Hello everyone. How are you all doing today?
Here's the chapter following the confessions of love between the trio and we'll get to witness where they'll go from there.
Disclaimer: I don't own "The Flash" or "Arrow".
Setting: Central City
During the weeks following that evening, when they'd finally laid bare their hearts toward each other and had acknowledged how they felt, Barry, Patty, and Felicity had spent their time fully exploring the new dynamic between themselves.
As part of that, they'd engaged in multiple discussions regarding how their newfound relationship would work before settling it.
In addition to group dates which would serve to further solidify themselves as a throuple, one on one dates would also be arranged between them. Barry taking turns either going on a date with Patty on certain designated days and the same with Felicity. Fostering their relationships individually.
And not just on dates but also spending quality time together as twosomes. And not just pertaining to Barry's with each woman in both regards but also towards Patty and Felicity's own relationship. The original couple setting aside moments towards spending quality time together. The purpose being to continuously reaffirm what existed between themselves.
One of the most important discussions amongst the 3 pertained towards the sexual dynamic of their relationship. And this was a subject they were unanimous on. But it was decided that they were not ready to take that step yet. Instead but it was of superior importance to them that fostering the emotional connections between Barry and the 2 women, and vice versa, and strengthening their unions as twosomes and as a throuple took precedence. And only once those were completely solidified and their future together was entirely established would they then explore that aspect.
And during that time, when they felt they were ready, they'd move on to that next level. Whether it was prearranged or transpired spontaneously.
In the meantime, they decided to enjoy their shared relationship one day at a time.
There was also the matter of informing their friends and loved ones of their polyamorous union. Though they already knew what their decision was on that front.
The trust between themselves and their friends was unwavering and unfaltering. And Oliver, Sara, Thea, and the others had performed different functions in enabling Barry to find closer from his ex. In addition towards providing him with hope for his future. And he couldn't be more grateful.
And it was Sara especially who'd provided him with the courage to finally confess his feelings for the 2 most important women within his life. Even though of course events moved in the opposite direction. Not that it mattered considering the end result would've been the same.
Therefore Barry, Patty, and Felicity were in agreement that their friends, with whom they also shared a family dynamic with, had more than earned the right to learn about what now existed between the 3 of them. They however had decided to postpone it for the time being. The reason pertaining towards them further strengthening their bond before going public.
Regarding their aforementioned date nights, Barry was currently enjoying one with Patty while Felicity had elected to partake in a girls night with Sara, Thea, and Caitlin. The couple having gone to a cozy restaurant to eat before ordering their selections. Followed by engaging in conversations as they patiently waited for the waiter serving them to provide them with their respective meals.
"Any progress on the detective agency you're preparing to open?" Barry questioned his girlfriend in interest. A subject discussed between themselves and their shared girlfriend from time to time. Wondering as to its progress.
"We'll I've finally managed to obtain my private detective license and have made arrangements to lease a currently empty office in the area," she answered with a satisfied smile. "Once the appropriate procedures are completed I'll be officially opening up my new agency."
Barry in response smiled brightly.
"That's awesome. And it's great to hear how close you are to fulfilling your dream," he congratulated her. Pleased.
"It's definitely a dream come true and I couldn't be more delighted," Patty affirmed with a bright smile before staring dreamily into the air. "Just think. My own agency and with a variety of cases. Perhaps some exotic and maybe even some wild ones."
"Not too exotic and wild I hope. And especially not involving any psychos or really weird stuff. I mean the last thing we need is you getting tangled with some wacko clowns or nut jobs. Or some scary zodiac killer from the woods," her boyfriend replied lightly and with a laugh in the end though he was only half joking. Something which she was able to ascertain.
