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Chapter Text

It was bright. Really fucking bright… and LOUD. Horribly.

Rip tried to open his eyes and he instantly regretted that. But he had to get to know where he was- It was that Rip knew for sure.

The Time Master attempted to sit up, but that energy, a kind of very strong sea current that surrounded him, effectively prevented him from doing so.

He opened eyes again and saw an eerie but overwhelming sight. Thousands of scenes from every period of the past and the future, every possibility, was racing around him.

-Impossible… - he muttered under his breath. Rip was in the Time Stream.

In the place that even timeships couldn't travel through, and yet …  very likely, he was alive. 

When Hunter finally managed to calm his breathing, he tried to gather his thoughts together. It was definitely not a time to freak out or wonder how this tremendous force hadn't flattened him yet.

All the Time Masters' knowledge of the Time Stream was incomplete, mostly theoretical. No one has come here before ... or otherwise - no one has come out of here before.

He had no idea what to do or if he could do anything at all, other than drifting through history.

Does getting out mean death? - he thought. After all, that was what he had been prepared for when he faced Mallus. However, he decided to take a risk.

Watching history for all eternity without being able to be part of it, that would be a torture. Suddenly he realized something.

-That was in a way what I had been doing all that time as a Time Master. Just watching others living their lives.- he said painfully.

Miranda was the first person that had shown him how to stop, even for a second... or maybe not the first.

Rip slowly moved his hand towards the images closest to him. He wasn't sure if it would do anything but he tried to think of some familiar places. Maybe with a bit of luck ...

Suddenly he felt a piercing shiver and felt his body being pulled into some slit between time, distorted, as if it was falling apart. The noise around him turned to a shrill, high-pitched screech

- Oh bollocks! - and he was absorbed by the light.

___________________

Jonah Hex was sitting in the old dive at the most distant table hidden in the shadows.

It's been about two months since the Legends descended on him with their problems, and they made the biggest damn mess in history - well, in history he knew.

Then they flew away as if nothing had ever happened. They left everything behind but Hex stayed here.

Does EVERY time traveler have a habit of doing so?

It's not like Hex didn't get along well here. He was even the sheriff now, and it was an honor, but his old bounty hunter habits were still inside . He wanted adrenaline, risk.

Hex just thought it was unfair that Rip first and then his team flew into his world, showed him so many amazing things that weren't within his grasp, aroused his curiosity,

showed that there was more than an endless wild west. And then- LEFT HIM.

But the cruelest thing he that realized was back when he only knew Rip- They ARE actually from the future.

Jonah has actually been DEAD to them for decades.

Sometimes he wondered if they ever thought of him or anyone that way.

People from bygone eras are like ghosts to them. Not quite dead, but not quite alive either.

-Ehh...- he groaned.

It always ended like this. Whenever he wanted to take a break from his new responsibilities and people who suddenly, for some reason, wanted to talk to him,

the alcohol gave him thoughts and memories that made him feel even worse.

Chapter Text

Rip woke up with half of his face buried in sand and dirt. When he came to his senses, the Time Master leaped to his feet. He looked around. The middle of the endless steppe.

Did it work? Could it be that, for once, time was on his side and allowed him to return to the only place he felt he truly belonged?

To the place and time where he lost himself completely the last time? 

-Ouch! The Time Master grabbed his head, the piercing pain of which suddenly hit him. He staggered slightly and the image before his eyes glitched for a moment.

It must be the body's reaction to colliding with the Time Stream. . . and then with the hard ground. - Rip thought.

-Unbelievable!  I guess, I've become an anachronism.- he said and grinned.

He just hoped he was in the right year…

During the trek to the town that Rip knew the way to almost by heart, he had a lot of time to think, which was not as good as one might think.

On one hand he was devising what he would say to him when they met, replaying the scenario a thousand times in his head. On the other hand, doubts were getting to him.

What if Jonah wasn't too thrilled about his return? But after all, the last time we met,

we parted on a relatively peaceful note! I think...

He put everything on the line.

Rip wished that everything could be like the first time. Unfortunately, he knew that too many things had happened. Things that nothing and no one can undo anymore.

All that was left for him to do was try- to explain, to apologize? Fix what he broke himself.

____

After an arduous trek along the main drag, he reached the town.

-Salvation… here we are. - Rip exhaustedly smiled to himself.

It was beginning to darken and the golden light of the last rays of the sun covered the quiet town. That sight made Rip feel a wave of peace spread through his body.

He directed his steps to the only place that seemed to still be bustling with life. To the saloon at the end of the main street.

Once he was at the stairs of the bar, he hesitated.

-Ouch! Damn!- he hissed as he felt the pain again. Stronger this time. He leaned against the wall of the building for a moment and when the pain passed, he took a deep breath and walked slowly into the saloon.

Inside was loud and crowded as usual. It was Jonah's favorite bar. It might have seemed that crowded places were not his type, but in such places people were too busy with themselves to be interested in him.

Then, despite the hustle and bustle he could actually relax.

Rip stood aside and looked around the room in search of the familiar face. For a moment he began to lose hope of finding him here, but… there he is!

His old friend was sitting alone at the small table in the shadiest part of the room.

Suddenly the Time Master felt a pit in his stomach that grew with every step he took towards the bounty hunter.

Jonah was clearly preoccupied with his thoughts and stared impassively into his glass of whiskey. Rip slipped deftly and slowly into the seat opposite Jonah's and didn't say a word.

His whole scenario went to shit. Now when he sees him...

 - I'm not in the mood for companionship.- Jonah said firmly, still not lifting his gaze from his glass.

-I thought you said that it would be okay to meet me again...- Rip said half-jokingly.

Despite the noise, Jonah recognized the voice immediately.  He raised his eyes and couldn't believe it. The flesh and blood Rip Hunter sat in front of him with that goofy grin of his that he did when he tried to exude confidence.

The same Rip Hunter he fought side by side with. The same one who had caused him so much pain by leaving. The same one who was supposed to be dead.

It wasn't until Rip's smile turned into an uncertain, questioning grimace that Jonah realized he had been staring intensely at the man without speaking for a long moment.

But the bounty hunter wasn't sure if it wasn't the alcohol playing tricks on him. Rip, on the other hand, wasn't sure if Jonah was staring at him with disbelief, anger, or a blood lust.

-You look like shit.- Jonah finally said.

That was the best he can come up with right now. Too many difficult emotions were swirling inside him and he was never good at showing them.

It means, he once learned to do it a little better, with Rip's help. That was a long time ago, though, when they were close.  Now they seemed miles apart even though they were sitting at the same table.

The Time Lord still looked uncertainly at his friend. He felt like laughing to relieve the tension, but the mixture of stress, sadness and disappointment effectively paralyzed him.

- Heh. You really know how to lift a man's spirits.- said Rip nervously sitting upright. - Something happened. Something that I don't fully understand yet, but it looks like I got a second chance to live my life.

And... you know... The first thing I thought about was this place and this time and yo...  and I realized I owed you an honest conversation, so... if you only want to…

Jonah felt a sudden wave of annoyance.

- I want you to get out.- Jonah interrupted him with his snarling voice.

Rip lifted his gaze to him and pressed his lips tightly together.  And every word Jonah says made him ache.

-What are you thinking?! When you left, it hurt, that's a fact but being pissed at you helped me get over it. But then your return and the conversation we had in private made me understand,

in a way, what was driving you then in Calvert, but also gave me hope that things could be like before again, that we could be partners again. And what?

Then the Legends reappear here, Lance said you had gone missing. I thought to myself - Calm down, he has come out of worse trouble before.

So I kept waiting, only to find out you are dead!- Jonah raised his voice.- You let me think you are dead for two months Rip! Damn straight you owe me a bloody hell explanation!

-I said “get out”. Saying this, Jonah stood up. Rip continued to stare at him a little unsure of what he should do.- I want to talk, but not here. Somewhere quiet.

The Brit was relieved to hear this. He followed the man out into the already cool night air.

They walked for a moment in silence...

-You look stupid without a beard.- Jonah said breaking the ice. Rip laughed quietly and could have sworn that even though it was almost completely dark, he saw that Jonah was smiling as well.

-These clothes are quite unusual too…- Jonah added.

 Rip looked at himself.  Bollocks!   His clothes, though a bit dirty due to travel, were out of this era...  except for the coat. 

-Shit, I hadn't thought of that at all.- said Rip, covering himself with his coat, I need to find something new...  just like you.

 Jonah looked at him questioningly.

 -A new hat of yours.- Rip said, pointing to it.

 -Oh, yeah! When your friends came here for a little riot with a demon, I gave it to some woman named Zari...  as a souvenir.

 -Do you give your clothes to every stranger you meet?- asked Rip.

 -No, just to the ones that catch my eye.-he replied with a sneer.- Why? Are you jealous, Hunter?

- Pfft… You wish!- still, the younger man felt himself blushing. Jonah laughed and poked his friend in the shoulder. He had forgotten how he liked to tease him.

-O! And they managed to defeat that big horned thing, as if you were wondering.- he added. 

 -Yeah, seeing as the world is still in one piece let's just say I guessed it.- he said with a slight smile.- And how did they do?

-They turned into a giant blue furry-thing and I think they hugged him to death. 

 Rip stopped and looked at the man with such a comical yet adorable expression on his face that Hex burst out laughing.

____

-Okay. Here we are!- Jonah said. 

 They stood in front of a small house a few minutes from town that Rip recognized immediately and the pit in his stomach returned again.

-Isn't that... - he started.

 -...the cottage you used to rent?" Jonah finished.- Yeah, the same one. They gave it to me as to the sheriff of the town.

-What? Wait! Sheriff?- now Rip does notice Jonah's badge.- What have you done? I mean congratulations, but seriously, what have you done?

-Let's say I can take care of myself.- he smiled but immediately frowned.- Nice job, but it lacks a bit of flair.

Rip looked at him concerned, put a hand on his shoulder and said- I'm sure you're the best sheriff this town could have.

- Ah! This place brings back a lot of memories, doesn't it?- the time traveler said as they went inside.

-Yeah, that's right. Lots of good memories.- the older one agreed.

Jonah thought about how Rip had come into his life, how they had become friends. How they had been sitting here drinking after the job.

How...  their relationship has developed in a direction that maybe it shouldn't have.

The new sheriff wasn't convinced about living here at first, but since the cottage had stood unused since Rip left, he agreed.  And being in it brought him a certain sense of peace.

Besides, he found some of Rip's things here that the man had forgotten to take in a rush.

Jonah sat down at the table and handed his guest a glass of liquor.- So where do we start? 

Rip didn't even have time to open his mouth.- Just let's not go back to Calvert, please. We talked recently and it's " good" .

