|
|
Post by Bixir on Sept 13, 2024 6:13:51 GMT
Not thinking, Barry rubbed the back of his neck. How much did he know about that? "I could get you in touch with Zatara. He's in the Justice League."
To answer Wally's question, Barry raised his index finger for Wally to see. After making sure that they were alone in the park, his finger started vibrating with the Speed Force. Almost instantly, yellow sparks started flying out of his finger, before he stopped. "I learn something new about the Speed Force every day." Saying that made Barry pause. He smiled, apprehensively.
"Was I- was "Other Me" a good teacher?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Nomz on Sept 13, 2024 23:55:54 GMT
"I would love that, if you could swing it, Barry." Wally sounds happy, relieved even, at the idea that he could start to get to the bottom of the magic issue. More so if that help came from Barry.
The yellow sparks are a relief in their own right. They meant that this Barry was at least on the same level as his Barry had been. Wally shifts, turning back to face his new friend and about to show his skill level when Barry asks him a new question.
It is a heavy question. Not unfair and likely something Wally should come to expect as more people find out about his origin. He purses his lips for a moment, trying to figure out where to start with that. The words come slowly at first.
"You- Iris is my aunt through my...father, Rudy. When I was a kid and before I knew you, I was a huge fan of Flash. Thought he was the coolest hero out of everyone because, I mean, of course he is. Anyway, through chance and fate, I ended up dosed in chems and hit with lightning. Barry did not hesitate to take me under his wing, to show me and teach me the ins and outs of being like us."
Wally's words are warm and fond, like what one would expect to hear from a loving son talking about his father.
"He did more than that. Barry taught me how to drive and how to do a job interview and helped me with my college applications. Never was harsh with me like Uncle Ollie was with Roy or distant like Dickie's dad. You valued my opinions even when others would have told their proteges to back down and not interrupt."
"You and Iris were my parents. I don't know when that happened. You showed me how to be a good boyfriend and I took what I had seen from you and applied it to being a good husband and a great dad-" His words stumble to a halt as he hears what he's said and that familiar ache builds in his throat, all but suffocating him. Wally looks down at his lap and goes into the next topic without prompting.
"I lost you. Classic Barry, making the sacrificial play. I took all the lessons you gave me and became the best version of the Flash I could manage. Then we got you back, right when I was coming to terms with it all, and- damn it. You told me we were both Flash. You never told me to take it back. Which was good, considering I then ended up trapped in the Speedforce for years."
Wally's vision blurs and his voice is wet, but there's no stopping this now. If anyone gets the full story from him, it will be Barry. It's always been Barry.
"Everything I had touched vanished along with all memory of me. Even- God, even my twins, my babies disappeared, Barry. And I- After years, I finally managed to stop you long enough to try to warn you someone was messing with the Timeline and it took the last ounces of strength I had and you listened."
"Listened to me despite not knowing me and, as I started to fade, Barry reached out and pulled me free. Was the only one who could remember me." He raises a hand to wipe the back of it across his eyes. "A good teacher? You are the best of everything. He's why I'm here. Saw that being there was killing me and told me 'Do what makes you happy.'"
|
|
|
|
Post by Bixir on Sept 16, 2024 6:30:35 GMT
Barry hadn't gotten to know Wally long, but if there was one thing he had learned, it was to let the boy talk. He was getting a lot out of this conversation... though it was clear just how much this meant to the young man. Especially now that he had gotten himself going. He didn't interrupt him at any point in his speech. It didn't seem rehearsed, but it was clear that this was something that he had needed to say for a very long time. Barry remained stoic - or he tried to. There was only so much that he could do to hide his feelings of pride, happiness, and general satisfaction at Wally's explanation of things, including what he wasn't expecting to hear at all. Things were beginning to click. Painfully.
After Wally finished, Barry didn't say anything at first. Conversely, he looked like there was so much he wanted to say in response to all of that. Eventually, he opted for a chuckle that turned into a big laugh. Barry ran a hand through his hair, the man beaming at Wally. "So I take it that's a yes."
Barry reached over, placing a hand on Wally's shoulder. "And are you doing that, Wally? Are you happy?" The first words Barry had said to Wally in this conversation came to mind. He had been so incredibly earnest with him. Could he do that for himself?
|
|
|
|
Post by Nomz on Sept 17, 2024 17:27:56 GMT
The time it takes for Barry to chuckle is enough for Wally to tuck those feelings back into his chest where they can be safe. He doesn't hide those feelings in boxes where they can be forgotten. He hangs them on his walls to reflect on the positive emotions that fueled such reactions. Wally likes to look back at the love he has shared in.
He snorts when Barry laughs, unable to fight the urge to smile just a little. The older man was always so contagious. Wally doesn't even seem surprised when a hand ends up on his shoulder, almost like he was expecting it. His short time in this universe plays across his mind. Movies with Des and lunch with Vee. Dancing with JP and working with Richard. The moment he confided in Diana and she gave him a home. This talk with Barry. The countless people he's helped along the way.
"Yeah." And the sincerity rings true in his voice. "Yeah, Barry. I'm doing what makes me happy and I think I'll get there. I can be happy here if I try."
END THREAD
|
|
