Author's Note: Hello everyone, I wanted start out by personally thanking a fellow author on this site bttlcapgrl13 who's kind words have inspired me to go ahead and publish this story. I had my reservations, especially when I have two other stories I'm trying to update and contend with, but 'The Flash', Barry Allen and writing this chapter makes me smile, and I wanted to share that joy with the rest of you. Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and if you're looking for other stories I seriously suggest checking bttlcapgrl13's Flash story. There are direct lines taken from the show, and I do not take credit for them. Naturally I don't anything DC or CW related!
Since when does math have letters in it? It was hard enough mastering long division, now they gotta add letters! I blew a piece of hair out of my face before slumping back against the wall, papers falling out of my lap and onto the window seat. Becky Holstein looked pretty confident in class; I might have to see if I can copy her answers tomorrow morning. Letters, geez, who do they think I am, 'Good Will Hunting'?
I press my cheek against the glass, slipping into a daydream. A boy around my age barrels down the sidewalk, searching haphazardly behind him. Things drop out of his hands, attempting to outrun four other boys in pursuit. I know them. They're Andy, Robbie, Adam, and Zeek; Tony's friends. I sigh, shaking my head. I never really liked those guys; they are the worst kind of jerks. The boy chanced a glance behind him, costing him to trip landing right on the sidewalk in front of the house. I can hear Andy and Robbie hooting and hollering after the poor sap, closing in on him.
I squint a little to get a better look at their new target. Is that Barry Allen? Oh god, they've been after him for weeks now. I caught Tony shoving him into a locker yesterday. Poor guy, he sits near me in English and Science. We don't talk too much, but he's always been pretty nice. The four of them catch up to Barry, taunting him, and I roll my eyes at the sight. What douche bags. Barry starts to get up, but Robbie knocks him down, laughing all the while. Barry tries to make a break for it, but all four tackle him down, this time, pummeling him. Barry doubles over and I gasp at the sight. In a flurry, papers fly as his backpack is thrown behind them and they pounce on him; kicking and punching, taunting him all the while. The sight made me sick; I've got to do something! I can't just let him get beat up in front of my house! Before I can even think, I storm towards the front door and reach for the baseball bat before flinging it open and storming outside. I can literally feel the fury crackling through me.
"Hey! Leave him alone!" I charge towards them, bat in hand. The boys stop, turning around to face me.
"What the hell, Ry, go home this isn't about you."
"It sure as hell is! Now leave him alone."
"Since when do you care, Ry? You watch Tony and us do it all the time."
"Yeah well, not anymore I'm not. This is ridiculous what did he even do to you?" Robbie shoots me a nasty look before spitting on the ground.
"That's what I thought,"
What are you gonna do, Gallagher?" Andy taunts, calling my bluff. I hesitate a minute and a nasty grin spreads across his face. "You got girls fighting your battles, Allen?" They both laugh, eyeing Barry still on the ground. Something in me snapped, and I close the gap between us screaming at them, swinging my bat.
"You're nuts, Gallagher!"
"You're damn right I am! Now get the hell outta here if you know what's good for you!" All four of them take off running down the block, not without shouting a few names my way. I shook my head, tossing the bat against the house. Assholes, I have to hang with a better crowd; definitely going to have to after that stunt. I make my way over to Barry, who is picking himself up off the ground.
"You ok, Barry?"
"Ow,"
"Oo, ow is right. You wanna come in and clean up? My parents aren't home, but I know where we keep the first aid kit."
"No, that's alright. I'm just going to go home."
"Are you sure? Want me to walk with you?"
"No, no. I'm fine."
"Oh, well…ok then." Barry gets up, brushing himself off, wiping the blood from his nose. "You know, there's nothing to be embarrassed about, that was four against one."I offered, shrugging lightly. Barry turns toward me, anger and uncertainty gracing his features.
"Why are you being so nice to me? Isn't Woodward your boyfriend?"
"Ex-boyfriend. I don't care for bullies. Besides, we're friends, duh!"I respond coolly, not missing a beat.
"We are?"He stares at me uncertainly. I can see why, I was the girlfriend of his bully. Why should he trust me? I wanted him to. I let Tony push others, including myself, around. I wasn't about to let that continue.
