Kurt Hummel frowned outwardly.
Because what the hell?
Barry started gesturing his arms midway through explaining the science behind the Particle Accelerator. It's not like Kurt was really following any of it, but Barry seemed to know what he was talking about, so it was pretty alarming when he suddenly cut himself off and began showing early symptoms of a seizure.
"Wait, is he talking to someone?" Rachel said suddenly, and Kurt then realized to their left that a Latino man around their age was gesturing just as wildly as Barry.
"Talking? Or doing their best mime impressions?" He responded. He glanced around the car, and Rachel was the only other person who seemed to notice this very normal exchange, as literally everyone else was on their phone.
Kurt nudged Finn, who was scrolling through Twitter. "What?" He said with furrowed eyebrows.
Rachel sighed and nodded in her head at Barry, and Finn confusedly looked his way and immediately frowned. There we go. He guessed it takes time to process things, especially when it comes to Finn. No offense Finn.
"Hey Barry, is that your friend?"
Alright, Finn isn't familiar with subtlety. Kurt heard a snort from his right and saw Santana enthusiastically watching the exchange while drinking her hot chocolate.
Barry quickly glanced back at Finn and sighed. However, before addressing the ever-growing confused crowd (Quinn promptly realized what was going on), Barry gave one last gesture to his friend, and the light turned green. He quickly shook his head and bit his lip in concentration.
"Who was that?" Santana said, and amusement has never been more evident in a person's voice.
"Ah, yeah, he's my friend," Barry said as if he knew that didn't really answer anything. Because that was one of the weirdest things Kurt had ever witnessed. He glanced at Rachel and saw she was scavenging away, once again, at her notes. He rolled his eyes because, honestly, how much else was there to do? He appreciated her dedication towards the Fundraiser and everything but Jesus Christ.
Quinn was suddenly very interested and asked, "Are we, by chance, heading in the direction of S.T.A.R Labs…" She dragged out the 's' as she trailed off.
Kurt quickly glanced out the window by Quinn, and it did, in fact, appear that Barry was heading that way. Yeah, okay, that was weird. He was heavily discouraging hosting the Fundraiser at S.T.A.R Labs, but suddenly, he was taking them directly to that place. Did he want Rachel to lose her mind? God, Kurt would kill for a goddamn Lima Bean coffee so he could find some sense of normal. He glanced at Rachel and then sighed while sinking into his seat. He closed his eyes. He could feel a headache slowly brewing and slowly began massaging his temples.
He heard Barry's voice (still registers as Sebastian's, literally how is their voice the exact same?) say, "Uhm," He paused and sighed.
"Wait, so dude, that's awesome. We can have the Fundraiser there?" Kurt could hear the smile in Finn's voice as he said that. Oh no. Rachel was going to have a field day when she finally tuned back into reality.
Her head snapped up quickly, and her face broke into a broad smile.
Mr. Schue quickly chimed in, "Well, wait. Guys, I know how passionate some of us are about the Fundraiser," He gave a small laugh.
It's funny how he addressed all of them, not just Rachel, who looked like she was gifted a diamond ring. A shared glance with Santana said she shared similar thoughts.
"But, a high-tech science whatever facility is not going to allow this," He paused and significantly looked at Rachel, whose beaming expression didn't falter.
Mr. Schue then looked to Barry, most likely for some reassurance, and the other seemed perfectly content, avoiding all eye contact after providing a slight nod. Given all his awkwardness and blatant incoordination, Kurt tilted his head and silently mused if Barry would have excelled in show choir. His thoughts slowly drifted to visualizing both Barry and Sebastian talking. As he doesn't have a twin, Kurt can't say he completely grasps all the complexities of that type of relationship, but he can firmly state most twins talk to each other. Normally. However, a typical conversation between these twins seems unlikely.
Now, he enjoys the Suite Life of Zack and Cody as much as the next person, but a dynamic similar to that in real life seems a bit problematic. He paused for a moment before glancing around and noting everyone seemed to embrace the quiet for a bit, even Rachel. In his peripheral, he saw Santana and Quinn engaging in some sort of non-verbal conversation, despite their positions.
Maybe he was being unfair. It's obvious any previous disdainful feelings towards Sebastian haven't left him with anything but bias. Opposite personalities getting along is quite common; not particularly a new concept. As he looked at Barry, he realized these thoughts originated from the fact that the guy didn't seem very comfortable discussing his own twin. Not only that, he seemingly doesn't know that much about Sebastian's high school life. How often did they talk?
Their relationship might be strained after all; it wasn't his place to pry, but he couldn't help but wonder.
"Wait, where are we going again?" Goddammit, Rachel.
He felt Quinn perk up at the question more than he saw her and noticed they were getting strangely closer to that research facility.
Barry's eyes flickered to them briefly before running a hand through his hair with a sigh.
