"I have a favor I need to ask of you," Dick said, his voice slightly muffled by the background noise.

Wally nodded even though he knew no one could see the gesture. Currently, as he worked on replacing the tires of one of the older models of the police cars, he answered a call from the detective. It was reluctant considering he could have been listening to his 90's boy bands, but lately, when it came to Dick Grayson, he would drop anything to talk to the man.

"Anything for you, gorgeous," he spoke quietly so as to not be overheard by anyone else in the garage.

In the background, Wally could hear the faint hum of activity from Dick's end—voices discussing cases, the clatter of keyboards, and the occasional ring of a phone. It was midday at the police station, and the hustle and bustle of police work formed a chaotic symphony.

Dick huffed, likely smiling if Wally could guess. "I need you to be my date at a charity gala next week," he said, not so much asking, but implying.

Wally made a face, tightening a screw on the plate. He reached for his phone, turning up the volume a bit and adjusting the headphones on his ears. "Sorry, can you repeat that?" he asked. He heard it, but it was an odd thing to ask someone you're seeing to be your date.

"There's a charity gala next week that I need you to be my date to," Dick repeated. "It's either you or I'm going to be assigned some model that I'll have to babysit the whole time."

"Why?" Wally asked, curiosity piqued.

"Public persona things," Dick groaned. "It's hard to explain, but it'd mean the world to me if you were there. Plus, my dad and most of my brothers will be there, so I thought that this would be a good chance for you to meet them."

"You want me to meet your family, is what I'm getting at," Wally said, more a statement than a question.

"Yeah," Dick confirmed, "and I've realized that I want to be more open with you."

"I've noticed," Wally replied. "Considering this is the first time you've ever mentioned having brothers."

"Listen, Wally, I really like you and even for a long-distance relationship, this has been one of the best things in my life," Dick said, his tone earnest. "I don't know how else to explain it, other than I'm ready to stop treating it like a fling. Plus, I'm tired of the Gotham hotels. I want to take you back to my place."

Wally was sick of those hotels as well, but he respected Dick's privacy when it came to visiting him. Though, the detective tended to visit Wally more often, spending most nights at Wally's apartment.

Dick had always been secretive. At first, Wally found it a little attractive and fun, but as the weeks wore on, he began to wonder if he was missing a big puzzle to a bigger picture.

Hell, Wally didn't even know what city Dick lived in. Just that he visited Gotham enough to help out the P.D. there. He was starting to wonder if it was too late to ask Cisco for that background check.

"I'll have to see if I can get out of work, but I'm sure I can make it," Wally sighed. "Just send me the details, and we'll figure it out."

"Thank you so much," Dick thanked him, a note of relief in his voice. "I'll call you later, alright?"

"Alright. Bye, Dick," Wally said.

"Bye, Wally," Dick replied.

As the call ended, Wally stared at his phone for a moment, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. The sound of the garage doors opening brought him back to reality, and he got back to work, the weight of Dick's request heavy on his mind.

Dick ❤️: link.waynefoundation-fundraiser.com

Wally tapped the link as his music began to play again. It directed him to a website that was dedicated to helping Gotham.

He recognized the billionaire last name that the whole foundation was named after, but something that caught him off guard was that he recognized a face in one of the many pictures. He scrolled and a picture of Dick was there, standing and grinning with a couple men who sort of looked like him but also not really.

"West! Job!" His boss called to him through the noise and the dulled sound in his ears. He put his phone into his pocket and mindlessly got back to work, wondering; Who the hell is Dick Grayson?

***

Search: rihcard grayson

Did you mean: Richard Grayson

Results: Richard Grayson-Wayne

Bruce Wayne's son

Age: 26

Parents: John Grayson (Deceased), Mary Grayson (Deceased), Bruce Wayne

Siblings: Jason Todd-Wayne (Deceased), Tim Drake-Wayne, Damian Wayne, Cassandra Cain-Wayne

Education: Gotham University

News: "Bludhaven Detective Closes Case on String of Murders" "10 Best Gala Red Carpet Looks" "From Tightropes to Riches"

***

Wally sat back, his eyes glued to the screen displaying a wealth of information about Dick. He scrolled through article after article, absorbing every detail he could find. Cisco leaned over, peering at the screen with a raised eyebrow.

"Stalking your boyfriend?" Cisco teased, but Wally ignored him, too focused on his quest for answers.

