The One with The Stars to The Moon
for dstroyr8nikh
"Bar, you're like my brother and my best friend, and you know I love you but if you don't stop doing that, I swear."
Iris slowly slams her laptop shut, trying to keep her breathing in check as she dangerously glared at her best friend sitting across the table. They were in a café inside the campus, supposedly studying for their upcoming exams when her best friend started sighing like all the problems in the world is upon his shoulders.
"I know, Iris, and I'm sorry." He sighed yet again. "I just didn't know it's going to be this hard, you know? If I did, I would've waited for her to finish this semester."
"And be a term late on your own studies? I don't think so." She pointed out. "Plus, I don't think she'll be thrilled with that idea, either."
That earned her another lengthy sigh, and Iris just had enough. "Alright, that's it." She said, fishing her phone out of her purse. "I'm calling Caitlin."
"No! No, wait!" Barry exclaimed, earning a few glances towards their table as he muttered a shy, "Sorry." He turned to his best friend with pleading eyes, "Please don't call her. Knowing her, she's probably in the middle of studying for her finals this early, and I don't want her to worry."
Iris reluctantly nodded, "I wasn't going to do it anyways, I just wanted to see your reaction." She quipped sassily.
"Why, you-"
"Bar." She cut him off. "Look, I know how much you and Caitlin are head over heels in love with each other but seriously, being apart for only one semester long is not yet the end of the world so stop acting like it is. Besides, Caitlin is handling the situation much better than you do, just so you know."
Barry narrowed his eyes at her. "And how do you know that?"
Iris scoffed, "Caitlin is one of my closest friends, too. We talk almost everyday and she's still the sweet, caring, a bit uptight Caitlin that we know, unlike some people here who did nothing but whine like a baby the moment we left Star City."
"Hey!" Barry protested. "I did nothing of the sort," he sulked in his seat, pouting like a kid who didn't get the permission to buy candies.
Iris rolled her eyes, "Right. I still wonder how you managed to convince that many girls to join your fans club when you're acting nothing like a grown man should."
It was Barry's turn to roll his eyes, "How many times do I need to tell you that I don't have a fans club?"
"Please." Iris said. "As if you weren't aware of the loud and borderline annoying pile of girls that goes to check you out every time you have track practice. Rumors say that you're a rare hybrid of a hot nerd and a cute jock."
Barry just looked at her bewildered. Clueless adorable dummy.
"Anyway, I have to get going now. The school paper won't write itself." She said, gathering her things as she stood up.
"Alright." Barry said. "Although I have to ask, is the school paper's headline about Eddie Thawne? Because every time you mention the school paper, he seems to be popping out of nowhere. I wonder why that is." He leaned back on his chair, pretending to be thinking intensely.
"He-he was just helping me to be more familiar with the issues around campus, that's all." Iris replied, and Barry just smirked upon seeing his best friend blush.
"Of course, of course. Barry nodded. It's payback time. "And I'm pretty sure that him asking me for your number and your favorite color is school paper-related as well?"
Her eyes went wide at his statement, "I-I don't know what you're talking about. Bye, Bar! See ya later."
Barry just chuckled, finishing the rest of his coffee as he stared at his phone's wallpaper.
Three more months.
Being apart from Caitlin this long is one of the hardest things Barry had to go through to say the least. Although they spent the holidays together back in December, it's still different compared to when they're always together every day. Yes, consider him whipped. But more particularly, this day is becoming the most difficult by far since he hasn't heard from her ever since this morning.
He checked his phone once again, deliberating whether it must've been some issues with his reception that's why he hasn't received any text or call from her. It's so unlikely that Caitlin wouldn't reply to him, considering that finals week isn't due for another two months or so. But even if she's busy with her studies, she always finds time to talk to him. He contemplates whether he should ask Iris for help, but he doesn't want to risk being called a clingy boyfriend again so he held his ground and just hoped that Caitlin will reply or even answer his call before the day ends.
If he thought that his day couldn't get any worse, Hunter Zolomon and his gang of football jocks just entered the café. Great, just great.
