I Accept the Burden

I am Kaldur'Ahm, though you may know me better as Aqualad. It is my duty to keep people safe, and I will do so no matter the cost. [Kaldur'Ahm | Closed | Earth 16]

[thequeentomyking]

Reflection | Kaldur & Mera

It’s been far too long. Perhaps the time has come and passed for them to speak of the previous event, especially with their community in such a bad light. However, Mera is not a woman to give up easily or allow others who do not know, have not been part of it, to judge her. And thus while the landdwellers question her husband’s League of Justice occupying him even in the depths of Atlantis, the Queen takes it upon herself to visit Kaldur while he is with them below surface.

She knows where to find him, is familiar with his favorable places and people and not surprised to see him alone. A perfect moment and time to approach him and address the distance between them and the brave young man. “Kaldur’ahm,” she calls out to him, arms and feet moving gracefully in the water to bring her closer. Once her feet touch the marmer of the training grounds where she teaches the young Atlanteans magic, the woman allows her brows to furrow in both concentration and concern. She observes him carefully, rounding him to come face to face. “Arthur has been asking for you, but with the commotion above, I’m afraid he has been too distracted to seek you out personally. I want you to know I am here on his account as well as my own, and that we worry for you.” Her voice is calm and gentle, not wanting to pressure him.

[standagainstthetide]

The trips to his home have become less and less frequent. Even after the reveal of his deep cover mission, many of the people of Atlantis still view him as the traitor he had pretended to be, and Kaldur couldn’t blame there. With the things he’d had to do in order to prove himself to his father... he would understand if his people never truly forgave him. Atlanteans were proud and unwavering. It is something he has always admired, though now it makes him ever more reluctant to return home. However, he has his reasons to do so now.

He blinks in surprise at the sound of his name, but slowly moves to meet Mera without hesitation, bowing as she approaches. “It is good to see you, my queen. My apologies for not greeting you sooner.” In truth he has been avoiding the palace and his former mentor. While all of the treachery was feigned, some of the resentment was real. 

Arthur had his his true parentage from him for years, and the sting of that secret lingers. Still, he can’t deny that he misses the man, and Mera. “I am sorry that you have worried. Things have been busy on the surface. There is still much that needs to be done to repair the damages, it takes a great deal of my time.” He pauses, hesitating. “There is something I wanted to ask of you... your opinion on something, if I may.”

[trickyarrows-blog]

[text]: Someone can’t hold their liquor

[text]: Don’t get anymore lost until I get there

[standagainstthetide]

[text]: In turth Iwas uncerating I coudl eveen becmoe intcixioed 

[text]: Iwill try

[trickyarrows-blog]

[text]: Wait, seriously? You joined a frat?

[text]: And then got drunk???

[text]: Didn’t know you drank

[standagainstthetide]

[text]: 'tried' to jion

[text]: I am uneriatn of my succesess

[text]: I wsa tryging to blend in

[text]: i aslo seem tobe lost

[text]: I wa scretain of me droms location 

[standagainstthetide]

The Other is Gold || Kaldur and Kori

[formeralienprincess-deactivated]

"Oh yes, a lot has changed. I was shocked to hear about the invasion that almost took place." She stepped back slightly so she could look at her friend, green eyes filled with regret. "And I am so sorry I could not be here to help you out."

She really did regret not helping them out. Of course she couldn’t do anything about it. She had been off planet at the time. But if someone had been lost to them, anyone of their friends her mind would never have let her rest in peace knowing that perhaps there was a small chance of it that she would’ve done something to stop whatever had happened. The blame game was something her mind played with her on a daily bases. Even when it cam ego her sister.

Banishing these unwanted thoughts at the back of her mind she turned her attention to her Atlantean friend. “Yes. I plan on staying here on Earth now. My duty to Tamaran is done and now that I have named my brother as my successor I can live here.” She shook her head. “No, not many people. You are the first person I have met since I got back. I think everyone is busy with the aftermath of the Invasion.”

[standagainstthetide]

"I am not certain if 'almost' is the word I would use," he said with a faint shake of his head. Kaldur's hands went to her shoulders, giving a gentle squeeze. "It is alright, Kori. You had to take care of your own planet. But now that you have returned, perhaps you can help us take care of ours."

There was no way Kaldur could hold it against her, he understood just how difficult it must have been for her dealing with her own planet and putting things right there. Though, now that she was back, it would be invaluable to have her on their side to cope with any new threat that might pop up. He was never naive enough to believe that peace would last. His only hope was that they would be able to rebuild the Earth enough before the next threat came.

