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Title: Ameliorate
Fandom: Legends of Tomorrow
Pairing: Leonard Snart/Mick Rory
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with DCTV It's not my toy box and I'm merely playing.
Rating: PG-13
Summary:Mick isn't a hero, but just as he and Len are starting to work past the differences they found in Star City 2046 the Waverider lands in Central City a few weeks after they've left. This Central City is ruled by a villainous Flash and now it's up to the team to figure out how to fix the past.
A/N: Originally started for the Coldwave week prompt In Captivity. I'm posting the first part of this, which is set-up before the team arrives in Central City, so that I quit fussing with it instead of moving on. Only tagged for what's in this chapter, I'll add more tags when the rest of this goes up.
Ameliorate:
They wake up to the lights being turned on for them and Gideon announcing their arrival. Mick and Len both roll out of bed demanding to know where they’re at since they haven’t heard anything from Rip. Gideon merely encourages them to join the others on the bridge.
Len swiftly switches out his clothes and grabs his parka before they make their way to Mick’s room. Mick dresses quickly, only commenting once that he hopes they get to go outside. “At this point I’d settle for fresh air over burning stuff.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” Len agrees.
When they get there Kenda, Ray and Jax are already questioning Gideon, they’re all still in their pajamas. Sara strides past them in her White Canary gear. Rip comes in from the other corridor, he’s still wearing the same clothes as the day before.
“Gideon, explain,” Rip orders.
Stein is pulling his suit jacket into place as he joins them.
“Vandal Savage is about to be executed. I brought us outside the city limits,” Gideon explains.
Rip strides over to his chair and presses a few buttons. “Gideon, this is Central City, a few weeks after we left. This can’t be right.”
“And yet he’s about to die,” Gideon tells him. “I can tap into the feed, if you like.”
“Where’s it being broadcast to?” Sara asks.
“Gotham.”
Mick leans in close to Len, “Some fool villain thinks he can use our city to taunt a bat.”
Len’s gaze says he’s not pleased. “There will be repructions.”
“Are you two trying to sound like supervillains?” Ray asks.
They both turn to glare at him.
“Right, sure,” Ray shakes his head. He doesn’t sound convinced. They continue to glare.
“Though if someone wants to kill Savage, maybe we should make sure they know they need Kendra first,” Len suggests as he turns to Rip. “Hate to think his death won’t stick.”
“Gideon,” Rip orders. “Central screen please.”
The live feed starts playing. Kendra gasps.
“Well,” Len comments, eyes darting over the scene before them.
“Is that even possible?” Jax asks.
Mick swears.
“That, that doesn’t make sense,” Ray manages.
“Carter’s dead,” Kendra says tightly. “And I’m here, so how are we both there?”
“More importantly, why’s that CSI kid think he’s running the show?” Mick asks. “Last I saw he was a one of the good guys.”
“He is,” Stein interjects.
“Doesn’t look like it,” Mick grumbles.
“That is a lot of posturing,” Len agrees, tilting his head, eyes scrutinizing the scene before them, mouth turned down into an unsatisfied tight frown.
“And that’s not…what’s his suit made out of?” Jax comments.
Mick glances at Jax, then follows Len’s gaze, before he frowns at Stein. He goes back to considering his partner. Grumbling he leans in close to Len, “That CSI kid is the Flash?”
Len’s eyes cut over to him, all the confirmation he needs.
“He’s not looking like a hero right now,” Mick frowns.
“I can’t imagine him being a villain,” Ray says slowly.
“You don’t have to imagine,” Sara interjects. “It’s right there in front of us.”
They’re on top of the steps at City Hall. There’s a figure in the background, one Mick can’t make out, but the Flash is flanked by both Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Mick glances over at where Kenda is frowning at the screen. Vandal Savage is tied to a table, he must be drugged as well, because he’s not posturing.
“Rip,” Kendra demands, “Explain.”
Rip has a hand over his mouth as he considers the screen. He shakes his head slowly, hands dropping to his sides. “If Savage dies here there would be no need for me to go into the past. So in this timeline I’ve never gone into the past to retrieve you.”
