Chapter Text
Wally's loud snores filled the air. Echoing through the sunlit apartment. Dick kept his eyes closed, listening to the strangely calming sound.
Wally was halfway draped over him, his legs hooking around Dick's own, a soft hand laid over his waist, and a warm arm slipped under his head.
Haly had wound up curled behind his knees sometime throughout the night.
Even if Dick wanted to, there was no escape. He was stuck in the twisting mess of limbs he, Haly, and Wally had begun in their sleep.
Wally was warm, so was Haly. Dick sighed, he was warm. The thick quilt draped over all of them collected their warmth, and Dick had no doubt it was nearly freezing outside of their tiny heat-dome.
He left the window open last night, like he always did.
Wally awoke with a delusional flinch. "I'm up!" He slurred. Dick cracked open his eyes as Wally lifted his hand from Dick's waist.
Wally pinched the bridge of his nose with a yawn. Dick smiled as Wally blinked rapidly for a moment, adjusting to the light flooding into the apartment.
"Good morning, Walls." He smiled. Wally looked down at him, letting out an unintelligible groan. Dick chuckled, letting Wally pull away.
He watched the redhead stumble down the small hall and into the kitchen, his steps uneven and more like a limp.
Dick rolled out of bed. He stood and stretched with a series of pops and walked into the bathroom.
He washed his face, brushed his teeth, and scraped his hair back with a hairband before he left.
He strode into the kitchen, taking a seat across from Wally, who was shoving spoonfuls of cereal into his mouth like the world depended on it. He grabbed the spoon and glanced down.
Dick stared at the bowl of cereal in front of him dumbly. His stomach churned tightly as his grip on the spoon tightened.
Flashes of rats chewing on the old remains of his parents. Mildewy, mold covered chunks of yellow and brown that shriveled like raisins being gnawed on viciously.
"I can't eat this." He whimpered.
Wally looked up from his own food, swallowing a mouthful of fruity pebbles. His red hair was messy, and even though his eyebags had faded after having almost a week of a steady sleep schedule with Linda, his features were still worn thick with worry.
Wally frowned for a brief moment, and Dick's chest tightened with guilt. "I'm sorry-" He began.
Wally jolted, "No it's fine!" He proclaimed. Dick nodded in a skeptical manner. Wally grabbed Dick's bowl and slid it next to his own.
Dick watched Wally practically inhale his food for a moment; he rose to his feet, giving Wally a reassuring smile at the latter's confused gaze.
Dick strode to his room, falling onto his bed like a dead body. His pillows smelt like vanilla, he always made sure to keep everything he owned that way.
Personally, he prefers citrus. Other people, however, didn't, so Dick replaced his citrus-centric obsession with vanilla.
He ran a hand over the silk bed sheets, inhaling slowly.
Silk rubbed against his cheek gently, nursing him awake. His head throbbed dully as he opened his eyes. His eyes stung once he finished the herculean effort. The full light of the cave blinded him.
Dick clenched his jaw, throwing himself off his bed like it burnt him. He stood there for a moment, glaring at the bed. Why did everything remind him of that?
Dick huffed out a frustrated puff of air, his chest constricting. There was no reason for this to be bothering him so much. It had been almost a week since he remembered, and it was still bugging him! He had been through worse; he blinked back the pressure behind his eyes. This was stupid; furthermore, he was being stupid.
He hated this. He didn't need to remember that, he doesn't even know why he forgot it in the first place. Obviously his stupid brain would hyperfixate on it and just cause problems, so there was no point.
He twitched slightly as a hand landed on his shoulder. His eyes glanced over as the hands slid down his arm to grip on his own.
Wally was looking at him, his smile tight with worry but reassuringly still.
Wally's second hand raised to cup Dick's cheek. His thumb ghosting over his cheekbone. Dick raised his own hand to cup over the redhead's, his other gripping on Wallys remaining hand.
Dick examined Wally's face, taking note of the crease of worry at the edges of his eyes.
Dick's frown deepened, and Wally's thumb twitches gently under Dick's hand. Wally guided his head forward until their foreheads met.
