BCACK!

That was a parrot. XD

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! After the long, long, wait, here is Valentine's Day!

I OWN NOTHING (besides the usual)

WARNINGS: suggestiveness at the last segment (Roy... naughty, naughty)

PAIRINGS: Wally-Artemis, Connor/Megan, Roy/Barbara, Kaldur/Blaine, Bruce/Diana (small, almost not even there) and PIMPIN' DICKIE-BIRD!

"Hi-ya!"

Artemis flipped away as M'gann swung, letting out a karate yell. Blaine and Dinah stood off to the side, the prior giggling at M'gann's innocent attacks. The poor Martian had only seen karate on TV and being done loosely by Robin and Sparrow, so didn't understand that she's didn't need to scream before every blow.

Dinah eyed Blaine, who was emmersed in her friends' fight. It had been about a week since Jason left, and Richard and Blaine had been rather... solitary. Except for when they were with each other. Directly after group training, the two would lock themselves in Richard's bed room at the Mountain and just stay there all day, until curfew. Recently, Wally and Artemis had been able to pull the two away from each other and their bed rooms. As of present, Wally was playing Call of Duty 3 with Richard. Artemis had dragged Blaine into the kitchen, and M'gann, eager to see that her newest friend was finally opening up, suggested something that Blaine liked: training.

Now, Artemis was trying to teach M'gann to fight without her powers. After all, they might be faced with a situation like Belle Reve, only where M'gann might really not be able to use her powers. The Martian agreed eagerly. The girls had been at it for about a half hour, and Blaine was getting restless.

"Come on! I wanna fight."

Dinah let out a sigh she didn't know she had been holding. At least the girls had been able to take Blaine's mind off of Jason.

M'gann nearly collapsed as she walked over to Black Canary. "Al-Alright, Blaine. I'm good with that."

Dinah handed M'gann a water bottle, which the Martian gladly gulped up before asking for more, as Blaine made her way onto the training field. Artemis was hardly tired, grinning as her friend readied herself. "Hand-to-hand?"

"You know it."

"Aikido or Jiu Jitsu?"

Artemis thought about it a moment, then nodded firmly as she said, "Aikido."

Blaine grinned, readying herself in a loose stance. Artemis did the same. Dinah stepped forward a little bit, then spoke. "Three... Two... On-"

They were interrupted as all four of the boys walked in. "Heeeeeey, Babe," Wally purred as he slung an arm around Artemis's shoulders. She rolled her eyes, upset at the interruption, but kissed her boyfriend all the same. Connor hooked an arm around M'gann's waist, kissing her cheek. Kaldur stood back awkwardly as Richard crossed over to his 'twin'.

"Hey, Spar, Bruce wants us home. We did spend the past two nights, I mean... Alfie misses us, apparently, and Terrence is going stir-crazy with Barb gone."

Blaine sighed, running a hand through her long, blonde locks. "Right now?"

Richard nodded, frowning. "Yeah. Right now. I'm gonna go get the teleporters ready. 'K?"

Suddenly, M'gann hit her forehead gently, crying out, "Helloooo, Megan!" She held out a hand to Blaine, catching her teammate's hand. "Dick, Blaine, will you guys come to our school's Valentine dance?" She turned to the others. "You guys are invited, too. Wally, Artemis? Kaldur?"

Kaldur's face flushed a deep crimson. M'gann, most likely having read his mind, spoke, "You don't need a date."

Connor elbowed Richard in the ribs gently. "There should be plenty of single girls your age... and height."

While Richard fumed, eye twitching, the others laughed. The whole while, Kaldur's eyes were locked on Blaine.

"Can Terry come?" the blonde asked.

M'gann nodded affirmatively. "Yeah! Sure!"

Black Canary walked over, a frown upon her lips. "Wait, Blaine. Think about this. Three of Bruce Wayne's foster and adoptive children showing up, for no reason, at a high-school in Metropolis?"

"We could wear disguises," Richard offered, suddenly upset at Black Canary. The woman frowned slightly, but nodded.

