A/N: Hey guys, last chapter I said Caitlin's pairing would not be with Naruto, Barry or Ronnie. And since then every time I try writing this chapter to introduce that side of her life I failed. I finally realize why, I apologize it took so long, I am a Snowbarry fan at heart. So Iris is going to stick to her position as Barry's sister, not love interest. It's going to be a slow burn though. So I hope you like it.
Heroman636: Thanks I'm happy you liked the chapter. Unfortunately while I am a huge SnowBarry fan, that is not the pairing for Caitlin. I have someone else in mind.
Shrednector15: Thank you so much for the support. It means a lot.
Jony Uzumaki: Gracias amigo.
DepressedNinja75: Thank you for the suggestions. I just might write another Flash-Naruto crossover.
Guest: Thanks so much for that. I didn't notice that.
Dingo-882: Lolz sorry Caitlin is going to be Naruto's friend, nothing more.
Minato 1: Well thank you for your comments. Sorry Naruto isn't going to be Kara. But that is an interesting story idea.
KingRyu: Well I can't revamp the show's storyline completely without serious complications. So certain aspects are the same while certain aspects will change.
Chapter 10
Naruto was conflicted. It wasn't an emotion he was used to feeling. But it didn't change the fact that he was. But before he got into that; since Christmas he had been searching for the organization behind Amazo and so far nothing. The company that bought the supercomputers turned out to be an empty warehouse. Whatever was there somehow just upped and vanished a day after the attack in London. So the only thing Naruto knew for sure was that the people behind Amazo were smart, rich, driven, and resourceful. The frustration from that led him here: the source of his conflicted feelings.
"I still think you are reading too much into this" said Kurama "Barry is not you"
Kurama was right. After the Christmas party at the West house Naruto met with Barry.
Flashback
Star Labs
Barry was running on the treadmill when Naruto walked in.
"Hard at work?" asked Naruto
Barry stopped and sat down to catch his breath. He had been at this for a couple hours now. And he hated the fact that he wasn't getting any faster.
"What is it?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow; that tone was new.
"Wow you are grumpy this morning" said Naruto dryly
Barry scoffed;
"Look if you don't want something I'm busy"
"Clearly" said Naruto sarcastically "And I'm sure you also got tons of sleep last night"
Barry glared at him as he stood back up;
"I don't have time for this"
"You realize that if you pass out and a bad guy attacks you will be useless, right?"
"Well then it's a good thing you are here" said Barry sharply
Naruto frowned; then he made a decision.
"Okay that's it get changed we are going for lunch"
"I'm not interested"
Naruto ran out; grabbed an iron pole and shoved it into the treadmill…while Barry was running. The sudden stop sent Barry flying and he was not happy.
"What the hell did you do that for?" asked Barry enraged
Naruto shrugged unrepentantly;
"So are we going to lunch? Or is the next pole going into your legs?"
Barry was shocked;
"You destroyed Cisco treadmill…to force me to go to lunch"
Naruto smirked cheekily;
"Wow you are smart after all" said Naruto "So just so you know if you don't get dressed now I will do it for you."
Barry shook his head and scoffed. Five minutes later the speedsters were at Big Belly Burger. After placing their large order Naruto turned to his partner and smirked;
"Wow Barry Allen is sulking"
"I am not sulking"
"Yeah of course you are not" said Naruto "So you are pouting then"
"I just can't believe you did that"
Naruto shrugged
"Blame yourself"
Barry had to stop himself from replying when the food came. He knew that they were attracting enough attention with the amount of food they ordered. When the food was set Barry turned back to Naruto and glared at him.
"I doubt Dr Wells or Cisco are going to be happy with you"
"What are they going to do ground me?" scoffed Naruto "There is only one person I fear at Star Labs and she really won't care that much"
Barry was amazed. Naruto wordlessly ordered him to eat and he agreed. Caitlin would probably agree with Naruto. After they were done Barry faced Naruto;
"So why did you come looking for me?"
Naruto finished his drink before answering;
"Did you tell Iris how you feel?"
