A/N: Chapter two is ready. Hope you enjoy. This fact has not changed but is worth repeating. I own neither Supergirl nor the Flash. They belong to DC CW and respective owners. Just having a bit of fun.

Chapter Two: Shadows and Congratulations

The euphoria hadn't died down. They were engaged. They were engaged, and it felt right. It felt better. Iris could say that her feelings hadn't changed at all. As they lay beside each other, Barry's lightning warmth drifting toward her and causing her to shudder with a childlike enthusiasm, she knew that this time it was for the right reason, as it probably had been before, but back then she knew, it'd been hidden by Wally's revelation, trying to contact Savitar, fear that jolted and skittered like baby bunnies. And she knew she wouldn't doubt him again, because while it had felt different, it also felt much the same. And it was perfect.

She felt Barry stiffen beside her. Adrift in her thoughts, it took her a while to realize that he had fallen asleep, his arm still draped around her. Of course this fact was unsurprising. With all that had happened, a good night's sleep was definitely in order. Caitlin had practically prescribed as much. It seemed she had caught onto something that Iris had missed. Had he told her about the engagement? But looking down as her fiance slept, Iris had a feeling it had been in reference to more than just late night romance. His brow was creased, and he jerked around on the bed. His mouth moved as she saw the telltale sign. He was biting his tongue, obviously aware enough to keep from waking her, but still lost.

"Barry…" Iris squeezed Barry's wrist gently. "Barry!" She dug her nails in, wincing against the pain she was obviously causing, but too frightened to give it more than a passing thought. What if it was a side effect? Wally had said he'd been hit with some kind of hypnosis. He'd seemed fine when he'd woken up though. There was a chance it was a normal nightmare, but what if it wasn't?

"I'is…" Barry blinked, his voice groggy. He sat up, and his eyes were wide, searching. "Iris…" He managed to blink it away quickly (speedster...of course he wouldn't let you see it. Iris sighed).

"Are you okay?" She knows as soon as she asks that it was the wrong question.

Barry sat up and put his arms around her. "I'm fine." He studies her in the same careful way he has of studying everything, the scientist in him looking for cracks, looking for something that indicates a failure. It's as if he thinks she'll walk away...even after she promised him everything. The lyrics from that cheesy song, that cheesy perfectly timed utterly Barry Allen move enter her mind then, and she thinks that Barry is crazy if he thinks she'll leave after he made himself that vulnerable, but the seriousness of his examination, it makes her think that maybe it isn't. He's genuinely worried about her in this moment in the same way that he always has even when he's the one that is hurt.

"Bar…" Iris pulls back. "Talk to me baby…"

The intensity with which he grabs her would be terrifying if she didn't recall the same scrambling grasp reaching for Joe's collar when he was twelve and having a rough night. Iris obliges leaning closer and letting Barry run his fingers through her hair, marking the absent pattern, twirling and tilting. She knows, it may take him a while to get a word out, but she waits, content in what comfort she can provide, but worried nonetheless. She wonders what actually happened in that dream state. She wants to know. She wants to help, but what will she find out?

When Barry and Iris enter STAR labs the next day, Iris knows the news had already spread. The lab is decorated in the most gaudy of fashions that rivals HR's earlier Valentine's Day attempt. White and red and flash lightning gold adorn the walls, and so many balloons that Iris is almost certain the man had robbed a party store at some point.

"BA, Mrs. BA, congratulations my friends." HR himself is already waiting in the cortex, plastic trays of personalized java orders balanced precariously in one hand as the other reaches for awkward and only partially invasive one armed hugs.

"Thanks man." Barry's grin is back in place as he reaches out quickly to grab the falling coffee cup and places it carefully on the cortex table. It's as if last night's terror never happened.

"It seems Francesco is otherwise occupied so if you need a best man...I'm happy to…"

"HR, we already told you." Caitilin entered the cortex then followed closely by Wally and Joe. "Cisco's only went to pick up some other guests who might want to celebrate."

"Dude, he already asked the last time," Wally said. "Just because things got...sidetracked," Wally sighed. "He asked Cisco already. I don't think that gets revoked. But when I ask Jesse, you're on the shortlist." Wally shook his head slightly as he exchanged a look with Barry.

Iris didn't doubt that HR would end up a part of their wedding somehow. The man had skills that could actually make him a decent wedding planner, not that she would admit it. But he tried, and that counted for a lot around here. It really did.

"Wait...other…?" Barry trailed.

"You'll see." Caitlin smiled. "Congratulations you guys. Iris…"

Iris showed Caitlin the ring and the squealing began in earnest as Barry placed a hand in his ear speeding in the hallway and nearly running into Julian.

"Allen…" Julian sighed. "Watch where you're going." But his face had a slight smile. "I know it's exciting and all but rules of the road still apply to engaged persons."

"Yeah, sorry." Barry slumped against the wall.

"Don't tell me you're getting cold feet mate." Julian raised his eyebrows as he observed the speedster. He didn't look good at all. His face was gaunt and he kept blinking as if he was fighting to stay awake.

Barry shook his head. "No, that's not it."

"This wouldn't have anything to do with Savitar would it? It's only because I find the excitement endearing otherwise I would never agree, but if you need me to…"

"No, no nothing like that. Did Cait tell you about the…?"

"Spit it out."

"Themusicmeisterandthecomamusical."

Julian frowned. "We didn't exactly get a chance to chat. But I'm sure it was somewhat entertaining right? You lot do seem to enjoy blasting songs at ear bleed levels."

Barry's skittishness seemed to increase then, and Julian immediately felt himself wanting to choke on his foot. Allen was always on some sort of edge, overly hyper, cheerful… it was enough to make sharing an office with him on an almost constant basis a bit of an annoyance, but this was different somehow. This was fear.

There was a blast of blue light in the hallway, and Barry and Julian exchanged a look. Confronting him about whatever was wrong would have to wait. They had company.

A/N: So a bit of humor thrown in. Fair warning, though it's probably expected, the fluff and angst will blend fairly well, but this will not as of yet unless I come up with an idea or receive a suggestion that suits it involve much in the way of action. The focus will be on the couples and the friendships.