Run for your life, my love

Run and you don't give up

It's all that you are

All that you want

I will be close behind

Run for your life

Artemis gathered her paints and put them in her backpack. Artemis had the apartment to herself because Zatanna had gone on a date with Dick then they were going to go check on Conner. Artemis had felt particularly restless, especially after what happened at the ball the night before, so as soon as she got off working the afternoon shift at the club she had decided to climb up to the roof where she could paint without any interruptions. She had finished and sat to watch Gotham's skyline for a while so her painting could dry. After about half an hour she put it in one of her plastic sleeves and used a key to open the roof door she had borrowed from the super.

She descended the stairs and got to her apartment door. She unlocked it and walked it, dropping her keys in her bag. Artemis could hear the TV, which was strange because she pretty sure she hadn't left it on. She set her stuff down carefully then walked down the entrance hallway.

"Zee? You home?" She called out cautiously.

"Guess who?" Artemis suppressed a shiver at the voice. Stone. She stopped next to the kitchen and looked into the living room. It seemed he had made himself at home. A bottle of scotch, her scotch, sat in front of him on the table. He was seated on the couch but turned so he could look at her. His glasses were on the table, as was his fedora. He was smiling. Three of his thugs stood in the living room, all staring at her.

"How'd you find me?"

"I told you I'd bring you with me. Unfortunately, my plans were a bit...postponed. See if that nuisance Flash and his little friends hadn't shown up, I would've had you by now."

"I thought I was doing rather well by myself." Artemis snapped.

"Quite the Anti Damsel actually." She was about to argue but he cut her off. "I know about Flash's cute little crush. That's alright. I've got you now." He laughed, "Where's your hero?" He made a big show of looking around the room. "Nowhere to be found!" Another barked laugh. "Don't worry. We'll have him gone very soon then I can have you all to myself."

Artemis narrowed her eyes. "If you've got me then why are you standing on the other side of the apartment? Come and get me."

Stone smirked and motioned for his guards to attack. She waited for one of them to get within a few feet before she dived into the kitchen. She catapulted over the counter and into the living room then bolted past the other two thugs and down the hall. She was heading for her room but suddenly another goon charged out of it, straight at her. She grabbed the door to the bathroom and flung it open so it smacked him in the face before she slammed it shut after her. Artemis pressed in the doorknob lock then spun around. She searched around for anything she could use as a weapon. She came up with nothing and looked around the room desperately. Pounding on the door started. Artemis yanked the shower rod down and shoved it through the window without hesitation. She knocked out the glass and took the towel from the rack then laid it across the sill. She squeezed out the narrow window and sat on the edge for the moment, pausing for just a moment to plan her escape route. She swung herself to the fire escape. She was about to run down the stairs but found her way blocked by several more thugs. First her bedroom and now the fire escape. So she was predictable? She'd have to fix that. Artemis bolted up the stairs two at a time and made it to the top floor just as the thugs burst into the bathroom. She heard their frustrated yells and looked down to see one of the thugs sticking what parts of his upper body that would fit outside it. Artemis didn't wait around to see what happened next and took the last steps up to the roof. She went straight for the door that would lead down but found it locked. She turned out her pockets but couldn't find the keys anywhere. They must be in her bag.

Artemis saw her last chance. She knew she had no chance to hesitate, no time. She backed up and took a deep breath then bolted. She leapt with all her might and landed on one knee on the next roof, her hands braced on the ground. She stood up and looked over her shoulder to see the thugs scrambling up the building. She took another running start at the next building and hit it running. She didn't stop until she was six buildings away, the thugs still close on her heels. She could hear them shouting but what they were saying didn't register. She was just too determined to get away.

Artemis bolted down the fire escape then ran down an alley. She tripped and skid on her knees, ripping her jeans and scraping her hands. She stood without delay and bounded down the alley. The thugs were still close behind but Artemis was a lot calmer now. She grew up in these streets, running and hiding and exploring with her friends. She knew this place better than the back of her hand.

Artemis wound through the streets with ease, only paying enough attention to know which alleys would lead her to dead ends and which would continue on. She lost the thugs five minutes after she reached the ground. The entire chase couldn't have lasted more than fifteen minutes. It was the longest fifteen minutes of her life.

