A/N: Back with another chapter. One word, I plan on calling this series the D.C.M.U. (DC/Marvel Universe). What do you think? Is it a good name? Let me know in the reviews for this chapter, please. Thank you.
Response to Reviews:
Superflash-verse: Glad you're enjoying it, I hope this chapter came soon enough for you.
December 7th, 2013
New York City
Avengers' Tower
After the Battle with The Flash,
Tony, Steve, Clint, Natasha and Thor were spread out across the living on the top floor of Avengers' tower, it had been a few hours since they were defeated at the hands of The Flash. They couldn't believe that one man, a man with super speed had defeated them so easily and so quickly. Never before, had the Avengers been so badly humiliated, let alone at the hands of one man. Then, the door to the room opened as Amanda Waller, Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, Grant Ward, Jemma Simmons, Leo Fitz, Melinda May and Skye all walked through the door before stopping in there tracks as they eyed the exhausted Avengers.
"You guys don't look good." Skye said softly.
"Yeah, we don't." Tony said. "Probably and most definitely because we had our asses handed to us by a guy with super speed, so, you know."
"Does anyone wanna tell me how The Flash managed to defeat all of you?" Fury asked in a tone that represented worry rather than anger.
"We underestimated him." Clint said as Tony scoffed.
"Underestimated him?" Tony scoffed. "Clint, he had super speed."
"Oh and that's supposed to matter?" Clint asked sarcastically. "Didn't we literally defeat an army of aliens eighteen months ago."
"He lifted and compromised Thor's hammer." Tony argued as everyone was shocked.
"He what?!" Fury demanded.
"He lifted Thor's hammer. Pretty easily that too." Natasha said.
"How the heck did he do that by the way?" Tony asked as everyone looked to Thor. "Not even Banner was able to lift that thing and that was as the big, green bean."
"He must've been worthy." Thor said.
"It's The Flash." Ward argued. "The guy's spent the past eighteen months beating criminals to near-death and there's a whole city of people afraid of him, that doesn't exactly spell 'pure of heart' or 'worthy' to me. So the heck was he able to lift it?"
"I do not know." Thor said, standing on his feet as he looked down at his hammer, which was on the ground. "Perhaps he is not who we think he is but either way, he is worthy of my hammer."
"Which means he can lift it." Waller realized.
"I rest my case." Tony said, raising his hands defensively as everyone faced him. "The guy had super speed, home-field advantage and Thor's hammer."
"Well, that's what we signed up for, isn't it?" Clint countered, raising his voice. "To stop the enemy, even if we don't stand a chance against him."
"Dude, did you not hear what I literally just said?" Tony asked rhetorically.
"That's enough." Fury said with a sigh before turning to Steve. "Captain, you seem fairly quiet."
Everyone in the room turned to face the super soldier who was quiet. Until now, Steve had been thinking about what The Flash said. The captain felt his bruises burn at the very thought of The Scarlet Speedster himself, Flash's words echoed through Steve's mind. You don't trust each other enough, you doubt each other. You put your loved ones at risk, you may be a team but you're a poor team, one that needs a lot of work. You leave too many dead bodies and destruction... The words went on, Steve knew that Flash was right. One way or another, every single thing he said was accurate and if that was true, then the Avengers had a lot more work to do than they thought. Steve looked back at Fury and opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted as the door to the room opened once more. Everyone turned to see Bruce Banner step through the door as he sheepishly looked at everyone.
"I already heard everything, please continue." Bruce said sheepishly as everyone turned back to face Steve.
"As I was saying, Clint is right about a few things.." Steve said as Tony rolled his eyes. "...we did underestimate The Flash and we should have, somehow, anticipated him managing to disable each and every one of us. However, at the same time Tony certainly has a few points: The Flash did have home-field advantage, he had speed, lot's of it, and many other powers and he had the advantage of Thor's hammer."
"Thank you!" Tony said dramatically as he pointed his hand at Steve who had a grim look.
"What I want to know is how he managed to beat all of you." Waller said, emphasizing the word 'all'.
"Well, you guys could go for a rematch with The Flash. I mean, he's just one speedster." Skye said to the Avengers as they all listened to the hacker. "How hard can it possibly be?"
"She's right." Tony said. "He's one guy and the six of us, well, we're the Avengers. We're a team."
"A very poor team." Waller pointed out.
"One that needs a lot of work." Fury agreed as Steve eyed the two of suspiciously.
"That's exactly what he said." Steve muttered.
"What who said?" Fitz asked, sounding completely oblivious.
"The Flash." Steve replied as he eyed both Fury and Waller. "That's exactly what he said to me after our fight. That we were a poor team, one that had a lot of problems and needed a lot of work.
"Ohhh, I get it." Tony said.
"Neither of you were ever looking to take down The Flash, you both want to recruit him." Natasha deduced.
"Recruit Scarlet Speedster?" Thor asked. "I do not understand."
"You see potential in him." Natasha deduced, eyeing both Waller and Fury. "And you wanted someone who thinks the way you do."
"It doesn't matter, either way, we can take him." Tony sassed.
"I don't know about that. I mean, he did put a heavy beating on you guys, so. You guys might wanna be wary of this guy." Ward said to the Avengers.
"Please." Tony Stark scoffed. "The guy went from wearing red spandex to black metal so he clearly has issues. I could take him on...easily."
"And seriously? The Flash?" Clint Barton said, scoffing. "Sounds stupid. Kid probably prowls in his parents' basement or something."
"I'd watch what you say about him, you two." Phil Coulson said as all the Avengers and members of Coulson's team faced the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent "If he was active at the time, I would've asked him to lead the Avengers."
Coulson's team and all of the Avengers stared at the elderly agent in shock. Never before had there been a man with such respect from a man like Coulson, something like that as beyond a 'good achievement.'
"The World Council asked me to do this initially." Fury said, shocking the Avengers and Coulson's team even more. "However, after your first encounter with The Flash, he clearly refused and has refused to do anything with S.H.I.E.L.D. or the Avengers. He is a force to be reckoned with. He's not an enemy S.H.I.E.L.D. can take on."
"Neither can A.R.G.U.S." Waller said, reluctantly admitting the hard truth.
"That's why the Avengers should." Steve said, standing up as his suit stretched outward. "All the Avengers. If we can come up with a plan, maybe lure him into-"
"No." Fury said silently as everyone (including Steve) turned to face the Director. "You won't be."
It was clear that Fury was trying to avoid war, The Flash was the kind of person he didn't want to go to war with.
