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Batman, by all accounts, was a big disliker of any form of human interaction. This applied not only to personal space, but also to simple conversations or, say, visits to Gotham.
The League watched with interest as Flash time after time broke any acceptable boundaries in dealing with their unnamed leader, which he surprisingly got away with - not only did Bat not chase him away (quiet swearing or total ignoring didn't count), but he could accept some uncomplicated things like a cup of coffee or a couple of pastries after a long day of working at the monitors.
Oh, monitoring monitors was a separate kind of fun, which each member of the league evaluated in his own way: for some it was an excuse to have a good time, and for others a whole hell. And the way they were divided into pairs was also a separate point in the evaluation table - initially everything was decided either by lot or by assignment through the desire of the metapeople themselves. A little later, specific pairs were formed that were the easiest to be around each other without trying to get killed or distracted (John and Barry were contraindicated to be put together, otherwise there would be a global boom).
Then again, the general consensus was that the pairing of Batman and Flash was... peculiar. Diana was betting that one particular speedster would be found with his mouth gagged somewhere else in the galaxy, and Hawkgirl, defending her best friend's honor, was betting that their bat-leader would rather free someone from Arkham to get away as soon as possible. Clark alone nodded understandingly at both of them, smiling happily.
And he was also the only one who wasn't surprised that such two opposites worked well together. The others had a hard time with Batman - he was cold, aloof, and didn't like to make contact, so the duty turned into an attempt to withstand the pressurized atmosphere, and Barry was rather, well... hyperactive, and staying in one position for hours on end was almost torture for him. It was treated with understanding, so liberties like jogging back and forth across the station when there was too much speed energy in him were never discussed.
But the fact that Batman would be able to quiet such attacks was a revelation. Barry was even talking to him at almost normal speed and without fumbling! - It was a rare occurrence, because Flash's thoughts were always flowing at completely different speeds, and he had to speak faster to keep up with them.
And finding them perfectly calm (Barry wasn't trying to climb the station's ceiling, and - my God - sitting on a chair without any extra body movements), and even discussing something over the Earth footage, Green Arrow dropped his bow (and jaw) to the floor, and John whistled. And then a smirk flashed across Bruce's face, almost immediately hidden behind a familiar-brick expression, and Lantern's jaw was next to Arrow's.
Clark was the only one who looked satisfied for some reason and was the first to strike up a conversation.
So yeah, Flash and Batman's peculiar friendship was shocking news to everyone, but it was accepted pretty quickly. Except Barry really liked to surprise them.
It was an ordinary December evening, in which everyone wanted to get home as soon as possible - the holidays were upon us, and family life demanded more and more attention. Unfortunately, the villains were of the opposite opinion, and therefore decided to get active all at once. Not that this was such a problem for the League, so everyone was soon caught, neutralized and sent to the tribunal.
The Flash was just finishing up helping Green Lantern and Wonder Woman, tying up a new villain determined to launch his career.
«Аnd "Mr. Frost" could be copyrighted. I don't think Captain Cold would like that.» Barry stretched with pleasure as he made a final lap and pulled the rope tighter.
«Hell, I hope it was the last one for today. And for the week ahead.» John scratched the back of his head in frustration. «It's convenient to catch them all at once, but this is the fifth one in three days.»
«You're right.» Flash shrugged and looked at the darkening sky, signaling the approach of evening. «Oops! What time is it?»
«It's almost six p.m» Lantern turned off the hologram that appeared from the clock and raised an eyebrow. «Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?»
«Is it 6:00 already?!» Barry slapped his cheeks nervously. «I'm late! I've got to get to Gotham! ‘kay, bye-bye.»
John didn't even have time to answer before a bright flash alerted everyone that Flash had left the field. Diana, who had been listening to all their dialog, looked at Lantern with an unreadable expression, then at the spot where Barry had been a second ago.
«Did he say "Gotham," or… ?» The man decided to be the first to break the silence, folding his arms across his chest.
«You heard right.» Diana shook her head, tucking her lox into her belt. She mumbled to herself, but her words were drowned out by the sirens of the police cars approaching. «And he didn't ask me to join him....»
Bruce was quietly taking apart some of his gadgets in the Batcave when he felt a familiar energy and a slight breeze near him. He didn't even look up from his work, only grinned as a sign that he'd noticed the older speedster's presence in his abode.
«Bru-u-ce, sorry I'm late!» Barry pulled off his mask and rested his hands on the counter, looking at what the man was doing. «I had to disarm the villain again, this time trying to steal Captain Cold's identity. I don't understand where all these people are coming from lately!»
Barry could generally monologue like a dialog, and talk like that for hours (it helped him expend energy in a way), talking about either his life, his villains, or his work, content with only short hums or mooing to signify that he was being listened to.
Wayne had always had it easier in that regard than Iris - the latter always lacked Allen's attention, she was often annoyed by work talk, and other little things that led to their breakup (which at least ended well and they remained friends, and Wally even still considered Barry his uncle).
Of course, at first Bruce was quite skeptical of such a lot of chatter, but with time he simply learned to capture the essence and let the colorful descriptions pass his consciousness, while managing to maintain a dialogue when necessary (most often without even saying anything in response).
And - to be honest - Barry adored him for it. He knew he could be too much sometimes, even for himself, but it was hard to maintain seriousness almost around the clock, though he was adequate (and a little nerdy, according to John) on missions for the most part.
«... and in the end we tied them up, although I almost sprained my ankle.» Barry finished his tirade about the injustice of cold villains (John would remind him for a million years that Allen's ice-sliding was funny) and reached under Bruce's arm to get his full attention. «And you promised me a shopping trip.»
«You can get the card or the money from Alfred.» The man shook off the white- haired man as he continued to look at the microcircuits. Anticipating the next question, he added «If you get bored, take one of the kids with you. Dick likes to spend time with you and Wally.»
«How can I take the children with me if we're going to pick out presents for them!» The speedster shook his head unhappily and repeated his attempt to invade Bruce's personal space, but this time from behind. «You promised me, Brucie. That we'd go out together, on our own two feet. Christmas is coming, and I'm still without presents!»
«That's why you have to choose everything in advance.» Gotham Bat didn't even notice the attempted attack. He just adjusted the lamp and brought the chips even closer. «Barry, I'm really busy. The Joker could decide to break out of prison at any moment, and I need to-»
«Yeah, yeah, I know. The Joker is definitely important.» Flash nodded in agreement, pulling away from the other man's back and turning toward the exit.
Everyone rightly thought that it was Batman who was the ultimate manipulator, and getting him to do something was almost impossible. But few people knew that they just needed to find the points that were easy to push.
And Barry knew them like the back of his hand - but he used them only rarely, because he respected Bruce's business and didn't distract him unnecessarily.
And now the reason was pretty fair, and a distraction for a couple of hours would be good for Bruce's health - outdoor walks and the kind of nonsense Allen could make up tons of.
Barry sighed, playfully sad, and continued his monologue.
«Well, uh. I realize how important your job is right now. I guess I'll have to go all over Gotham alone. It's a shame it gets dark so late in the winter.»
The speedster took slow steps toward the far exit.
«And I don't have anyone to help me with security and guide me through such a confusing city.»
It was a small but effective lie, causing Bruce to finally freeze and look away from the device.
«I might have to go back to my town and walk alone, which would be much safer. Or maybe I should find someone to keep me company while I look for gifts for a family holiday like this. Too bad no one comes to my mind.»
He paused for an almost dramatic pause before turning to Bruce and smiling.
«But don't worry about me, I'm a Flash after all, nothing's gonna happen to me. Good luck with your work! Love you!»
Allen closed the door behind him, exhaling and trying to steady his pounding heart. Despite the little spectacle he'd put on just twenty seconds ago, it was true: Barry really didn't want to go alone, not so much because he was afraid - though anything could happen in Gotham - but because he really wanted to spend time with someone he cared about. Bruce hadn't come out of his big- and-dark bathole in a couple days, and he needed to shake him up.
Since they lived in the same mansion, Barry simply went to his room to change into something warmer (though he was like a furnace 24 hours a day, even in winter). He didn't really mind the idea of moving in together, but living in a mansion, even if it was almost empty, was not easy for him - it took Allen a long time to get used to such a huge space, and he was always lost as to where he should go. But he enjoyed meeting the children that populated Wayne Minor, even if some of them (Damian sneezed at this point) didn't take him positively.
Wearing a warm sweater over his T-shirt, the speedster adjusted his hair (which was starting to stick out a little) and his ring. Tapping his pockets and making sure he had everything he needed, Barry walked as slowly as he could out of the room, heading for the mansion's exit.
And as he expected, Bruce was waiting for him on the doorstep, also insulated - though he looked hot in any clothes, in Barry's subjective opinion - and as always on parade (though trying to look less "normal" so he wouldn't be recognized on the street). Also, visibly unhappy with the wait. Wayne looked up at the speedster, who appeared in a flash of lightning nearby, and raised an eyebrow.
«How can the fastest man on Earth take so long to get ready?»
«You're not the first to ask that question.» Barry rolled his eyes and left a fleeting kiss on the other man's cheek. The older man mumbled something under his breath, forcing the blond to throw on his jacket, and opened the door for them.
They weren't going to discuss the fact that the never-changing-plans-Batman had changed his mind. Allen knew that admitting his own lack of perfection hurt Bruce's ego, so he never said anything about it.
The main thing is what you got, and how you got it is not the important question.
They walked for a very long time. Barry refused any "help" from Bruce (e.g. trying to pay for everything out of his rich wallet), but was happy to ask him what gifts his children would like.
He knew Dick's and Tim's tastes, and had talked to Barbara a little, but Damian was skeptical of him for some reason.
«He's just getting used to you. It takes a while.» The black-haired man shook the snow off his shoulder, looking through the window of another store without interest. They were looking for something that would fit the subject of the conversation.
«Maybe I'm just in too much of a hurry. Waiting isn't my strong suit, you know that.» Barry sighed nervously, slicking his hair back and brushing away the snowflakes that had fallen on it.
«Are you still worried about that?» Bruce took his eyes off the road, concentrating on the person he was talking to. «Barry, Wally's crazy about you.»
«I know you're right, but I still feel insecure. I want it, and he might not even want it.» speedster shook his head and stopped in front of a sort of antique store. «Do you think Demi would like something like an antique knife or something? I mean, he's kind of into sharp things.»
«I bought him one dagger out of a pair. You can complete it.»
«Why do I get the feeling you were planning this?» Barry gave Bruce a playfully suspicious look, who just shrugged and opened the door in front of him.
In the end, they did buy an extra dagger for the older Wayne’s gift, which he had paid for. Allen bemoaned the price, because one miserable dagger cost like two of his paychecks (which he didn't have now, but he promised to pay Bruce back every cent). And that didn't take into account the issue of pre- holiday markup.
After wandering around some more, all the gifts were bought, wrapped and placed in bags. It was amazing how Bruce hadn't really been recognized; though considering how busy people were, it was understandable why. It was a long drive back to the mansion, because they were exhausted-the shopping they both tolerated badly.
Christmas had come quickly and quietly. Although all the members of the Justice League (except Batman, who had to return the criminals who had escaped the previous night to the asylum) had to arrive at the tower in the morning, most were in a festive mood - some even exchanged wishes and gifts.
«So, if that was the last question for today. then this meeting is over.» Clark cleared the papers off the table, rising from his seat. «Have a good holiday.»
«Say hi to Lois!» Barry waved vigorously at him, getting a few chuckles. Clark smiled and nodded, moving closer to the speedster and handing over some papers. The rest of the League was already dispersing.
«Give my best to Bruce, too. Didn't he reschedule the soiree for another day?»
«Yeah, but you know, he was happy about it himself. He told the other rich people he wanted to spend the day with his family or something.» Barry ran his eyes over the papers and put them in his bag. «The kids didn't say anything, of course, but they were definitely just as excited.»
