[Barry watches his best friend as he comes around from the other side of the table, still smiling wryly. He leans up into that kiss, and then he's about to make a smart-assed retort, when Hal keeps talking.
Honestly... he wasn't expecting a better proposal. He wasn't expecting one at all. Because the things Hal says, that he loves him and marriage won't change that either way, those are things that Barry knows. Deep in his bones, he knows that, and he really was fine with marrying for legal purposes. But the things he says are also things that Barry always likes to hear, even if Hal calls him a pain in his ass.
He can probably tell just how pleased Barry is by this, from the slight flush in his cheeks, and the warmth in his blue eyes.] That was a much better proposal. [He teases, laughing, rising from his chair and looping an arm around Hal. This man, honestly.]
[He can fully tell that Barry loved every second of that, which is most of the reason he did it. There's just always been something about Barry that draws things like that out of Hal. Maybe that's why this relationship is the one that's finally sticking]
Glad you approve. Anything for you. [He leans in to steal another kiss and then gives Barry a light swat on the ass, just because]
Why don't you call Jay and Joan, make sure they're available?
Anything for our daughter, too. Just one of the many, many things I love about you. [Barry says warmly, sincerely, wanting to say it even if Hal already knows. There is no one else he'd rather marry, even if they'd never planned to do so. Hal is his best friend, the person who is closest to him in the world, and so of course he's happy about this.
That's why he returns the kiss, and only laughs when Hal swats his ass, pinching Hal's hip in retaliation.] Yeah, okay.
[He turns back to the table to grab his cell phone, and dials Jay, putting it on speakerphone so they can both talk.] Hey, Barry. How's it going?
Hi, Jay. We're good. You know how we were dealing with sorting out Hal's adopting of Dawn? I guess to solve that we're going to elope at the courthouse on Monday and we were wondering if you and Joan are free to act as our witnesses.
[He means that so sincerely. For someone who never intended to be a parent, he's completely dedicated to his daughter. She means the world to him, just as much as Barry does.
He lets Barry get his phone but doesn't stray too far, draping over him as soon as he gets close again]
Hi Jay. I'm being guilted into marriage by bureaucracy. [His tone very much says that that's a joke and he's fine with this. Especially with the way he leans in to kiss Barry's cheek, not that Jay can see that]
[Hal turned out to be a better dad than really anyone thought he would be, before Dawn showed up in their lives. But no one can doubt it now whenever they see him with her, and how much she adores him, how much he loves her too.
He's feeling a little warm all over as he gets his phone to call Jay and Joan, happily lets Hal drape over his back, tilts his head to kiss his cheek too.]
Wait, you're serious? You two are really getting hitched? I thought you both didn't want to.
It cuts down on a lot of legal trouble if we're married. [Even as he says that, he sounds absolutely pleased as punch, though.]
Sure, I can see that. And you two are great together, so it makes sense. But no wedding at all, just a trip to the courthouse?
Yeah, we don't really need to go through all that hassle just so we can skip some adoption paperwork. [Barry says with a chuckle, but Jay hums on the other line, continuing good-humoredly,]
Is your kid going to be okay with that? "Flower girl" is basically the dream job of all little girls age 2 to 12, far as I've seen.
I don't think she's old enough to come to that conclusion, Jay.
What about when she's older and wants to see pictures of her dads' wedding?
I don't think the flower girl idea has been planted in her head yet.
[A wedding sounds like so much hassle. Hal just wants to get this done, honestly. A wedding is gonna hold things up so much]
I don't think she'll care that much. I never really cared about seeing pictures of my parents' wedding. [Granted, they were in the living room for everyone to see so...maybe not a great example]
[A wedding would be a hassle. It would be, and Barry gets why Hal would like to skip all that and just handle the legal stuff. But he does go a bit quiet when Jay mentions Dawn getting older and maybe wanting to see pictures from her dads' wedding.
