MASK OR MENACE IC INBOX

[runningstart]

WALLY WEST
"You've reached the personal voice mail of the Wall-man. The honor is yours! Leave your deets, I'll holla back atcha."
[ BEEP. ]

KID FLASH
"This is the contact for Kid Flash. If it's an emergency, call Robin; he'll know where I am. Otherwise, leave your info and I'll get you back ASAP."
[ BEEP. ]


[ voice | text | email | action ]

( Please specify in tag subject line if the contact is for Wally West or Kid Flash! )

Comments

[runningstart]

[Wally heaves a sigh through his nose, but that he's not just running his mouth immediately at least means he's thinking about it. He is, he really is. And he gets what Dick is trying to say; no matter how urgent the issue, wrecking himself now isn't going to help. The brain operates in a diminished capacity when low on sleep, when stressed out and hungry and etc etc. He knows that. Basic biology.]

You know I threw up? A few days ago.

[performance]

What? What happened?

[runningstart]

I dunno, man. I was eating, and then I started freaking out and then I just kind of. Puked, right there in the kitchen trash. It was gross.

...I haven't thrown up in years.

[performance]

Dude...

[ Dick finally untangles himself from the hug, sliding around to sit as best he can on the arm of Wally's chair. He leaves one arm draped over Wally's shoulders as he looks down at him. ]

Kind of sounds like you had a panic attack. That's normal. Especially given the circumstances.

[runningstart]

[Wally leans over to make room.] Yeah, I guess it was. [He's all calm about it now. Or maybe he's just tired.] Anyway. Point is, I get what you're saying. This...isn't gonna work out forever.

[performance]

Yeah... no one can sustain that kind of tension forever. You'll burn up.

... I miss seeing you happy, that's all. It seems like half of you is always somewhere else lately. And it's weird. I mean, you always threw yourself completely into everything you did. That's part of what drew me to you when we first met — you know, a million years ago.

[runningstart]

Ah geez, Rob, don't. [Wally turns his face away, scrubbing a hand through his hair. Robin is right, of course; Wally's schoolwork and research has been suffering because of the lack of sleep and his inability to pay attention. He even had his science teacher hold him after class to ask if everything was all right at home.]

[performance]

[ Dick lifts a hand to his own hair, mirroring Wally's gesture. He squeezes his friend's shoulder with his other hand. ]

No, dude, I think you need to hear this. I've known you longer than anyone here.

[runningstart]

[Wally scrubs at his face until his cheeks are red.]

Okay...yeah, fine, okay. I know what you're saying, I get it. So what should I do about this? If I can't fix this problem right away, what can I do?

[performance]

Until we can figure this out? I don't know, dude... try and find the stuff that makes life worth living again.

[runningstart]

[Right. The stuff that makes it worth living. Just trying to fight off your own death isn't enough; otherwise, people wouldn't be able to get old and pass away peacefully, right?]

...like endless breadsticks. And Beyonce.

[performance]

[ Dick can't help a little laugh, the corner of his mouth quirking up as he huffs. ]

Yeah! And making our roombas knife fight, and videos of dogs falling off couches. And you and me dressing up as a centaur for Halloween.

[runningstart]

Okay for the last time dude I am not gonna be the butt. You're the butt.

[performance]

I'll agree to a 50-50 butt custody arrangement, but it's a one-time offer.

[runningstart]

I'll rock-paper-scissors you for butt duty. [haha butt doodie]

[performance]

Really? And here I am trying to be fair about it...