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Looking at Kon's face after a year without contact was strange, neither of them commented anything, the silence was palpable and they both wanted the cafeteria menu to be more fun even though they already knew what they were going to order. The day had been cloudy since the morning. They were currently in the metropolis, it was about twelve degrees so they were both wearing large coats to protect themselves from the cold and it also seemed like it would rain at any moment, thunder could be heard in the distance.
—Gentlemen, may I take your order? — The waitress suddenly appeared and took him out of his thoughts, she was a tired-looking young woman, the large dark circles under her eyes reminded him a little of himself.
— Oh yeah... Eh, a tea would be "Well," Kon spoke, hesitating a little at first.
— Nothing to accompany? Can I suggest some toast… — The waitress spoke calmly, a tender smile resting on her face. Kon simply shook his head. "That's all."
While he had mentioned that they had no contact a year ago, they had relatively had no real conversation six years ago. Your twenties brought new responsibilities, less time, and tighter schedules. First, there were fewer meetings each weekend, then the long conversations each night/day also disappeared and even the WhatsApp group they shared with Cassie and Bart had died. Eventually, they stopped chatting altogether, their landline number mostly disappearing among old conversations with people they no longer remembered.
He didn't remember how this meeting had come about, he remembers being in the watchtower with other people at a meeting and then only meeting him, he remembers the awkward smile on his face when he saw him.
“Tim… how long” Kon dared to speak first.
“Conner.” They were the only words that came out of his mouth, he moved a little closer to the opponent and held out his hand.
Conner took her hand, shaking it gently while scratching the back of her neck, both of them were silent as they stared at each other and smiled awkwardly. After what seemed like an eternity, Con quickly let go of her hand while apologizing, so that both of them remained uncomfortably silent again, until someone called in the distance to the other party.
“Uh, it seems like they're calling me…” Kon said, taking a step back.
“Yes, it seems that way…”
“Well, it's been great seeing you again Tim, see you around.” He watched Conner walk away as he waved his hand in the air, his pace too fast.
After that, he remembers investigating an old case at three in the morning. Two weeks had passed after the uncomfortable meeting between the two, he had buried it in his memories. He was drinking an energy drink until his phone shook on the table, illuminating its screen. He glanced at the screen without interest and jumped in surprise when he saw the message identifier 'Konner'. He thought he had read it wrong so he quickly grabbed his phone. using face ID to unlock it. To his pleasant surprise he had not been wrong, it was really a message from Conner.
'Hi, friend :)'
— Well... And you, sir? —The waitress brought him out of his thoughts, bringing him back to the present.
"Ah... sure, I'll just order a cappuccino," Tim responded, handing the menu to the waitress. Thank you so much.
— Well, in a moment I will bring you your order. — The young woman walked away slowly, smiling at both of them.
Silence settled over the table again although there were no longer excuses not to speak. He pretended not to look at Kon as he played with the cookie sample the waitress had brought him earlier, trying to think of a topic of conversation interesting enough to forget his embarrassment and shyness, hoping Kon could say something instead.
And as if he had read his mind, Conner spoke.
- How have you been? — Kon breaking the overwhelming silence, although he was clearly nervous and had probably thought about it a lot, he could notice that even his voice was shaking when he spoke.
— Well, I guess... you know, superhero stuff here and there, hero and company conferences... I recently started studying again to get a university degree, I guess everything stays the same, not much has changed. He lied, trying to pretend he wasn't nervous as he spoke. And you? How's everything going with the Superman thing? —
"Well... I guess it's a lot harder than being THE superboy, but Jon is doing well... although I don't want to talk about work right now, you know, it's pretty overwhelming on its own," and he completely understood that.
-So what do you wanna talk about? — he responded slowly and silence settled in again, only this time it wasn't awkward and we both looked directly into each other's eyes.
The silence meant that they could hear absolutely everything that was going on in that small place, that old song from the 60s that was playing on the coffee shop speakers, and the only two couples in the coffee shop, other than them. Everything was perfectly audible in all the silence.
—This moment… it's as if we had already lived it — Kon commented, breaking the silence. — Doesn't the same thing happen to you? Before...
— Before all that? —Tim interrupted.
"Before all that shit."
He looked at Kon silently as he listened to the song.
Why does the sun keep shining?
Why does the sea rush to the shore?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
Why don't you love me anymore?
And suddenly he's 20 years old again.
He and Kon in their apartment in Gotham had planned a movie night since the next day Conner would be leaving the planet (the universe, probably) for the next two months or so. They had invited Cassie and Bart, of course, but they both already had plans that day, they apologized many times for not being able to attend, especially Cassie, she loved movie night. For his already unpleasant mood, the movie sucked, that day he had had a fight that included Dick and Bruce, he wasn't in the mood, but he also didn't have the heart to cancel Conner at that moment and besides he wouldn't see him for a long time, because Although they had said it was (calculably) two months, he knew that these types of missions end up lasting longer.
