Teach em How to Say Goodbye

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Kaldur finished packing the last of his things when he observed the now empty barren room. He released a sad sigh as he remembers the memories he had in this house. He even began to remember when Roy first helped him move into his apartment to inviting The Team over for dinner. He even recalled the memory of when Tula broke his heart, Roy came to his house and watched movies until they fell asleep. With another long sigh, he turned off the bedroom lights and headed to the living room. All the shelves were now cleared of his books, the walls barren, just like the day he moved in. He walked to the small patio area and took one last view from that wooded patio. He enjoyed the view, as he did several times before, and reflected on his time on the surface. As of any world, it has its charms and its complications, but it became his home. A home he was not ready to leave, but he no longer had an opinion in that debate. He headed back inside and picked up his bags, leaving his home one last time. He opened the door and used his key to lock it behind himself. He went to see his neighbor, Elizabeth and told her that he was moving away. She, tearfully, said goodbye to someone she considered to be a grandson. He dropped his key off at the front desk and made his way to the zeta beam. He was shocked to see Ms. Waller waiting there. The last time he saw or even spoke to her was several weeks ago when Eiling was caught and incarcerated.

"You look better, Aqualad."

"As do you, Ms. Waller," he kept walking down to her.

"Relieved is a better term for what I am feeling," he put his bags down on the ground, " and what of our General?"

"Handled. Just like you asked," a small smile graced his lips gently.

"Thank you, Ms. Waller."

"Aquaman will take you away you know. Aqualad died in that van, isn't that what you told me."

"I know. That is my king's wishes. I found the man who took Aqualad's life, that will be enough," there was a pregnant pause before she reached into her pocket.

"Normally, I'm not supposed to do this. I had this made for you," she handed him a small black box, "Although you were never officially a part of my team, you worked just as hard, if not harder than my own men," Kaldur opened it to see a communicator, similar to the one he has for his team, "use it whenever you need me. I know you will."

"Thank you, ma'am," Kaldur reached to shake her hand.

She shook his hand briefly before hugging him loosely. In a way, the hug felt somewhat maternal, in a protective manner.

"Thank you for all your service," for the first time in all of the months he knew her, he saw her show compassion.

"Thank you for allowing me to serve," they pulled away, allowing him to pick up his bags and headed to the controls.

"Aquaman got lucky with you. Hope he knows that," she watched as he typed in the coordinates.

"Goodluck Ms. Waller," Kaldur smiled softly when he turned around to see her walking to her car.

"You'll be back. Men like you always come back."

"What do you mean men like me?"

"Men who don't know when to quit," she got into her car as he walked through the zeta.

When he arrived at The Cave, the lights were turned off and a small flickering was all the light that was visible. The lights came on and The Team, family, and League shouted, "Surprise!"

"Oh my goodness, you all did not have to go through all of this."

"We had to Kal. What's a better way for you to send off then a party? Plus we finally get a chance to celebrate your birthday," Robin asked as Shalina held the cake in front of him.

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