Melissa_Black13: Thank you everyone for your reviews of Chapter 1! We really appreciate everyone's enthusiasm for the story and I hope that you all enjoy Chapter 2! :-) Mine and ovp's schedules are really hectic, but we'll try and keep the chapters coming steadily!
ovp: As Melissa said your reviews were kindly received and appreciated. I have to say most of this chapter is thanks to Melissa because my life has literally been consumed by work. Thanks so much for your support and be sure to show how much you love the story by giving some shoutouts to Melissa on tumblr. (I'm sure she'd love it ;) Just like to say a huge thanks to the kind people who reviewed the previous chapter: ShipperBody, Guest, honeylove90, andyc196, fixati0ns, roxy695, YJ-Lover, Rebella Grayson, Zatanna103, randommonkeyz998, Prnyctina1091, Irenerb, KairiAngel13, and UnePetiteHistoire.
Thanks to all the silent reviewers!
Disclaimer: Melissa and ovp do not own Young Justice or its characters or The Prince and Me. Some quotes from the movie have been used or altered for the purpose of this fic.
Chapter 2
The Cardinal Clubhouse was known for three things: one, great sandwiches; two, beer (lots of beer); and three, hot staff. If you wanted to get a gander at the more attractive student populace, you let them serve you. Artemis was pretty sure she would have quit after the first few months if her honorary Archery Scholarship didn't depend on her participating in campus life outside the team she was training to compete at the national level. Although the building was very attractive and the owner had decent taste in furniture, the customers after 8 PM changed from quiet nerds and poetry junkies to lewd, rude, and crude drunken morons, heavy on the moron.
Tonight was no better and Artemis let out a groan as she cleaned up what felt like the fifth-hundredth beer spill of the night. God, why did they even hold these things here? Her day had just progressively gone from bad to worse. The highlight being when the redheaded pervert had asked her to take her top off. Did nobody screen applicants anymore? Here she was thinking she was attending a reputable college of prestige and excellence and random strangers who didn't even have the decency to look at the road were treating her like eye candy.
Artemis didn't think her mood could possibly get much worse until she sauntered up to a table, without looking up from the notebook she was scribbling into, and heard a strangled choke followed by a rather unpleasant screech,
"You!"
Artemis jerked her head up to meet the green eyes of the irate occupant at the table. It was the pervert from earlier. "Oh, great," she muttered.
"Is it possible to get a new waitress? One without an attitude problem, perhaps?" Artemis just looked at him evenly, eyes narrowing to slits because as much as she wanted to slam her tray across his smug face she needed this job.
"Would you like to order anything, sir?" she asked with sickening sweet politeness. "A new personality, perhaps?" she mimicked his accent. Seriously, where the hell was this guy from anyway? The other occupant of the table snickered behind the menu, and she watched amused as his red headed prick of a friend gave him a kick to his shin under the table.
Carrot Top, as Artemis ruefully took to calling him in her head, glared up at her with his disdainful green eyes, before picking up his menu. "I will have two orders of the Cardinal Clubhouse Burger, one with regular fries and the other with sweet potato, an order of Chili Cheese Nachos, extra jalapenos, and a pint of whatever beer is on tap."
Artemis was sure she looked like a fool with her mouth hanging open, but she couldn't help it. That was a shit load of food for one guy. A lot of food meant a bigger guest check though, so she wisely kept her mouth shut. She turned to his dark haired friend. "And for you?"
"The Chicken Caesar Salad, please," he said politely, handing her both his and his friend's menu.
"Coming right up," Artemis said through gritted teeth. Her false grin faded the moment she turned away and trudged over to the bar to put in their order. At the beer taps, her best friend Zatanna was pouring a few pints for the Men's Baseball team.
"Someone's got a couple of hotties at Table 10," the dark hair girl observed, giving her a suggestive eyebrow wiggle and a dazzling smirk.
"No, I've got one halfway decent looking guy and his friend who's a certifiable jackass and has the manners of an ape," Artemis corrected sourly pulling at her ponytail in agitation.
"Oooh, someone's feeling feisty tonight," Zatanna laughed. "What's got you all riled up?"
