The dimly lit bar in Star City hummed with the low murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses. 

Barry Allen sat alone at the counter, nursing a drink that did little to soothe his turbulent thoughts. 

The weight of Iris's death still hung heavily on him, and his recent battles with Ricardo Diaz had only compounded his despair.

The door swung open, and a cool night air swept into the bar. 

Barry glanced up absently, his eyes widening in surprise as a familiar figure entered. 

Patty Spivot, with her blonde hair and warm smile, looked around the room before her gaze landed on Barry. For a moment, the world seemed to pause.

Patty hesitated at the entrance, her eyes meeting Barry's. She walked over, her steps tentative but filled with purpose.

"Barry?" she asked softly as if testing the waters of reality.

Barry stood up, his heart pounding. "Patty... is it really you?"

She nodded, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "Yeah, it's me. I can't believe it's you. It's been so long."

They stood there, an unspoken history bridging the gap between them. 

Finally, Patty broke the silence. "Can I join you?"

Barry nodded, motioning to the stool beside him. "Of course. Please."

As they sat down, the bartender approached, and Patty ordered a drink. There was a comfortable silence between them, the kind that comes from familiarity.

"So," Barry began, searching for the right words, "what brings you to Star City?"

Patty took a sip of her drink, her eyes never leaving his. "Work, mostly. But I heard about everything that's happened to you, Barry. I'm so sorry about Iris."

Barry looked down, the mention of Iris's name bringing a fresh wave of pain. "Thanks, Patty. It's been... hard."

Patty reached out, her hand gently covering his. "I can't imagine. But I'm here now, and if you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."

Barry looked up, meeting her gaze. Something was comforting in her eyes, a reminder of a time when things were simpler. "Thank you, Patty. That means a lot."

Then Cisco walked over, grinning widely. "Come on, man. I convinced the karaoke guy to let us do that one song."

Patty raised an eyebrow, amused. "You sing in bars now?"

Barry chuckled. "When I feel like hanging out with my friends. Besides, Cisco wants to rap with me. But stay... Maybe you'll see a side of me I never showed you."

Patty smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Bring it on, Flash."

Barry winked. "Don't mind if I do."

With that, Cisco and Barry headed to the stage, ready to perform.

https://youtu.be/-aZEkkxgEaA

{{Cisco sings the ones around () at first}}

Barry began to sing:

"It's getting kinda heavy, I can't handle all the baggage
Never thought that I would have to kick another habit
Can't believe I let you get away with so much damage
Look at me

You did my heart so wrong (so wrong)
One minute you love me, the next minute you don't (Cisco: you don't)
Why's it so hard to let you alone? (let you alone)
Baby, I don't wanna do it no more

Because love is like a drug
And you must be the plug
Because you got me

(Trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped)
And you must be the plug (I am, I am)
(Trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped)
And you must be the plug"

Cisco rapped:

"You codeine, you morphine
I need caffeine so I can wake up from this bad dream
Run up in the spot, give me what you got
We'll be in and out (We'll be in and out)
Baby, Rockabye
Run up in the spot, give me what you got
We'll be in and out (We'll be in and out)
Baby, Rockabye"

Barry sang:

"Why is it so hard to let you alone? (Let you alone)
Baby, I don't wanna do it no more
Because love is like a, is like a drug
And you must be the plug
Because you got me

(Trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped)
And you must be the plug (gonna let you get away)
(Trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped, trapped)
And you must..."

Cisco said:

"I need caffeine so I can wake up from this bad dream (let's go)
I need caffeine so I can wake up from this bad dream
I need caffeine so I can wake up from this bad dream
Baby, Rockabye"

Then both Barry and Cisco sang together:

"Baby, Rockabye."

As the song ended, the crowd erupted into applause. Barry and Cisco exchanged high-fives, grinning from ear to ear. Barry glanced over at Patty, who was clapping enthusiastically with a beaming smile on her face.

