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Great Possibilities
D-1
Caitlin felt on arm resting on her waist and a familiar warmth enveloping her. She felt at peace and protected... and she also felt her legs tangled with someone else's. This sent warning bells to her head and she snapped her eyes open. What was going on? Why was she snuggled up with Barry so intimately? Oh, that's right. He had asked her to hold his hand until he fell asleep. She probably fell asleep before him. Although that still didn't explain why they were so...close. She tried to pry away from him but he pulled her closer instead.
"Five... more... minutes," she heard him mumble.
Okay, five minutes didn't sound too bad.
Now she had five minutes to think. Was it appropriate that two good friends were holding each other so intimately? Even for them this was a bit too much. Yet, she didn't find the strength to pull away nor the desire to do so. Things were not looking well for her. She had a strange feeling in her chest and she was very self-aware right this instant. No, she couldn't panic, this was okay, and they were friends. If anyone were to walk in on them, it would be normal because they were pretending to be engaged. However, this wasn't right either, she knew better than to be tangled up -metaphorically and literally- in these situations.
What would Barry think of her? Somehow, that worried her more than anything else did. Even more than the wild beating of her heart
"Cait?" he said with a raspy voice and blinking slowly.
"Hi," she said softly, hoping he didn't notice the warmth in her cheeks.
Barry smiled lazily and pulled her even closer, resting his chin on her auburn tresses.
Okay, so he didn't freak out. That was progress.
Suddenly, she felt Barry's body tense up and he pulled away just enough to stare at her with wide green eyes.
"Barry?"
"This isn't a dream, is it?" he said as his face started to gain color.
"No," she said waiting for the inevitable freak out.
Barry nodded slowly and released her gently. "What a night, huh?"
"Yes," she said as she pulled her leg away and sat on the bed. "I hope it wasn't too uncomfortable," maybe she was wrong. He was pretty calm about this.
"No!" He said quickly and cleared his throat, "I mean, it wasn't bad, I didn't even notice we were so close. Funny how these things happen, but what can you do, right?"
"I suppose," she was at a loss of words too. This impromptu Get-Iris-Back plan was not going the way she envisioned. She got up and headed to the restroom, "I'll shower first," she said as she closed the door behind her. She took a deep calming breath everything was fine. This was like hugging, just while laying in bed, that was the only difference. Besides, Barry was the one that would panic not her. Nope not her.
She heard a dull thud hit the floor.
"Are you okay!?" She yelled from the other side of the door.
"Fine, fine, I'm fine!" she heard him say in higher octave.
Phew, she released a sigh. A shower would help.
{-}
Nora and Henry eyed the couple in front of them. Something happened, they were certain. There were these awkward looks between them and there was a palpable tension in the air. Even Caitlin who was generally more poker faced tried to avoid everyone's eyes, particularly Barry's. Interestingly, while their son was somewhat flushed, it seemed like he wanted to tell her something. He would stare at her longingly and then go back to his food as if a spell had been broken.
"How was your night son?" Henry asked casually.
Barry's eyes snapped to his dad, "Great! Had a great night!"
Nora resisted urge to giggle, "Iris called saying you weren't feeling well yesterday,"
"I'm as good as new!" He said over eager, "All thanks to Cait," he looked at her, "isn't that right honey?" He cringed at the very end. Why in the world would he call her honey? He was probably over doing it right now.
Caitlin started to blush. Since when did they use those words with each other? "It wasn't that big of a deal, sweetheart," she tested the word out and it was weird. They weren't into those things. Definitely over doing it.
Oh, Nora liked this development, "My, my, your father and I are rubbing off on you two, isn't that adorable love?" she asked her husband.
Henry had the widest grin, "I knew you had it in you," he teased.
Barry and Caitlin shared a look and then turned quickly to their food.
The awkwardness was rising.
{-}
"The plan for today is to decorate the home for Iris' bachelorette party," Nora said while checking all the decorative supplies before her, "Barry and Henry will be helping Joe and Eddie at Joe's home for the bachelor party,"
Caitlin nodded and started to separate the decorative items into groups.
"Oh and don't worry my dear, I explicitly told Henry and Joe that any female surprises were forbidden," she said with a tight smile. She had yet to understand who came up with the nefarious idea of people of the opposite sex in minute clothing at bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Caitlin was even more in awe of the matriarch. She had everything under control and had this air of authority around her. She hadn't even thought about what happened at these parties, since the only one she'd ever been invited to was Felicity's but she hadn't been able to go because of work.
As they started with the decorations, Nora took the opportunity to strike some conversation with the doctor.
"Did you have fun yesterday?" She asked casually as she filled balloons.
Caitlin was doing the same at the opposite side of the table, "Yes, the Extravaganza was very fun," well, it had been up until poor Barry practically spilled his guts on the floor. Thankfully, he was as good as new this morning.
"Wonderful," Nora replied and glanced at the doctor briefly.
"Did you and Dr. Allen have a good time?" Caitlin asked, she was still working on calling Dr. Allen Henry, but was failing miserably.
Nora got this dreamy look in her eyes, "Oh yes, my Henry is the best," they had lots of fun and caught up on so much. They also had a deep discussion about their son and his future wife. Oh, Barry and Caitlin...they were so unbearably cute and incredibly oblivious.
"That's good to hear," Caitlin smiled to herself. Barry's parents were a far cry from the way she envisioned married couples. Her parents were in a much different world. Her mom only worried about her husband and constantly chided him every time he tried to do something on his own. His father, as loving as he was, was generally frustrated with the way his wife treated him. They loved each other but...that wasn't the type of love Caitlin admired.
The Allen matriarch noticed that faraway look in Caitlin's eyes. She didn't like how her whole semblance deflated, "Sweetie," she called.
"Hm," Caitlin looked up, "Yes Nora?"
There. Nora was satisfied that she had pulled Caitlin from a dark place, "There is something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time,"
Caitlin looked at her curiously, "What is it?"
Nora placed her supplies on the table and held Caitlin's hand. She looked at the young doctor with her own set of deep and caring green eyes, "Thank you,"
The doctor blinked. "Why? I don't think I've done anything for you to thank me," she really hadn't done anything. Not that she could think of.
The red head looked warmly at her future daughter-in-law, "You've done a lot more than you think," she told her with a heart-melting smile.
Somehow, Caitlin's cheeks turned pink, "Nora I…"
"Caitlin, you have no idea what you've done for my son," Nora's easygoing demeanor was replaced by a seriousness that Caitlin had never seen on her in these last few days. "I didn't know that my Barry had chosen the most perfect woman for him before I met you,"
Caitlin remained silent. The guilt was eating away at her.
"I worried that maybe he wouldn't be able to get over his first love," she said softly, "but then you came into his life and changed him,"
"I don't think I changed him," Caitlin shook her head. "It was quite the opposite really,"
"How so?" Nora asked. She wanted to hear Caitlin's true feelings.
