StopLight

submission   dated  9-5-10/4/3/11

author: FireCracker      

(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_) 

Archive? You'd better.

Warnings:

Pairings: Barry Allen (Flash II) / Hal Jordan (GL) Wally West (Flash III)

StopLight: Truth pt. 6

Iris lay awake thinking. Her happy husband snoozed contentedly beside her, oblivious to her mental musings.

Enough is enough. Another week of this lunacy and I’ll be a cripple. I can barely walk as it is.

“Barry.” She tapped her husband under the sheets.

“Mmm.”

“Wake up. We need to talk.”

A tousled blonde head popped up. Frowning, Barry glanced at the wall clock. “At four a.m.?”

“I want you to set an appointment asap with Dr. Robeson at Star Labs. I mean it!”

Barry blinked, dumbfounded. “But why?”

“Why?!” Iris edged to a sitting position. “Do I have to spell it out? Or don’t you remember our conversation days ago about

your libido?”

Barry sat up now, his blue eyes clear of sleep. “What are you talking about, Iris? We didn’t make love for two days. I’m

serious about controlling myself better.”

Iris clapped a hand over her eyes. “Two days of recovery before the next assault!”

“Assault!” Barry was offended, anger in his tone. “So wanting you is an attack now?”

“No, I-“ Iris caught herself and took a breath. “Look. Let me rephrase this.”

“I think you’d better.”

“Listen to me. Two days of rest does me no good if you wear me out over the next three.”

“I didn’t think-“

Iris snorted. “No, you didn’t. That’s my point. Six times on Tuesday, Four times Wednesday-“

“Does that include the shower we took together?”

“I’m not joking.”

“Sorry.”

“And eight times yesterday!”

Barry stared in shock. “No, it couldn’t have been eight-“

“You’re too damn fast to know.”

Handsome features flushed red. “Well I wasn’t counting!”

“I  was.”

Barry rubbed her arms in comfort. “What do you want me to do, Iris? Medications don’t agree with my metabolism-“

“With all of the bright minds you have access to, you mean to tell me a solution can’t be found?”

“I didn’t say that-“

“I strongly suggest you get medicated. Or I may make another decision!” angrily, Iris wrapped a sheet around and stalked

out.

Barry watched her go. This isn’t good. Not at all.

()

Nearly forty five minutes later, Barry wondered if his wife was ever coming to bed again. He glanced at the ceiling and

door, wondering what to do.

She’s right. I can’t keep doing this. I love her, but Iris isn’t a meta human.

He lay quietly thinking about his wife and her anger. And how hot she looked when flustered and pissed. He grinned at the

thought, feeling very, very warm.

I’ll apologize later. But for now…

Gliding stealthily from bed, Barry made his way down the hall. Silence.

She’s in the bathroom, I can sense it. He took a left turn and tapped on a door.

“Iris?”

Her voice was muffled. “Go to bed Barry.”

“Not without you. Come out, please.”

“No.”

“Please, babe.”

A pause. “I don’t trust you.”

“What kind of talk is that to your husband? Open the door!”

Another pause. “Stay out there and calm down. I know what you’re trying to do!”

Barry felt his temper flare. “This is ridiculous. I’m not doing anything!”

“Damn right!”

Barry turned the knob. Locked, it figures.

“Are you going to open this door?!”

“Go sit in some ice!”

“Fine, have it your way.” Vibrating, Barry slipped through. Iris pressed against the shower stall near the window.

“Aren’t you being silly?” he moved towards her.

“Silly?” Hazel eyes flared in anger. “Sex eight times in one day and I’m silly?”

“It has nothing to do with that! It’s-“ he stared idly. Iris was glistening from a quick shower, her skin moist. Thick auburn

locks plastered in wisps around curvy shoulders. A close fitting robe didn’t conceal those legs either.

Barry shook his head in admiration. “Hot.” His voice was husky as he reached for her.

Her eyes widened and stared low at a huge erection bulging his pajamas. “Oh God! This is insane.”

He squeezed against her, nuzzling. “Should have let me sleep, babe. We could have talked in the morning.”