He's still got his own parents' wedding photo. He still has his and Iris's wedding photo, tucked away somewhere. They're comforting to look at sometimes, when he's missing them. But with any luck, Dawn is never going to have to miss them like that.]
You never know. Maybe think about it, before you just decide to elope. I know there are plenty of other people in your lives that would love to celebrate with you, more than me and Joanie. Have you even called Alan, Hal?
[Hal notices the way Barry goes quiet. Even he has to admit that Jay raises some good points, much as he doesn't want to admit it. Then he brings up Alan, who Hal hadn't even thought of in all this. Alan isn't technically Hal's father but...he's taken on the responsibility all the same, ever since Hal came back from the dead. He's done so for all four of the Earth Lanterns. Even Guy and John, who he doesn't see as often, get their fair share of fathering from Alan when they're around]
Damn. Alan. No, not yet. [He hasn't told...anyone, actually. Including his three Lantern brothers and his two biological brothers. He gets the distinct feeling this is about to become way more complicated and can only sigh as he buries his face in the crook of Barry's neck. He's already picturing his conversation with Alan, especially after he tells him there isn't going to be a wedding] We're about to be guilted into having a wedding, aren't we?
[Neither of them have their real parents with them anymore, so Alan and Jay really are the closest things to fathers they have. That's why they're both 'grandpa' to Dawn, and why they're always invited for holidays and big events. Barry loves that they still have a family for her, even if it isn't biological. So when Jay brings up Alan, Barry winces slightly, because yeah, he'd probably like to know Hal is getting married.]
You were our first call, to be fair. We haven't told anyone else yet. We only just decided, like... ten minutes ago? [He'll defend Hal, a little, on this one.]
Son, listen, no one can tell you both what to do. You're grown men. If you're bound and determined not to have even a small wedding, that's your choice. Tell your family, though. If you don't call Alan next, I will.
[Jay has a point. If they don't tell their family, and get eloped in secret, they'll never hear the end of it. Barry brings a hand up to smooth his fingers through Hal's hair, humming.]
[Hal groans at the threat because he's fully aware that Jay can and will call Alan. Having your sort-of father in law be best friends with your sort-of father is so inconvenient sometimes]
Trust me, I know you will. We'll call him next. [He huffs] And then Wally, because if we tell Kyle before Wally, that'll be a big superspeed temper tantrum.
[Barry winces sympathetically, shifting so he can tug him into his arms instead, letting Hal lean on him if he wants. He's fine to just stand here for a bit before they call Alan to give him the news.]
We don't have to have a wedding if you don't want that. We don't have to do what everyone else wants us to. [They don't always, anyway. Barry and Hal are both stubborn in their own ways.]
[Hal doesn't really need to be comforted or anything but he goes into Barry's arms all the same. It's not even that any of this really bothers him. He can just sense the ordeal it's about to become]
It'd just be easier if we could just go to the courthouse and get it done. We'll see if you're still saying that after we call everyone, though. Especially Wally. [Because that? Is going to be a whole phone call] It's fine. I'm calling Alan now.
[In typical Alan fashion, he picks up after two rings. Hal puts it on speaker so Barry can hear and talk too]
Are you dying? No, no, better question. Is Guy dying?
[That at least gets a little huff of laughter out of Hal]
No, last I checked Guy was on Oa. If we're lucky, though, he's dying somewhere in space as we speak.
Be nice, Hal.
That was me being nice. Say hi to Barry, by the way. You're on speaker.
[Alright, maybe it's for Barry too, to help him feel like he's not forcing his best friend into a wedding.] Okay. [He agrees, and kisses the side of Hal's head just for luck while he dials Alan.
Their exchange makes him laugh quietly too, tipping his forehead to rest against Hal's shoulder.]
Hi, Alan. We had some news. Hal and I decided to get married.
[Honestly Barry had about the same 'need to process' reaction as Alan, so fair. He does laugh, though, when Hal doesn't give him any information on why.]
