Timeless Wells (Flash) - Speedster

Chapter 16

"So you've met him right? Like you've had actual conversations with the guy. What is he like?" Evan question.

"Yeah tell us! I want to know too!" Avery chips in.

The three of you have sanctioned the third floor dining room as your own. Now it's your scheduled gossip space.

"I mean he's just like anyone else. Easy to talk to, kind, compassionate. He never puts you down for your mistakes. He always has some kind of inspirational quote ready at hand and when he smiles it's like the room lights up."

A blissful little smile makes its way across your features. Avery and Evan exchange a look.

"Oh my gosh you have a crush on him!" Avery exclaims.

Your cheeks flush.

"W-What! NO! That's crazy I do not!"

"You just commented on his smile and then stared wistfully into the distance. It was like a romcom scene playing right in front of our eyes. " Evan teased.

That would have been endearing if you liked rom coms.

"He's just a nice guy okay. I don't have a crush on him."

"Whatever you say. You sure aim high huh?" Evan grins when you shove his shoulder.

"Since we're on the topic of interest, what's your ideal type Evan?"

Avery straightens in her seat, and he suddenly looks a bit nervously.

"I-I mean someone nice of course. Smart too. J-Just nice and smart." He starts laughing for no apparent reason and you raise a brow.

"If that's the requirement then you should just date Avery. She's nice, pretty and smart."

Her face turns a deep shade of red.

"T-That's crazy talk!! H-He would never..w-we're just friends and I-I..I NEED TO GET JUICE!!" She bolts out of there so fast you were partially convinced that maybe she's a speedster.

Evan drops his head on the table with a heavy sigh and now you're a little confused.

"Did I do something?"

"You know, I thought you were feigning the whole oblivious thing, but I think you actually are pretty dense."

"Hey!"

He stands.

"I'm going to find her before she brings us back the entire vending machine."

He heads out the door and you just stare at the wall, puzzled.

~

"Then she just ran off. I must have said something."

Harrison is trying to contain his laughter as he sits on your couch.

"Do you really not know?"

You shake your head.

"Not at all."

He chuckles.

"From what you just explained, Evan must be interested in Avery and vice versa."

"Oh.....OH!!"

The realization on your face is comical.

"Jeez, no wonder she ran off so fast. Damn it, now I made things awkward."

"I wouldn't overthink it. It may take a while for either of them to admit their feelings. I'm sure things will go back to normal eventually. They might even become closer. "

"Well, that does sound nice."

Avery was your first friend here and Evan is the very image of your brother. So seeing them happy with each other sort of makes you smile.

Harrison takes a sip of his wine, and your gaze runs over his form. He's still wearing a suit, leg crossed over the other. His presence gives off professionalism, yet you don't feel like you're in this room with the founder of Star Labs. He's just Harrison. It's who he's always been. Everything he does seems so effortless and mature. He's always in control and you suppose that is what has given you not just comfort, but confidence to lean on him with your troubles as well as your joy.

Avery's comment doesn't seem that far fetched now. You're openly staring at him.

It's a bit foolish to get attached. He's never spoken of love, but you know his background. His late wife. Someone he'd lost due to the plans of an evil version of you. The pain that reality carries is almost too much to handle. You sip from your own glass, eyes low. He catches that brief look you wear.

"Are you okay?"

He places the glass down, and you follow, planting a smile on your face.

"Yeah, just maybe I had a little too much wine. "

You're tipsy at most, so the excuse is weak. But he doesn't know that. He doesn't need to know. He's done enough to help with your inner turmoil. He shouldn't have to solve your love life too. Or lack thereof.

"I think I know you well enough to see through that."

Your fingers run along the rim of the glass.

"Tell me.." He urges softly.

Gazing at the liquid longingly, you swallow.

"Have you ever wanted something..you knew you could never have?"

You don't make the mistake of looking directly at him. If you do that, he'll no doubt see beyond the cryptic words. He'll see that all of his kindness, his humanity has you completely and utterly infatuated with him now. The revelation is almost too painful to comprehend.

"I can't say that I have. But if it's something that you want that badly, then you should fight for it. No one would get anything if they gave up because something claims to be unattainable. I believe we can achieve anything we put our minds to. Look at me, I am the prime example of an impossible situation. I shouldn't even exist but here I am. If that isn't extraordinary, then I don't know what is."

Once again you're brought to your knees by his wisdom. You still avoid eye contact. Somehow you feel a lot better hearing those words.

It might not be out of your grasp after all.