Chapter Text
Leonard took in the Rogue’s just moments after he betrayed Barry Allen. He stared down at the hero he froze to the ground, the gasping for air made Leonard look away before he could feel bad. He was the criminal and the bad person of the story; he shouldn’t feel guilt for the hero. Barry got what he deserved when trusting Leonard.
Leonard took them to a new hideout, twenty minutes on the outskirts of town. It was just originally Mick and Lisa for as long as Leonard could remember, just a few weeks ago Leonard ran into Hartley Rathaway and he felt a need to take him under his wing. The man was hating every second of his Meta ability, Hartley felt much better if he were deaf. So, Leonard helped him, paying for a surgery with someone trusted and well known to help Leonard in a pinch.
Leonard got to know Hartley more, past his front and the facade. His mean quips and bitchy attitude were to make sure he didn’t get close to no one. Lisa and Mick didn’t scare Hartley into the truth, he just sneered, but Leonard was able to do that. His Captain Cold glare on his features and holding his Cold gun, and what he heard broke his heart, even if he didn’t show it. Kicked out by his parents for being gay, won’t see his sister, wrongfully terminated at S.T.A.R Labs and so much more.
The poor kid.
So, now adding onto Hartley Hathaway, the ones who are in his debt and under his control/protection are Mark Mardon (Weather Wizard), Shawna Baez (Peek-a-Boo), Axel Walker (Trickster) and Roy Bivolo (Rainbow Raider). It felt nice to be in control once more, knowing he had some of the most dangerous criminals and enemies of Flash was such a rewarding feeling.
Right now, Leonard was at the head of a long wooden table, a giant blueprint spread out on the table. The Rogues spread around him and looked over the table as Leonard pointed to what was the true prize of the night. He didn’t care if they stole more when the time came, but he needed to make sure they got that for sure.
“Hartley, I want you to deal with the cameras and every other type of alarm. There will be a silent alarm and two other alarms at the main locked door when it opens. We’ll need you immediately to shut them off as the rest of us work.”
“You got it boss.” Hartley said.
“I’ll work on cracking the door and the safe open, should take me exactly 32 seconds to get both done. Mick and Lisa will be my backup if somehow Flash shows up. Mark, Shawna grab whatever the hell you want, just make sure you are wearing gloves, so no one traces your fingerprints. If we need a quick getaway, Shawna, you’ll teleport us away. Axel, Roy you two will be on guard duty and a bit of a lookout. Just no killing, other than that go crazy.”
The planned heist won’t take action until a week from this moment, they wanted everything planned out and thoroughly searched. No mistakes and no way for them to get caught. Leonard had to up his game when Flash was on the scene, it made things so much more thrilling and fun.
Before they could discuss more ideas, they could use to help with their heist a whoosh of air breezed by. Their blueprints scattered to the floor, Lisa’s hair went a bit frizzy, there was the smell of ozone and a crackling fire.
“My, my Flash,” Leonard drawled, finally looking up, “Want another be-” His words died in his throat.
The room fell a bit silent; it had been only a day since Ferris Air, but there was no way Flash would change this fast. The Rogues didn’t know what to do, this wasn’t their hero who put an end to their plans without hurting them. Their hero went easy, this man seemed like he wasn’t going to go easy.
This man was in a bright yellow tripolymer suit, completely different than the dark red Barry usually wore. His face was vibrating, making his eyes a bright red. Nothing about this man was recognizable, Leonard didn’t know who this man was. Leonard hated not knowing who this man was, he hated not knowing things in general.
The yellow man took a step forward, “The Flash is taken care of.” His voice rumbled out, a threatening tone caused every rogue to tense and straightened up. “Now what to do with you Rogues?” He hummed, grinning as it was very creepy with the vibrations. “You were supposed to die in that plane, but because Flash had a soft spot for you, Snart, he got you involved. You weren’t supposed to be there, and you weren’t supposed to make this little band. So, I have to step in and restore everything Flash has messed up.”
“You lost me at Flash.” Leonard pulled his Cold Gun out, whirring it as it was ready to be fired. “Flash wouldn’t go down so easily.”
“He would if he was at breaking point, say… his mother dying in front of him again.” He laughed, flashing forward as he was done talking.
He was much faster than anyone had anticipated. In one go he was able to knock down the Rogue’s from a simple flash step. The Rogue’s were winded, barely breathing and feeling blood leaking from somewhere, no time to figure out as they couldn’t move. They could only turn their heads.
“Lenny!” Lisa gasped out, fear in her eyes.
