Chapter Eight
Artemis really debated not going to class the next day. Finally, she decided to go to class. For one thing, she'd done the readings and wanted to talk about them. For another, it would probably give Wally the wrong impression, like she cared what he thinks of her. She tried not to focus too hard on what she was wearing, choosing just a cropped top sweater and jeans, as well as her tried and true combat boots. She hadn't been wearing them to class normally, but why not. Since her two worlds were blending anyway, Artemis figured that she could bring a little Tigress when needed. She put her hair back in its signature top knot. She'd had to shower again last night when she got home, and it was still a little damp.
Artemis walked into the kitchen to find Dick and Zatanna at the kitchen island, eating pancakes.
"Is this gonna be like an everyday thing now?" Artemis asked, pointing between them.
Dick raised an eyebrow. "Would that be so bad?"
Artemis shrugged. "No, not really. Though it would help if you'd restrict your bedroom activities to the, y'know, bedroom." Ever since Dick and Zatanna had spilled all their secrets, they'd seemed a lot more open about everything, and Artemis had walked into the house multiple times to find them making out, and often, even worse. She did not need to know Nightwing wore boxer briefs (though she did give Zatanna a high-five later about that ass. Okay, that boy could get it).
"I guess that's fair." Dick answered smugly, "But isn't that a bit hypocritical?"
Artemis, who had been reaching into the fridge for her smoothie, froze momentarily, before grabbing her cup and turning back to them. "What do you mean?" Be cool, Artemis. Not even that idiot would…
Dick held up his phone, "Just that I got a very interesting text this morning."
Artemis sprung into action, trying to grab his phone, but, seemingly anticipating her move, he threw it to Zatanna. Zatanna laughed and ran from Artemis, who desperately tried to chase her. Just as Artemis got close, she threw it to Dick, who had somehow gotten to the top of the fridge.
"Give it to me, you little monkey!" Artemis shrieked.
"Hey, Dick," Dick read, just out of her reach. "Guess who I made out with on the couch last night?"
Fuck, godddammit Kid Idiot. Artemis put her head in her hands.
"And look there's a picture, too." Dick crooned. He held the phone close to Artemis, and she snatched it from his hand. Sure enough, there was Wally, wearing her baseball cap from yesterday. He looked pretty cute in it, but still, what the fuck.
"He is dead," Artemis gritted her teeth, stalking towards the door.
"If you defile it, you bought it," Dick called after her, but she just stuck her middle finger up at him and kept walking.
Artemis got to class almost fifteen minutes early, but luckily, Wally was already there. If she hadn't been so pissed, she'd have been a little smug, especially when he held out a cup of coffee he'd brought for her.
"What is wrong with you?" she whisper-yelled, taking the seat next to him.
The eager smile dropped off his face. "What, I thought you liked coffee?"
"Not the coffee… I mean, yes, why did you bring me coffee?" Artemis blew a breath. "But why did you text Dick?"
Wally looked at her in confusion. "I wasn't supposed to text Dick?"
"Not about…this…" She gestured vaguely between them.
"What, I text Dick about everything! You don't talk to Zatanna?" Wally asked incredulously.
"No. Unlike you, Wally, I don't hook up so rarely that it's worth a banner and announcements."
Wally shook his head. "Man, Artemis, you gotta try talking more. It's really nice to have someone you can tell anything. Like you know, friends."
How is he not getting this? Artemis gritted her teeth, "Wally, I have friends. But I also respect my privacy, and I would appreciate it if you would too."
"Okay, okay," He held up his hands in surrender. "Sorry, I didn't know you were so touchy."
"I'm not touchy; I just don't need the entire League to know every time I get off." Artemis huffed, crossing her arms.
"So," Wally leaned forward, resting his arm across the back of her chair, "it is gonna happen again?"
Artemis looked at him lazily, letting her gaze slide over his lips to land on his eyes and smirked. He smiled and leaned closer, just as she turned her head back to the front and replied, "Well, after that text, it's not."
