Author's Note: This story idea has been on my mind for years. I have tried to write it with two different fandoms and two different pairings but neither of the stories ever got fleshed out or finished. Now, I am rebooting it for a third time with Snowbarry. Fingers crossed that I will actually get to finish it this time! I am including chapter one with the prologue instead of breaking them into two separate parts. Enjoy!
Prologue
Dark cerulean streaks of the sky peeked behind heavy blankets of clouds. The gloomy weather had dramatically changed throughout the day, ripping the sunny summer day from everyone's minds. As the rain sloshed against the windshield, the wipers worked frantically against the glass and the confused brunette at the wheel paid great attention to the road ahead. While the thunderstorm and downpour was a major problem, Barry had managed to get lost on the twisted mountain road, the length winding in different directions.
"I think we were supposed to turn back there." Caitlin informed Barry, her eyes glued to the map in her hands.
Barry took a quick glance at the woman, a small laugh tumbled off his lips. "You couldn't have told me a few moments ago?"
"All the rain and the sloshing is making it difficult to concentrate. I can barely see here, too." Caitlin motioned towards the dim light on the ceiling of the SUV.
Barry shook his head. "That's why they invented a GPS system." He tapped on it with his fingertip.
"To my calculations, the rain probably fried the processor a half hour ago." Caitlin responded, her lips curving into a frown.
"Maybe you'll have better luck if you climbed into the back and turned both the lights on." Barry suggested, knowing the ride was probably smoother back there too.
"But I like staying up here with you." Caitlin protested. "I'll be fine." She scrambled to contain the map from spilling out any further onto her lap, eyes narrowed as she tried to pinpoint their location.
"I need directions, babe. You're my only hope." Barry responded, glancing back to her.
Caitlin's eyes met his momentarily and she melted inside, a sigh fell from her chest. "I'll do this for you then. But, you owe me." She teased gently, her eyebrows elevating as a smile painted across her lips.
"Anything you want." Barry promised. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." She answered.
Barry could've been lost in her eyes forever if he had allowed himself to be. Caitlin Snow was everything Barry had ever wanted, ever needed, ever desired. She made life worth living, even when it got tough. His heart began to race at the thought, sage orbs washing into caramel hues. Finally, he tore his gaze and focused on the stretch of road ahead. He brought a hand to her knee, gently squeezing it in a loving manner.
Caitlin climbed into the back of the SUV, dragging the map along with her. She scanned the parchment, searching for their location. After a moment, she placed a fingertip on the spot and slid it backward slightly. "You can make a u-turn ahead. Then we'll be back on track once we hit the five mile mark." She inhaled sharply. "Once we hit that mark we take a right and follow that road. We'll get there in about, a half hour, give or take." She made an estimation.
"Sounds good to me." Barry smiled, glancing at his girlfriend in the rear view mirror. However, her delighted features quickly changed to that of horror, her soft eyes glossed over with fear. Barry's brow crinkled to this, confusion masking his entire face.
"Barry! Look out!" Caitlin yelled.
Barry tore his gaze from Caitlin's and his emerald hues widened at the massive headlights charging right towards them. For the first time in his life, Barry Allen froze, petrified with fear. His face ghosted, a pale white flushing every peach color away. That's when he heard Caitlin's scream and the loud horn from the semi-truck blaring, painfully intrusive to his eardrums. Grasping the wheel, Barry took a sharp turn. The tires made a sickening screech from the wet asphalt, deafening the brunette while he veered the SUV off the road. It took a plunge and Barry braced himself for any contact that was about to happen. In that moment, lightning struck and cracked at the earth near the SUV.
CHAPTER ONE
Caitlin had taken shelter in the back of the vehicle when the car had swerved to avoid getting hit. As the vehicle bumped along the rocky earth and came to a screeching halt, she inhaled and exhaled in a rapid fashion. Her eyes darted around in every direction, her hands gently ran down her form, she was making sure she was okay. Promptly, her attention turned to Barry and she noted his head sitting upon the steering wheel.
"Barry!" She exclaimed, climbing back into the front seat. Lifting his head carefully, she watched as he blinked slowly. A small cut was on the top of his forehead so Caitlin fished out the first aid kit. Popping it open, she brought a small piece of gauze and an alcohol wipe.
Barry groaned with a small sigh. "Did that—really just happen?"
