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Great Possibilities
D-Day
He looked at his phone for the umpteenth time and sprung up when he saw a text from Caitlin.
Sorry. ER. Surgery.
Well that was better than nothing, he supposed.
He even got to the point of inviting Krypto to sleep with him. It wasn't the same, but at least he had company. Krypto jumped on the bed and instantly began to sniff Caitlin's side and scratch the covers in hopes of finding her. Barry saw the gesture and smiled to himself.
"You miss her too, buddy," he pulled the dog away and patted him, "it's just you and me today boy,"
The night was long, with so much tossing and turning that Krypto just jumped off the bed and slept on the carpet instead. Once morning came, Barry turned to his side and let out a deep sigh. It was strange to wake up alone after so many days waking up to Caitlin's warm hazel eyes. He had the hardest time sleeping yesterday night, he really wanted to see her and share with her his discovery. He called several times but was sent to voicemail until he filled it up. He wasn't the needy type. Really, he wasn't. However, there was this nagging feeling that ate away at him...he really wanted to see her.
{-}
Caitlin left the Allen residence without a backward glance. Someone needed her right now, and she need not waste her time in silly thoughts. She got on the taxi and asked the driver to hurry, there was someone who's life was at stake.
Once she arrived at the hospital she quickly headed to the ER area and pulled her white coat on. She gathered her hair in a messy bun and asked for a debriefing.
"Lady in her mid forties was T-boned by a truck handling construction materials,"
"Current condition?" Dr. Snow asked as she reviewed the information sheet.
"Well…" the aspiring doctor hesitated, "There is a metal pole that perforated her abdomen,"
The young doctor snapped the file closed, "What!?"
"Yeah, sorry about that. Hence why I called you and said it was an emergency,"
After a calming breath she continued, "Thank you Ms. Kane, please prepare a surgery room for the removal,"
"Already done Dr. Snow," the young lady beamed.
"Excellent work," Caitlin gave her the tiniest smile.
And the girl with colored hair beamed, "Any time,"
As Caitlin began to walk towards the surgery room she noticed the girl standing a few feet behind, "Aren't you coming?"
"Huh?"
"I'm sure this would be a great experience for a bright student like you...Magenta," she ended up saying.
"Are you serious!? I'll be ready in five, no two. I'll be there," she said overzealous. As opposed to many of the older doctors who saw the students as errand boys/girls Dr. Snow always treated them fairly and got them involved in things that really mattered. When the girl turned to go wash up and get ready she realized that Dr. Snow had called her Magenta not Ms. Kane as she was used to. Finally she made her nickname stick, it was a great improvement for her, Dr. Snow wasn't as cold as the others said.
Caitlin smiled to herself as she made her way to the surgery room. This was exactly what she needed right now, to pull her thoughts away from Barry, Iris' wedding, and more importantly...her own heart.
When she got the surgery room she scanned the patient and assessed the situation. By this time she had already cleaned and disinfected her hands, covered her hair and mouth, and wore the appropriate scrubbs. Things would be challenging but considering the amount of bleeding and the consciousness of the patient she thought that it was possible no critical damage had been done.
"Thank you for hanging in there Ms. Brand,"
"Call...me...Tracy," the patient said in shallow breaths.
"Of course Tracy. I'm going to proceed with the removal of the metal pole, afterwards I promise you will be able to rest okay?"
"How...how bad...does it look?"
"It looks a lot worse than what it actually is," she said reassuringly. "I'll start slowly, let me know if the pain becomes unbearable,"
Tracy nodded.
"One," Caitlin began to pull slowly, "two," she pulled a little more on saw Tracy wince, it was painful but she was being a good sport. "Three," and with that she pulled the pole completely and the patient let out a scream in pain before passing out.
"Okay let's get started," she told the team that was with her.
In the meantime, Magenta tried not to pass out herself.
{-}
"Dr. Snow, there is someone that would like to see you," she heard the lead nurse tell her.
"I'm sorry, I…" Caitlin wasn't really in the mood to see anyone right now. After a 12 hour shift (added to the gruelling 18 hours she'd been awake before coming to work), and a critical surgery she performed just a few hours ago, she wanted nothing more than to go home drown in a pint of ice cream and deal with her problems later. It wasn't her usual MO, but some emotional truths she fought hard to suppress were starting to bubble to the surface. She was running on auto-mode now, and it seems that the thoughts she left the Allen residence with just kept coming back.
She couldn't have that.
Sensing her negative answer the nurse pressed, "She insisted and said she was your... mother?" The nurse said a little uncertain.
Caitlin quirked a brow, there was no way…
"Sorry, your mother-in-law,"
Oh, okay...that still made no sense.
"Caitlin, darling," a voice she knew all too well as of late came from behind.
