How Can We

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

A few days was all it took for Wally to adjust. On his "first day" he just came in and got his schedule, so his official start wasn't until the next. Still, it become accustomed to the new school. He was no longer getting lost on his way to class which was a plus. Wally now knew the ins and outs of Gotham Academy as he became more familiar with the school, and its occupants.

He did admit to being a little apprehensive about starting a new school. Who wouldn't? That all changed the moment he met Richard, "Dick" Grayson. The black haired boy with the piercing blue eyes approached Wally in their computer science class.

Dick could sense Wally's nerves and struck up a conversation with him about the teacher. Dick was naturally friendly, always willing to meet new people and expand his social circle. He easily pieced together Wally was the new student without him having to open his mouth. Wally was the only new face in the room.

"You see Mr. Smith? One of the students a few years back started a rumor that he was an android."

"Are you joking?" Wally asked incredulously.

"Not in the slightest. It was a guy named Roy Harper, he's a good friend of mine."

"I have a feeling you say that a lot." Wally commented jokingly.

"I have a lot of friends, sue me." Dick shrugged, leaning back in his chair.

"Is there anything else I need to know about the school?" Wally asked.

"You have a lot to learn young grasshopper. I shall teach you the ways."

"Ready to learn I am." Wally imitated Yoda. The he realized how much of a geek he sounded like.

"I have a feeling we're going to get along well Wally."

At the end of class Wally gathered his things and slung his backpack over his shoulder. He made a move to walk out on his own, when Dick stopped him.

"Where are you going?"

"Class?" Wally answered as if it was obvious.

"First you have to meet the group."

*******

Wally became instant friends with the group of friends Richard introduced him to. They were all so easy to talk to and connect with. There was only one he's didn't meet so far. From their conversation, it was a girl named Artemis.

Kadlur was on the swim team, from his athletic build, and was the oldest of the group. He seemed like a natural leader and looked like one of those people who are serious most of the time, but can still appreciate a good joke.

Connor was on the football team guessing from his building muscles. Wally wondered if he ever smiled, so far all he's done is frown. Connor was quiet for the most part, only added a few things here and there during their whole conversation.

Raquel was a little more animated, excited to ask Wally questions about Central City. She was cute and bubbly, balancing out the shy personalities of the rest of the group. Wally learned that she was on the volleyball team, and he seriously wondered if he should join a team.

Megan and Zatanna were on the cheerleading team, with the former as the captain. Zatanna and Megan were more talkative in nature. Megan was more polite with an innocent aura surrounding her while Zatanna was a little more flirtatious, and adventurous.

Then there was Artemis who Wally had yet to meet. Dick said they would normally meet her at lunch.

Wally did admit to being slightly exciting about meeting this new girl.

******

His first thought when he saw Artemis was that she was hot. Then it came down upon him that she was the girl he winked at that day he picked up his schedule. She came towards the table looking exhausted, her shoulders sagging from the weight of of her bag.

"Artemis! This is Wally, he's-"

"Yeah we've met." She gave him a quick glance before moving to sit next to Kaldur.

"So you're name is Artemis?" Wally asked her intrigued. He finally knew her name after trying to flirt with her for a whole period in chemistry.

"What's it to you, Wally?" She replied clearly annoyed. He wondered why she became so defensive.

"I think I'm going to call you Arty." Wally decided. She found him annoying for some reason and he was determined to figure out why. Did he really make that bad of a first impression?

"Don't."

"Too late." He smirked in her direction. He'd only known her for a few minutes, but it was fun getting her all riled up. Kind of.

"Leave me alone Wallace." She spat put his name.

"Not in the slightest." He assured her. And boy did he keep his word.

*******

"Do you know why Artemis doesn't like me?" Wally asked Dick as they walked to class one day.

"You mean besides the fact that you annoy the shit out of her." His blue-eyed companion said adjusting the books in his hand.

"She keeps to herself, is always lost in her own thoughts and acts aloof whenever someone tries talking to her." Wally told him.

"You've known her for a week."

"Still, doesn't that behavior show something is bothering her."

"You are acting very concerned for a girl you seem to argue with daily." Dick commented.

"And you don't seem concerned about her at all."

"That reserved, defensive girl is who Artemis is, and I can't explain to you why. If you want her to explain, you have to give her time and some space."

Wally sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Why are you so eager to know more about Artemis?" He teased Wally.

"I'm not interested in her. Besides I have my eyes set on a couple of other girls." Wally brushed it off, opening the door to the classroom.

********

Artemis headed home after a long day of school. She set her bag down on the floor by the couch, before going to the kitchen and starting to make a meal for herself and her mother. Meanwhile, her mind was plagued by thoughts of her sister. More importantly, where she was. 

A/N: Sorry it took longer for this update, but here it is. I'm going to keep this note quick because I have so much other work to do. I've been procrastinating everything else to finish this.