Lovely Arrangements
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Year 1 Month 10
The day had finally come and she was getting ready for the Fall Gala Barry had invited her to. He had explained she wasn't forced to attend, but if she wanted the experience, the ticket would be available to her.
As usual, the man had his way with words.
Barry hadn't offered for them to go together but rather to simply meet there, since he had to finalize event details. She didn't mind. Her main goal was to get there and enjoy the event. The first one of its kind in her book.
She stepped out of the taxi and looked at the Civic Center in awe. Everything was so fancy, out of a fairy tale book. Everyone was well dressed, men in their tuxedos, women with all sorts of beautiful and colorful gowns. If she didn't know any better she would think she was dreaming.
"Caitlin!" Cisco's voice came from a few feet ahead. He was wearing a black tuxedo with red Converse shoes, typical Cisco. She didn't fail to notice, he was with one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. With golden hair, piercing blue eyes, and a golden dress that complimented her figure and aesthetic very well.
It left no doubt in her mind that she was Cisco's Golden Goddess —and the title was well deserved.
"Glad you could make it," the engineer said with a grin, "this is my girlfriend, soon to be wife, Lisa Snart."
"So that's your name," Caitlin said to herself, and both Cisco and Lisa looked at each other with funny smiles. "Sorry about that, I'm used to Cisco calling you his Golden Goddess."
Lisa smiled and kissed Cisco on the cheek, "I wouldn't expect anything less, Cuddly Bear."
Caitlin snorted, trying to suppress a laugh, but was unsuccessful.
"Not all of us have the gift with nicknames," he shrugged, "anywho, Lisa, this is Caitlin Snow, Barry's wife."
Lise tsked, "My condolences," she said with mock seriousness.
Caitlin giggled, "He's not that bad, in fact Barry is a lot nicer than people give him credit for."
"See babe, that's what I keep telling you," Cisco emphasized.
Lisa just rolled her eyes, "It's the love Cuddly Bear, she's blinded."
"Lisa has had beef with Barry since the one time he criticized her art exhibit," Cisco whispered to Caitlin.
The former barista nodded. "That makes sense,"
"He knows nothing about art," Lisa said annoyed, "do I tell him anything about his lousy leadership? Noooo."
"Babe, he's won numerous leadership awards," Cisco said trying to calm his girlfriend down.
Even Caitlin knew that was the wrong thing to say and instantly pitied the man.
"Really now? Fine," Lisa gave Caitlin a kiss on the cheek, "Nice meeting you Caitlin. I hope we have a more amicable meeting next time," she turned around facing away from the two, "and you Francisco, go and cuddle with your friend Barry. Since you seem to be so in love with his leadership," she stomped away and headed inside.
"Sorry about that," Cisco said as he tailed right behind his Golden Goddess.
Those two were a dynamic couple indeed. She followed suit and finally made her way to the inside, and as she expected it was even more breathtaking than the exterior.
"Mademoiselle," she heard Jax from the side.
She turned to face him and both bowed with a faux reverence, "Monsieur."
"You look stunning," he said sincerely.
"Right back at ya'," she agreed. Jax was wearing a navy blue tuxedo with a black tie. "I'm surprised I found you and Cisco here today."
He took a sip of his wine and walked with Caitlin further inside. "We generally don't come to these events all that much. It isn't my kinda scene you know."
"Well I think you and Cisco play the part well."
Jax grinned, "I figured it would be a good change of scenery, besides," he wiggled his eyebrows, "here's where you meet the fancy ladies," sadly his grocery-girl fling ended all too soon. But he was ready for a new chapter.
She punched him slightly on the shoulder, "Dork."
Even though Caitlin was an instant crush and an instant heart break for Jax. There was still something about her that he had an affinity for. He hadn't been able to place it into words for the last few months that they've been working together. Yet somewhere along the way, they both found an easy camaraderie, and got along very well.
In fact, Caitlin adjusted so easily with their team, that all the boys have been persuading her to change majors to engineering, to no avail of course.
