Scene 29 - Years

The years have been kind to both Brianna and Kaldur'ahm. While other couples broke up or got together for a short period of time, their love grew even stronger and they now could finish each other's sentences easily and knew what each other's next movement would be without talking. She was often teamed up with him on missions and they worked in tandem like a well-oiled machine. Both of them were good at keeping their private life out of the field but occasionally, they would sneak in some affection with kisses and hugs now and then. Despite their long time together, they still appeared to be in the honeymoon phase, always being sweet to each other and their dates were always lively.

Of course, it wasn't always smooth-sailing given some trivial misunderstandings between her and Lieutenant Marvel back in 2012. The poor boy developed a little crush on the pyro and was always doing her small favours. Eventually, she had to gently turn him down and though he was angry at Kaldur for a while, the Team was still strong and bonded like glue. Her boyfriend took it in his stride and was never hostile at the teen and even readily forgave the Lieutenant. Brianna loved the Atlantean even more for his understanding and very caring nature. That inspired her to become the cave's unofficial big sister, a figure for the new members to look up to when they were slowly adjusting to the Team; a person to air their problems to when Black Canary wasn't around and if the issue was too big to handle, Brianna would pass it on to Dinah. The brunette, along with Kaldur, also did their best to help Roy with his clone identity crisis but the archer decided to drop off the radar completely when the League officially declared Speedy dead. Red Arrow was barely heard from ever again…

Then came the Team's most turbulent time near the end of 2013… It wasn't always easy when a Team member had to leave but they bid Donna, Mary, and Freddy a fond farewell after Jason's death. His loss hit Dick, Barbara, and Batman really hard and it was terrifying to see the Caped Crusader raging after the Joker and even more saddening to see Nightwing plead with his mentor to come to his senses. The wound was still fresh and the healing took time but they gradually began the road to recovery. Brianna was touched by how Kaldur still held the Team together and how he helped them overcome their grief. Both of them did their very best to help everyone cope with the pain. She knew deep down that he was hurting inside as well and both sought comfort in each other in private. The death of the second Robin brought the couple even more close to each other emotionally when they realized time was short and they had to make the best of it. Their relationship came out more resilient than ever.

The year 2014 was rather smooth-sailing and only two members joined as the League was rather weary of allowing young heroes to join the Team after that one fatality with Jason. It was interesting to have another Atlantean on the team and though La'gaan looked different, he was still warmly welcomed with open arms. He was more abrasive than his soft spoken countrymen and his worship for Aqualad was rather creepy that he even flirted with Brianna. Of course, Kaldur had to pull his eager admirer aside and explain to him about his rather uncomfortable behaviour and that it was not right to flirt with the love of his life. Lagoon Boy was quite apologetic and embarrassed but managed to make up for it eventually.

Now fall arrived and Brianna's senior year at Ivy University began and it was the final lap to her psychology degree. She was doing well for her studies so far and she would not let that track record fall. Once more she buried herself in schoolwork for the last phase of her education and still managed to participate in missions. Life had been good so far, what else could go wrong?

Author's Note: We are now near the end of year 2014 in the time skip. This short chapter is an interlude of the years that have passed as there's only so many birthdays, dates, and Christmases I can write before the ideas get a little stale and boring. You know which two devastating events come next after this, right? Are you excited now? You guys are this close to knowing whether Brianna was let in on the secret of Kaldur's so called betrayal. =P

Anyway, I have not received any feedback on whether you all want me to update twice a week or just stick to updating once a week. I have finished writing this story so I was wondering if you want to get to the end sooner or wait it out. XD

To piggythelaw: I'm sure you'll find the perfect guy for you some day. Patience is a virtue. =)

To Molly Grace 16: Thanks! I hope you'll like the drama in future chapters. ;)

To Eszra: What happened after "I look forward to it" was a new scene in a different location which had Brianna holding onto Kaldur for dear life. That was my little twist instead of them going for their anniversary date. =P

I hope you keep reading. We're getting very close to Kaldur infiltrating the Light. Everyone has been waiting for it. =D

To Dustfinger's cheering section: I'm sorry you feel that way but I have always been one to write short chapters. It would be better if you have some balance in your criticism. Don't just focus on the negative aspects, criticism also touches on the positive sides of things too.

To murdercrowther: Thank you!