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puppiesandnightlock · 2 months

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LINK: Helpless

Summary: Wally had it good. He was the Track Star of his high school, people fawning over him, anyone he wanted.

The only problem was that now, in his last few years, he'd missed a couple things. Things being credits.

Now he's stuck in theater class. It's not all bad, how could it be when his first day included falling into the arms of the cutest boy he'd ever seen?

Theater Kid Dick x Track Star Wally AU (co written with @daisha-mochizuki)

“West, my office, now. ”

Wally looked up from his track shoes that he was tying to his feet only to find his coach very pissed off and storming off to his office with a bunch of folders in his hands. He cringed as the door to the office slammed shut, and he sighed as he stood. As he walked, he kept his head tilted downward to try and avert himself from his peers’ gazes, as they either gave him concerned looks or glared at him.

He stood in front of the desk, fingers tapping against his upper thigh anxiously.

The coach sat, folding his hands together and leaning his head on them before looking up.

“Why are you here, West?”

Wally rocked on his tiptoes. “I-uh, I was hoping you could tell me that, sir.”

The coach watched him with an unimpressed look, spreading out the papers from the folders out in front of him. Even from upside down, Wally could see they were charts and grades, as well as tables. He’d always tried to keep his grades afloat because otherwise he wouldn’t be allowed to play.

“Well, according to this, you’re missing your visual and performing arts credits by a huge amount. You have a bit before you graduate, but you’ll only make it out of this school if you start gathering them now.”

Wally sighed to himself.

This was going to be a long conversation, wasn’t it?

“Thank you, sir, I-”

“I’ve already enrolled you into a class myself,” the coach interrupted Wally, sliding a new schedule sheet across his desk over to Wally, who was standing there stiffly. “You’ll start your new class tomorrow. Rest up. We need you for this team.”

He was shooed out of the office with only a schedule in hand, staring at it without reading the words. The world felt numb as he trudged back into the locker room, the world blurring out his teammates. He re-dressed slowly, before tying his black combat boots and going back outside, unwilling to face his teammates.

Instead of sitting out on the bleachers to watch the practice, he went to sit under a tree overlooking the field.

Sighing, he unfolded the schedule to look for the highlighted class signifying his new one.

Theater - seventh period. Teacher - Dinah Lance.

Theater? Well, his parents had always told him he was a drama queen…

He walked into the place marked on his schedule, his boots creaking the old wood beneath his feet as he walked along the stage, trying to find someone, anyone, to signal that he was indeed in the right place.

“Hello…?” he called out tentatively, carefully trying to pull back the deep red velvet curtains that were drawn shut. He screeched and nearly toppled over as a hand was thrust through the curtains and grabbed him by the collar of his T-shirt to yank him back into the curtain-abyss.

Wally held up his hands, taekwondo style, and quickly looked around for whoever had dragged him through. He was met, however, with the searing stage lights being flipped on and shone directly in his face.

“State the reason for your presence.” A low voice growled.

“Um, this is my seventh period now?” He squeaked, shielding his eyes. “What the hell is this, a cult?”

“Close enough!” A different voice chirped, moving the lights from his eyes and allowing him to look around.

In front of him, a tall, blond woman smiled at him, extending a hand. “Forgive the theatrics, my students like to have a little fun with the transfers. I’m Dinah Lance, I'll be your teacher for the rest of the year.”

“Wally West. Nice to meet you,” Wally murmured weakly as he took his new teacher’s hand, shaking it gingerly.

“Wally, then? Artemis here will give you the tour.”

A blonde girl stepped forward, having come from the lights. “Hey. I’m Artemis, and damn, we got you so good!”

Wally grumbled to himself, glowering at the girl, apparently Artemis. He crossed his arms over his chest and turned his face away when the girl held out a hand for him. Artemis rolled her eyes and grabbed Wally, dragging him along despite his annoyed facade. Wally yelped, stumbling.

“You should get used to it, Baywatch, that’s how we work around here.”

“Baywatch?” Wally looked down at himself, catching a glimpse of his face in his reflection. His black beanie slipped up, allowing for his bangs to float into his face.

“I feel like you watch shitty daytime TV,” Artemis shrugged.

He scowled, following her as she pointed out several different areas and teams with specific names. He wandered after Artemis, his eyes flitting around as he tried to observe and intake all of the information he was quickly learning.

Wally had always been a trouble magnet, however, and managed to find it in the most random of ways.

Today, it took the form of a clump of loose wires strewn across the backstage. Artemis stepped over it easily and he moved to do the same, but followed her hand to where she was pointing at the set-builders. A boy was there, outlining a piece for an outdoor scene, and right as he turned, the other boy misstepped, shutting his eyes as his whole body was to inevitably hit the floor face first.