"Fury." Steve sighed.
"No, Rogers." Fury said sternly.
"This...Flash vigilante was a hero..." Steve Rogers said to Fury. "...and now, he's a dark knight with a reign of terror. We have to stop him."
"I agree." Tony said.
"Maybe." Fury admitted as he faced Steve. "But either way, Rogers, you don't get to decide what the right thing is."
Fury then turned to face Tony, who lightly glared at the Director.
"And you." Fury said, walking forward to Tony. "You honestly expect me to believe that you wanna do this because you feel sorry for the people in that city, well guess what, that's BS and you know it. You only wanna do this because you want the attention, you're just being the grade A sociopath you always have been. So listen to me now, Stark, no one cares. No one in the world gives a damn if Tony Stark and the Avengers want to go head to head with The Flash. Besides, you already did and you lost. And even if someone did care, I wouldn't let you go and if you do go, I swear, I will make your world a living..."
At that point, Tony lost his cool as he jumped up onto his feet, grabbed Fury by the collar of his jacket and pinned against the wall.
"Do. Not. Threaten me. I will rip you open." Tony gritted, his blood boiling, the rage in his eyes burning like a fire.
"Tony." Steve said in a warning voice. "Let him go."
"You heard the man." Ward said as he and May aimed their pistols at Tony, who hesitated.
Tony released Fury as he blankly eyed the man with a blank look.
"Good seeing you, Nick, you can leave." Tony said in completely different tone, gesturing his hand to the door. "In fact, I think every non-Avenger in this place can leave. Wouldn't you guys say so?"
Coulson, the members of his team, Waller and Fury didn't move an inch.
"I swear I'll..." Tony muttered before raising his voice. "Now! Out!"
Waller, Coulson, Fury and the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. all left the room, exiting through the door as their steps echoed through the halls. Tony then turned around to face the rest of his teammates.
"The gala's tonight." Tony said casually as if nothing happened. "The hearing's tomorrow. Cap, for the gala, I'm putting your shield on display. Point Break, your hammer's on the table. And we're hosting the gala in Central City."
"Do we even have a place there that we can use?" Bruce asked.
"Well, a certain billionaire friend of mine let us borrow his company's place for tonight." Tony said.
"Who?" Steve asked curiously.
"Lex Luthor." Tony replied.
"Doesn't he work with the young billionaire kid you had a rivalry with?" Bruce asked.
"Yeah, Barry Allen." Tony said.
"Also one of the richest guys on the planet?" Clint asked.
"Yeah, that's him." Tony replied.
"Anyways, Luthor has welcomed us to do the party there." Tony said. "Do get dressed, please."
At that point, Tony walked away to another part of the room where Pepper was waiting for him.
"Hey Pep." Tony greeted.
"Tony, are you okay?" Pepper asked out of the blue as Tony went over to the bar, grabbing a drink.
"I'm guessing you heard the little commotion between me and Fury." Tony said blankly.
"You threatened to 'rip him open', that's well beyond commotion." Pepper said.
"Yeah, yeah, I know." Tony said, staring out through the windows.
Pepper walked over to Tony as she placed her hands on his arm. She knew why Tony had snapped and threatened Fury, it was rage. Pure rage and anger. Anger that had boiled but was suppressed and contained for years, decades even. Anger that Tony suffered with. The anger of his father never being there for him, the anger of his parents being taken from him because of something as pathetic as a car crash. The anger at his enemies, at people like Fury. It had pushed to Tony far beyond his limit and in a moment of uncontrollable rage, Tony had snapped. It didn't surprise Pepper. In fact, what surprised her was that Tony was able to hold out for this long and that he was able to restrain himself. Most men in his position would've surrendered to the rage. Pepper kept her hands on his arm, comforting him to the best of her ability. Tony, without hesitation took Pepper's hand. There was a brief silence between the couple when Tony finally spoke with a more calm tone.
"What Fury said..." Tony began.
"Was wrong." Pepper interrupted, keeping her tone light but stern at the same time.
"Yeah." Tony said. "Honestly, Pep, I feel like I'm losing it. Ever since those few seconds in that...portal thingy."
"I know." Pepper said. "You know what I think? Take a back seat. Not just for you but the entire team as well. You've spent a lot of time being Iron Man that you haven't given yourself the time to be Tony Stark. Being Iron Man doesn't mean Tony Stark takes a back seat. Let Tony Stark have the night. The party will clear your head. Especially with the Senate hearing tomorrow morning."
"Right." Tony said as he turned to face Pepper. "We better get dressed."
Meanwhile, in S.T.A.R. Labs
Cisco and Harry stood across from one another, both of them were holding ice packs to the back of their heads. Neither of them were in a good mood, Cisco was saddened (as was Barry). Not just at the fact that Caitlin was Killer Frost but the fact that she had come back to them only to betray them. Harry, on the other hand, was pissed as he couldn't believe that yet another person in his life turned out to be a hostile enemy. The room was silent, Cisco and Harry didn't say anything to one another. Barry had gone out and now the two engineers were waiting for the young billionaire to return. Suddenly, the sounds of footsteps echoed through the halls of S.T.A.R. Labs as Barry Allen walked through the doorway to the cortex of S.T.A.R Labs. He was dressed in a blue suit with a black shirt underneath and his hair had been cut in a way where it now resembled his short brown hair.
"Hey guys." Barry said in a low voice.
"Hey." Cisco said lightly.
"D'you get a hair cut?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, what do you think?" Barry asked with no emotion.
"Looks much better than your old hair." Harry said.
"Is that really what we're gonna be talking about?" Cisco said in a loud voice. "What about the fact that Caitlin is Killer Frost? Or that she stabbed us all in the back? Or the fact that some stranger is out there, working with Caitlin and he (or she) also knows Barry's identity? What about those things?"
Harry opened his mouth to speak in an attempt to comfort Cisco but was interrupted as Barry spoke.
"In that order: no, my hair is definitely not what we're talking about. Caitlin being Killer Frost is a big betrayal. Whoever this mystery man is, he does know my identity and he is working with Caitlin. However, it doesn't look like he's gonna reveal my identity because he needs it to be secret. If Caitlin is working with this man, then she's gonna do as she says, meaning she won't reveal my identity either."
Cisco sighed deeply.
"Well, we need something to take Caitlin's...betrayal off of our minds." Harry said as he turned to face Barry. "I take it you're going to Luthor's party with the Avengers and the people of business."
"That I am." Barry said.