Barry gaped;
"How do you know about that?!" asked Barry stunned "Am I that obvious?"
Naruto blinked;
"You don't actually want me to answer that right?"
Barry deflated. How was possible that everyone around him knew he had feelings for Iris except Iris. Barry was really starting to wonder just how many people knew. Felicity, Joe, Caitlin, Cisco, Oliver and now Naruto knew about his feelings. And yet somehow Iris had no idea; how was that even possible? Had he gotten so good at lying to her that he lost that ability with everyone else? Or did she always know and never believed it to be true?
"So I'm guessing that you did" remarked Naruto "And judging by the fact that you are sulking I'm guessing she didn't dump Eddie"
Barry sighed;
"Look Naruto I don't feel comfortable talking about this with you"
"But you are comfortable running yourself into the ground"
"The man in yellow showed up and threatened everyone I love!" growled Barry quietly "I have to get faster and stop him"
Naruto blinked in astonishment;
"Wow you are delusional. This man has spent 15 years at least with powers that you acquired 15 minutes ago. And yet you think training yourself into ground will make you faster than him? I thought you were supposed to be smart?"
"I am not going to let him hurt anyone I care about" declared Barry
"Okay Flash quick question: let's say right now you attain the speed needed to be faster than him and he attacks; you think you can stop him?"
"Yes!"
Naruto saw the look on Barry's face and busted out laughing.
"What could you possibly be laughing about right now?" asked Barry
"This guy has been around for 15 years. Even if he spent those years chilling and sipping Pina Coladas he still has far more experience than you. Also if last Christmas taught us anything is that he is smart, driven and powerful. But do you remember how we forced him to leave?"
Barry blinked;
"He left when you and Ronnie showed up"
"Exactly that's your biggest strength Barry" said Naruto "You have people fighting with you. Don't use fear as an excuse not to draw from that strength."
Barry finally relaxed and sighed;
"So what are you saying?"
"I'm saying let Cisco draw up training menus to push us. Let Caitlin draw up facts about our powers that we can exploit to our advantage. But most importantly enjoy the support you have around you. A life filled with revenge and anger is not going to help anyone other than him. And as for Iris don't let it get it you. Life has a way of taking care of things this. So let us just keep doing our good work and we'll handle the rest as they come. What do you say?"
Flashback end
After that, and a Cisco-rant about the treadmill, they got to work. Which brings us to Naruto's conflicted feelings. The team was currently at Ferris Air and Naruto had just finished his drone test which meant that it was Barry's turn. And every time Barry had a close call Caitlin inched to run towards him; every time he excelled she had a bright proud smile. He was damn sure she didn't do that with him; she was seated with Wells during his training…right next to Barry.
'I'm imagining things right?'
"Honestly kit I don't think so"
'So Iris is starting to realize that she has feelings for Barry and here Caitlin is also developing feelings for Barry'
"Yet Barry and Iris are best of friends and she is the one he wants yet Iris is complicated in so many ways"
'Barry is in love with his adopted sister who happens to be dating his adopted Dad's partner. Yeah what is complicated about that? Aside from the fact that I suspect she also has feelings for him.'
"Then there is Caitlin whom from what we've seen; they could be a good couple"
'So do I encourage Caitlin and risk her heart breaking if Barry chooses Iris or discourage her only for Barry to regret getting together with Iris if that happens?'
"The real question is would Barry be happy with Caitlin or Iris? And would Iris or Caitlin be happy with Barry? Don't forget Ronnie, Caitlin fiancé, is flying around Central City somewhere."
'I'm starting to think my life is a soap opera'
Their conversation was cut short when Caitlin stormed towards Cisco displeasure written all over her face.
"That was too close"
"He told me to make it hard" defended Cisco
"I'm pretty sure he didn't tell you to make him dead" said Caitlin while glaring at Cisco
'Yeah she is definitely on the way to developing feelings for Barry'
"Oh yeah"
"Remember this is just supposed to be a training exercise to improve Barry's speed" said Wells
"Cisco you gonna bring it or what?" asked Barry over the comms
Naruto smirked when he saw Caitlin's face;
"Caitlin I took missiles too. He will be fine."