"Lady in the turquoise dress hasn't stopped looking at you since we walked in," Caitlin whispered.
"You're the best wing-woman to ever exist, have I told you that?"
"Only like a thousand times," she laughed lightly.
"Doesn't make it any less true," he waved his friend goodbye and walked inconspicuously towards the woman Caitlin had alluded to.
Now that she was all alone, she searched around for Barry with her eyes, but could not find him. There were too many people. She thought about calling him, but worried he would be occupied talking to others and she didn't want to impose.
She picked up a glass of white wine and walked around the area to continue her search but was unsuccessful. After a while she spotted a large balcony that was empty. With a smile, she walked resolutely to her target, which seemed to have the most glorious view of the outside.
{-}
As head of Allen Memorial hospital, it was only normal that he would spearhead functions like these. Nevertheless, they were tiring, time consuming, and emotionally draining. There was only so much he could fake interest in the menial lives of the shallow people he encountered most times.
"Barry Allen," he heard from behind, a voice he would recognize anywhere, "long time no see kid."
"Mr. Wayne," Barry said with genuine enthusiasm, "I wasn't expecting you here in Central City."
"I was in town, and this was the perfect opportunity to speak with my business protégé," the two shook hands and shared a quick hug. "And how many times have I told you to call me Bruce?"
Barry chuckled, "I will forever be grateful for your teachings."
"Are you closer to your goal Allen?"
"Yes sir, now it's only a matter of time," he said cryptically, but Bruce Wayne understood all too well.
"I see," he twirled the red liquid in the glass, "just be careful with what you wish for."
Barry nodded, "Is that a wedding band I see?"
"Ever the observant," Bruce raised his hand showcasing his golden band, "I got married a few years back."
"I wasn't aware, I'm surprised it didn't make the news," Barry wondered pensively.
"It was a private affair," Bruce added, "I'm sure you would know a lot about that," he said with a knowing smirk, looking at a similar golden band on his ring finger.
The doctor hid a small smile, he would never be able to surpass his business mentor, "You caught me."
"Who's your lucky lady? Didn't think you had it in you actually."
Barry shrugged, "Neither did I, but it was at the request of the old man."
"Barry," Bruce warned.
"I mean, it was at the request of my father," Barry amended. His mentor had suffered the loss of his parents at a young age, and had always been very adamant about respecting and cherishing your parents while you had them.
Bruce was also aware of the disdain that tarnished Barry's relationship with his father. However, he never excused his protégé to speak ill of the older Allen. Much less after he met the man.
"So it was an arranged marriage?" Bruce surmised.
Barry shook his head, "Something like that."
"Well, I'd like to meet her one day."
"Of course," Barry agreed, "what about Mrs. Wayne, did she join you?"
Bruce laughed, "Oh don't let her hear you calling her Mrs. Wayne, she would claw your tongue out —literally,"
"Noted."
"She should be around here somewhere," he started to look around but didn't find her. "Actually, maybe she left. No offense, but events like this bore her."
"None taken," Barry nodded, "I'm inclined to agree with her, but if anyone else asks, I'll deny it."
"You learned well Allen."
"I learned from the best…Bruce."
"Maybe next time, you get to introduce me to Mrs. Allen?"
Barry scanned the room briefly wondering if Caitlin decided to come, "Maybe. Her name is Caitlin."
Bruce eyed him curiously. Perhaps it was the tone that was used, a bit softer than he was used to hearing from his mentee. Or the lack of disdain in his overall demeanor. The leader of Wayne Enterprises, raised his glass one last time and took his leave.
Barry responded in kind and exchanged some additional pleasantries with the attendees. Until he spotted a female figure on the far out corners of a balcony. A small smile instantly appeared and he excused himself.
{-}
The wind was a soft caress on her skin and she enjoyed the view of the city landscape. While the event was story book worthy, somehow it felt a bit hollow. Perhaps because she was alone in this sea of people.
"Penny for your thoughts."
A small smile formed on her lips and she turned around to meet the eyes of her husband.