Still, she ran in circles to be sure. She wasn't taking any chances. When she was absolutely positive that she lost them, she slowed to a fast walk. She was clad in only t shirt with a sports bra and ripped jeans. She was lucky she had worn sneakers to the roof and had them on when she escaped.

Her feet worked on autopilot as she thought. She'd have to call Zatanna and warn her. She could stay at Dick's for the night. She'd warn all her friends, actually. If Stone found her he could find them just as fast. Her uncle too. He already knew where Oliver lived but his house was built like a small fortress so she wasn't as worried. Zatanna had taken Tibbar to the shop today and he was still there – another small stroke of luck. Artemis wouldn't have to worry about that damn rabbit.

Artemis felt herself stop in front of a huge building. She looked up the skyscraper, only just able to see the giant W on top for Wayne Labs. She knew Dick wouldn't be here because he was with Zatanna and Bruce's main offices were on a separate location. But she wasn't there for either of them.

Artemis marched right up to the secretary at the tall front desk. She was a pretty brunette with rather larger breasts and even larger fake nails. She looked Artemis up and down. "May I help ya?"

"Wally West. I'm here to see him."

The secretary's eyes narrowed. "Mr. West has no appointments today."

"Tell him it's Artemis."

"But-"

"Just do it." Artemis snapped. She had just been chased from her home by a homicidal maniac. She was not in the mood. The lady rolled her eyes and went to place the call. Artemis wandered over to the windows to check again she wasn't followed. She was still there when the secretary called her over again.

"He says come up. Here's a guest card. Level twenty six." Artemis nodded her thanks and took the card. She shot to the elevators and swiped the card. The elevator dinged and she went in, pressing floor twenty six and standing in the back as the doors closed. Bad elevator music invaded Artemis's ears as she went up, up, up. Finally the doors slid open to reveal a huge lab filled with buzzing people. A small mousy man approached her.

"Ms. Crock?" Artemis nodded. "Mr. West's office is this way." He led her through the lab until he reached a large frosted glass door. He knocked twice, nodded at Artemis, and then sped off to get back to work. Artemis was watching him leave when the door opened.

"Hey, babe. To what-" Artemis had looked at him, cutting him off with her expression. She bit her lip and picked at her nails. "Artemis, what's wrong? Come in." He let her into his spacious office. One whole wall was a huge window and full black shelves lined the wall behind his cluttered white desk. A cream couch and easy chair sat with a coffee table on the other side of the room.

Wally sat them down on the couch. "Artemis, what happened? Are you okay? What happened to your knees?"

Artemis hugged herself. "Stone. Apartment. Ran. Roof. Alley. Fall. Knees. Circles. Here. You." The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them. Wally put his hand on the side of her face. He dragged his thumb across her cheek.

"Hey, hey. Slow down. I'm right here. You're fine. Tell me what happened." So she did. She told him as vividly as it had happened and when she was done she leaned back on the couch and sighed heavily.

"Are you okay?"

Artemis nodded, "Yeah, I think so." Wally took her hand when she got to the part about jumping rooftops and hadn't let go yet. Artemis gently pulled it out of his grip. He stood up and for one scary moment she thought he was going to leave but instead he went to the desk.

"What are you doing?"

"Calling Dick. You aren't going home tonight, not on my watch. You can stay with me." He dialed and held the phone to his ear before she could argue.

She waited while he talked, not really paying attention. She watched her still bleeding knees as she realized how weak she must look. A villain shows up in her apartment and she runs straight to Wally. Part her, the logical part, argued what the hell she would've done? Not like she could go back there. But she squashed that down and let herself be mad.

"Artemis?" His hand had found her shoulder. Artemis looked up at him. He had ditched the lab coat and was now wearing a jacket. He offered her a dark red sweater. "I just got permission from my boss. He said I can leave early. Come on let's go get you cleaned up. And take this sweater. Stone might've sent scouts out looking for you. They'd have your description." She stood up from the couch and took the sweater somewhat reluctantly. She shrugged on the soft fabric and tucked her hair into the hood. She followed him out with her hands tucked in the front pockets.