“If the past is changed enough that she’s there,” Stein says, changing the question, “how long will she remain in two places?”
“I’m going to disappear,” Kendra swallows slowly.
“You’re not,” Sara protests.
“If this becomes our future,” Stein frowns.
Mick takes a short side step to bring Rip into his field of vision. The former time master looks conflicted. “How long does she have?”
“If she stays on the ship,” Rip starts, then shakes his head.
“How long?” Len pushes.
“These things aren’t exact,” Rip manages, voice hollow and choked as the Hawkman on screen moves to put his hands on Vandal Savages shoulders and the Hawkgirl follows close behind to kill Savage with her dagger.
Kendra gasps in slowly, hands flying to her mouth. Her eyes dart around taking in the team before moving back to the screen.
“This isn’t over,” Mick glowers as he shifts to focus on the screen. “There’ll still be something for us to fix.”
“Can’t be over,” Jax agrees. “There’s no way we’re leaving The Flash evil, even if Savage is dead.”
“At this juncture we have no evidence that he’s actually evil,” Rip protests weakly. Mick wonders if the captain is trying to convince himself or them.
Kendra gasp in pain behind him. Ray and Sara call out to her, but Mick forces himself to continue watching the screen. The Flash has moved, he has his hands in the backs of both Hawkman and Hawkgirl. They drop, dead. The Flash stares at the screen.
Kendra moans.
“Did you think I didn’t realize they were working with you?” Flash asks the screen. “You think you’re the only one who’s tried that ruse on me? I’ll give you time to travel. Sun-up. Turn yourself over to me or you get to watch your friend die.”
Light illuminate the figure Mick couldn’t make out before. He’s tied up between pillars and raises his head to glare. He’s got a black eye, but no mask. Mick steps back, brushes Len’s shoulder as he does. Len leans in just a little. They’ve met this one before. It wasn’t pleasant.
“What’s that bat-kid calling himself now?” Mick grumbles.
“Nightwing,” Len drawls. “Never liked that one.”
“No, but that’s…” Ray starts before he leans against the wall next to Kenda. “Secret identities don’t mean a thing today do they?”
“Friend of yours?” Len pushes.
Ray’s answer is an abrupt hollow laugh as he looks away. “How do we save him?”
“We’re not here to save him,” Rip protests. “Our mission is to kill Savage.”
“Not at the cost of Kendra,” Sara glares.
“Or Central City,” Len adds, not taking his eyes of the villain who they’d known as a hero. Mick shifts into Len’s space. Len glances over. “We should start with The Flash. Figure out what changed there.”
“Savage is dead,” Rip reminds, as if he’s trying the sentence on for size. His voice is conflicted.
“I’m not disappearing,” Ray objects as he forces himself to his feet. “Kenda is not dying for this. None of us are.”
“Come again, Eagle Scout?” Mick pushes.
“He’s right,” Stein agrees. “It stands to reason that if you never came to get us, we’re all still living our lives. Hence if this timeline comes to be permanent none of us need to exist anymore.”
“Don’t say I’ll reincarnate,” Kendra protests. “Savage is dead, there’s no reason for me and Carter to come back. If we leave things like this I’m dead.”
Rip takes them all in, face desperate, and for a moment Mick thinks he’s going to continue to protest or kick them all off his ship. Mick doesn’t think he’d succeed. Rip’s shoulders drop. He sighs before running a hand through his hair and conceding.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Mick tugs at the metallic bracelet on his wrist before poking at the green light. “I don’t like it.”
“Better than randomly disappearing because this timeline…” Ray pauses shakes his head. “This timeline isn’t going to be permanent.”
Mick grunts his acknowledgement around a mouthful of pancakes. Len continues cutting his into small pieces as he leans in towards Ray. “How are you and Nightwing acquainted? Judging by your reaction you two were close.”
“I don’t know Nightwing,” Ray protests. “I knew…”
Mick shares a small smile with Len. Ray almost gave them a name.
“You don’t already know?” Ray asks.
