[Honestly, Barry is fine to just kind of stand back and let Hal handle beating the meta up. He's good at that, and can always use a target to work his anger out on.
The meta seems about middle aged, male, probably newly come into his powers and not particularly good at this whole villainy thing. Barry's eyes light on the stolen STAR Labs tech immediately, and he makes a note to return it when Hal is done and they've hauled this guy off to jail.
He gets bowled over by the construct bull, sputtering and cursing.] You're one to talk, you got caught in the first place, Green Lantern! Or should I use your real name?
[It's a bit of a pathetic threat, Barry thinks. Blandly,] I guess we'll have to call Martian Manhunter.
Ooh, he knows my real name. Scary. [He grabs the meta by the front of his shirt and hauls him up off the ground] So does a murderous pink alien who either wants to kill me or fuck me. I'm never sure which, honestly. You're not much of a threat in comparison.
But you probably knew about that already, since you were digging around in our heads. You gonna make this a whole thing or can we just haul your dumb ass to jail now?
[The meta flails, trying to throw a punch, but honestly he's- not that good at it. It's his first day, okay! His very first heist! And apparently he bit off more than he could chew.
Meanwhile, Barry is making a face.] Please don't say Sinestro wants to fuck you.
[The meta growls in frustration, struggling against Hal's hold, before his eyes glow and he tries to meet his gaze, intent on putting him back into that trance.] You don't know who you're messing with!
Don't look at his eyes. [There's a blur of red, and then the meta suddenly... has a tie tied over his eyes like a blindfold.] Have you even picked a supervillain name yet, buddy? You might want to work on that before you get to Belle Reve.
[That attempt at a punch was...pathetic. Kind of like a toddler taking their first karate class]
I said or kill me. Could be either one.
[He's never sure and that's actually the worst part of Sinestro. Then the villain attempts to take a stand again and when that kind of flops it's...this whole display is pathetic, honestly]
I know I said that I called punching him in the face but honestly? This is just sad now.
What the hell kind of heroes are you two assholes anyway! [The meta shouts, indignant, and Barry rolls his eyes.]
Let's just take him in. Martian Manhunter will wipe his memories of what he saw in our memories, and drop him in Belle Reve. [Another flash of red, and another, and Barry removes the equipment stolen from STAR Labs, taking it back to where it belongs. Once it's all gone, he dusts his hands off.] And everything stolen is back where it belongs.
Now, I'm sure the guards do their jobs and keep the peace inside the prison. [Barry always has to be the good cop, and besides, he maybe feels a little bad for the guy whose face is turning white.
He calls in J'onn to come wipe sensitive information out of the meta's mind, and J'onn offers to take over his transport to Belle Reve. It happens fairly quickly, efficiently, and leaves Hal and Barry in the empty warehouse, cleaned out of its stolen goods.]
[Meanwhile, Barry just feels... tired. Nabbing the guy finally was easy, but he really got to the both of them, somehow. Or at least he got to Barry, bringing up that vision of his life with his dead wife. That kind of idyllic peace that he misses sometimes, even if he'd never go back to try and change how things are now.
[Hal hates the idea of anyone being in his head. Even if in this case, it seems they didn't dig too deep, there's something about the very idea that unsettles him. It's probably trauma related. Most things in his life seem to be. He's also deeply annoyed about this guy throwing Barry's dead wife in his face like that. He's annoyed about the memory fuckery, because he hates the idea of that too. He’s annoyed about having to watch Abin die again. Overall, he's just annoyed and he doesn't want to be here anymore]
And the dumbass didn't even have the courtesy to be good to punch. Yes, I want to go home.
[Hal's in a bad mood, but Barry can hardly blame him for that. He smiles slightly wryly at Hal's grumbling that he couldn't even get a good punch in on the guy, and shakes his head once. He's sure it would have made him feel better, but it's always good when things don't come to fighting, in his opinion.
He just picks up Hal, and speeds them off back to Central City, to their back door so that no one sees them. He sets him down on the back porch again, and unlocks the back door to let them in, pulling down his cowl.]
