#good friend wally

[awhitehead17]

Just for once, please let me forget

Dick & Jason, Dick & Wally, Angst, Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms, Drunk Dick, Emotional Hurt/Comfort.

Summary: There's one inevitable day every year that Dick dreads. This day being the death anniversary of his parents. Even now, after so many years have passed by, he still doesn't know how to deal with his emotions and this year he slips up, turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms to help him get through the day.

A/N: This story is for my 'Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms' square on my Bad Things Happen Bingo card.

Also on AO3

Enjoy! :D

The day he dreads every year has inevitably come around once again. No matter how much he wishes to, it isn’t a day he could ever forget.

Despite all the years that have now been by, waking up on this day isn’t any easier than it had been the first time. He still gets hit with overwhelming emotion, tears that instantly well up in his eyes and threaten to fall, his chest tightens as it’s hard to breathe as he remembers what happened.

Today is the anniversary of his parents deaths.

Today is the day that so many years ago completely changed his life. What happened ripped everything he knew and cherished away from him in a violent and brutal manner. A young child left orphaned without a chance to say good bye. The last thing he remembers is the fear and the screams of his parents as they fell to their deaths, it was an ‘accident’ that was anything but.

Clenching his teeth Dick tries to shake those thoughts from his mind. They’re the same ones he has every year when he wakes up on the morning of this particular date. He’s currently in bed, in the bedroom of one of his safehouses in Gotham City, a current placement while he covers for Bruce and other family members who are on a mission elsewhere. Thankfully he’s alone so no one can see how much he’s falling apart right now.

After waking up he stays in bed for some time, not having the energy to get up or any reason to get motivated. He wallows in misery for the rest of the morning until he becomes to restless to stay in bed. Once up he now feels the pent up energy in full force and tries to decide what to do with himself. Unfortunately his mind won’t shut off, his brain replaying traumatizing scenes over and over again, and Dick knew he needed to do something that would switch his mind off from the horrid thoughts.

Eventually making a decision Dick heads out with the intention of going to the manor, hopefully there he can find someone loitering around that he can bother.

When he arrives he's surprised to only find Jason at the manor. Damian must be with Jon or Colin somewhere, Tim is probably with the Titans or with Benard (are those two dating?), Cass is on a mission with Babs, he has no idea about Duke or Steph, Alfred isn’t around either so he’s most likely out doing errands or spending some quality time alone since Bruce isn’t around for him to babysit.

Jason is in the cave tinkering with a variety of gadgets and equipment. Without giving any warning Dick storms up to the workbench, slams his hands down and pins Jason with a look. “Spar with me.”

To his credit Jason doesn’t startle at his sudden appearance but he does freeze and gives Dick a long stare.

It’s only now he’s in front of the younger man that Dick knows what he’s really after. He wants to be distracted, both in mind and body, he needs something else to help him forget the emotional pain he’s currently experiencing. He can change the pain from emotional to physical… at least with physical pain he knows how to deal with it. He knows how to treat his body after a good workout which leaves him physically exhausted, bruised and sore. Jason packs a good punch and doesn't hold back during sparring, he’s the perfect person for this situation.

The younger man continues to stare and not say anything in response. It takes all of Dick’s restraint to not lash out at him from impatience. Moments tick by and just as Dick thinks he’s about to snap Jason places the tool he’s holding down and stands up, his gaze never leaving Dick.

“Alright. Give me fifteen to change and warm up.”

Dick bites his tongue to stop himself from demanding they just get on with it. He’s here to hurt himself, not to hurt Jason. No one else needs to be hurt because of him.

Twenty minutes they’re on the training mats facing one another with their fists raised and stood in defensive stances.

It’s not enough.

As they trade punches and kicks Dick still struggles to switch his mind off. No matter what he’s still reminded of that day so many years ago. He needs that pain to be numbed, he needs to not remember…

Dick lets Jason get several hits in; he lets the younger man tackle him to the ground, lets him put him into a choke hold and doesn't tap out, he lets Jason wind him from a kick he could have easily blocked. All these things has Dick’s body burning from use and pain but it still isn’t enough. Maybe he should have suggested they use weapons too instead of just hand to hand.

After a couple hours of this, on and off sessions in that time, Jason calls it quits with a dark scowl on his face.

