Kagz419: Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it~ You're right - Kal will realize sooner or later... but I'll never tell!

I ended up rewriting this a few time because I wasn't too happy with it but hopefully you all like it! Thank you so much for you support. Please don't forget to drop a review I'd love to hear from you.


š¶š˜©š‘Žš‘š‘”š‘’š‘Ÿ š‘†š‘’š‘£š‘’š‘› - Ignorance
"Protecting your family is every person's basic instinct,
it is why we would do everything to make sure
the ones we love stay safe and out of harm's way."

MOUNT JUSTICE
AUGUST 23, 11:19 EDT

To say I was ignoring Kaldur was an understatement. I tried to pretend he didn't exist.

After our almost kiss… I called out for M'gann in mind, and she immediately rushed into my room. She held me as I cried - what did I do wrong? Did I misread everything? Maybe I was wrong and over-exaggerated his kindness, thinking he actually liked me. I feel like I ruined whatever friendship between us over a stupid kiss.

"Oh Caly," my Martian best friend rubbed my back soothingly, "I'm sorry. I honestly thought he liked you too."

I sniffled, wiping my face with the tissues she brought. "Apparently not. Naneun meongcheong-ida."

"You're not an idiot." M'gann pulled away, placing both of her hands on my cheeks. "You're smart, beautiful, and amazing. If Kaldur can't see that, then he's the idiot."

Ever since that night, I've been avoiding him like the Black Plague. It's been extremely difficult, especially when I see his face. All I want to do is talk with him, hear his laugh, see his smile… my heart was aching. I've gone through breakups before (if you can even call middle school relationships real), but we weren't even together. So why did it hurt more?

"Virago?"

Batman's voice broke me out of my thoughts. Everyone's eyes were on me, including Kaldur's. When I met his gaze, his eyes softened. He looked like he wanted to say something, but I looked away.

I cleared my throat, hoping no one would notice. I approached the computer that showed a few holographic screens. One was a map of Detroit, the other was a picture of Benjamin Carson, the medical school Zoe was going to. And the last one was a picture of Lamia - even though it was just a picture, her piercing gaze still sent shivers down my spine.

I enlarged the map, showing where the school was, and turned to my team. "This is Benjamin Carson, a medical prep high school. Lamia," Batman pulled up a holographic image of said villain, dressed in civilian clothes, "is there posing as a substitute teacher. Her motives are unclear, but currently the school is on lockdown - I know she had something to do with this." Batman replaced the image with a video of the Detroit local news. Part of the school was on fire, and other parts of the building destroyed. Dozens of cop cars and firefighters were outside, helping students and teachers. I bit my lip nervously, praying that Zoe was okay.

"…reporting live from outside Benjamin Carson High School, where authorities believe a bomb exploded. The local fire department is working on putting out the flames," the camera zoomed in on the flaming school, "but half of the school collapsed with students and teachers still inside. Charles L. Spain Elementary-Middle school and the Children's Hospital of Michigan are also on lockdown-"

I clenched my fists in anger. My best friend could be dead, all thanks to Lamia. How dare she put the lives of so many kids in danger? What is she doing at a school, anyway?

M'gann placed her hand on my shoulder. 'Don't worry, I'm sure Zoe is safe.'

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. 'I hope so.'

'Wait, who's Zoe?' Kid Flash questioned.

Artemis huffed, pinching the bridge of her nose. 'Ugh, please don't tell me it's another doctor we have to keep safe in a school again.'

'No, Zoe is my best friend.' I replied, looking to the video of the burning school. 'She goes to Benjamin Carson. If I find out that she's hurt because of Lamia…'

Kaldur stepped forward and reached for my hand. I glanced up at the Atlantean, completely confused. Did he not remember rejecting my kiss a few nights ago? What is he doing? 'We will make sure she is safe.' He promised sincerely. Any other time, I'd be blushing, but when I looked into his eyes all I could see was his disgusted face when we almost kissed.

