Another Path Chosen

[chosenbylightning]

He called himself Savitar. God of speed.
What an asshole.

Barry had no interest in the metal suit, the promise of immortality or any of it. He just wanted to be left in peace. And maybe run a few con jobs on the side. But damnit, as soon as Savitar threatened other versions, other Barry Allen's who might have had better lives than his?

Screw it.

He had to try. He had to go. Running through time until the very fabric of reality shattered. The least he could do was warn the guy, right?

Comments

[chosenbylightning]

Did he just say 'humdinger'? His brow furrows in confusion before his arm is grabbed and he is tugged towards the couch by the force of nature that is non-speedster Barry Allen. Sure he could break free of his hold without even using his speed, but he doesn't.

He could even protest when he was sat down and the other proceeded to ramble on excitedly about Commander whoever and the other thingy that sounded a little science related as he set up the TV.
But he doesn't.

He simply glances back at his other self. "He's always like this, isn't he?"

[adultflash]

Barry laughs and happily returns that gentle squeeze, following his selves to the couch and getting comfortable. "He is, yeah," he says, with a fond smile. "I'm not much different sometimes. You're stuck with a couple of intensely nerdy friends now."

[commanderspecs]

He just continues to babble as he sets up the television and looks back at them about how the writing has changed his life when he notices how they both are sprawled on the couch. Barry smiles. It's such a strange sensation to see other people who look and sound like himself but at the same time, not. He knows that Iris tuned him out whenever he talked about Commander Carl but he knows, at least, both of these men would follow along easily.

Perhaps, if things work out, they could keep Barry here. No matter what, he's determined not to let him go back to that awful Earth. He knows that, perhaps, there is some good to be done there, but he can already feel a fondness for him.

"Hey, hey, excuse me, I am not a nerd."

For the first time, his mouth sets into a thin line and his brows furrow a little. Just as quickly, it goes away and Barry gets up from where he's fiddling with the channel changer, to keep his hands busy and decidedly not call it a nervous tick.

[chosenbylightning]

There's an old fondness kicking up as he listens to the nerdier version of them ramble happily on about his favorite show and how much he thinks that they'll both like it. As much as Barry would like to tamp down on the instinct, he can't help but want to protect him, to make him happy and keep him safe no matter the cost.

So when there's a visible fidget with the controller he rests a tattooed hand over his. "You're going to have to get me up to speed on who's who if you guys have already been watching it." Engaging him to talk about his favorite thing and to confirm that he is indeed going to pay attention.

[adultflash]

Barry sits up when it seems he's made his twin uncomfortable. "I'm a nerd too, remember? Bullied and everything," he reminds him gently. "But I think it's cool. I mean, most of my friends are some kind of nerd or about something or other, even if they're not book smart. It's definitely not a bad thing to me."

[commanderspecs]

The reminder that he isn't the only one that was bullied gets him to relax. He gives his Barry a fond smile, not sure if he could walk over and just kiss him for his troubles in front of...their guest. Instead, he settles with them and hits play.

"Then it's perfect that it's all good company here."

[chosenbylightning]

The fond smile speaks volumes for Barry as they settle in, but before he can observe anything else the show starts and his twin is happily explaining everything to him. Who is who, what's the history, all of it.

It's.. it's cute.
God help him it's cute how enthusiastic he is and it isn't long before he's engrossed in the series with him.

[adultflash]

Barry's pleased when his self relaxes, and he settles against him when he joins them on the couch. He's not even really doing it intentionally, but he rests his head against his self's shoulder as the show starts.

He's just as chatty as his selves are, drawing parallels to shows he watches and offering theories, and happily rambling about the science of it.

At least, for the first couple of episodes. Eventually his chattiness starts to fade, and he's dosing. He's talked about his sleeping problems with his Earth 2 self before, largely as a result of his time in the Speed Force. But when he's curled up with him like this, it's surprisingly easy to fall asleep.

[commanderspecs]

He rambles on, filling the other two in on who Commander Carl was and his crew and how they zipped through the galaxy, defending it from invaders. The theories that are thrown around gets him even more animated and Barry is practically talking both of their ears off.

"Barry. Barry, this is the best part. This is the ep--" He stops when he feels the weight on his shoulder. Instead of waking the other man, he simply turns off the tube and player and shifts until he could gently nudge the other awake. "Hey, let's get you to bed, then, all right?" he asks softly.

He looks at their visitor with a small smile. "I'll bring some blankets and pillows out."

[chosenbylightning]

Barry can't help the softness in his voice as he shakes his head. "Get him to bed. I'll manage okay." After all there's a couple of nice throw pillows and a good blanket on the back of the couch.

He didn't need much, he never did.

"Goodnight Barry." A small smile for his sleepy twin.

[adultflash]

"Mmm?" Barry mumbles, as he rubs his eyes and sits up a little when his self nudges him. "Sorry, you didn't have to stop just for me."

He manages to stand, and tugs their newest addition up into another warm hug. "Sleep well, okay?"

[commanderspecs]

Once Flash lets go, Barry gives him a hug as well before nudging his boyfriend toward the bedroom for rest and bed.

Once they are out of view, he kisses him softly, smiling.

[adultflash]

Barry returns the kiss warmly, giving him a light squeeze. "What's that for? Not that I'm complaining. And you really didn't have to stop watching, you know." He feels a little guilty for interrupting the marathon.

[commanderspecs]

The words are on the tip of his tongue but Barry smiles and shakes his head, kissing him again. He takes gently begins to remove Barry's clothes.

"Come on, sleepy head. We can always watch more later."

[adultflash]

Barry returns the kiss and blushes faintly when Barry starts to take off his clothes, but he doesn't protest. It's kind of nice, actually, to let his self take charge of even simple things like this that aren't sexual at all. He tugs on Barry's sweater though, because he can't be the only one getting undressed here.

"We can watch more in the morning while I make you breakfast, because you're both getting pancakes," he insists.

[commanderspecs]

He beams at the prospect of pancakes and lets Barry slip off his sweater. He reaches up and undoes his tie with practiced ease. He kisses Barry softly again and glances back at the closed door.

"...he seems to have had a rough like." He turns back to his Barry and kisses him again. "Kind of like you."

[adultflash]

"His life has definitely been worse than mine, but there are some similarities, yeah," Barry agrees, wrapping his arms around his self after they've finished undressing. It's still upsetting to think about the possibility of his dad not being innocent in another universe. "If Joe hadn't taken me in, I might be more like him."

[commanderspecs]

He pulls him into a hug as well, peppering where he could reach with soft kisses. It is difficult to think of a life without Nora and Henry. But to think of a life that the new Barry has lead? Barry buries his face in his Barry's neck for a moment before pulling away.

"Come on, let's go to bed before you sleep standing up," he says softly with a smile.

[adultflash]

Barry chuckles ruefully, giving him another kiss before leading him to the bed and getting comfortable under a pile of blankets, snuggling right up against his self. "Goodnight, Barry," he murmurs, feeling warm and safe next to him like this.