Lovely Arrangements

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Prelude: Wedding Blues

She had to give it to Barry, he was good at putting up a show. The venue was small yet elegant, true to Barry's taste. There were three cakes for the guests —guests who she didn't really know— one vanilla, one chocolate and one strawberry. He even got her a decent, high neck halter wedding dress, it was a nice gesture, but it wouldn't be the dress she chose for her wedding. Beggars can't be choosers, she supposed.

"You ready?" Cisco said from the door. "Woah, you looking nice Ms. Snow."

Caitlin giggled, "Thank you, but please call me Caitlin," this was the second time she saw him, since she accepted the marriage proposal.

"I keep forgetting, but, since we'll be seeing more of each other I better get used to it, right Caitlin?"

"Absolutely."

"So you ready to make your grand entrance, milady?"

She scratched the back of her neck a bit, "Not quite, but better get on with it."

Cisco nodded and offered her his arm, "Like bandaid,"

"And just rip it off?"

"Exactly."

She sighed, and cleaned away some imaginary dust from her wedding dress, "Well, this is as ready as I'll ever be."

The door creaked open, "Hope I'm not interrupting."

"Not at all Dr. Allen," Cisco said respectfully.

"Well Cisco, if you don't mind, I'll escort my future daughter-in-law," the engineer opened his eyes wide, "are you okay with that Caitlin?"

Caitlin looked from Dr. Allen to Cisco, and again at Dr. Allen, "I wouldn't have it any other way Dr. Allen," she ended up saying.

The elder doctor smiled and extended his arm towards the bride-to-be. They walked away and Cisco nodded in approval.

"Caitlin," Dr. Allen started, "I can't thank you enough for what you're doing."

"You have nothing to thank me for Dr. Allen, marriage goes both ways, and Barry will also have to put up with me."

They both laughed, "I'm sure he's much tougher to handle, than a sweet girl like you."

"That's one way of putting it. But I assure you, he has his own charm," even if it was very, very, hard to find.

Once they had arrived at their destination Caitlin gave Dr. Allen a kiss on the cheek in appreciation for walking her down the aisle. In another life, it would have been her father, but Dr. Allen was still great.

He gave her one final hug and sat down.

"That was unexpected," Barry said softly.

"I keep telling you that your dad is a nice guy."

He smirked, "Sure."

"Didn't think you could look any cleaner than your pristine suits and gelled hairstyle, but here we are. You look nice," she said sincerely.

He looked at her for a few seconds,"You look decent."

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. That was as good as it would get with him.

They looked at each other and managed to tune out everything around them.

Caitlin looked diligently at his emerald eyes, not missing every flicker, wondering why this man was so guarded. This would be the beginning of a new chapter, for the both of them, she only hoped it all ended well. One thing was talking to Barry occasionally, and a very different story would be living with him.

Barry, as usual, gave nothing away. He was just looking at her honey brown eyes, trying to read her. More and more, he came to realize that there was more to her than just the simple-minded yet hard working woman he knew. The life ahead of them, what would it be like? Should it even matter to him? Ultimately, he was a step closer to his objective, and that was all he needed.

"You may now kiss the bride."

"This is it, wow I can't believe I'm doing this," she took a deep breath. "Barry, are you sure you won't regret it?" she whispered.

He looked at her again with those intense eyes and lowered his head to place a chaste kiss on her lips.

"I haven't regretted a single decision I've made, I'm not about to start now."

{-}

Barry drove them in silence to their new home. Caitlin took this time to think about her next steps. How would her new life be? What could she keep from her old? She hadn't lived with anyone for a while, so how hard would it be to get adjusted to this new normal?

"We're here."

She was pulled from her thoughts and turned towards the house, "Wow, this certainly looks homey, wasn't expecting that."

He didn't say anything and got out of the car making his way towards his home. Or rather, their home.

"Yeah, I can open my own doors thank you," she said after him. Was it that hard to be a little polite? One step forward ten steps backwards with this guy. "You could have waited for me," she stepped inside and looked around at the bare home. "Nope, I take it back, this is exactly what I expected. Are you sure you live here?"

