#jaytemis week 2020

[your-worst-knightmare]

“I’ve Got You, Red.”

Jaytemis Week: Day Two- Saving Each Other

“I’ve got you, Red.”

“You mean I’ve got you.”

A quick sketch for Jaytemis Week! 

[comic-brew]

First Impressions

Summary: The first meeting between Jason Todd and mob boss Artemis Grace.

Notes: Last minute drabble contribution to 1st day of @jaytemisweek2020. Prompt: Mob Boss Au. With real life getting in the way, this is all I was able to write for now, but let me know if you'd like me to continue the story, cause I do have something in mind!

Reading Time: 8 mins (960 words)

Or read here on ao3!

"Sister" the blonde woman holding securely his right arm in place announced, immediately straightening up her shoulder blades, if it was possible to do so more than they already were. She was younger than the darker skinned woman on his left, who then slammed the heel of her boot on the back of his knee, forcing it to buckle over and carry the weight of the man, involuntarily genuflecting before the velvet armchair amidst the small space of the room. The glint of moving metal was the first thing to gradually shift into focus as Jason's eyes adjusted to the dimly lit outline of a third woman.

Slightly bent over the shiny silver of a glorious battle axe, sharpening its double blades was her. She looked up inquisitively at the sound of her sister calling, gripping the metal gently in her alabaster fingers, almost as lovingly as a mother would cradle her child. Fiery red strands of hair fell loosely on her shoulders and reached all the way down to her stiletto wearing feet. Her skin was enveloped in expensive raven cashmere, the fabric accentuating her curves and lean posture. She wasn't lacking in physical strength as Jason noticed, for even judging by the toned muscles of her exposed calves and forearms, she was extremely well sculpted.

"We found this man snooping around the crypt. Didn't put up much of a fight."

Jason scoffed at that. "Please, you're alive right now because I want you to b--" the woman on his right -he's going to call her 'Mary' for simplicity- took the time to crouch down at eye level and punch his cheek, interrupting him mid sentence. Turned out 'Mary' had a heavy hand. It wouldn't have been a problem had he been wearing his helmet, but the red headpiece was now dangling loosely from 'Ann''s (that was the name he assigned to the blonde) fingers and his skin burned where it had met with 'Mary''s fist. He ignored the rising heat on his cheek and nodded towards the woman with the axe. "I'm guessing this is your boss lady or whatever?"

"Artemis." she provided, looking completely unfazed, if not somewhat amused. "You must be either brave or foolish, to wish to speak with me"

"I get that a lot. I'm still here though, aren't I?"

She chuckled.

"Enjoy it" she said, deadpan, calmly stroking the axe's blades with the pads of her fingers. "This might as well be the last time you hear it."

Suppressing a shiver, Jason stole a glance at the other two. He could swear witnessing 'Ann' flinch at the coldness of her boss's words. She must have been a newly hired capo, he thought, whereas 'Mary' was utterly still and unblinking, her grasp cutting off the blood circulation in his upper arm.

"Should we take care of him, sister?" 'Mary' proposed, shifting her weight on one foot. Her pupils contracted harshly, matching the venomous edge to her voice.

"There's no need, Andromeda. In fact you can both go your ways. I'll handle the little one." Artemis said dismissively, carefully lowering her massive axe in its holder, leaving it hanging menacingly from the wall beside the luxurious armchair.

Little one?, Jason protested internally. Seriously? He refrained from saying anything though, for he needed to speak with that Artemis gal and -let's be honest- even if he could possibly take on the three women normally, he was unmasked and stripped off his weaponry. If Jason wanted to get out of the building in one piece he was required to be tactful.

"Are you sure, sister?" 'Ann' asked, eyeing her 'prisoner' hesitantly. Jason noticed out of the corner of his eye her fingers twitching nervously on the grip of his helmet, or perhaps her nails discreetly tapping in a tune.

Artemis nodded, uncrossing her legs before she ordered sternly:

"You may release him"

As if on cue, both 'Ann' and Andromeda -apparently- let go of his respective arms, him no less than yanking them away and close to his sides, stretching and rubbing circles in his left limb which had been almost deprived of feeling.

Artemis slowly got up from the velvety, garnet furniture and as she ascended to her full height, all Jason could do was stare at her in awe. So captivated by her towering figure was he, that as she strided elegantly towards him, he forgot his own name. Her wavy hair drifted gracefully in flames behind her with her every step, setting his chest alight. The wonderful scent of the desert sun and heatwave -if he could ever begin to describe it- encompassing his being with every clank of heel against marble, stuffing his throat with sand and leaving him desperate for the sweet relief of water.

She was inferno, yet he almost yearned to burn.

"Tell me your name, mortal"

Artemis was now looming over him, her emerald irises scouring every bit of his existence. He scrambled to get up from the floor, not that it did much to erase the height difference.

"Rred.." he spoke up hoarsely, then coughed a little on the back of his hand to clear his throat and perhaps his mind as well. "Red Hood. I've been meaning to speak with you".

Artemis's eyebrow shot up and she crossed her arms over her suit with a smirk.

"About what, might I ask?"

Jason tried his best to remain nonchalant and keep his jaw from falling slack, what gazing at her from up close. He took a single step back so that he wasn't almost burrowed in her chest, avoiding breaking eye contact.

The corners of his mouth couldn't help but twitch upwards at the sincere astonishment manifesting on her features when he next spoke:

"It's about the Bow of Ra"

[your-worst-knightmare]

Flipping Off the Universe

Jaytemis Week 2020: Day 7: Scars/Wounds

Ao3 Link

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Artemis huffed as she sent the last thug crumpling to the ground with the hilt of her axe. Finally. Those men were annoyingly resilient. She raised her hand to the comm in her ear to contact her team-mate– the Red Hood. “You good over there, Hood?”

