#angry eobard

[zeroducks-2]

Do you really think reverse flash is in love with Barry? I don't mean for this to sound snarky I'm just confused. Thawne killed Barry's mom how can you say he's in love with him? I like all the things you post and rb about them I really enjoy the ship. I just don't get it can you explain?

The question "how can Eobard be in love with Barry if he hurt him" has both a short answer and a long answer. The short answer is that people are very much capable of hurting the ones they love, on purpose or by accident.

The long answer is that Eobard is a deeply disturbed individual who has never been the recipient of love, and because of that and of many extremely traumatic events (including but not limited to being brainwashed in prison, being trapped in a timeless limbo alone for years, being tortured and treated like cattle and put in sensory deprivation for ludicrous amounts of time, dying at the hands of the only person who had ever shown compassion towards him), he has a skewed perception of a lot of things and is extremely bad at emotional regulation.

Moreover, and this is something which is easy to overlook but it's actually very important, Eobard is not human. His actions are informed by his traumas, but the way he approaches pretty much everything (including his "problems" with Barry) isn't done the way a human would.

Eobard is a timeless, deathless creature which embodies one of the driving forces of reality itself (the Negative Speed Force). He lived probably more than a few hundred years considering how he keeps running around through time doing stuff, and how he keeps going back to watch past events and adjust the way he will interact with the timeline next.

He knows the huge impact that killing Nora will have on Barry, but from a moral and ethical standpoint it's not a big deal for him. Nora is less than a speck in time, an NPC who served her role for that briefest moment in which she existed. She is a big deal because she is a big deal for Barry, not because she's meaningful in any other way.

"But then he did want to hurt Barry when he killed her" Yes, absolutely he wanted to. Eobard didn't "just" kill Nora Allen - he went back in time and changed everything about Barry's life, made it so he had no friends, made him grow isolated and insecure and shy, lacking confident in his abilities. And he did it because he is very, VERY angry with Barry for one, and also because isolating Barry makes it easier for them to grow closer.

And it worked! Back in the Silver Age, when Nora and Henry were alive and not in prison, Barry couldn't be bothered with Eobard. For him Eo was just a random criminal with superspeed, and sure he was threatening because speedsters always are, but not that much of a big deal.

Now? Now Eobard is a primary element in Barry's life, a constant he's had to deal with basically since birth, someone who rewritten his entire life to make himself part of it in an indelible manner.

It worked because now Barry is more likely to fall for Eobard's manipulation, to listen to him, to just accept that he's THERE because he's always been. Near the end of Running Scared, Eobard tells him "run away with me", and Barry says yes.

Back in the Silver Age there would have been no way.

It's worth mentioning that to understand Eobard, you need to understand that everything he does, every single thing, has the end goal of being with Barry. Whether he's trying to protect him or trying to hurt him or trying to manipulate him, whether they manage to work together against a common enemy or they're on opposite sides of the fight, every single one of Eobard's actions is motivated by love (his personal, inhuman version of love).

"But if that is the case, then why doesn't he just tell Barry 'I love you'?"

Two reasons, and one is meta.

The in-story reason is that every time Eobard tried to do something good without masking it as horrible, it went sideways and backfired spectacularly - mix that with poor emotional regulation, and you have someone who's not going to be able to handle rejection and is outright scared of doing good things openly. I think if he told Barry "I love you" and Barry reacted badly it would hurt too much. Also he wants Barry to understand, and thanks to a couple of competent writers who sadly don't work on Flash anymore, we were getting there.

The meta reason is because DC is homophobic, plain and simple. Eobard DID SAY I love you many times except with words, because DC editorials won't let him. That's it. It's the same reason why Joker can't tell Batman "I love you" and has to do weird ass word plays and even more weird ass attention seeking maneuvers. They're stunted by reasons which no one but DC itself can control.

So in short. How can Eobard be in love with Barry and hurt him so much at the same time? Because he doesn't have many ways of express love, he has a hard time being caring, and every time he allows himself to be soft it backfires. Because he wants Barry to belong to him and will isolate him and make him suffer to get there. Because he's angry with Barry -- Barry hurt him too, rejected him and left him alone and refused to accept that Eobard is his lightning rod for a long time.

Eobard easily lashes out when he's hurt, and the less grounded he is the more vicious and violent he turns.

"But Zero, how can Eobard think that Barry will ever forgive him for having killed his mom?"

I don't believe Eobard was ever looking for forgiveness, but fun fact. Barry did forgive him already. Barry is not human either, and at this point I think he'd forgive Eobard just about anything, and despite how difficult everything is between them, he really wants to get to a place where they don't need to hurt each other.

The problem with this, and it's one of the reasons why they have so many issues communicating, is that Barry is in denial about many things - about being the Speed Force, about Eobard being in love with him, about how they're two constants through time and two sides of the same coin and basically can't exist without each other, about how they're each other's lightning rod.

Their relationship is very complex, absolutely not what it looks like at first glance, and it's colored by all the hurt there is between them. But again, ultimately understanding Eobard is understanding that love is what motivates him, even when he does the most horrible unhinged things.

In conclusion, have this panel from The Flash Age which is one of my favorite Flash comics, in which you can see the way these two manage to trust each other and fall into the right rhythm, despite the oceans of misunderstandings and suffering between them.

Pages from The Flash Age, by Joshua Williamson. In which Barry tells Eobard to "do the right thing", and Eobard just does it.

[ftl-faster-than-life]

This picture of Eobard’s disappointed angry pout when he realizes he’s dealing with Wally and not Barry has a special place in my heart. He’s so funny.

From the Chain Lightning arc.

[6rookie-writer0110]

Thinking about the plans we made last night

Barry Allen x Male Reader

Request- Where the reader and Barry go on a mission to stop reverse flash and it takes a turn for the worst. The reader witnessing Barry get knocked unconscious during his fight with Reverse-Flash. Wanting to help, the reader rushes in to continue the fight against Thawne. But the reader is nowhere near as fast as thawne and As a result, Thawne grievously injures the reader.

Barry is on a mission to find Reverse-Flash. And it didn't take him long to find him but Barry had to be careful.

“Barry, I think you shouldn’t fight him alone,” Cisco said.

“I won't let him get away, I have to stop him now,” Barry said.

“You won't be able to stop me, Flash. I did mean it when I said I would take everything away from you” Eobard said.

Eobard and Barry start to fight. But Eobard managed to punch Barry a few times before Barry could even attack him back.

You just arrived at Star Labs Ciaco and Caitlin are using the computer.

“Y/n, you need to go help Barry right now!” Caitlin said.

“What happened?” You asked.

“He is fighting Eobard Thawne and it's not going well,” Cisco said.

They are watching the fight on the computer screen. You saw Eobard brutally punch Barry in the face hard over and over.

“Where are they?” You asked.

“Downtown by Jitters,” Cisco said.

“On my way,” You said.

You have Kryptonian powers and you speed to get to downtown. And you tackle Eobard to the ground and Barry is passed out on the ground.

“This ends now!” You yelled.

“And who are you?” Eobard asked.

“Don’t worry about that” You said.

“You have the same powers as Superman. I have been studying your powers” Eobard said.

“So?” You said.

“I know your weakness” Eobard smirked.

Now you and Eobard start to fight. You used laser vision on him and he used speed to get away from it. But you keep using it trying to attack him again. Your anger is taking over because he hurt your boyfriend.

But he is much faster than you. He punched you in the stomach and you almost fell to your knees. But you struggled to get and punch him but you missed. He is just smirking at you and you try again to punch him but he starts to toy with you. He used his thunderbolt to punch you hard and you hit a car. Now you are on the ground and he is walking towards you.

He takes out a brass knuckle but it has kryptonite.

“Your weakness is kryptonite. I managed to steal it from Lex. But I'm going to enjoy this. I want Barry to see what he loves the most die in front of him” Eobard sinister laughed.

“I’m going to kill you” You angrily said.

“You won't do anything, Y/n. I figured out who you are and why Barry cares so much about you” Eobard said.

He punched you in the face and you started to bleed. He grabbed you by the suit and made you stand up. The kryptonite is starting to make you weak, but you try to fight back but you are feeling weak. He punched you in the stomach and then threw you across the street. You are on the ground struggling to move your body. But he got on his knees and then punched you in the chest extremely hard. He managed to cut your chest with the kryptonite brass knuckles. You start to cough up blood and a piece of kryptonite is stuck in your chest.

“This is the end” Eobard smiled.

Barry starts to get up and he sees Eobard brutally punching you in the face. You passed out but you are bleeding. Cisco and Caitlin are telling Barry that Eobard has kryptonite and you are about to die unless he does something fast.

“He won't die!” Barry yelled.

Now Barry is feeling angry. His emotions were taking over, so he ran toward Eobard and attacked him. He used air manipulation to get Eobard away from you. Then Barry used speed to get to him then Barry used speed again to punch Eobard many times in the face now Eobard starts to bleed. But Barry doesn't stop he keeps going but Eobard is going to attack Barry grabs his right wrist and takes off the brass knuckles. But Barry snapped his wrist in half then did it again on the left wrist. Eobard is screaming in pain but he starts to heal Barry does it again.

Barry goes back to punching him in the face but harder. Barry saw broken glass on the ground, he grabbed a piece and stabbed Eoboard in the neck and chest. Then Joe arrived with the police and they surrounded the flash.

“Flash, stop!” Joe yelled.

But Barry didn't notice them. He kept punching Eobard in the face and he coughed up more blood. But Joe and other cops pulled Barry away from Eobard.

“Stop it! Y/H/N needs help now or he is going to die!” Joe yelled.

Barry ran to grab you and ran to Star Labs. Cisco and Caitlin start to work fast to help you heal. Caitlin takes out the Kryptonite stuck in your chest. Barry takes off the mask and starts to cry.

“I couldn't stop it” Barry cries.

“He is going to make it,” Cisco said.

“We better hide this. I took the Kryptonite out of his chest” Caitlin said.

“I will hide it. Please just save him” Barry cries.

“We will,” Cisco said.

Barry went to hide the Kryptonite. He starts to feel bad and he cries again, he can't lose you.

——-

For the past 3 days, you have been in a coma. Barry would stay by your side for hours and won't barely eat anything. Cisco and Caitlin try to encourage him to eat and rest but he refuses.

