A/N: I am alive guys. But there is a few points I want to make before we get into the story once more:
1-) THIS IS NOT AN OBLIGATION. I do not owe anything to anyone. This is/was my passion project. Let me do this at my own pace, regardless of whether this pace is your preferred pace or not. This is mine. This is my story. So please, don't demand for more than I can already give you. I am a student, thinking about study abroad applications and graduate school applications. I even had to drop a class since I had SO MUCH on my plate already, excluding this story. Instead of being so concerned about this story, why doesn't anyone ask how I have been? This might seem like me ranting but please remember that there are people typing these words, these stories, for you, for free. its not automatic. it takes so much out of us, so please be considerate, and thankful. I know my fellow writers/authors will agree with me.
2-) if there is a small typo, please ignore it. Let me know if it's so bad that you cannot understand the word/sentence/paragraph, then that's a problem that should be brought to my attention. There is nothing more irritating when someone points out the smallest typo, despite the fact that I spent so much time on this already. This is all me. There isn't a paid editor, whose job is to point out these mistakes. The fancy books you buy at stores, those people have editors who revise and edit twice, thrice, four times, etc. so that there isn't any mistakes, because even the big name novelists/writers/authors make mistakes. See the point above. This is for fun, not for literary acclaim or grandeur.
3-) I love love love every single one of you. I am also a spitfire fan, I am also a YJ fan. And as much I want to say that I am writing this for the fandom, truth is I am also writing this for me. I am writing this to satisfy my shipper heart.
And now for the more ... technical points:
4-) I am changing my approach. I decided that its very difficult to find time to write 10-20k word chapters without me wanting to pull my hair out because of how long I've been staring at it. Instead, it'll be around 1-2K word chapters. Is everyone okay with that?! This is a test-and-trial, an experiment. If I write smaller chapters, perhaps I can publish more frequently (WAY more frequently. I have cause you pain enough).
5-)Due to the new approach, i might be able to post frequently. turns out i have had a second chapter typed and stored away for VERY LONG TIME. and instead of publishing the entire thing, I will cut it into smaller sections and try to publish probably every week, once I decide on a date. (Which day you guys prefer?) It will give me time to catch up and type even more, so i can have a nice little chapter storage.
Final thing, I promise:
6-) This is also a collaboration of sorts! I'm experimenting different approaches, since fanfiction gives you that privilege. Turns out, long chapters didn't work for me, at all. I had thought they were more substantial than smaller chapters, but it turns out they are so much more difficult and not the right fit for me. So I'm going to change things, try new things. Please, give me your opinions on the new format. Give me ideas that might help me in this journey. And without further ado, may you commence this story.
Central City:
August 9th, 2020. 3:45am CDT
In the West Residence in Central City, the two young men were sitting on the couch. An awkward silence filled the room. Where before there was nothing but friendship, conversation and fondness between Dick Grayson and Wally West, that was now replaced with heavy tension, sharp resentment, and regret. Dick regretted not being a better friend; he should have never called Artemis that day. She was in retirement. Wally and she were both happy with their decision. He should have respected his friends' wishes and left them alone. And Wally regretted being so distance. He just retired; there was no reason why he couldn't have visited his friends every once in awhile.
"So what do I do now?" Wally's hoarse voice broke the silence.
Dick sat with his back straight, looking at his best friend through his domino mask. He couldn't read Wally's expression.
"You brought me back, Dick." Wally continued, his fingertips trembling. The redhead was staring hard, but Dick felt as if Wally wasn't even looking at him, as if Wally's physical body wasn't even there and instead there was just an empty armchair and nothing left of his best friend. "What was the plan after bringing me back? Wha-what did you think was going to happen?"
Dick had to think. What was the plan? He never really thought about that. His thoughts were always focused on the process of bringing KF back, never once did he think about the aftermath. Well, he supposed he did think about it; but, those thoughts were all fantasies, nothing serious. Nothing that he thought would actually occur. "The choice is up to you."
Wally scoffed bitterly, resting his head on his hands. "Everything has changed, Dick." He gasped, angrily. "You said it yourself. Nothing is the same. Life has continued on without me-"
"Then force yourself back into it!" Dick exclaimed, suddenly feeling exasperated with him. The Wally he knew wouldn't just mope around. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get on with your life!"
"How dare you?" Wally growled, standing up from his seat. He didn't care if his parents were asleep upstairs. He was angry at Dick, angry for what he had just said and angry that he brought him back without a plan.
Dick, on the other hand, just let out a deep breath in order to calm himself down. Wally was right, he had to admit reluctantly. But he just couldn't understand how can Wally be mad at a second chance. Dick had done his part: he had brought Wally back; now it was Wally's turn to make the best out of it. Right?
"Dick, don't you understand?! Everything I have built is gone. There is nothing left for m-me anymore." His voice cracked at the end, like a child's.
Dick's gaze softened. Four years ago, he hadn't behaved like a friend. But similar to Wally's second chance of life, this was his own second chance to be a friend, to be the best friend, once more.
"Come back." Dick said, standing up as well so he was looking in Wally's eyes. "Join the team. There is always a place for you there. Everyone will be happy to have you back."
Wally shook his head, determined to go through his decision of staying in retirement.
"Wally, what is there left for you in Palo Alto?" Dick asked gently with a frown, trying to sound comforting but he also needed Wally to face the truth. There is no reason for him to stay in retirement. "The world always is in need of more heroes."
Heroes…
"I-I'll think about it." Wally said in an effort to appease Dick. And it did. A small smile formed on Dick's face, and he placed his hand on Wally's shoulder. If only he could make him choose the team again.
"Thank you." Dick murmured, content. "You should come by tomorrow by the HQ. See the team, reunite with the guys, and meet the new freshmen."
"Yeah, sure." Wally said in a distant voice. He was more concerned - scared, frightened, nervous - to meet Artemis again. It took every ounce of self constraint to not go running to wherever she is and pick her up in his arms and tell her how much he loves her.
N/A: I promise to publish more (won't give you a date though). But give me your reviews and opinions! Do not skip the top N/A! If you haven't read it, go back and do.
