The wind whistled against the windows of Dick's room. It was almost drowned out by the humming of some random radio tune they had heard earlier in the day.

Dick was walking around, always searching for some random item that he misplaced while Wally stood, looking around at the various personal items and photos that decorated the space. Dick's room had a warm, lived-in feel, with shelves filled with books and memorabilia. The once neatly made bed sat against one wall, and a desk cluttered with papers and gadgets occupied another corner.

He glanced at the photos taped above the dresser. There was a picture of Dick and Bruce Wayne grinning side by side, Dick appearing to be maybe in his early teens with a gold medal around his neck.

"That was my first gymnastics competition," Dick said, noticing Wally's gaze. He made his way over, offering out his hand. "Is this cologne too much?"

He leaned towards it and shrugged. It honestly smelled like every other cologne that Dick wore. Wally then pointed to a drawing that seemed to be a sketch of a cat. "Damian?" he asked. He recalled Dick briefly mentioning all of his siblings' hobbies.

"Yeah. I save every drawing he gives me. If you saw the fridge back at my place, it's covered in his artwork," Dick replied with a fond smile.

Wally continued to look around, his eyes landing on a particular photo that caught his attention. It showed a group of teenagers, all dressed in casual fashion. One he guessed was Dick by dark hair and shades, but something odd about the photo was that none of the teens were showing any identifiable features. One had stark blonde hair, another was a tall and built young man with dark hair, and three other teens had their features mostly obscured by hats, hoodies, or sunglasses. One with a hoodie pulled up seemed familiar, as did the girl with auburn hair and an engaging smile. In the center, there was a boy with glasses over his freckles and a beanie pulled low over his head.

Wally's heart skipped a beat. There was something about that boy in the beanie that felt almost too familiar, a tug at the edges of his memory.

"Old friend group?" Wally asked, his voice trying to sound casual.

Dick, who had been rifling through his closet, looked over and saw which photo Wally was referring to. "Yeah, after school club thing," he said, tugging on Wally's arm to divert his attention elsewhere. "You need to start getting ready."

Wally complied, understanding the unsaid boundaries and topics best left undiscussed. But the image of the boy with the beanie stayed with him, an itch at the back of his mind. It looked so familiar, yet he couldn't place it.

He stared at Dick's back as he turned around to face the mirror to tighten his tie. Wally's eyes drifted down, familiarity was a bitch.

He slowly began taking off his shirt and grabbing the hanger for his suit. He weighed his internal debate gently and decided that a casual conversation would be a good idea. "Dick, why didn't you tell me you were from Bludhaven from the start?" Wally questioned, stray clues and coincidences starting to drift closer and closer until a vague picture began to form.

Dick stared at him through the reflection of the mirror, probably contemplating the question in his head. Wally didn't understand what made it so hard to answer in the first place. "I'm sorry," Dick said. "I know I have this problem with keeping people outside of my family at arm's reach. I was just really nervous about you. I still am."

Wally paused. The fuck? "Excuse me?" He asked aloud.

"People close to me, people I care about, they get hurt. Being affiliated with Gotham and Bludhaven has that effect. I make enemies in my line of work." He said, not fully looking away from his tie.

"Dick, what do you mean by enemies?" Wally asked because that photo was still in his mind and he couldn't help but think that he had a photo just like it hidden away in his apartment. Was his heart rate spiking again?

Dick looked up, immediately making his way over to Wally. "Hey, it's nothing crazy, just being a detective puts a target on your back—. Jesus, Wally, do you need water?"

Wally slowly made his way over to Dick's bed, sitting down gradually as he tried to regulate his breathing. Now he's pretty sure he's never had this much anxiety about a relationship before. "Sorry," he waved it off. "It's probably all the traveling and stuff. Might be tired."

Dick watched him with an ever changing expression. Wally couldn't find the strength to dissect it as he gripped the blankets beneath him. "Wally, I'm worried about you," he said, crouching down to meet his partner's eyes. "All of today you've been off and I don't know how to help you."

Wally breathed, somewhat shakily. "It hasn't gotten this bad in a while." Dick nodded, listening intently. "I feel like I'm walking in the dark here. So much is unknown here."

Dick tilted his head, reaching for Wally's hand, but still keeping his distance so as to not suffocate his space. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"I know you Dick, I feel like I know you but then I learn something new about you and then my whole view just changes."

"I'm sorry," Dick said. "You know I am. I'm trying to be honest here because I want you in my life."

Wally sighed, his breaths evening out. "I'm sorry for sounding like a broken record. Please just blame it on anxiety and paranoia."

