Just a short chapter with one-shots. Like always, I don't own Young Justice, only my Oc.

Odd Situations

Mount Justice, Happy Harbor, RI| 15:00 ECT, August 11th, 2010

It's been three days since her official start on the team, and since then, the blonde has had some time figuring out her teammates. Some are new to this line of work, while others have been doing this for years. Artemis is in the middle, knowing how to fight but new to being a hero. Still, after her encounter with Cheshire and Red Arrow, the teen wanted to ensure her status on the team; however, it seems the team has different ideas.

From what she's heard from M'gann, the team started off to a rocky start, and it isn't until recently that they've begun to come into their own. Team bonding was once deemed meaningless and is now something everyone pushes for, which is how the team learned tidbits about Artemis over the past few days. In return, she's learned about all of them to an extent.

There are three aliens on the team, but only two have been born off-world, as Superboy was born in a pod. Aqualad was once in the military for Atlantis. Robin isn't allowed to share his real name. Wally needs to constantly eat to maintain his high metabolism. M'gann loves the color pink. Superboy doesn't have a name yet. Alizeh is afraid of water. Kaldur still sleeps in a pool while living in the surface world. Robin is technically the youngest in the group. Wally is a genius when it comes to all things science. M'gann and Kaldur are susceptible to fire. Alizeh is immune to telepathy... or so it seems. Robin reinvents words all the time. Superboy hates monkeys. Wally wants to become a forensic analyst.

Most of what Artemis learns is fine, but the one thing she finds strange is Wally's habit. Through the grapevine, Artemis learned about the near disaster between Psycho-Pirate and War Hawk some time ago. The encounter opened many questions, and to help the female, Alizeh took up cross-fit to alleviate the stress Psycho-Pirate proved she had. The entire team is aware if the older female is in the gym, then it's best to leave her be. M'gann never goes near the gym, Robin and Kaldur join Alizeh at times, and Superboy has only recently decided to join the female. That's fine, but what bothers Artemis is Wally. More than once, she's seen the redhead following Alizeh to the gym to only sit and stare at her. He never even speaks to her while she exercises, but he'll hold a water bottle and towel until the female is ready to call it quits. In all honesty, Artemis finds it creepy and pathetic. Creepy because he gawks at the alien and pathetic for the poor excuse of an attempt to gain Alizeh's favor. Still, it's not her place to speak about it, and if Alizeh doesn't say anything, neither will Artemis. At least, that was the plan.

It started with a simple conversation with M'gann about what TV shows she should try next. Knowing that the green alien favored the 90s, she offered her list of feel-good TV shows. Then came Wally spouting flirtatious nonsense, per usual, and that wouldn't have ticked Artemis off if she hadn't just seen the boy gawking at War Hawk. The comment left her mouth before she could stop herself.

"Pig."

"What was that, Artemis?" M'gann asked, not hearing what her friend had said, but it didn't matter because Wally had. The shock on his face is a testament to that, but the lack of speech is bothering Artemis the most.

"Nothing," she replied as she walked away from the duo, but in a matter of seconds, the 15-year-old was swept off her feet by the speedster into another part of the cave before being gently placed back on her feet. Before she can utter a word, Wally is speaking.

"What's your problem?"

"Nothing," she groans, annoyed that another fight is about to commence between the two. Trying to walk away, Artemis realizes she won't get far as Wally moves to stand in her way. "I'm not in the mood-"

"Well, guess what; neither am I. I haven't done anything to you but you seem happy enough to whisper insults for no freaking reason!"

"...I have a reason..."

"Huh? What was that?"

"Oh, now you can't hear me?"

"Just spit it out already!"

"You're a pig! A creep! What more do you want me to say? You constantly harass M'gann about dates, but whenever Alizeh is around, you do nothing except gawk at her!"

"That's rich coming from you, of all people. Didn't you make a comment toward SB on your first mission?"

"I-"

"So a girl can say something, but a guy is automatically a pig," Wally continues as Artemis falters. "Yes, I flirt a lot, but I never do it to the point where I'm harassing a female. As for Alizeh, I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't flirted with Alizeh since July!"

"Wow, that seems like years ago," Artemis replied sarcastically. "Gee, it's almost as if a whole lifetime has passed."

