In hindsight, Wally probably shouldn't be up.

He was exhausted. He hadn't even been awake for more than 2 hours. And he spent the majority of it having an anxiety attack. He couldn't even tell Bruce what had happened, Jonn had to peek into his mind which of course only made Wally's anxiety worse.

Cause even though Jonn promised, as he always fucking promises, that he'll only look at the memories they need… That he'll only see Kid Flash's memories from the UN meeting, Wally couldn't hide his worry.

He couldn't shut off his nerves.

And he couldn't help but still freaked the fuck out.

Freaked….. is actually putting it lightly.

He sort of thrashed…..kinda screamed his throat raw, begged Bruce to let him go, punched Jonn, and tried to run out the door.

He would've made it too if Barry hadn't grabbed him.

When he tried to vibrate through the floor, they sedated him. And of course, that shit wore off quick, cause fuck yeah he has a high-ass metabolism.

So they tripled the dosage, brought his ass back to the bed, and held him down.

He felt… trapped.

He wanted to scream but his mouth felt like a stone door. Impenetrable, hard and so so so heavy.

He cried instead.

See, the way the Martian's powers work, he isn't just reading somebody's mind. It's not like it's a book and he's the only one gazing through it. He's excavating, traveling, discovering bits and pieces of information that no one would know was even lost.

He's unearthing your memories.

And it fucking sucks.

It's like watching a 4-D movie, observing an experience but at the same time living it. Wally can see everything, hear everything. He can feel everything better than he remembered.

The meeting, the fire, the screams… the guilt.

It hurts! It fucking hurts, and he hates it.

But then just as quick as Jonn was there, he was gone. Back in the medbay, speaking with Batman and Flash as if it all was just a fucking peachy ass conversation. After a quick head pat from Barry and a lot more whispers, Batman, Flash, and the Martian Manhunter left.

And Wally was all alone….again.

Only now, now he's drowsy and his reaction time is almost laughable.

Yeah, he shouldn't be up.

He should be in bed. He should be resting.

But every second he spends laying down…. He can't help but wonder what happened to Kaldur.

And every time he closes his eyes he can't stop seeing all the people he could've saved.

He can't stop seeing the bodies…. the blood….the blame.

He can't stop and even though Barry said to rest, even though Bruce said to stay put. He just can't.

So he gets up, fleshes on his uniform, and swears to his conscious it'll only be a quick run. He just wants one second.

He just needs to forget for one second.

He starts his run by the cave shore and pushes past to Greece.

He runs to the Egyptian Sphinx, past the Mesopotamian ruins, all the way to Lithuania's core.

He runs and runs.

But as he runs, as he pushes his body past its limits and watches as everything blurs… his breath hitches in his throat. The blurs turn into bodies, the wind into gunshots, the night sky kisses his cheek like scorching fire, and he suddenly can't get his legs to move.

He's gasping, choking for air as he feels a large familiar lump in his throat.

Run.

Before it is too late.

Run.

He has to get them out of there.

Run.

And find Kaldur

He has to just…

Run.

But he can't.

No matter how hard he tries, he can't outrun his memory. And he can't outrun the blame.

So he falls instead, sinking into the cold Lithuanian snow as civilians march over one another and push past into their homes.

No one stops to help him, hell they don't even spare him a glance.

They seemed troubled, running fast and hurried as if someone was chasing them. And even though Wally isn't in the best shape to help, the hero in him couldn't really ignore it.

Or maybe…. the coward in him couldn't face another string of guilt.

He winces, staring at bruised muscles as he plows to the nearest person to ask what exactly was going on.

The first one was a bust, they didn't speak English.

Second, barely did.

The third, he's not too sure. His body gave out before he really can hear their answer.

When he comes to, he has two big revelations.

One, he really needs to get a candy bar or something, passing out can not be a regular thing.

And two, bear hide is much warmer than he thought it would be.

"Uh thanks", Kid Flash mumbles as a large man shuffles another bearskin over his legs and pushes a mug into his hand.