Barry and Cisco returned to the bar, where Patty was waiting. "That was amazing!" she exclaimed. "I had no idea you could sing like that, Barry."

Barry shrugged modestly. "It's just for fun. But I'm glad you liked it."

Patty looked at him, her eyes softening. "I really did. It's good to see you happy, even if it's just for a moment."

Barry smiled, feeling a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. "Thanks, Patty. It means a lot to me."

Cisco patted Barry on the back. "Well, I think we nailed it. How about another round?"

Barry laughed. "Why not? Tonight, let's just enjoy ourselves."

As they settled back at the bar, the atmosphere lightened, and for the first time in a while, Barry felt a glimmer of hope and happiness.

Later

At Night

Barry and Patty quietly entered Oliver's apartment, Barry closing the door with a soft click behind them.

"Why are we sneaking in? Don't you live here?" Patty whispered a playful curiosity in her voice.

Barry whispered back, "I do, but... I don't want to wake my brother and nephew up, okay?"

Patty nodded understandingly. "You could have told me that."

Barry shrugged sheepishly and led her to his room.

Once inside, Barry locked the door quietly. Patty playfully covered Barry's eyes for a moment, and they shared a chuckle before she gently removed her hand, drawing him into a passionate kiss.

As their embrace deepened, Barry began to remove his shirt, their lips still intertwined. They briefly parted as Barry discarded his shirt completely, and Patty followed suit.

Softly, Patty whispered, "Barry..."

Barry lifted her effortlessly, laying her down on the bed, their bodies moving together in a tender dance of intimacy.

In the morning

The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Barry's room, casting a warm glow over the cozy space. Barry stirred awake, feeling the gentle weight of Patty's head resting on his chest. He smiled faintly, relishing the peaceful moment before opening his eyes.

Patty, still asleep, looked serene and beautiful in the morning light. Barry brushed a strand of hair away from her face, marveling at how lucky he felt to have her here with him. He gently kissed the top of her head, causing her to stir awake slowly.

Patty blinked sleepily, her eyes meeting Barry's with a soft smile. "Morning," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning," Barry replied softly, his fingers tracing patterns on her arm. "Did you sleep okay?"

Patty nodded, stretching lazily. "Like a log. Your bed is surprisingly comfortable."

Barry chuckled, the sound warm and affectionate. "Glad to hear it."

They lay there for a moment, basking in the quiet intimacy of the morning. Barry couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him, a rare calmness that had eluded him for so long.

"You know," Patty said softly, breaking the silence, "last night... It meant a lot to me."

Barry smiled tenderly, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "Me too. Being with you like this... It just feels right."

Patty nodded, her eyes searching his with a mix of emotions. "Barry, about us..."

Before she could finish, Barry placed a finger gently on her lips. "Patty, let's just take it one step at a time, okay? I've learned that rushing things doesn't always work out."

She nodded slowly, a small smile playing on her lips. "Okay. One step at a time."

Barry pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her as they lay together, enjoying the simple comfort of each other's presence.

As they savored the tranquility of the morning, Barry couldn't help but feel hopeful about the future, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, he had Patty by his side.

As Barry and Patty lay together, their conversation soft and intimate, the atmosphere between them began to shift. 

Patty leaned in, her lips brushing against Barry's, a silent invitation that Barry eagerly responded to. 

They kissed slowly at first, savoring the sweetness of the moment, their connection deepening with each gentle touch.

Just as their kiss deepened, a knock on the door interrupted them. 

Barry pulled back slightly, a hint of reluctance in his eyes as he turned towards the door.

"Barry? You awake in there?" Oliver's voice called from outside.

Barry sighed softly, exchanging a knowing glance with Patty. "Looks like breakfast is ready," he whispered, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Patty giggled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Go on, I'll wait here," she said, giving him a gentle push towards the door.

Barry chuckled, sliding out of bed reluctantly. He quickly pulled on a shirt and opened the door to find Oliver standing there with a knowing grin.

