flash point (parallel path)

A NEW BEGINNING

As Barry and Ethan walk through the streets of Central City, the conversation flows easily between them. Ethan can't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Barry for his kindness, and he finds himself opening up more than he expected.

Eventually, they arrive at Barry's house—a cozy little place tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. Joe is waiting for them at the door, a warm smile on his face as he welcomes them inside.

"Hey, Barry," Joe says, clapping his son on the shoulder. "Who's your friend?"

Barry gestures to Ethan with a smile. "Joe, this is Ethan," he says. "He's new in town, and Iris suggested that we might be able to help him out."

Joe nods, his eyes scanning Ethan's face with interest. "Nice to meet you, Ethan," he says, extending a hand. "Welcome to our home."

Ethan shakes Joe's hand, returning the older man's warm smile. "Thank you, sir," he says, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Joe and Barry for their kindness.

As they enter the house, Joe leads them down the hallway to a spare bedroom, where he shows Ethan to his temporary accommodations—a cozy room with a comfortable bed and a small desk.

"This will be your room for the time being," Joe says, gesturing to the bed. "Make yourself at home."

Ethan nods, a grateful smile on his face as he takes in the room. "Thank you, Mr. West," he says. "I really appreciate it."

As they settle into the room, Joe and Barry start to ask Ethan about his family, curious to learn more about the young boy who has found himself in their care.

"So, Ethan, tell us about your parents," Joe says, his tone gentle.

Ethan's smile fades slightly at the mention of his parents, a pang of sadness tugging at his heart. "They're... they're far away," he says quietly. "I miss them a lot."

Joe and Barry exchange a concerned glance, their hearts going out to the young boy who seems so alone in the world. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Ethan," Joe says, his voice filled with sympathy. "If there's anything we can do to help..."

Ethan shakes his head, forcing a smile. "Thank you, but... but there's nothing anyone can do," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

Just then, Barry's phone buzzes with a message, interrupting the conversation. He checks the screen and frowns, his expression turning serious.

"I'm sorry, guys," Barry says, his tone apologetic. "I have to go. There's something I need to take care of."

Joe and Barry exchange a knowing glance as Barry hurries out the door, leaving them alone in the room.

As Joe turns back to Ethan, his eyes fall on the strange device strapped to the boy's wrist—a sleek, futuristic watch unlike anything he's ever seen before.

"What's that?" Joe asks, gesturing to the Omnitrix.

Ethan's heart skips a beat at the question, his mind racing with possibilities. He knows he can't reveal the truth about the Omnitrix, not when he's trying to keep a low profile.

"Oh, uh... it's just a watch," Ethan says, trying to sound casual. "Nothing special."

But Joe isn't convinced, his brow furrowing in confusion as he studies the device. "It looks expensive," he says, his tone curious. "Where did you get it?"

Ethan hesitates, unsure of how to respond. He knew he needed to come up with an explanation, and fast, before Joe started asking too many questions. But as he searched for the right words, Ethan can't shake the feeling that his life just got a whole lot more complicated.
As Joe's gaze lingers on the sleek, mysterious device strapped to Ethan's wrist, Ethan's mind races for a plausible explanation.

"It's just a watch," Ethan finally says, his voice unsteady. "My dad gave it to me for my birthday before... before we got separated."

Joe's expression softens at Ethan's words, a pang of sympathy tugging at his heart. "I'm sorry to hear that son," he says, his voice gentle. "Must be tough being away from your family for so long."

Ethan nods, a lump forming in his throat as he tries to push back the memories of his parents. "Yeah, it's been hard," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sensing Ethan's discomfort, Joe changes the subject, his gaze drifting to the worn clothes the boy is wearing. "You know what? Why don't you let me give you some cash to go buy some new clothes?" he suggests, his tone warm. "You look like you could use a change."

Ethan's eyes widen in surprise at Joe's offer, overwhelmed by his generosity. "Th-thank you, Mr. West," he stammers, his voice filled with gratitude.

Joe smiles, patting Ethan on the shoulder. "No need to thank me," he says. "Consider it a welcome gift to Central City."

As Ethan prepares to leave to go shopping for clothes, Joe's gaze falls once again on the Omnitrix, his curiosity getting the better of him, must be due to his detective side but he pushes the thought away.

"You know," Joe says, his voice thoughtful, "Iris mentioned that they could use some extra help at jitters. Maybe you could work there for a while. It'd be a good way to earn some money and get to know the city better."

Ethan considers Joe's suggestion, the idea of working at jitters alongside Iris intriguing to him. It would certainly give him an opportunity to learn more about this strange new world he finds himself in, and maybe even make some new friends along the way and money.

"I think I'd like that," Ethan says with a nod, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks for the suggestion, Mr. West."
"Oh just call me Joe" he replied with a smile.

As Ethan heads out the door, a sense of excitement and anticipation fills him. He sets off to buy some new clothes and try getting a job at jitters.