You hardly flinched.

While his heated temper did scare the living hell out of you, you had somehow acclimated to withstanding against his outbursts. He had done it enough times around you to become familiar with it.

Taking a half-step forward, Barry opened his mouth. “You know, Harry --”

“Shut up, Allen.”

There was an implied, ‘I’m going to kill you.’ Barry retreated back, alongside Cait and Cisco, his face pouting as if he were a kindergartener who had been scolded by his teacher.

Harry shot you a nasty, seething glare. “And you. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Again, you refused to meet his gaze.

Knowing full well that he wouldn’t accept your apology - much less, believe it - you swallowed. “I'm sorry…”

“I'm sorry?!” He let out a laugh tinged with hysteria. “Oh, yeah, because ‘sorry’ always makes everything better...! Not.”

Beside you, Cisco leaned over to Caitlin. “He’s doing the ‘not’ thing again.”

Harry’s ears perked up, and he jabbed a finger right at the mechanical engineer. “I will hit you.”

That instantly shut Cisco up.

An ominous silence took over.

Heaving a heavy sigh, Harry ran his large through his hair once more. He really looked like he was going to lose his mind.

Finally, after closing his eyes and counting to ten, Harry breathed out. “Why did you do it, ________?”

You pursed your lips. “Why did I save Cisco and Dante?”

“No.” He said, voice cut and clear. “Why did you put yourself in harm’s way?”

Is he being serious right now? That shouldn't even be a question. Hell, he should know the answer to that.

Yet, you found yourself explaining all of this anyway.

“They were in danger, Harry,” you said with a slightly heated tone. “What was I supposed to do; let them die?”

“No. But --”

“Really?” You snipped. “‘Cause that's what it sounds like you wanted me to do.”

“Ramon’s not a child,” Harry interjected. “He can take care of himself. You, on the other hand, are--”

“Not a child, either…” You took a step forward and raised your head, challenging. “Now, from what I can see, you're the only one who has a problem with me fighting Rupture.”

He gritted his teeth. “No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

You rolled your eyes. “When I came here with Cisco and Dante, Barry and Cait all thought I did an amazing job for keeping them alive. That it was only the van that got torn up. Yet…”

Harry opened his mouth to argue; but, you somehow managed to stop him with a cold, hard stare.

“You're the only one who seemed to think I’m incapable of doing what I do.”

Hell, you've been catching metahumans since Barry became the Flash. You were practically his partner.

This wasn't the first time you've fought a dangerous enemy from Earth-2, and certainly not the first time you've encountered a life-threatening situation. Harry knew that.

So, what the heck changed?

“Tell me, Harry,” you whispered, hands clenching to fists. “Why is that?”

You expected Harry to argue, to raise his voice, throw more bullshit excuses as to why you were incompetent at your job; but he didn't. Instead, the look on his face actually softened.

The expression vaguely reminded you of resignation. Definitely not what you were expecting.

Harry didn't move.

Though the silence between you lasted mere seconds, it certainly felt longer than that. You searched his eyes for any indication of what he could possibly be thinking, though found none. It was always difficult to tell with him.

Finally, after gathering his thoughts, Harry sighed. “You wanna know why I'm acting like this? Fine.”

Reaching up to your shoulders so anxiously, he gave you a tight squeeze.

“I lost my wife years ago, ________,” He started, looking into your eyes with a mixture of anger and fear. “And now, quite possibly, I could lose my daughter. I can't lose you too. It would kill me…”

Your eyes grew wide. Does that mean…?

As if coming to the same realization, Barry, Cisco and Cait gaped. They exchanged looks of astonishment amongst themselves, prior to staring at you two.

You couldn't help but fidget under Harry’s needing gaze.

He looked at you intently, as if waiting for a response, a reciprocal understanding to stay safe for him; but, you were too shocked to do anything. You've never really thought of Harry like that; nor, were you aware that you had that effect on him.

It was simply a lot to take in.

Seeing you freeze under tension, Harry released you. You blinked twice before turning your head up to face him.

“Well, ________,” he whispered. “Now you know…”

He waited a few more seconds to see if you would speak.

You didn't.

Harry exhaled heavily.