Dick stared down towards the ground, his vision blurring as his breaths began to hitch.
God he lived Wally. He loved him so much. It surprised him initially that someone so talkative and energetic could have moments like these.
Wally knew Dick, better than most people did. He knew that when Dick wasn't okay, he needed a hug or some form of physical affection. Dick noticed how he bit his tongue to hold back remarks when the raven haired man was spiraling and just gave him a hug.
Dick didn't deserve a partner like Wally, however, Dick decided long ago that he could be selfish in that matter. He might not deserve Wally, but no way in hell was he going to leave the speedster.
He cried for what seemed like the millionth time that day, melting into Wally's hug as it came.
He cried until his throat was even more sore, and exhaustion bloomed in his body.
He sniffled, leaning into Wally's shoulder heavily. Cringing internally at the dampness of Wally's bare shoulder.
Wally stayed in place, his grip tight but gentle enough to let Dick know he could back away at any time.
Dick gave Wally one last squeeze, "Sorry." He pulled away. Wally frowned, "You don't have to apologize, Dickie." He stated. Dick hummed dismissively.
Dick rose to his feet, patting his face dry.
"I'm going to get in the shower." He stated. Wally rises to his feet as well. "Can I join?" He asked. Dick nodded, forcing a smile on his face.
Wally gave Dick a smile back, before heading into the hall. Dick didn't miss the barely concealed exclamation of triumph the red head made.
Dick smiled, grabbing an outfit and closing the blinds of his room before entering the bathroom.
It was nice. The shower helped him get rid of the stickiness on his cheeks. His eyes stung from his and Wally's water fight, that was put on hold due to the shower getting too cold.
He slipped into his clothes, a black long sleeve and a pair of light blue jean shorts.
Dick sat on the counter, blow-drying his hair. Wally stood beside him, brushing his teeth.
Dick watched in the mirror as Wally bent down to spit out the toothpaste. When he straightened up, Dick flicked the blow dryer towards Wally.
Wally gasped dramatically. "Dude, I fixed my hair this morning!" He groaned dramatically.
Dick chuckled, turning his attention back to his reflection. "What's the special occasion?" He sang mockingly.
"The family picnic, It's Cass' birthday today, right?" He asked.
Dick paused for a moment, a rock of dread settling in his stomach. He watched as his face morphed into a sick mixture of shock and realization.
"I forgot." He dragged a hand down his face. Some big brother he was, not even being able to remember his sister's own birthday.
Wally chuckled, patting Dick's back in mock sympathy. Dick sagged his shoulders, sulking for a moment.
"Don't worry man, at least you learned about it now. Better late than never, am I right?" Wally comforted. Dick nodded.
"No- yeah. You're right. Thanks Walls." Dick offered a smile before returning to his previous task.
When they finished, Wally flipped down on the couch while Dick grabbed Cass' present from his nightstand. Technically it was Stephanie and Cassandra's present, but Dick knew Cass would love it all the same as a normal present.
He left the room, and set the bag down on the coffee table. Dick settled down by Wally's feet, watching as Wally scrolled through his phone.
Wally scoffed in a huff of laughter, and Dick arched a brow.
"Someone made a twenty minutes video about why Your family should have a reality show."
Dick laughed in astonishment. That would be a shit-show.
"I know! One of their reasons is that it would help Wayne Enterprises gain more popularity. As if it isn't already one of the best well-known companies in the world!"
Dick's laugh was cut off halfway. The stone in his gut plummeted to the bottom. Wayne Enterprises, owned by Bruce Wayne, his dad, Cassandra's dad, the man who owned the house Dick was going to visit in a few hours, the man who-
"Food will present itself."
Dick's stomach churned, and his eyes fell to the gift on the coffee table in front of him. Swallowing dryly.
"Woah- hey! I'm sorry if I said something, I was just-" Wally shot up inhumanly quickly and let his hands hover over Dick's arm.
Dick shook his head, shoving back the memories that surfaced. He was fine. "No it's okay, you didn't mean to. I'm just being…"
Dick's words trailed away as Wally's face creased with a mix of frustration and concern.