"Sorry, I just…my friend needs to talk about something important and well…" He didn't finish his thought.
Before Rachel could say anything, Finn said, "No worries man, we got time." He said the words so casually Kurt noticed Barry relaxing slightly and returned that with an appreciative smile.
"It'll be quick, I promise. I don't mean to waste any of your time," Barry said with a nervous laugh. Kurt felt himself smile slightly at those words. What a goddamned people pleaser.
A laugh escaped Santana, and she said, "It's not like we're doing anything. You couldn't waste our time even if your dorky little ass wanted to." She sipped her hot chocolate and instantly reminded Kurt of his own, which he had accidentally ignored.
Surprisingly, Barry snorted at her words and mumbled his thanks.
With raised brows, Kurt mumbled to Rachel, "Someone's getting more comfortable with Santana already. That's new."
She only hummed in response, although Quinn momentarily narrowed her eyes in Santana's general vicinity, most likely under the impression she was scheming. However, she should know by now that Santana's schemes were a bit more obvious.
"Ow, Rachel. Chill, maybe?" His ribs could only handle so much pain.
God, Barry hopes one day he'll live in peace. One day. One goddamn day, is that too optimistic?
His rambling about S.T.A.R Labs and the Particle Accelerator distracted him from the fact he was subconsciously driving towards the facility where Cisco would be waiting for him to provide an explanation Barry really didn't want to give. Also, this tour he's supposed to be giving probably lands on the top 10 worst tours list in history. Nobody seemed to mind, though, which, thank god. Slowly, they seemed to grasp that Barry and Sebastian were two vastly different people with vastly different personalities.
With a glance towards S.T.A.R Labs, Barry noted they were close and would arrive as soon as he remembered which lanes led where…roads are so confusing.
Suddenly, a loud ringing sound jolted Barry, along with everyone else, out of the silence.
"INCOMING CALL FROM PATTY SPIVOT."
Barry cringed and let out a breathy, "For real?"
"Who is Patty Spivot?" That came from Santana. He pleasantly noted her voice was slightly amused instead of judgmental.
"Uhm," he glanced at Will, who seemed engrossed in his phone. "That's my girlfriend. She's probably asking about a case," He said the last part a bit more to himself than to Santana.
She let out a high-pitched hum that Barry didn't understand as he was too busy trying to decide whether he should answer Patty or not. If he hadn't been so quick to connect his phone to Caitlin's car, Barry would have answered in a heartbeat. However, with a car full of people he barely knows, it might seem a bit rude…?
"Oh, well, don't let us intrude," He glanced in the rearview and noticed Quinn, whose voice was laced with something he couldn't quite decipher. That was followed by Santana's snort, which only left Barry feeling more confused.
But, if this was about a meta or maybe even Zoom…
Since the light was red, he turned apologetically toward them and said, "Sorry, it'll only be a few minutes." Kurt and Rachel gave him a polite look in return, while Quinn provided a tight-lipped smile. Santana was pointedly looking out of the window when Finn gave a reassuring, "Not a problem, man! We won't make a sound, by the way."
After giving them a thank you, he reached for his phone to call her back since he had taken too long to answer. As the light turned green, he quickly (without enhanced speed) found her contact and dialed her.
"Barry?"
He sighed, "Hey Patty, everything good?" This was his attempt to seem as nonchalant as possible.
"Well, not exactly." She didn't really go into much detail, which was unusual for her.
After a few moments, he said, "Is this about Mardon?"
"No! No no, not about him." The change in her voice startled both Barry and a couple of the others. He briefly mused if lowering the volume would be wise.
She huffed shortly, "This is more so a Snart situation." Goddammit. Of course, it was a Snart situation. The police hadn't caught him.
With a frustrated glance towards S.T.A.R Labs, Barry sighed and said, "Yeah. Right, so uh, is there a lead on him?" He had a place in mind, but he wasn't quite sure if a visit to Saint and Sinners would fit into his already ambitious schedule.
"Well, that's the thing, Bar. The CCPD already scoped out all his known safehouses. And after everything that happened during Christmas, they think he fled."
He bit his lip and leaned back in his seat in thought.
Briefly, he registered Finn whisper, "Who is Smard?"
"I heard about Smard on the news. He's obviously a criminal," Kurt whispered back.
Santana chuckled, while Quinn replied, "It's Snart not Smard, now shush!"
His mind reeled back footage like a cassette tape as he clearly heard Snart's slick voice. I love it here…this city is my home.
"No, he…no." Someone snorted at his response, probably Santana.
Snart may be a self-proclaimed liar, but Barry was pretty certain he didn't lie about that. God, maybe a visit to Saint and Sinners was necessary after all; obviously, no care was given to Barry's unpredictable schedule.
"You don't think he fled," she said flatly; it wasn't a question.
