Look at him. With that stupid smug look on his face that should belong to an angel. With his stupid fiery red hair that was so unreal. With his stupid sea green eyes that sent shivers down a girl's spine. With his stupid freckles that begged to be kissed one by one. With his stupid physique that beckoned anyone with half a brain to run their hands down it. Look at him. Telling stupid jokes that only someone like him would think was funny!
Gah! Who was she kidding? There was something about Wally West that had her wishing she didn't care so much about her 'reputation' as a bad girl who didn't 'do' feelings. If she were more like Megan, she could be with him. But no, she'd been taught to keep her emotions at bay and people at arm's length away at all times.
So why the hell was she on a team full of people she could potentially care about?
The answer was so far beyond anything she could comprehend.
Not only the answer as to why she was here, but also the answer as to why in the hell she thought the speedster was at all attractive.
Rolling her eyes and pushing her emotions in check, she pushed away from her perch near the wall. She needed to get far away from these people as quickly as possible. Disappearing from the room without her team's notice, she slipped into her room.
She had to rid herself of these thoughts about her red headed friend. Hell, they couldn't even be considered friends! They hated each other with a passion so strong it rivaled Super Boy's feelings towards anyone, save Megan of course.
Wally and she fought about everything under the goddamn sun. If there was even a slight chance of disagreement, you could bet that Artemis Crock and Wally West would be at it with knives at each other's throats. They couldn't agree on anything. Not a damn thing. Well except the fact that they would never agree. They could always agree on that.
Wait, did that even make sense?
Groaning, she belly flopped onto her bed and buried her head in her pillow. Why was she so messed up? That green eyed idiot couldn't care less if she were alive or not. In his mind she was only one thing: the person who replaced Roy, one of his best friends.
To him she was nothing but a problem, a person to challenge him.
And that was just fine by Artemis. She was sick of feeling like this. She needed to get her head in the game and that meant staying away from that damned idiot.
Smiling to herself over her newfound determination, she flung her arm over her eyes and fell asleep.
YJ YJ YJ
Look at her. With that stupid emotionless look on her face that should belong to siren. With her stupid golden blonde hair that flowed like water. With her stupid grey blue eyes that sent jolts through a man's body. With her stupid flawless skin that beg to be caressed. With her stupid curved body that beckoned anyone with hormones to run their hands over. Look at her. Sitting against that stupid wall that only someone like her would think is nonchalant.
That is, until she left. He tried not to notice. Honest to God, he did. But when she left the room it was like something went missing from … everything. Nothing seemed right. How pathetic was he? Being into a chick that couldn't stand the sight of him?
Can you say masochist?
"Oh, Wally, you are terribly funny!" M'gann's twinkling voice chimed; bring KF out of his stupor.
"Hey, when you got it, you got it. Am I right?"
"What is it you have?" Megan's confusion was apparent.
"Oh, you know. It." There was no way to describe what he was trying to say.
"…No, I don't know. That is why I asked?"
Wally couldn't come up with any good explanations for what he was trying to convey.
Realization struck in her eyes, "Hellooo, Megan! That's one of those earth sayings isn't it? I got it now." The alien's grin was massive and contagious.
Laughter rang out amongst the circle of teenagers. It was a sort of cliché moment with them all listening to the jokes Wally was spilling in every direction. All of his friends were here. All the ones that mattered anyway.
"Yes, M'gann, that is exactly it." Kald'r's baritone voice vibrated around the circle of teenagers.
The others continued on with their merriment, but Wally couldn't concentrate to save his life. Not even on Megan. The sexy, green alien babe who had his attention wherever she was. No matter what she did or where she went, KF's eyes could be found on her.
But hell, he wasn't entirely stupid. He knew that Megan had a thing for Supey, the big oaf. Though, it gave him slight irritation that he hadn't even been able to turn her head, he had to admit that her and Super Boy did have a special bond that she'd never have with Wally.
Something he wished he could find in someone for himself.
Hah! Who was he kidding? No one would ever care for him that way. The only real 'connection' type thing he'd ever felt for a female was with Artemis. And that was only because they constantly fought and argued. And damn were they good at that.
Real good.
Too good.
