Author's Note: This is what happens when I'm procrastinating finishing certain stories.

I don't know if I'll add anymore to this but I do have a few ideas.

Enjoy

He woke up with a jolt looking around his bedroom trying to work out where he was. Letting out a long sigh he rubbed his eyes as his confusion abated and he realised he was in his apartment in Central City. His dreams were back, the weird ones where he was himself but felt like someone else.

It had been over six months since the car accident when these stupid dreams began, surely a concussion should not last this long. Rolling over he looked at the picture sitting on his bedside cabinet and smiled at it.

To my Rip, time is a river we'll navigate together, love Miranda.

She had given him the nickname of Rip because she knew far too any people called Michael, and since he was studying temporal mechanics as one of his degrees, he had to have something a little unusual. Although technically it came from his middle name.

Pushing his hands through his hair Rip knew he wasn't getting anymore sleep so went to the kitchen and made himself some tea. Turning on the TV he found an old movie to watch, dozing while it played.

"Daddy," the small voice called to him while a hand batted at his arm.

Rip opened his eyes and smiled finding his son kneeling beside him on the couch, "Good morning."

"I'm hungry," Jonas told him.

Grabbing his son around his waist Rip pulled him into his lap hugging him close, "Are you sure? I thought we should go back to sleep."

"No," Jonas giggled when Rip began to tickle him, "Stop."

Kissing the blond head Rip dropped Jonas onto the seat beside him, "Okay, I'll make some toast."

"With peanut butter?" Jonas asked with a sweet smile.

Rip shook his head amused, "Only because it's Friday."

x

Listening to his son in the other room watching cartoons Rip made them some breakfast. Jonas was the centre of Rip's world and had been since the moment he'd been born. Of course the happiest day of his life then turned into the worst. Miranda died a few hours after having their son through complications no one could have predicted.

For four years Rip had raised their son alone, trying hard to balance his work and life while in London. Moving to Central City had been a spur of the moment decision when he got a job he hadn't expected to but it wasn't like he had anyone back in London.

"Here you go," Rip set the plate with toast on the table in front of Jonas, "Eat up."

Jonas climbed onto Rip's lap the moment he sat on the couch and munched his toast while watching cartoons. Eating his own breakfast Rip smiled slightly at the warmth of his little boy leaning back against him.

About an hour later Rip tapped Jonas' leg, "Okay, time to get dressed. I have to go to work and you have day care."

Jonas pouted before laughing when Rip stood turning Jonas upside down for a few seconds before he carried the little boy into the bathroom to wash him. Less than thirty minutes later both were ready for the day. Rip grabbed the Flash backpack all of Jonas' things were in and caught his hand leading him out the apartment.

x

Mercury Labs was an incredible employer for people with children. They not only had flexible working hours but also a day care with excellent teachers who ensured the children were prepared for entering school. Rip was well aware how lucky he had been to get the job here.

"Morning, Mr Green, Miss King," Jonas greeted the two teachers who were still drinking coffee when they arrived.

"Good morning, Jonas," Miss King smiled at him, she was quite young with an enthusiasm for teaching that Rip appreciated, "Dr Hunter."

Rip nodded to her before turning to his son, "Looks like we're here early so why don't you go and get a book to read until everyone else gets here?" Crouching down so he was at the same level Rip smiled at his little boy, "I will see you at lunchtime, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy," Jonas nodded.

Rip opened his arms for a hug smiling when Jonas threw himself into his arms. Hugging his son close Rip felt complete peace for those few seconds. Kissing the bright blond head Rip let him go watching as Jonas ran over to the library section, choosing a book the boy sat cross-legged on the carpet and began to read.

"I'll take that for you," Miss King offered reaching for the backpack Rip was holding.

Shaken out of his reverie Rip handed the bag over, "I'll be down for lunch."

She nodded and ushered him out of the room.

x

Rip flipped through his mail while Jonas skipped a few steps ahead of him along the corridors to their apartment.

"Hi, Trina," Jonas suddenly cried bouncing on ahead to the woman standing in her doorway across from theirs.

"Hey, buddy," she crouched down to catch him in a hug, "Did you have a good day?"

Jonas nodded, "Where's Ali?"

"Ali is still at work," Trina grinned, "But she'll be here tomorrow when you come over to help me bake."

"But we don't let her help," Jonas reminded the other woman, "Because she makes everything taste yuck."

Rip frowned slightly, "That's not a nice thing to say, Jonas."

Katrina Avery, his neighbour and one of the few people he trusted with Jonas, grinned back at him, "But we all know it's true."

Shaking his head Rip opened the door to their apartment, "Say bye to Katrina," he told his son, "You'll see her tomorrow."

"Bye, Trina," Jonas beamed at her before he ran into his own apartment.

Rip waited for a moment before turning to the blonde who was smiling at him, "Do you want to join us for dinner?"

