A/N: In this next chapter, Eddie makes another desperate attempt to keep Iris close. Barry is just as determined. Iris is still drawn to Barry, but was he the one? Then later, Iris and Barry's future hangs in the balance. Read on! Thank you so much for reading.

Remember, we're still in spoiler/speculation viewpoint. So be warned!

~o~o~

Chapter 8: This Time Around

Minutes later, still at the hospital:

Both stunned by Eddie's statement, Joe and Barry left him alone.

Out in the hall, Barry was at a loss. "I can't believe he said those things."

"I don't believe him for a second and neither should you," Joe said, actually shocked by Eddie's demeanor. He felt as if he didn't know him; not at all.

Confused and upset, Barry ran his fingers through his hair. "I know she loves me. It's in every look she gave me. You didn't see her in my apartment. She didn't actually say it, but it was there in her eyes."

"Your apartment, but when was this?" Joe asked.

Barry felt uncomfortable for a moment. "Yesterday evening; after she confessed her feelings, I took her there to talk. It was entirely innocent, but she did kiss me," he confessed. At his surprise, then, "She knows about our agreement, Joe."

"I see," Joe said but he wasn't worried. Iris will forgive him in time. He touched his shoulder. "I understand, Barry, but," he hesitated, then, "What Eddie said was true. He technically has a claim on who takes her home."

"But you're her Father. She's not married to him; they're just living together," Barry said desperately hoping it wasn't true.

"Barry, she's an adult. But I'll check on that and let you know. You should go in to see her. She may be waking up soon."

Barry sighed and pulled himself together. "Thanks, Joe." He poked his head in and Iris was awake.

She sat up and to her shock she sensed something was wrong. "I can see you're upset. What is it?"

Barry was relieved to see her looking so well. "Nothing is wrong. How are you? I'm sorry for not coming back to see you right away, but my job … and." He stopped and realized she was grinning at him. "What's so funny?"

Iris felt he was avoiding her, but why? "You're lying; I can tell."

Things were looking up; he could feel it. "Well, maybe a little."

"But why; why would you lie to me about that? Didn't you want to see me?"

She sounded hurt and Barry felt horrible. Seeing her like this, it was painful to think that she doesn't remember anything about their life; their love. It hurt so much, but it wasn't about him; it was about her and what she was going through. Instead of answering her, he walked over to the window and looked up at the sky. He swallowed and tried to gain his composure. "You have no idea how much."

She left the bed and walked over to him. "I think I do because I wanted to see you too."

He closed his eyes with that statement and then he felt her touch his shoulder.

"I missed you, Barry. I can't explain it, but I did."

"Oh, Iris," he covered his eyes and tried hard not to cry.

He needed her and it felt right. She couldn't explain it; didn't understand it, then, "It's alright," she whispered hoping to make him feel better. The feelings welled up inside of her. It wasn't unfamiliar. It just seemed right.

"I'm Okay," he admitted and awkwardly stepped away from her. "We shouldn't; I mean."

She sighed. "I know; I need to remember everything, not just you and me, but my Father, my job, my home, and." She frowned. "Wait; I do have a job; don't I?"

"Yeah, you do; don't worry. Your job is secure. It will be there when you're ready."

She was so grateful. "Barry, I … thank you." She wiped at her eyes, stared at him and the longing to be in his arms was overwhelming. So, she decided to put some distance between them and went to stand over by the bed.

He followed her but didn't stand too close. "Do you remember anything at all?" Barry asked, desperate for something more.

She frowned. "No, I don't," she replied and she could see how much it hurt him. She felt horrible. "I'm sorry."

"No, no, it's not your fault. The memories will return in time. You're going to be Ok."

Iris wanted desperately to believe him. "You sound so sure."

"Trust me Okay?" Barry needed that above everything.

"I do; I do trust you," she admitted and tried to smile then she remembered. "Barry, there was something. Earlier tonight, it happened just before you came back."

His eyes lit up. "What was it?"

"I woke up and I could see images at first, but a few things came back."

"Like what?" He encouraged, happy for her.

"I remember another man. His hair was blonde; his face was a blur. It's all jumbled in my mind."

