Barry's already composing his response. Erases it. Composes it some more. Erases that. Iris West is in his head, telling him not to rise to the bait. But it's so hard, and she's not here. His hands and body vibrate with so much anger he almost destroys his communicator.
He spends two minutes writing a various number of responses only to settle on - ]
What makes you think we'd ever need to collaborate?
[ Even though… they've had to collaborate multiple times in the past. Was that this Thawne? The one with Wells' face has a history of Barry coming to him. Does this one know? Does it even matter?
[ at the minimum, they'll need to play nice just so that they don't devolve into trying to kill each other at top speed. there seem to be a lot of hero-types in this empty place and he's going to get a headache if they all try bugging him. barry is a known quantity, if nothing else. ]
Fine, but on the condition that I also have the right to add anything to rules. We should also both have the right to veto any rules, within reason and good argument.
[ Because like hell he's going to just give Barry a blank check to dictate his every action. ]
My turn. You don't get to tell anyone I'm the Reverse Flash. If they figure it out on their own, then that's on me, but do not run your mouth about me.
[ The offense he feels by Thawne's belief he'd inform everyone of his secret—true—identity outweighs his other frustration. (No, he doesn't want Thawne to have any right in changing the rules.)
He's his. Thawne is his. Informing everyone else (god, informing the likes of Damian) feels stupid. It is stupid. Barry has never liked sharing Thawne with his friends. He's his problem. He's his. ]
Fine.
I wasn't going to, anyway.
[ It feels like a petulant addition. Why does he care what Thawne thinks about him? ]
I want to know about anyone finding out about you.
[ Hm. He had a feeling Barry wouldn't, but having it in writing is just smart for him in the long run. Eobard can't run from this place. The good news is he also doesn't seem to be chased anymore by... that monster in a black speedster suit. Small comforts. ]
Fine, but I can't tell you what I don't know.
[ i.e. if someone discovers his ID but he doesn't realize it. it also gives him a little plausible deniability. ]
Next, and I'm deadly serious about this: no imprisonment. I do not want to be in a cell, a cage, or any kind of trap designed to strip me of my speed. I am not an animal and you cannot treat me as such. Your cowardice in killing me doesn't mean you get to lock me up and throw away the key.
Remember, time travel exists, Barry. This Thawne knows a Barry who Barry hasn't become yet. Let's take it in stride. Maybe it happens, maybe it doesn't. Thawne's clearly passionate about it; it's best to try and tame his wild anger. ]
[ Wow! His turn to expect an argument that didn't happen. ]
Nothing else. This isn't an ideal situation for either of us, but I'm willing to put things aside for now if you can be mature and reasonable about it as well.
[ He wants to leave it at that but no, he's so annoyed now ]
You're such a moron, I cannot believe I'm stuck here with you! It makes me miss the Flash I know, and that's saying a lot because he's a pain in my ass but at least he isn't stupid!
[ deep breath, eobard, do not let him get to you ]
When you've been a time traveler as long as I have, you come to realize everything is finite. Friends, family, relationships. Your need for it all is a symptom of an ailment I inflicted upon you. You'll understand what I mean one day.
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