"I'll talk to Bruce- as long as you three go incognito, capiche?"

Blaine bit her lip, but Richard grinned. Finally... We get a break! Three missions in the past week... Bruce has to say yes!

"No."

Richard felt a heavy weight crush him as he stood before his foster-father. They were in Bruce's study while the man shifted some paperwork beside him into a folder before reaching for another. The office was dimly lit with an eerie yellowish-orange glow from a desk lamp near Richard's head. Alfred stood in the doorway, a frown on his face as he watched his family.

Bruce had been very shifty in the past week, having heard nothing from Jason. The teen had ditched his trackers, and no one had seen the beautiful ward of Bruce Wayne. Or at least no one Batman had talked to. The press thought that Jason had gone back to college, but the college hadn't seen hide nor hair of the boy since he first left to be with his family.

"But Bruce-"

"No buts, Dick. We have the Valentine's Day Ball to attend, anyways."

The thirteen-year-old pursed his lips, scowling as he turned away. "Same thing with the Halloween party... AND the Christmas Ball..."

Bruce let out a heavy sigh as he massaged his temples. "No means 'no', Dick."

"But-"

"No buts!" Bruce all but roared as he spun around in his chair to face the boy. Richard took a fearful step back, and Bruce felt his heart drop into his stomach. "Dick..."

But the teen ignored him, turning and bolting off upstairs. Alfred, from his position still at the door, sighed heavily. "Shall I call in for new formal wear for the young masters and miss?"

Bruce nodded. "Ye-" he paused. "Actually..." He turned around, grabbing for his wallet, and took out a credit card. "Giver this to Terrence. The Team can go get their own things for the Ball."

Alfred paused, confused. "Sir?"

"Alfred, send out invitations for the Valentine's Day Ball to each of the Team."

A small smile curved onto the older man's face, and he nodded. "Of course, Master Bruce."

"Really?"

Blaine and Richard beamed as Terrence told them. With a grin, the Black boy nodded. "Yup." He held up the credit card, smiling further. "It's all on Brucie."

Blaine squealed as she turned in a circle. Normally, she would hate going dress shopping, but she could go with her friends now. This is gonna be a blast!

Richard felt a pang of guilt, but pushed it aside. Bruce finally saw his position. "Asterous! I'll talk to the rest of the Team." Turning to go to the Batcave's clock entrance, Richard turned to his 'sister' and 'brother'. "You guys gonna come?"

Terrence paused, looking down at his chair. "Actually... I- I think I'll sit this one out. You two go, just make sure to get me a suit."

Blaine suddenly stopped dancing, her long braid whirling to come around her shoulder. A pout on black lips, she scowled and cocked her hip. "Terrence Prince-Wayne, don't be a *******."

Richard and Terrence both jumped at Blaine's language. "Spar!" Richard exclaimed.

Blaine held up a hand towards her older foster brother. "You know it's true! He never wants to go anywhere anymore! We practically had to beg him to go to the Thanksgiving party with the League!"

Terrence suddenly jumped on the defensive. "Hey, if you haven't noticed-"

"I don't care if you're in a wheelchair or not! Apollo has a life, so it's time Terrence Prince-Wayne gets one."

Blaine stood back, arms crossed and a pout firm on her face.

Richard looked over to Terrence, running a hand through his black bangs. "She's kiiiinda right, Terry."

The older teen bit his lip, looking away. After a few moments, he turned back to his little 'siblings'. "Alright." A small, crooked smile lifted his lips up. "I'll go. Just lemme get my other chair."

"YES!"

"Dang Spar, chill. OUCH!"

"Hehe."

"Jerk..."

Megan squealed as she twirled in a circle, arms up towards the clear glass roof of the mall. Connor smiled softly at the glee his girlfriend was giving off. His smile broadened when the Martian-in-disguise began to dance around Artemis. The archer's eyebrow was twitching, and Blaine next to her was laughing her socks off. Richard stood to the side, watching Kaldur (or Kyle Corin, now) closely. 'Kyle' was watching Blaine as the blonde put a hand over black lips to try and stifle her laughter. Wally stood next to his best friend, hands twitching towards Terrence's wheelchair. Connor could tell that Wally was wanting so badly to help out his friend, but Terrence rejected any assistance. Blaine and Richard seemed used to that fact and didn't worry about their older 'brother'.

