Hopefully! this clears up some stuff with Barry. He IS hiding stuff, but its nothing to be suspicious about. Everything is chill...

Kagayaku Hoshi-chan: He's weird yeah. but i swear he's good. Hopefully this chapter calms those doubts. ^-^

lashayluv: Ooh, interesting, I wonder what you're worried about...

Enjoy!

Song for this chapter - Theme of Love ~ (piano)

Being Above-Board

~Lilly's POV~

"Oh come on…" Raph whined. "You know, I did the things I did to you, so that you would put down the book."

I sighed, finding the page I was previously on before Raph decided I needed a break. "My history final is tomorrow. Not only do I have to study, but I also have to get a good nights rest so if you would kindly go home and come back tomorrow, that'd be great."

Raph scoffed, "So you fuck me, then you kick me to the curb?"

I nodded, "Yes. My school is more important."

Raph sighed, yet he never moved an inch. He simply just watched me study. Next week was when I had to leave for California, my mother was packing like crazy while Barry was more concerned over his own parents than his baby. There is something off about Barry. He comes into this family out of nowhere, now I'm living in his house and he's marrying my pregnant mother. What was worrying me was about this whole mutant thing… He's hiding something and hiding it because of his job. "Raph…" He waited for me to continue. I shut my book, "Can I ask you something?"

He rolled his eyes and sighed, "What?"

I stared at my door, knowing that it was lock but still wanting to go over and make sure. "What do you think about Barry?"

He seemed caught off guard with my question, "Um…"

Before he could answer, I turned my body towards him. "He told me something about more and more people calling in about seeing mutants. I asked him if anything fit your description or your brothers' but he told me not to worry."

Raph eyes widened for a moment. He looked like I just told him someone died. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, every time he starts talking about it, he stops. But I think the government is taking this stuff seriously and is starting to do something about it and Barry is apart of that. I just can't figure out what it is." I said quietly. "Not only that, but whatever Barry's parents do makes him really weird. My mother and Ian always ask and I already know but I don't know why he's acting the way he is."

"Do you think he's doing something illegal?"

I shook my head, "I don't think so."

"I don't get the vibe that he's dangerous. I don't really get a vibe from him which is weird because I always get a vibe from people… I don't think he has the guts to do anything bad… Then again, he can be really mean. I've seen it."

"When?"

"When I went to go beat up John. I told you that someone got to him before us and…it was Barry."

"What?" I straightened up. I mean, I sorta figured that out, but it was just speculation or assumption, nothing was for sure. Now my whole illusion of Barry was starting to change. "What was he doing there?"

Raph shook his head, "He was…threatening John. And I mean really threatening him. I mean, he put a gun in his mouth and said he would kill him."

He did what?! "I can't believe this… I mean he told me he's met John before but I didn't think-"

"Now that I think about it, he did say something that's a little…suspicious."

"What did he say?"

"He said…" Raph shut his eyes so he could remember. "I think it was something like 'I thought I told you to show up in court today to admit you made up the accusations'."

He thought? What is that.. I shook my head, "This is starting to sound…I just don't like it."

Raph looked at me with a confused stare, "But I don't think he's doing-"

"No, you know what this sounds like? This sounds like he planned this whole thing."

"No it doesn't."

"Yes, it does." I through the covers off of me and grabbed my pajamas off the floor, hurrying to get them on. I was going to get to the bottom of this right now, whether anyone liked it or not. I felt like I was lied to, betrayed… We are living in this man's house but apparently he already knows enough about us.

"What are you doing?" Raph asked, sitting up from my bed as he rustled to get his things. "You are overreacting."

"Overreacting? This man led me to believe that he was a saint. He's given this family anything and everything we could ask for and now it just feels all fake. I don't like being played so I'm going to get to the bottom of this right now." I said before walking to the door.

Raph quickly ran out in front of me, "Lillian, you are not thinking rationally right now. You have to take a breather."

"That's rich coming from you, you know?" I snapped, moving to the right to avoid him. He moved around to block me off again. "Move."

"Lillian, it's almost midnight. They're probably sleeping." Raph warned.

"I don't care. If I wait any longer, this could get dangerous." I growled.

"If Ian finds out I'm here he'll be pissed."

Oh so that's what he's worried about! "If you're so scared, go home. I don't care. I'll do this alone." I unlocked the door and opened it.

