Undercover Lover

by Konekorain

Summary:

Barry goes undercover in Iron Heights to catch a corrections officer who has been raping inmates. On the inside, he runs into Leonard Snart and Mick Rory who decide to protect him. Neither criminal likes that the CCPD sent Barry undercover by himself and plan to stick close to him during his time there. As affections start to grow during Barry's incarceration, will the three be able to come to terms with the fact that they're on different sides of the law?

Notes:

Okay, I've had this partially written since before Christmas, so I decided to finish the chapter and get it posted. I have been working on my other stories and plan to update some of those soon. Sorry it's been so long since I updated!!! I haven't been writing lately because my dog was deathly ill then I went on vacation. I haven't had the time or will to write. But, I'm back and hopefully can get the ball rolling with my stories. Also, the rating may go up in the future. I'm not sure yet.

Chapter 1

To say that Barry was nervous would be an understatement. He followed the corrections officer down the corridor of Iron Heights as he fidgeted with the blanket and pillow he was carrying. When they came to a stop outside one of the cells, Barry took a deep breath. The guard used his baton to bang on the iron bars of the open cell door, most likely to get the attention of whoever was inside.

“Snart! Say hello to your new cellmate.” he said in a bored tone. Barry's stomach dropped. It couldn't be. Could it? He edged around the door and shyly stood in the doorway to the cell. Sure enough, sitting on the bottom bunk with a book was none other than Leonard Snart. Damn, they didn't plan for this. Snart's eyes widened when he saw Barry standing there in a prison jumpsuit, bedding clutched in his hands. A smirk slowly spread across his face.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” he asked, rising to his feet and setting the book on the bunk. Barry looked nervously at the guard, who shrugged and walked away. Before he was out of earshot, they heard him say something.

“Play nice you two.” Barry made a beeline for the bunk beds and placed his things on the top bunk. He turned to Snart, ready to make a deal with the man to keep the secret he was hiding.

“Don't blow my cover. Please.” he begged quietly. Snart arched a brow.

“What cover?” he questioned. Barry sighed.

“As far as anyone in here knows, I'm a petty thief named Sam Erickson. I got busted robbing an electronics store. You can't let them know I work for the CCPD. I'm undercover.” Snart looked shocked for a moment before recovering and schooling his features.

“Why are you undercover? Aren't there entire departments dedicated to this? You're just a CSI.” he said, just as quiet as Barry had been. Barry looked slightly nervous at that.

“I'm the only one at the CCPD that will work.”

“Why?” Snart asked suspiciously. Barry's eyes flitted away before settling back on Snart.

“We've been getting complaints of a CO abusing his power here. Several inmates have been attacked and raped. We've noticed, after looking at the prisoners that he goes after that he has a type, physically speaking. I was the only one who matched that type.” Snart narrowed his eyes at Barry.

“I don't like this. You haven't been trained in undercover operations. What are you going to do when he goes after you? It's not like you have easy access to backup in here and you can't use your powers without revealing yourself.” Barry shrugged.

“Hopefully, it won't get that far. I'm just supposed to be bait and report back to my contact when he starts making advances if he does. There's no guarantee he'll even notice me.” Snart looked Barry up and down, smirking.

“Oh, he'll notice you.” he drawled. Barry's face and neck turned bright red. Snart looked toward the cell door and grabbed Barry's arm, heading for it. Barry let himself be led out of the door, but tried to find out where Snart was taking him.

“W-Where are we going?” he asked. Snart just looked at him over his shoulder and smirked.

“We're going to see someone, Sam.” he replied. Barry was at least glad that Snart wasn't going to out him. They went down a flight of stairs and stopped in front of another cell. Walking in like he owned the place, Snart let go of Barry's arm and moved to sit on the bottom bunk beside its occupant. Barry gawked. He didn't expect Mick Rory to be here too. Though, given his history, he really should have.

“What's the Flash doin' here?” he rumbled. Barry's eyes widened and he looked at Snart accusingly.

“You told him?!” he hissed. Snart's smirk never left his face.

“We don't keep secrets from each other, Barry. I've kept my promise. I haven't told anyone else about your identity, not even my Rogues. But, I trust Mick. Like I said, we don't keep secrets. He won't tell anyone either.” Barry ran a hand through his hair in irritation and blew out a breath.

“Whatever.” he said. Rory chuckled at him but didn't say anything. Snart turned to the man beside him and began explaining what Barry had told him. Rory looked at Barry skeptically after Snart was finished talking, like he couldn't believe Barry could pull this off. Snart looked back to Rory and got his attention.

“Keep an eye on him when you can.” he ordered.

“W-what?!” Barry sputtered, utterly shocked. “You can't possibly be serious! I can take care of myself, Snart!” Snart just gave a self-satisfied smirk.

“For starters, kid, you can call me Len and him Mick.” he said, nodding his head toward his partner. Barry was stunned into silence and he just gaped at the two men for a moment.

“Why are you looking out for me?” he asked quietly. Len's expression darkened.

“They shouldn't be using you as bait. You don't belong in here and you're only going to get hurt.” Barry studied the two men for a moment.

“Why do you care?” Instead of answering, Len just shrugged his shoulders and looked away. Mick was looking at his partner, a knowing gleam in his eyes. Barry was confused by the soft look in the arsonist's eyes. He suddenly had the urge to figure the two men out. He wanted to know what made them tick. Barry was pulled from his thoughts by a bell ringing in their cell block. He looked questioningly at the two men before him.

“Lunch.” Len stated simply, standing from the bed. Barry followed the two men and flow of convicts through the corridors to the cafeteria. They got in a line to get their trays and food and Barry passed the time by observing his surroundings. The walls were a dingy, white color, the same way they were throughout the entire prison. There were long tables lining the room in rows and prisoners were milling around and finding a place to sit. They huddled in groups and talked amongst themselves, sometimes shooting dirty looks at other prisoners. Barry startled from his thoughts when the person behind him shoved him forward roughly.

“Move!” the guy sneered. Barry looked in front of him and noticed the line had moved quite a bit while he had been studying the room. Barry ducked his head and walked forward, stopping right behind Mick.

“Sorry.” he mumbled to the man behind him. Mick turned around and raised a brow, eyes flicking between Barry and the other man.

“Problem?” he rumbled. Barry looked up quickly and answered.

“No.” It seemed like Mick didn't quite believe him, but he turned back around and held up his tray for the kitchen crew to put food on it. Barry did the same and tried not to wince at the pile of gross-looking mush that was plopped down. Once they had their food, Len lead the way to a table at the back of the room. They sat down at the end of the table Len and Mick started eating. Barry just eyes his highly suspicious “food” and pushed it around his plate with his spoon. When Len noticed, he smirked.

“Not hungry?” he asked. Barry glanced up with a sour look on his face.

“It's not that. Just...are you sure this can be classified as food?”

“You get used to it. Go ahead, try it.” Len urged. Barry scowled at his plate and picked up a tiny bit of food on his spoon. He closed his eyes as he put the bite in his mouth and chewed. He slowly opened his eyes when he fully tasted it.

“Okay, so it's not that bad.” he confessed. Mick laughed and Len's smirk stayed put. Barry smiled at the two men across from him. The food wasn't the only thing that wasn't that bad, it seemed. A moment later, Barry was taken aback when an arm was thrown around his shoulders. He looked to his right and saw a smarmy looking convict grinning at him in a way that unnerved him.

“Who's the pretty, new thing?” he asked Len and Mick. Barry looked at the two men and was surprised to see that Mick was glowering at the man and Len had a threatening, cold expression on his face. Barry tried to edge out from under the man's arm, but he tightened his hold when he felt Barry moving.

“None of your business.” Len said slowly in a scary low tone. The man just smirked. Did he not know how dangerous Len was?

“Aww, c'mon. Won't you share?”

“Leave.” Mick growled, making to stand up. The man jerked away from Barry, mumbling under his breath.

“Whatever.” he said, walking away. Barry took a deep breath and let it out. He looked up at Len and Mick, who were following the man's movements with their eyes.

“Thank you.” he said. That brought their attention back to him. Len shrugged.

“Things like that are going to happen in here. Especially with your looks.” At that, Barry blushed.

“W-what do you mean?” he asked. Len smirked again, a look of wonder in his eyes. Did Barry really not know how good he looked? It was Mick who spoke up, though.

“You're very pretty, doll.” he said. That caused Barry's face to darken and his brain seemed to short-circuit as he stuttered for a moment, unable to get anything out. Len and Mick just shared a look, endeared by the fact that Barry was so humble.

 

~x~x~x~

 

Later that night, after lights out, Len was laying on his bunk thinking about the turn that day had taken. On the one hand, it was always a delight to see Barry, on the other, though, the kid was in danger here and it would take a lot from Mick and himself to keep him safe. They would do it, though. He'd be damned if he let something happen to Barry. It seemed he had quite the soft spot for the Scarlet Speedster. Len was torn from his thoughts when a small, distressed sounding moan came from the bunk below him. Len raised himself up on an elbow and listened. A whine sounded, followed by the sound of Barry thrashing around. He must have been having a nightmare. Len threw the covers off of himself and hopped to the ground. He crouched down beside the bottom bunk and peered into the darkness, just able to make out Barry's features in the light filtering through the bars. Barry's brow was furrowed and he wore an anguished look. He was whimpering, throwing his head side to side and kicking his feet slightly.

“Barry.” Len whispered. When that got no answer, he gently nudged Barry's shoulder. The small noises and moans Barry was making began to get louder, turning into words.

“No! No!” he whined. Len laid his hand along Barry's cheek, the boy unconsciously turning into it. He caressed the cheek and called for Barry again, a little louder this time. Barry woke with a gasp, jolting up, tears in his eyes. Green eyes found Len's blue ones and Barry launched into the older man's arms, sobbing into his chest. Len just held on as tight as he could, making little shushing noises and rubbing Barry's back. A few minutes went by and Barry was finally able to pull himself together. He sniffled as he pulled back from Len's chest. Len started getting up to go back to his bunk when Barry grabbed his wrist. He looked down into the sad, desperate eyes of the man in front of him.

“Don't go.” Barry whispered. “Stay, please.” Len thought for a moment before nodding.

“Scoot over.” he said, nudging Barry's shoulder. Barry gave a little smile and moved against the wall, pulling the covers back so Len could get in. Len crawled into the bed, which was much too small for two grown men, and faced Barry's back. He considered his situation for a moment before making up his mind and gently wrapping his arm around Barry's waist, pulling the startled man against his chest. Barry was stiff for a moment but soon relaxed into Len's embrace. Len held him until the younger man's breathing evened out and Len himself was lulled into a peaceful sleep. Neither stirred again for the rest of the night.

 

Chapter 2

Notes:

I'm back! I should have been writing more lately because I've been laid up with a broken ankle for the past week. I've been in too much pain to concentrate, though. The pain is finally easing, so I decided to try finishing this chapter today. Sorry for the absurdly long wait on all my fics! I'm planning to work on them when I can.

Len stared down at the man in his arms, studying his face thoughtfully. He was beautiful, stunning. He seemed so helpless and fragile, but Len knew there was an amazing power buzzing just underneath the surface. Having that power wrapped in his arms felt exhilarating. Len noticed Barry's eyelashes fluttering slightly and knew he was about to wake up. He smiled ever-so-slightly as he watched green eyes open. Barry looked up at Len and smiled lazily.

“Morning.” he said with a yawn. Len released him and watched as he stretched. Suddenly, a thought occurred to Barry. He raised a brow at Len. “Were you watching me sleep?” he asked. Not knowing what to say to not upset Barry, Len just smirked at him. Barry narrowed his eyes at Len and muttered under his breath. “Creep.” Len was worried he had overstepped his boundaries for a moment until he noticed the small smile decorating Barry's face.

“So, do you want to talk about last night?” Len asked, concerned about the nightmare that had pulled the other man from sleep. Barry's smile fell and he looked down and started playing with a loose thread on Len's clothes.

“Not particularly.” he mumbled.

“Barry.” Len admonished. He knew from experience that keeping things like this bottled up inside was a recipe for disaster. Barry sighed in frustration and blew out a breath, the warm puff of air against Len's collarbone making him shiver slightly. Barry refused to raise his eyes as he began talking quietly.

“It was just about the Reverse-Flash.” Len raised a brow.

“The speedster in yellow that was spotted around town?” he asked.

“Yeah.” Barry sighed. “He killed my mother. But, in the dream, he didn't stop at her. He killed everyone else I cared about, too.” Barry fisted his hands in Len's shirt, the other man holding on tight to him. “I wasn't fast enough to save them. I'm never fast enough.” he whispered raggedly. When Barry looked up at Len, he had unshed tears in his eyes. Len was taken aback by the emotion swimming in Barry's eyes. The kid felt deeply. He wondered how it was fair for such a genuinely good person to have felt such agonizing pain. He didn't think it was. It wasn't fair at all for such a ray of sunshine to be brought down by sorrow. Len was pulled from his thoughts by the lights turning on. He ran a hand through Barry's hair and released him, moving to stand. When Barry gave him a quizzical look, he explained.

“It's about time for the morning head count. After that, we'll go get Mick and head to get breakfast. You can tell us all about the Reverse-Flash then.” Barry nodded and stood, smoothing out his prison-issue wardrobe.

 

After the head count was finished, Len and Barry headed down to Mick's cell. Len greeted the pyro with a barely there brush of their hands. Barry caught the movement and wondered, not for the first time, what the two were to each other. Barry stood awkwardly by the door as Len took Mick to the back of the cell and had a hushed conversation with him. During the conversation, Mick's eyes found Barry's and the younger man blushed slightly under the scrutiny. Mick looked back at Len and nodded and they both turned and headed towards Barry, Mick's hand finding the small of Len's back.

“Let's go get breakfast.” Len said as they reached Barry, who stepped out of the way and let the two other men pass him. They all walked to the cafeteria and stood in line to get their trays. After they got their food, Len found a section of table in the far back corner of the room that seemed to be secluded and empty. It was perfect for the conversation they were about to have. They all sat down, Len and Mick on one side and Barry on the other just like the day before, and began to eat. After a few moments of silence, Mick spoke up, being sure to keep his voice down.

“So, Len said you had a nightmare.” Barry looked up in shock before turning a glare on Len, who didn't look apologetic at all. Furrowing his brows, he looked back down at his food, deciding to ignore the two for now.

“Scarlet,” Len started. “You said you would tell us about the Reverse-Flash, remember?” he asked, much like one would ask a child. Barry looked up and huffed. He guessed there was no use trying to ignore them. They were masters of being annoying after all.

“Well, he was from the future.” Barry decided to begin with. Both Len and Mick looked shocked at the news. Barry smiled slightly and shrugged. “Apparently, speedsters can time travel. Cool, huh?” he asked with a disparaging smile. “He came back in time to kill me when I was a kid. The future me that followed him got me out of the way and he killed my mom instead. Because of me.” Barry said sadly, looking at his hands on the table. At the news that the Reverse-Flash had come back in time to kill Barry, Len clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. Whoever this man was, if he was still alive, Len was going to kill him. Meeting Mick's eyes out the corner of his own, he could tell the other man was thinking the same. When Barry looked back up, there were unshed tears in his eyes. “Anyway, after that, he got stuck here, so he needed me. He needed me to get my powers sooner than I did in the original timeline. So, he sat and waited. He disguised himself as Harrison Wells and got rid of the original.” Len sucked in a breath at this revelation. He knew how much of a mentor Wells had been to Barry. He could only imagine how devastating it must have been to find out the true identity of someone he had trusted with so much. Beside him, he heard Mick mutter.

“Damn.” he said. Len had to agree. There was one question plaguing him, though.

“The whole time?” he asked. Barry nodded.