"Bring it" said Wells
Naruto immediately regretted his statement when the missile exploded an inch from Barry. That was too close. Also when the drone came back for round two Barry stood up and didn't move. Caitlin voiced her concerns immediately;
"Why isn't he running away?"
When nobody supplied a response Naruto heard her whisper almost affectionately;
"Barry run away" said Caitlin
Naruto was an inch away from running to save him when he saw the look on his face. Deciding to trust Barry paid off as he watched him redirected the missile back to the drone and blows it up. However he noticed Wells lean back into his chair suddenly.
'Wait was he…?'
"Trying to stand?" finished Kurama "Yeah it looks like it"
'Just who is this guy?'
XXXX
Naruto had to admit watching Caitlin dote on Barry was amusing. But he still couldn't get Dr Wells reaction out of his head. It shouldn't be possible yet he couldn't shake the feeling that Wells wasn't paralyzed. He would just have to keep monitoring him then.
"Very impressive Mr Allen your reaction to stimuli at super speed continues to improve" said Wells
"It's still not enough"
"It will be" assured Wells "You keep working like you are; you stay focused like you are; and you will be ready the next time the man in the yellow suit comes around"
"I think you mean The Reverse Flash" said Cisco
When Wells gave him a look Cisco shrugged;
"He said it not me" said Cisco "And he's right; yellow suit, red lightning and evil; the reverse of Barry"
"Meh" said Caitlin
"Actually I kinda of like it"
"Alright I'm so ready for another round" said Barry
"Whoa Flash it's my turn remember" said Naruto
"Okay fine we'll do it together"
Naruto blinked;
"Um I didn't think you swung that way"
Barry blushed;
"That's not what I meant"
"Sure it's not" said Naruto "You don't secretly check out my ass do you?"
Caitlin coughed to hide her laugh at the look on Barry's face. Naruto decided not to overdo it and turned to Cisco.
"Yo how many drones do you have left?"
"Two" said Cisco; as the speedsters walked to the tarmac "And they've got lasers"
"No" declared Caitlin and Dr Wells
XXXX
Later that night
"One of these days you are going to explain where you put all these food" said Akira
Naruto laughed;
"What can I say?" asked Naruto "I love your pasta"
Akira shook her head in amazement;
"If you say so"
Naruto was saved from replying when his phone went off. It was the phone he used exclusively for Blaze matters, thank you Felicity. It was a text.
-Shithead I demand burgers and shakes now-
Naruto smirked; Tayuya had a strange way of saying she missed him.
"Girlfriend?" asked Akira teasingly
Naruto sputtered;
"Why in the world would you ask that?"
Akira noticed her little brother was blushing.
'Oh this is definitely interesting'
"Well because you are smiling wider than normal for a text"
"She's just a friend" defended Naruto weakly
Akira raised an eyebrow slyly;
"Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"
Naruto growled both at her and at Kurama who was finding this funny. Tayuya was just his friend that's all.
"Actually I'm going to head out now"
"Use protection little brother" taunted Akira
It took all his willpower to run, like a normal person, out of the apartment. Even when he was out he couldn't stop blushing because Kurama was STILL laughing.
'Will you shut up you baka Kitsune?' growled Naruto
"Don't you have a date to get to?"
Naruto grumbled about troublesome bijuus and sped off.
XXXX
"So you want to tell me why you wanted burgers and shakes at this time of the night?" asked Cassandra slyly
When she saw Blaze speed into their loft with burgers, which apparently Tayuya ordered, she rounded on her sister. She knew that between moving and everything in-between Tayuya hadn't seen her crush in a while. But to use food as an excuse was just childish. She needed to see what kind of excuse Tayuya would have for this behaviour. And maybe if Blaze was sharp enough he would see through her.
"Shithead isn't complaining" gritted Tayuya subtly telling her sister to get off her case.
