Touch

No matter how often she took her temperature, no matter the amount of times she checked and re-checked for the signs and symptoms of a concussion, she always came up with the same conclusion. She wasn't sick; she wasn't mentally ill, not even close. It was finally time to accept the facts and learn to live with her diagnosis. She liked Wally West, a lot. To say that came as a shock to her would be the understatement of the year, possibly the decade.

It had been a few months since New Year's Day, and for the first time in as long as she could remember, she was honest to god happy. Artemis was not the most experienced girl when it came to boyfriends or relationships, having only been on a handful of dates that usually ended badly for guys that didn't know how to behave. Technically Cameron Mahkent counted as her only real long term relationship, but it was more of a mutual friendship with some horribly awkward kissing and heavy petting thrown in. She cared for him, but the type you could do from a distance, a very far distance.

She had always been a natural flirt, batting her eyes and throwing out suggestive innuendos with the best of them. Most of the time it was used to her advantage to catch an enemy off guard, manipulate a target to distraction long enough to strike mercilessly when her adversaries were at their weakest, but she also knew it was a defense mechanism, used to hide the lonely insecure girl inside.

Right before she came clean about her family, everyone had noticed the change. It may have started in Biyala, but months later, the quick flirtive glances, the good natured teasing, the pranks, the hours together on the couch watching movies, the constant vigils over each other in battles and afterword in the infirmary were noticed by everyone, everyone accept the archer and the speedster. From the outside everything seemed normal to them, business as usual, but inside they both knew the truth, things had changed, and they liked it.

Since the events on the Watchtower, the two were hardly ever apart. They denied their relationship until finally confronted by the entire team and forced to admit it. When they eventually confessed, the duo were met with a series of finallys and it's about times, and of course hugs and laughter from a certain green skinned teammate and her magician-in-crime who had seen it coming all along.

Artemis quickly grew very fond of the attention and caring she received from the speedster not to mention the kisses, but one aspect of their new relationship began to make her uncomfortable. Touching. She was no prude, and the occasional copping of a feel, or roaming of hands during intense make-out sessions did not trouble her at all. It was Wally's need to hold her hand, or run his fingers through her hair, the absentminded touches or caresses of hands or legs. It began to get smothering.

It wasn't a need to mark his territory, but a gesture of something more. Artemis would be the first to acknowledge that she grew up in a house without affection, but sometimes she just needed to be left alone and given her space. She had made a few off handed comments about it several times, but none had sunk in. It was time to rip off the Band-Aid and tell him before it got any worse.

xxx

"We need to talk."

"Ok beautiful, what's on your mind?" he asked taking her hand and entwining it with his.

"This Wally," she sighed exasperatedly as she pulled her hand gently away from his. "Look you know I really like you, but this constant need to hold or touch me is driving me a little crazy."

Wally, despite his self-proclaimed Casanova reputation, was no expert in the boyfriend department either, and while being easily the smartest kid in the room at all times, he feared when it came to being her new beau, he might be failing miserably at it.

"Oh…ok," he replied slightly hurt. "I'm sorry. I thought you kinda liked it. I didn't mean to smother you; it's just I really like being with you. I thought that's what people did when they dated. We're still dating right?"

"Calm down Wall Man, everything's fine, I just needed to tell you before I snapped. I do like the touching, just not all the time ok? A girl needs her space sometimes."

"Well if I see one, I'll definitely give it to her," Wally snickered; a subtle way of deflecting any tension between them while acknowledging the message had been received loud and clear. It had stung a bit, but he cared too much about her to let it ruin what was slowly becoming a very important part of his life. He knew he was hooked. Days at school were filled with daydreams of the blonde, and team functions or trainings could not come soon enough for him. Up until a few moments ago he had always assumed she felt the same.

His uncle had always been a great sounding board, and despite the mountains of advice he gave Wally unsolicited at times, his latest sermon had really struck a chord.

"Wally you will never work harder for anything in your life then you will for a relationship with a woman. It may seem very easy, very natural at times, but you can't ever take it for granted. You always need to listen, not just to the words, but the meaning behind them. It might seem really complicated right now, but you'll know what to do when the time comes. Flash fact. Try to not worry so much kid, just have fun and enjoy it, but remember what I said."

