As promised, here is the next chapter. Make sure you read chapter 18 first! :)
Thanks for reading!
Chapter 19
That evening, Iris was full of nervous energy as she waited for Barry to arrive. He'd told her the dress code was casual, so she had put on jeans and a comfortable top but still spent twenty minutes making sure her makeup and hair were as perfect as possible.
She paced the front room for a few minutes, then stood at the window and looked over the view. She wondered what Barry had been staring at the other night, which led to memories of their talk on the couch and dinner. Before she knew it she was smiling again. She shook her head, laughing slightly. If anyone had told her six months ago that she'd be giddy with excitement over a date with Barry Allen she would have told them they were nuts. But here she was, giddy and excited.
Barry's knock was a bit loud. She grinned as she went to open the door. Just his knock sounded excited.
His face was even more so. "Hi!"
"Hi." She smiled up at him. "So what are the plans for tonight? I took care of it last time."
His smile widened. "Oh don't worry. I've taken care of everything. Are you ready to go?"
"Well that depends. Do I need my car keys?"
"Nope! I'm doing the transporting tonight." His confidence was showing again, and it made her laugh.
"Okay, well I am taking my purse. No argument."
He shrugged. "I can carry you and your purse just as easy, no worries."
"Oh good, I'd hate to break you with the added weight of my purse." She gave him a mock sad look at the idea. He laughed as they headed out the door.
They were outside the apartment building and walking on the sidewalk before Iris spoke again. "Soo, how do we do this? Do we just go, or what?"
Barry was walking beside her with his hands in his pockets. "Just keep walking, look casual. Your neighbors are nosy." He gave her a sidelong smile as his hand came out of a pocket and reached for hers. She giggled slightly as they turned the corner.
Once they were around the corner in the shade of a large tree, Barry faced her. "Ready?"
"Umm…I guess." This was definitely something new. Iris wasn't quite sure what to expect.
His cocky smile was so like his alter ego that she could practically see the mask on his face in the dark shadows, but when that same smile reached his eyes he was nothing but Barry. Her awkward, confident, best friend and so much more Barry. It put her at ease instantly. Which was a good thing because in that instant he picked her up and held her close as he started running.
It was the most amazing thing, being held by him as he ran. He held her close to his chest as if she were precious cargo. She wrapped her arms around his neck and slid in closer, streamlining as much as possible. It was possible that he missed a step as she did so; there was a sudden jerk in his smooth movement at the same time. She grinned to herself as she laid her head in the space between his neck and shoulder and felt the same thing. Her forehead just touched his jaw line, and his arms tightened ever so slightly around her.
Iris held him as close as he did her as they moved, feeling the wind and power rush past them and whip up her hair. She closed her eyes and savored the sensation. She could feel his muscles flexing and shifting, even under the thin cotton of his shirt and heavier bulk of his jacket. The rushing wind was like a cocoon holding the outside world at bay. It felt like they were in a world all their own, just the two of them.
Her only complaint was that it didn't last long enough. He came to a sudden stop, but he didn't put her down right away. He was barely breathing hard as his head shifted so he could look at her. She lifted her head from where it was resting next to his neck and met his gaze. The intensity of their eye contact was new but so very welcome.
Her voice was a hushed murmur when she finally spoke. "Not a bad start to a second date, Mr. Allen. Very unique."
His mouth curved into a smile as he replied. "I aim to please, Miss West."
Her arms, still wrapped around his neck, tightened and drew him closer. It was perfectly natural as their lips met and their eyes closed. His arms tightened around her, holding her deliciously close, while hers ran up into his hair again. She was developing a fixation with that hair.
Her eyes opened before his as the kiss ended. His face was almost glowing with contentment and happiness. His closed eyes slowly drifted open to find her looking at him. Slightly embarrassed, he gave her a last squeeze and allowed her feet to touch the ground finally.
Once she actually looked at something besides Barry she quickly realized where they were.
They were in the backyard behind Joe's house. Obviously just beforehand Barry had carefully set up a blanket and an elegant picnic dinner, complete with candles (unlit at the moment) and what looked like dinner from her favorite Italian restaurant. The house was dark; Joe was obviously still at work. They had the place to themselves.
She looked back to Barry, who was anxiously awaiting her reaction. She smiled. "It looks beautiful, Barry." He relaxed and smiled back.
