#Sue Dearbon | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

cringelordlikesplaz · 2 years ago

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Though Your Guardians May Try

Ok, so a couple days ago on Discord I shared one of my ideas for an AU- What if Sue Dearbon was actually Sue O’Brian?

Basically and AU where Plas is Sue’s older brother. (which basically means that plas is ralph’s brother-in-law but that ain’t what this fic’s about)

-> Here’s the AO3 link <-

There’s a sorta long fic underneath the cut, so be warned.

He's ten when his father dies. He's nine when his mother dies.

He's five when his sister is born.

~~~

His mother is knives wrapped in sheets except for her stomach, which has continued to bulge outwards as the months go by. She smiles down at him as he places a hand on her stomach. His hand is lightly bumped and he gasps.

"Baby's sayin' hello to you, sweetpea," She says, her hand coming to rest on Patrick's head. Her hand is boney and shakes as she moves, like it always does.

"What's it doing in there?" Patrick asks, bringing his ear to his mother's stomach.

"Summersaults, probably." She answers, and she has to pause to cough into her hand. The fit lasts longer than it usually does, and his mother has to sit down on the couch after it, gasping. The shaking is worse when it's over, and her forehead gleams in the yellow light of the lamp.

"Do you want your smokes, ma?" Patrick asks.

"No, Pat, been readin' articles lately. Nicotine's bad for babies," She sucks in a breath and wipes her wrist over her face. "Lord knows I don't need to spend anymore on it,"

Patrick nods, "Okay," He climbs up next to her on the couch.

"Let's put on some TV 'fore your father gets home. We're going out for pizza when he gets off work."

Patrick kicks his feet happily over the edge of the couch, even as rain pours down outside. His mother turns on their little box of a television as she flips through channels. She settles on some sort of drama, and even though Patrick doesn't like those all that much his mom always explains them in a way that makes him laugh. So it makes things okay.

~~~

Baby Susan O'Brian is born two months later, and a month early. Patrick remembers being woken up in the middle of the night by his father.

"Patrick! Get up, we're taking your mother to the hospital!" His father shouts. Patrick leaps out of bed, still clad in his jammies (an oversized shirt that no longer fit his father. It had some sort of band logo on it). His father had said that when the baby was born they'd have to go to the hospital. Patrick was a smart boy so he figured the baby must be coming out now!

He leaves his room just in time to see his father holding his mom bridal-style, both of them still in their nightclothes.

"Really, Seamus, I'm not dyin'," His mother says, even though she looks faint.

"Not taking chances," His father grunts, "You know Pat came out fast."

Despite the apparent contractions she was having, his mother rolls her eyes, "I just wanted it over with. Poppin' out a babe is miserable enough as is, let alone when it lasts twelve hours."

His father huffs and then calls over his shoulder at Patrick, "Put your sandals on, n' get in the back seat,"

"'Kay," He says as he slips on his sandals. They have velcro that sounds fun when he opens it up. They couldn't afford the light up ones at the store, but his dad promised that he'd remember in time for Christmas.

He follows his parents out the door to their car. The sky is dark but slowly getting lighter. Patrick has never been up this late before.

His father puts his mom in the car before walking around to the wheel. Patrick has to jump to reach the handle, but he totally can because he's growing real fast.

The drive takes no time at all and somehow lasts hours at the same time. Patrick watches the world fly past outside, the sky a pale grey.

"Can we get ice cream when we're done?" Patrick asks.

"Sure," His father says, and then yawns, "Might drop by the Bean to get some coffee first."

"Okay." Patrick says, scrunching his nose. Coffee tasted bad.

His mother catches his expression in the rearview mirror and giggles.

~~~

"How do we know which baby is ours?" Patrick asks. He's being held by his father so he can see into the window. The view is overlooking two neat rows of babies, all wearing diapers or tubes.

"Hmm," His father taps his chin, "Well, did you know that when babies are born, they look like little old ladies?"

"No,"

"Well they do! But it goes away soon after. Since your sister was just born, she'll still look wrinkly and red, see?" He taps the glass where a baby sits, and this one is particularly red in the face.

"But how do you know later? When it goes away?" Patrick asks.

"Oh you can't. People get their kids mixed up aaalll the time." His dad says.

"No," Patrick says.

"Yes, it's true. Who knows, maybe we got you mixed up." His dad says.

"No!"

His father cackles, booping his nose with his finger, "Guess we'll never know for sure,"

"Daaaad,"

"Paaaat," His father counters. "Oof, alright, putting you down,"

Patrick groaned but allowed himself to be set down.

"Well, your mom's gonna be a while, let's go raid the vending machine, hmm?"

"Yes!"

~~~

Their mom is gone, and Patrick is nine and little Susan is four. They're at the kitchen table, papers and pencils strewn in front of them. Susan sits on her knees in order to reach because she has the nice chair with the cushion, but the nice chair is much shorter than the others. Her paper is covered in purple and green scribbles, and Patrick carefully folds his own paper that he's drawn large triangle teeth onto.

When he's done, he sticks his hand into the paper puppet.

"I made a monster," Patrick declares, opening and closing the mouth. Susan's eyes light up.

"Can I see?" Susan asks, reaching for it.

Patrick pulls away, "No," He says, pouting. His sister always got things grody. "It'll eat you!"

He surges forward with the puppet, making growling noises with his mouth.

"Nooo!" She shrieks, jumping up and running through the living room.

Patrick gives chase, cackling.

"Gonna eat you! Like a dinosaur!!" He says.

"Paaatrick stooop!!" She yells, "You're being mean,"

Patrick sticks his thumbs in his ears and waggles his fingers as he blows a raspberry. The effect is somewhat diminished by the fact that one of his hands is still puppetized.

"Daaaad!" Susan yells.

Patrick immediately panics, "Wait, no, shh, it's fine! I'll give you the monster!"

But too little too late, the door to their father's room opens. The man is still in his work clothes, not having gotten out of them as he came home and passed out on his bed. He walks down the hall, groggy.

"What're you two up to now?" He asks, arriving at the scene of the crime.

"Patrick's being mean!" Susan says, pointing.

Patrick hides the paper puppet behind his back, "No..."

Their father raises an eyebrow, "Alright, c'mon Pat. Show me what you've got," Their father holds out his hand expectantly.

Patrick pouts once more but relents, setting the folded paper into the awaiting hands.

Their father looks over the puppet curiously, opening and closing the mouth, "Huh!"

"It's a monster," Patrick supplies.

"It sure is. You make this yourself?" He asks.

Patrick huffs, "It's not like it's hard,"

"You harassing your sister with it?" He asks, voice a bit sterner.

"...maybe,"

"He didn't let me see it either!" Susan says, her eyes locked on the toy.

"Well, Pat, apologize to your sister and then let her look at it," Their father says.

"But she'll ruin it!" He says.

"Then you make another one," Their father says, hands on his hips, "Not like it's hard."

Patrick groans but he turns to his sister anyway, "I'm sorry for trying to make a monster eat you like a dinosaur,"

"Okay," Susan says, "Can I see it now?"

It's handed over and Susan immediately sticks her hand into the puppet. She opens its mouth a few times, smiling as she watches the monster flex its jaws.

Their father thinks the ruckus is mostly over now, so he cracks his back with a groan and wanders into the kitchen. Just as he's pulling out a bottle, he hears Susan yell.

"Rooaar! I'm going to eat you!!"

"Susan!! Daaaad!!"

Seamus sighs. He pops the bottle and takes a swig before setting it back, heading towards the living room once more.

~~~

Patrick is ten and Susan is five. They're sitting in a police station and Patrick is doing his best not to cry. One of the officers had told him to stop sniffling. Said that boys don't cry.

On the other hand, Susan doesn't cry at all. She's tired and grumpy and hungry and she doesn't know what's going on. All she knows is that it took their dad way too long to return to the motel and when a man finally knocked on the door to get them, it wasn't their father.

They didn't have food in the little fridge but Patrick scrounged around in their dad's case and pulled out a few dollars. They were able to get snacks and things from the vending machine outside like that until the money ran out. Patrick started to stick his hands into the slot to pull out pretzels after that.

Susan didn't like pretzels all that much but the good snacks were too high for her brother to reach. She was sick of pretzels.

Her brother sits with his knees tucked to his chest and one arm wrapped around himself. The other is draped over her shoulders, one of her hands tucked into his.

She leans her head into his shoulder, staring into the wall in front of them. She wants to go home.

~~~

They don't go home. Patrick tries to explain this as best he can, but it's hard. He explains that their dad is gone, and she cries. And when she finally stops she asks why they can't go home. Even if their dad isn't there the house must still be, right?

But they can't do that either, the house isn't theirs anymore. This sets her off again and makes the man in the car grumble at them.

Nothing is right and nothing is fair and Patrick is getting angry at all these adults. They're grownups, why are they being so mean? Mom said that adults know more than kids and that people who are smart are smart enough to know better. Then why aren't these adults smart enough to be nice?