"We should separate," Kyle spoke suddenly, trying to be heard over the bustle of the mall around them. "Connor, Dick, Terrence, Wally, and I will go get suits fitted. Megan, Artemis, Blaine, you three should go get your dresses."

Megan squealed loudly again as Richard handed her a credit card, keeping one in his jacket pocket. Quickly, though, Blaine snatched the credit card away. "I think I should be in charge of the money..."

Megan gave a small pout, but began smiling once more after Connor pecked her lips. "Go on, Meg. We'll meet up later." The Martian replied with another kiss to her boyfriend's lips. Wally kissed Artemis as well before the three girls walked off. Blaine turned and waved to her 'twin', who waved back with a small smile.

Richard rounded on his team, clearing his throat. "Alright. Since none of you have been suit shopping before, don't deny it Wally, I think I should take the lead on this. Let's get to the shop and get you all measured."

Artemis rolled her eyes as Megan gushed over Blaine. The blonde was scowling firmly, her eyes nearly all the way shut. "I. Hate. It." Artemis hated the dress, too, but Megan loved it. Blaine looked like a pink ruffle monster had puked on her.

"No. N-O-"

"Oh, but Blaaaaine! You look so cute-"

"No."

"But-"

"No."

"B-"

"NO!"

The slightly younger girl frowned, lips forward in a pout. "Ugh. Alright. Try on this one!" She handed another dress, this one blue and sequined, to Blaine. The blonde cocked and eyebrow, then looked over towards the archer in the store. She mouthed, 'Help me' with a pained face, making Artemis roll her eyes again. Her lips, however, twitched with a budding smile.

"Hey, Megan," Artemis began in her scratchy voice, "how 'bout you try on one of your dresses? Blaine looks like she could use a break."

Megan's eyes lit up at the prospect of trying on dresses. Quickly, she grabbed for the nearest one in her little pile. Running to the dressing room, the Martian slammed the door shut and began to undress.

Artemis turned to Blaine, who looked very out of place in her gown of frill and fluff. "Sooo... You excited?"

Blaine snorted as she went to change behind a screen. "No. No way. I've always hated these stupid Galas. I hate the dresses, the music, the people."

"Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine today?"

"Shuddup."

Artemis rolled her eyes as a dress was thrown over the screen. "Thanks for inviting us, by the way. And for paying for all of this."

"No problem. It's Bruce's money, after all."

"Yeah. Tell him I said thanks... Hey... Speaking of Wayne, how come the press aren't bombarding us?"

Blaine's head appeared from the side of the screen, a mischievous grin on her features. "False alarm down at the boutiques. Plus, we've never really seen at the mall, especially not Terrence."

The goth growled softly as she saw the line-up of gowns waiting for her. Artemis saw the girl's expression and felt sorrow for her friend. How often was Blaine put up to something she hated so much? How often did she do things to please Bruce? Please the press? How many gowns did she actually have?

The archer turned around and looked at the rack behind her. She didn't expect it to take such little time, but her eye caught a long black gown. She smirked, pulling it down, and checked the size. It was too big for Blaine's tiny frame, but it could be tailored.

"Try this one."

Blaine eyed the dress, and a sparkle ignited in those coal black orbs. "Ooh... I like that one."

Suddenly, the changing room door slammed open to reveal Megan in a beautiful gown. It was a deep purple and silky, a fitted top down to the curve of the girl's sides, then flowed out in an organza skirt. It was one-armed, the thick strap made of organza as well. Several tiny sparkles were littered down the strap from Megan's shoulder. With a happy giggle, the Martian girl turned in a full circle, making the skirt swish around. "Oh, I love it! What do you guys think?"

Blaine grinned. "It really fits you. Not only the actual fit, but your personality and stuff, too."

