ARROWVERSE ONE-SHOTS

STILL THERE (FlashFrost)

"I said that we'd find away to cure her, and we locked her up in cuffs because we were afraid of her too."

Before going back to 2017 to try and save Iris, Flash has a request for future Barry. He's given everyone else on Team Flash another chance, it's time one more person got that.

Takes place during/after The Once and Future Flash (episode 3x19)

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"It'll take a long time for things to go back to how they used to be, but it's a start" The Flash's future self, a much more broken version, stated solemnly but with an undertone of hope. There was some brightness to the future. His undying hope, brought back by this visiter from the past, was a familiar feeling, one he'd missed.

Flash smiled at the sight of his 2024 self and friends working together again. He was determined to save Iris from dying and prevent all this from happening, but he felt comforted by helping them in this time anyway.

Knowing tragedy first hand, Barry could never stand to see any of his friends suffering. He certainly wasn't going to leave while his friends were broken because of his own actions. Speaking of which...

"Oh, hey! Can I talk to you? Really quick?" Flash flagged down his future double for a quick word. Something he had to tell him before he left.

"Yeah, sure. I wanted to talk to you too. Thank you I mean. For giving us a chance again ." Future Barry's pained eyes shone with a little brightness.

Flash gave him a quick nod and smile of 'you're welcome', brushing it off as usual. "Listen, about that. There's someone else who needs another chance too." He didn't need to specify any further, and nervously waited for a reaction. The future speedster clenched his jaw and shifted his gaze. "You mean Caitlin."

"Yeah."

"No, I'm sorry," the older guy spoke firmly ," she's already gone. You know that-you spoke to her. Caitlin was replaced by Killer Frost. " It seemed his mind was already made up.

The thought had crossed his mind oh so many times, only to conclude that it was pointless to even try. Flash had gone and seen her himself; he had to know that she was lost to them now.Flash sighed, he'd expected this very reply. But he wouldn't be discouraged. He was determined to restore hope for Caitlin to Future Barry. He couldn't leave this timeline knowing she would be in that cell forever. Seeing her so far gone, so full of hatred and bitterness, was a sight he'd never forget.

"Listen ," he tried again, "I know it's not gonna be easy, and it appears to be a hopeless cause, but it's not impossible. Look at how far we've come already, the team is picking itself up and working together again. Just talk to her."

It was true, Barry never believed that he could repair the damage done to his life and relationships. He'd dreamed of it, but there was no reality in them. Until 2017 Flash showed up that is; he started to heal this broken life of his, and he couldn't be more grateful. Thinking it over, despite how hopeless he still believed it to be, future Barry supposed this was the least he could do to repay what he had gained back. He owed this.

"Fine," he agreed reluctantly, and the younger version of himself broke into a grin. 

"But only because of what you've done for me, not because I actually think it will work. Trust me, she's too far gone....but I'll talk to her."