Work Text:
Wally felt giddy about today. He and Dick had a date scheduled today—not a date, Wally reminded himself. Simply a meetup, between friends. Except Wally was going to ask his best friend out, which would basically turn the meetup into a date. …Right? He wasn‘t too sure, he had never done this whole dating thing before. But he knew that with Dick, with his closest friend since their teenage days, with his partner in crime, he wanted to try.
Donna had almost talked him into wearing a suit for this, to look „serious and attractive“, but Wally ultimately decided against it since it was supposed to be a casual hangout.
He hadn‘t seen Dick in almost three weeks now, the vigilante being awfully busy between patrol, finishing school, and babysitting (seriously, what keeps Batman so busy he can't take care of his own children?! Also, they're all at teenage age, why do they even need to be babysat????) all his siblings. Wally missed him, missed his corny jokes and fond grins, missed his warmth and his closeness, missed watching his full, pretty lips— Wally stopped himself from thinking further. He wasn’t actually sure what he’d do if Dick rejected him, try and play it off? A tight feeling settles deep in his chest.
After all, what if Wally had been misreading all of his best friends lingering touches and longing glances? What if Dick acted like that with everyone, and he was reading into it because he was in love with him? He starts biting on the side of his pointer finger, an anxious habit he had developed throughout his childhood. Before his thoughts could run to even darker places, his phone binged with the ringtone he‘d set for Dick specifically— a shrill chirp of an honestly really annoying bird (Wally told everyone who asked it was a robin, but truly he had no clue).
dickie: wally (11:21 AM)
read 11:21 AM
wally: hey dude!! you alright??? whats with the cryptic name calling (11:21 AM)
read 11:22
wally: dude?????? (11:22 AM)
wally: dick?????? (11:22 AM)
wally: is everything okay?? do u need help? (11:23 AM)
read 11:24 AM
The redhead's nibbling on the side of his finger had slipped out of control and he (accidentally) bit down hard enough to draw blood, causing him to flinch, the short stab of pain pulling him back into the moment— he had been pacing around the room, and had even tapped into the speedforce. The repeated bird call barely calmed him down.
dickie: jeez, calm down walls, im fine (11:24 AM)
read 11:24 AM
dickie: i have to cancel today, im so sorry (11:24 AM)
read 11:25 AM
wally: why? everything ok?
you usually never cancel
should i worry? (11:26 AM)
sent
Wally scoffed in disbelief— did that fucker seriously just turn off his read receipts?
dickie: dw walls (11:28 AM)
read 11:28 AM
dickie: i have a small cold but its not a big deal (11:30 AM)
read 11:30 AM
The speedster watched the small bubble indicating that the other was texting for a full five minutes, before—
dickie: okay, its not just a small cold. probably the flu (11:35 AM)
read 11:35 AM
wally: I KNEW IT!!!!!! (11:35 AM)
wally: pausw. iam tots not celebrating this! how bad is it? (11:36 AM)
wally: should i come over? (11:36 AM)
dickie: no, dw its not bad (11:37 AM)
read 11:37 AM
dickie: wally stop ghosting me until i give more info, it wont work again (11:39 AM)
read 11:39 AM
dickie: walls? (11:41 AM)
read 11:41 AM
dickie: fine, its pretty bad. got a throatache and fever (11:42 AM)
read 11:42 AM
wally: im coming over (11:43 AM)
The change of plans weren‘t that much of an issue for Wally, since he still got to see Dick. What was an issue though, was the worry blooming in his chest. He knew Dick was fine— well, as fine as one could be while undergoing the flu— but he just had to make sure. So he got ready, scrapped his original plans of bringing Dicks favourite snacks, and swung by their preferred fastfood place to get a hot soup for the vigilantes throat instead.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Dick felt bad. His nose was running, his throat was all dried up and ached so bad, the brunette was pretty sure he wouldn’t even get a whole sentence out. And on top of that, he had been burning up in the last few hours. His body felt hot, too hot— but once he had shrugged off his shirt and sweats, he started shivering in the cold air of his apartment instead.
