EPILOGUE

Bart Allen spent his years with his friends and trying his best. Occasionally, he'd try dating a new guy, but that never worked out. So he stayed single. Really, what else could he do? He focused on his studies and managed to graduate high school in the time he predicted. December 2021. The day after that, like promised, Jade picked him up from his house and drove him away to the farm.

Bart felt like he did the first time he came here three years ago- in absolute awe. It was just like the way it was left. The large house, the old barn with its paint peeling off, the dirt path, and not to mention the weed-tree.

A streak of nostalgia went through him.

If only he could've experienced this moment with Jaime.

Bart, being nineteen years old now, was supposed to be over Jaime. He was a boy who he fucked around with when he was fifteen. So what was so special about him?

He didn't think about Jaime a lot these days. When he did, however, it still hurt just as much when he first lost him nearly four years ago.

Still, like his leg was broken, bloody and mangled.

The scars were still there. They'd always be there. They of course faded over time, but were never completely gone.

He got along well with the new Kents controlling the farm. They were good people, like Jade had promised.

Bart was finally living his fantasy. He'd wake up every morning to the sun peeking through his blinds, go downstairs to eat breakfast, then get ready for work. He didn't mind the physical labor. It was paid off in the end. He loved looking at the sunset each night after a long day and feeling relaxed. The new Kents weren't half bad at playing the banjo and harmonica. They'd play melodies on the porch during these sunsets, songs they either made up or learned.

Bart would go stargazing with Conner some nights. The guy was actually really into astronomy, and could point out constellations Bart never even heard of. Sometimes, he'd bring out his telescope. On special nights, the farmhouse would have bonfires and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. They'd do it all again, and Bart loved it.

When he had free time, Bart would simply run. He'd feel the grass in between his toes as he ran through the open field, feeling the fresh breeze upon his face. He'd climb the trees and watch the deer sip from the water down in the creek below. He'd ride the horses and feel their strands of hair from their manes tickle his arms.

It was an amazing life, one Bart thought he would never have. He never looked back and hardly ever went to town. Often, he'd lose track of what day it was. What month it was. He didn't care anymore. It didn't matter. The seasons would pass and Bart would continue to live his life to the fullest he could. Sometimes, Tim and Cassie (who were now engaged) would come visit to help out, as well as Dick and his girlfriend Barbara. Steph and Kori weren't too shy to give a hand, either. They'd have the occasional holiday guests, like some of Bart's old high school friends. He was still friends with Virgil, Richie, Bonnie, Gar, Miguel- you name them. High school drama was put aside, as they were all adults now, enjoying each other's company.

A hot day in June was never fun for working, but it was very relieving to get back into the house afterwards. Sunset was quickly approaching, and Bart and Kara had just finished making dinner. The household had their nightly conversation at dinner before going outside to play the instruments. Bart went to fetch the banjo from the coat closet- he was never really good at it, but he still loved playing it.

However, it wasn't there.

"Kara!" he yelled, "Do you know where the banjo is?"

"I think Roy went outside with it!" Kara yelled back. Bart grumbled, annoyed. Didn't the guy understand that it was his turn tonight?

Bart swung open the door, and walked outside, his eyes scanning for Roy.

"Are you looking for this?"

Bart spun around, and he could have sworn his heart stopped.

"...Jaime?"

Jaime laughed, putting down the banjo and letting it lean against the wall. Bart felt dizzy and was pretty sure he was going pass out. He began to fall forward, and Jaime quickly caught him.

"Missed you too, mi amor. It was a long and difficult eight years." he said in his husky voice.

"It's been eight years already? Am I dreaming, or is this the best goddamn fucking day of my life?" Bart mumbled.

"It's the best goddamn fucking day of your life." Jaime confirmed and chuckled, looking Bart in the eyes for a few moments before pulling him into a kiss.

It was nothing like their first kiss. No, their first kiss was sloppy, desperate, clumsy, and overall kind of awkward.

But this one wasn't desperate, despite the separation of several years. It was elegant, it was romantic, and it was perfect in so many ways to describe. Just like in the movies. As the sunset's rays fell upon them, Bart Allen could feel himself falling in love with Jaime Reyes all over again. Hell, he wasn't sure if he even fell out of love with him in the first place.

After separating, Bart looked Jaime in the eyes. He could only smile. Because now he had the chance to say something to him that he hadn't said in a long, long time. The last sentence he had ever said to Jaime. Something he'd never thought he'd have the chance to say to him again.

"I love you."

x

Bart couldn't stop readjusting himself underneath the covers. It was the only noise in the old and dark motel room, with the exception of the soft humming of the air conditioner.

"Miel, relax."

"Still dizzy." Bart mumbled.

"Do you need me to go out and get you anything?"

"No." Bart replied quickly, tightening his grip on Jaime, "Don't you dare leave."

Jaime let out a small laugh. "Alright, alright, I won't. I won't go anywhere. I promise I'll come back with you."

Bart responded with a happy noise out of the back of his throat, and he buried his head in Jaime's chest.

"Oh, and Bart?" Jaime whispered.

"Hmm?"

Bart knew Jaime was smiling.

"I love you, too."