Chapter 4
Ultimately, the two men sat catching their breath while Dr. Wells monitored Caitlin and Cisco going through the same workout. Joe sat with his elbows on his knees, watching Dr. Wells study the readouts. "Everything looking okay?" Joe asked once he'd sufficiently caught his breath.
"All looks normal," Dr. Wells said. He glanced at Joe and arched an eyebrow. "You alright there Detective?"
"Yes. Just a little tired," Joe admitted. "Haven't stayed in shape as well as I would like." He tried to shrug it off, but he'd be lying if he didn't admit that Dr. Wells being in better shape bothered him.
"I know what you mean. I find it difficult some mornings to get up early enough to get my daily routine done." Dr. Wells spoke while still studying the readout. He wasn't sure why the detective was suddenly part of the group. Yes, Joe had been in to visit with his daughter when Barry had been struck by lightning, but Henry Allen had been in with her more frequently. Since the singularity, things had changed. Henry had spoken with Harrison briefly about Barry's behaviour change but neither doctor had been able to pin down what it was exactly.
"What exactly do you do to stay in shape?" Joe asked.
"I usually swim 2 miles every other day, do two miles in this clunker days I don't swim and an upper body workout every morning. I alternate the muscles I work." Harrison managed a smile. He wasn't used to Joe, but he seemed the least hostile towards Harrison.
"Wow." Joe was surprised, though he wasn't certain why. If this was really Harrison Wells and he was dependent on his upper body to get around, then it would make sense he'd keep in shape.
"You're welcome to join me any morning you wish," Harrison added. He didn't know why he made the offer, but the detective seemed to genuinely consider it. "Of course, to keep my leg muscles from atrophying I hook myself up to a stationary bike I developed after the accident. Uses external electrical pulses to make my muscles work. I wouldn't recommend you join me for that."
"Oh? Why not?" Joe found the information interesting. He'd been wondering how open the other man would be about his life. This Harrison was not nearly as closed off as Eobard had been.
"I get bored, break out in song. Wouldn't want to subject you to it." Harrison cracked a crooked smile and Joe found himself smiling back.