Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice. As if the fact that I am even writing this isn't proof enough.

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!READ THE BELOW AS IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!

Mist: OK, some important(ish) information. The reason my update is taking so long is half because of my teachers giving me tests and lots of homework, and half because I will soon be uploading the prologue to 'Make Believe'

Whistle: It should (Don't quote me) be up by Monday, so long as nothing comes up.

Mist: So we'd like to invite you all to check it out. It will be different from this story, but I'm sure that all of you will enjoy it.

Whistle: And yes. 'Make Believe' being updated will mean longer intervals between updates for both of them. But considering that 'Going Rogue' only has about five or six (once again, do not quote me) chapters to go, this will not be a problem for long.

Mist: also, I have horrible news. My chinchilla, Rory, just died. When I came home after going out for dinner with my mom and her friend my sister was freaking out and I saw my Rory. I said his name and he opened his eyes and looked at me. Then he shut them and they didn't re-open.

Whistle: Mist is going to need some time to recover, so updates are not to be expected for a while. So you can un-quote me from earlier.

Mist: Peace and love.

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This chapter is dedicated to Rory, may he forever rest in peace.

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Chapter 17: Rainy day terror

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{Day after previous chapter}

(Wally/Blitz's POV)

I awoke to the sound of rain banging against my window. Sitting up in my bed I looked at the window and discovered an extremely heavy rainfall. Large droplets of rain barraged the window like cannon balls.

I let out a disappointed sigh. I had been hoping that it would be sunny today so I could go into town with Hartley and James.

I lied back down in my bed for a few minutes before deciding to pull myself out of bed. Maybe we couldn't go into town today, but maybe James will want to play darts with me! Who know, maybe we'll be able to convince Hartley to play with us today?

I grinned a little to myself at that thought.

Even though Hartley is only two years older than me he always acts like the adult of our small group. It would be funny to see him clowning around like a little kid!

After pulling on my favorite red sweater and a pair of jeans I raced out of my room and made my way to James' room to see if he was up yet. When I saw that his door was open, I knew he was already up.

I looked into his room and saw him chatting away happily with Hartley. Hartley was sitting on a mostly unused desk chair, while James was sitting on the floor playing with Lego blocks.

I waved at them as I walked in. "Mornin'," I greeted.

Hartley grinned at me. "Good morning, Wally," He greeted back. "Did you have a bad sleep? You look tired."

"He looks like a zombie!" James joked.

I pouted. "Do not!" I whined.

James giggled at my response.

"Besides," I said, "I'm just bummed out about the rain. I don't get to go outside much, so I was hoping we could all go into town together."

"We can still have fun inside," Hartley chuckled at me. "Besides, I prefer to keep you inside. The Flash can't find you here, so I don't have to worry as much about your safety."

He is way to overprotective. Not that I would ever tell him out loud, last thing I want is to make him angry.

During our mission yesterday, and today this morning, I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around Hartley. My minds on high alert. It's almost like I'm afraid of him.

But what's to be afraid of?

I felt a headache starting up again and pushed the thoughts out of my head. I have to stop thinking.

I sat down on the floor next to James and looked up at Hartley. "I'm not five," I complained to him, deciding to take my chances against him. It's not like he would ever hurt me. "You don't always have to keep an eye on me."

James looked at me, a shocked expression at what I said. He looked like he wanted to say something, but instead of speaking a word he bit his lip and looked over at Hartley.

Confused, I too looked back over at Hartley.

I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut…

He looked pissed.

Hartley's eyes were narrowed in annoyance at me. "Is that so?" He growled.

I gulped and backed away from him, silently debating running away and hiding somewhere. Then I remember that I have nowhere to go…

I could always try running home…. Back to Uncle Barry and Aunt Iris…

I shook my head to get rid of those thoughts. The Rogues are my family now! Even if Hartley's really starting to scare me…

I felt a hand roughly grab my shoulder and my head jerked up instinctively. I looked around and found that Hartley had grabbed me, and was currently glaring angrily at me. I also saw James fidgeting nervously where he sat. He looked like he wanted to say something, but was too afraid to speak up.

"Hnn?" I mumbled stupidly, wondering how long I spaced out for.

"I asked you a question!" Hartley snapped at me. "Now stop playing stupid and answer!"

I flinched at his harsh tone, finding myself trembling slightly. "S-sorry," I stuttered. "I sort of spaced… I… I didn't hear your question."

This only served to make Hartley angrier. "Trying to think again, huh? Stupid kid," He growled as he released my shoulder, pushing me down. "I told you to stop that. Didn't I? But you just keep trying."

