We Started from a Spark

Dick made his way towards the lunch table he and his friends had claimed as theirs, setting down his tray looking up at the sound of Wally's laugh echoing from across the room. He was sitting with Hartley over on a bench chatting and laughing it up. Dick scoffed, taking a giant bite of his pasta. It had been TWO whole days since Wally last acknowledged his existence. I mean how long was this going to go on for? Another day? A week? Oh god what if it lasted for a whole three months? Dick stabbed his fork into his pasta taking another bite.

"Jealousy is not a good look on you." Donna said, smirking at Dick.

"Shut up, I'm not jealous." He spat back still staring at Wally as he aggressively chewed his pasta.

"You're totally jealous." Roy chimed in laughing at the glare Dick gave him.

"You're not the only one he's ignoring you know. We're being ignored too and you don't see us whining like babies." Donna said, taking a bite of her salad as she scrolled on her phone.

"It's Wally, he will come around. Besides, he's allowed to have other friends."

"I know that!" Dick stabbed his fork down in his pasta. He knew they were speaking the truth, it was just hard. Wally's been his best friend since elementary school. He's used to being able to think of an idea and immediately go drag Wally into whatever idea he came up with or text him dumb memes.

Now he finds himself not being able to talk to him when he wants to do something stupid or show him something funny. Instead he's stuck watching Wally hang out with Hartley instead of him. Stuck watching as he makes Wally laugh and- ok maybe he was a little jealous.

"Roy, why didn't you tell us?" Dick looked up from his pasta that he'd been stabbing for the last few minutes turning towards Donna.

"Tell us what?"

"This!" Donna held up her phone, shoving it in Dick's face. He grabbed the phone looking at it closely. There was a picture of Lian splashing in some water holding a seashell proudly at the phone screen grinning ear to ear. Dick smiled at how happy she looked.

"I can't believe you took Lian to the beach without us!" Donna smacked Roy's arm.

"She's my kid. I don't have to tell you whenever I want to spend time with her." Roy said, rubbing his arm.

"I know that but still! She's just so adorable." Donna snatched her phone back from Dick screenshotting the picture. Lian was sort of a big deal in their friend group. She was Roy's kid who resulted from a one night stand. She is currently 4 yrs old. She was first introduced into Roy's life when she was 1 and half. One second Roy was a single teen the next he was being dumped with a child as his one night stand disappeared. Despite the way she was brought into Roy's world he immediately took responsibility. She has been extremely loved and spoiled ever since.

"Send me that." Dick said, smiling.
Being able to be a part of the many people who love and help take care of Lian was an honor. She went from having nobody to having a whole village of people who care for her and he was proud to say he could be a part of that.

"Already sent it to the group chat." Donna stated proudly as she snatched Roy's phone off the table.

"Hey!"

"I want more pictures." Donna stood up, keeping Roy's phone from his reach.

"You could just ask!" He said, giving her a glare.

"Where's the fun in that?" She scrolled through his phone sending countless photos to herself. Once she was satisfied she handed the phone back to Roy who gladly snatched it.

"So how long?" Roy looked at Donna with a confused expression.

"How long what?"

"How long have you and Jason been hanging out?" Donna smirked looking at Roy as Dick choked on his food.

"Firstly, that's none of your business. Secondly you had no right going through my texts."

"I didn't go through your texts. He just so happened to text as I was sending myself pictures saying he wanted to hang out again soon."

"Same thing." Roy grumbled.

"You and jaybird!?" Dick said, pointing at Roy.

"It's not like that. Relax."

"You and MY baby brother!?"

"He's not a baby, you're only two years older than him."

"He's still my baby brother no matter what you say." Dick crossed his arms lifting his chin.

"Whatever." Roy grumbled slurping on his smoothie.

"I can't believe this. One of my best friends betrayed me for my brother!"

"Oh my god stop being so dramatic! I've hung out with him like, once. Big deal." Roy scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Guess you two really are brothers." Donna said laughing at Dick's over dramatic behavior.

"What do you mean?" Dick looked towards Donna, raising an eyebrow.

"You both have a thing for redheads." Roy spit out some of his smoothie as he laughed. He had a feeling she was going to say that but it still caught him off guard.

"I do not have a thing for redheads!"

"Your track record says otherwise."

"Liar." Donna raised an eyebrow at Dick's statement. A statement he immediately regretted.

"Lets see there was Cheyenne, Raya, Kori, the brief fling you and Roy had and then there's your current girlfriend Babs. Not to mention some of the other flings you have had and whatever is between you and Wally." Dick opened his mouth to defend himself but found no words. He was more focused on her last sentence. He and Wally were just friends so why would she bring him up?