“Might be able to figure it out,” Len acknowledges.
“But we’ve only met Nightwing,” Mick finishes.
“Then I don’t think I should…oh. Oh! Oh my god!” Ray’s eyes are suddenly large as he stares blankly at the plate of pancakes in front of him.
“Think he just figured out who Batman is?” Len smirks.
“Think we don’t want to know,” Mick answers.
“You don’t?” Ray asks, eye them suspiciously.
“Gotham isn’t our city,” Len reminds.
“I’m a certain level of crazy, but I’ve got enough self-preservation to not want to take on Batman,” Mick points out.
“Personal time with one of his kids was bad enough,” Len agrees.
“You guys fight The Flash,” Ray protests.
Mick laughs. “That’s not fighting.”
Len smirks. Ray frowns at both of them. Len leans into Ray’s personal space, eye’s focusing on Ray’s lips as he drawls, “It’s become more flirting than fighting Raymond.”
Ray’s eyes dart down to Len’s lips, before he’s frowning at Mick. “But I thought…but you two are…”
Len sits back in his seat, tilts his head towards Mick. “You told?”
“He figured it out.” Mick shrugs. “Even offered to marry us.”
“Really?” Len drawls with a self-satisfied smirk.
Mick resists the urge to roll his eyes. They’re slipping back into old habits. They still need to talk, still need to hash out what happened between them. Neither of them are looking forward to it, they’re stalling.
“Still confused,” Ray pushes. “Though I’m not sure it’s any of my business.”
“It’s not,” Len agrees, before explaining. “Flirting can be for fun.”
“Sometimes we like a third,” Mick shrugs. “Though not convinced on that one.”
Len makes a considering noise. “He challenges me to be a better thief.”
“I’m not sure that’s his intention,” Ray frowns.
Len concedes with a nod of his head, before adding, “One of the few thrills in this life is a well-executed heist.”
“Our last few missions must really annoy you then,” Ray acknowledges.
“You have no idea,” Mick grumbles.
“You about ready to go?” Sara asks Ray from the doorway.
“Breakfast is an important meal,” Len chides.
Sara rolls her eyes at him before she pauses by the coffee maker. She picks up the granola bar next to her favorite travel mug, then takes in the fresh pot of coffee. She fixes herself a cup as Ray asks if he can finish his breakfast first. She turns. “Thanks Leonard.”
Len raises his eyebrows. “I don’t want you to kill the other me out there. You need your coffee first.”
Sara smirks. Mick holds up the plate of uneaten pancakes towards her. Sara takes two. “Thanks Mick.”
Mick nods and goes back to his food.
“Did you manage to convince Rip to change?” Len asks. “And shower?”
“Once he realized how long he’d been wallowing,” Sara answers.
“We don’t let it go on that long next time,” Mick tells them.
“Grief sucks,” Ray reminds.
“Being stuck on this ship with no fresh air sucks,” Mick counters.
“Yeah,” Ray agrees. “It does.”
Sara leans down on the table so she’s looking at Ray and smirks. Ray frowns at her. Sara raises her eyebrows as she asks, “So Nightwing, he a good kisser?”
Ray sputters and starts turning red before he shakes his head. “Yes? Yes, he was.”
“Just how intimate were you two?” Len drawls as he leans into Sara so they’re both looking at Ray. Mick rolls his eyes as the two share a small smile before turning inquiring eyes back towards Ray.
“I…I, it was…I think we should concentrate on rescuing him,” Ray tries.
“Oh?” Sara teases. “Will there be sparks?”
“What?” Ray boggles.
“Well he’s all damsel and you’re going to go in and rescue,” Len spells out.
Mick laughs, “They want to know if they can expect a show.”
“I have no objections to watching two pretty boys kiss,” Sara grins.
“So don’t feel shy about letting him show you his gratitude in front of us,” Len finishes.
Ray groans, “You two are…why’d you…you’re both…”
“Incorrigible,” Len supplies.
“Nah, we have the best ideas,” Sara smirks.