"You're not being stupid, Dickie." He stated. Dick almost believed it, the tone of Wally's voice was firm and low. Wally's expression was stern.
Dick nodded silently.
Wally settled beside him, laying his head over Dick shoulder. "You don't have to go. I can always just drop off the present and come back." He offered.
Dick shook his head, "We already got ready and everything. Everything will be fine." He assured.
He would be fine, everything would go well, and he would be able to hang out with his siblings. Albeit Jason had a possibility of being a no show.
Dick and Wally waited for Alfred to arrive, talking and watching TV mindlessly.
The drive there was nice, Alfred's formal small talk was calming, and a good enough distraction to stop his downward spiral.
As soon as they arrived Damian dragged Dick into one of the libraries until Cassandra arrived. Dick was thankful for the distraction, listening to Damian rant about the new book he got was elating.
Everything was going amazing, until dinner.
★
Wally thought he was a reasonable man. Sure he could be impulsive at times, but he was reasonable.
He scooped a spoonful of potatoes in his mouth. The flavor slammed into him like a brick as Wally stared down at his plate with dumbfounded surprise. His grip on the spoon tightened as he flicked his gaze around.
Alfred, who had just taken his seat, locked eyes with him. "This amazing Alfred." He praised.
The elder smiled, small but genuine, "Thank you Master Wally. I would be more than happy to send you and Master Dick home with left overs. Heavens know we won't eat it all at the manor."
Wally felt pure, unfiltered bliss enter his chest and flutter around at the mere thought of being able to bring home some of Alfred's food.
"Please." Wally begged light heartedly.
Wally took another scoop of the potatoes, running his thumb over Dicks hand.
From what Wally understood, the dining table had a certain order. Mainly, Bruce sat at the head of the table. Alfred sat to his left while Dick sat to his right. Jason's seat was usually empty, but the few times Wally had seen Jason at the table, he always sat next to Alfred. Tim sat next to Jason's left and Stephanie to his. Cassandra sat at the end of the table opposite to Bruce and Barbara switch from sitting beside her or Wally.
Dick was picking at his food, his grip on the fork looked deadly. Wally was secretly thankful it was the fork and not his hand.
Growing up, Wally's family dinners were loud and chaotic, the table was full of chatter, and more than a few times it ended with chunks of food being flicked between him and his cousins.
The Wayne's were different. Nobody tried to strike up a conversation besides Jason, Dick, and Alfred most of the time. Wally knew from experience Jason only spoke to rule up a fight or make backhanded comments towards Tim and Bruce, so Wally was glad he wasn't here right now.
Wally knew if Jason was here, glaring daggers into Bruce, Wally wouldn't be able to keep himself from following suit.
The table was silent, other than the chatter between Steph, Brabra, and Cass from the other end of the table, no one spoke.
Dick wasn't starting a conversation for obvious reasons, and Alfred was eating.
Wally took another bite of his food.
He hand realized he was frowning until Dick nuged him slightly. Wally looked up. Dick looked pale, a crease between his brows giving him a worried look. Despite this, Dick smiled reassuringly, and Wally returned the action with a small squeez of Dick's hand.
Wally ate the rest of his food silently, watching as Dick took a few skittish bite of his own food before pushing the plate away in finalization.
Wally gave Dick a proud smile and squeeze of the hand before Bruce cleared his throat.
"West, could you help me bring in the presents?" He asked. Wally's gaze snapped to Bruce who looked at him apathetically.
Dick's grip on his hand was tight, and Wally tried not to tense at the pain blooming in his hand.
Wally sucked in a breath, locking eyes with Bruce's calm blue ones.
Wally realized with an exhale that he really wanted to punch him right in one of those stupid eyes.
"Yeah." Wally responded.
Dick gave Wally a sceptical glare but released his hand as Wally stood and followed Bruce out of the room.
As soon as the doors shut, Bruce turned to Wally his apathetic mask melting away. Wally immediately recognized the intimidating glare the billionaire was giving him.