"Sure we are."Barry smiles widely.
"Ow!" Barry grabs his face. His lip cracks open, blood bubbling on his lower lip.
"You should probably get that looked at. See you around…friend." I smile widely, heading back into the house. I turn around long enough to watch him take off down the street once more, and I smile to myself before heading inside.
"You're late."
"I know I'm sorry; held up at the lab." Barry sighed, looping me into an awkward side hug before heading to the counter.
"Already got you one," I pointed to the slightly steaming coffee cup.
"Have I ever told you you're the best?" He grinned sheepishly, his eyes searching for momentary forgiveness for his lateness.
"Never enough," I huff lightly, desperately trying to keep my glare intact. Chancing a glance up, I'm met with those puppy dog eyes, and I can feel the corner of my mouth quirk ever so slightly. The motion did not go unnoticed, and he broke out into a wide grin taking his place on the other side of the table. "Careful! Don't smudge the prints!" I warned, his hands freezing just above the table top.
"Are these the new ones?"
"Yes they are."
"How did they turn out?"
"Fantastic, I have some really great shots; it's hard to choose which one I like best."
"How many more do you need for the gallery?"
"Just one, and then I can prep for exhibition."
"That's amazing!"
"I mean it will be my third one now, but this should be the best one yet." I beamed before returning my gaze to the photos.
"Well I think they are incredible, when is it?"
"Next month, lord willing, if I can narrow it down by tonight; you're coming."
"I wouldn't miss it."
"You don't have a choice." I stuck my tongue out playfully, earning an eye roll.
"Are you coming tonight?" Tonight? Oh shit, tonight! Tonight's the unveiling of the Star Labs' particle accelerator. It's the only thing Barry has talked about for over a year now, which means I know more about it then I've ever cared to.
"Oh god, I don't know Barry. I don't think I can. I still have to go through these photos and choose which one is going into the exhibit. I need to blow it up—"
"Layla," he sing-songs. I freeze, my eyes darting up to a smirking Barry, eyes glinting with mischief.
"Barry," I warn.
"Got me on my knees, Layla,"
"Don't you start—"
"Beggin' darlin' please, Layla," His lopsided grin contagious as he circles stupidly around me. My cheeks flush as people begin looking up from their conversations, watching Barry sing my namesake. I close my eyes blushing madly, my lips parting into a wild grin.
"Fine!" I relented, groaning slightly. I can never say no to him and he knows it the little worm; especially when he sings my name. It's a game we've played since we were kids. I was obsessed with Eric Clapton, especially 'Layla' since it had my name in it. Whenever I was upset, or being stubborn, Barry would sing it until I forgave him. He could get me to do almost anything when he sings that song to me. It's really unfair.
"Thank you! Thank you! You're amazing!"
"Just shut up and take your coffee." He smugly reached for his cooled double shot latte.
"Is Iris here?"
"Yup! Right over there." I cocked my eyebrow knowingly as he wandered across the café over to her distracted figure. Iris and I go way back. We all sort of started grouping together around the same time. I started palling around with Barry after the incident in front of my house. I earned the term 'crazy bitch' for the rest of middle school and high school. A name I wore proudly. I was crazy enough to date and break up with Tony Woodward, and I chased away two bullies with a baseball bat. Hell, it was fitting. After what happened to Barry's Mom and he went to go live with the West's, the three of us became an unbreakable trio.
"Please tell me you are going too, I don't think I could handle all of that nerd at once."
"That's the plan; I'd love to get some pictures of the unveiling. I'm actually kind of excited, I've been doing some reading on this, and if this thing works—"
"It could change everything!"Barry exclaimed excitedly.
"I have a few things to finish up for this exhibition, but I could meet you guys there."
"Are you sure?"
"Definitely, he might jump out of his skin if he's late."
"Actually, there's been a development in a case; Joe needs me in the Lab testing fecal matter." Barry sighed, his face falling as he hangs up with Joe.
"Sounds riveting, I didn't think you're freaky brain would want to miss this."
"It doesn't, trust me."