It's stupid. Grownups are stupid.

The car stops and they're outside a building that Patrick immediately hates.

"Alright, we're here. Got your stuff?" The man asks from the driver's seat.

Patrick adjusts their bags. They don't have much, just what their dad told them to grab before they left their house. He nods.

"Let's get inside. You can meet the other kids." He says.

Patrick opens the car door and the world outside is coated in fog.

"C'mon, Sue," He says, tugging on her hand. She sniffles one last time as she clambers out after him. He carries both their bags as they walk into a building that seems to climb the sky. It fades into the fog and Patrick can't tell where it ends.

He scowls even as Susan shrinks back into his shadow.

"I don't wanna," She says.

He holds her hand tight. He decides something then and there. They walk into the building and as they do he leans down close and whispers.

"We're not staying,"

~~~

The kids are mean in the foster home. On their first day someone roots through their stuff and when they can't find anything they like they call them names. Patrick tells the adult, Miss Bleaks, but she waves him off. Tells him to come back only if he needs an ambulance.

He comes back into the shared rooms and the punk who rooted around their bags looks smug. Patrick thinks he hates him. Something inside burns with indignant fury.

Susan's bed is right next to Patrick's but she never uses it. She insists on sleeping in Patrick’s bed. claiming that there's monsters in hers. One of the other kids claims it and uses it to hide things in the pillows.

Patrick doesn't mind. He learns early on if they get separated one of them tends to come back with a bruise. Best to stick together. Even if that doesn't always work.

~~~

He's ten, almost eleven, when the dam breaks.

Their foster home isn't one with a lot of money to spare. Considering the muttering Miss Bleaks does on a nearly daily basis, no foster home of this size has money to spare. It means that personal items are difficult to obtain and harder to keep.

Miss Bleaks will sometimes confiscate items she believes are valuable enough to sell. It's why she took Susan's butterfly pins from off her backpack- they were the special ones their father won them at the fairgrounds before their mother died.

Susan hugs her bag close to her chest for three days after that. She eventually stops but Patrick will still see her rubbing her thumbs over the little scars the pins made in her bag. Something akin to festering bitterness sets like a stone in his gut, but not quite.

He isn't able to get the pins back. He sneaks into Miss Bleaks office while the rest of the home is asleep and they simply aren't in any of the drawers or cupboards. It leaves him frustrated and he slams his hand into the drywall. He's not very strong at this age- but he is big. That, combined with the age and simple shoddiness of the walls, his fists goes right through.

Nobody hears. He goes to bed, and the next day Miss Bleaks loses her mind.

He isn't blamed, and neither is Susan. She instead turns her ire towards one of the older troublemakers. It's the kid who rifled through their things the first day, Eugene.

There's a grim sort of satisfaction he feels as he watches Miss Bleaks pull him away by the ear, still yelling about "earning his worth".

The feeling fades quickly.

"What's she going to do with him?" Susan asks.

"Give him extra chores, probably." He says, recalling his own punishment earlier that week. Miss Bleaks thought punishment was a healthy part of a religious diet.

"She seems real angry though..." Susan trailed off, her brows furrowed, "Is she gonna get meaner?"

He doesn't know. It's a scary thought, but he still can't make himself feel bad.

For the first time since his dad died, something feels like it's approaching "fairness".

He can't even feel bad when Eugene comes back late and shoves him out of bed. Susan shoots right up, eyes wide as her brother topples to the floor.

"What was that for!?" Patrick shouts.

"You know what it's for you little lout!" He yells, "You think I'm stupid?"

Patrick gets up and stares him down, "I sure as hell don't think you're smart."

Eugene's fist connects with Patrick's eye. He topples over, landing hard on the tiled floor. He's not fast enough to get out of the way as Eugene collides with him, knocking the rest of the wind out of him.

He's hit again, and again, and again, and his arms are pinned to his sides and he can vaguely hear murmuring through the din in his ears.

Eugene is fourteen. Patrick is still ten. At that age, he should have had a few inches of height over Patrick. He does not. Patrick is not a small child.

With a snarl Patrick folds his legs up and kicks the older boy off him. Eugene loses balance and soon their positions are reversed, Patrick above and the other below. Patrick doesn't bother using his fists, his hand still throbbing from where he punched the wall.

It's why Miss Bleaks comes in after midnight to find that there's a ring of children surrounding Patrick and his assailant, as Patrick kicks the other boy in the gut.

~~~

Patrick and Eugene are hauled off and don't come back until morning. Susan finds that she can't sleep. When light finally creeps in through the window, her eyes feel raw.

They come back sporting more bruises but a few band aids as well. They don't speak to each other as they head to their beds.

Patrick sits down next to Sue and she sits back up.

Wordlessly she throws her arms around him, and he does the same.

~~~

They run away from the foster home. Patrick is eleven and Susan is six.

~~~

Sometimes Susan misses Miss Bleaks. She wasn't very good but she gave them candy and at least when she was around her brother pretended to be nice to other people. They live outside now and it's cold and Patrick is only ever nice to her. And when he is he isn't nice like he used to be.

He's angry all the time and he doesn't like it when she doesn't do what he says. He shouts at her once and she gets angry too and she shouts back. She doesn't like living outside. She doesn't like being mean. She doesn't like how he's acting.

They end up screaming at each other until Sue bursts into tears and runs off. Patrick doesn't chase after her, but he certainly shouts after her.

She runs until she finds a crevice between buildings and she sits there and cries. It's summer and it's supposed to be hot but as night falls she's still freezing. She wants to be under their tarp again where they have a bunch of stolen blankets and pillows. She wants Patrick to read her another story from the book from the library. She wants the chips they scored from the lady's shopping cart at the store.

She sits and huddles against the wall even as the stars begin to creep up the sky. She's too distraught to get up. She doesn't know where she is anymore and she can't remember where Patrick said their new home was.

She's half asleep when she hears footsteps. A light is being shined down the alley she's in.

"Sue?"

She pokes her head out, "Pat?"

It's her brother. She runs out and leaps at him, crying.

He catches her, holding her tight. He looks lost.

Neither of them apologize. They just go back to their makeshift tent and go to bed. She picks out a story and her brother reads it to her. Patrick never shouts at her like that again.

~~~

Patrick is sixteen and Sue is eleven. Patrick's a sophomore in high school and Sue's in sixth grade.

She has her extra credit work set out in front of her, though her pen is scratching out doodles in the margins.

She hears a click in the front door and it swings open to reveal her brother. She checks the clock- it's four.

"I'm home, punk!" Patrick greets, slamming the door behind him and shaking himself loose.

"They let you go early?" She asks.

"Nah," Patrick says, shrugging off his jacket onto the arm chair, "Left school earlier than usual. Got done with work at record speed."

"Kay," She says, "Our neighbor brought us spaghetti and pie,"

"Nice,"

"In the fridge," She calls as he zips into the kitchen. Sue crosses out a particularly terrible picture of a Bulbasaur. Her chemistry teacher doesn't like her doodles.

She becomes aware of a presence looming above her.

"Nice dragon," Patrick says pointing at her paper.

She tugs it away, scowling at him, "Go eat your pie."

He snickers, sitting down on the armchair and stretching out, pie in hand. Patrick takes a bite even as he fumbles for the remote and turns on the TV. That had been a good find. They go out to the dumpster behind their complex often and all the things they usually find are broken. The TV was cracked on the side, chunks of the casing missing and revealing complicated innards. Despite that, it functioned.

The hardest thing really was trying to find a remote that worked with it.

Patrick flips through channels, passing by a toddler cartoon, a black and white crime movie, the local news, and finally stopping at over the top reality drama. Their apartment is calm after that, the sounds of bad TV mingling with the scratching of pencil over paper and the hum of the ceiling fan above.

Neither of them mention the bruise on his jaw nor the scratches on his hands. It's normal, by now.

As is it normal that when Sue is done with her work, she sets it down on the table before disappearing into the kitchen. She comes back a moment later with antiseptic and band aids.

~~~

High school is not kind to Patrick. He's learned that in order to make it through the day, he has to bare his teeth and snap at the other dogs pacing the cage. The teachers don't appreciate this, but he never listened to authority and he isn't going to start now.

It's not his choice to go to school. He guesses it isn't anyone's choice, really, but he doesn't have parents breathing down his back checking for grades and misconduct slips from the principal like most do.

He works under the counter at a bar at the edge of town. He doesn't pour drinks nor does he talk to the customers all that often, but he works in the kitchen and he fries potatoes and can slap together a mean burger. It's mostly cooking and storage and cleaning but it pays and he can take home leftovers so it's good.

Dan, the bar's owner, is a good guy. A larger man, round. He's got hairy knuckles and wears a deep brown leather jacket half the time Patrick sees him. Dan pays him what he can and it's a decent gig. Patrick can safely say that he likes it, even though Dan won't let him work longer hours.

"If yer gonna work for me, yer gonna have to go back to school, kid." Dan says at the beginning, "I don't hire fools,"

Patrick scowls, "I'm not a fool. You said yourself I work harder than anyone else you've hired,"

"And I meant that," Dan says and then levels him with a hard stare, "I don't say what I don't mean, Pat. But hard work and bein' stupid are not mutually exclusive. You didn't know shit when you came 'ere lookin' for work. We had to teach you.

"Now I don't regret that one bit, you took to learnin' like a fish to water. But don't think for one second I want you to get comfy now that you know the basics. You keep learnin' and you keep not bein' a fool or yer gonna have to find another job. Capeesh?"

He furrows his brow but he nods. Later that night when he's wrapping up the last of the mopping and about to head home Dan comes back and places a glass into his hands. It doesn't look like any of the drinks they serve. It has a straw as well, and Patrick takes a sip.

"Is this a root beer float?" Patrick asks.

"Sure is, kid. Don't choke on it."

