Second Glance: Part 2

Second Glance
Part 2

A handsome redhead whisks Bruce Wayne out of harms way; and off his feet. Has Batman fallen in love with the hyperactive Wally West? Batman/Flash – BatFlash - Bruce/Wally
Slash - Light Yaoi

Don’t like slash, yaoi or shounen ai?</u> Then feel free to go find something else to entertain you!
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5: Wills
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Wonder Woman paused in the doorway of the Infirmary when she saw Flash hurriedly hang up his bed-side phone; she started to tease him, already knowing who he’d been on the line with, but saw his heated glare and quickly stopped herself.

“Flash?”

“Damn it Diana! I was calling Bruce; if he heard you call me ‘Flash’ I’d be screwed royally!”

Wonder Woman cringed,
“I didn’t know I was intruding…” a half-lie at its best…

Flash slumped back onto his bed, pressing a pillow over his face, muffling his words,
“S’ kay…”

The heroine paused before she sidled by Flash’s side,
“Are you alright?”

“I’m worried… I hung up on him; he thought something was wrong… Grah!” Flash scrunched his eyes closed “Damn it!”

Wonder Woman sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed,
“I am sorry, Flash.”

“Don’t… No need. I wasn’t prepared for it…” Flash went silent; his eyes unfocused, “Do that a lot…”

Wonder Woman giggled, patting Flash on the shoulder,
“Feeling any better? How are your ribs?”

Flash pouted,
“They ache…” he moaned dramatically, making Wonder Woman’s smile grow “I need Mother Hen to make it all better… Speak of the devil, where is Batz?”

“Earth… he’s been spending a lot of time at home lately… John swears that Batman has found himself someone and is spending time with his lover.”

Flash grinned, sitting up, but fell right back with a wince,
“I guess there’s no way I can go spy on him…” the red-clad hero mutter, pouting.

The dark haired heroine laughed,
“Leave the poor guy alone. Would you like it if he was spying on your romantic interest…?”

“That’s a no brainer; he already knows! Batz is all knowing… He’s Yoda ‘cept he don’t talk in riddles… often… and he ain’t green…” Flash paused, thoughts trailing towards a particular all knowing, green, alien…

Wonder Woman cocked her head to one side,
“Yoda…?”

“I already prepped Supes in the ways of the force, ask him.”
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He’d been patient, but Bruce’s nerves had started to fray around the edges.

When Wally hadn’t returned after the forth day; paranoia had started to set in. The dark-haired man wondered absently if the redhead had fled, truly not wishing to be in his company. But he knew Wally liked him, why would he run? His limited belongings were still sprawled over his bed.

What also had Bruce unnerved; was that he hadn’t received a call from Wally in the last couple of days, instead the odd message when he was absent, rattled ones of Wally babbling apologies… but no messages had come that day and Bruce was unsure.

But while Bruce’s feelings were ragged, Batman was having to battle to keep a bedridden Flash in the Infirmary. It worked out the torn muscle tissue had healed wrong after the operation to right the bones. This resulted in severe pain with movement. Flash was so rattled he had tried to bolt, begging to be allowed to visit Earth.

Hawkgirl had sided with the younger hero, but she knew as well as the others that Flash needed to heal. Later Batman heard Hawkgirl comforting the red-clad hero, who had been whispering that he was too ashamed to call his ‘friend’ again; sick of all the lies.

Bruce almost felt the same in a way. When he’d first invited Wally into his home, in merely a day he had several close calls with the young man’s curiosity, one instance led to particular lever leading to the Bat-Cave. Even then, Bruce knew if he wanted Wally as a friend he would have to lie, but something inside him wanted to trust the younger man with his secret. But he knew it was too early to trust Wally fully.

The phone rang once, loud and obnoxious in his ears, it threw Bruce off balance. After steadying himself, he hurriedly snatching up the phone and put it to his ear.

“Bruce?”

The darkhaired man’s heart rose and he smiled lightly, letting out a soft sigh,
“Wally.”

Wally seemed to let out a wavered breath,
“I-… I can’t come back… yet,” said Wally weakly; he sounded sad, truly torn. “I-… I’m sorry.”

Bruce frowned, a tendril of annoyance lashing about in his chest,
“Why?” his voice was sharper than he intended.

Wally took a sharp breath on the other end,
“-I’m so sorry,” he said hurriedly “I-… can’t-it’s just-”

“Why can’t you just tell me, Wally? I can hear something’s wrong.”