"Morning, bro," Oliver greeted him with a playful wink. "Sleep well?"

Barry nodded, trying to suppress a grin. "Yeah, slept great."

Oliver raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "I can see that. Breakfast is waiting. William's already asking where you are."

Barry nodded again, feeling a blush rise to his cheeks. "Thanks, Oliver."

As Barry stepped out into the living room, Oliver couldn't resist teasing him a bit more. "Barry and Patty sitting in a tree..."

Barry rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Oliver."

Oliver chuckled, clapping Barry on the shoulder. "I'm happy for you, Barry. Really."

Barry smiled gratefully, feeling a surge of affection for his brother. "Thanks, Oliver. For everything."

Together, they headed to the kitchen where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and breakfast greeted them. 

Barry greeted William warmly, enjoying the family-like atmosphere despite the absence of their father. 

They settled around the table, sharing stories and laughter, the morning filled with a sense of warmth and camaraderie.

Patty joined them shortly after, her presence adding to the easygoing vibe. 

Barry stole glances at her throughout breakfast, feeling grateful for this newfound happiness and the supportive family around him.

As they enjoyed the meal together, Barry couldn't help but feel hopeful about the future, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, he had Patty by his side and his extended family to support him.

As they enjoyed the meal together, the conversation flowed easily among Barry, Oliver, William, and Patty. 

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sizzle of bacon and eggs on the stove, creating a comforting ambiance in Oliver's kitchen.

William, sitting across from Barry, glanced between him and Patty curiously. 

With a hint of curiosity in his voice, he asked, "Barry, are you and Patty dating?"

Barry felt a slight flush of surprise, exchanging a glance with Patty before answering. "Uh, well..." He paused, searching for the right words, suddenly aware of Patty's gaze on him.

Oliver interjected smoothly, a playful twinkle in his eye. "Looks like someone's curious, Barry."

Barry chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, William, Patty and I are... exploring things."

Patty smiled warmly, reaching out to squeeze Barry's hand reassuringly. "We're taking it slow," she added, her voice calm and steady.

William nodded thoughtfully, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That's cool," he said, his curiosity satisfied for the moment. "I like Patty. She's nice."

Barry felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful for William's acceptance. Leaning over the table, Barry affectionately kissed William's forehead. "I'm glad you think so, buddy."

Oliver grinned, pouring coffee into mugs for everyone. "Well, if Barry's happy, that's what matters."

The rest of breakfast passed in easy conversation and laughter, the morning sun streaming through the windows as they enjoyed each other's company. Barry couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for his extended family and the new possibilities unfolding with Patty by his side.

As they finished breakfast, Oliver clapped his hands together. "Anyone up for a morning jog?"

Barry and William exchanged amused glances, while Patty laughed softly. "Count me out on the jog, but I'll cheer you on," she said, flashing a playful grin.

Barry smiled, feeling a surge of affection for her. "Maybe just a quick one," he agreed, casting a playful glance at Oliver.

At night

The Flash and Green Arrow stood atop a towering building in Moscow, the city spread out below them in the early evening glow.

"What are we doing here in Moscow?" Flash asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Green Arrow adjusted his grip on his bow, eyes fixed on a distant figure below. "Dealing with some business. You might not like where it's going, but I need it done."

"Fine," Flash replied with a hint of reluctance. "You want me to shoot an arrow into him for you?"

Green Arrow smirked. "I bet you can't shoot an arrow like I can."

Flash grabbed the bow confidently. "You wanna bet?"

Quickly selecting an arrow, Flash aimed at a man hailing a taxi below. With a swift release, the arrow struck the man's forearm as he shouted in surprise.

"You were saying, Arrow?" Flash teased, a playful grin on his face.

Green Arrow retrieved his bow, slightly amused. "Fine, I'll get you whatever you want later."

"Oh, you promise?" Flash replied in a teasing tone, eliciting a sigh from Green Arrow.

