Spitfire oneshot collection

Lies

"The worst part about living a lie is wondering when they'll find out."

**********

Wally West gulps as he walks into the cave, the computerized voice signaling his arrival.

"Kid Flash, B-03."

"Hey, Wall-man." Nightwing's voice greets him. He sounds different. Weak, exhausted, and depressed.

"Hey," Wally's scratchy voice replies.

"Wally!" M'gann catches him in a bear-hug by surprise, burying her head into his chest. "It's been too long! How are you?"

Wally hugs her back and then realizes that she is crying.

"W-What is wrong?" He stammers, knowing full well what was wrong.

"A-Artemis," M'gann sobs. "How are you dealing with it?"

"Fine," Wally replies bitterly, resting his chin on the top of her head, and staring directly at Dick, looking for answers. Dick nods his head slightly and just walks away. Asshole.

Megan looks up at him directly into his green eyes. Wally is tempted to spill everything after what she says next:

"I'm going to get Kaldur for that," The Martian vows. "I promise that I'll kill him for Artemis."

She hugs him once more, trying to comfort him, and leaves.

**********

"Tigress?" Black Manta's voice booms over the intercom in the death trap they called a submarine. "Report to me. Now."

Artemis gulps and begins to walk down the long, cold hallway to his headquarters. She pounds on the door and Black Manta's voice tells her to come in. Kaldur is already sitting there in a chair, hands folded in his lap neatly and looking guilty.

"Tigress..." Black Manta's voice drawls. "You've proved to be quite useful. Please, sit down." He motions to a chair opposite of Kaldur and Artemis stiffly sits down.

"But anyways, I realized that we don't know much about you." Manta continues. "May I ask what background you come from?"

"My family isn't important," Artemis growls softly. "Family is scum."

"Indeed..." Manta nods, looking satisfied, whereas Kaldur looks somewhat disgusted at his father. "Except... If they can prove useful in our line of work, of course." He turns to Kaldur, dips his head and smiles crookedly.

"Of course." Artemis lies.

"So, are you in a romance right now?" Manta asks. Artemis freezes. "Oh, no- not like that." He adds after seeing Kaldur's and Artemis' shocked faces.

"N-No," Artemis stutters. "I don't have time to go frolicking around with pretty boys, thank you."

Wally. No, she loved him with all her heart. She would always have time to go "frolic" with that pretty boy any day. She shifts in her chair uncomfortably as Manta leans forward thoughtfully.

"I think you're lying," Manta growls.

Dammit. Artemis winces as she shrugs.

"I'm not lying. Why would I lie to you?" She demands. "Now, if you'll excuse me, may I please go?"

"Yes," Manta glares angrily, turning to his son as Artemis exits.

She slumps against the door outside the room and sighs out of relief.