Wally paused, and then words poured from his lips, sounding hurried,
“I- I was in an accident, I-… I’m healing up…”

Bruce froze, his dark eyes narrowing,
“What?” his voice hadn’t softened, only grown sterner; he hated it when people lied to him. “You lied to me?”

“I-I didn’t want you to worry!” Wally rushed, but even Bruce could hear it was a half-truth. Wally was a terrible liar.

“How bad is it?”

Bruce imagined Wally doubled over, biting his lower lip. The pause made him growl.
“I heal fast, I’m okay.”

“You didn’t answer my question, Wally…”

</i>“Broken rib,”</i> another half-truth but it was close, Bruce’s breathing hitched “I’m fine though, I swear-”

“-Will the doctors let you go?”

“Not yet… Some difficulties with the operation.”

“Operation?”

Wally seemed to freeze up on the other end,
“Uh- yeah,” he sounded like a little kid who had been caught.

“Can you come and heal here? I can order a doctor to the mansion?”

Wally’s smile seemed to flash in his voice,
“Really? Uh-… My doctor’s a tight arse, uh-I mean… I think I can convince him… maybe…”

Hearing Wally’s smile, Bruce relaxed; he knew there was something deeper, but he wasn’t going to pry, the redhead needed his own secrets.
“Call me soon okay? I’d like to know by tonight.”

“I’ll call the doc as soon as I get off! He’ll let me go if I annoy him enough… Though he says I’m a total pain in the arse as it is.”

Bruce chuckled, totally relaxed,
“Probably right.”

“At least you put up with me”

Bruce blinked, he never truly saw Wally’s antics as annoying, not truly, and it was hard to think others couldn’t handle him.
“Someone has to…”
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“No.”

“But Batz-!” Flash wailed, grabbing his cape before Batman could escape “You’ve gotta let me! Please! I promised! My friend can get a doctor to keep an eye on me!”

Batman sighed, tugging away from Flash who looked ready to cry.
“He’ll comment on your speedy recovery, idiot.”

Flash was silent for almost a second which was surprising.
“I-… I can’t wait Batz, please! I’ll say I hurt myself before I left.”

“And how will you explain how you were able to walk with such an injury?”

Flash let go of Batman’s cape, a turned so his head buried away into a pillow. The youngest hero’s soft whimper made Batman freeze; the other hero sounded distraught.
“P-Please Batz, I really want to see him…”

Batman swept to Flash’s side and prodded the hero in the ribs, making the younger hero wince,
“Hawkgirl’s right, you are love sick.”

“M’ not” Flash pouted “I’m manly,” he said flexing an arm before wincing sharply, lowering the arm “You’re point is noted… If I leave, I wont to be here to take up your time. Damn it Batz, you said you were expecting someone!”

Batman nodded absently, not commenting on how the younger hero had eavesdropped on the conversation, concerning said ‘guest’, in the hall with Green Lantern moments before.

“A friend…” Flash stopped talking, silently prompting him to go on, “He’s hurt himself and is staying with me.”

Flash blinked, recognition prying,
“Someone can handle your broody ass? I’m impressed,” he said, smiling.

Batman growled, but paused, nodding,
“He can…”

The familiarisation was tearing at the back of Flash’s mind now; he went silent, looking over the facts, trying to get a grip of what ‘it’ was. “Fine, you can go.” Flash’s head shot up, his eyes wide and happy; forgetting whatever déjà vu he had felt, within an instant. “On one condition.”

Flash paused, cocking his head to one side,
“Mmm?”

“You stay in bed.”

Flash pouted,
“If he helps me, can I go swimming?”

Batman paused, reminding himself to brood on the odd feelings that accompanied his and Flash’s conversation another time, even if Wally would tell him off for it.

“Yes… but you’ll ache from moving.”

Flash smiled, uncaringly, as if he felt no pain as he sat up,
“Fantastic! I’ve got to call him. He’s been worried…”
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6: Kiss
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Bruce raised an eyebrow when Wally appeared on his doorstep, leaning heavily on his crutches, sweating and wavering on his feet. He hurriedly helped by taking a good portion of younger man’s weight and helped him to the stairs, where the redhead looked distraught, shaking his head,
“I won’t make it up those stairs…”

The worry in Bruce roared alive like a match doused with fuel,
“Okay, we’ll stay down here. I’ll get Alfred to make us tea.”

Tea and crumpets later; Wally still looked unable to scale the stairs, his skin was pale and he looked ready to fall asleep. If Bruce wasn’t already worried, Batman was clawing at restraints, ready to kill whoever did this to his friend.