Artemis sighed, sending Carrot Top and his friend's order before turning to her. "Sorry, Zee, I'm just so stressed out," she groaned, putting her face in her hands for a minute. "I've got my first Organic Chemistry class tomorrow, not to mention Archery practice after that, and an LSAT study group tomorrow night. It's only the first week of the semester and I already want to crawl into a corner and die."
"Wow, and here I was worried about what outfit I was going to wear to Kappa Sigma's mixer on Friday," Zatanna joked, setting all of her beers onto a big tray.
"I wish that was my biggest problem right now," Artemis told her, pouring Tweedle Dumb's beer.
"Cheer up!" Zatanna said brightly. "Just think about all the money we'll be making tonight!"
Artemis took a deep breath before letting it out and grabbing a tray. "If I get through tonight without slugging someone, we can call it a success."
The night was predictably crazy, but thankfully passed by quickly enough. Once Happy Hour was over, most of their patrons left, until they were left with a rather drunk, motley crew, which unfortunately consisted of Carrot Top and his friend. Although the redhead and his friend - or was he his date? - had finished their meals a few hours ago (which by the way had not been pleasant to watch since Carrot Top did not appear to possess the ability to chew with his mouth closed), they had stayed and drank at least 4 more beers. At least, Carrot Top had. His dark haired friend hadn't had a sip of alcohol and seemed almost bored. Carrot Top, however, had been enjoying the attentions of several of Artemis' less than intelligent classmates. However, there were times when she could feel his green-eyed gaze on her when she passed their table.
When she rang the last call bell, she was unsurprised to see him amble over to her at the bar. He unsteadily dropped down onto one of the bar stools when she looked over his shoulder she could see his friend watching him in concern. How cute.
"Hello, again," he greeted her, smiling slightly.
She nodded at him in an attempt to be pleasant. She was sure her boss was around somewhere, possibly watching her. It probably also would significantly affect her tip if she messed with the idiot's buzz. "What'll it be?"
"I think one more pint ought to do the trick," he said in his weird way of talking. His accent really wasn't attractive at all. At least, that's what she kept telling herself."Hopefully you've got something better on tap then the sewage I've been drinking."
"Oh sure," she spat. Honestly. He was either really stupid or just really brave - judging by his dopey expression it was stupid. "For the discerning out of towner like yourself we have Gotham Black. You can really taste the extra ten cents."
He just sent her a charming smile, albeit a little dazed, slurring, "Sounds great." Sighing and inwardly rolling her eyes Artemis filled a twelve ounce glass to the brim and slammed it on the counter in front of him. However, instead of taking the glass he continued to stare at her.
"I'm Wally," he announced after a moment, still smiling stupidly, proffering his hand to her.
"Artemis," she said, spying her boss watching her from the kitchen window. Reluctantly she shook his hand, withdrawing as quickly as possibly. He continued to gaze at her, and it was then that she realized he wasn't actually staring at her per say, more like a part of her anatomy located directly beneath her face.
"Ahem."
"You really won't take your top off for me?" he asked blearily, "Come on, nobody's here. Just a little peak. Like on Girls Gone Wild." He made a rather lewd cupping gesture with his hands. In anger and irked beyond tolerance, Artemis reached across the bar and hoisted the man out of his seat easily.
"Alright you little worm, I've been nice, but enough is enough. I'm not sure where you come from but this is the United States of America and women, intelligent women at least, do not take their tops off like strippers. Let me give you a little piece of advice if you want to stay alive longer than first semester: stay the hell away from me! CONNER!"
It was with great satisfaction that Artemis watched Carrot Top be hoisted from the ground by the admittedly attractive bouncer (there wasn't one girl on campus who didn't dream of dating Conner Kent) who began to drag him away from the counter, at least until the bulky boy fell over groaning in pain when pain-in-her-butt's friend quite literally sprang into action and delivered a swift kick to sweep Conner off his feet and a nasty punch to his left eye. He quickly helped Hot Rod up, threw some bills on the table and escorted the violently swearing inebriated moron out of the Clubhouse.
