Did you think the story was over? Final chapter! After attending the David Bowie tribute at the bar, Harry must now get the drunk trio home safe and sound while still dressed as Blackstar himself! Comments welcomed as always! No beta - all my own mistakes. I did try to catch them all. Sorry for the delay! -CT
Caitlin's Apartment Building
Giggling echoed down the hallway as Caitlin leaned heavily against Harry. "Come on Snow," Harry grumbled, trying to get the woman to walk without leaning against him. "Can't you walk straight?"
"You know," Caitlin slurred, flailing fingers near his face. "You sing and dance very swell." She stumbled, but Harry caught her. "Oh, and you can catch too." More giggles erupted from the female doctor, bouncing off the walls in the apartment building hallway.
"And you cannot hold your alcohol," Harry complained as he attempted to get Caitlin standing. When she resisted, he sighed in exasperation and lifted her into his arms. It dragged more explosive laughter from the woman. As for Harry, it made his shoulder scream in pain, but he wasn't about to let Caitlin fall and hurt herself.
"Caitlin!" A little old woman poked her head out of the door closest to them. "Oh, what on earth are you doing to Dr. Snow?" She glowered at Harrison.
"Trying to get her home," Harry informed the woman as he strained to hang on to the squirming Caitlin. He shuffled his feet forwards, hoping the nosy neighbour would either help or go away.
"Oh dear," the neighbour said. "Do you need help?"
"Yes. Which apartment?" Harry grunted. The old woman started to respond but then stopped and glared at him with eyes narrowed.
"Who exactly are you?" The woman demanded. She squinted her eyes suspiciously and looked Harry up and down.
"Her Uncle David," Harry finally answered. This drew another round of insane giggling from Caitlin.
"Isn't he cute?" Caitlin said to her neighbour.
"Apartment," Harry growled.
"She's never mentioned an Uncle David before," the old woman said, peering at the two standing in the hallway.
"David Jones," Harry said, nodding. "Look, if you can't or won't help me." With a grunt, Harry put Caitlin down and grabbed her purse. "I will figure this out myself."
"Rude," Caitlin grumbled. It earned her an eye roll from Harry.
"Which apartment," Harry said desperately. "Allen and Ramon are still in the car downstairs. Please, before one of them decides to decorate the interior with stomach contents. Come on." Their matching contact eyes met and for a brief lucid moment, she seemed to relent in her torture.
"That one," Caitlin slurred with a nod at the next door down. "I'd give you my keys, but you shook those already."
"Took," Harry automatically corrected as he pulled her keys out of his pocket. "Come on dear." Taking her by the elbow, Harry guided her to the apartment door and unlocked it.
Coming after them, the old woman called out, "Are you going to rape and murder her?"
"Of course, let me do exactly that," Harry snarled, whirling to face the little old lady.
Catching hold of his left hand, Caitlin tugged him back. "Come on Uncle David, I need you to tuck me into bed before you take care of Cisco and Barry," she said, smiling brightly. Glowering at the old woman, Harry sighed and turned back to Caitlin, allowing her to drag him inside the apartment. Wobbling on her feet, the female doctor slammed the door shut and nearly fell on her face. Luckily, Harry managed to catch her and drag her into the living area where he deposited her on the couch.
"I'm going to get you some water and leave it here beside the couch. Make sure you drink it throughout the night," Harry instructed, getting up after making sure she was settled on the couch. As he turned his back to her, he jumped, whirling to glower at her.
"Nice sass," Caitlin giggled, her hand still hovering where she'd pinched his backside. Growling softly under his breath, Harry decided to ignore the comment and quickly raced to the kitchen. He found some sort of sport drink half-empty in the fridge. He filled it the rest of the way with water and then carried it back to her.
"Drink this throughout the night and it should help reduce your hangover," Harry explained to the inebriated female doctor. "Now, I'm going to go take care of Mr. Ramon and Mr. Allen. Good night, Snow." He started to head out, thinking she was already asleep, but her hand shot out and caught his left, causing him to bite back a cry of pain.