"Yep." Was all Caitlin replied with. She tore open the wipe and carefully cleaned the wound before placing the gauze above the cut. Searching for a band aid, she ripped that open and placed it over the gauze. She wasted no time in checking his eyes with the mini flashlight on her keychain. Both his eyes were fine and she took a deep breath, relief filling her body.
"I'm fine." Barry insisted, his hands both reaching to grab a gentle hold of Caitlin's face. "Are you?"
Caitlin nodded her head a small fraction. She didn't speak. Hot tears pricked her eyes before they ran astray down her cheeks. Barry was quick to wipe them away with his thumbs. He brought his forehead to hers and held her there, his gaze intense but gentle. "We're both fine." He tried to reassure her.
"Yeah," Caitlin quietly agreed, her own hands reaching for the sides of his face. She brought her lips to his in a delicate kiss. Once she pulled away, she sighed heavier. "We should get back on the road." She suggested. "Iris and Eddie are probably worrying about us."
Luckily for the pair, Barry had avoided the accident but had also avoided wrecking the vehicle in the trees. Nodding his head in agreement, Barry released Caitlin from his grasp. "Let me make sure everything's okay." He told her. Taking his leave from the vehicle, he went out in the pouring rain, immediately becoming drenched. He was quick to check the tires and their sturdiness, he checked the front end of the car and the back end. Letting out a sigh of relief, the contents of his stomach finally settled.
Racing back to the vehicle, Barry slammed the door shut after climbing in. "We're good." He cranked the lever and backed up the vehicle before turning it around and running it up the small slope. When they returned to the road, Barry's nerves began to race, every inch of his body alert. "A half hour?"
Caitlin nodded, placing a comforting hand upon Barry's neck. Her fingers rubbed random patterns into his skin. "Yes." She confirmed.
As the SUV roared up the road, Barry allowed it to come to a halt in the driveway of the cabin. He turned the key in the ignition, powering down the vehicle. Propping open his door, he raced through the rain to the passenger's side and helped Caitlin out of the car. "I'll get the bags." He told her, his body finally relaxing since they had made it to their destination.
Nodding her head, Caitlin ran towards the front porch, taking shelter above the rooftop from the pouring rain. Iris was there to greet her and she offered the woman a hug. "Hi! I'm sorry we're late!"
Eddie quickly walked over to the SUV and grasped one of the bags after Barry opened the trunk. "Good to see you, buddy." He promptly brought a hand to Barry's back and gave a light and friendly pat.
"You too," Barry responded, shutting the trunk once he retrieved the second bag. Both men hurried towards the cabin, placing the bags inside the doorway.
"It's really coming down out there. We were worried something happened to you guys." Eddie explained, taking a stand next to Iris before he wrapped an arm around her.
"We're fine." Barry said, looking over to Caitlin. "We got a little lost." He wasn't sure if he should worry their friends about their near death experience.
"Are you sure?" Iris questioned, concern laced on her features. "You look a little spooked."
Caitlin chuckled nervously. "We almost got into an accident."
"Semi-truck." Barry added after a pause.
Iris' eyes widened and she tore herself from Eddie's side. "Oh my god." She breathed out. She gave her best friend a hug and then offered one to Caitlin. "Why don't we help you get settled?"
Nodding her head, Caitlin walked by Barry and looped a friendly arm around Iris.
Eddie watched the two walk off while Caitlin began recounting the incident. His blue eyes swiveled over to Barry. "What do you say we get you a beer?"
"That'd be nice." Barry tried to press a grin on his face. He needed to unwind, to let his nerves settle. Despite the relief invading his gut, worry as he recounted the near accident continued to swim in the back of his mind.
Barry had taken time to admire the sounds of the rain against the glass before he'd fallen asleep. He also took the time to listen to Caitlin's steady breathing as he held her in his arms. At some point, he'd drifted off into a deep sleep. Before he knew it, the morning rays were splashing into the room and onto his face from the blinds. He moved a tired hand, feeling around the bed before he realized it was empty.
Caitlin emerged from the restroom, her hair a damp mess upon her head. She walked over to the mirror and began to run a brush through her long caramel locks. "Good morning, sleepyhead." She greeted her boyfriend, peering at him from the mirror. A grin crept upon her face, allowing her eyes to lighten a fraction in his direction. She was happy to know the both of them were okay.
"Morning," Barry mumbled, his voice full of a grogginess. Still, he prompted himself to sit up on the bed with an almost inaudible groan.
