So...thanks for the wonderful reviews! As always, you guys give me even more reason to write!(: Also, this chapter is a little different than hoped because we had Irene come through and knock out the power for, like, two days, so I couldn't save all my original stuff): But (since I'm this awesome-genius writer) it has taken me no time to rewrite everything! Yahoo!(: Enjoy!(:

I stared into Connor's wide eyes. Gulping, I gave a sideways glance to Izzy, who fixated her eyes on something else.

Of course I knew the risk in coming here. Hell, I knew the risk of being transferred back to Gotham, just like Cory. I was prepared to handle any lone one of them, ready to look at them like they were crazy when they called me out in public.

Notice how I didn't say that I was ready to tackle them together.

No matter how many signals and questions I sent to Izzy telepathically, she made me realize I was on my own for this one. Great. Just what I needed.

I took a deep breath. It was do or die time. And right then, I chose do. "Yes?"

"Oh my God, it really is you! Megan! Come over here! Quick!" Connor turned back around and briskly made his way to his-wife? She arched an eyebrow at him, gaze floating over to me. Apparently, she didn't think it was me. Was that a good thing or a bad one?

"Cassie?" Her voice was still soft and sweet, but there was a twinge of edginess to it. Had being a mother for two years harden my cheerleader up? If so, I liked it.

"Yes?" Hearing people refer to me by my first name felt awkward. I was used to being called "Zucco", "Petty Officer", and many other things that didn't involve my actual name. Slowly, I was getting used to it.

"Well, I'll be damned. It really is you!" A smile took over Megan's face. My eyes wandered over to the team and the "Titans". They were watching me, too. No doubt one of them had heard something.

"I believe I've found the source of the super-hearing and mind-reading," Raven commented, staring blankly at me. I glared in her direction, speaking a little louder.

"To hell you have." Her eyes widened. What, was emo chick surprised to find I knew she was talking about me?

Megan was smiling widely while holding her kid. Abigail was Connor's skin color, but she had a green tint. Her eyes were red, like her mother's, and her hair was a dark red, almost brownish black. She was the complete mix of both parents. But there was something in her features...

Features I could relate to.

They were strong, set in their ways. I could tell, without having to read her mind, that she was so strong willed that no one dare told her no. I wondered if she had a mix of her parents' powers as well. If so, she was definitely like me. And might not be a good thing.

"I can't believe it! It's so good to see you! I knew you hadn't totally abandoned us!" Megan's voice was so giddy I couldn't help but smile. The smile vanished when the others came over.

"Megan, what is the source of this outburst?" Roy asked, dumbfounded as he made his way over to her. Jade hung back with my niece clinging to her. Could she sense my presence and was scared?

"You can't even recognize your own sister? That's a little insulting, Roy," I greeted, fake pouting. Roy's eyes snapped open enough for him to get an adrenaline rush.

"Cassie?"

"What is it with everyone? People don't just call me Cassie anymore!" I slammed my fist down on the counter, and a barely audible cry was heard from Lian's vocal chords. Great. Not exactly what I wanted to do.

"Sorry! We're just...Happy to see you." He reached forward and hugged me. After letting go of me, he beckoned to Jade. "Cassie, this is your niece-"

"Lian. I see her mother had something to do with the naming." I still wasn't fond of Jade. She still had that look in her eyes...Then again, so did I. I guess I didn't have much room to judge. She hadn't walked out on her loved ones.

"Is that an issue?" Jade's eyes were blazing. I gave it right back to her.

"It very well might be." I was up for the challenge.

"Play nice, girls," Artemis interjected, putting both her hands up. I suppressed a smile.

"So who're you again?" Cyborg asked, coming up with the rest of his team. Robin automatically dropped Starfire's hand after he caught me staring. I fought back the urge to blush.

"I'm Cassie. I worked with the team for three months before I-"

"Ditched us and went into the Navy," Dick muttered.

Smiling to keep myself from punching him in the face I agreed with him. "Yeah, that was totally the reason I left. It never had anything to do with the whole 'I wanted to make up for the murderer I had once been' thing."

