A/N: I had a lot of fun during ship week and decided to challenge myself to post a fall-themed fic every Sunday of October. When coming up with ideas, I realized I wanted to continue the Playtime In The Park storyline. The rest of my planned fics won't be part of this series, but I'll add to it later.
After their initial encounter at the park, Caitlin was pleasantly surprised to find that not only had Charlie and Jesse become fast friends, but the same applied to her relationship with Harrison – or Harry, as he'd granted her permission to call him during an unscheduled third meeting. She'd still been thinking about how well their planned meet-up at the park went and thrumming with anticipation of the next time when she'd found him waiting in her examination room in the ER. His shock over her entrance had left no doubt in her mind that he hadn't known it was her workplace.
She, in turn, had learned that he was starting his own research facility with a focus on physics and technology, and that his business partner – while brilliant – didn't always properly adhere to lab safety or use his common sense. One such blunder had resulted in a small explosion that had embedded small pieces of shrapnel in Harry's arm and left side as well as given him first-degree burns. The nurse had already numbed the area, so she got to work.
She'd carefully removed the visible bits of metal before instructing Harry to remove his shirt, so she could inspect for anything smaller as well as treat his wounds. A thorough inspection had revealed a dozen more, which she extricated and placed alongside the others in a tray. Only after he confirmed that he didn't feel the presence of anything embedded in his skin had Caitlin set down her tools and moved on to applying the antibiotic.
It wasn't until after she'd covered his injuries with gauze that Dr. Snow faded back to give way to Caitlin, the woman. Before Harry slipped his shirt back on, that woman had noticed her earlier observation about his hidden muscles had been accurate. She just hadn't accounted for the defined abdominal muscles, or how difficult it would be to focus on her instructions for wound care. It was before he left that he'd told her she could call him 'Harry' rather than Harrison.
Harry insisted on paying for ice cream the next time they'd met at the park, and, by the end of their time together, they'd exchanged numbers – under the pretense of it being so they could inform the other if they were running late or couldn't make it to the park, but both knew it was about more than that.
In the week that elapsed since that visit, they'd texted each other a few times a day, and Harry's arm healed up to where it was still sore but no longer needed to be wrapped in gauze – something he'd made sure Caitlin signed off on. Both looked forward to their daily texts and found it made the workday less cumbersome. The messages while off the clock were welcome, too.
As Caitlin sat on what they'd deemed their bench at the park and held onto Charlie's leash, she received one such text. A smile lit her face as she read how Harry and Jesse were running a bit late because of traffic, but they'd be there soon. An even bigger smile formed when, true to his word, Harry and Jesse joined her five minutes later. She stood up to greet them.
"Sorry again. I had to rake the yard, but miscalculated how much longer it would take with a sore arm," Harry apologized, forgoing the usual greeting.
"It's okay, Harry." Caitlin's eyes briefly dropped to where Jesse and Charlie were sharing a greeting and softened before her warm gaze moved back to the man in front of her. "Charlie and I aren't in a rush." A more serious expression stole over her features, and she gestured at his arm. "You didn't overdo it, did you?"
Harry glanced down at the sleeve covering his arm a moment before raising his eyes and shaking his head. "I paced myself, and it's nothing strenuous. Still, I made sure to check my arm after. None of my scabs opened up, so I think I'm good."
"Good," Caitlin breathed, worried expression clearing as her eyes lit up. "Not that I don't enjoy your company, but I'd rather you not visit my emergency room again."
The friendly teasing inherent in her tone made Harry chuckle. "Ditto – although, I have to say you have an excellent bedside manner."
Both picked up on the way that phrase could be construed, but were saved from navigating that potential minefield by the way of Jesse.
Grinning from her squatted position next to Charlie, Jesse looked between the two a moment and then spoke. "Hi, Caitlin! Thanks for your help with my biology project! Those sources you recommended really helped, and I got the best grade in the class! All the older kids were jealous!"
"You're welcome! I was happy to help. Feel free to ask me again anytime." Caitlin returned Jesse's smile and nodded at Harry with her head. "Just let your dad know, and he'll pass it on to me."
"Okay!"
Seeing an opening in the conversation, Harry interjected, "Why don't we get to walking and head towards the recreational area? Charlie looks impatient."