"Why?" Cisco wondered. "Don't you hate the Avengers?"
"As The Flash? Yes. As Barry Allen? No, I can't. Even if I want to you." Barry said, much to Cisco and Harry's confusion. "In order to make sure that people don't know my secret identity, I have to split myself in two. Barry Allen and The Flash have to be polar opposites. If The Flash likes the color black, Barry Allen likes white. If The Flash never smiles, Barry Allen always smiles. If The Flash hates the Avengers..."
"Barry Allen has to be a big fanboy of them." Cisco realized, catching on the pattern.
"Exactly." Barry said. "Plus, Luthor is hosting the party here in Central City."
"Which means Central City's golden boy needs to make an appearance." Harry said. "You've kept your company surviving and thriving but you need a public appearance now more than ever."
"Correct." Barry said. "Plus, the drive Goldface gave me is a data-absorbing USB stick. It can absorb Terabytes of data in mere seconds and minutes. We need to use it at the Gala and get Luthor's files on the White Portuguese."
"Which means we need those files now more than ever." Harry realized
"That's good but I have a question. If The Flash likes darker colors and wears them..." Cisco began. "...doesn't that mean you should be wearing white or something?"
Harry and Cisco turned to face Barry, who had a still look.
"We don't have to go that extreme." Barry said.
Cisco and Harry snickered as the walked past Barry and left the cortex, leaving Barry to think to himself. He did but then he noticed something on one of the tables in the cortex, a small red circle. Barry walked over to the table as he stood behind the table, looking down at the red circle. It wasn't just any circle, it was his old red emblem. Suddenly, all the old memories came flooding back into Barry's mind. All those Metahumans he took down with Wells, Caitlin and Cisco's help, all the lives he saved, how the city loved him rather than fearing him, all the times he saved Eddie, Joe and Iris. Especially Iris. However, with those memories came the memory of the day he couldn't save Iris. Or Joe. The day he lost the two things, the two people who had meant the most to him. The day he lost everything.
Barry slowly reached for the emblem, feeling sparks of electricity in his hand as he felt the emblem's material on his fingers. He picked it up as he held it in his hand, looking down at it. Barry looked down at his old Flash emblem from his old suit as he held it in his hands. He then looked up, his gaze meeting his new black, darker and metal suit. Barry then placed the emblem back on the table as he turned around before leaving the cortex.
Meanwhile, At S.H.I.E.L.D.
Nick Fury was sitting behind his desk in his office. He was quiet, looking down at both S.H.I.E.L.D. and A.R.G.U.S.' files on The Flash. S.H.I.E.L.D. had about seven pages on The Flash vigilante whereas A.R.G.U.S. only had six. That was a total of thirteen pages all together. Fury snorted with disappointment. Thirteen pages. Two of the most powerful organisations in the world researched one man, a vigilante with super speed and all they could get was thirteen pages full of a few words and bunch of pictures of The Flash from some random newspapers. Fury was always able to take down any enemy that came his way but in order to do so he had to be prepared, he needed knowledge of his enemy, something he didn't have with The Flash. Given the little information both A.R.G.U.S. and S.H.I.E.L.D. had on him and how much power the man had, The Flash wasn't a man Fury wanted to go to war with.
Then, Maria Hill walked inside Fury's room as she placed the report Fury had asked for on the Director's desk. Fury grabbed the report as he read through it in disappointment before looking up at Hill.
"The Black Knight?" Fury asked, referring to The Flash's subtitle name that S.H.I.E.L.D. had given him.
"We were going to give him the name 'The Red Knight' but he changed colors. So..." Hill trailed as Fury understood what the younger agent was trying to say. "Is it really that bad?"
"Though he did defeat the Avengers, we've managed to contain it and keep it quiet." Fury replied. "It's fine...for now."
Something in Fury's tone sent a chill down Maria Hill's spine. She had never seen her boss, the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. appear so...hesitant, doubtful. It was like he was just a scared little kid when it came to facing off against The Flash, at least compared to how he behaved when he faced off against other people or other beings. Then, Amanda Waller, the Director of A.R.G.U.S., walked into the room.
"We have a problem." Waller said.
"It's already gotten worse." Fury muttered under his breath before speaking up. "What can I do for you, Waller?"
"Don't take me for a fool, Nick." Waller snarled. "The Flash, we need to act against him and now. So, what're we going to do about him?"
Fury pondered for a moment before speaking. "Absolutely nothing."
The Flash wasn't someone Fury wanted to go with. Fury was an amazing strategist and tactician, as was Waller but Fury doubted that even if he and Waller were working together that they would be good enough to take down a tactician and strategist like The Flash. Besides, Fury wouldn't want an all-out war against one man. If five out of six of the Avengers and an army of four hundred cops, S.H.I.E.L.D. and A.R.G.U.S. agents, armed with cold and heat guns used by the Rogues, couldn't take down The Flash, how in hell's name would A.R.G.U.S. and S.H.I.E.L.D. be able to do so? Waller, however, was not on the same page as Fury as she stared at the man in shock as if he had shot her in the heart.
"Nothing." Waller whispered before raising her voice as she banged her fists on Fury's desk. "Nothing! Fury, we need to act against this renegade of a man! We have to stop him, now!"
Fury struggled to keep his calm as he found it hard to contain the urge to slap Waller in the face. Nevertheless, the man kept his cool as he eyed Waller with a look that had her backing off but still standing. Fury then hunched forward as he placed his index on his desk with a light sound echoing through the room.
"First of all..." Fury said in a chilling tone. "...I'm gonna pretend that this did not just happen. Second of all, do not even think of ordering me around. I will have your ass on the line, you hear me, Waller? Third of all, I will not mobilize S.H.I.E.L.D., A.R.G.U.S. or the Avengers against some man in a dark suit with a gritty and soar voice just because he beats criminals to a pulp and can run fast. Besides, we already did and it blew in our faces. So do me a favor, Waller and back. The hell. Off."
Waller scoffed. "Always so blind, Nick. Even with both eyes, you never saw the bigger picture. I can't even imagine how less of it you see now."
"Oh cut the bullshit, Waller." Fury snapped. "We both know you're just pissed that The Flash handed your ass to you on a platter. So don't try to be all professional with me. Any fool with common sense can see that you're just mashed potatoes underneath. Now, get the hell out of my building before I have my agents remove you."
Waller scoffed as she turned around and left Fury's room. Hill looked back at Fury, who leaned on his chair, gazing at nothing in particular.
"Sir, are you sure that was a wise decision?" Hill asked her boss.