"I'm not-" Raph slammed the door shut with his hand. "Stop it, look at me." He ordered. "I'm only saying that because if you go out that door and start an argument, I will have no choice but to follow you just in case."

I scoffed, "This damsel in distress fantasy you have painted of me is starting to get real old, Raphael. I don't need you to be my bodyguard. You and Ian with this machismo attitude you both have is annoying. Move your hand." I attempted to open the door once again but Raph slammed it shut once again.

"I don't know what that is." He said.

"It means you and Ian think I'm this delicate useless girl. Like I can't protect or do anything for myself. Well, I may not know how to fight, but that doesn't mean I want someone else doing it for me."

Raph started at me in almost amazement before frowning, "Lillian, I'm trying to be calm and give you a sec so you could think about-"

"I think you should move your hand because this involves the safety and the sanity of my pregnant mother." I stated as sternly as I could. Raph could tell that I wouldn't budge. Before long he let out a sigh and moved his hand.

"Fine. Go ahead."

I opened the door and walked out. If he thought I wasn't going to do this, he has another thing coming.

~Raph's POV~

Here we go. I opened my big mouth and now I have to suffer the consequences. I pissed off Lillian, now she's on a rampage and there's no stopping her.

I walked out of the room and ran after her down stairs. If she was going to get into an argument with anyone, I was going to be right there beside her whether she liked it or not. I heard her yell, "Barry!" and sped up my walking.

I found Lillian banging on her mother's closed bedroom door. "Open this door!" She yelled.

"Lillian, you-"

"Shut up." She snapped, causing me to jump back.

Barry opened the door in a t-shirt and pajama bottoms, looking confused and worried, "What's wrong?"

"You knew John before he went to jail, right?"

He blinked at the question, his eyes moved from her face to mine. "Hey, what is he doing here?"

"Answer the question. Did you or did you not know him before he went to jail?"

"Lillian, I don't know why you're bringing this up now-"

"Answer the question." I said.

He looked at me and then sighed. "No, I did not know him before-"

"Then why were you telling him to show up in court and admit that he was the one that made the accusations up?" She asked quickly.

Barry suddenly straightened, his eyes were wide with shock. "How do you-"

Lilly waved her finger in his face, "The look on your face tells me everything I need to know." She pushed her way inside the room, pushing Barry backwards. "You met John before and told him to make the accusations beforehand, didn't you?"

"What? No I-"

"You were trying to get rid of John so you made all of this up because you were just so obsessed with my mother. What was it you said, 'since you first saw her you knew you had to have her'? You were stalking her and obsessed with her because you're sick." Lillian snapped, probably saying more than she needed to.

Her mother lifted her head from the pillow, "Oh god, what is that thing doing in my room?"

"Not now mother. Barry has been lying to all of us this entire time." Lilly growled.

"What?" Her mother said, suddenly awake. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing, Lillian is just-"

"I'm regretting ever moving into this house. I'm also regretting ever thinking this whole thing is okay if everything started out with lies." Lilly said. "In fact, I don't think I'll give you another second of satisfaction. You may have gotten my mother but you will never get me. I'm leaving."

"Where are you going so late? And why is Raphael here?" Ian said from behind me. I'll admit, that made me jump a bit.

"Raphael has brought it to my attention that Barry made an entire plan to not only put John in jail but to also make me believe that he actually cared about this family. So I'm not sleeping here tonight. No one is going to stop me." Lilly said before looking at me. Ooh yay a sleepover at my place?

"What is she talking about Barry?" Lillian's mother asked, getting up out of bed.

"You have to let me explain because what you are thinking is not what happened at all." Barry said.

"Explain what?" Ian asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Barry sighed, going over to the bed. I just stared at Lilly. I know its not the appropriate time, but she was so adorable when she was mad. She can really intimidate grown men, fearless beyond belief. Man, did I love her.

"Tell Lillian how I found out about John." Barry told Lilly's mother.

Lillian's mother looked at the both of them, "Lillian-"

"Mom, he visited John and put a gun in his mouth and threatened to kill him if he didn't go to court and admit the charges were faked." Lillian turned to me. "What did he say again?"

I cleared my throat, "'I told you to show up in court and admit the accusations were fake' or something like that." I crossed my arms over my chest. "Then when John said no, Barry put a gun in his mouth and made John do as he said."