"I care," Caitlin mumbled as he turned back to face her. "Never think I don't," she finished, her eyes wide and serious.
"I know, Snow. Get some rest and drink some fluids," Harry replied softly. He watched her eyes flutter shut before he left, making sure the door locked behind him.
"Did you rape her?" Demanded the irritating neighbour.
"I got her some water and made sure she was settled into bed on her couch. I didn't even go into her bedroom. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get her drunk friends home safe and sound. Good night," Harry answered, starting down the hallway. He wondered if Snow would remember her behaviour the next day.
West House
Joe looked up as he heard the sound of a key in the lock and the door opened a moment later. "Okay, in we go," Harry's voice carried into the house, followed by a swaying Barry. "Easy. Good." Joe watched, unnoticed, as Harry paused Barry long enough to close the door. "Snow might have to rework that formula. It seems to be having a last effect."
"My room's upstairs," Barry slurred, taking a step and almost stumbling. Lunging forwards, Harry managed to catch the speedster and get him straightened up.
"Definitely having a lasting effect. Okay. Take the steps slowly," Harry instructed, taking Barry's arm and pulling it over his own shoulders. "At least your aren't as bad off as Snow was," Harry mused.
"Caitlin's gonna be mad at you," Barry teased. "She said you're not supposed to be moving that shoulder."
"Caitlin was too inebriated to care twenty minutes ago," Harry shot back. "Step up."
"You know you're gonna have to wear the sling tomorrow," Barry's voice traveled down the steps and then faded as the two men continued upstairs. Joe listened to the sounds of Harry getting Barry settled into bed and was waiting when the scientist came down the stairs.
"Detective West," Harry paused, one foot on the last step as he faced an angry looking Joe.
"What the hell did you do to him?" Joe demanded, arms angrily crossed over his chest.
"Put him to bed," Harry instantly answered, taking the last step so that he and Joe were on the same level.
"I meant, why is he in that state?" Joe growled softly.
"Oh. Dr. Snow made some highly concentrated alcohol so that Barry could get drunk. Unfortunately, I fear he overdid it," Harry supplied, trying his best to stay calm and just answer the detective's questions.
"Why you?" Joe glared at the man, studying him, trying to read the tired look.
"Designated Driver," Harry supplied. "If you don't mind, I have Ramon passed out in the car. He's the last one I have to get home."
"We're not done here," Joe grumbled.
"Look, I get it. I fucked up and nearly got your daughter killed trying to save mine. I'm sorry. I will do everything in my power to put this right. At this moment, I have a drunk in my car who might be awake and doing God knows what in my backseat! If it didn't have parent safety locks, I would be worried he was out roaming the streets. You can yell at me when everybody is sober! Now, can I please get Ramon home?" Harry shifted his weight, his right arm drifting up to his left shoulder only to be dropped when he realized what he was doing.
"Something wrong with your arm?" Joe had seen the motion, spotted the pain in the other man's eyes.
"Nothing important. I have another person to get home. You can finish lecturing me another day." Letting out a soft sigh, Harry turned and left the house, Joe watching him go.
Ramon Family House
Harry stopped the car and glowered at the house next to them. Behind him, Ramon snored softly. The young engineer had felt compelled to tell Harry the entire story of how he'd come to be living with his parents once more. As much as he tried to keep his distance, the older man felt the group worming their way under his skin. Despite having to deal with the advances of the drunken Snow, the silliness of an inebriated Allen, and the snores of the sleeping Ramon, Harry felt an odd affection building in his feelings for them. Sighing and shaking his head, he got out of the car and opened the rear passenger side. At least Ramon had willingly buckled himself. Allen had fought him on it. Muttering to himself, Harry reached across the younger man to get him unbuckled. With a snort, Ramon awoke, blinking owlishly at the man leaning over him.
"Harry?" Cisco frowned as he stared at the familiar face. Something was wrong with the other man's eyes and hair.
"Yes, Ramon. Come on, this is the last stop," Harry said, getting the seat belt undone and carefully helping the younger man from the car. As he climbed from the vehicle, Cisco remembered the night. While he'd consumed a great deal of alcohol, he wasn't as bad off as Caitlin and Barry.
"Thanks for the ride, Harry," Cisco said, taking more control of his body and straightening up. "I'll take it from here. If my parents see you, they might mistake you for the Dr. Wells of this earth."
"Okay." As Cisco headed up the walk, he was aware that Harry stood waiting by the car, ballcap pulled down low. The front light flicked on and Momma Ramon was pushing the door open, words pouring from her mouth rapid fire. "No, I didn't drive," Cisco assured her, catching about half of what she was lecturing him about. "My buddy Harry dropped me off." He turned and waved at the still waiting older man. "He didn't drink any alcohol. He was the designated driver." Stumbling into the house, Cisco continued to assure his mother, hearing the car start and drive off once the front door was closed. Interesting. Harry had made sure Cisco made it safely inside before driving away. How thoughtful. Seemed the man from Earth 2 was just full of surprises.
Early Morning, Hospital
The knock at the door was so soft that Iris almost didn't hear it. When she looked to the door she was surprised to see Harrison Wells shuffle into the room, hat pulled down low to hide his face, his left arm in a sling and a bouquet of flowers clutched tightly in his right hand. Moving silently, he deposited the flowers on her table and turned, getting ready to leave the room. "They're beautiful. Thank you," Iris called out, stopping him in his tracks. Turning slowly, he lifted his head so that she could clearly see his face, mismatched eyes looking odd.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you," Harry replied, his eyes avoiding hers.
"I was already awake. I've done so much sleeping recently that I woke up early," Iris replied. "Why don't you come have a seat." She motioned at the chair with her right hand. A look of surprise and terror crossed his face.
"I don't want to bother you," he declared.
"I could use the company," Iris countered. "Come on, I don't bite."
"Maybe I do," came his quick response. Iris fixed a determined gaze on him. "Sorry. I should go." Once more he turned to leave.
"Stop," Iris ordered. To her amusement, he stopped in his tracks. "Now turn that butt around and get it over here in this chair." Giving her a sideways look, he let out a long sigh, and came over to sit. "So, flowers, and a thumb drive?" Iris arched an eyebrow at him as she looked at the thumb drive he had left with the flowers.
"The least I could do," he replied.
"No, the least you could have done would be to keep quiet and keep stealing Barry's speed," Iris shot back. He blinked confused eyes at her. "Dad told me everything. He's really pissed at you by the way." Reaching out, she took his chin gently in her hand and turned his head so she could see the faint bruising along his jaw. "Is that his handiwork?"
"Dr. Snow may have added to it," Harry admitted.
"Caitlin hit you?" Iris arched an eyebrow and suppressed a laugh.
"I was a dick," Harry replied immediately.
"I see. The sling?" Iris motioned at his left arm and his eyes flicked to the sling and then back up to her face.
"Dr. Snow being over cautious. I'd not use it, but I figure getting hit by her once was more than enough." He looked around, but returned his gaze to her as Iris shook her head.
"What happened to your arm?" Iris held his gaze.
"Nothing that really matters," he answered back. "My badge of cowardice, I suppose."
"Zoom?" Iris studied him and tried to sit up more flinching in pain.
"Careful," he said, immediately standing and moving to help her. "Here." Gently he helped her shift into a more comfortable position before stepping back and looking her over with a critical eye. Frowning, he fluffed her pillow, made sure her feet were covered, and pulled her blanket up some. "You should rest."
"Daddy mode suits you," Iris decided, amused to see a look of confusion flash across his face only to be replaced with a blush. "Stay, talk to me. What's on this thumb drive?" She waggled the drive between her thumb and forefinger.
"Last night," Harry responded. "I got the feeling that you were supposed to be there so I figured I could at least record it for you. Barry is a very good singer."
"No way, you recorded the entire night?" Excitedly Iris pulled her computer over and inserted the USB drive.
"I hacked the security feeds and downloaded everything that I could find that you might have wanted to see," Harry informed her.
"How did you guys do with the costume contest?" Iris happily started clicking through pictures, saddened to see the lost and lonely look in Harry's eyes in so many of them. A father without his daughter. Frowning, she leaned forwards to study one of the photos.
"Oh, we won best group costume for covering the greatest span of his career," Harry answered.
"What did you do to your hair?" Grinning, Iris reached up and knocked his hat off, revealing the wild gray hair beneath. She'd not been able to get a very good look at it when she had skyped with Barry. "Oh that is just too perfect."
"And a tad more permanent than Ramon led me to believe." Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. "I was rather hoping I'd see Cisco dressed up as Jareth," Harry continued, stooping to pick up his hat. "Oh well. So, you like it?" He motioned at the drive.
"I love it. Cisco as the Goblin King," Iris mused. "I think Barry would have filled the costume out more."
"Perhaps, but I think Cisco has more of the theatrical flair," Harry countered.
"I don't know. Barry can be pretty dramatic." Iris smiled, happy to see a ghost of a smile flicker over his face. She motioned at the thumb drive. "Can we watch it?"
"Shouldn't you be getting breakfast soon?" Harry only looked mildly uncomfortable. "I'd be happy to leave you to rest and watch it later."
"And deprive you from the joy of watching. Hell no," Iris said. "I know, why don't you go get us breakfast while I get cleaned up, and then we can watch it while we eat. Deal?"
Blinking, he slowly nodded. "Deal." Standing, he picked up his bag. "What do you want to eat?"
"I have it written down." Beaming, Iris handed him the list she'd made earlier in the morning.
Taking the paper he read through it before tucking it into a pocket. "Do you need help before I go?" As he asked the question he pulled his hat back on, only to have Iris knock it off again.
"Harry, right now you look more like David Bowie than Harrison Wells. You're still wearing the contacts that change your eyes, your hair style is completely different, and your hair is gray. Don't wear the hat. Go. I will be fine." Flashing another smile, Iris slowly started getting out of bed.
"Okay. I'll be back in a few minutes." He started for the door, pausing and turning back to her. "You're really okay with me?" Locking her eyes with his, Iris nodded.
"It's a bit weird, I admit. However, I think I can deal," Iris answered honestly. He studied her, looking for any sign that she was lying.
"You truly are a remarkable young woman. Your father must be very proud. No wonder he wants to kill me." Smirking, he turned and left the room.
Two Hours Later
He'd meant to get back sooner. Iris was due to be released that afternoon if her doctor was satisfied with how she was doing. Joe hadn't intended to be gone for so long. He'd actually meant to bring her breakfast. After everything that had happened though, he'd fallen asleep and apparently slept through his alarms. This meant he was walking as quickly down the hospital halls as he could. Already a nurse had chastised him for running. Laughter floated down the hallway and he recognized the happy giggle of his baby girl. Smiling at the fact that his children were getting along, Joe didn't knock as he waltzed into the room, only to stop dead in his tracks when he saw not Wally but Harry.
"Hi, Daddy," Iris greeted him brightly. "Harry brought me flowers, breakfast, pictures, and video from last night!" She was positively glowing with her joy so that Joe's anger was burned slowly away.
"Joe." Harry shot to his feet, looking ready to bolt for the door. "I can go."
"Harry, sit down," Iris ordered. "Daddy, stop your homicidal thoughts. I am issuing a temporary peace accord. If either of you violates it, you'll have me to deal with."
"Alright, baby," Joe said, holding his hand up in surrender. Giving Harry the stink eye one last time, he then took the chair on the other side of the bed and sat down to watch a very drunk Barry belt out Starman with Caitlin and Cisco wobbling in the background as backup. Iris's laughter filled the room and warmed Joe's heart. Harry made some comment that made Iris giggle even more and Joe was shocked to see a smile grace the other man's face. It was a pleased smile that was summoned by Iris's laughter. A smile that made Joe think that maybe the man wasn't so bad after all.