"Deceiver, dissembler, Your trousers are alight, From what pole or gallows, Shall they dangle in the night?" Robin whirled around hearing something whispered in his ear. "Dude, you alright?" "Yea," Robin nodded to his redheaded friend continuing down the alley. He had the feeling that they were being watched looking up to see a solitary crow staring down at them. "Deceiver, diss.." the voice drifted till there was nothing but a light whisper carried away by the wind.

-Disclaimer- I do not own Young Justice although I would very much love to. Sigh. Depression.

This is set before invasion. I'm honestly not that much of a fan of some of the characters…::cough cough:: Lagoon Boy::cough cough:: Oh I need to get rid of this cold.

This fic will contain the following- Original character(s), Other characters of the DC world(some more known than others), Cursing, Themes many may not agree with including but not limited to: alcohol and drug usage, mentions of abuse (physical and emotional), innuendos (of the sexual nature) a.k.a jokes, blood/gore, and possible death, possible romance…not sure on that one.

Thank you for the love guys. It means a lot to me. XD! Enjoy XD

Quote-"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
Albert Camus

Central City

March 5th 2012

10:16 a.m.

"Aunt Iris, I'm fine," Wally exclaimed for probably the thirtieth time that day. Really, was it necessary to keep him from school? He was completely fine and heeled, even Batman said so but nope. His aunt was not convinced to say the least and asked him (read as demanded) he stay home just to make sure.

He didn't at all mind the mother hen routine from his aunt knowing that Iris only had his best interest at heart. His uncle had been just as bad if not more so not even letting him run back to the house once Batman had okayed his leave from the Mountain. Seriously he was glad the male ran fast enough to not be seen. He was way too old to be given piggy back rides first of all and second. What would the civilians say to his credibility if he was seen?

It was bad enough Roy had made a huge fuss over nothing. Well it wasn't really nothing seeing as he could have possibly died…maybe but he wasn't or hadn't so really why the fuss? Besides he was pretty sure that the older of the group was onto the fact that they had been keeping something from him if his more gruff than normal treatment was anything to go by. They hadn't asked him why he was practically avoiding them and he didn't give any explanation (figures) for why either.

Sighing Wally was sire that he was giving himself a headache with the way his thoughts were going. He didn't even want to start thinking about how he had been healed so quick to begin with. Rob had told him that he'd get his answer later today when they met up at the cave. He could say that he was a bit more than antsy to know right then and there having a feeling as to what it or who it had already been, just not how or why.

Speaking of which had it been three days already? Nope, only two.

Not getting any further with his thoughts the redhead was once again pulled out of his thoughts by a feminine voice.

Rolling his eyes Wally groaned as his aunt for the thirty-first time that day asked him if he was okay. "YesI'mfineAuntIris," the male rushed out before speeding over to her, pecking her on the cheek heading out of the house. He'd come back later to get chewed out but really he just wanted time to think.

The park was the best place at this time.

He loved the park specifically the little waterfall that they had constructed not too long ago. Seeing as it was the morning and a weekday not many people were out leaving him by himself for the most part to enjoy the soft burble of the falls as it streamed gently down the large rocks into the water below.

Wally sat down at the edge close enough to stick his still sneakered feet into the water but not enough to actually get the material wet. The feeling of wet sneakers, especially, socks were never pleasant. (Absolutely detest the feeling of wet socks.)

It had been a while since he felt like he could sit and think, slowly. Still getting the hang of it, the process was coming to the redhead easier and easier with practice. Barry had always said that it would be important he learn to control not only his physical speed but his mental as well. It helped a lot during missions when they were in a pinch but like what the last mission showed it had its drawbacks.

Now if only he could stop thinking of certain unpleasant topics. That would be wonderful as he saw a father pushing his very young son on the swing set yards away. Wally couldn't remember a time when he and his own father had moments like that, pretty sure that he at one point had, just chalked it up to being too young to remember...That or selective amnesia…Too young to remember sounded way better.

