Thank You all for the wonderful reviews!

I know this story is mostly a drama, but I wanted to put in chapters like this one so that you readers can get a feel for the kind of team dynamics that I have underlining this story. Also I don't want Artemis and Wally just thrown together, I wanted to write about their transistion from friendship to romance.


An hour later Artemis had everything she needed strewn about the kitchen counters. She'd never made a meal this big before but cooking was nothing new. The teen liked to think of herself as rather experienced with a kitchen, having made the meals for her father for years on end when her mother was in jail. He wasn't ever particular with what she made; which lead to Artemis finding cooking relaxing. She would use as a way to escape her father's wrath; as long as she was cooking something for him, he wouldn't bother her.

Artemis set the ovens to preheat and began preparing the meal, letting the rhythm of the process dull her mind. The meal was simple enough: chicken Alfredo (No fish because of Kaldur), roasted garlic potatoes, steamed vegetables, and Irish soda bread. She made the bread first because it took the longest to cook. The potatoes were next, with the pasta, chicken, sauce, and veggies right behind.

Artemis got so far into her cooking she hardly noticed Red Tornado coming in every once and awhile to make sure she wasn't sneaking off to train. The potatoes need turned, the bread needs to cool, how do I strain this much pasta at once?

The feat of transferring all the massive amounts of food to bowls and plates for the table became such a problem Artemis thought briefly about calling in Red Tornado to help. However her pride won out and she managed to strain the pasta through forkfuls (because there was no freaking way she would be able to lift that pot with her screwed up shoulder), get the potatoes and vegetables into bowls without spilling too much, and cut the bread into nice thick slices without too much trouble. Artemis smiled as she looked over her work; the food was all out on the table (though covered up so that it didn't get cold) and the places were set.

She thought about calling the team on her communicator to tell them dinner was ready, but decided that it was best not to disturb them while on a mission. I can just wait on the couch. Artemis reasoned, holding her palm to her mouth to quell a yawn. The archer dropped onto the couch and smiled as she sunk into the cushions, soon failing to stay awake.


Wally was so excited the mission was over. It was soooooo boring!

"Two minutes to the cave," M'gann announced to the team.

"Yes! I'm so hungry!" The speedster whined.

"Didn't you just eat something like, ten minutes ago?" Robin asked. Wally frowned.

"That doesn't even matter," He retorted. M'gann laughed.

"It is around dinnertime, I believe we are all hungry," Kaldur commented. Conner nodded in affirmation.

"Oh! I can make us dinner!" M'gann spoke up excitedly.

"That sounds awesome Megalicous!" Kid Flash grinned at her from his seat.

They landed back at the cave gently; Wally was the first one out of the Bioship. He headed to the training room first to find Artemis, but was surprised to find that she wasn't there. That's odd, I was sure she would have been training, despite what Batman said. Wally stood in the doorway pondering for a moment. Oh shit! What if she was training and reinjured herself! He panicked, speeding off to the medical bay. But the infirmary was just as empty as it was when they left…Not here either…He mused. Then he sniffed the air. Oh my god… Wally froze, convinced he was hallucinating. What is that magnificent scent?

Wally sped to the kitchen, following the scent of deliciousness; passing by his teammate's rooms as they changed out of their costumes and washed up. There, on the kitchen table, was a meal large enough to satisfy even his own immense stomach. And it smelled glorious. Wally skirted around the edge of the table, eyeing the food carefully; as if it might disappear if he blinked.

Convinced it wasn't going to run away, Kid Flash pulled his mask down and lifted a lid to peer at what fantastic masterpiece lied in wait for him. Chicken Alfredo…He drooled and began checking the rest of the bowls and pans. Roasted potatoes, bread, steamed vegetables…Who made all this? I hope it's for us! Wally looked around but saw no one nearby.

"Nhhggg," A soft sound floated into the air.

What was that? Wally froze. No one was going to take this glorious food away from him. He tiptoed to the couch where he thought the sound came from. There, snuggled up into a couch cushion, was Artemis; her elbow sticking out awkwardly to relieve pressure on her injured shoulder. Wally's face softened. The flour in her hair left no doubt to him who made the magnificent meal sitting on the table nearby, or why she was tired enough to have fallen asleep in plain sight. Because that was something Artemis just didn't do.

"Artemis…" Wally called quietly, not wanting to startle her. He wanted to wake her up so he could tell her how happy he was. Kindness should not go unrewarded, and this was a definite act of kindness. There's enough food on the table to feed the team AND me! That's incredible, and extremely thoughtful. She's already done enough for me by saving my ass in that warehouse. Wally mused, eyeing her sling.

"Hey, Beautiful, wake up," Wally prodded, nudging her good arm.

"Nhgnnn," She grumbled, her face turning upward as her eyes slithered open, "Wally?"

She's not fully awake yet; otherwise she would be hitting me. Wally gave her a crooked smile.

"Hey Arty, I wouldn't have woken you but as it is, you seem to have left something absolutely amazing on the kitchen table and I wanted to tell you how utterly impressed and starved I am right now," He grinned. Artemis frowned slightly. She's so cute when she's confused. Wally thought, having given up long ago on letting his mind think these terribly traitorous things. Her eyes suddenly shot open.