Instead, he landed with a soft whoomph against a warm body. He looked up, blinking up as the brightly shining light above them led him to the most beautiful blue eyes he’d ever seen.

It was a normal day, alright? Playing knight in shining armor for boys in too much black was not something on Dick’s agenda.

It was the props and stage day and everyone was helping out. He was humming along to one of the broadway soundtracks playing from a nearby speaker on low, and losing himself in the swoops and swerves of the lines, thick strokes of dark color being left behind in the wake of his brush.

He had missed the customary ‘scare the ever-living shit out of the new student’ ritual, but trusted that one of his friends had recorded it. He could hear Artemis’s voice droning on about the theater and turned to wave her over.

The student following her met his gaze, flashing Dick a glimpse of striking green, before the person tripped and ended up promptly falling flat on their face.

Well, they would have, if DIck hadn’t dropped his brush the moment he saw the kid’s foot catch in the wire and bolted forward.

He caught the kid with ease, waiting until they turned to look at him, dark eyeliner making the disoriented green eyes even wider.

On top of being the most dramatic person to grace the school’s theater class, Dick was also known for being a bit of a flirt, and upon seeing the situation, his brain to mouth filter broke completely.

“Well, new kid, looks like you’re already falling for me.”

Wally gaped at him, wondering how the extremely attractive boy who was cradling him in his arms just shot him the most appropriate and horrible pickup to ever grace his ears.

“W-what?” He stammered, unsure if he’d actually heard correctly.

Pretty boy laughed, embarrassed flush coming over his cheeks. “That was bad, sorry. I’m all about the drama, and a pick-up line or two is always fun, even if I never pick anyone up with them.”

Well, you've sure got me. Wally laughed nervously as the thought popped in his mind. “Thanks for catching me, man.”

“Oh!” He stepped back, placing Wally back on the ground and dusting him off. Wally let himself be manhandled, looking at the boy's full form.

“My pleasure. You got a name, new kid?” His mind blanked at the question, until he realized that the boy in blue was awaiting an answer.

“Oh…um, Wally. Wally West. Well, Wallance if you wanna be formal, but no one callsmethatbut myMomwhenshe'sangry-”

The boy cut him off with a laugh, the sound ringing in his ears like the song of a windchime.

“You’re a rambler, aren't you?”

“M’on the track team, my mouth and my feet move quicker than my brain sometimes.” He then got a mischievous smirk on his face. “What about you, Gorgeous? Got a name?”

The other boy fumbled in turn, flushing red. “Dick Grayson.”

Wally bit back a joke and grinned. “Nice to meet ya.”

Artemis clapped Wally on the shoulder as she decided she was finished watching, causing the redhead to jump and squeak in response, the boy snapping out of his stupor. “C’mon, pretty boy, you need to finish the tour. You can get handsy with good ol’ Dick here later.”

Wally choked on air, Dick doing much the same. “I wasn’t-we weren’t-”

“M’kay.”She smirked at Dick, Wally taking note of the dirty glance from the other boy. “C’mon, Baywatch, we’ve got another half of the theater to discuss.”

Wally looked back at Dick, a sort of hopeful look in his green eyes. “I’ll, uh, see you later?”

His voice raised an octave at the end, causing Dick to chuckle softly. He offered the redhead a small grin and a wave. “I’ll see you later.”

Wally’s grin grew wider, but he was very quickly dragged off by an annoyed Artemis, who was muttering under her breath as she led Wally back on the path they had been on before. He couldn’t help but look back, however, and saw the deep blue eyes still trained on him, following after him. The sight and thought caused a rush of warmth to flood through him, a tingling pleasant sensation setting off flutters at the pit of his stomach.

Maybe theater wouldn’t be so bad after all.

#Track star Wally west #Theater kid dick grayson #Artemis crock #dinah lance #dinahs the teacher #Dick grayson #wally west #theater #musical refernces #Birdflash #lets make this beautiful: birdflash #Wally West x dick grayson #Dick Grayson x Wally west #What else to I tag #modern au #no capes au #high school au

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astro-kitty-launch · 10 months

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Chances Not Taken

[Wally West x Reader x Dick Grayson]

Chapter 1: Today's the Day

Summary: “Her last sight was Darkseid's massive hands wrapped around Nightwing’s throat as he attempted to choke the life out of her best friend. The God of Evil laughed menacingly, saying that if his father was no match, then he’d be nothing.” "All she could think about is the fact, she broke her promise to Wally West." What if she got a second chance? A chance to relive some of the most pivotal years of her life. To take all the chances that she failed to take the first time. To live the same life but take a different path. To see a whole new side of events that she thought she knew well. Well, she had been given that second chance alright, but not without a cost and a few minor setbacks. Chapter Summary: Dreams either waking or sleeping are not what they always seem to be. Sometimes our dreams are close to becoming a reality. Other times dreams fail to make any sense. ----------------------

TOWER OF FATE

SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

July 4, 11:00 ET

Jolting up, Sianna woke to the blaring sound of her alarm clock going off over and over. Her throat felt like sandpaper. Her throat was tight as a strangled sob escaped her lips. Her breaths were rapid and shallow, as if all the oxygen in the room had been sucked out.

