riverviewlogs | [ catchall ]

[ Jon takes it gratefully. He has a large appetite, much like his father but he knows his manners. ]

Yeah. I'm gonna . . . be Superboy more often now that dad's gone. I helped with the Communal Housing fire when it happened.

[ Wally briefly wonders how Clark would feel about Jon being more active as Superboy. The impression he had gotten from his conversation with Big Blue back home was that he was very protective of Jon despite his inherent capabilities, but things are quite different here. ]

You did? I missed that particular source of excitement since I was stuck doing something outside the wall. I heard it was pretty hectic.

[ Considering how damaged the building was when he came back, he doesn't doubt it one bit. ]

[ Probably not all that pleased, though he might handle it better knowing Damian was around. Those were the terms of their agreement. That, and bedtimes. ]

It was pretty rough. But I managed okay and I got a lot of people out.

[ At least Jon has the whole Kryptonian invulnerability thing going for him which eases Wally's own concerns. Slightly. ]

I'm sure you handled it like a champ. I bet the people you helped think so, too. Just remember it's okay to ask for help if things get too rough in the future.

[ Jon fiddles with his shirt. ]

I know. I just — I needed to do it on my own.

[ Wally forces a smile onto his face. He isn't trying to admonish the boy or anything. ]

I get feeling like you need to do it on your own. But you know how us adults like to worry.

[ He sighs, running a hand through his hair. Time to get to the heart of the matter that is Clark's abrupt exit from this place. ]

Speaking of which, how have you been doing? I know you're probably tired of answering that question, but I feel I have to ask it.

It's fine. I mean . . . he's Superman.

[ What else could Jon say? He can't even resent it. And he doesn't. His father loves him. He knew that Clark would do anything to get him. What more can be said in the face of that? ]

[ Wally nods in response. ]

That he is. It doesn't make this stink any less, though. It's okay to be bummed out about it; not that you have to be.

[ He brushes a few food crumbs off his lap. Why does it feel like he's floundering here? ]

I'm just saying that whatever you are feeling, it's okay and important. We don't have to talk about it, but you should know that.

[ Jon looks away. Bucky's reaction had been really extreme compared to Jon's, but Jon always had his father. And would continue to have him even though he's here and not at home. It's hard to put into words. ]

I do. I think I just dunno what to say. Or if I should say anything. It's not gonna change.

[ That... is something Wally really can't disagree with. ]

Fair enough. [ He offers Jon a small smile. ] I'm always up for a run if you ever need to clear your head.

[ That's always been his preferred method when dealing with things he doesn't want and/or can't express with words. ]

Are you gonna let me win?

[ Because otherwise, he's gonna lose. His dad is fast. The Flash is faster. ]

[ Wally chuckles at that. They don't call the Flashes the fastest people alive for nothing. ]

It doesn't always have to be a race. Sometimes a run can just be a run. Some of the best times I have had was just running with the other Flash to nowhere in particular.

Oh.

[ Jon smiles tentatively. ]

I guess that wouldn't be too bad.

[ This time Wally's sigh is of the relief variety. The talk turned out going better than he expected. ]

So... living with Damian must be fun. [ Not an awkward transition at all. ]

[ Definitely awkward. Jon squints at Wally briefly before letting it go. ]

It's . . . different. But it's not bad. At least he's not sneaking into my room anymore.

[ Nobody can really blame Wally for not wanting to linger on the 'disappeared dad' subject any longer than he had to considering he has no new insights or words for Jon. And, there is a reason for why he has taken the conversation in this particular direction. ]

That definitely sounds like a bonus. I can't say I'm too surprised he'd do something like that, though.

[ He digs into his bag, pulling the frisbee out at one point, before emerging with a few juice boxes in hand. That is what one brings to drink on a picnic with a ten year-old, no? ]

The place isn't too crowded with them there now, is it?

It's just Dick and Damian.

[ Crowded wasn't the right word for it, though Jon with his fairly limited vocabulary, isn't sure how to put it in words. He purses his lips as he takes another bite of his sandwich. ]

It's weird, but it's not bad. I guess it's because they live very differently from the way my mom and dad do. I don't think they get curfews.

It's not their fault. I mean, having Batman for a dad makes things a little weird.

[ There's a slight grin on Wally's face as he sets the juice boxes down in front of them except for one. Using the straw, he pokes a whole into the juice box he's still holding and takes a sip. ]

I mentioned to Dick that I was thinking about finding somewhere else to live, and he suggested I could stay with you guys for a while. Would that be okay with you and Annie?

[ Jon beams. ]

Sure! Dad would have been fine with it too. Annie's getting used to visitors anyway.

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