~~~

Sue has to walk home from school. The bus is too expensive and she's not too far away from their apartment, so it's fine. Some other kids walk home and while the group of students always splits up at some point, it's fun to walk with her friends as she walks.

It's not so fun when there's brat from her class walking behind her.

Her friend that she usually walks with was absent today so she's walking alone while too giggling girls mutter behind her. They're whispering in a way children do when they aren't really trying to be quiet.

Her face burns red and she has to fight back tears.

Susan doesn't like bullies. She doesn't like it when people are mean for no reason.

She also doesn't like it when Patrick goes out and picks fights, but sometimes she wishes differently.

~~~

Sue went to Patrick's school only once. On a field trip to the high schools in the city, in which there were really only two. One on the nicer end of the city, where they had two gyms and the property had a lawn managed by a few groundskeepers. The other was on the opposite side of town, where Patrick went.

The school was big enough for their district, had the normal amount of students truly been going there. As it was, the school was packed.

It made navigating the halls during the passing period hell for anyone who wasn't acquainted.

Someone clearly neglected to tell Sue's homeroom teacher this fact.

As her teacher tries to slip past the throng, Susan ends up getting left behind. She frowns as she loses sight of her classmates. The teenagers here are too tall! How does anyone do anything like this?

She presses herself against the wall. At least like that she was out of the way.

"Hey, Sue," Pat says, walking through the crowd like it wasn't even there.

"Hey, Pat," She says. It was so weird to see Patrick in his own school.

"Your class get consumed by the hoard?" He asks.

"Yeah! How do you go through this without getting trampled?" She asks.

"Wanna see?" He asks conspiratorially.

"Sure,"

And with that Sue is hauled up onto his shoulders.

She's grinning even as people look on with curiosity. She even spots a teacher who looks like she can't believe what she's seeing. She gives the teacher a happy wave.

Sometimes her brother is the coolest.

"So, you wanna skip?" He asks casually.

"No, Patrick."

~~~

Sue does not have parents she can call. So when she's marched to the principal's office and told to give them a phone number, she shares the only one she reasonably can.

Her older brother is also in school right now but she doesn't say that, she doesn't say anything.

Patrick shows up ten minutes later and he sits next to her in the principal's office, little primrose Jessica and her mom sitting besides them. The principal's eyebrow raises when Patrick enters, and he flashes her a winning smile.

"Morning," He says... nicely. Sue squints at him. The last time Sue saw her brother interact with a teacher he swore no less than fourteen times. Still, Sue didn't say anything. She folds her hands into her lap to keep them from fidgeting.

"Hello," The principal begins, "You're Susan's brother, I presume?"

"Sure," Patrick says, "Nice to meet you,"

He extends his hand and the principal takes it, her eyes flicking down to the colorful band aids on his knuckles. She shakes her head slightly, as if to clear it.

"I'm sorry, I was under the impression I would be seeing one of your parents," She explains.

"Both are at work, sorry." Patrick says, then scratches his head.

"I, uh, thought I'd just be taking my 'lil sister home, actually, so." He looks around the room like he doesn't know what's going on. Sue keeps her eyes down.

Jessica's mother clears her throat.

"Right, right," The principal says, getting back to the matter at hand.

She explains what happened at lunch.

Sue and Jessica were not friends. Jessica had a fancy backpack and fancy pens, Sue did not. Jessica liked to boast about this fact. Sue did her work and did it right, and only let people she liked copy it. Jessica was not one of them.

Jessica shared rumors and lies, things that once made Sue cry but now just made her grind her teeth. Sue kept telling herself, over and over again, that Jessica's stupid, Jessica's dumb. She's gonna end up on the side of the road or in a McDonald's, even though working in a fast food place is probably too good for her. Maybe McDonalds doesn't deserve the blight that is Jessica.

Jessica would hate every second of it though, so maybe not.

Then Jessica thought it would be funny to pour glue into Sue's water bottle.

And the dam sprung a leak.

Jessica, being the one who was punched, got to tell her side of the story first. Her mother nods along sympathetically. She even holds her daughter's hand as she begins to sniffle, as Jessica points to the scratch on her cheek. It was from Jessica fell over and face planted on the ground.

Sue keeps her eyes down, down, down. Don't look up, don't react. Her nails bite into her palms. It's hard to keep her breathing in check. Getting angry now would just spell bad news for her, especially in front of the principal.

Patrick sets a hand on her shoulder, gently. He gives it a quick squeeze, and Sue feels better.

It almost makes the fact that the principal doesn't bother to ask her side of the story better, but only almost.

Patrick remains cool through all of this, nodding along when the principal's eyes land on him. She can tell, the way only family can, when Patrick gets angry. She's not sure how. It's when Jessica's mother starts talking about juvie. She can just feel the immediate rage spark off him while the rest of the room remains oblivious.

It gives her the courage to lift her head. If only to see what Patrick says next.

"Well," Patrick interrupts, earning him a sharp look from Jessica's mom. He doesn't flinch, but his expression becomes sweet, even as the woman opens her mouth.

"Why aren't you in school?" She asks.

Patrick smiles, and then he lies, "Got a few free periods after fourth,"

The mother's mouth twists the wrong way even as the principal turns her gaze to Patrick.

"Oh," She says, "I imagine you're both academically inclined, then?"

Patrick shrugs, looking away bashfully, "Me? Nah. Sue, on the other hand, always looks forward to school. It's why it's so weird I've got to be here right now,"

The principal nods, her eyes landing back on Patrick's hands, "Do you know why your sister may be acting out? Any trouble at home?"

"Trouble? Ah, well," Patrick's hand pats her shoulder gently, and his tone goes sad, "Our dog just died a couple days ago, if that's what you mean."

The principal's face goes somber, and Sue lets her gaze drop back to the floor. The room is silent for a moment.

"Well, she can't just get away with this type of behavior," Jessica's mom says. Jessica nods, "She's still a bully,"

The principal sighs, "Of course, Mrs. Phillips," She turns back to Patrick, "If we could have one of your parent's numbers I can speak more in depth about this with them at a later date,"

"Of course," Patrick says. He's handed a sticky note and writes down a number, though Sue isn't sure whose.

They're all dismissed, Sue taking Patrick's hand and walking out of school. She's somewhat surprised by the afternoon sun still high in the sky. It felt like they day had dragged on forever but it wasn't even lunch.

"You coming?" Patrick asks, nodding towards the sidewalk. Sighing, Sue follows.

They're walking for a little while when Sue pipes up.

"Sorry," She says.

"What for?" Patrick asks. She turns to her side to look at him and he's currently picking something from his teeth.

"For pulling you out of school, I guess." She says.

"Eh," Patrick waves it off, "It's useless anyway,"

Her brows furrow at that. It's not, but also it kinda is? Maybe it was just the teachers who were terrible. Maybe Patrick was right and authority just... sucked.

They walk a little longer before Patrick turns to her.

"You feel bad about decking that girl?" He asks.

Sue doesn't need to think about it, "No,"

"Good," Patrick nods, "She looked like a butter brat,"

"She was," Sue groans, "She's rich and stupid and she poured glue into my water bottle,"

Patrick scowls, stopping where he is on the cement. Sue takes a few steps before realizing, turning back to look at her brother.

"Pat?"

"Did you punch her good?" He asks.

"No," Sue says, "She's just whiny. You wouldn't have even been called in if she didn't call her mom and cry,"

Patrick's scowl deepens, "Remind me to teach you how to throw a punch later," He grumbles.

Sue shrugs, and they continue walking.

They're almost home when Sue speaks up.

"What number did you give them?" She asks.

"Ah fuck right, " He says, "We gotta give Dan the heads up."

She blinks, and then gapes, "You gave them your boss's phone number?"

