"It's not how I thought about it, you know? The rogues. I didn't just use you as cannon fodder to protect my friends. I was as worried about you all as I was about my friends." It wasn't like it was even an us and them thing by the end, they were all in it together and apparently that was very odd, Eobard seemed entirely baffled by the concept and even laughed at it. Apparently they weren't much of a team in the future but right then, Barry felt like they were. "I know they do. I just don't know how to go back and look them in the eye." It wasn't easy. He had no idea how to even go about it. "I still feel like I messed up."
"You stumbled, Barry. You fell. Time to get back up." Leonard shook his head slowly, not sure how well suited he was for this pep talk. "I'm not saying you used us as anything, I'm saying that we knew the risk. We all knew it. No one did it just for your sake. You can't take responsibility for our choices. I've my own agency." Leonard put a hand on Barry's shoulder again, looking for words. "The fallout. You have to deal with that together too."
"So. When you say together, does that include you?" Barry knew it was an insane longshot but it was worth throwing it out there. "Like you said, you missed me. And you like the game. All I'm saying is that maybe, just maybe, you'd be pretty good on team Flash." Barry knew it was unlikely to happen and Leonard didn't really want to play hero but he thought if it at least put it out there, there was a chance it might go somewhere. "I know I like having you around."
"Cute, Scarlet, but I have my own team. Give that speech to Hartley, maybe he'll make up his mind one of these days." Once his ears worked again, at least. He should probably check on that. For now, this was more important. "But I like having you around too." He clearly did or they wouldn't be standing so close. "Though, you know, if you want to join up with me..."
"Nah, I could never be a rogue. Also I think Mark Mardon would kill me in my sleep. Or Mick. Or Axel. Or Lisa, actually. You know what? I'm a lot safer on my own team." Barry smiled and reached out, just to steal one last touch, patting Leonard's arm playfully. "It's just an idea, if you ever feel like doing some good in the world and maybe sticking around a little longer. You had our backs when we needed you, you're always welcome." He paused though, raising an eyebrow. "Also my friends are less likely to kill you, they all fear you... except Joe. Stay away from him."
"I'll see you soon, Barry." Leonard smiled, in spite of himself. "And don't worry. I do what I can to stay clear of cops." Short of not doing crime, but hey. Although lately, even that was in short supply, too much focus on rebuilding hospitals. "Go play with your friends, Scarlet. So we can play again."
"You better. I'll see you soon, Captain Cold." He liked the name, he couldn't help it. It just felt right. Barry adjusted his mask and nodded in Leonard's direction. "See you real soon."
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