Caitlin looked down and smiled to herself, "He helped me see the world in a whole different light," she thought back on all those times Barry was there for her and how he supported her unquestioningly. "He's helped me see the beauty of this world, of the people in it. When I was alone, he was there for me, and even when I didn't know I needed something or someone he...was there," before she met him, Caitlin lived a routine driven and unsatisfying life. She only looked to check off items on her to do list and strive be the best she could be out there. She felt bitter because of her loss and felt as if she had to put up a brave facade for the world to see. But not with Barry, she could show him her vulnerabilities and he wouldn't be anything less than supportive, "He...he means a lot to me," he was her world (not that she would tell him that though, there were boundaries, even when the lines blurred a little). "I could never thank him enough for being the most amazing friend I've ever had," her first true friend really.
Nora's eyes sparkled with mischief, "He is a great young man,"
"The best," Caitlin said sincerely. She didn't know what she would do without him.
Nora gently patted Caitlin's hand, "I'm sure you are his most amazing friend honey,"
Caitlin smiled, "I hope -" oh no. Her smile quickly went away.
Nora tilted her head to the side, "What's wrong?"
"Uh, no, nothing," she slowly pulled her hand away and resumed her project of filling out balloons.
The matriarch of the house smiled to herself and went back to her project as well, "For a moment there I thought you realized I knew,"
No, no, no, this wasn't happening. "Knew what?" She tried to keep her cool, but it was evident she was nervous.
"I think you know Caitlin," the doctor still refused to make eye contact with the older woman.
An unsettling silence took over and Caitlin was thinking of ways she could do damage control. Out of all the potential ways, she thought their little lie could be discovered, she firmly believed it would be Barry spilling the beans and not her.
Nora went about her merry way putting balloons around the house. She was giving the young doctor time.
A minute turned into five and Caitlin came up with nothing. She took one courageous breath and turned to look at Mrs. Allen, "Since when?"
Time was up. Nora turned to her and gave her a knowing smile, she was far from upset, but the doctor didn't know that, "Maybe around the time Barry called me to say he was engaged." It was a strange call that Nora received a few days ago, with her son telling her sheepishly, he was engaged and wanted them to meet his fiancé. Of course, that gave Nora a lot to think about. First of all, Barry was a romantic as much as his father was, so for him to simply announce he was getting married didn't quite add up or match is MO. Not that Nora was very surprised by whom his fiancé turned out to be. She knew it was bound to happen one day. His son would realize what his doctor friend really meant to him and their relationship would progress as it should, but still things didn't click. Therefore, when she finally saw them at her door, she knew that something wasn't right and yet...something was right.
Since the very beginning!? Caitlin hadn't even made it to Allen residence and Nora already knew. She must've looked like a fool in front of the woman. No wonder she asked them the difficult questions. Oh, Lord...they were in trouble. How would she tell Barry? "Why...why didn't you say anything?"
"Where would the fun in that be?" Nora said with a teasing grin. Those two were so much fun to watch, in between trying to be normal and act like a couple and trying (though failing miserably) at not getting caught up in the facade...Well let's just say Nora was having a lot of fun these last few days.
She knew it! Caitlin knew this plan was silly. How they got this far was beyond her comprehension, but now it all made sense. Ironically, Barry and her were the ones that were played, go figure. "It's not Barry's fault. This wasn't about lying to you and Dr. Allen," Caitlin pleaded.
"Caitlin, my son made the conscious choice to lie to us. All of us," Nora sighed, "he should've known better," Ah yes, his Barry was so innocent at times.
The auburn haired woman nodded in agreement. After meeting Nora Allen for a week, she couldn't help but agree with her, Barry should have known better.
"Besides, the both of you are adults and I'm sure it was all his idea,"
That was true, but she didn't want Nora to have a bad impression of Barry. His plan, while silly, had been in the name of love. "Just don't tell him that you know," Caitlin said quickly, "at least for now," she amended.
"Why?" Nora prodded.
"There's something he needs to do," Caitlin said firmly.
Nora looked at the doctor's determined eyes. How her son and this cute doctor didn't realize they were madly in love was beyond her. Clearly, Caitlin loved him so much that his happiness was her number one priority.
"And is this something involving our bachelorette?" Nora raised a wise eyebrow.
Caitlin suppressed the urge to gasp, Nora was far more intuitive than she had given her credit for and boy had she given her a whole lot of credit, "Yes…"
The redhead stared thoughtfully at the woman in front of her, "You don't mind it? It doesn't bother you?" These were strategic questions coming from the matriarch. Barry was very transparent and she knew that if she confronted her son, sooner or later she could get him to admit that he clearly had feelings for his most amazing friend. Caitlin, on the other hand, she was a tougher cookie to crack. Nora didn't know the background, but there must be a reason for Caitlin blinding herself to her feelings purposefully. She wasn't able to find out the reason these last few days, but she saw Caitlin's mask beginning to crack. Slowly, oh so very slowly, the doctor was starting to see her reality, the reality of where her true feelings for her best friend stood.
Caitlin looked down and chewed on her bottom lip. She wasn't bothered, no, she wasn't. She really wasn't. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to verbalize it. Even though she had heard about Iris throughout the years, seeing her and Barry together was completely different. "I...I…"
"Oh my gosh, traffic was horrible!" Iris came in with balloons and a few bags of goodies.
Nora slowly closed her eyes and sighed. She'd lost her chance to get Caitlin to realize…
"I'm going to the restroom!" Caitlin announced.
"Oh, okay," Iris said asking Nora with her eyes what was going on.
Nora only shrugged and went back to her duties. Hopefully, later she could resume her conversation with the doctor.
{-}
"So what are we doing?" Barry asked as he walked into Joe's house.
"Excellent question," Joe said from the kitchen. "What are we doing?" He turned to his best friend.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I was thinking of having a guys day in," Henry said. "Unless there is something else you would like to do?" He asked the bachelor.
Eddie shrugged, "No, no, anything is fine really. I'm not much of a party person anyway," this whole bachelor party thing had been Iris' idea. However, he felt this strange warm feeling at sharing this experience with these guys. Joe, despite his initial reservations was very accepting and they never ran out of things to talk about, especially when it came to work. As for Wally, he treated him like an older brother and would proudly introduce him to his friends as his future brother-in-law. Even Dr. Allen, was a fairly nice man, he had a certain charm that Eddie wasn't quite familiar with, something that was also passed on to his son, because for all the things he could have against the CSI, he couldn't bring himself to hate him. And boy did he have reasons for that at times...
"The girls, are just next door preparing for their party, why don't we do something similar?" Joe suggested.
"A good BBQ, sports, and music?" Wally pitched in.
All the men agreed.
