A/N: So...hey, guys. *very sheepish* It's been about two weeks, yeah? Sorry for the major delay. As I've stated in the last chapter, my desktop crashed...but good news. It's...not crashed? (Knowing how computers actually work is not my thing.) Ahaha. I discovered this yesterday. So now I was able to finish this chapter peacefully. I really have to say that I had no clue what to do with this prompt, so it was a very slow process. That's why it seems to switch tones yet again. I'm beginning to see that this has become my thing. I can't tell if this is a good or bad thing yet, from my point of view.

Day 8: Something Personal (I don't even know...)

Characters: Kaldur, Wally

Rating: K

Genre: Friendship (Bonding bromance is major love.)

It was a no brainer that the water was something that Kaldur was very fond of. Out of all the elements, water seemed to be the most useful. Not only was it used for healing purposes, but it could easily be transformed into a deadly weapon, whether it was by nature or controlled. His teammates all knew his subtle love for it and respected his time alone in the pool or on the beach. But there was a difference between respecting and understanding.

Artemis could not understand why he chose not to have a dehumidifier in his room on the days that reached three digits. Conner always questioned why Kaldur had to spritz his eel markings every five hours. Robin gave him funny looks when it would take him a full ten minutes to down a tall glass of water when he could easily finish it in under a minute, while M'gann would silently give him worried glances every time he mixed in two tablespoons of salt into said water.

These were things that he had to do to adapt in the surface world. There was one person who actually got what he had to do to stay comfortable. Surprisingly, yet unsurprisingly, this person was the one that had the scientific mindset in just about everything. He was the one that told Artemis that Kaldur liked to keep his room moist on hot days because the feel of the heavy air reminded the Atlantian of swimming through the heated waters of Hawaii in the evenings, a time in the past where he was under the training of his king. Wally told Conner -despite his belief in sorcery- that Kaldur's markings were more susceptive to dehydration and needed direct contact with water so that they could be of full use for his "magical powers." Completely said with the quoted hand gesture. Robin and M'gann were well informed that there was a certain texture to water that everyone was used to, but because Kaldur grew up surrounded by water and had a differently built body, he felt the texture differently than humans. And the salt was just another added effect.

So, it was only a matter of time before the Young Justice leader was inconsequentially paired off with the Flash's...apprentice on a day where it was only just the two of them to do the grocery shopping. Kaldur never found it a hindrance when he was around the speedster, but his presence was always quite draining.

"Can we get these, Kaldur?" He looked up from the canned soup's nutrition label to the sight of Wally, or what seemed to be Wally -he was not sure, for the younger boy's face was blocked by stacks of Chocos.

He blinked. "I think it would be wise to stick with the grocery list. Black Canary has specifically told us that we need to have a balanced diet in order to perform to the best of our abilities."

It was a feat to watch as Wally slowly turned to the side so he could make the utmost eye contact with Kaldur. "Aw, come on. You've only been in the surface world for -what? a few months now?"

"About four months, yes."

"And since the start of Young Justice, I bet you've barely had any time to experience life out of the water, much less go through the motions of a teenager's life up here," the red head paused to shift one stack onto one arm so that his free arm could now pat the bigger teen's bicep, "it's practically a rule that teenagers indulge themselves in the wonders of this country's junk food."

Kaldur shelved the canned soup he was holding before he started to roll the shopping cart forward."You have made a valid point...but we are not like regular teenagers. To indulge ourselves, as you say, could make us ill and unfit. Your metabolism does not favour your end of the discussion, my friend." He gave Wally an amused smile as they rounded the aisle.

"But," Wally sputtered, "we don't necessarily have to indulge in Chocos. We can cut it down to six packs, two for the team and four for me."

The Atlantian raised an eyebrow silently, letting the speedster know he wasn't buying it.

"Okay, okay, how about four instead? Half and half. Two for the team and two for me."

The puppy dog look had never been directed at him until now, and it was very difficult to resist when those emerald eyes were as wide as his fists, very persuasive in the least. Kaldur felt Wally knew he had won when he pulled the big guns.

With a sigh of defeat, he took the amount that the younger boy had suggested, placing them into the cart. "It would be best if you returned the re-"

Figures, a speedster is going to speed.

It was only a few moments before the other returned with an infectious grin, one that Kaldur could not help but return awkwardly.

"How about I go find some of the items, so that it would take less time?"

"That sounds reasonable."

xXx

Kaldur had memorized his half and managed to hunt down what was needed. Wally had stopped by the cart to drop off some of the stuff that he memorized himself. So when Kaldur was done, he had a vague idea of where Wally had run off to.