The articles painted a picture of Richard Grayson-Wayne: son of Bruce Wayne, involved in high-profile cases in Bludhaven, and a familiar face at galas and events. Wally clicked on a link that led to a photo gallery of Dick's public appearances. There he was, dressed impeccably in suits, smiling charmingly for the cameras. Wally zoomed in on a picture from a recent gala, where Dick stood next to Bruce Wayne himself, both looking every bit the billionaire playboys they were.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Wally muttered to himself, his mind racing with questions. He had thought Dick was just another detective, albeit a charming and secretive one. Now it seemed there was a whole other life Dick hadn't shared.

"Cisco, do you think Dick trusts me?" Wally asked abruptly, tearing his eyes away from the screen to look at his friend.

Cisco shrugged. "I mean, he's dating you. That's gotta count for something, right?"

Wally sighed, unsure. "I guess. But why keep so much hidden? I feel like I barely know him sometimes."

"He probably has his reasons, dude," Cisco said gently, sensing Wally's frustration. "Maybe he just wants you to like him for who he is, not because of his family or his money."

Wally nodded slowly, considering Cisco's words. He closed the laptop, feeling a mix of emotions. Part of him was hurt that Dick hadn't shared these details, but another part understood the complexity of Dick's situation. Dating someone with such a prominent family could be daunting, especially if Dick wanted to be seen as more than just a rich kid.

He sighed, exiting out of the browser and dragging a hand over his face. Why couldn't he ever be in a normal relationship? He knew it was too good to be true from the start and now he's paying the price for having developed feelings for a hot piece of ass. He sat back in his chair and glanced over at Cisco.

"Will Barry be patrolling today?" he asked, knowing that his uncle had only just gotten back from the speedforce a week or so ago.

"He's on standby if anything comes up," Cisco stated, not looking up from his own screen. "I'm sure he'd like a break from catching up with his workload. You should bring your romantic quarrels to him."

"You think I have time to do that before we get a meta attack?"

Cisco hummed, checking his watch. "Better be safe if you left now. We're due for one soon."

And with that last statement, Wally had zoomed out of the lab.

***

Wally had only seen his uncle briefly, as speedsters tended to acknowledge one thing and then jump to the next. When he had returned, Wally was drowning in relief as his workload lightened significantly. His uncle teased him a bit as they went over the cases from the past couple of months. Yes, bringing up the fact that Wally had fought a guy with a shark head and lasers! No one seems to acknowledge that one. But meeting Barry in the forensics lab wasn't for discussing another case or a world-altering shift in the timeline. Today, he needed his uncle.

The forensics lab, where Barry worked, was a cluttered yet efficient space filled with beakers, microscopes, and various scientific instruments. The hum of machines and the soft glow of monitors added to the bustling atmosphere.

Barry seemed to catch notice of the buzzing nerves of Wally West the moment he stepped into his lab. Putting down the beaker he was currently holding, he waved to an intern to take over whatever tests he was working on. Wally met him at his desk as the other slipped off his goggles and grabbed his jacket that was draped over his chair.

"Pizza?" Barry asked, knowing any kind of food was a gift from god for them. Wally nodded, letting Barry lead them out and to the nearest pizza place.

The pizza place was a cozy, bustling joint with checkered tablecloths and the mouthwatering aroma of fresh-baked pies filling the air. Families and friends crowded around tables, enjoying their meals and conversation, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Barry and Wally found a corner booth, away from the main crowd but still close enough to feel the vibrant energy of the place.

Barry eyed his nephew, trying to guess what conversation warranted this unplanned meet. He smiled at the waiter as an extra large pizza was placed between them. "How's racing?" He started, one of their few code words used to discuss their other life.

"Better now that you can take some of the leads off of me," Wally sighed, finishing chewing the crust of a slice that Barry hadn't even seen him pick up.

"Cars?" He offered this time to discuss work at the station, though he couldn't think of any drama happening in the recaps that Joe, Detective West, had mentioned.

"It's fine, underwhelming as usual."

He sat there, studying his nephew and before he gave up, he threw out one last guess. "Are you still with that detective?" Barry asked, curiously.

"Correct." Wally swallowed a bite of pizza, furrowing his eyebrows. "How do you remember the detective? I only went on one date with him before you left."

"Iris texted me updates," Barry said, raising his phone and scrolling. He revealed whole texts and the occasional screenshot from Wally's Instagram. There was a cute selfie of Dick kissing Wally's cheek as they stood off to the side of a hiking trail, absolutely drenched in water from getting into a play fight halfway through.

"Stalker," Wally muttered playfully, reaching for another slice from the box. "And yeah, we're still seeing each other."

"Long distance?" Barry asked, raising an eyebrow.

"He's the one who makes it work," Wally shrugged. "But since you're back..." he trailed off, giving Barry a knowing look–a look that Barry was not knowing.

"What do you want?" his uncle asked suspiciously. "I just bought you lunch, what else could you possibly want?"

"He asked me to meet his family and I'm not sure about it."

"Ah," Barry leaned back, suddenly knowing. "You rarely make it this far."

"I know, and I'm scared I'm going to mess it up," Wally confessed. "It's just, there has to be a catch somewhere in this."

"I think people like us should be cautious," Barry replied thoughtfully, "but I also understand not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth. And despite everything we go through, good things do happen to us from time to time."

"By the way, Dick's dad is Bruce Wayne."

Barry paused mid-bite and looked up. "He's what?"

Wally's phone beeped and he knowingly looked at his uncle. "Thanks for the talk. There are a couple of things I'll need help with, but I'll find you tomorrow so we can do that." He grabbed two more slices of pizza and saluted the man before quickly walking out of the pizza place to stop a hurricane from forming in a local library.

***

Later that evening, after finishing his shift in red, Wally called Dick. He hesitated for a moment before pressing the call button, unsure of what he would say. He paced through his apartment, no doubt adding to the wear and tear of the floors. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of streetlights filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows on the walls. When Dick answered, his voice warm and familiar, Wally felt a surge of affection.

"Hey, Dick," Wally started, trying to keep his tone casual. "About the gala... I think I'd like to go with you."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a soft exhale. "Really? That's great, Wally. You won't regret it, I promise," Dick replied, relief evident in his voice.

"Yeah, well... There's something else," Wally continued, gathering his thoughts. He could hear the faint hum of traffic outside and the distant murmur of his neighbors through the thin walls. "I've been thinking about what you said earlier. About us."

Dick was silent for a moment, and Wally could almost hear the cogs turning in his head. "Yeah?" Dick's voice was cautious, laced with a twinge of anxiety that Wally could detect even through the phone.

"I want to know more about you, Dick," Wally said earnestly, stopping his pacing and leaning against the kitchen counter. "Not just the public you, but... everything."

There was another pause, longer this time. Wally held his breath, waiting for Dick's response. The quiet stretched between them, filled with unspoken words and the weight of their shared moments.

"I want that too, Wally," Dick finally said softly. "I've been keeping things to myself for too long. Maybe it's time to change that."

"I understand being secretive and unsure, but I did look you up earlier today and I wish I could've known that you were lowkey famous," Wally admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.

The phone call went deathly silent, and Wally feared he might have messed everything up. Maybe he wasn't supposed to mention this. Maybe Dick had been keeping it a secret for a reason. Maybe Dick never wanted Wally to find out that he—

"Wait, I thought you knew," Dick interrupted, breaking the silence.

"What? No, I just googled you today and saw that you were basically the son of Bruce Wayne," Wally explained, feeling a bit foolish.

He heard his partner sigh on the other end, the sound a mixture of disbelief and humor. "Wally, I saw you like a TikTok edit of me last time we met up."

"I didn't know that was you... I mean, I thought the composition of the edit was great," Wally said defensively, a hint of a smile in his voice.

"I think I'd rather have this conversation in person, Walls. Uhm, the gala will be on Thursday. I know it's short notice, so I'll gladly pay for your plane ticket and whatever else you need," Dick offered.

"No, Dick, it's fine. Also, I don't want to extend my visit too long, but I'll see what I can do about getting that following Friday off so I can spend the whole weekend with you," Wally responded.

"Really?" Dick's voice was filled with hopeful surprise.

Wally rubbed his neck, nodding to himself. "Yeah."

"That sounds really nice—oh! I'll drag you to my apartment. I also saved some recipes that I'm hoping to make for you," Dick said, excitement bubbling in his tone.

Wally smiled, relief flooding through him. Maybe they were finally getting somewhere. "Oh, so this is a plot to kill me."

"I can retract my offer and end up babysitting a model next week if you're just going to insult my cooking," Dick teased.

"I'm the only hot model that you're going to be babysitting, Dick," Wally shot back with a grin.