"Nora?" the doctor whispered a little surprised.
"Oh my, it's only been hours and I already missed you," Nora said with a beaming smile.
The nurse excused herself, not without giving a curious glance to the two women. She had a lot to tell the rest of the nursing team. She vaguely wondered if this woman was the cute CSI's mom. Sure Dr. Snow denied vehemently that there was anything going on between the two of them, but she (and the rest of the staff at the hospital) knew something was definitely going on between those two.¶
Although Caitlin wasn't much for appearances, she knew very well that she looked like a mess right now. With a small sigh, she led Nora to a secluded corner of the hospital's cafeteria and brought her a cup of coffee.
"So, how did your emergency play out?" the Allen matriarch said while taking a small sip of her coffee.
"Well, fortunately the patient is stable right now, a metal pole had hit her abdomen, but thankfully it avoided all critical organs,"
Nora made a face at that, "Wow, sounds like it was something serious,"
"It was, but she is okay now," thankfully, she got to the hospital just in time.
The conversation died down for a little and Caitlin wasn't even sure why Nora was here. How did she know which hospital she worked for? In any case, Nora didn't let her continue with her musings.
"The wedding is at three today and the official reception at seven,"
Caitlin hid her face in the coffee cup and took a small and slow sip of the brown liquid. Of course that was why she had come to see her...the real question was, why was the wedding still going on? There was no way, just no way, that Barry and Iris…
"You'll be there, right sweetie?"
Caitlin blinked fast and re-focused on Nora, "I'll...I'll try my best to be there, my shift isn't over and I, well, I don't know how functional I'll be," while that was in part true, the real reason why she was trying to avoid the West-Thawne wedding was because she simply could not conceive that Barry and Iris would do that to Eddie. There was also this tiny (or rather enormous) part of her that felt hurt and resentful, but she didn't have a reason to be. Really, she didn't. If anyone were to feel hurt it should be Eddie and not her. Besides it wasn't like she was in love with Barry. She internally scoffed. She loved him, sure...but wasn't in love with him. Really!
Nora didn't know the background or the details, but she could read the turmoil in Caitlin's eyes. "You know Caitlin, it's okay to give yourself a chance,"
"Huh?" The doctor wasn't sure what Nora was talking about.
Nora smiled slightly, "I'd like for the both of us to come clean with each other,"
"I'm not sure I follow,"
Nora set her cup gently on the table, "Why do you…" she stopped herself and tried to rephrase her question, she needed to be as tactful as possible, "Let me start from the beginning. My son likes you,"
"No he doesn't," she said automatically.
Nora giggled, "Oh he does, a lot more than you can imagine,"
Caitlin resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She wasn't about to tell Nora that Barry and Iris were kissing just moments before she left the Allen residence. "He might, just not in the way that you may think,"
Nora hid a secretive smile. Denial, what an obvious defense mechanism, "If you say so, darling," after a beat she added, "We may not agree on Barry's feelings, but what about you Caitlin? What about your feelings?"
The young doctor looked away, "He's a good friend," she said with a small voice.
"Is that all there is?"
"Yes,"
"Really? Because I've been married for over thirty years and the way you look at Barry is the same way I look at Henry," the matriarch laced her hands in front of her and rested her chin on them, giving the doctor a teasing smile. "And I can tell you what that look means: it is the look of unadulterated adoration and love, believe me, I would know,"
Despite how tired Caitlin was, she couldn't disguise the pink blush that came to her cheeks, "That's not it at all,"
Nora resisted a giggle, "You tell yourself that," she said softly, as she sat back in her chair, changing her demeanor to the serious one Caitlin had seen only once before, "Could you tell me about your parents?"
Caitlin blinked in confusion. Where was did this come from? It wasn't in her nature to be on the offensive and yet she wasn't sure she was going to like where this was going. "Why?" she ended up asking.
Nora stared at her, this wouldn't be easy, but she'd heard from Barry that Caitlin's parents had passed away when she was younger. Sure he didn't give them much detail, out of respect for the doctor but Barry's hesitance at broaching the subject had tipped Nora off that there was a lot more to their passing than one would think. "It's obviously none of my business," she saw the doctor bite her lip, but she pressed on, "but I think that…" she stopped for mere seconds, this wasn't her place at all. However, even if Caitlin and Barry didn't end up together (which she highly doubted) this was a hurdle that Caitlin shouldn't avoid any longer. Call her crazy, but during the days that Nora saw her son and the doctor together, it was hard for her to wrap her head around them actually not being together. Sure, her son was in part to blame for it too, but she believed the true barrier came from Caitlin simply closing herself off to the possibility of Barry and her being anything other than friends. "Maybe you need some closure to that chapter of your life and open your heart to a wonderful experience,"
"Nora I...I'm not sure what you want me to tell you,"
"Anything," Nora smiled encouragingly.
