"Okay, here we go. Focus."

Standing still, eyes trained on the car advancing towards him. He was going fast, exiting the highway and making its way down a swerving road surrounded by the canal. Rubber burned on asphalt.

"Speed. I am speed," he whispered.

He loosened his muscles, getting in position, ready to go explode into action. He bounced on his toes, waiting for the call.

"When he hits that last turn, that's when you go, Kid Flash," the communicator buzzed in his ear.

The corner of his mouth lifted up, then he was nothing more than a flash of color.

"One winner, forty-two losers."

He phased through the passenger seat door, reaching over the driver and yanking the wheel heard to the side.

"I eat losers for breakfast. Breakfast? Maybe I should have had breakfast? Brekkie could be good for me."

He released the seatbelt from the unsubs buckle and kicked open the door.

"No, no, no, focus. Speed. Faster than fast, quicker than quick."

He pulled the man out of the car just before it broke the water beneath them.

"I am Lightning," he grunted. He set the man down on the bank of the canal. He pumped his fist, circling the man whose mind was catching up with the past two seconds.

Kid Flashed jumped, shaking off his limbs. "Hey, sorry man. That just happened to be the safest way to pull you over," he said, addressing the man on the ground who started to shake. The redheaded superhero looked up at the whining police cars headed towards the river bank. "The P.D. are pulling up now and will have you in for questioning. Reconsider reckless driving in the future." He tossed a finger gun his way. "Would save you a trip to the station."

"Hey, McQueen, you got a robbery on 6th," the device in his ear buzzed.

"On it!"

***

Wally collapsed in the desk chair, letting the wheels roll off to wherever as he deflated from exhaustion. Right when he thought he was about to doze off, an object hit his chest, startling him to awareness. "Cisco told me that you need to lay off the Cars monologue," Barry, his uncle and personal doordasher, said as he entered the room.

The lab, where the team wasn't really supposed to be lounging in, was deserted, neglecting the two speedsters. Cisco, their guy in the chair, had run out to deal with another issue that didn't need the assistance of guys who could just run really fast. Barry Allen, dressed in his regular civilian clothes, had settled himself at one of the computers and began going over the case that Wally and Cisco had just cleared up.

Wally looked down at the object that was thrown at him, happy to find a bag of cheap fast food. "Well Cisco also said that every superhero needs their own schtick." He unwrapped the burger, kicking his feet giddily as he felt some energy come back.

His uncle shifted his body to peer at his nephew on the other side of the computer, eyebrows raised. "I thought being a speedster was your schtick," Barry held up his hands, making invisible quotations around the word "schtick."

Wally took a large bite of the burger, opting to speak with his mouth full. "Nah, that was your thing first."

"I remember you specifically arguing that it was different because you put the word 'Kid' in front of the name."

"Okay," Wally rolled his eyes, reaching his hand back into the bag for another burger. "That was when I was actually a kid. It's weird being in my twenties and still having that name. Can't let the media think I'm a never aging child."

Barry smirked. "Yes, because reciting the monologue from Cars will convince them that you're not." Wally shrugged, peering into the bag as he finished his second serving. Barry watched him, glancing at the screen and back. "Hey, have you talked to Nightwing recently?"

Wally looked up suspiciously, raising his eyebrow. "No... Why?"

Barry rotated the screen to face him. "One of your cases, the one with the illegal transportation of off world tech," he explains. Wally just nods along. "There's some similar stuff happening in Gotham. You should reach out to Nightwing, maybe catch up with him."

The redhead pulls a fry out of the bag, looking oddly at his uncle. "I'm sensing some ulterior motives here," he said, rolling his chair away. "Plus, he patrols Bludhaven now, it'd be easier to contact one of the other bats."

"Perhaps," Barry hummed, rotating the screen back to his side.

Wally squinted at him. "Fine... I'll call him." He unclipped his communicator from his belt and began scrolling through his contacts. Labeled 'R' and some bird emoji, he tapped the contact, letting it ring. He stared at his uncle, bored, as it continued to ring. Eventually it stopped and Wally was left with the voicemail. He rolled his eyes. "Hey, Rob, it's KF. I have a case here in Keystone that I'd like to discuss with you if you have the time. Call me when you can, thanks." He tapped the end call button, staring at Barry.