“The whole time. He even had hidden cameras everywhere that I frequented. All over S.T.A.R. Labs, all over my former apartment, Jitters, Iris and Eddie's apartment, Joe's house. We found cameras everywhere.” When Len spoke again, there was a cold edge to his voice and ice in his eyes.

“So, where is this Reverse-Flash? Do we need to plan a little party for him when we blow this pop stand?” Barry huffed a laugh as a single tear escaped his eye.

“He's dead. He sent me back in time to save my mom so that he could use the wormhole to go back to the future. When I returned, I decided to destroy his way home and we fought. I was losing, but Joe and Eddie shot him in the back while he was concentrating on threatening me. He died a few minutes later.” Barry explained, playing with the food on his tray.

“Did you?” Mick asked quietly. Barry looked up.

“Did I what?” he asked.

“Save your mother.” Barry looked down again as more tears gathered in his eyes.

“No. When I got there, I remembered that everything would change. I may have had a rough start, but my life hasn't been bad. But, I would lose everyone. Joe, Iris, Cisco, Caitlin, Eddie, our relationships would all be different or non-existent. Future me gave me the last push I needed when he motioned for me to stop. To not save her. So, I didn't. I listened to Eobard kill my mother and then I comforted her as she died. I told her who I was. She said I looked like her father.” Barry smiled as more tears fell. He was infinitely grateful that they were sitting at the far wall of the room and he had his back to the rest of the cafeteria. All three men were silent for a moment before Mick spoke up.

“She would'a been proud of you.” he murmured. Barry looked up sharply, gazing at the larger man with countless emotions flitting through his eyes. Finally, sorrow settled in the green depths.

“How?” he asked, shaking his head. “I'm the reason she's dead.”

“Hey!” Len said firmly, drawing Barry's eyes to him. “Eobard is the reason your mother's dead. The only reason. Quit blaming yourself.”

“Yeah, but, if I had never become the Flash, never challenged Eobard in the future-” Len cut Barry off with a glare.

“Think of how many people you've saved, how many lives would have been lost if you had never become the Flash.” Barry looked at Len with wide eyes.

“But my mom-” he mumbled.

“May have died anyway. You don't know.” Barry seemed to deflate at that, shoulders sagging in acceptance. Len and Mick went back to their food and, eventually, Barry joined them. They ate silently after that, all three mulling over what they had learned during their conversation.

 

Chapter 3

Notes:

This one's a shorter chapter, but it came to what felt like a natural conclusion. Hope you guys enjoy!

After breakfast, the inmates headed out to the yard. Barry went to subtly ask around about the crimes happening in the prison while Mick and Len sat on the bleachers by the basketball court. Neither of them particularly liked Barry going off on his own, but the speedster was stubborn. They had been sitting there, watching the game some of the inmates were playing, for about thirty minutes when a man came running towards them from near the storage shed. He took a minute to catch his breath once he reached them. He looked up at Len and Mick, motioning frantically at the shed on the other side of the yard.

“Your new boy got jumped!” Immediately, dread and anger flashed through both men and they jumped up, running for the shed. As they got close, they could hear sounds of a struggle and Barry's pained voice. Len tried to open the door and found it locked. He threw a glance at Mick, who stepped up and kicked the door in. The commotion caused everyone in the room to stop and look at the door. There was a ring of five or six men surrounding a bloody and beaten Barry, who was groaning on the ground. Mick and Len both saw red and rushed into the room, punching and kicking their way through the men. Barry watched in awe as the two men systematically took down the burly men that had attacked him. Out the corner of his eye, Barry saw the man closest to him pull out a shiv and get ready to enter the brawl. Using all the strength he could muster and running solely on adrenaline, he pushed himself off the ground and threw his entire body onto the man, knocking them both to the ground. They wrestled for the shiv for a moment, before Barry felt a sharp pain in his side. Gasping, he fought through the pain and finally got the shiv away, punching the guy across the face. Barry put a hand over his side, looking at it to see blood covering it. Suddenly feeling light headed, Barry looked around, seeing Len and Mick standing over a pile of unconscious men. Gathering the last of his energy, he gasped out Len's name before passing out.

 

 

~x~x~x~

 

“Len.” Both Len and Mick whirled around at the weak voice just in time to see Barry's arm give out and him collapse to the ground. They both rushed over and gently rolled Barry onto his back. There was a dark red spot blooming over his side that they quickly realized was blood. They stood and Mick scooped Barry up into his arms, both taking off for the infirmary.

“Hold on, Scarlet.” Len murmured.

 

When they burst through the infirmary doors, they were both shocked to see Doctor Snow sitting at the desk in the corner. When she saw Barry, she jumped up.

“Oh my gosh! What happened?!” she exclaimed. Mick moved to the hospital bed and carefully laid Barry on it.

“He got jumped.” he grunted. Caitlin set about divesting Barry of the top of his jumpsuit so she could get at the stab wound. After taking in the copious amounts of bruising on his face and torso, Len noticed then, metal bracelets around both of Barry's wrists.

“What are those?” he asked nodding to the bands. Never ceasing her movements in her assessment, Caitlin answered.

“They're modified meta cuffs. They dampen Barry's powers.” A sense of panic seemed to fill Len at the revelation.

“What about his healing?!” Caitlin glanced up from where she was cleaning Barry's wound before answering.

“That's exactly why he's wearing them. We figured he might get injured in here, reckless as he is, and can't afford for his wounds to heal too fast. It would be detrimental if anyone found out he was a meta.”

“Well, take them off! He got stabbed! His wound needs to heal!” Len growled.

“I can't!” Caitlin snapped. “If his stab wound heals, his bruises will too. Everyone who participated in jumping him will know something is up. He'll just have to heal on his own, at a normal rate. This wound isn't that deep. He lost a bit of blood, but he'll be fine as soon as I get him stitched up.” Len wanted to say more, urge Caitlin to take the cuffs off, but Mick placed a hand on his arm, silently reassuring him that Barry would be alright. They sat in silence the rest of the time it took for Caitlin to finish attending to Barry. When she was done, she tried to get them to leave, but they refused, sitting at Barry's side as long as they were able.

 

~x~x~x~

 

It was dinner time when Barry's eyes finally began fluttering. He groaned and Mick hit Len's arm with the back of his hand to wake him up. He had began dozing a couple of hours prior and Mick didn't have the heart to wake him, figuring he needed the rest. Len jolted awake, looking around with wide eyes. When he looked Mick's way, the man pointed to the infirmary bed. Barry let out another groan and a hand came up to rub at his head. Len was staring intently when green eyes landed on him. Barry smiled.

“Hey.” he said, voice raspy from disuse. Len couldn't help the corners of his mouth twitching up in response.

“Hey.” he replied. “You scared us. How do you feel?”

“Like I've been hit by a semi.” he said, chuckling slightly then groaning in pain.

“Yeah, well, if Doc Snow would take those meta cuffs off, you would be feeling fine.” Len said bitterly. Caitlin scoffed from across the room as she headed over to Barry with a small flashlight. Before she could check his eyes, he turned to Len.

“You know she can't. I can't have my cover blown and be exposed as a meta. It's too risky.” he explained gently. Len scowled, but didn't say anything. Mick laughed at him as Barry turned to let Caitlin check his pupil reactivity with a smile. When she was satisfied that his pupils were normal, she put the flashlight away.

“How do you feel? Any lightheadedness or dizziness?” Barry shook his head.

“No, just pain.”

“Alright, I'll get you some pain meds.” Caitlin said, turning to the medicine cabinet in the room. She unlocked it and took out some pills, handing two to Barry with a cup of water. “You're free to go, Barry. The three of you can go to dinner now.” Barry moved to stand, Len and Mick immediately moving to support him should he need it. He walked with a little limp, but didn't need help from the Rogues.

 

~x~x~x~

 

As they were eating their dinner, Barry was glancing around furtively at the other inmates. He was clearly nervous, and had every right to be.

“Don't worry, doll. They won't bother you again if they know what's good for 'em.” Mick said, trying to ease Barry's nervousness. Barry looked up, big, green eyes unusually bright.

“Thank you.” he said solemnly. “I never did thank you two for coming to my rescue. I guess I got in a little over my head. I was asking too many questions and they got suspicious.” Len snorted.

“Scarlet, it wasn't your fault. Those guys were looking for trouble.” Barry nodded, but didn't say anything. He was touched by Len and Mick's reassurances. He looked back to his food. He wasn't particularly hungry, so he spent the rest of dinner moving the food around on his plate aimlessly.

 

Chapter 4

A few days passed and Barry, Len, and Mick were getting closer than ever. The whole thing made Barry nervous, but at the same time, it felt nice. Logically, he knew he should keep his distance. Len and Mick were criminals. They were also two of his villains. But, deep down, he couldn't help the flutters he got in his stomach every time they showed they may care. Barry was lounging with Mick in his and Len's cell that afternoon instead of going outside. Barry was still injured and it hurt to move too much. He wasn't used to being injured for more than a day anymore. Barry was reading a book he got from what passed as a library here and Mick was watching him. He could feel the other man's eyes on him and couldn't help the flush of red he was desperately trying to keep from crawling up his neck in response. Len was...somewhere, taking care of some business. He didn't go into detail before he left. Suddenly, there was a loud commotion downstairs that drew Barry's attention. There were people yelling and sounds of scuffling. Barry stood and walked out of his cell to the rail that overlooked the downstairs. He was startled to find that there were a few guards being overtaken by a mob of inmates. Barry didn't realize his hand was about to take off one of the meta bracelets until Mick rested a large hand over it. Barry looked at the other man, concern in his eyes.

“Don't. It's too risky to reveal yourself. C'mon, let's stay in the cell.” Mick said as he tried to pull Barry back into his cell. Barry resisted, though.

“We can't just do nothing! What's going on down there?” He looked up at Mick and, for a moment, Mick cursed the urge to always help that made Barry Barry.

“It's a riot. We need to be in the cell so we don't get caught up in it.” Mick explained. Fear shot through Barry when he heard that.

“What about Len?” he asked urgently. Mick finally pulled Barry into his cell and tried to quell his fears.

“He'll be fine. He's survived more than one of these in the past.” Barry didn't look satisfied with that answer, but he sat on the bottom bunk as the noise from below rose to a deafening level. Alarms started going off, signaling that the block was on lockdown. Barry picked at his clothes as time ticked by and there was no sign of Len. He wanted to go help, but knew that Mick was right. Exposing himself now would only result in disaster.

 

About an hour into the riot, Barry heard a noise outside the cell he and Mick were sitting in. Thinking it was Len, he stood and approached the door. By the time that Barry realized the man approaching wasn't Len, he didn't have time to react as he was struck across the face and knocked to the ground. Mick stood when he realized something was wrong, but didn't move because of the gun trained on Barry. Barry recognized his assailant as one of the men who had jumped him a few days earlier. It looked like he had gotten his hands on a guard's service weapon.

“What do you want?” Barry asked, nervous but firm. The man scowled.

“I was up for parole in a few days. Thanks to you getting me in trouble with the warden, my parole got denied. It's time you paid for that.” he said, cocking the gun. Barry couldn't help his reaction. This entire situation was ridiculous.

“Me?!” he exclaimed. “How is this my fault?! You're the one that attacked me!”

“Shut up!” the man roared. Mick was glaring daggers at the back of Barry's head, willing him to be quiet. The kid was going to get himself shot! Just when it looked like the loon in front of them was going to fire, Mick made a decision. He rushed the inmate and grabbed the gun, hoping he could protect Barry and that he didn't die in the process. Barry looked on in horror as Mick and the other man struggled for the gun. He stood and watched, ready to jump in if he needed to. Suddenly, there was a loud bang that echoed painfully in the small, cement room. Barry waited with baited breath to see which of the men, if either had gotten shot. Mick pulled back and punched the guy viciously in the head, watching him crumple to the floor, unconscious. When he turned to Barry, the CSI rushed forward at the sight of dark red blood soaking through the shoulder of Mick's jumpsuit. Barry covered the bullet wound with his hands, making Mick hiss in pain as he put pressure on it.

“We need to get you to Caitlin!” Barry said, urgency in his voice.

“Can't. We have to wait until the riot's over.” Mick grumbled, moving to sit on the bottom bunk, Barry easing down with him. Barry looked around the cell, eyes wild. When he didn't find what he was looking for, he eased his hands off Mick's shoulder and unzipped the top of his jumpsuit. He pulled his shirt over his head and balled it up, using it to apply pressure to Mick's wound.

“You're so crazy! Why did you do that?!” Barry asked, worry clear in his voice. Mick chuckled.

“It's nothin' kid. I've had worse. That crazy bastard was going to kill you. I had to do something.” By the time Mick was finished speaking, he was looking deep into Barry's eyes. Barry was looking back, completely taken aback by the man before him. He suddenly couldn't help himself. He slowly leaned forward, closing his eyes, and gently connected his lips with Mick's. Mick gasped in surprise, but returned the kiss enthusiastically. His good hand came up and cupped Barry's face as they continued to share in a chaste kiss. Suddenly, Mick began laughing, breaking their mouths apart. Barry looked at him quizzically.

“What is it?” he asked, slightly put off by the laughing, thinking he'd done something wrong.

“Lenny's gonna be pissed that I got to kiss you first!” he cackled. Barry raised a brow before giggling himself.

“Surely he won't be that mad.” Barry said. Mick rolled his eyes.

“Well, clearly you haven't been paying attention. He's such a drama queen.” Barry laughed just as a form shadowed the cell door.

“Who's a drama queen?” Len asked, looking down at the unconscious form on the floor before stepping over him. Barry and Mick burst into laughter. Len just raised a brow at the two of them. Mick quit laughing very suddenly and Barry looked over as he swayed on the bed. Barry's smile immediately dropped and he put more pressure on Mick's wound.

“Mick, are you okay?” he asked. Len narrowed his eyes, just now noticing the blood on the shirt Barry was clutching.

“What happened?” he asked urgently, quickly stepping forward and kneeling in front of Mick. Barry explained the events that transpired just moments ago and Len clenched his fists and jaw in fury.

“We have to get him to Caitlin! He's losing too much blood!” Barry exclaimed. Len thought for a moment. With the block on lockdown, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to get to the infirmary from here until after the riot was over. Good thing Len wasn't just anyone. He remembered seeing a guard he knew at the doorway that lead to the infirmary. With a smirk, Len stood.

“Can you stand?” he asked Mick, who looked up at him with a scowl.

“How the hell do you propose we get down there? The cell block's on lockdown.” Len looked confident as he answered.

“Yes, but the guard at the doorway leading to the infirmary owes me a favor. He'll let us out.” Barry looked hopeful as he helped Mick stand, Len coming to his other side and resting Mick's arm across his shoulders. They all hobbled out of the cell and down the walkway. Mick grunted in pain as they started down the stairs, Barry shooting him concerned glances every time he did. They all ignored the chaos going on in the main room of the block, continuing until they got to the bars separating them from the infirmary.

“What are you doing Snart?” he guard at the gate asked.

“Got a hurt friend. You owe me a favor Belinski. Let us out.” Belinski seemed to think about it for a moment. Finally, he sighed, pulling his keys out and unlocking the door.

“Straight to the infirmary.” Belinski stated firmly. “You don't go anywhere else.”

“Of course.” Len said, smirking as they hobbled through the doorway. Belinski closed the door and locked it back, watching the trio as they made their way to the infirmary.

 

As soon as they entered the infirmary, Barry called out for Caitlin. When she came out of her office and saw them she rushed over, helping them guide Mick to the bed. Mick laid back on the bed and Barry gently removed his shirt from over the wound.

“What happened?” Caitlin asked as she prodded the wound.