"Stop it, Flash," Green Arrow chuckled, his focus shifting back to business.

He fired a bolo arrow, leaping down from the building and swiftly immobilizing their target.

Green Arrow interrogated the man while Flash listened intently. "Kapiushon? Krasnaya Shapochka?"

Flash raised an eyebrow. "What did he say?"

"He said Hood in Russian," Green Arrow translated, "then he mentioned Red Hood, looking at you."

With purposeful efficiency, Green Arrow secured the man and gestured to Flash. "Let's get him to the rendezvous."

Flash sped them through the city streets, arriving at their destination in moments. Green Arrow dropped the man to the ground, his bow ready as they confronted another figure.

"The rumors are true. Kapiushon is back," the man acknowledged coldly. "And he has a brother, Krasnaya Shapochka. You two cost us a lot of money back in Star City."

Green Arrow remained steadfast. "And you'll more than makeup for it by taking over his drug operation."

The man nodded reluctantly. "You've kept your end of the bargain."

"Now you keep yours!" Green Arrow demanded, his voice commanding.

The man stood, showing resolve. "By the time you get back to America, it will be done."

Green Arrow eyed the man skeptically. "Are you sure? My ride is fast," he said, glancing at Flash for emphasis.

"And I need more than your word," Green Arrow added firmly.

The man tossed a knife, which Green Arrow caught effortlessly. "Show him this. He'll know it's from me."

With that, Green Arrow nodded, signaling to Flash. In a blur of motion, Flash whisked them both out of Moscow and back to the familiar streets of Star City, leaving the dealings of the night behind them.

Later

Barry sped into the apartment, swiftly incapacitating all the Russians present.

In the shadows, Barry and Oliver observed Anatoly as he casually opened a beer, his demeanor calm despite their presence. "If I'm supposed to be frightened, you're wasting your time, Kapiushon and Krasnaya Shapochka," Anatoly remarked.

Oliver stepped forward, his voice steady. "We just want to talk."

"We stopped talking a year ago. How did you find me?" Anatoly replied, his tone wary.

"I got a tip from a mutual acquaintance in Russia," Oliver answered.

Anatoly shook his head. "I have no friends in Russia. You're doing."

Barry smirked. "That's sorted."

Oliver placed a blade on the table in front of Anatoly. "Also my doing."

Anatoly examined the blade closely. "That is Pakhan's. How did you come to possess it?"

"You once mentioned that the Bratva exiled you because of your association with me. I owed you a debt, and I owed them a debt. Consider it settled. You can go home now, Anatoly," Oliver said firmly. "You've always claimed to be an honorable man. Help me stop Diaz."

Anatoly sighed heavily, his gaze meeting Oliver's. "You're right. I was an honorable man."

Suddenly, Anatoly fired a tranquilizer dart at Barry and simultaneously tased Oliver. They groaned in pain, falling to their knees before losing consciousness.

The room fell into silence as Barry and Oliver lay unconscious, their mission to persuade Anatoly interrupted but not yet abandoned.

Later

Barry and Oliver slowly regained consciousness, blinking against the dim light to find themselves bound by chains, with a power dampener secured around Barry's leg.

"Handcuffs would've sufficed," Barry muttered wryly.

Anatoly's voice cut through the silence. "What, so you can dislocate your thumbs and slip away? Or you, Krasnaya Shapochka, phasing through your restraints?" He chuckled softly. "Come on, Oliver, Barry. Most of your brother's tricks, I taught him. I also taught you not to go into situations alone, hmm?"

"We've simplified things, Anatoly. We're working solo," Oliver replied firmly.

Anatoly raised an eyebrow. "That explains why you decided to break into SCPD wearing the Kapiushon outfit."

He chuckled again. "Diaz and I had quite the laugh over that. Perhaps one day, we'll share a bigger laugh about this."

"So now you're friends with Diaz? I thought you were aiming to rejoin the Bratva, Anatoly, and my brother delivered that to you," Barry interjected.