"If it wasn't the most popular nerd in school." He snickered, pulling one of the chairs from the empty table beside Barry's as he sat opposite of him, the other jocks following suit.
"What do you want, Hunter?" He spat. On some days, he'll try to be friendly with him but today's not one of those days. His mood's down already since he hasn't heard from his girlfriend all day.
"Oohh, I didn't know you have it in you to put up that kind of attitude towards me." He chuckled, clapping Barry a bit harshly on the shoulder. "I actually wonder why a lot of girls are fond of you. I mean, who would want to be with a man who has a literal milk on the lips, what are you, five?" With that he burst out laughing, coaxing the other jocks to join him as well.
Barry, on the other hand, wiped his mouth with a napkin. It must be the whipped cream. He knew he's been sulking all afternoon that he dipped his mouth on his drink mindlessly. Too bad it was Hunter who got to see it and of course, make fun of him because of it.
He rolled his eyes before gathering his things. There's no way he's wasting his time indulging Hunter Zolomon. He stood up and took his jacket when he heard one of the jocks speak to Hunter.
"Hey, isn't that the girl from the registrar's office earlier?"
Barry noticed the way Hunter's head immediately looked at the direction that his friend was pointing at. Ugh, leave it to Hunter to get obsessed with every girl he took interest in.
"Damn, she looks more beautiful up close. And would you look at those curves, white porcelain skin, hmm." Hunter spoke lowly, as if he's devouring the woman with his eyes and words.
Seeing Hunter's behavior stirred something in Barry. He didn't like that he objectifies women like that. Doesn't he know that women are to be respected and cherished as their equal? He shook his head at the thought, never in a million years would Hunter ever think of that.
He's about to leave the table when Hunter spoke again, "Hey Allen, why don't you prove to me that you're actually capable of attracting that many girls? I just don't get what they see in that lanky figure of yours when they can have it all with this body." He flexed his muscles a bit, and Barry tried so hard not to pour the remainder of his iced coffee on Hunter's face. That might actually wake him up to reality a bit.
"I have no time for your stupid ideas, Hunter. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Hunter stood up, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Are you sure? I bet if you see our latest conquest then you'd probably change your mind. I don't get this generous with women I like."
What the hell? Barry internally screamed. Who does he think he is treating women as if he owns them, the nerve of this guy to even dubbed them as their conquest.
"Hunter, I suggest that you-"
"Love!"
A voice interrupted Barry. A voice that he knew all too well. Heavens, could it be? But how-
"Iris told me that I might find you here." She said, taking a few steps towards him and he feels like he couldn't breathe. He couldn't believe his eyes. She's actually here.
"I-" He's at a loss for words when she held his arm, pulling him closer to her.
"Surprise!" She exclaimed, hugging him sideways. Her smile ever so contagious that he found himself smiling with her.
"Baby, what are you doing here? I thought-"
"Why, Mr. Allen, is that how you greet your girlfriend that you haven't seen in a long time?"
His eyes softened as he looked at her, his arms circling her waist as he drew her closer. He's about to speak his mind when a loud voice startled them both. He's so caught up with her presence that he forgot they weren't alone.
"Girlfriend? What in the actual hell?" Hunter exclaimed, looking utterly disgusted at Barry.
This time, Barry decided that he's done playing nice with Hunter Zolomon. His fists clench as he spoke, "Listen, Hunter-"
"Sorry, I didn't realize you're with friends, love. Why don't you introduce me to them?" Caitlin asked sweetly, and Barry knew what she's trying to do. She didn't want to cause a scene, especially since they're still inside the campus.
She rubbed his arms gently as she spoke with him through her eyes, and Barry knew she was right. Hunter is not worthy of it. He took a deep breath, "Cait, this is Hunter and his friends. He's in the football team. Hunter, this is Caitlin, my girlfriend."
The way Hunter seems to fume at the word "girlfriend" didn't go unnoticed by Barry. He drew Caitlin closer to him as he inhaled her familiar scent to calm his nerves down.
Hunter didn't pass up the opportunity to hold his hand out to her, "Pleasure to meet you, Cait."
Caitlin shook his hand out of respect, but she made sure not to spare him even a second. "Actually, you can call me Caitlin. I only let Barry call me Cait."
