"Stuck (because I was made for loving you)"

A/N: Hey, what's up guys! It's been some time since I write anything. Been going through some serious writers block lately, especially with the lack if snowbarry in the actual show. I'm pretty much running off feels from songs. Two songs inspired me to write this one shot and they are "Stuck" by Darren Espanto and "I Was Made For Loving You" by Tori Kelly ft. Ed Sheeran. Both are beautiful songs so check'em out. This fic was written for a Snowbarry Valentines Day 2017 challenge that was put out by SimplySnowbarry on Tumblr. Before I let you read the story I wanna do a big shout and massive thanks to my good friend WinterBuckySnow for beta reading and for having to go through the mess of fanfiction dms. Anyway without further adieu I hope you guys enjoy the fic. Happy Valentines Day!

Prompt: confession

*I don't own The Flash*

The night sky was beautiful, a never ending sheet of dark mystic blue with tiny specs of light scattered across it giving it a certain sparkle. The crescent moon made its appearance as the few clouds in the sky parted completing its beauty. It was chilly but it was the perfect kind of "chilly"; a faint breeze that occasionally blew over that could relax a person or give them a sense of serenity. That was the case for Barry Allen. Clad in tailored black suit and plastic cup in his hands, he leant on the old slightly rusted railings, taking in the view that he could never forget. It had been so many years ago but it was still so clear in his head. Every scene, every word, how could he forget? especially those words...her words...

Eight years ago

"Barry...Barry..Barry? Earth to Barry? Bartholomew!"

"Huh? What?" Barry woke up from his day dream; one that consisted of him and a certain best friend walking romantically along a boardwalk during a sunset just like those scenes in a cheesy romance flicks. His eyes quickly found the confused face of one, Caitlin Snow looking at him. Her eye brows furrowed but along with it was an adorable smile that partially revealed her pearly whites. Her chestnut hair came down straight just past her shoulders with such grace. God she's so beautiful Barry thought as he opened his mouth to reply but couldn't bring any words to come out, he was just speechless.

"I'm sorry, I was..."

"Day dreaming?"

"Yeah.."

Barry smiled and breathed out. He then returned his attention to the view in front him, unforgettable sights filled with forgettable memories. Places like the the bleachers and the football field were places full of painful and embarrassing memories, but still he can't help but feel tied to them; like they are a part of what made him who he was now.

"Off jet-skiing with a supermodel again?" Caitlin laughed knowing how common it was for her best friend to drift away into his little fantasies wherever he was.

"Something like that"

He lied knowing it would only be awkward if he told her that; that instead of jet skiing, it was a walk along the beach and instead of a supermodel it was someone more important to him, her. There would be a silence between them as they both admired the view. A peaceful silence, as they reminisced their memories of the place. Caitlin would be the one to break that silence as she noticed the look on Barry's face.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"What makes you think I'm thinking about anything? Maybe I'm just breathing in the fresh Central City air and enjoying my freedom from this place."

"Bartholomew Henry Allen, as your best friend I know almost all your mannerisms and I also know that as much as you hate this place you also love this place."

"That...is true...because if I never attended this school I wouldn't have met you and what would I do without you right?" Barry replied sarcastically.

"Exactly" Caitlin grinned cheekily and laughed.

She really was grateful for this place too for the exact same reason. As lonely as it sounds, she found her best friends there at Fairview High; Barry, Iris and Eddie. Although out of those three Barry was the closest. Maybe it was their common love for science or the fact that their opposite personalities made them closer to each other like the scientific saying went; that opposites attract. Barry had always been so open while she usually needed a lot of time to warm up to someone. She wouldn't admit it but she truly believed that there was something about him that she was comfortable with or rather that she liked.

"I am gonna miss being here with you though." Barry admitted to her.

"Well you didn't have to take that offer at Coast City" Caitlin came back at him with a smirk.

"But they have like the best forensics course and facilities there!" He reasoned raising his arms.

"Yeah but you have your friends here!" Caitlin copying his actions.

"Are you saying I can't make new friends?" Barry acted as if he was hurt and offended.

"Nooooo I'm saying it would've been greatly appreciated if you had decided to take the forensics course offered here at Central City so that you could have the best of both worlds." Caitlin raised her pointer finger like she was making a point. "But seriously things won't be the same without you around."

"We always have emails? Skype? We could even write letters if you want." They looked at each other and bursted laughing knowing that this'll probably one of their last proper conversations in a while. They both knew they'd miss each other's company, after almost seeing, talking and hanging out every day

"I'll miss you Barry."

"I'll miss you too Cait."