"I'm grateful to your brother. But in the past year, I've gained some clarity," Anatoly said, taking a seat in front of them. "I've dedicated my life to brotherhood, even becoming their Pakhan. Yet at the first setback... they cast me out."

"Oh, Diaz is planning far worse for you than just casting you out," Oliver retorted sharply.

"If I betray him, yes," Anatoly acknowledged with a nod. "But why would I do that? Diaz... promises wealth beyond imagination. The Bratva took a century to transition from prison to government. Diaz achieved the same in mere months."

"We're still going to bring him down," Barry insisted defiantly.

"Not alone, you won't," Anatoly countered calmly.

"My mission was always meant to be solitary. Put me on a team, with people I care about... it divides my focus. Our focus," Oliver explained, his voice steady.

"Is that why you think Diaz managed to defeat both of you?" Anatoly queried, his gaze piercing.

"He seized control of the city while I was distracted," Oliver admitted, his tone tinged with frustration.

"If that's truly what you believe, then you're an even bigger fool than I thought. And that's saying something," Anatoly remarked bluntly, his expression serious as he leaned forward, challenging Oliver's resolve.

The room fell into tense silence, the weight of their predicament and the looming threat of Diaz hanging heavily in the air. Barry and Oliver exchanged determined glances, silently reaffirming their commitment to dismantle Diaz's empire, even in the face of formidable odds.

Later

At night

Anatoly and his men prepared themselves for their next move.

"My men are awake and ready. Time to pay Diaz a visit," Anatoly declared.

Oliver, ever the strategist, posed a question. "Think he'll reward you for your loyalty?"

"A man can dream, but I'll settle for satisfaction," Anatoly replied with a wry smile.

Barry interjected, his tone serious. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Anatoly. When Diaz no longer sees you as useful, he'll discard you... just like Cayden James."

Anatoly's expression darkened slightly. "Cayden James made a fatal mistake in underestimating Diaz."

"No," Barry countered sharply. "His mistake was killing my fiancée with that Samuroid."

Anatoly crouched down, meeting Barry's gaze evenly. "No, he didn't. James knew you'd be consumed by your grief, distracted while Diaz seized power. He knew Kapiushon would be distracted trying to save his brother."

Barry flinched at Anatoly's words, his fists clenched in anger. "I'll end Diaz. And I'll relish seeing the light fade from his eyes."

Anatoly cautioned him with a knowing look. "I wouldn't. Diaz knows about the blonde in your life. Patty. If you try anything, he'll come after her. That's how he'll control you."

Barry's expression shifted, a flicker of fear crossing his face. "What...?"

"He's trying to get in your head, Barry," Oliver reassured him calmly.

Barry shook his head, his voice edged with worry. "Yeah, and it's working, Ollie."

The tension in the room hung thick as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation with Diaz, each of them grappling with their fears and motivations in the face of the ruthless adversary they were about to face.

Anatoly asserted, "Besides, I see Diaz for who he is. I understand his code."

Oliver countered sharply, "Diaz doesn't have a code. He has no honor. By working with him and threatening my brother's girlfriend, you're betraying everything you once stood for."

Anatoly brushed off Oliver's accusation. "No need to be gentle with these two."

Barry and Oliver were forcefully pushed forward, their groans echoing through the room. "Uh!" as they were being untied from the ground.

Later

Barry and Oliver, their arms gripped firmly by their captors, wore bags over their heads as they were led through the darkened corridors.

Abruptly, the group halted, and with a swift motion, the bags were yanked off their heads.

Anatoly said something in Russian and the men behind them walked off.

Anatoly contemplated aloud, "You accuse me of betraying myself by working with Diaz. I have thought much about this."

"And?" Oliver prompted.

"You two may be right," Anatoly conceded, his voice carrying a hint of remorse. "But I realized the moment things went wrong—last year when I trusted you to bring me into the city. So if I betray myself, Kapiushon, Krasnaya Shapochka, it is because of you... you betrayed me first." He gestured towards the door. "Diaz is in there."