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his smile drop for the second time, just as the rest of the class started to file in.
Wally was uncharacteristically quiet in class, and Artemis could tell he was sulking from the corner of her eye. As class ended though, Professor Ruiz made sure to tell the class what a great job he did on his response, which made him sit up a little straighter, and Artemis couldn't help but feel a little proud. Well, she argued to herself, he did so well because of me.
As the class petered out, Artemis gathered her stuff and headed to the hallway. She peeked over her shoulder, finally, only to find herself a little disappointed that it seemed Wally had already left. Artemis didn't want a repeat of yesterday by any means. But it was kind of fun to piss him off. I guess he's easier to shake than I thought, she sighed. Another one bites the dust.
She walked out the door towards her next class and pulled out her phone. Should I text Zatanna? Artemis reasoned she already knew about her and Wally, maybe she'd mock him with her. That would definitely cheer her up. Artemis frowned at her phone. Do I need cheering up? It wasn't like she planned on hooking up with Wally West again, so what was the big deal if he finally got the message? She slid her phone into her back pocket and reached for the door to her next building when she felt a burst of wind and someone was holding it open for her.
"What are you doing?" Artemis was hit with instant déjà vu.
"Brought you coffee, beautiful."
"You already brought me coffee, Wally," Artemis walked past him, "and I told you not to call me that."
"Yeah, but you didn't drink it, so I got you a hot one," he argued, following her.
"Maybe I didn't drink it for a reason," she replied standing outside her classroom, her hip cocked.
"Yeah, but when you're done being mad, you'll want it, so take it." Wally handed it to her. She threw her hands up and grabbed the cup. He didn't let go automatically, but instead stepped forward. "Besides, I know you have to be tired after last night." Artemis' eyes widened, as Wally, using his super speed, planted a kiss on her check before taking off.
She stared at him as he jogged backwards down the hall for a moment, before finally choking out, "I want my hat back!"
He laughed and turned around without answering.
Two days later, and Wally was back in class, back with a coffee for Artemis.
She sighed and sat next to him. "Thank you. But Wally, really, why are you bringing me coffee?"
"You like coffee," Wally answered. It was a true testament to his maturity, he felt, that he did not add "duh."
"Yes, but why are you bringing it to me?" Artemis pressed. "I thought we agreed not to make more of what happened the other day." Wally's heart plummeted; did she really mean that? It was time to pivot.
"Okay, okay, hot beverages are a no- go." Wally put his hands up. "Just trying to be friendly."
"Friendly?" Artemis cocked her eyebrow.
"Yes, you know, like we said we would be the other night?" Wally insisted.
Artemis appeared to consider it. "Okay, friends. But no more coffee."
"Fine, fine." Wally yielded. He looked her over. God, she loved those little belly shirts, and he had to admit, so did he. He missed the shorts she used to wear a little, but her jeans were just tight enough to make it about even. And those boots. Oh, yes. Those boots had been a feature in many late-night thoughts recently.
"So, friend, do you want to watch Amazing Race later?" He asked after class, walking with her to her next class.
"Can't," she answered. "Promised a girl's night with M'gann. To make up for last week."
"Oh, really?" Wally grinned. "Pillow fights and all?"
"No, pervert, probably just movies and pizza."
"I can watch movies and pizza! Why aren't I invited?"
They reached her classroom, and Artemis gave him a cold look. "Don't worry, Wally, I won't take up too much of your precious M'gann's time. You can have her back tomorrow," she sneered.
"That's not—" Wally started to protest, but Artemis cut him off.
"Whatever, West. I'll see you around." She stomped into her classroom.
Wally just stood there for a minute, confused. What was that about?
The next morning, he joined Connor in heading back to the cave. He did feel a little better that they had kicked out Connor as well, and he and Connor had spent the night watching sports. They hadn't spent that much time together since Connor had moved to the Cave, and it was nice to get in some quality time.
"Hello ladies," Wally announced, entering the cave. "We have arrived!" When no one answered, Wally frowned.