“He got shot protecting me.” Barry explained. “There's a riot going on in our cell block and an inmate with a grudge got a hold of a gun and came after me. Mick was there to stop him.” Caitlin could hear the fondness in Barry's voice and it worried her slightly. Was he getting too close to his enemies? She'd have to keep an eye on that. Caitlin set to work administering pain medicine before cleaning the wound and getting the bullet out. Through it all, Mick only grunted here and there from the pain, but never let out more than that. Barry held his good hand as he and Len stood at Mick's side. By the time Caitlin was finished with Mick's shoulder and had an IV going, Mick had fallen asleep.

“Can we stay for a while?” Barry asked her when she was heading back to her office.

“He's going to be fine, but of course you can. I imagine your cell block is dangerous right now, anyway.”

“Thank you.” Barry said, sitting in a chair beside the one Len had taken. Caitlin nodded and walked back into her office to get some work done.

 

~x~x~x~

 

A few hours later, a guard, having heard where Barry, Len, and Mick were from Caitlin, came to get Len and Barry to take them back to their cell. Caitlin had decided to keep Mick overnight so she could watch him, though she reassured the other two that he was going to be fine. Reluctantly, Barry and Len followed the guard, Officer Black, back to their cell block. At one point during the trip, Officer Black moved to the back of the group, putting Barry between him and Len, who was in front now. Barry didn't think anything of it until he felt a hand grab his ass. He immediately stopped and whirled around, looking at Officer Black with wide eyes. The man had a sick smirk on his face as he stared Barry down.

“Problem?” he asked. Barry just turned back around with a huff, nearly running into Len who had stopped when he realized nobody was following him anymore. Len raised a brow at Barry, but the younger man just kept walking until he got back to their cell. Len scowled with suspicion at Officer Black and followed Barry. Officer Black just smirked and followed them.

 

Once they were back in their cell with the door closed, Len took a seat on the bottom bunk beside Barry.

“Wanna tell me what happened back there?” he asked gently. Barry scowled at a random point in the middle of the room.

“Well, I think I have my first solid suspect in the case I'm working.” he grumbled, annoyed. Len's eyes narrowed as his mind raced with possibilities.

“What did he do?” he asked sternly. Barry knew he wasn't angry at him, rather he was angry at Officer Black, but that didn't make his icy, dangerous tone any less scary.

“He moved behind us so he could grope me.” Barry mumbled. Len's stare hardened.

“Do you want help with the case? Mick and I could ask around about him.” he offered. Barry shook his head.

“No, I can handle it. I've caught his attention now, which is a good thing, no matter how dirty it makes me feel.” Barry shivered at the thought of what that creep wanted with him. He looked up at Len, sincerity shining in his green eyes. “Thank you, though.” he said, leaning into Len's side. Len opened his arms and pulled Barry in even tighter, trying to soothe away the feelings that Black had evoked in Barry.

 

Chapter 5

When Barry and Len went to get Mick the next day, Barry told Caitlin to have Joe and Cisco look into Officer Black. She immediately texted Cisco while the three inmates left the infirmary. They went back to Len and Barry's cell. It was yard time, but Len and Barry wanted to stay with Mick instead of going outside. They settled Mick on the bottom bunk and each took up a seat on either side of the larger man. Mick looked at Barry, a sly look on his face.

“Did you tell him?” he asked. Barry's brows furrowed.

“Tell who what?” he asked. Mick just raised a brow and Barry finally put two and two together. “Oh! Um, no.” a blush rose high on Barry's cheeks and Mick smirked. Getting frustrated with being left in the dark, Len huffed.

“What are you two talking about?” he asked, irritated. Mick turned to his partner with a shit-eating grin on his face. Barry was just sitting there, face flaming red.

“Red kissed me yesterday.” Mick said smugly. Len's brows rose high to his hairline before he scowled.

“Oh, really? So, you mean, I've been flirting with you since forever and you kiss him first?” Len drawled. Barry quickly tried to defend himself.

“It was the heat of the moment and I-” he abruptly stopped as what Len said processed in his mind. “Wait, you've been flirting with me?” Barry asked causing Len to look astonished and Mick to burst into laughter.

“You're such a moron.” Len said with a smirk. Barry looked indignant at the insult and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Hey!” Len's smirk turned into a grin.

“Come here, Scarlet.” he said reaching his arms out. Barry reluctantly stood and walked around Mick, who scooted down the bed, to sit between the two criminals. Len pulled Barry into a hug before pulling back and cupping his cheek with a hand, thumb running across Barry's lower lip gently. Barry's face lived up to his nickname as Len leaned in and captured his lips in a sweet kiss. Barry brought up an arm to hook it around Len's neck as the older man deepened the kiss. Barry sighed with happiness as the kiss broke and both he and Len breathed in much needed air. He never thought anything like this would ever happen. He had given up hope of finding someone to reciprocate the feelings he had for them and now, not only did he find one person, he found two. They were his enemies and Barry knew that was going to cause problems later on down the road, especially with Joe, but he was willing to try and make this work. He knew it was quick, but Barry was always one to fall quick and hard. Both men on either side of him wrapped an arm around him and held him tight. Barry was happier than he could remember being in a while.

 

~x~x~x~

 

Barry met with Joe a few days later in one of the conference rooms meant for meetings with attorneys. He could tell Joe wasn't happy about the fading bruises that still littered Barry's face. Joe hadn't wanted him to go undercover in the first place. He had said it was too dangerous. At least there was one thing that Joe, Len, and Mick could agree on, he thought. Joe was there to go over some of the information that he and Cisco had found out about Officer Black. It seemed Officer Lance Black was a solitary man. He lived alone and had no close friends or family. Hell, he didn't even have any pets. His acquaintances all said he was quiet and kept to himself and he didn't have any complaints against him.

“So, we've pretty much got a whole bunch of nothing.” Joe said with a sigh. Barry shook his head in disappointment.

“I know he's the guy, Joe. He's got to be the guy! Won't any of the inmates speak out against him?” Joe shook his head.

“We've talked to all the inmates that were raped multiple times. None of them will name their attacker.” Barry put his head in his hands. Joe continued. “We need proof Barry. Without it, we can't do anything.”

“Right. Proof.”

 

They talked for a few more moments before Joe had to leave. Barry decided he would take his chances asking some more questions around the yard. He didn't know where Len and Mick were, but decided to go it on his own again. He knew they would be ticked with him, but he was planning on being more careful this time. Barry slowly approached an inmate who had the same physical build he did. The guy looked jumpy and nervous. Barry thought he might have some good information.

“Excuse me.” Barry said from behind the inmate. The man jumped and whirled around, startled by Barry's voice.

“W-what do you want?” the man asked in a shaky voice. Barry put his hands up in a placating manner.

“I just had a few questions.” he said gently.

“About what?” the man asked defensively. Barry thought for a moment about how to word his questions so that he didn't put this man further on edge.

“Do you know Officer Black?” he asked. The man's face went white. So, that would be a yes. Barry clenched his fists. They needed to put this monster away!

“W-why do you wanna know?”

“Because he touched me. And I wanted to know if he did anything to you.” The man's eyes went wide and he started shaking his head vigorously.

“N-no, no, h-he didn't do anything.” The man turned to walk away, but Barry grabbed his arm before thinking about it to prevent him from leaving. The man stiffened, but stopped and turned.

“Please.” Barry pleaded. “He needs to pay for what he's done. Ask for a meeting with the CCPD. Tell them what happened. We can make him pay.” The inmate jerked his arm away and scowled at Barry.

“You don't get it, do you?! This is prison! We're the bad guys! Nobody cares! COs can do whatever they want to us and nobody is going to step in!” With that, the man stormed off into the yard leaving Barry to stand, stunned and silent.

 

~x~x~x~

 

Later that night, as Len and Barry were laying on the bottom bunk in their cell, Barry spoke into the darkness.

“I talked to someone in the yard today. I think he's a victim on Black's.” Len ran a hand through Barry's hair and sighed before answering.

“I don't want you asking questions without me or Mick with you. I don't want you getting jumped again.” Barry raised his head off of Len's chest and looked at him.

“I know, but it was just one guy. He wasn't going to do anything to me.”

“So, what did you find out?” Len asked.

“Not much. I just read the guy's behavior to figure out what he wasn't telling me. He was so jumpy and nervous. Especially when I mentioned Black. He really did a number on him. Anyway, I urged him to talk to someone at the CCPD, but he's convinced that nobody will really try to help.”

“Can you blame him? They rarely do. We're the dregs of society. Most people don't care what happens to us.” Len explained. Barry blew out a frustrated sigh.

“Yeah, but Joe and Captain Singh do care! I care!” Len pulled Barry back into his chest and kissed his hair.

“I know you do, Scarlet. You three are the exceptions. Did you get any good information from Joe?”

“No.” Barry replied sullenly. “All anybody could say about him was that he's a loner who doesn't have any complaints against him. I know he's guilty, but Joe said we need more proof. I don't know what to do.” Len stroked Barry's back as he replied.

“Let me and Mick look into it. We'd be more than happy to. We have some underground contacts that can find out information on anyone.” Barry nodded.

“Okay, you guys can look into it.” Barry mumbled.

“Good. Now, sleep.” Barry felt safer than he ever had as he drifted off to slumber in Len's strong arms. He was in prison, but he felt warm and cozy and was soon fast asleep.

 

~x~x~x~

 

Len and Mick put their feelers out to find out more information on Officer Black. They told their informants what they needed to know and sent them out to gather intel. They wouldn't know anything for a few days so they settled in for the wait. A few days later, in the yard, while Len and Mick were conversing with one of their contacts, an officer came and got Barry.

“Erickson! You've got a visitor.” Barry, who wasn't expecting anyone today, followed the officer, curious as to who had come to visit. Once they reached the visitor room that he normally saw Joe in, the officer that had brought him there left. Barry pushed open the door and stepped in, getting a bad feeling when he didn't see anyone. Suddenly, he was grabbed from behind and turned around to be shoved face-first into the wall.

“I heard you've been asking about me.” a husky voice whispered in his ear. Barry tried to turn his head to see the man behind him, but he knew, with a sinking feeling, that it had to be Officer Black. Suddenly, the man's hand was grabbing at the front of his pants. “I'll give you something to ask about.”

 

Chapter 6

Notes:

This is a short chapter, but hey, it's a double update. I figured I wouldn't leave you hanging for too long. lol

Barry was scared. Scared enough to rival the night his mother died. He tried to wiggle away from Black, but the other man was much stronger than he was. After a moment of fondling him, Black stepped back and Barry turned around. The officer backhanded Barry across the face to disorient him and then grabbed him by the arm. He jerked Barry out the door and down the hall. Barry tried to get away, but he was unable to. Black pulled Barry through a service door and into the underbelly of the prison. It was very industrial looking, all gray and murky with pipes everywhere.

“Please don't do anything to me.” Barry tried. He was shaking and his eyes were prickling with tears.

“Shut up.” Black snapped. Barry's fear increased when they came to a large room that had a small, ratty-looking mattress on the floor, it didn't even have any sheets. The tears he had tried desperately to hold in broke free as he realized what was about to happen.

“Please.” he begged. Black just smirked and turned toward him.

“On your knees.” he ordered. Barry shook his head, shaking like a leaf.

“Please don't do this.” Black just scowled and backhanded Barry again, making the younger man taste blood and fall to the floor. Black jerked Barry up to his knees by his hair with one hand, the other undoing his belt and pants. Panicked, Barry started yelling.

“Help! Someone help!” Black just laughed at him, hand still gripping his hair.

“No one can hear you down here.” he said. “You're going to be my bitch for the next little while.”

 

~x~x~x~

 

When Len and Mick were finished talking with their contact, now knowing where Black's little “rape den” was, they turned to go back to Barry, only to find that he wasn't there. They walked over to some inmates that were standing nearby, Len asking them about Barry.

“Have you seen Sam?” he asked. None of them had, so Len and Mick turned to go back inside the prison to check their cell when a voice stopped them.

“A CO came and got him.” Len and Mick turned to look at the inmate who had spoken up. Len raised a brow in question. The inmate looked very nervous, but spoke anyway. “Y-you might want to find him. I-I accidentally let i-it slip to Black that Sam was asking about h-him.” he looked and sounded full of regret. Len rounded on him, rage and worry boiling within him.

“You what?!” Mick tugged on his arm and pulled him away from where he'd gotten in the cowering man's face.

“C'mon. We gotta go now.” he urged. Len turned and they raced into the prison. They headed for the infirmary first, hoping to get backup. When they saw Caitlin, Len rushed through an explanation and told her to call Joe and Singh. Thankfully, they got just the right information from their contact and were able to tell Caitlin where to send the cops. When they left her, they ran through the corridors, hoping they weren't too late.

 

~x~x~x~

 

“No.” Barry had tears running down his face as Black pulled himself out of his pants. He was already achingly hard, excited with what he'd put Barry trough so far and the anticipation of what was to come. Black smirked and rested his member against Barry's lips, hand painfully grasped in his hair, and Barry pressed his lips together tightly to prevent its entry.

“C'mon! Just take it and it'll be over faster!” Black exclaimed. Barry shook his head as best as he could, but wouldn't open his mouth to respond. Coming up with an idea, Black took his hand from his length and pinched Barry's nose closed. Barry immediately realized what he was trying to do and held his breath for as long as he could. When black spots began dancing in his vision, he finally opened his mouth to gasp in breath by the lungful. As soon as he did, Black took the opportunity to shove his length into Barry's mouth. Barry gagged and coughed around the member, but the hand in his hair kept him from moving too much. Black began roughly thrusting in and out of Barry's mouth. Barry wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole. He hated this. There was a pain in his chest that was getting sharper and sharper with each passing moment and tears kept flowing down his face. Suddenly, without warning, Black was gone. Barry coughed and coughed, ending up vomiting right on the floor where he was kneeling. Warm hands rubbed his back and a familiar voice spoke gently in his ear, though Barry couldn't make out what it was saying. He looked up and saw Mick and Black rolling around on the floor fighting with each other. It looked like Mick had the upper hand and Barry sincerely hoped he beat the officer's ass. Barry looked to his side and saw Len's concerned face and realized it was him murmuring words of comfort in his ear. Barry knew what he must look like. He knew he had blood running down his face from his lip and his face had to be red and blotchy from his crying. He couldn't bring himself to care, though, as he leaned into Len's side. There was a noise at the other side of the room and Joe and Singh, along with about five officers came around the corner, guns raised.

“CCPD, don't move!” Joe shouted. “Hands up!” He had his gun trained on Mick and Black and Barry hoped he didn't shoot them both. Mick stopped punching Black and moved off of him, getting on his knees with his hands in the air. Black moved into the same position, but tried to lie his way out of the situation.

“These inmates attacked me. I was just defending myself.” Joe looked to Barry.

“Is that true Barry?” he asked. Black looked confused.

“Barry?” With Len's help, Barry got to his feet and, through the tears, glared at Black.

“That's right, you sexually assaulted an undercover police officer.” he said. “Looks like you're my bitch now.” Barry turned to Joe. “Black brought me down here to rape me. Len and Mick found me and saved me.” Joe nodded.

“Arrest him.” he told the cops behind him. Singh walked over and put a hand on Barry's shoulder.

“You okay Allen?” he asked, concern clear in his voice. Barry sniffed and nodded. He saw Joe eyeing him and realized he was still leaning on Len for support. He straightened up and blushed slightly, but didn't feel like explaining anything to Joe just yet.

“Alright, Barry, you're going to the hospital. Snart, Rory, stick around. We'll need to get a statement from both of you.” Joe ordered. He turned to his foster son and smoothed down his hair. “C'mon, let's get you out of here.” Barry looked back at Len and Mick longingly for a moment before making a decision.

“Just a minute.” he told Joe and walked over to the two prisoners. Barry threw his arms around them both and whispered to them. “Thank you.” he said. They hugged him back just as tightly as he held them and they all three stood there for a moment with the cops in the room looking on in curiosity. Finally, Barry let them go and stepped away, returning to Joe's side, ready to leave the prison.