In fact, he knew that Rip would start explaining and apologizing but it would only bring back painful memories that he didn't want to let spoil the evening,

because really, as much as he didn't want to admit, he was enjoying tonight's company.

-Okay. I just want you to know that this was a decision that I will regret for the rest of my life, and I know this absolutely doesn't excuse me, but I wouldn't leave without making sure you will be okay.- said rip quietly.

It seemed to him that Jonah's eyes had glazed over but maybe it was because of the flickering candlelight next to him.

-Please don't...- the bounty hunter said almost imploringly with tension in his voice.

They looked at each other for a moment in suspense until finally Jonah grunted- So what was going on with you?

Rip stared at his glass to focus better and told him about the fateful mission when he had to scatter the entire team throughout time, how he lost his memory,

about the kidnapping by the Legion of Doom that later distorted his memories and the torture he went through in his own mind.

When he got to the part where he was back on the team but felt he had lost trust of his teammates and his place on the team, felt he had lost his family, Jonah heard the pain and longing in his voice.

Later, Rip started talking about how he created the Time Bureau and about Mallus and where he ended up after that and how he came back . 

-...and pretty much that's it.- the Time Master said.- For you it was a few months and for me it was a few years- he added sadly.

Jonah didn't know what to say for a moment.

 Time travel is a mess.- he muttered.

 Rip smiled slightly.- Yeah. Indeed.

-So if I understand correctly, you could have picked any moment in history to be stuck in for the rest of your life and you chose to be stuck here without your running water and laser glowing toys?

Are you out of your mind?- he asked jokingly, but deep down he was glad Rip was out of his mind.

The Time Master got up from his seat and ran his fingers through his hair nervously.

-I realized that I was tired of jumping from one place to another. I'd like to stop somewhere, put down roots. And nowhere else was I better off than here...  so…

Hex was looking at Rip and felt his heart pounding in his chest. He also got up and walked towards him so close that they were almost touching.

Jonah wasn't much taller than Rip but it was enough to look him in the eye gently from above.

 -So...- Hex started a bit insecurly. He was afraid he would regret what he said, but he felt he had to try.

-What if I asked you to stay here…  with ME?

Rip felt the muscles in his entire body tense.

 -And what if I say YES?

This exchange of words neither of them had expected. Jonah stared at the other man with an uncertain expression, afraid that if he touched him he would disappear.

For another moment all they could hear was their hearts rumbling until Rip finally grabbed Jonah by the collar pulling him close and kissing him as hard as if that was all that mattered right now.

For a split second the bounty hunter did not comprehend what was happening.  There was nothing he wanted more than Rip right now, but still he had to…

He moved away for a moment from the younger man, who now felt ashamed that he had let his emotions get the better of him.

 - I'm sorry, but..." began Jonah panting heavily, "I need to be sure...  you won't leave me again?

Rip looked at the face that didn't used to reveal much emotion, but now it took on an expression full of suffering, and immediately replied-I promise to stay this time....  forever.

 Jonah, hearing this, relaxed immediately and returned the kiss with unbridled joy pressing Rip's back against the wall. They were savoring each other now.

He's all his now and forever.

Chapter Text

Jonah, still absorbed in the kiss, moved his hands slowly under Rip's shirt wandering passionately over his torso. Rediscovering his body. As he was doing so he felt the Time Master place her hands gently on his face and smile, still touching his lips. 

 - If I remember correctly...-  Rip began, stepping away from the wall and heading back toward the nearest door, the bedroom was somewhere this way...

 - I think you're right...- replied Jonah with a smile, still not taking his lips off the man.

Rip leaned gently against the door leading into the next room and turned the doorknob with a deft motion. The two men slipped into the room without taking their eyes off each other and once they were inside Jonah kicked the door which immediately slammed shut. 

Nevertheless, you still need to be careful in this era. - he thought.

Now the old friends couldn't stop themselves anymore. They will do that once again. They both felt not only excitement but also a longing for each other that they had ignored for so long. A longing they could now satisfy.

Jonah moved kisses to Rip's neck while at the same time pulling off Rip's coat and dropping it to the ground.

- Hey! Careful..- Rip groaned.

Sorry.- replied the bounty hunter giving a kiss on the cheek as Hunter began to slip Jonah's clothes off.

When Jonah had also dealt with Rip's shirt exposing his torso, he pushed him onto the bed.

Rip fell with his back against the damn hard nineteenth century mattress while feeling hungry eyes on him. The younger man propped himself up on his elbows and lustfully grinned at his partner as he shed the rest of his clothes.

-Maybe you should wear more accessories?- threw Rip teasingly, seeing that Hex could not manage the belt because of his hands trembling with impatience. 

 -Shut the hell up, Hunter!- he snarled.

 -How chivalrous!- Rip laughed and started to unbutton his own pants when Jonah suddenly grabbed his hand.

 -Leave it to me...- he said in his husky voice with a half-smile.

 Jonah leaned over Rip and looked warmly into his eyes for a moment. Then he started kissing him again on his neck then on his chest and going lower and lower. He felt his lover begin to breathe faster and let out quiet moans that worked on him as nothing else can. When Jonah reached his belly line and made sure, by sliding Rip’s pants down slowly, that Rip was as aroused as he was, he lifted his trembling legs gently and moved closer to him hard and ready.

Rip, dopey with excitement and bliss, came to his senses for a moment.

-W...Wait!  Do you have any lu...- and then he felt Jonah enter him deeply and stop for a moment.  Rip groaned loudly, arching his back.

 - Shit! I forgot!- started Hex once he realized what was going on.- Are you okay? Does it hurt?  Should I...

 Rip gathered his breath and said panting.- No. It... feels good. Really good.

 Saying this he relaxed his body gently and wrapped his legs around Jonah's torso, pulling him closer.

Jonah smiled as he saw the time traveler close his eyes and gently tilt his head.  He pushed carefully and again and again.  Faster and faster. 

 -Ahh... you feel so amazing.- Hex groaned, relishing the way Rip tightened around him. The other man smiled, feeling the violent but pleasurable movements.

Hunter was trembling as he was feeling Jonah's torso rubbing against his penis when he sped up.

-Fuck me harder! Please! Harder!- Rip moaned, driving his nails gently into Hex's back and wincing in ecstasy.

The bounty hunter smiled breathlessly and grabbed his friend by the legs and pulled them up high enough that they rested on his shoulders.

 -I will fuck you with all my might until you beg for mercy!- Jonah gasped.

 Rip bursted out laughing.- You're as good as I remember, but your dirty talking still needs to be improved!

 Jonah blushed, and tried very hard not to smile, to pretend to be offended but it didn't work for him.- So teach me a few.

-Oh! I will. Maybe tomorrow, Mr. Hex.- Rip grinned.

“Tomorrow”. Yeah. Jonah liked that perspective very much.

-Haaa...  I think I'm... coming! Enough teasing!- the Time Master moaned when Hex grabbed his wrists holding them next to Rip's head. But it was hard for him to catch his breath.- Cum... inside me!

 -Let's... do this together!- gasped Jonah, grabbing Rip and pulling him towards him so that he sat up almost upright. He felt that he came inside him even deeper still not stopping pushing a bit more aggressively. - Just.. a little bit... 

Rip put his arms around his lover's neck and snuggled into him.

Jonah jerked one last time and there was the sound of pleasure which was spilling over their bodies. They tilted their heads back slightly and froze motionless for a moment enjoying the pulsing of their bodies.

Rip fell back on the bed out of breath still pressing Jonah against him enjoying the hug. Jonah finally rose up, kissed his partner gently on the lips and rolled hard onto his back calming his breathing.

He stared at the ceiling for a moment and when he turned toward Rip to cover them both with the quilt, he noticed a wide smile on Rip’s face that reminded him of old times.

-What are you thinking about?- he asked, turning on his side.

- Nothing really, just...- Rip also turned to him and snuggled his face into his chest.-I really missed you... and what we had.

Jonah was a little surprised by the cuddling, but had absolutely no objection. He hugged the man back and closed his eyes.

-I missed you too.- he whispered and together they fell asleep, exhausted after a long evening together.

Chapter Text

Rip was awakened by a massive headache. He hissed and furrowed his eyebrows.

- Are you okay?- a sleepy voice reached him.

Memories of the last day... and night came back to the Time Master.  He smiled, even though he was afraid as if this beautiful dream would dissolve as soon as he opened his eyes.

He hadn't felt this happy in a very long time.

 -Yeah. It's just a headache.- he replied, lifting his gaze to the man lying next to him.

 -Heh. Shouldn't have drunk on an empty stomach- laughed Jonah playing with Rip's hair. He agreed with him with a nod. Rip didn't want to worry him.

- You know...- Jonah started.- I was wondering. When you figure out how to contact the Legends, won't you be tempted to fly away after all?

Rip took on a serious expression and didn't speak for a moment- I. . . I'm not going to contact them.

Jonah was surprised - But...

- For them, years may have passed. They've probably long since got over the fact that I'm gone, assuming they cared at all. - he frowned.- We hadn't gotten along very well lately.

"They did care." Jonah wanted to say but he hesitated.

-Ehh. I don’t like this idea yet I respect your decision. But what are you going to do when they drop by? Because you all have a damn habit of showing up when you least expect it. 

 -Heh, let's not think about that right now, okay? One more day without worry...

 Jonah nodded and smiled.

-Alright then.

Jonah grabbed Rip in a hug and flipped onto his back with him. Rip leaned over him and kissed him softly.

 - One more day..  sounds tempting. -Hex said returning the kiss.

Suddenly they were interrupted by a knocking noise at the front door. Not even a knock... rather aggressive bashing. 

 Rip looked with wide eyes at Jonah shaking his head.- Tell me that's not what I'm thinking about. 

 They stood motionless listening. A loud female voice they knew well came from outside. Sara.

 - It's exactly what you're thinking about...- Jonah said both disappointed and amused.

 Rip clenched his eyelids in a gesture of annoyance and took a deep breath out, rolling off Hex and lying down next to him.

 Jonah could see that he was clearly worried.

 - All right. Get dressed.- Rip finally said to Jonah, pulling himself quickly off the bed and started picking his clothes off the floor.- And go to her, see what she wants. Otherwise, she will kick out the door.

The bounty hunter obeyed and began dressing in a hurry. 

-Not a word about me being here, okay? Please.-Rip said .

Hex wanted to joke to relieve some of the tension.- Or maybe are you embarrassed to be seen here with me?

Rip felt offended and pressed his lips together.- What? You know very well it's not like that. Just please…

Jonah nodded and left the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

There was another reason why he didn't want his former team to know he was here. In theory, he was now an anachronism. And their job is to put them back to anachronisms' time periods.