"Well trust me when I say Joe's gonna have your ass if you don't get back." I warned, still eyeing two of my finalists. "Which one?" I flashed.
"Left—"
"—Right,"
"Helpful." I glowered before diving back into my own critical analysis.
"I'll swing by the lab to come get you!" Iris called after him, as he sped out the door back to the lab. I felt the table jiggle slightly as she settled in across from me, fingering my pictures.
"Hey, hands off."
"Oh please I was with you when half of these were taken."
"Touché; just act surprised when you come to the showing next month."
"Don't I always?"
"No, and it's bad for business." I glanced up, catching her mid smirk. I roll my eyes, my lip quirking in response.
"I'll do my best to really sell it this time."
"See that you do. Who knows who'll be showing up to this thing."
"Yes, you could be the next Andy Warhol."
"Hey!" I pointed at her warningly, my lips curled in excitement at the prospect. "Nothing is impossible."
"Ok, Barry."
"A girl can dream. And when I dream, I dream big. I think this is the one." I settled on a black and white photo of Iris and Barry. Iris perched up on bow of a tree, her legs daintily dangling down, angling ever so slightly to the left. Her hands gripping two smaller branches on either side of her, bracing herself as she peers coyly down at Barry; who is standing just below her, head tilted, back to the camera, staring up at her longingly. I think I'll call it, 'Teasing Romance'. Ugh, brilliant. Done; that's it. I'm amazing.
"Can I have a copy of this one?" Iris asked, sliding the chosen photo in front of her.
"Or you could buy it at the gallery."
"Didn't anyone ever tell you best friend prices are free?" She flashed me that award winning Iris smile, to which I rolled my eyes, chuckling.
"You drive a hard bargain, West; I'll bring it in next week."
"Am I too late?"
"No, you're just in time!" Iris whispered, yanking me next to her. I smile, waving at Barry, who shakes his head disapprovingly, tapping his imaginary watch. I purse my lips and give him the finger. I grab his arm, hushing his laughter, as I turn my attention to the group of scientists far up on the podium. Harrison Wells really knows how to enthrall a room. All eyes are on him as he unveils what just might be the greatest creation in modern science. The crowd erupts in a wave of clapping and camera flashes and even I can't help but be undeniably excited about witnessing this. I'm glad Barry talked me into this.
"So, I had a chance to think about relationships;" oh god, "how I'm not in one and you're not in one and you're my best friend Iris." Barry leans ever so slightly towards her, and I can tell he's finally working up the courage to tell her exactly what he's been thinking of her since we were kids. I smile slightly, winking at Barry.
"You're mine; why else would I let you drag me here?" She smirks, elbowing him playfully.
"That's not what I meant."
"I know what you're going to say Barry—" Oh god, here it comes. She's going to whammy him. I was afraid of this.
"I don't think you do—"
"Because we practically grew up in the same house and we're like brother and sister…because we're not brother and sister, it can get really weird and awkward to talk to me about girls, but I just want you to know it shouldn't be awkward! There is nothing I want than for you to meet right person that totally loves and adores you for the amazing guy that you are." She smiles up at him affectionately.
Whammy.
I blanche slightly, waiting for Barry's reaction.
"Took the words right out of my mouth." He nodded, smiling sadly.
"Aren't you glad I know you so well?" She laughed, wrapping him in a quick hug. I smile at Barry sheepishly, shrugging my shoulders.
"You both do," to which my smile grew wide as he motioned for me to join the hug. I slipped into their embrace and squeezed lightly, before releasing us.
In an instant, someone shoved themselves between Iris and me, knocking me off balance.
"Hey! No! My laptop! It's got my dissertation!" Barry takes off after the thief, Iris and I on his heels.
We catch the tail end of Barry's figure disappearing behind Star Labs. "Over there, come on!" I shout, pulling Iris' hand. We turn the corner to see the thief assault Barry with the laptop before taking off over the fence.
"Barry! Are you ok?" Iris shouts, sprinting over to a doubled over Barry.
"Yep," Barry wheezes, I can a little more than his pride is hurt.
I can hear a cop shouting just beyond the fence, and I relax a little. I step in front of Barry inspecting his injuries through the dim light of my phone.
