Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s been two years, but he was still gone.

The world kept moving and changing, but not for everyone.

While the rest of the world kept moving under the rule of the Justice Lords, one of the members was stuck in the past while another one was stuck in the ground.

The world kept changing, but one thing remained the same - the Flash was dead.

For now.

Batman had his cowl pulled back, a rough stubble on his chin, and the flashing of his monitor reflecting in his dark shadowed eyes. He had been staring at the screen for every waking hour, searching.

It consumed him. 

When the League became the Lords and Superman took control of the world around them, he didn't care. People were scared of the Justice Lords, but what did it matter to Batman when people already feared him? After Luthor was killed by Superman, there was no turning back, and how could Batman question Superman's decisions? After all Superman had the guts to do what Batman only wished he did first. 

So he stayed in his cave absorbed in searching. Every stone was unturned, but he never found what he was looking for - a world where Flash was alive.

He’d known about different timelines and worlds for years. Barry Allen had told him all about them and his own experiences in other worlds. When the second Flash was alive, Bruce and Barry worked together to find a way to peer into those timelines. They never succeeded, but Bruce would. Barry probably would have never guessed that Bruce would use that knowledge to try and save his nephew.

When he made the first glance into another dimension, he should have been ecstatic, but it didn’t matter if he didn’t see the Flash - so he kept moving, not reveling in his accomplishments. 

The other dimensions were far different and he didn't stare for too long if Wally wasn't there. It was difficult at first, to investigate the world and search every corner for Wally. He eventually narrowed it down to cities and places he knew his Wally would be, there was no reason to search if it wasn't the right person.

There were many worlds with Bruce or his companions, but it was much harder to find the Flash he knew. His first glimpse of a Flash was in a world where they weren't the Justice League or Justice Lords, but they were called the Super Friends. It was a colorful world, but it took only a moment to know it wasn't Wally. There were so many colorful worlds and so many Flashes, but none of them were his Flash.

When he first saw Wally, he nearly left the universe in shock. He was a young Kid Flash working with the Teen Titans with a bright pink haired girl at his side. It wasn't too far off from his own world, but he knew it wasn't right. He saw another world with another Kid Flash working on a different team of young heroes. Another Wally West, but still not his, he thought painfully watching Wally kiss a blonde archer. 

It got painful watching worlds where Wally would never meet him.

Worlds where their paths never crossed. Whether it was because he never became Batman, or because Wally never became the Flash - those worlds where them meeting was impossible were the worst. 

Still, he found himself staring for quite long at worlds where Wally West was alive no matter the form.

It was easy to get lost in those worlds - In every world Wally was the same bright spot everyone knew and loved. A nice guy who had been through hurt and loss, but still never let that slow him down. Someone who joked around to lighten the load on someone else's back even if it meant doubling the weight on his own. If his friends weren't happy and safe, neither was Wally West.

Bruce clenched his fist, they needed him back. 

When it finally happened it was just any other day, nothing was special about it, at least he assumed from the constant updates from the other members of the Justice Lords. He didn't really care to help out anymore, they had it under control with their military help in the watchtower. He continued to take care of any repairs needed, listened to all the disturbances, and went to the obligatory meetings they had once a week, but he didn't help any more than that.

Hawkwoman was the one who messaged him that day, "You're sure you don't wanna help us out?"

There was some civil disturbance on a campus, there seemed to be more and more of those.

"Too much to do." He said bluntly, trying to reconfigure his machine.

"Come on, for old times' sake."

"I hate old times." He lied and turned off his comms, he didn't need to interact with them.

It wouldn't be the old times without Wally. He looked back at his screens continuing to scroll through the worlds and that's when he saw him. His heart nearly stopped seeing the Flash with himself. They were in the watchtower, it looked like just a normal day, but they still had Flash. 

He wondered when this was. He wondered which events already occurred and which events hadn't happened yet, did they still form the League the same? Was this really his Flash, his Wally? He had to keep watching.

He watched as they got ready for a fight. A fight with Lex Luthor. 

His heart jerked forward painfully in his chest. The memory of Flash's final moments flashed through his head. Luthor killed him once. They needed to do something.

He went to his comms immediately, he needed to alert Superman. 

"Yeah?" Superman asked.

"Go ahead, finish." Batman heard Lois's voice, realizing he interrupted their dinner. He listened to her finish her rant, "You're doing everything you can to what? Make sure everyone bows down to worship you is that what you were going to say?"

"That's not what we want!" Superman's voice boomed through his cave, "Can't you just listen for a second?"

"Ah, love." Batman said, then he glimpsed over at the battle, at the Flash and the Justice League. The world had been untouched by the loss of the Flash, what would happen if Superman knew this? What would happen? Superman and the other Lords would want to change that world and if Batman knew Wally (which he did), he wouldn't let that happen. Wally could be hurt by the Lords.

No.

Batman wouldn't let that happen. 

"Sorry to interrupt, I won't be at the meeting tomorrow."

Superman chided him and hung up. If Superman knew the truth he would call him a traitor for keeping this secret, but Batman didn't care. He would be the one to save the Flash. Even if he had to save him from his own teammates. 

Chapter Text

Just another battle with Superman’s super rich and powerful archenemy. For a man without superhuman abilities, he could certainly be a pain. Flash thought as they raced around the building after a flying green suited bald man.

“Hey watch out for us who can’t fly!” Flash yelled up as GL and Luthor made work of the ceiling above. Of course they didn’t hear him and a part of the ceiling collapsed right on top of him. He grunted from underneath, the fight continuing on above. 

Superman landed in front of him helping him up and berating him, “Don’t take your eyes off him, I said.”

“When you gotta go, you gotta go. And there’s some things I just can’t do in the blink of an eye.” He ran off from Superman feeling like a child who was just scolded by his dad. He had to find Luthor and the others.

He saw Luthor, he was powering up some camera looking blaster.

Seeing the gun suddenly be pointed at Batman sent Flash into high gear. Before the gun could even go off, he dismantled the weapon and sent Luthor flying.

Wonder woman tied him up and Luthor taunted them, “Watch. I’ll be out in days.”

The police carried him off and Flash looked at Superman, he didn’t want Superman to think he didn’t take this seriously and couldn’t stay focused, “Sorry I messed up back there.”

“Apology accepted.” Superman put a hand on Flash’s shoulder, “As soon as the damage is fixed.”

Flash said something witty and went about cleaning up the mess.

They were back at the watchtower later when Batman put a hand on his shoulder, “Flash, you have to be careful.”

“I know, I always am.” 

Batman looked at him with an expression that said otherwise.

“Guys!” Wonder Woman was looking at the monitors, there was some giant gray guy wreaking havoc on Metropolis below. Military had tried to intervene with guns and tanks, but those who tried were quickly knocked to the side.

“Look at that thing.” Green Lantern said.