“I stabbed Eobard because he almost killed Y/n,” Barry said.

“That goes against your code of being a hero,” Cisco said.

Barry is holding your hand.

“He tried to kill Y/n!” Barry screamed.

Barry stood up and he was facing Cisco.

“If Eobard died then you would have gone to jail,” Cisco said.

“I don't care if I went to jail. If I lost him, I don't care what happens to me and I mean that. I don't feel bad I hurt Eobard because he hurt Y/n” Barry said.

He turns around and sits next to you then gently grabs your hand. Cisco leaves the room

✫ ✬ ✬ ✬

Almost two weeks later, you start to wake up. You did struggle a little bit to sit up and they walked in. Barry rushed to your side and hugged you then kissed you on the lips.

“Y/n, you woke up” Barry smiled.

“Why are you crying? It's only been one night” You said.

“Y/n, you don't remember what happened?” Barry asked.

“I just remember we fought Eobard and that's it,” You said.

“Your brain must have blocked what happened before you went into a coma. Y/n, you have been in a coma for almost two weeks” Caitlin said.

“Two weeks!?” You said in shock.

“Yes, two weeks. He hurt you badly with Kryptonite that he stole from Lex Luthor” Cisco said.

“But we are glad you are doing okay. But you need to take it slow” Cisco said.

“I-I. Okay,” You said.

“I’m taking you home, Y/n,” Barry said.

“Thanks,” You said.

Barry helped you get out of bed slowly. Cisco and Caitlin left the room and Barry helped you get dressed.

You have been living with your boyfriend for almost four months. You sit down at the dinner table and Barry uses speed to buy your favorite food and comes back.

“Let’s eat” Barry smiled.

“Yeah,” You smiled.

“I almost killed Eobard because he almost killed. I lost it and I stabbed him in the chest and neck. Cisco is mad that I broke my code. I couldn't lose you, Y/n” Barry said.

“I’m not mad at you, Barry. If it was the other way around, I would have done the same thing” You said.

“You mean so much to me,” Barry said.

“I feel the same way. Let's move on and we will be ready when he tries to come back and hurt us” You said.

“You are right,” Barry said.

———-

Barry surprised you with a picnic date at the park. You are feeling better but you are enjoying the moments you are having with him. Barry feeds you a strawberry and you two start to smile. Then you gave him a peck on the lips.

“I’m going to train with Karate kid so I can get better at fighting,” You said.

“I was going to ask Oliver to train us,” Barry said.

“You still can train with him. But my friend is coming tomorrow to train me” You said.

“He really goes by Karate Kid?” Barry asked.

“Nickname. He knows every single fighting style there is and he doesn't have powers, but his name is Val Armorr” You said.

A dog ran up to you and Barry. You and Barry start to pet the dog and it's a stray dog. Barry feeds him a piece of ham. You and Barry start to play with the dog

“Maybe we should keep him?” Barry asked.

“He is really cute. I think we should but we would have to take him to the vet” You said.

“What should name him?” Barry asked.

“I’m not sure,” You said.

You and Barry start to talk about names, then the dog licks your face. Barry takes a picture of you and the dog together.

[longitudinalwaveme]

Some thoughts:

While I certainly won't deny that Len has some anger issues, he doesn't really strike me as having the explosive rage you see in the Red Lantern Corps. That's more Lisa's thing. If anything, I think Captain Cold is a Green Lantern. He's stubborn to a fault, he's managed to keep a team of supervillains with widely disparate personalities together for at least a decade, and, when faced with an opponent who is far more powerful than he is (the Flash), he continually and insistently keeps fighting him, coming up with new strategies and plans to stay one step ahead of the Scarlet Speedster. He also faces down much more powerful villains regularly, and without much fear. All that takes serious willpower, and I think that that's ultimately a more prominent part of his character than his anger. Also, Len didn't originally create the Rogues. It was Sam who came up with that idea, and who was originally often the one calling the shots. Len sort of fell into the role later as a result of being the only remaining Rogue with his head screwed on straight.

I agree that Sam Scudder would be an orange lantern. He loves his money and his shiny, shiny mirrors, and he loves attention even more. Evan McCulloch, though...I honestly think he'd be a better fit for the Sinestro Corps. He's basically an Eldritch horror, and borderline unstoppable. Of all the Rogues, he's easily one of the creepiest. I do, however, agree that both he and Sam would be interesting in the Indigo Lantern Corps (particularly Evan, since he's had so much trauma and done so many messed up things). Also, I kind of hate the retconned backstory of Sam having killed someone in a botched burglary before he became the Mirror Master. In his original stories, he was arrested for robbery, and there wasn't any indication that he'd killed someone, and the retcon darkens all his fun Silver and Bronze Age appearances. I love Geoff Johns' Rogues, I really do, but he really needed to lay off on the grimdark retcons.

I agree that Grodd is either a red or a yellow lantern, though I would strongly lean towards the yellow end of the spectrum myself. Usually Grodd isn't especially angry. Brutal, yes. Angry, no.

Captain Boomerang being a red lantern does work, though honestly I would lean towards him being part of the avarice corps myself. Like Cold, while he does have a lot of unresolved anger issues, he doesn't really have that obvious burning rage that seems to characterize a lot of the Red Lantern Corps---and he is very greedy and gluttonous. I also agree that him being a part of the Indigo Tribe could be potentially interesting.

Weather Wizard as a Red Lantern makes sense, since he's frequently very prickly and was very revenge-motivated in his first couple of appearances, but he could be part of the Orange Lantern Corps as well. He's a thief, of course, but, more importantly, we know that he craves power and respect, and it seems very likely that on some level he envied his older brother, who was always his parents' favorite child. I also have to admit that an Ultraviolet Lantern would be a good way to learn more about him, since unfortunately he doesn't usually get as much characterization as the other Rogues do. I will also say that Mark's New 52-and-onward backstory (the only part of which I like is the fact that he and his family are from Guatemala) does make him lean more towards the Red Lantern Corps than he would have previously, since in that version his brother was killed by someone else whom he then took revenge upon.

Eobard being a Red Lantern does make total sense (especially since Barry is a Blue Lantern), but I could see him fitting into the Orange Lantern and Yellow Lantern Corps equally well. As the video mentions, he wants to have Barry's life, which would mean he could slot in quite well to the Orange Lantern Corps, and, of course, as a time-traveling murderous stalker, there's no doubt that he's scary.

Killer Frost is NOT a Flash villain! ARGH! I do agree with the Lanterns assigned to her, at least if we're assuming this is the Caitlin Snow version of her (the Crystal Frost version would have been a more malevolent/stalkerish Star Sapphire or Orange Lantern, and the Louise Lincoln version would have been a Red Lantern).

I mostly disagree on Heat Wave. While the New 52 Hothead McAngryman version of Mick would indeed be either a Red Lantern or a Yellow Lantern, I'm inclined to think that classic Mick part of the Star Sapphire Corps. Not only does that group need some men in it, but, more importantly, Mick is traditionally incredible devoted to and supportive of the people he sees as his friends. You know, I think I now know why the person making this video doesn't like Heat Wave. It's because he's only familiar with the most terrible version of him.

The three rings the person making the video gives to the Pied Piper work pretty perfectly for him. We know that he was lashing out against society and his cold, controlling parents when he was a villain, so a Red Lantern ring does make sense for him as a villain, he did, of course, reform, and he probably does inspire a lot of hope as a hero and social activist. That being said, I think he could simply stay as part of the Indigo Tribe from his reform onwards, as he is extremely compassionate. And hey, he knew about Piper's stint in Breedmore! And...didn't know that William Magnus was paid to give Hartley the hearing aids that allowed him to hear. Piper didn't build those himself.

I definitely disagree that Trickster belongs in the Orange Lantern Corps. James is many things, but one thing he is not is greedy. Back in the Silver Age, he explicitly said that he didn't care nearly as much about money as he did about messing with the Flash, and he's much more interested in showing off and in outsmarting people than he is in simple financial gain. I'd put him in either the Green Lantern Corps or the Blue Lantern Corps myself. He's a persistent little imp, and he certainly holds out a lot of hope for his own future, being as he is generally cheerful and optimistic. Axel would probably be a Green Lantern (due to his teenaged stubbornness and general recklessness), although the very early Axel who was a total sociopath might have fit into the Yellow Lantern Corps. Either way, neither one would be an Orange Lantern.

The Top is either a Green Lantern or a Yellow Lantern. While I don't deny that he hates the Flash and isn't very fond of society generally, his anger is fair outstripped by his willpower and just how scary he is. This is a man who taught himself everything he could about tops and engineering, who taught himself how to spin at super speed, who tried to take over the world, the country, and the city on separate occasions, and who repeatedly dug his way out of the grave several different times through his own sheer willpower. If that doesn't qualify him for a Green Lantern ring, I don't know what does. And, of course, the fact that he's a power-hungry, bomb-building ghost that possesses corpses makes him very scary, so he would also be a natural fit for the Yellow Lantern Corps. But hey, props for acknowledging the fact that Roscoe is mentally ill, and that that does affect his behavior. I can't say that the ultraviolet corps would be bad for him per se, just that I think Yellow or Green would fit him better. Especially since they're already the colors of his costume.

The Orange and Yellow Lanterns would both work well for Savitar.

Characters who weren't mentioned in the video, but who I will classify anyway:

-Zoom (Hunter Zolomon) would probably be either a Red Lantern (because of his anger at Wally for refusing to help him) or a Yellow Lantern (due to his sheer power and willingness to kill). Before he became Zoom, he would probably have qualified for a Green Lantern simply because of all the terrible things he managed to survive.

-Golden Glider is 100% a Red Lantern, being almost entirely motivated by the desire to seek revenge for Roscoe's death. Prior to his death, she would have been either a Green Lantern (because of her incredible determination, bravery, and ability to overcome her abusive father) or a Star Sapphire (because of her deep love for Roscoe).

-Albert Desmond is a Blue Lantern, always hoping that he'll be able to live a normal life with his wife, Rita (who also qualifies for a Blue Lantern ring). Mr. Element is an Orange Lantern; he was primarily driven by a desire for profit. Dr. Alchemy is a Yellow Lantern, as he was disturbingly detached from his humanity, and possessed of almost unlimited control over the elements.