"No problem, you like the Yakshv? I know Americans have the weak stomach so I watered it down a bit" the man said.

Wally winces, expecting tea but not exactly mad at the warm Vodka that drizzles down his throat. "Yeah, the.. yakashev is fine, thanks Ummm-

Shit…. Who is this?

Wait, where is he?

And why the fuck did he accept a drink from a stranger!?

He tries to get up abruptly, but his speed is still reeling, and his head is fuzzy, he nearly falls in his attempt. The man catches him, holding him in burly arms that just scream natural strength.

Shit.

Fuck.

Wally goes to push the man off of him, but barely gets a shove out. It's like the dude is a brick wall, and Kid Flash isn't too sure if it's Bruce's drug from earlier or something else that's slowing him down.

Just what the hell did he drink?

And where the fuck is he?

Fuck, fuck fuck this is bad.

Okay, don't panic, don't panic, he reminds himself, searching the room for an escape or an answer, as the man resituates him on the couch.

Don't fucking panic.

He's just a teenager, trapped in fucking house, in heavy anti- tourist Lithuania with a stranger who probably drugged him.

Oh and let's not forget he already was drugged by Bruce so yay, mixture!

Yeah, don't fucking panic!

He feels so stupid, pathetic, and dumb. How could he just drink something that easily, and from a stranger too? God, Nightwing would probably chuck a table at him if he knew. Hell, he should chuck a table at himself. Seriously drinking the first thing offered? He had to be the idiot of the year. Dumby of the century. A real fucking-

" Genius", Wally mumbles the insult easily falling out of his mouth as more paranoid thoughts fill his mind.

As he continues to work himself into a panic attack, the man next to him chuckles, "Actually it's Nik, Nik Bushka but Genius does have a nice ring to it".

Great…even better! He picked a narcissistic friendly kidnapper.

Isn't that swell?

The man…eh Nik continues to blabber on, but Kid Flash is really not listening. His focus is on trying to vomit whatever weird drink he had just gulped down.

Don't panic.

He just has to jiggle his uvula.

He'll be fine.

Don't fucking panic.

In the middle of his freak out and Niks blabbering, a woman's voice rings out, "Tch this is just asking for trouble Nik. Seriously I don't know why you would bring it into our home", she angrily quipped.

And even though he should probably be focusing on throwing up, even though he definitely should be trying to figure out where the fuck he is….. Wally would be lying if he said he didnt take a second to peer down at the angry woman.

Well actually…perhaps he shouldn't really call her a woman.

She's petite but in a stocky way. The kind of short that makes someone question her age, and if Wally hadn't got a good look at her face he'd be one of them. She had big green eyes that are narrowed under bushy brows. A heavy scarf is draped over her and an even heavier frown is etched on her face.

She has an attitude, that much is clear.

Nik for the most part doesn't seem too affected by it, he simply smiles up at her. "Was I supposed to just leave him in that weather", he questions, and although Wally is sure it was rhetorical the girl doesn't waste a second before replying.

"Yes! Leave him and the trouble he's bound to bring. If he was stupid enough to come here and faint then let him be that stupid alone".

Okay… anger is a consistent part of her sparkling personality. No biggie, not like he hasn't dealt with that before.

Still, why exactly is she so mad at him anyway?

And why the fuck can't he get his body to throw this shit up?

"Oh calm down Shala, It's not every day I have an American Superhero ask me questions, let alone fall to my feet. Don't mind her child, the bark is worse than the bite this I promise you.", Nik exclaims with a hardy chuckle, he then sighs giving Kid Flash a once-over glance. "although I guess she may have a point, you really should take better care of yourself. If I was a worse man your troubles would be grave".

Uh duh, he knows that.

Why else would he be trying to stick his finger down his throat….wait why are his hands not bound?!

He shifts, rolling his ankles as well as his neck as he gives his body the good ole one-two.

No, he isn't bound. He's bandaged?