The Reverse Flash was behind Leonard, one arm hooked around his neck, his other hand vibrating and slowly going towards his heart. Leonard struggled to get out of his hold, barely breathing from the arm around his neck. His Cold Gun was dropped to his side as he felt so useless.
Then, there was another breeze and they saw the red blur. What they saw clearly was Flash leaping in the air, cowl torn to bits, blood cascading down his face, side and leg, three metal poles stabbed through his leg and one in his side, and yellow lighting dancing in his eyes as he was hurtling towards Leonard. Barry started vibrating just like Reverse Flash’s hand, and he went straight through Leonard before grabbing Eobard Thawne.
He grabbed Eobard Thawne once his hands went straight through Leonard, he tackled Eobard to the ground. Leonard ghosted over his body, relief filtering out of his lips as he realized there was no harm to him. Barry grabbed the villain by his shoulders, flipping over and slamming him into the ground.
Barry’s eyes were wide, his chest heaving up and down in breathless movements, like he wasn’t trying to breathe. He straddled Eobard, punching him over and over again. Blood splattering to the ground and against Barry’s fists from his actions. He wasn’t letting Eobard recover or have time to think about his next action.
Eobard began gasping and choking on his own blood, he twitched before lifting his leg up and kicking Barry. Barry rolled before getting back up, swaying slightly from blood loss, the only thing keeping him together was the adrenaline. He grabbed the metal poles from his leg, yanking all three out and dropping them to the ground so they can start healing.
Barry licked his lips, his eyes wide and cheeks flushed with Eobard’s blood. He removed the rest of his cowl as it wasn’t covering anything anyways. Barry was slammed against the wall, Eobard’s face bruised, bloodied and puffy. Barry just stared, he wasn’t freaking out or falling apart, he looked steady and calm.
His eyes took a quick sweep, the Rogues finally gathering their footing and getting up. They were still too frozen in fear to run off, the two speedsters could catch them at any time. They wanted to make themselves more invisible and to not draw attention to their fellow forming family members.
Barry then looked at Leonard, his hazel eyes giving a warning to Leonard. The man had brought his Cold Gun back out and was aiming it at Reverse Flash, but this wasn’t something he could help with. This was something none of them could grasp, something that was more personal than a personal reason. Barry looked back at Eobard.
His blond hair frizzy and sticking up from his cowl being punched off by Barry. He looked almost on the brink of death, but Barry wouldn’t go that far. He was breathing heavily, using Barry as something he could lean on, his entire weight pressed against Barry’s chest to keep him to the wall.
“I’ll kill you, Barry Allen.” Eobard snarled.
“That so?” Barry hummed, a smirk twitching to form. “Like you did with eleven-year-old me?” He chuckled, “Couldn’t kill me back then, you can’t kill me now. You know it, I know it. Was I too fast for you, huh? Couldn’t keep up, is that it?”
“Excuse me?” Eobard growled, shoving Barry more into the wall.
Barry gasped from the impact but held his ground. He didn’t give in and this time he allowed a smirk to form. It was a bit bloodied from everything that happened, from how angry and vengeful he felt.
“How weak of a villain do you have to be to go back in time to kill eleven-year-old me and fail? Had to kill someone innocent to ruin my life? Why? Because of a vendetta against me? Wanted to be my rival so bad but you are far from being that. You are nothing to me, Eobard. Always have been, always will be.”
“You-”
“Don’t interrupt me!” Barry snapped. “I’m not a killer,” Barry said, “I’m not.” He repeated. “Yet, everyone tried to make me a bad person. That my mistakes are so horrible, as if I asked for this life. So, let me tell you something Eobard Thawne… I’ll take you back to your time.”
Eobard stumbled back, letting Barry go. He hadn’t expected that, eyes wide from it.
“So, when did you leave?” Barry asked.
He shouldn’t trust Barry, but he wanted to go home…. He needed to go home. Eobard stumbled out his response and Barry nodded. Barry stood straight up, holding himself high as there was a different air around him. He held the cards now and both knew it. Barry walked towards Eobard, once close enough he smirked. “There’s a reason why I left the pipe in my side.” Before Eobard could react or respond, Barry yanked out the metal pipe that had been digging in his side and swiftly shoved it in Eobard’s side as the man cried out and fell back.
Barry stepped over him, kneeling on one leg as he grabbed Eobard’s blond hair, forcing him to look up at Barry. “If you ever come back, if I ever see you again, I will kill you.” His words were not a threat, but a promise. “So, let’s get you home, rival.”