"Looking fancy," she gave him a thumbs up in approval. He was wearing a black tuxedo ensemble with a crimson tie, and dare Caitlin say he looked very dashing with those colors. "I'm glad you took my advice with the tie."
He took one last sip from his glass of wine and set it aside, "You look very nice, by the way."
Caitlin looked down at her dress and back up at Barry with a smile, "Well that's a step up."
"A step up?" He asked, amused.
"Yes. You said I looked decent, the day we got married," they both leaned on the balcony.
Barry let out a small laugh, "Ah, yes," those times seemed like so long ago. "Well, you do look decent, if that makes you feel better."
"Barry!" She slapped him lightly on the shoulder, "For the record, women like to be praised."
"You don't say."
"In detail," she stressed.
He observed her again and cocked his head to the side, "Something looks a little different though."
"Ah, you noticed," she moved her hair to the side and patted the red bow gently. "This was the only dress I had for the occasion, but I wanted to spice it up a little," the ribbons were a crimson color, very similar to his tie.
Then it dawned on Barry why the dress was so familiar. It was, in fact, the same dress she wore for their wedding. However, instead of the ribbons being the same color of the ivory dress, they were red.
He outstretched his hand to hold a loose ribbon from the bow. Caitlin only observed as his hand slowly descended to the end of the ribbon and inconspicuously caressed her bare shoulder, just barely.
She didn't realize she was holding her breath until he removed his hand.
"Very creative," he said as he finished examining the dyed material.
"Thank you," she breathed out, and turned towards the city landscape.
He followed her lead, "You know, if you needed to get a new dress, you could have told me."
She snorted lightly, "God no."
He rested his head on his hand and turned to her, "Why not?"
"Why not?" she turned around quickly, "Barry, you seriously think I would ask you to buy me a dress?" just the thought was ridiculous.
"I don't see why not."
"How could I in good conscience ask you to spend any money on me?" she said with conviction, "You're already providing me a roof and food that I don't have to pay for. I can't be this abusive."
Barry smiled mockingly, "Seriously? That's your response to this?"
"Don't make fun of me Allen. I'm being serious!" She chided, but smiled anyway.
"A dress won't break the bank Caitlin," he reasoned.
"It would break mine," she said honestly, "Do you know how much a dress costs these days? A good chunk of my tuition, that's how much."
He resisted the urge to roll his eyes and simply shook his head, "It's not that big of a deal, you can think of it as an investment."
"You buy dresses for your employees?" She teased.
This time he did roll his eyes but kept his smile intact. "Ok, fine, think of it as a gift then."
She pondered on that option for a few seconds, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. I don't anticipate needing a dress any time soon."
"We have at least two of these events per year, so who knows," he said as an afterthought.
"Seriously?" She looked at her dress and wondered what further modifications she could make to it.
"Don't even think of it Snow," he said with a pointed look, as if reading her mind.
She smiled innocently, "No one has to know."
"I would," he offered her his hand, and she took it without question. "The least I could do is buy you a decent —," she giggled, "or rather, a pretty dress."
"God forbid the CEO's wife is seen with the same dress more than once," she said mockingly.
He led her to the inside of the ballroom, their argument on dress purchases forgotten, and turned her around as he placed one hand on her lower back and settled on a dance stance. Caitlin stopped and looked around, only to realize they were exactly in the middle of the dance floor.
"Barry?"
"Hm," he pulled her slightly closer.
"We're not—"
"Dancing? Of course we are," he smiled gently.
She grew nervous at the prospect, "I know we didn't have a wedding dance or anything, so you probably don't know, but I'm a terrible dancer," she stressed.
"I highly doubt that."
"I'm being completely honest."
He lowered his head and whispered, "Just follow the music,"
As Caitlin looked at the man in front of her, Barry mouthed three, two, one…he snapped his fingers, and as if like magic, the lights dimmed down, only leaving the spotlight on the titular couple. The piano strings combined with the violin began playing familiar chords.