It was more comfortable for Kaldur to walk at the outer part of the grocery store (away from the stock shelves), the feeling of walking around more natural products put him more at ease, probably because he could actually tell what the food actually was. The change in what was edible hadn't been elaborate enough for him, but he did know the names of the common fruits and vegetables of from the dry land, most of which he enjoyed. Especially when he came into contact with cherries. Those were delicious, and his King had mentioned to slow down the few times Kaldur ate them. Now that he came upon the thought, it wouldn't hurt to purchase those as well. He made a quick turn to the fruits and vegetables to get a bag.

The young Atlantian came across the speedster in the frozen meat section. Said speedster was found stiff solid in front of one of the freezer doors, head tilted to the side, staring in deep concentration at one particular item. For the usual jittery red head to be completely still piqued Kaldur's curiosity.

"Wally?"

The calling of his name made the other jerk in response before he hastily moved as if to block something out of Kaldur's sight.

"Hu-hey, fearless leader of mine."

"Is there a problem?" He had long started to ignore the title that his team had given him. It was a lie. There were many things to be feared.

Kaldur gave a mental shudder. Albino ferrets...

"Uh-no, nothing at all," Wally giggled nervously.

"If it's nothing, why are you acting suspicious?"

"You really don't want to see it...them?"

"Them?"

"Trust me, Kaldur."

"I do, Wally, but I think I would be the one to make the decision if I wanted to see something or not. Step aside, please."

Helplessly used to following hinted orders, Wally timidly took a step out of the way to reveal a whole section of seafood. The freezer held a variety of fish, but on the bottom shelf there were packets of shrimp and shellfish. His head tilted, much in a fashion just as Wally's had been in, before he turned to look at Wally.

He looked sheepish, and a little cute when he played with his fingers, avoiding any eye contact. Wordlessly, Kaldur opened the fridge, bent down, plucked a pack of shrimp from the bottom, and placed it in the cart -much to Wally's surprise.

"I appreciate your concern, but your worry is unnecessary."

"Bu-but!"

Kaldur started to push the cart towards the end of the aisle as he pulled out the shopping list.

"Atlantians are omnivores as well as humans."

Wally hurriedly got in step with Kaldur, still a bit confused. "But doesn't Aquaman..."

"My king chooses to eat the vegetation from the sea, along with some of my friends. I believe the proper name is vegetarian, yes?" The Atlantian paused for Wally's nod, "I, on the other hand, am open to eating certain species. Shrimp is one of them."

"So...so that means Uncle Barry lied to me!"

"Uncle Barry?"

"No one," Wally replied quickly, "I was only told that you guys just eat seaweed or something. I mean I understand, but I heard stories of Aquaman going over the top for the ocean and all that. We all thought that meant he was some water hippie or something, and since he's the only Atlantian that actually comes into contact with the surface -before you did, of course- we assumed every Atlantian was like that."

"Assumptions are either ridiculous or helpful. Humans cannot help it since it is within their nature to think like that, so it is completely understandable that you, along with the others, would assume."

"I'm sorry."

"Do not be. If we base it on more of your reasoning, which is scientifically, then my king was the only Atlantian that ever came into contact with the outside world, which would also be the only proof of what an Atlantian is. But now, I become another trial and show different results in your observations, thus making a slightly altered conclusion."

There was a moment of silence -except for the songs that were played through the intercom- between the two of them before Wally started to laugh, whether in confusion or just because, Kaldur wasn't sure.

"Did you just apply the scientific method to yourself?"

Kaldur cracked a smile. "I believe so." He looked down at the piece of paper he had opened not too long ago, and frowned at it immediately. There was a bit of apprehension in his voice when he spoke, "Wally..."

xXx

"This has got to be the most embarrassing thing we have ever done."

"Is it really?"

"Kaldur, I'm telling you. When you do anything that has to do with this topic, a man should avoid it at all costs. Unless you're married, but even then, it can still be very uncomfortable."

"I have very little knowledge in these types of products, so I cannot provide any input."

"No worries, Kal. Just be thankful that you haven't fully grasped this type of knowledge yet. Damn you, Black Canary...and Artemis. I bet those two had something to do with putting that onto the list. It doesn't even specify which one to get, or what brand!"

Kaldur leaned over to study one of the items on the shelf, "Since our activities are extraneous on the female body...would it not be wise to get the brand that has the female figure doing athletic activities?"

"I guess you're right. I'll just get both." When Wally grabbed the two specified objects, his face turned beet red, and he practically threw them into the cart along with the other groceries."

The both of them started to walk to the cash registers when Kaldur wondered, "Wally...what is the difference between a tampon and a pad?"

A/N: Alright. I have to say that Kaldur is a very fun character to write, especially in his point of view. He makes me bring out a more mature side of myself, and boosts up how I feel about my intelligence. Yay!

Necrosis Crimson: You, dear reader, win brownie points for knowing my Dane Cook reference. Ahaha.

I don't think there are any references in this one. At least none that I know of. So, sorry guys. Maybe in the next one? Oh, and another question, would you like it if I told you guys the next day's prompts, so you're not really left in the dark, or should I just keep my element of surprise?