The audio crackled to life. She could hear him panting: he’d likely just gotten out of a brawl himself. “Yeah. Think some guy nicked me. Nothin’ too bad though.” 

Her mouth twitched. “See you at the rendezvous point?”

“I might be a minute though, Arty. Don’t wait up.” 

“Nonsense. I must see how badly you messed up your beloved jacket.” Artemis snarked, leaping from the roof of one building to the next. Jason’s uneasiness about her having to wait, although adorable, was something she had a sneaking suspicion he was using to hide an injury. Being the only human on the team, he  tended to also fill the slot for ‘most injuries’. Jason wasn’t proud of that status.

By now, Artemis had been waiting much longer than she would have liked to. Patience was never her strong suit. She spoke into her comm again. “Hood, what’s your ETA?” 

The line was silent for a few seconds. “I told you not to wait up.”

“Arrival time, Hood.”

He sighed. “Don’t know. Five minutes?”

“If you’re not here by then, I’m coming to get you. You should know, if you’re hiding another injury, you will not be able to fool me.”

“Promise not to get mad Arty?”

Artemis pressed her lips into a line. This wasn’t going to be great. “I can promise nothing.”

“Great. Well, I think I dislocated my shoulder and there’s a gash on my right arm.” 

“Okay, I’m coming to get you.”

“What–” Jason sputtered. “Come on, I’m not dying here, Red!”

Artemis rolled her eyes. “That’s not the point. Now turn on your GPS and stay put.” 

Artemis found the fearsome Red Hood leaning against a dumpster in one of many disgusting alleyways. The smell alone justified his need to have an air filter on every suit he wore. 

“You need a hand there, Hood?” Artemis asked, crossing her arms. 

He looked up sluggishly. “No, in case you didn’t hear the first hundred times...” Despite his grumbling, he let Artemis take him to her safe-house.  

She’d gotten it after she and Bizarro had returned from their unplanned ‘trip’ to one hell of another dimension. She didn’t spend mush time there, as she did tend to get lonely, and being alone with one’s thoughts, especially unwelcome ones, was never enticing. But, at the end of the day, it was still hers. 

Getting in through the window turned out to be quite the process, considering Jason’s injuries and the security measures Artemis had taken to ensure the safety of the apartment. However, after some cursing, pointless arguing and snarky comments, Jason was finally on the couch, minus his boots, helmet, holsters and jacket. 

“You know, when you said that I should come over to see your apartment, this isn’t what I had in mind,” Jason muttered.

“Oh stop complaining. What did you want, dinner?”Artemis tore off her vambraces, grabbed her box of medical supplies and sat down beside him. Happily, he’d already done her the favour of exposing his arm. At least now she wouldn’t have to hear him whine about how he had to keep repairing his suits.

“Yeah, except I’d be cooking. Let’s face it Arty, your skills are meager at best.” 

The Amazon frowned as she cleaned the wound. “You need stitches.” 

He sighed. “Figured that. Just make it quick.” 

Artemis prepped the area wordlessly. She liked to think that she was good at it. Steady breaths, in and out. She could see Jason glaring at the ceiling from her peripheral. What she didn’t like was his insistence of no painkillers. He had done nothing to not deserve the ease that they brought. But she respected his decision, as mindless as it may be, and so she continued. 

“Try not to pull these within the first week this time,” Artemis said, finishing up. 

Jason flexed his hand, once, twice. “Set the shoulder too,” he breathed. 

“Are you sure?”

He nodded, gritting his teeth. He braced himself against her as Artemis forced the bone back into place. She ignored the string of foul curses that spilled from his mouth. 

”Good?” Artemis asked, squeezing his hand. 

“Yeah.” His nostrils still flared. He ran his tongue over his teeth. “Mostly.”

Artemis grunted, finishing up setting his shoulder. “ You’re staying for the night,” she finally stated. 

“What? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure, you oaf. You’re not invading– I brought you here.” She cracked a smile. “Besides, it’ll give you an opportunity to steal some of your wardrobe back from me.” 

“Well damn, I can’t pass up that, now can I?”

Artemis grinned, an action that was becoming increasingly more frequent. “No you can’t. Now shove over, you’re taking up the whole couch.”

Jason moved over. “You know, getting a sweater when you’re cold instead of stealing body heat from me will just be easier for both of us.” 

The Amazon curled onto the couch, huddling against Jason’s uninjured shoulder. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

____________

Despite the constant throbbing in Jason’s shoulder, he couldn’t seem to wipe that goddamn stupid grin off of his face. His sutures ached and he was sure he’d lost all circulation in foot, yet his chest swelled with contentment. 

Artemis had fallen asleep beside him, still in her uniform. She had, apparently, deemed taking a nap on top of him more important than changing into something more comfortable. Her quiet breathing blew a strand of hair from her face every time she exhaled. Jason watched for a moment before bushing it away. 

She looked peaceful, relaxed, younger even. He could picture her as a normal college student, living a normal life free of violence. The scars that ran up her bare arms told him otherwise– the life she lived, the life they lived, was quite the opposite. But what always fascinated him was how she never hid them. She was not ashamed of them.  

Jason glanced at his sutures, which was most definitely going to leave a mark. It wasn’t vanity that drove him to hate them. He knew that much. He hated the reminder that they brought. You aren’t good enough. Look what you’ve done to yourself. Look at your mistakes. He hated the mistakes that littered his body.

“Exhale, Jason.” Artemis. 

Jason obeyed. “Sorry I–”

She shushed him. “You get tense when you think too much.” She thought for a moment. “Do you wish to talk?” 