"That's probably because he saw me put one of his toys in my purse. He knows he'll get to play fetch." Caitlin let out a fond sigh and looked down at her dog, who only smiled back.
Jesse stood up and dusted her pants off. She crossed over to her dad's side. "And maybe play in the leaves?" While her question was directed towards Caitlin, her eyes were on her dad.
Rolling his eyes fondly, Harry said, "Yes, you can play in the leaves." He caught Caitlin's curious look and explained. "I wouldn't let Jesse jump into the leaves I raked since I was cleaning the yard. She was disappointed."
"Understandable – for both of you. Thankfully, this park doesn't have a No Playing In The Leaves policy," Caitlin stated, tone conspiratorial and with a twinkle in her eyes.
By silent consensus, the group began walking down the path. Charlie trotted up ahead of them while the three humans stuck close together and chatted amiably. The crisp, cool weather meant not too many bicyclists were around, so they didn't have to worry about avoiding a collision and could freely appreciate the warm colors surrounding them.
The reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves reflected on the lake's surface. The visual brought the evening a certain kind of warmth that, while not physical, helped fight the chill in the air. Birds sang from the trees, ducks swam in the lake and bobbed to catch the fish swimming under the surface, and elderly couples sat huddled together on benches. A quiet fell upon the group as they absorbed the tranquility.
Leaves crunched under their feet once they stepped off the paved footpath and onto the grass of the recreational area. They moved past the picnic tables and outdoor grills until there was nothing but a large expanse of grass next to a grove of trees. There they stopped.
Caitlin leaned down to unhook Charlie from his leash. "There you go, buddy." She watched him as he sniffed around and wagged his tail in excitement once he recognized the scent of his favorite play area. While he relieved himself on one of the trees, she reached into her purse and retrieved a tennis ball.
Charlie, having finished his business, noticed Jesse playing in the leaves and ran over to her. He attempted to pounce on the leaves she kicked up, but only tackled air. A sharp squeal captured his attention, and he looked over to find Caitlin holding his toy. He crouched down on his front paws – butt wiggling in the air with focused energy.
"I think he wants you to throw it," Harry stage whispered, watching the dog with amusement.
"You may be right." Caitlin lifted the ball higher. "Do you want it, Charlie?"
Charlie barked in the affirmative, and his tail wagged harder.
"Then go get it!" Caitlin threw the ball a couple yards away and watched her dog run after it.
Joining the action, Jesse made as if she were going to get the ball instead. Naturally, Charlie got there first and dashed off with his prize. All calls to drop the ball went unheeded by him as he lured her into a game of chase. After a while, Jesse stopped and braced her hands on her knees, so she could catch a breath. As she recovered, Charlie ambled over and dropped the ball in front of her.
"Oh, so now you want to drop it?" Jesse resisted a smile as the dog merely wagged his tail. She reached down to pick up the ball.
Caitlin fought back a laugh and apologized. "Sorry about that. He hasn't quite gotten the hang of playing fetch. He won't give the ball to be thrown unless you run around with him. I'm trying to break him of that habit, but no luck so far." She shrugged her shoulders helplessly. "At least it's good exercise?"
"Has he ever been chased by more than one person? Would that make him drop it sooner?" Jesse asked, giving the tennis ball in her hand a contemplative stare.
Caitlin stared down at Charlie and bit her lip. "I'm not sure…usually, it's just been me."
Seeing the curiosity on both their faces, Harry grinned and offered, "We could test it out? As long as it wouldn't scare Charlie, of course."
"Maybe with strangers, but Charlie knows and likes you both. I think he'd find it fun."
With Caitlin's reassurance and approval, Jesse launched the tennis ball, and they tested the theory. Caitlin's prediction about Charlie enjoying the game proved accurate, but he did not relinquish control of the ball sooner. Rather, he held onto it even longer to extend the chase and engage with all three of them. None of them could become properly irritated with the dog. They instead worked together to try to outwit him – with limited success.
A wild throw caused the ball to head towards the grove of trees rather than the open grass. All four rushed to get to it first, but, as usual, Charlie arrived first and took off. He darted to and fro around their legs.