Caitlin knew the melody by heart, and a warm feeling took over her. Her eyes focused on Barry and she took a deep look at his features, settling on his eyes, generally guarded and cold. Today, however, they shone with a different emotion, something she couldn't quite pinpoint or define, but could only say it was welcoming and kind. Not for the first time, she thought that Barry was indeed a caring person, as much as he tried to deny it.
But who was this man really?
Barry, on the other hand, started leading her with his steps and easy movements. He followed the melody and let his body do the rest. Meanwhile, taking in the delight of the woman he had been living with for the last couple of months. She was happy, and oddly enough that made him happy too.
It was so intriguing to think that he couldn't stand the sight of her when they first met, and even questioned his friend's choice for a temporary wife. It didn't take long for her to make a positive impression on him, however. As hard as that was for everyone else. Perhaps part of it was that she reminded him of his mother. Or it could be that there was a certain charm about her that made her so endearing. He knew it wasn't just him, Cisco, and clearly the rest of his team (especially Jax) were very fond of her in the short months they've known the woman.
Whatever the case might be, he was content being here at this exact moment, with her.
"I can't believe you did this," she said with a twinkle in her eye, as she swayed with the familiar and magical melody.
He gave her a discrete smile, "I have no idea what you're talking about," he feigned innocence, while twirling her around on the dance floor. "But you can think of it as an overdue wedding dance."
She smiled and continued moving to the beat of the music. She remembered Barry's reluctance and unease to even watch the movie, and all the chaos that ensued afterwards. Despite the eye rolls, his complaints, her constant gushing over the main character, the one thing they both agreed upon was the beautiful musical score.
"I want that melody to play on my wedding day," she said dreamily.
He eyed her from the corner of his eye, "It's nice, I suppose."
She turned to him as if he had slapped her in the face, "Nice? Nice! No Barry! The Merry Go Round of Life, is a beautiful and magical masterpiece," she exclaimed emphatically. "It transports you to this place where everything is possible. Where everything you've ever dreamed of is at your fingertips." She even reached out and touched the nothingness ahead of her as if it were a magical object.
Barry would never admit to it, but Caitlin was absolutely right. That piece did have that effect and so much more. "And I take it, this has nothing to do with the animated main character you've been so vocal about for the last two hours."
She grinned at him playfully, "Having the right partner just adds to the fantasy, don't you think?"
"I'm honestly impressed you are such an amazing dancer."
The doctor's lips curved up into a small and triumphant smile, "The more you know Sophie," he teased.
She let out a small laugh, "I wouldn't expect anything less Howl."
{-}
From afar, the older doctor looked at the couple ahead wearing enchanting smiles for one another and opening the dance floor for the rest of the guests. Things were changing, and it seemed like his son and daughter-in-law were not aware. Clearly there was a shift in the relationship. He vividly remembered the coldness his son introduced the woman with the first time they met, and how Barry couldn't care less about being married. It was obvious he was more bothered than anything else by his marriage. Caitlin, for all intents and purposes, was simply a means to an end for his son.
That wasn't completely true anymore.
"They look good together," a deep voice said from the side.
"I couldn't agree more," Henry Allen turned to meet his friend. "I can say the same about you and Selina."
Bruce chuckled, "Glad you didn't say Mrs. Wayne."
Henry laughed, "I learned from that first time."
"She is a strong and independent woman," Bruce recited. "Dare I say that young lady over there is also."
The doctor nodded, "Barry's met his match."
{-}
Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was the laughs. Maybe it was the way she looked at him that night, the spark in her eyes, the rosiness of her cheeks, or how she leaned on his shoulder from time to time.
Or perhaps, it was the way she listened attentively to the people around her. So unlike the mechanical way he did. He could tell she actually cared about the older ladies' stories. Or the anecdotes of the good old days the older guests would share. She was warm, inviting, giving, and kind.
Whatever it was. All that mattered was that it led to this moment.
They walked into their home, and she graciously thanked him not only for the invitation but for lending her his coat for the rest of the night. As it was customary, he told her there was no need for that, but she insisted in true Caitlin fashion.
