[Next chapter will tell you what happens with Elliot and Wally separately- no spoilers for this chapter, sorry! ;) ]
It was a dreary Saturday morning. Chilly rain splattered voluminously down and countless droplets heavily trickled down the clear windows as a vicious wind howled raucously. The once pleasant temperature had dropped ridiculously freezingly cold and nobody would ever personally choose to go out in such torrential weather. At least it pleased Wally West as his dear best friend adamantantly desired to remain. Jinx was requested to stay with the respectful Titans East, after Speedy developed a severe case of the contagious flu and they required a masterful substitute. Evidently, Kid Flash couldn't so she had immediately volunteered, warmly hugging each of the superpowered boys as she had left. Therefore, Wally was really appreciating the generous assistance he was receiving from Elliot Knight. Elliot never left his side once, always helping him out whenever he was required and was noticeably more protective. For example, they once ordered a large pepperoni pizza and the dutiful pizza delivery man had concernedly stared at Wally, who had a heavily bandaged leg and arm as he sat uncomfortably. Instantly, Elliot had hissed defensively, roughly shoving the poor man out of the plain door, tossing his earned money at his face before protectively slamming the door shut. Then he had split into a proud smile. He proudly thought he had gallantly rescued Wally West. Admittedly, Flash found it rather cute.
Right now, Elliot was thoughtfully buried in a thick volume, furtively continually peeking at Wally's plain bedroom door. Surprisingly, he had dragged himself from his slumberous sleep at five in the ridiculously early morning, which meant that his restless sleep before resulted in an unfortunate total of only four hours of vital sleep. Therefore, he had blanched even paler, had large, dark circles, his pointed ears were drooping with pure exhaustion and his amber eyes were bleary and unfocused. Even so, he was resolutely determined to do it. Elliot agogly gazed eagerly at the uninteresting clock and read the early time of six oclock. As expected, Wally woke up around about now.
"Ellie?," came the sleepy, hopeful voice from Kid Flash's unorganized bedroom.
Elliot Knight almost instinctively didn't even bother to run there physically as he swiftly teleported inside and besides the comfortable double bed. Flash beamed brightly before it faltered at his bedraggled appearances. Shakily, Wally placed his unharmed hand over Elliot's own pale ones, rubbing his thumb over his cool, soft skin.
"El, haven't you slept at all?,"Flash enquired worriedly.
"I want to be here for you. So I stayed up late to see if you needed me and woke up early too,"Elliot explained reassuringly.
Wally frowned guiltily, and before he could even begin to object, yanked Elliot suddenly besides him as he draped the comfy duvet over both of them. Elliot gawked stupidly as Flash grinned mischievously, snaking his uninjured arms around his smaller body and affectionately pressed him to his unwounded side. Elliot soon overcame his immense shock and frowned conflictedly, until he finally accepted Flash wasn't allowing him to leave his worried embrace with a small smile. Wally sighed contentedly, seeing him stare confusedly.
"You know, I'm not hopeless. But you...kinda are. So, sleep, okay?,"he teased gently, smiling roguishly.
"Hmm, fine. You know you're stupid, just saying,"Elliot mumbled wearily, settling down comfortably so that the side of his pale face was resting on Kid Flash's chest and was curled with his back pressed against the gamesome speedster's arm.
Wally West chuckled softly and soon Elliot was already literally fast asleep, sleep purring loudly, clearly in dire requirement for this also much deserved rest. Wally absentmindedly began stroking his luxurious black hair delicately, humming cheerfully. Of course he was now fully awake but he wouldn't, couldn't, move. He let the tender vibrations and consoling noise of Elliot's gentle purrs gradually lul him peacefully to sleep again.
Elliot just didn't understand that he was overworking himself sometimes.
Later on, Elliot Knight awoke slowly, feeling fully rested. He yawned as he stretched out his winded limbs, twisting onto his stomach and splaying his weary limbs comfortably with his continual, gentle harmony of his sweet sleep purring. Wait… Keenly, Elliot heard quiet, amused chuckles and felt a hand absentmindedly messing with his long, black hair. He jolted upright embarrassedly, vehemently cursing himself. Wally West merely laughed amusedly, fully awake now of course (after all it was half past twelve) and beamed reassuringly.
Elliot fretted desperately,"Wally! Why didn't you wake me? We've been here for like six hours! Wait, have you been awake the whole time?! Oh crap, crap, I'm sorry! I'm so greedy, I should be cooking you food or-"
"Stop. I fell asleep too, okay? I'm honestly good and I don't need you being my slave. I'm pretty sure I can make do with raiding the food randomly. Anyway, you really did need that- you looked terrible before. Also, you just stretching out was funny. You looked like a cat or something and one of your hands was in my face,"he assured sternly before snickering amusedly.
