A Year Ago...

It's been a few weeks since my friends comforted me during my grief. They went out of their way to spend time with me to lift my spirits. And yeah, it's making me happier. Anyway, I'm at Mount Justice working on a new suit. Trying to imitate a stealth suit. Suddenly, I hear a knocking. I turn around to see Barbara in her Batgirl suit. She took off her cowl and said, "Hey Peter."

"Oh, hey Babs," I said, smiling a little. "You mind if I sit next to you?" Barbara asked, blushing a little. "Sure, by all means," I said, offering her room. Barbara smiled and walked on over to me, sitting next to me. "Whatcha working on?" Babs asked curiosly. "Trying to replicate the stealth suit that the team usually wears." I replied. Barbara nodded and said, "Nice. So, how've ya been?" I looked at her and said, "I've been doing alright." I continued to tinker with my suit. "Dick told me about Gwen..." Barbara said straightforwardly, "I'm very sorry for your loss."

"Oh, uh... Thanks Barbara," I said, looking at her, "I appreciate your condolences." Barbara nodded and said, "Dick and I know what it's like to lose someone close. You're not alone on this." I had a feeling about who Barbara was talking about. "Jason..." I said, remembering the second Robin. Barbara nodded sadly. I held her hand and said, "Jason may have been rough around the edges, but he was a good kid." Barbara looked at my hand, and blushed when I held her hand. I also blushed and said, "Sorry..." Barbara smiled and said, "it's okay Peter. But you're right about Jason. He was a good kid. You always knew how to make him laugh." I smiled a little and said, "A sense of humor is how I cope."

"Still, I want you to know," said Barbara, "if you ever need someone to talk to, and your Aunt May or the Team or Dinah are unavailable, I'm here for you. No matter the time, I'll be there. I promise." I smiled and said, "Thanks Barbara. That means a lot. You're a good friend." Barbara smiled at that. When I first met her, I liked Barbara. Now... Maybe I like her as more than a friend. I continued to tinker with my suit for about 30 minutes. I was almost close to replicating the stealth mode. "Hey Pete, after this, you want to watch a Robin Williams movie?" Barbara offered, "Maybe Aladdin or Mrs. Doubtfire?" I smiled and said, "Sure."