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Central City
December 07, 23:45 C.S.T.
Adrenaline. Bart hadn't felt so much adrenaline from a mission in a long time. It was like the first day of joining the Team all over again. He raced up every flight of stairs of the new Outsiders H.Q. while the others took the private elevator. Conner and the new residents of the Premier Penthouse waited for the new hero group to congratulate them once watching their mission entirely online—the new generation of hero work.
After some time passed and everyone settled down, Bart changed into everyday clothing and stuffed his suit in the backpack he took everywhere, thanks to Ed. He then reached for his phone to see an array of notifications from only three people—a couple of encouraging texts from Ed, two from Dick, and three missed calls from Jay with only one voicemail. That one simple voicemail and Bart felt his heart drop to his stomach.
Bart couldn't activate his speed for a moment, stumbling out of the room and down the stairs. There was a muffled echo of voices and concerned faces once entering the living room, but nothing registered to Bart. Not even Jaime's touch on Bart's shoulder snapped them out of their daze. After a few minutes, Bart finally felt his legs stable and was ready to run until a stronger hand grabbed his arm. It was Conner, but he said whatever calming and collected words didn't register to Bart either. When he felt his eyes begin to burn, Bart ran away in a second to whatever zeta-tube amongst Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, Bart became used to hospitals, as tonight wasn't Joan's first hospital round. She had four good healthy weeks at home, better than last time, and Bart didn't notice anything. So what happened, Bart thought. What was going on with his great-grandmother?
When Bart arrived at Saint Thomas Hospital, he dashed through the doctors and nurses who gave baffling looks when they saw a short, slender, determined fifteen-year-old. He didn't need anyone's help finding what floor or room Joan stayed in, eyes straight forward. If it weren't for a shout to the left of him, Bart would have missed Dick sitting in the area's waiting room. Instead, he walked over to Dick with caution; eyebrows furrowed so deep.
"What are you doing here?" asked Bart, voice low. Dick didn't answer and stood up to hug Bart, even if the elder knew it wouldn't be reciprocated.
"Conner called me. He said you were pretty out of it on your way here, and everyone was worried. I wanted to make sure you were okay."
"Does Jay know you're here?" Dick nodded.
"And I already saw her. Come on."
Dick rested a hand around Bart's shoulder, leading the teen down the hall to the patient wing—cold and too bright. Bart's heart began to beat fast the closer they reached the end of a hallway, standing in front of room 232. When Dick opened the door, Bart was hit with the reality that things weren't going well like last time. The room was dark, with the tv being the only light source. Joan lay on the hospital bed asleep with I.V. and now a nasal cannula wrapped around her head. The heart monitor beeped louder than the T.V. Jay glanced up from the sift recliner he sat on, giving Bart a tired smile.
"Hi there, Bart," said Jay. Bart walked over to the hospital bed, staring at Joan with soft eyes and grasping her cold hand.
"What happened, Jay? How is she?" Jay cleared his throat, eyes back on his ill wife.
"She had been complaining about a headache throughout the day. Soon after you left for California, Joan collapsed." Bart squeezed Joan's hand, a part of him believing it would help her wake up. "I got to catch some of your mission on the news. You did great out there, kid, as you always do." Bart mustered up a smile.
"She's going to be okay right? She'll be home in no time like last time, right?" asked Bart. He saw Jay glance behind him at Dick, something he hated from adults.
"They're going to try their best, Bart," reassured Jay, "I know you just got here, but maybe you should go home and rest. It's been a long night for all of us."
Bart immediately shook his head, eyebrows furrowed again, "No, I'm not going home. I'm staying here with you."
"You shouldn't be sleeping in a hospital after the mission you experienced. I'm not budging, Bart. Go home and rest up," asserted Jay. Bart flared his nostrils with his lips pinched together.
"You don't even have any of your belongings, Jay," pressed Bart.
"I'll pack an overnight bag for you, Jay," Dick said suddenly, stepping beside Bart with a calming smile to everyone.
"Are you sure, Dick? It's somewhat of a long drive back to our house," asked Jay.