"Yay!" Dick chuckled. "Oh, I need to head out, but I'll call you back soon."

"Alright, be safe," Wally spoke softly, his affection clear in his voice. "Love ya."

His eyes popped open wide as the words fell out. He pulled his phone away to try to hang up as fast as he could, but before he pulled the phone too far from his ear, he heard that soft laugh again and a faint, "Love you too, bye."

Wally dropped his phone onto his bedroom rug, and his body followed suit, a mix of elation and shock overwhelming him as he lay there, staring up at the ceiling.

***

Gotham's skyline glittered under the clear night sky, the city appearing deceptively peaceful. In a secluded corner of the city's industrial district, the usual hum of machinery was absent, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake. A lone rat darted across the street, its shadow stretching long under the flickering street lamp. The air felt charged, almost electric, with an unspoken tension. The warehouses stood dark and foreboding, their windows like black eyes watching over the empty streets.

In the heart of one such warehouse, a strange glow emanated, casting an eerie blue light through the cracked windows. Inside, the metallic scent of machinery mixed with something unfamiliar, almost alien. The source of the light was an odd device, similar to the one in the cornfield, pulsing rhythmically, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

The device, sleek and covered in symbols that thrummed, seemed to hum with life, its glow reflecting off the cold, steel surfaces around it. Each pulse sent out a low-frequency vibration, barely perceptible to human ears but enough to make the hairs on the back of one's neck stand on end.

A small group of Gotham PD officers, led by a captain with a stern expression, approached the warehouse cautiously. Flashlights in hand, they stepped inside, their beams slicing through the thick darkness. The moment they entered, their radios crackled with static, and their flashlight beams flickered.

"Stay sharp," the captain muttered, signaling his team to spread out. The air grew colder as they neared the source of the blue light. The device's hum grew louder, more insistent, vibrating through the concrete floor and into their bones.

"Captain, over here," one officer called out, his voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the unnatural quiet.

The captain approached, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the strange device. "What the hell is that?" he muttered, reaching for his radio, but it was dead, just like the flashlights that now provided only the faintest glow.

As they stood there, the blue light intensified, and a high-pitched whine began to emanate from the device. The captain and his team covered their ears, grimacing in pain. The air felt heavy, charged with an unseen force that pressed down on them. Suddenly, the device emitted a burst of energy, and the lights in the warehouse flickered violently before going out completely. The team was plunged into darkness, the only light coming from the eerie blue glow of the device. The captain's eyes widened in horror as he realized that the threat they were facing was still vastly unknown.

Outside the warehouse, the street lamp flickered and died, casting the industrial district into shadow. The city's lights began to dim, one by one, as the unseen force spread. Gotham's skyline, once glittering, was now dotted with dark patches. A warning.

As the captain and his team stumbled out of the warehouse, the device continued to pulse, its energy spreading through the city, unnoticed by most. But for those sensitive enough, the disturbance was a harbinger of something much darker. The night seemed to hold its breath, the calm before the storm, as Gotham unwittingly awaited the next disruption. And at the heart of it all, hidden within the industrial district, the off-world technology pulsed on, its sinister influence growing stronger with each passing moment.

***

Wally and Barry stood in the brightly lit dressing room of the suit rental shop, surrounded by racks of suits in every imaginable color and style. The room was lined with mirrors, reflecting the array of fabrics and the buzz of other customers trying on outfits for various events. The air was filled with the faint scent of fabric softener and the quiet hum of conversations and rustling clothes.

Wally adjusted the collar of the dark maroon suit he was trying on, fidgeting slightly as he examined his reflection in the mirror. Barry stood behind him, smoothing out the shoulders of the suit and offering a reassuring smile.

"Looking good," Barry grinned, his eyes twinkling with encouragement. "But you look nervous. The upper class will eat you alive if you look nervous."

Wally elbowed Barry in the side, trying to manage a confident smile. "I just don't know what to feel," he admitted, glancing over his shoulder at his uncle. "Dick never mentioned this sort of thing. You'd think after two and a half months, the topic of fancy galas or billionaires would have come up. I didn't even know he was hiding that much from me until I looked him up."

"Maybe he didn't want to be defined by that part of his life," Barry suggested, adjusting the cuffs of Wally's suit. "Think about your first day at the station and how you didn't want anyone to know that you were related to me or Joe."

