Wally West

"I stop running. I let the sparks fly. Then I stand back and see if it's worked. And at long last... I'm finally home."

[thexsparksxfly]

cosmicxcourt​:

“How many is a lot?” Courtney asked, a curious expression on her face as she slid into the seat opposite the chatty red head. She didn’t know him, but the restaurant was crowded with the lunchtime rush and she’d taken his words as an invitation to share the booth. “There’s a diner in Blue Valley which serves the best, in my opinion,” she held out her hand across the table. “I’m Courtney.”

“Oh, like hundreds... of thousands.” Wally shrugged, giving the friendly blonde welcoming grin. He honestly didn’t mind sharing his booth with anyone but it was always nicer to share with someone willing to have a chat and not eat in silence.

His interested piqued, however, when she mentioned Blue Valley - the town he was born and spent his early childhood in. “Wally,” he replied, taking the offered hand in greeting. “That diner in Blue Valley wouldn’t happen to be Richie’s would it?”

[thexsparksxfly]

batxbird​:

He didn’t think twice about his state of semi-undress around Wals. After all they’d seen each other in much less clothing around the Tower when they all lived on top of each other. (He decided to skip over the fact it hadn’t technically been this Wally.) Leaning down as his cat wove between his legs, he scratched behind her ears, knowing she was headed for the still warm spot he’d just vacated.

“Four blocks isn’t that far, let’s walk. If you can stand to go at my pace that is.” Dick smiled, collecting his keys and wallet from the kitchen counter and slipping them into his pockets as he shrugged on a jacket. Then taking Wally by the shoulders, he steered his best friend out of the apartment and down onto the street.

“So have you thought about which companies you’re sending your CV out to now you have your results? I’m guessing S.T.A.R Labs will be on the list.”

“I guess I can slow down for you.” Wally sighed, pretending to be put out by the gesture but the air of mirth about him said otherwise. He turned under the hands on his shoulders and was driven out of the apartment. The street below wasn’t overly busy, not unusual given the time but the sounds of the city were a lot louder than could be heard in Dick’s apartment.

At the question, Wally shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets and strolling close to Dick. “I don’t know, man. I thought about it.” He confessed but not sounding entirely convinced. “Central is not a bad place to be but... I don’t know. I can’t help but feel like I should branch out. You know... not overcrowd an already over saturated market.” To the outside listener, it sounded like Wally thought S.T.A.R Labs had enough science minded people. But Wally’s real concerns lied with the more costumed hero variety.

He was a speedster, but Central City already had one... or two... more depending on the week. The last thing Wally wanted to do was step on toes and upset the dynamic that the Central City crew had. He already did that enough by arriving from another Earth and not going home.

“I thought about Palmer Tech,” Wally continued, shifting his body to allow another person walking the footpath in the opposite direction to pass. The action causing him to bump shoulders with Dick before righting himself again. “Star City has some affordable places to live. Small but... Not that I need much.”

[thexsparksxfly]

batxbird​:

“So much food.” Dick agreed, a little glint in his eyes at the thought. He never had so well stocked cupboards at his place. Maybe one day, when he wasn’t on an EMT salary. “I’m sure Dami would like that. He doesn’t seem to dislike you as much as he does my other friends.”

True to his word, he didn’t take longer than ten minutes to shower and find fresh clothes. Ambling out of the bedroom, he shook his head as he saw the two of them snuggling on the sofa. “I can leave you two alone if you like?” Dick chuckled, doing up his belt and starting on his shirt. “We walking or taking the bike?”

The way Dick agreed so easily told Wally that a visit to the Wayne Manor was going to happen sooner rather than later. Wally didn’t mind, though. It was odd visiting at first but he eventually grew used to it. Now, visiting the manor was just like visiting any other friend’s house. Or apartment. Whatever.

“Pretty sure Damian only tolerates me because of you.” Wally shrugged, not bothered in the slightest by it. While Wally didn’t have any siblings of his own, he could understand the protectiveness between siblings over outsiders. He felt the same way about his teammates.

After the sounds of the shower shut off and Dick emerged from his bedroom, but the cat and Wally turned their attention to him when he spoke up. “Uh... nah, we’re cool.” The redhead stalled a little in thought as he saw what Dick was doing with his hands. His attention was diverted again as Lady K hopped off his lap and moved to circle through Dick’s legs once before moving toward the vacated bedroom.

“Up to you.” Wally looked back up to Dick at the follow up question. “It’s four blocks away, near the docks for the ferries to Gotham. We could walk it. But bike would get us there quicker... traffic pending, of course.”

[thexsparksxfly]

batxbird​:

“You’d be surprised. He quite often asks after you. Though usually that’s in relation as to whether he has to restock the pantry.” If a slight hint of an English accent slipped into his voice when he spoke, it was only out of fond mimicry and nothing malicious.

