Chapter Text
Barry
Barry shot out of bed at the sound of his alarm, frightened at the ‘end of the world’ siren he chose. He checked the time and groaned wanting to go right back to bed and forget that he had a job and had to teach teenagers who would be just as mad to be up this early as he was. Yet, he forced himself out of bed, turning off his alarm with more force than needed, and grabbing his glasses. Most people used their phones but Barry had an actual digital alarm. He was afraid if he used his phone it’d be broken, either by him smashing it or throwing it across the room.
He jogged over to his bathroom to try to keep him awake and took a hot shower. It wasn’t that he wasn’t a morning person, but more that he was a ‘wake up naturally’ person. Having to set an alarm was like going to the bathroom, not when you need to but at a designated time it just didn't feel right to him. He also liked to take his time in the mornings and not rush, so he often had to wake up earlier than he needed to.
After brushing his teeth for almost the full two minutes actually recommended for brushing, because he was particular about things like that, he went on to brush his bed hair down a little, but ended up messing it up again because he remembered the kids used to laugh at his hair because it was perfectly combed down and gave him a “preppy look” according to them. He didn’t mind looking preppy, but he was finally making ground with them, since he promised an end of the semester Christmas party in all of his classes if they could accumulate points by paying attention as well as asking and answering questions thoughtfully.
He was glad that worked because after a couple of weeks of being called various names including “Mr. Lanky” - though he told them to call him Mr. Barry because he felt Mr. Allen was too much like his father too soon, and Barry might be too personal - he realized that teachers usually started with zero respect and had to earn the respect as they go along. And he intended on earning their full respect by the end of his first semester. He pulled on a plaid shirt and some jeans and was about to make himself some coffee and pour some cereal when he decided against it, he would stop over at his favorite coffee shop and get some breakfast there. He had enough time due to his early alarm. He slung his briefcase-bag over his shoulder and headed out.
When he closed the door behind him he cursed under his breath realizing he left his phone inside and it was ringing.
Quickly unlocking his door he ran back inside and grabbed his phone off his square table in the middle of his small one bedroom apartment, he answered it as he walked out the door.
“What’s up Cisco?” There was only one person who would call him this early.
“How’d you know it was me?!” Cisco sounded surprised. Barry scoffed.
“Who else?” He answered matter-of fact, and Cisco chuckled.
“Look man, I got VIP to one of the most elite nightclubs in Central City, I think I might find my next artist there, and I want you to come with me!”
Barry was grinning until the request for him to join.
“Did Skip drop-out or something? You know I don’t do that - I’m not comfortable -”
“Barry, you’re not an old man.” Cisco cut him off.
“I know that.”
“You don’t act like you know it, you act like you have a wife and kids to go home to, and a steady day job, a typical life. When you’re actually in your mid-twenties and should be out partying and taking risks!”
“You don’t even party that much, and come on man, you know it’s not my scene.”
“It should be, it could be, Barry,” Cisco lowered his voice, and Barry rolled his eyes knowing where this was headed. He made it to the car park of his apartment building and went to the bicycle section. He was eco-friendly and rode his bike to the school. He got flack from his students and his co-workers for that one. “When’s the last time you got laid?” the whisper came.
“When’s the last time you stayed out of my damn business?”
“When’s the last time you stayed out of mine?!”
“All the time!”
“Oh really? Cause I recall someone calling my nutritionist to double check if she was real.”
“You make it sound like I think you were making her up, I just wanted to check to see if she was legit and not scamming you for money. So I called her office, no big deal.”
“Sure, sure.”
“How’re things going with her by the way, are you two good?”
“Huh? What do you mean? Good? Of course we’re good! Why wouldn’t we be? We have a perfectly normal health only focused relationship.”
“Oh, Shit. You didn’t Cisco!”
“I didn’t what?!”
“You slept with her didn’t you?” The silence on the other end was his answer. Barry attached his phone to the holster Cisco installed on his bike and tried not to fall over laughing.
“I dunno, it just happened.” He mumbled sounding a bit guilty. Barry felt bad and stopped laughing at his friend, Cisco had a bit of bad luck when it came to women he worked with. He’d either end up dating them and getting heart broken, have them use him, or make the whole situation awkward by sleeping with them and then having them leave and never come back.
“I still don’t get why you need a nutritionist in the first place, you’re healthy man.”
“It’s not just about what goes in your belly, it’s about what goes in your mind.” He told Barry in a mock-yoga instructor tone, and Barry laughed.