"Yes, I've been living here for the last five years."

"And you have nothing?" She looked around. It seemed Barry was into minimalistic decor.

"I have enough," he pulled his jacket off and started unbuttoning his shirt.

She turned around busying herself with other things. Not that she was expecting anything from him now that they were married. It was always better to respect people's personal space, yep, that was it. She wasn't intimidated by him in any way shape or form. Nope. Not one bit.

He sensed her nervousness and found that amusing. He kept unbuttoning his shirt and walked towards her.

"All in all, it's a nice home, maybe if you add a bit of color?"

"Maybe," he whispered next to her ear.

"Oh my God!" she turned around startled and gripped her chest, "You scared me!"

"You startled yourself, your room is that way," he motioned.

Her face instantly changed to one of joy, "I get my own room? This is awesome," she ditched her heels and practically skipped to her new room.

He stared after her in confusion, it wasn't like she never had a room before, so why did that small detail make her so happy? Then a thought occurred to him and he frowned. Surely, she didn't believe they would be sleeping together did she? No, of course not. Caitlin could be a lot of things but she was too naive when it came to physical intimacy. Besides it was better they had clear boundaries and avoided any misunderstandings.

"Barry!?"

He was pulled from his thoughts, and sprinted towards her, worried. "What is it?" He said from the door.

"Have I told you how amazing you are!?" She got up from the bed and ran towards him enveloping him in a tight hug, "And here I thought you were a selfish jerk."

"Thanks," he deadpanned.

"I can't believe you actually paid attention to what I said."

He rolled his eyes, "You said it yourself, we didn't have to hate each other,"

"Either way, you didn't have to do this for my sake," she pulled herself just enough to look at him directly, "Thank you."

She was so easily pleased, what a simpleton, Barry thought to himself, "You're welcome," he pushed her away gently. He wasn't much into these displays of affection.

Not bothered by his gesture, she ran towards a corner of the room, "Where did you get this!?" She pointed at the miniature cherry blossom tree replica that dropped virtual petals.

"Online."

"I've never seen something like it. It's beautiful! And I can't believe you brought the painting from my apartment over here. I literally feel as if I was in a Japanese garden," she twirled around feeling like a princess for once.

"Since you'll be living here, I figured it was better to have a decent place for you," he said as if this was no big deal. Which to him it really wasn't. "Studies show, that employees who are happy perform better."

Caitlin stopped on her tracks, way to ruin the mood Allen. "There's also a saying: happy wife equals happy life."

He shrugged, "I guess."

"Anyway, thank you."

With that he left her room. Caitlin put her suitcase to the side, she could unpack later. She dropped herself on the bed looking at the ceiling. Just a few hours after getting married and here she was, just laying in bed as if it were any other day. It sure felt anti-climatic, but it wasn't like she could expect a whole lot more, considering the situation.

Maybe one day. When she marries for real, the spark that was missed this time, will ignite.

{-}

Barry peeled off that uncomfortable tuxedo and settled for a set of plaid pajama bottoms and a loose v-neck sweater. This was it, day one, now a thousand plus more to go. It seemed like a long time, but he was patient. He laid down on his bed with one arm resting behind his neck, thinking. Living with Caitlin, didn't bother him as much as he thought it would. Then again, she'd only been here for a few hours, it's not like he had a lot to compare just yet.

He wondered if this is how it felt to be married. It wasn't all that different than being single in his opinion. In fact the biggest drawback is that you had to compromise —a lot. Which was saying something considering he loved his space. He even had his office room redesigned to accommodate her. Was that what his father wanted him to learn? Compromise? Highly doubtful. He knew a lot about compromise, considering all the business deals he'd negotiated throughout the years.

Ding!

He heard his phone signal a new message.

-Are you sleeping yet?

He smirked, what were they? Twelve?

-No.

-It's late, you should.

-I should.

She obviously didn't know the sleepless nights he was used to.

-Thank you.

For what? He almost asked, but quickly realized it was probably for the room again.

-You already did.

-Not for the room.

