𝙼𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚎, 𝚁𝚑𝚘𝚍𝚎 𝙸𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍
𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝚜𝚝, 𝟶𝟿:𝟸𝟷 𝙴𝙳𝚃

I walked into the kitchen, stretching out my arms before yawning, instinctively, I moved my arms down to cover my mouth as I sucked in air. Megan was in the kitchen, washing dishes when she heard me. I know she did because she exclaimed, "Peaches and pecans!" Before turning around and leaning on the edge of the sink.

I waved to her slowly, "Hey Megan," I smiled at her to try and calm her nerves. She placed a hand on her chest.

"Hello (Y/n)," She breathed before using her telekinesis to open the cupboard and place a bowl in front of me on the island. A spoon followed and a cereal box came from the pantry, milk from the fridge. She went back to washing dishes.

"Thanks," I started to pour the cereal into the bowl and thought about not adding milk. Dry cereal was always better for snacking. Nah, I'll add the milk, I should probably stop my old snacking habit anyway. Failsafe would be upset if I broke our diet, more so than I already had...

Okay, maybe it wasn't so much a diet, and even if it was I wasn't strictly following it. But who's going to stop me? We don't need a diet anyway. My body's perfect the way it is.

And, Cap'n Crunch tastes better without the milk. That was just a fact.

"So, you're up late," Megan decided to start a conversation with me. I leaned on the island and started digging in.

"Am I?" I asked in between bites.

Megan giggled, "Well, no, but everyone else has been up for a while."

"Me, you, and Superboy are the only ones who live here." I pointed out.

"I know that," She placed a clean dish into the drying rack, "But our phones still work, I've been texting Artemis all morning." I saw her iPhone four light up on the counter, some notification I didn't read.

I groaned, "And all night, I'm part of that group chat too you know. I like sleep too," All. Night. Long.

"Sorry," She placed another plate on the rack. "I've noticed you've been the one waking up recently."

I took another bite of my cereal and raised my brow though she couldn't see, "Uh, yeah? They call the opposite death, Megan," Please don't talk about what I think you're going to talk about...

"It's just, usually Failsafe wakes you tw– greets us in the morning and you appear later in the day?" She flinched at her slip up, thinking Failsafe was going to come out pissy and correct her.

I sighed, feeling nothing. Though my chest didn't hurt, and there were no scathes or scratches, no scars at all even, there was still this dull ache like I was supposed to be feeling pain but couldn't, something was blocking it out.

Keeping your promise until the end, eh?

"It's fine, Megan, she's just, sleeping is all. Uh, Nelson's sudden departure took a lot out of her, they were friends for a long while. Well, I don't know how long is long for her, but it's something like that. She's just sleeping it off," Well, it wasn't technically a lie. But our teammates didn't need to know we'd gotten jumped at the scene of the crime by the murderer.

It's been about two days since I've even talked to her, later in the day three days ago she'd said it was starting to hurt again and vanished. I'm not worried though.

Failsafe is strong. I know she can fight whatever this is. She promised.

"Ah, I see, I don't know what it's like to lose a loved one. But, I relate to the pain she's feeling," The water kept running in the sink, but Megan didn't move for a few moments.

She turned it off and walked over to the other side of the island where there was a pile of letters, she took one off the top of the pile and smiled at me, handing me the letter.

"This one came for you."

I grabbed my bowl and put it in the sink, walking over to her and taking it from her with a thank you.

Dear miss (Y/n) (L/n),

I am delighted to inform you that you have been awarded a full Wayne foundation scholarship to the Gotham Academy. This will include TUITION and all EXPENSES.

Each year the Wayne foundation selects a single student, who they chose with great care, taking into consideration the individual's academic achievements as well as the individuals character and extracurricular strengths. I am delighted to say this year the Wayne Foundation has gifted you and another student this once-in-a-lifetime chance to have two new students be awarded a Wayne Foundation scholarship this year.

Naturally, the final decision to attend remains yours, but we hope you will choose to join us at Gotham Academy.

Sincerely,
Philip Wilcox
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

'Well, he certainly got that done fast. Right, Failsafe?' I tried a joke, hoping to hear the echo of my own voice say something about Batman's diligence or something, anything.

