I saw this quote on tumblr, and it's the inspiration for this chapter: "Anyone who thinks sunshine is pure happiness has never danced in the rain." - Unknown.
Songs:
Rain - Mika
Let the Rain - Sara Bareilles
He hated how Artemis disappeared on rainy days. The rainy days sucked out all the fun in his life. That trapped the energetic speedster inside. Wally hated how she returned soaked to the bone and with the widest smile. If one were to be blunt they'd say he was jealous.
So one day he followed her. She went outside barefoot on the lawn and danced to her own beat. Wally stood perplexed. This is what she did? She got soaked to the bone. The word why swelled in his throat, he couldn't move he was trapped by inaction. His brain was cycling an error message fried by the rain. Wally felt foolish just standing there; on the edge of her stage, afraid of the rain. He hated rainy days.
Artemis loved the rain. She imagined it washed away her insecurities. It washed her to her core, the true Artemis. Taking away all the dirty secrets that comprised her handicaps, the defensive barrier, it let her soar. The fall of water that gave her freedom from her dad who loathed it.
The precipitation renewed her and her city; freeing both from grime. The soft gentle rain reminded her most of why she loved Wally. It left her free to wish, to dream to let go. So, Artemis danced. Free to relieve herself of her burdens, with the movement of her body, and the water.
When she saw Wally she smiled and asked: "Why don't you join me?"
They danced in the rain. They freed themselves of long held burdens. The smell of wet grass and rain-kissed ground greeted them fondly. They danced together. Wally didn't mind the rain much anymore.