"Certainly not. That's the last thing I need. And I have absolutely no intention of getting involved with anything really dark and scary. But if a case of mine does seem to be going in that direction I can promise I'll surrender the information I've already collected to your foster father," she readily agreed with her own laugh before she moved to reassure him. Significantly touched by his concern. As for his aforementioned foster father but she was referring to Joe West. The C.C.P.D. captain and another close friend of hers. In addition to being a father figure for her. A relationship which had started between them following her own father's tragic passing years prior.
The waiter finally arrived at that moment with their selected dinners which they'd accepted and thanked her. Followed by consuming their food while enjoying further conversation together.
They also shared portions of their food with each other. Also enjoying some of what the other had ordered.
Once they were finished Barry paid the restaurant bill after which they'd exited then headed over to the local ice cream parlor. Ordering ice cream cones for themselves and consisting of two scoops for Barry, strawberry and raspberry, and one amaretto scoop for Patty.
Afterwards they left and found a nearby wooden bench to recline upon. Patty resting herself against her boyfriend's side while the two of them consumed their ice cream while staring upwards. Enjoying the gorgeous view of the glittering stars which adorned the evening skies above them. And also just enjoying their one on one time together.
They eventually finished their dessert then headed to their shared home with Felicity who was currently seated in the living room. Having returned home from her girls night out a short while ago and was waiting for her partners return.
"You guys had fun tonight?" she questioned them with interest. Curious as to how their latest date went.
"It was amazing. We enjoyed a delicious delicious dinner at that local restaurant and then ordered some ice cream cones. Though nothing was more enjoyable than just being together," Patty answered their girlfriend with a content smile.
"Same here. We also discussed how her detective agency will be opened pretty soon," Barry added then mentioned with a proud smile.
Felicity smiled and nodded with satisfaction.
"Glad the 2 of you enjoyed yourselves as always and we're both definitely proud of you Patty. And I'm certain neither of us can wait for your agency's grand opening," she replied with a pleased expression. Just as proud of their partner as Barry was.
"How about you? Did you enjoy your night with the girls?" Patty then questioned her.
"It was fun yeah. Just gossiping and feasting on candy, popcorn, chips, and other junk food while watching a bunch of rom coms that had us simultaneously laughing hysterically and crying like babies," Felicity answered and recounted with a wistful smile. "They also send their love to you both and hope you can join us next time," she added before addressing Patty with that last part. Hoping just like Caitlin, Thea, and Sara that she could join them once more for girls night next time.
"Right back at them. And please be sure to also tell them I very much look forward to it," Patty answered readily while Barry nodded in acknowledgment. Also sharing their friends sentiment.
The throuple then conversed a bit more before deciding to retire for the evening. And so together they headed towards their respective bedrooms before stopping at Barry's room. After which he first pulled Patty into his arms and kissed her passionately. Their tongues gliding together within the other's mouths before they parted with a smooch sound. Followed by Felicity grabbing him by the back of his head and crashing her lips into his. Engaging him in a fiery kiss with their tongues dueling together until they separated with a wet smack.
While the 3 of them were in agreement that sex was off the table for now, it did not prevent the women from indulging in some amorous moments with Barry and vice versa from time to time. Heated kisses in particular.
Barry then entered his bedroom after bidding his girlfriends a final good night. After which they headed to and entered their own bedroom and changed to their night gowns before getting underneath the covers. Followed by them sharing a deep, passionate kiss which grew in intensity before they quickly separated before it got too heated. Both women having an early start the following day with Patty needing to continue setting up her agency and Felicity being scheduled for an important staff meeting with the Palmer Tech CEOs. The company where she was employed as head of the I.T. Department.
And so they wrapped their arms around each other and cuddled up together. Falling asleep while embracing each other tightly.
Location: Central City Waterfront-A Few Days Later
Barry and Felicity were currently reclining upon the cool grass underneath them. Unpacking the hamper and extracting from it the delicious food they'd prepared together. Food consisting of barbecue pork sandwiches with melted cheese and tomato slices plus crusty French bread. Along with homemade french fries.
They also had a small pitcher of lemonade mingled with apple cider.