"I don't mind it one bit going and coming back. Besides, I think it would be better if I dropped this one off," said Dick, ruffling Bart's hair to cheer him up, knowing it was something Wally used to do. It didn't cheer Bart up in the slightest. Bart glanced at Dick and decided to pick his battles. He kissed Joan's forehead before returning to the hallway without another word. Dick and Jay shared an unspoken word of worry and concern for their younger relative. Jay only handed his car keys to Dick and called it a night, only caring about Joan.
***
Bart was slumped against the passenger door as he watched people living their lives in the late evening. Snow hadn't fallen just yet across Missouri, but it had been cloudy for days. It matched everyone's feelings at the moment. Bart also ignored the songs on the radio station Dick knew he liked and their lingering gaze. A quiet car ride until Dick cleared his throat.
"I got a chance to watch The Outsiders Livestream. You really did great out there with your new Team," said Dick, eyes on Bart's back at the red light.
"Thanks," muttered Bart.
"I kind of wish you gave me a heads up about leaving the Team. You know as your cousin-in-law and all, I like to know what's up with you."
"Sorry." Dick pressed his lips together, his eyes back on the road.
"Have you gotten the chance to talk to Ed?"
"No."
"Okay, you're gonna have to give more than just one-worded responses, Bart," prayed Dick. "Or I'll just start annoying you for the rest of the car ride. And I've learned from the best on how to do that."
Bart kept his gaze outside but lowered his internal guard, "My phone hasn't stopped buzzing in my pocket since I left Los Angeles. Someone must've told Ed about my leaving. Probably Jaime or Virgil."
"Well, I think you should call him and maybe invite him to spend the night."
"Why should I do that?" questioned Bart
"So you don't have to be home alone."
"Wasn't it Jay's idea for me to go home? I could've been at the hospital and not alone." scoffed Bart. Dick sighed through his nose, now glaring at Bart.
"Bart, please understand where Jay's coming from. You shouldn't be at the hospital right now. And I don't think you should be alone right now since I have to get back to Bludhaven. Call Ed," asserted Dick.
"Ed's busy stressing over the youth center. I don't want to bother him this late at night," mumbled Bart, contemplating vibrating out of this conversation.
When Dick pulled up to the Garrick's driveway, he turned off the engine and faced his whole body toward Bart, staring at the younger's back.
"Bart, you and Ed have been together for almost a year. I'm sure nothing you do bothers him because I know he cares about you. And right now you need to let him in instead of push him away because you're going through something," explained Dick. Bart glanced at Dick with tired, red eyes and exited the car, the cold air punching his face.
Bart reached for his phone without another word, turning it on to see one of Ed's many missed calls. He heard Dick get out before pressing the phone against his ear and listening to the tone ring only three times.
"Hey… Can you please teleport to my house? Like right now? Please?" Bart wished his voice didn't crack with the 2nd please. Then, the phone cut off to a comforting golden glow right before Bart. Ed was alerted, eyes soft but wide awake at the late hour. He glanced at Dick, who smiled fondly towards the couple and mustered one in return. Bart fell into Ed's arms, burying his face to their chest, almost breaking down when a pair of arms wrapped around him.
"Hey, Chiquito. You're feeling hungry?" asked Ed, pulling away slightly to get a good look at Bart, small soothing circles on his back. Bart could only stare up at Ed. "Come on." Ed pulled Bart by their hands wrapped around one another, following Dick's lead into the house.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary except for the lights still on in the living room, but it still felt strange to Bart. Suddenly, he was sitting in the dining room alone, Ed disappearing into the kitchen, and Dick upstairs. The noise of Ed and Dick's movement didn't calm Bart down because they weren't natural to him. Ed wasn't making food because Bart was hungry again. Dick wasn't walking with heavy steps upstairs because he was spending the night. Instead, they were the sounds of needing to fix something and protect Bart. And Bart hated that feeling.
"Hey," a hand on Bart's shoulder snapped his daze, looking up to see Dick with a travel bag over his shoulder. "I'm going to head back to the hospital. If you two need anything, call me, okay?" Bart nodded. To Bart's surprise, Dick walked into the kitchen to speak with Ed. He could only hear them whispering but knew it was about him. So many things Bart didn't like when people protected him.