"Red suits you, Allen." I chuckle, reaching into my coat pocket for some spare tissues. "Hold still,"
"Its fine, I got it." Barry muttered; that look on his face again.
"I'm not three-wheeling a robbery. Iris got mugged, you got your ass-kicked, and now I get to play nurse."
"Three wheel a robbery? Really?"
"Got you to smile, didn't it?" I retorted, dabbing at the blood streaming from his nose. "Pow, right in the kissa!" I exclaimed, to which Iris laughed, earning a side glare from Barry.
"Barry's got a hard head, Iris. You might want to make sure your laptop's ok!" We giggled again, earning another scathing look from Barry. "Ok, ok, I'm done. No more jokes at your expense." I winked at him before finishing up. "Here you'll need these." I shoved a wad of tissues into his hand. "Use these to stop the bleeding, take a couple Ibuprofens, and call me in the morning."
"Thanks, Doc."
"All in a day's work," I replied mockingly. "Come on, Joe's going to need some testimony's." I drape my arm around his back heading after Iris.
"Who is that guy, and what is he so proud of? So he caught a mugger." Iris complained, heading towards the desk Barry and I were perched at. Barry, nursing his bloody nose, and me, occasionally checking his pupils and waiting to be told I can go home. It's been a long night, and I want to squeeze in a few more prints before bed.
"He's a transfer from Keystone; started a few weeks ago. His name's Eddie Thawne." I turned my head casually to see the owner of the name shaking hands with fellow members of the force, a cocky grin plastered on his face.
"Oh! That's detective pretty boy." Iris turns to see our confused glances, "that's what my dad calls him. Says he actually keeps score when it comes to arrests," she rolled her eyes and I return the smirk, chancing one last glance at said detective.
"Dad's right, definitely pretty." Barry rolls his eyes sending me a sour look. I wiggle my eyebrows at Iris, flashing her a wicked grin. "Yumm-o."
"Can you please not do that ever again? I have to work with this guy." Barry sighed, sulking slightly.
"Fiine," I relent smirking.
"Ok, Ry, you can go if you want; we have your statement." Joe offered, smiling warmly. I glance at Iris and Barry.
"Go ahead; you said you needed to work on some stuff for the exhibit right?" Iris offered sweetly.
"Are you sure?"
"Definitely, call me when you get in though ok," Barry asked looking up at me.
"I will, you do the same. Keep an eye on that head of yours please. I'm no doctor, I can't tell if you have a concussion or not."
"I'm fine, Ryleigh, really."
"Yea, I'll look after him." Joe nods before reaching over and giving me a hug.
"Night everyone," I called over my shoulder. The precinct was buzzing with life, the golden glow basking the building in warmth. I've spent so much time here because of Joe and Barry, it feels almost like home.
"Ugh, great…" It was pouring outside; I could hear the wind from in here. I could wait here, but those prints won't finish themselves. I'll just have to tough it out and hope a cab drives by. Pulling out my ear buds from my pocket, I pop them in and set my playlist to shuffle. Cream's 'Sunshine of Your Love' wafted through the speakers as I pushed open the precinct doors, braving the torrential downpour. My pace quickened, the hood of my coat soaking through. I'm six blocks away. I can do this. Just focus on the music. Quietly, I begin singing to myself. Thunder booms loudly above my head, startling me, and I chance a look to see bright bolts of lightning flashing overhead. I should have stayed at the precinct. I lower my head, barreling ahead, my voice growing louder to drown out my fears. I can hear my phone vibrate in my pocket, but I ignore it in favor of keeping my phone dry.
"I've been waiting so long. To be where I'm going, the sunshine of your lo-o-oooove." A booming sound erupts, making me scream, the music In my ear begin to buzz, high pitched sonar interrupting through it. The sound drops me to my knees, and before I can react, a fiery explosion to the right of me, lights up the sky, followed by a bright light and a resounding pulse, that shakes me hard. The ear buds won't budge, and the sound, mixed with my screams is the last thing I hear before everything goes dark.
Author's Note: Hopefully you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I will update this when I can! Reviews help inspiration! Thank you guys! XOXO -N
