Chapter 2: Run Nana Run

Dick wouldn't consider himself a sadistic person, but boy did it feel good to watch a certain idiot run laps due to how late he was. Yes, Dick will admit he had a more feminine figure than his other male peers but still, that gave Wally no excuse to make a big deal about it. He also wouldn't consider himself someone with a short fuse. That being said, why was he so easily agitated by this Wally character?

As a child Dick was raised in many different locations with many different cultures. Because of this his parents made sure to expose him to various people and ideologies. This helped Dick become more open minded to the world around him which he became grateful for as he grew up. Dick met many kind and loving people in his travels, but he also met some nasty ones too. When someone rubbed him the wrong way his parents always told him to forgive them and to not wish them harm. His parents were always so caring towards others even if they didn't deserve it. . .

Dick took a deep breath and counted to ten like his mother always said. When he was calmer he approached his section once again. His shoes brushed against the turf of the football field thus causing little black pellets of rubber to fly everywhere. Looking over to where the trumpets were having their break Dick couldn't help but to chuckle at some of their antics. He really enjoyed having other people who loved music as much as he did and who aren't a bunch of sticks in the mud. At his old school they didn't have a marching band and only had an orchestra, so they always played the same boring type of music. Here everything was exciting and it didn't put anyone to sleep. He was so glad he was able to convince Bruce to let him go to school at Keystone High. Not only did it have a marching band program but it was one of the best in state. Dick could not wait to see what the season had in store for him.

Pain. Pain is what was in store for him. Dick was many things but a runner was not one of them. They were finally past the "getting-to-know-you" part of rehearsal and now they were teaching the rookies the daily warm ups. What better way than running a mile on the track in the middle of the scorching day? Dick focused on keeping his pace to not wear himself down, but that has proven to be difficult. When Dick was halfway done with his third lap Wally was already finished. You would think the guy would take a break and cool down but no. Instead he continued running and "encouraging" the others who were lagging behind. The redhead was ahead of Dick but started slowing down to meet his pace. Turning around he started running backwards with a large smile on his face. Wally then started clapping and "cheering on" Dick.

"Come on Dickie! Lift those legs! Come on my Nana can run faster than that!" Wally was definitely feeding off of Dick's misery. Dick clenched his jaw and tried ignoring Wally as he started speeding up to ditch him. It was smart in theory but he underestimated Wally. The other male met up with him again with the same smile on his face.

"See I knew you had it in you." This game of cat and mouse continued on until Dick finally finished. Both boys started their cool down process as they waited for the others to finish their laps. Dick had his hands behind his head as he tried slowing down his heart rate. Even though he was focusing on his breathing he was still able to catch the water bottle flying towards him. Dick grabbed it but sent a puzzled look towards Wally.

"Drink. You are definitely going to need it if you are going to survive this season." Wally took a sip of his own drink as Dick opened up his water bottle. The cool liquid felt nice down his throat as he drank the water. "I suggest you bring a big bottle like mine to every practice." He shook his water bottle to emphasize his point. "You may think you don't need it but trust me you don't want to pass out in the middle of the field during drill."

Dick said a quiet thanks to Wally after he finished drinking. Wally was right on the bottle thing. He only brought a plastic bottle thinking it was enough but apparently it wasn't. Dick looked back at Wally and tried to figure out why he was being so nice to him. Wally took note of the staring and wiped his mouth after one last gulp of water.

"Look. . .I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot. Mr. Smith told me about you and. . . we could really use players like you." Wally swung the water bottle around as he continued talking. "So do you maybe wanna start over?" He stopped playing with the bottle as he looked back to Dick. Emerald eyes met sapphire ones as he tried gauging Dick's reaction.

Dick would be lying if he said he wasn't hesitant at first but his dad's words starting ringing in his head. 'To defeat an enemy you must simply make them your friend.' Dick moves his bangs away from his sweaty forehead before meeting Wally's gaze.

"I'd like that Wallace. . .a do over." He took a step towards Wally and stuck out his hand. "My name is Dick Grayson. What is yours?"

Wally chuckles and mirrors Dick's actions. "The name's Wally West. Nice to meet you Dick." Both boys shake hands before Mr. Smith's monotone voice rang over the speakers.

"Normally we don't do a mile run everyday but we just wanted to assess your physical abilities. Now that that is over can I please have the upperclassmen join Ms. Lance at the front sideline? All underclassmen just follow the upperclassmen." Wally lets go of Dick's hand and motions him towards the crowd.

"Come on Nana let's go." He lightly teases the shorter male as he makes his way over to the front sideline. Dick this time wasn't that offended as he followed Wally for the warm ups.

The day finally came to an end without them even needing their instruments. It was mostly just an ice breaker day and for new people like him to learn the warm-ups. All in all it was pretty easy.

Dick sighed in relief as the air conditioning in the school hit his warm skin. He stayed behind a bit on the field to let the crowd pass. When there was finally an opening he snuck in and tried finding an open locker. Thankfully there was one near the back of the lockers. Dick slide his case in and locked it with the lock they provided. When he turned to leave the band room lockers he was bumped into what he assumed was a wall. He fell back a bit but an arm wrapped around his waist to catch him. Dick became stable and looked to see who he bumped into.

"Careful there dude." Wally let go of Dick when he noticed he was okay before moving his case into the locker next to Dick's. Dick rubbed the back of his neck a bit embarrassed that he bumped into Wally.

"Noted. Thanks." Dick sides steps to avoid colliding with Wally again but Wally wouldn't have it. He turned to face the freshman as he leaned against the lockers.

"So how was the first day of being a Wildcat Warrior?" Dick took a few seconds to reply before shrugging his shoulders.

"The music and warm-ups aren't that hard and my section is pretty cool. A bit extra but nothing I can't handle. . .And besides your little screw up, everyone here was really nice. I'm definitely excited to see how the season goes." Wally winced at the mention of his little mistake earlier. Now it was his turn to be embarrassed as he played around with the water bottle in his hand.

"Yeah. . .sorry about that dude. I was distracted by Megan and to be fair from afar you do have a pretty girly ass." Dick's soft smile from before is quickly replaced with a look made from stone. He clenched his jaw and crossed his arms as he raised an eyebrow at the soon to be dead meat.

"Excuse you?" His voice was even but his words were laced with malice.

"What?-" Wally lifts his hands up to calm the slowly bubbling volcano in front of him. "It's not my fault that you have a girly figure. If you want we can work on that throughout the season. You know-" he lightly punches Dick's arm "build up that muscle. That way you won't look like some fag from the back. . .But yeah no homo dude." Wally chuckled and flashed his signature grin as if nothing he said was wrong.

Sorry mama and papa but now Dick was seeing red. He poked Wally in his chest and leaned in dangerously close. "You are not allowed to check out my ass, call me a fag, AND say no homo in the same conversation. What is wrong with you." Before Wally could respond Dick was already out the door. Any second more with Wally and Dick swears he would have decked him.

Wally looked out the door where Dick exited. ". . .Geez what got his undies in a twist?"

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