(A/N: I do not own Young Justice or any DC Character. That right belongs to Warner Bros.
Also wanted to address the guest 'review' I got.
I will continue my Spider-Man story. I'm starting to write the next chapter very soon actually and will have the chapter out before the end of the month. However, telling me to write it on a completely different story is rude, unnecessary and if I continue to get more than enough of them, that will only continue to want me to write for this story and not for it if you catch my meaning.
I write these stories because they're a nice hobby for me, not because people tell me to do them. That's not going to change anytime soon.
Sorry, figured I'd get that out of the way. Enjoy the chapter)
*One Year Later, Watchtower Conference Room*
"So just as a recap of the meeting, both myself and Nightwing have been elected to serve another one year term as Co-Chairs of the League. Also, we've elected to induct Cyborg from the Outsiders and the original Flash: Jay Garrick into the Justice League pending their acceptance" Black Lightning said as the meeting was coming to a conclusion.
"Also, we want to remind you that the schedule for this year's mental health check ups have been sent out and they are mandatory, Batman" Nightwing said, emphasizing Batman's name which caused a few chuckles to go out throughout the room.
However, there was neither a grin or even a small smile on Nightwing's face as he said this. He was not in a particularly good mood at the time.
Batman just kept his blank expression as he waited for his former ward to continue.
"With Black Canary being the only licensed therapist within the League, she will be conducting most interviews to each member of the League as well as some members of the Team and Outsiders, particularly the leadership including Tigress and Beast Boy. M'Gann will also be conducting the other interviews with the League, Team and Outsiders but she will mainly focus on the younger heroes. The interviews with Black Canary will be conducted one on one whether it's within her own office facility in Star City or within the Watchtower just to make it convenient to her. She may also check in with members of the League, Team or Outsiders at their own living spaces if she prefers. Also, I would like it known that since she will be taking time out of her day job to conduct these interviews, the League will compensate her for each interview" Nightwing explained to the League.
Black Canary shook her head. "Nightwing, I've said on multiple occasions that there's no need for that"
"It's how you make your living, Dinah. We're not just going to intrude on that without paying you for your time, especially with this many Leaguers that need check ups" Black Lightning insisted.
Before Black Canary could say any more, Green Arrow just placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. Black Canary gave him a stern look (She never quite did forgive him for secretly being part of the 'Anti-Light' last year without telling her).
"I believe that covers everything me and Black Lightning wanted to speak about so is there anything else that needs to be discussed before we dismiss?" Nightwing asked with a raised eyebrow to the group before him.
The young man was met with silence. After a few more moments, he nodded.
"Alright, on that note, we can conclude our meeting for today," Nightwing announced.
"Have safe trips home. Please stay alert and keep your comms open in case anything opens up" Black Lightning said, adding.
With that, the meeting had concluded. However, there was one that wasn't particularly interested in leaving yet.
Black Canary walked to both Black Lightning and Nightwing.
"Jeff, Dick, as the leaders of the League, you are the first ones to retrieve the mental health check ups. Dick, you're first up so I'll see you tomorrow at 10 in my office if that's fine?" Black Canary asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, sure. No problem. Thanks, Dinah" Nightwing said blankly.
"Ok, see you then. Jeff, I'll see you three days after at the same time" Canary said to Black Lightning who nodded.
"Will do. Thanks, Dinah" Black Lightning agreed. With that, Canary gave a nod and started walking away with Green Arrow.
Nightwing just sighed, obviously something on his mind. Black Lightning, however, knew exactly what it was.
"Still brewing over you and Babs breaking up, huh?" Black Lightning asked with a raised eyebrow.
Nightwing just looked towards Black Lightning with a knowing look.
"Sorry. Just felt like you needed to talk about it" Black Lightning said with a shrug.
Again, Nightwing sighed. However, this time, he seemed more ready than he previously was to talk about what was on his mind.
"I'm just confused as to where exactly I go wrong in my relationships. First Zatanna, then Raquel and now Barbara. Three failed relationships in a row and I'm not even 25 yet" Nightwing said, his face looking particularly droopy.
"Why did you break up, anyway?" Black Lightning asked with a raised eyebrow. "If you don't mind me asking, that is"
"We just couldn't get much time together is all with me back in action and leading the League. Communication over text and phone calls only go so far" Nightwing explained to Black Lightning.
