mick prompt: something about how he's changed as a person after his experiences as chronos. is he more observant now? does he take orders better, or worse? etc. maybe one of the characters who knew him before noticing little things.
I hope you like this. I was waiting outside the airport for my mom while I was writing it. (Newswave-Iris/Mick)
Not a Hero
Sara passed Mick the flask, and he downed almost the entirething in one gulp. Sure, they’d just saved the world. Sure, it was a time forcelebration. Red and Skirt were in the corner talking excitedly while RobinHood watched amusedly. Ponytail was laughing at something Ramon was tellingher. Stein was discussing something quietly with Flash’s doctor friend.
Heroes. Allof them.
He didn’tbelong here.
Without aword, he walked away from his team. Most didn’t even notice—too busy talkingabout the mysterious speedster. Amaya caught his eye, giving an “Are you okay?”eyebrow raise. He sent a tight-lipped smile back. No reason to worry her.
He steppedoutside of the ‘Hall of Justice’, as Ramon called it. If Lenny could see himnow, what would he think? Two years ago, he’d say his partner would laugh andask if he inhaled too much kerosene. Now, though, after the Flash and theLegends, it was like he never knew Leonard Snart at all.
He leanedhis head back against the cold stone wall. His life was so much simpler before superheroesand time travel. Back before the Time Masters played Operation with his brainand made him Chronos, all that mattered was fire. Today, he appreciated fire,by the need was gone; that burning ache that gave him a sense of belonging.What was a pyro without his obsession for fire?
“Hey.”
He nearlyjumped out of his skin. He turned to see the Flash’s girlfriend—Irene orsomething—standing just outside the door, watching him.
He gruntedin reply. Maybe if he didn’t say anything, she’d go away and leave him alone.
Instead,she stepped closer, leaning against the wall beside him. “Needed a break?”
Mickscoffed. “The heroes were getting chummy in there. I know when I’m not wanted.”
The girl—Iris!That’s what it was—frowned. “I could be wrong, but you helped out just as muchas any of them.”
He snorted.“I ain’t no hero.”
She reachedinto the large tote bag on her shoulder and pulled out two bottles of beer. Sheheld one out to him, which he took suspiciously. Then, she popped open theother and took a drink. “You’re different than I remember.” She continued. “Youknow, my dad and fiancé…well, my fiancé at the time…were the ones to arrest youlast time. I remember seeing them drag you into the precinct. Team Flash toldme about all the things you did to them. You’re not that guy anymore.”
She tiltedher head. “You’re different. You’re right; you aren’t a hero. But maybe we haveenough heroes out there. Sometimes, they need a criminal. Besides, it’s okay tobe an outsider. I’m an outsider with Team Flash—I’m not a genius or a meta. Butthat doesn’t mean that they don’t need me.”
She reached over to clink the neckof her beer bottle against his. “You’re going to be fine.” She pushed off thewall and headed back towards the party.
When he was sure that she was gone,he smiled to himself and popped open his beer. Len would definitely approve ofsomeone like her.