“I fell,” Bruce froze, looking up at Wally; who seemed to have, once again, read his thoughts. “Hard… I decided to stay away; I really didn’t want to worry you, Bruce…”

The truthfulness made the millionaire smile.
“I know. I just hate secrets…” Instantly something shifted in Wally’s green eyes, he looked suddenly overly nervous, “I can keep secrets, Wally.” he prompted.

Wally laughed, but it was hollow and Bruce stopped himself from flinching,
“I know… I feel terrible. But I can’t…” Wally’s voice was suddenly raw, and he was shaking visibly.

Bruce shook his head, standing and walking to Wally; he sat next to the young man and wrapped an arm around the redhead’s shoulders, gently pulling him closer. Even if Wally winced, he hid it as he let himself rest against the taller man’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it now,” Bruce offered hurriedly, giving the smaller man’s shoulder a comforting squeeze, “You’re here, you’re safe… you’re here to heal, so don’t stress.”

The weakest of smiles was given to Bruce, before Wally literally fell asleep where he was. Surprised, the millionaire could only hold the lithe man where he was before Alfred entered half-an-hour later.

“Sir?” he asked, his face not changing to reveal his surprise.

Bruce smiled lightly,
“My arms asleep… I don’t want to wake him.”

Alfred nodded and helpfully plucked up a nearby cushion, offering to use it as a substitute for Bruce’s shoulder. Instead Bruce took it and put it on his lap, before lowering Wally, gently, onto it.

“Could you get me my paperwork?”

Two hours later, Wally stirred, eyes flickering to find his stitches were cramping up a storm, he moaned, unable to straighten his body.

Bruce glanced down and saw his companion was awake.
“Wally?”

Glancing up the redhead saw Bruce wearing a pair of reading glasses, a pen in hand and papers in another. Wally blinked, noticing where he was lying and blushed, but made no move to get away.

Bruce saw the blush and smiled lightly at the smaller man.
“It’s okay. How are you feeling?”

“I can’t move.”

Bruce blinked slowly,
“What?”

“My side is cramping… I can’t move.”

Bruce swore under his breath,
“Where?” a hand crept up Wally’s left side, barely touching, but resulting in a sharp flinch, “May I?”

Wally’s nod was careful and unsure, but Bruce took no time to ponder it as he pulled up the shirt. He barely heard his own gasp, too shocked to really focus on keeping his expression in check. Wally expression revealed the anxiety and shot his eyes away from Bruce’s, dodging them fearfully.

The wound was bruised deeply; an even larger portion surrounded it revealed the bruises original size.
“A… A fall?” he asked disbelievingly.

Wally shuddered when Bruce’s finger brushed the sensitive skin. Seeing the pain it caused, Bruce retracted his hand like he had been burnt. He wanted to hush Wally and tell him it would be fine, but instead the older man forced himself to stop, shaking himself mentally, trying to find logic. It was then he found that irritable familiar feeling of déjà vu hovering, this time he paused, because it was consuming.

The stitches reminded him of Flash’s own incident, he finally concluded. Flash was in much the same state, but the other superhero could handle this easily. Wally was mortal; such a wound could be fatal.

Replacing the material Bruce looked towards a nearby doorway,
“Alfred?”

The greying butler appeared silently,
“Master Wayne?”

“Call Doctor Myers, please.”

“Right away, sir.”

Wally was looking mildly confused, he watched Bruce silently, asking and waiting for an explanation. The millionaire gave in, gently touching Wally’s red hair, trying his best to offer comfort,
“He’s a good doctor… Go to sleep.”

“Aren’t you…?” Wally almost looked ready to lift himself, but Bruce could tell it would cause tearing pain.

“Don’t. I’m fine,” the sceptical look from the smaller man made Bruce smile “Sleep.”

Wally would’ve protested, he convinced himself, as his eye-lids grew heavy. He closed his eyes and momentarily noticed how simply knowing Bruce was watching over him while he slept made the pain fade into an almost dull numbness.
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“When did this happen?”

“Four days ago I believe,” Bruce voice was calm. “Says he fell.”

“Must’ve been a good one…” muttered the doctor, looking closer “He must’ve fallen two weeks ago.”

“Two..?”

“There’s no way he could’ve healed so fast.”

“He would’ve shown signs of the pain.” said Bruce shaking his head, confused, he’d even seen Wally’s unbruised side when they went swimming together the day he left.