Caitlin let out a drawn out sigh, she was too beat to put up resistance, and to be frank she wanted to open up to someone. She had always put up a strong mask for everyone else, and while she was able to open up to Barry over several things, even her issues with her parents...she quickly closed herself off and changed the subject, not letting him even touch on the issue, but selfishly taking advantage of his warmth and friendship.
"My parents," she gave a small smile, "they were good parents. Always there for me and encouraging me, at least in the beginning," a faraway look came to her, "my dad was my best friend, we would do everything together," she was a big tomboy growing up.
"That's lovely," Nora said sincerely. "What about your mom?"
The doctor hesitated, "She was a good mom until…"
"Until…?"
Caitlin was just returning from middle school and was so excited to show her parents her awards in math and science. Once she entered the door her big grin turned into a concerned frown as she heard her parents argue in the kitchen.
"Let me help you," her mother cried.
"I can do this alone!" her father said in anger and as Caitlin hid next to the kitchen door she saw her father's hand shake incessantly to the point where he couldn't hold the spoon anymore. He got so frustrated he ended up throwing the plate and the spoon fiercely.
"See? I told you to let me help you," her mother said as she picked up the items and attempted to clean the now dirty floor.
Her father let out a frustrated growl and went out the back door to their yard.
Her award certificate was all but forgotten on the floor and she headed to her room. Things were changing and yet, when she met her parents for supper they acted their part as a happy married couple - that they clearly weren't.
Another year passed and her father's condition worsened. He was no longer able to keep the facade in front of his daughter and they finally came clean to her. She thought things would get better since they didn't have to pretend anymore in front of her….that wasn't the case.
While her father tried his hardest to be self sufficient despite his motor abilities worsening by the second and his immune system failing him, her mother always made things worse. Her incessant worrying and condescending tone towards him every time he tried to do things on his own, drove him away further and further from his wife. Long gone were those romantic gestures and fun loving smiles Caitlin remembered during her childhood. All she saw now was disdain and disappointment in his eyes, and an unhealthy obsession on her mother's clear blue orbs.
As the years went by, things only got worse. Her mother barely paid any attention to her anymore, focusing only on her father, whether he liked it or not. It didn't matter what Caitlin did, nothing was important enough for her mother to even notice her. On the other hand, her father, her hero...he was unrecognizable and fragile looking. His illness eating away at his liveliness, and yet he still found ways to make his little girl feel special and recognized. Even when he couldn't speak he would tell her one way or another how proud he was of her. When he no longer could control the tremors in his body, he still found a way to scribble, barely legibly: You are the best daughter. I love you.
The last time she saw him, he gave her a soft kiss on her forehead and told her how much he loved her, in short and choppy breaths. She was the last one to see him alive, something that her mother hated. When her mother arrived moments later she went hysterical and practically accused her of killing him in her hysteria, but then collected herself and apologized. Still, that accusation stung a seventeen-year old caitlin to the core.
She knew things would be hard for her mother, even harder than they would be for her, because to an extent, she had been preparing for this the moment they told her her father was ill. Not that it was any comfort, but she was happy her father wouldn't be suffering any more, and in her memory, he remained the strong man that would take her to baseball games and sneak her out of trouble when her mother got upset.
She just didn't know how hard things would really get.
Every day her mother would cook her father's favorite dish, and despite having held a funeral no less than days before, she insisted her father would be home for supper. When two weeks had passed, she told her mother to get help, but her mother refused to listen and called her crazy. Almost three months had passed after her father's death and her mother wasn't any better. By this point Caitlin had gotten so fed up with the situation that the umpteenth time her mother said her father would be home soon, she lost it.
"He's not coming back!"
Her mother looked at her horrified.
"He was tired of you! I'm glad he's at peace now! You were the one that killed him every day!" With her constant mothering and making him seem helpless she hurt him more than anything else.
Her mother was crying buckets, but more than sadness she was enraged, "What do you know!? He was MY everything! I loved him! I loved him! I…" She choked on her sobs but kept repeating those words.
Caitlin cried too. She cried her heart out and when she tried to get close to her mother, for mutual comfort she brushed her away. This was as much as her heart could take that day and Caitlin gathered her coat and left for the evening. She wanted to be away from mom. She wanted solace and peace. She wanted comfort, but knew there was no one for her to rely on, and slowly her heart began to create that last wall of ice that was missing. She didn't want to be hurt anymore…
She came back a few hours later and the sight that met her was unforgiving. Her house was surrounded by cops, firefighters, and even an ambulance. When she headed to the door the cops tried to stop her but she said she lived there and showed them her ID as proof.
"What happened? Where's my mom?"
