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The day was off to a good start. The hot summer sun was mercilessly heating the earth, making the city sweltering. And it was also holidays, and Dick and Wally had successfully spent most of their time outside, most often walking around Central City. It was almost never quiet in Gotham, and right now the two teenagers just wanted to relax and take their minds off things. Right now, though, they still had to go back to Barry's apartment, who had been urgently called back to work on her day off. She couldn't refuse, but she didn't want to separate Wally and Dick either.... There was a certain problem that made it impossible for Bruce's son to stay in their home.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Wally flew into the apartment, puzzled by the sudden call from Allen Sr.
"Wally! I beg you very much to sit with Viola. I have to leave right away, and the only one I can leave her with is you." Barry ran around the apartment at super speed, trying to get dressed and style her unruly hair at the same time. "I'm sorry it's so sudden."
"It's okay, it's not your fault." Wally smiled. Barry stopped for a second and smacked him on the top of his redhead.
"Sorry again, I know you and Dick had a big day planned today." Barry ruffled her son's hair.
"That's okay, he understands." Wally nodded a few times for reassurance, then continued more quietly. "Mom... Did you think about what I asked earlier?"
"I... Wally, listen..." Barry shrugged uncertainly and rubbed her neck nervously. "You know I don't mind, it's just..."
"You don't want Bruce to find out, I know. But it's Dick, my best friend! I'm sure he wouldn't tell if I asked him to." Wally walked Barry to the door, looking puppy-eyed.
"Wally, I trust you. And your gut, too. And I know Dick's a good man. Have it your way." Barry smiled and looked at her watch. "I'm late already! Come on, sweetie, I'll see you later!"
Barry disappeared in a flash and the disgruntled hiss of the driveway door opening was heard. Wally grinned and picked up his phone, dialing his friend's number. It was time to introduce him to someone.
***
Dick arrived twenty minutes later, masterfully opening the door and stepping inside the apartment. Wally greeted him cheerfully and invited him into the kitchen.
"Why the sudden invitation? You wouldn't think it, I'm glad." Dick arched an eyebrow questioningly, taking a seat at the table.
"There's someone I want to show you. But before I do, I want to ask you for one promise." Wally sat down next to him, running his hands over his braid.
"And?"
"Well... You can promise me... Whatever you see or hear here, you have to keep it a secret. From everyone. Especially from your father."
"That sounds strange." Dick scrutinized Wally.
"I know it does. But Barry said she trusts me. And I trust you. And that's why I'm asking you."
"Then I promise. Not a word to anyone."
Wally glowed with joy and gave his friend a quick hug. Then just as quickly he let him go and dashed into the other room. A swarming sound was heard and a few dozen seconds later Wally came out of the room with a baby in his arms.
It was a dark-haired girl, about five years old. She met the shocked Dick's gaze and tilted her head slightly to the side, clutching her hands harder around Wally's neck.
"Dick, meet Violetta, my sister. Viola, this is Dick, my best friend." Wally sat up again, placing the girl on his lap.
"Sister?" Dick shifted his gaze incredulously from Wally to Viola. Then hummed and leaned over slightly, smiling good-naturedly. "Nice to meet you, Viola."
"She's a little shy around strangers, sorry." Wally smiled, feeling the girl snuggle tighter against him.
"It's okay." Dick shook his head and looked intently into his friend's eyes. "I figured right that she's a daughter..." He shifted his gaze uncertainly to the child. "That she's my sister too."
"Son of a detective, what can I take from you." Wally snorted, but nodded. "Yes. And that's why I'm asking you to keep it a secret."
"I made a promise. And to disappoint your trust, or Barry's trust, I have no intention of disappointing you."
"Thank you, Dick. I knew I could count on you."
Wally and Dick looked over and smiled at each other while Viola eyed the dark-haired boy interestedly. Another brother?
***
After a few hours Dick and Viola became friends, but Wally was not surprised at this. Dick had always been good with children and could talk himself right up. The three of them managed to eat, watch two movies, and put the girl to bed. Barry called a couple of times, but after hearing that all was quiet and Dick had responded well, she calmed down and wished the boys a good time (and apologized a couple more times, which was in her nature).
After that day, Dick and Wally started staying at Barry's house much more often so that Barry could go off to work or heroics in peace. It was no surprise that Bruce told his sons about the secret identities of the entire League so that they would be prepared for emergencies. Wally and Barry were both happy and not happy about it, but the situation was expected.
And everything would have been fine going forward if not for an explosion that occurred not far from their home. Some supervillain had once again decided that his powers were enough to overpower all the superheroes. It wasn't uncommon, but the tremor caused an earthquake that caused some houses to tilt. Wally and Dick decided not to take any chances and taking Viola with them, the three of them retreated outside and tried to get as far away as possible. Wally didn't think of using super speed because he didn't know how Viola would react to it. Normal people got motion sickness and he didn't dare experiment. They got far enough away and exhaled quietly, taking a seat on a bench in some park. This part of town was quiet, though there were hardly any people around either. Viola was gazing uninterestedly at the trees and colorful beds of flowers, while Dick and Wally were discussing the fact that they were not allowed to go on missions. To be exact, Wally was not allowed, and Dick was overprotected.
They sat like that until evening, and had it not been for an expensive car parked right beside them, the teenagers would not have noticed how dark it was. Wally jumped up, pulling Viola close to him, and Dick frowned grudgingly, also getting up and stepping forward.Dick and Wally glanced over. "We're in trouble."
The car door opened and out stepped ... Bruce Wayne himself. Wally excitedly started stomping his foot at an incredible speed, taking a couple steps behind his friend. He wanted to run far away, but he can't leave his friend alone in trouble, can he?
***
"I hope you'll explain to me what this is all about." Bruce glanced glumly around at the subdued teenagers, paying particular attention to the child who sat in Wally's arms.
"Hi to you too Dad." Dick tried to dilute the atmosphere so it wasn't so oppressive. "Finished with that guy who wrecked the town yet?"
"Yes, we did, and a long time ago. Don't change the subject, Richard. Barry's freaking out because she can't find you two." Bruce noted some details in his head in amazement, still considering the girl.
"It's not like we told her we were leaving..." Wally stretched out guiltily, digging through his pockets with one hand and not finding his phone. Apparently he'd left it at the apartment. "Uh... Thank you, Mr. Bruce? Then we'd better get back and not alarm mom any more."
"I already let her know where you are." Wayne Sr. folded his arms across his chest and three seconds after he said that, a red flash appeared next to the teens.
Barry hugged the kids, wailing quickly and softly about something. Wally guiltily hugged her back, and Dick, who hadn't expected to be raked into the hug, smiled awkwardly.
"You scared the hell out of me! We've got half the neighborhood blown away and I don't even know where you are!" Allen was finally able to bring her thoughts into meaningful speech and took Viola from Wally's arms. "Didn't even leave a note!"
"I'm sorry, mom. We didn't think somehow." Wally shrugged awkwardly, quickly shifting his gaze from Bruce standing nearby to Viola and Barry. "And..."
"I'll be fine. You go home and I'll talk to him." Barry tucked a strand of Viola's hair and handed it back to Wally.
"I'd suggest the Wayne Manor instead of the shabby town. We have enough rooms for everyone, and you and I have some serious conversation to have as well." Bruce cut into the conversation and looked at all three of them carefully.
Dick and Wally glanced over at an unsure Barry. She just sighed and nodded. Arguing with the Waynes was a waste of time.