The first in the spring #Snowbarry challenge. After writing these five chapters, I realized that they are all set points in my character's lives and thus, each one is a continuation of each other. Please read them in the order that they're posted because I promise you... you won't be disappointed. One a day for five days straight.
Chapter 1: "Let's go home."
Caitlin told herself that the only reason why she left in the first place was because she needed some time away from them but in reality, she just wanted some time away from him. Seeing his face would've only made her decision that much harder but she knew it had to be done. That was two weeks ago, when she left in the middle of the night; convincing herself that this was the only way.
"Caitlin."
She heard his voice, the very one she tried so hard to forget but deep down, she knew that he would find her.
He always does.
Caitlin took a deep breath, steadying her emotions and turned around. She was taken back by his appearance, surprised to see him with anything but a clean shave. "How did you find me?"
"A lot of sleepless nights." He answered, taking a seat at the bar. "I never thought I would find you working here though. For someone with two PhDs, I expected you to be half way across the country, working in some high-tech laboratory."
"What can I say? I'm just full of surprises." She ignored that hurt look on his face, forcing herself to focus on anything but him. She pulled out a bottle of tequila and poured herself a shot. "What do you want Barry?" She didn't bother pouring him one since they both knew that alcohol had no effect on him. Not by normal means anyway. This was for her.
"Can you please come home Caitlin? The team isn't the same without you..." He paused and looked away. "I'm... not the same... without you." He whispered that last part.
Her fingers lingered around the rim of the shot glass, the smell of tequila overwhelming her senses. "Don't." She hissed. "You don't get to do this Barry." She quickly downed the alcohol, hoping that it would give her some liquid courage. "Just leave already. There's nothing here for you."
"No." He stated, settling into the uncomfortable bar stool. "I'm not leaving. Not without you."
She expected that response, personally knowing how stubborn he could be. "Why are you so adamant on me coming back Barry?" She scoffed. "In case you didn't remember, it was my choice to leave. Not yours. Not the teams. Mine alone."
"You don't have to do this alone Caitlin. I don't know what made you think you had to go through this by yourself but you know that we're here for you... I'm here for you..."
"Oh, so now you care about me? The high and mighty Barry Allen finally descended from his throne to lend his aid to the less fortunate? How very noble of you." She scowled, narrowing her eyes. "I hate to break it to you but I don't need your help Barry and I don't want it either! Go find someone else to be your pet project!"
He knew that she was hurting, he could see it in her eyes but he couldn't give up. He wouldn't. He missed her terribly and now that he's finally found her, he'll be damn if he's going to let her go without a fight.
"You know I can't do that Cait..."
"Don't!" Her angry tone now echoing through the empty bar. "You don't get to call me that anymore!"
He shook his head, refusing to believe that their relationship has been reduced to this. "Then talk to me Caitlin. You've always been there for me so please... Let me return the favor and be there for you."
She snorted and allowed her eyes to flash white, glowing momentarily and just enough to baffle him. He flinched in response, his eyes widening. "I... I didn't... I'm so sorry." He stuttered, finally realizing what happened to her. "I should've been there for you. I could've done something... anything."
"But you didn't Barry." She coldly pointed out. "Everyone was so focused on Iris and I get it. Her life was in danger and you wanted to save her but did it even cross your mind that I was slowly turning into her? Into the very person that everyone swore I wouldn't turn into? Did you even care to ask how I was doing?"
He felt her eyes on him and he looked away, ashamed with himself. She was right. She was always right and even now, she had every right to be angry with him. He was blinded by his own hubris to know any better and by the time he realized what happened, it was already too late.
Caitlin was already gone.
"I'm so sorry." He whispered. His eyes were now staring at her, silently pleading for forgiveness. "I know that I can't really change the past... not without fragmenting the timeline but after what you've sacrificed for me... I'm going to take away that pain for you Caitlin." He abruptly stood up, pushing the stool away. "I'm going to fix this." He said, clenching his fists together. He could feel the lightning coursing through him, his body ready to move.
She recognized the look on his face and she desperately wanted to call his bluff. There was no way he was going to do this again. Not after what happened last time. "You wouldn't..." She whispered to herself. It soon became clear to her that Barry was serious and all that anger she had for him disappeared. "Don't Barry!" She cried as she jumped over the bar.
Her arms automatically went around his neck, her body tingling from the initial contact. She buried her head into the crook of his neck, closing her eyes as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. "You promised me that you wouldn't do that again." She whispered, remembering the haunted look he had when he came back the first time. Even though he never fully discussed it with her, she could tell that whatever happened shook him to his very core.
He stiffened at the close proximity between them but soon leaned into her touch, his own arms finding their way around her waist. "I'm sorry that I made you feel like this Caitlin. I should've been better... I promise to be better."
"I'm sorry for disappearing like that."
"It's not your fault."
They stayed like this for a little bit longer, able to find comfort in each other's arms. Even though they've reached a point where it wasn't uncomfortable between them anymore, he couldn't help but feel like there was something else that she was holding back. "Can we go home Caitlin?" He softly asked, not wanting to ruin the mood.
"I'm sorry Barry... but I can't..." She answered, opening her eyes. She pulled away and stepped back, putting some distance between them.
"Why not Caitlin? Everyone misses you and believe me, Cisco wanted to be right here with me when I found you but someone had to be on monitor duty so he made me promise to bring you home."
Her heart softened at the mention of Cisco. She missed him terribly as well but until she was positive that she wasn't a danger for anyone else... it would be best to just stay away. Barry reached for her hands, taking them into his and he gave them a little squeeze, slightly smiling as he looked into her eyes.
"Whatever it is... We can get through it together."
"It's my powers Barry." She started slowly, explaining her fears to him. "I still can't fully control them. What if something goes wrong and someone gets seriously hurt or worse? I can't live with myself if someone I love gets hurt because of me."
"I'll be your training dummy." Barry answered. "I heal fast and I promise that whatever powers you have... We'll get through it together. I mean, look at what you did for me? Did you think I could've gotten here by myself if I didn't have you in my corner Doctor Snow?" He lightly teased.
"I'm not you though Barry. I don't know if I can do what you do..."
Little by little, slowly but surely, he could see it in her eyes. His Caitlin was still in there. "Did you know that I was afraid as well? When I first got my powers?"
"I didn't know that." She replied. "What were you afraid of? You're the fastest man alive. I can't imagine that you would be scared of anything."
"Speed is... addicting." He explained. "I have to constantly remind himself that I can't get lost in those feelings or else I'll disappear into the speed force again." He took the opportunity to get closer to Caitlin, standing close enough so that she can see that she's not alone. "It's not going to be easy but I promise you Caitlin. I'll be there every step of the way."
She knew that this time around, he meant it. She could feel his commitment in his words and she blushed. "I've been gone for months. I can't just come back like nothing happened."
"I was in a coma for even longer."
"I didn't exactly leave on the best of terms."
Barry laughed and pulled her closer. "I do it on a regular basis and you should know since you're still listed as my personal physician."
Caitlin scowled and playfully swatted his shoulder. "I can't even fathom what I would do to make up for my actions."
"I would start with an apology." He teased, smiling at her. "So what do you say Miss Snow? Can we go home now?"
She joyfully nodded, staring into those green eyes of his. She smiled and somehow, his smile got even bigger. She didn't realize it until now but instead of running away from him... she should have been running towards him in the first place. "Let's go home." She whispered and before she could blink, she was scooped up in his arms, her cheeks turning red from his actions.
"Welcome home Cait."
Fin
Chapter 1 of 5. Let me know what you guys think.