Sometime after Dick left, Ed reappeared with two plates of spaghetti and meatballs, extra for Bart. He mustered a smile to Ed with a slumped cheek against his fist.
"Thank you, Ed," almost whispered Bart, taking smaller bites than usual. Ed kept a stare on Bart for a moment.
"I, uh, I showed your mission to everyone during group counseling tonight. You did great out there," said Ed. Then, Bart straightened his posture and smiled at Ed with bright eyes. But he knew he needed to try his hardest to be believable in front of Ed.
"Ah, it was no big deal! But enough about me, how was your day? Is everything going smoothly at the youth center?" asked Bart. Ed's eyes flicked to every muscle on Bart's face until he gave up and nodded. He didn't need to call Bart out right now.
"Yeah, Wendy was a bit better today and opened up to Dinah. She really liked seeing the mission on my tablet. I had an American Lit test today too."
"Oh, I'm sure you passed that with an easy A. You're reading every chance you get!"
"Bart?"
"Yeah, babes?"
"Are you okay? You can be honest," asked Ed, wishing for the truth. Bart nodded more than necessary.
"Of course I am. Joan's going to be out of the hospital within a few days and back home. Everything will be good," smiled Bart, reaching out to hold and squeeze Ed's hand in reassurance. Ed only kissed the top of Bart's hand.
When the two retired from the long evening in Bart's bedroom, Ed didn't bring up the subject again, relaxing together on the queen-sized bed. In complete darkness, Ed wrapped his arms around Bart to spoon him and pressed a feather-light kiss on the nape of their neck. Goodnight, the two whispered to one another. Unfortunately, Bart didn't shut his eyes for another hour.
Taos
December 17, 13:22 MST
Winter break was the only thing on every teenager's mind nationwide. All Ed needed was two more days to be free of school and focus on the essential things.
Ed furrowed his eyebrows together into deep 11s as he concentrated on their Pre-calculus test. He pressed numbers into his advanced calculator and tried not to give up on finding the correct answer. The classroom was completely silent until the phone rang out loud. Ed kept his eyes down on his desk until a light touch appeared on his shoulder, seeing Mr. Waters with a melancholy look. He grabbed Ed's test and motioned him to follow him to his desk.
"You're going home, Eduardo," whispered Mr. Waters. Ed was dumbfounded, blinking at his teacher. "We'll discuss after break about your final."
"What? Why?"
"Your dad's writing out under a family emergency. Quietly gather your belongings and head to the office."
Ed didn't need to be told twice to leave, shoving his pencil case and calculator into his messenger bag, restraining himself from teleporting in the middle of class. Instead, he ran downstairs and bolted to the front office, seeing his father waiting for him in the center atrium. Eduardo Sr. mustered a smile to his son, bracing his shoulder to slow Ed down.
"Dad, what's going on? I was in the middle of a final?" asked Ed, desperately throwing up an arm. Eduardo Sr. didn't respond but guided Ed out of the school with a hand on his back. "Dad?" Nothing but a pensive and concerned frown. Nothing until the two were in the car, and Ed faced his dad, eyebrows furrowed in annoyance now. "Dad. What is going on? Why aren't you saying anything?"
Eduardo Sr. inhaled a deep breath, "Eduardo, I'm… I'm sorry to tell you this, but Joan passed away this morning. Barry called me not too long ago to deliver the news." Ed's face and heart dropped, eyes flicking to the outside as if the trees would give an answer until Eduardo Sr. grasped his hand. "Don't teleport right now to be with Bartholomew, nene. You can use the zeta-tube at S.T.A.R.s."
A silent car ride except for the few times Ed exhaled a shaky breath and wiped a few slow tears.
Central City
December 17, 15:54 C.S.T.
It was finally snowing today of all days, a clear inch that covered the neighborhood. The twins played on the living room floor in pure, innocent oblivion as Bart watched them huddled in the bay window's corner. Then Bart saw Ed coming near the house, staring as he got closer and closer. He heard Iris open the door before the doorbell rang, then the twins yelled out Eddie, but Bart kept a gaze on the snow. Suddenly, it was just Ed in front of Bart, alone in the living room. Bart cracked when he met Ed's watch, accepting the heavy tears to escape. Ed brought Bart to his chest, fingers grazing through their hair, and held him— held Bart because that's all Ed could do.