I gently pulled my hand away from his, turning away from him. As much as I wanted to hold his hand, I couldn't get past what happened. We haven't even talked about it either - neither has Kaldur apologized. Was he just expecting me to forget it never happened?

I pretended not to see how he frowned sadly, hurt by my actions. I crossed my arms, moving closer to M'gann and Artemis, who gave me comforting glances.

Artemis has been supportive and caring in her own way after M'gann and I told her about the kiss. She was blunt, telling me what I needed to hear. She's not as sweet and kind as my Martian best friend, but I still appreciated the archer.

"Is there anything else we should know?" Robin asked, looking to his mentor.

Batman shook his head. "No. Virago has the coordinates. Prep the Bioship and get those kids out of there. Don't fight with Lamia if it puts more people in danger." his eyes narrowed at me after the last sentence. It was almost as if he was a mind reader too. I wanted to beat Lamia to a pulp for doing this. I don't think my team could hold me back. No promises, Batman. No promises.


DETROIT
AUGUST 23, 11:45 EDT

The entire flight to Detroit, I was silent. My anxiety was through the roof - I was so worried about Zoe. She was like my sister and I don't know what I'd do without her. If something happened to her because of Lamia's stupid plot, I'd lose my mind. Please be okay, Zoe. Please.

"Superboy when we arrive at the school, I want you, Kid Flash, and Miss Martian to assist the authorities with evacuating the rest of the students." Kaldur's order brought me out of my anxiety filled thoughts. "Clear a path for them to rescue the rest of the school. The rest of us will find another way in and find Lamia."

Robin typed away on a holographic screen on his glove. "I have the blueprint of the school." he pressed a few buttons, and the image appeared on the screen of the Bioship. "Whatever blew up the school happened here," he zoomed in on the auditorium. "And here," he zoomed in on the cafeteria. "The gym is in the back while the cafeteria is in the middle. We can try both sides and see which way is the easiest to get in."

Kaldur nodded. "You and Artemis can take one side while Calypso and I take the other." My neck snapped to the side so fast at his words. Now he wants us to be alone together? What is he trying to do? "We will help anyone trapped along the way."

"Do you really think it's a good idea to split up the team?" Artemis asked. "I mean Robin and I don't even have superpowers." Robin gave a fake look of hurt, placing his hand over his heart dramatically. She rolled her eyes. "What if it isn't just Lamia here?"

Kid Flash rubbed his chin in thought. "As much as I hate to agree with blondie over here," the archer glared at him in response, "she might be right. Who else do we know that likes bombs?"

"If this was Gotham, I'd have a list of people, no problem." Robin said. "But here in Detroit? No idea. Do you have any ideas, Caly?"

I shook my head. "No one I can think of. I think Artemis is right. Bombs aren't really Lamia's thing - I mean she has super strength. If she wanted to take down the school, I'm pretty sure she can tear it down herself. She's as strong as Superman."

"Join the club." Superboy grumbled, crossing his arms. I apologized for my comment, hoping I didn't offend him too much.

"It can't be someone like Sportsmaster or Chesire… they have no reason to blow up a random school in Detroit." the Boy Wonder spoke, scrolling through pictures of people we've seen with Lamia. As he and Kid Flash began naming possible villains, my thoughts drifted to Zoe again. If I find out Lamia did something to her… I don't think I could forgive myself. She's my best friend, and I made a promise to myself to protect her and the rest of the people of Detroit.

I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling tears well up in my eyes at the thought of Zoe… I took a deep breath. Think happy thoughts. Think positive. Don't imagine her hurt or worse.

"We're approaching the school." M'gann announced, and I almost jumped out of my seat. "Putting Bioship in camouflage mode."

If you told me this place used to be a school, I wouldn't believe you. From all the smoke and flames, it looked like someone demolished half a building and left the rest for later. There were dozens of cop cars and firetrucks parked in front of the school, escorting more students and teachers out of the crumbling school.