"I see. I am certain they will all be pleased to see you," he said fondly. "I think... we could all use time away to greet an old friend. Many of us could use a bit of a break to catch up. Do you have a place to stay on Earth yet?" 

[sonofkryptonkal]

Clean Up On Aisle Three || Aqualad and Superman

[sonofkryptonkal]

"If we’re lucky." he said with a nod. "Though I’m not sure when our luck is going to change." he admitted sadly. "We have had the worst luck recently." he said thinking of the way that everything had crumbled recently. It was really pretty awful if he was completely honest. Despite his best efforts, he had just been completely unable to save everybody. A fact that haunted him to this very day. He could still remember the screams, the cries of pain of everyone he had failed. He refused to forget them. If he forgot them then he’d be worse than whatever he already was. Pushing the thought away he focused on Aqualad. 

"Well I appreciate it all the same." he said with a smile. "I’m sure that the citizens of Gotham appreciate it too." The need for a strong League presence around the world was paramount. The facts were that there wasn’t a strong League presence, anywhere really. Somehow they were keeping the League together and the appearance that there was a strong League presence, but in truth they were majorly understaffed. Most of the original members were off world, or licking their wounds, or focussing completely on working for the people. The worst occasions were when there had been deaths, or when heroes had retired completely. 

"Honestly, we should be thanking you. You’re going to be more help than you can imagine and we’re honored that you’re even considering us." he may have been laying it on a little thick, but they were in desperate need for Aqualad’s assistance. He was the best for what they needed him for. "They are just the start." he said nodding. "We hope to bring the League back to full strength, and with a little bit of luck we’ll be able to." he said with a nod. "You are all highly skilled in your fields and I look forward to personally working with you in the future, if you accept our offer of course."

He nodded. It was a fair enough question. “You’re right to ask. The answer is that you’re not temps. This invasion showed us one thing, we weren’t prepared enough. Your contribution was invaluable. As was the contributions of everyone we plan to invite. If you choose to accept you’re guaranteed a permanent place on the team. Regardless of who returns and who stays out of the League.” he said with a gentle nod. “Especially the members of the original team; yourself, Nightwing and others if they wish to accept the invite of course. But they will be brought in on a pemanent basis.”

[standagainstthetide]

"I believe luck has little to do with it," he said slowly. Kaldur never liked leaving things up to chance or believing that it was luck rather than skill that defined a battle. In truth, sometimes he had to admit it was a factor, but the choices he had made in the invasion had not been based upon luck, and he did not regret them. "The public did not turn because our luck was poor, they turned their backs on us, because they believe that we have done the same. We must show them that they are mistaken."

Turning, he looked out over Gotham, nodding again. "I am glad to be of assistance." The city needed saving, and he was happy to play his part. In the last several months, Kaldur had become well aware of how short handed the League was, so he was willing to step up, to make sure that the team fulfilled whatever extra roles they needed to. 

Hesitating, Kaldur's gaze dropped and he stared at the bridge. He had never known quite what to do with praise. It never felt as though he truly deserved it, no matter how hard he might work, leaving him uncertain as to how to respond. "Thank you, you are very kind." Finally looking back up at Superman, he nodded. "And I you. I... believe I may take you up on the offer. There is someone that I wish to speak to about it first."

That took some of the initial hesitance away. Knowing that he was going to be a permanent fixture of the League was... a bit daunting, but the assurance was better than constantly waiting for to be let go or turned away when he was no longer needed. "I see... that is good to know. I believe that will make the choice easier as well. Will I be allowed to appoint someone to take over the leadership role of the younger team of heroes to take my place?"

[feardriveseverything]

after hours || crane & kaldur

[feardriveseverything]

Jonathan’s glasses fogged up the instant he stepped inside, so Kaldur may have missed the taken aback expression on his face at the mention of the coffee.

"…I’ll provide coffee next time, then," he said after a pause. Generally this situation was the other way around. All the same he tentatively reached with a spindly hand for the paper cup that was being offered. "Thank you," came the polite, guarded response.

Hauling his briefcase inside, the professor shut and locked the door behind them, and made a beeline for the nearest library table.

"I don’t believe I’ve asked yet," Jonathan started as he unlatched the briefcase and began setting piles of papers up on the table, "why did you choose my class to TA for? Unless my memory is failing me, I don’t believe I’ve had you as a student, nor are you studying psychology. And I won’t pretend to be the most popular professor on campus," he added dryly, an afterthought, as he handed Kaldur a packet of papers.