Finally when He took out his arm that was resting on Tim's shoulders and took the remote control, starting to change channels on the television. "God, I couldn't take it anymore, I'm sorry buddy but it really sucked."—
— Don't be sorry, I wasn't liking it either — Tim responded, huffing. — I told you it would be a better idea to do a Wendy the wolf stalker marathon. —
— You said it when I got here, and you know that all my Wendy records are in Smallville, at mom and dad's house. —Kon attacked
Instead of answering he stayed silent, rolling his eyes. Conner constantly switched between televisions as the sound of the remote control repeated over and over. It was overwhelming. Finally, it stopped on a music channel.
"Sorry" Kon said, looking at the television.
"Because?"
"I don't know, after tonight we won't be able to see each other for two months or maybe longer and this really sucks."
— It doesn't suck. —Tim responded, trying to console him, putting a hand on the opponent's shoulder.
“No, I really wanted tonight to be fun, and then Cassie and Bart suddenly canceled hey morning, and while I know you won't admit it, you're not totally fine either, I can totally tell that now all you want is for me to shut up.” and-"
Tim looked at Kon with raised eyebrows. “Good enough.” Listen Conner, this doesn't suck, don't feel bad, it's not your fault. — he spoke slowly. — In any case, I don't care about the damn movie, I didn't agree to be here for the movie, I'm here because I just want to spend time with you, and let me tell you that I would be happy even if I were in the middle of the jungle, if you are there, even with your bad jokes
—My jokes are neither stupid nor bad—he attacked. when, without looking him in the eyes.
— They are — I wanted to force him to do it.
"I'm the one who makes the whole situation fun."
"Yes, basically."
"Thanks Tim," Kon said, still watching the TV.
"Because?"
- I don't know, for being my friend.
"You’re welcome." Tim replied, putting his hand on Kon's hand.
"God, that was so gay." Kon started to laugh.
- Yes it was.
And then they both fell silent, looking at each other in silence, this time, Conner was looking directly into his eyes. I was trying to analyze what Kon was thinking, both of them had that silly smile on their face, and although neither of them said anything, the way in which they both shared a look, the small sparkle in both of their eyes and the silence said more than a thousand words. .
Why does the sun keep shining?
Why does the sea rush to the shore?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
Why don't you love me anymore?
And now had 17 years.
They were both on the hood of the car that Tim had stolen from Bruce from one of his many collections, he had no idea where they were, he remembered driving and suddenly appearing in that place. Both high (at least Tim), a little conscious, high from farts. They shared the same joint and passed it from time to time in silence, while they looked at the stars and the full moon, the only thing that illuminated them.
"The silence of sadness." Kon commented.
"Your face is sad," Tim replied as he took another drag on his cigarette.
"I could turn on your car radio," Kon said as he got off the hood and got into the car. "How the hell do you do this?"
— I don't know, I don't use the radio in the cars that he stole from Bruce. Tim was barely speaking coherently. Do you want this or not? — he said, bringing the cigarette closer to Kon's butt that was sticking out of the car door, while the rest was inside the car, lying on the driver's seat.
"Put that away, I'm trying to... Shit." He hit his head trying to get up and that caused him to press some button on the car causing the headlights to come on.
"Shit, Kon, you really are an idiot," Tim said, mocking him as he climbed down and stepped onto the ground.— Get out of there, you big fool — his voice had risen a few levels, too loud.
“Do you realize that you are next to me and I can hear you perfectly without shouting? Even if you were far away, I have super hearing.” He said pointing to his ears as if it were obvious, although it was.
Conner got out of the car, giving way to Tim, who staggered in carefully and sat in the seat, looking for the button to turn off the lights. I couldn't turn off the headlights, maybe because I was high, but all the buttons were moving all over the place and I had even forgotten how to turn off the car.
In one of his attempts, he turned on the radio. "Well, I couldn't turn off the lights but the radio is on, what do you want to listen to?" Tim said.
— I don't know, go change the station and maybe I'll decide. —Kon sat in the passenger seat and closed the door—. You know, this is going to have the damn cigarette smell later and you'll get in trouble.
"Ahhh, you're a little too infuriating." Tim commented while the opponent looked at him confused.
— Uh, leave that station, that's the one Cassie always listens to, they play good songs. —Kon stopped him.
Listening to him talk about Cassie was infuriating, Tim thought.
"Like I was saying, I want to be able to forget about all that superhero shit even if it's just one night a month." It was really exhausting. "We could forget about Superman, Batman and getting our throats slit if they knew how many times we got high a week."
"But Superboy and Robin don't do drugs."
-Kon and Tim do it. -His smile was really absurd, so absurd and adorable.
"It's crazy to think you're working a drug trafficking case right now," Kon scoffed.
—Yes, when I'm done maybe I'll steal some evidence. - I was being sarcastic.
"You're infuriating when you're high."
"You don't even know what that word means," Tim mocked.
"And maybe you do?"
-Yes, but I forgot.
"Well, in my language it means you're a bitch when you're high." It was ironic that he was making fun of him, since he was also getting "high" at the time.
—You are too—Tim snatched what was left of the joint from him.
"God."
Everything fell silent again as Kon looked around an abandoned parking lot. Music was blaring from the speakers.
