Sorry, it's been awhile. My laptop is actually broken. It was touchscreen and it cracked and after a few days it stopped cutting on, so I'm holding out for financial aid to get a new laptop. Please, be patient. Thanks for the support yall!

The song for this chapter is Nick Jonas - Chains

BARRY'S POV:

"I'm telling you, Dr. Wells. I think someone like me killed my dad. Joe doesn't want to say it."

He wheeled around to face me. "Why would a metahuman your dad?"

I shrugged. "That's what we have to find out."

IRIS' POV:

I pulled away from him. "You can't leave me."

He nodded, his green eyes cut into mine. "Okay."

My mouth turned into a grin. "All it took was a kiss to convince you to stay?"

"Yeah, pretty much." He leaned up and caught my mouth with his.

My hands moved to his hair as I tugged on it. He laughed into the kiss.

"Feisty, are we?"

I nodded.

His eyes searched mine, his thumb swiped over my bottom lip. "I need to hear you say it."

My heart thumped in my chest. Fear spiked through me. "Say what?"

He picked me up and placed me on his lap. "You know what."

My eyes went to his chest, my nerves getting the best of me. "Barry, I can't." I huffed. "I'm scared." I played with his shirt to distract me. "If I say it and you leave or something bad happens, how am I supposed to deal with that?"

"I guess I deserve that. If I had told you where I was during those four months we wouldn't be in this situation now."

Now I felt guilty because he felt guilty. I shook my head. "This isn't your fault. This is about me, I promise."

Come to think of it, this was as good a time as any to bring it up.

"You never really told me specifically about your time in Starling City. What kind of people did you meet?"

"You know everybody I know. Everyone important anyway."

My mind had been on Thea the whole evening. Why didn't Barry tell me about her? Why wasn't he telling me about her now? There had to be a reason. Barry not knowing about her seemed unlikely. But what if she was away during his time there?

"You were there for four months, you didn't mean any interesting characters?"

He shrugged. "Oliver knew a lot of interesting people. Just because they were interesting doesn't mean that they were important." He rubbed my arm in comfort. "What's going on? Why are you so worried?"

I bit into my bottom lip as I dismantled his lap. "Just curious."

"Eddie," I followed him out of my house. "Please."

He slammed his car door and faced me with disappointed eyes. A stinging of betrayal filled me. "You want me to be a part of your dirty little secret, I'm not okay with that, Iris."

"Come on, it's not like that."

"It's exactly like that. You're afraid of what Joe and Barry would do. You know they wouldn't approve. So you're using me as a cover."

Well, when you put it like that.

"Look, I need to do this and there's no way they're going to see it my way. I should be able to defend and protect myself with everything that's going on."

He propped his hands on his hips. "That's not the issue, Iris, and you know it."

I took a step back and caught my reflection in his windows. The girl looking back at me was different than a few months ago, even a few weeks. She needed to feel strong and capable. She needed to help people.

"You told me you wanted to help people because The Arrow saved your life. I want to do this because The Flash saved mine. I have to do this, Eddie." I stressed. "When I saved that woman in the alley it felt really great, like I'd made a difference."

His eyes softened. "So you join the police force, become a firefighter, or a lawyer. Not a vigilante." He whispered angrily.

"Tell me if you had the chance to do this you wouldn't?"

He shook his head. "I'm perfectly happy with my career as a detective. I don't need to dress up in costumes and be heroic to help people."

My eyes went back to my reflection in the car window. "Well, I do."

After a moment he huffed. "If I even think for a second you're in real danger I will not hesitate to tell Joe and Barry."

I grinned as I went in for a hug. "Thank you, Eddie. I couldn't do this without you."

"I shouldn't be surprised. You'd fight for Barry, but you couldn't fight for us."

I pulled away, my forehead creased. "Excuse me?"

His eyes worried. "What?"

"You just said something."

He pursed his lips. "No, I didn't."

I know what I heard. "Yeah, you did."

"Iris, you need some sleep if you're hearing voices."

