Author's Note: This is the final chapter of this story.

Hope you enjoyed.


"So," Sara said as she, Rip, Ray and Mick looked at the large building the signal they'd picked up earlier that morning was coming from, "Where are we?"

"It's the testing centre," Rip said before explaining at the confused looks, "This is where they brought the children recruited so it could be determined whether they should be trained as Time Masters or something else." He grimaced, "Medical checks were also done here."

"Rip…" Sara said softly as he looked around.

"I spent about three months here when I was first picked up," he mused, seeing they were all looking at him confused Rip explained, "Scarring on my lungs from pneumonia plus I was practically starving to death."

At his dismissive reply the three of them looked at one another worriedly.

"Okay," Rip broke out of his reverie, "We should split up and see if we can find the location of the SOS signal."

Sara nodded in agreement.

"You and Mr Rory take the north wing," Rip said to Sara, before noting to Mick, "You know what to look for. Ray and I will take the south."

He started walking but before Ray could follow, Mick grabbed his arm.

"Keep an eye on the Englishman, Haircut," Mick told him, "This place will not be good for him."

Ray nodded and headed after Rip.

x

"This is strange," Rip mused as they moved through the corridors, "I don't know where this signal could be coming from or who could possibly be sending it."

Ray nodded, "Maybe Sara and Mick will be having better luck than we are."

Rip stopped and tilted his head in thought, "Hold on. We're in the south wing…I wonder…"

"What?" Ray demanded when Rip trailed off and just stood silently for several minutes.

Finally Rip turned to him, "That signal was sent directly to us, to me. Bringing me to somewhere I haven't been since I was a child."

"And?"

Rip took a breath, "My room, the one I was in for the three months I was here, is at the end of this corridor. I wonder…"

Ray shook his head annoyed as Rip trailed off again before walking deliberately along the corridor. Rip pulled his gun before opening the door. Green light spilled out and Ray watched Rip step inside. He ran in when he heard Rip's gun thud on the floor and a cry of shock emanate from the other man.

"Rip?" he cried finding the former Time Master gasping for air, his back against the wall staring at the bed where, held in a stasis field, lay a little boy. Ray stared at the child asking, "Who is he?"

Rip looked up at Ray, his face ashen with tears filling his eyes, managing to whisper, "Jonas."

x

Sara and Mick charged through the corridors. Ray had called them simply saying they needed to get there now. Reaching the room, they skidded to a halt finding Ray holding onto Rip who appeared to be having a panic attack.

"Rip?" Sara asked gently.

Ray shook his head and motioned her to look at the bed. Confused she stepped closer with Mick and stared at the child on the bed.

"Jonas," Mick said, his voice soft.

Sara swallowed and let out a short breath before moving over to Rip resting her hand on his cheek making him look at her, "Hey, we're going take him back to the ship and get him checked out. Okay?" Not waiting for him to reply Sara turned back, "Gideon, please connect to the test centre."

"I already have, Captain Lance," Gideon replied, "I have downloaded the information and will remove the stasis field as soon as you are ready."

Sara turned to check on Rip once more, relieved that he seemed to be calming slightly, "Mick is going to take him back to the ship. Okay?"

"I won't let anything happen to him," Mick promised.

Ray nodded letting them know that he'd take care of Rip as long as they took care of Rip's son.

"Okay, Gideon," Sara said, "Drop the stasis field."

The green light disappeared, and Mick slid his arms beneath the unconscious child lifting him gently, holding him securely against his chest before he started back to the ship.


Rip opened his eyes and grabbed his tablet sitting on the bedside cabinet, "Gideon, show me Jonas."

Instantly the screen lit up and the live feed of his son fast asleep, cuddled up with his teddy bear completely peaceful under his covers a slight smile on his sweet face appeared before him.

"He's safe," Gideon assured him, "And dreaming happily."

Letting out a sigh, Rip placed the tablet down before dropping his head onto the pillow in relief.

"What were you dreaming about?" Gideon asked.

Rip curled around his pillow, "The day we found him, this time last year."

"A wonderful day, Captain," Gideon said, a smile in her voice, "And it has been a good year. You have been a good father to our wonderful little boy. And he's happy."