“Enough. What the fuck is wrong with you?” He demands from his side of the mat.

 Dick clenches he teeth and acts clueless. “What do you mean? Why do you want to stop? Is someone getting tired…”

“Don’t give me that bullshit,” Jason swears, “you aren’t even fighting back. You’re letting me strike you and pin you down when you could easily overpower me. You’re not trying.”  

Dick scowls. Of course Jason is right but Dick isn’t going to admit that. “Maybe I’m just having an off day.”

“You don’t have off days. What’s going on?”

If Dick hadn’t been plagued with raging emotions he would’ve picked up on Jason’s concerned tone, nonetheless it sails right over his head and he goes on the defensive side.

“Of course I fucking do. Everyone does. Just ‘cus you paint me as some ‘golden boy’ doesn't actually mean I am one. So fuck you Jason, I just thought we could have a good friendly spar but apparently not.”

Without saying anything more Dick turns and leaves the training area, leaving behind a baffled and gaping Jason.

Sparing with Jason hasn’t done anything to help with his situation, it’s only achieved a small, aching burn throughout his body. He’s going to need to do something else to get through the rest of the day, he doesn't want to remember, he needs the pain to be numbed but the question is how does he achieve that now? Sparring didn’t work so what other options does he have left?

====

Dick is drunk. Absolutely hammered out of his mind. One moment he had been driving away from the manor after a frustrating sparring session with Jason and then in the next he’s in a hidden bar within the city downing shots like it’s going out of fashion.

Dick doesn’t know what drove him to seek out a bar, alcohol more specifically, but for the first time that day his mind is clear of thoughts and he’s at peace. He’s finally achieved what he's been after all day.

Suddenly there’s another glass filled with strong smelling amber liquid being placed in front of him. Dick blinks but by the time he looks up the barman has already moved onto another customer. Huh. He can’t remember ordering another drink however not protesting at the sight of it he picks up the glass, that’s after nearly knocking it over because he misjudged the distance, and raises it to his lips. Just as it’s about to reach his mouth a hand appears out of nowhere and covers the top of the glass making Dick unable to drink any of its contents. Dick frowns and before he could do anything about it the same hand removes the glass from his hand and places it away from him.

Feeling annoyed he's been denied the pleasant burn of alcohol Dick turns to his unknown companion. He has to pause a second later though because the movement causes the room to spin and it takes a moment for Dick to get his senses together. Eventually he sees the person who dared to disturb him.

It’s Jason. Dick’s mood sours at the sight of the younger man. He hadn’t wanted to be around Dick earlier and now he’s brothering him here. What the fuck does he want?

“I think that's enough drinking for one night.” Jason says evenly, it makes Dick glare at him. Who does he think he is by telling Dick what he can and can’t do…

“The fact that you’re speaking your thoughts out loud tells me enough Dick. I have no idea how much you have drunk but you’re done.” The younger man pauses, giving the elder a once over with a concerned gaze. “What is going on with you? First the sparring and now the excessive drinking. This isn’t you Dick.”

Dick bristles at the comments. He doesn't have to explain himself. “How’d you find me?” He asks instead. Jason’s come along and ruined his peaceful drinking.

Jason says something but it’s lost to Dick as suddenly two Jason’s appear before him, he blinks several times wondering when Jason got a twin until they merge together and Dick is staring at the one and only Jason Todd once again.

“Jesus christ you’re in a state. C’mon, we’re getting out of here.”

Dick loses track of time once again because all of a sudden he finds himself being manhandled out of the bar and into an alleyway outside the building. Dick makes an aggravated sound, which sounds more like a whine, and tries to shove Jason off of him.

“Piss off…”

Jason’s hold on him is strong and with Dick’s feeble attempts to get rid of him he isn’t going anywhere.

“Why do you care?” Dick abruptly shouts. “You didn’t earlier! What do you want?”

The younger man stops and turns to face Dick with an unreadable expression on his face. “I do care Dick, I always have done even if I’m not the best at showing it. Right now we’re not having this conversation until you’re sober, rested, and in a better frame of mind because there is something serious going on with you. You never act like this.”

Dick groans at his words. “Well perhaps you don’t really know me!”