Barry smirked at Hunter's shocked expression, "Yes, of course. Anything for the beautiful lady."
That statement made Barry's blood boil. Did he just make a move on his girl right in front of him?
Caitlin didn't like the gesture, too, so she thought of a way that will send a message through that thick skill of Hunter that she's taken. Loud and clear.
"Love, have you been working out?" She said sweetly, her hands roaming Barry's arms and chest as she did so.
Barry blushed at the gesture, "Oh, I-"
"Your muscles are bulging, Bear." She whispered loud enough for Hunter to hear. "But you know what's my favorite muscle of yours to bulge?" One of her hands hooked on the side of his pants, biting her lip as she leaned closer to his ear. Out of the corner of her eyes, she knew that Hunter has been observing the entire scene, and he doesn't look pleased. Yep, so worth it.
"Cait." Barry whimpered, the redness from his chest rising up to his cheeks.
"Right!" She clapped her hands once. "It's nice meeting you boys, but me and Barry need to be somewhere else right now. Somewhere more private if you know what I mean." She giggled a bit as she dragged Barry out of the café and into her car. The mix of grim and shock in Hunter's face is just so priceless.
As soon as they were inside her car, Caitlin covered her face with her hands as she blushed furiously. "Oh gosh, they must be thinking that I'm that easy to get. Bear, I overdid it, didn't I?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he just looked at her with an unreadable expression. "Barry? Is everything-"
He silenced her with a passionate kiss, his hands cupping her cheeks as he adjusted himself in the driver seat. He bit her lower lip, causing her to gasp and he took that opportunity to taste her. The heat between them intensifies until they both felt like they can no longer breathe. They broke away panting.
"Barry-"
"Dammit, Cait." His eyes were intense, his hold on her still as possessive as ever. He placed another chaste kiss on her lips, touching their foreheads together as he spoke. "That was so hot."
Caitlin blinked, bewildered, "You're not mad?"
He chuckled, "While I'm not pleased that you portrayed yourself like that, I know you only did that to get your point across. Hunter can be a…a little difficult sometimes."
"A little?" She scoffed. "I know I just met him, and I have no right to judge but you know I can't stand how he treated you and acts like he can have anyone he wants."
"How long have you been in the café?"
"Long enough to know that he's rude to you." She said. "And that he doesn't have an ounce of respect in his body."
Barry nodded; he couldn't agree more. He set those thoughts aside as he focused on more important matters. "Love, why didn't you tell me that you're coming to visit? I actually got worried since you were not replying to my messages all day."
"I told you Bear, it's a surprise." She smiled, taking his hand on hers as she laced their fingers together.
"Well, consider me surprised." He brought their interlaced fingers and kissed the back of her hand. "I missed you."
"I missed you, too." She drew him in for another kiss. "Oh, before I forget. Can you help me unpack?"
"Unpack? Why? How long are you staying here for?" He asked.
"How about…for good?" Her eyes twinkled as she waited for his reaction.
"For…go-" It didn't take long for him to realize what she's implying. "Really, babe? I thought you're still going to finish your third year in Star City?"
"Yes. And I already did."
"Wha-how?" He asked, he couldn't believe his ears.
"Let's just say that I worked extra hard to finish all my requirements for this year." She winked at him.
Barry looked at her with adoration. Only his Caitlin can pull something like that. How did he get so damn lucky?
"Come here, you." He gathered her in his arms, drawing her close as close as possible as he kissed her passionately. He's going rough this time around, pouring all his longing for the time they weren't together. Caitlin's moans filled the entire space inside the car, urging Barry to get hungrier and more demanding. When the need for air necessary, they pulled away. But Barry refused to create any space between them. Their breathes still mingling as he spoke, "I love you, Cait."
She smiled at his words. It wasn't the first time he said it, actually he always finds reasons to tell her and let her feel his emotions but every time he does, it always feels like it's the first time.
"I love you, too, Barry."
Before Barry can dive in for another kiss, she held his face still, earning her an adorable pout on his face.
"I know, I know." She cooed, the look in his eyes just says it all. "But I'd prefer we do it anywhere but here."
Barry's pout disappeared faster than it appeared, now replaced by a smirk, "You know me too well, Ms. Snow."
She chuckled, "Well, I'm been putting up with you for two years now, so."
"Putting up? Why, I'm offended." He acted being hurt. "I thought it was your undying love for me and my irresistible charms that made you stay with me."
"I thought so, too."
"Now, you're just teasing." He said before diving right into the exposed skin on her neck, making her gasp.
"Barry!" She whimpered-shouted. "Baby, I told you not here."
She's trying to look stern but the blush and the flustered look on her face gave her away. Barry paid her protests no mind as he continued peppering her neck with kisses. "Why not?" He pouted. They've been apart for too long, and he missed her terribly. "Besides, it's not like we haven't done this here before."
"Bear, I'm not talking about the car. Did you forget that we're still inside the campus?" She used all her willpower to stop his mouth from going further south, his hands becoming a problem as well. She reluctantly (yes, she wants this just as much as he does) kept his face at a safe distance as he cupped his cheeks, the desire in his eyes still very evident. "I think it won't be good for the both of us if, you know. Especially now that I'll be attending CCU next year."
The thought of her not getting to the same school because of him had Barry snapping back to reality. He took a couple of deep breaths, settling for just holding her hand as he excitedly asked, "Okay, then, Ms. Snow. Where to?"
"Someone's very eager." She winked at him, making Barry blush. He's never been this insistent, but then again, they've never been apart for this long.
"I missed you so much, baby. You don't have an idea of the pain and suffering I have to go through each day without you." He confessed, but not without all of his dramatics.
Caitlin just laughed at her boyfriend's antics. "You're such a sap, Bear. Poor Iris having to deal with you everyday like this."
"Hey! She said she won't tell you." He pouted yet again, sulking like a child this time.
"She didn't. But you know me, I can take a hint easily. Besides, knowing my boyfriend has these dramatic tendencies, I wasn't surprised." She said, looking at Barry who's giving her puppy dog eyes.
"What can I say, though? You know how much I want to be by your side." He replied with all honesty, and Caitlin couldn't help but to fall in love with him all over again.
"I love you, Barry Allen."
"I love you, too, Caitlin Snow."
Over the next few weeks, Caitlin and Barry became one of the most famous couples in the university. Just as Barry had made quite an impression on the female population after transferring, there's no denying that Caitlin did to the other half of the population as well. But as expected, these two don't mind the attention. In fact, they may be a bit oblivious about it.
"Caitlin, hey."
Caitlin looked up from her book, only to find Iris joining her in one of the bleachers.
"Iris!" She immediately inserted the bookmark, standing up to greet Iris in a hug.
"When Barry told me that Professor Wells specifically invited you to attend his classes in advance, I couldn't quite believe it. You aren't supposed to start until next year, right?"
"Yes, I am. But as you've mentioned, Professor Wells sent me a letter a week ago, asking me if I want to start taking up his classes as early as now."
"That's impressive. I believe he's starting to scout for bright minds as early as he could. And the way you managed to finish this school year with two more months to spare, well, it won't take someone like Professor Wells to see so much potential in you." Iris said, smiling at her friend in awe.
"Thank you, Iris." Caitlin replied, feeling a bit shy with all the compliments.
"Anyway, I just dropped by to say hi. I'm actually on the hunt for a juicy inside scoop for the headline next week."
"School paper?"
"Yep."
"Eddie Thawne?"
"What? Where?" Iris looked around frantically, following Caitlin's line of sight going past her. At the end of the bleachers, there stood Eddie Thawne.
"Huh? It's actually true." Caitlin mused, a slight smirk on her face.
Iris turned to look at her, "What is?"
"Eddie Thawne actually appears when you talk about the school paper." Caitlin said, one amused brow arching up.
Iris just chuckled, "Did Barry put you up to this?"
"Well, he may have mentioned some things." Caitlin pointed out. "But I'd rather hear it from you."
"And you will. Coffee tomorrow?" Iris asked.
"Sure."