Sianna’s heart pounded wildly in her chest as if it could cleave itself out of her body. As she slammed her eyes closed as another hand clawed at her chest. As her body quaked with rage, where had it come from? She felt like she’d never breathe again as she choked on nothing but her saliva.

Nothing made a shred of sense, not even this dark looming pit of dread that was everywhere, anywhere, and nowhere all at once. As though something was happening? Or did it already happen? What is it? What was it? What was the source of this panic?

Higher beings, this needed to stop.

She needed to stop.

She needed to breathe.

She needed to calm down.

Sianna forced her eyes open as her mind raced. She took a look at what was in front of her. Reminding herself that she was in her bedroom. She was in her room. Her room. Then she spotted the proof in her Green Lantern poster crisply taped to the wall.

A few feet away, her Charmander plush was carelessly on the floor, lying face first. Spine up near her feet, was her copy of Jane Eyre. All these items proved she was in her bedroom at the Tower of Fate.

Next, three things Sianna could hear. Her alarm clock was still blaring in a frenzy. The sound of her own ragged breath was gradually becoming less ragged. Forcing her shaking hands to move to make the final sound by clapping her hands together.

Sianna kicked her feet up sending her royal blue constellation blankets flying off of her sweaty body. Stretching her arm out to slam the off button on her damn alarm. Her breathing was labored but studied. The shaking was now at a slight tremble. Her racing heart was winding down as she sucked in a deep breath.

Grounded once more, Sienna's mind was frazzled but far steadier than before. She reminded herself that she had just woken up. She had woken up from a dream - no nightmare, that still flashed through her mind.

There were two solid fragments of that nightmare one that she recalled was: Should you be uncertain, have faith. The second was that brief moment where everything was so bright it was blinding. Her lips dipped downward as her hand clutched her chest, as the raw sorrow still held her like a noose.

Yet Sianna couldn’t quite understand why she felt this way.

Or why it dragged up such an outburst from her?

It must have just been a dream where her subconscious drew on her frazzled nerves of the day before. Nothing more. Gramps would disagree with her, arguing that dreams held more meaning for some homomagi.

Another subject they disagreed on was faith or belief in something more when all was lost was important. To her, it was nothing more than ridiculous nonsense. Nonsense that people clung onto when backed into a corner to bring them a false sense of security.

Grimacing, she wondered if her alarm had glitched because she swore that she had turned it off last night. Or maybe it was a false memory, and she hadn’t turned off the alarm the night before. Sianna sat upright in her bed for a few moments steadying her mind and body.

Releasing a small yawn, she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. Slipping out of her bed, Sianna stumbled into the bathroom, going through her usual morning routine. Exiting her bathroom, then her bedroom, she was finally ready for the day.

Descending the labyrinth of staircases, it always astounded her how bizarre the tower was with its love of staircases. Staircases were coming from the ceiling, left, right, and ground, and all of them were woven together like an intricate tetris puzzle. Her grandfather said it acted as both a security measure and a manifestation of order.

Sianna glanced down at her phone, seeing the thirty-odd unanswered texts waiting to be read. Sianna stuffed her phone back into her pocket. If anything she was sure more than half the texts were from a certain annoying loudmouth. Hooking a right onto the next set of stairs she finally reached the kitchen door and slowly opened it.

A blast of the warm air fanned her face as she got a whiff of the cinnamon, and the sweet scent of vanilla that made Sianna’s lips curle in a fond smile. The room was nice and welcoming, free of the normal, sterile, coldness of the tower. There, manning the gas stove, dressed in a finely pressed suit, stood Kent Nelson. Over his usual clothes was a navy blue apron printed with teddy bears.

“Good morning. Gramps.” Sianna smiled warmly at the sight of her adopted grandfather. It would most likely make anyone else laugh to see the former Doctor Fate acting like a doting grandfather, but to her, it was an integral part of home. As there was no home for Sianna without her Grandfather in it.

“Morning kiddo, you're in luck, an hour more, and you wouldn’t be able to say good morning.” He chuckled.