The West's and Eddie decided they would prepare everything in the house and rearrange the furniture for their gathering. While Henry took the opportunity to pull Barry aside and have them go to the store for all the food that would be needed. Feeding five men would not be a cheap task.
"Everything alright son?" Henry asked as they drove away.
Barry nodded, "Yeah, it's just…"
"Yes?"
"Dad I…" Barry hesitated and sighed, it's not as if he could tell his dad he was having an emotional battle right this instant. For one, it wasn't a manly thing. Second, he couldn't really explain to him why he was having an internal struggle to begin with. "How did you know mom was the one?" he smiled and changed the subject.
Henry decided not to push. He realized that his son's internal turmoil was something he should go through. Yet, he would always be there for him if he needed to talk. "Ah, my dear Nora," he sighed fondly and thought back on their early years. "It wasn't always easy, but son when the time comes you just know,"
Barry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. It was so much easier said than done, "Could you be any more vague dad?" he said half-jokingly.
Dr. Allen let out a hearty laugh and his son's frustration, "Tell you what son, I'll tell you the real story between your mom and me,"
The CSI looked at his dad curiously, "The real story?"
"We've always told you the summarized version, but let me tell you, we faced our fair share of bumps in the road. One in particular almost broke us apart,"
As they drove to the supermarket, Barry listened attentively to his dad.
"You see son, even though your mother and I met in high school and eventually married, there was a moment in our history where we didn't know if we would end up together…"
A college aged Nora and Henry were celebrating their fifth year anniversary.
"Oh Henry, thank you for this wonderful dinner," Nora gave him a megawatt smile. Despite their interesting beginning, she was head over heels for this man.
Henry was unusually quiet but responded to her smile with a small one of his own, "Anything for you love,"
"So what was that you wanted to tell me?" she said as she took a bite from her strawberry cheesecake.
He let out a heavy sigh, this would not be easy, but this would only be a small bump in the road that they could recover from. If both of their feelings were as strong as they proclaimed this should not be hard.
Not too much anyway.
"I...I…"
"Come out with it honey," Nora encouraged.
"I'm going to Keystone City to do my residency," he said in one big breath.
Nora blinked twice and slowly left her fork by the forgotten cheesecake, "What?" They had their whole lives ahead of them. They promised each other forever and now Henry was leaving? "But why? There are so many hospitals here in Central City, I'm sure you could do your residency in any of them Henry,"
He slowly stretched his hand holding Nora's petite one, "I know that," he looked deep into her eyes, "but Keystone has the best neurosurgery department and you know that my dream is…"
Nora's eyes started to shine with unshed tears and she pulled her hand away, "Dreams Henry? Where does that leave me? You'll easily be gone for three years…" Who knew what could happen in that time frame? What if he forgot about her? What about their dreams?
"Nora, sweetheart, three years will be gone in no time and I'll come and visit whenever they give us a break," he reached for something in his pocket and knelt on one knee, "I...I would like for you to wait for me," he opened the dark velvet box and showed her a modest ring, "will you wait for me Nora?" he said with sincere brown green eyes.
Nora's tears started to fall freely, "You're being incredibly unfair Henry, "she walked away briskly. They were both recent college graduates and now Henry, her Henry, was walking away to Keystone City….away from her.
Henry let out a defeated sigh, maybe he was wrong and their love wasn't enough.
{-}
Today was Henry's flight to Keystone City and the nerves were eating away at her. She hadn't seen him since the incident at the restaurant, where she practically walked away from him. She thought a lot about him, them, and the future. Waiting for Henry wasn't really the problem. She would wait for however long she needed to. What ate away at her, were her own insecurities. Henry was a handsome, intelligent, and sweet guy, any girl would be lucky to be with him. Which made her wonder if she was enough. He would probably be surrounded by incredibly smart women, future doctors no less, though she hoped they were ugly at least (later she'll realize how petty she was being). What if during his time away, he forgot about her and decided she was no longer enough?
What if Henry got tired of her? He had always done all the chasing, both the literal kind and the metaphorical kind, because he chased away her own demons where it concerned their relationship. And now he would be leaving…
She looked outside her window wistfully thinking that all good things must come to an end. But did they have to? Nora got up from her bed and went to her bookshelf where she pulled out her high school yearbook. It had been years since she last saw it. In fact, she never looked at it again after she passed it around for her classmates to sign.
She opened the glossy pictures and saw history unfold before her. Those were the easy days, where she only worried about getting good grades and outsmarting her teachers. There was time for everything, and just when she thought she had everything figured out, Henry Allen barreled his way into her life...and her heart. "Oh Henry," she said fondly, as she came across pictures of him in the track team and the debate club. Henry was a superstar and out of all the girls he could have chosen, he choose her, the plain, smart, if a little clumsy, Nora.
As she flipped the pages she stopped at the Most Likely section, where there was a picture of Henry and her just about to kiss: Most Likely to Live a Happily Ever After it read and she couldn't help but to blush at the phrase. Silly Henry had begged the journalism club to create that category for them, because that's how he felt about her. Like she was his fairy tale, he had told her many times before.
Once she reached the last page, she looked at the many messages her previous peers had left her. Some were funny, others were encouraging, but there was this one that said:
Dearest Nora,
I don't know what life after high school will be like, but I know this...I want to be with you for the rest of the days I have left in me.
Will you let me make you the happiest woman in the world?
With Love,
Your lovable -future- Dr. Allen
PS. Love you -future- Nora Allen
Nora Allen? She loved the sound to it. She read the message again and again and then...her eyes snapped open. It finally hit her. Even since then Henry thought about her that way. He wanted to spend his life with her since they were just two kids who were too in love for words.
The truth was she wanted to spend the rest of her days with him too.
With stubborn tears going down her cheeks, she got up and left at light speed from her home, hoping against hope that she would make it just in time to see her Henry.
It was time she did some of the chasing too.
{-}
Henry looked back one more time wishing that his favorite red head was there, but of course, she wasn't. He knew Nora was a tough one, but he hoped that after all their time together, she could see what she truly meant to him.
Sadly, that hadn't been the case.
"..ry!"
Huh? He wondered where that came from.
"Henry!" He heard that voice again, a voice he knew all too well.
"Nora!" He said without hiding his happiness at seeing her.
She was running faster than he had ever seen her run before, so much so, that she wasn't able to stop once she caught up to him and they both tumbled down to the cold floor.
"Sorry," she said shyly.
"What for?" He asked while looking at her lovingly.
Nora blushed a little and removed herself from him just enough for the both of them to sit up. "For coming onto you like that," she wondered if her clumsiness would ever go away.
Henry chuckled, "Oh that? And here I thought you were sorry for breaking my heart," he wasn't mean about it, at least he didn't intend to be, though Nora did flinch. Somehow, Henry's heart knew that things were going to be okay. Yet, that didn't mean he couldn't poke a little fun at the situation.