Wally weaved his way through the lab with ease, checking over his shoulder every so often to make sure she was still there. They went into the elevator.

"Dick said he'd call your uncle but he agrees you should come with me. Stone knows your uncle's house and he might have someone waiting for you to show up." Wally's phone vibrated and he pulled it out of his pocket. He talked while he read, "Dick just texted me. He says everyone is fine. Megan is taking Conner to her uncle's house. Kaldur and Rocket are going to meet them there. Mr. Queen and Dinah are fine but they are going to Bruce's for the night."

Artemis nodded, feeling incredibly guilty all the sudden. Because of her all these people might be in danger. The elevator dinged open and they left it. They passed the busty secretary, who glared at Artemis but smiled at Wally, and then they went into the parking garage. Wally led her to an old black Honda and opened the door for her. Once she was inside he closed it and got behind the wheel. He drove out of the parking garage and Artemis watched out the window.

"You can take the bed. I'll take the couch. I don't mind." He looked over at her again then back to the road. "We can order in. I have all the fast food places on speed dial-"

Artemis snorted. She couldn't help it. "Of course you would."

Wally grinned, seemed happy to have gotten her a bit back to herself. "I also get discounts." Artemis full out laughed at that. Wally turned into an apartment parking garage and parked. They both got out and Wally led her to the elevator. They went right up to the seventh floor and to room 7C. Wally pulled out a key ring and opened the door. They both walked in. "Make yourself at home, I'm just going to get the takeout menus."

Artemis watched him walk off into what she guessed to be the kitchen. She hugged herself and nudged off her shoes. She walked down the hardwood hallway and into the living room. She wasn't sure what she expected, maybe something more Spartan due to his recent move, but it wasn't what she saw. The couch and easy chair were both brown and were facing a large flat screen. Selves lined the walls, most holding books or comics but a few held Flash and Kid Flash action figures. Others held pictures of Wally and a blonde man or a red headed woman. It was easy to pick out his parents, they both looked so much like him, and she guessed the other two were his aunt and uncle. She turned away from the pictures and sat down on the couch. Wally walked in holding a tall stack of take out menus. He sat next to Artemis and put them on the table.

"What do you want? I have Chinese, Greek, Subs, Greasy-"

"Nice toys." Artemis said, looking pointedly at the shelf. Wally looked a little offended, despite the slight redness of his cheeks.

"Those are not toys. Those are limited edition, collectable action figures." Wally got up and marched over to them. He picked a Kid Flash up that looked a bit shiner than the rest. "This is the metallic Kid Flash. He was released on the one year anniversary on his first appearance."

"Sorry. You're right. They're glorified toys." Artemis smirked as Wally started to sputter. Eventually he put down his precious figure and walked back over. He sat down next to Artemis. She could tell he was physically restraining himself from arguing. Artemis laughed. "Let's get Chinese."

Wally seemed to be glad for the change of topic and he picked up the menu. "What do you want?" They decided on their own little Chinese buffet and Wally ordered while Artemis flipped through the television channels. After he hung up he came back into the living room holding some shorts and a t shirt.

"You wanna have a shower?" Artemis nodded. "First door on the left. There's towels and stuff in there. Call if you need anything." Artemis thanked him and took the clothes. She wandered down the hallway and into the bathroom. The rug was black and so was the shower curtain. The shower was in a stall in the corner and was beside the toilet. The sink was on the wall to the left of that with the towel rack.

She found some shampoo and soap under the sink. Artemis took off her shirt and very carefully wiggled out of her jeans because of her torn up knees. She took off her underwear and bra then turned on the shower. She got in and finger combed all the tangles out of her hair, then she washed it. She cleaned the dried blood off her shins then got out and dried herself off. She put on her underwear and sports bra then the shorts Wally gave her. She pulled the giant t shirt over her head. It said 'CENTRAL CITY HIGH SCHOOL' in big bold letters across the chest. Artemis used her hair tie to hold her hair in a loose side braid. She left the bathroom.

Wally was sitting on the couch, watching TV. He looked up and smiled, "Feel better?"

"Yeah, actually. Thanks."

"No problem. Let's take a look at those knees. Come on. The kitchen has better lighting." They walked into the small, clean kitchen. Wally patted the counter and opened the first aid kit he had laid out on the counter. Artemis slid onto the counter gracefully, but somewhat reluctantly. Her knees were fine.

Wally cleaned them out with some antiseptic gel. She almost flinched but stopped herself. Then he spread some ointment on them and put some bandages over them. Someone knocked at the door and Artemis stiffened. Wally must've sensed it because he said, "It's just the food. Don't worry." He tucked a stray hair behind her ear then went to go answer it. Artemis followed him to the doorway and poked her head out. She watched as Wally opened the door to reveal the delivery guy. He took the food and paid then closed the door and turned to see her peeking out the doorway.

"Got the feast." He held up the food. "C'mon we can watch a movie."

Artemis smiled, "As long as it's not a crappy romcom."

"Damn. Those are my favourite. I guess we'll just have to settle for an action movie." Wally responded. They went to the living room where they laid out all the food on the coffee table. Wally got a two liter bottle of Pepsi and two glass cups from the kitchen.

Artemis slid into the corner of the couch while Wally popped in some movie about spies. Wally sat on the other side of the couch and got through three or four containers of food before the movie ended. At around ten the movie ended and they started another one. At first glance, the movie appeared to be an action movie about ninjas but it turned out to be about a ninja girl whose ninja father wanted her to kill her ninja boyfriend because he was from a rival ninja clan.

Artemis's eyes started to drop about halfway through the movie. She wasn't sure when she actually fell sleep but she woke up to find herself being carried to the bedroom. Wally carefully tucked her into the bed and whispered goodnight. He was about to leave when she sat up.

"Wally. I'll take the couch. This is your bed." Artemis said as she yawned.

Wally shook his head. "No. I'm fine."

"Then we can just be adults about this." Artemis said stubbornly. She took one of the four pillows and put it in the middle of the bed pointedly.

Wally raised his eyebrows, "You sure?"

"Just go put on your pajamas, Baywatch." Wally listened to her and left, coming back wearing a white t shirt and red plaid pajama pants. He got in the other side of the bed and Artemis closed her eyes. She listened to his soft breathing and found herself relaxing to the sound. She was soon asleep.

Artemis shot up in bed. Her breathing was laboured and a cool sweat had settled over her body. She was shivering. It was just a dream. She heaved breaths and wiped her face. She had dreamt she hadn't gotten away. That Stone had got her.

"Just a dream, Artemis. Get a hold of yourself." She muttered to herself. But apparently she had done it louder than she thought because Wally stirred beside her.

"Artemis?"

"Go back to sleep, Wally." But he had sat up.

"What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just a dream." Artemis said. She laid back down, facing him. "See?" She forced a smile as if to prove it. "I'm fine."

Wally laid back down and scooted a bit closer to her. "Come here, Artemis." It was the middle of the night and she was tired. Who could blame her? She did as he said and moved to bury her face in his chest. He smelled like cinnamon and discreet cologne. Warmth radiated off him and soon Artemis wasn't shivering anymore. Wally wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair. He tucked some behind her ear and hugged her a little tighter.

"Go back to sleep, beautiful. Everything is fine. Everyone is safe." He whispered into her hair, "You're safe. I've got you, Artemis. Nothing's going to get you." He murmured. Between the warmth of his body, his words, and simply because it was Wally Artemis found herself slowly falling asleep again.

And my own two hands

Will comfort you tonight, tonight

Say when

And my own two arms

Will carry you tonight, tonight

When she swings, she's a heavy hitter

When she comes you'll ask her to stay

Artemis woke up and immediately panicked. The wall she could see was brown not the white of her room, the comforter that covered her was white not her grey one, and there was a distinctly human figure behind her. But it soon all came rushing back. She was in Wally's apartment. That meant that it was Wally that was pressed against her back and it was Wally that had his face tucked into her hair and it was Wally that had his arm draped across her waist. Artemis wondered briefly where the pillow that was once between them but she soon located it on the floor in front of her. Artemis found she didn't really mind it was gone and she didn't really mind that she was pretty much spooning Wally. And that freaked her out. She needed out of there. Now.

