Melissa and Wally were sititng at the in-ground pool at Wayne Manor, looking happy and carefree. Their legs swayed in the water as they talked. They had been spending a lot of time together lately, and their friendship had grown into something more. Dick and Roy were nearby, sitting together at the table, conversing about Wally and Melissa's relationship. "They both like each other. Why don't they just go for it? I think they're both definitely ready for it." Roy said, observing them. "I can't believe I how much I love living here." Melissa said, grinning as she discussed the recent changes of her life to Wally. "So how's it been, being adopted by the big brooding bat himself?" Wally asked, laughing. Melissa laughed, amused. "Well, Bruce and the boys have been incredibly supportive of everything I've been through lately. It's been nice having a big family." Wally smiled at her. "I'm sure you're in good hands with them. And I'm glad Bruce got custody of you. Did he have to fight hard? In court, I mean." She shook her head happily. "Sarah voluntarily gave Bruce custody. She apparently feels remorse about everything, and realized I'd be better of with Bruce." Wally raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I was skeptical, too." She replied "Did you read her mind to feel her emotions and see if she was being genuine?" He asked her. She shrugged her shoulders, adjusting the straps of her purple bikini. "Nah, I decided I didn't need to know." She said. "You know, for what's it's worth, you have so many people here who love you, regardless of what your parents did." She smiled at him. "Thanks, Wally. It helps, and my family and the team are so helpful. You guys have all been so great." Roy and dick sat down with Wally and Melissa. "We love you, Star. We'll always be here for you." Dick said. Wally put his hand on her hand. "Yeah, we'll never leave you're side." She felt Wally looking at her, and felt her cheeks getting hot. "You know, we've done this same exact thing a million times. Sat at the beach, or at the pool, watching the sunset together. All four of us. And it never gets old." Wally remarked, embracing this time with his friends, especially Melissa. He really liked her, and wanted to be more than friends with her. But he couldn't read minds or feel other people's emotions like she could, and was worried that she wouldn't feel the same about him. But, she did. Melissa felt butterflies each time Wally came around her, and it seemed like he lit up her whole world. And she could feel his devotion and attraction to her, but she was nervous about making the first move, despite knowing his feelings. She didn't like making the first move. She was always a follower more than a leader. And when it came to telling Wally her feelings, she wasn't too sure about it. Melissa created a mental link with Dick and Roy. Guys, what do I do?" She could feel her brother and their friend rolling their eyes. "Tell him how you feel. I know you're anxious, but you have an advantage. Most people when they feel like you do right now miss out on great opportunities, or risks, but with this, you know there's no risk. So you should just take it." Dick stood up. "Roy, come help me get some towels." Dick said, waiting for Roy to stand up. "Why do you need me–" Dick elbowed him, looking at Melissa and Wally as he dragged Roy into the manor. A look of realization appeared on his face as he realized the reason Dick dragged him into the mansion. "I brought you with me so they could do something about their feelings." Roy nodded. "Yup, I got that. I think Melissa really needed that push." Dick smiled. "What can I say? I'm just looking out for two of my favorite people. You know how long they've been into each other. Before they even knew what romantic feelings were." Dick said. "Yeah, they have undeniable chemistry."
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"Wally, I…like you. A lot. I have feelings for you." She began emitting a dark blue hue, feeling anxious at his response, despite knowing his feelings. She wasn't quite sure if she was ready for a relationship, with all of the chaos she had been going through. However, she really liked Wally, and couldn't deny her feelings. She knew what she wanted, but was always too scared to admit it. But, she knew that she couldn't keep up her facade for much longer. The blushing and stuttering each time she was around him, absolutely gushing every time he even looked at her. She knew her friends had begun to notice her feelings as well, commenting on her rants with them in private about her longing to be with Wally. Melissa was slowly realizing her feelings and what they meant. "Oh my god, Mel. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to say that." He said, pure relief flooding through him. Melisa began emitting a light blue glow, feeling herself relax immediately as she felt his emotions. "I was so scared you didn't feel that way. Dick had told me you liked me, but of course, I didn't believe him." Melissa laughed a little. "Aw, he wouldn't do you like that, walls. He told me you felt that way, but I may have taken a sneak peek into your mind. Only a little." She said, giggling shyly. "I was too anxious to say anything, even when I knew how you felt." She replied. Wally grabbed her hand, and she felt herself blushing. "Melissa, will you be my girlfriend?" He asked her, standing up. He held his hand out for her. "Yes, Wally, I will." She grabbed his hand as he helped her stand up. "So formal, Walls." She said, giggling shyly as they walked inside the manor, hand in hand. "You want anything to drink? I'm sure Alfred would make some lemonade, or iced tea." He smiled. "Lemonade sounds good. Just…don't let Dick near it, please. He keeps pranking me every time he's left alone with my drinks." Melissa laughed at their antics, knowing that they often pranked each other, along with their friends and family. "Don't worry, I won't let him near it." As they entered the kitchen, Roy and Dick stood, talking with each other. "Hey, you two." Dick said. Melissa rolled her eyes at the smirks he and Roy both held on their faces. She ignored them, and created a mind link with Alfred. "Hey, Alfred, would you mind making some lemonade for, Roy, Wally, Dick and I?" She asked. "Of course, Miss Melissa. Right away." He replied, making his way downstairs. He walked into the kitchen, greeting the kids. "I assume you want half tea half lemonade, Miss Melissa?" She nodded. "You know it. Thank you so much, Alfred." She said, smiling as he began working on their drinks. "We're such good matchmakers, aren't we, Dick?" Roy asked, smiling as they walked back outside. "Oh, for sure. We finally got these two lovebirds together." Wally rolled his eyes and laughed. "What did you guys do, exactly?" Wally asked, crossing his arms. "We've only been trying to get the both of you to confess for years. We knew it before you guys even knew it!" Dick replied. "Well, you happy now?" She asked, before jumping into the water. A loud splash was heard, followed by silence. "1…2…3…" Roy counted, waiting for her to come back out of the water. "4…5…6…" Dick counted. A loud splash could be heard as she popped back out of the water, smiling. "Yes, we are happy now." Dick said, laughing. "Smartass." She retorted while giggling. Melissa grinned as she breathed in the fresh summer air. She rested her arms on the edge of the pool. Dick and Roy got into the pool, splashing Melissa as they jumped in unison. Wally was at the table, checking his phone. "Hey, Uncle Barry and Aunt Iris want to come over later." He said, looking over at the trio in the pool. Melissa smiled. "I haven't seen them since I've got here." She said excitedly. "They may pester you with questions about how you're doing, though." He replied. She sighed. "Yeah, but I know they mean well. It'll be nice to see them." She answered. She was very close to Barry and Iris, ever since she was younger. "They'll be excited to see you, Star." Roy said, smiling. "Can we go back inside? I'm getting hella cold out here." Melissa said, shivering as a chill went over her body. "You have magic. Dry yourself off and put on pants and a hoodie." Melissa rolled her eyes. Alfred walked out of the manor , heading towards the clear patio table. "Your drinks." Melissa smiled as she flew up and out of the pool. "Thank you so much, Alfred." Alfred smiled warmly at her. "My pleasure, Miss Melissa. Shall I get you a warm towel?" She grinned grateful at him. "Yea, please. I'd greatly appreciate it." He nodded and walked off. "Oh, Dick, maybe next time you come up with an excuse to leave, actually follow through with it." She said, smirking, recalling when Dick had told Roy to help him with towels. She grabbed her glass of lemonade, taking a sip as she felt the sweet fruity taste in her mouth. She sighed contentedly. "Alfred is so great." She said, leaning against the table. She crossed her legs while standing. "I know." Dick said, getting out of the pool and walking towards her. "Hey, Dick, I need to ask you a favor." He sipped his lemonade, furrowing his brows. "Of course. What's up?" He asked. Wally and Roy got out of the pool, walking towards them. "So, Sarah wants to come over, and try to make amends with me. I'm very anxious, but I guess