But Rip hasn't had "his time period" in a long time. He was born in the 22nd century but was taken from there as a child, by the Time Masters, because his life had no influence on the timeline then.

Of course, he was afraid he'd have to go back to working for the Time Bureau or they'd put him back in the destroyed London of 2166. But what hurt him most was the thought that he couldn't stay here in 1874.

____

As Jonah approached the door he heard Sarah's irritated voice.- The people in the saloon said he lived here now! Why doesn't he open?!

  -Take it easy..  maybe he is not at home.- replied the other male voice more calmly.

The loud banging on the door sounded again. Jonah grabbed the door handle and opened it between Sarah's punches.

 -What the hell do you want here?- he said when he saw Captain Lance and Ray.

Both of them looked intently for a moment at Jonah, who stood before them in crumpled and carelessly worn clothes, disheveled hair and a stern grimace on his face.

As if their presence was the most annoying thing that could happen to him this morning.  And in a way it was.

 - We need help.- Sara finally said firmly, already intending to go inside but Jonah just as firmly blocked her way.- What's your problem?!

- I have a... LADY in here. - he answered her without thinking. They seemed surprised that he bothered with such conventions.- She wouldn't be thrilled about your company. So we can talk outside.

- Hex! Get your shit together! It's serious!- Sara snorted pushing her way inside.- Your vice lady can wait.

___

Rip got dressed and instinctively wanted to leave the room when he heard Jonah come inside with Sarah and Ray.

 - Shit!- he thought, jumping quietly away from the door.

He fought with himself, but damn, he was curious to see what they were up to. He was trying to overhear something of their conversation

when he felt the floor slip from under his feet and the image before his eyes doubled and tripled.

Rip settled slowly onto the bed and tried to calm down but it only got worse.

Breathe! Nothing's happening! You haven't eaten anything! You're tired... - he said to himself in his mind, but it felt like a dull pain was about to blow up his head and his senses refused to obey.

___

Ray and Sara took a seat at the table where yesterday's glasses were still standing.

 -So where's your lady?-Palmer asked jokingly in good faith, sensing the host's irritation.

Jonah felt his face getting red with nerves for a moment.

 -Emm...  In the room...-he said, embarrassed that he'd even made it up.-...sleeping.

 - Nice.- Ray replied smiling nervously.

 Sara gave him a chastising look.

 -Sorry...

 Jonah took a seat across from the two of the Legends and asked- So what is this problem you freaks have?

Sara leaned gently towards the bounty hunter and intertwined her arms.  Even though Jonah hadn't seen her for barely two months, Sarah's eyes had aged slightly, they were tired. 

-We detected some strange disturbance in this area...- the blonde woman began.- Gideon registered something as if a spontaneous Breach in time, which closed after several seconds.

 Jonah furrowed his eyebrows leaning toward the caller with sudden curiosity.

- But if it is shut up, what's the problem?- he asked.

- The problem is that such a Breach should never have occurred. According to the scans, it has not been opened by any device we know of! Gideon also claims that when it was open something or someone went through it.

And we don't know who it was, and more importantly, we don't know what was on the other side of that Breach.

Jonah was now almost certain that Sarah was talking about Rip and his journey through the Time Stream. He instinctively glanced toward the bedroom door, hoping his friends hadn't taken notice.

- So how am I supposed to help?- he asked.

- Excellent question!- interjected Ray, handing him a small rectangular device with a large round screen. Jonah winced as he saw it and Ray added.- We have determined that the Breach was not created in... how do I say...

in a controlled manner. The thing that passed through it in a way had to break through the structure of time itself, that's why the breach was irregular, as if jagged...

- Ray, to the point!- Sara urged him.

- Yeah, sorry..  So, the time structure was only temporarily damaged...  but whatever had passed through it in such a violent and brutal manner must also have been damaged, but not temporarily. 

Jonah felt a stab in his stomach, this conversation was starting to worry him more and more but he did his best not to let it show.

- This device...- Palmer continued- detects unstable particles. Just point the screen at anything. Try it!

Hex lifted their strange toy towards his guests. Nothing's happening... only... You're blue or somethin'.

- That's because our particles are stable, but when you find that thing we're looking for, its silhouette can take on different colors from yellow to red.- Ray continued to explain.

In Hex's opinion, a little too enthusiastic than he should have been.- If you see yellow- you can bring it to us safely but if orange- you better call us with this button.- He said pointing to it.

 - And what if it's red?" asked Jonah, fearing the answer.

Ray confused.

- Then...  you better run... - finished Lance.- We'll search the area around the Breach and you focus on looking here. Salvation is the closest city so it's very likely that this thing will show up here.

Keep your eyes open for anything that shouldn't be here.

Jonah nodded with a serious expression- Understood.

Unfortunately, Hex knew perfectly well what, or rather who, should not be here.

-And what will you do if you find it?- asked Jonah uncertainly.

Sara looked at him suspiciously.- We'll send it back where it came from....  before it causes any trouble.

Chapter Text

The sheriff closed the front door and slipped the small device into his inside coat pocket.

He looked out the window and when he was sure the Legends had already moved away, he shouted- Hunter! They're gone! 

 But he was met with silence.

 Jonah headed immediately for the bedroom and knocked on the door.

 - Hey Rip! You okay?! - he exclaimed. Hex started to worry when he again didn't hear an answer..

-Mhm! - he finally heard a voice from inside the room.

Jonah opened the door confidently, already preparing to give an account of the conversation, but the sight he found made him stop in his tracks.

Rip sat on the edge of the bed drenched in sweat with his head tilted forward and a bloody shirt pressed to his nose.

Jonah immediately crouched down next to the man, placing a hand on his knee and shaking him nervously.

-Rip! Can you hear me? What happened? What's wrong with you?! Rip!

 -You don't have to shout...-he replied pulling his face away from the crumpled shirt.- I can hear you, only my head hurts...

Jonah looked at him clearly worried, the way that Rip couldn't bear. The way that shows the pain that Rip was the cause of again.

-It's just fatigue. And hunger probably.- Hunter said, finally rising from the bed.

He wanted very much to believe himself that it was just that. He straightened up and smiled at his friend.

The pain that had been wracking through his entire body just moments ago, had eased significantly but was still more than mere discomfort.

____

Hex wasn't expecting any guests and he was now dining almost only at the saloons, but luckily he found a supply of beans and served it to his guest along with a strong black coffee.

In the meantime, he also handed Rip a new shirt, which was one of the ones he had left. The man seemed quite surprised that his friend had decided to keep them.

- Just in case.- Jonah had replied then, a bit embarrassed that he had had to explain it at all.

Jonah sat across from Rip and watched him closely. He looked better now but the bounty hunter feared it was only a temporary recovery. 

 -So...- the Time Master started, unable to stand the silence in the room anymore.- What did you talk to Sarah and Ray about? Are they on some new mission?

Jonah was annoyed but not even surprised that Rip was apparently going to ignore the whole incident. He felt like they had regressed to the stage of constant secrets again.

Sure, things couldn't have been too good after all. He grabbed his coffee mug and took a sip before saying anything.

-Do you remember…- he began uncertainly. - ...that evening after the job was done. You know, capturing that, what's-his-name, Conwell, the one with the weird goatee... we were drinking here at your place?

Rip raised an eyebrow and looked at him suspiciously, surprised by such an unexpected change of subject. He knew exactly which evening he was referring to.

-And then I told you... - “ Jesus! “Jonah cursed himself in his mind for not being able to put the words together.- That I have feelings for you.

 -Yeah.- Rip grinned slightly confused.- You kissed me. And then you freaked out.

 - Yeah, I panicked.- Jonah smiled weakly and placed his hand on Rip's palm. I didn't understand what was happening to me. I was afraid of it and I thought that it was better to hide it until it passed on its own....

But you were there for me and helped me, as my friend. So... I want you to know that I'm here for you too and I want to help you. You just have to be honest with me...- Jonah nodded towards the bedroom suggesting that he was referring to the situation from a moment ago.

Rip felt horrible. Jonah has rarely chosen to make such confessions, so the matter must be really serious for him. 

 - Noooo, I'm just not feeling well but everything is really fine. I can handle it.- Rip said in the most convincing tone he could and forced himself to smile weakly.

- No, you can't.- said Jonah harshly.

-What?- Rip replied, shocked. He hoped Jonah would let it go, though.

- I say you're not fine! Can't you just tell me the truth?

- Jesus! What do you want to hear from me? What's your point?

-My point is! That I'm worried about you!  Firstly, you were consumed by the explosion from your ship's propulsion system, then you ended up in some Time Stream from where you said yourself, no one ever came back. God only knows what it has done to you and just now I was afraid you would kick the bucket on my bed!  Your friends say you might be unstable! And you're going to pretend, as usual, that nothing is happening! 

-Wha..? Unstable? - Rip suddenly asked.

-They've detected some sort of Breach not far away, through which apparently something has made its way here.- Jonah continued in a still raised tone.- They don’t know what it is but they said it got damaged

-How can you be sure they were talking about me?

-And do you think how many morons a day do a time warp here? So why are you pretending like nothing is going on?! Why won't you tell me?!

-Because it's not your problem!- Rip snapped and immediately realized that it sounded a hundred times worse than he meant it to.

Jonah took a deep breath and his face solidified.

-You once said that Time Masters were trained to act with precision but without emotion. Not to care about others too much. You know what? That's what you've always done so well!

Rip looked at his friend with pain-filled eyes and raised his voice- I do care about you! - he felt the throbbing headache intensify again.

-Look. I didn't mean to bother you with it! Don't you understand? I didn't want to think about it myself either, because...-Rip’s voice trembled as if he could barely hold himself together in one piece. -Since forever, misery has followed me everywhere I go! Everyone I've ever cared about only faces pain and suffering and it's my fault. Miranda...  my son, they’re dead!- he paused for a moment.- my team...sacrificed way too much too. Even you almost died in that fire, Because of ME! I did not want to admit that it could be so this time as well. I want to finally make things right on my own!  No one will deal with my problems for me ever again! No one has to worry about me!

- And haven't you ever thought that maybe this suffering comes from the fact that you are always keeping secrets, that you never let anyone get close to you! You don't let anyone help you! You don't fully trust anyone! Neither your team nor me!

-DON’T SAY THAT!- Rip said, tears sprang to his eyes and the pain was becoming unbearable again.

-That's the truth Rip! Even now! Why?! Are you scared?! You think you have to suffer alone? You're afraid you might be happy for a while, so you start messing it up!

-STOP!- Rip clenched his teeth and doubled up feeling as if something was tearing him inside. 

-If so, you will eventually end up alone! 

-PLEASE! STOP!-  he shouted one last time falling from the chair to his knees on the floor. And a violent wave of energy swept through the room, shining with a blinding golden glow that pushed Jonah to the other end of the room and knocking over almost everything around them.