"Haha, you're hilarious."

"Just proving my point."

"What point! I still have no idea what you mean when you say I gawk at Alizeh!"

"Ugh! At the gym, Wally!"

"Huh?"

"Every time she goes to the gym to work out, you follow her inside to stare at her. What? Alizeh isn't entitled to a moment to herself? She needs to destress, not have some creep look at her!" As Artemis went on, the less confident she felt about her argument. At first, Wally seemed upset, but after a while, he seemed to understand something Artemis hadn't. This bothers the blonde since it feels like she's in the wrong rather than the right. "Stop looking at me like that?!"

"Thank you, Artemis."

"What," the last thing she expects is gratitude from the male, but it's what he's giving her regardless. "Why are you saying thank you."

"Because you're sticking up for Alizeh," he answers softly. "I don't know if you're doing this because she stuck up for you against Red, if it's because you genuinely like her, or girl code, but I appreciate it."

"I-I"

"You don't have to say the reason, and while I am grateful you care, you are wrong about me."

"How am I wrong?"

"Yes, at one point, I did like War Hawk, but that wasn't anything serious. That mostly started because I know Red Arrow has a crush on her and flirting with Alizeh ticked him off."

"He does?"

"Yup, it's kind of obvious, but that isn't the point," Wally quickly waves away before becoming serious again. "You've heard of what happened against Psycho-Pirate, right."

"Yeah... kind of."

"He has the Medusa Mask, which drains the opponent and can overwhelm the victim with their fears and insecurities. We didn't think it would affect War since mental abilities don't work on her, but we have a theory of why it did that day. Her mind was opened because of the mind link making her vulnerable to attacks. Just like us, she fell. Unlike us, she continued to fight in that state without knowing what she was doing. I broke free from it somehow, but the rest hadn't. I saw the entire fight, and it wasn't pretty. I tried to stop her, but I couldn't, and soon enough, Psycho-Pirate was covered in his own blood. Since he couldn't concentrate, the team, minus Alizeh, finally broke free from his power, but Alizeh kept choking him. Kaldur had to step in to stop her."

"I heard it was bad, but I didn't know it was that bad," Artemis whispered before shaking her head at the speedster. "That still doesn't explain what it has to do with you."

"Have you ever admired someone?"

"...What?"

"Well, have you?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"No, not I guess so, but actually admired a single person."

"No, I haven't."

"I wasn't chosen to be a protege like War, Robin, Red Arrow, and Aqualad. I basically forced the choice on Flash because I wanted to be a hero that badly. In the end, I got my wish, but it still bothers me that I'm not wanted," Wally quietly explained to the female. "I don't know when it started, but I lost a bit of respect for Flash one day. He's still my mentor, but he isn't the idol-, he isn't my idol anymore." There was a pause after Wally admitted that fact as if it wasn't something he was supposed to mention, but he did. Almost immediately afterward, the redhead relaxed for the first time since their conversation started, and Artemis could only guess this was something eating away at Wally for some time. After another moment, Wally continued, "I met War Hawk in 2008, a couple of months after I became Kid Flash. It was one of the few times most of the proteges were together for an assignment. I had already met the others, and for the most part, I did my best not to feel intimidated by them. Their experience, their strength, or their combat abilities... War hadn't met anyone at that point. The Leaguers, yeah, but not us. Heh, you know that crazy part about that is how she walked into the meeting as if she owned the place. No arrogance, just confidence. She wasn't someone the others could push down, and she called out anyone if she caught a whiff of their crap. War... she gave me a chance to feel calm. Like I had nothing to prove when compared to Robin and Speedy or later on Aqualad."

"She became your role model," Artemis said in understanding. "Alizeh inspired you."

"When she fought Psycho-Pirate, it was the first time I saw that confidence waiver. She looked lost... Scared and confused. It wasn't War Hawk, but someone else," Wally muttered, clenching his fist. "Don't get me wrong, I know we all reach our breaking point at some moment in our life; we aren't perfect, but I still can't get that picture of her out of my head. The League looks to Superman for hope, Wonder Woman for Strength, and Batman for stability, but I look at War Hawk. So, ever since that mission, I join her at the gym."

"You want to convince yourself she's still the War Hawk, you know."