"He can totally pretend to be our dad! It'll be fine,"

"Patrick, oh my god,"

"It'll be fiiiine,"

~~~

And it is fine. Patrick is teased about it relentlessly by the two lesbians who work the bar, though. And sometimes Dan himself will give him crap, but it's fine. It's fine even though Dan starts to act a bit odd. Just as bossy and just as stern as always, but odd.

He's sent home with food more often than not these days. He'll ask after Sue, ask about his grades. Patrick tells him the truth, he sees no reason not to, and Dan simply nods through it all.

The weirdest thing that happens is when Dan gives him a wrapped present one day after work. The present is small. It fits snugly in the palm of his hand.

Dan looks awkward for a reason Patrick can't discern.

"For you and yer sister. Merry Christmas, kid."

Patrick doesn't mention that. He undoes the tie and rips open the paper then and there. Inside there are two things.

A thin, silver chain looped through a single blue butterfly wing, made of glass and copper. And a watch, with a black leather strap and silver casing. It's ticking steadily, and Patrick wonders how he didn't hear it before then.

He blinks, then turns to look at Dan.

"...Thanks," He says.

"Sure," Dan says gruffly, then coughs into his shoulder, "Now get outta here. Yer stinkin' up the place."

~~~

They don't go to Dan's bar every day, not even every week. But they go often enough that Sue learns the names of the bartenders and she knows where to find the chips without having to ask. They usually go after school, and Sue does her homework while her brother works.

Sometimes that changes, and they'll just sit and talk as someone else works. On those days, few as they are, Dan usually sits with them.

He claims to be keeping an eye on them, keeping them out of trouble. Sue doesn't think anything of it. And when it's time for them to leave he ruffles both of their heads and sends them off.

The best days are the ones where he sends them off with food. Dan makes the best garlic fries.

~~~

Sue comes home a bit later than usual. School had been obnoxious, her teacher holding the entire class late for some reason- Sue can admit she was distracted by the clock.

She has the key to their apartment though, so it's no big deal. The lock clicks and she lets herself in, only to find that the lights are already on. Did Patrick not have work today?

The door leads directly into the kitchen but it's only a few steps into the living room, and that's where she goes. She's not expecting Dan to be there.

"Dan??" She asks.

"Hey," Patrick says, and she realizes he's strewn over the recliner, a bag of peas pressed to his eye. Dan has got their first aid kit out and he's gently disinfecting a nasty scrape Patrick has on his arm.

"The hell's going on?" She asks, letting her bag fall off her shoulder.

"He got into a fight," Dan grunts.

"That I won," Patrick clarifies.

Sue isn't at the right angle to see but she can tell that Dan's giving Patrick a glare.

"Why's Dan here?" She asks.

"He called me," Dan says.

"I did," Patrick says.

"...Why?"

Patrick makes a sound like he wants to respond, but the words don't come. He makes a face which Sue is fairly certain means he doesn't know.

She looks to Dan and he meets her eye.

"He put a kid in the hospital," Dan says, setting the wipe down. He rifles through the bag of band aids, "You two need gauze,"

"Patrick!" She says.

"Told you I won," Patrick says.

"He got expelled,"

"You got in a fight at school?!" She asks.

"It's the be-" He breaks into a coughing fit, "-est arena around, Sue,"

"Oh my god," She mutters, looking out the window. The sun's setting.

"He's concussed," Dan says, unhelpfully.

"Whoa," Patrick says to the ceiling.

"Why is my brother so stupid..." Sue mutters to herself.

Dan claps her on the shoulder, "Them's just the way teenagers are, kiddo. You'll learn soon enough,"

"I'm not looking forward to it." She says.

Sue turns to flop onto the couch and groans into the cushions.

"Ice cream sounds so good right now," Patrick mumbles.

"We can get some once I find something to wrap this with," Dan says.

~~~

It takes a while for Patrick to heal. Between the scrapes and bruised ribs there was also the concussion and twisted ankle. Patrick assured Dan that it wasn't sprained though he's still forced to take two weeks off. Patrick's certain if he even spills a peep of complaint Dan will haul his ass straight to the hospital.

It's not like he's doing much in the meantime. He doesn't have school anymore and until he can head back into work he's basically stuck at home watching TV.

And as he sits there watching cheap TV drama, he decides that there could be worse fates.

~~~

The day he comes back into work is a dull one. It's fall and the air is chilled, so he shucks his coat once he steps into the backroom. Dan gives him a nod from where he sits to the side, typing away at the computer.

He's just about to head into the kitchen when Dan clears his throat.

"Pat, come 'ere a sec," He says.

Patrick makes his way over, settling against the edge of the table.

"What's up, boss?" Patrick asks.

Dan gives him a look, "You remember the deal we made when I first hired you?"

Patrick scratches his cheek, "Sure," He says, "Why're you bringing it up?"

"'Cause yer not goin' to school anymore, Pat,"

"Well duh," Patrick laughs, "I got expelled,"

Dan doesn't say anything. Patrick stops laughing.

Dan leans over to his filing cabinet and opens it. It's a mess of papers but what he's looking for is on top of the stack and he hands it to Patrick. It's a pamphlet.

Patrick's expression immediately falls.

"'Teenage Reform School?'" Patrick says, incredulous.

"They'll take any kid, no matter their record," Dan grunts, "They do it for free, so don't you worry about cost or nothin'."

Patrick is silent.

"I can't sign you up, so yer gonna have to do it yourself," Dan says.

"...I'm not doing this,"

"You don't even know what it is," Dan says.

"It's bullshit," Patrick tosses the pamphlet onto the desk, "I'm gonna go mop,"

"Pat-"

The door to the kitchen slams.

~~~

The pamphlet is pressed into his hands the moment he's about to leave.

"Just give it a look through, okay, kid?" Dan says, more earnest than he's ever seen him before.

"...Fine,"

~~~

"I told you before, if yer gonna work 'ere yer gonna have to hit the books," Dan says.

"It wasn't like I was learning anything at school, you know." He says, "You know I didn't do shit there, you know all those classes are useless," Patrick says.

"I trusted you to learn what you thought was valuable, not what they were teachin', kid. It's not about the garbage they feed you- it's the kids your age you meet and the way that shapes your life,"

"What do you know about my life? Why the fuck do you care?" Patrick shouts, stomping his foot. He growls, stomping again and again, going in circles. Dan wrings his hands.

"I just want you to have some normalcy, Pat," Dan stresses.

"Oh, great job then, giving me normalcy. I bet the reform program's going to be a blast." Patrick spits, "Why not just rip up the rest of my life while you're at it- oh wait, that's exactly what you're trying to do!"

"Would it really be so bad? You'd get three meals a day and a near guaranteed shot at college-"

"Yeah, and they'd stick us back in a home again," Patrick snaps, "Probably in another city! Who knows if they'll even keep us together? Where will we be then, huh? What's Sue gonna do?"

"Pat, you can't possibly think it'll be worse than what yer doin' now!" Dan says, "Look at yerself, kid! How many times have you gone to bed hungry? Or sick or hurt? Is that the life you want to live? Is that the kinda life you want to give yer sister?" Dan says, reaching forward to grab Patrick's shoulders.

Patrick wriggles out of his grip.

"You don't know anything," Patrick says lowly. He turns and leaves.

He doesn't come back.

~~~

Patrick is seventeen and Sue is twelve. Patrick doesn't go to school anymore even though Sue does. Money is tight and Patrick encourages her to steal food from the cafeteria when she can.

"Those lunches cost pennies, Sue. They've been overcharging things like this to students for years. They aren't worth your pity,"

They don't go to see Dan anymore, even though he calls. She never sees him show up, but sometimes she'll find boxes of food left out in front of their door. And there's only one person who can cook like that.

Patrick hasn't realized. He still thinks it's the neighbors.

Sue doesn't bother to correct him.

Things were never great but they aren't good like they used to be. Their routine has been thrown and Sue is left feeling out of sorts. Patrick can't find another job but he still keeps coming home with money.

(Money and bruises and very odd things tucked away in pockets and bags.)

He comes in and ruffles her hair, "You get your homework done, punk?"

"Yeah, Pat," She sighs.

"Cool," He says, sweeping across the room into the cupboards, "I've got a gig later tonight, won't be back until late. Or until... early, I guess."

Sue watches as he rummages around before pulling things out and slipping them into his pockets.

"You leaving now?" She asks.

"Yeah, gonna pick up some food first. Don't wanna work this on an empty stomach," He says.

"...Kay,"

He grins, a bit wild, before ruffling her hair again.

"Ugh, Pat!"

He blows a raspberry, "See you later, don't set the house on fire."

He leaves as quickly as he came. She hears the lock click.