Barry grabbed Eobard and ran off, leaving dazed Rogues to fend for themselves. At least for a second.
Barry ran to the cortex at S.T.A.R labs, running in circles until he saw a portal open. His grip on Eobard tightened and he jumped through, Eobard couldn’t keep up, he was struggling to stand up straight. All Eobard could do was look at each flashing memory of the future show with each passing second. Barry avoided the Time Wraith’s and from messing up the timeline -he forgot to watch Eobard- he finally found the time Eobard left to kill Barry. Barry didn’t hesitate to throw him and run back to his time.
Barry returned to the safe house the same second, he left, so time didn’t flow for them. All of the Rogues aimed to fight, weary on the speedster who’s been holding back on them. Barry just stared, lifting his hands up to show he was unarmed and not trying to fight them.
He didn’t get the chance to speak before the building began to shake, and the Speedforce buzzed in his body. He tensed and ran outside, which in tow made the Rogues follow, in hopes to see what was going on. There in the sky was a blackhole, beginning to tear everything up and suck in everything weak.
Barry’s body tensed and his eyes went focus. Despite his weakened body and sickly features, lightning danced in his eyes and around his body. He knew this singularity was because of him, he should’ve watched Eobard closer when he was dragging him back to his time. Eobard had discreetly messed with time once more to ruin Barry’s life, he could feel it. The Speedforce was telling him that.
“Scarlet-” Leonard tried to warn, because… absolutely not!
Barry ignored him, and he flashed away. Leaving a trail of lightning in his wake as well. Barry ran up the side of the building, jumping to a higher building and running up that before jumping on other floating pieces. Leonard couldn’t help but think about how breathtaking he looked, and despite the dangers around them, he couldn’t bring himself to leave. Barry was just too ethereal to him.
He was able to run in many circles around the singularity, pushing himself further and further to get it done. His legs felt weak, blood dripping from every inch of his body and he wanted nothing more than to get sucked into the singularity.
He held those thoughts back. A flash of explosion went off when he felt like he was catching himself on fire. He fell out of the singularity as it began to close, and he turned his body to face the ground. He shifted and landed on a piece of debris, he grunted but began to run down, noticing the Rogues going back into the safe house. So, he flashed his way in once more to get a good look at them.
“Are you guys alright?” He asked, shocking all of them. “How hurt are you guys? I’ve gotten good at stitching wounds. If I need to, it’ll be quick and painless.”
Barry -himself- did not look alright. His skin was a bit pale, and it was slowly getting worse, he was leaning against the small side table to have something to keep him upright and he was breathing very slowly. He even had sweat and blood trailing down his ragged body.
Leonard felt something clench in his heart as he walked towards Barry. He heard his sister hiss out his nickname, trying to get him back. Barry was more dangerous than what they originally thought, it was a comforting feeling to know that he was good. Who knew what he would do if he was evil like Reverse Flash.
“Scarlet, are you okay?” Leonard asked, worry creasing his brow.
Barry was a bit startled when he was asked that. His hand went to his side, a pursing frown on his lips as he tried not to show his pain. He looked away from Leonard, looking at the bare wall before looking back at Leonard. He opened his mouth to answer, but felt it start to run dry and his mind grew a bit foggy and dizzy. He stumbled a bit, clutching onto the table before he shook his head no and fell forward.
****~****
Leonard shot forward and caught the hero. He cradled Barry to his chest and put his ear down, his normal hummingbird heart was slowing down. He turned his head and looked at Hartley. The Meta nodded his head and went to his side, slipping an arm under him and taking him to an empty room to help him.
“What?!” Mark snapped, mouth parted in shock, and he wasn’t the only one.
“He had us trapped in those pipelines! What are you doing, Snart?” Shawna asked, cheeks flushing in anger and betrayal.
“If alive, we can use that to our advantage. Information, answers and he’ll owe us.” Leonard easily responded.
He did not want to say it was because he was worried. Didn’t want to say he was a sucker for a pretty face with pretty hazel eyes. Didn’t want to say he had a soft spot for Barry Allen, CSI. Didn’t want to say he wanted to save the speedster.
He was sure Hartley knew his true intentions, after all there was a sudden spike in his heart when he lied. His heart didn’t spike because he lied, but because he needed Barry to be okay. He told himself it was because he was Flash and gave him more life to live and a challenge, but in his cold heart, Leonard knew it was because he was fond of Barry.
Leonard checked on everyone once there was no protest on saving Flash’s life. There wasn’t too much damage, more shock than fear was the main emotion from this encounter. He then rolled up each blueprint and half assed plan that needed a hell of a lot more tweaking. He wanted to make sure it was out of sight if- *when* he meant when- Barry wakes up.