Naruto laughed innocently;
"It's alright Cassandra I did promise Tayuya a date when you guys settled in"
Cassandra nearly choked on laughter when Tayuya went beet red. Naruto, sweet and dense, thought she was running a fever. Approaching her quickly he put his hand on her forehead.
"Are you feeling okay Tayuya?" asked Naruto "You look really red"
Tayuya reacted the way any proper tsundere would: she clocked Naruto.
"What the hell are you doing Shithead?!"
Tayuya couldn't stop her heart from racing. She couldn't believe how close Blaze's face was; one misstep and they would have kissed. Naruto however laughed in nostalgia.
'It's been a while a girl hit me like that'
"I'm starting to think you are a masochist"
'I think you may be right'
"Hey Shithead you better not be sleeping on my couch"
"It's a very comfortable couch actually"
Tayuya smirked
"Of course it is Shithead whose place do you think are in?"
"The home of two very beautiful amazing ladies"
Naruto watched in fascination as Tayuya went red and he finally understood: she was blushing. Smirking slyly Naruto said;
"The younger one is an absolute gem but don't tell her I said that"
Tayuya sputtered and proceeded to smack Naruto repeatedly with a pillow.
"Ow what did I do?" asked Naruto smirking
"Keep smirking Shithead and I will carve what's between your legs with a teaspoon"
"And here I am oblivious to the eye" mumbled Cassandra
That night Naruto decided to keep pushing Tayuya's buttons just to see how many shades of red she could get. It cost him a few bruises and cuts but it was so worth it. Surprisingly Kurama kept silent the whole night and so did Cassandra who retired early. It was something Naruto was very eager to do again with Tayuya
XXXX
The next day
Naruto decided to indulge in his favourite pastime: scaring Cisco to death. Sneaking into the cortex he saw Cisco working on the main computers at the entrance. Quietly he approached and then suddenly dropped an item onto Cisco's lap.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" screamed Cisco while stumbling away from the desk.
Caitlin ran into the cortex and saw Cisco recovering from a panic attack and Naruto rolling on the floor in hysterics. Approaching the desk she noticed a plastic tarantula on the floor. She was quickly able to put together what happened. Turning to Naruto she forced her face not to smile;
"Naruto please stop trying to scare Cisco"
"I'm sorry Cisco I couldn't help it" said Naruto a little bit remorseful
Cisco glared hotly at Naruto;
"Oh it's so on Uzumaki" declared Cisco "I am so going to get you for this"
"Cisco" chided Caitlin "I think we have better things to do than plan prank wars"
"Oh we are way past the point of conversation" said Cisco resolutely "This means war"
Thankfully Dr Wells and Barry walked into the cortex with a case. Cisco gaped;
"Captain Cold is back?"
"For a non-meta human Leonard Snart is proving to be quite the nemesis" said Wells
"He still has the cold gun; the one he stole from us; the one I built" said Cisco letting his annoyance and guilt seep out
"What does he want this time?" asked Caitlin
"The Flash" said Barry
"Thanks Barry" said Naruto "I'm not the least bit insulted"
Barry looked abashed;
"Sorry Naruto"
When he saw the look on Caitlin's face Barry said;
"If Snart wants a fight then I say we give him one"
"I agree there no chance I'm letting that guy rob his way through our city" said Naruto
"Well" started Wells
Barry frowned;
"You don't think we should?"
"I didn't say that but…"
"Then what are you saying?" asked Naruto sharply
"Look as fast as you both are you can't be everywhere at once and it then becomes a question of priorities" said Wells choosing his words carefully "Now in the last month you both have made a commitment to increasing your speed, enhancing your reflexes and it's working you're finally getting faster"
Naruto couldn't believe what he was hearing and apparently neither could Barry.
"So what are we supposed to do, ignore Snart?" asked Barry incredulously
"The last time you had a fight with Snart a train derailed; you were lucky to get all those people to safety. Now if you don't give him that fight…"
"He may just back off and there will be zero casualties" finished Barry finally agreeing with Wells
Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath to quell the rage he was feeling. He decided to give Wells a chance to say his piece while he calmed down. He knew what Wells was trying to do. It was a form of manipulation that he had revolted against in the Academy. And if he was going to fight it then he needed a level head. Wells was about to learn never to underestimate him.