"That's only a few of the people I've dated." Dick found himself choosing to ignore what she said about Wally.

"It's sad you're able to say that so casually." Donna said with an unimpressed look.

"He's a playboy, besides everyone wants to hit that ass at least once."

"You would know Roy." Donna said smugly looking over at Roy.

"Touché." Roy said, taking another sip of his smoothie.

"I'm still sitting right here." Dick's voice had a hint of irritation in its tone.

"You can't deny the facts Dick."

"This is why I need Wally here." Dick grumbled under his breath snatching the remainder of Roy's smoothie. At least Wally would defend him.

"Hey I wasn't done with that!" Roy said, kicking Dicks chin from under the table.

"Too bad." Dick threw the now empty smoothie container at Roy.

"Hey let me go!" Wally screeched as Hartley dragged him over towards Dick and the others.

"Talk to them." Hartley said holding Wally's arm firmly keeping him from bolting.

"I have nothing to say to them." Wally glared at Hartley which Hartley gladly returned. The lunch period started out normal with him and Wally hanging out and then Wally started getting all pouty. He wouldn't stop sighing and looking over at Donna, Roy, and Dick's table. It was obvious the last two days had been more torture for him then for the others. He was sick of it. He loves spending time with Wally but not when he's going to be a pouty mess.

"Look Wally they watched you water a fake plant for three months boo hoo get over it. You've pulled the same shit on them countless times."

"You know I take back ever saying you were my one true friend."

"I'll live." Hartley stated not impressed. Wally stared at him for a few seconds before sighing. He turned towards the others who patiently sat there watching. Wally opened his mouth about to speak before he quickly pulled his arm out of Hartley's grasp running towards the exit.

"Dammit Wally!" Hartley started chasing after him as Roy burst out laughing. There was no way Hartley was catching Wally; he was on the track team.

"For a second I thought he was actually going to speak." Donna said, chuckling as she watched Wally be chased around failing to make it to the exit. Dick sighed as the bell rang for lunch to end. So much for Wally talking to him.

-

Wally walked towards the science room as the kids filed out of school for the day. He entered his uncle's classroom seeing Hal and Barry laughing about something.

"Hey kid what's up?" Hal said, looking towards Wally as he sat his bag down.

"Not much, you coming to dinner tonight?"

"There's no way I'm missing out on your aunt's cooking. I'll be there." Hal said smiling. Wally smiled back glad to hear Hal was starting to feel more comfortable. He and Barry had started dating not that long ago and it was a wild roller coaster.

Hal was scared of ruining his friendship with Barry and breaking up his marriage with Wally's aunt so he decided he was never going to confess his feelings. Barry on the other hand loved Wally's aunt and couldn't accept the fact that he also loved his best friend. In fear of losing Iris and Hal he subconsciously decided to suppress any thoughts or emotions indicating love towards Hal.

Despite Hal and Barry's efforts it was obvious to anyone-Especially Barry's wife who just so happened to be a reporter- that they were both pining for each other.

Iris had known for some time that Barry had romantic feelings for Hal. She noticed during the first time she met Hal that there was something between him and Barry. It was obvious Barry didn't even notice or understand his feelings but they were there.

At first Iris didn't know how to feel. She knew Barry loved her with all his heart but she also knew he loved Hal. She also knew he would never confess to Hal in fear of hurting her. And she was content with that for a while. But the more she got to know Hal the more she could see what Barry saw.

Hal was a great guy and Iris loved seeing the way he got along with Wally. Loved seeing how happy he made Barry. Loved the small talks they would share. She loved everything.
So when Barry came home after spending the night drinking with Hal refusing to look her in the eyes she knew what had happened.

She sat on the couch patiently as Barry told her he had kissed Hal watching as tears streamed down his face. He said he stopped it after the kiss, that he loved her and never wanted to hurt her, that he was sorry. He understood if she wanted him to sleep somewhere else.

"I was drunk, it was nothing but a mistake. I promise you I would never cheat on you. I'm so sorry, I love you." Iris smiled at him, wiping away his tears.

"I know Barry and I love you too. But I also know you love Hal."

"Iris-"

"And that's ok. In honesty I feel the same." Barry stared at her with a shocked expression. She loved Hal?

"Barry, have you ever heard of Polyamory?" Barry shook his head no not knowing what to say.

"Well, basically it's nonmonogamy where you have multiple partners who all consent. I've been doing research on this subject for a while trying to find the right time to bring it up to you.” Barry blinked at her, nodding his head slowly as he processed what she was saying.

His mind raced as he thought more about his relationship with Hal. He thought about the small talks they shared or the way they flirted all the time, never really meaning what they say. Or maybe they did? The more he thought about it the more he realized Iris was right.