Caitlin placed her brush down after a moment and spun to face Barry. Crossing the room, she plopped down onto the bed, sitting in front of the brunette. "Did you sleep good?"
"I slept okay." He answered. Then he got a more playful look upon his face. Despite being tired, Barry always enjoyed being in Caitlin's presence.
Caitlin's eyebrows elevated. "What?" He had that look on his face.
Barry smirked, tugging Caitlin into himself before he kissed her. He leaned her down onto the bed and left feathery kisses across her neck. He relished in the warmth her body radiated and let it crash over him like a tidal wave. "I bet Iris and Eddie are still asleep."
Caitlin began to giggle in response. "Come on, Barry." She tried, but failed terribly to get him to stop. Turning her head slightly, she brought her lips crashing into his.
Barry kissed her back eagerly, not giving either of them a moment to catch their breath. His hands ran up her arms and he gently pinned her hands to the mattress. A small moan escaped his lips as they continued to meld with hers. Content feelings pulsed through his veins, his hearts pace began to pick up. If it could, it would have busted out of his ribcage at the high frequency it was beating. He brought his lips back to her neck, this time in a heated manner before they came to her jawline.
That was when Iris cleared her throat. "Am I interrupting something?" She questioned, a smug smirk crossing her face.
Barry shot up and both Caitlin and Barry glanced at each other and then back to Iris. Caitlin's cheeks flushed a bright crimson, Barry's a peach color. Each of them shook their heads.
"No, no. We were just about to get up." Barry stammered, climbing out of bed.
Caitlin blinked widely a couple of times before she, too, climbed out of the bed and grasped her brush once more. She ran it through her locks again. "So, what are the plans for today?"
"Eddie wants to go kayaking." Iris told her friend. "I figure if we do this one thing for the guys, maybe we can squeeze in some girl time and go shopping one day."
Knowing the nearest vicinity to shop at was miles away, that would make an all day trip for the two women. Shopping didn't sound bad at all. Caitlin gave her friend a smile. "That sounds like a good idea."
Iris tilted her head gently. "I'll let you two get ready." She hurried off to go find Eddie.
"Kayaking?" Barry wondered, scoffing and shaking his head. "They do realize my coordination isn't the greatest, don't they?"
"It'll be fun. Consider it an adventure, even." The caramel haired woman crossed the room to place a loving kiss upon Barry's lips.
Cracking open a can of soda, Barry took a swig as he lowered his sunglasses upon his face. The storm that had wreaked havoc the night before had disappeared completely. There wasn't one single cloud in the sky, no rain in sight. Placing his drink down on the top of the SUV, Barry propped open the trunk and began helping Eddie pull the kayaks out of the vehicles. After retrieving the paddles, he placed them aside the kayaks, peering across the whitewater of the river. It was calm enough that he figured they could make an easy trip down river.
"How have things been?" Iris asked Caitlin, bringing her drink to her lips.
"Things have been good. I've been working more hours at S.T.A.R. Labs but I've been doing a whole lot more. Exciting things, really. Like creating new serums for different purposes and I even helped Cisco create a new piece of technology which can be used to scan patients for cancer." She was rambling, quite excitedly at that.
Iris laughed lightly. "You and Barry are perfect for each other. I don't understand a lot of the scientific talk."
Caitlin flushed gently. "Sorry. It's been great." She nodded her head with a chuckle. "What about you?"
"Eddie just got promoted to Captain and I've been working all kinds of articles at the paper." She smiled warmly. "It's been an exciting year."
"How's married life?" Caitlin wondered.
"It's great! Eddie's husband of the year, really." Iris boasted, her eyes flicking over to her husband. "Despite his long hours, he always makes it home for dinner. Sometimes he has to leave right after but, I'm just glad we get that time together."
Nodding her head, Caitlin took a sip of her own drink. "What about your dad?"
"He's going to retire soon. I think he deserves it."
"He does," Caitlin grinned at Iris, looping a friendly arm around her friend. "He's done a lot of good work." She was glad to spend time with Iris. Ever since Iris and Eddie had moved to Star City, it became a ritual for the four friends to stay in at Eddie's cabin for a few weeks each summer.
Bringing the kayaks to the edge of the water, Eddie went to collect the paddles before he handed two of them over to Barry. "We're just going to be following the river. It shouldn't get too rough out here. I just found this route in spring when Joe and I came out here for a weekend." He explained, quirking a smile onto his lips.