Reaching over to a nearby table, he grabbed his gun, slung the strap over his shoulder and adjusted the length to fit snugly across his chest. He shoved his hands into his front pockets awkwardly.

“I'm heading out.”

With quick, hurried steps, the multiverse physicist left the room in resound silence.

You were left to stand there in the Cortex, cold and stunned, with Barry, Cisco and Cait beside you. Harry’s footsteps faded away in the distance as you ran the conversation over and over in your head.

Just as you were about to argue, you remembered that she had graduated high school at the age of 15 and then pursued five degrees in college afterward. How the young speedstress managed to do that in the first place was a complete mystery to you.

A low chuckle resounded from your lips. “You are one talented person,” you admitted to her.

“I try,” she grinned.

There was a slight pause in conversation as you walked towards the edge of the elevated platform. She closed her distance as well, arms crossing.

“So,” Jesse gestured towards the machine you had been working on. “Are you done? I was hoping we could talk for a bit.”

Hopping off so that you could be on the same level, you nodded. “What about?”

“Family,” she answered, nonchalantly. “I heard I was gonna be a big sister?”

You froze. She knows…

All too quickly, your mind began forming these uninvited thoughts that involved Jesse scolding you, interrogating you, demanding how you could keep something so important hidden from them.

As if reading your thoughts, Jesse reached out and grabbed your hand.

“Hey,” she gripped you tightly, as you tensed under her touch. “It’s okay. I'm not mad or anything.”

You stared at her, completely baffled. “You're not?”

Jesse shook her head.

“No,” she repeated. “I mean, I was a little surprised, sure. But, I'm not mad…”

She trailed off as the two of you took seats on nearby chairs. There was another moment of silence as you took a deep breath.

Despite the fact that you knew she wouldn't judge you, you still couldn't help but avoid her gaze. A fact that Jesse clearly understood as she patiently waited for you to sort out your thoughts.

“So,” you awkwardly rubbed the back of your neck. “How did you find out?”

“My dad,” she smiled, and both of you shared a ‘no-duh’ look. “He started acting strange a few days ago. I asked him what's wrong multiple times; but, he just kept pushing me away.”

You nodded. That sounds like Harry alright...

Pulling your lips into a tight line, you cast her an almost apologetic look. “How did you find out?”

“I dragged it out of him,” she answered politely; though, from what you could tell, there was a mischievous hint to her smile. “I said I would go and talk to you if he didn't tell me what was going on, and he caved in immediately.”

“I see…” you took another deep breath, working yourself up to ask the next question. “How, uh… how is he?”

For a brief moment, you thought you saw worry flash before her eyes, causing you to shift in your seat uncomfortably.

“He’s doing better,” Jesse admitted, after taking a second to find the right words. “When he first found out a few days ago, he couldn't eat, sleep, drink - he couldn't do anything that a normal, functioning human could. And it worried me.”

A stab of guilt tore through you. I didn't know…

Simply recognizing that fact made your heart ache, and your body sore. The person you loved the most was now suffering at your expense, and you couldn't do anything about it because you were his source of unhappiness.

You felt lightheaded just thinking about it.

“He still loves you, you know?” Jesse interjected, dragging you out of your thoughts. “He may be avoiding you and all, but that still hasn't changed the way he feels.”

She scooted closer and slipped her arm around your shoulders. The sweet gesture was enough to make your eyes sting.

“For what it's worth,” Jesse gave you a good squeeze. “I don't blame you for being scared of my dad...”

You let out a pained chuckle. “Really?”

“Really,” she repeated. “I love him and all; but sometimes, he can be - how Cisco would put it - a little dickish.”

“Just a little?” You added.

The brunette shook her head side to side, contemplating. “Maybe more.”

And just like that, you two found yourselves smiling. Whatever tension has festered minutes before had somehow eased itself into a more friendly, relaxed environment.

It made you happy.

Like a heavy burden had been lifted and you could finally breathe again. Turning so, you reached over and wrapped both arms around the sweet girl.

“Thank you,” you whispered.

“No problem.”

Just then, you heard footsteps echo by the entrance. It wasn't long before a voice followed out, too.

