Tuesday, November 9th, 2012

"You want to go out for lunch Barry?" Patty Spivot asked coyly. Barry looked up from the test he was running.

"No thanks Patty," he said, "I already have plans."

"What kind of plans?"

"I have an errand to run," he said giving her a slight smile that did not reach his eyes.

"I can come with you if you like?"

"No that's okay," he said.

"Hey Patty," James Forrest called.

"What?" she demanded turning around to face the older CSI.

"Can you come over here and look at these samples? I could really use your advice…"

As Patty made her way across to James desk, her back to Barry. James winked at Barry. Barry nodded to James silently thanking him for the save and grabbed his jacket and made for the door.

The last thing he needed right now was to spend any time with Patty Spivot. Especially considering what he had just undergone. During the last few months things had gone from bad to worse.

Shortly after Barry had adopted the persona of the Flash he discovered that for every hero who had powers. There were at least five people with powers who were intent on using their powers for selfish reasons, whether that being in petty crimes, wreaking havoc against society or renting out their powers to criminal groups or nefarious governments. Needless to say the heroes more than had their hands full. One of the Flash's nemesis' went by the name of The Weather Wizard was able to manipulate the dements using his powers. He used his power -mostly to commit crimes, but he was not averse to flexing his muscles and showing off by conjuring up the odd tornado and catching cops in their vortex.

Which he was doing at the moment. The Flash chased him all over Keystone…he had tried to direct him outside of the city, but the Weather Wizard seemed to be having none of that and refused to move from the down town core. The best that The Flash could do was have him move to Krieg square, the huge open square that was sorounded by City Hall, The headquarters for the School board and the state courthouse. It was mid morning and most people were inside.

The Weather Wizard had spent the entire time taunting the Flash. Which he gamely ignored the Flash and his alter ego Barry Allen was not given to being easily angered. He also knew that getting angry was not going to help him in any way. He also knew that he Weather Wizard was trying to bait him. Barry Allen had dealt with more than his case of jerks all of his life and refused to be intimidated by them now. As soon as he had seen the directions that the Weather Wizard was headed in he pretty much figured what the villain was going to attack the civilians. Marden was more of a showboat not much of a strategist. The Flash had contracted the security desk and advised them that they should get everyone down the basement.

"Ha! Ha! Ha1! " the Weather Wizard fairly chortled, "You can't stop me because you are such a putz!"

The Flash was about to say something when he spotted something behind Marden. Over Marden's shoulder there amongst the crowd was Iris West. She had a trench coate around her shoulders and beside her with a protective arm around her shoulder was Eric Tanner the Assistant District Attorney and well known lothario. The Flash could not help but wonder if Iris was now seeing him. The Flash was momentarily distracted enough for the Weather Wizard to almost hit him with a lightning bolt. The Flash dodged the blast just in time.

The Flash generated a tornado and imprisoned locking down the Weather Wizard and handed him over to the cops. But not before taking another look at Iris West who was still staring at him. Tanner had his arm around her shoulder and shouted something at the Flash that he could not hear. Iris looked genuinely puzzled as to why he was staring at her.

He had been so rattled by the scene that it had gone on to affect his performance in a League battle with a group called 'The Cold Warriors'. The Cold Warriors were a gang of cold themed villains among who included his main nemesis Captain Cold. The fight had taken place in Antarctica where the Cold Warriors had tried to take over an oil rig in the sea and to commandeer any profits that The Flash had been so distracted that he had allowed Cold to hit him with a blast from his stun gun.

Flash had been momentarily incapacitated and the Warriors had managed to escape. On their way back to the Watch Tower during the debrief of the battle. Batman, who's turn it was to do lead the League. Coldly went over the video of what happened. He then finished with a remark that said,

"A little more diligence and attention to what we each do will go a long way to prevent defeat next time."

The Flash knew the remark was aimed at him. The Flash felt shame deep to his bones. He knew that he had not performed well, but the admonishment stung even more coming from Batman. The Flash felt bad that he had let down a man who had such respect for him.

And his dating life had been atrocious. After the blow up with Iris West, Barry had gone full tilt back into the dating pool.

He made some foolish choices, much of which he had regretted. First in dating a series of women he had met, mostly from his time at Crossfit. Big mistake. While many of the hard core female members (those who worked out diligently and watched their diets) were attractive. That's about all they had in common with Barry. None of the women which he saw he could hold his attention. They either were shallow or they couldn't abide his being late, or had very little understanding that his career as a CSI (he didn't mention being a superhero) came first. Some of them had kids, which he felt had its' own set of complications which he did not want to get involved in. Barry usually ended just breaking it off.

Then of course was the Halloween party he had attended in Seattle, hosted by the newest Justice League Member Oliver Queen AKA the Green Arrow. Barry had not planned on attending but Hal Jordan the Green Lantern had insisted on his attending. People had shown up in costume, although it was recommended that League members not wear their super hero costumes. Barry had dressed up as Connor Kenway, the half native half British hero, from the video game Assassins Creed 3. Connor was his favourite character from the franchise, because he was heroic, humble, brave and honest. Just like Barry himself.

Queen had decided to throw the bash not only as a means of ingratiating himself in with team, but also because his lawyers had just unlocked his fortune from a corporate raider and he was now rich again. The party had been held at one of the Trinity night club. The Champaign had flowed and the women were plentiful. Barry had half been surprised to find that Arthur Curry had shown up with his wife, as did Bruce Wayne with a stunning woman who practically oozed sexuality. Barry had no idea who she was, but she wore a scandalous black gown by Anthony Vaccarello which bared her hip bone and left little to the imagination with its wrap around neckline and crotch brushing slit. No man in the room could keep his eyes off of her, which seemed to be her intention to begin with. She appeared to bask in the attention and even more so the jealousy from the women. Barry had done some mingling, surprisingly he had found himself the focus of much female attention. More than usual, Connor seemed to be quite popular amongst women. After awhile the noise and the crowd got to him, he pulled back his hood and retreated to the side of the room where there was a large open bar and a big screen tv that was showing the football game. Barry ordered a single malt scotch and settled in to watch the game. He had been there five minutes.

Barry drifted off into the crowd. But was left alone for very long. A young woman wearing a blue and red Gabby Sky Cap Sleeve Fit-and- Flare Dress walked up to him. Barry recognized her as being Caroline Corr the anchor for Sportsnet.

She appeared to be very taken up with his Assassin Creed outfit. She told him that her brother had introduced her to the game and Connor was her favourite lead.

When she suggested that they go back to her place for a drink, Barry didn't have to think twice. Corr was pretty she had a winning smile, and lovely blue eyes, and an exuberant personality. She wasn't as elegant as Iris West. But for what he was feeling now, he felt that he needed something.

For Barry it did not matter that Corr had not genuine interest in him, because he had no interest in her either. All could think of was Iris West. He still did not understand why given all their interactions they had not slept together.

When he woke up in the morning it was to find a large man red faced mad standing over him. If it had not been for his super speed, the guy would have pulverized him. Barry dodged Avery's fist and kicked him in the stomach sending him across the room. Corr was screaming at him. Barry quickly grabbed his clothes and darting out of Corr's apartment.

It was only later that Barry realized that it was Scott Avery the NHL hockey player and notorious enforcer for the Seattle Buckaneers.

He had thought that he had left the nights of the one night stands behind. He might not have gone home with Corr if she had not flattered him or for that matter reminded him of Iris West.

After that incident he buried himself in his work.

He knew that he was probably living up to some impossibly high standards (which he had picked up from his father). But the fact was that he was almost selfish with his time and wanted the time he spent with someone to mean something. It was why he constantly thought about Iris West.

Barry had always marched to a beat of different drum from the time that he had been a little boy. It was part of his melancholic nature and personality. He had never been interested in the things that other boys had been interested in.

The death of his mother and the incarceration of his dad had forced Barry to grow up quickly and it had given him a quiet intensity and maturity. Barry was much more polite, stable and confident than many of the boys around him. And then of course there was the fact that when his coach at the Central City Speed skating club had encouraged him to start lifting weights to increase performance on track. Barry had found that he had taken to it and quickly added 50 pounds of muscle to his 6 foot frame. Lanky string bean had disappeared and was gone was a muscled god. Unlike a lot of guys his age, he was not prepared to swan around in loose jeans and sweat pants. He took meticulous care about his appearance. A trait which he had learned from his father, but also because it helped to focus his mind. Being unkempt bothered Barry a great deal. During his final year of Highschool he had taken to visiting vintage clothing stores and Salvation Army outlets to look at old suits. He had quickly garnered the nick name 'Esquire' after the men's fashion magazine.

His sense of style had got him a job at one of Central Cities most upscale men's haberdasheries at the tender at of 16. Barry had worked there part time for two years straight until he had gone off to college. His confidence and humility and genuine kindness had garnered him repeat business and referrals.

He particularly remembered one customer. Chris Cratt. He was well over 300lbs overweight and slovenly in appearance, his khakis were wrinkled his t-shirt covered with food stains. He came into the store one day clearly looking out of place and unsure of what he wanted. Both of the full time employees made themselves scarce and left young Barry to take care of him. Barry stepped forward to ask him what he wanted. He said that he needed a new outfit for an important meeting he had. Barry studiously ignored the mans' appearance and spent the next hour in helping him pick out items that would help him make a good appearance. The man had dropped almost five thousand dollars worth of clothing on the store and a healthy commission for Barry.

It turned out that Cratt was an inventor and had just developed a new app and was going to meet with execs from Google to see about selling it. And he had to make a good impression and not look like the usual unkempt IT guy. Barry showed him a suit in his price point and had him fitted for alteration.

The guy returned two weeks later beaming from ear to ear. He informed Barry that the deal had gone through and he had received a million dollar offer on his app. He thought that part of the reason it had gone through was that he had given such a great performance…the suit had made him feel like a business man and not some unkept IT developer who pigged out on fast food and lived in a basement apartment. He said that it was all due to the way in which he felt in the suit and the help that Barry had given him. He not only used Barry to help him buy more clothes, but made sure to send his friends and colleagues Barry's way. Over the year Barry had earned a healthy commission which given him enough him pocket money and extra money for university that his scholarship had not covered.

The girls noticed how polished and well groomed he was, and this as a result brought their attention in droves. Barry had hardly been without a girlfriend throughout high school and into college. He was a not a ladies man, by any stretch of the imagination, but he certainly had enjoyed himself. Especially on road trips with the skating team when the groupies would show up at the after competition parties…Some of them were the hottest girls that Barry had ever seen. He had never thought that any of them would have looked at him twice before. Part of him still felt like a geeky science kid. His athletic build and looks said otherwise. He had never been a lothario like Manuel or Hal or some of the guys he had spent time with on the skating team. He genuinely liked women and did not believe in using them to shore up his masculinity or to validate his self worth. But he would be lying if he said that he didn't partake and enjoy in the odd one night stand here and there between steady girlfriends.

After Barry went to graduate school and became less interested in just hanging out with the boys and having casual flings. He wanted something deeper. He had wanted to be in relationship with a woman who could keep up with him or who at least respected for himself and was not put off by his love of all things geeky. Many of the women whom he had dated could hardly believe that such an attractive man could be so boring.

But Iris had not been like that.

Barry remembered the second time he had gone out with Iris. It had been on the Saturday of the memorial day long weekend. Barry had picked Iris up at the bus station in Central City (he had managed to scrimp together money and bought a used BMW 581i off of a lawyer he had met at the station). They were going out for lunch then then they were going to the Belger Art Center.

But first Barry had to make a pit stop to the Comic Book Therapy to pick up his monthly 'stash'. Normally would have picked them up earlier in the week but he had been extra busy at work and Singh was watching him like a hawk at work making sure that Barry did not sneak out at lunch. Bytime Barry left work at night it was after 8 o'clock and the shop was closed. Saturday was the first opportunity.

Barry had been prepared to park a few doors down the street so that Iris would not know where he was going. But she insisted on accompanying him into the store. Seeing that it was too late to back out, Barry gritted his teeth and allowed her to follow him.

He had half expected her to recoil in revulsion or disgust, but Iris did nothing of the kind. She actually took great interest in what he was doing and mentioned that her cousine Wally was also a comic book fan. Barry had been shocked. She took a look at the books he bought, and Barry could not help but notice how her eyes lingered over the male super heroes. He made a note to watch his figure. Iris wore a green diamond sheath dress ( Barry had noticed that unless it was cold Iris often wore dresses) and low heeled white sandals. Barry's discomfort disappeared and was replaced with pride as every man in the shop stopped to stare at her. She spent five entire minutes flirting with Marv and asking him questions about the popularity of comics and the appeal.

Over lunch she asked him some additional questions about his collecting comic books and then asked him what he thought of the emergence of the meta humans who were virtually comic book heroes come to life. When the Flash had appeared on the scene, she had begun to question him about the Scarlet Speedster, and could not help but comment that the character seemed to have the same powers as the comic book character.

He could lie but what was the point? Besides the best secrets were the ones that were kept out in the open. He told her that he found it was an exciting phenomenon. Fiction was coming to life. These new metas might really be the next step in human evolution. Barry admitting that he was a fan of the character, was hardly apt to raise any red flags. There were men who were bigger than he was, more daring than he was (known to be) with whom people would associate as the Flash. Famous celebrities who admitted to being comic book fans and fans of the Jay Garrick including Roger Sutter of the Minnesota Wild and Calvin Bryant of the Central City Chieftans and the Andrew Ono the man who had won the most gold medals in an Olympic Games he also happened to be an inspiration for Barry. Barry had actually flown out to watch him compete the first in Salt Lake City Utah for the men's championship. The second time was up to Calgary Alberta in Canada. He had even hung outside the training facility where the team had trained to get Ono's to get him to autograph his t-shirt. Tim Brady the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings had even hinted that he might be the Flash.

Barry dropped her off outside of her house and she gave him a long lingering kiss that told him that she looked forward to seeing her again. And it had been then that Barry had realized that what he had with Iris was not just a friendship. It took awhile for Barry to admit it but the reason that he had been so affected was because he had fallen in love with her and had been hurt because he had felt that the feeling had not been mutual…and she had used him.

But the main reason that reason that Barry had wanted to go out to lunch alone…was that this was the day in which the verdict for the Daniel West murder trial was coming down. He had received a notification via e-mail that said that the jury had finished their deliberations and that the verdict was due after lunch. Barry had wanted to sit in the verdict personally.

Since it was he who had practically ruined the entire trial.

Soon after Daniel West was arraigned, Alexandra Cabot one of the Assistant District Attorney's came to Barry to speak to him about the testimony that he was to give at Daniel West's trial. She told him that the journey selection had not gone the way she had hopped. The defense had been successful in stacking the jury with blue collar workers none of who had anything beyond a high school diploma. All of them were residents of Keystone and most of them either worked in low level retail jobs or factory jobs. There was an unspoken rivalry between the twin cities. Keystone which had been the dominant city of the two and known as the engine of the Midwest. Had lost it's luster when factory jobs had been shipped over seas and the tech industry had been on the rise. Central City had benefited from the technology boom, with many IT companies, banks and insurance companies re-locating to the city due to the tax breaks as well as the lower cost of land. As a result many people who lived in Keystone held a resentful inferior complex. It was very much a bastion of votes for the Democratic party.

Cabot informed Barry that when he gave his testimony he should keep it as simple as possible, this was not the time to impress everyone with his education and knowledge as CSI. Most of these people would not be impressed with his credentials and if they even got a whiff of some kind of intellectual superiority they would vote against the prosecution.

Barry acknowledged what she had to say and agreed to keep things as simple as possible. Barry had intended on keeping things clear and simple as possible. Until he saw Iris West sitting in the visitors gallery looking poised, polished and perfect. And at once he was reminded at all once all over how she had used him and played him for a fool. All plans that he had for keeping things simple for the jury went out the window. He became more fixated on showing the jury how bad her brother (and by extension) she was. It wasn't until afterwards that he realized how foolish he had been. After Barry had given his testimony, Barry could tell by the expression on the jurors faces that he had lost the jury.

He had been completely unprofessional in his behavior and had allowed his emotions to cloud his judgement. It had been the first time ever that he had realized how much he had allowed Iris West to get under his skin.

He had tried to make up for it during the cross examination with the defense but by then it was much too late. The defense attorney, a public defender, five years out of Harvard Law school and an associate at Butler and Jaffe LLC. Pounced on him and ripped his testimony to shreds. He accused Barry of being sloppy in his work and said that due to his inexperience (being only in the CSI department a short time) and his sheltered background he had not been as meticulous as he should have been. He was privileged man…a part of the big blue wall of the police department. Barry did not dare to bring up the fact that he had experienced similar adverse circumstances due to the fact that it might bring up the fact that his father was now in prison for killing his mother.

He then introduced his own forensics expert, a forensics professor at the University of St. Louis who questioned several points of Barry's work, that should not have mattered. But by then it had mattered. Barry was not surprised when the jury came back with verdict o within two days. He had never felt so small as when the verdict was read out. He felt incompetent and stupid.

He had been sitting in the back of the courtroom. He looked around the court room and could see the West family, Maureen, Iris and a young man with red hair (whom he had assumed to be Iris' younger cousine Wally) sitting beside her. When the verdict was read out there was a cheer from the West family which made Barry's skin crawl. Daniel was released from the prisoners box. He shook his lawyers and hands and embraced his family. When he saw Barry sitting in the back Daniel West's face became a cloud of rage. The rest of the family turned and saw him there. Iris genuinely looked puzzled, her mother looked annoyed. Wally grinned at Barry and gave him both middle fingers. Iris swatted down both of Wally's hands in a move that was designed to chastise Wally.. Barry had seen enough and left the courtroom both in disgust at the result of the trial and of himself.

Word of the not guilty verdict had gotten back to the station before Barry did. Many of the cops looked at him with disgust. Singh had been apoplectic with rage he called Barry into his office and berated him for a full half hour. He called him incompetent and careless.

The only word of encouragement he had received was from Forrest who had slapped him on the back and told him that it happened to all CSI's. These defense lawyers were slick and always managed to trip them up. But Barry knew that it was mostly his fault. Darryl didn't say anything to him. Knowing Barry's tendency to beat himself up he probably knew that he did not have to.

Barry suspected that if it had not been for Darryl and the fact that they were short of staff he might have been fired. As it was Singh assigned Barry to menial tasks and working on cold cases. He was not allowed to do any senior level cases and was certainly not allowed to give any testimony in court cases. Although Barry was convinced that had less to do with the a choice by Singh, than it had to do with the District Attorney's office requesting that he not be used to give testimonies. Barry would have spent several months in the dog house professionally if had had not solved a cold case involving the disappearance of a four year old girl 10 years ago. After painstaking research not only determined where the body was buried but the killer as well.

The news made headlines across the city and the state and was seen as a triumphant coup for the Central City CSI department and the police department as a whole. Barry was just relieved to have the pressure off him. Two days after the news came down he received a courier package at the office. It was a card and a five year old bottle of chardonnay—his favourite brand of wine. It was from Iris West. The card said "Great job"- Iris West.

Barry had been tempted to give the wine to department administrative assistant and chuck the card. But he decided to keep it as a reminder as to not allow his emotions or anyone to get the better of him again. He kept the card under a plastic sheet on his desk, the bottle of wine on his kitchen counter. He saw it every morning when he got up to make a cup of coffee (a new addiction he had acquired thanks to Iris West). He would often stare at the bottle wanting to conjure up some kind of resentment. But being unable to do so.

Soon the holidays were upon him and Barry forgot all about the fiasco of the trial. Over the past month he was happy that he had made a difference to the lives of several people both in The Gem Cities region. He had also been instrumental in a save against Prometheus that the League had a battle with in London. The outcome of the battle had been caught by the world wide press and the League received enough good press, to the point that much of the pressure which they were receiving from various governments dissipated and they were allowed to act with freer reign.

Batman came up to him afterwards and shook his hand a huge grin on his face and he congratulated him on his excellent work. A week later Barry received a phone call from the manager of Indpendence Audio Video, the cities premier electronics dealer. He told Barry that a friend in Gotham City had offered him a gift of the sound system of his choice and was calling Barry to arrange for an appointment so that he could come over and chose the system of his choice. Barry went over the next day after work with his favourite Coltrane CD's. He chose a receiver and turn table by Anthem and speakers made by Sonos.

December 31 st, 2012, 11:55pm

Barry stood milling with the other crowd members outside of McAllister Square near city hall. It was just below freezing and Barry wore a pair of jeans, a black turtle neck, Danna mountain boots and a black MEC parka which he had bought back during his graduate school days in Chicago.

Throngs of people, mostly in their teens and early 20's stood around him. Laughing and socializing. He could already smell the booze and the weed. Up on stage the latest act a rock band who he had never heard of was playing away as if for dear life. He was already starting to get a pounding headache and wished for the umpteenth time that he had not volunteered for this event. It was told that he would be the best fit for this type of event because he was relatively still young. He was almost 30, but was positive that given the way he dressed and stood there was no way on earth any of the kids in here would mistake him for one of them. Hell Barry had not even fit in when he was in high school and college. The only thing that really prevented him from getting his ass handed to him on a daily basis was the fact that he was an avid speed skater and worked out. His height and bulk discouraged anyone from taking a swipe at him. Darryl had also helped when he took him in. After seeing him being bullied one day while in Junior high school. Darryl had told him that no one had the right to bully him and taught him some basic boxing moves. Two days later mild mannered bookish Barry Allen had been suspended for an afternoon after knocking the local bully flat on his back. He had been left alone since.

Christmas had been quiet. He had visited his father in prison on Christmas eve and then gone home and watched a movie. On Christmas day he went out for Christmas dinner with Darryl to the house of his girlfriend, an attractive divorcee in her mid 50's. She had her two college aged daughters whom she constantly tried to fix Barry up with. But he lied and said that he was already attached. He hit Oak Park Mall for the boxing day sales. He picked up a few shirts for work and some chinos. Later that day he had touched base for a late lunch with a few of the guys he had gone to speed skating with as a kid. One of them was in town visiting his parents from Cincinnati where he now lived the other one worked as fitness trainer at a nearby gym.

The other days he had gone in to work and worked on cold cases. Two nights ago, Darryl had told him that they had overbooked people to take New Years eve off as a holiday and they would be short of patrolmen to staff the New Years Eve's festivities at McAllister Square. Would Barry mind filling in that night? Barry agreed to. He filled his time with some other activities, but he could not help but feel that there was a void in his life that was missing and he knew what that was.

Barry had always been more of solitary man. Sure he socialized and had a few friends he called on. But he had never felt the need for constant companionship. That was until he had met Iris West. For the longest time he had assumed that he liked spending time before because she was gorgeous and sophisticated and intelligent. But the truth of the matter was that he now knew that he enjoyed being with her because she was one of the few people who actually really understood him and whom he had no qualms about opening up to. He had to say that whenever he was with Iris he thought happy thoughts about the future and settling down….

"Cheer up,

"This is not my kind of thing Patty," Barry said quietly.

"Why don't I get us something to drink," she asked.

"That would be great," Barry said. He could do with a moment or so of relative privacy.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Just water," he said.

"Nothing stronger?" she asked almost cheekily.

"We're on duty remember?" he said, "Besides I don't drink alcohol when I'm out and about"

"We'll have to do something about that later," she said cheekily before leaving.

Barry groaned inwardly. The last thing he wanted to do was spend an evening with Patty Spivot. He didn't know how he could get it through her head that he had no interest in dating her. She wasn't his type. She demanded too much attention, she was too clingy and liked to use her background, her father was an exec with GM and she had gone to Harvard as a means of trying to look important. Many of the frontline officers and general staff at the station couldn't stand her. Word was that she had barely gotten through her training at the police academy and only passed her qualifications because her father had made a generous contribution to the Police Union. She had been ushered swiftly into the CSI department. Her main reason for joining the CSI team was due to watching it on tv. Patty's being here was his doing. He had made the mistake of telling her that he had would be helping out with the News Years festivities and she had gone straight to Fry and volunteered herself. Now she was making a pest of herself by practically hanging on to him. Barry could barely wait for the whole thing to be over so he could get away from her.

Barry milled through the crowds a bit more his eyes carefully scanning the crowd for trouble. Suddenly his eyes finally rested on a woman who had her back to him she stood a few yards away from him. Barry was not the only guy who was checking her out.

She wore a form fitting red ski jacket which reached her at the waist, grey-black fox fur shortboots, a red tuque with a pom-pom. But what stood out to Barry the most was the fact that she wore black leggings which perfectly outlined her muscular shapely legs, topped off by a perfectly round behind.

He smiled as he took in her form. The smile disappeared when she turned her profile slightly to the left and he saw that it was Iris West. Barry felt his cheeks begin to flush as he remembered the court case and how she had used him. He wondered if he should move away but it was too late.

As if she sensed him watching her, Iris slowly turned around to see him standing there. She looked surprised at first, but then smiled. It only took Barry a few seconds to decide whether or not he would speak to her. He decided that he would, he walked over to her.

"Hello Barry," she greeted him politely.

"Hello Iris," he replied.

"I didn't expect to see you here on all nights," she began. Iris was aware that he did not like crowds.

"I'm on duty," he replied.

"Oh really?" she asked surprised, "You've decided to join the rank and file?"

"No. Da- Captain Fry asked if I'd fill in for the New Years ever festivities at MacAllister Square because we're a bit short staff due to Christmas Holidays. He also think that I'll blend in better because I'm close in age to the students."

"Right," Iris said nodding.

"What about you?" he asked knowing that she was no more a fan of crowds than he was.

"I'm working as well," Iris said.

"Are you really?" Barry asked," Have they transferred you to the entertainment desk?"

"No," Iris said smiling wryly, "I'm still on the crime slash city Hall desk. The mayor is supposed to make an appearance tonight and I'm responsible for covering him."

"The Citizen really is getting quite the mileage from the mayor," Barry said, "I've been following your stories. It's quite a read."

"What can I say," Iris said with a shrug, "The mayor is the gift that keeps on giving. He moves almost as much papers as the Flash."

Barry could hear the sound of contempt in her voice at the heroes name.

"Still not a fan of the Flash huh?"

"No," Iris said with a shake of her head, "He's a showboating glory hound. I find his actions to be reckless. Especially in how he brought down the building last week. Millions of dollars in property damage."

"He was trying to prevent a bigger tragedy. In trying to stop the Weather Wizard."

"Which also leads me to the second reason I don't like him. With his actions and appearance on the scene. He just encourages a bunch of psychopaths and sociopaths who are looking for attention."

"I hardly think that the likes of Captain Cold and the Weather Wizard need an excuse to cause mayhem."

"That's what my cousine Wally says. He's a Flash nut. But I still think that those nut jobs would be a bit more…restrained in their actions if the Flash wasn't around. As it is right now The Flash being on the scene just encourages them to act up and show off more than they already do, " Iris paused for a moment and gave him small smile, "But enough about the Flash. How was your Christmas?"

"Very nice," Barry said, "I spent it with Darryl, his girlfriend and her two college aged daughters. How was yours?"

"Uneventful, "Iris said, "Thankfully after the year I had. I could certainly do with the peace and quiet. It was just me , my Mom and my cousine Wally. We attended Christmas Mass. Went home, made dinner ate and watched a couple of dvd's. We went to bed early because we wanted to be first in line for the boxing day store crashers. That was more exhausting than anything else. But other than that I have no complaints. I did some work but that was it."

She finished with a shrug.

"That sounds nice," Barry said, "I take it hat you're very close to your cousine Wally."

"Fairly close," Iris said, "He used to spend a lot of his summers with us..it was an excuse for him to visit the big city and to get away from the fighting at home. His parents are finally splitting up after years of fighting. Not that I don't blame Wally for coming to see us. His Dad, a trucker was hardly ever home and when he did come home he spent most of his time—hanging out in the Legion with his army buddies. It really was no wonder that he turned to Dan as a substitute Dad."

Barry could never figure out what had prompted to say what he said next.

"Not much of a substitute if you ask me," he muttered. Iris heard him and looked at him sharply her blue-grey eyes lighting up with anger.

"Wow Barry," she began, "I really can't believe it. You really are a sore loser."

Barry stiffened.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb," Iris snapped, "You know damn well what I'm referring to my brothers trial. The fact that he was acquitted—and that you were humiliated on the stand at court."

"Your brother got off on a technicality."

"My brother got off Barry because the jurors couldn't stand your smug pompous holier than-thou attitude. Most of them probably hadn't a clue what the hell you were talking about and it didn't help that you sounded condescending. Didn't the ADA tell you that the jurors were primarily stacked with blue colar workers who hadn't gone beyond high school?"

"It shouldn't matter," he began huffily, "I presented the facts…."

"Seriously Barry?" Iris began disgusted "You are so arrogant and self-righteous it's not funny. Thank God we never went further than we did. Now that I've you for who you really are."

For some reason the admission seemed to hit him harder than the punch he had received last week from The Icicle.

"Get off your high horse Iris," he began hotly, "You really are not one to talk. You're a selfish ambitious woman who uses others for selfish reasons."

"You're right Barry. I am an ambitious woman. I make no apologies for that at all. I love my profession and I make no apologies for working my ass off to get where I am and to grow my career."

"Oh I can see that," he replied, "You certainly made powerful friends since the time that we've met. I saw you with your boyfriend Eric Tanner."

"Eric Tanner?" she began, "You mean the district attorney? Who the hell told you that I was dating Eric Tanner?"

"I..I saw you together one time. He had his arm around you."

"I don't know how that could be," she said, "Since he's never touched me. Except for once during an evacuation at City Hall. When the Flash was fighting that maniac the Weather Wizard. He tried to feel me up under the guise of protecting me. I made sure that I was never alone with him again after that."

"Oh," Barry began embarrassed but recovered quickly, "That doesn't discount the fact that you tried to use me."

"You're talking about that morning at breakfast aren't you?"

"Yes I am. You tried to use me to get your brother off."

"No Barry I didn't," she said fiercely, "That's the conclusion that you jumped to without any facts."

"You had your brothers court papers with you Iris. Are you trying to tell me that you didn't invite me out to ask about his case. Which I was the acting CSI on."

"I ..I invited you out.."

"So you're admitting it?"

"No," she said slowly, "Not really."

"What do you mean?"

"I invited you out to ask you some general questions about my brothers situation. If it was possible to hit someone that hard and have them die. I had no plans on asking you anything specific to his case. And I certainly had no plans on asking you to colour the truth so that my brother would get off. I just wanted to ask you general questions…that I've asked you several times before."

"And you expect me to believe that?"

"I frankly I don't care what you believe Barry," she responded, "You know if I really wanted to hurt you and embarrass you I could have done so in other ways."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your dad Barry. He's in Iron Heights right now for killing your mother."

Barry froze at hearing this.

"How did you…find out?" he stammered.

"Dan's lawyer saw your name on the sign in sheet at Blackgate and wondered what you were doing visiting there. He did some checking and he discovered that you were visiting a Henry Allen. After that it was pretty easy from there to figure everything else out. You told me that you lost your folks in a home invasion. But it was really your father who killed your mother."

"That is not true…" Barry hissed, "That's not true Iris. I…he was framed. I've been working for years to exonerate him."

Iris shrugged as if it either were not important or she didn't care.

"And you were going to bring this up?" Barry asked, "To humiliate me on the stand?"

"No. It was the defense attorney who wanted to bring it up. I had to persuade him not to. I told him that it made no difference to the case and would just come across as petty."

Barry was speechless.

"I…" he began, "You really did that?"

"You two need a room?" Came a voice off to the side.

Barry and Iris turned and found a tall young man in his late 20's, he had bushy blond hair and a beard. He wore a blue and white ski jacket with a lanyard around his neck and a name tag which read "press".

"Cameron?" Iris began shocked, "How long have you been standing there?"

"Only long enough to wish that I'd brought popcorn to enjoy the fire works," he grinned.

"Man you are impossible!," Iris said shaking her head.

"You're Cameron Kennedy?" Barry asked him, "The reporter who forced the mayor to retract his statement?"

"Yeah that's me," Cameron said grinning proudly.

"Wow," Barry said, "That's no small feat."

"No it wasn't," Cameron said, "What the mayor said was false and libelous. I have never had sex with an under aged girl. Now their mothers.."

"Cameron you are such a pig!" Iris said shaking her head in disgust.

"You're very daring," Barry said, "To have taken on the Mayor like that."

"Oh I'm nothing compared to Iris here," Cameron said, "She puts the 'I' in intrepid. I thought that I had guts. Until I began working with her."

"Really?" Barry asked smiling at Iris.

"Cameron!" Iris protested.

"Take for example last week," Cameron continued, "Iris gets this major tip that Dave Forbes is meeting with Sammy Botticelli the head of the Botticelli crime family at Bazookas. She wants to get proof but doesn't know how. So you know what Iris here does? She sneaks in. And dresses up as one of the strippers. And puts a small video camera around a charm she has in a necklace. She films the whole damn meeting. I saw it because I was sitting in the back. You should see Iris up on stage. Wearing this big blond bouffant wig and she's dressed up in this school girl costume. Never knew that she had those moves!"

"Is this true?" Barry asked turning to Iris.

"It's nothing…Cameron's exaggerating," Iris began colouring, " I was just doing my job."

"No she's not," Cameron said, "She probably would have gotten more information. Except for the fact that Botticelli liked what he saw and called her over for a lap dance. Then Lasso recognized her and she got thrown out. Still she had enough proof that it warranted a write up in the Citizen two days later. This woman is fearless. She can probably kick Wonder Woman's ass."

"I really can't take you anywhere can I?" Iris said exasperated. Barry looked at Iris with a new sense of appreciation.

"And you are?" Cameron asked Barry changing the subject

"I'm Barry Allen," Barry said shaking Cameron's hand, but he was still looking at Iris.

"So you're Allen the Eagle scout," Cameron said nodding, "And Iris' boyfriend."

"What?" Barry asked puzzled.

"No he isn't!" Iris stammered nervously her cheeks were red, "Barry isn't my boyfriend."

"He isn't" Cameron began puzzled, "But there's a picture of you two with your arms around each other over your desk at work…"

"There you are!"

Suddenly Patty Spivot showed up.

"Miss me?" she asked wrapping her arm around Barry's.

Barry groaned inwardly. Could she be more pathetic? He didn't even bother to look at Iris. Cameron was barely concealing a laugh.

"I was looking all over for you."

"I was just talking to Cameron and Iris here," Barry said trying to extract his arm from her grasp.

"Oh," Patty said sulkily when she saw Iris. It was no secret that she didn't like the pretty female reporter, "Hi."

"Hello," Cameron said.

"Hello Patty," Iris said politely, "Are you two working here together?"

"Yes we are," Patty said before Barry could reply.

Iris' phone went off and she looked at the screen.

"Then should let you two love birds be," Iris said nudging Cameron, "My source said that the mayor should be here any minute. Time to torment the Mayor. Happy New Year to you both."

"Shit," can you believe those tights," Patty began sourly when Iris and Cameron were out of earshot, "What a slut."

The remark caused Barry's temper to flare. Not only due to how he felt about Iris, but also because it revealed how petty Patty really was. He extracted his arm from her grasp.

"Patty that's not a very nice thing to say," he countered harshly.

"It's the truth," she said in almost a whine, "I bet you anything that she's sleeping with half the force. That's the only way she probably gets information."

"You're dead wrong," Barry said turning on her harshly, "I happen to know that Iris West worked very hard to get where she is. Unlike some people I know."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Patty asked hotly.

"You were given virtually everything on a silver platter. As you like to remind everyone, your father put you through Brown then Harvard and he bought you place in the CSI department. It's all common knowledge that you practically flunked the police qualifications. The only reason you got a place on the force was because your dad gave them a generous donation."

"And like yours didn't?"

"Sure Darryl provided a great reference. But I passed all my qualifications. On my own and earned my way through school. The way you look down on people who come from a blue color background or don't have a college degree. Which is why it will never work between you and me. No matter how much you try and bad mouth women like Iris West. I have no interest in . I am not interested in any sort of relationship with you beyond the professional."

"You really are a stuck up asshole you know that?"

"Maybe I am," Barry said folding his arms across his chest, signifying that the conversation was over.

Patty stomped off in a huff. Barry had not meant to be so harsh, but he was sick of her haughty attitude and the way she spoke about Iris West did not help things either.

Barry milled around some more, but the crowd was dissipating. People were either going home or to private parties. Barry received a text message from Hal Jordan. Midnight was yet to reach theWest Coast, and Hal said that he would be ringing in the new year at a party with some of his old Air Force buddies at a club, a lot of 'Honey's' would be in attendance. Barry was free to come in and join. Barry had said that he might come over..but that was not what he had on his mind. All he could think about was Iris West and their exchange. He could not shake the words that had come from Cameron about the fact that Iris had a photo of them both over her desk at work.

Barry had remembered when the photo had been taken in front of the Belger art gallery. It had been a sculpture done by John Brown, the famous New York sculptor. The piece had been called "Safekeeping" and it was made out of Bronze. Barry thought that it looked like a chair. But Iris insisted that it represented the tension between couples. They debated the significance for about five minutes. An elderly woman came by and asked when they were getting married. Without missing a beat, Iris smiled and asked 'how could she tell?'

The woman had remarked that it was due to the way they fought, as if they were very much in love.

Iris then told her that they were getting married the following summer and took out her cell phone from her purse and asked if the woman would mind taking a picture of them for posterity. The woman happily agreed, and Barry and Iris posed as if they were a couple in love about to be engaged.

That was Iris always doing some sort of practical joke she had a very dry sense of humour. But the fact was that Barry had been proud when Iris had suggested that they were married. He did not know why, but the image that remained with him for days. Given the fact that they were in that complicated grey area, of being more than just friends but neither a couple. Neither of them had brought up their future dreams, beyond Iris sharing that she might want to have kids one day.

As much as they had talked in the past. They had never gone in deep about their their respective family histories. He knew that her parents had divorced when she was a kid and she had moved to Keystone when she was 12 with her younger brother and Mother. She said her father lived somewhere in Arizona but she did not keep in touch with him very much. The way in which she had told him the news made Barry think that not only did she not keep in touch with him but she had no intention of doing so. It was fine with him. He did not need to know the further details of her life. He had been pleased with what he had seen of her, she was very close to her mother, and took care of her. She also loved her cousine Wally like a brother. Barry assumed that if she had not been in contact with her Dad she must have had good reason for it.

As for Barry he had only shared with her that he had lost his parents due to a 'home invasion' when he was younger and had been taken in by Darryl Fry a family friend. Iris had not pried further. If it was one thing he liked and admired about her, was the fact that Iris knew when to let something drop and not pry. She was charmingly persistent. But far from obnoxious and knew how to give someone their space to open up. It had been one of the reasons he had been attracted to her.

Barry had forgotten all about the picture and the statue until Cameron brought it up. He had not thought that she thought anything serious about it. Barry had a copy of the shot in his computer but nothing besides that. He was surprised to learn that Iris had it displayed at work. He wondered if she had done so as a reminder of it being a joke or something else… he was determined to find out. But first he had to finish this shift.

Barry milled around the crowd, his eyes alert for anything. But his mind still on Iris and what she had said. Had she really asked the lawyer not to bring up his fathers' time in prison? Barry knew that it was easy for anyone with resources to find out that Henry Allen was in Iron Heights. But he knew that most people wouldn't. No one would confuse the mild mannered CSI with one of the many men who were in jail for domestic abuse. It's not as if Henry Allen had ever been a famous doctor who ended up in the media. Even in going through old newspaper reports, Barry had found that his mothers murder had only merited an inch of coverage, it was over shadowed by more important things such as the Central City Diamonds drive for the pennant.

Iris could easily have allowed him to be embarrassed in the court room, it would have gotten her brother off more easily, by making him look like a hypocrite. But for whatever reason she decided to have it suppressed, what made it even more moving for him was that she really had no tie to him.

Suddenly Barry's ears perked up as he was made aware of a commotion. It was in the area of a crowd a few yards away. Barry shouldered his way through the crowd. He found a large beefy looking young man who was wearing a Missouri Chieftans football team jacket.

Barry walked up to him and cut in between him and his girlfriend. The guy outweighed Barry by 50lbs and 2 inches.

"Hey buddy you wanna calm down," Barry began.

"Fuck you," the guy began he made a move to push Barry aside, but Barry easily side stepped him, moved behind his back and pinned his arm to his side and had him on the ground and cuffed him.

"You were saying?" Barry asked coldly.

The guy bucked beneath Barry but without much success.

"Get off me asshole!" he screamed.

"You're under arrest," Barry began.

"You can't do that!" the guy yelled, "You're not a cop!"

"Actually I am," Barry said taking his badge out of his pocket with a free hand and flashing it before the guys eyes.

"Fuck!" the guy swore. Barry read the guy his rights called in the arrest and moment's later two uniformed officers were there accompanied by Darryl Frye.

"That was a great take down son," Darryl told Barry. Barry shrugged.

"Well the six weeks I spent at the police academy weren't all for nothing," Barry joked, "Not bad for a lab rat huh?"

"Don't let the joshing from the guys on the force get to you. Policing is complex work and we appreciate guys like you who think before acting. Guys who fly by the seat of their pants tend to bring lawsuits. You think through and save us money. Believe it or not your work on the Morin case went a long way to presenting the case towards city hall why our budget shouldn't be slashed."

"Thanks Darryl."

"Speaking of flying by the seat of ones pants….you really should have a chat with that friend of yours."

"Which one?"

"That pretty reporter you used to hang around with. Ilsa…Indra.."

"You mean Iris," Barry said a lump forming at the back of his throat as he thought about the argument that they had had an hour earlier," Iris West. She's a reporter at the Citizen."

"Yeah that one. Iris. Don't know how I forgot that name…At any rate you really need to talk to her. She's taking the muck raking journalist act a bit too far with the mayor. The mayor might be amused and flattered by the attention, But I can tell you this. His brother and the pet attack dog that they hang around with. Sandro Lasso sure ain't. The Forbes depend a lot on the Mayor being in office to get kickbacks and the like for their business DeLux We can't protect her. We can only investigate after the fact if something happens to her….you need to tell her to be careful."

Barry bristled..if anything happened to Iris. If Lasso or one of the Forbes brothers so much as touched a hair on her head.

"I'll have a talk with her," he said soberly.

"Thanks Barry. I just thought you'd like to know. I remember how tight you two seemed to be. I thought that you were an item."

"No…we were..we're friends."

"Anyway. I knew that you wouldn't forgive me if I didn't warn you and something happened to her."

"I appreciate the warning Darryl. I'll go and find her right now. I'm sure that she's still milling about."

Barry took out his cell phone and tried to call Iris. No answer. He tried again. He stared at his phone for several minutes. He made his way to a clear part of the parking lot and using his powers quickly checked each car until he found Iris' blue Ford Fiesta in the parking lot. The motor was still cold. But he was startled by the sound of someone moaning. He looked around puzzled and went to the other side of the car and there he found Cameron Kennedy lying on the ground beside the passenger door struggling to get up. The light from the over head parking lot lamps showed a healthy discoloration. Given the distance to the nearest building, Barry couldn't move Cameron without being seen.

Barry glanced around and seeing that there was no one in sight he rubbed his hands together as fast as possible until they were burning. He then shoved both of his hands under Cameron's coat and his arm pits to provide him with some warmth. As soon as he saw Cameron stir to consciousness he removed his hand.

"Ugh.."

"Cameron?" Barry began, "Let's get you inside."

Barry crouched down by the door and watched as Cameron struggled to regain his consciousness.

"You doing okay there buddy?" Barry began, "Start on the partying a bit early?"

Cameron looked Barry his face filled with confusion.

"What…Allen?"

"Yeah it's me," Barry said. "The Eagle scout."

"Where am I?"

"You don't know?" Barry asked.

"No..I,"

"You're sitting inside Iris's car. In the parking lot of McAllister Square."

"I am?" Cameron asked startled.

"Yeah you are."

"Where's Iris?"

"That's what I came here to ask you. Do you know where she is. I have to find her."

"The last time..the last oh shit.." Cameron groaned slipping further down inside the seat.

Barry became more alarmed by Camerons' state. Suddenly a thought came to his head. He reached up behind Cameron's neck and felt a huge bump the size of an egg. Cameron let out a yell. Barry witnessed such a bruise once before and it was down in the Bat cave where Batman had invited him one night for a second opinion on the death of a member of the Court of Owls. Batman had wanted to know Barry's (he had been dressed as the Flash) opinion on the cause of death was caused by pressure applied to his internal jugular vein or some other method. Batman had then went on to show him how it could be applied. Batman had informed him that it was a very difficult move to apply and more often than not did not work. The move had been created by the Zhonghua Martial Arts school of Kung Fun in Jilin Province in China. It was a very exclusive school and was not open to many people. Even so the move was shown to only the most elite students. If the move or the practitioners of the school were joining organized crime or even the Owls then things were very dangerous indeed. Barry had to wonder what or how Cameron had managed to acquire such a bruise.

"Cameron," Barry began gently but his tone had so much seriousness that Cameron looked at him slightly alarmed, "I need you trace back and tell me we what happened after you and Iris left me."

"We went off to the press gallery to watch the show…I asked Iris if she didn't want to go to the parking lot where the VIP's drove up so that we could talk to the mayor….she said no. She said that we could do that later. She knew an easier way to get in. We stood near the front and watched while the Mayor gave his speech and as soon as he left the stage, Iris nudged me and we left and went back behind McAllister building to this alleyway. I thought that it was odd, But Iris told me to trust her, she knew what she was doing….about five minutes later the Mayor shows up with his goon Lasso. Iris walks right up to the Mayor and wants to know what he has to say about the video where he's smoking crack. The mayor stammers some response that he hasn't a clue what she's talking about. Before Iris can respond…Lasso gets up in her face, he pushes his hand in Iris' face and tells her to back off. I get angry and push Lasso away and yell at him not to touch her. The next thing I know I feel something hard on by neck and….that's all I remember except for you standing her over me."

"You'll be okay Cameron," Barry said seriously, "But you should get yourself to the hospital to have that bruis checked out. Let me call you a cab.." Barry took out his cell phone from his pocket and dialed a taxi company.

"Just wait here. Someone will be here soon."

"I told Iris we should have seen the mayor somewhere more public," Cameron asked rubbing the back of his neck," But she didn't want any of the other media organizations in the Gem City region to find out what she's up to. It' no secret that she's been after the mayor and that he likes her. She's a good journalist. But she can be reckless…what are you going to do next?"

"I'm going to find Iris," Barry said firmly.

January 1, 2013, 1:30am

Juan Morrillo excused himself from the party and went into his kitchen to get more rum to add to the punch bowl. The new years party was still going strong. Puerto Ricans loved a great party and everyone really needed to cut loose the tough year. He had been glad that he had gotten this night off, seniority and the foresight to ask it off back in July had factored into it.

He had opened the fridge when he felt a slight breeze behind him. He frowned and wondered if his brother in law had left the kitchen door open again to sneak smoke. The man was so absentminded..

He took out the rum and turned around…almost jumping out of his skin as he saw the large athletic figure of a man standing by the kitchen counter the two horns…no the two wings jutting out at the sides of his head.

It was the Flash. The Gem Cities own guardian angel. Morillo had seen the hero half a dozen times during the course of his police work and unlike other cops wasn't resentful of his actions in helping out the police department. The guy was more buff and muscular up close in person. His wife had the hots for the Flash and was continually pestering Morillo to get in shape like the superhero.

"Carojo!" he exclaimed, "Flash you gave me a freaking heart attack!"

"Sorry Detective," The Flash said in that odd metallic voice of his, "But I really need your help. Where can I find Sandro Lasso?"

"Lasso? You mean the Mayors…bodyguard?"

"Yes him."

"What do you want to mess with him for?"

"I think he might have taken a friend of mine, and I have to find her."

"Have you checked his condo?"

"Yes he's not there."

"Then you might want to check out the Boom Boom room on 12th street. If he's not there you might want to check out his girlfriends place on Spruce street. The numbers' 14 I think. If he's not there then he has to be at the soccer club he runs down on Davenport. It masquerades as a social club and a soccer club. But it's his main office and where he sells drugs out of. His office is in the basement behind steel doors."

"Thanks," The Flash said and he was gone.

****/

January 1 1:47am, 2013

When Iris West awoke, She had a pounding headache, that was ten times worse than any hang over that she had experienced. She tried lifting her head but found that with every inch that she tried to lift her head, her neck screamed out in agony. She vaguely became conscious that someone in the room was yelling. She slowly lifted her head and found that she was in some sort of room..a lounge with couches and tables. Off to one side sitting at the tables was a bespeckled man. Standing over him to one side gesticulating wildly was Sandro Lasso.

"You see anything on that phone yet?" she heard a male voice bellow. The voice sounded very familiar, a voice with spoke to someone whose mother tongue was not English or had grown up in a southern European home.

"No," someone replied," I can't crack the password."

"What the fuck do we pay you for?" Lasso demanded

Iris became alarmed and tried to get up but found that she couldn't because she was tied down to a chair.

"It's not that easy," the guy with the glasses said in an almost whine. He glanced past Lasso and looked at Iris, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw that she was awake.

"Why don't you ask her she's awake."

Lasso spun around and found Iris staring at them. He angrily stomped over to her. Iris tried to flinch out of his reach but found that she could not move, she was tied to some sort of chair. Iris mind began to race, the last she remembered was confronting the Mayor in the alleyway next to the grand stand at McAllister Square. The alleyway was a six foot space which space which separated the main performance building from a large warehouse which was used to temporarily store props and equipment.

She knew that the Mayor would show up here, because this was where the drug dealers hung out after concerts and the Mayor would sure to be here to score some blow. As she expected his enormous figure appeared with Lasso and some other thug in tow. Iris waited in the shadows until he appeared before springing forth from her hiding place. Behind her she could feel Cameron clutching at her sleeve and whispering for her not to do it. He told her that this was too isolated and Lasso was too dangerous. And if anything happened no one would vouch for them. Iris ignored him, this was the type of opportunity she had been waiting for, for weeks. The Mayor had been keeping a low profile and when he was out he was usually covered by a phalanx of bodyguards. She knew that this was one appearance that he would be seen at. And when her source told her that two of his usual bodyguards were seen at a pre News Years eve party practically falling over themselves drunk. She knew that it would be the perfect opportunity to ambush the mayor.

"Wake up West," Lasso demanded

"What.." she began, "Where am I?"

"Listen up!" Lasso snapped, 'What's the password for your phone West?"

"What?"

"The password to your phone you stupid bitch," he snapped waving her cell phone in her face, "What is it?"

"A-S-S-H-O-L-E," Iris sneered.

Lasso slapped her so hard that she felt her lip split. Iris felt her temper flare. As she was immediately flooded with memories of her father hitting her with his belt.

"You really are a fucking bitch you know that," Lasso snarled, "The only reason I didn't finish you off before was because of the Mayor. He thinks he's going to fuck you. Forbes…three wives and he still hasn't learned a fucking thing about women. You don't think I don't see what you're up to in that cheap get up?"

"Do you think I'd have the video on that phone? You really are nothing but a dumb ape Lasso," Iris sneered," You think that the Forbes are going to stick by you when you? You aren't anything more than their fall guy. When they go down they are going cut you loose and then we'll see who is really getting screwed."

It was clear by the look on Lasso's face that he was not pleased with Iris' response.

"Where is it?" he bellowed at her.

"Go to hell," Iris snapped. Iris would rather die right here than capitulate to the wishes of Sandro Lasso

"You know. You have a smart mouth. I'll give you something that will shut you up and make you act like a proper woman," he walked over to the desk and opened one of the drawers. He extracted a long rectangular box about 6 inches in length. Lasso took out a small rectangular box about the same size of a glasses case. He opened it and to Iris' alarm he took out a syringe and fiddled with it for an instant before plunging it into a small

"I have a few girls who I have working. Sometimes they aren't so cooperative. But this helps to loosen them up. A lot. Maybe when we're finished here I'll offer you up to the mayor myself."