-Alvin Desmond would either be an Orange Lantern (he's a lot like Digger in many ways, but much more power-hungry) or a Yellow Lantern (for the same reasons as Albert when he's Dr. Alchemy).

[mcbenson25]

More Than He Bargained For Part 8

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Final Part

A/N: I know I said I would post more often but I decided it was becoming a lot if I kept posting in little sections so I decided to make them a loooot longer just to move things along.

Warnings: Violence, blood mentions, injury, mild language

-----------

Eobard took a swig of water, trying to quell the anger, annoyance, and exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm him. The Earth-X situation was proving to be more of a headache than he had anticipated. The lack of patience and impulsiveness from his team was becoming a hindrance, but they were his only shot at a happy ending.

A happy ending where Barry was dead, and Eobard had you by his side. The thought brought a twisted smile to his lips, but it was short-lived as a loud beeping interrupted his thoughts.

"He's gone," the Dark Arrow announced, and Eobard tensed.

"Who? Merlyn?" he asked, unable to hide the contempt in his voice.

"The biosensor in his suit indicates his heart stopped," the Dark Arrow replied evenly, and Eobard felt a sense of resignation wash over him.

Merlyn was never strong enough to handle anything, so his demise was no surprise.

Get over it.

"He always seemed too soft to me," Eobard remarked, hoping to move past the topic and focus on the task at hand.

The room fell silent, and for a moment, Eobard thought they had moved on, but of course it was too much to hope for as the Dark Arrow spoke again.

"He died for you," he said to Overgirl with a solemn tone.

Here we go with this.

Eobard felt a wave of disgust wash over him. Merlyn's death meant nothing to him, and he couldn't understand why it would matter to anyone else.

"We will make his death worthwhile," the Dark Arrow stated with a sense of determination.

How stupid.

"That doesn't change the fact that now we're down a man," he repeated, trying to refocus the conversation on the task at hand.

Dark Arrow gave him a withering glare, clearly annoyed at the lack of respect coming from Eobard. "Keep your focus where it belongs and GET to work on locating that prism!" he growled through gritted teeth.

Oh have I hit a soft spot?

Eobard couldn't help but smile at the opportunity for confrontation. He relished the thought of punching Dark Arrow's ridiculous face. "Watch your tone," he warned, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. "Or I'll watch it for you."

Dark Arrow's anger boiled over, and he stepped forward, shoving Eobard roughly against a pillar. Eobard couldn't help but grin in satisfaction, knowing that he had hit a nerve.

This was going to be good.

"Oliver!" Overgirl called out trying to diffuse the situation, but he ignored her, focused solely on Eobard. "Did you just tell me to watch my tone?" he snarled, his eyes flashing with rage.

Eobard met his gaze without fear, his wicked smile never leaving his face. "You're angry," he said in a low voice, goading him. "And I like it."

Dark Arrow pushed him further into the pillar, his fury barely contained. "Don't you mock me!" he spat.

Eobard merely chuckled. "Then do not threaten me," he taunted. "Or have you forgotten?" He vibrated his hand menacingly. "I can end your life before you even birth your next thought."

Both men stared angrily at each other waiting for the other to move when Overgirl showed up next to them.

"Try it once," "Kara" threatened, "and I break every bone in your body."

Eobard felt his hand get crushed by Overgirl and "Oliver's" arrow was uncomfortably close to his neck.

Okay maybe not the best idea.

He rolled his eyes, "Ok, we're all a little emotional. Here what I suggest," as said feeling the arrow coming closer to his throat, "I will stop vibrating my hand," he looked at "Kara", "You will stop breaking my wrist, and you," he said exasperatedly to "Oliver", "will be 10% less brooding."

"Oliver" backed away and let his arrow fall on the floor with a clang and only then did "Kara" let go of his hand.

"We accomplish nothing by arguing," Kara stated.

Eobard was annoyed again. "It's the accomplishing nothing that has me concerned." He paused taking an annoyed breath, raising his voice, "We came here to conquer this Earth, or have you forgotten?"

"Oliver" stepped in. "Locate the prism," he paused as he saw Eobard's murderous look, "please."

That's what I thought.

"Once we have identified the location of the target I will devise a plan of attack.”

Eobard was finally in agreement as he walked out.

Time to get the party started.

------------------------------

Harry sighed, his mind heavy with thoughts of the recent encounter with you. The memory of catching you flustered replayed in his mind, intensifying the beat of his heart. Seeking a distraction, he had joined Caitlin and Jax in their work lab, hoping to shift his focus to tracking down the Nazis.

Pushing up his glasses, Harry's attention was brought back to the tool he was tinkering with as Jax shared some information. "Felicity's got her friend working on Palmer Technology's spectrometry satellites," Jax said, breaking the silence.

Why don't we just use-

Caitlin finished Harry's thought. "Okay, but what about the Waverider? I mean, a time-traveling ship must have some sort of tracking technology we can use," she suggested, her voice tinged with a hint of hope.

Harry nodded in agreement. "It would help us locate these bastards a lot faster," he remarked, his determination evident in his voice.

Jax interjected, his expression perplexed. "Well, not exactly. It's in the, uh, Stone Age," he explained, scrunching up his face.

The confusion was mirrored on both Caitlin and Harry's faces. "It's literally in the Stone Age." Jax clarified, prompting Harry to let out a frustrated sigh.

Caitlin's disappointment was visible as she spoke, "Okay, well, parallel Earth jumping is kind of Cisco's specialty," her voice trailed off.

"Unfortunately, he's too busy being unconscious right now," Harry replied gruffly, his frustration seeping into his words. "I guess we're on our own.”

Just then, Professor Stein entered the lab, and Jax's face lit up. "Oh, perfect timing, man. We're trying to find the guys from Earth-X, but we're coming up with nothing," Jax shared, hoping for a breakthrough.

However, Professor Stein's expression revealed a hint of sadness as he glanced at Caitlin and Harry. "I'm sorry, could you excuse us a moment?" he requested, his tone conveying a need for privacy.

Caught in the intrigue of the unfolding situation, Harry exchanged a curious glance with Jax before focusing his attention on the professor. Something was about to transpire, and Harry couldn't help but smile curiously.

Carelessly tossing his tool aside, he remarked, "Happily. We don't want to interrupt whatever... awkward, awkward thing-," he said with an amused expression.

Caitlin, rolling her eyes in annoyance, her voice laced with exasperation. "Come on, Harry, it's not about you," she scolded, as she dragged him away from the unfolding conversation.

Yet, Harry's curiosity lingered. "-that is," he continued, his voice trailing off as Caitlin pulled him away.

---------------------------

One sheep, two sheep, three sheep...

Sitting in the cortex with Iris, you spun in the chair as Felicity frantically tried to uncover the Nazis' hiding place. Frustrated, Iris blew out a breath and questioned, "How long until you brainiacs find these Nazis?"

Felicity, visibly exasperated and annoyed, let out a sigh. "My answer hasn't changed in the two minutes since you last asked me."

You and Iris exchanged a concerned glance, sensing something was bothering Felicity. Iris quickly apologized, sitting up straighter in her chair.

Noticing the impact of her own tone, Felicity sighed and admitted, "I'm sorry. I'm dealing with some Oliver stuff," she paused, "not 'Nazis ruined the happiest day of our life' stuff, but... stuff."

You approached Felicity, sensing her distress. Memories of your earlier conversation this morning flooded back.

"Stuff. Like you're unsure about marrying him?" you asked gently, drawing closer to Felicity.

"I thought you guys said you were good?" Iris chimed in, scooting her chair closer to Felicity.

Felicity glanced at you, her eyes reflecting the vulnerability within.

"What if I lose him? I couldn't bear it. I love him too much."

You remembered your heart-to-heart talk earlier, and instinctively spoke up for her, saying, "You don't want to jeopardize the happiness you've fought so hard to build."

Felicity nodded, tears welling up. "We're just as good as we were the last time we got engaged and I got shot. That was the beginning of the end for us."

Iris let out a sigh, struggling to fully comprehend Felicity's situation, because her own relationship with Barry seemed so perfect and secure. You, on the other hand, painfully understood the complexity of Felicity's emotions, as you longed for the same sense of security with Eobard, free from worries about him or the constraints of time that seemingly never escaped you.

"I don't want to tempt fate again," Felicity's voice cracked, "you know?"

Both you and Iris enveloped Felicity in a comforting hug. In that moment, a beeping sound emerged from the computer, drawing your attention. Huddling around the screen, you asked, puzzled, "A break-in at Dayton Optical Systems?"

Iris, seemingly weary, suggested, "I know this may sound terrible, but maybe we should let the police handle it. We need our team focused on the Nazis."

Casting her a sideways glance, you couldn't help but disagree. At this point, anything could be connected to the unwelcome visitors from Earth-X

Felicity pulled up security footage and looked up, her gaze intense. "This is the Nazis."

Sighing, you swiftly began pressing buttons on the computer. "We need to inform the others. Now."

-----------------

Eobard observed with amusement as Barry walked toward Dayton Optical Systems, reveling in the sight of his confusion and apparent stupidity in trying to piece together the puzzle.

What a moron.

"Why are the Earth-Xers targeting this place?" Barry asked Arrow and Supergirl, unaware of Eobard, Dark Arrow, and Overgirl emerging from the shadows. They stood in front of them, nodding evilly.

"Because," came Dark Arrow's distorted voice, "they had something we need."

Eobard smirked as he carried the box and stood across from the Flash, slowly setting it down. Despite being mere feet away, Barry still couldn't figure out his true identity. How stupid was he? Even with his phasing abilities, was Flash really that pathetic in not being able to recognize him?

"Whatever you stole," Arrow started menacingly.

"We're gonna need it back," Barry finished, determination in his voice.

We're gonna need it back. Eobard snorted at the Flash and his pathetic group of do-gooders.

"Your confidence is predictable," Dark Arrow said, clearly amused.

I'll say.

"You've faced some of the greatest evils known to man," Dark Arrow continued, "and you've defeated them. But if you think so highly of yourselves, that you can defeat any threat that comes your way..."

There was a delicious pause as they removed their intricate gas masks, revealing themselves to Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl.

"How do you feel about us?" Dark Arrow said to his doppelgänger, wearing an evil smirk.

To say they were shocked was an understatement. Eobard relished in the stupid look of confusion on Flash's face as he glanced uncertainly at his partners.