“Hey Jesse, are you in --” Harry stopped mid-sentence as he rounded the entrance and turned his gaze upon you.

Although you were quite a ways from him, you saw his jaw clench tightly and his hands balled into fists.

You shied away from Jesse’s touch, feeling unexplainable guilty. Your mouth parting slightly, you stood from your seat. “Harry…”

He refused to acknowledge you.

Though it was expected, your heart still sank.

Turning away, he faced his daughter with an equally closed expression. “Jesse,” he jerked his head over his shoulder. “We need to talk.”

She frowned. “Talk about what?”

“Something important,” Harry answered promptly, in a ‘no-nonsense’ kind of way. He clearly wanted to leave the room as soon as possible. “Let’s go.”

As he started for the door, Jesse remained put. She didn't seem to like his answer. “Why can't you just tell me here?” She challenged him, causing her father to stop in his tracks. “I mean, you can talk to us about anything.”

Harry swallowed hard.

Not in the traditional sense that he was nervous; but, more so in self-restraint. As if it was taking his all not to lash out at the young speedstress.

Closing his eyes, he ran a quick hand across his face and exhaled. “Pack your bags,” he announced finally. “We’re leaving tomorrow morning.”

Your breath hitched.

And from what you could tell from her expression, Jesse’s did too.

Her mouth fell agape.

“What do you mean, we’re leaving tomorrow?” She narrowed her eyes and cast him a sharp stare. “We can't leave.”

“We can and we will,” Harry pressed, raising his head high. “There’s no reason for us to stay anymore…”

His words cut you deep. How could he say that...?

While you understood the fact that he was upset at you - and all of the hateful behavior he expressed had been warranted - you couldn't face the fact that he was going to leave things unresolved...

It broke your heart into more pieces than it deserved.

Pain tore through your body once more.

Jesse, who appeared to share the same resentment, crossed her arms.

“No reason to stay,” she repeated, a tinge of hysteria in her voice. “Right. It's not like the woman you love is pregnant or anything.”

A vein pulsed on Harry’s neck. “Jesse…”

“No, Dad…!” She gestured wildly towards you and the gentle swell of your stomach. “You can't just decide to leave ________ when you don't know how to deal with a situation. It's not fair to her.”

“Not fair,” he let out a humorless laugh. “That's funny, considering she never told me she was pregnant in the first place…”

Upon hearing the sharp tone to his voice, you cringed. An action that didn't go unnoticed by Jesse.

“You know, you can't exactly blame her,” she pointed out. “With all due respect, it's terrifying to admit important things to you.”

“But that doesn't mean I won't understand,” Harry countered. “She should've just told me as soon as she found out.”

“I’m sure she had her reasons,” Jesse cast him a pleading look. “If you would just sit down and give her a chance to explain -”

Exasperated, Harry ran both of his hands through his hair, sending it from a well-kept to a chaotic state.

He sighed. “I'm not having this conversation with you…”

“Then I hope you have it with ________!”

The well-renowned physicist didn't even respond. Instead, he left the Speed Lab in hurried steps, probably hoping to distance himself from the awkward situation.

Of course, Jesse crushed those intentions when she chased him out the door, yelling out more claims than her father could handle.

You were left alone in the Speed Lab.

All but crystalline silence in the metal-lined room. It was only then, when you had a moment to process all that has been going on, that your lungs recalled their purpose and you were finally able to breathe.

“Oh god…” you said airily. What should I do?

You couldn't decide whether to talk to both of them or leave yourself out of the situation. Talking to both of them could lead to more drama, more raised voices - all of the things you wanted to leave behind.

But…

If you stayed out of the conversation, then it could really mean Harry leaving without resolving things.

Either way, you knew whatever choice you made would result in unfavorable outcomes towards you.

Might as well calm them down, you thought reasonably. That's the first good step out of any…

Awkwardly fixing your shirt, you slowly made your way out the door and to whatever destination they had travelled to.

*~*~*~*~*

You found them.

Harry and Jesse were arguing heatedly - almost violently - when you entered the Cortex.

Although they never cursed at each other, they definitely had some intellectually-geared insults that would have any genius cringing.