«How do you know about Batman's business?» Shayera jumped into the conversation like she always did, out of the blue.
«Well, because I live with him?» Allen raised his eyebrows questioningly, turning his head toward Clark, who chuckled. «What is it?»
«You, uh. living with Batman? Bruce Wayne?» Hawkgirl looked equally surprised.
«Yeah, and...?»
«Why are you living with him?!» the girl finally came to her senses, shaking Flash hard by the shoulders.
«It would be strange to be separated from your own husband, don't you think?» Barry sighed, trying to break free of her friend's weakened grip. Sometimes she acted like an older sister.
«What husband? What's all the fuss without a fight?» John walked over to them, shifting his gaze from Barry to Shayera and then to Clark, who was clearly enjoying the show.
«Are you guys doing okay? Bruce and I have been married for a couple years now.» Allen finally freed himself from the restraints of the other man's hands and adjusted his suit, which was still creased. He grinned nervously when he felt the two stares, «Is something wrong?»
«You and Bruce Wayne are married. Uh-huh. I'm Aquaman's husband.» John was the first to snap out of his stupor, folding his arms across his chest and frowning unhappily.
«But they're really married,» Superman decided to put in a word of support for Barry, «I've witnessed it firsthand, so he's not lying.»
«Why didn't you say anything all this time?!» Shayera tried to grab the speedster's shoulders again, but he dodged with speed and got on the other side. «And there was no news of the great and terrible Wayne getting a husband!»
«I told you that on the very first day!» Allen awkwardly spread his hands apart. «And the wedding and the news didn't happen because we decided to sign quietly, without anyone else knowing. Bruce wanted only those who needed to know, and the rest of us didn't need to know. And I don't like too much attention.»
«You know, it could have been said more loudly, rather than just dropped into casual conversation and forgotten.» John sighed, trying to regain his normal expression. If Clark hadn't confirmed the speedster's words, he was sure he was playing them off. Although, if you added up all those quiet missions, monitor tracking and other little things, it worked out to be plausible.
«Excuse me?» Barry shrugged, and then pulled the mask over his face. «You guys keep thinking but I gotta go. Don't forget to say «hi», Clark.»
Immediately, the Flash vanished in a flash of red. Superman shook his head with a smile, and Shayera and John looked at each other for a while.
Wayne Minor looked very nice in the evening, though Barry preferred the word cozy. Especially tonight, when the whole extended family could gather around the table, the children discussing something among themselves, occasionally dragging Bruce into the argument. Allen heard the buzz of the front doorbell and jumped up almost immediately, ahead of Alfred.
Wally was celebrating with them today, too, because Iris had been invited to a work corporate party (not that the boy's parents cared), and Barry had still made arrangements with her ahead of time.
«Uncle Barry!» The redhead leapt through the open doors and crashed into the older speedster, hugging him.
«Hey, kiddo. How did you get here?» Allen ruffled the stranger's hair affectionately and stepped back a little, letting the butler close the doors.
«All right! Am I late?»
«No, we're just getting started.» Bruce appeared in the doorway, leaning on the jamb. «Hey, Wally.»
«Oh, hello.» Wally awkwardly pulled away from Barry and smiled at the older man, then turned to the butler. «And hello, Mr. Alfred!»
«It's good to see you in good health, Master Wallace» The butler nodded a greeting and pointed toward the parlor. «I'm sure you'll be glad to say hello to the others, too.»
Wally nodded vigorously and vanished in a flash (Bruce looked skeptically at Barry, from whom the younger speedster had picked it up), and then there were loud conversations, but with the newcomer's participation. Soon the adults were there, and then the dinner began.
After a delicious (and hearty for speedsters) dinner, everyone settled down where they were comfortable and started giving each other gifts.
Dick and Wally exchanged identical ones, and had a joking fight about it, but they were still satisfied. The youngest speedster saved gifts for the other children (though he chose them in company with Dick) and also received some trifles in return. After that the Robins exchanged gifts among themselves, and then it was the turn of the adults.