"C'mon let's go outta here. Big Belly Burger on me?" Barry offered, one Caitlin was glad to accept.

"I'd love that"

Smiling again as they slung their bags over their shoulder and left their favourite spot on the roof of the high school. Caitlin smiled as she walked along side him. She thinks about how he's changed since they first met. She remembers when she used to be a little taller than him and how scrawny he was back when they were freshmen. Gradually he'd grow taller than her, a bit more muscular and his voice deeper. She wasn't a stranger to puberty, she was going through changes at the time too, but she couldn't helped but be amazed by him. She was always amazed by him. Barry tried his hardest to maintain his cool as they walked together. He'd blush every time their hands would brush off each other. He remembered a time when them hanging out used to be so normal; no crushes, no romantic feelings, no fear of ruining a friendship he now was feeling at that moment. It was a simpler time, one less painful he thought to himself. He wasn't really sure how he fell for Caitlin. For two years they had been friends and he never really expected to suddenly feel differently about her.

He precisely remembers when it came about; a casual night out for a movie and some dinner with Eddie and Iris where both of them were really just third wheels on their date. He remembers how she looked that night, the simple elegance that she bore with her skinny jeans, boots and a buttoned shirt and sweater combo seemed so beautiful to him and when she'd smile at him he'd feel butterflies in his stomach, a sensation he hadn't experienced with her ever before. At the time it was weird to him; how she'd make him feel this way. Sure he had crushes before but with Caitlin it felt different. After that night when he walked her home, hugging her didn't feel like it did before. Even with a hot coffee in his hands they would go cold when she'd wrap her arms around him. He would also suddenly become increasingly aware of her features, the way her body and her face curved, the way her hair felt against the side of his face, the way her eyes twinkled like stars in the night, the way her smile seemed so caring and warm - it felt like he didn't want to leave her arms. That night he found it hard to sleep and it wasn't because of the caffeine they had consumed earlier that night, it was the constant thought of Caitlin running through his head, questioning what he truly felt about her and if it was all real; a question that with the help of Iris he would realise was true, that his feelings for her were real.

However it was just his luck when he'd planned ask her to go to their junior prom and confess his feelings that he'd find out she had been talking to Ronnie Raymond, an upperclassman of theirs, player on the football team also head of the maths club; adding that they've started to go on dates and asking her to the prom with it. It was just his luck that at the time when he finally mustered up the courage, he'd been too late. For the rest of the year he'd watch them as a couple and him becoming exclusively a third wheel for both Eddie and Iris, and Caitlin and Ronnie but of course he'd just smile away and say he's happy for them, because that's what best friends did. Now at the brink of him leaving for college, he thinks nervously whether he should tell her or just leave it under covers and try move on...but then he wonders if he needs to tell her to be able to move on...

"So are you going to Iris' party later?" Caitlin asked as they sat down at a booth, Barry putting the food tray down in front of them.

"Ermm...I don't know, I still got some packing to do and my parents might want me to have one last dinner with them." Barry sighed.

Truthfully he was unsure if he should go or not. He wasn't a party person and he also wouldn't mind not seeing Caitlin and Ronnie being a couple throughout the night while he stood at a corner binge drinking soda just trying to wait until everything was over. His excuse was partially valid though; he still did need to finish packing and he did want to eat with his family before he left, but also truth be told he did have enough time to do all of those.

"Oh, right of course."

Caitlin smiled but inside she couldn't help but feel a strange heaviness in her chest, like his answer made her heart drop. She shouldn't be because who was she to take him away from his family but for some reason she did, like she just wanted to keep seeing him. Maybe I'm just anxious about Barry leaving? She thought trying to focus on her food. She didn't notice her smile had faded into a thin line - something Barry didn't fail to notice.

"Cait, are you okay?" Barry caught her attention, immediately finding her eyes. He always knew when there was something wrong or if something bothered her. As much as she knew him, he also knew her.

"Yeah I'm fine...Just hungry" She smiled again before biting into her burger.

"Are you sure?"

"Completely, positively sure"

"Your biting your lower lip again" Barry briefly giggled noticing her habit whenever something was bothering her.

"I am?"

"Yes, so spill. What's up?" Barry dropped his burger and wiped his mouth.

"Nothing you should worry about, I promise." She reassured him with a smile, hoping he would stop at that moment but knowing Barry she knew he wouldn't stop until he found out what was wrong.

"Is this about me possibly not going to the party?"

"No...I mean...I..."

"If you really want me to go, I can always make time." Barry sighed but returned a smile at her.