Stunned, Barry stiffened and stared at her at a total loss as to what to say. He pulled himself together. He definitely wasn't ready to talk about Eddie. "I know you don't remember us or our past, but believe me, it's there, you and me. And in time, you will remember. We do love each other very much."

Deep inside a place that knew of such things, she sensed he was telling her the truth, but a part of her was still confused. "I don't know what to say."

He decided not to push her, but just when he thought he was beginning to get through to her, he turned at the sound of the door opening.

It was Eddie, in a wheelchair, and a nurse was behind him.

~o~o~

After a few moments of stunned silence, the nurse moved further inside. Unsure if she should leave them alone or not. She did sense animosity toward Mr. Thawne. "Should I leave or?" She asked.

"I'll be Okay; thank you, nurse," Eddie replied. He should have been surprised to see Barry in her room, but it actually wasn't a surprise.

Iris stared at him, but it wasn't the reception he imagined. She obviously didn't recognize him. "You don't remember me; do you?" He paused for effect. "I'm your boyfriend," he stated bluntly.

Barry stiffened. He turned to Iris. "Iris, he's not your boyfriend. You broke up with him last night, and."

She backed away from him. "Both of you can't be my boyfriend. Someone is lying; but who?" She looked at them, then her head began to pound, not as bad as before, but she couldn't do this. "You should both go; I have a headache." Not looking at them, she climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to the chin. She wanted to ball her eyes out.

Barry was furious. He turned to Eddie. "Let's go, right now."

"I need help please," Eddie said indicating the chair.

Barry sighed and wheeled him out into the hall. The nurse was still there waiting for him.

"I'd like a word with Mr. Thawne, please," Barry said.

"I'll just wait right over there," the nurse said and headed to the nurse's station.

"You have no right to be here with her. It's over between you two," Barry stated.

"Not according to Iris. She doesn't remember either of us, so you have as much chance with her as I do."

"Iris is in no condition to see us fighting over her. Her mind is fragile right now and you aren't in any shape to help her," Barry said.

"I can speak for myself and she needs to know the truth. I'm sure you're pumping her full of lies about you two. She will come home with me and there's nothing you can do about it."

They were about to go at it. Joe stepped between them. "This conversation is over."

"Nurse?" Eddie called and then they headed back to his room.

~o~o~

Barry calmed down a bit. He then explained to Joe about Eddie and his evil speedster.

"Dr. Wells had a theory and I'm inclined to believe him. It's the only explanation. Eddie knows the future and everything about his life here, including Iris. He hates us, Joe. All this time he was pretending to love and care for her, when his ultimate goal was to destroy all of us."

Stunned, Joe slowly sat down. "What did you just say? That's crazy."

"I'm sorry, Joe, but it's highly likely that the Eddie that we know has been lying from the moment he arrived in Central City. He may not remember that he's a speedster, but his future self is a very powerful man, intent on causing all kinds of pain for all of us."

"Wait a minute, his future self? How far in the future are we talking about?" Joe asked.

"Long after you and I were born, centuries maybe, but he's here in the present, and his future self is damaged. He's a psycho, determined to destroy me and the ones I care about, my family including my Mother, you and now Iris."

He shook his head to clear it, "So what you're saying is that Eddie pursued Iris to … to keep you away from each other?" Joe couldn't believe it.

"Yes, Joe. He was using her. But our future together; he couldn't let that happen."

"This makes no sense, but you believe all of this? Wells could be making this up to divert suspicion from his part in all of this; I still suspect him."

"I do believe him, Joe. Who else would want to hurt us this way?"

Joe closed her eyes trying to take it all in. "That's the key, Barry, but I don't understand why, why does he hate us? Eddie is my partner; yes, he did pursue Iris, but apparently, she thought he was a good guy, and," Joe said rambling a bit, trying to understand Eddie.

"I don't have an answer to that; he's just a dangerous man." Joe was quiet. "I thought he was a good guy too. I just wanted Iris to be happy and if that meant being with someone who was good for her, then I was willing to step aside," Barry admitted although it pained him to say it.

