Author's Note: I've always loved these two heroes and their crossover episodes because they just match so well together, so I decided write a crossover story of my own. Plus, I want to improve my writing skills. Anyway, I hope you enjoy and please if you want, tell me what I'm doing wrong and how I can improve, it would be greatly appreciated.
He had done it, after months of tirelessly running, Zoom was finally dead. No more constant fear, no more betrayals, and no more deaths, it was finally over. As Barry averted his eyes away from his now defeated foe being dragged away by time wraiths, his friends erupted into cheers. Yet, as Barry slowly stood up and ran over to join the celebrations, his face gave no indication of triumph or even joy. Instead, his expression only showed hopelessness and sorrow. The ever present light of joy in his eyes had sputtered out and disappeared without a trace. Barry wore the face of a defeated man.
Caitlin watched as the celebrations raged on inside the West house. Laughter and carefree chatter filled the rooms as Team Flash triumphed over the defeat of their most recent foe. Having just escaped a conversation with Cisco, who was too busy discussing the endless list of new possible features for Barry's suit to even notice her disappear, she was now wondering where the speedster even was. Despite the joyous occasion transpiring around her, she was worried about him. After all, Zoom had taken away Barry's last remaining biological family, threatened his friends, family and his world. Zoom had stolen his speed and had even broken his back. Zoom's actions would have shattered any man, no matter the powers they had.
As Caitlin opened the front door, deciding to check the porch because he clearly wasn't in the house, she spotted him. He was leaning against the post, seated on the porch, gazing unblinkingly into the night sky, deep in thought. As she hesitantly stepped towards Barry, not wanting to startle him, he didn't even stir, continuing to stare listlessly out into the darkness. It required a tap on the shoulder to finally get him to turn and gaze mournfully at her.
"Uhhhhh, I-I...I just wanted to see if you were okay," she stammered, mentally kicking herself for saying something so stupid. Of course he wasn't okay, he had already lost so much. Far too much for any one person.
"Oh, I'm … fine" he replied flatly, "thanks for asking." Despite his answer, she could clearly tell that it was a complete lie, yet she had no response, no idea what to tell him. As she began to open her mouth and say something, he spoke again.
"I know we just defeated Zoom, and I should be happy again, but why does it feel like I've just lost? Before it was Thawne, now it's Zoom, when will it be enough? They've already taken my parents, my friends, my speed and my pride! They've even taken her away from me!" Caitlin's heart broke as she watched Barry tremble and shudder with pent up fury, desperately struggling to control his overwhelming wrath. Yet, it wasn't long before he gave in, and slammed his fist against the post of the porch, silent tears streaming down his cheeks as he did so. Eventually sobs began to wrack his body, and his hands moved to cover his face.
As the floodgates broke, she rested a hand and gently rubbed his back, uncertain of what else to do. She could only wait silently and watch. Despite all of her knowledge on the human body, her social skills were not her strength. Desperate to comfort him in some way, she cautiously opened her mouth before speaking.
"Uhh, who's she?" At her words, Barry froze, his chest heaving and his eyes red and puffy, before whipping his head towards her. A look of utter surprise and confusion planted on his face. "You said Zoom and Thawne took her away from you. I just wanted to know who she was."
"Oh," he replied flatly, "She's a friend. Just...a friend," he said shakily.
"Do you think you could tell me about her?" He gave no reply, and instead turn his gaze away to stare out into the night once again. As silence began to fill the air, Barry took a shuddering breath, before slowly saying.
"Her… her name is Kara, Kara Danvers and she's amazing. She's a hero too, called Supergirl. She'll do anything she can to help others and she has this incredible, radiant personality that just lights up wherever she goes. I don't even think she ever stops smiling or laughing. And she's not only this incredible friend and hero, but she's also the only person I've ever met who's knows the burden of being a hero and having powers. The weight of the world on your shoulders and that feeling of utter loss that comes from failing. The pressure of needing to constantly be at your best, because if you're not, someone will die. I think she's the only person I've ever met who truly understands me." Caitlin couldn't help but smile at his words, despite his somber tone. This woman, whoever she was, sounded like the perfect remedy for Barry's low spirits. As Caitlin opened her mouth, wanting to ask more, a disturbing thought struck her.
"She sounds wonderful Barry, but what did you mean when you said Zoom and Thawne took her away from you? Did they…" She slowly trailed off, not wanting to ask the question and provoke Barry into another breakdown.
"They haven't killed her," Barry responded, answering her silent question, "But I'll never see her again," he concluded morosely. "Kara lives on a different Earth. Sure, Zoom and Thawne have been defeated, but another meta who's stronger and faster will always rise up and take their place to threaten the world. How can I just selfishly leave the world when I know that dangerous metas are still out there?" Caitlin remained silent as Barry began to work himself into hysterics and further despair before giving him a simple solution. As Barry calmed himself from his second frenzy of the night, she spoke.
"Why don't you let Jay take care of Central City for a few hours?" At that, Barry's head snapped up to face her breathing heavily, the confusion evident on his face.
"What?" he asked hoarsely.
"I said, why don't you let Jay take care of Central City for a few hours? You can go and visit Kara and take a break. With Jay around, you won't be leaving the Earth undefended and I'm sure he won't mind watching Central City for a few hours," she explained, "especially now that you've rescued him from Zoom." Barry continued to gape, at a loss for words as Caitlin finished speaking. A pregnant silence soon saturated the air, as Caitlin patiently waited for his response, gazing up at the breathtaking night sky as she did so. It wasn't long before Barry spoke up, caused her to turn her gaze back upon him.
"Thank you," he whispered quietly, as the ghost of a smile cut through his somber expression, before disappearing once again. As Caitlin watched, he turned and sped off into the distance, his signature golden lightning trailing behind him. With that, she turned on her heel and strode quickly back into the house, a small smile on her face. Barry was hurting now, but with enough time and love from his friends and family, he would make a full recovery.