"Sorry about that too…"she said as she nervously placed a red lock of hair behind her ear. She was very nervous. "Actually I…"
"Yes?" He encouraged her.
She closed her eyes fiercely and extended her hands as if waiting for him to give her something.
"Nora?" Henry asked slightly confused.
After a moment of silence, he heard her whisper a faint, "I'll wait,"
"You'll wait?" She nodded, "for what?" Nora bit her cheek and blushed even more than before. Then it dawned on him… "Oh! So you'll wait for me to come back. That's excellent news," he said nonchalantly.
Nora opened her eyes slowly. What? This was it? She had envisioned their reunion much more...dramatic if not romantic. She slowly started to get up and Henry did the same.
"Oh look, my flight is boarding," he said as people around him started to check in, "I guess it's time for me to go. Thank you for seeing me off Nora," he gave her a grateful grin.
"No...no problem," this definitely hadn't gone the way she envisioned. It seemed bleak somehow, and, dare she say, underwhelming?
Henry turned around and Nora had done the same. She had only taken half a step forward when she felt a strong hand spin her around and pull her into a searing kiss. It didn't take Nora long to respond to those lips she knew all too well. They kissed, and then kissed some more, as if it was the last time they would see each other and when they slowly found the strength to pull away Nora looked lovingly into Henry's eyes, which were full of the same emotion.
They both smiled at each other and when the last announcement for him to board came around, he gave her one last peck on the lips not without whispering a heartfelt "Thank you."
As Nora saw Henry's flight take off she noticed a small item in her sweater pocket. She slowly pulled it out, revealing it to be that velvet box she saw weeks ago. It had a small note attached to it.
I love you Nora Allen
"And then?" Barry asked curiously, as they loaded the food into the truck.
"And the rest is history as they say," Henry said with a self-satisfied grin. Those were quite the memories and both Nora and himself have come a long way since then. It's funny how growing up works, you don't even notice it until you go down memory lane and see how you truly have changed.
As Barry took his seat in the truck he couldn't help but ask, "But dad, how did you know mom was the one? In all of what you've told me, it seemed like you knew almost from the very beginning,"
Henry chuckled, "Oh Barry, it's not about knowing or feeling who's the one," at his son confused face he continued, "You see son, you can't choose who's the one, they have to choose you,"
"What?" That confused him even more.
"Your mother and I were together for a while and I did ask her to marry me," in a somewhat unconventional fashion, "but it was until she choose me, that she really became the one," before Barry could chime in, Henry continued, "we can choose who we fall in love," the he stopped himself and rethought his statements, "well, no, you don't really choose people, love develops and grows, but the point is," Barry wanted to interrupt his dad once again, but he wanted to know what the point of this all was, "even if you fall in love with someone, doesn't mean that they have to love you back,"
Barry looked ahead and thought about that statement. It was true, you could love someone with all your might, but that didn't mean they had to love you back. And yet…
"So when you asked me how did I know your mother was the one..." with a fond and nostalgic smile he answered, "I knew she was the one, the moment she came running after me at the airport. She could've chosen not to wait and go on about her life without me, but she didn't,"
Barry smiled, "She choose you,"
"Exactly,"
"So I guess when the time comes, you just know," Barry said in understanding.
Henry nodded and smiled to himself.
{-}
The Allen residence was full of an interesting group of women, and Caitlin was in the middle of it all. She tried not to be uncomfortable with so many people gathered in an enclosed space, but it was quite the challenge. At least it seemed like Iris was having fun, she was smiling away at her selected guests and shared fun anecdotes about her life with Eddie so far.
"She makes for a pretty bride, huh," a woman with short hair came to sit next to her.
"Yes, she does,"
The woman turned to her and squinted her eyes at the doctor, "You seem awfully familiar, have we met before?"
Caitlin blinked in confusion, "I don't think so?" And yet the woman did look oddly familiar.
"No, I'm pretty sure I've seen you before," she looked a bit longer and went through her mental rolodex, she was good with faces and wasn't a star reporter at the Washington Post for nothing, "that's it!" She snapped her fingers in realization, "You're the jealous girlfriend!" She said with pride.
Nora, who was a few feet away making sure snacks were available to the guests, stopped what she was doing and inconspicuously got closer to the doctor and the journalist. Jealous girlfriend was not how she would describe her future daughter-in-law, was there something she didn't know?
"I honestly have no idea what you are talking about," Caitlin took a sip of her drink and looked at the woman before her with even greater confusion.
The journalist let out a small giggle, "I'm sure you probably don't remember me, this was a while back, but I kind of went on a date with your boyfriend back when we were in college," she hopped that rung a bell, the doctor didn't seem like the type that would have many boyfriends. "Cute science guy?"
Now it was Caitlin's turn to browse through her memories. She didn't have a boyfriend in college, but there were some occasions when… "You mean Barry?"
"Barry?" she looked up pondering on his name, "I think that was his name, sounds about right. I remember you hit him hard that day," she smirked.
Could the earth open and swallow her whole? "Oh…" I crimson blush crept to her face as much as she tried to suppress it, because it was very unlike her, she couldn't.
"I swear there was nothing going on, it was super harmless," she drew a cross around her heart.
"I'm sure," now what would be a good escape plan.
"How are things going between you two anyway?"
Caitlin took a quick sip from her drink, "Good,"
"So you're still together?" The journalist wouldn't give in that easily, surely there was more to the story.
Caitlin looked away, "Something like that," what else could she say?
Oh, they were getting somewhere, "Any plans of getting married? I mean, it's been what? Seven, eight years or something? I mean, not that you have to, but you seem like the traditional type, so…"
Okay, Caitlin needed to get away and she needed to get away fast. "Uhm,"
Nora, as if sensing the doctor's uneasiness, stepped in. "Oh my, who's this lovely lady?" She shot Caitlin a look and the doctor gratefully excused herself. Caitlin did not need to reveal any more than necessary. That jealous girlfriend episode could remain hers and Barry's little secret.
"My name is Linda," the journalist said with a brilliant grin.
"Linda, what a pretty name," Nora took a sip and a curious glint took over her amicable eyes, "I couldn't help but overhear that you went on a date with my son back in college,"
"Super harmless, I swear," Linda said jokingly.
"Please tell me all about it,"
{-}
"And that's what I call a close game,"
"At least we won," Joe took one final sip from his beer, "Captain Singh will have to approve my vacation days now," the detective cackled internally, his little bet with the Captain had paid off.
"So now what?" Wally asked excitedly. He wasn't ready for the night to end. This was his first bachelor party and he was going to brag about it to his friends for all it was worth.
Everyone looked at Eddie waiting on what to do next. "Uhm, I'm good with whatever you all want to do,"
"It's your day Eddie, is there something you want to do?" Barry of all people asked.