Her intuition left him silent for a moment. “It can wait until  tomorrow.. You should get some sleep anyway...” 

“That can wait.” Artemis sat up. “What has been bothering you?”

He laughed dryly. “It’s stupid... so stupid...”

She tilted her head, causing her hair to fall into her face. “And yet the fact that it bothers you negates its stupidity.”

“I guess...” Jason trailed off. He could trust Artemis. “Just... how do you deal with it?” He took a breath. Woah, make your sentences clear. “The scars, I mean. I just... whenever I see mine, I...”

“Remember where they came from?”

“Yeah, but like, in a bad way.” 

Artemis was silent for a moment. Then she took Jason’s hand and traced several scars that trailed down her back. “Outside of Bhana-Mighdall, Man’s World had a testing ground for weapons. As a girl... Akila and I used to practice there sometimes. There were... several mines still active in the area and one day...” She sucked in a breath. Jason ran his thumb over her hand, offering what little comfort he could. “We were both hit. Had to drag ourselves home by the skin of our teeth.” Artemis offered him a small smile. “ But we made it. We survived it. Yes, our stupidity was what got us into that problem, but we made it out. And we trained so that it would never happen again.”

“So you’re saying scars are your way of flipping off the universe?”

Artemis laughed. It was short, but by God, was it beautiful. “Essentially, yes.”

Jason pursed his lips, thinking. “You know, you might have been a dumb kid, but I think I got you beat.” 

She smirked. “Do you, now?”

He guided her hand to the whitened mark cutting through his eyebrow. “You don’t grow up in a city watching a kid your age jumping around on rooftops without getting some ideas. The rooftops in Park Rowe were pretty close together, so I thought it was probably as safe as I could get. I even found a mattress to act as a mat if I fell.” Jason rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. “I was a dumb kid. So I jumped, and whoosh.” He pantomimed falling to the ground. 

“Ouch.”

“Yeah. The good thing was that I landed mostly on the mattress.” 

“What do you mean, mostly?” Artemis exclaimed. 

“Well, I hit my head on the ground. Got a concussion. And this. I was scared that I needed stitches because I knew Ma couldn’t pay for that.” 

“Alright, that was dumb, but still doesn’t match going to play in a minefield,” Artemis remarked. 

“Hey, hey, hey, don’t write me off yet Arty! Don’t forget; I stole the tires off the goddamn Batmobile and had the nerve to attack Batman for it.”

“Are you competing with me to be the dumbest Outlaw?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

They stared at each other for a moment before they both broke down laughing. Artemis was the first to regain herself. “Well, here’s to flipping off the universe.”

“Amen.”

[your-worst-knightmare]

Yours Is the Name I Cry in the Night

Jaytemis Week Day 5: Nightmares

Ao3 Link

____________________________

Through the smoggy sky of the city, the very beginning hints that signalled the sunrise appeared on the horizon. Jason knew from experience that the sun wouldn’t actually show its face for another three hours or so, which was nice of it– because he was bone-tired. It seemed late (or early?) to head home, so he did.

The safe-house he’d so ironically started calling home was located several blocks down from a small hideout he’d used when he was a kid on the streets. He shared his new (and frankly, quite nice) apartment with Artemis after Bizarro had gone to live with the Kents. Neither he nor Artemis particularly took to the idea of living alone with one’s own unwelcome thoughts. And honestly, he enjoyed her company. he hoped she did too.

Jason slid open the window easily and slipped inside. The air smelled like the incense that Artemis liked to burn. She said it reminded her of Bhana-Mighdall. Jason smiled. Frankincense was certainly a welcome change from the nauseating stench of the Narrows. 

He retired to his room to change out of his gear when he realized that one of his sweaters was missing. Not just any sweater, but his favorite one, one that neither he nor Artemis had any problem identifying when doing laundry. That was saying something, their similar wardrobes considered. 

Annoyed at being kept from his relaxation, Jason wandered back into the hall to ask Artemis if she’d seen it. It was cold, and Jason couldn’t imagine anything he wanted more at that moment than curling up in his hoodie and continuing his reading Herland. 

He remembered the time and decided to reconsider. Artemis was most likely asleep anyway. He didn’t want to waker her over something so minuscule as an article of clothing. Jason was about to trudge back to his room when he heard his name. More specifically, his name from Artemis’ room.

Jason knocked on the door. “Artemis?” he called. “You okay?”

There was a silence. Jason knocked again. Again, silence. “Artemis, you good?”

He was about to leave again when he heard Akila’s name. Artemis scarcely spoke of her anymore, not since– not unless– He cursed to himself. ‘She doesn’t deserve this.’ 

Jason cracked the door open slowly. “Arty? It’s me. It’s Jason.” 

The Amazon was sleeping, if fitfully. But her breath was too quick. The tears that trailed down her face confirmed Jason’s suspicions. Nightmares, to put it gently, sucked.

He crouched on the floor beside her. “Hey, Red, it’s okay, I’m here.” 

Artemis jolted, though she didn’t wake. Jason sat there. Touching only made things worse, depending on the circumstance. But he would be there, with her, for her. He sat for seemed to be an eternity, wincing at every cry, murmuring reassurance to unhearing ears. 

Suddenly, Artemis gasped, her eyes finally flying open. A panicked expression crossed her face before she realized where she was. 

“Arty, are you okay?” Jason whispered softly.

She wiped her face and took a deep breath. “I need to be,” she murmured.

“But are you?”

Her lip trembled as she tried to wipe away more tears. “I don’t know.”

Jason sighed. “Can I touch you?”

At her approval, he sat down on the bed next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Jason brushed her hair out of her face. “Do you want to talk?”