Over chicken fettuccine alfredo and breadsticks they discussed their day and the investigation with Joe and Cisco. Iris didn't mention Cisco's favor but filled Barry in on the rest. He lifted out of his relaxed position once the topic got to Harrison Wells.
"Really? But that was disproved. I don't see how it can be him."
Iris chewed her lip slightly, and then pushed forward. "I know it seems hard to believe, and we aren't sure either. But certain things don't add up. We're going to look into it until we get a definitive answer."
"Yeah, but it seems like we already got an answer. I mean, Wells almost got killed that night we tried to catch the Reverse Flash, and the blood doesn't match. He has done nothing but help me."
Iris looked at him seriously. "Has anything stuck out as strange lately? Can you honestly tell me you don't have any doubts at all? Really think about it, Barry. Don't feel about it. I know you look up to him, but why would he have such interest in you and your coma, really? Just for science? It would explain how the Reverse Flash knows so much about you and the Flash. And Dad is right; Wells opened his lab four months after your mom died. That's a little suspicious, really." She could see him getting frustrated over the idea, so she let it go for now. "Just think about it, okay? That's all."
Barry fiddled with his food. "He has been pushing me to be faster lately. He's been really frustrated that I got slower for a while. Like it bothered him more than maybe it should have. And he was really happy when I finally got it back."
Iris lobbed the end of her breadstick at him. It landed in the middle of his pasta, startling a laugh out of him as he looked up at her. She gave him a reassuring look. "We'll figure it out Bear. Together."
He looked at her, and a contented smile appeared. He nodded and changed the subject.
"So, you really do affect my speed? Interesting…" He raised his brows at her.
She giggled. "I think it's just your emotions that affect you. I happen to affect your emotions a lot."
He gave her a smirking smile as he looked through his lashes at her. "I don't think it's that simple..." He looked at her plate. "Are you done?"
She pushed her food away slightly. "Ugh, yes. I'm full. Do you want me to help-"
Before she was even finished with her sentence Barry had used his speed to clear their dinner remains, leaving the blanket clean and empty. She shook her head. "I do like how your speed helps people, Barry Allen. I may never wash dishes again."
Barry laughed as he settled back down on the blanket, on his back with his arms behind his head. He gave her a look, inviting her to join him. She happily did. They lay side by side and looked at the stars. Barry was well aware he'd recreated a scene similar to the other timeline. He glanced at Iris, somehow worried that he was manipulating her. But she seemed perfectly at ease and happy to be there with him. He let it go and looked back at the stars. Eventually he got up the courage to speak.
"Can I ask you something? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
She caught the seriousness in his tone and looked at him. "Go ahead."
"Wh-why did you and Eddie break up?" He swallowed after he said it, thinking maybe he didn't want to know.
Iris looked at him, taking in his nervous swallow and unsure expression. He was worried. It never even occurred to her not to answer him, or to try to hide it. He deserved the truth.
"Eddie and I broke up because he knew that I loved you more than I did him."
His face went blank, mostly from surprise. He looked at her, mouth open but not knowing what to say. He searched her expression and found nothing but open honesty.
"Really?" It was the only word in his head at all.
She rolled his way and put her hand on his chest, pushing herself up so she could see his face clearly. "Really, Barry. I'm sorry it took me a while to figure things out. But you are not my second choice. You are my first choice and always will be. Which is why Eddie and I couldn't stay together."
He couldn't quite decide what his reaction should be. She had basically just told him that she loved him. And that she loved him more than she did Eddie. He realized his mouth was open again and closed it. As he did he realized he had tears in his eyes. He blinked rapidly, so embarrassed that he had to look away from her.
She watched his reaction and realized how much he had been hurting all this time. He couldn't even let his happiness take over because he was so shocked, maybe so relieved.
"Barry." She wiggled her hand on his chest, bringing his eyes back to her. "I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. Things were just so confused and turned around for awhile. Yes, something was holding me back. But it was never because I didn't love you. And it was never because I loved Eddie more. I just needed time to face my fears. And I needed Eddie to make me see some things. I'm so sorry."
His hand came up to hold the one she had resting on his chest. He swallowed hard, and finally was able to speak.
"It's okay. I love you too."
She smiled in relief and leaned down to kiss him quickly. She settled in closer to him, linking their hands together again as she did. Neither of them mentioned the tears slowly sliding down into his hair as he lay on his back.