"Well…" Eddie smiled to himself, "it may sound boring but, what about a poker night?"
Wally rolled his eyes, what about clubbing, girls, music? Sheesh, these guys were boring.
Henry and Joe shared a look, "Wanna teach these kids a lesson detective West?"
"You took the words right out of my mouth Dr. Allen,"
It was settled. The men started to set the table and cards for their poker night. It wouldn't be a harmless poker night, that was for sure.
"Alright, to add more substance to this, let's make some bets on every round, how about it?" Wally suggested.
"I'm up for it," the elder men said in unison and smirked at one another.
"Count me in," Eddie said in good fun.
Barry just pulled at his collar, card games were not his forte.
After five rounds, it was clear that Henry and Joe owned this game. Henry won the first and third rounds and dared the other men to take off a piece of clothing and to eat a habanero chili all in good fun. Joe had won the other three and asked for a meal from every men, their treat, plus IOUs whenever he needed them. He was really enjoying himself right now.
Wally gathered Barry and Eddie to the side, "Okay, can someone explain to me why pop's and Uncle Henry are wiping the floor with us?"
"They're that good?" Barry chimed in. He knew he had little chances of winning.
"And they've gotten a great set of cards," Eddie wasn't that bad at poker, but he was still wanting to be in his father-in-law's good graces, letting him win wasn't that bad.
"All I know is that I ain't losing to them again," he said after chugging down his eighth glass of water. The habanero still stung.
Whatever Wally's plan had been, it worked, because the next round he won, "Alright, all may bow before me,"
Everyone rolled their eyes at the young man. "Here's what I want: Pop's no chores on Saturday's for the next month,"
"Not happening," Joe said dismissively.
"Next 2 Saturdays?" Wally tried.
"How about next Saturday, and that's me being indulgent,"
"Deal. Uncle Henry, I get your help on all my science classes for finals week,"
The gentle doctor nodded, "You got it kid,"
"Eddie, I am not babysitting during terrible twos, are we clear?" He gave his soon to be brother-in-law a pointed look. There was no room for discussion.
Eddie blushed and waved away, "Sure," the rest of the men laughed.
"And Barry…"
The CSI was sure he was not going to like this.
"You gotta tell me how did you score a lady-doctor as your girlfriend?" While he heard of Caitlin in the past, seeing the woman in the flesh had been a new experience. Now it made sense why his pseudo brother was so infatuated with the girl. Who knew Barry got moves?
Barry scratched the back of his neck nervously, "Well…"
Henry was really going to enjoy this. It would be nice to see what his son came up with this time.
"I mean Caitlin is…" there was a long pause after his words, "I mean, she…"
Eddie gave the other men a mischievous I-got-this look, "No offense, but you don't seem too compatible," he said as he shuffled the cards.
That ticked Barry, what did that even mean? "Excuse me?"
Joe and Henry took the popcorn bowl and started looking between the two.
"If you think about it, Caitlin is poised, structured, and cool headed," Eddie said with respect, "and you are...very different, you're more impulsive, open, and hot headed," at least from what Iris had told him.
Henry, Joe, and even Wally who had his mouth full of popcorn nodded in agreement.
After a calming breath Barry said, "You're right, she is all of those things, and so am I,"
"Right," Of course the detective knew he was right.
"But even with our differences, there are so many things that we have in common. For example, our love for science, and all things nerdy. Our willingness to take care of each other and make each other laugh," all the men gave Barry a funny look, Caitlin was not the funny type, "it's true! Besides Caitlin is the most loyal, loving, and caring person on this planet," he said wholeheartedly. "And you don't love people for how similar or different they are from you, you love them for who they are and what they inspire you to become,"
Eddie blinked at Barry's outburst, the guy was a goner for sure. Now he understood where the girl's undying devotion came from...the CSI was equally devoted. And all of that brought peace of mind to him, because his previous worries melted away. There was no way that someone who loved his fiancé that much could even dare to look at another woman. Caitlin was right, everything would work out in the end.
"Alright, so spill the beans Bar," Wally urged.
"How did you get the girl?"
{-}
The party was slowly dying down and Caitlin couldn't be more grateful. She actually volunteered to go to the kitchen and start cleaning before all the guests left. As she washed some of the dishes, she noticed two people meeting at the gazebo that connected the Allen and West homes from the small kitchen window. A wave of insecurity hit her, just a few feet away were Barry and Iris, talking intimately if she may add. Which shouldn't even bother her; they were good friends, that was normal among friends, right? Save for the small detail that Barry didn't see Iris as just a friend, but still. It's not like her and Barry were a real couple anyway. And yet these last few days had brought many realizations to the forefront for her, namely her feelings for her best friend...where they as platonic as she forced herself to believe?
What she wouldn't give to hear what they were saying to each other, and yet she took a calming breath, it wasn't her place. This was Barry's life and his chapter to close. But what if… suddenly her grip in the glass tightened, Barry and Iris were gazing intently at one another and they were getting closer and closer.
She shut her eyes tight and gripped the glass tighter until it broke in her hand. She couldn't look anymore and just turned around.
"Caitlin!" Nora called from the living room and rushed to her aid, "What happened?"
"Sorry, my hand slipped" she pulled Nora away from the window and both cleaned her wound. Thankfully, it hadn't been deep.
"Phew, I'm glad it was only a superficial cut," Nora said with a warming smile.
Before Catlin could respond her phone vibrated, "Hello, Dr. Snow speaking," after a few moments Caitlin nodded to herself, "I understand. Yes. I'll be on my way,"
"Everything okay darling?"
Caitlin's face, which had become warm and caring these last few days, become cold and detached in Nora's eyes.
"I have to go, an emergency came up," she walked past the Allen matriarch and gathered her things, "thank you for these last few days Nora, I really had a great time," for a moment she had let herself fall into the facade and believed in the impossible. She gave the woman, who had won her heart and respect in just days, a tight hug and a bittersweet smile.
"You'll come visit, right Caitlin?" Nora said with a motherly smile, which conveyed understanding and care. Her words meant the world to the doctor, because despite the charade Nora treated her kindly. It was selfish of her, but she began seeing the beautiful red head as a mother figure, but somehow she couldn't help herself.
"It would be my pleasure,"
Nora knew the moment Caitlin stepped out the door that some spark had left the Allen home. Her instincts kicked in and she went back to the kitchen where she had seen the change in the doctor's demeanor. Before she could begin her investigation on the cause of Caitlin's sadness Barry rushed in from the kitchen door.
"Mom, where's Cait?" He asked barely containing his excitement. He had the biggest smile Nora had seen on her son. He needed to tell her something right this instant, it was the revelation of the night. This was a huge game changer for the young man and he wanted nothing more than for Caitlin to be the first (or rather the second) person to know.
"She left son,"
Barry's smile instantly disappeared, "She left?" Why didn't she say anything? Was she not feeling well? Did something happen? He needed to see her to make sure she was okay.
As if reading his mind Nora added, "An emergency came up at the hospital and she had to leave, I'm sure she'll call you as soon as she can,"
"Oh," Barry said simply and locked his phone once again; he had been just about ready to call her.
"Is there anything that your mother can help you with sweetie?" Nora sensed that there was something Barry wanted to get off his chest, though she wasn't sure he would share it with her just yet.
Barry was about to say something but just shook his head and smiled to himself, "Nothing important mom, how about I help you clean?"
With that, he put his phone away and continued washing the dishes, just like Caitlin had done earlier. Nora gave her son one last look before going back to the living room.
Something happened.
What unsettled Caitlin and made her son giddy with excitement (if only momentarily)?
She really wanted to find out.
{-}
First Time's the Charm
One thing was trying to get over your ex-girlfriend, the other, was being set up on these blind dates by Cisco. He wouldn't even give him time to mourn his newly acquired single status.
"I love journalism, my dream is to work at the Washington Post," the girl said enthusiastically.
Great, another journalist. Exactly what he needed, "That's nice," he said with an awkward smile. He would rather be anywhere else than here.
"And you Barry? Are you going to med school? Isn't that what all science majors do?" she asked while taking a sip of her iced tea.
Barry's eyebrow twitched, "Actually, I'm studying forensic science, I want to be a CSI,"
"Oh, I've seen that show!" She exclaimed, "Sounds super exciting,"
"Right," he ended, not really knowing what else to say. "Uhm, could you excuse me for a second?" He stood up and left to the men's room. How could he get out of this one? Cisco had left for a conference and Caitlin...wait, maybe she could...it couldn't hurt to try. He texted Caitlin hoping she would save him. Granted they'd only known each other for three months, but it was worth a shot.
When he returned, his date was finishing her order, "I hope you don't mind, I got us both chicken salads," she said with a big smile, "minus the chicken, though, I'm vegetarian,"
He nodded. When will this torture be over? The rest of their date went on without much conversation on his end. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the girl had a LOT to talk about. After a good twenty minutes passed he was ready to run for the hills, but his manners wouldn't allow it.
"Barry," a female voice called from the side and he turned to her with grateful eyes. His savior had arrived.
"Excuse me, who are you?" the girl asked annoyed. Couldn't the stranger see that they were busy here?
"I'm Caitlin," she said simply. She looked from the girl to Barry, who looked at her with a weird face as if trying to tell her something, "I'm...Barry's girlfriend!" she blurted out.
"Girlfriend?" Barry and his date asked in unison. Last she knew, Barry didn't have a girlfriend. At least that's what that engineering guy told her.
Barry cringed internally, "That's...that's right, she's my girlfriend," he got up from his chair so fast it fell on the floor and took Caitlin's hands, "baby this is not what it looks like, I swear!"
He was totally overdoing it. "I think it's exactly what it looks like," she continued the charade and gave them both a cold stare before turning around upset.
"It's really not, she's just a friend," he took her hand and pulled her to him.
The girl in question felt offended, but she was too dumbfounded to do anything other than seeing the lovers' quarrel unfold in front of her.
Caitlin quickly pulled away and slapped him hard, "Then stay with your friend," she resisted the urge to cringe. The slap had been way over the top...thank you Mexican soap operas for unleashing this dramatic side of her. She practically jogged away with Barry hot on her trail, once they were a block away they hid behind an alley catching their breath. This had been one of the most exhilarating things she'd done in her young life.
They were both breathing heavily, when she heard Barry say.
"Did you really have to slap me?" He asked massaging his cheek. The girl had an iron hand. He didn't expect she would go that far. Actually, he didn't even think she would say something like she was his girlfriend. Well, to be honest, he didn't know what to expect where it concerned the girl.
She shrugged, "You said you needed help," before he could say anything else she added, "and that was the first thing that came to mind. Sorry about your cheek though," she said sheepishly.
He gave her a funny look, "I guess that was one way of doing things,"
They stared at each other for a short while and slowly complicit smiles pulled at their lips and they ended up laughing aloud.
That was the first time Caitlin had laughed wholeheartedly in a long time.
That was the first time Barry saw Caitlin laugh...and the first time he thought she was cute.
{-}
"I don't know Cait, I don't really like the guy," Barry said uneasily.
"You said I had to interact more with other people," she answered. Barry and Cisco were helping her pull away from her shell and had suggested she tried making new friends. She was only trying to be friendly.
Barry ran a nervous hand through his hair, "Yes, but...look I have a bad feeling about this guy,"
Caitlin smiled reassuringly and patted his shoulder, "We're only going to a science fair Barry," her friend was cute when he worried about her.
Barry was still uneasy, "I...well…" he ended up letting out a big sigh instead. "Okay, but if you need me for any reason, just call,"
"Okay," she said obediently and waved him goodbye. She shook her head with a smile, only Barry would worry this much over something so trivial.
At night, Barry went out for a jog at the park -which was a convenient excuse to be on the lookout for Caitlin, but she didn't need to know that -. As he walked by the park across he saw a couple ahead of him. He didn't want to eavesdrop but he couldn't help from standing behind a tree to get a good look and listen in. Once he focused on the couple, he realized it was Caitlin and her date...her friend...right, her friend. Which Barry didn't like one bit. Not that Caitlin couldn't have guy friends, but this one in particular rubbed Barry the wrong way. Besides, couldn't she be like all the other girls and start with girl-friends? That would really put his mind at ease and he wouldn't suspect every guy that tried to get close to her. He was her best friend and needed to look out for her best interest at all times. He shook his head and decided to pay attention to the couple instead, it seemed like they were in the middle of an argument, and Barry didn't know if he should be happy or upset about that.
"I thought we were on a date and then I see you making eyes at Albert," the blonde said in anger.
"We're not dating," she said as a matter of fact but not the least bit concerned by the man's anger, "and I wasn't making eyes at Julian, he was explaining his project to me, it's different,"
He grabbed her roughly by the shoulders and the woman didn't even flinch, "Are you saying that this whole day was just two friends hanging out?" He let out a dark chuckle, "Aren't you clueless Ice Queen?" Caitlin flinched ever so slightly. She hated that nickname. Hunter hadn't gone out of his way to please this bookworm of a girl to not get his reward.
"You know what Caitlin Snow, you've been the biggest waste of time of my life," and with that he pushed her to the floor.
She fell unceremoniously on the floor and Barry couldn't just be a passive observer any longer.
"Hey!" He yelled as he came out of hiding and headed towards the couple, "Leave her alone!" He knelt down to help this friend get up but before she was able to take his hand, he felt someone pull him from his collar.