The cops shared a knowing look between them and one of them began, "Miss, I'm sorry but -"
"No…" this couldn't be happening this was a terrible nightmare. She probably was still asleep at the library, "No, please…" tears she thought were over, began to trickle down again.
"I'm sorry," the officer said as he removed his cap in respect.
She rushed passed them to the second floor where her mother's bedroom was and just then saw the paramedics pull her mother down.
"You shouldn't see this," one of the paramedics said softly.
"She's…"
The paramedic pulled her outside the bedroom. "A child should never see their parent like this," as he pulled her out he handed her a crumpled piece of paper. "She...she had this when we found her,"
Even in her stunned state, Caitlin opened the paper…
Dear Caity,
I'm sorry...sorry for everything. I don't even know how much I hurt you these past few years, or today. But this isn't the life I was promised. I loved your father….I love him. I love him so much and he needs me. Or I need him? It doesn't make a difference anymore.
You're strong, and have always been independent. Now you'll have another burden off your shoulders.
Please don't hate me. Just let me be happy...with him.
Thank you,
Mom
Even in mom's last moments she couldn't even think about her only daughter. All that was in her mind was her unhealthy and sinnister love for her father. It wasn't fair. Life wasn't fair. But she didn't want to cry anymore.
In a stark contrast with her father's passing, this time she didn't have beautiful memories of mom. It'd been far too long since she stopped existing in her mother's eyes and despite her better judgement she resented her for so long.
As she tore her mother's last words apart, she vowed to herself to never fall in love. Love, the romantic kind, was dangerous. She wouldn't do this to herself. She wouldn't fall in that trap. Love stories and fairy tales were only to exist in books and movies. She didn't need any of that in her life.
She cleaned up her tears and walked away. She'd been alone a long time, now reality had caught up to the charade.
Now she was truly alone.
"That is the last memory I have of my mother,"
Nora stayed quiet processing the information. Caitlin had come a long way from all the loss and disappointment in her life. It was a miracle she hadn't gone deep end herself. Now she understood why Caitlin was so closed off to the idea of romance. She was afraid, no, she was terrified of the concept. However, Nora knew that there was still hope and Caitlin could have her chance at happiness. Despite all the hurt, she had opened herself to new friendships, Barry and Cisco were living proof of that. She even had the heart to open up to her, even when Caitlin didn't know her. Even when the doctor should resent mother figures, she had opened up to her without reservation. This only proved that Caitlin's ability to love was immense. Quite frankly, it was purer and more sincere than a lot of affection Nora had witnessed throughout the years.
"Not the best conversation topic, huh?" Caitlin said in a dry attempt to lighten the situation.
Nora shook her head, "Thank you Caitlin, it must've been very hard for you to share that," she said as she slowly made her way to the doctor's shaking hands. Unbeknownst to Caitlin, her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. "It must have been very painful for you to hold this in for so long, but you don't have to carry that pain any longer," she brushed a stubborn tear from Caitlin's cheek, meanwhile shedding a handful herself.
"It's time to let go. Let go of that pain, find your own happiness,"
Caitlin was about to say something but Nora continued.
"Know, that what you saw and what you lived was not true love. Love is a wonderful thing, it's not perfect, but it is not what your mother believed either." She squeezed the doctor's hand gently, "We are not in a place to judge her actions, but don't rob yourself of your own chance at happiness,"
"Nora, I...I don't know if I want to take that chance,"
The Allen matriarch nodded slowly, "I understand why you wouldn't, but sweetie, you deserve to be happy too, I'm sure your father would've wanted that, and even if I'm not your mother, I want that for you too," Nora moved her chair closer to the doctor and gave her a tight and reassuring hug. When she came here today she could not have imagined how things would turn out. This was far beyond playing matchmaker to her adorable nerds. This was about helping a wonderful girl open her heart to happiness. She needed to let go of the pain and hurt that had been haunting her for so long. Caitlin's reservations made sense, but she need not be afraid anymore, because Nora knew that the moment Caitlin gave herself the chance to be happy, wholeheartedly happy.
She would be.
And that day couldn't come soon enough.
{-}
Barry was pacing like a caged animal. Why was Caitlin not returning his calls? Sure things would get crazy at the hospital sometimes, but she must've had a few minutes to talk to him right, right?
"Bar, when you stop acting like a caged lion could you help me with the hairpiece?" Iris called from a few feet away as the make up artist was applying the finished touches on her face.
"What? Oh, yeah," he looked at his phone again and made sure the ring tone was at the highest volume.
"I take it you haven't heard from Caitlin since yesterday?" She teased. Really Barry was such a worry-wart.
"What if something happened to her?" He began to panic. He hadn't thought about that, but it was a possibility.
