This chapter is all about CJ and Ted. Enjoy the awkwardness!

Not everyone will get a happy ending in this story, the characters and maybe even the readers. And yes, CJ left her twin alone to help her and herself. "Better for everyone" and all that junk. Sorry.

Warning: This chapter contains a curse word. Cover the eyes of all small children. Do not let them read the first paragraph. Haha.

Chapter 6

CJ rolled over in her bed. Since she teleported back down from the WatchTower, she hadn't been able to relax. She was worried about her sister, but thinking about it made CJ feel like a shitty sister. She just abandoned her twin in a space station, scared and confused. She hated herself, and partially Batman, for abandoning her. CJ would have felt better if she had Caroline with her when she first appeared in this world. She would have had support, a friend to help her calm down. But if CJ did go up there and stay by her sister's side, Caroline could turn to ice again. CJ didn't want her twin to suffer like that. It's for her own good.

She flipped over again, trying to clear her head, but it wasn't working all that well. She needed a distraction.

She bolted up and blinked. A distraction. It was perfect. Of course, she only needed herself to become stressed when she thought of it. She was glad she was already dressed in civilian clothes.

She practically jogged to her door and swung it open, and before she could ask herself if Ted was even in the study, she slammed the door open. Fortunately, he was dressed.

He jumped at the noise, turning in his chair to look at the intruder at his door. "CJ, what-"

She marched over to him and pulled her only slightly grimy roommate out of his chair and shoved him to the door. "Go take a shower. We're going out."

CJ hadn't really thought out anything except just getting Ted out of the apartment, so when they walked down the stairs and out onto the street, the silence between them was awkward.

She was still wearing her long sleeve dark gray shirt, her black fireproof pants, and her black fireproof boots. Her hair was barely lifting in the slight wind, and she shoved it out of her face, then pulled her sleeves over her fingers.

Ted was wearing something different for a change. He still wore a white button up dress shirt, but his sleeves were rolled up hastily at the elbows, and CJ had to admit it was kind of cute to see him not so neat when he could have been. He was also wearing blue faded jeans, which she had never seen before. His shirt wasn't tucked in, and hung over his waist. His shoes were still nice, blending in enough so that no one really looked down. He still had slight stubble across his face. He hadn't bothered to shave it all the way lately, just taking an electric razor to it. Maybe it made him feel more relaxed. His hair was shorter than usual. When did he have time to cut it? It was still brown and wavy, and his blue eyes seemed dull and bored.

CJ was going to change that. Without saying a word, they began to walk. CJ didn't really know where she was going until she saw the sign. Genocian Fair. It was only a few blocks from here. But they were already going. She couldn't stop herself now, or she'd feel like a coward.

We're going to have fun, she told herself. She kept repeating it over and over in her head, as if it would make it true. The sun was setting, but up ahead, CJ could see string lights everywhere.

"CJ, where are we-" But they were already there. They both stopped, and CJ looked up at him. She watched him realize where they were and watched his expression change from confusion to disbelief. He closed his eyes and rubbed at his forehead with a laugh of disbelief. "You did not bring me to the fair."

He opened his eyes to meet CJs grin. She didn't really know why she was happy all of a sudden. Seeing his reaction cheered her up. "Afraid to act like a kid again?"

He took it as a challenge. First, they went to do the simple stuff. They watched small shows, to ease the tension. They watched a ventriloquist perform with puppets. He was a comedian, and the two of his puppets were supposed to be fighting over a woman that did not appear at all. They insulted each other, the others' mother, and even themselves. CJ didn't quite understand half of it, but some of the jokes were just too corny. Ted seemed to get it, at least more than her. Then they watched a man juggle first three tennis balls, then five, eight, and eventually a dozen. The balls went at least ten feet into the air, and CJ was fascinated by it. She didn't understand how a human being could catch them, without the help of magic or some kind of ability. At times, she swore the balls were glowing, but it could have just been the effect of the string lights.

She caught Ted watching her, then blushed, embarrassed. In the lighting of the white string lights, the yellow lanterns and the candles, he looked different. His blue eyes were glowing, standing out in the dark with the help of the lights. Where he usually looked pale due to the fact that he never leaved the apartment, under this light, he looked healthy and strong. He even looked stronger with his arms revealed. She had always imagined him skinny and lanky because he was a nerd, but maybe she was wrong. His freckles stood out more, lighting up his face. He looked…. happy.

It was why her blush deepened. He was happy looking at her. CJ didn't know what else to do, so she threw the attention away from her and suggested to watch another show.

They headed into a tent that was only lit by candles. There were about twenty wooden chairs placed in five rows of four, with just enough room for people to maneuver, and for the white screen at the other end with some equipment behind it. As everyone settled into their seats- CJ was a little uncomfortable with the closeness, and so instead of touching the strangers shoulder, she leaned into Ted a little too much- people came from behind the screen and blew out the candles. Then they went back behind the screen and started the show.

