Chapter Text
Jaime hates things that are loud.
The noise of high school always annoys him, it’s why he skates so much. Being able to just…get away for a while.
Not that Jaime dislikes school. He’s not popular by any means, but he’s not unpopular either. He’s not nerdy, or geeky, and despite having a rather athletic, lean build, he wouldn’t call himself a jock either.
He’s just Jaime.
Jaime also doesn’t really do friends. He has, or more accurately had, one.
Tye.
Tye was the one who made Jaime become a skater, they’ve known each other since diapers. They’re thick as thieves, and nothing would change that. Or so Jaime thought.
It’d been a week since Tye moved away, it wasn’t bad enough if he had to move to another state, but a whole other country? Sure the two can text and call, but it’d never be the same.
Jaime was walking down the bustling hallway, headphones on, backpack over one shoulder, skateboard under the other. It was Tye’s board. A parting gift, Jaime cried that night Tye left, for the first time since he was a little kid.
Jaime sighed, putting his books in his locker, he was suddenly shoved against the locker, the cold metal pressed against his tanned cheek. Jaime spun around, ripping off his headphones, expecting it to be some jerk. But it wasn’t. It was a boy, short and nerdy looking.
No, not nerdy, geeky. Staring up at Jaime with wide eyes.
Bart stuttered.
“S-sorry! Total accident, didn’t see you there. Let me.”
Bart bent down and picked up Jaime’s skateboard. Jaime was so surprised by the other boy he hadn’t even realised he’d dropped the board he cherished so much. He snatched it back.
“I’ve got it.”
He snapped, rather bluntly.
“Why aren’t you watching where you’re going? I’m not hard to see.”
Bart glanced away, a little bashful, his eyes darted further down the hall. Jaime followed his gaze. Landing on a jock, a walking, talking cliché. Bart chewed his cheek.
“He knocked into me, I just sorta fell, like dominoes, y’know? Not the pizza.”
Bart laughed at his own joke.
Jaime raised an eyebrow at the other boy.
“Uh…huh.”
Bart shot out his hand.
“I’m Bart. Bart Allen.”
Jaime stared at the outstretched hand like it was a knife, surprised anyone their age would bother with a formal greeting.
“Jaime R-”
“Reyes.”
Bart interrupted.
“I know, we have Spanish together. I sit at the front, you sit at the back.”
Jaime blinked a few times in confusion, he then adjusted the strap of his backpack, turning to leave without saying a word.
Bart watched Jaime start to walk away.
“Oh, bye then!”
Jaime clenched his teeth.
He knew this boy was only being friendly, but he wasn’t in the market for any friends. He had a best friend, but with Tye gone, what would be the point in anyone else? Plus this Bart dude was annoying and loud.
Jaime hates loud.
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Bart got into the car and slammed the door shut.
“Whoa, what’s got you abusing my door dude?”
Wally smirked, his green eyes sparkling, he adjusted his seat.
Bart huffed.
“S’nothing…”
Wally ruffled Bart’s hair, much to his cousin’s chagrin.
“Get off Wally!”
Bart ducked his head, squirming in his seat as Wally laughed, sitting back to start driving.
Bart sighed.
“I tried doing what Barry said, try to be nice and make a friend…it didn’t work.”
Wally watched the other cars as he drove, the afternoon sun shining on his face.
“Oh? Do tell.”
Bart slumped in his chair.
“I fell into him and I apologised and tried being nice, he’s in my Spanish class, he’s the quiet type, thought it’d be easier since all the people like me…don’t like me…”
Wally gave a passing glance to Bart, but remained quiet. Bart continued.
“I don’t get it!”
He threw his arms up with a childish whine.
“I try to be me and no one likes me, I try to be more toned down, and I still can’t get anyone to be my friend.”
Wally lightly drummed the steering wheel.
“Who said to tone it down? Be you Bart. Anyone who doesn’t like you for you, isn’t worth being friends with.”
Bart rolled his eyes.
“You sound like Iris.”
Wally nodded.
“She’s a smart lady Bart.”
Bart rested his chin in his hand, putting his elbow on the windowsill, staring out at the passing cars.
“Well screw that guy, he seemed so cool, but he’s just another jerk.”
Wally looked over at his cousin, the boy looked annoyed, sitting there, scowling. Wally smirked.
“Yeah…high school can suck. I have the perfect remedy.”
Bart gave a passing glance over to the man.
Wally took the next exit, driving back into town.
“Ice cream?”
Bart wanted to stew in his bad mood a little longer, but Wally wasn’t going to let that happen, he sat up.
“I want bubble gum.”
Wally scrunched up his face.
“Yikes, your funeral. Nothing beats classic chocolate little dude, you’re gonna regret it.”
Bart cracked a grin.
“Bubble gum flavour is crash!”
Wally chuckled softly.
“You’re still doing that? Crash isn’t going to catch on dude.”
Bart shrugged.
“We’ll see.”