"What?" Her mother gasps.

Barry's eyes widened before he started for me, "You were following me?"

Lilly stood in front of him, almost like she was protecting me. How cute… "Why did you lie?"

"I didn't-" Barry stopped himself and sighed. "The day the social worker came and took you away was the same day your mother called me for help." He began. "I was able to get the voice recording of the phone call that was made. I showed that recording to your mother in private and I told her not to tell anyone because I was using my position to get it. She told me who it was on the other side of the phone call and I went looking. I found out where he hangs out, he's an alcoholic so it wasn't that hard to know where he was going to be. The first time, I told him if he were to do it, he'd get off fine. But the idiot wouldn't even take that offer. So then I paid him another visit and yeah, I may have been a little…forceful. But you were in a group home, your mother was hysterical all day everyday, and Ian was coming home it's the least I could have done. The very least. If I had my way, he'd be gone."

"You would have killed him?" Lillian asked with almost disgust in her voice.

"But I didn't. I needed him to go admit what he did and I may have put a little more on his charges but we all know he deserved it." I never agreed with him more. Lord knows I was probably going to kill him.

"Agreed." Ian said, causing Lilly to turn around and scoff. "Don't look at me like that. You knew how I felt about him. I'd kill that fucker in a second."

"Same." I said, knowing I was most likely going to get my ass whooped for saying that.

"God, you men and your emotions. They get mixed up with your ego and all hell breaks loose. Its disgusting the damage you can do without so much of second thought." Lilly spat at all of us.

I felt the room sort of grow darker than I expected it to be. Everyone faded out while just Lillian and I stood. I straightened myself when she looked at me with broken eyes, suddenly regretting ever speaking.

"Barry you told me you met John but I didn't expect this. When people said you could be mean, no one mentioned you could go psychotic." Lilly said, turning around to face him. "I don't trust you anymore." She said simply before walking out of the room. Maybe Barry didn't know this, but trust meant everything to Lillian.

Barry sighed, "Despite everything, I hope you two know that hurting John wasn't because I cared about Aniya, I'm also a decent person."

Ian chuckled, "You ever kill a man before Barry? There is no 'decent person' after that." Holy shit… This guy was scary. He gave my shoulder a pat. "Go home. It's almost midnight. Doesn't your father worry?" He asked, before heading back upstairs.

Barry looked at me, "I have no second intentions, Raph. Aniya is all I want."

"Barry, don't explain yourself to that thing. Come back to bed." Lillian's mother said.

"Ann, I don't think I can sleep after what Lillian said to me. I have to-"

I gave him a nod, "I got this." He really was a good guy. Just…I get the feeling that he may be a little crazy if you threaten anything that makes him happy. "Don't you ever hurt this family."

"I never wanted to."

"Well, now you have to prove it before you all go to California. Otherwise, Lilly will hate you." That was the last thing I said to him before I went upstairs. Before I even entered the room, I noticed Ian's door closing just as I walked up. Odd that he didn't go in and check to see if Lillian was alright. I walked into the room, finding her gathering things placing them in one giant gym bag. "Lillian…" I said as softly as I could.

Lilly turned around, tears running down her face. "I don't want to be here. Please, just take me to the lair. Or if you can't t-take me to April's. I don't want to be here." She sobbed, wiping the tears and continuing to pack.

"Lil', stop…look at me." I went up to her and touched her hands but she pulled away from me, and sat on the bed. I sighed, "You have to breathe."

Lillian shook her head, "Everything was nice and now its ruined." She started, wiping her nose. "Now, I'm terrified… I trusted to quickly."

"Lilly, you have a final tomorrow. You have to get some rest." I said, grabbing the gym bag and tossing it to the ground. I was going to tuck her in and then say goodnight, give her some time to rest and think, but when I touched her shoulder she grabbed my hand.

"Raph, please don't go." She begged.

I chuckled, "You know Ian will be pissed."

"Please," She asked as a tear fell from her eye. "I don't… I don't want to be hurt again. I'm scared he'll hurt me like John did and its all because I trusted him too fast."

I kneeled in front of her, shushing her. "He's not going to hurt you. He just wants what's best and your family. He may be hiding a lot, but I truly believe he cares." She seemed to stop crying all together. She wiped her tears, and nodded. "Okay?"

She swallowed whatever tears she had left and nodded, "Okay," she went over to her side of the bed and pulled the big poofy comforter over her body.

I sighed, standing up and walking over to the window.

"Raph," I turned around. "Stay..." she said once again.

I smiled at her vulnerability. Not very often I got to see her completely open herself emotionally. She's been doing that a lot lately. "Okay..." at least she wasn't giving me a whole bunch of crap for saying I'd be happy killing John. I took off all my equipment then slid into bed right next to her. She turned her back on me then reached over to grab my arm and drape it around her frame.

"Raph?" She said softly.

"Hmm..." I said with a sigh, burying my nose in her hair.

"Don't talk about killing people around me ever again." She said, her voice suddenly stern.

I stiffened at her seriousness. Before I could say anything, she continued.

"I get that you'd do anything for me, but... I don't want to lose you."

I frowned, "You won't lose me."

"If you kill, I will lose the part of you I love." She turned her body to face me. Bringing her hand up, she cupped my cheek. "I can't do anything about you fighting crime or whatever...but please...just don't."

I didn't say anything because I couldn't. Don't get me wrong, I don't have an urge to kill or something crazy like that. It's just that if something were to happen, I will do anything to protect my family and that does mean anything. Losing the human part of me is just something I am willing to throw away for the safety of the people I love. My arms tightened around her frame. "Okay, babe..."

The next morning, I woke up to Lilly getting out of the shower. She was in a rush so I assumed she was late.

I yawned and stretched out my muscles, "Morning babe,"

She smiled a small smile, "Morning... Ian is going to come in here at any moment. I think you should leave."

I nodded, "Yeah, I'm probably going to hear a bunch of stuff from Leo for not coming home." I sat up from the bed. "You okay?"

She nodded, "I'm good. There is a lot of stuff I have to think about but after my final." She went over to her closet and picked out a red sweater before throwing it on the bed. "I have to get dressed and put at least a little bit of concealer under my eyes."

The word 'think' made me scared. "Think? About?"

Lilly frowned, "You know, about Barry."

"Oh… It's just you were real upset and I don't want you to think while you're emotional."

She scoffed, "I'm aways emotional."

"Okay, but…" I sighed, pushing myself off of the bed and going over to her. "I just want to make sure you're fine. I don't want you to completely distrust Barry because-"

"The last thing I need is for you to defend him. Go home and let me get dressed."

I sighed, "Okay, I won't make you late. Last day of school..." I leaned in to kiss her and she backed away.

"Morning breath, ew."

"Really, you've kissed me when I've had way stronger on my breathe. Like-"

"Don't be a pig." She stopped me.

"I was gonna say garlic anchovy pizza. What were you thinking?" I said with an amused smirk at the blush that appeared on her cheek.

"Nothing, would you just leave before my cousin comes in here and beats your ass." She growled, pulling away from my embrace. "Come later at around 5 if you can..."

"I will. I'll text you if anything pops up." I said. I didn't want to leave because I knew how Lillian is. When it comes to her mom she can be mean to anyone and everyone, and I like Barry but it's not just that, I think Barry can actually take care of Lilly and her mother. They've been through so much and I think that with Barry they'll finally be able to live peacefully, without worrying about money or anything like that. I got my stuff and opened the window, "Good luck on your final babe." I said before I hopped out.

"Wait," I heard her yelp before sprint over to grab my hand.

I looked at her with concern, "Whats up?"

She sighed and gave me a kiss on the cheek, "Please, come by later."

"I will." I said with a smile. "I will babe." I kissed her cheek. "Good luck."

She finally was able to smile and I was glad that that's the way I left her. Let's just hope that when I come back I'll see the same thing.

~Lilly's POV~

Fucking disaster! That final was a disaster. I was tired, I forgot everything that I studied, I felt like crying into the test.

Someone jumped on my back and laughed, "Hey there shorty. Glad to finally be done with school?"

"Get off me, Casey. I'm not in the mood." I growled.

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, "When are you ever?"

"I'm serious! I'm almost positive I flunked history." I groaned. "Now I'm going to have to take the class again."

"Who cares? I've been taking the same English class for three years. Eventually they're gonna have to push you up just to get you out of here." Casey said with a shrug. "What, were you aiming for a 4.0?"

I laughed, "Not anymore."

We both walked over to my locker, "School really isn't going to take us far anyways."

