Work Text:
Jay and Bart were in the middle of dinner, one of many meals they shared together and this time it was Bart’s turn to cook or rather take the lead in cooking. His latest attempt was a one pot cabonara pasta along with a chicken tortilla soup(from his many tastes of Bianca Reyes’ family recipe). Both were quite delicious even though Bart made several comments about how the tortilla soup lacked a certain heat, depth in flavor, even though Jay thought it was perfect as is.
“Bart,“ Jay said and Bart looked up while midway in eating. “There’s something I need to tell you.“
Bart finished his current bite of pasta. Jay while often serious and on occasion lighthearted, he was rarely serious and nervous.
“Sure, what’s up?” Bart chirped.
“I’ve thought about this after I had wanted to revoke my permission for you to join the Outsiders,” Jay began, took a deep breath and finished his statement. “And I decided to join the Justice League.“
Bart had no idea what to say. Jay had retired long before even Wally became Kid Flash.
“You okay Sport?“ Jay asked as Bart remained stationary and blank-faced.
“Gah-“ Bart blurted out. Even his own speed-thinking was crashing.
Jay gave him a moment until Bart regained his senses.
“You’re joining the Justice League?“ Bart repeated, then hesitated and added. “Umm, why? I mean you’re retired, not that you are old, I mean you are just not even looking a day over-what, seventy-“
Jay chuckled at Bart's jab.
“I’ve thought about it,“ Jay admitted. “Over and over. You have your work as Kid Flash and an Outsider inspiring young meta-teens around the world, Barry as a Justice Leaguer and a father on top of his job as CSI.“
Jay took a sip from his mug. “I need to do something other than be your guardian and mentor.”
“Which you are awesome at.“ Bart added with a mischievous glint. “You’re also Dad and Aunt Dawn favorite Larvae-sitter.“
“Larvae-sitter?” Jay chuckled. “Where on Earth did you hear that?“
“Forager said he enjoyed Larvae-sitting Lian and Amistad. He used to do it with the larvae back on New Genesis.“
“I think I get it.“ Jay mused. “Anyways, I can’t just sit back and watch the world change, watch you and others like you change it. Besides, it’s not like you have any authority to stop me.”
“As your ward and protector of my toddler dad and aunt, I do.” Bart countered. “But, I just have to know: does this have anything to do with Joan?“
Jay smiled melancholically. “I’d be lying if I said no. I had a good long life with Joan, over 80 years. We’ve talked about how even while retired, I can’t help but put that damn tin hat back on.“
Bart stifled his laugh, as Jay continued.
“I’m a hero like you Bart, just as it runs in your blood; it runs in mine.” Jay smiled brightly. “Besides if the Outsiders are for the younger generation, I don’t see why an old fossil like me can’t be a source of inspiration for my age group.“
Bart smiled.
"If anything I'll be giving Barry a little break so he can be a dad to your dad and Aunt Dawn." Jay continued.
Without any delay Bart ran to Jay’s side, and gave his guardian a hug. Jay laughed and returned the younger speedster’s hug.
“Just don’t die on the job.” Bart whispered in Jay’s ear.
Jay patted Bart on the back of his head. “I won’t.”