 

Chapter 7

Notes:

Here's the next chapter! I apologize for how long it's taken me to update any of my stories. Life has gotten in the way. I had surgery in June and I've been sick lately. My depression has also started creeping back in and made me not want to do the things I enjoy. But, I've got the next chapter and I hope you guys enjoy it!!

Barry twisted his hands together anxiously as he prepared to enter the mayor's office. The governor of the state was visiting and Barry had a very special request to make in person. When the door to the office opened and Barry was motioned inside, he sucked in a breath and walked in with his head held high. The governor and the mayor were both sitting at a conference table to the right of the door and, upon entering, Barry took a seat at the table himself.

“Mr. Allen.” the mayor greeted. “You wanted to speak with us?” Barry cleared his throat and made eye contact with both men.

“Yes. Both of you are aware of the case I've been working at Iron Heights, correct?”he asked, surprised that his voice didn't waver.

“We are.” the governor answered. “We're both impressed. You went above and beyond the call of duty to apprehend Lance Black and we both appreciate it.” Barry fiddled with his hands under the table.

“Then you won't mind if I ask a favor of you?” he asked. The mayor and governor looked at each other curiously, but nodded for him to continue. “I wouldn't have been able to have done what I did without the help of two other inmates. They proved invaluable to me, not only with their contacts, but with their willingness to help, even though they both knew I was a cop. They didn't blow my cover, in fact, they saved me. When I was at Black's mercy, they were able to locate us and defend me. Because of that and their testimony that will most certainly lead to Black's conviction, I'm asking that they receive a full pardon for the crimes that put them in Iron Heights to begin with.” The governor and mayor looked at each other in surprise before the governor asked what he really wanted to know.

“Who are they?” he asked. Barry looked down for a split second nervously before responding.

“Leonard Snart and Mick Rory.” As soon as he said their names, the mayor burst out in astonishment.

“You've got to be kidding me!” he exclaimed. “You want the governor to just release Captain Cold and Heatwave?!”

“Just hear me out.” Barry pleaded. “They're good men. They protected me numerous times while I was undercover. They're going to testify at Black's trial. They deserve a second chance. The only reason they're in Iron Heights now is because one of their men betrayed them during a small smash and grab. Look, I'll personally make sure they stay out of trouble.”

“There is no way-” the mayor began, but was cut off when the governor held up his hand to silence him.

“Maybe we can work something out.” the governor said.

 

~x~x~x~

 

Barry was walking through the precinct with a folder in his hand, headed for Captain Singh's office. Joe saw him and intercepted him, wondering why he was here at all.

“What's up, Barr? You're supposed to be on leave.” Joe asked when he made it to Barry's side. Barry stopped and looked at Joe guiltily, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand.

“I am on leave. Just ironing out some details.” Joe narrowed his eyes in suspicion as he took in Barry's behavior.

“Barry, you're a crap liar. Spill it.” Joe said in a stern voice. Barry fiddled with the folder in his hand for a moment before handing it to Joe.

“Before you look at it, just...don't make a scene here, please.” Barry asked of his foster father. Joe took the folder and opened it, inspecting the two papers inside. His eyebrows shot up to his forehead and he looked at Barry with wide eyes.

“You can't be serious!” he hissed. “You got Snart and Rory pardoned?!” Barry stood up to his full height.

“They deserve it.” he said, strength in his voice he didn't know he possessed.

“They deserve to rot in prison!” Joe argued back. Barry shook his head and laughed humorlessly.

“You just can't stand them because they're criminals. But, they're so much more than that!” Joe pointed a finger in Barry's face.

“Now, you listen to me, the reason I can't stand them is because they've come after my family! More than once! They've tried to kill you Barry!” Barry's eyes and voice softened when he responded to Joe.

“They're not like that anymore, Joe. They're good men and they protected me in Iron Heights. They didn't have to, but they did. And, now they're going to testify against Black without expecting anything in return. We have no case without their corroboration. They could use that as a bargaining chip, but they're not. And...I care about them.” Joe sucked in a breath as Barry quietly admitted the last part. Part of him wanted to argue, but a bigger part of him knew Barry had already made up his mind about this.

“I just don't want to see you get hurt.” he said, deflated. Barry smiled softly and put his hand on Joe's shoulder.

“I won't. They won't hurt me, Joe.” Barry said as he started walking toward Singh's office. “I've gotta run, but are we good?” he asked. Joe huffed out a sigh and smiled.

“Yeah, we're good Barr.” Barry smiled brightly and turned to the door he had walked up to, knocking lightly. He was told to come in from the other side and he walked into Singh's office, seeing the man sitting behind his desk and going through a stack of papers. He looked up and motioned for Barry to take a seat on the other side of the desk. Barry obliged.

“Allen, what are you doing here? I thought you were on leave.” he said. Barry huffed a laugh at having to answer that question twice.

“I wanted to know how soon I could get these taken care of.” he said handing the folder to Singh. The other man took the folder and examined the papers inside. He had a look of surprise on his face when put the folder down and looked at Barry.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked. Barry smiled.

“I am. I told the governor I would keep an eye on them and keep them out of trouble, too.” Singh raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“What if they skip town before Black's trial?” Singh asked.

“They won't.” Barry said confidently. Singh sighed.

“As long as you know what you're doing.” he said. “Let me make a call.”

 

After Singh hung up the phone, he turned to Barry.

“Go ahead and take those papers down to Iron Heights and you can spring them before lunch.” Barry positively beamed. As he walked toward the door, Singh spoke up again. “I assume you'll want me to file Letters of Association for you?” Barry turned crimson and stuttered out a reply to Singh's smirk.

“Y-yes, p-please.”

 

~x~x~x~

 

Barry paced nervously as he waited for the officer that was going to bring Len and Mick to him. Being here made him nervous. He knew it had to do with Black and he knew the other man was behind bars now and not prowling the prison anymore, but he couldn't help it. He expected to see the man walk around the corner at any time and it made him uneasy. Barry was looking down at the floor when he heard a voice from down the corridor that instantly put him at ease.

“A full pardon from the governor, huh? What have you been up to Barry Allen?” Len asked in a grandiose manner. Barry perked up and looked through the bars at the two men signing their things out. They were dressed in full Captain Cold and Heatwave regalia, seeing as they were picked up during a heist, and Barry blushed slightly at how good they looked. Barry walked over to the bars, waiting for the criminals to get their stuff and the guard to unlock the bars separating them. Gosh, he wanted to hug them so bad.

“I don't know how you managed it, but you did good doll.” Mick rumbled when he turned toward Barry, waiting for the gate to open. Barry beamed and, as soon as the bars between them moved, grabbed the two older men around the neck and held on for dear life.

“Let's get out of here.” he murmured, feeling safe again with Mick and Len's arms around him. Len chuckled against his hair and pulled away, gesturing for Barry to lead the way out.

 

Once outside, Barry started walking toward a car that definitely wasn't his.

“I borrowed Joe's car to come here.” he said by way of explanation. Len hummed.

“Honestly, I didn't know you could drive.” he said. Barry blushed bright red and ducked his head as they were all loading into the car.

“I can! I just don't.” he grumbled. Len smirked at him as Barry started the car. Once they were on the road, Mick spoke up with a question he knew both he and Len were thinking.

“So, how'd you manage to swing a pardon, anyway?” Barry looked at him in the rear-view mirror before he began to speak.

“Well, I met with the mayor and the governor at the same time. When the mayor found out who I wanted the governor to pardon, I thought his head was going to explode. He was outraged. The governor, though, he took my request to heart, with a few stipulations for good measure.” Len looked at him from the passenger seat, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

“And, just what did you agree to Scarlet?” he asked. Barry turned slightly red.

“Nothing much. Just that I would be personally responsible for the two of you, make sure you show up to court, and make sure you don't get into too much trouble.”

“You did that for us?” Mick asked, taken aback by what Barry had agreed to. They were at a red light, so Barry turned around so he could look at both men.

“I believe in you.” he said sincerely. Len and Mick were both touched by the pure honesty in Barry's expression. When the moment was over, Barry turned back around so he could continue down the road. The rest of the trip was made in a comfortable silence.

 

~x~x~x~

 

When they got to Barry's apartment, Barry unlocked the door and entered with Len and Mick on his heels. Needless to say, the one bedroom apartment was tiny and when Len got a good look at it, he decided on a different course of action.

“Nope.” he announced. “This isn't going to work.”

“What?” Barry asked, but stopped abruptly when Len plastered himself to his back. Barry's face turned crimson when Len's hand reached into his pocket and fished around until it retreated with Barry's keys.

“Mick, help him pack a bag. I'll go pull the car around.” That being said, Len turned to leave.

“W-what? Where are we going?” Barry asked after him. Len threw a smirk over his shoulder.

“That's confidential.” Mick made his way to Barry's bedroom and began throwing clothes on the bed. Barry huffed a sigh and trudged into the bedroom, pulling a duffel out of his closet and folding the clothes, placing them in the bag. He resigned himself to the fact that he wasn't going to find out where they were planning to take him any time soon. Once they were packed, Mick grabbed Barry's hand and bag and lead him out the door, locking up with the apartment key that Len had left them. Barry felt warm and content with the large hand wrapped around his smaller one and a smile plastered itself on his face. Once they reached street-level, they quickly made their way to the car waiting on the street. Mick opened the back door and threw Barry's duffel in, then slid in himself. Barry got in beside him and closed the door, looking to Len expectantly. Len smiled warmly at him in the rear-view mirror then slowly pulled away from the curb and into the street.

 

~x~x~x~

 

By the time they made it to their destination, Barry's stomach was grumbling in rebellion at not being fed for the past few hours. Mick chuckled and slung an arm around Barry's shoulders.

“Let's get settled, then we can go get something to eat.” he said as they pulled into the driveway of a large, Victorian-style house. Len glanced in the rear-view mirror.

“Barry, meet Safe House #12. We always imagined this would be where we would go when we retired. It's right outside the city, but close enough we can hop in anytime we want.” he explained. Barry took it all in then looked at Len and Mick, wide-eyed.

“It's beautiful!” he said softly. They all got out of the car and entered the house. It was clear that nobody had been there in a while. The fridge and pantry needed to be refilled and the entire place needed to be dusted, but they would deal with that in due time. Barry followed Len and Mick to the large master bedroom where they changed into more acceptable attire and Barry began unpacking his bag.

“Where can I put this stuff?” he asked timidly. Mick smiled warmly at the younger man and motioned to the ginormous chest of drawers against the wall.

“There should be some room in here.” he said. Barry pulled open the drawers until he found an empty one and began filling it with his things. It was all very domestic. Barry blushed slightly at the thought and the warm feeling it caused in his stomach.

 

After they were all settled and changed, they headed out in search of food; first to a restaurant then to the grocery store because Mick was dying to get back in the kitchen.

 

Chapter 8

Notes:

I promise I'm not dead!!! Just been in a serious writing slump lately. Sorry guys! I really want to start working on my stories again. Definitely not abandoning you peeps!

They decided to go to a small Italian restaurant that lay on the outskirts of Central City. It was a place Barry had never heard of, but one obviously frequented by the two men in his company tonight. They were greeted by a small, older man with a thick Italian accent as soon as they walked through the doors.

“Ah, Lenny, Mickey, what a pleasure!” he greeted jovially. Len smiled and shook the man’s hand.

“Giovanni, it’s been a while.” he said. Mick just grunted and nodded, his indication that he was happy to be here as well. Giovanni then turned his attention to Barry, eying the young man up and down, eyes gleaming.

“And, who’s this?” he asked. Barry blushed slightly. Len looked over at the younger man, eyes going momentarily soft.

“This is the reason we were sprung from jail.” he announced, quite pleased. Giovanni’s eyebrows raised in shock.

“He a new Rouge?” he asked. Len and Mick barked out a laugh at the thought.

“No. Quite the opposite.” Len started. “He’s a CSI with the CCPD. We helped on a little undercover mission and Barry, here, got us a full pardon in return.”  Giovanni hummed in consideration.

“Well, any friend of yours is a friend of mine. The boy’s too skinny anyway! Come, sit, eat.” Giovanni prodded them along until they got to their usual small, round table in the quietest corner of the restaurant. They all took a seat and Giovanni disappeared into the kitchen. Barry looked at Len and Mick, a question in his eyes. Surprisingly, Mick was the one who answered.

“Giovanni owns this place. He was a friend of Lenny’s grandpa. He kind of took us in when Grandpa Snart died.”  Barry nodded at the older man, still confused about one thing.

“Why hasn’t anyone taken our order?” he asked. Len smiled.

“We don’t order here. Giovanni brings us what he thinks we’ll enjoy.” he answered.

“Ain’t been wrong yet!” Mick chimed in. Barry smiled. This was a surprising side to the two criminals that had been his nemeses for years. It was…quaint. Barry had never, in a million years, thought that Len or Mick would ever let someone else make any kind of decision for them. He found their temporary surrender of control endearing.

 

A little while later, a young waitress appeared and brought them a bottle of wine to accompany their water. Barry took a sip and closed his eyes in enjoyment.

“This is good!” he exclaimed. “And, I don’t typically like wine.”

“Told ya.” Mick murmured over the rim of his glass. Not a second later, steaming hot plates of food were brought out of the kitchen and placed in front of them. Barry’s eyes bugged out at the huge plate. It looked delicious though! Barry seemed to have chicken parmesan with, what appeared to be, a whole loaf of garlic bread. Under the stares of the others, Barry tucked into his food and promptly let out a groan.

“This is delicious!” he said through a mouthful of chicken. Len and Mick smiled at each other and dug into their own dishes, pleased that Barry liked this restaurant.

 

~x~x~x~

 

Barry patted his stomach as he walked through the aisles of the grocery store. He had eaten all his food, finished Len’s for him, and had a huge slice of chocolate cake for dessert.  He was satiated and ready for a nap. They had one more stop, though, before they went home for the night. Mick was pushing the buggy while all three of them put things they wanted inside it. Mick got lots of veggies, meat, and sides while Len put breads, fruits, and cheeses in the cart. Barry, used to being a bachelor, put in mostly candy, sugary cereal, and instant items. Mick and Len rolled their eyes at Barry’s toddler-like appetite. They were going to have to do something about that, Len mused. Barry’s eating habits were atrocious, Mick would certainly have a problem with them. Of course, Len’s eating habits weren’t that great until he’d teamed up with Mick. The older man was quite staunch about the people he cared about having a healthy, balanced diet. It was part of his love language. Len understood that very well by now. After they had a buggy chock full of food, they checked out and headed back to the house.

 

~x~x~x~

 

When they arrived at the house, Len and Mick moved seamlessly around each other as they put the groceries away. Barry watched from a stool at the kitchen counter and wondered why he’d never seen it before. They were so comfortable around each other. Sure, they were good at being criminal partners, but this was different. This was more. They knew where the other was at all times and never once bumped into the other, unless it was an intentional bump of the shoulders or hips. Barry was in awe. He wanted to be that comfortable with someone. Well, two someones. A small, content smile slowly spread across the speedster’s face.

 

Len happened to look over at Barry and noticed the smile on his face. He quirked a brow.

“Care to share, Scarlet?” he asked. Barry startled and moved his green eyes over to the older man.

“Huh?” he asked, eloquently. Len smirked and sashayed over to the counter Barry was sitting at.

“Lost in lala land?” he questioned in his usual Captain Cold drawl. He sounded quite pleased with himself, much like the cat that caught the canary.

“Oh.” Barry said. “I guess. Why?”  Len’s smile turned from smug to soft before he answered.

“You were smiling. Just wondering what it was about.”  Barry’s face lit up and he grinned at Len. By this time, Mick had finished putting away the last of the groceries and turned to Len and Barry, coming up behind Len and wrapping his arms around the smaller man.