There was ringing in Hex's ears and he couldn't catch his breath for another moment before he came around from the violent encounter with the wall.

Rip felt like he was running amok at the time. Everything around him slowed down, all he could hear was screeching in his ears, the image in front of his eyes was glitching and he felt like he was going to fall apart into a million pieces if he only moved.

Then he noticed the glow and his friend flying inertly backwards. It all lasted maybe a few seconds. As the pain eased in severity, the Time Master stood up immediately leaning on the table. He looked around in shock, unable to process what had just happened. Suddenly his and Hex's gazes met.

Jonah had never seen him like this. Always confident and cool man now stood before him with his eyes wide open, barely breathing and tears ran down his cheeks. He hadn't cried in a long time. He wasn't sure he was still capable of it .

Seeing this, Jonah felt that Rip was on the verge of panic. He called out to him cautiously, but Hunter could still hear him as if from far away. Hex ran up to him and hugged him tightly, still calling him out nervously. It wasn't until the heavy touch of Jonah's hand on his face that Rip regained contact with reality.

- I'm sorry.- Rip said finally in a weak voice.- I have..  I....- and Rip felt his strength leave him and the tears don't seem to stop. He wasn't sure if he was crying because what Jonah said was true or because he was horrified by what had happened.- I just wanted everything to be fine this time.

Jonah still hadn't loosened his grip. He thought now that he may have exaggerated a bit but he just snapped. Hex believed that sometimes a man needs a dash of cold water, though it had a slightly different effect than he intended.

Chapter Text

When Jonah felt Rip sag and barely stay on his feet, he helped him sit down and moved away to the kitchen area.

 -Here. Drink.- he said sternly, handing him a glass of water. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, emotions were still running high inside him too. And when that happened, Jonah would usually activate a coping mechanism- he would then unintentionally become more bitter, abrasive, and petulant.

They lasted how long? One whole day without arguments?

Sure, in the old days they argued too, and quite often, but it was usually about nonsense. Not like…

They rushed yesterday... They got carried away and they both knew it. They still have to work through a lot of things. Jonah wanted to believe that they could trust each other again and at least partially regain their friendship and what they had. But no matter how much they both want it, good intentions alone are not enough. And if not..  and it's not destined to them…

Hex contemplated sometimes that maybe what happened to them later-Calvert, the fire, and everything after that-was punishment for having feelings for a person he shouldn't have them for. But after all, he considered the time he spent with Rip to be the best and most exciting of his life. Why would that be a bad thing? Why should he be punished for being happy? Though one would think the universe is really trying to make sure they aren't.

-Jonah...- Rip snapped the older man out of his reverie by speaking in a weak voice.-Can you sit down?

 Hex stopped pacing nervously back and forth, moved the nearest stool so that he sat close to Rip. For a moment more there was a silence that seemed more unbearable than the noise before. Jonah looked at his friend and felt it breaks his heart. Rip used to smile almost constantly and talk as much as he could. He was filled with wonder at everything he saw and experienced during this era. That was what made Hex's heart start beating faster.

Before, Rip hadn't let it show, but now that the mask had dropped, Jonah saw tired eyes and a face which forgot how to smile a long time ago. Until yesterday…

-I promised I'd stay. I don't want anything else.-  Hunter said at last, with a determination in his voice, but as if he barely can speak. He lifted his gaze to Jonah and straightened up.- That's why I have to fix myself. And I have to admit..  I can't do that damn thing alone. Will you help me?

Jonah placed his hand on Rip's palm, stroking it softly. He was really glad to hear that.- That's what we have each other for, right? 

In response, the time lord smiled sincerely, despite the pain, and for a moment Jonah saw the old spark in him. But then Rip closed his eyes and his head began to drop limply.

-Hey! Hey, hey, hey! Rip?!-  Jonah cried out, touching his friend on the cheeks. Although Rip was breathing and trying to answer, he was barely conscious.

Hex reached into his pocket and grabbed Palmer's device and pointed it at Hunter. His figure was not uniform in color. It pulsed one time in blue and another in yellow.

- And then what am I supposed to do, huh?- he asked himself outloud.

He pressed the appropriate button and after a while a woman's voice rang out.

-Jonah?!

-Where are you? I need help!- he shouted violently enough that he himself was surprised by it.

-Not far, a dozen minutes north of the city.- She answered calmly.

 -On my way.

The sheriff grabbed the younger man and threw his arm over his shoulder.

-Can you walk?- he asked.

Hunter nodded, though he wasn't convinced he could do it. Words barely reached him, as if he were underwater and he remembered only a few moments from the road to Waverider. He remembered Jonah saying, "Don't you dare die, asshole!”

Then he no longer had the strength to resist, he closed his eyes and plunged into the darkness.

_____

When the ship's crew saw Hex in the distance, they turned off the camouflage and opened the hangar. At the same moment that Jonah saw the ship, he felt the unconscious Rip fall harder against him.

-Shit!- he cursed under his breath but luckily he was already there.

When Jonah stepped aboard, a stocky, bald man with a grimace on his face was waiting for him at the door. Presumably to help him with the "escapee from the Breach". But when he realized who Jonah was carrying, he got confused and his face twisted even more.

-But it's the Englishman.- he said, coming closer.

-Yeah.I noticed!- wheezed Jonah hard with as much irritation and sarcasm as he could muster.

- Geez... - burbled Mick grabbing Rip from the other side.

As they entered the bridge Sara was about to cheerfully greet an old friend but before she could say anything she heard Mick shouting even slightly amused.

-Guys! You won't believe it!

The first thing she saw was the frightened face of a man from the wild west that definitely didn't suit him. Lance shifted her gaze to the figure they were carrying and walked slowly closer tilting her head involuntarily. She glanced again at Hex, who nodded in agreement. The rest of the crew also started walking slowly towards them, clearly interested. Jonah couldn't remember all the names, and he noticed a few new faces. When Hex caught his breath he said “He needs help. Now!”

Sara snapped out of her initial shock and shouted.

- Quick! Gideon, prepare the med bay! Nate, help Mick! And Hex! A word! Right now!

When Heywood ran up to Jonah and tried to take Rip from him, a strange thing happened. Hunter's body seemed to have gone glitchy. For a split second he phased, bypassed their hands like a ghost and the man nearly fell to the ground. Jonah felt everyone's gazes on him, but he was just as confused.

 -Damn. That was new.- he said.

_____

Jonah and the Captain walked into Rip's former office. If not for the circumstances, the man would have even smiled at the sight. Sara crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Hex looking for an answer. But the man remained silent, not knowing where to begin.

-IT IS RIP.-she finally said each word slowly and clearly.

-YEAH. I KNOW.-he replied instinctively imitating her. Sara squirmed.- Does it make a difference? You knew you had to deal with someone who went through the Breach.

-Yes. Deal with, in the sense of getting rid of it, not helping it!- the blonde replied with a loud sigh, rubbing her eyes.- We weren’t prepared!

He took off his hat and ran his hand over his forehead trying to collect his thoughts.- Forgive me. I, uh..  how can I help?

-Tell us everything that has happened since you've found Rip. Maybe he said something to you.- Ray said entering the room along with Ava. - Every detail could be useful.

Jonah sighed, rubbing his eyes and told them everything. Well, everything that was relevant.  He afforded the luxury of leaving out some private details. When he finished there was silence in the office, which was broken by Ava

-That Rip was in the Time Stream is impossible.

-Forgive me- Gideon's voice came from everywhere.- ...but I disagree. I calculated Director Hunter's chance of survival at approximately 0.0000163%. So a more correct term would be "highly unlikely".

-Can you enlighten us about what this Time Stream is?- interjected Sara, more irritated.

Ava glanced at her girlfriend intending to explain but Gideon preceded her.

-Traveling through time, our technology uses a temporal zone which, barring some slight side effects, is rather harmless to a properly protected user, Captain Lance.- she said.- The Time Stream, as the name suggests, is a timeline structure itself. "Space" in which various possible alternative timelines would intersect. Only a few higher entities were able to penetrate it, so these are just hypotheses.

-Wait! Alternate timelines?- Ray asked abruptly.- Weren't the Time Masters tasked with keeping history straight? So where do the alternatives come from?

Indeed. To keep an eye on the correct course of history of OUR world. I believe the existence of the multiverse is known to you, Dr. Palmer.- said Gideon with a wince.- So as I was saying..  I'm afraid I don't have any reliable data that would help.

Jonah furrowed his brow and burbled a curse under his breath as he walked away.

-And where the hell are you going?- shouted the Captain after him.

-Check on Rip.-he answered briefly.

_____

When he arrived at the med bay, he did not go inside. He leaned against the doorframe and watched as Nate with Zari's help connected the unconscious man up to the bizarre apparatus. Being on a ship from the future, the lights around him and the metallic smell made him nauseous. But he hoped that all these future contraptions would help his friend.

A friend... He keeps using that word in his head. They are friends, of course. But there's another term for it. Who else was Rip to him? His man? His boyfriend? Nah! They never named their feelings. Those feelings just were, they didn't need a name. And yet Jonah felt some irrational fear of saying it out loud. Even after all that time.

As the crew members left the room, Zari stopped next to Jonah for a moment and smiled warmly.

 - He was given a painkiller. He'll sleep for a while. You can come in if you want.

Hex entered slowly and silently, taking a seat next to the place where Hunter lay. Now he could look at him closer. Rip was drenched in cold sweat, had dark circles under his eyes and his skin seemed to have suddenly turned almost gray. He wanted to touch Rip's hand but hesitated for fear of hurting him. After a moment, however, he grasped it in both hands and pressed his lips to it. He felt tears coming to his eyes.

-Why do we always have to get into so much trouble, huh?- whispered Jonah quietly, grinning nervously.- Look! You just came back to life yesterday. You know, it would be stupid to die right away, huh?

Hex frowned and could no longer hold back his trembling voice.- Besides… You promised me something. You promised to stay this time. That you won't leave me. So don't. Please...  I...- the words stuck in his throat.- I LOVE YOU.- saying this Jonah hugged his forehead to Rip's hand, which he squeezed tightly and felt a warm tear run down his cheek. He had never said it before and now he was afraid it might be the last opportunity. Who'd have thunk... Jonah Hex and crying. Whenever he felt sadness, it usually quickly turned into anger. Now, however, Jonah preferred to feel it.

-Soo..  you and Rip?- he heard Sarah's voice coming from outside. She stood half-hidden behind the door, not knowing whether she should enter or not. Jonah let go of Rip's hand, turned his head quickly and tried to wipe away his tears as discreetly as possible.

He lowered his gaze but said nothing... An even grimmer expression appeared on the woman's face than before. She slid the other chair over and sat down next to him.

