18 Chapter 18: Downtime

"Artemis…"

Paula rolls into her daughter's room to find it a mess. There are clothes and shoes all over the place. Her daughter is not the neatest of people, but she has never been this messy. "Ugh, why can't I find anything that matches?" curses Artemis staring at her closest.

Chuckling, Paula leaves the room. It is nice to see her daughter acting like a normal girl. After everything that has happened over the years, she is glad that Artemis didn't follow in the footsteps in her father and sister. She is not thrilled that Artemis is out playing hero, but it is better than the alternative.

As she enters the kitchen to finish making the last preparations for dinner, Paula's mind drifts to the young man that is dating her daughter. Uzumaki Naruto is a young hero that popped up around a year ago. He possesses no secret identity. According to her old friends, Uzumaki Naruto is beloved by the entire country of Japan. Other stories that she heard are that the kid is as cold as ice. A few have compared him to the Dark Knight of Gotham. As much as she respects Batman, she never liked the hero. There is a coldness in that man. She truly hopes that Naruto doesn't possess that same aura.

A knock at the door interrupts her thoughts. "Artemis, I believe your guest is here!" shouts Paula.

"I'll be there in a minute!"

"I am going to answer the door!"

Rolling over to the door, she grabs the knob and gives it a turn. The door swings open to reveal a handsome teen. He wears a plain black t-shirt, baggy blue jeans, and clean white sneakers. "Hello, I am Uzumaki Naruto," greets the teen.

"I have been expected you. I am Paula, Artemis's mother. Please come in."

Naruto enters into the small apartment. He makes sure to close the door. "Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes. Artemis is getting ready so please have a seat at the table." Paula leads him over to a small table that can barely fit three people. With a small nod, he takes a seat. Paula glances at the quiet teen who stares back at her with an unreadable expression.

'Those eyes,' thinks Paula. She has seen such eyes. Those are the same type of eyes that she used to possess. Eyes that not only have seen death, but dealt it out.

Naruto watches as Paula heads back into the kitchen. Even in a wheelchair, it is obvious to him that she was an assassin like him. Her eyes instantly analyzed his body type the moment she opened the door. She was trying to find vulnerabilities before he even got his name out. He would have liked the chance to fight her back when she was in her prime. It might be a bit one sided, but he is sure that a fight against her would have been fun like when he spars against Canary.

The sound of footsteps draws his attention. Artemis comes into the living room. Naruto stands up. She is wearing a spaghetti strap white top that reveals a good amount of cleavage, skinny black jeans, and her bare feet have a fresh coat of dark green nail polish. "Hey," smiles Artemis. "Sorry, I was trying to find the proper outfit."

"You look good."

Artemis smirks, "thanks." She walks up to him. Both of them take a seat. "My mom hasn't been grilling you or anything?"

"I heard that."

A groan escapes the girl. "She went to the kitchen after letting me in the house," says Naruto. "Are you alright? You seem worried."

"I am fine," says Artemis. Naruto nods. "Thanks for coming. Never thought our second date would be meeting my mom."

"Is it really that big of a deal?"

"She can be a little overprotective."

Naruto gives a shrug. "When you care about someone it is only natural to want to protect them. It is something that I have learned while being on the team."

Artemis smiles warmly. "Yeah, I guess you are right."

"You got my daughter to see things from my perspective. I am starting to like you," smirks Paula. Artemis rolls her eyes. "Artemis, come help me set the table please."

"I'll get the plates, don't worry about it."

"Thank you," smiles Paula. Naruto stares at the woman. "You are very mature for your age."

"There is no need to act nice. I am used to people not liking me," says Naruto bluntly.

Paula loses the smile. "I am willing to make sacrifices if it makes my daughter happy. I have been doing it my entire life."

Naruto gains a pensive expression. "I see." He never thought to look at it from that angle. Is that what it means to love someone? Paula puts on a warm smile as Artemis returns with the dishes.

"I hope you enjoy it," smiles Paula.

"Thank you," says Naruto.

Break

Robin blocks a punch and redirects it to the side. He steps around the attacker. "You are putting too much weight into the punch. It is leaving you wide open."

Zatanna turns around raising up her arms. "Why did I agree to come to training?" Robin chuckles in amusement. He avoids several more jabs. In a swift move, he sweeps out her legs. Zatanna groans in pain as she hits the ground.

"Well, if you are going to be a permanent member of the team you need to learn fight in situations without your powers. This is a stealth team and your powers require sound," explains Robin. Zatanna gives him a deadpan expression. He flushes in embarrassment realizing that the question was rhetorical.

"I am glad that your father decided to let you join the team." Kaldur walks towards the two. A friendly smile is on his face. "My own talent in the mystic arts pales in comparison to your talents. Your abilities will help to balance us out."