“Guess the battle’s not over.” Hawkgirl sighed.

The justice league flew into battle, the flying heroes making the first move.

Hakwgirl’s mace slowed him down, the electricity slowing him down until one punch sent her flying back into Green Lantern’s arms. 

Throwing a tank and lifting up the ground under the monster did nothing, but seemed to agitate him further. Martian Manhunter had gotten the drop on him, phasing to surprise him, but the man seemed to know his weakness - setting a fire to weaken the Martian, but also weakening the supports for the train above.

Wonder Woman went to save the train, while Batman made his move. He sent a volley of electrified batarangs at the beast, which seemed to hurt him briefly before Batman could make another move, the ground was pulled up beneath him trapping the powerless hero. 

Green Lantern fared just as well and that’s when Superman jumped right in after him.

Flash ran to Batman’s side, pulling the rubble off the man, “You okay?”

“If we can just slow him down.” Batman was running through a million ideas.

“We have to think of something. These solo attacks aren’t doing any good.” Flash said watching Superman get the snot beat out of him.

“If we generate some kind of electric field-” Batman started.

An idea popped into Flash’s head, “I got it, tell the others to wait for my signal.”

Flash ran straight between Superman and the big gray dude and started running around the villain at breakneck speeds, if this man could deal with Superman, he could surely deal with a bit of electricity. The air was sucked out of the monster, but that wasn’t his goal he kept racing around the monster until he was generating enough force to create an electric tunnel that had the monster trapped. 

Flash watched as the electricity he was generating hit the creature over and over. He finally started to slow down and yelled for the others, “Now!”

Superman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman immediately threw a hit at the guy, but before he could recover even a little bit, Batman threw the rest of his electrified batarangs at him and Hawkgirl hit the thing with her mace at full charge

The monster was unconscious, his babbling unintelligible.

Flash breathed slowly, trying to catch his breath, “Teamwork makes the dream-”

He stumbled tiredly to be caught by Batman, “Good job.”

Flash nearly didn’t hear that appraisal, but smiled to himself feeling pleased.

"How'd you do that?" The reporters approached the heroes directing the question to the Flash.

"Just had to run fast enough to create my own electrical field to slow him down." Flash said "No biggie but, it was really all Batman's idea."

The Dark Knight had already vanished from the scene. 

Superman continued talking to the press, specifically one purple dressed reporter, as the others helped put the monster away.

Hidden in the shadows was a man who watched them - Well he watched one of them closely. It was difficult to watch him stumble and let the credit go to others, but he was just grateful the man didn’t hurt himself.

That's how it always was with the Flash... until it was too late.

The man was certain now that even though the Flash was currently safe, he'd be the one who'd have to keep it that way. He disappeared back through his portal, more determined than ever.

Chapter Text

Just his luck, Flash thought bitterly. It had been several days since their fight with Luthor and the League was working overtime to weed out some of his plans before Luthor got out again. It was supposed to be an easy mission at some snazzy Metropolis building, just him and Green Lantern. 

Of course things were never easy for them. 

There’d been a bomb. 

Flash had managed to isolate the bomb with several seconds left, but it exploded before he could escape. And now he was in the same predicament he was several days ago, stuck under a pillar, but without a Superman to lift it off of him and with the fun added bonus of fire! He thought sarcastically. 

Flash reached for his comms, but it was clearly broken. He cursed under his breath and tried to pull himself free. Lantern was probably dealing with the cops or evacuating everyone from the now on fire building, he wouldn’t know Flash was in trouble until it was too late. 

The fire wasn’t close to him, but the smoke was making him feel delirious. He closed his eyes feeling weaker, “GL, come on.” He spoke as loud as he could. 

He heard the odd sound of static, like someone was ripping through a thick sheet. He looked around, seeing a flash of green. It wasn’t the green he typically associated with his friend, but it was green, “Lantern?”

He noticed a silhouette in the fire, “Bats?”

The man was by his side pulling the rubble away from him. It was an urgency that Flash didn’t always see, “Boy am I glad to see you.” Flash laughed, closing his eyes as the pressure was alleviated from his leg. 

“You’re safe now.” It was a soft voice and Flash felt like he was floating, being lifted in the strong arms of Batman. That was his last thought as he succumbed to the smoke.

He woke up dazed in the medbay. He was hooked up to an IV and his leg and head felt better, he must have healed while he was unconscious. 

“Glad to see you back in the living.” Green Lantern was there by the chair, “Gave me quite the scare.”

“Can’t keep a good Flash down.” Flash laughed carefully pulling the IV out as he stretched standing up, “It’s a good thing Bats showed up, but I had it under control.”

Green Lantern’s face twisted in confusion, “What are you talking about?”

“He pulled me out of the building.”

Green Lantern shook his head, “Kid, maybe you need to get checked for a concussion. Batman was in Gotham. I found you, alone, outside the building.”

“What?” Flash rubbed the side of his head in confusion “I could have sworn- You’re sure?”

“Why do you think I was there?” A sudden voice joined the room.

Flash jumped, turning around and seeing Batman just standing there. He laughed trying to play it cool, “Saving me and then trying to act all humble just to try and murder me with your freaky Bat Games.” 

Batman’s eyes narrowed and Flash answered the previously asked question, “I don’t know. I guess I could have been confused by the smoke. I saw this green light and then I saw- I guess I thought I saw you before I passed out.”

Batman looked as mysterious as ever, but instead of revealing his thoughts to the room, he said, “I’ll be taking over your monitor duties tonight, get some rest Flash.”

Flash clasped his hands and looked at him with an exaggerated thankful expression, “I knew you had a soft spot for me Bats!”

“Get home or I will double your next shift.” Batman said leaving the room, his cape swishing behind him.

“Casanova, are you sure you’re fine?” Green Lantern asked.

Flash nodded, but the memory didn’t leave his mind, “Are you sure you weren’t nearby?”

Green Lantern nodded his head and Flash sighed, “I guess I do need some sleep.”

The next few missions had been roughly the same, everytime he was hurt. It seemed Batman was there at his side, even if he had no reason to be there or wouldn’t admit it afterwards. Flash just decided to take it as the norm and if Batman wasn’t going to admit it, who was he to deny the help? But still there was a part of him that was annoyed.

“Why is he doing this, Rob?” Wally asked over the phone late at night.

“I haven’t been Rob in a long time.” His friend said over the phone.

“Just get Bats to withdraw the secrecy, it’s not like I’d know who you are anyways.”

“You know how secretive Batman is.” His longest known friend spoke, “And you know how especially secretive he is with his soft side. Why do you think he’s denying it?”

Wally could believe that. He'd known Batman since he was Kid Flash and had seen many sides to the mysterious Dark Knight over the years.

“We’re not even close, right? So why does he care so much?”

“If you think that you two aren’t close, you’re blind.” 