It‘d been a long time since he seriously got sick, the last time being back when he still lived at the manor. Alfred had force-fed him his „nurturing get-well food“ throughout the entire week, and Tim came to check on him every few hours, sometimes he‘d even stay in his room and work on his computer silently— never really talking to Dick unless he did, but regardless just being there and offering the company. Damian had even snuck into his room late at night, grunting something about Dick better not getting him sick, before curling into his big brother and falling asleep in less than a minute. Steph would sit on top of his desk, telling Dick about everything he was missing out on— and catching him up on all the drama, of course. Seldomly, Cass would swing around and sit on the floor next to his bed silently, scrolling through her phone and letting Dick let out all his complaints. Bruce was subtle about his worry, but he had shown it in his own ways. He‘d check on him multiple times during the day, always making sure he had enough water and tissues around him, ensuring he wasn‘t alone for too long. He knew Dick needed the company.
His chest felt warm at the fond memories, and he smiled thinking back at it.
This time, he didn‘t have his family around. He was completely alone in his Apartment in Blüdhaven. No Tim, no Damian, no Cass, no Steph, no Bruce, no Alfred, no Jason. He shivered involuntarily. Of course there was no Jason. His flat suddenly felt a lot colder than it had before— and Dick shuddered where he was stationed on his sofa, spread out across the soft cushions. He wouldn't let his thoughts go back to that. Instead, he thinks of something that makes him feel happy and not miserable: Wally. The smile that streched across his lips felt uncomfortable, his chapped and dry lips spreading almost painfully. He hated feeling like this, weak. And even though he hated asking for help, hated how easily Wally read him, when he was supposed to be the one reading people, he was glad Wally was coming.
He would‘ve been just fine alone, of course he would, he‘s Nightwing after all, but the thought of not being alone in his state brought him comfort.
Honestly, even the thought of Wally brought him comfort, and an affectionate warmth in his ribcage, that he didn‘t want to address. Once he thought it, it‘d be true. And then there‘d be no turning back for him. So no, he wasn‘t in love with his best friend. His heart didn‘t beat faster around the speedster, and he didn‘t let his touches linger to drag out the skin contact. He didn‘t count every freckle on his face. He didn‘t love the speedster, not at all! The jealousy that bloomed in his chest when Wally told him about Artemis asking him out wasn‘t real, it was a simple concern for his friend— nothing more. Dick was sure that, if he told himself often enough, it‘d come true.
Just five minutes after Wally sent the text, Dick heard his spare key rattle in the door lock. He smiled a little, knowing that Wally made a lot of noise on purpose so he wouldn't be alarmed.
The door creaked open, and Dick finally got to see the ginger for the first time in 3 weeks. His hair had grown a bit longer, but otherwise he still looked the same, still as gorgeous as before.
Wally's eyes roamed the room before locking on the couch, and his pretty green eyes widened a little. Dick frowns in response, surely he can't look that bad?
"Hey Walls", he croaked, and oh it was that bad. Wally grimaced and pushed the door close behind him gently, before making his way over to Dick. He set down the delicious smelling bags beside him before he knelt down onto the hard wooden floor, and Dick wanted to tell him to stand up so he wouldn't hurt his knees, but his voice failed him.
"Shit, Dick you look like ass."
"Nice to see you too, geez." A cough tumbled out of Dick, and he grimaced at the sound of his own voice.
Wally gave him his pointed "you know I didn't mean it like that" stare and he tugged a blanket, which was draped across the back of the couch, around Dick's shoulders. He relaxed at the contact of the soft fabric against him. Ironically, it was a blanket Wally had given him as a gift when he had moved into his flat— it was a bright blue with circles of darker blue. The readhead had explained to him how the blanket was "so you coded!", but Dick disassociated halfway through because he had been too busy staring at his best friends face.
"Don't use too many words but— Dick, why are you almost naked? Not that I don't like the view."