Arrow spoke first, his disgust evident. "This is sick."

"Do you mean looking at your reflection and seeing only weakness? I agree," Dark Arrow responded.

"Thawne?" Flash said, attempting to sound unfazed, but Eobard knew the anger boiled inside him.

"Direct from Earth-1," Eobard answered with glee. "Do you like my face?" He gestured, "I was told this was much handsomer than that stupid face of Harrison Wells."

"You're demented," Flash seethed. "I watched you die."

Eobard shook his head and laughed. "Or did you? It's time travel, Barry. So very confusing. I always seem to be saying that to you, don't I?"

It was a hypocritical statement, really. Time travel was the very thing that had brought him to you, that had saved you. Why couldn't you understand that? Everything he did was for you. But he always seemed to mess it up, unable to be careful. You made him forget everything else. But that would change. He just needed to settle things with Flash first.

"Last chance," Green Arrow growled, bringing him back to the present. "Go. Home."

"And stay there," Kara said, her tone cold and resolute.

"All of you," Barry added, his expression hardened as he stared at Eobard.

Eobard smirked at him before putting his cowl back on, fully focused on going after Barry.

Oh no, Barry. Not this time.

Unfortunately, his moment of enjoyment was cut short when Overgirl was struck by a kryptonite arrow. Dark Arrow rushed to her side and yelled at Eobard, "Get the prism out of here now!"

He paused, throwing them a look. He knew the stupid man's love would get in the way. And for a brief moment, he saw you in his arms instead of Overgirl, causing him to freeze before shaking his head to clear the distraction.

He couldn't lose his focus. Not now.

---------------------

"No! Eddie! Oh my..." You heard Iris wail, her voice filled with anguish and despair, as she ran out of the cortex. Without a second thought, you chased after her, your heart pounding in your chest. What had just happened? The world around you felt hazy and disorienting as you reached Iris, who was cradling Eddie's lifeless body, tears streaming down her face. Joe, visibly shaken, repeated in disbelief, "Eddie, what did you do? What did you do?"

A heavy silence hung in the air as you locked eyes with the Reverse Flash, Eobard, the love of your life. Anger surged through your veins, a tempest of emotions ready to be unleashed. You wanted to scream at him, to slap him, to blame him for all of this.

Barry stood nearby, a mix of confusion and shock etched on his face. His voice trembled as he asked, barely able to catch his breath, "What's happening?"

"Cisco, help me," came Eobard's distorted voice, a sickening feeling spreading within you. Deep down, you already knew the truth, the devastating reality that was unfolding before your eyes.

Cisco's voice broke through the tension, his words heavy with realization. "Eddie is his ancestor. If Eddie dies, he'll never be born, and..." His voice trailed off as the weight of the situation settled in.

"He's being erased from the timeline," you whispered, tears welling up in your eyes. The man who professed his love to you was being wiped from existence. You looked at Eobard, a mixture of sadness and disbelief in your gaze.

Why?

Why wasn't I enough?

Eobard locked eyes with you, tears glistening in your eyes as they spilled down your cheeks. The depth of his remorse was evident in his face. He desperately tried to reach out to you, but he was met your tear-filled eyes.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice filled with regret and sorrow. The transformation on his face from Wells' features to the one you had fallen in love with only intensified your pain. "I'm so sorry."

Your legs gave way beneath you, and you collapsed to your knees, the sound of Iris screaming Eddie's name echoing in your ears.

Eddie was gone.

Eobard watched your trembling form, consumed by sobs, unable to face him, and something within him shattered. He had never wanted to inflict such heartache upon you. He realized he was the cause of your pain, your suffering. It was a burden he could never forgive himself for carrying.

Turning his gaze toward Barry, who was still in a state of shock, Eobard's eyes filled with a burning intensity. Barry would pay for this. He would pay for this irreparable pain that he had caused. Eobard vowed to find a way back, a path to end Barry's life and find a way back to you.

But for now, he would leave haunting parting words. "I've controlled your life for so long, Barry. How will you get along without me?"

------------------

Your head throbbed with a pulsating ache, each beat echoing the chaos that had consumed your life. Nazis, doppelgängers, the unsettling sight of Kara and Oliver united in marriage on Earth-X, kryptonite arrows, the looming threat of neutron bombs... It was an overwhelming torrent of events that battered your senses relentlessly.

Make it stop.

Please, make it all stop.

Amidst the chaos, Harry attempted to explain the mind-boggling vastness of the multiverse to Alex. His voice carried a weight of solemnity as he delved into the intricate web of parallel worlds and the existence of countless doppelgängers.

"There are 53 Karas out there, just as there are 53 Kryptons and 53 Earths," Harry explained, his words hanging in the air like an enigmatic puzzle waiting to be solved.

Weary and drained, you glanced up at Harry, and in that moment, your eyes met his. His comforting smile offered a flicker of comfort. He could see the fatigue etched on your face, the weariness that clung to you.

"The Thawne from our Earth is working with them," Barry said, frustrated.

Time froze, and your gaze locked onto Harry hoping that it was all a terrible misunderstanding.

No. He wouldn't... would he?

But deep down, a gnawing sense of dread whispered the truth to your heart.

You turned towards Harry, your eyes filled with a mix of desperation and disbelief. The weight of the revelation threatened to suffocate you as you heard Harry's voice. "Well, he's an idiot."

It was too much to bear, the betrayal cutting deep into your soul. Excusing yourself from the conversation, you rose from your seat. Harry instinctively moved to follow, concern etched on his face, but you shook your head, silently telling him you needed time alone.

You walked up the stairs, your footsteps heavy with the weight of confusion and frustration, until you reached the rooftop of Star Labs. The sprawling city lay below, its lights flickering like distant stars in the night sky.

Why did this have to be so complicated?

It felt like every twist and turn led to an even more twisted mess. And of all the things that could have happened, Eobard had gone and joined the freaking Nazis. Just when you thought Eobard wouldn't dare, he proved you wrong.

Leaning against the ledge, you let out a weary sigh, the sound mingling with the city's distant hum. The cool breeze caressed your face, offering a brief respite from the chaos that had consumed your thoughts. You knew that there was only one way to get answers.

And you hoped it would work.

--------------------

"Will it work?"

Eobard sighed, feeling a mix of annoyance and superiority. It was a familiar sensation, as if he were constantly surrounded by people who underestimated his intellect.

"It will, with a few adjustments and a significant power source," he replied, his tone laced with a touch of arrogance.

Overgirl stood beside him, radiating confidence and pride as she said, "My husband's on his way to handle that as we speak."

Eobard paused his tinkering with the prism, casting a quick glance at Overgirl. "Your husband has a choice to make," he warned, irritation creeping into his voice.

Overgirl let out an exasperated sigh, knowing exactly where this conversation was heading. "Me or the Reich?" she responded, her confidence unshaken.

"That's right," Eobard retorted, a hint of annoyance evident in his tone. He pointed a finger towards her, his frustration mounting. "Because we have two goals, and my worry is if we can't accomplish both, he's going to choose you," he emphasized, "over a second Earth flying under our banner."

Overgirl shook her head defiantly, her confidence unwavering. "Oliver will not abandon our mission," she declared firmly.

Oh please.

Eobard rolled his eyes, his irritation growing. "I've seen this before. In 1945, Hitler and his men were equally short-sighted," he retorted, his voice laced with annoyance.

"Hitler was driven by passion and childish need. Oliver," Overgirl's voice dripped with disgust, "is twice the man Hitler ever was."

I could just strangle her.

The sheer absurdity of the comparison made Eobard want to scoff. "Not when he's blinded by his love for you," he shot back, slamming his fist on the table in frustration.

A heavy silence filled the room as Overgirl finally realized the truth in Eobard's words. The weight of the situation settled upon her.

"If it comes to Oliver choosing between me and the Reich," she said, her voice determined and resolute, "I'll make sure he chooses the Fatherland."

Eobard couldn't help but roll his eyes again, finding her declaration somewhat delusional. "How?" he challenged, his tone skeptical.

"If it comes to it," Overgirl replied defiantly, her resolve unwavering, "by taking the choice out of his hands."

Eobard watched her as she left the room, grateful for the silence accompanied by her departure. However, the silence was short-lived, as his watch suddenly beeped frantically. With a frown etched on his face, he glanced down at it and he could have sworn his heart stopped as he harshly threw the prism onto the table and swiftly made his way out of the room, running towards Star Labs.

---------------

^^^Flashback^^^

Oh my head...

Intense pain throbbed through your head, causing you to instinctively clutch your temples. The searing agony made it difficult to focus, but a chilling voice cut through the haze, jolting you awake from your disoriented state. The realization hit you like a bolt of lightning—you were bound to a chair, trapped.

"Where am I?" you mustered the courage to ask, futilely struggling against your restraints.

The voice, dripping with malevolence, responded with a sinister laugh. "Don't concern yourself with your location, my dear. You're the bait in my grand scheme."

"Release me!" you screamed, desperation and fear coursing through your veins.

Before you could comprehend what was happening, a forceful blow struck your face, silencing your pleas. The taste of blood tainted your mouth, leaving you dizzy and disoriented. Glimpsing a shadowy figure ready to strike again, you braced yourself for the impending pain. However, in an instant, a rush of wind and a streak of lightning disrupted the scene, heralding the arrival of an unexpected savior.

"You've made a profoundly foolish choice," reverberated the distorted voice of the Reverse Flash, his presence commanding.

"Who... who are you?" your captor stuttered, consumed by fear.

"Death," the Reverse Flash declared with a chilling finality, before the dark room flashed with another streak of lightning. The room fell silent, and he approached you, delicately touching your injured face, causing you to wince in pain. As he surveyed your injured state, his gaze flickered with a mix of frustration and concern. Every line etched on his face betrayed the worry he felt within, the furrowed brows and clenched jaw giving away how he felt. Intense fury and worry coursed through Eobard's veins, the sight of you, bound and defenseless, ignited a burning anger within him.

"Did you... kill him?" you whispered, your voice laced with a mix of apprehension and relief.

Eobard scoffed in response, his annoyance palpable. "You could have lost your life, and you're concerned about his well-being?"

A defiant glare met his exasperated expression, silently demanding an answer.

With a resigned sigh, Eobard admitted, "No."