"I'm so sorry, Bart. Joan was amazing," whispered Ed against the crown of Bart's hair, eyes beginning to tear up.
"I'm so tired of going to funerals," crooked Bart, lifting his head with a blotchy face, and resting against the window. Ed slid to Bart's side, keeping an arm around their waist. "This is going to be my fourth funeral and your second since knowing me."
"I wish I knew what to say besides the obvious, but I don't. I've never really dealt with death before," admitted Ed.
"Well, the whole 'it gets easier' saying is a bunch of bullshit." Ed chuckled weakly, then processed to reach beside him to give Bart a greasy cardboard container. Bart accepted it, but not without furrowed eyebrows until opening to reveal a dozen coxinhas.
"I made the plan to give you a whole plate of them for our anniversary, but I think now's a little more fitting," said Ed. Bart smiled for the first time today, even if it didn't hit the corners of his eyes.
"Have I told you how much I appreciate you lately?"
Ed kissed Bart at the temple, "Remember, I'm here for you and to listen to everything you need to let out." Bart nodded, staring at their feet instead of anyone's eyes again.
"I'm just trying to understand how Jay is theoretically not married anymore. He and Joan were married for over 70 years, together almost every day, and it's gone. I still don't get how it's possible. Same thing with Wally and Dick. They're together almost every day for five and a half years, then poof. Gone." It was a bitter perspective, but it wasn't Bart's fault once he knew his life story. "You better not die on me."
Ed whipped his head towards Bart, eyebrows furrowed. But, of course, a person in mourning can say the darndest things.
"I promise, I won't die on you. Not for a long time."
Distraction. Bart needed a distraction right now. So he hopped off the bay window, pulling Ed to follow him upstairs to the twins' bedroom, coxinhas in hand. They were happy because they didn't know any better, playing as Iris watched them. Bart dropped beside his aunt Dawn while Ed sat beside Don and joined in on their fun. He looked happy. However, Bart could still feel Ed's intense and worried gaze.
Central City
December 21, 11:34 C.S.T.
The snow didn't last long like some predicted. But, somehow, the sun was high in the sky, only hiding behind a few clouds. It was almost as if Joan wanted her to send off to be a beautiful memory instead of a sad one. At least, that's what Bart told Jay. He also didn't need to ask Ed for anything because Ed was already ten steps ahead. From informing their friends to preparing their suits, Ed would stand by Bart no matter what, with their hands held tight. Ultimately, they stood by the funeral home doors to greet all the guests, past and current Justice League members present despite their differences, and Dick and Artemis from the Team. Unfortunately, The Outsiders needed to remain heroes, but Jaime, Tye, Asami, and even Eduardo Sr. were in attendance to support Bart.
The funeral was simple, with many flowers around Joan's casket and only one day for the service. No one expected Jay to speak, thinking Barry or Iris would lead with the eulogy. So when Bart rose from the front pue, the entire room unconsciously held their breath, watching a young boy standing on the tall podium.
"Hello, everyone. I want to thank you for attending for Joan today. I don't think I've ever seen so many heroes under a different roof before." A wave of a light chuckle eases the tension. Bart took in one deep inhale, avoiding looking at the casket, and exhaled.
"Many of you have known Joan Williams longer than I have. It was no secret that Joan was a generous and kind woman. Almost all of us here had a chance of experiencing that kind nature. She was the wife of Jay Garrick, a mother figure to Barry Allen, a shoulder to lean on for other members of the League, but I had the privilege of calling her my great-grandmother. I ran into Joan and Jay's life in 2016 at twelve years old on their 70th anniversary and while confused Joan welcomed me with open arms, followed by Jay, shortly after. When I needed a home, she didn't hesitate to take me in. She spoiled me with a warm home and so much food, knowing how much a speedster could eat. We're all horrible eaters. Sorry to your family and friends." Another light chuckle. Bart mustered a smile to himself even though his heart was beginning to pound out of his chest. Everything will be okay, Bart thought.