Feeling the ache traveling up his arm and side, Harry took a breather by one of the trees and watched the other two chase after Charlie. The corners of his mouth tugged upward as he wiped the sweat off his brow. His eyes drifted over to the patch of sky visible from a break in the tree line. Recognizing the first hints of sunset in how pink faded into blue, he checked his watch to find it was somehow a quarter past seven already. He opened his mouth to call out to his daughter and Caitlin.
Meanwhile, Caitlin was hot on Charlie's trail and didn't notice Harry up ahead. Her eyes never wavered from her dog, so she saw the moment he suddenly darted to the left. The momentum carried her forward, and she couldn't turn in enough time – much less notice the man locked in her collision course. She barely saw Harry in her peripheral before she ran into him and threw them both off balance.
The impact of Caitlin's body threw Harry off, but he managed to grip her around the waist and twist them away from the tree behind him. Caitlin lifted her hands to brace against his shoulders, and she squinted her eyes shut. Both tumbled into a leaf pile, which barely cushioned their fall. The dual force of Caitlin crashing into him and him hitting the ground knocked the breath out of Harry, and his whole body protested the rough treatment
Caitlin was similarly winded, but knew Harry had taken the brunt of things. Her eyes opened, and she immediately winced at the sight of Harry's pained face. "I'm so sorry, Harry! I got so caught up in things that I didn't see you there." She lifted herself up slightly and fought the blush that wanted to emerge when she realized their legs had become tangled together. "How's your left side?"
"It's been better," Harry admitted, sharply breathing in through his nose. He saw the guilty look on her face and shook his head. "It was an accident. I'll be fine. I just need to catch my breath." He took a couple seconds to breathe through the pain.
Shifting her weight to his uninjured side, Caitlin attempted to get herself into a position where she could get off of him. She didn't foresee him making a move at the same time, or expect to fall forward once more onto his chest. Her breath left her, and she couldn't help but notice the way she was straddling his leg. Heat rushed up her neck and to her cheeks. "Uh, sorry again," she stuttered.
"I think that one was on both of us." Ears pink, Harry's blue eyes darted away a moment before refocusing on the woman on top of him. He took in the flush on her cheeks and the dilation of her eyes. Without the previous pain making itself known, her warmth registered in his brain as well as how much their position didn't bother him. It was because of his close examination that he noticed when her gaze dropped to his mouth. Instinctively, he licked his lips. He saw her eyes darken further. Their surroundings fell away, and he felt the furious beat of his heart.
Almost as if moved by an unseen force, both leaned in at the same time, and their lips met. Their kiss contrasted the roughness of the encounter that brought them into close proximity. It was as soft as it was explorative. Harry lifted a hand to cradle the left side of her face, and she clutched at his jacket lapel. At some point, both their eyes drifted shut while their mouths moved together. Their eyes only opened again at the sound of a gasp, which was followed by a bark. They pulled back from each other and quickly found the source of the sounds.
Jesse had a hand pressed against her mouth, but it did little to disguise the way the corners of her mouth curved upward. Next to her, Charlie peered at them as his tail fanned behind him furiously. The tennis ball rested between them, but neither paid it any mind. They only had eyes for the two on the ground.
Flushing, Harry gently helped ease Caitlin into a crouch above him, and sat up once she moved over to his right side. The leaves crinkled under his hands. Nervous eyes tracked the expression on Jesse's face before switching to Caitlin. Her flush matched his, but, when their eyes met, he could tell she didn't regret it. The anxious grip on his heart released.
Caitlin watched as Harry's frame relaxed, and a soft smile broke through. "I think we maybe have things to talk about."
"I think you're right." Harry's smile matched hers. He let his gaze linger a moment before he picked himself off the ground and offered her his hand.
Caitlin's hand found his, and the other gripped his elbow for leverage while he pulled her up. She could hardly keep track of all the emotions flooding through her system: relief, nervous anticipation, happiness, and a strong desire to return their previous activity. They were joined by a warmth when he brushed stray leaves off her shoulders.
Once again, Jesse brought them out of their preoccupation with each other. "Does this mean you're boyfriend and girlfriend now?"