"Done and done Uncle Barry. Thanks."

"Trust me kid, I know what I'm talking about. Your Aunt Iris can be a real handful sometimes; you know the type, the kind of person that never lets you get away with anything."

"Yep I sure do."

The next few weeks went well despite a slight awkwardness. Missions were for the most part successful, and their teamwork and chemistry during operations was flawless, but during briefings, training, or just hanging out, Artemis could tell Wally was a tad uncomfortable. When they were close she could see his hands fidgeting, fighting the urge to reach for her. Despite the awkwardness, it pulled at her heartstrings to see the speedster working so hard to make her happy. Even he had to admit that make out sessions were more intense and satisfying when they took a small break from each other, but his need to touch was never about getting lucky, it was about sharing, sharing his heart with her. And when faced with that knowledge, Artemis began to grow worried that she was pushing him away.

xxx

It was well past midnight when they arrived at the Gotham Docks. After several tips from a few low level snitches, Batman had finally gathered enough information to send the team in on a covert mission. A long rumored arms shipment was supposed to arrive in Gotham sometime in the next few days. The Dark Knight had spent weeks observing the location for its impending arrival, but his commitment to Gotham and the League finally forced him to delegate.

Wally's parents hated it when he did missions during a school week. Of all the team members, Wally was the only one with a stable, normal home life. Mary and Rudy West were loving and nurturing parents, ones that had long accepted and supported Wally's hero work, but secretly they longed for a day when he would hang up the uniform and just be Wally West - college student, or Wally West - scientist, maybe even one day Dr. Wallace West - PHD. He was definitely smart enough, but they knew they had to let him stretch his wings or risk losing him one day. Allowing him on the Team was one of the hardest decisions they ever made.

After three days, Kaldur finally had to split up the rotations, the team was over extending themselves and they needed a break. Conner, Wally, and Artemis were the ones on duty the night the shipment finally arrived. Kid Flash was the impulsive member of the team, the first to act, the last to think. However on this mission after a friendly lecture from Aqualad, he intentionally held back and kept himself under control. His observation point was near the cargo container storage area; Artemis was high above on the shipping crane, while Conner waited under the docks.

Artemis was the first notice the crates being unloaded, the Lex Corps containers with their bold lettering, easily standing out from the remaining cargo meant to camouflage them. Wally fought with himself, trying to remain in position and stationary, as Artemis stealthily made her move towards the ship. Conner, by now out of the water, was scaling the side of the vessel, climbing aboard quietly. Wally waited for the signal, the moment when the crew realized they were being assailed.

The speedster continued watching through his multi-purpose goggles, the heat signatures from the boxes assuring him this had been what they were waiting for. He switched off the infrared and turned on the telescopic when he saw the signature grey hockey mask of Sportsmaster. He tapped his communicator to warn his teammates when Artemis sprinted for her father, already aware of his arrival.

For someone as calm and calculating as the archer could be, when her father was involved, caution was thrown to the wind. They quickly began their engagement, bows and fists flying. Wally didn't need to wait any longer and thundered off the containers before kicking in the afterburners for the assist, Conner already having his hands full, fighting what seemed like the entire crew of mercenaries single handed.

Sportsmaster's fists made contact with the archer, and she quickly flipped backwards away from her father, preparing to regroup when she stumbled over one of the unconscious crew members Conner had subdued. It was all the time Lawrence Crock needed when he began amping up his mace and sprung towards her. She closed her eyes awaiting the blow when she heard the impact. Wally slammed head first into her father at a speed she could not begin to fathom. His momentum shot them both through containers and crew members, barely missing Conner, before tearing through cargo hold and settling into the bowels of the ship. Conner recovered quickly and sprinted down below to assist the speedster. That's when she heard the scream, the blood curdling scream of her boyfriend.

At that moment Conner had two choices, assist his fallen teammate or pursue the elusive Sportsmaster who was still easily within in range. It was never even close. Artemis ran towards the cargo hold when Conner emerged carrying the broken speedster.

"He took a mace directly to his knee, I think it's shattered."