-My team will do everything to help him.- she said smiling gently.- We are experts in hopeless cases.

-You are a bunch of misfits. What if that's not enough? What should I do then?- he asked.

And after a moment's silence, he added, "You know..  just before that, we had an argument..  and I said a few things. Which I now regret. I don't want to...  to part like this.

 Sara also fell silent.

Chapter Text

Rip slowly opened his eyes and fixed his semi-conscious gaze on the ceiling. It took a moment before he realized where he was. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sara and Jonah sitting next to him and talking quietly. He smiled softly and realized he felt strangely good. Hunter quietly called out to his friends, but they did not hear. He called out once more.  Still no response. Startled, he raised himself up on his elbows and reached out his hand toward them. But before he could touch Hex's shoulder, however, he heard: "They can't hear you."

He turned his head in the direction from which the friendly voice was coming. To the right of the chair on which he was laying, stood a woman with dark hair and a beautiful wide smile, the brightness of which was dampened by the clear concern evident in her eyes. 

 -Gideon...- started Rip still weakly.- how?

 -Captain.- she said with a nod and smiled even wider.

Rip got up from his seat and hugged his best friend. He always treated her that way. He never saw Gideon as an AI and most certainly not as a tool. To him she was always a living, feeling person. His trusted partner and friend. They've been together on countless journeys and through some of their toughest times.

Gideon also missed her former captain. As much as she loved the new team and their adventures together, it was impossible to forget someone she'd experienced thousands of others with so easily. Rip has been and always will be her friend. That's why she was observing what was happening with even more pain.

The Time Master stepped back from her and asked.

 -Why can't they hear me?

She hesitated.

-Because you are not there.- she replied calmly, glancing at Jonah and Sara. 

 Rip turned slowly towards them too, and felt his stomach twist. His body was still lying on that chair and he looked like a deadman.

-I transferred your consciousness to my matrix.- he heard behind him.- I assumed you would prefer to know what was going on around you, in case you… -she broke off.

Rip felt dizzy, but this time because of his nerves. He had no idea what was happening to him, and looking at himself like a ghost that left his body after death certainly wasn't helping put things together in his head. But when he saw Jonah's worried face, his bloodshot eyes and clenched jaw, he came to his senses.

 -Gideon, what's wrong with me?- he finally asked, walking away with her instinctively a little further from the two sitting in the room, even though they wouldn't have heard them anyway. The woman looked at him and her smile had almost completely faded by now.

-Dr. Palmer had me run some tests, he'll be here soon with the results...- she finally said.

-But you know them already, Gideon.- he insisted.- Tell me.

The woman sighed heavily and looked into his eyes.- Your body is falling apart, Rip.

__________

At that moment, Ray burst into the med bay, smiling nervously while holding the test results in his hand. Followed by the rest of the team. 

-There he is.- Gideon said with a smirk as they both stood on the other side of the room.

Sara lifted her gaze and turned to Palmer- How's that?

The man laughed, jumping nervously from one foot to the next.

-Well.. I have two pieces of good news- started Atom.- but also one bad.

-So?!- grawled Hex in such a tone that made Ray feel a shiver run down his spine. He looked around at his teammates and continued.

-One-I think I know what's wrong with Rip. Second- I think I know how this could be fixed. The third..  I don't think we have more than one shot.

Jonah felt a hit into his chest hearing this, but he was sitting still with his eyes lowered letting the man continue.

-So, when Rip by some miracle tore through the structure of time, his molecules got destabilized, but not all of them and not to the same extent. It's kind of like a molecular disequilibrium. He quantumly shifts through space and maybe even through time. Every cell in his body is being ripped apart and put back together. Ray explained gesturing, inappropriately excited.

Sara looked at him urgently.

 -My point is..  You have a particle expert here- he pointed with his thumbs at himself- And this expert has a plan. But Rip's body won't last long like this, so we need to act now.

-And what exactly is your plan?- asked the Captain of the Waverider.

-Well..  Let's think of Rip as of a system of molecules... I think that if we first completely stop the vibration of his molecules and then expose them to a similar pulse but this time even and controlled, they should return to their original state. We'll trigger something like a reset…

-That's a shit plan!- said Rip in disbelief.

Gideon smiled amused.- Let them prove themselves.

-Gosh! Ray.- Zari interjected.- A man dies when his body temperature drops to 16 degrees Celsius. And you want to reach 273 degrees below zero!? Besides, no one has reached that temperature even in my time. This is just a theory. 

-No, it's not!- said Palmer- I did some research and there were similar experiments on living tissue in the 25th century. If Gideon prints me the details, we can try.

There was consternation among those gathered. You didn't have to be a scientist to guess how risky this was. But Ray seemed pretty convinced. At this point, that was enough for Jonah.

-Do it.- he said in a tired voice finally tearing his gaze away from his unconscious friend. All eyes went to Hex but he only added, not believing that he agreed to this madness- If we don't do anything, he will die anyway. I'm sure Rip would have taken the risk.

Hunter smiled weakly. He may not have been entirely convinced, but it was their only so also their best plan. Besides, it's high time to finally trust someone.

__________

Legends prepared the med bay for the experiment. They isolated the chair on which Waverider's former captain lay with a force field to protect against accidental impulse. Rip had electrodes attached to his ankles, wrists and chest similar to those used in electrocardiography. It was through them that Ray was to send the right impulse throughout his body. The second, restoring impulse was to be one with a similar formula to the Waverider drive.

Jonah stood off to the side walking nervously watching the preparations. He wasn't sure if he did the right thing but what else was left for them. He himself felt useless. He was in no position to help anyone here and that feeling was choking him. He could only stand and mumble something like a prayer.

__________

-I should send you back- said Gideon quietly snapping the man out of his thoughts- Because there will be no one to wake up.

-Yeah. You're right.- he answered, taking his eyes away, not from the bustle around him, but from the sheriff, who was standing just a few inches from him. He wanted to remember every inch of his face if he were to never wake up again, so that this sight would stay with him forever. - So.. I'll hear from you again in a minute.

The woman smiled sincerely, wanting very much to believe that it would be so.- Would you like to leave a message perhaps?- she said approaching him. -... just in case?

Rip thought for a moment- No. Then I'll have something to come back for. But I have one important question... 

-Yes?

-Are you happy here?

Gideon opened her eyes wide surprised but after a moment she smiled warmly and replied.- I miss you... and I wish you were here. But yes, I am happy.

 Hunter sent her a friendly smile.

-That's the most important thing I wanted to know.

The Time Master was enveloped in darkness again as his friend put her fingers to his temples and sent his consciousness back. The pain tearing through his body returned. He couldn't see anything but felt he was lying down unable to move. And he heard. He could hear the voices of his friends all around him. All that was left for him to do was to wait and see what would happen.

__________

-Okay here we go!- shouted Palmer as everyone took their positions.

Hex crossed his fingers and held his breath. He noticed Sara, who was also trying to keep a stone face, squeezing Ava's hand nervously. Even Mick seemed not to be completely indifferent.

Ray described one by one everything that Zari and he were doing. Every stage.

-I'm activating the force field.- A blue glow circled the chair, only to become completely invisible a moment later.

-I'm starting to capture the kinetic energy of the molecules.

Rip gradually turned even paler, his lips and hands turned blue and frost seemed to appear on his cheeks. After a moment, a beeping sound from one of the monitors, signifying that his heart had stopped beating. Hex had the feeling that along with his lover's heart, his own had also stopped. When the value displayed on the other monitor dropped to zero, Zari walked over to the panel and announced

-I'm sending a time drive pulse in three, two, one..

A wave of unpleasant pressure swept through the room, everyone's ears got plugged for a moment, the floor trembled slightly and the lights flickered as the ship's systems got overloaded as well.

Rip's body arched upon impact with such energy and the temperature jumped dramatically. But after a moment he sank back into his chair and the heart monitoring machine continued to emit a deafening screech.

Every person in the room jumped off suddenly. IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE THIS! In an instant an uproar broke out. Everyone wanted to get closer. Everyone wanted to help.

-Send it again!- Ray shouted.

This time Rip didn't even react. Zari and Ray turned off the force field and ran over to the former captain to see if by chance any of the electrodes had come loose.

Jonah felt the floor fall out from underneath his feet. He barely made it to where his partner was laying. And the constant screech rang in his ears and wracked his whole body as if it was going to be etched into him forever. He felt rage sweep over him. How it burns in his chest. IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE THIS!

__________

Rip was laying in the dark and listening trying to imagine what was going on, because being in an absolute void where you can't even see your hands made you shiver. When Dr. Palmer began the procedure, he felt a chill and an overwhelming drowsiness. He felt, however, that he should not close his eyes. Then a burning shudder ran through him. It was like a bolt of lightning went through his veins. Rip clenched his teeth tightly. After a while, however, drowsiness struck with double force. The darkness that seemed to consume him now..  it seemed to take all his pain away, which was very tempting. But also his memories, his IAM started to drift away. Blur. His mind clouded over and his eyelids were heavier and heavier with each passing second. He was about to give up when a loud voice snapped him out of his stupor.

-Why isn't he wakin' up?! 

It was Jonah. Why was he screaming?

 In a moment, a second voice.

-I...I don't know..  We did everything right!

-Yeah, but the result is wrong, Ray!

This time it was Sara. They argue. No.

Rip tried to collect his thoughts, but he felt them slipping from his mind as quickly as they were appearing.

Don't argue. Please. 

Again and again the voices grew quieter and fuzzier. They were shouting at each other.

Stop it!

Hunter suddenly began to struggle against this all-encompassing dark void. To defy the force that told him to surrender. He held on to those voices. The voices of his friends. His family. He gripped onto them tightly and wasn't about to let go.

 -Maybe if you'd brought him here earlier, he wouldn't be in this condition!

-He didn't want you to know where he was! I wonder why!

- What the hell is that supposed to mean?!

 STOOOP! - and he snapped out of the darkness. A wave of golden light scattered the void.

But Rip didn't wake up.

Chapter Text

-Captain Lance.- Gideon interjected, interrupting the increasingly aggressive exchange of words.- I would like to point out that Director Hunter's particle instability is approaching a critical value.

Sara and Jonah, by now busy arguing, looked at the unconscious man whose body, where the electrodes were, began to be covered with tiny threads of light as if the veins in his body began to emanate a golden glow that then lit up his skin from the inside.

 -Ray?! - it was all Sara managed to shout before a wave of energy hit them.

But this time was different. The strange wave did not push them away, but pulled them inside.

All those gathered were surrounded by a golden glow. Millions of voices could be heard. And seemingly random scenes were appearing and disappearing like flashes bathed in the shimmering space. Memories? First meeting with Legends. Savage. Hunter holding Miranda's dead body in his hands. Some pretty tough scenes that seemed to be Time Masters' training...