Iris giggled and rolled her eyes, "Come on Bar, you're reaching here. In case you don't know doctors get VERY busy, maybe she hasn't seen your 538 messages and 879 phone calls,"
Barry scoffed, "It was only 125 messages and 227 phone calls Iris, don't exaggerate,"
The makeup artist struggle not to chuckle, but Iris did, loudly. "Are you hearing yourself?"
Barry glared at the both of them. Just then her mother walked in with a blue pin.
"Your something new and something blue just arrived," Nora said in a sing song voice.
"Ugh! You're the best Nora," Iris squealed.
As Nora adjusted Iris' new accessory and hairpiece (Barry had done a terrible job at best), she noticed her son's demeanor, "What's got him so worked up?" she asked the bride.
"Who else? Caitlin,"
Nora giggled softly.
"Not you too!" Barry whined.
"I just talked to her earlier today," Nora said and Barry rushed to her side in a second.
"You did? What did she say?" He tried to act suave but everyone in the room knew he was anything but.
"Well…" Nora trailed off, but quickly ended her teasing to deliver some bad news, "she won't be able to make it Iris, but she did tell me to send her congratulations to the bride and groom and that she was sorry she wouldn't be able to be here,"
"Why?" Barry said surprised and utterly sad at the news.
"Work. She pulled an overnight shift and she still needed to do time at the hospital as far as I know, you know how it is when they are short staffed," both of them knew all too well since Dr. Allen had pulled many of those crazy shifts over the years.
"Oh," was all Barry could say.
Iris was sad too. She hadn't been the best to Caitlin these past few days and wanted to make amends. It was funny how it all started for them, and she did owe her an apology...she hoped she would see her soon. "You think she might make it to the reception?"
"Let's hope,"
Was all Nora said as she placed the veil where it rightfully belonged and led the bride outside.
{-}
Eddie was a nervous wreck, even if his exterior showed otherwise. Just yesterday Iris and him had a long discussion about their future and she gave him a heartfelt apology for her behavior this past week. She had been honest with him and told him why she had acted that way with Barry. She felt guilty for never apologizing and breaking Barry's heart without a second thought and she wanted, needed, that closure. Despite her odd behavior, Eddie always remained her priority and she couldn't see her future without him, so if he would have her, she'd like to become Iris West-Thawne tomorrow. She even said, she was willing to be Iris Thawne if that made things better. He was tempted, but thought better of it. He was honest with her too and told her he had felt that distance between them and her unusual behavior towards the CSI, and yet he was willing to let her go if the CSI was her happiness.
Iris, however, kissed him senseless and told him without a shadow of doubt that he was the only man who could make her happy.
And that was how he ended up where he was, waiting for his bride to make her grandiose entry. He saw Barry take his place on the bride's side and saw certain sadness there. He briefly wondered if it was because his first love was getting married to someone else. Nevertheless, when Iris made her entrance and looked ethereal to the detective he took a smallest glimpse towards the CSI and saw that his mind wasn't at the wedding, he hadn't even turned to look at Iris. His mind was somewhere else entirely, and Eddie realized that his head (and heart) where with the absent doctor.
Neither Eddie or Iris paid attention to the Man of Honor after she made her way next to the groom, focusing instead on each other. This was the happiest day of their lives and they had waited an awfully long time to take this final step. They didn't even pay attention to the guests, much more focused on each other's smiles and adoring gazes.
"Did you ever think we would make it this far?" Iris said with the biggest grin hiding behind the translucent material.
"I knew it, the moment I saw you. You took my heart right then and there," Eddie said sincerely, as he slowly lifted Iris' veil.
"You're such a sap," Iris teased.
"Only for you, Mrs. West-Thawne,"
"And I'm yours, always, Mr. Thawne,"
They both ignored whatever was being said and just kissed each other lovingly. This was their fairy tail after all. It was only fair they wrote their own fantasy.
Barry, having put his turmoil aside, took the opportunity to snap a picture of the loving couple in front of him. This would make for a great gift later.
{-}
The reception was in full bloom with over a hundred guests gathered. Iris had just had her father-daughter dance and was moving on to dance with her now-husband. Everything was perfect. Eddie looked at her even more lovingly than before -she wasn't even sure that was possible. She was also certain that she looked at him with the same love and devotion, ready to take on this new challenge -together.
Somehow this week was all but a blur to her. Everything leading up to this moment. She didn't even know why she let silly thoughts cloud her better judgement, but it wouldn't happen again. She was ready to give herself fully to Eddie, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Meanwhile, Barry sat in the corner observing the happy couple and the other guests that began to make their way to the dance floor. He still felt a little hurt that Caitlin had talked with his mom when she didn't make the time for him. He would give wistful looks to the door hoping against hope that she would show up to the reception. Even in her white coat and a messy bun she would manage to look beautiful.