“So are you going to get a new one?” He asked.
“No, weirdly enough - I called her to apologize and say it was a mistake and everything, and she just acted like nothing even happened. She just like didn’t even bring it up.”
“Do you want her to?”
“I don’t know, things are really busy for me right now, we just signed Allie and I wanna get one more person signed to start everything up officially, and get a record out for one artist, and singles out for everyone - plus I was working with Skip the other day and we started this wicked tune, that just needs some touches to be perfect so I don’t know if I have time to date.”
“Alright, we’ll it’s up to you. I gotta go man, I’m almost at the school.” He wasn't really, but he didn't want Cisco to change the subject back to the club.
“Wait, Barry you haven’t given me an answer on tonig-”
Barry stopped the call and sighed. He really had no intention of going to a club, filled with girls who weren’t interested in him, booze he couldn’t get drunk with because even though it was a Friday night, he had a meeting with a parent the next day due to one of his students grades and overall attitude and then he had papers to grade - however a small part of him, in the very back of his mind wanted to go. He wanted to know what it was like to be young and do something reckless for a change. He’s barely ever done anything remotely crazy and anything crazy he’s ever gotten into he regretted, like that one time he actually did karaoke which he would never do again, or that time he got drunk at a frat party (because of Cisco) and jumped into the pool with nothing but his boxers on. It was also one of the most embarrassing moments of his life because there were pictures, and videos...and he does not care to relieve it.
Iris
Iris rolled around in her bed after the sunlight hit her face. She winced as she slowly rose into sitting position feeling a slight headache, probably the result of all the alcohol she drank last night - a drinking game with Scott and Linda. Yesterday was one Iris and Scott’s few good nights, both of them finished their articles for their online newspapers at the same time, and they spent a good twenty minutes making out afterward.
It would have gone further but Linda called and invited Iris out, but she ended up coming over and the three of them played cards and drank. Linda was only willing to drink this way because she got the transfer she wanted from nine pm to seven pm on her news channel. Iris was proud of her best friend’s job as a local sports anchor. She made sure to watch her spot every time it was on.
Linda had come from filming - her segment is usually pre-taped, and they decided to have a toast, and then toast turned into cards, and then cards turned into shots. Iris yawned and turned to see if Scott was next to her, but the spot beside her was empty.
She wasn’t surprised. He left early in the morning doing God knows what, and sometimes she’d come home from the nightclub alone and he’d still be at his bartending shift until the early mornings and creep on her with his drunken breath. Whatever. she thought. She truly was starting to care less and less what he did and where he went. She had a feeling he was cheating on her, but she wouldn’t dare bring it up or ask him about it he would deny it and somehow make her feel bad for asking. Whereas if she were to do something like that he’d give her a stern lecture about how the world isn’t safe and she should be home on time or ask her who was she with. She hated that.
She got out of bed went to the bathroom and washed her face thoroughly. It was her first thing to do every day, no matter when she got up. She just liked the feeling of washing her face it made her feel refreshed, and it woke her right up.
As her mind cleared from the fog she glanced at the calendar taped to the right side of the mirror and remembered something,
“Shit!” She groaned as she scrambled around the small studio picking up clothes strewn across the floor and flinging them in the wardrobe, smelling one to check if it was clean she took off the pajama shirt she was wearing and threw it in as well, keeping the clean one in her arm. She then set up the only desk in the room and turned on her laptop. She completely forgot that she had an online interview for another online publication looking for a columnist. It was why she had set a phone alarm, but she slept through it.
She grabbed her phone next to her laptop and checked the time. Taking a deep breath she realized she had ten minutes to spare. She hoped the wifi wouldn’t stutter as opened her Skype and looked for the publication title in contacts.
This was how she and Scott made rent money, other than her getting paid mere pennies for singing twice a week at the Central Hall Nightclub and his cash bartending, which usually went to his ‘investments’ and their light and water bill, this was how they survived - their day jobs so to speak. It was also the one thread still linking them together after all the years, both of them loved to write. Iris also loved to sing, however, and had a really good voice. Scott always took pride in her voice, and soon realized that it could also help pay for stuff, they quickly took advantage of that by getting her singing in various nightclubs and posting various YouTube videos till they settled for the most prestigious nightclub in Central City. It still barely paid though. She just wanted to sing, but sharing her voice and her words with the world was a bonus she wasn't going to pass up on.