Lasso took a rubber band and strapped it over Iris bicep to cut off the flow of blood to her fore arm. Lasso took out a butterfly knife and slit the sleeve on Iris turtle neck sweater all the way up to the elbow.

"Hey Sandro do you really think that's a good idea."

"Shut the fuck up Howie. If you can't help with this get out. But I need to remind you if that damn thing gets out..you'll be lucky to get a job flipping burgers at McDonalds. Now get your ass over here and hold her down. You too Steve."

Iris struggled against her binds, but it was of no use, it was as if she was locked down by iron bars.

She watched helplessly as the crack went into her arm.

****/

January 1 1:53 am, 2013

When the Flash burst through the doors of the Central City Sharks Soccer Club. To his dismay he found Iris tied to a chair. With Lasso standing over her laughing.

He found Iris West strapped to a chair her head hanging down on her chest. Standing over her was Sandro Lasso. Two other men stood off to the side.

The Flash quickly knocked down the two goombah's. But grabbed Lasso by the shirt front and raised him off the ground.

"What did you do to her?" he screamed.

"I gave her something that will shut her fat mouth," Lasso sneered. The Flash raced to Iris side and took one look at her torn sleeve and the blood spouting from her vein and realized what happened. Lasso had injected her with some kind of narcotic.

"What did you give her Lasso,"

"Guess," Lasso sneered.

The Flash grabbed Lasso by the shoulders and raced out the door until they reached the top of the Crysler building the 2nd highest office tower in Central City.

The Flash grabbed Lasso by the ankles and held him over the building to the street below."

"Put me down!" Lasso screamed.

"What?" The Flash sneered

"I said put me down."

"Okay."

The Flash released Lasso and he went hurtling down the 52 stories to the pavement. The Flash ran down the building passing Lasso's screaming body. Then just when Lasso had reached the 10th floor,

The whirled his arms to create a vortex that would soften Lasso's fall. Lasso fell to the ground like a heap of bricks.

"Let's try this again Lasso," The Flash said grabbing Lasso by his shoulders and slamming him against the wall, "What did you give Iris West?"

"I…it was crack"

"How much?"

"I don't know. 4-10 cc's…" Lasso stammered.

The Flash belted Lasso hard against the side of the head. Five c's of crack was enough to induce a heart attack in someone who had built up a resistance to cocaine it would be fatal for someone to someone like Iris West who didn't touch the stuff.

"I'm generally not an angry or violent guy Lasso. But you crossed the line big time with Iris West. If you had harmed her more than you did…I don't know what I would have done you. You are going to back off from Iris West and confess to every single thing you."

With that he tied up Lasso and left him on the floor of the sidewalk. First making sure to call in his location to the police.

The Flash then raced to Iris' side and unfastened her, she was fighting for consciousness. He hoisted her into his arms.

"Stay with me Iris," he said softly he did not use his Flash voice which occurred when he made his vocal cause vibrate.

Iris briefly lifted her head recognizing his voice.

"Barry.." she began.

"Ssh," he said kissing her forehead. Iris opened her eyes and they widened surprised when she saw it was the Flash.

"Flash!"

"Yes it's me," he said, "The showboat."

Just then he heard the sound of a squad car outside. The Flash looked down and sighed with relief at seeing Morillo was among them. Morillo was one of the more honest cops and on the force and wasn't partial to the mayor, especially after he made a racial slurs about 'spics'.

Morrillo took one look at Iris West unconscious in Flash's arms and ascertained what happened.

"I need to get her to the hospital," Flash said, "We can talk there."

And he was gone.

January 1, 2013 1: 37am

Flash was fortunate to find one of the ER doctors, whom he recognized as being David Weiss from his interaction with the police force, talking to one of the nurses on staff. He turned and at surprise at seeing the super hero dash into the room with an unconscious woman in his arms. He rushed to The Flash's side.

"I need your help,. She suffered an overdose of drugs," The Flash said.

"How long do you know that she was out?" the doctor asked.

"I don't know," The Flash said, "I think about five ten minutes."

"Do you know what she was given?"

"Crack I think," The Flash said, "5 to 10 cc's."

The doctor gave the nurse some instructions and she picked up the phone.

Two orderlies took Iris from his arms and placed her on a gurney. They then headed for the emergency ward. The Flash followed.

"You can't be in here son," The head nurse said stopping him

"I know but.."

"She'll be fine. We'll do our best. You probably saved her life. Just wait here."

The Flash stood outside his arms across his chest concerned. A nurse came up to him.

"Is there anyone I can call on her behalf?"

"I.." The Flash began, "Try Maureen Connor in Keystone. I don't have her number. Wait…"

The Flash was gone and back in less than 30 seconds. He gave the nurse a piece of paper.

"This is her mom," he said, "Call her."

For the next few hours The Flash stood in the background. He was frantic with worry and had to prevent himself from pacing back and forth. He saw it when Maureen O'Connor came charging through the doors to the building followed by her nephew Wally West. She stopped to talk to the emergency nurse, her frantic voice carrying throughout the room.

"Oh my Baby!" Maureen gushed.

Wally stopped to gawk at the Flash.

"Holy crap!" he exclaimed, "Are you the Flash?"

"Yes I'm The Flash."

"Really?" Wally asked his green eyes shinning, "I was on the track team in high school. I was a sprinter. Now I do decathlon. I'm the captain of the men's lacrosse team. Oh man this is a dream come true. The guys on the team will never believe this!"

Whenever Flash appeared outside of Iris' room. The nursing staff would appear to coo over him. He answered their questions when possible and deflected the more overt come ons.

The following morning Captain Fry and Detective Juan Morillo showed up.

The Flash had trained himself a long time ago trained himself to separate his Flash identities so that he wouldn't be tripped up. He had to if he was going to be working with the police.

Dr. Weiss met the two police officers.

"How long will she be down?" Frye asked.

"It will take about a day to flush it of her system. She should be down for a few days. She'll need time to recuperate. Do you know who did this to her?"

"It was Sandro Lasso," The Flash said over from the wall where he was leaning.

Frye walked up to the Flash.

"It's Central Cities own celebrity," Frye said drily.

"Captain," The Flash replied, "Didn't expect to see you here. Isn't this a bit beneath your paygrade?"

"I'm always interested in anything that involves the Mayors staff."

"I wouldn't call Sandro Lasso a member of the mayors staff," The Flash responded, "He's an animal that needs to be put away."

Morillo laughed, but Frye silenced him with a look.

"So you're responsible for this?"

"Yes," The Flash said, "I rescued Iris West."

"How did you know she was taken?"

"I heard it on the bandwidth," he said touching the wings at the side of his head.

"You and me are going to have to have a little chat one day about your propensity to interfere with police work."

January 3, 2013 12:37am

The Flash sat in the chair opposite from Iris West. He had been doing this for the last two days while she had been held under sedation as the crack cocaine was flushed out of her system. The Flash had been by her side for almost the entire time. His alter ego Barry Allen, had booked some well over due holiday time, Barry Allen booked some well over due holiday time off, ostensibly to go to participate in a Tough Mudder competition in Arizona.

Apart from a few emergencies he had to attend to with the League, he never once left Iris side. After being shooed away a few times by the nurses, he either disappeared until they did their rounds. Or went to vibrate mode. He had discovered that if he vibrated at such a high speed he was rendered virtually invisible.

Most of the time he just sat across from her, other times he held her unconscious hand in his own. He did not know what he would do if he lost her..Over the past two days all this mind could do was frantically think about the lost opportunities. When he had seen Iris slumped over the chair unconscious with the needle sticking out of her arm he had felt his heart jump and his temper flare.

One thing he liked about being the Flash and being in the Flash costume that it gave him the opportunity to cut loose and be himself. Many people considered Barry to be an Eagle Scout. Mild mannered and boring. Eagle Scout Allen was what he was called. But that wasn't the case at all. Barry had a temper, which he had inherited from his father. He didn't blow up, but he was prone to brood and sulk sometimes.

It was a trait that he had picked up from his father and which he struggled and fought to go against. It was why he had been grateful for Darryl Fry taking him in. Darryl had modeled ideal masculine behavior for him. He taught Barry that restraint was the biggest type of strength that there was. And working alongside someone like Superman had taught him that was truly the case.

But it was still a part of himself that he could not do away with completely. Having a methodical and analytical mind he was apt to go for black and white thinking. Instead of the shades of grey. He had learned over the years to curtail that part of his personality since he knew that it ruined and spoiled relationships. But there were times when it did come out. Like the morning at breakfast with Iris West when he had accused her of only being interested in him to help her career. At first he had over looked what he had said to her, chalking it up to righteous anger…especially when he had seen her with Eric Tanner. But as time went on, he had developed a nagging feeling wondering if at least should have enquired more about what she said. He knew that Iris was an ambitious woman. But she never struck him as the type of person who would back stab or use people to get what he wanted

Sitting across from Iris right now all he could think about was all of their encounters, and the almost missed opportunities. He could not help but replay their last argument and wondered if she really meant what she had said that it was good that they had not ended up together. He had to…

Suddenly he saw her stir awake in bed, he was alert at once, her eyes slowly fluttered open her eyes slowly looking around the room as she tried to adjust her eyes to her surroundings. Her eyes widened in surprise at seeing him there.

"F…Flash," she began startled, "What are you doing here?"

"Hey take it easy," he began he was on his feet at once and at her side.

"I didn't expect to see you here…where am I?"

"You're at the hospital," he said, "Do you remember anything of what happened?"

"Um…," she began. The Flash paused as he waited for her to collect her thoughts.

"The last I remembered was that Lasso had me strapped to a chair at some club.."

"That's right," The Flash said, "He injected you with crack cocaine, I guess to get information out of you. But the dosage he gave you was too high. You overdosed and almost had a heart attack."

"Oh my God," Iris began horrified, "Did you bring me here?"

"Yeah I did."

"And now..?"

"The doctors flushed the cocaine out of your system. You should be clean now."

Iris thought back to all the times she had been at parties in New York where she had left early when the coke was brought out. She had made it a serious point to avoid any kind of narcotic. She knew how addictive it was and how it was ruinous to people's lives.

"How long was I out for?"

"Two days."

"Does my Mom know where I am?"

"Yes," The Flash said, "The nurses phoned her. She and your cousine they arrived here shortly after your were admitted."

"Oh..okay," Iris began," she rested back on the pillow and looked him over carefully, "How did you come to find me?"

"I heard it over the police bands that you were abducted."

"You monitor that?"

"Of course."

"Oh wow," Iris said, "I don't know what to say. ..I guess that I owe you big time."

"For what?"

"I mean..that hatchet job I wrote up on you months back in the Citizen saying that you were nothing but an attention seeking glory hound. I was so wrong."

"I don't blame you Iris," The Flash said with a slight smile, "You were only acting on the information that you had at the time."

"What time is it?"

"Shortly after 1am."

"Oh,"

"Are you hungry? He asked, "I can call the nurse."

"To tell you the truth Flash. Right now I would kill for a cup of coffee."

The Flash smiled.

"I'll be right back," he said.

He was back in less than five minutes with a large Jitters coffee cup

"A double espresso macchiato," he said, "Just the way you like it."

Iris was practically speechless.

"Gosh Flash you didn't have to do that.."

"It's no problem at all," he said.

"You found a Jitters location that's still open?"

"There's one on West 8th street still open for the club crowd," he said he walked over to pass her the cup. Iris sat up to receive the cup but her hand was still too weak. It tipped over and some of the contents fell on the Flash's right hand.

The Flash yanked his right hand away in pain.

"Oh damn!" Iris exclaimed alarmed. She grabbed at the rest of the cup with both of her hands, "I can't believe that I did that. Are you okay?"

"Yeah I am,

"Let me see your hand."

"Iris really it's nothing."

"No it isn't. Please let me see your hand," she insisted. The Flash slowly gave her his right hand and she slowly and she pulled back his glove. He had strong forearm. Iris took his hand in between both of hers. She examined his hand carefully. His hand felt strong, but soft. Clearly he wasn't used to manual labour, but yet should feel all that coiled power in it.

"Iris it's really nothing," he stammered.

"No it isn't," she said she took the edge of the bed sheet and wiped his still damp hand.

Smiling she lifted his hand to her lips and gently blew across it.

"That feel better?" she asked softly.

"Much," he replied his voice thick.

It was then she noticed the gold ring on his middle finger there was a lighting strike across the crest. She had seen it somewhere before…Suddenly the door opened, it was the night nurse. The Flash snatched his hand away from hers and suddenly he was gone.

Over the next several days Iris received a parade of visitors.

First was Captain Daryl Frye and Morillo.

They asked her to give her statement about what happened. Iris gave them generalities of what she had experienced.

"You're playing a dangerous game there young lady. These are very dangerous and unstable people you are dealing with. You almost died," Frye said, "It's what I told Barry. He promised to speak with you."

"Barry?" Iris asked amused.