Artemis moved her arm down carefully and took Wally's wrist in her hand. She lifted it up gently and tried to move it back to him but she felt him stir. She put his wrist back down gently. Artemis froze and waited for him to fall back asleep but that didn't happen. She shut her eyes tightly.

Wally burrowed his face into her hair a little before pulling back. He very carefully lifted his arm and turned around to sit up. The bed shifted as he stood and Artemis heard him walk around the bed to her side. He pushed some hair away from her face and leaned down to gently kiss her cheek. She listened to him leave the room. Artemis counted to five in her head to be sure he was gone then opened her eyes and sat up. She let her fingers ghost her cheek where he had kissed her until she realized what she was doing and dropped her hand. She shook her head and looked around. She hadn't been able to see the room the night before because it was almost pitch black, but now there was light streaming in from the window.

The room was a little larger than Artemis's and held a light brown dresser, desk, and wardrobe. The desk was covered in clutter, much like his office desk. Books were stacked along the wall and a closet sat next to those. Artemis started to smell bacon and eggs. She pushed the covers off and stepped onto the carpeted floor. She wandered to the kitchen to find Wally standing in front of the stove, making bacon and eggs in two frying pans. He turned around and saw her. He smiled.

"Morning, sleeping beauty."

"Hey. How'd you sleep?" Artemis asked as she walked towards him and leaned on the counter beside the stove.

"Pretty good actually. You?"

Artemis tilted her head and smiled. "Me too." Wally dumped the larger pan's contents onto a plate and the smaller pan's onto another. He handed the smaller portion, which was a regular human's meal size, to Artemis and kept the other one, which was about three times as big as hers.

"I don't have a table or anything. Sorry." Wally said. Artemis just shrugged and went to the living room where she sat on the couch. Wally joined her. He turned on the morning news and while she didn't admit it, Artemis was waiting for some news about Stone Eyes. To her disappointment, nothing came on.

Wally finished first and went for a shower while Artemis went back to his room and changed into her shirt. Her jeans were beyond repair so she had ended up trashing them. She'd just return Wally's shorts later. He came out of the shower in jeans and a t shirt, towel drying his hair.

"Do you wanna do something today? Go to the park or something?" He asked. Artemis shook her head.

"Sorry. I have to work at the cafe. Could you give me a ride?"

Wally nodded, "What time?"

"Nine."

Wally glanced at the clock, "If we leave now, we'll get there just in time." They left the apartment and both got in Wally's car. They rode in silence until they got there. Wally rolled to a stop outside and they looked at each other.

"Thanks again. For everything."

"Don't mention it, beautiful." He shifted to face her better. "Are you sure you don't want to stay at my place again tonight?"

"Positive. I'll be fine." Artemis told him. "I have to go. I'm gonna be late." She sent him another smile then climbed out of the car. No sooner had she stepped onto the curb had Wally called her name. She turned around and he was just standing there, looking at her. She wasn't sure how he got there so fast but there was this look in his eyes that halted the words in her throat. He took a step towards her.

"I've been wanting to do this since I first met you." Was all he said before he closed the gap between them. He held her face between his hands and smashed his lips against hers. It took Artemis a full five seconds to realize what was happening. Then it took her another five seconds to realize she wasn't totally freaked out about it. That she...liked it. Artemis put her hands on his shoulders and let him deepen the kiss. He smelled like cinnamon and tasted like spearmint tooth paste. His hands slid down to her waist and hers went to his hair. When they finally broke apart, Artemis's face felt flushed and she was breathing heavily. Wally was too. He leaned his forehead on hers.

"Wow."

Artemis couldn't resist. "Did I finally leave the infamous Wallman lost for words?"

"If talking less meant I get to do that more then I wouldn't mind." Artemis slapped his arm.

"I have to get to work."

"Me too. I'll call later, okay?" Artemis nodded and pulled her forehead back from his. Wally snuck another peck on her lips. She couldn't fight back her smile and turned to walk towards the building but turned around. Wally had this dazed look on his face and he was watching her. Artemis smiled at him and strode into the cafe.

She worked in a bit of a daze for the rest of the day. Between the crazed murderer after her and the out of nowhere make out session with Wally, her thoughts were pretty crowded. Her shift finally ended at six and she ditched her apron.