"Barry you don't have to do that. You shouldn't"

"No Cait it's fine, I was planning to anyway. I'm pretty sure Iris wants me to go too. My mom and dad will understand plus we still have around 8 hours more to bond on the road so a night with my best friends isn't gonna bother them." He told her, he just wanted her to be happy and if that meant being a third wheel then he'd do it and Iris could always bail him out if he needed to get out.

"Okay." She replied with a small curve of her lips, feeling a little embarrassed of her request for him to be there.

They both smiled at each other again. Caitlin's seemingly more genuine than before and Barry had one of mixed emotions inside; he loved seeing the joy in her eyes, it made her shine even more. For Caitlin she felt that strange heaviness vanish from her and in return she received some positive jolt of energy and a wave of calm. They both ate in peace, comfortable with their small talk in between, about college life, Coast City and what would Barry's life be like there. Jokes would be shared about him returning with a six pack and possibly his day dream of jet skiing with a model coming true.

"Thanks for the meal"

"Anytime! Well not really since I'm leaving but whenever I'm here sure" Barry and Caitlin made their way out of the fast food joint and started their journey home.

"Good to know that I'll always have a friend to rely on for free Big Belly Burger."

Caitlin nudged at Barry's arm laughing and walking side by side. They cherished the last time of walking home from school together, passing by the places that provided much nostalgia.

"Your stop" Barry said as they halted in front of the Snow residence. He takes a quick glance spotting Ronnie's car parked at the drive way.

"Yup...I guess I'll see ya later at Iris' place?" Caitlin asked again just to make sure.

"Yes you will."

The two lean in for a quick goodbye hug before pulling away. Barry's hand lingering on her arm before letting go. They stood there for unmoving for a few seconds, which was something they hadn't done before. Usually it was a quick drop off but both of them felt that something was missing. They both stood quietly unsure of what was happening until Barry gave her a final nod goodbye and turning his back. He waved goodbye as he looked over his should, watching as the door to her home opened, Ronnie emerging and greeting her with a hug and a kiss to the head. Barry winced at the sight - he hopes that when he's away the pain will be left here at Central City.

"So you are coming to my party?" Iris' voice slightly modulated came through her mic. Barry could hear her slightly heaving as she went up and down the stairs preparing for the party.

"Yes I am. I'm just packing stuff at the moment and gonna have some dinner with my parents but I'll be there." Barry responded as he folded and put his clothes in a suitcase.

"I'm glad you decided to go. I thought you were gonna lock yourself at home again just to not see Ronnie and Caitlin." Barry rolled his eyes at her remark but inside he knew it was true.

"I'm going for Caitlin."

"Speaking of Caitlin...are you going to tell her before you go?"

Barry stopped for a moment and swallowed. He hadn't thought of telling her throughout the day and he wonders if he had the strength to do so.

"Barry...?"

"I'm here, but I don't know yet."

"Barry, I know how scary this is; telling your best friend that you like them more than just a friend is no easy task, one in a relationship at that - especially when it feels like your friendship is on the line, but listen all I want for you is to move on and that's up to you. Do what's good for you Bar." A silence followed after Iris had told him this. Barry had to think about what he was gonna do. He knew what he needed to do and that Iris was right.

"Thanks Iris, I'll think about it, I promise" the only words Barry replied with.

"Anyway I still need to cook some stuff so I'll catcha later!"

"Bye Iris, tell Eddie I said "hi""

"Will do, bye Bar!"

With that Barry hung up the phone, tossing it on his bed, sighing and rubbing the bridge of his nose. Never in his life did he think the most stressing thing in his life would be telling a girl about his feelings - but then again it would be disrespectful for him to call Caitlin just "a girl" in his life. Barry continued to pack, the question of whether to tell Caitlin or not lurking in his deepest thoughts.

"Barry, dinner's ready!" Barry was notified by his mother's voice coming from the hallway. At that point he had finished packing all the clothes he was bringing and other personal items into a box. He then made his way to the dining table where his mom had made him his favourite spaghetti and meatballs with homemade garlic bread. He smiled half heartedly at his parents as he took his seat. This was something else he would also miss, his parents company, his mom and dad cooking his favourite dishes. He had expected himself to be feeding on pot noodles for the next four years. He'd love to cherish this moment but his mind wouldn't rest.

"Is everything alright slugger?" Henry immediately noticed something bothering his son just by the way his face looked and his reaction to the food in front of him. "You haven't even finished a plate yet and you act like you're done with your food."

"Something on your mind beautiful boy?" Nora followed after her husband taking notice of their son, hoping he'd be more willing to open up to both of them.

"It's just..." Barry spoke but couldn't quite explain.