"What? Are you the boyfriend in shining armor?"
"So what if I am!? What's you're pro-" Barry couldn't finish saying anything as he felt a rock solid punch to his cheek. Yes, this was exactly what he needed, to end the day on a perfect note.
"I hope I never see the both of you again," and with that the blond man left.
Barry started to massage his jaw, this guy was strong. That's what he got for going toe to toe with an athlete like Hunter.
"Oh Barry, I'm so sorry," Caitlin pulled her first aid kit from her bag and started cleaning Barry's wounds. Without asking, she took his face gently and started dabbing away at the blood. "I should have listened to you,"
As much as Barry wanted to tell her 'I told you so' it wasn't the time nor the place. Besides, Caitlin looked as if she was just about to cry. Then people wondered why she had trust issues.
Barry enveloped her in a strong but gentle hug, "Hey, it's okay. Nothing wrong with giving people a chance,"
She returned the hug with the same intensity, "The only people I want to take a chance on are you and Cisco,"
He buried his face in her auburn hair and smiled. Somehow, he didn't have a problem with that. Caitlin could expand her wings, whenever she felt ready, in the meantime he would be supporting her every step of the way.
After some silence, Caitlin pulled away just enough to look at Barry straight in the eye, "Barry,"
"Yes Cait?"
She tilted her head to the side, "Why did you tell Hunter you were my boyfriend?"
Barry blinked in confusion, when did he ever say that? "I don't recall, did I really say that?"
The future doctor smiled to herself and shook her head, "Just kidding," he didn't really say that, he only implied it. There was no point in embarrassing the young man.
Later that night, Barry touched his cheek gently and ran his fingers where Caitlin had patched him up. As he pondered on the events of earlier that night, it hit him. He sprang from his bed and opened his eyes wide…
So what if I am!?
Ugh, he covered his head with his hands and let out sigh. All that teasing from Cisco was getting to him.
This was the first time he implied he was Caitlin's boyfriend, and somehow he wasn't nearly as bothered by it as he should have been.
{-}
It was weird to her, someone was being genuinely nice to her aside from her selected group of friends and yet that made her a little happy too. After her experience with Hunter, she closed herself off to new friendships, and stuck to what she knew: her adorkable nerds. Yet, there was this man who would consistently go out of his way for her. She wondered if she had done anything different for him to treat her so kindly...
"Cait, are you listening to me?" Barry asked as he bit on a mouthful from his Belly Burger.
"Sorry Barry, I was just thinking," she sipped on her strawberry milkshake and got that faraway look again.
And before Barry could ask her what exactly she was thinking about a man of clear blue eyes and jet black hair made his way to them.
"Hey Cait, you left your bio-chem book at the lab, thought you would need it," he handed her the book with a dazzling smile.
The future CSI raised a suspicious eyebrow at this man, why was he calling her Cait instead of Caitlin? Ehem, only a selected few could call her that, Mr. Bright Blue Eyes.
"Thanks' Ronnie," she gave him a shy smile. He was such a good person.
"Any time Cait," he winked at her and said his goodbyes to the both of them.
"Any time Cait," Barry mimicked under his breath.
"Did you say something Barry?" Caitlin asked.
"Nothing," he gave his burger an angry bite. "Who was that guy anyway?"
Caitlin looked in Ronnie's direction and then back at Barry, "That was Ronnie, he's an intern in the engineering department here at Star Labs,"
Barry nodded, "It seems like he knows you very well," he said not even trying to disguise his annoyance. He wasn't even sure why this Ronnie guy unsettled him so much.
Caitlin shook her head, "He's just a really nice guy, very thoughtful too," and there it was again that shy smile that Barry had seen earlier.
This was the first time Barry had seen Ronnie...and he didn't like him one bit.
{-}
"I'm telling you he likes you Cait,"
"No he doesn't Barry, he's just a nice guy," Caitlin said for the umpteenth time.
Barry rolled his eyes, "Believe me, he. Likes. You." Everyone, but Caitlin apparently, could see that.
"Really Barry? Whatever gave you that idea?" Sure Ronnie was a nice guy, very nice guy, but why in the world would he like her? The thought was just ridiculous.
"Even a blind person could tell. It's the way he looks at you!" he finished a little more harshly than he intended.
Caitlin was a little taken aback by Barry's outburst, "Barry?" This was so unlike him.
Barry let out a frustrated growl, he was so mad at himself at the moment, "Sorry, job hunting has me stressed," which was a big fat lie, because he was already a shoe in at CCPD, but Caitlin didn't know that yet.
"It's alright," Poor Barry, looking for jobs must be much more stressful than what she thought, she was lucky she still needed to finish her residency and could potentially land a job that way. "Say, would you like a strawberry milkshake?" They happened to be Barry's favorite, and hers too.
"From Big Belly Burger?"
"You know it," she winked at him and looped her arm around his resting her head in the process and leading the way.
From the other side of the hallway Ronnie saw the short fight and the easy playfulness between the two. Although he had seen the two many times before, this was the first time he saw Barry and Caitlin like a genuine couple. Many at Stars Lab had told him it was a futile endeavor to pursue the future doctor, because her heart already belonged to someone else.
This was the first time he believed it.
{-}
"Caitlin, would you go out with me?" Ronnie said with a hopeful smile.
Caitlin looked at Ronnie as if he had grown another head, "Excuse me?"
"Will you go out with me?" The truth was that he was taken by her sincerity, calmness, and bluntness. The girl was brilliant and loyal to a fault and it would be his honor if she gave him a chance.
"Ronnie I-"
"Raymond, Snow, I need you at the cortex to go over the newest data for the project," Dr. Wells said as a matter of fact from the door. Giving Ronnie a pointed look that sent a chill down his spine.
Caitlin didn't hesitate and went behind the doctor, while Ronnie followed closely behind.
When Dr. Wells started to discuss data results with the engineer, Caitlin couldn't help herself from observing the young man. He was incredibly kind, well-mannered, strong yet gentle, and very smart. However, she couldn't find it in her heart to reciprocate his feelings. How could she let him down gently?
During her lunch hour she called an expert, she needed all the help she could get, "Cisco, hey, it's me," as she explained her ordeal to the mechanical engineer, she was mildly surprised that he let her finish without interruptions.
"I see," although Caitlin couldn't see him he rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Well young Padawan, the solution is simple,"
"What is it?"
"Just tell him you're taken," Cisco said wisely.
Caitlin furrowed her brows, "But I'm not,"
"And he doesn't know that,"
"But…"
"Do you want to let him down gently or not?" Besides, he had to look out for his man Barry here.
After a beat she sighed, "I suppose you're right,"
Later that day she told a little white lie. It hurt to see Ronnie's shoulders slump and his smile drop, he was the happy go lucky type. Almost like Barry. But she couldn't give him any false hope. She had a thesis to finish.