"School takes us everywhere, Jones. I know where you're going just by your attitude." I said, putting in my combination. I only had a few books left to return, but at this point I just want to drop them off and go home and just take a nap.

"I'm going to work with my dad at his car dealership."

I narrowed my eyes, "Your dad owns a car dealership?"

Casey shrugged, "Kinda, he fixes cars, then sells them. He taught me everything he knows. He makes a quick buck and he's a high school drop out. Unfortunately, he wants me to at least graduate before I start to work with him." Casey has a plan set and seems fine. But his cocky attitude is only going to take him so far.

"Well, at least you're confident." I mumbled. "I'm probably going to end up on the streets."

Casey laughed, "You're most likely gonna have a happy life with Raph. You guys are gonna end up married with animals instead of children and blah blah blah and...a whole bunch of cheesy bullshit."

I laughed, "I'll entertain the animal idea because I definitely don't want children but married, ew." I took my books out of the locker and headed towards the library to drop off my books, totally unaware of whether or not Casey was following me.

"Can I ask you something?" Casey asked, popping up next to me.

We both entered the library, "What?"

"Um... Does April ever...ever talk about me?" He asked.

I slammed my books down on the counter, "Thanks for offering help. I'm a delicate flower it's not safe for me to carry a whole bunch of heavy books." I joked, ignoring his question. I ship Donnie and April not Casey and April although, I will admit there is a spark between the two.

Casey rolled his eyes, "Yeah yeah..."

I smiled at him being uncomfortable, "April never talks about boys. She's not like me."

"You don't talk about boys. You barely talk about Raph!"

"That's because I think it's cheesy, doesn't mean I don't want to. My pride gets in the way. Difference between April and I is that she literally doesn't think about boys. I think about Raph." Ew, can't believe I just said that. Why is it that I cringe when I say stuff like this?

Casey sighed, "He's your boyfriend. But, I bet before that, you couldn't stop thinking about him either. So... I wanna know if April is doing the same."

"Ask her. What am I, a mind reader?" I snorted. It's cute that Casey is curious. "Or how about this... Go up to April and tell her," I leaned in and whispered to him, "I like you a lot."

Casey looked at me to see if I was serious before he scoffed, "I don't like her."

Oh okay, I've seen this game before. Eventually he's either going to burst at the seams or just move on. "You don't?"

"No,"

I smiled, "You know, Raph said the same thing to me before and after we kissed for the first time." I said, giving his arm a little nudge. I took my books and made sure whoever was in charge saw that I dropped them off. "At least Raph was a little more convincing." I teased before walking out of there

I didn't hear Casey say anything or even make a noise.

"How was it?" Raph asked, entering my room.

"How was what?" I asked, giving him a kiss.

"The final?"

I shook my head, "I don't want to think about it. No. I almost cried after I walked out of the classroom. I forgot everything!"

Raph frowned, "That's because you have so much on your mind. Did you make up with Barry?"

I narrowed my eyes in annoyance, "No. He's been at work all day. And I don't plan on doing anything so don't even try to convince me."

"Lillian, he's going to marry your mother whether you're pissed at him or not. You're going to change anything."

"That's not my goal, Raphael. I just don't...I don't trust him anymore."

Raph laughed almost in amazement, "Why? Because he wanted John dead but never really did anything to him." Raph crosses his arms over his chest. "Not as much as I would have done anyways."

I glared at him, "What did I tell you?" I snapped. "What did I tell you? Just last night? See, this is why I'm always hesitant to be vulnerable around you or anyone, it just bites me in the ass or you don't even care."

He sighed, "Oh come on Lillian, now I don't care?"

"I'm not saying you don't care about me, I'm saying you don't care about how hard it is to be vulnerable around you." I laughed. "No. Fuck it. You don't know how hard it is to be vulnerable around men."

"Men? What does-"

"I am surrounded by guys who are so proud and egotistical. And all my life I have been surround by the same type of guys. And you know what they were all prone to, Raph?" I asked, it was rhetorical but man did I want him to take a wild guess. "This will sound familiar. Violence. All of them. I'm in love with a ninja who literally beats up bad guys for a living. Apparently Barry is quick to kill someone who didn't do anything to him. And Ian, went to war and only God knows what he did wherever he was." I ran my fingers through my hair as I nervously shifted my stance. I was getting angry and emotional. "For once, I don't want to be scared."