She was odd. What was there to thank him for? This was a business transaction. A win-win for the both of them. There wasn't anything to thank him for. He got what he wanted, and she...wait what did she get? He pulled the contract up on his tablet and read it numerous times, but the contract didn't speak to what they would get but rather what they could and couldn't do while married. A pre-nup of sorts.

If he had to guess, it was probably money. He'd have to ask Cisco about it next time he saw him.

{-}

As expected Barry was long gone by the time she got up. Not that she minded, it was the first time in a while that she actually got a day off from her three jobs and a break from school. This was truly bliss.

As she looked in the kitchen, everything was pristine, clean, and so Barry. Was he not a normal human being? Total OCD. Not that it was a bad thing, she liked order and cleanliness, but he took it to a whole other level. She supposed it would have been worse if he was a complete slob. Yes, this was definitely better. Now that she thought about it, it was a great time to explore the house. Yesterday she didn't have time to do that.

Their rooms were on opposite sides of the home and in the middle there was a large living room with huge windows leading to the backyard. Wait, was that a pool? She needed to add a swimsuit to her closet when summer rolled around. There was also a large kitchen, literally out of the cooking channel. Sadly, it didn't look like it was used much. And she wasn't a great cook to begin with...so most likely it would remain unused. How sad.

Alright, she could stay here and continue to muse at the aesthetics of the place or actually do something. Before she had much time to think she heard the familiar ringtone from her phone.

"Hello?" It was rare that she answered the call of an unregistered number, but she felt she had to for some odd reason.

"Caitlin?"

"Dr. Allen?"

"Is Barry with you?"

"No sir, I think he went to work today."

Henry sighed, "Seriously, you guys should be on your honeymoon," he said more to himself than to his daughter-in-law, "I'm sorry you have to put up with this workaholic son of mine."

"No! Don't worry about it! Really it's fine. He's busy running a hospital so I understand," she said quickly, not wanting to get her husband in trouble.

"It's no excuse dear. The least he could do is take a few days off to spend with you," after a beat he added, "I'll talk to him."

"You don't need to worry Dr. Allen, it's really okay. Besides, I only got today and tomorrow off, so it's no big deal."

He wasn't too convinced, "Caitlin, this isn't how you envisioned your honeymoon, is it?"

Once again, the kindness of Dr. Allen didn't cease to amaze her. He almost sounded like a concerned father speaking to a daughter, "Sir, it's fine. I promise, Barry is great, he's just busy."

"You're far too understanding of him. Don't let him push you around. He's my son, but now you are my daughter and I want you to be happy too."

If only. His words caused a lump to form in her throat. Her father, for all his faults, had always been very loving. She imagined he would also share words like this when she married.

"Yes dad," she said to add humor to the heartwarming moment.

"Dad? Hmm, I like the sound of it," he said with a grin shining through his voice. "Much better than being called sir or Dr. Allen."

Gosh this was backfiring so bad, "I was joking sir, I don't mean to be disrespectful,"

"No, no. I like it. We're family, so let's keep it."

"But —"

"Well dear, if that hard headed son of mine calls, please have him call me."

"Yes sir will do."

Henry cleared his throat.

"Yes...dad?" She hesitated at the end. She doubted she could get used to that, but at least for now it would have to do.

"Goodbye dear."

This should definitely be on the list of what not to do in a contractual marriage. The last thing she needed was to get too attached.

{-}

It was an hour after her shift ended yet her boss was still here. She wasn't sure how to broach the subject, but here went nothing, "Uhm, sir..."

He looked up from his budget reports, "Yes?"

"I, uhm, wasn't expecting you to come in today."

He quirked an eyebrow, "It's Friday."

She fidgeted a bit with her hands, "Well yes, but you just got married yesterday, I didn't think —"

"The world doesn't end when you get married."

"Of course! It's just..."

Ok, this was taking longer than needed, "Look Jesse, I'm really busy here. When I have time for vacations I'll take one. Now is that all?"

"Not quite Dr. Allen."

He looked at her waiting for her to continue.

"You're father —"

"Tell him I'm busy."

"Uhm," she gulped.

"You're busy for your old man?" Henry said from the door. He gave Jessie a curt nod and the girl took her leave, relieved she didn't have to be there any more than necessary.

