vigilanteshadowhuntress asked: You should write a fic where Artemis runs into her ex in a public place and he's with his fiancée. In order to make it look like she moved on she pretends she's dating Wally and they kinda end up sticking with it to keep up the ruse-just a suggestion

~o~

Watching Lian for her sister is always an opportunity to get fresh air and exercise. The two year old fusses at the library, in her apartment's gross laundry room, in her sleep, during Sesame Street, and is especially wiggly after dinner. The only time the baby stays still and quiet is when Artemis takes her for a jog in the park a few blocks from her apartment. The jogging stroller Jade brings every time she drops by (unexpectedly as always) is bulky and it's a chore getting it up and down the staircase with Lian on one hip but Artemis knows her niece really enjoys being pushed around the park and the weather is still nice so she doesn't complain.

Not that she would, really. Jade dropping Lian off at her apartment at random has become something of a welcome distraction for her, after her drawn out breakup with Cameron a year ago left her more than a little pissed at the universe. Lian is a ball of sunshine when she wants to be and Artemis could use a little more of that in her life.

Artemis leans over the stroller and makes a face at her giggling niece as she stops to catch her breath. The guy who's been lapping them ever since they arrived laps them again. The walking path around the park isn't very wide and he has to step in the grass to avoid the stroller wheels. Lian reaches for Artemis' drooping ponytail and tugs, hard. She giggles when Artemis yelps. After untangling the baby's hand from her long locks, she redoes her ponytail and survey's the park.

No. Fucking. Way.

Her eyes must be playing tricks on her, because there's no way in hell Cameron Mahkent is hand in hand with Crystal Frost walking straight towards her. Artemis curses repeatedly, in her mind of course. Lian hears enough accidental cursing at home. This is going to be so uncomfortable.

Okay, Artemis, be cool. She straightens her posture and holds the handles of the stroller tightly.Maybe he won't notice you.

"No way! Artemis? Is that you?" Cameron waves.

Of course he would. She takes a breath and looks behind her. Track-star is coming up on them again. She waves at Cameron and Crystal before she turns and sends Track-star a pleading glance. He doesn't notice. He does take notice of her when she throws her arm out and clotheslines him. He chokes a bit. She rolls her eyes. Pay more attention to where you're going, doofus.

She pats his arm, "Stop for a sec, babe."

He pulls his earbuds out and she laughs loudly, as though remembering an old joke they shared, before he can open his mouth to ask why she stopped him.

"You were going to lap us again?" She shakes her head and quickly pulls his face close to hers. She knows the others are watching.

"That's my ex. Be my boyfriend," she whispers as her lips brush against his cheek. She feels him hesitate for a moment before he nods. When she pulls back, he has a broad smile on his face.

"Well," he drawls, "Girlfriend, you should know I'm no cheap date."

Cameron and Crystal are almost upon them when she rolls her eyes.

"I'll owe you one, now please, play it up." She whispers through her teeth as the other couple greets them.

"Artemis, wow," Cameron laughs, "How funny, running into you like this."

"Yeah, pretty random," Artemis laughs uneasily, and she nods at Crystal, "Nice to see you again, Crys."

Crystal smirks, "Always a pleasure, Arty."

Ew. Artemis loses the polite smile.

Cameron breaks the tense silence, "Aren't you going to introduce your friend?"

Oh shit, I don't know his name. Artemis loops her arm in Track-star's and pulls him forward.

"Cameron, Crystal, this is my boyfriend-"

Track-star quickly extends his hand to Cameron, "Wally West. Nice to meet you."

They shake hands and for a second, the only thing Artemis can think is 'His name's really Wally?'. Luckily, Lian saves her by deciding that they've been stationary for too long, and she starts fussing in the stroller.

"We should get going," Wally mentions as he glances at her niece, "She doesn't look too happy."

Artemis could kiss him. Instead she fakes an apologetic sigh, "Kids. What are you gonna do- Sorry we can't stay and chat."

"Uh," Cameron stares at the stroller strangely as he says goodbye, "Okay, um, maybe we'll see you guys around."

"Maybe." Artemis nods and smiles as the other couple continues their walk. Hopefully not.

She lets out a sigh and gives Wally a grateful glance, "Thanks for the help."

"No problem," he shrugs, "It's not everyday I get to save a pretty damsel-in-distress."

Artemis snorts, "I'm no damsel."

"Sure looked like one a minute ago."

She smirks as she takes the brake off the stroller and quips, "I used you as a shield, doesn't that make me a knight?"

He's silent for a moment and when she starts walking, he follows (just like she knew he would).

"Go on a run with me tomorrow."

"What?" She raises a brow at him as they pick up their pace. Lian giggles when they go over some bumps.

"You totally owe me one." Wally grins as he jogs next to her. "That's my 'one'."

She debates his proposition as they round the edge of the park. He's got that wholesome midwestern charm thing going for him and she's always been a sucker for green eyes. She'll give him a chance. He's earned it.

"Alright." She agrees, "I'll be here at six. Now go away, 'boyfriend'."

"Great," Wally laughs as he speeds up, but he makes sure she can hear him when he says, "Promise I won't lap you… much."