"I'm sorry, I have a boyfriend," she said.
Ronnie's demeanor fell, "It's Barry right?"
What on Earth would give him that idea? In any case, she could use this to her advantage, "Yes, it's Barry,"
She only hoped Barry didn't mind.
"I should've known," Ronnie gave her a defeated smile, "for the record you look good together,"
It was the first time someone had said that to her about her best friend.
She didn't know how right Ronnie was, or how often that thought crossed people's mind.
{-}
There you have folks, the next installment of Great Possibilities. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for your patience and support. You are all AMAZING!
I know there were limited interactions between our protagonists, but I hope you were able to see why that was necessary. Big disclaimer, I have never been to a bachelorette party so that may be why my parties are so boring lol.
You may be wondering about Barry and Iris right now…no? Well you should. I'd like to read what you think happened between them. I purposefully did not include that in this chapter, but it comes up later in the story just in case you wanted to know. (I'm evil, aren't I?)
AND…yes to everyone that thought Nora was in the know about these two. Just to clarify, it's not necessarily that she knew everything, but she had a reasonable suspicion that something was up with those lovable dorks and as she saw them interact she started to piece everything together. Also, I wanted to include a little snippet about Nora and Henry, they don't get enough love in this story, but I really like them. I wanted to show them in a different light, when they were young and made mistakes once upon a time, not just these wise know-it-all parents. Besides, their story also served to teach our Barry a lesson.
ALSO…as part of this story, there is a set of flashbacks at the end (or in the middle) and I was wondering if you had any ideas about a flashback that you would like to see? I have a few lined up already, but thought that incorporating some of your ideas would be a wonderful addition to the story (provided that they stay true to the tone of the story and the personality of the characters). So I'm taking prompts here, in case you're interested : )
A warm thanks to: Randompasserby( x2 ), Guest2, Leanish203, ShanouNash, Stars90, Shyesplease, Idkaname, Maya, Shadow9841, Specks10 ( x2 ), PurpleYin, Guest1, Jdcocoagirl, Jmwatson504, and Augusthippie1993!
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, love you all!
Randompasserby: Agreed! These two are going to be the death of me.
And yes, sometimes I want to bash their heads too…
Guest2: Your wish is my command. Here's the update ; )
Leanish203: Glad you're loving it! I hope the you enjoyed this installment. Let me know what you think.
ShanouNash: It has been a while! I feel you, I changed jobs a few months ago and it's been a hassle, I was barely able to get back to writing about 2 weeks ago. Haha, can we say it was your impression? (Although, I really hadn't updated in a while).
I don't know why I've been writing chapters this long. It's not intentional I promise. I'll try to write more to-the-point stories? I don't know, it's a fine balance between quality and quantity. I enjoy long chapters, but maybe I should give myself a limit or something.
Aww isn't she the cutest. I love Caitlin on doctor mode. She has a big heart and Barry does too, they just…they can be too good sometimes. I agree with your view on Eddie being on the short end of the stick here. It's not his fault that there are these unresolved feelings, but that needs to be cleared soon. While I could feel bad for Caitlin, I think that she knew what she was getting into and this situation is bringing her true feelings to light. It's a complicated situation, but I think that Eddie is the wronged party here…if anything Caitlin was in on Barry's little plan (evil Barry…hmm…maybe I should write an Evil!Barry story). Anyway, I think Iris (and Barry) needs to get it together pronto!
Ha! Jealous!Barry is among my favorites to write. Yes he can be childish, but isn't he funny? He is taking steps in the right direction like you said, and he will be doing a lot of that pretty soon. As for Caitlin…she's coming to the point where she won't be able to deny her feelings any longer.
Oh I love, love, LOVE, writing the flashbacks to the story, it gives the current chapter substance and depth in my opinion, and shows you that Barry and Caitlin's journey goes further back than just this week.
Oh they know! They knew from the beginning, but they were smart enough to let things unfold and only act when appropriate. I love them.
I hope everything goes well for you and life stabilizes, if you ever want to vent please let me know : ) You can make good friends in this community.
Let me know what you thought of this chapter.
Stars90: Aren't they something else? Ah, Barry and Caitlin, they are hopeless…
Thank you for reading!
Shyesplease: Oh good! I'm glad you like the long chapters, I don't know what has gotten into me lately, because it's not my usual MO, but hey, if they make people happy that's awesome!
That's Caitlin for you. Isn't she such a good person. I really wanted to get her perspective so you can see what was going through her mind as poor Barry was pouring his heart out. I don't think he would be this dramatic, but it was fun to write it that way lol.
Let me know what you thought of this chapter and their several firsts.
Idkaname: Aww you humble me! I'm so happy you like it this much!
You know what? I hadn't thought about Nora and Caitlin having that type of conversation, but she would be the perfect person to open up to. I can't promise anything, but let's just say that there is something in the works, because Caitlin really needs to get that out of the way if she wants to move on.
Maya: Oh Nora and Henry are the captains of the Snowbarry ship. (Sorry Dr. Wells, you'll have your time to shine).
Thank you for reading Maya!
Shadow9841: Let me know what you thought of chapter 7, did it live up to your expectations?
Thank you for reading!
Specks10: Oh I live for parallels between these two and the matching clothes were super intentional, I see a lot of that in the show actually. I figured it would do well in writing too.
Haha! Caitlin…she cracks me up.
You think chapter 6 was the best one yet? Hmm…I'll have to out-do myself to surpass it then. Let me know which one turns out to be your favorite when the story ends.
A big virtual hug! Thanks for reading!
PurpleYin: That's Caitlin for you. She cares about Barry that much. I felt that Cait and Eddie needed to have that chat, because they are in a similar boat here (as much as Caitlin would try to deny it).
No, she wasn't ill…this time. We'll see what happens when the roles are reversed. Can Barry out-do Caitlin in levels of cuteness? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on the flashbacks for this chapter?
Guest1: Look no further, updates are here ; )
Jdcocoagirl: Hehee! Jealous!Barry is my treat to write. Why can't he just see what's right in front of him?
Oh just you wait…believe me he will be worth the wait…
I looked up the song Palaam Na, but it came up with different singers, which one do you recommend? Thank you for the recommendation!
Jmwatson504: Aww! You warm my heart! I've never been that great of a writer, so it makes me super happy to read this. Thank you!
Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Augusthippie1993: I'm so glad to hear that. I'm with you quality over quantity, but to be frank, I'd like to do a little bit of both.
Everyone can see that they love like each other, and they just…ugh…these two are so frustrating, but I love them anyway.
Wow, getting the re-read level is a big deal. Thank you for enjoying my writing and leaving such positive feedback!
Let me know what you thought of this chapter. I'd love to read your thoughts (because that's not creepy).