"You were a part of the team but you murdered people?" Beast Boy was appalled.

"That was back in my...younger days."

"Oh please, that was a little less than three-four years ago!" Megan clamped a hand over her mouth as soon as she said it, knowing I would get angry. Thankfully, the Navy had taught me something: Unless you were the one giving orders, you didn't get angry over anything in front of anyone.

"True. But I was younger then than I am now."

"True too." She pointed a finger back at me. I smiled.

"So, what did you do?" Of course her voice would sound like Megan's once had: she was the exact opposite of me!

"Oh, I was just second in command to the notorious Famiglia Boss Anthony Zucco."

"The one who killed your parents?" Starfire turned to Dick. I responded for him.

"That's the one. Also, Daddy Zucco wasn't the actual murderer of Dick's parents. He was just the mastermind behind the masterpiece." I felt the pain Dick went through when I called my father a "mastermind" and his parents' deaths a "masterpiece". If only he knew this was all just a show. "I was the one who really fired the shots and cut the cords. I almost even killed Batman." The response was predictable. Her eyes widened in surprise, and the rest of them (just not those who knew me) drew in breaths.

"You bitch." Okay, that was totally not expected.

"Excuse me?" I really didn't feel like having a brawl right here in the diner, but if that was what it came down to...

"I just called you a bitch. Has anyone never had the courage to call you that in front of your face?" My eyes wandered to Dick, who dropped his. We both were remembering the one night when we were dating when we had fought about how he never liked to do his own damn laundry. Him calling me a bitch was very unforgivable. Maybe.

"Actually, it's usually been worse. Try 'slut' and 'criminal'."

"Well, you're those things, too, killing people like that."

"And you have nothing to say to Artemis and Jade, who both worked for the same person/company that killed people for a living too? That Arty's father is-or was-Sportsmaster, and she was sent to YJ to kill Wally and Bart, just like I was to kill Dick and Bruce? That she's my cousin, and my father also wanted me to kill my half-brother Roy because he wouldn't join his father and sister in the famiglia? Yeah, that's what I thought." I crossed my arms over my chest as I watched her expression change from anger to surprise. Starfire looked at all the people whose names I had mentioned, and they dropped their eyes.

"I cannot believe this," she whispered.

"Well, believe it dearie."

"This is why I hate Earth." She turned to Dick, who started getting red in the face. "Are you going to respond?"

"I'd prefer not to," he muttered, shuffling his weight between his legs. I snorted. Typical Dick. He never had much of a backbone.

Except when he was with me.

Nice one, Bird Boy. His eyes shot up to me, mouth gaping open. He looked surprised, almost shocked. Dick got over it quickly, closing his mouth and grabbing Star's hand. He was really starting to piss me off, and he knew it too. The smug look on his face said it all.

"If we're going to have a full out fight, can we at least leave the diner and be at MJ?" Wally asked, completely unsure whether or not to say anything. I shrugged, grabbing my things.

"Sure, why not? I have my training uniform." I slid on my dress jacket, and they all gasped.

"You really did go in the Navy!" Megan gushed, squealing excitedly.

"And she's a Petty Officer," Dick added. If he hadn't been shocked before, he was now.

"First class, actually. Surprised?"

"Yeah, that you could follow orders without getting the shit kicked out of you," Roy joked, smiling widely. I reached out to punch him.

"That rank didn't come as easily as you think!" I threw back as I grabbed my bag, too. "I'll meet you and Cory back at ya'll's house?" Izzy nodded, giving me a hug. Cory was still in the bathroom, but I had a feeling he'd slipped out without Izzy.

"Nice to see you, Izzy!" Connor called as Izzy waved good-bye to everyone else and stalked out. I slid a fifty to Bibbo, told him to keep the change, and left with the two teams.

"I can fly," I told them as we got to their separate cars. They all shrugged. Part of me wanted to sneak into their minds to find out if they were just tricking me into meeting with the other members of the JL, but I figured that I'd find out when I got there.