Several ambulances with first responders were patching up kids or escorting them to the hospital. So many children hurt… I clenched my fists in anger, gritting my teeth. When I get my hands on that cold-hearted nyeon-

"Calypso," Kaldur reached out, gently touching my arm, "it's alright." when I met his calm eyes, he smiled, genuinely smiled. It made my heart flutter- no. Stop it, Calypso. Don't read too much into it. He's just being friendly.

Still, I blushed at his touch. "I- um…" what was I supposed to say? Thanks?

"Landing now." I silently thanked M'gann for saving me from the awkwardness. I pulled away from the Atlantean, rushing out of the Bioship just as she opened the doors. I heard my team call after me but I had to get in that school, now.

I jumped over the barricade, racing past police and firefighters, shouting apologies over my shoulder. The overwhelming smell of smoke hit my nose first once I reached what was the front of the school. Part of the roof collapsed, blocking half of the door. The windows had shattered and fire alarm was still blaring loudly.

After touching my Devatma totem, I felt the powerful strength of a dung beetle flow through my veins. With a swift punch to the door, it flew off the hinges, crashing onto the floor.

I stepped inside, scanning down the hallway. It looked worse than the outside - walls crumbled, classroom desks and chairs burnt to a crisp, lockers broken underneath pieces of wall and roof. A few surviving lights flickered, while others went out completely.

"Virago!" Aqualad exclaimed after catching up to me, Artemis and Robin behind him. "You need to be more careful, we do not know-"

"We already know it's Lamia." I snapped, narrowing my eyes at him. "I'm not wasting any more time. Robin, which side are you and Artemis taking?"

It caught Robin by surprise at how cold I was acting towards Aqualad. I didn't mean to come off harsh, but Kaldur is confusing me, and I didn't have time for it. "R-right, right. We'll take the left side near the library. The school is a huge circle so both lead to the cafeteria." he brought up the map of the school, gesturing to said place. "The gym is right behind it."

"Are you able to hack into the security- nevermind, you already did it." Artemis said, looking over his shoulder. He scrolled through the feed, skipping the dead cameras. "Wait! There!" the blonde pointed at the two figures on screen.

There was no audio, but clearly one person was Lamia. She was pacing in front of a group of students, a devilish smirk on her lips. The person next to her stood still as a statute with his arms crossed. He was someone I didn't recognize. His uniform is all black, from the mask covering his mouth to the katanas sheathed on his back. He reminded me of Deathstroke, but younger and no eye patch but a domino mask instead.

None of my teammates recognized him either. "Who the hell is that?" the archer questioned, looking closer at the screen.

"No idea. His face doesn't match with anyone in the League's database." Robin answered, after running a facial recognition scan on the ninja-looking man.

The Boy Wonder zoomed in on the kids' faces and I gasped. Zoe was sitting in the middle of the group, holding hands with the two students on either side of her. Her face was red and tear-stained, but she looked unharmed. Not safe, but not dying either.

"That's Zoe. I need to get to her, now."

"We need a plan." Kaldur said. "Those students are our priority, but we need to be cautious."

"How are we supposed to be cautious with half the building destroyed?" I hissed, rolling my eyes. I pulled out my bō staff, walking away from my team. "I'm getting into that gym, stealth or not." I looked over my shoulder at Kaldur and my heart almost broke. His shoulders slumped, wincing at my tone.

I chewed on my bottom lip, pangs of guilt shooting through me. Artemis and Robin exchanged a silent look, mumbling that they'll leave for their side. Kaldur nodded before quietly falling in step behind me.

The walk to the cafeteria was silent. We had to maneuver around broken bits of wall and roof, searching the classrooms for students or teachers, just in case. I noticed that each room had the same sized hole blown through it, meaning a bomb got placed in every room.

"How did Lamia do this without being caught?" I wondered aloud. I glanced over at the Atlantean, who stayed silent. He seemed to be in his own head and I wanted to comfort him. Seeing him upset and not himself just… didn't seem right.

"Artemis to Virago and Aqualad, we can't get into the cafeteria from our side." the blond reported over our comm. "Any luck on your end?"

