Chapter Text
Hartley smiled as he curled up against the warm body next to him. He felt the hand running through his hair causing him to finally open his eyes and look up, meeting sleepy green eyes.
“Morning.”
“Morning to you too.” Hartley shifted so that he could kiss him. A happy hum was the response he got as the other leant into him.
“I need to get up or I’ll miss the train.” Came the mumble. Hartley rolled his eyes fondly as he pulled back.
“Okay Barry.” Barry kissed him again before getting up and getting ready. Hartley lounged a little longer before getting up himself. He slipped on a tee shirt before heading to the kitchen to start breakfast. If he didn’t Barry would either not eat or he would miss his train.
“You’re the best.” Barry stated with a grin as he quickly ate his food.
“I know.” Hartley gave Barry a wink as he sat down across from him, “Call me when you get to Starling?”
“Of course. Well I need to get going. Bye Hart, I love you.” Hartley returned the quick kiss.
“Love you too Barry. Don’t get hurt!” Hartley hummed as he cleaned up the dishes. Never had he thought he could be this happy, not after what his parents had done and certainly not after what Harrison Wells had done but then he met Barry. Barry who needed a roommate and was happy to meet Hartley. Who was handsome, kind, smart and terrible at hiding his crush. They had been together for four months now. Humming happily Hartley went to work on an experiment in what used to be his bedroom.
*
Hartley woke up, disoriented and in pain. A buzzing noise in his head. No that was clearing and-
“AHHH!” He screamed, curling into himself, covering his ears, trying to get the noise to lessen. The noise was unbearable and soon he welcomed the blackness. The next time he woke up he was laying in bed with a glass of water next to him.
“Hart-” He hissed, covering his ears in pain. He shook his head. Steps left then came back. Hartley struggled to keep his ears covered but whoever it was managed to pry his hands back, pressing something in. It helped mute the noise a little so Hartley let the person do the same with his other ear.
“Are y-” Hartley winced.
“Are you okay?” The soft whisper asked. Blinking his eyes open he saw Iris West, Barry’s foster sister, looking at him in worry. Shaking his head he pointed to his ears. Looking around confusion filled him. Where was Barry? He was supposed to be home. Iris seemed to know what was going through his head. Gentle hands took his.
“Hartley… Barry has been in a coma for the last two days. It doesn’t look like he’s going to wake up anytime soon.” A coldness filled Hartley at those words. Barry was in a coma? No, that sort of thing… to Barry? Hadn’t he been through enough already?
“Hartley, Hartley. Breathe okay? Just breathe.” Iris instructed, “Listen I’ll keep you dated on what’s going on with Barry, you focus on getting yourself better first okay?” She squeezed his hand in comfort.
“Barry is going to be fine. I need to go to work but I’ll be by tomorrow.” Hartley nodded and he was left alone in a much too noisy apartment.
*
It took six weeks but Hartley finally managed to make hearing aids that muted the surrounding noise. He would finally be able to leave the apartment and visit Barry who was still in a coma. Iris hadn’t been able to stop by in the last few days, only giving him brief updates through text. He had just stepped out when Iris sent a text.
So sorry. Things got really crazy. Thought I sent it but it didn’t. Barry was transferred to STAR labs last week. Hartley had to read that twice before dread filled him. He barely locked the door before he was out the door and hailing a taxi.
“STAR labs. Quick as possible.” Hartley tried calling Iris to no avail. Desperately he even tried a number he had deleted from his phone two years ago. Biting his thumb he almost drew blood by the time he got there. He saw Iris’ car while running in.
“Where is he?” He demanded, interrupting whatever conversation Iris was having with Caitlin.
“There.” Iris pointed to where Barry was.
“Hold up.” Cisco stopped him, “What are you doing here?”
“Yes. Mr. Rathaway. Why are you here.” Hartley’s blood boiled as he went up to the man in a wheel chair and punched him. He struggled a little as Cisco and Iris pulled him away,
“You BASTARD. I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU THIS COULD HAPPEN!” Hartley roared, “I told you that the accelerator had a chance of blowing up!”
“What?” Gasped Caitlin in shock.
“Why do think I was fired?” Snapped Hartley, eyes never leaving Wells.
“You fired him because he told you that it could blow up?” Cisco hissed. Harrison sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
“It’s much more complicated than that but yes. Hartley did warn me.”
“I think it would be best if you left Dr. Wells before someone does something they will regret.” Iris advised, voice quivering with her anger.
“Yes. I think that would be wise.” Dr. Wells nodded, wheeling himself out of there.
“Come on Hartley, Barry’s this way.” Iris led Hartley where Barry was lying. He sat in the chair next to him, taking his hand in his.
“You just can’t catch a break can you?” Hartley asked sadly.
“So is it wrong to guess that this guy is your bf?” Cisco questioned, moving to switch out a bag. Hartley flushed lightly, glancing towards Iris who rolled her eyes.
“Like I couldn’t tell you two were a thing. Plus the one bed kind of gave it away.” Turning away Hartley ignored the snickering from Cisco.
“Cisco that’s enough.” Caitlin scolded.
“Cisco, why don’t you come with me and we can pick up some lunch?” Iris suggested. Cisco seemed to understand the situation since he nodded and followed the woman.
“You know Barry and Cisco would probably be great friends…” Hartley couldn’t get himself to finish that sentence.
“You should probably know too…” Hartley looked over to where Caitlin seemed to be bracing herself, “Ronnie’s dead.”
“Oh Caitlin. Je suis donc désolé pour votre perte. Il aimait vraiment vous.”
“I know.” Caitlin excused herself leaving Hartley and Barry. He picked up his hand to press his wrist to his ear, taking comfort in the beating he heard.
“Please wake up soon.”