Can’t let him have a lead, at least not yet.
Twenty-seven minutes and forty-one seconds, Hartley finally emerged from the dark hallway. His hands were up, as if he gave surgery and blood dripped down them as he went to the kitchen sink to wash his hands. He felt every single pair of eyes on him but didn’t say a word just yet.
Sure, it would’ve been fun to keep them in suspense, but this was far deeper than that. He wasn’t that much of a dick, but he needed to catch his breathing. He needed to wrap his head around everything and get a hold of his words before he vomited.
He took a shaky breath and finally faced everyone. His usual facade that some have gotten used to, were surprised. Lisa bit her bottom lip, wanting nothing more than to bring him into a hug, but Hartley wasn’t too fond of strangers touching him. So, she couldn’t.
Hartley looked pale, lips tight in a thin line and eyes wide behind his glasses. His hair was frazzled, and he really didn’t have the energy or will to fix his appearance. This only made Leonard anxious, he was sure Hartley could hear his heart pounding in his ass, but Leonard’s face showed boredom. Like he didn’t actually care for Flash’s life, but only two people would know that.
“Well?” Leonard finally asked, voice even.
He was starting to get impatient. Hartley’s silent nature was irksome, and Leonard was about ready to lose his mind and throw their table. He doesn’t think he can go further without Barry, without the man pushing him to get better and use his surroundings more to his advantage.
“Did you know he heals?” Hartley finally spoke, his question more on the rhetorical side.
Leonard raised a brow, his fists clenched at his side. Any other time he would’ve found it intriguing and a gift to be studied, but Hartley’s tone of voice was nerve wracking. Leonard slipped his hands in his pockets to hide the clammy feeling, to hide what he was actually thinking. Then he cocked his head, his Captain Cold glare stuck on Hartley, basically screaming at him to continue and that no one would interrupt him.
“I tried to give him some pain killers so I can work on his wounds, but he woke up hazy and said not to waste my time with it before passing out again. I hacked into S.T.A.R Labs files after that and found out that no medicine works on him. No pain killers, nothing if he gets sick… which he can’t get sick either, that includes diseases.”
“So, you’re saying he felt everything?” Lisa asked, frowning and showing her worry more.
The Rogues were also feeling the same way. Sure, they didn’t really care for Flash, whether he got hurt, but something didn’t sit right when hearing that. They’re able to have the luxury of pills if they want, if they want the pain gone and it’ll work for as long as it needs to be. They were starting to feel bad for the man who plays God.
“Yes,” Hartley sighed, rubbing his fingers over his eyes and under his glasses. “Yet, he didn’t make a noise. Not even when he was startled awake in pain, it seems he’s used to being quiet. He did his best not to cry out, I could see it in his eyes.”
“How’s his condition?” Leonard almost growled out, growing impatient of his speedster's health.
Hartley flinched. “He’s breathing.” He winced out, looking away at Leonard’s glare. Leonard needed more information. He needed the details. “He had two broken ribs, a giant hole in his side that hit his liver, bruises all over his back and chest, multiple veins sliced open in his thighs and a gash beneath his hair on his forehead. Some of the bruises have already healed.
I don’t know when he’ll wake up, but I guarantee he’s going to be starving. I found in a file that on a normal day he’ll need about ten thousand calories. His heart slowing down, and pale features are from hypoglycemia shock. Who knows how long it's been since he’s last eaten. I made a makeshift IV that continues to pump water in him, but other than that, there’s nothing else I can do.” Hartley didn’t mention how he could see the bed through the hole in Barry’s thigh.
Leonard swallowed thickly, now all they had to do was wait for the Flash to wake up. Leonard wasn’t so sure he could do that. Leonard knew Barry went through hell and back, he did his research, but to hear some it firsthand from a man who wanted Barry dead was spine shivering.
“And…” Hartley cleared his throat, “It seemed Reverse Flash did attempt to kill him in a very vital place. Remember he said he took care of Flash, well… there was a stab wound about three inches long over where his heart should be. I don’t know how he survived it.”
Leonard wasn’t the only one to feel bad for Barry. But Leonard was the only one to feel anger for Barry. His emotions were everywhere, and they wouldn’t calm down until Barry wakes up, he knew that.
****~****
It took Barry Allen five hours to finally wake up, Hartley heard the sudden shift in Barry’s ragged breathing and his footsteps faltering before he plopped back onto the bed. Mick had been cooking up a feast to feed Barry, no one actually wanted him to die without getting answers at least.