As I flew above their train of cars, I felt my phone buzz. Of course it would be him, but I just ignored it. Everything could wait for a little bit.

I landed in front of them near the entrance of the cave, and I could tell Star was preparing for a fight. It really wouldn't be a fight since I could totally take her in less than three seconds.

Not much had changed to the cave, just the overall...size of it. It was a little bit larger, therefore closer to the ocean. Just what Wally loved: Being able to go surfing. All that would change with the baby.

"Welcome back," Kaldur murmured as he stretched his arm out for me to go ahead of the rest of them. I stepped through, being transported into the living room. For a brief second, it felt like old times. Everything was still the same, except for the baby toys scattered throughout. I wondered if this was where the Titans stayed, too.

"No, they live on the other side of Gotham. That T-shaped building on the rock right before the city?" Megan put down Abby and let her roam freely as she walked into the kitchen to start making food. I nodded. "Well, that's where-"

"I live now," Dick finished, appearing beside me. "But I sometimes stay here if I'm visiting. Or if we're tag-teaming."

"Nice." I threw my bag under the bar and leaned up against the granite. "So am I fighting her or not?"

"No. This was just a trap to get you over here," Uncle Ollie said as he and the rest of the JL came out from the shadows. So, I had been right. Leave it to Megan. I shot a glare in her direction as she kept cooking. I saw a small smile creep onto her face, but it disappeared just as quick as it appeared. "How ya been, sweets?" Sweets? He hasn't called you that in over five years!

"Good, and you?" I asked, limply hugging him as he outstretched his arms to engulf me. I waved hello to Dinah, Red Tornado, Martian Manhunter, Superman, Aquaman, and the others. I hugged my mom, and balled my fists when I saw Bruce. It was a damn good thing he was hanging back and didn't say anything. How could Mom stand to work with him when he treated her like crap?

"Oh, the usual."

For some reason, it felt good to be back. Another part of me knew it wasn't for real. I missed it here. There was something about Gotham that felt like...Home. Despite everything it had put me through, and it was no where near as peaceful as Cali, London, Rome, or Bucharest, I still missed it. After all, Gotham had seen my tears and smiles, heard my screams and cries of joy, and felt my pain and happiness. It had been through everything with me, and it always would. Gotham was my home.

Too bad I had to leave it again.

"So, we're not going to fight?" I clarified, staring at Star. She shrugged. "No, seriously, because I don't like getting pumped and then can't throw a punch."

"Spoken like a true sailor," Aquaman said, smiling from ear to ear. I glared at him. No one spoke about the Navy like that. There was a reason the military didn't really like superheroes: They took our place. Everything we did, they could do ten times more/better. Sure, some people liked not having to do a lot of work because the JL and other heroes did, but the true military people liked to do all that. Most of the time, that's why they signed up. That was why I signed up, at least.

He saw the look in my eyes and backed off. "I was only joking, Cassie."

"Whatever." I shrugged again, trying to brush it off. Slowly, the irritant feeling went away. "So you're sure we're not going to fight?"

She nodded, sliding her hand into Dick's. Did she know it pissed me off?

Megan snorted while staring into the oven, sliding a turkey out from the racks. Of course she heard that. Bitch. But, really. Did she?

"No." Her eyes were still laughing as she checked to make sure it was done. "Dinner's ready!"

We all made our way over to the dining room, and I was stuck between Dick and Cyborg. I kept bumping hands with Cyborg since I was a leftie, so most of the feast was filled with our apologies to each other.

"So, Cassie, how's life in the Navy?" Clark asked. I shrugged (That seemed to be a thing of mine, and everybody else's).

"Fine. I really like my job. It's the human/American way of saving lives."

"Is that why you went in?" Beast Boy seemed to be a very curious person. A little too curious for my taste. I nodded, though.

"Plus, I knew it would improve my strategies for ruling my country."

"You rule a country?" Raven asked, food spilling out of her mouth. The team and the JL started laughing at the Titan's shocked faces.

