A/N: Still Artemis POV! :) LOTSA ROBINESE ABOUND! Enjoy! xD Sorry for not updating again last week… homework has been piling on…
The rest of the day flew by in a blur. I honestly couldn't remember much of it.
Sometime after I finally stopped freaking out, M'gann and Bart arrived in the tent; we celebrated, hoorayed and even did a little victory dance together for a while. Dick left to report to Batman and hasn't returned since. Or maybe he did but I didn't bother to notice.
The one thing I was ever truly aware of was that my eyes had been glued to the canister the entire time. I had absolutely refused to let Wally out of my sight again. My rationale was afraid that once I did, he would disappear or dissolve again… like the last time. However, even though Barry assured me nothing like that would happen I just quietly whispered a protest and he left me like that.
A few came and lingered next to me, comforting words were given, promises saying everything will be okay now. But eventually they realized I really didn't need their company after I merely nodded absentmindedly in response to anything they said. I was simply content at just tearfully retracing Wally's outline repeatedly, in sheer joy I could hardly contain.
Recognized: Tigress B07
Grr, Barry had threatened to forcefully boot me out of the tent if I didn't at least go home and rest for the day.
It was only when Conner was called in to literally shake some sense into me that I noticed I had already been sitting around – at some point my legs had given away in exhaustion and Kaldur (I think?) helped me into a chair – for more than SIXTEEN hours. I was seriously shocked when they told me it is already 'tomorrow'.
Agh, my legs feels so numb. I dragged myself into the pantry hoping to hunt for some caffeine first. Combat practice is in an hour and a little exercise was in order before I crash. Besides, a work out would be nice.
The sweet aroma of coffee soon filled my nose. Someone has already made a pot. I poured a mug and cupped my freezing hands eagerly on to the pleasant warmth it provided, silently thanking whoever it was that saved me the trouble.
While sipping my coffee, I logically reconsidered my situation:
Even as much as it pains me, I know I can't spend all my time at the Arctic. Though (fortunately) my semester is finally over, I still have Team missions, two daily reports I haven't written for Batman – it's a miracle he has not hounded me for them yet, and last week I promised Kaldur to help train the newbie-s on their fighting techniques, I can't just suddenly drop out on it.
"Hey, you're back!"
I spun around; Dick was standing at the doorway smirking, seeing that he had startled me. Duh, only he and the other Bat Family can sneak up on me like that. He must have been the one that made the coffee too.
"Thanks," I motioned to the mug in my hand.
"No big," his grin grew wider. I haven't seen him this happy since… I can't even remember. His lifelong best friend/brother-in-every-way-except-blood is coming back from the dead, with the added bonus where everything is finally going smoothly. Anyone would be bursting in joy too.
"Not getting any sleep?" he asked after I didn't return the enthusiasm.
"Told Kaldur I would help the newer members improve their skills, practice in an hour," I smiled back. "Today is my second session, can't miss it. How about you?" His cheerful aura was extremely contagious.
"I'm cided about when to tell the Team about Wally."
"Cided?"
"You know, opposite of decide? Cide!" Flashing his signature beam at me. He is playing with words again. Hmm, I haven't heard those in a long time. I allowed a tiny giggle at his high spirits.
After struggling to master my emotions for the past months to stay discipline, it has been a habit to rein in all my expressions, bad or good. Sigh. It's gonna be a while before I can go back to fully feeling my emotions again… but it's a start.
I didn't want to leave him hanging, so I rummaged through my English for a good 'Robinese' comeback.
"That is so un-dictable of you to come up with more words for the occasion," I challenged. "Yea, Boy Wonder, two can play at that game."
A 'Robinese' war broke out and we started laughing till our sides hurt. But soon, the fun had to be paused when combat practice was about to begin.
As we walked into the training room, Dick gave a last one. "You can ny the fact that I'm simply the best, not to mention the original, word player ever!"
I could only roll my eyes. I was out of ammo and admittedly, his language is really better than mine. We parted ways at the entrance of the training room. He wasn't staying for practice; Blüdhaven is recently experiencing a string of theft by a duo calling themselves Double Dare. The name sounds stupid if you ask me.
As he turned a corner, I felt lighter and a notion that everything will get better. I feel so hopeful again. Then I grin cheekily, "Nightwing!" His head popped back around.
"I'm still feated!" I shouted defiantly.
Dick let out his famous cackle and gave a thumbs-up. Then he gave a puzzled look and glanced down. When he looked back, he had a surprised expression and pinched his hoodie and pointed to me. I glimpse down, and realized we were still in our civvies. I sighed, gave a nod and headed to my locker to grab a change of costume.
In the changing room, I slipped into my Tigress costume. Just a while longer, when Wally comes back, maybe we can quit the hero gig again? Or would he want to stay on? I wondered, as I pulled the mask over my face.
Combat practice session came and went. "Alright, we'll call it a day guys. Go freshen up," I announced to my five students.
"You're improving Blue. Not bad Lagoon Boy, you lasted longer this time. Great job today Static, you're getting better. Beast Boy, you might want to work on your upper body but otherwise good job." Complimenting them as they marched out and tapping their shoulders in encouragement. Bart instead, merrily skipped over.
"You're head wasn't really in the game today was it?" I asked, raising my brow. The entire time he was pretty much grinning at everyone and was so distracted he didn't even last at minute against anyone at all.
"Couldn't help it! Everything is going soooo CRASH! I can't even bring myself to clout anything," he sped talked, a smile seemingly forever etched on his face – if possible – stretched even wider.
"I know the feeling," I mused, returning a grin of my own. "You gonna go see him?"
"Yeah, right after Gramps and I drop by the Wests' home to tell them the news. Coming?"
"No, Barry won't let me till I get some rest. Maybe tomorrow," I gave a yawn; the tiredness was really starting to bug me now.
"Okay, stay traughting!"
"Nightwing got to you too didn't he?"
"Heh heh, maybe… See ya later!" He called as he zoomed off.
Recognized: Tigress B07
Home sweet home. I turned on the lights and looked around. And for the first time in four months, the place didn't seem so dreary anymore. A quiet giggle slipped out. Wally is coming back, maybe not immediately, but one day…
After a hot bath, I made a sandwich and quickly finished the reports due for Batman.
Collapsing on my bed I checked my messages. One from Dick:
B-man wants those reports. Also I'm thinking of telling the Team about Wally during weekly briefing. Okay with you?
Ugh, the hounding begins. After chewing on my lips debating should I hand the reports in now or not, I just shrugged and swiftly typed a reply:
Tell B I've already finished the reports, I'll hand it to him tomorrow. Plan is okay with me :)
I hit the send. As I laid back I whispered a silent plea, "Wally… come back soon okay?" Hope bubbled through me as my mind flew to cloud nine. A smile broke through.
I know he will…
WOW that was really fun to write. Also, I have nothing against Double Dare I just thought it was something Artemis would comment about? :/
Wonder Girl & Robin doesn't need training *wink wink*… Because Cassie has an Amazon warrior-teacher and Tim has the goddamn BATMAN! xD
Drop a review? X)
ROBINESE – I'm not sure if I used them correctly though… Oh well?
ny (deny) – admit/agree
dictable (predictable) – surprising
feated (defeated) – haven't lost