Megan squealed as she turned around again, looking in the mirror and inspecting the gown. Artemis smiled at either of her friends before picking up three gowns and heading towards the dressing room. "Try that dress on," she ordered Blaine before stepping in and shutting the door.

"'Try that dress on', myhh."

"I heard that!"

"Crap..."

Connor growled at the strap of silk as if doing that would make the tie wrap itself together. The piece was just blank red, pure silk and surely expensive. The suit he wore had little to no padding, especially on the arms. The tailor had been slightly shocked to see how broad the 16-year-old's shoulders were as he measured with his tape. Kyle's shoulders were wide, too, but not painfully so like Connor's. The suit jacket had to be let out, leaving the jacket in an odd V-shape. Therefore, the base had to be let out as well. It was impossible for the jacket to be buttoned without it looking like it was two sizes too big. The tailor stood back a ways, frowning. Then, the fat, bald man simply hung his head. "How about we try a vest, no?"

Richard was standing a few yards away and overheard the man's statement, followed by Connor's growl. He couldn't help but snicker. Kyle looked down at him and saw that the teen's tie was undone. Quickly, out of some older brother instinct, Kyle tied the piece of ribbon into a perfect bow. He stood back, smiling softly at his friend. Richard's suit was the classic black, but had white cuffs with silver buttons. The pockets on either side of his chest were white with silver buttons as well. His shoes were burgundy, matching his bow tie. He looked like a miniature Bruce Wayne, if not for the messy hair on his head.

"Thanks, K- Kyle."

Kyle nodded, smiling. "My King taught me to tie proper bow ties and long ties after we moved to the surface world."

Richard held up a hand, hushing his teammate. "Ssh, Kal," he whispered barely above a breath. "'King' is kinda' a tip-off word here. We need to stay on the 'down-low'."

Kyle nodded, blushing softly. "I apologize."

Richard shrugged. "It's alright. You've never really had a secret identity before, have you?"

Kyle shook his head. "I am glad my K- my mentor allowed me to take on this... identity," he whispered the word. "I am happy to be here with all of my friends. I do not have many- eh, here, if you understand what I mean."

Richard nodded in understanding. "So, are you going to ask Blaine to the Gala?"

"Pardon?"

"Are you going to ask my sister to the Gala?"

Kyle cleared his throat as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah... I did know if I had your permission or if-"

"Sure."

"What- What of Bruce's decision?"

Richard shrugged as he brushed his hair back, trying to determine what he would look like with his hair gelled back. "Bruce would say no, but that's okay because he's an overprotective old fart. I give my permission, and I know Terry won't mind. Actually, I'd..." His voice wavered. "I'd actually appreciate it. After Jason left, well... She's been hurt so much in life, by guys especially, and I'd appreciate it if you could..." He groaned, slapping his face. "I don't mean to pile a whole bunch on you, but if you could-"

Kyle placed a hand on the younger's shoulder. "I understand. Blaine needs a... protector. Not that you are not that, but she only needs a more..."

"She needs a knight in shining armor, Kal. I think that might be you..."

Kyle let out a shallow breath, leaning back. "Then I hope I can live up to the job description."

"I'm sure your will."

Artemis looked in the mirror, surprised that Megan picked out such a great dress for her. It was a simple red with a sweetheart neckline, showing off her smooth collarbone and long, elegant neck. There was no frill or lace or sequences, just simply satin. There was a high slit in the dress to about halfway up her thigh, making Artemis feel more like Aphrodite.

"Oh, Artemis!" Megan exclaimed, grabbing her cheeks. "It's gorgeous! You look amazing!"

Artemis flushed deeply, her tan skin going a deep cherry as she let her hair fall into her face out of embarrassment. "Oh, it's nice..."

Blaine walked up, wrapped in a robe, and put her hands on Artemis's shoulders. "You look like a queen, Artemis."

The archer turned around in a circle, the thin skirt just twirling about. "Oh, alright. I love it!"

All three of the girls let out happy cries, although Blaine's and Artemis's were a bit more refined than Megan's. The Martian, still in her dress, turned to Blaine. "Have you found a dress?"