“You two are just so comfortable around each other. You move so fluidly and never get in the other’s way. I want to be like that too.” Barry sighed wistfully. Len looked back at Mick, small, genuine smile coming to his lips.

“You will, Scarlet.” He answered, turning back to Barry. “Mick and I have been together for more than twenty years. It took time to get where we’re at. Believe me, it took some adjusting. We definitely had our share of growing pains.”  Mick grunted in agreement, resting his head on top of Len’s. Barry’s responding grin was interrupted by the biggest yawn Len or Mick had ever seen. It was adorable. Mick released Len and walked around the counter to pick Barry up bridal style. Barry squeaked, face going red and hands flailing before finding their way around Mick’s broad neck.

“Time for bed, Red.” he stated in the gruff manner of his. Len laughed at the scene before following the other two up the stairs.

 

Once they were up the stairs and, in the room, Mick tossed the speedster onto the large, king-sized bed. Barry watched as the two older men began changing clothes and getting ready for bed. Barry slowly stood from the bed and went to his drawer to pull out some pajamas. After he was changed, teeth brushed, he stood awkwardly in the middle of the room while Len and Mick finished up in the bathroom. When they entered the bedroom again, they took one look at Barry, arms wrapped around himself and face tinged with red, and grinned at each other.

“What’s the matter, Scarlet?” Len asked knowingly. Barry flushed and he began stammering in response.

“Um…I…I mean…well-“  Mick decided to cut off the speedster’s suffering and pushed him, gently, toward the bed.

“Bed, now.” he said. Barry sat on the bed when the back of his knees hit the edge. Len moved around the bed, to the other side, crawled under the covers as Barry moved into the middle, right where the two thieves wanted. Barry wiggled around as Mick climbed into the bed and situated himself under the covers. Two pairs of arms wrapped gently around Barry’s waist as two, solid bodies scooted closer to him. Barry sighed in contentment as he drifted off into the most peaceful slumber he had had in a very long time, smile gracing his youthful features.

Notes:

This was mostly a fluffy chapter to help me get back into the swing of writing. There will be more plot progression later. ^_^

Chapter 9

Notes:

Mooooore!!!!! This fic isn't going to be too much longer, I don't think. Lemme know what you think, if there's still anyone reading this!

Barry jolted awake, breath labored. He was covered in a sheen of sweat, and the covers looked as if he had been thrashing in his sleep. He had no clue how the two older men were still asleep. They must have been exhausted. Barry ran a hand down his face and sat up as he tried to calm himself. His dream had been vivid. Too vivid. In it, Lance Black had raped him. It was the same thing that had happened in reality, only Joe and the CCPD never showed up, and Black had shot Len and Mick in the head. Barry had been alone, completely alone. He was completely at the mercy of Black and his sick fantasies. Trapped, alone, and powerless, Barry had been terrified and enveloped in sheer panic. Barry shook his head, trying to get the images out of his head. He carefully climbed over Mick and shakily got to his feet. He had to stand there for a moment to maintain his balance, but eventually walked out of the bedroom and toward the stairs. He needed a glass of water. The fear had made his mouth painfully parched. Barry quietly made his way to the kitchen and pulled a tall glass out of the cabinet. He knew right where they were because he had seen them when Mick and Len were putting groceries away. Barry filled the glass with cold water from the fridge door and gulped it down hungrily. Suddenly, Barry's chest tightened, and his breathing became short, harsh gasps. Barry grabbed his shirt over his chest, emerald eyes widening. Panic clawed its way up his throat, a visceral, choking feeling. No! This couldn't be happening now! Not again! Barry unsuccessfully tried to slow his breathing, eyes filling with tears. He began seeing black spots dancing across his field of vision as his left hand loosened its grip on the water glass enough for the drinking vessel to plummet to the hard tile underfoot. Barry watched in slow motion as it fell and shattered upon impact, the sound loud above the tumultuous roar of his ragged, harsh gasps. Losing his fight to stay conscious, Barry dropped to the ground, blessed nothingness taking over his mind.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

The sound of shattering glass startled Len awake in the dead of night. Peering at the clock on the bedside table, he saw that it was three twenty-three in the morning. Confusion and dread warred in his head as he turned to Mick, a suspicious speedster shaped hole between them. His nerves were alight with the need to lay eyes on the younger man. His gut was telling him that something was wrong. Len shook Mick awake, dodging the large hands as the pyromaniac tried to bat the annoyance away.

“Mick! Mick!” Len called, not ceasing until the man grumbled awake.

“What?!” he yelled, always grumpy after being awakened.

“Something's wrong! I heard glass breaking, and Barry's not in the bed.” Mick jerked up, now fully awake. They looked at one another for a second before throwing the blankets off themselves and jumping from the bed. “Barry!” Len began calling as they searched for the speedster.

“Red!” Mick yelled, doing the same. The silence did nothing to quell the anxiety in both men. After searching the top floor, both men raced down the stairs. Mick flicked the light on as they stepped into the kitchen. They found Barry, but the panic only rose. They found their CSI unconscious on the floor. He was lying on top of broken glass, a small pool of bright, crimson blood resting below Barry's neck, glistening tauntingly in the light from overhead. Len crashed to his knees, knowing he'd regret it later, but not caring in the heat of the moment. He gently rolled Barry onto his back, hands hovering over the younger man, unsure of what to do at the sight of a large shard of glass sticking out of the speedster's neck. Len let out a mournful sound that prompted Mick to rush over and kneel beside him.

“Damn.” he muttered when he saw the blood and injury. Len swatted Mick's hands away when they came too close to the shard in Barry's neck.

“No! It has to stay in.” he insisted. Mick looked at him quizzically.

“He's the Flash. Won't it heal?” he asked, a sincere look of confusion on his face. Len shook his head emphatically.

“Look where it's at.” Len explained, pointing to the side of Barry's neck, gently caressing the imaginary line of Barry's carotid artery. Mick's eyes widened as Len scrambled to his feet and grabbed the landline's handset.

“Who're you calling?” Mick asked gruffly.

“Doc Snow.”

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

Barry drifted among the dark sea of unconsciousness as if he weighed nothing and gravity meant nothing. He was dimly aware of hands on him, cradling his head in a lap and drifting fleeting touches across his face. He distinctly felt two pairs of hands on him as whatever they were in rocked soothingly, a few bumps here and there. Were they in a vehicle? He couldn't remember what had happened, and he couldn't open his eyes. Barry absently felt panic gnawing at the edges of his consciousness, but the calming serenity he felt overwhelmingly kept the panic at bay. He noticed that his neck hurt, throbbing painfully.

 

The next time Barry had any awareness of goings on outside of his mind, he heard shoes pacing back and forth as a machine beeped rhythmically. Fingers were prodding at his neck. It was terribly painful, but he couldn't move his body away from it.

“...have to be ready...” Was that Caitlin's voice? Why couldn't he open his eyes?

“...always ready...” And that was Cisco. Was he at STAR Labs? Suddenly, bright, white-hot pain exploded in his mind. What were they doing? He wanted it to stop! All he could do was scream, not a single sound going past his lips into the waking world.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

Len prayed, lips moving silently, to a God he had long ago lost faith in. They were in the back of a STAR Labs van, Barry's head resting in Len's lap as the van raced across town. Len and Mick couldn't keep their hands off the speedster, worry and anxiety rolling off of them in waves.

“Watch it, Cisco!” Len growled as the van took a turn too fast, throwing the trio into the side of the van.

“Sorry!” Cisco called to the back, posture stiff with fear. Not fear of Len, not at the moment. It was a deep-seated fear for his best friend. The location of that glass shard scared the crap out of him, and he wasn't even a doctor! Cisco swerved around traffic and through red lights, his priority getting to the Lab as fast as possible. Luckily, it was the middle of the night and not many people were on the road. Cisco hit the brakes, tires squealing, as the van pulled into the parking lot of STAR Labs. He saw Caitlin standing at the door with a gurney already by her side. Cisco threw the van into park, pulled the key out, and threw open the door. He ran around the vehicle and slid open the back door, jumping back as Mick charged out of the van. The arsonist spun around and reached into the vehicle as Len handed him the unconscious man.

“Careful! Keep his head and neck from moving too much!” Caitlin called as Mick took long, deliberate steps, swiftly making his way to the front door of the building. He tenderly laid Barry down on the gurney.

 

Caitlin inspected the wound gently, looking from Barry's neck to the x-ray on the light board behind her.

“An X-ray doesn't show the vascular system, but based on placement, it looks like the glass bisected Barry's carotid artery. We're going to have to move fast when we take the glass out. If we're not, he'll bleed out before his body can heal itself.” She looked up at the grim faces around the room. “Cisco, I'll need your help. First, we'll need to clamp the artery on each side of the glass. Then, Cisco, you pull the shard out and get out of my way. I'll repair the artery. We'll have about five minutes after I clamp the artery to finish.” She looked around the room at the people gathered.

“Why five minutes?” Len asked, sorrow filling his face. Caitlin's mouth thinned into a grim line.

“It's an artery. It's already been unable to get blood from one side to the other for...” Caitlin checked her watch. “Ten minutes now. I'd say with setup, once I clamp the artery, he'll have about five minutes until...” she trailed off.

“Until what?” Mick demanded.

“Until his brain begins to die.” As the weight of what the doctor said settled into the minds of the others in the room, Caitlin turned and started filling a tray with medical tools. Cisco nodded with determination and ran to the sink in to corner of the room to wash up. Caitlin shot a look at the two criminals in the room, having already washed up before the men arrived at the lab. “We'll get this done. He'll be okay.” she said softly. She was still uncomfortable around the two men, but she could see how much they cared for Barry. Their masks were slipping after being faced with their hero's mortality. She was startled as Cisco ran across the room to the side of Barry's bed, putting gloves on his hands. Caitlin took a deep breath and let out a sigh as she mentally prepared herself for the task at hand. “Ready?” she asked Cisco.

“Ready.” the tech genius confirmed.

“You have to be ready to grab the shard as soon as I tell you to.” she responded urgently. Cisco smirked.

“I'm always ready!” he bragged with an air of pride. Len and Mick started pacing at the edge of the room as Len got ready to set his watch. As soon as Caitlin placed the clamps, Len started the countdown.

Five Minutes.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

One minute and forty-five seconds.

Len's pacing became quicker and more urgent as the time trickled away. Caitlin was still trying to repair the artery completely and permanently. She swiped at the sweat on her forehead with the back of her arm as she continued her work. Mick had stopped pacing a few moments ago and was standing there, just staring helplessly at Barry.

 

Thirty seconds.

Len gritted his teeth in an effort to stay silent. Suddenly, in a flurry of motion, Caitlin pulled the clamps out of Barry's neck and raised her arms in the air.

“I'm done!” She shouted triumphantly as she watched the artery closely to make sure her suture line would hold. Len breathed out a sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging tiredly. Mick glanced at him before walking over and gathering the man into his arms. Len rested his forehead against Mick's broad shoulder, both content with just being next to each other. Caitlin looked at them with a small smile as she got to work sewing Barry's skin closed. She took her gloves off and threw them in the trash while Cisco walked over and placed a gauze bandage on top of the wound with skin-safe tape. Caitlin and Cisco cleaned up their mess and finally looked at the two criminals still holding each other. She cleared her throat. They startled and their gazes flew to the doctor.

“He should be okay now. You two can go home and get some rest.” They just blinked at her, both clearly running on fumes. Len was the first to move, shaking his head and walking over to the bed.

“No. We're fine. We'll stay here.” he said as he sat down in the chair Cisco had just pulled over and gently clasped Barry's hand in his. Mick moved to Len's side and sat after taking an offered chair from Cisco.

“You go. We'll be fine.” Mick grunted out. Cisco's eyes widened dramatically. He spluttered for a moment before getting any words to come out.

“And leave Captain Cold and Heatwave alone in the Flash's home base?!” he said boisterously. Len shot a heated glare at the young genius.

“Trust me. We're not interested in snooping and sabotage.” he hissed threateningly at the man. Cisco cowered, nervous gaze flitting to and away from Len's face. Caitlin rolled her eyes and huffed a bit.

“Cisco, stop being so dramatic. I think we can trust them.” she said, drawing her friend's eyes to her. Cisco looked betrayed before deflating.

“Yeah, yeah.” he muttered as he ambled out of the room. Caitlin gave the two men at Barry's bedside an apologetic smile on her way out. The building grew quiet as the two scientists left for the night. Len and Mick settled back in their chairs, Len's head dropping to rest on the broader shoulders of his partner, Barry's hand never slipping from his grasp.

Chapter 10

Notes:

Here’s another chapter! I’m adjusting Mick and Len’s ages because, according to my research, Len is one year older than Mick. However, I prefer the idea of Mick being older. Hope y'all enjoy!

By the time Len woke up, it was the next day. He glanced at his phone to see that it was 11:27 a.m. He lifted his gaze to the bed in front of him and saw that it was empty. He turned to Mick and began shaking his shoulder gently.

“Mick, wake up.” he murmured. The larger man groaned, eyes opening and looking around in confusion for a moment. “Hey. Barry's up. We should go find him.” Mick stretched, joints popping, and yawned.

“We must've been tired.” he said gruffly. Len just nodded in agreement. As they were rising to their feet, Caitlin came into the room.

“Oh, good! You're awake. Barry wanted to let you sleep.” She tapped a few times on the tablet in her hands as she walked over to where they were standing. “I actually wanted to speak with you without him around.”

“Why?” Len asked cautiously. He had a bad feeling about this conversation. Caitlin looked up at him, sadness and determination shining in her eyes.

“Because I think you can help. I spoke with Barry about the circumstances surrounding his accident.” she began softly. “He said the last thing he remembered was having a panic attack and watching the glass shatter when he dropped it.” Len and Mick shared a look, their faces pulled into frowns. “I asked him if this was the first time he had had one. He said he used to get them as a child, after his mother's death. He told me they were pretty well controlled as he got older, but with recent events, he's started having them again. He didn't say why, but I think we all know what the trigger was. He also said he has been having awful nightmares lately.” By the time she stopped, Len felt rage fill him, along with a need to protect the speedster. Mick growled softly beside him. Len reached down and grabbed his boyfriend's hand, trying to comfort them both.

“Why didn't he say anything?” Mick asked the doctor. Caitlin smiled sadly.

“I'm sure he didn't want you to worry. He's protective of his loved ones' feelings to a fault. It took forever for him to tell us about his nightmares after the Reverse-Flash appeared. He doesn't want people to worry about him. He thinks he can shoulder everything by himself.”

“Of course he does.” Len sighed, running a hand down his face in frustration.

“What do we do?” Mick questioned, knowing that he and Len weren't that great at feelings. They were okay, they had to be to raise Lisa, but this level of trauma was well beyond their purview. Caitlin released a breath.

“I think he needs to talk to a therapist. I can use my contacts and find one that we can trust to keep Barry's secrets, but there's still one problem.” She hesitated briefly.

“And, what is that?” Len inquired.

“Barry won't be easy to convince. He honestly thinks he's the only one who should shoulder the burdens he's faced with. He doesn't think he needs help. Not only does he feel he needs to protect people from physical threats, he thinks he should protect them from emotional threats as well. He thinks that his reactions to trauma are just par for the course and they're insignificant in the grand scheme of things.” Len scowled, scoffing in worry and anger.

“Damn hero complex.” he grumbled angrily. Caitlin gave him a gentle smile.

“That's where you two come in. He trusts you. He cares about you. I think the two of you have the best chance there is at convincing him to seek help. He's going to fight it, but I think you can wear him down.” Len nodded, and Mick grunted affirmatively. They looked at each other, having a silent conversation. It was a lot and they weren't very good at it, but they would to their absolute best to get the man they loved the help he needed. And they did. Love him, that is. They weren't sure he felt the same about them yet, but it didn't matter. They would be damned if they let him continue to suffer alone.