Wally posed in front of the mirror, checking out his behind in the suit pants, prompting an eye roll from Barry. "It's kind of different from that. He didn't really keep me in the dark about all of this, he just never brought it up, and now he wants me to meet his family and stop being casual."

"Well, do you like him?" Barry asked, his tone serious as he met Wally's eyes in the mirror.

"Yeah, of course I like him," Wally replied, fiddling with the suit jacket.

"Do you like the way he treats you?"

"Yeah, aside from this whole thing, I really like the way he treats me," Wally admitted, his voice softening.

"You keep saying what he wants, Wally. What do you want out of the relationship? Do you want it to keep being this fling, or do you want to take it up a notch like Dick does?"

"I really, really like him. And I do want to be with him—literally all the time. It's just... he started being open and it's clear now that he was hiding things. I'm grateful that he trusts me, but I can't reciprocate that," Wally said, his frustration evident, the curse of wearing that metaphorical cape.

"Do you want to?" Barry pressed gently.

"Yeah, but it's too early. There's no reason to really tell him since we're long distance but..." Wally sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But I don't like lying to him."

Barry placed a reassuring hand on Wally's shoulder. "Just take it one step at a time. Be honest about your feelings when you're ready."

Wally nodded, pulling out his phone. He sighed. "I guess I should see if Dick approves of the suit," he said, dialing Dick's number and waiting for the FaceTime call to connect.

After a moment and several beats, Dick's face appeared on the screen, looking slightly frazzled. "This has to be quick, I'm on the clock." He looked like he was walking outside with the wind blowing his hair around his face.

"How does this look?" Wally asked, stepping back to give Dick a full view of the suit.

The dark haired man pulled his face back away from the phone as he squinted at the screen. "Ooh, a dark burgundy. Red looks good on you, a little too good... Turn around and let me see your ass," Dick said with a playful grin, pulling the screen closer to his face so it showed only a forehead, eye, and nose.

Wally turned and pointed the phone camera at the mirror. "Before you say anything too inappropriate, I would like to let you know that you're on speaker and my uncle is in the room with me."

"Oh, hi, Wally's uncle! You have a really nice nephew," Dick called out nervously. "Fuck, that's my cue to hang up. I'll text you when I get home. The suit looks great! Byyyy–e!"

Wally chuckled, shaking his head as he ended the call. "If you two were in the same precinct, that whole relationship would be an HR hazard," Barry joked, holding up a few ties to compare to the suit. "But he sounds fun. After this weekend, you're going to have to figure out a plan to have him meet Iris and I."

"I'll bring it up," Wally promised, feeling a bit more at ease.

Barry nodded, stepping back to admire Wally's appearance in the mirror. "You know, you clean up pretty well. Just remember, confidence is key."

"Easy for you to say," Wally muttered, adjusting his tie again. "You're used to this kind of thing."

"Not really," Barry replied, leaning against the wall, "just be yourself. You're a great kid and if some rich snob hates you then let them. That reflects their character, not yours."

Wally took a deep breath. "What if I say something stupid and embarrass Dick?"

Barry chuckled. "You're overthinking it. Dick likes you for who you are. His family will see that too. Besides, if things get awkward, just find the nearest snack table and make a graceful escape."

Wally laughed, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind. But seriously, thanks for helping me with this. This whole week, questioning if I knew Dick or what else he was hiding from me, it was kind of a lot."

"It's still a lot."

"It's still a lot," Wally repeated, nodding. "But I accidentally said 'I love you' to him on the phone the other night."

"Accidentally?" Barry mused.

"And he said it back."

"Not accidentally. You meant it and so did he." His uncle helped him slip off the suit jacket and rest it back in the bag. "You know," Barry said thoughtfully, "it's good that you're taking this step. Relationships are about trust and growth. You're both figuring things out, and that's okay."

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, Barry's presence a steadying force for Wally's nerves. He nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "Yeah. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing."

"You are," Barry assured him. "Just go in there, be yourself, and enjoy the night. And if all else fails, you've got super speed to save your ass."

Wally chuckled, feeling more relaxed. "Thanks, Barry. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime," Barry replied, clapping him on the back. "Now, let's get this suit paid for. You've got a gala to prepare for."

Once they had the suit bagged and paid for, they stepped out of the store into the bustling street. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city. The evening was bound to be ruined by some attack later on but neither chose to speak about it.

"Are you ready for this?" Barry asked, unlocking the car.

Wally nodded. "Yeah. I think so."