"Eh..."

"Not yet she hasn't," Artemis butted in.

Megan frowned, pouting for the billionth time that day. Then, a female worker made her way over. The woman was older, a bit big, but not overbearingly so. She wore a simple cotton dress and jacket to match. "Excuse me, ladies," the old woman spoke with a crinkled smile. "I couldn't help but overhear. Do you need help, sweetheart?" she addressed Blaine. The woman noticed all of the black and navy dresses around the petite girl. "How about we dry something a little bit different, eh?"

Terrence scowled as he pulled the pants onto his ankles. He managed to shuffle them up to his knees before he was screwed over. He swore under his breath, tears growing in his eyes. What kind of a superhero couldn't dress himself?

Ah, a voice reminded him, but you're not a superhero anymore, are you?

Biting his lower lip, Terrence shrugged away the thought. But, it still lingered in the back of his head with every other doubt...

With a swear, the ex-vigilante propped his body up on the chair with one hand, trying to pull the pants on. But, his hand slipped and he slammed back down onto the chair with a loud swear. His tears welled further.

A knock came on the dressing door. "Terrence?" came Connor's unsure voice. "Are you... okay?"

"Fine," Terrence spoke much too quickly and in a growl.

Connor instantly saw through the lie. His brain quickly processed the fact that Terrence may have been having a hard time getting dressed on his own... And how embarrassing would that be to the vigilante? After all, he was a superhero.

"AH HA!" came Terrence's triumphant cry from inside the dressing room. Connor smirked lightly. Just a simple action of independence could make Terrence so happy... It made the clone want to grin.

Artemis and Megan were talking nonchalantly about their boyfriends (and the boys' choices on tuxes) as Blaine changed in the dressing room. Suddenly, Blaine cried out, "Ready!"

Artemis and Megan adjusted themselves in their dresses and watched the door intently as it cracked open ever so slightly. Blaine's white head popped out, her black lips in a deep frown. "It's different..." she spoke softly, nervously. Two fingers began to mess with her long hair.

Artemis rolled her eyes, gesturing to her dress. "Puh-lease, Blaine. If Meg could get me into this dress, then a professional tailor-dress-selling-person should be able to get you into a great dress, too."

Megan was practically squealing as she said, "SHOW US!"

"ALRIGHT!"

Blaine stepped out of the dressing room, her hair falling around her bright pink face. Artemis's and Megan's jaws dropped at the same time.

"Oh..."

"My..."

"Snorfglod."

"What?"

"Oh, it's a Mars thing."

Blaine's dress was a satin column of white, all the way down to the floor. It dragged a long ways behind her because of the girl's petite frame, but that could be fixed. The top was spaghetti-strapped with a 'V'-like neckline, an empire waist. Tiny silver and gray sequences covered the top in a random array.

The old woman tailor stood behind Blaine, a smile on her withered face. "I've tried that dress on so many petite girls, but I have to say... You look beautiful."

"It's not the norm for me," Blaine spoke with a soft laugh, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "I'm kinda..."

"Goth," Megan and Artemis spoke at the exact same time.

"Thanks, ladies."

"It's the truth."

"Thanks, Artemis."

"I can tailor the bottom for you," the old woman spoke as she fingered the hem. "Come back tomorrow and I'll have it finished."

"So soon?" Blaine asked, her face surprised.

"Of course, deary. I don't have many customers anymore, as you can see." The girls looked around to see only one other female, maybe twelve, with her mother. The two were looking at cotton dresses. "So, I'll have all of your dresses ready by tomorrow. But now, let's see about some shoes."

It was the night of the Gala, and Richard felt like he was going to jump out of his skin. He didn't know why he was so nervous- he had never been before, or at least since he was a little kid.

It's because Jason isn't here...

The thirteen-year-old stood backwards in the mirror, looking at himself. His suit was still as fresh as it had been almost three days before, the gems polished by the oh-so-amazing Alfred. His shoes were a gray-silver, also polished to perfection. To finish off the look was his sapphire blue tie, still loose around his neck, and slicked-back black hair. Blue eyes blinked in the mirror, and a frown flashed in them. "I miss you..." he whispered to the mirror, his brain on his older 'brother'. "Jason..."