Artemis leaned against him. “No.” 

“Okay.” 

Jason hated that he couldn’t take her unhappiness away with a snap of his fingers. But that was life– sucky and hard. He hoped she’d feel better by morning. In the meantime, they sat nestled together, Jason rubbing circles on Artemis’ hand. 

The sun rose hours later, its golden rays filtering though the windows of Artemis’ bedroom. Jason peeled his eyes open to glare at them, as they had very conveniently decided to shine into his face. Artemis still lay against him although she seemed to be awake. 

“I’m sorry,” she finally said, breaking the comfortable silence. “About last night, I mean.” 

“For what?” Jason turned to her. “Something you don’t have to apologize for?”

“No it’s just... I am Shi’m Tar, I am supposed to take care of others. Not the other way around. I should be able to take care of myself.” 

“Artemis,” Jason started, looking into her green, green eyes. “ You can. You’re the toughest person I know. But the good thing is, you don’t have to. Not when you’ve got your friends and family watching your  back.”

Artemis went silent. “And who would be on that list?”

“I don’t know, Arty, you’re the only one who knows the answer to that.But I hope that one of those names rhyme with Rason Rodd.” 

A silver of a smile graced her face. “Jason!” she laughed, swatting his arm.

He chuckled. “Okay, okay, fine.” Jason sighed. “How does breakfast sound?”

Artemis hummed, pretending to be deep in thought. “Only if you make it and take the day off.” 

“You run a hard bargain, ma’am,” he teased. “But how could I say no?”

The Amazon gave him a devilish grin. “I’m afraid you can’t.

[comic-brew]

Anemos

Summary: Grief is like a toxin, invading your every pore and spreading like the plague, leaving behind nothing but a jade black painted husk. Hollowed out, resembling more of a dead shell than a man.

Notes: Another last minute @jaytemisweek2020 fic! I really am incorrigible. Song: Anemos by Katherine Duska and Leon of Athens. I'm sorry in advance

Reading time: 18 mins (2.2k words)

Warnings: dealing with grief, fake character death, angst angst angst

Or read here on ao3!

***

Hurried wind, blowing forth

"Hey, Princess... It's Jason."

The phone had already started recording, the whooshing sound of passing vehicles was simply a miserable undercurrent to his already bitter voice.

He looked around at the city's skyline. It seemed so familiar from his spot on the rooftop, yet the empty, discarded bottles of scotch in the far back reminded him just how bloody different everything was. How it would never be the same.

"Well uh.."

He trailed off, coughing dryly and staring at the seconds passing on the screen. He scrambled to find the right words. He had so much to say -too much- so he might as well end up saying nothing. It didn't matter anyway.

"It's Wednesday today. We… we had plans for this morning. We were gonna grab breakfast at that terrible diner that you somehow like so much. Shaw's."

He chuckled bitterly.

"I seriously don't know why you like that crap. I'd rather eat Dick's cooking than go there again, and that should be saying something. Although-"

His eyes glistened under the moonlight, tears fighting to be spilt out of their glacial blue. Jason tried to swallow back the lump in his throat. He had to do this.

"I would relieve Quraq all over again if it meant getting to be dragged there -or anywhere- by you again- I-"

His voice broke, bent like a flower's rachis crunched beneath a boot. Jason finally gave way to the tears, flowing in beads across his cheeks. He put the phone down for a second, to brush away the salty waterfalls.

Hurried wind, he whispered to me: 'stay

"You know what? This is stupid"

A small scoff evaded his lips. A little insane. Perhaps a bit more of a sniffle as his kevlar enhanced shoulders drooped even further down.

He sat back down on the cement. Plopped the phone down on the ground next to his helmet, his forehead burrowed in his hands. Perhaps to hide the pain, to keep it locked inside. Trying to hold the weight of his head so that his neck wouldn't have to. It felt so heavy. Everything was heavy and fuzzy, thick and inky like a bog eager to consume him.

There was no bog, of that he was sure. So.. that left only the gaping hole in his chest.

Yeah, that should be it.

Dark matter was devouring him, sucking him from the inside, to make up for the absence of a heart beneath his ribcage.

I'm becoming one with the wind now

Lifting his head up from his gloved palms, he rested his fingers on his chin. Limbs huddled closely together, in a small bundle of 6 foot tall boy. A small bundle screaming in despair, even without the air tingling at his vocal chords. His every cell was radiating anguish, Jason could almost reimagine the bleak stench of death encompassing his meager existence.

He drew in a deep shaky breath, shuddering at the sudden chill blowing against his body. He kept shivering even after the soft gust had dissipated.

Blow forth with the wind, a kiss piercing me like a bullet in the middle of the night

The sharp 'ping' indicating the halt in the recording was almost lost amidst the cacophony of horns and shouts rebounding from the city streets. Gotham highway was hazardous on normal days. Only a more terrible place for grieving souls, even above it and by the familiar coldness of a gargoyle made of stone.

Jason would push this all aside and bury the pain deep down, he really would. But he didn't- he didn't get to say goodbye. His eyes welled up once more as he gazed solemnly down at the passerbys, going about their lives while his felt almost frozen in time.

Seconds weren't ticking anymore when the clock on his phone was pointing at midnight all of a sudden. Tears had been closely followed by sobs as he gulped down the last drop of liquid numbness.

It didn't numb the pain nearly enough.

At the final hitch of his breath, Jaso let his feet dangle from the edge of the rooftop as he was picking up the bloody device with Artemis' name and smile displayed, captured for eternity in an almost mundane moment of joy that he recalled being so heavenly.

It was at the beach. He remembers the feel of sand and wet hair between his fingers, remembers the soft crashing of the cerulean waves and how those same waves felt against his bare skin, and how his skin felt encompassed in her warmth.