Their voices had escalated so loudly that Barry, Cait and Cisco didn't take long to travel to your destination.

Cisco, of course, was the first to respond. “What’s going on?”

You took a deep breath. “They're arguing.”

“About?”

You refused to answer.

Instead, you looked over to Barry for moral support. He was the only one who knew what was going on, and you were hoping he could help in some way.

“Oh god,” he muttered, eyes flickering between you and the arguing couple. “Is it about --?”

He didn't finish his sentence.

One look on your face and he could tell.

Heaving a heavy sigh, Barry placed his hands on his hips. “Okay, this needs to end now…”

He turned away and marched over to Harry and Jesse. Beside you, Cisco leaned over. “What’s he talking about?”

“Nothing,” you lied, voice surprisingly calm.

Though in truth, you were anything but. Another ball of anxiety had worked itself inside and twisted in your stomach.

You forgot you haven't told Cisco or Caitlin yet. And with the way things were progressing…

It won't be long before they find out, too… you thought, ashamed.

You could only imagine their judgmental looks when they realize you were pregnant with Harry’s child.

Shoving your hands in your pockets, you steeled yourself up and followed Barry inside. Cisco and Cait copied your example, though they remained more confused than anything else.

“Harry! Jesse!” Barry attempted to step in between the two. “You guys need to calm down.”

Harry shot the speedster a scathing look. “Stay out of this, Allen.”

He pressed his lips into a hard line. “You know I can't do that.”

“Yes, you can,” Harry snapped back. “It's simple. All you do is turn around and walk away. Hell, you can even run if you want to.”

Jesse looked astounded. “Wait, he knows too?”

“Of course he does!” Her father made a wild gesture towards you. “Who do you think ________ was talking to when I found out?!”

Harry clenched his fists tightly to his side.

“It’s why I'm finding it so hard to forgive her,” he hissed. “She didn't even have the decency to tell me first.”

All gazes passed to you.

You were the center of attention once more, and you hated it. Taking a step forward, Jesse furrowed her brows.

“________,” she started softly. “Is that true?”

Like many times before, no response came from you.

You couldn't help it.

When confronted with a situation like this, your mind tended to freeze up and draw itself in its own corner. You could feel another pang of regret manifest through your chest and eventually crawl down to your stomach.

Though it would be months before you could actually feel a kick of a foot or a turn in position, your felt your tummy jerk. As if your baby was uncomfortable with the dilemma too.

Subconsciously, you wrapped your arms around your stomach.

There was a moment of unfiltered silence.

Cisco rubbed his temples.

“Okay...” the engineer stated, fortunately drawing everyone’s attention away from you. “As much as I love talking in riddles, could someone please tell us what’s going on?”

Caitlin nodded. “The conversation’s a little hard to follow.”

Another awkward silence ensued.

Barry and Harry exchanged wary looks. He made a gesture to the multiverse physicist, as of to say ‘well, go ahead and say something,’; but, only to find out his efforts were in vain.

Harry had laced his fingers behind his head and, of course, made the dickish move to turn around and avoid Barry. Jesse cast her father an annoyed look.

He ignored that, too.

Heaving a heavy sigh, Barry switched his attention to you. He gave a helpless shrug, as if to say ‘what about you?’

Of course, you couldn't bring yourself to open your mouth and comment on the situation either. You lowered your gaze and kept to yourself once more.

Barry sighed, aggravated.

“Guys, this is ridiculous,” he commented, watching the two of you turn away even farther. “If you're not going to say anything, then I will…”

“Say what?” Caitlin pried.

Barry angled himself to face Cisco and Cait, both of whom looked very eager to know. A moment passed so he could gather his thoughts.

“...________’s pregnant” Barry said in a hushed tone. “With Harry’s child…”

A resounding gasp from Caitlin and Cisco filled the room. It did nothing to alleviate your anxiety, and you just cringed away yet again.

Cisco was the first to break out of his shock and respond.

“Wait, hold up,” the mechanical engineer placed both of his hands out in a halting motion. “So, you’re saying that  --”

“________ is pregnant,” Barry repeated once more. “She has been for three months.”

Caitlin’s eyes grew wide.