Two heavy hands landed on Richard's shoulders, making the boy jump. A low chuckle came forth, and Richard relaxed into his foster father's embrace, nuzzling his cheek into Bruce's hand. Bruce closed his eyes, bringing his youngest child into his chest as he hugged him tightly. Tears pricked the corners of the millionaire's eyes as he whispered, "I miss him, too, Dick."

There was a long pause before Bruce opened his eyes and turned Richard around. He cleared his throat, tying a bow expertly. "Too tight? Too loose?"

"Just right," the bird chirped, trying to be happy. He had always been 'the happy child', despite his... emotional issues *cough, cough*. Then, Alfred and Terrence were at the door, the latter with a triumphant grin on his face. Bruce felt his heart swell when he saw his two 'sons' so happy.

"I do believe that the Miss Blaine is coming down," Alfred said. As if on cue-

Clip, clop, clip, clop.

Everyone turned to see a new figure at the top of the stairs. Richard's eyes bugged out of his head as he saw his 'twin' walk down the stairs. Blaine wasn't wearing her normal black lipstick, but a champagne gloss on her already pale lips. She had sparkles on her snowy eyelashes (how, Richard didn't know) and on her hair, which was tied back in a loose bun with ringlets coming down around her neck and face. She wore no jewelry besides a pair of diamond stud earrings and a small, silver ring with a diamond inside.

Terrence whistled, grinning. "You look amazing, Blaine."

"Spar?" Richard asked, a playful grin on his face. "No way, I think Alfred brought the wrong person home from school today."

Blaine punched her 'brother's' arm, making the male wince. "Ouch! Okay, maybe not..."

Bruce pulled Blaine into his side, kissing her forehead. The girl stiffened, then relaxed. It broke Bruce's heart that, after all these years, she was still in pain from what her so-called-father did to her.

"You both look amazing," he spoke with a small smile.

Alfred cleared his throat and stood up straighter. "Master Bruce, the guests are about to arrive-"

DING, DONG, Ding dong... DING DONG, Ding dong... diiiiing...

Without waiting for anyone to answer, the doors shot open and Wally zoomed in, dragging Artemis in on his arm. "The Wall-man is in the house!"

"Thanks, Wall-man for manhandling your girlfriend!"

"Sorry, Arty..."

Connor and Megan followed, linked together tightly by their arms. Then came Kaldur- or 'Kyle', as he would be called tonight.

Instantly, Megan, Artemis, and Blaine were all in a circle. The red-head shrieked and jumped around, giggling, as the blondes greeted each other with hugs.

"We should go in," Terrence spoke quickly as to break the fuse off before it could light. He turned in his wheelchair and began to go down a small ramp as the Team and the Bats took the stairs.

Blaine stood behind, though. As did Kyle. The latter's jaws were open widely, his silver eyes in shock. Quickly, though, Kyle realized how rude he was being and shook his head to clear his thoughts. Blaine giggled lightly, brushing some hair from her face. "You look like a stud, Kal."

Kyle stepped forward, bending down to kiss Blaine's hand. A light blush crept over the blonde girl's features. But, Kyle hand her hand held tightly so as she couldn't pull away. But, it wasn't a threatening kind of hold, like how her 'father' had always given her... It was protective and warm.

"May I be your accompaniment to the Ball, Blaine?"

For the first time in a while, Blaine felt comfortable with a man outside of her family... Sure, Wally and Roy were her brothers, but she was still always on her guard. She trusted them, but it was still... unexplainable. Hey, she was a girl going through puberty, she could be bipolar if she wanted!

"Why not?"

Artemis laughed openly as Wally swung her around in a circle, one hand on her waist and one holding her hand. The lively tune playing was reminiscent of an Irish band, which made Wally even jumpier. Even if it wasn't a direct descent like Richard's Romanian heritage, the speedster was Irish of blood. "Wally!" she hissed to him, still laughing uncharacteristically. "Wally, calm down before you wear a hole in your shoes."