“Impossible…” said Myers shrugging simply, leaning backwards. Wally was still amazingly asleep, even after Bruce gently slipped away.

Bruce went silent; he had no explanation, nor the doctor. An answer was there, Bruce just couldn’t see it. It was almost as if he’d seen this before. How had he missed the quick healing?
“Well…?”

“Ah, bed-rest… He needs lots of sleep, of course,” offered the doctor, unable to tear his eyes away from the wound. He paused, blinking as he observed the stiches “I haven’t seen this style of stiches in ages… efficient, quite complex.” he muttered under his breath.

Bruce ignored Myers’ words, too concerned by Wally’s pale complexion,
“Do you suggest anything else?”

Myers glanced back at Bruce, a small smile forming,
“Yes… Good company, someone to talk to.”

Bruce rolled his eyes,
“Myers…”

“It’s the truth,” the doctor said shrugging, a light smile on his features “Alfred told me Wally here, is a social creature; being left alone would only hinder his recovery, don’t you agree?”

Bruce hated to admit it, but the doctor was right. He nodded slowly,
“Wally can’t handle extended moments of silence; I don’t know how he’ll handle days in bed.”

Myers laughed,
“Well, sleep hopefully… Board games are helpful, movies… but never alone.”
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“How’d I get upstairs?” asked Wally slowly, when Bruce entered the bedroom holding an overflowing stack of paperwork in his hands and a pen between his teeth.

Bruce paused, before walking to a desk that had been placed next to the double bed, where he set down the mass of contracts concerning Wayne Enterprises, and grabbed the pen from his mouth. Wally eyed Bruce with a raised eyebrow.

“I carried you up,” said Bruce finally, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Wally gave a surprised blink, before his eyes widened,
“Wait, you’re serious? Damn it, Bruce… I’m sorry-”

“Don’t be… The Doctor came…” Bruce changed the subject, but was careful to avoid bring up the wound, for some reason he could tell it would only get the redhead worked up. He would work it out himself, another time “He checked you over, said bed-rest and cable-tv will heal you up.”

Wally’s smile grew, his eyes gaining their usual brilliance.
“Sounds like my kind of doctor!” he almost went to punch the air, but thought better of it and lowered his arm.

Bruce chuckled, turning back to his papers,
“No stunts obviously… I’ll have to keep an eye on you.”

“You sound a lot like my doctor,” said Wally sighing, flopping back on the pillows, “Now there’s someone who can brood.”

“Should I be jealous?” said Bruce playfully, before quickly silencing himself, not sure what his words implied.

But Wally seemed oblivious.
“Nah. But you guys would probably get on…” Wally paused, “Creepy.”

“What?”

“The similarities scare me.”

Bruce laughed when he saw Wally’s expression, it was one he’d never seen before, so innocently lost in thought,
“Now you’re brooding,” he pointed out.

Mock-horror swept across Wally’s face,
“It’s contagious!” he tried to move suddenly but instead gasped and went ridged, the muscles on his side cramping unhelpfully. The laughter was lost and Bruce quickly offered some pain killers the doctor produced for such occasions. Wally lowered his eyes after swallowing the tablets down, his smile light and wistful, “My hero.”

Bruce paused, the irony was overwhelming for that moment and his expression softened into a steady smile, Wally chanced a glance up and caught it, “Up for a movie?” he asked before the moment could get awkward.

Bruce sighed, rolling his eyes playfully,
“I’ll show you my collection.”

Two hours later found Bruce and Wally leaning against the bed’s headboard, watching a large screen tv that had lowered from the ceiling. It had taken Bruce quite some time to calm the smaller man; Wally had babbled excitedly about the technology, but when the movie started, the redhead settled instantly, absorbed in the screen.

Bruce’s shoulder was supporting Wally’s head; the younger man had grown tired quickly. The movie’s climax was long winded and the redhead’s eyes continued to drift shut, fluttering open, then falling shut again.

“Sleep?” Bruce whispered, as the hero in the film fought off the villain, trying desperately to reach for his gun.

“M’, not yet.”  

Bruce cocked his head so he could watch Wally; the redhead’s clashing green eyes were dulled with exhaustion. A light flickered across the screen, Bruce’s eyes slowly took in his companion’s features, and he blinked,
“You have freckles” Bruce whispered softly.

Wally nodded, tiredly, slowly turning his head towards Bruce’s. A thick silence fell over them both as their noses touched, a feather light brush of skin. The dark haired man’s face heated but Wally eyes showed no surprise or discomfort, he simply smiled.