"Here I thought you wanted me on the team because we are friends," teases Zatanna. Kaldur smiles in amusement. She pushes a strand of hair out of her face. "I am glad that my father let me join the team." After that last mission, she had pressed her father to let her join the team. Naruto made her realize that she was weak and scared. It is a feeling that she never wanted to feel again.

"Yeah, your first assignment on the team will be to help Miss Martian set up Wally's surprise party," laughs Robin.

"He is not going to let that go is he?" says Zatanna with a hint of amusement.

"Highly unlikely."

Robin shakes his head with an amused smile. "I think he is hoping that Megan will give him some type of special birthday gift."

Kaldur gains a slight frown. "We really should tell him."

"How does he not know? It is so obvious," says Zatanna.

"Fast on his feet, not so fast in other areas," smirks Robin.

A holographic screen appears in front of the three. "Hey, Superboy and I are returning from the grocery store. Can you three help us bring in the groceries? I need to get started on the baking for the party tomorrow. You three can help Superboy with the decorations," smiles Megan.

Robin and Zatanna are not so thrilled by the idea. "We will be happy to help," reassures Kaldur. The screen closes. "Let's get going."

"I should have never complained about training," sighs Zatanna. Robin laughs.

Gotham

Naruto bows respectfully. "I appreciate the dinner. It was delicious."

Paula puts on a false smile. "I am glad you enjoyed it. It was nice meeting you."

Artemis glances between the two. It has been like this all day. She pushes Naruto out the front door. "I'll be back home in a couple hours," says the girl. Paula frowns as the door shuts.

Outside, Artemis and Naruto are walking down the sidewalk. "I am sorry about that. My mom is usually not that rude," apologizes Artemis.

"She was not rude. I would have acted in the same manner," replies Naruto. Artemis looks at him in confusion. "Your mother is a former assassin. That type of training never disappears. She recognized that I also have a similar type of training. My presence put her on edge."

"I am confused."

Naruto gains a pensive expression. "Imagine being in the same room as your father. Would you let down your guard?"

"Hell no!" Artemis blinks. "Wait, but she doesn't even know you. You are not an assassin…"

"I had a life in the Elemental Nations that was not a heroic one. I have certain mannerisms that are unrecognizable to the untrained eye, but to those that are trained in heavily in such arts, it tends to stand out."

"Still…"

"Artemis, I would have acted in the same manner if in the room with someone I felt was a threat. There is no reason to be upset," reassures Naruto.

A smile appears on her face. She leans into his side. He glances down at her. "Thanks for coming over even if it was extremely awkward," smiles Artemis.

"I had a good time."

"You have a weird version of a good time."

"I tend to have a good time whenever I am spending time with you."

Artemis blushes a bright red. She grabs his arm forcing him to look at her. Naruto doesn't resist as he is pulled into a passionate kiss. A kiss that he eagerly returns. "Despite that nonchalant exterior, you can say some of the sweetest things," smiles Artemis.

Naruto places his hands on her waist. "Sweet?" He tilts his head in a cute gesture. "I was just telling the truth…"

"Shut up and take the compliment," Artemis pulls him into another kiss. He decides to take her advice.

Belle Reve

A cracking sound fills the air. Icicle Senior stumbles backwards. He reaches up to rub his jaw. "That was a mistake. One I am not going to let you live to regret," states the villain.

"Harm is not afraid of you. Harm will show you who is truly at the top of the food chain," smirks Harm. Blockbuster comes up behind Harm intent on grabbing the brat. Sensing the danger, Harm leaps over the giant, but a large fist slams into his back shooting him towards Icicle Senior whom delivers a clothesline that knocks Harm hard on his back. Blockbuster slams his giant foot down upon Harm's chest causing the boy to spit out blood.

Icicle Senior kneels down with a cocky smirk. "Harm is your name right? A good name. Gets straight to the point." A right hook fills Harm's vision with black spots. "This will be your last warning. Know your place or I will make one for you, six feet under the prison. Got it?" Icicle Senior stands up. A simple nod is all that is needed to have Blockbuster and Mammoth follow him. Others that gathered start to disperse not offering the idiot boy any help.

Harm rolls over onto his chest. He coughs up several more blobs of blood. Gritting, he punches the floor in anger. How could this happen to him? He sacrificed everything to make his heart pure and unlock true power. Instead of ruling over others, he is stuck in this filthy place with all these impure hearts.

"You are weak."

"Who said that?!" Harm lifts up his head in anger. He looks around in confusion. There is no one around.

"I can offer you true power."

Harm tries to find the source of the voice. "Do you want true power? The power to get revenge on the one that put you here."