As you stood beside the motionless body of your captor, you realized something. No one had known where you were.

You turned to him, a mixture of curiosity and disbelief on your face. "How did you know I was here?"

Eobard's gaze drifted to the chain that held your ring, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and affection. "How else could I know that you were safe?"

A mixture of incredulity and amusement washed over you. "Seriously? That's how you track me?"

He sighed, a tinge of annoyance still lingering. "Thank you, Eobard, for saving my life," he said, imitating you. "Oh, you're welcome, darling," he replied, feigning annoyance.

A smile tugged at the corners of your lips. "Thank you, Eobard, for rescuing me. I love you, you dork."

His lips curled into a genuine smile, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotions. "I love you too."

^^^^

------------

It's interesting how slow time seems to move...

Especially when you falling.

Falling off a very very tall building to be precise.

The rush of wind whipped against your face, mingling with the bitter taste of regret that clung to your tongue. Panic tightened its grip around your heart as you peered downward, witnessing the ground drawing nearer with a terrifying certainty.

Dread swelled within you.

Maybe this wasn't the best idea...

As the ground loomed closer, your fear erupted into a frenzied scream, a desperate plea for salvation. And then, in a bewildering instant, you felt a sudden jolt, a force wrapping around you, pulling you back the threat of the hard cement floor. The world snapped back into focus as you found yourself once again on the safety of the balcony, gasping for breath, your heart pounding in your chest.

Eobard, stood before you, his cowl removed, a mixture of concern and confusion etched upon his face. A tremor of vulnerability ran through his touch as his finger grazed your cheek, his worry visible. But the proximity between you felt suffocating, and you pushed him away angrily.

"You're working with the freaking Nazis?" The words exploded from your lips, fueled by a righteous anger that surged within you. The accusation flew like venom, the incredulity in your voice reverberated through the air.

Eobard was left dumbfounded, struggling to comprehend the whirlwind of events that had just happened. "Did you really just throw yourself off the roof to ask me that?" he incredulously questioned, his disbelief barely concealed.

"You're unbelievable," you felt anger surging through your body, your voice crescendoing with every word, "Unbelievable!"

Eobard's composure shattered, his own emotions surging forth in a torrent of words. "I'm unbelievable? Really?" he shot back, his voice rising in intensity. "I have given up everything for you, for our happiness," he declared, his voice tinged with a mixture of defiance and hurt. "And you're unhappy?"

The dam of pent-up emotions burst forth as you both unleashed, the air crackling with the force of your heated exchange. "Bullshit, Eobard," you retorted, your voice trembling with a mix of anger and vulnerability. "Everything you have ever done is for yourself. That's all you do—think about yourself!"

"I'm never the priority. I'm never enough for you," you cried out, the words raw. "I'm sick of sacrificing my own happiness, constantly playing second fiddle to your inability to confront your past and be with me in the present. It's time for you to man up and let go of this foolish fixation on Barry and time!"

There was silence as you both looked at each other.

"I'm sor-" Eobard tried to reach for your hand but you pushed him away.

"Sorry?" you spat, your voice laced with frustration. "I'm sick of hearing that. Every. Single. Time. I'm done, Eobard."

Panic seized Eobard's gaze, his eyes widening with disbelief as the weight of your words settled upon him. "What?" he uttered softly, his voice tinged with a mix of desperation and disbelief.

"I'm done," you repeated, your voice breaking. With a swift motion, you tore the necklace from your neck, the ring glinting in the air before throwing it at him. "Get out."

His protests faltered as he met your gaze, your eyes brimming with a blend of sorrow, pain, and regret. In that moment, the reality of what he had caused sunk in, the shattered fragments of your heart that he had caused.

As tears cascaded down your cheeks, you quietly said again, “Get out,” but this time with a brokenness lacing your voice.

Eobard sighed, his resolve crumbling. He approached you one last time, pressing a bittersweet kiss upon your lips, a final farewell. There was a sudden noise coming from below. You recognized it as the emergency alarm. You glanced up at Eobard and saw that his eyes were filled with sadness.

"I have to go," he said softly, "Go hide. Stay safe."

And with a surge of speed, he vanished, leaving you behind, broken and alone. You wiped your tears away, knowing that you had bigger worries now.

As you came back down you saw men with masks and swastikas on their sleeves walking to the containment area of the lab. Further away you saw Iris and Felicity standing on the other side of the hall, worried. You looked back up, trying to contain the overwhelming emotions you were feeling, before making your way towards Iris and Felicity.

Something told you that things were about to get ugly.

-----------------

Hellooo beautiful people! I'm so sorry it took this long but I wrote a looooot more so hopefully it makes up for it??? Things are getting heated!!! Currently I do not have an ending set in stone so what do y'all think? Was it right on to throw Eobard this curveball? Should Harry make his move? I loveeee hearing feedback and I love all of you! Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!

Taglist: Taglist: @khayrrilrainxwells @kirareaper13 @i-dont-care-lol @cursedfaechild @lovepeaceorelse @roryjames82 @brianllamawrites @achromaticerebus @honeybeezgobzzzzz

[vexic929]

Born to Run

Chapter 1

Warnings: blood, internal organs not inside the body, implied SA of a minor

OC info: link

Chapter 2: link

Blood doesn't sparkle in the setting sun the way water does - it shines, wet and dark, and stains everything it touches leaving behind red-orange blotches that never seem to quite go away even after a deep clean.

"I...oh-oh my god-" Berrie couldn't breathe. The blood felt scalding as it ran down her trembling forearm, soaking into her rolled up sleeve at the elbow. God, there was so much blood. "W-why did I...I..."

Berrie dropped the heart suddenly as though it had burned her and it landed with a sickening squelch on the linoleum as the blind range shifted into horror at what she'd done.

"No. Nonononono- what did I-I didn't mean to- oh god-" Berrie stepped backwards, her pristine white sneakers nearly slipping in the rapidly forming pool of blood. The metallic scent was overwhelming, making her stomach churn and she covered her nose and mouth with her clean hand.

She'd killed him. She'd killed her chemistry teacher, Mr. Abbott, the one who always made corny science jokes, the one who everyone liked. The one who had tried to assault Shun when he was alone in his classroom for detention after school. So...so then it was fine, right? Berrie had just been protecting Shun.

But even as she tried to rationalize it, her mind was racing. She'd never meant to do this. She didn't know how it happened. She just remembered feeling a sudden moment of blinding rage and then...then the heart was in her hand. And Mr. Abbott was on the floor. Dead.

A locker clanged outside the classroom and Berrie jumped before taking off in a flash of orange. She needed to get home. She needed to...to...she wasn't sure. Her dad would know what to do. He always did. She skidded to a stop in the hallway of her home, near hyperventilating.

"Berrie? You're home late-" Eobard entered the hall as well and paused, taking in his daughter's appearance before crossing to her and taking her arm, gently leading her to the kitchen. "Why are you covered in blood? Are you hurt?"

"No, I...it's not-not mine. I..." Berrie struggled to put her thoughts into words as she processed what had just happened.

"Did anyone see you?" He asked, still inexplicably calm as he wiped her arm clean. How was he so calm? He should be freaking out. He should be angry or-or worried or something right?

Berrie shook her head, feeling like she might be sick.

"Good. I'll clean things up and then we'll deal with the rest." Eobard said before dropping the rag in the sink and running off in a flash of red lightning.

Berrie stared at the blood-soaked rag in the sink without really seeing it, her mind racing. She couldn't seem to contain her panic, it felt like it was suffocating her, desperate to be released; she couldn't stay here, she needed to go somewhere, do something. She needed to leave. She needed to run. So, Berrie ran.

She gathered all of her speed, pushing herself faster and faster until the world around her started to morph. Colors blurred together, buildings shifted and changed, street sounds mingled in her ears. She ran faster than she ever had before, orange lightning flashing around her, pushing past all the limits she had until suddenly in a flash of light she was careening into a dumpster as her speed cut out without warning.

[story-weavr]

Alternative Backstories

The Flash Family

In 1940, young college student Jay Garrick became The Flash. He and his comrades in The Justice Society of America fought not only international threats but also enemies close to home. For the young Flash, that included the likes of The Rival (Edward Clariss) and the Fiddler.

During the Red Scare, the JSA were forced to disband and go into hiding. Jay Garrick and his wife Joan changed their names Henry and Nora Allen and moved to Keystone City, a part of Greater Central City.

For a time, they lived in peace, growing a family together. One day, however, the past came back with a vengeance.

In the past, there once was a boy named Eobard Thawne. He was a smart boy who had a hard life. The only thing that really brought him joy was The Flash.

One day, he managed to get his hands on The Rival’s Velocity 9 formula. Eobard, the smart boy he was, managed to make it better.

After becoming a speedster, Eobard dubbed himself Zoom and quickly raced off to be with his idol.

At first amused and worried for the young man, Jay as The Flash took him under his wing. Unfortunately, it became clear the young speedster didn’t truly understand what it meant to be a hero. His brutality and selfishness forced Jay to defeat him.

Angry and hurt from the betrayal, Zoom managed to flee, faking his own death to avoid getting hunted down by the JSA.

Furious at his mentor, Eobard swore to ruin Jay’s life. Hence, Theobard Thawne became the Reverse-Flash.

For a time, Reverse-Flash focused on strengthening his powers as well as hunt down all information related to The Flash.

Finally he was ready.

Using the Speed Force to both slow down his own aging and to time travel, Reverse-Flash killed Nora. Then using little Barry’s life as blackmail, he threatened Henry to take the blame for his wife’s death and to stay in jail.

While waiting for young Barry to become the Flash, Reverse Flash increased his powers and connections. He created an identity as Professor Thawne at the little known Flash museum.

He would go on to act as both Barry’s mentor and mysterious foe until his deceit was uncovered.

[kitkatt0430]

5+ headcanons for an AU where Barry tells Iris about his powers in episode 1 instead of telling Joe?

I do indeed have so many ideas and opinions here. :D

So Barry realizes he can run super fast and accidentally face plants in a laundry truck (isn't that lucky???) and the first person he wants to tell is Iris. She's the one who has always believed in him about weird and impossible things, so he goes to her first and shows her what he can do. With a soft landing spot since he's still working on stopping.

