“Huh?”

he steps into the freezer of his diner and looks around

“…Thought I heard something.”

-c- you’re still up for it? We can…maybe find a telepathic solution. But…just as a last resort.”

he winced as he spoke, feeling immediate regret as those words escaped his lips

“It’s not a perfect path. But it’s a path to consider.”

-c- numerous photos and videos. And we received and wrote letters, text messages, and some audio recordings. I can compile as much possible, including the…not so perfect ones…

…just to help get as much as your genuine perspective on things. And once all of that has been shifted through and if -c-

-c- …I don’t know if there is an easy, ethical way to this. But…if we are going to do this, I want as much memories to be as accurate and…’yours’ as possible. Even if they’re from a different perspective.”

Jon forced a smile on his face, still speaking quietly

“When we were together, we kept -c-

-c- of the act and the breaking of his personal code flooded his mind.

“Stella…if you’re suggesting what I think you’re suggesting…”

He swallowed, squeezing her hands firmly. He took a deep breath, his voice trembling.

“…I…could do it. I miss you too. But…I want it to be as /real/ as possible-c-

Jon’s face changed into a pained expression. He tried to conceal the emotions that surged within him when she uttered the words, ‘Try anything.’

In that instant, he had an immediate thought: to take the simple, easy, but dangerous path. However, the repercussions -c-

// Papa Jon

// I just realized

“GET ME MY BROOM”

“WHAT DID I JUST SAY? GET OUT.”

Add Julie to the DO NOT SERVE list at the diner, right next to Yuri and Taro Magico.

“Although they claim they don’t need a sitter.

……with Joan there, they definitely need a sitter.”

he sits at a booth at a bar, listening to the music and tapping his foot

“……I may have shown up on the wrong night. I thought it was trivia night. Either way. I needed a night out. Kids are with the sitter right now.”

“Assuming I can actually see my family again one day.

…and assuming Toby doesn’t hate me. Wonder what he’s doing? I wonder how he’s doing?”

-c-

“I know there are multiple chapters of our lives missing from your memories. But you remember by family. We were all a huge mess…“

he smirked and leaned into Stella’s side, giving her a small a nudge

“Think it was a little contagious. But…you’re always welcome to join our mess.”

-c- that both ‘gifts’ have drawbacks of their own. To have both at the same time?”

he frowned

“…I was jealous, you know? I struggled but he seemed to flourish. In hindsight, I guess he struggled too. Just never talked about it to me.”

Jon paused for a moment, before looking back at Stella

-c-

“I…appreciate it.”

he rubs his eyes, trying his best to keep his composure

“…Honestly, even with all the methods I’ve been using to keep my head on straight, these powers can be a lot.

…never understood how Jackson managed. He not only had the same powers I do, but super speed. And I know -c-

he closed his eyes and thought of days long gone

he can still see everyone so clearly

he remembers the good times. The bad times. The times he can’t quite associate a proper emotion to.

“……….Clowns of the 20th Century…….”

Jon chuckles

“…Cheeky geezer…”

“I can hear internal screaming”

“Apologies if I constantly smell like grease.”

-c- take Joan too seriously. She likes to joke and tease. Also if she starts randomly saying numbers to you, don’t be alarmed. I’m told it’s an internet thing…”

-c- hope for them yet. Maybe all that’s needed is time.

He looks back at Stella, smiling.

“You know you’re always welcome to visit. Or I could bring them over to your place. Or the diner…and…yeah. Help is always welcome. Like I said, they can be a handful…If you do come over, please don’t -c-

-c- wants? Back to an old life where there was happiness and love, but also memories of unimaginable pain?

…maybe she’s better off without…

‘………not right now………’

…dammit. He didn’t mean to read her mind. He took a deep breath, pretending he didn’t hear that. But…maybe there is -c-

He turned his focus to his hand, still feeling the warmth from holding hers. He felt so conflicted in the moment. So confused. Was this for the best? Letting go? What if there was a chance to go back?

He closed his hand and brought it down to his side.

…Even if there was a way, is it what she -c-

“God, I remember when everyone lived in Gotham. I mean, to be fair…it’s shockingly cheap.”

“Do speedsters have shortcuts? Isn’t everything a shortcut? You can literally just run in a straight line and vibrate.”

Don’t mess with a telepath

Either way? I feel like I hit my head and am just hallucinating things.

If I see a penguin wearing socks waddling around, I know I’m probably dreaming

I don’t know what’s going on half the time either. From what I can tell, Dracula is sucking Dick, a future kid…Deja vu…is giving apples to bats owned by Dracula, demons happened, symbiotes happened, flirting is happening, the Titans are all screaming and I think Warren White is married to Trigon?

“Besides. They had a lot of heroes on the job. And I’m out of practice.”