Tim turned in Kon's direction and observed him silently and closely. Kon was really attractive, he had hundreds of fangirls crazy about him, which was understandable, he was tall, with good muscle mass and built, his dark “tanned” skin and piercings in his ears, right eyebrow and lip. On top of all that, his face was really attractive, I mean, if he didn't have everything I mentioned before, he would still be attractive.
He didn't know why he thought that, maybe because he was high.
"what?"
He also didn't know why he was about to say it.
—Mmh? — Kon hummed in response, turning in his direction.
Maybe because he was high.
"Can I kiss you?"
Silence fell between the two, a silence too long for his liking, even while drugged.
"Yes, why not?" Wow, I didn't think it would be that simple.
And he doesn't really know if it's because of that or why, but he doesn't remember the exact moment in which he had ended up on top of Kon while they were kissing like animals. They should probably stop before everything got out of hand (he was already gone) but technically they were both on drugs and if I had anyone to blame tomorrow, it would be the drugs.
"Shouldn't we stop?" Kon was breathing heavily as was Tim.
Tim was staring at him, as if he were a child and didn't understand what he was saying, still holding his arms over his neck and playing with the hair on the back of his neck.
"Maybe" And they continued.
All the while, music from the radio continued to play behind them, as Tim hit his head while trying to stop panting like an idiot.
They should stop, but that would be Tim's problem tomorrow.
Why does the sun keep shining?
Why does the sea rush to the shore?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
Why don't you love me anymore?
And now 15
This time they were at the young justice headquarters, besides the two of them, there was Cassie, Bart and Cissie.
It was a day off, all the members of Young Justice (at that time) were sharing lunch, all in their suits, waiting for any alert mission. They shared a chat while the radio played behind them.
— Well, I guess not everyone can agree — Kon said, trying to hide his offense.
“Please kon, accept it, you're being an idiot.” Cassie said laughing.
— Yes, yes, laugh, but you know I'm absolutely right — Kon said, offended.
— I think the old version is better. —Bart interrupted.
"Come? “Bart does have good sense.” Conner said ruffling his hair.
— My ex-boyfriend had that version, he played it every time I was at his house, it really became unbearable. — I speak Cissie.
— Speaking of ex-boyfriends... Last week I met mine at the mall. I tried to approach him and start a conversation but I pretended to have a call from my mother, I guess I did it right.
"You've done well," Cissie spoke again, inviting the others.
“I don't understand that 'ex-boyfriends' thing, I mean, why do I have to love someone and share saliva with that person? What's more, then we will have to separate and pretend that none of that happened? Silly and unnecessary.” Bart said.
- You're right, friend. — Kon ruffled his hair in quick circles while Bart growled.
- And you? Have you had a girlfriend? -said Cissie.
— Oh? —He seemed confused—. Well, I guess so, but I don't like to talk about it.
- Wait, did you really have a girlfriend? -Cassie asked.
"Well, yes, but..."
"Come on kon, talk once and for all"
"Ahh, well I guess," Kon said, scratching the back of his neck. "It doesn't really matter which one of us arrived first, but I had, so to speak, two girlfriends."
"Two? wow." Cissie commented.
"Yeah... Well, I guess they'll meet Tana," Kon said unsure.
— Tana Moon? Isn't this the twenty-something journalist? — spoke for the first time, Tim.
"I think she turned 23... anyway I met her, we separated and then we met again in Hawaii, there we became what a couple would be." he said kon
- Wait to? -Cassie said.
- Kon, were you really with a 23-year-old woman? -Tim asked.
"I was 22 at the time," Kon said.
"It doesn't matter, she was an older woman and agreed to be with a teenager?" Tim twitched as he spoke.
— Yes, and then? —Kon said condescendingly—. Also, I'm not really a teenager, I look like I'm about 16, but only physically.
"It's even worse if we count your real age," Bart said.
"Not to mention your mental maturity," Cassie said again.
"Anyway, she broke up with me for that reason," Kon said again.
— Still… — Tim wanted to talk.
- Yes - Kon said with annoyance, interrupting Tim - I don't want to talk about that anymore - And he still hadn't named his second girlfriend, they had made a big drama.
Everyone looked at Kon in silence as the music played in the center of the circle they formed. Some looked at Kon with pity and Tim felt terrible at that moment as he looked Kon in the eyes, trying to avoid all the stares by playing with his hands.
Why does the sun keep shining?
Why does the sea rush to the shore?
Don't they know it's the end of the world?
Why don't you love me anymore?
And he came back to reality again.
He had buried much of those memories in the back of his mind, where he thought he would forget them long enough.
—Tim? — Kon said, breaking him out of his thoughts.
— Oh? —Tim answered.
"I told you if you remembered..."
— Yes, in fact I think I remember something — Tim said with a half smile.
They both fell silent again as the song continued to play behind them.
"Kon?" Tim asked again, listening as raindrops began to fall outside the coffee.
"Yeah?"
"I missed you."
And for a moment, silence.
-Me too.- And a beautiful smile appeared on both faces.