"Why are you scared, Lillian?" Raph asked, his tone was almost as if reacting to me being dramatic.

I couldn't believe the nerve... "Because..." I felt my voice shake. "My mother's boyfriend beat me. My first boyfriend did unspeakable things to me. And my dad died a horrific death. All my life has been violence whether it be psychical, emotional, or sexual and in my fathers case, sickness. For once I don't want to have to worry about seeing that shit happen again." I turned to walk out of the room but stopped when I noticed Ian standing in the doorway with his eyes wide open. I felt my stomach literally fall out of my ass. I've never been so scared in my life.

Ian looked like he was angry or in shock but most of all, he looked sad. "I...What?" He asked with a gasp.

I suddenly felt like the room was collapsing around me. My lungs were so tight that when I tried to suck in a quick breath all that was heard was a squeak leave my mouth. I clutched my hand to my heart, pulling my shirt away from my chest in hopes that it would make my breathing better. I felt tears fall from my face and slide down my neck almost out of nowhere along with the cold sweat that appeared down my back and around my head.

"Boyfriend...I...he..." Ian's eyes shifted to Raph. "You..." he took a step into my room, his fists clenching at his sides.

I suddenly felt light headed. I reached my hand out to grab something before touching my head. My knees buckled beneath me and I suddenly felt Raph's arms around me. When I knew I was safe I just gave up and then...everything went fuzzy. I could see Raph's mouth moving but I couldn't hear anything. Maybe I was passing out. Maybe it was a panic attack. Raph didn't really seem to panic, he just wiped my face and helped me to my feet, or tried to at least.

"Come on, babe. Just breathe." I kept hearing. "Ian, open the window."

My eyes never left Raph's. Those green pools brought a sort of calmness to me. Raph's hands were wiping my tears away and his touch sorta brought the air back into my lungs. Jesus, this man really is something isn't he. I slowly began wheezing, then coughing, then hyperventilating, then eventually, after Raph was saying 'breathe' over and over again, I was able to think like a normal human being. I pushed Raph away from me and felt myself fall onto the floor. "L-Let me..." was all I could get out.

Ian kneeled in front of my, fanning my face. "Ya esta... Ya no llores, mi niña. Ya todo va estar bien." He was telling me not to cry. He was telling me that everything was alright. He sounded like a father for a second there. I saw tears form in his eyes, "My poor baby..." he whispered before gathering me in his arms.

I wasn't crying, I was just listening to him crying, and apologizing. "I failed. I failed. I failed your father in protecting you. I failed. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry mija..."

I didn't really feel sad hearing someone apologize for that. I think it was the first time someone had every apologized for that. I pulled away after a while. "Ian, you did nothing."

"I left you. I left you and your mother and I should have stayed. I'm sorry...I'm so-"

I shook my head, "You're not the one that should be apologizing..."

He nodded, "I am. I am..."

I smiled, "No..." I pulled away from his embrace. "I have to... I need to take a breath of fresh air for a moment." Raph helped me to my feet. I needed to clear my head. Not only did I have the worst day, now I had to go on a trip across the country with a guy that I didn't really trust. I almost passed out in front of Ian because he found out my deepest secret and... I just had a lot to think about. I'll do it in the backyard...

~Raph's POV~

After about an hour of waiting for Lilly to come back into the room, and awkwardly trying to calm Ian down and tell him that anything that happened to Lilly was not his fault and that Lilly was not mad at him, Lillian finally came back I to the room. Her eyes were red and puffy, indicating that she had continued crying, but she came in the room with a smile.

Ian was sitting at the edge of her bed when she came in, he looked up at her before wiping his face in case of any tears. "You good, babe?"

She nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. I just need to wash my face and I'll be fine."

Ian pushed himself off of the bed and went to her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders, Lilly returned the hug. I smiled at the both of them, it honestly felt like a father and his daughter were hugging right in front of me. Ian pulled away, kissed her forehead, "Your father would be...immensely proud at how strong you are. As am I..." he turned around and gave me a nod before walking out of the room.

Lilly let out a big breath, "I have to go..." she said before heading to the bath room.

I followed her, just standing in the doorway looking at her with...admiration I guess.

Lilly splashed water on her face then looked at me with one eye closed, "I know I look horrible but could you...not stare?"

"You're beautiful..." I chuckled. "A little puffy, but still beautiful."