Jason narrows his eyes at Dick with suspicion. “Whatever feelings you are trying to bury, getting black out drunk isn’t going to help.”

“It helps for a while,” Dick points out before continuing on, “what do you suggest I do then? Go around killing criminals and shoving their heads into a duffle bag? ‘Cause that sounds much better doesn’t it.”

It goes dead silent between them. Dick blinks waiting for Jason’s response as Jason simply stares back at him in clear shock. Several beats go by before either man speaks up again.

Jason grits his teeth and clenches his fists. “That was uncalled for and I have no response to that. But-”

Whatever else Jason was going to say it’s lost to Dick because out of nowhere his stomach lurches and he bends over to throw up all over the floor, the excessive amount of alcohol he drank earlier making a reappearance.

When he gets a moment to breathe he slumps down to the floor, his legs no longer having the strength to keep him upright, and he leans back against the wall next to his disgusting smelling vomit.

After that the tears start and Dick just feels like shit. He doesn't know why he’s now crying, it’s probably to do with how his emotions are currently all over the place. His head hurts. His stomach hurts. There’s a disgusting feeling in his mouth.

He doesn't know how much time passes once he’s on the floor. Everything blends together and Dick wishes he would simply pass out or something, he just wants the day to finally end, for this pain to finally stop.

A gentle voice and a soft hand touching his cheek breaks Dick out of the spell he had fallen into. He startles at the touch and has to breathe deeply so he doesn’t throw up again.

“Easy Dick it’s just me. I’m here buddy. God what’s going on pal, what have you done to yourself?”

Knowing the voice but not yet registering who it is Dick pulls a face, he blinks and looks up and is surprised to find his best friend crouching beside him. His unruly ginger hair standing out against the dark of the night, his freckled face frowning in concern.

“Wally?”

“You with me bud?”

Reaching out to touch him, Wally sees the movement and gently grasps Dick’s hand with his own.

“Why are you here?” Then out the blue Dick remembers something and guilt instantly builds up inside him. “Shouldn’t you be out with Linda? Why are you here?”

Wally cups his face and squeezes his hand, pinning Dick with a determined look. “I’m right where I need to be. My best friend is struggling and I’m here for him.”

“How…” Dick doesn't finish the question as Wally shakes his head.

“It doesn’t matter. Now c’mon lets get you home and into bed. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

Unlike with Jason, this time Dick goes willingly and easily. Wally hauls him up to his feet and makes sure to steady him once up right, throwing an arm around his waist and placing Dick’s arm over his shoulders.

As they start making their way out of the alley Wally speaks lowly to him. “I know what today is bud, I know why you've done what you have to cope with it. I’m not saying it’s okay, Jason’s told me what occurred, but I’m saying I understand. We’ll talk more about it tomorrow but you should have known you could have called me. I know Bruce isn’t around as he usually is on this date, I’m sorry you felt like you had to deal with this alone.”

There’s no judgment in his voice and his words make Dick tear up. Unable to control himself the tears start streaming down his face and a choked sob breaks out of his throat. “I’m sorry… I don’t… I just couldn’t – I’m sorry.”

Wally lets him cry out his emotions, not that Dick could do anything else but, and together they make the slow walk back to Dick’s safehouse together.

His head is pounding and even in his drunken state he knows he’s going to wake up the next morning rough, and it won’t be just from a hangover but also from the onslaught of emotions he’s experiences that day.

In only a way a best friend can, Wally helps to distract Dick from his thoughts and when they eventually make it to his safehouse he helps him get ready for bed. Their years of friendship means this kind of situation is no longer embarrassing but instead is comfortable, they’ve seen each other in all kinds of states at this point, this nothing to them (although the context behind the situation is a cause for concern).

Thankfully once Dick is settled in bed he’s out like a light and Wally stays behind making sure he’s okay and safe even long after he’s fallen asleep. The speedster makes a plan for the following morning to broach the sensitive topic of what made Dick go into a self-destructive mode for the day and how they can deal with it afterwards. It’ll be a long conversation but by now they’ve had many of them, Wally will be the support Dick clearly needs and hopefully a day like that day won’t happen again in the future.

[audhd-nightwing]

thinking about. how both tim and dick lost their best friends. ones they never thought they would have to lose because of their powers. ones they never thought they’d outlive. ones they got back.

