By sunrise, Dick had been caught up on everything he'd missed, and had taken his Father and the JLA up onto the roof of Titans Tower to watch it. The sun rose up on a light-pink sky, sending gleams of light on the refracting water. All of them were quiet, taking in the beauty of it all. When it finally rose up to a certain point, they all went back downstairs.
The league went down to see the Titans in the kitchen, making breakfast. There was a brief silence before Robin made introductions. Everyone was quickly acquainted, and breakfast was served efficiently. While attempting to put the pans away, Beast Boy accidental knocked two together, resulting in a loud Clang. Bruce's eyes shifted immediately to Dick, who was instantly replaced by Jack.
The clang was so similar to the sounds of what he heard in the war. He breathed through his nose, attempting to maintain his composure. They all noticed the change, and were silent. Finally, Jack spoke:
"It was two clicks off of the Yên River in Quảng Nam Province. We were hunkered down at the edge of the river, tryin' to clean off after spending weeks camouflaged in the mud. We put our uniforms back on, and went back to find them gooks waitin' for us at our base camp. They were burnin' our supplies, and we had nothin' left but a few guns, little ammunition, and the clothes on our backs. There was nowhere left to run. We charged at them Gook fucks with everything we had. I was the only one who stayed hidden long enough to get my hands on some ammo. I killed the last three Gooks that was at our base. I was the last one left alive, and had to swim to safety after the trees caught fire. I came across another camp near one side of the river a few miles north. They all said I was lucky to be alive... Was I?"
Everyone wore shocked expressions, and for a long time all was quiet. Flash was the first to speak up.
"Jack, that's all in the past. You shouldn't worry about that now- you have bigger problems to worry about."
Slowly, every head turned to Flash. Jack stood up, took two steps forward, and clocked him right in the jaw.
"We was just kids, man. Kids who didn't stand a chance against them Gooks. We didn't deserve what we got. Those were good boys. They didn't deserve to die. They were heroes, real ones, unlike you with your spandex tights and shit. I'm gettin' me a drink before I listen to any more stupid come outta your mouth."
In the blink of an eye, Jack was gone and Dick was back. He blinked when he saw his foot on Flash's chest.
"Uncle Flash?" He asked, removing his foot and offering him a hand up. "Are you okay?"
Flash grumbled a reply as he got up. Dick looked at his father for guidance, and saw
Bruce give a noncommittal shrug. Flash was quick to leave.
"What happened?" He asked, confused.
"Jack had a little flashback and Flash made a stupid remark. You can see where it went from there." Clark explained.
"Oh." Said Dick, feeling ashamed despite himself.
"Don't worry, Robin. He bounces back quicker than any of us." Hal commented.
"He knows it wasn't you talking." Diana amended.
Dick sighed.
Batman kept a keen eye on his young charge, hyperaware of the possibility of another transition. After Dick had relaxed and gotten comfortable again, Batman excused himself to his Son's room. There, He called Alfred to notify him that he was taking a few days off work. He knew he was being overprotective, but he had to know that Dick was okay. When he came out, he was pleasantly surprised to see him talking to his friends. He grinned subconsciously. It was so easy to forget Dick's disorder when he was like that- laughing and enjoying life. He pulled the rest of the league near the back of the living room and they briefly spoke.
"I'll take care of him today. You all can go ahead."
The league exchanged glances before nodding and waving goodbye to Dick. Just after they did, Dick looked up at his father with an expression that was questioning. It was if he'd asked, "is it all over now?"
Bruce could only return the look with a gaze that said, "I hope so."