I think I'm going to order some food. Do you want anything in particular?
[Bad mood is an understatement. It's not even a big deal but just the idea of someone being in his head makes his skin crawl. He didn't even know that was a thing for him and he's so annoyed that he's had to learn that it is. That and he's sure that Barry needs to talk about the whole fake Iris thing but he's not even remotely sure how to bring that up. Just a thoroughly annoying day all around. Zero out of ten, honestly]
Okay. [Barry doesn't even argue as they step into the quiet house, and he starts flipping on lights, needing the house to seem less... dead. Needing the lights on, maybe, to look at the little personal touches around and remind himself that he lives with Hal in the here and now.
It's hard when there's a part of his brain trying to tell him, falsely, that he was having breakfast with his dead wife just this morning.
He taps on his phone for a moment, aimlessly ordering some Chinese food for delivery, and then he just... sort of moves into Hal's space, wraps his arms around him, and drops his forehead to his friend's shoulder as he hugs him tight.]
[The more Hal thinks about what just happened, the more it bothers him. It's a nice distraction, honestly, when Barry is suddenly in his space. He'd rather focus on that. He wraps both arms around Barry, pressing a kiss into his hair. For several minutes he stands there in complete silence, content to just hold Barry]
[It takes Barry a moment to answer, as he tries to come up with something to say that's both true and won't worry Hal too much. He doesn't manage, though, so he settles for truth, blowing out a tired breath.]
Not really. [No one really would be, after what they went through this morning.] Are you okay?
[Similarly, Hal debates just saying he's fine. But he also figures Barry would know immediately that that's a lie because it is. He kind of wants to crawl out of his own body right now, actually. It’s not a great feeling. And really, he just doesn't have the energy right now to lie. So instead he sighs, hugging Barry tighter]
I don't think I'm doing great, no. You wanna talk about it? [He's not so sure he's down to talk about how he feels regarding this himself but if Barry wants or needs to, he will too]
[It's almost a relief when Hal admits he's not doing well either. Not because Barry is happy about that, but because at least it means Hal is being honest, and not trying to bury everything down deep. By now, he knows how his best friend works, and knows he won't want to talk about it right away; he's just not that kind of guy. It'll be a while before he's ready to even broach the topic of his own not-okayness.
Barry isn't so reticent. He leans into that hug, remaining there for another few minutes, before he starts to pull them over to the couch instead. They might as well sit, and he can lean against Hal for strength.]
...My deceased wife should really be off-limits for this sort of thing. [He finally says, with a heavy sigh.] I know none of it was real, but it's harder to convince my brain of that.
[He's still processing his own not-okayness. Between how generally unsettled he feels and his annoyance at learning that people messing with his mind is apparently a trigger topic for him, he's not having a great time. But he'd much rather focus on Barry. It's always easier to talk about other people's feelings rather than his own. He lets Barry steer them over to the couch, sitting and tugging Barry down next to him]
She should be. But I think we've both learned that idiots committing crimes in costumes don't really have that kind of moral code. [He settles his hand on Barry's leg, giving it a little squeeze] It wasn't real. But it seemed like it, for a little while. It's understandable that you'd be having trouble wrapping your head around it not being real.
[Hal's the kind of person who takes more time to process his own feelings, but that's okay. Barry will be here when he's ready. And, maybe it works, because it lets him get this all off his chest before it drives him too crazy.]
Yeah, I know. [It'd be nice if villains did have some kind of basic moral code, but he knows his own rogues are a little weird.
Barry leans against Hal's side, resting his weight against him, quietly appreciating how sturdy and solid he always feels when Barry's world is upside-down.] I don't know how long it would have taken me to break the illusion myself.
[He might be ready by the time Barry gets all his own feelings out. Who knows. Hal wraps an arm around Barry, hugging him tightly]
I can see why you'd want to stay there. [That had been the whole point, hadn't it? To keep them there. It hadn't worked so well but, had it just been Barry, it might have. Iris will never not be a sore spot for Barry and that's completely understandable. It's annoying and unfair that this meta managed to uncover that and use it against Barry] I should've punched the guy just for that. No matter how pathetic he was.
