Spitfire/Hospitalized AU

After

"Artemis, we're decided collectively that you are fine and we will set you up in a foster home until you're either adopted, 18, or we've made contact with your dad." Artemis sat there silently, not opening her mouth. When she had gotten here she had wanted to leave so badly but now the chance was here, she didn't want to.

This was the first place she'd ever had friends. Yeah sure, she could visit them whenever but...

Wally wasn't allowed out of the building, he'd tried too hard to hurt himself when he was out that it could prove fatal for him to leave.

The mall was one thing, Dinah had been there.

"You'll be in a community college as the time you spent here, you learned almost everything they'd teach you in junior and senior year except for the pier pressure." Artemis still didn't answer.

"Artemis, you should be glad, this is the fastest anyone here's gotten over an addiction."

"When do I leave?" She whispers.

"Tomorrow, 7 p.m. Your new foster family will pick you up. They live locally, their house is only a twenty miles." Artemis nods and stands.

"I'm going," she said, before walking out the door.

"Artemis!" Wally greeted, waiting by the door like he always did. She forced a smile.

"Hey, Wally." She hugged him, her face breaking.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"I'm gone, tomorrow, I'm going to leave." Wally hugged her tighter.

"No."

"I'll come and visit every time I can."

"That's not enough." She pressed her face against his chest, her eyes teary.

"I'm going to miss you," Artemis murmured.

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It was easy the first year, her foster family was like a real family, a bit strict at times, but fun. She visited on Sunday and Friday and a few times they had stuck out to go on a proper date.

It got harder the second year, her visits were less frequent, usually only twice a month, sometimes less.

The third year was the real long distance relationship. Wally had moved back in with his aunt and was going to college. They had broken up due to the stress of homework and new experiences. Artemis was going to study abroad her last year.

So they went on with their lives. Artemis was pursuing a bachelor in English and a major in History and was working three shifts at the local Cheesecake Factory.

Wally had been studying foreign languages and could run a mile in five minutes. They both had had multiple dates but never a lasting girlfriend or boyfriend.

When they saw each other for the first time in five years it was because Wally had a date at the Cheesecake Factory in Starling.

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"Hello, my name is Artemis, I'll be your waitress today, what kind of drinks would you like?" Artemis said, staring the menus in her hand. It had been a very off day as if her mind was preparing for something but she didn't know what for yet.

"I'll have a water," the woman says.

"I'll take a coffee, thanks Arty." Artemis's head looked up at the man in front of her, she was disappointed when she found it wasn't her teenage boyfriend, but a middle aged man.