She walked outside and saw Dick's car parked out front. The window rolled down to reveal Zatanna. "Want a ride?" She smiled. Artemis returned it then got into the back seat.

"How're you Artemis?" Dick asked from the driver's seat, glancing in the mirror at her.

"I'm good."

"Are you sure?" Zatanna asked. Artemis nodded. They reached the house and Dick parked out front. He followed them in and did a walkthrough of the apartment. Artemis looked around. Nothing seemed to be out of place. Except of course, the broken window and missing shower rod.

Dick came back, "Well, it looks clear. Nothing out of the ordinary. Still, if anything happens. And I mean anything. You call me, okay?" Zatanna and Artemis nodded. "Always check the peephole and keep the doors and windows locked. Don't leave the building if you can. Be careful." Dick kissed both girls on the cheek then left.

The girls went and sat on the couch. They turned on the television and watched it for a while.

"I'm sorry for all this," Artemis blurted halfway through the program.

Zatanna looked at her. "Don't you dare apologize, Artemis. This isn't your fault." Zatanna leaned on Artemis and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. "Don't feel bad or anything, okay?" Zatanna unwrapped her arms. Artemis nodded. "I want to hear about what happened last night. I want every detail from when you were chased to this morning. Go."

Artemis sighed. She really wanted to, but she couldn't lie to her best friend. She told her everything. Zatanna's jaw dropped when she got to their...sleeping arrangements and it stayed there until she got to the kiss.

"So...did you like it?" Zatanna asked, eyes wide and grinning hugely.

Artemis looked at the wall, "Yes." Zatanna jumped up and did a little dance. "Zee! Zee! Stop it! Zee!"

Zatanna sat down again. "So...what now?"

"He said he was going to call me tonight."

Zatanna fell back onto the back of the couch. She sighed happily, "This is wonderful. Artemis has a love life. It sounds even better out loud!"

Artemis felt her face heat up even more, "Shut up, Zee!" The phone rang and Artemis jumped up to get it. It was Josh from the front desk. Josh had been their night guy for a few months now. He didn't really talk much, but he was nice enough.

"What's up, Josh?"

"There's- there's a package here for you."

"A package? Who from?"

"Don't know, some red head. Are you coming?"

"Yeah, I'll come down. Josh, are you okay?"

"Fine. I'm fine. Totally fine. Just come get your package."

"Okay. I'll be right down." Artemis hung up the phone.

"What was that about?" Zatanna asked.

"There's a package for me downstairs. It's weird, Josh sounded nervous."
"Josh is always nervous. He's just terrified of people that aren't his mother. Who's it from?"

"You're probably right. Some red head he said. I'd better go get it," Artemis said.

"Some red head?" Zatanna said excitedly. Artemis ignored her as she slipped on her runners and left the room. She took the elevator and pushed the lobby button. It groaned in protest, but Artemis ignored it for the most part. The doors dinged open and Artemis walked out.

"So, Josh, what-" She stopped in her tracks. Josh was standing behind the desk as usual, but he wasn't alone as he usually was. Stone stood with him, holding a gun to his ear. "Let him go. He's just a kid."

"Come with me."

"Let him go and we'll see." Stone let go of Josh. Then he pistol whipped him. The nineteen year old fell to the ground, unconscious. Artemis counted six goons out of the corner of her eye. She could probably take them all. She'd just have to plan out her attack carefully. "Some red head, huh?"

"Yes, I saw you with him this morning. I sincerely hoped it was your brother until you kissed him."

"So sorry to disappoint." Artemis snapped. "If you want me, then why don't you come and get me. Or are you afraid to take on a little girl?"

"Of course we aren't. But you see, you have this nasty habit of beating up my thugs." He sighed, "It's so hard to find good hired help these days."

"So what are you going about it?" But Artemis got her answer when someone grabbed her from behind. A cloth was forced over her mouth. Her eyes started to burn and the smell of some kind of chemical assaulted her nose. Artemis tried to struggle against it but she could feel her consciousness slipping away. Her fight became weaker and weaker until everything went black.

And you can't tell

I'm scared as hell

Cause I can't get you on the telephone