Nothing.

I pocketed the latter in my hoodie, smiling at Megan. "Thanks, I'm really excited about starting school again."

She beamed, "I am too! Going to school on Earth!" She floated above the ground in excitement, "If you need any help with schoolwork let me know!" She grabbed my hands and I swear I almost went blind, beaming was an understatement. She was shining as if this was her greatest wish.

"You too, Megan, if there's an Earth thing you don't understand I'm sure I can help you out," it might be difficult with her being a sophomore and my freshman status, but I'm sure I can figure it out.

"Thanks, (Y/n)."

I chuckled awkwardly, "We are friends, it's only natural I'd help you."

I almost wanted to scream, 'You hear that, Failsafe? It's only natural I help you so talk to me.'

But I didn't. Because as long as she believes she can handle it there's nothing I can do or say that's going to change that. A person doesn't just open up because you want them to. It takes time and I need to let her sort out her feelings.

Right?

Right. I'm right.

"What do you think we'll be watching for movie night?" Megan asked me after receiving a text. My phone dinged too. I wonder who it's from. Note the sarcasm.

"I'm gonna tell you the same thing I told Artemis last night when she asked, it better be a Disney movie. I've been waiting two years to see Wall-E, or the new little mermaid, hell, I'll settle for the frog prince one," Yeah, last night the archer had walked into my room while I was researching Batman's secret identity for kicks, it was probably suspicious that I had slammed my laptop down as hard as I did, but Artemis hadn't questioned it. Thank the Bats himself.

Megan laughed, "I wouldn't be opposed to that."
___________________

The giant digital clock on the wall hit thirty on the second mark and I dove into the pool, racing through the water and trying to swim as fast as I once used to. Even tried a flip turn once I hit the wall and swam back. But despite my fifty freestyle being my best event, I was still over my last time by a considerable margin.

53:44, I cringed, I used to be so much faster than that. I mean, it could be worse, I have been out of the pool for two years, but I was still continually working out and exercising, or, well, Failsafe had been doing that for me.

I leaned away from the wall and groaned before steeling myself. I just need to work harder, then I'll get everything back, won't I? And then when I'm strong enough Failsafe will let me in and open up. Won't she?

That's what I tried telling myself, with a sigh I raised myself out of the pool and prepared myself to try again. Is it so bad for me to want to try? To try and get my best friend to open up a little? Share her pain?

No, its a stupid thought. I can't force her to do that just for me. It's her emotions and thoughts, her new feelings. New, she just realized she had them, so I shouldn't force them out before shes ready. I'll hurt her.

I dove in again and held my breath, pushing myself a little more, faster and longer strokes, fewer breaths, when I did my flip turn I bounced off the wall.

On the wall, after I finished, I was breathing heavily, and my time barely improved.

"Wow, great job, (Y/n), you're looking good." Robin's voice cut through the mostly silent air. I turned to him, decked out in a regular black and red swimsuit along with the classic sunglasses. There were tinted goggles on his head.

I snorted, "Wow, Rob, seriously? Sunglasses even here? You know this is like, the darkest room in the cave even with the lights on, right?"

He furrowed his eyebrows and crossed his arms, "Secret Identities are important, you know."

Again, I snorted, "Yeah, only important if the person you're talking to doesn't already know it."

I'll admit, it took me longer than I cared to admit, and it was embarrassing how long it took, but once I figured it out it was super obvious.

Batman was Clark Kent and Robin was actually Jimmy Olsen.

No, obviously not, they were Bruce Wayne and Richard Grayson. Like, come on, it was so obvious. White man about six feet tall with that build, can't imagine Batman holding up much of a social life so never seen outside, along with the tools and power necessary to do all that crap? And a kid that good at gymnastics who's also somehow related to the previously mentioned? As much as I thought it wouldn't, that narrowed down the pool. The letter about Wayne Foundation gifting two scholarships to Gotham Academy was the last nail in the coffin for me. Like, Failsafe and I asked for a scholarship, what was it? Two days ago. Seriously, 'my friend Bruce Wayne,' Oldest lie in the freaking book, it's never my friend anything, it's always an excuse to talk about yourself without talking about yourself. Classic fanfiction writing angle. Really cliche, actually.

