[ People don't act rationally around the word billionaire, sometimes. It isn't reflective of their normal character. Bruce wouldn't hold anything against Barry. He wouldn't think badly of him; he doesn't think badly of anyone who tries to get money out of him, even when it's done maliciously. The world isn't fair. No matter how many times he nearly bankrupts himself, he can regain it virtually overnight. He can bleed money into charities, and politicians just use his example as a reason not to change taxes or adjust social programs for the better. See? Trickle-down works.

What's he supposed to do? Stop?

I need you, Barry says, and something twists in his stomach. Just a little. He'd never think of Barry in such insulting terms (and not only because he doesn't think that word is an insult).

It would just, you know, hurt his feelings real bad. Pathetic as that truth is. He'd give Barry anything - would a week ago, would without any of this. A part of his brain is already calculating how many cases and how far back an investigation would have to go, to get to the root of potential mishandling. What histories do each of the police involved have? What did the DA's office look like at the time? What evidence remains, how has it been evaluated over the years? What immediate and long-term ripples have been caused?

It's Bruce's turn to shift his hands, holding Barry's face, looking at him intently. ]

Anything you need, or want, at any time, [ he tells him gravely. ] You don't have to give or do anything. You don't even have to be nice to me about it. Do you understand?

[ He likes that the younger man has clarified. But still. ]