(this is about donna & wally/kon & bart)

[b-o-e]

paint me like one of your french girls

Wally Darling x Reader

Warnings: you aren’t very good at painting lol

although it is not necessary, I highly suggest reading my fics in their recommended order for the best experience! here is the link to all my silly lil wally fics in order. this is #2 :)

You weren’t the best painter, nor were you the best at picking up hints…

“... this is atrocious.”

You were not a painter. You were finding that much out right now.

“Well, don’t say that. It has me in it, so it can't be that bad, ha ha.” Wally jested.

Ehhh…

“Are you almost finished with it, neighbour?”

“I wouldn’t say I’m finished, but I’m almost ready to give up, yes,” you grumbled, the bristles of your brush carefully swiping some more paint onto the canvas. Yikes! Not carefully enough, it seems.

Wally noticed your grimace, laughing lightly. “It’s going to look good, I know it,” he claimed.

“You’re easily pleased, though,” you huffed, eyes flickering to him in a half-hearted glare. He giggled, shaking his head.

“I am honest,” he grinned, raising his right hand to swear on it. “Cross my heart, always and forever,” he promised, drawing the ‘x’ over his chest with a happy smile.

“At least I think I did Home some justice,” you snickered with a shrug. “You, not so much, Wally. I think you can still tell it’s you, though?”

“I’m sure I look amazing. Handsome!”

“I wouldn’t use that word for it, but the real you is?” You offered.

“Why, you’ll make me blush.”

You laughed lightly as you continued to paint, Wally remaining as still as a statue in his chosen position in front of home. His eyes never left you.

He loved the expressions you made. He just adored the twitch of your brow when you don’t quite approve of a detail, the silly grimace you wear when you’ve made a ‘mistake’, the way your tongue poked out a little when you were extra focussed... You were so entrancing!

“... going to start being a bit less uptight now,”

Wally hadn’t caught the first part, but figured out what you were saying.

“I guess I should probably give myself a little more credit than I am.” A little smile tugged at the corner of your lips. Oh! He enjoyed that expression most!

“I’m happy you say that,” Wally said, “I do mean it when I say I believe I will like it. Everyone has their own unique style. It’s nothing less than that,” he added, “plus, it’s made by you. That gives it extra special points!”

“Special, alright,” you joked quietly to yourself. It was definitely a unique piece, your painting.

“I just need to remind myself I don’t have much experience with this,” you sighed, “I need to cut myself some slack. I know practice is necessary to be as good as someone like you at this, and I haven’t put much of that in,”

“And if you were ever interested in such, I would always be around to offer my help if you so desire,” Wally assured.

“Thanks, Wally,” you tore your eyes away from your work, looking over at him. “I appreciate you. Always so sweet to me,” you sighed out dramatically. Unfortunately, your gaze didn't stick on him long enough to notice the redness growing on his cheeks from your compliments.

“Alas, I think I’m all done now,” you giggled, stepping back from your work. Now that you look it over, it really wasn’t too shabby, especially with your limited skill!

Wally stood up from his spot, starting his way over, as you turned the easel around so that he and Home could both see it. When Wally was close enough, he leaned forward a little, examining the painted canvas. Despite the knowledge that Wally would never judge you, your nerves twisted a little in your stomach as you watched his eyes study it with such intensity.

It was silent. He’s observed it for at least a minute now, not a word said.

…

“I know it’s-”

“It’s wonderful,” Wally cut you off, straightening his posture, his smile growing. “The absolute most, as is its creator,” he added as he looked at you. “Can I have it?” he asked, head tipping to the side.

“You… Want it?” you giggled sheepishly, peering over at your goofy little creation. Was it really nice enough for him to want to keep it?

“I love it, so of course I would like to have it. If you allow me to, of course,”

Your painting wasn’t much. To you, at least. To Wally on the other hand, it truly was extravagant.

It was cute. He and Home were nicely depicted together, Home painted quite well, and in his opinion, he himself had not looked nearly as bad as you’d been letting on.

His face had a cute, simple little smiley on it, as did the sun in the sky, two silly little features among others that you had added when you decided not to care so much anymore. It made him giggle. Overall, it was just yours, and that’s what really sealed the deal on his love for it.

