I kind of tried to implement a little more Rebirth in here, specifically towards the end. As always, I appreciate everyone who's come to this fic.


Two weeks passed and Barry still refused to let Wally go on patrol. It was starting to get really irritating. As much as Wally enjoyed being with Barry and Iris as well as grateful for them housing him, it was starting to get claustrophobic. Wally couldn't leave the house without someone with him, not that he was allowed to leave the house a whole lot to begin with. So the fact that Barry refused to let him go on patrol only escalated his confined discomfort.

Barry and Bart were preparing for another night of patrol when Wally entered the room. He wasn't in a good mood, but that wasn't going to stop him. Wally was determined to try his luck one more time.

"Let me go on patrol." Wally demanded.

"We've already been over this Wally." Barry reminded. "I don't want you going out right now."

"Yeah, same story different day. You've been using this excuse for two weeks now."

Barry wasn't all too pleased with Wally's comment. Even if there was some truth behind it.

"My health is good. I'm well rested and I'm feeling great. What is the problem?"

"I don't want you going."

"But why? I know things have changed, but I'm here now. I want to help."

Hands tightly gripped Wally's arms.

"I can't lose you again!" Barry loudly admitted. "Not again."

Wally froze in surprise. Hearing Barry say that was unexpected. Barry was in a slight daze as he took two deep breaths.

"I can't… I can't lose you again."

Wally didn't, couldn't respond to that. While he had a sense of realization in the back of his mind, Wally wasn't accustom to his uncle's sudden mood change.

He couldn't think about it longer as Barry and Bart left, Barry not wanting to address the situation any longer.

Wally watched them leave in confusion before turning his attention to Iris. She appeared slightly annoyed, nudging her head towards the kitchen. Wally followed her and took a seat in the kitchen.

"You have to understand that he's thinking about you." Iris stated.

"It's just not fair." Wally complained.

"I don't disagree. Believe me, I want to see you out there doing what you do best as much as you do. Unfortunately, Barry's still living with the guilt of your disappearance."

That was something Wally didn't like thinking about. How it affected him for the last two years was a bitter taste. Not to mention what the others had gone through emotionally.

"It's not his fault."

"I know. However, everyone responded and was affected differently. Artemis finished college and started working in a forensics lab in order to feel closer to you and the family. Dick came over for dinner every other Friday in remembrance of your visits. Bart took up the mantel of Kid Flash to honor your memory. They grieved, but found ways to cope. Barry hasn't. He masks his emotions well, but it hurt him more than anyone. The others may be good friends and futuristic family, but you are a son to him Wally."

Wally flinched at the last statement. He always knew that he and Barry had a close relationship, but he never really talked about it. At least out loud.

"He lost a son that day and it hurt him deeply."

Wally was speechless. While still irritated with Barry, he was starting to understand him. Iris noticed this, knowing that he was still adamant for his freedom.

"Jay and I made this, hoping to give it to Barry, but I think you could use it more than him."

Iris reached beneath the table and brought out a box. She set it on the table before passing it to Wally. He was curious.

"I know I just spent the last few minutes defending Barry, but that doesn't mean I'm going to listen to him. In fact, I'm encouraging you to rebel. Just don't tell hum that."

Wally opened the present, exposing its contents. A red suit lined with silver accents was neatly folded inside. Wally carefully brought it out. He was in awe of the gift. Thankful, but at the same time, at a loss for word.

"I don't know what to say." Wally admitted.

"Just don't get hurt." Iris guided with a smile.

Captain Cold had escaped from prison and was wreaking havoc in the city. While a familiar yet bothersome occurrence, Flash and Kid Flash were ready to handle it. The officers were close enough to help, but gave the speedsters the distance to work.

As always, Cold was putting up a fight. Not wanting to go back and making a clean escape was the only thing on his mind. However, that wasn't on Flash or Kid Flash's.

In a moment of distraction, Kid Flash was hit by an icy blast. It encased his feet, causing him to fall over.

"Kid!" Flash gasped, stopping himself.

"I'm fine." Kid Flash replied.

"Allow me." A voice offered.

Without much warning, a red blur ran onto the scene. No one got a clear sight of the new speedster, but they couldn't look away. He avoided several shots from Captain Cold. One blast hit his chest, stunning the speedster. It circled around Captain Cold, only stopping when the man was tied up.

Once the new speedster came to a stop, everyone began to study him. A fiery red haired Flash looking hero stood center stage. Everyone was in awe as the police apprehended Cold. Even Flash and Kid Flash were curious.

People huddled around this new speedster, wanting answers. He tried to be brief as possible without giving too much away. He kept glancing towards Kid Flash and Flash. As though he had something to say.

It didn't take long for Flash to realize who this new speedster was. He wasn't sure if he should be mad or surprised, but both were very prevalent. Once he broke away from the crowd, the speedster made his way towards the duo. He was a little nervous, as though he had caught onto Flash's suspicions. He knew had to explain himself.

"Look, I know you're worried about me," Wally admitted, "scared that I might get hurt, but I can't stand around and do nothing Barry. You know that."

Flash said nothing as Kid Flash finally came to a full realization. The new Flash was shaking, trying to figure out what else to say.

"I know what happened to me hurt, and for that I am sorry, but I need to do this. I need to make this choice."

Flash's demeanor calmed, starting to come to terms with everything. His fear of loss, losing his family, and his nephew's current rebellion. There was no going back now. Flash placed his hand on the younger man's shoulders.

"You're right." Flash agreed. "You deserve to make your own choices. It's not your fault, and I don't want you to ever think that. I just wish it wasn't so soon."

"I know. But you know me, never one for patience."

Flash chuckled, not denying the sentiment. It was soon followed by an intriguing thought.

"You know what? This suits you. It's about time you outgrew Kid Flash. You're a Flash now, and it's about time. It took two years, but you finally are up to speed."

Wally groaned in agony at his uncle's pun, who laughed at his expense.

"Come here you."

Flash pulled him in for a hug.


I know the ending might be a little cheesy, but I do feel like it closes the story out well. Again thank you for everyone who took the time to go over this little story.