Confusion spiked through me. This had happened before, when we broke up. At Thanksgiving I felt a wave of unrequited love when I looked at Cisco, Felicity and Barry. No. Eddie was right. I needed some rest, but rest was going to have to wait because I had a training session with Oliver in an hour and I needed to head over there now if I was going to make it.

"I have to get going."

"Wait," He called. "Be careful."

I nodded. "Always."

The next day I was sore beyond belief, but I had to get out of bed. Christmas was in a few days and that meant less training sessions, not exactly what I needed. Oliver trained me in the day. That night Spencer and Toby were already waiting for me at the gym. I couldn't wait to try out some of the moves Oliver taught me. I was still new to them, but I practiced practically the whole night.I got a text just as I neared the gym.

Spencer Hastings: Change of plans. Meet us behind the gym.

My brows knitted together as I headed back there.

They were standing around with a group of people, everyone watching the fight in the makeshift ring. A blonde haired girl push kicked a big burly bald guy a few feet back. He stumbled, but corrected himself. She right hooked him, then whipped around and kicked him in the face, producing a bloody nose. She grinned like a shark as he composed himself. He threw some fake punches to throw her off, then swiped her feet from under her, knocking her to the hard ground. She kicked her legs up and jumped to her feet. He kicked her side, but she caught his foot and jumped in the air, both her feet landed on his chest. They fell to the ground. The guy had her in a body hold and there seemed no way out until she wiggled free and elbowed him in the face. He was out cold.

A person in a black hood stepped forward. I noticed both Toby and Spencer recoiled. Once the hood came down they relaxed. A black guy stood in front of us with a smirk on his lips.

"Round one over." He held up the girl's arm. "Goes to Spivot." He seemed happy to say it.

That's how we spent the next hour give or take. Each of us going in the ring. Well, not me. I wasn't ready. We all knew it.

When we were done I asked Toby about Spivot. She won in her category. How long had she been into this?

"She's not anyone important." His voice hard.

My brow rose. "You sure?"

Spencer did something uncharacteristic and leaned into Toby as if for support while Spivot approached us. She took down her bun and let the blonde curls fan across her shoulders.

"That's what winning feels like." She smirked at Spencer. "Now that you'll never know." She shot a look at Toby.

My eyes went to Spencer, waiting for the insult that never came. She just looked focused on something in the background.

"Hey, bitch. Leave my friends alone." I glared at her.

Her eyes shot to me. After she took me in she seemed amused. "Coming from the girl who wasn't woman enough to fight this evening." She got way too close in my personal bubble. "Not intimidated in the slightest." She sauntered off like she was hot shit.

I turned to Spencer and Toby. "Okay, what's her problem?"

Toby sighed. "She's bitter." He hugged Spencer to him. "You okay?"

She nodded. "Let's get out of here."

I sighed of relief. After Oliver's training, I was glad for the break. Did I need it? No. But I wanted it.

"So, pizza?" I asked.

Spencer looked at me and laughed before untangling from Toby. "I'm in."

We all ended up at my house an hour later after showers and whatnot.

"Your house is nice, Iris." Toby remarked.

"Yeah." Spencer agreed.

I grinned. "Thanks."

Toby sat the pizza down at the living room table. "I'll get drinks."

Spencer flopped down on the couch, her eyes empty.

"You okay?"

She stayed silent.

"Spencer?" I crouched in front of her.

She met my eyes. "Huh?"

"What's going on with you?"

She shook her head. "Nothing." Her coffee brown eyes glazed over. "I'm fine." She offered a weak smile.

I wasn't convinced. Something was going on with her. I'd never seen her shy or cower away from something, then again I only saw them when they were in beast mode.

"You know you can talk to me if something is bothering you. You can talk to Toby." I kept my voice low in case she didn't want him to know something was bothering her.

"I told you I'm fine." Her voice offensive.

I nodded. I backed off.

"Okay," Toby entered the room with cups and soda. "What's the movie on the menu?"

I handed him the remote.

Halfway through Insurgent, Spencer shot up and ran for the stairs. I started to rise, but Toby stood. "I'll get her."