Bruce wasn’t sure who moved closer first, the only thing that registered in the back of his mind was warm, firm lips pressed against his own. Neither man dared to deepen the kiss, nor pull away. It was only a simple press of lips, a sign of simple fondness that radiated from the redhead.

When Wally’s lips fell away from Bruce’s, the millionaire felt an odd warmth rise in his chest, which was quickly batted down by a tendril of dread concerning what would follow. Unperturbed, Wally simply placed a hand on Bruce’s arm and gave a comforting squeeze, and then his head fell on the larger man’s shoulder and his eye-lids won over, sleep claiming him.

Bruce barely saw the credits role across the screen, a thick daze had made all logical thoughts flee and silence reign. Even Batman was stunned into darkness. The conflicting emotions soon roared up into Bruce’s head, drowning the moment of surprise and pleasure.

What was he supposed to feel? What did the warm feeling of satisfaction in his chest mean? It was like, for a moment, everything else didn’t matter… Gotham had faded into the background, Batman never existed… For once ‘Bruce’ had something solid to hold on to.

Pushing the thoughts away, the muddle of notions was quickly forced out of reach; Bruce went to stand from the bed, but froze when he found Wally still resting on his shoulder, a hand gently curled around his arm.

The large tv screen flickered off in the background as Bruce lowered his head and let out a slow breath.

It was going to be a long night…
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7: After
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Sunlight trickled through the room-long window, sprawling itself over the bed’s white sheets, creeping up onto the sleeping pair.

Green eyes fluttered open, before twitching into a grimace. Wally grunted painfully as he tried to focus, waiting for hazardous blurs to slowly take shape, piecing together.

“Bruce?”

The dark-haired man stirred, before his own dark eyes flickered open. He soon registered Wally on his shoulder, but seeing the smaller man’s face so close only brought on the recollection of the kiss, and he started helplessly.

The jolt jostled the redhead and tore a gasp from Wally’s throat; he made a sore sound as his bruises gave unhelpful throbs.

Seeing Wally’ breathless and curling in on himself; dragged logic kicking and screaming to the forefront,
“Are you alright?” Bruce asked gently, easing Wally back against the headboard with some pillows.

Wally nodded, blinking,
“Uh-yeah…” he said groggily “Did… did you sleep with me?” he asked stupidly.

Bruce felt his face flush lightly and quickly averted his eyes; Wally took a moment to read the older man’s reaction then laughed quietly, “Relax Bruce, you know what I meant…” Wally words faded and then his eyes widened with realisation “Oh…”

Bruce shuffled and moved to get off the bed, keeping his eyes away from Wally’s wide ones.
“I should get some work done… I’ll… be back.”

In blur of red, Wally shot forward, grabbing Bruce’s wrist before the older man could go to stand. He winced visibly, but swallowed down a sound of protest.
“Damn, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean-… uh-” Wally’s voice was strained, his side was thrashing with pain, but he kept his hold “I didn’t mean to offend you… I’m-… I’m sorry.” the last word was said so softly Bruce almost missed it. The loosening hold on his arm made the older man turn back to Wally.

The redhead looked terrible; his eyes were wide with fear and his expression torn. Bruce felt like he had physically struck the younger man, and guilt riled up inside of him.
“Don’t… I-… Wally, I’m not offended… it’s just-” Bruce searched for the words as he looked Wally in the eye “-I don’t… know what to think.”

Wally slowly nodded; his hand drew away from Bruce’s arm, his own expression unsure,
“Uh-well… if you want… we can forget it-”

“No,” the word left his mouth before Bruce could think. The millionaire growled inwardly, looking away from Wally’s startled eyes “I-… Give me time to think.”

Wally smile returned, as bright as ever,
“Okay. Well, you grab you paperwork and I’ll stare longingly at that collection of dvds while I wait.”

The easiness of Wally’s tone seemed to soothe Bruce’s frayed nerves, and he returned the smile, if not a fraction of Wally’s.
“Be back in a moment.”
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“Batman?”

Hearing his alias shook Bruce from his thoughts. He was sitting in the Bat-Cave doing what Wally said he did best; brooding. For the past hour he had been turning over his thoughts, trying to discern his feelings for Wally, and trying to decide how to deal with them.

Straightening, Bruce slipped his dark cowl into place and dimmed the lights. Batman turned to a screen and allowed his fellow hero’s image to flood the monitor.