Dick gave him a weak grin and Wallys heart stuttered painfully at how forced it looked. The brunette wasn't even feeling well enough for smiling?
"It was hot."
Wally sighs carefully and tugs the blanket tighter around his shoulders, wrapping it around him like a burrito.
"I got you our favourite soup! The lady at the counter said it helps a lot with throat aches."
Wally stretched out his arm and carefully placed the back of his against Dicks forehead— and then flinched at the temperature. As a speedster, his body ran hot naturally, but when compared to that Dick felt like a stove. He frowned worriedly, and started unpacking the soup.
Dick watched him silently as Wally moved around in his kitchen, gathering a deep bowl and a spoon, and then pouring the soup into it. The vigilante tries his best to sit up properly while his bestfriend was working.
Once the ginger returned, Dick had managed to straighten his back, but he was still draped against the back cushions in an awkward rotation, and the speedster grinned while helping him up.
"You should've called me sooner, y'know. I know you don't like asking for help but even someone as strong as you needs it sometimes. And don't even think of replying with your "I'm fine, Wally!" lecture until your throat stops hurting, you hear me?" Wally gave him a stern look until Dick nodded with a small smile, which he reciprocated before handing him the bowl of soup.
He let himself sink into the couch next to his best friend, shoulders bumping in a way that made his heart race twice as fast. He put on their favourite Trash-TV show, lowering the volume so it wouldn't worsen Dicks headache, and slings his arm around his best friend comfortingly while the shorter slurped on his soup.
They sat like that for a while. Dick had started leaning into Wally's warm side, his cheek resting against Wally's chest. None of them spoke, but it wasn't an awkward silence— it never was, not with them. Wally settled into the comfortable stillness— before it became too still. He looked down at the brunette, who had fallen asleep on him and he couldn't help the fond smile creeping onto his lips.
Gently retracting the bowl out of the younger's hands, Wally lifted him up carefully to take him to bed. As he walked (slowly, to make sure he wouldn't wake Dick from his sleep) he shivered, basically feeling the brunettes breath right against his neck, his lower lip even brushing it. He took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut, counting to three, before he continued.
When he lowered Dick down onto the bed, the brunette just wouldn't let go of him. Wally was surprised he had all this strength in him, considering he was asleep and sick.
The speedster figures sleeping in a bed with his crush isn't the worst way to spend the night. So he climbs into bed next to Dick, making sure to give him enough space, before he pulled the blanket over both of them. He kept his respective space, not wanting to breach the brunettes boundaries— even though that didn't last long, because as soon as Wally made himself comfortable, Dick robbed over and tucked himself into his chest.
Wally smiled softly, arms wrapping around the younger gently before resting his head on top of Dicks. They slept just like that, intertwined limbs and mingling breaths, and neither of them moved during the night— which was normal for Dick, and absolutely impossible for Wally,
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Sunlight drenched his bed in yellow colors.
Dick awoke with a pounding head and a thick layer of sweat on his skin— and with a comfortable weight tucked around him. As he blinked, getting used to the brightness, he stared up at his best friend. His best friend and him, who was in bed without a shirt— and without sweats. His mind didn't catch up with that information, due to it already being occupied with taking in the sight that is Wally West.
His hair was tousled, and it was unfair how good it looked on him. The sunlight caught in his lashes and made his freckles shine, and Dick was honest to god breathless. Wally's biceps flexed above his neck, as it tightened around his back. The brunette hated how easily that made him blush.
"You're staring." The ginger mumbled, cracking one eye open and grinning lazily. Dick's brain short circuited— all he could think of being holy shit his morning voice is so fucking hot- DON'T freak out Dick.
Apparently the lack of reply worried the ginger, because he rubbed at his eyes with his free hand to look down at him properly.
"Everything okay? How do you feel?"
His fingers started drawing lazy circles into Dicks back and he relaxed into the ministrations, a contented sigh leaving his lips.