Shaking his head of those ridiculous thoughts that led back to a deceitful vixen, he went to the fridge and pulled out something to sate his sweet tooth. Though, the only thing he wanted was strictly off the menu. Yes. She was definitely off the menu. Damn his appetite. Damn it.
YJ YJ YJ
Sweaty, exhausted, bloody and bruised. That's how Artemis returned to Mt. Justice after their last assignment. That and in the arms of Wally as he ran her home. She wanted nothing more than to curl up in her bed or better yet his arms and sleep it off. But she was far too angry to even think about sleeping.
No, what she wanted instead was the head of the speeding moron. Oh yes, nothing would give her more satisfaction than to be able to dismember that fool.
Both heads.
Now she remembered why she hated him. Hated the very air he breathed. Now she remembered why she despised the ground he walked on. Arrogant dipshit thought he was fast enough to cause actual damage. Fast enough to save her. Instead, all he managed to do was get her hurt and shot. Shot!
With. A. Stun. Gun.
She couldn't feel her body. Physically, she was numb. The weapon held up its reputation. There was no way she was able to move any part of her.
She was furious.
She was livid.
She was infuriated.
She was… was… something stronger than infuriated that's for sure.
Trying to talk, she quickly realized that whoever shot her must have upped the voltage. Her voice came in what could be identified as a squeak, "I'm going to kill you."
The freckled face geek looked down at her as he set her in her bed with a look of offense, "Excuse me? Kill me?" he flattened his hand against his chest, as if assuring himself that she was truly talking about him, "I saved you. Why are you going to kill me? If it weren't for me there'd be no you. So, I think maybe some thanks are in order. Not threats."
All she could do was roll her eyes. Though, she did try to make something come from her throat.
"What was that, Artie? You think I'm a big strapping hero who you want to take out in thanks?" he rounded his eyes and pressed his fingers to his lips, "aw, that is so sweet. But I'll have to pass, babe. Bitch ain't my type." With a wink, he bolted from her room.
Heat flamed her face and if she could move she would have killed him. Who the hell did he think he was? Coming in here acting as though he had done something for her. Acting as though she would ever even think about thanking him or taking him out. It was ludicrous.
And as soon as she had her mobility back she was going to show him how much of a bitch she could be. She wasn't going to be insulted with retaliation. Artemis Crock had never been the kinda girl to give in without a fight. So why should she start now?
If Wally West thought she was a bitch before, he wouldn't be expecting what was coming next…
YJ YJ YJ
Anger reared up inside his body. Selfish chick. Who did she think she was, threatening him like he had gotten her shot on purpose? It wasn't his fault, truly it wasn't. Not his fault at all that she was a classic D.I.D. Even M'gann hadn't gotten shot.
Frickin' idiot. He should have just left her there. That would have solved all their problems. No conceited asswipe who would be tearing their team apart. No blonde angel to tempt him. No new archer to replace Roy. It would have been so simple.
He smiled as he thought about the way it would have played out, "I'm sorry, Batman. I didn't get to her in time. I know I'm the fastest kid alive, but I guess I just wasn't fast enough. I'm so sorry. We'll miss her so much. She was a great part of them team. Gah! I wish I could have saved her!" Then he'd cry just for good measure. No one would be any the wiser that he just left her there.
Well, no one except Robin. His best friend always knew those kinds of things, but KF was sure in his abilities of persuasion that he could get Robin on his side of the whole thing. And it could have been forgotten.
But NO!
He just had to help her out.
Fuckin' blonde bitch.
She was so snotty. Didn't even say 'thank you'. That's all he wanted. A simple, 'hey, thanks for saving my life, Wally!' But that was so unlikely to happen.
He couldn't stand the way she was around everyone. All secretive and shit. Yeah, they were superheroes and yeah, even Robin kept his identity a secret, but damn, she just didn't let anyone in. It was slightly absurd. But hell, that was fine with him. The less he knew about her, the easier it was to hate her.
And he did.
He hated her with every molecule in his being.
The sight of her made him want to throw things. Especially if the object he threw went off course just a little and had the chance of hitting her. Oh the joy that would bring him if he caused her some kind of bodily harm. It was sick really how much happiness that thought brought him.
