I'm sorry Bart and Jaime didn't get to see each other last chapter, but they see each other this chapter!

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It didn't take long for Bart to get dressed in a new Kid Flash uniform. He had a couple, just because his missions had been risky lately. He had more than a couple holes in his old costumes. Bart was happen to finally be clean again. He hadn't taken a proper shower for five weeks, and he was surprised at how dirty he could get when he did nothing but walk around in a room. Well walk around for a couple weeks then go through a beating. Bart was glad his costume was yellow and red, and not orange.

Bart didn't want to see the color for a while.

Bart made sure to pocket the beetle. He was not going to lose it. He had a mission to do, even if he didn't want to.

"I'm ready!" Bart called down the stairs as he went down. He was glad that the Allens offered their home as his 'home away from home'. He would have to go back to the Garricks though. Maybe tonight.

Bart knew it wasn't likely for him to get a mission after getting back.

Right?

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The mission was failing way too fast,

and Jaime was in charge again.

With the recent missions Jaime had gone on, this was nothing new. Both Robin and Beast boy were out cold. For the most part Scarab was fighting. The beetle knew exactly how to deal with the enemies that Jaime had been running from. It wasn't that Scarab was in control, he was just in control of the weapons Jaime was using. For the most part it was working. Scarab told Jaime what to do, and Jaime aimed as the Scarab changed his body to the weapon that was fitting for his attack.

Jaime could see men loading into two trucks and driving off. Scarab we need to track them down when we can. Two trucks with seven men in them.

Enemies coming in 45° to your left Jaime Reyes. Three men, pay attention meat!

Got it. I'm on it. Jaime changed his arm to a staple-gun and started flying towards then henchmen. Jaime wasn't sure who he was fighting, but he knew it was a villain that Robin was familiar with. Some nut from Gotham. Then again, all the villains from Gotham were crazy. Jaime shot staples at the men, only missing once. The man he missed was buffer than the other men he had been fighting. They all wore green he noticed. Green and purple.

Weird.

The larger man jumped high enough to catch Jaime by the ankle, and dragged him down to Earth once more. Jaime struggled the moment he hit the ground. The man was on top of him, elbowing and punching him as hard as he could. The armor was too strong for it to hurt Jaime. It stung, but it didn't quite hurt.

"Get off me maldito joder!" Jaime managed to kick the man off of him, but another man jumped on him a second later. Hands were on his throat, and the Blue Beetle was having a hard time fighting off the men attacking. Jaime tried to reach up to his comm link, but his hand was quickly pinned to the ground. If I could just reach a little more... Jaime began struggling harder, and looked around to see how his team was doing. Beast boy was laying limp in a ditch on the ground, and Robin was being dragged off by a man, and Jaime noticed that there was another truck now.

That wasn't good at all.

"Robin!" Jaime called out to his friend, and managed to flip the man who had been on top him. Jaime straddled the man and held his chest down with a hand, as his other hand quickly went to his comm link, "Blue Beetle requesting backup! It's urgent! They've got Robin, and my hands are full. My entire team is out cold." Jaime felt the familiar buzz that came with clicking the comm link off. He hoped that Nightwing would be the one to get the message first. He needed a Bat.

Jaime saw stars when the man below hit him, but he quickly tackled the man down. He knew that he'd have to get up close and personal to take down the men. Jaime was ready to staple the man down when he was grabbed from behind, making a staple shoot into the air. The man below him knew instantly that he wasn't being held down, and didn't hold back with his hits. Jaime was more than dazed, and could see black creeping into his vision. he knew he had to stand his ground. It was hard when he was seeing double, and was sure there were more men walking over to him.

"Watch out!"

"Take him down! What are you doing?!"

Jaime's head was still spinning, but he could swear there was someone running around. A blur of yellow...

Bart!

With a shaky hand Jaime pushed himself up slowly. The men who were attacking him jumped off to attacked Kid Flash. The Hispanic boy was thankful for the sudden break from fighting. He had to take down these men though, Bart was better suited for another job.

"Bart! Go after a truck that went in that direction," Jaime pointed quickly and continued, "They've got Robin. There are two trucks with seven men split up. GO!" Jaime yelled the orders, and didn't have to wait a second before Bart was running in the direction Jaime had directed him towards. He was so glad to see Bart, but the mission was his first priority. By now there was only one man, currently trying to speed away in the remaining van.