“Maybe not!” with a shove, Iris turned and stepped up on the toilet.

Stunned by her action, Barry backed up. “What do you think you’re doing?!”

“Getting the hell out of here!” she scrabbled for the window. Before Barry could grab her, she was halfway out.

“Iris!!” he lunged, too late. Iris toppled out into the night.

()

The commotion didn’t go unnoticed. A certain neighbor was peeping in the dark through her bedroom window. Her

annoyed husband stared from bed.

“Hazel, get away from that window. Stop being nosey!”

“I’m not being nosey, Harry. The Allens are having another fight.”

“What fight?”

“Haven’t you heard all the arguing through their window?”

“You mean our window. For crying out loud, it’s four thirty. Come to bed, will you?”

The heavyset woman waved her husband to quiet. “Shh. Wait, I-“ she craned her neck.

“What is it now?”

“Harry, you’ve got to see this!”

Her husband rolled over sleepily. “No I don’t.”

“Harry, she just fell out the window!”

“What?!”

“Maybe she was pushed -“

“Wait a minute.” Harry scrabbled from bed and stood beside his wife at the window. “What’s going on now?”

Hazel pointed excitedly. “See for yourself.”

()

Iris plopped awkwardly into a row of bushes. Swearing angrily, she untangled from several branches before regaining her

feet. Barry was there in an instant.

“What do you think you’re doing, Iris? You could‘ve been hurt!”

She glared back, tightening her robe. “Everything already hurts. Now leave me alone.”

A warm hand gripped hers. “We’re not having this discussion out here-“

“Fine. Get walking, I’ll follow you.”

“You’re being difficult.”

“Says the sex fiend.”

“Iris!” Barry hissed angrily.

She relented a little. “All right, sorry. Cheap shot.”

“Let’s go inside. We’ve given the neighbors enough of a show.”

Iris moved around her husband. “It isn’t even dawn, Barry. Everyone’s asleep.”

He followed her closely through the yard. “Not everyone.”

()

Gladys reached for the phone over her nightstand. “That’s it, I’m calling the police.”

Harry snatched the phone. “Stop it. They’re clearly just talking-“

“The poor woman’s being beaten. Open your eyes! Why else would she climb from a window in the middle of the night?”

Harry scratched his head. “Where are you getting all that, Hazel? They’ve always been good neighbors.”

“Are you dense, Harry? Whoever heard of breaking out of your own house?!”

“Have to admit, it is strange. May be more going on than what we know.”

She grabbed the phone back. “It’s my duty as a good neighbor. Someone has to protect that sweet girl.”

()

They were barely inside before Iris picked up the conversation. Barry turned on the hall light.

“You’re overreacting as usual, Barry.”

“No I’m not. You know my hypersense. Eight different neighbors were at their windows.”

“I didn’t see anything.”

“They had the lights out.” He paused, staring at his wife’s face. Her eyes were slightly puffy.

“You fell in the wild strawberry bushes, Iris-“

Iris started scratching. “No wonder I felt so itchy. Damn allergies.” She rubbed her arms.

“It was a stupid stunt, climbing out that window.”

“Maybe not. At least your mind isn’t on sex.”

Blue eyes darkened a bit. “I think we should talk about this tomorrow.”

“Fine.” Iris snapped. “But I’m not standing here all night itching. Excuse me!” she turned to go down the hall. Before Barry

could respond, the door bell rung.

“Who in?”

“At this time of night? I have no idea.” Annoyed, Barry opened the door. Two police officers stood on the step, all

business.

“Ah, officers, can we help you?”

The tallest one replied first. “Good evening. We received a call regarding a domestic dispute at this location.”

“I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding.” Barry kept his tone even. “I’m a police officer myself.”

The uniforms appeared surprised. “Nevertheless sir, we have to file a report.” They glanced around Barry at Iris.

“Ma’am, is everything okay here?”

Iris stuttered in surprise. “Yes, of course.”

They kept looking at her. “Are you certain, ma’am? We can have an emergency unit on call if you-“

“Give me a break!” Barry was angry now. “What is this?!”