I don't. I wouldn't. [Want to stay like that, that is. Not just because it's an illusion, but because... it was a long time ago. It's the past, and it aches to have it ripped open like this again, but he doesn't spend his days longing for it. For her. Barry misses Iris, sure, but he's found happiness with Hal.] But with part of my memories blocked off like that, it just felt... normal. [Not remembering Hal, not remembering being the Flash, or anything, of course it was hard to pull himself out of a comfortable suburbian daydream.
He huffs a quiet laugh.] It wasn't necessary. It's good he didn't put up much of a fight after we got out.
I get it. [He can see how it probably seemed simpler. How it felt normal. He never once judged Barry for having a harder time breaking free than he did because he gets it. Barry's memories were definitely more of an open book than his] You didn't need to worry about getting yourself out of it anyway. That's what you have me for.
You say it was good but I would have liked to get at least a couple good punches in. He deserved it. [Hal is still annoyed. He's gonna be for a while, probably]
[That's what you have me for. And Barry can't help but smile at that, leaning up to kiss him, softly.] Yeah. I'm glad I always have you. [Hal is going to say he's being sappy, and he gets it, but... After all that, after Hal had to see him lost in this fantasy of his dead wife being alive and well again, he wants to remind his best friend that he's happy with him in the here and now.]
He did deserve it. He crossed a lot of lines. [Like being in Hal's head too.
You always will. Sappy. [Just this once, he'll let Barry have his sap. If only because he's not feeling the greatest himself and maybe the sap is kind of nice. He'll never admit that. He will happily return the kiss, though]
Yeah. Yeah, he did. [He goes quiet after that, grip on Barry tightening just a fraction] That annoys me too, actually. That there's even a line to be crossed. [For him, specifically, he means. Barry not being happy about having his dead wife thrown in his face is very reasonable. Being upset that someone was poking around in his head and trying to control him, somehow, is not reasonable. To Hal and only to Hal, probably]
[Barry just hums in agreement, because yeah, he's going to be sappy. He loves his best friend, and he's grateful for his presence. Even right now he's a comfortable, solid warmth that Barry can lean against, and that kiss helps him relax.]
Of course there's a line to be crossed. No one is going to be just okay with someone rifling through their memories and trying to build some weird utopia for them to stay trapped in. [It makes sense that it bothers Hal. It would be weird if it didn't, he thinks.]
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The meta seems about middle aged, male, probably newly come into his powers and not particularly good at this whole villainy thing. Barry's eyes light on the stolen STAR Labs tech immediately, and he makes a note to return it when Hal is done and they've hauled this guy off to jail.
He gets bowled over by the construct bull, sputtering and cursing.] You're one to talk, you got caught in the first place, Green Lantern! Or should I use your real name?
[It's a bit of a pathetic threat, Barry thinks. Blandly,] I guess we'll have to call Martian Manhunter.
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But you probably knew about that already, since you were digging around in our heads. You gonna make this a whole thing or can we just haul your dumb ass to jail now?
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Meanwhile, Barry is making a face.] Please don't say Sinestro wants to fuck you.
[The meta growls in frustration, struggling against Hal's hold, before his eyes glow and he tries to meet his gaze, intent on putting him back into that trance.] You don't know who you're messing with!
Don't look at his eyes. [There's a blur of red, and then the meta suddenly... has a tie tied over his eyes like a blindfold.] Have you even picked a supervillain name yet, buddy? You might want to work on that before you get to Belle Reve.
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I said or kill me. Could be either one.
[He's never sure and that's actually the worst part of Sinestro. Then the villain attempts to take a stand again and when that kind of flops it's...this whole display is pathetic, honestly]
I know I said that I called punching him in the face but honestly? This is just sad now.
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What the hell kind of heroes are you two assholes anyway! [The meta shouts, indignant, and Barry rolls his eyes.]