"Yes. I saw him the night you were taken. I asked Barry to have a talk with you. He cares about you very much."

"Obviously not enough to come and see me," she replied almost petulantly.

"That's because on vacation in Arizona. Participating in one of his endurance races. I thought that he would have had enough excitement as a cop," Frye replied frowning at her tone.

"Whatever the case is. It was the Flash who responsible for saving me. Not Barry," Iris paused remembering her manners, "Look Captain…I'm sorry. That came out wrong. I…I'm just tired and confused."

"I'll let you get some rest," Captain Fry said going for the door, "But it was Barry who called in the fact that you were missing. That's what led to that…ma…the Flash saving you."

Edith Stern and Michael Clark. Edith Stern came by in the afternoon. Stern had brought her a 'get well' gift consisting of a Moleskine reporter notebook and a Kaweco fountain pen. Clark gave her a box of Lindt chocolates. They both said that they were happy that Iris was okay and that she should take off as much time as she needed. But Iris knew that they both expected a detailed write up of her ordeal in a future issue. Clark barely held back that they would make sure that all the sordid details would be printed, and that Mayor Forbes would not be able to wiggle out of this one.

Wally came by the next day. He was wearing an open leather jacket, a Flash T-shirt, and motorcycle boots it was topped off with a belt buckle which read 'Harley Davidson'. He was carrying a large black canvas shopping bag.

"Hey kiddo," she said.

"Hey cuz" he said coming over to her side and giving her a kiss on the cheek, "I brought this for you."

"What is it?" she asked opening the bag.

"A copy of the latest New York Sunday Times and your iPad. I loaded it with a weeks worth of podcasts from that online station you like listening to Monocle 24 and NPR."

"Thanks," Iris said truly grateful. She looked him over carefully, recognizing that the brown leather Carmine Bomber jacket he sported was new as was the pair of Harley Davidson motorcycle boots. Iris was familiar with the jacket as she had seen several guys on Wall street sporting the very same design or similar.

"Nice jacket," she said, "It's an Andrew Marc isn't it?"

"You recognize it?" he asked," Yeah it is. You like it?"

"Yeah I like it a lot," Iris said, "But I thought that you were a starving student. Did you get a raise at the shop or did your folks spring for it?"

Wally worked as a part time mechanic at New Port Customs autos.

"Naw. This is all from Dan."

"Daniel.." Iris began frowning, "He's still around?"

"No," Wally said, "He told me that he was skipping town for awhile. He got a job in Chicago. This was a combined going away and Christmas present."

"Shit," she swore.

"Hey don't be like that," Wally said crossly, "Dan's a good guy. He was probably framed by that stuck up prick Barry Allen."

"Wally!" she admonished, "Don't say that, it's not nice."

"Why shouldn't I? He tried to put Dan away."

"Dan got into trouble all on his own. He didn't need help from Barry Allen. In fact if it hadn't been for Barry's testimony Dan would have been in prison."

"Honestly Iris," Wally continued, "I don't see why you're so stuck on Allen. He doesn't deserve you. I bet you that ass-I bet you that jerk hasn't even come by to see you."

Iris paused for a moment and shook her head no.

"No," she said trying to keep the hurt out of her voice, "He hasn't."

"See what did I tell you. He's a jerk who doesn't deserve you!. Now the Flash on the other hand. That dude is someone you should really hook up with."

"The Flash?" she asked bemused. Wally was always trying to hook her up. He insisted on vetting on her boyfriends.

"Yeah the Flash. Now there's a great guy. Not only did he save your life. But he was on the look out for you."

"Yes I saw him when I woke up."

"No man. He was here more than that."

"What?" Iris asked startled, "You're kidding?"

"No not all. He was there in the waiting room. The nurses had to shush him away. I really think the dude is into you. He's even promised to make an appearance at my Lacross practice next week."

"I..I really don't know what to say…" Iris began, "The Flash really stayed with me?"

"Oh yeah," Wally said, "If you don't believe me ask the nurse. Brittney. She's the cute blond with the great a-."

"Wally," Iris admonished him.

"Sorry," he said grinning, "I got carried away. Really you should ask her. He's your type."

"My type?" Iris asked although she suspected that she knew what he was talking about. She had inherited her mothers taste for strong well built men. No other need apply….

"The dude is seriously jacked!"

"And how would you know that it's not padding?"

"Trust me it ain't. I saw him up close. It's real."

"Whatever the case is. He's a vigilante who wears a mask. The prospects of a relationship working out full time are unlikely."

"Maybe he'll make an exception for you!" Wally crowed. Wally and Iris chatted for another half an hour before he said that he had to get back to his apartment to finish a paper. Iris spent the rest of the evening reading the Times. Then she fell asleep to the sound of Monocle's podcast. Her dreams filled with The Flash picking her up and taking her to Paris.

/

Cameron Kennedy was the last to arrive Iris. She was sitting up in bed busily scribbling on her new moleskine pad.

"Hey there," Cameron said grinning.

"About time you showed up," Iris said jokingly, "Hope that you're not grabbing my bi-line on the Mayor."

"How can I when you're the main story?"

"Have you heard anything about the Mayor?"

"He's still on vacation in Bermuda. Un-available for comment. Lasso is waiting on a bail hearing. He won't talk to the press."

"Figures."

"I come bearing a peace offering"

He held out a large Jitters coffee cup and a small brown paper bag.

"So you got my text then?" Iris asked.

"Yes I got your text," he said handing her the cup and the bag, "One Jitters Caramel Macchiatto with two shots of espresso and extra caramel. And one oat fudge bar with lots of fudge."

"Oh thank you God!" Iris exclaimed. She opened the bag and took out the bar and sunk her teeth into it.

"Well I hope this makes up for me not coming sooner," Cameron replied a bemused smiled on his face as he watched her eat.

"Actually if it's anything I should be buying you coffee."

"I'd prefer a nice bottle of Veuve Cliquot."

"Don't push it," Iris said. Cameron came from a wealthy family and had not discarded his extravagant tastes, " Edith said that you were attacked by Lasso and his goons. I'm guessing that I have you to thank for calling the cops."

"I wish. No that wasn't me."

"Who was it?" Iris asked puzzled.

"It was your buddy. Barry Allen."

"Barry Allen?"

"Yeah," Cameron said," he found me lying by your car and asked me what happened. I told him and then he was gone like a bat out of hell."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. When I came to. I was sitting inside your car with Allen standing over me. He said that he was trying to find you. And asked me what happened. I told him. But you know what's really weird."

"What?"

"He reaches behind my neck and sees that I have this huge goose egg. I don't know how he figured it out."

"He's a CSI remember?"

"I know but…"

"Barry's the kind of guy who tends to think outside the box. It's why he's so good at solving cases," Iris said with a slight frown, " His Dad—Captain Fry was here yesterday telling me that he asked Barry to talk to me about not messing with Lasso. But I didn't think that he'd follow through on it."

"Why not?"

"Barry Allen doesn't exactly like me."

"You're kidding me right?"

"Of course not. You saw us fighting on New Years eve."

"Yeah I did," he said, "But that was all show. I could cut the sexual tension between you two with a knife."

"You watch too much porn."

"Come on Iris be serious. He's crazy about you."

"No he isn't. If he had half the feeling you seem to think he does about me. He would have shown up to visit."

"Maybe he doesn't know you're in the hospital."

"His Dad…his foster father is a Captain on the police force. They are very tight. Fry came by to see me yesterday, he had to given the fact that the mayors involved. Barry's down in Arizona participating in one of his endurance races."

"What makes you think that Allen hates you?"

"A few months back he accused me of using him to advance my career."

"And did you?"

"Of course not!"

"Allen doesn't look like the type of guy to fly off the handle like that. If he did it must be for a good reason."

"Like what?"

"Look," Cameron said leaning forward and placing a hand on her forearm, "Iris I love you to bits and pieces. But that same stubborn determination you have in taking down bad guys. Can work against you at times."

"Please don't be shy Cameron. Just tell me how you really feel!"

"Come on," he said, "You know I'm serious. Allen might have been a jerk to you for who knows what. But he was instrumental in saving your life."

"He was doing his job."

"Not the way he was acting that night. It was as if it was all personal."

Iris shook her head in disbelief. Cameron paused for a moment before adding.

"You love him don't you?" he asked, "That's what this is about. Isn't it?"

"Oh my God you are almost as bad as my mother!"

"We both worry about you finding a husband."

"Funny."

"Listen Iris. Think about what I said. Look into what he came looking for you and why it was The Flash who saved you. Maybe they are best buds," Cameron said, "If anything it might give you a story to write."

Iris stared at Cameron for a moment before nodding.

"Okay," she said softly.

Iris spent the remainder of the day hooked up to a tube. She read through magazine and listened to podcasts from NPR that Wally had been kind enough to upload for her. But she found that her mind would not settle down. So she brought out a note book (again courtesy of Wally) and began to write.

January 6, 2015 2:35pm

Iris was sitting up in bed staring out the window. She had just taken a break from writing. It was the first time since she had been admitted to the hospital that had the opportunity to sort out her thoughts and feelings get down what in words what had she had be experienced. She was still raw from what she was feelings. But she knew that whether Roth pressured her or not, she would expect some sort of account that would make headlines in the weekend paper. It would be excepted to either wide the piece herself. Or give a detailed and highly interview to one of the staff writers. Most likely Cameron Kennedy or Paul Wheeler since Cameron was still too close to the story and Wheeler was a crime reporter who had also covered the Flash.

The Flash, Iris thought bewildered now there was a name. Just a year ago she had written a scathing article about him and his exploits saying that the ACLU or justice department should look into his activities. Then here she was being rescued by him. She was positive that if it had not been for the Flash she would be dead. She mulled over their exchanges.

When she came to at Lasso's all she remembered seeing was a red blur and then she slumped over bodies of Lasso and his goons. Then there he was…the Flash crouched at her side, shaking her by the shoulders begging her not to pass out. She had thought nothing about it at the time…that he was just doing his 'job', making sure that she did not overdose. But now given what Wally had told her about The Flash holding almost constant vigil over her. Iris could understand if he wanted check in her on to see how she was doing. But a constant vigil? That really just didn't make any sense at all. And then there was the fact that the Flash had been there when she had woken up. She could not help but wonder if there was something else going on.

When they had first spoken Iris could not help but feel that by the way he looked at her that he was familiar with her. While she had not solid evidence, given the fact that his eyes were covered. But the way he spoke to her was as if they had met before…

She thought about the ring on his middle of his finger. Where had she seen that ring before? Given the popularity of the heroes, there was a ton of Flash related merchandise in the stores. Wally must have had five Flash shirts alone…not to mention statues, posters and a backpack. But the ring..she had never seen it before except for one time.

There was a light tap on the door and it was opened revealing Dr. Weiss.

"So how are you feeling?" he asked walking into the room.

"A bit cabin feverish," Iris replied.

"I can see that," he said, nodding to the piles of magazines and newspapers that sorounded her, " "But I have some news that will make you feel better."

"You mean I can go home?"

"Yes. But not so fast. The drug is out of your system. But you're still weak. I'll need for someone to escort you home."

"I'll have to make some phone calls," Iris said.

Iris picked up her cell phone and began to make call. First she tried her mother, but her mother couldn't come by until later. She had already used up all her vacation days and was keen in to get in some over time.

Wally, didn't pick up the phone, she didn't bother to leave a message because he was notorious for not picking up his messages until days later. Iris didn't want to disturb anyone else because it was the middle of the work day. She sat and fumed. She would be stuck at the hospital until at least 8pm until after her mother got off work.

The doctor arrived back a half an hour later.

"Any luck?" he asked.

"No," Iris began, "Everyone's still at work and I don't want to call them. I feel just fine. And if anything happens I'll sign whatever you put in front of me to absolve you of any responsibility."

"Sorry Iris," Weiss began with an apologetic smile, "It's hospital policy. We need to release you into the care of someone…"

"I'll take her home."

Iris and Dr. Weiss turned around and found and found the Flash standing behind them.

"Flash you almost scared the hell of out me!" Iris said startled.

"Doctor I can take her home," The Flash said, "If it's okay with Iris here."

Iris looked at the doctor and shrugged.

"Hey I'm good..he did save my life after all."

The doctor looked skeptical.

"I don't see why it would be a problem," he said, "But I'll have to clear it with hospital administration."

The doctor came back ten minutes later, accompanied by a woman in her mid 40's wearing a mauve polyester suite and white blouse. Her hair was cut short. It was obvious that she was excited at seeing the Flash. She kept nattering on how grateful she was for what he had done for Central City and how he had helped quelch a fire that had almost made her condo go up in flames. She insisted on having her photo taken with him, which the Flash obliged. Afterwards she asked Iris to fill out some paper work and had she and the Flash sign. Iris was then instructed to change into her street clothes. The nurse would wheel her down to the front lobby and the Flash could take her from there.

Iris changed into the fresh change of clothes her mother had brought for her. A pair of underwear, long yoga tights and an oversized sweat shirt which read 'Columbia'. Iris thought that she must have been quite the sight, with no make up and un kept hair. It was a good thing she had gone to the hair dressers just a week before her ordeal. She was thankful she had made it to the shower that morning. But The Flash didn't appear to be fazed. Ten minutes later she was down by the front doors. The Flash was waiting for her.

