Once in Bart's room, the two speedsters relaxed around each other. Wally was almost like an older brother to Bart now, and Artemis like a big sister, or cousin, or some familial tie.
"So, Bart, how have you been? Honestly," Wally said a bit more seriously as he plopped on the bed. Bart jumped onto the covers on his stomach.
"Schway," he muffled through the blankets.
"Yeah? That's good. You know, we've all been just a bit worried about you. You've been acting,…a little off," Wally tried to say as gently as he could. Bart felt a lump in his throat, but he had learned by now how to force a smile and pretend like everything was fine.
"I think you're reading into things too much," Bart laughed and snuggled into his pillow. Wally returned the smile, but still looked concerned.
"You know you can talk to me or Uncle Barry about anything right?" Wally asked lovingly.
Why does everyone say that? Bart thought. It was a common thing to say when you worried about another person. "You can talk to us about anything." The thought was nice, but it wasn't really true. If one day Bart decided to just tell Wally his face was ugly, would that be okay with him? Or even if he decided to tell Wally he was gay, would everything just be 'alright?' But he didn't say any of that. Instead, Bart said, "I know," and forced another smile.
"So her name's Emily, huh?" Wally grinned changing the subject.
"Yeah, she's crash," Bart said, remembering walking home with her earlier.
"Y'know, it took me forever to finally work up the courage and kiss Artemis. I wish we hadn't wasted all that time pretending to hate each other and flirting," Wally laughed reminiscent.
"But you're together now. And happy. And you have Nelson. So that's all the matters right?" Bart asked.
"Of course! I'm just saying that sometimes you just have to go for it and admit you're feelings. Life's too short. The homecoming dance is this month right? Maybe you should take her, buy her a corsage, dance the night away. You won't regret it," Wally assured his cousin. Before Bart could answer, Wally reached into his wallet and pulled out a few colorful wrappers.
"And I'm not saying you should have sex. In fact, I think you'd be really smart if you wait, but if something happens and you can't, be sure to use these," Wally concluded handing Bart two or three condoms. Wally looked slightly uncomfortable, but not nearly as red as Bart was.
"I, um, erm…," Bart spluttered.
"We all know that you and Emily are starting to get serious, so Uncle Barry wanted me to give them to you," Wally tried to offer consolation. He was obviously flustered.
"Wally, I don't need these," Bart said shoving the condoms back into his cousin's hand.
"Hopefully you won't, but he just wants you being safe, Bart," Wally explained.
"No, Wals, you don't understand. Emily's a great girl, but she and I…we aren't…I don't like her like that," Bart flushed. Wally chuckled.
"That's what I would've said about Artemis before we kissed on New Year's."
"No! Emily and I aren't like you and Artemis. We're just friends! And I don't want your gorram condoms!" Bart snapped, jumping up and shoving the wrappers at Wally. Wally furrowed his eyebrows and Bart paled. "Grife, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…, oh zark," Bart muttered.
"It's fine. It's just, this is what I meant when I said we're all worried about you. You seem like you're stressed, man. Artemis says it's just puberty, but I don't know, maybe,-" Wally rambled.
"I'm just not ready to have sex Wally. The condoms freaked me out. Let's forget the whole thing, m'kay?" Bart grinned weakly.
"Sure," Wally replied shoving the wrappers into his back pocket. "Forget I ever brought it up."
The rest of dinner at the Allen family was normal. Emily wasn't brought up again that night.
So yeah. Awkward family conversations. Those are always fun. Thanks for reading! Reviews make my day! Love y'all!