I do not own any characters, plots, or anything else pertaining to "Flash", "Arrow" or "DC Comics". Wow! I'm amazed at how much attention this is getting. When I initially started this fanfiction, I intended to write only a one-shot, but I'm glad I decided to continue this story. So, thanks for following/favoriting and commenting, I really appreciate it.

Chapter 7

Right in Front of Me

Caitlin is having trouble keeping her attention on the road ahead of her. Everything is out-of-control and she doesn't know how to handle the situation. Barry had said all those things to her and then he had kissed her. She has dreamed about kissing him as simply Caitlin for a long time and the moment their lips connected, she had savored every second of it. Barry had kissed her with so much emotion, her heart had nearly beat out of her chest. While she knows that's scientifically impossible, it doesn't mean that she didn't feel the sensation. Her cell phone rings, breaking her out of her thoughts, but she doesn't grab it from its holder on the dashboard. Instead, she lets it ring continuously.

Caitlin knows it's him trying to smooth everything over with her again, but she won't allow herself to answer his call this time. She's tired of their endless game, chasing after each other, and never reaching the end. Neither one of them seems to win, especially her. Now is no exception. Here Caitlin is again, feeling guilty for her feelings for Barry because of Iris. A peculiar mixture of anger and guilt wash over her. Caitlin's angry with the situation her and Barry find themselves in and she feels guilty for reciprocating his kiss and giving into him. She should have had more respect for Iris, instead of kissing her fiancé, at the same venue their wedding rehearsal was being held. Part of her hates herself for what she's just done, but the other part of her, relishes in the memory of their few precious moments together.

After another ten minutes, her cell phone finally stops ringing, and she's thankful for the silence. Caitlin is almost home, when she decides to keep driving. She knows that her house is the first place Barry will look for her and she doesn't want to face him right now. Her emotions are all over the place and she doesn't think she can handle talking to him in the state she's in. Especially, after that kiss they had shared earlier. Caitlin takes a sharp breath in, trying to keep Killer Frost buried deep within. She doesn't need her alter ego running around and trying to fix the situation for her. Caitlin knows that Killer Frost would only make things worse and she can't let that happen.

After three hours of aimless driving, she stops at a quaint Bed-n-Breakfast somewhere between Central City and Star City. Caitlin parks her car and begins to make her way into the Bed-n-Breakfast. Her cell starts ringing again inside her pocket, just as she enters the main lobby. Caitlin decides to turn off her phone, before she walks over to the front desk. The woman standing behind the counter gives her a warm smile and reminds her of her favorite late grandma. She had owned her own Bed-n-Breakfast when Caitlin had been younger, after she had retired as the Chief of Surgery at Central City Hospital. "How can I help you?" Caitlin attempts to force a smile. "I need a room for a few days, if there's any available?" The woman looks down at her guestbook on the desk and then her eyes lock with hers. "You're in luck, young lady. We do have one room left this weekend." Caitlin feels relief wash over her at the thought of having a place to stay. Away from Central City, Star Labs, and Barry.

The woman hands her an old-fashioned key and gives her a smile. "If you need anything, my name is Esther, and I'll be happy to help you." Caitlin gives the woman a smile, before quickly paying for the next week. "Thank you, Esther." Esther gives her a thoughtful nod and Caitlin makes her way up the stairs and down the first hallway to her room. She admires that this particular Bed-n-Breakfast has avoided too much modernization, considering that most have lost their quaint appeal, and have become more like hotels. As Caitlin reaches her room at the end of the hall, she's happy that she's staying in such a quaint place. She doesn't have to worry about distractions and she's free to reflect on everything that's happened.

When she turns the key in the lock and opens the door, she quickly enters, and turns on the light. Her eyes scan every inch of the room and she spots the queen-sized bed, with floral designs, and immediately makes her way over to it. Caitlin plops down and feels both the physical and emotional strain she's had to endure today. She tries to close her eyes, but she knows that she won't be getting any sleep tonight, despite how exhausted she is. Her mind is on overdrive, analyzing what had happened earlier on a loop. Caitlin wonders if he really meant all those words, all those feelings. Her eyes stare straight up at the ceiling, thinking about his soft touch and gentle voice, confessing everything she's ever dreamed of.

Caitlin isn't sure how much time has passed, before there's a knock on the door. Her eyes snap away from the ceiling and she turns over to see that the digital clock reads 3 A.M. Caitlin quickly jumps out of bed and makes her way slowly to the door. Fear shoots through her, as she peeks through the peephole. Standing there, in the same suit that he had worn earlier, is Barry. Her breath catches at the sight of him and she turns away from the peephole, praying he'll go away. Barry appearing right now is the worst thing that could happen, considering that she can't ever think straight at the moment. "Cait." Her heart aches at the pain she hears in his voice, as a few moments pass in silence. "Come on, Cait, I know you're in there. Cisco tracked your phone." She shakes her head, hating that Cisco had led him right to her. Caitlin should have known that Cisco wouldn't stop until she was safely back in the confines of Star Labs.

She sighs to herself, as more silence follows. Caitlin tries to picture Barry on the other side of the door, looking sad and heartbroken, because she won't open the door for him. The thought creates a pang within her heart. "After you left the rehearsal, I was halfway to my apartment to see Iris, when I realized, that I wanted to make things right with you first." Caitlin feels her heart skip a beat at his words. He had started to chase after Iris, but decided to choose to find her instead. It's the first time he's chosen her over Iris and she realizes that their relationship has irreversibly altered. "I'm sorry, Cait. I should have been honest with Iris and broken things off with her before we…" She waits for the end of that phrase, knowing the exact word, that finishes that sentence. Caitlin wonders why he can't seem to say what they did. "Are you sorry we kissed?" Time ticks by and she finds herself holding her breath at his answer.

Caitlin knows that whatever his answer is, it won't change her mind about taking some time away from Central City. "No." One word, lights her soul on fire and forces her to her feet. Caitlin unlocks the door and opens it. Barry gets to his feet and the two stare at each other, no longer a barrier to shield them from each other. "Barry, I…" He gives her a small smile. "I know you feel guilty about what happened." He reaches out to take her hands in his and the warmth makes her heart accelerate. "But, that doesn't change the fact, that I want to be with you." Caitlin feels her whole body electrify at his words.

Then, a devastating thought comes to mind. "What about Iris, I don't want to hurt her more, than we already have?" Barry's smile falters and his eyes lock with hers. "I don't either, Cait, but it wouldn't be fair for me to be half a husband to her, when my whole heart isn't in it. I love Iris, but I think we should look at this new possibility right in front of us." Caitlin's breath catches at the same words they had said to each other years ago. At the time, she had hoped that she was the great possibility that he was talking about, but she had been sorely mistaken. Now, as she looks into his eyes, she knows with the utmost certainty, that the new possibility is her. Barry Allen finally wants to be with her and only her. She gives him a smile, before leaning in for a kiss. Caitlin loves the warmth of his mouth on hers and feels the kiss deepen for a few moments, before she pulls back. "Do you want to come in, Mr. Allen?" Barry gives her that dazzling smile of his. "I'd love to, Dr. Snow." She pulls him into the room and they close the door behind them.