Oh no you don't.

Jaime didn't bother trying to be gentle with the vehicle when he morphed his arms together and slammed into the side, knocking the whole thing over. After pulling the man out Jaime made sure to tie up the villains, and report to Aqualad that they were captured, and backup was no longer needed on his end. Bart had saved him, and was now pursuing Robin. Jaime couldn't help but be annoyed when he looked to his green skinned friend that he had to wake up somehow. He really hoped Garfield wasn't hurt too badly.

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Jaime was glad he was able to meet up with Bart after the mission. Robin was saved, and after a very stressful debriefing with Nightwing and Aqualad, Jaime could use a friend. Talk about stressful days.

"Thanks for what you did back there. I almost forgot how much you kicked ass since you aren't usually on my teams." Jaime really was glad to have his friend, and partner back. The henchmen didn't see it coming when a speedster who had been gone for a month suddenly came back. Jaime and the team knew that most villains thought that Kid Flash was gone forever, since Wally retired when he was Kid Flash. People were used to Kid Flash disappearing.

"Welcome. I'm actually surprised I was allowed to go, but then again I would be able to get to you faster than any other Hero. Barry would be faster, but he was a bit busy." Telling the team what happened when I was gone. If only I could have told him the truth.

The Impulse is nervous.

"What was The Flash up to?"

"Just telling the League what I told him."

That was short and to the point. "Well what did you tell him? Were you okay when you were gone?" Jaime could see a couple bruises on Bart, but he couldn't see too much due to Bart's clothes. he was a bit roughed up, but he didn't look too bad.

"I wasn't hurt at all there. It was actually a really easy place to stay, even though it was a jail."

Jail can't be an easy place for a speedster to stay. Jaime thought, but didn't say anything.

Bart pulled on his sleeves, hoping that Jaime wouldn't notice. He didn't want Jaime to know he was hurt. His ribs still hurt from his beating, and Bart still didn't know the meeting point with Teja, so the auburn-haired boy knew he would have to go through another 'punishment' from Orange Beetle. He had no idea how to find out where to meet her.

"Bart?"

"What? huh what?" Bart said the words a bit too quickly and got a look from Jaime. Speed-speaking. Whoops.

"I was asking you if you're okay from today's mission. You really helped me out. Though I'm still not sure what those men were after. Robin told me it was the Riddler, and he was just causing trouble for the Bat's attention."

"I'm okay."

Jaime Reyes, the Kid Flash is lying to you. Heart rate has increased.

I know he's lying, but I'm not sure about what. He's definitely not okay..

"I've missed you though."

"You know I missed you too amigo íntimo"

"Amigo in-tim-o?" Bart cocked his head to the side, and just stared at Jaime, waiting for the boy to explain the new name.

"It means close friend. I think we both know hermano doesn't quite describe our relationship."

Relationship. Bart liked that Jaime wasn't calling him a brother. They were closer than that.

"Why don't you just call me your best friend?" Jaime gave Bart a dry look. Bart knew that Jaime didn't like speaking strictly English, especially when describing friends and family. Bart lowered his gaze, and quickly said "sorry."

"It's okay Bart." Jaime wrapped his arm around Bart's shoulder and began walking with the other boy. "You want to get some food?"

"Of course."

/

After eating, Jaime and Bart went to El Paso via Beta Tubes, to play games at Jaime's house. Just normal chill stuff. Jaime was sure to answer any questions Bart had about the team, but each time Jaime asked Bart about his time away from Earth, the younger boy wouldn't say anything other than asking a new question. He wasn't good at making it discreet that he was avoiding the topic. Right now Bart and Jaime were sitting on the older boy's bed playing Left for Dead. Just like old times.

Why do you waiste your time with silly things like games with the Kid Flash?

Because he's my friend.

He is no friend. Find out his secrets and eliminate him before he can turn on you.

What secrets? I know Bart has been acting odd since he came back but he's not-

He is lying to you Jaime Reyes.