“Three months?!” She turned to you with a worried expression. “Why didn't you say anything to us?”

“You know, Snow,” Harry interjected, grimacing. “I've been wondering the same thing…”

Jesse smacked his arm. “Dad…!”

He hardly flinched.

Catching on to their behavior, Cisco narrowed his eyes. “Why’s he being a dick?” He gestured towards the very aggravated Harrison Wells. “Shouldn't he be, you know...happy?”

“Happy?” There was a resentful tone to Harry’s voice. “I really wish I could be, Ramon. I really wish. But…”

He cast you a hateful glare.

“I just found all this out a few days ago. ________ had the great idea of telling Allen about her unborn child first, instead of me - because, you know, it’s not like I was the father or anyone important in her life, but that’s neither here nor there.”

“Dad,” Jesse whined. “You can’t seriously be holding that over her.”

“And why not?!” he snapped. “You should be just as upset about this as I am! I mean, you of all people don’t like secrets being kept from you!”

“But at least this one was understandable!” she argued. “You’re not exactly reasonable when it comes to these things! I mean, when were you going to tell ________ that we were going to leave tomorrow and never come back?!”

He shook his head. “I didn’t say we were never coming back!”

“You didn’t have to!”

“Wait,” Barry jumped in, grabbing his arm. “You were going to leave ________ without talking about the baby?”

“Shut up, Allen.”

Caitlin stood, aghast. “How could you do that?”

“Very easily,” Harry answered, unwavering. “She clearly didn’t want me involved in her son or daughter’s life, so why should I be?”

“Okay, Harry,” Cisco pressed his lips into a hard line. “I know we don’t get along sometimes, but I really don’t agree with your decision.”

“Well, it’s not your decision to make!” He snapped back. “In fact, this is none of your guys’ decision to begin with!”

“Does it matter?!” Cisco raised his voice, causing you to jump. “We care about you guys a lot, no matter how much of an ass you can be. We’re like family! Remember what a family is like, Harry?”

“Of course I do, Ramon,” Harry shot him a scathing glare. “My family involves me and Jesse.”

“And ________!” he snapped. “If there’s one concrete thing I’ve learned these past few months, it’s to never turn your back on your family - because you never know how much time you really have left with them!”

“Oh, I’m sure she’ll be fine!” the hot-headed physicist snarled. “After all, she’s lasted three months without my help. She could definitely last longer.”

“Not for six more months,” Caitlin snapped. “And definitely not for eighteen years! She needs someone who can support her!”

“She can support herself.”

“How stubborn can you be?”

“As stubborn as you were about your friend Rickie’s death.”

“His name was RONNIE!!”

From beside you, Cisco clenched his fists. “Oh fuck, no,” he hissed bitterly. “You did not just go there…”

“What, Ramon?” Harry raised his voice, “Are you gonna pick a fight with me too?”

He gritted his teeth. “Don't make me.”

Harry laughed. “Last I recall, your powers were nowhere near your counterpart’s.”

“That doesn't mean I still can't throw a punch.”

“Alright!!” Barry stepped in between the arguing teammates, forcing one hand on each hand to separate them. “You guys just need to calm down!”

“Calm down?!” Harry and Cisco spat at the speedster.

“Yeah!” Jesse joined in. “We all need to take a breather here.”

“Jesse, don't even think about it,” Harry have his daughter a scolding glare. “We’re leaving tomorrow and that's final!”

Despite his resolute decision, Harry and the others kept arguing amongst themselves for a solution. While you appreciated everyone's effort in backing you up, their actions didn't make you feel better.

In fact, they made you feel worse.

Clearing your throat, you spoke up for the first time. “Guys…”

“We should stay here!” “I said, don't even think about it!” “How could be so inconsiderate?!” “I am not inconsiderate!”

You spoke up a little louder this time. “Hey, guys…”

“She hasn't been taking her prenatals!”

“I really don't think it's the time to talk about that.” “Of course it is!” “Why’s that?” “Without prenatals, the baby could develop neural-tube defects!”

“Hey, guys…” you repeated for the third time. Your voice was lost in the sea of angry voices.