"I know you did," Joe said with sympathy. "But I don't see how we could possibly arrest him. You saw his injuries, and without Iris's testimony, we have to take him at his word."

"How about a lie detector; he's lying about his feelings for Iris and why he came here to Central City?"

"Barry, he hasn't committed any crimes that I know about. We can't prosecute him for something his 'evil twin' may or may not have done."

He stood up agitated and so worried about Iris. "She can't go with him; I won't allow it."

Joe's eyebrows rose. "Now, Barry, calm down; we'll figure something out." He also paced for a moment. "Let me make a call." He dialed the D.A.'s office and spoke to a friend. "Yes, I'll hold." He held up his hand to stop Barry from talking. Joe then went on to explain to his friend about Iris and Eddie. "Yes, I'll wait."

"He's checking the law now," Joe told Barry. "Yes, go on. I see; are you sure?" He sounded relieved. "Thanks, Matt, I'll call you later. We have good news for a change. Because Iris is virtually childlike, and because she's not married, her closest relative should have custody. I know she's an adult, but her mind is the key, Barry, nothing else."

Barry was so relieved; he wanted to cry. He glanced at the door. "She may not want to see me." He paused. "She remembers Eddie."

"She does?" Joe was stunned.

"Yeah, a little, just his blonde head, as far as I know, but."

"That is a good sign. She may remember what happened at the bridge. I think it's key to all of this."

"I hope so," Barry said still staring at the door.

"I'll go check with the Doctor to see when I can take her home."

"Alright, thanks, Joe," Barry said.

He watched him move down the hall. He had to see her and explain. He poked his head in and she was crying. "Oh, Iris," he whispered.

"Go away," she managed to say.

"I'm so sorry, but all those things I told you; it was true and I meant every word; please believe me."

She wiped at her eyes and turned to stare at him. "I want to; I do."

He came closer. "Believe it, because all of it was true."

Her eyes roamed over his face. "Oh Bear," she whispered.

He grinned. "That's my nickname. You've called me that for years since we were little." His eyes watered.

"How little?" She asked curiously.

"About this high," he replied and pointed to midway up his chest.

"But you're really tall," she stated the obvious.

"Yes, I am," he said.

"How tall are you?"

"About six one, I think," he replied. He came closer and pulled up a chair. "May I?"

"Go ahead," she replied needing to know more. Sitting up a little straighter, she had so many questions for him, but the other one refused to go away.

Barry sensed she had questions for him. "Ask me anything?"

"Even about the other one?" She asked and watched him squirm. "We don't have to talk about him if you don't want to."

"No, it's alright; ask me anything," Barry said.

"He said he was my boyfriend. Was that true?" She needed to know about the other one. Her feelings toward Barry were instantaneous which she still didn't understand.

He had to tell her the truth, although it pained him. "You broke up with him hours before you were attacked. I know because you called and explained everything."

"I see," she whispered.

"Iris, I know this is confusing, but," he began.

"I don't want to talk about him anymore."

"Then you believe me?" He held his breath and waited.

She didn't know why, but, "Yes, I do; I do believe you."

Moments later, there was a knock on the door. It was the Doctor.

"I spoke to your Father, Ms. West. I have your release papers and a prescription for you. Please return to the hospital if your headaches continue or become more severe. Use these only if you need them, one every six hours should help. They will help you get some rest, as well."

"Thank you, Doctor," Iris said. She took the prescription from him and signed the release papers.

"I see no reason why you can't go home tonight. Your Father will see to your care. Please return here in two weeks. Hopefully, your memories will return before that time. If so, please call and let us know."

"Yes, of course, I will; thank you."

Barry shook his hand. "We'll take care of her."

Things were awkward for a moment. "Well, I'll let you get dressed; Joe and I will be right outside."

"Thank you, Barry, for everything," she said and tried to smile.

"Don't thank me; just get better." He smiled then left her alone.

~o~o~

A few days later:

Iris had been at her Father's house now for several days and her memories hadn't returned. Joe and Barry were at their wit's end. They had hoped that being back at the house would help restore her memories.

That first day back was hopeful. She did remember their last Christmas and a special ring, but that was it. Barry was thrilled when he found out. He wanted to be there for her every day, but that wasn't possible.