Iris did up her hair in a messy bun and pulled on a nice clean white shirt, simple, but didn’t bother changing her pajama shorts. After all, who would, they could only see her face. They called a minute later than their official stated time for the interview, but she didn’t hold it against them. She was halfway through the interview when she heard the front door unlock and she stiffened, he was home. She continued with her interview, speaking loudly hoping that he would catch a hint,
“Yes, I love that novel as well! Jane Eyre is just one of those true classics!” She exclaimed, more excited than she really was, she turned around swiftly and saw him with a bag of something approaching her, she shook her head at him, and he paused, she turned her attention back to the interviewer,
“Uh, are you busy?” He asked. She shook her head at him.
“No not at all - so tell me, why exactly -” her body froze up as she felt a hand on her shoulder and lips on her neck,
“Excuse me one second, may we continue the interview in a moment,” She asked the guy, he seemed confused but she shut the video call before he could ask her who the man behind her was. She turned and glared at Scott who looked down on the floor realizing he screwed up.
“Scott fucking Evans!” Iris scolded. “You cannot do that while I’m on Skype with people, I was in an interview!”
“Sorry babe I thought you were -”
“You thought I was what?! Talking to some boy, can you stop acting like the only person I can talk to is you?!” She stood up to face him. He looked offended.
“What does that mean?! I don’t do that.” He defended, Iris laughed.
“You don’t do that? Just last week this nice guy was helping me carry our groceries up and you nearly gave him a heart attack asking him what the hell he was doing in our apartment. He had the fucking bags in his hand, you couldn’t take a guess?”
“How about you calm the fuck down, it was an accident, I’m sorry!” He yelled. Iris shook her head at him. She would be calm, she wouldn’t even be upset if it was an honest mistake and he just wanted to be sweet, but this wasn’t the first time something like this happened, and it wouldn’t be the last. He knew she was on Skype with someone, he saw it was a guy, and he purposely had to mark his territory and she was getting tired of it. She knew he loved her, she loved him too, but it was wearing her down carrying the relationship for the both of them. She was the one who had to be watched while he went and did whatever he pleased? That was a double standard she was pretty done with.
“I’m tired of this Scott.”
“Of what?!”
“Of you being jealous of literally everyone I’m with apart from Linda.”
“I am not jealous! You can be with whoever you want to be with! Fuck anyone! And don’t put this all on me, you ask me to protect you in the nightclub and it just, it stays with me when we’re not there.”
“That’s bullshit, I ask you to protect me from perverts and dicks who think they can do whatever they want to me, I didn’t ask you to be overbearingly possessive about it, and I sure as hell didn’t ask you to bring that kind of possessiveness home.”
“You know what Iris? I’m tired too. I’m going for a run. Oh, and guess what, I bought you lunch! But maybe I’m just being a possessive boyfriend.” He tossed the plastic bag with food he was holding on the bed. Scott and Iris glared at each other for a moment before he left and slammed the door behind him.
***
All we seem to do is fight
You wanna break my heart with all your might?
You wanna keep me wrapped up in your life?
Or do you forget that I have mine?
I have places I wanna go
Things I haven’t seen
I didn’t ask you to save me
I don’t need a prince
Iris stopped strumming her guitar for a moment sighing as she tuned it for the fifth time. Writing and singing was her way of dealing with everything. When she was sad or angry or happy she’d write and sing. It was her thing. Her father caught her doing it when she was little and encouraged her and she never stopped since. It was the greatest help to her when she found out that he was gone. The greatest help to her when she realized that her biggest inspiration was taken from her by a hit and run and she wouldn’t get to hear him say, “I could listen to you sing all day, Iris.” again.
She could feel tears brimming in her eyes. That was six years ago. When it happened, she was at the beginning stages of her relationship with Scott, and he was there for her, even though she didn’t want him to be, she tried to push him away, but he stayed. She knew he cared about her, but something didn’t feel right anymore with them. Either they drifted apart, or she drifted from him. But, she somehow couldn’t let their relationship go, maybe because she didn’t know where to go from there. She wiped a tear that escaped and took out her journal to write the words she had just sung.
She was about to start singing again when her phone rang, and she answered it immediately.
“Hey girl, are you coming tonight?” Iris asked.
“Yep! I was afraid it wouldn’t be possible, but we’re pre-recording again so I should have enough time to stop by. And why do you sound so sad?” Linda quickly asked.
“Scott and I had another fight.”