"No but it was better than the alternative." Fury responded as Hill looked confused.
"The alternative, sir?" Hill asked.
"War with The Flash, Agent Hill." Fury replied. "War with The Flash."
A Few Hours Later
7:00 p.m.
The Gala
Tony Stark was standing in the middle of a crowd full of people at the Gala. He had been greeting many of the members of big business, he took Pepper's advice about not being Iron Man for the night and just being Tony Stark. Genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist. In another part of the room, Steve and Thor were in a conversation with an old, elderly man. They had been looking at Steve's shield, which was on display.
"It's made out of vibranium." Steve explained. "Purely indestructible."
"Vibranium?" the old man said. "Funny name for a shield."
"It's the name of the metal." Steve specified. "The shield itself doesn't have any name."
"You should see what Mjolnir is made of." Thor said. "Forged by the greatest Asgardian blacksmiths, thousands of years ago."
At a different part of the room, many different businessman were circled around a table that had Thor's hammer in the center. Among these businessmen were member of the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent: Clint Barton. One of the businessmen held the hammer by the grip as he pulled and tugged it as hard as he could. His skin tightened and turned red as he strained in an effort to try and lift the hammer, his efforts were in vain as he eventually released the hammer before heavily gasping.
"How the hell does that guy do it?" the businessman asked as his fellow businessmen chuckled with laughter.
"You'll have to ask him." Clint said as there was even more laughter among the businessman.
At another area of the room, Bruce Banner and Natasha Romanoff were walked next to one another. Natasha had her hands wrapped around Bruce's arm as the two walked around the entire room together. They both remained silent, eyeing pieces of art and different areas of the room as Bruce suddenly spoke.
"I don't belong here." Bruce said out of the blue as Natasha turned her head to face him.
"What do you mean?" Natasha said.
"Natasha, let's face it." Bruce said silently. "Me being here is a mistake. One bad thing, one small slip up and it could be chaos. I should be away from all these people, it's better that way."
"Give it time, Bruce." Natasha said softly. "Give it time."
In a different part of the room, Phil Coulson, Skye, Fitz and Simmons were spread out across the room. The team had asked Coulson if they could attend the Gala and he decided that they should, with everything that was going on with Centipede, it seemed like the time was right for the team to take a back seat and take a break from their missions. Ward and May, however, thought differently as they weren't the kind of people to socialize, they were the kind of people to train, not be seen and not be heard. Coulson was out on his own, randomly greeting guests, Simmons and Fitz were walking through the room of the Gala together whereas Skye was on her own as she tried to avoid contact with just about anyone. She didn't seem that interested in socializing. Meanwhile, Fitz and Simmons were walking together as Fitz spoke up.
"Umm, Simmons." Fitz said sheepishly.
"Yes, Fitz, what is it?" Simmons asked eagerly.
"I, uh, I...I...I want to tell you something." Fitz said as he worked up the courage. This was it, this was the big moment, he would tell her, he would tell her how he felt about her. He would confess his true feelings once and for all.
"What is it?" Simmons asked eagerly.
"You look nice." Fitz said as he mentally scolded himself.
"Oh, thank you." Simmons said, though she couldn't help but feel that Fitz was holding something back. That there was something he wasn't telling her. Nevertheless, she accepted the compliment as she and Fitz continued walking together.
Meanwhile, Tony was chatting with Thor and Steve.
"Honestly, this couldn't get better." Tony said.
Outside, many sports cars and wealthy, expensive cars were rolling forward as the big members of business and certain millionaires and billionaires made their way through the red carpet. On both sides of the red carpet were crowds of reporters and photographers when suddenly, a dark blue, Model X Tesla pulled up in front of the carpet, with the driver's seat facing the carpet. Back in the gala, Skye, Tony, Steve, Thor, Simmons and Fitz all stared at the Model X Tesla in surprise.
"Who the heck is that?" Tony asked.
"No idea." Steve said.
Then, the driver's door opened as a brunette male in a dark blue suit stepped out.
"Holy shit." one of the photographers muttered.
"It's Barry Allen!" a reporter yelled.
"Mr. Allen, how's your first day back in the world?" a reporter yelled.
"Mr. Allen, where have you been?" another reporter asked.
"Barry, why were you gone for so long?" a different reporter asked.
Barry ignored the reporters and the photographers, though he did let them take pictures of him. He handed his keys to one of the waiters, who went to park Barry's car in the parking zone as Barry walked through the red carpet and into the building. Inside, all the members of business lost their attention on the Avengers as they all left to greet Barry, who was shaking their hands, greeting them and smiling. The Avengers stared at Barry in surprise as Tony eyed the young billionaire in jealousy and envy. Where Tony was a man with a greed and desire for attention, Barry was a living magnet for it and the kid wasn't even trying.
"Seriously?" Tony asked. "They want to talk to one rich boy rather than The Avengers for crying out loud?"
"Jealous?" Skye asked.
"Damn right I am." Tony muttered. "That Allen kid has it all."
Meanwhile, the crowd dispersed as Barry finally managed to walk through the entire room without crowds of people greeting him and meeting him. Barry was used to it, the attention, the reporters but nevertheless he hated it. How he was expected to act positive, to be some playboy billionaire. What was worse was that he had to pretend to enjoy it but if it meant that he could keep his identity as The Flash secret. Barry stood at the edge of the crowd, hoping no one would notice him as he slowly and stealthily tried to make his way out of the room and into the server room when suddenly, a young male voice called out to him.
"Mr. Allen." a man said as Barry turned around to see a man with short, black hair, a suit and some glasses. The man held out his hand to Barry. "Clark Kent, Daily Planet."
Barry immediately cracked, putting on his playboy act, smiling as he shook Clark's hand. "Ah yes, Daily Planet. Metropolis. You're the reporter dating Lois Lane, right?"
"Yes, Mr. Allen. That would be me." Clark said kindly.
"They didn't take your wallet, did they?" Barry joked, keeping up his playboy act.
"No, not yet." Clark joked back as the two quietly chuckled.
"What I can I do for you, Mr. Kent?" Barry asked.
"Clark, please." Clark insisted.
"Alright, Clark it is." Barry said.
"I was wondering what your position is on The Flash vigilante, sir?" Clark said as Barry's smile began to fade.
"My position on him is that he is a lawless vigilante with no respect for the law as in his psychopathic mind, he's above it." Barry replied. "He's spread fear throughout my city, my hometown. I would say that I'm surprised people haven't left but I'd be lying. Central City is full of good, brave and courageous people. They won't give in to one man spreading terror and fear throughout the entire city."