Dicks soft smile dropped for a second and suddenly he was looking Detective Grayson in the face. "How long have you been feeling like this, Wally?"

"Well, we can go all the way back to middle school with this one," he rolled his eyes.

"No," Dick huffed, chuckling a little. "I mean, last night were you feeling like this? Anxiety... Paranoia? Do you take meds for this?"

Wally shrugged, "I don't really take meds for it... I've sort of had this feeling for a couple weeks now, I think? It wasn't as prevalent till now."

"Was it worse at the station?" Dick asked.

Wally looked up at him, connecting the same dots. "You think it's the alien tech?"

"I want to know what you think."

He nodded, a sigh of relief. It made sense. "I think it's the tech. It hit the hardest when we pulled into the station." He rubbed his eyes tiredly. "But it didn't feel like this back home." Wally could feel Dick's eyes on him, waiting for him to expand on his statement. "My abilities get muffled when I'm close to the tech there," he said, waving a hand over his chest. "I feel them go quiet. It's quick and sudden, but after being close to the tech today," he shrugged, "my abilities are still present. It's just the mental stuff."

"You never told me about that," Dick murmured.

Wally gave him a pressed look. "Do you want to have another conversation about things we don't tell eachother? I actually have a good reason to not talk about my meta abilities that are still hypothetical, by the way."

His partner cracked a smile. "Alleged. I know, I understand." He leaned up and pressed a kiss to Wally's cheek. "Thank you for trusting me enough to share this." Dick raked a hand through Wally's curls, cupping the red heads cheek. "Please let me know if anything out of the ordinary is going on in that head."

He felt like honesty was the best option at the moment. Wally leaned forward to meet Dick's lips, then resting his forehead against his. He trusted Dick enough to tell him about having abilities but not enough about the superspeed, something that gave too much away. He wanted to tell Dick about his doubts but what if he became disgusted by Wally's accusations. What if he didn't see any reason to continue seeing Wally because of his lack of trust?

"I feel like you're truly one of the few people that understands me and that's a horrifying thought," Wally said, holding Dick close to him. "I'm tip-toeing around thoughts in my head about you because I'm scared of the truth. I know why you're keeping so much from me because it's the same reason I'm keeping so much from you."

"Wally–."

"This is serious, Dick," Wally whispered. He looked around the room, all of the trinkets and posters that were propped up stared at him. "I'm in your childhood bedroom, I'm meeting your dad, your dog sneezed on me–. I'm in your life just as much as you're in mine and you're literally one of the best things that has ever happened to me."

Dick pulled Wally's face back, his blue meeting green. He chanced a look back at the photo, the freckled boy sharing Wally's smile.

"I know you're not clueless," Dick said. "I know you won't tell me things and that's fine." They shared a moment of silence, soaking in each other as they sat on the edge of the bed. Wally's thoughts still spiraled.

Wally tried to focus on Dick's steady gaze, but his mind was racing. Why had Dick been so secretive about his past? (He knew why, why is he still on about this).

And why did he seem so comfortable with all this mystery? (Because it's Dick. He loves him).

He knows something. The thought was sudden, but it hit Wally like a freight train. Dick always knew more than he let on. He had that detective's knack for seeing through people. Was he seeing through Wally now? Did he suspect something? (Of course he suspected something, he and Wally are two sides of the same coin).

Why didn't he tell him about Bludhaven from the start? The question gnawed at him. (You know why).

Was it really just nerves, or was there something more? Maybe Dick was hiding more than just his home. Wally glanced again at the photo on the wall. The faces were disguised, but the familiarity was undeniable. He felt a chill run down his spine. (Trust him).

"Walls, are you okay?" Dick's voice was soft, but it snapped Wally back to the present.

(You're both trying to protect each other).

"Yeah, just... thinking," Wally replied, forcing a smile. But inside, the doubts were growing.

He's too perfect. The thought was irrational, but Wally couldn't shake it. Nobody's this perfect without hiding something. (You're hiding something too).

Wally's heart raced. Every affectionate gesture, every caring word from Dick now felt like part of a bigger, more sinister game. (You're genuine, why can't he be too?)

What if he's manipulating me? The idea was terrifying, but Wally couldn't dismiss it. His thoughts twisting. (What would he gain from that?)

"I'm sorry," Wally said, his voice trembling. "I just need a second to breathe."

Dick's expression softened. He reached out, holding Wally's hand. "Do you want me to leave the room?"