Superman’s face flickered, brightening the screen while the super strong man’s features remained tight and irritable.
“Superman?”

“We’re in Central City, we could really use your help-”

Batman frowned shaking his head,
“I already told you Superman, I can’t.”

Superman blinked, taken aback,
“But-… with the Flash out of commission, you can’t-!”

“I can. There are five of you,” said Batman simply “Now please, I’m busy.”

Superman frowned before nodding, although reluctant,
“Superman out.”

“Sir?”

Bruce sighed, his hideaway suddenly seeming quite crowded; he turned around, removing the mask before glancing at Alfred with a raised eyebrow. “It seems your guest has decided to explore…”

Bruce took a moment to take in the words before he jumped up from his seat.
“Damn it.”
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Wally was found peering around a corner, several hallways away from his room. He was leaning heavily on his crutches, breathing heavily but otherwise looking like a child on an adventure.

“You need to get back into bed.”

Jumping at Bruce’s voice, Wally looked around and pouted,
“Aww, but Bruce-”

“No buts; get back to bed.”

Wally poked out his tongue,
“You’re no fun, Bruce… I’m bored. I want to… play chess.”

The millionaire raised an eyebrow,
“Chess?”

“Forgive my whim, it was best thing I could come up with.” muttered Wally darkly as he started to hobble back to his quarters.

Bruce smiled and walked at a slow pace beside him,
“How about a video game…? I have some stored away.”

Wally blinked, stopped where he stood and stared at Bruce,
“Video games? … You?!”

The shocked expression made Bruce chuckle,
“I… had a kid live with me for a few years…”

Wally paused,
“Yours?”

“Orphan…”

Wally laughed pushing open the door to his room,
“That was good of you…” slumping back onto the bed, holding back a wince, Wally looked up at Bruce before patting the mattress next to him as a offer “Where’s the kid now?”

“Grew up, successful in his work…” said Bruce sparingly

Wally grinned,
“That’s got to feel good… Someone getting somewhere because of your presence…”

Bruce sat on the mattress and nodded, surprised at how Wally had put his feelings into words so easily.
“It is… especially…” he quickly cut himself off, frowning, but Wally prompted silently with curious eyes “I-… my parents were… they died when I was young.”

Wally looked thrown off, but nodded, his face solemn.
“Well… my uncle raised me, but he died when I was six…” said Wally quietly “You could say I was handed around to a few foster families before I settled...”

Bruce looked at Wally carefully, nodding,
“I had Alfred… he basically raised me.”

Wally smiled,
“I knew the old man was old, but damn.”

“I heard that Master Wallace.”

Wally cringed, glancing up at said butler who held a tray of tea and biscuits. Rubbing the back of head, the redhead laughed uncomfortably.

Bruce chuckled,
“You have to admit Alfred, he has a point.”

Alfred gave an offended sniff and placed the tray down swiftly, before sending Bruce a soft smile and leaving the room.

Wally chuckled to himself, plucking up a biscuit and taking a small bite,
“Yum, tea… Don’t you have any coffee?”

Bruce chuckled, shaking his head as he poured a cup of tea for Wally and himself,
“Yes, but I don’t think caffeine will help me keep you in bed.”

Wally’s snort of laughter that followed only led to a confused look from the millionaire.
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8: Secret
_________________

Wally was half asleep when Bruce started to uncoil the soft white gauze from around the younger man’s chest,

“Wha-…? What are you doing?” yawned the redhead, blinking his wide green eyes up at the darker man.

Bruce didn’t speak, continuing his ministration, removing the last of the material. The millionaire froze, gently touching the healing flesh, the deep bruise had already faded, tinted yellow and pink.
“This-… This is impossible.”

Wally froze, his body tensing, he glanced at Bruce carefully and received a pointed look,
“Uh-?”

“You’re almost totally healed… It’s been three days; it should’ve taken at least a week…” Bruce spoke his mind, and watched as the words made Wally’s nervousness spike.

The redhead went to speak, but closed his mouth, before trying again,
“I-It happened-”

“A week ago, don’t try and lie to me Wally,” growled Bruce, leaning over the smaller man who attempted to sink into the pillows. “Wally, I want to know how.”

Wally started then shook his head hurriedly. The redhead’s breathing spiked and fear flooded into his eyes. Bruce’s hand was resting on the smaller man’s chest; he could feel Wally’s heart-beat skipping faster. “Please Wally, I won’t be mad… I won’t tell anyone.”

