July catch-all + closed prompts

[otherflash]

who: Wally West and YOU (& others)
what: July catch-all
when: Various points in July
where: bar(s), grocery store, Floor 8, & the abandoned city
warnings: Possible monster fighting? Will update if need be.



[ Open option #1 - A speedster walks into a bar... ]

[ In an effort to build some sort of social life outside of hanging out with his best friend, Wally has taken to visiting some of the bars that had been recommended to him.

He doesn't spend a lot of his time there drinking as he's much more interested in taking part in activities such as playing pool and darts whether it be by himself or with a fellow competitor if the place allows it.

Whatever he is doing, his demeanor is almost always friendly and inviting. Won't you come and be his friend? ]

[ Open option #2 - The hazards of grocery shopping ]

[ Just because things like shopping for groceries is a necessity doesn't mean Wally has to enjoy doing it.

The usually energetic young man moves sluggishly through the grocery store with all of the enthusiasm Batman has for... well, almost anything. Which is to say not a whole lot.

There is a point where he tries to speed up the excruciating slow process which results in him accidentally knocking over a cereal box display, but he immediately taps into his connection to the Speed Force to catch every box of delicious goodness before they hit the ground and resets the display in a matter of seconds.

Hopefully nobody was around to see him super-speed into action. ]

[ Closed to the residents of floor 8 - Catching up with the Fastest Man Alive ]

[ Wally really hasn't spent much time in the place he calls "home" beyond sleeping after returning late at night from his Flash patrol or his duties with the Perimeter Guard before being gone early the next morning.

Him being a constant man in motion also hasn't afforded him much of an opportunity to get to know the eight other people he lives with all that well outside of learning their names and exchanging pleasantries on occasion.

That changes when he does finally get a break in his schedule and decides to use the downtime to set up shop with a huge stack of books and three bowls of popcorn laid out in front of him as he sits cross-legged on the floor in the entertainment area. There hadn't been anyone using it at the time and it was as good a place as any for his activity.

Any of his roommates who stumble upon him will find him quickly flipping through the books at a speed where it would be hard pressed for someone to read a single sentence much less entire pages before placing the books in a pile on either side of him. The truth is he's speed-reading to see if any of the books pique his interest for a later read.

It might sound like a confusing concept, but most of the information he gets while speed-reading is only retained for several minutes before it's gone altogether. This way he won't waste any precious time actually reading a book he won't like. ]

[ Closed to Dick Grayson - Just like old times ]

[ It's amazing how easy it has been for Wally to fall into step with Dick since arriving in Riverview.

You would expect there to be some awkwardness or an adjustment period when dealing with a version of your best friend from a different reality, but the sense of familiarity between the two has been there from the beginning despite their respective histories not exactly matching up with the other's. It's almost like the two haven't skipped a beat.

That sense of familiarity is why Wally has a sneaking suspicion there's an ulterior motive behind his friend's invitation to join him in exploring the abandoned city. It's not uncommon for these little outings of theirs to turn into one part adventure and one part therapy session.

There's just something about being on a mission that makes talking about the personal almost seem impersonal. He'll just have to focus on the task at hand until Dick decides to share what's on his mind if his suspicions are correct.

Their task currently has the duo standing outside of a makeshift entrance to what appears to have been a factory of some sort once upon a time. The opening on the side of the building doesn't look to have been man made, but it's the only way in as the more traditional ways to enter have been blocked off by the luscious vegetation or some other means. ]

This place looks like it might have some useful parts in it or something. Then again, there could be things in there who think we have some useful parts to chew on.

[ With his hands on his hips, Wally grins the type of grin that lets his friend know they're on the cusp of doing something they could potentially regret later. ]

I'm ready to be brave and bold if you are.


[ ooc: if anyone wants to set up something different or has any questions, then go ahead and shoot me a PM! ]

Comments

floor 8

[inebriety]

[Tony may not have known much about Wally, but he could recognise a speedster reading, along with a speedster appetite. He decides to join him on the floor and steal a bowl of popcorn for himself.]

Find anything you like?

[otherflash]

[ Wally puts the murder mystery book he just finished flipping through in the 'no pile' and raises an eyebrow after noticing Tony's popcorn theft. He supposes he can make do with only two bowls for now. ]

Just a few engineering books that might come in handy in the future so far.

[ The collection of books is a rather strange mix. Most are of the traditional genres you'd expect to find such as sci-fi, crime, mystery, and horror to name a few while there's various books on engineering, sciences, and things of that ilk sprinkled in as well.

He never knows when he might need to be an expert on how to build a bridge or something like that for a few minutes. ]

[inebriety]

Anything specific you liked? I'm an engineer.

[Tony rarely bragged. It wasn't something he needed to do when his reputation tended to precede him. Being here it now meant it tended to catch people off guard when he did show off.

He looks at the titles and flicks through some of the pages to acquaint himself to what kind of level Wally might be reading at.]

I see you're a fast learner.