"Hold on," we rounded the hallway, leading to the cafeteria. The only thing blocking the door was two sets of lockers that had collapsed on each other. Above the door was a broken rectangle shaped window that was covered in black soot. "We found a way through. It's a small climb."

"Okay, we'll rendezvous back to you and Aqualad. Artemis out."

I eyed the tall obstacle in front of us, touching my totem again as I felt the flight of a simple falcon overcome me. I slowly floated to the top of the lockers and turned around to Kaldur, holding out my hand. "I'll pull you up."

"No," he shook his head, "it will not hold both of us."

"Majda. I'll open the door from the other side-" A hand wrapped around my hair, nails digging into my neck, yanking me through the glass window. I gasped, trying to turn around, but their grip was tight. "Virago!" Kaldur screamed as they flung me across the cafeteria into a bunch of broken tables and chairs. Smoke filled my lungs and flames filled my vision. I coughed, rolling away from the pile of tables and chairs that were on fire, trying to regain my breath. Dodaeche mwoya-?

"Look Keres, it's the great and almighty Virago." an all too familiar voice taunted with a chuckle, her figure sauntering into view past the smoke. Lamia. Her devilish smile widened when our eyes met, as if it delighted her to see me (in pain, probably).

The cafeteria was much worse than the rest of the school. Everything was on fire. Dozens of tables and chairs were burning to a crisp or burnt to ash. The heat was unbearable, almost suffocating - it felt like standing underneath the scorching sun inside of a sauna. I tried to think of an animal resilient to fire, but I'd be sacrificing strength or speed to survive the fight with Lamia and Keres.

'M'gann I dunno if you can hear me, but I'm trapped in the cafeteria with Lamia.' I hoped she was in range. There was no way I was getting out of here easily. Without even thinking, I touched my totem, feeling the energy of a panther flow through me. I had to think quickly and survive until my team arrives - hopefully they heard me.

I stood, picking up my staff. "Lamia, nice to see you." I spat sarcastically. Keres, the ninja dude, continued to stay silent as he drew both swords with a sharp shiing. "Not going to introduce your friend?" In response, Keres twirled his blades skillfully between his hands.

"Keres? Oh, he doesn't talk much." she shrugged, not at all bothered by the smoke. It looked like she was breathing through it with no problem - not only did she have super strength, fast regenerative powers, but it was almost like nothing bothered her. What is her weakness? "But that will not matter… when we kill you!" Oh, how cliche.

Lamia charged first, grabbing a piece of broken table and throwing it at me. I side-stepped out of the way just as Keres swung both blades for my hand. I yelped, bringing up my bō staff to block his katanas. I struggled against his strength - he's not as strong as Lamia, but stronger than me.

I kicked at his legs and jabbed my staff into his stomach. He groaned, stumbling into the wall. I quickly swung my fist for his face, knocking him to the ground. I coughed into my elbow; the smoke burning my lungs. I had to get out of here.

"Forget about me?" I turned at Lamia's voice just in time to dodge a flaming chair. I stumbled to the side, almost tripping over my own feet. My eyes were burning and everything seemed to sway, as if we were on a boat. I struggled to stand, the burning pain in my lungs almost suffocating me.

Lamia sighed, rolling her eyes in annoyance. "This is no fun. Keres?" at her voice, he stood and joined her side. "Should we take this to the next room?" He nodded, sheathing his blades.

Before I had time to question what was happening, Lamia took hold of my foot and effortlessly tossed me into the wall. I crashed through it and onto the gym's floor. I skidded into the bleachers, my head slamming on the ground.

I gasped for air, coughing and almost choking on my salvia as I struggled to regain my breath. My head was pounding, but the air was clearer. I could finally breathe again.

"Oh, my god!" at the sound of my best friend's voice, I sighed in relief. She crouched beside me, helping me stand. "I knew you'd come." Zoe smiled. I noted the only harm done was a few scrapes and cuts on her arms and face. I was so glad she was okay. All the worries vanished. My only priority now was to get her out of here safe and sound.