“Could you, for once, just own up to your own mistakes?!” “Mistakes?!” “Yes, mistakes! “Your head is stuck so far up your ass, you can't even see how messed up your decision is!” “Stay out of this, Ramon!” “Make me, Harry!”

“SHUT UP!!” You screamed above them, to the top of your lungs. “JUST SHUT. UP…!!”

The room grew eerily quiet upon command.

There was a chilling shudder that ran up everyone's spines when they heard your voice. You were never the type to become emotionally invested as others and rarely had they ever seen you become so flustered.

It made them all stare.

You couldn't care less.

A throbbing ball of negative emotions stirred up inside of you. Your breathing increasingly ragged, your face pulsing with heat, you finally felt the most intense, most sincere sensation you've had about the topic since telling Harry of your motherhood.

“I really hate what all of you guys are doing,” you said with such anger that your voice shook. “You're all arguing your points about what you think should happen, what you think Harry should do and how this affects you, when no one’s even bothered to ask me what I want.”

Your body thrummed with pain that had you wincing internally; yet, you pushed it aside and ignored it.

Barry’s eyes softened at your words. “We were just trying to help…”

“Help?” You sounded incredulous. “Help how?! I mean, have you even stopped to consider what I really needed?!”

There was no response.

“I didn't think so,” you flared, continuing in in your tirade. “The closest any of you has gotten to asking for my concern was whether or not I was actually pregnant! That alone made me --”

At that moment, a stab of pain tore through your abdomen, forcing you to stop mid-sentence.

Barry’s forehead creased. “________?”

You ignored him. “That alone made me --”

Another stab, except that it was stronger. Now, everyone looked worried - including Harry. He uncrossed his arms and inattentively took a step forward.

“That alone made me --”

Another stab.

You collapsed on the ground.

“________!” They all yelled.

A blistering ache knotted your muscles, making it unbearable to move. Your mind was disoriented, the room on its side. You tighten your grip around your stomach as the pain grew in steadier, stronger thrums, worsening your condition.

Immediately, all of your friends rushed over to your side. Surprisingly, after all the shit you've been through for the past few days, Harry was the first by your side.

Hands wrapping tightly around your arms, he shook you anxiously.

“________!” He wrapped his fingers tightly around your arms, shaking you anxiously. “Are you alright?!”

No response.

“Dammit, answer me!” He demanded.

“Harry!” Caitlin swatted your lover’s hands away. “Stop it! That’s not helping!”

“Well, what the hell’s wrong with her?!”

An uneasy look spread across her face.

“I don't know,” she admitted, hesitantly biting her bottom lip. Taking her flashlight out, she oriented herself to face you.

She shone the light in your eyes, moving it steadily side-to-side to see if you would follow. You hardly moved.

“She’s unresponsive,” Caitlin announced, a tinge of stress in her voice. “No reaction to external stimuli whatsoever.”

Jesse’s breath hitched. “Then what do we do?!”

Before anyone could answer, Cisco interrupted.

“Oh my God, guys…!” The mechanical engineer tugged his hair in intense panic prior to shoving a finger towards you. His face was deathly pale. “I see blood! I see blood!!”

Harry and Caitlin reeled back, just enough to observe.

Sure enough, there was a light stream of blood trailing down your thigh and staining the floor.

Harry’s eyes widened. “Fuck…!”

He made a move to reach for you, but Caitlin blocked him again.

“Stop, don't touch her!” She scolded him. “She's having a miscarriage!!”

*~*~*~*~*

“Oh, hey, Harry!” the mechanical engineer squealed. “How, uh…how long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough,” he answered, before narrowing his eyes. 

Your heart beat violently against your chest. Oh, crap. He’s really pissed…

It was just like that other time when HR introduced himself to you a few weeks back. Harry may have only kissed you in front of his doppelganger at the time; but, in the following days, he needlessly hounded Cisco so he could talk to you through his vibes.

The guy barely got any sleep that week.

Before either of you could say a word and explain the situation to him, Harry shot Cisco a cold, unforgiving look. He squirmed uncomfortably in the seat.

“Ramon,” Harry repeated, clenching his jaw.

Cisco gulped. “Yeah?”

“Get out.”

“Okay.”