Bruce Wayne may hold a reputation for being a playboy and party fiend, but he never comes out of his house and never does anything with those ladies. The countless stories I found while I was entertaining myself with this ridiculous quest was that he'd always leave halfway through their dates to go take care of company business. But then there are more conflicting stories and... And no company should be having important enough problems for the boss to be called in that often.

It just doesn't add up. Which led me to my amazing, totally awesome revelation. Which, frankly, I'm embarrassed and ashamed it took me so long. And that I doubted myself. I'm freaking amazing and everyone should know that.

"What was that?" He raised an eyebrow, coming over and sitting on the side of the pool. I leaned off the wall and started swimming around near him.

"Secret identities are lame," I muttered, but let him hear it. He huffed.

"Secret identities are important, they help us protect the people we care about from the bad guys," Robin argued back.

"I know that. For all my joking, I'm not stupid," I dunked my head underwater and came up, letting the hair that plastered itself to my face move away, "But for me, all they've ever done is prevent me from seeing my family, so I guess I'm a bit bitter."

"That's why you live in the cave, right?" The black-haired boy questioned, I nodded.

"Would you want to see your only child's body be controlled by an alien most of the time?"

"Why do you let her do that?" He mumbled, mostly to himself than to me. I recoiled.

"It's my way to put more good in the world, by letting someone else play hero through me, I can play hero myself, can't I?"

He shook his head playfully, "I'm afraid that's not how that works."

"Well then," I started, "Why don't you help me improve so I can take over the title of Aqualad for myself," I gasped, "Even better, I'll be the next Robin."

He laughed, pushing on my shoulder as I was close to him, "Yeah, right, in your dreams."

"Hey, when you wish upon a star, right?" I moved my brows up and down suggestively, and he groaned.

"We are NOT watching a Disney movie tonight!"

"Oh come on man! I never even got to see Wall-E, and, and there's a Princess with a Frog! Are you really going to deny me that? What about the little mermaid sequels!"

"There was a sequel?!"

"YES."
_________

"You want to learn how to fight?" Robin asked, raising his eyebrow and crossing his arms. I nodded.

"That's kinda why I'm in the gym..." I trailed off, averting my eyes from him. I punched the bag with my wrapped up fists, three times fast. I would've asked Black Canary for help, but she wasn't at the cave today.

He snorted, "You're doing it wrong," He told me as he walked over.

"Fuck you, I'm trying!" I snapped without meaning it, punching the bag in the middle and groaning, I hit it too hard. That hurt, fuck.

Robin's famous laugh met my ears, "I was telling you that to help you, but that was funny so I might just leave you to it." He pretended to wipe a tear from behind his sunglasses.

"Holy crap," I whispered and he paused, "What?"

"I swear I just heard the angels singing, bro." We both paused for a second before he snorted, which turned into laughter again.

"What? Hey! I'm serious, this is very concerning for me, I'm an atheist!" I exclaimed, embarrassed that I had actually just told my favorite sidekick/superhero that terrible pickup line without thinking.

Because, damn it, if I'm going to flirt, I could do better than that.

He calmed down after a moment of silence and I held my breath, I probably shouldn't be flirting with teammates at all, right? That, and I already broke their personal privacy by figuring out who Batman and Robin are, so he'd probably be really upset with me if he found out.

Oh no, would he think I was flirting with him because of the money or for fame or something stupid like that?!

"You're my favorite,'' the words came out of my mouth before I could stop them, and we both stood in stunned silence for a moment.

"I was already going to help you, but flattery will get you everywhere." He joked, wiggling his eyebrows.

I chuckled, "I just meant you're my favorite hero, but I guess that does count as flattery, doesn't it?"

"Well, I'm definitely flattered." He joked before clearing his throat, "But anyway, your stance is reactionary which is why you're hurting yourself like that, remember what Canary taught us? Fighting is all about proacting."

I chuckled in amusement, "I don't remember actually, uh, I don't pay attention when the topic is not something that concerns me, sorry."

