If someone had told Wally West a year that he would be dating Artemis Crock he would have called them crazy but of course things change. It's fair to say that Artemis changed Wally. Before she came along Wally didn't consider himself the relationship type but he and everyone else could see that he was a better version of himself when he was with her. He would never admit it, out of fear of sounding cliché, but Artemis made him feel complete and today was his chance to show her how much she meant to him. Today is their one year anniversary and Wally had their day all planned out. He hadn't planned anything major he just wanted them to be able to spend the whole day together without hero stuff getting in the way. Not that Wally didn't love being a hero he couldn't think of any better job but he had to admit that the job did get in the way of his personal life. Wally walked into the Cave's living room and sees Artemis sitting on the sofa with Zatanna.
"Hey babe!" Wally says squeezing in between Artemis and Zatanna.
"Wally! We were having a conversation" Zatanna says annoyed.
"Sorry Zee, I just want all of Artemis's attention today" Wally says. "You do know what today is?"
"Uhhhh Tuesday?" Zatanna asks.
Artemis smiles slightly gazing at Wally. "It's our anniversary."
"Aw" Zatanna says squealing. "Has it been a year already?"
"Yes it has and I have the best day planned for us." Wally says grinning.
"Oh Wally, we don't need to do anything big" Artemis says, "I'm on watch today anyway"
"Oh Artemis he already made plans. I could cover your shift" Zatanna offers.
"No need Zee. I talked to Robin and arranged for Artemis and I to have the day off" He looks at Artemis. "So now you have no excuse to not let me wine and dine you"
Artemis laughs. "Okay I won't resist. What are we doing first?"
"When was the last time you went to the park?" Wally asks getting up and pulling up Artemis with him.
"The park?" Artemis says thinking. "I honestly don't remember"
Wally grabs Artemis hands as they walk out of the cave. "Well today the park is having a little festival with carnival rides and games and a drive -in movie. I know it's not anything huge but"
"No it's perfect" Artemis interrupts. "I loved the carnival when I was little and I've always wanted to go to a drive- in"
When Wally and Artemis reach the park the carnival is already crowded. The first ride they see is a roller coaster.
"Babe! We have to get on this" Wally says pointing to the ride and pulling Artemis to the line.
"A roller coast? I don't know Wally" Artemis says watching the coaster fly past. "I don't really like roller coasters."
Wally laughs. "You don't like them or are you afraid of them?" he asks.
"I'm afraid."
"What the great Artemis afraid? This isn't even a big one" Wally teases still pulling Artemis along.
"They all seems big to me. I've never been on a roller coaster. "Artemis admits.
"But you said you loved the carnival when you were little?" Wally stops walking and give Artemis a confused look
"I did but I've never actually been to one. My parents didn't really have time to take us on family outing between the robberies and everything" Artemis explains looking at the ground.
"I didn't even think of that. I'm sorry Arty we can do something else" he says pulling her away from the roller coaster line.
"No, I want to ride. I can't just go my whole life without riding one" Artemis says laughing.
Wally puts his hand on Artemis's shoulders. "You sure?" He asks look down into her eyes.
Wally buys their tickets and they get in line for the ride. The line is moving faster than Artemis thought and she is becoming nervous, her heart beat is increasing and her hands are sweating.
"Is that your hand sweating or mine" Wally asks smiling slightly.
"Defiantly mine" Artemis says dropping Wally's hand and wiping her hands on her shorts.
They board the roller coaster cart and the bar is lowered onto their laps. "Alright people," the operator says, "Please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all time. Enjoy"
The roller coaster starts to move forward and Artemis closes her eyes. Wally puts his arm around her. "Don't worry I won't let anything happen to you" he whispers into her arm.
"I'm sure you wouldn't but this one isn't up to you" Artemis says preparing for the first drop. As the coaster goes up and down the tracks Artemis's screams turn into laughter.
"That was awesome!" Artemis says they exit the ride.
"I told you it would be!" Wally says.
Wally and Artemis ride all of the rides at the carnival saving the Ferris Wheel for last. "The sun is setting" Wally says as they reach the top on the Ferris Wheel.
"Wow, it's beautiful up here" Artemis says resting her head on Wally's chest.
"I love you Artemis" Wally says quietly.
"What?" Artemis asks as the Ferris wheel halts to a stop.
"We're experiencing some technical difficulties. Just remain calm and seated" The operator says.
"I said that I love you" Wally repeats.
"Do you mean that?" Artemis asks looking up at him.
"Of course I mean it. I thought it was obvious" Wally says smiling. "Why would you think I didn't?"
Artemis sits up and Wally removes his arm from around her shoulders. "It's just that my mother, my father, and my sister" she chokes back tears "everyone that ever said they loved me abandoned me."
"You're afraid that I will too?" He says. Artemis doesn't respond.
Wally grabs both of Artemis's hands. "I'm not like your father or any of your family members for that matter. I could never abandon you and if you let me I'll love you forever. I swear you can trust me"
Artemis takes a few deep breaths not knowing how to respond. "Okay Wally I believe you." She says as the rides starts moving again. "I love you too"