“It’s a date. I mean.. you know what I mean.” Dick flashed a smile to hide the slight fluster, then pushed at the Speedster to vacate his bed. “Just give me ten minutes to shower and then we’ll head out. I might try the veggie option, I kinda promised Dami that I’d cut back on the meat eating.” Clambering to his feet, he stretched elaborately for a moment before padding through to the bathroom. “Do me a favor, go fuss your buzz buddy. She’ll be moody if you don’t.”

Another chuckle erupted from the redhead at way Dick’s voice mimicked Alfred’s slightly. “Well, he really goes out of his way to stock all the best kinds of food there.” Wally’s voice softened with gratitude. He’d have to tag a long with Dick next time his best friend visited.

At first it didn’t register with Wally what Dick had just said until the acrobat stumbled over his words slightly. But the moment was quickly recovered when Dick shoved at him to get off the bed. “Okay, ten minutes, guess I can wait that long.” Wally slid off the bed, deciding to ignore that whole ‘date’ word that had been thrown about. “If it’s any good, you can bring him along next time.”

As he exited the bedroom, Wally heard a small slightly judgemental sounding meow from the cat perched on the back of the sofa. “Oh, she already moody.” He sung back to his friend, moving closer and plonking on the sofa. “I’m sorry Lady K for neglecting to say hello to you first.” He addressed the cat, reaching out and petting her soft fur. The purring that came from the cat was loud with the attention that she received. “Aww, thanks for forgiving me. Promise to get that annoying bird out of your hair for a few hours so you can have the place to yourself. Yeah? You like the sound of that?”

[thexsparksxfly]

blackbirdxthunder​:

“I can tell.” Anissa smirked, sliding into the booth opposite the red haired young man. She knew him via Grayson, very tenuously, somehow the Outsiders were never as tight as the Titans or the Young Justice League. “Isn’t that your fifth lot?”

“Seventh, actually.” Wally grinned back toward the woman that joined him. She was one of Dick’s teammates of whom he had met a couple of times now. Alissa... no, that isn’t it. Anissa! Yes! Good work, brain. Wally thought to himself as he recalled Anissa’s name without having that awkward conversation of asking what it was again.

He pushed the tray of fries between them, gesturing with a nod that she was welcome to take some. “Go on. Try some.”

“So, Anissa...” Wally continued after a pause to munch on more fries. “Dick didn’t mention you were back in town. Been back long?”

[thexsparksxfly]

“These fries are up there with some of the best I have ever eaten.” Wally claimed, popping a few more fries into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully before continuing. “And that’s saying something because I have eaten a lot of fries.”

[thexsparksxfly]

batxbird​:

“You did, Dorkasaurus.” Dick grinned, laughing at the look on his friend’s face. Not at all bothered by the fact Wally was back in his personal space, behaving kind of like an excitable puppy. “Yes, Wals, I can. You studied hard and here are the results to prove it.”

“You’re welcome, and if I hadn’t, Al would have. Believe me, he’s much more strict than I am.” Another chuckle escaped him at the next suggestion and he nodded. Of course any celebration would involve food when there was a Speedster suggesting it. “I could eat. What do you have in mind?”

Wally let out a surprised yet relieved laugh at the sight of his results. Mirth continuing at Dick’s tease at being a ‘dorkasaurus’.

“I don’t doubt the strictness of your family butler, man. Just don’t think he’d be that invested in my studies.” It was sweet, in Wally’s opinion, that Dick helped and included him. But Wally wasn’t entirely sure that easy acceptance was a shared by all of his best friend’s family.

“We could try that new burger joint that opened over near the park.” Wally suggested, with a smile. Talking about food was second nature to the speedster and he had always made a note of finding out about the latest places around to grab a bite. “I heard everything is cooked fresh and they even have vegetarian options that’s more than just a lettuce leaf.”

[thexsparksxfly]

batxbird​:

“I think my brain is fairly mushy without the shifts.” Dick chuckled, relieved that he was so easily forgiven. Watching his friend closely, he noted each tiny fidget and betrayal of unease in his mannerisms and expression. He had been the same when he’d awaited his results from school and the EMT examinations.

Looking at the phone, he gave a little nod, taking it a moment later and opening the mail app. The first unread message was from Wally’s university. “Wals, you’re smart and you’ve been studying hard. The speedforce can’t touch that, I’m sure.” Giving his friend a last reassuring smile, he opened the email, expression changing to one of delight at he read. “You passed.. wow, nerd, your grades are really high.”

Turning the phone so Wally could see the screen, he clapped him on the back with his free hand. “Congratulations, man. You can pretty much apply for all those fancy tech and science positions you were looking at. You’re way over qualified for pizza delivery now.”

After Dick took the phone Wally’s hands moved back to his legs, fingers drumming a nervous beat. “I know, I know.” The encouragement brought a more genuine smile to his face but his eyes still betrayed how worried he was. Wally watched Dick for any clue as to what the email said, shock at seeing the look of delight.