"I know," he breathed, closing his eyes "But I remember the days without him."

"Days that are long gone," she reminded him.

With her comfort, and the knowledge Jonas was safe in the next room, Rip let himself drift off to sleep once more.

x

Jonas, completely ignorant of the significance of the day, bounced downstairs to watch his morning cartoons. Rip smiled to see his son, happy and waiting for his breakfast.

"Okay," Rip placed the bowl of cereal in front of Jonas, "Since I offered to help Adam's mum and dad get things ready for the party, it means we're going to go early."

Jonas grinned.

"So, you get to play with Adam before his party," Rip continued, "But you also have to make sure you don't get in the way."

"I promise I'll be good, Daddy," Jonas said solemnly.

With a smile Rip leaned over and kissed the top of his son's head, "I know you will be."

They finished breakfast with Jonas and Gideon playing one of the matching games she liked to do with him. They were memory games similar to ones Miranda would play every morning, to keep Jonas' mind stimulated. Rip knew it allowed Gideon her own time to bond with his son.

Rip tidied up watching Jonas constantly. For some reason the fact that exactly one year before he had found his son again was on his mind and Rip couldn't stop thinking about that moment. Finding Jonas on the bed in stasis, getting back the most precious part of his life had saved Rip and he knew it. Without Jonas, Rip was well-aware he would still be running about the timeline putting himself in situations that would one day have got him killed.

x

Evelyn and Kevin had hired the same soft play centre for Adam's birthday party that Rip had for Jonas' birthday. The moment they walked in Adam ran over to them, and Rip let his son take off with his best friend.

"Hi," Evelyn appeared, "Thank you for coming to help."

Rip smiled, "Happy to. It also means I don't have to listen to Jonas ask me continuously when we were coming to the party."

She chuckled, "Well, I am grateful you're here. Kevin took Ruth for a drive to get her to go to sleep."

"And to avoid the hard work?" Rip asked amused,

"Exactly."

Laughing Rip followed her to the table where all the decorations sat. He watched Jonas run around with Adam as he helped Evelyn blow up balloons and sort party bags.

"Are you okay?" Evelyn asked suddenly.

"Fine," Rip said quickly turning to look at her, "Why do you ask?"

She frowned slightly, "Because the way you're watching Jonas. Like you're afraid he won't be there the next time you look up."

Rip sighed softly, "I can't stop thinking that I lost him."

"Captain," Gideon said warningly in his ear, making him realise what he'd said.

"I was working when…" Rip trailed off and took a breath trying to remember for a moment the story they'd given for losing Miranda, "When I got the call about the accident. I thought I'd lost them both. This time last year I found I was wrong."

Evelyn squeezed his arm, "He's safe but I understand why you're a little anxious today."

"Thank you, Evelyn," Rip said sincerely, "I can't tell you how much your friendship has meant to me this past year."

"Well, you and Jonas are family now," Evelyn replied, she looked over as the door opened and the party guests arrived, "And the hordes have arrived."

x

Rip sat hidden in the corner with Ruth asleep in his arms while the kids ran around, and the adults chatted. Knowing his aversion to 'chatting' with the parents of Jonas' classmates Evelyn simply handed him Ruth and let him hide in the corner where he could watch over his son.

Jonas and Adam were charging around, laughing and shouting while leading several others in a game.

"You're troubled, Captain," Gideon said softly in his ear.

"No," he breathed, "Just reflecting."

"About?"

Rip sighed, gently rocking the little girl as she began to fuss in his arms, "Just life in general."

"Remaining in one place for an entire year is something you have not done in a long time," Gideon deduced, "Not since your final year in the Academy."

"Even with Miranda I could only stay for a few days at a time," Rip murmured sadly, "I never thought I would ever put down roots, other than on the Waverider."

He sat in silence for several moments watching Jonas.

"Do you miss it, Captain?" Gideon asked, breaking the silence.

"I do," he said instantly, "My ship, our ship. That was my home and refuge for all those years. The only consolation I have is that you're still with me."