He was sure Artemis would have something to say to him about what happened earlier and when she came to him, he'd be ready. He was going to lay into her so badly, he could hardly wait. He was sick of her bitchin' at him at every turn.
No, this time. He wasn't going to stand for it. Wally West was anything but scared when it came to a certain blonde archer…
YJ YJ YJ
By the time Artemis could move her body, it was a little past dinner time. She dressed in her civvie clothes and left her room on a mission: seek and destroy a speeding soulless ginger.
She found him in the kitchen, big shocker there! Eating cookies, literally, right out of Megan's hand, "Wow, just when I thought you couldn't get any less pathetic. You never cease to amaze me." She crossed her arms under her bust and smirked.
Wally looked up to see the only person who could ruin his day, "I'm glad you finally notice my abilities. I was growing tired of you always staring at me. Now it can stop." He turned to face her, rage slowly growing in the pit of his stomach.
A sharp laugh escaped her throat, "God, if you could only see yourself. Truly, I wish you could. I mean, should we start calling you Rover? I had a friend who's dog's name was Rover. He used to eat out of people's hands all the time. And since you seem so fond of a certain someone, I'm sure Megan will let you be her bitch," she quirked an eyebrow at him, tauntingly.
The speedster saw red clouding his vision, "You know I'm so tired of you always belittling me. Who the hell do you think you are? No, you know what? I'll tell you who you are. A nobody. A second rate, wannabe archer who replaced Roy. The only reason you're here is because you sucked up and pulled some bullshit. Nobody wants you here. We don't need you. Go home."
"Kid Flash! Artemis! Knock it off right now!" Kald'r's command came out strictly, but neither teen listened to him.
Artemis felt something inside break. Some foreign place that she had been pushing away her whole life. She felt it break. His words tugged at her heart. At her soul. He was right. Nobody wanted her here. And she knew it. They knew it.
She was done with this.
Swallowing back offending tears that threatened to spill over, she straightened her posture and pulled her features together, "You're right, Wally. I'm not wanted. I never have been and I never will be. But I'm not leaving. I've worked too hard for my spot on this team. And I'll be damned before some ignorant child will push me away from what I've earned." She turned on her heel and KF got a mouth full of blonde locks. Methodically, she walked down the hallway to her room and closed her door with a soft snick.
He should feel overjoyed by his triumphant win. He'd gotten her to back down. He'd gotten her to retreat even. But at what cost? Did it even matter? They couldn't stand each other. Maybe there was a reason for that. So why was it that when he thought about the previous argument, he felt a knot forming in the pit of his body?
She looked hurt almost. But that was impossible. She was infallible. Nothing ever got to her. At least nothing he'd ever said to her did. But if that were true, why were there tears forming in the corners of her eyes? Whether he wanted to or not he was going to find out. Because he was damned sure she wasn't about to let this go as quickly as she led him to believe.
YJ YJ YJ
Normally, she wouldn't want to look for trouble in the middle of the night. When everybody was sleeping. But tonight, tonight was an exception. Tonight she purposely walked out her door and searched the entire building looking for one damned oaf.
And she found him.
Only he wasn't inside. Instead, she found him outside, pacing. Or what he considered pacing. A normal person would think he was training for a marathon. It was actually an amusing moment. He was scratching his head, as if in deep concentration. Words that were mumbled and were spewing from his mouth too fast left a vague impression on her.
Letting her eyes adjust to the darkness, she inched closer to him without trying to tip him off about her whereabouts. She desperately wanted to hear what he was saying. Climbing a tree, she slid down a branch and perched there while he blurred beneath her. Holding her breath, she wanted until he came closer and listened.
A few words caught her attention. "Stupid girl… stupid hair… stupid eyes… stupid body… insufferable… hard headed… arrogant… so full of herself…beautiful…brave."
Her ears perked up and jealousy flared up unwanted, who was he talking about? Why did she care? She didn't. She was just concerned that if Wally ever brought this… person to Mt. Justice things would go wrong real fast. Yeah, that was it.
"Why…she doesn't…she couldn't…she wouldn't… neither would I. Shut up, Wall-man, it ain't worth it."
The more he spoke, the more she became curious. And curiosity killed the cat.
Well, in this case, curiosity killed the archer.
And luckily, it didn't kill her, it only left sore and embarrassed beyond high hell.