𝐻𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑.

No matter how many times he tried to deny it or push it down it was always there in the back of his mind.

-

The small lantern illuminated the west-Allen door as Hal walked up the porch steps. He stood there for a few minutes contemplating if he should have brought some wine or something. It wasn't a special occasion but it felt wrong just coming over empty handed. Maybe he should've just stayed home. After the incident at the bar Hal figured Barry would never talk to him again. He started bouncing his leg, starting to imagine the worst case scenarios. What if Iris and Barry invited him over so they could tell him they never wanted to see him again?

Finally after agreeing with himself that it was too late to turn back he took a deep breath pressing the doorbell. He only had to wait a few seconds before the door swung open revealing none other than Wally West.

"Iris, Barry, Hal's here!" Wally screamed back into the house walking towards the living room.

"Hal!" Barry came zipping to the door engulfing him in a big hug.

"Glad you could make it come on in." Barry stepped aside making room for Hal to come in, placing his hand on his shoulder firmly like he didn't want to let go. It was probably smart since Hal looked like a frightened animal ready to bolt at any moment.

"If anyone should be glad it's me. Being invited here to have Iris's famous cooking is an honor." Hal said smiling.

"That's sweet Hal but I'm not that good of a cook." Iris came popping out of the kitchen with a huge smile holding her arms open as she went in for a hug. Hal gladly accepted the embrace.

"Nonsense your cooking is the best I've ever had."

"I was worried you wouldn't come." Barry said, a hint of nervousness in his voice. Hal pulled away from Barry, rubbing the back of his neck making sure to keep his leg from bouncing. Barry's smile quickly turned to a frown.

"Yeah I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. Traffic was bad." That was a lie. There hadn't been a single car on the road the whole drive. He just spent a solid ten minutes in his car and an additional three outside their door panicking.

"It's fine Hal what matters is that you came." Iris pitched in, smiling at Hal.

"Uh, do you want me to help set up for dinner?" Hal asked, trying to make things less awkward.

"Oh yeah of course come on in. It's nice to have some help around here since everyone else just seems to sit around all day."

"Hey! I help out!" Barry said, wrapping his arms around Iris's torso from behind swaying with her back and forth. She laughed as Barry kissed her neck, trying to shoo him away. Meanwhile Hal smiled fondly as he watched two of the most important people in his life laugh and smile.

Hal set the table as Barry, Wally and Iris pulled out the food. The rest of the night went by smoothly, being filled with laughter. Eventually Wally retired for the night leaving just the three of them.

Hal sighed seeing the mess on the table. He figured he would clean up before leaving considering it was the least he could do. As he stacked up dishes he let his mind wander. Tonight was one of the best nights he's ever had. Being surrounded by laughter and the ones he loves. To think he almost ruined everything by kissing Barry. He wasn't sure if it was a gift from god or just some lucky miracle that Barry seemed to have forgotten about the kiss but he was grateful. But there was still the possibility that he did remember. What happens if he does? Will he tell Iris? Will he cut ties with Hal? Should Hal tell Iris? It would be the right thing to do. Even if Barry didn't remember even if they were both drunk she deserves the truth. If he were Iris he would want to know the truth.

Hal sighed, placing the last of the dishes in the sink and began putting the food away. He knew he had to tell Iris. Even if that meant this was his last night being a part of their happiness. He would take full responsibility. Barry deserves that much. After all, he's the saint and Hal's the sinner.

Hal always fucks up every relationship he has whether it's romantic or platonic. It was destined for him to ruin this one too.

"You didn't have to clean up." Iris's soft voice broke through Hal's thoughts bringing him back to reality.

"It's the least I could do after showing up late." Hal says turning towards Iris as she walks through the doorway.

"Hal, like I said we're just happy you showed up." She said with a fond smile. Hal smiled back before looking at the ground.

"There's- uh- there's something I need to tell you." Hal cleared his throat trying to keep his voice steady. Iris's expression turned to confusion as she walked closer to Hal.

"What's wrong?"

"I- uh I-" Hal cleared his throat again, closing his eyes. 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜. Taking a deep breath he opened his eyes as emerald green stared back at him with worry. Iris reached to grab Hal's hands but he quickly pulled away on instinct. He regretted it immediately as he saw the hurt expression on Iris's face. Looking behind her he saw Barry standing in the doorway with his own panicked expression. He gulps trying to swallow down his nerves. He felt sick, like he was about to puke. Taking another deep breath he squeezes his eyes shut.

"I kissed Barry." His voice comes out hushed barely audible.

"What?" Iris walks closer as Barry comes up from the doorway to stand next to Iris.