"Just for a second, I think I'm gonna call my uncle real quick," he said, "talk through this with him for a bit."

Dick nodded in understanding. "I'll be down the hall if you need anything." He looked into Dick's eyes, searching for any hint of deception, but all he saw was concern.

Maybe he's overthinking it. But even as he tried to convince himself, the doubts lingered. Or maybe he's finally seeing the truth. (What are you on about?)

"Text me if you need anything," Dick said, standing up and offering a hand to Wally.

Wally took his hand, standing up and trying to push the doubts away. But they stayed with him, a dark cloud of suspicion and fear. I have to keep my guard up. I can't let him in completely. Not until I know for sure.

As they stood, Wally's mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. He wanted to trust Dick, to believe in their relationship. But the paranoia was too strong, the sense of impending doom too real. Something's not right, he thought. And he needs to figure out what it is before it's too late. (It's the damn alien tech, Wally. It's messing with your head).

He found himself pressing a call on Cisco's contact. He let it ring for a bit and sighed in relief as the man answered. "Trouble in paradise?" the man's voice projected into his ear.

"I was in close proximity to some alien tech earlier today and I'm honestly spiraling into paranoia." Wally didn't waste too much time getting to the point. "Dick and the commissioner were in the same room but they didn't seem as affected. Powers are still here but my head is against me."

"Oh, proving that you only call when you need something, I see," Cisco mused on the line.

Wally groaned.

"Alright, I can't monitor your vitals unless you put on your suit."

Wally stepped into the bathroom, pulling the Flash ring from his pocket and slipping it on with his speed. He waited for Cisco to stop typing and say something as he stood awkwardly in his suit in Dick's bathroom.

"Elevated heart rate and some neurological abnormalities," Cisco said after a minute or two. "There's also something else."

"What is it?" Wally asked, urgently.

"So before you left, I did alter your suit a bit," Cisco stated as Wally rolled his eyes. "It just records frequencies so we can better track them and locate them. Where you are has a high concentration of this tech, but it also has a different range from Central and Keystone."

"Would you say that Gotham's frequency influences paranoia, while home just affects meta abilities?" Wally asked.

"I'd also say that they both affect technologies but that seems to happen in waves and sporadic times," Cisco explained. "Now you said that Dick and the commissioner didn't seem as affected by the tech as you?"

"Not that I can tell," Wally shook his head. "It's getting bad, like, I think Dick is hiding something bad from me or he knows about me being the Flash and is trying to manipulate me. He's helping me by talking me through my thoughts but every doubt and thought comes back at full force. I know I trust him but right now at this moment I don't, is that weird?"

"Not weird, you're paranoid," Cisco murmured, "and I just hacked into Gotham P.D.'s files."

"Batman's gonna find you," Wally jokes, but his heart wasn't in it. "What did you find?"

"Paranoia, like you said. It's a common symptom as of recently, but the people that were affected were human, normal. It also happened during a blackout so maybe that's when it gets bad? It may be more effective towards metas, though."

"What do you suggest I do?"

Cisco took a minute to answer, thinking hard. "Do you have meta cuffs with you?" He asked.

"I'm in Gotham," he said, because that would be the only reason he didn't. "Do you think if we took away my powers, the symptoms would lessen?"

"I obviously don't know for sure," Cisco said. "But it wouldn't hurt to try. Do you know any vigilantes in the area that could have meta cuffs?"

Wally could name a few, but there was only one that he trusted enough to call. "Yeah, I'll call you back and keep you updated."

"Stay in touch, man." Cisco hung up.

Wally then pulled out his communicator, bringing up the familiar bird contact.

KF: I need your help. Are you near Gotham and do you have those discreet meta cuffs? You know the ones that are only one ring and you can barely tell if someone is wearing them.

The response was immediate and Wally sighed in relief.

NW: I will steal some options from the bat. Are you apprehending a meta nearby or is this a different matter?

KF: Personal. I'll explain at a later time if needed.

NW: No worries.

NW: Alright, so bats only has a silver band that could probably be covered by a watch or a sleeve. How do you want to retrieve this?

KF: I want to avoid being seen in my suit in Gotham. But I'm also not in the position to be leaving my location.

NW: Are you going anywhere soon? I can hide it at a location and send you the details.

KF: Yes, the Gotham Grand Hotel.

NW: Aye, Aye 🫡. I will send you a photo in a few.

KF: Thank you, Rob.

NW: Anything for you, KF.

***

Wally had managed to push all the doubts in his mind away for the time being. Since learning that it could be an effect of the technology he's stopped trusting his brain as much.

He just needed the facts; he trusts Dick and Dick trusts him. They're lovers. He didn't need to overthink it until he was out of Gotham and didn't have alien frequencies messing with his brain. It was like that rule where you don't trust your thoughts past 9 pm. And as much fun as it was to battle his own inner monologue, he needed to get dressed.

Wally resumed putting on the dress shirt and buttoned it all the way up. He paused momentarily when he heard a knock on the door.

"Walls, hey, I brought a snack if you're hungry," Dick's voice rang out. "Can I come in?"

Wally looked at his half dressed self and responded. "I don't have pants on."

The door cracked open enough for Dick to fluidly slide in. The dark haired man smirked as he eyed his boyfriend. "I really hope that means yes, cause I've already seen all of that."

"You have snacks, of course that's a yes," Wally smiled. He walked across the room and grabbed his pants, sliding them on as Dick placed a plate down on his desk. "Sorry, about earlier," he said.

"Don't apologize for earlier," Dick waved. "But are you feeling any better? Cause if you're not I don't want you to feel any obligation to have to go tonight."

"I'll be fine, Dick, trust me." Wally rested a hand on Dick's shoulder, smiling softly.

Dick returned the grin, looking down and briefly back to eye contact. Wally didn't miss the way Dick's gaze lingered on his lips. The tension in the room shifted, the undercut of something unspoken. Wally's heartbeat a little faster, his hand sliding up to cup the back of Dick's neck, drawing him closer.

"I'm really glad I'm here," Wally murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Me too," Dick replied, his breath warm against Wally's skin.

Their lips met, softly at first, a gentle exploration that quickly grew more intense. Wally's fingers tangled in Dick's hair, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving just the two of them in that moment. Dick's hands found Wally's waist, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them.

Wally's mind went blissfully quiet, the doubts and paranoia that had plagued him melting away under the warmth of Dick's touch. He could feel Dick's heartbeat against his chest, steady and reassuring. Every kiss, every touch was a reminder that this was real, that they were real. (Real).

They broke apart briefly, breathless, foreheads resting together as they tried to catch their breath. Wally looked into Dick's eyes, seeing the same love and desire reflected back at him. It gave him a push through the remnants of his doubts.

"We should probably finish getting ready," Dick said with a chuckle, his voice hoarse.

"Yeah," Wally agreed, though he didn't make any move to step back. Instead, he kissed Dick again, slower this time, savoring the moment. "But we have a bit longer, right?"

Dick laughed softly, the sound vibrating against Wally's lips. "Yeah, we have a bit."

Wally closed his eyes and breathed in the cologne that Dick so generously wore. If he could forever be by this man's side he would die a happy and fulfilled life. He fought the urge to speak the three words he once uttered on the phone, still fearing it was too early.

***

The grand hall of the gala was a picture of high society, chandeliers casting a warm glow over the empty floor. The clinking of glasses and the rustle of expensive fabric creating a symphony of preparations. But beneath the surface, an uneasy tune seemed to hum, like a lonely note in an otherwise perfect melody.

Outside, the sky was a deep indigo, the city lights twinkling like distant stars. The air was unusually still, the usual buzz of Gotham's nightlife eerily muted.

Security was tight, guards posted at every entrance, their eyes scanning the crowd with practiced vigilance. Yet, there was something off in their demeanor, a hint of unease that passed between them unnoticed by the guests that started to pour in. One guard, positioned near a side entrance, shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting towards the shadows where the light didn't reach.

Inside, the orchestra played a haunting melody, the notes floating through the air like ghosts. A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne, his face pale and drawn, as if he'd seen something he couldn't quite explain. He paused by a table, his hand trembling slightly as he offered the drinks, eyes flicking nervously towards the large, lone doors at the back of the hall.

***

The grand entrance of the Gotham Grand Hotel loomed before them, its facade illuminated by elegant lights that cast a warm glow over the arriving guests. Luxury cars lined the driveway, dropping off Gotham's elite, all dressed fashionably for the highly anticipated gala. Wally adjusted his tie nervously, glancing at Dick, who seemed completely at ease.

Dick placed a reassuring hand on Wally's shoulder. "There's no pressure to mingle," he said, "I just want to give you a chance to see this world and after I make my rounds, we'll leave on your word. Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Wally replied, attempting to match Dick's confidence. He glanced around, noting the journalists and photographers gathered near the main entrance, their cameras flashing incessantly.

"Come on, we'll take the back entrance," Dick said, guiding Wally towards a less conspicuous side door. "Less fuss and no need to worry about the paparazzi."