“Sir, we’ll have to ask you to control yourself.” The second officer was stern. “We’re required to ask these questions. If we

find the situation under control-“

“Officer, there’s no ‘situation’ and nothing to control. Now if you don’t mind, my wife and I were going to bed!”

“Ma’am?” the officer looked at Iris again. “I have some information I’d like to leave with you.”

“But I don’t need-“

“Here.” He handed her a card. “There’s three numbers on there to call. You can speak to a family counselor 24/7. The

extension is for emergencies. There’s also a line for a womens’ shelter.”

Barry swore under his breath. “I don’t believe this.”

“Good night.” The officers spared Barry an odd glance before leaving.

()

Barry shut the door somewhat forcibly. “Has everybody gone crazy? Did you see the way they looked at me?”

“Oh lord.” Iris strained to keep from laughing. “This night is off the hook!”

“They kept staring at you-“

“That was odd. But I guess with so many domestic violence cases they assume the woman won’t speak up.”

“Like hell. Your eyes are all puffy from allergy. They probably thought I socked you!”

Iris did laugh then. “It’s completely ridiculous, but how would they know differently?”

“Great, just great.” Barry waved his arms in agitation. “Now the whole neighborhood thinks I’m beating you!”

Iris edged to a living room window and peeped through the curtains. “The squad car is still across the street. They

should’ve pulled off by now.”

“They want to protect you from your maniac husband.” Barry was sarcastic. “Hell, I’m going to bed. Enough stupidity for

one night!” he stormed down the hall.

Iris trailed behind him. “I couldn’t agree more.”

()

They both slept fitfully the next couple of hours. It was barely dawn when Barry sat up in silence. Iris shifted in bed next to

him, roused by endless tossing.

“Barry, I thought we were going to sleep.”

“I’m trying to.” His tone was strange.

Iris rolled over, opening sleepy eyes. “You’re not still angry about those policemen, are you?”

“Iris” Barry hissed through his teeth. “I need…please.”

Hazel eyes snapped wide in alarm. “Are you sick?”

He glanced down at her intensely. “Look, just do something…anything. Touch me, okay? I promise I won’t move.”

Briefly confused, Iris rubbed his sides. Muscle rippled in vibration. “Listen to me, Barry. Lie back and relax. Don’t think

about anything at all, okay?”

“Right.” Closing his eyes Barry stretched out. Slim fingers reached inside his pajamas.

“Poor baby. You really are hurting.” She kissed his chest.

“H-hurry.”

“Hmm” Iris massaged his cock with both hands, rolling her thumbs along the tip. The hot shaft quivered at her touch. And

then a fantasy washed over his mind.

Those hands, so soft and warm, turned hard and hot. Oh, so hot…and no longer hands, but a sweet mouth. Familiar and

wet. Auburn hair much shorter, with a lock he loved to play with. Beautiful hazel eyes, less gold and more green, smiling

up at him. The mouth caressing lovingly…

Barry jerked up, spurting over her hands. A thin moan escaped his throat.

Iris watched him ease in relaxation before speaking. “You have to get help.”

“I know.” He rasped. “I’ll…call Star Labs later on today.”

“Good.”

“Your eyes look better.”

“They still feel funny, but my drops helped.” Iris observed her husband. “You’re sweating.”

Barry felt flush, running a hand across his face. “I’m…you’re right.”

She touched his face. “I’m wondering if you have some kind of virus. Maybe it’s reacting strangely with your metabolism.”

“I’ll be fine.” He eased from bed. “Got a heavy day at the office. May as well get up and take a shower.”

Iris nodded. “I’ll put on a pot of coffee.”

()

They ate breakfast quietly with the news blaring on cable. Iris watched her husband while munching toast.

“Something on your mind, Iris?”

“Hmm?”

“I wasn’t aware that watching me eat was so fascinating.”

She cocked her head in observation. “You just seem a million miles away, that’s all.”

“It’s the relative time. You know how it is for me.”