“Flash is awake.” Hartley spoke, putting his cards down in their game of poker.
Axel was next to him, looking at Hartley’s cards and then his own. He huffed out and threw his cards down, flailing his arms and giving up. Hartley has continued to win, and it was unfair, even Lisa was getting annoyed at losing. She never loses in poker, just how the hell is Hartley doing it? She’s the one who’s cheating, but also losing.
Leonard stormed up the safehouse stairs, immediately the Rogues held their breaths. Leonard slammed the door open to prove a point to his Rogues, but noting the jump Barry did. He softened his strides and demeanor, he didn’t want to further scare Barry, at least not after that fiasco. Leonard walked towards Barry, who was knee deep on the floor with one arm on the bed and leaning his entire weight on the bed. He was breathing heavily, his wounds haven’t completely healed either, he was just waking up.
Leonard gently walked towards Barry, hands up slightly. “Scarlet?” He whispered, getting another jump and hazy eyes. “You’re okay, I promise you’re okay… now, I hope.” His concern and worry were etching through with each second, he was scared for Barry.
Barry didn’t look like he grasped what was being said. Leonard bit his lower lip and gently scooped Barry up, wincing at the hiss and cry that left Barry’s lips. He didn’t apologize, his ears were ringing, and he was barely focusing on that. Leonard held both of Barry’s legs on his left side with arm hooked behind his knees, his other arm went up his back as his fingers tangled into Barry’s hair. Barry hummed, sniffing in the familiar scent -but was too hazy to identify it- and he nuzzled into Leonard’s neck.
Leonard got a better look at him, his heart fluttering. He shouldn’t feel like this, but Hartley dressed Barry in Leonard’s clothes. Sure, Barry was a few inches taller than him, but despite his strength he was a bit scrawny. His clothes were loose on him because Leonard’s build was visibly more muscular. He got rid of those thoughts, he’ll think about this later.
“Mick made some delicious food.” Leonard murmured in Barry’s ear, walking out of the room.
Barry didn’t hear it; he only heard a buzzing sound that was ringing constantly in his ears. He barely registered being moved but felt it slightly due to all of his injuries. Barry’s arms wrapped around Leonard’s neck and his fingers curled in the fabric of the man’s shirt. Barry was trying to hide himself in the comforting darkness Leonard provided, it tinged pain through Leonard. No one should have to go through this, it wasn’t fair.
Leonard made it downstairs to the kitchen where everyone was, already eating and hoping to ask Barry questions at the same time. They closed their mouths when seeing the poor condition Barry was still in and how Leonard was carrying him. Lisa furrowed her eyebrows and cupped her chin; she studied Leonard and Barry. Her eyes were calculating and darting between Leonard’s icy glare and the set of brown hair shifting every now and then, which one can assume he’s nuzzling into Leonard. Lisa gave a knowing look.
As soon as Barry was sitting on a chair, that’s when the voices broke out. Leonard tried to keep a steady hand on Barry’s lower back, hoping to keep him grounded and if he did fall, Leonard would easily catch him.
The voices were too loud in Barry’s ringing ears. It was only static that seemed to shout in his ears, the hero gulped and went pale. His eyes were shut tightly, and he covered his ears with his palms, trying to drown out the sound. Trying to drown out memories resurfacing. Then, it got too bright, even with his eyes closed, and he grimaced. He covered his eyes and relaxed into the darkness, but the buzzing was back.
Shawna and Lisa were highly worried for Barry, this just wasn’t right. It was freaky and sickening at the same time.
No one was talking anymore or trying to ask questions, but Barry was acting like they were. He kept switching from covering his ears to hear the peace of his own heartbeat… to covering his eyes and burying himself in total darkness so he didn’t get a headache.
Leonard exhaled softly; he couldn’t help himself when it came to Barry. As soon as Barry covered his eyes, Leonard’s palms went over his ears, fingers sprawling into Barry’s brown locks. Firm enough to stop whatever it was bothering Barry, but gentle enough for Barry to pull away if needed, if uncomfortable. Barry didn’t pull away, he just stopped moving, but he wasn’t frozen in his spot, he seemed more relaxed. Leonard ignored the looks, he couldn’t necessarily be stone cold when their hero is freaking out without making a noise, he had a soft spot.
His tense shoulders softened, his head dipping further as he was taking deep breaths. This was much more to Barry’s actions, Leonard knew that hypoglycemia wouldn’t do this to a person, and Leonard was going to find out everything. He wouldn’t stop until he got everything, until everyone who hurt Barry Allen himself -and maybe Flash- was taken care of, until Barry can rest.