It was one of those Asian movie things, where a light appeared behind the screen, and objects were placed in front of the light to cast shadows onto the screen. It told the story of how a samurai gained the love of an emperor's daughter, all without any talking involved, just calm Zen-like music.

CJ enjoyed it, and exited the tent with a smile.

Then the two began to act like kids again. They went on all the rides, most of which CJ had never been on before. It took a lot of pleading and mock puppy-dog-eyes from Ted, but she went on them with him. The first few seconds, it was terrifying, not in control of the speed or movements. After she could clear her head and think, she realized it wasn't any different than flying. If she just relaxed enough, and let herself get lost in the movements of the ride, it was very much like flying. Then they went on the same ride at least three more times before moving on.

After they rode all the rides enough to admit to each other they were dizzy, they got cotton candy and popcorn until their stomachs hurt, and never had a proper dinner. They almost never stopped smiling, and laughed at the others' excitement.

As they sat at the table, CJ saw movement behind Ted, and he followed her gaze. A young boy, maybe four, with a mop of red/orange hair and freckles was staring up at Ted, literally a foot away. Ted jumped when he noticed the boy. He especially scooted away when he noticed that the boy had slimy food particles on his hands and face. "Uh, hello."

The boy gave him a grin, one of his front teeth leaving a gap, but did nothing else. Ted furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

CJ burst out giggling at his reaction. It was like he had never seen a child before.

The boy turned his attention to CJ and stepped closer to her. He gave her the same grin. CJ, too, felt herself scoot away. It was funnier when he had been scaring Ted, but now CJ began to feel a little uncomfortable. The boy was staring at her, his gaze unwavering, like she was the only thing on the planet. It creeped her out.

Suddenly, a shout rang out, a name being called. The boy instinctevly turned to the noise and walked away.

Once the boy had gone, it was Ted's turn to chuckle. He shifted, sitting normally in his seat, no longer hanging on the edge to get away from a sticky child. "We certainly aren't going to be having kids any time soon."

CJ felt her eyes widen, the same time his did. He quickly met her gaze, holding his hands up. "Not that I meant with each other. I mean in general. I'm not sure kids like me, so I'm not ready, and it doesn't look like you are etiher." He blinked with a shake of his head. "Not that I know that you aren't. I mean, go ahead-"

CJ cut him off, worried that if he continued, the sparks within her would spread. She didn't want that. "No, you're right. I don't want a kid, at least not right now." He shut up, relieved to stop the awkward rant. "Besides, I think that kid was just…. Different. The way he looked at me." She shook her shoulders, mimicking the chills.

Ted nodded, turning to the table. "Yeah, he gave me the same look."

They sat in silence for a moment longer, before they mutually agreed that maybe going to go play the games would sound fun. CJ was just relieved the tension vanished once they were up and moving.

Ted was especially good at throwing the darts at the balloons. The first one he threw he missed, but the second erupted with a loud pop. CJ squealed with glee and flinched. Then he threw another, and grinned down at her reaction. "Don't tell me you've never tried this before." She hadn't.

After the game keeper collected a small, cute stuffed frog, Ted asked for three more darts. He handed one to CJ. Hers didn't even make it into the board of the wall. It bounced off and almost impaled a random nearby passing stranger. CJ let out another squeal when she thought it was going to hit someone.

Ted let out a chuckle. "How do you do it?" He shrugged. "Physics. Gravity. Speed and force of the throw. Velocity and time of impact." He grinned at the sudden bored and pouty expression on her face. "Say it's good luck."

After he succeeded in popping three more balloons, the game keeper insisted Ted exchange the frog for a bigger prize. He ended up getting a cute and chubby elephant.

Caroline would have picked that one, a voice told her in her head. If she were here. Guilt filled CJ. It had been so easy to forget that she had left her twin in a quarantine cell. She forced herself to think positively. Caroline would want her to have fun, wouldn't she? To not worry about her.

The cute chubby elephant was suddenly in front of CJ. She looked up at Ted. He shook it slightly, handing it to her. He rose an eyebrow at her. "What am I going to do with this?"

She took it, giving him a small glare. "Just because I'm a girl, I'm supposed to want it?"

His eyebrow lowered to its normal resting place, and he said in all seriousness, "Yes."

CJ shook her head with a small smile. "It is cute."

He smiled in satisfaction then led them away towards the whack-a-moles.

The guilt was present the rest of the night, but spending it with Ted made her feel better. She felt like he knew she was down, and was trying to keep the mood happy and amusing. She knew he had not done it on purpose when he and another man collided, a slushi flying into the air. Fortunately, it missed both men, but Ted fell backwards onto the ground from the large, bulky man he had run into. For minutes afterward Ted was red faced and CJ couldn't stop giggling.

