Guys, I know this chapter is short, but I've been swaying back and forth on whether it should be its own chapter or combined with the next one. Since it took me over a month just to get this written-and I'm not so confident on the quality, either—I figured I'd just post it and lump the next two chapters together. There's a lot of heartfelt stuff happening in the next two chapters and I don't want to ruin it by trying to force myself to write it when not in the mood. I'm working on it, but this month has been full of happiness and it's really hard to write sad and emotional things when happy.
I'm doing my best to finish this-a miracle in and of itself, considering it will be the very first fan fiction I've ever truly finished-and make it a satisfactory ending. It's all planned out, so unless the characters just decide to write themselves a surprise ending, everything is covered and hopefully all of the loose ends are taken care of. Please stick with me to the end. It's almost done! Two chapters left, and with any luck, they will be lengthy ones to make up for this significantly shorter one.
Roy had come back the next day, exhausted from arguing with the Justice League for hours on end over allowing him access to the computer to get the coordinates back home. He'd thought they'd be happy to send everyone back to their rightful place, but after hearing Robin had caused tremendous upheaval within the tower when he'd broken in, this Justice League was far less trusting than usual.
To think the kid had managed to outwit and outrun half of the league was a wonder in itself. Then again, if there was no Batman in this League, it made sense the security was lacking. Only a bat could come up with some bizarre way of breaking in—Robin not excluded.
Once he'd finally gotten the coordinates and been ready to take off, his counterpart had decided to give him a rather lengthy lecture on drugs, alcohol, and sex. It was incredibly awkward, and the manner in which he spoke disturbed Roy greatly. It became obvious the Roy Harper of this world had been caught up in using and abusing drugs, but the full story was hidden from him.
Not that he'd be willing to share much, either.
It had come down to Roy finally gaining access to the exit after promising to never touch drugs, whether it was confiscating them or otherwise, as long as Arsenal agreed to shave that awful beard. Despite the humorous ending, Roy knew his counterpart had dealt with a long and painful struggle over addition. He wouldn't take his words lightly—especially after hearing he was a father.
"Roy!" Wally called, zipping up to him. Roy was almost preparing for a hug, the redhead seemed to unnaturally excited to see him. "He's awake!"
Instantly the wariness of the past few days left and Roy was given directions to where Dick was currently sitting, munching on whatever it was M'gann was serving him. Whatever it was didn't seem like it was a toxic as what Dick had once joked about.
Dick turned to see him and timidly raised a hand to wave at him. Seeing as his mouth was full, he continued to chew as Roy looked him over, mentally taking note of every scratch yet to heal and every bandage wound around his body.
"Chill out, Roy, I'm fine." Dick finally said, swatting the hands away. "Good to see you too."
"Do you have any idea—"
"More than you know. It's all I've been hearing about." Dick grumped.
Funny, it seemed Dick was just his normal self. His mask was even off. Not that Roy hadn't already known who he was; they had been forced to go to the same boring Billionaire galas and who else was there to talk to? After a year of heartbreak it just seemed too… normal. He was expecting tears and tension, not… sarcasm and munching on treats.
He was disappointed, in a way. He was the last to see Dick, and all he received was a half hearted hello. He must have missed a lot in his absence. It wasn't like he was happy to be the one to go get the coordinates, either, but his counterpart had dragged him off—most likely planning that awkward "hugs no drugs" speech from the very beginning. The aggravating meeting the Justice League must have been an added bonus.
"I'm glad you're okay." What the hell was he supposed to say? He was completely thrown off. "You really threw me for a loop, you know?"
Dick offered a half hearted smile before taking another bite out of the sweet treat M'gann had made. The Martian was in the kitchen now, making some more. She was thoroughly enjoying having Alfred as a mentor and was using the opportunity to the fullest.
"Red Arrow," Batman greeted gruffly from behind, "I trust you have the coordinates."
"Yeah, I've got 'em." Roy snipped, tossing him the piece of paper he'd written them on. He was still angry at the bat, and he hadn't gotten his chance to get his feelings off of his chest yet. He wouldn't do it in front of Dick, but he'd be sure to catch Batman alone sometime and really give him a piece of his mind.
Batman took the coordinates and sent a meaningful look to the rest of them. "We leave in three hours."
Dick swallowed thickly. That was a lot sooner than he'd expected. He wasn't sure he was going to be able to handle the goodbyes. There was so much to do and so little time left. He had to keep reminding himself that he was the one who had called them here—he was the one who needed to go home. There were others at home who needed him.
I wanted to thank everyone who has reviewed so far! I love hearing your feedback and I'm especially grateful to those who have drawn me fanart. It's so lovely and flattering and I just love you all so much!
Oh, and Glimare, quit reading my mind! How on earth did you predict that? I had this ending planned for months and you stroll in and go all "Oh, hey, you know what would be a good ending?" I absolutely adore you for knowing and I hope I write it as well as I planned. I hope I don't let you down!
Welcome to the end, everyone who just picked this up! Thank you for sticking with me through this roller coaster of a fic. It was actually supposed to be only a third of this length, but my creative mind just decided to twist the plot again and again to really break out the craziness.