[otherflash]

It was mostly things revolving around chemical engineering with a little thermodynamics thrown in. Probably pretty basic stuff for an engineer like yourself.

[ It's been about five minutes since Wally read the pair of books, and as a result, the actual content inside them have been lost to him for the time being.

He stretches his arms above his head, before grabbing one of the popcorn bowls so he can set it in his lap while Tony inspects the books. His eyes could use a break from scanning the pages and this is as good a time as any. ]

Not quite this fast. Things don't stick around in the old noggin for long when I read like this.

[inebriety]

[Huh, interesting. Despite his efforts to remain aloof and apathetic to most things Tony finds himself intrigued.]

But while they do how well can you remember it? Is it essentially an eidetic memory?

[otherflash]

[ Wally contemplates the question for a moment before nodding. ]

More or less. It might not seem like a great skill considering the short window, but it has its uses. I mean, getting through homework was a breeze.

[ He also has the advantage of super-speed which means he can get a lot done in that short window. ]

#2

[bluechampion]

[Cain had mentioned a 'supermarket' to him before the meeting Ed and Chloe had organized and he had finally gotten around to checking it out.

'Super' seemed like an understatement. The building itself was large, just like the other buildings in the city, but Link had not expected it to really be filled to the brim of food. He didn't know where to look first.

He eventually makes a decision and can be seen just wandering the aisles. He's not picking up anything, at least, not yet. He's just browsing around, a look of complete awe on his face as he looks at every brightly colored label that catches his attention.

Link is in the next aisle when he hears a 'bump,' but by the time he investigates he only finds a red-headed young man by boxes of...something called cereal?

Feeling it only natural to acknowledge the person he had come to investigate, Link smiled and wave.]

Hi.

[otherflash]

[ There's a sheepish smile on Wally's face when Link's friendly greeting draws his attention away from the cereal box display. ]

Hey.

[ He stares at Link for a moment, trying to see if he gives anything away. He doesn't think he was seen, but he can't be sure. Not that it really matters since keeping his powers a secret has become less and less of a priority for him.

Of course there's a possibility the guy just wants to get a box of cereal and Wally is currently a roadblock to him doing that. ]

Am I in your way...?

[bluechampion]

No, not at all.

[Link's gaze is taken by the rows upon rows of brightly colored cardboard boxes, each with their own little mascot or logo. It takes Link a minute to remember that he had addressed someone and probably shouldn't let himself get lost in the advertising.]

Have you ever seen anything like this place? I didn't expect it to be so big!

[otherflash]

[ Wally notes Link's apparent astonishment at their surroundings with an amused expression on his face. ]

You mean supermarkets? They're pretty common where I come from.

[ He fully relaxes, thinking he's in the clear as far as his little mishap is concerned. The other guy is just fascinated by the store. ]

I take it you're not from a version of Earth?

[bluechampion]

Really? You're lucky to find a shop at all where I'm from.

[They were only in the larger villages, though some merchants traveled around selling different ingredients. Even so, there were usually only a handful of things to choose from. Nothing like this.]

No. Hyrule is a lot different.

[Link was completely oblivious to any shenanigans that could have taken place before he entered the aisle.

He picked up a box of cereal from the shelf and gave it a closer look.]

How do you eat this? Is that...milk?

[The picture on the box showed a blown-up version of the cereal being drenched in milk. What a strange cuisine. Link didn't know how that could possibly taste good, but he wanted to try it all the same.]

\o/

[fingerstripes]

[ Wally's the type the table the harder conversations. To fly headfirst into every new situation without ever taking a minute to decompress, and really Dick gets that. He respects it, and he cares for Wally enough to want to give him that space. He hasn't pressed, because as much as he wants to know he recognizes that pressing won't help Wally get there any faster.

And if he's honest, there's a part of him that wants to cling hard to that easy, effortless familiarity between them. The friend he's missed dearly. A friend he doesn't want to risk alienating.

But Wally does a lot for him, just by being there. By being a callback to the place he belongs. The only one other than Clark who doesn't look at him every day and wish he was someone else. He wants to be there for him too.

The pace of life here is never not going to run fast, and so he'd seized the rare moment of relative quiet to propose an extended trek, just the two of them. At last he's prepared to try a little gentle prodding, if Wally's ready to come out with it.

But first things first. Dick's makes a show of giving the question serious consideration. ]

Dare I ask if you'd care to do a speed check? Unless we're taking it on faith that we're not walking into an ambush.

[ No one ever said light ribbing was off the table. ]

[otherflash]

[ The ribbing is to be expected. It wouldn't be them without it. ]

I just thought we'd try something different this time. But if you insist.

[ Wally offers Dick a playful salute before disappearing into the entrance in a rush of wind.

He quickly speeds and maneuvers through the multiple floor building in search of any nasty surprises they could potentially encounter once they are both inside. He even makes sure to vibrate his way through one of the walls on the ground floor that leads outside when he finishes his sweep of the building so he can do a quick scan of the perimeter as well.