She allowed herself to relax again, because when she thought about it, he had gotten a distraction as well. He hadn't spoken about his work all night, and hadn't asked to leave. It didn't mean he wasn't thinking about it, but CJ didn't know. She hoped he hadn't. He looked like he was having fun, too.

Once it hit around ten, the two began to walk home. As they walked side by side, Ted stuffed his hands in his pockets, and CJ clutched the little gray stuffed toy to her abdomen. Their eyes were still lit with joy, but was quickly fading as the night was coming to an end.

Ted must have noticed this as well, because instead of taking a right to their street, Ted brought her left.

They ended up going to a park. CJ was surprised to see no one around. Maybe they were all at the fair.

They sat on the grass and leaned against the fountain and looked up at the night sky. The stars were visible here, where there were barely any lights. CJ let out a long sigh. The night was finally over. They had done it.

CJ thought she would ask him about the stars, what constellations they were, because Ted knew that kind of stuff, but when she looked over at him, he was looking down at his hands.

"Me and my mother use to do stuff like this, when I was younger. We went bowling every Sunday. Back then, I just couldn't throw the ball right, and I always got splits, then missed. My mom was a pro. She could get strikes every time, and I loved watching her. She didn't show off, but she didn't take it like it was nothing. She always told me practice makes perfect." He looked up at the night sky. "I miss her."

CJ looked away. "I'm sorry."

He shifted beside her. "She's not dead. She has Alzheimer's, and extreme dementia. She doesn't remember anything anymore." He paused, and CJ let it sink in. "In the beginning, when it first started, she told me not to visit her. She didn't want me to see a woman that didn't remember my face. I would be a stranger to her.

"I respected her wishes, but I had to visit her. She's my mother." He looked down at his hands again. "She thought I was one of the nurses…."

He had revealed something about himself, something that made both of them want to cry. CJ didn't remember her parents, but she felt like she had to say something, to take the attention from him.

"I miss my sister." She knew the memories would bring the guilt back, but she felt like she needed to say it out loud, tell someone that she really did care for her twin. "When we were teenagers, we use to go to the zoo all the time. We probably went three times a week, and eventually, the ticket woman called us regulars and gave us half off. Some of the staff even learned us by name. And we would stay there all day, up until closing.

"But we weren't like those other tourists who snapped hundreds of pictures. We just watched the animals, and thought of plans of how to set them free. The plans always ended in outrageous schemes, and we would always laugh, and the other tourists would give us strange looks. One time, we sat at the chimpanzees, and we named all of them. We fought over which ones should be girls, because they looked smaller to her but bigger to me. Then we would try and point out all their names again, to see if we remembered them all. Then we found out that they already had names, and we would laugh at our naivetés.

"We always laughed." The last sentence was a whisper, but it was so loud in the silence. The fountain didn't drown it out, and Ted was just staring. She clutched at her heart, as if it might break. How could she be so cruel? She should be helping her sister control her powers, so she didn't hurt herself anymore. Even if she did freeze over again, CJ should be at her side when she woke up, to let her know that she was there for her. Why wasn't she there for her?

CJ stood, and Ted followed. "Let's go home," she said quietly, and he agreed.

But as they walked, the emotions didn't die down. They built up inside, and she felt tears prick her eyes. Guilt, regret, worry. These emotions sparked the fire within her, but she forced it down. She just needed to let it all go.

It was at the steps when she finally broke. The first tears fell, and the others poured out after it, as if they were waiting for one to go first before the fell. She stopped, mostly because she couldn't see anymore, and grabbed for Ted.

He held her as she let all her emotions out, but struggled to keep the fire in. It was a battle within her. How much of me can you let out? Oh, let me out so I can burn the place to the ground! No, we can't do that, we're mourning. We're not mourning you idiot, we hate ourselves. I don't wanna go. I like it in here. If you stay, you'll hurt her even more. She needs to relax, so get out. You get out. You first!

Of course, it didn't happen like that, but it could have. She wanted to be numb. It would be so much easier. And then she realized she was being carried. She must have been crying into him for too long, because they were slowly making their way up the steps. Then she began crying all over again because he was taking care of her like she did earlier that week. She was grateful that she didn't have to be alone.

Then they were in the apartment, and Ted was about to set her down on her bed. She was still crying, but it had died down a little.

She gripped his damp shirt. "Please. Stay."

And he stayed. He ended up leaning against the headboard while she was practically in his lap, and she continued to cry into his chest. He lightly played with her hair as he held her, and the soft motion of her hair moving with the sweet smell of his unknown scent guided her into sleep.

If you didn't know: Well, this chapter took me two days to write, mostly because I was trying to think of fun things to do but settled with the basics. I also tried to add in a lot of guilt about Caroline, but it was hard for me to fit in. There was also a lot less thoughts and feelings.

Also, CJ breaking down at the end was inevitable. It had to happen again sometime.

And, that's it.