Take me far away from here, you're the only one dressing me in light amidst the darkness

Jason remembers the tender whispers of nothings that held more value than all the knowledge in the universe. Those everythings now were truly nothing, if not for sharpened blades slashing deep into his skin. The faint aftertaste of salty lips and a smile so lovely in his eyes it could outbrighten the midday sun, now simply reduced to the shine of a katana embedded in his chest.

Twisting.

God… Why does it hurt so much?

He started another recording. The words kept nagging at his brain, they needed to be let out lest they ate away chunks of his soul. His soul that had already been split in half, drowned out in the haziness of regret and guilt.

His hand shot up to wipe at the tears but they were already dried roads carved into his flesh.

Grief is like a toxin, invading your every pore and spreading like the plague, leaving behind nothing but a jade black painted husk. Hollowed out, resembling more of a dead shell than a man.

I'm becoming one with the wind now

"It's me again. One more and I'll let you rest" he paused. "I promise"

Taking a deep ragged breath, searching his mind for any and every final bit of strength and courage, he continued.

"I-I love you, princess. I love you so damn much"

He sighed.

"I should have said it sooner, but my fucking trust issues… I just- I just thought we had more time"

This time when his eyes flooded he let the tears flow freely. There was nobody there to see them, nobody there to ask.

Nobody

My dream, my secret, sink me deep into the wind

"And it fucking hurts that you're gone, you can't even begin to imagine just how much... I don't- I don't think that much pain is able to be measured. Every time I even think of you my heart is just.. shattered -no- shredded into a million pieces I know I'll never be able to put back together"

If he was gonna do this, he was gonna do it right. No holding back on his emotions, no use trying to conceal the aching claw impaling his heart, stopping it from thumping in the right rythm. Broken, every attempt at pulsing was as good as a heaving sob of loneliness.

Broken..

"A thing that breaks is never the same, huh?"

The words were said in a somewhat joking manner but his lips hadn't got the energy nor will to twitch into a smile. His muscles felt like marble, securely tight into place no matter how much his brain ordered them to unclench. The pain tugged at his soul, wanting to pull him down, down below and sink him right through the murky depths of its abyss, until pain was all he could sense.

>I want the pain in my eyes, the ashes, the fire

The pain was close- he was already starting to asphyxiate, he wasn't prepared to hold his breath when his head was pushed underwater.

"And Biz.. he misses you a lot too. He's obliterated, and that's putting it mildly"

His voice was rasped and broken when he next spoke, the ever growing lump had almost clogged his throat.

"Please come back"

It was merely a whisper, the exhale of his final breath of hope assuming a material from. The desperate last stand of a wildflower against the harsh cold of winter. Jason closed his eyes, shutting out the harpies' eerie songs reminding him that she's truly gone, drifted away with a wind that never quite got to caress his skin.

I'm not afraid, you're here now

Next thing Jason knew was he'd been yelling, shouting loudly for the words to beat the lump and the anxiety. The air rising up his throat clawed against his trachea but he didn't care as long as his feelings weren't lost with the breeze. Even if the person they were aimed at never got to receive them.

His passion finally died out, turned to ashes smoldering miserably beneath his scarred flesh. Who would know when he saw him, that the most painful of his scars was the one nobody could ever trace with the pads of their fingers.

I want to last another breath in the deep

The sorrow was starting to become unbearable as that wonderfully radiant smile disappeared from the screen, belonging to a different lifetime. One that ended when the spark of fire wavered in her emerald eyes, much alike the fainting last flame on the wick of a candle.

With frantic movements he fumbled to whip out his pack of cigars and lighter. He held them in front of his chest, staring holes in the nicotine filled package, guilt settling in the pit of his stomach. Artemis never wanted him to smoke and continue ruining his lungs, she didn't want him to let the it slowly chip away at his health. He hadn't felt the mellow sensation of his worries evaporating and blending in with the smoke in months. She was all he had needed to feel whole.

I'm not afraid, you're here now

The guilt was drowned and lost beneath the pain as Jason placed the cigarette between his lips and set it aflame.

Artemis wasn't there anymore to care.

***

"Just- I know it's hopeless, but if it happened to me, then why do the people I love keep dying?"

Even the mechanical sound of the recording couldn't dim the pain that laced Jason's voice, bitter like a bird that broke its wings.

She let a stray sniffle escape her.

"First Roy, now y-you.. Is this some short of sick joke, universe?! Alright, Jason, you come back, so you can get attached to people and witness everything fall apart so you can feel it. Yeah, the irony wouldn't have worked if I hadn't died, right?!"

The pointy lines of the recording ascended, indicating the increase in volume. Still, there was no way to show the despair with which he clung to the rage.

She pushed back the tears.

"Oh, Arty…"

He was crying.

The tears fought harder to be freed, somehow proving to be even stronger than an Amazon.

I want to run, to leave, go to the open sea

"I have no fucking idea what I'm supposed to do!" the voice uttered. That deep timbre that could soothe and comfort her in a heartbeat was reaching her thorn studded, tying her insides in a knot.

She started weeping quietly. A duet for two broken hearts.

There was a big pause in the sound, yet the needle kept running to reach the end of the voicemail, she was beginning to fear that tinted in pure anguish would be his last word she'd cherish in her memory.

A snort interrupted her abrupt panic. She wiped at the tears as she let old memories be carved into her brain.

I want to touch the sun before I fade in the dark

"Look at me. I'm ranting in a voicemail meant for you. I must be fucking delusional but... I still- I still believe you'll hear all of this someday.."

