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26. Disaster Date?

"How 'bout... The Flash saves Middle-Aged Man."

"No, too boring," Iris complained, her focus on her laptop as she finished the article we were trying to publish soon.

I rolled my eyes before thinking of a new title, "What about The Flash rescues Prison Inmate."

"No, that's way too harsh!" Iris said in a sharp tone. She is really starting to irritate me.

"Okay!" I huffed out of annoyance, "How about The Flash rescues our Best Friend's innocent imprisoned dad from a crazy kidnapper and as we disregard our best friend's wishes of not publishing this article but hey we live in a bad world with bad people."

"Now you know that's way too long of a title."

"Iris! Are you listening to me?" I slammed her laptop closed. Iris looked up in shock. I took a breath and continued. "Barry specifically asked us, no begged us, not to publish this one article about The Flash because this one involves someone he is very close to. C'mon Iris!"

Iris stood up quickly, "Dan, what the hell is going on with you? Did something happen between you and Barry because I've noticed you act weird whenever anyone mentions him."

"No!" I lied. I still haven't mentioned Barry's strange confession to me and since then I've been freaked the hell out. I started overthinking everything. And I mean everything.

Iris gave me a knowing look before I cracked, "Okay before the whole Henry-kidnapping thing, Barry strangely confessed his feelings for me and somehow knew about my feelings and I've been avoiding him ever since."

Iris' eyes were widened at my rush confession, "But you've liked him for so long, why did you lie? You weren't avoiding him when his father got kidnapped though."

"Because I'm not one heartless bitch Iris! His dad was kidnapped!" I laughed, punching her arm.

"Ow Dani!" Irish laughed, rubbing her arm.  "Let's go find something else to publish, we need to keep our loyal readers entertained."

✦✦✦✦

"Hi, can I please get 10 cronuts and a cup of cappuccino to go." I shot a friendly smile to the rude barista at CC Jitters.

"Are you sure that's all? I mean why don't you just buy all the pastry treats we have to offer. I'm sure that should be enough for the weekend." The barista shot a smile back at me almost mocking my sincere one.

I was in a good mood today and I wasn't going to let anybody ruin it.

"Well since I am Daniella Queen, you know of the famous Queen family. I'm sure I can make some calls and buy the whole of Jitters and do a little reshuffling in, I don't know, staff maybe." I smiled bitterly, letting out a side I never wanted to see again – the infamous Teenage Daniella era.

The barista had a scared looked by the time I finished speaking. She wordlessly rung up the bill and scurried off to get my order.

The barista tried me but I had time.

After paying and grabbing my order, I walked to my car and headed off the S.T.A.R labs. It was a Friday, I was given the day off and I felt like bringing some breakfast for the gang back at the lab. Arriving at the gates I pressed the button to the intercom.

"Name and Purpose of visit."

"Cisco? It's Dani, I brought some breakfast treats for you guys!"

"Food? Come right on in." Cisco said before buzzing me in. I rolled my eyes and chuckled before driving in.

Grabbing the box of cronuts and my coffee, I headed inside. "Morning everyone, I just wanted to pop by and – Oh my gosh! Felicity!"

I quickly placed the box on the nearest table and ran over to my blonde best friend, pulling her into a massive hug. She returned it happily.

"Dani, I've missed you so much. Oh, we have so much to catch up on. How's everything, how's Seth?"

I slowly pulled back from the hug at the mention of my ex-boyfriend. "We broke up, he was a CIA agent, there was a serial killer but that's a long story, I will explain that later!"

Felicity and I continued to chat for a bit before Barry walked in with Dr. Wells, Cisco, Caitlin and a tall and handsome stranger.

"Hello, Daniella. A pleasure to see you again." Dr. Wells greeted.

"And you, Doctor."

"Dani, nice to see you again!" Caitlin kindly greeted me with a hug.

"Cait, it's been a while," I replied, returning the hug. Cisco had already opened up the box of cronuts by the time I was about to greet him.

"Cisco, always a pleasure to feed you – I mean see you," I said sarcastically, walking over to him and giving him a hug.

"Nice to see you again, Dani." Cisco gave me a light squeeze. I pulled back and ruffled his hair, a thing I used to always do to him. It was something he hated but something I always will find amusing.

Stepping away from him, my eyes met Barry's for a split second before he awkwardly starting rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. I grabbed his free hand and pull him aside to talk.

"Hey Dani, it's been a while–"

"Daniella! I've been wanting to introduce you to my boyfriend, Ray Palmer." Felicity grabbed me as we stood in front of the tall dark brunette with charming eyes.

"Hi, I'm Ray Palmer. But she just said that. And by she, I mean Felicity. My beautiful girlfriend whom I love very much." Ray introduces himself, a little scared if you ask me. He holds his hand out for a handshake.

I shook his hand firmly before replying, "Uhm... I'm Daniella Queen. You might have met my older brother–"

Ray interrupted me, "Oliver Queen. Yes, we are already... acquainted."

I smiled awkwardly knowing something might have happened between my brother, Felicity, and Ray.

Oh, Felicity has a lot to spill but then again so do I.

✦✦✦✦

Since Felicity and Barry needed to get to the police station and I was supposed to be meeting Iris there anyway so I decided to give them a ride.

No, I haven't spoken to Barry yet.

Yes, the car ride was super awkward.

When we arrived, Felicity followed Barry up to his office and I spotted Iris walking over Eddie and quickened my pace to catch up to her.

"Hey, Detective." Iris coldly greeted her boyfriend as soon as we got to Eddie's desk. My eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. Iris didn't mention anything about her and Eddie's apparent on-going fight.

Eddie turned around in shock. Almost as if it was completely out of the ordinary for his girlfriend to see him at work, "Iris. What are you doing here?"

Iris replied, "I am–"

I faked a cough, waiting for Iris to correct herself.

"We are following up on our story about crime in Central City." Iris dropped her bag on his table before crossing her arms, shifting all her weight onto one leg.

"Or lack thereof." I quietly said, not really wanting to get involved.

"Could someone be working with The Flash?" Iris abruptly spoke up, exposing our top secret conspiracy theory.

"No. Of course not." Eddie answered, too quickly if you ask me.

"You caught a flasher, armed robbers in a getaway car, and two jewelry thieves last night," Iris said impassively.

"I'm just that good," Eddie answered narcissistically but his nervous tone was still present.

"What is going on with you lately? You've been acting really weird and withdrawn." Iris asked Eddie, her tone quickly rising.

"I think I'm just going to go and let you guys speak–"

"Stay Dani!" Eddie and Iris turned and faced me, speaking at the same time both with different tones in their voices. Eddie's was more pleading and Iris' was more livid.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think that you were hiding something from me." Iris continued, turning back to face Eddie. I awkwardly stood in between the two of them.

"Iris, I'm... I'm not hiding anything from you. I swear." Disobeying the couple's wishes, I fled at the first chance I got.

Felicity and Barry were sitting down in light conversation when I scurried in.

"Sorry to interrupt, Eddie and Iris were in an argument and I did not want to get involved in that," I explained, sitting in the chair next to Felicity and across Barry. Barry's eyes met mine and in his eyes, I could see regret, sorrow and a glint of hope.

Felicity noticed the tension in the air before speaking up, "I have an idea. Why don't we all go to dinner tonight? A little wine and dine is sure to bridge the gap."

Barry was the first to look away and I could see him already thinking of an excuse but Felicity stopped him, "Come on, we all had fun last time."

She grabbed my arm closest to her before pleading, "Please Daniella?"

"I guess that would be a good idea." I agreed only for Felicity's sake. Felicity cheered before looking at Barry, her next target to convince.

Barry cracked easily, "Why not? Barry Allen, fifth wheel."

Felicity grinned, there was an evil glint in her eyes as she spoke, "Well Dani here, doesn't have a date so why don't you just take her? That way no one is a wheel, door or any part of a car."

"I'm game if you are?" I suggested to Barry. Our eyes meeting once more.

"Of course." Barry's voice was soft.

"Great it's settled! We're all going on a date!" Felicity clapped, a massive grin on her face.

Barry and Eddie went outside to speak privately while Felicity and I went downstairs to tell Iris about the idea. She agreed, possibly not wanting to let Felicity know about her relationship problems.

I brought up the fact that I needed a nice dress for later which caused Iris to agree. Felicity claimed she had some work to do with Barry so she would find something to wear later.

Iris and I went back to my house since I had some dinner gowns that she could borrow. After an hour of debating, we finally pick out each other's outfit and did my hair.

"Dan, it's 17:30 already! We have 30 mins before we have to leave." Iris shouted from downstairs. She was ironing her gown while I reached the halfway mark with my makeup. Straightening my hair took a hell of a long time.

I'm gonna be here a while.

Just as I was about to finish my makeup. My phone buzzed.

From: Barry Allen

Hey Dani, I'm really sorry but I won't be able to pick you up. Will you be able to get a ride with Iris and Eddie? Again, I'm really sorry.
RECEIVED 17:45

I smiled at the message and replied.

Hey Barry, don't worry about it at all! I'll see you there :)
SENT 17:50

"What are you doing! Barry's going to be here in 10 mins! You're not even dressed!" Iris screamed, walking in my room with her makeup down and her shoes and dress on.

"I know, I know. Hey by the way, can I catch a ride with you and Eddie? Barry just texted me and–"

"Yes fine sure. Just get dressed!" Iris laughed, grabbing my arms and trying to pick me up.

In five minutes, I somehow managed to get dressed and put on my shoes. Fixing a few strands on my hair in the mirror, Iris called from downstairs, "Dani, Eddie's here we have to leave!"

I grabbed my clutch and headed downstairs, locking the door to my front door

"Wow, you look beautiful Dani." Eddie smiled, opening the door to his car.

"Thank you, Eddie." I smiled as I entered the car.

After an awkward car ride, we finally got to the restaurant. I practically ran out of the car, the tension in the car was almost unbearable. I entered the restaurant and noticed Felicity and Ray.

"Hey, guys." I greeted the couple, giving them both a hug.

"Wow Dani, you look so gorgeous!" Felicity beamed.

"Yes Daniella, you look stunning." Ray flashed a charming smile.

"You two look amazing. Check you out."

"Hi, Felicity." Iris shot a smile as she and Eddie walked in hand-in-hand.

"Hello." Eddie greeted politely.

"Hi," Felicity replied.

"Hey," Ray answered awkwardly. I've come to the conclusion that Ray and Felicity are literally the same people.

"Guys, this is Ray Palmer." Felicity introduced her boyfriend to Iris and Eddie.

"Hi. Nice to meet you." Ray shook Iris and Eddie's hands. We walked to the foyer, waiting for the table to be ready.

"Barry." Iris said from behind me. I slowly turned around to see Barry Allen all dressed up in a suit, looking handsome as ever.

"Hey guys, I'm sorry if I'm late." Barry smiled giving Iris and Felicity a hug and giving Eddie and Ray a handshake. After he greeted everyone, his eyes finally met mine. He stopped and stared at me, making me feel insecure.

He slowly walked towards me, "Dani... you look so beautiful."

I smiled, my cheeks were getting hot. "Thank you, Barry. You cleaned up very nicely."

And then, we were silent. It wasn't any of those uncomfortable silences that we've recently found ourselves in. This one was comforting. Something that I could get used to.

"Bienvenue chez Massimo Restaurant. Mr. Palmer, your table is ready." The Maître D spoke, opening the door to allow us in.

"Shall we?" Barry offered his arm out for me to take. I laughed as we linked arm.

"Hey, how did he get a reservation here? We've been trying for months." I heard Iris whispered to Eddie.

"I don't know," Eddie whispered back.

I turned around and whispered to the couple, "One of the many perks have to be filthy rich."

We walked into the empty restaurant with only our table set. They were beautiful candles lit and red rose petals on the floor leading to our table.

"Here's your table, sir." The Maître D smiled. It was a circular table. Ray sat to the right of Felicity while I sat to her left. Barry sat next to me, who sat next to Iris. Lastly, Eddie completed the circle by sitting in between Ray and Iris.