"Ali is picking up food," Katrina replied, "So I'll pass this time. I'll see you tomorrow around ten."

With a slight nod Rip bade her goodbye and entered the apartment finding Jonas was on the couch already reading his book. It was times like this Rip was just overwhelmed by how much he loved his little boy.

Placing the backpack in his spot near the door Rip dropped a quick kiss on his son's hair before heading into the kitchen to make them dinner.

x

Rip sat gently stroking his son's back as Jonas slept on top of him while he watched an old movie. He knew he should put the boy in his bed but Rip liked holding Jonas when he slept, knowing it wouldn't be long before he lost this simple joy. Finally he shifted Jonas onto his shoulder and carried the little boy into his bedroom.

Sliding Jonas under his covers Rip tucked Jonas' favourite bear in beside him before covering him properly. He watched his son sleep for a few minutes before returning to the lounge and dropping onto the couch exhausted. Being a single parent was hard but he couldn't imagine his life without Jonas.

Rip knocked. The door opened and he didn't get a chance to say a word as Jonas instantly bounded inside to hug Ali and then Katrina. Rip placed his son's backpack on the couch.

"What are your plans for this morning?" Ali asked joining him while Katrina took Jonas to the kitchen to start choosing what type of cookies they were going to make.

Rip gave a slight smile, "Making my life even harder than it already is."

"What?"

"Never mind," he told her, "Jonas, I'll be back soon."

Jonas quickly ran to hug Rip before he scampered back to Katrina.

Ali patted Rip's arm comfortingly, "Go and enjoy your morning," she told him, "We have him."

Knowing his little boy was fine Rip left and headed to the car. It wasn't a long drive from his apartment to the suburbs, he parked in front of a house which had several balls scattered over the front lawn.

Knocking on the door Rip smiled slightly at the chorus of barking coming from inside. He listened amused to the sounds coming from the other side before the door opened.

"Hi, Michael," Eddie greeted him, "Come on in."

Entering the house Rip quickly closed the front door before Eddie opened the hall door and the barking came again.

Rip crouched down smiling at the chocolate brown Labrador puppy bounding towards him, "Hey there girl," he caught the enthusiastic puppy lifting her into his arms and gently scratching her head as she licked his face, "It's good to see you too."

"Have you told Jonas yet?" Eddie asked leading him into the living room where several other puppies were running around.

Rip shook his head, "She's going to be a surprise."

"Well I'm sure that'll make you the best dad ever," Eddie noted, "Grab a seat and I'll make you some tea."

Rip took a seat on the couch still petting the puppy who settled on his lap, "Have you got homes for any of the others yet?"

"Yeah," Eddie replied, "They'll be collected in the next week or so. You're the first to pick up your new puppy."

"Well I can't wait to get her home," Rip replied, continuing to stroke the puppy in his lap, "Can I, Gideon?"

Gideon barked.

"I'll get you that tea," Eddie chuckled.

x

It had been only the second week he'd left Jonas with Katrina and Ali when Rip ran into Eddie in the city centre. He also worked in Mercury Labs and they'd spoken briefly in the few weeks Rip had been there. Eddie's wife had just had a baby while his elder daughter's dog had just had puppies so his house was in absolute chaos. Seeing the other man struggling with his shopping, Rip offered to help and had instantly fallen in love with the smallest puppy who had scampered over to him the moment he'd walked into the house.

Still too young to be separated from her mother at the time Rip visited each weekend, getting her used to him until he was finally able to take her home to meet Jonas. He knew getting a puppy was going to add to the chaos, and exhaustion, in his life but Rip couldn't leave her.

He'd made sure he had everything they would need for their new puppy over the past few weeks. Eddie had helpfully got Gideon all her shots and micro-chipped before Rip took her home.

Rip had also checked neither Ali nor Katrina were allergic. They were so much a part of Jonas' life so he knew he couldn't take the puppy if neither of them were able to be around her. Thankfully neither was allergic and both loved dogs although had been confused he'd asked the question.

He put the bright red collar he'd bought on Gideon, smiling as she kept trying to lick his hand. Lifting her into his arms Rip headed up the stairs to introduce his son to the new member of their family.

x

Katrina watched her girlfriend as she sat reading a story to the little boy they were babysitting. They had both instantly adored Jonas Hunter when they met him almost six months ago. He was so cute, with big blue eyes and bright blond hair, always filled with questions, as well as being very affectionate giving hugs and kisses whenever he saw them.

The little boy came with a father Katrina sometimes wanted to wrap in her arms and just hug because he really needed it. Michael was a good man, who adored his son and had become a good friend to them both. She could see though there were days the man was exhausted trying to keep up with his little boy and wished he would take up their offer to babysit more often. So far they had only managed to persuade Michael to let them take Jonas for a few hours each Saturday morning to let him have some time on his own.

"Are the cookies ready yet?" Jonas asked suddenly.