"Yes. I'm actually the real princess of Themyscira. That Agnes lady you've probably met? Well, she's my fill-in. She keeps me up-to-date on the stuff I'm missing."

"Wow." Cyborg nodded, approving. They seemed to be starting to like me.

All but Starfire. Which didn't bother me much; I didn't like her very much, either.

We went through dinner and dessert acting like one huge family, and then it was time for me to leave. The Titans had to go, too, and we all went to disperse when Dick offered me a ride.

"Star is catching a ride with Raven, and I don't want you all alone this time of night. Things have changed here, despite what it looks like. It seems the crime went up after you left," he added as we walked to his car. I giggled while throwing my stuff in his trunk. I had changed into a pair of jeans and a Navy sweatshirt right before we all left. I noticed he was driving the Spider now, and I commented on the subject while we got in.

"What, no motorcycle now?"

He laughed. "It's back at the Titan's place."

"So you like it there? With them?" I wondered if he could tell I was prying into his mind without actually doing it. He didn't catch on.

"Yeah, somewhat. I miss the original crew, though."

"Me included?" I threw him a smile, telling him I was joking. He smiled back.

"Actually, yes. I miss the...comments."

"Nice." I faced forward, trying not to show how much I missed him.

"When you're away do you miss everyone?"

"Of course! You guys are my family!" I turned to face him again. When he stopped the car in front of Izzy's I hadn't realized how close her place was to MJ. Staring at the house, I sighed. "Well, I guess I'll be seeing you." I turned to smile at him again. It was then I realized his face was less than an inch away from mine.

"Cassie..."

"Dick..."

The next thing I knew, we were making out. It felt just like old times before we told Bruce and Diana about us; making out in the Spider when we got back from going to get groceries or something. Or when we were at MJ for a quick mission.

He was on me, my back against the window. I snaked my hand into his hair, and he braced his hands against the handles coming out from the door. He still kissed the same...and it still felt like home. I could feel everything from two years back rushing into my head again, and I felt like I was reliving it...Every touch, every kiss, every word...

But it was wrong.

He was with Starfire now, and it would break her heart if he left her, or if she found out he had slept with me while dating her. We both had made the choice to leave each other, and it had to stay that way. Things would never be the same for us, so it would never work out. We weren't meant to be, like Connor and Megan, Roy and Jade, and Wally and Artemis. Even Bruce and my mom didn't work out. And I didn't want to end up like them.

I pulled away, shaking my head. We both were breathing heavily as I slid out from under him and slammed the car door in his face. I popped the trunk with my mind and grabbed my stuff. Dick was right next to the car when I slammed the trunk door down. I jumped a little, but only as a habitual reaction. He had a smug look on his face, eyes shining. "We can't do this, Dick."

"Says who?"

"Says the girl who wouldn't have thought twice about it if she was sixteen again."

"Isn't it ironic, though? The criminal has a conscience, and the goodie-two-shoes can't stop thinking about doing all the wrong things with his ex?"

"Go home, Dick," I growled as I pushed past him into Izzy's. She didn't say anything as the Spider sped off. There was nothing to discuss. Nothing to think about.

Except for the fact that I had kissed Dick.

And loved it.

Before I went to bed, I glanced at the text message.

Did you get it?

I'm working on it.

Well hurry up. These things can't wait.

I know.

Then act on it! That's an order!

Or what?

You know what.

The painful screams filled my head as I read the last message. I may hate being bad, but there was no discussing this one. Fuck the "everyone's got a choice" shit. I had to get that file. It seemed my trip to Gotham would be cut short. Again.

Uh-oh. So Cassie's not all that good, huh? Yes, I've decided to keep my story going just a little bit longer. Trust me, this is one of the last chapters. I'm just going to warn you, the beginning of the next chapter will be in third person, like we did for that small section early on (remember?). Who do you think it is that she's working for? And who's screams were those? And what is this "again" thing? Cassie was here before? Hmm...Reviews! Oh, and what about the kiss? Hmmm...(: