as we pass through arrangements of shadows

[shreds]

Comments

[pumping]

( (19) to research the Central City blood back. He spends the entire ride to Star Labs formulating a plan, writing down times and an address, and cross-referencing what day it is. His tactical side is coming out.

As Cooper parks behind William in the lot, he lets the pages of his pad fall down. )

I think I got it.

[positiveinfluence]

Cool. Let me check in with the group, and then we can skip out for a bit.

[Is he going to lie about where they're going? Absolutely. Sorry, William, he'll let you be the voice in his ear on the next heist.

But with that he'll climb out of the car and head towards the rest of the group.]

[slavophile]

( The group has gathered out front. Cooper approaches. )

Hey, did you have a good ride?

[positiveinfluence]

We did.

[And he shifts his hands in his pockets.]

Do you really need us here? Because Mick and I might go pick up some coffee and food.

[slavophile]

( William sees underneath coffee and food, but just below the surface, like he's looking down at the water. Something he can't make out, but something he does trust. If anything, he's gotten this far by trusting Cooper.

He does lower his voice though. )

You're leaving me with your father. Again?

[positiveinfluence]

[He gives him a sympathetic look because he knows he's hanging him out to dry but he also knows he can't take his dad with him on this one.]

I know. I'm sorry. But just ... I can't take him with me. Please?

[Please trust him. Please don't ask him to explain.]

[slavophile]

I know I said we were even and you didn't owe me anything because you were doing what you had to do? You now owe me.

( Twice and he will come to collect. )

[positiveinfluence]

That is totally fair, and I will one hundred percent hold me to that.

[He smirks.]

Besides. I don't think you want me in there anyway. I wasn't kidding when I said that the Flash was my favorite.

[Him fanboying over "Uncle Barry" will not be cute, he's saying that now.]

[slavophile]

So, you'd rather meet my dad and not my famous speedster uncle who somehow never ages.

( Now he's suspicious. )

Is Mickey okay?

[positiveinfluence]

I can almost guarantee I'm ninety percent less likely to make an ass out of myself in front of your dad.

[Just putting that out there. Is he deflecting from the Mickey question? Maybe, but he's still going to hedge.]

Mickey's fine. He's just ... dealing with a lot.

[slavophile]

Look, I'm - not going to say I haven't noticed the way he looks at you, but I trust you. And I love you. ( Easy, nonchalant, no frills. ) So, take care of whatever it is you have to take care of, and maybe you'll still meet Uncle Barry. Did I say we're staying with him tonight?

[positiveinfluence]

You did. I'm sure you'll enjoy me making a fool of myself then.

[He's not going to comment on Mickey's feelings, as they have nothing to do with his own. Right now he's more concerned on whether or not his friend will have food to eat without dropping a body.

Coop smirks as he leans in to give him a kiss.]

I'll be back soon. Good luck with the hacking.

[slavophile]

I will, I really will.

( And they split off!

William and company enter the lobby of STAR Labs as William shoots off a, 'We're here,' text.

Meanwhile, Mickey sits in the front seat. When Cooper returns, he turns the ignition on again.

"From London to I love you," he says, looking over at Cooper. "You work fast." )

[positiveinfluence]

[Coop raises an eyebrow as he goes to buckle up.]

What's that supposed to mean?

[While yes, it has been a little fast, his life is a constant death trap. If he doesn't move fast, he may never get anywhere at all.]

[pumping]

It doesn't mean anything, it's just - been... six months? And between London and Prague you had - no contact. Just saying. You work fast.

( How much have they talked, really?

And he didn't see it coming. Not even his side of things (though it snuck up on him, too) but the Cooper he knows and hunted with. )

You were the love em and leave em type. Well, do em and leave em.

[positiveinfluence]

It's not by desire so much as necessity. It's not like I tend to stick around anywhere long.

[He's never been opposed to romance. He just is aware of the limitations of his life.]

Besides, it's always easier when you don't have to ... introduce them to the real world.

[pumping]

You grew up in the life. I just served on the front lines and got recruited.

( He's never had that separation, but he's also never been in touch with his own feelings. And he may not have reconciled them yet. )

So, civilians and hunting. They don't mix.

[positiveinfluence]

Not always, no.

[At least, not in a way that's easier.]

It's kind of like being a superhero. You're living this dual life and you can't always share it. So sometimes flings are easier. But that doesn't mean you don't want something more.

[pumping]

( Even if you miss out on what's right in front of you. It's not a fair thought, he's never voiced what he wasn't ready to. And if he hadn't been compelled maybe he wouldn't have fucked up and gotten personal. )

You deserve the happiness. Rough sticking Sullivan senior with your guy. Really putting him through his paces.

[supertardiness]

[Barry is waiting not far into the entrance of STAR Labs, and flashes the Queen kids both a smile when they get close enough. He moves in for a hug, holding his arms out to both of them.]

Hey. Long time, no see.

[slavophile]

( Like old times, but taller and maybe wiser, William gives Mia the room for the family group hug they did as kids. )

Well, one of us was an MIA tabloid memory.

[supertardiness]

[Mia rolls her eyes at that comment but does come in for the hug, because Uncle Barry has always been really good at hugs. He hasn't lost any of his golden retriever tendencies in his old age.]

Well, it could have been worse. I'm pretty sure your dad was missing for five years and presumed dead once upon a time. You haven't beaten his record yet.

[slavophile]

Shipwrecked.

( Oh, right. He steps back, clearing his throat. )

Uncle Barry, this is Michael Sullivan.

[supertardiness]

[Sullivan steps forward, holding out a hand. "Thank you for your hospitality."]

Of course. Mi casa es su casa. But I think right now, it's my computers that you need.

[He jerks a thumb back over his shoulder.]

Your FBI friend is already here, and I borrowed you some extra hands from the Legends.

[slavophile]

Really?

( It really is an all-hands situation, he agrees. He doesn't make it any easier on Sullivan senior to understand what 'the Legends' are, but it takes a lot of explanation usually. )

Is Uncle Constantine still with them?