December 21, 09:41 CDT
When Artemis woke up, her arms were still around him.
Her face was pressed against his cold skin, their toes touched, and one of his arms was on her hip. It was so comfortable. She wanted to stay like that all day, listening to his respiration, enjoying his touch. But Wally was still freezing, and she felt some awkward pain in her leg and also in her stomach. She knew what that meant.
She took his hand and removed it from her side. When she stood up, she looked back at him. He was so peaceful and...
Stop it. Just leave and find Iris.
Luckily, Iris was in the kitchen, making breakfast. She had jeans and a grey pullover on, her hair was in ponytail.
"Morning", Artemis said.
Iris turned. "Wow, you're already walking! I'm glad you're okay", she smiled. "I prepared a towel and some clothes for you. They are in the bathroom."
She placed some plates on the table.
"Thank you, Iris", Artemis answered, and helped her with the plates. "Can I ask you... um."
She placed her hand on her hurting stomach. It was getting worse.
"So, I was about to ask –"
"Girl problems?" she smiled kindly. Artemis nodded. Iris so understood her, not like her mother...
"Upper shelf in the bathroom. Go, get ready for breakfast."
Artemis quickly left. It was easy to find the bathroom in that house. She locked it – just to be safe – then removed her old clothes. Her costume was ripped, she has to repair it. Again.
The warm water felt good for her. She knew it was dangerous in this cold, but she also washed her hair. She let her muscles relax in the warm; it felt good for her belly, too.
The clothes she got were simple and comfortable. She got a white top, clearly from Iris, and a pair of black jeans. They were similar to her own jeans. She left her clothes at home. Why would she wear them while she goes to the cave for training? This time it sounded like a good idea. She missed her brown jacket.
She also found a large, white pajama shirt, and red shorts with a yellow lightning sign on the side. It had initials in it. WW.
Artemis almost dropped her new pajamas. Why would Iris give her Wally's clothes?
Breathe. This is not about Wally.
But for her, it was. Halfway.
She took the jeans and the top on, checked the upper shelf, and then left the bathroom.
The whole family was having breakfast. Well, the younger speedster was missing.
Iris, Barry, Rudolph and Mary were sitting at their places, and two empty chairs were waiting for Artemis and Wally. Of course, they were next to each other.
Artemis sighed and sat down.
A white-red blur seemed, as Wally ran to the bathroom. Minutes later, he was wearing his casual clothes, and took his place next to Artemis. His hair was wet. Artemis started to worry again. She wanted to touch him and make sure he's not so cold, but her courage disappeared into nowhere.
"Artemis, I almost forgot", Iris turned to her, "Your bag and your... crossbow is in the guestroom. You can move there if you don't want to –"
She looked at Wally. Barry cleaned her throat.
"Iris...", he started. "I think she'll let us know if she doesn't want to sleep... with Wally."
Artemis turned red.
Everyone looked at her, waiting for her answer. Everyone, except Wally.
"I... um..."
What to say first? Tell them that she doesn't really mind where she sleeps? Tell them that she's not sleeping with Wally?
"The guestroom is okay for me", she whispered. Iris gave her husband a sharp glance.
But Artemis didn't care with them. Her skin was still hot and red. Focus on your breakfast. Oh, c'mon, it's not that bad.
She couldn't. She just kept thinking of what Barry had said. Why would they sleep together? Why would anything happen between them? And how did she get into his room? Why didn't they put her into the guestroom at first?
And somehow, she was happy she slept there. But remembering his touch didn't help her calm down.
Later, Barry went to his little office room, and tried to reach the League. Iris was reading. Rudolph shovelled the snow outside. Artemis went to her new room, laid herself on the bed and tried not to think of anything.