As we sat down, Ray spoke, "I thought it'd be nice if it was quiet, so I bought out the entire restaurant. Too much?"

"Just a tad, sweetie." Felicity laughed, placing a kiss on his cheek. We all got settled in, taking in the beautiful surrounding of the extravagant restaurant.

"So how did you two meet?" Iris asked, speaking to Felicity and Ray. A question that I've also been so curious about finding out.

"Work," Felicity started.

"Well, actually, I bought the company where Felicity was employed, and so she was forced to join me at Palmer Tech." Ray finished.

"It's not as creepy as it sounds." Felicity rushed out, grabbing Ray's hand.

"So you two work closely together?" Iris asked.

"Mm-hmm." Felicity and Ray chimed together.

"Interesting. I guess you guys share *all* of your thoughts and feelings and..." Iris said, the tone in her voice obviously suggested the obvious shade she was throwing at Eddie.

Here we go again.

"Yeah, yeah... I share everything with Felicity." Poor Ray didn't realize what was going on and answered replied.

"It's nice that you guys have that level of communication." Iris practically sneered at Ray over the soft lounge music playing in the background.

"Oh, well, no, not every-everything. I mean, sometimes it's good to just shut up." Felicity jumped in, trying to diffuse the situation.

Eddie laughed, trying to save himself. "I get that. Some things are better left unspoken."

Big mistake Eddie.

"Really? I... I don't find that to be true." Iris shot back. I grabbed my glass of champagne and downed it, that's the only thing I'm going to need to cope with this night right now.

"Oh, thank God. It's the food." I sighed out, thanking the heavens above as many waiter came out with our dishes in their hands.

"Our first course on the tasting menu is a quail egg frittata. Bon appetit." The chef smiled, leaving us to enjoy our food.

"Barry. I got to admit, I envy you spending so much time at S.T.A.R. Labs. Harrison Wells is, like, a personal hero of mine." Ray spoke, trying to make conversation. "I mean, it's amazing just to actually be in the same room with him."

"I'll be right back. Just excuse me." Barry abruptly shot up and left. He looked like he was feeling sick.

"Okay." Ray awkwardly, sipped his glass.

"Well, I, um... have to pee." Felicity excused herself before running in the direction Barry went into and the opposite direction of the bathroom.

Well, that was strange.

Ten minutes later both Felicity and Barry came back and sat down.

"Hey, guys. Uh, things are getting a little intense in here. Please can't we just have a nice evening?" Felicity tried to clear the air politely so that we all could have a nice time.

"Thank you." Eddie murmured under his breath. But that didn't go unheard.

"Oh no..." I mumbled.

This is not going to end well.

"Okay, so it's my fault that we're not having a nice evening?" Iris snapped, completely enraged. "I am your girlfriend. Who you live with. I shouldn't have to beg you to talk to me."

"If I could talk to you about this, I would believe me. But I can't." Eddie tried to plead with Iris. I caught onto the little glance Eddie shot towards Barry's direction.

"You know what? I am not hungry anymore." Iris threw her napkin on the table.

"Iris..." I tried to plead with her. She looks like she was about to leave and for the sake of this evening, that cannot happen.

"You know what? When you are ready to act like we are two people who love each other, call me. I'll be at my dad's." Iris shit at Eddie before grabbing her bag and walking out.

Clearly embarrassed, Eddie placed his napkin gently on the table and got up, "Thank you for dinner. I've got to go."

And then there were four.

Barry's phone vibrated before he quickly read the message and got up, "Uh, emergency at S.T.A.R. Labs. Sorry."

He walked up to me and squeezed my hand, "I'm so sorry."

"Go," I whispered.

And then they were three. Of course, I would be left as the third wheel.

"Well, only 17 more courses to go." Ray joked, trying to ease the situation.

Well, this is going to be a hell of a night.

✦✦✦✦

"Thanks again for the wonderful dinner Ray. I'm sorry my friends were being jerks and I'll make sure they receive a stern talking to." I said to Ray pulling him into a hug as we stood in the foyer of the restaurant.

"It was a pleasure! The next time I'm in town or the next time you come to Starling City, we should definitely meet up." Ray politely pulled away from the hug as he spoke.