"I hope I didn't mess you up there. When I volunteered you for the post of Co-Chair, I didn't want it to interfere with your relationship" Black Lightning said, feeling a little guilty.
Nightwing shook his head. "Not your fault. Honestly, probably would've been the same more or less if I had just gone back with the Team. It's not as intense as it was last year but we still have had a lot to do recently, especially since the Light is still active"
"You know you don't have to stay in the business if you don't want to. I've led the League alongside you for a year, I could take it from here if you want" Black Lightning offered to which Nightwing just shook his head.
"Nah, there's no need to do that now since we're broken up. Besides, none of us can really 'quit' the life once we're in it. I think you, me and Tigress are perfect examples of that" Nightwing pointed out, very carefully not mentioning another certain person (He didn't need to feel worse than he did right now anyway).
"Well maybe you could find someone in the business to go out with, I don't know" Black Lightning suggested with a shrug.
Nightwing couldn't help but scoff. "No offense, Jeff, but that's not likely. There's only a handful of women in the League right now, some of which are legacy League members and are several years older than me. Two are even my exes. Even those not in the League are M'Gann and Artemis, who are like sisters to me. M'Gann's also about to get married to Conner and Artemis I think is seeing someone already"
"She is? Good for her. I don't think she's seen anyone since….well…you know" Black Lightning said, not exactly wanting to make this conversation even more awkward.
"Yeah…I'm happy for her. Anyway, I really don't know if dating opportunities are really too opportune right now…you don't have to worry about me, though. I'll be ok" Nightwing stated, trying to assure the older man.
Black Lightning didn't look convinced but accepted the answer nevertheless.
"If you say so. If it makes you feel any better, I haven't really been in the dating game either lately…and hell, at least you're not divorced and all your relationships were sincere" Black Lightning pointed out, suddenly getting somber himself.
Nightwing at that moment gave Black Lightning a sympathetic look. "Jeff, I didn't mean to-"
"Nah, don't worry about it. Besides, I'm still beating myself up for that. She played me for a sap right at the very start and I was so lonely and desperate for companionship that I just let her get to me" Black Lightning said, shaking his head in disappointment at himself.
Nightwing placed a hand on his shoulder. "She fooled us all, Jeff"
"I know but she wouldn't have if I didn't give her the chance to" Black Lightning said, looking to the ground with a still disappointed look on his face. However, he quickly looked back up. "But it's whatever. What's done is done. Besides, I've got way more self respect than that now. Anyway, just keep your head up. You're young and hell, you're a superhero. You'll find someone eventually"
"Yeah…yeah, maybe. So I guess we'll meet up later this week then? I remember we have to set up that meeting with Secretary Troia" Nightwing pointed out.
"Yeah, I got it set up for Thursday afternoon at 3 EST at the UN Headquarters in New York" Black Lightning said, confirming.
"Cool. See you later" Nightwing said, patting Black Lightning's arm as he began to walk away.
"You too" Black Lightning said, watching him leave.
The older man looked at him and shook his head. He seriously hoped Canary could help him out tomorrow. There was no doubt in his mind that he needed it.
However, the only thing on Nightwing's mind was getting a good night's sleep. He approached the Zeta Tube that was the closest to his apartment in Gotham.
"Recognized, Nightwing. 28"
*The next day, Star City, Mental Health Office of Dinah Lance, 9:58 EST*
Dick knocked on the door of Dinah's office, ready to get this over with.
A few moments later, the blonde haired woman answered the door with a smile.
"Hi, Dick. Right on time, come on in" Dinah said, inviting Dick into the room.
"Thanks, Dinah. I could've come in myself. You could've just told me to open the door" Dick said to the older woman who shook her head.
"Being more personal with my patients helps me connect better with them" Dinah said as she led them both to the chairs they would be sitting on.
"Still brings back memories" Dick said as he sat down on his chair, remembering his sessions with Dinah as Robin.
"Tell me about it. I've known you since you were 11 and now here you are, twelve years later, a grown man and now my boss. Makes me feel like a little old lady" Dinah said with a little chuckle.