While Connor went to drop off his stuff in his room, Wally wandered to the kitchen. There he found Artemis sitting at the kitchen island in sleep shorts and a tank top, undoing what looked like an elaborate amount of braids, frizzy and tangled.
"Woah." What happened to her?
"What are you doing here?" She scowled at him from her seat.
"Artemis, the Cave is communal space," he chided her. Hopping on the seat next to her, he asked her, "What's got your panties in a twist? Late night with Megs?" He wagged his eyebrows suggestively.
Artemis stuck her tongue out, "You know I never make jokes about you and Supey making out all night or anything."
"He's not my type." Wally shrugged. "Too many muscles." Artemis looked surprised. "What, you think you're the only one who can appreciate members of every gender? Oh, no, my friend, I couldn't deny all this to the world." Wally gestured to himself. Artemis laughed at that, and Wally felt a little thrill go down his back.
"But Superboy isn't your type?" She inquired. "I thought he was everybody's type."
Wally felt his heart sink. "I'm into the brooding, but I like them lean and mean." He gave her a smirk. "You know the type, sexy."
She frowned at him, still undoing some of her braids. "Wally, do you call all your friends 'sexy'?"
He lowered his voice, "Just the ones that have made me come in my pants, beautiful."
Wally saw her eyes spark, but before she could retort, Megan had floated in the kitchen. "Hey, Wally, you're just in time for breakfast!" She floated to the oven and pulled out cinnamon rolls.
He sped over. "Those look almost as yummy as you," he drooled.
"Thanks, Wally," Megan glanced back at Artemis, "But Artemis actually made them."
"Don't bother, M'gann." Artemis rolled her eyes. "Player Boy doesn't care."
"That's not true," Wally disagreed. "I'm always happy to have you sweeten my day." Megan's eyes widened, but Artemis looked unsatisfied.
"Oh, god, Wally, just get out of here." Artemis whined, still trying to undo her hair, "I don't have the patience to deal with you and this at the same time."
Megan bit her lip. "Sorry about that, Artemis. I thought that with your long hair and my telekinesis, it would be fun. The girls all braid each other's hair in the movies."
Artemis smiled, "M'gann it's not your fault. I shouldn't have slept with my hair in braids. It just got tangled."
Megan raised her fingers, "I could try to help get the back ones?"
"No!" Artemis exclaimed. "I mean, Wally can help. Why don't you make some eggs to go with the cinnamon rolls? We weren't planning on having the bottomless pit with us for breakfast." She jerked her head at him.
"Yeah, okay!" Megan seemed happy to have something to do. Just then Connor walked in.
"Need help, M'gann?"
"That would be great, Superboy!"
Wally moved to stand behind Artemis, but she hopped off her stool.
"This will be easier on the couch," she explained.
They headed to the living room. Wally sat sideways on the couch, and Artemis sat in front of him a few inches. He paused while he waited for her to back up. When she didn't move, he reached over and pulled her back, so she was resting between his thighs.
"Hey—"
"I can't reach your hair if you're that far away," he shrugged. She looked at him with narrow eyes before nodding and turning her head so he could unbraid her hair.
He worked silently, enjoying the feel of her hair silky through his fingers.
After a few minutes, Artemis cleared her throat. "It's weird when you're quiet."
"I thought you thought I talked too much. Didn't you call me Kid Mouth?"
"Yeah, that's why it's creepy when you're quiet. Who knows what you're thinking?"
"I wasn't thinking about anything," Wally explained.
Artemis snorted. "Well, I believe that."
"Hey! What are you thinking about then, Miss Thing?"
She squirmed, which sent uncomfortable, or maybe too comfortable, flashes through Wally's body.
"Nothing."
Wally finished undoing her braids, neither speaking, and ran his hands through her hair to search for any he missed.
Artemis closed her eyes, "Mmm, that feels nice."
Encouraged, Wally started massaging her scalp. Artemis tensed but then relaxed under his fingers. He pushed through her thick hair, in circles, and was rewarded with a small sigh of contentment.
