Arrowverse: I'm a Hero

Chapter 10: Speedster Synchronicity and Shared Geekdom

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Objective: Strengthen Barry Allen Friendship. Sub-objective: Initiate Geek-Out Sequence. Primary Skill Acquisition Target: Super-Speed. Secondary Target: Time Travel Awareness. Emotional Triggers: Trust, Urgency, Shared Enthusiasm. ]

Adam watched the red blur that was Barry Allen vanish into the National City skyline, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "And that, my invisible system overlords," he muttered to himself, "is how you make a first impression. Mysterious, helpful, and just enough sarcasm to keep them guessing. A classic Stiels maneuver."

He felt the low thrum of the Copy System, registering the nascent connection to Barry. It was different from Kara's; less about warmth and affection, more about kinetic energy and a frantic, nervous sort of brilliance. He could almost feel the echoes of Barry's rapid-fire thoughts bouncing around in his own mind, a delightful chaos. The thought of all the shared pop culture references, the mutual nerd-dom, the sheer potential for future shenanigans, filled him with a glee that probably wasn't entirely appropriate for a guy who just watched a city get partially blown up. But hey, priorities.

He arrived at the scene of the Livewire confrontation just as Supergirl and The Flash were finishing up. Livewire was contained, a rather miffed expression on her glowing face, now being escorted by the NCPD. Red Tornado, the other villain of the hour, lay in pieces, a testament to Kara's strength and Barry's speed. Kara and Barry were standing off to the side, talking animatedly, a shared look of bewildered exhilaration on their faces. Barry was doing his signature hand-waving thing when he got excited, and Kara was listening with an earnestness that was almost too pure for this world.

Adam strolled over, hands in his pockets, affecting the air of a casual observer who just happened to stumble upon a superhero showdown. "Well, that was certainly... energetic," he remarked, nodding towards the now-unconscious Livewire. "She really knows how to light up a room. Literally. Though, I must say, the Red Tornado really needs to work on its structural integrity. Very flimsy for a supposed sentient weapon. Probably made in China."

Kara's face lit up when she saw him. "Adam! You came!" There was a warmth in her voice that sent a pleasant buzz through him, enhancing the growing connection he had with her.

"Well, someone had to make sure you two didn't accidentally turn the entire financial district into a giant crater," Adam replied, arching an eyebrow. "And who would provide the witty, insightful commentary if not me? Certainly not the police. They seem too preoccupied with yellow tape and existential dread."

Barry, who had just been introduced to Kara properly by now, turned to Adam, his eyes wide. "You're... Adam! The guy from the alley! You actually knew what was going on, didn't you? You weren't just guessing!" His words tumbled out in a rapid-fire burst, punctuated by eager gestures.

"Barry, darling, I never guess," Adam said, a playful twinkle in his eye. "I operate on a higher plane of observational prowess. Or, you know, just pay attention to local news reports that mention 'giant robots causing havoc.' It's usually one or the other."

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Emotion Spike Detected: Excitement/Enthusiasm (Barry Allen). Proximity: Optimal. Skill Copy Opportunity: Super-Speed (Proficiency Upgrade). Initiate Copy Protocol? Y/N. ]

"Oh, absolutely yes," Adam mentally confirmed, barely suppressing a skip. The tingling sensation in his legs intensified, a powerful surge of kinetic energy coursing through him. It was exhilarating, like plugging himself directly into a lightning bolt.

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Copying... Copy Complete: Super-Speed (15% proficiency). Warning: Still not fast enough to outrun your responsibilities. Or a grumpy pigeon. ]

"Still not fast enough, eh?" Adam thought back at the system, a grin spreading across his face. "Give me time. I'll be able to outrun your snark eventually."

"Seriously though," Barry continued, oblivious to Adam's internal dialogue, "you were right about Livewire's energy fluctuations, and that thing with the Red Tornado... it was like you knew its weak points! Who are you?"

"Like I said, international investor," Adam reiterated, giving Barry a conspiratorial wink. "We have a very sophisticated network of... information gatherers. And sometimes, those gatherers happen to be very good at predicting when a rogue AI is going to try and turn a city into scrap metal. It's a niche market, but profitable."

Kara, who had clearly explained Adam's "philanthropic busybody" cover to Barry, interjected with a smile. "Adam has a knack for knowing things. He's helped us out quite a bit here in National City."

"Well, thank you," Barry said, his enthusiasm palpable. "It was great having another speedster around, even if you were just... observing." He trailed off, realizing what he'd said.

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Another speedster? My dear Barry, you're looking at a man who considers a brisk walk a cardio workout. I think you're confusing me with... well, with you. You're the one who just turned into a red blur." He gave Barry an innocent smile, feigning ignorance.

Barry rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous habit Adam recognized immediately. "Right. Of course. Just... a figure of speech."

"A figure of speech that involved you running around faster than a caffeinated squirrel on roller skates," Adam deadpanned. "Look, Barry, my 'network' also tells me that you're probably dying for a decent meal after all that... blurring. And I know a place that serves the best extra-large pizzas in the city. On my tab. Consider it a thank you for not accidentally vaporizing any innocent bystanders."

Barry's eyes lit up. "Pizza? You have no idea how much I can eat after a day like this."