"Oh stop it, wasn't your 25th birthday just a few months ago" Dick asked, lightly teasing
Dinah playfully scoffed as she wrote a few things down on her notepad. "Charming"
"You have to be when your mentor was…is Batman" Dick said as smoothly as he could.
Dinah nodded. "Completely agree. Now, let's get down to it. How are you feeling?"
Dick grew silent as he slowly tapped his foot. He felt there was no need hiding it from her. She would see through whatever lie he would put out anyway. So he decided to just come out with it.
"Honestly, not so good mentally nowadays" Dick answered, truthfully.
Dinah nodded. "I could tell from yesterday's meeting. You and Barbara split up?"
"We did, yes. Nobody's fault. We were actually very understanding of each other's positions and we're also still going to be friends. After all, we've been friends for years before. We can't just forget about that…but we can't live together anymore. She moved back in with her dad last week" Dick answered, not comfortable answering this. However, that was the point.
"And you're bothered by that? I notice it seems to have hit you harder than your breakup from Zatanna or Raquel" Dinah said with a raised eyebrow, trying to see the root of the issue.
Dick was silent for a moment before answering, trying to get straight to it. "I'm just trying to see where I'm going wrong in my relationships. Zatanna and Raquel could've easily been teen puppy love but I've known Barbara since I was ten, we practically grew up together. This should've been the one, you know? Now, though…I don't know"
"Is there no chance of reconciliation? After all, it seems pretty foolhardy to just give up on a relationship that's lasted for a while, almost 3 years I think?" Dinah pointed out. Dick however just shrugged.
"I don't know. We ended things as we felt we should've. No yelling, no arguing…but there was a certain animosity we both had in our tones as we broke up. One that kind of implied that we probably needed a break from the other" Dick explained.
Dinah again lightly scoffed with a certain kind of chuckle, almost like a frustrated one. "I can't tell you how many times I've had that with Ollie. After the 'Anti-Light' stunt from last year, I thought he and I were over for good…but as it turned out we ended up back together again as we usually do"
"There's a difference, though. You always end up back with each other. I couldn't even reconcile with either Zatanna or Raquel…by the way, is there any chance he'll actually propose soon?" Dick asked, suddenly interested. "If that's not too personal a question"
Dinah rolled her eyes. "Don't get me started. He's a sweet man but for whatever reason, the very idea of marriage scares him. It's what happens when you try to tame a billionaire who was once a playboy"
"Damn" Dick said, smiling, a little amused.
"Damn indeed…but enough about me, Dick. This is your session after all. Maybe you shouldn't base your relationship prospects with what you perceive to be failed relationships. Finding your one and only partner at such a young age is rare" Dinah said to which Dick shook his head.
"Not around me, it's not. Look at M'Gann and Conner. They were the first ever members of the original team to get together and while they did have that gap in their relationship where they broke up for a while, they're now about to get married. That also would've been the same for Wally and Artemis if…well…you know" Dick explained, feeling a little somber bringing up his deceased best friend.
Dinah raised an eyebrow as she wrote a few more things down on her clipboard. "So you feel that because it happened for M'Gann and Conner as well as for Wally and Artemis that it should happen for you too?"
"Well…no but…I mean maybe yes but…I just don't know" Dick said, sighing from mental exhaustion at this point, not knowing where to go from here. He lowered his head so that his eyes were focused on his lap as well as his twiddling thumbs.
Dinah then set her clipboard aside and leaned forward. "Dick, tilt your head up and look at me"
Rolling his eyes a bit, Dick did as asked and looked up into Dinah's eyes.
"You are a kind, sweet young man. One of the best I've ever known, truly. You will find your special someone eventually. However, you have to stop convincing yourself you need to do that in the here and now. You can't force a relationship to work, advance or even happen at all…believe me, I know" Dinah said, her face dropping a little as she said this.
This caused Dick to be curious. Was she talking about a past relationship she had before Oliver…or Oliver himself? However, his curiosity was short-lived as she continued.
"Maybe instead of trying to focus so much on you having a relationship just for the sake of having a relationship, just focus on yourself. You have nothing to worry about and you don't need to feel pressured into doing something you may not actually be ready for" Dinah explained to the best of her ability.