Just then Megan floated in. "Food's ready! Oh—" She stopped and grinned, "Am I interrupting something?"
But Artemis had already stood up, breaking the spell. "Yeah, right," she scoffed. Without looking back at Wally, she walked into the kitchen.
Everyone ate breakfast, but Wally noticed that Artemis didn't make eye contact and sat on the other side of the table the whole time. After they cleaned up, she disappeared to change clothes.
When she came back, her hair was smoothed into her Tigress ponytail, and she was wearing sunglasses.
"M'gann, thanks for everything. I'm gonna go home, but let's do it again soon."
Wally zoomed over. "I'm going to class, so I'll zeta with you, Arty."
Artemis shrugged. I'm going to find out what's going on with her.
Once they reached the elevator, Artemis moved to hit the Open button, but Wally grabbed her by the wrist. Oh no you don't.
Artemis looked ready to argue, but Wally just pushed her against the closed door, holding onto her shoulders. He leaned down and kissed her, taking her lips firmly. He thought she would protest, but instead her hands just went to his hair. She tugged him forward and took control. Nibbling on his chin, she slid her hands down his chest, around his waist. Artemis ran her hands under his shirt and sucked on his neck. He whimpered a little as she scraped her teeth against him. Suddenly, he felt her sharp nails in his back and sucked in a breath. Fuck, that feels good. He pressed against his body against hers, trying to take back control, but more than that, trying to feel her fully. Just then, her hands disappeared from his back, and she flipped them, so he was leaning against the doors. Wally was reaching down to cup her face when he felt the world drop away.
Literally. One moment he was pressed against the doors, and the next, he was lying on the floor. He looked up to see Artemis' face leaning over his, a laugh on her face.
"Pretty slow for Kid Flash," she laughed. Stepping over him, she left him lying on the floor.
She really shouldn't have given into M'gann about that girls' night; she just didn't have time, but M'gann had really made her feel bad. And they'd had fun, even if the events of the evening weren't exactly what Artemis thought of when she thought of a good time. She'd rather be beating someone up or jumping off something than ever paint her nails. And M'gann wanted to talk about feelings, but that was not happening. So, she gave her braiding and nail polish and rom coms.
Now Artemis was spending most days in the library, trying to stay caught up. Classes were getting hard. Artemis hated to admit any defeat; however, some of these courses were really starting to become difficult. And she was on scholarship, so there was extra pressure. It got so bad that one night she came out to find Oliver standing outside the library when she left late.
"Hey, kid," He approached her in his impeccable slacks and turtleneck. With his dark blazer, he was going to be mistaken for a professor standing out here.
"Hey, Ollie." They walked together silently towards Artemis' apartment.
Finally, he stopped outside a local Thai place. "Let me buy you some dinner."
Artemis was suspicious but nodded. There were few people in the restaurant, and they were able to get a table in the corner. Ollie ordered for them, ordering several plates of food.
Artemis frowned. "We can't eat all of that."
"Then take the leftovers home. You could use some more meat on your bones."
Artemis rolled her eyes, but when the food came, she dug in. I guess I was hungrier than I thought.
The food was good too, spicy and full of flavor. She and Ollie chit chatted about Dinah and Queen Industries. Artemis had to admit, it was nice to relax and chill for a moment, even if she suspected that there was going to be another shoe to drop.
As they boxed up the rest of the food, Artemis decided to just bite the bullet. "I appreciate the food, Ollie, but what was this really about?"
"Can't a guy come see his mentee and fake niece?" When Artemis was quiet, he sighed. "Fine. I'm worried about you. I know that you've had a lot of adjusting to do, and I wanted to make sure you were okay."
"Where's this coming from?" Artemis asked in a tight voice.
"It's coming from me, from seeing you killing yourself and dealing with more than most people know." He hesitated. "And I'm not the only worried."
Artemis scowled. "I knew it. Batman and Nightwing don't trust me."