The speedster grinned and pulled her close to him, resting his forehead against hers as he kissed her nose. "I can't believe I'm here, Artemis."

She cocked an eyebrow, still smirking. "What? At Bruce Wayne's palace?"

"No, actually. I've been here dozens of times."

She frowned, tight-lipped. "Then what?"

He pulled her away from him, swirling in a huge circle and just barely missing bumping into several grumbling party-goers. The song picked up, and Wally pulled Artemis back into his arms, his lips finding hers in a small peck. "In the arms of the most beautiful girl here."

She blushed before throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him firmly.

Several party-going women scoffed, while the men laughed and clapped.

Connor hissed as he stepped on Megan's foot for the fiftieth time that night. The Martian simply giggled and stepped back a bit further, not that it would help anything. Connor wasn't the best of dancers, but then again, neither was his girlfriend.

'One, two, three- One, two, three- One, two, three- One, two three-' the Martian echoed in Connor's head. 'Like how Black Canary taught us- eh, attempted to teach us.'

Connor smirked, looking at his feet as to not step on his girlfriend- to no avail. He hissed again. 'Okay, like Wally says, "RAGE QUIT".'

Dragging his lady off the dance floor, Connor led her to a dark corner where two teens were making out. "Eh hem," he said loudly, coughing. The two jumped, blushed, and scurried off. Connor turned to his girlfriend before pulling her into their own session.

'Oh...' the Martian whined 'I like this muuuuuch better.'

'Me, too.'

Blaine's whole body felt on fire as she danced with Kyle, his hands modestly on her sides as she put her hands on his shoulders. The music was slow and meloncholy, romantic in a way. The two bumped into Richard, who was surrounded by girls his age. He grinned, winking at Kyle, before going back to being a mini-Bruce.

Speaking of Bruce... Blaine's eyes flashed over to see her foster father chatting up a certain Amazon in disguise. She rolled her eyes, turning back to Kyle. "So..." he began unsurely. "How are you faring?"

She nodded. "Alright, I guess. You?"

"The same."

An awkward silence followed. The song ended and another began before Kyle spoke. "We have a mis- uh, another activity set for three days from now." He lowered his voice. "In the Mongolian mountains," he said. "There is a weapons deal going on within certain underground organizations. We will be briefed later."

Blaine nodded, black eyes focused on Kyle's light silver ones. Slowly, Kyle moved his hand to the side of Blaine's face. The blonde flinched. "Ka- Kyle-"

"Do you trust me?"

There was a long pause, and all went hazy. Blaine felt as if the world was on her shoulders, and she only saw Kaldur's kind, brave face. All noises went away, as if she had just been in an explosion, and she could only hear her beating heart. She felt feverish, too, only adding to the discomfort. But...

"Yes."

Just like the two times before, their kiss felt like lightning bolts and stars and fireworks were going off. Kaldur's warm lips against hers, breath from his nose hitting her face. She let out a sigh into his mouth, as both their lips were cracked open a tad. Unsurely, Blaine's tongue flickered foreward. Kaldur met it, and the two danced, hidden by a haze of adrenaline.

Quickly, Blaine pulled away. She turned to move off, but Kyle caught her arm. "Blaine." He pulled her back, into a deep hug as he buried his face into her shoulder. "Sparrow..." he whispered to her, lips just next to her ear as his eyes closed. "Do you trust me?"

"Y-Yes..."

"Then let me be your protector."

"I don't need a protector-"

"But you want one."

Blaine jumped at this, putting a hand on Kyle's cheek to pull his face around to hers. She bit her lip uneasily, eyes darting from the staring people and back to Kyle. "Yes..."

"Will you let me be your protector?"

Blaine closed her eyes, praying to God that the weight on her shoulders would disappear. I'm tired of being scared... I'm tired of being hurt... I'm tired of being scared to be hurt... God, help me...

"Yes."