Wally stared at him, swollowing down the fear that rose in his throat to return the glare. He shouldn't be scared of Batman, he was the Flash. If Wally wanted he could drop Bruce off on the other side of the continent in a matter of seconds.
"What's wrong with Dick?" Bruce asked, the growl of his tone erilily similar to his Batman voice. Wally glared harder, begining to walk were the presents were. "Really?" Wally asked, unimpressed.
Bruce scowled at him as he followed. "Yes, 'really'." Bruce stated. "If you hurt him in any-"
Wally felt his pace quickennas he snapped his head towards the man. "If I hurt Dick? Really Bruce? If anyone should be acussed of that it should be you, asshole."
Bruce gave him a bewildered look as they stopped at the table holding the presents.
"Are you accusing me of hurting my son West? In my house?" He growled.
Wally hummed, "Yeah. That's exactly what I'm doing Wayne ." Wally spat.
Bruce glared at him, his anger becoming impossibly more obvious. "What train of thought led you to that abstute observation, West?"
Wally tapped his foot against the floor, clenching his fists. "I don't know, Wayne , maybe the facts my boyfriend has had multiple panic attacks this past week because of you."
Bruce gave him a look that made Wally's scowl deepened. Anger and confusion plastered over Bruce's face.
"Because of me?" Bruce chuckled. Some part of Wally that wasn't literally vibrating with rage agknowleged how terrifying Bruce's laugh was.
"What so funny Bruce? Did you think it was funny when you left Dick in the cave and told him to eat rats?" Wally snapped.
Bruce glared at him, the aura of anger around Bruce was almost suffocating.
"I'm sorry, what the fuck did I just hear?"
Wally kept his eyes on Bruce for a moment, watching as the man's gaze snapped in the direction of the voice.
Wally followed suit, looking behind him.
Jason stood halfway through the door, a backpack slung over his shoulder. He wore a lose hood and jeans.
Wally caught sight of the green eyes that peirced through Bruce.
"Jason."
"Don't 'Jason' me." The man growled, turning to look at Wally. "When was this?"
"From what I know when Dick first came to the manor." Wally explained.
Jason growled, a snarl coating his lips as he glared at Bruce. His grip on the bag was tight, his knuckles white and fists shaking.
"What the actual fuck Bruce?!" Jason boomed, shoving past Wally to look Bruce in the eyes. "Let me explain-"
"Please do Bruce! Please tell me what would be able to justify that!" Jason screamed.
Wally pushed back the pang of guilt in his chest, Bruce started this.
"Master Jason!"
Wally flinched slightly, snapping his head over to look at Alfred.
The butler stormed forward, a sharp glare settling on the trio.
"What?!"
Alfred stepped between the two blackettes, shoving them back to separate them.
Jason was puffing with anger, his shoulders tense, face red and eyes green with rage. Bruce was deathly still, though remnants of anger still remained on his features.
"While I am just elated at your arrival, today is Miss Cassandra's birthday. If you are going to cause a scene please wait until after she has turned if for the night at least." He snapped.
Jason's knuckles cracked as he looked back to Bruce. "But he-"
"Whatever it is can wait until after the celebrations."
Jason snarled, "Fine, what-fucking-ever." He grumbled lowly, turning around and exiting through the slightly ajar manor door.
Alfred sighed before turning toward the remaining two. "If you are both done with this childish behavior, I think it is time we actually return with Miss Cassandra's gifts."
Wally swollowed at the butlers disappointed gaze. He sighed quietly, forcing down the anger in his chest.
"Of course Alfred, sorry." He apologized.
Alfred hummed blandly, "Please save your apologies for Master Dick and Miss Cassandra."
Wally grabbed a few bags and a box from the table solemly as dread pooled in his stomach.
Great, in one night he managed to chase Jason off, piss off Bruce, annoy Alfred, worry Dick, and more than likely dull Cassandra's birthday.
The walk back to the dining room was tense. Wally tried his best to get rid of the remnants of his anger before they reached the room.
When the door opened, Wally immediately locked eyes with Dick. Dick looked back at him blankly, examining the three of them and pursing his lips.
Wally dropped his gaze, god damn it Wally west, he cursed.