"This is the answer key to the multiple choice and short free response sections. You can start on those while I do the essays—any questions, just ask."

[standagainstthetide]

"I suppose that is fair," he said, inclining his head in a slight not. "You are quite welcome." Kaldur didn't miss the way the professor seemed to take the offer with a bit of reservation, though he didn't comment on it, assuming that would only make him more apprehensive.

His own coffee in hand, he followed after Jonathan without hesitation, briefly letting his eyes flick around the library. He knew the place well given how often he found himself their studying or grading papers. Pulling out a chair for himself at the table, he set down his bag and coffee, turning to look at Jonathan with slightly raised eyebrows.

 "There was a position available and, though I have not taken a psychology course, that is simply because it would not fit into my schedule. This seemed to be an adequate way to gain some knowledge of the subject," he said with a small shrug. It was true, for the most part. Initially, he had assumed the position would be temporary, though he was rather pleased that it had lasted longer than expected. 

He took the papers with a nod as he sat down and pulled a red pen from his bag. "I do have a question... though it is not about the tests," he said, looking over at the professor again. "May I ask why you chose to let me be your TA despite not knowing me?"

[sonofkryptonkal]

Clean Up On Aisle Three || Aqualad and Superman

[sonofkryptonkal]

Superman nodded understandingly. Brushing his cape backwards he ran a large hand through his hair and brushed it backwards over his scalp, making sure that it was out of his eyes. “Eventually we’ll have the world back on its feet.” he said with a smile. “One day things will return back to normal.” Despite the words that left his mouth, he found it difficult to believe them. Would they ever be back to the way they were before the Reach invaded Earth? He couldn’t be sure.

"We’re glad to have you. God knows that you’re providing much appreciated assistance." he said with a nod. He knew that Atlantis hadn’t escaped the invasion unscathed, though the extent of the damage would be a mystery to him as he didn’t really have the time to go to the undersea nation to have a quick check. However he’d understand if Aqualad had chosen to remain with his people instead of assisting the people of the surface. 

The boy’s reaction was almost military, standing to attention, he almost told him that he didn’t need to show him that sort of respect, but for some reason he knew that that wouldn’t change anything. Aqualad was like that for a reason, and Superman would only ever be able to change that if he continued to work alongside the boy. 

But still the way that some people revered him … well it made him feel uncomfortable. Pushing those thoughts away he looked at the young man and nodded understandingly.

"We really should have invited you earlier, Nightwing, yourself, Kid Flash, Superboy, all of you valuable work for us prior to the invasion, and since then you’ve been invaluable to us." he smiled and nodded. "Take as much time as you need, it is an open ended invitation." he nodded once more. "As you know the current League consists of myself, Green Arrow and Red Arrow, we intend to invite yourself, Black Bat, Nightwing and Star Fire. We’re hoping that we’ll have a number of other Leaguers return soon, but until then you will be the new league, and we’re sure you’ll do a brilliant job."

[standagainstthetide]

"One day," he agreed, though he was uncertain that things would ever be quite the way they were before. So much had been changed, and so much had been lost. Kaldur did not doubt their ability to make repairs or the world's capacity to carry on, but the invasion would leave scars, ones that may never truly fade away.

"It is the least I can do. The surface is my home as well." Beyond the fact that he was half human, he had made a home for himself on the surface, and he intended to do what was necessary in order to repair it. There was also the fact that, due to the lengths he had gone with his undercover mission, some of those in Atlantis no longer trusted him... or believed much more in their old reasons to doubt him.

He blinked in surprise, not used to any members of the League admitting fault, particularly when it came to their judgments about his team. "Thank you," he said, a little uncertainly. Considering the people he had picked, Kaldur slowly nodded. "Excellent choices. I have not personally worked with Black Bat, but I know she is quite skilled."

A very slight frown slid onto his face. For a moment, he debated holding his tongue, but... it was not just for his sake, but the others as well. "Forgive me if I overstep, but do you intend to keep us on as permanent members, or are we merely temporary stand ins until the others return?" he asked, voice carefully neutral, not wanting to sound accusatory. 

[sonofkryptonkal]

I know. I was just going with the flow.

[standagainstthetide]

I see. But now I am curious if it is a habit he picked up from you, the opposite, or if it is merely a coincidence.

[sonofkryptonkal]

Hey! You shouldn’t take Dick or I for granite, we might just leave you.

[standagainstthetide]

... I suppose I should be grateful you have expanded beyond just water and fish puns. 