"Bye," Sue says to the closed door.

~~~

It's late, or maybe it's early, and Patrick sits on the edge of a fountain at the park. He's supposed to wait here until a guy with a piercing in his nose shows up, but he's taking his sweet time.

Someone sits with him- another kid. Patrick holds the bag of goods and he'll sometimes catch the other sneaking looks at it. He's a bit older than Patrick but that's fine. Pat's still the bigger one. Teachers used to mistake him to be a senior, or a student who's failed several grades. He's neither, but it's odd that people can't tell at first glance.

"You sure you don't want to take a peek?" The other asks. Patrick hasn't bothered to learn his name and doubts he ever will. He doesn't look impressive and his personality seems to match.

Patrick scratches his chin idly, "Nah, I really don't."

"It's not like it's a bomb or anything,"

Patrick snorts, "How'd you figure that one out, sherlock?"

The other boy scowls, "Least I'm not the one with Hello Kitty bandaids on my hands," He sniffs.

Patrick carefully sets the bag down before grabbing onto the other's collar. The kid is just about to say something about that when, with a sudden shove, Patrick dunks the kid's head into the fountain. Once, twice, three times before yanking the sopping wet teenager and chucking him to the ground.

He picks the bag back up and takes his seat as the other boy regains his breathing.

"You little shit!" He seethes, spitting water from his mouth.

"Creative," Patrick drawls, "Take a seat before you fall over, you stupid sack of salt."

The confused and indignant look that crosses the boy's face is worth the extra bruise. Especially since Patrick's the one who gets handed the cash as the other boy pukes into the fountain.

~~~

Patrick is taking Sue to the movies. Sue walks behind him, making sure not to step on the cracks in the concrete. She's been wanting to see this movie since she saw the trailer on her friend's phone.

The movie theater is inside the mall, and they have to walk through it to get to the ticket booth. She tries not to look in any of the windows. She thinks they're not as short on cash this week but that doesn't mean they're loaded.

"Why don't you see if you can get any skittles or something?" Patrick says, nudging her shoulder.

"'Kay," She says, wandering out of line towards the candy booth. It's tucked away in the corner next to all the promotional posters. The candy at the movie theater is always so expensive. Even so, she roots around her pocket and fishes out three dollars that she harvested from the sidewalk.

Looking over the candy she frowns.

"Don't have something you want, dear?" The woman manning the booth asks, not unkindly.

"No, it's not that. Everything's too expensive," Sue says.

"Oh I know, prices here are so inflated," She says sadly. Then she looks around before turning to her conspiratorially.

"If you could get one though, which one would you get?" She asks.

"Uuuhm," Sue actually looks at the candy and not just the price tags, "The chocolate bag,"

The woman reaches in and pulls the bag out. She sets it out for Sue to take.

"Thank you for your purchase," She says with a wink.

Sue grins, taking the bag and giggling before running back to Patrick.

"Got the tickets?" She asks.

"Yup," He says, waving them, "Let's go see if we can get some good seats."

As they go through the door Sue spots a police officer talking to someone with a uniform and name tag. He's facing away from her but she can see the employee, the manager?, clearly. He wears a worried expression even as he nods.

"C'mon, Sue," Patrick says, tugging on her shoulder.

She follows, noting how Patrick keeps his head down the rest of the way to their seats.

~~~

Patrick presses himself up against the wall, his breathing heavy. His muscles in his leg spasm, and it takes all his concentration to keep it from buckling.

He hears footsteps hit cement and he sucks in a breath and holds it. His head throbs with every word spoken by the officers, and he slowly sinks down to hide in the shadows behind the dumpster.

He hears someone enter his alley, a light slicing through the dark. Patrick clenches his eyes shut and prays to- to something. Something, please, keep me safe.

He leans his head into the brick, focusing on the darkness behind his eyelids. He wants to go home.

(Does home want him to go?)

The footsteps stop, and then they fade into the distance.

He doesn't let out a breath of relief. He gets up, quickly, silently, and he opens his eyes.

The alley is next to the street- he's in the shopping district. In front of the alley is the road. Behind him is a wooden fence, and what lies beyond it is unknown. The swarm of officers can no longer be heard, but he's not stupid. He's never been stupid.

He hops the fence.

~~~

Sue has not left the apartment in two days. She knows she should go to school but she can't force herself to go. Anxiety rolls in her gut, a leviathan in a swimming pool. She hasn't been able to sleep in her room either. She fell asleep on the couch last night.

It started the day before. Her brother left. He promised to be back soon, and then didn't come back.

She's been hearing sirens around town too, cars driving up and down the city. She turned on the news just once, only to hear that a police officer had been killed.

She turned it off.

Sue wonders if she should get up and search. But of course that wouldn't be practical. The city isn't small and Patrick could be anywhere.

(He could be dead)

She holds the first aid kit to her chest, just in case. She can feel the rolls of gauze stuffing it full. It makes hugging the bag soft, and the sensation is oddly familiar.

When a man finally knocks at the door, it's not her brother.

~~~

It's an officer. She's taken away.

~~~

Susan O'Brian is twelve. That's what her papers say, says the social worker. She didn't ask Sue.

"It's all very impressive, dearie," She twitters, "Excellent grades... great health... and with your disposition you'll be snapped up in no time flat!"

Sue sits in an office. It's been decorated to seem more appealing to children, with soft chairs and cushions and toys, but Sue can't help but find the setup patronizing. She feels too old for pastel blankets or neon toys. She wants her sketchpad. She wants her books. Sue wasn't allowed to bring them, and she keeps being brushed off when she brings it up.

The chair she's sitting in is tall, more of a stool. Her shoes don't touch the floor.

"Uhm," She says, "Miss?"

The social worker looks up, a sweet smile on her face, "Yes?"

"Have they found my brother yet?" She asks quietly.

"Oh right, right, gimme a sec, dearie," She says, turning to her computer and typing away.

The room is filled with the sounds of clicking for a while. Sue stays quiet. She can be patient.

"...Says right here they caught him on the fourth of this month!" She says.

"Um, no." Sue says, "That was the initial capture, he escaped. Has he been found since?"

"Really?" The woman hums, then turns back to the computer to type.

After a minute, the social worker speaks up again, "Seems here he's still at large, hun. I'm sorry Susan-pie,"

"It's just Sue,"

"Hmm?" The social worker says, still looking at her computer.

"Never mind,"

The foster home she's currently in is the one she and Patrick stayed in when they were younger. It's different. There's less kids for one, and some, if not most of the structural damages have been repaired.

It looks almost nice.

"Do you..." She says, and the social worker looks up again.

"Do you what?"

"Do you... know what happened to Miss Bleaks?" Sue asks, fiddling with the hem of her sleeve.

The social worker blinks, "Oh she died a few years back, hun."

She turns back to typing, but still continues, "Nasty nasty case of pneumonia, I think. Didn't last long after that."

"Oh," Sue says quietly.

~~~

Things have been changed irrevocably but Sue can't feel it. She's not in her body, she's not in her mind. She's floating high, high up in the atmosphere, so high she can't see the ground. Things pass around and then through her- she's a cloud.

Mist in the wind, only visible from afar. Sometimes an adult will come to her and talk. About adoption, about schooling, about programs and homework and friends.

She tries not to talk about her brother. It's not hard. Sue is worried, she's terrified, but maybe she's not Sue. Maybe she's someone else, just living in her body for Sue. Waiting until she gets back and brings it all down to earth.

Nobody tries to force her to talk about him, so. Maybe that helps too.

She has free time. A lot of it. Some people encourage her to do things, to play, to run. She's handed books to read when she asks but they aren't hers. She has books she was in the middle of- these are new. Will she ever finish those books? Ever return them to the library?

Or will they remain forever half-told, the rise to the climax ending in an abrupt, steep cliff?

She doesn't read the new books. She doesn't do anything, really.

Adults mistake her apathy for something else. Something like obedience. Like agreeability or passiveness, something she's not.

Sometimes she understands Patrick and his hate of grown ups. Sometimes she can agree with him completely. Other times, the necklace under her shirt is an anchor and she knows that Patrick's view wasn't the full picture.

But he wasn't wrong, either. Maybe adults aren't broken, maybe they're just like kids. Maybe you grow up and you forget everything you learned while you were young. Maybe growing up was fake. Maybe maybe maybe.

"Susan, sweetie?" A voice calls. It's the new foster home owner. He's an older guy with thinning hair. His smile is as tired as it is genuine.

She looks up at him. She was staring at the floor, before.

"The computer in the main room is all set up. You can have first go at it if you'd like," He says.

"Okay," She says, getting up from her bed. It wasn't the same bed she had when she had been here so long ago.

She wanders out of the dorm and wanders into the main room. The computer that had been set up there was indeed free, and Sue slid herself into the seat.

She didn't know what to do there for a moment. Then a thought slipped under the door.

She typed in 'Patrick O'Brian'.

There were several news articles. A statement by the police. A picture of her brother. Not a police photo, one they must have gotten from the school. A lovely picture of the police officer he killed.

Patrick never liked the cops.

She starts reading. It's more information than she's gotten in the three weeks from the adults around her.

A delinquent, known criminal record. The police were mad, mad, mad. They wanted Patrick to be taken in. They haven't stopped searching yet, but the hunt has lessened as time went on. If only slightly. The articles don't mention Sue at all. She's not sure if she should have expected that.

The officer who died has his name plastered all around town. Despite this, Sue can't even bring herself to care. She doesn't even know his name.

There was speculation from the journalist that the police wanted to try Patrick as an adult. The chief of police had a quote going on and on about how troublemakers like this don't get better, they simply rot from the inside out. They were simply... born a bit worse than the rest of society.

Whatever was suspending her high in the air snapped.

She looks into the articles with a sudden fervor, reading until she comes across a description of the officer's death.

'...was found dead at eleven PM at the bottom of an open manhole. Forensics suggests that the height at which he fell killed him instantly upon impact. He carried with him his unloaded gun, suggesting he had not wanted to shoot an unarmed teenager. Despite this, the officer accompanying the victim insists that the manhole cover could have only been lifted up and set aside, as he says that city reports conclude that everything on that street is up to code.'

There's a picture of the manhole, the cover, and the corpse that was lifted out. She winces, but her eyes are soon glued to the cover.

Up to code her ass, that thing was so very clearly split in two. It was laying on the road, a visible crack running down the middle. If she looked carefully, the edge of the crack near the top looked weathered, while the rest of it was fresh, clean metal shining under the light of the camera.

She couldn't stop staring.

It looked like it had broken, clearly. The words on the cover had long since been eroded away under layers of rust. The manhole was in the middle of a one lane street, meaning that car tires wouldn't be on top of it often. Cars would drive over it.

If someone stepped on it, and maybe they were running, could a manhole cover just... snap?

No, is her first thought, but the question lingers. Maybe it broke when Patrick picked it up.

And then a question that feels so obvious she's embarrassed by how long it took to come to her. Why would Patrick do that?

If he was being chased by the police he wouldn't stop in the middle of the road to lay a... trap? Is that what the cops are calling this? That's stupid.

Patrick isn't stupid.

Sue isn't either.

