Chapter 4: Hardcore

She's a hardcore, candy-store, give-me-some-more girl, girl

She's got a wicked sense of humor, can't believe what she says

She drinks Bacardi in the morning till it goes to her head

And all you want is just to hold her, but she don't go for that

She has a hard time coming when she can't hit back

She's So Mean, Matchbox Twenty

Day 13

Before the run: The sun is coming out later than usual, so I suppose I'll be staying out later than usual. That means more time with the Flash wannabe. Yay.

"Wanna hear a joke?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"It's a really good one!"

"I don't care," Artemis replied grumpily, her patience wearing thin.

"A drunk phoned police to report that thieves had been in his car. 'They've stolen the dashboard, the steering wheel, the brake pedal, even the accelerator!' he cried out. But, before the police investigation could start, the phone rang a second time and the same voice came over the line. 'Never mind,' he said with a hiccup, 'I got in the back seat by mistake.'"

Without even looking at him, Artemis said, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Why would you learn that?"

"You think that's stupid? Check this one out! Two robins were lying on their backs, basking in the sun. A mama cat and her kitten were walking kitten complained, 'Mama, I'm sooo hungry, what can we eat?' The mama cat, spying the two robins, replied, 'How about some Baskin Robbins?'"

This time, Artemis had to groan.

"That was awful," she said, shaking her head.

"I know," Wally said, and suddenly a mischievous grin appeared on his face. Artemis eyed him suspiciously.

"What do you call a zit on a dumb blonde's ass? A brain tumor."

"Oh, no. Shit just got personal." Artemis wracked her mind for any joke she could remember that would be insulting to the cackling man beside her.

"Do you know why blondes have more fun?" he kept them coming. "Because there aren't enough redheads around."

"Why did the blond have tire marks on her stomach? From crawling across the road because the sign said 'Don't Walk'."

Suddenly Artemis grinned, and Wally's heart actually stopped when he saw the smile grace her beautiful face for the first time. He decided he'd work harder on making her smile from now on.

"Why are blond jokes so short?" she said, bringing him out of his revere. He grinned back at her. By saying the blond joke, he knew she would have to retaliate. It was just how she was, he had learned in the short time they knew each other.

"Why?"

"So men can remember them," she finished, and a small laugh escaped her mouth. The sound was a melody in Wally's ears. But it didn't mean he'd back down.

"Why did the blond get so excited after she finished her jigsaw puzzle in only six months? Because the box said 2-4 years," he replied with a smirk, and Artemis laughed again. His eyes brightened at the thought that he had achieved that.

"Why do men prefer blondes? Because they like intellectual company," she replied, and they both stopped.

"That was a lame one," Wally said seriously.

"I know," she replied, and suddenly they were both doubling over from laughter, not being able to contain themselves.

Some more jokes and a few minutes later, they began their trek again, Wally sometimes still chuckling.

"You know, I didn't think this side of Artemis existed," he commented. Artemis had been thinking about what Dr. Wayne had said about Wally's laughter but his voice had interrupted her musings.

"The funny side? Barely anyone does," she said indifferently, and Wally fought the grin trying to make its way to his face. That meant they were finally doing progress.

"Really? Who has the honor of knowing the comedian inside you?" he asked.

"Ah. We're reaching personal ground, carrot top. I think you should backtrack a bit."

So much for progress, Wally thought. But he changed the subject without complaint.

"I always thought you were this serious, hardcore girl."

"You're damn right I am," Artemis replied, a small smirk on her face.

"But you actually have a sense of humor!" Wally acted shocked, and Artemis threw him one of those glares that secretly made him tingle inside. He found them scary and incredibly sexy at the same time. It was an odd combination, but that was Artemis for you.

And same as always, he thought that parting time came much too soon. But today especially, when he had actually laughed with Artemis, he felt he was leaving her too soon. But he gave her a quick smile, same as always, and turned to sprint back to his apartment.

Artemis stayed there, watching him go, just like she had that first day they met. She thought about his daily offer to take her out to breakfast and how it'd been missing today. How maybe today she'd have agreed.

During the run: It's been a while since I laughed like I did today. It was... weird.

After the run: How come I feel sort of... troubled? Not angry. So I guess that's progress.

"Hello?" Artemis said into her phone, not recognizing the number.

"ARTEMIS!" said the voice on the other end of the line, and her eyes widened as she recognized it.

"Zatanna? I haven't heard from you in ages!" Artemis exclaimed happily.

"I know, I'm so sorry. I've been really busy with school stuff; you know with all the student exchanges I signed up for, I've been traveling all over to really weird places. I can't wait to tell you about it! But hey, that's not why I'm calling my best friend from childhood."

"What is it, Zee?"

"Well, I don't expect you to remember, but next week is my birthday!"

"Of course I remember, dumbass."

"Ah, same old Artemis. I missed you," and Artemis could almost hear the smile in her voice. "Anyways, I'm having a big birthday bash and I'd love it if you could come."

Interrupting Artemis's groan, she went on, "I know it's not your scene. But hey, do it for me." Her voice was pleading.

"I'll come," Artemis grumbled into the phone after a few seconds.

"YES! Hey, this doesn't have to be painful for you. Bring a friend or someone! If you know what I mean," Zatanna said, and Artemis could almost picture her friend winking.

With a roll of her eyes, she said goodbye and hung up. There was a long, relaxing bath with her name on it.

Jokes from: www . 101funjokes . com

Here's the next chapter, as you can see!

In response to mjpm's review: I'm trying to update every three to four days. I've already got a few chapters written up (just finished number seven today, extra long chappie for me!) so there won't be a problem with that.

So, you know what I shall say next: review, it gives me creative inspiration!

Oh, and this is a super good song! Worth checking out.