Robin shook his head, "Human nature at its finest. This is going to take a while, isn't it?"

I huffed, "You signed up for this, too late to back out now."

He sighed, taking my arms in his hands. He fixed my stance and made me straighten my back. He tapped my legs with his foot too to show me where I needed to move and bend them. My right side faced farther back from the punching bag and he pulled my hands, curled into fists, near my face. I looked at him and smiled suggestively as our faces were close. In return he wiggled his eyebrows, I had to hold back my snort.

This was fun.

"Your body shouldn't be tense, agility is key in a fight when you're outsized, loosen up." He instructed me and I did as he said.

"Does this also apply to other things?" This time I was the one wiggling my brows, my voice making it very clear I was attempting to flirt.

"You sound like Wally," He deadpanned. I gasped, hurt.

"Why you! I have much better game than him," I snapped back.

"Prove it then," He challenged me.

I paused for a moment before going for it, "...Are you O negative? Because you're universal." I shot finger guns at him to make it better.

Unimpressed, he stepped away and crossed his arms, "Try again."

I sighed, "Fine. I'll bring out the big guns."

"Baby, if you were a triangle you'd be acute one."

"Math joke, nice, one more shot." He was smiling now, at least, so I smiled wider too.

"Fine, but I think you just like hearing me shoot bad pick-up lines at you." I sassed back.

"At least you admit their bad," Robin sassed back, "Aha!" I exclaimed, "You didn't deny it."

"It's nice to be appreciated sometimes." He shrugged, not looking too flustered over my claim, even so, there was a tiny hint of a squirm in his body language that I chose to ignore. Though, I didn't press anymore.

"Fine then," I stepped closer, smirking and trying my best not to cringe as I spoke my next line, "Did you sit in sugar? Because your ass looks sweet."

Robin sputtered and I started laughing as he exclaimed, "That's not fair!"

"You know what's not fair? You're supposed to be teaching me how to fight!"

"You started it!"

"No you!"

"Ahem," Someone coughed, getting our attention. At the door dressed in all green like usual was our blond senior, Artemis.

"Artemis!" I waved her over with a smile. She smiled too, walking over.

"What are you up to that you're arguing so fiercely?" She asked, dark eyes searching both of us like our body language alone would give her an answer.

"He said he'd help teach me how to fight, but we just ended up arguing about if I'm a better flirt than Wally." I shrugged.

Artemis huffed, "Your twelve."

"Fourteen, and in Jacksonville you start dating in like, sixth grade anyway. So even if I was twelve, it's fine."

"That's concerning."

"No, it is not fine," Artemis told me. I shrugged again.

"It's harmless. It's not like anyone actually does anything except holding hands until
high school anyway. We may be insane, but we're not monsters in Florida." I explained.

"Well," Robin started again, "On that note, let's re-concerte ourselves, yeah?" He asked, fiddling with his hoodie as he pulled it up.

"Sure."

"I'm not doing anything, so I guess I can stick around." Artemis shrugged. "It'll keep you two from fighting, at least."

"Hey," I said on instinct. It's not like we fight all the time, in fact, this is the first time!

I gasped, "Rob, this was our first fight!"

"Not a fight," He argued.

I pouted, "What? Too good to fight with me, Mr. Superhero since he was nine?"

He scoffed, "You're even more ridiculous than Wally."

"Which is why you love me so much, yeah?" I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him, looking at Artemis and smiling evilly. She chuckled.

"Oh god, the last thing the world needs is two Wally's," Robin groaned as he tried to push me off, I giggled and relaxed my grip. We may be playing, but I didn't want to make him uncomfortable.

"You're right! What the world needs is two (Y/n)'s! I should get someone to clone me!" I exclaimed and let go of him, stretching out my arms as a way to show my big idea.

"I'm sure Failsafe could do it, maybe, actually, what even are her powers?" Artemis asked and I paused. "Everyone just acts like she can do anything and I kind of just accepted it. Is she even a girl?"

"Ah, why're we talking about Failsafe right now? She's not here, but I am," I gasped dramatically, "Are you two trying to get rid of me?!"