Anger and rage burns in Harm's eyes. The area over his heart begins to glow crimson with magical power. "Uzumaki Naruto," whispers Harm. "I will have his head."

"Serve me and spread my name throughout the world. In exchange, you shall have the power to kill all your enemies!"

"Serve?" Harm stands up with a defiant expression. "Harm serves no one." The voice doesn't respond. He waits a few seconds, but all that greets him is silence. Scowling, he limps towards the cafeteria.

Mount Justice – November 11th

Connor folds his arms across his chest. "This is a waste of time. Why are we pretending that he doesn't already know about the party?"

Naruto gives a shrug. "I find it similar to the fact that you and Megan continue to try to hide the fact that the two of you are dating despite everyone already in the know." Connor falls silent.

"I have to agree with that sentiment." Kaldur places a hand on Connor's shoulder. "I know you are doing it because she wishes to spare hurting Wally's feelings, but I believe it is time to let him know."

"Good luck trying to convince her of that," replies Connor.

"Alright everyone, I am turning off the lights! Wally will be here soon!"

The kitchen and living room go dark. Connor and Kaldur go to move when both notice that Naruto is gone. Shaking their heads, the two find their own hiding spots. Artemis and Zatanna are sitting behind the couch. "This is a nice chance of pace. I really needed a break from all the training," whispers Zatanna.

Artemis smirks remembering her own aches and pains when she first started to train with the team. It has to be twice as hard for Zatanna. Zatara is making sure that his little girl is as prepared as possible. The usual sardonic and cocky Zatanna has been walking around in a defeated manner. "Hey, at least you were allowed on the team. That is half the battle," smiles Artemis.

Zatanna gives her friend a knowing expression. "Enjoying my misery are you?"

"A little bit."

"Do you think that Naruto invited Raven?" asks Zatanna. "I was hoping she would be here."

"I offered it to her." Artemis and Zatanna jump in twin gasps. Both turn to see Naruto sitting on Artemis's left. He is staring up at the ceiling with a bored expression. "Raven did not want to intrude so decided to stay in Japan."

Zatanna blinks, "wait does she live with you?" Naruto gives a nod.

Artemis's eyes narrow. Jealously flares up. "You never told me that she was living with you."

Naruto tilts his head. "I did not know that it mattered. I have a spare bedroom in one of my apartments. She has been helping me lately with the recent wave of crime. I thought it only proper I extend her a place to stay."

"That is really sweet," smiles Zatanna.

"Yeah," mumbles Artemis.

'He is here. Everyone come on out in 3…2…1…!'

The lights flood on. Everyone comes out of hiding. "Surprise!" yells the team. Flash, Red Tornado, and Canary wave at the guest of honor.

Wally gasps in pretend surprise. "A surprise party!? Guys, I had no idea!"

"Yeah, like you haven't been hinting at it all week," smirks Robin.

"Happy Birthday Wally!" Megan flies over to the birthday boy with her usual warm smile. She places a birthday hat on his head. "Come on, I made you two cakes."

"Babe, you are the best."

Artemis walks over to Naruto carrying a plate with a slice of cake. He takes the plate. "Thank you," says Naruto. Without hesitation, he begins to dig into the slice. Megan is excellent at making food. As expected the cake is moist, sweet, and delicious. "This is a nice party."

"Yeah," mutters Artemis. The whole issue with Raven and Naruto living together bothers her. She doesn't like the idea of another girl staying with her boyfriend. Raven did save her life on that mission, but Artemis is already competing with Zatanna for Naruto's attention. Not to mention that Naruto's best friend is a pretty Martian girl that can shapeshift into any woman in the universe. It is starting to seem like Naruto is drawing all this female attention. How is she supposed to compete?

"Is there something bothering you?"

"No…I don't want to talk about it."

Naruto nods in understanding. "Ok." He is not going to push the issue. Artemis will talk to him when she is ready. His eyes drift over towards Wally. The speedster is desperately trying to get a kiss from Megan. After a minute, Megan responds with giving him a kiss on the forehead. A look of disappointment is on Wally's face. 'I respect the fact that he never gives up,' thinks Naruto.

Zatanna comes up on Naruto's right. "Someone really needs to tell him. It is becoming less fun and more on the sad side."

"Allow me," Kaldur walks past the three towards Wally. The three of them watch as Kaldur breaks the news to Wally. Wally glances over at Megan and Connor. He sulks in depression.

"I think a part of him knew or he would be a bit more upset," says Naruto.

"Talk about being in denial," says Zatanna with a shake of the head.

"Batman to the team. Head to the control room for mission update."

A sigh escapes the young witch. "Well, the party was fun while it lasted." Naruto nods as he follows her out of the room. Artemis quietly follows the two glad for the mission. She needs to clear her head.