"Are you okay?"

"Caly, are you-" she glared at me incredulously, flicking me in the forehead. "You just flew through a wall and you're asking me if I'm okay?!"

"Yeah."

She threw her arms around my neck, squeezing me gently. "I'm perfectly fine-" she paled, her gaze focusing on something behind me. Her eyes widened, her body almost shaking in fear. I turned, standing protectively in front of my best friend as Lamia and Keres stepped through the hole in the wall. I heard the other kids scream and scramble away from the two. My heart shattered at their cries…

"Aw, isn't this sweet?" Lamia said, after slowly clapping. She wiped a fake tear from her eye. "Very touching, don't you think?" Keres narrowed his eyes, crossing his blades in front of him. Lamia rolled her eyes, glaring at her partner. "Your 'no talking' thing is really annoying-"

I charged forward, jumping up in the air and swinging my bō staff at Lamia's head, flinging her into the wall. I quickly turned, slamming the staff into Keres' chest. I sprang back, touching my totem, and felt the strength of a grizzly bear.

Keres recovered fast. He growled in anger and lunged, thrusting both blades. I blocked with my staff, now face to face with him. This time, I didn't struggle against his strength. I smirked and slammed my weapon against his katanas, knocking them from his grasp. I punched him in the chest and swiped my legs underneath his feet, using my staff to push him to the ground.

A blood-curdling scream echoed the gym, and I froze. I turned on my heel to see Lamia holding her arm around Zoe's throat, a dagger pointed at her temple. A few kids were crying in fear, huddled together underneath the bleachers.

I clenched my fists, gritting my teeth. "Let. Her. Go." I snarled, ready to rip off Lamia's head. Zoe whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut as Lamia traced the dagger along her cheek, drawing blood. "Lamia-" Two blades crossed in front of my neck, as I felt Keres dig his knee into my back, forcing me to my knees.

'M'gann, please if you can hear me I'm in the gym with Lamia.' I pleaded in my mind. 'She's going to kill Zoe, then me.'

"Do you know why we're here, Virago?" she asked. I didn't answer, assuming she was going to tell me, anyway. "It wasn't for some big villain scheme, so people could be afraid of me and Keres. If I wanted that, we would've chosen somewhere else, like Metropolis or Gotham." she walked towards me, dragging - more like choking - Zoe along. I tried to stand, move away from Keres, do something, but the blades inched closer and closer to my throat.

"Hajima!" Please, God, don't let me watch my best friend die like this. Please. "This doesn't involve her! She's innocent!"

Ignoring my pleas, Lamia tossed Zoe to the ground harshly, digging her heel into her back. "We choose Detroit and this school, because of you." my eyes widened, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "I don't care about the Justice League or your little group of sidekicks." she kicked my best friend in the ribs, causing her to cry out in pain.

Tears were streaming down my face as I heard her sob. "Lamia, stop! Please!" I begged, pushing against Keres' katanas. I could feel them digging into my throat, but I didn't care. I can't let her die.

She picked up Zoe by the hair, nails digging into her scalp. "I don't even care about working with Sportsmaster and the rest of those old bastards. I care," she brought the dagger up to Zoe's throat, "about-"

"Lamia." I almost gasped at Keres' voice - it was calm, low, yet commanding. It sent shivers down my spine. "Enough."

She groaned in annoyance, dropping my best friend carelessly. "What? I wasn't going to kill her." she crossed her arms with a huff. "Maybe torture, but not kill." her eyes fell upon me again, and she smiled, her eyes lighting up. "Now, heh," in a blink of an eye, she was in front of me. She gripped my chin, nails digging into my skin, making me flinch. "Where were we?" she giggled as she dragged her dagger against my cheek. I winced, trying to jerk my head away, but Keres' grip was firm.