Bowing his head, Wally nods at the other teen. "I know it isn't realistic, but I placed my goals on Alizeh. She's like a sister to me, and I don't think I'm ready to lose her like that or in any way."

"I don't think you have to worry about that," Artemis adds as she places a hand on Wally. "And I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions."

"It's okay," Wally adds with a small smile before it turns into a grimace. "But don't tell anyone about this, okay?"

"Okay."

The Talk

Central City, MO| 11:52 am CST, August 17th, 2010

It had taken more convincing than the three teens thought possible, but they finally managed to get the two to meet. It's been a month since the argument between Alizeh and Roy. Since then, the two haven't spoken (not counting the Shadow's mission), and the remaining boys thought it was time to get the two teens to talk. Still, it seemed at every turn; there was a problem. First, Alizeh refused to meet the redhead after the blatant disrespect he's showcased time and time again. Kaldur tried to reason with the Thanagarian, but even that didn't sway the Hawk to meet with the archer. It took nearly a week to persuade her to at least give Roy another chance, but the trio was successful. The only catch is the three would have to be present for the talk since they felt the need to enact it. They agreed, but Roy dropped out once he caught wind of the new development. After promising to stay out of the conversation, the 18-year-old approved going forward with the meeting. The next problem was where to meet. If the Hawks or Green Lantern knew about the meet-up (mostly Green Lantern), they would stop it before the two could even get a word in. Wonder Woman and Black Canary would tell Hawkwoman so their cities were off limits. Green Arrow is afraid of the Hawks and GL, so that knocks out Star City, and Gotham is not the place to have conversations. The only choice was to head to Central City and hope the Flash doesn't see the exchange and snitch.

As the five of them sit at a picnic table at the park, the atmosphere grows tense with anticipation. For nearly five minutes, nothing has happened, and Wally is growing irritated by it; however, because of their promise to Roy, he can't butt in. Instead, the younger redhead can only resign to waiting patiently for someone to speak. Thankfully, after another agonizing moment of silence, Alizeh breaks the tense atmosphere.

"This is ridiculous," she groans as she looks at her older friend. "Roy, what is wrong with you recently? From your outburst to your outlandish behavior, I can hardly believe this is the same guy I've been friends with for years."

"You're not innocent either, Alizeh."

"But I didn't seek out this fight, you did. Why? I have no clue. Roy, why are you treating not just me; but all of us like this?"

"I'm not doing anything!"

"Don't act like you've been the perfect friend 'cause you're far from it. Ignoring Kal, lashing out at me, and your snide remarks to the dweebs-"

"Hey!" The pair in question snap, but it goes unnoticed as Alizeh continues to speak.

"- That's not what friends do."

Rather than answer the Thangarian, the archer chooses to scowl and look away from her. Seeing as the conversation isn't making any headway, Alizeh stands to leave, but the moment she does, Roy grabs her wrist. The once-tense atmosphere dials to a ten as the remaining group watches the two individuals. Kaldur nearly moves to end it until Robin stops him. It takes every ounce in the Atlantean to settle down, but he does. Still, this doesn't prevent the female from slapping the archer.

While his head snaps to the right, Roy keeps his grip on Alizeh's wrist. Roy knew the female was angry, and she had every right to be, but he also couldn't let her leave yet.

"I'm sorry," Roy utters as he loosens his grip without letting go. Removing his sunglasses, the redhead looks at the female with sincerity. While it bothers him that they have an audience, Roy knows he lost the right to a private conversation with Alizeh after the childish acts he's committed. "The day at the Hall, I was frustrated because I thought GA trusted me, that I was his equal until one look from Batman made him take a step back. When you guys didn't follow me, I thought all of you were delusional, and my frustration grew. I grabbed you because I hoped you felt the same about the League, but I was wrong. When I heard about the team, it was an insult to injury. Either way, I was wrong to look down on the team, but regardless of that, I should never have treated you the way I have. I'm sorry, Alizeh." The archer said before gently letting the female go. "Plus, I promise not to grab you again unless it's with your permission."

"Yeah, the next time you do that, I'm punching you," said Alizeh, but the smirk on her face showed she had forgiven the redhead to some degree.

"Yeah, you don't have to tell me twice."

