in which we share secrets like atoms share electrons
or
in which Rudolph meets Rapunzel
"Physics?"
"Chemistry," Artemis moans, slamming down a much-abused textbook.
"Ions," Wally observes, green eyes intelligent. "Easy. I'll be a positive ion," he says, handing her an apple. "Here's an electron."
The spitfire takes a bite while he continues, "Now you're a negative ion. Ionic bonding in action."
"That simple?"
In a told-you-so way, the speedster chuckles. "Covalent bonding is too. Like this."
They take a bite together, locking gazes.
"Sharing electrons. Right?"
"Outermost electrons, yeah," Wally confirms.
Artemis moans again. "I don't get electronic configuration." Slumping on the desk, she massages her head.
"It's sort of..." he hesitates a moment before continuing, "like an identity. What others see of you, which affects the way you interact with them."
She mumbles, "So much for secret I.D."
And again, Wally hesitates.
"Wallace Rudolph West. Laugh, go on."
She's quiet, dangerously quiet.
Then: "Artemis." She doesn't volunteer her surname. "You've known all along, really."
(A translation for the unsuspecting observer: you've always known who I am.)
Wally nods, silently agreeing. But Artemis is still, and after a moment leans forward to hug him, so he doesn't have to see her tears.
He can see, however, that something has changed.
Inspired by the Periodic Table. No, seriously.
boobooblue says she/he wants an art fill. O.o Never expected that to happen. Unfortunately, I can't draw. So.
m.e.