The branch broke beneath her feet. One second she was above the speedster like a tigress hunting, eavesdropping. The next she was in the speedster's arms like a mother carries her child, panting.
She felt his sinewy muscles flex around her body and she yelped when she realized what was going on. She hurriedly tried to scramble out his arms, but quickly discovered he was stronger than he looked. He had a vise like grip around her.
No matter how hard she struggled to get out of the position, the tighter he squeezed, "I would appreciate it if you would let me go. Unless, of course, this is how you like it." She tried like hell to put the petulance that he hated in her voice.
He dropped her instantly and she landed on her ass with a soft thud, "That's disgusting, Artie. I wouldn't touch you willingly with a ten foot pole. You'd have better luck getting me to touch the Grinch than you." He backed away from her as though she had the plague
"Damn, couldn't you have been a little bit gentler? I'm still bruised from the last time you were around me."
His eyes grew dark, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"What do you think it means, dumbass?" Artemis rose from her position in the grass and faced him.
"Do you seriously blame me for you getting shot?" he took a step closer.
She put her hands on her hips firmly, in a 'don't-mess-with-me' fashion, "Um, yeah, I do. If you hadn't gotten in the way, I wouldn't have been shot. Plain and simple."
"You are so full of shit! I did nothing but help your ass!" he talked with his hands, crazily.
"Hah! You are so unbelievable. Do you really think I'd ever need your help?" Artemis took another step toward him.
"Baby, I don't think it. I know it." He was in her face now. Both with faces blaring with heat and tempers in an uproar.
"Arrogant dipshit!" she poked him hard in the chest.
"Conceited asswipe!" he shoved her back just a little.
"Freckled face geek!" she shoved him back just a little bit harder.
"Selfish chick!" he poked her harder in the shoulder.
"Speeding moron!" she punched him in the gut, causing him to double over.
"Blonde bitch!" he kicked the back of her leg and she fell to her knees
"Green eyed idiot!" she pushed his chest with the palms of her hands and watched him fall to the ground.
"Deceitful vixen!" he wrapped his legs around her waist and brought her to the ground.
"I HATE YOU!" The shout happened simultaneously before a full out brawl occurred.
Artemis rolled away from him before springing up. She cursed herself when she realized she didn't have her quiver or bow on her. Hell, she didn't have anything on her since she was in her civilian clothes. Goddammit! Of all the rotten luck! Calming down, she reassured herself that she was still exceptionally skilled in hand-to-hand combat as well.
But she was nowhere near as fast as the speeding shadow that was coming straight for her. She dodged it as best she could and still managed to get knocked back down. She could feel a fat bruise forming on the back of her thigh, but didn't have time to analyze it.
Wally was coming at her again, this time he seemed to be going faster.
An idea planted. The kid was terrible with stopping. She could trip him and he'd be on the ground. And grappling was one of Artemis's specialties.
Grinning like the cat that ate the canary, she stood to meet KF face to face. He was coming at break neck speed and a niggling of doubt began to eat at the back of her mind. Chill out, Artemis. What's the worst that could happen is this didn't work? She'd fall and break at least a couple of bones that was the best of what could happen if this didn't work. The worst though? It wasn't something she liked to dwell on.
She felt the air stir around her. KF was coming. Digging her feet into the ground, she stood her stance and didn't back down. Just a few more feet, Wally. Come on, come a little closer. She could just barely make out his face and saw he was smiling. He thought he won this one.
Well, she was just going to have to burst his bubble. She feigned fear as he came closer and stood immobile, only to side step last minute. She placed her right foot out in front of him and the Kid Flash went sprawling over the grass.
Artemis laughed loud and long, and the sound did something to his stomach, "You really aren't good with stopping are you?"
Flipping onto his back, Wally stared up at her, surprised when he saw her diving on him. With a fierce punch to his jaw, he spun over until he was on top of her. She squirmed beneath him and he had a sudden sense of power; of dominance.
"So, this is what it's like to be Alpha? I see why you like it so much."
A gleam flashed in her eyes, and became conscious of his crucial mistake. He admitted that she was the more dominant of the two. The strongest. The most powerful. Dammit all to hell and back.
"Yeah, it's nice. Too bad you won't know what it's like for long."