“I don’t know. It seems to be something else-“ loud ringing interrupted further conversation.

“Phone. Saved by the bell.” Barry went to answer it by the pantry.

“Hello?”

[Barry?]

“Hi, Wally. Everything okay?”

[I was going to ask you the same thing.]

A frown. “What?”

[If you can’t speak freely, just listen.]

“That depends on what you have to tell me.”

Iris observed in curiosity, stirring her coffee. “Sounds cryptic.”

Barry held the receiver away momentarily. “It’s Wally.”

“Oh.” Iris brightened. “Tell him I said hello. And that he forgot to visit Tuesday.”

Barry grinned. “You hear that, Wally?”

[I knew she’d give me grief. Jai had the sniffles that day. But I can come by later.]

“I’ll tell her. Anything important going on?”

[I didn’t sleep too well last night. There was a major disturbance in the speed force. It was you.]

“I’m fine.”

[No, you’re not. I’ve been getting those weird, erratic spikes. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the cause.]

Barry chose his words carefully. “I wouldn’t jump to conclusions that way.”

[This is me you’re talking to, remember? I know exactly what your problem is.]

“I’m working on a possible solution.”

A pause. [You mean you’re going to…you’ve talked to Hal?]

“I didn’t say that!” Barry shouted without realizing. Iris stared in surprise.

“Sorry-“

[Look, I’m not trying to upset you.]

“I’m not upset, exactly. It’s just a sensitive topic.”

[I know. Tell you what, I’ll stop by this evening, okay?]

“Great idea. Make it around 8:30, I should be across town by then.”

[Okay, later.]

“Later.” Barry hung up with a sigh.

Iris eyed him. “You want to tell me what that weirdness was about?”

Barry sat at the table. “Wally wasn’t convinced I’m okay.”

“You aren’t.”

Blue eyes gave her a look. “Anyway, I must have been throwing off a bad vibe in the speed force. Wally was affected.”

Iris twirled her spoon. “Barry, at some point you might want to get with Max.”

“About anything in particular?”

“Let’s face it, there’s a lot we don’t know about the speed force. Now that you’ve discovered you’re the source, don’t you

think it’s time to explore the possibilities?”

Barry nodded in agreement. “You’re right. For all Thawne’s evil, he spoke the truth. I was too busy running to get answers.

But all that will change.”

Iris sipped her coffee delicately. “Not to breach a sore topic, but what about your call to Star Labs?”

Barry glanced over at the clock. “I’ll call this afternoon on break.”

()

 At JLA headquarters, Hal was working on a report he’d made on the black lanterns. It was a fairly quiet day at the facility.

Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter stopped by to say hello. They had much to report themselves, having been returned to

life. Barry mentioned their experience might give new clues to the mysteries behind life and death. His brilliant, golden

speedster. Sweet, perfect, and so very, very hot. Barry…

Hal shook his head to clear it. Not the place, not the time! He forced himself to focus on the task at hand. Impatiently he

tapped his fingers on the polished table surface. The room was getting entirely too warm.

“Sheesh. What’s got you all worked up?”

“Huh?” Hal glanced up absently. Ollie stood over him, smirking.

“Man, you really snuck up on me. I didn’t hear a thing.”

“Are you kidding? I all but stomped my way over here. You were in la la land.”

Hal flushed. “No, I wasn’t!”

“Yeah right.” Still grinning, Ollie pulled up a seat. “So. What’s important enough to have you filing reports on a free day?”

“It was overdue.” Hal paused. “Besides, I needed the distraction.”

A snicker. “I see. From Cowgirl?”

Hal quirked a grin. “No.”

Ollie was instantly suspicious. “Oh oh. That leaves the other option.”

“I don’t know what you mean?”

“Don’t give me that innocent routine, Hal.” Ollie leaned forward, his tone smug. “Gotta be Carol, right?”

Hal raised his eyebrows. “Yeah, sure, Carol.”

Ollie sat back in surprise. “Nah, you’re leaving out something. Don’t tell me…there’s someone new? Are you crazy!”