"Mhmmmm", he mumbled back. "'M feeling a bit better, pretty sure the fever died down." To fact check that, Wally held his hand to the youngers forehead before nodding approvingly with a grin spreading across his pretty, full lips— Dick squeezed his eyes shut. Focus, moron.
"I hereby pronounce you fever free, Dickpatient!" Dick giggled a little at his forced british accent, before slipping his arms around Wally, effectively turning their spooning into an embrace.
"Wally-Walls, thank you. For coming and taking care of me it— it genuinely does mean a lot to me."
Wally smiled, bright and genuine.
"Anything for you, Dick. You know I'll always be there for you. So if you're ever sick again, tell me sooner, okay?"
Dick nods before grinning.
"Anything?"
"Anything." Wally confirms.
"So... You'd kiss me right now, if I asked? And also if you wanted to as well?"
Wally blinked, stunned. His brain stopped, a full halt. He stared down at the god of a man looking up at him expectantly, wanting him to kiss his pretty lips. Was he in heaven?
Dick grew increasingly nervous with each passing second. He could totally blame this on his sickness getting to his head if Wally rejected him— and they could pretend it never happened. He would never speak or think—
Warm lips pressed against his, and Dicks brain finally came to a stop, being silent for the first time since forever. He only faltered one, two seconds, before kissing the ginger back, fingers entangling into Wally's soft ginger hair.
The romance novels were right after all, because the kiss made butterflies spread all throughout Dicks stomach, and his fingers tingled as they tightened in the soft orange strands. It felt magical, like all the emotion they'd been holding back for all these years finally poured into one moment, one touch. And he relished in it, clinging tighter, pushing closer, wanting more— more of Wally, more of this moment.
Eventually they unfortunately needed to part for air, and they both panted at their breathlessness. Dick's eyes found Wally's, and he swallowed thickly before deciding to be brave.
"Wally—"
"Dick, I'm in love with you. I-I love you, more than anything."
Dicks mouth dropped open. He felt caught between giggling in delight and hitting the ginger for stealing his opportunity to confess.
"I love you too, Walls. Have been, for years."
Wally grinned happily, and god those dimples, and the sound that left Dicks mouth could only be described as a purehearted giggle, and he squeezed Wally into his embrace, kissing all over his cheek and face.
Wally couldn't help but giggle in return, arms being squeezed together almost painfully between Dick's biceps', yet he still couldn't bring himself to care, just smiling wider with each kiss.
"God, if I'd known you'd react like this I would've confessed way sooner."
He breaks free of Dicks love-grip, and cups his face again to place a gentle kiss on his forehead.
"So... what else are you gonna do to make me feel better, hm, boyfriend?"
Wally's breath got caught in his chest.
"Say that again." Comes out breathily.
"Boyfriend. You're my boyfriend now, Walls."
Wally smiled at him adoringly.
"There's nothing I've ever wanted more, Dickie."
Dick frowned at him for the nickname and Wally snickered.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Bonus:
donna: so???? how did the confession go??? did he agree to go out with you?? fill me in ASAP. (9:02 AM)
read 10:36 AM
wally: well, he's beside me in bed right now so i'd say pretty well :) (10:37 AM)
read 10:37 AM
donna: WHHHHAAAATTTTTT?!!!!!!?????!!!? FILL ME IN ASAP HELLO!!!😳😳 ARE YOU DATING?? (10:38 AM)
read 10:41 AM
wally: sorry don, walls is busy now (10:41 AM)
wally: ;) see ya later (10:42 AM)
read 10:42 AM
donna: oh. my. god. i'm telling EVERYONE (10:43 AM)
batdad: Dick, are you dating Wally West? (10:50 AM)
timmie-boy: fucking finally (10:43 AM)
dami: Glad 2 hear you're finally dating the ginger. (10:58 AM)
steph: omg dickie is donna fr???? CONGRATULATIONS!!! (10:52 AM)
cass: congratulations, dick. (11:46 AM)
unknown number: dont fumble, big bro (11:02 AM)