 

After their talk with Caitlin, she told them where Barry was. They walked, hand-in-hand, down the corridors of STAR Labs until they reached the break room that had been converted into a fully functioning kitchen. They found Barry sitting on a stool at the island in the middle of the room, a huge pile of food in front of him. Len chuckled fondly as he watched the speedster shovel inhuman amounts of food into his mouth. Mick snorted, eyeing the frozen dinners and pre-made food with derision. And, were those Lunchables he was eating?

“Y'know, I could'a made you something way better than all of that.” he grunted in annoyance. Barry startled, turning to them with his mouth full. Len grinned, taking the opportunity to tease the other man.

“Aww, look at that. The Flash's spirit animal must be a chipmunk!” Barry glared, but the effect was nullified by his puffed cheeks. “Cute.” Len laughed out. Barry chewed a few more times before swallowing his mouthful of food.

“Shut up.” he muttered, wiping his mouth on a paper towel.

“How do you feel?” Len asked, smoothly changing the subject. Barry winced and looked down at his hands.

“U-uh, better, thank you.” he said quietly. Mick was the first to walk forward, massaging the back of Barry's neck with a large hand. Len followed and used a knuckle to lift the younger man's chin so he could look him in the eyes.

“We were worried.” he vocalized softly, recalling their feelings from the previous night. Barry averted his eyes from Len, chin still in the man's grasp.

“Sorry.” he whispered. Len leaned down to capture Barry's lips in a tender kiss.

“There's nothing to be sorry about.” he mumbled against the speedster's lips as they broke the kiss. When Len looked at Barry, there were unshed tears in his eyes. “We'll talk when we get back to the house. I know your body used a lot of energy to heal itself, so eat up.” He released Barry's chin, stroking a hand down the side of his face as he withdrew his arm. It was then that Mick spoke up, breaking the silence in the room.

“Unless you wanna go out somewhere. Get an actual meal.” he said, looking at the pile of food dubiously. Barry sat for a moment, staring wide-eyed at Mick, until he started laughing in delight.

“What do you have against Lunchables?!” he asked through his giggles. Len and Mick smiled at each other, both feeling a fondness for the laughing man and his ever-changing emotions. Suddenly, the moment was shattered by a booming voice and the sound of a gun being pulled out. Mick and Len spun around, hands reaching for guns that weren't there. Len cursed when he realized they both were still in pajamas.

“Why the hell are they here?!” the voice yelled, gun drawn and pointing at the men. Barry was unable to see around his...what were they at this point...shaking his head, he flashed around to put himself between the voice he knew was Joe and the two men he cared a great deal about. Barry put his hands up in a placating manner as Joe glared at the men behind him.

“Joe! Put the gun down! Please.” Barry urged. Joe's face was stormy with anger, but he slowly returned his gun to its holster. Barry sighed in relief, shoulders sagging. Joe's scowl remained on his face as he stalked forward and grabbed his foster son's arm roughly, dragging him from the room. Mick growled and began to take a step forward to stop the detective, but Barry, allowing himself to be dragged, shot him a pleading look. He froze and just watched the two men leave. Before they rounded the corner, Barry gave the two men appreciative smiles.

 

When Joe reached the cortex, he released Barry's upper arm and turned to him with a scowl.

“The hell, Barry?!” he demanded. Barry's gaze stayed on his feet, not having the energy for this confrontation. “I know you got them pardoned, but why are they here?! This is the Flash's home base! You don't think they'll use being here to their advantage?” Barry slowly raised his head, fire in his eyes.

“They didn't come here for that.” he spoke quietly, but passionately. “Do you see this?” he hissed, pointing to the pink scar along the side of his neck. Joe deflated.

“What happened?” His voice was sincere and full of concern. Barry huffed a sigh.

“I was at their place last night.” Joe furrowed his brows, wanting to get angry again. Barry continued, holding Joe's gaze. “I had a nightmare and got up to get a glass of water. I had a panic attack in the kitchen and dropped the glass. It shattered and, when I passed out, A large shard lodged into my neck, bisecting my carotid artery.” Joe sucked in a breath, but Barry continued in a quiet voice. “They called Caitlin, Joe. They got me here where Caitlin could help me. If I had been alone, I would be dead. They saved my life, Joe!” Barry looked down again, huffing with the exertion of raising his voice louder with each sentence. When he spoke again, his voice was soft once more. “They stayed by my side all night. Sleeping in uncomfortable chairs because they didn't want to leave me. Caitlin said they were told they could go home, but they refused.” Barry held up a hand when Joe opened his mouth. “And, before you say they could have stolen something while everyone was gone, Harry already checked the security cameras today. He doesn't trust them either.” Barry huffed out a laugh and stuck his hands in his pockets. “They didn't leave my side the entire night. You can check for yourself.” Barry's hands started shaking slightly in his pockets as he got ready to share something with Joe that he hadn't even shared with his two criminals yet. He made direct eye contact with his foster father, so the man could see the truth in his next words. “I love them.” he said simply. Joe scowled, searching his gaze, before his expression smoothed into resignation. He blew out a breath.

“Look, Barr, I'm really glad you found someone to make you happy. Just...be careful with them. Please. Like I said at the precinct, I don't want to see you hurt. You've been through so much already in your short life. I don't want that to be compounded with heartbreak.” As Joe spoke, Barry felt a bright smile spread slowly across his face. He threw himself at Joe, hugging the man tightly. Joe put his arms around his son and returned the hug just as tightly.

“Thank you, Joe!” he whispered. “They won't hurt me. I believe in them and they've already shown me so many times that they care about me.” When they separated, Barry was teary-eyed but smiling widely. Joe pointed a finger in Barry's face, expression stern.

“They're coming to dinner tomorrow night. I have questions.” he stated, causing Barry to chuckle.

“Of course!” he chirped.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

When they left the labs, Mick got behind the wheel and set out for their house, insisting everyone get dressed because he had plans. When they left the Victorian house, Len was sitting in the back with Barry curled up against him, running his fingers idly through the speedster's hair. Mick looked at them in the rear-view mirror and smiled. When he was younger, he never would have thought that he'd have this one day. Not one, but two men he loved and, he was pretty sure, loved him in return. There was a time in his life when he fought feelings like this. He didn't think he deserved this happiness after what he had done to his family. He thought he would have to atone for that mistake for his entire life. When he met Len, things changed. Suddenly, he didn't only have himself to think about. In the early days, Len and Lisa had relied so much on him, mainly because he was older and tougher. But as Len grew up, sparks began to fly between the two. Mick still remembered the day Len came to him about his feelings. The other man was 19, and Mick was 24. They had all been living together in a small, dingy apartment they rented. It only had two bedrooms; Mick got one, and Len and Lisa shared the other. When Len finally gritted his feelings out through clenched teeth, a pretty blush dusting his cheeks, Mick had resisted. He had resisted hard. They spent weeks throwing glares and barbed words at each other. That's something Mick truly regrets to this day: the fact that they both wasted so much time. When the tension finally broke, it was because of a job that had gone wrong. Len had been shot in the leg, the bullet just missing his femoral artery. Mick had never felt fear that strong. When they'd made it home, Mick helped Len into the apartment and over to sit on the couch. He'd just stared into those tired, cerulean eyes for what felt like an eternity before he hunched over, grabbed Len's head, and smashed a kiss against his lips. It was rough and clashing, full of anger and fear, but when they finally pulled apart, Len was smiling, breathless. They had been together ever since. His eyes flicked once more to the mirror and, when they landed on the brunette in the backseat, so innocent and caring but filled with a darkness he was determined to remove from the kid, he promised himself that they wouldn't be so stubborn and emotionally constipated this time around. He didn't plan to waste a single second when it came to one Barry Allen.

 

When the car eventually came to a stop, they were outside a rather large standalone building. Barry stretched as he looked at the sign.

“A buffet?!” he said excitedly. Mick just smirked.

“Figured it'd be the only place to stand a chance against your appetite.” he told the other man, placing his hand on the small of Barry's back, urging him forward. Len looked at his partner with a loving gaze, always amazed at the dichotomy of Mick Rory. They walked into the restaurant, intent to put the phrase 'all you can eat' to the ultimate test.

Notes:

We've got a West family dinner and then the trial you've all been waiting for! Maybe I can wrap this thing up in a few more chapters! Kudos and comments fuel me and are much appreciated!

Chapter 11

Barry shifted from foot to foot, nerves getting the better of him. It was the next night, and he, Mick, and Len were standing on Joe's doorstep. Before he could bring himself to knock, Barry turned to the two men and pleaded with them for the millionth time that night.

“Please don't antagonize him. Even if he tries to start an argument with you. I don't want to start World War III tonight.” He gave them his saddest puppy dog look. Len smirked and shook his head.

“Kid, we're not going to cause trouble. Right, Mick?” He looked at his partner, and the man rolled his eyes.

“'Course. We know how important the Wests are to you. Seriously, Red, we'll behave.” Barry took a deep breath and nodded. Finally, he turned to the door and knocked. When the door was flung open, he came face to face with a grinning Iris. He groaned as she motioned for the three to enter. Barry walked in and saw Wally on the couch, and the younger man smiled, waving at him. Barry waved back and went looking for Joe. Iris led Mick and Len to sit beside Wally as she took the chair. When Barry walked into the kitchen, he found Joe finishing up dinner.

“Hey, Barr!” he said, looking up from the food. He wiped his hands on a towel and went to give his foster son a tight hug. “You doing alright?” he murmured into Barry's shoulder. Barry felt tension leave his body, and he sagged against Joe.

“Yeah.” he breathed out. When they parted, Barry had a small, hopeful smile on his face. “Thanks, Joe. For trying to understand. Them. Us. I know it must be hard for you.” Joe considered Barry for a moment before responding.

“Yeah, it's hard. Just like it was hard when Iris started dating Eddie. Some reasons are the same, some are different. But I gave Iris and Eddie a chance, so I'm going to give you a chance. I hate the fact that they're criminals, but I trust your judgment, Barr. If you say they're not everything they appear to be, well, I'm listening.” Joe took a deep breath and let it out before he spoke again. He narrowed his eyes, causing Barry to begin to get nervous again. “If they hurt you,” he sternly pointed a finger at the other man. “I'll shoot them both and nobody'll ever find the bodies.” Barry had been wound so tightly the past few days that he suddenly laughed hysterically at the man who raised him, relief making him giddy. When he quieted, he had tears of mirth in his eyes.

“Joe, I promise they won't hurt me.” he said. Hearing raucous laughter coming from the living room, he gave Joe an expression that said he had to go. Joe shook his head and shooed Barry away with a hand.

 

When Barry skidded to a stop in the living room, all four people were laughing hard. Barry stared at them in confusion before his eyes landed on a stack of old photo books. His eyes widened in horror, and he tapped into the speedforce to grab the books away from everyone in the room. He flashed them upstairs and under his bed before returning, a blast of wind following him. He stood in front of the couch, breathing hard, face pink. He turned a glare to Iris.

“What the hell, Iris?!” he exclaimed. As soon as everyone realized what was missing from the room, Mick barked out a rough chuckle, and Len smirked.

“What's the matter, Scarlet?” he asked smoothly. Barry's glare turned from Iris to the man.

“Shut up!” he said, wagging a finger at him. “Iris! I didn't do this to you! Why?!” Iris snorted.

“You didn't do it to me because my pictures aren't as embarrassing as yours. Face it, Barr, you were a mess of a dork.” Iris smiled innocently and watched as Barry's face darkened. He put his face in his hands, determined to disappear. Mick reached his hands up, inviting Barry into an embrace.

“C'mere, Red.” he said. Barry peeked through his fingers and, before anyone could blink, Barry had slammed his body into Mick at super speed. Mick chuckled and held onto the speedster tightly, rubbing his back.

“This is not what I signed up for!” Barry groaned, muffled in Mick's chest. Len scooted up behind him, placing a hand on the back of the younger man's neck and kneading gently.

“Scarlet, you were so cute growing up. You can't hide those beautiful memories from us.” he purred. In response, Barry wiggled around until he was seated facing the right way, face still buried in Mick's chest. He reached out and blindly searched for Len's hand. The older man grinned and threaded his fingers through Barry's. The peace of the moment was shattered by Iris' screech.

“Oh. My. Gosh!!” she said loudly. When everyone but Barry looked at her, she grinned evilly. “Who would have thought Captain Cold and Heatwave would be so whipped!” She laughed with glee as the two criminals glared at her, and Wally snorted in amusement. Barry's body began to shake from his spot between Mick and Len. Both of his boyfriends looked at him in concern. Eventually, they all heard muffled giggles coming from Mick's chest. Mick and Len looked betrayed as Barry moved his head to lean back on the back of the couch, laughing.

“You two are so wrapped around my little finger!” he said between giggles. Len swatted him on the arm, and Mick crossed his arms. Wally was grinning at the antics and decided to put in his two cents.

“Pretty soon, two of the city's most notorious criminals will be working for Team Flash! If that's not a 'Daddy, I can fix him' moment, I don't know what is.” Barry looked at the two men beside him, grinning happily.

“Wally, don't! You'll only encourage them to pull a heist! Len's such a drama queen!” he warned, mirth filling his voice. Len made eye contact with Mick over Barry's head before looking back at the younger man with matching smiles. It was good to see him in such high spirits. A snort came from the dining room, and everyone looked over to see Joe standing there, smirking.

“Wow, I didn't think the two of you even had hearts, but you are so obviously in love. Look at those dopey faces!” He rubbed his hands together and changed the subject, shaking his head at the two 'hardened' criminals he had just embarrassed. “Food's ready! Iris, Barry, set the table.” The two jumped up and headed to the table, the latter slowly pulling away from his boyfriends with a lingering caress. Once the table was set, everyone sat together and dug in.

 

The conversation was vast and easy between everyone. Topics ranged widely, and everyone participated in the chatter. When everyone was full and the food was put away, Joe walked Barry, Mick, and Len to the door, firmly shaking hands with the two criminals while Barry smiled softly. The three walked to their car, arm in arm, and headed home. Len sat in the back with him, and Barry knew there was something on the man's mind. They drove in comfortable silence for a while until Len finally spoke up.

“Barry,” he started softly. “why didn't you tell us about your first encounter with Zoom?” Barry winced at the question.

“It, ah, wasn't important.” he mumbled. Len's brow furrowed, and he opened his mouth, but it was Mick who spoke first.

“He broke your back, kid. I'd say that's pretty damn important.” Barry sighed in defeat.

“I just...I don't like thinking about it is all.” he replied. Len reached out and carded his fingers through the younger man's hair.

“There seem to be a lot of things you don't like thinking about.” he said sadly. Barry shrugged, but refused to make eye contact. He didn't protest when Len laced their fingers together. The rest of the car ride was made in silence.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

A few days later, Caitlin texted Len that she had found a trustworthy therapist who also happened to have availability within the week. After reading the text, Len had smiled softly and went to inform Barry and Mick of the news. Barry was hesitant, which Len could understand. He had told them that, after his mother's murder, he had seen a therapist, and it was an extremely negative experience. Joe had made him continue to see this person until Barry broke down sobbing one day and told Joe about the awful things the man had said. He hadn't been to a mental health professional since. Len wasn't in a position to judge him for that; it would make him a hypocrite, as he had never seen someone about his and Lisa's traumatic childhood. He knew Mick had been forced to see someone during his stay in juvie, but he had refused to cooperate. Barry was obviously resistant to the idea, but the two thieves had been able to convince him to at least give it a try. His one request had been that Mick and Len accompany him to the appointment for moral support.