Katrina shook her head, "Not yet but as soon as they are we'll all have one."

Jonas beamed at her before turning back to Ali and their book. A knock came on the door and Katrina smiled finding Michael there holding a puppy in his arms.

"What?" was all she managed before Jonas came running over.

"Is that a puppy?" Jonas demanded wide-eyed as his father crouched down.

Michael smiled, "Yes, this is our new puppy. Her name is Gideon."

Jonas gently reached out to touch the dog who instantly started to lick the little boy's hand making him giggle.

Ali cleared her throat making Michael look up at her, "I see what you meant this morning when you said you're making your life even harder than before."

He shrugged, "I know but look at her and tell me you would leave her."

Rolling her eyes Ali joined the others petting the puppy.

Rip sighed when Gideon poked at his face with her cold wet nose, it was still early and he just wanted to get some more sleep.

"Okay," he sighed after several minutes getting up, "You hungry?"

The yapping from the puppy made him smile and he gently clapped her before he got out of bed. Heading for the kitchen he quickly fixed Gideon some breakfast before making himself some tea.

They'd had Gideon for about a month and a half now. Rip found he talked to her a lot which made no sense as she was a puppy and couldn't talk back but for some reason it helped him when he was stressed.

Getting Jonas breakfast when he got up Rip then sat with his tea stroking Gideon who was sitting on the couch with her head resting against his thigh.

An hour later he had Jonas washed and dressed standing outside the girls' apartment.

"Good morning," Ali said catching Jonas in a quick hug before sending him inside to see Katrina. She quickly scratched Gideon's head before looking at Rip, "I promise we will have him back by dinner time and he will not gorge himself on sweets."

"Thanks, Ali," Rip smiled at her, "You know you didn't need to..."

"Who else are we going to take to a show like this?" Ali laughed, "My friend who runs the company wants real kids to see the production. I promised her at least one discerning child."

Rip chuckled, "He knows what he likes. Okay, if there are any problems or if he gets upset then call me and I will come pick him up."

"He'll be fine, Michael," Ali promised, "Give him a hug bye and go enjoy your day to yourself."

Crouching down Rip called to his son who came over for a quick hug before he petted Gideon and waving goodbye when Rip left.

x

It was a nice day as Rip walked through the streets with his puppy scampering happily at his side. He had no idea what to do without Jonas for a full day but Gideon needed a walk anyway so it gave him time to think.

Wandering randomly through the city Rip frowned hearing Gideon suddenly begin to yap at him. Looking down he saw her leash was twisting oddly, he unhooked it to untangle the leather strap surprised when Gideon suddenly bounded away.

"Gideon," he snapped, "Get back here," Rip chased after his puppy frowning when she disappeared through a small hole in a wire fence that had several large 'Keep Out' signs.

Groaning in annoyance he managed to find an opening big enough for him, squeezing through Rip scanned the area looking for his puppy.

"Gideon?" he called worriedly, "Come on, Gideon. Come here, girl."

"Hey," a man appeared suddenly to Rip's surprise as he was sure no one had been around, his hair sitting just at his shoulders and a t-shirt showing a half-melted Rubik's cube, "This is private property."

"I am sorry," Rip stated, "But my dog managed to get in through a hole in the fence. She's just a puppy."

"Is this her?" another man said appearing just as suddenly but Rip didn't care why he hadn't seen him approach as his dog was being carried by the new arrival.

Rip reached out and took the puppy into his arms, smiling as she licked at his face, "Bad girl, Gideon. You shouldn't have run away. What would I tell Jonas?"

"Jonas?" the first of the men asked.

Rip smiled slightly, "My son," he looked at the two men, "Thank you, I'm sorry about trespassing..."

At the hesitation the first of his new friends grinned, "I'm Cisco, that's Barry."

"Michael," he introduced himself attaching the leash to Gideon and putting her on the ground where she began to chew on the bottom of his denims, "Michael Hunter."

"It's nice to meet you, Michael," Barry told him, "Take care of your troublemaker."

Rip nodded, "Thanks again," he said before leading Gideon away.

"Who was our intruder?" Iris asked when Barry and Cisco returned to the cortex.

"A puppy," Cisco said bringing up the CCTV footage, "Belonging to him."

Iris stared at the man on the screen as did Harry and Joe.

"And?" Harry demanded.

Cisco shook his head, "There wasn't a glimmer of recognition in his eyes when he talked to us."

"Except he called his dog Gideon," Joe noted.

"Well Gideon, the AI Gideon, said certain things may stick," Cisco reminded them, "Things that were so important to him that not even the memory wipe would remove them."

Joe folded his arms, "But other than the name you're sure nothing else is in there."

"I saw nothing to suggest he did know who we were," Barry replied.

"And there was no vibe from him," Cisco added, "It looks like Rip Hunter Time Master is gone for good."

Barry nodded, "Which is exactly what he wanted."