With one last hug, Iris left, and Caitlin went back to reading her book. Before she can even pick up the bookmark, a voice startled her.
"Excuse me, miss." He coughed a bit, catching her attention.
"Yes?"
"Well, you see, I'm actually in the middle of track practice but there's this beautiful lady sitting on the bleachers wearing a blouse and a skirt." He paused contemplating for a while, "Oh! And she has gorgeous brown eyes, too, matching her auburn hair."
"Are you talking about me?" Caitlin looked at him with an amused expression.
"Let's say that I am."
"And your point, mister?"
"I just want to ask for a favor."
"Hmm, it depends." Caitlin replied. "What is it?"
"Well, can you stop being so distractingly beautiful? You're making it hard for me to follow the track lines when my eyes are always drawn to you." He said, a smug look on his face.
Caitlin just burst out laughing.
"Bear, that's how your pick-up lines go now?" She uttered in between laughs, making Barry look offended.
"Hey! That was well-executed, and you know it!" He argued, crossing his arms on top of his chest.
"Alright, alright, no need to be so whiny now." Caitlin cooed.
"I'm not." He spat.
Caitlin just giggled.
"You're so cute." Caitlin pinched his cheeks, earning her a groan. She got up to get the towel from inside his gym bag, then handed him a bottle of water. "Drink."
"So bossy." He joked, earning him one of her infamous glares. But he obeyed anyway.
"Babe, I told you not to let the sweat dry up especially on your back. You might get sick." She reprimanded while she did her best to wipe off his sweat with the towel.
Barry just looked at her with eyes full of admiration and love. His heart swells for he knew, Caitlin only reserves this affection for him and only him. He sighed contently, taking her hand holding a towel with his as he looked her in the eye, "Caitlin Snow, have I told you how much I love you?"
She giggled, "We aren't done yet with all these pick-up lines?"
"While my pick-up line earlier is nowhere near insincere, I'll have you know that I'll always mean it when I say I love you." He said, wrapping her arms around her waist.
Caitlin's eyes softened at the look her boyfriend's giving her. "I know, and I do, too."
They shared a kiss; one filled with love and promises of the future. Deep down, they knew they were it for each other.
Little did they know, some jealous, wicked soul is trying to break them apart.
"Alright, alright, I'll be there. Bye."
"What was that about?"
Barry looked up from where his head was lying on top of Caitlin's lap. They were currently watching a movie at Caitlin's house when Iris called.
"It's Iris. She asked me to agree to come to the party we're invited to." She sighed, knowing exactly whose party she was talking about.
Barry chuckled, knowing how much Caitlin dislikes attending nonsense college parties. "And by the sound of it, you already agreed."
"Yes, you know Iris, you can hardly say no to her especially when she's this persistent." She sighed yet again, and Barry sat up from her lap, drawing her close to him.
"Baby, it's gonna be fine. I promise you." He said, kissing the side of her head as he hugged her.
Caitlin groaned, "Do you even know who's hosting the party?"
"No, who?"
"Hunter Zolomon."
"What?!" Alright, now there's no way he's gonna be cool with the idea of his girlfriend attending that party.
"Hunter's hosting a party since they won their last game against their rivals, and Eddie, Iris, and I are invited."
"Is the party going to be this Friday?"
"Yeah, how did you know that?"
"Because I'm invited to that party also, but I never planned on attending because you know why." His tone suddenly serious. He doesn't have any intention in attending that party, but now that he knew that Caitlin is coming, there's no way he's letting her go there alone.
"Really?" Caitlin asked, her mood suddenly lifting up at the thought of having Barry come to the party with her.
"Yes, and since my girl's attending, there's no way that I won't be there." He said, kissing her cheek.
"Oh, thank goodness." Caitlin sighed in relief, wrapping her arms around Barry. "You know I don't do parties."
"I know, but since we'll be there together, maybe it won't be that bad?" He nudged her nose with his, leaning their foreheads together.
"Yeah, I suppose it won't be." She closed the gap between them, having a little party of their own.
Friday came by quickly, and Barry, Caitlin, and Iris are all set to attend Hunter's party. Iris will be riding with Eddie, while Barry and Caitlin will go together. As they approached Hunter's house, Caitlin immediately winced at the loud sound coming from inside the house.
"So loud." Caitlin groaned, making Barry chuckle.
"Well, I think we're at the right address, love." He drew her closer, kissing her cheek as they went inside the house hand-in-hand.
As soon as they entered, Iris immediately greeted the couple.
"Caitlin! You made it." She said, hugging the brunette tight.
"I didn't have much choice, now, do I?" Caitlin teased, hugging her friend back.
"Hey, Bar. It's good that you decided to come, too." Iris greeted Barry.
"Yeah, I can't leave my Cait all alone so." He said, earning him a soundly kiss on the cheek from Caitlin.
"Gah, what a way to remind me that you're like the most adorable couple in the world." Iris teased, making the pair laugh.
The three of them went to sit on the couch, luckily most of the students are in the makeshift dancefloor in the living room, and some are busy playing beer pong, giving them some space.
"Hey, guys." Eddie walked in. "Want some drinks?"
"Hi, Eddie." The couple greeted.
"Sure, I'll go with you." Barry said, turning to her girlfriend to ask her, "Want anything, love?"
"Just soda, please."
With that, Barry and Eddie went to the kitchen, leaving the girls alone.
"So, are you and Eddie official now?" Caitlin asked, making Iris blush a little.
"Well, you can say that." She replied.
"Really? I'm so happy for you guys." Caitlin said, hugging her friend.
"Thanks, but I haven't told dad yet. You know how overprotective he can be."
"He means well, you know that."
"Yeah, but, I'm afraid of what his reaction will be."
"Well, you'll never know unless you tell him, right?" Caitlin asked, giving her friend a slight nudge.
"Ugh, I hate when you're right." Iris said, giving Caitlin a smile. "And you're always right."
She laughed at that, "Don't let Barry hear you say that."
Iris chuckled, then she reached for her purse. "Wait, I need to go to the bathroom real quick."
"Yeah, go ahead." She nodded.
"You sure you're gonna be okay here?" Iris asked, worried about her friend.
"Iris, I'll be fine. It's just a party, I can manage."
With that, Iris went to the bathroom. Caitlin surveyed the room, noting the music, the drinking, the dancing. Yeah, she prefers a quiet night in with movies, popcorn, and ice cream over this at any day.
"Oh, if it wasn't my beautiful Cait."
The moment Caitlin heard those words, she visibly stiffened, the creepiness in that voice making her shiver.
"Hunter." Caitlin said, facing the owner of the voice as he rounded the couch to sit close to her.
"You're looking more gorgeous than the last time, I saw you, my Cait." The way he looked at her made Caitlin want to throw up.
"And since the last time, I can clearly remember that it's Caitlin for you, Hunter." She glared at him, hoping she'll get her point across.
"Woah, you don't have to be so cold, Caity. I just want us to be friends." He leaned in closer, and Caitlin made an effort to make space between them as much as she could. "Or maybe even more than that."
That's it.
"No, Hunter, I don't want us to be friends." She stood up, her eyes searching for Barry. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go be with my boyfriend." She stressed, making a move to go to the kitchen.
The expression on Hunter's face became grim. "Not so fast."
He held Caitlin by an arm, forcing her to look at her.
"Hunter, let go of-"
Before Caitlin can finish her sentence, Hunter gave her a subtle punch on her stomach, making her go limp. He dragged her upstairs, making sure no one saw them.
After a few minutes too late, Iris went back to the couch, and upon seeing that Caitlin was no longer there, she roamed around the house, searching for her friend until she met with the boys.
"Bar, have you seen Caitlin?" Iris asked.
"No, I thought she was with you. We left you together, right?" He replied, his heart rate starting to quicken. He doesn't have a good feeling about this.
"Yeah, we're just sitting on the couch where you left us but then I had to go to the bathroom." Iris eyes are quickly looking around, searching for any sign of the brunette.
"Guys, relax, I'm sure she's alright. I'll go check outside, okay?" Eddie said, making a move to go out.
"I'll go check on the bathroom, she must've followed me." She said and immediately went on her way.
Barry decided he'll go check on the living first before going upstairs. He just hopes that Caitlin is alright, but heaven knows what he'll do if something bad happens to her.
"Cait, where are you?"
Meanwhile, Hunter has succeeded in locking Caitlin inside his room. Upon seeing that she's slowly waking up from his earlier attack, he made sure that she won't be able to escape by injecting some mild sedative in her, just enough to keep her awake but without her strength.
"Wakey, wakey, princess." He cooed, sitting beside Caitlin who's lying on his bed.
Caitlin squinted her eyes, feeling a little out of it as she looked at her surroundings. Panic washing over her upon seeing Hunter beside her, immediately making her remember the events earlier.
"No, no, please." She spoke, but her throat feels dry and her whole body feels so heavy.
"Caity, there's no need to be afraid. I just want to talk to you." He said, helping Caitlin get up from the bed but the moment his hands touched her skin, she immediately jolted away.
"Woah, relax, princess. I'm not gonna hurt you."
"Don't touch me!" She tried to scream with all her might, but her body won't allow it. She feels so dizzy right now.
"Why not? You seem so welcoming when it was Allen who's touching you." He growled. "Do you know how disgusted I am towards him? He's nothing like me. He's weak and he's lanky. What do you even want from him?"
"Yeah, he's nothing like you because he knows how to respect women, unlike you. You're the one who's disgusting, Hunter." She spat, creating much space between her in him as much as she could.
Her words were like daggers to Hunter's ears, making him punch the headboard. Caitlin visibly flinched at the impact, praying that this will be over soon. She prayed that Barry would come looking for her soon.
"Now, now, how about I make you change your mind then, sweetheart?" He gritted, inching closer to Caitlin.
Caitlin felt nervous, but she knew that panicking wouldn't help her case. She immediately looked around the room, trying to find anything that can help her escape. She rolled on the bed, bracing herself for the impact as she fell down, hoping the noise will be loud enough for someone to hear the commotion.
"Caitlin!" Hunter shouted, clearly not pleased with her actions. "There's no escaping me, you hear that? So you might as well just cooperate, sweetheart."
He tried to reach her from the floor, but Caitlin used all of her strength to knock the nearby nightstand, the lampshade falling within her reach. She knew she won't be strong enough to knock out Hunter with the lampshade, so she thought of an alternative. She threw the lampshade on the bookshelf, and thankfully, she managed to knock down a few figures and books, creating a loud thump against the floor.
"You're really testing my patience here, Caity. Now, I wouldn't be that nice." He rounded the back, taking Caitlin by the arms as he threw her back on the bed.
"Hunter, stop! Don't-"
"Cait? Are you in here?"
The moment she heard Barry's voice; tears immediately filled her eyes. She wanted to scream but Hunter was quick to cover her mouth, only muffled noises were heard.
"Keep your mouth shut or else-"
"Cait? Cait!" Barry's shouting is now accompanied by banging the door, and Hunter's face contorted to anger.
"Allen doesn't understand privacy, does he?" He growled. "Now, how about we invite him in so he can see that it's me who you want to be with." He smirked, removing his hand on Caitlin's mouth as he went to open the door. He knew that Barry is no match for him, and what's better is that he can let Caitlin see how much of a wimp Allen is. By then, she can be his and only his.
"Allen, you're right in time-"
Before he can finish his sentence, Barry's fist came in contact with his face, making him stumble backwards, the blow almost knocking him out.
"Barry!" Caitlin cried; she feels like she can breathe easy now. She tried her best to get up from the bed and crawl to him, but Barry's fast enough to get to her first.
"Cait!" He immediately engulfed her in a hug, his own tears dimming his vision. His heart breaking at the sound of her crying, and he held her tighter knowing that Caitlin doesn't cry so easily. That bastard must've done something to her. No, no, what if he's too late already?
With that thought, Barry broke the hug, cupping Caitlin's cheeks as he gave her a once over. "Baby, are you alright? Did he hurt you? Did he-"
Caitlin just shook her head no. She doesn't have the energy to put into words everything that happened. She just hugged Barry tight again, her tears free-flowing.