"You happy?"

Barry shook his head, smiling. "I mean, you're acting like I forced you to call him," he laughed as Wally threw a wrapper at his head.

***

Arriving on time to work was always a struggle for speedsters. No one could explain it. Even harder to come up with an excuse when no one knew. It wasn't like Wally could say, "Oh! Sorry I'm late. I just stopped a robbery on the other side of town."

Similar struggles extended to his relationships and friendships. It's not like he was really getting paid to run around the city and so on. Plus, trying to feed a speedsters metabolism on a police mechanic's salary still wasn't enough, no matter how efficient he was.

His coworkers thought he was just bad with money; didn't know how to budget, crazy spender, gambling problem. The whole ordeal. Wally would wave them off as he ducked his head back under the hood of a car. The only few people that could understand were his past teammates and Barry— All who were in on his double life. He felt bad to deny the help of his family— pride or something similar getting in the way— but a part of him wanted to prove himself to be successful in a civilian sense.

"West, you out here?" A gruff voice called from the back of the garage. The Commissioner Chyre was approaching the car as Wally lifted his head.

He prayed this wasn't about his attendance record, he only made it 5 minutes late. Somehow keeping the saying "better late than never," his life motto.

"Director," he nodded in acknowledgment, wiping his hands off on a nearby rag and shaking his hand. "What can I do for you?" He asked.

The Commissioner walked right up to him, amidst the loud sounds of engines and drills in the garage, he seemed unfazed. "How do you feel about taking a business trip out to Gotham?" Chyre questioned, right to the point.

Wally cocked his head to the side. "What's in Gotham?" He questioned, because he knew something that was in Gotham he just wasn't sure if it was correlated.

"The P.D. needs some aid with some tech. Thought I'd offer up my best."

"Surely they have mechanics in Gotham."

"None of them are as fast as you," Chyre said, holding his stare. The commissioner clicked his tongue and looked down at the car Wally was working on. He tilted his head looking over at the others in the back. "Jones, take over for West. And you," he pointed at Wally, "I'll have the clearance settled by tonight and you better have your ass down there by ten tomorrow, you hear?"

"Loud and clear, Director," Wally mumbled, backing away as Jones began to take over his task. "Am I dismissed for today, or should I..." he gestured to another car that definitely needed work done.

"Go home, you're still being paid. Just be there by ten."

"Yessir!" Wally saluted sarcastically. He tossed the rag off to a side cart and found his way back to his station.

Chrye waved to the rest of the mechanics inside the garage as he departed. Jones glanced over at Wally, cracking a smile. "Looks like someone might be getting that bonus soon."

"Shut up, Jones." Wally shoved his coworker to the side and continued on the car. "It's probably going to be a waste of time anyway. I'll show up and they'll act like they never needed me in the first place."

"No, Director chose you over the rest of us for some reason. He's probably planning to relocate you somewhere better." Anderson in the back spoke up.

"Doubt it." He waved. "Plus, I'll try to turn it down. I have too much going on in Keystone."

"Right, like he'd give you a choice."

"Surely."

"Mhm. 'Cause he gave you a choice with the Gotham trip?" Jones chuckled while Wally sent him a thousand yard glare. "Joking!" Jones held up his hands in surrender. "But get out of here already! Should be getting ready for your trip."

"Yeah," Wally tossed his wrench on a nearby counter. "Call me if you blow anything up. Guys!" He called to the back of the garage. "I'll see you next week!"

They all waved and nodded goodbye as he left the building and made his way to his car. Yes, he drove to work to keep up the civilian identity. He sat down, turning on the engine and plugging in his phone. He reversed out of the spot as some 90's pop breakup song was on, not that he listens to that or anything. He tapped his wheel to the beat, totally not singing along.

The music cutoff as he had an incoming call. He tapped it, answering it fast. "Cisco, I'm driving right now. What do you need?" He switched on his turn signal as he switched his route over to Star Labs.

"KF?" A voice that was not Cisco's called out.

Wally nearly swerved out of his lane, but he straightened it out and continued steady, pulling up to a stoplight. He grabbed his phone and disconnected it from the cord, bringing it up to his ear.