Hal sighed in annoyance. “Is there some reason you’re even here, Ollie? There’s no imminent catastrophe for once.”

“Uh uh, don’t try to blow me off. You forget who you’re talking to.”

“Why are you so suspicious?”

A shrug. “Well if you must know, I’ve been trying to catch up with you for over a day. Needed to know what you’re bringing

to the barbeque this weekend.”

Hal clapped a hand on his head. “Crap, I nearly forgot! Tell you what, I’ll get five pounds of half smokes for the grill. I’ll even

toss them on the fire.”

Ollie was sly. “Works for me. Now tell me what else you plan to cook.”

“Come on!”

“You come on. Do you have any idea how dopey you looked when I walked in?”

Hal turned beet red. “No. And I was just thinking about what to include in my report.”

Ollie stared at nearly blank pages. “Looks like a lot of scribble to me. Besides” he grinned at his friend again. “You’re red

as a cherry. Now who the hell are you thinking about?”

“Ah um” Hal strained not to laugh.

“Something going on? I knew it!”

“Okay, okay. It’s Carol. She and I spent some time together.”

Bright green eyes narrowed. “Normally I’d believe that, but you took too long to answer. Since you didn’t say Cowgirl

either, it must be someone else.”

Silence.

Ollie chuckled. “Don’t make me guess who it is. At this rate I might even believe those stupid rumors!”

Hal went pale. “Rumors?”

“I’m just kidding, bud. Besides, they’re pretty over the top and ridiculous. You know how the league is. If they don’t know

your love life, they make stuff up.”

“Tell me about it.” Hal mumbled, shuffling his papers.

“You don’t think I’d seriously believe that stuff?”

“Since I don’t know what you’re talking about I couldn’t say.”

“Give me a break.” Ollie twirled his moustache. “You know the stories about Bruce and Clark, right?”

Hal nearly laughed. “That’s old stuff. Clark even joked about it, saying Lois told him not to hook up with a man in fetish

gear. Bruce rolled his eyes and left the building.”

“Yeah, good one. Then there’s Diana and Vixen…”

“Makes no sense. Next.”

“Arsenal and Dick. Of course they both deny it loudly.”

“Now that one I heard more recently.”

“Tim and Kon-“

“A popular combination these days.”

“Carter and Atom!” Ollie laughed out loud.

Hal laughed with him. “You’re making this crap up, Ollie.”

Ollie slapped his knee in hysteria. “Naw. It gets worse…get a load of these. Faith and Jimmy Olsen.  Ice and Alan Scott. 

Congorilla and J’Ohn. Johnny Thunder and Iron Munroe. Cyclone and the Shade. Lightning and Aqualad.”

Hal nearly choked. “Those combos are the dumbest ones yet.”

Ollie wiped tears from his eyes. “The worst. But I’ve saved the best for last.”

Hal cocked an eyebrow. “So to speak? Should I even ask?”

Ollie pointed at him.

“I don’t want to know.” Hal stared at his papers again.

Ollie clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Nah, you can take it. Besides, it’s been circulating fairly recently.”

Hal was very still. “So who am I paired with?”

“Your favorite speedster and mine, Barry.”

Hal bellowed in laughter. Ollie watched him in surprise.

“It ain’t that damn funny, Hal-“

“It is to me. And plain stupid, too.”

“Yeah, well-“

“Well what, Ollie. Do you honestly expect me to say that’s true?”

“Whatever.” Ollie shrugged it off. “Shoot, Barry would probably faint if he knew.”

“He already knows about that stuff. You forget his ability of perception.”

“Uhh…”

“You know, seeing and hearing everything at once? I warned you about that before.”

Ollie scratched his head. “So that day I called him a suburban square-“

“He heard it.”

“Sheesh, no wonder he got on my case at the next JLA meeting.”

“I got news for you, Ollie. Under the right circumstances Barry curses worse than a drug lord. You wouldn’t believe it.”

Emerald eyes went wide. “You’re serious? Mr. Gumdrops and Cake, champion of goodness and light? The original

goody two shoes?!”

