Interesting. Who would have ever guessed you care quite so much about what people think? [The fact that it's through the long stretch of history hardly matters; in the end, it would seem that Eobard has chosen to let the dictates of time define his path rather than seek out his own. Or perhaps that is simply how Rip sees it in the aftermath of learning about the Oculus. He remembers quite well Druce's cruel confidence as Rip viewed the one true timeline, the events that would and must be without question.
He's never seen his team quite so united as they had been in the moments when they decided that damnable machine must be destroyed.
Well. In the end, it would seem Eobard has found whatever answer he'd been looking for. Their differences are more well-defined, and it apparently has put to rest whatever doubt drove Eobard to ask for this meeting. Rip does remain a touch curious--but the commentary on his team's chosen moniker derails his own questions for the moment.]
Is it? [There's a hint of a grin on his lips, if only for a moment.] I must confess, I've grown rather fond of it myself. After all, none of us are exactly heroes nor villains in the end, now are we?
It's also why you aren't legends. [It's a contradictory name at best and outright self-aggrandizing at worst.] And for the record? I don't care for what people think, Rip. Only what history reflects.
[Nobody ever reads a history book and thinks of the opinions of the people who lived through those times. It's about the collective whole, not individuals. History wipes all of those away, with few exception.]
You can go off to bed now. I have no further need for you.
Perhaps for now, Mr. Thawne. Yet you know well that the future is always in flux. [In truth, Rip hardly cares to be remembered as a Legend; his goals remain unchanged whether he earns renown for them or not. But as for the impact those on his team might have?
Well. Considering how extraordinary they've all proven themselves to be, Rip in turn wouldn't be surprised if they leave their marks on history after all.]
And I suppose that is the heart of the difference between us: I'm much more concerned with protecting history rather than how I am reflected in it.
[Oh, but whereas he might have left, Eobard's dismissal of him stops Rip from even turning away.] Well, I see we've moved past the point of framing things politely. You truly did find your answer, didn't you?
[And here Rip is half-tempted to do as some of the more rebellious children running around might by rolling his eyes.]
Good for you, then. I suppose I will take my leave now, before one or both of us drops dead asleep again.
[While Rip is certainly grateful that this event doesn't seem to carry the same risk of fatality as the last, it hardly makes the suddenly-sleeping-in-random-places aspect any less annoying.]
Oh, don't worry. If you happen to fall asleep before making it to your room, I'll be happy to drop you somewhere comfortable. Maybe into the heart of the hedge maze?
I'd hardly want you to trouble yourself, Mr. Thawne. As reassuring as your offer is.
[Rip won't point out there are worse places he could end up in this scenario: the pool, the fountain in this still frigid weather.
What it does do is cement the shift back to something closer to their first conversation existing between them now. While he's ready to walk away, Rip pauses for a moment. He can already guess the answer, but he'd be remiss not to ask the question anyway.]
I don't suppose you'll tell me what brought all this on? The sudden desire to meet, whatever uncertainty you'd been feeling.
And yet you only saw fit to ask about it now--in the midst of another event no less.
[Rip isn't completely buying it. There is something he's missing, although Eobard likely won't reveal whatever detail that is. Still--he's not taking the man's words at face value.]
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He's never seen his team quite so united as they had been in the moments when they decided that damnable machine must be destroyed.
Well. In the end, it would seem Eobard has found whatever answer he'd been looking for. Their differences are more well-defined, and it apparently has put to rest whatever doubt drove Eobard to ask for this meeting. Rip does remain a touch curious--but the commentary on his team's chosen moniker derails his own questions for the moment.]
Is it? [There's a hint of a grin on his lips, if only for a moment.] I must confess, I've grown rather fond of it myself. After all, none of us are exactly heroes nor villains in the end, now are we?
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[Nobody ever reads a history book and thinks of the opinions of the people who lived through those times. It's about the collective whole, not individuals. History wipes all of those away, with few exception.]
You can go off to bed now. I have no further need for you.
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Well. Considering how extraordinary they've all proven themselves to be, Rip in turn wouldn't be surprised if they leave their marks on history after all.]
And I suppose that is the heart of the difference between us: I'm much more concerned with protecting history rather than how I am reflected in it.
[Oh, but whereas he might have left, Eobard's dismissal of him stops Rip from even turning away.] Well, I see we've moved past the point of framing things politely. You truly did find your answer, didn't you?
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[He smiles, tone even and sardonic.]
I found the answer I was looking for. That's all that really matters.
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[And here Rip is half-tempted to do as some of the more rebellious children running around might by rolling his eyes.]
Good for you, then. I suppose I will take my leave now, before one or both of us drops dead asleep again.
[While Rip is certainly grateful that this event doesn't seem to carry the same risk of fatality as the last, it hardly makes the suddenly-sleeping-in-random-places aspect any less annoying.]
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[Rip won't point out there are worse places he could end up in this scenario: the pool, the fountain in this still frigid weather.
What it does do is cement the shift back to something closer to their first conversation existing between them now. While he's ready to walk away, Rip pauses for a moment. He can already guess the answer, but he'd be remiss not to ask the question anyway.]
I don't suppose you'll tell me what brought all this on? The sudden desire to meet, whatever uncertainty you'd been feeling.
[For curiosity's sake.]
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[Of course that's what he says, and not the whole truth. But he won't dare even make a hint of what he dreamed, or Rip's part in it.]
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[Rip isn't completely buying it. There is something he's missing, although Eobard likely won't reveal whatever detail that is. Still--he's not taking the man's words at face value.]
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[His lies are only by omission, which other people count while he doesn't. Anything he doesn't reveal is done with calculation.]
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But merely thinking about something, and choosing to act on it--[He points towards Eobard briefly.]--those are two entirely different creatures.
So I suppose what I'm really asking after, is what made you decide to act?
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If you must know, I just wanted to ruin your pleasant evening.
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[Right then. Eobard means not to tell him, and Rip hardly suspects he'll be able to sway the man. So be it.]
Until the next time we meet, Mr. Thawne.