The Flash bent down and scooped her into his arms.

"Are you ready?" he asked gently. She nodded.

It was like a gust of wind. And before they both knew it, they were standing on the balcony to her midtown apartment.

It was for the first time that she had seen the Flash up close. For some reason he had stopped a few feet away from her staring at her hard. It was the first glimpse she had ever had of the superhero up close. His costume looked even more vivid in the over cast day. And his costume resembled that off a speedskater/sprinter. She could fairly see the muscles straining against the fabric. She had seen pictures of him before, but seeing him up close in person was a completely different thing. She could practically feel the power that was coming off from his body. She wondered why he was staring at her. Iris was used to male attention, but this was different on a whole other scale. It was as if he knew her. Was she upset about the article she had written on him? The article had not been a direct slamming of him, it was more as a quote from one of the front line officers in a murder investigation. That the Flash was a nuisance and this interference might impede court cases.

Sure she wrote articles, but she focused mainly on crime an investigating.

"Thank you," she said, "Would you like to come in for a drink?"

He paused only for a fraction of a second before nodding.

"Yes I would."

For a moment Iris did not want to allow the Flash inside her apartment, she was sure that she hadn't cleaned it before she left for MacAllister Square. But if her mother had come by to pick up her stuff, she probably would have straightened out the place. One look at her desk and she saw that she was right. Her mother had indeed been by and done some cleaning up..and snooping.

"This looks cozy," The Flash remarked looking around the apartment. Two of the walls were covered from wall to walls with shelves of books. There was a tiny neat desk on the other side

"Thanks," Iris said, "It's one of the oldest buildings in the area. I was really lucky to be able to rent it. Although I'm certain that the landlord is trying to get rid of me."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because of the way and the time he takes to do repairs. I've been flooded twice since I moved here. I spent virtually all my time when

"Oh.." the Flash said slowly.

"But I fixed him," she said with a sly smile.

"How?"

"I had one of my colleagues from the Citizen give him a call and tell him that he was going to be featured in an expose she was doing on slumlords. My pipes were fixed the problem didn't occur again. That's the power of the press for you!"

"Certainly is," he said smiling.

"You know I could use that same power in helping you."

"And how so?"

"I could do a feature on you."

"What just for rescuing you?" he asked, "You don't have to do that for me Iris."

"But I want to," she said.

"I understand how you feel..your gratitude for what I've done. But what's the saying..you're too close to the story."

"It hasn't stopped me before," she said, "Beside I will be writing a story on what happened to me. And you'll be featured in it."

"Iris, I wish that you wouldn't do that," he began.

"I have to," she said, You're part of the story. I can't leave you out of it. Especially given the fact that you rescued me. You helped take down Lasso. That's something that can't be overlooked or ignored."

"Come on," she said, "The kitchen is this way. As she went into the kitchen she could feel The Flash's eyes on her behind. She at once felt self conscious but not as if she were under any threat…

"I think my Mom's been here," she said looking around the clean kitchen.

"Why do you say that?" The Flash asked he stood at the doorway to the kitchen.

"Because the kitchen is cleaner than I left it. I've been so busy lately that I wasn't able to give the place a good cleaning. Let me see if I can find anything in here to eat."

She opened the fridge door and it was just as she expected, her mother had come by and thankfully gotten rid of all the perishables. Which Iris thought was great, but there was nothing left to eat. She didn't even have crackers or snacks in the cupboard. Being a fitness freak, she did not keep any refined starch in the house.

"Well my Mom, God bless her, cleaned out my fridge. But she didn't load it with anything. I guess that makes sense given the fact that she didn't know how long I would be away…I really wish that I could offer you something to eat. What do you like to eat Flash?"

"You know the usual. Chicken breast. Turkey. Lean steak."

"Really?" she asked surprised, "I would have thought that given the speed that you move at you would expend more calories."

"I do," he admitted, "I enjoy the odd burger. But I just find that I feel much better. Much healthier,."

"I understand," Iris said smiling.

"Do you like Japanese?"

"Oh I love it ," Iris said, "It's one of my few indulgences. There's a place I used to visit about twice a week when I was studying in New York. Sadly there's no place in the Gem cities region that's comparable."

"What was it called?" The Flash asked.

"Morimoto."

The words were no sooner out of her mouth than did Iris realize her mistake.

And he was gone. Iris went into her bedroom and changed into a pair of yellow slacks and a white denim shirt. She went back into the kitchen and found the Flash standing at the kitchen table. Sitting on the table were five containers.

"What's this?" she asked walking up to him.

"Japanese," The Flash said proudly, "All the way from the Big Apple."

"Flash..you really didn't need to do that…I don't know what to say," she stammered.

"It's no hassle at all," he said with a proud smile, "Think of it as a welcome home present. Are you hungry?"

"Famished," she replied.

Iris sat the table. She didn't have many guest much less a celebrity like the Flash. She shared a box of pizza now and then with Wally, when he came over asking her to proof his university papers. And her mother would come over with dinners. But given her hectic schedule she had not really had much of a chance to entertain. Not that she ever really did, in general when meeting up with friends she had preferred to do so at clubs or restaurants. She did this so that she could leave when she felt like it. But for some reason she did not feel as if she would be anxious for the Flash to leave.

When the food was served they both resumed seats across from each other. After some general chit chat about the food Iris began to ask him some general questions about being hero. She asked him about his relationship with the Leauge. To which he gave some general answers.

Afterwards, Iris suggested that they take the bottle of wine and retire to the couch.

"It's strange that you chose the Flash," she said pouring him a glass of wine and handing it to him.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because there's a comic book character by that name….I have a friend. I mean my cousine Wally—I think you met him."

"College aged guy with bright red hair?" The Flash said smiling, "Yeah I met him."

"I hope that he didn't overwhelm you. He can be a bit intense when it comes to things he's really into."

"It's not thing I haven't experienced before."

"So how are you liking the celebrity thing?"

"I wouldn't call myself a celebrity."

"You must be kidding," she scoffed, "With all of the attention that the press gives you and the rest of the League."

"Not all members of the press adore me," he said pointedly leaning slightly over the table, "Or are easily impressed with me."

Iris could not help but blush slightly. She knew that he was referring to

"Well I'll have to change that I guess after this…"

"Relax I was just teasing," he said placing a reassuring hand over hers, "In fact I'm really glad that you wrote what you wrote. It shows that you aren't easily impressed and have a lot of depth. And can think for yourself. I like that in a woman."

Iris raised an eyebrow.

"You do?" she asked.

"Yes."

"I am guessing that in your line of work you have the pick of the litter when it comes to female companionship."

"There are female admirers. But it's not something I take advantage of."

"Oh come on Flash," she said, "You can't mean that. I've seen footage on more than one occasion of you guys kissing women."

"You have?" The Flash said, "Who?"

"That guy who dresses up all in green the Green Hornet.."

"Oh you mean the Green Lantern," The Flash said not without a hint of consternation.

"Yeah that one," Iris replied, "He seems to always have his arms around some woman. And I can tell that he likes the attention."

"Lantern is a bit of a ladies man," The Flash replied slowly, "But I am not like that."

"No?" Iris began, "I mean with that square jaw and that body I'm sure that there are many women who wouldn't mind spending an evening with you."

"Like you?" The Flash asked leaning forward.

Iris cursed herself silently for opening the door wide to that remark.

"No I'm too shy for that," she replied grinning.

The Flash laughed.

"I find that hard to believe," he said.

"And why do you say that?"

"Your quite the intrepid reporter. The way you go after a story."

"Work is one thing," she said, "I have to be daring or else I'm out of a job. I don't get the story. And I don't get a story, I'm out of job and I don't eat."

"You can do other things."

"Sure. But I love writing and being in the news business. I really can't see myself being happy doing anything else."

"Taking on the mayor will be a big coup for you."

Iris shrugged.

"Taking on a big politician is always big for any journalist," she said taking a sip of her wine, "But the truth of the matter is. It's not the only reason that I do what I do. The Mayor..Forbes aren't really good for Central City or Keystone. Sure the cities doing better than it was before with the tech boom, mostly brought in by low taxes. But it can better. I know Rob Forbes is really great at helping the poor and all. But the fact of the matter is he can't deal with the pressure of office, which is why he does drugs. His brother just uses the city to fund and enhance their public business.

"Seems as if you care a lot about justice."

Iris smiled.

"I think that we both do," she said.

"We make a heck of team," he said reaching out with a gloved hand and rubbing her forearm, "Sort of like Steed and Peel?"

"What?" Iris asked taken aback for a moment.

"I..I mean..you know Steed and Peel from the Avengers."

"You're actually a fan of that?" she asked curiously.

The Flash face reddened slightly.

"A friend of mine is," he stammered.

"A friend?" Iris said smiling, "Well I guess that it's a small world. You know what! I feel like some ice cream. How about some Ben and Jerry's rocky road?"

Iris didn't wait for a response, she was already out of her seat and headed towards the kitchen.

Iris mind began to race frantically as she opened the freezer door. She was positive that there wasn't any ice cream there but she really needed to stall for time. It really couldn't be Barry Allen? Could it? Only a hand full of people knew that she was into the Avengers and Mrs. Peel. It's not something that she shared with a great deal of people. But if it were Barry…it would explain a few things, the ring she had seen on Flash's hand. She had seen it only on one person before. Barry Allen. The voice she had heard at Lasso's, she could have sworn that it was Barry Allen's and her surprise on opening her eyes to discover that it was The Flash. And of course the words from Captain Fry that it was Barry who had called in the fact that she was missing. It would explain how the Flash had found her so fast. Because Barry Allen was the Flash! Iris wanted to confront him. But felt that she needed more information.

"Damn," she said, "Looking through the fridge there was nothing there but a few bags of mixed frozen vegetables, "Looks like I am all out."

Steeling herself she turned around to face the Flash who was still sitting on the couch. But the expression on his face had changed.

"I can get some if you like," he began getting up.

"No of course not" she said walking over to him, "It's probably all for the best and my figure after all that time lying down and the hospital food. You know you would have thought that a place like that would serve less carbs and sugars!"

"I should leave," he said softly.

She nodded. She walked him to the balcony.

"Thank you again Flash," she said.

"You're welcome Ms. West," he said warmly.

"You can call me Iris," she said, "After my ordeal I think that we should at least be on a first name basis."

"Okay then Iris. It is."

"Are you going to tell me your name?"

"Nice try," he said laughing, "But no."

"Well you can't blame a girl for trying! Seriously though, what you did was amazing. I don't know what would have happened if.."

Despite herself Iris began to shake. Flash gently pulled her into his arms and held her close. For a moment Iris buried her face against his strong shoulder, before looking up at him.

"I'm usually not such damn mess," she began her voice quavering.

"Shsh it's okay," he began. He took her by the shoulders and pulled her towards him and kissed her.

"I'm .." he began to apologize.

"No that's okay," she said smiling, " I've never been kissed by a superhero before."

"There's a first time for everything," he said kissing her again. They parted breathing heavily.

"I..I don't," Iris began thickly, "I just don't want to be alone tonight."

"You won't have to be.." he said and he kissed her. Then scooping her up into his arms carried her into the bedroom.

January 12th , 2013. 5:30pm

Iris glanced over at what she had written on her lap top once more before giving a satisfactory nod and saving the document. She then rose up from her kitchen table and walked over to her coffee maker to pour her umpteenth cup of coffee for the day. She had been up since 8 am this morning busily working on her story. Which she expected to make that Saturdays papers once it had been approved of by The Citizens legal team. The story had involved her ordeal and kidnapping. In order to have it be free of bias Cameron Kennedy was writing part of the story. But in general the story was considered to be Iris and she was in charge of the finished product.

It was Roth's intention that the story be finished in time not only in order for it to hit the Saturday paper but also in advance of the city council meeting that was to take place on the upcoming Monday

Mayor Forbes had to attend that meeting and could no longer dodge the attention given the fact that the opening session occurred on Monday. Everyone knew that Sandro Lasso was sitting in prison waiting a bail hearing. On the charge of forcebale confinement. The skuttle but had been that he was in jail due to his drug dealings. They did not know that his charges also were in relation to having kidnapped Iris West.

Iris had worked on the story ever since she had arrived home. Apart from working closely with Cameron. She had also worked with Roth and Clark who had come by every day to discuss what she had written and what she had found.

Clake had hired a security detail to watch over Iris to make sure that she was safe. But the fact of the matter he shouldn't even have bothered to. Because Iris West had her own guardian angel in The Flash who had guarded her body in more ways than one. Even now just thinking about it sent tingles all over her skin.

Iris wasn't given to one night stands, especially with men that she barely knew. But costume or no costume she knew very well who it had been she had spent the night with.

Barry Allen. Barry Allen was the Flash.

She had no proof, but the circumstantial evidence was overwhelming, the ring on his finger, her discussion that she had with Cameron earlier, Barry's fixation with the comic book character and of course the mention of the reference to the British tv show the Avengers. And she couldn't even touch on the long lengthy foreplay.