“ Take a seat.” Grandpa Kent gestured with his free hand towards the table that was set for two, a pitcher of orange juice and milk on either side of the flower-filled vase.

Glancing back at her grandfather, seeing he’s already turned back to the stove, she approached. Reaching to take a hold of the sponge in the sink, only to get the back of her hand lightly whacked. She pouted at the elderly man, dramatically clutching her affronted hand.

“I am sixteen, you know. You don’t have to cook for me. At least let me help.” Sianna voiced her protest as she puffed her cheeks out in a rare display of childishness, a fact she seemed to realise since she scowled right after

“Ha, let this old coot cook for his granddaughter.” The elderly man waved her off once more as his eyes gleamed with silent stubbornness.

“ Okay. Thanks, Gramps.” Sianna heaved a sigh knowing just how stubborn the man could be. Taking a seat, she absently began drumming her hands against the table. Staring blankly at the wallpaper that had once been in style decades ago. Those words still echoing in her brain like a mantra: Should you be uncertain, have faith.

“ So, did you rest well?” Her grandfather inquired, breaking her out of her thoughts.

“I guess,” Pausing momentarily, “Though oddly enough, my alarm went off when I recall turning it off.” She answered, not quite in the mood to discuss that dream.

Not wanting to hear a spiel about dream magic which Sianna firmly believed was a total load. Even if he didn’t move his gaze from the stove, she knew that he knew that, a fact she both hated and loved

“ Is that so? perhaps it was fate.” Her grandfather joked, causing her brows to furrow. Oftentimes when Kent referred to fate, he was referring to Nabu. She highly doubted that Nabu gave a flying fuck when she woke up. Plus, how’d he even manage to set it up from the top of the tower?

“Right, The Lords of order finally decided it was high time to magically gift Nabu a sense of humor. So the first stunt he pulls is messing with my alarm clock. Woo.!” She scoffed, waving her hands sarcastically.

“ I had a dream or a vivid memory of Inza. On that night she confronted me. Leading me to a crossroad on whether to give up Nabu and live or you live Doctor Fate.” Kent, undeterred by her response, continued by presenting his dream.

“Ha, you mean when she grilled you and then ripped Nabu a new one.” Sianna chortled fondly, knowing the story by heart. She always wondered what it would be like to meet the woman described as a force of nature, she thinks they would've gotten along.

“Is that how people phrase it nowadays.” Her grandfather snorted as he poured the batter into the pan to start on the next pancake.

Then again, maybe sharing her dream would somehow help chase away this lingering ache in her chest. Except what could she say, knowing her grandfather, he’d take her seriously. And Sianna wasn’t ready to have a serious discussion about her dreams, in fact, she preferred to forget about them completely. So she decided to keep her mouth shut. It was just a dream playing on her anxiety.

“Your favorite. Cinnamon swirl pancakes. Since today’s the day.” In one fluid motion, a stack of three cinnamon swirl pancakes was placed on the plate in front of her. More accurately, it was a marriage between pancakes and cinnamon rolls. A fluffy, buttery pancake stuffed with a cinnamon-sugar filling.

“Oh yeah, today’s the day.” Sianna cheered weakly and chewed her lower lip, yet, another thing she forgot to do was tell her grandfather the news.

Averting her gaze to the food before her, she should have known he wouldn’t have forgotten. Guilt washed over her as it dawned on her that all these preparations. Her favorite breakfast. It was all to celebrate the significance of today. He did it for her.

“You don’t sound thrilled, Sianna.” Kent soon settled on the other side of the table with his classic blueberry pancakes.

“It’s not that I’m not excited… it’s just-I’m just…” She broke off as she frantically tried to figure out how to break the nerve-wrecking news.

He’d deflate with disappointment and then get that look she hated, the same look she got when she got in trouble at school and got kicked out of school. How could she explain that sheer dread that plagued her mind at the concept of her among four other sidekicks being shown the inner sanctum of the Justice League was . That she couldn’t bring herself to cross that bridge.

Sianna liked where she currently was and was fully adjusted to being Zatara’s sidekick. That she was in no rush to join the league despite wanting to one day join their ranks. She expected that to happen when she was older. How could she tell any of them when they were all excited? They wouldn’t understand. To them, her thinking would be backward and complacent.

And maybe it was, but Sianna wouldn’t believe they’d allow them to join the League based on their age alone. Considering the social outcry that would occur given the history of social outcry from taking them on as sidekicks. It would be social suicide. The League wouldn’t risk that, no matter how skilled they were.

“ Kid, today I have one assignment for you: Don’t hesitate. Just go for it.” Her grandfather's eyes softened as he jabbed a finger in her direction to empathize the goal he was giving her.