Chapters: [1] [2][3]
Fandom: Legends of Tomorrow
Pairing: Leonard Snart/Mick Rory
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with DCTV It's not my toy box and I'm merely playing.
Rating: PG-13
Summary:Mick isn't a hero, but just as he and Len are starting to work past the differences they found in Star City 2046 the Waverider lands in Central City a few weeks after they've left. This Central City is ruled by a villainous Flash and now it's up to the team to figure out how to fix the past.
A/N: Originally started for the Coldwave week prompt In Captivity. I'm posting the first part of this, which is set-up before the team arrives in Central City, so that I quit fussing with it instead of moving on. Only tagged for what's in this chapter, I'll add more tags when the rest of this goes up.
Ameliorate:
They wake up to the lights being turned on for them and Gideon announcing their arrival. Mick and Len both roll out of bed demanding to know where they’re at since they haven’t heard anything from Rip. Gideon merely encourages them to join the others on the bridge.
Len swiftly switches out his clothes and grabs his parka before they make their way to Mick’s room. Mick dresses quickly, only commenting once that he hopes they get to go outside. “At this point I’d settle for fresh air over burning stuff.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” Len agrees.
When they get there Kenda, Ray and Jax are already questioning Gideon, they’re all still in their pajamas. Sara strides past them in her White Canary gear. Rip comes in from the other corridor, he’s still wearing the same clothes as the day before.
“Gideon, explain,” Rip orders.
Stein is pulling his suit jacket into place as he joins them.
“Vandal Savage is about to be executed. I brought us outside the city limits,” Gideon explains.
Rip strides over to his chair and presses a few buttons. “Gideon, this is Central City, a few weeks after we left. This can’t be right.”
“And yet he’s about to die,” Gideon tells him. “I can tap into the feed, if you like.”
“Where’s it being broadcast to?” Sara asks.
“Gotham.”
Mick leans in close to Len, “Some fool villain thinks he can use our city to taunt a bat.”
Len’s gaze says he’s not pleased. “There will be repructions.”
“Are you two trying to sound like supervillains?” Ray asks.
They both turn to glare at him.
“Right, sure,” Ray shakes his head. He doesn’t sound convinced. They continue to glare.
“Though if someone wants to kill Savage, maybe we should make sure they know they need Kendra first,” Len suggests as he turns to Rip. “Hate to think his death won’t stick.”
“Gideon,” Rip orders. “Central screen please.”
The live feed starts playing. Kendra gasps.
“Well,” Len comments, eyes darting over the scene before them.
“Is that even possible?” Jax asks.
Mick swears.
“That, that doesn’t make sense,” Ray manages.
“Carter’s dead,” Kendra says tightly. “And I’m here, so how are we both there?”
“More importantly, why’s that CSI kid think he’s running the show?” Mick asks. “Last I saw he was a one of the good guys.”
“He is,” Stein interjects.
“Doesn’t look like it,” Mick grumbles.
“That is a lot of posturing,” Len agrees, tilting his head, eyes scrutinizing the scene before them, mouth turned down into an unsatisfied tight frown.
“And that’s not…what’s his suit made out of?” Jax comments.
Mick glances at Jax, then follows Len’s gaze, before he frowns at Stein. He goes back to considering his partner. Grumbling he leans in close to Len, “That CSI kid is the Flash?”
Len’s eyes cut over to him, all the confirmation he needs.
“He’s not looking like a hero right now,” Mick frowns.
“I can’t imagine him being a villain,” Ray says slowly.
“You don’t have to imagine,” Sara interjects. “It’s right there in front of us.”
They’re on top of the steps at City Hall. There’s a figure in the background, one Mick can’t make out, but the Flash is flanked by both Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Mick glances over at where Kenda is frowning at the screen. Vandal Savage is tied to a table, he must be drugged as well, because he’s not posturing.
“Rip,” Kendra demands, “Explain.”
Rip has a hand over his mouth as he considers the screen. He shakes his head slowly, hands dropping to his sides. “If Savage dies here there would be no need for me to go into the past. So in this timeline I’ve never gone into the past to retrieve you.”
