Gummy Worms and Tequila

Invaded

Julian was running through the jungle as fast as he could. He was pushing more air out than he was getting in. He looked behind him while pushing vines away. He stopped himself on a tree feeling the sweat fall on his face and down his neck. His team. His Yes mates. They were all gone. Julian choked back tears, there was no time for crying. His body started to shudder as he tried with all his might to move forward. He then felt himself being flung in the dirt beneath him. All Julian could get out was a whimper as he struggled against the force holding him down.

"You can be useful to me." A deep voice came from behind Julian he kept fighting, but the pain started traveling through his body.

"We will create a new dawn. I just need you, Alchemy, my servant." The pain was unbearable and Julian couldn't even scream. He was left shaking helpless on the ground. The tears started flowing as he started to black out.

"Rise my slave. Rise."

Julian screamed himself awake as he sat up on his bed. His dreams were getting better, we're better....until yesterday. His so called friends made him give up his power, his mind. They didn't understand the pain, the fear. His breathing wouldn't slow down and he hugged his knees to his chest. He couldn't stop shaking. It was only 2:46 a.m. but Julian's heart wrenching sobs could be heard throughout the tiny apartment.

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The bags under his eyes were visible from half a mile away. His hair was messy, and his eyes were red. Not only that, but he was an hour late for work. A WHOLE HOUR. But maybe working can help him clear his head a little. But seeing Barry....he couldn't do it. He's such a hypocrite. He would do anything to save Iris, but at the expense of others. Julian couldn't help but think of how many people he had used in the past. Julian was almost to the lab when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He jumped and turned around. It was Joe.

"Hey, I was just making sure you were ok after yesterday." Julian's throat felt dry as he tried to put some words together.

"I'm fine. Thank you detective." He turned around before Joe could see the tears welling up in his eyes. Julian half wishes he would have asked him yesterday. Or would at least stood up for him. When he walked in the lab he saw 2 cups of coffee on Ba- Allen's desk. He didn't deserve for Julian to say his name. He took out some equipment, put on some gloves, and got to work as quickly as he could. From the corner of his eye he saw Allen and Joe talking. Him and Barry locked eyes but Julian looked away. He just couldn't right now. A couple of minutes later Allen walked in unusually quiet. He kept his head down and grabbed another sample. Allen then walked up to his desk. Julian swallowed but kept his head down.

"Hey Julian, look about yesterday I-"

"Don't" Julian said weakly. Angry tears started looking in his eyes.

"No.. really. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you... I just. She's the love of my life Julian."
Julian finally looked up. Barry stepped back a little. Tears were coming down his face one by one.

"Your sorry. SORRY! I BEGGED you to not do that. We could have found another way. You were just too impatient. If it weren't Iris you wouldn't give a damn about it!"

"That-That's not true."

"But it is! I was getting better, I-I was better.I had to relive memories you couldn't even imagine. If it were anyone else you wouldn't try so hard to save them. Just because it's Iris you wanna hurt everyone else to save her. I could've died, or went crazy. And you didn't care."

"Jul-"
"NO! Don't you dare. You haven't the right. You know what?" Julian said packing his stuff up.

"It was a mistake to come here. I'll be on vacation for the rest of the week. Don't expect to see me after work either." With that Julian left.

He hopped in his car, and started to drive away. He was fighting the tears in his eyes. He drove for what seemed like eternity. When he finally aw his apartment in view he let out a small sigh of relief. All he needed was to clear his mind. He could do that right?