Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice

Blooming.

Like a flower seeking the first rays of dawn; a brave little soldier fighting on. Stepping lightly, smiling brightly. I wanted to scoop you up and hold you close. To protect, to guide, to love; a lost puppy looking for a home. I'll take you in and fix you new. Adorableness in your trepid steps. Satisfaction in your cheeky grin. But then you hold my hand; an angel seeking shelter,

And it was like I'd won a million dollars.

Sun shining, birds singing, kids yelling in glee; this is how you were meant to be. You're laughing along, and tugging my hand; emerald orbs alight. Talking too fast, blurring what you're saying, stumbling in eagerness, to where the other kids are playing. I'm content to watch, till the suns going down; you're shinning like a star. Crouching down in the sand, you reach up to take my hand. You're tiny fingers wrapped around. We walk home in silence, till we reach the door, and then I hear something I haven't before.

You're excited and you're not paying attention; there's no time to recompose. A three-letter word- so simple and clear. So different from Allen. So unique compared to Barry. My heart sailing on invisible wings; I crash into the empty wake. You fear for what's at stake. But for that moment I was so much more, hot liquid dripping into my core. Companion, Mentor, Friend, and Father. You called me Protector, Guider, Helper, Dad; a grin breaks through. You called me Dad.

And it was like I'd won a million dollars.

A scream has scattered through the night; an angels fallen from the light. Lost and broken; running still, begging for help but shoving the hand. I beg and plead; I'm on my knees. Let me be the blanket that toddlers throw about their heads; let me be the bear that offers comfort, or the sun caught and stored within a lamp. Let me in. I should be pounding, and yet I knock; I promise you I'll wait, that I won't pick the lock. I'll stand by your window, and throw pebbles at the frame. I'll chase away the demons, I'll fight through your pain.

I reach towards you.

A brother's shadow in the way.

I can't get through, can't cut through your pain; surround by past's sharp hauntings, hating the Night, hating my Brother, hating Me. Iris's face is wet with tears; yet you cling to her, drowning me in fears. I'll never be enough. No ointment I offer will soothe your aches, no ice I give will numb your scars. Tormented by the soul I crave to heal, your heart a toy for my brother to steal. To murder and destroy. Trampled underfoot; crumpled and forgotten.

Striving to bloom, yearning to be happy. Nightmares plague you like the whipping wind and the driving rain; alone in the meadow, you'll never survive. Let me build a forest to tuck you in; strong branches shielding you from the sky's tears. In my arms, there's no need to fear. But still you doubt, betrayed again and again by the sirens calling. Let me in, and I will not harm you. Let me in and I will not betray you, kill you, stab you, scald you, rip and bleed you. Open the door and let me help you. You've grown tired of Iris, and so you turn to me. You let me hold you. You let me love you. You let me wipe the sorrow's blood from your cheeks and attempt to fix your broken wings. And even though you don't feel the same; guarding your heart like a sacred thing, I can tell you're glad I came.

And it was like I'd won a million dollars.

The years have passed and now you run; a simple flash of red and yellow. You're saving people who need to be saved; you're waiting below, to catch the one's that caved. Together we race, together we fight, together we push back the night. You're so quick to grow, so quick to move. Looking towards the future, while I'm scrambling in the past. You call me Mentor, Partner, Friend; and I'm glad. But I call you more; though I know you won't accept. When no one's around, and I think you're asleep; I call you something special, so you know you're the only one. For now I'll keep my silence, your exuberance enough; but maybe someday later I'll let you know: I call you Son.

I call you Son.

And that's it! Hope you enjoyed this, and I am extremely sorry for taking so long! Thanks for being with me every step of the way and being so supportive- I hope I fulfilled your every dream with this last chapter! Special thanks to Sierah who has been such a good friend to me! :)

And while I know you won't get anything in return,

Please review and let me know your thoughts on this chapter/series!

I may or may not add another chapter ;3

~Just Another Fanfiction Nerd