With those words hanging in the air, Anatoly swung the door open, leaving Oliver and Barry to contemplate the weight of his accusation.

Silently absorbing Anatoly's revelation, Oliver and Barry entered the room, their expressions somber as they scanned the surroundings. Their thoughts weighed heavily on the tangled web of trust and betrayal that had brought them to this pivotal moment.

Later

As Barry and Oliver stood waiting, Diaz entered the room with a menacing grin. "Your friends just blew up $12 million in next-gen firepower," he taunted.

"We don't have any friends," Barry retorted defiantly.

Diaz's fist connected with Barry's jaw, causing him to recoil and spit blood. "Tickles," Barry managed through clenched teeth.

Diaz sneered. "You see these men? Saviors of the City? It's pathetic." He struck Barry again, this time in the stomach, eliciting a pained groan.

Barry dropped to one knee, struggling to catch his breath amidst the pain. "I feel like you can do better than that," he gritted out, his voice strained.

Diaz delivered a harsh punch to Barry's face, causing Oliver to tense, visibly restraining himself from intervening.

Anatoly intervened sternly. "Stop this. It's pointless. You said you had a plan for them. You need them alive, right?" He appealed to Diaz. "In Bratva, we settle conflicts with honor, not like this."

Diaz scoffed. "You want me to fight him fairly? Life isn't fair. I'm sure he knows that... Don't you, Flash? When that Samuroid killed your girl."

Barry's gaze hardened with barely suppressed rage at the mention of Iris.

Anatoly interjected firmly, "Every drop of blood you draw from a defenseless man is a sign of your weakness."

Diaz placed a hand on Anatoly's shoulder dismissively. "I'm not weak."

He turned away from Anatoly, shrugging off his jacket. "Let's go."

Anatoly moved to unlock Oliver, but Diaz stopped him with a command. "No, not him. I want him to witness his brother's suffering, the pain he never wanted for him."

Anatoly hesitated briefly, then turned to unlock Barry's shackles, leaving the power dampener in place.

"Thank you," Barry acknowledged quietly.

Anatoly's response was blunt. "I didn't do this for you or your brother."

Barry straightened up, facing Diaz with unwavering determination.

Diaz proposed a grim challenge. "Let's make things interesting. If I put you on the ground, you leave Star City forever. You put me on the ground, I'll do the same. Fair enough?"

Barry nodded tersely. "Yeah."

Barry closed the distance with determined steps as Diaz taunted, "Think you're so tough 'cause your big brother spent 5 years in Hell?"

They circled each other briefly before Diaz lunged with a punch to Barry's face. Barry absorbed the blow stoically, his eyes fixed on Diaz.

"I was born in it," Diaz mocked, his words dripping with contempt.

Barry retaliated swiftly, landing a solid punch on Diaz's jaw. He followed up with another strike, but Diaz anticipated the move, ducking under Barry's swing. Seizing Barry's shirt, Diaz unleashed a flurry of punches to Barry's face, driving him back momentarily.

Barry recovered quickly, ducking under Diaz's next attack and countering with a powerful left hook, catching Diaz off guard.

Barry launched into action, leaping up to deliver a swift kick with his right leg. He followed it up with a right punch, but Diaz deftly blocked the blow, their fists meeting in a rapid exchange. They continued to trade punches, each blocking and countering with precision.

Suddenly, Diaz connected with a punch to Barry's stomach, causing him to double over momentarily. Taking advantage of the opening, Diaz landed a solid right hook to Barry's jaw. Barry staggered back, but Diaz wasn't done yet — he dropped low and struck Barry's leg with a forceful punch.

Diaz swiftly locked Barry in a headlock, and the two men groaned as they wrestled, rolling on the ground in a fierce struggle. When they managed to get back on their feet, Diaz landed a sharp punch to Barry's arm, forcing a groan of pain from him. Diaz tried to follow up, but Barry ducked under the punch and retaliated with a left hook, quickly followed by a right punch.