she deserves another chance. But can you, like, be there with me?" She asked, nervously. "Of course, Star. I'd love to be there for you. But I haven't forgiven her yet." He replied. Melissa laughed. "I don't blame you." She replied, taking another drink. "But I'll always be here for you. And if you need me to sit with you, I'll be there." Roy took a drink of his lemonade. "So, she's sorry for what she's done? That's…odd." Melissa shrugged her shoulders. "Have you read her mind to see if she's honestly remorseful and feels guilty?" Roy asked her curiously. She shook her head as she floated in the air. "Nah, I really didn't even care enough. At first, I wasn't sure I even wanted to talk to her, but I decided, fuck it. I'll figure it out when she comes over." She watched as the boys all sat down, as they continued conversing. "Can I confide in you guys about something?" Wally asked, fidgeting as he looked at his friends and girlfriend. "Of course, Walls." Melissa replied, intertwining both of her hands together. "So, I've been having some…issues…at home. With my parents." Looks of sympathy washed over their faces. "Oh, Walls. We're here for you." Dick replied, putting one of his hands on top of Wally's. "Do you want to talk about it?" He sighed. "It's just…I've noticed a change in my Dad's behavior lately. He's…drinking a lot more. And…he's an asshole when he's drunk. My mom says he's just having a hard time with work or whatever, but I think she's just oblivious or in denial." Melisa began emitting a purple glow. Her hair turned purple as well. "Oh, I'm so sorry, walls." Melissa said. "Is that why you've been at Barry's and Iris's so much lately?" Roy asked, concern etched on his face. He nodded. "Yeah, my parents don't like me being there so much, but Barry and Iris have been helping me a lot lately." Dick smiled softly at him. "This isn't your fault, Wally. And we won't let anything happen to you." Wally felt his heart warming as his friends shared their unwavering support and love for him. He felt lucky to be able to have such close friends who would do anything for him. "We're gonna help you through this. And whatever you need, just say the word. And you're always welcome here no matter what." Melissa squeezed his hand as she spoke. "Thanks, you guys. That…means a lot to me. I really appreciate it." He replied. "Come on, let's go inside. I'm seriously freezing." Melissa said, grabbing Wally's hand in her own. He stood up and followed her. Dick and Roy stood up. They walked into the manor, and as they headed up the stairs, Dick tapped Melissa's shoulder. "Hey, have you seen my utility belt?" She rolled her eyes. "I thought you kept it on you, at, like, all times." Roy said. "He loses the damn thing all the time. I'll look." Once they arrived to her bedroom door, Melissa opened it, revealing her spacious room. "Woah, it looks cool now that you've decorated it." Roy commented, sitting down on her bed. She laughed at his words. "Well, I'm going for a 70s hippies type thing." Wally looked around at her signs and decor with bright colors, waves and swirls. "How'd you get such details in your stuff?" Melissa looked at him, smiling. "Magic." She said, waving her hands. "I used my magic to decorate it, giving me practically whatever came to my mind." She replied as she sat next to Roy. "Hey, Lissa, where's your speaker?" Wally asked, looking around her room. "Right under my vanity. Put on a Kendrick song, will you?" She asked. Using her magic, she changed out of her bikini. "Sure thing." Her bikini changed to a t- shirt with jogging pants. Wally walked over to her vanity, and grabbed her purple music speaker, turning it on. "You two," Melissa said, looking at Dick and Roy sitting on the bed. "You wanna change? Cuz I don't want my bed to to be all wet." Roy and Dick stood up, and stared at her. "What?" She asked, confused. She read their minds, and a look of realization appeared on her face. "Ooh, you want me to do it. Now that I'm here all the time, you guys can't do anything for yourselves." She said, jokingly as she waved her hands. They instantly became dry, and had clothes on their bodies in a matter of seconds. "Thanks, Star." She sighed. "Anytime." She replied. "Star, I need your phone.." Wally said. She concentrated for a second, and then her phone appeared in her hand. "Here." She said, handing him the phone. "Hey, what're you playing?" Roy asked, sitting back down on the couch. "You'll see." After a minute, a mellow beat began playing. Melissa gasped. "Oh, I love this song!" She said excitedly. Kendrick Lamar's vocals rang out as Melissa smiled. She began emitting a light blue