It was as if Rip's consciousness had shattered into thousands of pieces and they were now watching those shards swirling around them. This sight was both astonishing yet overwhelming. Everything passed them by in a blink of an eye but one particular shard caught Jonah’s attention... It seemed strangely familiar to him. He reached out his hand slowly toward it...

Hex immediately recognized the place that appeared before their eyes. 

 -Calvert.-whispered Hex unknowingly.

They were now standing inside the wooden hallway, just outside the door of the room Jonah and Rip had rented when they had stopped in this town while hunting down the gang.

Jonah's heart leapt into his throat. It was the day before the tragedy. The day before his world collapsed. Before he was betrayed by the person closest to him.

Sara, Ray and Mick who remembered the story about Calvert glanced at each other then at Hex but he stood still and just watched.

They heard footsteps suddenly. It was Rip. He crossed the hall and slipped quietly into their room. The bounty hunter was already asleep. Nothing to be suprised about. They had had a rough day. Conflict with the Turnbull's Gang had been arasing recently. Still, the sight of Jonah made Rip smile. He was about to lie down next to the older man when he heard a disturbing noise coming from outside.

At first, the Time Master thought it was a gang member. He grabbed his revolver and with it pressed to his chest cautiously looked out into the barely enlightened hallway. When he slid out a little more someone violently pressed him against the wall and a man's hand clamped down on his mouth. It only loosened when it came to Rip who stood before him.

It was Druce. The legends recognized the Time Master they had to face a long time ago. The same one who Rip called a trusted friend, but who betrayed him at the end. Mick furrowed his brow and let out an angry curse at the sight of him but the rest of the team were too absorbed in the scene unfolding.

When Druce pulled his hand away from Rip's face he growled at him so that the young Captain felt the muscles tighten around his spine.

 -What the hell are you doing?!

The impact of Time Drift made Rip take a moment to collect his thoughts and to remember what the man might be mad at him for.

-You had one simple task!- he strained through his teeth, seeing that Hunter was still silent.

 -And I completed it.-he answered eventually.

 -Indeed! But instead of coming back, you decided to stay here and play cowboy!- hissed Druce.- Do you even realize how many changes in history you have made by your very presence here! Not to mention the crusade against gangs that you and your.. ekhm...  friend started! You come back with me before you cause more trouble!

Druce pulled him by his shirt violently and unceremoniously, as if Rip were still a young recruit but he didn't even twitch. When images of his life sometimes had hit him, Rip had been realizing then that one day he would have had to face the consequences. But despite this awareness, the thought of leaving was unbearable.

 Seeing his former protege trying to act confident but still flinch at his every sudden movement, he calmed his voice and took a breath.

-Rip... listen. You must return with me.- he began.- As a result of the events you have set in motion, this town will be destroyed. Tomorrow. Before noon.

The Captain looked at him with horrified eyes.- Wha...

-Turnbull's gang will burn this place to the ground and kill the citizens for non cooperation caused by your influence. No one will survive.

Rip felt the world begin to collapse. He knew he shouldn't have stayed in this era longer than it had been necessary, but fighting alongside Jonah was the first time he felt like he was really helping people. Here and now. For the first time, he felt alive. He hadn't thought that staying for those few moments more would have such consequences.

 -Surely something can be done...-he groaned.

 -No, time has already settled. The fate of this town is sealed.

Rip was silent for a moment considering the options he had left.

-Then let me stay.- he said at last to the honest surprise of the older man.- It is my fault, so I should stay here. If I return to the Vanishing Point, the Council will still condemn me to death for insubordination. So I'd rather die here. 

Druce took a deep breath. He was well aware that Hunter was stubborn, but to this point? Rip had another role to play. He couldn't die here. Druce had to get him out of here but at the same time without losing his trust. So he decided to try to get through to him in another way.

-Yes..  if you stay here, you'll die..  you both will.- he said in the most compassionate tone he could muster while glancing toward the half-open door to the room.

- You're willing to make that kind of sacrifice, but is he? Before you meddled, he probably had his whole life ahead of him.

 Rip's face hardened visibly.  

Good. - thought the older Time Master.

- I'm saying this because I know you care about him...  And we all make mistakes. I have an offer...  If you leave now, I can, shall we say, gently adjust the course of events...-added Druce.- And he will survive. He'll be safe. You have my word. But you have to come back with me. Because if I don't bring you back, I'll fall into disgrace and could do nothing.

Hunter was silent processing everything that was said to him, his heart beating like it was about to burst out of his chest. Druce, on the other hand, was clearly running out of patience. He put a hand on the younger man's shoulder and squeezed uncomfortably hard.

-Ask yourself... if you really want a loved one to die because of your selfish stunt?- he said with a stern expression on his face and such a forcible tone that suggested Rip had no other choice- You have a quarter of an hour to make a decision... I'll wait outside.

Jonah and the Legends were not only able to witness events that Rip never intended to tell anyone about, but they could also feel the emotions and doubts swirling within him like a storm destroying everything in its path. Jonah felt the eyes of the team members on him and at the same time he felt faint.

Rip's eyes glazed over. Did he have the right to make that decision at all? He sneaked back into the room and sat down gently on the edge of the bed. He would have liked to wake his friend, to say goodbye as he should but he knew that then he wouldn't be strong enough to leave. He knew Jonah wouldn't let him.

 The time master had no reason to distrust Druce, so…

 He decided.

The city is lost, so is Rip... No matter how much he would have rather stayed here in this town until his last moment, only by leaving he would save at least the man he loved and whose fate had changed because of him. He couldn't imagine a world where Jonah Hex was dead. Hunter couldn't let that happen.

Rip leaned over Hex and gave him a kiss on the forehead gently enough not to wake him. The man struggled to hold back tears. He took one last look at his beloved and whispered but the words barely passed through his clenched throat.

 -Forgive me...

-Wait.. the Englishman and the cowboy?- mumbled Mick, enlightened but Zari rolled her eyes and sold him a smack between the ribs.

Rip took Hex's old coat from the coat rack on his way out. He actually got it from Jonah after they had to survive a freezing night under the stars by covering themselves with it during one of their journeys.

 “Keep it. If everyone has their own, we will avoid that kind of embarrassing situation in the future.” said Jonah then hiding a smirk.

But Rip has never really worn it until now...  Now it seemed to be the most precious memento in his life. The Time Master closed the door quietly behind him... Their beautiful dream was over. 

 -Be well Jonah..  Please.

Rip did it for him.

This realization hit him beastly.

 RIP DID IT SO JONAH COULD LIVE.

Suddenly Hunter's words rang in their ears, "I had to tear myself away from this time period."

And Hex understood what Rip meant yesterday when he said: "I wouldn't leave without making sure you will be okay."

Jonah felt heat running down his cheek and a burning pain in his chest. The blood drained from his face as he put all those Hunter words together. Now it made sense. He must have looked really bad because he felt Sarah's hand land on his shoulder.

-Hey... Jonah. You okay?-  she said when the memory in front of their eyes began to change.  He only denied with a movement of his head trying to say something but no sound came out of his mouth.

Another memory emerged from the light a moment later… Rip stood in his Time Master's uniform in the middle of the dark room, surrounded by the Council members who questioned him.

Legends and Jonah clearly felt his certainty that he was about to hear an accusation and a death sentence. A scary feeling and yet he stood there with his head held high, stone face repeating in his head how many people they had saved while in the wild west, how many people they had helped, trying to convince himself that he had not made an entirely bad decision.

 Suddenly, a voice out of nowhere took on more force.

Captain Hunter… Take a look.

Hologram pictures appeared in front of Rip. Images of a destroyed town, burned to the ground, people dying in a burning church, charred corpses. Among the citizens, he saw his friend who had been reached by the fire, heard his scream and the screams of others that tore his heart and soul apart. But before the image disappeared he noticed for a split second that Jonah had managed to escape. He felt terrible with the fact that deep down he was relieved, even though the others still suffered such a fate. But Druce kept his word.

The deep voice echoed once again.

You dared to break the most important rule of our order. PROTECT HISTORY. DON'T INTERFERE. You let your emotions cloud your judgement which changed the correct course of the events. For such a transgression you should be erased like a common time pirate and forgotten.

Rip nodded in agreement.

However…

The council has decided that the changes you brought about were not significant in the bigger picture. And you are quite… USEFUL.

Hearing this the man flinched.

Thus, you will continue your duty. And your punishment will be living out the rest of your days with the knowledge that with one selfish decision you have condemned an entire town to a cruel death! That you have their blood on your hands, Captain Hunter! That by your disobedience you brought suffering. Now you'll always remember how important setted rules are. YOUR PUNISHMENT WILL BE TO REMEMBER!

Rip walked out of the room with a dead expression on his face. But walking down a long empty hallway, when no one could see him, he felt his mask start to crack.

HE HAS TO REMEMBER! 

It sounded in his ears like a curse.

REMEMBER THAT EMOTIONS ARE NOT FOR TIME MASTERS.

REMEMBER THAT HIS LIFE SHOULD BE OUTSIDE HISTORY.

REMEMBER THAT HE LOST EVERYTHING.

Walking down that hallway, the world seemed to slow down and Rip was struck by all the good things he had experienced in the wild west. The days were full of excitement, adventure, sunshine, the kindness of the locals...  so different from the coldness and insensitivity that had accompanied him at the Academy.

Ever since he started training he and the rest of recruits had been told that they were nothing, trash, children left to die. That it was the Time Masters who gave them purpose. They gave them life. That this was the only way they can finally mean something. COME IN HANDY FOR SOMETHING. And for a very long time, Rip really believed that.

Yet there, in a remote, hot patch of the world, he felt that he was someone, he was himself...  Actual human being. Not a tool without a face or a name.

The pain and grief was unbearable. And when he stepped outside and instead of the endless blue sky and warm wind he was greeted by the icy darkness that was surrounding Vanishing Point, he winced, doubled over and rested his hands on his knees. He finally snapped! Tears ran down Rip's cheeks and he felt himself running out of breath.

The Time Master let out a piercing scream full of anger, suffering and helplessness that scattered the memory that the Legends and Jonah had just witnessed. Each of them being there shared his pain and loss... each of them had unknowingly glazed eyes.

But the sheriff, on the other hand, felt his anger rise within him.

At Rip for never telling him about it.

At Rip for not letting him decide then if he wanted to live or die by his side.

At the Time Masters for taking Rip from him with cruel extortion.

And at himself... That he'd blamed Rip all those years, that he'd regretted he'd ever felt anything more for him. And now that he'd accused him of not caring about others, when in fact Rip had broken his own heart and surrendered himself to the Time Masters out of love for Jonah.