Mick put a plate down in front of Barry, the man’s nose twitched, and he cocked his head closer to it. Mick had a few plates lined up for when Barry finishes the first plate, but Mick stacked it high, so they didn’t waste that many plates on one person. Leonard kept his gaze and hands on Barry. Barry removed one hand from his eye, but kept it closed after exactly forty-seven seconds of breathing. He was trying to find the plate, but was failing miserably, so Leonard took one off his ear, licking the inside of his cheek when Barry winced, and grabbed Barry’s hand. Gently guiding it to the fork, gently helping him grab some food and guiding it to his mouth.
The first plate was eaten very slowly, no one said a word and they could barely breathe. Each bite brought a bit more color to his cheeks and face, but he kept his eyes closed and head down. Once the first plate was empty, Leonard removed his hand from Barry’s hold and a second was pushed in front of Barry. Barry peeked a single eye open, his exhaustion visible now as he picked his pace up on the second plate. On his third plate, Barry was able to shrug Leonard’s hands off and open both eyes, this time eating it at a fast pace, his plate empty in a second.
“This is good, thanks.” He finally spoke, on his fourth plate. “What are your questions?” He went straight to the point, his voice raw and tired.
“You don’t want to finish your food first?” Axel asked.
Barry blinked, looking at the Rogue in confusion. “That doesn’t usually stop people. Look, you all have questions, I can see it. Just ask them.”
“I think introductions are in order.” Leonard drawled.
Barry deadpanned at Leonard, but his cheeks flushed only slightly. Remembering how nice and safe he felt in Leonard’s arms, his clothes, everything. Leonard had such a cool rain scent mixed with the core of his cold gun, which oddly enough it was very fitting for the villain. He also remembered how Leonard covered his ears, that helped block everything out, the negative emotions didn’t take over. Barry looked back over to the Rogues staring at him.
Barry smiled wearily, “I assume you guys know my name because Eobard said it, but in case not… Barry Allen, CSI. Pleased to not be jumped by you guys.” Barry’s eyes then went to Hartley, nodding to him. “How are your ears?”
Hartley tugged on them, “Fantastic. Don’t want to stab my eardrums anymore.”
“That’s good.” His eyes went to Axel who was sitting next to Hartley. He licked the inside of his cheek before relaxing. “Making more bombs? Hope they’re contained.” He shoveled another bite in his mouth.
Axel grinned, puffing his chest out and nodding. His teeth showed as he looked happy to talk about his explosives. “Oh yeah, this time they won’t be in the shape of presents. They’ll be little Flash’s.” He smirked at Barry.
Barry pursed his lips, “Understandable.” He ran a few fingers through his hair and finished his fifth plate of food. He felt much better and decided to stop there for now. He looked at Shawna. “How are you? Found someone better?”
She happily smiled, seeming much better than before. It seemed that Barry wasn’t actually a bad person, he remembered everything about his villains, he strived for it.
“I did.” She spoke, glancing at Mark for a split second, but then her eyes returned to Barry.
Barry smiled back, stretching his arms over his head and looking at Mark. “What about you, how are you?” Barry held a hint of Clyde Mardon but didn’t want to bring up the touchy subject.
“I tried to kill you and the Detective, why are you asking?” Mark glared, still on high alert. It seemed like everyone forgot about what Barry was capable of.
Barry shrugged, “Family, I get that.” It was simple, but so much more filtered out from that single sentence.
It seemed everyone remembered who exactly Barry was and what transpired just a few hours ago. Mark finally softened, his shoulders sagging, and a frown pursed his lips. “Better.” He spoke.
Barry nodded, Lisa and Mick weren’t in the room so he couldn’t talk to them. Leonard was the last person there he actually knew, Roy was actually just a sick person who wanted Barry angry, so he did his best not to look him in the eye. He never wanted to go back to that person. Also, Roy didn’t want to be asked, his demeanor said it all.
Barry glared at Leonard, “I don’t even want to ask how you are; frostbite was not fun.”
Leonard looked offended, “You asked Mardon, he tried to kill you.”
“For good reason, you’re just a jerk.” Barry said, hearing Lisa laugh loudly from the kitchen at that. “Anyways, questions, come on.”
“What was with the truck?” Mark asked, narrowing his eyes.