"Wing, hey! Hey, sorry, I have my communicator connected to my phone, I'm..." Shit, Wally thought. "I'm going to call you back in a minute." He hung up and drove his way as fast he could, and safely, to Star Labs. Once he parked, he ran his way up to the lab, greeting Cisco in a gust of air.

"Shouldn't you be at work?" The man in the chair asked.

Wally ignored him, pacing as he listened to the ring tone echo in his ear. Finally Nightwing picked up.

"Kid Flash?"

"Yes, hi," Wally gulped. "Hey, Rob, how's it going?" Cisco seemed to have put enough context clues together that convinced him to leave the room. Wally watched him leave as Nightwing laughed softly.

"It's going," he replied. The redhead could hear papers shifting on the other side of the call. "I don't know why but for some reason I never would have thought you knew how to drive."

Wally rolled his eyes and walked over to the computer. Opening up his folder of files.

Nightwing continued on. "But, yeah, I'm returning your call. What's going on with this case?"

Wally scrolled through the file. "Yeah, I'll send it to you." He clicked export and made sure it was delivered. "I've seen some news lines from Gotham that are pretty similar to what we're dealing with down here. Have you heard of any off world tech being dealt with?"

"I don't have a computer with me so be patient as I try to open this on my communicator," Nightwing said.

Wally smiled, "Take your time, Rob."

The other lightly huffed, letting out a cheer, Wally assumed he got access to the file. "Yeah, this checks. It's Gotham so it's really not that surprising, but I'm curious about it being down in Keystone."

"Yeah, we have our fair share of weird things too," Wally nodded. "Do you have any details that we can connect or theorize on? Because so far the team and I have no sort of idea of what they're using this tech for. Like I've seen it on ships and other stuff but it seems they're building something."

"Not a lot of clues from up here either," Nightwing hummed. "Got a report from Signal earlier today about this giant piece of tech. Haven't been able to get it from the P.D. but I may have to go down there soon."

"Right, keep me updated on that. I want to get this whole thing figured out."

"I agree, I agree." Wally could almost picture his friend nodding on the other side of the phone. "Uh, are you—?" His friend cleared his throat. "Would you like to visit Gotham some time this weekend so we can talk about this more? I can even show you some of the files and data we have in person."

Wally debated in his head. He was already heading to that city tomorrow for a work-related trip. He will have to double check and see how long he's supposed to stay for, but seeing how lenient his Director is when it comes to him, he's sure he can manage. But then there's actually meeting up with Nightwing in person (something he hasn't done in years). Yes, he's his best friend but things got awkward once upon a time ago and the two of them just refuse to acknowledge it, hence the not talking.

"Yeah," Wally said way before he was sure if he even wanted to meet up. "Yeah, let's do it. I do have some important times for work that I can't meet at, but I'll let you know when I can."

"Sounds good, KF. I'll see you then!" Nightwing signed off after that, leaving the lab Wally sat in, eerily quiet.

Cisco peaked his head through the doorway. "Is it just a team up?"

Wally set his communicator down on the table and let out a deep sigh. "It's just a team up."

***

"You said your name is Wallace West?" A woman at the front desk was typing at incredible speed as Wally bounced on his heels, clutching his backpack strap quite tightly in nervousness. The woman had her hair tightly pulled back and acrylics that were so long, he wondered how she could even type. He glanced around the room, trying to avoid the eyes of the overnight folks staring right at him in the waiting room chairs.

"There you are!" The receptionist announced. She quickly wrote out a slip and handed it over to him. "Alright, you're going to go back outside and on the left of the building you should see the garage. Just ask for Mike, and he will update you on the rest." She shooed him off before he could linger awkwardly any longer.

"Right," Wally nodded, holding up his slip. "Thank you!"

He surveyed the city that was bustling around the Police Department. The atmosphere alone would make anyone understand why Batman acted the way he did. He ran that morning, closer to a neighboring city and just took a cab for the rest of the way, hoping not to draw any eyes. According to his boss, the trip could be one day to the whole weekend, however long it takes to do what they need him to do. Luckily he had Barry covering his patrols and Cisco filling in if needed.

