Salutations! Welcome to another chapter. This one focuses on character development, so not much action. That said, I'm trying to get the other chapters edited and posted quickly, but I'm working on a number of other things as well. Please feel free to leave me suggestions or questions. I actually have a lot more than what I've written figured out. To all who have left me comments and reviews previously, big Thanks! I really appreciate it! Enjoy! - CT
Chapter 13: Partners
While Cisco and Artemis worked downstairs, Joe and Hallow sat in the kitchen sharing a quiet cup of tea. After the team had regrouped, Artemis had warned them all to be careful about what they said in the common areas. The cyborg pointed out that due to Hartley's hearing loss, the Pied Piper might have learned how to read lips. The two police detectives were doing their best to appear as a simple couple, but Joe wasn't sure how to act around the other man.
"So," Hallow began, pausing to sip at his tea. "How exactly did you end up being friends with the man who blew a hole in Central City?" There was a long silence as Joe tried to decide how to respond. He wasn't certain he liked the way Hallow had referred to Harrison.
"I was always close with Barry. He and Iris were best friends growing up. Kid spent so much time in my house, I felt like he was my own," Joe began. "When Barry was struck by the lightening, he might as well have been my son. Iris and I watched him die over and over again until along came Harrison Wells, wheelchair and all. He convinced me to let him take Barry to S.T.A.R. labs. They stabilized the kid which allowed his body to heal." He shrugged and sipped at his own tea.
"So, what, you just bonded over Barry's body?" Hallow arched an eyebrow.
"You trying to get a rise out of me?" Joe frowned angrily at the other man.
"Maybe," Hallow replied. "Good to know what you value." He watched Joe carefully as he slurped at his tea.
"What I value is my friendship with Harrison Wells. He's saved Barry, Cisco, Caitlin, Iris, and me more times than I'd like to count. Through it all, he never asked for much. I'd recommend you get to know the man before you pass judgement." Joe gave the man a stern look.
"I'll do my best," Hallow agreed. "A man who inspires the dedication and loyalty of so many others is of great interest to me."
"Yeah? Why is that?" Joe studied the other man. Now dressed in sweatpants and a Marines tee shirt, Hallow looked oddly at home in Harrison's kitchen, his silver hair shining in the bright lights.
Hallow shrugged. "Strong leaders can make or break a city. What kind of man is Harrison?"
"The best. Loyal, smart, kind, loving." Joe shook his head, uncertain what else he could say.
"Maybe you should be dating him instead of me." The statement was dry, devoid of amusement. It made Joe narrow his eyes and intently study the silver haired man across from him. "A joke," Hallow clarified, reaching out and running a finger over the hand Joe had resting on the table. "I'm afraid I'm not certain how to behave. I mean, clearly Harrison is important to you, but I know nothing about him. You never talk about him."
"I don't?" Joe looked surprised as he realized that Hallow was right. "Well, that might be because some of our adventures are a bit hard to swallow."
"Yeah? I understand that Wells and his team are knee deep in helping us take on the meta-humans. From what I've seen, looks like maybe they've been at it for a bit longer without the police." He cocked his head to one side, his bright blue eyes focused on Joe. They weren't as bright as Harrison's, those blue eyes, but there was something about the way they took everything in as Hallow gazed across the table at Joe.
"Maybe," Joe answered noncommittally. "I just wish he'd wake up soon. Caitlin says his body is slowly starting to heal, but we don't know what condition his mind is in. There was so much damage." Sighing, Joe dropped his head into his hand. To his shock, Hallow stood and came around the table to sit next to him. Letting their legs touch, the other man rubbed a hand on Joe's back and then leaned in to drape his arm across Joe's shoulders.
"With friends like you and the others here," Hallow began, letting his head rest against Joe's in a very intimate way. "I'm certain that Harrison will be okay." Joe took a deep breath and let it out, nodding his head against the other man's. If Hartley hadn't known what the two men were supposed to be, this little show should help clarify any questions.
"Thanks. You know the really dumb thing? Harrison blamed everything that went wrong on himself. Fool thought he'd brought nothing but misery to this city," Joe answered softly. Smiling gently at him, Hallow kissed him briefly on the lips before standing and taking Joe's hand.
"I'll help you convince him otherwise when he wakes up. For now, let's head to bed," Hallow said, tugging gently on Joe's hand. Clinging to the other man, Joe allowed himself to be pulled to his feet and led down the hallway. Once they were in the bedroom they were sharing, they pulled apart.
"Damn man," Joe marveled, shaking himself. "You are good."
"And you," Hallow agreed. He went over to the sleeping bag he'd spread on the floor earlier. "You okay? Felt like that wasn't all just a show."
"Because it wasn't," Joe agreed. "Everything I told you about Harrison is true. He's my best friend and I've been trying really hard to be a rock for him, but." He shrugged and sunk down onto the bed. "Sorry. Didn't mean to dump that stuff on you."
"West, you've lost two partners in less than two years. Close partners. Your daughter has been through the ringer, nearly losing her best friend, and actually losing her fiance. I understand. Let the emotions out. Trust me, holding them is no damn good." Apparently finished speaking, Hallow settled down on the sleeping bag and seemed to be asleep almost instantly. For a long moment, Joe studied the other man. Clearly Hallow had been speaking from experience. Knowing that for now, at least, the subject was closed, Joe settled into the bed and tried not to think about his comatose friend in the other room.