As they slipped through the side entrance, Wally noticed a plain white envelope tucked behind a plant near the door. He shot a quick glance at Dick, who was still guiding him through the halls. He mentally reminded himself to check Nightwing's messages to confirm the hiding place for the meta cuff. Dick continued leading them to a set of doors that opened up to the ballroom. Many waiters and caterers moved behind them.

Inside, the hotel was even more opulent than he had imagined. The lobby was a stunning blend of classic architecture and modern luxury, with marble floors and grand chandeliers. The sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air as elegantly dressed guests mingled and sipped champagne.

"I'm going to enter through the front with my brothers," Dick said. "Head in whenever you're ready. There's a bathroom right next to the kitchen if you need." He pointed in some vague direction. Dick then looked up, unveiling a genuine albeit nervous smile. "See you inside?"

Wally nodded, grinning back. "I'll see you inside."

Dick pushed himself up by his toes and pulled Wally down into a deep kiss. The minute without oxygen went by far too fast before Dick was already breaking away. Wally sighed, bringing Dick closer and keeping him in his arms for a moment longer.

"You're too clingy for a long distance relationship," Dick mused. He left one more kiss on Wally's cheek before leaving with a soft whisper, "I love you."

And in seconds, Wally was alone.

He pulled out his phone and looked for the messages from his communicator. All he had received was a picture. Luckily the photo captured the same plant that he had seen while entering the building. Discreetly, he retraced his steps, finding the envelope again. He slipped it in his pocket and headed to the restrooms.

Behind the closed doors of the stall, he ripped open the envelope. A silver band sat in there along with a small paper. He choked back a laugh at the words written on the paper, reading it again and again, until he was sure that he read everything correctly. Nightwing was one lucky bird that Wally was the only one who saw the envelope.

KF: Package received. Thank you, 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝔂-wing.

NW: Glad to hear it. I drew the emojis on that note myself.

KF: Emphasis on the 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝔂.

NW: Are you at the event tonight?

KF: Yes, as a civilian. Are you still in the area?

NW: Yeah, looking to link up? 😏

KF: I heard about alien tech messing with people's heads... Are you compromised or is this just friendly banter?

NW: The latter. Anytime I try playful banter I just get death threats from the other bats. Robin stabbed me last month ☹️

KF: Dead by the hands of your own brother is pretty poetic. I'll make time to see you soon. Talk later, Wing.

Wally slipped his phone back into his pocket and flushed the note down into the toilet. He inspected the band and clicked it onto his wrist, he pushed it further up his forearm so it wouldn't slip past his sleeve. He waited, feeling the power and connection to speed dim. He breathed through it, adjusting to the feeling. There was no clear sign that it was working in keeping him less affected by the alien tech, he just hoped it would prevent him from spiraling again.

He took one deep breath before preparing to go into that gala. Just one and he was ready.

***

Wally stood near one of the grand windows of the Gotham Grand Hotel, looking out at the city below. Despite the grandeur of the event, a prickling sensation at the back of his neck made him feel uneasy, as if he were being watched. He glanced around, trying to pinpoint the source, but everyone seemed engrossed in their conversations, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension.

In the shadows near the entrance, a figure moved silently, barely perceptible among the bustling crowd. They lingered, almost as if waiting for something, their presence an unsettling anomaly in the otherwise glamorous scene. The chandelier above flickered for a moment, casting brief, distorted shadows that danced across the room before the light steadied once more.

"First time?"

Wally turned to see a blonde woman smirking at him. She leaned against the wall, nodding toward the groups of rich upperclassmen. "I hate talking to them, they're all so snooty and they only donate to the causes just to get on Bruce's good side." She rolled her eyes. "I'm Steph, by the way. We can call ourselves wall buddies if we stick around long enough."

Wally nodded, reaching forward to shake her hand. "I'm Wally."

Her eyes widened. "Dick's Wally? His boyfriend?"

He nodded, searching her face for recognition.

"Well, no shit!" She grinned. "Dick rarely brings anyone home. You must be special."

"So I've heard... Are you his sister?" he asked.

"What? No, no, no. Bruce is going to have to kill my mom before he adopts me. I've only been reduced to one of the 'emotional children," she said, air quoting. "Which is just another kid Bruce keeps under his roof that he hasn't managed to adopt yet," she explained shortly. "Cass, my girlfriend, is one of the victims of his adoption."

"So how many kids does Bruce Wayne actually have?" Wally asked, still thoroughly confused.

Steph rolled her eyes. "That's way too much work to figure out. Anyways," she waved off, "Dick mentioned you live in Keystone. Are you the Flash?"

Wally choked on the champagne he was sipping. "How'd you come to that conclusion?" he asked, wonderfully perplexed.

"Red hair and Keystone— Oh. Hey, Cass!" She waved, dropping the subject entirely.

Wally turned to see where she was waving, nearly jumping out of his skin to see the petite young woman right behind him. "Jesus," he hissed in shock. Genuine whiplash from the speed of the conversation.

"No, that's Cass," Steph rolled her eyes.

Cass smiled up at him, waving. "You're Wally?" she asked, to which Wally nodded. She looked back. "Makes sense."

He furrowed his brow and glanced over at Steph, who seemed to be agreeing. "What do you mean by that?" he asked.

"Dick talks," Steph shrugged, "a lot."

"A whole yappatron three thousand, but he also has a thing for redheads no matter how much he denies it," another voice added. Wally jumped again, suddenly realizing he's surrounded by three figures. The new stranger matched the blueprint look of Dick, Jason, and Damian. "Tim Drake," he said, looking Wally up and down with a raised brow. "And you must be Wally."

"Is sneaking up on people a family trait or a Gotham thing?" Wally questioned the three of them.

"Family," they all responded at once.

"So, Wally, Dick mentioned you had a background in mechanical engineering?" Tim asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, I studied that back in college and had a few internships at STAR Labs," Wally said, relaxing a bit as the conversation turned to familiar territory. Steph and Cass took their leave as they wandered off. "Though I can't officially claim that I have a background since I took a gap year," he added, taking a sip of his drink and grimacing, "and I still haven't gone back."

Tim looked impressed, half-mindedly taking a champagne flute from a nearby waiter's tray. "Valid, I never graduated high school, though Bruce insisted I at least get a college degree," he mumbled into his glass. "Not like it mattered."

"What do you do?" Wally asked.

"I work at Wayne Enterprises," Tim shrugged. "A simplified version would be that I make everyone else's jobs easier. Though, I've always been interested in a career as a technology innovator."

"Sounds interesting," Wally said.

As the conversation flowed, a woman's laughter rang out, high and clear, but with a sharpness that cut through the air. Wally's eyes were immediately drawn to the exits, where he felt the same uneasy sensation he'd had before.

The orchestra's music swelled, sending a shiver down Wally's spine. He turned, scanning the crowd for Dick, but couldn't see him among the throng of elegantly dressed guests.

"I should head back out and mingle," Tim said, slapping a hand on Wally's shoulder, "I'll see you back at the manor."

Wally watched him walk up to a big group of conversation. His heart rate picked up, a sense of foreboding settling in his chest. He reached into his pocket, fingers brushing against the familiar shape of his communicator. Outside, the wind picked up, rustling the leaves and sending a chill through the night. The street lights flickered, casting the gardens in and out of darkness. The guards at the entrance exchanged uneasy glances, their hands hovering over their radios.

Wally took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. He caught sight of Dick across the room, smiling and chatting with a group of older folks. For a moment, the tension eased, replaced by a sense of normalcy. But as he turned back to the window, his reflection caught his eye, and behind it, the shadow of the figure by the entrance seemed to grow darker, more defined.

Wally brought a hand up to his arm, feeling around to check if the band was still there. It was. Although he felt somewhat exposed without the speed force to anchor him, the band seemed to dull the edge of his paranoia. The suffocating dread had lessened to a manageable level, though the unease lingered.

"Hey, Wally," Duke greeted, pulling Damian over by the sleeve. "How are you feeling? Dick mentioned you were a little under the weather."

Wally managed a half-smile, grateful for the distraction. "Just a bit on edge. Thanks for asking. How are you two?"

"Me, personally, I'm fine," Duke said. "Damian, however—"

"I am being treated as a domestic dog," Damian interjected, his arms crossed as Duke's grip tightened on his sleeve. "Those old women will rot in Hell, Thomas. You and Father will not deprive me of their demise."

"Damian pulled a knife on a woman who pinched his cheek," Duke explained tersely.

"I will not apologize if it ensures my absence from every event going forward," Damian said resolutely.

Duke frowned. "Can you at least consider apologizing because it's the right thing to do?"

Damian glared to the side. "No."

The older teen rolled his eyes and then looked at Wally. "Do you mind watching him? I need to do some damage control before Bruce gets a lawsuit on his doorstep tomorrow."