"Look Barry Cisco and I will work with Joe and the police and devise a way to catch Cold; yes I said it Cisco as soon as it came out of my mouth I heard it"
Cisco smirked;
"Yeah we can definitely come with ways to neutralize Snart"
Wells wheeled over to Barry's side in front of the Flash suit and said;
"Listen Barry whether or not you go after Snart that's your choice; we here we will do whatever we can to support you and Naruto" said Wells "But after this past Christmas, after the events with the Reverse Flash I just think he poses a greater threat to all of us"
"What does hope mean Dr Wells?" asked Naruto
"Excuse me?" asked Wells confused
"Barry why did you become the Flash?" asked Naruto
"Naruto you heard Dr Wells, Snart didn't come back here to rob anyone he came for us" said Barry "Ignoring him is the way to save lives"
"Are you really going to stand there in front of both our suits and delude yourself into thinking Snart will back off?"
"Naruto I agree with Dr Wells you and Barry almost died facing Snart" said Caitlin worriedly
"That's why we have you and Cisco" said Naruto "Before we showed up Joe said Snart was relentless and that was before he had a gun that could freeze things"
"So what we fight him and possibly endanger civilians and forget about the maniac that nearly killed us last Christmas?" asked Barry
"Snart is a professional criminal with a complex mind" argued Naruto "What do you think he will do if he gets bored?"
"Naruto I am merely trying to remind us of our priorities" said Wells
"Guardians protect and defend everyone from every threat" said Naruto "And not when it's convenient but because if we don't and the bad stuff happens…"
"It'll be our fault" finished Barry
"Well at least this time we know not to underestimate him" said Caitlin "You two just have to be careful"
Barry stared at Naruto, then Caitlin and turned to Wells;
"We are not going to ignore Snart Dr Wells" stated Barry "We have a responsibility to this city and we will protect them"
"Hmm"
Wells sent Naruto a subtly annoyed look. Unfortunately Naruto caught it and sent him a smirk.
"Cisco and I will see what we can do to help the police" said Wells "Come on Cisco"
Barry smiled and walked over to Naruto and Caitlin.
"That was nice speech"
Caitlin giggled;
"Yes it was almost mature"
Naruto looked offended;
"Why would I ever be mature? That is no fun"
Barry and Caitlin shared a laugh and Naruto made his decision. Barry was better off with Caitlin; now to help them along.
"Oh I just remembered Cisco and I have some unfinished business"
Barry frowned when Naruto sped away. That frown deepened when he saw a spider on the desk. Turning to Caitlin he gave a look; Caitlin laughed
"Naruto scared Cisco with it and now they have decided to have a prank war"
Barry chuckled;
"Oh I think Naruto will win"
Caitlin frowned;
"Cisco's no pushover Barry and he has the technical advantage"
Barry smiled slyly;
"Care to make a wager Dr Snow?"
"You're on Mr Allen"
"I win and you pay for two of my lunches" said Barry happily; his speed was a murder on his budget
"And when I win you have to buy me a brand new pair of shoes"
"Done"
Caitlin smirked;
"Get ready to lose Mr Allen"
"We'll see about that"
XXXX
Naruto was not a believer in fate. He had beaten the crap out Neji for hanging on to fate. But he was starting to rethink that belief just a tad. When he walked into Jitters for coffee he was not expecting this at all. He had been fortunate to get an empty seat upstairs during the rush hour. And he was using that time to work on his next book. The last one was making far more progress than he expected in Starling and a couple other places. It had yet to make its way to Central city yet though. So there he was enjoying a coffee and working on his laptop when he heard;
"Yo Blondie I'm sitting here"
'That voice…it can't be'
"Except it is" said Kurama gleefully
Tayuya Keeling was sitting across him at Jitters. The shock was clear on his face and Tayuya noticed it.
"What?" asked Tayuya "You got something to say to me?"
Naruto was so thrown that he blurted the first thing that came to his head.