Wally yawned, not understanding what Nightwing was saying, “Well I guess if there’s no harm, no foul.” 

“You heading to bed?”

“You try being a forensic scientist, a superhero, and a full time Justice League member all at once.”

“Can’t forget part time actor.” Nightwing teased.

Wally’s face turned red, “You saw that?”

“For fast energy, grab a Lightspeed booster bar with a big burst of flavor in every bite!” Nightwing said in a mockingly heroic tone.

“Hey they are… decent, you know and I got my own cardboard cutout and it’s not like the League really pays anything.” Wally sighed, “I was able to pay several months of rent and,” Wally smiled excitedly, “I was finally able to get a car.”

“Why does the fastest man on earth need wheels?”

“The ladies dig it.” Wally said, smirking. 

Nightwing sighed and then his tone turned more serious, “Are you sure you’re okay, like financially? Bats would help if you need it.”

“I’m fine.” Wally waved off the concern, “You know me, always the jokester and always fine.”

“You know that’s not really true.”

Wally bit the inside of his cheek, maybe it wasn’t, but it’s sure how everyone treated him. Like he was taking everything as some big joke and needed to be babied or scolded like a bad child. 

“I gotta go.” Wally said not wanting the conversation to veer into seriousness. 

“We should grab food soon, what are you doing tomorrow?”

“GL and I are grabbing lunch at Motorcar Diner, but I can run by for dinner.”

“Maybe another day then, Babs and I are going out.”

“See, why can I know that the commissioner’s daughter works with Bats, but not my own best friend?”

“Night Wally.” Nightwing said ignoring his question.

“Night Night.” Wally said. 

Nightwing groaned and Wally laughed to himself, hanging up. His smile fell when the silence came over him, he couldn’t escape the feeling of confusion over Batman’s recent actions. He’d always wanted to be close to him, even when he was younger he always looked up to Batman. What did Nightwing mean? How could he and Batman be close? It seemed like Batman was close to everyone, but him. 

Wally let the confusion wash over him as he was lulled to sleep. 

Chapter Text

Flash was going to die.

Or at least get critically injured before the sun was no more and then he would certainly die. But either way he was going to die at the hands of his teammates or by the sun, he didn't know what would come first if he couldn’t figure out something to do.

These last few days have been the worst. He gets yelled at by everyone because of his commercial, he made a fool of himself on TV, he made the Justice League look bad, he got dropped by his manager, and now all his friends were being possessed by snakes with the intention of destroying the sun. They already were on the track to success sending the AFD flying at the sun. If he could get Superman free of his possession, he would be able to fly out and stop it… but otherwise… He bit the inside of his lip and dropped down from the vent into the communications room. 

He had to contact Batman, he would know what to do.

He dialed the number, luckily their communicator wasn’t broken even if everything else was off, he spoke into the phone as quietly as he could, “Hey Bats, mayday. Hello!”

Suddenly a laser shot out the communicator, Flash turned and tensed up in fear. Superman was standing there with all the intensity he normally reserved for villains with his eyes glowing red. Flash went to run and he was hit with several blasts to the arm and thigh. He groaned in pain, falling to the floor.

He looked up fearfully as Superman’s red eyes glowed a little brighter. He heard the familiar sound of static from another room, but he couldn’t focus on that now. He grabbed the fire extinguisher and threw it at Superman as the Man of Steel’s laser eyes shot at him. The room filled with white foam and Flash used that moment to escape. 

Flash ran to the Javelin, limping as he walked to the control panel. He could try and fly this thing out of here or try to contact Batman from here, but the panel was completely destroyed, he realized painfully, “Great! Perfect!”

Then he heard a thumping and saw three of the strongest heroes trying to break through the javelin window. If today could get any worse, he would- Just as he thought that he heard a loud boom, that must have been the AFD hitting the sun. How were they going to save the earth? How were they going to succeed? He didn't know, but he couldn't give up. 

He backed up into the door as they successfully broke through the javelin, but arms reached around his check pulling him tight against the door, he struggled painfully against the arms of the Martian Manhunter. He was going to be in so much pain tomorrow, if he even made it to tomorrow. He spun around quickly, turning himself into a drill and escaping the Javelin and making it to another floor. 

“What I wouldn’t give for another amulet.” He stopped running, just trying to carefully get around with his injuries when a hand grabbed his wrist pulling him into another room. He turned, ready to fight when he saw it was Batman, “Bats!” Flash felt immediately safe, but noticed something first, “What’s with the new costume?”

His suit was darker with a silver Bat on his chest.

“Are you alright?” 

Flash nodded, the adrenalin was still running through him, “I’m okay, but the others-”

“I saw the footage. I know.” 

Flash was confused, but didn’t question it, “How did you even get here- Never mind, that doesn’t matter right now. We need to get the spirits out of them, we need to stop the sun from-”

“No,” Batman said raising a hand to Flash's damaged suit, “We need to get you to safety, you’re hurt.”

Flash was baffled; This wasn’t like Batman, “What? And not save the world? That should be our first priority.”

Before Batman could say anything, the door to the room was kicked in and the other Justice League members stepped in. Batman stepped in front of Flash, pulling out a batarang to defend him. Flash looked around for anything, noticing a high voltage sign, he had to think. 

Green Lantern spoke, “You lost, human.”

Before Batman could throw his batarangs, Flash grabbed his hand and whispered, “Trust me.” 

Batman nodded and Flash turned his attention to the members of the League, “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it is hopeless. But like Grammy Flash used to say…” Flash grabbed the lever, “... When you can light up a 700,000 watt candle?” He pulled the lever and a huge light filled the room.

Batman’s hand covered Flash’s eyes as the other members of the League writhed in pain, phantoms of the snakes leaving them and the shards falling to the ground. Flash pushed Batman away, running to his friends’ sides. 

“Everyone okay?” He helped Green Lantern up.

“Batman?” Superman was confused looking at the hero.

“I’m going to be seeing spots for days.” Hawkgirl complained.

“If you’re lucky, we have a situation.”

Flash quickly explained the situation, showing them the eclipsing Earth. They knew what they needed to do, but how would they do it? The javelin was in shambles and not even Superman could get close enough in time.

“Give Flash the generator.” Green Lantern offered. Flash looked surprised and Green Lantern continued, “I’ll use my ring to give you a running start. Our combined speeds might be enough to get the generator to open the wormhole.”

“Out of the question.” Batman said bluntly. 

“You’ve got a better idea?” Green Lantern crossed his arms as Superman gave Flash the generator.

“You’re going to risk Flash’s life for a might?” Batman was angrier than any of them had seen. The anger was only emphasized by the darkness of the new suit. 

Flash looked unsure, but nodded, “I’ll do it.”

“You don’t have to-”

“Bats, I’m the only one of us who is fast enough. You have to trust me.”

Batman clenched his fists by his side, “I won’t let you die.”