“Hmm… where should I hang it, though? Maybe by the couch?” He wondered aloud, tapping his chin. “What do you think, Home?” He turned to face it, receiving quick excited waves and squeaks from the door. “Ha ha. I think that, too.”

“You actually want it?” You questioned,

“Of course,” Wally nodded. “Oh no! How impolite of me. I should be offering some sort of payment,” he realized.

“For this?” You laughed, looking back at the artwork. “I dont think it’s worth a whole lo–”

“Mwah!”

…

Huh?

You gaped at Wally, hand on your flushed cheek, right where his lips had been moments prior.

“Will that do?” He smiled.

You could only stare in disbelief, mind working overtime to process what had just happened.

“Neighbour?”

You laughed. You laughed, and you shook your head, hands covering your face. Oh, those silly little thoughts of yours!

“Oh my goodness, Wally,” you snickered. “Be careful with that! Someone might take it the wrong way,” you warned, a little giggle following.

“What do you mean, neighbour?” Wally questioned, brows furrowed. “Is kissing not a good thing?”

“I mean, it is, but there's two ways it can be perceived: platonically, or romantically,” you explained, rubbing at your face in an attempt to get rid of your blush with a cheeky smile.

“Think of it like this. Eddie and Frank kiss as a way to show their romantic love for each other. That's because they’re a couple,” you continued. “Are they who you learned it from?”

Wally stared at you for a moment, trying to comprehend all that you’ve said. Finally, his shoulders slumped slightly as he answered.

“... Yes,” he admitted, a bashful smile on his features.

“I figured,” you sniggered. “I mean, I’m not saying I didn’t like it or anything, but just keep what I said in mind,” you joked lightly with a playful wink, “but, we should find a place for this painting, shouldn’t we?” You placed your hands on your hips, looking between him and the piece.

“That sounds like a good idea, neighbour,” he agreed, carefully picking up the dried painting, grabbing the easel in his other hand.

“Let’s do that, then,”

…

“So, how did it go?” Eddie asked, placing a toasty mug of hot cocoa in front of a sulking Wally. “Not that great, I presume..?” He smiled sympathetically.

“They said to ‘be careful’ because ‘someone might get the wrong idea’...” he gave a gloomy smile. “But they also said they ‘didn’t dislike’ it?” He offered.

“So they thought the right idea, but brushed it off as being wrong,” Frank snickered, shaking his head at the ridiculousness of the situation while he sipped on a mug of his own.

Eddie sighed, rubbing at the back of his neck with a chuckle. This was harder than the couple originally anticipated…

You two would be the death of this neighbourhood if you didn’t perceive your feelings for each other soon.

yyyello!! I hope you enjoyed reading this!

here is a link to my silly lil wally fics in their recommended order if you would like :) these can also be found on my ao3 B) I also have a ko-fi if you'd like to support me! likes and reblogs are very much so appreciated B) (again, gimme dopamine boost, RAHHHHH) until next time <3

Posted Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:29 AM

[sweetest-honeybee]

OH pls accept this doodle I did yesterday bc I thought it would be cute so out some hearts on Howdy’s hands and they’ve very kissable anyways

I also saw some art of an Eddie/Frank/Howdy poly ship and it gave me feelings

[crocchompers]

Some more doodles I made just now to make up for being dead ASDKJASKJSSKDJKSJD

I love these little bugs <3 I can't stop drawing Beta he's just too fun to draw and I need to start drawing Og because it's like he's not even apart of the family no more ajskdjaakds

[bluerasbunny]

ok fine i'll do this one too

[lizaisdrawing]

Neighborly company 🌱

[lexumpysfunland]

did you know that Kyro @thestanleyparablenctks is in the hospital?

why don't you visit him?

I know this is a stupid question, but... but still?

I make an exception to answer now to this one since Kyro is currently at the Hospital 👀

Walter is not the best at befriending other Narrators...

out of that, I do hope Kyro will get well soon! And a little message to all that suffer any mental health. I want to say that you are not alone, you all deserve good care and I hope you can find someone out there that can give it to you. Even if you think you don't deserve to have nice people around you to help, you do. Take good care of yourself, everyone! don't be like Walter 👀

[morning66]

Get yourself a friend like Dick who’s willing to steal his dad’s Platinum card to buy you a multi-story apartment with a huge balcony.

