[ Just one error?

Barry's not quick enough (ha) to stop himself from cocking his brow in surprise. It's strange to him how this boy acts so grown when he should… what? Be interested in playing hopscrotch instead? He's one of the few people here who's offered him some sort of alliance. Is he really going to second guess it because the kid's a kid? ]

Did you want a lift or…?

[ Is he going to find his own way there? ]

Okay.

[ At least Barry waits until Damian's near the door leading into the tower before he takes off at superspeed, down the side of the Tower and on his way to S.T.A.R. Labs.

—Where he can be outside the main entrance, leaning against the doorframe with a burrito and coffee in hand. What? He's hungry. Damian's slow. Even in a supercharged car, everything will always be slow to Barry Allen. ]

I was going to get you one, but I figured you wouldn't be fond of a cold burrito.

[ Slowpoke. ]

[ Liar!

Of course, Barry takes it in stride. Taking a big bite of his burrito - ]

Do you want one now? It'll only take a second.

[ Is he stalling? Yes, he's stalling. He's also being polite (and he's a little hungry after having to wait… twenty or so minutes, nevermind the fact he still has his burrito to eat). ]

[ That's just… plain rude. Okay! Fine. He'll continue to eat his burrito as he takes a brief (Flash time) moment to scrutinise Damian. The kid looks okay. He was walking okay. The scowl and general air of superiority feels normal. He's okay. Good.

Barry cocks his head. ]

Come on.

[ Twirling on his foot, he turns and opens the door to the building. (He opens doors very well, even if he's never really opened the door to S.T.A.R. Labs in a long time. He kind of usually just runs through?) ]

The Pipeline's on one of the top floors. [ idk which ] I can take you there, but I have a feeling you'd want to have a look around.

[ The foyer of the lab is gigantic. Its floors are spotless, its counters sterile. There's nothing that really stands out, other than its cleanliness. Barry's been keeping it clean since finding it in Etraya, wanting it to be so spotless one can see their reflection in the linoleum floor and the cream walls. There's no Flash regalia in sight. It's a boring foyer for a boring building. ]

[ Walk and talk. That's easy. Barry feels the need to move, so walking helps shrug away the need to fidget. ]

We imprison our metas here.

[ It sounds… so odd, saying it aloud. Generally everyone on Team Flash simply knows what it's for. They've only really spoken about the Pipeline's use a few times. Whatever! Damian doesn't seem like the type to judge. ]

The ones who are dangerous. [ An important correction! ] The cells have meta power dampeners in them, so anyone with super strength can't break out and someone who can teleport just keeps finding themselves blocked.

[ As he approaches the nearest elevator, he presses the button firmly and steps back, waiting for the lift to appear from wherever the fuck it is in this enormous building.

He clears his throat - ]

We held the Reverse Flash in one. He couldn't break out.

I… don't think he knew how.

[ Granted… Thawne has always prioritised taunting him over anything else. Did he know how to break out? It's unfortunate Barry isn't from a few years from now where he knows he, Barry, can break out of the pipeline. ]

If he did, he'd gloat. This Thawne loves [ (derogatory emphasis) ] to gloat about how much he knows and how little I do. I think it's his one other skill aside from being obnoxious.

[ The elevator stops and groans, and the doors silently open. Barry gestures for Damian to go in first. Guests before, well… whatever Barry is tot his place! ]

What?

[ He doesn't mean any offence by his incredulous laugh. Barry automatically hits the button to indicate some top floor without even looking, focusing on Damian. ]

You're just— No offence, but you're not exactly a meta. The cell isn't really built for you.

[ The elevator doors close. ]