"I couldn't agree with you more." Clark said. "Mr. Allen. Ms. Lane and I were hoping if you could do an interview with Ms. Lane. We were expecting your return to the outside world. Plus, Ms. Lane won't stop bugging me about it."
Barry chuckled at Clark's words.
"Just say when and where, here's my card." Barry said, handing a card to Clark.
"Thank you, Mr. Allen." Clark said.
"Of course, Mr. Kent." Barry said.
The two shook hands before drifting ways as Barry began to make his way out of the room while Clark walked elsewhere in the gala.
"See? That wasn't so hard." Lois said into Clark's comm piece.
"Well, we've socialized for the part." Clark whispered under his breath in response to Lois. "Now, we just have to keep an eye out for Luthor."
"He should be coming." Lois said.
Meanwhile, Barry had exited the room as he walked down the stairs and to another part of the building. Barry looked around in confusion as he tapped the comm piece in his ear.
"Vibe, where's the server room?" Barry whispered.
"You're on the right floor, just keep going down the hall and it's the last room on your right." Cisco said into Barry's earpiece.
Barry then did as Cisco said, walking down the hall before spotting a glass door on the right once he had reached the end. He entered the server room seeing multiple servers with many, small glowing bits of blue light. Barry then pulled out the data-absorbing drive as he plugged it into one of spaces on the server.
"Okay, it's done." Barry said stepping back.
"I'm breaking through the encryption." Cisco said. "Whoa, this stuff is like...beyond military grade."
"Just break it." Barry muttered under his breath.
"Excuse me, Mr. Allen." a woman said as Barry turned around to see Mercy Graves, Lex Luthor's assistant. "May I help you?"
"Oh no..." Barry said, stepping up his playboy act as he looked around, pretending to be lost. "...thought the bathrooms are done here. God, this place is like a maze."
"The men's room is upstairs." Mercy said.
"Lovely thank you." Barry said kindly. "That's a nice dress."
"Thank you." Mercy said sincerely.
Mercy then turned around and left, closing the glass door behind her. Barry waited for Mercy to walk away until she was completely out of his sight.
"Guys, I can't stay down here." Barry muttered.
"Go upstairs and socialize." Harry suggested. "We'll let you know when the transfer's complete."
Barry went by Harry's suggestion as he left the server room before heading up the stairs. He kept walking up the stairs before stopping at the main floor where Lex Luthor was giving a speech on the stage.
"Books are knowledge and knowledge is power..." Lex said. "...and I am..."
Lex trailed off as he chuckled, his low laughter echoing from the mic.
"No." Lex said as he repeatedly kept stuttering. "No, what am I? I...What was I saying? No? The bittersweet pain among men is having knowledge with no power because...because that is paradoxical..." Lex suddenly raised his voice through the mic. "...and um... Thank you all for coming."
Lex stepped back, the crowd lightly clapping before the entire was filled with the sounds of clapping and the jazz music coming from the speakers. Meanwhile, Barry had just gotten back in the room. Not too far away, Steve was with Tony, Thor, Natasha, Clint and Bruce as they all applauded Lex on his speech, not that they were too impressed by it but nevertheless, they clapped with the rest of the crowd for Lex out of respect. Steve then noticed Barry walking through the crowd, greeting certain people and shaking their hands.
"Tony." Steve said, patting the older billionaire's chest.
"Yeah, Cap." Tony said, whirling around as his smile immediately faded at the sight of Barry Allen. "Well, we have quite the celebrity, huh?"
"I take it, that is Mr. Barry Allen." Thor said. "Let us meet him."
Steve, Tony, Thor, Bruce, Natasha and Clint all walked forward towards Barry as Steve attempted to greet him.
"Mr. Allen." Steve called out. Barry hadn't heard him as Steve called out to him once more. "Mr. Allen."
Barry turned around to see all of the six Avengers standing in front of him. Inside him, hatred and rage began to churn in his body at the sight of the six people he hated. The psychopaths who took his family from him, the murderers who took Iris, the love of his life and Joe, the last of his family, from him. That too for no reason at all. Barry hated these people and to make matters worse, some people in the world praised them as heroes, which made Barry even angrier. On the plus side, there were people who saw Barry's point of view, which lightly cheered him up a little. Nevertheless, Barry's hatred for the Avengers remained but he was able to keep calm and even smile.
"The famous Captain America." Barry said as he shook Steve's hand before the two dropped hands.
"Well if it isn't the famous Barry Allen." Tony said, stepping forward.
"Tony Stark." Barry said in the same tone Tony had.
"Glad you could make it." Tony said, holding out his hand as Barry reluctantly shook it.
Barry wanted so hardly to fracture Tony's arm at beat the man within an inch of his life. Hell, he wanted to kill him right here on the spot but he couldn't, not yet. He had to do it when the time was right, then he would kill the man. Barry managed to resist the urge to hit Tony, keeping up his smile as he and Tony dropped each other's hands. Nevertheless, Tony couldn't help but feel a bit of a tight grip from Barry's handshake, part of it even scared the man.
"Well, we should introduce you to the rest of the gang." Tony said, turning around.
"Dr. Banner." Barry said, shaking Bruce's hand. "I've read your paper on Quantum Physics. The dangers of Particle Accelerators and how using them at light speed can cause explosions the size of hydrogen bombs, your work truly is revolutionary. You should be awarded the Nobel Prize."
"Thank you, Mr. Allen. I appreciate it." Bruce said. "Glad that people enjoy my work as me rather than the other guy."
Tell me about it. Barry thought to himself as he just kept smiling.
"I take it you're Agent Romanoff." Barry said as he and Natasha quickly shook his hands.
"That would be me." Natasha said simply as she and Barry dropped hands.
"You must be Clint Barton, the famous Hawkeye." Barry said as he and Clint shook hands.
"And he even knows me." Clint joked as all the Avengers shared a laugh (though Barry faked his) before Barry dropped hands with Clint.
"And last but definitely not least: Thor, the god of thunder and the king of the skies." Barry said, acting as a fanboy with all his hard as he and Thor shook hands.
"At last, a Midgardian with knowledge and respect for a god." Thor said, being fond of Barry as he and the young billionaire shook hands before releasing each other.
"Midgard, that would be the Norse term for Earth, right?" Barry asked, faking a look of doubt.
"Indeed." Thor said as all the Avengers stared at him in surprise.