Ollie shook his head quickly. "This isn't about Batman and Nightwing. I got a call the other day," Artemis narrowed her eyes, "from your mom."
Oh. "My mom?"
"She said that you haven't been home in a while, and she was worried."
"Is she okay?" Artemis was concerned. She tried to make it home every week, but she had missed last week. She cursed to herself. How had she become so self-absorbed? She couldn't believe she had left her mother to fend for herself all alone for so long.
But Ollie just snorted. "Your mom? Yeah, she's fine. Dinah stopped by recently, and your mom was telling her all about her volunteer work with Vietnamese refugees. Your mom has never stopped working, but she's worried about you. She thinks you're working too hard."
Artemis rolled her eyes. "It's college, Ollie. I just want to take advantage of everything. And yeah, the classes are hard. But it's good. I can do this, Ollie."
"Hey," Ollie said gently. "I know you can. And so does your mom. You don't have to prove anything to anyone." Artemis felt some tears prick her eyes, and Ollie touched her on the shoulder. "Just take it easy on yourself, okay?"
She tried to come up with some words, but couldn't find any. Finally, she just nodded, staring at the table.
When they went outside, Ollie pushed the bags of food into her hands, and some extra cash. She tried to protest, but he waved her away. She knew better than to argue with him. Ollie had started as a mentor, but he had become an uncle, a member of the family.
"Hey, one more thing, Artemis?" She raised her eyebrows. "There's not…like a guy or girl or anyone that's distracting you?" Woah, what's this about? Oliver had been one of the first people she had told about her sexuality, but that had pretty much been the only conversation they had had about her romantic or sexual life.
"Uh, no. I'm y'know…" Artemis blushed. "Focusing on school and the team."
"Good." He nodded to himself. "Dianah thought there might be something, but… good. Keep your head in the game." Artemis couldn't help but grimace at his awkward rambling. "I mean, have fun. But not, like, too much fun. And be safe-"
"I got it, Ollie!" She wanted to cover her ears, but she settled for ending this impromptu sex talk before it got any more graphic.
Ollie seemed just as relieved to be done, and he reached down to hug her, giving her a few more bills. She didn't even argue this time, ready to just get out of there.
When Artemis got home, she felt like she had a second wind. I bet I can knock out that chemistry, and that will give me time to stop by Mom's tomorrow night. Also, she had lunch for tomorrow, and it was some really good curry.
Artemis was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't hear the TV until she walked in the living room. Sitting on the couch was Dick, Zatanna, and, of course, Wally.
Wally was feeling itchy lately. That kiss in the elevator had been a week ago, and he'd texted Artemis twice to no avail. He hadn't seen her except in class, and she had been walking with the professor to the next class both days. There had been zero time to talk (or whatever) about anything, and he just wanted to see her. He was hoping she'd be at her place when Dick and Zatanna had asked him to come by to hang out. But it had been hours with no hope. The smell of dinner was just starting to fill the apartment when he finally heard her keys in the door.
"Uh, hey." Artemis waved to the friends on the couch. She was carrying her backpack and a large brown bag that Wally knew from the local Thai restaurant down the street.
"Hey Artemis! You're just in time. I made lasagna, and it should be ready in half an hour." Zatanna explained.
"You don't want to miss it, Artemis. It's magical," Dick punned. Zatanna swiped at the back of his head, but Artemis just laughed lightly.
"Thanks, but I'm good." She held up her bag. "I had dinner with a friend."
A friend? Artemis doesn't do friends. "Yeah? Who?" Wally finally spoke.
"Just a friend." Artemis answered nonchalantly. "I'm going to put my leftovers in the fridge."
Dick and Zatanna turned back to the TV, but Wally watched her as she went to the kitchen. He paused for a moment before giving into curiosity. "I'll be right back." He muttered, jumping over the back of the couch. Artemis was examining the half full coffee pot when Wally walked in.
"Hey."
She startled at the sound of his voice. "Oh, hey."
"So, what- you don't answer texts now?"
Artemis shrugged. "Sorry, I've just been busy."