His search to find the yellow speedster was the only thing he could do to save them; to keep their future together. He even considered returning to the future to get the real story about Dr. Wells, but it was a just a thought. The first trip wasn't planned; it just happened, but to do it again, he couldn't risk it. If he couldn't return, it would spell disaster for all of them.

As far as he knew, Eddie was still in the hospital, but he would be leaving in a few days to stay with his parents for at least a week. According to Joe, he was in no shape to return to the force.

A few days later, Barry had an idea and it just may work. The lake retreat was the key to everything that had happened to them in the past month. Taking her there could trigger something; anything that could regain her memories.

Iris was reluctant; Joe was unsure, but Barry convinced them that it may work. They truly had no other options.

~o~o~

Back to the lakeside retreat:

It's now been over a week since the attack on the overhead bridge. It was early evening and most of the spectators were gone.

Iris and Barry had become close. She trusted him; believed in all of the stories of their past lives. They actually grew up together in the same house; her Father's house. Joe West was her Father. There was no mistaking the love that emanated from him.

The same could be said for Barry; it was written all over his face, but it was different with him. She felt different when he was near. Every time he came to see her; he tried to hide it, but it was there nonetheless. The stories of their friendship over the years gave her hope that one day she would remember all of it. She actually hoped so.

Barry decided to drive and after exiting her car, they climbed the hill, but Iris didn't seem to want to move any further. He brought his bag just in case. It was just them and a few other people, but they were leaving.

"Are you Okay; we're almost there?" Barry asked.

He was looking for a secluded spot to talk. "I don't know; why did you bring me here? I thought we were going to my job at Picture News."

"I wanted to talk so more," he replied. "It's not far, here, come with me," he said and held out his hand.

Iris wasn't sure about this, but she did trust him. She took his hand. They reached the top of the hill and looked out over the lake.

Barry sensed her apprehension. "Do you remember anything?" He asked.

"I don't know. What am I supposed to remember?"

Barry felt deflated, but he wouldn't give up. "Well, you and I, and someone else talked right over there just beyond that tree. Do you remember?"

"Someone else?" She narrowed her eyes remembering. "I'm confused, but it was you, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was, but the other one was a little older than me," he replied then he waited.

Her eyes lit up, remembering. "He said he was from the future, is that right?"

"Yes, what else do you remember?"

"I remember feeling sad and afraid to face the truth," she replied. Her eyes filled with tears.

"What truth, Iris?" He took her hand.

"The truth about you and me," she managed to reply.

"Go on," he prompted.

She swallowed. "What you said in the hospital, that we loved each other. It's true, isn't it?"

"It's true, Iris, we do," he said. "Do you remember anything else?"

"The bridge; the bridge; I remember what happened." Her eyes watered again.

"Here, let's sit down for a minute." He took her hands in his. "Go on."

"Eddie denied me. The yellow speedster assumed he was my boyfriend but Eddie refused it, and then," she couldn't finished. He pulled her close.

But before she says anymore, a voice came to them and it was him, the yellow speedster. His voice was disguised, but it was familiar. "Well, well, isn't this a cozy scene?"

They stood up moved further away. "Get behind me, Iris!" Barry instructed. He then twirled into his costume.

Iris gasped then she began to remember everything about that day and more.

Barry had the cold gun in his bag, but he would wait for the right time. All kinds of things were running through Barry's mind, but the one thing that stood out was, 'He won't get another chance to hurt her.' "Don't you come near her; I mean it."

"It's not her I want; it's you!"

"You got me!" Then they streaked toward each other.

"NO, BARRY, NO!" Iris screamed.

Then they fought; crashing into each other; rolling around on the ground. Their speed made it seem like a blur to Iris. All she could see was red and yellow streaks of lightning. It went on and on. Iris had her hand over her mouth. They were going to kill each other.

Terrified, she screamed again, "PLEASE STOP!"

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: It's Not Over, Daughtry.

A/N: I'm mean; sorry about that. The fight rages on, but who will get the upper hand? You have to come back in a week to find out. Thank you for reading. And please leave a comment/kudo if you get a moment. Thanks again.