"Apologies, my mother always told me I was a bit of a geek." Barry said.
Once more, the Avengers all chuckled (though Barry, once again, faked his to keep up his playboy act when in reality, he would've had no problem beating the Avengers within an inch of their lives). The Avengers were growing somewhat fond of Barry, not knowing that the Barry they were conversing to was also the same man who had defeated nearly all of them last night. They didn't even know that the Barry they were talking to was merely a facade, a lie, a cover-up. The Avengers continued chuckling until their laughter died down when Steve spoke.
"Mr. Allen, I was wondering..." Steve said. "...what's your position on The Flash vigilante here in Central City?"
All the Avengers turned to face Barry as they eagerly awaited his answer. Barry, after all this time, somehow managed to keep up his playboy act. He lowered his smile, in a rather successful attempt to show that he was taking the matter seriously.
"Well, that seems to be a pretty popular question today: what do I think of The Flash vigilante?" Barry said, repeating Steve's question. "I think that he's a murderer in the making. We all know it's only a matter of time before he crosses that line. He's spreading fear throughout Central City and he's doing it for no reason at all. Just because he wants to beat the shit out of criminals and take out his rage on them. He thinks he's above the law, that it can't touch him. What do I think of him, Captain? There are plenty of words I could use to describe him but for now, I'm just gonna say that the city and maybe even the world will be better off without him."
"With all due respect, Mr. Allen, those words aren't accurate enough to describe him." Steve said. "Civil rights are being trampled upon like a joke in your city. Good and innocent people are living in fear."
"Well, you can't always believe everything you hear, can you?" Barry said, wearing a small smile as he still managed to keep up his act, though cracks in it were beginning to show as Natasha eyed the young billionaire suspiciously.
"I've seen it, Mr. Allen." Steve said, giving a glare at Barry.
At this point, Barry immediately dropped his smile and with it, he dropped his act as he angrily glared Steve (as well as the rest of the team). The Avengers couldn't help but feel a sense of hostility coming from Barry to them. It was clear that their moment of grace was over, Barry was showing his true colors and it wasn't something that the Avengers were going to be too fond of. Barry looked down at the ground before looking back up at Steve as he spoke.
"The Avengers and Captain America worrying about The Flash killing criminals who've fed off of the weak and the poor..." Barry said as the Avengers braced themselves for impact. "...when they've killed much more people, innocents, by bringing aliens, raining down on New York... Well, that...that sounds very hypocritical to me."
"Does it now?" Steve said coldly.
"Yes. Yes, it does, Captain." Barry replied in an even more cold tone, wearing a face filled with anger and devoid of any other emotion. "Considering that every time one of you pulls a cat out of a tree, another one of you is going on a rage-filled rampage, wrecking city after city, toppling tower after tower and killing innocents in the process. Don't you agree, Dr. Banner?"
Barry then turned his head to Bruce Banner, who had a look of guilt upon his face. The rest of the Avengers eyed Barry with the same anger he had on his face, they weren't fond of some billionaire business CEO bullying one of their comrades.
"Sorry about the tough act." Barry said, turning his head to face all of the Avengers. "Must be the Central City in me. We're just too afraid of...alien freaks reigning hellfire on our city or psychos dressed in circus outfits, battling those aliens."
The Avengers all eyed Barry with anger, it was clear how high Barry's hatred for the Avengers was. They were also surprised how one man had been able to point all of their greatest flaws, how one man made them question themselves and their place in humanity. Steve, however, wasn't very fond of Barry's words. He opened his mouth to speak when someone else interrupted him.
"Ah, well look at this." Lex said, moving his hand between Barry and the Avengers. "Barry Allen meets Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Thor and the rest of you guys. Central City's golden boy meets Earth's Mightiest Heroes! I love it! I love bringing people together!"
Lex then walked up to Barry as he and the brunette billionaire shook hands. "Hello, how are we?"
"Amazing, thank you for having me here." Barry said, putting on his playboy act again.
"Of course, no problem!" Lex said as he turned and face the Avengers. "Hello there!"
Lex shook Tony's hand.
"Luthor." Tony said respectfully.
"Mr. Stark." Lex replied before shaking hands with Steve. "Captain Rogers. Ow! Strong handshake." Lex patted Steve's shoulder before shaking Thor's hand. "Ouch! Even stronger handshake. Well, I cannot take anymore." Lex then turned to face Barry as he pointed to the Avengers. "Mr. Allen, these are not people you wanna mess with."
"You're still gonna." Cisco said to Barry's earpiece, though Barry ignored him.
"Oh no, I wouldn't mess with Earth's Mightiest heroes." Barry said, keeping up his playboy act.
"Well, Barry, I have to say, it is great to see you back out into the world." Lex said, turning to Barry.
"Oh, I have you to thank for that." Barry said, smiling as a part of his playboy act.
"Well, my friend, you are welcome." Lex said. "We should talk more often, though. I'd love to show you my labs. Maybe we can even partner on something."
"Definitely, we should discuss it." Barry said as he and Lex shook hands on it.
"Barry." Cisco said into Barry's earpiece. "The transfer's complete. Head downstairs as soon as you can."
Lex then turned to face the Avengers, specifically Bruce. "Well, Dr. Banner. I have read your paper on the dangers of Particle Accelerators and I have to say, I'm a big fan. In fact, I think I have time to show you a quick look. Mercy, be a dear and show Dr. Banner my new model, please."
"Of course, sir." Mercy said as she turned to face Bruce. "This way, please, Dr. Banner."
Mercy turned and walked away from the group as Bruce sheepishly followed her. Lex then turned to face the rest of the Avengers, Clint and Natasha had already left and Thor was currently talking with a random member of business.
"Mr. Stark, if you would follow me, please. I would love to show you something." Lex said.
"Sure, why not?" Tony said as he followed Luthor out of the room.
This left Steve alone with Barry. Steve looked over to see Barry standing further away from him. Barry wore a look of rage on his face as Steve stared in shock, the look on Barry's face, it was the same look on...the same look on...The Flash. But it couldn't be, Barry was just a billionaire CEO. He couldn't have been The Flash but still, the look of rage on Barry's face was just the same as the one The Flash had when Steve and the Avengers fought him. Steve glared at Barry who slowly walked backwards, small crowds of businessmen and businesswomen walked in front of Barry, covering Steve's vision of the young billionaire. When the people passed, Barry was gone, he vanished out of thin air. Steve looked around the entire room in shock, looking for the young, brunette billionaire but he didn't find him. Steve wondered to himself: how did Barry did that? How did he just disappear randomly and be...just...gone. How did he do that? Steve pondered to himself, clearly Barry was not the man Tony described him to be, he wasn't the man the Avengers thought he was.