He stopped once he closed the front doors of the Gotham City Police Department, realizing that he completely forgot what the directions were to get to the garage. He glanced around, still never getting used to the dark haze that covers up the sky of the city.

"You're not from around here?" Someone behind him asked. Wally turned around and saw a man facing him, sitting partially on his parked motorcycle. He took off his helmet and revealed a disheveled mess of dark hair. He ran his fingers through it to keep it at most semi professional as he was still facing Wally. "Sorry for asking. Just thought you looked a little out of place," he apologized.

"Yeah, I'm from Keystone... is it that obvious?" He questioned, rubbing his neck.

The man nodded with a grin. "Oh yeah." He unzipped his jacket, revealing a blue button up and tie. He held his helmet under his arm as he moved away from his bike. "Are you headed to the garage?" He asked, pointing in the vague direction. "I can walk with you."

"Sure, I guess," Wally shrugged, offering a friendly smile in return. "I'm Wally, by the way," he said, holding out his hand as the dark haired man with the dazzling smile approached.

"Richard, but feel free to call me Dick." He took his hand and shook it firmly. He then gestured his head to the side as they began walking. "First time in Gotham?"

"No," Wally smiled. "I have friends who live here but I haven't visited in a while. Though, I have heard that the city has gotten better over the years..." he gestured around. "In relation to crime and all that."

"You're right. It definitely helps that we've had some volunteers around."

Wally hums knowingly.

Dick led him to the garage where there were a few people talking and laughing. "Well look who decided to come to the office today!" Few glanced over at the two entering. "Grayson, how are ya?" A burly man with muscles that could probably kill Wally just by looking at them walked over. "Got bored of the sister city already?"

"Hey, Mike," Dick smiled, bringing the mechanic into a half hug. "I was in town and thought Gordon would appreciate another set of hands."

"You're always welcome here, Detective." The mechanic that was referred to as Mike then looked over at Wally. "Is this a new partner of yours?"

"My name is actually Wallace West," Wally cut in and held out his hand. "I'm the mechanic that was brought in from Keystone?"

"Ah, Mr. Keystone!" Mike nodded, shaking his hand. "Yeah, we got this generator that was brought in by one of the vigilantes the other day." Wally didn't notice the way Dick raised his head at the mention of the tech. "We've all had a look at it and I don't think any of us could tell you an ounce of information about it because, well, we're not quite sure what we're looking at."

"I had to travel over a hundred miles just to look at a mysterious generator? I better be getting that bonus," he commented offhandedly. "Let's get started and see what's going on, yeah?"

Mike waved him on, "I'll lead the way." They made their way to a more secluded part of the garage. Dick had followed loosely behind, seemingly interested. They were all stopped, staring at some octagonal box with several of the parts illuminated in some unnatural glow. "It's not a bomb and we're confident that it won't detonate while inspecting. We've never seen this type of device before." Mike sighed, glancing over at Wally. "What are your thoughts, West?"

A great question because Wally had a lot of thoughts about it. In the sense that... he knew it was technology from off earth. He knew that because it was familiar to a generator on a ship he saw on a past mission as Kid Flash. He wasn't sure how he would bring it up because Kid Flash knew loads about off world technologies. Wally West, however, did not.

"It's certainly mysterious," he commented, walking closer to inspect it. "What tests did you run on it?"

"The usual bomb detection, radiation, electromagnetic, carbon monoxide." Wally looked up at Mike. "And yeah," Mike finished, "zero for all of it."

Wally felt the metal that surrounded the glowing currents. "It's warm but I don't think it's overheating," he notes, looking around the sides of it. "No vents or fans. Quiet, could be used for something more stealth related but the glowing would give it away." He knocked on the metal, listening for any sort of ring or hollowness. "Mike, does anyone have an idea of what sort of metal this is?"

"You don't think it's a traditional copper and aluminum?" Mike questioned.

"Does anything about this scream traditional?" Wally chuckled. "It doesn't have the right sound, and this metal is hard. I've never worked on something like this. My best guess, and don't call me crazy," he sighed, "alien technology?"

He looked over where Mike scoffed as he crossed his arms over his chest and looked over at Dick who had one eyebrow raised.