Sianna furrowed her bows at his phrasing before merely nodding at a loss for words. What could she even hesitate about? When they were just walking around JL HQ. A small voice in her head nagged at her just to tell him. To stop hesitating. Taking a few more bites as she turned it over and over in her head. Trying to untangle what he meant by don’t hesitate. Did he want her to believe this was actually happening?

“Umm, Grandpa, I have something to tell you.” Finishing her breakfast, Sianna moved her gaze to meet those sky blue eyes as her fingers fidgeted with a strand of her wavy hair.

“I am not going. A few days ago, Zatara got information about an evil sorcerer plot that he needed to investigate, so he isn’t taking me. I'm sorry I know you were excited and made breakfast… and…” She blurted out, her mind racing as her face burned with shame.

“Oh, I knew that. Which is why I asked Batman and Robin to help. They are coming here to pick you up. Don’t worry, Sianna, you’ll still get to go.” Her grandfather assured as his crow's feet crinkled, becoming more defined as his eyes glimmered with mirth.

“They’re coming to what?!” She blurted out before her mind could finally catch up. Blinking her eyes rapidly before they widened completely gobsmacked.

“But Zatara said… I said it was okay. Plus, there will be other times.” Sianna blurted out, abruptly jumping to her feet astounded at the idea that she was actually going. She was going?!

As her grandfather's magic caught her chair before it hit the ground. Honestly, she’d been relieved when Zatara told her that he couldn’t take her. Last night she had imagined all the ways to break the news to Kent.

She had imagined that he’d be upset, not that he’d be unruffled by the news. The gears in her head slowly turned. Sianna had turned the alarm clock off with the intention to “accidentally” sleep in and miss everything. He must have been the one to turn it on.

“How did you find out? Why?” She demanded, thunderstruck at the blatant meddling on her grandfather's part.

“Zatara told me, Kid. Did you really think I’d let this chance slip away for you? I want you to go. I know that you're nervous, but you’ll gain so much by going.” Kent sighed as though he had already foreseen her trying something like this.

“But..but I can’t go.” Sianna sputtered helplessly knowing there was no way of getting out of this. What could she possibly gain from this?! She didn’t see a point in going to the Hall; it wasn't like they were being inducted as members of the League. Couldn’t it wait until she was actually becoming a member of the League.

“Yes you can Kid. I believe in you, and if everything goes wrong, we’ll go to Clair’s to celebrate you trying. Go for this old man and yourself.” The elderly man offered a pleading look flashed in his eyes.

Glancing away, Sianna heaved a huge sigh, “Fine. I’ll go.” Knowing her grandfather had done this for her.

She decided to go against every instinct that told her that this wasn’t a good idea. Something about this whole tour around the hall didn’t make sense, other than Roy now that he was an adult. There would be no backlash from the people if he joined.

Sianna stood up, reaching out for her empty plate to clean it, when a golden light enveloped it. Soon the kitchen sink came to life, washing and drying dishes with the power of her grandfather’s magic.

“I had that Gramps,” Sianna grumbled softly, crossing her arms for a moment before letting them drop. Just as a loud chime resounded throughout the tower.

“ Sure you did, Kid. They’re here.” Kent waved her off, seeming to anticipate her every move before she even made them. Heaving another fond sigh, she let it go knowing even at the withered age of hundred and six her Grandfather was a force. One she couldn’t hope to subdue.

“Thanks. I’ll see you afterwards, Gramps, and I promise to try and to also not hesitate. I’ll cook you your favorite dinner when I get back.” Sianna stated sternly before giving her guardian a tight hug.

“ Of course, Kid. Now go out there to be a hero. Go out and be Rowena. Try befriending one of those sidekicks.” Kent chuckled, returning the tight hug with as much strength as his old bones had in them. Patting her head gently, she slowly let go, as she was approaching the door, she turned around once more.

“Don’t try to pick up anything heavy while I am gone. Since I won’t be here to save you.” Sianna hollered, flashing a toothy grin before running out the door as the hall echoed with her Grandfather’s laugh.

Going despite her misgivings and that she liked where she was. Even with her suspicions. Sianna wanted to be recognized as a member of the Justice League. Most of all, she wanted to be a hero. Maybe she was wrong, and her Grandfather was right, that this was a chance for something more. With a simple spell, she changed her civilian clothes to her hero costume.

Sianna Nelson had now become The Sorceress Hero Rowena.

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Sianna P.O.V.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

July 4, 13:30 EDT

Here’s the thing about plans: something always goes wrong. Which made Rowena wonder why the hell anyone made plans if things didn't go as planned. She had planned to skip this whole tour of the Justice League headquarters. Only to be strong-armed into it by her grandfather and Dick.