 

That was how the two supervillains found themselves in a therapist's office, reading magazines and waiting for their lover. The office was small; there was only enough room in the waiting area for four people. There was a door to enter and one other door, leading to the therapist's actual office. Len had already cased the place out of habit. His eyes were always drawn to the exit routes of any room he was in. It was something that was born of necessity. After a little over an hour, the door cracked open and Barry walked out. Len and Mick stood and moved toward the speedster. His face was puffy and blotchy with redness. He had been crying -- a lot. Len wrapped his arms around the lithe body and held him tightly. Mick glanced at the brunette before turning his gaze to the therapist, who had come out of the room behind Barry.

“Well?” he asked quietly. She sighed and took her glasses off.

“Well...” she said on an exhale. “If he were anyone else, I would suggest starting medication.” She eyed both men calculatingly before continuing. “Unfortunately, from what I understand about his metabolism, that's not going to work. He has a lot of unresolved trauma. He seems to think his happiness is just collateral damage in his fight to protect the city.” Mick and Len glanced at each other before turning back to the doctor.

“What do you suggest?” Len asked her in a somber tone.

“I suggest that he visit me at least once a week. I'll try some different approaches; perhaps one will ultimately prove helpful. I'm also going to work with Doctor Snow to see if we can come up with something that will stay in his system long enough to stabilize his mood. I hear she's been working on an alcohol fit for speedsters.” She grinned. “She agrees that that development should be turned away from alcohol and toward something to improve his mental health.” She reached a hand out to shake that of each man. “I'll be forwarding my report of today's visit to Doctor Snow as well. Please, take care of him.” she said with a kind smile. Both men nodded at her and took to ushering the clingy speedster toward the exit.

 

As soon as they got home, Mick and Len took Barry to the bedroom and bundled him in blankets. They then made their way to the kitchen and Len fixed some hot chocolate while Mick put together a plate of subs and chips. They carried their plates and mugs to the bedroom and bracketed him with their bodies as they coaxed him to sit up and eat something. After everyone was satisfied, they all lay down for a nap. The emotionally wrung-out brunette snuggled into the blankets and the tight, comforting holds of his lovers as he drifted off.

Notes:

We're pretending Barry told Wally about his secret identity early on, before Zoom took Henry. I wanted Wally to be in this fic, but I wanted him to know about the Flash.

Chapter 12

Notes:

I think this is the second-to-last chapter. It's also the longest! I've been working on this baby all day! Hope y'all enjoy!

Also, Trigger Warning for this chapter as it discusses sexual assault and rape.

Soon, far too soon for Barry's liking, the impending trial of Lance Black was scheduled for the coming Monday. Barry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. It was currently Friday. He'd had two appointments with his therapist, Doctor Raisa, this week in preparation for facing Black on the stand. Barry attempted to calm down by practicing a breathing technique that Doctor Raisa had taught him. 'Breathe in for four. Hold for seven. Exhale for eight.' He repeated the mantra in his mind as his breathing mimicked the words. He was sitting on the couch in the living room of the house he had been staying in with Mick and Len. The two thieves were out somewhere doing something. They didn't tell Barry where they had gone. He was starting to second-guess whether or not they felt as deeply for him as he did for them. He couldn't understand why they had left him alone when he needed them the most. They had been gone for several hours, and Barry was convinced that he was going to crawl out of his skin before they got back. He continued his breathing cycle until his heart rate began to drop. Turning on the television, Barry flipped through the channels, trying to take his mind off his spiraling thoughts. Channel after channel had coverage of the upcoming trial showing. Growling slightly in frustration, Barry jabbed the buttons forcefully until he came across some cartoons. He smiled slightly and lay on his side as The Powerpuff Girls played on the screen.

 

Barry was startled awake by shuffling noises coming from the kitchen. He sat up, rigid, as his mind jumped to the worst-case scenario. While he was looking toward the kitchen, a voice behind him caused his head to whip around.

“Calm down, Scarlet.” Barry sagged in relief when he saw Len sitting in the armchair, legs crossed and hands folded together in his lap. Once Barry had a moment to observe the other man, his senses went on alert again. Len looked indifferent with an easy smile on his face. He was wearing his Captain Cold getup to match his expression. That wasn't what concerned Barry the most, though. What the speedster could see of the criminal's skin was dirty and scraped up. He had blood smeared on his face and, what looked like, a deep gash across his cheek. That seemed to be where most of the blood had come from. Barry jumped up, face showing concern, and rushed over to the other man, kneeling on the floor by his feet. His hands fluttered gently over Len's face before they came to rest on his knee.

“What happened?” he whispered urgently. Len's face melted into an expression of adoration, and he reached a hand down to cover Barry's.

“I'm fine, Scarlet.” Len's other hand reached into the pocket of his parka, pulling something out. The hand on top of Barry's pulled at the hero's hand and turned it over, placing the object in his palm. Barry looked at the object, mouth falling open in shock. Barry found himself holding the suit emblem of none other than Zoom. The round black and silver piece of metal was dented, bent, and scratched. Barry quickly looked up at Len, mouth opening and closing, but no sound coming out. Len uncrossed his legs and leaned toward Barry, wincing in pain with the movement. He brushed Barry's hair back and then cupped the speedster's cheek in a loving gesture.

“You have far too much going on right now. We decided to ease the pressure a little.” Barry felt hot tears prickling at his eyes. He was grateful to the men but, at the same time, felt anger well up inside of him. A boot thudded against the swinging door that led to the kitchen, jolting Barry from his internal debate. Mick walked into the room, limping slightly and holding two glasses containing ice and a bottle of alcohol. He smiled slightly at Barry as he came around the couch and sat on the end closest to Len. He poured some of the amber liquid into one of the glasses and handed it to his partner. Barry just looked between the two men, brows furrowed in consternation. He slowly stood, chest heaving as he shook his head. He felt the tears trace a path down his face and knew he was being overwhelmed with emotion. He knew he should back away and calm down, but his sudden fury wanted to be unleashed on the two men.

“You-you...you two are idiots!” Len flinched ever so slightly as Barry's voice raised in volume. He was never able to successfully rid himself of his flight instincts completely. The reactions were literally beaten into him throughout his childhood. “Why did you think you could take on Zoom by yourselves?! I wasn't even a match for him! You could have been killed!” Barry was pacing the living room, hands pulling at his hair as he spiraled into blind panic. Len chose that moment to chime in on Barry's one-sided conversation.

“To be fair, we had help from the entire team.” As he spoke, he raised a finger in the air. Barry's glare turned onto the man.

“You all went behind my back?!” Barry was so consumed by emotion that he failed to notice Mick standing from the couch and limping toward him. When Mick was within reach of the speedster, he pulled the mumbling man to his chest.

“Hey!” he barked at the younger man. Barry stopped mumbling and pacing, but didn't look at the other man and kept his eyes on the ground. “What, do you really think you're the only one who gets to take risks? Do you think you're the only one who deserves to get hurt protecting the ones you love?” Mick growled out forcefully, arms tightening around Barry. The brunette finally looked up and met Mick's fiery eyes with a gasp.

“You...you....love me?” His voice was quiet and shaky as he spoke. Mick just rolled his eyes at the man, a grin plastered across his face. Barry felt another pair of arms snake their way around him, and Mick and turned, eyes searching Len's questioningly. Len just smiled softly and hooked his chin on Barry's shoulder.

“We do,” Len purred. When Barry stepped away from the two criminals, they looked at each other in confusion. Their worry was placated when the younger man turned around. His emerald eyes were glassy with tears, and there was a small smile on his lips. There was no warning when Barry lunged at the two, throwing his body into theirs as he wrapped his arms around their necks. They were only just able to catch him and not fall over backwards. Len let out a little grunt of pain, but held Barry tightly against his chest.

“I love you, too!” he exclaimed happily. The two older men looked at each other over Barry's head. They had a silent conversation as they both realized that this was the first time the three of them had verbalized their feelings like this. The three stayed there, in the middle of the darkened room, moonlight filtering through the sliding glass door that led to the backyard, and just basked in the overwhelmingly vast emotions they were feeling.

 

After a few moments, Len grunted again, and Barry quickly pulled away, looking into Len's cerulean eyes as if searching for an answer of some kind. Len rolled his eyes and moved gingerly to the couch behind him. As soon as he had taken a seat, Barry was there, hands hovering, not knowing where to look. Mick grunted and began moving toward the bathroom, but stopped when Barry grabbed his wrist.

“Sit! What do you need? I'll get it.” He rose to his feet and pushed Mick down beside Len, who smirked at his partner. Mick glowered at the man as he made eye contact and opened his mouth.

“Bastard got a nasty hit into Lenny's torso. Probably broke a rib.” Len looked scandalized, but Mick's expression morphed to smugness as Barry began trying to remove his parka and shirt.

“Maybe you should go to the hospital!” Barry exclaimed while his hands fussed with Len's clothes. Len scowled and batted the man's hands away.

“I'm fine, Scarlet! If you would stop and use your head, you would realize the hospital is a terrible idea! I'm a felon. Besides, there's nothing they can do for broken ribs anyway. Doc Snow already checked us out.”

“But, I got you pardoned! That's not an excuse anymore!” Mick chuckled at the scene before him. He hated it when Len was pissy with him, but when he was pissy with others, hilarious! His glee was cut short, however, when Barry finally wrestled Len's shirt up and gasped. The entire right side of the thief's torso was mottled with black, blue, and purple hues all the way down to his hip bone. Mick sobered immediately and reached a careful hand out to brush down the other man's side. Len shivered at the touch, but refused to make eye contact with either of his boyfriends. Mick finally tore his eyes away and looked at Barry.

“There's a first aid kit in the bathroom. It's in the closet, on the bottom shelf.” Barry nodded, face determined, and flashed off. He was back before either man had a chance to blink, opening the large case on the floor. He looked to Mick for direction. “There's some salve in a purple jar. Also, grab the largest and smallest width ace bandage rolls. Use the salve on Len, and I'll wrap my own ankle.” Barry's hands were sifting through the kit, but he looked up and glared at Mick, batting his hands away when he went to take his boot off.

“I'll do it!” he insisted. Then, his expression softened. “I want to. It's the least I could do, after all.” Barry smiled at the larger man, then set about taking care of his loves.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

Barry was going to throw up. Any minute. He needed to find a trash can. He glanced around the hallway frantically until his eyes fell on a bathroom on the other end of the hall. Barry ran, barely able to keep himself from accessing the speedforce on the way. He threw himself into a stall, not even bothering to lock the door, and fell to his knees in front of the toilet. Barry started heaving, offering up the contents of his stomach to the porcelain gods. Barry absently felt two hands fall onto his shoulders, one on each, kneading the tension away. When his painful dry heaving, which began after his stomach was empty, ceased, he saw a wad of tissue being handed to him at his side. Barry took the wad and cleaned up, standing and flushing the toilet when he was done. When he turned around, he was glad he had run into the handicap stall when he came face to face with his boyfriends. Mick handed him a bottle of water, which he greedily drank from, and Len was rubbing calming circles on his back. When Barry finished the water, he caught his breath and straightened his suit out.

“You're going to be fine.” Len's voice was filled with a confidence Barry didn't feel, himself. He sighed and leaned toward the two men, hugging them both. He was trying to sap any strength he could from them through...osmosis...maybe? Regardless of any scientific explanation, Barry found that he felt better and more centered when he was touching the men. They jerked away from each other when a woman's voice hissed from the door.

“Barry?! Barry?!” Barry laughed slightly when Cecile poked her head into the stall. “Where have you been?!” she exclaimed, louder than before, now that she had Barry in her sights. Barry glanced at the toilet and back at the DA, shrugging his shoulders.

“I had to puke.” Cecile's eyes softened as she looked at the young CSI. She walked up to him and reached up, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“You're up,” she said gently. “We're all rooting for you. You've got this. Now, put this bastard away for good.” Barry's eyes misted over during Cecile's pep talk. He sniffed slightly, nodded, and grabbed his boyfriends' hands, following the short woman. He was resolute on doing exactly as Cecile said.

 

Barry's hands were trembling as he sat at the witness stand, glancing at the men he loved every so often. Everyone was here: Joe, Iris, Cisco, Caitlin, Wally, and even Captain Singh were all sitting in the front row of the gallery. Even Harry was here, sitting in the back row wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. The fact that his family and friends felt safe enough to sit by Len and Mick warmed his heart. Barry's attention was brought back to Cecile when she began speaking to him.

“Mr. Allen, can you tell me about the undercover operation you were a part of a couple of months ago?” Barry cleared his throat before replying.

“Ah, yes. We got a tip that a prison guard at Iron Heights was using his position and power to sexually assault inmates.” Barry kept his eyes on Cecile and the jury as he spoke, refusing to look at Black for the moment.

“How did you get involved?” she asked him.

“I'm a CSI with the CCPD. I was the only official employee who matched the rapist's type.”

“And, what is his type?” Barry fidgeted with his jacket below everyone's line of sight at the question.

“Mm, young, male, skinny, brunette.” Barry felt immensely uncomfortable describing himself like that in front of so many people. Cecile turned toward the jury, making eye contact with several of them.

“Would you say his victims were pretty?” Barry could feel the blush creeping up his neck. He cleared his throat before answering.

“U-um...yeah.” Cecile turned and smiled at him in encouragement.

“Did you have any suspects by the end of your time in Iron Heights?”

“Yes. There, ah, was a guard who began paying special attention to me. He quickly became a suspect.”

“Mmm,” Cecile hummed, turning back to the jury. “What did this guard do to arouse your concern?” Barry's eyes flicked to Len and Mick for a moment before returning to the jury.

“He made crude comments aimed at me. He grabbed my...um...my butt when I walked in front of him. After that, he had another guard take me to the visitor's room where he abducted me.”

“Where did he take you?”

“Down into the service tunnels of the prison. He had a mattress set up down there; it wasn't hard to decipher what his intentions were.” Barry took a deep breath, willing himself to stop shaking as his testimony came closer to the part that gave him nightmares. Cecile looked at him again, kindness and sympathy in her eyes.

“I know this must be difficult for you, Mr. Allen, but can you tell the court what happened once you reached this area of the tunnels?” Barry looked at Len and Mick again, drawing strength from their loving gazes.

“He hit me in the face. Then, he undid his pants....” Barry trailed off, trying in vain to calm his breathing. He had been over this multiple times with Dr. Raisa; he could do this. “H-he took his penis out and forced it into my mouth. I tried to fight him, but he was stronger.”

“And, what happened then?” Cecile smiled at him to reassure him.

“U-um, Mick Rory and Leonard Snart found us. I guess Mick tackled him, and Leonard consoled me. I wasn't really that aware of the chaos in the moment.”

“And, Barry,” Cecile used his first name, he would assume to humanize him more to the jury. “Do you see the man who attacked you in this room?” Barry looked down at his hands for a moment, trying to calm his shuddering breaths. He then looked up and at Black. The man glared at him, as if daring him to identify him to the jury. Barry's mind flashed images of his assault through his head. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Finally, Barry glared back at the man and raised a shaking hand to point at him.

“The defendant. Lance Black. He's the one who assaulted me.” Black's glare became more intense, promising retribution if given the chance. Barry just kept their eyes locked, returning the glare defiantly.

“Thank you, Mr. Allen. That's all for this witness, your honor.” Cecile returned to her seat, and Barry exhaled in relief that it was almost over. The only thing left, he thought as the defense attorney rose and buttoned his jacket, was the cross-examination.

“Mr. Allen, what is the nature of your relationship with Mick Rory and Leonard Snart?” he asked smugly. Barry turned wide eyes to Cecile, starting to panic. They had gone over the fact that the defense could use Barry's relationship to discredit him, but he just didn't think they would have found out. Cecile slightly nodded her head at him in a surreptitious way to give him the go-ahead.

“We're...uh...dating, I guess,” he said hesitantly. The courtroom erupted in murmurs, causing the judge to bang his gavel.