All of that and returning to Dick's side is accomplished in the time it would take someone to tie their shoes. ]

It smells like something lived and died in there, but I didn't see anything. The lighting is decent enough in most places. And, before you ask, the perimeter is all clear.

[ Man, he almost forgot just how much fun this could be. ]

We good to go now?

[fingerstripes]

I wasn't gonna ask. [ Lies, he absolutely was, and Wally knows him all too well. The little smile he tosses back over his shoulder says as much.

But it'll never really get old to see Wally work his magic, and he'd be lying if he said that hadn't been part of the motivation there too. ]

Let's start with the ground floor. With any luck we'll make bank on whatever's left in the basement.

[ And less chance there sending the top floors tumbling down on top of them, should the structural integrity of the place fail to hold up.

He'll know if it starts to fall in. But it's Wally he has to count on to get them out in time. There's no one he'd trust to pull it off more. ]

[otherflash]

[ Wally smirks and raises a knowing eyebrow after Dick proclaims he wasn't going to ask with that smile of his. ]

Sure you weren't, pal.

[ The smirk stays on his face as he nods his consent to Dick's plan and makes his way to the entrance once again.

The first thing he notices upon entering the building is the smell attacking his nostrils much more viciously than when he rushed through before. The second thing he notices is the cobwebs and the broken chairs/tables littering what could have only been the break room for those who worked in the factory that is serving as their entry point.

He wonders just how long it has been since this place has been inhabited by another person. ]

Have I ever told you that you take me to the loveliest of places? [ It had to be said as he gingerly walks around a pile of glass lying on he floor. ] We need go left in the hallway outside this room because the other way is blocked off around the corner.

[fingerstripes]

Well, what can I say? You don't tend to be much help when it comes to picking destinations. [ He glances back at Wally mostly to see if the barb landed, though the affection there probably neutralizes the perception of any venom.

In all likelihood he'd worried for nothing. Projecting his own restlessness and doubt where he shouldn't, which he knows isn't really fair.

Still, the feeling nags. Dick moves around the glass carefully, following Wally's instructions without question. ]

Speaking of which- [ Or really not. ]

How've you been holding up so far?

#1

[anotheroldsoldier]

[Bucky comes in for a drink once in a while after patrols. He's still in his Guard uniform, though in the July heat, he's down to the olive green and brown mottled pants and thin black t-shirt, jacket shoved into the gym bag sitting inside his shield on the floor. He's still sweat-damp and a little ruffled from being outside, enjoying a cold beer, when he recognizes Wally. Well, 'recognizes', they've only spoken once on the network, but he makes it a habit to know at least somewhat who is working for Search and Rescue with him.

He seems open to the company, and god knows Bucky needs to socialize a bit too, so he turns on the bar stool and gives him a wry grin.] Darts? Loser buys the next round.

[otherflash]

[ Unlike Bucky, Wally is dressed in civilian attire which consists of a plain blue t-shirt and jeans. His shift with the Perimeter Guard ended about a half-hour ago and that has been plenty of time for the decompression mode to get underway.

He greets Bucky's challenge with a friendly smile and a nod in the direction of the dart board. The two may have only talked the one time, but he has seen the other man around work enough to be able to put a face with the voice and name. ]

I could use a free drink.

[anotheroldsoldier]

[Bucky snorts as he heads over that way to pick up a handful of darts.] Someone's confident. Here I was thinkin' the same thing. [Nothing wrong with a friendly challenge with some easy stakes to get to know someone. He's a little rusty when it comes to socializing, and having something to do with his hands helps immensely.]

[otherflash]

[ Wally already has his darts in hand and begins to twirl one around his fingers with a cheeky grin. ]

Then I guess one of us is going to be disappointed when this is over.

[ He happens to be a highly competitive person by nature, but that's more so with the people he knows rather than with relative strangers unless they really prod him. These outings are all about having fun and getting to know people as he's always been more of an outgoing person.

He still really wants to win, though. ]

You wanna take the first throw?

[ 2 ]

[supersweet]

[ Jon was mainly here to pick up his cereal. His dad shouldn't have to bear all of that and Jon likes wandering the aisles (and thinking of foods to bully his dad into buying later). He blinks, watching The Flash!! struggle. Maybe he's not the only person who struggles with his powers. ]

Are you okay?

[otherflash]

[ Wally rubs the back of his head, a sign of his embarrassment, as he realizes Jon saw his little mishap. ]

Yeah, I'm fine. Though I should probably watch where I'm going in the future. [ A lackadaisical speedster can be a dangerous one. ]

[supersweet]

[ Jon nods. It happens. ]

I didn't know stuff like that could happen to you.

[otherflash]

[ Wally jerks a thumb at the cereal box display behind him. ]

You mean that? You should have seen me back when I first got my powers.

[supersweet]

[ His curiousity is piqued. ]

What happened?