Iris encourages Barry to go to Dr. Wells, Cisco, and Caitlin for help figuring out his powers. She's perhaps a bit iffy on Wells, but Cisco and Caitlin were nice people who she got to know fairly well with all the visiting STAR Labs. Barry wasn't exactly talkative during that time, after all, so Iris ended up slowly befriending Cisco and Caitlin and she trusts them even if their boss is kinda a dick.

Joe would probably find out as per canon and then immediately go into the doghouse by trying to exclude Iris. Iris would not take that well and it'd be a West feud in Episode 2. With Barry, perhaps, pointing out that Iris hasn't told Joe about dating Eddie and that while she deserves to be angry about Joe attempting to keep secrets from her... she's already keeping secrets from him.

I think not telling Eddie would be a point of contention for them early on. Iris loves Eddie, of course she thinks he's trustworthy. But Barry doesn't know Eddie and is jealous of him for being Iris' boyfriend. Barry would likely make the (very valid) point that it's his secret, not Iris', and he doesn't actually know Eddie well at all yet. Iris would thus push Barry and Eddie to hang out together so that they will know each other better.

Thus, a Barry & Eddie bonding episode! Maybe after the Rainbow Raider episode, though, so that there's tension over Eddie understandably not being thrilled about the Flash hurting him and Barry coming to like Eddie despite himself, but not feeling he can tell Eddie about being the Flash. Because Eddie doesn't like the Flash right now and if he knew Barry was the Flash then he wouldn't like Barry anymore.

That said, with Iris read in she'd blog about how the Flash's actions were a result of being affected by the Rainbow Raider, so the Flash's reputation would take less of a hit after that incident.

There'd be a lot more Barry/Iris/Eddie moments and Barry would realize that he's got feelings for Eddie too at some point, making dating Linda an attempt to get over not just Iris, but Eddie too, which Linda figures out very quickly at the bowling double date.

Linda - Hey, Iris, I'm gonna break up with Barry because you and your boyfriend are pretty clearly in love with him and it's reciprocated. Iris - O_O what???

Now Joe would be against telling Eddie that Barry's the Flash, but I think with Iris encouraging Barry to do so and Barry liking Eddie so much, that it would eventually happen. Though when it happens determines whether Eddie is upset over having secrets kept from him.

Earliest point would probably be when Eddie steps in to save Barry from Mick & Len using one of the shields Cisco made. Barry realizes that Eddie doesn't hate the Flash after all and might be willing to hear Barry out over the Rainbow Raider debacle and comes clean. Eddie probably still wouldn't be thrilled to have had this secret kept from him for the last few months but he'd understand that Barry didn't know him until the last few months so building up that trust had to take some time first.

Later it goes, however, more likely that Eddie needs an episode or two to get over the betrayed feeling and maybe it becomes a sore spot that Eobard can hammer at later on.

Eobard probably would be of two minds about looping Iris in. It's annoying because Barry is more likely to argue against EoWells when they disagree with Iris supporting him. But Iris is dating his ancestor while not also being his ancestor, so Eobard is eager for ways to break that couple up before wedding bells destroy his very existence. And then Barry catches feelings for Eddie too and Eobard is just kinda going 'well fuck' and whining to Gideon about 'why does everyone like my useless ancestor anyway???'

(Gideon - maybe it's because he's not a dick like you are? Eobard - What was that? Gideon - Nothing.)

Eddie getting a secondary exposure to dark energy during the Flash vs Reverse Flash fight triggers his Cobalt Blue powers. So while shooting himself doesn't kill him (healing powers, though he still needs the bullet removed later, Caitlin muttering rude words while the blue flames keep trying to heal Eddie mid-surgery, this is a pain in the butt) it does alter Eddie's future significantly enough that there's no chance of Eobard's specific ancestral line happening anymore. So Eobard still paradoxes out of existence right before Eddie spontaneously heals via flame.

Anyway, this is obviously endgame westhallen because I cannot resist throwing in a westhallen agenda here.

[hedgiwithapen]

I don't know if this is overdone or if I'm poking a hornets nest here but you said to send you characters so uhhh...Cisco Ramon?

You know what never gets talked about? The cold gun. Not the second one he made under duress, breaking a promise that a deleted scene shows even his friends didn't believe he could keep, but the first one. like. First of all, suspension of disbelief aside because comics, it's a hand held engine that makes things get to, if not absolute zero the way they say, at least very very cold AND it doesn't need to be plugged in or anything? Cisco invented that in the what, month since they found out Barry could run real fast? batteries included??? amazing. this guy is so so smart and he really needs more credit. but I want to talk about. like. So Cisco has clearly read Barry's blog-- he checked his facebook for 'songs barry likes' for the wake up playlist in the pilot, so it's not a stretch to imagine he's done some research. when you have a comatose guy in your lab and nothing else pressing aside from 'make sure he doesn't aspirate, and call caitlin if he starts seizing' you get bored! and then Barry tells them, about the man in the lightning. And Cisco goes home and thinks, out there somewhere is a man with Barry's powers, with years of practice. out there right now, there's someone who got away with murder. And even finding out who.... Barry's been trying to find that man for 14 years. And cisco doesn't see the future yet but he has an engineer's gift of visualization and a nerd's imagination and 1+ 1 = What if Barry found him? what if I did? Caitlin? what about that (hot) blond detective who brought by coffee? and he goes. Ok. I can work with this. and he starts to build something that could save his friends lives. and then I have to wonder. Dr Wells was so angry about the gun. And for good reason! Cisco built something that could not only stop the Flash from getting faster--stop him dead-- but defeat HIM. of course he's angry. but he has cameras everywhere, and he's smart. Am I really supposed to believe he didn't notice what Cisco was working on? didn't recognize? Maybe he chose that untrustworthy janitor on purpose. Cisco can't be told not to make something, something made to protect and help. he has to be smothered by guilt. and that's what Eobard Thawne does best.

[negative-speedforce]

In Your Teeth

Inspired by:

cw: injury, violence

(okay so if you're wondering about Siv's melee weapons, they're based on the Black Widows' batons from the Black Widow movie)

Of all the people she'd expected to run into while attempting to steal from Mercury Labs, Siv's own father was definitely not one of them.

"That device is mine." Eobard growled, the item that Siv wanted clipped to his belt.

"Not for long." Siv narrowed their eyes.

Siv rammed her head into Eobard's gut, the percussive force from her attack sending shockwaves of pain down her spine, but they forced the sensation to the back of their mind. In seconds, Eobard recovered from the blow, thrusting a series of punches towards Siv's body. They ducked and blocked each one, ignoring the sharp bursts that ignited on their forearms every time they blocked one of his punches from hitting a more vital area.

Siv darted out of Eobard's range, sliding low to the ground on the lab's linoleum floor. Ripping twin batons out of the holsters on their back, they pressed the small levers on their sides, flicking out sickle-like blades attached to the top edges of the batons. They crouched into a fighting position, waiting for Eobard's next attack.

Eobard kicked in a sweeping motion, attempting to knock Siv off her feet. They jumped back, slashing one of their blades across Eobard's sleeve. Red spewed out from the thin, shallow cut, staining the yellow fabric below. Eobard looked down, a smirk crossing his face.

"You finally managed to leave a mark. I see you've been practicing. I'm proud."

"Shut up." Siv made another slash at Eobard, but he managed to catch her batons. Siv bared her teeth, attempting to rip them out of his hands, but he stayed firm, moving to break the bladed tips off her batons. Siv quickly snapped back, sacrificing one blade in exchange for freedom of movement.

Eobard charged at Siv. Siv bolted, aiming to outrun Eobard to a traffic sign just outside of the building. Curling their head into their body for protection, Siv smashed through the glass doors. Seconds before Eobard could reach her, relying on muscle memory, Siv grabbed onto the pole with her hands, waiting just a heartbeat before Eobard was in range.

Siv mounted the pole, spinning around it in order to force their boot into Eobard's face with a satisfying crunch of cartilage. In his moment of disorientation, Siv snatched the device she'd come for from Eobard's belt, then plunged her remaining blade into Eobard's abdomen, dragging it across his diaphragm, making what looked like an impromptu top surgery scar.

Their father's eyes flashed red as he reached up and touched his face, his hand coming back dripping with his own blood. Again, Siv bolted, Eobard in hot pursuit. Guess those pole classes really did come in handy. That must have hurt. Good.

Siv ran up the side of the nearest building, where she would make her last stand. Standing on the precipice of the roof, Siv waited, nursing the bruises on her arms. Eobard appeared mere breaths later, rage evident in his expression.

"What, you're mad that you can't beat me halfway to death again?" Siv raised an eyebrow.

"Give me what I want, and I won't hurt you." Eobard promised. "And I'm not angry. Just disappointed. Imagine what you could do with your strengths if you weren't so obsessed with this petty grudge."

"Petty grudge? You killed my girlfriend, then almost killed me." Siv scoffed. "I have no idea how you sleep at night."

Eobard sneered, blood caked to the front of his teeth from when Siv had greeted his face with the sole of their boot. It was a fitting appearance for him, all things considered.

"Easily." Eobard replied, moving towards Siv. In response, Siv simply exhaled, closed her eyes, and let herself fall backward, plummeting through the night sky towards the ground. Siv dug her remaining blade into the side of the building, which made an unholy scream as it slowed her fall and allowed her to position her feet in a more acceptable manner.

Siv pumped her legs, awaiting the moment when their body would make contact with the ground. With a sharp shock of pain through her lower extremeties, Siv's feet touched the ground, and using the momentum from their fall, they hit the ground running, speeding off into the night in a streak of lightning. She looked down at the device in her hand.

They'd gotten what they'd come for.

[zeroducks-2]

After all, Linda has her career to think about she can't be popping out babies. Sure the romance novels are fun but she's not going to give up the prestige and money from being a reporter...and Barry, well, now he has an excuse to slow down and focus on family, right? And if he happens to get pregnant again right as the pups are old enough to start thinking about going back to work and being the Flash full time that's just a coincidence. He's going to be happier with actual blood ties to his family anyway.

I feel this would work very well with an Omegaverse scenario in which the pack Alpha gets to mate all the pack Omegas if he wants to. No one expected it from Wally, he's always looked like he had his hands full enough with Linda, but pups grow up and things change after all.