There's not a cuff on him, not a rope around him, and not a gun in sight.

As he rolls his wrist as well as his neck, his eyes quickly begin to scan the area. It's a house, a plain ole regular house. No weapons on the floors, no bombs in the kitchen, hell even the knives were put in an organizer.

The most hostile thing in the room was Shala, and Nik seems good at keeping her at bay.

Okaaaaaay, so maybe he really doesn't need to panic.

Still, he probably should figure out where the fuck he is.

And who the fuck they are?

The bearskin blanket feels lighter as Wally replays the man's words from earlier.

American Superhero ask me questions, let alone fall to my feet

Right…. He was asking questions about the civilians running. He asked Nik and he passed out.

And the man must have been kind enough to bring him into his home.

And here Kid Flash was acting like a war prisoner.

How stupid he must've looked.

"Uh thanks", he sheepishly replied, lifting up just the slightest so he can meet Nik's eyes.

To the right of both of them, Shala scoffs, she mutters something about fucking idiots, but neither Nik nor Wally really comments on that.

Instead, Nik laughs, refills Wally's glass, and shrugs, "Eh no problem…Though if you really want to thank me, humor me child, and try not to let it happen again. To faint in our snow is to fall into your own casket".

"or worse", Shala adds, shooting Wally another one of her heated glares.

It's wasted though because for the 3rd time that night Kid Flash pays her dust.

Tch or worse is she serious?

He fell into the snow.

Ooooh so fucking scary.

He's been through a lot worse.

Actually falling asleep in the snow is a cakewalk compared to all the things he has been through.

But he won't let her know that, he can't. Instead, he decides to win the short-tempered Lithuanian over with a few jokes and a dazzling smile.

Because if Kid Flash is good for anything it's making people laugh.

He opens his mouth instantly a mocking tease ready to be spilled, but the second he looks at Shala his smile slips. Her glare had changed to a harsh frown, one filled with a serious disgust. It was… a face Wally had only seen really directed at Wally, never Kid Flash.

To say it surprised him would be an understatement.

It felt daunting, weird, and hollow.

Whatever joke he had instantly died, he wanted to ask her why the hostility. Just what exactly did he do to her? But's he's not too sure he's ready for the answer.

And he really doesn't need another reason to hate himself.

He chugs his drink instead.

The buzz is instant. He welcomes it along with the slight fuzziness and warmth it brings.

It was a sweet escape and he almost wished he could bask in it forever.

Shala doesn't share his excitement. She only glares harder as her cup remains untouched, another insult sure enough on the tip of her tongue, but just as she opened her mouth to say it, Nik opened his. "Normally I'd advise against listening to Shala, but you may want to heed her words little one. The few bruises aside you were very lucky today," he exclaimed.

Instantly Kid Flash winces, just now feeling the lump he must have received when he fell. "Yeah, yeah I guess ow… I guess I haven't been sleeping much and kinda got ahead of myself. I'm usually more careful".

Nik nods, though he doesn't really seem like he believes Kid Flash's sleep story all too much. "I've seen your papa, on the Youtube. He worries over you like a lamb in back of the shed. You should call him, it's late in America no".

And at this, Wally could only bite his lip.

He wants to explain to the man that Flash isn't his papa. Barry probably isn't worried about him anyways… it's not like he bothered to stop Jonn from invading his mind. He didn't stay with Wally in Medbay afterward. Hell, he didn't even ask Wally if he wanted to rest at home with Aunt I.

And Aunt I, he hasn't even heard a word from her. Did she even know? Did she even care?

He can't really blame her. He's pathetic, embarrassing, worthless.

Why should she care? Why should they care? It's not like his real parents did.

He wants to spill all of this, ramble it out so it won't take any more space in his mind..or his heart, but the words die on his tongue and the Vodka pushes them down his throat as he takes another hefty gulp.

His papa. Worried? Tch yeah fucking right.

Nik sighs, takes a grand gulp of his own mug, and gives Kid Flash another once-over glance. "Hmmm, trouble with your papa then. I had a similar experience in youth, so I understand the need to run away. Though I must tell you, probably best to leave soon".

"Right now kind of soon".

"Shala please", Nik groans, sending her an exasperated frown quickly after. He then pauses, almost as if the next bit of his words are a long kept secret, "….. I wouldn't want the Lubyanvo to get you…. I'm sure Shala's thinking the same".

When she doesn't automatically dispute this, Kid Flash can't help but turn and look at the angry small teen.

Was she actually concerned for him? He finds that VERY hard to believe.

"You don't have to worry about me", he tries to reassure her, his hero smile gentle and kind.

Shala instantly recoils at the sight of it, "Ugh I'm not worried for you. I'm worried about the Lubyanvo "

"Whats the Lubyanvo?", Kid Flash questioned, his brows already furrowed.

It was the second time he had heard the word but he already could guess it was anything but good. Shala spat it out like it was some revered monster.

Something hated and feared.

Nik wasn't any better. The phrase left his mouth rushed and pained. Like it was covered in molten lava and acidic rocks. Something that burned his tongue to say, but hurt his heart to keep silent.

Wally asks his question once more and tries to find Shala's eyes but she refuses to meet his gaze, glaring at the floor instead. When several seconds pass and she doesn't explain, Wally looks at Nik.

"Ah….how you say government agents, best to avoid", Nik replies. His response is short and quick, in a way that almost screams business His jolly tone was gone and Wally couldn't help but notice he fisted his cup just a little tighter as he spoke.

Clearly, there was some animosity there. But hey when talking about the government in any country when is there not?

Wally sighs, he appreciates the concern but it wasn't exactly needed. "I've dealt with my fair share of government agents, I'll be fine trust me".

Nik again doesn't seem too sure but remains silent. Shala, on the other hand, opened her mouth the second she could. "American agents aren't the fucking same, you'd be stupid to think they are. Which kinda fits, you do have this whole pathetic idiot look about you. Are you an idiot? …Or maybe you just have a death wish. Speeds your thing right? Looking for the quickest way out"?

Oh, she's a fucking pissy smart ass.

Still, Kid Flash is NOT going to give her the argument she clearly wants. He simply sticks his tongue out, rolls his eyes in the back of his head, and mimics her frown, like the mature upstanding hero he is.

Her reply is an eyeroll. Maybe it's the drugs talking but Wally would swear it was almost speedster fast.

Nik actually has to clear his throat just to alleviate some of the tension," What Shala means is in Lithuania, you must know things are different. No one not of Lithuania blood can't even step foot here without clearance, that includes your Justice League. If the Lubyanvo find out you're here….

"They won't find out", Wally snapped. He didn't mean to but fuck was he tired.

He just wanted to forget, to not think of the League, or Kaldur, or his screw-ups. He just wanted to pretend for a second that his life wasn't going to shit and he wasn't the biggest idiot around.

So yeah, to say Santa Klaus and his unjolly elf's consistent anger and doubt was aggravating….is an understatement.

And Nik bringing up the League was downright irritating.

Still, it's not like any of what he'd feeling is their fault.

So he sighs, long and hard. Trying his best to push his misdirected anger back down to the darkest corner of his mind. " Look, I'm sorry….. I get your concerned but it's fine. I'm fine, I just- I just wanted to run to clear my head, I promise I'll be out of your hair in a sec".

"This is the longest second of my life. I thought you were supposed to see time differently and shit" Shala quipped. When she was met with nothing but Kid Flash's annoyed glance, she decided to take it a step further. " But I guess you are the slow one right, wonder how disappointing that is for your Pa"

She's wrong and loud, but her insults still hit.

Being slower than Barry has always been a sore spot for Kid Flash, and being disappointing was just his fucking life story. A life story he didn't need to be reminded of, especially when he's trying to run from it.

So this time Wally couldn't help but sneer back at her. She wanted a fucking argument fine, he has more than enough anger, "Oh look who needs another moment of my attention. Did Daddy here not give you enough as a child or do you just love me that much"

Shala bristled almost instantly, "Oh I'll give you a moment"!

"Non, Children please!", Nik exclaimed as he held Shala back and blocked Wally from her reach.

"I swear Nik just let me get five minutes with this dumbass", Shala exclaimed.

"I thought you just needed a moment", Wally instantly bit back.

"That's it! Don't bother worrying about the Lubyanov Red, I'm going to fucking-"

"Language-!" Nik yells but to no avail. The two teens were already set in their heated exchange and Shala had just grabbed a vase.

Shit.

It took Nik fifteen whole minutes to calm Shala down, and by that point, the three of them were more than tired

Kid Flash was now sitting on the loveseat farthest away from the short-fused teen. He was pouting. His bruises were even more bruised with the stuff Shala threw at him. He did dodge most of them, but he can't deny she did get a few lucky hits in.

He blames that entirely on Bruce's drug…..okay maybe the vodka had something to do with it too, but still mostly Bruce's fault.

Shala on the other hand was beaming as she sat in the wooden chair near the kitchen, her own face clear of any bruises because let's face it, Kid Flash was never going to harm a civilian.

No matter how much she got under his skin.

"Okay", Nik huffed, placing a chain from the kitchen inbetween the two. "Now I think we have a slight misunderstanding"

"Yeah it's beyond me why shorty here has a major attitude with me, I haven't even done anything to her," Kid Flash bitterly complained.

Shala meets his wine with a deadpanned glare, "You came here"

Oh, she can not be fucking serious.

"I was brought here", he nearly yelled back.

"Yeah, and if anything happens to us because of it, that's your fucking head"!

"What", Kid Flash exclaimed, confused to the max. "You do realize I'm not a bad guy right. I save people, why would anything bad happen to you".

When Shala doesn't elaborate, Nik ever the peacemaker decides to step in, "That's the misunderstanding. It's just…. here we don't have heroes or villains. The Lubyanvo deal with all measures of crime. We can get in trouble for harboring you, hence Shala's…attitude".

Wally sighs, seriously they had to be the most paranoid duo he had ever met.

"I get that you guys have really strict visitation laws, but it will be fine. I'm a hero, I've been to tons of places without a permit before. I just have to say I'm passing by, it's not a big deal. Most agents just ask for a picture. It's not like I committed a crime".

Nik sends Kid Flash a leveled stare, "The Lubyanvo won't want a picture, and they will not listen to any hero explanation you give. To them you have committed the ultimate crime, being born a meta"

Kid Flash pauses, that didn't make sense. "What does that mean?... being a meta cant be a crime, right? They're not…treating Meta's like criminals, thats crazy

"And your stupid", Shala hissed.

And Kid Flash has a quick retort, it's funny and cheeky but he doesn't say it. He can't say it, not when Nik still hasn't answered his question.

They not treating Metas differently are they? Why would they do that? That doesn't make sense.

Nik winces, and scratches behind his ear, "Metas are… jovflck here. Umm men without morals. Time has shown they are more tied to their mutations than they are to their countries. To a small country like Lithuania, they are a threat, and with the recent news...".

The dread that fills Wally's stomach is instant. "What news", he reluctantly asked.

Nik for the first time since Kid Flash has known him, truly frowns. His eyes go the saddest hue as he turns on the Tv.

In the beginning, Kid Flash doesn't get it. He doesn't exactly speak Lithuanian and he definitely can't read it.

But then the angry tone of the news reporter breaks. And the camera shifts to the destroyed UN building.

Dmitri Spvenrom, diplomat and fearless leader of Lithuania was pronounced dead. Killed in what Lithuanians would call a secret attack from the monstrous metas.

The camera shifts once more, Lithuanian voices blearing in the background but Wally doesn't hear any of it.

He just focuses on the crying faces of the Lithuanian civilians.