Above us, the glass shattered and explosive arrows and Birdarangs rained down, surrounding us in a circle. Lamia sneered, growling in anger. "Always ruining the fun." Keres' blades slipped away from my neck as he and Lamia fled into the burning cafeteria. Lamia's eyes never left mine, as she beckoned me with her finger, her devilish grin never leaving. She wanted another fight. After what she did to Zoe, I'll give her more than just a fight.

I felt an arm slip around my shoulders as Zoe levitated off the ground. She was barely conscious to notice she was floating, but mumbled something about flying.

'M'gann!' I breathed in relief as she laid Zoe and I safely on the floor, away from the items that were about to explode. I sat her against the wall, letting her rest. 'I'm so happy for see you.'

BOOM!

Smoke enveloped the gym as Robin's cackle echoed the room. Never had I been so happy to hear his annoying laughter. Artemis and Robin emerged from the ceiling, Kid Flash, Superboy, Aqualad right behind them.

'Calledfor us, babe?' Kid Flash flirtatiously asked, and I could feel his smirk in my mind. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, but I was honestly happy to see him.

'Caly, are you okay? I'm sorry we couldn't get to you sooner-'

I cut off M'gann's worries. 'Geaenchanha. I'm alive. You all need to watch out for Keres - he's the guy with the dual katanas.' When the Atlantean met my eyes, he smiled, sighing in relief. He looked so glad to see me, but when I noticed him scan over my injuries, he frowned. 'I'll be alright.'

'Where are they?' Artemis questioned as the smoke cleared. 'Was Chesire with them?'

'No. And they're in there.' I gestured to the cafeteria, touching my totem, as I approached the hole in the wall. 'Let's'-'

Kaldur gently grabbed my arm, shaking his head. 'No, these kids,' he looked behind us at said students. They looked relieved and happy to see us, especially Kid Flash. 'They need us.'

'But-' I opened my mouth to protest but when I glanced at the kids again, I realized he was right. Save the school, revenge later.

"Guys look!" Kid Flash held up one of the girl's binders that had tons of stickers with his face on it. The girl was blushing so hard, her face turned red like a tomato. "I have a fan!" she smiled, giggling as he gave her a hug. "Superboy, you do too~"

The clone crossed his arms. "What?" he did not look as amused as Wally when a younger boy held up his notebook to show an adorable drawing of Superboy and Superman. "Oh. Thanks?" the boy beamed, nervously shuffling forward.

"C-can you… can you um…" he held out a pencil, "sign it for me?"

Superboy raised his eyebrow. "Sign it?"

"He wants your autograph." M'gann said, smiling. However, Superboy was even more confused. "Why?" I stifled a laugh as I watched Miss Martian try to explain what an autograph was. Adorable. Robin and Artemis were talking with a few kids, assuring them they were safe and sound. As much as I wanted to go after Lamia and Keres for almost blowing up the school and killing a bunch of innocent kids for no reason, it was heartwarming to see them smiling and laughing.

"Calypso…" Kaldur's voice brought me out of my thoughts. He cupped my cheek, his eyes locked with mine. Without thinking, I leaned into his touch. "You are bleeding."

"What?" I saw the blood on his hand and remembered Lamia's dagger from earlier. "I'm okay." I promised, slowly removing his hand, even though I really didn't want to. His touch was soft and warm - it made me feel safe. But this wasn't right. He didn't want this… right?

After rounding up all the students, we safely escorted them out of the building and to the paramedics and their families. It made me happy to see them out of harm's way. Zoe was the last to leave the group. She was doing better, but she took a hell of a beating.

"I'm sorry…" I mumbled, avoiding my best friend's eyes. All I did was watch her get hurt. I should've fought against Keres more, done something.

Zoe weakly flicked me in the forehead. "Don't apologize. You know it's not your fault-"

"But-"

"Don't make me hurt you, Calypso. I'll be okay, I promise." she smiled but I could tell it was forced. She was struggling to stand on her own and had to lean against me for support. "I just really need a hot shower and some sleep. And when I got home, you better tell me what's going on with you and water-boy over there." she winked, looking over at Aqualad who was waiting for me at the Bioship.

