"He has a complete dislocation of the T12-L1 interspace of the thoracolumbar junction." Caitlin rattled off. Mick looked utterly confused and Len rolled his eyes.
"English, Doctor Snow, please." he drawled.
"Basically, Zoom broke his back. He's paralyzed right now." Both former criminals looked shocked and concerned. Caitlin continued, "We're hoping that his healing ability will take care of it and he'll be better soon. Only time will tell."
"Sorry we weren't here, kid." Mick said. Barry looked over at him with a small smile.
"It's okay. There's nothing you could have done." A look of anger crossed Len's face.
"Don't worry, Scarlet. We'll get him." Barry's eyes widened. He looked genuinely scared.
"No! You can't! He'll kill you both. Zoom is faster and more powerful than me. You won't stand a chance. Please don't go after him. Promise me?" Len sighed and Mick looked irritated, possibly that he wouldn't get to burn the bastard. It took a moment of consideration on both Len and Mick's part, but they eventually grumbled when they saw the look of desperation and anxiety on Barry's face.
"Promise."
"Promise."
~x~x~x~
After spending some time with Barry, Len and Mick were shooed away so that the speedster could get some much needed rest. As they were leaving, Joe stopped them in the corridor.
"What the hell are you up to?" he asked, venom lacing his voice. Len looked like he had expected this question and Mick looked angry that the detective was asking.
"Nothing, I can assure you." Len answered. "We were just worried." Joe's face twisted into a sneer.
"I don't believe you. I'll tell you this though, if you do anything to hurt that boy, I will kill you." Mick smirked.
"How very law abiding of you." Joe stood there regarding the two for a moment before turning and walking in the opposite direction. Len and Mick turned and headed for the entrance of the building so they could go home for the night.
As soon as the two made their way to the apartment they shared, they realized it wasn't vacant, like they thought it would be. Lisa came around the corner, from the kitchen, and stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes widened before her face broke out in a grin and she ran to her brother.
"Lenny!" She threw her arms around Len, giving him a tight hug. When she finally pulled away, her eyes narrowed and she punched him in the arm.
"Ow! The hell was that for?!"
"You disappeared for three months without telling me you were leaving, much less how long you would be gone!" she shouted. Len had the sensibility to look ashamed and pulled his baby sister to him for another hug. When they pulled apart, Lisa made her way to Mick.
"Hey Mick." she said, standing on the tips of her toes so she could hug him too. They eventually moved over to the couch and sat. Lisa, who plopped herself right in between the two men, looked at each in turn.
"So, tell me everything!" she demanded exitedly.
After they had regaled their story, leaving out certain details, Lisa sat in awe for a moment. You really got to do all that?" she asked, amazed.
"Yes, it was quite entertaining at times." Len answered. Mick grunted.
"Speak for yourself. I'm just glad to be away from haircut." he said. Len smirked as Lisa questioned.
"Who?"
"Ray Palmer." Len clarified. Lisa's mouth dropped open.
"The Ray Palmer? Starling's billionaire CEO of Palmer Technologies?" she asked.
"Yup."
"Wow." Lisa whispered, astonished. Why don't you like him?" she directed to Mick. Len snorted out a laugh, remembering Mick's irritation, and answered for him.
"Let's just say Ray was annoyingly cheerful."
Their long discussion over, They all turned in for the night. Len and Mick headed for their bedroom and Lisa for the guest room. Len lay down beside Mick, facing him.
"How do you think Barry's going to be?" he asked, snuggling into Mick, who sighed.
"Dunno. Hopefully, he'll get better, but we gotta keep his spirits up until then."
"Do you think Team Flash is going to let us do that?"
"If they know what's good for 'em they will." Len nodded. Contrary to popular belief, Len was quite the anxious person. It may be a result of his upbringing or it may be something he was born with, but he had suffered from anxiety most of his life. After meeting Mick, he found he was able to control it better. The other man was a grounding presence for him. Len rolled over, back to Mick, and felt the larger man wrap warm arms around his waist.