"Not too busy for dinner with a friend, apparently."
Artemis grinned. "Jealous?"
Yes, Wally wasn't going to let that be known though. Not while she was being so elusive. Wally stepped around the island. "No, just confused."
"About dinner, Wally? Or friends?" She was mocking him, but he refused to be derailed.
"No, about you."
"Gee, Wally, I always thought I was a fairly simple girl." Her voice was still playful, and it was infuriating.
"Oh, I disagree," He walked closer to her as she turned her back to him and reached up to grab a mug. He had a nice view of her ass, and he remembered the feel of her under his hands.
"Well, what about me is so confusing?" Artemis asked, turning around and pouring her coffee. Wally watched her for a moment. How does she always manage to turn this around on me?
Wally stepped in front of her as she went to grab the sugar. "You kissed me in the elevator."
"Um, I think you kissed me actually," she retorted, trying to move around him, but he refused to move.
"Whatever, same thing, fine, I kissed you. But you kissed me back!" He pointed out. "Then you just left me on the elevator, and you haven't talked to me in like a week. Are you avoiding me?" He asked accusingly.
"I'm not avoiding you, Wally, but can I please get the sugar?"
He rolled his eyes but moved out of the way. He sighed. "Then what's going on?"
"Wally, I'm busy. I have class, and the team, and Green Arrow, and I just—" she blew out a breath. For the first time, Wally noticed how tired she looked. And a little skinny.
"Hey, it's okay." He went to hug her, and he was a little surprised that she let him. "It'll be okay. You're fine." They stood there for a moment, before Artemis stepped away.
"Thanks," she grumbled. "I know it'll be fine, but thanks anyway."
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Wally teased. "Gratitude from the mighty Artemis?"
"Don't get used to it." She rolled her eyes.
"Well, are you going to hang out with us? Celebrity Hockey is on."
She looked tempted for a moment, but she shook her head. "I have a little homework left I need to get done."
"That's what Sundays are for."
"Yeah, well, I have plans tomorrow."
He frowned. "Another date?"
"Yeah," she snorted. She turned back to the counter to stir the sugar into her coffee. "A hot date with my mom."
Ah. Wally could respect that. He knew if he didn't go home at least once a week, his mom would be pissed. But he really wanted to hang out.
"Well, let me know if you need a study break." Wally suggested, tugging on her ponytail.
She swatted at his hands. "I think I'll be fine, Baywatch."
"Oh, I know you're fine," Wally answered back.
Artemis carried her mug out, shaking her head, but there was a smile on her face.
It had been an hour, and Artemis was losing her second wind. And maybe her mind. The chemistry just wasn't making sense. It was all numbers and letters and none of it added up. She was starting to feel her eyes blur and accepted that she had another day of chemistry ahead of her. Artemis had just laid her head down on the desk when there was a knock on her bedroom door.
"Yeah?" She said tiredly, not bothering to look up
The door opened, and she heard Wally's voice, "Hey, Dick and I were gonna go for ice cream. Want any?"
"No, thank you," she replied, not lifting her head.
She heard Wally's footsteps and finally raised her head to look at him, only to knock heads.
"Ow, what the hell were you doing?!" Artemis asked, rubbing her head.
"I wanted to make sure you were okay! You looked sick or hurt or something." Wally also rubbed him forehead.
"Well, now I'm hurt!" Artemis stood up and walked out of the bedroom.
"And what about me?" Wally followed her.
"Um, I think we know which of us has the harder head here, Speedy."
Dick and Zatanna were still in the living room as Wally and Artemis walked through. "What happened?" Zatanna cried, hovering, as Artemis and Wally marched through, holding their heads.
"Kid Weirdo here came in and basically headbutt me." Artemis scowled.
"You were the one who slammed your head into mine!" Wally exclaimed. Zatanna and Dick followed them into the kitchen. Artemis grabbed an ice pack out of the freezer and put it on her head. "Hello, what about my head?"
"Don't you have ice at your house?" Artemis glared.