Lilly splashed more water on her face before grabbing a hand towel and dried her face. "Liar..." she took one look in the mirror, frowning at her reflection before coming to me. "Can you just...hug me?"

I smiled, opening my arms and wrapping them around her frame. She just stayed there in my chest, matching her breathing with mine. "Lil'," I began, kissing her head. "I'm sorry if I…brought up any bad memories or uh…" she looked up at me. "I don't know…If you felt like I was pressuring you into making up with Barry."

She smiled, "I forgive you. But you were right about the Barry thing… I need to talk to him tonight. There are somethings that need to be said before this whole trip."

I nodded, that was a relief. I was finally right about something for once. This was a rare moment, I should savor it while it lasts.

"But I want you there with me."

"Yeah, of course."

"I was thinking about talking to him alone but…I need some support. I'm not…strong enough to do this alone." She said finally wrapping her arms around my waist.

"No, you are… You're strong enough, you just don't know it yet."

Lilly stared at me for a while before smiling sweetly, she gave me a little kiss on the chin before sighing peacefully. "Thanks…"

"And I hope you know...I love it when you're vulnerable because I know how hard it is for you. I never want to break that trust."

She nodded, "I know."

We waited until Barry came home from work at around 9 o'clock. Lilly and I were laying in bed, I was looking at her while she was staring up at the ceiling. I was a little worried because she hasn't said a word to me in a while. When I draped my arm over midsection, she didn't really react though.

"Babe," I called.

She rested her hand on mine, "Hmm…"

"You okay?" I asked.

She nodded, "Just thinking…"

I decided not to bother her, when she's in this type of mood she liked to be left alone but I'm surprised she wants me here with her.

There was a knock at the door so I looked up, seeing Barry almost hesitantly walking into the room. Lilly didn't move, she just kept taking deep breaths. Probably to calm her nerves. "Lillian...?"

Lilly sat up and sighed, "Barry, we need to talk."

Barry looked at me, expecting me to leave. I just rested my head on my hand like a cocky mother fucker and smiled at him. "O...kay..."

"Just in case I have another panic attack, Raph is staying." Lilly said.

Barry's eyes changed from hesitant to concerned, "You had a panic attack."

Lilly shook her head, "Yeah, today wasn't a good day."

"Was I the cause of it?"

"No...it was a lot of reasons." Lilly took a couple more deep breaths before she stood up. "Barry, I don't want to be taken advantage of or get hurt."

"I'm not trying to do either."

"Yeah well, I don't know that. You're weird." She said simply. "You come into my life suddenly. I know you for two months now I'm gonna have a baby brother or sister, you're marrying my mom and moving us to a new big house... Then Raph is telling me that you can turn super violent super quickly and that worries me."

"Well, it's not like I have an anger problem." Was that a jab at me? I don't think it was but I feel attacked. "I just don't have an sympathy for guys who cause so much pain. With my place in the police force, I have to hide some things from everyone not just you."

"I get that. It's just with certain questions you freak out and that's a red flag for me. Like...your parents. What's up with it's that?"

Barry's eyes widened for a split second, it caught my attention causing me to pay attention to every little thing about it him. "My parents...they're worried about...me. That's all."

"You say on thing but your demeanor says another." Lilly walked over to him, so I sat up throwing my feet over the edge of the bed. "Why are they worried Barry?"

"They don't want me to get hurt. Just like you don't want your mother to get hurt."

"Yeah well, there is a reason why you didn't want to talk to me about your parents. 'Let me tell your mother'. Tell my mother what and did you even tell my mother?"

Barry scratched the back of his head, "Lillian, as much as I want to be honest with you, not that I haven't been, I just think that the conversation about my parents is between your mother and I. I'm sure your nothing will understand."

"So you haven't told her?"

"That's between your mother and I."

"Well, excuse me if I call bullshit. There is no 'between your mother and I' and let me tell you why." Lilly suddenly snapped. I know this guy may be a little over the top sometimes. What with the holding a gun o John's head and all that. But I don't think he's stupid enough to do anything to Lilly. I will be on his ass in a split second and then after Lilly pulls me away from him, Ian will continue what I started. So he's not stupid, but I still couldn't help but ready myself just incase. "You are not marrying my mother right now. You are still her boyfriend for all I care and once you marry her, guess who's going to be a big part of your life after? Oh funny, yeah that's me. So whatever you're hiding Bartholomew, you tell both of us."