For a moment, Wally’s looked ready to speak, but he forced his jaw closed and turned his head away from Bruce’s. His nerve constricted throat made his voice croak,
“Can’t.”

Bruce shook his head, trying to throw off his anger,
“Don’t you trust me?” he snapped, irritation growing.

Instantly Wally’s eyes were on him; his stare so intense Bruce almost felt ashamed for pushing the younger man.
“I-… trust you,” admitted Wally, his green eyes fell closed as if he’d given up. His eyes reopened, hardening, gaining a quality Bruce had never seen before “When I heal up, will you go out with me?”

The question made Bruce flinch, he sat back,
“Uh-”

“I’m serious Bruce… I like you…” Wally’s voice was truthful, not letting his voice waver.

Bruce remained silent, his eyes betraying how flustered he felt, hearing those words made his heart swell, but he had yet to understand his own feelings. “I don’t… know. I-”

“Brood on it,” said Wally softly, his eyes showing signs of affection and resignation “I can’t tell you just yet… I have to admit, if I lose you because of this…I-” his words faded, as his eyes darted away, avoiding Bruce’s.

The older man paused, wanting to offer Wally words of comfort, to tell him he wouldn’t leave him whatever it was the redhead had to tell him. But he held his tongue, understanding the younger man’s words; suddenly aware that, he too, would feel the same if he ever lost Wally to ‘Batman’. Not knowing what to say, Bruce stood and moved towards the door, glancing over towards the bed, frowning at the soft, sad smile Wally was sending him before he left the room and the redhead in silence.
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For the first time in two nights Bruce lay in his own bed, staring at the canopy, prying apart how he felt. He had to get control of these emotions, order them; create some sense!

“I care for Wally,” Bruce admitted aloud, the softest tinge of pink coloured his cheeks as he nodded to reassure himself, “He says he cares for me too.” A warmth flooded Bruce’s chest and he smiled helplessly. A voice spoke up in the back of his head, asking him what was holding him back.

It was simple really…

Batman….

He had decided long ago, that if he ever got into a relationship, that the person would have to be trusted with his secret. He had always known that honesty was the one of the only things that truly mattered in any relationship.

He had been pushing Wally so hard to give his secrets; but he had never stopped to think for a second that he could give his own. And even if he could, would Wally accept him? Would the younger man keep his secret?

“Yes…” Bruce sighed; Wally would never breach their trust, even if the redhead was betrayed, the younger man would never tell another. The millionaire could just tell the redhead was trustworthy.

So, if he could trust Wally… Could he love him?

Wally wanted to entrust him with his own secret. Bruce growled at himself, rolling onto his stomach and burrowing his head into a pillow.

For the first time since Bruce could remember, he didn’t know what to do…

“Maybe I could-“

“Bruce…?”

Bruce’s rolled to his side and sat up in one movement, his dark eyes wide and staring at Wally, who was walking towards the bed, showing no signs of his wound except for the occasional wince.

The redhead sat on a corner of the bed and looked Bruce in the eye. “I know I’ve put you in a tight spot,” Wally began, guilt shining in his eyes “I’m asking too much of you…”

Bruce blinked, startled,
“No-what?”

Wally sighed, rubbing his face quickly, trying to sort his own thoughts.
“I’ll tell you okay?” he said sharply, hurriedly, “Just… promise you won’t leave me… you won’t tell anyone… I… I know I can trust you.”

Bruce knew he was nodding before he could think. He had to admit as he promised silently to Wally, that he could love the redhead.
“I promise,” a relieved smile formed on Wally’s features and Bruce found himself speaking without another thought “And yes, I will go out with you.”

Wally’s eyes grew wide, his smile widening before he launched himself at the other man, wrapping his arms around Bruce tightly, his head tucking under Bruce’s chin.
“Thanks.”

Bruce paused, taken off guard as he slowly let his arms hesitantly wrap around the younger man.
“Wally… Are you crying?”

“No,” whispered Wally hurried burrowing his face into the crook of Bruce’s neck, sniffling. “That would be unmanly…”

Bruce chuckled; he couldn’t help himself, his arms tightening around Wally, a sense of comfort coiling in his chest.
“Promise you won’t freak out… or laugh…” Bruce’s smile slipped, and he nodded as Wally pulled away. “Kay,” breathed Wally, taking a deep breath “Damn, this is hard.”

Bruce kept silent, watching Wally carefully.

