Almost - A Flash and Arrow crossover

Chapter 22

Barry looked up, his chestnut eyes wide and sparkling. Joe sat opposite him, a soft smile on his face hiding the disappointment he was feeling. Not in Barry, but in himself. Joe had never become comfortable with the idea of Barry being the hero of Central City. Fighting crime. That was his job. And he was meant to keep Barry safe.

But the boy was so stubborn. So selfless. And Joe couldn't help but be proud of the man he had become.

His mother would be too.

"So, you're like my foster father?" Asked Barry.

Joe nodded. He looked down at his son, who gazed back into his own eyes with a sense of both confusion and longing. Longing to remember everything that had been barred from his mind. It was the little things Joe recognised that were missing from the boy. The mischievous twinkle in his eye, the constant fidgeting, the way he would smile cheekily every now and again. Little things that made the boy who he was.

"Thank you." Barry smiled. He may not be able to remember the detective, but the caring and love he'd clearly devoted to him before was obvious. The speedster couldn't help but feel guilty that he couldn't remember all this man had probably done for him.

Joe genuinely grinned. "There's no need to thank me, son. It's what we do."

The next thing he knew, he had arms being slung around his neck, gripping him tight in a warm, heartfelt hug.

Barry squeezed his eyes shut and buried his head into Joe's shoulder.

"I may not be able to remember much, but I know that Barry, me, the old me, would have wanted to give you this."

Joe felt hot tears prickle at the edges of his eyes.

"I love you son."

"And I know that I love you too."

XXXX

Oliver sat cross-legged on the bed, with Felicity holding ice to his jaw.

"Honestly, I'm fine." He said, raising his eyebrows and placing a gentle hand on top of hers to lower it away from his face.

Felicity's insides somersaulted as he slowly maneuvered her palm beside his knee.

"No you're not." Her voice broke. "You're not alright ... You're not him."

She couldn't stop herself. Fresh salty tears cascaded down her cheeks as she pursed her lips together to stifle her sobs.

Oliver understood.

"Hey, don't cry." He whispered affectionately, using his thumb to wipe away a tear on her face.

Felicity looked up at him with glassy eyes. Cautiously, he cupped her both her cheeks with his palms.

"If it makes you feel any better, I know I love you. I just don't remember it."

She chuckled at his try to console her.

"I just want you back, Olly." Felicity said, taking a deep breath, followed by a hiccup which made both of them giggle.

Then Oliver pulled her in close and pecked her forehead with his lips.

"I'll come back to you."

XXXX

Martin Stein leaned forward in his chair.

"They both seem more like themselves." He contributed to the ongoing conversation taking place between himself, Caitlin, Ronnie and Cisco. Diggle had gone out for some much needed air.

"But why now?" Asked Caitlin.

Cisco shrugged. "Perhaps the Meta doesn't take away their memories, just stops them from accessing them."