Following the placement of their food onto the blanket they'd previously laid out on the ground and after pouring their drinks into plastic cups, they began consuming their food while drinking a few sips of their punch. Relishing in all of the flavors
"As you know, I've been training a team of young C.S.I. members to assist me in my operations as the division's new director," Barry shared with his girlfriend in between bites of his sandwich. "Instructing them on how to study the crime scene, gather and process evidence, and paying attention to the details."
Felicity nodded while chewing a fry.
"And how's that coming along?" she questioned him in interest after swallowing it right before popping another fry into her mouth.
"So far it's going fantastic. They seem eager to learn, are settling in very nicely, and appear to be pretty well educated," he answered her. Pleased. "I'm honestly impressed by how quickly they're able to absorb the info I've been teaching them. They're also highly professional yet very warm and friendly which should create a very positive office environment. I honestly have no complaints."
"That's great Barry. And it sounds like the C.C.P.D. properly selected your team and hopefully together you guys will accomplish a lot," she replied with an approving smile.
"Yep. In fact but I don't think they could've chosen a better staff for me and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better," Barry agreed and then added with a content expression.
The 2 of them also discussed Felicity's current activities at Palmer Tech.
"In addition to ensuring the company data is safely stored away, I've also managed to finish the construction of a robust and impenetrable security network to provide a more than tremendously adequate amount of protection for Mr. Palmer's computer servers and the other servers his company utilizes. Ensuring that Palmer Tech remains impervious to any kind of risk from without," Felicity shared with him while referring to her boss and Palmer Tech's C.E.O. and owner. "Whether it's be cyber terrorism, corporate espionage, a system wipe unless it's authorized by Mr. Palmer, or anything else."
"Sounds good to me. And frankly but all honest and law abiding companies should have one as well. And if there's any out there that don't then they should. Or at least investigate any potential leaks and plug them," Barry replied with a nod of approval then stated resolutely while stuffing his mouth with some fries before washing them down with punch. Which his girlfriend smiled in amusement over.
"Don't worry my love. I'm certain all companies nationally and worldwide have a strong security system to protect themselves. And especially in this world of corporate espionage, data theft, and cyber warfare," she stated in response and pointed out while taking a huge bite of her almost completed sandwich then wiping some of its sauce off of the side of her mouth. "Though you're certainly not wrong and there's always room for improvement. Which happens to be why Mr. Palmer had me design one for him. Since while the preceding one was pretty effective he felt however that his company with a superior replacement. And that's what we have now."
"Sounds like you have a very smart boss," Barry smiled. "And especially since he certainly hired the right girl for the job," he continued and with a bit of flirtation mixed with the last sentence.
Felicity blushed.
"Why Barry. You most certainly know how to make a simple gal like me feel special," she replied with a demure smile while holding her hand to her heart in a mock swoon. Followed by the 2 of them giggling.
Before long they'd managed to finish consuming their main picnic food and had drank all of the punch. Afterwards they extracted the next set of goodies from their basket consisting of two large slices of gingerbread cake, one each, from the local bakery along with a small carton of store bought Gelato.
Upon finishing that they gathered their trash together and threw it away before packing away their remaining essentials. After which they headed to their vehicle and placed their picnic basket within the back seat before getting into the front and driving away from the waterfront.
Their following destination was the city zoo. And upon arrival they hitched a ride on the zoo train along with some other customers. Everyone enjoying the ride around the zoo and Barry with Felicity appreciating the view.
Upon its conclusion the young couple disembarked then entered the zoo itself. Strolling through it and walking hand in hand as they observed all of the animals present.
Eventually they exited the zoo and after reentering their vehicle they used it to return home.
"You guys enjoyed yourselves?" Patty greeted them with a smile once they'd arrived.
"Very much so. And as always. Following our picnic we also headed to the zoo where we took a ride on the zoo train before going inside and visiting the animals on display," Barry answered and returned her smile.
"What he said. And it was also fun seeing the variety of animals it housed," Felicity happily continued from where he'd left off. Plopping onto the sofa followed by her partners seating themselves next to her. One on either side.
"Sweet. And I think I'd also like to partake of the experience of receiving a ride on the zoo train someday. In fact but hopefully the 3 of us will receive the opportunity to enjoy it together," their girlfriend responded then expressed as the 3 of them snuggled up together. Patty resting her head upon Felicity's shoulder.
"You're more than welcome to join us next time. And I'm certain we'll definitely get that chance eventually," Barry stated.
"He's right. And trust me you'll love it," their girlfriend added while agreeing with his sentiments.
The throuple then leaned back and rested their heads against the sofa. Relaxing and enjoying each other's presence. Beyond grateful to have each other in their lives and especially for the love that continued to strengthen between the 3 of them.
Location: The West Residence-A Month Later
Barry, his girlfriends, and their friends were currently at Joe and Wally's residence for the older man's monthly barbecue party. Wally being Barry's foster brother. The guys were currently at the barbecue grill outside and cooking the meat which consisted of beef and pork ribs, hamburger patties, and wieners for hot dogs.
The girls meanwhile were at the kitchen inside preparing the baked beans, corn on the cob, french fries, potato salad, coleslaw, and a large mixed salad. The burger and hot dog buns buns, which were Brioche Buns, were currently on the outdoor wooden table along with the pertaining condiments.
In addition but there was also a freezer container nearby and within it were some chilled bottles containing beer and soda.
Once the food was prepared it was brought to the table. Barry, Joe, Wally, Cisco, and Oliver serving the meat while Patty, Felicity, Sara, Thea, and Caitlin served the beans, fries, and vegetables. The group then sat around the table and began partaking of their food while pouring barbecue sauce on their ribs and beans. Consuming a feast of barbecue ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, and scrumptious side dishes. While also engaging in energetic conversations about their lives. Which included, among other subjects, Thea having decided to go steady with a well rounded young man named Roy Harper. And how she was planning to soon introduce him to her brother and sister in law. And eventually the rest of them.
Oliver on his part mentioned how eager he was to meet him. And frankly, but so was Sara. And while both of them would promptly deny it Thea strongly suspected that her family wanted to put him through the ringer. Just to see if he was a guy who was truly worthy of her.
Something which annoyed her a little bit yet privately grateful they cared that much.
The men also enjoyed some swigs of beer along with Patty, Thea, and Sara. Felicity and Caitlin however elected to drink soda instead.
Once they'd completed their food portions and drinks, Joe returned to his house and came out with a steaming hot blackberry pie which he'd baked from scratch. Along with a tub of rich chocolate ice cream.
Everyone's mouths watered at the site of the flakey pie and its wonderful aroma which wafted into the air.
Once it was set upon the table before them they immediately began cutting equal slices for themselves while scooping out ice cream. After which they dug into their delicious dessert. Complimenting Joe on the excellent job he did preparing it to which he laughed and humbly waved it away.
The pie was also large enough for each present individual to have a second slice which everyone took advantage of.
Eventually dessert was concluded and they worked together to clean up everything. Discarding the items that needed to be thrown away. Afterwards they went inside the house and retired into the living room. Relaxing and chatting together.
Somewhere along the line Barry began exchanging glances with Patty and Felicity. The 2 of them quietly communicating while subtly gesturing towards their friends and loved ones around them. And it only took a very short amount of time before they nodded towards one another. Entirely on the same page.
With that settled, the 3 of them lifted themselves up from their seats and called for the others attention. Which was granted to them. The conversations ceasing immediately.
"First I'd like to say thank you Joe for these amazing monthly dinner parties you always host for us. The food's fantastic as always though I believe I speak for everyone else present in that all of us receiving the opportunity to gather together and fellowship is what ultimately matters and what we're all most grateful for," Barry began and gestured to Joe. The others smiling and nodding while Joe in response warmly smiled back and nodded in thanks.