Damian scoffed. "Stop handing me off like I'm a child. I do not need to be watched."

"You are still legally a minor," Duke stressed. "Therefore, you're still a kid."

"If we're bringing legal status into this—" Damian began.

"Oh my god, I'm leaving," Duke interrupted.

"—then Jason should still be dead," Damian finished.

"Goodbye, you two," Duke huffed, pausing for a moment, "sorry, three."

Wally glanced behind him to see Jason leaning against the wall, casually dressed in a worn leather jacket.

"I don't understand what it is with you guys being deathly silent," Wally wondered aloud. "Are you summoned when someone mentions you?"

"No, I was just nosy," Jason shrugged. "Another failed attempt, Damian?"

"I will not waste my time on someone like her. Besides, Dick and Father are far too close for me to get away with it."

"Can I ask about the dead thing?" Wally inquired.

"So this really funny thing happened—" Jason began.

"—No, he will just be annoying about it," Damian cut in.

As Wally tried to process the lively exchange between Damian and Jason, a sudden hush fell over the room. The grand chandelier above flickered erratically, casting elongated shadows that danced nervously across the walls. Wally glanced around, sensing something.

Without warning, the lights went out completely. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by a chorus of murmurs and uneasy whispers. The room was plunged into darkness, with only the faintest shine of moonlight filtering through the tall windows.

Wally instinctively reached out to Damian, his protective instincts kicking in. "Damian, stay close. It's going to be okay," he said, trying to comfort him in the disorienting blackness.

Damian, unfazed by the sudden plunge into darkness, shot Wally a sidelong glance. "I don't need your protection, West," he replied coolly, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Jason, leaning casually against the wall, smirked at the scene. "I think Damian's a little scared. Aren't ya, buddy?"

"I will kill you, Todd," the young teen replied easily.

The darkness was pierced by a brief, eerie flash of light as a silhouette whispered, "You're not supposed to be here, Flash," before disappearing into the void.

Wally stepped away, looking into the dark empty space. No one else seemed to notice the strange apparition. He glanced around, feeling a cool chill wrap around his neck.

Wally's heart raced, his paranoia spiking again. "We need to find somewhere safe," he urged, pulling Damian with him as he scanned the shadows for any sign of danger.

Damian, unperturbed by the panic around him, moved with practiced ease through the darkened room. "We should locate Dick and ensure he's safe," he suggested, his voice calm and steady despite the chaotic environment. "I can handle myself, West."

Wally gave a nervous glance around, trying to make sense of the ominous presence he had just felt. "Yeah, of course," he said, though he kept Damian close. He struggled to keep his bearings in the total darkness, feeling the weight of his earlier unease intensify.

The sounds of confusion and distress grew louder as guests stumbled through the dark, their voices rising in alarm. Wally could barely make out the silhouettes of people moving chaotically, their forms illuminated only briefly by occasional flickers from the malfunctioning emergency lights.

Wally's mind raced with thoughts of the silhouette's words. It echoed ominously in his thoughts, heightening his sense of dread. He forced himself to focus, looking for any sign of Dick among the crowd. "Stay close," he repeated to Damian, his tone more urgent now.

The crowd's panic seemed to be mounting, with occasional screams piercing through the murky darkness. Wally spotted a few figures trying to calm the situation, though their efforts seemed futile in the face of the spreading hysteria. He tried to navigate through the chaos, pushing through the sea of guests who were now huddling together, seeking solace in each other's company.

Ahead, he saw a figure moving through the shadows. "Dick!" Wally called out, making his way towards the person. As he got closer, he realized it was indeed Dick, who appeared to be trying to organize and reassure the guests.

Dick's head snapped around, and he locked eyes with Wally. Relief flashed across his face. "Wally! I was looking for you," he said, his voice cutting through the noise. "I need to check on everyone and see if we can restore power."

Wally noticed the goal set in Dick's eyes, but his own anxiety remained unshaken. His focus was interrupted by a sudden, loud crash from the other side of the room.

The guests' screams grew louder, and the panic seemed to escalate. Wally saw a few people attempting to use their phone's flashlights to get a better view, but the light did little to cut through the invasive darkness. "We need to get to the emergency exits!" Tim urged, cutting through them as he led a group of people.

"Wally, I'm going to make contact with the police, please stay with my brothers." Dick nodded, grabbing his earpiece and leaving. "And try to keep everyone calm and lead them to the exits."

