Dinner (A Birdflash Fanfiction)

Dinner

"Dude, it's just dinner," Dick said, his credit hard already halfway out of his wallet. "It's not like I'm buying you a Ferrari."

Wally was staring at Dick's wallet with a scowl. He had been laughing a moment ago, right up until the problem of paying for the meal had arisen. Despite having learned how to handle Wally's speedster-augmented mood swings after years of practise, Dick still found them rather disconcerting.

"You always pay when we go out," Wally said sourly. "It's just... I don't know. Insulting."

Dick blinked, confused. "I don't understand. It's just money."

Wally slumped forward, his elbow on the table and his chin on his hand. "Easy for you to say. You've got the stuff coming out your ass."

Dick raised an eyebrow at the vulgarity. "Look, if it bothers you that much, you can pay me back later. They don't split bills here. I'll be back in a minute."

While Dick went to the counter to pay with his credit card, Wally sorted through the cash in his own wallet. The restaurant wasn't particularly expensive, but he had eaten a lot and he grimaced as he added up the cost in his head. Regardless, he wasn't going to let Dick just pay for him again. It was a painful reminder of how much money Dick had and Wally didn't.

Dick returned, shoving his wallet back into his pocket. "I was going to suggest taking a walk, but you don't look like you're in the mood."

Wally stuffed his money back into his wallet, not meeting Dick's eyes. "I don't have enough cash on me."

Dick waved a hand. "Forget about it. My treat."

"Dick..."

"How about you pay next time?" Dick suggested quickly. "There was that movie you wanted to see. The cinema in Gotham has a two-for-one deal going on right–"

"Fine. Whatever." Wally put his wallet away and helped Dick put on his coat. It was an utterly inadequate gesture after Dick had just paid for him again, but there wasn't a whole lot Wally could do. Besides, it saved him from having to see Dick's disappointed expression at his lack of enthusiasm.

"We don't have to go," Dick said quietly, picking up his scarf. Wally pulled on his own coat, already feeling bad for making Dick feel bad. He sometimes forgot that Dick was barely even fifteen and a lot more vulnerable than most people realised.

Wally reached out for Dick's hand, giving it a squeeze. "It's cool. How's next weekend sound?"

"I'll have to ask Bruce," Dick said, just like always, but his whole face had lit up at Wally's words. "As long as nothing, you know, comes up, it should be fine."

Wally managed a small smile. "Awesome. So, uh, what were you saying about a walk?"