Hal rolled his eyes. “Oh brother.”

Ollie elbowed him. “The raging pureness that is Barry has a few kinks, eh?”

“More than you know!” Hal blurted without thinking. He clammed up immediately.

Ollie stared in shocked surprise. “Nuh uh, my man. You’ve got my interest now.” A suspicious look. “And how the hell

would you know about Barry’s kinks?”

Hal felt beads of sweat against his neck. “Just some things he told me. Look, Ollie, are you going to let me finish this

report?”

Ollie pointed at the papers. “Hal, forget it. You haven’t even started. Whatever’s on your mind won’t let you concentrate

anyway.”

“Maybe you’re right. I should pick this up later.”

Ollie jerked a thumb. “C’mon, let’s blow this joint. I’ll treat you to a steak lunch.”

Hal smiled at the invitation. “Sounds good. Let’s go.”

()

Barry managed to contact Star Labs during his lunch break. He’d set an appointment with Dr. Beyer, a specialist in

psionic control.

Great. They assign me to a specialist known for his interest in sexual dysfunction with metas. J’Ohn told me once he had

a more than ‘professional’ interest on the topic. Some of his reports pushed the envelope.

“Hey, golden boy. You planning on leaving today?”

“Eh?” Barry turned from his station. Singh stood over him, subbing for the field manager.

Angular features tightened under dark locks. “Don’t you even know what time it is, Allen?” Singh pointed at a wall clock.

Barry stared up. Seven thirty? Good grief, nearly everyone’s gone home!

“There’s no O.T. this month, Barry. Beat it, go home for crying out loud.”

Barry nodded, quickly clearing his workstation.

()

Iris was explaining the craziness of the previous night to Wally. He laughed out loud in the living room.

“You know, I wondered why some of the neighbors gave weird looks when I walked up. The nosey lady next door even

tried pumping me for information.”

Iris set the table for dinner. “There are times when a close knit community can be a real pain.”

Wally watched her. “But you’re okay, right? I mean, I’m not prying.”

“It’s Barry I’m more worried about, Wally. You know the deal, speedsters have issues with control.”

Wally snorted. “Yeah, it’s a touchy subject. And one I’m very familiar with.”

“How have you dealt with it?”

Wally scratched his head idly. “Honestly? I’ve never gotten any formal treatment. Usually Linda goes out, or sends me

away. But there have been times when she’s threatened me.”

Iris thought back to a conversation she’d had with Linda. She wasn’t kidding.

“I guess I was too bullheaded and stubborn to seek help. But Linda warned me if I ever got too crazy she’d call Star Labs

herself. Or get a tazer.”

Iris put a hand to her head. “I know the sentiment. Hopefully Barry has good news-“

“About what?” a familiar voice said nearby. She and Wally turned to see Barry at the front door.

()

They had pie and coffee after dinner. Iris excused herself briefly to clean up the kitchen. Barry and Wally continued their

earlier conversation in the dining room, voices low.

“Sounds like you had a crazy night, Unc. Did the cops file a report?”

Barry sighed. “No, thank goodness. Things are finally settling down since I’ve returned, and I don’t need any controversy.”

“What about this Star Labs deal. Are you going to get treatment?”

Barry rested his chin in his hands. “For the sake of my marriage, I’d better.  It’s…I’ve never been so out of control, Wally.

There’s no explanation for it.”

Wally leaned close in conspiracy. “Yes, there is. His name is Hal Jordan.”

“Wally-“

“Enough, okay? Your problems are agitating me, did you know that? Linda wanted to kill me last night.”

“I’m sorry. I had no idea this would happen.”

“When you have time I suggest we do some analysis of the speed force. We can’t go on with our eyes closed to the

possibilities.”

“Clearly there are other connections we don’t know of yet. Agreed.”

“In the meantime-“

“In the meantime, Wally. I have a marriage to save.”

Wally whistled, leaning back in his chair. “Who the hell ever heard of a marriage suffering from love?”

“Ever hear the expression, ‘Too much of anything isn’t good?’ “

“Yeah. But you’ve got more immediate business to take care of.”