I tried to back away from him, but he grabbed me by my hair and slammed my head into the floor.

"That knock some sense into you?" He growled at me.

I looked up at him, terrified. "P-please, just stop it!" I pleaded, "I'll stop trying to think! I promise!"

Hartley ignored me, instead walking over to the door. He shut it then locked it. Obviously he didn't want anyone to walk in on what he was doing. This worried me, because that meant that this wasn't over.

Finally James spoke. "Why are you doing this?" He squeaked out. "Why are you hurting Wally?"

Hartley glared at him. "Shut up, and stay out of my way. Or I'll hurt you too," He threatened.

James backed away from him until he hit the wall. With no room left to back up, he curled up in a little ball and covered his eyes.

Can't say I blame him.

I forced myself into a seated position and looked up at the boy I thought was my friend. I tried to keep myself calm and focused. If I said the wrong thing now… well I don't even want to know what he might do to me.

"You umm… said you had a question?" I tried nervously.

A glint of amusement passed through Hartley's eyes as they softened slightly. I had obviously said the right thing this time.

"That I do," He said, sounding slightly less threatening than before. "Now, Wally, think very carefully before answering. I want to know 'don't you trust me?'"

This question confused me. "What do you mean?" I asked him, my mind feeling slightly hazy. "Of course I trust you. You're one of my best friends."

Hartley smirked at that. "Good answer," He told me, walking over casually, only stopping when he was standing right in front of me. "There, there. No reason to be afraid," He reached down and stroked my hair, "Just stop trying to think for yourself and this never has to happen again."

I nodded at him, afraid that if I stoke I would say the wrong thing again and get hurt.

"And stop hiding over there James, I won't hurt you," Hartley chuckled at James.

That's not what he was saying a few minutes ago…

James lifted up his head and looked at Hartley for a moment, skeptical of the intelligence of approaching him again. But then James began to smile and ran over to Hartley and hugged him.

"Yay!" He squeaked. "Hartley's back to normal!"

Is everyone here a total lunatic?

"Something wrong?" Hartley asked me, obviously noticing my feelings.

"Are you bipolar?" I asked him without thinking.

I held my breath, expecting him to hit me again.

To my surprise, he laughed. "Very funny Wally," He said.

Realizing he had taken my comment for a joke I laughed with him.

"Ok, now I'm gonna go downstairs and start making breakfast," He told us, "I'll come and get you when it's done. Then we can go to the games room and play."

"Sounds fun!" James chirped.

Hartley grinned at him before leaving the room.

James skipped over to the door and shut it, waving happily. We stayed still and silent for a few minutes before he broke the silence.

"That's not the first time he's done that, ya know," James all but whispered. "He doesn't think I remember, but I do."

"Is he bipolar?" I questioned my friend as I finally pulled myself off the floor.

James shrugged. "Dun knows," He said. "But I do know that he really is a good person. Just a little over-protective. He likes to think that he knows best, and most of the times he does. But I've learned to keep my mouth shut when he is wrong, 'cause he gets all psycho and stuff."

"So I've noticed," I grumbled.

"He really does care 'bout us though," James insisted.

"I know that," I agreed, "I just wish he'd loosen the leash. He is aware that I'm not THAT much younger than him, right?"

James laughed. "You get used to it," He told me. "But being babied by him does have its perks. For one, we get to play in town a lot. And you and me are the only ones who don't have to go on those dangerous missions for the Light."

I shuddered at the thought of those missions. Too many people got killed. It wasn't something I ever wanted to have to do…

"You got a point there," I agreed.

James grinned at me and pulled out a deck of cards. "So," He said, "Wanna play 'Go Fish' 'till Hartley gets back?"

I grinned back at him. "You're on!" I told him, laughing.

Well at least that was over! I hope I never have to see that side of Hartley ever again. And I can't believe that the thought of running home to Uncle Barry even crossed my mind. How could I have been so stupid as to even think that?

Oh well, no use whining about it. I just hope Hartley never finds out.

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Mist: *sighing* ok, I managed to type it out…

Whistle: Umm are you gonna be ok?

Mist: No.

Whistle: *Hugs* there there, he's in a better place now.

Mist: *sobbing*

Whistle: Umm… how about everyone sends Mist some hugs to make her feel better?

Mist: Rory…

Whistle: Don't cry Mist, we'll get you a new chinchilla, promise.

Mist: But it won't be Rory!

Whistle: Umm… it will be Rory's reincarnation?

Mist: Really? YAY!

Whistle: No one correct me.