Regaining his footing, Barry moved in for another attack, but Diaz caught his arm and delivered a punch to Barry's face from behind. Barry staggered but pushed back, landing a solid punch to Diaz's stomach.

Diaz countered with two swift punches to Barry's side, then struck across his face, leaving Barry's face bloodied. Another brutal punch sent Barry sprawling to the ground.

Diaz grabbed Barry and hauled him up. "Come on," he sneered before throwing Barry against the wall.

Barry groaned as he struggled to rise, eyes locked on Diaz, who aimed a kick at him. Barry ducked, grabbed Diaz's foot, and rolled, causing Diaz to crash to the ground.

Now on top, Barry unleashed a flurry of punches to Diaz's stomach, grabbing him by the neck for leverage. He continued to pummel Diaz's stomach before delivering a powerful punch to his face. Rolling over Diaz, Barry began to choke him, determination etched in every line of his bloodied face.

Barry shouted, "Yield!"

Diaz made a choking sound, and Barry pressed harder. "Yield or I'll break your neck," he threatened, his voice strained.

Barry groaned, straining to hold Diaz down. Suddenly, Oliver's urgent voice cut through the chaos, "Barry, he's got a knife!"

In a split second, Barry caught Diaz's wrist and twisted it, eliciting a scream of pain from Diaz. But Diaz retaliated with a brutal headbutt, and in the brief moment Barry was distracted, he felt a sharp pain in his side.

"Aah!" Barry screamed, clutching his side where the knife had struck.

Diaz got to his feet, breathing heavily. "It's like I said... life ain't fair, Flash."

Barry, struggling to stay conscious, glared at Diaz. "You... You have failed this city, and we're gonna take it back." His head fell back as he breathed heavily, determined to keep fighting.

Diaz walked over to Anatoly, smirking. "Maybe he and Oliver won't be so smug when he wakes up," he said, his voice dripping with malice. With a final, contemptuous glance at Oliver and the badly injured Barry, Diaz turned and walked away.

Anatoly remained, watching as Oliver struggled to help Barry, who lay on the ground, bleeding and in pain.

Anatoly stood in silent contemplation as Oliver knelt beside Barry, assessing his injuries. Barry's breaths were shallow, and he clutched his side where Diaz had stabbed him.

"Hang in there, Barry," Oliver urged, his voice tense with worry. He tore a piece of his sleeve and pressed it against Barry's wound, trying to staunch the bleeding.

Anatoly sighed and finally spoke, "This isn't what I wanted. You know that."

Oliver glanced up at him, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and desperation. "Then help us, Anatoly. This isn't who you are."

Anatoly's face hardened. "I cannot go against Diaz now. He holds too much power."

"Power shifts," Oliver countered. "But honor, that remains. Help me save my brother. Help us take back our city."

Anatoly looked at Barry, who was barely conscious, then back at Oliver. The conflict within him was evident. Finally, he sighed deeply and nodded. "I will help, but only this once."

Anatoly knelt beside Barry, opening a first aid kit he had retrieved from a nearby cabinet. He quickly disinfected the wound and began stitching it up, his hands steady and practiced. Barry winced but remained silent, his eyes flickering with pain.

"You've got to keep pressure on this," Anatoly instructed Oliver, handing him a bandage. "It will help stop the bleeding."

Oliver took the bandage and carefully wrapped it around Barry's torso, following Anatoly's guidance. "Thank you," he said quietly, his gratitude sincere.

"Don't thank me," Anatoly replied gruffly. "This doesn't change anything between us. I'm only doing this because it's the right thing to do."

Anatoly finished patching up Barry and stood up, looking down at the two brothers.

Later

Barry and Oliver were in a dark room, Oliver holding Barry close, trying to keep him conscious.

Suddenly, the lights flickered on and Anatoly walked in.

Oliver looked up, relief and determination in his eyes. "Thank you."

