The bird and the cat (conversation)

Chapter 8:emerging feelings

They did it. It all happened so fast, but they saved Tara Markov. Only one problem. Dick and Artemis knew that Tars wasn't what she seemed. It's true, she was working for Slade, that's what they knew. But it was so much more. They just didn't know what "more" was. Tara entered the house. Violet gave her a tour, but Artemis and Dick walked to their room. "We need to be careful." Dick sighed. "I know." Artemis nodded. Taking in Tara could be a big mistake, but in the end, they didn't really have a choice.Keeping Tara in the house was Artemis' idea. It just seemed like the logical decision. That's what Dick likes about her. Over the years, she'd become so much smarter than she used to be. He adored it. He suddenly caught himself staring into her storm gray eyes and cleared his throat. "Well, I better go check up on her and Violet." He said as he walked out. Artemis didn't let that moment go, however. It was a solid 5 seconds he'd been looking into her eyes, and she'd looked back. He appeared to be daydreaming, but Artemis was searching for something. She didn't know what, she just needed to find it. Those 5 seconds did something to them. Unearthed something. Feelings, perhaps? No, no. Artemis, well, she couldn't move on. Wally was the only man she could ever love. That won't ever change. But maybe it should. It's been 2 years, but.... Ever since Secret, Artemis has this fear of ghosts, you see. She always feels like she's being watched. She believes it's more than a paranoia, but this fear has led her to making good choices. But the idea that Wally is still with her terrifies her. He could still be here, watching her fall in love with his best friend. No. Fall in love is such a specific term. She was just looking into his twilight blue eyes, it's not a big thing, and it doesn't need to be. She just needs to sleep, then in the morning she'll forget all about it. Violet and Tara were both settled and Dick looked at his reflection from the window. Dick couldn't just let those 5 seconds go. He was the type to understand why certain things happen, so why did he look into her eyes? Maybe it was him seeing something he'd never seen before? No. He couldn't love Artemis. It wasn't right.Wally's dead. Ever since, Dick has seemed to do things in his name. His best friend's death caused him to realize things. But he didn't like Artemis. He could never fall in love with his best friends girlfriend. No. Fall in love is such a specific term. He was just looking into her cloud gray eyes, it's not a big thing, it doesn't have to be. He just needs to go out, fight crime, in the morning, he'll forget about it. Problem is, neither of them ever did forget. It seemed to haunt them. And the ghost won't go away. He's judging their every move, judging their uncontrollable feelings. But they still won't forget it.

Tara, Violet, Victor, and Brion were ready to join the team. That's what everyone thought. They were at the beach, everyone had breakfast burritos, and everything was ready. "Alright. You've all reached a crossroads. Vic, you have your own decisions to make. But Violet, Brion, and Tara, Forager, we feel the four of you are ready to work with the justice leagues' covert ops team." Dick said. "But bring s hero isn't for everyone. This is a choice you each have to make for yourself. And the decision you make now doesn't have to be a permanent one." Connor explained. "A-And no judgement from us either way." Artemis quickly added. "You've already risked your lives for each other and for the meta teens we rescued In Bialya. That's enough." Dick continued."I've made my choice. Bialya has proven that I've made the right one. To protect people, no matter the danger." Brion insisted. "But facing danger isn't a mandatory part of our mission. Troia if Themyscira and Garth of Atlantis both left the front lines. Now they fight the good fight inside the system, as ambassadors to the United Nations." Connor informed. "And you need to know there is no shame in leaving this life behind. A few years back, I quit the team with... Wally West. The first kid flash. We went to college, rented an apartment, we had a life together." Artemis sadly let out, Dick softly out his hand on her shoulder. "Then Wally, my best friend, sacrificed everything so we could all be here today. That is why we are here today at our former home. Another sacrifice made for the greater good."Artemis and Dick completely understand that Wally is dead, he's not coming back. But... they can't help but wish he was back. Dick needs his best friend and Artemis needs her boyfriend. They just don't know how to feel about, well, any of this.

Artemis had come back from a mission with Violet and Tara carrying her into the house. "Is she okay?!" Dick frantically asked as they set her down on the couch. "Yes. She just hurt her shoulder." Tara confirmed. "You two can go to bed. I'll be fine." Artemis groaned out as they left. Dick examined the suit. "Can I take it off?" He asked. "Mhm." She groaned. They had never actually had a problem with helping each other out, but Dick just felt the need to ask due to... Recent events. He unzipped the suit just enough to get her shoulder out carefully, Artemis trying not to wince. There was a huge bruise, it definitely looked like it hurt. He quickly began first aid, and when he was done bandaging her he had sighed. "There. You should be all good." He smiled at her, looking back into her eyes. "Thanks." She smiled back. It looked like she was... blushing? Dick wasn't sure, but she suddenly got up and speed walked back to their room. They couldn't like each other. It just wouldn't be right. That's all that matters.