As the two sit back down, the rest of the group lets out a breath none of them knew they were holding. While this isn't a perfect fix, it's a start.

Touches

Touches are weird. Depending on how you grew up or your personal preference, touches can be seen as an invasion of personal space or the complete opposite. Primarily speaking about the team, it is obvious who likes it, who doesn't, and how each of them expresses themselves.

Superboy doesn't like touch. Physical or psychic, it's bothersome to him, and he will only allow the contact if there is no other choice.

Robin is an interesting case. He doesn't say anything out loud, but he loves physical contact. Growing up in the circus, it was nothing short of close contact and no privacy, which is a stark contrast to being Batman's protege. Bruce limits physical touch to a minimum, and while it bothered Robin at first, he got used to it eventually. Still, if someone wants to initiate physical contact, Robin will not deny them.

Artemis does not do physical touch. While her mother is making up for lost time, Artemis can only allow so much until it unnerves her. Sportsmaster wasn't the most loving father, and the only time he allowed contact was for training sessions and first aid, more so one than the other. Because of this, the blonde keeps everyone at arm's length.

Wally loves it. Mostly from women, but he won't mind a side hug from his male friends either. His family is hands-on, so he's never cared when those around him want to get up and personal. While he doesn't mind it, Wally is aware that others don't share his sentiment, so he's mindful of those around him and waits until he gets the all-clear.

Alizeh is odd when it comes to the subject. Thanagar is a war-like planet, meaning physical touch is often seen as an invasion of space. Only those you love can come close and initiate contact, but nothing more than that. When she came to Earth, it was different. The Stewart's taught her that, and over time, she's come to like certain types of touch. She's more open to it and has long since allowed herself to demonstrate affection. While she may not be like her mother in every aspect, Alizeh still threatens those she does not care for should they step out of line.

Kaldur is confused by the customs of the surface world. Depending on the country, someone could reciprocate or harm you because of a hug. In Atlantis, everyone is open and honest, and so is physical affection. While Kaldur will never hug a stranger, he finds it odd that he can not embrace his friends. Physical forms of connections have always been encouraged, so the lack of it on the surface world does confuse him to an extent, but he does his best to not allow it to bother him.

M'gann loves it just as much, if not more than Wally. Being a White Martian meant most forms of love and connections were out of reach for her. No one wanted her, but now on Earth, she can receive it. While some acts are preferable to others, M'gann loves the experience. Plus, nothing can beat the feeling of a hug from the ones she cares for.

Now, as a team, the group has agreed on which forms of contact are pleasant, which aren't, and what you deserve.

Hugs from M'gann are great, and everyone except for Superboy allows it. Fistbumps are common, and so are high-fives. Forehead taps are new, something that Kaldur has done by accident on more than one occasion, but no one allows the teen to apologize for it, not even the boy of steel. Hair getting ruffled is a quiet fan favorite among the boys since the one dishing them out is Alizeh. Robin pretends to get annoyed while Wally beams at the affection. Kaldur has never received this form of touch, but he assumes it's due to having short hair. Superboy surprisingly likes it. The first time it happened, Alizeh was complimenting the boy about something he had learned from Wally, and the female proceeded to gently ruffle his hair before departing. While no one said anything out loud, the tiny smile on Superboy's face was undeniable.

Everyone knows that touching Alizeh's wings is equivalent to asking for the death sentence. Unless you have express consent, no one can feel her feathers. Getting elbowed in the ribs by Artemis is not great since you're basically being told you're dumb or annoying her. Getting flicked by Robin is demeaning, and it's only happened to Wally. Now, the one thing no one likes is getting smacked upside the head by Alizeh. Everyone knows why you got hit, and it's best to stay quiet afterward unless you want to get hit again. Robin has long since created a poll to keep count of the overall hits each person has received from the Thanagarian, and the entire team minus Alizeh get weekly reminders. As follows, from least to greatest:

Kaldur'arm: 0

M'gann: 0

Artemis: 1

Robin: 32

Superboy: 105

Wally:2,999

When Alizeh did find out about the poll, everything changed.

Kaldur'arm: 1

M'gann: 1

Artemis: 2

Robin: 35 (3 hits for creating the poll)

Superboy: 106

Wally: 3,000 (and a confused apology from the Thanagarian)