"Never," Artemis smiled and placed her hand on her hip as she leaned on her left leg.

Robin shook his head, "Nah, personally? I like your company more. And besides, if we're about to start sparring, I'd rather not get my ass kicked." He joked and I giggled.

"Who says your not going to get your ass kicked?" Artemis countered. I looked to her then back to him, smiling evilly once more.

"Yeah! Get ready bird boy, I'm gonna kick your ass into next week!" I punched my palm and cracked my knuckles. Robin's iconic laugh filled the room.

"You're on."

"Two out of three matches decide the movie we watch tomorrow!"

"Now you're definitely on!"

________________
𝙼𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚎, 𝚁𝚑𝚘𝚍𝚎 𝙸𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍
𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝚗𝚍, 𝟷𝟸:𝟺𝟸 𝙴𝙳𝚃

"Hey superboy, whatcha doin?" I asked, hopping over the back of the couch and bouncing next to him. He barely acknowledged me with a grunt, staring ahead at the tv screen, which was showing different colors and the text, no signal.

"Okay..." I trailed off before reaching for the remote, "Anything you want to watch?"

"No," He responded curtly. I huffed, "Well then, can we change it? I can put on a movie."

"Aren't we going to watch a movie with everyone later?" He asked, turning to me with a questioning look. His seemingly grumpy mood seemed to dull down.

I smiled and waved the remote in my hand, "We'll just pick one that we're not going to watch, so, action? Comedy?" I gasped, "Disney?"

"Disney?" He quirked up his eyebrow.

"Oh, right, they probably didn't teach you about Disney, did they?" I mumbled before thinking, hmmm, what would be a good movie to show Superboy?

And then my mind exploded with the best idea I think I've ever had, ever.

I looked Superboy in the eyes and asked, "Superboy, would you like to be educated in the world of Shrek?"

"I, What?"

"Perfect!" I exclaimed before pulling it up on the TV.

"I never said yes,"

"You didn't say no either, and I have the remote!"

"Fine, as long as it's not something stupid," He grumbled, leaning back on the couch.

I smirked, "Stupid? This? Never!"

______________

"SOMEBODY ONCE TOLD ME THE WORLD WAS GONNA ROLL ME. I AIN'T THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED."

"Christ, I've made a mistake..."

_______________

"DONKEY!"

"mAKE IT STOP."

_________

"FIONA!!!" I cried, tears streaming down my face.

"She really confessed?"
_________

We both sat watching the credits, the afterglow of such an amazing movie hit us both. I turned to Superboy, analyzing his expression. He looked distraught.

Better make him traught.

"Wasn't that a good movie?"

"Yeah, guess it was. But, both Shrek and Fiona got a happy ending despite the fact that everyone and everything was against them." He trailed off, now I see what's bothering him.

"It's because they're good people. And good people deserve happy endings," I told him with a reassuring smile. He frowned, slouching.

"There's a difference between good and nice, you know. I think you're good, Superboy." I told him honestly.

He looked at me, questioningly, full attention on my next words.

"You may struggle with your emotions, and you don't tend to hide who you are, and sometimes that hurts people. But you always do the right thing in the end, always try to fix things. And, despite everything, you left Cadmus, and even now, when Superman doesn't acknowledge you, you continue to fight for others and the greater good. You're a good person, Superboy. And I think you deserve a happy ending."

I placed my hand on my chest, "I hope one day, I can be a person you can be proud of. Cause I value you and your opinion, Superboy. I'm glad to call you my friend."

He turned away from me, mumbling a thanks.

I checked the time on the TV, realizing I have to go.

"Ah, I promised I'd train with Artemis and Robin, so I have to go." I stood up and looked at the TV, "I don't really have control over what you do, but I hope you don't go back to watching that static screen again." I jested. He huffed and I left him alone.

"Bye, Superboy!"

"Bye, (Y/n)."

_______________

"Someone's late," Aremis teased me as I walked in.

I pouted, "Can you blame me? I was watching the best movie ever made."

"How to train your dragon?" Robin asked.

"How and where and what, now? Dragons!?"

"Tell me your kidding," Artemis scoffed, "That movie was mediocre at best."

