New Year's Eve came and with it came a night full of friends, food, and drinks for Caitlin. She knew that come the next week they'd be back to classes; back to their hectic schedules. However, Caitlin was enjoying this respite from school she found herself gifted with. Her friends were as fun to be around as they always were; Felicity and Oliver were giving everyone toothaches with how sickeningly sweet they were to one another but Caitlin secretly loved it; then, there was Barry. How her life had changed so much in the short amount of time she had known him, she didn't know. However, she wasn't going to question it.

The night before classes started again, Barry had surprised Caitlin with a picnic in the snow.

"The snow?" Caitlin asked incredulously. "Are you out of your mind, Barry Allen? It's below freezing out here!"

"And, snow is romantic, Caitlin Snow. Where's your sense of adventure?" Barry countered, grinning like the cat who ate the canary.

"By the fire, staying warm," Caitlin muttered but he heard her and shot her a look.

"Come on, do it for me? It's our last night to get to have a date before we return back to school and get swamped with work again," he pleaded, and Caitlin sighed, knowing he had already won the battle. She flopped down onto the picnic blanket he had spread out on the ground.

"Fine," she huffed out. "But if I get sick, you're totally responsible."

"I'll pay for the doctor bill," he promised, grinning, and Caitlin rolled her eyes fondly.

"What's for dinner, then?" Caitlin asked, eyeing the picnic basket.

"I am going out on a limb here and saying you're most likely tired of veggie burgers as that's what you've had the last three dates," Barry commented and Caitlin quirked an eyebrow at him.

"So, what's in the basket?" Caitlin asked. Barry lifted the lid and Caitlin peeked inside.

"Chinese food?" Caitlin said, and Barry nodded.

"All vegan," he replied, and Caitlin grinned.

"You're the best," she said.

"Duh."

They took out the cartons of food and divided it between them before picking up their chopsticks and diving in. As Caitlin ate, her mind drifted to school the next day and she looked at Barry.

"Are you ready for the second semester of sophomore year?" Caitlin asked.

"About as much as I can be," Barry replied, shrugging. Caitlin smiled softly. Out of everyone in their group, it was Barry and Caitlin who questioned themselves the most. Even though they were often told by their friends they were doing just fine, the couple still expected to beat even their personal best.

"You'll be fine," she promised, squeezing his hand gently. He grinned at her before kissing her temple.

"What about you?" Barry asked. "Are you ready for break to be over?"

"As much fun as I have had these past few weeks, I'm ready to get back to classes," she admitted. Ever the studious student, Caitlin was desperate for new spirals and pens; highlighters and notecards. She was also desperate for the chance to learn new subject matter. She had always thrived off learning and utilizing information. So yes, she was definitely ready to get back.

Barry smiled at her. "Well, I'll buy you your morning cup of coffee before class starts."

"Remember, I have sunrise yoga," she reminded him and he stared at her.

"In this weather? And you think I'm crazy for suggesting a date in the snow," he muttered and she laughed.

"Touché."

They continued to eat as a light snow fell from the sky in gentle swirls, landing softly on the ground. Luckily for them, they had decided to have to picnic in the park across from Caitlin's apartment so they didn't have to drive in the weather conditions. As Caitlin finished the last bit of her food, she sighed happily.

"Thank you for tonight," she murmured, kissing Barry gently. "It's been perfect."

"Anytime," he said, breath brushing against her lips. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she whispered, kissing him once more.

When the last of the food had been eaten by Barry and the snow had started to fall heavier, they decided to call it a night and head back into the warmth. Locking their fingers together, Caitlin picked up the basket while Barry grabbed the blanket, and they made their way back into her apartment.

Once there, Caitlin stopped just shy of her door, looking at Barry.

"Would you like to stay tonight?" Caitlin asked boldly. She had never invited him to stay the full night before. Sure, he stayed until the early hours, but he always left at some point so they could get some sleep.

Barry looked at her inquisitively. "Are you sure?"

Smiling, Caitlin nodded her head. "I'm sure."

Tugging on his hand, she led him into her apartment, and headed into her bedroom, where they didn't emerge until the next morning, in time for sunrise yoga and classes. As they got ready to part ways, Caitlin lingered by her front door for a moment longer.

"I'll see you for coffee?" Caitlin asked, and Barry leaned forward to brush his lips against hers'.

"It's a date," he promised. She smiled softly, kissed him once more, and headed on her way, bundled down for the cold morning yoga.

XXX

After an hour in the park, she made her way back to her now empty apartment and got ready for her day. After taking a hot shower, she dressed, dried her hair, and applied her makeup before checking her time. She had about ten minutes before she said she'd meet Barry at the coffee shop. Grabbing her heavier winter coat, she put it on and made her way out of her apartment and towards the shop.

Once there, she spotted Barry already sitting at their usual table with coffees at the ready. She smiled as she made her way to him, accepting the drink he handed her.

"One latte, half coffee, half almond milk," Barry said and she dipped her head appreciatively.

"Thanks, yoga left me exhausted," she said, taking a sip of her drink.

They talked for a few minutes about classes and other things, before Barry cleared his throat.

"So, I-I wanted to ask you something," he said, and Caitlin looked at him curiously, wondering why he seemed nervous suddenly.

"What?" Caitlin asked, and she noticed the way he rubbed his palms on his jeans but didn't mention it.

"I was, well, I was sort of…sort of wondering if maybe you wanted…to, you know…" he trailed and Caitlin looked at him.

"What?" Caitlin asked again.

"Meetmymom," he mumbled in a rush and Caitlin blinked.

"In English, please?" Caitlin asked kindly, though she thought she got the gist of what he had said. Cheeks turning red, she watched as her boyfriend inhaled before making eye contact with her.

"I was just wondering," he began in a stronger tone. "If you wanted to meet my mom?"

Heart beating pleasantly, Caitlin leaned across the table to kiss his cheek gently.

"Barry Allen, I would love to," she murmured. His smile was enough to bring warmth into the entire coffee shop and for that alone, Caitlin knew she had said something inexplicably right. Maybe this second semester wasn't going to be too stressful.