The night had been better than she could have ever imagined. She had imagined for a very long time what it would be like to sleep with Barry, despite his good looks she thought that he might have been more conservative in the bedroom.

He was anything but.

While he had never been rough with her..in fact he had been very mindful of her pleasure…but he also had not been shy about what he wanted. Inside the bedroom he took her in his arms and treated her as if she belonged to him. And only him. They made love three times that night.

Their couplings were intense. Iris did not have a long sexual history. She had had dated only 5 men in her life and slept with only 2 of them. She had never been a serial dater and made sure that there was some commitment before going to bed with them. They had been middling lovers, and she had enjoyed her liaisons to an extent. But it was nothing like being with The Flash. Every where he touched he she felt as if her skin were on fire. Their liaisons were exilerating. The tagline which was applied to the Flash that he was 'the fastest man alive'. That certainly didn't extend to his prowess as a lover. He was remarkably slow and tender, yet firm. He made note of her taking her pleasure, but he wasn't wimpy and took the lead. And to her surprise he never jumped up and left after they were done.

She could have confronted him at any time about his true identiy. But the truth of the matter she diddn't want to. She was curious to see if he would reveal himself on his own. She wasn't sure whether it was a combination of her life and death experience or the fact that she was in love with Barry Allen. But whatever the case was she did not want it to end.

They had spent the last three nights together. The Flash would show up at around 9pm, he often brought some pastry from an exotic local, they talked about various issues. Their conversations always ended with a kiss and something more.

This morning when she had woken up it, was to a steaming cup of her favourite Jitters coffee and a croissant. The Flash asked her what her plans were for the weekend and wanted to know if she would go away with him to Mauii for the weekend. He told her that a friend had a private villa and had agreed to lend it to him. The Flash could have them there by sunrise Mauii time on Saturday and back Sunday evening Central City time before work. She willingly agreed.

Over the past three days she went in her mind what had happened that morning at the Sunrsise café last fall. To be frank, Iris had been less offended at him yelling at her for digging for information on her brother…than she was in his accusation that she was a manipulative woman who used people. Iris was well aware that she had a pushy and abrasive side. It got her into trouble some times. But it also helped her in other times.

But Barry's accusation had stung her to be told that she used people. Especially given how choosy she was about the people she allowed into her life. Did Barry not understand that by allowing him to get close to her she was showing him what she thought of him as a person. She decided right then and there that if that's what Barry Allen thought about her, then it was all for the best that they never be together. She buried herself in her work and dated as casually as possible. Mostly a few guys she met at her gym or guys (mostly lawyers) she ran into at City Hall and the Courts.

But on the inside she was still smarting from the rebuke she had received from Barry Allen, so much so that she actually considered going along with the defense attorney's suggestion that they embarrass the CSI on the stand with information that his father was a murderer and wife beater. But in the end Iris couldn't do it. That would have been petty and small and Iris felt as if she were above that. Never in her life had she expected Barry to have a melt down like that on the stand. He sounded like a pompous university professor lecturing an un-ruly student. No wonder her brother had gotten off the hook. If Iris had not been on the receiving end of that behavior (that morning at Sunrise café) she would have thought that it was his double.

She planned on confronting him very soon. But first she needed to do something else. The story on Rob Forbes had not been the only story she had worked on. She had been busy doing internet searches on the speed skating team at State University of New York Plattsburg campus. She spoke to the registrars office to discover who the coach was during the time Barry had been a student at the school. She found out that he had left and was now coaching for the team at North Carolina Chappell Hill. It took her three tries to get in touch with him. She had managed to contact five other men who had been on the team with him as a student. What Iris found out had been illuminating.

She heard the distinct sound of a rotary phone coming from her cell phone. She looked up the number and smiled before picking it up.

"Hello…Yes this is Iris West…..Mr. Weider…so good of you to return my call..I understand you're in charge of the Tuff Mudder franchise…"

*******/

January 17th, 2015, 5:30pm

Barry Allen was on the ice at the Greenwood Park, Sports and recreation center. He was in the middle of coaching a group of 16 young people ranging in the ages of 12-17 years old in Speedskating. When he noticed a flash from the corner of his eye. He turned and looked up in to the stands and saw Iris West wearing a black leather jacket blue jeans. She had a camera in her hand she was taking pictures. When their eyes met, Iris lowered the camera and smiled at him. He nodded and went back to instructing the students.

Barry had not expected to find Iris here. This was the first time he had seen her up close and out of costume.

When he had brought her home and she kissed him the second time, Barry knew that there was no way on earth he was going to resist what came next. He was not going to turn her down.

The Flash had been propositioned more than one time. Sometimes it was deliberately, like a groupie's attraction to a rock star. At other times it was due to the woman being grateful to him for saving his life. But The Flash always politely refused, that wasn't what he was in this business for. He wasn't in it for the adulation or the women. He knew that other meta heroes (including Lantern) operated that way. But he didn't.

Not only due to the fact that he had wanted her for a long time, but after her ordeal with Lasso, he had wanted to do nothing more than hold her in his arms and protect her. The night they had spent together had been awesome. Barry had had sex before with women, but sleeping with Iris was on an whole different level. Being deeply in love made it completely different. The feel of her naked skin against his the way she clung to him, pulling him in deeper. He felt as if they were truly one.

He had thought that a one night with her might have been enough. But he really did not want it to end. He had returned to her the subsequent nights and then on their third morning, after the a snowy day. He had asked her if she felt like going away with him that weekend to Mauii. And she said yes.

The Flash had a standing favour from Michael Halton the CEO of Halton Hotels for the use of any of his Hotels anywhere in the world after foiling a hostage taking by Captain Cold at one of his resorts in Colorado. The Flash had planned on taking him up on the offer, by asking Halton for the use of his resorts in Mauii.

That had happened three days ago. The Flash had not been able to get back to see Iris due to an emegergency with the League and a serious crime he had to investigate for the police department in Keystone. But he had called her each day at noon to see how she was doing.

Barry vacillated back and forth whether or not he should see Iris and tell her who he was. Darryl had revealed to him her ordeal. And by rights he should have dropped by her place to see how she was doing. But he felt nervous and uneasy about doing so. What if she figured out that he was the Flash? And how would she feel that she slept with Barry Allen after what she had said to him on New Years eve?

About an hour later he looked up to see whether Iris was still there. She was. He dismissed the class and skated over to her. Iris walked down from the bleachers to his side. Iris took another photo of him.

"Hello Barry," Iris said with a small smile.

"Iris," he said, "I'm surprised to see you here."

"Well I wanted to see you in person," she said, "I dropped by the station and one of the guys said that you had left for the day and I would probably be able to find you either here or at Crosfit.

"Yeah," he said, "I volunteer my time and coach one evening a week and on Saturdays. I had no idea that you were still taking photos."

"Once in awhile," she admitted, "I'm writing an article, a bit of a side project on the real heroes of the Gem City region. So the newspaper won't assign Cameron or one of the other photographers to come out with me…."

"I..I'm a hero?" he asked.

"Of course you are! All the cases you solve and the coaching. You deserve spot on the cover of the Saturday supplement.

"Iris…" Barry said colouring slightly, "I really wish that you wouldn't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because, this is really nothing….I..speedskating really helped me when I was younger. It helped to develop my confidence, and I just wanted to pass that along to other kids."

"Barry, there's no need to be modest. There are lot of people who have your skills who wouldn't do this. You deserve the praise."

"Still I really wish that you won't run the story."

"Okay then," she said slinging the camera strap over her shoulder, "I won't unless you change your mind."

"I probably won't," he said smiling, "But thanks. I'll let you know if I change my mind."

"Anyway. I just dropped by to thank you for your help. It was really great that you came to look for me. "

"Darryl recommended that I talk to you about Lasso."

"I'm glad that you did," she said smilling, "I really didn't expect you to. Especially given our fight before."

"Iris that was separate. I couldn't allow you to get hurt. You're okay now?"

"Yes I am," she said smiling, "Thanks to you. I also realize that we haven't done a lot of talking since I moved back out here to Central City."

Barry coloured slightly.

"I know that morning at breakfast…when I blew up at you…"

"Barry it's okay…"

"No…I was out of line that morning. You're right I said some very harsh things. I didn't mean to…I just," Barry didn't want to continue because he was afraid that he might say the wrong thing, "Iris I'm just sorry."

"Barry…," she began, "Yes..you're right. I was upset and mad at you about that but….I know that it's partly my fault."

"What?" Barry asked puzzled.

"Over the last couple of days, I've started to think…I realized that "To be frank I knew that it must have seen as if I was taking you for granted. Since I moved back out here we haven't really spent any time together. I cancelled all of our dates, and only kept the ones which were work related. I realized that I must have given you the wrong impression, that I was only interested in you for my own personal gains. When that wasn't the case at all."

Iris paused and took a deep breath. Apologies weren't something that came easy to her.

"I do understand that I sometimes come on strong and have the habit of forgetting everyone and everything around me when I am in the pursuit of a story. I know it's a fault."

"Oh," was all that Barry could say.

"I just had a lot of things going on. First with work, then I was having problems with the apartment I rented, then there's my mother, she's undergoing treatment for breast cancer and I had to take care of her. I should have explained this to you. So you weren't just left with the impression that I was blowing you off. Or I was only interested in you for my own selfish reasons."

"Iris I.." Barry began his face turning red, "I…I'm glad that you came and said something."

"Well I thought that I owed you an apology and we should clear the air."

"Apology accepted," he said, "How about lunch sometime this weekend?"

"Oh I can't," she said colouring.

"And may I ask why not?"

"I'm going away."

"To your mothers or for work?"

"No, nothing like that. I'm actually seeing someone. He's taking me away."

"You mean Eric Tanner?"

"Eric Tanner? You mean the assistant DA?" she asked frowning.

"Yes I thought.."

"Oh hell no. The guys a creep. I would never go out with him. No I'm seeing someone else."

"Well I am glad that everything is working out for you Iris," Barry said, "I hope whoever this guy is makes you happy."

"Thank you," she replied, "Actually…I'll let you know who it is."

"Who?" Barry asked carefully. Iris looked around carefully to see that no one was looking.

"It's the Flash?"

"Who?"

"The Flash," she gushed.

"The Flash?" Barry asked, "But I thought that you didn't like him."

"I thought so too. But changed my mind after he rescued me. He stood a constant vigil over me while I was in the hospital and we really hit it off. I like him a lot Barry. He's taking me to Maui this weekend for dinner. I am so excited."

"Well I'm glad that's it's working out for your Iris," Barry said solemnly.

"Yes it is," she said, "And it's all thanks to you,"

She leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. But unconsciously Barry moved his head and the kiss caught him on the lips. He pulled Iris close making the kiss deeper.

"What would the Flash say?" she asked after they had parted.

"I don't care," Barry said, "But he'll have a hell of fight on his hands."

"Will he?" she asked taking his right hand she raised it to eye level, Barry noticed that she was staring at his ring.

Barry's cheeks coloured.

"How long have you been the Flash?" she asked.

"Iris you're mistaken.

"Am I?" she asked and raised his ringed hand.

"When did you figure it out?" Barry asked there was no use prevaricating with a woman like Iris West.

"It's been a couple of days," she said, "I put two and two together. Further..Flash just showing up like that because you asked him to? That's way too much of a convenient answer. And of course there's this. I noticed it the other night when you were sleeping. I had thought that I saw it before, but couldn't remember where. You told me when I asked you about it…that you had it specially made in honour of your speedskating club. I looked up the year you graduated from SUNY, I contacted your coach, I even dug up about five of the guys who skated with you. They told me that the team didn't make a ring…or even have a ring made. That means only you. I think that I knew it was you in the costume when you kissed me. "

"You could have revealed yourself to me you know."

"I wanted to," he said, "Maybe I should have stopped you when you first kissed me but I had wanted to…."

"Sleep with me?" she volunteered. Barry coloured and she grinned, "Barry I'm not some 16 year old girl with stars in her eyes about these things. I'm flattered to know that I do something for you."

"No…I mean yes," he stammered, He paused and for the first time "Iris it's more than just that. Part of the reason why I never just called it quits earlier was because I like…" he paused if he was going to be honest about being the Flash he might as well just be open about everything.

"It's because I love you. I always have. And I just wanted to show you how much."

Iris eyes crinkled as her face lit up in with a smile.

"And I love you too Barry Allen. That's the real reason I slept with the Flash…because I knew that it was you beneath the mask. And after all the things we've been through. I wasn't going to let you go."

"Really?" he asked astonished.

"Yes really,"she smiled.

Barry pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. They stood like that for several minutes until they heard cat calls from the ice. Barry and Iris turned to see some of Barry's young students laughing.

"Let's take his somewhere more private," he said thickly.

"Okay," she said, "I can't wait to look into your eyes."

Barry smiled.

"I guess that for now on I'll have to be more careful with the ring," he said.

"No," Iris said shaking her head.

"No?" he asked, "Why do you say that?"

"Because for now on," she said pulling him in for another kiss, "I'm going to be the only person who sees the Flash naked."

FIN

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