She turned to me, "And you? Shrek, really? Are you five?"

"Hey!" I snapped at her, "That movie is a CLASSIC." I raised my voice, stomped my foot, and waved my hand, "Shrek is a cinematic masterpiece!"

"So was Jurassic Park," Robin cut in, we both turned to him, a fire lit in my soul and expelled from my mouth as I exclaimed, "WHAT?!"

_____________________
𝙼𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚎, 𝚁𝚑𝚘𝚍𝚎 𝙸𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍
𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝚗𝚍, 𝟷𝟿:𝟺𝟽 𝙴𝙳𝚃

"Alright! Movie night!" I plopped down on the couch with a bucket of popcorn, falling down onto Wally and my legs found their way across Kaldur's lap. He didn't complain, but Wally did.

"He, Hey! Get off!" The redhead exclaimed, trying to push me off.

"What's wrong? Do you not want popcorn?" I teased, grabbing some sweet, buttery popcorn and shoving it into his face with a shit-eating grin. He backed away from it.

"Not the face!"

"Knock it off you two," Kaldur grunted as I lifted my leg and it almost hit him in the face.

"Stop acting like your four and just let her sit how she wants, Wally," Artemis groaned and reached over, grabbing some popcorn out of the bucket from beside Kaldur.

Megan and Robin were choosing our first movie, as that's what was decided, even though I had lost, we'd decided to each put in a pool of movies we'd like to watch from Robin's DVD collection, and we'd watch three movies that everyone agreed on.

"How is this my fault?!" Wally exclaimed as I moved off of him, suddenly conscious that I was breaking his personal space. Kaldur didn't seem to mind about my legs on his lap, putting a blanket over them and himself. So I leaned away from him at a weird angle and got comfy that way.

"Alright, we picked the movie!" Megan clapped happily as Robin put it into the DVD player, the tv reading the disc and a noise came from the player before the tv started showing the preloaded commercials on the disc. Robin made himself comfy on the floor by where my feet should be and I moved the popcorn bucket so he could take a handful from it, Megan made herself comfortable by Wally and Superboy.

Robin, with the remote, went down to the menu and clicked on the scene right after the opening credits.

"Yoooooo, ET let's gooooo!" I pumped my fist up in the air as it started, then I got shushed.

Oh boo.

We went through ET first, then it was Wall-E. I'm not ashamed to say that I cried either, and then we watched the movie Robin wanted to, and while it was exciting, my eyes started to feel heavy midway through.

I tried blinking them back, but my body felt heavy and limp, numb, and my eyelids became like weights. The bucket was taken away from my arms, and I felt myself fall back against the person next to me, peacefully, my breathing lulled.

Something was put over me, and I slipped into the darkness.

"What do I do?" Someone whispered and I groaned, turning over and grabbing onto whatever thing was in my arms, holding it close to me as I slipped back into sleep, not quite ready to try prying open my eyes.

"I dunno, carry her to her room?" Another whispered voice shot back, this one was more feminine. This position wasn't working for me.

"I don't know where that is!" The first voice cracked.

"Please, quiet down you two," A calming voice rang out, he didn't need to whisper but tried anyway. I wiggled on the couch and became comfortable again.

"I have to call Batman to come and get Robin, Wally, figure something out with (Y/n)," He paused before adding, "Try not to wake her."

I could hear footsteps, whining at how they hit my ears and turned over, pulling the thing in my arms with me. The voice yelped.

"What do I do?!" It asked, panicked. I pulled on the thing again, just shut up and let me sleep.

The feminine voice sighed, "Give her to me, I know where her room is."

"Thanks," The boyish voice squeaked. The thing in my arms tried to remove itself and I pulled down harder on it.

"She won't let go of my arm!"

The feminine voice snickered, "I know something for this, just wait a second." There was a pressure added to my arm, a light, not painful in any way pressure that made me let go.

I curled up on myself as soon as the thing, arm(?), was gone, suddenly cold. Then I felt myself being lifted up, making me cold again. I curled up towards the nearest source of warmth again, smiling when I found it.

This was nice. I fell back into a nice, deep sleep again.