Elliot rolled his amber eyes exasperatedly and nimbly slipped off the sturdy double bed, to the vast, modern wardrobe. Awkwardly, Wally reached for his metallic crutches and shuffled into a more easier position. He slid his hands into them and with a quiet grunt of slight effort, lifted himself to his feet, feeling his strong muscles tense as he brought himself forward, using mainly his right, uninjured hand to support his overall healthy weight. He was soon next to the rummaging former villain, watching amusedly as Elliot carelessly discarded the designer clothes in the hopeful attempt for his own usual plain, cheap attire. Elliot groaned irritatedly as the plainest top he could find was a red Lacoste shirt with a horribly flamboyant, stylish check pattern to it and some grey khaki shorts. Elliot crossed his pale arms frustratedly and fixed Wally with a irked, expectant scowl.
"Where are my good clothes?,"he hissed annoyedly.
"Oh! You said take out the trash remember?,"Flash sniggered amusedly.
"Wally West, you better not have done what I think you have!,"Elliot Knight growled dangerously.
"I did exactly as you said! I took out the trash! So don't come at me, sleepy boi!,"he burst into mocking laughter.
Elliot hissed outragedly and was struggling immensely to not slice those stupid crutches in half and brutally kick his broken limbs. Of course not really. But still. With a dignified hiss, Elliot snatched the least flamboyant shirt and shorts, fixing a hysterically laughing Kid Flash with a vicious glare. Flash smirked mischievously as he trudged away, grudgingly accepting he'd have to wear Wally West's chosen clothing. Sometimes he yearned that simply he'd just do all of the small errands himself. Wally grinned amusedly as Elliot left cantankerously, and with immense difficulty, Wally set himself to change into his casual clothes, rather than his fashionable, expensive pyjamas.
By one oclock, the two boys were sitting on the comfy sofa. Elliot Knight was glaring moodily, whilst grumpily wearing a bright red check shirt and branded grey khaki shorts with his long, black hair scraped into a low, loose ponytail. Wally West had a Jack And Jones black tank top with some ripped navy jeans and literally only patterned yellow socks as he sat awkwardly with his bandaged arm laying limply on his lap and his severely broken leg resting uselessly on a modern baby blue poof they had generously purchased especially for him in his current conditional. Kid Flash was smirking at a cantankerous, aggravated Elliot, who was looking away moodily and basically ignoring Wally's entire existence. Flash sighed amusedly and lightly kicked Elliot's side with his unharmed foot.
"Ellie! C'mon stop being such a moody bum. I've helped you! You can now wear good stuff,"Wally goaded hopefully, scowling defeatedly as he merely harrumphed indignantly.
Flash smirked with a bright idea and playfully whacked him over the head with a soft cushion. Elliot flinched irritatedly but did actually contain his enraged hiss, though scarcely , as he stiffened exasperatedly. After his failed initial attempt, Wally began continually poking the poor former villain's side, which Elliot somehow managed to miraculously endure with resolute mutism and a straight, unfathomable poker face. With a defeated sigh, Wally smirked deceitfully as he knew exactly how to melt this hard, frosty demeanour. Using his only unwounded arm, Flash abruptly tugged him to him and trapped him securely in a sneaky embrace, practically feeling his unkind resolve crumbling away swiftly. Flash heard him hiss frustratedly as he sucked in a stabling breath. Elliot twisted up to look at the gamesome speedster with a defeated scowl.
"Wally. I hate you. So, so much,"Elliot hissed spitefully, though it soon slowly transformed into friendly entertainment.
Flash beamed brightly at the broad smile lingering on Elliot Knight's pale lips and his freckled, uninjured hand cheerfully began swishing his silky, smooth locks around absentmindedly, which Elliot was admittedly perfectly content with. They lapsed into a comfortable silence, simply relishing the others reliable companionship. Elliot Knight sighed calmly, as Wally West chuckled softly.
However, it wasn't to last. They both jolted fearfully as a raucous noise insolently jerked them from their serene tranquility. Elliot tensed himself warily but soon relaxed again as he realised it was only his once unfortunately stolen smartphone. He picked it up cautiously and gasped, eliciting Flash to scrutinise him concernedly afterwards.
"See? Oh my God, are you okay?,"Elliot Knight practically squealed desperately.
"Yeah, Kyd, oh no, you just want it to be Elliot, don't you? Well, please can you come? To the HIve's base?,"Seemore requested urgently, though fatigued and weak.
"I- ugh -need a sec,"he stammered guiltily, hanging the call after Seemore's short 'okay, see ya.'
Elliot's usually uptight shoulders slumped dolefully and Wally frowned worriedly as he asked concernedly,"El, why not go? You haven't seen them in ages and you deserve this, so go and enjoy yourself."
"But-but- you're hurt!,"Elliot protested anxiously.
"Pfft. Nobody will dare come next to me now I can poke them with my ultimate crutches!,"Flash snickered amusedly before softening,"Look. For me. Be happy. You have already stayed awake for me, cooked for me and trust me, the most I'll do is watch tv. So just do it, okay?"