"Hal." Barry's voice sends a chill down his spine. It was already hard telling Iris but now Barry was here too. He really didn't want to do this.

"I kissed Barry." Hal spoke up, speaking more clearly. This was it. This was how he lost two of the most important people in his life.

"I know." Iris's voice was calm and steady.

"W-what?"

"I told her Hal. She already knows." Barry's voice was calm as he spoke.

"I don't understand. Why did you invite me here if you…?" Barry and Iris exchanged a look before turning back towards Hal.

"How about we take this to the living room?" Hal nodded.

Once they got to the living room Hal sat down on the couch. He was confused, very confused. Barry told Iris. They invited him over for dinner. They hugged him, they laughed and joked with him all night knowing what he did.

"Hal… I'm not mad." Hal scoffed looking up at Iris.

"You should be."

"Hal-" Barry tried to speak, being cut off.

"No. I'm a homewrecker. I kissed you while knowing you're married."

"Hal you were drunk-we were drunk. And you weren't the only one who participated. I kissed you too."

"You were drunk Barry. A whole lot more drunk than me. I took advantage of you."

"That's not true."

"It is true!" Hal stood up starting to pace around the room.

"I kissed you. You were drunk, I was drunk and you're married and I kissed you- I-I just- I have to leave, I need to leave before I-" Hal's body tensed as he felt a pair of lips pressing on his own. The kiss was full of compassion, starting sweet and slow. Each time their lips connected he felt like electricity coursed through his veins. This time Hal would be able to remember every little detail. He wasn't barely conscious. There wasn't the smell of beer in the air or the smell of greasy food. He pulled back, breathing heavy as he looked at Barry. Barry with his now red, swollen lips. Barry with his smile that could light up a whole damn city.

"Why-" Hal looked over at Iris who slowly approached him, placing her hand on his cheek.

"Can I kiss you?" Her breath brushed across Hal's face. He nodded slowly looking intently down at her lips. The kiss was warm and sweet. Her lips being everything Hal imagined them to be: Soft yet firm moving in perfect harmony with his. Neither one wanted to take even a single moment to separate for air. Arms wrapped around him from behind. Maybe this was a dream? Or maybe he was drunk again? He felt a ghost of breath on his neck. This had to be dream right? A pair of lips gently pressed on his neck. His mind finally clicked in place as he pushed Iris back, breathing heavy. Barry picked up on his discomfort quickly unwrapping his arms from Hal's torso stepping back.

"Sorry we shouldn't have overwhelmed you." Barry said sheepishly.

"What is this? Are you just doing this just to mess with me?" Hal's voice came out uneven and rushed.

"No, we aren't messing with you. Me and Barry, we like you romantically. We want you to be a part of our relationship, our family. That's the real reason why we invited you here tonight." Hal stared at Iris for a moment trying to process what she was saying. He never thought it was possible to be with Barry or Iris on account of them being married. Which begged the question: Wouldn't this just hurt them in the long run? What if they regretted this later on?

"How would this even work?"

"Well after doing some research we came to the conclusion that we could be in a polyamrous relationship. You know what that means right?"

"I've heard of it before." Iris nodded before continuing to explain everything to Hal the same way she did with Barry.

"Why me?"

"Because you're you. You care for Wally and my husband, you're always making me laugh and whenever Barry comes home all he can do is talk about you. You're stubborn and cocky but you're always there when we need you. Like when Wally got a minor concussion in gym class because he was too busy staring off into space to notice the flying volleyball coming at him. Barry told me how you kept checking on him throughout the day."

"Actually, Wally was staring at Dick when he was hit with that volleyball." Hal said, chuckling at the memory.

"Yeah that sounds like him." Barry said fondly as he looked at Hal.

"You don't have to decide anything right now, we just wanted to let you know how we feel." Iris said, trying to get them back on track. As much as she loved talking about her Wally, if they were to get into all the stupid or funny things Wally's done they would never stop talking.

Hal sat there as Iris and Barry waited patiently for him to say something. He was both thrilled and shocked. I mean Iris West and Barry Allen wanted 𝐻𝑖𝑚. The screw up.

"I love your family and if you really are willing to have me I'll gladly give this a chance." Iris and Barry were absolutely beaming as Hal finished his sentence. They couldn't believe this was actually happening.

-

And that's the story on how HalBarryIris came to be. Wally would know since he was there. They thought he had headed to bed which was what he was trying to do but they weren't exactly quiet in their big heart warming confession. When they told Wally the next morning he said he already knew and he wasn't angry about them getting together. If anything he was thrilled. He was getting sick of seeing Hal and Barry pine for each other at school.