Here's another chapter for you guys! This one was inspired by the song 'Runaway Love' by Ludacris and Mary J. Blige definitely give it a listen but beware it has sensitive themes such as abusive homes, drug use, sexual abuse, and teenage pregnancy. But its still an amazing song, made me legit bawl my eyes out.
I don't own anything
Warning: Child abuse, homelessness, implied drinking problem.
I apologize if anyone gets upset by the topics in this chapter.
Wally sat up gasping for breath as tears started to fill his bright green eyes. He started shaking and hyperventilating until he realized where he was and what was going on. He was still cursed in his 7-yar old boy, he was still at Mount Justice in his bedroom. He wasn't at his parent' house, he wasn't living with him. His friends were right down the hallway watching a late-night movie, Roy was on patrol with Ollie. Wally's eyes widened as he thought of his friends, he felt an impulsive need to be near them. He stood up and padded over to the door, opening it only a crack to peek out. The hallway was dark but he could see the living room lights on and he could hear the faint hum of the television set. He used his super speed to sneak into the room and hide behind the couch Artemis and Robin sat in. He immediately started to feel better just by knowing they were there. Unfortunately for him, Robin noticed the slight change in the air and straightened up, on alert.
Artemis raised an eyebrow but before she could question him he put finger to his lips. Kaldur subtly lowered the volume as the team started listening. Soon they heard a very faint whimper. Robin turned around in his seat and looked over the back of the couch.
Robin's eyes narrowed in confusion, "Wally?"
Wally's breath hitched at being found out. Artemis turned around as well while Kaldur, Megan and Conner walked over and sat in front of the young child.
"Baywatch?" Artemis asked, "What's wrong?"
Wally took a shuddering breath, "N-Nothing..."
Kaldur leaned forward, "Wally...please do not lie to us."
Conner then said, "Tell us."
Wally looked up at him and the team's hearts shattered at how sad and upset Wally looked. His face was flushed red, his eyes were soaked with tears that never seemed to stop and he was clutching onto a Flash stuffed toy as if it were his lifeline. "It-It's not a big deal." Wally muttered, "I just didn't...want to be alone."
Megan then asked, "Did you have a nightmare?" Wally flinched and silenced himself.
"You did, didn't you?" Robin asked gently.
Wally felt himself nod. Kaldur picked him up and laid him in Robin's lap, Wally instantly wrapped his arms around the older boy's waist snuggling into his chest. Robin held him closely, caressing his red hair as the team moved to sit closer. "How about you tell us what it was about."
Wally took a deep breath, "Okay...well it was more fragments of memories than anything."
"Go on.." Artemis urged softly.
Wally looked up a them shyly, "Well, I remember seeing belts, bee-beer bottles, blood, pain..." As Wally went on his eyes were filling up with tears again.
"Shh...shh. It's okay...you're alright." Megan cooed.
"I-I remember crying and begging for him to stop. B-But he wouldn't stop hurting me. I remember ru-running away."
Artemis felt her eyes widen at the realization of how little they all knew of their speedster. When she first met him she thought he was just some lucky flirt who got powers but seeing him like this made her realize how wrong she was.
Megan quietly asked, "You ran away from home?"
Wally nodded, "Yeah when I was 12. I lived out on the streets for about two years."
"That must've been hard." Conner commented.
Wally chuckled, "At first but on the streets you learn you learn pretty quick." Wally's eyes started to drop and he yawned indicating sleepiness.
"Wally?" Megan asked.
"Hm."
"Would you like a lullabye?"
Wally gave her a small smile, "Okay..."
Megan's soft, lyrical voice began to sing.
Little child, be not afraid
The rain pounds harsh against the glass
Like an unwanted stranger
There is no danger
I am here tonight
Little child
Be not afraid
Though thunder explodes
And lightning flash
Illuminates your tearstained face
I am here tonight
And someday you'll know
That nature is so
This same rain that draws you near me
Falls on rivers and land
And forests and sand
Makes the beautiful world that you see
In the morning
Little child
Be not afraid
The storm clouds mask your beloved moon
And its candlelight beams
Still keep pleasant dreams
I am here tonight
Little child
Be not afraid
The wind makes creatures of our trees
And the branches to hands
They're not real, understand
And I am here tonight
And someday you'll know
That nature is so
This same rain that draws you near me
Falls on rivers and land
And forest and sand
Makes the beautiful world that you see
In the morning
For you know, once even I
Was a little child
And I was afraid
But a gentle someone always came
To dry all my tears
Trade sweet sleep the fears
And to give a kiss goodnight
Well, now I am grown
And these years have shown
Rain's a part of how life goes
But it's dark and it's late
So I'll hold you and wait
'til your frightened eyes do close
And I hope that you'll know
That nature is so
This same rain that draws you near me
Falls on rivers and land
And forests and sand
Makes the beautiful world that you see
In the morning
Everything's fine in the morning
The rain will be gone in the morning
But I'll still be here in the morning
As the song came to a close, Wally's breathing evened out in a calming manner. Wally smiled in his sleep as Robin ran his hand through the young speedster's hair.
Artemis chuckled, "It's stressful raising a kid isn't it?" Robin laughed along with her.
Megan clapped her hands happily, "Oh! You're right Artemis! Wally is like our child and we are like a big family."
Kaldur smiled, "A very well thought out observation."
Conner crossed his arms, "Well it's true isn't it? Wally said something similar the other day. He said family wasn't about blood but about having people you care about and care about you in return."
Artemis snickered, "This kid is turning us into a bunch of saps."
Kaldur said, "You may be right but he also has brought us closer together."
Megan chimed, "I like it! I-I enjoy having a family here on earth." Her cheeks resembled a blush.
Artemis smirked, "Yeah, I guess it's not so bad."
Robin smiled softly at the young child in his arms and muttered, "It's the best thing ever. I'm definitely feeling the aster."
Now I realize that his background isn't canon but this is fanfiction for a reason!
I hope you guys enjoyed it!
Bye
~Bri