Flash Annual (Rebirth) 2018

[vechter]

jla/titans (1998) #3 // the kids aren't alright, fall out boy // new teen titans (1984) #19 // tales of the teen titans (1984) #59 // outsiders (2003) #16 // outsiders (2003) #1 // stand by me (1986) // titans/young justice: graduation day (2003) #3 // unknown // dc special: the return of donna troy (2005) #2 // titans (1999) #1 // nightwing (2016) #90 // titans (2016) #15 // ivy, frank ocean // teen titans (1996) #12 // titans (2008) #15 // batman chronicles (1995) #7 // outsiders (2003) #11 // a working list of things i will never tell you, jon sands // flash (1987) #210 // flash (1987) #214 // nightwing secret files and origins (1999) #1 // the firm, john grisham // jla/titans (1998) #3

dick + core titans (donna, garth, roy, wally)

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

SO. TO KICK OFF THE WEEK OF SPECULATION BEFORE THE UPDATE DROPS.

last night i had a bit of a Revelation. literally. i borderline woke up in a cold sweat with this realization. the way i lunged for my laptop to scream at friends... ough. lets get into it

so. i do believe I've made a couple of theory posts about Barnaby not being quite as receptive to his and Wally's "forced" best friendship as Wally - since the show wrote them to be friends instead of it happening naturally. i thought it might be a point of tension for Barn. i thought a lot.

YES SO I'M TOSSING (almost) ALL OF THAT OUT THE WINDOW!

the bios state Barnaby as Wally's best friend multiple times over. it had to be regularly reinforced. their colors were chosen to mark them as friends.

but Barnaby - presumably - can't see the bios, he wouldn't know the scripts. the friendship would be natural from his perspective. how would he know otherwise? even if the relationship started out synthetic, i don't doubt that it became genuine. in the context of their world and perceptions, realistically speaking Barnaby probably wouldn't sense anything wrong.

the reminders to be best friends weren't for Barnaby.

they were for Wally.

i'm starting to suspect that Wally is Barnaby's best friend, but Barnaby isn't Wally's. i think that Wally's "best friend" is Home - or at least Wally has a closer connection to them / Home is more important to Wally than anyone else is.

i remember reading this livestream trivia (from theneighborhoodwatch's doc, if you haven't their resources yet what are you even doing?):

and i assumed it was for Barnaby's side of the relationship. but it's not, is it? it's Wally's? and it makes too much fucking Sense! it fits! i can see it perfectly! i can feel things slotting together in my mind due to this shift in perspective, and i'm scared

Barnaby probably thinks the relationship is natural, just like how he thinks he's a real person in a real world. Wally probably knows that the relationship is a role, just like how he knows he's a puppet in a false reality.

that leaves me wondering how much of it is genuine on Wally's side. i don't doubt that they really are friends, but how deep does that connection go? in the interview, Wally sounded excited/proud about having a best friend, but how much came from a place of feeling, and how much came from a place of Fulfilling The Role? how much of it is performative? how much of it is a mask?

i've been seeing everything differently. Barnaby poses for Wally the most because he has good balance and is good at staying still, not because of favoritism or because he's Wally's best friend. in the 14 (15 including the hidden halloween) audios, Barnaby consistently seeks out Wally and checks in on him. Wally seems more casual about their relationship than Barnaby is.

i'm worried that Wally values Home & You/Us over Barnaby. that Barnaby is second or third place in Wally's heart. that Wally means more to Barnaby than he means to Wally. after all, only one of them needed their relationship to be reinforced on a seemingly regular basis.

i'm confident that Wally cares about / loves Barnaby, but the question is how much? to what extent?

[littlefankingdom]

~ World's Finest: Teen Titans

Guess who is gonna be in trouble with his dad because of his friends'bs?

[fadedrainbowbookshelves]

Frank Frankly: Resident Bug Relocator.

[cyanwyrmy]

My wonderful and bestest friend just earned their dream job, so I drew this silly pic to celebrate! Pictured is little merm-Wally riding an enthusiastically purple catfish through a sea of tadpoles!

[stickylizardcave]

back at it again with my wally/frank propaganda