~~~

Sue is outside. It's a mandatory recess, and everyone has to do it. The sky is cloudy but it's not cold. Sometimes the sun will peak through the gaps in the grey and leave warm spots trailing along the ground.

She sits on the bench, looking through the chain link fence towards the street. Her eyes follow the few cars that drive up and down.

The field isn't like the field at school, but it's not small by any means. One of the adults called it 'cozy', but Sue doesn't really care. People are coming to meet her tomorrow. Adoptions, and all that.

And it's this she wants to say she doesn't care about either, but she does. It's upsetting. In a way she can't articulate. It's only made worse by the adults around her tiptoeing around her or completely ignoring the problems. For people who work with kids, they sure as hell don't know what they're doing.

The kids mostly leave her alone. There's a couple punks that have bothered her, but she stands her ground. Patrick taught her how to throw a punch, but she never needs to use that skill. Keeping your head on straight is all you need when the adults in charge finally give a damn.

The fence around the field wraps around the main building as well, going back behind it and out of view. There's a section she can't see because of the wall, which is also blocking the street.

It's from here she hears a voice.

"Sue, come here a sec,"

"...Patrick??" She says.

She gets up and pokes her head behind the wall. Sure enough, her brother is standing in the shade of the building. He's got a duffel bag slung over his shoulder and a brown leather jacket that is somehow too large for his wide shoulders.

"Hey Sue," He says, but his smile is strained.

"Pat!" She rushes forward.

Patrick drops to one knee, holding his arms out to catch her.

She holds him for a moment. Clings to him like she'll never see him again.

When she finally pushes away, it's to shake him by the shoulders.

"Pat- Pat you've been framed!" She says, "The police are lying and they're making up evidence and they're not being fair, they're not- they're not-"

She hiccups, shaking her head furiously. He takes her hand in his.

"I know." He says, "I know."

"You didn't do anything they say you did," She insists, "We need to prove them wrong,"

"We can't." Patrick says simply. He lets his hands fall into his bag and begins to root around.

"What do you mean? They can't do this, they're gonna- they said they wanted to try you as an adult and that means they're gonna put you in jail-" She trails off as Patrick presents her a backpack. It's fairly small but it's stuffed.

"I got your stuff from the apartment. I dropped by to get some things and noticed these got left behind," He says, handing her the bag, "If anyone asks, you brought these here with you,"

"...Pat?"

He looks at her.

"You're not... what are you doing?" She asks.

"I've gotta skip town," He says.

She blusters, "But what about-"

He cuts her off, "There's no evidence. It's my word against theirs,"

"That's not fair!" She shouts, and Patrick immediately slaps his hand over her mouth.

"Shh, quiet. I'm wanted, remember?"

Her eyes go wide. She nods. He pulls away and she's left standing ramrod straight with her fists clenched at her sides. The world narrows down to just the two of them. The noise from the street, the chattering of other kids nearby, it's all gone.

"It's not fair." She says quietly.

"It's not." He says, "I'm sorry."

She looks up when she hears a sniffle. She wraps her arms around his middle once more, and he collapses all the way to the pavement. She feels too exhausted to cry, but Patrick must know that because he cries enough for the both of them.

"Can I go with you?" She asks.

"No, Sue, you gotta stay," He mumbles, "And I gotta go,"

"Not fair. You're not fair, Pat, you're mean and stupid and-"

"I know, I know, I'm sorry,"

She buries herself into his coat, "S'not fair,"

Patrick rests his hand on her head. He looks up at the cloudy sky, the little blotches of sunlight seeping through. He'll leave soon. In just a few minutes. He'll be out of the city, heading far away. Nothing to his name except a lot of mistakes.

He holds his sister close. He's lucky he gets to say goodbye.

"I know, Sue."

#Plastic Man #patrick o'brian #sue dibny #fanfic #au #this will be on ao3 but later #i invented a bunch of people to put into this fic and i regret it #i tried to keep sue in character but she's pretty young in this fic so it might not come across #i put all of the headcanons in here. all of them

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theflashseason10 · 2 years ago

Text

The Flash Season 10, Episode 12 - "Taking Out The Trash; Breaking Out (with) The Flash"

Click "keep reading" to expand the entire script, or click here for the rest of the episodes!

EXT. IRON HEIGHTS PRISON - DAY

Iris West-Allen is standing in front of the high-security prison, her eyes scanning the building. She takes a deep breath before walking in, her heels clicking on the cold floor.

INT. IRON HEIGHTS VISITATION ROOM - DAY

Iris sits across the table from Emerald, her eyes locked onto his. He looks worn down, his hair a mess, and his clothes worn out.

EMERALD (desperately) Iris, I'm telling you, I didn't kill Sourdough. All I did was throw him away.

IRIS (skeptically) Throw him away? That's what you're sticking with?

EMERALD (nodding) Yes. Please, Iris, you have to believe me. I'm innocent.

Iris studies Emerald's face for a moment before replying.

IRIS (softly) I want to believe you, but it's not up to me. Barry has a new partner working on the case.

Emerald's face falls, disappointment written all over it.

EMERALD (defeated) Who?

Iris hesitates before answering.

IRIS (reluctantly) John Diggle.

Emerald's eyes widen, surprise written all over his face.

EMERALD (shocked) The Green Lantern? What's he doing on this case?

IRIS (sighing) I don't know, but if anyone can get to the bottom of this, it's him.

Emerald looks down, frustration written on his face.

EMERALD (muttering) I just hope he can clear my name.

Iris nods sympathetically before standing up.

IRIS (rising) I have to go, but I'll see what I can do to help.

Emerald nods gratefully as Iris leaves the visitation room, her heels clicking on the floor as the heavy metal door slams shut behind her.

INT. REGULAR STAR LABS - DAY

Diggle and Barry are in the cortex. Barry is listening intently as Diggle explains the situation.

DIGGLE The Green Lantern Corps are essentially space cops. We protect the power of the Green, which is the power of willpower.

BARRY (fascinated) So you have an entire team of Green Lanterns?

DIGGLE (nods) Yes, and we're spread out all over the galaxy. But right now, that's not the issue.

BARRY (concerned) What is the issue then?

DIGGLE (somberly) The green power from the Green Universe is leaking all over the multiverse. It's causing instability and chaos in every world. If we don't stop it soon, everything will be destroyed.

BARRY (determined) How can I help?

DIGGLE We need to find a way to seal the leak. And we need to do it fast.

Barry nods.

BARRY What does this have to do with saving Emerald from prison?

Diggle pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath.

DIGGLE Because we believe that the source of the leak is in the Green Universe. And we need Emerald's help to get there.

Barry looks surprised.

BARRY What can Emerald do?

DIGGLE We believe he has knowledge of the Green Universe that could be helpful to us.

Barry nods in understanding.

BARRY Okay, I'll talk to the team. We'll figure out a way to break him out.

DIGGLE (nods) Good. We don't have much time.

The scene ends with Barry and Diggle looking at each other with a shared sense of urgency.

INT. CC JITTERS - DAY

Snow-Green and Green Fury are seated at a table, enjoying a bowl of CC Jitters Coffee Soup.

SNOW-GREEN (sipping her soup) So, how do we break Emerald out of Iron Heights?

GREEN FURY (smiling) With a little bit of willpower and a whole lot of green energy.

Snow-Green rolls her eyes, knowing that Green Fury can't resist a green-themed joke.

