"Starry Night"

(( Disclaimer I do not own the rights to any of these characters.. Dc does.. this is a fan-fic))

It had been five years, six months, 3 weeks, two days, and four and half hours since I've last stood in this room. Yet here I stand once again in the hall of dead titans. I'm here because of the newest statue added, Conner, Superboy, died saving us from Lex Luthor. All of the Titans old and new were here. I was quiet as I stood in front of the statue, in the distance I could hear Beast Boy, Speedy, and Kid Flash talking about the time Conner decided to throw the beach party to end all beach parties, I remember those days god they were fun.

Donna and Roy were there to they were looking though an old photo album, they didn't know Conner like we knew him but they still cared. Nightwing was in the back leaning up against a wall he didn't say anything he even blew off Starfire. There was another reception in the meeting room of the tower where non-Titans were, Victor said that putting up the statue wouldn't be appropriate if they were here. Still their were a lot of Titans, even Damage, Argent, and Captain Marvel Junior showed up. Yet I was still quiet, my thoughts were on Conner, I loved him.

True, we had rocky on and off relationship. It's also true that I did once dump him for Freddy only to end up back with Conner again. But at the end of day no matter what we had faced be it Lex Luthor, evil demons from hell, killer robots, or just the demons in our heads... I loved Conner. That never changed, I don't think it ever will. Tim walked up to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

"I miss him to Cassie."

I bit my lower lip; Tim was as close to Conner as I was. I knew that they had a 'special relationship' even if no one else did. They were surprised that I was okay with it, but I would be a hypocrite if I wasn't. I mean I did have a thing with the Star-Spangled Kid a while back. I hugged Tim, I didn't speak. I loved Tim to but not like I loved Conner... Tim was like a brother to me. Everyone started to leave the room and go to the reception, everyone but me and Tim. Finally Tim looked at me and said.

"Are you coming?"

"In a minute Tim... I just need a minute."

Tim nodded then left. Tears were in my eyes looking at the statue. I slowly started to speak.

"Oh, Conner why did you have to go and do something so foolish. We could've found another way. Maybe you didn't care so much about yourself but that doesn't mean the rest of us didn't. You... I... I love you. I'm not sure if I told you that enough times but truly do. We've been though so much and I could always trust you. I know I will have to move on, but you have been an important part of my life and you always will be ..."

I suddenly felt a warm hand on my shoulder this shocked me because I though everyone had left the room.

"I'm sorry..."

I recognized that voice and quickly turned around to see Nightwing looking right at me.

" Nightwing? I didn't realize you were still here.."

" I stayed behind, even though I didn't know Conner as well as you or Tim. His death is my responsibility.. As are all of theirs."

" No, it's not. Why would you say such a thing?"

" Because I was one of the founding members of the Teen Titans, I was the first leader. So even when I'm not leading the team whatever happens is my responsibility. Either I made a misjudgment, or I wasn't a good enough role model for the other leaders. Or I just wasn't there. It's my fault Cassie and for that I am sorry."

I put my hand on Nightwing's cheek. His head was down, I had never seen him like this.. He always seemed so strong, untouchable almost. But for first time I finally understood that he was only human. A human who's put on more masks then I think I could imagine. Somewhere behind that dark mask and those black clothes there was a heart of a noble man beating.. And now that heart was bleeding just like mine. I spoke gently to him like you would to a child.

"It's not your fault... none of their deaths are your fault."

Nightwing then hugged me as I hugged him. We were both upset and hurting though possibly for different reasons. The embrace felt warm and inviting.