To him anyway.
"You're about to burn a hole through that door son," his father came to take a seat by his side. "Why don't you dance a little? I know you really like it,"
Barry shrugged, "I don't really feel like dancing," there was no one he wanted to dance with, the only person he wanted to embrace wasn't there.
"Oh is that Caitlin I see?" His father looked in the direction of the entrance with wide eyes.
Barry immediately got up from his chair and a silly grin spread through his face. Hope had been restored. When his eyes turned to entrance again, there was no one in sight. "Dad!"
"What? It was just a joke," his dad laughed.
"It wasn't funny," Barry grumbled and crossed his arms around his chest.
"You should've seen your face," Henry continued to chuckle. His son was so transparent.
"Yeah, whatever," he frowned.
Henry cleared his throat in an effort to stop the laughing, "Okay, now that I got a good laugh we can get serious here,"
Barry raised an skeptical eyebrow.
"Why don't you go see her?" Henry said in all seriousness.
"What?" the CSI said in a high pitch. Totally not what he intended.
"Seriously son, you should go see her, anyone with eyes can tell that you're dying to see her...more so than usual, you love sick puppy," Henry couldn't help but tease.
"Dad!" Barry scolded. "It's not like that...besides, today's Iris' big day, I can't just leave," he reasoned.
Henry smiled, "Look at her, I'm sure she won't even notice you're gone,"
"But…"
Henry interjected, "You could make up an excuse now...or you can go after what you really want,"
He looked at his dad and then to the door, when he noticed a string of auburn disappearing out of sight. Whether he imagined it or it was real, that was the last push he needed to go after what his heart truly desired.
"You know dad...I always wondered how you and mom always knew the right thing to say," he grabbed his jacket and before he jogged away said "I hope it's something you both passed on to me," because there was a lot he needed to say to his favorite doctor. Without hesitation he ran out the door to take a chance and go after his happiness.
He had made Caitlin wait long enough and he was tired of putting up nonexistent walls between them. He wanted to be happy, and he knew...that she was his happiness.
{-}
Today had definitely taken a toll on her. She was running on zero hours of sleep and had been awake for over thirty-six hours. Whether she had plans to attend or not, she wasn't able to go the the West-Thawne wedding, having been dismissed at 3:30, that day.
When she got home she threw her keys on the table and dropped herself on her bed. She thought back on the beginning of the week and how things had been progressing. Things had spun out of control before they even began. She even thought back on those defining moments with Barry throughout the years. There were so many times where they could have taken a leap of faith, but neither was willing.
But what was left? Barry had feelings for Iris as far as she knew...how Iris still ended up marrying Eddie after what she saw yesterday was beyond her. Maybe she should just move to Star City and leave it at that...which was the cowardly thing to do, but did she have the guts to put her heart on the line, even when her chances of success were abysmal?
With one last sigh she surrendered to sleep, troubling thoughts would still be here once she woke up.
After two hours of sleep she woke up with a headache. She saw the digital clock marking 6:03PM. She smiled ruefully to herself, this was fate's way of saying that she had to deal this matter pronto. She headed towards her shower not before opening up the gift bag that Nora had left at the reception area for her.
Dear Cait,
The choice is yours. I believe in you, you should too.
With Love,
Nora
Inside the bag there was a pale pink princess dress. How Nora managed to know her exact size and taste was a mystery to her.
Caitlin smiled.
{-}
She arrived at the reception hall, where she and Barry had kissed a few days ago but before she had the courage to open the door, she peeked just a bit to find her Barry slumped over the chair. The sight alone, broke her resolve. He looked hurt as he eyed the gleaming couple and in that instant her heart broke with him. He probably had taken the wedding in stride but his sadness was evident in her eyes and he couldn't disguise his pain anymore.
Barry still loved Iris.
She turned away hiding from the door , she couldn't do this. Caitlin squeezed her eyes shut and ran.
She was a coward after all.
{-}
What's Love Got to do With It?
"Are you in position?" Barry called from his walkie-talkie.
"Yes, in position on stand-by," Caitlin said, "but why do we have to use walkie-talkies if we are right next to each other?"
Barry sighed, "It's part of the operation: Golden Vibe. Let's stick to it Cait,"
"Right," she nodded. She still didn't understand why they were standing outside of the Karaoke bar instead of being inside with Cisco and Lisa, but she would follow Barry's lead since he knew the engineer best. "So what is it that I have to do again?"
"We observe and intervene when necessary,"
"Yeah, you said that, but how do I know what to do?" She was not someone that went out much or knew about these types of things.
Barry straighten up and scratched the back of his head. Cisco was usually the better planner."Good question, I guess we'll just know," and then a thought occurred to him, "how did you know what to do when I was on my date with Linda?"