Barry winced, “It was the safest way to make sure you all live. It wasn’t my brightest moment, but Eobard would’ve killed you all if we didn’t transfer you. The only prison that could hold Meta’s was far away and I was desperate.” He looked at Leonard, “In a way, I do want to thank you for betraying me. Cleared my mind and I would have regretted it if they went on that plane. So, thanks.”
Barry smiled at Leonard and Leonard felt his heart flutter. He wanted to scold him for being grateful, that he burned him with ice and his words, but he couldn’t. He was completely softened on the inside because of Barry, but he wouldn’t dare admit it. Instead, he glared at Barry.
“Why’d you put us in the pipelines?” Shawna blurted, she needed to know that. Mick and Lisa finally join them.
Barry tensed, “Originally that wasn’t the plan. I suggested we work with CCPD to make cells that can hold Meta humans and have them go on a fair trial in court. But Wells- Eobard, Eobard put it in my head that it was safer if no ‘regular’ human was involved, and the pipeline was the only way.”
“Why did you correct Wells’ name?” Hartley asked, biting his lower lip.
“Eobard went back in time to kill eleven-year-old me, just as we all figured out through our fight, but failed. Me in the future went back to that night to stop him and save myself, so future me ran eleven-year-old me out before he could. So, he killed my mother, stabbing her through the heart and leaving to make me miserable, I suppose. Well, after he killed her, he tried to go back to his time but lost some of his power. So, he found the real Harrison Wells, killed him and took his body and face.”
“That’s disgusting.” Hartley looked sick, he looked away and Barry didn’t comment on it.
“Why specifically Harrison Wells?” Leonard asked.
“To create the Particle Accelerator.” Barry answered, his eyes looking at the table. “The Particle Accelerator actually wasn’t built until 2020, but Eobard made it faster so it can explode quicker and make me Flash faster. He was going to use my speed to get back to his time. Everyone who died and everyone who got powers is on me.”
“It’s not your fault.” Lisa frowned.
“Yes, it is. I may have not done anything directly, but the Particle Accelerator went off with only me in mind. It’s why I was the only one to get ‘help’ from S.T.A.R Labs. Everything that has happened was because of me.”
“Have the proof?” Leonard asked.
“Yeah, actually I do.” Barry looked away, staring at the wall and no one else.
“And what’s that, Red?” Mick grunted, sitting down and nursing a beer. He offered one to Barry, but he declined with the lift of his hand.
“No point won’t even get a buzz anymore. Burn right through it.” Barry said. He linked his fingers together and put them behind his neck. “Eobard had cameras. Joe’ house, every room including bathrooms. CC Jitters because it was my favorite coffee shop. Dorm room when I was in college. Lastly, my job at the Precinct. He had files labeled ‘Barry Allen’ and his reasons for doing things. He also had a file labeled as…” Barry gulped, disgust coating his features before looking back at Leonard. “‘Barry Allen/Dirty Secret.’ There were many photos and videos of me with little to none clothing. Changing, showering-”
“Masturbating.” Lisa said.
“No comment.” Barry added.
Leonard clenched his fists under the table, a certain anger in his eyes. He wanted to kill Eobard Thawne; he wanted that man dead. Barry spared him, took him back to his time and he didn’t deserve that. Barry Allen was a bit too good for his own good. It pissed Leonard off more at that, but also, he was quite endeared because of it. There was a whirl of emotions going on in his mind, Leonard needed a drink.
“That’s disgusting. Why would you spare him?” Mark glared.
“Can’t bring myself to kill.”
“I would’ve done it.” Mark shrugged, having no problems in doing so.
“*We*.” Leonard corrected, putting his hand on Barry’s thigh, keeping it out of view from everyone.
Barry simply slipped his hand over Leonard’s for a second, Leonard needed it to be longer. Barry only nodded his head at that, not really knowing what else to say. He basically just spilled everything out without a filter, he shouldn’t have put so much trust into his villains, but they took care of him. They made sure he was okay and fed, that’s more concern than he deserves.
“I have a question.” Leonard said, taking his hand off of Barry’s thigh and crossing his arms. “What was the yellow clad speedster doing with his hand to my chest?”
Barry flinched, it seemed he blocked that memory out. He hated that; he hated it so much. That type of power was in his hands, and it sickened him so much, he went pale each time he thought about it. He needed to answer, everyone was looking at him and he couldn’t not be honest. Especially to Leonard, he was an open book and kept spilling his secrets without a single thought. Barry took a shaky breath.