“Damn, you know, you’re supposed to get married before you argue this much,” Linda said dryly. Iris felt sick at the thought of marrying Scott, the way things were now, that would not be a good idea.
“I don’t really see us heading there, honestly.” There was a brief pause.
“So, you’re gonna end things with him then?” She asked.
“No, but I just don’t see that now.”
“Iris, I hate to say this, but you know me so I will anyways, I don’t see that ever.”
“So, you want me to break up with him?!” Iris asked surprised. Linda loved Scott when they first started dating. Linda sighed.
“I want you to be happy. It’s been awhile since he’s been able to do that for you, really do that for you.“
“We were happy last night.” Iris found herself defending.
“We were drunk.” Linda deadpanned and then the two of them started laughing for a bit.
“But seriously when’s the last time you guys have been on a date?”
“I can’t even remember, we’ve been so busy. We always order in or eat at the club. Or eat separately.”
“You’re basically not even a couple anymore,” Linda said seriously, and for some reason, the thought frightened Iris.
“We share a bed, we’re still a couple.”
“There’s more to being a couple and you know that.” There was a beat where Iris thought about what Linda said, and then she sighed.
“Well, I gotta go write for my online newspaper, and then get ready for the night club. Why did you call again?”
“To tell you I can make it tonight.”
“That’s it? You could’ve texted me.”
“I - well, I don’t know. Something weird happened today. Well not weird, just different.”
“Okay, what?”
“Wally is doing really well for himself isn’t he with that new app he put out and now he’s opening a shop to fix cars, it’s so amazing! He’s brilliant for his age isn’t he?! Incredibly mature. And technically there is barely an age difference when you think about it.”
“Okay, what are you getting at?” Iris asked with warning in her tone.
“Wally-swung-by-my-station-cause-he-had-a-spot-to-introduce-his-app-and-we-had-a-conversation-and-coffee-and-he-asked-me-if-I’d-want-to-hang-out-again-sometime-and-I-said-yes.” Linda spat out in seconds.
“You said what?!” Iris exclaimed, shocked.
“I know, I know he has a crush on me, and I know I laughed when you told me earlier this year, but he seems to have really matured and I promise I’m not dating him. We’re just going to get coffee again because I couldn’t turn him down, you Wests with your adorable puppy eyes!” Linda whined. Iris laughed.
“It’s fine, I just don’t want you to lead him on and break his heart, okay.”
“I told him that we’re just going to hang out as friends, so he gets it.” She said confidently, and Iris shook her head. She sees the way Wally looks at her, she’s not so sure he gets it.
“Alright then,” She said skeptically. “I have to go, see you tonight!”
“See you tonight!”
After hanging up her call with Linda, Iris closed her journal and put it away in her drawer she locked with a key that she hid. She then spent an hour writing an article and an hour getting ready and dressed before taking her purse and things and heading out the door. She didn’t bother calling Scott, she knew he’d be there.
Barry
“See you tomorrow, flagpole!”
Barry winced at the name. There it was. He turned to face the student he was having a parent-teacher meeting with on a Saturday and gave him a stern look.
“Winston, you can call me whatever name you want, but it’s not going to improve your grades.”
“I don’t care about my grades, I care about the fact that you took my Saturday away from me because of them. That wasn’t very nice Mr. Allen, and my mom’s not going to be happy.”
“Alright then, are you done, Mr. Jones? Because, you’re the one taking your time, now.” Barry smiled at his student. The boy didn’t know what to do so he scowled and left.
Ah to be a freshman in High School and think you know everything or think you can know everything instantly if you didn’t already. After his final student left, he cleared out the lab. It was 9th-grade biology, his last and rowdiest class of the day on his Friday schedule. He enjoyed his job because he liked being able to pass on knowledge to the kids, but at the same time it was easily exhausting and emotionally draining.
He went back to the homeroom classroom he had and spent time there organizing what he needed to get done for the weekend, and found himself starting ahead on his work. He didn’t like working during the weekends, but he usually didn’t bother trying to prevent it because what else would he do? He was comfortable going straight home and not doing anything with his life and he suddenly realized that that wasn’t normal. Maybe it was if he had someone to come home to, or if his weekdays were rowdy, but Barry realized that he’s always played it safe, and he feels like he will continue to do so.