Now, here she was in front of a man-made body of water where a star-shaped platform floated in the center. On the other side was the towering dome building that could only be located in Washington D.C. The Hall of Justice, in all its magnificent, awe filled glory. It was far more pristine than any photo on the internet.

And deep in her gut, Sianna knew something was wrong and that this wasn’t how things were supposed to go. Why did things need to change? They were fine as they were now. Free of any potential rejection of being told they wouldn’t be joining the league.

Tuning out Batman, her eyes wandered around their surroundings. The white cobbled pavement was too white the trees were too perfect. Not a cloud in the sky, and the sun was shining brightly. The heat was there, but not so hot to the point where she was dying. It was the perfect weather to be out grilling for the fourth of July. It was just right.

Then out of the corner of her peripherals, she saw a tall, muscular figure. It must be Batman. But when had the Dark Knight walked over there? Moving to catch up, her body stilled at seeing an odd dark blue bird emblem. That wasn’t Batman!

Time stilled as chills ran up and down on her back, eyes widening at the sight before her. Her body moved forward before her mind could process what it was doing. Her hands were stretched out and shaking with sheer joy as she wondered how? Wasn’t he dead? He’s alive!

Sianna then froze in confusion as her thoughts came to a screeching halt. Who is that? Where had she seen that sleek black hair before? Hair that she knew for a fact was soft as butter. Blinking rapidly but this imposing figure remained unmoved as though he was rooted to that spot. Why does she even care? Why wouldn’t he be alive?

Suddenly she was filled with this need, this wish to go back. But go back where? Sianna had to change something, she just had to change something, anything. Why had she made it? Gaze glued to the mystery man with a pair of escrimas secured on his back.

Hoping maybe they held the answers.

Just as she was to take a closer look at the stranger's face.

Then a hand shaked her shoulder gently, causing her to glance away.

“Hey Ro! Why so quiet? Nervous?” Robin's voice and the hand gently squeezing her shoulder had snapped her out of her trance.

“What? Oh, uh,, no, I… I'm fine…. I thought…I just...” Just as she was going to mention the figure, lifting her finger to point him out.

But when Sianna glanced that way she saw he was gone, as though he had never existed. And for some odd reason, her heart clenched painfully. But that man had just been there. Now it was just her and Robin. Batman had disappeared, he had probably gone off to take care of some responsibilities.

“Ro? Hey, why are you crying?” Robin startled her as a gloved hand gently rubbed away the tear on her chin. She was crying? Her hand shot up as a shuddering breath escaped her lips trying to confirm for herself, briefly forgetting about her mask. To feel for herself and she was…crying. Higher beings, just what was even going on? And now Rowena had a concerned best friend on her hands.

“ Oh, you brought a camera.” Rowena blurted out unintelligently, pointing at it as it hung off his wrist by a strap, hoping to avoid an interrogation of some kind. Well, if he were to interrogate her, she was pretty sure the reaction to her saying; ‘Yeah I am crying over this guy in black spandex that I hallucinated out of thin air.’ would be just great.

Needing to get the excess energy out of her system she started fidgeting with her black gloves, systematically pulling at each finger before pulling it back down. Sucking a slow breath in the hopes to center herself. After all, they weren’t fighting villains or engaging in any dangerous activities.

Grateful that the mask she wore to conceal her identity covered the majority of her face. Only her nose and mouth were visible, making it difficult for a foe to make out the expressions she made. Though Rowena doubted it prevented Robin from reading her expressions.

Even if her mask hadn’t concealed that much of her face, the glamor she was required to cast when she was Rowena was more than enough. Though it didn’t hide her per se, more like messed with the visual perception of those who looked at her.

“So, do you remember what we discussed?” Robin prompted, completely focused on her, and his eagerness just flowed off him. Her mouth dried up as she did know what he was referring to. It was a conversation they had privately in the days leading up to this day. It was part of the reason she didn’t want to be there.

“That you’ve finally accepted that Batman runs around saving people in underwear?” Rowena flashed a cat-like smile causing Robin to groan loudly. As she hoped that he would just drop it.

Robin shot her a glare that carried no real heat as Robin shakes his head fondly,“ No, Ro, and nice try, but I am not going down this rabbit hole with you.”

“ But it has cookies.” Rowena huffed, sporting a small pout, sensing that this was a losing battle.

“You know about promising to try and get along with Kid Flash. You know, be friends.” The Boy Wonder reminded her as if she could forget. Except for a brief moment, she forgot the others were coming and would be here soon. Running would have been ideal for Rowena if she knew running away wouldn’t have caused a huge problem.