Elliot Knight paused momentarily before nodding slightly, unsure whether to be relieved, sour, anguished, excited, or delighted. With one last encouraging smile from Kid Flash, he vanished abruptly before the wounded speedster's very eyes. Wally West chuckled dolorously as he swiftly switched on the large, flat-screen television and boredly scrolled through the uninteresting channels. Oh Elliot. Wally didn't know whether to be touched or worried. He had automatically given up his precious sleep for him before and almost declined seeing his dear best friend that he hadn't seen in much too long for his general mental health for him. One little plea. And Elliot would abandon his once nearly perished friend that he had known all his eventful life. One small request. And Elliot would stay awake all night, every night, just to watch over him. One feeble desire. And Elliot would instantly give it to him.
It was almost frightening.
It was almost heartwarming.
It was almost dangerous.
Elliot Knight was standing anticipatedly outside of the Hive Five's dull door that led to their homely, spacious living room. He was holding his breath fearfully, fretting over what may be Seemore's possible reaction. He pressed his pointed ears closer, eavesdropping anxiously.
"Can you call Elliot again, Giz?,"Seemore whined pleadingly, from inside.
"No! For the last time, he said he'll be a sec and he will. So. Just. Shut. Up!,"Gizmo yelled irritatedly.
"Yeah!,"Billy cried defiantly.
"Why'd ya care so much anyway, See?,"another copy added obnoxiously.
"Look. I've known him all my life. I'm still mad at you for making him cry and kicking him out, so don't make it any worse than it has to be for you. He is my best friend and I need to see him,"Seemore snapped vexedly.
"You are such a sap, See,"Mammoth chuckled kindly,"But I wouldn't worry. Kyd is never- uh I mean Elliot- late."
Elliot Knight redirected his close attention back to himself as a relieved smile spread over his pale face. Seemore didn't abhor him. With renewed energy, Elliot quietly opened the plain door, smiling elatedly as his amber eyes scanned the pleasantly familiar room for him in particular.
Then, finally, he saw him.
Seemore was sitting in a baggy, camo sweater with some loose sports shorts and unusually without his useful helmet (resulting in finally seeing his thick, dark coils, his one ear piercing and dimpled face) that he greatly required for any sight whatsoever. He also guiltily noticed thick bandages around his small shoulders, arms, legs and torso but he was otherwise fine, a healthy blush invading his cheeks. He was presently frowning anxiously and completely oblivious to his sincerely missed best friend, evidently because of his impeding blindness. Four Billy Numerous' was leaning against the sturdy sofas arm, smirking excitedly. Billy was also out of his flamboyant, bright red spandex, so his handsome, green eyes and dirty blonde hair was finally visible and his impressively muscular physique immensely profound under a tight, thin, dark blue sweater and skinny black jeans with trendy rips on. Mammoth was unfortunately limited with his select, few clothes, due to his rather bulky and greatly broad figure and was grinning merrily at the relieved former villain as he wore some too tight jeans and stretchy, yellow sweater. Gizmo was wearing a light green Gap cap, a grey NASA t-shirt and some comfy jogging bottoms with his arms crossed cantankerously and a moody scowl.
With an exhilarated purr, Elliot Knight teleported almost instinctively right next to Seemore and keenly wrapped him in a tight embrace, delicately eluding his sustained burns and slowly healing injuries and swaying them together. Seemore hugged back, laughing overjoyedly as he obviously instantly recognised the pleasantly coolness. In fact, Seemore was soon beginning to sob with mere delight and relief, after so long of not seeing the once Kyd Wykkyd. Elliot patted his noticeably smaller back reassuringly, also greatly thankful they'd been reunited, until they finally parted, Seemore keeping his bare hands on Elliot's arms affectionately, as though fearful he'd disappear just as rapidly as he'd come.
Seemore squealed delightedly through his continual flow of relieved, joyous tears,"Elliot! Oh my God, have I missed you! I'm so happy to see you! And I never blamed for the bomb incident and I gave the Hive a good telling off for doing that to you, Lio! Mind if I call you that? It's taken a while but I don't need to go to the hospital now, I just need to keep my helmet off for a bit, though the doctors didn't really tell us why-"
"Remember, barfbrain, they said cos-,"Gizmo began grumpily.
"Shush, Giz, anyway I am so happy for you that you want to be a civilian! If it makes you happy then, it makes me happy! But please you have to have a sleep! Pretty please! I haven't seen you in so long! God, you've finally grown taller, shortie, kinda bad, I wanted to be taller! Still, I bet you're still stronger than me, right? Hmm, can I-"
Elliot gently placed a pale finger over Seemore's lips and said gently,"I don't know why you're only calling me a shortie, we both are. But oh, sure, you can call me Lio, See. But. Yeah. I will stay."
Seemore beamed excitedly.
Stay.
Seemore and Elliot Knight liked that word.