Part of him felt unsettled by the thought, while the rest of him had already come to terms with it. He liked his simple life. He finished up about half of his work for the weekend and figured he could go to a museum on Saturday after the meeting to check and see if it would be good for a field trip. Glancing at the clock in his classroom, he realized he was thirty minutes over the time he usually left. It was six in the evening and he was getting a bit hungry.
He made his way out of the building, saying by to other teachers as he left when his phone rang.
“What now, Cisco?”
“Oh man, rough day huh? Well, let me give you a ride home.” Barry sighed.
“You don’t have to, I’m fine, I got my bike.” He answered, and then jumped back a bit as he heard honking. He turned to face Cisco’s modern jeep.
“Too late, I’m already here. Come on, you sound like you had a shitty day, let’s make it less shitty.” Barry laughed.
“Fine, lemme grab my bike.” He hung up, went and got his bike and headed over to Cisco’s black jeep, he had a nice car. Barry was tired. He felt something was up, but that was in the back of his mind as he folded up his transferable bike and put it in the back. He got in and Cisco started driving, and talking. Barry tried to listen but he was zoning out every once in awhile thinking about ways he could approach his lessons better and what he would do about dinner. He snapped back to full attention, though, when Cisco mentioned food.
“What did you say? Sorry man I am way too tired.”
“I said I’m going to stop somewhere for food and drinks want to come with?”
“Alright.” Barry agreed absentmindedly not bothering to ask where that was going to be.
He instantly regretted that a while later when Cisco stopped in front of a large theater-like building that said “Central City Hall Nightclub” underneath the giant neon sign was a claim “the absolute best”. Barry wanted to bolt. He figured he could ride his bike all the way home, but the ride had taken them almost an hour from the school. He turned to Cisco with a furious glare.
“What the hell, Cisco!”
Cisco couldn’t help but laugh, he tried to stop himself but he just couldn’t, it was too funny to him, the whole thing.
“Dude, you do realize that you almost fell asleep twice on the way over here? You’re acting so old for your age it’s scary. This is an intervention! Now come on, I got us great seats.” And with that Cisco hopped out of his car with his keys and walked in expecting Barry to follow. Barry sighed angrily and did so.
***
The nightclub was fancy. That was the first thought that Barry had when he arrived inside, they were in a special VIP section, so they were on the second-floor balcony where there were booths set up, the entire place had a vintage vibe to it, almost paying homage to the roaring twenties with the high ceilings and chandeliers. Where they were had an almost perfect view of the bottom floor where there was a large dance floor in the middle and then tables with chairs surrounding it, where people were being served food and drinks. Speaking of, Barry was surprised that was food offered, but he was glad there was so he managed to at least quench his hunger by ordering a burger dish. It was the only thing on the menu that made any sense to him.
Cisco, of course, didn’t just invite him, there was a brunette woman he’d never seen before, who he naturally assumed was his nutritionist and was right, her name was Caitlin but she said everyone called her Catie. And Skip didn’t drop-out, because Skip, Cisco’s co-producer and co-engineer was needed there as well. And then there was another new person, a tall man with dark skin and a very cool beard, who Barry later found out was a talent scout by the name of Ryan. Once everyone came they settled into place. And Barry realized that this wasn’t so bad after all.
They were there already for about an hour and a half listening to the various artists that would take the stage and quietly judging them. Cisco got excited about a few, but Ryan would talk him out of it, saying that they didn’t really have that star quality to them that Cisco should be looking out for.
“So how will I know when they’re the right one for the label?” Cisco asked.
“You’ll just know,” Ryan said smoothly.
“Hey sir! Can we get another round of drinks?” Cisco asked the passing waiter, but the man either ignored him or was too busy to stop and listen and he headed over to the other side. Cisco looked pissed. “Are you serious?! This place is way too expensive to not get good service.” The Catie girl put a hand on his shoulder and he instantly relaxed,
“Cisco, deep breaths, calm down, you don’t need another drink any way you’ve had way past the health-limit.” Barry and Skip held eye contact for a moment and both tried not to burst out laughing.
“How about Skip and I go get you guys one more round from the bar downstairs?” Barry asked Cisco, he received a look from Catie, but ignored it.
“One more drink wouldn’t hurt, right?” Cisco asked her. She looked at him for a moment before sighing and giving in.
“Fine,” she said. And then they smiled at each other and Barry and Skip shared another look. “Um, could you guys get me another bloody Mary too then,” She added sheepishly and they agreed, they asked Cisco what he wanted and he had to get approval from Catie before saying it. Then Barry and Skip were off.