He just focuses on the crying faces of Dmitri's family.

Shala refuses to look at the screen, the minute they show the UN building, the second they show Dmitri's family, and she's gone. Running up the flight of stairs as fast as she possibly could while muttering about metas and their stupidity.

When her door slams, Nik chooses to once again speak to Kid Flash, "Spvenrom was one of the few Lithuanians who actually believed Meta and Man could live side by side. He was a kind man, and his death to many shows his foolishness.", Nik murmurs, his voice heavy as he somberly looks at Dmitri's smiling face on the screen.

The camera shifts again, this time it sends its focus on a military station.

It shows men and women armed up and shooting at targets.

It shows tech advancements, laser shooting guns, steel grafted knives.

And then it shows metas. Blue-skinned men, women with scales, children with multiple eyes.

All of them wearing collars, all of them being led into buildings.

Wally let out a deep breath, one filled with guilt and distrust. "They're capturing metas".

"They're punishing metas", Nik corrects. He then looks down, "Officially they are saying it is a precaution, a way for them to keep tabs on the metas within their own border, make sure no traitors are around. They say it will only last until Spvenrom killers are found".

"Will it", Kid Flash murmured, his eyes still heavily focused on the tv screen.

This can't be right. This can't be happening.

"I have been in Lithuania my whole life, lad. The camps aren't exactly new, the only change is now they're no longer a secret. Lithuanians…Ah, Lithuania's never been kind to Metas. The one leader who was a semblance of decent….is dead. And his friends want someone to punish, someone to…".

"Blame", Wally finishes. His mind going a million miles a second.

Blame. Oh, how he fucking wishes he could erase the very concept of it.

But in that moment he just knows he can't.

In that moment his mind tries to piece together just how much pain he had caused.

In that very fucking moment he tries to block out the pitter-patter of your fault, your fault that rings in his head.

But as much as tries, the voices only get louder. He moves to shut his eyes, to shut out the world, but that only makes it worse.

Because now, the heat of his guilt feels like the fire that knawed at his face yesterday. The ticking of Nik's clock sounds like the bullets that rang in his ear. He pulls his eyes tighter off reflex, pulls his eyes tighter to rid his mind of the memories, but it doesn't help.

He can't hear Nik anymore, or the clock or anything really.

All he can hear is people screaming, begging to be saved.

All he can feel is himself running. His body vibrating, and his breathing labored. It's hot, hard to breathe. The screaming gets louder and louder, almost in sync with his heartbeat. And a dull ache fills his head.

He can see bodies, smell their burning flesh. Everything is so clear, so fucking vivid but he still has questions. How many had he passed, which one was Spvenrom? Could he have saved him in time? Couldv'e all of that been avoided if he was just a little faster?

He snaps his eyes open, not realizing how hard he was breathing until he goes for his next gasp. Nik's concerned face is blurred in his field of vision.

Just when had he started crying?

This time as he blinks the tears away, and tries to block out the sounds he doesn't just see bodies, he sees people, leaders, men, and women with families who he let down.

This time he sees the Lithuanians from earlier hurriedly running into their homes.

He wonders how many were metas.

He wonders how many were caught.

And what happened once they were.

"This can't be legal", he said to Nik, though the words feel hollow in his throat.

This…. isn't right.

It can't be allowed. Why are they allowing it?

How long have they allowed this?

Why hasn't anyone stopped it? He has to stop it.

"I expect not in America, though I sure they do it there too. Here is different the Pravist eh Lithuanian government I guess I should say…. we have different rules. They've been taking metas for a while but now with the UN attack they have probable cause ".

"Probable cause my ass, metas didn't do that, villains did. It's not their fault, they don't deserve this", Wally said with a heated glare. He knows he shouldn't be taking his anger out on Nik but he can't help it.

Probable cause? Is he serious?

Metas didn't do anything.

How could he be so nonchalant about all of this?

How could he be okay with this? Why was he okay with this?