I frowned. "It's nothing… anymore." her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "I'll tell you later."

Her demeanor instantly changed. She narrowed her eyes at the Atlantean, sucking her teeth. "I don't have to kill him, right? Superhero or not, he's not safe from my wraith." Even though I could see she was hurting, she was ready to fight Kaldur, no questions asked.

"Aniyo." I chuckled, shaking my head at my best friend. Always so protective.

"ZOE!"

We turned around to see Zoe's parents pushing past police and paramedics and rushing to Zoe. She grinned at the sound of her family's voices and ran into their arms. Nana was right behind them, bursting into tears once she saw her granddaughter was okay. I felt myself tear up, sighing in relief. She was safe and sound, finally.


MOUNT JUSTICE
AUGUST 23, 16:45 EDT

"Calypso? Can we talk?"

My eyes widened at Kaldur's voice. I was just about to enter my room and hopefully hibernate for the next day or so. After taking a deep breath, I turned around to meet those stunning pale green eyes. They almost made me breathless again.

I bit my lip nervously, playing with the hem of my sweater. "Sure. What's up?"

He was silent for a few moments before speaking. "I want to apologize for… everything." he sighed, shoulders slumping. "I did not mean to upset you when I didn't kiss you. It is just… I do not think I am 'all there' as they say because… I…" he hesitated as if he was afraid to speak more on his genuine feelings.

"Kaldur," I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "it's alright. Whatever it is, you can tell me."

"Please do not think badly of me. You and this Team mean a great deal to me, your friendship especially. You are incredibly kind and sweet, but… lately, my thoughts have been all Atlantis. My friends, family."

Everything began clicking in my head. "You want to go home." He smiled sadly, nodding.

"Yes." He seemed so upset and conflicted. "Are you… angry with me?" His saddened look almost broke my heart. Why was he so afraid of hurting me?

I threw my arms around his neck, being mindful of his gills. "No Kal, not at all." I was sad of the possibility of him leaving to Atlantis, but I couldn't be upset with him. "You deserve to be happy. And if your happiness is in Atlantis, then that's where you need to be."

"But what about the Team? I am their leader-"

"I'm sure you can live in Atlantis and be our leader. If you decide to leave permanently, we'll figure it out."

"Calypso…" he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into him. I smiled, feeling the oh-so familiar butterflies in my stomach. "Thank you."

I smiled, squeezing him gently. "No need to thank me, Kaldur. What are friends for?" I wish we could be more than friends, but I don't think that's the best idea. I was glad that the only reason he didn't kiss me was because he didn't want to hurt my feelings and not anything else like my appearance. Stupid insecurities.

"About that," he began rubbing the back of his neck, nervously, pink dusting his cheeks, "I-"

"Calypso!"

M'gann's excited voice rang through the hallway as she zipped through the air, landing in front of Kaldur and I. Her smiled vanished when she saw how close we were, realizing she was interrupting the moment. "I'm so sorry- I didn't mean to-"

I shook my head, waving my hands in dismissal. "You're fine, M'gann, what's wrong?"

"Oh!" she beamed again, clasping her hands together happily. "Artemis finally agreed to a girl's night, so we're going to the Mall of America again! My treat!"

"That sounds like fun, but-" I glanced at Kaldur, who didn't seem anxious anymore. In fact, he looked quite relieved, but I knew he had something important to say. I didn't want to leave in the middle of our conversation, especially when we've barely spoken these past few days.

He gave my hand a small squeeze, making my heart flutter. "We will continue this conversation later, Calypso. You three be careful." he softly smiled before leaving for the training area. My mind was racing. What was making him blush? What did he have to tell me?

"Calypso?" M'gann waved her hands in front of my face, bringing me out of my thoughts. "Did you and Kaldur finally make up?"

"I think so."

"Sooo~" she gently bumped her shoulder with mine, smirking. "Are you two together now?"

I blushed at the thought. "No, we're just friends. I think that's best for us right now." As much as I wanted to be more to Kaldur, I was happy with being his friend... I think?