He lifted his hand up, vibrating it as it was a giant blur. He lowered his hand and slipped it through the table before lifting it up and making his hand solid again. He cocked his head to Leonard. “He was going to destroy your heart and leave a gaping hole without a thought.” To further explain it, Barry put his hand to his own heart. He vibrated it and made himself bleed slightly before removing his hand. “Once to your heart, he would solidify his hand and crush your heart before vibrating his hand again and taking it out.”
“Did you just open up your stitches?!” Hartley gasped, wanting to scold Barry.
“No, it’s healed mostly.” Barry said, “No longer need stitches.”
“Why was the skin over your heart stitched?” Leonard asked, sweat trailing the back of his neck. His face was the picture-perfect stoic as usual.
Barry tensed again, now wishing he could drink to not remember this conversation. He sighed out and rubbed the back of his neck with his fingers again, this time keeping them clasped over his skin. He picked up a new nervous habit and this seemed like it was better than what he usually did, it calmed him more.
“He was actually going to do that to my heart, but with a knife to make it slow.” Barry admitted, eyes going to the ceiling. “Before he could, I slowed time down to think. I thought ‘Hey, I can vibrate my body, maybe I can vibrate my organs. So, I did that with my heart and shifted it a few inches away from where it was supposed to be, and it worked. I had to slowly vibrate it back when he left and thought I died, the slightest movement of it being wrong and I could’ve died. Yet here I am.” He gave a coy grin.
Everyone stared at him, not knowing what to say. They really were truly thankful that Barry was a good guy, if he were to use his powers like they did… everyone in his wake would die and Barry could easily take over the world. His powers were exponentially overpowered and freaky.
“You said you could time travel.” Mick changed the subject, Barry nodded, not seeming to notice the uncomfortable atmosphere. “You been to the future.”
“No, but I know it. I was supposed to disappear in 2024, but I supposed it changed from my actions.” He reached for his phone but remembered, his mouth parted a bit. “Wait here, I’ll be back in a Flash.” Everyone groaned at the pun and a second later Barry was back with his phone, showing a picture. “This was the original.” He simply said, it was an article on his disappearance by Iris West-Allen, “But this is the new one.” Barry swiped to show them a new article. Flash works with a few Rogues to run Central City and soon to take over other cities by Iris West-Thawne. “I think I like the second one better.”
Before anyone else could say anything, Barry’s phone went off. Barry frowned at seeing Joe’s name pop up on his phone, he had missed a lot of calls and texts from everyone. He answered it with a quick ‘Hello’.
“Barry! We’ve been worried sick about you! Where are you? Where’s Reverse Flash?!” Joe’s voice rang out through a shout, Barry pulled the phone away from his ear.
“I had a fight with someone faster than me, I took a beating, I needed a break. Everything’s fine now, Eobard is taken care of.”
“Did you kill him?”
“No Joe.” Barry sounded offended, “You think I would kill?”
“After everything? I wouldn’t put it past you. He almost killed everyone you loved.”
“I didn’t kill him; I took him back to his time.”
Barry lowered his head on the table and lifted his phone up. Everyone could hear a bunch of cursing and slewed words from Joe. He seemed to be lecturing Barry on sending him back to his time and not doing something about it. Which made Barry a bit sick to think about. Did Joe really think so little of him?
Barry put the phone back to his ear, “Is there a reason you called?” He cut off the lecture.
Joe was quiet, “There’s a new Meta. We need you to come and fight.”
Barry’s fingers ghosted over his injuries, and he frowned. “Joe… I really don’t think I have the strength to right now. I’m in no condition-”
“Flash, please we need you.”
Barry sighed and closed his eyes. “I’ll need the extra suit from the Lab, mine’s messed up. I’ll be there.” He hung up the phone and rubbed his fingers over his tired eyes.
“Scarlet, you really shouldn’t-”
“Then who would?” Barry rhetorically asked. “They need me.” He got up.
Leonard grabbed his wrist, keeping him firm and making eye contact. “Come back.” He said, Barry flinched, and his mouth parted. “They don’t treat you like Barry Allen and you know it. So come back after your fight, we’ll be waiting.”
The Rogues nodded when Barry looked at them. He looked back at Leonard, biting his lower lip in thought. He tapped into the Speedforce to memorize the moment Leonard’s icy blue eyes filtered down to his lips from that action. Leonard tightened his hold on Barry’s wrist before Barry went back to normal time and Leonard’s eyes were back on him.
“I know.” He finally said, he’s always known. “It’s been like that since before I got my powers. I’ll come back.”
With that, Leonard let him go and Barry sped off. Leonard couldn't help the way his heart stopped every time he thought about Barry, but he also hoped that it was a good thing.