❝ nothing’s WRONG, I just — you know, I think I’d be better at doing other stuff . the uh, drink stuff - that I can do . ❞ namely he’d prefer anything that involved less PAIN if he messed up . which, knowing him, was MORE than likely .

❝ what are we gonna eat, anyway ? ❞ a distraction, yeah, but also a genuine question .

❝ fair enough. we're pot roast with roasted potatoes, apple pie, and joan's famous chocolate cookies. of course there will be enough for all of us, so don't worry about that. ❞

❝ uhm — ❞ he followed barry, his expression suddenly a little NERVOUS . he glanced past him towards the table .

❝ — are you SURE you want me to help with that ? I could do something else instead . ❞ he didn’t wanna say it out loud, but he wholly did NOT trust himself with something so precious and fragile .

❝ hm? why not? what's wrong? ❞ he glanced over at the table too, confused. ❝ in that case, can you help with refreshments? joan made punch. all you have to do is serve it and make sure everyone has some at the table. ❞

his exasperated expression turns into a full-on POUT . ❝ … no . ❞ a zip, he’s gone, and he comes back .

❝ there, I - wait, you said neat — ❞ and he’s gone again, and back again . ❝ okay, NOW we should be good . right ? ❞

barry sped away to check. he pushed his right shoe a little to left, then came back.

❝ much better. now, stop laying video games and help us set the table. be careful and do it slowly. these china sets have been in the family for decades. ❞

"Well, it's because I saved a kid, and he was crying one time. I saw GCPD officer give them some candy afterward. It seemed to calm him down, so I just carry them around if I never need to give one out. Most people like candy, so it works out." Bruce just digs into the pouch again and pulls another one out, unwrapping it and popping it into his mouth. "So what happened to you? Why'd you run out of fuel?"

Look at this big softie. When it came to children, Bruce became less scary. Barry forgot that Bruce actually had a soul sometimes. A running joke (pun intended) with Hal. They would watch the big Dark Knight to make sure he wasn't a robot. So far, Barry was in the lead.

"I had to break the sound barrier to save a pilot from burning to crisp with his aircraft. He couldn't eject himself from the cockpit."

❝ graaaaaamps !! ❞

he whines far too dramatically . his defenses are clearly weakened by being hit with his full name . ❝ it takes SO long !! I’m a busy guy ! ❞

❝ busy or not, you have to be considerate of other people. do you want joan to fall? ❞

"Hey, old man." Thad grinned a wide, wide grin at Barry, "Would you ever consider sparring against me?"

"Sparring? Sure." A weird request, but went along with it. "But I'm not gonna go easy on you."

❝ but I - I’m SORRY, i - it was just - i can - ❞ he stutters, before huffing in defeat and balling his hands at his sides .

he’s really in for it, now . ❝ - okay, okay !! fine !! I’ll go . ❞ he’s going home but he’s not happy about it .

❝ go. ❞ he said before speeding off towards the scene. he helped extinguish the flames with the help of the fire department. barry thought long and hard about what kind of punishment bart would have to endure. it had to be a really tedious task. something bart would absolutely hate. maybe next time he'll think twice.

after profusely apologizing to the cops and fire fighters, he made his way home.

the superhero equivalent of carrying your kid in from the car after he falls asleep on the drive home

❝ you’re not even gonna let me help clean up - ❞ he half-turns and vaguely gestures to the damage . ❝ that ?? ❞

❝ also … do you HAVE to tell grandma ? ❞ at least the apology was worth a shot . he doesn’t even wanna THINK about whatever punishment those two were gonna cook up .

❝ bart, you've done quite enough. i'll be home in a minute and if i don't find you there, you'll be in more trouble. ❞

the pushover part of him wanted to let it go, but he had to be stern. bart couldn't get away with everything. ❝ you've forced my hand, bud. i will be telling your grandma what you've done. ❞