A/N: ...Considering the past few weeks I've had, this was super emotional for me to write. I hope you guys like it.


Happy Trails

Terry loaded the bags and suitcases into the car while Mary and Matty grabbed the last few things from inside the house. Max was inside with them as she had come over to help out as well. The furniture had been moved the night before and was already in moving trucks on the way to Central City. Terry had set up his new apartment with Bruce's help, which was close to University of Gotham where he and Max were going to be attending college.

Terry loaded the last bag and closed the trunk. He looked around at the neighborhood and realized he probably wouldn't be back here, save for Batman work. He walked back into the apartment to see Mary standing with her arm around Matt. Max was by the door, standing against the wall with tears in her eyes.

Terry took a deep breath, doing all he could to hold it together. "Hey. Mom?"

She looked up at him, tears running down her face.

"It's…" He sighed. "It's almost time."

"Yeah. Just…" she held her hand out, "just come stand with me for a moment."

He smiled. "Sure thing." He walked over and the McGinnis stood there hugging each other for a while.

Max smiled, covering her mouth to keep from making any noise. Witnessing this family moment was beautiful. She almost felt like she was intruding.

Mary looked over at her, "Max."

Max looked up, surprised.

Mary waved her over. "Get over here."

"Oh, no! Mrs. McGinnis, I'm not…"

"You are family. You're our family. Always have been, always will be. Come here."

Terry looked up and smirked.

Max gave a small smile and, timidly, walked over. Once she was close enough, Mary and Terry pulled her into a hug. They held on to each other for all they had, enjoying the feeling of their family.


After locking the door one final time, Mary got in the car and started it up, preparing to make the drive to Central City.

Matty stood in front of his big brother, staring up at him. "You're always gonna be there… right, Terry?"

"I'm just a phone call away, Matty," Terry said. He patted his head. "Always."

Matty smiled. He hugged Terry, who hugged him back. Matty released the hug then went over to Max.

"I'm gonna miss you way more, Max," Matty said to her.

Max giggled. "I can't blame you."

"Ha, ha," Terry said, sarcastically.

Matty and Max hugged each other. They released the hug and Matty got in the car.

Mary got out and hugged Max and whispered to her, "Take care of Terry for me."

"Always, Mrs. McGinnis," Max replied. "Always."

Mary rubbed her back, released the hug, then looked at Terry. "You've come so far." She placed her hand on his cheek. "I'm so proud of you, Terry."

"Thanks, Mom."

"What you told Matty… it applies to you, too."

"I know."

She hugged Terry, as hard as she could. Terry hugged her back.

"Take care of yourself, son," Mary said.

Terry smiled. "Happy trails, Mom."

She gasped. "Your… your father liked to say that. I didn't think you…"

"I try to keep from saying it so I won't get too sad."

She squeezed him harder. "I love you so much, son."

"I love you, too, Mom."

It broke her heart as she did it but she removed her arms from him, with tears running down her face.

She turned, got in the car, and closed the door. She looked back at Terry and Max, who walked to Terry and put her arm around his.

Mary waved and so did Matty.

Terry and Max waved back; Terry still holding a small smile

Mary put the car in gear and started to drive off.

Terry and Max watched as the car drove away and saw that Matty climbed into the back seat, locking eyes with until they were out of sight of one another.

Max let out a shaken sigh and wiped her eyes, "I'm gonna miss them." She looked up saw a stream of tears coming from Terry's eyes. She was stunned. He hadn't cried since his mother talked to them about the move. "Terry?"

He looked at her. "Yeah." His voice caught as he barely spoke above a whisper, "I'm gonna miss 'em, too."

She didn't need him to say anything else. She knew what he needed. She pulled him into the tightest hug she could.

She could feel his body shaking.

"This is a lot harder than I thought it would be, Max," he cried.

She just cried more, "I know, Terry. I know. I'm right here. Always."

"I know… this sounds stupid but… I really need you."

"Shut up. I'm always here for you."

Terry stopped holding back. He let himself cry. He let it hurt. After all, he was crying to Max. After Bruce, there was no one he felt safer to with and, to share feelings this intimate, she was first person he trusted.

Terry knew it was the best decision for his mother to take the job and move. It was the right one. Bruce had already made calls; the Flash would keep an eye out for Mary and Matty. They would be safe. But it didn't change the fact that his family was gone.

Terry always thought it would only be hard part of his family would be dealing with his father's death.

Now, he knew. Sometimes, even doing the right thing for your family was an ever harder decision to make. No matter how right it was.


A/N: So... let me explain why this was hard. My cousin, who was like a sister to me, passed away about three weeks ago. I've not been dealing with it well but writing has helped me cope. This story was a great escape but, man! That was so rough. I hope you guys like. The next entry should be lighter but I'm not sure.

Either way, "All This Time" will be updated very soon. Hopefully, within a couple of days of this post. Thank you all for understanding. You all ROCK!