“If the past is changed enough that she’s there,” Stein says, changing the question, “how long will she remain in two places?”
“I’m going to disappear,” Kendra swallows slowly.
“You’re not,” Sara protests.
“If this becomes our future,” Stein frowns.
Mick takes a short side step to bring Rip into his field of vision. The former time master looks conflicted. “How long does she have?”
“If she stays on the ship,” Rip starts, then shakes his head.
“How long?” Len pushes.
“These things aren’t exact,” Rip manages, voice hollow and choked as the Hawkman on screen moves to put his hands on Vandal Savages shoulders and the Hawkgirl follows close behind to kill Savage with her dagger.
Kendra gasps in slowly, hands flying to her mouth. Her eyes dart around taking in the team before moving back to the screen.
“This isn’t over,” Mick glowers as he shifts to focus on the screen. “There’ll still be something for us to fix.”
“Can’t be over,” Jax agrees. “There’s no way we’re leaving The Flash evil, even if Savage is dead.”
“At this juncture we have no evidence that he’s actually evil,” Rip protests weakly. Mick wonders if the captain is trying to convince himself or them.
Kendra gasp in pain behind him. Ray and Sara call out to her, but Mick forces himself to continue watching the screen. The Flash has moved, he has his hands in the backs of both Hawkman and Hawkgirl. They drop, dead. The Flash stares at the screen.
Kendra moans.
“Did you think I didn’t realize they were working with you?” Flash asks the screen. “You think you’re the only one who’s tried that ruse on me? I’ll give you time to travel. Sun-up. Turn yourself over to me or you get to watch your friend die.”
Light illuminate the figure Mick couldn’t make out before. He’s tied up between pillars and raises his head to glare. He’s got a black eye, but no mask. Mick steps back, brushes Len’s shoulder as he does. Len leans in just a little. They’ve met this one before. It wasn’t pleasant.
“What’s that bat-kid calling himself now?” Mick grumbles.
“Nightwing,” Len drawls. “Never liked that one.”
“No, but that’s…” Ray starts before he leans against the wall next to Kenda. “Secret identities don’t mean a thing today do they?”
“Friend of yours?” Len pushes.
Ray’s answer is an abrupt hollow laugh as he looks away. “How do we save him?”
“We’re not here to save him,” Rip protests. “Our mission is to kill Savage.”
“Not at the cost of Kendra,” Sara glares.
“Or Central City,” Len adds, not taking his eyes of the villain who they’d known as a hero. Mick shifts into Len’s space. Len glances over. “We should start with The Flash. Figure out what changed there.”
“Savage is dead,” Rip reminds, as if he’s trying the sentence on for size. His voice is conflicted.
“I’m not disappearing,” Ray objects as he forces himself to his feet. “Kenda is not dying for this. None of us are.”
“Come again, Eagle Scout?” Mick pushes.
“He’s right,” Stein agrees. “It stands to reason that if you never came to get us, we’re all still living our lives. Hence if this timeline comes to be permanent none of us need to exist anymore.”
“Don’t say I’ll reincarnate,” Kendra protests. “Savage is dead, there’s no reason for me and Carter to come back. If we leave things like this I’m dead.”
Rip takes them all in, face desperate, and for a moment Mick thinks he’s going to continue to protest or kick them all off his ship. Mick doesn’t think he’d succeed. Rip’s shoulders drop. He sighs before running a hand through his hair and conceding.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Mick tugs at the metallic bracelet on his wrist before poking at the green light. “I don’t like it.”
“Better than randomly disappearing because this timeline…” Ray pauses shakes his head. “This timeline isn’t going to be permanent.”
Mick grunts his acknowledgement around a mouthful of pancakes. Len continues cutting his into small pieces as he leans in towards Ray. “How are you and Nightwing acquainted? Judging by your reaction you two were close.”
“I don’t know Nightwing,” Ray protests. “I knew…”
Mick shares a small smile with Len. Ray almost gave them a name.
“You don’t already know?” Ray asks.