"Thought I'd find you here kid," an all too familiar voice sounded next to the redhead. Having not heard the soft footfalls Wally must have been too deep in thought at the moment to have noticed.

Watching the older speedster sit down on the grass next to him Wally gave the male a questioning gaze.

"I'm on lunch," Barry answered smoothly knowing that Wally knew he was lying. Shrugging Barry sat just like his nephew albeit having to sit a bit further away to keep his feet from getting wet.

They sat like that in silence for a while listening to the water flowing, every once and a while a frog croaking away giving a throaty 'Bong' before silence took over yet again. Barry opted to not say anything noticing how the redhead had been staring off at the father and son playing knowing what he was thinking about. When he wanted to talk he would.

"You ever regret having me as your partner?" Wally hadn't realized he had said it till the words left his mouth. Ducking his head to not witness his uncle's face he was hoping to not get an answer. Maybe the older male hadn't even heard him.

Hoping to not get an answer Wally wasn't expecting to get one in the affirmative. "Yes."

Looking down at the ground Wally could clearly say he had not expected his uncle to think that way. Had he really been that bad of a partner? That bad of a nephew?

"Every time I see you get hurt like last night I think that maybe I should have stuck with my guns and turned you down. But," Barry said wrapping an arm around his nephew bringing him closer and effectively bringing him out of his depressing thoughts. "That's from my own feeling of wanting to keep you out of danger. I can say that I'd regret the choice even more if I had turned you down. I never realized how having a partner could keep even me grounded. You've taught me more about myself and the strength of people than I could have on my own. Not to mention I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have listened either way," Barry chuckled as Wally ducked his head for a whole other reason.

"I second guess my choice all the time because I don't want to see you get hurt. I've never regretted having you as a nephew. And truthfully I guess it's not regret that you're my partner but extreme worry."

Mother hen syndrome, Wally thought before feeling the grip on his shoulder tighten just a bit.

Looking down at his nephew green met green as the blonde smiled. "You're a great kid Walls. And I'm not just saying that because you're my nephew or recreated an experiment way more advanced than what you should have been capable of doing at that age. Impressive as that may be. You have a heart of pure gold with your head in the right direction. You're smart, funny, charming…Oh wait that's me," Barry's smile grew more when the male turned from him giving a huff failing to stop himself from laughing.

"You've been through a lot and I'm not just talking about parentally. But you not only survived but came out a better and stronger person through it. Don't stop growing. I'm honored you're my nephew and sidekick."

"Partner," Wally said pushing his uncle's shoulder smirking. "And working with you isn't all that bad….When you're not late all the time."

"Thanks Kid," Barry said ruffling the male's hair.

Fixing his hair as best he could, no thanks to his uncle, a sigh escaped his lips this time in content as Wally sat back a bit more to stare up at the sky feeling marginally better than he had been before. "Uncle Barry?"

"Yea kid?"

"Thanks."

"That's what I'm here for kid." Nothing else was said between the two as they continued to sit staring off at the sky, clouds slowly rolling by. It couldn't get any better of a day.

-xoOox-

Star City University, Star City

March 5th 2012

10:00 a.m.

"So who is going to tell me what the Raven signified in Edgar Allen Poe's work?"

It was Monday morning. 10:00…Way too early to have been up in class especially when it was English 101…Seven English credits in High school, three AP classes and two grades of three on the tests and he was still stuck in English 101…This…was torture.

Roy sat at the back of the room trying his hardest to one, make himself scarce knowing that he had not done the work assignment and two, she was more than likely going to call on him he could feel it. Thinking it better to have skipped class instead he just began to slowly write down the notes Professor Leroy had written out on the board. It was either that or make eye contact with the older woman and with eyes that looked like they could suck out your very soul there was just no way.

Roy had been busy to say the least. After the little show down at the restaurant the night before he had once again dealt with crap from his car. Sure the thing was on its last legs (wheels to be more precise) he'd have to do some major saving to get something a little better than his 1990 Nissan Maxima a.k.a. his jalopy, less he wanted to go back to riding the city bus…No he'd pass on that.