Harry coughed and took a half-step back to better face his daughter. "I – uh, we haven't really – we still need to talk about it, but…" His voice trailed off as he turned to Caitlin. The look on her face encouraged him to continue. "I wouldn't be opposed. While we haven't known each other that long, I didn't need much time to realize she's someone I want in my life." Realizing he was in danger of getting lost in her eyes again, he focused back on Jesse. "If we did date, nothing about our life would change – except Caitlin and Charlie would be around a bit more, and, if I'm not mistaken, you like spending time with them."
"I do," Jesse confirmed, beaming.
The enthusiastic approval loosened a knot in Caitlin's chest, and she could see it did the same for Harry. "Well, Jesse, I like your father very much. He's quickly become one of my closest friends, and Thursdays have become my favorite because it means I get to see both of you." Her brown eyes rose to meet Harry's gaze head-on. "I'd like to give it a try."
"I guess that means we are boyfriend and girlfriend now." He lifted an inquiring eyebrow.
Smiling, Caitlin dipped her head in agreement. "I guess so."
Jesse rushed over to embrace the two, and Charlie ran up beside her. "Good! I'm glad." She pulled back, and her face lit up. "Since you're dating, that means you can help dad chaperone on my school's field trip!"
"Jess, I don't think – "
"Come on, it'll be fun! It's next Friday at 10! There's a petting zoo, a corn maze, and a hayride," Jesse cut in, trying her best to convince Caitlin.
The hopeful eyes fixed on her had Caitlin suppressing a laugh, especially when she glanced over to see Harry's fond exasperation and helpless head shake. The idea didn't seem disagreeable to him, so she told Jesse, "I'll have to look at my schedule, but, as long as there aren't any major conflicts and it's okay with your dad, I'd love to."
Harry chuckled as Jesse quickly spun her head towards him. "If Caitlin's really fine with going and can make it, I don't see why not." While his daughter hugged him in apparent thanks, he locked eyes with Caitlin over her head and mouthed, "Are you really okay with this?"
"Yes, it sounds like fun, and I like spending time with you and Jesse, remember?" Her heart melted at his genuine attempt to make sure she didn't feel pressured.
The forming smile on his face froze as the word 'time' reminded Harry of what he meant to tell the others earlier. He tapped against Jesse's side to grab her attention. "It's getting late, and the sun's going to set soon. I know you've done most of your schoolwork, but you still have that essay, right?"
"Yes," Jesse groaned, pulling back from the hug so she could pout up at her dad. "Can't we hang out with Caitlin and Charlie longer? I mean, you two did just start dating a couple minutes ago."
Fighting back the grin threatening to break through, Harry made a show of checking his watch. Ten minutes had passed since he last checked. "It's almost half past seven – a little later than we usually go to get ice cream. I think the shop's closed now." He waited a beat as Jesse's face fell before continuing. "However, I think that café should still be open, so, if you don't mind getting hot chocolate instead – "
"Yes!" Jesse winced and lowered her volume. "I mean, yeah!"
Off Harry's inquiring look, Caitlin gave a smile and nodded. "Let me just gather my things and hook Charlie back up to his leash." She picked up the tennis ball along her way back over to where her purse rested on the ground. Tapping a hand against her leg, she called out, "Come here, Charlie!" She dropped the ball in her purse and removed his leash.
Running to his owner's side, Charlie sat down and stayed still as she clipped him back to his leash. His tongue lolled out of his mouth.
"You exhausted from all that playing?"
He only panted in response.
"Do you need to be carried?"
Charlie yipped in clear agreement.
"I can carry him!"
Shifting to look behind her, Caitlin noticed Harry and Jesse had joined her at some point. "Are you sure, Jesse?"
"I'm sure!"
"Okay." Caitlin handed Jesse the leash, and then showed her how to properly carry Charlie. Once satisfied, she handed him over. "If your arms get tired or you're done holding him, let me know, and I'll take over." She slung her purse strap back over her shoulder.
"Don't worry about that. I'm good," Jesse reassured, already walking back the way they came. "Plus, now you and dad can hold hands!"
A jolt shot up Caitlin's spine, and she wondered if she'd ever get used to casual statements about her relationship with Harry or if it was just because of the newness. A quick check out of the corner of her eyes told her he was similarly affected but with an extra dose of exasperation.