Wally jumps up to defend his idea before they do, perhaps, call him crazy. "This isn't a traditional generator, Mike. Well, I'm not really sure this is a generator. The shape is not efficient for anything that runs enough energy to need a generator this size. Maybe give me a few minutes and I can see if I can crack it open and get a better idea."

Mike threw his hands in a mock surrender. "Be my guest, Keystone. Just don't burn down the whole station while you're at it." And with that Mike left the area, leaving Wally to figure out what he was looking at.

He was planning to phase his hand through one of the hinges, but Dick seemed content to stay there and watch. He shrugged off his bag and began to feel around for a screwdriver. Hoping that fiddling with one of the corners could pop something out. When nothing happened no matter how much strength, he took to his primary approach. A lack of eyes would be needed though.

"So, Dick?" Wally piped up, looking at the man. "You're from Gotham?"

Dick shifted in his stance, moving to lean against a wall. "Yeah, though I transferred as a detective to another city last year." He watched Wally walk around the machine. "I like to visit though."

"Being a detective here honestly sounds like hell," he comments, finding a spot where Dick wouldn't be able to see his hands. "No offense."

"Well, it's definitely not for the light stomachs. But everyone here is here for a reason."

"What's your reason?"

Dick scoffed, crossing his arms. "Are you interrogating me, West?"

Wally shrugged, vibrating his hand to pass through the molecules of the plate, pulling it hard. "No, no, just..." he said, pulling it back with more force, "just conversation." The plate popped off and he let out a sigh of relief. He inspected the metal then placed it to the side, checking the board of circuits.

"How long are you in Gotham for?" Dick asked. He cleared his throat, now looking off to the side.

"Just the weekend," Wally replied easily. He tilted his head, studying the wires. "I doubt my input is that important so Mike can just tell me to bug off, and I'll be on my way."

He heard Dicks phone let out an alert. He glanced up as the detective checked it. "Well, I should get going," he said, blue eyes looking down at him, then shifting around the room. "Would you be interested in dinner later?"

Wally looked up from the board at Dick, who seemed to be looking anywhere that wasn't around Wally. He scoffed and offered a smile. "When are you thinking?" He scratched his neck. "I mean I'm down, just— When are you thinking? Nowhere fancy I hope."

"Tonight. I know a place."

"Are you paying?" Wally asked, absentmindedly.

"For sure."

"Then, alright, just." Wally wiped his hands off on a towel that he was keeping in his bag. "Nowhere fancy?"

"Nowhere fancy," Dick nodded with a grin. "Wear something casual. I'll pick you up at..." he checked his invisible watch. "How does seven sound? Oh and are you alright with being on a motorcycle? Because I can borrow a car."

"I'm fine with motorcycles. I think there's one thing you're missing, though." He stood up from his crouch and looked around a pad of paper. He grabbed one lying around and ripped a corner from it, quickly writing down his numbers and handing it to Dick. "Don't lose it."

Dick took the number happily, already beginning to pull out his phone and type. Wally immediately got a ding from his pocket and pulled it out.

Unknown Number: This is Dick!

"I got it." He waved his phone showing off the text.

Dick laughed, slowly pushing himself off the wall like he'd rather stay there than do anything else. "Right, well, I should head back to the station," Dick announced. "I'll be happy to continue our interrogation of each other tonight." He winked before he took off in the direction they came in.

Wally grinned, pocketing his phone. He shed his flannel and stuffed it into his bag, looking over at the machine again. Now he could really get to work.

***

It was approaching six when Mike returned and the sight in front of him nearly made his eyes pop out of his head. "How'd you open it?!" He asked, walking around, studying all the plates that were set on the ground in an almost tidy and organized fashion.

"A little bit of prying," Wally said. His shirt is messy from wiping his hands on it and his arms are dirtied with a dark oil. "Each plate that comes off reveals a circuit board. I still haven't cracked what it does, but I think we can rule out it being a generator."

"Incredible," Mike breathed, staring at all the work and notes Wally has taken over the past few hours. "Can I keep you? Can I steal you from Keystone?"

Wally laughed. "I don't think my station would appreciate that."