"Your hair looks very pretty"
Kurama busted out laughing.
"Smooth" quipped Kurama
Tayuya blushed crimson. Part of her wanted to slam this blonde but she held back. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene. So she decided to face her lunch and pointedly ignore him. Naruto however was having a serious crisis. The only upside was Tayuya didn't know what he really sounded like. But here was one of his friends and he couldn't stop staring at her. The silence was quickly becoming awkward.
"Say something you dolt" said Kurama
'Say what?' asked Naruto desperately
Tayuya beat him to the punch. Glaring at him she growled;
"Can you stop staring at me?"
"I'm sorry" said Naruto "Um my name is Uzumaki Naruto"
"Tch whatever Blondie"
The nickname was so Tayuya that Naruto finally relaxed. Regardless of the situation this was still his Tayuya.
'Wait my Tayuya? When did that happen?'
Kurama rolled his eyes. His container may have gotten smarter but he was still completely clueless about girls. Thankfully the blond was comfortable enough to keep talking.
"So is this your first time in Jitters?" asked Naruto
"What in the hell makes you think I am interested in talking to you?" asked Tayuya
"Well honestly I find you interesting" said Naruto "Something tell me that we can have an enjoyable lunch together."
"So let me get this straight; you expect me to open up to you just because you complimented me and find me interesting"
"I have just hoping that we can be two people eating lunch without awkward silences. When I say it like that it doesn't sound so strange does it?"
"You have whiskers on your face. This is already strange"
Naruto was used to her sense of humour so he simply laughed. If he was being honest he had missed her already.
"So you gonna tell me your name or do I have to guess?"
Tayuya frowned at him. The blonde was definitely unlike most people she had met. To be honest he reminded her a bit of Naruto. Maybe that's why she felt like she could trust him. That was strange in itself as she rarely connected to people but she felt she could here.
"Tayuya Keeling"
Naruto smiled; his day just became a whole lot better. As Blaze he had always kept a bit of distance between himself and Tayuya. But as Naruto he was free and comfortable enough to be himself and let her in. They ended up spending the whole day together. It was a great day.
XXXX
"Hey sis"
"Hey Naruto" said Akira; she looked at her brother and noticed that he was practically bouncing "Did something great happen?"
Naruto frowned;
"Why would ask that?"
"Well because you can't stop smiling. You spent the day with your girlfriend?"
"Tayuya is not my girlfriend"
Akira smirked slyly;
"First I didn't say her name you did"
Naruto froze;
"That's not-I just…"
"That you are in love yes I figured that part already"
"She is just a friend damnit"
Akira sighed; sometimes her brother was too dense for his own good. Thankfully Naruto was saved from an interrogation when his phone rang. Heading out of the apartment he answered;
"Cisco"
"Naruto the cops got Snart at the airport" said Cisco "I'm sending you the coordinates"
Naruto didn't like the pit in his stomach as he sped off. When he arrived he saw Snart and someone else with a flaming gun. The cops were sitting ducks so he grabbed the injured ones and ran them to the hospital. When he was done with them Snart and his friend had left. Joe had shot the accomplice's gun rendering it useless. After making sure all the cops were safe and taken care of he went to find Snart's trail. But Snart was gone.
XXXX
CCPD
Naruto decided to check in on Joe. He met up with Barry at the entrance.
"Naruto what happened?" asked Barry
"Let's find Joe" said Naruto "No need for double briefings"
They spotted Joe just getting off the phone as they walked over.
"Joe, are you okay?" asked Barry
"I'm fine" said Joe "We all got out with minor burns thanks to Naruto"
"Whoever Snart's partner is has heat gun of some kind" said Naruto
"I saw you run after him" said Joe "Did you pick up anything?"
"No Snart's too smart to leave a trail" said Naruto
Barry growled;
"You were right Naruto none of this would have happened if I just dealt with Snart"
Naruto took one look at his brooding partner and slapped him upside on the head…hard.