"It's alright, babe. I'm here. Everything's going to be okay, I promise." With that, he escorted her out, ignoring Hunter in the floor writhing in pain.
They were almost on the last flight of stairs when they heard a booming voice from behind them, "Allen!"
That immediately gathered everyone's attention. The crown falling silent especially upon seeing the black eye Hunter is sporting. Barry spotted Iris, and with a nod, he passed Caitlin to her.
"Caitlin!" Iris said, hugging her friend who was still crying. Truth be told, this is the first time she saw her friend cry, and she's immediately filled with dread and anger.
The tension in the room seems palpable, but nothing seemed to prepare them for what's about to unfold.
"Hunter." Barry gritted in anger. It's one thing that he's rude to him and insults him in every opportunity he might find. But the moment he ever lay a finger on Caitlin, well, that's an entirely different thing. This time, he won't be holding back. It's time he put those training sessions he had with Oliver to good use.
"Bravo, Allen." Hunter spat, slowly walking down the stairs, taunting him. "I didn't know you had that in you. That's one hell of a punch." He chuckled, "Now, it's my turn."
He threw a punch on Barry's direction, but Barry was fast to dodge. He then used his knee to attack him, making Barry stumble down the stairs. The whole scene earned some gasps from the crowd. Out of the corner of his eye, Barry saw Eddie coming forward, but he nodded at him, letting him know he got this.
"Ooh, how does that feel now, Allen? I'm sure-" Once again, Barry's fist connected with his face. Then to his stomach.
"That's for hurting my girlfriend." Then another, "That's for making her cry." And another, "That's for thinking that women are objects to be owned." And one final blow until he's a bloody mess on the floor. "And that's for everyone you've hurt."
Everyone stood silent, taking in the scene before them. Not one of them thought that Barry Allen, the ever goofy, nice guy has it in him to stand up to a bully like Hunter Zolomon. But they're all glad he did because Hunter Zolomon really deserved it.
"Everyone, listen up! If you ever think that taking advantage of anyone like that is okay then you're clearly mistaken. I know you're all smart enough not to stoop down to Hunter's level. It doesn't matter what your gender is. A no is a no." With that he left the scene, taking Caitlin with him. She's still sobbing at this point, and his heart constricts at the sight.
He knew it wasn't the best decision to get into a fight like that, but heavens know what he's capable of when it comes to protecting the people he cares about. Once they were inside his car, he gathered her up in her arms, whispering comforting words in her ear.
"Baby, I'm so sorry I left you in there alone." He said, regret filling his being at the thought of what happened.
Caitlin's sobs are now beginning to die down. "It's not your fault, love. Hunter…Hunter's-"
"Hey, hey, it's okay. You don't have to force it, Cait. Are you sure you're alright?" He drew her closer, kissing the side of her head.
"I…I will be. I just want to get home." She replied, burying her face on Barry's neck.
"I know, love. But you have to stay for a while, okay? Iris already called Joe to report the incident. They might require for your statement." He cooed. He knew it won't be easy for her knowing what just happened. But it needs to be done, and he'll make sure he'll be there with her every step of the way.
She just nodded, drawing strength from him. "Thanks for saving me, Barry. If you didn't come, I-"
"Shh, no need to thank me, love. If anything, I should be the one to blame. I wasn't there to protect you. I shouldn't-"
"Hey, I told you, it's not your fault." She moved her head from his neck, looking him in the eye to let her know that she's sincere with her words.
"But-"
"No buts, end of conversation." She said firmly, leaving no room for further discussions. "Now, can you please just hold me?"
Barry didn't need to be told twice. He held her tight, kissing the top of her head. At that moment, he vowed never to let anything like this happen to her again. The world's becoming too dangerous, and he can't say for sure what the future may bring. But if there's one thing he can be sure of, it's that thought that he'll always be beside her no matter what.
Just like the stars to the moon.
Request Completed
AN: Sorry it took so long, dstroyr8nikh. But here you go, enjoy!
P.S. Big thanks to CallMeMiles for letting me know that I posted the same chapter twice. Honest mistake XD
-A
