"Limited to ones' Imagination" - DC Fanfic

The night air carried a cool breeze as families and children left League Pizza, their laughter and chatter fading into the background. The arcade machines dimmed, and the last of the staff cleaned up, signaling the end of another busy evening.

Many of the kids had tried their luck with the claw machine after watching Alex dominate it, and a few lucky ones had walked away with extra plush toys, much to their delight.

But now, the party was over, and it was time to head home.

Margaret yawned, stretching her arms. "That was a good night."

James, still holding tightly onto his Superman plush, nodded sleepily. "Best birthday ever."

Alex smiled, kneeling down to ruffle the kid's hair. "Glad you had fun, birthday boy."

Margaret reached for her purse, but Alex stopped her. "I got the cab," he said. "You two get home safely."

Margaret frowned slightly, glancing between Alex and the man still sitting at the booth—Harrison Wells, or rather, Eobard Thawne.

"You sure?" she asked quietly.

Alex nodded. "Yeah. I just need to have a quick chat with an old 'friend.'"

Margaret didn't like it—she wasn't stupid. She knew something was off about this Wells guy. But she also knew Alex wouldn't be reckless.

"…Alright," she relented, taking James by the hand. "Come on, buddy, let's get home."

James yawned again, barely acknowledging what was happening as Margaret led him toward the waiting cab.

Alex watched them go, waiting until they were out of sight before turning back to Thawne, who was staring at the table in thought.

Then, out of nowhere, Thawne spoke.

"Around 21 years."

Alex blinked. "What?"

Thawne looked up, his red eyes faintly glowing.

"It's been around 21 years since I lost the ability to go back," he clarified. "And even now… I can't move forward into the future without serious repercussions."

Alex exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. He already knew why.

It was because of him.

Alex had been in this world for 20 years and 9 months. And the womb wasn't nonexistent. His mother had carried him—which meant he had existed here, whether he wanted to or not.

And because of that, Thawne's timeline had been thrown into disarray.

"…It's because of me, isn't it?" Alex muttered.

Thawne smirked faintly. "You catch on fast."

Silence hung between them for a few moments, the weight of the conversation settling in.

Then, Alex spoke.

"If I could restore your connection to the future—let you travel like you used to—would you take it?"

Thawne's red eyes narrowed as he studied Alex's face. Either Alex was a master manipulator or he was being completely genuine.

"What's the price?" Thawne asked cautiously.

Alex shrugged. "None for you."

Thawne's eyes flickered with suspicion.

Alex leaned forward slightly, his voice calm but firm. "But there would be possible repercussions for me."

The Reverse Flash stared at him, waiting for the trick.

But there wasn't one.

"…Why?" Thawne finally asked. "Why would you do that? You're aware of what I've done—what I do. You're not naïve. So why?"

Alex sighed. "Because I know what it's like to be stuck in a place you don't belong."

Thawne said nothing, but his expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.

Alex continued, "I could force my way through life, take shortcuts, cheat… but I won't. If I rely too much on power, I become dependent on it. And when that power is taken away? I'm nothing. And besides, I've seen what happens when you abuse a power."

Thawne scoffed. "That's a noble way of saying you're afraid of what could happen."

Alex shook his head. "No. I'm just smart enough to know my limits."

For a brief moment, genuine silence fell over them.

Thawne tapped his fingers against the table, clearly deep in thought.

Then, suddenly, he stood up.

"I'm not looking for pity," Thawne said, his voice quiet but firm. "Your offer is tempting, Alex. But…" He exhaled sharply, shaking his head.

"I've always been alone," he admitted. "And that's how I'll continue. On my own."

And with that, the air around him crackled with red lightning.

Alex barely had time to react before Thawne vanished, disappearing in a scarlet blur, leaving only the faint scent of ozone behind.

Alex sighed, rubbing his temples.

"Figures," he muttered.

With Thawne gone, Alex finally turned toward home, his pace calm and steady.

The night was quiet now, the city streets dimly lit by streetlights. He walked past familiar buildings, familiar signs—yet he couldn't shake the feeling that things were shifting.

Thawne's presence here wasn't random.

And while Alex had extended an offer, he knew it wasn't the last time they'd cross paths.

Finally, he reached the house.

As he stepped inside, he was greeted by the warmth of the living room lights and the faint sound of a TV playing softly in the background.

Margaret was sitting on the couch, a blanket draped over her as she sipped from a cup of tea.

James had already fallen asleep, curled up with his new plushies.

Alex smiled slightly at the sight before stepping further inside.

Margaret glanced up at him, her expression searching. "…Everything okay?"

Alex nodded, sitting down beside her.

"For now," he said. "Hopefully… my peace will last."

Margaret hummed, sipping her tea. "Hopefully."

And for a moment, everything was quiet.

But in the back of his mind, Alex knew.

Things were only just beginning.