100 Ways

86. You're important too.

Barry slipped into the apartment later that night. It was dark, but it wasn't that late. Still, he wasn't sure if Eddie would already be asleep. He was at least already in bed.

He set his keys carefully in the dish and hung up his jacket, then crossed the apartment to the bedroom door. When he pushed open the door, Eddie was sitting in bed reading by the lamplight.

"Hey," Barry said softly, smiling as Eddie grabbed his bookmark and set the book on his bedside table.

"How did it go?" Eddie asked.

"Kinda awkward at first," Barry admitted, sitting at the edge of the bed. "We didn't really know what to say to each other, but once the conversation got rolling it was okay."

"That's good," Eddie said. "Do you have any future plans?"

"No, not right now," Barry said. "She told me to tell you hi."

Eddie snorted.

"I know." Barry shook his head.

"Well, I'm glad it went well."

"Me too." Barry stood up and pulled his shirt over his head, then slipped out of his pants and under the covers. "I just sort of forgot how important she is to me. Tonight reminded me of that."

Eddie hummed in the back of his throat as he reached for his lamp and turned it off. Barry turned and put his head on Eddie's chest, his fingers playing with Eddie's short chest hair. Eddie's arm settled around Barry's shoulders.

"You're important too," Barry said. "I don't want you to ever forget that."

"I won't," Eddie replied, "so long as you keep reminding me."

"I'll remind you every day if that's what it takes."

Eddie laughed. "Barry, I…"

Barry's heart stopped in his chest. His fingers stilled, and he found himself holding his breath.

"I, ah, think you're the most important person in my life," Eddie finished. "Other than, like, my parents. But you're definitely like top five."

Barry laughed, his chest deflating with…relief? Regret? He would have to decipher that later.

"You're in my top five too."

"Above Iris, though?"

"Yes, dear, above Iris."

"Good."

Barry laughed and rolled his eyes. "Now go to sleep."

"Sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams."