A/N: Ok, here's chapter three. As far as Barry and Iris coming to terms with this issue, they're working towards an answer, but it won't be easy. That doesn't mean more angst and drama, but these two always bring it out for some reason. They will reach that goal just give them a minute. I hope you enjoy it. THE STORY IS NOW RATED MATURE. Read on!

~o~o~

Chapter 3: How I Love You

Still on the rooftop at Jitters:

Iris was so relieved to hear him say that. "Good, well, I'll leave you two to talk in private."

"You don't have to go." Barry wanted her to stay.

"Yes, Barry, I do. You stay here and I'll see you both downstairs for coffee." Then she was gone.

"Why don't we sit down?" Dr. Stein suggested as he took a seat.

Barry was still. "Dr. Stein, I can't imagine what you could possibly say that would change my mind. There truly is nothing else I can do." He paused. "I can't hurt her." He shook his head. "Just the idea of it makes me a little crazy."

He understood. "Please call me Martin."

He sighed. "Alright, Martin, but I've been out of control before and, it changed everything between us."

"You mean the timeline change?"

"Yes, but suppose it happened while we were, you know, making love? I can't imagine it."

Martin chuckled. "No, Barry, that's not how it works. You haven't given me one good reason why you can't make love." He watched him for a moment. "And besides, you can't live without her." He raised an eyebrow. "Am I right?" He was silent. "Please sit down."

Barry sat down and removed his hood. Sighing he said, "I don't know what else to do."

"One thing is true; you can't go on like this, and neither can Iris. I've seen the news reports. You think about her a lot don't you?"

"You could say that," he replied knowing that was an understatement.

"You can talk to me. I'll listen."

He took a deep breath. "I thought I could go through with it. I really did, but then I thought what if I hurt her. I couldn't bear that."

"But, Barry, you don't know if that's going to happen."

"I know that, but," he hesitated.

"Listen, Barry, I know that all your feelings and emotions are connected to her, kind of like me and Ronnie."

"Oh, really?" Barry asked surprised.

"Yeah, but not those emotions," he replied.

"Oh, I see," Barry said and tried to smile.

"There's no way you could hurt her," Martin said, sure of it.

"Are you sure, because," he said beginning to believe it.

"You just need to concentrate. When you run fast, the speed that you push so hard to attain, is not controlled by your body, it's controlled by you, and by this and what you're feeling." He touched his temple and his chest, meaning brain function and the heart.

Barry hoped it was true. "Go on."

"When you're with Iris, you're calm, aren't you?" He nodded then he smiled. "When you're not thinking about that, I mean, other times, when you're talking, being yourself, laughing and having fun, it's controlled by emotions. Making love is also controlled by those same emotions, Barry, and your body will react the same way. You shouldn't let this bother you." He paused and watched him carefully. "You're both miserable and it's just going to get worse, not better. So, I know you can do this. You've learned a lot this past year, haven't you?"

"Yes, I have," he replied firm in his response.

"The day you saved us all, I can't tell you how proud I was of you. When I think of that young man on the train hoping for that first date with that special lady friend; that was Iris wasn't it?"

His vision blurred. "Yes, it was."

He touched his shoulder. "I know what you're feeling Barry, not to be able to be with the one you love. I know it hurts, but when you get a chance like this, you can't throw it away." He paused again. "You do love her don't you?"

There was a pause. "Yes, I do, with all my heart," he managed to reply.

"Then, give it a shot. I have faith in you, Barry. You can do this."

"Thank you, Martin."

"Ok, let's go get that coffee."

"I'll be down in a minute. I have to change."

"Sure, I'll see you downstairs."

Barry watched him leave then the leaned against the ledge and thought of Iris.

We can do this; I know we can.

~o~o~

The West House, later that same day:

Barry followed Iris inside. Joe was working late. After Barry had spoken to Dr. Stein, they didn't really have the chance to go over any specifics about how they would make love, just that Barry was willing to do it. Now, she was worried and nervous about it.

He sensed this and decided they should talk about it in private. Now, he was having second thoughts. Maybe she wasn't ready, but from what she told him, that they were meant to be, he couldn't help but get his hopes up.

Once inside, Iris walked into the kitchen. "Can you stay for a little while?" He was silent. "Barry, we need to talk about, you know, the problem."

He chuckled. "You can say make love or having sex Iris. It's not anything to be ashamed about."

"I know that; it's just, it's kind of weird talking about sex with you."

He came closer and took her hand. "Making love, yes, it is a big step and we need to be sure it's what we both want," he said and wondered if she were ready. He definitely was.

She watched him carefully. "You're convinced that we can do this?"

"Yes, I am." He touched her cheek. "We'll take our time, well, I will, and we should be Ok."

"I want this to work, Barry. I want us to work. I know I've been reluctant to talk about my feelings, but I'm ready now."

He smiled. "Me too."

"Great, well, I should… Ummm…"

He chuckled. "Iris, why don't we just take a few days and hopefully, no emergencies will come up, and we can … do it."

Now she chuckled. She put her arms around his shoulders. "We are something, aren't we? You and I are going to make love, have sex, kiss, and kiss again." And with those words, she kissed him.

He kissed her back so ready to make her his for now and until forever. After a minute, she pulled away.

"I'll make plans and we'll … do it." She smiled at his look.

"Call me tomorrow?" He asked.

She walked him to the door. "I will; good night, Barry."

"Good night, Iris." They kissed good night, but then she had to force him to leave.

~o~o~

Several days later, Central City Hotel:

Iris rented a hotel suite for a long weekend. It was the middle of winter and crimes were down since the holidays. It was a perfect time for them to get away from it all.

After checking in, she could see how nervous he was. She was worried as well if she were completely honest with herself. They headed to their room. He brought his costume just in case.

Iris was at the hotel door, and Barry was behind her. Heart pounding, she fumbled with the key. "I can never figure out these things."

"Here let me," he whispered. She handed him the key, and they went inside. It was a lovely room with a king size bed; side chairs; table and chairs; and a flat screen.

Heart still pounding, she put some distance between them. After placing her purse on the side table near the window, she took a deep breath and looked out the window.

Barry watched her for a minute. She was nervous which he thought was kind of sweet, but then this was their first time. Taking a deep breath, he placed their luggage in the corner by the closet. He then spotted the CD player, exactly what he needed. He pulled out a very special CD and put it inside. He couldn't wait for her to hear it; he knew she would love it. He then walked over to her, helped her remove her coat and hung it up in the closet.

He was directly behind her. Her heart was pounding so hard. But then she felt his warm breath on the side of her neck, and it was exciting and exhilarating as his lips brushed her cheek, her ear then back to her throat. She closed her eyes and relaxed against him.

"You're nervous, aren't you." It was a statement.

"A little," she managed to reply. "Aren't you?"

It was hard to speak. "A little," he replied. He felt her smile even from this angle. He pulled her tighter against him as his lips once again sought the sensitive skin on the side of her neck. A few moments later, the warmth was gone.

"Barry, what?" She turned when she heard a swishing sound.

There, he stood before her in his costume. Grinning at her, he whispered, "You miss him don't you?"

She did love seeing him in the suit. "It's not him so much, but you. I miss Barry."

"I know you do." He came closer and took her hand and squeezed it. "I've been a fool, and I'm sorry if I hurt you."

"I understand and yes, I was hurt because I felt as if you didn't want me," she said it again.

He shook his head at her, reached up and smoothed her hair behind her ear. "You know that's not true. It's just, being with you like this, I'm still nervous about you know, doing it."

"I know you are, and I am too. But we've talked about this. There's no need to be nervous, not anymore. I'm ready, Barry." Before he could speak again, she leaned up and kissed him.

He returned her kisses. He loved kissing her. He reached up and placed his hand on the back of her neck and then they were kissing desperately. His tongue met hers, and they were both excited. Her hands roamed over his shoulders and in his hair pulling him closer. Barry stopped and rested his forehead against hers. "I've wanted to do that again for so long," he said, thinking of New Year's Eve.

She needed to know. "Barry, you've never?" She hesitated.

He stroked her shoulder, not looking at her. "No, Iris, never." She took his hand and led him over to the bed.

She wasn't surprised then she shushed him. "Don't speak, just feel Ok? Everything will work out. You'll see."

She was amazing. "I can't tell you how much it pleased me that you took the initiative and contacted Martin. I'm sorry for breaking up with you. I didn't know what to do but hurting you in that way wasn't an option. I was so afraid we would never have this."

Smiling, she reached up to pull him closer. "Oh, Bear, for so long, you wouldn't give up on us, and now it was my turn to convince you that we're worth fighting for." She whispered and kissed his ear, her tongue swirling in and out. "Do you like this?" Her lips moved lower to kiss his throat. "So warm."

Instead of answering her, he closed his eyes, pulled her up and kissed her deeply. Iris was in heaven. Her mind flashed back to their kisses on New Year's Eve.

"Oh Barry," she managed to say between kisses.

He smiled. "How about this?" Barry closed his eyes and smiled against her throat and immediately began thanking her for believing in him and trusting him. Then they slowly undressed, and soon they were naked under the covers touching hip to thigh, the feeling indescribable. The room was so still that the only sound was their ragged breathing. He pulled away, but only for a moment. He then picked up the CD remote control and pressed play.

Iris smiled. "My favorite; talk about wanting to set the mood," she whispered, enjoying the music.

"Yeah, I thought so too," he whispered then he kissed her deeply over and over again. Iris moaned as he kissed his way down her throat to her breasts applying his tongue to her aching nipples. She moaned again, louder this time arching her back, stroking his hair, loving his mouth and hands on her breasts.

He was a man on a mission; he was still in control at this point. If they took their time loving each other in this way, he felt he could control it. He kissed her long shapely legs and smooth thighs. He stroked her between her legs, where she was ready for him.

"Oh, Barry, please," she purred begging for it. Iris opened her legs wider for him to pleasure her and he did. His fingers stroked her inner walls and pushed her toward that goal, but he wanted so much more.

"I want to feel you come around me." Still in control, he smiled then he rubbed the head of his erection against her swollen lips exciting them both. He closed his eyes as he felt her tight sheath close around him.

At this point, his control was his and his alone. He felt as if they could do anything, and they would be alright. He then took her mouth in a hot wet kiss, as he gathered her tightly against his chest. He began that ancient rhythm and Iris matched that beat stroke for stroke.

Iris was panting and moaning and then she cried out wrapping her arms and legs around him, pulled his head down and kissed him long and hard as he drove into her again and again. Suddenly, the vibrating began but he was amazed that he was still in control.

Iris was shaking and moaning having never felt anything so wonderful. Then her stunning climax caused him to come as mind-numbing pleasure shot through to his soul moments later.

He slowly pulled out of her warm body, kissed her temple and stroked her hair, then pulled her close to his chest sighing into her hair. Iris was beyond thought.

"Wow!" Iris was in shock. She truly hit the jackpot with Barry.

Barry chuckled and pulled her closer. His senses were filled with her. To think he had given up on them, but Iris wouldn't let him go. He had to say it or he would burst, but was she ready to hear it?

"Iris, are you awake?"

"Uh huh," she replied quietly, still in a bit of daze.

He was quiet, too quiet. She sensed something then she leaned up on her elbow. "What is it?"

She looked worried. He stroked her hair behind her ear. "I'm happy, Iris," he whispered. He leaned into her and kissed her softly.

"I'm happy too," she whispered back. A little while later, after making love again, they both fell asleep.

~o~o~

The next morning, still at the hotel:

Barry was in the shower, trying to bring up enough courage to tell her how much he loved her. After last night, there was nothing standing in their way.

"Hey you!" It was Iris. Naked, she stepped into the shower startling him.

"Iris?" He laughed and pulled her under the spray. She squealed and jumped into him. He caught her quickly and then he kissed her slanting his lips across hers. She felt so good to him. He was immediately in the mood ready for her.

Still kissing her over and over, he pushed her up against the shower wall, her legs instinctively went around his hips, then he touched her and she was ready, and then he was inside her. "You feel so good, Iris, I can't get enough of you and I don't want to."

"Kiss me, just kiss me," she whispered dying for it.

"As you wish," he whispered back and kissed her passionately. She immediately responded to him. Then he began to move, and he didn't have to worry about control, not anymore.

"Oh, Barry, I … I," she started wanting to say it so badly.

He stopped his movements. She whimpered not ready for him to stop. He waited.

She touched his cheek. "I love you, Barry," she finally said it.

Thrilled to hear those words, he whispered back, "I love you too, Iris." Then he kissed her deeply, slanting his lips across hers, his tongue swirling over and over and then he began to move slowly at first exciting them both.

"Oh yes, that's it," Iris whispered between kisses against his throat, kissing him over and over.

Soon though, their feelings rushed to the surface and then it happened. They came at the same time, moaning and shaking for minutes on end.

He slowly pulled out and then they showered and left the bathroom. Drying each other off, they kissed and caressed, not being able to get close enough. Back in bed, they cuddled close, thinking about their future together, well Barry was thinking about it.

"Hungry?" Iris asked knowing his insatiable appetite.

"Hungry for you," he answered and then he kissed her again.

"Ummm, you are insatiable; no question about that."

He pulled away, suddenly serious, "It's just," he couldn't finish.

"You waited a long time for me, didn't you?" It was a statement.

"It was so worth the wait, Iris. You are the only one for me and," he started.

She smiled. "And you're the only one for me too."

"I love you so much," he said becoming emotional.

"Oh, Bear, I love you too, very much." She paused and thought about their past. "I was such a fool."

"No, no, Iris, don't say that. I knew you were happy, and I wanted that for you more than anything else in this world."

She shook her head. "Even if that meant you were miserable." Her eyes watered.

He shrugged but didn't say anything, although she knew him so well.

"Come here." She pulled him close, his head under her chin. She kissed his forehead pulling him closer and stroked his dark head. Then they both sighed both blissfully happy to finally be together, really together.

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: I Wish You Knew, Mariah Carey; Sexy Song: The Art of Love, Toni Braxton.

A/N: Yes, indeed, no more thinking about hurting her. It wasn't in him to hurt her. So, there you go! I knew he could do it. *lol* I have one more chapter. Come back in a week. Thank you for reading! Reviews/kudos is love guys!

Heads up! If you haven't seen the 'Supergirl' preview trailer, go watch it now. I have a James/Kara one shot (for now) to be posted by the first of July! So stay tuned. :D