"Wow. Next time I'm waiting your tables," stated Zatanna having just watched the entire thing unfold, "You get all the fun ones."
"Take'em," growled Artemis slamming her hands down on the counter, "Be my guest."
Ugh, she so did not need this tonight! She was already freaking out about her Organic Chemistry class tomorrow; seriously, who ever heard of a science requirement for an English major? She had to pass this class in order to graduate however, and in order to get into a decent law school, she needed to graduate. It was a vicious cycle, and one that didn't allow for any distractions. Artemis closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath before heading out from behind the bar to check on her tables. With any luck, she would never see Wally, His Royal Stupidness again. After all, it was a big campus.
"Richard," moaned Wally the next morning when he literally fell out of bed. He had a splitting headache, and it wasn't getting any better after being rudely awoken by an incessantly ringing device. "What's that awful noise? It hurts." He managed to slur before he pressed a pillow over his head.
Dick's voice filtered through the pillow, "That noise, sire, is called an alarm clock."
"Uh huh. Get rid of it."
"It indicates that you are late." Wally made no move from his position on the floor. Whatever that thing was he had slept on last night was not a bed - no it was a torture device. He'd never been more uncomfortable in his life.
"For what?"
"I can only assume for class." Wally bolted straight up and then cursed as his head pounded. The last thing he needed was to give his father a reason on Day One to retract his hard won freedom.
"Clothes," he barked at Dick already ripping off last night's shirt. When said articles were thrown in his face he has to resist the urge to say some very choice words towards the raven haired man who hadn't even bothered to contain any of his laughter. Pulling the polo shirt over his head he finally acknowledged the other occupant of the dorm. "Morning, Kent. What the hell was that last night?"
"My job," came the blunt reply as the boy turned showing off a purpling eye, "You were being inappropriate. I get rid of those people."
"But we're buddies," spasmed Wally, "We're sharing living quarters! It's not my fault that girl has a perpetual chip on her shoulder."
"You asked her to take her shirt off."
"It's not unheard of." Conner gave him a very weird look before turning back to the static channel on the TV.
Wally allowed Richard to help him into his jacket before popping into the bathroom for a quick brush of his teeth. When he came back, Dick was carrying his book bag and wearing his usual shades. Wally was glad to see that he had once again forgone his usual suit and jacket and adopted a typical collegiate student's attire. His hangover was slowly wearing off and his excitement at the prospects before him rose considerably. Perhaps he would find some appealing women in his class this morning. Girls who weren't abrasive and arrogant like that Artemis girl. One could only hope.
"Alright, where to first?"
His first class of the day turned out to be Organic Chemistry, and when he and Richard shuffled through the lab door as the professor was going over the syllabus, Wally realized he probably should have just stayed in bed.
"Yes?" the professor asked him, and the whole class stared at him as he walked up to the black board with his schedule.
"I believe I'm enrolled in this class," Wally stated, handing the man his registration papers.
The professor scrutinized the papers giving Wally a second to peruse the classroom. A flash of yellow directly in front of him drew his gaze and it was in disbelief that he locked eyes with Artemis, the waitress from the prior evening. He gulped and tugged at his collared shirt, the embarrassment of his actions from the night before all flooding back. Her sharp glare actually made him want to flee, but he stood his ground. He was a prince for goodness sake; he didn't run away from girls, no matter how terrifying they were...
"It seems you are," the professor finally said, handing him back his schedule. "From now on, be on time, or you'll be locked out. Are you in this class as well?" he asked, spying Richard behind him.
"Er, I'm auditing," Richard said quickly.
The professor shook his head. "No, this class is already full," he told him. "You'll have to try again next semester. Take a seat Mr. West." He waved Wally to an empty seat that was, to his complete horror, at the same work bench as Artemis before continuing on. "As I was saying -"
Out of the corner of his eye he could see Richard giving him an imploring look. "Just, you know, wait outside," he whispered as the professor droned on.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, just -"
"If this is a lover's thing, can you take it out in the hall?" the professor asked them dryly and the rest of the class snickered.