"They can suck it." Mike flipped through some of the notes and looked at the machine to piece all the information together. "This is incredible, West. I'm impressed."

"Thanks man." Wally stood up and checked his phone. "Is it alright if I head out? Desperately need to get cleaned up."

"Oh feel free," Mike exclaimed. "But I'll need you back here tomorrow."

"You have me for the whole weekend!" Wally said. He made sure he had everything in his bag and packed up his work. He waved goodbye and headed out of the garage, finding himself on a street corner, flagging down a cab.

Now you're probably wondering the obvious. Why waste money when you're connected with the speed force, hence gracing you the gift of running at incredible speeds? Wally's uncle was already suspected of being Keystones resident hero, The Flash, so Wally took commitment to his hero identity quite seriously. Especially, Wally thought while looking out of the car window at the dark skies of Gotham City. Especially when you're in a city whose knight wants nothing related to meta humans in his territory.

So yeah, paying a cab fee to avoid the phone call Barry would inevitably get when being questioned about the appearance of a speedster in Gotham. It was worth it.

The cab slowed to a stop outside his hotel. He tipped, collected his things, and got out. He remembered to text the address of his hotel to Dick so the other man could pick him up.

He took his shower in record time, one could say in a flash (ha!). He brushed his teeth. Looked for a presentable outfit. Did his hair. And found himself with time to spare, spending it by calling his uncle to see how life could possibly go on without his presence.

"Is that not an H.R. violation? Going on a date with a superior?" Barry's voice crackled on the speakerphone.

"He's not even stationed in Gotham so I'm not going to think too hard about it." Wally checked himself out in the mirror, switching in different poses to see if the dress shirt was the way to go.

"Right..." his uncle said, a bit suspicious. "Just remember not to take things too fast. There's policies in place for a reason."

"I think it's just dinner," Wally shrugged, playing with a curl on his head that won't stay put. "Yeah, he's hot and nice, but we barely know each other. Plus, I doubt I'll see him again after this trip. He's not even stationed in Gotham."

He heard him sigh on the other end. "Well, I already warned you, whatever happens after this is all on you."

"I'm not that self destructive, y'know?" He looked over at his suitcase to see another flannel packed away, it called to him like the green goblin mask. He tore his eyes away, mouthing a "no, I shouldn't."

"Sure," Barry scoffed. "How's it in Gotham anyways? Seen enough nightmare fuel yet?"

Wally pulled off his shirt until it was just his undershirt again. "No, I was cooped up in the garage for most of it." He snaked his arms through the flannel (woah, how did that happen?). "Investigating this piece of tech. It was pretty hard to crack but I managed."

"Is this tech related to your investigation with Nightwing?"

"I'm thinking it is. Was going to meet up with him tomorrow night," Wally shrugged, throwing finger guns at the mirror. "I'll be back Monday, by the way."

"You wanna grab lunch?"

"Or some of Iris' cooking," Wally offered as another option.

"You know I could put in a word for you at the League so you can actually get paid to afford your own meals," Barry hummed.

"You know why I won't do that."

"The offer will forever stand and you know it." Barry sighed. Wally heard shuffling on the other side of the call. A faint zap noise and a swoosh. Wally picked up the phone as he heard a couple yells.

"Are you calling me while you're on patrol?" Wally asked, slightly offended that he wasn't the sole focus.

"I'm picking up your slack," Barry replied with a snicker. "But, yes, Monday, we'll figure something out. And tell me how the date goes!"

Wally said his goodbyes and hung up not long after. He checked his phone for notifications and saw one from Dick, announcing he would be at the hotel to pick him up soon.

Wally gulped, taking one look in the mirror and hoping it was casual but not too casual. Why was he stressing so much about dinner with a guy he'll probably never see again? He collected his wallet and key, locking the door behind him. He raced down the stairwell and waited, totally calm, outside.

His nerves heightened when he heard the rumble of the motorcycle slide up to the front. There sat Dick with a grin on his face, thankfully dressed just as casual as he was. He held up a helmet as he found Wally in his line of sight. "Are you ready for an adventure, Wally?"

Wally grinned and put on the helmet. He sat behind the black haired man, holding onto his torso. Dick glanced back, revving the engine. "Do you mind if I go fast?"