His head wasn't right still after seeing Wally in the med ward at the mountain just last night. Pissed that his replacement, yes he still referred to her by that and no, no one could tell him otherwise, was there when his little brother had been hurt he told the blonde as much a bit shocked and miffed when Wally came to her aid. Really? Had he been gone for that long that his brother would easily trust someone with just as much a mysterious past as Batman and Robin put together? Alright it wasn't that serious but he really didn't trust the girl as far as he could throw her feeling that it was somehow her fault Wally had been hurt in the first place.

The redhead for the most part was okay, however, after giving most everyone a scare. He could definitely tell that there was something off with the raven haired male of the little group. Not able to place it he'd give the younger one a few days tops to sort out his crap before he did it for him. Quite sure that Wally knew at least some of what was going on they both would get an earful for keeping things from him. So he hadn't visited in a while, he was in school…Could they really blame him? It wasn't much of an excuse but that was the best he'd give…If they ever asked him why he didn't visit as often that is.

So between visiting Wally, work, his car, and dealing with Oliver (he would rather not even delve into that conversation) Roy sat in the back of his English 101 class trying to ignore the blank paper under his notes…His blank homework paper…That he forgot to do.

Looking to the blonde female sitting next to him Roy was pretty sure by the grimace on her face that Courtney too had forgotten to do her homework. Score one for superhero's keeping the streets clean at night. Minus a point for not being able to complete a simple homework assignment on time…Which they had three days to do…Yea…The dog ate my homework was not going to work this time.

Glancing around the room the Professor calmly and patiently waited for someone to speak, all of the students remaining quiet. "Let's not all speak up at once," she spoke out looking from row to row of faces that all said for her not to pick them. Really was answering a question that hard of a thing to do?

While some of the students made eye contact, a learned way of 'If I make eye contact the teacher won't pick on me'. Others used the 'If I have my head down maybe she won't pick on me'. Going for the students who made eye contact mostly there was one in particular Professor Leroy had picked up on whom had the 'I'm taking notes so don't pick on me look.' That was like blood in the water to a shark.

"Mr. Roy Harp-"

Before she could finish calling upon the male the closed door burst open with enough force to bang against the wall eliciting shocked gasps and giggles from some of the students, an annoyed glare from the professor. The male student whom was the object of everyone's attention apologized quickly for the entrance before making his way towards the back of the room taking up his seat squeaking all the way there. s

Taking out her cell phone Professor Leroy checked the time before turning to the wall behind her and finally her watch. "Did you know, Mr. Jordan Williams that you are 32minutes and 17 now 18 seconds late to a class that started at exactly 9:30?"

"I'm sorry ma'am," Jordan rushed taking off his rain drenched hoodie whilst trying to get his things out of his bag. Roy, sitting right next to the male, could tell that he was nervous what with almost all the eyes in the room on him. If the shaking of his voice and hands or the fact that he had just dropped half of his bag on the floor was anything to go by.

Sighing in exasperation Roy bent over to the side helping the male with his things. Handing him his pens Roy got a quick glance at a peculiar ring that had somewhat of the same design on it that he'd seen on the ring Rob had on last night. He'd have to remember to ask the raven about it. Last he checked the male was Romanian.

"Maybe you, Mr. Williams would like to tell us what the Raven's purpose in Edgar Allen Poe's poem is in Mr. Harper's place." And that is how Roy got out of speaking in front of a class for homework that he did not do. Score one for him and late students.

Taking his things from Roy and with a quick thank you stood up to face the class from his seat. "Um…well, the-"

"You did do the reading assignment correct?"

"Yes ma'am I did," Jordan spoke quickly shuffling through his notebook stopping on a page with just a few bullets written down. Vaguely Roy wondered what happened to the actual homework sheet. Glancing at the professor he could tell that she too was thinking the same thing. Probably finding ways to dock the male points by the glint in her eyes while she was at it.

"So then clearly tell us. In your own words of course."

Taking a slow breath Jordan scratched absently at his neck before speaking. "The raven sort of symbolizes-"

"You are going to have to speak up Mr. Williams, Professor Leroy interrupted yet again. "I do not like to say it too often but I am getting old."