"Oh that," she placed her index finger under her chin, "well, I got the idea from some foreign soap operas I saw on TV,"
"You watch those?" That didn't seem like something she would do.
She shrugged, "I like international entertainment,"
"Okay...so what would your TV shows tell you to do right now?"
"Well, Hispanic entertainment would say to go in and make one of them jealous so the other would pay attention,"
Barry thought about it, but as attractive as the golden girl was, it was against the bro code. Besides, he didn't think it would work. On the other hand, if Caitlin went inside to flirt with Cisco it could be weird. He made a face at that. "Let's try something else,"
"Well some forms of Asian entertainment, would suggest we give them a little push," She suggested.
"A push?"
"Yes. You know, create the perfect setting for them. For example, someone casually bumping into them to bring them closer, and that sort of thing,"
Barry nodded, "That would work,"
"Alright, but before we get to that, we're going to need a disguise,"
Barry wasn't sure he was going to like this, but he put no resistance as the girl led him to a costume store a few feet away. They went inside and emerged as completely different people. Barry was sporting a styled dark haired wig, dark jeans and a black leather jacket, with black sunglasses despite it being night time. Caitlin, on the other hand, was wearing a platinum blonde wig, tight denim jeans, and a plaid shirt. To further her disguise, she had asked one of the girls at the counter if she could do her makeup, effectively making the 'cat-eye' look her own.
"Okay, disguise, check," she said.
"And what was the purpose of this exactly?" he scratched his head not being used to the wig.
"We can't let Cisco know we're helping, I don't think he would be happy about us interfering with his date,"
"Good point,"
As they entered the bar, Barry noticed that curious eyes turned to them, or rather Caitlin, so he placed a hand on her waist and led her to the opposite side of where Lisa and Cisco where seated.
"What are you doing?" She asked him. They'd only met for a little over a year and wasn't sure this was something friends would do.
"It's all part of the plan," he said without looking at her.
She gave him one last glance but continued the charade anyway.
Barry and Caitlin observed the couple a few feet away, noticing how they talked animatedly and both suppressed a giggle when they saw Cisco attempt to act like a ladies man. It seems things were going well even without their intervention.
Suddenly a server went to their table and blocked their view of the target.
"Can we help you?" Barry asked.
"But of course," the girl said with a cheshire grin, "you've been chosen as our singers to open up the night!"
The lights suddenly turned to them, literally putting them in the spotlight and Barry's cheeks began to get warm in embarrassment.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Caitlin said calmly.
"No worries, we're not here to judge," the server said with a wink and pulled them both out of their seats.
"Uhm, I'm not a good singer," the future doctor said as a matter of fact.
"No need to be an expert,"
"Barry?" Caitlin turned to her friend for support.
He looked around and noticed that Cisco was looking at them. He quickly turned towards Caitlin and took part of her platinum tresses to cover part of his face. Their identities had been compromised, "Let's just roll with it, please,"
"Okay," They had been warmed.
"And our Karaoke machine choose, drumroll please!" After a small pause, "Summer Nights!"
"Uhm, I don-" but before the platinum haired girl finished the song began.
"Just follow my lead," Barry said reassuringly. "Summer Lovin' had me a blast," he then motioned Caitlin to continue the next part.
Here went nothing, she gathered her courage and sang, "Summer lovin' happened so fast,"
"I met a girl crazy for me,"
"Met a boy, cute as can be,"
She probably sounded awful, but Barry's encouraging smile never left him, and in turn that made Caitlin sing with confidence.
"Summer days driftin' away, uh-ah oh those summer nights,"
"Wooo-kay, thank you for opening up the night, you may go now," the bar girl that had initially invited them, she shooed them away. "No randoms, next time," she muttered under her breath.
Barry led Caitlin down the stairs, "Well that wasn't so bad,"
"Say that for yourself, you have an amazing voice," her on the other hand, it was like hearing screeching cats.
"Cait you weren't that bad," he said with a trademarked Barry smile.
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes, "We were probably kicked out of the stage because I wasn't that bad,"
He laughed. "On the bright side, it doesn't seem like we were discovered," he turned their attention to Cisco and Lisa.
The couple was laughing away and Lisa had gotten close to the future engineer whispering something in his ear that made him blush.
"Perhaps we are not needed?" Caitlin asked, seeing that the golden girl gave Cisco her undivided attention.
"Perhaps," Barry mumbled.
"Should we leave?" She asked.
Before Barry had the time to answer the bartender said, "Costume Night is next week,"
Barry and Caitlin shared a funny look and then bursted out laughing as they walked out of the bar. "I guess we weren't that convincing as undercover agents, huh?" He said while smiling at the girl.