Rip could feel her smile at her words, "Always, my dearest Captain."

x

Jonas was fast asleep on the bed beside Adam, who was also out for the count, when Rip stepped into the room. Toy Story, the boys' favourite film, was playing to itself. After the party Evelyn and Kevin invited them over for dinner, allowing the boys could continue to play. Rip was more than happy to, as he enjoyed their company and was always happy to have Jonas spend time with his best friend.

"Both asleep?" Kevin chuckled as he looked down at their sons, "Well, they spent most of the day bouncing about. I'm surprised they lasted so long."

Rip smiled, before he lifted Jonas up into his arms. Jonas cuddled into Rip's shoulder arms and legs automatically wrapping around his daddy. Kevin fixed his son under the covers, who sighed as he cuddled his bear.

Carrying Jonas down to the car Rip turned to his friends, "Tomorrow will be a year since Jonas and I moved here. The others are insisting on throwing a party to celebrate. I know it's short notice but would you all like to join us."

"Are you sure?" Evelyn asked, "If it's a family get together."

"Family and friends," Rip said softly, "I'd like you to join us. And Jonas will love having Adam there to play with."

Evelyn glanced at her husband before nodding, "We'll be there. What time?"

"After three," Rip smiled relieved they'd agreed to come, he still found it hard to reach out to people.

Evelyn nodded, "We'll be there.

"See you tomorrow," Rip nodded before he carried his unconscious son to the car and heading home.

Carrying Jonas upstairs, Rip quickly changed his son into his pyjamas and eased the pliant little boy under the covers. Kissing Jonas forehead, Rip left him to sleep.


Rip stood in the kitchen looking out across the garden which was filled with friends and family. Barry, Cisco, Caitlin, Iris, Wally, Jessie, Harry, Lisa, Joe and Cecile, Tina McGee, Evelyn, Kevin, Adam and Ruth, Clarissa and Lily were there as well as Oliver, Felicity, Diggle, Lyla along with Captain Singh and his husband had accepted the invitation to join the party.

"Your family, Captain," Gideon said softly in his ear, "You should be out there enjoying the celebration with them."

Rip smiled, "I'm just fixing drinks, Gideon. And I am enjoying my day. It's gratifying that so many people joined us."

"Of course they came, Captain," Gideon told him, amusement in her voice, "Despite yourself sometimes, you have made good friends here."

Rolling his eyes at her reply, Rip picked up the cups of juice for Adam and Jonas returning to the garden. Once he'd given the boys their drink, he took a seat beside Clarissa and rejoined the conversation.

"Okay, can I have your attention," Joe spoke up suddenly, standing with his glass in his hand managing to get everyone's attention, "A year ago today, Rip and Jonas arrived in Central City becoming a part of our already odd extended family."

Rip lifted Jonas onto his lap hugging him close.

"Although shy and timid around us at first," Joe continued, "Rip soon came to trust us."

Laughter filled the garden and Rip tried to frown but couldn't stop his smile at the good-natured teasing.

"With Rip came Jonas who has become a beloved cousin, nephew and grandson to us all," Joe said once the laughter died down, "And has brought new friends into our group. I remember standing here several months ago and welcoming you both to our family. Now, I get to stand here when you have become an integral part of this family. As well as tell you how grateful we are to have you with us."

"Seconded," Cisco called, hugging Lisa close who smiled up at him.

Hugging Jonas, Rip looked at garden filled with people.

"And I…we are grateful that you took us in," Rip paused before continuing with a smile, "An extended family was something neither Jonas nor I ever had until we came here," Rip raised his glass to them all, "To our family."

As everyone toasted, Rip kissed his son's head hugging him for a moment before he let the little boy down to run around with his best friend again.

x

Looking at the people filling his garden, Rip thought back to the year before when he'd made the decision to stay in this time and place. He remembered deciding logically that staying near the Star Labs team would be a good idea, considering his own unique circumstances if anything happened that would require medical assistance then he would have people who could help him.

It had been a pleasant surprise when Cisco offered his spare room to them, and then how they were adopted by the team. Rip could never have imagined that these people, strangers only twelve months before, becoming his family.

"Hey," Cisco's voice interrupted his thoughts, "Are you with us?"

Rip smiled and turned back to the party, "I'm with you."