"Good. As you know, my coordination isn't exactly top notch. Something easy and smooth is best for all of us," Barry joked, grasping the two paddles.
Eddie waved down the two women and Iris climbed into the back of one of the kayaks. Once Eddie pushed it into the water, he climbed into the front of it.
"Your arms are so sexy, Eddie." Iris said.
Caitlin shot Barry a look, raising an eyebrow. Her lips pressed into an amused thin line.
"Stay focused." Eddie reminded his wife.
Barry helped Caitlin climb into the kayak, a small laugh escaping him. "I'm sorry this won't be as fun for you. I'm not—"
"You are sexy, Barry." Caitlin whispered, pulling him in to steal a quick kiss.
"You are, Dr. Snow." Barry smiled widely before he carefully pushed the kayak into the river and climbed in. He grasped one of the paddles and began to row the kayak.
Caitlin followed Barry's movements to the best of her ability. With their movements, they steered the kayak in the right direction, following closely behind Eddie and Iris. Barry could hear Eddie cheering and Iris laughing, a grin plastered across his face. He enjoyed seeing his friends so happy together. Looking over his shoulder, he glanced at Caitlin, only to be met with a smiling face in his direction. Every single part of him hummed with happiness and Barry felt whole.
Once they got downstream, the rapids were a little harder to navigate, the water thrashing the kayaks about a little more forceful than it previously had. Eddie navigated them effortlessly without Iris. Barry, on the other hand, was having a little trouble. "To the left!" He told Caitlin.
Caitlin tried to push the kayak to the left, using all her might. After a couple of tries, they managed to row the kayak to the side indicated and towards the edge of the river. Eddie had already climbed out of his kayak and helped reel in their kayak, grasping hold of it and pushing it towards the earth. As it came into contact with the ground, Barry exited the kayak and stood firmly on the ground. "Whew!"
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Eddie asked, patting his friend on the shoulder. "Now we hike back upstream."
A harsh sizzling filled the air as Eddie placed a fresh steak upon the grill. Closing the top, he walked over and took a plop on one of the wooden chairs next to Barry. Receiving the beer from his friend, he grinned. "Thanks, man."
Barry nodded his head and looked skyward. "No problem." One of his hands rested behind his head. His free hand held onto the ice cold beer and he took a swig of the substance. "Mind if I ask you something?" His emerald eyes flung over to his friend.
"Of course." Eddie would always listen to his friend or answer any question that resided within the back of the male's mind.
"When did you know.." He trailed off before he cleared his throat. "When did you know you'd ask Iris to marry you?"
Eddie looked a little surprised by the question. "Well, to be honest, it was after a shootout downtown. One of our officers lost his life. He was younger than me, someone new on the force." The blonde began. He took a drink of his beer. "I already knew that I loved Iris but I realized that life was too short and I didn't want to go through it without marrying her. The sooner the better, in my case. I never know if the next call might be the call that takes my life." He concluded.
Barry gave him a soft smile, knowing that living as an officer was a big risk. He admired the blonde for his courage to pursue such a career. His career was much different, Barry was hardly ever in the front lines of danger. Being a forensic scientist meant that he came to the crime scene long after the crime had already taken place. He loved his work, but it wasn't threatening his life whenever he took a call.
"Why do you ask?" Eddie was curious.
Stammering a moment, Barry looked to the ground and blinked a few times before he looked back to Eddie. His palms got a little clammy and he set down the beer he'd been holding on the table between the two chairs. "I think I'm going to propose to Caitlin." He admitted, withdrawing a small box from his pocket. He lifted the black top, revealing a precious diamond ring.
Eddie's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's amazing, man." Eddie smiled from ear-to-ear.
Barry fell shy, closing the box before he placed it back into the comforts of his pocket. "I know."
Eddie rose from his seat, returning to the grill. He opened the top to check the food before grabbing the prongs and flipping the steaks over. "Perfect." The blonde's blue eyes admired the grill marks across the meat.
"Eddie?"
"Yeah?"
"Will you be my best man?" His puppy eyes fell onto his face, unknowingly. At the same time, his eyes held a gentleness to them, yet excited swirls beat within them.
"Of course, Barry. Of course." Eddie responded, delighted.
Sliding open the back door, Iris popped her head out, "Are those almost done? We just finished the potatoes."
"Almost, babe." Eddie let her know.
Barry smiled to himself, a lopsided smile at that. He had the best life in entire the world.