__________

Once the memory had completely dissipated they found themselves in a darkness that was only torn apart by a golden light. And at the very center of it stood their friend.

He still looked weak and shaken. A golden glow was coursing under his skin and when he moved, afterimages were surrounding him.

- Rip...- Sara's voice broke as she moved towards him but he stepped away instinctively.

 - No...-he started with concern in his eyes.-I don't know what is ha…

- Geez, shut up!- she groaned and hugged him tightly.- We've missed you.

After a moment, a smiling Ray and Ava joined the hug. Rip laughed under his breath as the cheerful mood passed onto the rest of the team as well. He felt the pain slowly leave his body. But something was missing. Rip lifted his gaze to Jonah, who was standing off to the side.

-You didn't deserve what happened to you that day and the fact that I left you without saying a word, that I let you down. But you deserve to know the whole story and the choice I took away from you.- said Rip.

His partner only nodded and smiled slightly. And at this point, that was enough for Rip. He answered him with a smile full of gratitude.

-And my dear Legends... I just wanted to.. .- he took a deep breath.- I wasn't always the best captain... or a friend. I know that. But the reason why I rebuked and lectured you so much was because I know what it's like to screw something up completely...  and what it's like to live with that burden day after day. I didn't want to let you experience that, too. I'm truly sorry.

AND IT CRACKED!

Darkness and light broke. The illusion surrounding them shattered. They stood in the med bay again and when they felt the surge of Waverider's artificial gravity, they collapsed to the floor with Rip trapped between them. The Legends all groaned loudly and battered. They felt similar to how they felt after one of their first time jumps.

Jonah quickly ran over to the group that still huddled on the floor, grabbed Hunter and set him on his feet rapidly. He gripped Rip's shoulders and his gaze wandered nervously all over his body. The younger man seemed tangible. Despite the still tired eyes, he looked fine, almost normal. When their gazes finally met and Rip was about to open his mouth to say something, Jonah pulled him close and hugged him as tightly as he could while placing a hand on his head.

With that one gesture, Jonah showed everything. All his anger and pain from the past. All the longing for him and relief that he was alive. All happiness to see him and hope it all will work out. And all his love.

Rip didn't protest and, after a second, returned the hug.

 -I love you too.- Rip whispered.

Chapter Text

Rip was now sitting in the medical chair again and watching eagerly as Ray was wandering around him and the machines for quite some time. Jonah, Sara and the others stood at a safe distance. And He was told to sit still and not make any sudden movements.

When the early enthusiasm of the sudden and miraculous healing passed, doubts came over everyone. It couldn't have been that good. It never was. There had to be a catch and they had to find it before things got worse... again.

Dr. Palmer suggested that some more tests should be done and Hunter agreed.

– Rip- he finally said.- How are you feeling?

– Actually, strangely good.- he replied.- And that worries me.

Ray again looked confused at the tablet he held in his hand, as Rip assumed, with his tests' results. He walked over to Hunter and touched him, mumbling something under his breath.

– It looks like your molecules have stabilized...-Ray began.

Rip breathed a sigh of relief for a moment..

– ...but.

Of course! There always has to be a "but"!

– Can you stand up for a second? I'd like to check something else out.

The man obeyed and got up from his chair and just as he was about to ask Palmer what it was all about- Ouch!

Ray slammed him in the ribs with a plastic tube. Rip looked at him confused.

– I just wanted to check more.. aggressive stimulus.- he explained with a nervous smile.- I’ve noticed that your molecules reacted more in a state of strong emotional agitation. And nothing is more stimulating than a threat to life and limb…

Sara snorted with laughter.

– Sorry Ray but you and your tube can hardly be considered as any kind of threat.- she said pulling out her baton and heading towards the former captain.- But I'd be happy to test him a little more.

Rip's eyes opened wide and he grabbed the plastic tube as he realized what awaited him.

White Canary merely smiled and delivered him a series of strong punches. Rip has managed to shield himself from them at first.

– Something tells me you're still a little mad at me.- he said.

– Heh. Where did you get that idea?- she said with a grin.

Another blow! And another! Until the still exhausted Rip missed and received a sharp blow to the leg. It effectively distracted him because then came several more.

– Shit! This doesn't make sense!- he shouted between Sarah's punches.- Nothing will happen!

– Hey! Englishman!- shouted Mick, snatching Jonah's revolver from its holster before he knew it.- Heads up!

Rip only had time to take a breath when he noticed Rory with a gun pointed at him. He wouldn't have had time to react. Impossible. He closed his eyes and felt discomfort.

When he opened eyes again he saw everyone frozen motionless with surprise. He looked down at himself and, seeing no blood, looked at his hands, which flared with a golden light for a moment and returned to normal immediately. Rip turned away. The bullets had apparently flown through him and were now lodged in Waverider's wall.

– What the hell was that?!- he shouted to Mick.

– Life-threatening.- he replied calmly and self-satisfied.

– Yes!- interrupted Palmer.- Just as I thought!

– What?!- asked Rip, still in shock that he wasn't just bleeding out on the floor.

– Some of the unstable atoms you had in your body still have a trace of Time Stream energy on them- something like a wound that can open anytime.- Ray explained, smiling and excited.

– Why the hell are you so happy, Dr. Palmer?- Rip stammered out.- That doesn't sound good.

– This IS good! Look!- he replied, showing Rip the screen of the device.- Your body is adapting to the new properties and your particles are doing it in a controlled way without tearing the whole body apart.

– Is that mean...- the Time Master began uncertainly.

– It's a bit like you got superpowers!- Ray laughed and patted his friend on the back and then Rip's faded afterimages appeared due to the sudden movement.

Ray grimaced and added.- Yeah... but I wouldn't do it too often for now.

– Yeah.. don't worry about it.- Hunter replied with a sarcastic half-smile.

– I don't want to complain...- interjected Hex unexpectedly, stepping forward.- But I thought you'd have fixed him completely. No offense, I may be old fashioned but glowing guts still bother me a bit.

– While I understand your concern, Mr. Hex, I believe that, given all the circumstances, Captain Hunter is safe.- said Gideon with a hint of happiness in her voice.- It seems that, thanks to the experiments conducted during the Time Master's training, his body was able to adapt safely to its new properties after the controlled pulse initiated by Dr. Palmer.

Ray proudly smiled hearing that his crazy plan had worked after all but after a moment he frowned.- Wait. Experiments?

Rip looked around the team members and leaned back in his chair. After everyone saw his memories, he didn't feel like confiding again, but he knew it was inevitable.

– Ehh... training to be a Time Master really wasn't easy or fun but if your alternative is- the words stood up in his throat.- well, you just know you have to and you do your best to survive. Do you remember Pilgrim?

A few people nodded as they were listening and looked intensely at the man. Only Mick tried to look away because he knew well what Rip was talking about. As Chronos, he had spent enough time among these bastards to know what they committed, and he knew it wasn't easy to talk about.

– When recruits are still young enough, they are 'tested' in terms of acquire certain specific skills.- Rip continued choosing each word very carefully.- The woman you know as Pilgrim was a cadet not much older than me. Her body responded positively to the various modifications, so she was transferred. Hence her powers. My body didn't assimilate these changes, they didn't activate, so I stayed with traditional training....

– But the modifications remained and apparently were helpful in the healing process.- Gideon finished for him.

– Apparently…

__________

– Gideon asks you to stay here at least until tomorrow, just in case.-Sara said walking down the corridor with Rip and Jonah.- You get some rest and in the morning we can test your glowing tricks a bit.

She poked her former captain with her elbow, and he smiled at her.

– Yeah, but first things first... I'm really dreaming of a shower.- Rip replied smiling and winced.- I have dust and sweat on me from almost two days.

– Sure thing. The bathroom is all yours. Unfortunately, there was one room left vacant. Yours. Gideon forbade to take it ...- she said looking surreptitiously at Jonah.

Rip noticed that and replied.- We'll manage somehow.

– I don't doubt it.-she laughed.

_________

When Hunter opened the door of his old quarter and Hex saw the hint of nostalgia on his face, he stopped in the doorway.

– Come on, don't stand there like a bump!-  Rip said in his direction as he started rummaging through the closet for a fresh towel and clothes.

Hex lowered his head and slid his hat over his eyes.

– You know... stay here and finish all your business. I'll go back to my place. You can join me whenever you want.

Rip straightened up and looked at him questioningly.

– But you can stay here. It's just one n...-he broke off when the thought popped into his head.- Unless you don't want to... by what you saw?

Hex raised his gaze abruptly. He didn't want it to sound like that- No! It's not about...

– So just stay.-He said putting his hand on Jonah's forearm and smiling with those eyes of his that could convince Hex of anything.- Make yourself comfortable, Mr. Hex.

After which Rip grabbed a few things and left for the bathroom.

Jonah looked around the small room. Judging by the fact that it wasn't overly decorated, Rip probably spent more time in his office than here anyway. However, there were a few things here that suggested someone lived here. A couple of probably Rip's favorite books on the bedside table. A few smaller mementos that didn't fit in the office. An old blanket, already a little worn out, rolled up on a chair. And on the desk a few maps, notes and a small device with a few buttons, a tiny screen and an odd metal antenna. And there was a pleasant smell everywhere.

The man sat on the edge of the bed and sighed heavily.

He didn't feel comfortable here. He meant he knew he was welcome but this place, the fact that it was out of this era, made him feel like an intruder. All those flashing lights, strange devices, a woman talking out of nowhere... it was Rip's world, not his. And while he was curious about all this, he was afraid that the longer they were here the more likely Rip would not want to leave.

Jonah had so far only been a stopover when time travelers dropped into his world once in a while. Was it fair to ask Rip that Jonah now be his world?

But Rip said yes.. But maybe it was an impulse.. an ill-considered decision.. and he regrets it now?

– Ugh!- Jonah groaned to himself and plopped down on the most comfortable bed he had ever laid on.

Great! Another reason to stay here!

He felt his fatigue set in and was about to close his eyes when the door opened.

Rip came in dressed in a loose t-shirt and shorts, with wet hair and a pure relief on his face.

– I also brought you clothes to change into if you want. And quite frankly, you should try our shower, you'll feel better...- he said stretching but when he saw his friend's worried face he immediately sat down next to him.

So there is something... - Rip thought. 

– What's going on?- he asked softly.

Jonah hesitated a moment to touch on the subject.

– Won't you miss it?- he said, rising from the bed.- Visiting different eras? Those strange devices, the soft bed? Being limitless? You yourself admitted... we're both not the type of people who can stay in one place for a long time. That's why I'm afraid... Over there in our town, everything always seems simple, but when I see you here I feel like I'm taking a part of you away. You live in a crazy world, and I'm afraid…

Rip snorted a sad laugh..

