The confusion of secret identities...

[_bird_of_flame_]

Bette slips into the room and leans back against the doorframe, looking toward Jesse and Wally. Pressing her lips together, she looks at them for a moment before she says, "Hey. I didn't mean to be all dramatic like but I wanted to be able to see you two. And, you know, I want to figure something out

Comments

[fleet_feet]

Wally's in Jesse's kitchen, where speedsters are often found, throwing together several things to munch on, when Bette drops the question that instantaneously forms a tight knot in his belly.

This is where the amazing dream he's been living is going to derail, he just knows it. Talking about feelings is an unavoidable sign.

He knew it was going to have to fall apart eventually, but...

He swallows down the nerves.

"Uh... okay. Who should it be?"

[_bird_of_flame_]

"Well, we all went to the concert together but that's just once, right? And Jesse Quick and Wally West have totally dated before, so that's cool too. Is The Flash dating anyone?" Bette is getting that crinkle between her browse as she thinks it through.

[_bird_of_flame_]

"well, Jesse and Wally have dated before, so that shouldn't be a big deal at all. We all went to the concert together but that's okay because one time birthday things are understandable, right?" Bette's brows draw together a bit in that crinkling way they have.

"Is The Flash dating anyone?"

[fleet_feet]

"Oh!"

Wasn't even thinking that.

"Um... depends on who you talk to? I think a good chunk o' folks up Watchtower way know I'm with Jesse, I think... you guys would know more about the JSA and the Titans than me... but as far as the general public? No. Ain't nobody's business."

Later

[3x2_9yz_4a]

The door creaks open downstairs as Jesse steps back inside, letting it close softly behind her as she looks around.

It didn't feel quite right to dash back in, so she takes her time, setting keys back into a bowl on a side table.

The house is fairly quiet and Jesse calls out hesitantly, a take-out bag swinging from one hand, "Hello?" A few steps towards the kitchen.

"I brought conciliatory cheese steaks..."

[fleet_feet]

The DVD menu of "A Few Good Men" is on her big-screen TV in the living room, with Bette and Wally both curled up on separate couches, having apparently dozed off in their attempts to distract themselves from angst.

Wally's eyes poke up from the edge of the couch, open wide and worried as they look to Jesse for a quiet moment. Before sheepishly speaking softly...

"I like cheese steaks..."

[3x2_9yz_4a]

"You're still here." She sags a little in place, some of the tension bleeding away at the sight of both of them stationed in the living room.

Holding out the bag in front of her, she steps around the couch and, with a quick glance over at Bette, sits down next to Wally.

"I know it's not a traditional peace offering, but I figured that you were hungry. And Bette could be convinced." The double handful of sandwiches is offered up to him.

[_bird_of_flame_]

Bette mumbles something as she shifts position on the couch. She rarely wakes gracefully. "Nnnnn... whuh...?

[_bird_of_flame_]

"Jesse..."

They're moving quickly and Bette isn't sure if they're going to one of the Titans' bases or her apartment. "Please, Jesse. I don't want you to feel bad because I feel bad because this is the right thing for you and Wally to do and I want you to be happy."

"Can you just take me home?"

It would be better than getting on a plane.

[3x2_9yz_4a]

"Of course I can."

It doesn't take long before the two of them are in front of her apartment building, tucked away in the shadows of a nearby stand of trees.

Jesse fidgets, scuffing her boot heel in the dirt.

"Whether it's the right thing or not, we're all going to be unhappy. Just don't forget that no matter what, you're still my friend, and I love you very much."

[_bird_of_flame_]

"I know I'm going to be unhappy. I don't know for how long... I... You and Wally can't feel guilty about this. I made the choice to get in and I'm making it to get out." Bette looks down at the ground for a moment, "I love you too, Jesse. I just .... I just want you two to be happy."

[3x2_9yz_4a]

Leaning in, Jesse kisses Bette lightly on the cheek, resting her forehead against hers for a brief moment.

"Did you want me to stay? We can curl up on the couch, eat something that's bad for us, and watch the Spice Girls movie?"

[3x2_9yz_4a]

It seemed to be the order of the night -- Jesse coming back to her house unhappy and discontent.

Coming back in, Jesse heads into the living room, hoping that Wally was still there.

"Wally?"

[fleet_feet]

"Up here!" comes the voice from her bedroom.

Where Wally has just finished brushing his teeth and getting ready for bed, wearing nice monogrammed pajamas she got him a couple Christmases ago.

It's been an exhausting day.

[3x2_9yz_4a]

She's up in the bathroom a second later, cheating a little with the Speed Force to get herself ready for bed.

Dressed in a Gotham University sleep shirt, Jesse literally falls into bed with a deep and tired sigh.

"I'm glad that you're still here."

[fleet_feet]

"No place I'd rather be," he returns, lying on his back and gazing up at the ceiling as he pulls her close and wraps an arm around her.

He stops short of saying 'none of us should have to be alone tonight.' Because it hurts too much to think about how hard this will be on Bette.

If it will be at all... she seemed resigned to the inevitability of this, and apparently grasped the situation better than he ever did...