The day goes by quite smoothly.
You didn't fumble through a lesson or forgot how to spell your name. Which you were very thankful for. When the class ends, you can't help it. The first person you text is Harry. Of course with an image attached of you smiling with your presentation in the background.
His response is immediate.
"It looks like everything went well. Your face must hurt from smiling that much."
You laugh out loud. Thankfully the room is empty. Surely your students would think you are unhinged. Cackling like a witch.
"It doesn't hurt a bit."
"I'll take your word for it."
Every time you read a text from him you can just picture his expression and it makes you laugh more.
"My last class ends at seven, would you like to have dinner later?"
You anxiously wait for a reply. It's not like you both haven't had meals before. Yet, this time, it's different.
"Will there be big belly burger?"
"Of course! It would be criminal to invite you without your favorite food. I'm offended you would even ask. "
"You drive a hard bargain."
You giggle, and your phone gives another soft ding.
"I'll be there."
Mission complete.
~~
"Harry!!"
Cisco's voice rings throughout the lab. Caitlin raises a brow at the male's constant yelling and Barry walks in expecting a fight to ensue. Harry walks out from around the corner with a frown on his face. He's dressed pretty casual. To their shock, he's actually wearing an outfit of color. The maroon shirt and dark jeans have them questioning a few things.
"Who are you and what have you done to Harry!!" Cisco accuses.
"Be quiet Ramon." He grumbles.
"Are you going out?" Caitlin inquires softly.
It's hard to be hostile when Caitlin looks like a curious little bunny.
"I was invited for dinner."
"I knew you had a crush on her!!"
"Goodbye."
Harry turns and Cisco just laughs.
"Invite me to the wedding!!"
Harry knew to expect immaturity from Cisco. It's a given. Although his teasing was irritating, there was truth to Cisco's words. Harry cared for you. When he heard your story, a part of him was reminded of the trials he faced himself with Zoom.
The pain he felt when he almost lost his daughter. He recognized the hurt you were going through. There was a part of him that felt obligated to help. The same way the members of Team Flash have always helped him.
It started as understanding and empathy, but now it's different. The only thing he truly wants is your happiness. When he exits the breach, he makes a turn, heading down the street. Instinctively, he reaches for his phone, opening your earlier text. His eyes fixate on the image of you smiling.
Why does it make him feel so at ease when you wear such a precious expression?
He can't truly comprehend it.
But it feels..nice.
The sudden ringing of his phone makes his eyes refocus and it's you.
Harry clicks the call button.
"Harry, how close are you?"
He looks down the street.
"I'm a few blocks down. Do you need me to grab something?"
There's a pause on the other side of the phone.
"Just..walk slowly."
"Excuse me?"
"WALK SLOW!"
The phone hangs up and he quirks a brow, staring at the phone.
As he begins walking again, he increases his pace.
~
"Food, check. Flowers, check. Casual placement of movies to fit into the dinner, check. What else?"
You've been thinking about it all day. It's not like you lit candles or anything. You know what kind of person Harry is. You treasure him and your friendship, so there's no need to rush. You're comfortable at this pace. You have a feeling so is Harry.
There's a knock and you panic.
You rush to the door and when you open it, Harry is standing before you.
"I said walk slowly." You grumble.
"Your urgency just instilled my fear to get here faster."
Of course it did.
You just roll your eyes, stepping aside to invite him in. He walks past you, you realize his change of attire and a subtle smell of cologne. Your eyes seem to follow him as he adjusts his glasses. He turns back to you and it's then you notice that you're staring.
"You look good Harry. It's nice to see you wearing actual colors every once in a while."
"Are you going to badger me like Ramon did?"
You laugh.
"I won't put you through that. Make yourself comfortable, I'll go get the food."
"Do you need help?"
"I'm okay, you just relax. You're the guest. Be guestly."
"That's not a real word."
"Are you questioning an actual professor?"
"I'm the one with multiple Phd's."
"Well, I don't think it counts when you're from another universe. "
"How convenient."
There's something enjoyable about banter with Harry. His clever retorts are sort of adorable. When you send him a little smile, he's curious about the reason behind it.
"What.."
"Nothing." You hum.
If only he knew how cute he was.
On second thought, maybe it's best he didn't know. You're not sure him getting a bigger head would be a good thing.
You giggle to yourself as you grab plates and place them on the counter. Your hands move to grab some glasses, but you stumble and the one within your reach falls to the floor when your hand just barely misses it. You grip the edge of the counter at your sudden lightheadedness. You lift your head and Harry seems to appear out of thin air.
"(Y/N)!!"
Your brows furrow.
"Harry I..I don't feel so good..."
Your hand slides off the side of the counter as your body staggers. Harry catches you mid fall.
(Y/N)! Answer me! Please!!"
Your eyes are closed, and he feels nothing but dread at that moment.