“I know you won’t.” Flash said with a reassuring smile, "That's why you have to let me do it."

Green Lantern and Flash got ready to leave, Manhunter spoke to Flash and Batman grabbed Green Lantern’s wrist away from the others, “If you let Flash die, I will kill you.”

Green Lantern pulled his wrist away looking angry, “You’re lucky this is life or death, because I won’t let that slide later.”

Superman looked at Batman and at Manhunter who also seemed perplexed. 

Flash saluted the team as Green Lantern grabbed his friend, covering them both in the protective aura of the Ring’s power and brought them out into space.

Superman looked at Batman, “How did you get here? The teleporters are down.”

“I was already here.” 

Superman’s eyes narrowed and Manhunter approached, “Something is different.”

Flash was unaware of the confrontation happening, fully focused on the danger he was currently in. He’d have to push his body to the limit, without fail, one mistake and the planet would be doomed and he would be lost to space.

“According to J’onn’s calculations, the wormhole has to open exactly seven and a half minutes into the run. Any earlier, it’ll be too far from the sun to have an effect. Any later, and you risk tearing the sun apart through the wormhole.” Green Lantern looked down at Flash, “Got it?”

Flash swallowed down his nerves. He had to do this, he had to do this. He repeated the mantra in his head and joked, “No pressure, huh? Let’s get this cosmic treadmill rolling.”

Green Lantern slung Flash forward and he landed onto the path Green Lantern made. He started running, not hearing Green Lantern’s words of encouragement behind him. He could still feel the sting of his injuries, he should have eaten more that, then worry about some stupid sponsorship. He counted minutes in his head, going as fast as physically possible. 

The sun was being enveloped in darkness as he ran past planets.

If he wasn’t so focused on his counting and running, maybe he would have taken a moment to look out at the stars and planets. He was doing something that not a single other person in the universe could claim, running in space to save their world.

His breathing was heavy and he was running almost as fast as Green Lantern could produce the track. The minutes were getting closer, he had to get it and he has to succeed or the planet would be doomed.

He reached into his bag, knowing what he had to do.

He ran faster and faster and then leaped off the track, throwing the generator into the sun. He smiled as he hit his target and fell unconscious when the sun released a big blast of heat.

Green Lantern felt a mixture of pride and fear while the darkness was sucked away from the sun, but the fear overtook him, was the Flash okay? 

“Is he alive?” The serious voice of Batman came through the comms.

“He’s in one piece.” Green Lantern found him floating and pulled his friend into his arms, “I think he’s alright.”

“You think?”

“Just let us in and we can find out.”

Green Lantern headed back to the watchtower and spoke softly to his close friend, “You hear me, buddy? You better be alright.”

The doors to the cargo hull opened and the two made it inside. Batman was there and immediately took Flash from him, checking his vitals.

“Where are the others?” Green Lantern asked.

“Observation deck, I will take him to the medbay. You get J'onn and the others.”

Green Lantern shrugged at Batman’s odd behaviors and headed to the observation deck where the team was unconscious. 

Green Lantern ran to Hawkgirl’s side, she was groaning, but alive, “What happened?”

“It was Batman.”

Green Lantern gasped and he rushed to the medbay. Batman and the Flash were nowhere to be found.

Chapter Text

Down in the batcave was a very hurried Batman, he typed on the keys of the Batcave monitor while trying to get in contact with the watchtower. It had been nearly an hour since the eclipse began and nearly a half hour since the sun was back to normal, but the comms to the watchtower were still down and no other League member was answering.

“Hey Bats, mayday. Hello!”

The hurried whispers of the Flash were the last messages he heard from anyone in the watchtower. Had there been an attack? Why did Flash sound so panicked?

Batman gritted his teeth. He had to get to the watchtower.

Finally the controls of the Watchtower were back to life.

He pulled the teleporter controls up and made it to the Watchtower in record speed. 

He ran through the halls searching for the scarlet speedster, “Flash!”

Suddenly a flash of green rushed him instead, Batman choked out in surprise and looked up to see Green Lantern who looked furious pinning him to the wall, “Where’s Flash?”

The question was aggressive, like he was to blame.

“That's what I'm wondering.” Batman said, pushing away Green Lantern’s arm from his throat, “He’s not here?”

Green Lantern’s arm pushed his arm back onto Batman, “Don’t play dumb.”

“Let him go Lantern.” Martian Manhunter said coming up with the rest of the league, “It’s not him.”

Green Lantern let him go and Batman looked around in concern, everyone looked a little worse for wear and the watchtower had clearly been under attack.

“What happened?” Batman asked. 

“We were hoping you could explain.” Wonder Woman said.

They filled Batman in, while Batman sat at the watchtower monitor trying to pull up any recovered files and videos.

“Why would someone dress up like Batman to kidnap Flash? How did he even get here?” Hawgirl asked.

“I don’t think he was dressed up like Batman.” Martian Manhunter said looking close at Batman, “He felt just like Batman, but there was something off, something different than our Batman.”

“Do you think time travel?” Wonder Woman questioned.

“Or a clone?” Superman asked.

Batman stopped typing, “It’s no use. Everything from the last day has been wiped. Every teleporter logs, every piece of footage, everything is gone. I’ll have to go back to the batcave to check.”

“What if Batman was also under mind control?” Wonder Woman asked, “We all have no memories of fighting Flash and why we did it.”

“He wasn’t even here.” Manhunter said, “It would seem improbable.”

"But he was here." Superman pointed out, "We saw him."

"I wasn't here."

Green Lantern had a hand to his chin, "Batman you never saved him from that Lexcorps fire, right?” Batman nodded and Green Lantern continued, “Yet he seemed so sure it was you, maybe this isn’t just some new Batman, what if he’s been around for awhile?”

“Then where is Flash?”

No one in the League knew the answer. 

Flash himself didn’t even know where he was.

He shot awake, regretting it immediately. The IV had fallen from his arm with a yank, he winced in pain, but tried to shake it off. He felt extremely sore and noticed the room around him was a very sterile room, a near exact replica of the watchtower’s medbay, but there was something different - it looked more advanced and the view into space was missing. He reached down to pick the fallen blanket up, but winced. His legs were sore and… not in his suit. His hand shot to his face once he noticed he wasn’t wearing his uniform, but he was grateful to see his mask was still on.

“I figured you would want that on.”

The voice nearly had him suddenly falling out of his hospital bed. He could have easily saved himself, but an arm wrapped around his waist lifting him back into the bed.

“You gotta stop doing that to me, Bats.”

He was expecting silence, but instead heard, “Alright.”

He looked up to see the new suited Batman, it was different, not bad, just different. It made him look sharper and a little more elegant, but he was still the same old intimidating Batman.

“Are you alright?” Batman asked, looking at the few injuries.