“Order!” Black's defense attorney gave Barry an oily smile, making the speedster feel uneasy.

“Both of them?”

“Uh, yes.” Mr. Johnson turned to the jury, smiling like he had already won.

“So, how are we supposed to trust your testimony? How do we know you didn't want to trade sexual favors with my client? After all, it seems like you have a hard time making up your mind.” Barry froze and unconsciously entered the speedforce as several things began happening at once. He heard Mick growl from across the room; both his and Len's faces contorted in fury. Cecile jumped to her feet, yelling to the judge. Whispers rippled through the court again. He exited the speedforce and listened to what Cecile was saying.

“Objection! Your Honor, what kind of question was that?!” She was angry, looking at the judge in earnest. The judge banged his gavel and called for order once more. When the courtroom quieted, he turned to Cecile, then Johnson.

“Ms. Horton, your objection is sustained. Mr. Johnson, watch yourself.” He then turned to the jury. “The jury will disregard Mr. Johnson's last statement.” Johnson was still smirking, and Barry knew that, even though the judge struck the last comment from the record, there was no way to make the jury truly forget what he had said.

“Mr. Allen.” Johnson strolled over to the witness stand and leaned his hip and elbow against the wood. “Were you sent to Iron Heights with the specific objective of seducing my client to pin these rapes on him?” He was looking at the jury, but Barry saw his brown eye cut his way for a moment when he reacted.

“What?! No!” Barry responded emphatically.

“Didn't you ask Detective Joe West, your foster father, to look into Black, specifically? Didn't you approach an inmate to ask about him as well?”

“That was-” Barry was cut off by Johnson's barking voice.

“Yes or no, Mr. Allen!” Barry looked at the judge helplessly before turning back to Johnson.

“Yes.” The crowd of people in the room began murmuring again as Johnson smiled triumphantly. He backed up from the podium and walked back toward the jury.

“You know, Leonard Snart has been an infamous criminal for decades. I remember him making the front page of the newspaper, mm, fifteen years ago. Funny thing, when I looked up his criminal record, there was nothing there besides the small-time theft he got most recently.” Johnson turned to Barry, expression venomous. “Did you erase his criminal record?” Barry looked to his family and friends for help with the question. They had no idea this would come up. He felt himself begin to panic and entered the speedforce again to think about what to say. His thoughts swirled rapidly in his head as he tried to order them. Coming to a decision that caused him to calm with confidence, he exited the speedforce, and a slow smile formed on his lips.

“No.” Johnson's brow furrowed in confusion and anger before he stalked back to the defense table.

“No further questions, Your Honor.” Cecile jumped to her feet again with a request.

“Redirect, Your Honor?” The judge looked at her and nodded. She stepped around the table and approached the witness stand.

“Barry,” she started. “Did you go to Iron Heights with a specific suspect in mind?”

“No.” he stated firmly. Cecile nodded.

“How long had you been undercover in the prison before you began asking about the defendant?”

“Like, a week!” Cecile smiled.

“How long before the attack did you begin to inquire about Lance Black?”

“The day before!” he announced, squaring his shoulders.

“So, you were at Iron Heights for a week, then you started asking about Black, and the next day, Black, who you identified as your attacker, dragged you to the bowels of the prison and assaulted you with the intention of raping you, is that correct?” Barry turned to Black, making eye contact and holding it as he answered.

“Yes.”

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

The rest of the trial went by in a blur. Len and Mick each testified, as did Joe, Singh, and Caitlin. The defense barely had any witnesses. Most of them were fellow guards, but the inmate Barry had asked about Black testified for the defense as well. Once closing arguments had been made, the case went to the jury, the judge giving them strict rules to adhere to. Everyone rose and left the courtroom, most seeking out food to satiate their hunger. Barry didn't feel like eating. In fact, he thought he might hurl again. They were all at a restaurant near the courthouse, but Barry zoned out until a plate of hot food was set on the table in front of him. Startled, he glanced around at his friends and family; some, like Singh and Cisco, were smirking at him. Barry turned to Len, Mick, then back at Len, who he figured must have ordered for him.

“I-I'm not hungry,” he said softly. Len frowned.

“Scarlet, you need to eat. You vomited up your breakfast; do you want to pass out?” Barry looked down at the food, then back at Len. He had a point. Barry's stomach was roiling and gurgling, but he couldn't tell if he was hungry or wanted to throw up again. Len smiled and picked up a french fry off Barry's plate and poked his bottom lip with it. “Please.” Barry rolled his eyes, but opened his mouth and ate the fry. That seemed to strengthen the hunger his body was feeling because he turned to his plate and began inhaling the food. Everyone around the table was either laughing or looking mildly disgusted by the speedster's eating method. As Barry finished his food and began eyeballing his boyfriends' plates, Cisco shuddered as long nails raked gently across his back. Everyone turned their attention to the woman standing behind the engineer, the two cops at the table placing a hand on their guns out of caution.

“Hello, Cisco.” Lisa purred into the man's ear. Cisco froze, eyes widening. It was quite comical, actually.

“Sis, what are you doing here, not that I mind.” Len drawled. Barry shook his head with a smile. These two were so dramatic! They played off each other well. Lisa pouted her red-painted lips.

“Confronting my jerk brother about his new boy toy that he failed to mention to me.” Barry's smile dropped, and his eyebrows raised.

“H-how-” he stuttered. Lisa cut him off.

“Please. I know my brother. I've been in town for a few days, and I saw the way he looked at you, Flash.” She whispered the name with a smirk, but Barry still looked around wide-eyed to see if anyone overheard. When he was sure no one was paying attention to them, he scowled at Len.

“I didn't tell her!” he exclaimed. Barry narrowed his eyes, studying the man for a moment before he was satisfied that he was telling the truth.

“Of course, Lenny didn't tell me. Jerk.” Len found himself smiling as he crossed his arms.

“Train wreck,” he responded. Iris groaned loudly, drawing everyone's attention to her. She smiled brightly at Lisa, shuffling her chair away from Wally.

“Pull up a chair!” Lisa flashed a genuine smile and grabbed a chair from a nearby table to sit by Iris.

“So,” Lisa said after she sat, her elbows propped on the table, chin resting on her laced fingers. “I've been watching the trial. What that creep did to you is unforgivable. I would be more than happy to take care of him!” she chirped. Barry choked on his drink, causing Mick to thump him on the back.

“Seriously, do you ever stop thinking about breaking the law?” Caitlin asked in disbelief. This broke the tension at the table, and several people began to chuckle, including Barry. He turned his eyes to Lisa, who just smirked.

“No, Lisa. Thank you for the offer...I think.” Lisa turned her smirk into a dazzling smile that nearly blinded Barry with its wholesomeness. The thought that he could get used to this floated through Barry's mind as he smiled at the people who supported him.

Chapter 13: Epilogue

Notes:

The end is here! I had a great deal of fun writing this story and hope others can derive joy from it as well. I can't believe I'm finally finished with this after around seven years! And, yes, I chickened out in writing smut and made it fade to black. I'm still not comfortable writing detailed smut, so forgive me for that. I sincerely appreciate the comments and kudos left on this fic! It means a lot. Well, see ya next story!

Barry sat in the gallery wringing his hands. They had gotten word that the jury had reached a verdict. It had only been two hours since they began their deliberations, and Barry was riddled with anxiety. A large, warm hand came to rest over his, ceasing his fidgeting. Barry looked over at Mick with a small, nervous smile that probably looked more like a grimace. He was so anxious, he wouldn't be surprised if he started vibrating at any moment. The speedster looked down at their hands and curled a pinkie around one of Mick's fingers in gratitude.

 

The next moment, the judge came into the room and sat at the podium. He told the bailiff to escort the jury in and, as the twelve people filed into the room, Barry's hearing went out. All he could hear was a buzzing, whooshing noise. He didn't notice when the call went out for the attorneys and the defendant to take their seats. His heart was pounding rapidly in his chest, and his vision became spotty. He could see that people were talking, but he couldn't make out what they were saying. He was afraid he was going to pass out, but suddenly, his hearing came back full throttle.

 

“We, the jury, find the defendant guilty.”

 

The breath Barry hadn't realized he was holding rushed out of his lungs, and he sagged against Len. The older man looked down at his lover's shaking form and wrapped an arm around his waist. Logically, Barry knew what was happening to him. The adrenaline had left his body as soon as the verdict was read, and the released tension in his muscles was causing him to tremble. His blood sugar was also probably crashing, and he was extremely thankful that Len had encouraged him to eat earlier. If he hadn't, he would have had to be carried out of the courthouse. As it was, he was exhausted, but still able to rise to his feet as everyone in the gallery stood.

 

His friends were all grinning and congratulating him, but Barry found himself unable to feel. He was numb. It worried him somewhat, but he didn't try to fake emotion. He was too tired. He allowed himself to be led from the courthouse, two arms tightly wound around his waist. He knew he would probably hit the ground without his boyfriends' support, both physically and emotionally.

 

It was over. This entire mess was finally over. He had no idea that going undercover in Iron Heights would lead to such trauma. He never, in a million years, would have thought he would be assaulted in prison. He figured he would find out who the guilty party was, get some evidence, and be out by the time Black was ready to make his final move. There was a silver lining to this whole debacle, in the end. He got two amazing men out of the deal. That, in and of itself, was worth everything he went through. He would be okay.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

Everyone gathered in the cortex at STAR Labs to celebrate the guilty verdict. Lisa was pouring a bottle of champagne into plastic flutes in an ostentatious manner. She had gotten an expensive bottle with flakes of real gold in the liquid. Barry had rolled his eyes at the gaudy beverage. Nobody asked how Lisa could afford such an exorbitant drink; they were ninety-nine percent sure that it was obtained through less-than-legal means.

 

The shock had finally worn off for Barry, and he found himself grinning as the group toasted to the outcome of the trial. He looked around at all his friends and family, incredibly thankful that this group of people was his. Cisco whooped and walked around the desk to start some music on his computer. As the upbeat melody began to pump through the sound system, people began chatting amongst themselves. Suddenly, Len clanged his pinkie ring against his plastic flute. When it didn't create the noise he expected, he scowled. Barry and Mick chuckled, the latter taking it upon himself to gather the group's attention.

“Hey!” he barked loudly. The room went quiet, save for the music, and Len turned a grateful look to his partner.

“I just wanted to toast Barry specifically. His bravery and courage are unmatched, and he makes this world a kinder place by simply existing. His light brightens even the darkest of shadows, and the most insane part is that he doesn't even realize it.” Barry became misty-eyed as his boyfriend spoke. Len looked at him, smiling gently. “Without you, the convicts in Iron Heights would still be in danger. When nobody else cared, you did. You see everyone, even criminals, as human. I love you, Scarlet.”

 

Barry laughed wetly, a couple of tears breaking free. He threw his arms around the other man's neck and held him tightly.

“I love you too, you drama queen!” he proclaimed happily. Barry looked over at Mick and held out a hand, pulling him into the embrace when he made contact. Mick didn't say anything; he didn't need to. Barry could see the love in those molten chocolate eyes, and he put all of his emotion into his returned gaze. They startled when Lisa cleared her throat loudly.

“Get a room, guys!” she groaned.

 

Some of the others laughed at her remark, and others smiled at the show of affection between the three men. Len looked over Barry's shoulder and flipped his sister off. When the three broke apart, Len looked at Barry with a shit-eating grin.

“By the way, Scarlet, I am so proud of you, perjuring yourself on the stand!” he crowed, throwing an arm around Barry's shoulders. Barry laughed before answering.

“But, I didn't perjure myself,” he stated matter-of-factly. Len and Mick, along with everyone else in the room, looked at him questioningly. Barry grinned as he answered. “Barry Allen didn't erase your criminal record. The Flash did. Since Barry Allen couldn't possibly be the Flash, I didn't lie on the stand,” he said proudly. Len cackled, throwing his head back, and Barry beamed. Mick patted the speedster on the back and snickered.

“Nice one, Red!”

 

Joe looked like he wanted to protest the criminals, encouraging Barry to break the law, even though he agreed his foster son did the right thing on the stand. His attention was drawn away when a petite hand came to rest on his arm. He looked down at Cecile and shook his head with a small, flustered smile.

“They're cute. Let him be happy,” she murmured knowingly. Joe sighed and relaxed.

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled, just to be obstinate. She rolled her eyes fondly and turned back to the Flash and his villains.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

The front door of the large, ornate Victorian house creaked open and admitted the three men who called her home. As soon as the door closed, Len pushed Barry up against it as he ravaged the younger man's mouth. When Barry moaned, Len slipped his tongue into his mouth, framing the CSI's face with long, elegant fingers. Barry clutched the back of the older man's shirt desperately, and as the two battled for dominance, Mick stepped over and wound his fingers in the speedster's hair, pulling gently. Barry broke his lips away from Len's to tilt his head back and groan. His knees gave out when both thieves attacked his neck, sucking and nipping their way down the column of silky flesh.

 

Barry was already achingly hard, his erection straining painfully against the zipper of his pants. He was gasping and mewling as bright marks were left in his flesh. He absently thought about how sad it was that these marks, this physical proof of their love, wouldn't last very long. At this point, the older men were the only things holding Barry upright. Len used an arm and began shoving Barry's jacket off his shoulders. When he was successful, Mick's large, warm hand began pawing and caressing the younger man's stomach, pushing his shirt higher and higher. When a calloused finger caught a nipple, Barry dropped his head against the door once more.

“B-bed-bedroom,” he gasped out. Len grinned and gave him one last lingering kiss before Mick picked him up bridal style. The jacket was left, forgotten, on the floor as the three raced up the stairs.

 

Barry's face was buried in Mick's neck, nuzzling his burn scars affectionately, by the time they entered the bedroom. Mick dropped him unceremoniously on the bed, where he bounced slightly. Barry reached out and curled his fingers in the larger man's belt loops and pulled him closer. He looked up with a devious smile.

“Have I mentioned I vibrate?” he asked in a low, sultry voice. Len groaned out loud while Mick just stood there, dumbfounded. Barry smirked, demeanor innocent and insidious in a way that was purely Barry Allen. This was going to be a fun night.

 

~x~x~x~x~

 

Len blinked his eyes open in the darkness of night, wondering what had aroused him from his sleep. He looked down at the mop of brown hair resting on his chest. He would have thought Barry was asleep if he couldn't feel his finger gently tracing invisible patterns on his scarred abdomen. He brought a hand up and tangled his fingers in soft hair. Barry looked up, resting his chin on Len's chest to blink at him in the shadows. The speedster smiled softly as he regarded his boyfriend in the faint glow emanating from the alarm clock on the bedside table.

 

“Can't sleep?” Len mumbled quietly.

“No,” Barry breathed, content despite his insomnia. He wrapped the arm that had been tracing his skin around Len's torso and held him snugly. Mick was warm and solid against his back, arm thrown across Barry's middle, securing him to the bed.

“What's keeping that beautiful brain of yours awake?” Len asked curiously. Barry's expression was wistful when he responded.

“I just don't want to waste any time with the two of you. I'm happy; happier than I've been in a long time, and I want to hold onto this feeling as long as I can.” Len's grip tightened on the speedster as he spoke. When he finished, Len leaned forward and placed a loving kiss against the other's forehead.

“I can't promise it'll always be this serene and easy, but I can promise that I'll be by your side, no matter what, through anything and everything. I love you so much, Barry Allen. And, nothing will change that.” Barry buried his face in the front of Len's neck and held him close. The arm across his waist pulled firmly, the only sign they had awakened their fiery partner.

“Same.” Mick rumbled against the lithe man's back. Barry knew Len could feel his grin against his skin. His heart was full. He was loved. He knew that love made him stronger. The three of them could face anything the future would throw at them, together. Always.

Notes:

Let me know what you think!