Despite Conner's gentleness, Wally's bloody knee dangled lifelessly and the speedster screamed each time it jostled. It hung from his leg as if from a thread, and it took all of Artemis's willpower to ignore the bile that was forming in her throat.

The Bioship landed a half our later. The archer was forced to secure the prisoners and their stolen cargo while Conner stood guard over the fallen speedster. Wally drifted in and out of consciousness while his knee continued to bleed and swell.

Dick leaped from the ship before it even landed and ran to his best friend.

"Why is it still bleeding?" Dick asked worried,

"It's bad," Conner replied, "real bad."

Local authorities and FBI teams soon arrived, and the team quickly passed custody of the prisoners on to them and took off towards Gotham Memorial.

Within minutes they arrived on the roof and Conner carried the speedster down the stairs, while Wally desperately fought back the tears as his leg jerked agonizingly at every step.

It didn't take long for Barry to arrive, while Iris and Wally's parents were still in transit via the Zeta beams. In an unorthodox move against hospital policy, the Flash was quickly scrubbed, sterilized, and allowed in the operating room during the surgery to advise the doctors on what to expect when operating on a speedster. Twenty minutes later he emerged, pale underneath his crimson cowl.

Robin sprinted to him, passed quickly by Artemis.

"How is he?" she urgently asked.

"He's going to be fine; the knee is bad though, completely shattered. It's going to be a few more hours before they'll know more, minus any complications."

In the background the scream of the young speedster followed by a crash and some colorful profanity echoed through the operating room.

"Like that," the Flash winced.

"Why is still awake?!" Artemis demanded about to go in and shake the doctor senseless.

Robin took her by the arm to calm her. "They can't sedate him Artemis, his metabolism is too fast. He just burns through it."

Flash continued, "His healing factor kicked in, but the ligaments are trying to interlock even though his kneecap is in pieces. Your dad did a pretty thorough job," Flash glared angrily at the archer. "His ligaments and muscles keep trying to heal faster than the doctors can set the pins, so they have to keep cutting the tissue to get access to the knee."

"And they can't knock him out," Robin sadly interrupted.

"They're setting it with multiple screws, but they're still not sure he's not going to need a total knee replacement, it's just too soon to tell. It's going to take time for it to heal. Even for him."

The rest of the team walked over to get the update from the hero when a flash of red caught the corner of the scarlet speedster's eye.

"Oh shit," he quietly whispered as Iris and Mary West arrived, Rudy following behind trying to keep up with the storming women. Hell hath no fury like a West woman scorned.

"What in the hell happened!" Mary demanded, Iris standing next to her just as angry.

"Mrs. West he's ok," Robin replied as another scream permeated the hallway.

"He doesn't sound ok does he?" she growled with all of the anger of a mama bear protecting her only cub.

"Tell us what happened," Iris snapped matching the fury of her sister in law.

"Mrs. West," Artemis cleared her throat," It's my…"

"I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to him."

All eyes fell on the Flash, "Me?" he pleaded. "I just got here. I wasn't even with him."

"And why the hell not?" Iris cursed.

Rudy stepped in trying to be the voice of reason. "Honey they said he's ok, let's go find the doctor and…."

Before he could finish, both fiery redheads walked directly into the O.R. and after several loud arguments and screaming, the two women exited and stormed into the waiting room. The apologetic eyes of Rudy flashed around the speedster and his son's teammates before following his wife and sister. Barry politely excused himself before tearing out of the hospital, minutes later retuning in the civilian identity that only Robin knew.

xxx

Wally was released from the hospital four days later to his parents care back in Keystone. The cold realties of the life of crime fighters meant the team could not stop their activities, but had to remain on guard for the next mission, the next emergency.

Robin announced to everyone that he was leaving for Keystone and would be back that evening with an update. Artemis wanted desperately to go, but Robin assured her that it would be best if he went alone. What should have been a trip that took most of the day lasted barely 55 minutes.

"I swear I think Wally's mom used to be in the Navy or something, she used words I have never heard paired together in my life. She wouldn't let me see him," he sighed regrettably.

"Is he…ok?" Artemis asked.

"Yeah I think so. He tried to talk to me through the door, but between his mom screaming at me and screaming at him, it was too loud for me to hear anything he said. They took his phone, his laptop, even his iPod. He is on total communication lock down."