Flash nodded though he really wasn't feeling that well, “As soon as I eat, you know I’ll be right as rain, but where are we? This isn’t the medbay, right?”

Batman looked around as if he was expecting it to be the medbay and turned to Flash, “You’re in the Batcave.”

“What?” Flash asked, rubbing his head where a headache was growing, “Why? Where are the others?”

“You’ll see them again,” Batman lifted the blanket off the ground and pulled it over him, “But for now you have to rest. You’ve been through an incredible ordeal.”

Flash didn’t want to rest, he wanted to know if the others were safe and if the world was fine, but his head felt heavy, “Alright Bats, but only for a few minutes, deal?”

Batman patted Flash’s shoulder as he fell asleep. He lifted the IV and inserted it carefully back into Flash’s arm. It had been an incredibly daunting few weeks for Batman, ever since he made the discovery of Flash, he’d been haunted by fears and nightmares of the younger man.

And every time Batman looked in on him, he just seemed to be in danger.

When Batman made the first leap to save Flash from that fire, he wasn’t intending to make it a habit. But he found himself wandering into the Justice League’s universe more often as Flash continued to go on missions. He didn’t want to see the Flash get hurt if he could help it.

The final straw had been when the other League members had lost control and hurt the Flash. The only thing that had stopped Batman from taking the Flash to his universe sooner was the fact that the other League members saved the Flash as often as they could, but they failed horribly. How could they protect the Flash from themselves and how could Batman trust them after that?

He made this medbay replica, hoping Flash wouldn't have noticed immediately, but he should know better than to doubt the smart young man. He wouldn't doubt him ever again and he would never let him hurt again.

Batman pulled a drug filled needle to the IV, if Flash was healed, he would leave; If he left, he would be hurt, and Batman wouldn't have that.

He pushed down on the plunge, maybe Flash wouldn’t understand now, but he would in time.

This was all for him.

Chapter Text

When Flash woke up again, he didn’t know how much time had passed. He sat up feeling a bit woozy, but still not as bad as he first felt. He looked to his left seeing nothing, but the other medbay beds, but remembered quickly he wasn’t in the medbay. 

“Flash.”

Flash flinched in surprise and looked to see Batman standing on the other side of the bed, “Oh, good to see you Bats, but I got to get-” Flash went to pull the IV out, but was stopped by Batman’s hand.

“Let me, you’re still weak.”

Flash was confused, but accepted the help. Batman took Flash’s arm like it was made of glass, pulling the IV out gentler than Flash could ever imagine from Batman, “Are you okay?”

“I should be asking you that.” His lips tugged up in a smirk and Flash felt nervous, his smirks were seldom directed to him.

“Am I dying?”

Batman seemed alarmed, the whites of his eyes widening and his grip on Flash’s arm tightening like he thought he was about to vanish, “Why do you think that?”

“Cause that’s how you’re treating me.” Flash looked down at Batman’s hand.

Batman pulled his hand away and had a more clinical look in his eyes as he pulled out a chart, “You’re still hurt. Before you leave, I want to run some tests. After running that fast… I worry that your condition has returned.”

Flash’s heart nearly stopped, he knew immediately what Batman was referring to.

When he was just Kid Flash, he had been losing his speed, it was killing him. He was forced to quit being Kid Flash or risk losing his life, he had been so lost after that until his uncle died and the speed returned to him. After the tests with both the first Flash and Batman, they never came to a conclusive resolution of what happened and how to stop it from happening again. Flash had been lucky. He buried his face in his hands.

A hand was on his shoulder, he looked up to see Batman, “Are you sure?”

He shook his head, “No, that’s why I want to run more tests.”

Flash nodded immediately. 

“But first you need to eat.”

Batman wheeled over a cart of food and Flash’s eyes widened brightly, before he asked with some hesitation, “Can I eat somewhere else?”

It was a lot to ask of Batman, Flash didn’t think anyone but Superman had been in his cave before, so he didn’t expect- “Sure.”

He looked to Batman who opened the door to the faux medbay, before Flash could get up, a wheelchair was rolled over to him, “Is this really necessary?”

Batman nodded and Flash sighed as he was helped into the wheelchair. He did feel weaker than he was expecting, but he had never gone that fast before and not to mention he literally was in space even with the help of the Green Lantern - who knows what an exploding device on the sun can do to a person? He just accepted the help and was rolled from the bright room to a dark cave. Flash couldn’t stop himself from looking at every single thing, there was a dinosaur and a giant coin! It was amazing, probably all exploits from his different adventures. He was wheeled over to a big computer setup where there were a hundred different monitors all covering different parts of Gotham. 

Batman sat at the monitors, his fingers dancing across the keys.

Flash ate his food, but kept looking up at the monitors, it was peaceful ?

Peaceful was never a word he imagined for Gotham and it wasn’t like the days were that much better than the nights, he had heard constant stories from Nightwing. The days could sometimes be worse.

Speaking of Nightwing, “Hey Bats, can Nightwing visit if no one else can?”

He figured the other Justice League members wouldn’t be coming by, so why couldn’t Nightwing?

Batman froze and Flash worried immediately that they’d been fighting again.

Batman's face relaxed, “Dick’s not in Gotham right now.”

“Woah Batman,” Flash raised his hands suddenly, “I don’t think you should insult him.” Batman looked at him with the white’s of his eyes wide and Flash wanted to laugh, why was Batman acting so weird? “I won’t tell him if you don’t want me to.”

Batman looked back away with a small nod.

Flash raised an eyebrow, but just dug into the food. It was some of the best food he had ever eaten in his entire life, “Treating me with some gourmet dining?” Flash rubbed his stomach, “You’re going to make me never want to leave.”

Batman smiled (to Flash’s horror), “If you’re hungry again let me know, my butler Alfred will make whatever you want.”

Butler? Flash wasn’t dumb, he knew Batman had to be extremely wealthy, but Butler level wealthy? Man, he must be Oliver Queen or even Bruce Wayne level of wealthy. Flash wondered who Batman could be. He went through the list of billionaires he knew, but none that he knew really fit Batman’s cold exterior or fitness level. He tried to imagine Bill Gates dressed in a Batsuit and laughed to himself, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Batman nodded, turning back to his computer.

Batman didn’t really care what Flash knew anymore, he had cared in the past and that was one of his biggest regrets. He wouldn’t make the same mistake of holding Flash at arm’s length. If he could bribe Flash with food and closeness, maybe he would want to stay when Batman revealed the truth. Batman didn’t believe that, but he really wanted to. Even just sitting next to the Flash filled him with a comfort he had long lost.

“You really are acting differently.” Flash said, finishing off another plate.

Batman turned to Flash, putting a hand over Flash’s, “We could have lost you.”

Flash tensed, before relaxing at the touch. Batman had a hard past, anyone who knew him was aware of that, you don’t become a man without powers dressing up in a bat suit every night without some issues. 