"Wow, thank you Miss Congeniality." Wally grumbled, digging through the freezer.
"Oh, move." Artemis shoved him out of the way. "Here," she handed him some frozen peas.
"You need a serious upgrade to your first aid system." Wally complained. The two of them glared at each other, holding their respective ice packs to their heads.
"Well, what say you and I leave these injured warriors to nurse their wounds and go grab the ice cream?" Zatanna laughed to Dick.
"Try not to kill each other," Dick called over his shoulder, walking out of the kitchen with his arm around Zatanna. Artemis stuck out her tongue.
She padded back to her room, and when she got there, she was startled to see Wally still behind her.
"Wally, I just want to go to bed," Artemis sighed.
Wally grinned. "Well, beautiful, I thought I could buy you dinner first, but I'm an accommodating guy."
"Alone," she told him firmly.
"But seriously, are you okay?" He asked, stepping closer. "You seemed kinda stressed when I came in."
"I'm fine." She waved her hands. "I'm just not amazing at chemistry when I'm tired."
"Chemistry?!" Wally weaved around her and pushed his way into the room. Artemis followed behind and sat on the bed, putting the ice pack beside her, watching as he flipped through her book and homework at the desk. Wow, he really is a nerd. She was surprised to find that she found it more than a little endearing. After a few minutes, he jumped on the bed, bringing the work with him. "Okay, this is what's happening."
He started to explain her work to her, but Artemis just stared at him for a moment, not even taking in what he was saying.
"Hello, Artemis," he waved his hand in front of her face, "I hope you don't have a concussion." Wally got close to look at her pupils, and Artemis could count the flecks in his brilliant green eyes.
She shook her head. "Yeah, sorry," she mumbled. Artemis leaned over to check the book.
He sighed. "You can't see from there." Artemis started to move closer, but Wally just grabbed her by the back of the knees and pulled her forward, so her legs laid on top of his. He placed the book on top of her lap and began to explain the issues.
Slowly, Artemis began to actually understand what she had been doing wrong. She changed her answers, following the formulas as Wally explained them. Finally, she was finished. Artemis slammed the book shut, threw it on her desk, and laid down backwards, closing her eyes in relief. Wally laid back but propped himself up on his elbows looking at her.
"You know Artemis, I know you're like an arts major too, but you're pretty smart."
She opened one eye. "Wow, almost a compliment. I swoon, Flash boy."
He leaned over her. "Don't worry, beautiful; I'll catch you."
She considered Wally for a moment before crooking her finger at him. He leaned forward slowly, and at the last moment, Artemis brought her hand up, with the ice pack in it, and placed it on his neck.
"Yeooow!" He screamed, jumping off the bed and knocking the bag out of her hand. Artemis cracked up while he jumped around trying to reach the cold spots where ice had flung water down his back. Suddenly, he stopped. Grabbing the melting package of peas, he came at her. Oh no, Artemis recognized that face.
"No, Wally, don't" Artemis pleaded. She tried to find a way out, but he was blocking the door. She faked left, but using his speed, he still caught her when she ran right. Wally, with surprising gentleness, picked her up and threw her back onto the bed. Artemis was kicking as Wally tried to get a grip on her. "No, Wally, c'mon." She squirmed, but Wally managed to keep her in place, holding her hands with one hand, using the other to push her sweatshirt up with the pack of peas, which he held against her stomach. She gasped and squealed. "Enough, enough, we're even."
Wally leaned close over her. "Say it."
"Say what?"
"Say Kid Flash is the best hero."
Her eyes widened. "Never."
"I can't let you up until you say it."
It wasn't just that the peas were cold, but they were dripping cold condensation down her stomach. But there was no way, no way, she was gonna say that. On an impulse, she leaned up and kissed Wally.
"You play dirty," he growled, throwing the peas to the side. Quickly, he pinned both her arms with both his hands to get a better grip. "But I can play dirty too." He kissed the hollow where her ear met her throat. She licked her lips and squirmed against his hold, but he just continued kissing down her neck. He moved down to where he had pushed it up with the pack of peas. There was a large wet spot on her stomach, and that's where Wally blew slowly.
