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- I figured I'd find you here.

Hartley had followed Mardon. For days he had been acting strangely. Hartley knew Barry Allen, he was a brilliant man and unlike Cisco, Barry hadn't done anything to piss him off, not counting the times Flash had thwarted his robberies. But all in all, Hartley wanted Mark, one of his roguish best friends, to be happy and Barry might not be the right choice, but at least everyone was certain that he wouldn't willingly hurt Mark. Mark was lucky that the hero of Central City was Flash and not Batman or Green Arrow. Hartley didn't want to imagine Mark dating any of them. Now, in the Central City cemetery, in front of Clyde's grave, Hartley guessed that he had interrupted a conversation between the brothers. That was very typical of Mark, going to Clyde's grave when he was in trouble or down. Hartley used to follow him around, to make sure he was okay, even though he had never made his presence known. The mourning phase in Mark was taking too long to get over, that was something that couldn't be healthy.

- I don't want to talk to anyone.-Mark said.-I came here to be alone.

"You have to talk to someone, Mark," Hartley said. "It's not healthy for you to isolate yourself like this."

"Snart betrayed me," said Mark. Hartley snorted, amused.

- Don't be melodramatic, Mark. Snart didn't betray you, he just suggested you and Barry have a couple of drinks. One or both of you could have refused. Why didn't you do it? I think you and Barry are attracted to each other.

- You don't know what you're talking about, Hartl. Flash has been a thorn in my side from the start and I tried to kidnap Barry Allen so West would suffer. I'm not a nice guy, I'm not someone the Flash or Barry Allen would take pride in dating, much less being in a relationship with.

"I think you're scared," Hartley said, understanding. "You shouldn't worry, Mark. This happens to many couples when they are in the first phase before courtship. The doubts, the uncertainty about the future, the self-hatred, the unconditional admiration for the other… It's nothing I haven't experienced, with the wrong person, it's true, but Barry doesn't have to be."

- You can't seriously tell me that you support this relationship!

Mark's eyes were wide, and from how red they were and the slight flush on his cheeks, Hartley could tell that Mark had been drinking. He sighed with annoyance, at least Mark didn't usually get drunk and used to keep his reason well. At least he wouldn't have to worry about him if he decided to go off on his own.

"Seriously, Mark," Hartley said tiredly. "I have seen the fights between the Wizard of Time and Flash, I can tell you that this has been coming for a long time. I think you've only been waiting for Snart to give you his consent because you would consider it dishonest to try to pick up someone you think is in a relationship."

- It isn't true!

- Mark, this is ridiculous. You are in the denial phase. I'd give you your space to get over it, but knowing you, it would take ages to get over it, so here's my advice: for the first time in a long time you're dating someone decent, don't screw it up.

Saying this, Hartley turned around. It was ridiculous that he was chasing Mark, he was an adult and fully capable of making his own decisions. Hartley could remember all the interactions he had with Barry Allen before the Flash showed up. One of the things he liked best about him was that he was humble, he didn't judge you. Barry wasn't like Cisco, and he wasn't like Wells. Flash, like Barry, was authentic.

"I'm going to leave Central City, you know," Mark said when he thought Hartley was already too far away for him to hear, or maybe he was still talking to Clyde.

The words felt like daggers in his heart. Without thinking, Hartley turned, ran toward Mark, and without warning punched him in the nose. Mark started to bleed, but for once, Hartley didn't care. They both got into fighting stances. Hartley wasn't much of a fighter and they both knew it, but he wouldn't give up on Mark, he had to make him come to his senses.

"But what about you?" Mark was incredulous at Hartley's attack.

"That's what I say!" Hartley yelled, furious. "What's wrong with you? Coward! Why are you running, Mark?"

- It's none of your business, Hart. And whatever I do and whatever I decide, it's my decision.-Mark said.-I've already spent too much time wasting time in Central City, fighting against a sprinter, without getting results. I want to face other heroes, maybe Batman or Green Arrow.

"Batman?" Hartley sounded incredulous. "Do you know what he'll do to you if he catches you stealing on his territory? Do you know how his villains end up every time they fight him? That guy is a brute, a sadist. Do you want Batman to beat you up, Mark?"

- What I want is not to have to look at Flash the next time we meet and know that nothing is going to happen between us because he is a hero and I am a rogue. All my relationships have gone to the bottom, I'm preventing this one from failing as well.-Mark said decidedly.-It's decided, Hart. You can't make him change his mind, none of you can. Please say goodbye to the others for me. I'm leaving tonight for Gotham.

Saying this, Mark went straight to his car. He started to rain. For some strange reason, Hartley was not surprised. It has been raining a lot lately in Central City. Hartley would miss the rain, just like Mark. He hoped that Mark would be fine in Gotham, though he wished that he would return soon. Maybe Mark just needed some time to himself.

"You're being unreasonable, Mark," Hartley yelled, although he was aware that Mark could no longer hear him. "Have a good trip, my friend," he whispered.