Finally conversation resumed. "Barry?"
"Yes?"
"If you could go back in time and not screw anything up, but you could change one small thing, what would it be?" She looked his way. "No, that's easy. It would still be your mom, wouldn't it?"
He shook his head. "That's not a small thing. And it does mess things up, believe me."
He thought for a moment. "This might not be small to you, but I'd tell you about my powers the moment I realized I had them. I wouldn't give Joe a chance to ask me to keep it a secret from you."
She smiled at him. No, she wouldn't consider that "small". But compared to his mother being murdered, maybe it was. It was nice to know he regretted it as a mistake. His hand squeezed hers.
"What about you?"
She answered without hesitation. "I'd respond to what you said to me at Christmas differently. I'd redo that whole evening."
His shoulders shook ever so slightly as he laughed before he answered. "You couldn't respond any other way and still be you. You could never treat Eddie like that. Pick again."
Her eyes narrowed at the challenge. "Fine. When you got off the train from Starling City that last time I would meet you there. Then I'd grab you, tell you I missed you and kiss you until you couldn't breathe. And I'd let that get me through your coma. And when Eddie asked me on a date I'd say I'm already involved, Detective, but thanks anyway. Then I'd set him up with one of the girls from Jitters."
That got the laugh she was looking for. Barry was still smiling when he looked her way and met her eyes. It was nice to imagine her rewriting history. But maybe the universe just wanted him to wait for it to take care of things in its own time.
Still, it sure was a great thought.
"I like that one." He said. "You win." She grinned victoriously.
Spurred by her win, she sat up and looked down at him. "Okay mister. I've told you the truth. Now it's truth time for you." He regarded her with a slightly wary air as he waited. She could appreciate his nervousness now; she was feeling much the same. "Who's this 'beautiful, intelligent and amazing woman' that told you to fight for me? You don't know too many women like that." She tried to keep the slight edge out of her voice and failed.
His face changed to wonder as he sat up fully to answer. "Iris. Are you-jealous?" His lips quirked. He had never considered that possibility.
She attempted to make her voice lighter as she answered. "No. I'm just- I'm.." Her shoulders sagged and she exhaled sharply. "Yes. Yes I'm jealous. Okay? I want to know who she is."
He reached for both her hands, letting them rest on his upturned palms as he studied them carefully. "Okay. You're right. I don't know many women like that. Actually, I only really know one. You want to know who told me to fight for you?"
She nodded slightly, picturing Linda but hating the idea. She didn't want jealousy to ruin her new friendship. Maybe it was Caitlin. She fit the bill pretty well. But her thoughts were interrupted as Barry's hands closed over both of hers, and his eyes came up to meet her own. They were full of warm happiness again.
"It was you, Iris."
It was her turn to gaze at him in wonder. Understanding swept over her. "It was me. But in the other timeline." He nodded, impressed that she could pick it up so quickly. She studied his face, thoughts turning over in her mind. "Why did I say that, Barry?"
He met her eyes. He hesitated for just a moment. But she needed the truth, so he gave it to her. "Because…because in that timeline, you were my fiancée." He heard her catch her breath in surprise but kept going. "Because it was our last conversation together before I had to change things back to the way they were, and I had just told you that we weren't together in this timeline and that you were with someone else and I wasn't going to ruin that for you. You were upset, and you didn't believe that you could be as happy with anyone else as you were with me. You told me to fight for you, to not give up. Because we were meant to be together."
His words flowed over her and into her. And even though she had no memory of speaking them she knew each one of them to be true. She knew it deep down with complete certainty. Now tears were running down her face instead of his.
She gave him a wavering smile as she leaned close and kissed him. He returned it, relieved that she seemed to believe him and wasn't reacting badly.
She pulled back just enough to see his face, and spoke so low he could only just hear her.
"This is why you should always listen to me."
He chuckled, relaxing. "Yes ma'am." Her lips were smiling as he planted another kiss on them.
They were lying in companionable silence, hands clasped and staring at the stars when she finally spoke again.
"Thank you for fighting for me, Barry. We are meant for each other."
He looked her way with a smile. "I will always fight for you, Iris. And yes, we are meant for each other." He rolled her way and kissed her again, savoring it. He wrapped her into his arms and brought her close as she willingly snuggled in. He breathed in the scent of her hair and whispered close to her ear.
"And that is why you make me faster."