“What are you suggesting?”

Wally glanced away briefly. “Go to him. Get it out of your system.”

Barry nearly stuttered. “Did I hear you right?”

A smirk. “You did.”

Barry nearly whispered. “You know how I feel about him. How the hell can you even suggest  something like that?”

“Because your marriage is at stake and your sanity. Remember what I said Linda told me? You’ve got to do it, Barry. I

know you’d never harm Aunt Iris intentionally, but you’ll likely hurt her if you can’t control this.”

Barry covered his eyes in despair. “I love them both. This is crazy.”

Wally squeezed his hand in comfort. “Do what you have to do. And if you won’t, or can’t…just remember there are other

options.” Emerald eyes flared with hope.

Barry could only stare in shock at the offer.

()

Hal decided to spend some quiet time at his apartment. He wasn’t especially interested in a night on the town after a full

day with Ollie anyway.

Bud’s got a nose on him, that’s for sure. He just wouldn’t let up about Barry. Makes me wonder…

Hal sighed deeply. A hot shower did nothing to soothe his nerves. He settled in for a round of satellite tv.  Stretching out

on the sofa, he hit the remote.

Let’s see what’s on the military channel…

()

Iris went to bed shortly after Wally left, leaving Barry to his own thoughts. He idly puttered about the house.

She wouldn’t say it, but she needs recovery time. From me.

Something made him stop by the kitchen. He stared at the phone a moment before making up his mind. Broad hands

palmed the receiver.

Got to do something…call him. See how he’s doing…

Momentary hesitation gone, he dialed. His body happily agreed with the decision. Barry found himself rock hard before

the third ring.

Damn it, down!!

And then a loved voice answered the dial.  [Barry?]

A corded throat swallowed. “Yeah, it’s me.”

[Are you all right? No problems at home?]

“The problem is me, Hal.”

[I don’t understand.]

Barry was careful to keep his voice low. “I just…I don’t know, I was feeling restless tonight. I needed to hear your voice.”

A pause. [Time to scratch that itch, baby?]

“Hurts bad. I’ve been thinking about you a lot.”

 [Hot times, Barre…remember when we’d make love all night and watch the dawn? Then cuddle all warm and cozy under

soft blankets?]

“Better than good, flyboy…perfect. I need you.”

[You know what they say, a hard man is good to find.]

“I’m both. Mostly hard and a little good. But bad, I’m better.”

[Mmm, don’t I know it. I’m desperate, Barre...you want me to beg? I’ll beg. Get on my hands and knees.]

“Hal-“

[I swear, I’m gonna bust wide open if I don’t have you soon.]

“Shit, I should just come over there…”

[Every freaking night I ache. Can’t stand this anymore.]

I still love Iris!

A pause. [And me!]

“Truth or dare, buck boy. What do you want?”

[You first, golden rod.]

“I want to put my mouth on you. Satisfied?”

[No! Come over here and do it.]

“Slut.”

[Takes one to screw one.]

“Bite me, Hal.”

[Love to. Be careful what you ask for.]

“I don’t care.”

[Aren’t we reckless tonight? Someone needs a stick up their ass.]

Yeah? Know anybody with a hammer?

[Ten in the hole, sweet cheeks.]

Cursing.

[Easy, sweetie. Your halo is slipping.]

“Who gives a flying f-“

[No wonder I love you. How many saints are total freaks in bed?]

A hiss. “Should I come out and play, Hal?”

[I really want you to.]

“Go to hell. I’m still married.”

[I can’t resist you, Barry. You make me all soft. Then you make me hard. I’m playing with myself and pretending it’s you…]

“Oh, God.”

[I’ll do all the things you like, baby. Want that?]

Barry cursed again. His body was shaking.

[Can’t… hold on. Gonna come.] Hal stroked himself while talking.

“Nnn. Hal, don’t…”

[Yessss nngth, ahh…] heavy breathing.

Barry nearly dropped the phone, clutching his crotch.

[Ahh…that was good. You still there, Barry?]

