Au

Chapter 18

Later that day Barry would question where he found the nerve to stand up to Eddie but in that moment, as he closed the door behind him, the only thought on his mind was Iris. The look on her face as he was pinned to the wall was one of fear and he could tell by the still present pallor of her skin that she hadn't fully recovered as yet. She didn't need the stress and he wasn't about to put her through it.

"Look, I don't know you and you don't know me but we clearly have something in common and that's Iris. We both care about her. She's had a rough couple of days and right now she doesn't need this." He tried to reason with the blue eyed specimen who stared him down with an unwilling gaze.

"I agree. She doesn't need this. You've brought her breakfast, you've kissed her goodmorning, you've had you're fun. It's time for you to leave." Eddie stated with his arms folded tight over his chest, further enhancing his hostile demeanour. Unfortunately for Eddie, Barry was feeling especially cocky that morning so he simply addressed the other man with a raised eyebrow and a confident grin.

"You honestly think that if we both walk in there she's gonna pick you over me?" he asked as he pointed behind him to the door and Eddie's cheeks flushed with anger. He faced Barry head on, not letting his insecurities show through but Barry saw it flicker in his eyes.

"Come on man. Save yourself the embarrassment and go home," he suggested and Eddie finally flipped. He banged Barry up against the door, crumpling the scientist's collar once again as the veins on his neck bulged out in anger.

"How about I send you in there with a blue eye huh? How's that for embarrassment? Show Iris what a wuss you really are." Eddie spat, unknowingly revealing the true source of his current state of agitation. His ego was bruised. He'd woken up on a divan with a vile of vinegar being held beneath his nose and curious eyes peering down at him, but the eyes he wanted to see (her eyes) were no where to be found. He later found out that she'd gone after Barry and left after an altercation with Mr West. She didn't even spare him a second glance. Didn't care enough to know if he was alright. That thought in itself made his every insecurity a reality. He knew Iris, he'd known her for for almost three years, and she'd never been one to chase after a guy. In his heart, Eddie believed that she'd find love someday, that the right man would break down those walls and finally claim her heart, only he thought that man would be him.

"What on earth is going on here!" Joe's bellow cut through the air and both men turned to stare at the father figure approaching.

"Eddie let go of him this instant!" Joe commanded and though he made no attempt to hide his annoyance Eddie did as he was told. Barry neatened his appearance and turned to thank Joe for his help.

"Listen I don't care what you both think is important enough that you need to send eachother to your premature graves, but whatever it is you sort your issues out away from my daughter you got that? Iris is recovering and she doesn't need to get worked up over some macho contest. Have I made myself clear?" he scolded like the parent that he was and both men  submissively held their tongues and nodded. In that moment Barry saw a flicker of Iris in Joe. Something about the way he commanded the situation, speaking in a manner and tone that left no space for doubt.

"Now both of you take a walk outside, get some fresh air and when you've gotten back to your senses you can see her," he ordered.

"But Joe..." Eddie tried,

"That's Mr West to you son, and that wasn't a request. Now get out of here before I get security to escort you out," Joe put his foot down and Barry nodded.

"Yes sir," he answered and thought:

*She's his daughter alright*. Joe gave them both one last meaningful look and knocked on the door.