glow. "Bitch, don't kill my vibe. Bitch, don't kill my vibe." Melissa sang happily. Wally grabbed her hand, twirling her around the room. As Melissa and Wally danced around her room, singing along to the chill rap music blasting from the speakers, she couldn't help but feel elated. Melissa created a mind link with her father. "Dad, can I have an edible?" She asked. "Sure. I'd prefer you only take half of the 20, but it's your own funeral if you don't." He replied. "Don't worry, dad. I'll be fine. Thanks, love you." Melissa stopped Wally from twirling her any more. He watched her, confused as she walked over to her nightstand, grabbing a pack of edibles. She opened the bag and took one out. She shook it and looked at the boys in front of her. "You guys want some?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Wally and Roy grinned. "Yes!" They shouted in unison. Melissa shut her bedroom door with a wave of her hand. "Dick?" He nodded, smiling. Melissa handed the three boys their edibles. Wally and Melissa resumed their dancing. Wally grinned widely as he sang along to the lyrics, spinning Melissa around and pulling her in for a hug. She giggled as he stared into her eyes. She began emitting a dark blue glow. Meanwhile, Roy and dick were sitting on the bed, conversing as they enjoyed the music and watched Melissa and Wally. "Aww, she's nervous." Dick said quietly, laughing a little. "Oh, you're right." Roy said, snickering, amused by Melissa and Wally's feelings for each other. They noticed her glowing, and knew what the color meant–anxiety. But they could tell she was shy around him. "About time, though." He added. They couldn't help but smile at the adorable display of affection. As they watched the couple laugh and joke with each other, Roy nudged Dick in the side. "Look at those two," he said, grinning. "They're perfect for each other." He said. Dick laughed, noticing that Roy was especially happy and proud about it. "And it's all because of us giving them that little nudge." Dick replied proudly. Wally was twirling melissa, and she tripped, and before she could catch herself, Wally caught her in his arms. He looked at her as he held her in his arms for a brief second before lifting her up with him. "Thanks, walls." She said, staring longingly at him. "Yeah, they really are perfect together. It's obvious how much they care about each other." Dick said, looking at Roy. From across the room, Wally and Melissa caught wind of their conversation and rolled their eyes playfully. Ignoring their friends, they continued singing and dancing along to the music, completely lost in their own little world. Just then, Wally stumbled slightly, tripping over his feet. Before he could fall, however, Melissa quickly caught him with her magic, steadying him on his feet. "Nice saves, you two!" Roy called out, chuckling. Dick laughed along with him. Ignoring them, Wally pulled Melissa even closer, wrapping his arms around her waist as they swayed to the rhythm of the song. Neither Wally nor Melissa cared what anyone else thought. They were happy just being together."Bitch, don't kill my vibe. Walk out the door and they scream it's alive…" Melissa sang, emitting a bright light blue glow, signaling her relaxation from the song she loved so much. As the night went on, the group continued to hang out in Melissa's room, sharing stories and laughing at their inside jokes. As the night wore on, they began sharing their deeper feelings and emotions. Now, the boys were listening to Melissa, hoping to hear all of the details she was wiling to share. "So, how long did it last?" Roy asked, softly. "Well, it…started when i was…" She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Four." She said, her voice strained. "Oh, Star, I'm so sorry." Wally said, wrapping his arm around her. "Thanks." She sniffled. "We're here for you, no matter what." Dick added. She smiled at him. "Do you want to talk more about it?" She nodded. "Yeah, um…he raped me many times, for years. He…used to call me his Lolita. You know, like the book or movie." They collectively gasped. "Oh, Mel." Dick said, grabbing her hand and squeezing it. "A-and he made me wear the kind of clothes you could probably imagine. Typical cutesy little girl clothes." She cringed a little as she remembered the trauma her 'father' inflicted on her. "He would read the book out loud to me every night, and made me watch the movie with him." She added, crossing her arms. "Oh, god. And you're mom…knew…?" Roy asked. Melissa nodded. "And ignored it all. She just didn't care. She wasn't even in denial. She knew what was happening, and I found out that she just didn't