"Ow what was that for?" demanded Barry
"There is already an Oliver Queen we don't need another one" said Naruto "Besides we are going to make Snart regret ever coming back here"
"He's right Barr" said Joe "We'll get them"
XXXX
After spending hours searching the city for Snart Naruto decided to check if Cisco and Caitlin had found anything. He walked in on Wells and Barry having a serious conversation. He had to physically control his expressions when Barry called Wells his friend. He was not in the mood to listen to any of this. Thankfully Cisco walked in.
"Hey" said Cisco "You guys need to see this"
When they entered the cortex Cisco pulled up the heat gun's schematics.
"When the heat gun was fired it increased the surrounding temperature of the air dramatically, sort of like an extreme heat wave-Heat Wave-"
"Stop doing that" said Wells
"I like the name" said Naruto at the same time
"Okay I measured the temperature output of both the heat and cold guns. And while the cold gun achieves absolute zero the heat gun successfully reaches absolute hot or the hottest temperature an object can reach"
"Flying temperature" said Barry
"So potentially these two guns can cancel each other out" said Naruto
"Yeah but to do that you'd have to make them cross streams" said Cisco
"You mean like Ghost Busters?" quipped Barry
"That movie is surprisingly scientifically accurate"
"I hate ghosts" said Naruto
Cisco frowned incredulously;
"You have superspeed"
"Yes I do but I still hate ghosts" said Naruto "They seriously wig me out"
Cisco smiled deviously;
"Oh you don't say"
Barry could see where Cisco was heading and he laughed. Just then his phone rang;
"Hey it's Joe he might have something" said Barry
Naruto waited for information only for Barry to turn pale and race out of the cortex. Turning to Cisco he gave him a look;
"Don't look at me I don't know what he was thinking"
"Why don't you follow him?" said Wells
"On it"
XXXX
Naruto followed Barry to a crime scene and he was about to leave until he saw Caitlin's frozen car. Speeding up he heard Joe say that they couldn't find anything. Barry looked ready to kill someone and Naruto would gladly join him. The trio went back to CCPD where they saw Eddie running to them calling Joe's name.
"Joe we got a hit" said Eddie "Second pair of prints they belong to a Mick Rory"
"Who is he?" asked Barry
"Big time arsonist" answered Eddie "He and Snart walked a job last year that went bad"
"Bad how?" asked Naruto
"Half of Rory's body was burned in a fire that went out of control" said Eddie "He escaped from an ambulance on the way to the hospital hasn't been seen since…why would they kidnap someone like Caitlin?"
"Joe, Thawne" called Singh "It's on every station"
Naruto turned to the TV and saw Caitlin. He felt his entire body relax when he noticed she was alive and so did Barry. But they immediately tensed up in rage when Snart started talking.
"Greetings citizens of Central City I am Leonard Snart but you can call me Cold"
"I'm going to kill him" growled Naruto quietly
"I'm going to make this very simple for everyone. Those red and gold streaks you've been hearing whispers about. The ones mysteriously saving people these past few months well surprise they are real. They call themselves heh Flash and Blaze. Porter and Maine sundown come out come out wherever you are; show the whole world you are real…or this woman dies."
"No don't come for me stay away" pleaded Caitlin before the screen went dark.
XXXX
Naruto decided to wait with Barry at Star Labs for Joe's signal. Cisco had already left to meet up with Joe. Apparently he had a lead on Caitlin's location. It was only sheer will that kept Barry from going with him; just to see her safe. But Naruto told him to trust Joe and Cisco to bring her back and he would. But he was going to make sure Snart and Rory paid for this. As for Naruto he was at war with his shinobi and hero selves.
"You told Barry that there is already an Oliver Queen. Well I am going to tell you that there already is an Arsenal. You have a harder job. It is harder to inspire hope instead of fear."
'Talking from experience?'
"You know I am"
'I'm going to break some part of him though'
"Definitely agree with that"
"Joe just called" said Barry breaking Naruto's conversation "It's time"
"Let's do this"
XXXX
Naruto and Barry tore through the city. When they arrived Naruto saw the perimeter the police ad set up. It looks like they didn't want the fight spreading and hurting people. It was that thought that reminded Naruto of what was important here. They had to beat Snart and Rory not just for Caitlin but for the city.