Flash smiled at Batman, a bright smile, “We could have lost a lot more than me," The whole world almost fell to darkness, "Besides, you’ll have to try really hard to lose me Bats.”

“No,” Batman intertwined their fingers, “It’s not hard to lose you, that’s why I won’t let it happen.”

Flash’s face heated up and he pulled his hand away, “If I’m gonna be here, I can’t stay in the fake medbay can I? Especially just wearing a hospital gown.”

Flash felt a bit uncomfortable, it wasn’t like he disliked Batman’s touch, it just felt uncharacteristic, it felt like Batman thought he was going to die.

Batman stood up, grabbing the handles on the wheelchair and pushing Flash towards an elevator, “You will be staying in your own room of course, I had some clothes bought for you.”

“Really? I really don’t think bat is my color.”

Flash could swear he heard Batman laugh to himself as the elevator stopped.

The elevator stopped in a bedroom, Flash was wheeled in and his eyes widened. He had been a bit worried it might be stuffy, but this was like one of those hotel suites that he had never been able to afford or even just a luxury version of his own apartment - he could almost swear he had the same orange painting back at his home.  The floor was wood and the walls were beige, but it was comfortable, familiar.

There was a big bed, much bigger than his own, and a fridge that made his own fridge look mini. Flash urged Batman to push him forward. There was a giant tv by a giant blue couch, a giant bookcase, plenty of room to move around, and large windows overlooking a large backyard.

“This is your guest room?”

“No,” Batman said, “This is your room.”

“What?”

“I have rooms for all the members,” Batman reasoned quickly, “Just in case anything were to happen.”

Flash nodded, guessing it made sense, I guess if you have that kind of money, you would do that.

“And you can stay as long as it takes for you to feel better.” Batman said, “The fridge is currently not stocked, but it will be soon.”

 Flash stuttered in surprise at the generosity, “Y-You really don’t have to-”

“I want to.” Batman said bluntly, “Your health is top priority.”

“Thanks Bats, will I be able to see the rest of the house?”

Batman shook his head, “Not anytime soon, while you are here there will be some rules. You can’t leave this room, you can’t tell anyone who you are, and you can’t use your speed under any circumstances.”

Flash thought about the rules in confusion. Maybe it made sense.

If he left the room, he might find out who Batman is. If he told anyone he was the Flash, it would practically scream that Batman is the Batman, who else would have the Flash in his home in Gotham?

Flash pouted, “I can’t use my speed?”

“We don’t want to risk anything while you are recovering.” Batman said simply.

“What about my home? My city needs me.”

Batman’s eyes lit up, “Nightwing is helping out right now. Green Lantern and Hawkwoman have also agreed to keep an eye while you’re recovering.”

“Hawkwoman?” Flash questioned. Did she start going by a new name? She didn’t say anything last time he saw her. 

Batman didn’t respond to that, “If you need anything, you can come down to the cave or buzz for me.”

Flash laughed, “Feels like a five star hotel.”

"I hope it starts to feel like home."

Chapter Text

“I can change myself.” “I can walk to the couch.” “I really don’t need anything right now.” 

Flash felt like he was telling a grandmother he didn’t want more food. 

Batman finally was ready to leave after delivering more food to Flash, but he turned back to him, “There’s one more thing.”

Flash looked expectantly at him, “What is it?”

Batman pulled out a thin black bracelet, “You need to wear this at all times.”

Flash raised an eyebrow, “A bracelet?”

“It’s a health monitor, it will help us understand if there’s anything different.” Batman said, holding it forward. Flash took it, looking it over, “And if you need me, you can press it twice and I’ll be alerted.”

“Alright.” Flash tried to put it on, but found it difficult to clasp it.

Batman put a hand forward, taking the bracelet in one hand and Flash’s wrist in the other. Batman’s tough gloved hands held his wrist so gently as he clasped the bracelet. Flash looked up, “I hope I can shower with it.”

“Of course.”

“Okay, cool, then I think I’m good.” Flash didn’t move to pull his hand out of Batman’s grip, but he did look up at him, “Are you good?”

Batman put the wrist down, “I am now.”

After leaving him with the new food, Flash collapsed on the couch happily, he pulled off his mask and dug into his food. He really didn’t mind all the attention Batman was giving him, but it was still a little overwhelming. He felt like he was a teenager with his uncle and grandpa Jay over his shoulder all over again. He tried to eat as normally as possible, it was hard to avoid using his speed, but he somehow managed.

Once he finished the tray, he got to his feet, feeling a little dizzy.

He really didn’t want to use a wheelchair to get around a bedroom, but after a few steps he worried he would have to. He managed to make it to the bathroom feeling like he’d run a marathon. He stepped inside to wash his face, all day and night wearing a mask really wasn’t a good look, and being so close to the sun might have given him a really weird tan line. He ran his hand through his hair and checked for toiletries, there seemed to be everything he needed, weird it was even the same brand as the stuff he used. Maybe even rich guys like to save a couple bucks. 

He shrugged and appreciated it, brushing his teeth. He went to the closet grabbing some comfortable pajamas. He was feeling so tired, but he didn’t want to go to bed yet. He changed into his pajamas, noting the Batman t-shirt and plaid pants, and walked over to the couch, settling into the giant couch. He grabbed the remote flicking on the TV, he wanted to know if the public liked him again after he saved the world. He went through the channels searching for any news reports or any news channels in general, but he couldn’t find anything. 

He raised an eyebrow, he’d have to ask Batman about that later. 

He ended up just watching cartoons until he fell asleep.

Batman sat in the cave, watching Wally go through his routine before he fell asleep. He had seen Wally unmasked when he first brought him to the cave, but it was nice to see him conscious and maskless. There were slight differences between his Flash and this Flash. The ginger hair was messier and a bit longer, his eyes sparkled a bit brighter, he was thinner (which concerned him), and he had a lot of random scars across his body. Batman bit the inside of his cheek, that Justice League didn’t take care of Wally.

He would though.

There were a dozen hidden cameras in the room, if anything happened he would be able to see it on the screens and monitor it through the bracelet. Wally’s health was top priority. 

Of course Wally didn’t need to know that it had a tracking chip as well.

Batman watched Wally fall asleep on the couch.

“Master Bruce?” Batman turned the security footage off as he turned to Alfred.

“What is it Alfred?”

“Does our guest need anything else?” 

“He’s fine.” Batman said, “I’ll relay any messages from him.”

Alfred had a suspicious look in his eye, “And who exactly is our guest?”

Batman knew he couldn’t pull the wool over Alfred’s head for long, he could be just as perceptive as him. Batman couldn’t help Flash if he couldn’t hide the Flash. Batman smiled standing up, pulling off his mask, “He’s an old friend.”