“Are they always like that?” Barry asked Skip once they were a distance away from the two love birds. Cisco told Barry he often brought her to the studio.
“All the damn time,” Skip said chuckling. “You would think they were married. They gotta be hooking up, right?”
“I dunno man," Barry answered, not wanting to give Cisco’s private life away. But in reality, he was thinking the same thing. This wasn’t a one night stand kind of situation. And he would be happier about it if she wasn’t also someone working for him, that never ended well for him.
They arrived at the bar and gave the bartender the orders and waited while he mixed it up.
“What about you? Got any girls in your sights?” Skip asked.
“No, not really, you - got any guys in your sights?”
“Not really,” Skip replied. The two of them sat on bar stools in their lonely silence.
“Plenty of girls and guys in here, though.” The bartender spoke up behind them, and they turned to face him.
“I’ve been working here for a while, they’re really loose, talk to them.”
“Are you single?” Skip asked eyeing the man and his features. The guy laughed.
“Sorry man, taken and by a woman.” He added.
“Dammit, she’s a lucky woman.” Skip whispered, but the bartender caught it and laughed again.
“Nah, I’m the lucky one. But I do wish sometimes she’d think that.”
“What’s your name though?”
“Scott, yours?”
“Skip, but my real name’s Montel, nice to meet you.” He stuck out his hand. Scott shook it.
“Nice to meet you too.” They shook hands for a bit and then Scott went back to work. Barry gave Skip a look asking him what he was doing, and Skip just rolled his eyes. “Your drinks are ready, enjoy the show, I think my girl’s up next.”
“Thanks, man, can’t wait to watch her.” Skip said as he grabbed some drinks, and Barry did as well, nodding at the man a thanks. As they were leaving a woman was arriving at the bar, smirking at Scott.
“Scottie my usual please,” She said and he grinned at her and offered it up.
When Barry and Skip were far from the bar Barry shook his head to himself.
“What?” Skip asked.
“Nothing, I just feel bad for his girlfriend.”
“Is it just me or was he giving off bi vibes?” Skip asked. Barry glared at him.
“What! I’m just wondering man, you never know.”
“He has a girlfriend,” Barry said as they climbed the steps to the balcony. Skip looked down at where Scott was pouring drinks and nudged for Barry to look, the guy was flirting with the woman there.
“Not for long,” he answered.
Bird’s flyin’ high, you know how I feel
They were almost at their seats when a voice rang out in the club that Barry had never heard before, the melodious vocals reached inside him and touched his very soul. He whipped around to look at the stage and a drink slipped from his hand and crashed to the ground. He ignored the ‘what the fuck?!’ Skip yelled at him, and stared at the most beautiful human being he had ever laid eyes on. She reminded him of royalty. Her eyes were the first things that he really looked at, her beautiful brown eyes that she shut for a moment when she sang a higher note - passion shooting through them when she sang lower. Everything about her was beautiful, her face, her lips and her skin, her gorgeous golden brown skin that shined under the lights. She had a halo of light around her long auburn hair. Her dress, a black strapless dress with a slit on the side, fit her perfectly and accentuated her curves, and Barry was left breathless, turned on, confused and conflicted.
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me.
“Holy shit, she has to be the one!” He could hear Cisco’s voice in the background when he snapped from his daze though he was still feeling a little light headed. Who was she? He wondered still staring at her as she continued to sing the Nina Simone version of Feeling Good. Her voice was a sultry soft soprano, but she went deep sometimes and it made his spine tingle.
Skip must’ve called someone to clean up the drink he spilled, and Barry was glad that it was his drink he dropped so they wouldn’t have to go back down to the bartender, who Barry suddenly disliked even more. Was she his girlfriend?! He tightened his fist.
“Are you back to Earth now?” Barry heard Skip say next to him, and sent him an annoyed look.
Skip raised his eyebrows, “I guess I’m not the only one who wants to wreck Scott’s relationship now, huh?” Skip said with a knowing smirk, and Barry glared at him.
“Fuck you,” He said and brushed past Skip angrily before settling back in their booth. Skip followed behind him equally annoyed.
“Shit, fine, I’m sorry, she’s beautiful, even I’m pissed at him. And I’m gay.” Skip mentioned as he sat down and placed his drinks. Barry just sighed.
“What’re you two fighting about?” Cisco asked, taking his drink that they brought. “This girl is amazing. I think we’re gonna sign her. Ryan isn’t disagreeing for once, he even knows her from high school or something, tell them what you said, Ryan.”