It was the last reaction Hex would have expected.– Do you find it funny?!

– No, but...-he answered. 

Jonah looked at him reproachfully.

– I'm afraid too.. of so many things, but you said that we have each other's backs.- He added putting his hand on Jonah's cheek- It will be hard, but love is not easy... We're both messed up... difficult. And of course, I will miss it. But being with you will also be an adventure that I'm sure will overshadow the other ones.

And kissed him softly. At this Jonah leaned over him, laying him on his back.

Love.. that was the reassurance Jonah needed. That was enough. The rest is up to them now.

– No no no...- laughed Rip moving away gently.- Shower. Now.

– I think I might need a little help with that.- Hex whispered, moving a kiss to Rip's neck.

-Sounds tempting, but...- Rip replied with a wince- I think you're smart enough to figure it out on your own.

Jonah was looking at his lover for another moment until he gave up and laid his head on his chest, then sighed heavily and stood up.

– Have it your way.- he snorted, heading towards the bathroom.

__________

The lights were dimmed and Jonah was laying next to Rip putting his arm around him. They relished this moment of peace. A moment when it was just them and all was just fine. The ship was relatively quiet. Everyone had enough excitement for today. Rip spun stories about where they will go together and what they will see once they left the Waverider.

– I can't wait.- Jonah whispered while playing with Rip's hair. The Time Master turned towards him and smiled like a teenager in love. Jonah couldn't resist too but he added after a moment with concern.- Are you sure you're okay? Maybe… you should get some sleep now.

– Nah… not yet.

– You need to rest.- Jonah insisted.

Rip lowered his gaze.

– I, uh.. I'm a little scared.- he stammered quietly. And Jonah looked at him questioningly.- I know it's stupid, but.. when I was unconscious I was in this darkness. It was consuming me, all of me.. memories, emotions, like I'm ceasing to exist. If I hadn't heard your argument then.. if I hadn't heard YOU... I don't know what would have happened. And I'm just scared to go back there.

Hex put a rough hand to the man's temple.

– I'm here... and I'll even get you out of hell if I have to.

Rip laughed in response and snuggled into Hex closing his tired eyes.– Thank you.

__________

When the Time Master woke up in the morning he felt a sight on him and smiled.

– Do we have to get up?- asked Hex, still sleepy.

– Unfortunately.- he yawned in response, forcing himself to pull his body away from the bed.

– How about...- Jonah continued, trying to keep his partner beside him for a moment longer - finishing what we were interrupted yesterday morning?

– With them behind the wall? No way.- Rip smiled handing Jonah clean clothes.

All he heard in reply was a snorting laugh.

As they walked toward the galley they heard conversations.

– Maybe something happened that they aren't coming for so long.- Ray said worriedly.- Rip felt worse or... or...

– Ray, breathe.- Sara interjected.- They overslept.

– Or they are shagging each other.- Constantine said, laughing at Palmer's naivety.

Sara gave him a punishing look.- Shut up!

She silenced him at the perfect time, as moments later Jonah and Rip entered the room. Not only was Jonah uncomfortable anyway, but such a comment only made things worse. 

– I'm sorry about him.- Sara apologized, despite their stifled laughter that suggested they would have happily pulled that joke under different circumstances.

So Rip decided to pass the buck.

– Don't mind.-he replied casually with a serious face, pouring himself a cup of coffee.- I'm not crazy. I wouldn't do that on the Waverider.

– And why is that?- asked John with a smile on his face as he lit up a cigarette.

– Gideon, after all, watches every millimeter of this ship around the clock.- he replied as if nothing happened.- And her memory is.. quite capacious.

Suddenly, there was silence and the faces of most of the team members turned pale as they realized this fact. Rip, on the other hand, turned with satisfaction and walked away with Jonah to the food fabricator.

– Seriously?- he asked in a whisper.- She peeps everywhere?

– No. She has no access to the bedrooms.- He replied with a smile.- But let's give them a moment to think otherwise.

Chapter Text

– So, are you ready?– shouted Sara, holding her fists next to her chest ready to deliver a blow.

Rip felt he liked this plan less and less.

__________

 During the breakfast, the Legends brought up the subject of his new "superpowers"... And when Sara once again suggested trying them out, Hunter admitted that he prefers not to use them... that he's not comfortable with them. He’d never admit that he was afraid but it was probably written all over his face too clearly to ignore.

Although Rip would rather pretend he didn't have them at all, he had to admit Dr. Palmer was right.

“The best way to stop being afraid of your powers is to get to know them. Know their limits and how the body reacts to them…” he said then.

"I know how it reacts- it tears me apart on the inside," Rip thought.

__________

– Well, let's say so... – he groaned, still not letting his opponent out of his sight.

When the blonde woman came at him he assumed a fighting stance and stood more confidently on his feet. They managed to parry a few blows before Sara said:

– Rip, focus! Use it!

– I'm trying! – he answered between punches.

The Time Master tried to gather his thoughts while Sarah's blows were gaining strength and speed.

Rip felt no excitement at all about these new abilities. Many people dream of something like that, of superpowers but not him. He was always an ordinary man. It means, ordinary has a pretty broad meaning in their world but still. Now he felt as if he had to learn how to walk all over again - he seems to know what's going on, but.. no one can tell him exactly what to do, he has to figure it out himself.

He felt this energy inside him was trying to flare up a few times but when it did there was this feeling.. the fear that the emptiness, that had been dragging him along before, is on his heels, waiting for him to slip, to catch him in that one moment of inattention and never let him go again. It may be there... waiting. And that realization brought Rip back to reality.

– I don't.. It's no use! – he said.– I can't.

– Stop whining! – Sara replied without giving him a moment's pause. She nodded at her team. Also joining the sparring at that point were Nate and Zari which Rip thought was a bit of an exaggeration. He could feel his strength leaving him and his muscles beginning to ache. He wasn't sure if it was a result of his temporary body weakness or the "recent" rather sedentary lifestyle at the Time Bureau.

– Em... Guys?

He glanced toward where Ray and Jonah stood in a futile search for support that this was a stupid idea after all. They, however, only shrugged their shoulders.

Great! He has to make it on his own then. He has enough. He wants to stop this. He feels sick.

Rip has never been a fan of fisticuffs. Of course he had received training in many martial arts, but he believed that the vast majority of problems could be solved without violence. And if it was necessary-  a gun was a pretty nice alternative for him.

But at that moment, just as that irrational fear in the back of his head was becoming unbearable, something just clicked. Hunter felt warmth and the world around him took on a soft golden aura. He felt Sarah's fist go through him.

Okay, funny feeling…

Adrenaline began swirling through his veins causing a sudden surge of strength. The former Captain didn't even have to focus much. He performed all his blows naturally and instinctively. The door in his head, behind which he had tried to shut out all Time Master training, suddenly opened with a bang. Additionally, his dodges were aided by the influence of the Time Stream, which for a brief moment seemed to perfectly synchronize with Rip's will.

"Remember. Never show what you are really capable of... not if it’s not necessary."

Someone told him that once.. not during training. In the slums. He took it very much to heart at the time, which saved his skin countless times.

At the thought of it, he smiled seeing the surprised looks on everyone's faces as he pinned Sara's shoulders to the ground. He then made quick work of Nate, and when he tricked the totem out of Zari's hand, the fight was a foregone conclusion.

Suddenly, Sara, having regained her strength, jumped off the floor and threw herself at Hunter. The man, however, still filled with Time Drive energy as if he sensed his opponent approaching and when he turned and instinctively reached his hand towards her, a golden wave hit her and time slowed down for the former assassin. Not completely but long enough for her to lose her speed and jumping power, so when Rip lowered his hand Sara collapsed confused to the ground. So does Rip.

They lay like that for a moment when the silence was broken by laughter- Rip's laughter- when everyone was still standing frozen that Captain Lance had been defeated in hand to hand combat. He couldn't help himself. He realised there was no more void in his head and the fear was gone.

–  I'm sorry.– said Rip with a smile and doped with adrenaline.–  I.. but it was...

–  Brilliant...–  she finished for him, also laughing.

__________

– All right, team! The Breach's area has been checked and now is completely stable! And as far as I know, we don't have any other missing friends who had been consumed by the Time Drive, so...– shouted Captain Lance excitedly to those gathered on the bridge.– Where to now!?

Asking she glanced towards her former Captain. 

– I'll give it up to you... guess I'm actually staying here.- he replied.– WE are staying here.

Sarah's face darkened though she didn't say a word. But it caused a hubbub anyway.

Jonah felt a sting in his chest and like his face was getting hot.

– But Rip.– started Ava.– You and your knowledge would be very useful here! You have no idea how many times we almost...

Nate interrupted, stopping Ava right in time from mentioning their many screw-ups along the way. Rip catched that and only smiled under his breath.

– Indeed! Dude!– he added.– Besides, your new powers too. Sure, the old west is great but why give it all up?

– Wait! Does that mean you will forget about us!?– groaned Ray suddenly with his puppy eyes.– you'll fall into Time Drift and forget...

Rip felt the eyes of the entire team on him.

– I've already made up my mind.– he replied, lowering his head and smiling sadly.– Someday you'll probably understand that not having your place in the universe is... exhausting.

– I understand perfectly...– Sara finally spoke up, taking a step forward.– But still... don't forget about that... about us.

Saying this she handed him a small watch-like device. Time Courier.

– You don't think you're going to get rid of us so quickly– she added with a smile.– We'll stop by sometimes... to consult something. Or for a little help. Or to take you... or both of you for a little trip.

Rip smiled genuinely. Jonah didn't seem entirely skeptical either. He didn't even push anyone away at the group hug.

_________

When Hex and Rip arrived at their cabin, Hunter threw the bag with a few of his belongings he'd taken from the Waverider onto a chair and looked at his partner.

– So what? Happy?– he asked.

– Meh.. let's say so– Hex replied, trying to hide a smile.

Rip nudged him with his elbow and walked over to the dresser standing next to the bedroom door.

– That's good.. because this time you're stuck with me for good, Mr. Hex. And you need to make peace with it.

Saying this Hunter pulled the Time Courier off his wrist and was about to put it away in a drawer when Jonah stopped him.

– Don't do that.

Rip looked at him uncertainly.

– I thought you'd rather be sure that...

– THIS... is a part of you– Hex interrupted him– It made you who you are and who I love you to be.

Rip's face again showed a comically confused grin caused by Hex's uncharacteristic romanticism.

– All right.– Jonah burbled in a joking tone.– It would be nice to finally see your amazing future too! So as not to bore ourselves to death here.

Rip smiled, giving Hex a quick kiss on the cheek.

– With you? I give us two days and someone starts shooting at us. But actually... A minor time jump from time to time will be fun.