And Barry is mated to a Beta anyway (Iris) and can't have pups, which means he can't really grow the pack, and most if not all of the half grown pups will likely leave to form packs of their own. It only makes sense for Wally mate him, right? He and Barry aren't even related so any offspring would be in the clear.

Sure Iris wouldn't be overjoyed but this means she'd get to raise smalls and she'd really love it, so she's fine with it. So yeah, this was discussed basically with every adult pack member except for Barry... And considering how all of them easily jump to call him selfish, and his general poor emotional state, I don't think it's going to be hard to gaslight the poor thing. He just needs to be what he's supposed to be and do what he's supposed to do to keep his pack happy, and everything will be tooootally fine!

(He's going to feel like this is a weird nightmare for such a long time)

(the denial will shift into "this is for my own good" pretty soon, as you mentioned, "he'd also feel guilty for victimizing himself cause if his loved ones don't see any problem with his situation then surely he's the one in the wrong for feeling uncomfortable!". Exactly!)

(man he is going to REGRET having made it so Eobard forgot about him. No one around anymore to remind him that his family doesn't actually love him! Not that Barry would admit any of this even with himself but oh well)

("And if he happens to get pregnant again right as the pups are old enough to start thinking about going back to work and being the Flash full time that's just a coincidence" Totally a coincidence!)

When it comes to Bart, I don't know? He loves and trusts Wally very much, and unfortunately he is ready to blame Barry for stuff too, following the example of his family. He's a sweet kid but I'm not sure he'd be angry at Wally or anything like that.

[tvimagines221b]

Imagine: Seeing Thawne who doesn’t remember who he is.

Both your heart and your mind were racing. This was completely unexpected and hard to believe. That there was a version of Eobard Thawne, who wasn’t a killer. Who wasn’t consumed by his anger and hate for Barry Allen. See, he had lost of his memory. While you and Barry both had absolutely no idea how this had came to be, you did your best to remain strong. Barry Allen stood directly beside you. Meena was in her office, grabbing some things. Eobard Thawne looked between the both of you. He was still trying to make sense of things, especially since Barry had become so hostile and angry with him. But he looked to you. It was that look in your eyes. You looked…not angry. Not afraid. But your gaze was full of almost a hopefulness and happiness. It was odd. Barry looked over at you, his brow furrowing. “Y/N, are you okay?” He asked. “What is it?”

“Nothing it’s just-“ You swallowed. “It’s strange. Seeing him like this. So happy. So…ordinary.”You shake your head. “It’s almost…nice.”

Eobard narrowed his eyes. “I’m sorry?”

“Nice?” Barry looked to you. “How is it nice? He doesn’t remember who he is. He doesn’t remember what he is or what he’s done.”

“That’s it exactly.” You remarked. “He doesn’t remember. He doesn’t remember how much he hates you. But…” You looked over to Thawne. He doesn’t remember you. Who you are. “He doesn’t remember me. He doesn’t remember adopting me. Raising me. Everything he took from me.”

Thawne looked between the both of you. His eyes grew at your words. “I’m sorry…adopted you? Raised you? Who are you?”

You pressed your lips together, trying to gather the right words. “You may not remember who I am. But know this. I was once someone you cared deeply for. Someone you loved and protected. And you need to know, that even though you were the villain, you saved me in so many ways and helped me become who I am.”

Eobard Thawne looked to you. And he could have sworn your words were genuine. True. And for some odd reason he felt himself believing you…

He felt…connected to you.

[jaxxsoxxn]

Feel free to ignoring this ( pls don't), so as you're one of the few people that listen to what I have to say about speedsters, here are some of my negative speedster hcs:

People, in fact, don't realise how dengerous, and scary, speedsters really are until its too late.

- almost every one in this condiction suffers from delusions. Like the negative speed force telling Eobard that he is a monster and him beliving that with all his soul (he in fact is) and he can not change, so he must make Barry's life a living hell forever.( For Owen a see him have some mental problems like Jinx from Arcane).

- They commit antropophagy. As you know speedsters need to eat a lot, and having in mind that the negative ones are "crazy" and by nature they have a too strong predator instinct, i just gonna leave this info here....( really want to talk about this, but dont want to sound weird)

- they can mimic other peoples voices. Speaking is basically vibrating the vocal chords, so a speedster can imitate anyone, and remembering the last hc, they can use it as a hunting tecnic. ( just like those criptids or skinwalkers).

- sexual impulses. They can be predators in any meaning of the word, and they have enough intelect to make plans, and at some point they may want to setisfy an urge...( it dosen't mean everyone of them do that, but again, just saying)

-claptomaniacs. They dont steal things for its value, they steal stuff because it looks intresting for them, when they dont want it anymore they just throw it away.( That aplies to humans too, the speedster can kidnap a person, just because they liked something in that person, thats not necesarilly sexual, they can spend hours looking at that person or hearing them talk.)

And thats are the most things that worried me about speedsters, I don't fear them losing their mind and messing up the multiverse, I fear them if they lose their mind and start to hunting people in the woods, and in big ass Citys that dont mind if somebody desapered.

Thanks for reading ❤! Hope you finded that at least a little scary and realistic, I want to become a terror and body horror writer in the future. I know its dosent about your AU but I would like to share it with another Flash fan.

I am a Twane hater first and foremost, so-

Also, Kaliesuriens, henlo :D

But, let's chat about it, in points! But imma use my ver of Owen as the main silly guy--

I imagine Owen would defiantly let the speedforce take over his mind at first, he's obsessive over coming back, even when he's "back". He needs everything to be exactly how he wants it, and negative Speedforce feeds into it - "Yes, you are right. How could it happen? It had no right, you didn't allow it." type of stuff. A child, who is stripped of all the control it could have, would fight for it with nails and teeth.

I do wonder if they'd commit autosarcophagy (autocannibalism). Time for speedsters is a horrid thing, and with Owen? Owen, who was stuck in speedforce and suddenly left, hungry and bitter - too animalistic to care. I mean, he heals so quickly and it hurts only a little, the meat is so fresh, even if the hair sometimes gets annoying. I do imagine he does not care for rawness of meat- And if he finds humans harder to hide, to get in time? Well, the corpses of animals with marks of human nails ripping through their flesh and teeth marks that couldn't be any other animal's? But remember not to touch it- not to move it. Speedsters always come back to their last place of hunt. Obsessive little things.

Owen, now twenty-five, still sounding like the sacred eight years old. Boomer has nightmares of his blood-red eyes and his silhouette leaning above him - so skinny and yet grown. His body so unlike his baby son, yet the same voice calling for his dad, for his papa - "Please, da, what did I do? Why aren't you looking at me?" He wakes up sick to his stomach. Owen, angry how others get their parents, hiding in a forest and hunting one of the rangers, knowing that he has a young daughter. They have everything, her last birthday he took her to Disneyland, while she whined that it's not Disney World - how dare they? How dare she. Only two "dad, help!" and he's exactly where he needs him.

Speedsters, at all, have a strong sexual drive for me - I mean, they do not have to rest at all. Mixed with stronger instincts? Damn. When Owen is home, softer - tamer, it's not that big of a deal. Until Axel comes over with rogues, so loud and eye catching. They both are horrid for each other, but only one of them might end up with scars after their meetings. Pied Piper jokes about being attacked by a feral cat.

I just wanna mention - with Kleptomania, it's qualified under inability to control impulses (the stolen stuff has literally 0 value, some give it away some throw it away) or at least was! But also, I doubt speedsters feel the guilt and anxiety later. But it's still under the "lacking control over impulses" which I believe is common under the Speedster fam tree. I also want to say that even while Boomer's not a speedster/handmade speedster, I can imagine that he has Kleptomania on some lighter lvl. It's just not as common, but when it hits, it hits pretty hard. He usually ends up giving the trinkets or even bigger things to other rogues. They know about his little issue. When he learns that Owen also does so, he worries that it's biological, but Weather Wizard helps him to figure out that it's not actually the same. (biggest thing he took - a chair from the police station, left it in the nearest trash can. He believed back then that he wanted to do it and did it to prove to himself that he can. He learned around a month later that it's really not that.)

So ye, ofc I had to put some stuff about Boomer and Owen (a lot of stuff about Owen), but what can I do :'D

Thing with Speedsters hunting, especially in DC universe, they would blend in with everything. You hunt near Gotham? Few people disappearing a week is the norm, if you're good enough, no-one notices.

Also, they can vibrate through the walls - whatcha gonna do? Creature Owen seems fun, but imma stay with my normal Owen, especially since in his main surviving au it's Digger with the speed and he got his pop's great agility. (gonna @kaliesuriens bc last time it didnt inform ya)

[longitudinalwaveme]

The Retcon I'm Glad Hasn't Happened Yet

So, on TV Tropes, I found the following description of Len and Lisa:

"Captain Cold and Golden Glider. Jerks as they are, they were horribly abused by their father, who's cruel treatment of them left Leonard so emotionally broken he developed a cold and unemotive exterior that contributes to his "cold" image. Lisa, though more openly emotional, is still clearly affected by it herself and became a bitter, angry and violent person, not helped by the fact she also lost her boyfriend, The Top, who despite being an asshole had been able to make Lisa so hopelessly in love with him that she blamed Barry for his death and swore to hurt him as much as she could."

Most of this is accurate, with the exception of the part I bolded.

Doesn't the way that this is written make it sound like it was Roscoe's fault Lisa became a villain, and that she was the only half of the relationship to feel genuine love? I mean, Roscoe is undoubtedly a massive, massive jerk, but----and this is a BIG but-----he was not a jerk towards Lisa. Ever. There's nothing in any of Lisa and Roscoe's Bronze Age appearances that suggests that he was manipulating her in this way. Indeed, in Flash vol. 1 #297-303 (the Roscoe ghost story), we got to see them interact with one another quite a bit, and, in spite of the fact that both of them are generally dysfunctional and nasty people....their relationship itself was neither nasty nor dysfunctional. They work as an equal team, and if there's any manipulation, I don't see it. Roscoe isn't jealous of Lisa's flirtatiousness (no insecurity when she talks about how great Barry Allen is at kissing or about how hot he is), Lisa doesn't get frustrated with Roscoe's boasting, they compliment each other constantly, they work well together, and they protect each other to the best of their abilities.