It'll make it easier to have Hal legally adopt Dawn if we're married. Less paperwork. He says he's being blackmailed into it by the state of Missouri. We were thinking about just eloping at the courthouse on Monday.
You know, Jay said the same thing about having a wedding.
[Are they really surprised though? It makes sense that their father-figures might want to see them actually get married.]
It's not that important, really. If Hal doesn't want to have one, then I'm okay with that. [It's kind of subconscious, honestly, the way he accidentally implies that he wouldn't mind a wedding himself. He wouldn't mind one, but Hal is right - the courthouse will be easier.]
Jay and I have something in common here. We both want what's best for our boys.
We're fine, Alan. And we will continue to be fine, wedding or not.
I know that. And I know a wedding doesn't really matter. You two were basically made for each other, I know a wedding won't change that one way or the other. I don't know if I'd really say it wasn't important, though.
[Don't think he didn't catch onto that, Barry. And don't think Hal didn't either. He did]
The point is, boys, that you two can do whatever you please. No one's going to judge. But don't you both think there are people in your lives that care about you and would like to celebrate the two of you getting married?
[Alright, that makes Barry smile. He really loves Alan and Jay. He'd love to have his actual father here for this, if he's marrying his best friend, but Alan and Jay are the next best thing.]
Jay said most of that too. [He says with a chuckle, leaning slightly against Hal.] We're mainly doing this to make Dawn's paperwork easier, so there's no need to make a big deal out of it. [He won't admit he wants a wedding. Or, at least, he won't be the first one to admit he wants a wedding. Not while he's fairly convinced Hal doesn't want a wedding.]
If you wanted to come with us to the courthouse though, we'd be happy to have you there.
See? I knew I'd been friends with Jay all this time for a reason.
[The sad part is, Hal's pretty sure Alan has more interest in this than his actual father would. Since becoming a father himself, he's really had to admit that his own father was not the greatest]
If that's what you two ultimately decide to do, I'd be happy to be there. And Hal?
Yeah, Alan?
I'm proud of you, son. I had my doubts when you were younger but you've really matured.
[Hal makes a face. All this genuine emotion is painful. It's also not that he doesn't want a wedding it's just...honestly, he's never given it much thought. He doesn't know what he wants. Par for the course in his life, honestly]
Ugh, Alan.
What? I'm just glad things have worked out for you. Is that so wrong?
When you say it like that it is!
[Alan chuckles, clearly getting a kick out of making Hal cringe]
Fine, fine. God forbid. Listen, whatever you two decide to do is fine. I support you. But give the wedding at least a little consideration?
[Barry smiles warmly as he listens to Alan tell Hal that he's proud of him. Good, his best friend deserves that kind of fatherly pride, that kind of love. Hal doesn't accept it without an attempt at a groan, of course, but Barry knows it means something to him.
It's a nice moment to be present for.] We'll consider it. I already promised Jay we'd think about it. [Whether it winds up being a yes or no, they'll have to decide that for themselves. Probably should consider before they call anyone else, or they'll just get the same lecture about how they should at least think about having a real wedding.]
You'll be first to know what we decide on, unless Jay weasels it out of us first.
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Honestly... he wasn't expecting a better proposal. He wasn't expecting one at all. Because the things Hal says, that he loves him and marriage won't change that either way, those are things that Barry knows. Deep in his bones, he knows that, and he really was fine with marrying for legal purposes. But the things he says are also things that Barry always likes to hear, even if Hal calls him a pain in his ass.
He can probably tell just how pleased Barry is by this, from the slight flush in his cheeks, and the warmth in his blue eyes.] That was a much better proposal. [He teases, laughing, rising from his chair and looping an arm around Hal. This man, honestly.]
Yes. I'm happy to marry you too.
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Glad you approve. Anything for you. [He leans in to steal another kiss and then gives Barry a light swat on the ass, just because]
Why don't you call Jay and Joan, make sure they're available?
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That's why he returns the kiss, and only laughs when Hal swats his ass, pinching Hal's hip in retaliation.] Yeah, okay.