"Oh!" She gasped, sitting up quickly, and then wincing, "Ugh,"

"Hey now, we've got no time for you to displace your ribs again. Get yourself to that spectacular dinner table and I'll get the team," Wally smirked before running off.


Artemis was convinced she was still dreaming when she woke up to Wally complimenting her. However she remembered the meal she made and realized that she must be awake and therefore must have fallen asleep. Artemis rubbed her sore elbow. Why was I so relaxed when I woke up? Usually I attack anyone that wakes me up, not to mention someone who is a foot away from my face! She thought as she made her way to the refrigerator to get a drink for dinner. I can't believe my body doesn't recognize Wally as a threat.

"Hey, so Wally wasn't lying," Robin spoke as he walked silently into the kitchen. He gave a low whistle when he saw all the food, then turned back to the archer, "How did you get all those heavy pots to the table?" He eyed her. Artemis shrugged, smirking.

"I managed,"

"Artemis this looks amazing!" M'gann gushed as she flew in, Superboy and Kaldur right behind her.

"Yes, this feast looks very impressive," Kaldur added, "I never took you as the type to cook,"

"Yeah where did you learn to cook?" Wally asked as he appeared, dressed in civilian clothes this time.

"I lived alone with my father for a lot of my life; and he doesn't cook," Artemis explained simply. The team grew quiet at the mention of Sportsmaster. Artemis bit her lip, almost wishing she hadn't brought it up, "Well, let's eat," She gestured to the table. Smiles went around as the team sat and the lids came off of the pots, the steam and smell of the food overwhelming the air.

"I'm in heaven…" Wally mumbled, reaching for the pasta fork in the chicken Alfredo.

"Leave some for the rest of us," Conner grunted, eyeing the mountain of pasta making its way to Wally's plate.

"Don't worry about it," Artemis waved it off, "I calculated how much Kid Mouthful eats in a meal and made enough so that we can all have some,"

"That's very thoughtful of you," Kaldur commented as he took a spoonful of veggies. Artemis bit her lip.

"I just didn't want to hear him whining that he was still hungry," She spoke curtly, trying to save face. However Wally was having none of that and nudged her elbow (because he was sitting next to her). Artemis turned to find herself on the receiving end of knowing smirk that read 'That's totally not why'. She rolled her eyes but sent him back a small smile. Wally grinned and shoveled some more food in that black hole of a mouth he has.

"Artemis this bread is awesome, where'd you get it?" Robin asked as he munched.

"I didn't get it anywhere. I made it from scratch," Artemis explained. M'gann gasped.

"You can DO that!" She shrieked, the amazement glowing in her eyes. Artemis chuckled.

"Yeah," She paused, "…I can teach you, if you want," She spoke hesitantly.

"Yes!" M'gann grinned, "Oh it'll be so fun!" M'gann's joy spread around the table as a few laughs sounded.

"So how was the mission?" Artemis asked.

"Boring," Conner spoke, his tone reflecting the word.

"Yeah, you totally could have come," Robin said.

"Nut-uh," Wally frowned, turning to Artemis, "Making this glorious food was a much better use of your time than that lame mission," He explained, resting a hand on her shoulder. Wow, his hand is really warm. I wonder if it has to do with his high metabolism. Artemis mused; I bet he's a walking space heater. Hugging him must be like putting on a jacket…

"-ter Artemis?"

"Huh?" She let out, surprised. I can't believe I was just daydreaming about Baywatch…

"Do you know when your injuries will be better?" Kaldur asked, keeping up the conversation.

"Um, well my shoulder should be okay in about a week. But my ribs are going to take at least a month to heal," Artemis explained sullenly.

"So you can't join us again for a month?" M'gann asked sadly.

"Oh no," Artemis furrowed her eyebrows, "That's just when they'll heal. I'll be out and about in no time," As long as Bats doesn't notice…

"Wally is it safe to eat that fast?" Conner spoke up. All eyes turned to the speedster who had his mouth stuffed and another forkful of roasted potatoes on its way. He swallowed.

"But it's so good…" Wally whined. Artemis rolled her eyes. Robin cackled.

"That was the best earth meal I've had yet!" M'gann said as she noticed that everyone (but Wally) had stopped eating.

"Yeah it was really good," Conner supplied.

"Thank you for making this," Kaldur spoke up.

"Totally asterous," Robin grinned.

"Yeah Artemis… this was the best meal… I've had in forever," Wally spoke between bites. Artemis blushed. If I'd know I'd get this much attention I wouldn't have done it. Kaldur stood up, taking his empty plate with him.

"I suggest we all help clean," He said, "Except you, Artemis," Kaldur smiled.

The rest of the team got up as well. Wally grabbed the pots with a few scraps of food still in them.

"I'll handle the leftovers," He spoke seriously whilst wielding a fork.

"Just bring me the empty pots when you're done," M'gann chirped from the sink.

Artemis went to sit on the couch nearby, watching contentedly as everyone worked. This was really nice. I guess I am glad I did it. It was almost like…like a family dinner. Because…we are a family. Artemis smiled, just letting the relaxing atmosphere soak in.


Please review and let me know what you think! Even if it's just "I like it". The more reviews I get, the more likely I am to post the next chapter sooner.

If I'm not inspired by reviews, the next chapter will be posted in a few days.

-Nexa