Alfred looked surprised at the smile, “I haven’t seen you smile since Master Wall-” He cut himself off, knowing that name had been a sore spot. Alfred smiled, putting a hand on Bruce’s shoulder, “Please take care, eat something.”

“I will.”

Bruce followed Alfred up to the kitchen, eating the food he had prepared. Then he went up to Wally’s room, he pulled out a tablet to see Wally still asleep and carefully punched in the code to unlock the door. He was taking a risk stepping into the room without his mask, but he wanted to see him, no, he needed to see him.

He remembered the first time he had seen him maskless, it was also the last time he saw his own Flash alive. They were fighting the president, the man still was up to his evil deeds even while leading the free world. Not much else had changed, except that he was also more powerful and had more powerful allies. The Justice League was all declared enemies of the state, they were all up for execution. But they only managed to grab one of them. 

Bruce still remembers trying to push the Flash out of the way, but the bullet still ripped through his neck and he had to hold Flash’s bloody neck together as he died.

Bruce brushed a finger across Wally’s neck. 

Bruce felt the pulse. Wally was alive, that’s what mattered.

Bruce wondered what his next step was, Wally wouldn’t want to stay here forever. But he didn’t want to think about it, he just wanted to take advantage of the peace he hadn’t felt in years. Bruce picked up Wally. The sleeping pills that were placed in his food should keep him asleep, but he was still very careful. He walked slowly, savoring the feeling of Wally in his arms. 

It was hard to forget the only other time he got to hold Wally was when he was dying. 

There were differences, the body in his arms was warm. He wasn’t wearing his costume. His red hair had been hidden behind his cowl. He wasn’t bleeding. The body in his arms wouldn’t be dying anytime soon.

He put Wally down on the bed, pulling the blankets up to his neck, and trying to find comfort once again in the pulse. Bruce would have stayed there forever, but he turned off the tv and left the room taking comfort in the fact that Wally would never be hurt again.

Wally came to, feeling more rested than he ever had before. The bed was comfortable under him and he almost didn’t want to wake up, until a shock ran through him. Bed?

He knew he hadn’t fallen asleep on the bed. 

His eyes shot to the tv, it was off, he remembered falling asleep to some cartoon. So how’d he get here. Must have been Bats, the thought made the most sense. His hand immediately went to his face and he gasped.

He jumped out of the bed, immediately falling to the ground.

The dizziness didn’t disappear after a night of rest. He was trying to get to his feet, but he just rested against the carpet. As Wally felt his head clear up, a hand was on his shoulder to steady him, he looked up to see Batman. The man's expression was twisted in concern. 

“Flash, are you okay?”

Wally pulled his arm away, looking at him in annoyance, “You always knew my identity, didn’t you?”

Batman’s hand tensed, but he nodded.

"How long?"

“I was friends with the former Flash, your identity was never a secret to me.”

Wally sighed, letting Batman help him to his feet.

“Are you upset?” Batman asked, softly.

Was he upset? Wally didn't know, he should have expected it. 

"You're the world's greatest detective, I should have figured," Wally sat down on the bed, tiredly, "I just wish you would have told me.”

Batman was kneeling on one knee in front of Wally, he was looking thoughtful. Wally looked down at his lap, trying to fight off the bitter feeling growing. Batman's hand reached to his and Wally was encouraged to look up. Batman let go and brought a hand to his cowl, pulling it off swiftly,

"My name is Bruce Wayne.”

Chapter Text

Wally was frozen, staring down at his teammate. He couldn’t deny that he’s thought about all his teammates' identities before. He was certain they had to at least be curious who he was outside of costume as well. 

He expected a no nonsense richie rich business man, “I can’t believe I’m not the biggest playboy on the team.” 

Wally couldn’t help the joke from escaping his lips. 

He clapped a hand over his lips, but Batman, no, Bruce just laughed quietly, standing up, “It’s just a facade.”

“Your civilian self is the facade?” Wally asked in surprise.

Bruce’s lips tightened, but he nodded, “I feel more myself with the cowl.”

“You’re being pretty open right now.” 

Bruce sat next to Wally, “I can be now.”

Maybe he really was dying. Was this why Batman felt like he could be honest and share his identity now?

“Can I see the rest of the place then?”

Bruce shook his head, “Not yet, my sons don’t know-” Bruce stopped.

“Oh Nightwing and Robin, right?” 

Bruce’s eyes narrowed, “How much do you know about Bruce Wayne?”

Wally shrugged, “You’re a rich playboy from Gotham.”

Bruce’s gaze softened and he stood up, “I have to check on Robin, I’ll bring your breakfast soon.”

“Take your time.” Wally said, flopping down onto the bed. Maybe he could catch a few more z’s. He watched Bruce get back into the elevator, pulling back up his cowl, but Wally realized he had one more question. He sat up quickly, “Wait Bats- I mean Bruce- I-I mean Mr Wayne about the news channel-” 

The elevator closed and he sighed. He’ll just ask at breakfast.

Batman knew Wally wanted to see the news, but there was no way for Wally to watch the news without hearing about world peace, the student protests, the Justice Lords, or… the Flash’s own death. 

Wally already knew too much with just Batman’s identity. 

He needed to be careful what he said from this point on.

Several years ago Bruce didn’t even know about Damian. What if Wally had heard about the amount of sons Bruce Wayne in his world had? Was Jason even back in Wally’s world? Was Tim Robin? What about Batgirl? How much did they know about Hawkwoman’s past? 

There were too many variables. 

Batman needed to know more before they spoke again.

He went to his computer, brooding over the computer and scouring the other world for any information. He didn’t get far in when he heard the annoying noise of a call from the Lords.

“What?”

“Good to hear from you too.” Green Lantern’s voice came from the computer.

“I’m busy.”

“With what? The lack of crime?” Hawkwoman teased.

“You’ve been avoiding us.”

“I didn’t know my presence was that important.”

Hawkwoman scoffed, “Don’t act humble.” 

“If we’re just exchanging pleasantries-”

“We’re not.” Green Lantern said, “Superman wants you at the meeting today.”

“I can’t leave Gotham-”

“He’ll be sending Wonder Woman if you don’t.” Hawkwoman’s voice turned serious, “He’s been mad since you haven’t been tracking Red Hood’s gang and now you’ve been ignoring us.”

“Do you want Superman to check up on you?”

Batman understood the message. Superman has become more of an authoritative all powerful god than just an everyman superhero. If Batman is doing something he doesn’t want Superman to know about, he needs to act more sociable or else.

“Fine.”

The watchtower was never truly his home, nowadays the only place he wanted to be was in his cave in front of his monitors or patrolling the streets of Gotham when Robin or Alfred forced him to stretch his legs. But there was a time when the watchtower began to feel like a second home, a place he could feel safe.

Before the Justice League he was alone, he had been spiraling into loneliness - Dick no longer wanted to be around, Barry was gone, and Jason was dead. It was such a dark period. It’s strange that the world nearly ending is what gave him a second chance at happiness. 