Anatoly handed bandages to Oliver. "Bandages. Least I could do."

Oliver shook his head slightly. "Not just for the bandages, Anatoly. Thank you for giving us the chance to take out Diaz."

Anatoly's expression was unreadable. "What makes you think that's what I was doing?"

Oliver met his gaze steadily. "Maybe I wanted to see for myself."

Anatoly bent down to check on Barry. "Which one of you had honor."

Anatoly's hands were quick and efficient as he checked Barry's wound. "Just like you wanted, no? You allowed yourselves to be captured so I could bring you to Diaz."

Oliver sighed, frustration and hope mingling in his voice. "I thought I could count on you to be the man I knew. That man was my friend."

Anatoly's expression softened for a moment. "Hurry up with the bandages. I have a plan to get you out of here."

As Oliver worked on bandaging Barry, the door opened again. A man stepped in and said, "He wants to see them."

Anatoly glanced at Oliver, who was now filled with worry as he hadn't finished changing Barry's bandages. Oliver nodded, understanding the urgency. He quickly finished securing the bandage around Barry's wound, then helped his brother to his feet.

"We're ready," Oliver said, supporting Barry as they moved toward the door.

Anatoly nodded, a flicker of something almost like regret in his eyes. "Stay close. And remember, this is just the beginning."

Together, they stepped into the unknown, ready to face whatever came next.

Later

Barry was limping as Oliver helped him walk into the room, supporting most of his brother's weight.

They noticed Diaz standing by a desk, his demeanor smug and confident.

"We had an agreement if I recall," Diaz said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I put you on the floor, you leave the city."

"That assumed a fair fight," Barry retorted, his voice strained but defiant.

"Puh-tay-toh, puh-tah-toh, Flash," Diaz sneered. "But I've had a change of heart. You can stay in the city... for 25 to life. For both of you."

Barry and Oliver heard footsteps behind them and turned to see several police officers approaching.

Diaz smirked. "I'm thinking about moving up your trial and adding your baby brother into the mix by having him outed as The Flash for his crimes of killing meta-humans when he first started."

One of the officers struck Barry's knees with a baton, causing him to collapse with a groan.

"Hey! Leave my brother alone!" Oliver shouted, his protective instincts flaring.

Diaz grinned maliciously. "How's next week for you two? Don't even think about getting bail. I got a lot of friends... at the courthouse."

Barry, struggling to get back on his feet, looked up at Diaz, determination burning in his eyes. "You think you can break us? You're wrong. We've faced worse than you."

Diaz laughed. "We'll see about that. Enjoy your last few days of freedom, boys."

As the officers moved to cuff them, Oliver and Barry shared a look of silent resolve. They weren't done fighting yet.

Later

At SCPD

Barry and Oliver were being led into the police station, surrounded by a throng of reporters shouting questions.

"Mr. Queen? Mr. Allen? Mr. Queen? Mr. Allen? Mr. Queen?" The clamor was deafening, cameras flashing incessantly.

Bethany Snow, a prominent reporter, appeared on screen, her tone serious. "A shocking development today as Oliver Queen and his brother, Barry Allen, had their bail revoked. Speculation that the former mayor and his brother are secretly the Green Arrow and the Flash has multiplied in recent weeks, following their decision to terminate two city officials investigating him, which led to Mayor Queen's impeachment."

She continued, "The trial is scheduled to begin on May 3rd. Jean Loring will represent the suspected vigilantes, but she faces an uphill battle. If convicted, Oliver Queen and Barry Allen could face life sentences. Their fate now rests in Star City's justice system."

As the camera panned to the brothers being escorted into the station, the gravity of the situation was palpable.

The brothers were escorted into a stark interrogation room, where they were seated side by side. The fluorescent lights cast a harsh glare on the metallic table in front of them. 

Oliver and Barry exchanged a brief, resolute glance before staring straight ahead, the weight of their predicament heavy in the air. The silence between them was filled with unspoken resolve and determination.