Let's just take him in. Martian Manhunter will wipe his memories of what he saw in our memories, and drop him in Belle Reve. [Another flash of red, and another, and Barry removes the equipment stolen from STAR Labs, taking it back to where it belongs. Once it's all gone, he dusts his hands off.] And everything stolen is back where it belongs.
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[This is the most disappointing part of this whole day, honestly. Couldn't even be decent to beat up, could he?]
Let's go, then. Maybe someone will kick his ass in Belle Reve.
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He calls in J'onn to come wipe sensitive information out of the meta's mind, and J'onn offers to take over his transport to Belle Reve. It happens fairly quickly, efficiently, and leaves Hal and Barry in the empty warehouse, cleaned out of its stolen goods.]
Well. I guess that's all done.
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This entire day has been obnoxious.
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He exhales a breath.] Yeah. It has been.
Want to head home?
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And the dumbass didn't even have the courtesy to be good to punch. Yes, I want to go home.
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He just picks up Hal, and speeds them off back to Central City, to their back door so that no one sees them. He sets him down on the back porch again, and unlocks the back door to let them in, pulling down his cowl.]
I think I'm going to order some food. Do you want anything in particular?
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Get whatever you want. I'm not hungry.
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It's hard when there's a part of his brain trying to tell him, falsely, that he was having breakfast with his dead wife just this morning.
He taps on his phone for a moment, aimlessly ordering some Chinese food for delivery, and then he just... sort of moves into Hal's space, wraps his arms around him, and drops his forehead to his friend's shoulder as he hugs him tight.]
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Are you okay?
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Not really. [No one really would be, after what they went through this morning.] Are you okay?
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I don't think I'm doing great, no. You wanna talk about it? [He's not so sure he's down to talk about how he feels regarding this himself but if Barry wants or needs to, he will too]
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Barry isn't so reticent. He leans into that hug, remaining there for another few minutes, before he starts to pull them over to the couch instead. They might as well sit, and he can lean against Hal for strength.]
...My deceased wife should really be off-limits for this sort of thing. [He finally says, with a heavy sigh.] I know none of it was real, but it's harder to convince my brain of that.
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She should be. But I think we've both learned that idiots committing crimes in costumes don't really have that kind of moral code. [He settles his hand on Barry's leg, giving it a little squeeze] It wasn't real. But it seemed like it, for a little while. It's understandable that you'd be having trouble wrapping your head around it not being real.
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Yeah, I know. [It'd be nice if villains did have some kind of basic moral code, but he knows his own rogues are a little weird.
Barry leans against Hal's side, resting his weight against him, quietly appreciating how sturdy and solid he always feels when Barry's world is upside-down.] I don't know how long it would have taken me to break the illusion myself.
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I can see why you'd want to stay there. [That had been the whole point, hadn't it? To keep them there. It hadn't worked so well but, had it just been Barry, it might have. Iris will never not be a sore spot for Barry and that's completely understandable. It's annoying and unfair that this meta managed to uncover that and use it against Barry] I should've punched the guy just for that. No matter how pathetic he was.
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He huffs a quiet laugh.] It wasn't necessary. It's good he didn't put up much of a fight after we got out.
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You say it was good but I would have liked to get at least a couple good punches in. He deserved it. [Hal is still annoyed. He's gonna be for a while, probably]
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He did deserve it. He crossed a lot of lines. [Like being in Hal's head too.
But he's still glad it ended pretty bloodlessly.]
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Yeah. Yeah, he did. [He goes quiet after that, grip on Barry tightening just a fraction] That annoys me too, actually. That there's even a line to be crossed. [For him, specifically, he means. Barry not being happy about having his dead wife thrown in his face is very reasonable. Being upset that someone was poking around in his head and trying to control him, somehow, is not reasonable. To Hal and only to Hal, probably]
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Of course there's a line to be crossed. No one is going to be just okay with someone rifling through their memories and trying to build some weird utopia for them to stay trapped in. [It makes sense that it bothers Hal. It would be weird if it didn't, he thinks.]
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