**Thanks for the support for the extremely late update! I've always meant to finish this, so I will
Weeks passed since that intense night between Dick and Wally. Dick had avoided him completely - he had to be ready to say what was on his mind. Out of all the insane and dangerous situations Dick had been put through in his life, this may very well be the scariest thing he would have to do.
Not only was there the potential to lose his friend forever by admitting his feelings, but he would also have to face the judgment that comes with loving a man in this way. Dick never thought of himself as gay, and he still didn't necessarily. Yet his feelings for Wally were undeniable.
Dick wanted to wait a lifetime to tell Wally the truth, but he knew he didn't have that time. Dick sat in his home beside the fireplace, listening to the wood crack. He saw small bursts of embers, and he could vividly see his calamitous future in these tiny explosions. He catastrophized the situation over and over in his head. He saw Wally being disgusted and angry, maybe he would think he was a freak. People may find out, and see Dick in a totally different light. Dick sighed. Even if that does happen, I have to tell him. I can't hold this in anymore.
It was raining again that day as Dick walked to Wally's place. This time he was sober and dry thanks to the protection of an umbrella. He would not come in like a fool once again, he was going to be stronger. The weight of his heart made each step feel like an entire mile. He ached inside, but he promised himself he would be strong.
Dick had a responsibility to his team and to the entire world. There were so many people counting on him, and he had to have courage. To heal himself and get his focus back was not simply optional. Even if this blew up in his face, at least then he could recover from it in time. He could accept it. As long as he was honest, and no words were left unsaid.
Dick looked down as he listened to the raindrops hit the pavement, it almost felt like the end of the world. He was about a block away from Wally's apartment now, so he shortened his steps even more. The streets were empty and quiet, the sky a dull grey. Yeah, the world is about to end. Dick thought to himself, not knowing the grim reality of that statement was very soon to come.
As Dick stared at the ground, the sound of footsteps caused him to raise his head. There he was. Wally stood about 15 feet away, about to enter his apartment, and his eyes were locked on the poor nervous boy.
"Dick?" Wally shouted while squinting his eyes, the thick sheet of rain made him question the accuracy of his assessment. Dick walked over with a heated face, mentally torn to pieces.
"Hi, Wally." Dick mustered, to begin this incredibly awkward conversation. He was closer now and Wally's green eyes glimmered at this distance. Dick could now admit to himself how nervous yet happy that beautiful face made him feel.
"Hey, Buddy. What's up?" Wally's tone was friendly and welcoming. Dick paused to take a breath.
"I've been really been meaning to apologize to you about that night. I was totally unstable, I said things I really didn't mean...I should have never lost my temper with you. And I shouldn't have badmouthed Artemis...I'm beyond embarrassed by it. That's not who I want to be. I can't let my emotions get the better of me, especially now. I can't afford to break down. I hope you can accept my apology…" Without hesitation, Wally embraced Dick with his full strength, a smile on his face.
"Of course I can Dick, it didn't upset me...But I've just been worried about you." Wally assured, the warmth of his body against Dick's chest caused Dick's heart to skip a beat. For a moment, the town was so empty and silent, and they were the only two people in the world. Dick looked down as he savored what may be his last embrace with Wally.
"Thank you, Wally." Dick began. Wally began to let go, but Dick pulled him in once again, much to Wally's surprise.
"That isn't all I have to say…" Dick started, his voice was shaky. In this position, he could avoid looking Wally in the eye. Maybe he could hide his anxiety. Wally stood motionless, shocked.
"I don't think you realized it, but the reason I got drunk and acted like an idiot was that fight we had. I was devasted by that day…" Dick's words began to pour out quickly. "It felt like you hated me. You have a right to be upset with me about Artemis, but it was ultimately her choice. This whole mission has been so hard on me, and your only concern seemed to be her. I guess that kind of broke me for a second…"
Wally's eyes were wide but sympathetic as he was held firmly in this embrace. He looked to Dick, but Dick avoided eye contact by looking down at the rainy pavement.
"I'm sorry to Dick...I really am. I was just upset at the time, and you're right. I can't put that all on you." Wally was looking down too now. "I'm just so worried about her…" Dick's beating heart now went into overdrive, practically bursting through his chest.
"Another thing…" Dick was red hot with embarrassment. Time was moving so slowly it was absolute agony. He was surprised he was still standing. Dick began to feel a slight throb of a pulse in Wally's chest against his now, and he felt certain he was making Wally uncomfortable. The rain was so heavy it was an enormous shower, and not another soul could be seen in the night.
"I have never been that stupid before Wally. Frankly, it completely freaked me out. I've been trained my whole life to manage my emotions. Yet I can't handle it when you're upset with me. That's not normal. So I was trying to figure out why that happened. Why out of all the things I've been through was that so bad for me…" Dick was trembling, and he prayed this could pass as shivering from the cold.
"It took me a while...but I figured it out…" Dick swallowed his words and his whole body ached. "I really hope you can forgive me for what I'm about to say…" In his most courageous act to date, Dick turned his face to Wally and moved his hands to his shoulders, looking at him directly in the eyes. Goodbye Wally...Dick thought as he opened his mouth to the dreadful confession.
"Wally, I'm in love with you."