Hi friends! Sorry for not posting yesterday. Was kinda busy. But as promised..here is a long chapter. Hope you guys like it. Thank you to allllll awesome people who are reading my fic! Sorry for any mistakes. Still trying to improve!

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It had been over a week since Barry had ran out of the house. Caitlin had given him antibiotics to bring his fever down. Joe and Oliver took turns whole night, watching out for the boy. That night had yet again plagued with Barry's nightmares and him yelling for Stephen. Finally early morning his fever broke down and the boy was able to sleep peacefully.

Joe requested Oliver to stay with them for few days until they could find a way to bring old Barry back. Oliver agreed without hesitation. He made quick calls to Felicity and Diggle asking them to handle the crimes in Starling City. Since Flash wouldn't be able to help for a while, Cisco and Joe took matters into their hand. They were glad no new meta had shown up yet.

Today Barry was feeling much better after his illness as his ribs were almost healed and Caitlin had removed his stitches. He was currently sitting on couch watching TV and munching on big bag of potato chips with one hand holding the remote. Joe was at work so Oliver stayed with the boy. The vigilante smiled when Barry licked his fingers. A thought crossed his mind. Maybe he can make him talk "Barry" he called out

Barry tore his eyes from TV and looked at Oliver

"What is my name?"

Barry frowned but he answered signing "Stephen"

Oliver shook his head "I know my name is Stephen. I want you to say it"

This time Barry shook his head. He signed "I can't"

"Why not. You can speak Barry. There is nothing wrong with your voice"

Barry signed "No"

"Try it out. I am sure you can do it" Oliver pushed some more

Barry started to shake on the couch. His eyes went glassy as tears shown in them. The boy dropped the remote and clutched his shirt tightly with fingers as if not getting enough air to breathe. He was looking at Oliver but it seemed he was miles away from the older man.

Oliver cursed mentally. Barry was clearly panicking. He shouldn't have forced the boy. The older man cupped Barry's face with both hands "Hey Barry...it's okay...I am sorry"

Barry was still breathing hard. His chest rose up and down trying to get air between his lungs. He sluggishly signed to Oliver "We can't talk Stephen...he will punish us...he will beat us...we can't talk"

Oliver nodded "Okay..Okay no talking...I get it kiddo! Please calm down...breathe with me...come on in and out...follow me... in and out"

Barry kept repeating with his fingers "He will beat us"

Oliver pulled the boy in a hug, not tightly but just to remind him he was safe. He rubbed his back "Who will beat us Barry?"

The boy was trembling in Oliver's hold. He shook his head many times. Oliver didn't push more. Right now he just wanted the kid to calm down "No one is going to hurt you Barry. I will protect you okay...calm down. Breathe...nice and easy...Breathe"

Finally Barry's breathing even out and he hugged Oliver tightly. The older man gritted his teeth thinking about the man who Barry feared so much to trigger a panic attack. He will surely snap his head if he comes in front of him. Oliver pulled back to face the kid "Sorry"

Barry signed "No talking"

Oliver repeated "No talking" he saw Barry gave a small smile and Oliver looked at the window "Come on. Let's go outside. You will feel better"

Barry wiped his tears and face signing 'No'

"Come on kiddo. It will be fun. We will get some ice cream" Oliver hoped the kid will fall for his bribe.

Barry smiled broadly. He signed "Will you come with me?"

"Of course kid"

They went to a park where Barry sat on a bench while Oliver brought ice cream cones for them. Oliver saw the boy's eyes were focused on some kids playing football. His cone was melting in his hand but he didn't take his eyes off the kids. Oliver smiled and gently nudged the boy "Are you going to eat that or just the flavour is enough"

Barry turned to face Oliver. He signed "I want to play"

The older man chukled "What? You want to play?"

Barry nodded quickly

"Do you even know how to play football?" Oliver raised his eyebrow.

"We both use to play...you forgot?" Barry narrowed his eyes and signed more "You always lose against me" he giggled.

You mean with Stephen thought Oliver. He was glad the boy was being more open about his past. It was a small progress but atleast it was something rather than nothing.

Oliver ruffled Barry's hair "Nice try kid. I never lose"

Barry got up from the bench "One match?"

"You are on" Oliver walked to the kids and asked them if they could join. Soon a team was formed and the play started. When the ball came around Barry's legs, he tired to kick it but missed and fell on his back. Oliver rushed towards him "Are you alright?"

Barry silently laughed "I am fine" he signed "Let's play"

They played for two hours where Oliver purposely let Barry's team win. With every goal scored he could see how happy the boy went. He rarely saw Barry smile after he became flash. He always carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. But today the boy was laughing and smiling like he had won the world. To tell the truth Oliver also enjoyed spending time with the boy. Thea was a great sister but he always wished for a younger brother. The vigilante smiled..maybe I do have a younger brother.

After the game was over the two men headed back at home. Oliver went to take a shower while Barry plopped down on the couch. He yawned feeling exhausted. Joe decided to order pizza so they were waiting for the delivery.

The door bell rang indicating their pizzas had arrived. Joe took care of the bill and called out for Oliver. He then carried the boxes to the hall pausing at the scene. Oliver came behind him "Mr West?"

"See for yourself" Joe pointed at the couch

Barry was sprawled on the couch with his eyes closed and mouth slightly open. Soft snores could be heard from the boy. He held one of the cushion tightly to his chest and other hand was hanging out. He had fallen asleep. Joe put down the pizza boxes and came close to his son. He took his hanging hand and placed it over his stomach. The father then gazed over the boy's features. Barry looked even more young and innocent in his sleep. He placed his hand on his head and sighed. His son didn't deserve this. Why did he have to go through the pain again. Why is it that always he was the one who had to suffer. It was all over before but now after so many years his painful memories have come back to taunt him in worst way possible. It had been more than a week now but Barry showed no progress. He feared if they will ever get their old Barry back.

Oliver saw the father was in deep thoughts. He knew Joe was worried about the kid. Anyone would freak out in his situation. What bothered most was Barry was just not re living his past...it was one dreadful past that no father would want their children to experience. He placed his hand on Joe's shoulder "He is tired. Played a lot of football today"

Joe smiled "It is his favourite sport"

Oliver then told Joe about his day with Barry. Joe got tensed when Oliver mentioned about the panic attack but he also knew the older boy was only trying to help "From all I know this Stephen guy was a good boy who helped Barry during that one year"

"You are right about that. Stephen is important clue to his past" Joe agreed not leaving his eyes off Barry

Oliver narrowed his eyes in confusion "What I don't get...Why me? There has to be a reason behind this" he thought for a moment "Mr West...you said Barry was found with some other boys"

Joe nodded so Oliver continued "Is it possible one of the kids might be Stephen..you know the one Barry always mentions"

Joe sighed "I did check on that the same month when Barry yelled for Stephen in his nightmares. Even I thought maybe I could find Stephen in those boys but my hunch was wrong"

Oliver looked defeated "What about his kidnapper?"

"He escaped. Never got caught" Joe's voice showed anger.

"And the one who took Barry before we found him?"

"He too is yet to be found. It's like he left Barry to die in that warehouse" Joe rubbed his face feeling tired and frustrated. They were back to zero.

Oliver pointed at the sleeping form of the boy "Should we wake him up for dinner?"

"I don't think so... Barry gets all whiny and irritated when he is disturbed from his sleep. Trust me I tell from the experience" Joe warned Oliver who laughed "Okay.. I will save his share"

"Thank you Oliver for taking care of him" Joe gave a nod to Oliver

"He is my friend and now a brother" Oliver smiled looking at Barry.

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