a new day and their future together knowing that they would be they're for each other through anything.
END