"We're already dating, and she's trying to play matchmaker." Wry humor laced Harry's tone, and he sent Caitlin a disbelieving stare.
"Does that mean you don't want to hold my hand?" Caitlin faked heartbreak, but knew the way her voice shook with barely contained laughter gave her away. She only made it a few steps before his palm brushed up against hers, and he laced their fingers together.
"I never said that." Harry kept his gaze straight ahead. His ears flushed when she squeezed his hand. He squeezed back.
The two lapsed into silence and followed Jesse back down the path to where the park café was set up. A brief conversation about payment broke out, but Harry insisted on paying – not without Caitlin negotiating she'd have the next turn. The trio settled down with their cups of hot chocolate at a picnic table while Jesse set Charlie down on the ground. He looked between the humans and cocked his head at Caitlin.
"Sorry. No ice cream today, buddy."
With a huff, Charlie turned himself around and laid down.
Conversation flowed easily as they drank their beverages. Jesse told Caitlin all about the frustrating essay assignment for her English class, Caitlin spoke about the nice lady in her apartment complex who watched Charlie for her while she was at work, and Harry got slight payback for Jessse's earlier comments in the form of sharing an amusing story about how a six year old Jesse wanted to adopt a gorilla from the zoo as her brother.
The evening's light dwindled down along with their drinks, but it still came as a surprise when the three threw their empty cups into a garbage bin.
"We seem to have lost track of time again," Harry stated, gesturing at the now closed café. His mouth twitched. "It's a good thing phones have a flashlight feature, or else we'd have a tough time finding our way out of here."
"Yeah, I don't think park benches would make for a very comfy mattress." Caitlin laughed. To her relief, their time drinking hot chocolate had restored Charlie's energy. She accepted his leash back from Jesse, and the group headed back to the entrance of the park.
Their chatter subsided the closer they arrived to where their paths diverged. The adults were lost in their own thoughts, but Jesse kept looking between them with a smile. Her eyes fell down to where their free hands kept brushing against each other – one of hers occupied with Charlie's leash while one of his held his phone's flashlight to illuminate their path. All too soon, they arrived in the parking lot.
Pausing in front of her car, Caitlin faced the Wellses. "Next week's still good, right?"
"Of course! We wouldn't miss it," Jesse enthused, nudging her dad's side.
Harry inclined his head to indicate agreement.
"Bye, Caitlin! See you next Thursday!" Jesse stepped forward to hug Caitlin.
"Bye, Jesse!" Gently returning the hug before releasing her hold, Caitlin smiled down at the young girl. Her smile widened as Jessed immediately crouched down to say her goodbyes to Charlie.
Harry sidled up to Caitlin – effectively capturing her attention. He hesitated a moment before speaking. "While we got here a lot quicker than I'd anticipated – if it would happen at all, that is – and the circumstances were different than the ones I envisioned, I'm glad it happened." His gaze dropped from hers briefly to rest on her lips. "How do you feel about goodbye kisses? Too soon, too forward, or…?"
"I think it's just right." Caitlin's eyes drifted down to his mouth, and she moved closer to him.
Not needing any further assurances, Harry leaned down to capture her lips. He kept the kiss light, but lingered for a few moments. Eyes opening just in time to watch hers flutter open, his gaze softened. "I'll text you later, and we can set up a date then?"
"Sounds like a plan," Caitlin agreed, slightly breathless.
Smiling, Harry took a step back. "Great." He kneeled down to give Charlie a pet. "Bye, Charlie." He straightened and sent Caitlin another smile. "See you later." As Jesse waved, Harry gently guided her in the direction of their vehicle.
Waving back, Caitlin watched them a moment then shook herself. She opened the passenger side door for Charlie, and then crossed over to the driver's side once he was secure. Hopping into the driver's seat and closing the door, she buckled herself in and started the car. She flicked on her headlights, and, once ensuring the path was clear, backed out of her parking spot and drove off into the night.
Her journey home went smoothly, and she avoided both heavy traffic and red lights. About twenty minutes after leaving the park, she pulled into her apartment complex's parking lot. It was an even shorter trip back up to her apartment.