Artemis gasped and arched. "Wally."
He looked up at her and grinned. "You know what I wanna hear."
She shook her head. Bastard.
He blew for another moment before finally putting his mouth on her stomach. Warmth moved quickly throughout, starting in her center. She whimpered. He sucked and whirled his tongue over her stomach, dipping down to the top of her shorts. She pushed against his hands, but he had a tight grip, and she was having a hard time concentrating. He pulled back and seemed to consider for a moment before licking under the band of her shorts. "Okay, okay," she wriggled a little more. "Kid Flash..." She paused, and Wally nipped at her hip shuddered, but still stubbornly refused to finish. That seemed to be enough for him.
Wally let go of her hands and made to grab her shorts, but as soon as her hands were free, Artemis threw her legs over him, pushed him, and overturned him. Quickly, she took control, straddling his lap, and grinding against him. She took his mouth back, nipping and sucking at his tongue. Her hands started in his hair but quickly moved to his shirt. She pulled it up, "Off, dammit, Wally." He laughed against her mouth, but hurriedly stripped off his shirt. Damn, this boy. Artemis could now appreciate the way his smooth chest was freckled across, ending in a dark little happy trail on his muscled stomach. Wally was reaching to strip off her shirt when the door opened.
"We have ice cream—" Zatanna stood there with her mouth open. She started to laugh, "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." Behind her, she could see Dick with his phone out. She reached around Wally to grab a pillow and threw it at Dick, who easily ducked. Zatanna got the idea and closed the door.
The room was silent for a moment. Five seconds ago, Wally had been half naked with this hot spitfire, surrounded by chemistry (that was just a bonus), and now she was climbing off his lap. He tried to grab Artemis' waist, but the mood was gone, apparently. At least for her. He could easily continue, but she was standing up and grabbing his shirt. She handed it to him, and he took it back with a sigh.
Wally pulled on his t-shirt and walked towards the door. I'm gonna kill Dick. Artemis walked with him to her door and opened it up. She smiled at him in an oh well kind of way.
"Well, babe, it's been fun," he tried to joke.
"Yeah. Seriously, Wally," she put her hand on his arm, "I really do appreciate the chemistry help."
"Anytime," he flashed her a smile. "And I'm happy to tutor you whenever, especially if it ends like that." She rolled her eyes. "No, really. I think we work pretty well together. We should make, like, a standing homework date." She frowned. "No, not date," he quickly backtracked. "Homework session."
"Yeah," Artemis returned his smile. "I'd like that."
"Okay, I'll text you later. Will you answer this time?" He teased.
"Pinky promise." She held out her pinky. He took it with his, but when she went to kiss their joined hands, he jerked them down so that she kissed his lips instead. She laughed and pushed him out the door. "Geek."
"You kissed this geek," he pointed out. She made a mocking face, closing the door.
Wally practically danced into the living room, feeling good, until he noticed Zatanna and Dick standing there. They applauded him, sarcastically, Dick pretending to bow in worship.
"Oh, shut up, nothing happened," Wally complained. "Thanks to you two." He walked to the door.
Before he could leave, Zatanna stepped in front of him. "Wally, wait."
He looked at her in confusion. "What's up?"
"I just want to say… I know Artemis seems tough, but…" she hesitated, "don't mess her around, okay?"
He stepped back. Me? "Are you serious? Artemis would walk over me in her little combat boots if I ever did anything to upset her."
"Wally, I'm serious." Zatanna told him firmly. "She's had a lot going on in her life. If you hurt her…."
Wally looked at her wide-eyed. He never thought about the idea that he could hurt her. He thought about the tough Artemis, the hardcore Tigress, and he almost laughed. But clearly Zatanna was very serious, so he just swallowed his smartass comment and nodded.
"And it won't just be Artemis you'll have to deal with." She added as he walked out of the apartment, shutting the door behind him.