"After living with the Garricks for a couple of weeks, I learned about the family dinners Joan started with the Allens and Wests. There was a room full of people that were happy to learn about me. There, I got to spend time with my late cousin—" Bart's voice cracked suddenly, glancing at the sea of people, eyes landing on Dick. He smiled at Bart to reassure him he could do this eulogy for Joan. "With my late cousin Wally and cousin-in-law Dick. It was the first time in a long time I felt love from a family, and Joan ensured that. When I asked her if I could bring my boyfriend Eduardo to dinner for the first time, she chuckled and said finally. No matter the occasion, a house filled with people was her favorite kind of house." Christmas with the Team and a sleepover with the guys. Ed smiled at the happy memories from the pews, as did Jaime, Tye, and Asami behind him.
"Joan taught me about love and patience in creative ways. Hey, I can draw and I like it. Cooking isn't hard, I just get bored fast. I also know how to knit—a painfully slow, fun process. I also learned how to be a better listener and open up to others. She picked me up when I felt sad even if I didn't want to talk. She encouraged me to do what was right for myself and everyone when I became Kid Flash. So, Joan, thank you. Thank you for things I didn't think I needed and for giving me extra. Thank you for opening your home to me and my friends. Jay and I will be fine down here while you relax up there. We'll continue family dinners in the name of you because I know that's what you would've wanted. And I'll tell the twins every single thing about you. I love you."
Bart couldn't look at the audience right away, staring straight down the middle of the aisle, hearing only silence and then the echo of crying. Finally, he slowly glanced up, searching for a face to ground himself. All Bart could find was Ed, Jaime, Asami, and Tye crying alongside everyone. There was not a single dry eye in that funeral home. Bart could only walk back to his seat between Jay and Ed, head hung low, unable to face the discomfort. It wasn't until he felt Ed feather their hands together that Bart looked his boyfriend in the eye and let the tears escape.
***
A chill, the crisp wind passed through the leaves of the tree the teens rested against. The five watched Barry and Jay at a quiet distance and sat under the canopy to spend their final moment with Joan, almost everyone gone.
"You did great up there, Bart," complimented Asami, cheek pressed against Tye's shoulder.
"Thanks, Sam. I appreciate it. I really didn't think I'd get through the whole thing."
"I really didn't think I would start crying, but here we are," added Tye.
"Damn, I wish I took a photo of that," joked Jaime, snapping his fingers. The first natural smiles of the day appeared with chuckles. Tye softly punched Jaime in the shoulder.
"Shut up. We're trying to mourn here," said Ed, glancing at Bart by his side. Grieving has now turned into anxiousness. "I think I want to join The Outsiders." Everyone whipped their eyes onto Ed, Bart stepping away in disbelief.
"Are you serious about this? Like really serious," asked Tye, eyebrows furrowed. Ed threw his arms and shrugged.
"Let's face it. The League is going to be finding more and more meta teens. Our friends are out right now in Cuba on a mission with the possibility of rescuing kids like us. I can already see the ones at the youth center giving up.
"You want to do what's important for yourself and everyone," said Bart, the corner of his eyes crinkling together in adoration. Ed nodded sheepishly. Immediately, Bart fell into Ed's arms again in a warm embrace, burying his face in the crook of Ed's neck. "I knew you could be a hero, babes."
An anxious weight fell off Ed's shoulders, muscles unraveling from tension, returning to the embrace.
"Thank you, Chiquito," whispered Ed, mouth pressed against Bart's hair.
When the couple parted, Barry and Jay called for Bart. to join them. Ed kissed Bart's forehead and pushed him toward his family, watching the Allens and Garricks support one another.
"I'm proud of you," Asami said suddenly, nudging her shoulder against Ed to grab his attention. Ed raised an eyebrow but smiled.
"Why? I haven't done anything yet."
"No, but you're getting the courage to be a hero. I like to think you would have joined the Team when we first got asked."
Ed thought for a moment, recalling his life since gaining his powers. Praying for his powers to go away didn't do anything but create negativity within himself. Bart saw the heart of gold Ed had to become a hero and encourage people like at the youth center. It took longer than Bart anticipated, but Ed finally saw that part of himself. Eduardo Dorado Jr. has always meant to be a hero; nothing will stop him now.