Confusion rode Wally's face just before she reached her legs up and wrapped them around his torso. She swung them back, causing him to fall backward. Leaving Artemis on top. Fuck.
She swung again at his face, but he blocked it this time, using her own momentum against her, she accidently caught herself in the jaw. "Sonofa-" her curse was cut short as she spit blood from her mouth.
Not giving her a chance to retaliate, he tried to get out from under her, but soon understood that Artemis not only had strong arms, hands and body. But also had strong legs. There was no way he was getting out of this. None whatsoever. She had her knees placed firmly on his wrists and his face was nestled between her thighs. If she were M'gann, he would have been reveling in the situation.
No, no that's not true. If she were M'gann, this wouldn't have happened in the first place. They wouldn't have been dueling out pent up anger and frustration. They wouldn't have been battling each other's strength and smarts. They would have been baking cookies or some other pastry.
No, if Artemis was anyone but herself, he would have been hating the position he was in. But because it was the blonde girl above, he was dying for more.
She leaned over him, catching her breath. Unaware that she was giving him a nice peek of the tops of her breasts as she breathed heavily.
Wally started to feel his body coming to life in a way that nothing to do with fighting.
Artemis hated the taste of blood. It was disgusting. But what wasn't disgusting was the ginger beneath her. In fact, he felt delicious between her legs. And she could only imagine what he would feel like if neither of them were wearing clothes…
Whoa! Hold on there, sex fiend. This is Wally we're talking about. You know 'I'm-so-cool-but-I'm-a-total-prick-as-well Wally. You do remember that, correct?
Of course, I do. I'm just tired is all. Yeah, tired. That's it. Tired.
But when he looked up at her with half hooded eyes, she didn't believe herself anymore.
Still breathing heavily, Wally leaned his head up and captured her lips with his. She lost all coherent thought after that.
He managed to untangle himself from her mile long legs and pinned her under him, not once breaking the kiss. He splayed his fingers on both sides of her face, not letting her take control for once. He could feel her smiling into his mouth and he slid his tongue over her bottom lip, hoping to gain entrance. And for a few seconds, he thought he was going to get rejected. Until she opened her mouth with so much ferocity he felt like she was in dire need of air and he was the only oxygen molecule around.
Wally had kissed a couple of girls before, but none of them had ever been like the kiss with Artemis. With the other girls, it started out slow, almost boring and then gradually get more… exciting? But with this spit fire it started out intense and it only grew into hunger. Not once did it seem as though he would grow tired of kissing the blonde.
Artemis lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, she plunged her fingers in to the mess of red hair and pulled at the strands whenever the desire was too much for her to control internally. She nipped at his bottom lip, ripping a moan from deep in his throat. Wanting, needing, demanding more from him. His slick tongue stroked hers. She held it between her teeth and swirled her tongue around it slowly, sensually.
Another moan erupted from the speedster's throat and Artemis felt her body reacting to his touch. He pulled his hands away from her face and encircled her back. With movements too fast for her to even think about seeing, he twisted them around.
She groaned when she felt his erection pressing heavily against her. He trailed his fingers down his back to the skin that was left exposed by her rising tank top. He traced lazy circles around the sensitive skin and shivers shot through her. She rolled her body in time with his movements.
An animalistic growl tore from Wally's throat and he sat up, making sure she stayed in his lap. He moved his lips away from her and shadowed them down her white throat. With noise that sounded vaguely like a squeak she squeezed him between her thighs.
He slowly pressed her body tighter to his. He'd never tasted anything sweeter, more satisfying than her lips on his, than her tongue dancing with his. He sucked gently. Then let it continue into he felt like he was trying to engorge upon her mouth.
Instinctively, he pressed his hips into hers and was thrilled when he felt her thrust herself against him. She grabbed at his fingers and led them to her shirt. Taking the hint, he slipped his hand under the fabric. The soft, welcoming flesh was enough to give him shivers, his fingertips dug in her hips as a thrill slithered up his spine.
He took his time walking his calloused fingers up her ribcage until he found her hardened nipple. She arched her back in response. Unable to stand it, Wally dipped his mouth to the breast that was still encased in her bra and white shirt. Her reaction came in short breathy moans and that only spurred him on.