Barry and his girlfriends returned his smile before the young man continued.
"I'm also truly blessed to have all of you in my life. You are the best friends I could've asked for. In fact but you are not just my friends but my family. A family I would never exchange for anyone else," he stated with conviction to which the group acknowledged with firm nods while the women found themselves misty eyed.
"In fact but because you guys are my family that Patty, Felicity, and myself wish to inform all of you as to a significant shift in the relationship between the 3 of us."
"It's not just Barry. Felicity and myself also view all of you as our family. And as you're already aware but I especially see you Joe as my current father figure. And that's why we also desire to share our news with you," Patty then spoke up and continued from where Barry had left off.
"We had every intention of revealing this to you but we wanted to wait first and allow what the 3 of us share to strengthen and flourish before informing anyone of it. But now we couldn't be more certain of what's between us and therefore we're also ready to make it known to you," Felicity added and then explained to them. She and her partners hoping they would understand.
Everyone listening found themselves intrigued.
"Sounds interesting. And what's this news the 3 of you are clearly eager to share?" Wally responded and then questioned. He and the others staring at them expectantly.
Barry, Patty, and Felicity turned towards each other and exchanged smiles before returning their attention to their friends.
"As you already know, Felicity and Patty are already in a relationship and have been together for more than some time. However, and 7 weeks ago I ended up recognizing my own feelings towards them and they for me. And after admitting then discussing them we decided to come together in a polyamorous union. As in the 3 of us together. Dating each other. A committed three-way relationship and due to them welcoming me into it. We're taking it slow and enjoying one day at a time. But we can assure all of you that what we have is real, we're completely in love with each other, and there's no doubt we're in it for the long haul. I can only hope you all will be happy for us."
Their audience listened patiently to everything Barry was saying ti them before their eyes widened upon what he'd just revealed. Sara and Thea weren't entirely surprised however since they'd already conversed with him over a month ago about his possible feelings for his now girlfriends. Seeing that he'd taken their advise and bared his heart to the former women.
For a short while no one spoke. Everyone processing the news. After which they all removed themselves from their seats and took turns congratulating the throuple.
"That's cool man and I'm really happy for you," Wally said to him with a ready smile while patting him on the back. After which he turned towards the 2 women.
"I hope the 2 of you understand that this is my brother here and therefore precious goods. So y'all had better treat him right you hear?" he said to them. Part joking and part serious.
"Don't you worry. He's precious goods as well and we're going to treat him with the utmost care possible," Felicity promised and assured him. Which was enough for Wally.
"Alright bro. Alright. I see you've definitely got some game. Are you sure you're ready to juggle 2 girls at once?" An impressed Cisco said to him with a friendly bump on his shoulder. Before questioning him good natured.
Barry shrugged.
"Ah. It's nothing I can't handle. And I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge," he answered though the amusement within his voice indicated he found it to be anything but a challenge.
"I gotcha man I gotcha. And all I can say is that I'm happy for you as well," Cisco replied before taking his buddy in a friendly embrace followed by him doing the same with Patty and Felicity.
Barry also shook hands with Oliver who expressed his well wishes.
"All I can say is that I hope the 3 of you continue to experience the same love and happiness Sara and I share together," he said to them. "And after what transpired with your ex Barry I'm greatly pleased that you were able to rediscover love once more."
"Thanks Oliver. That really means a lot," the younger man responded gratefully while the 2 men clasped each other's shoulders.
Caitlin was the next one to address the throuple.
"You already know that my only wish for you Barry us to be happy. And if you're truly happy then so am I," she said to him with a soft smile. Before turning towards his girlfriends and the women she saw as sisters. "As for the 2 of you but I believe and without question that he's chosen the best individuals possible to receive a second chance at happiness. Just promise me that neither of you will break his heart," she addressed them implored them.