care enough about me to help me." She replied, sadly. "Oh, sweetie, that's terrible. You're very strong to talk with her and let her try to make amends. You're better than me, because I wouldn't have even given her a second thought." Roy said, laughing as he hugged the pillow he held. "But good for you for being the bigger person." Melissa rolled her eyes. "Yeah…well, I don't even know why I agreed." She said, slowly. It was clear she was feeling the effects of her edible. "What do you mean? I thought you wanted to at least hear her out." She shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I mean, I didn't realize it until now, but I fucking hate that bitch. She's caused me hell my entire life along with Justin. She used to call me a crybaby because of my emotional state which she had a part in causing. The fucking nerve. And she literally told me she didn't believe me, when in reality she knew and understood the gravity of the situation, but was cruel enough to allow it because she didn't love me. She didn't fucking care. But now, because Bruce has taken me in, and went against her, she thinks she deserves to be a mother." She replied, malice laced in her voice. Now that she was high, it seemed like she was revealing a lot of pent up or resolved emotions. She was more vulnerable, and wanted to share this stuff with her closest friends. "And…he knew Sarah didn't care and wouldn't say anything, enabling him to continue." She sighed. "Maybe I shouldn't let her come over. I don't think I can prevent my anger from coming out after everything." Dick wrapped his arm around her. "Hey, it's understandable. What she did was beyond disgusting as a mother. And it's hard to forgive and forget." Dick said, sympathetically. "Yeah, it just…sucks. I wanna let go of my feelings towards her." She said, using emphatic gestures as she talked. "A-and I hate emotions, but they're just…too strong…a-and she just…doesn't care or understand. But I…I don't know if I can fake being nice, so I think that I really should just wait." Wally nodded. "You gotta cope with your feelings and come to terms with it, and if you don't forgive her, it's definitely not the end of the world. You can choose to not forgive her if you want. But, forgiveness can be a lengthy process, and it takes time. And it can be hard as hell." She nodded slowly, understanding what her boyfriend was saying. "Yeah, I…I'm not sure if I want to or not. What do I do?" She asked, her voice full of emotion. "Don't worry. You don't owe her anything and she doesn't deserve anything from you. Wait until you're good and ready. And if it's never, that's okay." Roy replied, grabbing her hand and squeezing it. "But…They both made me feel like it was my fault, like I deserved it." Roy looked at her, concern in his eyes."Lissa, I'm so sorry. That's fucking disgusting. I can't believe anyone could do something like that to their own child." Roy said in disbelief. He clenched his hands together as he looked up at her. Melissa nodded again, tears filling her eyes. "I know. And even though I've been away from them for months now, since Uncle B took me in, but I still have these dreams...these memories...they constantly haunt me, you know? And I don't think they'll ever really go away. And sometimes it's so damn hard…I don't fucking know how others do it. How they make it through something like this, and especially live happy lives." While Melisa leaned against her headboard, Roy laid on his stomach on the right side of her, and dick did the same on her left. Wally scooted closer to Melissa, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "We're here for you, Mel. We know you can get through this, and one day, you'll be happier, and you'll heal." He murmured. "Whatever you need, we'll be here to support you." Dick added, grabbing her hand. "Thanks, you guys. Sorry for getting all emotional…" She sniffles, wiping stray tears off her face. "Oh, sweetie, it's alright. We want you to be able to open up to us. We're your best friends." Roy replied. She smiled. "I seriously appreciate you and your support lately." Melissa said, staring at the ceiling as she talked. "We love you so fucking much, Mel." Wally said, grabbing her hand. She began laughing, clearly unable to control it. "Um, Star?" Dick said, concerned. "She's so far gone." Roy said, laughing at how out of it she was. She leaned on Wally as she cackled, then proceeded to stifle her laugh. "I'm…sorry…" she breathed out, a wide smile on her face as she continued laughing. Dick and Wally began laughing at her, too. "I love… you guys…so much." She said, calming down. She laid her head on Wally's shoulder