Meanwhile, Barry walked down the stairs in a hurry but he made sure not to move too fast, otherwise he would'be drawn attention and suspicion. Barry made his off the stairs as he walked across the lower floor, heading down the hall. Barry stopped at the end of the hall as he turned to his right, seeing the clear glass door to the server room. He opened the door and walked in as he stopped in front of one of the servers. Barry reached over for the USB stick only to find that it wasn't there, he looked in shock as he looked the server to see if it dropped or fell down. He found nothing. Barry then looked at the glass door as he saw a long-haired, brunette woman in a glittery, gold dress. The woman was about his age and she was on the opposite side of the glass door, she turned around and left as Barry walked after her. He could've easily used his speed but he didn't want to draw attention. Besides, it was too crowded, he couldn't risk anyone finding out about his powers or his identity here. Barry already exposed himself enough by dropping his playboy act, he couldn't make another miscalculation. Barry quickly walked after the woman, he walked past many rooms, even exiting the building as he saw the woman getting into a car. Barry was able to memorize the car's description and license plate. He decided to trail the woman and follow her.
In The Car
"Did you get it?" Melinda May asked.
"Yeah, I got it." Skye replied.
"Where do you wanna go?" May asked as Skye replied while May drove the car.
An Hour Later
Central City Museum
Skye was at the Central City Museum. She had been hiding undercover like how May and Ward had been teaching her. In order to hide in plain sight, she had been wearing a gold-like, glittery dress. So far, her act had been working as the curator of the museum led her elsewhere in the building before stopping in front of a sword in a glass box.
"Here it is, ma'am." the curator said. "The Jade Sword, enjoy."
"Thank you." Skye said.
The curator of the museum left as Skye took a look at the sword. It was about the length of her arm, including the handle, the blade looked precise but something about it felt wrong. Skye carefully observed the sword, partially aware of a certain brunette billionaire in a suit approaching her. The man stopped in his tracks, noticing that Skye was looking at the sword. He turned his gaze to the sword, speaking to Skye as he did.
"It's a fake." Barry Allen said. "The real one was sold on the black market back in 57' and now it hangs..."
"Over the bed of the Sultan of Hajar." Skye said as she turned to face Barry, who was looking back at her. "Excuse me."
Skye turned around to leave as she walked forward when Barry suddenly grabbed her arm but he was sure to keep his grip light and calm. Barry wouldn't dare hurt a woman just because of rage or the need for a device. Barry held Skye's arm as the two walked together to the crowd of people.
"Excuse me, miss." Barry said. "An hour ago, I believe you took something from me. Stealing isn't very polite."
Barry and Skye continued walking together as Skye whispered into Barry's ear.
"Is it really stealing if you steal from another thief?" Skye said seductively, holding Barry's arm with both her hands in a seductive way.
Barry knew what Skye was trying to do, she was trying to seduce him. In the past, it might've worked but Barry was much more professional and was too experience to fall for Skye's seductive act. Barry decided to return the favor to her.
"Am I really a thief if I steal from a liar and another thief?" Barry questioned.
"I don't know, are you?" Skye curiously asked.
"Who are you?" Barry demanded, ignoring Skye's question as the two walked to another room in the museum building.
"The name's Skye, I'm afraid I don't have a last name just yet. I'm someone interested in the same man you are." Skye replied.
Barry and Skye stopped in their tracks, standing just outside a room full of people dancing together as the young billionaire eyed the young hacker.
"Is that right?" Barry asked.
"I believe that Mr. Luthor has some information that I need." Skye said.
"Did you find it?" Barry asked out of true sincerity, something that confused. Normally when he was sincere, he was just acting but part of really wondered for this girl. Why?
"No." Skye said in a disappointed tone. "The encryption on the data is beyond military-grade. Even with all my hacking skills, I can't break it."
Skye was about to walk away when Barry grabbed her arm once more as she stayed with the young billionaire, part of her was even happy she did. Skye stood in front of Barry, her back to his chest as Barry whispered into Skye's ear. Skye felt Barry's breath across her hair and the side of her face.
"You know, I bet in that dress..." Barry said. "...nine of ten men let you get away with anything you want."
"And you're the tenth?" Skye said, not making eye contact with Barry but listening to him.
"No." Barry said as Skye turned around to face him. "I'm just the first to see through the whole seductive, babe-in-the-woods act."
"Hmm." Skye said as she playfully adjusted Barry's tie. "You know, I bet that with your whole playboy billionaire act, nine out ten women take you for some bad boy."
"You're the tenth woman." Barry asked as he couldn't help but feel that Skye was seeing his true self.
"No, I'm just the only girl..." Skye said, leaning into his ear as she seductively whispered. "...to see through your whole playboy act."
Barry couldn't help but feel mixed feelings about this girl. Skye leaned away from Barry's ear as she and Barry stood close to one another, their eyes never leaving each other's. There was a small gap between their faces, a gap so small that they could both feel each other's breath on one another. Barry couldn't help but feel the burning urge to close the gap and just kiss Skye. No one, not even Iris drove him that insane. Nevertheless, Barry managed to restrain himself.
"Where's the drive?" Barry asked.
"Well to know that..." Skye said, turning her head to the room full of men dancing with women. "...you better know how to dance."
Barry turned his head to the room of people dancing together, listening and enjoying the violin, viola and cello music. He sighed deeply, this girl was giving quite a run for his money and this was going to be a long day. Barry then turned to Skye as held out his hand to her.
"Would you?" Barry asked sincerely.
"It would be my pleasure." Skye said, taking Barry's hand.
The two entered the room full of people as they turned to one another and began swaying together. Barry held Skye's left hand with his right in the air as he placed his other hand on her back. Skye placed her right hand on the back of Barry's shoulder as the two swayed together, according the music in the room.
"Nice job, playboy." Skye said.
"You aren't the first woman I've danced with." Barry confessed.
"Clearly." Skye said. "How'd you know by the way? My whole act, what made you see through it?"
"Well for one, you're not too much of a good actor..." Barry pointed out as Skye playfully frowned. "...for another, I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to women. Especially, women who enjoying seducing men. A friend of mine fell for it once and he and his brother got kidnapped."
"Well, your paranoia clearly helped you." Skye noted.
"Where's the drive?" Barry demanded.