Robin just couldn’t seem to accept how things were between them. What did he expect from her? The Loud Mouth was really, really, chatty. He constantly acted without thinking, never took anything seriously, and always ran ahead. Which grated her nerves and stressed her out to no end. He also loved, loved, loved to scientifically explain magic away.

Them being friends was laughable.

“ I see no problem in our interactions. Nor have I agreed to anything.” Rowena sighed, crossing her arms as her lips curled into a stubborn frown.

“ Pretending the other doesn’t exist and only talking when someone is trying to kill us is not getting along.” Robin insisted, much to her displeasure, biting down the retort of ‘Speak for yourself.’. In her eyes, maintaining her distance kept the peace of the group.

“We’re keeping it professional.” She insisted back, determined not to have her mind changed.

“I still don’t get it. You guys weren’t like this when you first met. What happened?” Robin asked again, causing her to groan. It wasn’t like they were best buddies or on good terms in the year of knowing each other.

When she first met Kid Flash, he was the guy disrupting her life. Managing to charm Robin into being his bestie. Loathsome as it was, she was jealous that everyone seemed to be pulled in by his sunny charisma. How anyone could be so bright was beyond her. She hated the feeling of jealousy, most of all, how it made her feel more alone.

Rowena began absently rocking back and forth on her feet, trying to think of a way to end this conversation.

“ Look, Robin. Sometimes stuff happens, and people realize there’s no way they could ever get along. And that's how it is between me and Kid Mouth.” She attempted to reason with him. Except Robin shook his head in disagreement as if it wasn’t good enough for him.

“That’s not true, Ro. Try to give him a chance you might be surprised by what you discover. Please, for me.” Robin pleaded, managing to tug her heartstrings as she clamped her mouth shut. Higher beings, it was hard. Hard to say no when she knew the sort of disappointment that would follow. She dreaded it.

“ Come on, Ro, it’s ….” Just as Robin was to continue, she blurted out, “ I bet The Flashes will be here last!”

“Ha, that’s way too easy and too predictable considering their track record.” Robin snorted fondly as his shoulders slouched. Just a little more.

“ Okay, then we bet on Aqualad and Speedy” Rowena gestured, flashing two fingers out. Just a little more. Just one last push. And just maybe it would work.

“ I bet my limited edition Xbox that Speedy will get here first.” He chimed in, as a cocky grin spread across his lips. Just like that, the weight on her shoulders melted away as relief came crashing down. Rowena wondered what had brought on this need to push her and the Loud mouth to be friends.

“I say Aqualad will be here first as there’s no traffic in the ocean. And I bet it on my stash of limited edition Ichiran Ramen!” Chirped the sorceress as she puffed her chest out, placing her hands on her hips. There was no way she was going to lose her precious instant ramen.

“ Oh, yeah! We’re finally not the last ones here!” Suddenly they were blasted by a spontaneous gust of wind as a boisterous voice cheered.

“ How!? You’re always late!” Both Robin and Rowena shouted in tandem at the sight of the speedster. Her eyes were wide, having not fully prepared herself for the hurricane that was Kid Flash.

There he stood, clad in his signature yellow and red anti friction uniform. He was smiling so brightly she swore she’d gone blind. Well, at least if Rowena was blind, she wouldn’t have to look at him. Those vibrant emerald pools exuded enough excitement and eagerness to power a whole city.

Well, now all there was left was Aqualad and Spee….then it dawned on her, Kid Flash had arrived here before them. Meaning…

“Thank higher beings my ramen is safe!” Rowena crowed happily, rubbing her hands together and bouncing slightly in place. Her treasure was safe!

“ Huh, well, I guess the bets are off.” Robin chortled as Rowena continued her version of a happy dance.

“ Rob, what’s going on?” Kid Flash raised a brow cocking his head to the side, his foot bouncing rapidly in place.

Rowena tuned out as Robin went on to explain their bet on Aqualad and Speedy. How the bet on who’d arrive first and what each of them had put up. She took the time to watch as Flash had gone over to Batman, who had magically reappeared out of thin air.

Flash frowned at Batman as they discussed something in hushed whispers. Whatever it was, it was clear from the way the speedster jabbed his finger pointedly at Batman he wasn’t pleased. Shouldn’t Flash be proud and happy that his sidekick was receiving this opportunity?

“ Dude, that's great! I like ramen too! Well, there is this great place in Central. What’s your favorite topping?” Kid Flash grinned as he flashed forward. She flinched back at how little distance they had from one another. Their noses were practically touching as she took a huge step back.