“I said, she’s a star.”
“She is,” Barry agreed absentmindedly staring back at her.
And of course I have no chance. He thought as she started singing another song.
***
Barry felt uncomfortable as the group made their way backstage after her set was done. He was nervous and shy, and he’d always been like this, but he’d like to think he had gotten a bit more confident in college. Not when it comes to this woman, though, he could barely think straight knowing he was going to meet her. Ryan had talked to the people who run the place to give them a backstage pass for the night so they’d be able to talk to an artist or two.
Just so happened there was only one artist they all agreed was the best of the night. Barry still wasn’t sure as to why Cisco bothered allowing everyone, including his nutritionist and him to go meet her and convince her to sign with his label, when really only him, Skip and Ryan would need to go.
And when their group of five stopped at her dressing room, Barry thought this was really ridiculous.
“Maybe I should g-” He was about to complete his sentence but Cisco had already knocked and the door opened to reveal the queen in a robe. He thought he was going to pass out.
“Who are you?” She asked collectively to them all.
“May we come in? My name’s Cisco Ramon and I’m a music producer, this is my friend and co-producer Skip and my other friend and talent scout Ryan Robinson.” The woman’s face only lit up when she heard the final name.
“Ryan?” She turned to the African American man who stood forward and smiled at her.
“Hey Iris, long time no see.”
“What the fuck is this Ry?” She asked but opened her door wider and waved them in.
“I actually didn’t know you were going to be here!” Ryan confessed honestly. “We’re looking for real talent though Iris, and that’s you.”
“I didn’t know you’d become a scout, you’re a beast at the piano,” Iris asked him curiously as the rest of them just stood around awkwardly.
“It pays well, and I’m not tied to anything, I can always put out a classical album whenever I want. And I remember you have an angelic choir voice. I didn’t know you’d want to pursue music, though, I thought you wanted to go into writing.”
“I love both.” She said cryptically as if she was hiding a piece of the puzzle.
“Well, we want to help you succeed at both. Here’s my card.” Cisco interjected, handing Iris his business card. She glanced it over and frowned. Barry noted that she looked adorable.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Starlight Records.” She mentioned, handing the card back to him.
“Sorry Ryan but I don’t sign with people I’ve never heard of. It’s a rule I gave myself cause shit went down before where I wrote and sang for them, and they stole my song and I didn’t even get paid. I managed to get out of the contract, but it was stressful.”
“I promise we would never do anything like that to you. We’re legit. The only reason why you haven’t heard of us is because we’re just starting, but we’re actually honestly servicing our clients and just helping them put their music out there. We don’t take anything, or reproduce anything without your knowledge and consent. And I assure you once we start selling, you will get paid. Even before - we’ll give you a starting check.”
“I was hired by Cisco here, and he is legit. He sold some high-grade inventions to make his dream to start a label, a reality, and he loves music as much as we do.” Ryan assured her. She softened a bit at that, but still looked a bit skeptical.
“Here, why don’t we give you this card and -” Before Cisco could finish, the dressing room door opened and revealed Scott, who looked incredibly surprised and then annoyed at the amount of people in her dressing room.
“What the fuck is this? And what the hell are you two doing in here?” Scott asked throwing a glare at Barry and Skip.
“Relax man, Cisco - that dude there, is my boss and owner of a record label and we’re just trying to sign your girl.” Skip said. Scott instantly calmed. Barry noticed Iris shot him a one second glare before smiling at him.
“Babe what are you doing here?” She asked through clenched teeth. He shrugged sighing.
“I had a break. And it’s good I came too, give me your card and we’ll talk it through, my baby got tricked before and we’re not going to let that happen again.” He said extending his hand to Cisco. Cisco glanced at Iris and then at Scott.
“Why don’t I give you both a card, and Iris feel free to call me anytime if you have more questions. Also, swing by the studio any time no pressure to sign, just for fun even.” Cisco said smiling at her, Iris gave him a genuine smile and Barry’s heart quickened at the sight of it.
After Cisco handed out the cards he told Iris she should get a manager. Scott looked like he was about to say something, but her eyes on him shut him up.
“What do you do?” Iris asked. Barry didn’t know who she was talking to because he was staring at one of the pictures of Otis Redding on her wall. He was practically looking at anywhere but her, so when he turned to look at her and saw she was looking directly at him, he felt panic shoot through him and froze.