"Okay, here it is." Skye said, reaching for her pocket.
Skye and Barry separated from one another as Skye reached in her pocket to take out the drive. However, when she placed her hand in her pocket, it was empty as she couldn't find anything. Skye then looked up to see Barry holding the USB stick in his hands as the young billionaire leaned forward and whispered into Skye's ear.
"You know, you were good at getting this drive..." Barry whispered. "...but I still can't let you have it."
Barry then stood on feet and turned to leave when Skye grabbed his wrist. Barry turned back only for Skye to close the gap between them as her lips collided with Barry's. Barry returned the kiss with equal favor before he and Skye slowly separated from one another.
"Good night, Mr. Allen." Skye said playfully as she tenderly kissed Barry's cheek before turning around and leaving the room.
Barry stood in the gala, alone, holding the drive in his hand as he painfully watched Skye leave the building. Barry wanted to chase Skye, to run after her, kiss her again, take her to his home, to do what he wanted to do but he resisted the urge as he tapped his comm piece.
"Guys, I've got the drive." Barry said.
"Barry. Screw the drive and go get her." Cisco said much to Barry's confusion.
"What do you mean?" Barry asked.
"Allen, we have plenty of time to analyze the drive. We can do it later." Harry insisted. "Go ask her out or something."
Barry stood silently in the room as he thought to himself. Maybe, Harry and Cisco were right. Had he really been throwing himself into his mission too much? Was it finally time to just take a break and step back from his mission? Maybe, just maybe, he could try being himself. Not Barry Allen, not The Flash, just being himself and going out with a girl. Barry placed the drive in his pocket as he left the room and went after Skye, looking for the young hacker.
Outside, Skye was on the steps of the museum as she heard a certain male calling out to her.
"Skye!" Skye turned around to see Barry Allen standing a few feet away from her.
"What're you doing out here?" Skye said in her same playful tone.
"I'm sorry." Barry said sincerely.
"You don't have to be sorry." Skye said. "You could've been a little more nice."
"I probably deserve that." Barry said, nodding his head.
"I didn't mean it in a negative way." Skye said. "I'm just saying."
"Look, could we start over?" Barry asked. "Go out together? Dinner, maybe?"
"Now?" Skye asked.
"If you're okay with it." Barry said sincerely.
"I'd like that." Skye said as Barry couldn't help but feel a fraction of a true smile cracking on his face. "Where's your car?"
"Right behind you." Barry said as Skye turned around to see Barry's Model X Tesla a few feet away from the steps of the museum.
Barry walked down the steps before stopping at Skye's level, he couldn't help but feel brighter at seeing Skye's smile. He held out his hand as Skye quickly took it, the two walked down the stairs and got into Barry's car.
The Gala
Lex Luthor was at the top floor, watching the gala through large glass window when a certain auburn-haired woman in a dress stood next to him.
"I take it our quick boy in black got the drive, yes?" Lex said.
"He got everything he needed and left." Caitlin Snow replied. "One question though, why let him take the files? Why not just give it to him? Save yourself the trouble."
"I'm afraid it isn't that simple Dr. Snow." Lex said. "You see, I need to build a little something called tension between Flashy boy Barry and our 'avenging' friends. That way, we can complete our mission."
"And when it is complete..." Caitlin said, looking through glass window, down on the Avengers. "...it will be chaos."
"A doomsday." Lex corrected, taking a sip of champagne.
Elsewhere in Central City
In a restaurant, Skye and Barry were sitting on opposite sides of a table, where there was an empty plate, forks, spoons, knives, some tissues and some champagne in glasses. Both Barry and Skye had been sharing each other's backstories, as of now, Barry had been listening to Skye's.
"...and I grew up my whole life, knowing nothing about my parents." Skye finished. "Just kept moving foster home to foster home."
"I'm sorry, that must've been terrible." Barry said before coming to a realization. "Wait, is that what you were looking for on the drive?"
"Yeah." Skye admitted.
"Skye, I'm so sorry." Barry apologized. "I didn't know."
"No, it's okay." Skye said.
"No, I'm gonna fix this." Barry said. "I'll break the encryption and see what I can find."
"You don't have to do that."
"I feel like I do."
Skye stared at Barry in surprise, this man was different. She had never met anyone like Barry, a person willing to help others in a heartbeat, even if those people were strangers. Skye then nodded her head, snapping back into reality as she abruptly got up from her seat.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done this." Skye said. "I'll stay out of your life, I promise."
Skye turned to leave but Barry got up and held her wrist.
"I don't want that, Skye." Barry said.
Skye then turned around to face Barry, her eyes meeting his as she gazed at him lightly, staring into his pure brown eyes.
"I can help you, Skye, I promise." Barry assured. "Let me help you, you don't have to be alone."
Skye then threw herself onto Barry, wrapping her arms around his neck as her lips once again collided with his. This time, the kiss was true and pure, not as a cover like it had been before. Skye then separated herself from Barry as she tucked in a small piece of paper into Barry's pocket, Barry deduced it to be her number.
"Your heart's a treasure and you're a good person, Barry." Skye said. "Don't let anyone or anything tell you different."
Skye then turned away and left the restaurant as Barry couldn't help but smile. For the first time, he had been truly smiling, not as a part of his playboy act but as if he was truly smiling. Meanwhile, an old man, the same old who had been talking with Steve and Thor about Steve's shield, walked over to Barry, looking back and forth between Barry and the direction Skye went.
"Scared her off, eh, fella?" the old man said.
"No, sir." Barry said, not making eye contact with the man. "I don't think I did."
Barry knew he didn't scare her off, his world had just collided with Skye's and right now, he was loving what the result was.
A/N: That's it for this chapter and I gotta say, I certainly enjoyed writing it, especially the verbal sparring between Barry and The Avengers. Before I leave, I just have to note the song in The Batman trailer is called 'Something in The Way' and I've just realized that some of the lyrics relate to The Flash. Here it is.
Underneath the bridge, (Central City River or Lake)
tarp has sprung a leak (The Rogues escape Iron Heights)
and the animals I've trapped (The Rogues)
have all become my pets (Responsibility).
And I'm living off of grass and the drippings from the ceiling.
It's okay to eat fish (King Shark) cause they don't have any feelings
(Villains looking to conquer/destroy Central City)
Something in The Way (The Flash)...
It's just my thought. Thanks for reading this chapter, I'll see you in the next one. P.S., hope you caught those Stan Lee cameos and I hope you enjoyed the Superman cameo.