He didn't like the hospital. He didn't like it one bit. They told him he didn't like hospitals before and at least he had that in common with his before-self.
It as hard to think of Before-Wally as him, he felt like they were different. That everyone around him loved a different person who was dead or hurt or hiding and he had to pretend to be that someone so they wouldn't be sad. He didn't know them that well, but he knew he never wanted them to be sad.
They said before-him didn't like staying still, either- or the dark or being alone. All were still true, but the dark was manageable. It was dark in his head, without memories to make it brighter. There was just the nothing of before. He was scared to venture out too far, like there was a hidden cliff and if he pressed too much he'd go over the edge. So he clung on to the few memories he had like they were a torch and he just tried to not be afraid. Okay, so maybe it wasn't so manageable.
He met his other friends, other family- not real family, not blood, but he liked them anyways- and he went through less tests. He thought that meant he'd be getting out of the hospital soon.
Rob was around a lot, so was a guy named Roy. Roy was angry most of the time, but he was pretty nice to him. Protective angry. He liked that.
His team- that was nice to hear, even if he wasn't the teammate they knew- was there when he finally got out. They took him to this mountain which opened up into this elaborate base.
He didn't recognize it.
They showed him his room, all before-him's things. Trophies, posters, books, dirty clothes. He was smart before, forgetful or impatient. He didn't know if he wanted to like him or feel jealous or hate him.
He got to spend the night in the cave and they watched all of his favorite movies. He didn't like most of them. He liked the cuddle pile though, being surrounded by all that warmth and safety. Conner kept his arms around him the whole night and Robin was glued to his side. The others never strayed far, but they changed positions quite often.
It was easy to fall asleep like that and he had no nightmares.
In the morning M'gann had cooked up and alarmingly large breakfast, most of which they expected him to eat. His stomach liked the idea but his brain didn't. Still, he ate a good amount and his stomach was pacified.
It was a little after noon- another large meal after constant snacking, he didn't understand how he packed so much away and had no fat on him at all- when Barry came back. He had to go home and meet his parents.
He didn't know why he felt dread stab through him when he said that.
He was afraid to find out.