"You're gonna miss us?" Henry joked smiling at Nora before going back to Barry who weakly snickered.

"I will...but that's not the issue." Barry took a deep breath. He knew he could tell his parents anything and could ask for advice on anything his heart desired. "Mom...Dad...I like Caitlin." He watched his parents reactions and to his surprise they laughed amongst themselves leaving him confused.

"We've known that for quite some time honey, ever since we saw that little look in your eye and you acting differently around her whenever she came over." Nora smiled at Barry who still looked surprised.

"All this time you knew?" Barry swallowed still a little shocked. He wasn't that obvious was I? he thought.

"Is your problem about telling Caitlin about your feelings?" Henry guessed as he had been the those shoes before as a young buck himself back in his teenage days. Barry nodded in response.

Henry took a deep breath and a drink of water before he spoke, "Well slugger, you got yourself in quite the situation here. You don't want to ruin your friendship and you don't want to cause trouble to her current relationship with Ronnie. So you're asking yourself what can you do to save both? The answer is nothing." Barry narrowed his eyes at his father not completely understanding what he meant.

"Let me explain...everything you do will have a repercussion and because of this you never know what'll happen next so it's a risk you're gonna have to take. Life is full of challenges, it's quite a bumpy road Barry. You don't even know how much trouble I had to go through before I could conquer med school and then meet your mother. So Barry whatever choice you make, whether you tell her or not, I want you to know that there's multiple paths ahead, happy and sad, but also you're still young son, you have so much time to fix anything that is broken. Cheer up and chin up slugger" Henry taking Nora'a hand in the midst of his advice.

"Thanks Dad" He smiled at his parents, who held each others hands lovingly. Maybe he was looking at the situation too narrowly and that his dad was right he was young and he had a long life ahead of him, so he'll make the decision that'll be better for him, he thought himself. After that they continued to eat Barry's appetite more present now.

"Thanks for earlier mom, dad"

"Anytime slugger."

"You better get going. Don't go home too late okay. Love you sweety"

"Love you mom"

Barry waved as he began his short journey to the West household where a "exam results night party" was being held for his class. Iris' dad Joe who had a night shift tonight was at first hesitant to let her have a party but Iris was able to convince him. He could never say no to her but as long as she followed his rules - meaning no alcohol or no sexual activities. The walk didn't take too long for their houses were only a few blocks away from each other, Barry immediately spotting the brightly lit home surrounded by multiple cars parked out on the driveway.

Here goes nothing, Barry thought as he ran up to the porch greeting some of his classmates hanging out outside, cigarettes in between their fingers and hopefully a red plastic cup of soda in the other.

As expected the house was packed with young adults mingling and some swaying; those same red cups in their hand - some with a slice of pizza in the other - the surround sound speakers blaring some pop songs which Barry found quite catchy; taking note of some lyrics he could google later on to find the song. He greets some more people, making his way to the kitchen to find Iris talking to her guests.

"Barry!" She spotted her best friend enter. "Glad you could make it! Here have a drink."

"Hey and what is this?" Barry hugged her and quickly asked suspiciously looking at the liquid in the cup.

"It's iced tea Barry." She chuckled rolling her eyes. "I honestly didn't think there would be this many people that would come but the more the merrier right!?"

"I guess...speaking of which where's Eddie?" Barry replied taking a sip of his drink which was indeed iced tea.

"He's picking some pizzas. He'll be back soon."

"And where's Caitlin?" He asked rubbing his nape, trying to not seem awkward.

"You know next time, you could just get to the point." Iris teased him before turning him around and gently pushing him towards the screen door leading to the backyard. "She's there and guess what? Ronnie's not with her." Iris winked at him before making her way back to the party inside. Barry rolled his eyes at his best friend but that was Iris, she always had his back. Barry would look around seeing some small groups scattered around the the backyard. His eyes would find Caitlin sitting at a bench with a drink and her phone in her hands. She wore a simple outfit of a hoodie, a violet flannel with a grey t-shirt inside, black leggings and a pair of low cut converse. Barry relaxed himself as he went up to her, casually strolling to the wooden bench.

"Hey you mind if I take a seat?" Barry asked catching her attention.

"Well if your name if Barry Allen, is 18 years old and is 6'2" in height then...I guess I don't" Caitlin joked as she moved to make space for her best friend.

"That's not how you're going to try to make friends in college are you? - Ow!"

"Rude!" Caitlin punched his arm before crossing her arms in front of her and deciding to rest her head on his shoulder. They laughed for a little bit before settling down.