Caitlin kicked off her shoes as soon as she closed the door and leaned down to unhook Charlie. She placed his leash on its hook on the wall. Sock-clad feet padded over to the couch, and she practically collapsed onto the soft cushions. Mind still reeling from the evening's events, she pressed a hand to her cheek and pinched her elbow with her free hand. A sharp pain registered, and she rubbed at the sore spot. It'd actually happened. She and Harry had kissed – twice!
Her eyes found Charlie where he was drinking from his water bowl, and narrowed. "Did you plan this from that first Thursday?"
He ignored the question and kept drinking, but his tail wagged.
"Clever boy." Before she could playfully interrogate her dog further, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled her phone out and checked the screen. She had a message from Harry. Clicking on message icon and unlocking her phone, she read his message.
'Hi. You've mentioned your typical schedule before, but how are noon-to-early afternoons on Mondays?'
Caitlin thought it over before typing. 'Barring emergencies or a short staff, I can get an hour away for lunch, but it's usually more like a half hour or forty minutes. :/' Realizing that didn't fully answer his question, she typed out another message. 'I typically get lunch around 1/1:30.' The typing notice appeared on her screen, and his message showed a moment later.
'How about I meet you there with lunch at 1? We can eat there, or drive somewhere with a view.'
'Sounds good.' Caitlin grinned as she typed. 'What kind of food are you thinking?'
'Well, my instincts say Big Belly Burger would be a 'no', so Italian or Chinese?'
'I'm amenable to those – even Big Belly Burger, but let's keep that a secret.' Caitlin pressed a hand against her mouth and grinned.
'Good to know. Still, I think I'll go with Chinese. Any food allergies I should know about, or general preferences?'
'No food allergies I'm aware of, and I love orange chicken and chow mein. Bourbon chicken's also good.'
'Got it.' It was a few moments before he began typing again. 'I do plan on taking you on a nicer date, too, but…I really just want to spend time alone with you and talk without having to worry about my daughter.'
The response startled a laugh at her as she recalled Jesse's suggestion to hold hands. 'Yeah, she was really enthusiastic about us getting together. It was sweet, and I didn't mind, but I agree. Some privacy would be nice.'
The three dots flashed again and kept going to the point Caitlin worried.
'It would. There was a lot I wanted to say to you, but held back because it's just not the kind of thing you talk about with others present, especially one's kid…I just want to say that I'm serious about seeing where things go with us and am not interested in anyone else – nor do I expect to be interested in anyone else.'
"Oh." The forthright response knocked Caitlin off-kilter, but in the most pleasant way imaginable. Heart swelling, her fingers danced along the phone's keyboard.
'It's the same for me. I'm glad we're on the same page.'
'Me, too. See you Monday.'
'See you then. Good night, Harry.'
'Night.'
Caitlin held her phone against her breast, and her smile stretched so wide it hurt. Her mind raced as her anticipation grew. Her last relationship hadn't worked out due to diverging career paths, but she had a feeling that wouldn't be a problem with Harry. From their past conversations, she knew he made time for those he cared about, and she'd somehow fallen in that category. Another key factor was how he'd established his business in Central City. No one built their business in one place only to move to another.
No, Harry Wells would stay. She was sure of it. Despite only knowing him for a month, she had a decent enough read on him to know he wouldn't risk a relationship if he weren't serious about it – he'd even said as much! – or if he believed it wouldn't go anywhere. He had his daughter to consider.
Charlie jumped on the couch and successfully derailed Caitlin's train of thought. He placed his front paws on her thigh to give her a kiss.
Scrunching her face at his wet beard, she laughed. "Oh, so you want to give me kisses now? Feeling jealous of Harry?"
Charlie, finished with kissing Caitlin's face, settled down against her side. He let out a sigh when she petted him.
"Oh, right. You're not because you planned for this. I forgot." Her smirk faded into a sincere smile. "Thank you, Charlie."
He lifted his head to regard her before placing his head in her lap. As she scratched behind his ears, a soft rumble left his throat.
"I'll have to pick up some ice cream for you tomorrow as a special treat."
By the way his tail wagged, he liked the sound of that idea.
A/N: Feedback is always appreciated! :)