I sat back with a sigh. Curious, I pulled out my phone to see my dad had called. I quickly texted him that I was out running and I had a few friends over. He called me right away.

"Honey, I need you to look in the top drawer in the kitchen by the fridge. There's a manilla envelope with NA written on it. Barry's going to stop by and get it from you."

"Okay," I grabbed it. "Got it. Anything else?"

He coughed. "Yeah, how long are Caitlin and Ronnie staying tonight? Do you need money for food? I'll give it to Barry when he swings by here."

My dad didn't know about the MMA gym or Toby and Spencer. For some reason, I hadn't even thought he'd assume my friends were Caitlin and Ronnie. I couldn't tell him otherwise without exposing that I had a membership at The Park's MMA gym, which reminded me that I needed to ask Linda not to say anything. My eyes narrowed. Cisco. I had to get to Cisco. There was no doubt in my mind that she had told him by now.

"Iris?" My dad asked.

"Oh, we're fine. Already ate pizza. Thanks anyway."

"Alright, I have to go. You should to talk to Barry. He seems to be a little down today. Love you, sweetie."

I nodded. "Love you, too." I hung up.

I was about to go check on Spencer when Toby appeared at the top of the steps.

"She needs a moment."

He looked all kinds of lost, like he there wasn't anything I could do.

My hand landed on his shoulder. "I think she's going to be okay." I squeezed.

"Yeah, she will."

"Is there anything I could do to help?"

He shook his head. "It's sort of private. No offense."

I nodded. "None taken. I get it. You guys don't really know me all that well."

It felt weird saying that, but it was the truth. The only time I spent with them were at the gym. Hopefully, that would change.

"Don't get me wrong," He started. "You're really nice and everything. It's just there's things going on with Spencer that her family doesn't even know about. If she feels comfortable telling you, then she will."

A half grin found my lips.

The front door opened and in walked Barry. I removed my from Toby's shoulder quickly.

"Hey," I grabbed the envelope off of the coffee table and handed it to Barry.

He took it, his eyes not leaving Toby. "Who are you?"

I stood in front of Barry, catching his eyes. "A friend. What's in the envelope?"

He finally looked down at me, his eyes a suspicious green as he pulled me aside. "Should I be worried?"

"Of Toby?" I grinned. "No, he's really just a friend. Don't avoid the question. What's in the envelope?"

"Stuff about my mom."

My brow knitted together. "I don't understand. The police ruled it a suicide."

He nodded. "Joe and I are going over my dad's case. The metahuman responsible, maybe he was responsible for my mom."a

My eyes saddened. "Barry, I know you want answers, but I don't think this is the best idea. Opening up this can of worms will only cause you more heartache."

He shook his head. "I need to do this. What if this guy hurts someone else?"

I shrugged. "Your job isn't to protect the whole world, Barry." I whispered. "You don't have to figure out every crime."

"Iris, I really need your support on this."

"I'm sorry, Bear. This just doesn't seem like a very good idea."

He nodded and headed for the door.

With a groan, I went after him.

"Wait," I ran down the driveway and grabbed his arm. "I just don't want you to get your hopes up. What if the answer you find is worse. You've already been through so much. I can't help but feel like this isn't going to do anything but hinder you."

He shrugged my arm off. "Got it."

"Barry," I said in vain.

LINDA'S POV:

Flashback

"How long is your practice going to take?" I asked Barry, his arms around me.

"A few hours. Don't worry," He kissed my temple. "I'll make it to your house for dinner. I don't know what you're so worried about. Your parents love me."

I nodded. "But they haven't seen us as a couple yet. My stepdad will be more...you know. Asian."

His laughing body shook mine. "You're parents are more American than me and my dad. They just bought a MMA gym."

I chuckled. "You haven't seen them when they get all parental. It's scary."

"You two got a date tonight or what?"

I hesitantly looked up to meet Drew's intrusive eyes.

The kiss had been a mistake. A fun and hot mistake. But a mistake nonetheless. It wouldn't happen again. I told him as much and now I couldn't help but feel he had it out for Barry and I. A few times I've caught him giving Barry the stink eye with Barry none the wiser.