It didn’t take long before the mechanical engineer dashed out the door and disappeared within seconds; though, not before tossing you a last minute ‘sorry-for-ditching-you’ cringe.

You smiled to let him know that it was okay.

Harry seemed to have notice the gesture and took a step forward. You turned your attention back to him and waited warily. At this point and time, Harry’s mood could bounce off in  any direction - whether it be angry, sad, forgiving.

It really depended.

Fingers crossed, you were hoping it was the last option.

Harry pinned you under his scrutinizing stare. “________.”

“I swear to God,” you threw your hands up in surrender. “It wasn’t what it looked like.”

“________,” Harry repeated.

“Cisco was just trying to cheer me up ‘cause I had a bad day at work and my car broke down. Plus, I lost my keys to my apartment and -”

“________!” he snapped.

You shut your mouth immediately.

Bringing a broad hand up, he covered his face before rubbing his temples therapeutically. “…I know,” he muttered quietly. “I know he didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not mad.”

You stared at him.

He sighed.

“Okay, I’m mad,” he finally admitted, prior to closing his eyes. “But for an entirely different reason than you’d expect.”

His reassurance did nothing to alleviate your anxiety. Taking three long strides forward, Harry stopped just in front of you and cupped your face. Your breath hitched and you stilled so as to appease him.

“I’m sorry,” he finally breathed.

The words sounded so foreign on his lips, you had to take a moment to let the reality of it sink in. With a wide, doe-eyed look, you stared up at him in confusion.

“What?” you asked.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated once more. “I should’ve been there for you. But I wasn’t…so you had to search for comfort elsewhere…”

He brushed your hair back.

"Forgive me?" He asked.

You paused for a beat.

Never in a million years would you have thought Harry would ask for forgiveness.

At least, not over something like this.

Feeling a small smile curl the side of your lips, you reached up and placed your hands atop his.

"I can't forgive you if there's nothing to forgive," you said to him. Taking his hand, you turned it over so his palm was facing upward, and you pressed your lips against the center of it. "Don’t beat yourself up over it, okay?”

He was silent for a moment, measuring your sincerity, before he closed his eyes and shook his head. When he opened them, his expression has considerably softened. He took a deep breath and swallowed.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “And I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

A daring idea formed in your mind. “You can make it up to me now,” you suggested.

He frowned. “How?”

Okay, here goes....deep breath, ________.

“You can start by not scaring the living crap out of Cisco,” you proposed. His expression darkened once more, as he stilled and stared at you blankly.

Oh shit.

“________.” he started testily. 

“He’s my best friend, Harry,” you added, trying to keep your voice confident and steady. “He’s practically like a brother. That’s not going to change, and you know it.”

You tightened your grip around his hands. 

“Please,” you whispered.

Harry continually stared, blinking a couple of times, his expression unreadable. You shift uncomfortably in your seat.

“....Fine,” he muttered finally. Clearly, he was troubled by the decision; but, knew that if he didn’t agree, he would greatly upset you. “I’ll try not to bite his head off...”

Your eyes shone bright. “Really?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

“Oh my god,” Feeling light and free, you threw your arms around Harry and pulled him into a tight hug. The unexpected gesture surprised him, causing him to stumble back a few steps before he steadied himself.

“Thank you so much, Harry...!” you gushed.

“Yeah, well,” The well-renowned physicist cleared his throat awkwardly. “That being said...”

You pulled back and observed him.

“There’s absolutely no touching between you two,” Harry pressed his lips together in a hard line. “I only come here every so often. The last thing I want to see is you getting too friendly with other guys. And vice versa.”

Pulling away from you, he jammed his fists into his front pockets.

“I barely tolerated my doppelganger around you,” he added gruffly. “Ramon isn’t any different. Understand?”

While it wasn’t the most ideal situation, you couldn’t help but agree to his stipulations. This was definitely a big step for Harry. It showed that he trusted you...

Grinning widely, you nodded. “I understand...”

“Good,” he said. “Then,...we’re good.”

With that one simple phrase, Harry took a quick step forward, dipped down and planted a soft kiss on your lips. Barely any time passed before he pulled away and cast you a gentle, smoldering stare.