Dick stood silent as the words came in. He…may not be ready for a relationship? He considered that for a moment. Was that what the issue was? He was wanting to be in a relationship just for the sake of being in a relationship? So he could be on equal ground with his friends who actually were in relationships? Maybe, maybe not, he thought. He honestly didn't really know for sure but at this point, he was forced to concede to Dinah's advice that maybe she was correct. Maybe he just wasn't cut out for a relationship right now with his schedule and all and maybe he still needed to work out a few mental issues of his own before trying again anytime soon.
After a few moments of just sitting and considering for a few moments, he simply nodded.
"Alright…I'll do that" Dick simply said to the older woman across from him.
"I'm not saying don't try, Dick…just don't try to force it. Believe me, it's really not worth it as it never goes the way you hope they do and both people on each side end up getting hurt" Dinah said to which Dick nodded.
"I get it. That makes sense" Dick answered, truthfully.
"So…what about anything else on your mind? Anything else troubling you?" Dinah asked.
"Well…still coping with lots of different things. Wally's death, Jason's….but managing. Just trying to get through the days as they come" Dick answered, blocking out a few tears that threatened to come out.
Dinah noticed and passed him a piece of tissue paper. "It's alright to let your feelings out. It's crucial to healing"
Dick nodded as he wiped his eyes, even wiping away a few sniffles that threatened to come out of his nose as well.
"Grieving is natural, especially in this business. Something I wish more people would understand which is why I'm glad you and Jeff are giving the League, Team and Outsider members the opportunity to attend these sessions, especially with the League itself. Throughout the years, focus on mental health has been aimed primarily at the younger heroes while I'm afraid we often forget it affects the adults as well, me included" Dinah explained.
Dick nodded. "Indeed they do"
"I also want to discuss something with you and Jeff sometime in the near future. Not now though so this is just a mental health checkup" Dinah said which caused Dick to grow an interested face.
"What is it?" Dick asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Another time if that's alright. Something I want to discuss with the both of you in person…as well as others in the League. I would've talked about it yesterday at the meeting but I'm still airing out the details" Dinah explained to which Dick nodded.
"Understood. Just let me and Jeff know and we'll be sure to set something up" Dick said, agreeing.
"So…is there anything else troubling you?" Dinah asked, making sure to be thorough.
Dick thought about it for a few moments. He was sure there were maybe some other mental issues he was facing but he couldn't think of any at the moment. As a result, he just shook his head.
"Well…not at the moment. I would've said that being the leader of the League freaked me out at first but I'm getting the hang of it…I mean I think so anyway. Apart from that, I think that's everything I have to report" Dick insisted to which Dinah nodded.
"I believe you, Dick. You've always been one of the more open ones in these sessions" Dinah said in an understanding tone. "Just know that we're not limited to these mandatory sessions. You're free to talk to me whenever you like as well as the others, including M'Gann. I'm sure she would love to help you, I'm sure, given your history as friends and teammates"
Dick nodded. "Of course. I'll let you know if anything comes up. Honest"
"Good. I think this was a good talk today" Dinah said, standing up.
"I think so too" Dick said, getting up as well.
The moment both of them stood up, Dinah pulled Dick in for a hug. Dick relaxed into it with a smile. Besides maybe Diana or even Selina, Dinah had been the closest thing he had to a mother figure. Unbeknownst to him, Dinah sort of had the same feeling as well. Knowing him since he was a small child, she couldn't help but feel a certain attachment to him as well in a sort of motherly sense.
They stayed in the position for about a minute before they separated.
"And for the record, you've been a fantastic leader of the League so far. I'll see you later" Dinah said, patting Dick on the arm as she led him to the door.
"Yeah, I'll see you later, Dinah. Thank you" Dick said to which Dinah just smiled.
"Anytime. Just remember what I've said. A relationship doesn't have to define who you are" Dinah said to which Dick just nodded.
"Got it. I'll definitely try to remember that" Dick responded.
Afterwards, Dick left Dinah's office with the reminder in his head: A relationship didn't have to define him. He had been perfectly fine without one before, he'll be perfectly fine without one now…
With that, he walked through the streets of Star City towards the nearest zeta tube station, wanting to return to his apartment as quickly as possible. He was tired from late night escapades from the previous night and needed a morning nap.