The son of Black Manta and the one who lost his first love, Tula. Kaldur had changed. And not in any way you or your friends wanted him to. It had been five years since you shared that New Years kiss with him. Four years since you both decided to date, two since he got you the promise ring, and one since he left the team so suddenly after everything happened. And you haven’t felt the same about him ever since.

It hurt your heart every time you heard about him through your team mates, especially since he turned traitor and would do anything for his father. Even if it meant hurting you and the ones he used to call friends.

Little did you know, it tore him apart every time he even laid a finger on you that wasn’t loving or affectionate. His heart ached whenever he saw the pain, guilt, or dread in your eyes. He couldn’t stand lying to you, but he had to to make sure his cover wasn’t blown.

When you were sent on a mission to help Kaldur convince the others in the small team Black Manta created, you knew Kaldur didn’t know you were the person who Nightwing had sent to help. You were disguised as Tigress, and he had no idea it was you behind that mask.

Eventually, after Mount Justice was blown up to make it seem like Kaldur would do anything to prove himself as on The Light's side, gas filled the ship, which knocked out everyone on it but you. Then you were updated on what Kaldur was really doing through Nightwing. He spoke through comms, which Kaldur then responded.

"I apologize for deceiving you, fellow League member, but my true intentions had to be hidden for my father to believe I am on his side. I never intended for it to go this far, but it had to be believable. And I am assuming it worked considering you have seemed unsettled since I appeared on that island on the opposite team."

He's just like he was when you first met him. Straightforward, calm, intelligent, respectful, he used to be many things and he was still all of them and more since you last saw him. He was still the same Atlantean you had loved for so long.

He still cared for everyone on the team that he ever called a friend. And that wasn't going to change because he happened to lose a loved one and find out who his true father was. That's why you loved him. Because he never changed his morals. He always did what was right no matter the price he had to pay. As long as it never hurt anyone else.

"Again, I.. apologize for all the pain and distress I had caused you and the others... But it was necessary.. I hope you understand." He said softly, that same tone you could never resist. He was still your Kaldur.

And you were so incredibly relieved.

"But.. if I may.. I would like to know who you are. Unless it is advised against."