“Me?” He hated his voice for betraying him, quivering slightly. They all turned to look at him then, and Scott narrowed his eyes. “Oh, um, I don’t do anything - I mean of course do I something,” he chuckled embarrassed, “but it’s not important. Actually it is important but it’s not important now, shit, sorry, I’m a high-school teacher."
“Don’t be embarrassed about that that’s admirable and difficult, I was not an easy student so I can imagine. I only asked about your job cause I thought you were a manager.” She laughed, and was that a hint of nervousness in her tone? No, he had to be imagining it.
He didn’t know where he got the courage but he smiled at her and said,
“I could be.” He then shut his eyes when he noticed Scott and added, “I mean if you want one, I know a lot of stuff about the music industry from Cisco, I like learning, I’m good at math, all I ever do is organize.” The two of them held eye contact for a moment, and then she grinned at him.
“Send me your resume, and we’ll see. Come’re,” She told him, he was standing the furthest away from her, and he slowly made his way closer to her. She took a pen from her table and a post-it note. She wrote her email address down and he marveled at her handwriting. When she was done she slapped the post-it on his chest and rubbed it down, and he had to do everything in his power not to give himself away by breathing too heavily. She was so close, she smelled so good like flowers, and she was touching him, it was too much.
“There ya go. Email it to me by Monday.” She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling. He smiled back at her dazed.
“Alright, you guys can go now.” Scott rumbled, and Barry jumped away from her unintentionally. Scott startled him. Cisco reminded Iris to call him if she changed her mind, and Iris said she would - if she did. They all started leaving one by one, but as Barry was leaving, Iris grabbed his arm, and he felt electricity shoot up him. He turned to face her.
“Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.” She told him, letting go as if she felt the jolt as well.
“Barry, Barry Allen.” He told her.
“I’m Iris West.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss. West.” Barry told her, and she laughed at his choice of words. He grinned at her.
“Barry, let’s go!” Barry could hear Skip’s call and he wanted to tell them to leave without him, but then he saw Scott behind her still giving him a death glare and he realized he should probably go.
“Remember the resume, Barry.” She whispered at him, before he left.
“There’s no way I’d forget.” He replied and then with one final smile she closed the dressing room door.
He didn’t know how to adequately describe what he was feeling, but he knew he never felt it before.
Iris
As Iris shut the door after Barry her light mood vanished. Scott was looming behind her and she knew that he was going to be mad.
“What the fuck was that Iris?!” He asked.
“What was what?”
“You don’t know that guy why would you let him ‘apply’ to be your manager as if you got other applicants!”
“What were you going to say Scott? When Cisco asked me to get a manager? Were you going to tell him that you’re my manager? Because you’re the one who got me that deal that flopped. You’re the one that agreed, without telling me, to consider a shit label that just stole my song!” Iris yelled.
“You signed with them yourself!”
“You told me they were the one and that you already told them I’d consider it! You basically forced my hand!”
“Iris stop yelling, I’m sorry, you’re right. I screwed up. But you were flir-”
“Shut up. I was just talking to him, the same way you talk to Macy, and Angelica, and Rita. So don’t you dare.”
“How - “
“How do I know them? Because sometimes they bring me drinks, just to throw the fact that you tell them they're pretty in my face. I ignore that shit though because I trust you, do you trust me, Scott? Can you allow me that much?”
He looked guilty. He then nodded.
“I can.”
“Good I’m exhausted, let’s go home.” The word home had never been so empty for her. She wanted to just curl up in bed and fall asleep.
On their drive back, it was quiet, neither of them bothering to speak. But as they pulled into their dingy apartment complex Scott turned to face her.
“I’m really sorry Iris, I was an idiot. I shouldn’t have convinced you to sign with those assholes. Whatever you want to do, is up to you. I’ll stand by your choice no matter what. And if you wanna hire that skinny white boy to be your manager, go for it. I’m cool with it. I met him before actually and he seemed nice. Lonely as hell though.” Iris took a deep breath. He looked at her and continued,
“I’m just constantly worried about you.”
“Yeah, well I’m not a baby. So you should worry about you.” She told him this, but gave him a small smile to say he was forgiven. When they got home Iris instantly headed for bed and allowed Scott to cuddle her, but in the back of her mind she was thinking about the tall white boy who wore a damn plaid shirt to a club, looking different, looking cute, and staring at her like she was his whole world.
She’s never experienced that before.