Her chest heaved with increasing difficulty as the guilt gradually consumed her. He was mourning the loss of her, oblivious to the fact that her heart was still beating, and aching with every poisoned word.

He was going to hate her, but she preferred the man she loved to be able to loathe her, than to take this futile love to his grave.

I'm becoming one with the wind now

She would protect her little one, no matter the cost doing so already relayed upon her heart.

"Well I.." he begun, clearing his throat. "I guess this is goodbye" he said softly, cautiously, and the message ended with a pained 'I love you'.

Artemis murmured back a goodbye. Her breath caught on her throat, she had to exert herself to convince her lungs to draw another sharp intake of air.

She stared at Jason's contact before she'd have to dispose of her phone and everything that bound her to her previous life. She gave the picture of the man a tight lipped smile, tears running down her skin as she muttered an 'I'm sorry'.

I'm not afraid, you're here now

A finger hovered above a tear tainted delete button as wreaked sobs echoed throughout the dark room. The dark room where the shadows danced a walz of death and chaos, giggling under the starlight pouring in from the only window.

Someday.. Perhaps someday she could see her love again.

The finger came down and the shadows danced no more.

I'm becoming one with the wind.

[jaytemisweek2020]

Jaytemis Week 2020

We are pleased to announce the first ever Jaytemis week, an entire week dedicated to the relationship between Jason Peter Todd and Artemis of Bana-Mighdall! Spread the word, Jaytemis week is from July 26-August 1st!

We are accepting any type of fanwork, from fanfics, to edits, to playlists and fanart! Feel free to create anything within the boundaries of your imagination!

We are also open to any version of the ship. Whether you prefer their animated counterparts, the Outlaws version, or an alternate dimension, any form of Jaytemis is acceptable! This includes any form of their relationship, just meeting, friends, dating, married. There are no restrictions on what you choose to make!

We will be accepting prompts, now open! Click here to submit them.

[jaytemisweek2020]

FAQ's about Jaytemis Week

Hello everyone! As we come closer to the date of the Jaytemis Week, we decided we should answer some of the most asked questions regarding this event in a post, so that everyone would be clarified about everything beforehand. If there is any doubt you have regarding this event that wasn't included in this post, please feel free to ask us about it! One of our hosts will be available and glad to answer you.

Now, let's get into it:

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Why are most of the prompts AUs?

Most of them are AUs because it was your choice. We opened two surveys a while ago: one for prompt suggesting, and later one for prompt voting. All of the prompts selected were suggested and chosen by you, we (hosts) had no hand in this, we simply placed each of the most voted prompts in each day of the week.

Is there a minimum/maximum length for my fics?

No, there isn't. Your fics can have any length you want: they can either be short or long, multi chapters or one shot... the decision is up to you!

Can I make mature content?

Of course you can. Whatever you write is up to you, as long as you follow the prompt(s) for the respective day and tag your works accordingly. We did cut out some mature prompts that were suggested because not everyone feels comfortable writing those. By doing this, mature content became optional and not mandatory.

What kind of content can I contribute with for Jaytemis Week?

Any type of content you want to create is welcome! Either it is fanfiction, art, edits or even playlists... It's all up to you. Get creative!

Why are there two prompts for each day?

Since there were many voted prompts, we decided to select two for each day to give everyone a bit more of liberty for their creations. We also decided to include a free day on the last day, so that everyone can share something related to a prompt of their liking - who knows, maybe even about a prompt that didn't get selected!

Do we have to use both prompts?

No, you don't. The two prompts exist so you can select your favorite out of the two. 

Can we include both prompts in our creations if we want to?

Of course, you definitely can. It is not mandatory, but it is optional. If you want to include both prompts in your work, go ahead!

Are there any limits to what kind of art I can create?

No, there aren't. Do whatever pleases you and what you feel comfortable creating. The only limit is your imagination! Every work that comes from you is welcome on this Jaytemis Week!

Is this week strictly for the romantic side of Jaytemis?

Not in any way! This week was created to appreciate every aspect of Jason and Artemis' relationship: either you like to see them as a couple, as really good friends, or even simply as partners who serve as parents for Bizarro... It is up to you, whatever you like the most! We just want to have some appreciation and have more content over these two amazing characters we love and the relationships between them.

-

Please note that this week was created just for fun and with no means of offending anyone! It is merely an appreciation week for these two characters, full of fictional work - meant for everyone to get away from canon a bit and have some fun. Sorry if you got any information about this project wrong, but we hope we could clarify you with this post. If we haven't, feel free to contact us.

Another reminder that this is a hate free zone, and we would please like it if you respected everyone's choice of relationship for them. We don't want anyone to feel offended because they like a certain type of relationship between the two characters. If you don't like that side of them, please just ignore it. We just want everyone to have their fun, no harm intended. Thank you.

[your-worst-knightmare]

Operation Get Out of Marriage

Jaytemis Week Day 3: Arranged Marriage

Ao3 Link

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Night had settled upon the gardens of Wayne Manor, blanketing the sky in her quiet embrace. Jason stood and watched form his balcony, his mind still racing from his father’s dumbfounding speech. The serene bubbling of the fountains should have quelled his anxiety as he’d hoped, but it seemed to do nary a thing.

The head of Wayne Manor had called Jason into his study to talk. That was bad news in itself, as dear old dad wasn’t known for setting aside time for friendly conversation with his sons. Deep down, Jason had always known that conversation was bound to happen in some way or another. Still, it didn’t make the news seem any less like a blow to the face.

Bruce’s words still rang clearly in his ears. “I have made an alliance with Themyscira and we have decided that a union is in order to strengthen our bond. You will be meeting your betrothed tomorrow. I expect you to do your part.”