"Oh, I have a few ideas," Adam said, his gaze lingering on Barry's impossibly lean frame. "Let's just say my 'network' has done extensive research on the caloric needs of... highly active individuals."

Later, at a bustling National City pizzeria, the "geek-out sequence" was in full swing. Adam, Kara, and Barry sat at a large booth, surrounded by mountains of pizza boxes. Barry was devouring slices at an alarming rate, pausing only to launch into enthusiastic monologues about theoretical physics, the speed force, and the existential angst of being perpetually late.

"So, you're telling me," Barry exclaimed, gesturing wildly with a half-eaten slice, "that a wormhole, if properly stabilized, could technically bridge two separate... places? And even times?"

"Theoretically, yes," Adam replied, leaning back and sipping his soda, enjoying the spectacle. "Though I'd advise against trying to high-five your past self. The temporal paradox implications are a nightmare. Trust me, I've seen the fan theories. They get messy."

Kara watched them, a soft smile on her face. "You two are impossible. Is this what 'male bonding' looks like?"

"This, Kara, is the glorious symphony of two highly intelligent, immensely burdened individuals finding solace in shared scientific esoterica," Adam declared, then added in a whisper, "And pizza. Mostly pizza."

Barry laughed, a genuine, open sound. "He gets it! Finally, someone who understands the theoretical beauty of quantum entanglement!"

"Oh, I understand it," Adam said, winking. "I just prefer to apply it to more practical matters, like why my socks always disappear in the dryer. It's definitely a quantum phenomenon."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, from comic book lore (which Adam had to pretend to only vaguely know, lest he reveal his true fanboy nature) to scientific theories, to the absurdities of their respective lives. Barry, fueled by an endless supply of pizza and a newfound intellectual sparring partner, spoke openly about his life in Central City, his friends at S.T.A.R. Labs, and the challenges of being The Flash. He talked about Cisco Ramon, the tech genius, and Caitlin Snow, the brilliant bio-engineer.

Adam absorbed it all, the mentions of Cisco particularly piquing his interest. Cisco's emotional reactions were legendary. Prime copying material.

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Emotion Lock-on: Barry Allen (Friendship/Trust, 25%). Rapid Ascent. Shared interests and mutual respect are powerful catalysts. Also, your pizza budget is looking healthy. ]

[ SYSTEM MESSAGE: Secondary Emotion Link Initiated: Barry Allen (Urgency/Time-Related Anxiety). Potential Skill Copy Opportunity: Time Travel Awareness (Passive). Status: Dormant. Requires more direct exposure to time travel concepts/events. ]

Adam felt the familiar hum, now layered with a new, subtle energy related to time. It wasn't full Time Travel yet, but the seeds were being sown. His "Future Insight" was less about vague hunches now and more about a quiet, persistent knowing, especially concerning Barry and the Speed Force.

"You know," Barry said, leaning back, a rare moment of stillness, "it's weird. But talking to you... it's like I can actually breathe a little. You don't look at me like I'm crazy when I talk about... well, all of this." He gestured vaguely at himself and Kara.

"Why would I?" Adam shrugged. "Crazy is just a word the sane people use to describe the creatively unhinged. And frankly, this world is far more interesting now that the rules have gone out the window. Besides, who am I to judge? My 'network' once tried to convince me that the best way to solve global warming was to teach polar bears how to knit. They had a whole PowerPoint presentation. Very convincing."

Kara giggled, then looked at Adam with a soft, affectionate gaze. "He's right, Barry. Adam's the best at making sense of the nonsensical. And making it sound utterly hilarious."

Barry smiled. "I can see that. You two are... a good team."

Adam felt a profound sense of accomplishment. Not just because he was sitting with Supergirl and The Flash, eating pizza, but because he was genuinely connecting with them. He was becoming a real part of their world, not just an observer.

As the evening wound down, Barry had to make his way back to Central City. "It was great meeting you, Adam," he said, shaking Adam's hand with genuine warmth. "Seriously, you're... something else. I hope we get to do this again soon."

"Oh, I have a distinct 'hunch' we will, Barry," Adam replied, giving him a knowing look. "Very soon. And next time, bring your tech wizard friend, Cisco. I hear he's a connoisseur of fine pop culture references. We'll have a battle of wits. It'll be glorious."

Barry's eyes lit up. "Cisco? Oh, you'd love Cisco! You guys would get along great! He'd totally get your sense of humor."

"I live to please," Adam said with a theatrical bow. "Safe travels, Speedster."

As Barry zoomed off, a red streak disappearing into the night, Adam turned to Kara. "Well, that was productive. My brain is now 80% pizza, 10% speed force physics, and 10% wondering if Barry ever actually sleeps."

Kara leaned against him, a contented sigh escaping her. "You make friends so easily, Adam."

"It's the devastating charm, darling," he said, wrapping an arm around her. "And the free pizza. Never underestimate the power of free pizza."

He knew his time in National City was drawing to a close. Central City, and all the chaos, camaraderie, and character development that came with it, was calling. And he was ready. He'd secured his base, deepened his primary relationship, and started to acquire the powers he'd need. The next step was the Flashpoint Paradox, and he was determined to navigate it with as much sarcasm and as few timeline-breaking screw-ups as humanly possible. Or, you know, as Adam-Stiels-ly possible.