Mimic

Half-Truths

"This is really good," I told Alfred for the millionth time, swallowing a bite of my omelet.

"Thank you, Mistress Julia," the old man smiled at me kindly. I immediately liked him and, against my better judgment, trusted him. He just had such a comforting air around him. "How are you liking school?"

"It's cool," I nodded, "Now I have something to do."

"You should consider joining a few clubs," Alfred suggested, "What are your interests?"

"Um," I thought for a moment. What do I like? "Is Dick in any clubs?"

"He's a mathlete," I was told, "And he participates in various academic clubs."

"Sports?" I took another bite of food.

"Master Bruce wishes for his identity to be kept a secret. While Robin is athletic-"

"Dick Grayson is a nerd," I finished for him.

"Gee thanks," a new voice said, walking into the kitchen. Dick wore a lopsided grin on his face. Bruce was behind him, his face devoid of a particular emotion. Quite the opposite of Father, who was always dramatic.

"Julia," Bruce's voice pierced my thoughts. I refused to meet his eyes, instead staring at his perfectly polished shoes. "You may stay for as long as you like."

These words shocked me to the very core. "What?" I asked, making brief eye contact with the Dark Knight.

"He said you can stay, Julia," Dick grinned, beside himself with happiness. That's not what I was expecting. "I'll show you your room."

Dick led me to the room I woke up in earlier.

"I'm really happy you're staying here now," he told me. 

"Thanks," I said awkwardly, not used to being coddled like this.

"Now, I need you to do something for me," Dick took a big breath and said, seeming almost nervous.

"And what's that?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Talk it out with the team," Dick said. I opened my mouth to argue, but he signaled for me to pause. "Explain a few things to them, heck you can even lie a bit. But get back into their good graces."

"Why do you-" I started.

"Care?" Dick finished my sentence, then shrugged. "Just trying to help a friend in need."

"Friend?" I whispered. Dick smiled softly, then put a hand on my shoulder. Without another word, he left me alone with my thoughts.

***

"How do you keep talking me into things?" I grumbled.

"You must really love me," Robin laughed, opening the door to the call box that hid the zeta tube.

"You go first," I told him. He shrugged then got himself transported into Mount Justice. I considered running away now when I had the chance, but I knew that this was something I had to do. I don't know why, exactly, but I do know. So I transported to Mount J. with a little fear in my heart.

To my dismay, the entire team was staring at me with shock in their eyes. No doubt a few other emotions too.

"What is she doing here?" Artemis asked. Her words weren't exactly venomous, but they still stung.

"I invited her," Robin said, glaring at the archer. "There are some things that were left unsaid. Now, everyone needs to stay whelmed and talk this out."

"I agree with Robin," Kaldur said, "Alex-"

"I'm sorry," I winced, "My name isn't Alex. It's Julia. I lied to you about my name, but now I'm telling the truth and I hope you can forgive me."

"Well," Kaldur thought for a second but decided to just march on, "Julia. I apologize for us making you feel threatened the other day. I didn't mean to scare you."

"I wasn't-" I started to argue, then took a deep breath. "I accept your apology."

"And I'm sorry for trying to read your mind," M'gann choked out, and I realized that she was crying.

"I'm sorry for reading yours," I said, although I really wasn't. It's not like I meant to.

"I apologize for yelling at you for reading Megan's mind," Conner said stonily, no doubt being forced to say he was sorry.

"Sorry for calling you a mole," Artemis grumbled, not one for apologies.

"It's okay," I told the Team, although them finding out my secret is definitely not okay. "I would be suspicious too. But I swear I haven't told anyone your secret ID's."

"Thanks," Wally flashed me one of his warm smiles, "I trust you."

I immediately felt bad, knowing that one day I'd have to kill this boy who had become something like a brother to me.

"But now," Zatanna sighed, "It's time for some answers."

"You're right," I nodded, my mind working at making dozens of possible lies, "What would you like to know?"

"Why did you blend your watch?" M'gann asked.

"That was a mistake," I said truthfully, "I was mad. The watch was a gift from my dad and I just became overwhelmed when I realized how much had been taken from me, I-" I made my voice crack, adding to my act.

"What did you see when you read Megan's mind?" Conner asked.

"I don't really know what it was," I admitted, "A white...alien of some sort."

"Oh," Conner said quietly, putting his hand on Megan's shoulder. What was it that I saw? 

"Why did you lie about your name?" Artemis asked.

"I didn't want to be called my real name," which was the truth, "I just thought that a new name could mean starting over," which was a lie.

The best lies start with the truth.

"And, as a precaution," Kaldur said, "Are you a mole?"

"No."