Jason was left to stare at Bruce, gaping like a fish. Betrothed? To a woman he’d never met, from a nation whose culture he knew next to nothing about, without either his or his betrothed’s consent. An alliance with Themyscira was certainly nothing to sneeze at, and Bruce always had been politically inclined, but would he do this to Jason? To his own son? Several seconds passed in silence and Jason knew the answer was yes.

He huffed in annoyance. Bruce was a jerk. A powerful, wealthy, influential jerk at that. Marrying your son off at nineteen to solidify your own political career only proved that further. Jason tried, tried so hard to be the perfect son, but all Bruce saw him as was a tool. Jason’s gaze hardened. To hell with Bruce. To hell with his political career. If Bruce wasn’t going to love him as a father should, then Jason wasn’t going to exhaust himself trying to earn his affections.

A wonderful idea sprung up in Jason’s mind. What if he just left? Abandoned this mess to live on a livelihood of his own making. The idea sounded appetizing. But what about his bride-to-be? She was likely in a very similar situation. He thought for a moment. No, he didn’t have time to worry about coercing this faceless woman into abandoning a life of luxury with him. There was too much risk. He could live with his disappearance being a one-man show.

Jason retired to his chambers a little too smugly. He’d play the part of the perfect son for the next few days before requesting to take his betrothed on a private outing. Then, under the cover of night, he could sneak out and vanish, free to live the life he wished. Jason smiled. It was all coming together beautifully. He’d need to begin preparing as soon as possible.

_____________________________

“I do not require your help,” Artemis snapped, swatting away the pilot’s hand that had been so generously offered to her. As constricting as the dress she wore was, she could manage herself. The fashion of Man’s World was ridiculous, but Diana had insisted that she get used to the style, seeing as she was marrying the son of the most influential man in Gotham. How insufferable.

Her betrothed– Jason– had greeted her at the runway. Artemis resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Loverboy had to come to see her as soon as she got off the plane. Outwardly, she attributed her foul mood to her intolerable dress and the fatigue of travel. However, perhaps since she’d been miserable since the news of her marriage was broken to her, she had been lying to herself. She knew for a fact that she did not want to be married, but she’d promised herself that she was not to do anything rash. So, as her betrothed talked up a storm of saying nothing, she set to work devising a plan.

Jason was polite as far as suitors went, but Artemis didn’t particularly care for his mask of grandeur that he hid behind. All of his words seemed rehearsed, all his questioned practiced.

“Your dress looks very beautiful, your Highness. Good craftsmanship is so hard to come by nowadays.”

It took all of Artemis’ will to not bite out a snarky ‘Thanks, I hate it.’ “Why thank you, Jason. Of course, I would settle for nothing less.” If he was going to play a game of propriety, Artemis was going to beat him at it.

He nodded politely. “Well, I was thinking that we should get to know each other better. My father owns a vacation home off the coast and I hoped we might spend a few days there.” His mask broke– if only for a second, a look of nervousness flashing over his face before disappearing.

It surprised her, as brief as it was. Artemis sensed that not everything was as it seemed with her betrothed. She covered her thoughts with a smile. “ That does sound like a good idea. Tell me, when do you plan to depart?”

“In three days’ time, if you don’t mind the short notice.” He smiled at her again, and Artemis couldn’t believe how fake it was. He may as well draw one on his face for a chance at being more genuine.

“Oh no, I don’t mind at all.” An idea began to flower in her mind, one that would further both her and Diana’s agendas. She would let the union take place and then her husband would fall ill under mysterious circumstances. To keep the alliance, she would remain “faithful” and wheedle her way back to Themyscira where she could live like none of this ever happened. It was nothing personal. This private outing presented a perfect opportunity to gather intelligence for her plan. “You will find I can be quite spontaneous.”

______________________

Jason had one goal: to make it through the night. The simple task seemed to become increasingly difficult as he realized that Artemis would stand no amount of small talk any longer. His scripted responses from the day they met simply wouldn’t work here. It didn’t help that he kept tripping over his words either.  Now he didn’t just look like a rich jerk, but an idiot rich jerk. Great.

“Do you want to get some ice cream? I heard that Princess Diana likes it and I thought... well, I’m not saying I think you’re all the same but–”

Artemis held a finger up for silence. “It’s fine. I am going to pretend I didn’t hear any of your rambling, but yes, I would like ice cream.” The Amazon shrugged. “Besides, I should get used to your food seeing as I am to be your wife and all,” she deadpanned.

Jason felt a blush creeping up his neck. “Uh, yeah..., sure. “ God, why was he such an idiot? Maybe if he started a coherent conversation, this would all go away. He followed Artemis as she walked, trying to think of something to say. “So, uh, can I ask you a question?”

Artemis continued walking. “You may.”

“Did you have any say in this union? Between us I mean.”

She paused. “No. I was training in Bhana-Mighdall until I was whisked away to Man’s World one day without notice. Sometimes I wake up and forget I’m not in Themyscira anymore,” Artemis whispered, her tone full of longing. She turned to him. “What about you? Regale me with the tale of how you scored yourself a wife at nineteen without trying.”

Jason rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I was in a very similar situation as you. I didn’t know anything until a day before I met you. I didn’t want to marry you.” God, that came out wrong. “Uh, I mean, you’re really nice and beautiful and all, but I just don’t think I’m ready,” he quickly amended.

Artemis smirked. That was a win, right? She placed on hand on his shoulder and Jason froze. “That was very cute, Jason. Truthfully, I find myself agreeing with you. But, we’re doing this for our families, and as mindless as they are, they’re the only ones we’ve got.

And I supposed that since we will be seeing each other more often, it seems fit that I make this request of you.”

“And that is?”