Damian was surprised to receive two boxes, even if they were differently labeled. He looked questioningly at his father, and he only nodded toward Barry, who was being attacked by Dick and Tim, apparently perfectly satisfied with what he had received. The beautifully paired daggers were comfortable in his hands, but even more valuable was the knowledge of their history - Demian folded them back neatly and handed his gift to Allen, who merely ruffled his hair, clearly pleased with the response.
Dick leaned on Wally's shoulder, looking, too, at the two boxes before him. They were differently shaped, one normal-sized and deep, the other elongated and thin. The younger speedster stared at them incomprehensibly, and then shifted his gaze to Barry (as he noticed, obviously nervous) and Bruce (obviously calm and satisfied about something).
«The first is from both of us, and the second is from Barry.» Bruce said it himself, not wanting to torture Allen, and felt a grateful look from his husband.
Wally hummed, and, urged on by an interested Dick, carefully tore open the wrapping of the right box. Opening it, he pulled out the sheet, and then a realization hit him sharply. He looked again at Barry, who nodded slightly, and began to read silently.
The adoption document. His.
Wally blinked.
Barry wanted to adopt him.
«... But if you don't want to, you can say so.» Allen jerked his shoulders awkwardly, watching Wally's reaction carefully.
«I...» the younger speedster stopped talking at the beginning of his sentence, but when he felt Dick shake him awake, he was almost immediately at Barry's side, hugging him across his body and burying his head in his chest. «Of course I want to! Why wouldn't I want to?!»
The blond-haired man was finally able to exhale in relief, hugging his newfound son back. But then Wally pulled away slightly, scrutinizing the stranger's face with concern.
«But, uh... but the parents. And Aunt Iris...»
«Don't worry, Iris already knows and approved of the idea, and your parents... aren't a problem anymore.» Barry smiled slightly, receiving another hug. He decided not to emphasize the quiet sob he heard.
«I don't want to interrupt a nice scene...» Dick finally spoke up, cutting in and drawing attention to himself, «but I'm still curious about the second box.»
Wally pulled away from Barry and wiped away his tears. He was grateful that Dick was trying to support him, and yet he could see the joy in his eyes for his best friend. Bruce just sighed and shook his head, causing everyone to laugh.
Wally stayed with Barry for the next few hours, which meant that Dick did, too. Tim, who didn't want to be the black sheep, joined them. Damian was dragged in by his brothers by force. The result was an incomprehensible tangle, into which Bruce, who was clearly not thrilled with the idea, was forced to sit.
Alfred only shook his head politely and left.
The children found something more interesting to do, however, and let poor Allen go, who had to stay in one awkward position. He got to his feet, with Bruce's help of course, and took a few laps around the mansion to stretch.
«Now that everyone's gone, it's time to get a present for Gotham's scariest bat.» Barry stopped in front of Bruce and handed him a small box. «Happy Christmas, Brucie.»
«Sometimes I think you're the age of my kids.» Bat’s sighed, accepting the gift: it was a ring, obviously expensive and custom-made, with the Batman insignia, but in the colors of a famous speedster. The man smiled slightly, «And I can't say for sure that the older ones.»
«You love me for it.» He smiled defiantly, and almost immediately received a kiss. He ran his hand through Bruce's hair, ruffling it lightly and pulling the man away from him, hearing a grunt of displeasure. «Uh-uh, one last sweet treat. And I'm still waiting for my present.»
«You already have your present.»
«If you mean you, it's sacrilegious to give the same thing for the third Christmas.» Barry shook his head, stroked the other man's withers with his fingers, and grinned. «Not that I'm against it.»
«I'll keep that in mind. But I mean your new suit, which is already in the ring.» Bruce smiled slightly as he watched the glowing expression on his husband's face. Sometimes he really did enjoy the little things, like a child. «Am I good enough to get dessert now?»
«You'd get all the desserts in the world for that.» Barry leaned in to capture a quick kiss him. «When did you get here?»
«You don't keep too much track of your stuff.»
«Oh, go to hell..»
Yeah, it was a good Christmas.