Artemis swallowed hard as Megan came up and hugged her earth sister, "He's going to be fine Artemis. Ok? He'll be back before you know it."

Artemis needed someone to talk to (a rarity for her). She wanted to tell Megan how crushed she was, how guilty she felt and how much she missed him, but in the end those thoughts were just too personal, too hard to share even with her caring friend, and she hated herself for that.

xxx

Batman arrived later that day for a debriefing from the fallout of the thwarted arms delivery.

"The weapons were cutting edge Lex Corp plasma rifles intended for the military, I have no doubt that Luthor himself was the one behind it, attempting to double his profits by selling them on the back market while charging a substantial replacement fee to the Pentagon. In short your mission was successful and your work was was….acceptable."

Batman was never free with the complements, but the message was clear. Megan stepped forward and asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

"When's Wally coming back?"

If it was even possible, Batman stern look became sterner.

"Kid Flash will not be returning. His parents have requested his termination from the team and we have to accept and honor their wishes. That's all I have at the moment. You're dismissed."

Everyone stood in stunned silence as Robin took off after the Dark Knight. Dick quickly caught up with Batman and stepped in front of him halting his exit.

He spoke in quiet a tone, but his anger was apparent. "Bruce when did this happen? How could you not tell me? I can understand maybe keeping it private from them, but he's my best friend."

"I was hoping his parent's would reconsider their position in time, but they're very adamant. His mother made that extremely clear in no uncertain terms. I'm sorry Dick, I really am."

He walked away leaving the young hero stunned and alone in the cavernous darkness of Mt. Justice.

xxx

The team, now with downtime, tried to get back to a normal routine, dancing around the issue of the missing speedster the best they could, but everyone remained depressed and sad, most of all the unreadable archer.

His screams haunted her. The blood, the writhing on the ground in pain, a pain she couldn't relieve. All she wanted to do was be near him. Hold his hands and comfort him. She missed him so much that her heart literally felt like it was trying to jump out of her chest, but most of all she missed his touch. It was then she finally understood his need to constantly be in contact, his need to feel skin on skin. There was never a guarantee of a tomorrow for a hero. As suffocated as she may have felt weeks ago, she felt cold and empty now. She needed to be with him, she missed his smile, his humor, his freckles, everything that made Wally special.

She was sometimes afraid of the word, but there was no denying the truth. She was in love with him. Not a crush, not an infatuation, but honest to god love. Her mom said you know it was love when it hurts all the time, even when you're happy because you never want it to end. Eventually all things do, but Artemis would be damned if this was going to be one of them.

She was sitting in her room staring at the ceiling when her phone buzzed. She picked up and saw the incoming text from Mary West. This wasn't going to be good. She opened the message and her heart began to swell.

Mary West - Hey it's me babe, my mom is in the shower and I snuck her phone out. Please do not reply to this once I say bye, I'll be in more trouble than I am now. How are you?

Artemis - How do you think I am dumbass? Sorry, I didn't mean that, I just miss you. I miss you a lot.

Mary West - Me too. More than you know.

Artemis - I doubt that. So your folks are pretty pissed huh?

Mary West - Yeah you could say that. My parents have me on total lock down. My dad drives me back and forth to school, and my mom keeps coming by during the day to make sure I'm still there. No phone, no internet, no nothing.

Artemis - How are you feeling? How's the knee?

Mary West - It hurts, but I'm finally out of the wheel chair. Crutches suck by the way.

Artemis - I know babe, I busted my femur a few years ago.

Mary West - You did or your father did?

Artemis It doesn't matter, but god help him the next time I see him. I'm so sorry Wally, this all my fault.

Mary West - Don't say that babe, don't even think it. It's his fault, not yours. You are not your family. I don't ever want to hear you say that. You have to promise me.

Mary West - Promise me!

Artemis - I promise.

Mary West - Good. Tell Rob I got the care package. My parents went over it with a fine tooth comb for electronics, but the chocolate and the comic books were awesome.

Artemis - I'll try to send you something too. Maybe I'll bake some cookies or something.