Ignoring them all, Wally nodded at the door to Richard. Wally could see his great reluctance. After all, Richard hardly left his side for a moment back at home. But this was different. They needed to blend in here, and if the teacher said Richard had to go, he had to go.
"But-"
"Go," Wally ordered firmly. He didn't wait to see if Richard complied, knowing that his friend would see reason; however, much it pained him. Instead, he steeled himself and walked over to the empty seat next to Artemis. She stared at him, a challenging look in her eye, as he sat himself down in front of her.
"And what do you think you're doing?" Artemis spat acidically. "I recall I certain conversation we had about you staying far, far away from me."
"Taking Organic Chemistry, and you?" The blonde woman rolled her eyes before quipping,
"I guess without your boyfriend around you'll have to write all your notes by yourself."
"I assure you my hand is perfectly functional."
Their professor cleared his throat loudly, causing Wally to look up and realize that the whole class was staring at them. "Oh, please, proceed," Wally told him, diverting his attention to the syllabus Artemis had tossed at him haphazardly.
Wally missed the incredulous look his professor tossed him before he continued speaking. "As I was saying, your grade in this class will be determined by 3 categories. 50% of it will be lab work, 40% exams, and 10% attendance. Now, turn to the person across from you and introduce yourself."
Wally turned to look across the lab table at the blonde barmaid as their fellow classmates introduced themselves to each other. She glanced back and forth between him and their professor sniffing derisively, probably wondering same as him where this was going.
"Congratulations," their professor continued. "You've just said hello to your permanent lab partner!"
Wally couldn't control the way his jaw dropped or the way his eyes found Artemis'. Rather than being shocked, however, they seemed to radiate a certain fury; one that was directed solely at him.
This was not going to end well.
No, no, no, no, NO! Artemis yelled internally. This was not part of the plan. Having this stupid, freckled face idiot as her lab partner would not only make her semester a living hell, but it would probably cause her to fail. And that could not happen.
Class that day was short, nothing more than going over the syllabus andan introduction to organic chemistry. When the professor dismissed the class, Artemis turned away to store her books in her bag, and turned back to her new lab partner, fully intending to give him a piece of her mind, but the redhead was gone. Lying on the table, however, was his supply sheet and syllabus.
Artemis groaned. Why me? she asked, swiping the packet and hustling out the door.
She spied Carrot Top exiting the building, his (boyfriend? servant?) dark-haired companion at his side and carrying his backpack. Artemis rolled her eyes and hurried after them, finally catching up once they were outside.
"Hey, Hot Rod!"
Neither of the guys responded to her call so she jogged up behind them. "Hey, I'm talking to you," she snapped, finally catching both of their attentions. They kept walking even as she thrust Carrot Top his papers. "You forgot these."
He barely spared it a glance before handing it to his friend. "Thank you."
Artemis rolled her eyes and stepped in front of him, effectively stopping him mid stride. He looked at her incredulously, exchanging a glance with his friend. "Listen, I don't mean to be a bitch, uh, um, what's your name again?" she asked, stumbling over her words in her attempt to remember.
"Wallace Westery but I suppose I can deign to let you call me Wally," he supplied. He seemed to regard her with amusement if the pronounced smirk on his lips was any indication. This only served to heighten her annoyance.
"Right, Wally," she enunciated. She took a deep breath. "Look, I need to know one thing. Did my father hire you to sabotage me in this class or something?"
Wally looked confused. "What? No, I-"
"Because I know he knows how important this class is for me. I need this class to graduate and get into law school," she told him. "And if he thinks I'm going to let some freckled-face kid from who the hell knows where-"
"Denmark," Wally's friend interjected. She spared him a glance. He looked intrigued, but slightly tense like he was preparing for something.
"From Denmark," Artemis amended, turning back to Wally. "If he thinks he can get me to reconsider and take over the family business, then he's got another thing coming." She took a step closer to him, and they were almost nose to nose at this point. To his credit, Wally didn't move, instead staring at her seriously. "I'm warning you right now; if you get in my way, I will make your life hell. I'm on the archery team and I'm always in need of some target practice."
"Now, miss, there's no need for threats," Wally's friend started, but Wally put his hand up to silence him. Yet again, Artemis wondered about their relationship.