Bartholomew…what type of biblical, 1920's weird shit, name was that?

Barry closed his eyes and sighed, he reached behind him and closed the door. "Fine… You wanted this."

Lilly crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

"My parents have known privilege their entire life. Money, houses, cars, vacation homes, private planes…" He looked at me then back at Lilly. Hey dude, I'm just as uncomfortable as you are. "I am their only son, so they've been a little controlling about my life for it's entirety."

"So?" Lilly said impatiently.

"So…they controlled everything. What schools I'd go to, where I would work, when I would move and where I would move to…who I would date."

I hope this isn't going where I think it's going…

Barry sighed, "About 10 or so years ago, I took it on myself to get away from that controlling way of life and live on my own. I moved out here, joined the police academy and never spoke about my parents. But of course, there's the internet and everyone thinks that I bought my way up to where I am now. I have to earn my respect and so…I let myself snap sometimes. Only on bad guys, and that's just to get whatever I need and go. Going to see John was against the law you know? I'm not supposed to interfere with an investigation that I'm not involved in, but I did. And keeping Raph's identity a secret is technically making me dirty, you know? So it's not like I haven't done anything to prove to you that I'd do anything for your family."

Lilly scoffed, "We are not forcing you to do anything Barry."

"I know, Lillian." He grounded out.

"Why is keeping me a secret making you dirty?" I said knowing I wasn't going to make anything better.

"Because-" Barry stopped his voice from getting too loud. He sighed heavily before looking at Lillian. "What I'm trying to say is that I have sacrificed a lot…and not because I had to but because I wanted to." He placed his hands on Lillians shoulders. "I never meant to betray your trust but I did what I did to help you and your mother."

"Why aren't you talking to my mother about your parents?" Lilly asked.

"Because they… They're very picky with who I date. Last person I was with, I was with her for 2 years. She was a model, her mother was a fashion designer while her father was some type of philanthropist. My mother and her mother planned the whole thing, for us to get together. We both at first knew it was arranged but then after a while…you're with someone for so long that you eventually just…" He sighed. "We broke up because we both wanted to get away from our parents but in different ways. She wanted to sign a contract with a different molding agency somewhere in Europe and…I wanted to help people. My parents don't like me dating anyone that's not…"

"Rich?"

Barry winced before nodded slowly, "Unfortunately, they are that shallow. Your mother is pregnant, I don't want to worry her."

"So, you're gonna wait till the wedding to tell her that your parents are assholes?"

"No… I am going to tell her soon. But it has to be just her and I." Barry said. "I care about you, Lillian. I really do. I'm not a psychopath… I'm just…"

Lilly sighed, "I know, Barry. I know. I get it. I don't like violence. I don't want it near me or that baby. That's all I ask."

"I do what I can to protect those I love is all I say." Barry said. That wasn't what Lillian wanted to here.

"That's not what I wanted to hear, Barry. I'm serious."

Barry sighed, "Lillian, I will do anything to protect you." That's my line buddy. He gave Lilly a pat on the head before kissing her forehead. "I don't promise that I won't give it my all in protecting you guys, especially from John. I would rather him get hurt before you or your mother. I will continue to do that." He said before looking over at me and giving me a nod then leaving the room.

Lillian turned around with an almost defeated look on her face. That isn't what she wanted. I'm not telling her this but having everyone become a pacifist only because she doesn't like violence is really ridiculous and unrealistic. "Now, I don't know how to feel."

I smiled, giving the bed a pat. "I think you need a little nap."

Lilly stopped moving before giving me a suspicious look, "This isn't like a nap where I lay down and you…go down, is it?"

I rolled my eyes, "No, you dork." I pushed myself up and back to lay down on the bed, that I was starting to like more than my own bed. "Just lay down. You're done with school, next week you're going on a trip, for now…you just need a good night's rest okay?"

She grabbed the edge of her comforter and lifted I up so she could tuck herself underneath it. I draped my arm around her, pulling her close to me. "Am I going to wake up like this or are you going to be gone?" She asked.

"No babe, I'll be here." I said with a smile, placing a kiss on her head.

What is barry hiding about his job? What are his parents like? You guys will find out soon enough, nothing to be worried about. Next chapter... Trip to California. Ignore the mistakes pls!