Mary West - LMAO

Mary West - Oh shit, you're serious

Artemis - Are you dissing my culinary skills there Kid Stomach?

Mary West - It's just….How do I put this nicely?

Artemis - Ya don't . I'll just send you some Nutter Butters?

Mary West - Cool. Listen I better run…ok hobble LOL

Artemis - I know, I'm really glad you texted me

Mary West. Me too. I can't stand being away from you. I think about you every minute.

Artemis - I do to Wally. I….

Artemis …..

Mary West - What?

Artemis - I love you….God that came out so lame. This is not the way I wanted to say it.

Mary West - No take backs

Mary West -Artemis I lo…..got to go!

Artemis realized his mom must have been on her way in, but she wished he had finished his text. She wanted to hear or see the words too. She'd give anything to feel his fingers touch her face right now. Artemis was a girl of action. She didn't stand on the sidelines, she was the one in the middle of the fray and it was time to put up or shut up.

xxx

Mary West was doing a complicated balancing act wheeling the two grocery carts out to her Accord hatchback. Even the most minor of shopping trips turned into a voyage when Wally and his appetite were involved. As she opened the back, one of the carts began to roll away and she quickly grabbed it, but not before one of the bags dropped out of the overloaded buggy. It was full of paper towels and cleaning supplies and Mary was thankful nothing food related had broken. Feeding a speedster was an expensive undertaking, and food could not be wasted.

A pretty young blond reached down and picked up the bag and handed it back to her.

"Thank you honey, "Mary replied when their eyes met, green on gray.

"Mrs. West, Hi..I um…I'm Artemis"

"I know."

"Everyone has gotten the stay away message, loud and clear, believe me. I think even Batman blushed at the ….colorful language you used."

Mary stood hands at her side, but a smile snuck across her face.

"Mrs. West. It's my fault Wally got hurt. If you know who I am, then you know who my dad is and where I come from. Wally says he tells you guys everything."

"Yes he does," She said curtly.

"Wally saved me for getting really messed up, and I owe him big time. I really respect what you guys have, and to be honest I'm kind of envious of it too. I wish I could have had parents like you guys, but I didn't and unfortunately I am who I am. My mom gave up the criminal life for me and she's doing the best that she can, but my dad and my sister…." her hands starting to turn into fists… "not so much."

Artemis sighed and her shoulders relaxed despite the stern look from the red head with Wally's eyes.

"Thing is Mrs. West, I uh…I.. oh for god's sakes…I love your son. I'm in love with you son…big time. He is pig headed, opinionated, sloppy, and rarely thinks before he speaks…."

Mary's brows furrowed

"….but he's wonderful, brilliant, caring, sweet, and someone like me doesn't deserve him. I just …Mrs. West I really need to see him, just one time."

Mary laughed and covered her mouth. "You and I both know it wouldn't be just one time Artemis. Come on help me load up the car and you can ride with me. I've never heard someone describe my Wally so perfectly."

"I'm going to stop while I'm ahead," the archer nervously replied.

"Good idea"

The car left the parking lot and headed West. Literally

"Mrs. West, I want you to know I'm a big fan of your colorful vernacular."

Mary burst out laughing and Artemis joined her.

"You're funny and fearless. I see why my son loves you."

Mary didn't have to turn to see the smile that beamed from the archer's face.

xxx

Wally heard the car pull into the driveway, got up and hopped over to the door without his crutches to help his mom with the groceries. He opened the door only to come face to face with the most beautiful sight he had seen in weeks.

He didn't have time to speak before the archer wrapped her arms around him and squeezed with all her might. She felt the normal 102 degree body temperature of her boyfriend's skin and melted into it. They both stood in the doorway for minutes while Mary West's heart smiled. She knew who Artemis was, and what she had done in her life before joining the team, but she was different now, and her son had helped make it happen, and anyway the West's were big believers in second chances.

The group brought the groceries in and Wally dove head first into the double stuff Oreos. Artemis and Mary both grinned in equal parts disgust and amazement when Wally looked up and realized he was covered in crumbs and chocolate. Artemis took a napkin and wiped his face clean. Wally in turn made a plate and shared one of his most favorite foods with his girlfriend. Mary smiled to herself and turned away to the pantry.

"Wally I am frying chicken tonight, Artemis would you like to stay for dinner?"

Her natural reaction was the typically respectful; Oh no I couldn't, but the joy in her heart and the smile on her boyfriend's face she had missed so much made her blurt out….

"I would love to Mrs. West, but I need to call and ask my mom."

xxx

Dinner was delicious and the entire family, Artemis included, cleaned their plates, and washed their dishes. Wally and Artemis flicked suds and bubbles at each other while Rudy and Mary laughed and joined in. Artemis could not help but stare as the husband and wife's fingers constantly sought the others out while they cleaned. Mary caught Artemis observing and smiled at the blushing archer, realizing that she and her Rudy were almost role models for a young girl who never had a chance for a loving affectionate family.

Soon the kitchen was clean and Wally and Artemis made their way out to the den. Wally hopped over to get the remote without his crutches and in stereo his mom and girlfriend fussed at him for not using them. He let out a long breath and sat down next to the archer.

They flipped through the channels before stumbling across The Wrath of Kahn and smiled collectively at their luck. Wally had found his soul mate when it came to old sci-fi movies, and Wrath of Kahn was a classic.

Mary yelled from the kitchen, "Would anyone like some ice cream?"

"Heck yeah!" Wally replied.

"No than…." Artemis attempted to say, when Wally placed his hand over her mouth.

"Shhhhh I'll eat it."

Artemis smiled. "Yes please," she grinned.

They sat together, taking turns feeding each other spoonfulls of cookie dough and chocolate mint, but more importantly they were with each other. Her hand had sought his out long ago and danced around it, exploring every inch of his fingers and palm. She rested her head on his shoulder while he snuggled into her.

Mary and Rudy peeked out from the kitchen and smiled, their hands entwined as well.

"Good looking couple huh?" Rudy half questioned, knowing full well the answer.

"Rudy grab my camera. I have a feeling we might be showing this at their wedding one day."

The flash went off and a surprised Wally groaned. "Mom! Come on. Don't do that. "

Mary remarked with an evil grin, "What are you going to do KF, super speed hobble after me?"

"Uncool mom," he frowned as Artemis snickered into her hands. "Don't you start," he scolded.

Mary walked back out. "Your dad and I are heading upstairs, but Artemis I need you to call your mother."

"Yes mam?" she replied quizzically. "Uh what do you want me to say?"

"I want to talk to her and see if she'd mind if you stayed the night…in separate beds of course. It's late and I don't want my son's girlfriend walking the streets of Central no matter how good a superhero she is."

Artemis smiled in pride and happiness as she pulled out her phone and made the call.

Minutes later a giddy but quickly composed archer sat back down next to her boyfriend. "Your parents are pretty awesome."

"Yeah they kind of are. Mom even called Barry to say she was sorry for the way she snapped at him, you know us redheads and our temper issues."

His finger traced down her jaw line as he sat entranced by her beautiful Asian features. She bit her lip as the sensation sent goose bumps over her skin.

"Artemis don't say anything to anyone ok? Not even to Rob, but I think they might let me come back maybe after the summer. I know its still five months away, but it's pretty good news right?"

"It's great," she grinned and snuck a quick kiss from the speedster's lips. They both wanted more…a lot more, but they would settle for what they got right now. The two knew she was lucky to be there, and the last thing his parents needed was to see was the blonde sprawled out on top of their only son.

Artemis once again searched for Wally's hand and grasped it with both of hers.

"You remember that thing I asked you to stop doing a few weeks back?"

"Yeah," he answered sheepishly. "I think so."

"Well forget it. Forget I ever said it. This…" she raised her hands with his inside. "is the best. I see where you get it from. Don't ever stop touching me ok?"

Wally's eyebrows waggled as Artemis saw the dirty thoughts racing in his mind

"Not that way…and definitely not tonight. You and I are both on probation."

"Yeah, but I see a full pardon sometime in our future," he smiled.

They settled back into the couch and each other, as Wally turned up the volume slightly.

Several minutes went by when Artemis whispered into Wally's ear. "Wall man…you never finished that text you know.

"Yeah I know," he grinned and squeezed her tightly. His touch was all the answer she needed