Thank you, Just Will!

Hal considered himself dating Barry on a probationary status. He'd royally screwed up last year on Halloween and almost ruined his chances of being with his best friend, so he was being extremely careful and putting his all into their new relationship. There would be no more screw ups. He wanted Barry to know that he was serious about him.

He'd asked Jay Garrick to watch Wally for the night and flown Barry out to Coast City for an intimate dinner at his apartment. They didn't spend much time at Hal's place, mostly because Barry was a dad full time and Central City was just easier, but he was trying to make it into a nice getaway for the speedster. Hal had decked out his entire apartment with candles and found some slow country music that he knew Barry loved.

It was important to him that Barry knew he could be sweet and romantic, no matter how awkward it felt.

Things were going pretty well. Dinner had been great – since he'd chosen to order out instead of risk cooking – and they were curled up with each other on the couch just talking. Barry looked like he'd wanted to laugh when he first saw all the candles and heard the mood music, but he seemed to be into it. As long as Barry didn't think all this was ridiculous, Hal was happy. He pulled one of Barry's feet into his lap and started deftly massaging it just like the speedster liked.

"Ohh, that's good," Barry veritably melted in response and leaned his head against the couch cushions. "This whole night has been great, Hal, but what brought it on?"

"Just wanted to woo you a little," Hal murmured as he firmly kneaded his knuckles up the sole of Barry's foot. His insides writhed uncertainly, and he tried not to let it show. Right as he'd begun to think he was doing this right, Barry's question put him off kilter again.

Barry hummed happily and threaded his fingers together over his chest, "It's working."

"Yeah?" Hal glanced up from his task. His blood rushed to his stomach when he saw Barry's half-lidded stare. Oh man, those blue eyes were gonna be his undoing.

Barry nodded and crooked a finger at him to coax Hal closer. He didn't need telling twice. Hal slid his hands up Barry's legs and carefully pulled the speedster into his lap. Barry hooked his leg over Hal's knee and slid long fingers along his scalp. He let his eyes fall shut and smiled when he felt Barry's lips ghosting across his cheekbone.

His heart swelled until it felt like his chest could no longer contain it. With one hand curled against Barry's jaw, Hal guided their mouths together in a slow, languid kiss. Electricity dove down his throat, igniting every nerve until his whole body was tingling.

Hal took his time learning what Barry liked.

He wasn't a huge fan of too much tongue; Hal got much better responses from Barry when he toned it down a bit. He could make Barry shiver and moan when he pulled the speedster's bottom lip between his teeth. Barry liked skin contact when he kissed – touching Hal's face or pressing their foreheads together – so Hal held him close and punctuated each press of lips with intimate cuddling.

That actually did more to bring them closer than making out could. Hal thought that Barry just missed having someone to hold, and he was more than happy to oblige him.

This was nice – different, and Hal felt like he was trying too hard – but Barry made him happy. All he wanted to do was return the favor. Hal leaned into the kiss and fit his hands into Barry's, lacing their fingers together loosely.

Barry pulled back to look down at their hands in soft amusement. He was probably just having a good time, but Hal's brain wasn't content with that explanation. What if Barry thought he was being stupid?

Hal flushed red. He tried to hide it by turning his face away, but Barry saw and pulled him back, "What?"

"It's embarrassing," Hal floundered to try to explain, his ears burning. "I don't know why it is, but it is."

"What is?" Barry was concerned now, his hands were automatically moving to soothe Hal, curling around his wrists, stroking the skin there with his thumbs.

"Trying to be romantic," Hal shrugged. "I feel like I'm being silly or it's coming off all wrong. Like…we were best friends before all this; you're used to seeing me a certain way – irresponsible, reckless, weird – and now I'm acting all suave and charming, and I just feel like I'm being cheesy."

"You're doing fine," Barry smiled reassuringly. "I like it. You can act however you want, though. If you want to be romantic, then great! Be romantic. Sweep me off my feet. I don't think it's funny, and I'm not laughing at you. All it makes me think is that you care about me, and you want to show me how much."

That quieted the nagging voice in the back of Hal's mind. He let his shoulders slump and his whole body relax as Barry spoke.

"I'm not going to be any less interested in you because of all your antics," Barry gently tugged Hal's hands forward to bring their faces closer together. "And even though we're dating now, you're still my best friend. That hasn't changed. You're the first person I think of to tell when something funny happens, I still love fighting back to back with you in the thick of battle, and I still draw things on you when you're passed out drunk."

"Um…"

"Shh," Barry's grin threatened to get away from him. "Point is. I'll love any side of you that you want to show me. I love it when you sleep through League meetings. I love it when you pack Wally's lunch for school. I love it when you lead the charge against an enemy. And I love it when you surprise me with a room full of music and candlelight. I love you, Hal."

Hal struggled to swallow down the thick lump in his throat. He could actually feel his body moving from his heavy heartbeat. Barry cupped his face with both hands, and Hal sucked in a deep, dizzy breath, "Wow…you're so much better at this romantic stuff…"

Barry laughed and placed a fond kiss on Hal's lips, "I'll teach you."