"It's alright, Dick," he said, and the dark haired man stepped back but continued to regard her warily. "I assure you, Artemis, I haven't been sent by anyone to ruin your chances in this class. I know what it is like to be forced into the family business," he offered, and Artemis thought she detected a flicker of resignation in his voice. "Needless to say, I would never wish that upon anyone."
He sounded so sincere that Artemis couldn't help but simply nod in response.
"Also, if you're concerned about my performance in this class, you shouldn't be," he told her, suddenly brimming with confidence. "I happen to be somewhat of a science prodigy back in Denmark." Artemis wondered what people counted as prodigy in Denmark.
"Oh, really?" she asked doubtfully.
"Yes, for instance, it has been brought to my attention that large amounts of alcohol mixed with a carbon based life form, cause the life form to blurt out stupid things," he said somewhat sheepishly. "So, well, I'm sorry about the other night. I was out of line."
"And what's your excuse for the time before that?" Artemis asked sharply. Being made to feel like a stupid slut by some hormone driven jerk hadn't exactly felt nice either times.
"Language barrier?" Wally tried, but Artemis just glared at him. He cleared his throat, before bowing his head to her. "My sincerest apologies, my lady, for this grave offense. Please accept my compliments and forgive me for my untoward behavior."
Artemis looked at him like he'd just told her Martians were invading the planet. "Is he drunk now?" she asked Dick, before deciding she didn't care. "Nevermind, just, don't embarrass me, alright? And make sure you get all your supplies."
Without another word she whipped around and strutted away. Thank goodness she had archery practice next. Shooting things always soothed her.
Artemis waved goodbye to the last member of her LSAT study group and leaned her head down against her table at the Cardinal Clubhouse. Their first session had been full of panic and arguing about how they were going to go over everything they needed to, and Artemis had accumulated a massive headache.
"Rough day?" a voice above her asked, setting a beer down in front of her.
"You could say that," Artemis groaned, lifting her head up to see Zatanna. She grabbed the beer gratefully. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it," her friend said, pulling up a chair. "Why don't you tell your bestie Zatanna what's wrong?"
"I wouldn't even know where to start," Artemis sighed. On second thought, though..."Actually, you'll get a kick out of this. Guess who's my new lab partner in Organic Chemistry? I'll give you a hint, he's a 'certifiable jackass and has the manners of an ape'" she said, quoting her words from the previous night.
Zatanna's eyes went wide with both shock and amusement. "Not Carrot Top!" she exclaimed, covering her mouth to stop her laughter.
Artemis threw her a dirty look. "Yes, and it's not funny," she grumbled. "You'd of thought he'd gotten the hint last night to stay away from me."
"Come on, you have to admit he's pretty hot," Zatanna egged on.
"Hot? Are you kidding? There's something seriously wrong with that kid," Artemis told her. "You should have heard his 'apology' to me today. He sounded like he was from the 17th century or something, all 'my lady' this and 'untoward behavior' that."
"I would've thought you'd like stuff like that," Zatanna laughed. "You're the one that has a Shakespeare fetish."
"I do not have a Shakespeare fetish," Artemis growled at her.
"Uh huh," Zatanna replied, smirking. "So, are you saying you wouldn't take Carrot Top up to the Stacks?"
Artemis snorted derisively. "Okay, A, going at it in the dusty stacks in the back of the library is disgusting, and B, you literally say that about every hot guy!"
"Ha, you admit that you think he's hot!" her friend said, pointing at her triumphantly.
"Alright, this conversation is done," Artemis told her, gathering her books. Sometimes Zatanna could be relentless when she wanted to get her way. "I need to go study."
Zatanna sighed, standing up. "Fine, but next time you run into this guy, pass my number along to his friend. You may be too good for the Stacks, but I'm not." The dark haired beauty winked at her before sashaying back to the bar.
Artemis rolled her eyes and crammed her books into her backpack. It had been a long and trying day, and she was looking forward to collapsing into her bed and not having to worry about LSATs, organic chemistry, or redheads with stupid names for at least a few hours.
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