Wally and Amadeus finally arrived at the shop on 23rd Street. Wally skidded to a stop, dust kicking up around their feet.
Wally gently lowered Amadeus to the ground.
Wally: Stay there, Br-I mean… Amadeus. I need to talk to Mr. Zelinsky.
Amadeus nodded and sat on the steps, swinging his legs like this was just another normal Tuesday.
Wally took a deep breath, fixed his hair, and pushed open the door to the tailor shop. A little bell jingled above him.
Wally: Hello! Anybody home? Mister Zelinsky?
He called out, stepping further inside.
The shop was quiet. Too quiet.
Wally frowned.
Wally (shout): Hello? I need a suit preferably one that won't get obliterated!
A hand tapped his shoulder.
Wally shrieked like a kettle being thrown into a bonfire.
Wally (scream in terror): AHHHHHHHHH!!
He spun around mid-yell, nearly vibrating the floor.
Standing behind him, calm as a monk, was Leo Zelinsky in his apron, holding a measuring tape like a weapon of wisdom.
Zelinsky (raising an eyebrow): …You done?
Wally froze, regaining his composure as if he hadn't just screamed like a terrified goat.
Wally (awkward): Y-Yeah. Sorry... Uh… Mr. Zelinsky? I need a new suit.
Zelinsky nodded once.
Zelinsky (mock): I know... I saw the billboard. Everyone saw the billboard. You looked terrible in that photo, by the way.
Outside, Amadeus snorted loudly enough for Wally to hear.
Wally annoyed at first but ignore it as he followed Zelinsky into the equipment room, the smell of fabric, leather, and old metal tools hanging in the air. The walls were stacked with half-finished superhero suits, mannequins, goggles, belts, and scraps of armor plating. Zelinsky sat down on one of the old rolling chairs and spun slightly before stopping himself with a foot.
Zelinsky: Come with me, boy.
Wally stepped forward, hands behind his back, feeling like he was about to get scolded by a teacher.
Zelinsky: You're name, boy?
Wally: Wallace Rudolph West?
Zelinsky raised a brow.
Zelinsky:Long name for a kid who looks like he runs everywhere. Tell me your height and your weight.
Wally swallowed, nervous for no reason.
Wally: I'm around 6'0, about 185 pounds.
Zelinsky nodded slowly, mumbling numbers under his breath, probably already calculating suit measurements. He snapped his fingers.
Zelinsky (confused): So what color do you want, kid?
Wally took a shaky breath, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a folded paper. He handed it to Zelinsky like it was an exam he wasn't sure he passed. Zelinsky unfolded it and stared at the drawing, then at Wally, then back at the drawing.
Zelinsky (quite shocked): Hmm. Not bad. Nice detail, kiddo. You want this color?
Wally nodded quickly.
Wally (shout): Yes, sir!
Zelinsky leaned back in his chair, tapping his chin.
Zelinsky: It'll be around 100,000 dollars to make a suit like this… but since I have some very good material lying around… strong, flexible, practically indestructible… I think 500 dollars will be good.
Wally's eyes widened, relieved.
Zelinsky: Good deal, yes? Now let's make you look like a real hero?
3 HOURS LATER
Three hours passed, the soft hum of sewing machines filling the shop. Wally had fallen asleep on a chair, arms crossed and head tilted back, mouth slightly open. Amadeus sat on the floor beside him, legs crossed, munching on cookies from a paper bag he found on the counter.
Zelinsky finally stepped out of the back room, wiping his hands on a cloth. The door creaked just enough to jolt Wally awake. He sat up, dazed.
Wally (dazed and confused asf): Huh… wha… I wasn't sleeping…
Zelinsky ignored him and tossed a folded bundle of fabric at him.
Zelinsky: It's ready. Go. Comfort room. Now.
Wally caught the suit mid-air with a quick whoosh, vanished, and in one second the bathroom door slammed shut with a metallic click. Amadeus blinked, still chewing.
Amadeus: That fast?
One second later, the door unlocked and Wally stepped out.
The tight yellow top hugged his torso perfectly, smooth and flexible like it was part of him. The high collar and long sleeves made him look streamlined. The red lightning symbol on his chest gleamed under the shop lights. His gloves matched the deep red of his fitted pants, which looked built for pure speed. His boots were gold with red accents, firm and supportive. The yellow mask fit snugly, covering the upper half of his face while letting his hair stick out.
Amadeus stared, crumbs on his cheeks.
Amadeus (mumbling): That way fast to wear clothes?
Wally stretched his arms, twisted his torso, then flexed with a proud grin.
Wally (smirk): Good. Now I feel so fast. And I can flex easily with this one.
Zelinsky crossed his arms, satisfied.
Zelinsky: I used a specialized tri-weave fabric, heat-resistant and friction-proof. Won't tear, won't burn, and it won't slow you down. Reinforced seams, micro-stretch fibers, and shock-absorbing layers in the boots. That suit can handle lightning, speed, and a whole lot of trouble. Treat it well, kid.
Wally admired himself again, unable to hide his excitement.
Wally: This… this is perfect! But first! lemme try something before i pay you old man!
Before Zelinsky could react, Wally vanished in a streak of yellow and red. The shop door flew open and slammed shut behind the blur. Amadeus nearly dropped his cookie.
Two seconds later, Wally reappeared in the exact same spot, not a hair out of place. He casually placed five hundred dollars on the counter.
Wally (grinning): Here you go, Mr. Zelinsky.
Amadeus blinked at the cash, jaw slightly open.
Amadeus (shocked)Where did you get that money?
Wally gave him a slow smirk.
Wally: From a certain someone I know.
Meanwhile, in the X-Mansion…
Logan stood outside his room, staring at what used to be a neatly organized space. Clothes everywhere. Drawers open. Wallet tossed on the floor.
Logan's eyebrow twitched.
Logan (shouting in anger): YO DAMN SPEEDSTER!
Back at the tailor shop...
Wally dusted off his gloves like nothing happened.
Wally: All paid. Let's go, kid.
Zelinsky just sighed.
Zelinsky: Next time, try not to rob a mutant with knives in his hands.