Sighing Jordan spoke up as asked "Yes ma'am." He started over hiding well his annoyance of the teacher. "The raven symbolizes the end of the man's suffering and longing for his lost love. It is said in-"

"Slower Mr. Williams," Professor Leroy interrupted yet again. Roy was getting sick of the woman. Just let the kid talk so we can go, he thought trying hard not to groan out loud. This sucks. "And annunciate your words." Rolling his eyes Roy heard an audible groan from his right. Seems like he wasn't the only one on their wits end with the professor.

Sighing this time Jordan once again started up from the beginning so that way he would not, again, be interrupted. "The raven symbolizes the end of the man's suffering and longing for his lost love. In the poem the man passes on at the end to seemingly be reunited with his love Lenore."

"Where does it say that?"

"And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted-nevermore!" Spoken from memory Jordan paused to see if the professor was going to say anything to him before continuing. "Raven's have been long thought to be birds of death, or messenger birds that can go between worlds, depending on religion. With that in mind a bird flying into a home is also seen as an omen of death or bad things to come. So the Raven came into his home upon the bust over his chamber door speaking the words nevermore. Nevermore would he have to ponder over volumes of forgotten lore or dark magic texts to put into simpler terms, possibly finding his own ways of reuniting himself with Lenore. No longer would he have to suffer his separation from his lost love Lenore."

Finishing what he had to say the male prayed she didn't ask him for anything else. Really it was nerve racking standing up in class with so many eyes on you no matter what year in school you were. 'Just say okay so I can sit back down, Jordan thought deflating when Professor Leroy apparently was not done with him."

"And how do you figure that the books he was readying were dark in nature? That intrigues me."

"Wikipedia," Jordan mumbled underneath his breath not daring to say it any louder less she had been lying about her hearing in the beginning. "He was reading in December lost and forgotten lore. December is known for a witching month so to speak and not many people read or even practice witchcraft…to my knowledge anyway."

"Very interesting…You may sit," Professor Leroy motioned for the male to take his seat, something he was grateful for before she continued on with the lesson for the rest of the allotted time.

-xoOox-

I hate college! Roy thought as he walked beside Courtney and Jordan…his new class project buddies. Seriously who gave projects at practically the end of the semester? This was downright crazy. He could say that as much as he hated projects it was alright that he got paired with the two. They were the only ones he could tolerate within his class and the only ones who did work.

The last class assignment that he had, group, he almost bashed the two idiots he was saddled with over the back of the head. Expecting him to do all the work and give them any form of credit…They'd have better luck getting Conner to smile.

It was once again on Edgar Allen Poe making Roy wonder if she had some form of obsessive liking to the males work, as creepy as it was. They had been given the task of re-writing the Raven (yey) into modern language on top of writing their own poem within his style…That would be easy.

"So, we can meet up at my place la-"

"Hey there sexy!" Roy, with raised brows, watched on as the bartender he worked alongside with at Marty's Bar and Grill, hug Jordan from behind, his arms wrapping around the males waist, chin on his shoulder. "I missed you at home last night," he purred sending the small group a quick wink before bringing his attention back to the male he was clinging himself to.

"Avery, get the hell off me," Jordan growled prying the male off of him his face slightly flushed from embarrassment. People were staring.

Laughing heartily the male did as asked opting instead to latch onto Jordan's arm the other taking care not to strangle the shorter. Too many witnesses. "That's not what you said last night sweet cheeks."

"The fu-you have one more time to-"

"Are we interrupting something?" Courtney asked, the blonde female trying her best to hide a laugh. It wasn't often seeing the dark eyed male so flustered and seconds from killing someone. Normally he was so broody and quiet…Almost like the redhead standing right next to her. Shooting the male in question a quick glance confirmed what she had already attested to, brooding.

"I didn't know you two were dating," the female continued. "You should have said something Avery."

"Dating? You think…" Turning to the smirking male still clinging to him Jordan mumbled a quick death threat before returning his attention to his classmates. "This character is my very screwed up older cousin. You all know each other?"