My arms wrapped around Barry's. "Yeah, we are."

Drew nodded. "Nice. Where are you going?"

"Actually, we're having dinner-" Barry started.

I turned to meet Barry's eyes. "We don't have to share the details." I gave him a quick peck.

"Oh, look. There's little miss chocolate bunny probably walking to the library now." James pointed out. He punched Drew's arm playfully as they grinned.

My eyes focused on her. Her long straight black hair was pulled back in a french braid. She wore shorts and a green top. Barry stiffened under me as he refused to look in her direction.

"Why'd you stop hanging around her again, Allen?" Drew asked. "She's hot."

No one payed attention to the hurt in his eyes or his clenched jaw. He was still upset with her. It was the basis of our friendship.

"Why don't we stop talking about the bitch," I demanded.

I didn't think Iris was unpleasant in the slightest, but a part of me would always be jealous that Barry could never truly get over her.

"Hey, Cisco." Barry greeted.

I turned to see Cisco walking past us.

Tension filled the air whenever we were around each other in the past week. Luckily, no one picked up on it, but us. Barry didn't seem to think too much of it, not that he was paying attention.

Cisco looked at me for a moment too long before asking Barry. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, what's up?"

He shuffled awkwardly. "It's kind of private."

Panic set in. He was scared yesterday, so what happened to make him change his mind about going back on his word? Was he going to out me in front of everyone? Did he really hate me that much?

Barry started to shuffle, "Sure."

"Allen." A voice called.

We turned to see Coach walking our way.

"Where do you think you're going?" He asked.

I sighed in relief.

The other players started to rise.

"Uh, to practice, Coach."

I stood. "Yeah, he's just on his way." I squeezed Barry's shoulders.

"Well, quit pansying around and get to the field." Coach stalked away.

Barry looked to Cisco. "Later?"

Cisco nodded. "Yeah, don't worry about it."

Barry ran after his teammates, which left Cisco and I together. He tried to walk away, but I pulled him back. "What's your deal? I thought we had this settled."

He shrugged me off. "I changed my mind."

"How? I thought you didn't want Barry getting hurt?"

He gave me a disappointed look. "Turns out I care more about what Barry thinks of me than you."

My eyes flared. "So you're just going to throw me under the bus?"

He nodded. "Precisely."

I took a step closer than either of us wanted me to be. "Let's not forget about the eighth grade. I won't hesitate to spill those beans. Then it won't matter if you tell Barry about me, he'll never look at you the same way again."

The color drained from his face. "You wouldn't."

"Yes, I would."

Not proud of this behavior, but I didn't want to lose Barry. I wasn't strong enough to handle that loss. Sad, but true.

IRIS' POV:

I was shoved back into the brick wall with a grunt. My fist swiped out and uppercut the girl, but she vanished. I looked around. Where had she gone that fast? Was she like Barry?

A foot hit my back, knocked me to the ground. I flipped over in time to stop her from stomping my chest. I shoved her foot back with enough force to make her stumble. I quickly jumped up and went for her. My leg kicking out, aimed for her stomach, but then she wasn't there again. I turned around frustrated. Maybe that was more so because of her bomb curls, mine were looking a little limp the last few days. I had to do a twist out when I got home. Awesome.

"You tired of getting your ass kicked?" She gloated from a few feet away.

I shook my head. "Not by a long shot. Or you could just give the money back to the little old lady you stole it from."

She grinned. "You gotta catch me first." She disappeared and appeared before me, a sharp object flashed to my stomach. She laughed. "Peek-A-Boo." She pulled the knife out.

I clutched the knife to my stomach. Blood pooled in my mouth as my knees weakened. The girl was nowhere in sight. I had to get somewhere. The hospital was out of question. My dad would show up and I'd be grounded until Stiles and Lydia get together. We all know that would be a long time. With determination, I stumbled forward. The pain was too much and I couldn't support my weight anymore. The cold hard ground was my bed.

A face appeared above mine, but everything was blurry. All I could make out was bleach blonde hair, red lipstick, and a black mask. She pulled me forward and that was the last thing I saw.