Nik shrugs, nearly rolling his eyes as he glances back at the screen, "I'm sure but that's not how the public sees it. There are no villains and heroes in Lithuania. There is man and there is meta. And I've already told you metas are considered-

"More tied to their mutations, I know" Wally spat, hating the very taste of the words. He then forces his body up, ignoring the sway of his stiff muscles. "But capturing them, putting them in these camps is wrong. Someone has to stop it! I have to stop it, I can't just sit here and watch while people are being kidnapped and - and forced to-

Kid Flash pauses, he can't even utter the words that are swarming in his mind. He then huffs, and tries to grab his shoes but is stopped by Nik's hand on his wrist.

"Little one I understand your anger-

No no, the fuck he doesn't. How could he?

He just sits there in his stupid old house, with an angry girl and his knickknacks. He just drinks vodka, and watches as people are being forced into these fucking camps against their will.

He's sat here for years and watched it happen in secret.

And why not? It's not like it affected him. It's not like it would ever be anyone he's cared about.

And it's not like it's his fault.

Nik could never understand.

"I'm sure you don't even see them as people", Wally bitterly mutters, rolling his eyes as he tugged at his wrist. " jckvsh right. Men without morals. Gotta ask what does that make you? You saved a disgusting jckvsh from taking a cold nap. What did my celebrity make me one that matters? Did you actually think I was gonna sit here and let you guys do this?".

Nik doesn't answer his questions. He doesn't flinch at Kid Flash's tone and he doesn't let go of Wally's wrist. He simply stares Kid Flash down and gives him the facts. "You're in no shape to help, you were already in bad shape when I found you, and I'm willing to bet while numbing the pain the vodka only made the drowsiness worse. Besides your presence would only hurt your country. All matters of crime are dispelled by the Lubyanvo. An outsider's help will not be welcomed, you will not be welcomed".

And at this Kid Flash could only grimace.

Because fuck, does he hate it when he just knows someone else is right.

Especially, when he desperately needs them to be wrong.

The fact is, Lithuania is an isolated country, they barely joined the UN a year ago and even that came with pretenses and demands.

It's against the rules for anyone to even visit Lithuania without a permit.

And Kid Flash is in no shape to help.

He can feel the drugs in his system.

And now he definitely feels the vodka circulating too.

Still, he can't just sit by and watch.

What kind of person does that?

"Just sitting here isn't okay with me. Whether it affects me or not I don't just sit and let people be hurt", he spits.

The implication that comes with Kid Flash's anger is evident. But Nik doesn't even give it an inch of his attention, instead, he sends Kid Flash a pitiful glance."Are you even sure you can save them,", he asked.

And instantly Kid Flash glares.

"What does that mean," he bites out, anger just teetering at the edge.

Because what the fuck was that? Is he sure he can save them?

What the hell did Nik mean by that?

He wants to speed ramble his many rescue missions, and success rates. Forcibly fill Niks mind with any and every detail of his extensive hero career.

He wants to let Nik know that while he fucking appreciates his consistent lack of faith, he can fully well take down a few agents, but the words die on his tongue as his eyes finally catch up to Niks.

The man is staring, almost glaring as he gazes down at the tv news coverage.

It's back on the UN building, only now it's just listing all the people dead, all the people hurt and all the people gone.

Is Kid Flash sure he can save them?

What a low blow that was.

"Let me go", Wally murmured. His voice angry and defeated.

It was his fault. It was all his fucking fault!

"Child please I just don't want harm to come-

" I said let go", Wally screamed, finally tugging his wrist away. In his haste, he didn't notice that Nik had much too harsh of grip for this to not pop his shoulder out. He also didn't notice he forgot to minimize his speed for civilian safety.

So Nik went flying, the pace apparently too much and too quick for him. His body hit the wall with a harsh thud, his head with an even louder slam. Shala came running down the stairs, her eyes wide and mouth set. She didn't look shocked though, or even sad.

She did, however, look afraid.