“Uh-… I should just say it right? …Well I- uh… I’m the Flash.”
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When Bruce’s eyes refocused, he found Wally hovering over him, looking terrified,
“Bruce? Are you okay?”

But Bruce couldn’t answer; his voice was lost as he stared up the redhead, his jaw locked. His head was already teeming with thoughts which were flitting about in a confusing mess. The shock was keeping his dark eyes wide,

“F-Flash…?” he finally asked.

Wally smiled, a laugh bubbling up into his throat,
“Yeah, I said it would be a shock…” slowly the laughter slipped from his eyes and nervousness flooded Wally’s features.

The silence that followed was consuming, Wally anxiousness started to melt into fear.
“Hey! … Hey Bruce?!” the redhead’s eyes widened, hands touching the older man’s face “Are you okay...? Bruce?… Bruce, you have to breathe!” Wally’s frightened tone kicked instinct into gear and Bruce took a gulp of air, but it wasn’t enough to calm the younger man, who was still looking fearful, “You know… you promised you wouldn’t freak out… Calm down!”

Bruce did what he was told, slowly calming his heart. Then realisation began to set in and before he could help himself, laughter bubbled up in his chest and slipped past his lips. Wally’s fearful look grew; he stood and sped to the door in a blur,
“Alfred? I think Bruce is having mental breakdown!”

Bruce laughed harder, steadying himself,
“I-I’m fine…” he was able to choke out.

Wally snorted and raised an eyebrow,
“Bruce, you blacked out…” the redhead seriously, before a smile broke onto his face, “I’m never going to let you live that down, you know?”

Bruce chuckled,
“Get here,” he said, holding out his arms. Wally sped back and flopped into Bruce’s arms, smiling up at the older man before flittingly pressing his lips on Bruce’s cheek. “This is ironic as hell.” muttered Bruce to himself causing Wally to raise an eyebrow.

“Ironic?”

“So much makes sense now…”

“What? Was it that obvious?” asked Wally carefully, starting to look nervous again.

“Flash,” said Bruce smiling, “I haven’t been totally truthful with you either…”

“Wally,” corrected the redhead, but his eyes betrayed him and his curiosity was spiked.

“Wally, the reason I was so hesitant… is because I have a secret of my own.”

Wally’s eyes widened,
“Really…” he went silent for a moment, his eyes widening “Please don’t tell me your some evil super villain?”

Bruce chuckled,
“No… Come with me… I think it’ll be easier if I show you.”

Wally was led to the lower floor of the Wayne Manor, all the while Bruce was smiling and inwardly scolding himself for missing the obvious for so long; how he had ignored the familiarity he had felt whenever he was around Flash.

He approached a hidden lever and gently pushed it down.

A nearby wall groaned and shifted loudly making Wally start, his green eyes brimming with excitement. He darted for the revealed opening, paused and peered back at Bruce, who nodded approvingly.

The redhead disappeared, Bruce following slowly.

Wally stood in the centre of the cave, blinking slowly, only able to stare around him, at the looming stalactites above and the dark monitor’s metres away. But soon his eyes were stuck on a black cape and familiar mask. He pointed, mouth gaping. He turned back to Bruce, blinking hurriedly.

“All along… you…? Oh…”

Bruce almost expected Wally’s eyes to pop out of his skull, or for him to crumple to the ground where he stood, but as usual, the younger man simply straightened and shrugged it off with a bright smile. “It does explain a lot, doesn’t it?” Bruce laughed, barely prepared for Wally to throw himself at him and giving him a powerful hug. “I half expected you already knew everything about me.”

Bruce laughed,
“I never got around to it.”

Wally gave Bruce a raised eyebrow, before shaking his head and laughing,
“I won’t ask…” leaning up, the redhead caught Bruce’s lips with his own. Without hesitation Bruce kissed back, his arms coiling around the smaller man’s waist. When they parted, Wally was grinning crazily “We are so doing that more often.”

“Never in front of the League.”

“Are you crazy? Could you imagine Supes face?” Wally cackled wildly. “Hey! I guess this means the Gotham Gab got something right for once?”

Bruce couldn’t help it, he laughed and hugged Wally.
“Come on, I’ll book a table at a nice restaurant.”

Wally nodded in agreement,
“And then we should go ice-skating.”

Bruce was ready to shake his head, but caught the other’s convincing smile; it seemed infectious and he smiled back, rolling his eyes and chuckling. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was as he looked down the redhead in his arm, watching him with nothing but admiration and affection.

“I don’t see why not."

_________________

End