Barry wasn't surprised at the intrusion, he just didn't think his dad would actually come over. "Yes dad, in fact, I'm very busy right now."

"Barry it's already six in the evening and you just got married yesterday. Even you can take a break."

Henry spoke calmly and Barry felt like a child getting scolded, "Like I told Jesse, when I have time for —"

"Oh I heard. And I'm not Jessie," Henry took a seat in front of his son, "go home Barry, and don't come back until Monday."

He hated when his father did this. He got up, shut his laptop, and walked past his father to the door, "You know this place, you can show yourself out."

{-}

As if meeting his father wasn't bad enough, he had issues with the inventory of the hospital, there were irregularities that were far too obvious to be ignored. Then meetings he needed to prepare for next week, the seminar for the end of year review, so many things to do so little time. The last thing he needed was to worry about his new status as a married man.

He opened the door and sighed before going in. Instantly the smell of something made him turn towards the kitchen. Caitlin was wearing an apron and pouring some sauce on spaghetti noodles. That wasn't the problem. The food wasn't his concern, but rather the mess around her. His once pristine kitchen was now covered in pots, pans, herbs, sauce, and food. Maybe he should have let her live at her apartment instead.

"Wow, you're here just in time," Caitlin said with a proud smile as she licked a bit of sauce off her finger. "Look at this," she said pointing at the two plates with spaghetti, "not bad for being my first time, huh."

He sent her a tired look, that was really the last thing he needed, to worry about cleaning. "It's a mess," he said, pointing to the dirty areas of the kitchen.

"A side effect of cooking," she shrugged, "I'll clean it up, so don't worry about it you grouch."

He sighed and massaged his temples before setting his briefcase and coat to the side.

Caitlin walked towards him and grabbed his arm, dragging him to the table, "Come on, you're worse than a grandmother, I swear."

They both took a seat and he grabbed his fork, working hard to avoid Caitlin's expectant gaze. The spaghetti looked edible at best, and while in other circumstances he would have ordered take out instead, he figured he could humor her this time. He took a bite of a forkful of noodles and tentatively started to chew.

Caitlin was leaning towards him waiting for his reaction.

After a few seconds of silence he said, "It's...decent."

The woman sat back down and sighed, "Not sure if I should take that as a compliment or an insult."

Well it was edible. Okay, and maybe it tasted better than it looked. Was decent such a bad word?

After taking a bite herself, she smiled, "Oh this is far better than expected," she patted her back proudly.

Why someone would get amused over the smallest things, he would never know. And yet…

"So how was your day?"

"Fine," he kept eating in silence. He enjoyed silence.

She nodded, "Mine was good too, I walked around the neighborhood, it seems there's a lot of busy people here, and there was this guy," he noticed her voice change, "WOW he was just WOW. Is running without a shirt a thing here? Because I can get used to that." She joked.

He almost rolled his eyes. How school-girl-ish of her. "He's married," the doctor added instead. He knew who this shirtless man was, he'd seen him every now and then, sometimes with a blond woman he presumed was his wife, and sure enough he always ran without a shirt.

"Makes sense. Figures," she took a big bite of her delightful spaghetti, "as they say, all the good ones are always taken."

He didn't say anything, yet somehow Caitlin felt like the house had gotten noticeably colder.

"Wait, oh don't get me wrong," she waved her hands in front of her, "not that I was -you know- I would...no never…" and it was because of reasons like this that she stayed far away from joking.

"You can," Barry set his utensils down, "our contract doesn't forbid it. As long as you don't get caught."

She cocked her head to the side and looked at him with calm and warm eyes, "I know, but I wouldn't. We made a promise."

"We aren't actually married."

She shook her head, "You're wrong. We are. Just because our marriage has more clauses and a set deadline, doesn't make it any less valid Barry."

"Caitlin, it doesn't matter to me what you do," he hoped she wasn't getting the wrong idea about their business transaction.

She smiled tiredly, almost the same way a mother would to a stubborn child, "Barry, it matters. It matters to me, and it matters to you, or at least it should," she paused trying to formulate her next words, "let me put this in terms you understand."

