Chaotic Love: A Artemis Crock Fanfic

Chapter 8: Blossoming Feelings

One week later, the sounds of a fight are able to be heard outside an abandoned building. Aqualad is hit hard, his WaterBearers falling out of his hands as he continues to roll until he hits a garage door hard enough to dent it, the splatters of clay over his dark skin and his short blonde hair instantly give away the identity of his opponent. As he falls to the floor his tattoos stop glowing. Clayface walks past the rest of the Team who are all unconscious and covered in clay, like Aqualad. Forcing himself to look up, he sees Clayface's shadow step into the light as he laughs. Then watches as his left-hand turns into a square-mace. As Clayface raises his arm to attack, a familiar shadow gets larger as it gets closer to the glass ceiling.

Crashing through the window is Batman, who takes Clayface's full attention, then launches two Batarangs at the villain. Only for them to be absorbed into his arm, for a moment, until they explode and completely destroy his arm. As Batman lands in a crouch before Clayface, the villain strikes once more, but Batman jumps back to avoid the hit. Pulling out a high powered taser that sticks to the right side of Clayface's chest and continues to send electricity through the villain until he loses his form entirely.

Batman's eyes narrow as he stands. Zeroing in on the one person still conscious.

Batman faces the Team as they walk through the Zeta Tube and into the Cave.

Batman then says, "I need to talk to Aqualad. The rest of you hit the showers and head home."

Superboy then asks sarcastically as he raises his arms, gesturing to the Cave, an annoyed look on his features, "Head home? I am home."

Batman then says darkly, looking to his own protége, "Just Aqualad."

Robin looks up to Kaldur, who returns the look. Looking into the Cave, Robin keeps his eyes away from Batman as he walks past him. Only looking over his shoulder for a second, not even slowing in his steps, his eyes falling to the floor as Batman keeps his focus fully on Aqualad.

Aqualad speaks first, his own eyes dropping, he then says, "I am sorry you had to intervene. I know the Team performed poorly."

Batman then interrupts darkly, "The Team performed adequately. The problem was you. You're their leader, and your head wasn't in the game."

Aqualad instantly denies the accusation and then says, "No, you are-" he sighs, "Correct. Of late, I am not even convinced I belong on the surface world." He looks down once again, glancing at Batman for a moment, then finally looking to the side. "For so many years, it filled my every thought. But now that I am here, my dreams are all of Atlantis."

"Atlantis..." Batman begins, "or someone you left behind?" Kaldur's eyes instantly shoot up, stunned into silence. "You can split your time between the surface and the sea. But not your mind. Either you're here 100% or you need to walk away. Make a decision, Kaldur, and make it soon."

With that Batman leaves Aqualad alone with his thoughts.

James magically cleans himself off and starts to walk back to the Zeta Tubes to go home.

James then feels someone gently grab his arm to halt him in his tracks.

James turns around and sees Artemis.

Artemis smiles at James, still covered in clay head to toe.

James smiles warmly and then asks, "What gives?"

Artemis smiles and then says, "I was hoping you'd decide to stick around a little longer. We barely know each other outside of missions and you were absent nearly all of last week."

James smiles and then says, "I don't know, I'd promised Zee I'd get back home soon."

Artemis nods and then says with a smile, "How about this? After I shower, which by the way, clay is not a good look for me, and then come with you? Can I?"