He remembered healing more and more everyday.

Opening his heart was something he didn’t know he could do again.

He missed it.

He missed working side by side with Superman. He missed training with Wonder Woman and verbally sparring with Green Lantern. He missed getting teased by Hawkwoman and confiding in Martian Manhunter. With Flash, he missed- well he missed everything. 

Flash nodding off during meetings and immediately zooming off the second it was concluded, papers flying around him. Flash always came late to his monitor duties with a million excuses, he was the fastest man in the world and was never on time. He would bring coffee, blankets, and treats for others when they were on monitor duties. Whenever anyone was injured, he’d be the first face they’d see in the medbay and he’d be the first to offer up his help.

“I miss him too.”

Batman didn’t flinch, but it was uncharacteristic for him to be snuck up on by anyone.

He turned to see Wonder Woman. She changed a lot the last few years - her eyes were colder and her fights were more aggressive, but whenever Flash was mentioned the softness to her face would return.

Batman looked back down at the world thinking about the Flash that was currently at his home, maybe he wasn’t doing the right thing… It was a hard thought to have, he had spent years leading up to this moment. He was depriving another world of their Flash, of their heart. But they never faced seeing him die, they never got to experience that loss and pain, so they didn’t know what they had and took advantage of their Flash everyday.

They didn’t deserve him.

The only way for the Flash to remain safe was to be here with him.

“Come on, the meeting is about to start.” Her hand grabbed his, pulling him forward. At one time they could have been something, past flirting had never advanced past that though, especially when they lost the Flash.

Batman pulled his hand away and walked ahead of her. 

He opened the door to the meeting room, the rest of the Justice League were there. The table was a circle, but somehow Superman made any place he sat at the head of the table. Batman took the seat closest to the door, crossing his arms. Superman looked pointedly at him, but when it was clear that Batman wouldn’t speak up, the Man of Steel took the initiative, “Well?”

“Well, what?”

The super man sighed, “Any reason you’ve missed the last few meetings?”

“I always miss meetings.”

“He’s not wrong.” Hawkwoman said, mirth hidden in her tone.

“Where have you been?”

“Come on Supes, Bats has always had a loyalty to Gotham first.”

The words were unspoken, but if Flash was there, that’s what he’d say.

“The anniversary is coming up,” Manhunter said suddenly.

Batman turned quickly to see the Martian staring at him intently, he had slipped up.

“If this is about Flash-”

Batman tensed up and stood, “No.”

“We can all understand, Batman.” Green Lantern said, “He was like my brother-”

“No, you can’t understand.” Batman said, “I’m leaving.”

Superman was at the door before Batman could fully turn to leave, “Sit back down Bruce.”

Batman scowled, but he complied. He never consented when they revealed their identities to the public, but Superman insisted that it was the only way for the public to fully trust them. He didn’t have an escape as Bruce Wayne, he didn’t have an escape as Batman, the only escape he had was- 

He stopped his thoughts in their tracks.

Flashes of the cave and the monitors went through his mind.

The only escape he had was at the manor.

“Now that that’s settled.” Superman went back to his seat, “I understand this is a rough time for everyone ,” He pointedly looked at Batman, “I would like for us to hold a memorial for the Flash, maybe Wayne Enterprises can help with this. I think it would be a great way to show camaraderie among the other heroes, as well.”

Batman scowled, “Why ask when you’ve clearly made your decision?”

“Because, I would like to have it hosted at Wayne Manor.”

Batman left as soon as the meeting was over, the others stayed behind collecting their thoughts and discussing the Batman.

Superman looked out the Watchtower window at the Earth below.

“Pleasant to see him as always,” Hawkwoman sighed, “Why’d we invite him again?”

“I think the real question is why bother asking where he is?” Wonder Woman asked, “Anyone could tell you where he is.”

“He hardly left the cave before this.” Hawkwoman laughed.

“Ain’t that the truth.” He agreed.

But Superman knew otherwise.

“His mind was only on Flash and the cave.” Manhunter approached Superman as the others filed out, “He’d always been harder to read.”

“And that’s purposeful.” Superman nodded thoughtfully, “If anyone knows how to lie even to himself, it’s Batman.”

He understood how Batman felt, when Flash died, he felt like the world around him had died. The sun never shone as bright as when he was alive, shadows grew darker and nights felt longer. However, he also knew the extremes the Bats went to when they lost the ones they cared about.

That’s why he had kept closer tabs on Batman then maybe even Batman knew about.

Something was up and he would get to the bottom of it.

Down below in another world, there was another Batman. His fist hit the keyboard in front of him, everything was gone. Someone had been in the watchtower, someone had been in Gotham, someone had been in his home. Someone had taken all evidence of their presence and took the Flash. Someone using his face.

He scowled.

“He’ll be fine, B.” 

Batman pushed away the words of his former ward, “That’s not what I’m worried about, someone was here, we're compromised.” 

“Sure.” Nightwing laughed, “I haven’t seen you this panicked since-”

Batman threw files into Nightwing’s arms, “Go to Central City, continue the investigation there. Superman will meet you there.”

“And it’s not about Wally, sure.” Nightwing rolled his eyes, straightening the folders and leaving the cave.

“There’s a simple way to go about this Bruce.” The newest Robin said, crossing his arms and leaning against the monitor. Batman didn’t say anything, but Robin could tell he was listening, “This person is a version of you, right? Why would a version of you want to kidnap the Flash?”

There was silence.

“Go home, Tim.”

Robin shrugged, “Alrighty Bruce, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Batman watched Robin leave. He didn’t think he’d have the nerve to continue being Batman after the death of Jason, he didn’t think he deserved to. Before the Justice League, he was close to hanging up the cape. He didn’t trust himself to work with others, he was more violent and threw himself into more troubles than he could often handle.

Then he met the miniature stalker who was his newest Robin, got close to Nightwing again, and became close to the Justice League members. He especially became close to the young man who was the new Flash.

He knew immediately who he was.

The Flash probably didn’t think Batman remembered or didn’t care about the previous Flash’s nephew, but Batman always cared deeply for all the Flashes. 

He never got to show that care to Barry.

And now he might not get to show it to Wally.

Batman’s fist shook, he couldn’t lose him… His head shot up and turned to a machine hidden in the corner of the Batcave, it was long abandoned, no serious strides had been made since Barry died. However, he had continued his research when Jason died, but he could never succeed and maybe that was for the better.

What would happen if someone from another universe was removed and forced into another? 

If Batman faced another loss, he didn’t know if he could take it.

Maybe there was a version of him that couldn’t take it.

A version determined to take back whoever he lost, no matter what it did to his universe.

He knew what happened, but what if it was too late? Could he save the Flash?

Batman pulled the sheet away from the machine, he had to try - no - He would succeed.