"What the fuck happened", she seethed, anger coated her words but the concern peeked through more.

God, what happened? How did he let his anger get him to that level, and with a civilian?

What did he do?

"I-" Wally tries to speak but the words won't come out.

"You what?! What the fuck did you do", Shala yelled, turning her head towards Kid Flash, but keeping her body near a still Nik.

What did he do? Oh, God what did he do?!

…..New Chappie who dis?

Okay, first things first I would like to heavily apologize for just going MIA. No excuse tbh, but hey I'm back. It's so great to be writing again, I had missed this story tons and I'm uber excited to finally start updating again!

Now on to the chapter! Chapter 23 is a BIG BIG development chapter. It may not make sense rn but just trust me keep reading! TBH CH.23 was much longer but I broke it up cause it seemed like a lot. And it still managed to be sos sosososos fucking long, idk how lol. This chapter really focuses on the aftermath of the UN massacre. It shows you basically how this one event changes every fucking thing much like the SME. But while the SME is more of 'oh fuck whats going on problem', the UN massacre is an 'oh fuck what do we do problem'.

A lot of nations were affected, many people ( leaders) died, some are heavily injured and some are still missing. That's really switching up who's in charge ATP. Which may be in certain countries' favor and other countries' downfalls. As u can probably tell with Lithuanians, some countries are seeing it as a meta-problem and that's making it a discrimination problem. A very bad one at that.

Also in this chapter, we get introduced to Nik and Shala. Nik is a nice ole man, he just comes with a lot. Shala on the other hand…..doesn't lol. She's untrusting, volatile, and angry but I swear she has her reasons. Nik and Shala like all characters are not throw aways please keep that in mind. Both of them are in this story for a reason. I really wanted to showcase how environment, gender, age, and experience can mold a person. Despite growing up in the same place with one another the fact is Nik and Shala are very different. The lessons they held were different. How they see the world is different. I kinda wanted to showcase that through them because it's a leading theme for other characters. I really want you all to see, while two characters might go through the same thing how they hold it, and how it affects them can be very very different.

And the difference can mean everything!

I so badly want to spoil rn who i'm hinting at buttttt I wont.

Anyways, for this chapter, I really wanted to highlight how the UN meeting affected the Lithuanians. So if you were wondering what about everyone else, keep reading! I can't wait for you all to see how it's affecting the Americans, the Germans, the French, etc. I also really can't wait for you all to see how it's affecting the League! Speaking of the League, a slight intro to Jonn's mind-reading powers. Basically, when he reads your mind, he's making you relive a situation. This is not good for our nervous, guilt-ridden speedster who definitely has PTSD. I was trying to showcase that because of the mind reading Wally's PTSD has become worse and its accompanied by vivid guilt illusions. He had a couple of anxiety attacks here n there, plus he's drugged up so not 100 percent peachy rn. Bro's literally having the roughest time, and I feel so so bad for him lol.

But anyways rambled quite enough, and thank you if you read all of it. I hope you enjoyed the newest chapter, and I will try to update soon!

Thanks a bunches for reading, review and let me know what ya think!

Much love!

Review responses

Nana1995

Hello! Thank you so much for reading! I appreciate your kind words so much! I hope you enjoyed the newest chapter.

Jack

HI! Thank you for reading. Idk if your at this chapter yet, but thanks for the two reviews you left! You hit the nail on the head with your explanation on the art of pretending! I was so happy to hear how you interpreted the title. I also would add the best pretenders can fool themselves! Wally's friends don't understand his problems, but that only causes he doesn't disclose them. They do really care about him though and if they knew the extent of his issues they would not be as in the background as they appear. Also, many of them are going through their own issues, it's kinda making it hard for them to see Wally's troubles. Your right Jinx is a lovely distraction for all of that lol. As for your feeling of a bad end for them..well tbh idk yet! I'm glad you like Jinx so much! I was so happy to hear that she is your favorite! She definitely has her own story!

Guest

Done! Lol. Thanks for reading!