Wally looked around, trying to maintain a sense of direction amid the growing chaos. The whispers in the dark began to intensify, their voices growing louder and more insistent, feeding Wally's growing paranoia. He could hear snippets of conversations and taunts that seemed to be directed at him. The eerie echo of the silhouette's words seemed to linger in his mind.

Feeling overwhelmed and unable to calm his racing thoughts, Wally's gaze fell on the meta cuff on his arm. His hands shook as he reached for it. He needed to get away, to escape the suffocating anxiety that was closing in on him. With a decisive motion, he unclasped the cuff and let it fall to the ground.

The moment the cuff was off, Wally felt a surge of energy, but it only seemed to amplify his fear. He needed to get out. He was hyper-aware of every sound, every shadow. He couldn't stay here. The feeling was too intense, and he had to get out.

"Damian, we need to go!" Wally shouted over the rising chaos. He had to get out. He didn't wait for a response, pushing through the crowd and making his way towards the nearest exit. He had to get out. The darkness seemed to press in on him, heightening his sense of urgency as he navigated through the chaos. He really needed to get out.

Damian, momentarily caught off guard by Wally's sudden panic, quickly followed, though he shot Wally an annoyed look. "You're overreacting," he said, his voice cutting through the noise.

As they reached the exit, Wally cast one last glance back into the chaos, the darkness swallowing the room as he stumbled into the relative safety outside. His breathing was heavy, and his heart pounded in his chest. The cool night air did little to calm him as he tried to regain his composure.

"West, you appear ill," Damian commented, keeping his distance.

Wally huffed, leaning over his knees, trying to lower his heart rate. "I'm fine."

"You know they have medication for anxiety, right?"

"I'm aware." Wally squeezed his eyes shut. Focusing on the sounds of people filtering out of the building. "Do you see any of your brothers?" He asked.

"I see Jason hiding out behind a dumpster like a creep," Damian grimaced. "Let it be known that he and I are related by title, not blood."

Wally nodded, responding in an amused huff. "Can you go stay with him?" He asked. "I need to go run this off."

Damian didn't say anything else, though, he did mutter something about Wally likely getting shot at for running in Gotham. He didn't care though. He needed to clear his head fast before he felt another mental attack.

Once he was sure that Damian was with Jason, he ran. Not fast, not his speed, but he ran far enough to get away from the hotel. The cool night air stung his lungs, but it was a welcome contrast to the oppressive darkness he had just left behind.

His feet pounded the pavement as he darted down the deserted streets, weaving through parked cars and barely noticing the blaring city lights. He pushed himself faster, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The echoes of the whispers seemed to follow him, blending with the rush of his heartbeat and the pounding of his footsteps. He pulled his ring out of his pocket and summoned his suit, running into it and continuing his streak with a flash.

The cool night air did little to soothe him. The paranoia that had been creeping in at the gala now felt like a living, breathing thing, tightening around his chest and making it hard to focus. He needed to get away, to put as much distance between himself and the gala as possible. The streets of Gotham, usually so familiar when he met with Nightwing, seemed alien and menacing now, with their shadows stretching into some ominous caricature in the dim light.

As he ran, his thoughts raced, but they were jumbled and incoherent. The words of the silhouette haunted him, whispering through his mind with unsettling clarity. "You're not supposed to be here, Flash." The message seemed to echo endlessly, and Wally found himself questioning if he was the real target or if it was something else entirely.

He took sharp turns, zigzagging through the city in a desperate attempt to escape the overwhelming sense of dread. The buildings blurred past him, their outlines merging into a confusing maze. He barely registered the sounds of distant sirens or the occasional shout from a passerby, too consumed by his need to flee.

After several blocks, Wally's speed began to wane, the adrenaline that had propelled him forward starting to drain. He slowed to a halt in an alleyway, pressing his back against a cool brick wall as he tried to catch his breath. His heart pounded heavily in his chest, and he leaned forward, hands on his knees, struggling to regain control over his ragged breathing.

The alley was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos he had just escaped. Wally looked around, the dim glow of the city lights filtering through the narrow passage. He could still feel the remnants of his paranoia, a shivering anxiety that made it hard to focus. The silence seemed almost oppressive now, a heavy weight that pressed down on him.

Right now, he needed to find a way to calm himself and figure out what to do next. The fear of what might be happening back at the hotel mingled with his own self-reproach, creating a tangled mess of emotions that he struggled to untangle. Wally closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to steady himself. He knew he couldn't stay here forever. He had to regroup, figure out a plan, and return when he was ready.

But for now, in this quiet alley, he needed a moment of quiet to gather his thoughts and regain his composure. Freaking out wouldn't do him any good.