Wanting more, he peeled away her jacket and started to pull off the tank top when she dug her nails into his skin. In a 'hey-you-should-stop-we-may-be-caught' kinda way instead of the 'ohmigawd-you're-so-sexy' way. He stilled and looked in the direction she was pointing out.
The sun was starting to rise, but that wasn't what gave Artemis pause. No, what she was staring at was another couple of people stealing kisses in the wee hours of the morning. Conner and Megan were against the wall of the training room.
And for some unfathomable reason, that was funny to them. They couldn't hold in their peals of laughter as they watched the young couple make out furiously. Wally couldn't help but ask, "Is that what we look like?"
A smile still planted on her face- she was far more beautiful when she smiled- she just shrugged, "I can only assume so. But let me say, Super Boy is much hotter than you are."
He scoffed at her, "Yeah, well, M'gann's got you beat any day of the week."
Their laughter died off into a silence so discomfited, even KF was uncomfortable. Artemis disengaged herself from him and clambered to her feet with Wally right after her and an awkward question to follow, "So, uh, what do we do now?"
A thousands question buzzed in his head, were they a couple now? Did he have to stop hating her? Did she like him? Did she like what they did? Was it, was he good enough? He didn't really want to be a couple with anyone. Fighting with her was far more fun to give up. It was clear they had a thing for each other, but did they have to be public with it all?
She looked away from him as she put her jacket back on, "Well, to be honest, I enjoyed myself. Did you?"
He nodded his head, curious as to where she was taking this.
"Okay, good. And if we were to, you know, tell the others about this, things might be… weird… around them, right?"
He nodded again.
Uncertainty clouded her eyes, "Yeah, and besides, we have so much fun fighting. So why don't we keep this to ourselves and continue it?"
A breath of relief fled from his lungs, "that sounds perfect to me… but I have another question for you. How do we sneak in without getting caught by the love birds, our fearless leader and bird boy?"
The slyest fox would have been proud of the smile that crept onto Artemis's face, "Simple."
Before Wally could ask what she meant by that, she slugged him across the jaw. Again.
"I swear you are the most annoying species of animal to ever walk this planet!" with a look of aggravation she stomped off in the other direction.
His head swimming, he searched for a proper comeback. "I'd rather be an animal than you! Animals don't lie, or cheat. They're far more honest and real than you'll ever be!" he ran back to his room, hiding his smile the entire time from the kissing couple.
YJ YJ YJ
The following few months between the archer and speeder went a little something like this…
DAY:
"Hey, strike out again? When are you gonna get it? If an alien doesn't want you, then no human will either." Artemis hummed after Wally failed at getting a girl's number.
Artemis tapped Wally on the shoulder and he turned quickly, "Oh, sorry, backstabber, didn't see you there." Wally turned back to his companion, "Hey, Robin, can you check my back, I'd like to know if there's a knife buried back there."
NIGHT:
"Oh, oh, God, Wally that feels amazing! Ahh, please, more!" Artemis writhed beneath Wally's body, begging.
"Artemis, c'mon, quite teasing. I need it. I need it. God, I need it!" he stretched his arm up trying to reach the gaming controller from the archer who sat on one the corner shelves.
DAY:
"Hey, Artie, wanna come chill out with us in the park… oh wait, never mind I forgot, little kids hate you. What do you they're scared of most about you? You're hair or your face?" he flipped his hand between the two features in question.
"Damn, Robin, look at that girl." She pointed out a girl with ethereal green eyes and bright red hair. "She's hot, you should totally go talk to her." She grabbed the back of Wally's shirt as he tried to go after the chick, "Tsk, tsk, not you Wally. That one-over there- no not that one. Yeah, that one." She pointed out a man throwing a garbage can into his truck, "She's your type. Oh, don't look so offended. I saw the garbage man checking you out a lot earlier."
NIGHT:
"So, Wally, what do you want to do with your life? I mean do you want to continue doing superheroism?" she laid snuggled up into his side, after spending the night under the covers.
"Babe, are you sure you want do this? I don't want you to do anything you're not ready for." Wally placed his hands on Artemis's jaw as she kneeled before him.
Almost three months passed before Artemis's thoughts about them turned serious. What if, just what if they could be something more?
