Author's Note: Time for part 4! Glad everyone is enjoying it so far. As a note: my replies are broken, so if you have a specific question, please PM it to me. I can still receive reviews, I just can't reply to them.

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Four: Conner

The crashes from the training room were what drew Kaldur's attention. He followed the sounds to the room, whereupon he leaned against the doorframe and watched.

Conner was tearing apart the training room with little regard to himself. He slammed at punching bags, chucked the weights around, and ripped holes in both the walls and the floor. Without moving, Kaldur watched it all unfold around him.

If he were to guess, Kaldur knew it was likely this was about Superman. About the confrontation the two had had only hours ago. He would guess that Superman's words – harsh, unfair, and cruel as they were – were what had done this to him. Kaldur shook his head. Superman had his reasons, but they didn't excuse what this man kept doing to someone who was practically his son.

Finally, Conner seemed to stop.

"What?" snapped Conner. His shoulders heaved, his body vibrated. He didn't look at Kaldur. Didn't face him.

"I would ask if you are all right, but it seems obvious," said Kaldur. He stepped off the doorframe and padded silently into the room. Kept his body language open and inviting, unassuming even. He knew Conner wouldn't hurt him – couldn't, really – but that wasn't what he was worried about. He didn't want to seem a threat to Conner, especially when he was like this.

"Obviously," grumbled Conner. Now, he turned to face Kaldur. His eyes were hard. His fists, clenched. His chest still heaved. Kaldur wanted to sigh, but he felt it would be inappropriate.

"You want something?" asked Conner. There was a sharpness in his voice that had Kaldur's training telling him to go on the defensive. Kaldur ignored it.

"I wanted to ensure you weren't going to destroy the cave, if given the chance," said Kaldur. He rolled his shoulders and walked toward Conner, slowly circling around him. Conner watched him, alert in both stance and expression.

"It's my home," said Conner, shifting to watch Kaldur circle him. "I would never destroy it."

Kaldur hummed. "I thought as much, but I wanted to check."

Conner grumbled, "Whatever." Then, "Anything else? Or don't you have a team to lead?" There was a sneer to his tone, even though it didn't show on his face.

"You're part of that team," said Kaldur, gently.

"Yeah, right."

Kaldur frowned at the words. Sarcasm? Typical of Conner, but not when he was like this. That was his insecurities showing through.

"Conner."

"What?" A snap, a flash of teeth. Clenched fists raising. Anger flaring nostrils and curling lips. Conner took a step forward. All of Kaldur's training sent alarm bells ringing in his head.

He didn't move. Didn't so much as breathe too obviously. Conner kept walking. When he was maybe three inches from Kaldur, he leaned in so close that Kaldur could feel Conner's breath on his face.

"You got a problem with something?" asked Conner.

Kaldur shook his head in a slow, measured action. "No."

"Then what do you want?" The snarl in Conner's voice spat flecks of spit onto Kaldur's cheek. He ignored them. Kept his gaze level and neutral as he looked at Conner.

"To talk," said Kaldur.

Conner scowled and stepped back. Folded his arms across his chest and refused to look at Kaldur. The anger had already deflated his energy and left him vibrating. Defensive. But then, Kaldur had already figured as much out.

"You kicking me off the team?" asked Conner in a tiny voice.

Kaldur's expression softened. His eyes picked up the concerned look they always did when he was talking to people about things they didn't want to talk about.

"No, but I'm debating calling in all my favours with the Justice League," said Kaldur, a touch of dryness in his voice.

Conner blinked and looked up at him, eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"To get Superman put on probation for verbal abuse," said Kaldur, folding his arms and raising an eyebrow.

No!" said Conner, waving his hands. "You don't… have to do that. I'm fine."

Kaldur did sigh then, but only because he knew Conner's anger was gone and couldn't be riled up again.

"Conner."

"Really," said Conner, but his voice was little and tight and exhausted all at once. "I'll be okay."

Kaldur walked toward Conner, closing the small distance between them, and pressed his hand to Conner's shoulder.

"You aren't alone, my friend, the team and I – we live and breathe with you," said Kaldur. "So long as you keep breathing, keep living, we will be here for you."

"Really?" asked Conner.

"Really," said Kaldur. He slid his arm around Conner's shoulders – a gesture more casual than he typically dealt with. "Now, let's have ice cream."

"Why?" asked Conner.

"I've been told that it is the typical surface fare for hardship," said Kaldur. Together, the two headed for the kitchen.