Jaime's screen suddenly said 'you are dead', and Jaime couldn't help but curse. It was hard to play a game when you were fighting inside your own head. Jaime knew it wouldn't take long for Bart to get to the safe house, and the next level to start. Bart chuckled and made a comment about how he's kicking butt, but Jaime couldn't help but smile. At least Bart was still an ass when it came to videogames.

He doesn't have to tell me what happened.

Because he does not trust you.

He does trust me.

Is that why he has distracted you with games and questions?

He has a right to ask questions! He's been gone for more than a month.

Jaime was brought back, and quickly searched the safe house for weapons, and ammo. He managed to snatch the last health pack and was on his way out of the safe house. The last level was always the hardest.

He is hiding something dangerous Jaime Reyes.

Shut up Scarab.

"Trouble in paradise?"

"What?" Jaime dropped his remote, not bothering to pause.

"You were talking aloud to Scarab."

"Was I?" Jaime couldn't help but be annoyed at this fact. How much had he said out loud?

"You were.." Bart paused the game and gave Jaime a look. He was used to Jaime talking to Scarab, but he always was curious about what they spoke about. He could tell they were arguing. "Tell me, what's on your mind."

"It's not that simple amigo íntimo.." The older boy scratched his neck nervously. It was never a good idea to tell someone that you were talking about them. Especially Bart. The younger boy scooted closer so that he was hip to hip with Jaime, and just continued staring at the older boy. It was making Jaime more than a little uncomfortable.

"What are you doing?"

"Jaime, tell me?"

"Personal space is something I enjoy ese..." Jaime moved away from the boy.

"What's on your mind?" Bart got closer, and Jaime felt goosebumps cover his skin. Bart didn't usually do things like this.

Jaime growled, "Bart come on I told you tha-"

"No, none of that Jaime. I want to know I'm your bes-"

"That doesn't mean I have to tell you everything!" Jaime stood up in frustration.

"Who else do you have to talk to? Scarab?"

"Why does it matter?" Jaime raised his voice, and Bart flinched, taking a step away from Jaime.

"I just want to know Jaime. I know that it's hard for you to deal with Scarab sometimes.." The boys stood in silence, both remembering the times that Jaime had almost broken down when talking to Bart about Scarab. It had been almost a year since Jaime had spoken to Bart in detail about Scarab.

"Bart I just don't know what to do sometimes. I feel like I'm going insane. Scarab tells me so many details about everything I come in contact with that I feel like I'm stalking everyone around me." Jaime rubbed his temples, frustration clearly written on his features. Bart quietly sat next to his best friend, letting the boy rant to him. He knew that Jaime needed someone to talk to. Someone who wasn't in his head.

"It's just.. Years ago when the Scarab attached itself to me, I thought that it would get easier as time went on, but it doesn't hermano. It get's harder and harder everyday. Do you know why I broke up with my girlfriend? Because when we were in bed together Scarab was telling me to eliminate her because she was vulnerable! Of course she was! I was too! He sees everyone as a threat! Especially you!" Bart flinched when Jaime mentioned him. Bart didn't know that hew as a threat.

"Just.. This is going to sound lame Bart, but don't ever stop being my friend. Please. You're the only one who understands. You've experienced... me at my worst. In the future. That's not going to happen anymore, but I just don't want to go insane." Bart reached over and hugged his best friend. He knew that sometimes Jaime needed him. Sometimes Jaime was open like a book, but other times he was so closed off.

Just like right now Jaime realized.

Bart grabbed Jaime's hand, and pulled Jaime down onto the bed, making him sit down again. Bart ran his thumb over Jaime's knuckles as the two boys sat in silence, waiting for the other boy to speak. Jaime appreciated the comfort that Bart gave, and untangled their fingers to slide his arm over the shoulder of the other boy. He didn't miss when Bart jumped when his shoulder was touched, but Jaime knew better than the ask if Bart was okay again.

"I'll tell you what's on my mind if you tell me about your time away."

"No."

"Don't expect me to talk then." Jaime stood up and started going though his movies, deciding that it was a good distraction from the things both boys didn't want to talk about.

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A/N: Maldito means damn, joder means fuck. amigo íntimo means close friend, but you guys read that already. XD.

I'm going to try to start some attraction that goes past friendship now. If anyone has suggestions please be sure to review!

I don't know how I feel about this chapter...