"I still can't believe you're leaving tomorrow." She spoke with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"To be honest it's pretty surreal for me too. I'm just so used to life here that I may be just a little scared to let go of what I have here." He looked down at her, he had gotten so comfortable having Caitlin around and he doesn't want to lose her in both ways, friendship wise and with his feelings for her.

"Distance won't tear us apart right?" She looked up at him, eyes filled with hope but also searching for reassurance.

"No, never." He smiled at her in return, giving that reassurance she needed. Mirroring his smile, Barry could see how Caitlin relaxed, her body becoming less tense from his words.

"So where's Ronnie?" Barry cleared his throat, wondering where her boyfriend had gone. He had been there to celebrate getting her exam results earlier that day but he wasn't present at the party.

"He uh had to finish a project back at the uni, ya know engineering students" Caitlin explained the lack of her boyfriend's presence. She'd prefer him to be here with her but being there with Barry was just as good or possibly even better for some reason - she never felt alone with Barry.

"Speak for yourself Dr. Caitlin Snow, future bio-engineer!" Barry teased, his hand gliding in front of him like he was picturing some kind of banner or billboard with Caitlin's name on it.

"And geneticist" Caitlin added smirking at him.

"Of course how could I forget! Ms. Double Major!" Barry shook his head, rolling his eyes at her. He couldn't help but be proud of her, double majors were hard but he knew if anyone could push through them,it would be the one and only Caitlin Snow. Throughout the night they'd talk and talk and talk more about their memories while drinking iced tea and eating pizza. They'd spend most of their time isolated from the party but they didn't mind, they rather spend their remaining time together and Iris and Eddie didn't mind them doing that; they knew how important Barry and Caitlin were to each other..maybe even more than they knew themselves.

"Thanks for having me." Caitlin hugged the young couple, thanking them for inviting her.

"Anytime Caity" Iris replied with smile.

"I hope I'll see you guys tomorrow before I depart?" Barry following after Caitlin's example.

"Wouldn't miss it!" Iris replied as she and Eddie escorted the two friends to the door.

"Goodnight guys" Caitlin waved Iris and Eddie goodbye as she joined Barry who was walking her home.

"Well that was fun and we were totally sociable people during the party." Caitlin joked, skipping a little ahead of Barry and turning to face him while walking backwards.

"The most sociable people" Barry followed along with the joke, Caitlin shortly returning to his side.

"The sky looks great tonight." Caitlin noticed looking up.

"Yeah, for a city full of lights I'm surprised we can still see some stars up there."

"I bet there are more stars in Coast City."

"Maybe, I guess I'll see in a few days." Barry shrugged looking down at Caitlin who placed her hands in her pockets, discretely sighing.

"While I'll just be here. Good 'ol Central City" Caitlin let out a short sigh.

"You can always visit you know...so we can both see what the Coast City night sky looks like together." Smiling down at her, he could feel being satisfied just seeing her smile back at him.

"I think I'd like that." Barry always seemed to know to lift her spirits.

They soon reach the front lawn of the Snow residence. They stop and do what they always did saying goodbye to each other but this time they had a sense of not wanting to let go. They both felt like they didn't want the night to end. Caitlin wished that the next day she'd know her best friend would still be there by her side or just a few minutes away, Barry also feeling the same. When they finally pull away they look deeply in each other's eyes and their lips curve up, knowing they had to go their own way then and there. They both let go of each other and Caitlin turned to walk towards her porch. As she did, Barry knew had to make that decision now that this moment was the right one and whatever happens he'll just deal with it but what's important is the now. With advice from Iris and his Dad in mind, he just went for it.

"Cait, wait." Barry grabbed her arm, Caitlin looking back at him, eyes gleaming as if he was about to cry.

Was he going to tell her? Barry closed his eyes for a second to gather his thoughts and then he took a deep breath...

"Yeah?" Caitlin turned to face him, quickly seeing that something was on his mind.

"It's just...I want to tell you something" Barry put his hands in his pockets, feeling them going cold.

"Okay I'm listening" Caitlin said so innocently unaware of the possible reveal in front of them.

"I..." Barry swallowed and exhaled. This was it and his decision was made.

A/N: Okay so this is where is kinda gets interesting - depends on how you see it really lol. You guys get to pick whether Barry tells her or not and depending on the choice you get a different ending.

- If you want Barry to tell Caitlin, you can go ahead and skip to the very last chapter "Ch3: Because I Was Made For Loving You".

- If you want Barry NOT to tell Caitlin you can go to the next chapter "Ch2: Stuck".

Of course you can always read both endings. I just thought this was a fun idea. I'll see you on the other side :)