Anonymous Prompt: Conner K. / Artemis C. – any setting
AKA: The most words Superboy's spoken in one sitting. Young Justice doesn't belong to me!
Conner had never seen Artemis cry, so when he passed by the archer's room and heard soft wailing, he was caught unprepared. To him, Artemis was a girl with an iron will; she never cried in front of the team before.
Concerned, Conner banged on the metal door. He heard a gasp, a couple deep breaths, and then hurried steps to the entrance. Artemis opened the door, looking worse for wear. Her blond hair was out of her ponytail, disheveled as if she were tugging on it painfully. Her coal eyes were outlined by red circles and dark bags. If Artemis was trying to hide her crying, she wasn't doing a good job at it.
Superboy was still new to emotions, so his experience in comforting someone besides his ex-girlfriend was little, if not nonexistent. He chose to lightly grasp her shoulder and quietly find out the cause of her tears.
"What's wrong, Artemis?"
Artemis quickly looked at Conner and turned her face down towards his feet. Her shoulders started shaking as she burst into sobs again.
"W-w-Wally… I could've saved him… He wouldn't be in the hospital right now," the archer hiccuped.
Conner raised his eyebrows in realization. Three days ago, the team was sent to uncover an illegal nuclear weapon trade ring. Some things went awry, with Wally taking most of the damage. He couldn't even move his legs, reluctantly agreeing to let Conner carry him to the Bio-Ship. He was in the ER for a whole day before he was allowed to get his own room.
Conner wrapped Artemis's tiny frame in his arms, rubbing her back as she soaked his black shirt with tears. The archer wrapped her arms around him so she wouldn't fall from fatigue.
"Probably the hardest part of loving a hero is seeing him fall. Wally being Wally, he'll pick himself up again soon, but that doesn't stop you from worrying, huh?"
Feeling Artemis shaking her head in reply, Conner continued, "Wally might be reckless, but you got to have faith in him. He'll wake up with his legs healed real soon. Heroes might get hurt, but they'll always stop the bad guys from winning, and that's what counts. Besides, do you remember the time you had to go to the ER after a mission? I had to hold Wally down because he kept hovering and harassing the medical staff."
Artemis let out a small chuckle at the thought of Wally doing something like that. Letting go, Artemis rubbed her eyes dry.
"Thanks Conner. I needed that."
The young man in question waved her off, "Don't mention it."
"I do want to know, though," Artemis queried, "Where'd you get those wise words of advice?"
It was Conner's turn to be downcast, "I learned that from M'Gann."
Artemis laid a hand on his upper arm, "I'm sorry."
Superboy only shrugged Artemis's hand off of him and looked at the floor.
"Don't be. It's better this way."
Not buying his statement, Artemis let it slide and went back into her room, looking for a brush. Conner was still standing at the doorway, confused at the blond girl's antics.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm gonna go get ready to go to the hospital. Do you want to see Wally with me, Conner?" offered Artemis.
Conner shook his head, "I'll see him later. Wally's lucky to have you."
Review!