“Might be able to figure it out,” Len acknowledges.
“But we’ve only met Nightwing,” Mick finishes.
“Then I don’t think I should…oh. Oh! Oh my god!” Ray’s eyes are suddenly large as he stares blankly at the plate of pancakes in front of him.
“Think he just figured out who Batman is?” Len smirks.
“Think we don’t want to know,” Mick answers.
“You don’t?” Ray asks, eye them suspiciously.
“Gotham isn’t our city,” Len reminds.
“I’m a certain level of crazy, but I’ve got enough self-preservation to not want to take on Batman,” Mick points out.
“Personal time with one of his kids was bad enough,” Len agrees.
“You guys fight The Flash,” Ray protests.
Mick laughs. “That’s not fighting.”
Len smirks. Ray frowns at both of them. Len leans into Ray’s personal space, eye’s focusing on Ray’s lips as he drawls, “It’s become more flirting than fighting Raymond.”
Ray’s eyes dart down to Len’s lips, before he’s frowning at Mick. “But I thought…but you two are…”
Len sits back in his seat, tilts his head towards Mick. “You told?”
“He figured it out.” Mick shrugs. “Even offered to marry us.”
“Really?” Len drawls with a self-satisfied smirk.
Mick resists the urge to roll his eyes. They’re slipping back into old habits. They still need to talk, still need to hash out what happened between them. Neither of them are looking forward to it, they’re stalling.
“Still confused,” Ray pushes. “Though I’m not sure it’s any of my business.”
“It’s not,” Len agrees, before explaining. “Flirting can be for fun.”
“Sometimes we like a third,” Mick shrugs. “Though not convinced on that one.”
Len makes a considering noise. “He challenges me to be a better thief.”
“I’m not sure that’s his intention,” Ray frowns.
Len concedes with a nod of his head, before adding, “One of the few thrills in this life is a well-executed heist.”
“Our last few missions must really annoy you then,” Ray acknowledges.
“You have no idea,” Mick grumbles.
“You about ready to go?” Sara asks Ray from the doorway.
“Breakfast is an important meal,” Len chides.
Sara rolls her eyes at him before she pauses by the coffee maker. She picks up the granola bar next to her favorite travel mug, then takes in the fresh pot of coffee. She fixes herself a cup as Ray asks if he can finish his breakfast first. She turns. “Thanks Leonard.”
Len raises his eyebrows. “I don’t want you to kill the other me out there. You need your coffee first.”
Sara smirks. Mick holds up the plate of uneaten pancakes towards her. Sara takes two. “Thanks Mick.”
Mick nods and goes back to his food.
“Did you manage to convince Rip to change?” Len asks. “And shower?”
“Once he realized how long he’d been wallowing,” Sara answers.
“We don’t let it go on that long next time,” Mick tells them.
“Grief sucks,” Ray reminds.
“Being stuck on this ship with no fresh air sucks,” Mick counters.
“Yeah,” Ray agrees. “It does.”
Sara leans down on the table so she’s looking at Ray and smirks. Ray frowns at her. Sara raises her eyebrows as she asks, “So Nightwing, he a good kisser?”
Ray sputters and starts turning red before he shakes his head. “Yes? Yes, he was.”
“Just how intimate were you two?” Len drawls as he leans into Sara so they’re both looking at Ray. Mick rolls his eyes as the two share a small smile before turning inquiring eyes back towards Ray.
“I…I, it was…I think we should concentrate on rescuing him,” Ray tries.
“Oh?” Sara teases. “Will there be sparks?”
“What?” Ray boggles.
“Well he’s all damsel and you’re going to go in and rescue,” Len spells out.
Mick laughs, “They want to know if they can expect a show.”
“I have no objections to watching two pretty boys kiss,” Sara grins.
“So don’t feel shy about letting him show you his gratitude in front of us,” Len finishes.
Ray groans, “You two are…why’d you…you’re both…”
“Incorrigible,” Len supplies.
“Nah, we have the best ideas,” Sara smirks.
Chapters: [1] [2][3]
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