Barbara groaned as she threw her body onto the bunk. Her roomie was out partying again, probably getting drunk and getting... well, we won't go there. The red-head pulled out her bun, scratching her itchy scalp as she pulled off her Nikes, throwing them into a corner of the room. Her skinny jeans followed next as she ungracefully kicked out of them, pulling off her shirt wearily and pulling on some flannel pajama pants and an undershirt. She was too worn out to even take a shower.

Slinking over towards her lower bunk, Barbara plopped down and found herself instantly asleep.

Click, whoosh-

"HYA!"

Barbara had awaken to the sound of her window lock being picked, and the glass sliding open. She raised a fist and sucker-punched the intruder-

"S#*%, BABS!"

Barbara's hands flew to her mouth as Roy stood up, peeling off his mask and wiping a bit of blood from his lip. "Da**, you punch hard..."

She giggled as he discarded his quiver and bow, taking off his boots. "I am the Batman's daughter."

"Mm hmm..."

She rolled her eyes as Roy rubbed the back of his neck, sitting down on her bed. To none of the young woman's surprise, her roommate still wasn't back. "You've got a roomie?"

"Yeah. I kinda argued with Bruce on that, but I wanted to pay for my room all on my own. Kinda like a practice for the future, y'know?"

He nodded, closing his eyes and propping his body up against the wall. "Yeah, I get it. Living in an apartment on your own is rough."

She nodded. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

One of the archer's eyes popped open, and he smirked. "What? I can't come see my girlfriend?"

She shrugged, speaking playfully, "Not without a reason."

Roy jumped up, pulling Barbara into his arms and tickled her. The two lost their balance and toppled to the floor, laughing the whole way, Roy landing on top. Barbara bit back a shriek as Roy tickled her stomach. "R-Roy!" She laughed, trying to be quiet. "My neighbors- Oh, G-G-God! Haha, Roy, stop!"

Finally, he did, coming to rest in a push-up position above the woman. Her brown eyes stared up at him expectantly. "Well-"

But he cut her off, snaking his tongue into her mouth. Barbara groaned and grabbed the strap on his tunic as she met his fiery kisses violently. Roy grunted as Barbara trailed her arms around his neck. The two pulled apart, and Roy nipped and sucked at her jawline and neck. "Ugh..." Barbara moaned. "R-Roy... Ah!"

She yelped and panted as he bit the skin of her collarbone. The male grinned into her shoulder. "I have a question for you, Babe."

She pulled away, unhappy that they had stopped. "What?"

He shrugged. "Kiss it out of me."

She giggled, kissing his lips. "W."

"W?"

"W."

She kissed him five more times in small pecks, and Roy spoke, "I. L. L. Space."

"What?"

"Just keep going."

She rolled her eyes. "Can't you just talk normally?"

"Nope."

"Fine then."

She flipped him over, and Roy slammed against the ground with a grunt. Barbara straddled him, running her hands over his shirt as she kissed him violently, her tongue searching every crevasse of his mouth. Roy groaned into her lips. Barbara pulled away, then began to kiss his neck and nibble on his Adam's apple.

"Okay, okay, okay!" he whimpered. "I- I give in. I give in. Oh, God, Barb..."

She giggled and pulled back, still sitting on top of him, and began to play with the collar of his tunic.

"So," she said. "I've got 'Will' and a space."

"Alright, then. I think you deserve the rest of the question."

A pause.

"Roy Harper! Just tell me the dang ques-"

"Will you marry me?"

You just squealed, don't deny it. ^^D I squealed writing it, honestly. Below are the links to the girls' dresses: (in order of M'gann, Artemis, then Blaine)

.com/a-line-one-shoulder-floor-length-organza-evening-dress_

.com/Sheath-Column-Sweetheart-Watteau-Train-Chiffon-Over-Elastic-Satin-Evening-Dress-FSA11430-_

.com/Chiffon-Elastic-Woven-Satin-Sheath-Column-Sweep-Brush-Evening-Dress-inspired-by-Taylor-Swift-FSD0322-_

WHAT NEXT?

You tell me!

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DUH.