"Our skills might use some work, but not as much as our singing," she said with a matching smile as she gently pulled off his wig and started brushing his brown locks to the side. "This style suits you best,"
It felt like an eternity for Barry as Caitlin smoothly put his hair in place. Somehow, everything else disappeared for those seconds and he just stared at her. There was something about Caitlin that always made his heart skip a beat. Not in a romantic way...really not like that...but he still felt comfortable around her. He felt like he was home.
Once she was done, she started to pull away but Barry's hand quickly shot up and held hers to the side of his face.
"Barry?" she questioned softly.
He stared at her a bit more and she looked at him with those innocent and inquisitive brown eyes.
As if coming to his senses he took a step back and let go, "Sorry about that, it felt nice - I MEAN, it was nice, yeah, yeah," he took turned around and took a calming breath, "What I mean is, that it was nice of you to fix my hair, thank you" seriously, what the heck was wrong with him? Every now and then he started to act like a mumbling fool in front of her, and for the life of him he just didn't understand why.
Caitlin blinked slowly and bumped his shoulder lightly, "Thank you, for making our adventures memorable and fun," she took a few steps ahead and realized that Barry wasn't following, as she turned her head to him time froze for the future CSI.
With the streetlights illuminating the girl's platinum hair, her smiling eyes, and that aura of intellect and innocence, she looked just like an angel.
"Are you coming?"
"Yes," he said without hesitation. Whatever the reason for his occasional fumbling, Barry still felt fortunate to have met the auburn haired girl.
Cisco smiled at his friends who disappeared from sight. Surely, they thought up a scheme to bring him together with his long time crush. Probably something silly, if they had to dress up. He recognized him the moment they stepped in the bar. Ah, he was rubbing off on those two, a job well done, but if that little interaction they had right outside the bar meant anything, those two were in for a big surprise.
Meanwhile the art major walked back and took her seat in front of him.
"What's got you smiling?" she asked.
Cisco shook his head, "Do you believe in destiny?"
"Is this a prelude to a cheesy pick-up line of yours?" she asked with a glint in her eyes.
Cisco laughed, "Do you want it to be?" he wiggled his eyebrows.
The girl smirked and laced her hands behind his neck, "Oh just shut up and kiss me,"
He didn't have a chance to answer by the time the golden girl laid one on him. He wasn't complaining.
As they kissed away a fleeting thought crossed through Cisco's mind, his two friends were not as bright is he thought if they couldn't figured out that he'd been dating the girl for over a month now.
Oh those dorks….
{X}
And here it is my friends. This one took much longer to publish, but I didn't want to do put it out there until I was satisfied with the flow, and I still have my reservations on the flashback. In any case, I hope you were able to take a few tidbits and understand our lovable Dr. Snow. Oh and Barry…isn't he just cute!
This one was a little sad, but I wanted to end it on a good note. Now brace yourselves for what's coming…I can't resist, here's a snippet –
"Barry, wha...what are you doing here?" she hoped her voice didn't sound as fragile as she felt.
He ignored her question, "I've been looking for you everywhere," he said seriously, taking a few steady breaths in.
"I'm sorry, I...another emergency came up and I had to leave, I was going to hospital right now," the stupid tears weren't stopping.
"Don't lie to me Cait," he said softly while walking a few steps ahead. "We don't lie to each other,"
A send hugs and kisses to everyone who took the time to read, favorite, follow, and of course, review this story. A special thanks to our several Guests, Katelin, Randompasserby, Awesomeness2502, Idkaname, AND:
Maya: I tell you Snowbarry will be the death of me, but I just love them so much. I enjoyed the cuddle *cue evil grin* because I can totally see them get flustered over it. As for your guesses for what happened with Iris…well…I'm going to leave you guessing my friend. I couldn't include the set up portion as you laid it out, but it inspired me to do this one, another spinoff of our favorite Karaoke scene.
PurpleYin: Loved your review and agree on all accounts. It warms my heart that you caught on to all the little nuggets and cameos thrown in there. Initially I hadn't thought about including Henry and Nora as much, but they really influence Barry's actions and beliefs, as you so cleverly pointed out.
Let me know what you think about the new chapter ;)
Shadow9841: Good guess…but that will all be unveiled in our next chapter. Ugh, I'm with you with the Nora and Henry (Nenry?) relationship. They're goals.
Augustthippie1993: Awww, the Caitlin/Nora interactions are some of my favorite to write. Nora is pretty smart, and that was evident in this chapter too. I most definitely agree on the chemistry you mention. Seriously, I've never seen Iris happier than when she was with Eddie, and don't get me started on the SnowBarry moments.
You humble me, I'm just an amateur that writes for fun, but thank you.
Jdcocoagirl: To be frank I had consider Barry running after her BUT…trust me on this one, you're going to enjoy their coming together all the more, when the time comes.