SNOW-GREEN (skeptical) Okay, but seriously, what's the plan?

GREEN FURY (leaning in) I have a contact inside the prison who can help us. We just need to get a few things in place and then make our move.

Snow-Green nods, impressed with Green Fury's resourcefulness. Suddenly, it dawns on her.

SNOW-GREEN (realizing) Wait a minute. You're Sue Dearbon from the Green Universe, aren't you?

Green Fury freezes for a moment, surprised that Snow-Green has figured it out.

GREEN FURY (sighing) Yeah, I am. I didn't mean to keep it a secret, but I wasn't sure if I could trust you yet.

SNOW-GREEN (nodding) I understand. But we're on the same side now. We need to work together to save the multiverse.

Green Fury nods, grateful that Snow-Green understands. They continue to eat their soup, making plans to break Emerald out of prison.

The scene ends with Snow-Green and Green Fury clinking their coffee mugs together in a toast to their mission.

INT. IRON HEIGHTS PRISON - DAY

Emerald is sitting alone in the prison yard when a group of supervillains approaches him. They start making jokes and laughing, but Emerald remains silent and unresponsive.

SUPERVILLAIN 1 (chuckles) Hey, Sourdough Slayer, how's life treating you in here?

Emerald clenches his fists, and his eyes start to glow green.

SUPERVILLAIN 2 (laughs) Looks like he's about to lose it. Careful, guys, we don't want to end up like old Sourdough.

Emerald takes a deep breath, and the green glow in his eyes fades.

EMERALD (angrily) You think you're funny, don't you?

SUPERVILLAIN 3 (smirks) Oh, we know we're funny. But you? You're just a washed-up villain who couldn't even beat a guy made of bread.

Emerald's fists start to glow green, but he hesitates, trying to control his anger.

SUPERVILLAIN 1 (mockingly) What's the matter, Sourdough? You gonna zap us with your green beans?

Emerald takes another deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

EMERALD (threateningly) You guys better watch your backs. I might be locked up, but I'm not helpless.

The supervillains start to laugh again, and Emerald looks away, defeated.

The scene ends with Emerald sitting alone in the prison yard, looking dejected and powerless.

FADE IN:

EXT. IRON HEIGHTS PRISON - ROOF - DAY

Snow-Green and Green Fury are on the roof of Iron Heights Prison, looking down at the prison yard.

GREEN FURY (whispering) Okay, let's do this. Snow-Green, you ready?

SNOW-GREEN (nodding) Yeah, I'm ready.

Suddenly, Barry and Diggle appear on the roof, surprising them.

BARRY (angrily) What the hell are you guys doing? Breaking into a prison?

DIGGLE (scolding) You're not above the law, you know that.

Snow-Green steps forward, trying to explain.

SNOW-GREEN (defensive) I didn't do it. I'm innocent, and I know Emerald is too. We need to break him out.

Barry interrupts, his voice stern.

BARRY (shaking his head) No, we can't just break the law to free him. We need to find a legal way to do it.

Green Fury scoffs and makes a joke, irritating John.

GREEN FURY (mockingly) Oh, come on, John. Lighten up. You're acting like you're in prison too.

Before anyone can react, Green Fury uses a Green Trap to freeze Barry and Diggle in place.

SNOW-GREEN (shocked) What did you do?!

GREEN FURY (coolly) Just a little trick I learned from a friend. Now let's go get Emerald.

As Snow-Green and Green Fury run towards the prison, the scene ends.

FADE TO BLACK.

INT. STAR LABS - DAY

Iris is talking to Allegra in the main area of Star Labs.

IRIS We need to find a legal way to get Emerald out of prison.

ALLEGRA (sighs) I don't know, Iris. The guy seems pretty guilty to me.

IRIS But he's not, Allegra. We need to help him.

ALLEGRA (smiling) Okay, okay. But how are we going to do that? Are we going to make a Prison Break style plan?

IRIS (laughs) I don't think that's a good idea. We need to find a way to prove his innocence.

ALLEGRA (sighs) I miss Chester. He was always good at finding a way out of tough situations.

IRIS (smiling) I know. But don't worry, Allegra. We'll find him. And we'll find a way to get Emerald out of prison too.

ALLEGRA (smiling) Thanks, Iris. You always know how to make me feel better.

IRIS (grinning) That's because I'm a funny person, Allegra. Speaking of which, how about we go to CC Jitters and grab a cup of coffee?

ALLEGRA (smiling) I'd love that. Let's go.

The two women leave Star Labs and head towards CC Jitters, ready for a caffeine boost and some brainstorming.

FADE TO BLACK.

INT. IRON HEIGHTS PRISON - EMERALD'S CELL - DAY

Snow-Green and Green Fury arrive at Emerald's cell, ready to break him out. However, Emerald protests and insists that he wants to do it legally. He refuses to leave his cell until they find a legal way to free him.

EMERALD (sternly) I appreciate your willingness to help me, but I cannot simply escape from prison. That would only make matters worse.

SNOW-GREEN (trying to persuade him) But, we don't have time for that! The Green power from your universe is causing a multiversal disaster! We need your help to stop it!

GREEN FURY (impatiently) Stop wasting our time, Emerald. We're taking you with us, whether you like it or not.

Emerald refuses to budge, and a brief scuffle breaks out between him and Green Fury. In the end, Green Fury prevails by trapping Emerald in a Green Trap.

GREEN FURY (to Snow-Green) Let's go. We have work to do.

Snow-Green nods, and the two of them start dragging Emerald's body towards the exit.

EMERALD (shouting) This is kidnapping! You can't do this!

But they ignore him and keep going.

FADE TO BLACK.

INT. STAR LABS - CONTINUOUS

Snow-Green and Green Fury enter Star Labs carrying Emerald.

SNOW-GREEN (to Green Fury) What do we do now?

GREEN FURY (smiling) We need to find the evidence to prove Emerald's innocence.

EMERALD (skeptically) And where do we find that evidence?

DIGGLE (O.S.) (surprising them) Right here.

Barry and Diggle enter the room.

BARRY (angrily) What the hell is going on here?

SNOW-GREEN (defensive) We had to break him out. He's innocent.

DIGGLE (to Emerald) We believe you. And we have a way to clear your name.

EMERALD (hopeful) You do?

DIGGLE (nodding) The trash can at CC Jitters.

BARRY (confused) What does that have to do with anything?

DIGGLE (explaining) If we can find the Sourdough loaf that Emerald threw away, we can prove that he didn't kill the Bread Maker.

SNOW-GREEN (realizing) And we need to hurry before it gets thrown out.

GREEN FURY (smiling) Then let's get going.

They all rush out of Star Labs, determined to find the missing evidence and clear Emerald's name.

FADE IN:

INT. REGULAR STAR LABS - DAY

Riddleman enters the room, his words cryptic and puzzling.

RIDDLEMAN: What has six faces but does not wear makeup, has twenty-one eyes but cannot see? You should come and see.

The team looks at each other, confused. Suddenly, Riddleman points to the TV.

RIDDLEMAN: Quickly, come and see, there's a villain on TV!

Everyone rushes over to the TV, and they see a news report about a new villain on the loose.

NEWS REPORTER: The Flash is in hot pursuit of the notorious trash-digging villain, Garbage Gobbler!

Everyone looks alarmed as the news reporter continues to explain how Garbage Gobbler is stealing trash from all over Central City, including the CC Jitters Bakery.

As the team discusses what to do, Riddleman is distracted by Green Fury.

RIDDLEMAN: (whispering to himself) What is as fast as lightning, and as beautiful as the Green Universe Sue Dearbon?

The team decides they need to stop Garbage Gobbler before it's too late.

IRIS: Okay, we need to split up and search for any clues on where Garbage Gobbler might be hiding out.

As they all start to head out, Riddleman subtly tries to follow Green Fury.

RIDDLEMAN: (to himself) What is green, and fiery, and can make a riddle-loving man's heart beat like a drum?

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

EXT. CENTRAL CITY - DAY

Barry and Iris are riding their scooters to CC Jitters Bakery. The rest of Team Flash, including Allegra, are following close behind.

BARRY (to Iris) Hey, you know what they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

IRIS (smiling) Speaking of trash, we need to hurry before the villain gets his hands on CC Jitters Bakery's waste.

ALLEGRA (riding up to them) Hey, should you two have stayed back due to your pregnancy?

BARRY (laughing) Nah, we're good. Just a couple of bread winners.

IRIS (rolling her eyes) Always with the puns, Barry.

They arrive at CC Jitters Bakery and dismount their scooters.

ALLEGRA (to Iris) Are you sure you're up for this?

IRIS (nodding) Yeah, let's do this.

BARRY (smiling) You heard the lady, let's go kick some trash!

Team Flash enters the bakery, ready to stop the trash villain.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. CC JITTERS BAKERY - DAY

Snow-Green walks into the bakery, followed by the rest of Team Flash. Riddleman pulls her aside and speaks in riddle-talk.