[He turns back to the table to grab his cell phone, and dials Jay, putting it on speakerphone so they can both talk.] Hey, Barry. How's it going?
Hi, Jay. We're good. You know how we were dealing with sorting out Hal's adopting of Dawn? I guess to solve that we're going to elope at the courthouse on Monday and we were wondering if you and Joan are free to act as our witnesses.
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[He means that so sincerely. For someone who never intended to be a parent, he's completely dedicated to his daughter. She means the world to him, just as much as Barry does.
He lets Barry get his phone but doesn't stray too far, draping over him as soon as he gets close again]
Hi Jay. I'm being guilted into marriage by bureaucracy. [His tone very much says that that's a joke and he's fine with this. Especially with the way he leans in to kiss Barry's cheek, not that Jay can see that]
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He's feeling a little warm all over as he gets his phone to call Jay and Joan, happily lets Hal drape over his back, tilts his head to kiss his cheek too.]
Wait, you're serious? You two are really getting hitched? I thought you both didn't want to.
It cuts down on a lot of legal trouble if we're married. [Even as he says that, he sounds absolutely pleased as punch, though.]
Sure, I can see that. And you two are great together, so it makes sense. But no wedding at all, just a trip to the courthouse?
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[Barry may have been okay with never getting married but Hal can tell he's really happy with this outcome. That alone makes this worth it to Hal]
I mean, we don't really need a wedding. Courthouse would be way quicker.
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Is your kid going to be okay with that? "Flower girl" is basically the dream job of all little girls age 2 to 12, far as I've seen.
I don't think she's old enough to come to that conclusion, Jay.
What about when she's older and wants to see pictures of her dads' wedding?
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[A wedding sounds like so much hassle. Hal just wants to get this done, honestly. A wedding is gonna hold things up so much]
I don't think she'll care that much. I never really cared about seeing pictures of my parents' wedding. [Granted, they were in the living room for everyone to see so...maybe not a great example]
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He's still got his own parents' wedding photo. He still has his and Iris's wedding photo, tucked away somewhere. They're comforting to look at sometimes, when he's missing them. But with any luck, Dawn is never going to have to miss them like that.]
You never know. Maybe think about it, before you just decide to elope. I know there are plenty of other people in your lives that would love to celebrate with you, more than me and Joanie. Have you even called Alan, Hal?
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Damn. Alan. No, not yet. [He hasn't told...anyone, actually. Including his three Lantern brothers and his two biological brothers. He gets the distinct feeling this is about to become way more complicated and can only sigh as he buries his face in the crook of Barry's neck. He's already picturing his conversation with Alan, especially after he tells him there isn't going to be a wedding] We're about to be guilted into having a wedding, aren't we?
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You were our first call, to be fair. We haven't told anyone else yet. We only just decided, like... ten minutes ago? [He'll defend Hal, a little, on this one.]
Son, listen, no one can tell you both what to do. You're grown men. If you're bound and determined not to have even a small wedding, that's your choice. Tell your family, though. If you don't call Alan next, I will.
[Jay has a point. If they don't tell their family, and get eloped in secret, they'll never hear the end of it. Barry brings a hand up to smooth his fingers through Hal's hair, humming.]
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Trust me, I know you will. We'll call him next. [He huffs] And then Wally, because if we tell Kyle before Wally, that'll be a big superspeed temper tantrum.
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I'll make sure we call everyone. I'll let you know what we plan to do, okay Jay? Give our love to Joan.
Will do. Good luck, fellas.
[Barry hangs up, and exhales a breath.] Well, I guess we're telling everyone that we're getting married.
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[Hal sighs too when Barry hangs up, covering his face with his hands]
Guess so. Should I call Alan now?
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We don't have to have a wedding if you don't want that. We don't have to do what everyone else wants us to. [They don't always, anyway. Barry and Hal are both stubborn in their own ways.]
