Years And Years (Birdflash)

Scientist

Wally hates Thanksgiving. On the way to Blue Valley he comes up with a list of reasons why they shouldn't celebrate it and he shouldn't come.

"Genocide, Barry. This is a celebration of genocide."

Barry sighs. He's heard this exact sentence from his nephew seventeen times this week. He recites his usual reply, "I know, and it's terrible. I don't like it either. But this is one of the few times in the year we visit Grandpa Ira. He loves seeing you. You know that."

Grandpa Ira is a famous physicist and is an all round good guy. Wally thinks he's the best, even if he is a bit...forgetful and muddled in his old age. Sometimes forgets how old Wally is. Also sometimes forgets that Wally doesn't live with Mary and Rudy anymore. That particular mistake happens less than it used to.

"Yeah, but my parents don't. I don't know if you guys realise how terrible the rest of the family is aside from Grandpa."

"Wally..." Iris says.

"Iris, you hate them too! I know you do!" Wally exclaims from the back of the car, "Dick doesn't have to deal with this. Or Donna. Or Garth."

"Dick doesn't have any biological family and Garth and Donna don't celebrate thanksgiving."

"Yeah, cuz it's genocide."

Barry is contemplating asking Iris to pull over and let Wally run home.

"Why don't we go to Jay and Joan's like we do for Christmas? And bring Grandpa with us? Jay and Grandpa would get on really we-"

"Chocolates. There's chocolates in the compartment under your seat. You can eat them if you stop complaining," Iris snaps. Wally immediately goes silent, then reaches for the chocolates that he was previously unaware of.

"And eat them slowly."

They arrive at Grandpa Ira's house and there's a lot of fake smiles on Wally's behalf. He sees his dad sitting in the living room. They ignore each other. His mom says hello to him, so he says hello back in the name of politeness. It's an awkward greeting with no hug to go with it.

Iris had told Wally months back that his parents are working through a divorce. He doesn't know why his mom bothered to come. Wally knows that his parents had previous problems in their relationship, but can't help feeling like a big part of it is his fault.

Wally greets his grandpa with a genuine smile. Ira is a little confused for a second and almost calls him Rudy - a reminder to Wally that the older he gets the more he looks like his dad - but corrects himself. Wally takes a seat in the dining room next to him. Dinner isn't on the table yet and won't be for at least another few hours.

"Ru...Wallace! How's your science going?"

"Pretty good. I got an A+ in my last physics test. I'm not as good at chemistry and biology, but Barry helps me with those. It's handy having a forensic scientist around."

They chat for a while, Wally tells him about using his friends as test subjects for his science projects and the like. Ira tells Wally stories that he's heard several times before, but he doesn't interrupt him.

Iris comes into the dining room with a pile of plates, "I was kicked out of the kitchen. Can you help me set the table?"

"Why? Dinner won't be for a few more hours," Wally says.

Iris shrugs, "I have nothing else to do. If I go into the living room it's quite possible that I'll kill your father."

"Go ahead."

Iris gives him a look, but doesn't comment on his remark. He's somewhat entitled to it. Grandpa Ira ignores the exchange. She walks out and Barry walks in. He pulls out a chair and sits in it.