“I did?” Wally shoved himself back into Dick’s personal space to get a look at his phone. “I did!” The speedster repeated, grinning from ear to ear. The tension in his body he felt moments ago completely vanished. “I honestly thought I bombed out on that last test, but that’s my best score... can you believe that?”

A little chuckle of disbelief and relief escaped Wally, soaking in the congratulations. “Thanks, man. Couldn’t have done it without you. You were the one to push me to study.” The burst of energy the speedster had exhibited before now simmered to a low crackle. “We should celebrate. You hungry?”

[just-whelmed]

We knew there was something missing… It was you, Wally.

[thexsparksxfly]

@batxbird

[thexsparksxfly]

batxbird​:

“Oh shit, yeah! I’m so sorry I forgot.” Dick sat up a little, giving Wally a look, assessing his friend for a moment. He was nervous, that much was obvious. But Dick was certain that his best friend had earned his degree, so he could be the calm one. “Do we have to go get your result from the university? Or have they mailed you?”

Running a hand over his hair, he waved off the other query, “of course we still need you. Dami has your namesake, B has Barry. I think I’m entitled to a speedster on my team too.”

“It’s totally okay, man. I know how those long shifts turn your brain to mush.” Wally brushed off the apology, forgiveness given without a second thought. There was so much his best friend had to keep track of that it really wasn’t a problem that he had forgotten the date.

“Either.” Wally answered, his fidgeting starting up again. Pulling his phone of out his pocket, the redhead offered it to the other man. “Quickest way is to check the emails. I can’t bring myself to do it, though. What if... I don’t know... being in the speed force scrambled my head and I don’t the answers anymore?”

Wally already felt behind after being trapped in the speed force and missing out on a few years. Life had moved on without him and no matter how fast the speedster ran, he still felt like he was playing catch up.

At least there was one constant he could count on and, honestly, Dick Grayson’s friendship was probably the best constant to have. The other man always seemed to find a way to include him in his life as well as give him some purpose. If all else failed, Dick would still welcome him onto the team.

 “Of course yous do. Who else can you send out to fetch the pizza and have it back in under twenty seconds?” Despite the light joke, there was relief in Wally’s voice.

[thexsparksxfly]

batxbird​:

“Wals…” Dick struggled to keep up with his friend’s rapid chatter, so much so that he actually gave up at one point. A valiant effort was made to cocoon himself once more, but the redhead’s lightly vibrating body stretched out beside his was difficult to ignore. “KF, I’ve been on call for the past 72 hours… so yeah, I’m not sure what day it is.”

He felt bad, obviously something exciting was happening and he’d forgotten which made him a bad friend. Possibly a bad hero/vigilante too. A little frown tugged at his brows as he tried to work out what was supposedly happening that day. Something with the Titans? The League?

“The day, though? Sounds important.”

The first uttering of his name from Dick floated through Wally’s rambles but didn’t really put a stop to them until another of his nicknames were said. “... oh, right, sorry.” Wally settled, his movements stopping although his made no effort to vacate the side of the bed he occupied.

Seeing the frown, Wally decided to drop the guessing game and just remind Dick what the day was. “Kinda... maybe...” The redhead shrugged, smile still apparent. “Today’s the day we find out if all my work at college has paid off and see if I’ve finally graduated.”

“Either way. Means I’m back in, full time, if the team still needs me.”

[thexsparksxfly]

batxbird​:

“Ughhh.” Dick cracked open one eye as his phone vibrated on the nightstand, reaching out blindly to swat at it and sending the device clattering to the floor. Though at least the buzzing stopped. “Good. More sleep.” Of course that wasn’t going to happen, not when the smart watch still on his wrist started to ring. He tried his hardest to ignore it but in the end it met the same fate as the phone, ringing muffled by the rug and then silence. Until a tiny, familiar voice emanated from the speaker. A pissed sounding voice saying they were outside. Lifting himself up onto his elbows he hollered in the direction of the front door. “It’s unlocked.”

Before the last syllable could be uttered from Dick’s lips, Wally entered the apartment with a flurry of activity. Of course, he shut the door after himself and then - within milliseconds - he was joining Dick on his bed with a bounce and an invasion of personal space. “Come on, man. I thought you be up and swinging from rooftops by now. Or did you forget what today is?”

The redhead was a bundle of rapid speech and high energy, which wasn’t unusual for the speedster. But it was clear to those that knew him that there was a little more spark in his step than ordinary.

“Today’s the day!”

[thexsparksxfly]

IC INFO

Character Name: Wallace “Wally” Rudolph West Alias: The Flash Age: 23 Face Claim: KJ Apa Species: Metahuman Home Earth: Earth-16

History: 

Positive Traits: (List 3 or more) Negative Traits: (List 3 or more)