"I promise we will never ever do that. We both love him and with our entire hearts. For he's the only man for us and we would never do anything to jeopardize that," Felicity promised and reassured her while Patty nodded with conviction. The 2 blondes a united front on this.
Thea and Sara were next.
"I'm so glad the 3 of you were able to recognize what was in front of you. And I can only hope that your shared happiness remains indefinite and as you guys embark on the adventures of life together," Thea said to them and wished them. Pleased that they'd found their way towards each other.
"What my sister in law just said. And I'm happy you worked up the courage to reveal your feelings to them," Sara spoke next and in agreement with Thea. Her last sentence referencing her advise to Barry in regards to how to handle his feelings for his now partners.
"Thanks for that. Both of you. Though just so you'll know Sara but my lovely ladies here actually beat me to the punch on that," he acknowledged with a grateful smile. Before informing her as to who actually revealed their feelings first.
Sara eyes widened in mild surprise. Not having expected that turn of events.
"Oh really? That's certainly interesting and clearly your girlfriends don't lack in initiative. I suppose we can all agree however that it's not how we get to the destination we desire but that we reach it," she responded then acknowledged in the end. "At least you all managed to find your way to each other and I couldn't be more pleased."
"Agreed" and "hear hear" were heard from Patty and Felicity respectively. Followed by Sara taking turns embracing them before also doing the same with their shared boyfriend.
Afterwards Joe was the final person to address the throuple.
"All I can say to you Bar is that you've grown into a man I couldn't be more proud of. And you deserve all of the most amazing and awesome things that have come to you. Especially someone who can love you like you deserve. The way I wish for you to be loved. And frankly, I can't see anyone else better suited to provide that for you other than the 2 beautiful women beside you. One of whom I'm more than honored and touched to be considered as a surrogate father to.
"You both have been his closest companions through thick and thin. Unwavering in your support and commitment to him since your shared friendship with him began and continued to blossom. Furthermore but while each of us present assisted him in our own ways following his heartbreak, it was you who picked up the pieces, encouraged him to continue living, and ultimately guided him towards and provided him with a new beginning. Therefore it only makes sense to me that the 2 of you are the ones to bless him with a second chance at love. Especially since he needs all the love he can.
"Furthermore but if our laws were different and the 3 of you could express your love in every way possible, it would also be my honor to have you ladies as my daughters in law. Of course we know that's not the case but it doesn't change the fact that each of you definitely possess something real and deep.
"Therefore and having said all of that, I can only voice what everyone present has already said in that I'm very happy for you 3 and I can only hope that what's between you continues to endure. And like Wally, I ask you ladies to continue treating my foster son the way he deserves. And as long as I do, your relationship with him will always have my blessing."
Barry, Patty, and Felicity found themselves moved to tears as they listened to everything Joe had to say to them. And once he'd concluded they each moved forward and embraced him in a group hug. Crying in his arms.
"Thank you Joe. Thank you so much," Barry tearfully responded while his girlfriends also thanked him profusely. Patty on her part not only expressing gratitude for him accepting her relationship with his foster son but also continuing to accept her as a second daughter.
The 4 of them eventually parted after which they along with everyone else returned to their seats. The throuple's friends once more congratulating them upon this new chapter in their life and them having absolute certainty that as long as they had each other and all of their loved ones they would never want for anything on Earth. Well, their Earth at least.
To Be Concluded
A/N So their loved ones and family are finally aware of Barry's relationship with his new girlfriends. And support it. And said relationship is progressing nicely. Barry, like Joe said, has truly found his new beginning.
The next chapter will wrap up this story. First featuring a smut scene for the throuple followed by a special ceremony in which they'll formally acknowledge their love. But if anyone present does not wish to read the smut scene please feel free to skip its beginning.
On a side note but I apologize if anyone here was weirded out by Joe and Patty seeing each other as like a father and daughter considering the latter's relationship with Barry. Especially the anti West-Allen fandom reading this.
Until next time have a wonderful day.