[sonofkryptonkal]

And here I was thinking that Geology rocked.

[standagainstthetide]

And here I thought that Dick was the one in charge of puns. I see I was mistaken on that as well. 

[standagainstthetide]

I cannot recall why I thought taking a geology class seemed like a wise choice. Studying rocks is exactly as dull as it sounds.

[standagainstthetide]

The Other is Gold || Kaldur and Kori

[formeralienprincess-deactivated]

The joy she felt at seeing her old friend and leader again was something she could not contain. Flying forward she pulled the Atlantean into a brief hug before stepping away from him. “It is so good to see you again as well Kaldur.”

She nodded in confirmation. “Yes. I only got back a few days ago and have taken the time to get myself reacquainted with everyone. It has been far too long.” Too long indeed. Especially for one such as Starfire who thrived in the company of the people she cared about and the ones who cared for her.

"I was able to complete my mission of defeating my sister and saving my people successfully. And after I placed my younger brother on the throne I decided to return here." An explanation of what had happened to her during her mission was a good way for people to know what she had been up to. Of course they already knew where she was going and why but Koriand’r still felt that they deserved an explanation given her sudden departure and almost no contact for almost more than a year.

[standagainstthetide]

Though not one for overt displays of affection much of the time, Kaldur returned the embrace without a second thought. It had been some time since he had last seen Kori, years, but he remembered her fondness for physical affection. At the moment, it seemed to help ease his nerves, if only slightly.

"I see," he said, eyes widening a little at her tale. "I am glad that the mission went well. Much has changed since I last saw you." Though, given that she had zetaed up from Earth, he was fairly sure she had already seen some of the damages that had been done in her absence. It was rather hard to miss in most places. 

"It is good to have you back. Do you plan to stay? Have you seen any of the others?" They should know that she had returned as well. Although, he had a slight suspicions as to who would be the first to know of Kori's return.

[standagainstthetide]

♙

♙:Sharing a bed

Cleaning up Gotham was a long and extremely tiring process. Kaldur was exhausted, and he knew for a fact that Clark had been at it even longer than he had. There had been a very polite argument about whether or not Clark should keep working, but he had eventually managed to talk him out of it, offering his safe house as a place to stay so he could get right back to work first thing in the morning. 

By the time they arrived at the apartment, all trace of argument had gone and there was a bit of stumbling and staggering, but both managed to end up onto his bed, collapsing without another word.

[standagainstthetide]

★ ❧ ✜

Send ★ for a talent headcanon

While he doesn't consider himself particularly artistic, Kaldur has always enjoyed making sculptures with his water bearers. They don't last, so he thinks rather little of them, but he has been told that he has something of a gift for it, though it is not something he has ever really explored.

Send ❧ for a food headcanon

Despite what most humans seem to assume, Kaldur does in fact eat fish. Strangely enough, he prefers the way they are prepared on the surface rather than in Atlantis. His favorite is sushi, though he is willing to try generally anything that is put in front of him.

Send ✜ for a fear headcanon

More than anything, Kaldur fears letting people down. He is always certain that he is not good enough, not strong enough, that there must be something more that he could do. 

[standagainstthetide]

Nonsexual acts of Intimacy - Select from the following for my muse to respond to...

♔ : Finding your muse wearing their clothes

♕: Holding hands

♖: Having their hair washed by your muse

♗: Your muse falling asleep with their head in my muse's lap.

♘: Cuddling in a blanket fort

♙: Sharing a bed

♚: Head scratches

♛: Sharing a dessert

♜: Shoulder rubs

♝: Reading a book together

♞: Caring for each other while ill (specify which party is which)

♟: Patching up a wound

♤: Taking a bath together

♧: Your muse playing with their hair

♡: Accidentally falling asleep together

♢: Forehead or cheek kisses

♠: Your muse adjusting their jewelry/neck tie/ etc.

♣: Back scratches

♥: Your muse crying about something

♦: Slow dancing

[standagainstthetide]

♟

Send me a "♟" and I'll tell you a flaw of my muse.

It is very rare that Kaldur is open in anyway about how he feels. He has no trouble speaking up on behalf of others, but all of his own problems and worries are tucked away and bottled up where no one can see them.

[standagainstthetide]

♟

Send me a "♟" and I'll tell you a flaw of my muse.

Kaldur has an extreme tendency to try to sacrifice for others. Part of this comes from a good place of wanting to help them and keep them safe. However, there is the deeper issue of his extremely low self-worth. He puts everyone above himself because of how little he values his own safety and health.