In return, she offered to help him with the tie that had given him so much trouble that night.
"How did you even put this thing together?" She said as she struggled to undo the intricate tie style, "I only know how to do a windsor knot and that's because my dad was so bad at it himself," she laughed a little.
He was listening, or rather trying very hard to. Somehow his eyes were drawn to every little detail from her face. From how her smiling eyes were so vivid and warm, to her biting of her lower lip in deep concentration.
"Almost there," she said happily, already smelling victory.
Just as she was pulling away the last traces of the crimson tie from his neck, Barry raised his hand to capture hers.
She looked up in surprise, but didn't say a word.
{-}
Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was the laughs. Maybe it was Barry's penetrating green eyes that could look so deep inside her soul. Maybe it was that subtle caress to her shoulder, or the dance that made them break that barrier of personal space they were both so fond of.
Or perhaps it was the magic of the music that she loved. His mischievous smile. Or the strength he carried himself with. Next to him she felt like anything was possible. Or that sure smile, always prideful, always mischievous, and that night was even a bit vulnerable.
Whatever it was. It had all led to this moment.
They walked into their home and she took off the coat he had lent her that night. His easy deflection of the gesture, so much like him, was endearing. In return, she offered to help him undo his tie. Not that he needed any assistance, she just wanted to be of help. Or perhaps, in the further depths of her heart she had the selfish desire to extend their closeness. She wasn't sure.
"How did you even put this thing together?" She said as she struggled to undo the knot, purposefully ignoring the emerald eyes that were watching her every move. "I only know how to do a windsor knot, and that's because my dad was so bad at it himself," she let out a nervous laugh.
He didn't say anything at her lousy attempt of breaking up the tension. Most likely he was tired and not up for any more of her antics, but she didn't miss the intensity of his watchful eyes. She could feel them.
"Almost there," this was almost over, and this magical night would soon come to an end.
Just as she was pulling away the crimson material, Barry's hand imprisoned hers and she had no choice but to finally confront those penetrating emerald eyes.
{-}
Her eyes were looking at him with a questioning look. Wondering what he would do next. But he was relieved to see that there was no fear or disgust in them. For a man who had always known and calculated his next move. He was now in a position where he didn't know.
The thought was both exciting and terrifying.
She was watching him, hyper aware of his breath, his gaze, how a few erratic locks of hair fell on his forehead, making him look much younger. She raised her free hand to brush them away and allowed herself to let her fingers caress his cheek.
He leaned in slowly, painfully slow, and she didn't move not even an inch. He gently lowered their hands but didn't let go. He limited himself to look at her. Take in her soft hazel eyes, so trusting, so open, and so kind.
"Cait," he breathed.
Her hand snaked around his neck, and whether she pulled him or he eliminated the distance between them, would be a debate for years to come.
Her kiss was soft and tentative, as if she couldn't believe this was happening at all, but refused to break the moment. She would later blame the wine, blame the music, blame herself, but right this instant none of that mattered. She just wanted to live this moment. To relish in this experience. Whatever happened after, would be a worry for her future self.
He placed his hands around the small of her back and pulled her close. Following her lead and slowly deepening their kiss. These were new waters they were both diving into. Yet he'd never been afraid of the unknown, today wouldn't be the case either. He kissed her, caressed her, cherished her. Whether she knew it or not, he was willing to do anything she asked at that moment.
He was ready for more, wanted more. He wanted everything she was willing to give. And the moment he realized where his thoughts were headed…he froze.
Just like it had all begun, it ended.
{x}
If it isn't obvious why this one is one of my favorite chapters...I'm giving you judgmental eyes.
Last chapter we were introduced to one of my unhealthy obsessions (Howl's Moving Castle). Just so you know, it is a heavy influencer of this story so you'll see some (not so) subtle references throughout. If you haven't read the book or watched the movie, what are you waiting for!?
A very special thanks to the readers of the previous chapter, specially to the reviewers: Shyesplease (lol, I see you too!), Rosewelllostcause, Hanabatake (You're words were really sweet, thank you!), and NNathann.