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It'd just be easier if we could just go to the courthouse and get it done. We'll see if you're still saying that after we call everyone, though. Especially Wally. [Because that? Is going to be a whole phone call] It's fine. I'm calling Alan now.
[In typical Alan fashion, he picks up after two rings. Hal puts it on speaker so Barry can hear and talk too]
Are you dying? No, no, better question. Is Guy dying?
[That at least gets a little huff of laughter out of Hal]
No, last I checked Guy was on Oa. If we're lucky, though, he's dying somewhere in space as we speak.
Be nice, Hal.
That was me being nice. Say hi to Barry, by the way. You're on speaker.
Oh, hello, Barry. To what do I owe the call?
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Their exchange makes him laugh quietly too, tipping his forehead to rest against Hal's shoulder.]
Hi, Alan. We had some news. Hal and I decided to get married.
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That's what he said.
[There's silence on the other end, probably as Alan tries to process what he was just told. When he responds, he sounds amused]
So what happened to Mr. "I'm never getting married", then? Change of heart?
Don't start.
Not that it isn't good news, of course. Just surprising.
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It'll make it easier to have Hal legally adopt Dawn if we're married. Less paperwork. He says he's being blackmailed into it by the state of Missouri. We were thinking about just eloping at the courthouse on Monday.
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I am being blackmailed by the state of Missouri.
Ah, I see. That's smart. Maybe not the most romantic approach but it is practical. No wedding at all, though? Not even a small one?
Courthouse would be easier.
Maybe so. But don't you two think a wedding would be nice?
[And here we go again with the wedding guilt]
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[Are they really surprised though? It makes sense that their father-figures might want to see them actually get married.]
It's not that important, really. If Hal doesn't want to have one, then I'm okay with that. [It's kind of subconscious, honestly, the way he accidentally implies that he wouldn't mind a wedding himself. He wouldn't mind one, but Hal is right - the courthouse will be easier.]
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We're fine, Alan. And we will continue to be fine, wedding or not.
I know that. And I know a wedding doesn't really matter. You two were basically made for each other, I know a wedding won't change that one way or the other. I don't know if I'd really say it wasn't important, though.
[Don't think he didn't catch onto that, Barry. And don't think Hal didn't either. He did]
The point is, boys, that you two can do whatever you please. No one's going to judge. But don't you both think there are people in your lives that care about you and would like to celebrate the two of you getting married?
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Jay said most of that too. [He says with a chuckle, leaning slightly against Hal.] We're mainly doing this to make Dawn's paperwork easier, so there's no need to make a big deal out of it. [He won't admit he wants a wedding. Or, at least, he won't be the first one to admit he wants a wedding. Not while he's fairly convinced Hal doesn't want a wedding.]
If you wanted to come with us to the courthouse though, we'd be happy to have you there.
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[The sad part is, Hal's pretty sure Alan has more interest in this than his actual father would. Since becoming a father himself, he's really had to admit that his own father was not the greatest]
If that's what you two ultimately decide to do, I'd be happy to be there. And Hal?
Yeah, Alan?
I'm proud of you, son. I had my doubts when you were younger but you've really matured.
[Hal makes a face. All this genuine emotion is painful. It's also not that he doesn't want a wedding it's just...honestly, he's never given it much thought. He doesn't know what he wants. Par for the course in his life, honestly]
Ugh, Alan.
What? I'm just glad things have worked out for you. Is that so wrong?
When you say it like that it is!
[Alan chuckles, clearly getting a kick out of making Hal cringe]
Fine, fine. God forbid. Listen, whatever you two decide to do is fine. I support you. But give the wedding at least a little consideration?
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It's a nice moment to be present for.] We'll consider it. I already promised Jay we'd think about it. [Whether it winds up being a yes or no, they'll have to decide that for themselves. Probably should consider before they call anyone else, or they'll just get the same lecture about how they should at least think about having a real wedding.]
You'll be first to know what we decide on, unless Jay weasels it out of us first.
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