“Um, ugh...” Barry closed his eyes. Reaching inside his pants, he yanked himself quickly and squeezed.

[Okay babe?]

“I…I am now.” Barry panted, staring at a creamy mess on the dining room table.

[Shot it up, huh?]

“You’ll pay for this, Hal.”

[I hope so. So when are you gonna do me, speedball?]

Barry swore and cursed again, cleaning the table with a towel.

[Temper, temper. Ollie calls you the raging pureness. What will this do to your image?]

“I don’t give a s- what Ollie says. I oughta pound his ass.”

[He might actually like that.]

A  pause. “Say what?!”

[Sometimes I get the impression Ollie’s a bit too curious, if you know what I mean.]

“I guess he gets off on it.”

[Speaking of getting off…]

“Hal, be serious a moment. I had to make an appointment with Star Labs today.”

[Barry? You okay?]

“Yes and no. Physically, I’m fine-“

[Fine as hell, I’d say. Go on.]

“A sigh. Its my libido. Its killing Iris.”

[Seriously? What’s the deal, golden rod? Can’t get enough?]

An audible groan. “No. Im totally out of control.”

[Anything I can do to help?]

“You’re the problem!”

[“Ooo. Baby…now that’s what I call good news.]

“No it isn’t!”

[You could lose control with me. I wouldn’t mind.]

“I already did, which is why I’m in this mess now. I can’t stop…thinking about you.”

Hal breathed heavily into the phone. [Where are you, Bare? Come over to my apartment!]

“Are you crazy? It’s enough that Wally knows about this.”

[What? I’d heard speedsters have a special communication.]

“They do.”

[Does he…is he angry about Iris?]

“No, and I’m not going into it right now.”

[I’d rather go into you. Or you me, whatever-]

“Is that all you can think about?!”

[You called me, hot stuff.]

“You’re…right.”

[Still got that itch, Barry?]

“It never goes away. I need a scratch, Hal-”

[Come over here. Come with me. Come on me or in me, anything goes…]

Panting.

[Just like…you want it…]

“Yessss. Hal.”

[This weekend, Barry. Wear something nice at the barbeque.]

“I want you, Hal Jordan. Your ass is mine, but only when I say!”

[Come over.]

“God, I want to-“

[Three seconds, baby. Just give me a kiss to hold me until Saturday.]

Hal had barely hung the receiver up when the doorbell buzzed.

Sweet. Hal leaped from his couch and raced to the door. Before he could say anything Barry forced his way inside,

smashing into him. Hot kisses and licks covered his face.

“Mnn. Nn. Hey, Barry-“

“Shut up.” Barry kissed Hal deep, rattling his tonsils. Pushing him across the room, they crashed against a wall. Fast

hands felt Hal up, gripping his ass under the robe.

“Nice.” Barry growled, grinding against Hal’s bulge. Hal gasped for air.

“Barry…a kiss, I said-”

“You smell good, Hal.” Barry nuzzled, catching warm skin and soap.

“Yeah, well I took a shower, and-“

Barry’s left hand stroked Hal on the cheek. His right hand did some exploring. “Sticky, too. You didn’t lie.”

Hal shivered against vibrating touches. “How the hell could I? You know you get me hot.”

Crystal blue eyes were hard, narrow. “Remember that.”

“Waited so long for this-“ Hal started, but Barry plunged into another kiss. Hal nearly passed out from lack of oxygen

before soft lips released him.

“You can’t…Iris will know you’re gone all night.” Hal gasped, his body a live wire.

“Make up your damn mind, Hal. Should I stay or go?”

“I told you, I just needed something to hold me until Saturday.”

Barry backed away suddenly, looking at Hal’s exposed chest. “I want to lick you.”

Hal sweated, smirking. “Yeah, that thing you do with your tongue. I remember that, too.”

Barry took a deep breath. “Saturday, then?”

“Saturday. Love you.” He kissed Barry’s hand.

“Mutual. Until then.” When Hal blinked, he was gone. Smiling ear to ear, Hal flopped back on the couch.

“Christmas just came early.”

To be CONTINUED