“Don’t hide behind your mask of propriety, I must say, I find this you, awkward as you may be, much more endearing.” She patted his arm, walking ahead. “Now come on, we can’t leave our ice cream waiting.”

A smile tugged on Jason’s mouth. Her honesty was certainly refreshing. He had to admit, he would be at least a little sorry to leave her without any notice. She was nice and she really did deserve better. But, a plan was a plan, and he wouldn’t crumble over one conversation.

_________________________

Artemis lay in bed, wide awake and reminiscing the night she had just spent with her betrothed. He was certainly much nicer than she’d originally thought, though she didn’t care to admit it. She didn’t exactly have any plans to get attached anyway. The union would happen soon, she was sure, and she wouldn’t have to wait long to carry out her plan.

Her gut twinged at the thought. The plan. It wasn’t as drastic as anyone dying, but she would still feel guilty nonetheless. Jason didn’t do anything to deserve it. He was just as much of a pawn as she was. Was that... sympathy? Artemis didn’t exactly know. She decided to leave the thought. Jason was nice, that was that, and she would think about how she felt later.

A paper rustled as it slid under her door. Most likely from Jason. She had half a mind to leave it, as she didn’t want to encourage any of his advances if she was going to follow through with her plan. It was better if he thought her indifferent. False hope was a very cruel thing.

After half an hour, her will crumbled and curiosity got the better of her. Artemis figured that there was no harm in simply reading his note. She picked up the note gingerly.

Or rather a letter would be a more appropriate term. It was handwritten, if hastily, but Artemis appreciated the time taken to do so. However, as she read, her chest swirled with a disorienting array of emotions. It began simply:

‘Artemis, When I was told that I was to be married off to some princess, I expected to meet an immature, snobbish girl. Instead, I met you; an intelligent, elegant, calculating woman who happily proved all my expectations false. I have greatly enjoyed your company over the small amount of time that we’ve been together, and that has somewhat compelled me to write this. I feel that I am obligated to because I would personally feel guilty leaving you without the full story. I find myself partially grateful to my father for introducing us, but I do not think I can live under his will any longer. I am leaving to live my own life, under my own rules. I hope this also gives you the opportunity to return to Themyscira to continue your studies and training. Although I am leaving this life behind, I do not want to abandon contact with you. You will find a burner phone in my room with my number if you wish to stay in touch. -J’

Artemis threw down the letter, dazed. So he’d gotten to his escape plan first. It was quite idiotic, and would most likely never work, but at least it didn’t involve anyone falling ill.

But still. Stupid.

With a calmness that was unproportionate to the situation, Artemis made her way to Jason’s room and dialed. To her surprise, he actually picked up.

“You are such an idiot,” was the first thing that tumbled out of her mouth.

“You read my letter?” Jason asked quietly.

“Yes. It seems you got to your ‘Operation get Out of Marriage’ before I did.” She laughed. “I’m glad you did. Your plan was much better.”

“Oh. Can I ask what yours was?”

“It involved having an invalid for a husband. It would have never worked.”

“Why?”

I like you too much for that.”

Jason went silent for a moment. “If I carried through with my plan, what would happen to you?”

The Amazon sighed. “I suppose I’d be married off again to some other poor soul.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Tell me,” Artemis looked down at her fingers. “If we went through with your father’s plan, what would you do?”

“I don’t know. Be a pawn for the rest of my life?”

“Alright, and what would you do once you’ve carried out your own plan?”

Jason snorted.“Are you trying to make me admit that I haven’t thought this through?”

“Yes,” Artemis replied smugly.”I think I have an alternative plan that would work in all of our favours.”

__________________________

The wedding was extravagant. For all of his faults, Bruce certainly knew how to throw a party. Red and white flowers adorned the venue, most likely making the air hell for anyone with pollen allergies, Jason chuckled to himself. He didn’t know how he felt knowing that so much time and money went to waste on this opulent event. But what Jason lacked in interest for the event, the press more than made up for it.

They were everywhere, following every little detail A small part of Jason was glad for that. It would allow his and Artemis’ new and improved plan to run much more smoothly.

The event dragged on painfully slowly. There were speeches, private interviews, food, all before the ceremony actually took place. Jason felt like he would fall asleep if this went on any slower. But finally, the host said the magic words Jason had been waiting all day for.

‘And now, may I present the bride and the groom!”

Music blared and the gargantuan doors of the chapel swung open. There was nobody behind them. The host nervously repeated himself. Nobody. And again. Still, neither bride nor groom had appeared.

Before the host could get any more flustered, a young man ran out of the audience to deliver a note to him. He took a moment to calm his nerves before he began reading.

‘Dear Honoured Guests, By now you may be wondering where we, the bride and groom are. We are pleased to say that are safe and simply not attending out of our own free will. While we are delighted about the alliance between our peoples, we do not feel that we are suited to the lives of diplomats. As a result, we have decided to step back from our families’ political affairs. We do not wish for the alliance to be dissolved, however, we will no longer be associated with our inherited power. Thank you for attending and we wish you all a cordial evening. -Jason Wayne and Artemis Grace’

The venue erupted into chaos, with guests gasping at the scandal of it all and reporters trying to uncover more of the developing story.

Hundreds of miles away, Jason smirked from atop his comfortable lounge in his private penthouse. He turned away from the TV to face Artemis, who lay beside him on the couch. “So how do you think this plan turned out?”

It was rewarding to see her face lit up with that bright grin. She motioned to the screen where Bruce’s face was starting to rival the looks of a tomato. “I think this was our best yet.”

Jason switched off the TV. “I have a better one.”

“Oh. And that is?”

Fighting the grin off his face was a losing battle. “Ice cream.”