Higher beings, she hated when he did that. It was as if a car was speeding right at you with no time to move out of the way. You expect it to hit you, but in her case, it didn’t hit. That didn’t erase how it made her heart stop every time. But what was more bizarre was how his excitement was directed at her, of all people.

Like clockwork, Rowena stepped back a few paces, mouthing silently at Robin, ‘What the fuck did you do!’. Because it had taken a lot of work to create distance between her and Kid Flash. Soon leaning towards Robin cupping a hand over the side of her mouth as she hissed, “Is he possessed? He's talking to me.”

“ You do know I can hear you, right? And no, I am not possessed. So favorite topping?” Kid Flash piped up with a grin as Rowena silently stared at him. Frowning, she opened and closed her mouth like a fish, completely foxed by the turn of events. There was no way this shift in demeanor miraculously happened on its own.

Robin butted in, answering for her, “I like kimchi, but Ro here prefers pork belly and scallions.” Rowena’s brow twisted as her stomach clenched with a queasy feeling. She was not comfortable with this at all.

“ Hey, I like pork belly too!” The ginger beamed brightly at her. At Her! Of all people, and she wanted it to stop. Cause she knew what he really thought of her, there was no need for any of this.

“ We’ll have to get some when we have free time.” Kid Flash added good-naturedly as though they were friends or something. What did Robin do?! Why is he inviting her? Is it a trap to make her listen to how magic is fake, again? Or maybe he was going to forget his wallet at home and make her pay?

Then Kid Flash closed the distance again at speeds her mind couldn’t register, causing her shoulders to lock up. It was then that Rowena had enough deciding Robin could come get her when the others joined them. Rowena retreated to the other side of the park.

-----------------------

Robin’s P.O.V

After Ro ran off, Robin turned to catch Kid Flash's shoulders slumping in defeat. Feeling a sharp jolt through his chest, he reached out and gently squeezed the older teens shoulder.

Robin hadn't expected that. Maybe he had pushed a bit harder then he should have. But he was tired. Tired of the two people he was closest to in the world being coldly distant from one another. He knew each of them had their own reasons for feeling this way towards the other, but he had hoped it was a phase.

With the significance of this day, Robin thought it was time to turn over a new leaf. Just as they were taking the biggest step in their hero careers, they could take a step to get along.

“It’s progress, right?” Robin broached encouragingly as change oftentimes was either instant or slow. For this case, he knew it would take more time.

“I told you Rob, Rowena-” Kid Flash began, except Robin wouldn’t let him continue down that trade of thought,

“Is equally as stubborn, and if we are taking steps to join the League, this cold war you two are waging would eventually have to come to an end.”

“ Both sides need to be willing, Rob. But I get it. Flash says sometimes you gotta be the bigger man in the situation.” The speedster smiled uneasily, staring in the direction Rowena had run in.

“Which takes time. I’ve presented the idea now. Ro just needs to see proof. Until then, patience, not all of us are as fast as you. Plus, if anyone can do this it has to be the most bullheaded guy I know.” Robin meets Kids emerald eye, his gaze softening, offering a lifeline of comfort to Kid Flash.

“You’re right Rob. Time is something I got plenty of cause I am me. I was serious when I told you I’d try. Kid Flash isn’t a hero who gives up. ” A grin stretched across Kid Flash’s face, quickly catching his second wind.

“ Robin and Kid Flash, glad you all have arrived. We were waiting on the other side of the park.” The smooth voice of Aqualad came from behind them. Turning around, he saw Aqualad, Speedy, and Rowena walking towards them from across the park.

“Aqualad! Speedy! You made it. Today's the day.” Kid Flash burst out at the arrival of their fellow sidekicks.

“Wait, if you were waiting on the other side, that means you’ve already been here for a while. Who got here first?” Robin quickly deduced the implications. Rowena expected nothing else from someone being taught by the world's best detective.

His and Rowena’s small bet wasn’t over yet. Just because they hadn’t seen Aqualad and Speedy when they first arrived didn’t mean they hadn’t already been there. The Boy Wonder nearly cursed himself at his lack of observation, unfortunately; it happened all but a few paces away from Batman. On all days to get distracted, it was the day they were finally going to take the first step!

“I did. Then Speedy.” Kaldur trailed off, raising a brow in their direction, silently asking for an explanation, only to receive a mournful cry from Batman’s protegee, “What, no ! my Xbox!” before he fell to his knees dramatically.

“Ha ha! pay up ninja boy!” Rowena cheered, levitating into the air momentarily.

“ Aww, man! So we were the last ones here.” Kid Flash whined, crossing his arms.

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This Cross-posted on my AO3

Chances Not Taken

<<<<< Prologue Chapter 2 >>>>>

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