Nodding her head in confirmation Courtney voiced out loud, "We work at Marty's together."

"I'm so sorry."

"Oh, you know you don't mean that," Avery said, his voice laced with mock hurt.

"Why the hell are you here?" Jordan demanded glaring at the male standing before him scrutinizing his outfit. With it still cold from the rain earlier that morning and snow on the ground it was a wonder he was wearing nothing more than a light purple hoodie, black sweats, and flip-flops.

Rolling his eyes the male clicked his tongue before answering Jordan. "I told you last week. I got a short time gig as a figure model."

"A figure…You couldn't have done that at someone else's school?!" Jordan seethed at the male whom seemed not at all perturbed by his rising anger.

Nope, not in the least as he cooed "Awwww. You upset I'm not for your eyes only anymore?" Holding up his hand to silence the slowly enraged male Avery continued. "Don't worry, they can look but I told them no touching. That's all-"

"Avery."

The name was said in a clipped tone letting the male know it was all business from there. Rolling his eyes Avery placed a hand to his hip choosing to examine his nails instead of look his younger cousin in the eyes. "You really want to have this talk right now?"

Slightly deflating Jordan rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "No. We'll talk later but right now go home."

Feeling the presence from before wafting off of Roy, albeit stronger not for some reason, Avery was beginning to think more it had to do with what Corva had told him before. Could he know the Grayson child?

"Can't," he answered his cousin. "We were going over poses till the Professor decided to do doubles figure drawing. I'm on break till they find someone, although. Maybe you'd-"

"I'm warning you Ave."

"It's not like it's something I haven't seen before. And I wasn't asking you-" the male turned to Roy his face nothing but serious as he spoke his next words. "So what do you say? I'd ask Courtney but she's already turned me down."

"AVERY!"

"Oh calm down," Avery said chuckling at the twin looks Roy and his cousin were sending him. "I'm not serious…Unless he is," chuckling Avery was not expecting his cousin to grab him by the back of the neck mumbling a quick I'll be back to his classmates before walking a good distance with him in tow.

"Was that necessary?" Avery asked rubbing the back of his neck once his cousin let up. "If this bruises-"

"Drop it Ave. What's wrong?"

"What? I can't have a little fun?"

"You're wearing cover-up." To prove his observation Jordan swiped lightly at his cousin's cheek showing him his finger not at all missing the slight wince the male tried to stifle. Sure enough some of the make-up had come off, not enough to reveal the bruise underneath though.

Rolling his eyes Avery pulled on a smile, as fake as it was. "Never you mind that right now."

"It was Corva wasn't it?...You're trying too hard today," was the males explanation, Avery a bit too shocked by his cousins deductions to say anything. "What did she say to you?" He would have asked what did she do to him but already knew the answer to that one.

"I would rather not get into it right now," Avery said, the over bright smile finally leaving his face for a more subdued look. "Just know that you might have to explain to the girls what they really are sooner than you wanted to."

With narrowed eyes Jordan nodded his head wanting to ask more questions than what he knew Avery was willing to give in such an open space. That bitch had some nerve.

"I won't abandon them Jordan, know that. I won't fail them or you again."

"Avery-"

"Well," the male said cutting off Jordan skipping over to Courtney and Roy, the smile back on his face. "I will see you later tonight," he gave Courtney a quick peck on the cheek before whirling to Roy, the male apprehensive to say the least. "Just remember what I said," Avery purred winking at Roy before ruffling Jordan's hair shooting out a quick goodbye before heading off in the opposite direction.

The first one to get back some composure was Roy as he blinked slowly. "Is he?"

"An idiot, yes. Should he be taking medicine…Probably. But to your actual question I'm still not sure."

Taking that as an answer the redhead fixed his book bag still wondering what the hell that was all about before turning to Courtney who was trying and failing hard to stop laughing. At least someone was amused by what was going on. He was just glad that Wally and most of all Rob were not there to have seen that. They wouldn't let him live that down…Ever.

End Chapter