"Patty, I highly doubt he would leave Central. Especially not this quietly and soon after he got broken out." A few yelps sounded from the back when he turned a particularly sharp corner. He swiftly whispered a 'My bad.'
"Hmm, yeah. You're probably right, I'll talk to Joe about what he thinks," a slight pause, "Are you dropping by the precinct again tonight?"
He let out a small laugh as he noted her slightly suggestive tone.
"I can't tonight, but if you wanna run by Jitters tomorrow before work then…" He pitched his voice in teasing question as he trailed off. Her giggle sounded through the car, and he felt the edges of his lips quirk up.
"Sure, thing," she said with a slight laugh. "Ooh, hey, I'll even buy you a cronut this time. They are really good" The last part was almost sung.
His attempt to stifle a laugh was futile, and they exchanged goodbyes before a glance in the rearview reminded him he wasn't alone. Everyone looked amused, and he saw Santana waggling her eyebrows.
She kicked his seat playfully and said, "Wanky."
Quinn quickly hissed, "Santana!"
Cisco never ran through S.T.A.R Labs quicker in his life. The number of times he stumbled in the parking lot was honestly embarrassing, but goddammit, Barry freaked him out even more than he already was.
After zooming (pun!) through the cortex, Cisco practically jumped on the remote responsible for the suit display and aggressively clicked it while yelling, "Comeoncomeoncomeoncomeon, you slow son of a bitch let's go!"
The display didn't waver, and he heard footsteps rapidly approaching behind him while still shouting at the damn thing.
"HOLY SHIT. Bruh, you should be ASHAMED of yourself. You call this speed; you're literally The Flash! "
With a panicked noise, Cisco whipped around to see Harry's livid face gazing directly at him. Before he even attempted to explain himself, Harry said, "Ramon, have you lost the ability the keep track of time? I said 3:30, do you even—?"
No, no, no. Not today, Satan, Cisco was too busy freaking out about Barry bringing random ass people to the lab, so he interrupted with extended hands, "WOAH, okay Harry, I'm sorry about my tardiness but we have another issue right now."
"Another issu—?" Harry cut himself off before fixing Cisco with an annoyed look. "Is this issue more important than stopping Zoom?"
Oh my god, this guy.
Cisco briefly glanced at the display again, then frustratingly said, "More important in this very moment because Barry is bringing random ass people here, and we need to hide—"
"Wait, what?" Harry said while Cisco threw his hands up and began rapidly clicking the remote again.
"Ramon!"
"HEY, SO HARRY, I NEED YOU TO—"
"If you explain yourself like a—"
"MAYBE IF YOU LET ME FUCKING TALK FOR ONCE… HEY WHAT ARE YOU— " Harry roughly snatched the display remote from his hands and launched it across the cortex; Cisco's heart about collapsed as he cried out hysterically at Harry's audacity.
Holy shit, this is the day the Flash's identity is revealed to the world. It's happening today. God, Cisco thought maybe they had at least another three years or something. Hell, even Oliver freaking Queen is still in the clear!
He spun around to alarmingly face Harry, who angrily pointed a finger at him as if he wasn't the one who thREW THE GODDAMN REM—
A gust of air whooshed in as Barry appeared in front of them. Cisco's heart spiked as he stumbled back into the consoles, limbs flailing about.
"JESUS CHRIST, BARRY WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"
Harry immediately opened his mouth, "Allen you —"
"No wait, guys please I need to tell you about my twin really quick."
"ABOUT YOUR FREAKING WHAT"
"Scarlet?"
God, Sebastian's silently cursing himself for the amount of sleep he allowed himself these past few days. His wit has seen finer days.
'Maybe ask a full question next time, dumbass.'
The man narrowed his eyes and quirked an eyebrow, "Not here on official business then, I presume?"
Damn, the man's voice was enough to last Sebastian enough fantasies for a decade, but his confusion infiltrated any of those thoughts. He looked away, mainly because the man's eyes felt too intense. What the fuck was he talking about? Sebastian mentally scanned his outfit to ensure he didn't accidentally dress like a hooker or something, just in case the man was looking for services. The outfit passed his personal test, and he could feel his brows slowly furrowing even more. Official business? Was that some type of joke he didn't understand?
Then, against his will, he noticeably shivered because the bar was still fucking freezing, and the man's presence was slightly intimidating. Jesus Christ, why is he acting like such a pussy.
Mr. Blue Eyes slowly smirked, "The cold's still your enemy, kid?"
Sebastian utterly blanked. Were they role-playing, and Sebastian somehow didn't get the goddamn memo? That's sure as hell how it felt like. The universe undoubtedly hates him; no fucking way would he act this timid if he was in a normal state of mind.