"The Scarlet and Pearl Speedsters" said Snart as he and Rory walked over to them "Any preference on how you'd like to die: the flame or the frost?"
Naruto and Barry didn't bother answering him. Snart nodded;
"Not in the mood for chit-chat gotcha ready when you are" said Snart
Naruto and Barry's eyes flickered with gold and yellow lightning. They already had a plan: force their beams to cross. Unfortunately regardless of how many times they tried Snart and Rory never fired long enough. The criminals always fired in short bursts in reaction to their speed.
"This is not working" said Naruto "And we can't just run at them because of how fast they pull the triggers"
"They aren't fast enough to hit us but we aren't fast enough to strike them without getting hit" said Barry "And one hit from that cold gun and we get slower"
"So if speed isn't getting it done…"
"We need to take things slow" finished Barry
"Cisco is going to be pissed about his suits" said Naruto "I'll take Snart; I'm faster anyway"
Barry twitched;
"I'll take Rory"
The speedsters started off walking and ran side by side until they got hit by Snart and Rory. The pain was unbelievable but they endured until they were in line with Snart and Rory's gun and they ran off. The resulting explosion gave Naruto sweet pleasure. He went to check Rory while Barry handled Snart. Standing over Rory's unconscious body was hard. He could still remember his hands on Caitlin.
"You have an audience kid" said Kurama "You have to go"
"Guys" said Cisco over the comms "We found Caitlin and she's okay"
Barry and Naruto didn't any other reason to stay and they sped off.
XXXX
"Caitlin!" called Barry as they got to Star Labs
"I'm here" said Caitlin from the med-bay
"I'm so sorry" said Barry
"For what?" asked Caitlin "What are you sorry for?"
"Snart only took you because of me" said Barry
Caitlin smiled affectionately at him
"Barry you have nothing to be sorry for. I promise I'm okay. Besides I always knew that you would stop them."
Barry smiled at how strong she is;
"Where's Cisco?"
"Oh he's setting some stuff up"
Barry frowned; what does that mean?
XXXX
Naruto was sleeping in. After yesterday he was tired so when Cisco called him that there was a serious emergency at Star Labs he was not happy. He was also very worried so he didn't bother checking anything. The cortex was dark and he saw no one around but the air was cold. Just then he heard a moaning sound in the corridor. Running there he was focused on finding his friends that he didn't notice a blue shade. So when an apparition of a headless man came screaming at him he freaked out.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" screamed Naruto before running away.
He had run back to the cortex when he saw everyone there and Cisco laughing his ass off. Just then it clicked;
"YOU!" yelled Naruto enraged
Cisco smirked;
"I told you I would get you"
"That took years off my life you jerk" said Naruto "I probably won't sleep for a week"
"Ha admit it I am the prank king" said Cisco
Caitlin and Barry waited to see the outcome of this-they still had a bet after all-so Barry was happy when Naruto smirked devilishly. Cisco looked worried;
"Why are smiling like that?" asked Cisco frightened
Just then the chair Cisco was sitting on collapsed and Cisco screamed like hell. The collapsing chair had pulled a wire that released a hundred gallons of butter from the roof along with popcorn and sprinkles.
"When did you set that up?" asked Caitlin amazed
"I knew Cisco would use my fear of ghosts against me but I didn't think he would cry wolf too" said Naruto "So I set that up"
"So Cisco I think Naruto wins" said Barry
"I hate you so much Naruto" said Cisco
"That's what you get" said Naruto "But I will clean this up and you too"
Barry laughed when Naruto grabbed a protesting Cisco and sped off. Turning to Caitlin he said;
"So I guess that means I win"
Caitlin sighed annoyed;
"Nobody likes a gloat Mr Allen"
Barry laughed as they left for lunch. He was going to enjoy this.
A/N: There is that. Let me know what you think. Again I am so sorry for the long wait. I hope you liked it.
See you soon
Dante out