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.
[It means a lot to Hal. He just still to this day isn't sure what to do with people caring about him]
We both know Jay's going to hear first. But I appreciate the sentiment, Barry. I'll talk to you boys later.
Bye, Alan.
[Hal ends the call, making a face down at his phone]
Shoulda put Alan in charge of telling Kyle, Guy and John for me. Then again, if I had tried that, he would've just told me it was my responsibility. So either way, I guess.
[Barry can only laugh at that, because it's probably true. No offense to Alan, of course, but- Jay is just a city away, and for a speedster, that means he's only seconds away if he wants to know anything about what they're doing.] Bye, Alan.
[The face Hal makes has Barry stifling a smile.] Maybe we should decide what we're doing before we make any more calls. Otherwise it's going to be the same conversation over and over.
What do you want to do? [This is becoming much more of an ordeal than Hal anticipated. He’s not sure how he feels about that. He’s finding that he doesn't regret bringing up getting married, though. It's just...so much]
And don't say some bullshit like you wanna do whatever I wanna do. That's not what I asked.
[Barry winces slightly when Hal clarifies his question in rigid terms, because yeah, he was going to say "whatever you want to do" and leave it up to his friend. Hal knows him too well. As he should, probably, since they're going to get married, and already have a child together, and have spent this many years together...]
Would you be mad if I said I thought maybe a small wedding would be nice? Just something for family and close friends, nothing big. [That's still... several people, but still. It'd be nothing like the scale Dinah and Ollie's wedding reached.]
[Hal is well versed by now in how Barry's mind works. And he got the distinct impression during their calls with Jay and Alan that he was thinking about something]
No, because I did ask what you wanted to do. So if that's what you want to do, you should be allowed to say it. [He sighs] You realize that, for us, "just family and friends" is still a lot of people, right?
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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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We both know Jay's going to hear first. But I appreciate the sentiment, Barry. I'll talk to you boys later.
Bye, Alan.
[Hal ends the call, making a face down at his phone]
Shoulda put Alan in charge of telling Kyle, Guy and John for me. Then again, if I had tried that, he would've just told me it was my responsibility. So either way, I guess.
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[The face Hal makes has Barry stifling a smile.] Maybe we should decide what we're doing before we make any more calls. Otherwise it's going to be the same conversation over and over.
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And don't say some bullshit like you wanna do whatever I wanna do. That's not what I asked.
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Would you be mad if I said I thought maybe a small wedding would be nice? Just something for family and close friends, nothing big. [That's still... several people, but still. It'd be nothing like the scale Dinah and Ollie's wedding reached.]
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No, because I did ask what you wanted to do. So if that's what you want to do, you should be allowed to say it. [He sighs] You realize that, for us, "just family and friends" is still a lot of people, right?
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