At his lack of response, he noted the man scanned his body briefly before landing those piercing ice eyes directly on his face. Suddenly, Sebastian tilted his head, gaze fixated on the other, as he pondered the likelihood of this man actually hitting on him.
The bartender placed their drinks in front of them and promptly stalked away somewhere into the back. Sebastian noted this bar was mostly remote, and after scanning his drink, he looked back at the man with a sudden new interest.
A smirk slowly worked its way onto Sebastian's own face, "Always this quick to buy a guy a drink?" It was obviously not what Mr. Blue Eyes expected from him as he fleetingly looked surprised before releasing an amused chuckle.
"Always this quick to accept a drink?" The man said before taking a swig at whatever he ordered for both Sebastian and himself.
He huffed an amused breath in response. As the man focused on something else in the bar, Sebastian took this opportunity to scan him briefly; he was rugged but seemed like someone who wouldn't show their face in a friendly environment. Sebastian allowed himself to wonder about the mysterious man's history idly.
Blue eyes fixated themselves back on Sebastian's now openly playful expression.
"I take it you're not mad, then."
This time Sebastian attempted to school his confusion, but his mind still struggled to understand the words this guy was saying. He simply looked at the man with the same expression and took a sip of his drink, hoping his slightly impish expression would answer for him. Maybe Mr. Blue Eyes mistook Sebastian's earlier confusion as anger? That, however, is a very bold assumption. Why the hell would he even be mad? It's not like he knows the guy.
Sebastian actually tried to use his personality. "Unless you're the dick responsible for the icicles forming on my body, I don't see why I have reason to be mad at you." He quirked an eyebrow to enhance his expression.
The man's smirk grew wider, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Someone's in a joyous mood. Holiday season treat you well, Barry?"
No.
No fucking way.
Whatever humorous expression Sebastian wore swiftly slid off his face, and his eyes widened a ridiculous amount. His body abruptly felt colder, with something not unlike dread filling his body in this already freezing building. God, no way Barry actually knew this guy.
He was utterly aware that Mr. Blue Eyes frowned at his reaction and looked slightly baffled. Dammit, it all makes sense now. Whatever the hell this guy was saying would probably make sense to Barry. Meanwhile, Sebastian's reactions were most likely miles away from how his brother would've reacted.
"Kid, ar—"
"How do you know Barry?" He asked, somewhat accusingly. Was this man fucking his baby twin brother? That's sure as hell what it sounds like. He always suspected Barry might swing both ways, but damn, this man doesn't fit the persona he imagined him to fall for.
The stunned look on the guy's face was priceless. God, Sebastian wished he could have experienced this literally any other fucking time since his mind was too occupied with the endless void of unanswered questions to feel amused.
Mr. Blue Eyes recovered from the shock quickly as he adopted a suspicious narrowed-eye gaze instead. "Who might you be, if not Barry?"
No, Sebastian was correct. This was fucking hilarious.
He unexpectedly laughed loudly. Annoyed quickly flooded the other man's face at Sebastian's gall. With nothing but naked humor on his face, Sebastian brightly said, "God, this is too good," before laughing once again.
The man fixed him with an unimpressed stare, "If you—"
"Barry doesn't like to talk about me, I guess," Sebastian quickly interrupted whatever empty threat the man was inevitably about to make. He leaned back in his chair, highly amused, a smirk fixed adequately on his face.
At the man's unwavering unimpressed gaze, Sebastian's amusement and smirk only grew. God, this is the most fun he's had in a long time. He leaned closer to the guy; the intimidation factor was lost on him now.
He mockingly hummed in thought while his eyes flickered to the wall. "I couldn't imagine why. I am the better twin after all."
The incredulous look on the man's face seemed like it wasn't there often. Mr. Blue Eyes gazed at him for almost an excruciating amount of time, most likely fighting an internal battle on whether or not he should call bullshit.
Piercing eyes flickered across his face and then slowly down the rest of him. Most likely, taking in his mannerisms, clothes, style, and other subtle differences. Sebastian allowed the man to scrutinize him however he seemed fit while he sat there watching him, silently soaking in as much serotonin as possible.
Finally, the other met his eye-line again. "Twin?" That was only asked with a somewhat dubious quirked eyebrow. Sebastian knew the man believed him, obviously. If he was Barry's fuckbuddy, there's no way in hell he'd believe Sebastian was him in any capacity.
"Mhm hmm. Older by a minute, too," He winked with that last bit, then took another sip of his drink while Mr. Blue Eyes raised his eyebrows in either amusement or disbelief at Sebastian's gall.
"So," Sebastian started, not wanting to give the man much time to process anything. He gracefully propped his elbow on the counter to comfortably rest his face in his hand while gazing at the man. He was fully aware of the fact he was being a dramatic bitch, but it was too much fun to stop.
At the man's slightly colder stare and raised eyebrow, Sebastian continued. "How long have you been fucking my brother?"