It's also worth noting that, for the entire time Roscoe was alive, Lisa was not a criminal, and, since her debut comic (Flash #150) seemed to indicate that the two of them had been dating for at least a couple of years, that strongly suggests that Roscoe had no desire to lead her into a life of crime. Especially since he also served as her figure-skating coach, meaning that he was actively helping her advance in her career. That would make no sense if their relationship was a ploy to make her a supervillain or something. I seriously, seriously doubt that Roscoe decided to "make Lisa fall in love with him" just on the off chance that he might maybe die fighting the Flash, prompting her to become a supervillain to get revenge. If you want to manipulate someone into being a supervillain for whatever reason, there are much easier ways of doing it than having to actually drop dead before it happens. It's not like Roscoe knew he would be able to come back as a ghost. What, are we supposed to assume he did all this, up to and including his own death, just to spite Len or something? Even Eobard Thawne isn't that petty!

What's more, even Geoff Johns, who didn't like Roscoe and strongly downplayed the relationship Lisa had with him, never suggested that Roscoe was manipulating her....which is particularly significant since Captain Cold is the one narrating most of the scenes about Lisa (since she was dead at the time).

In his spotlight issue, he off-handedly mentions that Lisa became a Rogue after the death of her boyfriend the Top, with no indication that Roscoe was manipulating her into loving him or into becoming a criminal. If anything, Len puts more blame on himself for her becoming a criminal, since from his perspective (and, frustratingly, Johns' apparent perspective) she primarily became a Rogue to be with her older brother.

Later during the run, when a very, very mentally ill Roscoe popped up in the Rogues' hideout and brought up his relationship with Lisa as a reason that Len should allow him to stay:

"Your sister loved me, Cold. Your sister---"

Len tells him to not mention Lisa again (Len gets grouchy when people bring up his dead sister), but it's worth noting what he doesn't say here. He doesn't say "No, she didn't. You just made her think she did." or "Only because you manipulated her." or anything like that. If Roscoe HAD been manipulating her, I'm pretty sure Johns would have had Cold bring it up here, since Johns dislikes Roscoe out-of-universe and Len hates Roscoe in-universe. He's not going to be sugar-coating their relationship!

But anyway, now I'm really afraid that somebody at DC will bring Lisa and Roscoe's relationship back, but that they'll retcon/change it so that it's more in line with the apparent interpretation I bolded above; that they'll have the relationship be abusive on Roscoe's end. He's used as a plot device boogeyman all the time anyway, so I could totally see someone deciding to have him be responsible for Lisa's becoming a criminal (in the sense of him manipulating her against her own judgement, I mean, not in the sense of "he's dead and I must avenge him"). And because most modern comic fans only know Roscoe from Johns' run (in fact, I would bet that that's where the above posted interpretation of their relationship came from), I could easily see someone deciding that it would be a great way to reintroduce their relationship. I really, really hope they don't, though.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I'm actually kind of surprised that Johns didn't make a retcon like that during his run, because it would fit with how he generally used Roscoe, and would have served as another reason for Len to hate Roscoe. I'm very glad he didn't, though.

[elutrosop]

Ha! I’ve been reblogged! 😂 So, fellow Flash fan, I gotta ask! You seem to really enjoy Reverse Flash (I HATE HIM but you do you) What would you say is the singular quality that makes him such a good villain?? (Btw I’m only on s4 ep1 rn so NO SPOILERS PLEASE 😂)

Hello my fellow! Hope you're enjoying the show! That's a really good question. I think if I could put all the things reverse is in a single word, it would be DEDICATION

You see, Eobard dedicated his entire life just to fuck with his childhood hero's life just because of one day. And he did it right with a cold mind and a plan, it wasn't desperate, it wasn't insanely (tho he is sometimes). It was with PATIENCE.

At the The Flash show, you can see bro staying calm and conscious for 15 YEARS. Eobard is motivated by hate and angry of course, but he is aware of his goals an keep it to himself. He is smart and knows how to play along .

Eobard is the type of guy that would spend years of his life to make a plan to kill your family and make you feel guilty for it if you give him the wrong meal at the McDonald's. But he would do it PROPERLY and with PASSION.

You can hate him and that's perfectly acceptable, bro is a pain in the ass, but you can't say that he is not dedicated.

Just wait till the next seasons :)

[fezwearingjellybananas]

Gone in a Flash for the Director’s Cut Ask Game? 👀👀

Oh, there's so much I could talk about with Gone in a Flash

(Well, I was working on it for ages, and it is a long fic, there's a lot that went into it)

I'll just do two things:

There is a comic panel, it's linked in the opening notes, it's from The Button arc and it's Eobard saying he'll go back in time and adopt Barry and that's one part of the inspiration for this fic. There is a second part that is inspired by the comics though and it's this part here:

"And then I did want him to love me. I wanted his attention. I tried to make him proud of me, I tried to make myself have things in common with him, but the only thing that worked was acting out. He already resented me for taking time away from his precious particle accelerator. It wasn’t hard to make him angry."

That's said by Barry to Cisco, about 'Harrison' and that is inspired by Running Scared (also in Joshua Williamson's Flash run). In that Barry is infected with the Negative Speed Force and demands to know why Eobard keeps screwing with his life and Eobard's answer is "it's the only way you'll spend time with me". I think in that Eobard seems softer when it's his answer, he's not angry- this is right after he calls Barry beautiful, this is the arc I will bring up when talking about the Eobarry reading- whereas TV show Eobard I think leans more into the hate, there's not quite so much of the love left, especially in later series.

But this sentiment from Barry comes up more than once (namely while whammied), and this is intentional on Eobard's part. It's how he feels about the Flash- he grew up admiring him, he gave himself powers just like him, he wanted the Flash to love him like he loved the Flash and Barry was his own person, not this fictionalised version Eobard built up in his head, he was imperfect, he loved other people and wouldn't leave them to 100% devote himself to Eobard, and so Eobard responds in anger. And that gets him attention from Barry, that's what he wants, so he keeps doing it, and it just spirals until it's became bitter and the love is all hate and he travels back to rid the world, rid himself of Barry completely, and he fails.

And then he has Barry. And he has this opportunity to make Barry finally understand how he always felt. So he dismisses him and neglects him and Barry tries desperately. Barry in Gone in a Flash has skipped 2 school years, he's constantly working, Eobard was constantly pushing him with extra tutoring, and Eobard's main purpose for that is the faster Barry learns all this, the sooner he can build the Cosmic Treadmill and Eobard can go home, and that's probably why Eobard adopted him instead of leaving him with Joe, to get him ready to make the Treadmill. It has the added benefit of leaving Barry with no free time for himself, which keeps him more isolated, keeping him more dependent on Eobard and not having the opportunity to build relationships where he might bring up just how badly Eobard is treating him and Eobard would have to deal with the consequences of that, especially if Barry gets an adult involved.

And when Barry is young he does all this without complaint. He is very intelligent, but he's still forcing himself to do too much in the hope he can finally get a shred of pride from 'Harrison'. I think he does ask Barry about his school work, it's probably the only thing they really talk about over dinner when Barry is young, and Barry maybe tries to show an interest in S.T.A.R. Labs and what they're doing, but still Eobard is very dismissive. He's blaming Barry for getting him trapped even though it was his own actions, so it's pretty easy for him to look at Barry and see his enemy, not a child under his care. Barry is with him out of necessity for his plans, this added chance of revenge is just a bonus to him.

And then I talked a little here about what happens when Barry is sixteen, and the parts of the sneaking off to the party that Hartley doesn't know about, but this is a point where Eobard is furious with him, Barry did something Eobard didn't want him to, and I don't think this is the first time Barry has made him angry and got this kind of reaction, or even the first time he's deliberately acted out just to something, but it was a deliberate Barry made him angry. In this moment Hartley says he didn't think 'Harrison' even noticed him there, all his attention is on Barry and it doesn't feel good, for Barry, that it's anger he's getting, but it is a reaction, he's the centre of Harrison's attention finally, and there's this desperation that comes out that any attention is better than constant neglect.

Eobard I think this is just revenge for him. Yes, he's giving Barry what he wants, but only on his terms and in the way Barry always made him feel. The difference being Eobard was an adult messing with time and murdering people and hurting people and Barry is a child who has already been very hurt by Eobard himself who is very alone who just wants something from the man who is meant to be looking after him and caring for him, who took him away from Joe where, yes he was angry with Joe, but he was loved, things were better with Joe so why did they make him go to this person who clearly has no interest in him and wouldn't care if Barry wasn't there.

Which is both why things break- Barry does know this flitting between control and neglect and only getting anger is bad and he hates it and he doesn't want it any more, so he leaves- and it's also why Eobard keeps sucking him in? He has this promise it will be different, that he does care, he's just bad at it, and Barry has been desperate for that for so long that he'll let himself fall for the lies even though he doesn't really expect things to change.

Eobard screws him up a lot. Cisco and Barry actually go burn a lot of Eobard's things after Barry's come back to Central and is back to being the Flash. It's important Barry can finally move on and he is loved now, he has his dad back, he has friends, he has Joe, but Cisco's the one that says moving on doesn't mean they can't do a few little spiteful things first, it's the least Eobard deserves.

Point number 2 that I would like to talk about is the time travel chapter.

This happens halfway through, it's the end of chapter 14 of 28 plus an epilogue, then chapter 15 goes backwards to start then the time travel is covered again during it, and when I was going back and editing it felt right as this midway turning point in the story of now the Reverse Flash is front and centre as the villain almost?

It was not in the plan.

The plan was the fic was actually going to end around there. Cisco and Iris would rescue Barry and Hartley from the Pipeline, have that confrontation with Eobard (happening on the anniversary of Nora's death originally), and the fic would be over but every time I tried to write it it felt like I was backing myself into a corner and I couldn't find how they win instead of Eobard? And I rewrote from Chapter 11 quite a few times and it kept ending up in the same point of they need to win here but it feels like Eobard has the upper hand and I don't know how they do that.

And I was stuck for a little while until I thought that time travel might be their only way out of the situation, where instead of me going back yet again, Barry can do that instead. And then it gave me the chance to have Cisco die and vibe his death like he did in canon, and this extra chance to do more with Hartley, for Iris to be told and to do more with Cisco and Barry's powers being connected, and I much prefer the version that has time travel in the middle, even though it was literally twice as long as I thought the fic would be.

Thank you!

[Fanfic Director's Cut]