"I'll go get the car." Ray walked away, trying to find the valet.

"I had a really nice time Felicity and again I'm so sorry for my friend's behavior tonight." Felicity and I walked closer to the exit of the foyer.

She grabbed my hand and gave it a light squeeze, "Hey! Don't worry about it! That's not the worst dinner that I've been too... not saying that this one was horrible it was nice, I–"

"I know what you mean." I interrupted her, this woman never fails to make me laugh.

"So how's Oliver and Thea doing?" I asked. The last time I spoke to my siblings was when Seth forced me to tell them about my stalker.

Felicity blinked, "They're... good."

"Felicity..."

"Well...Oliver might be joining the League of Assassins, Laurel's the Black Canary, and Thea's training with Malcolm, so yeah I guess it could be somewhat better."  Felicity rushed out.

"Oliver joined the who of the what now!" I stopped walking and turned Felicity to face me.

"You see this is why I didn't want to tell you." Felicity trailed off.

"Why would Thea be training with Malcolm for? Is she in danger?" I questioned, grabbing her both her hands.

Felicity looked down at the floor before she answered, "I can't tell you everything but promise me one thing, Dani."

"Name it."

"Promise me you will stay out of trouble, the League is very dangerous," Felicity begged.

I laughed, "Of course! They have the name 'assassin' in their name, I'm pretty sure I'll look the other way."

After our conversation, Ray pulled up in his expensive car and dropped me off at the West Residence. I had a feeling that Iris might be here.

"Hello?" I called into the house.

"We're in the kitchen!"

I smiled to myself and strolled to the kitchen, "Hey guys."

In the kitchen, Barry and Iris had a made themselves some hot chocolate and sat down at the dining table. They looked like they were in deep conversation. They both looked up at me with a soft and apologetic smile on their faces.

"Hey," Barry whispered. I waved at the pair before taking off my heels and plopping down on a chair next to Barry and across Iris.

"I'm really sorry about leaving you so abruptly tonight–"

"Yeah, me too I didn't expect to fight with Eddie–"

Both of them tried to apologize at the same time but I stopped them. "Guys, I completely understand. There's no need to apologize. I actually had a lot of fun tonight."

"Thank you for understanding Dani." Iris consoled, reaching over the table and squeezed my hand.

I really don't know what is up with everyone squeezing my hand today.

"So you're really staying here tonight?" I asked Iris.

"Tonight. Tomorrow night. The night after that." Iris answered.

She quietly asked, "Do you think that Eddie is cheating on me?"

"Absolutely not, he loves you." My eyes were widened at her sudden question.

"No. Eddie's not that kind of guy." Barry insisted. Iris still didn't look convinced.

"Well, then I don't know what else he could be hiding from me." Iris took a sip from her mug. It's pretty obvious that this was really bothering her and it hurts me to see her so distressed.

"Iris... Remember when we were kids, and Joe would come home from work with that blank expression on his face?" Barry smiled nostalgically.

Iris chuckled, she had the same look of nostalgia on her face. "Yeah. The 'Earth to Joe' look. How could I forget?"

"I never understood that look until I started working for the CCPD. Showing up at crime scenes and seeing someone murdered... it can be ugly work." He took a sip from his mug before he continued.

"And I'm lucky. I get to hide behind the science of it and just stay in my lab, but Eddie, he's out there every day in the darkness. I just... I think that maybe if he doesn't want to talk to you about his work, it's probably because he wants to keep you in the light." He finished his point so nonchalantly as if he didn't just bring up a really good point.

"Wow." I breathed out. Barry just displayed a whole new perspective to the situation.

"What?" His eyes were wide as he sipped his hot chocolate.

"I'm just surprised. You going out of your way like this to help me see Eddie's point of view." Iris mused sincerely.

"I mean... Eddie makes you happy. All I–"

"I swear it's like you forget I exist." I jumped in.

Barry laughed, "Sorry, all we ever want is for you to be happy, Iris."

Iris smiled gratefully.

I laughed before grabbing Barry's cup and taking a sip, "Welcome home."

✦✦✦✦

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