CHAPTER 34
CROCK/WEST RESIDENCE
Wally entered his bedroom letting out an exhausted groan, he plopped down on the bed and stretched out pulling the cowl off his face. He turned over to place the goggles on his nightstand. His eyes narrowed adjusting to the darkness seeing the bright blue bird symbol and the near black figure it was attached to.
"Geez Nightwing, you can't sneak up on a guy in his room like that I could've been naked" Wally grumbled clos8ng his eyes.
"Don't threaten me with a good time" Dick cackled dodging the pillow thrown at him.
"Get out, I'm not in the mood to deal with your foolishness it's been a long day" Wally turned on his front letting out an annoyed sigh.
"So I'm guessing being Kid Flash again was a bit harder than expected" Dick sat next to him, Wally glanced up acknowledging the sincerity in his voice.
"Yeah I'm use to Barry lapping me but this new kid too? And I know he's Barry's grandson and I guess my cousin but I don't know things are just weird he seems off" Wally analyzed.
"I noticed too, he's not telling us everything I'll keep an eye on him but for the time being he can be an asset to the team" Dick though optimistically.
" Either way hopefully that's the last time I have to put on this thing" Wally said walking to his closet, he began stripping before stopping feeling eyes on him. He turned his head slightly just as Dick looked away a smirk on his face.
"Whatever" He sighed too tired to care.
"So does Conner live here too? He's kind of just knocked out on your couch" Dick asked.
"Not really but kinda this is the break up den where you go when your heart gets shattered" Wally grunted spitefully.
"Ouch, wounds still there noted" Dixk scratched the back of his neck nervously.
"Dick I'm really not on the mood tonight what do you want?" Wally asked his ex pulling his pajamas on.
"Right well Roy has a kid" Wally's eyes widen at this information.
"A kid wait with Cheshire?" Wally grunted slightly disgusted.
"I know right but that's not all he found Roy the original Roy Harper" Dick said enthusiastically.
"Cadmus kept him alive all these years? Huh that's crazy, where is he now?" Wally asked.
"In the hospital cryo sleep is whelming he needs time to recover" Wally sat down amazed. Dick played with his fingers fear creeping onto his face.
"You're not telling me something what is it?" Wally asked.
"Me and Artemis talked a few days ago we talked about well" Dick sighed running his fingers through his hair.
"What is it?" Wally asked worried.
"I'm afraid that when I tell you it'll do irreparable damage to our relationship but it's for the sake of the mission" Wally stood up glaring.
"Nice way to start that statement, Dick Grayson what did you do" Wally clenched his teeth.
EL PASO
Bart stood across the street from Jaime's house glaring at it. He watched through a pair of binoculars a shirtless Jaime on his computer. He couldn't help but remember all the abuse the Blue Beetle of his time inflicted on not only him but everyone. He couldn't get over how beautiful this era really was so full of life and trees and buildings and people. None of this will survive the reach invasion not if he doesn't stop this Jaime Reyes from becoming the biggest threat humanity has ever seen.
"He doesn't look evil" Bart questioned, If Jamie was on the team it means he hasn't turned yet or he did and Jaime was playing everyone.
"This would be so much easier with Neutron here he'd know what to do my Neutron anyway" Bart sighed. He gasped seeing Jaime look up from the screen and out the window. Bart took off at top speed all the way back to the Garrick's house.
"That was close" Bart pants wiping a nervous sweat from his brow.
WEST/CROCK RESIDENCE
Wally and Dick sat in silence.
"Wally" Dick tried but was met with a cold stare.
"First Kaldur and now Artemis?" Wally asked in a mellow tone.
"Wally I know what you're gonna say and I" Dick was shocked as Wally walked over to the door and opened it.
"I want you to leave, right now" Wally said calmly.
"Wally" Dick said desperately.
"I'm serious leave now" Dick hesitated for a moment watching the venom in those green eyes. He made his way out the door and out of the apartment. Wally dropped onto his bed screaming into a pillow.
THE NEXT DAY/ MOUNT JUSTICE
Robin dodged a hit from Beast Boy, he grabbed the teen by the tail flinging him.
"NOT COOL TIM!" Garfield screamed at his comrade.
"Your name's Tim?" Cassie asked shocked by the revelation.
"Thanks alot Gar" Tim growled at him, Garfield backed up laughing nervously.
"Don't worry Robin we can trust these guys" Barbara pinched his cheek, he smacked her hand away.
"Tim you've only been Robin for a year a slip up was bound to happen don't worry about it Batman won't be mad" Barbara comforted him.
"Cassie hey where is everyone anyway?" She asked as Mal exited the hallway looking annoyed followed by M'gann and La'gaan whispering sweet nothings to one another. Garfield stuck his tongue out and looked away.
"Maybe I should make like Superboy and be anywhere else" Cassie crossed her arms.
"RECOGNIZED SUPERBOY B04" The computer announced the half kryptonian's arrival.
"Hey Supes how's it hangin" Garfield asked only receiving a nod in response. Robin walked towards the kitchen avoiding anyone noticing his now red face.
"Beast Boy, Wondergirl and Robin we're all doing routine maintenance on the Bioship today" The three groaned as they followed the super clone to the hanger. Conner let Cassie and Gar pass him so he could walk side by side with Tim. The boy wonder noticed and decided to take a step away from the super clone. Conner noticed the sudden spike in Tim's heartbeat.
"Um hey Robin nice job distracting Clayface for me I couldn't have taken him down without you" Superboy tried to show his appreciation attempting to settle Tim's rapidly beating heart but that only seemed to quicken it.
"Yeah, right, of course, no problem heh" Robin quickened his step making Conner feel bad for his comment.
"Do I scare him? What's going on here" Conner thought to himself unknown to both Gar and Cassie noticed the awkward interaction giving each other knowing looks.