He felt offended she was treating him like a child, but allowed her to continue.

"You and I," she said while motioning her index finger back and forth between them, "we are in a partnership, a business deal, a contract, whatever you want to call it. Bottom line is, we are partners and we are in this together."

He stayed silent and just gave her an undecipherable look.

"And yes it matters what we do. Because we need to respect each other, look out for each other, and ensure our best interest," she smiled sideways, "wouldn't you agree Dr. Allen?"

Somehow, unbeknownst to him, he returned her smile, very, very, faintly, so much so that if she blinked she would miss it. "I suppose."

She beamed at him, "What's this! Barry Allen is actually smiling AND agreeing with me," she turned around pretending there was an audience, "everyone, stop the presses, this is an exclusive."

He got up and started to pick up his plate, "How childish," he muttered, pretending to be annoyed, but the light flicker at the corner of his mouth was betraying him.

She laughed and started to clean up as well, "Yes, yes, old man, I'm a child at heart."

He didn't answer her this time and started to do the dishes.

Caitlin bumped his shoulder, "I got it, you don't have to clean."

"It's fine. Aren't we partners looking out for each other?" he said, throwing her words back at her with a hint of playfulness.

The woman responded in kind and gave him a big grin, "You got that right partner," she quickly started gathering all the pots, pans, containers, and uhm, burnt pans that had been hidden (from previous unsuccessful attempts) and placed them next to Barry.

He eyed the dishes and then looked at her, "On second thought...I think you got his."

She cracked up after that.

{-}

Next morning Caitlin did not want to attempt to make breakfast, lest she created another World War III in the kitchen. However, getting some bagels or donuts for them wouldn't hurt. They've known each other for a few months, and have been married for two days, but she finally started to see Barry's armor crack, if ever so slightly, yesterday night. What kind of life he led to become so guarded, was still a mystery to her. One that she felt compelled to solve.

As she placed her fluffy scarf and got out of her room the smell of something delicious plagued her nostrils. Intrigued, she headed to the kitchen and was flabbergasted at the sight. Ok since when did Barry look like a pro contestant of Master Chef?

"Am I dreaming or is the almighty Dr. Allen actually making pancakes?"

He rolled his eyes, "You got a problem with that Snow?"

Instead of responding she took off her scarf and gloves and threw them at the couch, "No sir," she dashed towards the islander and extended a plate his way so she could get some hot and ready pancakes.

"That's what I thought."

After he finished making the batch he took a seat and served himself.

"Oh my GOD Barry these are amazing!" as if her words weren't enough she let out a delighted squeal, "Pancakes are one of God's gifts to humanity."

Barry shook his head and took a small bite of his pancakes as a normal adult would. Once again he wondered why this woman got amused so easily. Perhaps when he told her she hadn't lived enough it was a huge understatement.

"Honestly, I didn't think you would be here today, or at least not in the morning."

"I wasn't."

"Yes, not surprised there," an awkward silence ensued, which Caitlin quickly broke, "So," she started, "is there a reason why you're here on a Saturday and acting like a normal human being."

Barry got himself more pancakes before answering, "My old man."

"Go on."

"He paid me a visit yesterday and asked me to stay."

"He does seem like the caring type. I'm glad you actually listen to someone."

Clearly that wasn't what Barry wanted to hear since he stopped eating and picked up his plate instead.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, what did I say?"

"Nothing."

She bid farewell to her pancakes and went after her husband, "Barry, don't think I haven't noticed this weird relationship you have with your dad."

"Maybe you should mind your own business."

And that was that.

{-}

Sunday the house felt strange to Barry. It had been his home for the last 5 years and yet something felt out of place. It was far too quiet. Not that he minded, much. He enjoyed silence and solitude. But something was amiss.

He walked to the living room and noticed a pair of gloves, that weren't his, on the couch. Clearly he'd need to remind Caitlin about picking up after herself. As he got closer he noticed there was a post-it note on it.

Working morning at Jitters and afternoon at CCU Library. Catch you for dinner.

PS. Adding a little bit of color to that monochrome ;)

The gloves were a bright red.

So Caitlin.

{x}