RIDDLEMAN (whispering) Tell me, fair lass, is Green Fury single?

Snow-Green looks at Riddleman with amusement.

SNOW-GREEN (chuckles) Oh, Riddleman, you never cease to amuse. But to answer your question, I don't know. Why don't you ask her yourself?

Snow-Green pats Riddleman on the back and heads into the bakery. Riddleman watches her leave and then looks determined to talk to Green Fury.

CUT TO:

INT. CC JITTERS BAKERY - DAY

Barry, Iris, and Allegra are standing near the counter, talking about the trash villain. Green Fury walks over to them.

GREEN FURY Okay, I think I've got a plan to stop the trash villain. We can create a containment field using the power of the Green, and then we'll just need to lure him into it.

Barry nods his head.

BARRY Sounds good to me. Let's do it.

Suddenly, Riddleman walks up to Green Fury, looking nervous.

RIDDLEMAN (awkwardly) Uh, hey there, Green Fury. I was just wondering if, uh, you know, maybe you're single?

Green Fury looks at Riddleman with confusion.

GREEN FURY Sorry, Riddleman, but I'm not really interested in dating right now. I've got work to do.

Riddleman looks dejected, but then tries to recover with a riddle.

RIDDLEMAN Well, fair enough, fair lady. But before I go, let me ask you this: What is always in front of you but can't be seen?

Green Fury thinks for a moment before answering.

GREEN FURY The future?

RIDDLEMAN (grinning) That's right. And I hope the future holds great things for you.

Riddleman tips his hat and walks away. Green Fury looks at him with a mixture of confusion and amusement.

CUT TO:

INT. CC JITTERS BAKERY - LATER

The team has set up a trap for the trash villain. They've created a containment field using the power of the Green, and they're now waiting for the villain to show up.

Suddenly, they hear a noise outside. The trash villain has arrived.

BARRY Alright, let's do this.

The team springs into action, using their powers to lure the trash villain into the containment field. The villain struggles, but eventually succumbs to the power of the Green and is trapped.

ALLEGRA (smiling) Nice work, team.

IRIS (grinning) Now, who's up for some CC Jitters Coffee Soup?

The team laughs and heads to the counter to order.

FADE OUT.

INT. CC JITTERS BAKERY - DAY

Team Flash is ordering coffee soup when suddenly, the containment field holding The Garbage Grabber breaks, and he wields his Trash Staff.

THE GARBAGE GRABBER: (in a menacing tone) Looks like you're in a bit of a garbage situation!

SNOW-GREEN: Oh boy, this guy's really on a trash talk rampage.

GREEN FURY: Don't worry, Snow-Green, I'll take out the trash!

ALLEGRA: Should we be worried about the trash flying around here?

IRIS: Not if we can recycle him!

Suddenly, John Diggle as the Green Lantern bursts in.

JOHN DIGGLE: Sorry I'm late, folks. Looks like I arrived just in time for the party!

THE GARBAGE GRABBER: A new Green Lantern, huh? I'll take care of you too!

John Diggle uses his Green Lantern ring to create a shield, blocking the Garbage Grabber's attacks.

JOHN DIGGLE: Looks like you need to take a bath, my friend!

As the Garbage Grabber continues his attack, the screen fades to black, leaving the audience in suspense before the commercial break.

FADE TO BLACK.

INT. CC JITTERS BAKERY - DAY

Barry and John Diggle fight Garbage Grabber. Diggle creates a Green construct around the villain's Trash Staff, which immobilizes him. Garbage Grabber struggles, but Barry uses his speed to snatch the special trash bag, which contains the flour from Sourdough.

BARRY: (holding the bag) I got it! This is what we need to clear Emerald's name!

DIGGLE: Good work, Flash. Now, let's send this guy back where he belongs.

Diggle uses his Green Lantern Ring to create a portal to a prison dimension in space. The Green Lantern Ring's energy envelops Garbage Grabber and sends him through the portal.

BARRY: (smiling) That was easy.

DIGGLE: (smiling) Not every villain has the power of the Speed Force, Flash.

BARRY: (grinning) I guess I'm lucky that way.

The rest of Team Flash joins them, as they head out of the bakery.

ALLEGRA: So, did you get the flour?

BARRY: (holding up the bag) Yep, I got it.

IRIS: That's great news! Now we can clear Emerald's name.

SNOW-GREEN: I guess our plan wasn't necessary after all.

GREEN FURY: (smirking) Speak for yourself. I had fun.

RIDDLEMAN: (awkwardly) Uh, excuse me, Green Fury? I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute?

GREEN FURY: (amused) Sure, Riddleman. What's on your mind?

The rest of the team looks on as Riddleman and Green Fury start chatting, and the camera zooms in on the bag of flour in Barry's hand.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. STAR LABS - DAY

Barry is standing in front of the computer screen, looking at the file Joe sent him. Snow-Green and Green Fury walk in.

SNOW-GREEN: What's up, Barry?

BARRY: Emerald's been exonerated. Joe just sent me the files.

GREEN FURY: That's great news! I knew we could do it.

SNOW-GREEN: Yeah, thanks to us.

GREEN FURY: (smiling) Snow-Green, you're so modest.

RIDDLEMAN walks in.

RIDDLEMAN: Ah, love is in the air. I sense it, I feel it, I smell it.

SNOW-GREEN: (confused) What are you talking about?

RIDDLEMAN: (in riddle-talk) It's not a matter of talking, but a matter of riddles. I see you, my love. I feel you, my love. I smell you, my love. (pauses) Green Fury.

Green Fury looks at Riddleman, blushing.

GREEN FURY: Riddleman, what are you talking about?

RIDDLEMAN: (in riddle-talk) My dear Green Fury, let me be your Riddleman. I'll solve your puzzles, I'll answer your riddles, I'll be your partner in crime.

Snow-Green and Barry look at each other, surprised.

BARRY: (whispers) Did Riddleman just confess his love to Green Fury in riddles?

SNOW-GREEN: (whispers back) I think he did.

Green Fury giggles.

GREEN FURY: (smiling) Riddleman, you're so… riddley.

RIDDLEMAN: (excited) Does that mean you'll be my partner in crime?

GREEN FURY: (smiling) Let's start with solving some riddles together.

RIDDLEMAN: (in riddle-talk) I'm all for it, my love.

Snow-Green and Barry look at each other, amused.

SNOW-GREEN: (whispers) Who knew Riddleman had a soft spot?

BARRY: (whispers back) Who knew Green Fury was into riddles?

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

INT. REGULAR STAR LABS - DAY

A portal opens up in the middle of the room. Out from the portal step Chester, Speedy Green, and the Green Universe version of Green Arrow. Chester is holding a Green Arrow hood.

CHESTER: Hey guys, we're back!

Iris, Allegra, and Riddleman rush over to greet them.

IRIS: Chester, where have you been? We've been worried sick!

CHESTER: Sorry guys, we got caught up in the multiverse. But we're back and we brought a friend.

Green Arrow steps forward and extends his hand.

GREEN ARROW: I'm Oliver Queen, but in the Green Universe, I'm known as the Emerald Archer.

Barry and Diggle walk over to join the group.

DIGGLE: Green Arrow, it's an honor.

BARRY: Welcome to our universe, Oliver.

GREEN ARROW: Thank you, Barry. It's good to be here.

SPEEDY GREEN: So, what did we miss?

ALLEGRA: Well, let's just say we had our hands full with a few new villains.

RIDDLEMAN: And a lot of puns!

Chester pulls out the Green Arrow hood.

CHESTER: And, I may have found something that belongs to you.

Green Arrow takes the hood and puts it on.

GREEN ARROW: Thanks, Chester. It's good to have this back.

SPEEDY GREEN: So, what's next?

BARRY: We'll figure it out, but for now, let's get some rest. We've earned it.

The group laughs and exits the lab.

FADE OUT.

INT. STAR LABS - POST-CREDITS

Barry and John sit down in the Cortex.

BARRY: It's crazy to think that there was an evil version of me in the Green Universe. It makes me feel like I have a lot to make up for.

JOHN: But remember, Barry, Evil Barry wasn't the only version of you in that universe. There was also a Good Green Barry.

BARRY: (Perking up) Really? Is he still around?

JOHN: (Sadly) No, I'm sorry Barry. He's dead.

Barry looks down, saddened by the news.

JOHN: But that doesn't mean his memory has to die. You can honor him by continuing to do good in this world, and being the best version of yourself.

Barry nods, taking in John's words.

BARRY: Thanks, John. I needed to hear that.

JOHN: Anytime, Barry.

Barry stands up and gives John a hug before they exit the Cortex together.

As the camera pans out on the now empty Star Labs, we hear the voice of Iris West-Allen.

IRIS (voiceover): We may never know what the Green Universe holds for us, but as long as we have each other, we can face whatever comes our way.

The scene ends with a shot of the night sky outside of Star Labs.

#the flash #ai #fanfic #the flash season 10 #the flash season 10 arc 3

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